Zach’s legs stiffened as the pink foam hardened around them, trapping him in place before he could react. His mind raced, but his body felt sluggish. Weighed down by the foam, but the doubts creeping in again.
Zach grit his teeth, his heart pounding in his chest. Maybe the meta was right—maybe he was just a performer, a magician with a flashy act and a popular image online. What could he do here, in the real fight, when he couldn’t even move?
But then, a spark flared inside of him. Zatanna had always told him the stage was wherever he made it. The audience is wherever you perform. Zach wasn’t just a social media sensation—he was a Zatara. The whole world was his stage, and that included the battlefield.
Gritting his teeth, Zach lifted his hand, despite the growing heaviness around his body. The foam might trap his legs, but his magic didn’t need his feet to work.
“Gniht siht kaerb!” he shouted, his voice shaky but determined.
Suddenly, cracks formed in the hardened foam, and with a loud shattering sound, the pink encasement exploded into fragments, freeing Zach’s legs. He stumbled for a second, regaining his balance. Still, the weight of doubt loomed over him. His thoughts were racing with questions. Am I really good enough? Can I even win this?
But he shook his head, forcing the thoughts aside. He had to focus on the moment. He couldn't let this guy break him again.
"Oh honey, social media's just one of my many stages." Zach said.
"But here’s the thing—when I’m on any stage, I always give a show."Then, Zach preceded to punch him again.
“Now be quiet! Don’t make me do this a third time.