Framed in Pink

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As Zatanna hovered on her mana plate, her thoughts raced with uncertainty. She maneuvered through the city streets, the tension in her chest growing tighter with every passing moment. Finally, she spotted a secluded dark alley and gently descended, her mana plate fading away as she landed softly on the ground. She took a deep breath, attempting to steady her nerves, and dispelled her glamour spell, revealing her worried face.

She turned to see a nearby store window broadcasting news footage. The image on the screen was unmistakable—her own face, with the words "WANTED" flashing beneath it. The news anchor's voice echoed the disturbing headline.

Zatanna: Great. Just when I thought things couldn't get worse.

She stared at the screen, her heart pounding as she saw clips of the mall attack. The footage was distorted and blurry, but the use of pink mana was unmistakable. The news reports painted her as a villain, further fueling her anxiety and confusion. Zatanna knew instantly that Charmcaster was behind this—her rival had always had a grudge and a knack for framing her. The pink mana was Charmcaster's signature, a cruel twist to make it look like she was the culprit.

Zatanna's panic grew as she realized the enormity of her predicament. She needed allies, but trust was a scarce commodity right now. Her previous friends and mentors were likely being scrutinized due to her association. She couldn't risk leading the authorities to them.

Zatanna: Who can I trust right now?

She leaned against the alley wall, taking a deep breath to calm her racing thoughts. In the dim light of the alley, she considered her options. Her first move had to be finding a safe place to regroup and plan her next steps. She knew she needed to reach out to someone who could help her clear her name. 

Zatanna took a deep breath and pulled out her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she navigated through her contacts. In her current state, the only person who might be able to help her was someone with significant magical expertise and influence—Dr. Strange. She dialed the number, praying he would answer.

As Zatanna waited in the dark alley, her mind raced with thoughts of how to clear her name. Meanwhile, her friends—Ben, Asta, Sky, and Daisy—were investigating the ruined mall. Each was clad in their hero costumes, carefully examining the wreckage for clues.

Ben picked up a piece of debris and examined it closely.

Ben: (frowning) This rock... It's definitely from one of Charmcaster's golems.

Asta nodded, her gaze sweeping over the devastation.

Asta: Charmcaster? But why would she attack the mall?

Sky's wooden hawk flew overhead, scouting the area for any additional clues.

Sky: We need to find Zatanna and get to the bottom of this. Y/N, can you use your spell to teleport us to her?

Y/N, focused and determined, began to cast a teleportation spell.

Y/N: (concentrating) Tropelet su ot—

Before Y/N could complete the spell, a shockwave of dark red magic disrupted them. Y/N quickly created a force field made from his mana to shield the group from the onslaught. The force field shimmered with protective energy as the shockwave crashed against it.

From the swirling portal that appeared, a tall, imposing figure stepped out. It was Hex, Charmcaster's uncle. His eyes glowed with dark red magic, and he began summoning golems that resembled those used by Charmcaster.

Hex: (demanding) Where is Charmcaster? Tell me now!

Ben scowled at the menacing figure, frustration evident in his voice.

Ben: (sarcastically) Oh, you tell us! Your niece is the one who framed our friend!

Hex's expression darkened, and he raised a hand, dark magic crackling around his fingers.

Hex: (grimly) You are meddling in things beyond your understanding. I won't ask again.

Asta tightened her grip on her staff, readying herself for the confrontation, while Sky's wooden creatures prepared to act.

Asta: We won't let you get away with this. We're here to stop this madness.

The tension in the air was palpable as the group braced for the inevitable clash with Hex. The outcome of this confrontation could not only impact Zatanna's fate but also the larger battle against the dark forces threatening their world.

As Zatanna waited anxiously in the alley, her phone clutched tightly in her hand, a sudden surge of pink mana erupted from behind her. The blast threw her off balance, sending her crashing against the brick wall. Dazed, she struggled to her feet, her heart pounding from the unexpected attack.

When the swirling pink mist cleared, Zatanna's eyes widened in shock. Standing before her was a figure who looked exactly like her—same outfit, same face. It was as if Zatanna were staring at a mirror image, except for the malevolent grin on the doppelgänger's face.

Zatanna: (disbelieving) No... How?

The fake Zatanna smirked, and with a flourish, she removed a charm from around her neck. As she did, the glamour spell dissipated, revealing her true identity—Charmcaster. The resemblance was uncanny, but the malevolent gleam in Charmcaster's eyes was unmistakable.

Charmcaster: (smirking) Glamour charm. Got the idea from working with Mystique. Clever, huh?

Zatanna staggered back, her mind racing to process the deception. Charmcaster's plan was diabolical, using a charm to impersonate her and frame her for the attack. Anger and betrayal surged within her, mingling with her lingering fear.

Zatanna: (enraged) So it was you all along! Framing me, trying to turn everyone against me...

Charmcaster: (mockingly) Oh, come now. It's just business. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I just took advantage. Now, you're out of the way, and I get to enjoy watching you squirm.

Zatanna's frustration boiled over. She had to act quickly; Charmcaster's scheme could ruin everything she'd worked for. She couldn't let her get away with this.

Zatanna: (determined) This ends now, Charmcaster. I won't let you get away with this deception.

Charmcaster laughed, her voice echoing ominously in the alley. She raised her hands, ready to unleash another spell.

Charmcaster: (mockingly) Oh? And what are you going to do about it? You're alone, Zatanna. No one to help you now.

But Zatanna wasn't backing down. As the confrontation between the two mages began to escalate, she focused on her magic, preparing for the fight of her life. The truth needed to be revealed, and she was determined to clear her name and stop Charmcaster once and for all

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