"People trapped in unfair families feel both anger and pain. However, the way to save them is not to persuade their parents to change, nor is it to join them in cursing their parents. This may serve as temporary venting, but it is ultimately futile in the long run."
"Instead, we need them to come to understand that they must stop seeking love from people who fundamentally don't love them, and likewise, stop seeking validation from those who don't care whether they exist. They should find security elsewhere."
Shiller stated reflectively, "It's about getting them to realize that there's nothing harder in this world than seeking love from biased parents. They have endured such a struggle for so many years, and suffered mental torment for so long. What kind of change would they find difficult or painful in comparison?"
God remained silent for a long while. The images on the screen flashed, Gabriel, drained of energy, managed to teleport away while dragging Constantine's battered body. Likewise, Cain evaporated into a cloud of blood pursuing him. Bruce returned to the Forgotten Bookstore and then through it, he made his way to the Forgotten Bar, locating Zatanna who was recuperating there."
"Is there a way to save him?"
God had prepared himself mentally when he asked this question, bracing for the same sacrifice promised by Gabriel and Lucifer. However, it seemed as if Shiller was reminded of something."
"I recall a letter from a friend of mine, urging me to 'understand the earnestness of being a father.' He was not a good father, but he got one thing right. He never gave his children false hope."
"He always refused them, wouldn't communicate with them, wouldn't respond to their eager expectations. Not because he didn't love them, but because he knew his future was bleak. He hoped his children wouldn't harbor hope so they wouldn't be disappointed."
"But he knew this couldn't last forever. He had failed many times before, so when he saw the first rays of hope, he eagerly sent all his birds into the light, hoping they would place their hopes on someone else other than him."
With a long sigh, Shiller, eyes closed, stated, "But he will eventually realize that the birds have only been gathering sunshine by the bright riverbanks to lighten his dark cave."
God knew what he was talking about, but all he cared about was how to handle his two sons. Before he could pose another question, Shiller answered, "The plan has almost reached its completion now, for both Lucifer and Gabriel. This is your last chance to back out."
God's fingers, gripping the armrests, trembled slightly, but finally, he asked, "Will Lucifer truly return to Heaven?"
As soon as he realized God didn't mention Gabriel, Shiller knew his decision. So he nodded, "He will. And Gabriel, who is to be expelled, will feel desperate. Desperation brings clarity. He, too, will eventually find his worth. But by then..."
Shiller shook his head, declining to continue. He and God remained silent in their theater seats, continuing to watch the scenes on screen.
In the Forgotten Bar, Bruce found the barmaid Andrea and a slightly dazed Zatanna.
Zatanna intermittently explained everything to Bruce, how she discovered Jonathan Crane's deeds, how she hit him in anger, and how she learned he had saved Gotham.
Bruce coughed heavily twice, covering his mouth with his clenched fist. He looked into Zatanna's eyes and asked, "Have you tried apologizing to him, then saying thank you?"
Zatanna was stunned. She pressed her lips together and retorted stubbornly, "But the incident in Morson district was his fault. How can I apologize to a wicked murderer?"
"Then you can arrest him."
"But, but, he still needs to continue his research on that toxin, and unravel the secrets in Gotham's buildings. He could potentially save Gotham, I can't..."
"Then just monitor his research until the day when he saves Gotham."
"But I hurt him."
"Then you should apologize to him."
"But he is a murderer."
"Then you should arrest him."
"But he needs to save Gotham."
"Then just watch him conduct his research."
The barmaid Andrea couldn't stand it any longer and slapped her forehead. She spread her hands towards Bruce and said, "See, I told you she's gone crazy! She's been like this for days, and our conversation keeps repeating. I can't figure out what's on her mind."
Zatanna, frustrated, hugged her legs sitting on the bed with her chin resting on her knees. The corners of her mouth drooped, indicating her displeasure.
"Have you tried doing all these things at once?"
Zatanna glanced sidelong at Bruce.
"You start by apologizing to him, saying you shouldn't have hit him. Then, thank him for saving Gotham, and finally, arrest him. Put a spell on him to make him work. Doesn't that solve everything?"
Zatanna looked at Bruce with wide eyes. After a moment, she opened and closed her mouth before finally asking, "Doesn't this seem kind of... crazy?"
"Isn't he insane?"
"He...is he?"
"If not, why would he be in Arkham Mental Hospital?"
Zatanna was at a loss for words. Bruce patted her shoulder, "Acting erratic in front of a mental patient is perfectly fine because nobody would believe a word he says against you. They'd just dismiss it as nonsense."
"Even if you put a spell on him to make him work hard, people would just think he's having OCD attacks. This small punishment and the potential results might appease the spirits of Morson district."
Zatanna stood still for a long while. Her brow creased and relaxed repeatedly. After a while, she licked her dry lips and said, "...That... sort of makes sense. So, should I... give it a try?"
"Go on, you do have a portal, right? Casting a spell shouldn't be difficult for you."
Zatanna clutched her magic stick and took several deep breaths before diving into the portal with a "whoosh."
In the laboratory of Arkham Mental Hospital's patient recreation center, Jonathan Crane looked up smugly at the anticipated emergence of the portal in the middle of the room.
Looking at Zatanna rushing out of the portal, Jonathan already prepared nicely phrased words, believing that Zatanna was on the verge of breaking down.
However, to his surprise, the naive and reckless girl looked anxious as she held her magic wand towards Jonathan, closed her eyes, and yelled out.
"I'm sorry, thank you... 'Earth in Fainting'!"