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Seal of Darkness	By : RaphaelTMNT Category: -Misc Anime > Crossovers Views: 4281 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Batman, Rosario Vampire or Dark Stalkers nor the characters from either of the three series. I do not make money from writing this story.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
Seal of Darkness
CHP10: Control Broken

After nearly an hour of waiting the call he'd anticipated arrived. The voice undoubtedly belonged to the man of interest. The conversation not only stated Black Mask's location, but according to the back and forth conversations the money stolen from the Gotham National bank was in route to the specific destination. The batmobile raced down the road and he did his best avoiding other vehicles as he swerved in and out of lanes. The drive lasted minutes and he came to a stop on the west side of Gotham.
The armored vehicle was greeted by a missile shot from a missile launcher. Batman pin pointed where the shot originated and spotted an individual over a rooftop. The action established he had come to the right place. He returned fire with a non-lethal shot of his own and dropped the target. There were others around the building carrying machine guns and shot in his direction. Batman manually locked onto each and initiated the battle system. Each was either electrified or shot down by rubber bullets. He ejected out of the batmobile afterward and headed for the building across the street.
With his lenses set to detect mode he didn't pick up on body heat so went ahead and kicked the door open. There was lots of space and loads of bags stacked in a corner of the room which was undoubtedly the stolen money. A couple T.V.'s were plastered over the walls as well. Something however just didn't add up. A handful of gunmen awaited him outside on arrival but he expected a much larger crowd. If that wasn't strange enough the building in particular was rundown, and not the typical size someone of Black Mask's stature would operate from. That coupled with the lack of armed guards gave him a bad feeling. He advanced toward the bags and dropped down to a knee inspecting what was inside.
"No..." he mumbled in realization.
The money was forged, none of it real. Not a moment later TV's within the room powered on. Batman stood and glared at the individual visible on each screen.
"Well, well if it isn't the so unlucky Batman. Did you really think I'd give up my whereabouts so easily?!"
"Black Mask," Batman's shoulders dropped to his sides.
The masked villain laughed on the other end of the screen, Batman uncertain how many opportunities he would have, so pushed down on a hidden panel within his gauntlet.
"Your run-in earlier this evening with one of my trucks went about expected. You stopped them and by now can assume they're in police custody, along with the money. A small sum however, nothing that can't be replaced just as easily."
Batman finished what he needed punching in the last of the code and looking up on screen.
"Yes, I knew you'd find a way to break into our isolated communications network. You're not the only one that can think ahead, Batman! This time you've been bested and unfortunately it'll cost you your life."
"What do you want?" Batman questioned.
"Isn't it obvious? Power...power and control over this city. My competitors will soon be wiped out, starting with you. It's been quite the ride dark knight and wish I could say that I'd miss you but...but that'd be a lie."
It was in that instant Batman perceived a beeping sound. He didn't know where from right away but picked up on it across the room. There was a blanket over it but his detection system saw right through. He quickly removed the blanket from a medium sized device, one in which resembled a bomb. His eyes widened as it read seven seconds and dropped down to six just as quickly. Batman instantly took off toward the nearest window as Black Mask laughed aloud on each screen. Just as he smashed through the window the building exploded and sent him soaring. Batman plunged to the ground rolling over several times before coming to an eventual stop in the middle of the road.
There was nothing left of the building except flames and debris. The cape crusader slowly pushed off the pavement gazing at the fiery destruction. His communications piece went off and he answered the call. Alfred appeared on a hologram screen over his gauntlet.
"Is everything alright sir, the computer systems picked up on a small explosion in your vicinity?"
"Yes, I was tricked Alfred. Black Mask was counting on me showing up here, but unfortunately for him I survived. Luckily I kept him talking long enough to triangulate his position. I don't have an exact location, but his whereabouts have been shrunk down to a half mile radius," Batman replied.
"Very good sir. Will you be heading out at once?"
"Not yet. I've decided to play along a little longer. Batman out."
The dark knight ended the transmission, jumping into the batmobile and blasting off down the road.
XXX
The light peeked in through the curtains and awoke him. For the first several moments he was unfamiliar with his surroundings until events of the night previous slowly came back to him. Tsukune yawned, rolling over on his side but he was alone. The silver haired vampire was nowhere and even looked all throughout the room. He ran both hands over his face sitting up and stretching. He was a bit startled as the door to the bedroom swung open.
"Good morning Tsukune," Moka grinned.
She was dressed in her work uniform and walked across the bed, setting a tray of food over the counter beside him.
"I made you breakfast," the vampire leaned forward kissing at his forehead.
The tray included steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and a tamagoyaki rolled omelet. Tsukune was at lost for words and could do nothing but smile before looking up at her.
"Thank you, Moka-san," his smile widened.
Moka simply smiled running a hand over his shoulder, before walking toward the exit.
"I'm due at work in the next forty five. I have to head off or I'll be late, but help yourself to whatever you want or need. Just remember to lock the door on your way out. I'll give you a call later. Last night was amazing, and I don't regret it one bit."
With that Moka took off down the hall and through the front door. Tsukune took a look at a clock just beside the bed reading 6:15 AM. He ate every bit of what was on the tray before stepping out of bed and getting dressed. He was amazed how good a cook Moka had become, but didn't surprise him. On top of that, she was beautiful and a superb warrior. She had the whole package far as he was concerned. There was much he had on the agenda so didn't stick around for very long.
Elsewhere one individual sat in front of a large computer screen. He'd been at work all night and managed only four and a half hours of sleep. An elevator in a corner of the cave slid open and exiting was his butler. He walked across the rough pavement and stopped short of the computer chair.
"When I didn't see you in bed, figured you'd be down here. You should really consider more bed rest, you'll be able to think more clearly and overall sharper."
"I'm fine, Alfred. There's too much on the agenda to rest. I've pin pointed Black Mask's base of operation and will ready a counterattack, but not just yet. I want to see what his next move will be, and regardless of what it is I'm ending his operation."
Alfred nodded and took a look on screen.
"What's all this if you don't mind me asking? This doesn't appear..."
"I've done some further digging on the damaging battle from five years ago in Japan. Everything was televised, but in the past couple years the government has attempted pulling any and all footage from the net. With social media and all, that won't happen. Most the battle was telecasted live, and came across this," Bruce maximized a window of still footage. "That's her, the woman I was telling you about, no doubt. But there was something different about her during our encounter."
Alfred took a close look at the image and nodded.
"You're very right Sir, she's quiet marvelous. Very pleasant on the eyes. What do you mean different?"
"Her eyes," Bruce ran a finger over his chin. "It's probably nothing but here they're green, and during our encounter orange. I've created a separate database and I'm storing as much information on this as possible. It wasn't my concern before, but their activities have hit home front so it is my business now."
The butler observed over Bruce's shoulder as he went through photo after photo, detailed and up close.
"Oh dear, quite monstrous! What is that thing?!"
Alfred watched footage of the massive beast like creature destroying tanks and other landmarks.
"Don't know, but I intend to find out," Bruce paused situating his hands together. "Everything. Akasha was defending civilians of Japan during that battle alongside other Yokai. I need to know if that's changed or not."
"Sir?"
"During our encounter she criticized Batman for protecting them...them being humans. That was before she deduced I'm one as well. I have to find out if she's ally or foe, and identify her associates. She didn't travel to Gotham alone."
Bruce maximized another window which Alfred took notice of.
"Who is she?"
"Unrelated to the yokai according to her. I encountered this woman last night after taking down Black Mask's men. I watched her carefully and she was impressive in raw strength and speed. Above human levels to clear any misunderstandings."
"You believe she's Yokai?" Alfred asked.
"Only a hunch at the moment, but yes. She introduced herself as Leslie Eri. I ran the name through the database and it came back with zero results. Fortunately I snapped a photo of her shirt through the cowl's lenses."
"What of her shirt, I don't see an..." Alfred quieted as he took a look on screen.
"I performed a scan of the logo and it's of Cherry Petals Boutique. It's one of the more talked about clothing joints in uptown Gotham. I searched up the names of active employees and came across a familiar face," Bruce pulled up yet another window which displayed a photo of the silver haired vampire and her information. "Name's Moka Akashiya and she's a resident to Japan. I couldn't find much regarding her childhood. Other than middle school records she fell off the map until re appearing some years later and worked for a clothing line."
"Then you think she's with Akasha, and one of these proclaimed yokai?" Alfred asked.
Bruce's hands dropped over the countertop staring at the screen.
"It's possible, but I'm not jumping to conclusions. Still why lie about her name..." Bruce scratched at the side of his head glimpsing at Moka's photo.
Bruce eventually pushed away from the computer standing upright.
"Bruce Wayne will be attending Sojei Tzu's grand opening. I know this is at the last minute but I need you to book me a nonstop flight to Japan."
"Pardon me sir?"
"There is a man by the name of Katur Masato. He was the Deputy Director for Operations five years back. He was part of the Ministry of Defense Command Center and oversaw and gave orders to the soldiers on the frontlines. According to an article he knew a man by the name Tenmei Mikogami."
Alfred was taken off guard by all the information given and took a couple moments to take it all in.
"To be clear, you want to fly all the way to Japan to speak with a Katur Masato that'll be in attendance at Sojei's big event, to obtain info on another individual. Stop me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't a simple phone call suffice?"
"Not this time Alfred, and I doubt he'd give information so easily...well at least not to Bruce Wayne."
Alfred coughed clearing his throat.
"And who is this Tenmei Mikogami?"
"According to articles he was the head of some hidden school for yokai students and one himself. In other words he brought many of them together. That's about all that was stated and I won't find out anything else unless I pay Mister Masato a visit. Tenmei was apparently a friend of his."
"What do you expect to gain?"
"An understanding. I'm willing to bet he knows a whole lot more than what's public. If I'm fortunate he might know something about Akasha and potential followers of hers," Bruce replied.
Alfred went silent before letting out a sigh.
"Very well master Wayne, but might I suggest the beautiful Miss Gerdanson make the trip alongside you."
Bruce shook his head walking toward the steps.
"This is strictly a business trip. I'll be gone no longer than a day or two. I'll deal with Black Mask and everything else when I return," Bruce replied.
It was a little after twelve noon when the alarms sounded and the building was put on lock down. A couple fights broke out during the period but hired security was able to get things under control. Only four inmates were transported to the infirmary and just one in critical condition. The others suffered only minor injuries and a handful of inmates were thrown into solitary confinement. Unfortunately that wasn't the worst of it.
Additional security was called in and headed for the maximum security cell block. The sight was anything but pleasant, each officer keeping a lookout and never lowering their guards. In total were six deceased doctors, and one security official. All of which had their throats slit and bleeding out. The scene was gory and some had a difficult time stomaching it as they moved forward. There was nothing they could do for the dead so continued on. Around a corner and down the hall they came up on a specific cell, one in which was empty and another dead doctor. Unlike the others his demise appeared much more brutal. Aside from the slit throat he had dozens of cuts all over his body.
"Guys I've got something over here," one guard emphasized.
The others took notice of the writing on the walls and quickly determined it was done by way of the doctor's blood.
"Hahahaha, hahahaha, hahaha," another read aloud.
The captain of the unit punched at the nearest wall and radioed in to their people downstairs.
"Commence with inspection of security footage on all levels dating back to when the brawl occurred. We've got an escapee and it's a big one!"
"Rodger that. What did you find up there, and who escaped?"
"Let's try and keep it under wraps for the time being. He couldn't have gotten far, and if we locate his point of exit we can apprehend him. It's best we don't send the city in panic if we don't have to. Besides I'd like to get out of here soon as possible...this asylum gives me the creeps."
"No, not him, not again! Damn! Very well captain, we'll see what we can do and hopefully find the freak before he gets far."
XXX
Bruce yawned and stretched as the private jet landed and was roughly 11 AM in the morning. There was a thirteen hour difference between Gotham and Tokyo so would take some time to adjust. Word hadn't really gotten out about his travels and was just the way he liked it. If anything good that came out of the extended flight, he was able to catch up on his sleep. After claiming his belongings he exited off the plane. He already had a reservation at a specific hotel so caught a cab heading straight there.
He checked in and headed up to the seventh floor where he had a great view of the city from the balcony. Bruce slowly unpacked and hoped things would work out like he envisioned. He already had enough problems back home that needed fixing. After washing up he left the room and went out sightseeing. He'd visited the country on a couple different occasions but had never truly gotten around to it all.
For most the day he went from one club to another and visited an amusement park and the last couple hours prepped for his nightly activities. Before he knew it the time had come and he arrived in front of Sojei's residence. Bruce stepped out of the back of a limousine dressed in a black suit, shoes, white under shirt and dark blue tie. He looked the building over and was almost the size of the manor, but a much different structure and design. Bruce entered through the front door to a decently sized crowd. Soft music played, and there were dozens of tables with food and drinks. Bruce looked all around trying to spot his man.
"Mister Wayne!" someone called out to him.
He revolved around and spotted the man of the hour approaching. Bruce extended an arm shaking hands with him.
"Glad I found time out of my schedule to make it out to this. Love the place by the way," Bruce smirked.
"I was ecstatic when I saw your name appear on the guest list late. Stop me if I'm wrong but our last meet was in Metropolis? You were running one of your charities if I remember correctly?" Sojei said.
"Yes, it was for a children's hospital," Bruce replied.
"While you're here I'd like you to meet someone," Sojei led the way with Bruce trailing behind. They walked clear across the room stopping in front of a woman. "This is my lovely fiancée Fuji Kumia. Fuji I'd love for you to meet Mister Wayne."
The two shook hands exchanging a few words.
"I've heard many great things about you from my husband to be, as well as others. It's a pleasure to meet such a man of your stature," she smirked.
Bruce conversed back and forth with the two for an extended period. He spoke with other guests in attendance and even took a couple photos. He kept an eye out for a certain individual, and thirty minutes turned into an hour. Eventually he headed toward the front desk and spoke with the one taking account of everyone that was in attendance.
"Sorry but Katur Masato won't be in attendance tonight. In fact he called earlier and said he was doing something with his family. Too bad he didn't show, he's really quite the guy."
Bruce nodded and backed off from the receptionist. The info changed his approach slightly, but had a feeling beforehand what might happen. Luckily he had the Deputy's address and took the liberty of producing a 3D render/layout of his home residence. Bruce didn't want to look suspicious leaving unexpectedly so hung around. He waited for the event to end and engaged in short conversations and a couple additional photos before heading out. He returned to the hotel and geared up for what would be the prime activity of the night.
He traveled across town for a couple miles but stuck to the shadows so was never spotted. The building of interest was just across the way, but he didn't make a move right away. The dark knight picked up on roof sensors and security cameras. He disabled each set of security measures using a special disruptor gun. With all security disabled Batman looked to make his move and glided from a building and atop the home residence. His lenses were set to detect mode as he walked across the roof and considered his next course of action.
He picked up on movement on the west side of the home and headed that way. As he came up on the roof's ledge glimpsed down and spotted a single individual standing over a balcony on the top floor. By way of facial scan he identified the individual as Katur Masato. Katur smoked a cigar overlooking the lakeside. Batman knew he had two options and both would hold consequences. The first was breaking and entering undetected and hacking into the deputy's computer software. However there was no telling how long it'd take before finding what he was after, if at all. And the second was questioning the deputy personally, but there was no telling how he'd react to Batman's appearance. There was also the fact he was on private property and uninvited.
The cape crusader compared the pros and cons between both choices before making a judgmental decision. He dropped from the roof and onto the balcony. Katur's eyes widened as his cigar fell from his mouth and pulled out a gun. He aimed the weapon at the intruder taking a couple steps back.
"Who the hell are you?!"
"I'm not here to cause harm. I need answers," Batman replied.
"Answer me dammit or I put one in your head!" Katur retorted.
Katur watched carefully as Batman reached behind his utility belt and held his finger on the trigger firmly. Batman unwrapped a photo and dropped it over the small table.
"She calls herself Akasha Bloodriver...what can you tell me?" Batman asked.
Katur's posture became shaky and it was obvious he'd at least heard the name. He only slightly looked down at the photo whilst never taking his eyes off the dark knight.
"Yeah I might know a thing or two...but I won't tell you anything! This is private property and if you don't get your ass out of here on the count of five I swear on all that is good I'll blow your brains out!?"
"She's killed eight and that could very well be the beginning. She surfaced in Gotham a couple nights ago and mentioned something about a plan but didn't go into specifics."
Katur maintained his stance but then slowly lowered his weapon. By his expression it was clear he was in deep thought.
"Did you say Gotham? As in Gotham City," Katur looked him up and down before lowering his weapon completely. "Than you must be the Batman. Was it so hard to say so?"
"Bloodriver. What do you know?" Batman replied.
Katur exhaled situating the gun in his holster.
"Can't believe Batman of the Justice League is standing here on my doorstep. They said you people had a strange way of operating, but maybe a little heads up the next time before dropping in unannounced."
Katur bit at his tongue receiving a glare from the masked vigilante. He gazed down at the photo and scratched at his cheek.
"Sorry to say but your claim is simply impossible. Akasha sacrificed her life during the battle with the beast Dracula some years ago."
"Dracula?" Batman inquired.
"Yes, the massive beast which appeared in Japan that day and reeked so much havoc. It took a lot to repair things. Money, workers and even volunteers."
Batman thought back to the footage he'd examined in the bat cave. The unknown creature was unknown no more.
"Count Dracula..." Batman murmured.
"I know what you're probably thinking and I'll go ahead and confirm. Yes, Alucard was a vampire and by visual accounts not exactly in line with traditional folklore or tales. Akasha was just as him, a vampire of the shinso bloodline."
"Could you elaborate?" Batman said.
Katur nodded before heading toward the open screen door and gesturing Batman to follow. The dark knight did just that, entering into what looked to be a computer room.
"Would you like to take a seat?" Katur asked.
"No."
"Ok, suit yourself," Katur poured himself a cup of coffee in a corner of the room and took a sip. "I'm assuming the info running around the net that I was a colleague of Tenmei Mikogami's is what led you here? If so, then you heard right. He was one of the three Dark Lord's which was led by Akasha. But of course they didn't start off with the title but earned it by first defeating and sealing away the almighty king of vampires."
Batman listened in as Katur paced back and forth going into the back story of the Dark Lords and though he didn't know everything, Katur had a decent scoop. It was over an hour before he finished.
"And what of this hidden school, where is it?" Batman asked.
"I don't know exactly. It's within a hidden realm, but I never cared to know the details or asked."
"You said Bloodriver gave birth to a child. Do you have a name?"
"Well let me see it was a mecha, no, no that's not right. Uhhhmm maybe it was Moka eee..."
"Akashiya." Batman finished.
"Yes, yes that's it! How'd you know?"
The cape crusader was silent for several moments.
"Call it a hunch."
Moka's untimely appearance in Gotham coupled with Akasha's started to add up and Batman was certain they were collaborating with one another. He stepped forward pressing down at a button within the hidden panel over his gauntlet. Footage was displayed but in the form of a hologram.
"What is this?" Katur asked.
Batman played the footage and while watching Katur got his answer.
"This was recorded from my lenses during our encounter just before she took off," Batman notified.
"Holy cosmos! It does appear that's her but that's...that's insane! She's dead, I saw it with my own two eyes! Everyone did."
"But she's not, and I must find out why. Is there anything else I should know? Anything would help," Batman said.
Katur scratched at his chin and grinned. He marched across the room and went through a couple drawers before returning with a small hard drive.
"Take this, it's merely a backup. It has valuable information, some of which we went over and some not. You should be able to make good use of it. If you visit with the Huang family they might be able to give you more than what I..."
"That won't be necessary," Batman cut him off. "I've heard just about all I needed to. Thanks for your cooperation."
Batman headed toward the screen door but froze as Katur called out to him.
"Just one last thing, and I know this might be a little off topic, but...what's it like working with him? I mean Superm..."
The deputy quieted as footsteps approached from down the hall. His wife appeared through the doorway, yawning.
"Who're you talking to, I could have sworn I heard voices?"
"I ah," Katur glimpsed over his shoulder at the wide open screen door and Batman nowhere in sight. "You must have just heard things, it's just me. Go on and head off to bed, I'll be in within a couple minutes."
"Ok."
She took his word for it and headed down the hall. Katur closed and locked the door and stared into the dark sky.
"Good luck," he whispered, before closing the curtains.
XXX
Moka sat in a back room across from a coworker, both enjoying what remained of their break. Moka made a couple friends with some of her coworkers and had gotten friendly with some of the constant customers. The woman that sat across from her read through a Gotham City tabloid while drinking a cup of coffee. She lowered the paper looking directly at Moka.
"Oh yes I almost forgot," she reached into her pocket uncovering two tickets. "My aunt works for some security company, and works closely with the governor. Anyhow she got me tickets to some Ice Bash and will be hosted by Bruce Wayne! Isn't it great and they say even celebrities from out of state will be in attendance. I was wondering if you'd like to attend alongside me?"
"I, I," Moka went silent for some moments. "I'd have to think about it first."
"Oh come on, it'll be fun and I'll be next to you the entire time. You and I have yet to go out, and I know we've barely known each other but this will give us a chance to do so. You won't be disappointed, trust me. Plus it's for a good cause, Bruce Wayne is trying to raise money for homeless shelters around town."
Moka leaned back in her seat and thought about it for some time.
"Ok Tina...I'll give it a go," the silver haired vampire replied.
"Great, then it's settled."
Elsewhere an individual sat in front of a mirror. He re adjusted his purple tie before finishing off with the red lipstick. His grin was wide as it had usually been and felt great to be free and he had quite the agenda ahead of him. He stood from the stool letting out a small chuckle and pulling a purple jacket off a coat rack. He gazed into the mirror one final time and laughed. An entrance door in a corner of the room opened and entering was one of his henchmen.
"You look great boss. We recovered everything you requested from your previous base, and is armed, stacked and ready to go. Everyone anxiously awaits your appearance."
The henchman stepped off to the side holding the door open as the one dressed in purple stepped through. A crowd of men applauded him as he stepped out onto a small stage overlooking them all.
"Thank you, thank you," he bowed various times over. The crowds eventually quieted as he straightened his posture and re adjusted the jacket over his shoulders. "A lot has happened during my time in that godforsaken asylum but feels great to be back, hahaha. I read there's been gang war between some of my not so favorite people."
"Yes, but with you back in we can now reclaim your spot as top dog!" one in the crowd shouted.
"Damn straight! All hail to Joker, the king of Gotham!" another added.
The space exploded once more and filled with Joker chants. After a while the voices died down and another spoke.
"What about him? The other mobsters and what not are no problem, but by now Batman has probably re..."
The entire room went silent following a loud bang. The Joker stood on stage holding a handgun out in front of him with smoke emitting from the barrel. The previous speaker had been shot dead with a bullet to the head, and left everyone stunned. For several seconds the entire room was dead silent until Joker dusted himself off and laughed aloud. He dropped the small handgun back inside his jacket pocket.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen why so uptight haha, what happened to the liveliness? You have all the reason to smile, and we're going to take back what is rightfully ours! And no bat lunatic is gonna get in our way, this should be a time for celebration. Someone pop open the champagne," the Joker laughed.
Someone else in the crowd coughed clearing his throat.
"This might be sudden, I mean with you just breaking out and all...but what are your plans? We could just wait it out and..."
"No! Absolutely not, I will make a big splash and it'll be tonight! I want all of Gotham to know the main player has arrived; the main course has been served. We're going to sink the competition and have some fun while we do it," the Joker paused for a moment glaring at the dead corpse. "What happened to that guy? Wait...did I do that, ahahaha."
Following the short meet the dead body was lifted and relocated and the blood cleaned. The Joker worked on preparations for the upcoming evening and looked forward to and expected to cross paths with a certain someone.
The plane ride back to Gotham was just as the other way but managed to read through dozens of files. Bruce had a much better grasp on things then he did previous to the trip. Having finished a session of lifting he sat in front of the large computer screen wearing a white tank top and green shorts. Alfred appeared from atop the steps leading to the manor.
"Already back to work, you should consider taking a break after such a long journey."
"Crime doesn't rest Alfred and neither do I," Bruce replied.
"Yes, yes but do remember you're just a man. Your trip was a success I take it, mind sharing some of your findings?"
Bruce leaned back in the computer chair with his hands situated behind his head. By way of voice command displayed some of the information on screen.
"I picked up on more than I bargained for. Turns out Akasha Bloodriver is a vampire, but of the day walker variation. And get this, Moka Akashiya is her daughter...what are the chances I'd run into the two of them on separate occasions? And it gets weirder. Theoretically Akasha is dead or should be. She didn't survive the battle with Dracula."
"Dracula, as in the king of..."
"Vampires," Bruce interrupted displaying a photo of the large beast on screen. "Yes. And that there is his true form. The three Dark Lords sealed him away once before, but in the conclusion of the battle five years ago not a single of them survived. Akasha was the leading member of the Dark Lords. Turns out Tenmei Mikogami was also a member, and more interestingly his academy was geared towards preparing Yokai a smoother transition into human society."
Alfred listened in to a brief summary of what Bruce learned of Yokai academy and history of the Dark Lords.
"Even with all this I still have no idea what they're planning. I'll have a word with Akashiya directly."
"You have an address?" Alfred asked.
"Yes. She'll lead me to Akasha and whoever else is working alongside them. I'll speak with her tonight, but for now they're a secondary concern. This gang war must come to an end."
"Are you aware of Arkham's latest escapee?"
"The Joker, yes I'm well aware. I'll send him packing back to his cell and he'll pay for the lives he took during his escape. It seems this is a recurring act. He breaks out of Arkham, takes more lives and I send him back only to do it again. When does it end!?" Bruce clinched his fists.
Alfred had an answer but decided not to comment.
"I've just finished your laundry and will bring you down some refreshments. Please do try and get out in the sun when you're finished here."
XXX
A woman sat in front of a mirror having finished the last of her makeup. She brushed at her long pink hair before tying a black bow atop it. She wore a black Victorian styled dress and spun around taking a look at herself in the mirror.
"Going somewhere?" someone entered the room from the open door.
Akasha looked to the woman standing in the doorway.
"I spoke with Kiria a little over an hour ago and our superiors want me to meet with some businessman. Apparently he's playing a role in preparations for the ultimate goal," Akasha informed.
The succubus leaned over the wall with one arm extended over her head. She wore brown pants, black boots, a white shirt left unbuttoned, blue under shirt and her hair tied in a ponytail.
"So a date?" Morrigan grinned.
"Did you not just hear what I said?" Akasha frowned.
"Heard you quite clearly," Morrigan walked across the carpet dropping down over the bed. "If he's cute maybe you can have a drink afterward is all I'm saying. How long has it been huh?"
"What're you getting at?" the vampire's eyes narrowed.
"I'm talking about your love life. I'm assuming you haven't gotten any action since the birth of your daughter. Tell me I'm wrong."
Akasha headed directly for the exit with no intention of answering the question. Morrigan sat up laughing aloud.
"That's what I thought." the succubus chuckled.
Akasha met with one of her assistant's down the hall and from there headed out front. The driver opened the back door and assisted Akasha getting in. For only a minute the barrier covering their base was lowered and took off in the truck. Three miles later they arrived in front of a small restaurant.
"Good luck my lady, I'll return whenever you give the call."
She nodded before taking off inside as he did the same down the road. Akasha met with a worker behind a counter and was led to a table after stating her reservation.
On the other side of town Moka finished some research at the Gotham library and was just a block away from home. The entire day was busy nonstop and looked forward to resting up the remainder of the evening with Tsukune. She was interested to see what sort of info he was able to dig up from his end. As she took another two steps Moka slowed up before eventually stopping. Her enhanced vampire senses detected someone was following her, but was uncertain from where. She didn't have very much time to think it over before something wrapped around her left ankle and she was pulled to a rooftop. Moka ended up on her side and rolled over on her back gazing up into the glowing white eyes of her stalker.
"You...Batman!"
"Good evening Leslie Eri, or should I say Moka Akashiya," Batman glared.
Moka bit down at her tongue as he removed the wiring from around her ankle. She immediately jumped to her feet.
"Ok so I might have lied," Moka shrugged. "But it was an innocent white lie, no harm no foul. But this...this is a crime! How long have you been following me?! Better yet, what the hell do you want?!"
Moka jumped in his face. She didn't appreciate being pulled off her feet or being man handled in the slightest. It took everything within her not to lash out on him.
"You aren't in a position to demand anything, I'll be doing the questioning. You can start with what you're doing in my city," Batman retorted.
"Screw you!" Moka hissed, turning away from him.
She walked toward the ledge but was stopped as he grabbed at her wrist.
"Take your hands off me!" Moka snapped.
"Where is Akasha Bloodriver?! You lied to me the other night about Yokai and your connection to them. You're very much one of them aren't you? A vampire of shinso blood and the daughter of Akasha Bloodriver and Issa Shuzen. I could go on but I think you get the picture."
Moka felt her throat go dry and heart skip a beat. Batman released his hold on the vampire seeing she was no longer in a rush to take off. Her expression of shock shifted to a frown in which crossed her arms.
"How do you know all this?"
"Akasha Bloodriver...where is she?! There's no point in resisting, and give the names of your other accomplices while you're at it. I don't believe you're a bad person b..."
"Mother is dead! Don't you dare mention her name again!" Moka shouted and was visibly heated.
Batman was taken off guard and though Moka had lied to him once it appeared she was sincere. He had a hard time believing both she and her mother were present in the same city at once and didn't know about one another. Given the circumstance and location it'd be much too convenient. Katur thought the same regarding Akasha, so was possible Moka was just as him. A bright light in the sky altered their focus and Moka gazed into the sky at the bat signal. She sighed dropping her shoulders and when she looked back, Batman had vanished. The vampire looked around, including off the ledge but nothing.
"How'd he do that..." she whispered.
After confirming he was in fact gone Moka looked back to the signal in the sky. She had a set of plans for the night, but appeared as though those set plans would be put aside. If he hadn't captivated her before, he now had her attention. Just who was he and how did he know so much about her all a sudden? Those thoughts played back and forth in Moka's mind and she wanted answers. His claim of her mother being alive and active was intriguing, but knew it couldn't be true. She leaped off the rooftop and headed down the block toward her apartment. The whole outlook for the upcoming night changed drastically.
Several blocks away the batmobile raced down a street and out onto the main road. He hacked into the police radio and listened in on a car chase. The location was approximately fourteen miles from his position.
"Two business buildings just went up in flames and are a total of eight cars involved. Requesting backup, gunmen are present in each vehicle and captured a total of six captives an hour ago ranging in the ages from six to thirteen. As of the moment we're unaware of their location. We've lost two patrol cars and need backup!"
Batman listened in closely gathering as much info as he could which wasn't much. On a small communications screen a familiar face appeared.
"Sir are you aware of the events in downtown Gotham. It looks quite ugly."
"I'm on my way now," Batman replied.
"And what of your meet with Miss Akashiya?"
"Short lived, but I have her address. She hasn't seen the last of me. She's lied to me twice already but believe she speaks the truth about her mother. Moka believes Akasha dead, but that still doesn't explain why she's in town or Akasha for that matter. Whatever her reasons I don't think are bad, but can't say the same for her mother."
"What will you do?" Alfred asked.
"Get Moka to talk, and it might shed light on things. Somehow their trips to town are linked...there's no doubt about it."
The conversation ended soon after with Batman focusing his attention on the task at hand.
Across town the pink haired vampire sat inside the restaurant staring into the flames of the candle over the table. It was already fifteen minutes after nine o'clock and the businessman had not yet arrived. She had more than enough patience so his lack of punctuation didn't bother her in the slightest. Even till then she was in the dark on what was planned and knew it best not to ask questions. She was in deep thought but taken out by the sound of laughter. Her gaze fell on everyone throughout the café and each displayed the same look in their eyes. She had seen and knew the look all too well and it was fear!
"No, No this can't be happening! That son of a bitch is supposed to be locked up in Arkham!" one customer stood from his seat.
His face was visible on each T.V. screen throughout the restaurant. A waitress passing by with a tray shivered and lost her grip dropping the tray of food! She placed both hands over her mouth and bit at her fingernails. The store manager immediately went to a control panel attempting to change the station on the couple dozen televisions within the building. That's when he realized the frightening truth that the live broadcast occupied all stations! Akasha remained in the booth focusing in on a T.V. hanging from the ceiling. The individual on screen was strangely dressed and resembled a clown. Green hair, bleached colored skin and red lips topped with a purple suit. The vampire couldn't figure why the individual had everyone so on edge. She watched and listened in just as everyone else. He laughed hysterically which sent shivers up the spines of many.
"Hello Gotham City, good evening or goodnight however you prefer hehe. It's good to be within your living rooms again, I hope you've missed me as I did all of you haha, but of course I come with news. Oh now, now don't get all down and frightened, I've turned over a new leaf. The doctors have completely fixed me, and I'm out to prove that tonight," the subject on screen gave a thumbs up and grinned.
Silence followed as he remained in that stance for several seconds. His grin quickly turned to a glare as he frowned.
"You idiot that's supposed to be your cue to switch camera angles!"
"Oh yeah, sorry mister Joker," the cameraman spoke.
"Joker!" Akasha pushed out of the booth.
On screen the camera panned to the left and a total of six were bounded by their wrists, ankles and tape tied around their mouths. If that wasn't bad enough each had rope tied around their torsos and hung from a ceiling over a tank of acid!
"Oh yeah and when I said I was a changed man...I might have lied, ahahahahah! But hold on there is good news," the Joker scratched at his chin looking upward. "Well if you can call it that. Simply put if I don't have three hundred million in my hands by twelve midnight the little kiddies go bye, bye. But if I do they walk out safely. We're here at the construction site just south of Gotham Plaza. Sound simple enough? Good. Now let the games begin."
"This is why I said months back we should take the kids and leave this hell hole of a town. There's too many maniacs out there like him!" a father of four directed at his wife.
The Joker laughed some more before the telecast ended. Akasha had heard the name but hadn't pinned a face to it. Based on what she read during her research of Batman, the criminal in particular was responsible for over four hundred deaths! She couldn't fathom how he'd been left alive and acquitted to an asylum. The thought of it made Akasha sick to her stomach and was inconceivable! It was men like him that gave the entire human race a bad name. She clinched her fists uncovering a small electronic. She typed in her coordinates in relation to the location mentioned and received an immediate map out.
"His time has come...the Joker dies tonight!" Akasha looked to the exit.
Elsewhere Moka stood off to the side of a T.V. in her living room. She was so caught up on the telecast she didn't realize her bowl of cereal overflowed with milk. She bit at her tongue as she did, and the channel returning to its original broadcast. She fell back taking a seat in the nearest chair and thought things over.
"Wherever there is trouble...he's sure to be. And he's tussled with this Joker guy more than a handful of times. Here I come, Batman."
Moka stood and was certain the dark knight would be one of the first responders to Joker's threat. Moka's cell phone had GPS but knew she'd never make it to the scene quick enough traveling on foot so made a quick decision. She turned off the T.V. and headed for the front door. Once outside she took a close look around and made certain no one had eyes on her. She took a deep breath just before bat like wings shot out from her back and took off flying into the night sky. She mastered the art of mixing her spirit energy with her blood and therefore granted flight whenever she wanted. It was another gift that came with the powerful shinso bloodline.
Minutes later Joker paced back and forth looking between the captives and his men. All within the space could hear the police sirens approaching from the distance in which the Joker rubbed his hands together.
"So ah boss, hate to be a nuisance but what exactly do you want with three hundred million bucks?"
Joker only gazed at him a single moment before he continued pacing.
"Perhaps I should explain it to you dimwits but frankly I lack the energy. This isn't about the money no, no there is only one way tonight ends," Joke said.
"Oh really, and how's that?" another asked.
"The little boogers are gonna sink. The money means nothing to me, tonight is all about setting my mark and getting a good laugh. We've already blown two of Scar Face's establishments' sky high, and that's just the begini..."
A window in a far corner of the room smashed and shattered!
"Batma...wait," the Joker took a closer look as the individual emerged from the darkness. It was a woman of medium height, long pink hair with a bow, black dress, orange eyes and bat wings sticking out of her back. "Well it's safe to say you aren't Batman. Much easier on the eyes, and more rounded and developed in certain areas; lack of bat ears is a disappointment though. Oh well, boys...kill her."
The bat wings blocked the bullets fired at Akasha as she blitzed forward. The seven gunmen were taken down one after another in the blink of an eye. The batwings ceased from view as her eyes fell on Joker.
"So pretty face isn't just all looks, but I guaaaa..."
Akasha grabbed hold of his throat lifting him off his feet.
"Whhaaat iis, is it...was iitt somethin I ssa, said?" Joker struggled to speak.
"Scum like you don't belong in this world clown and I'm going to see to it personally," the vampire tightened her grip over his throat.
The skylights from above crashed through almost immediately. Akasha gazed over her shoulder only for a moment and rolled her eyes in annoyance. The bat plane hovered atop the building but was set to autopilot and took off on its own.
"Put him down, Bloodriver," Batman stepped over the shattered glass.
"Batsie nice of you to drop in. Your new girlfriend packs quite the punch but perhaps you should put her on a leash, she's wild. Oh does Catwomaaaaahhhh!"
The vampire tightened her grip further.
"Akasha, drop him!"
"Why," she snapped looking to the dark knight. "This man is responsible for the deaths of hundreds! And yet the corrupted system of this city allows him to live and you're no better. You should have ended him! I will do what you should have done years ago! This lunatic doesn't belong in a looney bin, he belongs in the ground; dead, buried and forgotten. How many more lives must he take before you understand that?!"
Batman had no answer and stood quietly.
"Is this your first argument? Relationships are tough. So many disagrme...aaaaaaahhhhh!"
"Shut it," Akasha punched into his side. "Now you die."
She lifted him higher whilst Joker reached for the flower situated over the left side of his jacket.
"I don't normally hand out gifts, but a gorgeous lady like yourself deserves a treat," he said between breathes.
Joker pulled the flower from his jacket and sprayed the acid like substance into Akasha eyes! She screamed and dropped to her knees losing hold of Joker in the process.
"Akasha!" Batman took off to her side.
Joker pushed off the ground gasping for air. Batman dropped down next to Akasha placing a hand over her shoulder.
"Can you see, are you alright?" Batman asked.
The Vampire repositioned and threw out her left leg kicking Batman through a window clear across the room. He extended his cape while in midair and safely landed twelve stories down. He was unfortunately surrounded by others of Joker's hired help. The largest of them who stood over seven feet tall threw and wrapped his arms around Batman and held him in place. Some of the others standing around got off a couple hits before the dark knight broke free and began his assault.
On the top floor inside the building Joker laughed positioning in front of the children hanging over the pit of acid.
"Nice knowing you all, even though I never knew your names. When you go kaboom just know it wasn't personal, hehe. Anyhow I've got places to go, people to meet, tah, tah," the Joker skipped across the room.
He forced open a closet and pulled out a helmet, a set of safety goggles and a bag pack. He suited up in each item and at that point half the hostages struggled to try and break free. Akasha was down on a knee and had lost her sight completely and might be some time before it returned.
"Well it's been fun kiddoes and," Joker looked to the downed vampire. "What should we call you…I don't know. How about pinky? Your uncle Joker is checking out but be sure to call and write, ahahahahahaha!"
Joker took off sprinting and jumped through the window Akasha sent Batman through. As he descended Joker activated his parachute. Though Akasha couldn't see, she felt the presence of the children across the room.
"Don't worry, I'm going to get you all out of here, I promise," Akasha stood upright.
She was still unable to see so moved slowly. Joker hovered over thirty yards from the fight scene between Batman and his minions. As he was about to touch the ground he felt he was a safe enough distance from the building and pulled out a small device from his pocket.
"Kaboom…"
He pressed at the red button in the middle and the building exploded going up in flames. The force of the blast sent Batman and his remaining opponents twenty feet in the opposite direction and into the harbor! Akasha's body was forced out the window and fell the entire twelve stories. Parts of the building collapsed but for the most part remained firm. An entire flame covered wall fell atop the unconscious vampire who had taken one of the blasts nearly head on! The Joker laughed aloud marveling his own handy work and the scene of destruction!
"Burn baby burn, hahaha."
His attention was diverted as a topless vehicle pulled up on him from out of nowhere.
"Mista J! When I heard you'd gotten free and saw your face on the tube I came quickly as I could!"
"Harley," Joker detached the parachute and jumped into the vehicle. "Nice looking set of wheels but I'll drive."
He grabbed hold of and forced Harley into the back seat. Several yards away Batman emerged from the lake and pulled out onto the dock. He took some moments to catch his breath but became second nature setting eyes on two of Gotham's criminals. He took off toward the vehicle in full stride closing the distance between them.
"Get going, the bat's coming!" Harley shouted.
Joker stepped on the gas but by then Batman was less than a foot from them. Harley thought quickly and pulled out a lengthy weapon from under the back seat.
"Get lost B-man, you aint separating us again!"
Harley fired and connected perfectly as the net dropped Batman to the ground and he was stuck. Batman could do nothing except watch them take off down the street and out of sight. He freed himself out of the net using a laser type gadget. By then they were already gone and gazed at the burning building as the reality of failure set in. He failed the hostages, and allowed the Joker to escape. He pressed at a button with on his belt and caught a glimpse of something up high. Whatever it was quickly dropped down in front of him.
"Batman," she said ridding herself of the batwings.
"Now isn't the time Moka, the Joker escaped and has left behind six dead victims, excluding his own men that were present in the building. Over there," Batman pointed to the fallen brick wall. "She's there, but I don't know if dead or alive."
"What're you talking about?"
"Your mother."
Moka opened her mouth to retort but quieted. She detected a yokai presence that was nearby, but faint. She spotted a hand sticking out from underneath the wall just as the batmobile appeared from behind the dark knight. Batman leaped in and buckled up.
"This isn't the last you've seen of me. I want answers and you're going to give them. I'll find you, don't worry about searching for me. You wouldn't succeed," Batman said.
The top to the vehicle slid shut and he took off in the direction of Harley and Joker. Moka almost wanted to race after him but instead took off toward the wall. She lifted it up and off the individual and bit at her tongue as she stared down at what looked to be her mother! Her heart raced and even felt panic as the police sirens got louder and louder drawing closer to the location. She dropped down to her knees and took an even closer look and there was no doubt about it.
"Mother!"
Moka shook at the pink haired vampire but got nothing. She checked for a pulse but it was extremely faint. Akasha had cuts and bruises all over and there was only one thing Moka could think to do. She leaned forward and buried her fangs into the neck of Akasha and shared some of her own blood. Seeing as the police would arrive any minute she took Akasha into her arms, and reformed her batwings taking off into the sky.
"He was right…Batman was right," Moka whispered.
XXX
Moka hadn't slept the entire night. She watched over her mother the entire time and though her condition seemed to improve Akasha had not yet awoke. Even to that point Moka couldn't believe her mother was alive! It was more than a dream come true and had so many questions. She tuned in to the news all night as well and was disgusted nor the police or Batman apprehended the Joker and he was still at large. Moka jumped up at the sound of the doorbell and raced across the room.
"Tsukune!" she threw her arms around him.
"I came soon as I got your call, where is she?" Tsukune asked.
Moka pulled him inside and led him to the living room. Tsukune couldn't believe his eyes!
"It…It really is her. Has she said anything?" Tsukune gulped.
"No, not yet. But I wonder if this is just another clone or this is her…mother," Moka replied.
They didn't have to wait long before Akasha groaned and rolled over on her side.
"I think she's waking!" Moka placed her hands together and hoped.
Akasha's eyes opened for a moment but were pale and closed just as quickly. It wasn't until another minute her eyes re opened but there was a difference. Her eyes were no longer orange but a bright green! She blinked various times looking them over.
"Moka…Tsukune," Akasha murmured.
Moka immediately felt tears form in her eyes.
"Mother!" she dropped down over Akasha and embraced her tightly.
Akasha sat up and then stood.
"Somehow I've been released from my curse and I'm no longer under his majesty's partial control. What did the two of you do?" Akasha questioned.
"I did nothing, it was all Moka-san. I just barely arrived."
Both looked to Moka.
"You were badly injured last night and you lost a lot of blood, so I inserted and gave you some of my own. I have my reasons for being in Gotham, what is yours?"
"Then that's it. Your blood more or less awakened and has given me full control. Not that I wasn't before, but in a limited capacity. I know you have lots of questions, and I'm willing to answer, but not here and now. The two of you are in danger if I stay for long. I must return to base but we'll set up a time and place to meet. I'll find you."
"Base? What are you talking about? What in the world is going on?!" Moka demanded.
Akasha leaned forward kissing Moka over the cheek.
"I was resurrected and I'm working with," Akasha paused and sighed. "The less you know the better my dear Moka," Akasha stood and headed toward the exit.
"Hey wait, you can't just leave," Moka ran after her.
"You have to trust me," Akasha took Moka's hands into her own. "I'd never do anything to harm you or Tsukune. Is it just the two of you, or are the others somewhere in town?"
"Just us," Tsukune replied.
Akasha wrote down a name on a piece of paper handing it to Moka.
"We'll meet here tonight, eight o'clock. No sooner no later."
Moka held the slip of paper tightly as she watched her mother take off and out of sight. She had so many questions and so few answers. The night couldn't come quick enough.
To Be Continue
- 9
- 10
- 11
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Seal of Darkness