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Clash of Realms	By : RaphaelTMNT Category: -Misc Anime > Crossovers Views: 3294 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Justice League, 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
- 19
- 20
- 21
Clash of Realms
CHP20: Friendly Duals

It was a moderately sunny afternoon in Gotham and Bruce Wayne standing over the balcony of his penthouse as it was just after two o'clock in the afternoon. Beside him was a bag and inside it, clothing and other necessary items essential for the trip. For a little over two minutes he just stood there thinking things over. The timing of it all was a complete hindrance and inconvenience with all that had elapsed in his time away from Gotham.
There was much on his agenda no doubt, and a meeting between himself and Apollo to help settle the waves. No matter which way he viewed the circumstance there was no time for relaxation. The meeting place held an advantage he wouldn't overlook, depending how things played out. Gotham would be in good hands in his absence, there was no doubt about it, yet there was however one detail that bothered him. And that was the very vampire at the center of his recent troubles. Demitri would return and it wasn't a matter of if, but when. Sooner or later he would learn of the dark knight's return and how he might respond was the question.
The ideal circumstance was that the vampire didn't resurface during his absence. Much of these thoughts encumbered as two pairs of footsteps loomed and he could sense the yokai energy booming from both. He turned around just as they passed the pool and both waving.
"Sasha is just finishing getting her things together," the pink haired vampire looked down over his luggage. "And it looks like you're all ready to go."
The Dark Lord smiled at him but he didn't return that same enthusiasm or energy and aware of the situation, Akasha had a pretty good idea of why.
"Look Bruce," her voice was faint. "It'll just be for a couple days, or a week at most. The timing isn't ideal, but this is important and you'll be fine. Just show father that you're in control with good intentions."
Her words did little to shift his outlook, knowing all too well he was in full command and there was no change in him aside from physically. He was still the same guy that he was the night before his turning. Truth be told he couldn't say for certain things would have been that way without Selene's efforts.
"On the bright side Mister Wayne, you don't necessarily have to view this getaway as a vacation of sorts," Selene spoke. "You can use this hiatus to research and continue your planning. Obviously any straight action on your part is off the table, but this relocation won't have you off schedule if you handle it right. And besides, the league is working closely on this as well even if you fall slightly behind."
"Falling behind could be the difference between failing and succeeding and failure isn't an option," Bruce glared. "Not with this, losing could mean the end of the world as we know it."
There was no comeback by either as his point made was valid and signified why he became as successful as he was. Pulling his bag along Bruce returned inside the building with both Akasha and Selene following. And it was just as he took a seat over the sofa that his cell went off and the caller ID a familiar one.
"Clark," he answered.
A few words were traded before he dropped the phone. Bruce then found himself in front of a small panel and manually unlocked the main entrance door on the lower levels. They waited only a few moments as Clark appeared through the door and dressed in a dark gray suit, hat and glasses, looking as if he were headed to or coming from the Daily Planet.
"Didn't think you'd tag along, what changed?" Bruce looked him over.
"I won't be staying for long," Clark shook his head. "Just enough to see that things go smoothly and then I'll be on my way. There is a whole lot happening as of late as you know and I should be here holding down the fort. I heard from Zatanna about your request that she create duplicates similar to the Chirismoy shells, why? They have no connection to the originals and would be useless."
"Precisely, but after what happened with Barry, they could be of use. You'll just have to trust me. Where's everyone else?"
"If you refer to the others of your group that were interested in making the jump to the monster world they're already there," Selene rang in. "Much of them were anxious to get a head start."
He found this idea very irregular and expected they'd all make the journey together but it was the same difference so he didn't give it a whole lot of thought. And it was from down the hall where Sasha's voice echoed as she sung to herself and drew nearer with each step. Soon thereafter she appeared from out of the hall and her bag swaying back and forth behind her.
"Mommy, daddy!" Sasha jumped happily, first running and embracing her mother who was closes, but then going to her father afterwards.
He hugged and pulled her up and off the ground and Akasha coming up on the youngster from behind and patting at her head.
"Are you ready to go, do you have everything?" the Dark Lord asked.
Sasha solely nodded blissfully as her mother leaned forward and kissed at her forehead, before looking to Clark, Selene and Bruce.
"Then it is about time we get moving."
The three of them agreed as a vortex was created and one after another the five of them stepped through as it closed behind them. Almost an instant later they reappeared in a massive living-room space.
"They're here!"
A woman with long blonde hair raced forward and threw her arms around Clark and gave him a hug.
"So glad that you decided to come Kal, I didn't think you would."
"Kara," Clark looked down over her with a grin.
Kara-Zor-El was dressed in a jeans jacket and skirt, white undershirt, black boots and a silver necklace. Bruce looked passed her and to the other league members that had also made the trip being Hawk girl, Aquaman and Wonder Woman who were all in casual wear as Kara and Kal-El. And aside from them was Morrigan Aensland who was also dressed casually in human attire with the addition of Cyborg who changed his appearance to appear non robotic using a highly advanced built in projector. There was also three non-members off to the side being Wonder Girl, Richard Grayson and Starfire rounding out all the guests and dressed in casual attire just as everyone else.
"It is to diminish any potential unwanted attention," Selene moved up on Bruce, taking notice of the look in his eyes. "You heroes of man's world are quite popular and established in the world of monsters. So while here you must all keep a low profile, meaning no capes, masks and whatever else."
"I see," Bruce nodded.
He then cleared his throat and looked at her more closely.
"Where are we, exactly?" Bruce looked around with crossed arms. "Apollo's estate?"
Selene simply shook her head.
"Not quite, Mister Wayne. This is Akasha-sama's castle and as you will soon find, it is quite glamorous. It's been decided that our emperor will in fact meet with you all here. The test will however take place at his estate."
"What test?" Bruce questioned.
The purple haired vampire chortled somewhat.
"I'll let him explain it to you himself when the time comes. Long as you pass it should at least eliminate..."
"Whatever he has arranged I'll pass it, playing by his rules. I will talk to and convince him I'm no threat to anyone and from there it'll be up to him to make his own analysis."
The Asagao three's medic couldn't have said it better herself, nodding her head. In the middle of the room Akasha called out to everyone and getting their attention.
"I appreciate and am honored to be hosting you all even if the circumstance mostly concerns him," Akasha looked to Bruce for a quick moment. "But he would love speaking to you all and discussing matters retaining to both worlds."
And so for the next few minutes they listened to her talk and some were with questions as she answered to the best of her abilities. During this all Selene moved up on Bruces's left side.
"Why don't I show you to your room," she gestured for him to follow, as they headed for the steps. "Your space will be right across from Sasha's so you'll be close at all times."
The child vampire wasn't too far behind them, skipping along as they made their way up the steps.
"You all may stay long as you wish," Akasha smiled at her guests. "Or come and go whenever you see fit during the process of this all. Consider the Bloodriver castle your home for as long as this takes."
Each defender of man's world was afforded a small device giving them the means to journey back and forth between the yokai and human world, via through the Bloodriver castle.
"So where is this yokai king I heard so much about?" Wonder Girl looked around. "I thought he'd be here."
"Give him a few hours," Akasha stepped forward. "He's always so busy and overloading himself... it's no walk in the park running an entire realm."
Grayson took notice of Bruce, Sasha and Selene retreating up the steps and he took off after them. Starfire had been at his side since their arrival and while she was tempted to follow she stood her ground. It was after a lengthy walk that Bruce stepped into what would be his living space for the next several days. It was very spacious and the tone fitting as he pulled his suitcase along.
"I shall leave you to settle in and acquaint yourself with your temporary quarters."
Selene was out in a heartbeat and passed Richard Grayson down the hall where she returned to the main level and rejoined everyone.
"Dick," Bruce looked to him just after setting his possessions in a corner beside a dresser.
Grayson stepped inward inspecting the surrounding for himself.
"This is all so surreal. Just the other day things were normal for us, I mean considering what normal is from our standpoint. But then came your daughter out of the blue, which in itself was crazy but then to come find she's a vampire took crazy to a whole different level! And fast forward weeks later and you're exactly that."
Bruce was without words for some time as he paced about before sitting over the edge of the bed.
"Nothing has changed," Bruce shook his head. "I'm still who I was before. Do you view me differently, than you did before?"
"Of course not!" Dick quickly interposed.
Neither was able to get off another thought as Sasha came running into the room and with her arms around Richard.
"Come see my room, Grayson-nii!" she halfway spun him around before taking hold of his wrist and pulling him along. "You too Daddy, come see!"
Bruce grinned as Dick was pulled across the hall and into Sasha's room. It was the same room she stayed in months back. She had decorated it during that time and to her delight things had been left as they had been. Pushing up and away from the bed, Bruce joined them across the room.
"How's about a walkthrough of the castle?" Akasha looked around at all her guests. "My maidens would be happy to do so and in a while from now I have a treat that I know all of you very much will appreciate. For those of you that don't and those of you that do, our realm is known for its warriors. And one of the greatest teams to assemble in the past century within this realm will demonstrate their skills for you all inside one of the many arenas inside the castle. They're the Steel Reviges."
Wonder Girl and Wonder Woman especially became interested as the amazons were considered atop the list of the greatest warrior races. Morrigan too was highly spirited and even slightly jumped.
"The Steel Reviges!" the succubus was with her hands clasped together. "I've heard stories of their achievements. They hold a record of six hundred eighty seven to five... but those loses coming when they first got together just over one hundred forty years ago. They're considered one of the best eight man teams to ever assemble and have constantly beat out everyone in team tournament events, only the Tigan Hogz and Legion of Dormellito are considered possibly more dreadful!"
"Very insightful Morrigan, I'm impressed," Akasha applauded the succubus. "They should be arriving within the hour and put against some of my better vampire troopers. This has all been set up well in advance as a way to be used in further solidifying the positions in the vampire military ranks far as the combat divisions. Those that prove their worth will be afforded for higher ranking positions and given more openings."
Starfire didn't know much about Japanese monsters or the monster world for that matter but she too was excited to see this group in action, very much a warrior herself.
"How about it Selene," Akasha looked to her loyal pupil. "Would you be interested in leading the charge in showing our guests around until that time?"
"Of course," she responded with a grin.
It was only about five minutes into this that Tsukune, Moka, Gin and Ruby made their appearance from the main doors and were introduced to those they had not yet otherwise met. They too joined the tour, but had already seen all there was to see of the Bloodriver mansion.
"And where is Kurumu-chan, I thought she was with you all?" Akasha posed.
"Originally yes," Gin shook his head. "But she's busy visiting some children's hospital in the human world, and boy did that pageant take a turn for the worse."
"Why don't you tell us about it?" the vampire responded.
Both Tsukune and Moka had already heard the story, but listened in as the werewolf retold it to everyone else. When he got to the part about a lightning fast person in red, Aquaman was with a grin as he knew exactly who the individual was. And so for the next couple hours or so they just walked around enjoying themselves until the arrival of the Steel Reviges.
The sun set and the moon dazzling in the sky. They were provided with refreshments and thankful of the Dark Lord's hospitality and as promised the group was escorted to the open dome arena where the Steel Reviges made their appearance, the eight member team showing exactly and living up to the hype proclaimed by the Dark Lord. There was however two out of the six that sat out who were their top two members, Fujiyo who was a male Kitsune and Natsumi who was a female of the Phoenix species.
Rounding out the six team group was Borris, who was a gargoyle and then Lezily who was of the Tengu yokai, and then Atsuto who was that of a werewolf and lastly Rondaz of the Byakko yokai type, resembling a white tiger. The four proved far more imposing than even Diana Prince was expecting as wave after waves of vampires were sent into the ring to challenge them but didn't matter how many did as they were constantly defeated. One after another those said vampires striving to climb in the military ranks were conquered and knocked out of the ring without much fight and Akasha rather dissatisfied, but at the same time she expected such an outcome.
"Those Reviges really are something else!" Tsukune said with his mouth halfway open. "So brutal and fierce!"
Akasha giggled at the shocked expression he gave off, but he wasn't the only one that felt this way as Ruby and Starfire felt his sentiments. Moka on the other hand felt her blood pumping at just the sight of her fellow vampires falling one after another and her competitive spirit quickly climbing as her fingers tapped over the arm rest of her chair. The silver haired vampire honestly didn't know how much longer she could take just sitting there and watching things unfold in the matter that they were.
"They're good..." Wonder Girl's voice trailed off.
"Very good, and in a scary way," Ruby chimed in. "I'd hate to be in a ring with all of them as their opponent."
"No doubt about," Akasha joined in the conversation, pointing to Natsumi. "And while you haven't seen her in action, that woman is the best of them followed by Fujiyo. I sparred against her once, just about a year and a half before I conceived Moka and she gave me all I could handle. Her battle aptitude and form kept me on the ropes at all times."
Moka immediately looked to her mother and swallowed back.
"She defeated you?" the silver haired vampire questioned.
"Certainly not," Akasha shook her head. "But she forced me to use almost fifty percent of my power at the time, but as you know since then I've grown stronger... but so has she from what I've heard."
Tsukune immediately bit over his tongue at this indication which seemed to designate more or less that neither himself or even together with Moka they could defeat that woman at their current level. Morrigan herself was more than thrilled with what transpired in the arena but there was one thing that absolutely irritated her, being the lack of backbone shown by the vampires who were being completely dominated. Ten of them at a time were literally being pushed back by the four yokai team that was without two of its best members and Natsumi even sitting crossed legged with her eyes closed. And if that wasn't bad enough it appeared the four members of the Reviges had yet to put forth any real effort, doing what they did so casually. Had it been her own handpicked warriors the succubus queen would have been livid.
But Akasha had a dissimilar manner to most that held a position similar to herself. She very seldom showed her anger when it came on unless deeply provoked, and even then the vampire stayed away from turning an altercation physical. Sasha on the other hand became quite fond of the Reviges and cheering them on against her mother's own fighters. In just over another few minutes the last of the vampires were defeated and Akasha sitting there with an unamused smirk over her face and her left brow twitching. It was as if she wanted to power up and destroy everything around her. And though he was a couple seats away from her, Tsukune could feel her inner monster energy spinning out of sync.
"So that's the power of the Reviges," Moka stood from her seat and cracking her knuckles.
Tsukune knew his partner well and nothing more than when that look appeared in her eyes.
"Don't do it, Moka-san..." he whispered.
Moka then looked to her mother, tossing her head back and her hair waving about.
"Does this group take and accept challenges?" Moka asked to which Tsukune face palmed and Akasha's mouth slightly dropped open.
Morrigan however just snickered, very much enjoying the competitive spirit stemming from Moka. It was then that Ruby swallowed back and clearing her own throat as she looked to Moka.
"Not to rain on your parade but you aren't suggesting what I think you are... are you?" the witch asked timidly.
"To take them all at once," Moka grinned as she looked to Tsukune. "Not exactly and even if by some chance I were to overpower them, their very battle knowledge would put me at a disadvantage with the four against one handicap. But he and I should surely make it interesting."
Her eyes were locked on Tsukune who bit over his tongue.
"What do you say, Tsukune? Ready to put the four of them in their place?"
It was then Akasha who breathed out and her body somewhat tight.
"You have much confidence in yourself and I'm happy for that," she looked her daughter in the eyes. "But you..."
"You can count me in as well," Cassandra Sandsmark cut off the Dark Lord. "I'm always looking for the next great challenge and I think this might be it."
"And I'll round it out," Hawkgirl stood. "Four versus four sounds like a whole lot better odds."
They smiled at each other as it was then Akasha that stood and giving them all an extended stare. Arthur Curry rubbed his hands together, figuring things were about to get interesting.
"Are you certain this is what you want?" Akasha looked them over closely.
And without a response from a single of them, she knew their answer by the way they stood and the look in their eyes.
"Alright, then it is settled," Akasha took to the steps and made her way down and toward the ring.
"What did you think, my lady?" Rondaz looked down over the Dark Lord. "Were you impressed?"
"Very much so, I wasn't expecting such a one sides performance and without the addition of Natsumi and Fujiyo."
The four warriors were all smiles as Akasha joined them inside the ring in a single hop. By then Tsukune, Moka, Wonder Girl and Hawkgirl had already began their way down the steps and standing just outside the ring.
"Is there any other way we can be of service, princess?" Borris questioned.
"There is, actually," the vampire stepped aside looking out to her daughter and others standing outside the ring.
It wasn't an instant later that Moka herself leaped upward into the ring and looking the four of them over closely.
"We'd be honored if you'd consent to our challenge," Moka stepped forward as the three others moved into the ring.
"A challenge you say," Rondaz chuckled. "Please do tell."
"We wish to do battle you," Cassandra stepped forward and by Moka's side. "A friendly duo."
The four members of the Reviges immediately looked to one another and Atsuto being the one looking to Akasha.
"That one there," he pointed to Moka. "She's your daughter, is she not?"
"She is?" Akasha modestly nodded.
"Well then, I accept," Atsuto specifically gazed at the silver haired vampire. "Facing daughter of the almighty Bloodriver Akasha should be a real treat."
The others weren't with an immediate answer and first discussed among each other before Lezily looked to Akasha.
"And what of these four, if we were to accept shall we be expecting a real contest? No disrespect to the warriors of Hiklorhan, but that was barely a warm up and we aren't here to leave anyone feeling bitter. Is if this bunch is proficient enough to carry their own weight? We do not wish to put to shame, children."
"Children," Hawkgirl clinched her fists. "Oh you have no idea!"
Lezily paid Hawkgirl no attention as her eyes remained over Akasha. There weren't many others the Reviges respected more than the Dark Lord. She was one of the most skilled warriors the monster world had seen and herself more skilled and formidable than even Fujiyo and Natsumi of their team. So if anyone's opinion mattered to them it was hers.
"You will find that my daughter and her husband are both quite polished fighters," Akasha looked back to them both, as her eyes then surveyed over the two additions. "But I cannot speak for these two as I have yet to see them in battle, but in regards to where they come from it's a safe to assume they shall give you a good fight."
There was nothing left to hear as Lezily was practically sold with a grin and just as Atsuto she accepted the challenge. Borris and Rondaz were the only two remaining and with just a few words exchanged between them, they were also all in.
"Well then, I shall see myself out of the ring so that this contest may be underway. Most yokai tournament rules will apply to this bout," Akasha continued on as they listened in. "If an opponent is ringed out, that's an elimination and so too is a knockout. Killing is forbidden as this is merely an exhibition."
Akasha covered all the rules which didn't take very long, but Wonder Girl with a question and her arm raised.
"What about weapons and gear? Fighting in this garb isn't exactly ideal," the amazon looked herself over.
"Yes, that would be quite the inconvenience," Akasha grinned as she inspected not only Cassie's clothing but Hawkgirl's as well. "There's an equipment room not far from this arena, with hundreds of equipment and gear. You should both be able to find something that fits and is to your liking. One of my guards would be more than willing to escort you there."
Both women bowed their heads in appreciation and just as the pink haired vampire suggested, they were led out of the ring and to the weapons facility. Hawkgirl was without her mace and hoped to find something similar to it. Tsukune and Moka however didn't have this issue as they were capable of forging their own armor, using the creation ability linked to their shinso blood. The two of them were suited up and ready to go in a matter of seconds, and in just over five minutes Wonder Girl and Hawkgirl returned with weapons in hand and dressed properly for the occasion.
"And now it begins," Starfire lowered a hand over Grayson's and her head leaned over his shoulder.
With each combatant inside the ring and ready to go a bell sounded, indicating the starting of the match.
"Let's go Moka-nee, let's go!" Sasha jumped up and down as she cheered her sister on.
Hawkgirl devised to talk strategy but there was however no opportunity as the vampires were already up and off their feet and charging the enemy, Cassandra only partially giving Hawkgirl eye contact. Tsukune had gone after the Byakko and Moka the werewolf. Without reflection Cassie set her eyes on Lezily, the tengu and that left Hawkgirl and Borris. The Reviges were already powered up in their true forms.
Moka was up in the face of Atsuto but quickly lost sight of him as he zipped around and out of her sight with sensational velocity. There was a clear difference in speed as Moka struggled somewhat to land a single hit as he dashed around kicking at the back of her legs and clawing away at her armored torso.
Apart from them Tsukune fought in close quarters with Rondaz, and the Byakko swinging his blade around at the vampire and even getting Tsukune on his back, and the vampire blocking the next swing with his armored forearm. Tsukune rolled over and around as his opponent continuously tried stabbing at him. Eventually Tsukune popped up and kneed Rondaz in the gut as he roared aloud and threw out his paw and his claws slicing through the armored chest plate of Tsukune. The strike caused him to stumble off balance and Rondaz's tail reaching out and wrapping around Tsukune's ankle and pulling him off his feet.
As he was now on his back again Rondaz tried cutting at him but this time with his armored hands, Tsukune caught the blade and with his aura powered up Tsukune managed to force the blade out of the Byakko's hands!
"Very good, lad," Rondaz grinned.
Tsukune rolled over and up wielding his opponent's weapon.
"It's a mistake to acknowledge an opponent during battle."
"And so the lad is wise," Rondaz was still with a smile. "Pity it won't help you in defeating me.
"We'll see about that," Tsukune returned the grin.
And it was from then that the two of them clashed with one another and Tsukune carrying the blade. With his yokai powered up significantly Rondaz was surprised by the speed of Aono, which he could barely keep up with. Using precision and un relentless force, Tsukune swung the blade around landing various blows over Randoz and drawing blood. This advantage didn't last for very long however as the body of Wonder Girl soared through the air and collided with Tsukune. It was on impact that Tsukune lost hold of the blade as both he and the amazon tumbled over each other.
Rondaz recovered his blade off the ground and gave Borris a nod of appreciation as they then switched opponents. From afar Moka had sprung bat like wings and took to the air as her aim was to creat an advantage over her opponent. The vampire only managed to ascend twenty feet into the air before the werewolf latched onto her left wing as he bit down and Moka grimacing. She bit back with minimal pain as she threw out a punch which connected with the side of his face and getting him off her. He fell back and his body roughly colliding with the tile like surface down below, but the vampire didn't stop there as she dove down and met him with a knee to the stomach and Atsuto howling outward.
From her left came to the leg of the Tengu Lezily in the form of a kick which Moka popped up and leaped back as she avoided the strike. But the werewolf was also back on his feet and with his mouth opened, looked to bite into her shoulder but instead got a mouthful of steel as Artimes zipped in out of nowhere with her blade out in front of her. Instantly he backtracked but Wonder Girl behind him and kicking at the back of his legs as he fell to the ground. There wasn't much time to think or for Moka to reset as Rondaz was quickly in her face and swinging his blade, which she blocked using the forged gauntlets over her left arm.
It wasn't something the team had yet picked up on but Akasha certainly did and so too did a select few others and that being the Reviges strategy of rotating around without staying on one singular opponent for very long. Lezily charged unleashing a somersault kick and another in midair with her aim over Hawkgirl. The Tengu landed gracefully as her kick forced the amazon to the ground.
The battle prolonged with not a word exchanged and Akasha looking on with great anticipation as her fingernails grazed the arm rest of her chair. Suddenly Hawkgirl slowly raised and staring at the Tengu, but only for a moment as it was then the werewolf that moved up on her and clawing away at her left shoulder. Not far from where they stood, Borris charged Moka and unleashing a seventeen hit strike combo ranging from punches to kicks as the vampire was then met by Rondaz's knee and Moka spinning to the ground rolling over the tiled surface.
"They... they're falling back," Starfire spoke with her hands together.
"It isn't over yet," Grayson sat forward and his fists tight. "They can still pull this out."
Borris moved in from left grabbing the leg as he spun Hawkgirl around before tossing her up high where she was met by a punch to the face by Atsuto, which immediately saw her out of the ring. She tried flapping her wings and catching herself midair but it was too late as she plummeted over the surface. Grayson instantly bit over his tongue, and while Fujiyo wasn't taking part in the exhibition he smiled at the success by his team.
"That's not good, we're down one," Ruby spoke with uneasiness in her tone.
"One down, three to go," the werewolf licked his chops.
The Byakko looked to take advantage of the distraction as their opponents had slightly lowered their guards following Hawkgirl's elimination. Rondaz eyed and ran after Tsukune, striking him in the stomach before flipping around and elbowing him over the back of his head. Tsukune sucked it up and snarled with his fangs bared, grabbing hold of Rondaz's wrist and slamming him face first into the cement surface. Rondaz looked from the ground searching for his opponent only to find Tskune standing a few feet away, but by then engaged in battle with Borris who unexpectedly moved up on him. Randoz quickly rose and charged Wonder Girl and throwing out three different projectiles which she cut down with her blade. But it was the third one that exploded in her face with a glittery like substance and partially blinding her. Lezily immediately took advantage of this as she charged up a blast out of thin air all because of her mastery of wind manipulation.
Tsukune took notice of this and immediately racing forward as the blast was fired off and instead took the blast head on and sent flying out of the ring, but he was alert and sprouted bat like wings out of his back and stayed afloat. This was however a momentary victory as Borris appeared up and over him. With all his strength and momentum the gargoyle dove down and forcing his knee into his back and propelling him into the ground and essentially eliminating Tsukune! During this process not a single part of his body touched any of the outer ground and so he was deemed safe as he returned inside the ring.
"Tsukune!" Moka hollered out to him but was quickly met with an elbow to the back of her head and fell forward.
He remained downed in shame and even punched at the ground in frustration.
"Dammit, dammit, damn it!" Tsukune's fists clinched.
A shadow loomed over him as he slowly looked up to see Hawkgirl standing over him who offered her hand.
"You win some, you lose some," she whispered.
While hesitant at first he did eventually take her hand as she helped him to his feet.
Cassandra shook off the cobwebs as her vision slowly returned to her but knew she and Moka were in a hole and would take one hell of an effort to dig themselves out. Everyone watched intently as the battle raged on with both the vampire and amazon attempting to side together. Moka rid herself of the wings as she fought back to back and the enemies moving in and out over them. The silver haired vampire threw out an open palm which slammed against Atsuto's mouth causing him to fall to the ground. The werewolf rolled to his hands and knees spitting up blood before Wonder Girl threw out her leg and kicked him forward. From a far corner of the ring Fujiyo watched with curiosity as things progressed but Natsumi still in an absorbed state.
The werewolf was quickly back on his feet and licking at his gums. From that point on Moka knew that if they were to have a chance at victory she could hold nothing back and so with a deep sigh she powered up her aura just over seventy percent. But then came the coordinated attack by the Reviges which caught the two of them off guard at the promptness and precision of their opponents. Wonder Girl managed a strike to the head of Borris but then took a heavy kick from Rondaz, the Byakko and the attack knocking her to the ground. Things escalated from there as the four yokai powered up to their fullest with nothing else in mind than to end the fight. Their speed and battle power increased significantly and though Moka and Wonder Girl were was physically more powerful than the bunch, they found themselves being pushed back by the sheer speed and collaboration of hit by each and before they knew it they were near the ring's edge.
"Moka-san, get outta there you have to move!" Tsukune shouted.
The vampire took only a quick peak of what was behind her and Wonder Girl doing the same as they realized just how close they were from falling out. Cassie didn't have time to take to the air and Moka barely sprouting another set of wings as the werewolf and Byakko jumped forward and with open arms as they wrapped up with the vampire and amazon with their momentum carrying them forward and out of the ring as they sacrificed themselves but in addition to the eliminations of both Moka and Wonder Girl!
"Oh no," Sasha's head dropped with her lower lip outward. "Moka-nee lost."
Almost everyone rose from the seating area, all except Bruce who remained seated and Akasha herself rushing down the steps and at the ring. Everyone else followed almost immediately after but Sasha running back and taking hold of Bruce's hand.
"Let's go daddy."
Bruce was up and out of his seat as she pulled him along and leading them down the steps. By then Moka and Wonder Girl had been helped up and the vampire feeling nothing but resentment as her pride had taken a lengthy plummet and Tsukune could see it in her eyes. It was understandable and he felt similar and based on Wonder Girl's posture she was anything but enthusiastic. It wasn't said aloud but Bruce watched and observed the entire back and forth match and it was the team effort and synchronization by the Reviges which sealed their victory while Moka and CO were too focused on making it one versus one.
"Not bad for upstarts, you've got quite the bright future ahead of you," Rondaz said, which was then quickly followed by laughter from Lezily.
"Who're you calling an upstart?!" Moka trotted forward with her fists clinched.
It was Akasha that came in between the two of them and held her daughter back but not for a second did she not understand what Moka was feeling and in ways she was hurting for her.
"No hard feelings," Rondaz looked passed Akasha and to Moka. "Give it a couple more decades of training under your mother and perhaps then you will have reached a level considered notable."
"You cocky little..."
Tsukune immediately stepped in and pulled his wife back as he wanted to defuse the situation before it escalated. Just as she his pride was being shaken but he held back as then Rondaz looked to both Hawkgrirl and Wonder Girl.
"I detect no yokai from either of you, but not bad and for what it's worth you put up a decent fight. We're the best of the best and if two shinso vampires, the zenith of all monster species couldn't do it then nor could the two of you. We aren't just considered one of the best melee teams in the entire realm for no reason, we go against and defeat anyone that dears step in that ring, no matter their numbers. We back away from no opposition." Rondaz added.
This caused Moka's blood to boil even further and while Hawkgirl sort of just brushed the comment off, Cassandra was visibly annoyed and her muscles growing tight all around, almost wanting to punch him in the face. But there was however another among them who was equally as affected by the comments as she didn't appreciate anyone talking down on the amazons.
"Is what you say true," Diana moved up and passed all others. "You accept any trial?"
"I didn't stutter," the Byakko responded.
Though they weren't near one another Clark and Bruce exchanged a quick glance as they had a pretty good idea of what was to come.
"Right now, right her in that ring," she pointed to the ring. "I challenge the four of you to battle."
Right away Rondaz and Lezily gazed at one another and then to their two teammates who still remained inside the ring. There was a moment of silenced that followed, but then came an outburst of laughter from the four members, but the amazon princess unfazed as she waited for this laughter to cease.
"You and what legion," Lezily laughed on. "You wouldn't last a second alone in the ring against the four of us."
The amusement prolonged with the group as Diana threw her head back and her hair waving about.
"I am Princess Diana of Themyscira and champion of the amazons! I wish to go against and face..."
"Diana of Themyscira?!" Borris asked from inside the ring as all laughter ceased. "Don't tell me, are you... you're Wonder Woman of the Justice League?!"
The mouth of Fujiyo immediately dropped open and for the first time since she entered into the ring, the eyes of Natsumi opened. Diana solely nodded as the four of them felt a shiver throughout their bodies and Rondaz looking to Akasha Bloodriver.
"You never once mentioned you'd be hosting a member of the all-powerful Justice League," the Byakko yokai looked around at others within the group. "Is there others among this group?"
"No," Diana quickly reacted. "I am all there is, do you accept the challenge?"
"Hell yeah we do!" Rondaz cracked his knuckles with eagerness. "Our victory over you will put this entire realm notice!"
Diana only smiled, but she wasn't the only one as Kal and Bruce did the same.
"Would you like a change of attire or weapons?" Akasha looked to the amazon.
"This'll do," Diana removed her upper jacket which she tossed to Cassie, with a white under shirt and her bracelets of submission in plain view. "Shall we?"
The amazon princess looked to both Lezily and Rondaz as she flew into the ring. With willingness and thrill, both followed her into the ring. Those outside the ring backed up just enough so not to be in the way and with a perfect view of the action inside. The bell quickly sounded as the four yokai were powered up to max and Atsuto, the werewolf licking at his chops as he was the first to take off running and dashing around at hypersonic speed to try and throw her off, but the amazon tracked his movement without even the slightest difficulty.
She was more than used to sparring with the likes of Superman and so this wasn't anything she couldn't handle. The wolf zipped down and in over her and the amazon pivoting ever so slightly as she snatched his throat out of midair, pulling him down and kneed him in the stomach. Atsuto spat blood as Diana then delivered a knife hand to the back of his neck which saw him face first into the tiled surface and then with a spinning kick he was knocked out of the ring where he landed over his side in agonizing pain.
"What!" Moka hollered.
"Damn, she's good! We better attack her tog..."
Rondaz didn't have the chance to respond as the amazon blitzed the three yokai and the Byakko taking a fist to the face which sent him soaring backwards. From there Borris and Lezily threw out strike after strike at the amazon who blocked and or dodged every attack thrown by them as she then proceeded to knee the tengu in the stomach while simultaneously elbowing the gargoyle over the throat as she then flipped up and over them and smashing their heads together! And as she dropped to the ground Diana leg swept Borris off his feet and with a powerful open hand she sent him soaring not only out of the ring but nearly fifty yards into the stands where his body collided with and destroyed a section of the bleachers.
"Wow, just what is she made of?!" Ruby's eyes would have fallen out her sockets if they could have.
"We were struggling so hard with those guys and she... she's making them look free," Wonder Girl bit back.
Aquaman was with a smirk as he expected nothing less from her. Diana was far from done as she then flipped up with her legs wrapped around the neck of the tengu and with a heave of her waist and backside Lezily was planted into the ground outside the ring, no more than a couple feet from the spectators. The amazon had barely settled as she rose back to her feet and Rondaz with an incoming punch to the back of her head, but without turning she threw out a backhand and her fist connecting with the Byakko's nose. Diana then spun back in under half a second taking hold of his tail and spinning him around as he roared and cried. After picking up enough momentum she tossed him out of the ring and at Clark who zipped out of the way with his super speed and Rondaz crashing into the ground!
"Yeah, yeah Wonder Woman is so cool! She totally won, I wanna be her!" Sasha jumped up and down.
"Wow…" is all Moka could say.
Most were astonished with the dominant triumph by Wonder Woman, but this was all except for a handful of persons who had seen her in battle time and again. At that point Natsumi jumped to her feet in disbelief.
"She's quite marvelous," Morrigan whispered.
Not far from her Sasha was jumping up and down chanting Wonder Woman's name. And just behind her was Moka who smiled as her entire mood changed. The Reviges showed nothing but arrogance after their victory over Tsukune, Wonder Girl and Hawkgirl. The one sided onslaught by Wonder Woman was merely instant karma if she had to say. They appeared dazed, confused and Moka was enjoying every bit of it. Atsuto shook off the cobwebs as Wonder Woman approached from the ring's ledge.
"Diana Prince," he looked up into her eyes. "I don't normally give praise, but you're truly unlike anything I've confronted. You're just as the stories have stated and then some. Many in this realm have often debated who the greatest warrior is between both worlds."
Diana keyed in just as everyone else.
"Your name has raised during these conversations bunches and I'd more often than not laugh the notion off. The stories were there, but with some of us seeing is believing. And I've not only seen but underwent firsthand your control in battle. And perhaps those in your favor were right all along. You might very well be the greatest combatant in either this realm or man's," but then Atsuto's eyes fell over Akasha. "While of course there's still you, princess as well as our emperor."
A brief moment of silence followed until Lezily spoke up.
"And so shall it continue to be a debate… unless of course either were to face off opposite of each other," the tengu flashed her eyelashes as she appeared to imply something.
There were immediate whispers stemming from the group all around.
"That's all nice and dandy, but often times some of the greatest go unnoticed, applying to many open domains," Diana said.
"I don't get it, what do you mean?" Borris questioned.
"Simply conveying there are plentiful of warriors and fighters, some that don't have exposure and others that do so in secrecy or from the shadows," Diana paused for a moment before continuing on. "Among the Justice League… there is another with comparable skill and incredible wit unmatched by any other on the team."
She didn't mention anyone by name but from the corner of his eye, Clark looked to Bruce and Grayson being the only one to pick up on this with a grin.
"It's about time we got going, princess," Rondaz bowed his head as the rest of the Reviges did the same. "We're scheduled to be somewhere in a short while or else we would have stayed longer."
"Understood, I appreciate you making the trip out here and entertaining my guests. I shall send you all an invitation to the next domestic tournament held in the kingdom of Hiklorhan."
Fujiyo was quickly out of the ring and joining the rest of his teammates, but Natsumi wasn't so quick to do so and she instead found herself in front of Wonder Woman.
"The GWX tournament is just in a couple dozen weeks from now. It's a doubles tournament and one of the most significant held in this realm. There are many rules but one that you must especially keep in mind. One out of the two participants must be identified as a monster species, so do keep that in mind. And if you haven't figured it yet, I wish to face you in battle."
Their eyes were fastened in that instant and fixed.
"Fujiyo and I are on an entirely different level than the others. Alexander Timaeus is said to be entering this tournament alongside Obsidi Diogenes Xerxes or another possible unnamed, and his team is the early favorite to take it... but he's never faced the likes of Fujiyo or myself. Perhaps I'm jumping the gun as I have no idea what your business is here in our realm and with princess Akasha. But I would accept a duo with open arms if you were to enroll and find a suitable partner."
With Akasha's position as queen of vampires and ruler of Hiklorhan, she wouldn't take part in any tournament event. The thought in itself was settling, because a team up with the Dark Lord and amazon would be a guaranteed victory for the duo, far as Natsumi was concerned. Diana had only put on a small sample size, but an impressive one nonetheless. It was however not nearly enough to truly determine her full strength or potential as Borris and CO did nothing to push or challenge her. Those were Natsumi's final words as she stepped away from Diana and out. Others around the ring heard the entire exchange and Natsumi bowing to Akasha one final time as she and the Reviges banded together and were on their way and escorted down a hall and away from the arena.
It was then that Akasha stretched with her arms up and over her head with her own competitive juices circulating.
"Moka," she looked to her daughter. "Unzip me."
This command was sudden but Moka stepped forward and helped with unfastening the back of the Dark Lord's dress as she stepped out of it and standing in her undergarments.
"Watching all that fighting got me in the mood," the vampire turned and looked to Diana. "The other you referred to was him?"
Akasha's eyes fell over Bruce for a moment before returning to Wonder Woman.
"I must say that even I didn't expect what you just achieved," everyone watched as a combination of red and white armor formed around Akasha's body, using her creation ability. "I don't wish to miss out on all the fun."
"You're challenging Wonder Woman?!" Tsukune's mouth halfway dropped open, finding it difficult to hold in his excitement at just the sheer thought of seeing the Dark Lord and Diana Prince go at it.
"Not her," Akasha shook her head as she looked passed Diana and to the man standing off to the side of her. "Him. It's been a long time Bruce, how about a one on one?"
Gin immediately laughed whereas running a hand over his face.
"Don't be comical, he's a freshly turned and even in base strength you'd extinguish him," the werewolf laughed up. "The collective efforts of myself, Tsukune, Moka and Mizore barely pushed you. That five hundred plus years of training has..."
"You done kissing at her feet?" Dick Grayson interrupted as he stepped forward and away from Starfire. "I don't care if she's had thousands of years of training, Batman is among the best of the best."
"In your world, maybe... but here it's an entirely different story. Bloodriver would make the best of man's world look like school children," Gin responded. "I don't mean disrespect, but he couldn't even stand against myself and hope to win."
It was Grayson's turn to laugh.
"So you've got quite the confidence, how about putting money where your mouth is."
"How much we talking?" Gin smirked.
Wonder Girl's eyes widened and Kara's mouth dropping open, dumbfounded by the conversation arising in front of them.
"Five hundred thousand US dollars says Bruce puts down your little Dark Lord."
"Five hundred thousand, you think I have that sort of money?! Hell, do you even..."
"No," Grayson shook his head as he then looked to Bruce. "But he does, and he's worth well over a billion. Five Hundred thousand is pocket change, I'd just borrow. But he won't lose so that matters little."
Bruce immediately glared down over Grayson who didn't dare to look his way.
"I'll take up your bet," Moka moved forward with a smug grin. "My father is worth just as much as Wayne, and my mother even more. Why don't we knock that price up to a full mill?"
"Oh my, hehe," Akasha giggled.
Bruce's fists squeezed seeing as the Dark Lord appeared to be pampering in their antics instead of being against it.
"One million it is," Grayson rubbed his hands together.
"You all are so crazy," Ruby's eyes bulged.
"You sure about this Dick?" Starfire walked up on him. "It sounds like this woman is an all-time great in this world. Batman is Batman, but... but she's the best."
"Agreed, I mean five hundred years of experience just can't be ignored..." Wonder Girl chimed in.
Grayson stood his ground with a chuckle.
"Say what you will about the Dark Lord and back her all you want, but I know this man."
"As do I, I've got Batman," Kara added.
"Someone with sense and thinking clearly," Grayson smiled at the female Kryptonian.
"Count me in for the bet," Tsukune spoke.
"Who you got?" Richard probed."
"Akasha-san obviously. She's single handedly defeated small armies and I've faced her myself, she's practically unbeatable."
Selene, Morrigan, Diana and Clark were all amused by the commentary but kept to themselves on the matter.
"Well, you'll have plenty of time after this is over to reevaluate that concept."
"You're delusional," Moka snickered as she looked off Grayson and her eyes over Bruce. "You're good, but mother is the best. Only grandfather is more refined and deadly. "
"You're fine, no hard feelings," Bruce responded.
From then silence fell over the group and it didn't seem until after half a minute that Akasha talked.
"Shall we?"
The pink haired leaped upward and into the ring.
"Like I really have much a choice..." Bruce murmured.
If it were up to him the match wouldn't occur, but things had escalated to a point that there really was no backing out. He took only one step towards the ring before a hand lowered over his shoulder.
"Bruce," Grayson whispered into his ear. "Don't lose."
There was nothing Bruce could do other than smile as he continued forward and into the arena. It wasn't something that came to mind immediately but nevertheless it did. When Akasha took on both she, Tsukune, Gin and Mizore the vampire didn't bother removing her dress and suiting up in battle gear, which normally indicated she was taking the opponent and or situation more seriously. But for some reason with him she was doing exactly this, and even the look in her eyes was different.
"The rules are simple, we'll fight without use of monster aura to keep it fair and one wins by knockout, ring out or the other concedes. Sound simple enough?" Akasha looked to him.
"Works for me," he tilted his head.
Both took to the middle of the ring and the onlookers felt the concentration but no one more on edge than Grayson.
"Ha, the bat is about to get waxed," Gin crossed his arms with a chuckle.
"Don't be so sure, Batman has surprised countless times before and he might do it again," Cyborg added.
The bell sounded not long after that as both Akasha and Bruce positioned into their fighting stances.
"Moka-nee," Sasha pulled at the silver haired vampire. "Why mommy and Daddy fighting?"
"It's all in fun," Moka patted her over the head. "Don't worry about a thing."
And inside the ring both vampires slowly moved in a circular motion as they appeared to be sizing the other up. This went on for seconds before Akasha made the first move advancing and taking off at him and throwing out a few several strikes, some of which he blocked and others that landed over his torso. Grayson let out a breath that he didn't realize he was even holding and his body completely tense as everyone else around seemed to be the same. Bruce then took a knee to the chin and then an open hand to the opposite side of the face and then a spinning kick which dropped him to the ground. And with a self-righteous smirk Moka looked to Grayson from the corner of her eye.
Bruce was quick to rise as both he and the pink haired vampire exchanged a couple blows but with accelerated movement and exactness by the Dark Lord he took a couple dozen shots to the chest and then swept off his feet where he was again dropped to the ground and Akasha standing over him.
"Come on, yur better than this... I know it," Dick tightened his fists.
"Maybe against other opponents, but not against mother. She's the best for a reason," Moka responded.
Just as he had done before Bruce was quickly back on his feet as the battle commenced and by then he had realized two things. She was not only stronger, but faster than he even at base strength. This however made sense as she was an awakened shinso and himself not, but the gap wasn't so great that it couldn't be overcome and with this knowledge the true fight really began. Akasha had been on the offence the entire time and that didn't stop as she came in on him again. As he'd done most the time Bruce stayed on the defense electing to block but with no counter or follow up of his own. Throughout the entirety of this he dialed in and noticed a couple things. The first was her variety of mix-ups, placing of her feet to institute control and rarely did she leave any openings to be easily tagged. She truly was elegant as a material artist and believed one of the yokai realm's greatest combatants for good reason.
The flow of things continued this way for some time and while at first Bruce was eluding and or blocking five shots out of nine that came at him it reached a point that nine out of ten were blocked and then eventually them all! From outside the ring Diana noticed this and being an immense warrior as she was, the amazon princess discovered his tactic whereas most others didn't. Akasha too realized the change in his general movement and even his posture as he seemed to keep up with her no problem while at first he struggled.
"You can't keep dodging and blocking forever, you can't win that way!" Akasha declared.
"You're right," Bruce responded with a knee to her gut which was then followed by an elbow to the left side of her face.
And in a quick slide he managed to get his leg behind Akasha and slammed her to the ground with an open hand. She ended up on her back but quickly popped up as she went after him again, but there was a different feel to him and it wasn't just in his eyes but his entire stance. Akasha ran at him as he leaped up and over her head kicking at the back of her head as she stumbled forward. And once back over the ground Bruce threw out a leg around Akasha's ankles and with an upper cut that sent the vampire into the air where he leaped and grabbed hold of her left shoulder and smashed her face first into the tiled surface.
"Akasha-san is losing!" Tsukune's body itched.
"What is even happening right now?!" Gin included.
Both Bruce and Akasha popped up and the Dark Lord delivering a kick to the left side of Bruce's ribs and then an open hand to the right side of his face. But before she was able to pull the same hand back he took hold of her wrist and twisting it before lifting her up and over his shoulder before slamming her into the ground and with a strike to the throat. From her downed position Akasha spun her legs around like a helicopter and Bruce jumping back to avoid this as she popped back up onto her feet. She was quickly back in his face with seven different upper strikes, four kicks, all of which were blocked. Bruce responded with a right elbow to her face and followed up with a roundhouse kick which saw her over the ground!
"Wow, he's not just good... he's scary good," Ruby said nervously.
"Damn right, he might actually win," Gin bit over his tongue, watching in apprehension.
Akasha rose again but didn't go after him immediately as she instead bit down over her tongue. It was as if he had completely downloaded her ploys and approach and the only other vampire with such combat aptitude she'd faced was Akua Shuzen. It appeared he was a detective and tactician in every sense of the word, but the fight was far from over and she had plenty of tricks up her sleeve. It was a true case of two great warriors going at it and anything could happen and the winner would be determined by who made less mistakes and could take advantage of the ones made by the opponent. Again Akasha raced forward as she hissed throwing out a combination of punches and kicks, some of which connecting but Bruce landing nearly triple to what she did. For the next minute this went on as the Dark Lord found for the first time in a long time she was up against an opponent that caused her to actually think. Going on autopilot was effective against most challengers but not against him, which she came to realize. Regardless of her adjustments he seemed to have little trouble revising his own approach in accordance to her own and she found herself on the defense with her chances at victory closing the longer the fight went on.
"Enough of this!" Akasha slid back as she leaped into the air. "It's time you knew your place!"
She came down over him while Bruce ducked under the kick and skidded behind her and in a split second performed a flying kick to the upper back of Akasha. The impact sent her flying and out of the ring and colliding with the ground as debris ascended from the dirt.
"Mother!" Moka was the first to take off racing to that side of the ring where her mother had plummeted.
Everyone else was close behind and followed as she moved up on Akasha. The Dark Lord was barely just pushing up and over a knee as Moka dropped down beside her. Sasha was there just as quickly and her arms wrapped around her mother.
"You okay?" Moka asked.
There was no response as she felt nothing but hollowness and repulse for herself! Akasha punched into the ground and sneered while cursing beneath her breath. She could take losing, there was nothing wrong with that but to do so in front of a group, even if small to which had her favored to win was a tough pill to swallow. In that instant she refused to look Moka in the face and everyone gazed upward and where Bruce appeared over the arena's edge. Sasha's gentle touch was the only thing that brought comfort to the Dark Lord.
"This... this doesn't make sense, Akasha-san lost," Tsukune bit back.
"Well I'll be dammed, someone shoot me," Gin crossed his arms. "I've seen crazy things, but this is nuts. Wayne just defeated one of the grandest vampires to ever live, scratch that, one of the greatest yokai in general! Just what is his training routine, somebody give me a copy! And now I'm eating my own words."
"That's my bat," Morrigan quietly giggled.
Even as Selene stood there looking back and forth between Bruce and her master, the vampire was with conflicted feelings. The medic assumed she would be all in on Akasha's side but quickly found she was mutual through it all and Wayne confirming what she discovered over the period of one full year, being his proficiency in martial arts. The vampire deemed he might be greater than Bloodriver Akasha in battle, but to actually see the Dark Lord fall with her very own eyes was almost heart wrenching. However she also witnessed the full power of the Dark Lord and knew the current limit of Wayne's and if a real fight Akasha would undoubtedly rein victorious and overwhelm the caped crusader in just sheer strength and speed with less than half of her full power. Until the day his shinso blood woke it would be that way. These thoughts were hindered as a glare from Akasha was shot directly at Selene, and a knowing one for that matter. There was meaning and purpose behind those eyes.
"You lose some you win some," Grayson was already holding out a small notepad and writing down a set of numbers. "You can transfer the two mill to this account number, and if you're speculating this'll be going towards a good cause. I've had my eyes set on a few clinics and orphanages that could use a little extra materials and assist."
Both Tsukune and Moka were alarmed to hear this and it was Tsukune that took the slip of paper from his hand.
"Well I feel a lot better knowing where it's going," the vampire smirked before looking upward and inside the ring. "He really is a walking phenomenon, how could someone poses such talent to defeat Akasha-san and on his own when having not even lived half a century... it's almost mind blowing."
"It's because he puts in the time and is wired differently than the rest of us," Grayson smiled. "That's what it means to done the cape, cowl and symbol, he finds a way no matter what. Seldom does that apply to physical skirmishes. What he and the rest of us closes to him do is much more than just that."
Just as Dick, Clark was with a smirk of his own while Akasha was helped to her feet by Moka. From up top Bruce leaped out of the ring and in front of Akasha.
"Sorry."
"Don't apologize," she smiled at him despite the stab at her vanity. "I needed that, it's been a really long time since I've had such an enjoyable fight. You are a perfectionist in everything that you do and I admire you for that."
"The outcome aside, I'm not gonna lie I was a little bit nervous for a while there," Grayson breathed out. "I thought maybe it'd be a walk in the park, but you held your own against the boss. And for that you have my utmost regard."
Dick slightly bowed his head and Akasha with a grin.
"Thank you, that means even more coming from his family."
While no one else noticed, Diana spotted the silver haired vampire staring at Bruce but it wasn't just your prototypical stare. There was meaning and a purpose behind those eyes.
"Madam," a single security guard in armor approached them from the steps. "Your father has arrived and is approaching the main gates, my queen."
"Open the gates," Akasha rid herself of the armor around her body and recovered her clothing and redressed.
Everyone followed the Dark Lord as they made headed for the steps and it was halfway up that Diana shoulder bumped Bruce.
"I've given some thought to what Natsumi said, about that tournament and all. No answer needed, but I think you and I would make quite the pair."
There was an immediate reaction from the group.
"Quite the pair you say," Gin chortled. "More like unbeatable! You just pummeled four of the Reviges like it was nothing and he got the better of Akasha freaking Bloodriver! I could retire early with the amount of yen I'd put down on the odds of you two taking it all."
A majority of the group laughed, but for Akasha it was another sting to her spirit and Moka very much the same way. The silver haired vampire glanced back at Bruce for a moment as they reached the tops of the steps.
"Let's not jump the gun, yes Wayne won but the outcome would have been very different and one sided if Akasha-san used any significant amount of her inner power. Just saying," Ruby stated.
"Tryna take away from boss's victory," Grayson smirked.
"No, just stating the obvious and defending the lady whose corner I reside in," the witch responded.
The comment brought about more amusement and Akasha wasn't without a smile this time. And for minutes they walked through and down two halls before trotting into one of the living-rooms and it was there that they waited. And within minutes the emperor appeared but he wasn't alone as there was a woman at his side standing at 5'7 with pale skin and dark green eyes, light blue hair that was tied loosely with a bow of green silk. She was the Valkyrie, Eris and dressed in bronze colored armor and her master in a brown robe.
"Father," Akasha walked up to and embraced him in a hug as he did the same. "How was the trip here?"
She backed away from him and their gazes locked.
"Lengthy, very many stops," he smiled down over her. "Now where is he, where is Wayne?"
The yokai emperor moved passed his daughter eying everyone throughout the room until Bruce himself stepped forward and the two of them making eye contact. Apollo took another couple steps forward but never breaking eye contact and in that second it was as if everything and everyone around them vanished as if they were the only two entities in existence. And at just the sight of him Sasha had taken for shelter behind Kara and Diana. She hadn't forgotten the last encounter between she and her grandfather and his endeavor to end both she and her father.
"Then what I heard and foresaw is true, you have lost it all," Apollo's gaze fell upon the ground and with a deep sigh. "Man weren't meant to endure such a deformity of what one was not born nor meant to befall."
"Not by choice," Bruce responded.
Everyone looked on as the two of them were in a standstill.
"Deliberately or not what's done is done, boy and you are what you are. My daughter and grandchild seem to think you're in control, but I shall determine this for myself."
"You don't confide in our word," Cyborg stepped in. "We've seen and been around him constantly since that night. And I can say without a shadow of a doubt he's no different to the teammate and friend that he was before."
Another moment of silence followed as Apollo let out a sigh.
"Words are exactly what they are and seeing is believing. Mister Wayne's cooperation is all I require and if he passes a test, one single test with flying colors than perhaps we can move on without strict observation."
"Strict observation," Grayson frowned. "You speak as if he's some sort of ravage beast out to attack anything that moves. I don't know what's prompted this procedure and..."
"When you've lived long as I have, and seen the things that I have, then you may speak on the matter, boy! Until then you will cease from questioning a thing, I've witnessed the turning of humans and what it does to body and brain... and the monsters it creates! I will not see the rise of another Alucard, I would sooner strike down that impending threat than see it blossom!"
"You would compare Bruce to the likes of the monster world's most horrific enemy, I think you've lost it in your old age. I know him, Batman wouldn't fall down such a dark path!" Grayson shot back.
"Watch your tongue!" Eris shot. "That is no way to speak to this realm's emperor! You're all only here because he allowed it, do keep that in mind."
It was then Clark that stepped forward seeing as things seemed to be headed in the wrong direction.
"What's your proposition? I can assure you from a mental and physical standpoint that Bruce is no danger."
"He's right," Tsukune nodded. "In fact he and Akasha-san had a little friendly sparring match just before your arrival."
Apollo's left brow popped up at the remark and with relative interest, though he was more than certain of the outcome.
"And the victor?"
The emperor's eyes remained over Tsukune and so unaware as Akasha's head dropped in disgrace and her fists balled. After learning of her defeat to a newly turned, would he think less of her, would he be ashamed? Tsukune only halfway got his mouth open before Bruce spoke over him.
"She did," Bruce replied.
Akasha's mouth shot open and in that moment the entire room went soundless as even a pen drop would have been heard.
"Well of course she would," Eris smiled. "Were you expecting otherwise, Mister Wayne? Just because you're a vampire and have gained immense strength doesn't mean you're invincible and can defeat any opponent. This is a common mistake among newly turned vampires, and it's good you learned this lesson quickly. Princess Akasha has no equal in raw power and skill far above your own and among vampires and she was trained by my master, the ruler of this realm. She's physically the most powerful living yokai behind only master."
The Valkyrie spoke in a way that seemed to imply he instigated the challenge, but that didn't bother him.
"So I've learned," Bruce responded.
Tsukune's mouth vaguely dropped and Kara biting over her tongue and Diana swallowing back. Moka was likewise as stunned and the only words coming to mind, "What the hell is he doing?!" And while others within the room were staggered, Clark and Grayson were anything but as they knew and understood him more than anyone and this was a typical move from Wayne. Selene was all smiles as any doubts of his humanity being lost in the darkness of vampirism was denounced. The human side of him within greatly overpowering the monster lurking inside. Vampires were very prideful creatures and for him to stand there and claim he was defeated by what was considered the greatest living vampire would have been virtually impossible for any other vampire who would instead gloat over such a substantial victory.
But here he stood without a regard for himself, completely humble and without even the slightest flinch from Eris's comments which would have driven even Akasha into positive frenzy. And though she didn't know his purpose behind this lie the medic had a pretty good idea it was For Akasha's sake. She had already been embarrassed in front of everyone and for her father to discover this would be ten times worse. That was however simply a guess, only he knew the answer to this. Akasha's breathing increased as she fanned herself in utter jolt and didn't know what to feel or say. The hush, hush atmosphere captured Apollo's attention and the Harbinger gazing around at everyone closely. It almost felt as though something was being hidden from him.
"My queen," a single of her maidens entered into the room. "Dinner is ready and has been prepared for all the guests."
"Thank you," the Dark Lord smiled at her. "We'll be right on our way."
The exchange lightened the mood somewhat as tensions lowered and Apollo with a smile of his own.
"Let us first feast, discussing such matters on an empty stomach isn't ideal and you appear plenty fine as of the moment," Apollo looked off Bruce.
Akasha led the way as everyone followed with Eris and Apollo just behind her. The others weren't far from them and with each step taken all eyes were on Gotham's protector but no one dared to speak.
"Has he lost his mind... why lie about something like that, what could he possibly have to gain?" Gin whispered into Diana's left ear.
"I don't know," she shook her head honestly. "But you can be assured he has a reason, he always does."
To be continued
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Clash of Realms