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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
- 21
- 22
- 23
Clash of Realms
CHP22: Battle in Iceland

It was just as the gates to the kingdom of Vindellorien unsealed that the lone horsewoman galloped through. This individual wasn't without wear and tear and those that spotted her approaching the palace realized this right away even from such a distance. But that was only part of it as they also distinguished the attire she wore.
"Alert the king," one looked to the other. "This could be bad."
"Got it, on my way."
The lone guard was off and running while the other saddled up and met halfway with the Regiment Knight passing through the gates. Her injuries aside, the Vindellorien guard could see the distress in her eyes.
"Cecily Hadlee,what happened? Report," the security guard commanded.
They exchanged only a few words before taking off to the castle. And while she suffered many cuts and bruises, none of her injuries were dire. Once inside the palace both immediately rushed to the throne room of King Delbert who had already been alerted in advance of their arrival.
"Cecily," the king stood from his chair and looked her over with marginal fright. "What happened?"
He knew the female elf well, as she'd been a childhood friend of both the prince and his youngest child, also being her second in command. She had barely yet to catch her breath or take in what happened, her heart racing the entire ride back.
"My king," she started. "We had just made our way across the open meadow and everything was normal until we got through a shallow lake. Next we passed up the Puruoss Mountain and that is where we were attacked."
"Attacked!" Delbert marched forward. "Who?!"
Cecily bit back as she recalled every detail as they seemingly appeared from everywhere in an instant.
"They have her... they took her, your daughter."
Delbert's fury elevated but held back as he had not yet heard everything.
"And what of the thirty others?" Delbert looked at her closely. "What became of them?"
Cecily could barely look him in the eyes as she shook her head.
"We managed to take down a number of their own, but no one survived other than myself and lady Isla," Cecily relayed sadly. "And I'm really only alive because lady Isla ordered I surrender and they also wanted me to send a message."
She couldn't finish before a door to their left unlocked and marching inward was Prince Arlo and on either side of him were two guards.
"What's with all the ruckus, did something..."
Arlo's throat closed as his eyes settled over the female elf and looking over the cuts and bruises she sustained. Not a moment later did a hint of fear creep into the back of his mind knowing exactly who she'd taken off with.
"Where's Isla?" he asked calmly.
He didn't get the immediate answer he was hoping for which supplemented to his concern.
"There was an attack, my prince," Cecily looked him square in the eyes. "Much like yourself we were ambushed by Ilon Kreing and his Xsouvizs. No one survived other than me and her, your sister who they've taken prisoner."
Her eyes fell over the ground as Arlo's teeth gritted.
"So let me get this straight," Arlo scowled. "You and the Band Regiment Knights fell victim to a sneak attack and both you and Isla are the only two survivors?"
His fists were sealed as Cecily bit over her lower lip and saw nothing but wrath in his eyes, causing her goosebumps.
"You are her trusted ally and sword, surrender is not an option! You should have fought to the end even if it meant your life!"
Arlo raced forward to the surprise of everyone and tackled Cecily to the ground and with his hands tightly around her throat!
"Everyone dies and Isla imprisoned and you run back here with your tail in between your legs like a deserter! I swear to you if my sister doesn't make it out alive than neither will you! I'll end you with these two hands!"
"Arlo stop, you must restrain yourself!" Delbert shouted.
And by this stage both princess Sienna and queen Avis stormed into the throne room, having listened in on the ruckus from further down the hall.
"My word, what is the meaning of this?!" Avis shouted with a hand to her heart.
Two guards were quickly over the ground and with their combined efforts they pulled him away from Cecily who was drooling from the sides of her mouth as she strove to catch her breath. And had it gone on for a few seconds longer she would have been out.
"You fucking coward bitch! How could you just leave her, you disgrace yourself and this entire kingdom with such betrayal!"
"I had to!" Cecily shot back as she slowly stood. "Those were direct orders from Lady Isla, she said to stand down! You would have me disobey a direct order?!"
"What happened to Isla?!" Sienna commanded as she stepped forward.
Delbert looked to his eldest daughter with sorrow.
"There was an incident my daughter and Isla has been taken prisoner," Delbert bit over his tongue. "By Ilon Kreing and the Xsouvizs."
Avis and Sienna were both shaken and the princess fell back with a hand over her head feeling light headed but a security guard quickly to her side and holding her upright.
"Come this way princess, let's get you some place to sit."
Her steps were wobbly but she found a place to settle just a couple feet away.
"And so what now, did they state terms? They wouldn't have kept her alive unless there was something they wanted, Isla's being used as leverage isn't she?" Arlo's eyes were locked over Cecily. "Did they say anything?"
The red haired elf let out a sigh whilst returning eye contact.
"They did," she posed. "In order for them to return lady Isla in one piece, their terms are really quite simple. What they want is the Lastiaz sphere that this kingdom holds and Ilon claimed if it isn't in their possession within the next ninety days, then... lady Isla will die."
The room went dead silent and King Delbert feeling his heart halt as all eyes fell over him. It was his call and decision as he was Vindellorien's ruler. It felt as though minutes went by and not a word, but Arlo especially noticed the focus in his father's eyes.
"What will you do, my king?" Cecily broke the silence.
"I don't know," Delbert lowered his head. "Isla is my daughter, but as king my first priority is for the best interest of this land. Giving up the Lastiaz Sphere to those criminals would not only be putting the safety of thousands of our own at risk, but potentially the entire realm."
"But this is Isla we're talking about!" Arlo snapped. "All else doesn't matter, we must save her no matter what!"
Delbert let out a silent sigh as he looked to the prince.
"If and when the day comes that you stand as king you will then understand the many sacrifices that must be made, many of which may go against your own beliefs. Isla understood the risks when she took the position, just as you."
"So that's it, we're just going to stand around and do nothing?! She will be tortured, interrogated and..."
Arlo was incapable of finishing as he was filled with so much rage. His eyes then returned to Cecily who was nearly as tense as his father.
"Do you have any clue where they might have taken her?"
Cecily only shook her head which angered the prince more. Not much longer after that everyone piled out of the throne room and King Delbert calling a needed meeting to all available personnel. And from there news of what happened spread throughout the castle.
XXX
He was standing a foot away from the bat computer when a dazzling sparkled off to his left and Robin quickly jumping into a defensive position. Immediately he was with two birdarangs in hand and ready to defend against an enemy. The first idea that came to mind was how in the world could an enemy gain entry into the cave by teleportation?! He didn't have a whole lot more time to think about this as the light died down and two persons standing in front of him.
"Father!" he looked directly at Bruce who stepped forward and Cyborg behind him. "You're back already?"
"Not quite. Movement by Jitoshi, and likely Fairy Tale. Iceland is the location and they've already touched down. We aren't going to standby and permit them to do whatever they're doing without intervention. And it's also time to put the new suit to the test."
This was all so unexpected and Robin had no response.
"New suit... what suit? You two aren't going at this alone, are you? At least let me tag along."
"Not entirely," Cyborg shook his head. "The two of us and the Flash. For undisclosed reasons we can't inform any of the other leaguers. Batman engaged in some activities during his stay in the yokai realm that others in the team wouldn't exactly take too kindly too. Heck, even I don't condemn the exploit, but so far it seems to have paid off."
Robin then looked to his father with requesting eyes.
"Father, what is he talking about?"
"Long story," Bruce headed for one of the back rooms. "Tell you all about it at the appropriate time. For now we need to ready ourselves and get to Iceland and confront them. This time they will be stopped in their tracks before they can conceivably get their feet off the ground."
He disappeared into the back and didn't return until a minute or so later and fully suited with the cowl pulled up over his head.
"Victor, has there been a change in their position?" Batman approached and stopped in front of Cyborg.
Robin looked him over and on hindsight he didn't see any differences at all, well at least from the outside. And at that time they had much more important matters to deal with so he didn't think much of it.
"Their movement has been minimal, or at least his. I'll boom us there, but some distance from the target. We'll want to hold the element of surprise for as long as we can until confrontation."
"That isn't all," Batman crossed his arms. "Let's first determine which members they have on scene. If it is a Chirismoy shell they're after, he won't be alone especially taking into account what Barry said occurred at the beauty pageant. If that is any indication, they'll be operating together in at least a small group."
For the next minute and a half Cyborg and Batman conversed whilst Robin stood and listened and Victor activating and pulling up a live 3D map out which showed the target's movement in real-time.
A boom tube was created off to the side of them, curtesy of Cyborg.
"Time to move."
"But let's get one thing straight," Batman stepped forward and especially eying Robin. "No sudden moves on arrival. We first survey the area and determine who and which enemies are on scene, and if the shells are present."
"And what about the Flash?" the boy wonder looked up to both. "Isn't he supposed to assemble with you guys?"
"Yes, in fact it wouldn't surprise me if he's already beat us to the punch," Cyborg responded.
Batman was the first through the open vortex which was then Cyborg and looking on was Robin, still puzzled the rest of their team was being kept out of the loop. It closed behind Robin as he entered and with what felt like a quick instant they were in and out appearing over a mountain side and a waterfall not far from them and the weather quite frosty. Snow and ice were noticeable over the ground and even when they breathed they could see their own breath. Not very much time did they have to settle as their ears were met by a loud bang and even the ground beneath their feet shook.
"Looks like we've arrived just in time for the party," Robin pointed out down the hill and nearly two hundred yards away. "Looks like war."
"You can say that again," Cyborg took a look for himself. "So much for the dawdling approach, we might just have to get our hands dirty in a hurry but what the heck is even happening?!"
From where they stood it was difficult to make out much of anything in the distance or the persons involved. What they could see however was a village with a couple dozen cottages surrounding the area and some of which up in flames! Though from afar Batman could sense and feel a heavy yokai presence from where he stood.
"Let's go, we'll be no help nor find anything standing here."
The caped crusader led the way as both Robin and Cyborg trailed close behind. They drew closer with every step and got a better understanding of what was actually unfolding and the parties involved. There were various bear looking creatures standing upright on two feet like humans and wearing clothing much like men and some out of the soldiers' even carrying weapons.
"Am I seeing things right?" Robin looked to both Cyborg and Batman as they continued in stride. "Are those things..."
"Yokai," Batman answered for him. "And if I'm right they're of the Onikuma type."
Only a guess from the eyeball, but the monster energy stemming from them was undeniable. It wasn't just physical and spiritual training Batman endured in the realm of Alvasleha, but he had time enough on the side to study up and research the yokai realm's history and inhabitants.
"Whelp it's always nice to see familiar faces, look there?" Cyborg pointed out to a specific individual.
"Clayface!" Batman sealed his fists.
The villain made of clay resized himself and standing over nine fifteen feet tall and attacking the surrounding Onikuma tribe, but he wasn't alone. Not far from where he stood was Captain Cold, shooting his ice gun at the Onikuma yokai. The trio didn't move in right away as they first observed what they were up against and aside from the first two there were others they recognized, including, Kahlua Shuzen, Killer Frost, Akua Shuzen, Circe and Kiria Yoshii himself! But that wasn't all as Cyborg counted up to at least a handful of fifty others at their side, which were without a doubt lower ranks. None were within his covered database, and so he quickly switched over and performed thousands of different searches, all in a single instant. His system/combined with his brain could process it all no problem.
"Taking on all of them, just the three of us... this outta be fun," Robin cracked his knuckles with a grin. "What are you doing?"
The boy wonder's eyes fell over Cyborg who had pulled up a hologram screen and countless embedded into his eye not visible to the dynamic duo. He skimmed through photos and imagery faster than any normal person could even comprehend.
"Vic," Batman sided with him. "Does this have to do with..."
"I think I've figured why Fairy Tale and our enemies are battling it out with that group," Cyborg's eyes continued moving from side to side, up and down as he looked through more information. "There's no mention of it anywhere in here but this landmark and location is precisely it. Those Onikuma or whatever they're… are of the Solun tribe! There's trillions amount of information on myths and stories, but there's one thing that keeps coming up."
"Being?" Batman's eyes narrowed.
"This tribe has resided in this area for hundreds of years and have held onto and protecting what they like to call gems created by the gods that hold special mystical powers. They claim it is their duty to watch over these entries, more important than anything else. According to these readings they believe the center of the world and its fate solely rely on their ability to protect the pieces."
Batman and Robin gave each other a quick look before the caped crusader again looked back to Cyborg.
"How many of these pieces are there, is it stated?"
"Two," Cyborg replied. "And if this detailed information is accurate they're located just beneath this shrine."
"Two Chirismoy shells," Batman grimaced. "Fairy Tale wouldn't be here otherwise and if your research is more than just myths then that would explain the scene. We must side with the tribe and stop Fairy Tale from making away with the Chirismoy shells."
"Then what shall we do?" Robin looked up.
"Fight!"
Batman immediately leaped off the ledge and spread his cape as he swiftly glided down over the battlefront! Cyborg nor Robin were expecting such swift action as they first expected he'd work up a plan, but then again things escalated far passed that and if they didn't act fast Fairy Tale would wipe out the entire tribe. And so without a seconds thought both Robin and Cyborg were down the hill and following after him.
"Barry, where the hell are you?!" Cyborg thought silently.
The caped crusader took off into the middle of the action and his entrance didn't go unnoticed as much of the surrounding fighting ceased and many gazes falling over him.
"Well look who it is," Circe marched forward and cleared a path as she knocked aside a handful of Onikuma, using telekinetic force. "The Dark Knight of Gotham city and all alone."
The sorceress applauded him, just as Kiria Yoshii stepped forward but with an entirely different mindset.
"And so I meet the Batman face to face, quite the exclusive occasion," Kiria grinned just before biting over his tongue. "Greatest detective as they call you. What led you here?"
"It's pointless, he won't tell you," Killer Frost ran forward. "But we've got an even bigger problem now, if he's here than that means the rest of the Justice League can't be far behind!"
"The Justice League!" Kahlua swallowed back. "As in all of them, we don't have the firepower to fight all..."
"Calm your nerves," Circe laughed. "We have more than enough to hold them off until we get what we came for."
The sorceress positioned her hands out in front of Batman as a purple glow surfaced but then came a huge blast which exploded right around her feet and the sorceress falling sideways and to the ground. Both Cyborg and Robin made their way into the picture and Victor's arm morphed into a cannon gun. Jitoshi Ichiro bit over his tongue as he set eyes on the two and from behind Batman, Clayface lifted his arms up and over his head.
"You die here and now, Batman!"
With his hands shaped into massive boulders Clayface slammed his fists downward but Batman swiftly moving out of the way as the villain put a sizeable crater into the ground. He prolonged with swinging out over the Dark Knight who had little trouble dodging before taking off and running up the left arm of Clayface and literally kicking his face in before slipping back several feet. It took a few moments before his face popped back into place and the villain shaking off the cobwebs.
"Don't remember you being so fast, what gives?" he looked down on the caped crusader.
Cyborg and Robin were to his side in a matter of seconds and Circe also back on her feet.
"Don't tell me it's just the three of you," Captain Cold moved forward with a smirk. "If so you shall die one cold agonizing death."
He took aim on the three and fired off a couple shots but in the blink of an eye the trio disappeared!
"What the..."
"Over here, you miscounted."
Leonard Snart immediately turned and to his dismay was a very familiar foe, standing in front of Cyborg, Batman and Robin. He was dressed in red armor, a mask, yellow boots and a thunder bolt symbol over his chest.
"Always arriving in the nick of time, but in all honesty I can't picture any true showdown that doesn't have you in it."
Captain Cold was with his weapon lowered but staring at the Flash as Batman sided with the speedster.
"You're late."
"Got caught up in some trouble, a sinking ship in the north pacific, over two thousand onboard, a hostage situation in France, a huge shootout in Spain and..."
"We get the picture," Robin rolled his eyes. "You were busy."
Flash partially scratched at the side of his mask but didn't look back at him.
"Now is probably a bad time for questions but a rundown of our goal would be much appreciated."
No one had an opportunity to respond as Clayface came running at them and it was Cyborg that jumped forward with his left arm aimed out in front of him and altering his battle mode from energy concentrated to Sonics. With the weapon armed and ready to fire Vic did exactly that with a massive sonic wave which caused the villain much pain as he shouted with his hands over his head. Next came the shaking of his entire body before he completely exploded and his clay parts exploding everywhere. Batman took this opportunity to explain the important details to the speedster quickly as he could without going into details. Waves of magic energy were fired off in their direction by Circe who had nothing but focus in her eyes.
"My brothers!" the Onikuma chief looked around to the rest of his tribe. "We shall join forces with the league of justice and fight off these outsiders that aspire to take away what is rightfully ours. All hope is not lost, keep fighting!"
"They know who we are?" the Flash blinked before a smirk shaped over his lips. "Flattered."
"Who doesn't know the Justice League," Robin rolled his eyes. "You'd have to be living under a rock."
The speedster eyed Circe who looked to be activating another spell and he wasn't about to stand around and afford her the time she needed and so he took off and of course Captain Cold took this opportunity to try and fire off a handful of shots at him but each passing through the speedster as he went intangible. From there the battle raged on and continued where it left off. Flash was in on Circe quickly but didn't realize the invisible force field she put in front of herself which zapped him and sent him rocketing back in the opposite direction and over the ground.
Fairy Tale had yet to try and pursue the shells as their primary focus was to first eliminate the tribe and then take what they'd been after. Each member was with one of the special tracking devices which indicated they were standing atop them. The Onikuma yokai were engaged mostly with Fairy Tale's henchmen, but that didn't stop Kiria Yoshii from getting involved himself, fighting against and cutting down a few of those that stood in his way. Robin, Cyborg and Batman had all separated from each other and it was Victor that started up another function within his system as his red eye glowed and he initiated a scan of the turf just beneath their feet and rendering a 3D visual of what was beneath the shrine. There was much to see but a lone section gave off an abnormal energy signature, reverberating from inside a chest/box.
"Batman!" Cyborg called out to Batman as the red glow over his eye died down. "I think I might know where the shells are."
The caped crusader didn't have the opportunity to respond as he was too busy flipping away from Killer Frost's ice shards and then came Kahlua Shuzen from his left side, pulling at his cape and tossing him up into the air where he was met by an open hand to the side of his face by an incoming Akua Shuzen. While midair Batman extended his arms gliding to the turf. He looked on while in a fighting stance as he was approached by both vampires and Killer Frost.
"I don't know nee-san, this hardly seems fair he's only a man underneath all that armor," Kahlua looked to Akua from the corner of her eye. "How's about the two of you take your efforts elsewhere, I'd like to have a little fun with him before I put him down, permanently."
"This one isn't without a bag of tricks up his sleeve, if you're going to finish him than it must be done without wavering. Run along Kahlua, I'll handle this one."
Neither backed off and so Killer Frost did so as she didn't want to get caught up in the middle of it. Robin found himself surrounded by a clutter of Fairy Tale's henchmen and physically being knocked around but he was tough and never stayed down for long, throwing down smoke bombs to disrupt their vision as he moved in on them and aimed for pressure points. It was during this skirmish that he came to realize a select few of the enemies were with different pressure points than the prototypical human. The boy wonder banded with and fought close with the Onikuma to try and gain a numbers advantage.
"Didn't realize Fairy Tale recruited Cinderella," Robin taunted as he found himself engaged with a mermaid. "Out of your element, dontcha think?"
"Shut your filthy mouth you little twerp!" the mermaid fired back.
Cyborg wasn't far and tied up in ongoing back and forth confrontation with Kiria Yoshii, and using blasts from his cannon to keep the chimera from getting in with close range attacks. His troubles would only get worse as Killer Frost moved in on him from his right with a running start as she leaped upward and over him. She was with an ice blade in hand but he pivoted his body just enough to get off a clean shot which tagged her in the air, and the villainous dropping out of the air and on her side as she rolled over with discomfort.
"Nice shot... for a piece of walking hardware."
He was unmoved by her commentary while keeping his focus on the task as Kiria gained some ground over him. It was just as Kiria came within a foot of Victor that a Scythe blade formed out of his right arm which he swung directly at Cyborg, aiming to slice him in two. But with just enough space between them Cyborg jumped back creating a boom tube which he passed through and Kiria essentially cutting away at air.
"Behind you!" Killer Frost pointed out.
Kiria was still airborne so didn't have the means to counter or dodge as Cyborg appeared behind him out of another boom tube and firing off a charged up blast directly at his back which sent the Chimera soaring right into Killer Frost as their bodies collided and they roughly plummeted to the ground and rolling over each. They came to an eventual stop several yards away and Kiria pushing up off of her as the blade rejoined with his body.
"It would appear this Justice League and its members aren't just raw power," he chuckled. "But with ploys."
Their conversation was cut short as Cyborg ran at them and firing off more rounds of laser beams as they separated from each other. On the other side of the battlefield the Flash was dealing with both Circe, Captain Cold and lending assist against the other yokai. The sorceress had barely been able to get off a single spell off as the Flash was up and on her faster than she could think. And it was on the other side of the battle field that the Shuzen sisters prolonged their fight with the dark knight, and to their greatest surprise he was keeping up with them and though both were merely toying around with their prey it shouldn't have been possible. In base power they were simply ten to twenty times a human's strength and yet he was taking blows from, and counterattacking their calculated attacks.
"Something isn't right here," Kahlua spoke as both she and Akua backed away from the caped crusader with much distance between themselves and him. "In just a couple hits he should have been down and out, but here he stands and seemingly wanting more. I can't be the only one that's seeing a wrong picture."
"You aren't," Akua shook her head in agreement. "I don't care what the stories say. I've faced him before and this... he wasn't capable of this, no mere mortal is. But it matters not, he's still going to die and by my hands. I wasn't joking when I told you to step aside, Kahlua. I'll handle him from..."
Akua didn't have the chance to finish as her younger half-sister was off and running at him. And to that point neither had realized it yet, not detecting his inner monster aura, due to the yokai limiter connected to his body. He was still with his base vampire strength much increased from his initial awakening. Batman ducked down eluding her first strike and then jumped up avoiding a leg sweep as he then blocked her next several hits. Akua stayed put and instead just watched carefully as the two of them went at it and that's when she gathered something.
The whole time she and Kahlua had been messing around with him their opponent was treating the fight much like training exercise himself. She could see it in the way he moved, keeping pace with Kahlua and with an answer to everything she threw at him. It was a knee to the stomach which knocked the breath out of her and then Batman pulling at and lifting Kahlua's arm upward as he then slammed her to the ground and that was far as he went before jumping back and Akua was without words. Rather than electing for a final knockout blow he resettled, allowing Kahlua to rise.
"Somethings' happened," Akua whispered. "He isn't what he was seven years ago... he's so much faster, agile and stronger. Kahlua enough messing around, put him down now… I've got a bad feeling."
"Why so?" Kahlua gazed back at her half-sister. "I haven't had this much fun in in months, I want to savor it for a little while longer."
"If you won't do it, than I will!"
Both Shuzen sisters with Batman included looked up and off to the side as the eight foot Clayface made his presence felt.
"Get lost damsels, the bat is mine only!" he roared as his fists shaped into spiked balls.
Karlo took only two steps as then an electric current formed over the battlefield from the sky and replaced by an open vortex as a lone figure dropped through. Much of the fighting ceased in that moment as everyone looked upward and to the falling entity with bat wings spreading out of its back on either side. The vortex closed right after as the figure dove and became clearer as it drew nearer. It was a woman with long pink hair, and a burgundy colored bow tied in her hair with silver and gold upper armor, brown boots, and a long skirt but cut out in a way that her legs were visible. Lastly she was with gauntlets over her forearms and the rest of her arms exposed, and carrying a sword.
"Akasha... Bloodriver!" Kiria Yoshii growled as he looked upward.
"It's her," Kahlua took notice of the Dark Lord. "But why here, why now?"
Batman kept quiet but bit over his tongue and having a pretty good clue of how this came to be. Clayface didn't care nor pay attention to any of this as he went right on the attack after Batman who jumped back eluding him. Kahlua took off in the direction of Akasha whilst Akua stood her ground and Kiria Yoshii was also in on the Dark Lord who flapped her wings before touching down over the ground. Though his monster aura was masked the pink haired vampire spotted the caped crusader clear across the battlefield as they made quick eye contact.
The moment was brief as he was on the move and dodging attacks by Clayface, and Akasha rid herself of the wings as she was met by Kiria who jumped at her through the air and a Scythe blade again evolving from his right arm and Clashing with the Dark Lord's blade which created sparks.
"Bloodriver, what a surprise! So I see you've joined forces with the Justice League, I don't believe in coincidence. Your arrival is all but too convenient!"
Their blades clattered several more times as Kiria's swings were unyielding, but Akasha holding her ground. With his next swing she caught hold of it with her opposite hand as she pulled him in and with a knee to his stomach as the very breath was knocked out of him and then with her opposite leg she planted him into the ground with a spinning kick. By then Kahlua called out to her and Akasha turning and facing her stepdaughter who slowly approached.
"Kahlua," the Dark Lord rested a hand over her own chest and with a calming smile as she eyed the vampire opposite her. "So good to see you, even if under such circumstances."
Akasha meant every word of this and though she and Gyokuro never saw eye to eye because of their love for Issa Shuzen, and Kahlua's mother believing Akasha stolen him away which was very much true, that didn't stop the Dark Lord from loving her children as if they were her own. Kahlua was with a smile of her own but deception behind it as she moved in on Akasha with a knife hand strike and the vampire dodging off to her left just as she leg swept Kahlua and then an elbow to the chest knocked her to the ground. Kiria was back on his feet by then and swinging out his blade, but Akasha detecting and feeling out his movement and so she back flipped over his swing and while midair she kicked at the top of his head.
Along the battle field, Circe was forced on the defense as Flash danced around distracting her with his movements. Flash zipped forward throwing out punches at Circe, but at a speeds she could follow and when she attempted to counter, she was being hit in ninety different places it seemed as he would pick up the pace in an instant. He was merely just toying with her and she knew it, as he then switched to Captain Cold who wasn't far away. The speedster blitzed forward and laying a couple hits on his nemesis before returning to Circe, knocking the sorceress off her feet. And it was while she was airborne that he reached out and took hold of her ankles and began spinning her around before tossing Circe outward and into Killer Frost who was engaged with Cyborg.
They tumbled over each other before jumping up and irritated. Circe was met by a couple punches to the gut in a split second before he got around her and the speedster striking his heel into her spine. This was the first true pain she felt the entire time as he'd been pulling his punches the entire time, only putting enough into each strike so that she would experience discomfort and displeasure.
"Ooohhh I like it rough like that," Circe threw her hair back with an ominous grin. "No need to be gentle Flash, I'm a woman of experience."
"Heavily documented," he responded with a smile of his own.
The remark didn't cause him to lower his guard as she was hoping for, firing off a magical blast of energy in his direction which he casually sidestepped. Purple energy then surrounded Circe's hands as she lifted them upward and then came a rumbling sound beneath the surface and tentacles in all sizes and lengths rising. Some wrapped around and took hold of the surrounding Onikuma tribe, and the speedster found himself wrapped up as well. He quickly vibrated his molecules and tore through the life forms as he touched down and picked up speed, freeing others that were trapped. It was during this moment that henchmen of Fairy Tale managed to break away from the battleground and into the hidden passageway that led to the underground passageway.
Off to the side of the main battleground was Akua Shuzen locked down with Batman, the dark knight using an ice grenade to subdue Clayface for the time being. They went at it, strike after strike. Batman moved in on her with yet another stance swinging his fists in a boxer like motion landing a couple over her torso, as she then blocked the next couple. This is how it had been the entire time, not just a physical battle, but one of perspective/reading and reacting. There was no warrior among Fairy Tale with greater combat skills and expertise than Akua Shuzen. She was a master at distinguishing a procedure and or style and countering it outright, picking up on an opponent's tendencies and punishing them. But to that point he gave her nothing as the vampire was left speculating what was to come.
He had thrown so much at her, switching between different styles which included Jujutsu, karate, boxing, Aikido, Dambe, Luta Livre and others she'd never seen! She never challenged an opponent quite like this so polished in pure martial arts. This wasn't much different from the other end as the caped crusader took note of her variety of mix-ups, the female vampire never showing the same thing twice. Her exactitude as well as overall movement were to be commended, and fighting against her was much like facing Slade Wilson or Bronze Tiger, he couldn't lower his guard for even a moment or he'd be punished. True, he didn't fight for sport or the thrill of it, but whenever faced with an adversary of her level it was always a privilege.
Finding an opening Akua sidestepped and rushed in with a heavy uppercut to his chin which knocked him off his feet, but he back flipped and landed. Neither waited as they again went at each other. They exchanged a couple hits and counters before Batman managed to get behind her, tripping Akua up with a leg swoop and then backhanding her off balance before then following up with a spinning kick which completely dropped her to the ground. Akua grabbed hold of his cape while she was grounded, pulling back roughly as he fell sideways and his face met by her knee. Both threw out a collection of kicks which connected and then came a combination of upper strikes from both. Akua managed a strike to his gut and then a knife hand to his throat as she then kicked him back and off balance as she rushed him slamming an elbow into his chest. And with a leg behind him she dropped him to the ground as she followed, with her right hand pointed outward and Jigen-Tou in effect, she stabbed right through his armor and chest as he ached in pain.
"You're nothing, no one! That's what you are, Dark Knight and to think I'd be the one to kill you," the vampire felt glamorous as she drove her arm through him as she tore out through his upper back. "How does it feel to stare death in the face and know it was I that did you in? This must be painful."
"Pain?" Batman suppressed back as he lifted his legs and kicked at Akua.
The force of this attack sent her spiraling through the air and on her back yards away. Up and on his feet, Batman stood with his glare fiery bright over Akua. From where she stood and even with his armor, she watched his wound close up and heal right before her eyes as she stood.
"When this all began I've known nothing but pain, happiness and love are a distant reminiscence. Pain is my driving force, comfort and power," Batman slowly marched towards her and Akua biting over her tongue. "But do you know what the best part is?"
Akua immediately jumped into a fighting stance.
"Pain is a constant reminder that the mission isn't over, my promise unfulfilled and most importantly… I'm not dead, just yet!"
There was a different look in his eyes as he charged her as he came at her with a different purpose. First came a shot to her side, then another to her jaw as he continued on without letting up. She tried finding an opening and refuting but she was unable to do either, taking one powerful hit after another and all of her strikes blocked and or evaded. He was fighting at a completely different pace than before and so fluently. To be flooded like this was uncharted territory for the Shuzen. She had no resolutions as a powerful punch to her chest then directed Akua forty yards through the air and towards Akasha who ducked down and watched her plummet into the dirt. The Dark Lord took a look into her eyes, and it wasn't fear or disdain that she saw but rather satisfaction and an overflow of thrill as Akua popped up and onto her feet.
Till then neither she nor the dark knight tapped into any of their inner aura or yokai, fighting at base strength but Akua knew it was time to make a change. From just his last burst she knew he'd been holding back considerably, but also realized he'd gone through some changes from seven years ago. She stabbed right through him, only for him to heal in seconds. But more importantly he was proving to be quite the worthy challenger and that got her blood pumping, knowing that after so long she was finally faced with a real challenge.
"It's here!" two yokai emerged from beneath the hidden passageway and waving two sparkly items. "We've got both Chirismoy shells!"
The Flash immediately looked in that direction and with a smile as the flow of time slowed from his perspective. Akua was off and running at Batman but this time with her inner power taking a substantial jump. Akasha dominated the fight against both Akhua and Kiria without effort, who even together were incapable of doing much to push her back. And with the announcement of the shells, Akasha attempted to take off that way but she was stopped by a hard kick to the side as Kahlua powered up. But that was the only blow her stepdaughter managed as Akasha remarked Kahlua's follow up and dodged before forcing an open hand into her chest. The Dark Lord then sliced away at incoming Fairy Tale henchmen with her sword and then kicked another several feet across the snowy turf. It was then Kiria that moved in on her, swinging out his blade with one hand and trying to grab hold of her with his opposite hand that morphed into tentacles. Akash caused him much pain as she sliced away at these and then planted him into the ground with a single punch and leaving behind a small crater. He coughed and spat blood as a result and Kahlua looking on with wide eyes.
"She's grown stronger from years ago," the Shuzen bit over her tongue.
Much like Akua and Batman she was without the use of any yokai. The Dark Lord looked to put him out with her next strike, but then she saw something from the corner of her eye.
"You talk too much boy, let's see how you handle in my world!"
Akasha's mouth dropped at the sight of a Ningyo yokai with its tail wrapped around Robin's neck and diving into a nearby lake.
"Nooo!" the Dark Lord dropped her sword as she took off in that direction.
She knew the capabilities of a Ningyo and when it was surrounded in its own territory, its prey was good as dead! And not thinking much about it, Akasha took a deep breath.
"Can't believe I'm going to do this..."
The vampire powered up her yokai and aura which didn't go unnoticed by others on the battlefield and a majority looking in her direction as she took a dive into the lake.
"Akasha!" Batman shouted as he darted in that direction.
"Has she lost it?!"
Akua was equally as shocked, but the biggest question was why? Why had she jumped into a pool of water, it was the one element capable of killing a vampire! In full stride Batman followed after her as he to dove into the pool of water. The first thing he experienced was the burning sensation over his mouth and lips, feeling as though his inner body threatened to tear itself apart from the inside out! But it was only for a moment as the alert system sounded inside his suit and from various areas throughout the suit his flesh was stabbed and herb treated water injected into his body and the affects were almost immediate. That burning sensation disappeared, but that was the least of his worries.
It was further down that he spotted Akasha and her legs propelling as she looked to be going after what looked much like a mermaid. Her heart was beating out of control and felt she might go into cardiac arrest, and feeling like her internal organs were melting away inside and her eyes ready to explode. No matter how damaging the aquatic was on her body, she wouldn't stop. The boy wouldn't survive if she didn't stop the ningyo. Batman discerned Robin by then who was clearly unconscious as the yokai pulled him along and Batman picking up his pace. She was far out of her element but with the Dark Lord's aura increased it gave her just enough speed to catch up with the water based yokai and cease her neck.
Up top things weren't much better as Circe initiated a spell and meteors falling from the sky and over the battle field as Cyborg fired up over them and the Flash getting the Onikuma's clear of the area and during this process Fairy Tale made its escape by way of the sorceress's magic, through teleportation. The meteor's raining down didn't stop until another minute, completely decimating the shrine. And when it was all over Cyborg looked to the Flash just before punching into the ground as he took a knee.
"Why so gloomy?"
"Is that a trick question, Barry?! We just lost and Fairy Tale now has not one, but two Chirismoy shells!"
"I wouldn't be so sure," the Flash was with a smile and revealing two sparkly items from under his left glove.
"Don't tell me, is that the..."
"Shells, yup. I only wish I could see the faces of Fairy Tale the moment they realize they've been duped... especially hers, Circe. Remember those replicas Batman had Zatanna construct?"
"You crafty son of a gun," Cyborg stood to his feet with a smirk. "When?"
"Right away. The instant they showed up from underground and asserting to have them I made the switch in the blink of an eye. I doubt it takes them long to figure they left with a fake, but Zatanna did enlace each with a magical signature. That should have them fooled for at least a little while. What happened to Batman and Robin?"
The speedster looked out in every direction and then came a huge splash as both league members looked over towards the lake.
"Batman!" Cybog shouted.
Flash was over there in a whiff, as Batman surfaced with two persons in his arms and both unconscious. With the help of Flash they pulled both out of the water and the caped crusader immediately performing CPR on Robin who coughed up water, but still unconscious.
"What in the world happened?!" Victor ran up on them.
"Robin was matched with a mermaid who pulled him into the lake and he would have been killed if not for her," Batman looked down over Akasha and moved up beside her and checking for a pulse.
"And the mermaid?" Flash asked.
"Dead," Batman responded. "Akasha broke her neck the moment she got hands on her."
The speedster swallowed back, wishing he hadn't asked.
"She alive?" Cyborg asked.
"Yes... barely," Batman responded but then looked around to see the entire shrine had been destroyed and no signs of Fairy Tale. "They got away with the shells?"
"So they think, but no," Flash proudly showed Batman the two magic pieces. "Long story short, they're with a fake and just don't know it."
The dark knight breathed a sigh of relief and even smiled.
"Good work you two," he looked down on both Robin and Akasha. "Let's first get them someplace that I can medically attend to them and then we'll go from there. What became of the yokai tribe?"
"Got them out of here when Circe went all barren and started raining meteor's over the area like a storm," the Flash replied.
XXX
Most of Vindellorien were kept in the dark as to what happened, but that didn't include the nobles or soldiers of the land. Dinah Lance had just returned from a jog and it was at this time she discovered something happened. It was the talk of the castle wherever she went and she met up with Luke on the mid-levels.
"Have you heard?"
"How could I not, there isn't anyone who hasn't been talking about it."
Unknowingly Dinah found herself staring at Luke and that's when she noticed something unusual. His body and posture coupled with his expression almost implied he was somewhat affected by the news.
"You... you don't look so good."
"I'm fine," Luke assured her.
It wasn't a moment later that both eyed Prince Arlo who just so happened to be passing by and appeared frenzied and bumping shoulders with Canary. Both Luke and Dinah gave each other a quick look and without saying they followed after him, but did so from a distance. They shadowed him down the hall and then up a flight of steps where he entered the bedroom of Cecily Hadlee who was sitting in front of a mirror.
"What on earth are you doing dolling up at a time like now?!" Arlo shouted.
The female elf seemed to ignore him as she touched up the last of her makeup and brushing her hair.
"What does it look like I'm doing? Gotta prepare for the event later this evening. Though lady Isla is held captive, the world doesn't just stop. We have responsibilities and others counting on us to fulfil our duties."
"Then why call me here?" Arlo glared.
Cecily responded by smiling at him through the mirror and even winking which caused the elf prince to growl.
"Calm yourself Admiral, you shouldn't take things so serious and I've actually called you here with a bit of good news if you want to call it that."
Arlo stepped further into the room but with a change in his stance. He was with his hands behind his head and had a feeling whatever she had to tell him would be valuable. The prince scratched at his cheek as he sat at the edge of the bed and watched Cecily finish applying lipstick.
"Let's get on with this," she spun around in the stool with her eyes over him. "There might have been one detail I left out in the throne room."
Suddenly she had Arlo's undivided attention while he moved over a little and one leg over the other.
"Forgot... or intentionally withheld?" his scowl was vivid over her.
"Once you've heard you'll understand and you must promise to keep this between us."
"Depends on what you got," the prince stretched his neck.
Falling back and with her gaze glued to his, Cecily twirled her right wrist before lowering it.
"There was a gem given to me by my great grandfather when I was just a child. He was killed in battle just four years after that. From that moment forward I've always held onto it no matter where I go. There's one detail that you must know. The gem gives off a one of a kind magical radiance that can be traced."
"And what of it, don't see how your precious little stone has a damn thing to do with the situation."
"Before Lady Isla and I separated I slipped it into her possession. The gem itself signifies good luck and long as she carries it we should be able to find..."
"How?!" Arlo jumped up.
The female elf looked to the window across the room.
"There's a sorcerer that lurks outside the borders of our kingdom, who can be found in the Owaku village. He has the capabilities of accomplishing this, he's helped me recover it in the past. Rahim is his name, kind of a mysterious fella and not much for talking."
Running both hands over his face, Arlo again settled himself over the bed and looking to the woman sitting across from him.
"I don't get it, why now? Why tell me this in private, when you could have earlier. Together with my father and all of Vindellorien's forces we can..."
"And that's precisely why I kept quiet," Cecily shook her head. "Use that brain of yours and you'll know exactly what I elude to. Your father is all about the safety of this kingdom before even his family, it takes thick skin to be king. If something were to happen to Queen Avis or King Delbert, the responsibilities would squarely fall over your shoulders. Their ideologies and way of doing things is something both you and Princess Sienna must adopt as one day either of you will become ruler of Vindellorien."
Arlo only listened without a response and took a deep breath while she continued on.
"You would have been the first jumping up and down and demanding that your father put together a cease and rescue operation, a scenario that he would see differently. His approach would take time, possibly weeks and you and I both know lady Isla can't be held under those terrorists for such a prolonged period. I know they will do a whole lot more than just physically torture her!"
Arlo's very body tightened as he held a firm grip over the blankets beneath him. There was no disagreeing with Cecily as he knew she was absolutely right.
"I don't get it! When did father become so stubborn, I mean it seems like he won't accept assist from anyone including our closes allies. The dragons and Arcenill Mount wouldn't hesitate to put everything else aside and lend a helping hand. They're our greatest ally for crying out loud and father refuses to even call upon them!"
Cecily looked over Arlo and could do nothing but shake her head.
"And that's just it, your majesty this whole ordeal is a problem only of Vindellorien. Ilon and the Xsouvizs have yet to attack Arcenill Mount, if at all. This isn't their problem and nor should we try and involve them, it would show weakness and dependence. To be viewed in such a way would be deplorable. In that regard I unequivocally agree with the king and it is exactly how you must see things in the future. I cherish lady Isla as if she were my sister, but that is the reality of the situation."
Immediately Arlo was with his teeth gritted but then relaxed his shoulders as he sat back and took time to reflect over her words.
"Point taken, but what about the dogs? The kingdom of Reinganar has had their run-ins with Ilon and his gang, and I understand werewolves aren't particularly our buddies but we aren't enemies. Father won't consider a meeting with them, or even reaching out to Bloodriver Akasha. She is queen of Hiklorhan, but her political power and jurisdiction spans far beyond that with her rank as Dark Lord. An act such as this is right up her ally. But with what you've particularized about father, it's apparent that won't happen."
Arlo understood the Xsouviz activity wasn't deemed a realm wide threat and so the yokai emperor was off the table, as he'd have more important matters to concentrate over.
"You'll have to establish a unit of your own, detached from the Vindellorien military. You'd greatly put yourself in a position where someone could snitch. Much as you have the loyalty and respect of your own men, King Delbert would garner far more."
And it was then that things went completely silent whatever the case, Arlo knew he had his hands full, first seeking the sorcerer and then putting together a rescue team.
XXX
"Hey, you should really get in here. She's starting to move."
The next few moments were complete darkness as she slowly shifted on her side and listening to the voices stemming from the opposite room. Afterwards were the sounds of footsteps entering over the wooden surface, giving off a cracking thud. Her eyes stayed closed for only a moment longer before fluttering open. Her vision was murky for the first few seconds, but the adjustment period was accelerated.
"Bruce, Cyborg, I..."
"Vic, or Victor works," Cyborg responded. "I mean, no need to go by classified identities when we're away from all the action."
Akasha smiled at this with a simple nod of her head, but that was only for a moment as reality of the situation came back to her.
"What happened with Fairy Tale?!" Akasha jumped up with liveliness. "Did we..."
Batman firmly dropped his hands over her shoulders.
"You need to relax and not exert so much energy. As for the encounter, we were successful. We collected both Chirismoy shells," Batman responded.
"So that's why you left, where are you keeping them?"
"Both are safe," the caped crusader responded. "That's all you need to know."
The Dark Lord was still with so many questions and her mouth already halfway open as she was more than ready to just ask away, but knew she'd get little to no answers out of them and so she just sat back against the headboard.
"That's good to know," Akasha said with relief. "And where is here?"
"Iceland," Cyborg replied. "After you were recovered from the lake, we brought you here. We're just a couple miles from where we tackled Fairy Tale."
"Inside a cabin," Batman added. "I've stayed here once or twice during my worldly travels, but it's been years."
Subsequently Cyborg eyed Batman.
"All seems well here," Victor nodded his head. "I'll be on my way now but we'll keep contact."
"Certainly," Batman was only with a nod.
Cyborg was without any further words as he took off through a boom tube and Batman's eyes over Akasha.
"Why would you do something like that, you could have gotten yourself killed?!"
His change in tone was quite alarming and she hadn't any clue why but looked up at him innocently and this didn't go unnoticed by him.
"You don't remember, do you?" Batman breathed out with his shoulders lowered.
Akasha only blinked at him a couple times and confirming she had suffered short memory loss. And it was then that she sat back and thought things over. The vampire felt fatigue, being far more than what was normal even after the most intense training sessions or battle. She was also no longer in her battle gear but in her undergarments. So from there she sat forward with her head buried in the palms of her hand. A few seconds later the Dark Lord's eyes shot open as she halfway almost jumped out of the bed.
"The boy, Damian... is he okay?!"
Her concern was only met by his glare and fists clinched.
"What the hell did you think you were doing, you know the affect untreated water has on you. Had you spent any more time under there you would have gotten yourself killed!"
The Dark Lord only looked him off.
"Surely you understand your position in the monster world and the importance of it with millions counting on you. Your decisions and sacrifices should be chosen carefully! What you did is reckless and hotheaded, not what I'd expect someone such as yourself!"
Even with her looking in the opposite direction, the vampire could feel his glare beaming strongly over her.
"You didn't give me an answer," Akasha spoke gently. "Is Damian okay?"
"He'll live," Batman nodded. "He's in one of the other rooms and asleep, all he really needs is rest. And don't think for a second your deeds are excused."
There were various ways she could have responded, but she instead laid down on her side and with her back facing him.
"That's all I care about," she rested her head over the pillow. "I'm going to rest now, please leave me."
He looked down over her for a moment before taking to the open door and into the next room. In just a couple steps he pulled and lifted the cowl up and over his head. Letting out a sigh, Bruce tossed the cape and cowl to the ground and removing the rest of his upper body gear as well. It was there that he dropped down in front of the fireplace and with his legs crossed and went into a meditative state.
It was the very technique he learned from Selene Kayeda and there was nothing more soothing and calming on the body and spirit than that. He was under in a matter of seconds and from there he got lost in his own inner world. This went on for quite some time and he didn't know for how long, but subconsciously he picked up on another presence and so he resurfaced back to reality. His eyes keyed in on the woman standing over two feet from him, but her expression one of alarm.
"Akasha," he looked up at her with concern. "What is it?"
"You?!" she pointed directly at him. "Where did you learn that meditative procedure?!"
"Come again?"
"Selene taught you, didn't she?!" but Akasha quickly backtracked from that remark. "No it couldn't have, not in this amount of time could you have honed it like that. Who else other than Selene from the yokai realm have you had contact with?! There's far too many questions with you in the short span that you've been turned. I didn't say anything initially, but even in our practice bout I became suspicious. The influence you had over your movement, body, exactness and physical strength aren't possible for a newly turned to reach in four months. There are vampires who've trained for years and years and aren't capable of what you did in that ring."
Bruce listened but with a vacant expression.
"Who really trained you, was it father?"
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Really, because I don't think it's too farfetched. After all everyone seems to have known about your turning other than myself. Who's to say this whole thing isn't just some staged act, father claiming he wanted to meet with you, when in reality he's been looking over you this whole time. It would also explain why Selene has so much confidence in you."
"You know that isn't true."
"Do I? Father pretended for weeks he didn't know of Sasha's whereabouts and not a word about what happened to you. At this juncture anything is possible. And aside from that, there's also tonight. You left the castle and knew exactly where to confront Fairy Tale, how?"
Bruce's eyes fell over the ceiling before returning to hers.
"Confidential."
Her eyes narrowed at this response but she didn't look to dig further, figuring the JLA had their own agenda and investigation, having dozens of ways to obtain info.
"Fine, but could you at least try being more open minded with me. Please tell me who else was involved in getting you to where you are now. I'm very interested and if it is father..."
"He wasn't involved."
With that the Dark Lord dropped to her knees with only one foot in between them.
"I checked on Damian a little while ago and he's fine, it's exactly as you said. He just needs to relax."
"Why did you do it?" Bruce looked the Dark Lord in the eyes with intent. "That was reckless."
There was no immediate answer as she looked off to the side and Bruce gaping over her the entire time. It was moments later that she looked back to him and with a warm smile.
"It's because he's your son and Sasha's brother, we're all very much family. I realize he doesn't think highly of myself, but Sasha loves him much as she does you and I. My status as queen means nothing when loved ones or family are in danger. And if I had to go back and do it all over again, I would change nothing."
Bruce wanted to scowl but couldn't find it in himself to do so.
"You're the same way, aren't you Bruce? A rather stupid question and you can try and tell yourself one thing but I know the truth behind your outburst."
Bruce was with a raised eyebrow as he looked her over.
"The reason you went off on me like you did, isn't because of my importance to the yokai realm or my kingdom. You did so because you care about my wellbeing."
"Of course I do, you're Sasha's mother," Bruce responded without hesitation. "I probably should have said this sooner, but thank you. However, never do something like that again."
Akasha didn't go without a smile.
"You and I both know some things are best not said aloud but it's really the thought that counts," and by then Akasha was crawling over her hands and knees toward him. "I still remember the night you saved Moka and how another part of me fell for you."
By then Bruce was out of his stance and stumbling as he was almost on his back but used his forearm to remain upright. But that's also when he really took notice of it.
"What is it?" she blinked.
"Your skin... it's pale and dry. It doesn't have that same sparkle."
Akasha meekly just nodded.
"The very effects of pure water, poison to our bodies and a little longer in there and I would not have made it. It's nothing that consuming blood can't handle."
"I see," Bruce responded. "How about mine?"
The Dark Lord didn't expect this response, but smiled.
"Yes! I mean if that's okay with you, and it would be more effective if you infused it. Do you know how?"
"Of course, Selene explained the basics."
Akasha fell back and with her neck tilted and giving him an opening.
"Right there is fine, I won't need much just a little."
With a nod he lowered his head with his fangs in view and biting into the side of her neck and instilling his blood into her, but what he didn't expect was a bite of her own into his shoulder. It was a very stimulating sensation, assuming she was drinking his blood. This lasted for only a few moments before both pulled back and just like that he watched in awe as her complexion transformed. Again he fell back and Akasha essentially atop him and staring into his eyes as he did the same.
"I told you earlier this evening how I feel about you, so rather than express in words allow me to show you."
With her gaze still locked with his she leaned her face in closer and Bruce froze in the moment as she puckered her lips and pressed them gently against his. After the second peck and no retaliation she deepened the kiss with more passion and Bruce falling over his back with their lips locked. The pink haired vampire took things a step forward, opening her mouth and giving him her tongue. She moaned into the kiss just before pulling back just as quickly, lightly biting at his lower lip and pushing away with a feeling of guilt.
"Just a simple kiss," she looked away from him as Bruce sat up. "That's as far as we go."
Akasha stood upright while Bruce remained seated and she took a couple steps away from him. For some moments his heart sprung, kissing her in that way again after so long. She just saved Damian and could have gotten herself killed so there was no way he could just push her away, or at least that's what he told himself as a means to justify why he didn't stop her.
"We may stay here for the remainder of the night, see Damian back to Gotham in one piece and then return to Hiklorhan. The proceedings of tonight, your departure and our confrontation with Fairy Tale shouldn't be mentioned until after your test. Try not to pull another stunt like this, leaving the castle. You're supposed to be under my twenty four, seven, surveillance."
"How did you know where to find me?" Bruce inquired. "I found the sound system you installed in my…"
The Dark Lord only giggled.
"What was inside your room wasn't my doing, it was Selene's. She wanted to help with the observation process and I approved it. It was wrong of me to do so, and I'm sorry for that. You disabled what was inside your room but there was a hidden camera out in the hall," Akasha looked back at him. "No sound included, but I saw Cyborg and the way he looked at you and then shortly after you left the castle. It seemed serious, so I got suited up and ready for anything even if it meant bringing you back by force. But for the sake of your privacy and my belief in you, I shall disable the camera on our return. Please don't disappoint the faith I have in you. Stay put and play by the rules and this'll be over before you know it."
"And the kiss, you know..."
"I have a decision to make," Akasha cut him off as her eyes locked with his. "I will not lead you on or my fia... Colton. And I think I know what that decision is."
The vampire smiled at him with a blush before turning and heading for the bedroom.
"Sweet dreams Bruce," Akasha looked away from him as she reentered the bedroom.
There was much surrounding him and his situation that she had many questions and concerns but she was willing to overlook for the time being. And so with her thoughts and mind cleared, Akasha tucked herself in and closed her eyes and fell into deep sleep in minutes. Not much longer after that Cyborg reappeared in the opposite room in front of Bruce.
"You're back," Bruce said with surprise.
"Yeah and you need to get dressed," Cyborg looked down over him. "Superman tracked Doctor Fate and he awaits you in the watchtower."
Bruce immediately jumped up recovering his gear, redressing himself and siding with Vic.
"Let's go."
To be continued
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Clash of Realms