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

Chapter List
- 22
- 23
- 24
Seal of Darkness
CHP23: Unraveling Clues

The sounds of birds chirping and singing from outside the window across the room awoke him from deep sleep, his eyes opening to the light shining in. It took him moments to realize he wasn't within his own bedroom, and just as quickly felt the physical presence of another beside him. He slowly repositioned, so not to wake her and the vampire laid fast asleep with her arms wrapped around him and her head over the left side of his chest. They laid beneath the blankets covering most their bodies. Memory of what took place the night before came back to him in an instant and he was surprised where things had went, but didn't regret what transpired. It was the most amazing night of love making he had ever experienced. There was no other woman that came close to pleasing him the way she did, and it likely had a lot to do with her fortitude and centuries of experience.
With his right arm he reached over removing strands of hair from the side of her face, getting a better view of her facade. She looked so beautiful and peaceful like that, in deep sleep without a care in the world. He slowly ran two fingers through her hair, never taking his eyes off her. By looking at the Dark Lord on the outside, coupled with her cheerful type personality he never would have imagined she'd morph into the complete opposite in bed. She was comparable to devilish creature in heat or wild boar, but he did everything in his strength not to fall behind and keep up with her. As he laid their looking his lover over, he felt the soreness in his shoulders, lower and upper back and in his waist as well. Sex with the Dark Lord was very much a workout as it was a means of pleasure and had it not been for his top level conditioning he might not have been able to keep up. He watched closely as her head moved upward and her eyes slowly opened. A grin shaped over the vampire's lips as her gaze met with his.
"Morning handsome," Akasha spoke softly.
Bruce returned the smile running a hand over her left shoulder.
"Morning," he replied.
The vampire resituated wrapping her legs around his left leg and kissing at his cheek and then rested her head over his left shoulder. With her head just under his chin she ran her fingernails over his chest and massaged the bottom of her left foot over his lower leg and ankle. He wrapped his left arm around the vampire and held her close, as his gaze was glued to the ceiling. Bruce cleared his throat and only partially looked to her from the corner of his eye. He scratched at his hair with his free hand and sighed.
"How...how was I?"
When she didn't answer right away he felt his heart stop and he even bit back. Another couple seconds passed and still nothing.
"You want my honest opinion?" Akasha finally spoke after a long period of silence.
Bruce bit at his tongue, unsure if he wanted to know based on her tone.
"Yes," he said with clarity.
Due to her vampire nature Akasha detected the uprising in his blood flow and smirked because of it, her actions a success. The vampire pushed upward and looked him in the eyes.
"Last night was incredible, you crushed and passed my expectations with flying colors. I can't remember the last time I endured so many organisms one after another, nonstop. Last night ranks in my top three," she ran a hand over the side of his face as both smiled. "You should be proud of yourself, competing against and satisfying me more than most my past lovers, all of which yokai. To think you, a human could possess such tenacity and stamina!"
Akasha leaned in and embraced in a passionate kiss with her lover, Bruce wrapping his arms around her body. They broke the kiss and stared into each other's eyes, Akasha running a hand over the left side of his face.
"You know, there's nothing like morning sex," the vampire kissed at his lips.
After hours of love making the night before she was ready to go at it again and he could hardly believe it. During some of his back and forth research he read vampires had a superior sex drive to humans and in that instant it appeared as though there might be truth to that. He dropped back and his eyes looked away from hers and she could sense something bothered him.
"What is it?" the vampire questioned, her tone caring.
"We didn't use protection," Bruce said blandly.
The female vampire chuckled pushing off him and down beside him and looked him in the eyes.
"Didn't I tell you not to worry? You're a non-vampire and so impregnating me would be near a forty to fifty percent chance less than if you were a male vampire," Akasha said.
"But there's still a chance," Bruce glared.
"Yes," Akasha rolled her eyes in annoyance. "But the chances of that aren't imminent. If it bothers you so much we can use protection next time, it makes no difference to me."
He wanted to retort and say there wouldn't be a next time, but found he was unable to speak the words and so he remained silent. At just about that time a ringing sound caught their attention from her side of the bed. She looked to the dresser beside the bed and it was her cellphone that rang, and Todd Heinstan's caller ID was visible.
"Hello," she lowered her head over the left side of Bruce's chest and answered the call.
He scratched at his hair once more, surprised by her carefree attitude towards the whole situation and what they'd done, Akasha seemingly holding no regrets and satisfied.
"I need you to come in early," Todd's voice spoke on the other end. "Do you remember Tytus Cedric? Well he's heading over for a meeting in just a little under an hour and I want you to be here."
Akasha thought for a moment and recalled meeting the individual, it was just the day after the Joker and his cronies had crashed the expo. It was also at that time Alliya went off on Bruce for leaving her behind during the criminal shootout.
"I'll be there," Akasha spoke after seconds of silence. "Just give me a little time."
"Perfect, I'll see you then," Todd replied.
Todd hung up and the vampire tossed the phone back over the drawer and looked to Bruce.
"Looks like I'm short for time," she ran her fingers over his left arm. "Gonna catch a bath, want to join me?"
"Maybe another time," Bruce smirked.
"I'm gonna hold you to that," Akasha smiled.
Removing the blankets off his body, Bruce hopped out of bed and recovered bits and pieces of his armor that were scattered all around the floor. Akasha watched him get dressed and smirked the entire time. He looked to a nearby clock seeing it was already after eight AM. Suiting up in all his gear, what remained was the cowl which he reached for and pulled over his head.
"Aren't you going to give me a goodbye kiss?" she purposely lowered the blankets exposing her breasts.
He only gave her a quick look before exiting the bedroom without a word, leaving the vampire pouting with her lower lip extended outward. She expected nothing less from him and seeing as she had a schedule to keep, Akasha pushed upward and removed the blankets off her body. Much as she needed to bathe the sheets needed changing, sections of it damp from their love making and dried up semen, some of which was over the left side of her waist. The vampire ripped the sheets and blankets off the bed and dragged them along into the laundry room down the hall from her bedroom and started up the wash.
Afterwards she walked through the hall and into the bathroom across the bedroom and started up the bath water. Beside the sink was a plastic bag which she opened and dumped herbs into the tub along with a special soap that added bubbles. She waited for the tub to fill before lowering herself in and sighing out loud, the steamy temperature of the water relaxing over the entirety of her nakedness. She looked to the ceiling with her hands behind her head with half a grin shaping over her lips, rehashing what had taken place the night before. She hadn't felt happier or more complete in a long time.
After nearly a twenty minute drive the batmobile shot down a ramp and through the waterfall and into the bat cave. Coming to a sliding stop over a large platform the top of the vehicle slid open and Batman leaped outward and walked down the steps and one of the elevators in a corner of the room slowly opened.
"Good morning sir, when you didn't return last night I figured it was for good reason. Were your attempts at tracking the Penguin or Joker a success and did you get around to speaking with the vampire?"
Batman walked passed the bat computer with his eyes set on a specific section of the cave.
"I need a shower Alfred," Bruce replied.
"A shower sir?" he replied with curious eyes.
"Yes, and a cold one for that matter."
Bruce bypassed his butler and stepped through an automatic door where all the bat suits and gear were held. He immediately undressed, starting with the cowl and outside the room Alfred stood with a raised eyebrow.
XXX
From up high a helicopter landed atop the building of a secret base and a woman in her mid-forties stepped out with short brown hair, light brown gold colored eyes and wore a gray hat similar in design to an Ushanka Military Hat. She also wore a long gray fur jacket that extended downward past her knees and black combat boots over her feet. She was escorted into the building with one guard on either side of her. They traveled down ten levels using an elevator and entered the main facility where the woman was saluted by a handful of persons standing around. Making her way across the room she stopped short of a singular individual.
"Sergeant Vadim Ryall, hello," she smiled.
"Captain," he replied with a smile and nodded slightly.
"I never heard back from you that night, was the mission a success?"
Vadim shook his head.
"Unfortunately not, the vigilante got in our way. We were unable to determine the hidden nature of the male target, but the other was of the cat girl race as you already know. We can mark it off as a single isolated incident of disturbance and go about business as usual."
"No, no," the woman threw her finger forward. "You said a vigilante denied you a successful capture, do you refer to the bat demon?"
"Yes, it was the Batman," Vadim replied.
The woman breathed deeply at the mention of the dark knight's name pacing back and forth. Vadim watched the leader of the organization but said nothing, more than clear she deeply deliberated what they should do about the small obstacle.
"Dark Stalker Slayers will not be hindered by this, I know just the person to clean up or rather keep the vigilante occupied and away from our missions. She's currently ranked sixth out of our registered hunters, which is quite impressive for one so young. She'll be more than enough to hold the bat at bay."
"You don't mean BB..."
"Baby Bonnie Hood, of course. She's currently stationed in Europe, but all it'll take is a simple phone call and plane ticket and she'll arrive in no time. If she so to chooses, BB Hood may hunt the darkstalkers lurking in Gotham. Her primary mission however is to jumble with and keep the Batman away from our efforts."
Vadim leaned against a wall and nodded.
"Would you like me to make the call?"
"Yes, the sooner the better. We'll save ourselves heartache by not underestimating the cape crusader, as some call him. No matter what it takes, we will capture or down every single darkstalker. Preferably alive, there is money to be made."
Elsewhere an Infiniti Q70 in the color of dark blue pulled up in front of Driafigura Corp, settling in the parking lot. Exiting from the driver's side was a woman wearing a long sleeve white shirt with the top two buttons left unbuttoned. She also wore a black skirt, black leg stockings and high heels with a black bow tied in her long pink hair. As she normally did the vampire received numerous stares as she walked through the main lobby and into the elevator. Her mood was extremely cheerful and she hummed and sang to herself the entire way up. The elevator doors shot open and she threw her head back as she stepped through the hall and let her hair fly. All the way down the hall and into Todd's office she quietly hummed.
"Hello, everyone," Akasha said cheerfully as she entered.
"You're late," Todd frowned.
He sat at his desk with Candice and Marten standing on the left side of his desk, all in the proper uniform. Akasha looked to a nearby clock which showed it was already thirty minutes after eleven. There was however another woman on the opposite side of his desk that stood in front of the large windows that overlooked the city. Her back was to the vampire and she was dressed in a bright orange dress, with a cloche hat and long blond hair with black boots. Unlike the others Akasha picked up on a demonic aura from the individual, and it was a very familiar one.
"Hello Akasha," the woman spun around from the window.
She was without the shades that normally covered her eyes and she displayed an undeniable grin.
"Morrigan...what are you doing here? What is she doing here?!" Akasha's eyes fell over Todd.
"Hell if I know, she just showed up in search of you and said something about a proposition. She wouldn't give details," Todd replied.
"This is practically your headquarters, you could have had security escort her out," Akasha said.
"Unnecessary," Todd shook his head. "And besides I highly doubt that would have done much good."
Morrigan snickered taking a step forward.
"No security person can resist my charm," the succubus licked at her lips. "But I hear you all have a problem convincing a certain someone."
All eyes fell on Morrigan, but none were sure of what she eluded to.
"Uhm, what?" Marten scratched at the left side of his head.
Morrigan pulled up a chair from a corner of the office and took a seat with her left leg crossed atop her right.
"You want a partnership with Wayne Enterprises, right? Well consider it done, I'll take care of its stubborn CEO. He's quite endearing too, Bruce Wayne is his name, right?" Morrigan questioned.
Akasha's eyes immediately widened and she marched forward with two steps.
"I've got him under wraps, your services aren't needed!"Akasha spoke with determination and clarity.
"You do," Todd said, with a raised eyebrow.
Far as he knew, Akasha had completely and utterly failed with attempting to convince Bruce of a collaboration. It was because of that he turned to Alliya Gerdanson in hopes a secret relationship with the super model could inch him closer to his target.
"Yes, we don't need her," Akasha stared into Morrigan's eyes, but it was a look the succubus had never received from the vampire.
It was similar to gazing into the eyes of a predator that was readying itself to attack! The succubus even felt her throat go dry and gulped. Why was her friend/colleague looking down on her like that, it was almost frightening? Morrigan quickly rebounded and didn't want to be showed up or told what to do by anyone.
"Really now," the succubus chuckled looking to Todd. "We've got a vampire that hasn't dated or been intimate for years, oh and by the way she isn't fond of human men, especially those of riches that hold power. She probably forgot how to even talk to or seduce a man."
"Ouch," Marten voiced, holding back laughter.
"You're so pathetic, you know nothing!" Akasha snapped.
Morrigan's eyes returned to the vampire and laughed.
"You have the looks that could boil any man's blood, but you're otherwise lacking in other areas. Never send a kitten to do a Lion's job," the succubus chuckled. "Sure, you might suck his blood but what would that do? I'd suck on something else, that something would make him do anything I ask, get my drift..."
Morrigan went through the motions twirling her tongue and Candice placed a hand over her own mouth in disgust.
"I like this bitch," Marten murmured.
Akasha rolled her eyes and looked away from Morrigan.
"I've tasted his blood, but believe me, I've sucked on more than just that..." Akasha whispered.
"Couldn't hear yah," Morrigan leaned forward resituating her legs. "Could you say that a bit louder?"
Todd coughed, clearing his throat.
"Enough of this," he looked between them both. "It isn't as if I want Wayne dead, on the contrary...his death would leave us at a heavy disadvantage. Precisely why it is best we leave it to Akasha, and if what she says is true then we have nothing to worry about."
"Excuse me," Morrigan blinked with irritation in her tone. "We succubi are the master of seduction and of course I wouldn't kill someone of such importance, even I don't want that kind of negative attention. Clearly you people are uneducated on the likes of us succubi."
"Humor me," Todd sat back in his chair, with both his hands together.
"With pleasure," Morrigan grinned. "With Gotham's prince I could merely take him under my aura by having him look into my eyes and just like that he'd do anything I asked. Sure when the charm ran its course he'd be aware, but by then the damage would already be done. But I prefer the more challenging approach, and hauling my prey in the old fashion way. And to clarify there is a difference between a succubus feeding, mating and casual sex with her selected partner."
"Nobody cares," Akasha interrupted with a frown.
"I'm not finished," she laughed the vampire's comments off. "I could engage in sexual intercourse with a man and take his seed, but not his soul."
Todd's eyes narrowed at this reveal, more than skeptical.
"And why would one of your kind do such a thing, the souls of males of all races are what gives you your life force," Todd questioned.
"You talk as if succubi are sex lusted machines with no feelings and have only one way of thinking. If a succubus fancies or is attracted to a subject, she may choose to sleep with him on numerous occasions without taking an ounce of his soul energy."
"A sex slave?" Todd asked, his stance remaining still.
"Must you be so literal? In certain circumstances yes, but often times the feeling is mutual. And if that connection is deep enough the succubi in most situations will refer to this person as her special one. This is the person a succubus hopes to settle with and have her offspring but when that feeling isn't returned that's when it hurts most."
"And then she kills him," Marten chimed in. "I mean the man or whatever that doesn't return her feelings?"
Morrigan shook her head.
"A succubus would never harm a man she deems is her destined one, even if he were to move on with someone else. Depending how deep her bond with him, she may never truly stop loving him even if she were to move on as well."
The room went completely silent following those comments, Akasha the only one that was aware of what Morrigan had shared. With retained memories from Omote, she recalled Kurumu expressing exactly this for Tsukune, although at the time their relationship had never gone physical. Morrigan pushed up from her chair and slowly walked toward Todd and she unexpectedly hopped atop his desk and crawled across on her knees.
"If you need someone to sleep with and convince Bruce Wayne to agree to our terms, I'm absolutely your girl. And if you're skeptical about some of what I've said," Morrigan reached out grabbing hold of his tie. "I'm open to demonstrating on you, firsthand."
The succubus licked at her lips as Todd bit back. Akasha however marched forward and pulled at Morrrigan's left boot and forced her off the table and onto her feet.
"No one is sleeping with Wayne, especially not you!" Akasha made clear.
Todd's mouth slightly dropped open, not expecting such an energetic response from the vampire especially taking into account who it concerned.
"Why getting so defensive," Morrigan snickered. "Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed again?"
"You'll only screw things up, leave him to me. There's a reason our superiors elected that I be in this position and not you and I will fulfil it without fail," Akasha glared.
Morrigan waved the vampire off and walked passed her.
"That's why I came here today, and by all means do whatever you want and I'm just a phone call away if you change your mind," Morrigan winked directly at Akasha.
She pushed open the door to the hall but quickly jumped back as two persons pushed a large cart carrying a bouquet of roses and flowers and on first glance it appeared as though there was at least twelve separate sets. Todd watched the cart pass by and immediately stood and walked around his desk and out into the hall. Everyone else followed and to their surprise the cart was pushed into Akasha's small office space. The group stood outside the doorway of her workspace and watched the two individuals unload the various sets of flowers and roses onto her desk.
"What is all this?" Todd looked to Akasha, his expression one of suspicion.
The vampire simply shrugged her shoulders implying she was clueless. Todd then returned his attention to the two inside the room and called out to them.
"Sorry to be a disturbance, but what is all this?" Todd entered.
"Oh, hello mister Heinstan," one replied, removing the last of the flowers from the cart. "Big fan of yours."
He reached out to shake hands with the CEO of Driafigura Corp, but his efforts ignored.
"The flowers?" Todd scowled.
"Oh yes," the delivery person said nervously stepping back and lifting a small envelop and piece of paper from the cart. "These are addressed to an Akasha Misaki and the sender is...uhm well, anonymous."
All eyes fell on the vampire and Morrigan grinned wildly.
"Why're you looking at me like that," Akasha said.
"A note was included with the delivery," the individual stepped forward and handed Akasha the enclosed envelope.
"Good day to you all."
Both delivery persons exited and pulled the cart alongside them and Akasha was the first to approach her desk. She not only looked them over but sniffed at a handful as well.
"They're so beautiful and smell lovely!" the vampire pulled one set off the table and took it into her hands.
"Indeed," Candice moved in on the table. "But who would send you so many, it must be quite the occasion."
"I'm saying," Marten crossed his arms. "This is overkill."
The vampire ignored all the side comments and gracefully sniffed at the flowers in her hands before setting them back over the table and exhaling in delight. Her heart raced and she felt like a young girl opening gifts on the day of her birthday.
"The note," Todd looked to Akasha. "What does it say?"
"Please read, perhaps it'll shed light on who's behind all this," Candice added.
Everyone's attention was again on Akasha and their stares made her uncomfortable. Taking his advice she dug her fingernails into the envelope and ripped it open, pulling out a small piece of paper. There were only a couple words, but those words sent shockwaves through her body. The small note read, "Thanks for last night."It was simple and to the point but meant so much, especially coming from him. There was no question in her mind who sent the flowers and she couldn't be more ecstatic.
"What did it say?!" Candice asked out of anticipation.
Akasha's cheeks turned a bright pink and she held the note firmly against her chest and felt her legs grow weak as she trembled. The feeling was similar to being in love, which scared her but excited her. Cloud nine was the best way to describe her emotions and for an instant it seemed as though everything disappeared around her. She never would have expected such a gesture of appreciation from someone like him, the knight of Gotham continuing to surprise her. Being so caught up in her thoughts she didn't react as Morrigan marched forward and snatched the note from her hands.
"Give me that!" the succubus said.
"Nooooo!" Akasha shouted.
The succubus took off running with the note in hand and Akasha right behind her.
"Give it back!" the vampire demanded.
The succubus picked up speed and Akasha kicked off her high heels and picked up speed as well. Candice, Todd and Marten watched as the two women ran around the room like children.
"Morrigan I'm not joking, pretty please give it back," Akasha pleaded with her hands together.
Not slowing for even a moment Morrigan laughed, loving the distress she was putting the vampire through. As she did so the succubus flipped over the note with the intent to read. Akasha chased her around the table in circles and noticed Morrigan was attempting to read the note.
"Don't you dear!" the vampire hissed.
"Wow," Candice's mouth dropped open. "This was unexpected...they're acting like school children."
"Thank you for," Morrigan began reading out loud.
Akasha threw her body forward and jumped over the table tackling Morrigan to the carpet and forced her left arm behind her back.
"Give me the note or I break the arm!" Akasha threatened.
Morrigan tried fighting out of the arm lock but she was unsuccessful as Akasha forced her arm further up and she cried out in pain kicking out her legs up and down.
"Mercy, mercy! I give!" Morrigan dropped the note from her hand.
Leaning forward Akasha recovered the note and released Morrigan's arm.
"Thank you," she said kindly, throwing her hair back and pushing off the succubus.
Todd ran the palm of his hand over his face and let out a sigh.
"Are you, or are you not going to tell me who sent all this?" Todd questioned.
With the letter in hand Akasha placed it into the left side of her bra. Pushing off the ground, Morrigan frowned with only the thought of getting back at Akasha on mind.
"It was a friend, a girlfriend," Akasha placed a hand over her lips. "A girl that is a friend, yes hehe."
The vampire lowered her hands down by her sides and displayed a wide grin, but Todd wasn't buying it. There was something about her demeanor that was apprehensive and he figured she wasn't being completely honest. Even so whatever she did outside of the office was her own business so he didn't think too much of it.
"Sir, Tytus Cedric has arrived," a security official appeared in the doorway. "What should I tell him?"
"Have security escort him up to my office right away," Todd replied.
"Yes sir," the individual nodded.
He disappeared into the hall and then it was Morrigan that headed that way as well.
"Guess it's about time I check out, catch you later…Akasha," the succubus winked.
Walking across the carpet the pink haired vampire recovered her shoes and slipped back into them. Todd returned to his office with Akasha and the others following. Todd's plan for review didn't work out as planned given the unforeseen arrival of Morrigan and Akasha's tardiness.
On the other side of town sat Tsukune in front of his desk typing away and he managed to get ahold of important information. He did so in just a few phone calls and some extended computer work. Standing off to his left was Gin, the werewolf with his back against a wall.
"Do you have her schedule?"
"Yes," Tsukune repositioned in the chair. "Right about now she should be in a meeting and according to this she'll be occupied for most the afternoon and day. Our best option is to wait until later this evening, sometime after seven or maybe eight. Moka-san's shift at Cherry Petals Boutique ends at about six thirty this evening, so that works out. Still, it's no guaranteed home run. Who knows what she might be up to during her free time."
"True and we can't follow her back to the residence paid off by her boss," Gin scratched at his chin. "Have you thought up a way of luring her to us?"
Tsukune shook his head as he leaned back in the chair.
"We'll deal with that when the time comes, as I've stated there's no way of really determining where she'll be later in the evening. Things will work out best if we try and tag her at the end of her shift."
"Sounds about right," Gin nodded. "On another note I have three missed calls from Ruby-san, she of course left messages, but she sounded worried. She inquired for an update on your situation and she's also aware of Kurumu-chan's untimely disappearance. She hasn't a clue I'm no longer in Japan which clearly can be said for the others, but for how much longer? What should I tell her?"
Silence fell over the two as Tsukune opted to think things over, tapping a single finger over the tabletop. He knew at some point it would come to this if they didn't do what they needed to, fast.
"Don't worry about a thing, I'll talk to them," Tsukune replied.
"What will you say?" Gin questioned.
"That I've found Moka-san and she's doing fine, and that I want them to continue overseeing the academy in my absence."
"And what of Kurumu-chan," Gin asked.
Tsukune again went quiet and leaned forward with his chin situated in the palm of his hand.
"I don't know. I'd rather keep her and your involvement secret. If they knew of your presence they'd come running for sure. Unless they heard from you or Kurumu-chan, they should have no clue of our whereabouts. Regardless, their departure from the yokai realm would leave the academy in a shaky spot."
"You and I are on the same page," Gin grinned.
Tsukune's eyes fell back over the computer screen and in a couple clicks he opened a small file.
"This is another reason I called you over, pity Kurumu-chan was out for the time being," Tsukune spoke as Gin walked up and took a look over Tsukune's right shoulder. "No amount of searching brought about any significant results on the term Drocgoeu."
"Are you referring to those magical keys?"
"Uh huh," Tsukune nodded his head. "Details of such items wouldn't be available in any database, at least not of the human world. Given my position as headmaster I've also attained previous contacts of Tenmei Mikogami."
"And?"
"We need to make contact with Batman, I know the origin of the Drocgoeus and who constructed them. My contact however had no details of any gateway or the purpose of the keys, but with this information it's another step in the right direction. Moka-san has the means of contacting him, so we'll leave it to her, but not until after we've spoken with Akasha-san. It's time for her to come clean with all she knows."
Gin wasn't able to make much sense of the symbols on screen, but he was galvanized by what Tsukune said regardless. The werewolf stepped back with only one question on mind.
"Who created the Drocgoeus?"
XXX
"Unlike the VeC six, the NT Vab operates on a computer network and can be rebooted and operated wirelessly. The user has more control and freedom as opposed to previous versions."
"How does the radar handle, if at all?"
"As of the moment it doesn't, a single bug to the updated version, one in which is being worked out."
Two men walked through the halls of a building, one dressed in a black suit and tie and the other in a blue suit.
"Which versions will be available upon release?"
"All that I revealed in the primary meeting, the vab isn't limited to one style or system. The simplest forms are on display but within the next month or so the finalized version will be announced. Custom designs and colors will be optional. I had no idea the NT Vab drone interested you so much."
"Well, you know me Bruce I'm all about tech. That's what we're all about over at Task Universal."
"Of course, I know all about that," Bruce smiled.
"With the Expo interrupted and all, the masses never got to witness Wayne Industry's Project TE Five. I've heard speculation and rumors, but would you be willing to reveal some of those details. Off record of course, I won't speak to a soul."
Coming up on a staircase they walked down the steps and into the main lobby. His eyes never left the billionaire CEO and with each step taken and no reply, he felt Bruce wouldn't give an answer.
"Come Brucie, I know it's a solar powered system of some sort. Don't leave me hanging..."
"The details will go public soon," Bruce looked to him from the corner of his eye. "You won't have to wait long, Gary."
"Damn you Wayne, always so secretive," he chuckled looking over the watch on his left wrist. "But would you look at the time, it's just about six. Great talking as usual and hope to see you at the Goenzurl presentation in a week."
"Already marked on the calendar, I'll be there," Bruce nodded.
Exiting through the main doors, he gazed back and gave Bruce a thumbs up. Not a moment later someone tapped at the back of his left shoulder.
"Hate to interrupt Mister Wayne, but there's someone out back to see you."
"Do he have a schedule?"
"Don't think so, she said her name is Akasha Misaki and claimed to be a frie..."
"Thanks," Bruce walked off before the speaker could finish.
Much as he tried, he couldn't stop thinking about her all throughout the day and then to have her show up was almost mind blowing. He never imagined what occurred the night before would happen from the first time they fought, but somehow it did. The entire time he reminded himself he was in control of his actions and the situation and he wasn't wrong, but somehow he wasn't or more accurately didn't want to resist her advances. Giving into his urges, he gave her the night and it was one he would not soon forget. As he came within a foot of the door his fists tightened and he bit back. What would he do or say to her? He hadn't really thought about it, or where their relationship was to go from there. Inside his head he tossed different ideas around, envisioning the different outcomes before dismissing the thoughts all together when pushing open the door. Her back was to him but there was no mistaking her, the vampire still dressed in her work uniform. At the sounds of his footsteps she glimpsed over her shoulder and her entire expression brightened.
"Bruce!" she said happily, pushing away from the railing.
The vampire ran at and threw her arms around him. Her actions were more than surprising and he had a difficult time breathing with the grip she held over him.
"Sorry, hehe," Akasha pulled back, realizing just that.
Bruce cleared his throat and took a deep breath.
"Alright I'm here, what is it?"
The vampire shot him a knowing glare, but was just for a single instant.
"You like to play it tough, but don't try and pretend you don't halfway know why I'm here. The flowers were beautiful and lovely," she moved in and rubbed the right side of her face against him. "You can't even begin to imagine how it made me feel, I never expected such a kind act coming from you. You aren't the type to express yourself like that, which is fine. But the fact that you went out of your way to do that for me was very sweet."
She stood on the tips of her toes and kissed at his cheek and blushed as she did so. Bruce stepped back and scratched at the back of his head and though he tried hiding a smile, his efforts were unsuccessful.
"Glad you liked them," he replied.
"Yes, I watered each and every one," the vampire smiled with her hands clasped together just below her waist. "I could have called, but there's another reason I wanted to see you."
"Which is?"
"Watch your back. Today we had a meeting and she was there."
"She?" Bruce questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Morrigan, and she offered to further our efforts in getting a partnership with Wayne Industries through you. In just one look a succubus is able to take a man under her influence and force him to do whatever she wishes him to do," Akasha replied.
Bruce sighed and crossed his arms.
"I already know all that, and you needn't worry about me."
"Are you listening?! One look or even kiss and you're finished, no amount of willpower can resist a succubus, especially not one of her level. At the moment I forced her to retreat, but there's no telling if she might act on her own."
"As I said, I'll be fine."
"You're being stubborn," Akasha retorted, marching forward. "You think just because you're the Batman you can defeat any and every obstacle, well you're wrong!"
"Akasha," Bruce spoke softly, dropping a hand over her right shoulder. "I didn't say that, there are many things out of my control and power but I am never without a plan. You can believe me when I tell you not to worry."
The vampire immediately opened her mouth to reply but then her eyes met with his and her nerves calmed and she instead took a deep breath. Lowering her head and shoulders, she looked to the pavement beneath them.
"Ok, I'll trust you," she returned her eyes to his. "But that doesn't mean I won't worry."
Bruce smiled and she did the same.
"That it?" he asked.
"Just about," she nodded, but then a suspicious grin shaped over her lips. "But you didn't really think I'd let you off the hook that easy."
"Excuse me?" Bruce asked curiously.
"I'm talking about last night, about us," Akasha trailed her fingers over his upper uniform. "Last night was incredible, neither of us can deny it. And my question to you is where do we stand, was it just a onetime thing or do we give this a chance?"
The wind blew to the right of them carrying her hair upward and blowing it back and forth. For a little over a minute he said nothing and based on his posture and demeanor, she knew his answer and turned her back.
"I understand, but it was nice...even if for just one night. Maybe, just maybe after this is all over I can convince you otherwise," she smiled at him, over her left shoulder. "Until next time."
She walked to the steps and his hands were situated inside his pockets. He took a single step forward and called out to her.
"Akasha...wait."
"Yes," she answered without turning.
Biting at his tongue he went through his thoughts before speaking.
"I didn't confirm nor deny..."
She stood in silence, trying to make sense of his words and the meaning behind them. The vampire eventually turned and faced him with question in her eyes.
"Tomorrow evening I'm attending the Hellite Royal, if you're interested we could go together."
"If it is additional information you're hoping for, or one of the Sentrox, I probably won't have either by then so..."
"You misunderstand," Bruce shook his head. "I am not seeking information or one of the devices, I'm simply asking you out."
The vampire bit at her lower lip and felt her blood flow rise.
"Asking me out, as in like a date?"
"Yes, precisely," Bruce replied.
The pink haired vampire took several moments taking in and letting his words register in her mind and when realization settled in, she ran at Bruce and threw her arms around him. It took all the strength in his legs to keep them both from tumbling to the ground. Her eyes were closed and they stayed in that position for several moments, the vampire's satisfaction at a new high.
"You don't know how happy this makes me," her eyes slowly opened as she rubbed her left cheek over his. "I'll do my best to make it worth your while."
Akasha lowered her head and her lips just beside the left side of his neck.
"May I," she whispered.
"We're out in the open, someone might see us. Maybe a..."
He quieted at the piercing sharpness of her fangs burying into his neck without warning and the vampire sucking away at his blood. He picked up on her cherry like scent once more, being so close to her. Akasha sucked gently taking in what she wanted before pulling her head back and licking at her lips.
"Just what I needed. And now that we're official, perhaps we should start holding hands in public," the vampire said jokingly.
Bruce however glared.
"I never said we were offi..."
"Later cutie," Akasha interrupted, kissing at his cheek. "See you tomorrow evening, hehe."
She raced down the steps quietly humming to herself as she skipped along the sidewalk like a love-struck school girl. Biting back Bruce ran a hand over his face and took a deep breath. Given their situations getting into a relationship with the vampire raised tons of red flags, but at her core she was kind and caring and she accepted the mission and who he was. Even so he didn't want to suck her into his world and decided to entertain the idea of a relationship with her for the time being. It wouldn't last, none of them ever did...but what if this time it was different, what if she was different? That's what scared him, emotionally she hit spots few others had and his attraction to her was ever-growing.
XXX
Standing in front of a mirror, she twirled around taking one final look at herself and was satisfied. She was dressed in a dark red victorian styled dress and bow of similar color tied in her hair. Pulling her keys off the rack she was on her way through the front door and took off down the street in the Infiniti Q70. She planned to rest for the evening but when receiving a call from Candice inviting her to a formal party that would include several of Todd's business associates, she figured why not.
About ten minutes into the drive she picked up on something out of the ordinary, but it had nothing to do with the road. She tried ignoring the presence and even picked up speed but it soon became clear she wouldn't rid herself of it and that she was also being followed. Instead of continuing forward she veered off course and looked over the GPS inside the vehicle. A public park was near and that's where she decided to reroute. In minutes she arrived and that same demonic aura loomed strongly over her as it had for most the drive. Slamming the door shut, the vampire walked out onto the open grass and did so without lowering her guard. She came to an eventual stop beside a tree and closed her eyes with crossed arms. The presence drew nearer with each second that passed and it soon came to a stop somewhere near.
"Whoever you are, come on out...I can sense you," Akasha spoke aloud.
Her stalker was unknown but her vampire abilities allowed her to detect the presence of any yokai, and there was no one better at doing so than her. Not a moment later she listened in on approaching footsteps and opened her eyes. A single woman appeared from behind a bush wearing a red belly top with a pink heart logo at the center and tight jean shorts, long high knee socks and sneakers. Her light blue hair was tied back with a red maid headband with one gold star on the left side.
"Kurumu-chan!"
Akasha was extremely stunned, which was clear not only through her tone but expression. The succubus rid herself of the wings extending from her back and looked Akasha in the eyes and for a moment her throat went dry. Seeing her up close like that and hearing her speak almost brought tears to her eyes, it was like reuniting with a long lost friend. She was the spitting image of Omote grown into adulthood, but the succubus realized the woman standing opposite her wasn't that person.
"Hello Kurumu-chan," Akasha said kindly, waving.
The succubi was lost for words and Akasha could see it, and she found Kurumu's expression quite adorable and snickered as a response. Kurumu found herself back tracking and lightly bit at her tongue, thinking about how she should respond.
"I ah," Kurumu began but then went silent again.
She tightened her fists, feeling her nerves rise with anxiety.
"Go on," Akasha spoke softly, in an encouraging way.
Frozen in place Kurumu gathered herself and took deep breaths but by then voices called out to her from the distance and it wasn't long before three others joined her from behind. Akasha recognized each of the three and looked the group over as a whole.
"Tsukune, Gin and...and my Moka," the pink haired vampire smiled.
There was nothing in the entire world she loved more than her only child. Moka however maintained a blank expression and their gazes met and both stared at each other for a brief moment.
"We should probably cut right to the chase, the quicker we're out of here the better," Gin voiced.
"Agreed," Tsukune stepped forward as Kurumu took a couple back, and with her hands together. "As you've probably figured we'd like to have a word."
"I take it you used Kurumu-chan to track me? You have my number, dontcha Tsukune? You could have simply given me a call."
"You have her number?!" Gin shouted.
"After our encounter in Puerto Rico it wouldn't alarm me if you're on closer surveillance from your bosses. That includes phones and other electronics, it wasn't worth the risk. But that's aside the point, we have questions," Tsukune spoke.
Akasha frowned with her gaze primarily on Tsukune and Moka.
"I don't suppose you're willing to retreat ba..."
"No, mother!" Moka shot. "Fairy Tale came after me and retreating does me, nor any of us any good. They will pursue me until they get whatever it is they want from me and instead of sitting around and waiting for that to happen, we're bringing the fight to them."
"And I'm secretly allied with them and won't let them harm even an inch on your body. I know places where you could go and disappear until things are settled, I've gathered up quite the amount of territory in all my years."
"Not an option, sorry mother," Moka replied.
The silver haired vampire glimpsed into the eyes of her mother and perceived the sadness. All she wanted was for Moka to be safe and as far away from Fairy Tale as possible. Akasha sighed and looked them all over once more and knew there was no changing their minds.
"What did you want to talk about?" she inquired.
"Does the name Soolum Jhavier ring any bells?"
"Sorry, it doesn't," Akasha answered quickly and honestly. "Who is that?"
"I made a few calls and did some deep digging and apparently he was the creator of the Drocgoeus back in the mid thirteenth century. Are you certain you've never once heard the name?" Tsukune again asked.
Akasha nodded her head.
"How did you come across such info, and is the source trustworthy?" the pink haired vampire asked.
"I have no doubts. Soolum Jhavier was said to be a Dodomeki who took on a human form during his time of walking this world. He had a great magic presence to him and learned from six of the greatest magic users during that era. That's all I've got and I was hoping you could help us connect the pieces as to why the keys were created. We now know who constructed them, but that isn't much on its own," Tsukune said.
"Wish I could help," Akasha shrugged her shoulders. "I don't really ask too many questions, I just go about my business and do what's asked of me."
"Probably the best way to go," Gin sounded. "They might get suspicious otherwise."
Silence fell over the group and disappointment quickly settled in, Tsukune hoping they'd get more out of Akasha.
"I'll see if I can gain intel without bringing attention to myself," Akasha implied.
He didn't respond, but Gin quietly noted the vampire likely wouldn't share information given her stance on wanting them far away from the action.
"Then I guess there's no point in remaining here, we've said what we needed and it's for the better that we go our own ways," Gin said.
Kurumu immediately stepped forward and ahead of everyone and her eyes deadlocked with Akasha.
"Is it true!?" the succubus took another couple steps forward. "Do you have her memories!?"
"Kurumu-chan..." Akasha walked forward.
Tsukune and everyone stood by and just watched. Stopping just inches of the succubus, Akasha extended an arm and pulled in Kurumu beside her and embraced her in a motherly way.
"Indeed I do, but as I've expressed to Tsukune that doesn't make me her. I am me Kurumu-chan, Moka's mother...Akasha Bloodriver," the vampire smiled, gently running a hand over Kurumu's right shoulder.
The action comforted the succubus and Akasha soon thereafter stepped back.
"I'm expected somewhere or else I'd stay longer, and try not to trail me again it could be dangerous. I'll come to you next time, if necessary."
Just like that the vampire took off and the entire group did the same, but in opposite directions. Tsukune shoulder bumped Moka only after a couple steps.
"What is it?" the silver haired vampire asked.
"Your mother will clearly be no help to us, it's time to make contact with him. Do you have the communications device?" Tsukune asked.
"Do you mean Batman?"
"Yes, with what little we've gathered he'll be able to add to it...hopefully," Tsukune said.
"He is said to be world's greatest detective," Kurumu voiced. "We'll need that."
"Don't have it on me, but my place isn't far from here," Moka replied.
Out and onto the road Akasha thought about her daughter and the others the entire drive. No matter how many scenarios played out in her thoughts, there was nothing assuring that led to the departure of Moka and CO. The thought frustrated her, wanting nothing but Moka to be out of harm's way. Finding an open space beside a sidewalk she parked, seeing as all spaces within the parking lot were taken. With a small ticket in hand she gained entry through the main doors of the Santermor hall and walked over the red carpet and into the ballroom. Whistles were immediately directed at her by a handful of male attendants. The vampire kept her eyes open for a singular person and scoured much the room but didn't see her.
"Looking for someone."
Akasha revolved around and standing there was a woman at 5'6 with light brown hair and dark colored eyes. She wore a dark gray dress and silver bracelet on her left wrist.
"Candice," Akasha smiled.
The vampire's coworker locked arms with the vampire and pulled her along.
"There are a couple people I'd like you to meet," Candice informed.
"Of course, that's why I'm here."
"Hey would you like to do something tomorrow morning? It's our day off from the office and thought you might like a tour of the small farm land I inherited. If nothing else it'd be a change of pace, and besides we've barely spoken or done anything outside the office."
"I'll take you up on that," Akasha replied.
"Then it's settled, I'll swing by your place around ten and then we can head out," Candice informed.
In just a couple more steps they approached the individuals of interest and Candice introduced the vampire to each separately. Across from the building lurked a group on standby covered from head to toe in black armor and smoke colored goggle lenses covering their eyes.
"Sir, requesting backup," one spoke into a communications device.
"What is your situation?"
"We've got a darkstalker in sight and based on the readings from our systems it's one of the S class variation. We're lacking a certified captain to pursue a target of such high level."
"Do you have eyes on the target and do you have a clue as to the monster type?"
"We have visual, she mingles among humans as we speak but I am unable to make out her true nature. The ratings on the demonic aura of this one are extremely high, I suspect she's dangerous."
"Very good, you're free to move in whenever. Back up is on the way, don't let this one slip through your fingers."
XXX
Two masked persons stood atop a building and a third touched down in front of them from an adjacent building.
"About time you showed, thought I was about to fall asleep."
"Nightwing, Red Robin," the dark knight looked between both. "Thanks for coming."
"Of course," Red Robin nodded.
"So, whatsup?" Nightwing asked.
"This," Batman pressed down over a hidden panel beneath his gauntlet. A large holographic image put on display for all of them to see. It displayed various different angles of three locations. "I manually snapped these shot's from Wayne Industry's satellite overlooking the earth."
"Must be fun having control of so many toys, not setting foot anywhere near these locations yet you're still able to get the job done. Rant over, what exactly are we looking at?" Nightwing questioned.
"Wrong, I visited each location individually and found nothing. Each of these three locations was listed in the files uploaded from Todd Heinstan's hard drive. On hindsight it looks as though there is nothing special about any of the areas, which is very true. As noted, I visited each and found nothing."
"Then what?" Red Robin questioned.
"That's exactly what we need to uncover, I decoded what remained of the files uploaded from Todd's hard drive and this bit retained these locations," Batman switched the holographic view in a couple clicks. "At center, activation he/she, Izervecic..."
Nightwing scratched at the side of his head, not sure what to make of what Batman had just read.
"And that means what, exactly?" Nightwing asked.
"Another question that needs answering," Batman replied, suspending the holographic view. "A lot of what we're dealing with might be out of our area of expertise."
"You think," Nightwing spoke with a hint of sarcasm in his tone, and paced over the roof. "We're dealing with yokais, demons, monsters and potentially even magic, we need to call in the..."
"The league? Their services won't be needed, we'll deal with this in house. You do make a point about magic, from time to time outside assist might be necessary."
Red Robin took a step forward and nodded.
"You think Doctor Fate might have an idea of the term Izervecic? Or maybe Zatanna, you have a close relationship with her, it wouldn't hurt to ask."
Batman looked to Red Robin, but didn't speak right away.
"Yes, I'll forward her the information but I'm not holding out hope. Zee specializes in magic and is proficient beyond belief, but some of what we're dealing with has little to do with magic. Knowledge of the yokai realm and its history is what's putting us at a disadvantage. The enemy pulling the strings is of that world, I'm sure of it."
"Exactly why we shouldn't work this alone. You yourself said the consequence for failure could mean the end of Gotham and millions of lives. Fight fire with fire as I see it, we've got allies of great power Bruce, we don't have to do this alone," Nightwing implied.
"And what would that make us if we called on to others to stop this dark force?" Batman glared.
The comment left Nightwing stumped for some time.
"You wouldn't lose credibility, it's just smart," Nightwing said simply.
Batman sighed looking over two of his closes allies and just as he opened his mouth a loud rumble altered his attention. Over the road was an armored vehicle speeding along and bypassing civilian vehicles, clearly going over the speed limit. That in itself wasn't what bothered him, but rather the design and build of it...he had seen the vehicle before. In one quick flash, memory of the encounter came back to him and it was also a group he'd been investigating since that night. Moving away from Nightwing and Red Robin, he uncovered a gun shaped object from his belt and took aim.
"What're you doing?" Red Robin questioned, walking up beside him.
In just the first shot the projectile connected with the vehicle and not a moment later it disappeared up the street.
"They're a new group in town I encountered nights ago," Batman reconnected the item to his belt. "I didn't know who they were then, but I do now."
"Who are they?" Nightwing asked.
"This conversation isn't over, we'll pick up where we left off soon," Batman leaped off the ledge and pressed at a button over his belt as he dove down.
"Batman!" Nightwing shouted.
From within an alley the batmobile emerged and Batman dropped perfectly into the driver's seat and the top to the vehicle slid shut. He stepped on the gas and blasted down the road, but did so at a speed that would keep him on their heels without exposing himself.
"Wonder what that was about," Red Robin stepped away from the ledge and looked to Nightwing. "Back to the topic at hand...for now we should go with whatever he wishes. Thus far we haven't encountered anything out of our abilities."
"True," Nightwing nodded. "We'll see for how long though and we'll play it his way until then. Do whatever you wish but I'm not done with him. I have questions."
Nightwing leaped off the ledge and headed in the direction of the batmobile. Across from the building holding the event, the group of armed persons readied themselves to move in, having received word of the incoming backup that was less than a mile away. Party goers enjoyed themselves inside the ballroom, some relishing the festivities, others conversing on the side and the majority on the dance floor. When arriving Candice and Akasha continuously spoke with the same group, most of which retained to Driafigura Corp. Candice did most the talking, but the vampire had her share of questions and comments.
The two ladies soon parted from the group, exchanging information and headed for the bar area. Ordering a beverage for them both, Candice repositioned in the stool and looked Akasha in the face.
"Now that we're alone and away from everyone, let's hear it."
"Hear what?" the vampire replied, completely oblivious to what her coworker got at.
"Who sent you the flowers? You don't have to answer if you don't want, but I tend to think you've got a secret admirer or perhaps maybe you're seeing someone. I totally saw the look on your face when you read that note, there was no mistaking it...you have a crush, don't you?"
"No!" Akasha immediately looked forward.
Candice laughed as the vampire refused to give her eye contact and noticed the bashfulness in her expression. Shattering glass across the room interrupted the moment and both stood from their stools witnessing two massive windows smash through. Smoke canisters followed and the atmosphere around became foggy as dozens screamed running for the exits. Due to her vampire vision and senses, Akasha picked up on a total of twenty eight persons touching down inside the ballroom, all of which armed. One fired at the ceiling, which resulted in more screaming and shouting.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the party's over, get out!"
Security instantly rushed into the room but were unarmed and quickly struck down electrical charged weapons. Candice grabbed at Akasha's wrist and attempted to pull the vampire along but she stood firm.
"What are you doing, let's get out of here?!"
"You go," Akasha pulled her arm away. "I'll be fine."
Candice perceived a deadly intent in the eyes of the vampire, one in which she had never seen before. Well aware that Akasha could take care of herself Candice took off through the foggy atmosphere following other attendees to the exits. Akasha headed in the opposite direction and positioned in the mid-section of the room.
"Target acquired, I've got an open shot," one of the persons exclaimed.
"Take it!"
He fired off the shot but she easily side stepped and eluded the projectile. Little by little the smoke died down and as most of it vanished it was only the hunters and the vampire opposite of them within the ballroom.
"Who're you people?" Akasha asked, standing her ground.
"She's distracted, take her down!" the one in command ordered.
Ten of the twenty eight did so and the vampire swiftly dodged every bullet and projectile that came her way, leaving the entire group stunned.
"How in the hell was she able to move like that, especially in that dress!" one voiced.
"Last chance," Akasha eyed the entire group. "What is your purpose?"
It was clear they were after her, but for what reason she did not know. Her question was met by more gunfire, which was just a distraction as an electrical net was fired off at her blindside, but she again eluded with incredible reflexes.
"Impossible!"
Knowing full and well they had no intention of complying, Akasha took off and charged the group.
"She's coming, dammit!"
One shot at the vampire but missed three times over and had his weapon ripped away from his hands. She slammed his head into her knee before kicking him through a wall nearly one hundred yards across the room! Others looked in disbelief and the display of monstrous strength put further into question, just what type of yokai she truly was. Two others shot at her but she dodged the lasers flipping upward and slammed their heads together as he came down over them, and threw out her legs kicking them in opposite directions. Another two came at Akasha from behind, but with exceptional precision and awareness she blocked and countered their attacks. Both were dropped in a couple strikes, the vampire lifting one up by the throat and tossed him into another that came at her.
Leg dropping one around the ankle, she punched him into the air and leaped upward grabbing hold of his head midair and slammed him into the carpet. He was knocked unconscious on impact. More of them came at her carrying electrical black poles, and one stabbed into her left side. The electrical charge surged throughout much her body but did little damage, Akasha snatched pole out of his hand. She kneed the individual in the stomach and knocked him out cold with an elbow to the face. Another individual shot at Akasha from behind but the bullet only grazed her left shoulder and she kicked at the enemy's left ankle, knocking him off balance and spun her hips kicking him across the room with her opposite leg. Akasha twirled around slapping the weapon out of another and KO'd him by forcing her head against his.
Moving along she ran up on another upper cutting him and forced him into a wall with a powerful open hand. She caught the fist of another that crept up on her from the right, twisted his arm, elbowed him across the face and finished with a roundhouse kick to another from her front side! Going aerial, the vampire spun her body around like a helicopter and kicked at the heads of three, all of which were KO'd. It wasn't long before only one remained and he slowly backed away from the shinso vampire, but with his weapon aimed at her. Staring him down, she noticed the shakiness in his legs and let out a chuckle.
"Don't be so afraid," she grinned removing a strand of hair from her face. "Tell me your objective and I'll let you walk unharmed."
Akasha slowly walked toward him as he retreated back the other way.
"Stay away from me monster, or I'll shoot!"
His words only instigated additional laughter from the one opposite him. The terror was clear in his overall tone and the trembling of his body made it even clearer. Through one of the already shattered windows, something glided through and dropped down over the surface. The loud thump caused him to spin around and he shot at random, but his weapon discharged from his hand by a small bat shaped object.
"Batman!"
He took off running in the opposite direction with his eyes locked on the cape crusader and completely forgot about the target. As his head spun around at the last moment it was met by Akasha's fist and he fell to the ground unconscious. Batman took a single step forward as his eyes surveyed the large space picking up on the numerous persons out cold. His eyes then fell on the dark lord.
"Are you ok?"
"That a rhetorical question? I'm quite fine, but can't say the same for them," Akasha looked around at the fallen attackers. "And before you ask, I don't know why they were after me."
"I do," Batman replied.
"Really, how?!"
He took several steps and with his left boot forced one of the downed individuals on his side.
"Each of them shares the letters DSS sewn into their uniforms," Batman's gaze fell on Akasha. "They're known as the Dark Stalker Slayers, a global organization that hunts yokai and monsters. Some for the thrill of the chase, others for trophies and some to capture and sell their catch. The head woman and founder is Alyona Oksana, a Russian native. I encountered them nights ago, but at the time I hadn't a clue of their motive."
"Well, well," Akasha applauded the dark knight. "You're living up to your reputation, but what led you here? A hunch, or maybe...just maybe you were stalking me? Couldn't wait till tomorrow to see me? I can take care of myself, you know."
Stepping away from the body he positioned in front of her.
"I happened to spot one of their vehicles a couple miles north of here and trailed them, taking down their recruits out front. You just so happened to be their target, and I didn't find that out until now. Convenient or a stroke of luck, think of it as you will."
"And why tangle with them, I don't see how their agenda gets in the way of yours."
"They're hunters Akasha, hunters of beings like yourself who for the most part have done nothing wrong. While not documented, there are plenty of those persons lurking in Gotham and I won't allow someone to go around hunting innocent beings for sport or prizes. Aono, your daughter and their gang would be considered targets as well," Batman replied.
Time and again he proved his dedication to protecting, not only humans but yokai and others alike. Batman turned and looked to the window he'd entered and only after one step the vampire took hold of his wrist. She pulled him back and their eyes met, desire for him filling them. He got lost in the moment, wrapping his gloved fingers around the back of her neck and Akasha rested her left hand just above his utility belt. They stayed that way for a moment before Batman lowered his head and brought his lips to hers and shared a kiss. Police sirens out front kept it short as Batman stepped back, but Akasha satisfied none the less.
"You should go, I'll take care of the press" she whispered.
He did exactly that jumping through the window used to enter. With the grapple gun in hand he easily pulled himself atop a building across the street and that's when a ringing sound went off inside the cowl. It wasn't the usual standard beep from Alfred, so knew who the caller was instantly.
"Akashiya."
"We need to talk. Tsukune dug up more on the keys but we could really use that head and resources of yours expanding on our findings," Moka replied.
"Hold tight, I'm on my way."
XXX
An individual standing just under five feet tall entered the office of another. He wore a tuxedo, top hat, monocle, white gloves and spats. Accompanying him were three of his personal guards and a single person awaited them, sitting at a desk.
"Mister Cobblepot," Eyui Gyo grinned, lowering his arms over the table. "Thanks for arriving on such short notice, the footage we spoke about over the phone is now viewable. My technicians worked around the wiretaps and recovered the footage in its entirety."
"Let's see it," the Penguin remained standing.
Taking a remote into his hand Eyui started up a nearby HD TV in one click as Penguin took a look for himself.
"As you know, Catwoman was involved in the robbery of my prized items but she wasn't alone. Two others worked hand in hand with her."
In another click the footage played and Cobblepot's eyes were glued to the screen. Nights ago his men pursued Catwoman at the request of Eyui, but their efforts a failure as she managed to escape. Even so he took his mind off that and focused watching as Catwoman cracked her whip disarming one of the guards of his weapon as gunfire quickly ensued afterwards. Watching with narrowed eyes, he couldn't believe as a second woman stepped in spreading what looked to be bat like wings deflecting bullets fired in the direction of Catwoman.
"Lower your weapons, you don't want to fight me, I am a goddess you want to love and worship me."
The woman with long green hair commanded and without fight or even a word, the surrounding security persons lowered their weapons. Cobblepot couldn't believe his eyes but continued watching. His mouth dropped open as one kissed at her neck and another grabbing and squeezing her butt.
"Gentlemen, bow before your queen."
Again the Penguin was blown away as each individual complied and did as the bat woman asked. From that point he figured she must have some hidden ability at her disposal, Cobblepot no stranger to meta's and the supernatural. Eyui paused the footage as each of the three made their escape, and Penguin took note of the appearance of the cat girl, donning a long white tail and the bat woman. He'd crossed paths with Catwoman many times before, so didn't see her as a problem but the addition of her new accomplices could prove problematic.
"What do you think," Eyui looked to the Penguin with his hands overlapped atop the table. "Can you fix this little issue? I can't have delinquents stealing from me and getting away with it, doesn't bold well for my reputation nor is it good for business. This is partially why I agreed to secretly work with a man of your stature, to deal with flies like these."
"Consider them good as dead," Penguin quickly replied, but didn't put a lot of stock in his own words. "My people have a way of finding people, they can't hide, not in my city."
"Great, knew I could count on you, but I'd rather you capture them alive if possible. I'd like to teach them a lesson," Eyui cracked his knuckles. "Personally."
"Consider it done," the Penguin replied.
"That's what I like to hear, and you will be paid handsomely for your efforts. I'd take care of the matter myself, but my men aren't properly equipped nor trained to do what you're capable of."
"That it?"
Eyui sat back with a nod.
"Yes, and I'll anxiously await your call."
With that, the Penguin and his men exited through the door.
To Be Continued
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Seal of Darkness