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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
- 23
- 24
- 25
Seal of Darkness
CHP24: Kuenuiko Ayano

They waited atop a roof nearly two blocks from Moka's place and while most were still, Gin paced around with his hands in his pockets. His eyes looked to the skies and keyed in on the bat signal, seemingly miles from them. His and everyone's attention switched to the left side of the roof as a dark figure emerged from the skies, and touched down in front of them.
"Batman," Tsukune stepped forward.
Kurumu quickly bypassed the head master of Yokai academy and walked around the dark knight, looking him up and down. It was the first she'd seen him in person, each of the others having met on one occasion or another. She looked over photos, but that was it. The succubus stopped in front of him but took two steps back and looked him over one final time.
"You're even taller in person," Kurumu grinned and even felt a mysteriousness to him.
"And now for the reason we called," Tsukune voiced, siding with the succubus. "I don't know of you knowledge in relation to the underworld and yokai as a whole, but does the name Soolum Jhavier mean anything to you, at all?"
Moka took the initiative, moving in beside her friends.
"Tsukune did some digging and found this person was the creator of the Drocgoeus. She took on the form of a human male is disguise, but her true nature was that of a Dodomeki. She was yokai," Moka glimpsed at each of her colleagues. "Just like all of us."
"Where did you obtain this information?" Batman asked.
"An Associate of the late Tenmei Mikogami told me everything he knew. It wasn't much, but apparently Soolum was one who traveled not only the yokai realm, but much of the human world as well. During that time she learned powerful magic, from many of the best," Tsukune informed.
Batman paused for a moment just before eying Tsukune.
"This information is a first. You said Soolum disguised herself as a human male, why?"
"Don't know," Tsukune shrugged. "Probably to conceal herself further. It was rumored she had many enemies amongst even yokai, those that wanted her head. That's only speculation."
"Makes sense, I'll look into things further and get back to you. In the meantime however, there is something you should be aware of," Batman said.
All eyes keyed in on him but only for a moment as another dropped from a neighboring building. Batman shifted and gazed over his right shoulder and scowled.
"What're you doing here?"
"Lost track of you for a moment...what happened with the vehicle you were chasing after?"
Ignoring his ally, Batman looked back to Moka and CO. Nightwing on the other hand moved beside the dark knight.
"Putting together a party without inviting me? I'm crushed," Nightwing sighed.
"I don't know why they're in Gotham, but the four of you must be alert," Batman again paid Nightwing no attention. "They're known as the Dark Stalker Slayers, an organization that hunts monsters of spectacular abilities. They won't hesitate to kill if necessary."
Of the four, Gin was the only one that made sense of what was said.
"You're talking about the guys that attacked us that night, aren't you? The night you and I met?" the werewolf asked.
"Yes. They're led by a woman named Alyona Oksana, but I haven't confirmed nor ruled out she is in Gotham," Batman reached into his belt and revealed a small device. "I pulled this from a single of them I encountered within the hour."
"Wait, you fought against them...tonight?!" Gin's eyes broadened.
"I did," Batman nodded and looked at Moka. "They were after your mother."
"What!" Tsukune, Moka and Kurumu said at once.
"Is she ok?! We barely just spoke with her two hours ago!" Moka raced forward with her hands together.
"Akasha is fine, but I can't say the same for her attackers. I merely took down the back up in pursuit. She handled the primary group on her own, but that is beside the point," Batman held the small device out in front of him. "I haven't had time to examine it, but I believe this is what they use to track yokai. In some way or another this item grants them the means of tracking metas."
Moka clinched her fists, sickened by the thought her mother was attacked and was yet another problem stacked atop others in front of them. Batman's explanation also answered questions that Nightwing had, thankful he showed up when he did.
"Do we go after them?" Kurumu proposed.
"They aren't my top priority, but I wouldn't oppose any of you if that's what you decided to do. Gotham comes first and Fairy Tale has threatened her, my city. I thought I'd just give you a heads up," Batman stepped aside and toward the ledge.
"Wait, that's it? We'd gain more ground if we investigated together, let us come with you," the silver haired vampire suggested.
Batman paused for a moment and gave the request legitimate thought, Nightwing perceiving it in his eyes.
"Not this time," he replied, never looking back.
"We won't best them like this, if we're to beat Fairy Tale we need to do it together," Moka jeered.
"And we will," Batman looked back at her over his left shoulder. "Doing it my way."
Nightwing bit back knowing exactly how Moka felt, no one understanding the difficulties of working with Batman more than him. With clutched fists Moka marched forward but she was stopped as Tsukune grabbed at her left arm.
"Moka-san don't, this is exactly what we don't need. Let him do as he wishes," Tsukune looked to the cape crusader. "We'll await your update and in the meantime I'll see what else I might be able to find. Hopefully we can exchange notes next time."
Batman simply nodded walking forward and leaping off the ledge across from them and down into the batmobile that appeared via remote control. Nightwing and Tsukune watched the vehicle quickly speed off around the corner. Without even looking, Tsukune detected Moka's fury and agitation by the rise in her demonic aura.
"Whelp that's Batman for yah, better get used to it," Nightwing broke the silence.
"Why is he like that?" Moka glowered.
"I've asked myself that question many times, and eventually came to the conclusion that's just him. He's one of the best at what he does, so I've learned to trust him...but his ways didn't come without consequences."
"Consequences, what do you mean by that?" Kurumu asked.
Nightwing scratched at his chin with two gloved fingers.
"How should I put this," he took a deep breath and looked to the bat signal in the sky. "Once upon a time we were inseparable, the dynamic duo. But it was stuff like what you just saw that created bad blood, so many secrets and deception. Don't get me wrong, he did what he did to protect me, but I didn't need his pity so I set out on my own. Even so, we keep constant communication and collaborate when essential. Sometimes he'll hide things, but always with purpose...just giving you a little insight."
The group of four glimpsed at each other and then back at Nightwing.
"Anything else we should know?" Moka inquired.
"I've probably said more than I should have already. It's about time I got going too," Nightwing gave them a thumb's up before facing the opposite way. "I look forward to working with you all in putting an end to this threat."
In a quick shot of his grapple gun Nightwing was off and away into the city. Not a moment later Gin's cell phone rumbled and pulled it out, looking it over as it rang and rang.
"You gonna answer that? It might be Ruby-san checking for an update," Kurumu said.
Gin looked the caller ID over which read "Gotham City Gazette Daily."
"It's no one," he smirked, dropping the cell back into his pocket. "I'll call them back."
Kurumu stared at him with suspicious eyes, the succubus suspecting it was a girl he'd picked up since their arrival in town.
"No point in us standing around here either, it's been a long day and we could all use some rest. We'll get back on it tomorrow," Tsukune said.
"You're right," Kurumu yawned. "I could really use my beauty sleep."
Moka and Gin had no objections and from there they dropped off the roof and went their separate ways. As they did so, someone observed from afar and though she had barely arrived there was no doubt in her mind. The one in which she was in search of was right before her eyes, and she could barely hold in her sense of accomplishment.
"Onee-sama," she whispered.
The silver haired vampire was quickly out of sight just as the others, but it didn't matter, she had found her.
"I've finally done it Batty," the woman looked to a small bat hovering over her left shoulder. "Onee-sama is here, but why in a place like this and so far from home is the question. I must go to her and warn her..."
XXX
He was trapped between awake and asleep but his vampire senses picked up on another presence. Next was the lowering of the mattress beneath him, indicating added weight to his own. His eyes slowly opened and he perceived a dark figure crawling over the bed but due to the darkness he was unable to make out his or her features. He shot up but was forced on his back and his head against the pillow. The moon's light peeked in through the nearby curtain and shined over her face and his nerves immediately calmed.
"Kurumu-chan, what...what are you doing here?" Tsukune felt his throat go dry.
The succubus was dressed in a white lingerie see through nightgown and white leg stockings. Tsukune bit at his tongue as his eyes adjusted to the dark atmosphere and took in the small details surrounding her clothing. Her hair was tied up by a white maid headband and she positioned herself on top of him.
"Hello Tsukune," she whispered softly.
Tsukune took a couple moments thinking before responding.
"How did you get in here?"
He knew exactly why she was there, obvious by the way she was dressed and the look in her eyes, so asking was pointless.
"You gave Moka an extra key to your place, as she did the same," Kurumu replied.
"You stole it?"
"I wouldn't call it that, more or less borrowing," she smiled forcing the blankets off his upper body down past his knees. "But you know why I'm here, dontcha?"
She positioned her hands over his chest and her backside just below his waist, gazing into his rose red colored eyes. They stayed that way for a while before Tsukune eventually turned his head to the side and lowered his head over the pillow.
"This isn't the right time nor place, we can't do this Kurumu-chan."
"Sure we can, you're my destined one and I love you. I've waited so long for this moment, to be with you like this and I refuse to wait any longer. I know you feel the same way Tsukune, we're meant for each other," Kurumu reached back removing the headband and allowing her hair to fall over her shoulders.
She threw her head back letting her hair fly and then returned her gaze to Tsukune who did the same.
"Kurumu-chan..."
The left side of her face was partially covered by her hair, and in that moment Tsukne froze. She was so beautiful and he didn't know what to say or do, but then her head slowly lowered! Tsukune lightly bit at his tongue and gulped feeling the softness of her lips pressing down over his upper stomach and then over his chest. The action resulted in goosebumps over his skin and his heart surging. The succubus made her way upward kissing at both sides of his neck and stopped short of his lips, looking into his eyes.
"Just say the magic words and I'm yours," she lowered her head and her lips beside his left ear. "Every inch of me."
She whispered the last bit in the left side of his ear which caused shivers through his shoulders.
"No," Tsukune pushed upward and forced Kurumu off of him. "We can't do this now, there is far too much at stake. Our energy and efforts must be focused on one thing, and that's Fairy Tale. Millions of lives are at stake here."
"I know that," Kurumu leaned forward positioning on her hands and knees. "But that has nothing to do with here and now. We must live in the moment, and what happens here stays between us, I wouldn't say a word to any of the others."
Leaning against the headboard, Tsukune ran the palm of his hands over his face and let out a sigh. He then looked to the woman across from him with nothing but desire in her eyes and he almost wanted to give in for the sake of her feelings and loyalty, but knew he couldn't do that.
"I...I know how you feel about me, but we just can't. Not here, not now, not like this. Maybe someday, but that time isn't tonight."
The succubus studied his expression and features and kept quiet for an extended period.
"I understand," she looked away from him sadly. "But tell me one thing and be honest with me, where do I stand among them all?"
Tsukune was taken off guard by the question and didn't know how to respond, so kept his mouth shut.
"If I was her, would you sleep with me?" Kurumu again looked Tsukune directly in the eyes. "Moka is the front runner to be your mate, isn't she?! You love her, don't you?"
Another period of silence followed and Tsukune knew he needed to choose his words carefully. Piecing together what he needed to say Tsukune extended his arm outward and rested his hand atop Kurumu's. His touch brought a feeling of comfort and warmth to her.
"A day will come when I make that choice, but as of now I don't know Kurumu-chan. That is the truth, I hope you can understand and respect that."
Taking a deep breath the succubus nodded and smiled warmly before pushing up and out of the bed. She slowly walked toward the exit but stopped short of the door and looked back at him.
"No matter your decision, you will always hold a special place in my heart," Kurumu glimpsed back at him. "I love you Tsukune...goodnight."
She pushed open the door and exited as Tsukune fell back with his head over the pillow. His eyes were glued to the ceiling and he just laid there staring and knew it would be some time before he fell asleep, thinking about what she said. Her mention of Moka being the front runner was accurate, there wasn't a woman he loved more.
XXX
Agreeing to accompany her office coworker to the farmland turned out great. What had been an hour or two stay extended to a couple and she didn't regret it. Being away from the city and surrounded by the wide open meadow was a breath of fresh air and while there it freed her mind of everything surrounding the mission, truly feeling relaxed and free. The crackling sound of the front gates diverted her eyes from the horses galloping about behind the massive pen.
"Akasha," Candice waved. "You have guests."
The pink haired vampire was dressed in jean pants with brown boots, a sleeveless white t-shirt and a black bow in her hair. Nearly fifty yards away approached Candice with three others, Akasha recognizing each right away. The first had long blue hair, wearing a brown leather cowboy like hat, pink belly shirt and green skirt with yellow flower patterns over it and black boots. The next wasn't dressed at all, her white fur covering a majority of her body. The last had light blonde hair, tanned skin and red eyes. Her hair was held back by a tiara and she was in a white dress with white gloves and white boots. The vampire identified each as Felicia, Morrigan Aensland and Kahlua Shuzen.
"Hi, Akasha-san!" Felicia waved running passed everyone else.
She threw her arms around the pink haired vampire and embraced her tightly, and Akasha grinned lightly patting at the back of Felicia's head. The remainder of the group was quickly up on them and the cat woman pulled away from Akasha.
"How did you all find this place?" Akasha asked.
"I invited them," Candice spoke up.
"I wanted to speak to you," Kahlua added. "I called a couple times and you didn't answer, so I turned to Todd and when he didn't know I tried her."
Kahlua pointed to Candice.
"She informed me about the little get together you were having, so I decided to set out and meet you in person. These two overheard the conversation and wanted to tag along, so here we are."
"I see," Akasha nodded. "But shouldn't you be in disguise, in time things will blow over if you stay out of trouble but for the time being you're a hot topic for law enforcement."
The vampire's remark was directed at Morrigan.
"She'll be fine," Candice assured. "This large piece of land is far from the main city and we don't get very many visitors."
"I never asked, but who takes care of the animals and keeps the place running when you aren't around?" Akasha inquired.
"Hired help, there's no way I could maintain things on my own," Candice replied.
The vampire figured as much, returning her eyes to the horses galloping about. Morrigan moved in beside the vampire shoulder bumping her.
"Let's go bat hunting tonight, it'll be fun. I know you fancy him the way I do, and he's made for a great rush. You've fought once and I'm here to tell you it gets better with each encounter," the succubus implied.
"I know all I need to know about the Batman, and tracking him is a waste of time unless ordered by Fairy Tale. Plus I've got something planned later this evening," the pink haired vampire responded.
"Where's your sense of adventure, screw rules and protocols there's no point in any of this if we aren't having fun, right?"
Morrigan waited for an answer, never taking her eyes off Akasha but never got one.
"Fine, I'll go alone...your loss," Morrigan stepped away.
"Anyone want some sweets and refreshments, follow me right this way and maybe afterwards I'll give you all an in depth tour of the farm," Candice said.
"Yaaayyy, I want chocolates, candy and maybe cupcakes too!" Felicia said happily.
Candice led the way and everyone followed except Akasha who leaned against the wooden fence.
"You go on ahead, I'll catch up," she said without eye contact.
They did exactly that except Kahlua who stayed behind joining Akasha beside the fence. For a while they said nothing and just looked over the open land.
"What did you want to talk about?" Akasha asked after nearly two minutes.
"Have you seen or spoken with her?" Kahlua stared at Akasha. "If you have and you know where she's hiding than you cannot keep it a secret. Nee-chan is essential to his majesty's plans, I'm more than certain she will not be harmed. I know she's your daughter and you adore her, but..."
"Kahlua," Akasha spoke softly, cutting off the younger vampire. "I'm not your biological mother and though Gyokuro and I didn't see eye to eye I've always treated you and Kokoa-chan as if you were my own."
The statement left her without a means of response and she stayed quiet for a little over a minute.
"Yes...I know. But we aren't talking about me, this is about Moka nee-chan. Would you give up her whereabouts if you knew where she was?"
"Of course," Akasha replied without hesitation. "I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize his majesty's plans. But since you're here, I'd like to ask a favor."
"Uh huh," Kahlua glimpsed at her curiously.
"Seeing as I've been put in the position that I am, essentially making all the important decisions I'd like to have one...one of the Sentrox. Do you think you could do that for me?" Akasha asked.
The younger vampire nodded.
"We have an extra here in the human world, I'll get it to you ASAP."
Elsewhere two persons traveled down a flight of stairs, one dressed in a black t-shirt with gray shorts and the other with a white shirt, brown jacket atop it and jean pants with sneakers. The motion sensor lights clicked on as they entered into the primary section of the cave and in front of the large computer.
"Master Grayson, master Timothy, good afternoon."
"Hello to you Alfred, where is he?" Dick asked.
"I'm here," he emerged from a set of automatic doors in a lower section of the cave.
Alfred moved off to the side as Bruce made his way up the concrete steps.
"You find anything on Soolum Jhavier?" Grayson questioned.
Tim wasn't familiar with the name and knew he'd missed out on a detail or two. Walking further along Alfred coughed clearing his throat and getting the attention of them all.
"I'll get out of your way, but you know where to find me if you need me."
"Yes," Bruce nodded. "Thank you Alfred."
Each watched Alfred retreat to the elevators to their left and that's when Bruce focused on the computer and in one click someone appeared on screen.
"Jason Blood!" Dick's eyes shot open, not at all expecting to see the individual.
Tim was also stunned by the sudden appearance of Jason, but maintained his stance.
"We're all here, you can and tell them what you did me. Unless you'd prefer if I did the talking myself," Bruce spoke.
"No, that won't be necessary," Jason specifically looked to the allies of the dark knight. "I take it the two of you know the basics of what Batman collected?"
Richard nodded whilst Tim remained quiet.
"Not particularly, a full run through would be greatly appreciated," Tim said.
"Well then, let's get right to it," Jason leaned forward with his hands clasped together. "Soolum Jhavier was a yokai, born in the mid thirteenth century. When Batman requested information, I recalled hearing the name a couple centuries back. My other half is of the underworld, and during our time bounded together I never once visited this yokai realm. But fortunately the yokai in question walked our world for numerous years. Her birth name was Kuenuiko Ayano, born to a human woman and man."
Grayson took a step forward with crossed arms.
"But that doesn't make sense, if her parents were both human than how could she be yokai!" Dick said.
"We're getting to that. They were a family that didn't have much, barely getting by each day and little Kuenuiko tried helping in the only way she could. She reverted to stealing and it quickly became second nature to her, in no time she became quite proficient at it. Yen, food and everyday useful materials is what she mostly went after, but then one day all of that changed. The myth goes that some greater power from above casted a spell, punishing the young girl for her crimes against society. It is said the length of her arms increased ever so slightly and her arms covered in numerous bird eyes, as well as other sections of her body."
Tim and Dick glimpsed at one another with questioning eyes.
"On that one day she was deemed a Dodomeki, and rejected by not only her family, but the entire village. Banished with death threats, there was only one thing she could do and so she set off on her own and sought anyone that could undo what had been done to her. It was at this time her journey of the world began, gaining knowledge at an alarming rate and with this knowledge pursued those of great magical prowess. She studied and learned from the best and in doing so Kuenuiko was physically able to hide her monstrous features on the outside, but never truly vanquished the curse bestowed upon her."
"What does any of this have to do with our situation?" Tim asked.
Jason Blood took a deep breath and repositioned in his chair.
"Everything, and it'll soon come together. Eventually she came across others like herself, yokai of unique natures and she was introduced to the yokai realm. It was like a dream come true, finally accepted for what she was. But there was a darkness among them, a demon in every sense of the word that quietly observed her travels. Though highly independent she was equally as naive. Picking up on exactly that, this demon took Kuenuiko under his guidance. His name was Lastiu Vlet, a yokai of the Tengu variation. To make a long story short he groomed her and promised her anything she wanted and convinced her to help him with his deadly vision."
"Which was?" Tim asked.
Jason Blood fell back in his seat and closed his eyes for several moments.
"And that's where things become blurry," Jason's eyes slowly opened. "What I can tell you is whatever he wanted required her exceptional magical abilities. I can only assume it was to create or unlock something that he nor anyone else had the means of accomplishing themselves. And thus the eight Drocgoeus were created. Whatever the case, Kuenuiko realized his true intent and took off returning to the human world and hid the Drocgoeus using her magic. By then she was well aware of his connections and ability to track, so took on the name Soolum Jhavier, and used her magic to not only change her appearance but the flow of her demonic aura as well."
"Sounds like she was scary good with magic, but I have one question. Why eight Drocgoeus and not just one?" Grayson questioned.
"The million dollar question," Jason replied.
Biting at his lower lip, Tim tightened his fists.
"That's it? We're still technically at square one!"
"There is one last bit of information. Kuenuiko carried a large booklet along the way and wrote in it throughout her journeys and it's said in depth info is within that book, related to her most powerful spells including the Drocgoeus. This book is known as Tzet Gyilu," Jason informed.
"Great, so where is it?" Dick asked.
"Stashed away in a hidden realm by way of her magic in a castle like construct, and the premises is surrounded by ghostly spirits. Once inside, there is said to be undead yokai walking the halls, their purpose to guard the contents inside. Collaborating back and forth with a couple associates, I've figured exactly what we'll need to unlock that barrier and make our journey to that realm. We will first need John Constantine and I'm already working on locating him. Until then I'll see what else I can find out, as should you all."
Those were the last words out of his mouth before the screen went black, both Tim and Dick looking to Bruce.
"What do we do in the meantime?" Tim asked.
"Revisit the three locations listed on the files I uploaded, I have a feeling that map out has something to do with magic. Zatanna agreed to accompany me there tonight, and if in fact there is a magical presence she'll detect it. You're free to aid us, there's no telling what might happen."
"I'm game," Dick stepped forward. "Which location first and what time?"
XXX
It was just after seven o'clock and her shift concluded for the day. Through the doors of Cherry Petals Boutique she exited and breathed a sigh of relief. Her thoughts were all over the place, but took deep breaths and settled her nerves. She walked for nearly three blocks looking for a taxi, but then that thought was replaced with another. She moved back and away from the corner with narrowed eyes and looked all around, including the rooftops.
"I'm being followed," the silver haired vampire declared.
Not entirely sure from which direction, Moka closed her eyes focusing her senses. It took no more than a couple seconds and then her eyes shot open, figuring exactly where her stalker lurked. The vampire observed much of the bypassing vehicles and persons walking across the street and knew if she made a move out in the open she'd be spotted, so she instead looked around and spotted an alley. Moka took off and ran through, using the walls as leverage as she jumped off each and leaped atop the rooftops. Jumping from one roof to the next Moka discovered her target who instantly ran, but Moka closed the distance with one long leap and tackled the individual over the surface. They rolled over one another coming to an eventual stop beside the ledge of the roof, Moka ending up atop her stalker. Staring down at the one beneath her, the vampire's eyes buldged.
"Kokoa-chan!"
Slowly standing, Moka extended an arm offering her hand to the younger vampire but instead Kokoa jumped up on her own throwing her arms around Moka and embracing her older sister tightly. Surprised by the sudden action Moka's arms were positioned by her sides, but then a smile shaped over her lips and she returned the act of affection wrapping her arms around Kokoa.
"Onee-sama, I've missed you so much," Kokoa rubbed the side of her face against Moka's chest.
They stayed like that for a little while before Kokoa pushed back and wiped away what looked to be tears forming in her eyes.
"I hate to put a damper on our reunion, but what are you doing in Gotham?" Moka asked.
"I could ask the same thing," Kokoa shot back. "Why're you so far from home?"
Moka frowned with crossed arms.
"Was it Fairy Tale that sent you? Is your purpose to try and convince me to give myself up, or perhaps you think you're strong enough to take me down all alone?"
She was unfazed by Moka's frown, but the vampire's remark really got Kokoa's blood flowing bringing out her competitive spirit. She circled the silver haired vampire who watched closely, Kokoa eventually walking across and positioning over the middle section of the roof.
"Let's do this batty!" Kokoa gazed over her right shoulder at the bat hovering in place beside her.
Koumori Nazo transformed into a large black hammer and Moka's expression saying "you aren't serious."
"What're you doing?" Moka asked blandly, rolling her eyes.
"Fight me Onee-sama, fight me and I'll tell you what you want to know," Kokoa observed the non-interested look in Moka's expression and glared. "Please nee-san...for old times' sake!"
Moka's shoulders lowered as she let out a sigh and took two steps forward.
"You think you can beat me?" the silver haired vampire asked, her all too familiar smug grin taking shape over her lips.
"It's been a long time coming," Kokoa replied, returning the smile.
Tightening her grip over the hammer, Kokoa looked out ahead as the wind blew Moka's hair back and forth. They stared each other down waiting to see who'd make the first move, and it was Kokoa that took off running. Moka flipped over her younger sister as the hammer was swung, kicking at the back of her head, causing Kokoa to yell. Quickly spinning around she charged a laughing Moka, who easily dodged her swings and kicked the weapon out of Kokoa's hand and leaped into the air in a circular motion.
"Know your place!"
In one kick Moka sent Kokoa soaring threw the air and four roofs over, roughly colliding with the roof's surface.
"Kokoa!" Moka shouted with concern.
She took to the air with bat like wings using the shinso blood and dropped down beside Kokoa, disbanding the creation.
"I'm fine," Kokoa slapped away Moka's helping hand and stood on her own. "Lucky shot, that's all."
With her back to Moka, Kokoa pouted and wanted to pull at her own hair. Koumori Nazo returned to his normal form and joined them from above.
"Start talking," Moka looked down on Kokoa. "It was Fairy Tale that sent you, speak up?!"
"You're wrong," Kokoa turned around. "I ran from them!"
"Ran?" Moka stepped back with disbelief in her eyes.
Kokoa nodded, but with her eyes on the ground.
"Your name was brought up in early briefings and it was said one of Fairy Tale's top priorities was to capture you. I knew right then I couldn't stay, I refused to fight against you, again!"
"Is it true that someone else is running the show other than Yoshii Kiria, and if so do you know who?"
"I'm sorry," Kokoa shook her head. "There is someone else in charge but I never stayed around long enough to see him or her. This destination was one of the marked locations on our maps, so I eventually checked it out after a few stops. Luck brought us back together, I suppose."
Moka dropped her hands over Kokoa's shoulders and held firmly.
"Tell me everything you know...even if it doesn't seem like much! Anything will help."
XXX
Spending the entire morning and most the afternoon with Candice was a good change of pace, her mind stress free. She was in dangerous territory essentially playing the role of a double agent, secretly collaborating with not only her daughter but Gotham's vigilante. During the hour long conversation with Kahlua they conversed mostly about future arrangements of tracking the magical keys and the state of Fairy Tale. Within that time she didn't pick up on anything from her step daughter suggesting she knew of Akasha's secret connections. Though they were like family Kahlua wouldn't hesitate to alert Fairy Tale of Akasha's deceit if she became aware of the secret activities, her allegiance strongly connected to the organization.
"Good evening miss," the door man handed the vampire a piece of paper.
"What is this?" Akasha took the small piece of paper into her hands.
"It lists tonight's events, enjoy yourself."
Bypassing him in two steps, the vampire froze and glimpsed back at him.
"You wouldn't happen to know if Bruce Wayne has arrived yet, would you?"
With his back against the side of the door, he lowered his head slightly with two fingers over his chin.
"I don't believe so, especially if the crowds are any indication. His presence seems to always create an uproar, love him or hate him, he is the guy."
"Thanks," Akasha nodded continuing through the open door.
Inside the Hellite Royal were dozens of attendants scattered throughout, the vampire not familiar with a single person so kept to herself. She was dressed in a baby blue colored dress that extended down just above her knees, and a bow of similar color in her hair. Over her left shoulder hung a black purse and she wore tan wedge sandals with a silver bracelet on her left wrist. Whistling hindered any further steps, Akasha turning to a cloud of smoke blowing in her face.
"Does sexy have a name?" a man stood opposite of her dressed in a dark gray suit, with brown beard and mustache. In between his fingers was a cigar held firmly on his right hand, "Such a doll like you is rare, and that's saying a lot with all the pretties running around in this town."
"Get lost," Akasha hissed, marching away and rolled her eyes.
She was accustomed to being hit on time after time, particularly during public event, so it wasn't anything new. It was already after eight o'clock and she figured he'd walk through the door at any time, so kept her eyes open. On the other side of town two masked persons touched down atop a building, across from a construction site.
"Looks like we're the first ones here," Nightwing said, looking to his left. "Kinda surprising, he's never late."
"He'll be here," Red Robin replied.
Nightwing nodded, feeling the same.
"I don't see what's so special about this spot, maybe we came to the wrong place."
"Doubtful," Red Robin shook his head. "This is definitely it, let's just hope Zatanna is helpful in all this."
For over two minutes they waited and kept to themselves, and that's when a dark shadow loomed over them.
"About time you showed, I was beginning to..."
Nightwing bit at his tongue as he turned around setting eyes on someone he wasn't assuming would be there. Detecting the tension from his ally, Red Robin spun around immediately and his eyes widened.
"Hello little birdies," a familiar succubus waved, sitting atop an overhang of a neighboring building. Satisfied with the horror in their eyes she chuckled, her wings flapping slightly. "Where's the bat?"
Red Robin clinched his fists and looked to Nightwing from the corner of his eye.
"This isn't good, what should we do?"
"Buy time," Nightwing replied, but in a whisper.
Twirling a strand of hair with her pointer finger, the succubus groaned and rolled her eyes.
"It's rude to ignore someone talking to you," Morrigan giggled.
"I've got your answer beautiful," Nightwing smirked pulling out two clubs. "But you'll have to come a little closer."
"What're you doing?" Red Robin murmured.
"Oooohhhh," Morrigan dropped her left hand over her heart. "You've got balls and spirit, I like that. I'll entertain myself with the two of you until he shows and if not...I'll make you scream and cry until he does."
"As if that will ever happen," Nightwing retoted.
Dropping off the ledge Morrigan's wings expanded and she shot down toward them and pulled Red Robin off his feet as she grabbed at his cape. He was hauled off the roof and tossed outward, Nightwing following as he dove downward. On his way down Red Robin used a grapple gun catching himself and smoothly touching down as Nightwing did the same. They had no time to adjust as the succubus swooped down kicking Nightwing into nearby construction equipment, and Red Robin threw out a small projectile which she caught and tossed to the side. Jumping back with distance, Morrigan's wings morphed into long blades of four on each side and shot outward at the masked heroes. The blades took on a similar shape to tentacles.
Red Robin jumped to his left, but one blade cutting through the armor of his left wrist and another piercing through his waist! Nightwing dodged the first blade that came at him and then flipped over another, Morrigan laughing at his pointless attempts at escaping. She couldn't help but feel pleasure and excitement of him running around like a mouse in the clutches of its predator.
"That's it, keep running!" the succubus laughed, intentionally going for non-lethal hits as a way of taunting.
While downed another blade stabbed into Red Robin's left shoulder, yelping but then screamed as the blade lowered further into his flesh.
"Yes, scream for me! Let me hear your beautiful cries!" the succubus halfway drooled from the left side of her mouth, elated by the helpless subjects at her mercy.
Her eyes ventured back to Nighwing who had yet to be tagged by the blades, but in one swift swing of one he was dropped to the ground. Looking to capitalize, her vision was disrupted by a single projectile exploding at her feet. The blades retreated back toward her body and reformed into the wings as Morrigan threw her hands outward ridding herself of the fog. Suddenly and without warning her face was met by a fist from up high and she stumbled backwards, rubbing at her jaw.
"Enough!"
The cloudy atmosphere dispensed and standing across from her was one in gray armor, gold utility belt, glowing white eyes, black boots and gloves, cape and cowl, with a bat symbol over the chest.
"Batman!" Nightwing recovered his clubs and stood.
Focusing only on the succubi, Batman didn't look back.
"Look at you showing up and saving the day, so hot," Morrigan applauded taking a step back.
There was much playing out in the back of his mind, the first relating to Morrigan's being there. Did she somehow pick up on their investigation, or was her appearance one of bad luck/convenience? There was only one way to find out, so he cleared his throat.
"What brought you here?" Batman asked.
"There isn't a whole lot that gets me off, I've seen it all, done it all, but you," Morrigan licked at her lips, staring into his eyes. "You're something special. Come let's go for a walk, alone. Leave the little birds."
Wings flapping, the succubus took to the air winking at the dark knight as she disappeared over a roof. Red Robin grasped his shoulder as he stood and Nightwing ran up to Batman as he pulled out a grapple gun.
"What are you doing?"
"Stay here," Batman replied.
"Are you crazy?! You can't take her alone!" Nightwing retorted.
"That wasn't a suggestion!"
Nightwing watched helplessly as Batman took to the rooftops by way of the grapple gun and silently grumbled under his breath. A couple buildings over the succubus waited, leaned against a wall and he joined her in a couple leaps, not dropping his guard for even a moment. He was slowly working up something to combat against the succubus and beings of similar ability, but it wasn't yet ready, her arrival an unfortunate one. If possible, he hoped to steer away from a physical confrontation with her for the time being.
"Well?" Batman glared.
Morrigan moved from the wall circling him and he remained still showing no fear, or anything for her to feed off of.
"Your interest in me is undeniable, that much is clear in your constant pursuit of me. But that still doesn't explain why, what are you trying to accomplish and why did you attack Red Robin and Nightwing?"
She was his physical superior, but even so she wasn't invincible and in that moment her guard was dropped. He had an item or two in the belt that could put her down if he executed his next couple moves to perfection. The idea was tempting, but he decided against it and stayed still.
"Attacking? I was just having a little fun until you arrived, and I knew that you would," the succubus positioned behind him dropping her chin over his left shoulder. She reached around running her fingers over the symbol over his chest. "Do I scare you, Batman? Do you tremble at my very presence?"
Morrigan moved her hands and repositioned in front of him, his expression blank with no emotion.
"I miss the point to all this. You're an enemy and that goes both ways, yet you've put forth no real effort to kill me. You've revealed yourself to me every chance you've got without a care in the world. If observation was your goal, there would be no point to all this."
The succubus groaned looking him off.
"You're thinking too straightforward, not every action has a purpose especially when it comes to me. You're a detective, one of the greatest…surely you can figure that."
So far so good was the first thought that raised in his mind, hopeful he could keep her talking without throwing a single punch. Akasha didn't seem to know much about Fairy Tale's plans, so it was likely Morrigan knew nothing either, but that didn't mean it wasn't worth a try. At the time she appeared cooperative and opened to talking, so he pushed things further.
"What is Fairy Tale's objection?" Batman asked.
"Don't know and don't care," Morrigan shrugged. "When they came to me with the proposition of joining, I did so only because it gave me an opportunity to take off from Makai. Looking over an entire realm and living the throne life can be so, so boring."
The succubus stuck out her lower lip, expressing the way she felt even thinking about the return to her throne.
"These monsters and yokai are much below my abilities and royal status, but I'd never pass up an offer that includes mingling the human world. There's always something pretty to feast my eyes on, and so many play things. And there's nothing like peeking into the dreams of men and absorbing some of that spirit energy for myself."
"If that was your purpose for joining, then you could just as easily disband. What they're planning could put millions of innocent lives in jeopardy, if you're able to sleep with that on your conscious, then go right ahead. But I don't think you're like them."
Laughing aloud Morrigan leaned back over the skylights.
"Trying to convince me otherwise huh, hehe. That was why I joined, but I've since decided to do their bidding and unless you have concrete evidence of your claim I'm not budging. However, I can be convinced in other ways, if you know what I mean."
Batman's eyes watched her closely as she moved forward and stopped inches of him, a menacing grin over her features. She made physical contact turning herself and massaging the lower half of her backside against his crotch. The dark knight grunted biting back and Morrigan chuckled at his response to her actions.
"I'm willing to reconsider my priorities if you're willing to give me something first," the succubus leaned back with her hands positioned over his upper thighs. "Do know that no man can resist my will and I could have you begging for me in the blink of an eye."
Morrigan rubbed the side of her face against his, and he could feel her breath against his lips. Unexpected to her, Batman leaned forward with his right hand over her shoulder and his opposite hand over her opposite arm. She gazed back at him over her shoulder, stunned by his somewhat gentle touch.
"You'll find that your antics won't work against me," Batman whispered.
The succubus snickered looking him in his lens covered eyes.
"I've taken an interest in you, yes...but I won't tolerate anyone making light of my abilities. The criminals of Gotham fear you, but you're a mere ant in comparison to me. Why don't I show you," Morrigan's eyes glowed a bright green, Batman feeling immediate effects frozen in her gaze. "Fight with and defeat your allies. When you're done bring their battered bodies to me, alive. Your mistress demands it."
His arms immediately dropped to his sides as everything went blank and Morrigan smiled stepping away from him. Just when it seemed as though he'd lose his conscious altogether a familiar aura circulated through his inner being, one in which gave him the means of taking control and fighting back. Even so, he felt himself falling further and further into a darkness and seemed as though he might lose himself completely. The inner barrier obtained through the Monarchy of essence activated and with concentration and synchronization of his spirit and mind, the dark knight channeled his inner might and resistance and with undying determination he broke through.
"Yes mistress," he replied blandly.
Morrigan stood off to the left with her arms crossed, a smile of victory covering her mug. The purpose was to show him his attempts to oppose her were futile, in just a simple glance she could command males of all species to do her bidding if she so chose. Resulting to combat was never a succubi's first choice of action, unless it became vital and that was no different with her. Batman took only two more steps stopping and the succubus eyed him with curious eyes.
"And just what do you think you're doing my slave? Your queen will have a very delicious prize for you, if you successfully bring me the birds. They look up to and put all their faith in you, but tonight they will see that you can't protect them, you can't protect Gotham! Not when faced with an enemy like myself. Now go and do as I say, my will is absolute!"
Her words were followed by a loud click and a projectile appeared in the right hand of Batman.
"You didn't listen to what I said," Batman spun around chucking the projectile at the succubus, which she caught. "No one can control me!"
The batarang instantly exploded with a gas liquid like substance shooting into the succubi's eyes, Morrigan shouting in agony as she dropped back falling to a knee. Her eyes spun in the back of her head, burning and watering like crazy and her vision greatly reduced.
"What did you do to me!?"
"A little something I worked up in preparation for enemies affiliated with Fairy Tale! If Kiria Yoshii thinks for a second his revolution will come easily, than he has mistaken. If it is a war Fairy Tale wants, then I'll kindly give it to them. The effects of that weapon will last nearly an hours, ending with itchiness and discomfort to the eyes. It also works as a tranquilizer, even now it works its way through your system. I can't confirm if the dosage will put you down completely," Batman informed.
Morrigan punched into the roof creating a sizeable dent and cursing under her breath.
"But how...how could you resist me?! I have taken under my control, Goblins, Okamis, ogres, dragon beings, Komainus, demons, werewolves, Jikininkis, all of which greatly exceed the feeble mind of a human! And that leaves out Elves, kitsunes and vampires, the three beings widely known to hold the most powerful minds of all monsters! All of which at one time or another I've taken under my control in a simple gaze, my prowess are second to none! So tell me, you a human! How're you able to resist me?!"
The cape crusader glared, moving forward in one step.
"Human," Batman posed uncovering a grapple gun. "I'm the Batman!"
He aimed and shot the cable directly at her and with the wire wrapped around Morrigan's left arm he pulled back with all his strength forcing her upward and punched her in the opposite direction. The wiring disconnected from her arm and the force of his fist sent the succubus off the ledge and downward plummeting into a car a couple stories down. Picking up speed Batman followed throwing out his cape and safely gliding and touching down a couple feet from the vehicle. The succubus coughed, rolling off the now damaged vehicle and fell atop the street, again cursing under her tongue. As her eyes continued to water and fatigue set in, she looked to the vehicle beside her.
"It's over Morrigan. You will answer for the deaths of Luke Rodger Vincent, Clay Estin and others you've murdered," Batman walked toward her.
Morrigan pushed up and lifted the vehicle over her head and tossed is directly at Batman, whose eyes widened, surprised she had that much strength left after being exposed to the substance. He leaped out of the way but the foot of the vehicle connected with his right shoulder and spun him through the air in a circular motion and roughly dropped him to the ground. The succubus bit at her tongue and placed a hand over her mouth, quickly running to his side.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to!"
Batman pushed up on his side and looked at the succubus and it wasn't what he expected. Her eyes and expression were one of genuine worry and care, not what he'd expect from an enemy.
"rednuhT tlob sekirts!"
Bolts of thunder zipped down from the sky and electrified the succubus, who screamed as she fell back on her side, and the dark looking to his left.
"Zatanna!" Batman said.
"Stay away from him demon!" Zatanna shouted as another round of lightning bolts zapped the succubus.
Seeing as the situation no longer favored her Morrigan made a quick decision and bats surrounded her body as she disappeared. The bats took to the sky and elevated up and through the clouds.
"What in the world?!" Zatanna's mouth opened.
Batman grunted as he stood and Zatanna instantly ran to his side.
"Bruce," she rested a hand over his shoulder. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine Zee," Batman looked to the section of clouds where the bats passed through. "So that explains it."
"Explains what?" Zatanna questioned.
From behind them both Nightwing and Red Robin approached.
"The night Luke Rodger Vincent was killed, the police nor I were able to determine how the female suspect disappeared from the crime scene. The only logical exit was through the door, but security cameras on the fifth floor disconfirmed that. The only other way out was through the window in the room, but civilians questioned never recalled seeing anyone make the jump."
The second crime scene quickly came to his mind, particularly blood samples he recovered from the scene. Some of the blood belonged to Clay and the other victim, but he also collected a sample belonging to a Microchiroptera bat. The evidence confirmed the succubus departed from the crime scene in similar fashion to her escape moments ago.
"What happened, where did she go?" Nightwing asked.
"She felt cornered and retreated," Batman replied. "But that's water under the bridge now. There is a reason I called you all here so let's get to it."
"Good thing I showed up when I did, it looked like she was just about ready to deal the final blow," the magician said.
"I'm not so sure that was her intentions," Batman replied.
Each of them looked at the dark knight, all of his allies curious as to what he meant by the statement. Instead of questioning him, each followed as they returned to the landmark of interest with Batman leading the way. Batman looked straight at Zatanna once they stopped.
"Well?"
"Before we get into all this," she cleared her throat. "Was that the woman the succubus in which you wanted John's assistance dealing with?"
"Yes, her name is Morrigan Aensland and she is the queen of not only all succubi but of an entire realm of monsters. She isn't the only enemy that's surfaced recently, the head guy has yet to show himself."
"Why would you try and take on an S class monster on your own?" Zatanna crossed her arms and frowned. "No point lying, they told me everything."
She slightly looked to both Red Robin and Nightwing.
"We aren't talking about this," Batman shot back.
Zatanna grumbled with clinched fists but got nothing else out of him.
"Fine, but do know that there are those of us that worry. There is no one I know more resilient than you, but you're far too reckless," Zatanna took a deep breath.
She circled the area closing her eyes and stopping in a specific spot.
"Everything ok?" Red Robin asked.
"I feel something...it's vague, but it's there," Zatanna said.
"What?" Batman asked.
"I need time," the magician replied.
With her eyes still closed she sat over the pavement with her legs crossed and hands positioned over her knees. Not a moment later she hovered upward off the ground and a white magical aura framed her body. Fully alert, Nightwing's eyes scoured the area searching for potential enemies. The succubus had already graced them with her presence so he felt somewhat paranoid. In just a minute the wind speeds increased and the aura around Zatanna brightened! A few moments later her eyes slowly opened, but were a bright white and she spoke words that not one of them could understand. For a little over two minutes that went on as the wind slowed, and her eyes returned to normal with the aura dispensing.
"It's guarded," Zatanna stood to her feet. "Guarded by a barrier, one in which I'm unfamiliar with."
"What do you mean guarded, do you know what it is?" Nightwing asked.
"I don't," Zatanna shook her head.
Batman rested two fingers over his chin and thought silently.
"Then it seems our only option is to recover Tzet Gyilu, the Grimoire written by Kuenuiko Ayano."
"Who is Kuenuiko Ayano?" Zatanna inquired.
"The reason the Drocgoeus exist; she created them. We don't yet know for what purpose, but we will," Batman replied.
"So this is it?" Red Robin asked.
"No, we'll visit each of the other two locations and see if our luck changes. There might be differences, perhaps one must be unlocked before another is active, just a hypothesis," the dark knight added.
Zatanna nodded and gestured for everyone to gather around her.
"I'll teleport us there with my magic," she looked to Batman. "You have the coordinates?"
"Yes," he pressed down on his gauntlet revealing a 3D map out of Gotham.
Doing exactly as she said, Zatanna relocated them to the second location.
To be continued
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- 25
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Seal of Darkness