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Clash of Realms	By : RaphaelTMNT Category: -Misc Anime > Crossovers Views: 3294 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Justice League, Rosario Vampire or Dark Stalkers nor the characters from either of the three series. I do not make money from writing this story.

Chapter List
- 26
- 27
- 28
Clash of Realms
CHP27: Her Search Begins

There was a simple reason Issa Shuzen loved parties. He was expected to socialize, and no one enjoyed it more than he. And while that in itself wasn't a problem, because he could mingle with the best of them, he wasn't one who was much for small talk and there was something he was always after. Something to better his status or working stature, or perhaps entertainments through the reins of pleasure. It was an all vampire party and he could smell the blood in the air, the sweetness of each dissimilar scent shooting up his nostrils from the glasses of blood which the guests drank from. He wanted to find a corner and just scout out the company, but currently, there was none available. And so Shuzen opted for escaping to the balcony instead.
Red eyes with a slit swept over the kingdom. Such beauty. It was calming. Issa sighed and closed his eyes. An instant later, he wished he hadn't. When he closed his eyes, scenes of the devastation returned to him from a civil war between vampires nearly eighty years back, and he could almost feel the heat of the flames blazing over his face from the cottages and cabins that blew sky high. A grotesque movie on the screen of his closed eyelids it seemed.
Instinctively, his left hand rose to caress his right arm. The cold steel under his fingers somehow soothed his bothered mind and he exhaled heavily. Twin rose orbs reappeared but they didn't see the destroyed city and stains of blood that had long since settled into the cracks of the stone streets. They looked beyond at something far away, something only the vampire could see.
Music played smoothly and steadily, reminding him that the party was still in full swing. But for Issa, it was just a bothering collection of noise that stressed his visions. He just stood there and with his eyes staring up and into the moon and enjoying the cool breeze over his face.
Issa let out a shuddering breath, dimly aware that the melody in the background had gotten louder.
"Shuzen?"
The air was unusually stiff for an affair that was supposed to be a celebration of the reestablishment of the Hiklorhan military. Everyone was all buddy, buddy even those that didn't see eye to eye it seemed.
"General."
Issa's eye twitched. When were the bunch of them going to realize that his title had now changed? A woman tapped him lightly on the shoulder.
"Hiya, General. Why playing lone wolf at an event like this? You know there's a lot of ladies who've inquired about you," the woman bumped shoulders with him. "And you've been appointed Bloodriver Akasha's Supreme Commander, so you should be up and jumping with joy?"
Issa glared at her vindictively and snapped.
"I can be gloomy and moody if I so choose. Your concerns are unnecessary, Beth. Go and enjoy the party, I'll be out here for a little while longer."
She scratched at the back of her bun with a big apologetic grin.
"Oh, right, sorry. It's just, you're the last person that should be alone. So much authority, so powerful and masculine," the woman rubbed up against him.
"What do you want?"
"I just wanted to know if you're alright, nothing less, nothing more. You've been walking around in a daze since the parry began like you're looking for something…" she studied him closely with her own cherry red eyes. "Or maybe…someone. Is it the Dark Lord, do you still…"
"That's absurd," Issa stated firmly.
But as he turned away to from the railing and towards the open door, Beth was sure something was eating at him even if he didn't want to say. The blonde was with a grin that spoke a thousand smart-ass remarks and decided to follow him through and around. Issa inched his way through the middle of the dance floor, wishing he'd stuck to bordering around the edges because the many spinning and waltzing couples kept cutting in front of him as he tried to walk. The classical music resounded loudly in his ears as he finally succeeded in dislodging himself from the crowds. But he didn't stray too far and just relaxed his shoulders as he took a deep breath. He'd never been inside the estate in question before and admittedly, it was quite the different sight. Outside it was much like any other building in the kingdom, but it was inside where the differences were.
Every room had high ceilings with buttresses to bear the weight of the roof, beautiful vases were arranged on either side of every doorway, overflowing with flowers, pictures and portraits of past generations of noble vampire families lined the main hallway in frames larger than five feet. For a little while Issa just stared at them with much interest, taking in the details of each as he walked along.
Beth on the other hand felt a chill race up her spine as she looked at the staring eyes that seemed to be telling her to grow a backbone. Just wonderful, splendid in fact. Just what he needed…a (metaphorical) lecture from a bunch of deceased vampires. She continued down the hall with Issa, ignoring the accusing glares and urging whispers only she seemingly could hear. Behind them the classical song ended and the couples paused to clap for the orchestra. Issa turned in time to see the members of said orchestra smile and bow as best they could while sitting. They readjusted themselves and stated a new melody, one with and upbeat rhythm and the couples began to dance again, moving in circles in time with the faster paced music.
Issa watched this with a faraway look in his eyes, not really caring about the festivities or the jubilant mood that seemed to have everyone else in a state of bliss. He sighed heavily and spied a huge, ornate set of double doors through which the night sky was clearly visible. The party was on the fourth floor so there were more than a handful of balconies. The dark-haired vampire let his feet carry him forward of their own accord because Issa was only focused on the doors and finding a place to be alone so that he could really think.
Sighing again, Issa extended his hand and grasped the large golden handle of one door, turned it, and pulled the surprisingly light door open. He stepped out onto the polished marble floor, not noticing, and not 'being' noticed by, the balcony's only other occupant. The vampire's hand rested on the knob as the man just stood silently. He didn't move until he heard a shaky exhalation of breath quite a distance in front of him. His head snapped up. He thought for certain he'd lost Beth through the crowds, but she was right there with him and standing over the balcony.
"Something bothers you, I can see it in your eyes. If you want to talk, I'll listen."
He didn't speak nor give eye contact, but she was right. Something was on his mind, and it was in fact that night seven years ago to the day he almost lost his life. Fate had been on his side, or maybe it was an angel on his shoulder watching over him. And whatever it was, he barely escaped getting out with his life.
Seven years ago
His eyes never left the emperor as he brought the glass to his lips and drank. For a moment he pulled away and breathed out, but his muscles tense. Issa then leaned his head down and took another sip of the contents but his eyes over Apollo the entire time as he inspected the yokai emperor and barely consuming any of what was in the glass. And thru this all Apollo was with his eyes over Issa and watching him with concentration. Their stares were locked in over each other and it wasn't until a loud bang from down the hall that Apollo looked away from him and the vampire taking advantage of this instant as he tossed the glass at Apollo.
The Harbinger dodged his head to the left but didn't avoid the glass shattering over his shoulder and the fluids inside staining his robe as Shuzen took off running and jumping through a nearby glass window and the harbinger scowling as he took off after him but transforming as he was halfway through the window. Issa landed nearly four stories over a grass lawn as something fell from his hand and running fast as he could, but a large shadow looming over him just before passing overhead it was then he looked upward and saw Apollo who had sprouted wings and in his Messenger form.
"This is it for you, boy! Wherever you go I will follow. You've walked this world for long enough and could have gone with dignity but instead you conclude to futile measures that will only delay your execution."
"No due process, no trial, what sort of ruler plays judge, jury and executioner?!" Issa shouted.
"A cancer such as yourself has no room nor right to bring up such things and once you're gone, all that will remain is a distant memory that is all!"
Apollo blitzed downward over Issa as his snatched and wrapped around the vampire's ankle as he was forced off his feet and hanging upside down as the harbinger threw out a collection of punches to his body and face! It was just after the tenth that he was sent flying into a tree forty yards away in the opposite direction. Apollo didn't follow immediately and instead took the electronic into his hands which fell from Issa's hands. On closer inspection the emperor realized it was a cell phone of sorts and on screen were the words, "Message sent."
With no thoughts Apollo crushed the phone and the small pieces shattered as Apollo moved forward and his wings flapping about. He dashed at Issa who pulled himself out of the tree and powering up both his yokai and aura. The vampire knew there was no way out of this predicament and all he really needed to do was hold on and buy time. The harbinger was up and over him faster than what Issa was expecting and ducking down and avoiding the first strike by Apollo but the emperor's tail wrapping around his throat tightly.
Issa gasped for air as he lifted off his feet and grabbing at the tail as his eyes bulged from suffocation. It only got worse as Apollo then threw out a punch to his stomach and the vampire coughing up blood, but Apollo didn't stop there as he delivered various other shots to Issa's body before Apollo's tail tossed him upward and the harbinger following as his wings flapped. The vampire was planted into the ground as Apollo situated his hands together and smashed them into his chest as Issa was sent plunging into the turf beneath him.
Apollo barely had the opportunity to follow up as other vampires appeared over the lawn to try and assist Shuzen but their attempts were futile. While midair and flying around, Apollo dove down and dropping each of them with little to no effort. The eight of them didn't last for long, but then came another ten, three of which carrying flame throwers which they fired off at Apollo but with no affect. They too were quickly disposed of as the harbinger again focused his attention on Issa who by then had taken off toward a nearby dirt road, but Apollo was quick to get there and cutting off Shuzen.
"Please listen to reason!" Issa threw out a couple dozen shots which Apollo dodged. "It isn't in your place to decide who…"
Issa was silenced as Apollo's tail whacked across the side of his face and he was dropped to the ground. And with a foot firmly pressed over his chest Apollo threw out punch after punch over him and in this moment Issa knew this was the end for him. Somewhere through it all he just about blacked out but then came the cries of his daughter. The very message sent from his phone was in fact to her.
"Grandfather you must stop, don't do this!" Moka screamed.
Tsukune was with her and ahead of Moka and while he tried to pull Apollo off Issa, he was met by the harbinger's tail and knocked aside.
"Apollo!" Tsukune quickly popped up and toward Apollo. "You have to put an end to this now!"
Tsukune again went at him, but this time his tail wrapping around the vampire's throat and lifting him off his feet while Tsukune found it difficult to breathe. Moka knew it was pointless to try and fight him off so she did the only thing that she could and that was dropping to her knees with her hands clasped together.
"Grandfather please, you must stop this," Moka pleaded.
Her words didn't get to him as he continued punching over Issa and his tail still wrapped around the throat of Tsukune. And by then Issa had already lost consciousness. And not only that, but Tsukune was having a difficult time and Moka feared he'd soon fall out cold if she didn't do something. And so with her aura powered up Moka made a desperate attempt to put an end to it all and with Apollo's fists risen over her father and coming down just half an inch of her face. He stopped himself and Moka's heart pumping blood much faster than normal. And with every muscle in her body tight she slowly looked up to her grandfather and while she expected to see anger and rage, she instead saw, sadness, hurt and regret. Tears descended from his eyes and Moka biting over her tongue.
"He was… supposed to protect her!" additional tears trailed down his cheeks.
The silver haired vampire hadn't any idea who he spoke of until she really gave it some thought.
"Her, do you mean mother?" Moka took a deep breath as she shook her head. "You're right and he didn't and I'm sure it'll haunt him for years to come. And I know my father has made poor decisions and done regrettable things, but he's still my father. And I'm asking you as your granddaughter to please spare him… this isn't what mother would want. You know deep down it's the truth."
Apollo's fists were tightened as he wanted nothing more than to beat Issa into a bloody pulp, but her words reached him. Without wavering his tail unwrapped from around Tsukune's neck who fell harmlessly to the ground and Apollo removing himself from Issa as Moka breathed a sigh of relief. Her father had been beaten to the point of unrecognizable but he would heal and survive which was all that mattered.
"Moka-san," Tsukune took time to catch his breath as he moved in and beside the silver haired vampire.
He was with his arms wrapped around her and she too cried as she could barely take in the scene of seeing her father like that. And seeing her like that only added to Apollo's pain and sorrow.
XXX
"It's over, Benjamin!" Yasmine Laurent screamed with her bladed staff above her head.
The mermaid queen dodged machine gun fire and dived into a nearby pool of water and with an echo from her gills she called out to an orca whale. The whale swiftly avoided the mines in the Pacific waters and kept Yasmine safe as they kept low. She grabbed hold of the whale, holding on tight and swerved to the right, desperate to catch up to Benjamin's speedboat. He was a Kyonshi yokai type and his henchmen were Bakeneko yokai. Benjamin yelled out to his men and demanded they pick up speed which the one at the wheel of the boat did, while searching for Yasmine. The queen of Aqualanteis dove over thirty-feet underwater and moved swiftly but silently as the enemies fired into the water.
A bullet tore through the whale and it cried in ache. Yasmine growled in rage and pushed away from it, swimming through the misty cloud of blood and bursting from the water, soaring over thirty-feet. The goons fired their weapons as Benjamin sped off and Yasmine reflected the bullets as she spun her silver staff around. The mermaid landed on the left speed boat and found a small challenge with the Bakenekos.
As she fought against them, she realized their approach was fiercer than Benjamin's previous hires. These yokai were tougher, faster, and more adapted to fighting. Yasmine avoided a swift spinning kick from her back and whacked one with her staff, knocking him into the water. She avoided bullets from the other boat and used one of them as a monster shield as blood spurted and screams filled the scene. The mermaid tossed the yokai at the shooters with all her might and stabbed the bottom of the boat, making water rapidly fill the boat.
She zipped upward over to the second boat and stabbed two yokai with the bladed staff, instantly killing both. The mermaid was then punched in the face and nearly fell off the boat from the force. She traded punches and swinging her fin and knocking some over and then she felt a bullet bounce off her purple and gold armor that felt like a soft, lightweight metal yet stronger than Kevlar. Yasmine's wet, orange hair flipped around and she looked around at her attackers with her gold colored eyes. The queen closed her eyes and telepathically spoke through her mind to the creatures of the waters. She then spun around and hit a giant Bakeneko with the blade's tip. She was then surrounded and tackled to the ground and held down.
"She's tough!" one said as they forced her down over the boat.
The staff was pulled away from her and tossed it into the water, falling into the depths. Yasmine took a deep breath and let the Bakeneko take her captive and hit her in the stomach countless times.
"The queen of Aqualanteis. Just what brings you here, huh pretty stuff?"
"I have come on my own accord to stop Benjamin and prevent you all from polluting the waters of Aqualanteis and the entire realm," Yasmine retorted in a royal tone.
The mermaid queen watched as he took the machine gun and pressed the muzzle hard into her forehead. She smiled and winked at the monster. Before he could pull the trigger, the boat rocked hard to the left and Yasmine was free of their grasp, elbowing the Bakeneko on her right in the jaw and spinning her fin around the left across the back of his head. She flicked the giant cat like yokai's nose as she front flipped and yelled to the waters as they rumbled.
"Strike my pets!"
After her command, a giant squid followed great white shark burst from the waters and devoured a handful of them and or strangled. The bladed staff was in between her teeth and Yasmine grabbed it as she landed on the wrecked boat, flipping the weapon like an acrobat with a baton. The two surviving yokai cowered at the mermaid and threw down their weapons. With a swift spin of the staff over her wrist, Yasmine stabbed the staff into the floor of the boat. As they pleaded for their lives, the mermaid queen gave them a warning.
"Today isn't your day to perish, land occupants. Let this instant be a lesson for you all, keep your actions away from these waters or you'll be dealing with me, personally. Our waters are not to be polluted and or harmed in any way. Do so again intentionally and you won't live to tell the story."
She lifted her staff and dove back into the ocean, eying the wounded whale and petting its nose as they shot off into the depths, and Yasmine looking around for wreckage that needed to be removed out of her waters. Benjamin had not survived the attack, but to her knowledge he was at best fourth in command of whatever establishment they were part of. Others would come, and when that happened she'd deal with them.
XXX
He just finished up the last of his packing, pleased that it was all over and at least for the time being he had the harbinger off his back. While not entirely, at least it wasn't an immediate concern as it was a hindrance. At the forefront and atop his to do list included the court of owls and examining the activity of Jitoshi Ichiro. To save himself time there was also Cyborg who had access to just over sixty percent of the bat computer's operating systems and so with that he'd be able to cover a whole lot more in a shorter amount of time.
There was a knock at the open door and Bruce turning and looking to someone he wasn't expecting, but was also the very same person he'd been thinking about for the past minute. It was the emperor dressed in a dark colored robe and Bruce put aside what he was doing as Apollo entered with his hands dropped in the side pockets of his robe.
"All ready to go, I see. Pity, I assumed you might stay another day or so," he coughed just before clearing his throat. "But you have a life and duties awaiting you put on hold for this little get together and I very much appreciate that."
"You come to see me off, unexpected; didn't take you for that type. Your estate is quite the distance from Hiklorhan and combined with your schedule and workload..."
Bruce was cut off by a chortle from the harbinger.
"Very true, I have an entire realm to look over but I trust it'll stay in one piece as I see you off. It wouldn't be right if I didn't and besides... I have a few words for you, boy."
Nothing else was said as Bruce gave the yokai emperor his undivided attention.
"I want to first again acknowledge you for the performance you put on in passing the three trials, but stay humble and remember who and what you were. A human turned isn't a reward, and nor is immortality... you suffered a great loss taken away from you. The point isn't for you to hate yourself young lad, only that going forward you hang onto and retain whatever humanity is still within. There's something else you should know, as I've advised a select few of your colleagues."
"And?"
With his hands removed from his robe Apollo paced about.
"It goes without saying in your case as you're of the vampire species, this realm is much your home as man's world. You're free to come and go as you wish, however there's one thing you must keep in mind and I absolutely will not tolerate. If and whatever time you spend in this world… it must be kept to a low. I refer to your exposure. Until another few decades whenever you so choose the passing of Bruce Wayne, your face shouldn't be out in the open around these parts as it'll mount questions as to what exactly is a prominent billionaire figure of your world, and a human for that matter doing in mine. Such a matter would fall squarely over my shoulders and become my issue and I've got enough of that as is, do you understand?"
Bruce was only with a shake of his head as Apollo then continued.
"Not that it's been a problem with yourself or those of your league, but you will all stay away from yokai affairs. Do not go playing hero in my realm as if it were your backyard, or I'll be forced into action. While you may run rapid in the world of man you will not do so here, I have enough problems and headaches as it is, be wary of that my boy? I don't see this being a problem with any of you, just a heads up."
They stared at one another for a moment and Bruce knew that wasn't all, the emperor had something else to say.
"Are you ready to speak the truth to me, boy?"
"Truth?" Bruce straightened his posture.
"Yes," Apollo nodded. "Your proficiency in phase one, and the control you showed in the final stage. Who is responsible for your preparation and readiness? You performed at a level that only someone with years of experience and under the right administration could achieve. I am no enemy or danger to you... at this time. You want my trust and faith, do you not? It all starts with all secrets disconnected from the table."
"You said at this time," Bruce's fell back. "Menaces won't get us any closer to even ground."
With a quiet sigh Apollo cleared his throat.
"Allow me to reiterate, boy. Your way of thinking, temperament and control are key components. Lose sight of any and become a danger to man, or monster I shall personally hunt and put you down where you stand no questions. Foreshadowing the future with possible setbacks and things of that nature are what I do... coexistence is everything to me. If I allowed persons such as my granddaughter to run around turning said humans, mankind would eventually cease to exist and my efforts would be all for nothing. Man is special and must be protected, for the sake of balance in this world as they must be cherished and protected. So if you, or anyone else to break that rule again I will have no choice but to bestow upon those said persons the punishments necessary of the crime. No exceptions."
"Again, not my choice and you won't have to worry about me running around losing my mind or turning anyone for that matter. You can hate and scrutinize me, but so help me if you even think to come after my..."
"Please, Mister Wayne. Stop right there," the emperor took a deep breath. "Hate is a strong word and one I wouldn't associate with yourself. I'm more concerned and worried about your mental and physical state going forward. And perhaps maybe I come off as a bit harsh, but for good reason. There's no difference with how I view yourself or young Aono. So far so good with him, but he has been and will continue to be a person of interest and someone I watch closely for the next couple decades. And let's listen carefully to this, boy; that child is my granddaughter and I'd sooner rather die if possible than lay a threatening hand on her body! Young Sasha is in no danger of me."
The two eyed one another for a little while longer before Bruce broke eye contact and headed to the dresser and finished packing the last of his stuff.
"Perhaps we've gotten off on the wrong foot, stemming back to my visit in your home. You kept secrets and the person I met that day wasn't you, not entirely. Though for those few seconds that we traded glimmers... I think maybe for a moment I caught a hint of who was inside. Us aside, my granddaughter is very important to me like any of my children and I will have a presence in her life. She's loveable, caring and with great potential. And I hear she will be journeying with you back home. Was that a discussion between my daughter and..."
"Sasha's decision," Bruce cut him off. "The choice was entirely out our hands. Akasha and I allowed her to make the decision and she chose Gotham, but she'll have constant visits back here. Likely weekends and Akasha promised to visit her throughout the week days whenever she can, but with her schedule we'll see how that plays out. I'm certainly not being nominated for father of the year awards, but I keep my family safe... or at least try and if being with me makes her happy than so am I."
Apollo was with a grin and was tempted to give a standing ovation to Wayne as he saw much of himself in the young lad, particularly in the way he viewed his loved ones. The emperor still had very many questions for the newly turned, but the basis in their relationship was with shaky footing. If he were to get anything out of him it would require patience and openness on Apollo's end and so he just backed off with nothing else.
"Safe travels mister Wayne," Apollo spoke just as he headed for the exit. "I shall bid young Sasha farewell and then be on my way. I've got much that awaits me over my desk upon my return."
The harbinger was out and on his way up the hall and then down the steps while Bruce finished packing. He followed afterwards pulling his suitcase along and met with everyone in one of the many living rooms. Akasha, Apollo and Eris were gathered around along with a handful of the Dark Lord's maidens and servants who also took the chance to say goodbye. But it was a known the child would return soon and so they had that to look forward to. The emperor had taken a knee and massaging a hand over the right shoulder of Sasha, who was somewhat jittery but not so much as she had been. It was a slow process but she would get back to where she'd been with him. Of recent misgivings if there was something he could undo, it would have been that night. Maybe had he gotten there sooner, things wouldn't have turned out as they did.
"Take care of yourself, my child and be safe. I shall stop by and see you later this week when you return and with one of your favorite treats."
"Really?!" Sasha's eyes lit up, resulting in chuckles from both Eris and Akasha.
"Whenever have I not came through," Apollo smiled as he patted her over the head.
Afterwards he stood and faced his attendant with a nod and Eris knowing exactly what this meant. Akasha embraced and hugged her father before both he and Eris took off towards the exit and Apollo giving Bruce one final look before the two disappeared through the doors. Akasha leaned downward kissing at the top of Sasha's head, just as Bruce moved in on them.
"I suppose this is it for now," Akasha smiled, as she ran a hand over the side of his face and then a kiss over his lips and she didn't care that her maidens stood nearby. "I'll see you both soon. Look after her, okay."
"Without question," Bruce nodded.
She tracked her hands up and down over his chest, outwardly with something else to say but just as quickly backed off. A vortex appeared in front of them and Sasha hugged at her mother's leg one final time before siding with her father and waving goodbye as Akasha did the same back and they passed through. As it closed the Dark Lord stood silently for some seconds with a feeling of warmth and couldn't stop smiling. Soon thereafter she looked to a single of her maidens and cleared her mind.
"Can you do something for me?"
"Yes madam, what do you need?"
"I've got an important meeting to appear, but I would like for you to make contact with Colton and advise that I would like to meet for lunch in two days. There's something really important we must discuss."
The vampire maiden bowed and was on her way out in a hurry. Akasha didn't stick around for much longer either as she was due away from Hiklorhan in the coming hours. Others of her servants readied the carriage out front in preparation for her departure.
XXX
The group of mercenaries in addition to Miukei Suzcoo, Batwing and Black Canary disembarked on the grounds of where their rescue target was being held. That's at least what the small device in their possession confirmed, with a red dot blinking at just over four hundred yards from where they stood on the mountain side. Miukei was far too experienced and tangled with monsters just like this countless times over the centuries, ruthless and organized. It was because of this along the way the vampire made contact with pupils of her own, well trained assassins that operated under cover and loyal to the Dark Lord and stationed just outside the kingdom of Hiklorhan. None were vampires, but that didn't stop her from thinking anything less of them, as she knew of their capabilities.
"Okay," the vampire whispered with a set of binoculars in hand. "We've got four sniper groups of six somewhere out that way, in a defensive formation, so as to cover the most ground while staying hidden. We've got another twenty scouring the perimeter of the facility, and an additional twenty or so holding position in the forests. We will not make any immediate moves to free the lieutenant general... not until we know all there is to know about what's inside, security, soldiers, etcetera. We've also got a huge grid system of laser along the ground. Active Camo seems the right choice until we consider the dozens of Inugami around the place. They'll sniff us out if we get anywhere near that building."
Black Canary and Batwing stood off to the side of the vampire and couldn't help but be impressed with her expertise on the matter.
"How long shall the observation process take?" Canary inquired.
"Long as it needs to," Miukei lowered the binoculars."Inugami can detect a disturbance within its environment, whether or not the disruption is cloaked, from, oh, my guess is about a two hundred yards. Now, we could get close enough to enter if they were stationed inside but that isn't the case. Freeing Hayhurst will be one tall order, but I've succeeded in much more difficult tasks than this. The only thing that would be able to get past one of these things is... well, we'd have to kill or incapacitate them."
An additional three mercenaries stood close by and listened in, no one alarmed by what she said. Miukei again took the binoculars into hand and looked out in front of her and examining the building more closely and that's when she cursed under her breath.
"What is it?" Black Canary moved in beside her.
"Damn, looks like our foe got their hands on human tech. I've seen this type of surveillance before. Everyone among them out there is registered on their servers. Anyone who's not, meaning us will immediately be labeled as an intruder and an alarm system will sound."
"I can take care of that," Batwing cracked his knuckles. "I can wirelessly hack their security system and shut it down from here using the suit's network. Our biggest issue is the yokai capable of sniffing us out."
"You can do that?!" the vampire looked over at him in shock.
Black Canary chuckled at the expression he gave off.
"Of course he can, Batwing hear is a tech genius. Undoing whatever security they have in place will be like child's play for him."
"I'll give you a rundown of all the security measures they have in place. How's that sound?" Batwing looked to the vampire directly.
"Mmm. Okay. Bite me," Miukei tossed her hair back.
"That's more of your thing, I'll pass."
Canary looked back and forth between them, wondering if she missed something. Batwing then pressed down over a small panel in his suit with a small drone like device hovering outward but in camouflage. It went undetected as it eventually hovered over the building and performing a scan that covered every square inch of the landmark.
"Give it five and I'll have a full in depth three D map out of the entire building and arrangement of our targets and hopefully the lieutenant general's location."
Miukei took a step back and a moment to take in what he said and for a second even took appreciation to it. Humans truly were magnificent in creating things that seemed unimaginable and he was living proof of it. Not a moment longer did one of her own emerge from the hillside but did so in a slouched position.
"We have a thermal system set up over the whole area, if we choose to strike at dawn, have a look for yourself madam," the view switched to a different camera view, showing an extensive grid of body heat. "We managed to get closer and found something else interesting."
"And what's that?" she asked.
"They've got a laser system set up in such a way that if any one of them don't receive a signal, they set off an alarm, showing them the position of the trespasser, and order an orbital strike on that point," the assassin said.
"Won't be a problem at all," the vampire moved to the side and patted Batwing's shoulder. "He has a way to close it all down."
"Wait... how?!"
"Details are needless," Miukei shook her head. "I want you to regroup with everyone, instruct them to fall back in the forest where we shall meet up. We shall set up camp and continuing our observation. We will not strike tonight, we're going to get one shot at this and if we screw up it's off with Isla's head. Those savages are unforgiving."
"I see," the assassin bowed. "Leave it to me."
He took off in a hurry just as Canary eyed the vampire.
"They really do respect you, and follow your orders without question. That's really hard to come by anywhere."
"I'm of the Asagao Three, so I'd hope so," the vampire smirked. "We should fall back as well and wait for that scan to complete and then formulate our approach."
XXX
She felt so refreshed and clean after a hot bath and blow drying her hair as she sat over a stool and in front of a mirror. She missed having her mother around, but since her effort at claiming the throne in the queen's absence, Morrigan made it priority to swing by Makai once every few days and check up on things. For Audrey she couldn't be happier knowing she wouldn't have to endure long periods of time without seeing her mother. Though she'd been stripped of her control and authority she wasn't without some command. Only the likes of Mudo and Lucien held more, but she had more than enough to get what she wanted.
After drying off, the child succubus dressed herself into a black nightgown robe. She was then out of her room in a hurry and especially keeping a lookout for Lucien and Mudo. The gown was with a hood which she pulled up and over her head to hide her features. She tip toed up the hall and around the corner where she used a secret passageway. She made her way down a couple stares and then out into the courtyard where she was especially cautious. And it was inside a small shrine that she entered, not far from the castle. It was there that an older woman awaited her, having the appearance of someone in their early to mid-sixties, but in reality she was much older than that.
Audrey removed the hood and sat across from the woman and at the center of the table was a magical globe, one that the woman channeled her magical energy into. While Audrey was young and inexperienced, she was plenty book smart and educated in regards to Makai's powerhouses and those that held the most influence. She often raved and got excited about the day she might take over as Makai's ruler, but her mother constantly reminding Audrey to enjoy the days of youth and that ruling wasn't all it was said to be. Morrigan reminded her over and over to enjoy childhood and not look forward. She knew better than to question or get smart with her mother, as the last time that happened she received a good slap on the bottom.
There was no one she loved more or valued than her mother, but there were others she so badly wanted introduced into her life. Not just that but her inner soul was just boiling for an adventure away from the castle. Her pleas and begging were for nothing, as her mother wouldn't allow her to set foot out of the palace. She had only read about and seen images of the other kingdoms and she very much wanted to pass through them all.
"Good evening young one, I'm honored to be graced with your presence."
"Thanks a bunches for coming all the way here," the child jumped up slightly with her hands together. "You're from the land of Blastoras, home to magicians, witches and wizards? The best of the best come from there, must be so cool! I read somewhere about the competitions and magic shows, does it really blow your mind away like they say?!"
The woman across from her chuckled at the succubi's liveliness and energy. There was nothing she loved more than seeing the happiness and smiles of children. There was nothing more gratifying and it had been this way for years. Audrey leaned in and wrapping her hands around the crystal ball as she marveled at it, even picking it up and taking it into her hands.
"So pretty and sparkly, what can it do witch lady?" Audrey bounced up and down. "You're witch aren't cha?"
The elderly woman giggled loudly, just as the succubus lowered the globe back over the table.
"Right you are, young one. And this ball here can grant many visions and possibilities till your heart's content, but be aware child, there are limits to my abilities. To learn our queen had secretly given birth is quite the surprise, but I suppose we all have our secrets. And you're quite the cute little thing, queen Aensland must be so proud."
This caused the child to blush red as she sat forward with her chin in the palm of her hands.
"Well then your majesty, I'd hate to delay the purpose of this get together. How may I be of service?"
While rubbing her hands together Audrey rocked back and forth within her chair not sure where to begin. The wings stemming from her back flapped as she grazed her finger nails over the table's surface.
"One more thing miss witch lady, you've known my mother for eighty years… or something like that? She once told me you were one of her most trusted friends and allies away from the capital. I want to be just like momma when I grow older, be a great ruler and travel!"
Her excitement didn't go unnoticed and the witch again laughed.
"So it is because of this that you summoned me, quite the clever child you are. Does your mother know of your current activities?"
Audrey only shook her head and without a response.
"She's away attending to something important, but she always comes back a lot to check on me. I love momma more than anything in the whole wide world but I wanna get to the fun stuff now. And afterwards tell me how you met her."
The witch gave a nod with her arms stretched outward and her hands hovering over the magic ball. The succubus was a child, but still daughter to the ruler of the entire realm and so she would help her with anything she wanted.
"So much I want, but let's first start with the human world. Tell me all there is to know, that isn't in the books. I ah think there's more than a few ways to pass through from here to there and I want to know how to do it undetected."
The witch snickered with a finger to her own lips.
"And what shall the princess do with such information?" she asked inquisitively.
"There is someone I must seek, and I will not stop until I've found him."
XXX
The Dark Lord arrived on mutual grounds where the meeting was fixed to take place, and the king of Reinganar, Kenzie Jieand king of Yundervelt, Imani were also present and the only other global powers in attendance. Akasha sat at the head of the table and Kenzie at the other end and Imani somewhere in the middle and the other seats occupied by other monsters from a select few lands and species.
"Understand one thing before I tell you about my village's meeting. My mind and the mind of the Mujina ambassador were both made up by the time the others of the outer factions gave their input. Our voices were flushed out with our lack of military knowledge but we knew the attack was necessary to plan. The Xsouvizs aren't going anywhere, my princess! They're of the king Imani's land and the Yundervelt forces have done little to track and put an end to their operation and so many are suffering because of it!"
"He's right, princess!" another said. "I of the Komainu tribunal can confirm the persistent attacks that have fallen upon us. They've stormed our lands, killed those who've tried to oppose them and taken our valuable but I say no more!"
The Dark Lord listened to all the complaints and concerns that seemed to be coming from all over the table, but kept quiet just as Kenzie and Imani.
"In respect to our culture, we're not that different from you three," a Kyonshi chimed in. "Back in the seventh century long ago, our land of Sujonor was once a major monster power. We had a fair amount of international influence and thought of our island as impregnable. After all, the last time we were invaded and with no answers was over two hundred years ago, by the king of vampires and most powerful of all us, Alucard. But what can I say, he simply couldn't be stopped. We'd resisted invasions by Glermort, the Tenace republic, and other neighboring competitors throughout history and we're quite proud of that. And after nearly three thousand years of relative stability, save the Alucard attacks, this threat of the Xsouviz is quite troubling. It's been humiliating!"
The Kyonshi primarily focused his gaze on Kenzie Jie.
"In much the same way the loss of the Gray meadow conflict was for the kingdom of Reinganar, and yes I understand that was on a much higher scale but the feeling is similar."
And so for the next thirty minutes the conference went on and well. Akasha's proposal on the matter was satisfying with the idea of reaching out to other yokai representatives affected. After the particularly expressive speech from the Dark Lord Queen, everyone compared notes. Of course, the entire room was trying to make itself heard so not much comparing went on. Imani's British female counterpart, as he liked to think of her and also the aide to the Yuki-onna ambassador, was having a violent argument with someone on the other side of the room. They were friends, he and she. They once found themselves in the same small town, he was out on business and herself on a mission. They had a few drinks and talked and from there they knew something special was shared between them. They were checked into the same cabin and most rooms reserved. And so they ended up sharing a tiny room together and having long discussions about the fate of ogre refugees who'd fled to the kingdom of Thishieita.
With his throat cleared, the werewolf king of Reinganar, Kenzie got the attention of everyone present within the room. He talked and went on for twenty minutes straight it seemed and he was was incredible. No one knew how he suddenly commanded the room with such authority. Others with Imani included had a designated timeslot and had difficulty holding everyone's attention for long, unless of course when the Dark Lord was speaking. Whenever a word came out of her mouth they were quiet as insects out in the forest.
The Dark Lord activated a satellite screen and on the other end was the emperor himself. She gave him a brief rundown on the subject matter and Apollo with words for everyone in the audience. He wanted to constantly be kept up to date on the proceedings and any moves to be made. This was only for a few minutes before the screen was shut off and things continuing from there. The werewolves wanted to go on the offence until all the Xsouviz were annihilated. There would be a vote in a few hours. The Dark Lord wanted to know how each faction felt, and she would take each consideration into account. And while Kenzie Jie wanted nothing short of the destruction of the entirety of Xsouviz, king Imani saw things differently. He wanted each of its members captured and interrogated and others felt he held a biased because of his ogre heritage, and most its members previous residents of his kingdom.
With Ekon Bakari attending to other matters in the vampires' homeland, Akasha instead traveled alongside with one of her new hires, Eishun Chobyo. He was just there as an assist and occasional sounding board. No one really looked his way and even Akasha hadn't spoken a word to him since their arrival and he really didn't mind. He was only twenty four years old and probably only got the honor of being there with her because everyone else that worked closely with the Dark Lord was tied up in other matters. After about an hour of talks, he was sent to brew a decent cup of tea, which was harder than he thought and once he finally returned the discussions had moved on. They made their decision, formally and in an informed and rational manner.
The group of them drank tea out of glass cups as the conversations continued. With an hour to go until the big vote and all the major decisions made, Akasha told her assist to take an extended comfort break. The Xsouviz were proving to be a problem for many and a resolution needed to be reached in the matter.
XXX
The alarms sounded throughout the fortress of Fairy Tale as a select few of its members were summoned to Ched Vlet's quarters and the mastermind was all smiles. He sat in his chair and looking everyone over and stayed patient until they all arrived that needed to be.
"I have a mission for you lot," he stood from his chair as those persons were piled into the room. "First off let me introduce to you our newest recruits."
Ched looked to his left as a singular individual emerged out of the shadows.
"For those that don't, this man is Mordru... or as I like to say Mordru the Merciless! His magical abilities will further solidify our defenses against common foes, he's had run-ins with Justice Society of America and well versed on the Justice League." Ched then looked to the other. "And of course the mighty Bizarro, possessing all the attributes of a kryptonian but with his own uniqueness. You'll have time to acquaint yourselves with him once this briefing concludes, but for now let us first go over the details of your next mission. We shall commence in forty eight hours."
"Where to this time?" Kahlua asked.
The Tengu immediately rubbed his hands together.
"Where to, indeed. It isn't just one site this time, but rather two and so the lot of you will be split accordingly in teams of my choosing. The first locale is London. My experts have keyed in on a museum of sorts and have confirmed a Chirismoy shell is held there. Akua, Zorvu, Q-Bee, and Jitoshi... you bunch will lead the charge in this mission."
"And the other?" Cheetah asked.
"Metropolis," Ched clinched his fists. "And for obvious reasons the rest of you will be headed that way, led by Circe and you, Cheetah. If things don't go according to plan and there's an upheaval from civilians he'll be there, it's where his heroics have been most documented."
"Him," Kuyo chortled. "You mean the one they call man of steel?"
"Precisely and we'll need all hands on deck, the kryptonian is a living juggernaut. You must however go about retrieving the shell discrete or you'll be faced with him, and we absolutely can't have that. The remainder of the Justice League could follow and..."
"Point taken," Circe smiled up at Vlet. "We'll do what we need to, like creatures in the shadows. Tell us where to so that we may properly prepare in advance of our departure."
To be continued
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Clash of Realms