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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
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Clash of Realms
CHP30: Dangers of the Xsouvizs

"I shall excuse myself, but I will be nearby as usual, sir."
Alfred looked to Bruce for a quick instant before turning and hightailing up the steps. Moka was dressed in a gray jacket, black leggings and light brown boots while her fingers grazed over her sides.
"I peaked in on Sasha upstairs reading and studying, so I didn't bother her. There's time for that after our little chat. The flight from Japan to here is always so taxing, but I'm here now."
"You don't have access to teleportation?"
"I'm not a Dark Lord, so no. No magic or any of the devices," Moka shook her head.
While removing his hands from his pockets Bruce thought back to London and Kokoa. He considered mentioning this to the one opposite of him, but instead he kept quiet on the matter and more interested in why Moka was in town.
"What brings you all the way out here, where a phone call could have sufficed? I'm rather busy at the moment."
Moka was with a nod as her stare dropped over the ground for a moment, only to look up and Bruce with his back to her as he typed over the keyboard. His eyes moved up and down, side to side as he inspected what was on the monitor.
"Whatchu looking up?" Moka asked.
"Talk," Bruce responded.
She bit over her tongue but it was a standard response from him. He was certainly a whole lot different.
"Well I guess here goes," Moka took a deep breath as she went on. "You aren't short for aptitude, that's for sure. A master detective and martial artist and I've thought much about your one on one with mother. And then of course there was your bout with grandfather in the third and final trial of the test."
The silver haired vampire quieted for a moment as she recollected her thoughts.
"Since mother's return I've watched one or two friendly sparring sessions between them and it was a thing of beauty. And I won't be fooled by what I saw in that third challenge. I witnessed, no... we all watched how you functioned against mother and won. You purposely allowed yourself to fall without really trying to achieve victory. Now I know you have your reasons for this, and I won't go digging."
"What do you want?" he asked simply.
Her eyes were glued to his for a moment before looking upward to the ceiling. It was there that she locked in over a clutter of bats hanging upside down from the ceiling and squeaking. This was only for a moment as her gaze then returned to his.
"I don't know the stories behind their past, your adopted sons and of course even Damian. In some form you've had a heavy influence over the way they study and prepare themselves for what they'll face out on the streets. You've personally trained them all, haven't you? Just as you're doing with Sasha-chan."
"So she told you, not surprising."
Moka's head bobbed.
"It was thru her first stay at mother's castle that she declared it once or twice and I want you to really take into consideration what I'm about to say. As a vampire and born into the Shuzen mansion I learned the hardships of battle early, sparring amongst my siblings daily. We helped sharpen one another, relying mostly on our raw strength. I've since then grown a lot stronger and greater control over my aura and yokai. I'll continue to develop and reach my max potential in time, no help needed there but there is however something else I want. Something that mother and grandfather have... just like you. Aside from mother's natural ability it is the reason she's so sacred and the grandest living vampire."
He kept quiet and with his arms crossed the entire time.
"Without even a drop of her yokai, she's capable of keeping up with A and even S class monsters because of her martial arts ability, so decisive and at a much higher level than most the soldiers in the monster realm. I want that, to be as she. I want to be mother's equal, to be able to stand on the same battle field and... perhaps one day, pass her. And I believe, no," Moka shook her head. "I know you're capable of doing that."
Eyes expanded and all, he had a pretty good indication of where this was headed.
"The painting is clearly on the wall, the dog out of the gate," she fanned the left side of her face with a hand. "Will you do it... will you tutor me?"
His eyes closed while his head fell forward and he ran a hand over his face. It was just as he predicted, taking a deep breath as he stood tall and looking her straight in the eyes.
"No."
Moka bit sharply over her tongue, practically alarmed while at the same time not at all. Her heart shook like a boat over tough waves, and he was with such a prompt reply. Did he even consider the proposition, she wondered.
"An outright no," her eyes poached over him. "Not even a reason why?"
Bruce crossed his arms and his glare matching the intensity of hers.
"You flew all the way out here and wasted a trip. It is your mother that you strive to match, and she loves you unconditionally, possibly more than you know. Akasha would happily do you the honors, or even your grandfather. Both have centuries of experience and would instruct you in vastly improving your technique. Have you tried reaching out?"
He didn't have the answer to this and waited.
"Grandfather runs the entire realm, the entire realm! You can't even begin to understand the weight that's put on his shoulders day in and out. And mother just returned from the dead and has a stupid amount of workload over her plate even if marginally less, especially with the other two positions of Dark Lord still vacated. You're right, I could ask either and perhaps they would accept... but I don't want to be a burden. There's that, but something else. They're with eras of experience as you've listed, yet here you are in under half and with skills outmatching the greatest vampire warrior. I want to have that, whatever it is that propels you. Please show me."
"We all have our demons and pains. You don't want what I have. It's a dark place and I regularly find myself at the border of it, just waiting to be devoured. And I've given my answer."
"You're training Sasha-chan, so why not me?"
"She's my daughter," Bruce scowled. "She needs to be capable of protecting herself and to do things the right way. Her life is hers to live, I won't force her into anything that she doesn't want."
"Well technically we're family through her. I'd do everything asked of me and then some, and I wouldn't be around all the time. Just on occasion and you're forgetting one important detail," Moka unbuttoned her jacket and beneath it over her chest was a purple bat signal. "I wear the symbol of the bat, your symbol... not grandfather's or anyone else's."
She was persistent and it left him hesitant, but his decision still the same.
"I'm due in the office, this conversation is done."
"Fine," Moka looked him off. "I'll be in town for two whole days, give it some thought. I promise to be a great student, maybe even your best. Any who, I'm gonna go spend some time with Sasha-chan before I take off."
She headed for the elevators while Bruce remained standing in place. It was really quite interesting to find that she traveled with and wore the suit. Why not a phone call, unless she was certain he'd say yes? This was hardly his concern as he had much bigger issues at hand. In the short term was the board meeting, and on return his investigation into the court. The league was also investigating and working the Fairy Tale angle and so he had more than enough leeway.
XXX
In the course of the escape from the Xsouvizs prison, much of the escapees got separated from each other within all the chaos and disorder. A battle followed as they managed to make their way out into the open and more than a handful of persons were dropped on both sides and while the prisoners were outnumbered 3 to 1 the snipers on standby in the distance served as a great equalizer in tipping the scale the other way. They only fought the Xsouvizs off just enough to make an escape. Most either went for the mountains or the forest, and while split all around that was the least of their concerns. The task was a hit and by then the sets of escapees were miles from the prison in every which direction.
Of those groups, the one led by Miukei Suzcoo found themselves far out and deep into the forest. For the time being and concluding the enemy was no longer on their trail they decided to set up camp and take a break from further travel as they'd been on the move nonstop for the past seven hours. Their numbers were small, with just six of them which included two mercenaries, Batwing, Black Canary, Miukei and Isla Hayhurst. None knew the exact time other than the sun was just getting ready to set over the horizon and it was quite the sight. The vampire had just dropped down from her horse and tied it to a nearby tree as others within the group did the same. In the armory room of the Xsouvizs the elf lieutenant managed to recover more than what she was after, piles of maps, blue prints, plans and other information essential to the enemy.
And atop all that she also recovered her bow and a stack of arrows, all stashed away in a small brown bag. While the others set up camp she dropped the bag beside a bush and excused herself before taking off to stretch her legs. There was no one that felt more stress or under as much weight as she among them and she needed time to try and clear her thoughts. They had days ahead of them before reaching the kingdom of Vindellorien, but she had different ideas and plans. Isla was out of their sights shortly thereafter finding her way down a hill where she rested her back against a tree while carrying her bow and watching the sunset.
"Well that sure was a lot more hectic than I was expecting," Black Canary breathed out as she sat over a log. "All that's left is returning her home and then... freedom."
Her voice lowered as she looked up into the sky and wishing she knew the answer to that. Prince Arlo had made them a promise, and if true then they would be freed. Only time would tell but she kept her fingers crossed.
"It'll work out," Batwing reached out with a hand over her shoulder and still with his mask on. "We've made it this far after everything we've been through."
"You're right," she smiled. "I've dreamt of the day I'd be able to sleep in my own bed again.
From then she stood and helped the others with setting up camp, while one broke away to go search for fire wood. Batwing was right behind her, but only took one step before he instead looked back in the other way. For a moment he fumbled around with the idea of what to do before taking off out on his own. He very much enjoyed the walk and taking in the scenery, relishing the opportunity to value it all. Down the hill and just about two hundred yards away is where he found her, but she'd known of his approach from hear keen sense of hearing.
"Hey," he moved in on her.
"Hi," she responded with only a quick glimpse at him.
Her eyes again revisited the spectacle out in front of her, and by her tone and the way she stood it was obvious she wasn't very much interested in talking. It was however very reasonable as he knew nothing of what she went through while imprisoned. And just as she he stayed quiet adoring the view, but he was with questions and something he really wanted to get off his chest. But she instead beat him to it.
"Striking, isn't it?" she breathed outward. "It almost reminds me of the most colorful evenings in Vindellorien, from the sacred hills."
"It is," Batwing nodded in agreement. "I could almost be stuck like this forever."
He wasn't the only one with queries but; Isla having some of her own. No one had time to talk during the time of the break in and escape as they were too active trying to escape and lose sight of the outlaws. In doing so they found themselves drifting in the opposite direction to Vindellorien. All through the disarray there wasn't time to concern themselves about where they were headed, just as long as they first got away cleanly. The rest would be figured out, which brought them to this point.
"We're no longer in any sudden hazard, so explain it to me," Isla looked to Batwing from the corner of her eye for just a moment. "Who organized this whole charade, Suzcoo of the Asagao three? There were no Vindellorien soldiers among you and even with her title, she doesn't have authorization to release either you or the blonde woman unless signed off by her master, the Dark Lord. How much has changed since I've been away?"
Rightaway Batwing shook his head.
"It's a whole lot different and more complicated than that," he took a deep breath. "Prince Arlo put this all together, it was all his idea. Without your father's knowledge of course and Dinah and I only involved ourselves by chance, over hearing a certain conversation between the prince and your guide, Cecily. It was him that hired a small band of mercenaries and set foot out to find you all thanks to a pendant you were carrying."
She hadn't any idea what he was talking about at first but she thought back and remembered the small item Cecily handed her just before she was taken prisoner. It was just inside her shirt, on the left side of her cleavage.
"With the help of some wizard we were afforded the means to track it, and you. As for myself and Dinah, we sort of just slipped out of the castle and more or less escaped undetected but only to seek out the prince. We... no, I wanted to help."
She listened and took in his words but there were still plenty of blank spots unfilled.
"And where is he," Isla looked him over. "Is Arlo still in one piece?"
"Commanded by Miukei to return to Vindellorien, but with good reason. If you want specifics you can ask her specifically. Our journey had barely began when we were ambushed, and if she didn't show up when she did the bunch of us would have been finished. In the absence of the prince she took over and the rest of us followed. I don't know much about this monster world, but everyone seemed to respect her and followed without much questions."
"I see, so that's how it is..."
Isla's fingers grazed her bow but with her gaze still over the sky as she cleared her throat.
"And your reason for participating was to strike a deal with my brother I suppose? Help rescue me and then he'd have father release the two of you? I wouldn't be so..."
"That isn't it," Batwing interjected with the shake of his head. "This mission was to be real hush, hush and not brought to the king's attention. The prince took this course of action without consulting with anyone other than your second in command. A secret mission, largely. No benefits, however he did promise to take head of the investigation in clearing us so that we might be freed. But that was only after I came to him and offered my assist, and it wasn't with the idea that I'd get something in return."
A giggle escaped her lips.
"Then why do it, why risk your life for your captors. And I realize I'm not the one calling the shots nor supervising the investigations, but surely you can see why from my assessment that seems highly unlikely. Involving yourself in something so high risk and getting nothing out of it is the move of a fool."
"Did it ever occur to you that everyone isn't all the same? I simply wanted to help because it was the right thing to do, and dire missions such as this are right up my alley. I make a living engaging the worst dangers back home."
The lieutenant general was with curiosity as she again glimpsed up at him, but stayed silent as she had been.
"Well I suppose there's more to you humans than I thought, very fascinating," she murmured.
With a click to the left side of his neck, Luke removed the helmet/mask off his head and was immediately greeted by the soft breeze over his face. It was overly refreshing as he relaxed his shoulders. He held the helmet in his hand as he looked outward over their surroundings, but especially eyed the skies with tones of yellows and oranges.
"Funny, this is also the first time we've spoken since then," Luke said.
Her shoulders twitched and her ears perking, knowing precisely what he referred to. She was hoping the conversation wouldn't come and that they'd move forward without speaking of it again.
"Good men are taken, occupied or dead, vanquished in battle. I had a lot to drink that evening and it was a regrettable act. I didn't mean to impose on the relationship between you and your woman. I forced you into a no way out position. It is in the past now, let us not speak of it again."
The circumstance had drastically changed since the day they met and he felt there was no time better than the present to come clean.
"About that," he cleared his throat. "I might have told a lie... to protect her. And that sure worked out great didn't it? Hell, more like completely back fired."
"Excuse me?" she posed.
"Dinah and I aren't actually a thing, an item. She isn't really my fiancée. I said what I did to stop you from causing her harm, but like I said... that worsened things. Our only connection, real connection is through a mutual friend, or ally if you will. It wasn't until we ended up here and under the custody of your kingdom that we've really gotten to know each other."
Isla slightly jumped, overly surprised by this disclose and repositioning herself over the tree as she looked up at him.
"Well isn't that something. Another awaits you back home?"
"Nah, single and ready to mingle as they say," Luke chuckled. "But no, the job keeps me busy. Relationships are difficult in my line of work."
The elf warrior lowered her bow but with her eyes still over him.
"And what prompted the truth? Why tell me?"
"If I have the chance to be transparent, open and honest… I'll take that route every time. And if that was the reason behind your guilt then you have nothing to be regretful for. It takes two to engage, I didn't exactly say no or try and stop you. I'm just as much to blame, not need to point fingers or feelings of shame."
"Hhhhm, I suppose you're right," she replied, but in a whisper.
Their gazes stayed locked while one waited for the other to break away but it never happened. And it wasn't until one of the hired assassins shouted out to them that they broke away.
"They probably need us, we should head back," she looked away from him, but with half a smirk.
"After you," Batwing stepped aside.
XXX
News of the negated bridal ceremony was still wide spreading throughout the entire yokai realm, with gossip and rumors scattering all over. Had it been any other it would not have been such a big deal but in the case of her, the whole episode was magnified! She was princess of all lands/kingdoms, Dark Lord and one of the most powerful and with much admiration and influence. Lots were with different views on the news but the man himself who was at the center of it was nothing less than irate with a sense of disloyalty. It was in the waiting area of his father's business building where he marched about and forcing chairs over as he marched.
All of security knew and recognized him as the CEO's son so did little to stop him other than trying to talk him down. Just as the rest of the entire realm they too knew of what had unfolded between he and the Dark Lord and they felt just as bad for him. His tantrum lasted for just over another minute before he settled himself into a chair that he hadn't otherwise knocked over. Everything that he'd worked so hard for, everything that he believed he would soon have had all just flushed down the drain in one instant. She was his, all his and so to would the entire vampire kingdom have been, but now it was all taken from him. While security cleaned up and put things back into place, Colton sat there patiently tapping a toe over the carpet as he awaited the conclusion to his father's meeting.
This occurred within the next couple minutes as persons dressed in suits came out of his office one after another. Edmund appeared through the door last and shaking hands with two and with a select few words before they took off, as he then looked to his son that he'd been expecting.
"Please do join me inside," he looked down over Colton. "And close the door on your way in."
Colton was up and out of his seat and doing exactly as his father asked as he entered through and almost unintentionally slamming the door shut behind him. With his hands situated behind him Edmund stepped in front of a large glass window overlooking the broader city and stayed like that for a long period, before turning and facing his son.
"I would ask how you're holding up, but I do believe I already know the answer. I'm terribly sorry that things didn't work between you and Princess Bloodriver Akasha, and eventually you'll looked passed this and use it as a stepping stone. Time heals all wounds, my boy."
Edmund moved up over him and with a hand reduced over his right shoulder. This was only for a quick instant as Colton slapped it away and growled with clinched fists.
"How could she do this to me? I was going to have it all, everything! And I promised her anything she wanted, love, a family and to be at her side through the rest of our days but instead she's spat in my face! I don't hate her father, no it is nothing like that. My value for her is explicit and I just don't like how this came about."
"And what were her reasons for the cancellation, my boy?" Edmund questioned.
Colton right away shook his head with his gaze over the ground.
"I wasn't given a straight answer, rather she pointed out various reasons, claiming it had everything to do with her mindset and plans for ruling. I wasn't in those plans and she didn't want to bring me down with the pressures that came with all the responsibilities. The constant attempts at my life that would come, and a lot of other things she said were also very accurate yet I told her I didn't care about any of that and would have been willing to fight through the dark patches. But I refuse to believe any of that is the real reason, no," Colton shook his head with clinched fists. "Clearly you know who she appointed Supreme Commander of the Hiklorhan military."
Their gazes were bolted in this instant and Colton's body tight.
"I very much do, Issa Shuzen. Apart from her majesty he is very much judged to be the greatest living vampire warrior and with battle proficiency that must be commended. He'll shape this kingdom's army the way that it needs to be, and we'll all be better off for it. But what of it?"
"Tsk, either you're too blind to see it or you choose to ignore it! She's been screwing Shuzen, why else would he have been given such a title and this decision out of the blue. He is the father of her first daughter and he probably got into her head since she returned to the throne. Rumor has it they've been working very closely and it wouldn't surprise me if somewhere they decided to mix business and pleasure."
"That is a very far reach, and I know you're discouraged but you really shouldn't disrespect lady Bloodriver with claims you have no proof of. She's a very respectable woman and as you know her father is a great friend and colleague, and for the sake of that you will stay civilized with this. You're bitter, logically but you will go about your business as a professional. There is one question I do however have for you my son, something I should have asked when this arrangement between the two of you was announced."
Colton glimpsed at his father strangely as he stepped off to the side.
"Yeah sure, what?"
"Quite easily, how did you feel about her and in turn how did she feel about you? Did you love one another?"
He conjectured if somehow this was a trick question, figuring his father should have known the answer to this.
"You know my whole thing on the subject of love, I don't believe in all that crap. A gathering between us would have benefitted not only us as individuals but this entire kingdom would have been better off. Akasha knew this, my views on the matter far before we got around to any discussions of our marriage."
"And perhaps that is where you lost her," Edmund sighed deeply just before closing his eyes for a moment. "It's possible our queen found that something you were unwilling to give elsewhere. We're all wired differently and for some nothing is more important than affection, bonds and true love."
Immediately Colton was left to ponder and take in his father's words, but with agitation as it felt as though he was siding with the Dark Lord on the matter when it should have been the other way around. And some miles away inside the bloodriver castle is where the queen of vampires herself sat at her personal home office desk away from the capital building. She'd been keeping busy and with most of her work complete and ahead of schedule she looked forward to making a certain trip and conveying the news. She was just looking over the last set of her paperwork when the door to the room shot open and that's when he moved in with a blank expression, two of her vampire maidens on either side of him. The Dark Lord pushed all of the materials aside as she smiled up at him and stood from her seat.
"Father, so good to see you."
She was very much surprised to see the yokai emperor, but in a good way.
"Bringing your work home, this should be your dwelling of relaxation and away from it all," Apollo was with a smile just as his daughter.
While initially she didn't know why he had come that notion that was only for a moment as the biggest news surrounding herself again came to mind. Every time she tried burying it within her thoughts someone was quick to remind her.
"You're here about what happened, I'm sure," she looked away from him and her eyes atop her own desk as she scratched over the surface with her fingernails. "I took time to really think about everything, my situation... Colton and I. There were far too many uncertainties and because of that I made the one choice that was the most plausible. I know, I should have told you before I announced it but I just didn't know how to tell you. Please don't be mad, I wanted to tell you so bad. That is the truth."
Their gazes were locked as she again looked up at while still continuing to scratch at the surface of the table.
"I am not here to judge, my child. But you've made my life more difficult with this, Orsic investors and others connected to their family reaching out to myself and calling for meetings. You've shut yourself in and closed yourself off from any interviews or scheduled public appearances; that isn't the way to go. With such a huge and important decision made on your part I also needed to know how you're doing mentally, which is why I'm here. I'll support you no matter what, you know this. But as anyone else I'm also very curious, why you made this decision. You appeared happy and content, what changed my child? Was it him, did he talk you out of your marriage?"
Akasha froze for a moment as her shoulders tightened, knowing there was no way he could know unless someone told him.
"Issa Shuzen," Apollo frowned upon her with crossed arms. "Is there more between you than just his control over the vampire military. He is no good for you, and while I wasn't much for Orsic's son and his antics you seemed committed. Others such as Shuzen shouldn't dictate your life choices, or perhaps it's that you still love him. You seem lost, confused and unsure. Love and marriage isn't something to be played with and bounced around."
"No, heavens no!" the Dark Lord promptly retorted. "My verdict had nothing to do with him, it's... it's really intricate."
Apollo crossed his arms and with his eyes still over her.
"Then explain it to me, I worry about you my child. I would do anything for you or my son, I hold nothing dearer. You talk and I'll listen, and if not I'll wait until you're ready. If anyone out there becomes a bother or harasses you..."
"Father," Akasha giggled with the shake of her head. "You must not be so overprotective, I can handle myself. No one wishes to do me any physical harm and if they did, well they'd be in for a world of hurt."
Together they laughed and Apollo running a hand over his face.
"Yes, I know that full and well. But I will always be near."
"I know," she nodded. "And I appreciate that, but I'm just fine. Everything happens for a reason and I wouldn't have made this decision if I wasn't sure about it."
With his eyes narrowed Apollo looked down over her and it was evident from where he stood that there was something she wasn't telling him. He was very perceptive, especially when it came to his family and those closes to him. He would allow her the time and space that she desired and the chance to open up when she was ready, but if not the harbinger would discover the true reasons himself. Truths and lies were bound to always reveal themselves.
XXX
Daishin did not sleep well the first few hours. The symbol of Uanora kept appearing in his dream and with it followed another which he did not recognize. Then, he heard a voice, and that strange icon appeared again. It was an oval with knife looking shapes around it, forming a star-like picture. But it wasn't a star as it was a very light shade of gray. Then laughing, one person at first and then dozens. All directed at him it seemed.
And in a quick jump he woke with sweat gleaming down his body. It was just after four in the morning as he wiped away sweat from his forehead. Then, for a third time he that same beautiful voice. But unlike the second time, he knew where it came from. Out of bed and dressing himself, he followed the voice outside the room and down a separate hallway that he had not ventured. He cautiously followed the voice down the hall and then into a room. As he opened the door it turned out to be a stairway. Daishin started up the steps, and the higher he went the louder the voice became. Then at last he came to another door knowing that she was on the other side of it.
He thought about calling out to her but decided not to do so and when he opened the door, Daishin saw her sitting on the edge of the window still singing and not noticing that he was there. Queen Kiyoko Ito's noble warrior coughed to get her attention. She quickly turned and stood but startled. Her long flowing red hair outlined her elegant face. Her crimson eyes shinned in the light of the moon.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, especially so late. Truth is I could barely sleep. I am Daishin. I've heard a little about you, but I thought seeing and speaking to you myself would clear a few holes. I have heard your voice a few times and I just had to see you. I also know what Lord Callum is doing, keeping you as a prisoner unless you wed him. Please tell me, this isn't really what you want, is it?"
"I don't have a choice in the matter, what I think means nothing. This has been my life since the end of the confrontation of Kitsune and Phoenix and it'll continue to be so unless I marry him, but I do not love him. I watched him kill my father right in front of me, and I didn't think things could get any worse, but boy was I wrong."
Daishin perceived the ache and sadness in her eyes as he breathed out.
"What happened?"
"I was brought here just days after the war ended and right there," she pointed out towards the bed where Daishin's eyes followed. "He tried sweet talking and buttering me up but I never gave in, all I wanted to return home. But he wouldn't take no for an answer and…"
"Don't tell me, did he…"
"Yes, he took me by force. I don't remember much of that night, after all I had been sedated by some type of special drug."
With clinched fists Daishin cursed beneath his breath.
"Why may I ask do you come to this land, if you did not know Lord Callum before now? Were you sent by superiors?" she looked to him and waited for an answer.
"It's a long story, trust me, it really is. I'm here for a night, maybe two. I've been sent by the queen herself to recover the Lastiaz sphere of fire. When I have it I will be on my way back to the capital," Daishin smiled at the thought of returning with the mission a success.
But then, he looked back at the miserable prisoner and realized that she could never go home. That was of course if things remained as is.
"I am sorry dear lady for bringing up the subject of home. I... just say the magic words and consider it done. Tell me you want out of this situation and I'll make it happen someway," he looked her in the eyes as a smile shaped over her features.
"You are a true gentleman. You must please all the ladies back home. But there is no escape for me. Lord Callum would never allow it, no one overrules him."
"Maybe not here, but he doesn't hold a candle to the power or authority of Queen Kiyoko Ito. I don't give a damn if our kingdoms don't see eye to eye, what's happening here isn't right."
The woman got all choked up as she stepped back with a hand over her mouth.
"I would love to go with you. To get away from this horrid place and home. Would your Queen truly step in and intervene?!" she was with her hands together and hope in her eyes.
"Damn right she will. But I'll need for you to hang on a little longer, nothing comes before the mission."
"You mean the Lastiaz sphere of fire?"
"Precisely," Daishin nodded. "You've never once tried to escape?"
"You have no idea, but every time ended the same. There is no escape from this place."
With a hand over her left shoulder, the kitsune warrior smirked.
"You won't have to worry about that for much longer."
XXX
He appeared over the docking bay platform of the watch tower, leaping off the stand while making his way down and through the automated door. With each step that Cyborg took came a loud thump of metal as he entered in through the conference room where four Justice League members were already seated and looking up at him. Both Green Lanterns were with smiles, and Aquaman with a snicker. Lastly was the Flash himself and Victor felt something was off, or rather different about the atmosphere.
"Whatsup, what I miss?"
"Aren't you just the news of the hour," Jessica laughed.
The mention didn't bring him any closer to figuring what seemed to be the change in them all, which seemed to all be directed at him.
"London," the Flash leaned back over the chair on wheels. "The other night, ring a bell? Well it should, you've been all over the international news fighting against that bee girl. A small glimpse of Batman was caught, but you were the central star. What were the two of you doing on that side of the world?"
Cyborg immediately went to the panel over his arm and in just a couple clicks, various screens in hologram form appeared. Some were live feed but Victor backtracking through some as he searched for the main headlines through the global news stations and his search was short as he came across footage of himself, and crowds cheering him on as he battled Q-Bee. Part of him relived the moment and during his survey of the many broadcast outlets he came across additional footage posted to social media, taken from bystanders using cellphones and other electronics.
"Well I'll be dammed," the footage was cut off in one click.
Not a second later did the doors open behind him and all looking up at Superman, which included Cyborg who slowly turned and looked in that direction.
"Has he been given any of the details?" Kal looked to those seated.
"Details of what?" Cyborg was with his eyes over Superman. "Something happened?"
"You aren't the only one that missed out," the Flash took the initiative. "Turns out Fairy Tale broke into some building in Metropolis and one of the Chirismoy shells was stockpiled. Superman, one lantern and Wonder Woman confronted them, but they still managed to pull away with the item. Having the numbers on their side really gave them the advantage."
There was an immediate shift in Cyborg's stance and expression and Aquaman being the first to notice. It was almost as if he'd seen a ghost, and Superman also discerned this as he stood off to the left of him.
"You got something to say?" Arthur asked simply.
"You were all inquiring about Batman and myself," Victor took a deep breath as he continued. "Truth is we tracked Fairy Tale to London and challenged them. And just like with Metropolis they were after a Chirismoy shell, a museum was the destination in this case. A dozen civilians were killed during the break in before our arrival and a police officer out on the street."
Aquaman immediately jumped up from his seat and with his hands atop the table.
"You confronted Fairy Tale, knowing where they'd be and didn't contact with a single of us? Just what were you thinking and am I right to assume they were successful in getting away?" Arthur glared.
"If you mean retreat then yes, but not with the shell. Batman made sure of that."
The entire room seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as Arthur fell back within his chair. It almost made up for how the night ended for Kal and Jessica, but they still weren't without questions.
"Okay let me get this straight," Simon spoke for the first time. "You and Batman managed to track them to London, correct... so my question is how?"
All eyes were on Cyborg and so to was the pressure, but could he really tell them the truth; the whole truth? No matter which way he shook it there was no good conclusion that might come of it. But then came a reassuring hand over his shoulder as he turned and Superman standing there.
"Specifics are needless for right now, especially if true that Batman is in possession of the magic piece. I would be interested in hearing some of the details of how things played out, eventually."
The kryptonian walked around and sat at his chair around the table with his hands folded. And just like that Cyborg too took a seat with his elbows atop the surface.
"Of all that ensued what you should really know is we stumbled upon someone with an inside source, or at least she was. Kokoa Shuzen grouped with and helped Batman and she told us she has valuable information that could be of use to stopping Fairy Tale. Batman provided a means of contact and so we'll hear back from her soon."
Just as everyone at the table, Kal-El had seen the footage of Cyborg going viral but he was also the only one that recognized the name Kokoa Shuzen. He recalled meeting the vampire in question on the night of Vheuto lazz.
"No need to wait for the others, tell us what happened. Did she state a residence or somewhere she works out of?" Kal asked.
"Nothing, she was very reserved and secretive... trust issues it seemed."
XXX
"You want to do what?!"
Those were the first words out of Miukei's mouth at the conclusion of Isla's little testimony.
"I'm grateful for you all showing up and freeing me, but I cannot return to Vindellorien, not with what I know and what they plan to do. They've got inside people scattered throughout all the major kingdoms, and smaller units operating from lesser villages in secret all over the realm. Originally I believed the Xsouvizs were condensed to only ogres, but I have since realized that is far from the reality and it is on a much broader scale."
Isla's eyes looked directly to both Black Canary and Batwing.
"The assault on Princess Sienna. You two were there when she was attacked by our own posing as soldiers of the Vindellorien military, but they weren't of our allegiance... undercover. These outlaws are pros and even as I speak their numbers grow. They're recruiting monsters of all types with unique skill sets to help further their outline."
The lieutenant general unzipped the bag with all the materials inside and laying out two large maps of the yokai realm with innumerable sections marked off, in the colors of blue, red, orange, green and purple. Each color signified and represented something. With a finger circling a certain spot Isla looked up at them.
"This is where we stand roughly," she trailed her hand upward. "And right here is there next closes camp. It is the first place I must strike. The sections in purple designates the location of each primary general working under Ilon Kreing. As quickly growing as the Xsouvizs are, that is where they can be stopped. We rid the board of their top players and the rest shall become vulnerable. I don't need to remind you of what they're after, but if they're to succeed it will mean pandemonium for the whole realm."
While the two mercenaries stayed quiet along with Canary and Batwing, Miukei laughed as she ran a hand through her hair.
"And you plan to stop them, with what army? Your loyalties are to Vindellorien, and someone in your position can't act outside of your land's jurisdiction! You aren't even the ruler of Vindellorien, or perhaps you might have the ability to request a full-fledged realm meeting between the global powers. What you're attempting here is far out of line, you're acting as... as a Dark Lord. If what all you said is true then this is a matter that must be brought to the attention of our emperor."
"That sounds all nice and dandy, but answer me this. Let's say you return to your master, the Dark Lord or you forward this information to Apollo. What is the first thing either of them would do?"
Miukei frowned over the elf just before rolling her eyes.
"What do you think?! They would consult with their soldiers and deal with the problem, no questions asked."
"Okay," Isla nodded as she again looked down over the map and pointed to a specific section. "Take a look there and tell me what you see."
The vampire wasn't the only one to do so as the others standing around did the same. At first sight Miukei didn't know what she was supposed to see but then quickly realized it was the kingdom of Hiklorhan. But within and around it were marked sections in the color of blues and oranges. Her eyes then ventured to the capital where Apollo's estate was located and swallowed back as sections around the capital were also marked.
"Do you see now what I mean? Even the firmest strongholds have been infiltrated, but to what degree on either account I have no clue. You're right, my responsibilities are glued to Vindellorien, but if the Xsouvizs succeed then all of us will suffer."
"Little girl," Miukei started with a chortle.
"Oh no you didn't," the elf was with an agitated laugh of her own. "Did I hear right, I hope I didn't?"
"Little girl, a child. That's what you are in comparison to myself that's lived over two hundred years, Hayhurst you've barely been around long enough to truly grasp this realm. Our objective has been to rescue and return you to Vindellorien. Nothing else matters, and I'm telling you to drop this. I have more authority here than anyone, and my say is final."
"Fine," Isla dropped to a knee taking hold of both maps.
Everyone watched silently as she rolled up each and placed them back inside the bag which she zipped shut.
"I thank you all again, but if I shall do this alone than I will. Just tell the others you lost me in the getaway," she looked directly into the blood red eyes of Miukei.
Afterward she turned the opposite way and began walking away but only got off a couple steps before Miukei leaped forward and with a strike to the back of Isla's head which knocked her out as she fell flat over the ground.
"What the hell was that for?!" Batwing retorted.
"Oh please, I barely put anything into that... just enough to render her unconscious. I promised that brother of hers I'd bring her back and I shall, even if it means tying her down and doing so by force. She's far out of her league trying to take on a mission like this."
"So we take her back, what then?" Black Canary questioned. "If everything that she said is true than something has to be done."
"What happens after that is none of your concern, one step at a time. We return her in one piece and then you two go home, back to your world. Your fate is no longer in the hands of the Vindelliens, I've been around enough to know you're innocent of anything you've been accused of. From where we stand and the safest route back to Vindellorien, we've got nearly a week and a half journey ahead of us. We shall rest up for the night and start up first thing at sunrise."
Batwing and Black Canary looked at one another and then back at her.
"You can get us out of here, how?" Canary asked.
"Simple, I've got connections. Namely my master, Bloodriver Akasha who is a Dark Lord and her father the emperor of this realm. I shall take you to him, and the royals of Vindellorien will answer for having humans imprisoned in their empire this whole time. But don't celebrate yet, we're far from out of the danger zone."
And with that Miukei lifted Isla's body and propped her against a nearby tree and one mercenary provided a special type of rope which she used to tie the elf up.
XXX
It was through the front door of Wayne manor that she entered and was met by Alfred and the butler all smiles as she followed him inside. The Dark Lord was dressed casually in black boots, jean skirt, white blouse and black bow tied in her hair. It was just a few hours after she'd met with her father, and for the time being she didn't detail much to him about her true purpose for the cancellation and she almost felt bad. She had kept much from him lately, but with this she felt it was for the best. The princess of the realm courting a newly turned with so much question as to his future might not sit so well with her father, in addition to the prompt timing on her part. There was that, and the relationship between the two of them was with promise, but shaky. It was really anyone's guess how things would improve, or worsen. But Akasha knew both men very well, and she felt confident that common ground was reachable between them, but it would take time and patience.
"Where's Bruce and Sasha?" she asked happily.
"Master Wayne is out on business and the child is somewhere around, last I checked she was in the garden. But she's been all over, there's no telling where she might be now. The little one was running around singing, and I must say Sasha has quite the voice and she very much seemed to be in high spirits," Alfred looked at the vampire directly. "Much like yourself, Miss Bloodriver. Do you come with news?"
Akasha twirled a strand of hair over the left side of her face bashfully as they walked along.
"When will Bruce return?" her voice came out soft. "There's something he must know."
"A couple hours from now, but…"
The butler was cut off by a loud alarm and he knew immediately what this meant and ran for one of the secret passageways as Akasha followed. His eyes were scanned before the wall slid open as both he and the vampire stepped into an elevator which led down into the cave. On the main screen was an S.O.S message and Pennyworth knew exactly who it was that sent by.
"Master Grayson!"
"Weeeeeeeeeeee, weeeee, yaaaaahhh!"
From out of a dark corner in the cave appeared Sasha on rollerblades and spinning about on one leg as she flipped up into the air.
"Hiya Momma!"
She came to a skidding stop as she threw her arms around the vampire and Akasha lifting the child up and into her arms.
"Happy to see you to."
Akasha rubbed the side of her face against Sasha's before dropping her and looking to the computer screen. Aside from the call itself there was information included.
"It would appear Master Grayson has sent details of his situation and mission," Alfred scratched at his chin. "I must forward this intel to Master Wayne immediately."
Just as him, Akasha too read over the information and tried making sense of it quickly as she could.
XXX
A distant hawk sung through the night, its cry uncanny and slightly unsettling. The insects of the cold dirt road scampered away, shrilling in fright before hiding themselves away. The night was quiet and wet, not a single person to be found, except for a goblin ducking in and out of doorways and alleys, panting and groaning as he ran. Looking over his shoulder now and then he darted in panic, the further he was the more frightened he became. The night was at its darkest and the only light was the faint flicker from the rusty old street lantern and the end of each alley. Life was going perfectly, he had just received a raise and upgrade in the department and now this.
This was the kingdom of Thishieita, home of the goblins. A downpour was upon the land and it was a time of balls, parties, courting and love. It was the annual 400th anniversary of the land assembling as a global power. Anything was done to make all the citizens happy, but lurking in the shadows was an evil waiting, planning devious schemes. A demon of great patience and power that returned from imprisonment, but managed to escape and was back to finish what he set out to do.
The goblin had been on the run for the past ten minutes and he didn't know how much longer he could go before he gave up. Falling to the ground, the goblin laid in the mud breathless and aching as he listened for the slightest sound, searching the area for any signs of movement. With the rain the task was certainly more daunting. The adrenaline pulsed through his veins like stabbing needles, yet he could not move, he held his breath as footsteps approached from within the haze, he listened but there was not a person so be seen. He looked around with great concentration, swallowing a lump in his throat as fear gripped his heart. Suddenly, footsteps stopped just behind him and shuffled for a moment, he dared not move, but he turned and looked. Red glowing eyes and demon like wings flapped in front of his face. The goblin's screams echoed through the streets, but it didn't matter as a moment later his blood splattered over the side of a building. The kill was quick, precise and right to the point.
It didn't stop there as after the kill the demon itself stepped back, its wings outstretched from the trench coat it sported, and dark brown hat. The demon set the victim in a straight position with his arms crossed over his chest and then from its side jacket pocket pulled out a white rose and tossing it over the victim's chest. Afterwards came a small notepad which it opened, full of various names as it skimmed through and marked off the one belonging to the victim just before flapping its wings and taking off into the darkness of the shadows.
To be continued
- 29
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- 31
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Clash of Realms