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. |
Clash of Realms
CHP7: Meeting the Family
He had just returned home from a meeting at the office and he was only halfway up the steps when the doorbell rang. Out front and standing over the steps were four persons. The first was Tsukune dressed in a pair of blue jeans and gray t-shirt and beside him was Moka wearing a light purple blouse and blue jeans. Next was Akasha who was dressed in a dark blue shirt with a blue skirt that had sections of white, black leggings, brown boots and a gray necklace. Lastly was an individual standing at 6'0, averagely built with deep blue eyes and waist long, platinum blond hair tied in a low tail while two lengthy strands made their way down both sides of his chest. He wore dark colored jeans, with a sleeveless gray shirt and from the corner of her eye Akasha noticed her father inspecting himself. This caused her to snicker with a hand to her mouth as his eyes immediately rolled over in her direction.
"Relax father, you look fine. He's never seen a picture."
"I don't understand it," Tsukune shook his head. "What's the point of Apollo pretending to be your personal guard, it's not like somehow this visit is going to..."
"We don't want to risk someone finding out that father is away and in man's world. Those not in favor of his rule could think to strike at his estate during his absence."
"Sorry," Moka sighed. "I have to agree with Tsukune, after all I fail to see the motive, I mean sooner or later Sasha is going to find out he's her grandfather."
Apollo said nothing as the door in front of them slowly opened. It was an older gentleman that stood the doorway wearing a black suit and smiled at them, recognizing not only Akasha but Tsukune and Moka. It was only the last that he didn't recollect.
"Master Wayne," Alfred looked over his shoulder. "You have guests."
Bruce was quickly down the steps as the four guests entered and he loomed forward with his hands situated inside his jacket pockets. His eyes particularly fell over the unknown male in black jeans, as he considered where he'd seen this man, but nothing. By the looks of it he appeared to be just your everyday average athletic guy, but then there was the fact of who he was with.
"Tsukune, Moka and Akasha, it's been too long," Bruce extended his arms embracing the three of them in a hug.
The action was much unexpected and Tsukune's mouth even dropped open as Bruce took a step back looking them all over.
"How's marriage treated you, any big arguments yet? I never have myself, but I hear it's quite the change. How long do you plan on being in town and who is this friend of yours?"
By this point it wasn't just Tsukune who caught on to the awkwardness in his words. He spoke in a way suggesting he hadn't seen a single of them in years, which wasn't the case as he'd spoken with each in the past couple weeks and Akasha as recently as a couple days ago.
"Yes... him," Tsukune looked to Apollo as he took a deep breath and recollected himself. "This here is Zaboo, he's one of Akasha-san's personal assistants."
"Assistant," Bruce stepped forward offering his hand. "Bruce Wayne, but unfortunately there's never been a mention of you."
The two shook hands and the first thing Bruce noticed was the firm grip of this individual and the handshake seemed to last longer than it should have. Both eventually pulled away at the same time and their eyes deadlocked for a quick instant.
"But I do however know a couple good spots in town if your friend here is thinking of staying a while. Since your visit some years ago many different establishments have opened."
Again Tsukune, Moka and Akasha were perplexed by what was coming out of his mouth but for the time being they just went along with it.
"Not of interest," Apollo smiled. "We're here to see young Sasha and if you don't mind me asking, I do have one question of you, Mister Wayne."
"Shoot," Bruce responded.
Akasha bit back with a hint of nervousness as she had no idea what her father might say.
"It has been years since Akasha and you were an item and you've clearly progressed with your lives and she tells me you know of what she really is."
"A vampire," Bruce nodded simply. "I knew before we got involved with each other. And her untimely disappearance was alarming, with no letter or a means of contact. I thought maybe she'd been in an accident, but even that didn't seem right. It wasn't until I took Sasha under my care that Akasha, your master returned out of the blue."
"Yet you're the child's biological father, what are the chances of that? I'd say two thousand to one sounds right and so I ask did you know she was your flesh and blood before or after the adoption?"
Carefully taking these words in, Bruce didn't give an immediate answer but it did however confirm a couple questions he had, but for the time being he was ok without bringing it to light.
"A long story mister Zaboo, but if you're so interested why not ask your master, Akasha."
Apollo only partially looked to Akasha with query in his eyes, Bruce taking notice of this as even Moka and Tsukune grew somewhat uneasy. This quick exchange further confirmed what he already assumed but brought something else into question as Akasha appeared to grow somewhat tense. A long period of silence followed as Bruce looked the entire group over before Apollo eventually made eye contact with him once more.
"My apologies, Mister Wayne. But there is one final question I have of you," Apollo spoke.
Bruce listened with his hands again inside his jacket pockets.
"Surely you know of Akasha's commitment and engagement to another, and I recognize you share a child but what sort of relationship do you intend to have with her going forward?"
The pink haired vampire instantaneously interjected but was brushed aside by Apollo simply waving her off.
"I don't think I understand," Bruce questioned.
"Your very lifestyle of a bachelor, partying and surrounding yourself with women..."
"Zaboo no more, please no more..." Akasha uttered with pleading eyes.
Just as before he only half way looked at her before taking a deep breath and falling silent. His intentions weren't too upset his daughter and so he backed off from further questioning.
"Where is Sasha?" Akasha asked, aiming to shift the subject.
"Upstairs," Bruce smiled. "Give me just a moment... I'll go up and get her."
Bruce turned and only took a step as Akasha ran up to his side and with an arm wrapped around his.
"I'll go with you," she said cheerfully.
Without argument Bruce made his way up the steps with Akasha at his side and it wasn't until they turned the corner that he pulled away from her.
"Do you take me for a fool?" his steps slowed up.
"Excuse me?" Akasha bit at her tongue.
By then Bruce had completely stopped and faced her with a glare.
"That man Zaboo isn't just some subordinate of yours, is he? He asked things that someone in such a position wouldn't dear request or care to know. My relationship to you, how I came in contact with our daughter and then of course the way you two conversed."
"What're you saying?"
Their eyes were locked at this point.
"The way you talked with him isn't how someone of your position of so much power would communicate with an underling, nor would you allow such an individual to dictate a conversion that brought about uneasiness to yourself. It was all over your face and even in your body language, no point denying it. One might even say it is because this person is of equal or higher rank... who is Zaboo, really?"
Akasha's eyes widened as she stepped back and away from Bruce as she looked him off. This was a surprise as she had no idea he'd catch on so quickly, if at all but she also had questions for him as she straightened herself.
"And what about you," she crossed her arms in all seriousness. "That was quite the little act you put on back there, why?"
"I had no way of knowing how much he knew, about me or us. What have you told him?"
"Nothing really," Akasha answered honestly. "Only what the public knows, pretty much. A playboy billionaire of one of the most successful corporations in the world, but nothing other than that. Your secret double life as a vigilante is unknown to him, I... nor Tsukune told him much other than you are Sasha's father, to keep from further complicating things. To find out his granddaughter, a vampire was living under the roof of a human who also spends his nights combating criminals and a member to the Justice League, would be so much to take in at once after just finding out I was alive and with our child."
"So Zaboo isn't Zaboo at all, but your father, Apollo."
The vampire nodded as she breathed out with a smile.
"Sorry to keep it from you, but we all mutually agreed to preserve his being here a secret but as usual you were far too observant to be misled. That's one aspect of yours that attracts me to you," Akasha instantly bit back as she looked to correct her mistake. "I meant in the past when we were together and not that I don't still think, I mean because now we're... I'm with someone else and..."
Akasha quieted as her cheeks turned pink and Bruce halfway grinned.
"It's okay," Bruce chuckled lowering a hand over her shoulder. "I know what you meant. Is he here only to see Sasha, or do you aim to take her a..."
"Never!" Akasha cut him off as she shook her head. "I'd never take her away from you or let anyone do so for that matter, she isn't just mine but ours. I told you I only desire to have a presence in her life and with your permission and if she's okay with it I'd like for Sasha to get to know the yokai world as well. For maybe a month to two I'd love for her to stay under the roof of my castle and introduce her to the beauties of that world. Perhaps in the next four days or so."
"I'm sure we can work something out."
"Thank you," Akasha tossed herself over him, embracing Bruce in a hug.
She held onto him for a little while before she broke off and together they continued down the hall to Sasha's room. But inside she was nowhere to be found and Bruce knew exactly where to find her. He led the way as they journeyed further down the hall and came up on a specific wall where Bruce punched in a code over a small panel as his left eyeball was scanned and then the wall slide open revealing a hidden elevator which Bruce and Akasha entered side by side.
The trip was short as they stepped out and into the bat cave and she took in the view of the large coin and T-rex statue. There were several differences from the last time she had been inside this space. Most their time spent together and interacting was away from his workspace. Akasha studied many of the changes but kept pace with him as they made their way down the steps and to the central training facility and just as he had expected Sasha was inside, but she wasn't alone. Exclusive to her and fighting back to back was Damian. The vampire was unarmed while Damian carried a long blade which he used cutting down approaching enemies within the simulation. Bruce's first thought was to end the session, but he held off as both he and Akasha watched. He was especially impressed by what looked to be them fighting in sync and building chemistry and it was quite the sight.
Much as it was a joy to spectate, he didn't want to keep his guests waiting for longer than they already had. In the press of a button the session suspended as both Akasha and Bruce stepped through the automatic doors.
"Daddy!" Sasha jumped up as she ran toward Bruce, but then her steps slowed as she took notice of who was beside him. "And Mommy too!"
It was only the second time she'd seen Akasha who dropped to a knee as the two hugged it out tightly and Akasha gracefully lifted her up and off the ground. Damian recovered a towel off a small rack on his way out, wiping away sweat from his face.
"That was good," Bruce smirked down over him. "You two were working well off each other, how long has this been going on?"
"Three days," Damian crossed his arms. "She kept nagging and begging with those eyes and so I did it to get her off my back."
"And?"
"It hasn't been all bad, she picks up on things quickly and it sticks. At least she has that going for her."
This was something Bruce couldn't help but grin at, because in the beginning it appeared Damian was content with just staying away from her and minding his own space but lately there were changes. His thoughts were however interrupted from the giggles and laughs that came from Sasha as her mother kissed at the area of her neck.
"No momma, that tickles!"
Akasha lowered her a short while later as Damian looked to Bruce.
"What is that woman doing here?" he frowned.
The Dark Lord picked up on this exchange, and didn't at all appreciate the boy's tone nor the fact that he referred to her as "that woman". Had it not been for who his father was and being the brother of Sasha she would have given him a mouthful and shown him the proper discipline, but as is she kept her mouth shut.
"She's here to visit and take Sasha on a little trip in a couple days," Bruce looked from Damian to Sasha. "There are others here to see you."
"Oh really, who?!" Sasha jumped up.
Akasha smirked and chortled at her daughter's overly exhilarated energy.
"It's a surprise," Bruce patted her over the head. "You'll just have to wait and see."
There wasn't another word spoken as she nodded and the group of four took to one of the elevators and returned to the manor where both Sasha and Damian changed into something more casual. It was right around then that Bruce received a call and stepped aside down the hall.
"Clark."
"You could have just used the JL communicator, what's up?"
"It's hardly that urgent, but I have a big favor to ask… I've been working on something for the past three years and now more than ever it could come to good use," Bruce paced back and forth in the hall. "Sometime soon we need to meet."
"What about? What's going on?" Clark responded.
"I need to study and gain data on all specs of the phantom zone projector that very technology might be what I need to complete my work. The fortress of solitude, let's converge on this in about another month. There are still a few things I must look over and confirm."
The kryptonian went silent on his end of the conversation, questioning what exactly his teammate was up to, but knowing him the way that he did he knew it had to be for a good cause.
"Fine, you can give me a breakdown later."
"Count on it," Bruce responded.
Those were their last words before the conversation ended and afterwards Bruce returned to the living room where Tsukune, Apollo and Moka anxiously awaited. Damian, Sasha and Akasha weren't far behind as they scampered in. Shy as she was Sasha held tightly over Bruce and stayed behind him as they moved in on the three and only took a peek at them from behind his side. Damian hadn't any idea who a single of these people were and didn't care to ask. Eventually Sasha found the courage to reveal herself from behind Bruce, Moka, Tsukune and even Apollo's eyes lighting up at seeing the child. Akasha took a knee beside her, pointing out each of them with her hand over Sasha's shoulder.
"That there is Moka, your older sister and next to her is Tsukune, her husband and now your brother in law. And lastly is," Akasha bit back as she cleared her throat. "Is your grandfather, Apollo."
"What?!" Tsukune and Moka both blurted out at once as neither could believe their ears.
The entire time leading up to this point, Akasha continuously stressed over and over that Apollo's identity be kept secret and here she was doing exactly the opposite. Unlike the two vampires the emperor stood and awaited an explanation as he knew she wouldn't have made the reveal without a good reason.
"Akasha-san, but you said..."
Those were the only words Tsukune managed to get out before the Dark Lord shook her head and responded.
"There was no use in hiding it," Akasha's eyes fell over Bruce. "He figured it out."
"You told him?!" Moka asked. "He couldn't have just deduced this on his..."
The silver haired vampire then went silent considering just exactly who he was. Apollo's eyes apprehensively inspected the three vampires, presuming they were hiding something from him. What did she mean this human figured out who he was, with what knowledge or evidence did he have. That thought was quickly hindered as little Sasha walked up on them all and specifically went for the silver haired vampire first. Their eyes met and Sasha's heart galloped as she was seeing her sister for the very first time.
"Moka-nee..." she whispered.
"Yes," the vampire lowered herself in front of the younger girl and tapped at her cheek. "And you're Sasha."
She was the most precious little thing Moka had seen in a while and the vampire was unable to contain her impulse to embrace her younger sister and so she didn't, wrapping her arms around Sasha as she did the same back. They were like that for a while as everyone watched and no one smiled more than Akasha or Apollo, as it was a very special moment between two sisters meeting. The two eventually broke away from each other as Sasha then moved up on both Tsukune and Apollo.
"Mom, you sure this grandpa," Sasha looked back at Akasha with questioning eyes. "Why he not look older?"
Without holding back, Apollo, Akasha, Tsukune and Moka all laughed while Sasha grumbled and then looked to her father.
"Daddy, why're they laughing?"
Bruce didn't have the opportunity to respond as Tsukune had lowered his hand over Sasha's shoulder and opened up.
"It's because you're so cute, that's why."
"Makes no sense," she again grumbled.
More snickers followed from the emperor who was already growing fond of this child, but he had a surprise for her as the Harbinger reached into his left pocket.
"Tell me child," he smiled down on her. "Do you like sweets?"
Her eyelashes flashed as she looked up at him with query.
"Do you mean candy? Sasha love candy!"
Lovingly massaging the top of her head, Apollo dropped a couple pieces of chocolate into her hands and watched her eyes brighten.
"Thank you, thank you!" she wasted little time popping open the wrapper and tossing all pieces into her mouth as she chewed away. "So yummy!"
Everyone was shocked as Sasha unexpectedly raced off and took hold of Moka's hand.
"Come nee-san, there's so much I want to show you from my collection!"
Moka didn't have much of a choice as Sasha pulled her along and the child vampire showed off strength she didn't anticipate as Moka stumbled forward. The sight of this almost brought tears of joy to Akasha's eyes seeing them together like that as Sasha forcefully guided them up the steps in the next room.
"Goodness and she's got quite the amount of energy, but I guess that should come as no surprise," Tsukune smiled as he took off after them.
He had barely just seen her and the Aono vampire already felt a tingly connection with Sasha. And with their abrupt departure only Bruce, Akasha, Damian and Apollo remained in the living room as Alfred had taken off.
"You know of me," the emperor spoke breaking the silence. "Curtesy of my daughter no doubt. However, I'm very interested in knowing to what extent, so tell me boy what did she tell you?"
Akasha immediately butted in.
"Father please, there's no..."
"I asked the boy a question," Apollo frowned upon Akasha before again looking back to Bruce. "I have no indication if it came up at some point, but a yokai revealing his or her true nature to a human is an infringement. It seems my daughter neglected much during my absence, including upholding rules that were in place."
Akasha snarled at this very remark as she again stepped in.
"I didn't forget about any of that and I wouldn't have so willingly revealed it! The circumstances under which we met were outlandish and at the time I was under the partial control of Genzo Vlet."
For the ensuing couple seconds none talked as Apollo's eyes narrowed looking back and forth between them and more than before he was certain there were things they hadn't brought to his attention, but he still didn't know what.
"Explain it to me," Apollo crossed his arms as neither made an effort to respond. "Don't all speak at once."
Right away the vampire bit back as she was clueless as to what she should say but knew that standing silent without an answer would get them nowhere. The entire time he'd been quiet but he was looking to change that.
"And just who're you?" Damian spoke as he moved in. "Bloodriver referred to you as being Sasha's grandfather and family or not father doesn't have to explain anything to anyone, especially not here."
"Damian," Bruce looked to his son as he shook his head. "It's okay."
"Yeah sure... but I don't like his tone."
The Dark Lord's eyes amplified at the words that came out of the boy's mouth. Apollo was equally as baffled taking a close look at the lad.
"Excuse me young child, but would you like to rekindle?"
"Forgive him father, he didn't mean to come off like that," Akasha quickly interposed.
Damian rolled his eyes glimpsing at her from the corner of his eye.
"I didn't stutter and your input is needless, Bloodriver," his eyes ventured back to the emperor. "Perhaps things are done a certain way where you come from; where your word is final and everyone bows at your feet, but not here."
"Don't!" Bruce shot as Damian quickly backed off.
"Tt," Damian shrugged turning his back to them. "I have something to check on anyway."
The boy's insolence was heavily noted and quite alarming as Apollo shook his head, but at the end of the day he was here as a guest in another's home and he didn't want to upset his daughter by taking further action.
"Quite the audacious little one," Apollo's glare fell over Bruce. "Perhaps if someone spent less time partying and living the life of a bachelor and paid more attention to his son..."
"Father, stop!" Akasha shouted.
"Silence child," Apollo retorted as Akasha went silent. "Is this really the sort of man you want to raise your daughter?! She will learn no self- value nor obedience and carry on expecting things be handed to her without hard work or rightfully earning it!"
Hearing that amount of command and conviction in her father's tone got Akasha all chocked up as she bit back, while Bruce remained unruffled and with his hands in his jacket pockets.
"My apologies for Damian's actions and you can say whatever about me, but I'd rather we left Sasha and Damian out of our conversations. I'm not perfect, which includes being a father, but I try my best."
"Regrettably your endeavors fall well short of what is acceptable and I strongly advocate you reassess your priorities."
By this point Apollo realized just how flustered Akasha had become from his statements and so he took a deep breath as he dialed back somewhat.
"But everyone is capable of making adjustments and convalescing, which in your case I hope occurs," Apollo grinned as he looked to the steps in the opposite room. "Now if you'd excuse me I'm going to have a look on young Sasha and her pastimes."
Just like that Apollo took off leaving behind both Akasha and Bruce and for quite some time they didn't speak and the vampire couldn't bring herself to look at him, embarrassed, frustrated and angered by some of what came her father said. But she really couldn't blame him given his knowledge or lack thereof concerning this man.
"Bruce," she eventually voiced with her speech coming out in almost a whisper. "I'm sorry about that."
"Don't be," Bruce smiled looking into her eyes. "None of that was your fault."
Feeling a little bit better Akasha sat over a nearby sofa as Bruce did the same and she moved up beside him with a smirk.
"This whole visit didn't exactly unfold as envisioned but at least Sasha seemed happy to see Moka, vice versa and aside from father's little breakout and Damian's territorial behavior it hasn't been all bad."
"I suppose," Bruce shook his head.
"But there's something else I've been meaning to tell you and I can't believe I'm going to say this out loud, but here goes," Akasha took a deep breath as her face boiled. "Believe it or not but since that afternoon I saw you again, I've caught myself thinking about the past and what it could have been a lot. And I know I sound like a defective tape repeating myself but, I made so many undesirable choices that put us in the situation we're in now and you just have to wonder how our lives could have been so different."
Bruce shifted over the sofa vaguely looking her over attentively.
"What're you getting at?" he queried with reservation in his eyes.
Akasha also moved over a bit removing strands of hair from her face.
"Hear me out before you respond, please. I've also been thinking about my future and return to the throne and who would be at my side."
There was much ache within her eyes and he knew exactly where the conversation was headed as he looked away from her.
"You shouldn't think like that," Bruce shook his head. "You're betrothed and pledged to another. And after what happened with us the first go round I could never trust you."
"I know, I know," Akasha said sadly, but held her stance. "But my engagement was before I returned and accompanied you again. It's reminded me of how much I was in love with you. And this arranged marriage of mine could be... postponed."
"What!"
"I won't, depending on one thing and I want an honest answer. I screwed things up before, I recognize this but if there is any part of you that still loves me, even if a little you must tell me. I've lived for what feels like forever and moving forward with regrets is an absolute travesty. I won't be mated to Colton if you still..."
"What I feel or think doesn't matter," Bruce cut her off. "You have an obligation as queen of your species and we tried and it didn't work. It will never work."
"How do you know?!" Akasha shot back. "Things are different now and we have a child and before Issa returned we were doing great!"
Bruce bit back as he ran one hand over his head and couldn't believe they were having this conversation.
"That's history, we've parted and it is a damaging to your mate in question that we're even having this conversation and... and I'm seeing someone. Well, sort of."
The very account aroused her curiosity greatly as she moved back somewhat.
"Like forreal, or to hold up a public image?"
"It's Morrigan," Bruce responded as Akasha's eyes widened. "She returned not long after Sasha came into our lives. She and I have been well... it's complicated."
A moment of silence followed as Akasha exhaled.
"What on earth is she doing away from Makai and when you say complicated, do you mean in the stratosphere of friends with benefits?"
"Something like that, but it's more than that. I won't sit here and tell you it's like what you and I had, Morrigan has not yet shown full commitment, as we've both mutually agreed to just take it slow and enjoy each other's company."
"I see," Akasha nodded, just before falling soundless and twiddling with her fingers. "Going off topic and I understand if you say no, but for old times' sake... may I?"
There was a familiar look in her eyes that he never forgot.
"My blood?" Bruce responded.
She humbly nodded as he leaned back and tilted his head as he thought why not. Akasha didn't waste any time taking advantage of the opening leaning forward with her mouth open and gently biting into his flesh while he gritted his teeth but the pain vanished as she gently drank and sucked. Neither realized it but someone watched from behind a wall on the other side of the room. After what felt like a minute Akasha pulled back licking at her lips as she smiled with fulfillment. Their eyes locked with each other and her head tilted forward again and Bruce expected her to go for another round but it was her lips instead that pressed against his as she closed her eyes.
"No!" he immediately removed himself and stood with his heart bouncing. "You need to stop this, there is no more us and nor will there ever be again. You're making this tougher than it needs to be. Soon you'll be married, it's as simple as that. Don't you love him, Colton?"
"It just I… you're right," Akasha stood with her hands together. "Forgive me... I just got caught up in the moment is all."
The two of them were interrupted as Alfred approached.
"Sorry to be a bother sir but someone from Wayne Industries wishes to speak with you on line one in the next room."
"Be right there," Bruce replied,
The vampire watched both men take off as she was filled with emptiness, knowing a relationship with him was farfetched but that didn't stop her from seeing if there was potential for it in the future.
"Forget about him, Bloodriver," Damian revealed himself from behind the corner across the room and approached her. "You'll never have father, so do us both a favor and just disappear."
Those were Damian's only words to her as he again took off while she said nothing, nor tried to go after him. Instead she headed upstairs to Sasha's room but Damian's words leaving a bitter taste in her mouth as she wanted nothing more than to go off on him. At least now she knew where Bruce stood, or at least what he tried convincing her of. He hadn't given a definite, satisfying answer which ate at her. Even so Akasha knew she had to put all that aside as she had her own life and duties to fulfill and if anything were to become of them it was his move to make. At the conclusion of his phone call with the Wayne Industries representative Bruce made yet another phone call, but to a friend.
"Bruce, this is a surprise. Didn't expect to hear back from you so quickly."
"Zatanna," he took a deep breath. "I need a favor, information on someone… information I know he can get his hands on."
"You mean John? Sure, I think I might know where to find him."
"Good, tell him I'd like to talk."
XXX
Water trickled through her hair and body as she shampooed and soaped up for a second time. It was vexing knowing Q-Bee was out there somewhere and she literally had the criminal in her hands only to have the villainous slip through them. Something else she thought about was the JLA and her affiliation with the band of heroes and how thankful she was to be on their side instead of the other way around. It was sure to be one hell of a ride and there wasn't a single of them more excited for what was to come than her. To that point there was no confirming if what Batman said was accurate about Q-Bee being allied with Fairy Tale, but if she was then so too was Jedah.
Turning off the faucet, Morrigan stepped out of the shower and dried herself with a towel as she exhaled. Pushing open the bathroom door she walked across the carpet lying out over a bed and staring up at the ceiling. Her eyes only halfway closed before shooting wide open as she sat up.
"Akasha! That's right, she could be here any minute!" Morrigan quickly jumped out of bed, running for the closet and finding something to get dressed in.
The vampire received not only Morrigan's number but her current residence from Bruce and she took the liberty of making the call and setting something up. The succubi found something comfortable, cute and sexy in the color of green. It was no longer then ten minutes that the doorbell rang and she'd just finished brushing her hair beside a mirror.
"Akasha!" she opened the door and sprung herself onto the vampire with her arms and legs tightly wrapped around her, as if she was seeing a long lost sister for the first time in years.
"Tight, could you ease up?" Akasha managed to speak.
"Oh," Morrigan lowered herself from Akasha as she pulled her into the room and the door closed behind them.
Akasha took a look around as she made her way inside and Morrigan stepped into the kitchen pouring each something to drink. The vampire gladly accepted the glass that was handed to her as both took a seat in the dining room. It wasn't much longer that it began raining as a downpour derived outside and the sound of it was calming. Even as they sat there Morrigan couldn't believe it, it was really her. Untimely events led to her returning to the human world but so much good had come of it, much of which unforeseen. Consuming half of what was inside her glass Morrigan beamed at the vampire.
"Your little girl is stunning and quite the dearest, she's going to be something special as time passes. The moment I set eyes on her it put a damper in my heart as she reminded me so much of you. And now that you're back and even after this is all over and I return to Makai, I'd like to build and maintain a social relationship with you."
"How sweet," Akasha blushed with rosy red cheeks. "I'd like that as well and I imagine Bruce gave you the scoop of everything in regards to my situation."
"He did hun, and I'm thankful you'll no longer have to go through living your life in secret, going around and pretending to be someone you aren't."
"Yes, it really is quite a relief and I can now be part of the lives of the ones I care most for and continue touching the lives of others and adding to my legacy. And perhaps I'm out of line for asking, as he didn't say much when I probed about it, but what're things like between you two?"
A name wasn't needed as she knew who and what she referred to.
"Quite pleasant actually, I've gotten around to a handful of his events and if not I've certainly dropped by for the after party for some drinks and what not. Our chemistry has been fantastic and I've even been let in by his Justice League as an ally, working together in what we believe might be the work of Fairy Tale. But honestly, I see now why when you and he started back then you were unable to keep your hands off him. Everything else aside, he's perfect at doing you know what."
The succubus chuckled but then quieted as she took notice of the expression on Akasha's face being a mixture of irritation and even... envy! Morrigan felt her throat go dry as she looked to backtrack and change the subject.
"But yeah it's been pleasant, and I hear you have yourself a fiancé. When will I get to meet him?"
"Soon, in fact I'll be taking Sasha back with me to the yokai realm in a couple days and you're welcome to join us. I wish to show her the world of monsters, if even just for a couple weeks to start, possibly longer depending on how she takes to it. But any decision made will be discussed between Bruce and myself, but of course Sasha's input will count as well."
Nodding her head, Morrigan leaned back with one leg over the other.
"I cannot speak for how she feels or thinks of you but that child is absolutely attached to her father, should be interesting to see how she reacts when separated from him. Funny that both you and he were absent much her life up till now and how she grew so fastened to him in such a short time. The poor thing was probably just yearning to be loved and it seems she got exactly that."
"And I'm thankful for that and I hope to eclipse what he's done and show her just as much love as he has. I do hope the transition from the manor to the castle won't be a difficult one for her, but she'll have more than a handful of servants at her disposal and I'll be there much as I can."
Morrigan's phone on the table went off, grabbing their attention as she looked over the caller ID.
"Who is it?" Akasha asked.
"Felicia," the succubus smiled. "She too has gotten involved. Apparently she's really into this human male, some guy named Mason that she wants me to meet. A coworker in her current stage gig."
Their conversations waged on as they discussed various topics and caught up with each other and what they'd done in the past seven years.
Elsewhere and just over the city of Metropolis a portal opened as two persons emerged, the first a man with spiky light blue hair, purple eyes, a black trench coat, black boots and a silver chain around his neck. He wore dark colored pants, but no shirt as his chest was visible. He stood at 5'10. The second wore red boots and had bat wings extending out of her head and torso and she wore a sleeveless red bustier top adorned with white feathers and small heart cut out of the midriff and blue nylons decorated with bat patterns. She had short pink/purple hair and red eyes.
"Well what do you think, that power... or presence you felt that might be connected to you, is it any stronger?"
Her eyes were closed and it was clear to him that she was concentrating deeply and so he stayed quiet for a little while but his patience grew thin the more time that passed and she knew how impatient he could be.
"Dammit Lilith, I'm talking to you!" he shouted.
Her eyes slowly opened as she looked to him, chuckling happily with a grin as he grumbled running a hand over his face. No matter the situation good or bad she almost always seemed to have a smile on her face.
"This is it I can feel her, Haruo. My other half is here somewhere in this world and I shall find her so that we may be complete."
"The world of man is massive, we'll have our work cut out for us. But honestly I wish you wouldn't go through with this, you're all I really have and the only person that truly knows me and I don't..."
"Your father Haruo," the succubus giggled cutting him off. "You should pursue him and let him know, he'd be thrilled to know. You can't go forever like this, you'll be filled with nothing but guilt if you let things remain as they are."
XXX
It was just over a week since the visit by Akasha, Apolllo, Tsukune and Moka to the Wayne manor. Since then Bruce had introduced his daughter to Kal-El but under the guise of Clark Kent. Only Kal, Zatanna and Barry knew about the child's true connection to him. During this stretch Akasha had again made contact with Bruce and together they discussed and a decision was made. Sasha packed up more than half her belongings in a suitcase and pulled it along down the halls of the manor with Alfred at her side as they soon made their way down the steps and into the living room where both her parents awaited them.
"Are you ready, dear?" Akasha smiled down on Sasha.
The child vampire only slowly walked forward and shook her head as Akasha then turned to Bruce as she exhaled.
"I'll keep her safe and we shall see you again very soon," Akasha massaged her hand over the side of Bruce's face.
Alfred stood right behind them and it was Bruce that moved back and sided with his butler as the vampire turned her back and opened a portal using a small device.
"Let us go, Sasha."
The pink haired vampire extended her hand to the child who froze just before biting back with her teeth gritted.
"Daddy!" she turned and cried.
In a quick dash of speed her suitcase plummeted as she leaped upward and into the arms of her father and she held onto him tighter than she had ever before. Sasha buried her face into his chest as he patted her on the back.
"Sasha, it'll be okay," he said lovingly.
The entire time Akasha was with a hand over her heart, feeling broken at seeing her daughter that way. Eventually her cries died down into whimpers as she looked up at him with tear filled eyes.
"I don't wanna go, I want to stay here with you, Grandpa Alfred and nii-san! This is home right, you said you'd never leave me again..." she bit at her lower lip as she sniffled.
"You're right, I did," Bruce grinned trailing a finger through her hair. "And I'm not leaving you, your mother simply wants to introduce you to the world of yokai so that you may become more knowledgeable on that part of your culture. It'll just be for a little while," Bruce wiped away the tears from her cheeks.
"And then I can come home?"
"Yes," Bruce lowered her back onto the ground.
The family dog raced around the corner just about then and came at Sasha who awaited him with open arms as he jumped and licked at her face.
"I'll miss you too, ACE."
The smile that she normally had returned as she lifted her bag off the ground as Damian appeared atop the steps leading to the second level. Sasha yelled out to him as she met Damian halfway up the steps and hugged him. She fully expected resistance but that didn't happen and he instead embraced Sasha with his arms around her.
"Nii-san..." she whispered tightening her grip over him as she smiled.
Despite her continuous attempts at gaining his attention and therefore annoying him, he had developed a soft spot for her. It was then Sasha who followed up with an unexpected kiss at Damian's cheek as his face turned red as she gracefully skipped down the steps.
"Love you nii-san!"
"That sneaky little worm!" Damian grimaced beneath his breath.
In much higher spirits then before, Sasha gave both Alfred and Bruce one final hug before siding with her mother as Akasha activated a portal which appeared behind the two vampires.
"Say goodbye to your father," Akasha gazed down on her.
Sasha waved as Akasha did the same, just before they were engulfed in the vortex as they vanished. Not a moment later the doorbell rang as the two men looked at one another, not expecting company at this time. Bruce was ultimately the one to open the door and a bit taken off guard by who stood on the other side but it came as no surprise.
"Constantine," Bruce stepped aside as the individual let himself in.
He carried with him a massive book which he dropped over the nearest table and resulted in a loud thump. From atop the steps Damian made his way down as he became interested in what this get together might be about.
"What were you able to find?" Bruce walked up on him.
"More than you bargained for mate, I went through hell and back to get this and I mean literally. This yokai, this Harbinger has quite the backstory. He's been through countless wars, living through several millenniums and he's a master martial artist. He's greatly respected in the world of monsters, but he's got just as many enemies. Hope you're ready for story time, this ones quite the ride."
From a corner Alfred listened in but it was Damian that took the initiative stepping forward.
"Father," Damian looked to Bruce. "Who and what is he talking about?"
"Apollo… Akasha's father. I requested John's assist in gaining intel. I want to know all there is to know about him, his past, way of operating, strengths and weaknesses… in case a day comes that he isn't who we believe him to be and we're on separate sides of the spectrum."
Damian didn't think to question him or the decision, in fact he was all for it and consistent with how his father went about doing things. The abilities of even his closes allies were studied and documented and if the day ever came that a single of them crossed a line that should never be crossed, the Batman wouldn't hesitate to subdue them.
XXX
The kingdom of Vindellorien was glamorous and quite the breathtaking sight. The duo of Miukei Suzcoo and Lailay Izami arrived on horseback and just the view alone was quite the spectacle to take in and they were overly excited to really venture around and see what the land truly had to offer. There were a total of eight escorts at their side and at the main gates they were greeted by members of the king's army, which included Prince Arlo.
"Greetings travelers," Arlo smiled who was also on horseback. "The king has been expecting you, come right this way."
The gates closed behind them as they galloped passing various landmarks in route to the palace. During this time both vampires lost track of time as they took in all of their surroundings and the castle itself was just as magnificent. Their escorts were the ones to carry the two vampires' luggage as they made their way up the long steps.
"A room has already been prepared for you both, with beverages and refreshments included. In a couple hours there shall be a performance in the theatre if either of you is interested."
"Gladly," Lailay responded.
"Good to hear, but in just a few days the preliminaries, or more accurately qualifiers for the battle royal will kick off. I've heard you vampires enjoy that sort of stuff."
Hearing this enthused both vampires as there wasn't much anything else that their species held more dearly than combat. Both were quickly escorted to their rooms and their luggage carried for them and for the next hour and a half both settled in unpacking, as their primary reason for making the trip was for spectating the battle among a variety of other reasons. Guards of the castle escorted them to the diner where they met with the queen, king and princess.
"We meet again," Sienna smiled warmly shaking hands with both vampires. "Pity Princess Akasha couldn't be here, but I understand with her reemergence and re incorporating herself back into her rightful position. But perhaps another time."
"Another time indeed," Lailay took a seat at the table. "Eventually she'll make the trip and we shall most certainly see to it."
Miukei also took a seat which so happened to be right beside Lailay, with the queen and king sitting at either end of the table. Princess Sienna sat across from the two vampires as they were joined by others of the royal family and Arlo being the last to enter, sitting one seat down and to the left of his mother. Just about a minute later servants to the castle brought in appetizers and the main course over a cart on wheels.
"Arlo," the queen called out to him. "Where is Isla?"
"What the hell is this?" Dinah questioned, looking over the chest armor handed to her by Luke. "Carries too much weight, and will slow me down. Protection is crucial, but not if it stops us from performing to our abilities."
Canary knew she needed something lighter and so she tossed the piece aside.
"Yeah, suppose you're right. Performance over gear, but I imagine it's gonna be crazy out there," Luke added.
The other participants had already selected their armor and were out of the room, leaving only the two of them. By that point Luke had made his selection and already had the several pieces stored in an assigned locker, and was only around to help Dinah.
"Well, this doesn't exactly look like my kind of thing," she took a set into her hands. "And it looks somewhat dented but the perfect weight. But I suppose it'll have to do."
For the next several minutes they went through all sorts of small pieces until they picked out something serviceable. And with her choice of gear decided upon she took off into one of the dressing rooms while Luke waited outside.
"Slave!"
Shivers zipped up his spine at the voice calling out to him, as he slowly turned and face a woman with dark purple eyes, long green hair and dressed in a casual suit but with a sheathed sword. This woman had her hair tied in two tails over both sides of her face and wearing a tiara.
"Master," Luke replied much as he hated addressing her that way, but with really no choice. "We were just choosing what to..."
"A slave doesn't speak unless first asked," Isla entered into the armory taking one of the battle helmets into her hands off the table. "You were directed here to select armor for the battle royal?"
"We were," Luke responded.
Slowly lowering the helmet back over the table Isla's eyes met with his and he swore in that second a knife was pierced through his heart, staring into the eyes of a predator. That's very much what it was like whenever he made eye contact with this woman, her gaze deadlier than anything he'd ever seen.
"Do I scare you?"
Her voice came out in almost a whisper and the question backed him further into a corner as he felt every muscle in his body tighten, as the query was extremely unanticipated and the elf lieutenant general never made conversation with any of the prisoners unless giving an order or command. This was very much out of the norm but Luke knew that he couldn't go without answering and so he did.
"I don't know," he shrugged. "Should I be?"
Isla lowered one hand over her side and in a quick flash the elf pulled out a blade swinging at Luke who ducked down, but she the performed a spinning back kick which connected with his lower stomach. Next came a barrage of punches and slashes which he either dodged or blocked but she got her leg behind him and dropped Luke to the ground! While there she leaped atop him stabbing at his face, but he grabbed hold of her wrists and stopped her momentum as they wrestled with each other as he managed to disarm her of the blade which ended up a couple feet away from him and he even managed to put her on her back. It was then another unexpected occurred as for the first time since he'd known her, she not only smiled but laughed.
"Not bad, slave."
With the strength in her legs and waist she forced Luke on his back once more as she sat atop him for only a moment before standing. He couldn't believe his eyes as she offered her hand and helped him up to his feet.
"Killing is permitted in the battle royal, just as it will be tomorrow in the qualifiers. You and that woman of yours should have a chance if you fight together. I've seen what she's capable of and now I see you're able to hold your own."
"But... but why?" Luke inquired.
"Sssshhh," Isla placed a finger over his lips. "Slaves don't ask questions, you know this."
Isla proceeded to recover the small dagger off the ground before taking off without a word or even a glance. The whole sequence left him baffled with no idea as to why she attacked and even the way she talked to him was so much different. The first thought which came to mind and more so a hunch was earnings and bets. It was very possible the lieutenant general had her eyes set on the two as a favorite to rein victorious, but there was no way he could confirm this for certain.
XXX
The Green Lantern(Simon Baz) entered into the observation room of the watchtower and that's where he found the Flash and Superman standing in front of a computer screen and he took the liberty of moving in beside them as he scratched at the side of his head.
"What is all this?" the lantern asked.
Superman gazed over his shoulder and at GL as he rubbed his hands together.
"Something the Flash and Batman were working on, a fellow magician and colleague of Zatanna's was murdered recently and forensics has confirmed that the ones responsible were those Soul Bee creatures. Flash went through the trouble of visiting the morgue and examining the bodies of persons who were killed in the cargo facility in Washington and this woman," Superman informed.
"And what did he find?" GL questioned.
It was then the Flash himself who turned and faced Green Lantern.
"The wounds were very similar, almost identical to each other and that was also true with the accelerated decomposition of each separate body. According to Morrigan's notes these things consume the souls of their victims so I have to assume this is would explain the quick deterioration in flesh. These things are dangerous and for now Cyborg has been working nonestop around the clock to try and find where these things might be hiding out."
Simon listened to what the speedster had to say as he stepped back nodding his head, remembering that night in Washington where they encountered the lot of super beings that slipped right through their fingers.
"Why did they attack and kill the wizard?" GL inquired.
It was then Superman that positioned in front of the computer and typed away before an image of the woman occupied the screen and he zoomed on the area around her neck, focusing it on the necklace.
"It was this they were after," Superman pointed to the ornament like item connected to the end of it. "That there is a magical fragment, much like what they've been collecting and it is because of that she was killed."
Green Lantern took a deep breath clearing his throat.
"If it is these small magical pieces they're after, then isn't that what we should probably be going after? If we were to locate one we could set a trap and lead them right to us."
"Cyborg has also been looking into that possibility and we've got Zatanna working closely with him, so perhaps we come up with a means of tracking," the Flash responded. "However Zatanna stated these fragments don't individually give off a strong magical presence and therefore she'd have to be in a one hundred yard radius of one to detect it."
Simon exhaled shaking his head.
"Well that's unfortunate."
"Just a small, but we'll figure a way around it and get a grasp for what's really going on," Superman crossed his arms. "And we aren't giving up on the search for Batwing and Black Canary... wherever they are."
To be continued
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