A/N: This is the last chapter in the second arc of 'Hello Darkness." I want to thank everyone that has read it and everyone that reviewed. There will be a third arc to this as soon as I iron out two major details. You guys have been wonderful.--GF
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
Chapter 11: Hello Darkness, My Old Friend
Batman listened in for awhile to the police as they combed and searched the warehouse. He knew this was only a beginning. One hole in the drug pipeline had been plugged but there was still the matter of the roll doctor.
The evidence that he found suggested Japan would be his next stop. He wondered if Kurama would be up to revisiting his old stomping grounds. Looking at the seeds in the palm of his hands, Batman allowed a small smile to cross his face. Kurama will be over-joyed to have these back.
0o0o0o0o0
Shuichi knocked on a tiny cottage in Chinatown. Lo Si, the Ancient answered.
"Come in, young one," said the Ancient.
"Thank you, Ancient One."
After some of the more formal amenities were out of the way, Shuichi got to the point of his visit. "Ancient One, I wish to return your charm back to you. It helped tremendously. Also, I wish to ask for another favor." He held out the pendant that he had been given to move freely around Chinatown.
Taking the necklace, Lo Si bowed slightly. "It served you well. What favor do you seek?"
Suichi pulled out a small pouch of seeds. "I'm willing to trade seeds for seeds. These I have plenty of but I'm in need of some of the more rarer tea seeds. I plan on running a tea shop in Gotham but I need a supplier for the more exotic tea blends."
The Ancient smiled and bowed slightly before waving the young man into his living room, "Come sit and we will talk about teas."
0o0o0o0o0
It was late, the sky was decorated with the glowing colors of a fading sun. Bruce and Barbara stood by the jet warming up on the tarmac but they made no move as of yet to board the aircraft. Their gaze was on a lonely figure strolling causally into the darkness. Kurama had refused to leave with them, citing some unknown business.
"He'll be fine, Barbara," Alfred called down from the doorway of the jet, looking at the pair. "The pilot said he's ready for take off."
Bruce nodded. "Let's go home."
0o0o0o0o0
Peter sat with his friends and co workers at their favorite pub listening to the normal banter that they always did after a successful case. His father sat opposite him with an arm draped across the back of Mary Margaret's chair.
Peter's mind really wasn't on the talk. Although the case was over in his part of the world, he didn't know if he should be thankful for small wonders or offer to help with the bigger picture.
Then his thoughts turned to the Dark Knight. 'At least Kermit got to meet his childhood idol,' he thought with a snort. 'Batman was one scary dude. However, meeting a six foot tall silver kitsune was worse.'
Suddenly, he didn't feel like socializing anymore. Standing, Peter down the last of his beer. "See ya Monday." His friends all waved good night to him, while his father gave him a Look. Peter shrugged as he stood, finishing his drink.
0o0o0o0o0
Kurama stood in the shadows. He watched as the detective walked out of the pub but didn't get into his car. Peter turned to walk down the street. Kurama smiled in anticipation as he stepped out of the shadows.
When they had gotten half way down the street, Peter spun around to kick box his stalker only to see Kurama jump over him. Peter turned back to face the red head.
"Don't do that!" Peter hissed as he came of his defensive pose. Kurama shrugged.
The two started down the street. Both didn't say a word for several blocks, until Peter stopped.
"I know of a good coffee shop near here," Peter offered.
Kurama nodded. "I imagine you have many questions."
The coffee shop was empty that time of night. Peter and Kurama took a booth in the back and away from the counter and patrons as possible.
Kurama smiled slightly. "Your Ancient is a well house of knowledge. He and I will deal well together in trade."
Peter smiled fondly. "Lo Si is like a grandfather to me. He can be a little cagey at times." There was a long pause, then he asked, "Now what?"
"You mean with the case?" Kurama took a sip of his coffee and sighed. "I've informed Spirit World and Prince Koenma."
"I know the legends. Is there really a Prince Koenma? How did you get involved with. . .?"
Rubbing his forehead, Kurama nodded. "You would be surprised. I try to stay out of Spirit World politics but . . " He sighed, not wanted to tell all his secrets, then said, "They have mobilized their intelligence network. Batman has alerted the Justice League and I'm to head for Japan. I've left the employment of Wayne Enterprise for now. Bruce has been generous with me. He's hated to lose me but then, I'm a free-lancer and his commissions have been very good."
Peter nodded looking into his coffee mug for a moment. "So going to Japan, then what?"
Kurama shrugged. "I'll team up with a couple of old friends and track down the drug pipeline."
"Batman?"
Kurama shrugged. "He's Batman. He'll do what's necessary. you must understand, human Laws will only get in the way for this. It is a demon drug with the goal of world domination. Law and Justice are on two different ends of the scale. There will be no trial as there will be no arrest. Humans and demons involved will be sent to Spirit World to be sentenced." He looked at the young detective in the eye, giving him a cold stare. "Your part in this is over with. Be thankful. It could've ended a lot worse."
Peter rubbed his forehead as Kurama stood. The red head threw some bills on the table as he turned to walk away. No more words were spoken as the young man walked back into the night.
0o0o0o0o0
Cain walked into the coffee shop, noting that his son was staring off into the night.
"Peter, my son. It is time to go home."
"Hm? Oh. right, Pop."
o0o0o0o0o0
So ends Kung Fu and Roses, the second arc in a three arc story. Thanks for the reviews. Please tell me what you think about this story. Just remember, flames are NOT welcomed. Until next time. --GF
