Clash of Realms

CHP55: One Step Ahead

Following the meeting most had taken their leave from the watchtower, which also included Superman. In his return to Metropolis there was no time for rest as he immediately stepped into action. Maneuvering a trailer dumper while flying upside down, blowing gently to make sure the debris didn't hit any onlookers, was quite the task of medium difficulty.

And down below reporters crowded around the yellow markers defining the crime scene. If he wasn't who he was, he'd be there himself, as Clark Kent, trying to get some quotes for his story. Distantly and with his super hearing he registered the terrorist's voice coming from the radio in a truck down the road. There were three inside the vehicle and eluding police vehicles, but then came a loud thump from up top and their vehicle spinning in circles out of control. The criminal holding the radio lost hold of the communications device during the unknown impact. The first of the criminals looked up out of his window and felt his heart drop. The red boots and cape were the first things he saw.

"End of the line," Superman hovered over the vehicle. "Get out. All of you."

And it was inside the realm of monsters where the two werewolf soldiers came up on a scene of destruction. One of which they believe and felt, squarely fell in their hands.

"Damn it, we're way over our heads with this one," Galasso grimaced with his fists tightened.

The area in front of them was covered in flames, for what like a full mile going either way. Authorities were already on scene, but they were already too late. All of them.

"Galasso, this is bad… really bad," Haizo looked to his comrade. "We must alert our chief and Commander, Kenzie. We're in for it deep now, every one of us!"

Biting down over his lip, there was no sugar coding it. This was a problem and one in which widespread. And there was one thing that repeated over and over inside the head of Haizo. Why didn't he see it, why hadn't he seen it before? It was all right in front of him, so obvious and yet… yet it all just slipped passed him.

"Fairy Tale is now one step ahead…" Galasso grimaced.

XXX

A small get together had just taken place and all guests had just cleared the castle. And she could see that her maids and servants had been so hard at work all week that she decided to afford each of them the remainder of the night off. Though the Dark Lord had helpers servicing her twenty four seven, that didn't mean she wasn't a great cook, baker or didn't know how to clean properly. These were things she learned at a young age, during her upbringing and held onto those things. Akasha wiped down the tables and turned up the stools after the last guest had left through the side door. And it was just a few minutes ago that she'd received a text message from someone unsuspecting. Morrigan. The succubus hadn't stated what about in the message, but claimed she wanted to meet right away. But the evening had been a refreshing one, spent with vampires of the government council. And Moka being in attendance was a nice addition. Over the countertop there was still an open portfolio which the group as a whole discussed in small portions, but something she needed to examine in greater detail. The door to her right swung open; Akasha not looking up from her work.

"Did you forget something," she called out to whoever was at the door.

"I seem to have really bad timing," came a voice that was all too familiar to her.

And honestly, she was alarmed she hadn't picked her out right away by the energy signature she gave off. Morrigan Aensland stood in the doorway, out of her usual uniform and in casual wear. She had this unnerving ability to be completely comfortable in any surrounding which Akasha envied her for. She looked...really good, the Dark Lord thought.

"Talked with your guards down the hall, quite the gentlemen. But also so very flirty," Morrigan chortled.

"Oh, gosh. You sure it wasn't you that initiated it?" Akasha smiled. "Come on over here, I haven't yet closed the bar area. Have a drink with me."

Morrigan didn't have to be asked twice as she walked along the tiled surface and took a seat at one of the tables. Akasha hurriedly walked around the counter and recovered a few choices from the glass case. It had started seven years ago, but even more so now that she viewed this woman as a sister of sorts.

"Cappuccino, maybe?" Akasha offered and raising the bottle up high.

"The day I've had calls for something a bit stronger, I think," Morrigan smirked, but with something hidden behind that gleam.

Akasha lost her train of thought for several seconds, trying to make out what Morrigan meant by the remark. But then her mind came back to reality and her smile widened even further as if she knew what Morrigan needed.

"Alright... a whiskey then," the vampire hurried to pour a glass.

She turned her back on Morrigan and took a deep breath. Something was certainly unnerving her close friend, and she only hoped she could help out with whatever it was.

"What happened to make your day whiskey worthy?' Akasha asked, but with a chuckle hoping to brighten the mood.

The vampire poured herself a drink and took a seat across from Morrigan and took a sip. Taking her glass in hand, Morrigan downed all of what was in the glass in one go and filling it up just as quickly as she proceeded to repeat this process. Watching close by, Akasha bit at her upper lip and when the succubus went for a third shot she was stopped.

"Okay, I'm a little bit worried now," Akasha had taken hold of her wrist and pulling the bottle clear across the table. "Tell me what's going on."

With the palms of her hands lied out over the table in addition to her chin, Morrigan grumbled as her eyes closed. How could she even begin to tell her something such as this? Other than protecting the two parties at the heart of the secret, this was another reason she hadn't broken the news to him. Perhaps had she done it some years ago it would have been easier; during those days Audrey was speaking her first words. And after her birth, days turned to weeks, and weeks to months and then years. And before she knew it, so much time had passed and any opportunity to possibly break the news was off the table. She figured eventually that it would all sort itself out, but unfortunately it happened in the worse way possible.

Her eyes elevated and leveled with Akasha's which looked back at her with so much worry in what could only be compared to an older sibling looking down on his or her relative in distress. The succubus let out a silent groan and stayed still, moping about while she scratched at the table's surface with her finger nails.

"I've made a mistake, a really bad one," Morrigan spoke after seconds of silence. "Stupid, stupid, stupid… how could I be so stupid!"

Akasha watched in surprise as the succubus banged her head over the table, and felt like her very breathing had stopped. Should she step in and stop her, or let Morrigan express herself and let out whatever it was eating at her? This was something she'd never seen out of Makai's ruler and it was both disturbing and frightening. Sitting and watching while holding herself back from intervening was tough, but that is what she decided was best.

"Please Morrigan, don't beat yourself up over whatever it is, I mean it can't be all that bad… right?" Akasha said timidly, in hopes of trying to pull her out of whatever was distressing her.

The succubus was still with her chin over the table, but slowly leaning back and raising her head from the table where she spun a finger over the surface, feeling her brain spin and heartrate pick up substantially.

"This might be a lot for you to take in, I'd assume," Morrigan was with her elbows over the top of the table and her chin resting in the palms of her hands. "Are you sure you're ready to hear this train wreck?"

Akasha took her glass into hand and downing all of what was inside in one go, becoming more bothered with Morrigan's display of emotion than she had before. Never before had she seen the succubi this way, scuffling to express herself or even speak her mind.

"Okay, here goes nothing," Morrigan's fingers tapped at the table, and felt as though every bone in her body was tight. "Think what you will and call me what you want, and I'd probably deserve every bit of it. I'll go back and start from the beginning, right after you shutdown Vheuto lazz. And made it appear as though you sacrificed yourself in the process."

The succubus snickered, but then from out of nowhere laughed. But she did so almost historically and this terrified Akasha, but in a different sort of way which made her skin wriggle. What was she getting at?

"It's sort of ironic, you know. That resolution of yours is what ultimately led to this," Morrigan extended her arm and with the glass in hand. "Fill me up."

The Dark Lord merely just stared until she just shook her head in disapproval.

"No, I'd rather you not become tipsy and out of yourself. Pfff, even now it seems to be trending that way."

"Ooohh, the no fun police. Don't be such a Grinch, Akasha-dear. I know how to hold my liquor," Morrigan set the glass aside, leaning back and setting her legs up and over the table. "He was in a bad place, you know. Even after the breakup between you two, he was hurting."

"What on earth are you talking about?" Akasha asked.

"Bruce, silly. You know the story, he discovered you were seeing and sleeping with both he and Issa Shuzen at the same time. That was like a bullet to the heart, especially for someone that was truly in love."

At just the mention of this, the Dark Lord felt sick to her stomach. It was a very regrettable choice she made back then, while at the time she felt strongly about both men. If there was a chance to go back and do it differently, Akasha wouldn't stop to take that opportunity.

"If you could, I'd rather not talk about that," the pinkette rolled her eyes and even scratching at the table with her finger nails.

"No worries, but it needed to be brought up as it ties in with what you could more or less say is my current dilemma. And as I was saying, even with the circumstance being as it had been Bruce was having a difficult time coping with your loss."

"Really, he did," Akasha blurted out without really thinking, but just as quickly backtracked. "Okay, but why all this talk about the past? What does what happened seven years ago have to do with…"

"I didn't return to Makai right away, after that night. I stayed with him a while, for weeks actually. We patrolled together, and I even attended a select few of his public events. Suppose you could say I wanted to be that shoulder he could lean on, you and I both know that no one needed it more than him. Especially at that time. But getting to the point, before I left… that last night, we shared it together."

Akasha breathed out with her hands clasped together.

"And so you spent the night with him…"

There was a little bit of irk in her tone that didn't go unnoticed by the succubi.

"Yes, we did. But don't get the wrong idea, it wasn't true passion and love. His heart was still elsewhere if you know what I mean, even after your falling out. I imagine it took him quite some time before he was really able to move on and reach a place of steadiness."

"Why bring all this up, and now of all times. I… I don't understand."

The succubus swallowed her own saliva and closed her eyes for a moment.

"Because I deceived him, just as I've been doing the whole time since my return to man's world. Tell me Akasha, are you aware of a succubi's process of reproduction?"

The Dark Lord raised an eyebrow, the question really coming from out of nowhere.

"Yes, back in boarding school in the early fifteenth century. You're going all over the place," the vampire looked her dead in the eyes. "What the hell is going on?"

She was growing somewhat impatient, but kept her cool and was mostly just worried about the succubi. Lifting her glass, to take another drink the vampire was still with her eyes over Morrigan.

"Then you probably already know that a succubus in the moment of release with her partner can choose one of three options. The first to do nothing, or secondly use the seed as nourishment and feed off one's life force in that moment. Or lastly, a succubi can choose to bear his offspring…"

She had barely begun to take another sip when the glass slipped from her hand and shattered over the ground with the alcoholic beverage painting the floor. Feeling her heartrate pick up severely, Akasha shook her head as she just about leaped out of her chair.

"You didn't, tell me you didn't!"

By this point Morrigan snappishly bit down over her lip and expected her reaction might be something similar to this. And it was for that very reason that she chose to make the reveal so slowly.

"Did he know?!" Akasha snapped, now starting to lose herself somewhat.

Forcing her chair back, Morrigan too took a stand from her chair.

"No, he did not," the succubus didn't dear make eye contact. "Well, until tonight. She found him, ran away from the palace and in search of him. Her name is Audrey, my daughter… and his."

Morrigan looked up at her, but only for a moment as she just as quickly looked away.

"I know, it was a bad move to conceive the child without his consent or knowledge."

"You think?!" Akasha snapped.

The Dark Lord stepped away from the table and running her hands over her face and through her hair. It was like she'd been struck by lightning and tossed into a pool of water, and mostly had a difficult time gathering all her thoughts.

"This… this is so unbelievable! How could you do that to them, to her. That child should have known him from the start, and it was in your hands to make the right choice but no. I wouldn't have expected this of you! Ahhhhhhh!"

Akasha took a couple deep breathes to try and calm herself and from where Morrigan stood, she was with a hand over her mouth and gasped ever so slightly. The outburst of emotion only further coagulated what she already knew about the vampire, and her feelings towards him. The Dark Lord eased her shoulders, as she slowly then looked in the direction of Morrigan.

"What was your gig? Were you going to use that child against…"

"Oh don't be so ridiculous, you know that isn't true. I had my reasons for doing what I did, including giving birth to an offspring. You have to understand that in both spirit and soul, Bruce was the perfect match for a succubi such as myself to reproduce. There was that, but I also cared deeply for him."

With her arms crossed, the vampire shot her a glare.

"If that were true, you never would have did something like this. You had no right to do what you did! None at all..." Akasha sharply bit at her tongue.

She was letting her emotions get the better of her and falling out of character and knew she needed to regain herself. Doing exactly this, the vampire focused her thoughts and eased herself as best she could. This had nothing to do with her, none of it… except for one small detail. Sasha. That child was her blood sister through Bruce.

"So it's all out in the open now, what will you do? I imagine Bruce wishes to interact with and get to really know her and I want the same for Sasha," Akasha stepped forward. "And aside from all that, I too would like to meet…"

"Stop right there! One thing you need to know, a certain boundary that must not be crossed! My Audrey's safety and security, especially when she's at such a vulnerable age are all that really matters to me. Do not go around speaking of her. Her existence is to be kept quiet until she becomes of age, some years from now, particularly from Makai. She would be a target for those who hold grudge towards the Aensland house, or wish to gain the throne."

Akasha again moved forward, but this time with quite a few steps and didn't stop until she was standing in front of Morrigan. Next she extended her arms outward and her hands placed over Morrigan's shoulders and a reassuring smile over her lips.

"Trust me, none of that will get out. This will be kept in a small circle between those you wish to include. You're forgetting I'm a mother too, and my children are top priority no matter how old or small. We do anything for them. Please, do bring her by the castle. She'll be treated as if she were my own. How has Bruce taken this all?"

The Dark Lord removed her hands from Morrigan's shoulders and taking a few steps back as to give her a little breathing space.

"About as good as he could have," Morrigan shrugged, looking Akasha off. "He's distressed, obviously and wants time to himself… away from me. At least our relationship, as I read into it. Can't say that I didn't deserve it, but time heals all wounds. Things can always return to the way they were. And what of you, such news must be…"

"Don't even," Akasha shook her head, knowing full and well what Morrigan would say next. "I wish no bad will on you, or anyone else. You're in a mess of your own making and it is up to you how you fix it. Audrey doesn't change a thing, not about the way I feel about him or the future I've dreamed. This was never about me competing for his attention against you. I love him, and I don't use the word loosely. That is it and that is all. You're welcome to stay for long as you wish, but I must go."

Hurriedly and with a deep breath Akasha took off towards the exit, and with a device in hands which she used to dial a number.

"Where are you going?" Morrigan asked.

"To meet with someone," she looked back at the succubus. "We'll talk later, sorry."

XXX

Following a meeting with the Justice League which he considered a success, the harbinger returned to his estate. And he was just in time for an incoming message some hours later. It had been a little while since he'd spoken to her and was quite pleasant to hear from her again.

"Master," her face appeared over a hologram screen.

"Eris. Good to see and hear your voice again," the emperor smiled. "How're things with you?"

"Fairly well. I am with information, very little but something."

Apollo leaned in somewhat, locked in and interested to hear what she had to say.

And down the hall, a woman stepped out of the shower and drying herself. She felt refreshed and relaxed, pushing open the door and met by the cool air that came from the next room over. The witch went straight for the closet and looking through her options at pajamas before taking hold of a black nightgown. But it wasn't all happiness and sunshine. There was much on her mind. Letting out a deep sigh, she looked to a mirror across the room and took a seat in front of it. Sitting in front of her bedroom mirror, she took a brush into her hand and passed the brush through her long raven colored hair. Despite the conflict which continued to rage around her, the great upheavals that had shaken the very foundations of the monster world, some things persisted. Feeling the slow glide of the brush through her hair, she found the rhythmic push and pull so calming. While she never considered herself ineffective or overly troubled with appearances outside of the proper social functions, since becoming the emperor's temporary right hand; Ruby admitted one of her secret desires was the peacefulness she found in her twice daily grooming.

As she reached the end of her hair and prepared another pass she suddenly felt the warm press of fingers against her, and her body freezing.

"Ruby," he spoke quietly as she looked to him through the mirror. "Shall I assist?"

The harbinger smiled down at her. Apollo who could both make his presence on the battlefield known and yet could move so coolly with barely a tread when off it. Ruby accepted the offer from the harbinger who resumed her work with great watchfulness and attention. He only got off a few more strokes before her hand came up and took hold of his wrist, and reclaiming the comb into her hands. A small laugh came in addition to that and Apollo with an expression of confusion as she continued on her own. She always sort of had her own independence and self-sufficiency where she could, taking on daily chores surrounding her such as styling and dressing herself traditionally or sometimes experimenting with different attire and styles.

"You know you don't have to do that, emperor," she said, admiring Apollo's warm beam reflected in the mirror.

"It's not that I have to, my child, it's what I want to. You've been so hard at work around here that I thought I'd show my appreciation in any way that I could. Frankly I worry, you didn't speak much during our visit to the Justice League's base."

Apollo watched the witch continue to pass the brush through her hair, careful not to unsettle a single strand of hair. Despite his repeated assurances that Ruby was free to do as she wished it seemed there was little to deter her from deciding that this was how she wished to spend what free time she had away from her work in the estate. Rather than bidding to continue an unending effort it was far easier for him to humbly pamper Ruby in her wishes. But then came Apollo's hand again who playfully wrestled the comb out of her hand.

"No, no… stop."

Ruby shifted her body slightly and reaching up as she tried to take it back, moaning and groaning but Apollo wasn't having any of that. Holding the comb up high, he teasingly waved it around while she just instead gave in with a groan.

"Fine, if you want to so badly then go right ahead…" Ruby murmured with her arms crossed.

From then Apollo continued where he'd left off and Ruby sitting in place, obediently. The witch leaned back in her chair and embraced the feel as the brush passed through her hair. There was something nicer about the way the harbinger brushed her, a placid gentleness to his strokes which seemed to wash the tension from her body. This went on for some minutes before Apollo leaned over and set the brush over the table. The move had come so suddenly and Ruby blinking a couple times as a result.

"My lord, is something bothering you?" Ruby asked.

The harbinger yapped sharply, surprised that the witch had so bluntly spoke without much a care in the world. Traditionally there was many justifications and defenses given to the oppression of witches as the daughters of some hush-hush pact. Despite it being a publicly known if obscure facet of the witches' histories, this was undisclosed info maintained even from the inner most circle of tribes. It had also been said witches had a sixth sense of sort in regards to reading ones feelings. Not specifically what they were thinking, but the way they felt. Rage, sorrow, torment or happiness. And in that instant, Apollo pondered if the notion might be true.

"You need to relax," Ruby reached back to hold Apollo's hand in her own.

Shivers and electricity zipped up his spine from her soft touch and voice.

"It's nothing," Apollo responded.

"It's not nothing," Ruby rebuked, with her eyes twisting.

The witch had heard from Tsukune that Apollo was the kind of person who always prepared to put himself last for the sake of those closes to him. He was known to keep things to himself and bottled up inside.

"You're not just an instrument of ruling and guidance. You're a person and you need to be treated as one…"

Ruby bit at her tongue as those words came out and she couldn't believe she'd said them. And Apollo was equally as stunned and could not bring himself to counter, instead Ruby decided to act for them both. Raising herself from her seat she looked up into his eyes with the idea to add onto what she had said but when she opened her mouth to speak, nothing came out. And in that second the two of them were motionless and without a sound. They stared into each other's eyes and a strange feeling coming over Apollo that he hadn't felt in years. Sucking back air, there was a feeling of butterflies that came over the harbinger and burning deep. There was then a knock at the open doorway, with both Ruby and Apollo turning and looking in that direction.

"Sorry for the disturbance, but you're needed in the conference room. Sir."

"Right behind you," Apollo replied, with the nod of his head.

With a quick salute the guard was on his way and disappeared around the corner while Apollo remained standing beside Ruby. There was an unsaid uneasiness in the atmosphere, but one that felt good as if they wanted to dive in and explore. Apollo rested a hand over her shoulder and sighed.

"Rest up, my child. I shall see you in the morning."

With his eyes out in front of him the harbinger was out of the room, but with a sense of un fulfillment and he didn't know why.

XXX

They had met at a bar on the outskirts of Gotham City. When she walked into the bar every man's eyes had averted to the door, all, except his. Even without looking, he could feel her. She was on time. More than on time. In fact she was five minutes early. Her pink hair lustered in the artificial light, and her green eyes sparked as she surveyed the crowd with apathetic brashness. His back was to her, and he was swigging down whatever was inside the glass with over-enthusiasm. She glanced at his leather jacket clothed back, watching as his long, lean fingers stroked the dripping glass. The vampire sauntered over to the bar and sat close to him, her breasts pressing lightly against the sticky bar counter. He was in a pair of long jeans, a dark gray undershirt and dark shades over his eyes and a small hoodie attached to the jacket pulled up over his head.

And from the moment he stepped in, he made certain not to look at anyone directly or do much talking for that matter. Being Bruce Wayne wasn't easy, especially within public areas within the confinements of the city.

"May I get a vodka on the rocks, please?" she was seated beside him.

The bartender nodded, checking her out extensively, and went to get her order.

With a quiet chuckle, Bruce looked over at her.

"I'd be careful if I were you; the way he was looking at you. He might try to seduce you."

She watched the waiter on the other side.

"He can try," she said with an oppressive smile, her pearly white teeth shining.

As soon as she finished her smile the bartender came back.

"Here you go, sexy."

He winked at her and she gave him a revolted smile.

"Thanks."

He turned away to another customer and she looked to Bruce.

"You think it's drugged?"

He laughed, his eyes twinkling. Was she being serious, or was it mean as a joke. Either way, it would take a much heavier dosage to down a vampire.

"Maybe, want me to check?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Sure, why not," she giggled.

He took hold of the glass gently and sniffed it while peering inward.

"Nope. It's good. But, you do have his number on your napkin."

Taking a look for herself, she bit down over her lower lip and groaned, taking the drink back. Bruce wasn't joking, he had literally dropped his digits and she wasn't in the slightest bit enthusiastic.

"Great, maybe I'll call him later tonight after I'm past the point of drunk."

He laughed gently, staring into her eyes as he removed the shades from his own and she did the same back.

"Akasha…" he whispered her name.

She smiled at him while reaching, rubbing and resting her hand atop his. Leaning forward, Akasha rubbed the side of her face against his just before backing off. And for the next minute or so they just sat there in silence.

"You came as is? With your homecoming to the throne, you should be more cautious of human world appearances." Bruce situated his elbows over the countertop.

"It'll be okay, there are none around. We'll be fine," Akasha responded.

"Suit yourself," Bruce said, finishing what was left inside his glass.

The Dark Lord took a sip of her beverage, and looking to him soon as she was finished. Though his gaze was in another direction, Bruce could feel her eyes peering down over him as he let out a sigh.

"Small talk is over, huh. She told you everything, yes?" Bruce questioned.

"Yes," Akasha nodded. "Everything…"

Awkwardness collapsed over the stratosphere shared between them. And it was Akasha that coughed and clearing her throat as she took the lead in continuing the conversation.

"What she did, I'm sorry. It was a terrible thing to do, and I'm sure she knows that."

"Yeah, except she seems to have convinced herself she was doing both myself and Audrey a favor by keeping it secret. I don't give a damn about her reasons, I'll never see the purpose nor accept it. She thought only of herself, and no one else. And that's the sad truth."

Even if she wanted to try and defend Morrigan, there was no doing so in this circumstance. The Dark Lord could easily envision herself in his shoes and felt no different to him.

"This is dreadful, she made a mistake, but I don't think it's unforgiveable… give it time. And besides, for the sake of that child both of you should stay on good terms. Don't get angry and box her out. Quite honestly I'm quite excited to meet her myself. What is she like?"

"I don't really know," Bruce shook his head honestly. "The time amongst us was short… this feels a lot like Sasha all over again. Why like this? It's like déjà vu. With Damian the situation was much like Sasha's in a sense and now this…"

He was with his hands clasped together and his head lowered with his chin resting atop them. There he did nothing but think and ponder about the uncanny turn his entire life had recently taken. Just the other day it was just himself, Alfred, Damian and the rest of the team. Life was pretty normal, at least far as what was considered for them. But then came Sasha onto the scene, conceived by a past lover he believed dead. And if that wasn't already enough, then he found himself on deaths door and in a desperate act to save his life he was turned from human to vampire by that same child. And now this. Another twist to his story and now the only question was, what next? Would the madness stop?

"Bruce," Akasha reached over and tapping at his shoulder. "Don't do this to yourself, none of it was your doing. You needn't carry so much weight over your shoulders, relax and look at the bright side of things."

The Dark Lord moved in closer beside him and decided to give him a shoulder massage, using her hands. It helped for him to relax somewhat, but his thoughts and problems were in full swing like a tidal wave exploding. He was sinking further and further, which was something she saw by just looking into his eyes.

"Have you decided what you'll do," Akasha backed away as she cleared her own throat. "I mean, have you and Morrigan talked about how Audrey will be brought up from this point."

"No, we haven't gotten that far other than I want a presence in her life. Bruce then took a deep breath just before his head turned and looking to Akasha. "This must be a lot to take in for you as well. Does this change…"

She placed a finger over his lips and stopped him from speaking.

"I already know what you're going to say."

She removed her fingers from his lips and instead of verbally speaking, the vampire instead leaned her head in towards his and her lips pressing against his.

"I'm prepared to work things out, no matter what. I realize you have a lot that'll require some reevaluating at this time. If you need time to yourself, take as much of it as you need."

Akasha reached out rubbing her hand over the side of his face and a smile over her lips. With an extension of his own, Bruce rested a hand over her shoulder just before leaning forward and resting his forehead against hers.

"Thank you," he spoke in a murmur.

She then slowly rose from the stool moments later.

"Well then, this was a good talk."

She watched as Bruce too stood from his seat.

"I'll walk you out," he looked to the exit and took the first couple steps as she followed. "You're right, it was a good exchange. Despite this popping up, I'll have that homicide investigation of yours wrapped up soon."

"In light of this all you could take a couple days off from it."

"No, that won't be necessary," Bruce replied. "Oh and one more thing."

"Yes?" she looked to him.

"I wish to speak with the dragon king. Tell Fafnir to contact me soon as he can."

The Dark Lord blinked twice, taken off guard by the request. But he had his reasons she was sure, and so just nodded.

"Will do."

XXX

The ship had arrived beside the island and anchored over the docks as the ship crew had been at work unloading for the past couple hours and setting up camp. Both Black Canary and Batwing were heavily involved in this process alongside everyone. And before they knew it the sun was setting and the night sky taking over. Together, Luke and Dinah looked up into the sky and neither could remember the last time they saw so many stars in the sky at once. Each and every one brightened the sky as it glowed upon the island and ocean in the distance.

"It… it's so beautiful," is the only word Dinah could think to say.

"You can say that again," Luke nodded. "Such a spectacle."

And so for the next couple minutes they stood, enjoying the view and light breeze which passed through. Soon thereafter, Dinah's eyes lowered from the manifestation as she instead looked to the campsite a little distance away.

"Come, we should go and meet with Suzcoo to discuss the terrain and…"

"You go," Luke cut her off, but with his eyes still over the sky. "I'll catch up."

For a moment she gawked at him, but took a couple steps off to the side.

"Alright, see you in a little while. Don't wait up too long."

She took off immediately and he listened to her retreating steps through the sand which grew lower in pitch with every steps she took; moving further and further away. His eyes did drop from the sky and to a table that had been set up. Pulling out a chair he took a seat and relaxed himself, but then came another set of footsteps.

"You aren't coming to camp?"

He turned his head and spotting the green haired elf who was fast approaching and stopping short of the table.

"Not yet. It's been a long trip and everyone has worked hard all day since we've anchored. Before discussing strategy or anything of the sort, a goodnights rest would suffice. One cannot focus or take in details if on an overload."

Isla laughed at the statement, unsure if a serious one or not. And that's when she really caught glimpse of the sky, positioning herself beside the table.

"Well, isn't this quite the sight," her purple eyes shined somewhat from the stars glow.

"Yeah… almost stunning as you," Luke right away bit back as the words sort of just slipped off his tongue without much consideration at all.

He immediately looked to correct and clarify himself, but she again laughed and so he instead said nothing. From then her head turned and their eyes meeting while she positioned her hands over the table.

"You shouldn't talk that way out in the open, or someone might hear," she said teasingly.

And with a smirk over her lips the female elf climbed up over the table and crawling along over the surface on her hands and knees towards him.

"What're you doing?" Luke gazed up at her.

"Say it again," she whispered, as her hands dropped down over his arms and her face just a few inches from his. "Tell me how stunning I am."

"You're the most beautiful woman of Vindellorien," his words came out in a murmur but she could hear him loud and clear.

Coming down on him ever so slightly and with her eyes closed, and his hands around both sides of her head they readied themselves for a kiss. The moment and general atmosphere seemed perfect and their lips were just inches apart.

"Hiya!"

Instantly they separated from each other as someone appeared in between them.

"I'm not interrupting something… am I?"

Isla blushed hard, with butterflies fluttering all throughout her body and Luke mostly just startled as he looked to the vampire. She was with a grin that appeared all too satisfied, like she'd stumbled upon a pot of gold.

"Miukei!" Luke said, with a gulp.

"It… it's not what it looks like," Isla quickly tried to denounce any speculation the vampire might have had. "We were just talking…"

"Oh really," Miukei giggled as she threw her hair back. "Looked more like you were puckering up for a make out session. Delbert's naughty little girl shacking up with a human."

Another giggle eluded the vampire's lips, but by then Isla had hopped down from the table and essentially getting in the taunting Suzcoo's face.

"First off, there was nothing happening. And secondly, if you're insisting that I've slept with or am sleeping with him than you're even more delusional! I am of royal blood and wouldn't stoop so low as to sleeping with a prisoner of my kingdom… well previously," she quickly corrected herself. "You can keep your little thoughts and fictions to yourself, pfff."

The lieutenant immediately swung her head around and away from Miukei as she marched off through the sand and didn't even give Luke a look. She headed back towards the camp while both Miukei and Luke watched. It was only after the vampire chortled that Luke turned his head and looked to her instead.

"Look at the way she got all upset," Miukei clasped her hands together and laughed. "Aggression has a way of reflecting the truth."

"Not necessarily," Luke quickly interjected.

This brought about added laughter from the green haired vampire.

"How cute, defending your little girlfriend are you…"

"It's not even like that," he shook his head and with a roll of his eyes.

"I am nor an idiot or stupid. And quite frankly, I see a lot more that goes on… than I let on," Miukei said.

Luke's eyes narrowed, gawking straight at her.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She did nothing but wink and that did nothing except confuse him more than he already was.

"Hayhurst denied sex with you at all, but I know better. How else was she able to escape her cell? You had one job, and one job only. But of course predictably, being the man that you are she used her beauty and charm to seduce you. That wasn't the only time was it? You've slept with her since then," Miukei leaned over the table with her elbows atop the surface. "Come on, the sexual tension is so there!"

Luke fell back within the chair and his eyes closed for a moment as he let out what sounded like a grumble/ provoked sigh.

"There's nothing there, take my word for it. And I'll play your game of what if, even if there was something, why so interested?"

"I could care less, honestly. Just curious is all. I mean just before I interrupted, your mouths were this close from a good ole smooch!"

Mikuei used her fingers as an example, and Luke saying nothing with the shake of his head. If anything, it was exactly as she said. The vampire wasn't stupid, but that didn't mean exposing what was really going on between him and the elf even if she was on to them.

"Careful Fox. Don't forget who she is and her representation. You're treading hazardous waters."

She smiled at him just as she squeezed at his cheek playfully and got a silent shout from him.

"Damn it! What was that for?!"

Merely laughing, the vampire sat up over the table and looking up into the sky and enjoying the view for herself. Luke rubbed at what was now a sore cheek, and pondered maybe it was just another instance of Suzcoo showing affection in her own sort of peculiar way. They watched the stars for a little while together, before Miukei hoped down from the table.

"We and the rest of the crew shall rest for the evening and get at it tomorrow. There's quite a bit of ground to cover."

"That is for the best," he agreed. "Dinah had a word?"

"A short exchange before I came this way," she nodded. "Yes. Don't wait up too late Brainiac. We'll need that schematic mind of yours at full go, come sunrise."

Luke caught a glimpse of her right as she took off and with a grin before his eyes just as quickly returned to the sky.

"Will do."

XXX

After a long day of serving his duties at Yokai Academy, Tsukune returned to his human home world, shared with him and Moka. He had barely just set his duffle bag down over the sofa, when he looked out towards the kitchen. Over the countertop were a set of papers, which he skimmed over, and with info that would normally be found in a doctor's office.

"What is this…" he whispered to himself.

The two vampires had a good life together, even though it wasn't normal compared to others with their schedule, but he didn't mind. In fact he loved it. Tsukune also loved when it came home to one of Moka's home cooked meals, which today seemed to be missing. But then came a voice from down the hall, belonging to his wife.

"Mister Aono," her voice echoed from far as he listened to her footsteps approach.

Moka walked into the room, wearing a white nurse outfit, with blue trimming and light blue gloves. She also carried a stethoscope around her neck, white stockings and heals. Clearing his throat as he saw her come into picture perfect view, he almost felt his inner self jump right out of his skin.

"Moka-san…" he uttered her name, shocked.

This was all because of what he said the other day. Damn it! Him and his stupid thoughts.

"Look Moka-san, I didn't mean to…"

"Mister Aono," she cut him off as she took a single step forward and flashing her name tag. "It's Miss Kimura, but just call me nurse Kimura."

Tsukune looked on with confused eyes. What exactly was she up to?

"You're here for a check-up, yes?" Moka took two of the papers in hand and read them over, or at least pretended to.

He couldn't say for certain from where he stood.

"Well, before we start with your check-up I'm going to need for you to sign your name and initial here."

The paper was set down in front of him and Moka handing him a pen from out of her shirt pocket. His eyes surveyed her, trying to get a sense if she was being serious and if he should actually go through with the action.

"Please sir, we cannot proceed until you sign over the dotted line."

By this point he hadn't any idea what had gotten into her or where this act was coming from, but nevertheless he was loving it. And with all else aside, Tsukune decided to play along, one hundred percent.

"Oh! Okay, Nurse Kimura! Sorry for the hold up. It's just been a long day is all."

Tsukune immediately went to signing the paper and handing it to Moka who smiled.

"Good, now follow me."

She was with the paper in hand and Tsukune following close behind her. Tsukune took this moment to take an even closer look at her outfit. Moka wearing a zip up dress, with the nurse hat, the dress cut off from the mid-thigh, which left the garter belt exposed. Lastly she had red lipstick on and dark eye shadow. Soon they turned the corner and into the bedroom and Tsukune in for another surprise. In an open section of the room there was an examination table that would normally be seen in a doctor's office. Moka grabbed at his wrist and led him that way and Tsukune sitting over the edge. Moka then moved closer to him, and the stethoscope eartips inserted into her ears. The diaphragm was then placed over Tsukune's chest; listening to his heart beat. She then gently curled her fingers under his chin, lifting Tsukune's chin up to meet her beautiful rose colored eyes.

"I think I'll need to run a full checkup on you."

She blinked and played innocent right before pulling out a fake first aid kit, bending over again, knowing Tsukune must have been burning inside for her. She then moved behind him, slowly grinding her already half hard nipples, against his back which he could feel through the material of her shirt. Not long after that she walked around and again positioning herself in front of him. The diaphragm was lowered over the area of his crotch, and Moka licking at her lips as she silently moaned.

"We might have a small problem, Mister Aono. I've figured out the source to your complications."

"Oh really," Tsukune smiled. "And what's that?"

"Too much blood flow in one spot," she tossed her equipment aside and massaged a hand over the hardness which had grown in his pants. "You will feel good as new after I finish."

She smirked before sliding a hand behind his head, pulling him into a deep kiss. He smiled against her lips as they did so with craze. Moka then slowly slid down in front of him.

"Mister Aono, I need to still perform an oral checkup, now hold still please."

She smirked as he nodded and blushed slightly but then soon he closed his eyes as he let his head roll back from Moka unzipping his pants, and setting his half hard cock free. He moaned as she now gently licked at the tip. He placed one hand over her shoulder as she then gripped his member slightly as she took in half his hard length. He moaned out as he began to thrust his hips, and Moka bobbed her head faster to meet his speed. She then placed her hands over his hips as she slowly took in his length all the way, and slurping down over it. She looked up at him as she sucked him off, smiling at him becoming so hard so fast. She removed her mouth from his cock and stroking him off with a gloved hand.

"My, My Mister. Aono! Your body seems to be in great shape, and I love the taste of you too."

Tsukune smirked as he then pulled her up by the arm and a familiar look in her eyes.

"Nurse Kimura, Please call me Tsukune, for we have become more then patient and nurse."

"Yes. Now undress yourself and stay quiet, we don't want anyone walking in on us, do we?" Moka winked.

Tsukune had no idea he'd get off so much at roleplaying, but he was. Moka un-zipped her dress and then threw it to the side as Tsukune licked his bottom lip slowly.

"The only way for us to truly cure your condition is through here," Moka trailed a finger over the area of her private. "Intercourse, raw."

"Whatever you say, nurse Kimura."

Away from the table Moka laid herself on the bed and her legs spread. Tsukune soon joined her, but not before first removing his pants and underwear. He smiled while situating himself over her and a finger down her underwear, and circled her clit. Her breath hitched in her throat as he used his free hand to wag his finger at her.

"Not a sound."

She nodded as he pulled out a knife that he had in his jacket, cutting off her white, laced underwear. Her core was already dripping wet, as he leaned down and sucked on her clit, making her back arch. She had to cover her mouth as Tsukune moved onto tongue licking fast while using his thumb to rub her clit in a small, fast circle. She gripped the sheets as he rolled her hips around in a circle, trying to get him to reach her spot. He then pulled back, making Moka whimper as he wiped his mouth and pulled off his jacket. He was now fully naked and stroked his hard cock slowly.

"Alright, since you have been such a good nurse, you get to make all the noise you want. Let's both enjoy my checkup. If this is the only option to cure me, then it can't be helped."

She nodded and then gasped letting out a loud moan that was held back. She felt him slip into her with force. He let out a low groan himself and went straight to work thrusting inside her. He was with both hands placed beside both sides of her face. She then slid her hands up to his shoulders. She leaned up and kissed him passionately, and Tsukune kissed back lovingly. He then growled lowly against her mouth and thrusted faster into her, making Moka gasp and moan out loudly again.

"O-Oh fuck, Tsukune! Please, go faster, you won't be cured until you release it!"

Moka blushed dark as he nodded and licked up her neck and then bit down onto your plus point while taking in the taste of her blood. They both thrusted against each other, Tsukune bucking his hips as she moved hers with his. Moka arched her head back as she moaned out his name and he groaned out hers. Moka locked eyes with him as both panted heavily. The vampires were close and after a few seconds, she felt her climax approaching as her walls tightened around his member and milking him of his seed as he came inside. His hips continued rocking forward, emptying his entire release into his lover. And Once Tsukune finished he removed himself and pulled her into a hug. And they took a few moments to cool down and catch their breaths. Tsukune couldn't help but chuckle. Moka looked up at him as he gently placed a soft kiss on the top of her head.

"That was one hell of a checkup. We need to do this again some time, nurse Kimura."

Moka giggled and smirked as she gently kissed down his neck, making him groan out softly and she whispered against his neck.

"Well Aono, you'll need some medication, the one that begins with an M- and ends with an-e."

"Will do, I might just get addicted."

He then rolled on top of Moka and kissed down her neck, chest and stomach hungrily, now going for round two. She smiled to herself as she thought to herself.

"Mother was right! I love this! Being his nurse."

XXX

King Fafnir was having a great time inside the palace of Vindellorien, away from Arcenill Mount, he was finally able to let go and brazenly ignore his so-called kingly duties. At least for a little while. Another reason for his great mood was he didn't have certain members of his staff breathing flames up his ass every second. Sarcastically praising him for the magnificent job he'd done lately. He was free from Benjamin Castillo judgmental glowers and nagging. He'd spent the night drinking, eating and playing with serving maids to his heart's content. It was a time of celebration and the annual three hundredth anniversary of the alliance between both kingdoms. From the get go, the dragon really had no desire to attend, but was convinced by others it would be a great way to blow off some steam and get away from it all. At the time most the ballroom was empty, save for a few lower knights, servants, and elf nobles preparing everything for the upcoming festivities. Everyone else was still just arriving and or in the waiting area. The king of Arcenill Mount hadn't traveled alone and was with another by the name of Zehm who had otherwise been stressed for the past week. And so Fafnir convinced him to share a drink. Unfortunately though, Zehm passed out after just a few shots.

Luckily however there was an elf noble nearby that witnessed the whole ordeal and was over to them in a matter of seconds.

"Your Grace, is everything okay with him?"

Fafnir had taken hold of and lifting Zehm's arm over his shoulder and holding him upright so that his body wouldn't fall.

"Hand him here and I'll find someplace to lay him down for the time being," Catelyn said as she walked over to the drinking pair.

Fafnir immediately offered his assist.

"I can help you carry him. It's my fault he's like this."

"It's alright, my lord. I can manage," the guard replied, not wanting to burden the King with a common task.

"Nonsense, it's no problem at all. Besides I'd like to take a look around the palace. Didn't really have the luxury the last time I visited for a meeting," he said.

"Alright then, I'll lead the way."

In full agreement, Fafnir nodded his head and motioned for him to lead the way. He stood up and lifted the dragon off his feet. Supporting his friend's weight on one side with his shoulder, Fafnir followed the elf.

And as he did, the dragon king's eyes burned into a woman's massive, bouncing ass not far from them. She was one of the guests, an elf and just so happened to be walking in the same direction. He felt his mouth dry and cock stir as he watched her ass jiggle with every step. He then thought back to one of the reasons for making the trip to Vindellorien.

It had been too long since Fafnir had slept with a proper patrician lady. Being King was extremely boring at points but it had its occasional perks. He visited various lands, mostly on business and came across ladies of royalty quite often. Sometimes he'd be invited to the castle where he would sleep with the ladies. And sometimes he'd find a handful to be unfaithful with husbands. His last good one was over eight months ago when he spent the night with a Phoenix beauty. He smirked as he remembered finding out that her husband had been fast asleep in his chambers down the hall while the two of them made sweet love. And now all Fafnir could think about was fucking the dignified Sienna Hayhurst! No, nothing serious, nothing long term. She was the first born child of King Delbert and Queen Avis, and therefore princess of the entire land. She was likely to be arranged a marriage to another of the royal families, and fine by him. All he wanted was a small piece, a good ole one night stand.

Far as any woman of Vindellorien, she was the ultimate prize and he'd had eyes on her for a while now. The opportunity had never really presented itself, nor had she showed interest. But he was the emperor's son and with bundles of charm that could sweep any woman off her feet. It didn't have to be tonight, the one after or even the next week. But if the opportunity were to arise he wouldn't hesitate to make his move.

And it was up several floors that Princess Sienna prepared for the coming ball. Two female servants attended to her, starting with her dress and then her hair. The golden/brownish dress was perfect for her to make contrast. Arlo was patiently waiting outside more handsome than ever, looking himself over in a small handheld mirror. Tall broad in silver blue tunic and light pants, his long green hair was tied in a ponytail for tonight's event. Purple eyes of his waited just for his sister.

The Princess of Vindellorien made her appearance finally taking his hand gently and giving him a smile that reached her eyes. Together they walked down the hall with their arms locked. And while they did, both siblings shared the same thought; something bothering them. Arlo could see it in her eyes and even the way she carried herself and so he stopped abruptly.

"Arlo…" Sienna looked up at him.

The elf took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders.

"You're thinking of her too, aren't you?"

Her silence with no response validated what he already knew, and looked to the carpet beneath their feet.

"Isla is out there somewhere, alive. Don't ask me how I know… I just do."

Even if he wasn't convinced of it himself, there was no way in hell he'd let anyone else lose hope.

"I pray you're right," her voice came out in a whisper. "Let's just get through tonight and then we can worry about our problems later."

"That's all we can do," Arlo nodded.

And with that out of the way, he was able to breathe a little bit more easily as they headed for the ballroom. Within the hour the entire space was filled with guests, music and food. All her acquaintances were there. King Delbert was in head of the space and sitting at his throne. Soft face smiling to Sienna clear across the room, Avis next to him more beautiful than ever, in her green dress. Cecily was in her short grey dress and with mask of an owl over her face as she walked around and mingling with the guests.

"Relax, Sienna. If you continue to be this intense it'll start rubbing off on the guests," Arlo appeared from out of the crowds and with a drink in hand.

She looked up to him giving reassuring smile and caress over upper side of his arm.

"You sure you should be drinking? That walkthrough in the morning with the newbies, don't forget it," Sienna crossed her arms.

The elf prince merely laughed as he took another drink and patting her over the shoulder.

"Remember what I said."

Downing what was left inside his glass, Arlo took off and setting his glass over a tray which one of the servants carried. But soon after the celebration Sienna would take her place on the throne between the King and Queen with a small message she'd written up.

Couples danced, laughed and drank as musicians played and sang ancient songs of times past. The whole palace was bathed in yellow, red/orange glow and lights shining through glass outside like falling stars. Then came a scent of that she'd come to familiarize herself with as she turned and faced him.

"May I have the honor for this dance?" the dragon king offered his hand.

Putting on a smile, the princess accepted his offer as he led them out onto the dance floor. But they had barely even got going before others of the ladies came in between them and requesting a dance with the dragon king. No matter which way he looked or turned, someone was waiting. And being the gentleman that he was, Fafnir couldn't turn a single of them down, going through dance partner after dance partner after a short while. Sienna too went through a few dance partners and became so tired of it that she found herself sitting and resting with glass in hand at the end of it.

To be continued