Clash of Realms
CHP60: Alucard's Potential Revealed
"Unhand me you Heiden!" the young lord barked as he was forcefully pulled along.
It was a long hall, dark, with an arrangement of lanterns and torches lighting the way. The only sounds were those of the crackling flames, and footsteps as they trudged along. And ultimately Achille was tossed inside a holding cell and with enough force that his left shoulder collided with enough force that he dislocated it.
"You bastard!" the young lord snarled.
The guard said nothing as he slammed the sliding cell door.
"I will not tolerate such handling, do you even know who I am?!"
With his back to Achille, the guard rubbed his hands together and proceeded in the opposite direction.
"You nitwit! You will respond when spoken too!"
Taking off in full sprint, the young lord only got far as wrapping his fingers around the sell bars, just as an electrical stream was sent through his body. There was so much voltage coursing through his flesh that his eyes rolled in the back of his head and drooled while at the same time shot backwards through the air. His back rammed into the wall and adding additional pain. The guardsman who walked along held a size able smirk over his features.
"Imbecile... you will pay for this, all of you!"
Ridding himself of the frustrations with his situation, the boy balled his fists and punching at the nearest wall. After about the fifth, he gave up and took a seat over the bed and cursing under his breath. What in the world was happening to him?! Who were these people and what the hell did they want with him? Probably enemies of the main household if he had to guess, and the list was long with the potential persons his father rubbed the wrong way.
And so from there he just sat back and thought quietly to himself. Did he have much longer to live? Sitting and waiting left him with a sense of anxiety/uneasiness. It was like this for the next ten minutes or so, until the sounds of steps entered into the cell block. Achille looked upward and towards down the hall where four persons approached, seemingly in route to his cage. And he was right. They came up on and stopped short of the cell as it was unlocked and pulled open.
"We'll, well if it isn't the child brat of Norzet," Ched crossed his arms below his waist. "Glad you could entertain us with your presence. I truly am."
Hopping down from the bed, the boy cracked his knuckles.
"I don't know who the hell you are, or why you brought me here, but you shall release me this very instant. My father's army will squash you like bugs?!"
Ched looked to not only Yoshii Kiria, but two of his guards' people and let out a laugh. Another of them joined him until eventually the whole group was laughing. The young lord tightened his fists and growled.
"They dear mock me!" his teeth gritted.
"My boy," Ched's laughter expired down. "What are you, fourteen? Fifteen? You talk like..."
"You will mock me no further, simpleton, for when my father finds out of this outrageous act, you and all of your dogs will suffer the consequence. Beheading in front of a large audience; it shall be a grand show to behold."
Glaring straight at him, Vlet was not in the slightest bit amused.
"Listen hear you little rat, it is you that should stop and realize just who it is you speak to. Tell me something son," Ched twiddled his fingers as he walked about. "Are you familiar with the name Fairy Tale?"
Achille's eyes enlarged, and Ched chortling at the terror which was displayed in them.
"I take that as a yes. You must be aware of our power, possibly? Even the global powers of this realm tremble at the name. And so it's really quite simple, you cooperate and there's a good chance you walk out of here unscathed," Ched said.
"Why do I have a hard time believing that..."
Ched chortled once more.
"It doesn't matter what you think. Fact of the matter is if you fail to cooperate with us, your days are numbered."
"My days are numbered, regardless if I talk or not. I know exactly the sort of people you are. Go and fuck yourselves!"
Kiria and the guards laughed, but Ched with a straight face this time.
"Mouthy one, but don't think for a second because of your prominence that we shall take it easy on you. Last chance. You will provide to me certain info and maybe, just maybe we have you out in the next couple hours if that information holds true," Ched cracked his knuckles. "Now tell me son, where would one go about locating the grimore of land?"
"Up your ass!" the young lord retorted.
Ched was then with a chuckle, but that same seriousness in his expression. He then glanced at a single of the guards with a knowing look in his eyes.
Lifting up his sleeves, the singular guard stretched his neck on both sides while stepping inwardly into the prison cell.
"Hey, you stay the hell away from me, yah hear!" the young lord snorted.
The young noble could do nothing or even react as the guard came up on him so quickly, grabbing and squeezing at his shoulders. Pulled up off his feet, the boy was slammed against the wall and then came a fist.
His body slid downward against the wall. And before he knew it, came another punch and then another after that. Inconceivable as it may, he was being physically beaten, as the guard kneed him in the face a couple times with a few kicks added.
And the whole time Ched and the others did nothing but spectate as this went on for about a minute and a half. It wasn't until a snap of a finger from Vlet that the pounding came to a close. By this point the young lord was out on his side, bleeding from both his nose and mouth; aching all over. Rubbing his hands together and stepping off to the side with a wide smirk, the guard made room for Ched to step in. The bird yokai stood over the downed lord and with his arms crossed.
"How about we start over, kid? Wanna tell me what you know of the land Lastiaz Sphere?"
The young lord both coughed and spat blood as he pushed himself upward, but found it far too painful and instead fell forward.
"What was that? Couldn't quite hear you, my boy," Ched said.
This answer conveyed chuckles from not only the two by standing guards, but Kiria as well. It was just a few moments later the double doors leading into the cell block.
"Master, master, you've got a very important guest here to see you."
Ched pivoted ever so slightly and looking back in that direction where another of his guards strode along and holding what appeared to be a map in his hand.
"Can it wait?" Vlet inquired.
"Commander Ilon, sir."
Hearing that name changed his entire demeanor, coughing as he cleared his throat.
"Head on back and tell the general I'll be with him shortly," Ched said.
"Yessir," the individual bowed, just before taking off.
Swallowing his own saliva, just before looking down over the young lord, Ched cracked his knuckles.
"It would seem I have important matters to attend, little brat. I shall return in due time and for your sake, I do hope you come to your senses and make the right decision. Do not be foolish. It serves you no good."
Ched Vlet said nothing else as his back was turned and taking off with the prison cell being closed behind them as the entire group took off. And about halfway down the hall, Kiria turned to and looking directly at Ched.
"What happens if the boy doesn't talk?"
"He'll talk," Ched responded, with a smirk.
They were through the double doors and met with the guest some floors down.
"Kreing, must be the first you've showed without prior notification. Important, yes? Speak your mind."
Reaching into his back pocket, the ogre uncovers a folded slip of paper and holding it out in front of him.
"What's that?" Kiria asked.
"Have a look," Ilon replied.
Unwrapping the note, both Ched and Kiria looked it over. And a response didn't come until some moments later.
"When did you receive this?" Kiria inquired.
"Two, maybe three hours ago," the ogre said. "By now the lot of them are either captured or dead. Based on time stamp, it's been twenty hours from when the message was written and delivered via, the delivery bird."
Ched took another look at the note, just before lowering it down by his side.
"Second daughter to king Delbert and queen Avis... if she's with any significant info and gets it back to Vindellorien. That could be trouble," Ched walked about with his hands behind his back. "And then a potential spotting of Suzcoo, a member of Bloodriver Akasha's three woman assassin squad."
Vlet was with clinched fists before scratching at a nearby table top.
"Not good... not at all! Are you certain this report is accurate?" Ched looked directly at Ilon. "Can you say for certain it was Miukei of the Asagao three?!"
"Cannot confirm, nor contradict. I should hear back from my boys on that island and if any additional action is needed I will..."
"You'll need S class monsters to deal with the situation at the very least, especially if that one. And if she holds any info and passes it on to the Dark Lord, then that means..."
"Apollo too, would know. And then the entirety of the global powers," Kiria added.
"Precisely! Damn, to think one of Bloodriver's pets would get caught up in our..."
"We don't know that for sure," Kiria cut Ched off. "But you will keep us posted on the matter and if need be we'll see that the situation is taken care of, Fairy Tale."
The attention of them all was diverted with the sounds of heels clicking over the ground. And it was the blonde haired vampire, mostly dressed in white that settled in front of them.
"General Kreing," Kahlua Shuzen tilted her head towards him. "I heard shouting. Has something happened?"
"Maybe... maybe not. Our colleague here, arrived with rather distressing info, which for the moment we cannot confirm. And if a problem, it shall be taken care of," Ched replied.
She didn't know what to make of this or even inquire of the details, and quite frankly the vampire warrior didn't care too much to know.
"And the boy?" Kahlua eye balled Kiria and Ched. "Did he talk?"
XXX
One after another they returned to their seats, but did so over one minute apart from each other, so as to eliminate any potential suspicion. Moka was the first to return; holding a casual demeanor. She sat with one leg resting atop the other and her eyes onstage as if nothing ever happened.
Tsukune was seated shortly thereafter, but different to his mate. There was a certain gleam and energy about him and in addition to a smile. While both watched the performers onstage, their minds and bodies to a certain extent were still caught up in the moment of what they'd done a few short minutes ago. And without even looking Tsukune leaned in closer beside Moka and shoulder nudging her.
And just as him, she didn't bother looking his way but chortled and with half a grin. Tsukune then lowered his left arm and running a hand over the side of her leg. Moka right away, she bit at her lower lip as in that moment the vampire felt her body grow ever so heated from his gentle touch. Unknown to them, there was someone with eyes on them, from not far away. In fact that someone had been quite observant and just so happen to be sitting right behind them. She believed it best to say nothing, or at least after the conclusion of the show. But a feeling came on and so she decided to do so sooner.
"Hey, you two," Akasha's head peaked in between them. "You were gone for a little while there. Where to?"
Both were startled by the sudden jump in of the Dark Lord, and Tsukune immediately removed his hand and Moka halfway jumping out of her seat.
"Bathroom!" they shouted at once, as if in sync.
It was so loud that various persons sitting in the area were with their eyeballs glued to them, which included Gin and San.
"Sorry, sorry everyone," Tsukune did his best to diffuse all the sudden attention. "There's no problems here."
Taking his word for it, everyone's focus shifted back towards the event onstage. However though, Gin resituated himself and looking back at them both.
"What was that all about?"
"Nothing," Moka took the initiative. "Mother just startled us, is all."
Even with that, the werewolf didn't stop staring at them suspiciously for a little while later, before eventually turning and doing as everyone else. And for an instance things quieted inside the audiences, until giggles stemmed from behind Tsukune and Moka.
"Sorry," the Dark Lord in disguise apologized.
Moka specifically glimpsed back at her, and her mother all smiles.
"Why're you looking at me that way?" Moka posed.
"Whatta yah think? Bathroom huh, at the same..."
"No," Moka cut her off. "That was just a reaction, response. I had to make an important phone call and so I stepped away for a little bit. Tsukune was the one that..."
Chuckles from the Dark Lord silenced Moka from saying anything else.
"Sure, like I was born yesterday. You were doing naughty things, weren't yah? Come, you can tell me. I've been there, heheh."
"No, stop," Moka turned her head. "You're a weirding me out!"
The silver haired vampire was with a hard blush over her cheeks, but an annoyed expression while Akasha chuckled in the row behind them. Tsukune merely just scratched at the side of his head but said nothing, and from there on all of them just watched the show and cheering on the performers.
XXX
"Ugh Sasha dear, just go," Audrey leaned on the hand holding her cards. "You've been on your turn forever."
"Shush, dunno rush me!" Sasha held her cards mere inches from her face. "I'ma strategizing... like daddy would."
"It's go fish," Lilith stressed, rolling her eyes. "How much strategy do you think there is in go fish?"
"Me nah know, a lot?" Sasha looked to Lilith. "How much auntie, Lilith?"
Her ocean blue eyes blinked at the pink haired succubus, who in turn lowered her head and her face in the palm of her hand. First Audrey, and now this one! She could so do without the auntie label. Both Lilith and Audrey groaned impatiently at the vampire who was taking far more time than necessary. Across the way at another table sat Haruo fiddling around with a device, only barely aware of what was going on around him.
"Do you haaaaave," Sasha's eyes scanned over Audrey's hand. "... sevens?"
"Go fish!" Sasha said.
The succubus responded by throwing away a seven of spades before elbowing Haruo to get his attention. It took a few moments for him to mentally catch up on what was going on, before muttering a go fish and going right back to his device.
"Uhh, you girls dont take this seriously at all," Lilith grumbled.
"It's a card game auntie," Audrey sighed. "You gals got any Kings?"
Lilith handed the child her hard earned King and went on mumbling.
"So? You should at least try to win. Hardly makes this fun playing with a bunch of casuals."
"Who you calling a casual?!" Audrey glared, pointing straight at Sasha. "She's the only casual around here."
"That's mean, nee-chan. Not like there's a prize or something," Sasha carefully went over her cards.
They sat there and started up another game but this time each of them far more dialed in than they had been before.
Year 1656
Breathing was heavy, heart racing and sweat trickling down from both sides of his face. No, scratch that; his entire body. He fumed and burned all over, both in body and yokai, feeling as though he might lose consciousness again. It wouldn't be the first and he knew and felt that it certainly/likely wouldn't be the last. How many times had he feasted? How many monsters had he devoured? Eighty, maybe one hundred, one fifty? He'd lost count after about the twentieth. But the first, oh yes he still remembered the first. The immediate boost of energy he felt and the rise in energy was incredible, and it was the same with the second and so on. But there came a point, right around the twentieth that much began to change.
It became like a weight on his shoulders, but one that continuously mounted and grew. So much and to a point that he felt so small and condensed as if an ant tossed into an endless void for miles every which way. Not just the physical impact of his own strength, but even just the thought of it weighing heavy. This was too much power for one man… no, for one monster to possess. There was a reason for this. A reason he'd turned to this. A mission he set out to complete and would see it through. Once he was with a forethought and dream, one in which he felt strongly about. But then on that fateful day when it was all taken from him and Wallachia destroyed by those he wished to coexist with, his path changed; and a destiny forged.
Twelve hours it took, twelve long hours before he returned to what was once considered normal for him. This had been so much longer in comparison to the last time he fed. But it was a pattern he'd picked up on from the very first monsters he devoured, up till this point. What time was it, he wondered? It was after dark; the moon so glamorous in the sky. And not much noise in any direction. Odd, it must have been after midnight, he deemed. His clothing had been torn to shreds during the monstrous transformation, but as he gradually returned to size and recollected himself, the vampire stumbled upon clothing to cover up his nakedness. And out ahead, maybe just about half a mile away was a shack. Every step was more of a march and he really didn't remember much after he shoved open the door and fell forward. Nothing but darkness and exhaustion and he must have blacked out, having no recollection of what happened after that. All he could remember was waking the next morning with a splitting headache unlike he'd had before and aches all over. But that was the least of his worries, launching up off the ground. There was three, no... four of them! But any action on his behalf past that was contained, because in sync; these four persons recited a chant with a magic circle forming beneath his feet. There was no pain, but it was very much like a magnetic force, holding him in place from moving. The king of his fallen empire snapped and growled as he tried clawing and striking at the persons, clearly out of his reach. There were a few curse words that came out of his mouth, but the four surrounding persons appeared unfazed by this; in fact all with blank expressions. As he continued to struggle and claw away, each remained silent and still until his struggles died down. And ultimately he dropped forward over his hands and knees, breathing heavily and hissing under his breath. And it wasn't until he came to a slight state of calm that one among them spoke their mind. "The mighty vampire king, right before our very eyes," one spoke. "We've had our eyes on you, Alucard," another added. "For longer than you could know," the next said. "Since the falling of Wallachia," the last inserted. The vampire king laughed aloud and still remaining over his hands and knees. "Then you've seen what I'm capable of and what happens to persons that would dare try and contest me. Clearly you bunch wouldn't..." The vampire king was rendered silent with the circle beneath him brightening and a magical electric current zipping through his body while he screeched. "We talk, you listen. That's how things will work," one said. "Bitch, I shall devour each and every one of you! Watching from a distance, you'd know I'm unstoppable. You've witnessed my wrath and growth in power!" "We have," one noted, with the simple nod of her head. "You misunderstand our intentions here, or perhaps we're at fault for the presentation. Maybe a more forthcoming intro, but given recent activities and your vampire nature, we were really left with no other choice." "The circle beneath you is for our safety, until you've listened to our offer it will not be removed." Alucard clawed away at the surface, angered and frustrated with the situation as a whole. "Then speak!" he did his best to hold back inpouring rage. Entirety of the room was quiet and so much a pen drop would have been heard. "You have quite the potential, which has since grown with your recent activities. Yes, your consumption of at least one hundred monsters, if I'm not mistaking?" "And even in this moment you can feel that power coursing through your veins. Relentless, heavy and beyond your present capabilities to control." "The loss of consciousness, short memory loss of events, uncontrollable emotions, and short temper." "You feel as though you're morphing into something you aren't. I do not refer to you physically, but your mental state of mind." "Someone who was such a powerful figure, the king and leader of an entire nation, to have it taken so quickly and horrendously, from those you wished to live and coexist with. The deceit and betrayal by those you trusted so much, could never possibly be matched. And a prideful leader. Such qualities make it difficult to see and accept the truth." Alucard's fangs grazed his tongue and his eyes keyed in over the four persons eying him. "Being?" he asked simply. "Losing yourself in this massacre. And by all accounts when it's said and done you will be nothing more than a mindless beast, full of bloodlust for any and everything." Snarling and punching into the ground, Alucard snapped at the one in question. "What the hell would you know about this, or what I'm going through? When I break through this, and I will! The feast of you four will be a delicacy!" "Because we've dealt with a case similar to yours, granted a different species. But you show similar symptoms and complications to the other. And we share a similar enemy... humans." Alucard's gaze that had mostly been over the ground looked up in that moment. "Keep going... I'm listening." For the very first time interest spawned from his eyes and a sense of calmness from the vampire king was felt between them all. "We're of a powerful witch tribe, called the Absorku Lore. Or should I say, was." "Absorku," the vampire king pushed up somewhat as his words drifted. "That name, I've heard it before..." His eyes peered down over the ground for a few moments as he thought silently. "It was a burning... a freak accident. A fire covering several acres and burning down an entire village in the process. No doubt about it, that name. It was your tribe, right?" "Yes and no," another of them shook their head. "Our village did burn to the depths of the earth... but it was no accident." "It was their doing, the humans. An ambush after nightfall when most turned in. They arrived on horseback from all corners of the village, lighting the entire village in flames using torches, fire arrows and whatever else they could. I still hear their laughs when I sleep; endless nightmares." Clutching his fists, Alucard cursed with memory of his own experiences with these said beings. "Not all of us were caught up in the fire. A handful managed to evade the burning grounds, but were promptly rounded up. Taken to a neighboring village they put on a show, crowds watching and cheering as they lynched us!" Even in his contained state, Alucard's energy signature accumulated. "And what do you want from me?" Alucard asked, but much more calmly this time. "You finally inquire," one smiled. "Isn't it apparent, to assure that we have our vengeance. We'll help you, to help us get back at those that took away everything! There shall be bloodshed, carnage, destruction and how sweet it'll be," the witch laughed. And for the first time since waking to these strange persons, a smile crept onto the face of Alucard and then came a quick laugh. "Yes, it'll be all that and so much more. You say you lot can be of service with my current limitations. How so?" An immediate answer did not come and instead the circle beneath the vampire vanished; enabling him to move freely. Right away he stood and dusting himself off. Even with a clear understanding of their objective in accordance with the shinso king, the four didn't lower their guards. "Rather than tell you, we'll show you. But not here. Will you indulge in our offer?" For some moments he just sort of stared out into space. "Doesn't appear that I've got much a choice, give my physical deficiencies with each victim I devour. I'll take you up on this offer, but if I discover deception or ill will oh your behalf, not one of you will live to tell the story. But before we proceed... your names?"
"Zoey, Chelsla, Tyian and Kuriko."
Present day
Standing outside, Commander of the Western Legions enjoyed the cool breeze over her face. The Behemoth was working hand in hand with the emperor's most trusted pupil. But there was really no time to stand around and get lost in her thoughts, and so she headed back inside. And in the hidden base passed a few monitors she spotted the Valkyrie who looked to be conversing with someone.
"How are things over there?"
Both she and the other beside her looked to the Commander of the Western Legions and Eris giving her a thumbs up.
"Progress. Further along than the last hour. But still, so many questions…" Eris ran a finger over a series of sheets laid out over a table.
For the past week they'd been hard at work trying to solve some of the realms most troubling issues that seemed to be popping up as of recently, and so many at once for that matter. It kept each and every one of them on their heels. But for the time being there was one case that captivated their devotion and effort. It was the destruction of the Kygnini Bridge or also known as the golden bridge. But more so was the events which occurred afterwards inside the Lagooz and the prisoners that escaped. Or more accurately, released.
"Still, from the crime scene photos I've looked over hundreds of times there's just so many inconsistencies concerning the outer boarder of where the primary activity took place. One thing is for sure, the persons involved were experts. Weeks and weeks, and still we've got nothing," Eris grumbled beneath her breath.
"Have you made contact with Apollo in the…"
"No, Commander Cornelia," Eris cut her off. "Not until we have something concrete. Something solid to go off of. Right now we're no closer to solving this than day one, two or three. Our emperor seeks results, not assumptions."
Cornelia nodded while turning her head and looking to a small kitchen area located inside the hidden facility.
"Gonna brew some coffee, you want some?" the Behemoth in human form looked back at them over her shoulder.
Each however was with a shake of their head as she continued on.
XXX
"It's just up ahead," one declared as they neared the edge of the woods.
He was holding another's hand in his as they walked. Beside him, the other had sustained injuries in the ambush the day before. They'd been walking for hours, and now, they could already hear the sound of water rushing from somewhere close. Soon after, they arrived at a stony shore. There was nothing there with the exception of a circle of figure like shapes made up of stones.
They needed to make a fire, and that's exactly what they did gathering up fire wood. But it wasn't just for the heat to keep them warm, but an even greater purpose. A special sort of dust was thrown into the flames which in turn developed a strange glow in the sky above them within minutes.
"Signal fire?" one asked, marveling at the color.
"Yeah. One that our crew members will recognize and be capable of finding us."
"Couldn't that hold true for the enemy? It's just our damn luck we didn't end up with that vampire, or lieutenant Hayhurst. We're lacking combat experience among us," one individual looked around, before sitting over a large rock. "Let's hope they find us soon."
XXX
At the conclusion of the event, Kurumu redressed into casual attire backstage and exchanging a few words with some of the other contestants before she saw herself out.
"You were absolutely stunning," Ageha threw her arms around Kurumu and embracing her in a hug.
She did so tightly, before Kurumu soon forced her way out of her mother's hold.
"Enough of that, we're in public and I'm not a little girl anymore, off..." Kurumu crossed her arms.
Finding her daughter's face rather adorable, Ageha pinched at Kurumu's cheek.
"No matter how old you grow, you'll always be my little..."
"Stop!" Kurumu growled and cutting Ageha off.
"Kurumu, Kurumu!"
The succubus turned her head and looking out towards her friends and colleagues that approached all at once. The busty succubus was pulled into an unexpected group hug and could do nothing but groan. At the moment all she really wanted to do was think and reflect on the performance. She could really go without all the extra attention.
"Happy we could make it on such short notice, thanks to Gin," Tsukune started. "Why didn't you tell me about this? You know that Moka-San and I would have dropped whatever and cleared my schedule to be here."
Kurumu just sort of looked him off and shrugged.
"You're a busy man Tsukune and in charge of running one of the more prominent schools in the entire realm. This was a small preliminaries event."
"Even so, we would have come. But that's beside the point now. You and everyone were excellent, but why wasn't it announce who would be advancing to the next round?" Tsukune asked.
"Typically, but with this one it won't be until tomorrow evening," Ageha said. "But no worries, my little Kurumu will be moving on without a question, right?"
Ageha wrapped her arms around the neck of Kurumu and again pulled her in close. And even faster than the last, the succubus forced her way out of it a lot faster than the last.
"I told you to stop with that, cut it out!" Kurumu grimaced.
San, Akasha and Tsukune collectively laughed together.
"What comes next after if you're fortunate enough to be selected? Will the next rounds occur under this same venue?" Moka asked.
"Unlikely, it hasn't yet been determined but we'll see," Kurumu responded. "I'm very appreciative of you all coming, really. Without the support my drive for this would be a whole lot less."
"Before deciding to show up here, we were in the process of dinner. Would the two of you like to join us? There would be plenty for everyone," Akasha said.
Kurumu, nor Ageha recognized this woman, far as physical appearance. But her voice was however familiar, very familiar. Taking a few steps forward, Kurumu moved in front of and staring down this woman.
"Wait don't tell me, you're Aka..."
"Sssshhh," the vampire in disguise placed a finger over her own lips. "It's a secret."
It was Kurumu's turn to laugh and that's exactly what she did.
"Might just have to take you up on that dinner offer. Where at?" Kurumu asked.
XXX
Along the outer skirts of the prime lobby, a few new members were introduced to a handful of Fairy Tale's faction that just so happened to be on base. Among these persons was one resembling the Flash, but dressed in predominately yellow and red as a secondary. He was Eobard Thawne, the reverse Flash. And in addition were the likes of dead shot, Livewire, and Parasite. The reverse Flash stood out and ahead of everyone else.
"So this is the fortress of the quote on quote great Fairy Tale," Eobard looked around. "Nothing special."
"There's a whole lot more to see, believe me," Kuyo said.
On the yoko's left side was the vampire warrior, Akua Shuzen and Captain Cold. From afar, Cold recognized the speedster in yellow. And it was from another side of the room that Blackfire approached with Kahlua Shuzen only a few steps behind her.
"What have we learned from the boy?" Akua looked her younger sister in the face.
"Nothing as of yet. We had an unexpected visitor. The general," Kahlua responded.
"Ilon... is he still around?" Akua asked.
"Far as I know. But he insisted it wouldn't be for very long."
The vampire then took a few additional steps ahead and taking a close look at some of the new recruits.
"Who's this bunch?"
"New recruits," Kuyo responded with his arms crossed. "Better safe than sorry and stacked. That super team of man's world has proven an impediment /headache, over and over."
"That is no lie," Kahlua tipped her head.
"Speaking of which," Blackfire threw her hair back. "Where is Vlet? Or better yet, who makes the decisions as to who does and doesn't take on missions? From since I joined this dump, I've felt like nothing less than dead weight!"
Livewire giggled from afar.
"What do you want, a pat on the back? A hug. That's typically the role of guinea pig. Background pieces like yourself that serve only for..."
"Close your mouth now, or I'll gladly do it for you!" Blackfire growled as fire ball energy surfaced around her hands. "Don't talk so big new meat, for it's very probable you find yourself in this exact situation."
"Unlikely," she said smugly, snapping a finger with visible electrical current. "With my talents and abilities they'll be unable to keep me off the field of play."
And for the next half minute or so, everyone listened to them argue back and forth. That was until Circe came scampering into the room.
"Hhmmmm," she gazed upon the newest members. "Not a bad line-up, could prove helpful down the line. Have any of you been given instructions on how things work here?"
"Nah, other than the fact we'd be paid for our services, not a whole lot more," Dead shot said.
The reverse Flash cleared his throat just before taking a few steps forward.
"Other than the numbers, being the head count of said recruits I've been told next to nothing. But the way I see it, success is about quality, not quantity. Something this faction from the beginning has failed so miserably with," the speedster rubbed his hands together.
Someone among the group wasn't too happy with the statement, clutching her fists while at the same time pivoting.
"Excuse me, you've been here for no more than a few minutes and think you can just waltz up in here and criticize. You know nothing of Fairy Tale and the stature we hold in the world of monsters. At just the mention of our name, even the mightiest of the global powers tremble," Akua said.
The reverse Flash chortled and decided to entertain the conversation further.
"I take it you're supposed to be one of the prominent quote on quote, monsters of this Fairy Tale?" he said so in almost a mocking way.
The vampire hissed under her breath, but kept cool and half a grin shaping over the left side of her mouth.
"If you have the courage to, the dojo's always open. Spar with me and you'll get your answer," she said, confidently.
"That so," the speedster cracked his knuckles. "You know the saying, you can't hurt what you can't touch or see? Yes, I'm sure you have."
Akua didn't really have much time to respond, as the instant she opened her mouth he was already on the other side of the room, with his hands behind his back.
"Either that was teleportation, or... you possess speed comparable to..."
"The Flash," Eobard cut Kuyo off. "Bingo."
But just as quickly his eyes looked back to the vampire.
"Feel a difference?"
Her eyes batted at the question and much of the room in addition to the vampire were thrown off.
"What are you implying?" Akua asked, simply.
"No, nothing?" Eobard responded, with a smile. "No looseness, no feel of added exposure; something out of place or missing?"
Blackfire just so happened to look straight at Livewire who did the same back, just as all eyes went in the direction of the speedster once more.
"You're talking none sense," Blackfire spoke out. "The last thing we need is recruited screw loose on this team."
"Screw loose you say?" the reverse Flash laughed aloud. "You must have me mistaken for someone else."
Proceeding to look around the room, shortly thereafter he smirked as his eyes settled over a singular individual. Similar to a select few before him, Eobard was on the fence and didn't accept Fairy Tale's initial request to join their ranks. In fact he took weeks to think it over, research and study up on those already employed, curtesy of Ched Vlet. Mostly he'd familiarized himself with names, faces and the basic rundowns of each.
"Excuse me if I'm wrong," he stepped forward, but still with his arms behind his back. "Your boss wouldn't have been so eager to attain my services so desperately if you all were doing so well. Yes, he understands the force that is the Justice League and realizes..."
"I've heard enough," Akua turned her back and walked towards the nearest exit. "You're a moron."
And only after her fourth step, the vampire stopped in her tracks at the sound of his voice.
"Halt, aren't you forgetting something?" a grin loomed large over his lips.
Already stopped in place, Akua turned her head and glimpsed back in that direction. And to no surprise, that same stupid smirk beamed over what was visible of his features. Oh how she wouldn't enjoy putting the arrogant bastard in his place, if the situation called for it.
Slowly removing his arms from behind his back, the Reverse Flash tossed something out over the floor in the direction of the Shuzen assassin, and everyone looking down. Akua's eyes narrowed and adjusted as she took a few steps in that direction.
"Oh my goodness, those are..." Kahlua seemed to be the first to notice.
And the vampire dressed in white held a hand tight over her mouth, and eyes wide but didn't dare look at her older half-sister. In just over a foot away, Akua stopped. By now Eobard silently laughed; eagerly awaiting her response. There was nothing better than making a huge splash on entrance. First impressions were key, as he liked to think of it. And the moment of realization came seconds later. Akua's fists were tightly clinched, and cheeks cherry red from both embarrassment, disgust and anger. And the entirety of the room were witnesses to the whole ordeal.
And while initially she didn't notice nor feel the change, it was quite evident now as she moved her legs ever so slightly and grew angrier at the thought. She'd been violated, mocked and made a fool out of.
"Cute underwear," the Reverse Flash laughed. "Expected something a bit simpler... in all black maybe."
"You!" Akua shoved one foot in the ground and took off after him.
"Ah yes, just what I'd expect. Show me the ability of a soul called S class monster," the Reverse Flash lowered his arms with seemingly no defensive measures.
The vampire came within just about half a foot from him with nothing on mind other than slicing and cutting him down into tiny pieces. Rage and bloodlust had completely taken her over in that moment, without a care as to his abilities or even that he was a recruit to Fairy Tale. She had every intention of gutting the speedster; watching his body drop and bleeding out lifelessly over the ground.
"That'll be enough!"
Mordru created a magical barricade/wall, which expanded the length of the room and most notably separating Akua from the Reverse Flash. The wall constructed of magic was transparent, and while they stared one another down, bypassing it wouldn't be an easy task.
"The rules of fighting amongst ourselves I believe has been pretty clear. What is the problem?" the magic user questioned, looking back and forth between them.
The stare down with them prolonged for a little while longer as Akua was the first to look away and recovering her underwear off the ground. It was on; no way was he going to get away with this. Sucking it up for the time being, she turned away and progressed in the opposite direction.
"For your sake, I'd sleep with my eyes open," Akua said loud enough so that he could hear.
Not long after she was through the doors and the Reverse Flash quietly chuckling. This was a victory and made things a whole lot more interesting and lively.
"What happened here?!" Mordru questioned once more, just as his eyes looked to Circe. "You would stand there and let things escalate to such a degree?"
"You speak as if we're a faction assembled of children, things were under control. A little animosity and tangle here and there isn't all bad," Circe said.
Letting it go, Mordru took one last look around before taking his leave of absence. The tension inside the room seemed to die down almost immediately.
"You know she's going to kill you, right?"
A voice uttered from behind Eobard. He turned and faced the vampire dressed in predominately white.
"Ah the Snow White tear, as I like to say. Is it true you cry up a river in seriousness of a battle? No, forget it," the Reverse Flash smiled. "I'd like to see her try. I really do."
That was his last words before speeding off in the blink of an eye.
"We'll, these next few days are sure to be interesting," Circe chortled.
XXX
The get together had ended and Ruby took it upon herself to help with the dishes even though it wasn't one of her assigned jobs, there was an impressive stack of plates and pots waiting for her and five other in the back room kitchen. It took nearly half an hour for them to finish, and a sense of relief after they did. Drying her hands with a towel, Ruby was one of the first out. Most had dispersed for the evening by then, but Apollo lingered at the table and just sat quietly. But from where she stood it was clear he had a lot on his mind by the expression on his face.
"Need some company?" Ruby asked.
Apollo looked up at her, but almost in a startled way.
"Oh, Ruby. Of course," he patted over the table top. "Of course, you aren't interrupting anything. Just an old man and his thoughts."
The two of them laughed together at his remark. A nearby maiden sneaked a glance over her shoulder at the two of them. Ruby was one of Apollo's ever growing favorite people – which, given her still being relatively new was odd; at least to a majority who worked security or other positions throughout the estate. Why would an outsider be selected to take on Eris's place, in the Valkyrie's absence when there were plenty of others from within that could have been promoted to the position. That was at least the way she saw it, and likely others shared that same perspective. For a while there she just sort of watched them converse from afar, taking note of expressions, gestures and even the way they spoke. They were friendly, a little bit too friendly for comfort. Hhhhmmm, maybe she was just overreacting.
Her name was Leeya and she was already half asleep anyway, leaning back against a wall with a duster in hand. She had one arm around a dinosaur statue that had been constructed decades and decades ago, but still in great condition despite a little wear and tear here and there. Her other arm waved lazily in front of her, and she was making soft humming noises around her mouthful of fabric from her long collar. She hated to be this way, thinking dirty thoughts but couldn't help herself. From time to time she'd look at him and just think and wonder… no, fantasize would be more accurate. Apollo was sipping at his coffee. And across from him the witch appeared to be laughing at a joke of his.
Leeya turned back to her duties and dusting the statue, brushing aside images of an unattainable future. Although, she acknowledged quietly, looking down at her fingers, once upon a time she would have said her present situation was equally impossible. She couldn't even imagine what her village sisters would say if they could see her now. And for just a moment she found herself missing her nanny with a fierceness that surprised her. It wasn't just that, but her other family and friends. There was still a chance, even if small. Nothing was ever out of reach, but for now she would only watch and appreciate him from afar and wait for an opportunity to present itself. Soon thereafter she was out of the room and on her way to another room where she continued dusting. And for the next thirty minutes or so Apollo and Ruby remained seated and enjoying their back and forth conversation.
Within the following minutes they closed out their conversations and both taking a stand. Moving forward and closing the space between them, Apollo smirked. His left hand came up and brushed a stray curl of hair back off her forehead.
"Thanks for keeping me company. It means more than you probably know," he said.
Not just inwardly, but on the outside Ruby smiled. She couldn't say what it was, but something about being around him made her feel so at ease… especially when alone with him. But there was something more to it, something she couldn't wrap her brain around. A feeling of a calm nervousness, awe, dazed, butterflies, confident and excited all at once. What did this mean? Well, she had an idea. But what if she was wrong, and how would she even go about telling him? How would he even react?
"Yeah, me too."
Those were the only words that came out of her mouth as she bit at her tongue. Really, that was all she could say?! Ruby almost wanted to kick herself in the side. He reached down with one hand cradling her face. And the way she looked up at him so dumbfounded, but in a cute puppy like way made it all the more worth it. The emperor smiled one last time before he pulled back.
"I'll find you later. There's a few things I must attend to."
"Yeah, uhm, okay," she bit at her lower lip.
And just like that he turned his back and was on his way, while Ruby stood in place with her fists clinched. What had gotten into her? Not only was her heart racing, but her legs shook and shuddered.
"Stop it, Ruby!" she lightly slapped herself. "Get it together."
Further down the hall, Apollo reached into his robe and pulling out a tabloid which he'd collected in his last visit to Gotham city. And on the cover was the city's very own Billionaire bachelor and CEO of Wayne Industries.
"It's about time for a sit down… isn't is Mister Wayne."
XXX
A group of four stood around engaging in small talk and from one thing to another the conversation transitioned over to the great 7 day war that transpired over two hundred years ago. The vampire medic had settled in over a chair and was the one telling the story from her perspective while everyone else just listened.
"I still remember it as if yesterday... the smell of death, filling my nostrils, so many deceased over the battleground. There was no time to mourn the dead. All we could do was continue forward against the one vampire wrecking machine. He was so powerful and without weakness," Selene swallowed, while she recalled the events.
Clark batted an eye and with crossed arms from his standing position.
"Excuse me for asking, but Alucard was that of a shinso vampire? Meaning he would share the same abilities, strengths and weaknesses of one?" Clark asked.
Leaning forward and one leg resting atop the other, Selene shook her head.
"True, but only in the beginning. After consuming so many monsters and upping his physique, he developed a strong resistant to the purity of water. Not that he didn't still take damage, but to a far lesser degree. But as I was saying..."
The purple haired vampire cleared her mind and continued where she left off.
"The Asagao Three and I helped with relief efforts and fighting off and against rebels that joined forces with the almighty king. And while we did this the emperor Apollo and leaders of the global powers in addition to their armies took on and confronted Alucard head on. Thousands of them all at once took on the vampire king."
Zatanna lightly bit at her lower lip.
"Thousands, as in at the same time?" Zee almost shivered at the thought.
"Hundreds of thousands of the most powerful our realm had to offer, but to Alucard they were mere child's play. And it was on that night, day six of the war that Apollo transformed and unleashed his true power. He'd grown so large and put on quite the incredible show against Alucard, in addition to his knights warriors aiding from afar. In that moment everyone felt true hope. Something we hadn't felt in the days leading up. We were gonna win this thing... until we didn't," Selene said sadly and her gaze over the ground.
"What then?" Clark voiced.
Selene nodded as she continued on.
"Apollo was defeated," Selene clutched her fists. "The war was lost and Alucard was going to have his way. The extermination of mankind and anyone that got in his way. But then came day seven..."
A surging grin appeared over Selene's features and she couldn't stop smiling even if she tried.
"Akasha Bloodriver and the Dark Lords," Bruce said.
"Right you are, Wayne. This is when the three of them stepped into the fray. The last line of defense, and no one thought it possible... not even myself. But this was it, the battle of their lives; the battle that would make them living legends. With Apollo rendered unconscious Alucard continued on his voyage through the realm and was just a few short miles away from the capital when three persons cut him off, led by my master. It's really poetic, you know."
The medic started to get in her feels as she thought back further.
"Before that day, the previous and last time Alucard and Akasha-sama spoke was when she was still merely a child. The day of their departure; a cut in both path and destination, but roadblocks and destiny would have it they come to a colliding finale. A true case of an immovable object against an unstoppable force. There was no way around it, they were to converge again in a battle for the fate of mankind. In all his being Alucard knew this time would come. He foresaw it the day of their departure. But views of mankind and objectives aside, Alucard had great respect for Akasha-sama and even viewed her as family in some strange sense. But these feelings weren't one sided. She felt similarly about him. After all they were the only two surviving vampires from the attack which destroyed his utopia."
Zatanna couldn't help but chuckle.
"Sounds like a series drama or soup opera."
"Almost, but not quiet. But to make a long story short in a drawn out battle between Alucard and the Dark Lords, as you all know Akasha-sama made the ultimate sacrifice to put him down permanently. But did so in sacrificing her own self. Apollo was the most physically powerful on our side, but my master's mastery of Black arts magic and the fact she was a shinso vampire, just as Alucard proved to be the weapon of mass destruction we needed! The three of them collectively did, what hundreds of thousands couldn't. And even in her apparent death at the time, Akasha Bloodriver was immortalized; and a celebrated figure unlike any other. For the two decades and a half her popularity and reverence amongst all monsters in the realm outweighed even Apollo."
The room fell silent a few moments after that.
"And what of the emperor and others of the global powers. How did they react to the end of the war?" Zatanna asked.
"Relief, celebration, parades and all you could think of. However, the same could not be said for our great emperor. He quickly fell into deep depression just days after the victory and with pain mounting from the loss of Akasha, in a few short weeks he fell into a state of dormancy. It was shocking for most, even for those that worked closely with him. But not for Lailay, Miukei or myself. We witnessed firsthand how close, and how much he adored Akasha as if she were his own flesh and blood. And for him not to be there to protect her, or say goodbye ate at his spirit."
"When did he reawaken?" Clark questioned.
Sitting upright and her gaze over the ceiling, Selene thought back.
"I donnu... maybe three, four years. Somewhere in that range. But here's the scary part, and I didn't find out about this until reuniting with Akasha-sama a century later when she was revived and separated from the body of Alucard, curtsey of the Shuzen's."
"And what was that?" Bruce asked.
"Alucard's power. There was nothing or no one in the realm of monsters that could match it, and even till this day that holds true. And even more so after hearing what Akasha-sama had to say to myself and the Asagao three. The time in which she was trapped inside; her blood synced with his in a hibernated state, she learned things. At the peak of his power during the seven day war, Alucard wasn't fighting anywhere near his full potential. No," Selene shook her head. "Not even close."
Bruce bit over his tongue while Clark's shoulders dropped and Zatanna gasped.
"Let me put it in simple terms without a long explanation. Take Akasha, Apollo or any of the other powerful titans of the yokai world for example. No matter how powerful or resourceful they were, each and every one of them is with a physical peak. A limit that cannot be passed. That is the nature of all living things in this ecosystem."
"Your point," Bruce frowned. "Are you suggesting Alucard is not of this world and was without limitations?"
Selene laughed aloud and shook her head.
"That isn't what I'm saying. You're missing the point, Bruce. With each monster that Alucard devoured, his strength and power grew; which has been well documented. But what I or no one else knew at the time, nor did it really matter as he couldn't be matched in a physical confrontation was the way in which his power worked. Whenever he consumed a monster, their strength and power was added to him... but only at a base level."
Bruce's eyes widened, and this was noticed by both Zatanna and Clark.
"What is it," Zee looked him in the face. "What is she saying?"
"I'm not one to throw percentages blindly out there, but... if what Selene is saying is true, then it's possible Alucard at his finest, as history would have it was fighting at potentially under even one percent of his potential."
"What!" Zatanna said.
"And if this came from Akasha who was essentially fused with him, it's credible. She's one of the best in both energy, and aura control as well as detection," Bruce looked at the vampire medic. "Stop me if I'm wrong but what you're essentially saying is Alucard never had the opportunity, nor time to master and power up using the peak power of each singular individual he devoured."
"Exactly, spot on. Very good, Wayne. And with the guidance and training he received from Zoey, Kuriko, Chelsla and Tyian, in due time he would have had the means to unleash this hidden potential, while maintaining full control. Yes, he was already an unstoppable juggernaut, but with that power the world of both man and monster would have been demolished if he saw it fit. His limits consisted of his own in addition to thousands and thousands of other monsters; many of which S class. Can you imagine his power at max?! He wouldn't have been stopped, if only faced with someone of equal power or no limits at all."
Again the vampire smirked, but this time she looked to Clark.
"That's at least what mankind says about you, and I'm inclined to agree. I've seen many of the great miracles you've performed over the entire globe. What can you not do?"
They stared into each others eyes, but he said nothing as she ultimately looked away.
"If possible, one day I'd love the opportunity to study you," Selene smiled.
"Not gonna happen," Bruce growled. "Kryptonian DNA ending up in the wrong hands could be dire."
The purple haired vampire just shrugged and continued on.
"Anyway, I can sleep a little bit better at night knowing there's a Superman and beings like your Green Lanterns, say if another Alucard were to surface," she eyeballed Bruce.
"Stop," Bruce glared.
"Stop what? Right now you're fine and I'm thankful of that but slow down and think for a moment. My master has been present for centuries, training her but off and the most powerful vampire to live behind Alucard... and then there's you. A newly turned, and at the moment of his awakening as a shinso displays power greater than master's by a tone! Triple! And that was as at awakening, you're still a baby far as vampirism. What happens when you grow into your own and reach that ceiling? What prowess will you possess? Will that power go to your head?"
"Relax, you're being dramatic. And if you think for a minute I'd..."
"No, I'm not concerned with you taking on the path that he did in consuming others and their strengths. It is your own, in addition to that mind of yours. If used for purposes impure, and thirst for power and control. That is where the problem and my concerns lie. If not for Superman's promise to put you down if it ever became necessary is the only reason you aren't locked away in Apollo's estate. With your knowledge and intellect, coupled with your potential there isn't much else outside a couple members of your league that could..."
"Enough!" Bruce shot with a step forward. "You're going on like a broken record. Until I've given you a reason to worry, drop it. If any complications or bumps in the road occur along the way, I'll take care of it then. From here on out we forget the Alucard comparisons. I'm not him and he's not me."
The annoyance was more than clear in his voice and so she decided to back off. What he said was valid. From the day of his turning up till now they ran into no problems except for one. In the waking of his shinso blood he completely lost it, and growing into a gigantic bat; and a mindless savage at that. Her body shivered and trembled at just the sight of it.
"I've got a call," Clark reached into the left side of his pocket, and with his JL communicator in hand. "It's Diana. She wants to meet."
"Did she say what about?" Bruce asked.
Clark shook his head.
"No. I'll find out when I return to the watchtower. She's waiting. Don't worry, I'll be back to check on things here soon enough."
Stepping off to the side, Clark activated his Justice League teleportation device and was on his way.
"Just a little bit longer and then you can be out of here," Zatanna looked to Bruce. "We'll take a day or so off before proceeding with the next stages."
"And I shall be in attendance this time around," Selene assured.
She knew and felt she was the best versed and educated on dealing with the matter.
To be continued