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Metropolis University, Student dorm rooms.
Michael was in the middle of tinkering with his T-spheres. He was trying to incorporate some technology he had…uh borrowed from Brainiacs ship. He was in the middle of incorporating parts into the motherboard when a knock came from his door.
Michael stopped what he was doing and looked up, he wasn't expiating anyone today. Sighing he stood up and walked to the door and opened it. He was surprised to see Alucard standing there.
"Alucard, what are you doing here?"
"Greeting Michael, I wish to…discuss something with you," Alucard said.
"Sure, come on in," Michael stepped aside to allow Alucard into the small room. Alucard spied the Daily Planet news from five days ago, the article about him and Brainiac's invasion of Metropolis was on the front page.
It had come out just after Metropolis had been restored to normal, due to helping repair the city, followed by a massive crime wave that only ended after capturing and defeating Dr. Destiny, Alucard had not had time to read it yet or catch up with Michael as he had not seen the young genius since they parted ways on the watchtower a week ago. Since the mass prison breakout and dealing with Dr. Destany had taken up much of his time.
"So, I read about you in the paper, um pretty heavy stuff," Michael claimed, noticing Alucard's gaze.
"Really?" Alucard asked. He reached out and lifted the paper, it didn't feel heavy at all to him. "it feels normal wight to me,"
"I was referring to what was written," Michael clarified.
"Ah, that…yes…to tell you the truth that was just a cover story the League came up with,"
"Really?" Michael asked in surprise. Alucard nodded "It's a damn good one. Why the need to make such an elaborate story up?"
"I have no desire to be in the public eye," Alucard said "However I was told that would be very difficult given my recent…heroics,"
"Well saving the city from being abducted and then adrift in space will do that," Michael agreed.
"That I understand, so how have you been man? I honestly expected you would drop by sooner,"
"My apologies…I have been assisting the League,"
"With the Prison breakout. I know, I read about that online. Given how Lois wrote about it, sounds like she's still salty about what you said to her when she tried to interview you," Michel chuckled "So why are you here, it can't be to just to tell me this is a false story,"
"It was not. When we met in the library a week ago, you were talking about a School for doctors…I wish to apply," Alucard claimed. He then looked a little nervous "But I do not know how,"
"You want to go to med school?"
"Yes…but I do not know how to get in…I would forever be in your debt if you would help me achieve this,"
Michael stared at Alucard and raised an eyebrow.
"Sure, I can help you out, but you've got to tell me your real story first," Michael demanded.
Alucard looked away. "It has been advised…that I do not,"
"By who?"
"Batman was the most vocal…the others agreed with him,"
"I suppose you're going to listen to them then,"
Alucard nodded.
"Well, I guess then you have a choice to make. Which is more important, keeping this secret or going to Med-School?"
Alucard didn't answer as he pounded the question.
"If…If I tell you the truth. Will you give me your word you will never repeat what I say to anyone?" Alucard asked nervously.
"Sure," Michel said half haphazardly.
"Do you swear it?"
"Yes, I swear I won't tell another soul," Michel exclaimed "Are you going to tell me or not?"
"Very well…however I must insist you keep this a secret as The story in the paper is the only one the Justice League and I wish to be known,"
"Fine, fine, just get it over with,"
"Very well, first off what the paper says about me being from the past is true…however it was not one hundred years ago but five,"
"Five…hundred…" Michel blurted out loud in shock. It was a good thing they were alone in his dorm and no one was around "are you serious?"
Alucard nodded "526 yrs 4 months and 32 days to be exact and that is not all. I was not sealed away by an old wizard or as a criminal…it was a self-imposed exile,"
You're…how did…but you look…what?" Michael freaked out. He didn't hear the last part as he was trying to wrap his head around the fact that Alucard was over five centuries old.
"Aquaman found and woke me up and he later introduced me to Superman and in turn the Justice League," Alucard continued, ignoring Michael's freak out over his true age.
"But…hang…wait…so did they not find you at the bottom of the ocean then?" Michael asked after he calmed down a bit.
"Oh no that part is true," Alucard stated "however it was not a mausoleum, it was a castle,"
"A castle…at the bottom of the ocean?"
"Correct,"
"and how did it get there?"
"I moved it there from the middle of Wallica…or as it is known today as Transylvania," Alucard himself
"You…moved a Castle?"
"Correct, I was lucky my companion did not completely break the mechanism when she used her magic to trap it," Alucard smiled "Otherwise it would not have been possible to move it at all,"
"Wait Wait Wait," Michael said waving his hands in front of his face "so let me get this straight, you came from the past, 526yrs ago and the League found you in a castle at the bottom of the ocean that you moved from the middle of Transylvania?"
"It was not the middle, but yes…that is correct," Alucard claimed "Now you know the truth, will you aid me in becoming a doctor?"
"Yeah no. If you're going to make something up at least make it believable. The story in the paper is way more believable," Michael snorted.
"I am speaking the truth," Alucard insisted.
Michael raised his hands. "Okay, dude, whatever you say,"
"You do not believe me…do you?"
"Not in the slightest," Michael said "Listen, man, I want to help you I do. But you're crazy, you need some serious mental help,"
Alucard balled his fists in anger, here was a human who agreed to help him in exchange for the truth, and yet when it was presented to him. Michael refused to keep his promise and called him mad.
"Wait here. Do not move from this spot," Alucard said in a serious tone. He took a few steps back and disappeared in a pillar of black flames.
Michael blinked a few times, unable to believe what he had just seen. Alucard reappeared in the black flames a few minutes later and he held something small and sliver out to Michael.
"Put this on," Alucard demanded and held out a protective charm.
"and what is that may I ask?"
"A protective charm…it will allow you access to my castle," Alucard claimed "Put it on so I can show you that I speak the truth,"
"The castle under the ocean,"
"Yes,"
"Okay fine, if it will get you out of my hair quicker sure," Michael sighed. He reached out and took the charm and put it over his head so it hung around it. The moment he did Alucard grabbed Michael's arm and uttered the return spell.
Michael panicked as black flames surrounded both him and Alucard and he watched as his room disappeared. When the flames vanished, he was in an unfamiliar old room standing in the centre of a magic candlelit circle.
"What the hell…where am I?" Michael yelled as he tried to pull away from Alucard.
"My Castle…under the ocean," Alucard informed, he let go of Michael and watched the other man stumble. It took a moment to right himself and get some distance between himself and Alucard "Since you did not believe my words, I decided to bring you here to prove my story,"
"No way man…this is…I'm leaving and don't try to stop me," Michael said. Alucard raised an eyebrow and Michael threw open the old wooden door. He found himself in a sitting room with a fireplace and a large window on the other side.
Michael entered the room and glanced around. He saw another and bolted to it. However, when he opened it, he found himself face to face with a dark brick wall.
"I can rearrange the interior of the castle with but a thought…you cannot leave unless I wish," Alucard stated as he stepped calmly into the room "not that you would survive the ocean depths if you did,"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Michael demanded.
Alucard sighed and mentally commanded the castle to connect the room they were in to the main foyer. He then stepped away from the door.
"If you open this door, it will take you to the Foyer…use the two massive doors opposite the stairs to leave," Alucard instructed.
"You're going to let me go? Just like that?" Michael asked. Alucard nodded.
Michael slowly made his way past Alucard, weary of any movement the vampire made. Once he was at the door, he opened it and ran through, true to Alucard's word he found himself in a grand foyer. Spotting the doors, he ran over and pulled one open to see the front steps of the caste.
Michael dashed away from the front doors, before turning back to look up at the massive structure that he was in. His eyes widened and he let out silent gasp at the sheer size and imposing sight of Castlevania.
"It is impressive is it not?" Alucard's asked. Michael jumped back upon seeing the vampire standing next to him.
"How did…but you were…" Michael stuttered as he looked back and forth from the castles entrance to Alucard.
Alucard lifted his head, "Look up," he instructed.
Michael did so and Alucard waved his hand. The fog outside moved away as if someone had drawn back a curtain to reveal not only the erratic nature of the Lava Pools on the cliffside but also the ocean above as well.
"It is as I say…you cannot leave," Alucard repeated calmly.
Michael hesitantly stepped forward keeping his eyes on the ocean above him staring up at it in shock. "We're…we're under the ocean…how…how are we not being crushed? How are we breathing?"
"The magic of the castle keeps the water at bay," Alucard answered "and keeps the atmosphere breathable,"
Michael turned to look at Alucard however a dark misty seeped out from the castle and moved across the ground.
"What's that?" Michael panicked, pointing the living mist.
Alucard took a casual glance behind him just as the Master Librarian took shape and form. Michael stared at it in shock, but Alucard merely seemed bored and unsurprised at the strange presence.
"Ah My lord you have returned have brought me more…" the Librarian started but stopped when he saw Michael. The Librarian gave a low bow "Forgive my intrusion, My Lord. I did not realise you had a guest,"
"My lord?" Michael asked, "who the hell is this old man?"
"Ah, Master Liberian…Your timing could not be more perfect. Do tell my guest where we are," Alucard instructed.
"We are in the grand Castle known as Castlevania," The librarian answered dutifully "it currently resides at the bottom of the ocean in the centre of an underwater volcano known as the Lava Pools too our Atlantian neighbours,"
Michael didn't speak, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.
"And how long have I been Lord of the Castle?" Alucard continued with a sly smile.
"You were appointed Lord at upon the death of the former lord and king of Darkness. Former Vampire King and ruler of the night Vlad Dracula Tepas who was slain by your hands approximately 526yrs ago,"
"Dracula…holy shit…is this…wait are you a vampire…are you going to eat me?" Michael panicked
"No, I thought I might make you my undead mate for all eternity," Alucard said with a sadistic smile and a look of lust in his eyes "After all you are cute when you squirm," Alucard then leaned in close "and I can make you squirm quite a bit," he whispered in Michael's ear.
"Gahhhaaaaa" Michel cried out and darted away from him with his cheeks bright red. Alucard laughed.
"I am sorry Michael, sometimes it is hard to resist…" Alucard continued to laugh.
"That's not funny," Michael shot back, still bright red.
"On the contrary it is funny," the librarian stated, even though he was not laughing.
"How was that funny?"
"Humour; Noun. The quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in literature or speech and often at the expense of others," the Master Liberian quoted.
"That's…that not what I meant!" Michael shouted.
The master Liberian stared at Michael for a moment and then turned to look at Alucard.
"My lord why must you keep bringing defective humans down here?" the master Liberian asked "This one also denies the meaning of what they say,"
Alucard laughed for a few more seconds and then did his best to compose himself.
"I am sorry Michael…I meant no offense. Please let us go back to the sitting room and talk this out like civilized people," Alucard said. Michael gave Alucard a suspicious look. "I promise no harm will come to you," Alucard promised. Michael sighed, he supposed he didn't have a choice.
Alucard led Michael back into the castle and once they were in the sitting over to one of the chairs Michael sat down with Alucard sitting opposite him. Alucard told Michael the true story, he spoke of both his mother and father, how his mothers' death caused his father to go on a genocidal rampage, how he had defeated Dracula with aid of others, and finally how Alucard had decided to take the darkness and remnants of his fathers' army and lock them away forever…himself included.
"So…Dracula was real," Michael stated once Alucard was finished. Alucard nodded "And you're his son…who fought in a war against him…you killed Dracula…the Dracula and then inherited his castle and in order to spare humanity a painful reminder of their mistakes…you sealed everything to do with him away…including yourself?"
"Yes, it was all so the humans could live without fear of the night," Alucard answered.
"So, the part in the paper about Aquaman…was that a lie too?"
"No. That part is true, Aquaman did wake me…but there were no magic spells to break. Also, the League is watching me, but it is because they deem me a threat and a blood-sucking monster," Alucard answered.
"Are you?"
"Technically I am only half a monster," Alucard admitted "I possess all of a vampire's powers, yet none of their weakness…But I do not feed on human blood nor do I wish to study medicine for an opportunity to feed on my patients,"
"Then why would you want to study medicine then?"
"My mother was a doctor, she believed in helping people…as do I,"
"But surely you can help more people by working with the Justice League,"
"Perhaps, however, my mother did not have any special powers like me or my father, nor did she need them to help people. I could help save a great many people by working with the Justice League…however I also want to be able to heal them should they need it…and if the League requires it as well,"
Michael stared at Alucard, he could tell that Alucard was being sincere and he did owe him for saving Metropolis. Unfortunately, Alucard took Michael's silence as a rejection.
"I see…a pity," Alucard said disappointed "I thank you for your time…come I will see you returned safely,"
"No, I'll help you," Michael suddenly said. Alucard looked at him in shock "but Med-School won't be easy to get into and even if you make it. It's even harder to pass,"
"Thank you and I appreciate the warning," Alucard responded gratefully.
"Since I'm here we may as well get started. Let's start with seeing if you even qualify. What was your Grade average throughout High school?" Michael asked.
"Ah, about that…what is High School?" Alucard responded innocently.
Strikers Island, the Wardens Office
Superman was waiting patiently in an office. He had gone to Strikers Island to confirm that Jon Dee had been returned. He was waiting in the Wardens office; he hadn't been there long but a few of the guards had popped in to talk to the Man of Steel. He had signed an autograph and posed for a couple of selfies. One even offered him a cup of tea which superman accepted.
The Warden walked in while Superman was halfway through his tea.
"Superman, how can I help you," the Warden greeted and he sat behind his desk "Sorry to keep you waiting. I hope my guards weren't harassing you,"
"It's not a problem and I'm sorry to drop by with no notice," Superman claimed "I just wanted to be sure Jon Dee was returned,"
"He was, I believe your new friend dropped him off," the Warden claimed "gave the night staff a bit of a shock, arriving in a pillar of black flames and all,"
"That's good…wait…black flames?" Superman asked in suspicion. He knew Alucard had said he had brought Jon Dee back however if Alucard had arrived in black flames that meant he had used his castle to travel. Superman knew Alucard could fly and since Dee was caught in Metropolis it made no sense for the vampire to take Dee to prison using his castle when he could have just flown here.
"Yeah, honestly they didn't know what to think. Your new friend handed Dee over and then disappeared the same way he came,"
"Did Alucard mention that Dee was a Meta?"
"The report I got said something about Dee being able to invade people's dreams. But surely that was an exaggeration,"
"It's not, Dee has the power to kill by invading someone's dream. He traps someone using a person's worst fears and turns them into horrific nightmares that torture them until they die," Superman said seriously "the League almost fell victim to Dee's power,"
The Wardens' eyes widened. By the tone of Supermans voice, he could tell that the Kryptonian was serious. He leaned forward and tapped his desk with his finger, trying to think of a way to contain such terrifying power.
"Hmm…I'm assuming you don't want to give Dee a chance to do so again?"
"No, we got lucky this time. Next time Dee could very well take us all out,"
"Dees currently in a medically induced coma. He was delivered that way so we can't put him in one of the cells designed to dampen Meta-Human powers," the Warden claimed. He was trying to think of ways to restrict Dees new found Meta-Human abilities. But his current condition meant he had to be monitored at all times.
"The League is working on containing his powers too, but Batman believes that Dee can't use his powers as he is," Superman explained "and while I trust Batman, I need to be sure,"
"Then what do you propose?"
"Would it be possible to have J'onn come down here once-twice a month and do a mental scan?" Superman asked "Nothing invasive, just to check that Dee's powers are dormant. The League would also like to be notified if there is any change in Dees Brain activity. No matter how small,"
"I believe that can be arranged," the Warden agreed "of course he will have to go through the normal security measures. Hell, I might have him help us out by seeing if anyone is planning another escape attempt,"
"J'onn doesn't like to scan people without permission…but if a few inmates are thinking about escaping or have an escape plan in the works when he passes them, he will pick up on it," Superman stated.
"Anything he does pick up will fine," the Warden assured "anything else?"
"Yes…can I see Dee before I leave?"
"I don't see why not," the Warden agreed. He stood up with superman and opened the door to his office.
The Warden led superman to Strikers Island medical wing, this was where prisoners went if they were injured. It was relatively empty, apart from dee there were only two others occupying beds. Both criminals tensed up when the man of steel walked in.
The Warden walked over to Dee's bed. Sure enough, the man was in a coma, he was drooling a bit but otherwise unresponsive.
"Here you go," the Warden said.
Superman walked stood next to Dee, he glanced at the medical equipment and found that both heart rate was consistent with coma patients; however his brainwaves were not. Superman scanned Dee with his X-ray vision, looking for signs of injuries or anything out of the ordinary.
While he was sure Alucard would not openly harm or torture a prisoner, the man of steel could not think of any reason why the vampire would take Dee to his castle, especially after Alucard was insistent that the League not come down unless necessary. The only reason he could think of was the vampire would extract some kind of revenge on Dee for what he did. But Superman's scan showed that the only injuries Dee had were those that were from fighting with batman and none of them were serious.
"Well?" the Warden asked; pulling superman from his thoughts.
"Uh, yes. All good. Thanks for letting me check," Superman said. He followed the Warden out of the medical wing and the prison. The Warden assured superman that he would work with the League in containing Dee and looked forward to arranging times for J'onn to come by.
Once he was done Superman flew off into the sky, heading for the watchtower. He had a meeting with the rest of the Justice League, he also made a mental note to ask Alucard why he had taken Dee to his castle and Superman had to believe there was a good explanation for it.
Watchtower Conference room
Once back at the tower the League met for their meeting. Alucard was not there but that was to be expected. Superman informed the group that he spoke with the Warden about Dee's new powers and the Warden was more than willing to co-operate with the League
This was good news, the group hoped Dee was not going to be too much of a problem as he was currently in a medically induced coma, caused by a large amount of sedative he had been injected with. Though superman was a little concerned that his brainwaves were unusually active, but Dee himself was unresponsive and the brainwaves were within the range of a coma patient.
After discussing how often J'onn should go down to do his mental scans on Dee The League was about to adjourn the meeting when Batman had brought up one last subject and said something that shocked not only Superman but it was also something none of the Justice League had expected to hear.
"I'm sorry can you please repeat that…I don't think my super hearing is working," Superman requested.
"I said I want you to tell Aquaman there is nothing to worry about," Batman repeated "Alucard can be trusted, there is no need to monitor him anymore,"
The whole League glanced at each other; they knew what this meant. It meant that Batman, the most suspicious and distrusting member of the Justice League, the same person who had been the harshest and most untrusting of Alucard had finally given in and was acknowledging that Alucard was not a threat.
"Uhh….are you feeling alright?" Superman asked in concern.
"Fine,"
"So, you trust Alucard now?" Wonder Woman asked carefully.
"Of course not, I don't trust him completely. But he is not a threat and if he wants to go back to sleep, we should let him and leave him be,"
"What if he doesn't want to go back to sleep?" Superman argued "what if he wants to live in this era,"
"Then that is his choice and since he is not a threat then we have no right to stop him," Batman responded.
"But that means he won't be up here anymore," Flash said sadly.
"And?"
"What do you mean and?" Green Lantern demanded.
"We're heroes, protectors of the earth. Our job is to look after the people of planet earth, not babysit a 500yr old half-vampire," Batman pointed out "we only let him up to her and kept an eye on him because we didn't know if he was a threat or not,"
"But he's not a threat," J'onn stated "he's helped us so many times,"
"Exactly, my point. He's not an unknown anomaly anymore. You all agree Alucard is not a threat and does not need to be monitored anymore. Therefore, he can go, if you want to keep friendly relationships with him that is fine. But do it on your own time," Batman said.
The justice League stared at him. They had not been expecting this. Batman took the silence for confirmation as there were no objections.
"Good. Well, if there is nothing else, meeting adjourned," Batman finished. He stood up and walked out of the conference room. The League watched him go.
"So…who will break the news to Al?" Flash asked. Once the dark knight had gone.
"I will do it," Superman volunteered "I'm the leader of the Justice League so it's my responsibility and I will also inform Aquaman as well,"
Flash let out a sad sigh. "Okay, if it's alright with you guys, I'm going head back to earth early…I need a run to clear my head,"
"I'll take you," Hawk Girl offered "I could use a good long flight myself,"
One by one the League slowly left the conference room until only superman remained. Once they were all gone, he leaned back in his chair.
"Great…now what do I do," Superman groaned. He didn't want Alucard to leave, if he told Aquaman what Batman had said then the matter was settled. Alucard would be free to go back to sleep and the Atlanteans would not bother him…not that they did now other than the occasional patrol that passed by the Lava Pools. Of course, Aquaman might want to talk to the vampire about his castle and its continued presence in his oceans. But when all said and done, Alucard would go back to his eternal slumber.
He would no longer come up to the tower. He would fade away from the memories of the world once more, just like he had done 500yrs ago. Superman knew the Justice League would miss him, Flash especially, the Belmonts too. Alucard had only just reconnected with that family and he was sure that Michel Holt was becoming a very fast and close friend of the vampire…even if Michel didn't recognise just what Alucard truly was.
Superman tried to think of a way out of this, but when it came down to it. Batman was right, Alucard had only been with the League due to their initial distrust and shock of discovering the vampire's presence. Thinking back on all the missions and time the League had spent with Alucard, it was clear that almost every member of the League had gotten over that mistrust early on.
Flash never had it, when Alucard had fought Hades to a standstill, which had sealed it for Wonder Woman and Superman. J'onn…well it was harder to pin down when the marten had accepted him, but superman was sure it was sometimes after dealing with Morgan Le Fey. Even though Alucard had been feral at the time, perhaps the Martian felt bad for his actions causing harm to Batman and allowing for the sorcerers to escape.
As for Hawk Girl and Green Lantern, they had become nicer to Alucard after the trip to an Alternate world where comic books had been the basis of their society. After being briefed, it was clear that they would never have realised the true state of that world had it not been for Alucard's supernatural senses.
The only one who hadn't liked him was Batman. Superman knew that Batman didn't trust anyone completely…apart from Alfred that is. But to have even the Dark Knight come out and say that he trusted Alucard enough to let him go was a big thing for Batman. But given the events with Jon Dee, it was understandable why the Dark knight had said it.
If Alucard had not alerted Batman to Dee's plan when he did, Gotham's vigilante would have gone to sleep, and then Dee would have won. Deep down Superman and the rest of the League were counting on Batman's distrust to last in order to keep Alucard around.
But now that was no longer an option. Superman supposed he could offer Alucard full membership into the Justice League, but he had told Lois that there were no plans to expand the League and if they did offer Alucard membership. While he had little doubted the rest of the League would immediately agree to allowing Alucard to officially join the Justice League it would send the wrong message.
After all there were plenty of heroes and vigilantes on Earth that would take it as a sign of the League opening its' doors to new members. It would also put Alucard in the spotlight even more than he already was and Superman knew the vampire hated that.
It was bad enough that Alucard had to stop going to the Metropolis Library, since the Brainiac incident as he was now recognised and anyone at the library would ask him questions and the press had been there waiting to ambush him on more than one occasion.
So Alucard had stopped going altogether and had not chanced visits to other libraries either. Superman felt bad as going to the library had been one of Alucard's favorite pass times and now he couldn't do that anymore.
Eventually Superman stood up and left the conference room. Alucard would be on the watchtower tomorrow, he was not looking forward to his next conversation with the vampire.
The next day Superman found Alucard at the research terminal. He watched the vampire for a few moments from the door before taking a deep breath and walking over to him. As he approached Alucard stopped what he was doing and turned to look face Superman.
"Hi, do you have a moment? I need to tell you something important," Superman started with a forced smile.
"Of course," Alucard responded and he gave the man of steel his full attention.
"So I went to Strikers island, the Warden said you appeared in a pillar of black flames when dropping Dee off," Superman started "Why did you take Dee to your castle instead of just flying to the Island?"
"Because I had no other way of taking him there other than using my castle," Alucard answered.
"But you can fly,"
"Superman…I can not cross the ocean on my own," Alucard claimed "Vampires cannot cross flowing water…nor can we touch it…it is like acid to us,"
"But I thought you didn't have any Vampire weakness,"
"It is true I am immune to most methods that would stop a full-blooded vampire in their tracks…however there are rules that apply to me and not being able to cross flowing water is one of them," Alucard explained "hunters used to take captured vampires to islands in lakes and out in the ocean…where we could not escape or hurt anyone…we would be left there to die of starvation,"
"That's…wait if you can't cross water…then did you move your castle under the ocean because you can't cross water?"
"Yes. It was to ensure no vampire would ever claim its power again…that and the high-density salt water nullified the castles curse,"
"Oh, well that makes sense. So, What are researching today?"
"The history of Medicine, I was looking into it before Brainiac attacked…now that I no one will give me privacy at the library I have little choice but to continue that research on this terminal,"
"You don't like the internet?"
"I just prefer books…less pop up ads,"
"Yeah, they are annoying," Superman said in a sad tone.
"Superman is everything alright?"
Superman let out a sigh, he might as well bite the bullet.
"You see it's been brought to my attention that…" Superman trailed off. He didn't want to tell Alucard that he couldn't be up on the tower anymore and his mind raced to think of something else, anything relevant.
"That…" Alucard said expectingly.
"Pies," superman blurted out.
"Pies?" Alucard asked in confusion. He was taken aback by it.
Superman mentally swore. "Where the hell did pies come from. Sure, his mum had made him an apple pie after Brainiac stole his city but he hadn't had time to go and eat it. He really should get onto that. Shit Focus Clark, Alucard is staring at you just roll with it," he thought to himself.
"Yes…it's been brought to my attention that you haven't experienced much modern food. So…Um pies, did you have pies back in your time?"
"I believe so, they were made out of lard and pastry," Alucard stated "Though they had chunks of meat in them if you were a noble and could afford the extra cuts of meat,"
"Right exactly. We have so many different pies nowadays…you should try them…yeah,"
"You wanted to talk to me about trying pies?" Alucard asked sceptically with a suspicious eyebrow raised.
"Well, I thought since you can't go the library any more you could experience different foods instead," superman tired. A little voice in his mind was begging Alucard to believe him.
"Hmm…I suppose it would be an interesting alternative…and I have been putting trying different types of food," Alucard agreed, the suspicion fading from his face. He had to admit expanding his culinary pallet did intrigue him.
"Oh, thank god," Superman breathed. However, Alucard snapped back to attention and gave superman another suspicious look. "Thank god you're willing to try new food," superman quickly covered.
"Superman...are you feeling alright? Your heartrate is higher than normal,"
"Curse his vampire senses," Superman thought. "I'm fine, Great actually…speaking of pies you have to try my ma's apple pie too," he inserted.
"Apple pie?" Alucard asked "I thought pies were made out of meat, lard and gravy,"
"They are but like I said we have lots of different ones now," Superman claimed. He then stared a long discussion with Alucard on all the different types of pies and how they were made. In the back of his mind Superman knew he should have told Alucard the real reason he wanted to talk to him. But he'd put that off for another day…or two.
At least until the vampire had tired his mother's famous apple pie.
Batman stared at Alucard like he had grown a second head. He had been minding his own business and doing some work on the monitors when Alucard had approached him asking him for a favour. Honestly, Batman was taken aback by what Alucard was requesting, given what the League had discussed the day before.
"You want me to do what?" Batman asked.
"Set up an identity for me to use in this era," Alucard stated.
"Why do you want me to do that?"
"I have decided to become a Doctor like my mother," Alucard answered "Michel has agreed to assist me in this endeavour…he has promised to help me get into a school that will officially grant me that title,"
"Aren't you going back to sleep though?" batman asked confused "Now that you don't have to be watched anymore,"
"What do you mean?"
"After what you did for us with Dr. Destiny, I advised Superman that you should be left alone at the meeting yesterday. The rest of the League agreed that you have more than proven yourself. Did Superman not tell you?"
"I…spoke with him earlier today but he mentioned none of this to me," Alucard admitted.
"Then what did he talk to you about?"
"Expanding my culinary experiences by sampling different kinds of pies…as well as instance that I eat his mother's apple pie…he then explained what an apple pie was and why his mothers was the best,"
"Of course, he did," Batman sighed "That's all?"
"Yes, though he was very nervous and on edge when we spoke…do you think he changed the subject so he would not have to tell me the news?"
"That's exactly what he did," Batman confirmed "Well this will complicate things, I've already advised Aquaman of the League s decision,"
"I am to leave the tower then," Alucard asked almost disappointingly.
The dark knight pondered the situation. It didn't take a genius to know why superman didn't tell Alucard that he no longer needed to be monitored. But now that Alucard knew it rose an interesting question. What would the vampire do now?
"Alucard, do you want to go back to sleep?" Batman asked.
"Ah…Truthfully…I do not…I also do not wish to cut ties with any of the Justice League," Alucard answered "If…if I left, I would not be able to see you all and there is much about your era that I do not know,"
"That's an understatement,"
"But I will none the less respect the League s decision…I do hope we will meet again,"
Batman let out a sigh.
"Well…if superman hasn't spoken to you about our decision yet then…technically you are still under observation. Which means you still have to come up to the tower every few days," Batman stated "I guess that means we're stuck putting up with you for the time being,"
"What about Aquaman, if you have told him of the League s decisions then…"
"Then nothing. Aquaman is not part of the Justice League, and you just told me that you didn't want to go back to your eternal slumber. So, nothing changes, but this will only last until Superman informs you your free to go alright. Not one moment more," Batman warned
Alucard smiled, he knew exactly what Batman was doing.
"If that is what you think is best,"
"It is, I know Flash would miss you if you left. Now about your new Identity, it will be easier to make you a foreigner, you were born in Europe, right?"
"Correct…in a village not far out of Tasgorve Wallachia to be exact,"
"Good, we will start with that. I assume Michel told you the requirements to getting into med-school,"
"He said I needed something called a GDE and a High-Grade Point average that can only be obtained by attending High school,"
"Did he also mention that your too old for High School?" Batman asked.
"He…did yes," Alucard said "but there has to be other ways of obtaining this GDE,"
"There are, it is not unusual for adults to obtain it later in life," Batman claimed "But given how young you look you would not fit into that category either,"
"Why not?"
"Because your physically 19 and have been for the last 500yrs," Batman pointed out.
"So…I won't be able to become a doctor?"
"I didn't say that, you can still get into med-school. It will just take a little longer and a lot more work on your part,"
"I'll do it…I don't care what it is I will do it," Alucard insisted "Just tell me what I need to do,"
"Simple, you start from the bottom of the education system and work your way up. Thankfully we humans invented the internet so you can do meet the educational requirements online. Do your studies online and then apply to med-school as an international student,"
"International…student?"
"A student who has decided to study in a different country to their birth one," Batman simplified "I will make your identity as someone from London, we'll find you a school with online learning where you will get your GDE and Grade Point Average from. Once you've got that you can then apply for med-school here in the states,"
"That sounds like a long and complicated plan,"
"Do you want to go to Med-School or not?" Batman snapped "Now as for your identity, you shouldn't use the name Alucard,"
"Adrian was the name my mother gave me when I was born…would that work?"
"Adrian is a common name so yes; however, you need a last name and Adrian Dracula screams vampire,"
"My last name is not Dracula, it is Tepas…Dracula was my father's vampire name,"
"Tepas? As in Vlad Tepas…Vlad the Impaler?"
"Yes, that is correct,"
"So, Vlad the Impaler and Dracula really were the same person," Batman stated. He sounded a little surprised "I always thought that Vlad was the historical figure that Dracula was based off,"
"No, they were the same," Alucard confirmed
"So, your dad had not only fed on human blood but was also put his enemies on display
"Yes, but he stopped doing that prior to meeting my mother…he grew board of it,"
Batman gave Alucard a sceptical look.
"is that a problem?"
"That…is going to take time to process," Batman stated "I can work with Tepas, but it might bring some unwanted attention. Just don't go telling anyone your related to Vlad the Impala or Dracula,"
"I had no intention of doing so,"
"Good, one last thing. Your too recognisable. Is there some way you can change your appearance, your eyes can be covered up with Coloured contacts but your hair is very identifiable,"
"I do not possess the power at the moment to maintain a long-term glamor spell," Alucard admitted "I am sure given time I could find something?"
"I don't see it being a problem just yet, but if you do get into med-school you will need to attend lectures, interviews and other face to face interactions. You should have something prepared to mask your more vampiric traits by then,"
"I will do my best…but I am surprised you didn't mention my fangs," Alucard stated.
"Having sharp teeth like yours is not that uncommon, however as long as you don't open your mouth too wide, I doubt anyone will notice," Batman shrugged.
Alucard nodded. He continued to discuss possible identities for himself with batman, before Batman got to work in setting the vampire up, they looked through possible schools in Europe that offered learning from home. There were a few of them however they all required proof that the students who did learn from home had completed their early educational school years.
This led to a search for schools that had home school programs too. They found a few but given that it was so almost May, none of the schools were taking on new enrolments. Batman found one that seemed to fit Alucard's needs. It wasn't a real school but an educational centre that was set up for children in foster care or those with special needs that could not attend regular school. The centre offered online learning resources as well as face to face classes. As such the centre had an open enrolment policy and accepted new students all year round.
The main problem was, the centre only covered the basics in education, meeting the bare minimum requirements for completion of pre-High School Learning; it did not have some of the more advanced classes that could be found in a proper school nor did it. After looking at the curriculum content, batman worried that if Alucard enrolled in the centre and took the courses, even when he completed them it might not be enough for the vampire to qualify for High Schools that offed online learning. As they had stricter entry requirements.
Still, it was better than nothing and so Batman made a note of the Learning centres name and started the process of creating Alucard a new Identity for him to use along with some fake family history. Alucard instead that Batman put his real mothers name down as guardian, something which batman had no issues with. However, when asked if Alucard wanted his father on the paper work, Alucard became a little withdrawn and left that decision to Batman.
It would take a little while to complete the process, as there was quite a bit of paperwork that would need to be done. But the main one was the Birth Certificate, batman put in Alucard's date of birth in 1994. This would legally make Alucard 6 years old and guarantee his entrance into the Learning centre with no questions asked. He would make another birth certificate later, changing the year dates of birth when Alucard was ready to apply to the High Schools and to Med-School. This way it would look like Alucard truly did legitimately attend school and was 19 by the time he got to University.
Batman would enrol Alucard in the Learning centre under his(fake) mothers name, once the everything was sorted. If all went well, Alucard would be able to start his classes in two weeks. Alucard was of course grateful for the help and agreed that he would do his classes up on the watchtower at the research terminal, the League would help him if he needed it as well.
Batman decided he would inform the rest of the Justice League…except superman. If the man of steel was going to hid immolation from Alucard then they would hide Alucard's new education from him. It also men that Alucard would not be leaving the tower any time soon either.
Unknown location in Gotham
Carmilla groaned as she walked into the dining room, it had a round table with four chairs in the middle of the room. There was a large walk-in freezer at the opposite end of the room. She hissed violently as the light from the late afternoon sun was filtering in through the upper windows. The windows were high up and closer to the ceiling so the sunlight would not touch the ground, however, despite this, the light was enough to cause the vampire distress and feel very uncomfortable. She staggered over to the table and took her seat, Carmilla was not the only one at the table, there were three others; all of them were women. Sitting next to her right was Carmilla's sister Morana.
Morana was a woman of average height with darker features and light blue eyes. Like Carmilla she had pointed ears and sharp fangs coming out of her mouth. The woman had shoulder length hair that appeared to be thick and wavy. She was wearing an ultramarine blue and white dress which she accompanies with a golden shawl. Golden earrings, and a ring on her right ear.
On Morana's left was Striga. The second woman had androgynous features. She has long black unkempt hair, dark Gray lips, and light green eyes. Compared to the other ladies at the table, she was stockier and more muscular, but is also considerably taller. This woman wore a dark blue cloak over a black suit of armor, a red sash, a dress in a darker shade of white, and a leather belt.
The final woman was on Carmilla's left side and Strigas right. She was visibly younger than the others. She was young woman of shorter stature, with pale skin, ginger red hair, and red eyes. Like all vampires, she has pointed ears and sharp fangs. The sides of her hair are gathered into a small long braid on her back, with a silver hair ornament and a translucent veil attached, covering part of the hair. The rest of the hair is wavy and worn loose. She wore a dark navy blue dress with teal embellishments and trimmings, and partially covered at the shoulders by a fluffy white coat. She has a belt with a bat-like symbol on the buckle and she also wears a silver necklace and studs.
"What are we you doing up at this hour? The sun is up," Carmilla moaned as she took her seat.
"We need to discuss a few things," Lenore claimed "and we always have meetings during the late afternoon now,"
"Why?"
"Because I get peckish around this time, and it is always good to talk about things with your sisters over some blood," Morana claimed as she took a sip of blood from her glass.
"Indeed, you miss much Carmilla," Striga agreed.
Carmilla looked over at the two and saw that their hands were resting on the table on top of each other. Carmilla knew that Striga and Morana were a couple, it was not uncommon for vampires to find mates or partners of the same gender. After all no vampire truly cared for gender when it came to relationships, for a vampire it was the mind and spirt is what counted most.
"Fine… let's just get this over with so I can go back to my coffin," she sighed.
"Good now about your new friends that you came back with…" Morana started.
"If it's about bringing the hairy mutt home, I haven't heard from Cornwell since the first night I was here," Carmilla claimed "and he left pretty quickly. As for shaft who knows what that creepy little man is doing,"
"It's not about either of them, and I believe shaft is researching some new kind of ritual that will bring Dracula back," Lenore claimed.
"Because that is all we need, Dracula coming back," Carmilla huffed.
"Were you not trying to marry him a few centuries ago?" Morana asked "I would think you would be thrilled with the chance to woo the King of the Night once more,"
"I didn't want him I wanted his power, however, he only ever had eyes for that human tramp," Carmilla snarled "if he had chosen me over that human trash, I would have done away with him in a second. Instead, his half-breed offspring is running around with power that should rightfully be ours and he's not even doing anything with it,"
"Calm down sister, we all hate Alucard. He took you away from us after all," Striga tried.
"Which is why I have a plan that will bring him to us," Lenore said and she pushed a copy of the Gotham times across the table.
"Billionaire Benefactor opens new children's home," the headline read. There was a picture of Bruce Wayne with some kids around him standing in front of a new house.
"You want us to kidnap and feed on these children?" Carmilla asked with interest. She was never against a free meal.
"Not at all, I want to go after Bruce Wayne," Lenore smiled sweetly.
"And how do you plan on that?"
"Simple, he's having a Charity gala at his house at the end of the month and I have been invited," Lenore claimed "I will walk right in and he will leave with me,"
"Oh, and what makes you think he will go with you?"
"You of all people know how persuasive I can be," Lenore smiled sweetly.
"Still won't it look odd? Walking into a host's house and then leaving with them?" Morana asked "Not that I doubt you, but how will you get him to agree to that,"
"More importantly, how did you even get an invitation to this event?" Carmilla added.
"You have missed much Carmilla. Lenore uses her talents to help mortals now," Striga answered.
"That sounds like a waste of time," Carmilla snorted.
"That is what we said," Morana agreed "Until she was able to get us pretty much an unlimited blood supply,"
"I fail to see how that works," Carmilla huffed.
"Those who do big charity work in Gotham always get invited to high society events. Lenore is quite the social butterfly now," Morana explained "Her charity involves giving shelter to those on the streets. Whores and beggars alike,"
"indeed, they come for shelter and instead feed us," Striga continued "we are carful in how much blood we take so no one comes snooping around. Lenore is as the mortals say now, Bringing home the bacon,"
"Alright, I believe that but what good does getting close to this man do us?" Carmilla asked. She was tried, grumpy and was getting annoyed.
"Simple, Bruce Wayne is one of the wealthiest men in the world. He is also single," Lenore stated "his company also is publicly funding assisting the Justice League…to whom our less than mutual friend Alucard is now apart off,"
"I see, you want to use this mortal man to get to Alucard," Carmilla said thoughtfully. Picking up where this plan was going.
"In a way, as you say he is mortal, and while I have had no dealings with the man as our charity work is in different areas. Bruce Wayne will be susceptible to my charms,"
"Your silver tongue or your vampire powers?"
"Both, my powers may be far weaker than the standard for vampires. But my talent in negotiating makes up for that," Lenore stated "Besides he has a reputation for being a playboy and quite a flirtatious one at that. It won't be too hard to bring him back here, once he is, you three will use your Vampiric Charm on him, and then it will only take a small bite on the neck to turn him into our slave forever,"
"That would work on any mortal," Carmilla scoffed "But why bother biting him? It's a lot of effort to keep humans as pets,"
"Simple, his corporate empire. It may not be a castle or a kingdom that you are familiar with. But Bruce Wayne has vast influence over a good portion of the world. His word carries weight that even a king would not have,"
"Really?"
"It is due to his company having a hand in virtually every kind of market on earth. Science, Construction, Music, Arts, Medicine. You name it and you will find something with a Wayne sticker on it,"
"With Wayne under our control we will control that empire and in turn, we can have him use his influence and wealth to do just about anything we want," Morana added.
"Why stop at just him, why not control the whole Justice League?" Carmilla proposed.
"After the incident that little sex imp tired? No, it would be too risky," Morana warned "we do not want to draw Alucards attention yet,"
"But not all members of the Justice League trust Alucard. Batman doesn't…it said so in the paper a few days ago," Striga pointed out.
"Isn't he the one without powers?" Carmilla asked "we shouldn't bother ourselves with weak humans,"
"Batman isn't as weak as you think Sister, he single-handedly keeps everyone in Gotham in check. All gangs, criminals, and even shadows fear the Bat," "Batman feared and respected by all,"
"He also has influence over the Justice League , turn batman against Alucard and the League will turn too," Lenore added "We are alike in a way,"
"Really, now that is interesting. Perhaps we can use that to our advantage," Carmilla thought. "but how do we get in touch with this batman?"
"Batman only comes out at night and we are vampires, I think it's time we had a midnight rendezvous," Morana answered.
"I will do it, I respect warrior and my vampiric charm works best on those who are strong and battle-hardened," Striga volunteered.
"Then we will leave it to you. You will work on bringing Batman under our control and I will work on Bruce Wayne. If all goes well, we will have the Justice League and the whole Wayne empire under our control by the end of the month," Lenore smiled.
"Batman may not fall under our charm so easily. If he's been around Alucard long enough then he might be able to resist it," Morana warned.
"That will not be a problem, I can make any man in power fall under my control," Carmilla reminded the group "if the charm won't work then I guess I will have to play with him for a bit,"
"You almost sound exited sister," Striga noted "has a mortal man captured your heart,"
"Hardly, I just haven't manipulated anyone in over 500rs," Carmilla responded "I am eager to get back into the game,"