Greetings, Everyone. Please forgive my lack of my usual joviality, but as I'm sure most of you are aware, we lost one of our own this month, only a few days ago as I write this intro. For many of us he was the truest and most iconic voice of one of the Greatest Heroes of All Time; and I am dedicating this chapter to his memory.

Kevin Conroy

"I am Vengeance. I am the Night. I am Batman!"

Nov. 30, 1955 – Nov. 10, 2022

Rest in Peace, Caped Crusader

Chapter 6: Moonlight and Shadows

(Castle Dracula, location unknown, 3 months ago.)

The gathered heads of all the major clans and covens of vampires had assembled, by command of their supreme Dread Lord and Master. Seated at the Council table, they waited patiently—if not fearfully—for him to grace them with his presence. The random whispering among them silenced as he entered at last. And he was not alone.

They seemed to glide across the room with silent grace. The Lord Dracula took his seat in the center throne at the head of the table, flanked by his Queen; Regina Elizabeth Bathory on his right, and their daughter the Dark Princess Draculina to his left.

"Ah, it varms my black heart to see you all here again, my children", he grinned. "Ve have much to discuss."

"As alvays, my Lord, you are a master of understatement", the gaunt head of the Nosferatu clan snarked in his German accent, causing Draculina to hiss a soft warning at him. "Between zhe lycans becoming more troublesome und zhe Princess Vampirella actively hunting us alongside new, even more powerful allies, your summons at zhis time is razher inconvenient. Ve should all be back defending our homes und exterminating zhe mongrels."

"Ah, Count Orlock, alvays the first to….speak your mind", Dracula smirked condescendingly. "Yet, as alvays, also the last to comprehend that nothing escapes my notice, and that I vould not have called you all here vithout cause. Deacon!"

A young, strikingly handsome vampire entered and bowed. "My Lord Dracula, I live to serve."

"Be seated, and report on your activities in Dakota City", Dracula commanded, and the newcomer took the empty seat at the far end of the table.

"Infiltration of one of my operatives into the meta-human sub-group of outcasts calling themselves the 'Night-Breed' was laughingly simple", Deacon Frost smirked. "They suffer a similar vulnerability to sunlight as our kind, even their eyes are similar to ours. All have interesting and useful abilities, but the one I knew I had to report on most, and immediately is the one they call 'Tech'. The 'Big Bang' granted him super-genius intelligence and technical abilities. He has been working on technology that will allow them to walk freely in sunlight."

This sent murmurs of surprise and speculation all around the table, while Dracula and his family smiled cruelly at the glowering Orlock.

"And the status of this promising young man's vork, Deacon?", Bathory asked with menacing sweetness.

"He expects to have a working device within the next few weeks", Deacon smirked. "Then only a few weeks more to refine it to a wearable size and make more."

"Excellent", Dracula grinned. "These 'Night-Breed' vill be turned as soon as these devices are ready, of course. You see, my friends, soon you and yours vill all be day-walkers like myself and my family. Our kind no longer limited to the hours of darkness! But that is only the first part of my greater plan."

"And what is that, my Lord?", asked Regina Dandridge.

"To exterminate the lycans once and for all, of course!", laughed Draculina. "By day, they are as weak and vulnerable as any mere mortals. Easy prey!"

"Indeed", Dracula agreed. "But the vorld has changed in the centuries since our war vith them began. Ve have a new resource ve can tap. Combined vith this new sun-blocking technology, our victory vill be swift and total. Then the vorld vill be ours."

"And vhat untapped resource is zhat?", Orlock asked snidely.

"Meta-humans", Dracula grinned wickedly.

"HAVE YOU GONE MAD, LORD DRACULA?!", Orlock shouted, standing. "Every reported encounter vith so-called super-heroes has ended in disaster! Now you vant to actively engage them vhen we are already at war vith the lycans?! Zhe Justice League protects zheir own, a vell-known fact! Und my own sources have confirmed that zhey have re-organized zheir magical und supernatural members und recruited many of zhose zhat emerged from zhe Mystical Wave Event, all under zhe leadership of Dr. Fate! Only a FOOL vould move against zhem! *ACK*!"

In a flash, Draculina had Count Orlock by the throat! "You DARE speak so to my father, your Lord and Master?!", she hissed, lifting him up. "I find your lack of faith disturbing."

Orlock's eyes bugged out in fear. Draculina, like her twin Vampirella, was second only to her father in power and strength. She could rip his head off with ease, and had done so to others who had displeased her before. But unlike her twin, Draculina's loyalty to her father was absolute. Orlock trembled, knowing that his un-death was dangling by a thread.

"Enough", Dracula said calmly. "Release him, my dear Draculina."

"As you wish, Father", she smirked, dropping Orlock unceremoniously back into his seat before returning to hers, then sneered, "Keep a civil tongue if you wish to keep your head, Orlock."

"Again, Orlock, you fail to see", Dracula began again. "I vould not be so foolish as to challenge the League. At least, not yet. My order to turn the outcast Night-Breed should have been your clue. They vill only be the first. There are many lone, lost, and disenfranchised metas all over the vorld, just vaiting to join us, vhether they know it or not. Then there are the young heroes who foolishly vork alone. Then all the meta-villains and criminals… And those that do not join us, shall feed us. Now do you see? By turning those who are already powerful and protecting ourselves vith the new technology, ve vill be unstoppable. The lycans vill finally be exterminated and not even the Justice League vill dare oppose us!"

"Father?", Draculina approached once the council departed.

"Vhat is it, my Daughter?", the vampire Lord smiled dotingly.

"I have chosen my Mate; the one I desire to be mine for Eternity~", she grinned wickedly.

"Oh?", Dracula raised an eyebrow.

"Oh yes~. And not only will turning and mating him bring powerful new blood into our family line and breed powerful heirs with me, but taking him will also punish my traitorous sister!"

"Really?", he smirked approvingly. "And who is to be my new son-in-law?"

"Yes, Dearest", her mother prompted, grinning wickedly at the thought of causing pain to Vampirella, the daughter whom had once showed such dark promise.

"Drako the Dragon", Draculina grinned, fangs gleaming. "Dear Vampirella's most recent lover, whom according to my sources she still loves."

Dracula and Regina began to laugh, a sound that built to the point it could send a chill up the spine of the Devil himself.

xxXXxx

(Present)

"Ty, let me in", Drako entreated outside Tyger's quarters on the Watchtower. "It's not your fault. You couldn't control instincts you've never had before. Look, it's just me, your best friend. I'm alone. Let me in?"

The door hissed open a few moments later and Drako was quickly pulled inside before it closed again. As soon as he was inside the dimly lit room, Tyra(in her human form) quickly moved away to the window, arms clasped tightly around herself(under her ample breasts), sobbing softly as she gazed out at the Earth far below.

"I can't believe that I almost….", she trailed off, voice thick and heavy with shame.

"Like I and the doctors have told you, Ty", he replied gently, "you couldn't control yourself. You were overwhelmed by instincts that were completely alien to you. It's ok. No harm done to anyone, including you."

"That's not the point, Jordan!", she sniped, rounding sharply on him. "I'm….I'm losing myself! It's as if the longer I'm 'Tyra' the more I lose of 'Tyrone'! I'd always hated hitting the mall with Tiffani, bored out of my mind while she shopped. But I actually enjoyed shopping for my new clothes with the others, had fun even. I was always so casual about how I looked as a guy. But now I find myself worried about looking my best even on my way from here to the lab and back. And on the mission to rescue the Titans, I think I instinctively chose my 'costume' to be provocative. Why would I consider that? Even subconsciously?!"

"It's ok, Ty. It's not your fault", he responded to her distress, instinctively enfolding her in his arms and gently rubbing her back with comforting circles as she buried her face in his shoulder. "It's what was done to you. We're going to help you. I'm here for you and we'll get through this."

"Promise?", she asked looking up pleadingly into his draconian eyes.

"Promise", he smiled assuringly. They froze for a moment, each feeling an overwhelming urge to kiss the other. And feeling Ty's new 'assets' pressing into his chest, Drako's lower-body began to respond. Both noticed, breaking the spell and blushed brightly as they broke apart. "Um, that is, we will find a way to cure you, homie."

"Y-yeah, I hear you", Ty stammered. "Thanks for everything and sticking by me."

'Good gods! My heart is racing! What the hell?!' they both thought simultaneously as Drako left.

xxXXxx

The dark sorceress Tala was close, she could sense her target nearby. She had been a busy little witch ever since Klarion freed her from the mirror her old mentor had imprisoned her in. After serving him for a time, she was sent to work under his fellow member of the Light, Grodd, in his organization of super-criminals. Though the super-genius gorilla was delightfully devious and possessed a certain charm and surprising sophistication, he was still a filthy animal. Tala could not imagine why Giganta had such vulgar affection for him.

But Grodd had recently assigned Tala to assemble a group to counter the Justice League's shadow team led by Constantine. Having an axe to grind with Constantine herself—and eager for any chance to acquire the House of Mystery!—she readily agreed. To that end, she was in Gotham City on the night of the Full Moon seeking a very special individual.

She had already found and recruited most of those she needed, but it had taken quite some time to track down her current target; one with the potential to match and counter the vampire princess Vampirella. If her research and magick were correct then he was a lost, near-direct descendant of one of the first lycans; one who's bloodline had been suppressed for generations, just waiting to be unleashed and harnessed by the right mistress! She just had to find him and get out of Gotham before Batman or his brats could interfere. The Moonstone of Romulus was leading her right to him.

The ethereal trail led to the Gotham Museum of Natural History, which appeared to be hosting some kind of fancy event; given all the wealthy and 'beautiful' people arriving in limos and expensive cars. Tala smiled wickedly as her usual 'dark enchantress' dress transformed in a puff of purple smoke into a sultry red evening gown and a pair of long evening gloves worthy of Jessica Rabbit! Her charm-bag now resembling a designer purse with a gold-chain strap and a black fur stole over her shoulders to complete the ensemble. She entered the gala unchallenged.

What she didn't know was that she had been observed and followed from the shadows above for some time. Robin's eyes narrowed as he witnessed the attractive woman's wardrobe change, seeing it for what it was: magick. "We've got a situation at the museum gala", he said into his communicator.

Inside, Tala mingled with the rich and famous of Gotham's elite. All the while, her silvery eyes scanning for her target as she sipped a glass of champagne. He was here somewhere…..

"Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice you", a tall, handsome man said; appearing suddenly in front of her, offering his hand. "And I would remember if I had met so lovely a lady as yourself before. Bruce Wayne."

"Talania Baronov", she replied with a sultry smile, daintily giving him her hand, which he then kissed like a gentleman. "Your reputation as a charming host preceeds you, Mr. Wayne. This is a lovely gathering."

"Thank you. My family has always been strong supporters of this museum", Wayne affirmed. "I myself have always been an advocate of the continued pursuit of knowledge about the Natural and Ancient Worlds….When done responsibly, of course. Hence this annual gala for donations to fund the museum and the various expeditions it has around the world."

"Indeed, a vorthy cause", Tala smiled, then felt a tug from the Amulet. "Sad that many gathered here tonight put their faith in money as the greatest power, vhen knowledge is the true power. A truth that I sense that you know as vell as I. Excuse me, Mr. Wayne. I vish to see more of this lovely museum."

"Of course", he nodded. Bruce arched an eyebrow as he watched her retreating form.

Jake Canin, after making the required social niceties and a sizable donation upon arriving on behalf of his family, had wandered off into the museum. He hadn't been here since he was a kid and was eager to see it again after so long. Along the way he saw a few others from the gala doing the same, plus a few couples looking for secluded corners.

In his mid-20's and an active outdoorsman, he hated events like this. But ever since his father's crippling accident, he'd had to step up to represent the family. He ran a hand through his black-streaked, silver hair as he entered the Pre-Historic Wing. His hair was apparently a family trait that showed up every few generations or so, and had been a source of ridicule from his peers until high school, when his athletic prowess took center stage.

After passing by all the dinosaur exhibits, he came to the 'mega-mammals' and early man. He stopped at a display of wolves and dire wolves. Canines had always fascinated him, wolves in particular, he didn't know why. High above him, the full moon shown through the skylight of the vaulted ceiling.

"Beautiful, are zhey not?"

Jake turned to see a knock-out of a woman with long purple hair approaching him with a sultry smile and sway to her hips.

"Yeah, I suppose they are, in a way", he replied as she stepped into his personal space. "I'm Jake Canin, Miss. And you are?"

"Somevun who can answer your lifelong questions", she purred, her arms snaking up his chest to go around his neck. "I can tell you vhat you have alvays been missing. Vhy you have alvays felt a kinship vith the wolves."

"H-how d-do-do you know about that?", he stammered; both in shock that this stranger knew his secret inner-struggles and how ….intimately close this beautiful woman was.

"Because I can help you, Baby", she cooed, then pulled him into a heated kiss! His senses overloaded, he didn't notice her fastening something behind his neck. Then she stepped back, smiling. After a few moments a look of confusion crossed her face.

"Zhe Moonstone of Romulus, it should have….?"

"Huh?", he looked down to see he was now wearing a large silver and moonstone amulet on a silver chain. "What's this thing…?"

*KEEREEEESHHH!* The skylight above shattered and three shadowy figures landed around the pair; Batman, Robin, and Batgirl.

"Tala, what are you doing here?!", Batman demanded. "There are no artifacts of arcane interest in this museum."

"Who said I vas here for an artifact?", the witch smirked, reaching into her charm bag as her dress returned to normal. She tossed out three grey carved stone eggs that immediately grew into huge, vaguely bear-shaped golems; eyes and carved rune-lines glowing with violet magick. They growled and moved to attack the caped crusaders.

"Mr. Canin, take cover!", Batgirl urged the man. "When you see an opening to escape, take it!"

Jake took heed and dove into the wolf display, hiding behind the artificial scenery to watch the struggle.

Robin dodged the clumsy attacks and slashed at the golem with his sword, doing little damage. It reared up to attack with both claws, but he rolled between its legs, confusing it. The confusion grew when it heard the beeping from the small bomb he'd slapped on its chest just before it blew, crumbling it to rubble.

Batgirl jumped on the back of the golem that attacked her and covered its face with her cape, causing it to flail about blindly.

A batarang blasted the right arm off the golem Batman was facing, but didn't even slow it down. It kept after him with mindless determination. Perfect. He confounded it with a handful of small, marble-like explosives thrown in its face, popping like firecrackers.

"Lookout, Batman!", Batgirl called.

Batman vaulted over his opponent as Batgirl jumped off her golem just before it collided with "Lefty", smashing both beyond use.

Meanwhile, Tala had been stalking Jake, and Jake decided to make a break across the open side of the room toward the exit. As he stepped into the bright moonlight shining through the broken skylight, he froze. The Amulet he wore began to glow like the Moon, and he began to tremble.

"Of course, I should have realized", Tala smiled wickedly as Jake looked shakily up at the moon.

"Wh-what's happening to MMEEEE?...AARRRROOOOOOO!"

His bones and sinews creaked and groaned as they shifted and changed and his muscles bulged. His face stretched into a wolf-like muzzle, his ears pointed and shifted higher on his head and fangs formed in his mouth. As his clothes shredded from his shifting body, his finger and toenails became razor sharp claws. He was covered head to toe in silver fur with black markings. While still bipedal, his posture was somewhat hunched over. Finally, a bushy tail burst through the back of his ripped tuxedo pants.

Batman and his partners had just finished the golems when they heard the monstrous howl! They turned to see Tala standing next to a silver werewolf!

"Jacob Canin, True Heir of Romulus, obey the command of your Mistress", Tala intoned, then pointed at the Bat-family. "Destroy my enemies!" With a deep, feral growl Jake-wolf swiveled his head toward them and snarled, his amber eyes shining aggressively as he flexed his claws.

"This…is not good", Batgirl said.

"Understatement as usual, Batgirl", Robin said dryly. "We're dealing with magick here. The curse of lycanthropy has no known cure, and I don't know about either of you but I'm not packing any silver in my utility-belt."

"Even if any of us were, Jake Canin is still an innocent victim under the fur and fangs; we shouldn't hurt him if we can avoid it", Batman added as they and the werewolf began to circle each other.

"Yeah, tell him that!", Batgirl yelped as Jake-wolf charged.

xxXXxx

Author's notes: Cliffhanger?! Yup! One that I hope is worthy of the legacy of Batman!

Jake Canin is my OC, inspired partly by Marvel's comics version of Jack Russell/"Werewolf by Night" and Man-Wolf/John Jameson. In this AU, all lycans are descended from the two original werewolves Romulus and Remus either by blood or bite-infection. Jake Canin, however, is a direct blood-descendant of Romulus. As such, with his hereditary powers now awakened, he is among the most powerful lycans on the planet, but because of the Moonstone of Romulus Amulet he is currently under Tala's control.

I welcome long reviews and suggestions! Flames will be used to reheat my Thanksgiving left-overs.

xxXXxx