Stardust Shimmer
Try and guess which other manga was referenced here!
Six: Lightning Punisher
Alfred Pennyworth had faced many situations that never made it to the tabloids in his long tenure in the Wayne household. This included the murders of the Wayne master and mistress, and throughout the few decades of exemplary domestic service to the young Master Wayne who had grown up to Gotham's playboy billionaire by day and vigilante by night, Mr Bruce Wayne. Many odd questions had been asked of this old retainer before, and not all easily answered.
"Do you think I have any family left, Alfred?"
"That I cannot say for certain, Master Bruce."
Having to be the bearer of bad news to the Batman, along with the notification letters sent from lawyers of the deceased Rafael Fleming, now Shimotsuki, and Diana Hunter-Fleming, now Seiran Shimotsuki, concerning its current young mistress, and that the child was already well on her way to Gotham, was a new thing for him.
"I know, Alfred," the cowled man had answered as he stripped off the mask. "I met the girl in Metropolis. Completely by accident."
"Indeed, sir?" Alfred enquired, picking up the cape unceremoniously draped over the chair in front of the Bat-computer. "I have taken the liberty of extending an invitation to them to the manor. After a thorough background check, of course, but they declined. Apparently the young lady is quite the talent."
"She plays Duel Monsters," Batman immediately answered, shaking his head.
"So does Master Timothy on the Internet, when he believes you're not looking," the aged butler answered as the gauntlets were literally off. "Your aversion to picture cards, while amusing, is hardly tolerable in mainstream society, if I may add. Children must have their fun, something you utterly neglected, I might add."
I like him, I really like him. He's good. I really like him...!
"Shut up!" He froze, realising that once again he was speaking to disembodied voices. "Erm... sorry, Alfred."
The butler merely raised an eyebrow. "I am quite aware of your... problem, sir. Master J'onn has taken the liberty to notify everyone on your emergency contact list about the... voices." His tone severely implied that a session with the telepathic alien was expected in the near future.
"Tried. They don't come out," Bruce collapsed into a chair. "Maybe I should call an exorcist, but how do I explain them? That I got them traipsing through a otherworldly dimension of talking monsters?" Horror dawned soon enough. "Dick knows, doesn't he?"
"Perhaps in less offensive terms, but the meaning is clear," Alfred advised. "Master Richard, I would say, replies that he has long expected you to show symptoms of schizophrenia, perhaps not in so many words, but nevertheless he requests for me to inform him should those voices prove detrimental to your mental well-being, sir. Miss Barbara and Master Timothy has also been informed, and sends rather much the same regards."
"So..." drawled a voice that could only belong to the only minor in the house. "How does it feel to have Zera in your head?"
Just so you know, I am having a laugh at your expense right now.
Squee~!
"You can talk?" the glove dropped on the keyboard as Batman beheld the furry cute menace popularly known as the Bunilla bouncing on Tim's head.
A corner of his mouth involuntarily twitched at the sight.
Autumn was in full presence along the Gotham-Metropolis highway, the brown leaves that preceded the chill of winter sweeping the roads as the double-decker coach travelled. Despite his insistence, Jack's offer was too difficult to refuse and hence, the Fudo family and its three hanger-ons were currently riding the Duel King's coach. Jack Atlas never gave a choice; their luggage was onboard even before Yusei had had the time to protest. The parts of Mini Momentum, now safely disabled, lay hidden in a crate shoved to a corner, and the inside of the coach itself had been cleared to make way for the Yusei Go and the Wheel of Fortune, where its owners were currently tinkering with.
"Just a little bit more there..." Yusei hummed under the bike.
"Papa, the D-Board works great," Ryuusei called over his shoulders as he packed away the modified skateboard.
"This is so great! Ryuusei Nii and Setsu-chan are so good!" Seika smiled, lighting up the whole coach.
"Thank you, Seika-han," Setsuka answered, considering her cards again. "Nakamura San, estimated time of arrival?"
"One hour, missy," the manservant relayed.
"You'll be fine, Setsuka?" Aki glanced at her in concern. "You look like you haven't slept."
"The time difference takes some getting used to, Izayoi Sensei," the icy girl answered as the temperature plummeted further. "I shall be in control by the time of the tournament."
"Remember, don't push yourself," Aki warned in concern.
"Done!" Yusei dropped the wrench back into the toolbox, sighing as he hauled himself up and out. "Jack, what exactly do you put this D-Wheel through?"
"Ride Ace," Jack sullenly answered with the name of his Duel League. "Every mechanic present was falling over themselves to get their hands on it, but, as expected, you still do the best jobs, Yusei."
"Considering how I built the engine of this, I'm the only job you take this to," Yusei retorted. "When it comes time to retire it, what shall you do?"
"Get you to build another one," Jack bluntly responded.
"Uncle Jack, you really should stop," Ryuusei sighed as he tweaked the modified skateboard. "Or get a second Wheel of Fortune."
"There's no other like it!" Jack proclaimed, lovingly polishing the Wheel. Despite the element of truth involved, one got the feeling that Jack Atlas was merely too attached to the thing. "I'm Duelling your father on this again, godson of mine, just watch as Jack Atlas proves himself!"
"And fails," Ryuusei muttered to a giggling Seika.
"What was that, you brat?" the blond man raged at them as they passed by the hundred metre sign.
"Speaking of which, where is Crow?" Yusei wondered, missing Jack's sudden nervous expression and guilty whistling.
"We left him behind," Setsuka shook her head in disappointment. "He still has the Blackbird, so we can expect him to appear sometime soon."
"Jack!"
Welcome to Gotham City, the sign read, implying a happier tone in a city that was more depressing than the Satellite ever managed. Now hosting the Junior-Singles WRGP!
A bit further away from the depressing city itself, crows cawed around the dark black D-Wheel. It had a streamlined shape, black with orange stripes and set lower to the ground than most D-Wheels, with folded wings retracted on either side. Its rider leaned against it, watching the black birds caw as they flew around the city.
"Gotham, huh? Sounds right depressing," the rider commented, running a hand through a mop of orange hair held up by a headband. "Looks right depressing too, what on earth were those tourney guys thinking in the first place... Damn that Jack for leaving me behind..."
Grimly, he beheld the city draped in strange yet familiar shadows. "Well, Gotham, Crow the Bullet's here!"
Dr Yuuko Ichihara was a successful person in many ways, several of them most improbable. Successful in her chosen field, sufficiently moneyed, and beautiful – her looks was that of a classic Japanese beauty completely with the impossibly long black locks impractical in today's weather – she was the epitome of any career woman's desire. Her connections extended far across the world in material and mystical ways, in defiance of many other things.
"Miss Zatara," she murmured in amusement at the camera currently running the teleconference from the Watchtower itself. "Or, should I call you Zatanna instead, hmm?"
"Yuuko, we both know who you are," Zatanna Zatara, a powerful sorceress and a card-carrying member of the Justice League upon its extension, severely replied. "I need to ask a few questions about one of your patients, as coincidental as they may be."
"Nothing in the world is coincidence," Yuuko laughed. "Everything is a matter of fate."
"So you say, Yuuko," Zatanna neutrally answered. "About a little girl called Seika Kannazuki... is there anything abnormal about her cases?"
"What? Normal? What is normal? To do only what the masses do? What is the benefit of that?" Yuuko chuckled quietly on the screen. "And what is the problem with adopting a custom that is abnormal if it has no negative effect on the world at large?"
Zatanna rolled her eyes. "I'm working for the Justice League, Yuuko. I need information. You have information I wish for."
"For everything you wish, you have to pay an equal price in return," Yuuko answered. "It must be in balance, or else there will be chaos. To answer all your questions..." she mused for a while before snapping her fingers. "The Helm of Nabu should do."
"You want... Doctor Fate's helmet," Zatanna pronounced, utterly floored. "That's not mine to give."
"It is of approximately the same value as the information you seek from me, Zatanna Zatara." Yuuko severely answered, no longer seemingly ethereal or whimsical, more businesslike. "And remember, I have the power to enforce the collection of my price."
"Maybe we can negotiate," the sorceress pleaded. "Aw, crud. I'm just making it worse, aren't I?"
"Let me take over," Zatanna made way for the bearer of the demanded helm himself. "Sorceress, you hold the answers we seek, don't you?"
"Dr Fate," Yuuko laughed, something ethereal and altogether illusory. "Why tear the little one away? I was having so much fun."
"It was mere coincidence that Seika Kannazuki was your patient," Dr Fate answered. "Are you even a certified psychologist, sorceress?"
"My previous job seemed very much like that," Yuuko sighed, her black eyes taking on a hue of reddish-brown. "A lack of certification means nothing to me. Do you not realise who you speak to, false magician?"
"My apologies," the great sorcerer actually bowed to the camera. "I did not mean to offend you."
"Words, once it has left your mouth, it cannot be uncalled." Yuuko shook her head. "It cannot be nullified. People don't understand how strongly they're tied down because of it, that includes you, false magician."
The doctor in the full-face helm sighed deeply. "If I give you the helmet..."
"Hush, I have no need for the trinket," she waved a hand elegantly. "It is a mere trifle compared to what you require. You and I well know the price of knowledge."
"... I have the Necronomicon." Doctor Fate offered.
"No good."
"Book of Eibon?"
"Rejected."
"De Vermis Mysteries?"
"Disgusting."
Doctor Fate threw his hands up. "...The Pnakotic Manuscripts."
"Throw in the copy of the Zhou Texts you out-bid me for, and I will tell you," Yuuko answered after a long moment of consideration.
"Is your information that valuable?" Zatanna muttered in awe at how the female doctor was treating the sorcerer Fate as he agreed. "Both books are one-of-a-kind..."
Yuuko smiled serenely, beginning her spiel. "Seika Kannazuki was a child born in the beginning of the month where the eight million gods of Japan gather at Izumo Shrine, when there are no gods anywhere else. Perhaps, it would be more accurate to say that she was born in the beginning of the month where the gods are present."
"That doesn't answer my question..." Zatanna trailed off. "Wait. Children born at certain times, certain events... those have significance. A child born in the presence of gods... would gain a gift..."
"Or a curse," Doctor Fate supplied.
"She has a power completely unknown to us, even one as I, a power that could shape everything if one so wishes." Yuuko agreed. "Kannazuki Seika is particularly... unusual. To her, energy is something to be created, instead of converted. Power equals to a radiant star... a star flower born in the month of the gods, as it were."
"Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be converted from one form to another," Dr Fate recited the law that formed the basis of magical rituals. "What is your point?"
"To Kannazuki Seika, energy would be just another thing," Yuuko finally summarised. "The best way I can find to express it in your pitifully inadequate lexicon is that, she controls the heart particles that binds the most unlikely things together, and therefore to her, energy in any form, every form, is immediately mutable, whether by wavelength or frequency that determines it."
"...what?" both sorcerers finally broke the silence.
"In short, it is an ability to control a certain form of energy with one's heart," Yuuko snorted. "By entering a state in which a person frees themselves from all the negativity in their minds and hearts, thereby focusing only on their own potential to exceed their limits. Within that absolute focus lies the key to either the salvation of the future, or its destruction. The most unlikely things can come together, and miracles are deemed possible, the absolute the determines the laws... the bond that holds everything, even polar opposites together."
"That's... impossible," Dr Fate answered. "Such a great power would have not escaped detection. Such a great power... cannot exist. A mind that can control energy in all forms... that only exists in fiction!"
"If you believe in it, it is real," the elegant female doctor answered. "If you do not, it is fiction. I will collect my books come the end of the week. Well, then."
The screen clicked off.
The wrought iron gates swung open before both mistress and manservant as they walked up the steps, Setsuka having changed into a different pleated skirt of tartan and a plaid shirt complete with black tie hanging loose around her neck, complete with socks and shoes. Nakamura was in his usual suit.
"Nice place," Setsuka commented offhand. "How many cameras was that already?"
"I counted six, missy," Nakamura answered as they arrived at the imposing porch. Wayne Manor was a classic Gothic manor, perhaps modelled upon the British Gothic Perpendicular style, imposing and macabre in a way that fit Gotham perfectly, Setsuka thought. Like a castle at the top of a cliff overlooking the city.
The door swung open to show an aged butler, hair mostly white peppered with grey. "Miss Shimotsuki," the man greeted. "I am Alfred Pennyworth, Mr Wayne's butler. Please, step inside."
"My apologies for the delay, our... ride was very much delayed," Setsuka frowned, recalled how Crow had caught up and begun to fight with Jack in public. "Is Mr Wayne present today?"
"He will be for you, Miss," Alfred replied, a dark tone colouring his voice. "Come, follow me."
"My apologies for the sudden cold," Alfred said as they passed a hallway lined with paintings and the temperature plummeted. "I do not know why it has become so chilling in the manor, I do know that the central heating has not broken."
"Everything is cold to me, do not worry, Mr Pennyworth," she answered as they entered an imposing study. "You must be Mr Bruce Wayne."
Without the threat of a dragon looming behind her at her every command, the first thing that struck him was how small she was. He supposed even Robin could dwarf her, never mind the hulk-like manservant behind her like a silent guardian.
"My manservant, Iemitsu Nakamura," Setsuka introduced. "I am Setsuka Shimotsuki. This is the first time we have met, Mr Bruce Wayne. My apologies for intruding upon your time."
"It's no matter, the parties can take a back-seat to family," Bruce smiled, trying to maintain the mask of the billionaire playboy. "Come, have a seat. I'm so sorry for your loss. Alfred, tea?"
"They have been gone for two years," Setsuka wistfully answered as the sound of pouring filled the room. "I have time to comprehend it."
"You've been strong," Bruce observed, seeing her accept the saucer and cup from Alfred. "So, why did you find me?"
"The law of Neo Domino City requires one's closest family to be notified in the case of a change in guardianship," Setsuka answered. "It took two years in an orphanage for the family lawyers to find the closest family I have now. Despite that we have never met, as my distant uncle you are now the closest blood family to me, Mr Wayne."
"Please, call me Bruce." the billionaire assured, his eyes focused upon the DuelDisk. "But, surely you didn't really have to travel all the way to America for this, right? I could just have flown over."
"There is no point in wasting your time flying over to Japan only to be told that Nakamura San would be my guardian," Setsuka shook her head. "I was also in Gotham for a Duel tournament, anyway. It is no trouble to inform you when I am coincidentally in the same town, Bruce San."
"Ah, just Bruce, enough with the honorific," Bruce assured. "Still, where are you staying in Gotham? Alfred could open one of the guest rooms for your use, and your... manservant could also be provided quarters."
"I am staying at the Hotel Gotham, with a few other people I came with, familiar people," Setsuka answered. "Your kind offer is appreciated, Bruce San, but I should stay with my temporary provider. Dr Yusei Fudo is a kind man, and I came here with a friend I should follow."
"A friend? That's nice," Bruce encouraged, filing away the titbit about Dr Fudo mentally. "Does he have a name?"
"She is Seika, Seika Kannazuki," Setsuka answered, her voice sighing. "She came with us to Metropolis to see a psychiatrist upon referral, and is now with us in Gotham to cheer for us in the tournament."
Was I ever this bad? It's so cold... His breath was exhaled as a fine mist.
"Odd, I don't remember it being so cold," Alfred remarked.
"It is like this around me," Setsuka answered serenely. "I am a Psychic Duellist with an affinity to ice."
He had known that, but he faked surprise anyway. "What does that mean, Psychic Duellist?"
"Missy?" Nakamura questioned, his face tinged over with worry,
"I can make monsters real," She answered simply, sipping at the Assam served. "Do not worry, Nakamura San, I am sure Bruce San would understand. But enough about that."
The fine bone china clinked upon contact with the saucer. "I also came to Gotham upon my late mother's wishes," Setsuka murmured, her voice low yet clear. "I am to find a man, the Dark Knight of Gotham, the Batman, and I am to hand him a message."
"A message?" Bruce echoed. "What kind?"
"I cannot say," Setsuka shook her head, long black locks spilling over her back. "My mother told me as she died to find the Batman, and tell him, that it is a message from Endymion. That the debt has been called in. She told me that he would know what to do before I am to give him a letter kept by Nakamura San, before we were swept away by Eatos."
"To find the Batman?" Alfred muttered in false surprise before Bruce could respond. "Well, perhaps watching the roofs are a sign. Batman is known to hang around the roof of the Central Gotham Police Station."
"I will trust you then, Mr Pennyworth," Setsuka nodded. "I am afraid that I have frozen your delicious tea by accident. I suppose I have overstayed my welcome."
"Would you stay for dinner?" Bruce commented. My wards would love to see someone of my family."
"No, I am afraid that I have a passing appointment," Setsuka replied. "And that my parents had enemies. Dangerous ones, I do not doubt."
"You are amongst friends, Miss Shimotsuki," Alfred murmured as he saw the two of them to the door. "You would be safe here."
"Only until they burned the house down," Setsuka answered, as the two of them walked down the driveway, two lone figures walking into the dark maelstrom of Gotham and never looking back.
"A bit cold, that one, but rather well-behaved," Alfred commented. "Forced to grow up before her time, just like Master Bruce."
The old man sighed. "Dinner will be served soon."
Sunset fall over Gotham, draping the city in the shroud of shadows once again. Standing on the roof of the Gotham Police Station, the brunette girl absently petted the dragon lying asleep next to her as she waited by the giant searchlight bearing the insignia of the Bat. The dragon's large black wings wrapped around her, a clear attempt to provide some warmth despite the cold of the creature's own body. Beside her stood Nakamura, still stoic in the face of the Gotham night.
"Minors aren't allowed onto rooftops," a voice rasped as the Batman appeared, looming over like the master of the city. "You're the daughter of Diana Hunter."
"That saves me the trouble of explaining everything," Setsuka answered, her voice cold. "Endymion calls in her debt. Nakamura San, the letter."
The butler produced the envelope from the folds of his jacket, handing it over neatly while keeping his mistress covered from this looming threat.
Never really taking his eyes off man, girl and dragon, Batman unfolded the paper within.
Dark Knight,
If you are reading this then my daughter is safe and my husband and I are long dead. Death pursued us before and we are ready, and my snow flower has already known that we would die one day. Such is the fate that we are granted.
My husband and I are what society calls as Psychic Duellists, yet we are far more than that. You remember when I saved you from the Gishki Levianima, my power to manipulate spells and express the cards in real life. My husband is one with the gift of seeing the spirits of Duel Monsters, and it is from us that Setsuka inherited these gifts. Another girl with Setsuka, Kannazuki Seika, she possess another misunderstood power that can change everything. Both of them are under pursuit by an organisation formed from the remains of the legendary Yliaster, based upon the beliefs and practices of the now-defunct Arcadia Movement, that of the domination of Psychic Duellists. They have no name, but we called them Elysium along the lines of the Arcadia Movement.
My daughter is powerful despite her age, and the daughter of my heart Seika perhaps even more so, and I fear for them when we are gone. Iemitsu can only do so much to protect them. I trust that you will do the necessary to remove this threat from the world. Let my daughters not suffer the curse of their birth.
Endymion
"Diana Hunter..." Batman murmured. "Is there anyone following you?"
"I did not detect such a person," Nakamura admitted. "It is not wise to underestimate our pursuers, though. They control the same monsters we do, to a lesser degree."
"To a far lesser degree," Setsuka agreed. "Batman San, it is cold tonight, is it not? Our business is concluded, then. Good night. Nakamura San, we should go."
"Wait," Batman said as the dragon embraced them both. "Your mother mentioned Seika Kannazuki. Why?"
Setsuka gazed at him for a long moment before she answered. "Ultimate power," she finally said. "Far more power than anyone could wish for. A threat to everything and nothing. The same reason why anyone would want it. The spirit of Zera behind you... it knows that you drown in darkness, in loneliness. It knows what you know, perhaps more, I can see. Father had that same spirit as you. Maybe that is why you will help Seika."
The flap of large wings signalled the descent of both from the roof, leaving the black knight of the city hidden within the shadows' embrace once more.
Please review! Stay tuned for the next turn: My Body as a Shield! Duel, Acceleration!