A.n I own Nothing.
I have some Bad news. Unfortunately updates will be very slow over the next month or two. I work in a Hotel and from early September to mid November is the busiest time of the year. This is due to Spring and where I live and we have a lot of Spring Festivals and events on, plus it's school hoidays so we will be getting a lot interstate and international torists.
I will try to post updates when I can but this busy period is going to limit my writing time. Unfortunate this will affect all my stories...so for those of you who also read Straw Hats Creed - Grandline updates will be slow on that one as well.
As always Please Review
The next day when Alucard came up to the Watchtower Batman had an empty blood bag for him to look at, after a brief explanation on how blood was stored and how much could fit into one bag Alucard agreed to use them to store the his blood in and a few days later Batman brought a box of them for the vampire.
"There are about 100 bags in that box, that should be enough for now...if you need more let me know," Batman said.
"This will help immensely…thank you," Alucard said gratefully.
He already had plans on how to set them up so that the bags would drain the blood from the creatures that he had captured from the attack on the Watchtower. Alucard had not told any of the League that he had captured several of the creatures and was planning on using them as his own personal blood supply. He did not believe the league would understand nor would they approve of such methods...especially since he would be using them for a long time to come.
Alucard knew that Castlevaina would keep them contained as long as he willed it, but he also had to be careful as not to fill all the bags at once, he did not know if Le Fay's army had any natural healing abilities and if they didn't and he took too much blood they would die.
On the other hand if they did the castles dark powers would augment them and make the creatures stronger in which case he could take as much as he need whenever he wanted without worry. Not that the survivors of Le Fay's summoned army could escape there dark bonds and even if they did they would never ever escape the vampire's castle unless Alucard allowed it.
"By the way, you apparently gave J'onn a book from Henry's study to bring back claiming it to be important," Batman said changing the subject.
"I did," Alucard agreed.
"Why was that book so important?" Batman asked.
"The Sleeping Solider…is an old ledged, I was merely curios as to why there was a book on it. It was considered an old fairy tale when I was young," Alucard explained.
"Where did it originate from?"
"Even 500yrs ago no one knew, it's always been there….although there were some who believed it to be information from the future and told the tale as a warning,"
"You mean like a prophecy?" Batman asked.
"Yes,"
"I see….what was the legend about?" Batman asked curiously. He was not a big believer in prophecy's or fate but he defiantly knew that magic was real.
"An immortal soldier who sleeps eternally, until he is needed to fight the darkness and save the world," Alucard summarised.
"That's it?"
"There is more to the story but that is the general summery. If it is still told today then it may have changed over the years…I could not tell you if the story is still told in this time,"
"Though I am curios why Henry had a book on a fairy tale that was considered old 500yrs ago," Alucard admitted.
"Well he did find the Philosophers Stone….maybe since the stone was real he started looking into other myths…like this Sleeping Solider,"
"But did Henry not know that the stone was real?" Alucard asked.
"Perhaps he did or…..perhaps he only realised what Harv had later in life," Batman theorised "Perhaps he wanted to find the Sleeping Solider….or maybe he was looking for evidence that this immortal warrior existed,"
'If that is the case he was he wasted his time….he wouldn't have found him,' Alucard thought.
"Maybe he was looking for immortality," Batman said.
"He would not have found it," Alucard claimed.
"The immortally or the immortal warrior?" Batman asked.
"Both," Alucard said "Like I said…it is only a legend,"
Before Batman could say anything else Flash walked in with Superman and Green Lantern; Batman and Alucard turned to look at them.
"Hey how's the search for your dinner going?" Flash greeted jokingly.
"Slowly...but I will keep searching," Alucard answered.
"Yeah about that...I need a word with you," Superman said "in private,"
Alucard followed Superman to another room and the man of steel turned to look at the vampire, Alucard had a suspicion on what this was about.
"So the League has discussed what happened," Superman started.
"I see...I should warn you that if I am to move my castle I will need to find an appropriate place for it first," Alucard said "one where it won't bring harm to humans,"
"Well you won't need to look very hard, you're not moving," Superman said.
Alucard blinked in confusion.
"I do not understand," Alucard said.
"We talked about it and Batman told us what you said...is it really true that you haven't had anything to eat in over 500yrs?" superman asked.
"You are correct, if I was a full blooded vampire I would have wasted away from hunger a long time ago. But on the off chance I did survive I would have killed and fed on King Arthur and his son the moment I saw them," Alucard said "before heading to Atlantis,"
"Right...so look if that is what happens when you starve yourself then there is nothing we can do about it. We're not going to force you to move for something you have no control over," Superman said.
"You would not be saying that if I had bitten Batman," Alucard claimed.
"Probably not...but you didn't. Flash also told us how you promised someone you won't drink human blood nor will you take some from us non-human members unless absolutely necessary," Superman said.
Alucard nodded.
"So you don't have to move, we'll give you a chance to find a solution that your comfterble with...but just for the sake of avoiding what happened a few days ago happening again. We will need you to drink a little bit of our blood," Superman claimed.
Alucard sighed.
"I feared as much...but you are giving me time correct?" Alucard asked.
"If you agree to drink some of our blood once every 4 weeks,"
"Can I request an extension to 6 weeks?" Alucard asked.
"Why?" Superman asked.
"There is a chance I may find a demon in six weeks' time," Alucard said.
"What do you mean?" Superman asked.
"In times long past it was said that on days that honour the dead the barrier between the world of the living and dead is weakened," Alucard claimed "when creatures of the night roamed this world many would use these days to cross from the plains of hell to earth,"
"Oh like the Day of the Dead," Superman said.
Alucard gave him a confused look.
"It's a festival in Mexico that honours and remembers ancestors and deceased family members. They say it is the one time of the year that the dead visit the earth," Superman explained.
"I have read that a lot of different cutlers throughout history and the world that many countries have a day like this...I intend to be present at the next one,"
"When is it?" Superman asked.
"The second week next month," Alucard answered.
"5 weeks away," Superman said.
"Indeed...it is why I ask that you wait, if I find that something dose cross over during that time then there will be no need for you or any of the league to give me your blood,"
"Can you go that long without needing to feed again?" Superman asked.
"Yes, even if I do use my magic I will not turn on you again. The amount of blood I drank will sustain me for at least three months," Alucard claimed.
Superman nodded.
"If we agree and you don't find a demon...will you drink the blood we give you?" Superman asked.
"Yes, I will," Alucard promised.
Superman nodded; if Alucard said he could go the extra time and he would not need to feed again for a while he saw no reason not to give the vampire the time he requested. After all he could tell that Alucard was not very happy with being forced to consume the Leagues blood and if a demon did show up then he would not have to compromise his beliefs nor would he feel uncomftarble.
"Well...it's not like you go out on missions regularly...so I suppose we could wait a bit and see what happens," Superman agreed.
"Thank you," Alucard said gratefully.
"But you will still need to come up to the Watch Tower regularly," Superman said.
"Of course, I actually look forward to my visits and hope to be up here more often," Alucard stated.
"Really, why's that?" Superman asked.
"I do not have internet access in Castlevaina," Alucard claimed "I have found it to be very useful in learning about what I have missed,"
"Yeah the Wi-Fi signal must be pretty bad at the bottom of the ocean," Superman joked.
"Indeed, but that is not the only reason," Alucard said "I have also enjoyed the books that Batman has brought up,"
"Oh yeah Batman said he saw you reading a few of the books that he brought up for J'onn and Diana," Superman remembered "and he saw you with one or two of your own,"
"Yes sadly...only certain books may be taken from my castles vast Libraries," Alucard said.
"Why?" Superman asked.
"The books are old...very old and have only been kept in the best condition thanks to the castles dark magic. Most are so old that if they leave the Castle they will turn to dust and the knowledge would be lost forever," Alucard explained.
"Ah...I can see how that would be a problem," Superman agreed.
"Yes, I have enjoyed reading whatever Batman brings up," Alucard said.
"You know...have you thought about going to the Metropolis library?" Superman asked "Most cities have at least three libraries in them and they'll have a far greater range of books and you won't be restricted to whatever Batman brings up,"
Alucard looked a little surprised.
"You would allow me to wander the streets of your world...unattended?" Alucard asked.
"Well...sure I mean you've got that tracking device now, so who ever is up here can keep an eye on you. Metropolis is my city and I know you can handle you if you get into any trouble," Superman claimed "So as long as you don't hurt anyone I don't see a reason why you can't go down and have a look…it might even help you in your search for your friends graves,"
"I give you my word that I will not harm anyone," Alucard promised "Whatever that is worth,"
"Yeah about that….Flash told us what you said…about not trusting you," Superman claimed.
"Oh….that….," Alucard said, he took a step back and looked away "I should not have spoken out of turn like that…I apologise,"
"No…we should be the ones apologising to you," Superman said "your right, you've done everything we have ever asked and even helped us…hell without you Hades may have escaped,"
"I am sure you would have handled it," Alucard claimed.
"I don't know about that but….I just wanted you to know. I trust you and I'm sorry for my…less than friendly behaviour towards you," Superman said "and I really hope we can be friends,"
The truth was after Alucards outburst the previous day the Justice league had realised just how unfair they had been to the vampire. While he was not a member of the league he had done everything they had asked. After some discussion they realised that while Alucards recent it was not something he could control and the fact that he had been able to fight off his more dangerous side for so long was commendable.
Flash has also pointed out that out of all the members only he had been kind enough to give Alucard the benefit of the doubt. Even with what had happened Flash still had defended Alucard and despite the new revelation that he Alucard was susceptible to his vampire side; the speedster had also pointed out that all of the leagues powers were dangerous if they got out of control.
Superman agreed and had decided to give the vampire a bit more freedom, after all he fully believed in second chances and he had not really given Alucard a first chance yet. Plus the part of him that used to watch horror movies really did enjoy having a vampire as a friend.
"Thank you I appreciate that," Alucard said "and do not worry, all of my friends hate me and treat me like you have when I meet them,"
"Really?" Superman asked.
"Yes, the grave of my friend that I am looking for… 500yrs ago he started a fight to the death when we first met," Alucard claimed.
"Oh….Um…I'm glad we skipped that part. But just out of curiosity who won?" Superman asked.
"I did, I was far more powerful at the time and I spared his life…I really had no desire to kill him," Alucard claimed "he and I later became an unstoppable team,"
"Wow…So does everyone hate, threaten, fear and try to kill you when they meet you?" Superman asked.
"Most do yes, but I do not blame them….in fact apart from Flash there has only been one other human who has never been afraid of me and welcomed me unconditionally,"
"Who was it?"
Alucard didn't respond, he merely looked down sadly.
"I would rather not speak of it, he died a long time ago….and it brings up painful memories," Alucard claimed.
Superman nodded in understanding.
"I understand, whoever this person was he must have been amazing," Superman said.
"He was…..he really was," Alucard agreed solemnly.
"So…about the library, since you're up here today how about you meet me at the top of the Daily planet tomorrow morning around...8:15am," Superman said "I can show you the library then,"
"Are you sure…you do not want something valuable of mine to secure my obedience?" Alucard tested.
"No you gave me your word so that's good enough for me," Superman claimed.
Alucard gave Superman a critical and carful look; he could tell that the man of steel was being sincere. He nodded in response.
"Very well I appreciate you showing me your library and sharing its knowledge with me,"
"Your welcome. We can also get you a library card while we're there if you like," Superman offered.
"What is…a library card?" Alucard asked.
"It's kind of like a membership card, if you have one you can borrow books from the library and take them home with you," Superman said.
"That would be useful...I am sure my Liberian would love that," Alucard said.
"You have a Liberian?" Superman asked "I thought it was just you in the castle,"
"It is...but the Liberian is a manifestation of all the knowledge stored in the castle," Alucard explained "he is a part of the castle and is the only one who knows everything that is in it,"
"Wow...you must have a massive library,"
"I have 5, they are ever growing. The Master Liberians task is to chronical and archive any new information that comes into the castle...it is a role he takes very seriously," Alucard claimed "should I bring back some books to the castle he will archive the information contained within,"
"So once he's done that...is the book in your library forever?" Superman asked.
"Yes or at least until the information is destroyed," Alucard said.
"Just so you know, if you do borrow a book you would have to return it," Superman said "would your Liberian have an issue with that?"
"Not at all, he would merely copy the information down and make his own book and archive that...in fact Castlevaina possess very few first edition books...most of the information stored there was copied and archived by the Master Liberian,"
"Just as long as it comes back in one piece," Superman said.
The next day Alucard met Superman at the appropriate time and the Man of Steel was less than impressed with the vampire's usual attire. He had to loan the vampire some casual pants and a long sleeve shirt and managed to convince Alucard that what he was wearing was going to raise suspicion. Alucard was reluctant to change and part with his cape but agreed to it none the less.
However getting him to part with his sword was far more difficult as the vampire was adamant he be armed encase something happened. Superman finally convinced him that he would not need it and the library would not let him in with the blade anyway; Alucard got changed and they flew to the library.
Superman was very surprised to learn that vampires could fly naturally as he had only ever seen them fly on the movies in bat form. Once at the library superman and Alucard walked in and Superman informed Alucard of the opening hours and helped him set up a library card. Unfortunately the card would take a week to process so that meant Alucard could not take books back to his castle just yet.
It didn't bother the vampire prince as he was more than happy to spend his time in the library and very quickly found a history book to read. Superman left the vampire alone and headed off to change into his civilian persona and go to work at the Daily Planet.
Over the next week Alucard spent most of his time in the Metropolis library, if he was not up on the Watch Tower he could be found there siting quietly and reading. Once he got his library card he started borrowing books and taking them back to his castle and up to the Watch Tower to read.
Alucard also sought out other libraries as well, Metropolis had quite a quite a few and he got a library card for each one. He did think about going to other cities as well but Alucard knew the league was on edge about him even going to Metropolis so he decided to be patient for now.
After a couple of weeks Superman spoke to the library staff and he learned that Alucard was true to his word, he never harmed anyone nor did he bother any of the other staff or visitors unless it was to borrow a book or ask where a certain section was.
Batman however hacked the library's system to see what kind of books Alucard was interested in, despite Superman and the library staff's claim that Alucard only ever looked at the history books Alucards borrowing history showed that every single book he had taken out was either a science or medical book; there were one or two books on plants and herbs as well.
Batman found it very suspicious. The history books he could understand since Alucard had missed over five hundred years but the not medical and science books. After all why would a vampire be interested in medicine or science?
Batman decided to bring it up with the Justice League at their next meeting…the others however did not share his concern.
"You think he's up to something because he's reading medical books?" Superman asked suspiciously.
"All of the books he's taken out from every single library have been either medical or science books," Batman said "not history books like you said he was reading,"
"Well humans have evolved a lot since the 1300's," Flash pointed out "maybe he's learning more about the human body,"
"He's right, in his time the life span was 40yrs if you were lucky," Green Lantern agreed "not to mention the lack of medicine and getting even a small scratch could kill you,"
"A vampire wanting to learn more about the human body….that is far worse," Batman said.
"How? I thought seeking out knowledge and learning new things was commendable in man's world," Diana claimed.
"It is and there is nothing wrong with wanting to learn….but those books could tell him how much blood a human has and how much can be drained before being killed or passing out,"
"Come on Bats Alucard doesn't bite humans remember," Flash pointed out.
"Didn't stop him a few days ago," Batman claimed.
"He didn't bite you, besides even if he did bite people, I don't think he would care about how much blood a human needs…he'd just take it all," Flash argued back.
"That is my point," Batman said.
"Your point is that Alucard is feeding on humans when he hasn't bitten anyone or anything until a few days ago?" Flash asked confused.
Batman sent the speedster a glare.
"Perhaps he is merely learning about modern medicine and science," J'onn said.
"That could be it…considering when he was from anything to do with science was forbidden and got you killed," Green Lantern agreed.
"Wait….science was forbidden and got you killed 500yrs ago?" Hawk Girl asked.
"Yeah, it was considered witchcraft and got you burnt at the stake," Superman sighed.
"That's if you were lucky. A lot of witches were dead by the time they were burnt," Batman claimed.
"How did they die?" Wonder Woman asked.
"The witch trials killed them. Drowning in a lake, cutting out the witches' stomach, cutting out her eyes and tongue, beating her to see what colour her blood was….the list goes on,"
"And that was legal here?" Diana gasped in horror.
"Unfortunately, by the time they actually got to the burning part those people who were accused of being a witch were already long dead," Batman claimed.
"Alucard told me his mother was killed for being a witch," Diana claimed "he said she was burnt alive,"
"That's unfortunate…but he should take consolation that his mother did not go through the other witch trials," Flash said.
"Yeah well….she did have a relations with a vampire and produced a half vampire child," Green Lantern claimed.
"Falling in love is never a crime," Flash defended.
"People have killed for less," Green Lantern shrugged.
"How do we know that Alucards mother actually fell in love?" Wonder Woman asked "didn't those vampires on the movies have some kind of hypnotic effect on women,"
"That's true….you think Alucards father forced himself on her or used his hypnotic powers on her to make her submit to him?" Green Lantern asked.
"Or maybe they really were in love," Flash said.
"Come on, a vampire falling for a human and not using her for food but actually being in love….that sounds like those Twilight books," Green Lantern claimed.
"Those books are horrible and an affront to all classic horror movies," Superman said fiercely.
"I take it you don't like them either," Flash said.
"Of course not. Bram Stoker had very sperciphic rules for vampires when he created Dracula…sparkling in the sunlight instead of combusting was not one of them," Superman defended "Not to mention it completely disregarded all classic vampire weakness like garlic and crosses. And don't even get me started on what those books did to werewolves….egh…"
"Yeah Supes is right….I mean a vampire who doesn't drink human blood is a cliché concept but at least Alucard follows the rules," Flash agreed.
"You do realise he doesn't combust into flames when he's in sunlight either," Green Lantern pointed out.
"Ture but he doesn't sparkle either, which makes him better than the Twilight vampires by default," Flash claimed "I wonder what he would think of the Twilight books,"
"He'd probably be offended and go show Stephanie Myer what a real vampire is," Superman claimed.
"Would we have to stop him and save her?"
"Not really no, I certainly would not go out of my way to save her," Superman said casually.
The rest of the league gave him very odd and concerning looks.
"You would let Alucard get away with attacking defenceless woman?" Diana asked surprised.
"Sure…I mean as long as he doesn't kill her. I'd honestly wouldn't care what he did to her. Those books should never have been written," Superman claimed.
"They cannot be that bad that you would turn a blind eye to someone in need," J'hon said a bit disappointed in the Leagues leader.
"No they really are, and the movies are just as bad," Flash stated.
"I refuse to believe that, I think your being sexist. Women can write novels just as well as men," Dania defended.
"I have nothing against female authors, but those books are just bad," Superman defended "The Harry Potter books were written by a woman and they're great. Gender has nothing to do with it,"
"Since Alucard has a library card why not ask him to borrow those books and bring them up," Flash suggested "that way you can judge for yourselves,"
"I wouldn't want to have those books on his borrowing history…but I wouldn't want to spend money buying them either," Superman said "but if it's the only way to convince the others I'll ask him next time he's up here,"
"Getting back on track what are we going to about this book problem," Batman said before the conversation could go any further.
"Are you talking about the Twilight books or Alucard borrowing them?" Hawk Girl asked.
"Neither, I am talking about a vampire borrowing medical books that he can use against us," Batman growled irritably.
"Honestly Batman I don't see the issue, it could be that he really is just curious about the modern day," Superman claimed.
"Yeah I mean it's not illegal to read a book that is available to the public, especially snice it came from a library," Flash agreed.
"And if he's not? What if he's using this knowledge for something?" Batman asked "there were those books on planets too,"
"Maybe he wants to start a garden at his castle. I didn't realise having a garden was a crime," Flash joked.
"This isn't a joke Flash," Batman hissed.
"His castles at the bottom of the ocean, how would he even start a garden down there?" Hawkgirl asked.
"It has light, air and water…everything you need for plants to grow and there are plenty of plants that thrive in water," Superman pointed out.
"Besides it could be an underwater garden…he'd better watch out for Sea Weed," Flash joked.
The League rolled their eyes at the speedsters joke.
"Why not ask him?" Hawkgirl suggested "if you're that curios just ask,"
Batman decided he would ask, after all he had no trouble getting information out of criminals, and surly a vampire would not be as difficult as some of Gotham's underworld or Arkem's residents. So when Alucard came up to the Watch Tower next Batman was waiting for him.
"Greetings Batman, how have you been?" Alucard greeted as he approached the Dark Knight.
"I have a question for you and I want an answer," Batman responded coldly.
"Oh….and what is that?" Alucard asked curiously.
"I know you've been visiting the metropolis Library a lot lately and I also know you've been taking books out too," Batman started.
"Have I done something wrong…I was informed that any book in the library I was allowed to read," Alucard stated.
"What I want to know why the only books you've been borrowing are science ones," Batman demanded.
Alucard stared at him for a moment as he processed this information, he thought he had done something wrong…and the way batman was glaring at them made him feel like he did.
"You want to know why I only ever borrow science books?" Alucard asked.
"Yes, what could you of all people possibly gain from science and medicine…you're vampire…and immortal creature of darkness. Don't you delve in magic and curses?" Batman asked.
"As I have already informed you and the league I am a master of the mystic arts. I am quite well versed in the dark arts and know my share of curses too," Alucard said clammily.
"You didn't answer my question though," Batman stated.
"If you must know science runs in my family," Alucard said.
"It…dose?" Batman asked, he was a bit surprised by this "wasn't your family consisting of your human mother and your vampire father?"
"Yes, my father while a vampire had a very keen interest in learning and a thirst for scientific knowledge," Alucard claimed.
"Your father was a vampire though….vampires are fantasy not science," Batman stated.
"Well when you are immortal you find ways to pass the time,"
"Still wasn't all forms of science considered witchcraft or black magic back in the medieval times?" Batman asked.
"It was, but it did not stop them," Alucard said "I suppose I inherited their curiosity for it as my parents…they taught me a few things while I was growing up,"
"But why science and medicine though, you missed a lot of history too. Why not those books as well?" Batman asked.
"Most of the history books are in the research sections of the library and are not available for borrowing….the ones that are available are not as comprehensive as the ones that aren't," Alucard explained "therefor I have not been borrowing them,"
"The reason I have been borrowing science books is because the study is no longer forbidden and considered witchcraft. I am merely eager to learn how far science and medicine have come in the last 525yrs," Alucard claimed.
"So…that's it…your reading it because you're interested in it…you're not planning on doing anything with the knowledge that you learn?" Batman asked.
"Well I hope to use it to assist the League…although I have quite a bit to catch up on first and a lot to learn," Alucard smiled "besides I have all this new technology to adapt as well,"
Batman was satisfied with this answer, it sounded like Alucard was just trying to pass the time and his interest in science was just a hobby. Batman admitted it would be nice to a person with proper medical training on the watch tower as none of the League were qualified medical professionals.
J'hon was good but he was no doctor and only barely understood the human body, they relied on computers and medical equipment to direct treatment. Having an someone who actually knew what they were doing would defiantly be an assist.
"By the way….why is it that all humans are glued to small handheld devices?" Alucard asked "and why do they feel the need to….tweet everything? Are they trying to mimic birds?"
Batman sighed; he made a mental note to get Flash to explain social media and mobile phones to Alucard later.
Not much happened over the next week, Alucard still continued to look for more blood sources, he had discovered that the creatures that Le Fay had summoned did have some natural healing powers, it was not as fast as his own and there was a limit to how much they could take before they died.
Being inside Castlevaina helped and boosted the creatures healing abilities but Alucard would have to be careful not to drain his captives to quickly and would need to give them sufficient time to recover if he wanted them to last as long as possible.
As he searched for more sources of blood he discovered a large concentration of dark power just south of the Scottish border. Alucard learned that something was trying to break through the barrier and come to earth. He could not learn what exactly was trying to crossover but whatever it was, was very powerful.
After some investigation with a few spells and some help from Castlevaina he was able to exactly predict when and where whatever was trying to come to this world would emerge.
This was very concerning as it was too early for the festival of the dead that he was planning to attend and that something very powerful was to cross over when the barriers between worlds was at full strength.