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Batman walked into the meeting room, he glanced around and took note of which Justice League Members were present. Like most weekly meetings they were all there.
All except Wonder Woman.
"Where's Diana?" Batman asked as he glanced at Wonder Woman's empty seat.
"She's in Alucard's Castle," Hawk Girl answered.
"Again?" Batman asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, this would be the 5th meeting she's missed," Flash "I mean I miss one and Bats keeps sending me reminder emails every hour for three days in advance before the meeting; but she's missed five,"
"You gave Batman your email address?" John asked.
"No, I also keep changing it but I still get them," Flash claimed. He then looked at J'onn "You're not reading my mind and telling him my new email address are you?"
J'onn didn't bother responding and gave Flash a look that said Really?
"Diana is morning Flash," Superman stated "Besides we're only supposed to miss out on these meetings if it's an emergency,"
"Hey, I had an emergency too," Flash shot back.
"The annual free all you can eat burger day at Big Belly Burger is no excuse for skipping out on these meetings," Batman shot back and he walked over to take his seat.
Flash folded his arms and pouted but did not respond.
Despite Flash's childish behavior, Batman found that he agreed with the speedster. Ever since he had been told about the Leagues trip through time Wonder Woman had not been seen on the Watchtower very often. She had not returned with the rest of the League and come back by herself later the same night. However when she did return she was in tears and asked Superman if she could borrow his Protective charm.
Superman was concerned and had managed to find out why Wonder Woman was so upset.
Steve Trevor had died in her arms the day they had returned.
Deciding to give her the time and space she needed to grieve, Superman gave her the charm. He also informed the rest of the League what had happened. The League sympathised with her and Batman had no clue who this Steve Trevor was but clearly, he was special to Diana as his death clearly had a bid effect on her.
Batman was not sure how he felt about this particular matter and it did not help that Diana had practically moved into Alucard's castle. Returning to the Watchtower only when Alucard did and even then she hid away in her room until the vampire was ready to leave and did not interact with any of the other members of the Justice League.
"What I don't get is why she would go to Alucard," Batman said "Vampires aren't supposed to be shoulders to cry on,"
"Diana is from an Island where no death has occurred in thousands of years, her people are immortal warriors. This may very well be her first experience with Death," J'onn theorised.
"That could be it," Superman agreed.
"Still why Alucard of all people?" Batman asked irritated.
"Well vampires are immortal and Alucard has told us he out lived his friends and both his parents. Maybe she is seeking his advice on the matter,"
"If she wants advice on death she should go to a priest," Batman huffed.
"Is she allowed to do that?" Flash asked "I mean she's a demi-god from a ancient pantheon, wouldn't there be rules against walking to a Catholic church or something?"
"A Greek goddess walking into a church and asking a priest for spiritual advice...yeah I'd pay to see that," John joked.
"Right," Flash agreed "Hey on that note…do you think Alucard can walk into churches?"
"No way, Churches are holy ground. Vampires can't set foot on concreted," Superman claimed "At least according to the movies they can't,"
"I think it would have more to do with the Holy Cross decorating the churches than anything else," Hawk Girl added.
"Oh yeah, that is a very good point," Flash agreed "New Justice League rule…no holy symbols of any kind allowed on the Watchtower,"
"Second it," Superman agreed.
"Can we get back in topic," Batman snapped. He really did not like it when the meetings derailed like this and it happened more often than he would have thought possible.
"All religious jokes aside, I'm sure Diana is fine," Superman said "she knows we're here for her,"
"She's still been gone far too long and Alucard warned us of how dangerous his castle is," Batman hissed.
"Well it's not like you can just go down there and drag her back up," Hawk Girl claimed.
Batman stared at her for a moment before he abruptly stood up and headed towards the door.
"Where are you going?" John asked.
"To get Diana," Batman answered.
"How? She has the only protective charm we have," Superman pointed out.
"But it's not the only one Alucard gave out," Batman responded.
"Batman you of all people know you can't force this," Superman claimed "Diana needs to grieve so let her, she'll come back to us when she's ready,"
"She should have come to us in the first place," Batman responded and walked out.
"She should have come to me," he added under his breath so the others would not here him.
"Just so you know I will be sending Emails to you about missing meetings after this," Flash called out after the Dark Knight "Along with all the Bat Memes I can find,"
Batman didn't respond and the League watched him go.
"Do you even know his email address?" Superman asked.
"No, but he keeps finding out mine so how hard can it be to find his out?" Flash smiled in response.
Superman let out a sigh, Flash had no idea the amount of trouble he was about to have.
"So is it me or is batman jealous?" Flash asked once the Dark Knight was out sight and hearing range.
"It's just you," Superman answered.
Flash gave him a sceptical look.
"He did seem a bit more agitated than usual," John agreed.
"Does this mean that Batman has feelings for Diana then?" Hawk Girl asked.
"If he does he is likely denying them," J'onn stated "or burying them,"
"If he is he's not doing a good job of hiding it," Flash snorted.
"But that would not explain why Batman would be jealous of Alucard," Superman claimed.
"Well they are both immortals," John added "maybe this death hit her harder than any of realise,"
"So what...one mortal death and Diana decides she can't be with or around us anymore?" Flash asked.
"Perhaps she is afraid that we will die too," J'onn stated.
"But everyone dies eventually," Hawk Girl pointed out "Death is just part of life,"
"Diana has been alive for thousands of years though and Alucard is a vampire. Death may not apply to them at all," J'onn responded.
"Maybe that's the reason why she's spending so much time with Alucard then," Flash sighed "Either way we are all agreed that Batman is jealous right?"
"Oh yes," John agreed.
"Absolutely," Hawk Girl nodded.
J'onn nodded in agreement.
"I'm still not seeing it," Superman claimed "Batman's always like that,"
"How can you have so many types of vision and still be so blind?" Flash asked. His eyes widened as he realised something important "Hey if Batman just left, does that mean the meeting is off?"
"No, we'll just fill him on later on what we discussed," Superman sighed "So unless anyone has anything else they'd like to bring up we'll get started,"
"Actually," Flash said raising his hand "There was one thing I wanted to talk to you guys about,"
Castlevaina, bottom of the Ocean
Batman walked up the steps towards the doors of Castlevaina leaving the Bat Sub behind. It had taken a bit of convincing to get Aquamans permission not only to come down to the bottom of the sea but also to use the protective charm that Alucard had given him. Batman also needed a small one-man sub capable of hovering in order to get to Alucards Castle.
Thank fully he had a personalised submarine for that, as he unlike Superman or the Atlantians could not breathe under water or withstand the intense pressure of the ocean depths.
When Batman finally got down to the Castlevaina he exited his submarine and looked up at the grand undersea castle.
"Hmmm…I thought it would be bigger," Batman said to himself.
He walked up towards the castle, doing his best to ignore the unnatural creepy feeling the dark castle in front of him gave off. When he was in front of the doors he reached for the massive gothic ring handles to use as knockers but before he could touch them the doors opened on their own and Alucard stood there holding a golden jeweled goblet in his left hand.
"Batman...What are you doing down here?" Alucard asked. He was very surprised to see the Dark Knight as he knew the Justice League had their weekly meeting today and they did not usually come down to his castle.
Alucard was not invited to those meetings and was rarely told anything that the League spoke about; unless it had to do with his situation or visiting schedule.
Batman eyed the goblet and could see it was half full of red liquid.
"Where's Diana?" Batman demanded.
"In the library," Alucard answered, he stepped aside and he let Batman in.
Batman looked around the large entryway, taking in all the details he could. This was the first time he had been inside Castlevaina.
"Am I interrupting your dinner?" he asked and looked at the goblet filled with blood.
"No...I was only having a small snack," Alucard answered and he quickly drank the remaining blood in a few gulps without spilling or wasting a drop.
Maybe it was the eerie effect of the castle but Batman felt very uneasy watching Alucard drink the blood in front of him.
"I have been feeding a lot lately," Alucard said once he was finished.
"You do look healthier than when I saw you last. Do you drink that in front of Diana?" Batman asked, once the vampire had finished.
"I do not," Alucard answered. He held the gauntlet out in front of him and it disappeared in a swirl of dark mist from his hand "Nor was I expecting any visitors,"
"What was that?" Batman asked.
"I can rearrange the interior of the castle at my will," Alucard claimed "Although sometimes it feels more like the castle catering to my every need and whim,"
"Sometimes?" Batman asked.
Alucard nodded.
"Whether it be opening doors or taking me to rooms I wish to go," Alucard explained "sometimes I wind in parts of the castle I did not realise I wanted to go to till I actually get there,"
"Or getting rid of dirty cups," Batman added.
"Exactly...now shall we?" Alucard asked.
Batman nodded and Alucard led him up the grand stairway and further into the castle. As they walked Batman felt very on edge and uncomfortable; he was also sure he was being watched by something just out of sight.
"So the castle what...reads your mind and desires?" Batman asked suspiciously as they walked "and then acts on them,"
"I do not know...truth be told I am not sure how it works myself," Alucard claimed.
"You inherited this place from your father correct. Did he tell you how it worked or leave some notes on the subject?"
"He did not, in fact he never spoke about it," Alucard answered "All he ever said was he was as much as part of the castle as it was of him,"
"That's not helpful,"
"Agreed, I did not understand what he meant back then...nor do I fully understand it now. But my father lived and ruled here for many many generations before I was born...he has had more time to understand Castlevaina than I have,"
"You make it sound like this place is alive," Batman said.
"It is...but it isn't at the same time. As I have said I am still figuring it out," Alucard claimed.
Alucard stopped in front of a door hidden within the shadows. There were more doors further on but this one was closest, he could have used the other doors closer to the entry way but he did not like to go near those as they led to the laboratories and studies his father and mother used to use. Despite the fact he was certain he could change them to lead elsewhere, he did not wish to try as he was uncertain if he unconsciously wished for them to remain in their current spot and if that was the case that is where they would remain.
Alucard opened the door and reveal a large room filled with exceptionality tall bookshelves. There were hundreds of them and they all filled with thousands of books. Batman looked up to see the room was illuminated by lights and small floating crystals allowing him to see just how far the shelves went.
But even due to the small crystals batman could not see the top of the bookshelves, they seemed to just disappear into the darkness.
"This is your library?" Batman asked with a bit of awe in his voice.
"One of them, yes," Alucard answered.
"One...there's more like this?"
"I have at least four...though the fourth is not yet full," Alucard shrugged.
"What happens when it becomes full?"
"I would not be surprised to find a fifth," Alucard responded "though this is the smallest and the one that is most used,"
"This is small?" Batman asked. If this was what Alucard considered a small library he would be very interested in seeing the largest one.
Alucard nodded and led Batman through the first row of shelves and they came out into an area filled six long beautifully carved desks, the desks had at least four equally beautifully carved and cushioned chairs the desks all had three reading lamps on them providing light. At the back of the room there were was a small stair case that led behind a tall light brown Lecture Podium.
Batman spied Wonder Woman sitting at one of the desks; she had her back to Batman and Alucard. Across from her was a wrinkled faced old man with an extremely long grey beard and hair that went all the way down to the floor. He had brown eyes that reflected vast wisdom and knowledge to all who saw them. He was short and had a hunched posture likely due to his age; there was a closed record book in front of him on the desk with a quill sitting in his ear.
"I thought you said it was just you living down here," Batman stated in a low voice.
"It is...technically,"
"Technically?" Batman asked.
Alucard did not respond, he walked up to the desk and Batman followed. The man looked up at Alucard as he and Batman approached. Wonder woman also turned around to see who was approaching.
"Leave us," Alucard commanded.
The old man nodded and he and his book suddenly dissolved into a dark mist faded away from sight.
Batman blinked a couple of times as he was unsure what he just witnessed.
"The Master Liberian," Alucard said, answering Batman's unasked question.
"He just dissolved into mist," Batman stated.
"Do not concern yourself. He is not real...the Liberian is more of a personification of the castles knowledge itself," Alucard explained "he is part of Castlevaina power,"
"What does he do?"
"He records, catalogues, maintains and perseveres all knowledge that comes into the castle. He is the only one who knows every single forgotten secret and what all these books contains," Alucard explained "Without him maintaining the vast knowledge in the castle would be impossible,"
"You didn't think to tell us you had someone else living down here?" Batman demanded.
" Technically the Master Liberian is not alive...I also informed Superman about him some time ago," Alucard stated.
"When?"
"When he offered to take me to the Metropolis library," "Alucard answered "The Master Liberian has been making copies of the books I borrow and adding them to the Castles library,"
"You're stealing knowledge," Batman hissed.
"On the contrary...you cannot steal what is freely given," Alucard pointed out "and the knowledge that has been copied I have been told is accessible to everyone. Plus I have witnessed many young people copy information out of books at the library itself,"
"That is different, that's for educational purposes," Batman claimed.
"But I am doing the same thing. I lack knowledge of the current world and human advancement...the copies are made to further my own education of the modern world. Instead of notes I take the whole book and the originals are returned in the same condition they were when I borrowed them," Alucard explained "Besides the Master Liberian cannot help it...it is just what he does,"
Batman glared at Alucard, he would need to bring this up with Superman later. He turned away from the vampire and looked at Diana who was waiting for him to finish his discussion with Alucard.
"Hello Batman, I was not expecting you down here,"
"Diana you missed today's meeting," Batman said "and the four before that,"
"Oh…sorry, I've been a bit distracted lately," Diana said regretfully.
"I understand but you need to come back to the tower,"
"I…I don't think that is a good Idea," she said as she looking away.
Batman was about to say something else however Alucard beat him too it.
"Batman…may I have a word," Alucard requested and gestured back towards the library's entrance.
Batman nodded the two excused themselves from Diana and walked out of the library. Alucard closed the doors behind them so Wonder Woman would not hear them.
"What do you think you're doing?" Alucard asked.
"Trying to get Diana to come back to the tower," Batman responded "She's been down here too long and we need her back in the League,"
"I agree," Alucard said.
Batman was a little taken aback by this; he did not expect Alucard to agree with him.
"However...what your doing will not make her return any faster," Alucard continued.
"Then what will, she clearly won't come back on her own. Because if she was she would have done it already,"
"I am aware of that and I have encouraged her to seek you and the rest of the League out on multiple occasions,"
"Then why hasn't she?"
"Because you are mortal," Alucard stated "You and the rest of the League can die,"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Batman demanded.
Alucard sighed.
"Batman you need to understand...for immortals like myself and Diana time has no meaning," Alucard started "we do not age nor do we die,"
"Everything can die even immortals,"
"Indeed it can," Alucard agreed "However let us focus on Diana. In her eyes
"Your lives are will pass like a blink of an eye to us...just look at me. I went to sleep for a few hundred years and humanity has changed so much in such a short time,"
"500yrs is not a short time," Batman stated.
"But to me and Dina it is...and there lies the problem,"
"So you're saying it's our fault?"
"No, but this is her first time dealing with the death of someone close to her...she saw a person she met only weeks ago aged in an instant and then his life was gone before she even knew it," Alucard explained.
"I see. She was confronted by human mortality for the first time," Batman said.
"Diana believes that isolating herself from you may spare her heartache for when you die," Alucard said sadly.
"That's why she's spending time with you...you can't die,"
"I can, I just won't die of old age," Alucard assured "However you and the League will grow old while and she does not wish to see it happen to you,"
"Well it's not like she can stop it,"
"No...and that is what is truly affecting her," Alucard claimed "but isolating herself form you is doing more harm than good,"
"You mean she will regret it when the time comes," Batman said.
"Yes, she will,"
"Then how do we help her?" Batman asked.
"It is simple really," Alucard smiled "if she will not go to the Justice League then the League must come to her,"
"You want to bring the whole League down here?"
"Of course not, that would be suicidal as you only have one charm between the 7 of you," Alucard scoffed "no…. I suggest that you each take turns in coming down here and talking to her,"
"I see, if she knows we're not willing to give up on her Dina may come around,"
"Exactly...though I would not mention death or bring up Steve," Alucard advised.
Batman nodded in understanding.
"I'll let the others know. When should we start this?" Batman asked.
"You are here now are you not?" Alucard asked.
Batman nodded.
Alucard opened the door and they walked back over to wonder woman. The master Liberian was back and Batman sat down next to Diana.
"So, what are you two talking about?" Batman asked.
"I was helping add some information to the collection," Diana claimed.
"Add information?"
"Indeed, my father's collection is vast but there is not much on Greek culture past a certain point," Alucard said "Diana has been sharing her knowledge of the subject with the Liberian so he may archive it and update the library's collection,"
"Why not?" Batman asked.
"The previous lord was more interested in Roman cutler than the Greeks," the Master Liberian claimed "We have many books on ancient Rome,"
"Sounds interesting, would you mind if I stayed and listened?" Batman asked "I admit my knowledge of Greek history is limited too,"
"Surely you have better things to do," Diana claimed "What about your city, doesn't it have a clown problem,"
"Not lately no, my issues has been with Penguin," Batman explained "he and his birds have been a
"Penguins? You mean those flightless birds have infested your city?" Alucard asked.
"No not literal penguins…you know what never mind. It would take far too long to explain," Batman sighed.
"Then shouldn't you get going so he doesn't hurt anyone?" Diana asked.
"He can wait, besides it's Tuesday so he won't be up do anything today. He never does anything on a Tuesdays or Saturdays," Batman assured.
"Why not?" Diana asked.
"Tuesday is cheap night at the Gotham's movie theatre and he likes to go every week," Batman claimed "and on Saturday he's either at a casino or at the Gotham's Zoo for the late night Antarctic shows,"
"Really?"
"My villains have a life outside of me, besides Cobblepot pays for his tickets legitimately so I can't go bring him in for following the law for once," Batman claimed.
"Do all your villains do this? Take nights off?" Alucard asked.
"No just Penguin, although Joker is not above taking a night off to see an acrobatics show or a circus if one comes to town…though it usually ends with him attacking it or getting inspiration for some new scheme," Batman claimed.
"I suppose there is only so many times one can poison the water supply before it becomes repetitive," Alucard stated.
Batman gave him an odd look.
"How do you know about that?" he asked.
"Flash told me…as well as introducing me to several blogs that follow your exploits,"
"Which one?" Batman asked.
"Wait there is more than one?" Diana asked in shock.
"I have 338 online forums and blogs dedicated to my work. 120 of them are conspiracy theories, 40 of them are discussion on my secret Identity and 12 of them are dedicated to fan art," Batman stated "some of the art that is posted is not half bad,"
"You keep track?" Diana asked.
"Of course, I have to make sure my Identity remains a secret and sometimes local gangs and criminals visit those sights" Batman answered "At least 7 of them are run by Harley Quinn and Catwoman and there is that one dating website,"
"You have a dating website dedicated to you?" Diana asked in surprise.
"The Lonely BATchuler," Batman answered "You make a profile to put your name out there. It was started to see if I would find the perfect partner. Now days it's Gotham's most used and efficient dating website,"
"When did it start?" Diana asked.
"About six months after I became Batman,"
"You have not used it yourself though," Alucard assumed.
"No, I'm too busy for relationships," Batman claimed.
"Plus I am positive Alfred set that website up and runs it," Batman thought "I just wish Catwoman would stop attacking and pestering the younger women who put their profiles up on it who wish to meet me,"
He then turned back to look at Alucard "So which site did Flash show you?"
"I believe it was The One Ture Bat Fan," Alucard answered.
"Oh…I don't like that one very much," Batman sighed.
"Is the information posted on the site false?" Alucard asked "it seemed to detailed to be a forgery,"
"No, the information is unfortunately correct. However that particular site was created and run by Bat-mite," Batman grumbled irritably.
"Bat-mite?" Alucard asked.
"He like Mister Mxyzptlk is from the fifth dimension. But unlike Mxyzptlk he is obsessed with me and shows up every now and then to watch me in action," Batman claimed "even creating chaos and bizarre situations just to see what I will do,"
"That sounds annoying," Diana said.
"It is, but he goes away on his own once he's satisfied," Batman said "Likely to create posts for his blog,"
"I see. Well I have no issues if you stay…do either of you?" Alucard responded.
"I do not my lord," the Liberian answered.
"Well actually…" Diana started.
"Then it is decided," Alucard said happily, interrupting Diana "Batman will stay and listen while I go catch up on my reading,"
Diana frowned, she did not want Batman to stay but she couldn't really do anything about it. After all Castlevaina belonged to Alucard and not her. Alucard turned to go further into the library but stopped after a few steps and then looked back at Batman.
"Oh Batman…what is a clown?" Alucard asked.
Over the next few days different members of the Justice League would come down to Castlevaina and sit and talk with Diana. Most of the time she would not engage them in a conversation or only respond in one or two words. However that was not the case with Hawk Girl as she spent her time telling stories of Thanagar and the crooks she had taken down, beaten up and thrown in jail...sometimes not in that order.
Diana in turn would talk about amazon training and mock battles she had participated in. It was about the only time she would participate in a conversation.
One day Flash came down to the castle, but he did not come to visit Diana. He came to see Alucard and give him a surprising invitation.
"A Movie day?" Alucard asked confused.
Flash nodded.
"Yep, we decided we would have a movie day this weekend," Flash claimed.
"I see...and what happens at this Movie day?" Alucard asked, he was intrigued by the idea.
"We all get together and watch some movies while eating way too much junk food,"
"That sounds incredibly unhealthy,"
"Nah, it's fun. So you in?" Flash asked.
"Do I have a choice?" Alucard asked back.
"Sure you do, you can either hang out with me and the others and have fun. Or you can sit in your dark creepy castle moping and brooding all day," Flash said.
"I do not mope or brood," Alucard huffed.
"The point is you should come," Flash urged "It'll help you understand humanity better,"
"I suppose it won't hurt...I have never been invited to a Movie day before," Alucard said "Very well I will attend,"
"Great, it's this Saturday morning, we're meeting at this address at 10am," Flash said and handed Alucard a folded up note "You can get there right?"
Alucard opened the note and read the address.
"It should not be a problem," Alucard assured.
"Awesome, I'll see you there. Oh will you pass the message onto Diana too?" Flash asked "We miss her up at the tower and I'm really starting to worry,"
"I will make sure to let her know," Alucard agreed.
"Great, I'll bring the chips if you bring some dip," Flash smiled.
"Dip...Dip in what?" Alucard wondered.
Once Flash was gone Alucard walked to Diana's room. Castlevaina had many unused rooms and Alucard had lent one of the larger and nicer rooms to Wonder Woman for the duration of her stay.
Once he was there he knocked on the door and waited for Diana to give him permission to enter and told her what Flash had said while leaning against a wall.
"A Movie day?" Diana asked.
"Indeed, apparently for the whole Justice League...I have been invited as well,"
"And Batman agreed to that?" she asked sceptically.
"Apparently he was not at the meeting where it was discussed," Alucard claimed.
"I don't think it's' a good Idea,"
"Why not?" Alucard asked.
"I...I just don't want to see anyone," Diana claimed "Not yet anyway,"
"Very well," Alucard said.
"You're not going to try and convince me otherwise?" Diana asked in surprise.
"No if you do not wish to attend then that is your choice," Alucard said "You are a grown woman…fully capable of making your own choices and I shall respect your decision,"
"I was just expecting you to try and convince me otherwise,"
"Why would I do that?" Alucard asked tilting his head to the side slightly.
"You're being very cryptic today,"
"I'm a powerful creature of the night…being cryptic is normal for me,"
"I know, I just get the feeling you want to tell me something," Diana said "is there something you want to tell me?"
"Is there something you wish to hear?"
Diana didn't respond.
"Regardless weather you attend or not I plan on attending and you cannot be here while I am gone,"
"Why not?"
"The same reason I will not allow you be alone when I go up to the Watchtower," Alucard said.
"Oh right...the dangerous castle," Diana sighed "but I have been here for week and I haven't felt any danger. Uncomfortable and creeped out yes...but no danger,"
"That is because I have been here, the castle will not harm you while I am present...however I do not trust it while I am away," Alucard said.
"Still…I am not sure I want to go,"
"If you are not feeling up to it, you do not have to come to the Movie day. You could go anywhere in the world you wish…Just tell me and I can send you on your way,"
"Anywhere but Themescyria," Diana claimed.
"I would not send you there even if you asked...given how your mother exiled you," Alucard stated.
"Right...You know, I haven't been to Athens in several centuries," Diana claimed "I wonder how it's like there now,"
"Athens it is then," Alucard said "However please do not ignore this invitation…your friends are worried about you,"
"I...I'll think about it," Diana said.
Alucard nodded and walked out leaving Diana alone.