A.n I own Nothing
Hey everyone, sorry for the late update. I have recently busted my wrist and it has spent the last 3 weeks in a cast and on top of that my Mum was in a horrific car accident and will be in Hospital with a Broken neck and Crushed Pelvis for the next 3 months. Needless to say, these events have made it hard to write, so updates will be a bit slow.
On a happier note this arc is named after the Castlevania video game Symphony of the Night (in my opinion it is the best one in the series) this arc was also inspired by its radio Drama sequel Nocturne of Recollection.
As always, please Review.
Commissioner Gordon stood on the rooftop of Gotham city police department; he was looking out over the city. He had lit the bat signal a few minutes ago and was waiting for his dark alley to appear.
"Commissioner," Batman greeted.
"Batman," the Commissioner greeted.
"What have you got this time?" Batman asked.
Commissioner Gordon approached and held out a file for the Dark Knight to look at.
"Lucy Pan, age 16; she was reported missing 24hrs ago," the Commissioner claimed.
"I don't deal in missing persons," Batman pointed out.
"She's not missing anymore...she was found this dead this morning," Commissioner Gordon claimed.
"You called me for a missing person's case that you have already solved?" Batman asked, he was a bit annoyed that Gordon had called him for nothing. Gothams' Commissioner was not known for wasting the Dark Knights time.
"Her body was found in Europe...specifically Transylvania," the Commissioner finished.
Batman looked at the Commissioner, he reached out and took the file and began to flip through it.
"We contacted the airport and checked against outbound travelers in the immigration office...Lucy did not leave the country through the normal legal means," Gordon explained.
"No active passport, no known the history of travel and...a fear of flying," Batman read out, he was a bit surprised at that last piece of information "this doesn't make sense, how did Lucy get out of the country?"
"That's what I thought," Gordon agreed "she would've been turned away at the airline check in for not having a passport. It's why I called you,"
"The police in Romina contacted us when they found her license to confirm her identity," Gordon claimed "We got the photo from the Romanian Police force and we've been in contact with her family for information where to send the body,"
Batman nodded.
"Cause of death?" Batman asked.
"This is where it gets a little weird, she died from extreme and rapid blood loss," Gordon answered.
Batman's head instantly jerked up and stared at the Commissioner is shock.
"I know, surprised me too. Freaked Bullock out, he fell backward off his chair when he read the report," Gordon chuckled "He's convinced Vampires are real now,"
"Hmm…" Batman responded, deciding it was best not to make a comment on the existence of Vampires.
"Lucy's body is being shipped back to Gotham tomorrow night European time so we should have it in two days," Gordon finished "along with a copy of everything related to her. Phots, reports, things like that,"
Batman snapped the file shut and turned away, we walked to the edge of the roof.
"I'll look into it," Batman assured, and he jumped off the roof.
Commissioner Gordon watched him go before turning off the Bat-signal and heading back into the police station.
Once Batman had left the rooftop he grappled down to where he had parked and hidden the Batmobile and got in. He drove straight back to the Batcave where he got out of the car and headed to the Batwing. As he was getting ready to take off Alfred, Batmans ever-faithful butler came down and approached the plane.
"Going on an unexpected holiday sir?" Alfred asked "and I just made some fresh scones too,"
"A local girl went missing yesterday has turned up dead in Transylvania," Batman said "I'm going to investigate the body before it's shipped back here,"
"Oh dear. Shall I fetch you some garlic for the trip?" Alfred asked "I would hate for you to turn more into a creature of the night than you actually are,"
Batman gave him an unimpressed look; he had not told Alfred that he knew an actual vampire.
"Yes yes, I'm fired I know," Alfred commented light-heartedly before turning and heading back upstairs.
Once he was gone Batman fished his pre-flight preparations and launched his plane. He flew straight to Romania, given the speed it only took him a bit over an hour. Batman checked the location of the morgue on the file and landed on the roof.
By the time he arrived, it was just after 8 am in the morning, having left Gotham just past 11 pm and crossing the International Date Line (1) to get to Romania. Once he had landed he got out and snuck into the Coroner's office, compared to sneaking into super-powered villain lairs and Luther's big high tech security tower it was fairly easy and the morning staff weren't in yet.
Once he was in the morgue Batman found a chart listing which freezers stored witch bodies. He was in the process of reading it when the light suddenly came on and the door opened. Batman reflexively got into a defensive stance and drew a Batarang prepared to fight.
A young man walked in wearing a doctor coat, he was holding a clipboard. He froze and stared at the intruder and dropped his board and it clattered on the ground.
"Holy Frankenstein(2)...you're…you're the Batman," The coroner gasped.
Batman lowered his Batarang and the coroner quickly bent down and picked up his board.
"What are you doing here?" The coroner asked.
"Lucy Pan, I want to see her body," Batman ordered.
"Uh...sure," the man said "I could actually use your opinion on her,"
He went over to the freezers and opened it pulling out the tray, lying on the tray was a shriveled body that looked nothing like the picture in the file. Batman glared at the young man.
"I said I want to see Lucy Pan's body," Batman growled threateningly.
"You're looking at her," The coroner claimed.
"It can't be," Batman said, "this looks like..."
"The corpse of a shriveled out husk," the corona finished "yeah I know...I had to run five different DNA samples before I was convinced,"
"I was told she died of extreme blood loss," Batman said "But that wouldn't…it shouldn't cause this,"
"Well she did die of blood loss...in fact, there was not a single drop of blood in her when she was brought in," The coroner stated.
Batman looked up at him in surprise.
"I'm not joking and it gets weirder, there is no sign of a struggle, any kind of drugs in her system or any form of blunt trauma that would be a viable cause of death," the coroner explained "Hell if all of her organs are in pretty good condition…minus the blood of course,"
"Then...how did she lose all her blood?" Batman asked.
The coroner put gloves on and walked round to the side Batman was standing on, he gestured for the Dark Knight to step back and Batman complied. The coroner tilted Lucy's head to the side and revealed two small puncture marks on the neck that had previously been covered. Batman leaned in closer to get a better look and stared at the marks.
"This is the only injury on the victim,"
"They're too big and too close together to be from a needle," Batman observed.
"I've ruled out snake and spider bites, due to the lack of venom in her body,"
"It would be hard to trace Venom without blood anyway…what do you think caused this?" Batman asked.
"Word around the office is it's a vampire attack," the coroner claimed.
Batman stood up and looked the coroner directly in the eyes.
"That is a poor joke," Batman stated. Though his mind had instantly thought of a vampire attack as well upon seeing the two holes in the victims' neck.
"This is Romania, the body was found inside the Transylvania region...the birthplace of all occult and supernatural legend. Frankenstein, Dracula, and Werewolves it all came from here," the coroner explained "So when a body of a young girl shows up with all her blood drained and two puncture marks on her neck in Transylvania...rumours like that are going to spread like wildfire,"
Batman nodded in understating, he fully believed that there was a logical explanation for Lucy's current state and he just had to find it. Then again…if the vampire theory had some merit and he knew that if a vampire was responsible then there was only one suspect.
"I want a full copy of the report," Batman demanded.
"Sure...I'll print one out for you," the coroner said.
He put the body away and led Batman to his office where he printed the report out and gave it to the Dark Knight. Batman took it and left without a word. Batman got back in his plane and took off heading back to Gotham while thinking over everything he had just seen and what the coroner said.
Batman moved his hand to the radio and was about to activate it but hesitated for a second and then activated the radio.
"Batman to Watchtower," Batman said.
"Watchtower," Green Lanterns voice came through.
"What is Alucard's current location?"
"Hang on," Green Lantern said. Batman knew it would take a few seconds for Green Lanturn to locate Alucard via the tracking device the league had put in him.
"The Watchtowers computer says he's in Metropolis," Green Lantern claimed.
"Contact Superman and have him bring him up to the Watchtower...I want a word with him," Batman said "I'll be there in two hours," (3)
Batman killed the connection before Green Lantern could respond and increased his planes speed heading back towards Gotham.
Metropolis, Clark Kents Apartment
As the Dark Knight was busy with his own investigation his colleague Superman was busy at his reporters' friend apartment in the city of Metropolis. The man of steel was currently busy on a very important mission of his own…one which heavily involved their vampiric alley.
Superman had decided to help Alucard with his study of modern human culture and thought it would be fun to take him on a sort of field trip. Superman had brought the vampire prince to Clark's apartment.
When Alucard had asked Superman if Clark was okay with them being here, the Man of Steel merely shrugged his concern off and claimed that Clark often went out at night for stakeouts and to attend any other newsworthy events that happened around the city and after the failed movie day he had agreed to let Superman use his apartment whenever he needed. Provided the Reporter was not there.
So Alucard was sitting at the table patiently while Superman was in the kitchen making something for the vampire to try. Alucard noted that despite this being Clark's apartment Superman's scent was on practically everything and as strong as it had been since the movie day; he decided not to point out.
"Okay, here we go," Superman said as he walked over and placed two frosted glasses filled with a brown liquid and a straw coming out of the glass. Alucard eyed the glass and the contents suspiciously as Superman sat down opposite him.
"So this is called….a Milkshake?" Alucard asked as he looked at the object in front of him.
"Yep," Superman nodded, as he sipped from the straw of his own drink.
"I see…do humans drink this regularly?"
"I'm sure some wish they could, but it's more of an occasional treat than a regular beverage," Superman claimed "It comes in different flavors too,"
"Hmm….interesting…." Alucard said thoughtfully as he observed the beverage with critical eyes "How long must one shake the milk for it to be made?"
Superman was in the process of sipping his own drink, he snorted in a desperate attempt to hide his laughter and not to spit his drink out or spill it.
"Did I say something wrong?" Alucard asked tilting his head as Superman desperately tied to hide his chuckles.
"No...No. It's just that's you don't shake the milk up to make it," Superman claimed "You mix it up in blender or a special machine,"
"Then why is it called a Milkshake if you do not shake it?" Alucard asked.
"Uh…that is a very good question and one I had never thought about before. For now, just give it a try," Superman encouraged.
Alucard leaned forward and sucked on his straw, a cold thick and creamy liquid entered his mouth.
"Well…What do you think?" Superman asked eagerly.
"It is very delightful…but I don't recognise the taste,"
"It's Chocolate,"
"Chocolate…what is that?"
"It's a popular sweet made from the Cocoa Bean,"
"I see….I am not familiar with this kind of bean,"
"Not surprising, the first Coco Beans didn't arrive in Europe until 1502," Superman said "that was over 20 years after you went to sleep,"
"Indeed," Alucard nodded in agreement, he looked down with sad eyes "I have missed much,"
"Don't feel too bad, most of the stuff you missed is still around and I don't think Chocolate is ever going to die out," Superman assured.
"I assume that is a good thing,"
"It is," Superman agreed.
Alucard and Superman sat there drinking their drinks, Alucard took a few more sips before he stopped and pushed the glass away with a faraway look in his eyes. Superman noticed the change in the vampires behavior.
"Something wrong?" Superman asked in concern.
"The Milk…it tastes different to what I am…was used too," Alucard said, correcting himself "it even smells different too,"
"Oh, how so?"
"It is thicker and…cleaner," Alucard answered.
"Well they process and make milk creamer nowadays," Superman agreed "but what do you mean by cleaner?"
"We used to get milk from cows….and it would go straight from the cows utter to our table," Alucard explained "the buckets used to collect milk were not the cleanest….and the cows would often swat flies in it with their tails…they had to be picked out,"
"Oh right…but couldn't you buy milk back then?" Superman asked "Surly farmers would trade it,"
"Some farmers did yes; always at very high prices…however it was never as good as it was fresh," Alucard claimed "But now it tastes different,"
"Did your family have a cow?" Superman asked.
"No, we did not," Alucard answered.
"So how do you know what milk tastes and smells like?"
"The village where I grew up was a farming village; a few of our neighbors would give us eggs and milk…in exchange for herbs and medicine," Alucard claimed "we never need much since only me and my mother would drink it,"
"Well milk still comes from cows," Superman assured "it's just the process for making milk is different now,"
"Hmm…"
"You know…have you thought about sharing your knowledge with historians?" Superman asked.
"The knowledge I possess is best left forgotten," Alucard stated.
"I don't mean knowledge of monsters or magic, just knowledge of what life was like half a century ago…or what people ate, how they cooked and everyday routines and customs from back then,"
"Why would any human be interested in that?" Alucard asked raising an eyebrow.
"Because a lot of traditions and customs from that time period are forgotten and what is known is based on assumptions and what little history survived," Superman explained "I know I'd be interested,"
"It is not something I had thought about…let alone considered," Alucard stated, "and you are sure there are humans out there who would be interested in simple everyday tasks?"
"Yeah, I'd defiantly be interested in hearing about what kind of foods you ate and how it was prepared…though I would recommend leaving out being an immortal vampire if you want to be taken seriously," Superman advised.
Before Alucard could respond Superman Justice League com went off.
"Watchtower to Superman" Green Lantern said
"Oh…hang on a second," the man of steel said and he touched his earpiece "Hey John. Is something wrong?"
"Not sure, but Batman is heading for the Watchtower; he wants to see Alucard as soon as possible," Green Lantern said, "The Watchtower tracking system says he's in Metropolis,"
Superman glance at Alucard.
"Yeah, he's with me…Is something wrong?" Superman asked a bit worried.
"Batman didn't say but he seemed urgent, you two better get up here," Green Lantern advised.
"Can it wait?" Superman asked. He was enjoying his conversation and he wanted to finish his milkshake.
"Do you want to ask Batman that?" Green Lantern responded "I can transfer you through to his com line,"
"No no, that's fine," Superman said quickly "No need to bother him, we'll be up there soon,"
He then cut the connection, stood up and let out a sigh.
"Is there a problem?" Alucard asked.
"Batman wants to see you," Superman said.
"What for?"
"No Idea, but it's best not to keep him waiting," Superman answered.
"I do not blame you…I have noticed on several occasions he makes a more terrifying creature of the night than I do," Alucard said light-heartedly.
"You know, Batman would probably take that as a compliment," Superman chuckled.
He then turned serious.
"You haven't done anything to annoy him lately have you?" Superman asked.
"Not to my knowledge," Alucard responded.
Superman and Alucard quickly finished their milkshakes and quickly made it to the Watchtower, upon arrival they were greeted by Hawk Girl, Wonder Woman, J'onn, Flash and Green Lantern. Flash had been present in the control room during Green Lanterns call to Superman and had told the other League members however Batman was not up on the tower yet.
Batman arrived thirty minutes later and demanded that the League follow him to the conference room. The rest of the League followed him and sat down around the table. Alucard also took a seat; they were all curious as to what Batman wanted to discuss.
"So, what's going on?" Flash asked nervously. He was praying that the Dark Knight had not found out he was playing online games on the monitors again.
"Roughly twenty-four hours ago, a sixteen-year-old Gotham girl named Lucy Pan went missing…she was found dead this morning," Batman started.
The League looked at the Dark Knight in confusion.
"Aren't murders in Gotham a regular occurrence?" Hawk Girl asked "plus you don't usually ask us for help with your city,"
"They are and I am not asking for help in protecting Gotham," Batman clarified.
"Then why bring this murder up at all?" J'onn asked.
"Because Lucy's body was found in Transylvania," Batman announced.
Alucard eyes immediately narrowed and he leaned forward to pay closer attention.
"So this girl hopped a plane to Europe and was murdered," Green Lantern said with a shrug "maybe a local criminal got her,"
"Or she got mugged," Flash added.
"No, she had no passport, no travel history, and also suffered from fear of flying. Besides that she was a minor which means she would require a parental or guardian figure to travel anywhere internationally," Batman said.
"Then she was kidnapped," Wonder Woman concluded.
"That seems to be the most likely case," Batman agreed.
"What was the cause of death?" J'onn asked.
"Blood loss…her entire body had been drained of every single drop of blood. The only trace the killer left were two puncture wounds on her neck," Batman said, he then turned his attention to Alucard.
"Sound familiar?" Batman asked darkly.
The leagues' eyes fell on Alucard.
"Hold on...you don't think Al did this...do you?" Flash asked.
"I am merely investigating all possible angles," Batman answered but never took his eyes of the league's vampiric ally.
"I did not do this," Alucard said.
Batman walked around the table and put the picture of Lucy in front of him.
"So you're saying you've never seen this girl before?" Batman asked.
Alucard looked at the picture.
"No," he replied "Nor have I returned to Transylvania since I moved my castle under the ocean,"
"See it couldn't have been him," Flash said.
"Then perhaps you can tell us if this is a vampire's bite or not," Batman said.
Alucard reached forward and picked up the picture of the dried-up corpse, he narrowed his eyes and examined the picture critically.
'That is a vampire bite...but that's not possible. There are no more vampires,' Alucard thought as he looked over the picture.
"This is how a vampire feeds," Alucard admitted "but not what is usually left behind,"
"What do you mean?" Superman asked.
"A vampire never takes all of the blood from their victims,"
"I find that hard to believe," Batman said.
"Vampires take most of the blood...there is always some left behind to identify the remains. Besides blood is needed to turn a mortal into a vampire so there is always some left behind," Alucard claimed, "This never happens...unless…"
"Unless?" Batman asked.
"Unless the vampire is starving," Alucard claimed.
"Like you?" Batman accused.
Alucard stood up and looked Batman directly in the eye.
"I have my own supply of blood...a supply which you are aware of and have tested," Alucard said "I feed regularly and even if I didn't I would not prey on a human,"
Batman and Alucard glared at each other intensely and the others watched closely to see who would give in first.
"Batman...you said that this girl went missing yesterday right?" Superman intervened.
"Yes,"
"Well Alucard couldn't have done it then...he was up here on the Watchtower last night and he's been with me tonight," Superman said.
"Doing what?" Batman asked.
"We had an Indiana Jones marathon last night," Flash grinned "I sent you an invite but you didn't show,"
"It was rather entreating," Wonder Woman agreed.
"And what were you doing tonight?" Batman demanded.
"Tasting modern-day food, I thought it would help him adjust," Superman claimed.
"I was under the impression that human food does not give you strength," J'onn said to Alucard.
"It doesn't," Alucard agreed "but it does help keep my hunger for blood at bay,"
"I also pointed out that if Alucards going to live in this time then he should know about its culinary cuisine," Superman stated "I made him a milkshake, we were drinking it when John called us,"
"You guys were going on a food tour...and you didn't invite me?" Flash whined.
"It was just one Milkshake and I wanted to keep the bill down," Superman shrugged "but I'll let you know when we're up to my Ma's special homemade apple pie. They're the best pies in the world,"
"Please do," Flash said.
"I would be interested in trying that," Hawkgirl commented.
"Me too," Wonder woman agreed.
"I too would like to try some of this pie," J'onn said.
"Then it's settled, we will all try some of Ma Superman's pie," Flash said.
"I'll let her know to make extra," Superman smiled.
"We are getting off-topic," Batman growled.
Why did that always happen at Justice Leauge meetings?
"Not really Alucard says he didn't do it and he has an alibi," Hawk Girl pointed out.
"He was up here on the tower all day yesterday and today as well," J'onn added "So that means he could not be the culprit,"
"That's right, both J'onn and I saw him and he only left with Superman a two hours ago," Wonder Woman added.
Batman didn't look entirely convinced.
"If you won't take their word for it check the Watchtowers tracking system records," Flash advised "It'll show where Als been the last few days,"
Batman's eyes narrowed it appeared that Hawkgirl was right. Alucard had an alibi and if what both J'onn and Superman were saying was true then he would be able to see it on the watchtowers tracking systems.
Batman grabbed the two pictures and the file he had shown the vampire and turned and walked out of the meeting room.
"Meeting adjourned," Flash said and he watched as Alucard mutter the return spell and disappear in a pillar of black fire.
"Well that went better than I expected," John said.
"Batman does not seem to like Alucard very much," J'onn stated.
"I don't think he likes anyone very much," Superman said.
"He likes me," Flash claimed proudly.
The rest of the room gave the Speedster a strange look.
"What?... You guys don't think he likes me?" Flash asked a bit of hurt in his voice but he was ignored.
"At least Alucard has an alibi," Hawkgirl said.
"Right because it's not like he's an extremely powerful magical creature of the night or anything. So there's no way he could ever pull a fast one on us," John said sarcastically.
"I thought you and him got along now," Hawk Girl said.
"We do…but he's still a very powerful being," Green Lantern defended.
"So are the rest of us," J'onn pointed out.
"So you think not only is Alucard lying but us too?" Wonder Woman asked annoyed.
"No, I'm just saying it wouldn't be hard for him to trick us," John claimed.
"You do remember that Alucard doesn't have a lot of powers and is very conservative of what he does have," Flash pointed out.
"Well, I believe that he didn't do it," Hawk Girl claimed.
"Me too," Flash agreed.
"I also believe Alucard is innocent," J'onn spoke up.
"I know he didn't," Superman added.
"I agree as well," Wonder Woman finished.
"I don't want to either but this is a pretty strange case," Lantern said "Let's wait and see what Batman finds,"
"It's probably just another deranged psychopath, it wouldn't be the first time a demented individual killed some poor soul the same way a vampire would," Superman said.
"Why would they do that?" Wonder Woman asked.
"Usually because they want to be an actual vampire," John said.
"Man's world is very strange," Diana said.
The Bat Cave, under Wyne Mannor
After leaving the others The Dark Knight returned to Gotham and back to his hideout deep underneath Wayne Manor, at the moment Batman was sitting in front of the Bat Computer with all the evidence of his current case spread out in front of him, the Caped Crusader stared at the photos and documents before him as he tried to put the pieces together
Suddenly the sound of footsteps filled the air as Alfred descended into the depth of the Batcave via the large staircase that lead back to the manor
"Welcome home sir, I excepted you to be gone longer," Alfred said, as he walked up to the computer but Batman did not turn to look at him.
"While you were away Master Dick called. I'm sure you'll be delighted he is settling well with his new friends at Jump City," Alfred continued but again got no answer.
"By the way, Miss Kylie also rang; she wanted to ask about your upcoming nuptials…in particular the seating arrangements. She wasn't sure if she should seat the Joker next to Commissioner Gordon or not and wanted your opinion on the matter," he continued in a polite yet sarcastic tone "also Harly Quinn has been named made of honor,"
Batman stopped typing and swiveled his chair round to look at Alfred.
"You know you're fired right?" Batman asked in a flat tone.
"Ah there you are sir, welcome home...again," Alfred said with a satisfied smile on his face.
Batman gave the butler a glare and he turned back to his computer and started typing again.
"Did your lead in Transylvania give you the answers you were searching for?" Alfred asked.
"Not exactly," Batman said.
"Terribly sorry sir, did you at least meet some new friends while you were away, particularly ones that share your interests in hanging upside down from the ceiling and fondness for bats?"
"What do I need friends for when I have you?" Batman responded.
"That answer didn't make me feel better when you were ten and it makes me feel even worse now," Alfred claimed.
Before Batman could respond the Bat computer let out an alarm causing the Dark Knight to race his fingers across the keyboard
"An emergency sir?" Alfred asked.
"I set up the Bat computer to run a spider web program through all known law enforcement databases," Batman informed.
"I'm sorry sir my hearing is a bit off from vacuuming, could you explain that again?" Alfred asked.
"I set it up to notify me even any other reports entered that contain anything similar to Lucy Pans case, and it just found something," Batman said as he pulled up a file on the screen.
"Alice Rivers, seventeen-year-old female from Metropolis, went missing yesterday found dead today in...Budapest" Batman said suspiciously.
"My word, how horrid," Alfred said "Another girl found in Europe,"
"The victim possessed no passport or anything of personal value, completely drained of blood and only two puncture wounds on her neck," Batman read from the report.
"It appears your killer has struck again," Alfred said.
"It seems that way," Batman said as he stood up.
"Poor girl, I wonder how the killer is moving them so fast across the globe," Alfred pondered.
"Maybe he has a magic Castle that can go anywhere," Batman muttered under his breath.
"What was that sir?" Alfred asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm heading back out Alfred," Batman said.
Alfred pulled up his sleeve and looked at his watch.
"You've been back for five minutes, congratulations on breaking your old record Sir," Alfred said.
Batman groaned but kept walking.
He got into the Batmobile and drove out into the night. Batman contacted Superman to ask the man of steel if he could borrow his protective charm to get into Castlevania, stating another body had been found. Superman, however,had checked the Watchtowers tracking system and found that Alucard was currently in the middle of the ocean and therefore in his castle; he refused to let Bantam accuse him of any wrongdoing twice in the same night and denied him the use of his charm.
The next Day Alucard brought some more blood up to the watchtower for storage, Batman confronted him but Alucard again denied having any involvement with missing girls. As the week went on more and more girls turned up dead all in different parts of Romania and each girl from a different city that a member of Justice League protected.
They had no connection other than their gender and all of them had no passports or travel history and by the end of the week, four dead girls had been found. Each one had been drained of all their blood and had two puncture wounds on their necks.
The League could no longer ignore this and by the end of the week, they were starting to doubt Alucards innocence in the matter...though Flash refused to believe that Alucard was capable of murder. So the next time the vampire was on the watchtower the League confronted him.
"Um...Alucard...we need to talk," Superman said nervously.
Alucard nodded and followed Superman into the meeting room where the rest of the league was waiting and Batman was glaring at him.
"So earlier this week Batman accused you of killing an innocent girl," Superman started.
"I remember," Alucard stated.
"The thing is...more girls have gone missing and turned up dead...drained of blood like the others," John said "and each victim came from our cities,"
"The only common thing we could find was that they are all between 16 and 18 years of age, all female and all had no blood with the only visible wound was two puncture marks on their neck in the same location," Batman claimed.
"I see...you still believe me to be responsible," Alucard sighed.
"We don't want to...but you did bring up a large supply of blood for storage in between the second and third victim showed," J'onn claimed.
"That is not human blood…test it if you must," Alucard insisted.
"How about the fact you told us that your castle can go anywhere in the world in an instant?" Hawk Girl demanded, "Could you not use that to kidnap and dump the girls on the other side of the world?"
"My castle has not moved in centuries," Alucard claimed "If it did you would most definitely know and there would be far more corpses lying around and I do not prey on humans,","
"You tried to feed on me not long ago," Batman insisted.
"That was different, I could not control myself," Alucard reminded.
"That brings up a good point; you may not have known you were doing it. Like you said, you've lost control before," Wonder Woman claimed.
"I am fully aware of my surroundings when I lose control...and I have been feeding reagulary to avoid that from happing again,"
"On teenage girls you mean," Batman said.
"I did not kill those girls;" Alucard hissed.
The League glanced at each other and Batman looked at J'onn and nodded.
"When you lost control you know I went into your mind to try and pull you out of it," J'onn said "What I did not tell you is I got a name from your mind,"
"What name?" Alucard asked narrowing his eyes.
"Your name...Dracula," J'onn claimed.
Alucard balled his fists and unintentionally let out a low angry growl.
"Never...ever call me that," Alucard warned dangerously.
"Why? That is your name isn't it?" John asked.
"No, it's not," Alucard snapped.
"Isn't Dracula spelled backward Alucard?" Batman accused "How do we know we haven't been harbouring the famous Vampire King himself all this time?"
Alucard was shaking from anger and was unintentionally giving off a dark aura. The Shadows in the room seemed to be slowly shifting to point and stretch towards Alucard as if they had herd his anger and they were responding to it. Alucard walked slowly towards Batman, until he was standing right in front of him.
"Choose your next words carefully human," Alucard warned in a very low and dangerous voice.
"Or what? You'll bite me too?" Batman challenged.
Alucard let out a vampiric hiss that exposed his long fangs.
"Hold on...let's not fight," Flash said getting in-between Batman and Alucard.
"Move Flash," Batman demanded.
"Five girls have gone missing and 4 of them are dead," Batman said "they all appear in Europe with their blood drained and no explanation...we've seen what happens when Alucard drains blood from the living,"
"Yeah but...like you said only 4 of the 5 girls have turned up dead. Let's just search Als castle for the last one," Flash suggested.
"No," Alucard said.
"What?" Flash asked.
"I will not let you search Castlevania," Alucard claimed.
"Why not?"
"You do not understand how dangerous that place is," Alucard claimed.
"But Diana was there for weeks," Flash tired "she's no worse for wear,"
"But nothing. The only reason Wonder Woman is fine is because I ensured it…I will not let any of you wander it freely or unattended," Alucard claimed "Vampires do not take intruders lightly and I am no exaptation to that rule,"
"You do know that makes you sound more guilty," Hawk Girl stated.
"I do not care…it is for your own safety that I keep you out," Alucard claimed.
"Fine then answer me one question...Have you ever consumed Human blood?" Batman asked.
Alucard froze and didn't answer. He looked away refusing to meet any of the League's gazes. His silence was the only answer they needed.
"I see...that's a shame," Batman said "We have no choice but to take you in,"
"I did not do this," Alucard repeated.
"Alucard...please we don't want to fight you," Superman claimed "If you come quietly I promise we will help you and you will be treated well,"
Alucard looked at the League in shock; he could not believe this was happing. He took a few steps back and spoke the return spell. Black Flames surrounded him and he disappeared.
"We need to get down to his castle now," Batman said urgently.
"I'll get my charm," Superman said and dashed out of the room. The others followed him with haste, however, Flash remained and stared at the spot that Alucard had been standing moments ago.
"Alucard..." Flash said sadly.
Castlevania, bottom of the ocean
Alucard appeared in the transport room and he kicked a nearby table into the wall. The Table shattered from his strength. A swirl of Darkness appeared and engulfed the remains of the broken table had been completely repaired and returned to its original spot.
Alucard slid down against the wall and let out a long sigh and looked up the ceiling.
"How could this happen...Is there another vampire involved...did they escape from hell?" Alucard asked himself as he ran his hands over his face.
He didn't think it was possible but then again if they had crossed over during the time when the barrier was weak then it would be possible to escape to earth.
"It will not be long before the League comes down here," Alucard sighed.
Alucard closed his eyes and willed the castle to prevent any kind of entry. He then turned to look at the transport circle in the middle of the room.
"The first girl was found in Transylvania...If the League will not listen then I will find the true culprit myself," Alucard said as he stood up.
He thought about the name of the town where the first girl was found in the file he read that Batman had brought up t the Watchtower. The magic of the room activated and the vampire prince disappeared in a pillar of flames. Once he was gone the room died down and an echo of the doors of the castle sealing shut sounded.
Lugosi, Transylvania, Romania
Deep in the countryside of Transylvania laid the sleepy village of Lugosi, normally the small village didn't seem like the place for mysterious mysteries, however, and the recent discovery of four murdered American girls has caused quite the commotion.
It was that particular case is what brought a young man from England to this tiny village, at the moment the young 11yr old with brown hair wearing hunting gear and a long coat was as trying to build up his confidence in his plan.
"Okay Julius, just find the vampire and get home...should be simple enough," the boy known as Julius told himself as he walked through the dark abandoned streets of the village "and do it before Grandfather notices I stole my ancestors' whip and snuck out,"
"And I'm sure grandfather will understand once I prove I was right," Julius continued.
Flashback
Belmont Manor
In the main study of the Belmont Manor, Richter Belmont slept in a large wingback chair that was seated in front of the fireplace, the elder Belmont was raised from his slumber when the doors to his study slammed open.
"Grandfather!" An excited voice yelled.
"Come on Pennyworth let's show these Argies what for!" Richter yelled suddenly as he was brought out of sleep.
"No grandfather it's me," Julius said much calmer.
"Oh...it's your grandson, I thought I was with Pennyworth back in the Falklands," Richter said
"It's just me Grandfather but look what was in the paper," Julius said as he laid the newspaper in his Grandfather's lap, Richter pulled out his reading glasses and read the headline.
"American teen found dead," Richter read out loud.
"Keep reading," Julius urged.
"Sources claimed the victim was found completely drained of...oh…oh no," Richter groaned.
"She was completely drained of blood grandfather," Julius said as he jabbed the paper.
"Julius," Richter tried through a sigh.
"This isn't even the first case, there have been three other girls who died the same way," Julius claimed.
"Julius," Richter tried again.
"And they all had two puncture wounds on her neck… do you know what that means?" Julius asked extended.
"That I should cancel our newspaper subscription to prevent you from reading about murders?" Richter responded.
"Grandfather this is serious," Julius whined.
Richter sighed.
"I know and I also know what you think this article means," Richter said.
"It's a Vampire grandfather, an actual Vampire!" Julius squealed excitedly "We should go hunt it!"
Richter sighed again.
"Julius, I know you very much want to hunt an actual vampire, believe I want to do so as well..." Richter started.
"Then let's go before they get away," Julius urged "let's get the family whip and…"
"Julius, not every bizarre death is a vampire, remember those nurses in Prague? What was killing them?" Richter asked cutting the teen off.
"A...cannibal serial killer" Julius answered "but I don't see what that has to do with this case?"
"And those men in Moscow?"
"Mafia hit," Julius answered nervously.
"And those campers in Idaho?"
"Rabid moose," Julius said softly.
"I rest my case," Richter huffed.
"But grandfather what if it's real this time?" Julius pleaded.
"Then I still wouldn't let you go," Richter said.
"But we're Belmonts, it's our job to hunt vampires," Julius tried "we're vampire hunters,"
"And how many vampires have you killed?" Richter asked.
"Well...none" Julius admitted "But you've trained me my whole life,"
"True but training is only half of a hunter's skill the other half is real world experience, of which you have none," Richter asked
"Neither do you technically" Julius pointed out
"Then technically if it was a real vampire we'd be both some demon's lunch," Richter said, Julius didn't respond and looked down in disappointment
"Julius there are no more vampires. You know this,"
"I know…our great ancestor Trevor Belmont and his wife Sypha Bellahads defeated Dracula and the Vampire king and his kind vanished from the earth forever," Julius quoted sadly.
"Julius please understand, it's not that I don't think you're capable, I just don't want you to get your hopes up," Richter said as he got out of his chair and placed his hand on his grandson's shoulder causing him to look up.
"You are a Belmont and I am very proud of you, I know one day you will bring honor to the family name but for now don't rush to grow up," Richter said "But our families' time as Hunters has long since passed,"
"Then why do we still train? What's the point if there is nothing left to hunt?"
"There's always the odd demon…thought they only ever seem to pop up in America for some reason," Richter claimed "
"I don't want to be a Demon Hunter, I want to be a Vampire Hunter…like Trevor was," Julius demanded.
"Everyone in the family wants to be like Trevor Belmont. He was brave, noble and wise…truly a warrior without peer," Richter agreed "But we have our own duty, you are the last of our line and…"
"And I have to live to have kids to continue the family, I know," Julius groaned "But I want do so much more than that,"
"And you will, but you need to grow up first," Richter said "Now no more talk of Vampires, have you finished your homework yet?"
"Um…not all of it," Julius responded.
"Then go upstairs and finish it before bed," Richter ordered.
"But…"
"Go," Richter insisted.
Julius frowned and let out a sigh.
"Yes Grandfather," he said. He turned away and walked out of the room.
Richter sat back down and looked at the article again. He picked up the paper and threw it into the fire.
"Vampires….if they were still around we would all be in trouble," Richter sighed as he watched the newspaper burn.
End Flashback
"You're right Grandfather I am a Belmont and I will bring honor to the family name when I kill this vampire," Julius said determined as he kept walking.
(1) There is a 7 hr difference between Gotham (Using New Jersey as a start line since this is the city Gotham based off) and Romania, it is also on the opposite side of the International Date Line thus when Batman arrived it was morning in Romania and night in Gotham
(2) Robin reference. Robins old catch Phrase was Holy something Batman.
(3 )Warning: Maths Content. Flight time from America to Europe using the BatWing.
So according to the Batman wiki the only known top speed of the Batwing/Batplane is 4400mph(miles per hour), this is from a comic a good 10-15yrs ago...and I know technology has improved since then but it's still very fast.
Now Gotham is about where New Jersy should be in the real world and we know he's headed for Transylvania which is in Romania. It takes a bit over 8hrs to fly from New Jersy to Romania on a stranded 747 boing plane(most common plane used for travel) but since we know the Batwings top speed we can accurately determine how long it would take Batman to fly from Gotham to Romania.
The awnser...1hr 17min.
this is excluding the 30-minute preflight checks that most planes have to do when they take off and land...batman does have to do those but they are less because the Batwing is a smaller plane…and because his plane can land and take off anywhere so if he did have to it would be about 1hr 40min...ish.
This is expectantly fast
I expect that Batman would not be going at top speed but this math makes it entirely possible for Batman to go from Romania to Gotham and back up to the Watchtower within the 2hrs that he said.