Ghost Bat-Spirit of Vengeance

Chapter 9- Vampire

"Cause I've made some real big mistakes

But you make the worst one look fine

I should've known it was strange

You only come out at night

I used to think I was smart

But you made me look so naïve

The way you sold me for parts

As you sunk your teeth into me, oh

Bloodsucker, famefucker

Bleedin' me dry, like a goddamn vampire"

-Olivia Rodrigo

The fog clung to Gotham like a shroud, veiling the city in its cold embrace. The night was alive with the sounds of distant sirens, the rustle of leaves in alleyways, and the occasional screech of tires as Gotham's night-dwellers skittered through the streets. For Bruce Wayne, the city's noise had always been a comforting reminder of the chaos he was sworn to control. But tonight, the noise felt like a drumbeat, a reminder of how far he had fallen into darkness, and how desperately he needed something more.

It had been weeks since his last case as the Ghost Bat, and although Bruce's alter-ego had served its purpose—ruthlessly punishing Gotham's criminals—Bruce himself had been pulled into a strange limbo. The weight of his mission still dragged him into the shadows, but for the first time in years, there was something... more. Something beyond vengeance, beyond crime-fighting. There was a small flicker of hope in Bruce's chest, a fleeting feeling that perhaps he could still find redemption, or at least a fragment of peace.

Alfred, ever the observant butler, had noticed this shift in Bruce. He had noticed how Bruce no longer spent every waking moment in the cave, how the haunted look in his eyes had softened just slightly. Alfred had also noticed something else—Bruce wasn't as alone as he once was. For the past few weeks, Bruce had been speaking to Nina Williams, a woman who had crossed his path during a charity event. She was smart, beautiful, and warm, and Bruce found himself drawn to her despite his better judgment. Alfred, ever the pragmatist, had insisted that Bruce take the plunge and go out on a real date.

At first, Bruce resisted. He told Alfred that his life was complicated, that a relationship was impossible. But Alfred—never one to give up on Bruce—had pushed. "Even the Ghost Bat needs a little light, sir," he'd said, his voice laced with a rare softness. "It's time you gave yourself permission to live. Or at least pretend to."

And so, Bruce found himself standing outside Nina's apartment on the edge of Gotham's downtown. He had arrived early, unsure of what he should say, or how he should act. The city was cold, and the chill had crept into his bones. But despite the darkness that clung to him, there was something in the air tonight—something almost... normal. For the first time in a long while, he was just a man, approaching the door of a woman he had feelings for, hoping she would open it and let him in.

Bruce started daydreaming and picturing himself knocking on the door.

Nina stood there, dressed in a simple but elegant black dress, her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders. Her face lit up when she saw Bruce, her eyes warm and inviting.

"Hey," she said, her voice like a melody in the cold night air. "You made it. I was starting to think you'd bail on me."

Bruce smiled softly, feeling a rare flutter in his chest. "I wouldn't dream of it."

They exchanged pleasantries, and after a few moments, Bruce helped Nina into his car. The air between them was light, their conversation easy as they made their way to a restaurant in the city's heart.

Suddenly, as Bruce came out of his daydream and went to reach for the door he realized something had gone wrong. It had gone terribly wrong.

The night, which had begun with such promise, had taken a sharp turn.

The apartment door was slightly ajar. Bruce's heart raced. Stepping cautiously inside, Bruce immediately noticed the smell of blood. The metallic scent of death wafted through the air, stinging his nostrils as he moved through the living room. His mind raced—this wasn't a simple break-in. This wasn't just some random act of violence.

This was personal.

"Nina?" Bruce called out, his voice low, cautious. He stepped further into the apartment, his eyes scanning the room.

The bedroom door was open.

As he stepped into the room, his breath caught in his throat.

Nina's body lay on the bed, her face pale, eyes wide and lifeless. There was no blood on the floor—no obvious signs of struggle—but two distinct puncture marks marred her delicate neck. The unmistakable sign of a vampire.

His heart clenched, anger and grief intertwining like a twisted knot in his chest. It wasn't just a murder—it was a predator. Someone had taken Nina's life, someone who didn't belong in Gotham. A vampire.

Without thinking, Bruce's hands balled into fists. He had always believed in controlling his emotions, but this—this was personal. This was a line he couldn't ignore.

The transformation was instantaneous.

Bruce's transformed into Ghost Bat, the fiery skull burning with vengeance. His muscles flexed, his mind sharpened, and as he stepped out onto the balcony of Nina's apartment, he felt his connection to the darkness grow. The city was alive with its own violence, but this time, it wasn't a petty criminal he would chase. This time, it was something ancient.

His bat-cycle roared to life, flames licking the edges of the tires as he revved the engine, sending it racing through the streets of Gotham. The vampire wouldn't get away. Not this time.

Ghost Bat's senses were heightened, the power of vengeance driving him forward. He could feel the vampire's presence—a cold, unnatural pulse in the city's veins. It was close.

The chase was on.

The vampire was fast.

Ghost Bat tore through Gotham's streets, his fiery bike cutting through the night like a comet. He followed the predator's trail through alleyways, across rooftops, through abandoned buildings and city streets, the heat of the pursuit lighting the darkened path ahead. The vampire's speed was nearly supernatural, but Ghost Bat was faster. The flames that erupted from his tires propelled him through the city at unimaginable speeds, his will iron-clad, his rage infinite.

"YOU CANNOT HIDE FROM ME!" Ghost Bat roared, the growl of his voice blending with the roar of his bike. He was closing in. He could feel it.

Suddenly, a blur of motion leapt from the shadows—an explosion of speed and raw power. The vampire leapt off a rooftop, landing gracefully on the ground, eyes glowing with predatory hunger.

"You think you can catch me, Ghost Bat?" The vampire sneered, its voice dripping with venom. "You're nothing more than a nuisance."

Ghost Bat slammed on the brakes, sending his bike into a sharp turn that tore through the asphalt. His eyes locked on the vampire, calculating. He knew the creature's weaknesses. He knew how to end this. But the vampire was too fast. Every time Ghost Bat thought he had it, it was gone—vanishing into the night with unnatural swiftness.

And then, just as Ghost Bat was about to make his final strike, another figure appeared—this one, not an enemy, but an ally.

A figure clad in green, with a bow slung across his back and a blade at his side, stepped out of the shadows. His presence was commanding, and his eyes were sharp, focused. He moved with the same deadly grace that Ghost Bat did.

"Enough," the man growled, not looking at Ghost Bat but straight at the vampire. "You're done bloodsucker!"

The vampire hissed, its claws slashing toward the newcomer, but the green-clad figure was faster. With a fluid motion, he ducked, dodging the vampire's strike before launching a green-tipped arrow right into the creature's shoulder.

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!? Ghost Bat growled!

The green figure smirked, his eyes never leaving the vampire. "Green Blade. And I suggest you stay out of my way, Bat. This is my hunt."

Ghost Bat stood still for a moment, unsure. He'd never seen this man before, but the combination of weapons and the deadly focus in his eyes told him all he needed to know.

"I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE," Ghost Bat said, his voice like gravel. "THIS IS MY CITY. THIS IS MY PREY."

The vampire screeched in fury, trying to escape, but Green Blade was already on the move, his bowstring pulled taut. In a flash, an arrow shot forward, embedding itself in the vampire's chest. The creature howled in agony, but it was too late. Green Blade's arrow had done its job.

With one final, guttural scream, the vampire exploded into a million pieces that seemed to dissipate instantly into the air.

Green Blade lowered his bow, his eyes never leaving Ghost Bat's face. "Looks like we're both after the same thing," he said, his voice cold. "But you should learn to share the hunt."

Ghost Bat said nothing. The anger that had consumed him had momentarily receded. Gotham had been spared another creature of the night. Vengeance had been served, even if he had not been the one to serve it…..and for now, that was enough.

But as the two stood there, one man cloaked in shadows and fire, the other in glowing green, both of them knew—this was just the beginning.

To be continued…..