Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2002 06:36:32 -0800 (PST) From: Author James <authorjames2002@yahoo.com> Subject: Trials of a Real Dark Knight 38 Disclaimer: This story, though maybe not in this chapter but in subsequent chapters, will have celebrities in it. I have no knowledge of their sexuality and this is not intended to imply their sexuality. This is all from my own mind. Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox. Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros. X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox. The Vampire Chronicles and all related characters created by Anne Rice. Copyright Anne O'Brien Rice. Star Wars and all related concepts created by or based on the universe created by George Lucas. Copyright 20th Century Fox, LucasFilms Ltd. and Lucas Books/Ballantine Books. I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered. This story has taken on a life of its own. From its inception a year ago, I had only thought it would last ten chapters maximum. As you can see, it has grown tremendously. Mostly due to readers emailing me and telling me they've enjoyed it or have received help due to certain issues addressed. I've enjoyed writing this story but it would not have been written without men and women reading it and telling me they've enjoyed it. I do hope that you continue to enjoy each new chapter as our hero lives and grows. I have received many emails from people who have enjoyed it and some from those who do not. I would enjoy hearing from you. Any emails you send, please tell me what chapter and story you are commenting on. Thanks. authorjames2002@yahoo.com I also have several online messenger services. If you want to chat with me in real time, email me and tell me the services you use and I will tell you my screen name. Chapter 38 Deadly Enemy Lance slowly awoke on a couch that was unfamiliar to him. He looked around to see green plants sitting in front of red walls. He jumped and looked around remembering the vampires that had broken into the hotel room and kidnapped him. Some stood near the exits looking at him. A few had wicked grins on their faces. "Hello, Lance. Long time no see." Lance turned to the voice and was shocked to see the owner of the voice. "Oh my god," he whispered. The creature smiled at him. "Turic." "I see you recognize me. Good. I was wondering if I had been gone away too long according to this dimension's time line. You see, I had been in hell for one hundred years. In that time, you can imagine I suffered quite a bit. But I also had brief instances where everything was clear and I didn't have pain to keep me occupied. "Do you know what I thought of during that time? Revenge. Pure, sweet revenge. And do you know on whom I want to reap that revenge? Your lover, Eric McCoy. Do you know why I want to do that?" "Because you are a selfish, spoiled demon who is upset because he didn't get to use Justin as his boy-toy puppet?" Turic raised an eyebrow at Lance. "Very good. What is even worse, however, is the fact that Mr. McCoy isn't even with Justin. Think of what he did to free Justin. His newfound powers raged against me. That says a lot about Eric's feelings." "That was a year ago. Since your spell was broken, Justin had no recollection of what happened." "But surely some of it came back." "Some did. But he didn't have any feelings for men. At least, not for a while. And he didn't want to be with Eric." "So, Eric settled for the next best blonde NSYNC singer." Turic's words stung deeply in Lance. From a certain perspective, it could seem Turic's words were true. But what Eric said to Lance, what Eric did to Lance, surely those were signs of Eric's true feelings. "Maybe in your pathetic mind that's how you see it," Lance replied. "But I know Eric's true feelings for me. He loves me." "Good. I'm glad you two can convince yourself of that. Because I don't buy it, not for one second." "So, you were sired by Marius," I began. "Why are you here?" "Because a dark force has moved in on this island, my island, and I want to stop it. It means to harm human beings. And I won't allow it." "Brave words," Kai-El said, "for someone so young. We did not think your young were so brave." "I'm not that young," Armand said. "They usually are," I replied. "But their bravery without experience usually causes them to do stupid things and they get hurt." "I'm not that young," Armand spoke again. "Your appearance," Kai-El replied. "You look so youthful." "I'm probably older than you are." "Really? How can this be?" "There are creatures, Kai-El, on this planet that can live forever. The longer they live, the more difficult it is for them to be harmed." "Such creatures would be great assets in keeping peace." "That's where the problem comes in. These creatures are called vampires, and they do have weaknesses. Some are burned by holy symbols and wooden stakes. Others can touch those things and have stakes shoved into their hearts and still not die." "It just hurts like hell," Armand interjected. "For all of them, however, sunlight burns them. And most of these creatures have no soul. They are like evil animals." Kai-El quickly came on the defensive with Armand. "Relax," I replied. "He has a soul. The species he comes maintain their souls after the transformation." "You mean anyone can become a vampire?" the Jedi asked. "We don't just change anyone," Armand answered. "We are very selective about who becomes a vampire and who does not." "Back to the topic," I said. "What power is on the island? Do you know what it is that means to harm humanity?" "It is a vampire with vengeance on its mind. It suffered for a long time in a hellish place and wishes to wreak vengeance on those who sentenced it to hell." "Lovely," I replied sarcastically. "Any idea as to where this vampire is?" "Most likely the Casino Hotel. That is the tallest building on the island and has underground access to almost every building throughout the island. I needed such access since I easily burn in the sun." "Speaking of the sun," Kai-El said. "It is rising." "My cue to leave." Armand stood. "Kai-El and I will do some reconnaissance at the Casino Hotel. Whatever we find, we'll come back here. Meet us here after sunset and all three of us will go after the vampire." Armand nodded and left through the hotel room door. I walked over to the telephone and dialed 9-1-1. "What are you doing?" Kai-El asked. "I'm calling the police. We need to find Lance and I want everyone possible to help me." After I gave the police a description of Lance as well as a photograph, they went out to begin their search. I showered and changed into my black nylon pants and yellow sleeveless shirt. I handed Kai-El shorts and a t-shirt to wear. There was no need of her wearing her Jedi garb. It would look too outlandish. Once Kai-El showered and we ate something, the Jedi and I headed out for the Casino Hotel. I wanted to ignore my duty as Batman but Lance could be involved, too. And if that were the case, whoever this vampire was would be in a world of pain when I got through with him or her. The streets were crowded with people bustling to and fro shopping, eating, and enjoying the sun. The environment was very beautiful. But my husband was kidnapped and he was my focus. We walked past people and I would look at them, concentrate to sense any fear or anxiety if they saw me. So far I sensed nothing in anyone's molecular structure. Soon the Casino Hotel loomed before us. I took a deep breath feeling great anxiety at what may lurk inside. I didn't want to think of the bad that could have happened to Lance. I dared not entertain the possibility of him being dead, or worse, turned into a vampire. Kai-El and I went up the stairs to the door. "I wish you would have let me bring my Lightsaber." "It would have been too conspicuous. You have enough ability with your force powers. I'm sure you also know how to fight." "I do," she replied. "Good. These vampires are talented and very strong." We entered the lobby and asked the greeter where the casino was. He motioned to a set of double doors and we entered. The room was busy already with those gambling away their money. I hoped they were responsible enough to quit when it became too much. But, like all addictions, any amount would never be too much. The Jedi and I split up and walked around talking to guests asking if they had seen Lance, showing his picture to all we came in contact. No one had seen him, although I noticed some of security getting a bit antsy. They knew something, that's for sure. I looked around for Kai-El and found her talking with one of the guests. When she finished she turned right to me. "Any luck?" I asked. "None." "I think I may have found something. The security here seems to be antsy since a few noticed the picture. I think they know something." "What do you suggest?" "We need to get one alone and ask a few questions. I wonder if your Jedi mind trick will work on a vampire." "Can these creatures be vampires? It is daylight after all." "Not all vampires have to sleep during the day. They just need to avoid sunlight. Come, I see one now that looks all lonely." Kai-El followed me as I headed toward a men's room. I had just seen a security guard enter and it looked as promising an interrogation room as we would get. I slipped inside as saw the man standing in front of the urinal. I went over to a stall and closed the door. Sitting down without pulling my pants down, I listened for the gentleman to finish up. When he finished, he stepped over to the sinks, thank goodness. As the water ran, I made my move. I threw the door open and grabbed the top of the stall. Swinging my legs out, I kicked him into the mirror. "What the fuck?" he exclaimed. He turned around and I spun around kicking him in the face. He spun back and his face landed in the mirror. "What do you want?" he asked. "I need some information. I'm told you can help me." "What? Who said that?" "You and your colleagues' reaction to this picture." I pulled Lance's picture out and held it up to the man's face. "Where is he?" "I don't know what you are talking about." "Kai!" I called out. The door opened and Kai-El entered. She walked up to us. "Can I help you?" "He isn't cooperating. See what you can do." "We don't need to solve this with violence," Kai-El said waving her hand. The security guard seemed to relax instantly. "We don't need to solve this with violence." "You will cooperate." "I will cooperate." "Where is Lance being held?" Kai-El asked. "The top floor in the master's penthouse." "Who is your master?" I asked. The man didn't respond. "Who is your master?" Kai-El asked. "A vampire brought back from hell." "What is the vampire's name?" Kai-El asked. "Turic," he replied. My jaw dropped and eyes widened. Slowly my hand went up to cup my mouth. "What's wrong?" Kai-El asked me. "He is seeking revenge on the man who sent him to hell," the guard responded still under Kai-El's mental influence. "Do you know this vampire?" Kai-El asked me. "I'm the one who sent him to hell." My anger and rage built up inside me. The reality that Turic kidnapped Lance caused my blood to boil. "The bastard," I said. I swung my leg up and kicked the guard. He fell over unconscious. I headed out of the bathroom in search of an elevator. Kai-El watched her new friend and sensed something deep in him change at the mention of the vampire's name. "I must watch him closely," she muttered. Then she followed her friend out the door. Two guards came up to me. "Can we help you, sir?" one asked. I grabbed one with one hand, picked him up and tossed him against the wall. The other reached for a gun but I grabbed his wrist and held it close to his chest. Bending his wrist back, I heard the snap of bones and he cried out in pain. "Were you going to pull a gun on me?" I asked. I jerked the man's hand away and a gun fell to the floor. "You were going to pull a gun on me." I lifted him up in the air. "I don't like guns." I tossed him to the side and marched out the door. Kai-El caught up with me as I headed down the street. "What are you doing?" she asked me. "I'm going back to the hotel to get my suit. Then I'm going back and killing Turic again." "There is something in you, Eric," she replied. "Something dark. I do not think it is wise to entertain your dark feelings." "Since that is all I have to go on, I have no choice. I'm tired of people attacking my loved ones simply because they have a problem with me. I'm going to end this and use the 'dark feelings' as you say to do it." To Be Continued...