Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 14:16:58 -0800 (PST) From: Author James <authorjames2002@yahoo.com> Subject: Chronicles of a Real Dark Knight 20 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. Scary!! People actually get a glimpse into my 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. Talamasca, Lestat, Louis, and all related characters created by Anne Rice. Copyright Anne O'Brien Rice. I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered. In this story, which has been floating around in my head most of my life, you will find many universes merging, as the above copyrights reveal. I hope you all enjoy this. I appreciate any feedback that you may want to give. This story doesn't deal so much with sex, sex, sex, but more of my feelings that I struggled with and am starting to come to terms with. Part of his background is mine. I do hope that you enjoy it!!! Any emails you send, please tell me what chapter and story you are commenting on. Thanks. jmsotc@yahoo.com Chapter 20 Awakening I was at peace. It felt as if I were floating on a cloud, my entire body wrapped in a blanket. My mind was empty, no sadness, fears or concerns. There were no attachments to anyone or anything. I was at peace. Slowly my eyes opened. I heard the familiar sound of humming. The humming had been going on for a time, how long I didn't know. But it was familiar. My face felt covered, as did my hands. My eyes were out of focus, but I could make out objects in the room. Someone was moving around, passing in front of the window. "Who's there?" I asked with a scratchy voice. The movement stopped then shuffling feet came toward me. "You're awake," the humming voice said, "and alive. Thank goodness." "My face...it's covered. Why?" "You were in a horrendous accident. You have third-degree burns over most of your body. I wasn't sure you were going to make it. But you pulled through." "When did this happen?" "A few months ago. There was an explosion. I thought you were dead. But you survived." My eyes cleared up and the most attractive face I could have imagined came into view, dirty blonde hair, blue eyes and a very nice complexion. "Could I take these bandages off?" "I suppose we can. You're due for a dressing change anyway. You can be awake for it. Let me help you sit up." The kind man stood beside me, worked his hand behind my back and gently helped me sit up. "Any pain?" "Just a little. But I will be okay." The man sat on the bed and slowly unraveled my bandages. When the air hit my face it nearly burned. "What's wrong?" the man asked, noticing my discomfort. "My face hurts." "Yeah. I can imagine." "Can I see my face?" "Sure." The man got up and went over to the dresser. I looked out the window and could see trees. The room was much clearer as well. It was a Victorian-furnished bedroom. "Here you go," the attractive man said handing me the mirror. I took the handle with my bandage-wrapped hand and put it in front of my face. What I saw looking back at me was hideously deformed. "Th...that's me?" I said trying to choke back tears. "Yes," he replied. The tears began to flow from my eyes. "Can I ask you a question?" "Sure." "Who am I?" Psylocke stood in front of the computer monitor while the call was being completed. The screen flashed and Hank McCoy's face appeared. "Hello, Betsy. Good to see you." "You, too, Hank. Is Professor Xavier busy?" "Sort of. Is this an emergency?" "Sort of." Beast looked upon Psylocke narrowly. "One moment." His face disappeared. Psylocke turned to Brian who was sitting in a chair beside her, offering his support. Soon Professor X's voice appeared before her. "Yes, Betsy. What can I do for you?" "Professor, I hate to be the one to tell you this but," Betsy took a deep breath. "Eric McCoy is dead." Professor Charles Xavier just stared at her. "What did you say?" "Eric McCoy, Batman, is dead." Sadness crept across the Professor's face. "How did this happen?" "There was an explosion. Eric was on top of it when it happened." "When did this happen?" "Two months ago." "And you're just now telling me?" Anger seethed into his words. "It was not our choice. The Watchers' Council did not want any communications about what happened. Not until they were sure the threat of the demon behind was dealt with. Any news getting out that he killed a Slayer and a mutant and the public would panic." "And the demon has been dealt with?" "As much as the Council is going to deal with it." The Professor looked down in thought. "I don't know how Joshua will take it. Probably not so good. He's been through much already." He looked up. "Thank you, Betsy. Our thoughts are toward all of you." "You're welcome, Professor. I just wish it was better news." "Me, too." The screen went blank. Betsy turned to Brian and the siblings embraced. "You're name is Eric," the man said to me. "And who are you?" "My name is Christian." "How do I know you?" "We...we were friends before the accident." I nodded and looked down. Then I looked up at him. "I'm sorry." "For what?" "For not remembering our friendship." "The explosion was powerful. The doctors said this might happen. I prepared for it. Eventually you might get your memories back. I'm thankful that you're still alive." "Thank you," I said. I held up my arms for a hug. Christian came over and hugged me tightly. "Let's get your dressing on so you can heal much quicker." Christian hummed as he wrapped the bandages back on. The tune seemed familiar but I couldn't place it. When he finished, he said, "Get some rest. I'm going to get dinner. I'll be back soon." "Okay," I said laying back on the bed. Christian stood and left the room. I looked out the window at the moon . "Eric," I heard a voice say. I looked around to find the room empty. "Must be my imagination," I thought. I closed my eyes and fell asleep. The plane landed in Los Angeles and Jessica departed carrying her carry-on bags. She went to the luggage rack and retrieved her luggage, then headed off to the front desk. Afterwards, she went to the pay phones and called Garrett. "It's good to hear your voice," he said. "Yours, too." "I will be there in fifteen minutes to pick you up." Jessica hung up the phone and went over to a chair and waited. When Garrett finally arrived she greeted him with a hug. She held him tightly. "I'm sorry about your loss, Jess," I heard about Eric. "I'm so sorry." Jessica let the tears go again. They seemed to flow nonstop. She didn't want to try and stop them, either. It was her way of releasing her grief. There is healing in tears. Garrett put his arm around her as they walked toward the car. She sniffed and wiped her eyes. "What's the situation here?" "There are still vampires. Been rather busy, but I've had help. Brian has been helping me." "That's good you had help." "Yes." "Garrett, do you know what NSYNC's tour schedule is?" "No, but I can find out. Why do you ask?" "I still need to tell Lance." "What? You mean..." "The Council wouldn't let anybody say anything. They were too afraid it would cause panic that a demon killed a Slayer and a mutant." "The Council can be quite strict and unemotional when needs be. The Watcher in Sunnydale was relieved of his duties simply because he developed a father/daughter relationship with his Slayer." Garrett walked over to the computer and sat down. "There should be some website that has the group's schedule." Garrett typed in NSYNC 2001 schedule and pulled up the dates. "They will be in Orlando performing the 4th of May. That's just a few days away." "That's also Lance's birthday." Both were silent for a moment. "I better get unpacked," Jessica said as she stood and grabbed her bags. She left Garrett to his own work. As night fell across Los Angeles, the Huntress went out on patrol once again, after several months of being away. It felt good to her to have some routine and familiarity, especially in light of what she would have to do in a few days. The Huntress came up to the building that she would normally meet Freeze. And sure enough, there he was. Upon her approach, he quickly turned, aiming his freezing gun. "Huntress!" he said in surprise. "It's good to see you! How have you been?" "I've been better," the Huntress replied. "What's going on?" "It's Eric. He's dead." "What?" Freeze said in surprise. "What happened?" "An explosion." "Oh no." The two stood in silence looking out at the magnificent city. "Let's patrol," Huntress said. "I need to kick some demon ass." The two jumped off the building to begin their patrol. In Orlando, Kara heard the doorbell on the penthouse apartment she and Christine had been living in until Christine met her demise in London. She had just received the information three hours ago. She contacted Nightwing and Robin and told them what happened. Needless to say, none of them took it well. Kara sat her teacup down, wiped her tears of grief and opened the door. A dark-skinned woman stood on the other side carrying a duffel bag and large piece of luggage. "How may I help you?" Kara asked. "It is I who is here to help you...Kara, correct?" "Yes." "My name is Miranda. I'm your new Slayer." Kara looked at the young girl in surprise. "So how have things been since I've been gone?" the Huntress asked. "Same old, same old. There have been some interesting occurrences published in the newspaper that I've tried to investigate, only to come up empty." "What's been going on?" "Several people have been overcome by a great amount of fear. The authorities have not been able to come up with a perpetrator or motive." "Sounds like random freaking to me." "That's what the authorities have said. But after the fourth happening, in two weeks, they think someone is behind it. The commissioner asked if I would be willing to investigate. So far, I've come up with nothing." "Do you have records of what happened?" "Yeah." "After we patrol, I want to see them." "Sure thing." A scream rang out alerting Mr. Freeze and Huntress. No words were spoken between the two. They both went into action. Descending down to the alley they found a young girl being attacked by three vampires. The Huntress pulled out a wooden stake and tackled a vampire. Mr. Freeze went into action and froze one in his place. The other jumped behind a trashcan as Mr. Freeze fired upon her. The Huntress and the vampire rolled and stood up facing each other. The Huntress kicked out. The vampire jumped back. The Huntress put her foot down, spun and kicked out catching the vampire in the stomach. The vampire flew into the stack of trashcans his friend was hiding behind. The Huntress ran up and thrust her stake into the vampire. It turned to dust. She staked the third vampire before turning to the girl. "Are you okay?" she asked the victim. The girl nodded. "Yeah." "Did they bite you?" "No." "Get home," the Huntress ordered. The girl ran out of the alley. "Nice moves," Freeze complimented. "Thanks. It was nice to get some fighting action. I've been too stagnant the last few months. Let's keep going." "You're whom?" Kara asked. "My name is Miranda. The Watchers' Council sent me." "Why was I not informed?" The computer beeped indicating Kara was being called. "Stay here." Kara went over and opened her computer. "Hello, Quinton. I'm glad you called. It seems I have a new Slayer and no one bothered to inform me." "Yes. Sorry about that. We've been occupied." "Occupied enough to keep from telling me about a new Slayer? Thanks a heap, Quinton." "Here is her bio. Her name is Miranda. She is from South Africa. She's tough and she's good at what she does. Fill her in on anything she needs to know about the area. She is to assume Christine's duties." Kara did not say a word to Quinton. She gave him a dirty look then cut the connection. She stood and went over to the door. "Come in. It appears that you are who you say you are." "Thank you," Miranda said as she entered. "I'm sorry you had to find out about your previous Slayer. I wish I had gotten to know her better. I hope you can accept me." "I think I can. Eventually. However Robin and Nightwing will take a bit longer to get used to. Especially Nightwing. He and Christine dated for a little while." Miranda nodded. "Were you planning on wearing a costume for slaying?" "I thought about it. I heard Christine was Batgirl. I was hoping I could wear a similar costume. Not the same one, of course. But one similar to it." "We'll see." "I have some ideas. If I may have access to your work area..." "This way." Kara led Miranda to the service elevator. Down it plunged to the cave where the local Vampire Slayer lashed out at the forces of darkness. Huntress and Mr. Freeze stood in Mr. Freeze's warehouse where his mother used to concoct her schemes of revenge. Since her arrest, Mr. Freeze has been on the good side, helping the Huntress and Batman keep the city safe. That is until Batman left. Then it was up to Freeze and the Huntress for a short while. Mr. Freeze decided to use what he had for good. He turned the abandoned building into a crime fighter central, where he and Huntress now looked over the reports of the fear attacks people had been going through. "These victims have all gone completely nuts. They are completely incoherent. The doctors have tried everything to help them, but nothing works." "The last guy," Huntress said, "had his attack two days ago. Says here his name is Leo Mangus. Where is he now?" "At the mental ward in the hospital. Doctors keep him sedated." "I need to speak to him. Perhaps he can give some information before he goes completely mad with fear like the others did. I want to speak to him." An hour later, Kara returns to the cave where she left Miranda, the new Vampire Slayer of Orlando. Miranda stepped out from behind a folded changing wall complete in her new Batgirl costume. The gloves, boots and belt were completely black. Her mask covered almost all of her face and had long ears. Her cape billowed behind her. A black bat sat in the middle of her indigo blue costume. "Do you like it?" Miranda asked. "It looks good on you. What were you planning on doing?" "I'd like to patrol and get a lay of the city." "I'll contact Nightwing and Robin. They can help you get acclimated to the city." "All right," Batgirl said as she moved toward a small room. "I need to make some minor adjustments to the suit, then I'll be ready to go." To Be Continued... Eric woke up! But he has no memory of who he is or what he is! There's a new Batgirl in town, as well! How do you think Robin and Nightwing will react to her? Will they accept her? Do you think it was right for her to don the Batgirl mantel? And where is this great fear coming from that has overtaken several people already? As usual, I'd love to hear from you! More to come!