drillmaster

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  • drillmaster
    Member
    Thanks for the kind words! Honestly, this really is more of a Batman story than any other DC line, but by including mentions of the Green Lantern Corps, it showcases how something like the GXP can work alongside it (though Hal Jordan will appear in Chapter 19). Mainly, the first half of the story follows the Final Crisis storyline (or of you read purely Batman issues 701-702) and then will cross into Grant Morrison’s Batman and Robin book (mainly Batman vs. Robin, Batman and Robin Must Die, and Return of Bruce Wayne). I do try to add touches here and there of DC continuity so be on the look out!

    As for choosing Universe, I did OAV in my Harry Potter story so I wanted to try writing Kiyone, who fits better in this pre-established universe. Gotta love her kiyonesmile1

    drillmaster
    Member
    A good start to the progression of noble life on Jurai. I look forward to seeing where this will progress.
    drillmaster
    Member
    This was a very exciting read. It was an interesting spin on preestablished Tenchi cannon but I have to ask, what prompted you to characterize the Juraians the way you did? It is so different that it is fascinating to explore them as seemingly arrogant rulers. Azusa less so, but to see Misaki cackle at the prospects of a slave’s death is so…unsettling.

    I was wondering why Funaho was seemingly nonexistent in the story. I was pleased to see her at the last part call Misaki and Azusa out on their behavior.

    Regardless, outside of some minor spelling and gramatical errors, it was very well done. I shall now begin Act II to see where you progress the story.

    drillmaster
    Member
    Awesome! I’d love to hear what you think of both! It still has 5 or so chapters to go, but between both projects I’m pretty happy to lose myself in writing on my down time.

    I’m aiming to finish another blog post by Sunday, so if you are interested, keep your eyes peeled! woooo1

    drillmaster
    Member
    Thanks for the kind words everyone! Yeah, I’ve been really wanting to do some kind of writing project and this seemed like a good idea. I’m having a blast writing it. As of right now, I’ve only just reached the part in “Here Comes Ayeka” where we are introduced to Sasami and I’ve already wrote 7 pages of writing.

    And thank you Chaud for making individual comments and pointing some things out for me over on the blog itself. That’s awesome!

    • in reply to: Interviews
    drillmaster
    Member
    Oh Kate Voight, you are great, but I really hope you are talking about “Hello Baby!” Washu and not her other appearances.
    drillmaster
    Member
    No chapter today, but I drew up another cover for the story, this time covering the events of the second half. If I had known I was going to do this, Alfred would have been on the other picture instead of Dick, who is absent from this one due to space. I may have to George Lucas the old one at some point if I could.

    http://s21.postimg.org/umq7d2qc7/TGSTGE.jpg" />

    Please leave some feedback for the story if you have the time. I’d love to know your thoughts about it. I know this isn’t a crossover that would immediatey spring to mind, but I’m having a blast writing it!

    drillmaster
    Member
    Ch. 16: No Need for Jokes

    It was early morning in Okayama, Japan and Tenchi Masaki had woken up to the sound of his alarm. He prepared himself for another day of school and went into the kitchen.

    It was odd not having Sasami around to make his daily lunches, but he knew that he was taking her for granted. He hoped that she was enjoying her stay in America. Along those same lines, he felt the house was way too quiet. It had just become…unnatural.

    When he arrived from school the previous day, Ayeka and Ryoko had vanished and there was water damage to the front of the house. Tenchi assumed that Mihoshi had picked them up for some unknown reason. His father nearly had a heart attack when he finally made it home, one that was lessened when Tenchi reminded him that Washu could just repair the damage in an instant when she got home.

    “Son, good to see you up and about so early!” Noboyuki told him as he left the house. It appeared that his father was a few steps in front of him and Tenchi didn’t even realize it.

    “Dad? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you have left already?”

    “Tenchi, you know that this is typically when I leave, right? You are just typically too preoccupied with the girls to notice,” Noboyuki pointed out. “Have you heard anything from them since yesterday?”

    “No, not at all,” Tenchi admitted. “I hope they are okay.”

    “Please son, they are on vacation in another country. I’m sure they are having a blast!”

    *TGSTGE*

    “Well now, the gang’s all here!” The Joker chortled as Robin entered the room with Ayeka and Ryoko.

    “A circus clown? Your big enemy is a circus clown?” Ryoko stifled a laugh.

    “He doesn’t look like much,” Damian agreed.

    “Robin, I thought the girls weren’t going to come here. Weren’t they going to meet up with the other one?” Batman asked when the door closed.

    Robin leaned into a corner and crossed his arms. “They insisted on seeing this first. I obliged. It’s not like they can’t take care of themselves. What have I missed?”

    “‘Sexton’ here was in the process of explaining his grand plan to us,” Kiyone replied.

    “That I was. As I was saying, without my Batman, the real Batman, crime has no punchline. You and I Batbird, we are too much alike to find worthy sport, so I did the next best thing: I decided to fight crime.”

    “Really?” Dick deadpanned. “You expect me to believe that?”

    “I don’t expect you to believe anything I say Batfake. Why do you think I disguised myself as the writer?”

    “You know what?” The Detective Sergeant cut in. “I think I believe him.”

    “Thank you Detective! Amazing, somebody here can talk sense!” Joker laughed.

    “But Kiyone, you shouldn’t!” Mihoshi implored. “That’s The Joker! If you trust him, you’ll be hurt like Barbara was! He’s evil!”

    “I agree with Mihoshi,” Batman looked at his longtime foe. “Don’t ever believe anything that comes out of his mouth. It’s always a lie or some kind of plan to mess with our heads.”

    “I don’t think so this time,” Kiyone explained. “He’s had the opportunity to kill you several times now but he didn’t. Don’t you get it? He’s finishing his vendetta with the Black Glove! He killed all of the other members already. Who’s left?”

    “Dr. Hurt,” Batman considered it all. “I don’t like it. It makes sense, but I don’t like it.”

    “Oh Not-Batsy, you are going to have to do better than that if you are going to make it in the old cape and cowl! She gets it, why can’t you?” Joker made a mocking bow to Kiyone, who shuddered in response.

    “Well I think you’ll forgive me for keeping my guard up. How many times have you stabbed us in the back in the past?” Batman growled.

    “Literally or metaphorically?”

    With that, Commissioner James Gordon slammed open the door and entered the room with five police officers. Each of them had a loaded gun pointed on The Joker. “That’s it! Our turn! This filth cannot get away with everything he has done to this city!”

    “Commissioner, I think you and I need to talk about this. Can you spare some time? I think we may actually need to…trust him,” Dick sighed.

    Jim blinked. “You’re joking right?”

    “I’m not!” Joker chimed in.

    “Does this simpleton ever shut up?” Ayeka moaned.

    “I can say the same about you, Princess!” Ryoko jabbed at her.

    “Stop bickering you two! Kiyone and Mihoshi, I’d like you to sit in on this. Robin, Ayeka and Ryoko, stay on guard. He may, and probably WILL, try something,” Dick ordered. “That goes double for you Robin!”

    “Hey!”

    “Wait,” Ryoko asked. “You mean we have to stay here and play babysitter for a circus clown? Damn it, I thought there was going to be some kind of fight. If I had known this, I would have hit up a bar.”

    “I’ve got some scotch in the minibar!” Joker offered.

    Ryoko flew to the minibar and stared at the scotch. “Did you really think I’d be crazy enough to drink this? You probably poisoned it!”

    “No, I thought you’d be crazy enough to activate the motion sensor. I must humbly ask you to pay the bill for it at the front desk,” he grinned evilly.

    Ayeka started to laugh as Ryoko threw the scotch out of the window. “Oh, shut up Ayeka!”

    *TGSTGE*

    “You better have a good reason why you would expect me to believe a damn thing that scumbag says,” Gordon demanded in the cockpit of the Batmobile.

    “I’d like to know too!” Mihoshi agreed.

    “Listen Commissioner, it doesn’t sit right with me too, but I think Detective Sergeant Makibi here was on to something. When we get to the Bat Bunker, I’ll give you everything I have.”

    “Can I ask you all something?” Jim asked. “What are you really here for? I thought that you all were just some kind of specialists who were brought in to assist with Professor Pyg. But the one girl said the other was a ‘princess’ and I have interesting reports from the conscious Fiends that we managed to put in immediate lock up at Blackgate.”

    “You put them there already?”

    “It was a necessary precaution that the Mayor insisted upon. Something is going down Batman. All of the small gangs have fled the city. They know that there is trouble in the air. Now, are you going to acknowledge my question or am I not privy to that information?”

    Batman looked to Kiyone who gave a quick nod. “You can tell him.”

    “Bear with me here, but they are aliens who live in Japan. Kiyone and Mihoshi are space cops, Ayeka is a princess, and Ryoko is…well Ryoko,” Batman chuckled.

    The Commissioner rubbed his temples and sighed. “Aliens? From Japan? It’s not the most farfetched thing I’ve heard today. How’d you get involved here anyway Detective?”

    “Your daughter actually,” Kiyone admitted. “She put a message out as Oracle when the Anti-Life Equation hit. Professor Washu intercepted it and the two worked together to figure out how to stop it.”

    “Barbara did that?” Gordon said, impressed. Suddenly, he sneezed. “Makes her old man proud. So the pink haired girl…”

    “Is a scientific genius who is older than probably every person on this planet,” Batman answered.

    “Not Vandall Savage! He’s an immortal caveman who…”

    “Mihoshi, this planet isn’t even…you know what? It’s not important Mihoshi!” Kiyone whispered to Mihoshi. “Not now!”

    “Where is she anyway?”

    “Oh,” Mihoshi smiled. “She went back in time to get the original Batman back!” Mihoshi explained. Kiyone and Dick buried their heads in their hands while Gordon scratched his head in confusion.

    “I don’t think I want to know what she means. What I do want to know is what you all think The Joker is up to.”

    “That can be arranged. We are here Commissioner! Welcome to the Bat-Bunker!” Batman announced as Commissioner Gordon removed his blindfold. He shook his head in amazement.

    “You never cease to amaze me,” he chuckled. “Okay, I’m here in your subway station like you wanted. This is the part where you tell me why we shouldn’t lock the Joker back in Arkham Asylum.”

    “That it is. Allow me to be honest with you Commissioner. You know who I am underneath here and it is not your Batman,” he admitted.

    “True as that may be, I do think that you should know that you are doing a great job filling in. Hell, most of my cops like you more than…well him.”

    “I appreciate it the sentiments Commissioner,” Dick nodded. “But The Joker is just as competent as you. He knows that I am not ‘his’ Batman. That is critical.”

    “So, you are saying we can trust him because he’s lost the will to fight?”

    “Not at all. In fact, Kiyone here believes that he’s merely changing dance partners. Care to jump in?”

    “Certainly Batman,” Kiyone said. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to use the Bat Computer.”

    “Be my guest.”

    “Right before Darkseid made his move on the planet, Gotham City was attacked by Dr. Simon Hurt and his organization called The Black Glove. They set out to destroy the reputation of millionaire Bruce Wayne and to get rid of the Batman to make sure he did not interfere.”

    “I remember. Wayne Manor was booby trapped. It was the Black Glove and El Sombrero. I was saved by Talia al Ghul and her League of Assassins,” Gordon reminisced. “What does this have to do with The Joker?”

    “They apparently broke Joker out of Arkham and set him on Batman. However, something happened and they had a falling out. My guess is that Joker didn’t like being a part of another person’s plan. Batman disappeared that night, so did both Hurt and The Joker,” Kiyone pulled up corresponding images and Arkham security footage. Both Gordon and Mihoshi started at everything intently.

    “Wow, it all makes sense! That monster didn’t like being played by that Hurt guy and wants to join the good guys to take him down,” Mihoshi said knowingly.

    “Yes Mihoshi. That’s exactly it,” Batman sighed. “What about you Commissioner?”

    “I get it and I see why it would make sense. I’m just worried that his biggest joke would be to get us to trust him,” Jim said uneasily. He pulled out a handkerchief and blew into it.

    “Wouldn’t it be a bigger joke to actually tell the truth?” Mihoshi giggled. “It is actually kind of funny to think about.”

    Gordon and Batman exchanged glances. “This is getting us nowhere. We are talking in circles. Commissioner, it’s your city and your call.”

    The Commissioner reached for his cigarettes and played with the pack. He shuffled it around in his hands a few times and finally rubbed his eyes. “I want him monitored at all times. Keep him on a short leash! If you even smell trouble, don’t hesitate to stop him!”

    “Commissioner, this is me. I’ve been doing this for a long time. You’ve known me since I was twelve. You can count on me to handle it,” Dick pledged. “You girls up to assist Batman in the biggest case yet?”

    “Yes sir!” Kiyone and Mihoshi both said excitedly. It seemed like both girls were both just as eager to do this.

    “Good. Now that that’s been settled, we can talk Pyg.”

    *TGSTGE*

    “So what happened next Sasami?” Kara asked, with her eyes fixated on the blue haired girl.

    “Well it turned out that the ship was haunted!”

    “Wait,” Steph interjected. “What about the girl?”

    “She was a ghost!”

    “Amazing!” Kara jumped. “That’s incredible!”

    Stephanie started to laugh to herself. “That’s funny.”

    “What’s funny?” Sasami asked curiously.

    “A space ghost…that goes coast to coast on a space ship? Eh? Eh?” Stephanie looked around. Upon realizing her company, she hung her low. “You guys have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t you?”

    The two girls (and one cabbit) shook their heads.

    ‘I need some friends who are from Earth…that isn’t named Tim Drake.’

    *TGSTGE*

    “I spy with my little eye something beginning with the letter R!” Joker amusingly told nobody in particular.

    Robin, Ryoko, and Ayeka stood watch inside The Joker’s hotel room with Gordon’s men waiting outside in case of an emergency. Damian kept pacing himself around the room, continuing to stare at the corner he leaned on earlier in the night.

    “Nobody cares clown,” Damian said irritatingly.

    “What a pleasant way to spend our night! If I was with Tenchi right now, I’d…” Ryoko trailed off.

    “You’d do what Miss Ryoko? Do this? Do that?!”

    “Are you insinuating that Tenchi and I should be doing that Princess? Great idea! I’m glad you thought of it,” Ryoko snapped her fingers.

    “Ugh,” Damian groaned. Meanwhile, Joker just followed along with great interest.

    “Kid, what’s the story of the lovely ladies there? This is solid gold right here!”

    “I’m warning you, stop taking unless you have something worthwhile to say, like what you are really planning!” Damian threatened.

    “Excuse me?”

    “If Batman says that everything you say is a plan, I believe him. Makibi might make sense, but there is something you aren’t telling us. So spill it!”

    “Oh slowpoke, I’ve told you everything you need to know! The Doctor and his stooge are my last targets and then the bones will be in the yard! The Domino Killer will be no more and the Grave Digging Clown can make his merry way!”

    “Ah, see, here’s the problem with your little ‘plan.’ We aren’t going to kill Hurt, as much as I’d like to. Batman doesn’t kill!”

    “Funny how that works. Wasn’t it you who killed The Spook? What happened Baby Boy Wonder? Did you loose your nerve?”

    “Shut up!”

    “Oh, I can see it now! You’ve got it don’t you? You’ve got what Betty and Veronica over there has! So when can I meet her?”

    “Shut. Your. Mouth! Now!” Damian roared. Ryoko and Ayeka stopped fighting to monitor the situation.

    “Maybe we can have a double date! I’m sure I can find a nice young squeeze in town. Maybe Harley can forgive me trying to kill her for a night on the town! We can…”

    The Joker couldn’t finish his sentence as his jaw was immediately dislocated. Damian had grabbed a crowbar that he left in the corner and swung at him with all of his might. Ryoko and Ayeka looked shocked at the display, with Ryoko looking impressed and Ayeka looking mortified.

    “I’m not like the other Robins! I would not hesitate to leave you with severe brain damage if you dare go after the people I care about!”

    With every bloody swing of the crowbar, Joker started to writhe in pain. Ryoko held Ayeka back from interfering. “Let’s see how this plays out! This is getting good?”

    “Unhand me Ryoko! I cannot allow this continue!” Ayeka struggled.

    “Wait…mercy! Mercy! I…I was joking!” He wheezed.

    “Mercy? I was raised by the League of Assassins to kill without mercy! You didn’t show Todd or the Gordons mercy, why would I show it to you?!”

    “Robin, you must stop! What would Sasami say?” Ayeka broke free from Ryoko to stop Damian mid swing. “She would most certainly not approve of this action!”

    Damian looked at the bloody weapon and gripped it tight. “This filth has been able to get away with murdering loved ones, kidnapping infants, and ruining people’s lives all under the cover of insanity! He’s not crazy; he’s turned his life into one twisted joke!”

    “But the bigger joke would be to get you worked up to ruin your life in another way,” Ayeka explained. “You have grown much since I first met you, but you still have a lot to learn. You can be better than him.”

    “Yeah tiny…” Joker weakly chuckled. “The old maid is right. I mean…look where she’s at! What, with that Tenchi fellow at her feet I bet she knows all of the moves!”

    “How dare you!”

    “Riled you up, eh? Maybe you are just jealous I didn’t think to…to invite the two of you to our..double date? I’d have to ask that sashimi chick first but…oh no.”

    Damian and instinctively brought the crowbar up to strike again. “Robin, that’s not the way to go about doing this!” Ayeka sternly told him.

    At once, little logs appeared from nowhere and surrounded the bleeding Clown Prince of Crime. “What…why are there little lawn ornaments floating around me?”

    “This, Boy Wonder, is how you handle the situation,” Ayeka adopted a stern look to her face. A small murderous grin snuck its way on there as Joker’s form began to become electrocuted.

    “Damn Princess, I didn’t think you had in you!” Ryoko laughed. “I forgot how you get when you get that crossed!”

    “Quiet Ryoko, or you will be next!” Ayeka admonished her as she set about her retribution.

    Damian sat there dumbfounded. Here he was in the middle of getting scolded one second for attacking his father’s most hated enemy, and all of a sudden the Jurain Princess stepped in and continued where he left off. He could not help but grin as the Harlequin of Hate writhed in pain. “I hate to admit it, but my respect for you is growing every second Princess.”

    “Please dear, call me Ayeka,” Ayeka told him over the laughing and screaming. “As for you, I believe we still haven’t gotten the point across. Ryoko, would you like to try explaining it a different way?”

    “Would I?!” Ryoko yelled excitedly.

    “Help…help me!” The Joker weakly yelled to the cops on the other side of the door.

    Faintly, a voice responded. “Nah, screw him.”

    *TGSTGE*

    “So you think that all of us are infected with whatever crap Professor Pyg designed when you first put him away?” Commissioner Gordon asked worryingly.

    “That’s what we think. Professor Washu left a program to develop an vaccination to counter it before she left, so it should be ready to synthesize in about three days: just in time for the solar eclipse,” Batman explained.

    “What does that have anything to do with anything?” Gordon asked.

    “These people are crazy. I have no doubt that it will factor into their plans somehow. Commissioner, I think it may be best to keep the city on quarantine. If Pyg’s virus is let loose, we don’t want it to leave the town.”

    “Smart idea Batman. What’s the plan?”

    “We need to get you back to HQ. Mihoshi and Kiyone, stay here and keep in contact with Oracle. She can patch you into me or Robin,” Batman ordered.

    “You can count on us!” Mihoshi said.

    “What should we do about Robin and the others?” Kiyone asked.

    “I’m sure if they needed our help one of the Commissioner’s men would text us. Robin is too proud to ask for help and the girls have no idea what to do, but the other cops should keep us in the loop if there was trouble,” Batman said as he hopped back into the cockpit.

    “I’ve been texting Lieutenant Bilbao. He told me it got loud at one point, but they have been keeping it under control, whatever that means,” Gordon shrugged. “When this is all over, do you mind if I ask you ladies a few questions? It’s rare that I meet a person from another planet that’s not wearing tights.”

    “We’d be glad to,” Kiyone smiled.

    Just then, a siren wailed from the Batmobile. An electronic female voice echoed throughout the halls of the Bat Bunker: “A major security breach is occurring at Blackgate Penitentiary. A major security breach is…”

    “What?!” Gordon cried. “What the hell does that mean?!”

    “It means Hurt has made his move. Why do you think that the Mayor wanted the 99 Fiends in Blackgate?The Mayor is probably working for the Black Glove! After all, it’s not like there isn’t another high profile prisoner there…” Batman started the Batmobile in a frenzy.

    “Pyg…oh Christ,” Jim whispered to himself.

    “Girls, contact Robin and Oracle. Make sure Barbara knows to keep Sasami where she is!” Batman barked. “It’s not safe! Tell the others to regroup immediately! It’s time to put Joker’s money where his mouth is!”

    *TGSTGE*

    In another area of Gotham, a lone figure stirs in the shadows.

    Though he had only arrived in the city mere hours before, this was not a man arriving as a tourist. Rather, this was a king reclaiming his kingdom after a long crusade. He sat on his throne and viewed his prize: a wooden box marked with a bat.

    The Casket of Barbatos.

    “You will set the remaining Fiends free from their prison and cause as much chaos as you can,” the figure had instructed his remaining knights.

    “Yes sir. What about the Professor?” the spokesman for the knights inquired.

    “Release him as well and give him this gift. I hope it fits him comfortably. He always works better when he is comfortable,” he grinned in the darkness as he handed the man a pink mask. “Now tell me again about the confrontation in the Garden of Death.”

    The masses stirred in anger. “One at a time, one at a time!” he ordered.

    “We were challenged by the boy and the writer, but were later assaulted by four women from the heavens.”

    “Describe them.”

    “The ones that could fly had long purple hair and spiky silver hair,” he bowed. “The two that couldn’t had blue and blonde hair. They overcame us with great power.”

    “Silver spiky hair?” the man in the shadows paused to consider this new information. “Did you catch a name for this fair maiden?”

    “No, we did not.”

    “Fear not. This is an unexpected development, but one that can be used to my advantage. I sensed a great deal of potential in her…”

    The man got up and poured himself a glass of wine, which he gripped tightly in his black gloved hand. As he sipped at it, one of the knights robed him in his ceremonial black cape and mask. “Ryoko…that was her name.”

    “What will you do with her?”

    Dr. Simon Hurt drank deep from his goblet. “The same thing as I will do to this city: corrupt her and break her down. They have all fallen into the grip of the Black Glove…with no chance of escaping unscathed. Now go; we can’t begin until our co-star is here to work!”

    With less than three days until the solar eclipse, the shadow of darkness has descended upon the city. Madness looms in every corner and hope appears to dwindle away with each passing moment. Can Batman and Robin overcome the odds and defeat the personification of the devil?

    Place your bets.

    drillmaster
    Member
    *With this chapter, we are about to enter Batman and Robin Must Die and Return of Bruce Wayne territory*

    Ch. 15: No Need for Wayne Manor

    The sun had started to set when Dick Grayson saw the familiar headlights of the Batmobile. Inside he could make out the forms of Damian, Kiyone, and Alfred. He was confused as to why Mihoshi was not there but he assumed there was a good reason for it. He had only just arrived from Oberon Sexton’s apartment and his mind was already filled with questions.

    “Find the place okay Alfie?” Dick asked with a smile.

    “It’s always hard to tell one ancestral home from another Master Dick. Was your meeting productive?”

    “Honestly, he was saying things that made me start thinking. I’m not sure if he is on the level with us…”

    Kiyone jumped on that thread immediately. “I agree! I was doing some research and I think that I know who he actually is. I think he’s…”

    “We will talk later Kiyone. I’m fairly confident you and I have come to the same conclusion but perhaps from different angels. I’m looking forward to it, but right now, lets get some information to send to the Justice League.”

    She nodded and the group entered the main hall of the Mansion. Though it was a lot cleaner than what it was when Kiyone was last there, it still did not seem to be completely in order. The lights were completely off and Alfred illuminated the way with candles.

    “Just as a precaution. I am unsure if all of the booby traps left here were disarmed. Master Bruce would want us to have an air of caution in this situation.”

    “Agreed.”

    Damian looked around the room. “So where do we begin Grayson? This was your bright idea…”

    “I thought it was Mihoshi’s.”

    “Details!”

    “Well,” Alfred began. “If Master Bruce was stuck in time, he might have had a chance to plant clues here, as Miss Mihoshi suggested. We cannot talk to him from the past, but HE can talk to us, through the architecture. Now, earlier today while Master Damian was at his meeting, I took the liberty of visiting the mansion to follow Master Timothy’s lead. I place all of the fallen Wayne Family portraits in their correct chronological order. You can see them over here.”

    Alfred led the way to an area with over a dozen portraits hanging up in a row. They all showed various Wayne men, all sharing strikingly similar appearances. The first portrait was the aforementioned Mordecai Wayne, who was in Puritan clothing and holding a blue bound book. Next to that painting was a mysterious empty space.

    “What’s this Alfred?” Kiyone asked, acknowledging the space. “Why isn’t there a painting here?”

    “That space is the only acknowledgement of Thomas Wayne, the black sheep of the family. Though the majority of the Wayne Family were philanthropists, our Thomas was known as a devil worshiper who apparently attempted to summon bat demons in a hellish ritual.”

    “Bats?” Dick asked.

    “They appear to be a reoccurring theme in our family. Interesting development, is it not?”

    “Very. It even continues to this casket that Joshua Wayne is holding,” Dick pointed out, looking at a robed Wayne who was indeed holding a bat labeled wooden box. “So do we have any idea what our pal Mordecai is holding?”

    “None at all Master Dick.”

    “Pennyworth, perhaps you can research that in the Batcave. If we are to assume, like that idiot Drake believes, that this man is Father, it may hold some special meaning.”

    Alfred nodded. “I follow your meaning Master Damian. I shall head to the cave at once!”

    “Why don’t you stick to the Batmobile Alfie?” Dick suggested. “The caves are probably below freezing tonight. I think every now and then you deserve the luxury of warmth.”

    “I most heartily agree. Research duty it is then. I bid the three of you good luck. Keep in contact if you require anything.”

    The butler parted ways with the group and made his way back out the entrance. Thus, there were only three remaining inside the formers residence of Bruce Wayne. Dick was staring intently at the painting of Joshua Wayne and Damian was looking off, clearly uneasy about being in his father’s home. Kiyone, however, was trying to take in all of her surroundings. This made sense, as she was the only one who did not stay in the house for any extended period of time.

    “Where do we go from here?” Kiyone asked.

    “Splitting up Scooby Doo style seems like a good place to start,” Dick responded.

    “Scooby Doo?”

    “Don’t ask. Damian, can you and Kiyone check the family plot? Your knowledge of the Wayne lineage and Kiyone’s deductive reasoning might find us something worthwhile.”

    “That can be arranged. What kind of nonsense are you going to undertake Grayson?”

    “Well,” Dick was starting at a Wayne portrait set in some kind of battle. “I noticed that Solomon’s painting was taken in the library. I want to investigate there and see what I can find. If it is a wild goose chase, I’ll come find you.”

    “*tt* Typical Grayson, needing my help before you even started.”

    “Keep dreaming Damian,” the former Boy Wonder chuckled.

    *TGSTGE*

    Stephanie Brown stared at the blue haired, pink eyed girl and tried to wrap her head around the situation she found herself in.

    Earlier that day, she received a call from her “boss,” Barbara Gordon, claiming that she had needed a favor for an important mission. Thinking that this had something to do with going on patrol or, frankly, anything else, she was eager to please her mentor.

    Instead she found herself having a sleepover with an energetic ten year old girl and a cat-rabbit thingy.

    “You want me…to babysit?” She had asked.

    “Look, she’s Dick’s guest and he wants her to have the full ‘American Girl Experience!'” Barbara explained. “Honestly, I’ve met the kid before. She’s cute and very polite.”

    Stephanie had raised an eyebrow. “Is there something you aren’t telling me?”

    “Well…” Barbara trailed off for a second, clearly for dramatic effect. “Though she is currently living in Japan, she may be an alien princess.”

    Stephanie remembered herself pausing and asking a dozen questions at once. Regardless, she was told not to let her out tonight while the boys did their “investigations.” So, she called up a friend, made sure her mom was at work, and prepared to have a slumber party…her first one in probably five years.

    At least she wasn’t doing it alone.

    “So…how do you like Gotham?” Stephanie had managed to ask after settling into pajamas. If she was going to have a slumber party, she might as well be comfortable.

    “It’s really nice so far! Mr. Pennyworth took me to a play and even my first American movie!”

    “Really? What was your first movie?” Stephanie asked curiously.

    “Fantastia. Have you ever seen it Kara? It’s great!”

    Stephanie looked to one of her best friends: Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl. Amazingly, the two girls already met some months back during Darkseid’s attempt to kill the world. Small world.

    “Oh yes! Ma Kent insisted that Kal and I see it with her. It was apparently a favorite or her and Pa…” Kara said, starting to trail off. With renewed energy, however, she shrugged it off. “So we never really got to talk at the Fortress. You are from Jurai? I visited there once when I was young! Actually, given your age, you might have been on planet when I was there!”

    “Really?” Sasami asked. “That is so cool!”

    “I love being the only one here who hasn’t gone into space…” Steph muttered to herself.

    “Well, why don’t we go right now? Ryo-Ohki can take us!”

    The blonde young adult looked to the animal eating a raw carrot and silently asked herself what this girl was talking about. She shook her head and returned to the conversation. “Let’s have a rain check on that. I promised Barbara that you would have a typical Earth slumber party.”

    “Steph, I’ve never had a slumber party either! This is so much fun!” Kara laughed.

    “Oodles.”

    Sasami stared at the two older girls. “So we are in our pajamas. What do typical Earth girls do now?”

    “Well…” Stephanie drawled out, thinking of every cliche in the book. “I suppose we would talk about boys and watch movies and maybe paint our nails? I don’t know, I haven’t had a sleepover in ages. I kinda was nearly killed in a gang war that I started not too long back and it kinda jogged me a smidge. Besides, I doubt you know any Earth boys so we can talk about…”

    “Oh, but I do! I just started talking to an Earth boy and he asked me out on a date!”

    “Great Rao!” Kara shouted. “Details! We need details!”

    “I think you both know him…its Damian.”

    “WHAT?! You mean the ten year old who carries swords?!” Stephanie gagged. “You got the mini-devil to go on a date with you!”

    Sasami was taken back by the comment. “Hey, you got it all wrong! Damian is a nice boy who is just going through a hard time now!”

    “He threatened to stab me with one of said swords.”

    The princess blinked at the comment. “Well, that’s in the past, right? Anyone can change. Even Ryoko was a wanted criminal, but now she lives with us!”

    Not having any idea who or what Ryoko was, Stephanie chose not to acknowledge that. “As eternal an optimist you may be, I don’t think you know the caliber of Earth boys there are on this planet. I think I know just the one that you are gonna love!”

    “I don’t get it.”

    “Nobody gets David Bowie. They just know that he is there!” Steph said, rummaging through her DVD collection. “Aha! Here it is! The only movie that is a worth enough follow-up to Fantasia: Labyrinth!”

    “Labyrinth? I’ve never seen it Steph. Is it good?” Supergirl

    Stephanie laughed hard. “You ladies are in for a treat. You guys set up the movie, I’ll make some waffles.”

    *TGSTGE*

    Outside in the Wayne Family graveyard, Damian and Kiyone wandered around the gravestones. As they passed by various names, Damian tried to give off little bits of information that he learned about from both his mother and Alfred.

    “Solomon was apparently part of the Underground Railroad. I fail to see why this would be of importance, but we never know what we may find I suppose. Grayson has me so worked up that I wouldn’t be surprised to find Father buried alive in one of these graves,” he was explaining.

    “You really think that?”

    “Again, it wouldn’t surprise me.”

    “So…” Kiyone started. “Are you okay?”

    “Do I seem okay Makibi?”

    “Well, I mean, yes you do. But you’ve been acting different since I met you…”

    Under his domino mask, Damian rolled his eyes. “Are you really going there now? In a graveyard? During an investigation?”

    Kiyone kicked herself internally. Here she was, an alien detective trying her best to fit in with a world of heroes, going on asking about a ten year old’s crush. It was truly an unprofessional thing to say and she immediately regretted it.

    “I…”

    “Save it. Grayson would probably do the same if he were on patrol with me right now. The Princess…Sasami I mean, she is, well, different than anyone else I have known. Grayson and Pennyworth have had their lion’s share of a task taking me in. I am unsure if this was the course of action Father would have wanted, but I would like to think it is the one that would make him proud. Sasami has shown me that, through her damn peppy attitude.” Damian cocked a grin. “You know who else is peppy? Your idiot partner.”

    “Mihoshi?”

    “Right in one! I’m impressed. You are keeping up.”

    “When did you become so witty?”

    “When did YOU abandon your partner? I may be many things, and I have done many things, but I abandoned Grayson but once and I now regret it. She may be an idiot and a ditz and I would lie if I said she doesn’t get on my nerves, but she is still YOUR partner. Besides…though I hate to admit it she did save my life,” Damian stared intently at her. “If you mention that to ANYONE, do not think I would hesitate to hurt you. Badly.”

    Kiyone ran her hands through her hair. “I love Mihoshi, but she has just caused so much…chaos in my life! I forgive her for all of that, I really do. I won’t say she isn’t stressful, but I just don’t want her to be hurt.”

    “*tt* Sounds like you are justifying it to yourself.”

    “Are you judging me?”

    Damian cocked his head. “I’m ten. I judge everyone.”

    “Fair point.”

    “Is she not a Galaxy Police Officer?”

    “Yes…”

    Damian shrugged. “This is Earth. I’m sure she could have handled herself here just fine.”

    The teal haired detective stared at the ground and kicked herself yet again. ‘Damn it, the kid is right! I’ve been a terrible partner! I can’t let him know that…’ “Damn it, I’m a terrible partner aren’t I?”

    “I think you are more of a terrible person, but that works too,” Damian admitted. “Just keep your head in the mission Makibi. You’ll have time to make amends with that fool later…why is your bracelet blinking?”

    He pointed to her wrist. Her bracelet was indeed blinking. A holographic display protruded from it, showing a most disturbing message. “There are several forms descending upon Wayne Manor. Looks like almost one hundred people…what the hell?”

    “It seems like we are expecting company,” Damian cracked his knuckles. “Grayson, did you hear that? Grayson?”

    “He can’t hear you sir,” the voice of Alfred rang out of their communicators. “I lost contact with him. He seems to have fallen into some secret Batcave judging by his last transmission.”

    “Keep trying him Pennyworth. Makibi and I will hold down the fort here.”

    “You both won’t be alone!” a new voice called out. The pair turned and saw a person that was familiar to them both. It was a masked man wearing sunglasses and a top hat. The mask covered his entire face and was a deep shade of blue.

    “Oberon Sexton? What are you doing here?” Damian asked incredulously.

    “Teaming up with you three I reckon. I came to warn Bruce Wayne about an attempt on his life by the Domino Killer, but I got mixed up with the 99 Fiends that are graciously descending upon us at this moment,” the masked detective explained. “I don’t believe you and I ever had the chance to meet my dear. You are…?” He offered his hand to Kiyone. She hesitated a moment and shook it.

    “Detective Sergeant Makibi. Heard a lot about you and followed your cases intensively,” she said warily. “Funny that you just appeared like that.”

    “There’s nothing funny about this situation my dear,” Oberon replied, grabbing a shovel. “Guess I’ll take the 33 on the left. Anyone have any objections?”

    “None that pertain to the situation I suppose,” Kiyone said, setting her gun to stun.

    “Interesting firearm,” Oberon noted. “Is that standard issue in your precinct?”

    “It is.”

    “Fascinating! Shall we inquire the names and motives of our attackers?”

    Damian laughed. “That’d be prolonging the fun. I’d rather just start bashing heads.”

    The three charged toward the oncoming criminals. Though there were of all shapes and sizes, tall and short, our heroes were unconcerned that they could buy some time until Batman arrived on the scene.

    *TGSTGE*

    Meanwhile, in Gotham City…

    “Dance, magic dance!” the three girls were singing along to David Bowie’s beautiful tones.

    “See Sasami? This is what American’s consider to be quality entertainment!” Stephanie Brown was enjoying herself far too much for her own good.

    “I like this a lot, I really do, but this is starting to get kind of weird,” Sasami admitted. “Are the goblins actually children who have been taken away? Is Sarah dreaming? I’m so confused!”

    “Sometimes you just have to go with it,” Steph explained. “What do you think Kara?”

    “I think Hoggle is adorable!”

    “You would.”

    “So Sasami, who is more adorable to you? Hoggle or the Boy Wonder?” Kara asked as she put more syrup on her waffle meal.

    Sasami laughed. “Stop it!”

    “Can I be serious for a moment?” Stephanie asked. “I know the kid. I don’t think he’s had any friends before in his life. He asking you on a date sends up all kinds of red flags!”

    “Well,” the princess breathed. “That’s why I’m going! Damian and I are way too young to go on the kind of date that Ayeka or Ryoko would go on with Tenchi. I just want to be his friend! He may not have any friends, but I don’t have many friends here either.”

    The cabbit meowed hurtfully. “Okay, I have you Ryo-Ohki!”

    “So…it wouldn’t be a date date?” Brown asked.

    “Nope! I’m only 700. I’m way too young for THAT kind of date! That’d be silly!”

    Stephanie blinked, trying to process the young girl’s age. “That it would.”

    *TGSTGE*

    “You would think that this was easy!” Kiyone yelled to Damian as she continued to shoot at her enemies. “These guys don’t give up!”

    “Stop yelling in combat Makibi!”

    The Fiends were all utilizing various different weapons. Some used their fists, others used flaming arrows, and a few even utilized flamethrowers. It was hard to attack everyone at the same time, and Kiyone was starting to feel the pressure of the battle at hand. However, she refused to stand down. As a member of the Galaxy Police, she would fight until her last breath.

    A blonde haired woman with goggles pointed her flame thrower toward Damian. Kiyone, noticing this, shot her weapon at her at the same time she kicked a pale man with a mohawk. Damian turned around at this and growled. “I had it under control Makibi!”

    “Stop yelling in combat Squirt!” Kiyone yelled playfully.

    After what seemed like ages of fighting, Kiyone, Damian, and Sexton were backed by a tomb. Panting and bloody, they regarded the situation. “So, how are we doing?” Kiyone panted.

    “About as well as you’d imagine,” Sexton whispered as he adjusted his hat. “This is starting to look bad. I thought you said Batman was on the property.”

    “He is. He’s tending to Wayne,” Damian explained. “We don’t need him. We have this under control.”

    With that, one of the 99 Fiends made his way to the front of the crowd. He wore a black domino mask and carried a bird on his shoulder. “You have no chance to beat us. You have fought well, but our numbers are too much for you to handle. We know Barbatos has stirred beneath the ground. Give us the Casket and we will leave.”

    “What casket?” Kiyone asked. “You mean the box in the painting? It’s here?”

    “So they say,” Oberon cracked his neck slightly. “They want to search the tomb behind us more than likely.”

    “Then we better not let them in,” Kiyone smiled. “You all ready?”

    Suddenly, a giant light illuminated the graveyard. The Fiends turned to acknowledge it, as did the heroes. “Is that the Batmobile?” Damian asked.

    “Attention criminals! You are breaking and entering on private property! You are all under arrest!” a most familiar voice came from the sky. An intense beam of light came down in front of the tomb and a person stepped out of it. Her blonde hair was hidden by her standard issue blue hat. Her gun was pointed at the Fiends and determination was written on her face.

    Mihoshi had joined the battle.

    “Mihoshi! Where did you come from?” Kiyone yelled. She made a move to go hug her put Mihoshi put her hand up.

    “Kiyone, we are on duty! We cannot show weakness in front of these criminals!”

    The detective blinked. “Who are you and what have you done with Mihoshi?”

    “Kiyoneeee!” Mihoshi whined, her tough facade cracking. “I’m trying to show you how responsible I am! I’m really sorry that you were mad at me and I don’t want you to hate m…stay where you are!” She shot the ground near where one of the Fiends was attempting to attack.

    “Can you save your heartfelt reunion for later?” Damian yelled. “We have a battle to fight and the odds are stacking up, though I refuse to give up!”

    “Don’t worry!” Mihoshi smiled. “I brought help guys!”

    “What are you talking about?” Kiyone asked. “I don’t see…”

    A familiar battle cry was heard throughout the graveyard. Beams of red came down from behind the mob of Fiends. A sound similar to a sonic boom crashed around them as a silver and red blur flew around. A second form followed, this time of a pink and purple hue.

    “I love a good old fashioned ass kicking! I’ll bet I get more than you do Princess!”

    “This isn’t a competition you monster! Regardless, I’ll show you how the true power of Jurai can feel!”

    “So you are admitting that I can take out more of these costumed clowns than you?”

    “Please darling, you couldn’t keep up with me if you tried.”

    Kiyone stared in shock. How in the world did Mihoshi convince Ryoko and Ayeka to come to America to fight for them. And, more importantly, how did she know they would be needing extra help?

    Picking up his shovel, Oberon used the distraction of the three newcomers to bash some skulls in. “Are you going to stand around Baby Boy Wonder, or are you going to lend a hand?”

    “Sexton, watch your mouth!”

    The fight slowly turning in against them, the Fiends started to dwindle down in size. Though nobody was getting killed, miraculously, they were starting to get grievously wounded. It was during this time that the Wayne tomb opened up from the inside. Crawling into view was Dick Grayson, clutching the casket the Fiends desperately desired.

    “I…I found it Robin! I…what the hell is going on?”

    “BARBATOS!” one of the Fiends shouted. “Grab the Casket and retreat!”

    “Not on your life buddy!” Ryoko yelled. “Double points if you get one who grabs the box!”

    “Can I play too?” Mihoshi asked while she shot several Fiends scrambling toward Dick.

    “Are you lot always this casual while people are trying to murder you?” Sexton asked incredulously.

    “Please!” Kiyone replied, now back to back with Mihoshi and covering Damian’s assault. “This is nothing compared to when the fleet of Jurai was after us. On your left!”

    Sexton swiftly swung his shovel in stunned surprise. “I owe you one!”

    “I’ll take you up on that,” Kiyone muttered to herself. “Mihoshi, can you forgive me? I was angry and…for pete’s sake!” The teal haired detective was grazed with an arrow. “That almost hit me!”

    “You almost hit Kiyone?! I’ll never forgive you!” Mihoshi started to bawl now, randomly shooting all over the place. Fiend after Fiend fell in a paralyzed state.

    “Kuramitsu, whatever you are doing, keep it up!” Damian roared.

    Dick stared on in amazement. From what he managed to pick up from Alfred, the group was losing the battle. It seemed that Mihoshi had turned the tide. He clutched the Bat Casket in his arms tightly. Suddenly, an idea sprung in his head. He fiddled with his utility belt and pulled out a small microscopic tool. He placed it on the Casket and charged into battle.

    Using the Casket as a weapon, Dick swung hard on the domino wearing Fiend, who grabbed it and pushed Dick away. “We have what we came here for! Everybody out!”

    The conscious twenty or so Fiends limped their way off of the property. Ryoko and Ayeka started to chase after them, but Dick yelled for them to return. They did as he asked, albeit hesitantly.

    “What the heck was that for? We were winning!” Ryoko pouted.

    “I happen to agree with the lady Batman,” Oberon panted. “That was foolish. You don’t know what we are dealing with.”

    Batman looked at the masked detective’s arm. “You look like you need medical attention. Want me to take you to the hospital?”

    “No, I have a medical kit at my apartment. Meet me there and I will give you everything I know on both the Domino Killer and the 99 Fiends…or however many there are now.”

    “Go on Sexton. We just need to alert Gordon to pick up these goons before Wayne comes out of the deep sleep I put him in,” Batman explained.

    Mihoshi started to say something, but Kiyone covered her mouth. It was clear from past experience that she was going to ask about Dick’s mention of “Bruce Wayne.” Sexton, not noticing anything odd with the situation, merely nodded and made his way off the property.

    The second he left, Damian started to pound on Dick’s chest. “Why did you give up the Casket Grayson? If they discover the tracer you no doubt implanted, all of that would be for nothing!”

    “I don’t think so. At this point, it’s better to let them take it away so Wayne Manor can be left alone for a bit. I think I know who left it there and why. What I don’t know,” Dick added, looking at the three unexpected visitors. “Is how the heck you three knew to come here?”

    “Well,” Mihoshi trailed off. “I managed to catch some really big criminals and wanted to tell Kiyone, but she seemed really upset at me. I stopped back home to ask Tenchi’s honorable grandfather what to do, but he was out in town. But I found the next best thing!”

    Kiyone sighed and hugged her partner. “Mihoshi, I’m so sorry. I was focusing so much on the mission that I took out my frustration on you. Can you forgive me?”

    “OH KIYONEEE!” Mihoshi buried her head into Kiyone’s shoulder. As she patted her partner’s head, she turned to Ryoko and Ayeka.

    “That still doesn’t answer why you two wanted to leave Tenchi in Japan and come here,” Kiyone asked.

    Ryoko snorted with laughter. “Honestly, it’s because of him!” She pointed to Damian, who turned around in confusion.

    “Why would you travel…” Damian started before realization set in. “Hakubi, I will slaughter you. Slowly. With a dull blade.”

    “Young man, if you thought for a single second that I would not want to talk to you in person, you would be wrong!” Ayeka stormed up to him. “Explain to me this: why do you think you can go and court my sister?!”

    Damian crossed his arms and grunted. “Do I really need to explain myself to you woman?”

    “Yes! Yes you do! As Sasami’s older sister….”

    “Look,” Damian put his hands up in defeated protest. “I understand your apprehension in the matter. I am the spawn of assassins and murders. However, I implore you to look past all of that. Your sister has done something no other person has done, gotten me to actually laugh. Not even Father could do that.”

    “Regardless,” Ayeka said. “You both are far too young to be in any kind of serious relationship. I will not allow it!”

    “Serious…Princess, I am ten years old! What makes you think I want ANY part in a serious relationship? I merely wish to get to know your sister more, hence why I asked her to dinner. Is that not what people do? She and I are practically friendless on this planet and that deserves to be rectified! Your sister is a wonderful person, and coming from me that says something.”

    “It does,” Dick interjected for the first time.

    “Even Grayson agrees. I am not ‘courting’ your sister! I want to KNOW your sister. Is that such a crime?” Damian took off his domino mask and stared at her intently. “Look at me. I would NEVER hurt your sister. Yes, I might have what you call a ‘crush’ on her, but is that so wrong? Again, I am ten. That is apparently typical for my age.”

    Ayeka narrowed her eyes. It was clear that she still viewed him as the boy with the attitude she met six months prior. Damian groaned to himself. ‘Of course she has her doubts. I may never get her to approve of me, but I am a Wayne, and Waynes do not back down.’

    “Well…what did Sasami have to say about your proposal?” Ayeka asked suspiciously.

    “She told me it was a date,” Damian bowed with respect, anticipating a challenge from her. “If you wish for me to clarify my position, I will do so. But I ask you to allow me to continue my friendship with your sister…please.”

    Dick put a hand to his mouth. “He said ‘please!'” he whispered to himself. “Alfred, are you listening to this?”

    “I am hanging on every word. I think Master Bruce would be proud of how he has grown.”

    “Very well…” Ayeka relented. “I cannot stop my sister from doing anything. But I will have my eye on you!”

    “I will not disappoint you.”

    “And as for you!” the princess turned to Ryoko. “You told me Sasami had found a boyfriend! You deliberately misled me!”

    “Hey, I call it as I see it!” Ryoko shrugged.

    “So you traveled all over the world…to protest Damian?” Kiyone asked. “That seems rather elaborate. What about you Ryoko? Why are you here?”

    “If you think I would let that demon stay with Lord Tenchi unsupervised for even a moment…”

    “Fair enough,” Kiyone conceded. “Has Barbara’s father been called yet?”

    “I took the liberty of reporting it in Miss Kiyone,” Alfred responded. He had parked the Batmobile and made his way toward them. “I think having Bruce Wayne’s butler around might make things a bit credible.”

    “I agree,” Dick nodded. “So Kiyone, since we’ve got some time to kill, why don’t we swap Sexton stories?”

    *TGSTGE*

    Oberon Sexton waited patiently in his apartment. The night’s events had taken a minor toll on him. However, he had hoped this would be the moment. This would be when all of the pieces would be put out on the board.

    He smiled under his mask. He could hear police sirens wailing down the street. This piqued his curiosity. Could Batman have figured it out at last? If he did, he hoped he wouldn’t act too rash. But who was he kidding? He’d probably come in and start accusing him of his role in this. If only he knew what his true endgame was.

    The door to his apartment opened and, as expected, Batman entered in the room. He was not alone. The two detectives, the blonde one and the teal haired one, accompanied him. This was proving to be an interesting development.

    “All of this protection for little old me? I must say, I think it’s a bit much.”

    “We have to be careful Mr. Sexton. This was quite a night.”

    “How is Wayne doing?” Sexton asked. “Did he end up getting injured?”

    “I knocked Wayne out and hid him in his panic room. The butler assisted as well. They are being questioned as we speak. Still, I have a few questions for you, if you wouldn’t mind indulging me.”

    “If you feel that it is necessary.”

    “I had a friend in England, the Knight, who I contacted after I left your apartment earlier today. Something wasn’t sitting right with me. The way that all of the various members of the Black Glove died…it just seemed too coincidental. I asked him to check something out for me. Then a funny thing happened. Officer Makibi, who I brought in on this case along with her partner, did her own digging and had some interesting theories of her own.”

    “Oh?” Oberon asked, taking off his sunglasses. “What might those be?”

    “Though Sexton is a real writer, the Knight found his corpse buried with his dead wife an hour ago. That means you aren’t the real Sexton. You’ve been pulling a fast one on us. The name…’fey king?’ Really? That’s what gave it away to her. This whole thing has been one giant joke, hasn’t it?” With that, Oberon Sextron removed his mask and revealed a white, grinning visage. His green hair briefly flashed before he put the top hat back on.

    Oberon Sexton was actually The Joker.

    http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/square_small/6/60974/1223192-batman_and_robin__12_025.jpg" />

    drillmaster
    Member
    Ch. 14: No Need for Feelings

    “He said that? Damn, she’s not going to be happy,” Dick Grayson said after nearly spitting up his coffee.

    Dick and Kiyone had finally rolled out of bed a little after Damian had left with Alfred for his meeting. In order to keep herself calm, Sasami got Alfred’s blessing to cook a hearty breakfast. She had finally finished making her first ever omelets and sat down with her two companions.

    “She didn’t seem happy about it, no she didn’t,” the young girl moped.

    “Sasami, try to understand that Talia is crazy. She comes from a world where human lives are merely some kind of ladder to further her own agenda. Damian is just one more step on the ladder,” Dick tried to explain. “Don’t take it personally.”

    Kiyone gave her a quick one armed hug. “Please kid, you don’t have to worry about anything. I guarantee he doesn’t think less of you. Honestly, it’s pretty obvious that he’s got it bad.”

    “Got what bad Kiyone?” Sasami asked innocently.

    “You know…’it.’ He’s got a crush on you!”

    The comment caused Sasami to stop attempting to use a fork, which intrigued her, and to blink for a few seconds. Then she started to giggle and blush. “He can’t have a crush on me! We are just friends…could he?”

    Dick threw his hands up theatrically. “The young are so blind! Since he met you, he’s calmed down on his angry instincts a lot. The past day he seems like a whole new person. You got through his walls Princess and showed him what life could really be about…or I’m just misreading this and should be very embarrassed.”

    The trio laughed at the comment and returned to their breakfast. Kiyone, noticing Sasami staring out into space, figured it might be a good time to discuss some important matters. “So what is the game plan tonight?”

    “I don’t make plans,” Dick admitted. “I’m more of an improv guy. You know, circus roots. Still, I talked it with Barbara and I’ve got a good idea for what our Sasami here can do tonight.”

    “Really? What is it?”

    “I think it’s time that you experienced a good old fashioned American sleep over.”

    *TGSTGE*

    Later that day, Damian had returned to the Penthouse a different man. His meeting with the board of directors allowed him to discover several possible leads to the incongruities, including something most disturbing:

    “Between my suggestions and Fox’s resources, we pinpointed the problem. There was an accident fund set up for railroad victims in the name of Thomas Wayne,” Damian was explaining to Dick Grayson in a private meeting down below. “Ring any bells Grayson?”

    He nodded bitterly, piecing the clues together. “Railroad…as in a Mexican Train. Dr. Hurt practically signed his handiwork. Amazing; the Black Glove is actually financed by Bruce’s money. He’s going to be livid once he finds out the truth.”

    “We will savor that moment when we discover Father. I don’t see Drake anywhere so there is at least something to be thankful about today,” he forced a laugh, but was clearly not into it.

    Dick squirmed around in his chair as he chose his next words carefully. “Heard about your mom. That couldn’t have been fun to hear.”

    “*tt* Mother…if she cannot accept me for who I am then what kind of a Mother is she anyway? I wasn’t even formally introduced to her for years. I’ve gotten more parenting from Pennyworth than her.”

    “To be fair, I think we all can consider Alfred the parent of the century. You holding up okay?”

    Damian looked up at the ceiling of the Bat-Bunker and nodded. “What do you think will happen when Father returns? We can’t be Batman and Robin anymore, can we?”

    The current Caped Crusader breathed in and let out a big sigh. “Hard to tell. Odds are I’ll go back to being Nightwing. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t be Robin. Father and son fighting crime…criminals are doomed!”

    “I appreciate the sentiment Grayson, but I’m being serious,” Damian looked to him. Dick could see the fear in his eyes, the sadness and the deep settling anxiety. “I’ve given up everything for this life. What happens if Father returns and I have nothing?”

    “What about her?”

    “Who?”

    “Stop playing around; you know who I’m talking about. Ye big and blue pigtails? Has a triforce on her forehead?”

    Damian crossed his arms and scowled. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

    “Damian, remember that I’m playing the part of ‘World’s Greatest Detective.’ It’s kind of my job to be observant. Have you even talked to her yet?”

    It was now Damian’s turn to blush. “The Princess is…is someone who I trust. Nothing more.”

    “Sure about that?”

    “That is between me and her Richard!” Damian quickly shouted. The use of his first name was not lost on Dick: he struck a nerve. “Besides, she is an alien princess, I am the partner of a circus clown. You know that she has her responsibilities to uphold and I would not fall into that category.”

    “Tell that to Tenchi.”

    “He has royal alien blood!”

    “Ayeka didn’t know that before she professed her love…or so I’m told,” Dick pointed out.

    His eyebrow twitching, Damian made the move to walk away. “Don’t you have a meeting with that writer?”

    “I do. I guess I’ll leave you be. Meet me at the Manor later. I’m sending Sasami with Barbara for the night, so don’t worry about her.”

    Damian nodded as Dick put on his costume and headed toward the Batmobile. “Grayson!”

    “Yes Boy Wonder?”

    “Do…” He started. “Do you really think she would forgive me for Mother’s attitude?”

    The Batman smiled. “Undoubtedly old chum.”

    *TGSTGE*

    As the day progressed, Mihoshi finally joined the others in the land of the living. It was clear she was getting used to the time zone adjustments, but Kiyone could not help but be embarrassed.

    “Do you have any idea what time it is here?” Kiyone grouchily told her and she raised the fridge.

    “I told you Kiyone, I’m sorry! I don’t set an alarm and these beds are so much comfier than our futons!”

    “True as that may be, you’ve wasted half of the day already! It’s rude and frankly I’m embarrassed! How can you call yourself a Galaxy Police Officer?”

    Mihoshi laughed. “Silly Kiyone, you know I’m a Galaxy Police Officer! That was a silly question!”

    “I’m serious! Mihoshi, we have to be able to rely on each other! If I can’t rely on you, what kind of partners are we anyway?”

    “Kiyone!”

    “I’m sorry Mihoshi, but we’ve been roped into a very serious case with very different criminals than even we are used to. This is something out of a manga! If I can try to learn more about this culture that you find fascinating, I would hope that you would try to take this more seriously!”

    Tears started to form in Mihoshi’s eyes. Kiyone knew she was reacting a bit harder than usual, but between the stressful day the day before and feeling bad for Damian, her ability to sympathize was wearing thin.

    “Mihoshi, how about this: why don’t you go to Yagami and patrol for me? The subspace linkup can connect to here so you don’t have to worry. It’ll do you some good.”

    “But,” Mihoshi sniffled. “But I go on patrol with you…as partners!”

    “I’ve got to help Dick check for clues at the old mansion. You might set off one of El Sombrero’s traps. It’s only for today!” Kiyone tried to explain.

    “But what if you set off a trap Kiyone? Who will look after you?”

    The detective put a smile on her face. “Hey, I’ve got Batman to back me up. I think I’ll be okay. When this is all over Mihoshi, we can go to our favorite karaoke bar…and I’ll buy you that stuffed dog you always see in that dingy toy shop in Tokyo.”

    Smiling through the tears, Mihoshi nodded and saluted. Kiyone returned it. The blonde started to mess with her control cube, which she carried on her at all times, and managed to change into her uniform.

    Kiyone brought her down into the Bat-Bunker where she knew there would be a good place to link to Yagami, their patrol ship. They passed Damian, who seemed lost in thought.

    “Oh, it’s you. Where are you going?” He asked. It wasn’t an attack like usual; rather, he seemed genuinely interested.

    “I’m going on patrol in space!” Mihoshi put on a big smile.

    He blinked and shook his head. “Aliens…”

    Kiyone took the control cube from Mihoshi and turned it a few times. With a “ping,” a glowing hole appeared. Inside the hole was the cockpit of their ship.

    “I’ll…miss you Kiyone!” Mihoshi was clearly doing her best not to cry. Again.

    “I’ll miss you too. If you are hungry, we should have some of Sasami’s soup in the storage container. Don’t eat it now! Save it for later!”

    “Okay! Good bye Kiyone! Good bye Damian! Don’t fall into any traps!” She cried as she went through the door. The portal closed behind her, leaving only Damian and Kiyone in the Bunker.

    “Where’d Dick go? I thought we were going to the Mansion in a few hours.”

    “Grayson is visiting Oberon Sexton,” Damian explained nonchalantly.

    “That writer he was talking about last night?”

    “The same. Calls himself ‘The Gravedigger,’ or something like that.”

    Something about that name bothered Kiyone. ‘Oberon…where have I heard that name before?’ “Mind if I use the Bat-Computer to do some research? I want to be prepared for later.”

    “Be my guest. Say, have you seen the Princess around?”

    “Oh, Barbara is coming any minute now to pick her up. If you want that goodbye kiss, now’s the time!”

    “Officer Makibi, you make my blood boil sometimes, you know that?” Damian informed her as the he made his way toward the elevator.

    Kiyone couldn’t help but smile at the boy. Dick was right: he really had changed in six months. ‘I wonder how much of that is Sasami and how much of that is Dick?’ Kiyone thought to herself. Alone in the Bat-Bunker, she cracked her knuckles and started typing.

    “If I’m going to be a part of this world, it’s high time I start thinking like it. Let’s see what I can find about the name Oberon…”

    *TGSTGE*

    Waiting for Barbara to pick her up at the Wayne Penthouse, Sasami could not help herself but swim about in the several thoughts that were floating around in her head. She had been caught off guard earlier when Kiyone and Dick told her about Damian and she really did not know what to do about it.

    ‘On one hand, Damian may have a crush on me, but is that just because I was here for him when his mother wasn’t? On the other hand, do I just like Damian because I see that he is a good person on the inside, or do I really LIKE him?’ She asked herself.

    ‘Does he know anything about me at all?’

    “Still here I see,” a voice caused her to snap out of her thoughts. Unsurprisingly, it was the object of her concern.

    “Hello Damian,” Sasami replied. “Are you okay?”

    “Yes…” Damian replied very fast. “Princess Sasami, I would like to apologize for…”

    “Stop it! You defended me and you want to apologize?” Sasami chuckled. “You are a weird boy aren’t you Damian?”

    “*tt* I’ll never concede to that Princess,” Damian said with a slight smile. “May I ask you a question?”

    “Sure!”

    “You once asked me if I enjoy being Robin. Here is my follow up question: do you actually enjoy being a princess?”

    “It’s not what you would expect it to be,” Sasami admitted. “I always have to be so proper and polite all the time.”

    Damian looked genuinely surprised. “So I was wrong about you? You aren’t naturally this peppy all the time?”

    “No silly, I am! But I have to be held to a higher standard to others on Jurai. I used to cut school all the time to play in the gardens, but the nobles would always find me and scold me,” she elaborated. “I think that’s why Ayeka and I like Earth so much. We can be who we really are here without having to be judged.”

    The Boy Wonder started to laugh. It wasn’t a condescending laugh like he typically would do, but a genuine one. Sasami was slightly taken back by it. “What’s so funny?”

    “You! I would never have pictured you to defy your parents’ orders! It’s…it’s refreshing. I was afraid there wasn’t anything beyond the surface besides smiles and sunshine,” Damian grinned. “You are a good person Sasami Jurai.”

    “So you think you know everything beyond the surface of me?” Sasami playfully asked.

    “Not even close. Maybe when all of this is over you…” Damian stammered, sweat forming on his brow. “What I mean is…would you permit me the honor of discussing it over dinner and a movie? Maybe in Japan.”

    The air from the room left in an instant. Sasami turned bright red. Damian turned a brighter shade of it. It was impossible to read the girl, but Damian was starting to panic. It was clear he had never been this open about his feelings before.

    “That was stupid…” Damian Wayne started to whisper to himself before she put her finger on his lips. The girl nodded and smiled.

    “It’s a date.”

    “A…yes a date. We will discuss it with Pennyworth when we bring down Dr. Hurt. A pleasant talk Sasami,” Damian said with a nervous bow. “Enjoy your evening with the cr…with Gordon. I must be off and meet Grayson at Father’s mansion.”

    With that, the boy ran out of the room, leaving a blushing Sasami at the door. A moment later, Alfred walked through the door and saw the sight.

    “Miss Sasami, are you well? You look like you are going to faint?”

    Sasami started to laugh like a little Earth girl. “No I’m fine Mr. Pennyworth. It’s…well…”

    “I do not need to pry Miss Sasami,” he smiled knowingly with a wink. “Miss Gordon will be pulling up any moment. I believe a night of revelry is planned between you and Miss Brown.”

    “You mean Batgirl, sir?”

    “The same. Master Dick did say he wanted you to experience a true American sleepover.”

    She left the room to collect her bags. With a smile, she started to call Ryo-Ohki. She couldn’t wait to tell her everything that just happened.

    *TGSTGE*

    “Miss Makibi, how goes your research?” Alfred asked as he stepped out of the elevator into the Bat-Bunker. He made his way toward the detective sergeant, who had notes sprawling everywhere on the computer desk. “It seems as if you are making quite a mess. I suppose my job will remain secure.”

    “Alfred!” Kiyone jumped, sending her papers every which way. “I didn’t hear you come in!”

    “If there is one thing that I am used to, it is heroes deep in thought. You fit right in here.”

    “You mean that?” the frazzled detective asked. “I mean, I’m not a hero; I’m just doing my job.”

    “And doing a bloody good job at it I’d imagine. What are you researching? Wayne Manor? That awful Hurt fellow?”

    “Actually, Oberon Sexton. You know, the writer.”

    “Indeed? That is surprising. What exactly are you researching?”

    Kiyone searched through her notes for a piece of paper. While she searched, she started to speak. “You were an English actor, were you not?”

    “I was.”

    “Are you familiar with the works of William Shakespeare? Damn it, where is it!” she added to herself.

    “I would hope that I was!”

    “Well last year, Nobuyuki took the house to see a play as a favor to one of his coworkers. It was called A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shall I assume you are familiar with the tale?”

    “Assume away, though that comedy has become rather amusing in hindsight after actually meeting Queen Hippolyta and her daughter.”

    “I’d imagine. Anyway, the fairy king is called Oberon, right? I knew I heard that name somewhere and here it is!” Kiyone enthusiastically explained. “I’ve been research Oberon himself and discovered something interesting. Did you know that another word for fairies is actually fey?”

    “I did. What is the significance of that?”

    “This is the big clue!” Kiyone told him. “If he is the King of the Fairies that would make him the King of the Feys!”

    Alfred blinked and thought about it. “A Fey King? I don’t follow.” Suddenly, everything came to him at once. “A Fey King! As in ‘faking!'”

    “Exactly! And according to various interviews, our writer calls himself ‘The Gravedigger.'”

    “And gravediggers in Shakespearean plays are called fools or clowns! My word!”

    “There is only one issue with your little theory,” the voice of Damian called out. The boy was now in costume, waiting to leave for his father’s house. “He’s an established writer! He published books! His wife was actually killed!”

    At once, Kiyone’s smile dropped into a frown. “But isn’t this the kind of convoluted clue that your enemies would typically do? It was perfect! I even had a theory that HE was actually that Domino Killer you are after because of his close connection to the case and the sick joke of your domino mask!”

    “The theory does seem logical Master a Damian,” Alfred pointed out. “It is the sort of thing that madman would do.”

    “Well, then what’s his endgame? He’s literally talking to Grayson right now. What possible reason would he have to laugh at us like that?”

    Kiyone swiveled the chair from side to side in thought. “The Black Glove!”

    “Excuse me?”

    “All the murders in your domino case prior to coming to Gotham were wealthy businessmen. I’d bet anything they were part of The Black Glove! You all said that he is on bad terms with them; maybe this is his elaborate revenge!”

    “You are far more excited than you have my reason to be Makibi. Your theory relies on too much coincidences…” Damian told her, but it didn’t sound like he bought it completely.

    “Well, we can run it by Dick later and see what he thinks. Don’t we have a mansion to search?”

    “Indeed we do. Are you all prepared to go?” Alfred asked.

    “I’m driving,” Damian said without hesitation.

    “You most certainly will not!”

    *TGSTGE*

    In deep space, Mihoshi mad managed to arrest an intergalactic biker gang all by herself and had even helped catch a pet Mitsuki that was dropped out in an escape pod accidentally. Though Mihoshi felt proud of doing all of these things on her own, it just was not the same without Kiyone.

    Alone in space, Mihoshi was lost in her own set of thoughts and feelings. ‘Oh what am I going to do? Kiyone is mad at me and thinks I’m an embarrassment! If only she saw that I did all of these things today!’

    She looked at a picture she kept of the two of them on her controls. She never noticed it before, but Kiyone looked a little annoyed in it. Mihoshi had always thought that it was a nice picture of them, but now she second guessed herself.

    ‘What can I do to make her happy? Should I leave her alone in Gotham to enjoy herself?’ she thought.

    It made sense. Mihoshi could clearly see that Kiyone was just starting to finally get into the world of heroes like Mihoshi was. However, Mihoshi enjoyed them at a fan level, while Kiyone seemed to just view it as another case. Why couldn’t she just see the world as Mihoshi did?

    “Wait, I am a Detective Sergeant in the Galaxy Police! I bring down wanted criminals all the time, including without Kiyone! I’ll show her that I’m not an embarrassment! I will go and help her out! I…I…I’ll just get in the way!” she started to break down again. “What do I do? What do I do? I wish I could talk to someone about this, like Tenchi’s grandpa or…”

    Suddenly, an idea popped in her head. “I know what to do!” With that, she punched in a few coordinates and made her way to the planet Earth. She was a woman on a mission: Mihoshi had a plan and was going to stick to it…no matter the cost.

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