Date: Wed, 2 May 2001 05:03:49 -0700 (PDT) From: Author James Subject: Tales of a Real Dark Knight 47 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. Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount Studios. 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 you are commenting on. Thanks. jmsotc@yahoo.com Chapter 47 Lord Bortos The Huntress kicked the Kailiff leader between his legs. He hunched over and she rolled over his back. She grabbed the two scrolls he placed on a shelf, and then turned only to be grabbed by the throat. "That hurt," the Kailiff said. "Now I make you hurt." "Yeah, right," the Huntress said. The Kailiff tossed her into me. The Kailiff fighting me grabbed the scrolls that the Huntress dropped while in mid-air. "Let's go!" The demons ran passed us and into the corridor. The Kailiff Wolverine was fighting turned to get away. Wolverine had different plans, however. "Where do you think you're going, bub?" Wolverine leaped onto the demon and tackled him. "Get off me, inferior being!" the Kailiff screamed. "Inferior being? Whose on top of who?" Wolverine looked up at me. "Don't get any thoughts, Batgay." I threw him a dirty look. The Huntress approached the demon. "Where is Lord Bortos?" "I would rather die." "Suit yourself." The Huntress pulled out a dagger and stabbed the demon in the throat. Then she turned to Wolverine and me. "Let's go." I just looked at her incredulously as we ascended the stairs. However Wolverine was the first one to speak up. "What the hell was that, missy? You killed him." "Sure did." "But..." "He's a demon." "How are we going to follow him to their lair?" I asked. "I tagged the other one with a tracking device. He will lead us right to Bortos." We got outside and she got on her bike. "One of you get on with me." "Go ahead, Bats. My wheels are right around the corner. I'll catch up." I hopped on the bike and we took off. I hoped Logan would be able to catch up. "So why did you kill the Kailiff?" "Like I said, he's a demon. He's evil. Besides, the police don't make holding cells for demons. Especially one that would be strong enough to hold a Kailiff." Not too much later, we arrived at a mansion on the outskirts of town. The Huntress parked her bike behind some bushes. "I guess Bortos is here. Let's go." "The grounds could be booby trapped," I said. "Probably are." "And you are willing to risk going in there at night?" "Batman, please. We couldn't sneak in during daylight. Besides. Our masks have night vision lenses that come down if we need them. Just press by your right temple." I did and green lenses came down over my eyes. "Where do you come up with all this stuff?" She smiled at me. "Come on." "What about Wolverine?" As if in answer, Wolverine pulled up on his bike. He hid his in the bushes. "You two are hard to catch up to. That bike is fast. Is there any way I could get one?" The Huntress smiled. "Be careful in here, Wolverine. The grounds may be booby trapped." We climbed the fence and dropped down on the other side. Looking from the Huntress to Wolverine to myself I couldn't help but smile. Boy, were we a motley looking crew. Two of us had pointed ears. One had a cape. All of us were wearing masks. Not your normal party crashers. But then again, this wasn't an ordinary party. The three of us made our way up to the mansion. It was tricky getting around the booby traps but we managed nicely. Once at the house, we peaked in one of the windows. The house was gorgeous! I love old houses and this one was no exception. It was as intriguing as Stan Hywett in Akron, Ohio. I wanted it immediately. Wolverine and I followed the Huntress around the outside of the house. She was looking for a hidden window so we could easily get in. When we found one, she tried to open it. "It's locked. Batman, in one of your belt backs is the lock picking set." "We don't have time for twinkle toes to search his belt," Wolverine said. He moved his hand up to the window trim and extended a claw. It went through the wood and broke the lock off. "See. That works just as good." The Huntress pushed the window open and climbed in. "After you, twinkle toes," Wolverine said. "If we weren't on such an important mission, I would have to show you how well my toes twinkle." I climbed in. Logan was right behind me. "What is this mission, anyway?" "You saw the demons we were fighting. They are working for Lord Bortos, a powerful wizard who may be seeking to take over the city by Halloween." "Great. Another megalomaniac. This city is crawling with 'em." "Sssh," the Huntress said to us. The room we entered was some kind of florist room. At one time the former owners of the house grew and cut their own fresh flowers. I can just imagine the aromatic smells coming from this room. Now, however, it was dusty and not used. From this room we entered a small hallway and turned right. The hall extended to the main kitchen, which was currently not in use though remains of a meal prepared earlier were noticeable. It opened into a smaller room where dishes were being stored. A set of doubled doors rested on the other side of the room. As we made our way toward them, a Kailiff demon opened them and saw us. "My God! They're here!" He reached over and pressed a button nestled inconspicuously in the wall. An alarm sounded and he drew a sword hanging from his side. The Huntress pulled out a dagger from her boot. "I guess I should have brought my sword. Maybe next time." I looked over at her incredulously. "At least you have a weapon." I looked over at Wolverine, who had extended both claws fully. "He has his knives built in. I've got nothing." Four more Kailiff demons joined the one who sounded the alarm. "Here we go again," the Huntress replied. The Kailiff did not hesitate in attacking us. They charged at full force. Wolverine used his claws to block their attacks. When he slashed back, he sliced one of their swords into four pieces. The Kailiff looked at his sword then over at Wolverine in surprise. Wolverine just grinned at him then charged him. It's funny to see Kailiff demons become fearful. The Huntress used her dagger to block several attacks. I was amazed at her skill in using a small dagger against two swords. It didn't seem to matter that her weapon was the fourth of the size of her opponents. I guess size doesn't matter so long as you know how to use it. And use it she did. She was able to get in some really good cuts on the Kailiffs she fought. I was the unlucky one. I had to rely totally on my fighting skill, no weapons to help me. That's okay, though. I really don't like using weapons all that much anyway. A Kailiff demon ran at me. He swung at my head and I ducked. Grabbing him by the shirt and placing my feet securely in his gut, I fell backwards and flipped him over me into the hallway we had just come from. Thankfully I only had one Kailiff to deal with as the Huntress and Wolverine were nicely dealing with two each. I turned to the hallway and saw the demon stand to his feet. I ran up and grabbed the lintel of the door and swung my legs out kicking him in the chest. He flew backwards. I swung myself and released at the last possible second flying forward and landing feet first into his chest. This served to knock him down. I landed on my feet. The Kailiff stood up. He brought his sword up to attack. "I don't have one of those," I said. "Shouldn't we make it a fair fight?" The Kailiff snarled at me. "I guess not." He swung his sword at me. "Hey, be careful with that thing." He thrust it at me. I turned sideways and grabbed his wrist. "You didn't hear me. I guess you need to be punished." I backhanded him then flipped him over a railing of stairs that led down to the basement. He tumbled down the stairs. I turned back to the others to see how they were fairing. Where I was standing I could see the kitchen. It had one of those openings where the cooks could put food to transfer to the smaller room. A Kailiff came flying through it. Wolverine was definitely having a good time. I looked through the doorway and saw the Huntress stab one of the Kailiff in the chest. He fell over, dead. She could be quite ruthless when necessary. Past her, I noticed more Kailiff at the double doors. "Huntress," I called. She looked at me and then turned to the doors. "We can't beat them here," she said. "Wolverine, this way." The Huntress pushed the demon she was currently engaged with into the group that just came in. Then she turned and ran toward me. Wolverine was close behind her. "Go on down," I said motioning at the stairs leading down. "I'll hold them off." Wolverine and the Huntress ran down the stairs. I turned to the group that was heading toward me. I relaxed and put my hands palms out toward them. I felt my consciousness stretch out and envelop them. I picked them up in the air and began to spin them around. I didn't notice the Kailiff with the crossbow enter the double doors. He shot an arrow into my leg causing me to drop his friends. I reached down and pulled out the arrow. I looked up at him angry. I threw the arrow and held up my hand, grabbing it with my consciousness. I launched it at him. He turned to run and it went into his back. The demons on the floor stood up getting their bearings. I jumped over the railing and landed on the floor at the bottom. I saw the Huntress and Wolverine's shadows down the corridor and followed. Not too far down we entered a room containing a swimming pool. A door rested on the other side so we ran around it. Halfway around it, two groups of Kailiff's came in, one through each set of doors. "Get ready," the Huntress yelled. The Kailiff's came around each side of the pool. I turned to the group heading towards me. As one came in range, I spun and kicked him into the pool. I did a snap kick and got the one behind him. "Halt!" a voice commanded. All of the demons stopped. Wolverine, the Huntress and I turned to see a blue being wearing dark red robes standing in one of the doorways. "Who is this?" Wolverine asked. "I am Lord Bortos." We were in what would be considered the sitting room of Lord Bortos's mansion. Lord Bortos sat in a chair. The Kailiff demons surrounded the room. I stood by the large fireplace. Wolverine stood by two Kailiff, his arms crossed in defiance. The Huntress stood across from Lord Bortos. At one side were two large windows and a door leading to the back of the house and the gardens. "Would any of you like something to drink?" Lord Bortos offered. "No thanks," the Huntress responded. "What brings you to my humble abode?" "Your demons' activities in the city. What's going on?" "I'm planning for my future occupation." "Which is what?" "Ah, ah, ah, madam. If I were to tell you, where would the fun be? All the work you are doing to figure it out would be wasted." Lord Bortos grinned. "It's control of this city, isn't it?" I said. Lord Bortos looked at me for the first time. "Batman, isn't it?" I did not acknowledge his question. "That wouldn't be so bad, would it? Look at us. We are all misfits. You two are mutants," he said referring to Wolverine and I. "As for you, ma'am, I'm not quite sure what you are." "I'm the Slayer." "Ah, that would explain so much." He turned to one of his minions. "You were right. She is the Slayer." He turned back to the Huntress. "I'm simply planning on changing policy, making the likes of us more acceptable." "What do you mean 'the likes of us'?" I could tell Wolverine was offended, which isn't all that hard to do. "Why, make those of us who are different more accepted by changing policy." "And how would this policy work?" the Huntress asked. "By making it a crime to hate us. I would have psychic peace officers that would randomly scan passersby to determine their thoughts and feelings. If they had any negative inclinations towards us, they would be jailed and rehabilitated." "You mean brainwashed," I replied. "If the rehabilitation doesn't change their mind, execution. A fair act for all the persecution they've given us. I would start with the church since they seem to be the ones influencing the hatred of those different." As much truth as he spoke, I knew his means were wrong. By the posturing of my colleagues they didn't agree with him either. The Huntress said as much. "You don't realize what that would do. It would only fuel more hatred towards those who are different. You are forcing everyone to think the way you want him or her to. That's wrong. People have the right to their own opinions." "Even if that opinion means they think we are evil?" "I don't know about us," Wolverine said, "but you and your buddies are definitely evil." Lord Bortos snapped his head in Wolverine's direction. He raised his hand and Wolverine suddenly could not breathe. He clutched his throat and dropped to his knees. "Stop!" the Huntress said. Lord Bortos ignored her. "I will not be spoken to by someone of such inferiority." "You're making a snap judgment right there," I replied. "You have prejudice against him because he's different. You are no better than the rest of the bigots in this world." Lord Bortos turned to me. His other hand went up and I could not breathe. I dropped to my knees grasping at my throat, gasping for air. The room began to spin with the lack of oxygen to my brain. The Huntress ran up and kicked Lord Bortos in the face. His magic released us. Several Kailiff demons grabbed the Huntress. Wolverine and I drank in as much air as we could. Lord Bortos stood up. He backhanded the Huntress. "You are all weaklings. Your fate will be as the rest of the city. And those who follow the Dark One will rule." He turned to one of his Kailiff. "Take them to the dungeon." The Kailiff grabbed us and took us down to the basement. A heavy wooden door was opened and all three of us were taken in and chained up. The demons left and bolted the door behind them leaving us alone. Wolverine and I were still weak from the lack of oxygen. "Is it me or is that guy a lunatic?" Wolverine asked. "I still can't figure out why he's attacking government offices," the Huntress said. "If he plans on controlling the city, he's going to need them intact. They have every citizens records." "But he's a wizard, or sorcerer, or something," I replied. "He doesn't necessarily need it. He has power to know what he needs to. Not to mention the fear factor." "We have to get out and get back to my Watcher. Maybe he has come up with something. The problem at hand is getting out." "I can deal with that," Wolverine said. He extended his claws and bent his wrist back. With a flick of his wrist, his claws cut through the chains. He sliced the chains holding his legs then moved to the Huntress. "What's going on in there?" a guard called out. The rattling of the chains must have alerted him. "Get out of here," I said. "Not without you," the Huntress said. "Get out and get back to your Watcher. If I remain, I might be able to learn more." "They are unlocking the door, missy." "Get beside the door. When they come in, I will distract them so you can get away." Wolverine moved beside the door. The Huntress looked into my eyes. "Don't get yourself killed." "Not part of my plan." I smiled at her. The Huntress went to the other side of the door as it opened. To Be Continued... Now we know who Lord Bortos is and what his plans are. And we see the Huntress is not afraid of Wolverine. Of course after dealing with demons and vampires, the Wolverine doesn't seem all that tough to her. After I wrote the part comparing the size of the dagger with the size of a sword and it's usefulness I almost laughed. It could almost be a metaphor for something else. I'm sure some of you thought of it. Ha, ha, ha! I didn't plan it! Honest! Much more stuff coming up! Much more!