#@roseisred

[elvesandlanterns]

Ghost helpline part 4. “Well then,” John huffed out a cloud of smoke “that could have gone worse.”

“Debrief in 10.” Batman stalked towards a nearby meeting room. This hadn’t gone at all as he thought it would. Bruce hated unknown variables and right now his ignorance could have cost them dearly. He needed to know as much about magic society as he could before Konstelacio came back with the cure. Something about all of this just didn’t sit right.

Sure the child had seemed happy and calm. All to willing to help for a low price. But she was defensive even before the perceived insults landed. Like his sons, like Tim, waiting for the rug to be pulled under them. Scared but joking, happy. Until a dark look passed over her face, happiness flying away the moment Dr.Fate was mentioned. That look reminded Bruce of just how dangerous this demon was and just how much he need to prepare for everything. He refused to lose anyone else, not now not ever.

—- —- —-

The demon unfolded her legs from underneath her, legs scraping against each other with a metallic rasp. She held the handkerchief up to the sun, spots of blood disappearing into the air. She exhaled overwhelmed, stomach sinking as she inhaled rage filled.

She didn’t have to answer every summons, doing so would be a waste of time. She had even been told to avoid the Justice League all together. But when she had sensed Batman of all people on the other side she had to. She had to know, her family her sweet precious family would be moving to Gotham soon. Her brothers had reassured her that everything would be fine but this this wasn’t fine at all.

She hated them she hated them with every fiber of her being why ! Why! Why! Did she have to bump into this again! This time will be different tho she promised, this time no one was going to get hurt. She refuses to lose anyone else, not now not ever again!

She crumpled her new handkerchief into her fist. She, she had work to do. Gotham was no longer as safe as she had assumed it to be.

Not when Batman was working with an Al Ghul.

#@busterkeel

[ileauxleopards]

L’Essence du monde

L’être humain est un produit de la nature et un maillon de celle-ci. 

Il a tendance a l’oublié au profit d’une destruction et d’un bouleversement de l’ordre naturel. 

Malgré qu’il soit encrée en elle. 

Elle est l’Essentiel, l’essence du monde. 

Alors ne l’oublions pas, aimons là, protégeons là, et restons encrée à cet Essentiel. 

[zambie-trashart]

I Don’t Own an IPhone: Wanna Trade? Masterlist

Summary: Marinette is going through the airport to Gotham and Jon is going to Paris. While going through security, they pick up each other's phones and get some interesting messages from the other's significant other. Will Marinette fall for Jon's dashingly overprotective boyfriend's texts and will Jon figure out who the hell has an obsessive attraction to the owner of this rose gold IPhone he has?

Chapter 1: Murphy’s Law  Chapter 2: I Just Realized My Boyfriend is a Dick  Chapter 3: Coffee Shops Are Great For Exposition Chapter 4: Turtles and Dinner Dates  Chapter 5: Confessions, Dinners, and Agreements  Chapter 6: The Deal Is On  Chapter 7: I Hear a Symphony (August 10th)

Taglist open:

@jumpingjoy82 @liquid-luck-00 @megaafangirl @zorua-adorable @dreamykitty25 @pinkittwice @ghostdragonfang @ramos123 @redbullgivescaswings @jayjayspixiepop @sekhmet5 @blur-of-colours @roseisred  @nightlychaotic @ladybug-182 @novaloptr @prettylittlebutterflie @hammalammadamdam​ 

[yoursilverblueksy-blog]

#lifelesson #roseisred

[bongfooodie]

I was litterally down today for few reasons and was quite depressed. Just back from work & this is what is waiting at the door. Who is playing Secret Santa with me?? Thanks for making the day a little bright :) God bless you!!! #surprise #flowers #roseisred #roseday #secretsanta #guesswho #cluedo #anonymous #secretsuperstar #secret #tgif #thankgoditsfriday #fridaysuspense #suspense #secretadmirer #whosthat #sweetsurprise #lifeisbeautiful (at Aparna Hillpark Avenues)

[karlimenz]

At Auditorium RRI Bandung

Wedding Leni & Ghany #roseisred – at Auditorium RRI Bandung with J e n n Y – See on Path.

[elvesandlanterns]

Ghost Helpline part 3. Diana was shocked, hurt and elated all at once! “Your grandmother is Pandora?! I did not know that she even had a child! I am ecstatic to meet you Konstelacio. Oh my I call you cousin?” This was it! as far apart as the separation between Pandora and Themyscia may be Diana would take any family she could. The loneliness of childhood gnawed at her.

“Oh no! I’m not Pandoras Grandchild!” The girl crossed and uncrossed her arms into an X to show her dismissal, “She is a good mentor! And a wonderful family confidant! If anything she’s like my Nanny.”

Constantine began to sweat buckets.

Diana shouted, “Wait…is Pandora…” lips thinned.

“A ghost ? Yes”

- Tim stared at Konstelacio, she had begun to breathe deeply, averting her eyes from Wonder Woman, feet shuffling together. She was exhibiting shame. And Tim understood the feeling well, that you were too unworthy to even be held in comparison to someone else. Someone whose shoes you could never even dream of filling. “Do Demons have grandmas?” Uhhh speedsters.

“Yes”

“That’s so cool! Who’s yours?”

“I don’t know.”

Oh oh those golden eyes looked tired. As tired as Jason’s eyes had been after his first gala, Dick thought. They may have both been adopted but Jason was treated to so much contempt being from the streets, so much fake pity. /Oh poor kid doesn’t even know who his mom is./Dick knew Jason hated it all.

“I’m sorry!”

“It’s okay. It doesn’t matter.”

/It doesn’t matter Dick! Just drop it!/ the eldest robin frowned.

Damian tsked, “What about your parents? I would suppose even monsters need those? Also landing community service instead of some harsher punishment must mean you have some connection to authority in your ‘realm’ no?”

The little girl grinned, “Yes something like that.”

She has nearly everyone in the room duped, Constantine side eyed the Bats nearly. He knew that smile; a tad too wide eyes, a fraction to tight smile, the inexplicable about of understanding and kindness up until this point… this was the grin of a con artist.

- “I know quite a lot of important people! Why Pandora herself is my nanny! And my supervisor is my uncle.”

“Tsh- is that not a conflict of interest?”

“Doesn’t matter,” John wished he was allowed to smoke in space, “No more wasting time, now that we know you can help us what’s your price?”

“Hhhuuu what? Oh the price for the antidote will have to come later, after all you technically aren’t getting it from me. I’ll have to ask nanna and whoever else decides to help what the want. It’s only fair.”

“We see,” Batman’s low tone sounded. “And the dragon-“

Her hand stuck out shyly, “Tips are always welcomed tho…after all I am still providing a service.”

“We don’t …”

“It takes me a lot of energy and time to help you mortals so much. I’m so tired already.”

Batman’s mouth stilled, “We-“

A blur of red, “Oh are you hungry? Do you need anything? Let me get you a chair, snacks..”

“No no chair! Nothing is going threw that circle !” Constantine yelled, “Do you have any idea what could happen!”

“She’s a child!”

“She’s a demon!”

“Constantine is right.”

“Bats you can’t be serious, just look at her?”

“Flash we know your intentions are in the right place but we just can’t risk it! We also can’t risk not clearly defining what she considers a tip.” Zatanna signed how long have they been here, the girl looked harmless enough but something about her made her skin crawl.

“A favor would be nice! Especially from the red one!”

“See who knows what she could end up asking for.”

“Oh I see I’m sorry,” she looked down dejected, “ I do suppose no one carries favors for ladies around anymore hhhmmm and none of you have handkerchiefs? Awww”

“Why would you want something like that ?!?” Diana was horrified, her to be cousin was a child! No men, man, demon should be giving her favors to begin a courtship! “Flash!”

“Oh no no I wasn’t defending you to-“

“I know I know I just wanted one from you cuz you were nice to me.”

“That’s still doesn’t explain why you would ask for a favor as a tip?” Diana looked as the girl flushed in embarrassment. “I -I -I just want one to show my friends that’s all just to prove that I could get one that’s all! Uummmm cousin???” She hesitated regretful as soon as the word had come out.

“Oh I see are your friends giving you a hard time? Well I say the only one that would be appropriate to give you such a thing would be Robin… the youngest that is.”

The bats looked back at Damian oh dear lord sweat god don’t -

“Tch- here.”

Oh

Damian tossed a handkerchief towards the circle. “You just carry a handkerchief with you?” “Of course I do I’m not a heathen unlike you Drake.”

The toss was barely thrown in her direction when it disappeared entirely. “Where…”

“No worries I just put it in my inventory. Now then I’ll be on my way.”

“Wait!”

“Huh?” Big doe eyes blinked up at them all in confusion.

“The dragon! What about that thi- guy.” Hal scruffed out.

The girl brightened up, “Oh you don’t have to pay me anything for that! After all Aragon the one that broke his patrol. So I’m sure as soon as I send my report someone will come deal with it eventually.”

“Eventually?!” Hal’s hand hit the table, who was this kid?

“Well yes, tons of reports go in everyday! It is the INFINITE realms after all! Who knows when they’ll get to yours.” She shrugged as if it was all just a matter of convenience as if that very dragon haven’t terrorized and destroyed lives throwing its tantrum.

Superman chewed his lip, as this meeting contributed to drag on he had no doubt Aragon would continue to destroy everything in its path. “Wait what about your connection, surely you know someone that can help ? What about your supervisor uncle ?” Clark needed this to stop, he couldn’t even land a punch on this guy. Nothing worked and he was already weak to magic. This has to stop.

“Well I suppose I can but it’ll cost you.”

“Wait just a minute!”

“Do we even have anything you want?” Clark raked his mind over ideas in his head, for a tip all she had wanted was a handkerchief an old school way of showing off to her friends like any normal girl. “We don’t have much but I’m sure we could think of something???”

“It’s okay Mr. Superman.” Konstelacio lite up “I’ll just take something you mortals don’t really think about hhhmmm something small.”

Hal sighed as he leaned back, “You sure we can’t just give her a dog?”

“Ugh fuck this mate I need a light,” forget not being allowed to smoke up here all these idiot we’re getting on John’s last nerve, “Ugh drat! I could have sworn I had my lighter in my pocket.”

“Oh you mortals losing things in your own pocket. Oh that’s what I want in return!”

“A lighter? Smoking is -“

“I want your pockets.”

“What do you mean?”

The devil grinned, “Your pockets, empty them.”

#@starkcravingmad

[elvesandlanterns]

Ghost Helpline Part 5

“Tt-” Damian opened his phone as soon as he received the second notification, his ‘colleges’ were making too much insipid noise.

“What just happened,” Hal held his head in his hands. He really thought nothing else’s could surprise him anymore. Monsters, magic, hell Hal dealt with aliens everyday… yeah right he dealt with aliens every day. Different cultures, values and morals. And after all what’s an interdenominational demon but another type of alien? Hal settled down next to Barry, this wasn’t bad. Right this wasn’t bad at all kids an are still just kids no matter the species.

Clark took control of the meeting outlining everything that had happened and going over the next steps with the magicians. Constantine insured everyone that there was such a thing as ‘good’ demon, but that they were not the type to want to involve themselves with humans … like at all. Which left the group at an impasse.

“I’m not saying she’s evil or anything! She might just be a sweet girl but she is still dangerous. Demons are known for their greed and deception. Even if she isn’t strong enough to fight any of us she can just as easily trick one of you idiots out of your lives.” John hated all of this. He hated working with the justice losers, he hated himself for dragging a kid into this mess and he was just so tired.

Red Robin fingers were clicking quick and sharp, making a file on Konstelacio. Writing down looks, personality and of course theories. “Tim! You can’t just put in “ex-criminal” or “disease” maybe her skin is just like that!”

“Then why wasn’t any of it on her face?”

“Tt- unlike the rest of you, some of us are actually doing something important here.”

“Robin we are trying to strategize-“

“Yes well I am am trying to zero in on her location.”

The room quieted.

“Robin report.”

“She was in Wisconsin a few minutes ago, some forest in the middle of nowhere. I’ll share the coordinates.” Dick was absolutely appalled, “When did you put a tracker on her?!?! Oh my god what if she figures it out and comes back to hurt you! What were you thinking?” Wait… no, oh damn it Damian, “It was on the handkerchief wasn’t it?” That’s why Damian had been so ready to part with it. He would admit that it was clever, but this was his little brother! Dick had every right to worry.

“Well where is she now?”

“Pismo, California where else.”

Barry felt Hal tense next to him, “Bear, Bear please tell me that isn’t where the dragon is.”

——- —- —- —- —- —- —- —— —— —— —— ——

Billy Batson boarded the javelin, missions with Dr. Fate were the worst! He missed Nelson. The man had a way of making conversation, of keeping Nabu silent. This new Dr Fate just didn’t know went to stop, and was just so uptight! No wonder Klarion hates the guy.

Billy sighed at least he’d be home soon. Well one of them at least… he wondered if his family would be done moving into the new house yet. Ugh Gotham

[elvesandlanterns]

Ghost Helpline Part 12

Zatanna had told Batman her misgivings about the demon girl. Her aura made Zatanna feel small, and dirty. As if she was covered in a layer of dust she could never scrub off.

Her eyes, Zatanna had never seen a demon with golden eyes before. Red and blue, even green but gold? Gold felt like an omen.

The girl reeked of death magic. It was brutally strong. It reminded her when Batman had contacted her about the Lazarus Pit. His expression when she told Batman spoke volumes.

And what the girl got in payment spoke even louder.

Zatanna’s father always had warned her demons were evil.

—- —- —-

Black Canary was busy strangling her husband as Batman went over the minutes.

“Our cameras were unable to pick up much of anything Batman, sorry.”

“It’s fine I remember the demons explanation well enough. First-“

“I CANNOT Believe you could be so stupid! Oliver ! What were you thinking!”

“Sorry sorry!”

Superman pulled a grim smile, “Canary please tell some sense into the man later. If this has taught us anything is that we need to be more prepared.”

“Right we will talk about this later Oliver,” Canary released her husband onto their seat, fuming and lovingly worried.

The green archer picked him self up and turned to the blond magician currently drinking himself to death, “Hey what do you think was up with Konstelacio? Poor girl wasn’t looking too hot.”

Dinha will always admire her husbands caring nature but god sometimes she just wanted to shake him.

Barry released a sigh, “So it want just me then! She really didn’t look to good! She was even acting differently! Want if she hurt? Or in trouble?”

“Bear calm.”

John shuffled threw a stack of paper on Vampire Fog. Bloody hell, for the price of this information the kid really hadn’t asked for much. But the rest of them weren’t going to see it that way.

“She’s -“

“Are you serious? Are you lot seriously worrying about a demon? After what just happened!” Zatanna really couldn’t understand these guys sometimes it was sweet but also incredibly naïve.

“Hey now it was my choice okay I signed the contract with her. We need this cure, ten hours of my life isn’t much in comparison! And I know that so can all of you just stop!” Oliver could understand why they were upset he could. But why couldn’t the see that the girl had cut them some slack… again! In a room of self sacrificing idiot it wouldn’t have been hard to sell her an entire life. Or if her interest in Connor was any indication an entire soul.

“Everyone just hold your bloody horses okay! She’s probably fine looks like she’s got a bit of teleportation sickness that’s all, a magical equivalent of dehydration really. Some rest and food and she’ll be right as rain in no time.”

John said as he fumbled around for their copy of the contract, which was another thing demons typically didn’t let you keep a copy.

Barry vibrated in his seat. Robin, Nightwing, Kid Flash and Superboy (Jon) walked into the meeting. Barry couldn’t concentrate ‘teleportation sickness’, was she teleporting too much? Were … were they hurting her by summoning her? ‘Rest and food’? Was she not resting ? Not eating? What do demons eat? Barry felt his best friend put a hand on his shoulder, and welcome the boys. Right they could talk about this later…. may be Diana would understand.

“Fucking hell,” John was internally screaming as he looked over the contract, “Well then Arrow looks like your contract is air tight- however there is one vague loophole. And a kind one at that.”

Canary shot up in her seat, “What is it?”

John continued, “In the case that contractee cannot fulfill this request another may do so but only at the acceptance of both parties.”

The contract went on for several more pages, goddamn what nutter even wrote this shit?

(Ghost Writer did and made Konstelacio carry around several with her at all times.)

“Wait wait wait,” Wally zipped out, “What happened ? What contract?”

Dinha was too upset for this, nodding to Diana before Oliver opened his mouth to down play the whole thing.

“Well what happened is-“

—- —- —-

// Diana wanted to give the girl the benefit of the doubt, she wanted to get to know her. To hear stories of Pandora and make a new sister. So when Diana saw Konstelacio’s entrance she was worried, “What do you want as payment? I’m sure we can work something out.” Smile Diana don’t scare her, she looks hurt.

Konstelacio looked about the room, Diana hid a smile she really hadn’t thought this threw. Well it was alright, Diana tapped absent mindedly on her sword maybe she could convince a trade for sword lesson? A trip to paradise island? May be Hal was right and they should offer a pet ?

The demons eyes flicked between Flash and Green Arrow. Left, right, left, right, left, left, left. “Him,” she pointed at the archer, “I want him.”

The Amazonian got into a defensive stance. No one was taking her friend.

“No!” “No way!” “Arrow no!” “Stop!”

“Hold on hold on now,” John approached the circle, “You can’t expect us to hand over one of our own. You can find someone else to eat.”

“I don’t want to eat him!”

“You want his soul then?”

“Not really I just want him, I try not to dabble in souls too much. It’s too much work.”

“Too much work? Then what would you need a person for ? Humans are really boring you know, lots of work and needy!”

The demon pouted, “I don’t care I want him!”

John pat Oliver on the back as he nodded to Diana mouthing “play along”.

“Oh well I guess I tried, oh well GA say your goodbyes! I’m sure your wife will miss you very much old friend.” He shook his head sadly, “We will have to call your son. Well then girl how would you like to-“

“WAIT!” Konstelacio wobbled, “You’re married.”

Dinha rushed to Oliver’s side as if to shield him, “Yes he is.”

Oliver picked up on the act, “Yes here she is my better half.”

A look ran across the child’s face, “Well then I can’t have you then.” She stared to breathe a little harder.

“What about me?”

“Superboy!”

“If you don’t care about souls then it shouldn’t matter that I am a clone and I’m not married.”

Hera Conner no! What is he-

“Who said that!!!” The demons face began to shift in color, anger steaming out of every pore.

“What?”

“Who said that you don’t have a soul because you’re a clone? You have one! You have one I see it!” She begun to clench her hands into the skirt of her dress, “Where you like it or not, clone or no clone, Superboy you were meant to be here.”

“Oh I -“

“Forget it. I don’t want you anyway. I need the archer,” she begun to pace the inside of the circle, “But I can’t break up a set!”

She turned to face them, “Ten I want ten hours of your life.”

“Deal.” //

—- —- —-

While the boys sat and digest what they just heard, Constantine finished reading over the cures recipe.

“Bloody hell are you kidding me it’s an energy potion!”

“What’s an energy potion?”

“The cure Z the cure to fucking Vampires Fog is fucking magic caffeine!! Maybe even real caffeine I dunno I’m not a chemist!”

Zatanna took the offending papers glancing over them. She stopped at some papers that were bound together the first page titled like a story book, “Hunting the Sun”.

“What’s this?”

“That is our historical insight to the disease, or at least some of it. No doubt Konstelacio has a better understanding on everything.” And more than likely has already chosen what side she’s on.

Nightwing stepped up to look at the little booklet with Zatanna, “So what is it what’s the story on Vampires Fog? I assume this might lead us to what caused the out break?”

Clark coughed as he stole a look at Bruce. The Bat was updating the files on the disease, he had an idea and as Clark recounted the explanation Konstelacio had given them he hoped that they were both wrong.

—- —- —-

// Clark watched as Oliver signed an agreement that would lead to an early grave, for being Superman he felt both powerless and grateful.

“Alright so first off Vampire Fog was not a disease released from Pandora’s box. The sickness was man made to eradicate their enemies.

The illness is meant to cause the infected to move and think erratically. Leading them to ether kill them selves or kill each other. If anyone survived this stage the next stage would put them to sleep rendering them defenseless.

One side says Vampires made it to level a kingdom in the aftermath of a botched marriage. Some sort of petty revenge.

Another side says the humans made it. The king was a zealot that refused to marry off his daughter to a kingdom of monsters. So when the wedding day came, the humans infected the whole city.”

After that the conversation had devolved and slowed. Batman didn’t ask any questions it was worrying, when was the last time he slept?

—- —- —-

“What the Boy Scout said, it’s a bloody sodding mess.”

Damian stopped to think about this politically, he stopped to think over all of this not like a Wayne but like an Al Ghul. It didn’t sit right with him, the occurrence of this disease and new information way too much of a coincidence. Someone must have planned it on purpose.

“So we have two completely different stories of origin so what ? We got the cure what does it matter whether the humans or the vampires made the disease?”

Diana fixed the young super with a motherly look, “Knowing about the past can help us protect the future. For example know we know that ether way the illness is something consciously made. Which means someone must have made it and released it on purpose.”

“Right now we just need to figure out why.”

“Tt- isn’t it obvious the vampire scum are behind this if humans are the only ones getting sick?”

Boston, visible thanks to John, stepped in,

”Actually a lot of magical creatures have been infected too! They are just a lot better at hiding it. Especially in the larger cities, word is a whole gaggle of vampires died not to long ago from it.”

Zatanna nodded her head, “It would explain why some creatures have been causing havoc in broad daylight- uh - In front of everyone. Magical creatures usually prefer to keep hidden. But if they were sick and could help it. They would rampage regardless of wether regular humans could see them or not.”

Hal thought about the hundreds of times he had to play mediator over the years. He thought of all the aliens and everything they would do to win. God he hated politics, “so ether a group of humans or vampires did this in order to play the blame game. The human group could easy point at magical creatures and blame them for being out of control monsters. Or vampires could be making everyone sick in order to blame the sickness on humans while also looking like the victim.”

The league talked over political moves as they passed the little booklet around. Batman had sent the magians out to gather information and Boston had come back with a lot of it.

The book finally made its way to Green Arrow, he flipped the pages and stopped at the drawing of a castle. It was an old European style with only two distinctive traits. A tower with circle windows and a circle on the entrance grounds covered in swirls.

// “My home! My castle! My kingdom ! Everything’s changed.”//

After the “fight” with the dragon, Oliver had done some detective work of his own. He needed to know more about this ghost and had found almost nothing. But looking at this drawing, he recognized that castle.

The archer looked up at Batman, his shoulders were hunched taking in and writing down every piece of information he heard. His face was passive and he didn’t even bother to look at his sons. Oliver thought about Batman’s distrust of Konstelacio and in turn Captain Marvel. He thought about what he had heard about the two leaguers fight, swallowed and decided to keep his mouth shut.

Batman didn’t need to know.

[elvesandlanterns]

Bruce’s Interlude Warning! Unfulfilled smut

- this takes place between chapters so you don’t have to read it especially if you don’t like smut anyway enjoy!

Against popular belief Bruce was not entirely emotionally incompetent. He could realize somethings about himself quite well.

He could realize the the strain between him and Tim was his own fault.

He could realize that most of his relationships with his sons were his fault.

He could realize that ever even looking in Talias direction had been a mistake.

He could realize that Catwoman never loved Bruce only Batman.

He knew when he was physically attracted to someone, and often his playboy persona was perfect for it. So yes he was attracted to Vlad but he wasn’t going to make a move. He wasn’t.

Vlad didn’t show any inclination of liking Bruce more than a friend. He called Bruce that a lot, his friend. He didn’t deserve it.

Bruce knew he was selfish.

Utterly selfish. Bruce was use to harsh quips and leather. But Vlad was different, he was all snark with no bite and softness that lulled the caped crusader under.

Bruce was selfish and wanted anyway.

He wanted to sleep on top of his plush looking thighs. He wanted to take care of this vulnerable man who loved his children and baked and tried to make Bruce smile on bad days. He wanted to take care of Vlad who sometimes looked at his children with sad eyes. Who crumpled to the ground when Bruce had accidentally called him Vladdie once.

Bruce’s heart sputters when he’s called Vlads friend. And he pretends to be emotionally unaware as to why.

—- —- —-

They’re warm and snug into the couch of Vlad’s living room watching a K-drama when it starts.

Bruce doesn’t have the words to tell the silver haired father that he is falling for him. Somehow he ends up allowed to kiss him anyway.

Allowed to soak in the man’s sigh as their mouths part for air. To pepper his face with kisses and watch that gentle smile paint his face. The same one Vlad makes when he’s secretly, utter fond of something. Like deserts, and his children’s screams and cheesy cliches in movies. Bruce wants to earn one of those smiles.

Bruce kisses his neighbors mouth again. Hands roving over his sides, perching themselves on that wonderful tummy and squeezing. Vlad gasps prettily as he licks down the man’s throat.

Bruce is hard in his trousers and has to stop himself from jumping his companion. If he could he’d smack himself for the audacity, Vlad wasn’t Selina or Talia or any of his countless flings. Vlad was fragile and soft and perfect.

“Mmuh,” the man in question groans, fuck. Fuck when had Bruce started touching Vlad like that. He looked down at his hand that were playing with Vlads tummy, skirting around his bulge.

Bruce moves his hands up to cares his face before his kisses him again. He wants to take this slow. Wants this to work.

“Ahh ah Bruce,” legs spread.

Bruce slots himself into the space instead of taking his own advice. And is rewarded with Vlad lifting his hips up to rub their erections together. His resolve snaps and he is rutting down on his partner like a horny inexperienced teenager. It feels so good, so warm. Vlad runs his hands gently threw the vigilantes hair, there’s no pulling it doesn’t hurt. It makes Bruce slow down and kiss him again.

Bruce props pillows behind Vlad and picks him up by the legs until he’s sitting down at the edge of the couch. “Hhhmmm Bruce what are you doing?” Amusement filling his features.

Bruce slides off the couch, Vlad’s legs twitched around him. He leaned into the aborted touch and laid his cheek on a thigh. Bruce was again at a loss for words he didn’t know what he was doing. This is all he wanted.

All he wanted was to be allowed to rest in Vlad’s thighs and breathe. He gripped the meat of his partners thighs closer to his head, turning his head to kiss the thigh he was laying on.

“Oh, oh Bruce.”

His entire being stiffened. No, no no! Why did Vlad sound sad? He wasn’t supposed to be sad anymore, Bruce’s stomach twisted. What had he done wrong?

He looked up at the man that had filled his life with so much light. Vlad was crying, why why was he crying? Bruce could apologize, he could fix this he could-

“I have to go now.”

Go where? No no no. Don’t go! Don’t leave him alone please, please. Bruce shut his eyes, remembering being abandoned at the alter. He didn’t want to be alone anymore.

“You lied to me.”

Bruce shook, and swallowed as his throat dried. Batman. Always Batman he-

Hands caressed his head, Bruce had lied about being Batman and Vlad still-

“Oh darling. You can’t save me.”

Bruce’s head spun, his heart lurched.

“You can’t save me.”

What ? No he-

“You can’t save me. “

No no no wait ! Bruce reached out and his fingers connected to noting.

-

Bruce wakes up in a quiet house, cold and alone. He sits up in his own bed uncomfortably hard in his pants and feels nothing but shame.

He sees his phone charging on the bedside and ignores Vlad’s texts. He doesn’t deserve to inflict his brokenness on to the kind man.

Bruce regrets his self punishment four days later.

It causes him to hate himself more. It starts the vicious cycle all of Bruce’s relationship go threw. It’s a routine a more emotionally aware person would be able to notice and maybe even stop.

[elvesandlanterns]

Ghost Helpline part 8

All in all Uncle Dans lecture had been rather short and to the point. There had been no yelling, no anger, no demeaning or things thrown. While there had been a scowl at hearing the term Uncle he took Konstelacios explanation in stride. Dan sighed a lot but he wasn’t angry.

So why did she feel so awful? Uncle Dan always had anger problems, but she trusted him ether way. How couldn’t she after surviving an entire war with him. She was use to anger, she could take anger. Not, not whatever this was.

Konstelacio felt pressure push down on her chest. She didn’t like this at all! Her head hurt, yelling would have been easier.

//“ Let me get this straight. You did a favor for the Justice League and for payment you asked for loose change?!!!!”//

She rubbed at her horns in a attempt to soothe herself. They didn’t know who she was, it’s not as if she had defamed the family in any way. It’s not as if she asked for money directly… then again maybe that would have been better. She may be a Masters but it’s not as if any of the money was hers. She frowned, was it because she didn’t assert herself for their house? Had she made them look poor?

The little demon hunched in on herself she hadn’t meant to do any of that at all. Thank god she didn’t mention the handkerchief.

At the thought of the article she pulled it out and looked at it along with the rest of her prizes. She smiled a tad lopsided, “Looks like I need a belt.” And she knew someone just tech savvy enough to make her one.

— — —-

Dan was tired, but sated. Better than being soup in a thermos shaped cell. He missed war.

The fight for the throne hadn’t been as easily won as Danny’s family had assumed. Pariah, Dark had been gone for too long, the infinite realms cutting themselves into pieces. Distancing themselves, becoming stagnant, refusing to allow a ‘ghost’ of all beings rule them again. But Danny had grown to be more than that; a child of death herself, true balance, the great one. Dan snickered to himself, what a lame title.

Dan had demanded his place among the throngs of soldiers. He had earned his place as general. He killed and fought… and protected. Jazz was his sister again, his confidant (therapist). So when she pulled him a side one day to ask him a favor, Dan said yes.

Dan should have asked more questions.

Dan ended up keeping an eye on three forever children on a battle field. Which was easier said than done. They were reckless, suicidal shit heads with everything to prove. And they did; the witch boy, the host, the demon-ling. He hated to say it but the war might have not been won with out them. It hurt to think about.

It hurt to think about Vlad swooping in and giving them what Dan couldn’t. It hurt to see the host be a hero instead of a child. It hurt to see the demon sell her abilities for change. He huffed, flaming hair waving. At least the witch had the sense to run away from those that used him.

Dan sighed and signed and signed and signed papers. Fucking Aragon.

—- —- —-

No one paid attention as Booster Gold hobbled threw the doors. Blue Beetle should be in soon. Some of the leaguers even rolled their eyes honestly Booster was such a douche.

They ignored him as he practically threw himself on the couch, holding his ice pack to his head. So the idiot had also managed to get himself injured. Huh figures.

“Hey! Nightwing!”

“Haha hey Booster! How was space?”

“Crazy! Hey what’s up with everyone?”

“It’s along story.”

“I got time.”

“Honestly Booster it’d probably be faster for me to give you a copy of the reports.”

“Ugh reading! Come onnnn.”

Nightwing figured he could humor the man for a few minutes, “Well long story short we meet a demon.”

“Mmmhhhmm”

“They seem to be helping us but we just want to get more info on her to be careful.”

“Wow a real demon. Was she hot?”

“She was like 13.”

Booster got quite in a way Nightwing wouldn’t recognize until later, “Oh word? What did she look like?”

“All the footage was corrupted but Robin managed to make us a decent sketch.”

Booster Gold got everyone’s attention when he almost face planted onto Dicks tablet, “Oh my god! Oh my god! Did she have metal legs?”

“You mean boots yeah she had metallic …”

“Oh my god! And stripes right!!!” Booster was practice on-top of Nightwing dopey smile on display.

Dick thought back to the mass of black cracks on the girls body, “Stripes?”

“Oh MY Ancients! It Konny!!! I’ve missed her so much!” Booster started to laugh before devolving into tears, “I hope she’s not working for CW anymore. Last time I heard she was on trial for some bogus shit. I hope she’s okay.”

Booster continued to cry as Kord came in glared daggers an Nightwing and took off with his husband.

Dick stared at the open door, “What just happened???” His eyes widened as he stood up ‘Konny’ he never told Booster her name.

— —- —- —-

[elvesandlanterns]

Ghost a helpline part 10

Uncle Tucker part 2: conversations are had and the Masters family finally move to Gotham.

Diana could practically see her comrades sputtering at the Captains words. She felt conflicted, “I understand Marvel you are also my brother in arms. The trust I have in all of you because of that is very important to me. We are not writing her off as a threat nor are we going to go after her.” At this she threw a pointed look at Bruce, “We just want some information on her that’s all. We don’t know anything about her and are justified in being cautious. “

“From my understanding you all decided it was a good idea to contact her not the other way around. And now the Batman is going to do what he does best and come up with contingencies because he feels insecure.”

Diana put her hand on Clark’s tense shoulder.

“Captain that is not-“

“The same way you’ve been trying to find my weaknesses for years. So if you’re that desperate to find one then here. She is my weakness and if anything happens to her I don’t know what will happen. Do you understand me?”

“Marvel! We are not-“

“Understood.” Batman grunted, “I still have questions.”

“So do I.”

Diana looked between them and shared a look with Clark, hopeful Batman would know what not to ask…. Clark opened his mouth first, “You two were in a war?”

A grin, “What did you think I just made up the Captain part of my name for kicks?” a humorless laugh left him.

“Right that makes sense, you’ve been around along time but isn’t she too young.”

“In a way, Konstelacio is considered a ‘forever child’ uhh she’s pretty much stuck that age.”

“So she just has the body of a teen but is actually an adult.”

“No she is a kid, and always will be. She’s just sorta stuck. She may have lived a long life but she’s still a child.”

Diana pondered over it. It’s wasn’t anything she didn’t expect. She was even use to it, on Paradise Island children were taught to fight, to kill when necessary. War was something Diana knew. But it felt wrong.

“A demon child with resources, connections and reality altering powers.”

“She’s a child who loves her family, collects trinkets and helps people.”

“But who exactly is she helping. What is stopping her from being summoned by Lex Luthor or Felix Faust or any number of villains.”

“She can decide who to help and who not to help you know. They can’t force her. Trust me they’d be sorry if they tried.”

“You just said she’s a child, anything could happen. They wouldn’t have to force her when they could manipulate her.”

Diana smiled leave it to Bruce to care about a child he barely meet, even when he was scared of them.

“Also we can’t just allow a potential danger to run around buying souls.”

Diana took it back, Bruce was making a mess.

—- —- —-

Konstelacio followed the guard to the sitting room, Uncle Tuckers kingdom always felt comfortable to her. It was warm, sun filled and quite frankly Konstelacio had a lot of leeway here. A type of get out of jail free card that made her feel safe, but also nervous. She would not embarrass her family again, not here.

She bowed to her uncle as he entered the room, “I greet Pharaoh Tuck, Prince Consort to High King Phant-“

“That is enough my constellation, Princess Violet how many times must I ask that you call me Uncle?”

“I only mean to show my respect.”

“None needed come here. Tell me what I can do.”

“What I didn’t !” Had he heard from Dan already?

“Come on Violet I know you and I know that if you came here for help it must be something big.” Her Uncles smiles always looked genuine, she loved them.

“It’s a long story.”

“Eat some snacks and tell me everything.”

—- —- —-

Well that had been a mess Clark thought after both the dark knight and Captain had stormed out. Clark still wasn’t sure were he stood on the matter, he didn’t want to make the same mistakes he made with Connor. But just like with Connor none of them had enough information. It was time to call another meeting, ugh and invite Constantine to it.

Clark stopped walking, wait wasn’t there a demon on the Titans?

—- —- —-

Vlad’s eldest, Dandy Masters, parked the car outside the Gotham estate. Their new home was located far enough away that their neighbors wouldn’t be able to hear them scream, the manor was gothically decrepit, and the outside plants looked dead. It’s perfect thought Vlad, just perfect.

—- —- —-

Tucker nearly spat his coffee, “YOU MEET BATMAN.”

- The guards outside the door twitched, their pharaoh never yelled. He sounded shocked and was quickly shhhuhed by the princess. Hopefully this Batman would not be causing ether of them stress in future. The bird like guard pursed his beak, whoever this bat was did bode well. He would have to tell the others to keep their swords sharp.

“You SWINDLED Batman out of his gadgets!!”

- Yes the guards were probably due for some more training, just in case.

“Guards please get ready to escort the Princess to Pandoras realm.”

- All the guards, the bird adjacent ghost thought to himself. He had a felling something was coming.

“A WHAT?!”

- Something bad.

—- —- —-

Tucker moved his newly allotted gadgets into piles looks like he had a belt to work on. He picked up the handkerchief. “Violet what did you want this for?”

“I… had a suspicion I needed to prove.”

“And did you?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m guessing the tracking device wasn’t a part of your plan?”

“A WHAT!”

The man held his nieces hands, “Konstelacio please tell me what else is going on. I’ve already promised not to tell anybody.”

Violet wanted to believe him but she knew he’d tell on her to keep her safe. He wouldn’t understand, the Al Ghuls were dangerous she need to keep THEM safe! No matter what.

“Not yet, not until I figure everything else out for sure.”

“Alright but when you do please please come and talk to me okay.”

“Okay.”

“Alrighty then off to Pandoras then okay, be nice to the guards and tell her and Ghost Writer I said hi okay. And be careful delivering that antidote to the league. Minimal contact is the - oh you’re hugging me.”

Konstelacio smiled into her uncles shoulder, she would tell him everything someday.

[elvesandlanterns]

Ghost Helpline part 7

“What exactly did she say?”

“I’m telling you bats she just went ‘Questions cost extra’ and then the two of them just disappeared into thin air!!” Arsenal couldn’t fucking believe this, they had been talking in circles for five minutes. The girl left Roy feeling off balance, she creeped him out. There he said it she creeped him the fuck out! A part of him was so unsettled by her all he wanted to do was shoot both those fuckers and be done with it. Then he pushed that unpleasantness down and looked again. All he saw was a tired tired kid. Had he ever been that tired as Speedy? Now he was pushing all those feelings down again because now he didn’t want to kill her or sympathize with her, he guessed some part of being a father had made him weak, now all he wanted were answers!!

Tim was begging to grow worried for Bruce Batman. It was clear to Tim that he was spiraling, understandably, all security forage in the watchtower had come up as static. Glitching widely, the best picture they could capture was of the floor covered in fire Konstelacios metallic boots in the corner. There were no leads; no ancient murals, crumbling statues or off handed anecdotes in a dead man’s journal. Nothing. And according to the team on dragon watch duty there were possibly even more threatening players involved. A group of people strong enough to take down a villain that thwaped Superman like a fly. It was unnerving for Tim, which only meant it must be driving Bruce Batman up a wall. Tim worried.

—- — —-

Konstelacio arrived at Masters Manor with her friend approximately 10 minutes later. A headache forming in between her ears and a sigh escaping her.

All of her brothers ran about packing their things, “See I told you she’d be back! She’s fine.” Konstelacio didn’t bother to check which one of them had spoken, it hardly mattered.

“I’m heading down to the lab, I need to use the portal.” No one answered as she took Aragons hand and descended the steps.

“Whelp, time to face the music buddy.” She pouted, listening to Uncle Dans lecture was going to be a pain.

—— — — —-

Booster came back three days after the meeting, a whole day and a half before Captain Marvel, with a massive concussion .It was a mistake.

[elvesandlanterns]

Hey everyone!!! Finally got around to putting my fic on Ao3!! Please check it out and comment I love all your support!!! Ao3 is way better to keep up with chapters but I’m still gonna be posting here first :)

[elvesandlanterns]

Ghost helpline part 13 Neutral Ground

Diana and Clark had fought for more information. Boston needed more time to convince Jason Blood to help and Dick was still talking Raven out of retirement.

They needed more information, it was late, everyone was tired, and frankly this had grown into a bigger problem than Batman’s paranoia over a child demon. If shit hit the fan, a war between the magic community and humans could start. They need to know if a human group had made disease and they needed proof. The league needed to know the political landscape before doing anything more than cure administration. Which would take days.

Diana and Clark are reasonable good friends. They would later force Bruce to leave with his children and lock the zeta tube to the tower behind them.

—- —- —-

Jack had been born on the fourth day of the fourth month at the tail end of the Qin Dynasty in a bustling prefecture of China.

Jack had been born already dead. Skin white as snow, ruby eyes wide open, sunlight causing him pain. His mother attempted to love him, she did. She would braid his faded ginger hair away from his face and buy him small sweets when he behaved correctly. She tried.

At the age of six he had been given to his grandmother. He was moved away from the city to a backwater town in the midst of nowhere.

At seven his grandmother spent money they didn’t have for a doctor. He called them an albino. The town called him demon.

At age eight war came and he never saw his mother again. He didn’t have the courage to ask grandmother if it was done on purpose or not.

At nine grandmother introduces him to a man that will change his fate.

The first time Jack meets Violet, he’s ten hiding from bullies in the forest. She stands heads taller than him, drenched in blood, dark claws growing from her finger tips holding someone’s entrails.

She’s the most beautiful thing the little Chinese boy has ever seen.

The second time they meet, Jack is eleven eating alone. She sits at his table without horns and nobody notices.

The third time they meet, Jack is twelve and lost. She explains to him that his self pity is unattractive and that he is wasting his life.

The fourth time they meet, Jack is fourteen and his grandmother has died. She tells him that his existence is natural. He notices that he is finally taller than her, she hasn’t aged a day.

At fifteen he can no longer bare the cruel words and actions of the village. He runs away and decides to give Violet his name the next time he sees her.

At sixteen he is freezing to death too tired to move, then the man corners him.

He never makes it to seventeen.

—- —- —-

Boston had a knack for information gathering but this job was going to be difficult. Rumors so many rumors. But Boston at least knew these main things about magic society that everyone knew:

1 - Vampires and Werewolves hate each other to the point of fighting on site

2- You never ask a ghost why they died

3- Any Atlantean on land is considered neutral ground NO fighting

4- Every species has their own royals

Boston finished writing it all down and left the watchtower last with John and Zatanna. He hoped it would help.

—- —- —-

Violet lands on her ass in alley way in Gotham. It’s cold, dark and she has no energy left to teleport again. Her skin stings as she shifts slow and stuttered. Her hair grows and flattens straight down like a pin. Her eyes water as they go from gold to purple. Her scars tuck themselves away from prying eyes. Her horns imply vanish she’s not sure at all about where they go when she does this.

She’s still in her dress from days ago. Her front is dripping in a wet viscous fluid. It’s a disgusting orange color chin is of something falling to the floor. She smells rancid.

This is fine. She’s fine. Now that she’s properly awake all she needs to do is find a phone. Hers having gotten smashed before the move, multiple times. She had already destroyed three this month.

Alright, she picked her self up. She has a plan. Find a phone.

Across the street lights blare.

The Ice Berg Lounge.

—- —- —-

Bruce stubbles out of the zeta tube dead on his feet. Maybe just maybe he had been too harsh on Konstelacio. She had helped them a lot, and while her ‘price’ was worrisome Bruce knew it could have been a lot worse. It left a bitter feeling in his mouth. An unknown having any control over a leaguer, even a non powered individual, didn’t sit right with him.

He needed contingencies against her.

He needed contingencies for her too. She had looked sick, he had noticed Barry running to get a trash can.

Bruce and his kids began to strip off their clothing changing into civilian clothes. Bruce got as far as his pants when his kids conversation caught up with him.

“I know Dami I’m just worried! How could our new neighbor just let his kids wander Gotham! And apparently now the man is alone at his house! He’s so going to get robbed.”

“Tt- the two that we meet shall still be there.”

“I dunno Dami if I was that age and all my siblings were out I’d leave too.”

Neighbors? No they couldn’t possibly have new neighbors the closet house to them was the Drake Manor…. Oh. He probably owed Tim an apology but how could his son decide something like that with out him!

And he apparently had sold it to someone who let their kids run around Gotham to boot! Was the Drake house cursed to have neglected kids within its walls. Neglected kids like Tim. Not again! Not On His Watch!

The car ride only served to make him more upset. Masters? Seriously? That pompous asshole. The man was aggravating, Bruce considered it a blessing they hadn’t crossed each other often in galas. It was a bit of a mystery where he had fucked off to all these years, tho Bruce took the new kids as a simple explanation. His new found lack of villainess behavior could also be attributed to his new found fatherhood. Which made him better than most sadly. Still tho! Batman didn’t trust him not at all.

The millionaire made his way to the front door, a pan lasagna in his hand, and survived the area…. Not a single camera. He knocked. Twice.

After a few minutes the door opened and the vigilante dredged up the most innocent Brucie smile he had. The door opened and he almost dropped the pasta.

The man who opened the door was bleary-eyed, yawning softly. He was wearing a “today is paw-fect” shirt. Baby pink, two sizes too short exposing his muffin top. His pants were fuzzy and matched his open robe.

Bruce gulped at the sight of him. His long platinum hair tangled and frizzed. Cornflower blue eyes looked up at him filled with mirth.

“Well then I’m going to assume your partying had you losing track of time neighbor mine. It’s a bit late but if you’d like to come inside, that pan looks heavy…. Hello?”

The way the man had said ‘mine’ had Bruce feeling warm and … oh oh no. He was in trouble.

[elvesandlanterns]

Ghost helpline part 15 sibling adventures

Klarion just wanted to cause some mischief, just because he left the Lords of Chaos doesn’t mean he’s no longer a trickster after all. Having Violet and Billy gone for so long had made him restless. So when he heard that there was an Atlantean artifact being shown off in Happy Harbor Museum the same color as his only sisters dual eyes he HAD to have it.

It was supposed to be an easy trip. Teleport in cause some chaos, steal the trinket and teleport out. May be he’d get to throw some sidekicks around, he hadn’t been expecting

Dr. Fate.

God he missed Nelson.

—- —- —-

Violet followed the celery dog and it’s master into the empty building- oh not empty. There were people talking at the bar and ten hidden guards. She sniffed the air, the one in green was bleeding.

“Goddamn it Harleen what did you do? Who is this you can’t just bring in strangers to drug deals!”

“Oh hold your horses Penguin. I’m just looking after the kid until someone comes to get her. What was I supposed to do just leave a meta kid alone in Gotham.” Harley spouted while r the walked to the bar, immediately grabbing a drink and downing it.

“A meta huhhh?”

“Oh no Penguin don’t be getting no ideas there, this kid is in no condition to join a gang.”

“Tch- so girly what’s your power?”

The girl was starting to anger Cobblepot, there was something about her that didn’t seem right. She wasn’t even answering she was just staring at all of them! At him, like he was some sort of freak show!

“Well I’m talking to you!”

The girl clocked her head, opening and closing her mouth a few times. She was getting on Oswald’s nerves, that vacant expression was creepy on a kid.

Oswald hated when people stared.

“Your green friend is bleeding.”

What?

The Penguin followed her gaze, around him and to Riddler. She hadn’t been staring at him at all?

“What? How did you figure that out?” Riddler smiled as Harley read him the riot act.

Cobblepot rolled his eyes at the twos antics, “Maurice! Bring the new fish some food!”

Noise could be heard from the kitchen, huh Violet thought - nine guards then.

“Oh come on Oswald don’t be cruel! Look at her!” Nygma chastised as the chef brought out a platter of dead, fully intact fish.

Instead of the usual shrieking the girl stared at it… “This is for me?”

“It’s in front of you isn’t it. Dig in.”

Violet was hungry, and Harleys phone was still charging. She knew she should eat food from people who weren’t her family but it didn’t seem that this came with any strings attached.

- Harley was horrified, the girl was reaching over to grab a fish. She was holding it in her gloved hands, “Hey kid you don’t gotta -“

She bit straight into it. Since when we’re her teeth sharp like that? She was chewing quickly, slurping on guts and swallowing with out hesitation. Like a train wreck Harley couldn’t look away, even as she took her other hand and pulled another fish apart by the ribs.

Oswald laughed and laughed, this was great. He reached over to take a morsel for himself and the girl flinched. Letting the fish drop onto the counter she covered her mouth with her soaking gloves, “Oh, sorry.”

It was the villains turn to stare.

Surprisingly it was Riddler who got over .. all of that .. first, “Why are you apologizing? We told you to eat and you ate. Good job.” He stared over her head to Oswald and mouthed, “Fix this.”

She was still covering her mouth.

The thing about the Ice Berge Lounge was that it was a place that ran on Villains and freakish clientele, this sense of shame simply would do Oswald thought - not here.

“You can keep eating I -“

“It’s okay I’m not hungry.” She said while eyeing the plate.

“Hey bud we already saw your teeth, and we know you’re a meta so you can keep eating okay? Look even Ossy has sharp teeth!”

“Don’t call me that Harls! - But she’s right do eat comfortably.”

The moved her hands down onto her dirty dress, her teeth looked normal now. “I’m not suppose to … I know it’s … ugly.”

Oswald felt enraged, “Look here no one in this lounge is ever going to give you crap about something like that okay kid? So just eat, we’re going to be deal with work so we won’t even look at you Capeesh?”

The kid looked entirely bewildered, Oswald slowly grabbed a fish for himself and swallowed it whole. The girl started eating again and he called it a win.

- Violet continued to eat as the adults talked. She felt mouths water under her skin, she could still smell blood. If it hadn’t been for the one dressed in green she might have not figured it out. But to be fair none of these villains were acting very villainous at the moment, drug deal aside.

It wouldn’t take that long for Harley’s phone to charge… who was she going to call? She definitely couldn’t call dad or Dandy she thought. She knew how mad and disappointed they’d be. And she wasn’t even sure where Billy was…

Alright that leaves seven brothers left.

—- —- —-

All Dandy had wanted to do was go on a nice drive with his brother to pick up their sister. But nooooo his little brother had to pick a fight with a lord of order and a gaggle of side kicks.

The worst part was that Charles and Klarion were utterly enjoying themselves.

“Awww is the Baby League gonna cry?”

Both of them had located Klarion quickly after entering the town, turning into their ghost selves before entering the museum.

Half of the place was destroyed, the entire town was semi floating and Charles was throwing fireballs like it was the only move he knew. At least it slowed the martian down. It was pure havoc.

Dandy saw a blond pocket the necklace. Uhhh, this is why you don’t send Klarion to do a stealth mission. He squared up against the girl, this necklace better be worth it.

- Charles was having the time of his afterlife! He was fighting real superhero’s! … and Dr.Fate.

Unlike his brothers Charles ghost form, lovingly called Danka, wasn’t … fleshy. Instead of a pallet switch, his black hair became black fire and his body discorporated into sizzling unbreakable bone.

Charles laughed as he spotted his brother buzzing around the young Amazonian. Dandy’s specialty was shrinking, collapsing in on himself until he was nothing more than a ball of light. Often confused for the ghost of a fairy instead of a human.

“I got it! Klarion portal us out now!”

Charles whooped out loud, best day ever.

Dandy looked around their new location and held the urge to scream, “Klarion. Where are we? And where is our car?” Worst day ever.

—- —- —-

Billy knew that beating in Dr. Silvana wasn’t a constructive out lit for his anger. But he couldn’t throw a punch at his “co- workers” so this would have to do.

Billy walked down the streets after leaving the reject pediatrician for the police. He knew Fawcett like the back of his hand, even after getting adopted Vlad could never take him away from here. Not that the old man had tried, Billy was almost convinced his family thought the town was his haunt. He slowed down near a drop for homeless kids and stuck a roll of cash inside, all crumpled ones and fives. Maybe they were right.

He kept on walking, staring up at graphite and half finish murals. He couldn’t shake Batman’s words out of his head.

// The three of them had been taken in by Duke Vlad Plasmius at the end of the war. Violet had been promised asylum and adoption for her contributions in battle.

Klarion demanded asylum from the Court of Chaos that had abandoned him and had thrown him into war like a lamb to slaughter. He refused to leave Violets side.

The gods whispered their apologies to Billy. He shrugged this worked for him, they were a packaged deal now.

The trio explored Phantoms Keep like children and played politics like adults. Billy didn’t trust Vlad yet , he knew what adults were like. There had to be an ulterior motive here.

“Vlad! What’s happening what’s going on?”

Violet looked excited. They had all been worked up and dressed up in their finest, which wasn’t saying much. Vlad smiled back at her, “The royal painter is here dear, we are to be cataloged as part of the Royal Family.”

“Us? But-“

“All three of you are to be my children, so all three of you will be afforded the rights of one.” The man kneeled down, actually knelled! It left Billy bewildered. “I can’t promise things will be perfect, and I can’t promise a fairness in the line of succession or anything like that. But I will fight tooth and nail that you are all given the respect and dignity you deserve. So please please let me try.”

Billy could see Klarion waver, and Violet was already sold on the idea. “Okay dad! Let’s go!”

They meet up with their new siblings and all was well. It was a slow and tedious process but both him and Klarion ended up looking good. The human magician was old and stand off-ish but it didn’t matter. He bowed at the appropriate places and was deceptively polite.

… until Violet stood up for her portrait last.

It was all a blur and the painter almost got shanked.

“I’m sorry my Duke, I just don’t see why I have to paint her. It’s not like she’s in any line of power-“

“She is my daughter.”

“Right. Well I just don’t feel comfortable painting someone … like her.”

“Get. Out.” It was a lot easier to believe Vlad after that.//

Billy looked at the city mural and fiddled with his dads credit card inside his pocket. He thought about taking up painting.

—- —- —-

Jazz and Danny don’t get much time together these days, which was fine really. What was a little time apart when they had eternity.

Jazz smiles as Aragon walks into her territory, time to get to work.

—- —- —-

The werewolf stopped in front of the group heaving in anger, “What to scared to fight your own battles blood sucker?”

“I didn’t do anything wrong! I don’t even know you!”

“Liar! My friend dies and you just happen to be in the same area!!”

“Hold on,” Kaldurs voice harden, “Let’s talk this threw calmly. We are actually here investigating a death, if you could give us any information we can take care of this for you. There is no need for undue violence. If -“

The beast man growled, “His name was John Mark he worked in the building you just came out of. Do whatever you want. We know who’s really to blame.”

“I didn’t-“

“Better watch your back bloodsucker! Gggrrr You can’t hide behind the Atlantian forever.” The werewolf bared his teeth one last time before turning away from them.

- Kaldur was left sharing a confused look with Dick. That man had seem ready to hack them to pieces, they had been expecting a fight at least but instead he had spoken as if Kaldur was nothing but a shield. Maybe -

The girl bowed to Kaldur, “Thank you! Thank you so much! I-“

Nightwing stepped in with his easy going persona, “It’s alright you’re safe now. Do you mind if we ask you some questions? We-“

“I didn’t do it! I swear I just got here! I hardly even spend time in the mortal realm!”

“Wait if you hardly spend time here, then how did you know we were heroes?”

Jacks eyes blinked at them, oh shit. “Your heroes?!?!” Fuck fuck fuck

Dick could see the internal panic, “Hey hey it’s okay, just talk to us you’re not in trouble. Here you’re bleeding.” Dick took out his med kit, it would be an ideal time to get a blood sample.

“Don’t! Don’t touch me! You should never touch a bleeding vampire!”

Jack stepped back, god how dumb was this human?

Kaldur was getting worried, “If you didn’t know we are heroes why did you hide behind me?”

The pink dressed mess stared at him, “Do do you seriously not know????”

More bowing, “The stories of Atlantis king are terrifying, no one would be stupid enough to fight one of his subjects … so I kind of used it to my advantage. Sorry.”

Kaldur felt pride swell in chest, “Right.” Kaldur looked at the vampire, they were cute and clever. If only they were a boy Kaldur might, well it doesn’t matter.

“So what were you doing here?”

“I was collecting some flowers for my fright-mate!” A pink bag opened to show off a collection of flower heads, stems, leaves and ziplocks of soil. “She’s sick so I came, into your haunt without thinking.” The stranger flushed.

“Right well you should be wary, especially in places like Bludhaven and Gotham. Also walking around at night is dangerous for girls in these parts, lot of trafficking rings and stuff.” Nightwing debated tacking on a piece about not wanting to see any murders out of her but that felt unnecessary and perhaps a tad to mean.

A confused look took over their face, “But plenty of Vampires live here? And I’m not a girl?”

Well Dick was embarrassed now, Kaldur was just straight up shocked- the surface world really was different.

“Uhhh I should uhhh go… now… sunrise and all that.” She- uh they stepped away from them slowly.

Kaldur reached out, “Wait! What if we need to contact you again? … for the case!”

“Oh here, call for me if you need me. I owe you one for this whole mess I guess- But just one.”

Kaldur held on to the pink headband as the boy speed off.

“Uhhh great now I owe Tim money.”

—— —- —-

Note

For anyone wondering Teekle, Klarions cat, is at home with Vlad.

I can see Billy not trusting Vlad at first only to completely take advantage later.

Yes Tim is definitely a conspiracy theorist that fully believes Vampires live in Gotham.

Dandy hates humans and the painter being a human magician, only add fuel to the fire.