Disclaimer: This story, though maybe not in this chapter but in subsequent chapters, will have celebrities in it. I have no knowledge of their sexuality and this is not intended to imply their sexuality. This is all from my own mind.
Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox.
Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros.
X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox.
The Vampire Chronicles and all related characters created by Anne Rice. Copyright Anne O'Brien Rice.
Star Wars and all related concepts created by or based on the universe created by George Lucas. Copyright 20th Century Fox, LucasFilms Ltd. and Lucas Books/Ballantine Books.
I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered.
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Other stories in this universe written by other authors: "Tales of a Superhero Band" "Tales of the New Phoenix" "Tales of a Young Mutant"
Chapter 44 Greek Sirens
I was now under the mind control of a vampire and I couldn't do anything to break free of him. Lance was the prisoner of the Joker, who crashed the Greek masquerade party as the notorious Pan of Greek lore. The vampire arrived as Thanatos, and I realized through the slip of his tongue that he was the notorious Catman. This almost felt like a predicament from the old Batman T.V. series of the 1960s, only this was much more lethal and a lot less campy. 'Where's Adam West when you need him to come up with a campy way of escape?'
"You are Batman," Thanatos said as he circled around me. "It's hard to believe someone so ugly is so daring. I mean, look at the scars, the bald head. You look so decrepit to me.
"And you have a husband who is rather attractive. How did you manage that? Most people who have a similar appearance to yours don't get anyone nearly as attractive as him."
"Lance looks at the heart."
"Hmm. Does he really?"
"I know what you're trying to do. You want me to get angry or hurt. If I feel sorry for myself, you will try to get me to agree to you biting me. That's what you do, isn't it? You get your victims to beg for death. Then you see it as giving them what they want. You convince them they are releasing their burdened life for freedom. Sorry to disappoint you, Catman, but I've been through darkness. And I was still loved."
"Sure, you were loved. You told yourself night and day that you were loved and cared for."
"He was," a voice said from behind.
Catman turned and was met by something hitting his carotid artery. He fell backwards as blood pumped out of his neck. I found myself able to move and I turned to see Robin motioning for me to follow.
"Come on! We've got to get you to safety."
For a brief instant I forgot I wasn't in my suit. I complied with the youth and followed him out.
"My husband," I said. "The Joker has him. He's dressed like Pan."
"We'll find him," Robin replied as he got me back to the people.
I was surprised to see Joker gripping Lance's arm. The clown was flanked by his nymphs Harley and Quinn.
"So good of you to join us," he said to me. "I was beginning to think you skipped out on this boy. Of course, after a good look at you, it should be this boy skipping out on you! You are absolutely dreadful!"
'If I hear one more crack about my appearance, I'm going off.'
"What do you want with my husband?" I called out.
"Patience, Mr. Clean. I'm here for the Batman. Don't you remember the last party I crashed? You were there! And so was your lover boy band member. The Batman showed up and chased us out. The lovely nymphs and I are hoping a little mayhem will bring him out. And, to kick off the mayhem, Harley and Quinn will play a little tune for you."
Harley and Quinn took their flutes and faced the crowd. Their fingers closed up all the holes as they blew and darts shot out hitting several people in the crowd. They clutched at their necks and, shortly, began laughing. As their laughing got harder, their faces contorted into smiles. Their eyes bulged out of their sockets, their faces turned red with lack of oxygen as they laughed hysterically. Then they fell over, the laughter ceasing.
I heard several people scream.
"Ah, music to my ears!" the Joker said as he motioned for the girls to fire a few more rounds into the crowd.
I slipped toward the back, hiding around a pillar as the girls took aim. When they blew and the darts flew out, I concentrated, stopping the darts in mid-air. The Joker, Harley and Quinn looked at the darts and then from one to another.
"What's this all about? Who's spoiling my fun? Girls, another round, on the house."
The two girls fired again. I concentrated harder and stopped them, although I was getting nervous and a little scared.
'Keep yourself calm, Eric. Lose control and no telling what would happen.'
I felt my concentration waver so I did the only thing possible. I dropped them on the floor. Then I fell backwards against the wall gasping for breath. However, I did not stop at the wall. I fell completely through it to the other side.
'What the hell is going on with my mutation?' I thought. 'I have to get this checked out.'
Hearing footsteps, I turned and saw a robed figure coming towards me. It didn't even stop to look at me. Instead, it stepped over me and continued on.
"What was that all about?" I thought out loud.
Shaking it off, I stood up and slipped outside so I could change into my costume.
Batgirl swung her leg up and connected with Catman's face. His head jerked to the side, but he recovered quickly and retaliated with a kick to her stomach. Batgirl stumbled backwards against the wall. Catman's claws extended and he laughed.
"You and the boy may have saved a life, but it won't be your own."
"That would be my job," a voice said from down the hall.
Catman looked up, as did Batgirl, and the two saw a cloaked figure standing in the shadows. The only detail that could be seen was two eyes from the hood looking out at the vampire. Catman laughed as he ran passed Batgirl toward the dark figure. The figure threw up her arms to reveal a dark-blue dress. The movement also revealed her feminine chin and ends of her blonde locks. She held up her hands and pink energy shot forth from the palms of her hands. Catman jumped to the side as the energy flew past him.
Catman stood and looked one way at the young female sorceress. He turned his head to see Batgirl standing ready for him.
"Another time, perhaps," he said as he jumped up into the air and grabbed onto the catwalk. Within seconds he was out of sight.
"Thanks for your help," Batgirl said as she walked toward the cloaked female. "The name is Batgirl."
"I know who you are," the cloaked female stated. "You are a Vampire Slayer. My name is Raven and I'm searching for Robin."
Raven walked past Batgirl without considering her for a moment. Batgirl turned and looked at Raven as she moved down the corridor.
"Nice to meet you, too," Batgirl said.
Raven entered the dining hall and looked at the scene unfolding before her. Three clowns in togas stood near the door, the male holding onto a singer she recognized from a friend's CD collection. Several persons lay in front of the clowns with smiles on their faces. None of them were breathing. Thinking of something to do, she saw him in action, something she never thought would happen.
Swooping down from the ceiling, the caped figure swung toward the clowns. His feet hit the two women, knocking them against the wall. He swung over the clown man and swung his leg backwards, kicking the male in the head and knocking both him and his hostage over. Then he dropped from the rope and turned to the clown.
"Shows over, Joker. You're through."
"Really?" The Joker replied as he thrust his leg backward connecting with the hero. "I thought I was just getting started."
The masked figure flew against the wall with the impact of the clown. The Joker stood and turned to face the interloper. As he pulled out a dagger, he said, "Prepare to meet thy doom!"
A metal object flew from the ceiling and connected with the Joker's hand knocking the dagger away. The Joker turned to see...
...me gliding down to the floor near Lance. He appeared to be okay so I moved forward toward the Joker. "You've threatened your people of Russia. Then you come to my town and threaten the people here. I will not let you continue this reign of terror."
"Terror? Terror? Why, I have no interest in terror, Batman. Only in having a little fun!"
Without warning, two feet connected with my chest. I fell backwards on top of Lance. Harley and Quinn were standing to either side of where I was in defensive postures, ready to strike again. I stood up quickly and helped Lance up. Then I turned to the Joker.
"Do you know what fun is, Bats? It's cutting loose all the inhibitions the world gives you. It sanctions you to be whoever you want to be and do whatever you want to do."
"It doesn't give you the right to kill."
"Rights, rights, rights. Who said anything about rights? I'm talking about receiving permission from mommy and daddy government to taking initiative! The world is full of people who wait for permission. Only a handful takes the initiative."
"If you are referring to homicidal maniacs..."
"One man's maniac is another man's clown!"
The Joker jumped at me and kicked me in the chest. I stumbled backwards. In a quick fluid movement, Harley and Quinn shot several darts. I turned to see their victims, which were Batgirl, Robin, and a mysterious cloaked young woman. They fell to the floor.
"Don't worry, they're not dead. Or are they? I can never tell!" The Joker let out another laugh and swung his fist up.
I blocked and, with the same fist, punched him in the face. His head jerked. Then he brought his hand back and backhanded me.
"Girls, wardrobe change!"
"Right away, Mr. J!" one said as she trampled out the door.
I turned to go after him, but he side-stepped and elbowed me in the back, causing me to lose consciousness.
To Be Continued...
What do you think of the Joker? Am I writing him as he is in the comic books? I hope so.
What do you think of Raven showing up? What do you think her purpose is here?
Remember, only 6 more chapters for this storyline.
Questions and comments are always welcome!