Chapter 122: The More Things Change.(2/4)
“That is a very useful ability.” Talia said again.
“You have a dormant magical blood line. Would you like me to activate it for you?” Lash asked, why did he ask that? Technically as a dormant supernatural Talia fell under Warden Law. It was Lash's duty as a Warden to ask.
Talia went perfectly still, even more than she had been before. Her breath was caught and her eyes went a little wide. She looked at Lash, but also beyond him as she processed the information he had just told her. The ramifications, and re precautions of such a thing sped through her mind. The why was paramount. Why would Lash offer this?
“You are a pseudo-mundane, correct?” Lash asked.
“Yes.” Talia replied
“As a dormant supernatural you fall under Warden Law. The offer is simply me doing my job. There are not strings attached to it. Other than me registering you on the Warden information bureau. As a newly awakened supernatural.” Lash replied in a mechanical fashion, as if he was reading from a manual.
“Would I be tied to you in anyway?” Talia asked, her mind working again about different precautions.
“It's a good thing you asked. But no you wouldn't be. This is normally when I would advise you to look up my record. But you don't have access to that information...Yet.” Lash reasoned, and the 'yet' piqued her interest.
“Yet?” Talia asked, a simple question with a complicated answer.
“If you choose to have your dormant blood line activated then you would become a full supernatural community member. Which comes with privileges, and responsibilities. Such as having access to the Warden information page.” Lash replied, a smile tugged on his lips.
“What do you need to awaken my blood line?”
“Nothing, I can do it now. But I must warn you its painful. I'd ask that you warn your servants at the possibility of you screaming in pain. It's fatal if interrupted.”
“May I think about it?”
“Of course! There is no time limit on it. Though if you seek out alternative methods to awaken the blood line I think you'll find me a safer option. As a Warden I am bound by oaths to aid individuals like yourself. While others are more inclined to greed.” Lash replied as he smiled at her. Talia schooled her expression once more.
“You continue to surprise, and impress Warden Lash.” Talia admitted, a smile growing across her face.
Lash did use Connectivity and registered Talia al Ghul about having a dormant magical blood line. He also searched as to why she would have a dormant blood line. The Lazarus pits were the only possible conclusion with such limited information. Ra's al Ghul bathed in the pits often. As did his direct family. Talia's mother had been killed through outside means, not by aging. The pits were tied to...Trigon? The comic origin of the pits changed several times. Tied to magical metals, dimensions, worlds, etc. Lash didn't want to jump to conclusions with out more information.
“Why am I here, Lady Talia?” Lash asked.
“What do you know of the League of Assassins?” Talia asked after a moment of thought.
“The League of Assassins is a secret organization founded by Ra's al Ghul to be "the fang that protects the head".The Members of the League are extremely skilled killers, who have demonstrated willingness to die at a word from their leader, Ra's. They have included some of the most dangerous assassins in the world. For much of its current history, any member to fail in an assassination was in turn targeted by the League. In more recent years, this policy has apparently relaxed somewhat.” Lash replied and shrugged a little. “Sorry, that was more or less a text book answer. Let me rethink my words.” Lash asked, and Talia waited a moment for him to continue.
“The League of Assassins is a cult, or a religion depending on who you ask. Probably both, no offense. Made up of fanatics, as well as lost souls. They provide a service. This service can be called a business, it could also be called a way of life. They have spent centuries killing vile, and evil people across the globe. But, they've also killed innocent people as well. Before you contradict me about what is innocent. If you kill a child that is not even a year old. That would be innocent.” Lash said, his voice turning bitter. Talia for the first time looked contrite and looked away for a bit.
“The League of Assassins is not afraid to kill any, and all that are in their way. To get what they want. Ra's al Ghul is a master combatant, killer, manipulator, visionary, and a text book sociopath. I don't believe he started that way. But when you reach a certain age. The mind starts to look at the mortals like flies. Short, and pointless lives that will be extinguished in a few decades. Happens all the time in the supernatural world. It's why when certain types of leaders reach an age they are retired to advisory positions.” Lash finished, despite insulting Ra's to Talia's face he didn't detect a single spark of anger out of her.
“My father has reached that age, Warden Lash. He has begun to look at 'mortals' with disinterest. He is aware that he has begun to act in such a way and has taken measures to watch himself. But he knows his time is coming to end. So he is looking for an heir. A successor.” Talia replied, and Lash tilted his head.
“Forgive me, but aren't you his heir?” Lash asked, and Talia's perfect mask broke just a bit as a true and honest smile grew across her face. Before it quickly disappeared behind the mask again.
“Despite my fathers ability to adapt to the new world. He still has many flaws that prevent him from moving past his old ways. He is well aware that he would be a fool to not heed the advice of women in this age, or any age for that matter. Any man who ignores the strength of women at their side for believing them the weaker sex is damned to fail. But in the end, he believes a man must be his heir.” Talia said at last, her voice taking on a slight bitter tone. But she pushed past it. They must of had this discussion several times over the past few decades. Ra's and Talia.
“That would explain the different operations I've come across, and heard about. Members of the League of Assassins, and Shadows attempting to accomplish large operations that border on impossible to impress Ra's. Have none of them succeeded?” Lash asked, honestly curious about the answer.
“A few have come close, and many more are still attempting to win his favor. My father may be looking for an heir, but he still has several years, or even decades before he will truly retire.” Talia replied, as she smoothed a hand over her skirt.
“Are you here to ask permission to use Gotham as a testing ground? I have to say, Batman won't like that.” Lash replied, and Talia's eyes took on an edge when he said Batman.
“No...There was a time when my father thought that...Bruce would be an acceptable heir.” Talia began to say... Ah it would make sense that they knew who he was. “But, Bruce said no. He is unwilling to do what is needed for us all.” Talia finished.
Bruce had a no kill rule. He didn't have a perfect record. Accidents did happen, this wasn't the comic book world where bad guys only got a bloody nose when they got into a fight. Erik the gamer and his Dream Engine was a little more 'realistic'. But in the end, Bruce always tried to save everyone. Even a single life to him was too much lose.
“You liked him, didn't you?” Lash asked, and Talia looked away for a bit.
“Yes, he is a good man with a good heart. But hard when he needs to be.” Talia replied then looked back at him.
“Bruce hasn't been Batman for that long. I take it you did all this when Selina and him were dating or even possibly engaged?” Lash asked, a growl as in his voice by the end. Talia's eyes went a little wide but she kept her breathing even.
“This was all before he was Batman. He had come to Nanda Parbat for guidance, and training. That was when I met him. My father saw potential in him and took him under his wing personally. But, in the end. Bruce refused to kill. He was exiled, he left with his life. But kept what we had taught him. I am happy, that he found a use for what we gave him.” Talia confessed that bit of information and Lash was floored with that tidbit.
Despite The League of Assassins reputation. Nanda Parbat had long been rumored to be a place of spiritual healing, growth, and training in the martial arts. People would come from across the globe seeking out the sacred stone halls. Come to learn, to grow, and move past their hurts. Nanda Parbat had two clear sections in it from what Lash understood. One was for the League, the other for students who hadn't passed the trials yet. Not everyone who came, became assassins. They would leave feeling spiritually whole, and the League would have a new ally in the world.
“May I assume that if an heir is chosen, they would also become your husband?” Lash asked, concerned about the answer.
“Of course, it would only make sense that the daughter of the Demon's Head be married to the heir.” Talia replied like it was a simple fact. Lash didn't like that answer, he was a big believer of free will.
“Out of all the competitors, do none of them interest you?”
“Many of them are interesting.” Talia replied in a dry tone.
“Let me rephrase the question. Do you have any romantic feelings for any of them?”
“Romance is not necessary, I can learn to love someone Warden Lash given enough time.”
“If you had a choice, would you be with any of them?” Lash asked, and Talia stayed silent. That was his answer.
“Lady Talia, why did Ra's send you here?” Lash asked, as he suddenly had a sinking feeling in his gut.
“Do you find me attractive, Warden Lash?” Talia asked, she leaned forward just a bit.
“You are physically attractive, you have an amazing mind, and I will not deny that my partner Saurian would like to take you out for a hunt some time.” Lash replied, while Saurian growled in interest as he watched her through Lash's eyes.
“Perhaps you would be happy to know that I find you not only interesting, but I also find you attractive.” Talia replied, and that was when the pieces snapped together.
“Oh crap...” Lash said softly as he leaned back in his chair. That was not the reply Talia expected as her eye brow went up.
“Lady-” Lash began.
“Please, just call me Talia.” She asked.
“Talia, as much fun as it is to dance around each other with words. Maybe you should just say what you came to say.” Lash asked, and Talia...The professional assassin that may have been over a century old and was titled the Mother of Demons pouted just a bit.
“My father would like to discuss the possibility of you becoming his heir.” Talia said. Lash wanted to answer but he was issued a quest prompt and he distinctly heard his Cosmic Patron laughing their ass off.
Congratulations User! You've been issued a quest by your Cosmic Patron.
Objective: Destroy or Take over the League of Assassins.
Optional Objective: Help or Kill Talia al Ghul.
Optional Objective: Help or Kill Ra's al Ghul.
Reward: Based on results of completing objectives.
Comment: Better to grip the blade, then to let it stab you.
“.....Why?.....” Lash asked after about five minutes of silence.
“Because your different, you see the big picture. You are not afraid to kill when its necessary, or to spare a life when they could prove useful. You've helped the Earth recover more of it self in a few weeks worth of work more than my own father has in centuries. Because he believes you will be one of the chosen few to lead this planet into the next century.” Talia said, her voice becoming invigorated as if she was a college student discussing a favorite topic.
“You've created wonders! A space station that grows in size every year. You've discussed trade deals with galactic powers. You conquered a world. You've saved this one. Warden-” Talia said with a smile but Lash held up a hand.
“Please just call me, Lash.” He asked, and Talia smiled at him.
“Lash... The League of Assassins is what you said it is. But think about what it could become under your rule. If not under your rule, then it will be under someone who may not be so controlled as my father.” Talia asked, which was saying something since Ra's was well known for being a mass murderer. Fuck, technically so was Lash! His kill count meter was in the thousands.
“.... I will consider the offer. However, I need more information about The League of Assassins before I say yes.” Lash said next, and the spark that lit in her eyes was dazzling.
“I shouldn't have doubted him...” Talia said softly.
“Oh? Did you think I would say no?” Lash asked, a smile tugging on his lips. Talia looked a bit bashful, it was a little disturbing to be honest. He wasn't sure if it was act, or genuine. Her Acting skill must have been expert or even master level.
“You have an enigmatic personality, Lash.” Talia began to say. “You've done things in the past that had clearly confused many people only for it to make sense months, or even years later. But you've also done things that have gone against your previous morality that have made no sense to anyone.”
“I assumed it had something to do with your Patron. We don't know much, only that you have an extra-dimensional being providing support. But you must do things for them as well. It is a give and take relationship.” Talia confessed when Lash looked at her in confusion.
“Talia if this does happen I assume you and I will be bonded together, yes?” Lash asked, and Talia nodded.
“Do you want to be with me?”
“As I said before, I can learn to love someone Lash. But, yes you do pique my interest. Even if I have to share you.” Talia replied. At least that was out of the way.
“As a Warden I have to maintain a state of neutrality. I'm not always successful in that regard. But I am better than most. I have approximately 7ish years left, or 2 if they decide to count my time in the Rifts. After that I would be free to make my own alliances. Would Ra's and more specifically yourself have any issues with waiting for a specific yes, until such time.” Lash asked, and Talia stood up in one fluid motion. She bowed from her waist towards him, head down.
“Those are perfectly acceptable terms. We can begin to educate you on the ways of the League, but also we can begin to change the League according to your will....Beloved.” Talia said and stood up to look at Lash.
Lash slowly got his feet and cross the short space between them. He reached up and cradled the face of Talia with his gloved hands. Talia leaned into the touch and smiled up at him. Then he leaned down and gave her a chaste kiss that she returned. It lasted a brief moment then Lash leaned back and stared at her as she ran her tongue over her lips. Talia stepped closer, pressing the long line of her body against Lash's armored form. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned up.
They kissed again, and this time they took the time to explore each other. Talia let out a soft moan as Lash plunged his tongue into her mouth. She returned the effort with her own initiative. She raised one of her legs up and wrapped it around Lash's waist. Lash reached down with his hands and grabbed Talia's ass and picked her up. She was quick to wrap her other leg around him. They were locked in place as they continued to kiss one another.
Talia was surprisingly aggressive. Her arousal was clear, as her scent filled the room. Her hips rocked back and forth against his armored form. Lash gradually made his way to one of the comfortable, and open couches in the spacious rooms. He sat down on the edge, with Talia in his lap. With his hands no free, he ran them up along the inside of her dress along her naked skin. Her back arched, and she let out a moan. They broke their kiss, a trail of saliva connecting them before it snapped free. Her eyes were fuzzy.
“I've never been kissed like that before.” Talia said, her eyes fluttered at him. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest. Lash doubted she meant his tongue in her mouth. More than likely it was the energy he was circulating through her.
“We should stop.” Lash said softly, and Talia looked at him in confusion.
“Are you allowed to have sex before you are married?” Lash asked, a look of realization dawned on Talia.
“Yes, Lash I am. We may not have children until we are married however. But, you are right. Our relationship is new. I need to bring the good news back to father.” Talia agreed, but in the end neither of them moved.
“Talia, aside from your relationship with Bruce have you been with anyone else, romantically?” Lash asked, Bruce's name seem to act like a cold shower. Until Lash ran his tongue along her throat and she hummed, her eyes became unfocused for a bit.
“The art of seduction is a common practice among assassins. I've had many physical interactions with both men, and women. But... You would be my second relationship. I confess, I am inexperienced to such things.” Talia said, then let out a moan as Lash pulled off his gloves and placed them in his Storage the feel of his nails on her skin sent a shiver through her spine.
“Lena has been a good friend in telling me the various things couples do in this day and age. I've often wondered what it would be like to go on a...date with someone I actually cared about.” Talia said next, and Lash smiled at her.
“So the next time I see you we should go on a date then. Alright, sounds like a plan.” Lash said with a smile, that was mirrored by Talia.
What mask Talia had been wearing had come off as far as Lash could tell. Of course her Acting skill could be phenomenal and Lash fell into a trap. Either way it was nice to have her in his arms. Erik had to confess that he always liked Talia in the comics. She got a bad reputation thanks to her father. She was often in his shadow. Rarely had a chance to step out on her own. There were several comics where she even sacrificed everything and had her mind erased and taken over by Ra's because he refused to let go.
Talia, and Lash continued to kiss one another while his hands explored her body. She traced the tribal marks on his head, and along his hands. They spoke very little. But when they did speak, it was on things like favorite foods, and places to visit. Lash offered to cook her dinner on their first date. The offer had brought a smile to her face. Regretfully they did eventually separate as the sun had risen. Lash cast Sooth, Nature's Supplement, and Nature's Kiss on Talia and the euphoric pleasure rolled through her.
Lash cast Immaculate on himself, and Talia. Then took on his Transformation state once more. But before they left the room Talia walked up and looked at him. She leaned up and kissed his mouth gently. Saurian growled in satisfaction, and a smile of delight crossed her face. As a shiver went through her spine. They walked side by side towards the preparatory room where Vyllith was waiting for Lash.
Vyllith stood in the middle of the room with the servants standing on the side. She had sensed Lash's arrival had prepared for him. Talia bowed from her waist towards Vyllith, she returned the gesture then looked at Lash who turned to Talia. He leaned down and ran his forked tongue along her neck, just below her left ear. Talia shivered, and a smile grew across her face.
“I'll be seeing you, beloved.” Talia said just loud enough for the servants, and Vyllith to hear. A almost invisible gasp of relief went through the room. The servants were partially aware of what their mission was. Happy that it succeeded.
The moment Lash, and Vyllith stepped off the boat. The entire security team jumped aboard and took off into the morning sun. Lash was stuck in thought as he tried to figure out how to word this in an instant message. Despite not seeing his pack he still stayed in contact with them. Any new additions to his list of lovers needed to be updated. Adding Talia al Ghul the daughter of the Demon's Head to the list would complicate things.
But the day was new, and they still had work to do! The private harbor was in better condition then most but it still needed repair. Lash called his 1110 Saurus warriors, veterans, and elites. They poured out from the portals of darkness, and starlight and started to work on the harbor. Vyllith stood at Lash side, despite her face mask being on Lash could feel her staring at him. A smile was on her face. So he filled her in on everything they spoke about after putting up a baffle field just in case.
“That makes sense. But I think this Ra's al Ghul has a silly name. Isn't he just a human who used magic to keep himself young? Has ever met a real demon? Or a devil? Or a daemon before?” Vyllith asked, and raised an excellent point.
Lash had to lean back and think about that for a moment. Depending on the comic origin that the Dream Engine used. Yes, technically Ra's had at one point in his long life met an actual demon lord. But in the end? Ra's was...Dangerous to mundanes? Maybe Lash was over thinking this. Ra's is a big deal in the Batman comics. But... Compared to intergalactic threats, invasions from alternate realities, and full blown war across the world. The League of Assassins was....Small potatoes.
“Thank you, Vyllith. I believe I was over thinking the possible threat this was.” Lash said, and Vyllith preened under the compliment.
Lash would of course continue to be cautious about Ra's. He would be a fool to assume he was not dangerous. Especially if Trigon is behind the pits, and is essentially Ra's true master. Trigon is a true born threat and despite Lash's brief encounter with his children in Tartarus. Lash took Trigon very seriously.
“Isn't that God-Kin of Sobek's city near here, Wraith?” Vyllith interrupted his thoughts. He paused to look around then a look of enlightenment dawned on him.
“Why yes it is...” Lash said softly, one of the entrances to the sewer canals was in the harbor.
“Didn't you want to visit him?” Vyllith asked, and Lash laughed showing a lot of fang. He gently pushed his snout into her and Vyllith laughed a bit as she hugged him.
“Shall we?” Lash asked, as he offered her his arm which she accepted.
Lash cast Water Walk on them both and they stepped off the pier and walked towards the entrance. The Saurus army followed in their wake, a portion of them stayed behind to repair the harbor, another portion moved in from the harbor. While another group started to repair this section of the sewer system. Lash and Vyllith walked into a drain pipe that was unusually large and made their way to Croc's town.
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***HR. Sol System, Earth, a few miles away in the water***
Talia al Ghul stepped out of the shower and dried herself with a towel. She wrapped her hair up, then wrapped her body up in a robe. She stared at herself in the mirror and ran her fingers along her lips. She could still taste Lash on her. She hadn't mean to go that far with him. This was an investigation mission only. Though she was happy he accepted. Talia could learn to love him. Maybe she already did? Talia shook that thought away. No, she was her father's daughter. She would do as he bid. Knock...knock...
“Mistress we have the talisman you requested.” A servant called from outside her room. Talia quickly readjusted her knot on her robe. Tucked a blade under her sleeve. It was not the first time someone had tried to kill her with a servant.
“Enter.” Talia called out.
The servant was an older man who had served under her, and Ra's for many years. He was getting almost to old to serve and needed to be retired soon. Talia had asked her father to let him use the pit but he had denied it. Not everyone could survive the pit. They had tested the old mans blood and it had radically changed and mutated. Pity, Talia liked the old man.
The man set a large brief case down and bowed his head for several seconds before he took three steps back, did an about face then walked to the door in silent practiced steps. He silently took the handle in hand, turned and bowed out of the room closing the door with out a sound. Talia smiled slightly at his etiquette. She carefully ran her fingers along the brief case. Checked for traps. Again it had happened before. Sometimes she wondered if it was truly assassins or just her father testing her.
Inside the brief case were long strips of wooden, stone, and paper communication talismans. Inscribed with ancient spells. Talia paused for a moment when she remembered Lash's words about activating her dormant blood line. Could she make these if she had agreed? Talia had used magic before, she was no novice to it. Though compared to Lash she must have seemed like a naive child. Talia turned bitter at the thought. She carefully picked up a stone talisman.
Talia then began to speak in short, and to the point sentences about everything she and Lash had spoken about. Though she kept the blood line out, as well as what they had done....after. A blush crawled up Talia's face as she remembered what they had done. How much she wished they had continued. Talia was not a virgin by any means. But when it came to love. Experiencing a true lovers touch? She was a virgin when it came to that. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and finished her report. She then broke the talisman in half and let it go.
The two pieces burst into a black flame. Then a fiery creature of unknown origin appeared from the flames. It looked at Talia then fluttered its wings and flew straights towards the wall. It passed through it with ease, and flew off towards her father to deliver her message. Talia was not headed back, no. She was going to Metropolis to visit her friend Lena. She needed her advice on what to do on a...date. What to wear, what to talk about, etc. Talia had been on many dates in her life. But it had always been to extract information. To gain something. She had never just been on a date.
“You are far more dangerous then I was led to believe, Lash.” Talia whispered softly as a smile spread across her face.
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***HR. Sol System, Gotham City Sewers***
Movies, and television always lie about sewer systems. Most sewer systems are small, cramped, and full of pipes, and well sewage. The area's you see on TV are in fact the service tunnels. The cities infrastructure works in the service tunnels. Water, power, gas, etc all goes through a modern day city. Most power lines are underground. Keeps the skies clear, but it also makes it extremely difficult to repair and replace. They have to dig up a road, or under a building, or in the sewers to get to them. That is with mundane tools, and resources.
With Lash's magic, as well as his Manifestations. They used their spell craft and fixed the issues with out complaint. Many of the Saurus warriors used Earth Swim to move through the concrete to fix specific issues. All in all it went far faster then if it had been done the normal way. So, Lash and Vyllith walked through the service tunnels. Taking the twisting paths under Gotham towards Croc's town. Gotham had several centuries worth of history. Thanks to the supernatural element, and a dark shaman that feeds on negative emotion and an ancient Bat God. Gotham was filled to the brim with underground towns, structures, hidden passages, and traps!
The Court of Owls specifically had built a majority of Gotham with the aid of the Alan Wayne Trust. In the comic origins, the Court had hidden places scattered through out the city. Lash had encountered many of these locations as they rebuilt, and renovated the city. However, oddly enough most of the hidden places were empty. The Court of Owls had fled Gotham. When that had happened he wasn't sure. So, he took down the hidden rooms and rebuilt the buildings with out them.
Despite the new style of architecture in Gotham. Lash and his Manifestations still met a lot of push back. Be it from the supernatural communities that didn't want, or need renovations. Or, many mundane individuals that owned buildings and didn't want any help. Complaints had poured into city hall with upset business owners, like construction companies who were furious that their construction project was outsourced.
Imagine if you will a thirty story apartment building with people still living it in. They've been with out utilities for months. They learn at last that their building is going to be repaired. But guess what? The original owner sold the building. So they have to vacate their homes, due to the new owner planning on tearing it down. Then comes along a whole bunch of aliens that repair the building in under an hour. Then the people living there are informed by the government that anything rebuilt by Agent Wraith is under a government outreach program. So they no longer have to move out. In fact the building technically is owned by the city!
Of course the people living in the building still pay rent, and the 'owner' of the building gets that mon-->>