19 Meeting 3

After the batarang struck its target, the tension between the general and the approaching monstrosity was abruptly shattered, as if a full stop had been placed in the midst of chaos.

Julie froze in her tracks, her gaze fixated on the descending figures. It was none other than Batman and his partner, Robin, who gracefully landed near Julie while she remained in her complete vampire form, her numerous eyes directly fixated on the dynamic duo. Robin couldn't help but shudder at the sight, his face contorted with fear, while Batman remained unfazed, striding towards Julie.

As Batman approached Julie, who still seemed stunned by his real-life presence, she instinctively dissolved her vampiric transformation, returning to the appearance of a normal girl wearing a face mask. A sweet, innocent smile adorned her face as she looked at Batman as if she hadn't been involved in any wrongdoing and was merely an innocent bystander.

However, their brief moment of tranquility was swiftly interrupted as Batman, in his deep, authoritative voice, demanded answers. He asked, "Where are they? Where are the people and the gang members? Did you kill them?"

Julie chuckled upon hearing Batman's question and replied, "I didn't kill them. They are safe with me, just unconscious. If they were conscious, they would have lost their minds in the shadow realms."

Before Batman could ask any further questions, Julie suddenly darted towards him with blinding speed, catching him off guard. She began touching Batman all over, expressing her astonishment, "Oh, you are real. You are really for real."

Both Batman and Robin wore deadpan expressions as Batman swiftly halted Julie's frantic movements by gripping her shoulder firmly. He calmly said, "Calm down. Where are all the people? Bring them out."

Julie, upon hearing Batman's instructions, asked, "Do I have to bring them all out here, or should I just take them to the police station or something?" Batman responded, "No, just bring them here. I will call the police, and they will handle it from here."

It was a bizarre turn of events for Batman and Robin, having to cooperate with a vigilante they had just encountered. However, once Julie rounded up all the unconscious gang members, tossing them aside in a pile, and the terrified general fainted, the ordeal came to an end. On the dock, a fleet of police cars arrived, and the situation was handed over to the authorities. Batman signaled for Julie to join them on the rooftop, and with their grapple guns, Batman and Robin ascended.

As they reached the rooftop, Batman and Robin remained slightly tense, but Julie, still basking in the aftermath, looked down at the bustling streets. She turned around and inquired, "Do you think the police will sell all the drugs to make more profits?"

Batman furrowed his brow, his gaze fixated on the passing vehicles below, and replied, "It is not our job to dictate what they do with the confiscated drugs. Our job is to do what is right. Once we apprehend the criminals, our responsibility as heroes or vigilantes ends."

Julie shrugged her shoulders and, observing Batman's increased seriousness, chuckled and said, "I'm just joking. Why so serious anyway?"

Just as their lighthearted conversation continued, Robin emerged, extending his hand with enthusiasm, and introduced himself, "I'm Robin." As Robin stepped out from the shadows, his gaze fell upon Julie, finding her both attractive and intriguing. He didn't mind meeting a new vigilante who was committed to doing the right thing, even if she was a little terrifying.

Julie, observing the outstretched hand, smiled and shook it, and playfully said, I am rose and "Are you his sidekick?"

Robin's smile faltered for a moment, but he regained his composure and looked towards Batman. With a slight hesitation, he responded, "For now, at least." He then asked Julie, "How long have you been doing this?"

Julie placed a finger on her chin, scanning her surroundings, and replied, "I've been at it for about six months, more or less." Excitement sparkled in her eyes as she exclaimed, "This was my first time operating at such a high level. Did you see me being cool?"

Robin smiled at the cheerful girl and shook his head. "Cool? More like terrifying. You need to choose your words carefully."

Their pleasant conversation was abruptly interrupted as Batman approached them, standing tall and requesting a private discussion with Julie. She nodded in agreement, gesturing for him to proceed. They moved to the side, away from prying eyes, and Batman began bombarding Julie with questions.

"Why are you doing this?" Batman's voice resonated with authority. "Where did you get your powers, and how did you acquire them? Were you born a natural vampire, or were you bitten?"

Julie listened attentively to Batman's inquiries, a smile never leaving her face. "I do this because I was bored, and I believed I could use my powers for something good," she explained. She glanced down at her hand and added, "I believe I'm a natural vampire. One day, about six months ago, my vampire powers awakened when I was being mugged in an alleyway."

Batman's dissatisfaction was evident as he pressed further, cautioning Julie about the dangers her actions posed to herself and others. He urged her to quit her endeavors and return home. However, Julie remained undeterred. She looked directly into Batman's eyes and declared, "No, I will do what I want. Besides, I have to drink blood to sustain myself. Drinking from bad people is still better than indiscriminately taking blood from anyone."

Batman furrowed his brow and gazed at Julie. "You could have obtained blood from a blood bank," he suggested. "You could have procured blood and consumed it without resorting to hunting. Is your desire to drink blood solely for pleasure?"

Julie shook her head, her gaze unwavering. "No, it's not about pleasure. When I became a vampire, there was a small incident where one of my friends had a minor injury, and it nearly drove me crazy due to my vampiric nature. Controlling the urge to drink blood when it's right in front of you is incredibly difficult," she explained.

"After that incident, I managed to regain control and prevent myself from harming my friends. But from that night on, I started going out to drink blood from bad people. It helps me build tolerance, and I also wanted to do some good along the way, to save people. Do you even realize how many crimes occur in one night in Gotham City?"

Batman's expression softened as he absorbed Julie's response. He then inquired about her age, to which she answered, "I'm fifteen." Batman regarded her intently before stating, "Alright, but from now on, you can't go it alone. If you want to continue, you must operate under my supervision. Otherwise, I will have to put an end to it myself."

Externally, Julie didn't show much reaction, but internally, she was shocked. This was Batman she was conversing with. How had he reached a decision so quickly? She couldn't believe how easily she had convinced Batman, but it aligned perfectly with her own desires. This was the progress she had hoped for in her plan. Looking at Batman, Julie posed the question, "Will you let me drink blood or not?"

Batman responded, "I will allow it, but only if it doesn't harm the person you're feeding on. However, I will need to conduct some tests on you. You'll have to come with me."

Although hesitant, Julie agreed and followed them. As she caught sight of the Batmobile, her excitement grew uncontrollable. She couldn't help but jump around the iconic vehicle, expressing how cool it was. However, Batman had already settled into the driver's seat, and Robin swiftly claimed the front seat, exclaiming, "This is my seat! Rose, you have no problem sitting in the back right."

Overwhelmed with delight, Julie happily settled into the backseat, eagerly anticipating the journey ahead. Her plan had exceeded her expectations, and while a hint of suspicion lingered regarding Batman's intentions, she chose to trust her hero and embark on this new chapter. She couldn't contain her anticipation of seeing the Batcave or any other secret bases that awaited her.