Heroes of the Storm
Author Notes:
Chapter 26: Hypnotic
"Where you've been Morgan?" asked Seraph, looking at the reports of supposed terrorist attacks committed by someone calling himself 'The Mandarin.' Batman and Spider-Woman had gone through the data to get a fixed on the terrorist's location. They've bomb over dozens of cities in Europe and in the United States as a testament to their ability to wage terror without warning.
"Busy, I need you to come with me now," said Morgan.
"Can't it wait, a new terrorist has risen up," said Seraph.
"Afraid not," said Morgan. "A situation has risen up in Japan that requires our immediate attention."
Seraph stops as he turns to stare at Morgan.
"Why is this important?" asked Seraph.
"You know full well why," said Morgan. "Let those who know the technical world worry about Stark. We have a situation in Japan that could be problematic if left unchecked."
"What kind of problem?" asked Batman.
"Don't worry about it," said Morgan. "It's a supernatural kind."
Seraph didn't know why she was keeping the rest of the Avengers in the dark.
"Find Stark, I'll try to solve this problem in Japan, Batman – you're in charge," said Seraph before he and Morgan disappear and reappear in the House of Mysteries.
"Want to tell me what's going on?" said Seraph.
"In a museum yesterday, this was stolen," said Morgan.
A magical image of an orb appears in front of Seraph.
"What makes this theft so important that it demands our immediate attention?" asked Seraph.
"Two things," said Zatanna. "First, the theft happened in broad daylight full of visitors. No one had been aware the theft had happened until a guest pointed out the object in question was missing."
Now that was remarkable to commit a public theft without anyone being aware.
"Second, it's the object in question that was stolen," said Morgan. "This relic is called 'The Meido Stone,' and can harness souls."
Seraph face frowns as he heard of this stone and knew this was dangerous to leave unchecked.
"Do we know if this Meido Stone works?" asked Seraph.
"Do you want to take the risk and find out if it does in the hands of whoever stole it?" asked Morgan.
No Seraph did not want to wait and see if it did work.
"I'll head to Japan," said Seraph. "Where's John?"
"In London enjoying his pint," said Zatanna.
Seraph turns and walks out the door with Zatanna behind him.
"Do you know where the theft took place?" asked Seraph.
"Edo-Tokyo Museum," said Zatanna.
Seraph and Zatanna steps outside and quickly fly towards the Edo-Tokyo Museum, where a crowd of people was outside with the police holding them back.
Seraph and Zatanna land in the front of the building, with the Japanese Police looking confused at their appearance.
Seraph said nothing as he notices news crews recording his arrival before he turns and walks into the museum.
They pass everyone until they reached the main area where the item was stolen.
{Excuse Seraph-san, what brings you here?} said a senior police officer.
"I'm here to examine this theft, which may have some levels of the 'supernatural' involved," said Seraph.
{Are we in any danger?} asked the officer.
"Unclear," said Seraph. "I'm sorry, you are?"
{Chief Yagami Soichiro of the National Police Agency,} said Chief Yagami.
"I know my arrival here may spark some concerns," said Seraph wisely. "Until I can determine the very nature of this threat, I ask that your people remain calm."
{We haven't found anything,} said Chief Yagami.
{Chief, are you sure it's wise to discuss this case with...} said a young officer.
{We haven't found anything,} said Chief Yagami repeated to his junior officer. {If a supernatural element happened here, then someone like Seraph-san can be helpful. I shall take responsibility for his actions.}
"I do not wish to cause you trouble, Chief Yagami," said Seraph. "This theft does have some level of concern, and I want to get to the bottom of it quickly."
{Can you at least tell me why you are personally taking an interest in this stolen artifact?} asked Chief Yagami.
Seraph stops as he turns to look at Zatanna, who simply raises her eyebrow at him.
"Best that I tell you in private," said Seraph.
Chief Yagami nods his head as he and Seraph speak alone with his colleagues, all looking onwards. Seraph explains the orb and its purpose.
Chief Yagami looked gravely concerned.
{Should I tell my people this?} asked Chief Yagami once Seraph finished.
"No,' said Seraph. "I rather not deal with a panic. If this information were to get out to the public, there would be a lot of people panicking. This would result in scams on the streets that promise false protection from the orb. Not to mention an uneasy panic within your own agency."
{What should I tell my superiors?} asked Chief Yagami.
"The truth," said Seraph. "Inform them of the object and its purpose. I'll explain the symptoms to a lesser degree to your juniors to keep an eye for any victims. Only tell your superiors, and those who you believe can handle this information."
Chief Yagami nods his head.
They return to see a square glass in perfect condition undisturbed with a relic indeed missing from its shelf.
"The glass is theft-proof with motion sensors," said Zatanna. "If anything, even remotely touches it for more than two seconds, an alarm will sound."
{Seraph-san,} said Chief Yagami. {This is the Museum Curator, Haruno-san.}
Seraph gives a slight bow showing his respect towards Haruno-san.
"Haruno-san, did you notice anything strange that happened today that seemed 'unusual'?" asked Seraph.
Haruno-san shook her head.
Seraph frowns. So, this theft was intentional, not accidental.
"Can I see the footage of the theft?" asked Seraph.
{There isn't much to see,} said one of the officers. They hold a tablet with the security footage of the object in question. {We've had to slow it down frame by frame to try to see what happens, but there isn't anything to see. One second, it's there, the next it's gone.}
"It's not a summoning charm," said Zatanna.
"Nor a switching spell," said Seraph. "Has anyone touch the glass since the theft?"
{No,} said Chief Yagami.
"I'm going to try something," said Seraph. "Can I ask your people to step back. I don't want them to get caught up in this by accident."
Chief Yagami nods his head as his people took a step back as Seraph waves his hand around, sending white dust floating around the case. Haruno-san looked offended that something would dirty her museum.
The white dust soon begins to gather and starts to take form.
Soon the image of a young woman with white hair, wearing a white mask and wearing a kimono standing over the stand. There were two interesting facts about this woman. One, she had two foxlike ears on her head, and the other was she had nine whitetails.
{Yokai!} shouted one of the officers in alarm.
{Calm yourself,} shouted Yagami. {You're an officer!}
The officers and individuals look at the white fox seeing the thief for the first time.
"So, show me how you stole the artifact," said Seraph.
The watch as she approaches the display stand, before she makes a motion with her hand, as the object appears in her hand. Seraph froze the action as he mimics her actions. He pauses as he looks upwards before looking at the glass.
"She used the shadows to grab the object for her," said Zatanna.
Seraph reassumes as they watch her turn around and leave the museum with no one being aware of what had happened.
{I don't understand,} said Chief Yagami. {How did something like this happen without anyone seeing it happen? Or it gets caught on camera?}
"Misdirection Charms," said Seraph. "They're simple spells, and generally used to hide one's presence for one who doesn't want to be seen. They are not foolproof, as anyone with the willpower can see past these charms, and they can also be easily dispelled by simply touching the person."
{So how come her actions didn't get caught on camera?} asked Chief Yagami.
Seraph turns and looks at Chief Yagami without answering his question.
{It works on cameras as well?} said Chief Yagami in shock.
"As I've told Stark, magic has its own laws similar to how physics as its own laws," said Seraph.
{Are we in any danger?} asked Haruno-san.
"No," said Seraph. "I'm aware that what you call 'Kitsunes' can be either good or bad luck. Rest assured, this place isn't cursed, and your lives are in no danger. I do not know her objective, but she won't come back to haunt any of you. I shall keep you up to date regarding this case. In the meantime."
Seraph waves his hand as the Meido Stone reappears.
"It's a replica, so you can pass it off to the public someone tried to play a prank on the museum," said Seraph.
Chief Yagami bows his head as Seraph does the same.
Seraph and Zatanna turns and leaves the museum.
"That was a Kumiho," said Zatanna once they were back safely in the air.
Kumiho's had a human appearance. They were humans with Japanese foxes or kitsune's appearance. They were mythical and very powerful.
"Yes," said Seraph. "We may need some serious backup."
"Who?" asked Zatanna. "Superman is powerless against a Kumiho. Stark is missing. Flash maybe, but even he's not going to be powerful enough to defeat a Kumiho. We may have to beseech an Asgardian or Lord Raiden for help."
"That depends if we can reach them," said Seraph. "Thor hasn't been seen or heard since he returned to Asgard. Raiden hasn't been around much as he's dealing with the Elder Gods, Outworld, the Netherrealm, and who knows what else."
"This is a Kumiho!" said Zatanna. "Their strength and powers are legendary! No physical weapon can harm them. They're highly resistant towards magic to the point than they can absorb even the deadliest of curses. Even if by some miracle you can wound one, they have one of the best regeneration abilities. Only the mythical phoenix has better healing powers. Don't get me started on their other abilities and powers."
"Even so, who can help us?" asked Seraph. "They're so powerful very few individuals in history have ever stood against one and lived to survive the tail. There are only a few weapons capable of hurting them."
"Most of those weapons have been destroyed," said Zatanna. "Others have been lost."
"Kumiho's are not a necessary evil," said Seraph. "They're known for being neutral."
"That's because they do what they want with no one able to stop them," said Zatanna. "You are an immortal demigod with the powers of Thor. Are you unwilling to commit to fighting her because she's a woman?"
"No," said Seraph.
"But, there is something on your mind," said Zatanna.
Seraph said nothing as he looks forward.
"Is it your wife? Kitana?"
"There is a lot of ana's going on around me," mutters Seraph.
"Are you unhappy in your marriage?"
"More like confuse," said Seraph.
"What is making you confuse?" asked Zatanna.
"It's," began Seraph before breaking off into a sigh. "Generally, when you're in a marriage, you're committed to that person and don't have 'other' partners."
"That's what bothering you?" said Zatanna. "I thought all males dream of having harems."
"I've never thought of having a harem," said Seraph. "As I told you, all I wanted was to be normal with normal problems. I would be happy living a plain old boring life with a simple wife and kids."
"But could you look away?" asked Zatanna.
Seraph falls silent knowing he couldn't.
"You can't, that's why you have these gifts," said Zatanna. "As for your wife okay with you having a harem, it's not that hard to understand if you think about it. It's clear no matter hard you think about it that Kitana loves you. You are perhaps the first male who sees her for herself, and not some… sex object. The Edenian Culture has long been lost as Raiden is helping uncover its traditions and meaning. Right now, there are more women than males Edenians. So, it's not unusual for a male to have more than one partner within the Edenian's right now."
"Is that why Kitana isn't freaking out that Jade is pouncing on me every chance she gets?" said Seraph.
"Oh, who else you are sleeping with?" said Zatanna grinning.
Seraph turns to look at Zatanna.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" said Seraph.
"I would be lying if I told you I wasn't," said Zatanna. "You know you're the first guy I've come across – other than Bruce, who doesn't want a harem of women. Maybe that's why you both have women throwing themselves at you."
"Mr. Grumpy, has women interested in him?" said Seraph in amazement.
"That surprises you?" said Zatanna. "He has a son named Damien with Talia al Ghul."
"Talia? The same Talia who works for Imperial Intelligence now?" said Harry.
"Talia maintains the figure and body of a twenty-year-old thanks to the Lazarus Pit," said Zatanna. "Though I understand for a good reason, you've banned the use of the pit unless for emergencies."
"The Lazarus Pit is a source of healing of unknown origins," said Seraph. "Basically, using S.H.I.E.L.D. terms, it's an O-8-4."
"Well, that is wise," said Zatanna. "Be honest, tell me you're not enjoying yourself with all these women."
Seraph turns and glares at Zatanna.
"Seriously?" said Zatanna looking forward. "You really are straight forward and honest."
"There is much going on," said Seraph. "Within the past three months alone, there has been more cataphoresis than in any history. The team isn't even working as a team."
"Don't be surprised, everyone has their own personal problems going on right now, and they don't want others to get involved," said Zatanna.
"I'm aware of that," said Seraph. "This is a time when the team is needed, and not off handling things on their own."
"That is preciously why you must let them handle these things on their own," said Zatanna. "It shows trust."
"When did you turn into Morgan?" asked Seraph.
"I talk to her," said Zatanna.
"We're here," said Seraph as he flies down upon Kyoto's shrine.
The infamous Rashomon was built twelve hundred years ago. The pathway was said a gateway to the heavens, and offering your prayers here with your loved one would bless you with good fortunes.
Seraph and Zatanna land on the ground before walking through the gates entering magical japan.
"I feel like we step back through time," said Seraph.
Magical Japan had a very strong Edo-style feel with no hint of westernism.
"Must be tough for you being from Europe," said Zatanna.
"Has to be tougher on you," said Seraph.
Zatanna smiles as she speaks her magical words backward as her sexy appealing outfit turns into a kimono.
"Show off," mutters Seraph.
Seraph walks down the street heading to the local pub, knowing if a Kumiho was running around in Japan, the locals would know something about her.
Unfortunately, Seraph was also tired as the time zone difference was finally catching up to him. He's been up for nearly fourteen hours and needed to crash.
Harry takes off his mask, avoiding some of the stares he was getting. Even on this side of the world, his name and face were known all over. He simply wanted to rest before the fans learn of location.
Harry frowns as he looks at his bed but knew this was common in Japan. The tatami bed style had a reputation for being good on your back.
Harry hands his robe on the mannequin as he sets his boots down and climbs in bed, getting some shut-eye.
Harry woke, feeling someone or something on his chest. He looks down and sees Zatanna sleeping naked beside him.
Harry didn't know what to do. They had rented two separate rooms, but he didn't think she would climb in bed with him.
"Damnit Zatanna," mutters Harry.
Harry paused for a moment and looks out the window to see Zatanna standing there motionless.
Harry turns and looks at the Zatanna looking at him with bright yellow eyes.
Zatanna pounces on him and holds his wrist firmly as Zatanna's black hair slowly turns white with fox ears.
"I almost forgot," said Harry. "You have the power of shapeshifting. Making you one of the best metamorphosis in the world."
The white fox smiles as she moves her fingers down Harry's skins. Her fingers didn't have nails like humans but were more like a human claw.
"Okay," laughs, Harry feeling ticklish as she traces his chest with her finger. "That's enough."
"Can you get me pregnant?" she said, smiling at Harry.
"What?" said Harry bewilder by this sudden request.
"You are a powerful individual, who magical power rivals my own," said the White Fox. "The offspring you put in me will be a very powerful child."
"Should have gotten a vasectomy," mutters Harry.
"Don't be like that," said the White Fox. "You are powerful, like a Celestial Creature." The White Fox places her head on Harry's chest to listen to his heartbeat. "You have something powerful like a Celestial Creature living inside of you, making your power like my own, limitless."
"How did you find me?" demanded Harry.
Kitsune's despite their devious natures were known to speak the truth and keep their words.
"I followed you," said the White Fox smiling. "I can hide even the greatest of sorcerer's, though had you taken the bullet train instead of flying, you would have noticed my presence."
"So, you were there in the crowd," said Harry.
"I was," said the White Fox continuing to smile at Harry. "When the crowd saw you enter, I wanted to follow, but it was difficult to get near without you and the girl detecting my presence. I'm impressed you manage to discover me so quickly. The greatest sorcerer alive truly lives up to his name."
Harry glares his eyes at the White Fox, realizing she had cast a nonverbal spell on him to keep him immobilized.
"What did you do to Zatanna?" demanded Harry.
"You forget that a Kumiho can charm anyone by our beauty alone?" said the White Fox. "Though I can charm her by other means. She resisted a great at first, but I got simply turning into you got her to submit rather quickly. She loves you, you know."
Harry did know, but he didn't want to force her into a complicated relationship already.
"Then what do you want?" asked Harry.
"Hmm," said White Fox. "You know I have the Meido Stone, but my games aren't over, not yet. Though if you want to know, then beware of the snakes in the grass."
Harry finally breaks free of her spell and grabs her. The White Fox was initially shocked as pins her but doesn't resist. Instead, she locks her legs around his hips to invite him. She leans up and nibbles his left ear playfully.
Harry soon realizes she is naked from head to toe.
"You truly are, strong," said the White Fox. "Don't worry, we'll meet again sooner than you think."
The White Fox disappears into a wisp of smoke as Harry kneels there, looking at the place where the White Fox had been momentary.
"Why am I outside?" said Zatanna. "And why am I naked?"
"Get inside," said Harry. "The White Fox paid us a visit."
Zatanna looks at Seraph before she steps inside and accepts his robe as she puts it on herself.
Harry sighs, knowing this wasn't going to be easy to explain to Zatanna. Already he could see hints of mischief and enjoyment in Zatanna's eyes.