Heroes of the Storm
Author Notes:
Chapter 27: The Witch Hunter
"So, let me get this straight," said Zatanna. "The White Fox charms me and sleep next to you naked!"
Harry groans realizing he still didn't know a thing about women.
"Why are you making this a big deal?" said Harry.
"I'm more interested in why you would let her sleep with you naked," said Zatanna.
"I didn't expect her to sleep next to me naked," retorted Harry angrily.
"Calm down," said Zatanna. "You don't understand the effect you have on all these women."
"Can we focus," said Harry, desperate to get back at the primary issue.
"Well, she is a Kumiho," said Zatanna. "I've heard rumors they can create puppets that mimic their appearance and abilities to a lesser degree."
"She can also change her appearance," said Harry. "She looked just like you."
"Now I'm pissed," said Zatanna.
Harry stared at Zatanna with a raised eyebrow and realized he still didn't understand women.
"What is she after?" asked Harry. "She hasn't used the artifact yet."
"That's most strange," said Zatanna. "With her strength, she can consume thousands of souls in a second. Is she after something else?"
"How much do we know about this side of the world?" asked Harry.
"And if she's good as we think she is, then that means she's been taking the appearances of others to conceal herself," said Zatanna.
"She's here in Kyoto, the strongest place in Japan for magical creatures," said Harry. "Is there something here we don't know about?"
"Japan holds many secrets," said Zatanna.
Harry sits down and thinks carefully about what was going on. The Kumiho didn't act recklessly. Famous for their intelligence, cleverness, quickness, wits, and tricksters.
They always had a plan and never acted carelessly.
Harry sits trying to figure why someone so powerful would need the Meido Stone?
Kumiho's cherish life. They didn't act in the service of evil. Given her whitetails and presence, she was far from evil. She still had a playful nature.
Harry had to assume something was stirring on this side of the world.
He prayed it wasn't another Destiny.
Harry decides to return to the House of Mysteries to look upon its library. The fact that the Kumiho hasn't used the Meido Stone yet meant that there was another piece of the puzzle missing. Either the white fox wanted something else, or something was missing from the Meido Stone.
Kyoto was the Eastern Kingdom's capital with magical artifacts and people. In his free time, Harry would have loved spending time in Japan and learning its culture and history.
Harry heads to an ancient shrine where the locals still paid their respect towards the ancient gods. There was still that local belief of offering prayers together would bless the couple.
Harry approaches the shrine when everything around him suddenly frozen in place.
Harry suddenly pauses, sensing something was off in the area. A foul presence was lingering in the area. The presence was evil, but one he's never felt before.
Harry moves through the sea of people, masking his presence, and placing Concealment Charms on him to prevent people from noticing him. His training as an Assassin came into motion. Seraph moves stealthy, quietly, and quickly through the sea of people who never looked twice at his direction.
Seraph enters the city and comes into view of a ruined warehouse. At first glance, that's all it appeared, but Seraph sees a barrier had been put in place around the warehouse.
Seraph studied the barrier and realized it wasn't anything serious. Only to keep muggles out of the area and to prevent them from entering. Simple muggle repellent and compulsion spells.
Seraph slips pass the barrier without setting off the alarm and quickly climbs the side of the warehouse onto the roof. Seraph then goes through the window by making himself made of smoke before he settles on the support beam and moves through the shadow.
There was no light within the warehouse, making the place very dark. When Seraph reached the middle of the room, a single candlelight revealed the presence of seven individuals in the middle of the room.
'Death Eaters?!' Seraph thought in alarm.
The nine figures had robes very similar to the Death Eaters. Black robes and boots from head to toe. The hood conceals their faces, making identification impossible.
The only difference was the masks the nine figures were wearing. Masquerade Masks that were unique in their design and nature. Venetian Carnival, Smiley, Sad Face, Black Flames, Right Scar, Right Tear, Left Patch.
Another fact that made them different from Death Eaters was the symbol they wore on their backs. A triangle with a cross.
"Who stole the stone?" said Venetian Carnival mask.
"Our source within the N.P.S. said Seraph discovered it was a Kumiho," said Sad Face.
"Impossible," said Right Tear. "The Kumiho's are extinct."
"Apparently not," said Sad Face.
"That creature will be after the Mirror next," said Venetian. "Where are we with that?"
"We have a team in place ready to seize the mirror," said Black Flames.
"What of the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D.?" asked Right Scar.
"They continue to remain oblivious to our existence," said Smiley.
"Are we certain of that?" said Left Patch. "Seraph is here in Japan. Where was his last confirm location?"
"Here in Kyoto," said Sad Face.
They all look at one another in silence.
"Are we certain Seraph has no knowledge of our existence?" asked Venetian.
"It would be a problem if Seraph or the Avengers were to show up and ruin our plans," said Scar.
"Tony Stark has officially been proclaimed dead," said Right Tear. "Most likely he's gone missing. A.I.M. has destroyed his home in Malibu. The Avengers are using their resources and time to find Stark. Since Seraph is on his own out there, that means he's here on his own accord. Perhaps Seraph can help us. We could use him to flush out the Kumiho."
The members all look at one another in silence once again.
"Then, we are all in agreement," said Venetian.
No one move or said anything, but simply disappears in a cloud of black smoke.
Seraph could have taken them all on at once. He held back because it wouldn't have provided him any answers to who they were or what they were after.
He was sure they had oaths and enchantments place upon them to keep them spilling any secrets.
Seraph didn't know who these people were, but it was clear they weren't up to anything good.
More importantly, Seraph didn't learn of their goals. Only they wanted the Meido Stone and a mirror.
Seraph walks through the shrine and into the magical world where countless creatures were roaming about minding their own business.
Seraph walks into the back alleyway and heads towards one of the darker areas known for shabbier deals. Seraph hated this part of town, but he went here because if anyone knew anything, it would be the Four Saints. They who have been ancient, wise, and knew all that happen in the world.
Reaching the Sky Temple was no easy task. It was eternally hidden from all eyes. Even he wouldn't be able to speak to them without their approval.
A sudden gunshot echoed through the area as Seraph staggers feeling something penetrate his body.
He turns and sees a woman with red hair holding a gun, pointing it at him. She wore strange armor with a trench coat.
Seraph narrows his eyes as she attacks him again. The sound of the second blast, a shotgun this time, could be heard as she fires at him again.
Seraph disparate before the blast could hit him, unsure of her weapons.
Generally, mortal weapons wouldn't hurt him, but her guns could penetrate his defense and left him bleeding.
Seraph appears again a short distance from where he was standing and looks at the damage her guns had caused.
Magic bullets.
These were interesting as they required to use your own magic into a specific type. Given how quickly she was able to use her weapons, told him she could use different styles. She was a specialist, a witch hunter.
Merlyn knew of the Witch Hunters. They were specialists with obsidian armor that help repel magic attacks.
The girl looked no older than eighteen years of age... Red hair, with dark blue armor leggings and a corset armor. Merlyn had to guess she had many weapons on her, and given her training, she would make the S.B.S. or Navy Seals look like amateurs.
She fires her shotgun, shattering the triangle barrier that had her imprison before Seraph places a stasis on her, freezing her in place. Seraph floats before and looks at her and knew his spell would not hold on her for long.
She was good with anti-magic and counterattacks, not to mention she had strong attacks of her own. Even though she attacks him, Seraph could sense she was not evil.
"Want to explain why you attacked me?" asked Seraph.
"You're with Trinity," said the girl. "That's more than enough reason."
"Trinity?" Seraph repeated in confusion.
The girl looks at him in confusion. Unsure if he was lying or being honest.
"I've never heard of Trinity," said Seraph. "Who are they?"
"You bear their symbol," said the girl.
Seraph looks at her before he grabs his necklace and shows it to her.
"This symbol?" said Seraph.
The girl looks at it and stares at her Deathly Hollows.
"I thought," the girl began before breaking off.
"This is the symbol for the Deathly Hallows," said Seraph. "I wear this symbol to signify being the 'Master of Death' and master of the Hollows."
"The Deathly Hallows are real?!" said the girl.
"So, you know the story," said Seraph.
"Sorry," said the girl.
Seraph releases his stasis seeing she was no longer a threat.
"Who is Trinity?" asked Seraph.
"I'll treat you to a drink," said the girl.
In the Green Leaf Inn, Elsa Bloodstone explain who she was and what she did.
"I know I'm a called a Witch Hunter," said Elsa. "But I'm more of a monster hunter. I hunt monsters who threaten this world, from demons to vampires and werewolves and other dark and dangerous creatures. Lately, I've been on the trail of Trinity. A mysterious group that started making some moves since the Convergence."
"Who are they?" asked Seraph.
"I don't know," said Elsa. "They've been after artifacts, information, spells, and anything else they can get their hands on. I came across them when I met a mad sorcerer conducting experiments on werewolves. He mentions something of Trinity would kill me for intervening. I tracked some movements of Trinity movements here to Kyoto. I thought the recent threat of the Meido Stone had something to do with Trinity's actions."
"It may," said Seraph.
Seraph begins to tell Elsa of the White Fox and what she did. How she teased him and tried to mess with his mind regarding the theft.
"A Kumiho," said Elsa. "Immortal Celestial Foxes that have the power of a god. Tricksters, guardians, and very cunning. Hard to trust them. Could this Kumiho be the leader of Trinity?"
"I don't think so," said Seraph. "If Trinity was the group I was spying on, then the Kumiho and Trinity have no relations. Most likely, Trinity has been chasing the Kumiho around for her powers."
"Even I can't defeat a Kumiho," said Elsa. "They are… too powerful."
"Their teeth and fangs can devour gods," said Seraph. "Even Superman, the strongest defender on this world, would be rendered helpless against a Kumiho. Iron Man wouldn't stand a chance. Energy attacks like his only would make her stronger, and her claws and quickness would destroy his armor. Batman can't even sneak up on her, given her hearing and senses."
"You know the Avengers?" said Elsa.
"I'm Seraph," Seraph said, feeling somewhat insulted but also relieved that he wasn't recognized.
"The leader of the Avengers," said Elsa. "Sorry… I knew you had powers, but I didn't actually think your powers were… magic."
"The White Fox, what is she after?" asked Seraph.
"I don't know," said Elsa. "But I think I do know where she is heading. You spoke of a mirror, then I know what mirror Trinity is after. There is one mirror they would be after."
"Tell me it's not a mirror that sucks in souls," said Seraph.
"Not exactly," said Elsa. "It's known as the Forlorn Hope. Others call it the Mirror of Darkness. It says to hold mystic powers that will awaken only during the presence of the full moon. According to legend, it will grant the wielder any wish they desire but must offer something in return for their wish."
"What do they offer?" asked Seraph.
"Unknown," said Elsa. "As Master of Death, you know that some urban stories and myths hold some version of the truth."
"The full moon is in three nights from now, that means she'll be making a move soon," said Seraph.
"As will Trinity," said Elsa.
"What could they possibly be after?" Seraph wonders out loud.
"I may know how Trinity will attempt to steal the mirror," said Elsa. "We will have to act fast."
Seraph found it strange working with a Witch Hunter, but the two did share a mutual goal in discovering Trinity. He wasn't sure if he could trust Elsa Bloodstone. Still, he sent a message back to Black Orchid to tell the Morgan what had transpired and to investigate this 'Trinity,' as well as Elsa Bloodstone.
They didn't go to a museum as Seraph expected. Instead, the mirror was locked in a private vault of a collector.
"Why are we here?" asked Seraph.
"This is the private estate of Hideo Katsu," said Elsa. "He is a criminal who steals, transport, and counterfeits Asian artwork. Generally, he isn't someone the magical world would investigate, but I do know he holds a magical mirror. It could be the magical mirror Trinity is after."
Seraph quickly hides behind the tree pulling Elsa Bloodstone with him as several figures appear from the door. They began walking into the garden.
"The short fat man is Hideo Katsu," said Elsa. "I don't know who the other man is."
Seraph was sure he was someone within Trinity.
Seraph quickly moves forward, much to Elsa Bloodstone's dismay as he starts to get close to hear what they were saying.
"I'm surprised at the amount of generosity Trinity is offering from a simple trinket," said Hideo Katsu.
"If the relic is indeed the real deal, then it could lead us to salvation," said the stranger.
"Interesting," said Hideo Katsu. "I heard a whisper that Seraph is in Japan."
"He's ignorant of our existence, and of you," said the stranger.
"It would be bad business if the Avengers learn of my business," said Hideo Katsu.
"You have nothing to fear," said the stranger.
"I will have the relic transferred to your museum at once," said Hideo Katsu.
Seraph sinks back as the man moves further back towards the compound.
Seraph looks up and sees another figure lurking on the roof, observing the pair. The White Fox.
Seraph eyes the White Fox, knowing she was going to steal the mirror before Trinity could get their hands on it. The question was why she was doing this in the first place.
Seraph falls back to Elsa, who was watching behind several trees.
"Well," Elsa said impatiently. "Did you learn anything?"
"Trinity is buying the mirror," said Seraph. "The White Fox is also here, meaning she'll be making a move soon."
"We can't exactly storm the compound during the day," said Elsa.
"You can't," said Seraph. "I can."
"How do you plan on…?!," said Elsa turning to Seraph only to see he disappeared. "Where did he go?"
Breaking into a muggle compound was child plays. Seraph remembers his training with the Illuminati and the League of Shadows. Teaching him the art of stealth. Patience, subtlety, masking your breath, and sticking to the shadows. Seraph remembers having to learn how to walk over twigs and stones without making a sound. He could use magic to mask the sounds, but it was better he learned naturally without having to rely on magic to conceal his presence.
Seraph walks through the empty halls, avoiding the sight of any guards and personal within the compound. He knew the White Fox was here. Most likely, she already knew where the mirror was kept and was going to grab it and disappears before anyone knew she was here.
Seraph cast a seeking spell that told him where the mirror was kept. Seraph walks forward, silently and aware at the fact that time was against him.
Seraph enters the vault area to see the mirror handing on a stand. One look at it told him it was a fake, a replica to look like the real one.
Was he too late? Or did the White Fox work her magic and stole the original?
Seraph looks up as the vault sounds an alarm sealing the room. Everything went into lockdown as the alarm wails as it signals an intruder.
Seraph could hear footsteps as he looks behind him to see the short and fat Japanese con-artist Hideo Katsu appear with several guards.
"I don't know who you are," said Katsu. "But I'll have you return what you stole from me."
"A pointless gesture," said Seraph. "What was taken has been taken long ago."
Seraph realized the White Fox wasn't looking to break into the compound, she was seeking to escape. She must have known he was in the area and wanted him to see her. Most likely, she either picked up his scent or heard him, possibly both.
"Then you will die," said Katsu. "Black Dragons – destroy him."
The men dressed as urban ninjas moved in to attack Seraph.
Seraph eyes and looks at the men who attack him without remorse.
Seraph conjures his javelins, and they move to attack him. The moment they saw the javelin, their eyes open wide.
Seraph walks over the dead corpses as he approaches Hideo Katsu.
"Who are you?!" Katsu said in fear. "I can pay you! I can pay you more money than you can dream of having if you come to work for me!"
"I'm not a thief – nor am I interesting working for scum like you," said Seraph. "I'm looking for a Japanese mirror you had in your possession."
"You know I have other buyers," Katsu said with sweat pouring down his face. "If you have an offer… then I'll gladly hear you out."
"That mirror is dangerous," said Seraph. "It has mystical properties that will awaken on the night of a full moon."
"Mystical properties," Katsu said greedily.
"Not the kind you want to mess with," said Seraph. "You are known as a con-artist and one who forges relics, antiques, and art, so where is the original?"
"I can't tell you that," said Katsu. "I'm a respectable businessman."
Seraph already knew the object in question was stolen.
"Then tell me about your dealings with Trinity," said Seraph. "Who are they, and what do they want?"
"I don't know much about them," said Katsu. "I only sell them items they want."
Seraph said nothing more as he walks over Katsu's corpse, knowing his death wouldn't have any impact with Trinity.
Locating Trinity was going to be harder than he expected. They moved within the shadows and kept their identities hidden from the public.
Seraph appears where Elsa Bloodstone was waiting, holding her assault rifle.
"We should go," said Seraph.
He grabs her arm and disparate.
The two walk in the tavern, remaining silent during their journey.
"Want to tell me what happen?" asked Elsa Bloodstone.
"The White Fox played me," said Seraph. "But I have her next location and a possible location on Trinity."
"When?" asked Elsa Bloodstone.
Seraph conjures a parchment and hands to Elsa Bloodstone.
"Head there," said Seraph. "I have to head towards where the Moon Throne resides."
"The Moon Throne?" Elsa repeated in confusion.
"Don't ask," said Seraph. "I know that's where the White Fox is heading."
The two parted ways as Seraph heads to open country.
Seraph walks, knowing the open country is where things were peaceful and dangerous. Seraph enters the mythical forest known to have countless of Japanese mythical beasts.
Seraph stops and turns to see a large white fox with nine tails staring at him. Her sky blue eyes staring at Seraph.
Seraph stands there knowing the White Fox had lured him here for a reason. The only question was, was she a friend… or foe.