#SoulSister Pt 2
It had been a week since the battle between the Teen Titans and the renegade vigilante Katana. After getting all the villain girls to the police, the heroes had been searching for the elusive and mysterious Katana. Despite the brutal battle between the heroes and the vigilante, the Titans hadn't seen hide nor hair of the samurai. But that didn't mean that her work was not seen throughout the city.
The Metropolis police answered a 911 call on the edge of Main street. There in front of them, inside the scene, blocked yellow police tape, laid the body of notorious mafia assassin Jason 'Hit & Run' Gazzetti. A thirty-year-old black man with a black suit and ghostly white eyes.
Two patrol cars stood parked outside the police tape as two officers surveyed the scene as their lights flashed behind them.
"Man, this one's a big fish in Gotham," One of the officers said. "What's happening in this city?"
"This is the fifth one this week. This happened last week, but all of those affected snapped out of it," The second officer said.
"Yeah, but the weird thing is that all the victims were criminals," The first officer said. "Just like this one, too bad the Titans didn't get this guy before whoever did him in."
Unbeknownst to the officers on the ground, the Teen Titans looked at the crime scene from above.
Deku narrowed his eyes at the sight below them while the rest of his team shared his emotion.
"It seems little Miss Soul Stealer has been very busy," Supergirl said.
"And she vanished from here just like the other places the police found bodies. She's getting bolder, leaving the bodies out in the open," Batgirl said, looking over the data.
"She's mocking us," Powergirl growled. "When I get my hands on her, she'll beg to have her soul put in that fancy sword of hers." She added cracking her knuckles.
"We have to predict her next move. That's the only way to stop her before she goes after someone with more firepower than her," Bumblebee said.
Wonder Woman noticed Deku was deep in thought, but not about the scene.
"Deku, any ideas you'd like to share?" Wonder Woman said, snapping Deku out of his thoughts.
"Oh, sorry, I just wondered how Katana figured out the source of my power. If she knows about One For All then she must be connected to people that know about it," Deku surmised. "If that's true, then maybe I can get an idea of who she might be under that mask."
"If we figure out her identity, then we can stop her," Green Lantern said.
"But who else knows about One For All? That quirk is pretty secret, then the list can't be that long," Zatanna said. "Who apart from your mentors knows about the quirk, darling?"
"Counting you girls, All Might, Gran Torino, and a detective that worked with All Might, Naomasa Tsukauchi. I can't think of anyone else," Deku said. "I'll call All Might first thing tomorrow to see if he can think of anyone that matches the description of Katana."
"Meanwhile we'll search for her identity and more information about Soultaker," Wonder Woman said. "Now we must return home."
The Titans left the scene as the police officers pulled the body of the mafia assassin in an ambulance.
The next day each of the Titans separated off to do their respective jobs. Izuku went on to call All Might for any information about the identity of Katana and the relationship she had with the knowledge of their quirk. Diana, Barbara, and Karen went on to see if they could find any clues as to the identity of Katana. While Zee, Jessica, Kara and Galatea searched for more information about the cursed weapon Soultaker.
However, unbeknownst to them they were being followed by a shadowy figure.
Izuku waited for the appropriate time to call Japan before pulling out his phone. He dialed the number that All Might had given him in case he needed to contact them. He placed the phone on his ear as the phone rang, waiting for the other phone to be picked up. After a couple of seconds he heard the gruff voice of his mentor.
"Hello, young Midoriya! I am answering the phone like a normal person!" All Might said from the other side of the call. "How's it going in Metropolis? I've read about you and your team's exploits and I'm very pleased with your progress."
"Hello, All Might!" Izuku squealed, he still couldn't believe that he was talking to his idol and mentor over the phone. "I needed to-ahem-talk to you about something; a vigilante that we encountered the other week. She goes by the name of Katana. Have you heard that name before?" He asked, recovering his voice and calming himself.
"Hm, the name doesn't sound familiar to me. Do you know what her quirk might be? Or what she looked like?" All Might asked over the phone.
"She wore a white mask that covered the upper part of her face with a red spot on her head, kinda like the Japanese flag. Her costume was a mixture of a shinobi and female samurai armor. She focused more on mobility and speed with little armor on her front, legs, arms and right shoulder," Izuku recalled. "She didn't seem to use a quirk, but she used a katana blade as a weapon. One of my teammates, Zatanna, recognized it as the Soultaker sword."
"Hmm, that does narrow it down a bit but not by much. A lot of vigilantes have a quirk to aid them. And thanks to hero agencies and more opportunities for hero work have nearly removed any and all vigilantes from Japan as far as I know. But with the strong grip the government has on quirk use outside of hero work many vigilantes have sought other countries to use their skills," All Might said, before recalling a memory of one of his early adventures. "As for the weapon, it does shed more light on the subject. A few years back, my sidekick, Sir Nighteye, and I worked to stop an illegal weapons trafficking ring with a taste for the 'mystic'. They were transporting weapons with rumored magical properties. We were aided in that case by an MI6 agent who helped us find where the traffickers would port. One of the weapons was the sword Soultaker."
Izuku wrote down what All Might had said.
"What happened to the sword?" Izuku asked.
"Sir Nighteye was given custody of the weapon as no one wanted it. I haven't spoken to him in some time," All Might replied with sadness in his voice. "I guess that case was one of the first bumps in our relationship, since he was tasked with looking after the agent's child."
"What do you mean, All Might?" Izuku asked.
"Sir Nighteye and the agent had worked together before he became my sidekick, he was even named the godfather and legal guardian of the agent," All Might explained.
In the Metropolis library, Diana, Barbara, and Karen looked over any information they could find out about the identity of the elusive Katana.
"How are we going to find out who Katana is here?" Karen asked, reading through a book on Japanese culture.
"She knew about ancient samurai sword fighting styles and her use of armor and actions points to her being familiar or trained in these methods," Diana replied, looking over a book of Japanese samurai history. "Such respect and skill cannot be simply picked up at random. She could come from a long line of samurai warriors," She added, pulling up another book.
"Diana isn't wrong. If I can find a family in Metropolis with strong samurai clan ties then we could find out who is our girl," Barbara said, typing away at the computer. "But so far I've got nothing. Metropolis doesn't have that big of a Japanese community like Gotham or New York."
"How about recently moved families?" Karen suggested. "Also, weren't samurai clans disbanded or something?"
"Yeah, but some descendants of samurai clans still hold their traditions in high regard," Barbara replied.
"All we must do is find something that can help us find out Katana's identity or relation to a samurai clan," Diana said. "Oh, maybe Tatsu could help us out. I'll go get her, she should be in the gym training. I'll be back soon." She said before going off to find her friend.
"I hope she doesn't get enthralled by the training zone and leaves us to do everything," Barbara shrugged.
Karen sighed and went back to looking over her books on Japanese samurai history.
However, a shadow loomed over them. Two hands grabbed hold of both Barbara and Karen by the back of their clothes. They were then pulled into the shadows, unseen by the other people in the library.
In Zee's penthouse apartment, Zee and the rest of the Titans were looking through the library of magical tomes.
Kara groaned in boredom as she lazily looked through the books.
"This is so boring," Kara groaned.
"Hey, Zee, can't you just cast a spell to pull out the right book?" Galatea asked, leaning on one of the bookshelves.
"I can't, my dad made sure that nothing inside this collection can be found with magic," Zee replied. "'Zee Zatara, if you want to learn something about magic, you must look for it. Nothing will be handed to you.'" She added, imitating her father.
"I guess Izuku could relate to that. He has to work on mastering his quirk like the rest of us," Jessica said, looking over one of the books. "He really knows the weight of hard work."
"Yeah, that's why my darling is so amazing,~" Zee sighed dreamily. "That's one of the reasons why I love him so much."
"Hey, we all love Greenie, but can we focus on finding the stupid book on that sword!" Kara said, swinging a book in the air.
"Kara, you've found it!" Zee gasped, rushing towards the daughter of Krypton.
"I did?" Kara asked, looking at the old book in her hand. "I mean, of course I did." She said as Zee picked the book from her hand.
"This is it," Zee said before blowing off some of the dust from the cover.
The book was covered in a leather cover with the words 'Ancient Weapons of Magic and Curses' stitched in red.
Zee opened the book and flipped through the pages. She looked for the weapon that they needed to know more than anything. She then stopped, as she had found it.
"Here we go, Soultaker," Zee began to read. "This ancient blade was forged by a legendary samurai named Maramusa in the 15th century using ancient spells taught to him by his master. He did this to keep the order in his home land as a bloody war raged around him. He trapped the souls of all those he slayed with only an ancient incantation to release them. But it must be said by the current wielder of Soultaker for the souls to be released." Zee explained as she read.
"So let's go get the sword and release all the people that that crazy sword lady has captured," Galatea said.
"Just one problem; the incantation is in Japanese kanji," Zee said. "And sadly, Japanese is the one language that eludes me."
"No hay problema," Jessica said, taking a picture of the incantation. "We'll have Izuku say the incantation when we get the sword. I just sent him a copy."
"Good, let's get going, I am starving!" Kara said, while Zee put the book away.
The four girls stepped out of the penthouse, locking it behind them. They walked towards the elevator, hoping that their friends had succeeded in getting the information that they needed to stop Katana. As they walked, Jessica sent a text to both Diana and Izuku telling them that they had found something and that they were on their way. But just as soon as they reached the elevators and pressed the button, a black belt was wrapped around them
"What the-?" They said before a puff of pink dust was blown at them.
The Titans coughed a little before falling asleep. They were then pulled into the elevator as its doors closed behind them.
Back with Izuku, he'd been getting more information on the event that led to All Might's clash with Soultaker.
According to All Might, Sir Nighteye, the MI6 agent, and him attacked the traffickers in a blitz. Their quick attacks knocked out the traffickers and all the people that sought out the weapons that the traffickers had brought. However, there had been a problem. The leader of the Yakuza group had gotten a hold of Soultaker and tried to kill All Might. Sir Nighteye called out to All Might but it was too late, the MI6 agent got between All Might and the Soultaker sword. The agent blocked the blade with his gun, giving All Might enough time to punch the Yakuza boss away.
But despite the apparent victory, one of the remaining traffickers shot the agent. The agent died with Soultaker in his hands.
"Edogawa Yamashiro was the name of the MI6 agent. Sir Midnight never forgave himself from missing that moment," All Might sighed. "He took the sword and became Yamashiro's daughter's guardian. She should be about your age by now, young Midoriya."
Izuku's eyes went wide after hearing that name.
"All Might, did Sir Nighteye know about your quirk?" Izuku asked.
"Well, yes he did know about the nature of One For All. He even went on to find someone he deemed a worthy successor to inherit it but then I met you and-" All Might began but Izuku cut him off.
"Thanks All Might, I think I know who the vigilante is! I gotta go now! Thanks for all your help!" Izuku said, hanging the call.
Izuku looked at his phone and saw that he'd gotten a texted picture from Jessica. He quickly called Diana to warn her. The phone rang as he rushed to the library where Diana would be with Barbara and Karen. After a couple of rings, Diana answered the call.
"Hello, Izuku, did everything go well with your mentor?" Diana asked.
"Diana, are you with Barbara and Karen?" Izuku asked.
"No, I went on to ask Tatsu if she knew anything about Japanese history," Diana replied. "Is something wrong?"
"I just found out who our vigilante is. Get back to the library and stay with Barbara and Karen," Izuku said, running using 5% of One For All. "I'll call Zee and the others to meet with you there."
"Understood, I'll meet you at the library!" Diana said, hanging the call.
Izuku dialed Zee's number once more as he rushed through the streets.
"Zee, this is Izuku, we need to meet with Diana at the library and-" Izuku began before a voice cut him off.
"I have them. They are safe. Meet me at the Dragon's Gate Garden. Don't be late," Katana's voice said, hanging the call.
Izuku narrowed his eyes as he texted the place to Diana. He then put the phone away, reaching for his costume.
Deku jumped from rooftop to rooftop calling upon more power from his quirk. He didn't know what Katana wanted with him but he would not let her harm his team. He didn't know what she wanted but he couldn't afford to be late. His heart beated like a wild rabbit running at great speeds to escape a predator. But unlike the creature that he was often compared to, he was running towards danger. He left a trail of green lightning behind him when he spotted the garden that Katana had told him to go to.
The Dragon Gate Garden lived up to its name. There was a large red gate with two dragons curled around the pillars of the entrance. In the garden there were many beautiful trees and blooming flowers and several statues of different heroes and historical figures. There was a small tea house made to commemorate the Eastern heritage of the people that lived in Metropolis, but it had gone unattended for some time. Its paint had darkened and bits of moss and plants had grown over it.
Inside the house was Katana, kneeling with Soultaker in front of her. She had her eyes closed while the captured Titans were all knocked out and tied up in the corner. Her breathing was calm as if she hadn't just challenged someone with the power to level cities. A blast of air caught her attention.
"You've arrived earlier than expected," Katana said, facing Deku as he stood there. "You've gotten a good handle on a power that you're not worthy of."
"Where are my friends, Katana?" Deku asked, readying himself for a fight.
"They are right behind me, knocked out but with their souls still in them," Katana answered. "At the very least you worry about others, but your skill is lacking. You are far too indecisive and soft for this crusade." She added, picking up Soultaker.
"All Might told me what happened to your father. I understand that you want revenge for what happened to him, but becoming an executioner won't change what happened," Deku said. "I know that you don't think I'm worthy to be All Might's heir, but I'll do everything in my power to save everyone. Even if I have to prove myself."
"You think it's as easy as that? My father died because the heroes were uneffective. Being a hero isn't as easy as just stopping a crime when it happens, it's about making sure that those responsible never make that same mistake," Katana said.
"So you just take people's souls, like a toy from a misbehaving child?" Deku asked. "No, there must be another way. All Might-"
"All Might is a fool by staying as a single pillar for people too complacent to let evil go around as it pleases," Katana snapped. "I will become the avenger of all those that have fallen by the hands of villains. The methods of heroes are too soft, if you follow their path of becoming a beacon for that weakness I will not show you any mercy." She unsheathed her blade.
"Then you will have to face me as well!" A voice called out.
Wonder Woman landed between Deku and Katana.
"You don't need to do this, Tatsu," Wonder Woman said.
"Diana?" Katana gasped, but quickly regained her focus. "Are you here to protect your boyfriend? You'll find me more of a challenge than during training."
"I came here to solve the situation peacefully. Don't you see? The more you use Soultaker, the more you chip away at your own soul," Wonder Woman said. "You will become as vile as the criminals and villains that you hunt."
"You are far too trusting, Diana. We must give those that do evil no quarter," Katana said, pointing Soultaker at Deku and Wonder Woman. "And defeat any and all who get in our way. That is the meaning of 'Absolute Justice'."
Deku channeled the power of his quirk through his whole body, preparing himself for a fight.
Wonder Woman let out a sad sigh before drawing her sword and shield.
"Then you leave us no choice; we will stop this so-called justice!" Wonder Woman said. "Titans Together!" She cried out, as she and Deku charged at Katana.
Katana jumped at the two heroes with Soultaker at the ready. She slashed downwards at them.
Deku and Wonder Woman jumped at opposite sides of the blade, dodging the attack.
Deku rolled on the ground before his feet touched the ground. He propelled himself at Katana with his right leg pulled back for a kick.
"Full Cowling, Shoot Style!" Deku cried out. "Detroit Smash!" He called out, throwing his kick at Katana.
Katana jumped back, getting grazed by the kick. She still felt the force behind the attack as a bit of her armor was blown off. She stabbed Soultaker on the ground, slowing down her skidd.
Wonder Woman used this chance to attack. She charged in with her shield, tackling Katana and pushing her back.
Katana held up the blade as a form of defense.
"You are fierce warriors indeed, but you will not defeat me here," Katana said, jumping over Wonder Woman's head.
Katana landed with her sword raised over her head. She tried to strike at the Amazon warrior, but her attack was blocked by a swift kick at the sword. Katana stumbled back, just in time to see the source of the attack.
Deku charged at her, jumping from spot to spot in a manner similar to Gran Torino. He ran faster with each jump, becoming a blur with green lightning. He didn't want to hurt Katana, but he needed to put an end to this fight and rescue his friends. He reeled back his left fist as he charged at Katana once more.
"Smash!" Deku cried out as red lines of power coursed through his fist.
Katana heard the attack coming and dodged out of the way, using Soultaker as a pole stance. She lifted herself with one hand on the butt of the sword handle. She watched Deku pass under her. Katana spun around in place, bringing down an ax kick on Deku's head, taking a piece of his mask.
Deku stumbled to a halt, glaring at Katana from behind his torn mask.
"I won't lose to you," Deku said.
"Then you have learned nothing," Katana said. "How many times have you put criminals and villains away, only for them to walk away?"
"It isn't about how many times you stop evildoers!" Wonder Woman said, clashing blades with Katana. "It's about becoming a symbol for people to want to be better! And I believe that Deku can pull it off!"
Deku smiled, feeling touched by the feelings of the Amazon.
"I understand your feelings, Diana," Katana sighed. "But the next symbol of peace cannot be a flickering light. It must be a bright light of hope for the world, and I intend to be that light!" She explained before kicking Wonder Woman away.
Wonder Woman skidded to a halt, dropping her shield. She looked up just as Katana jumped at her with Soultaker held up high.
Before Katana could strike at Wonder Woman, Deku kickeded Katana away with his left leg.
Katana skidded to a stop before her chest plate fell off, broken. She took in deep breaths as she held her stomach in pain.
"Not bad, but you were still holding back. Why?" Katana asked, gesturing to the place where they were battling. "With your speed and power you could've ended this fight in the blink of an eye."
"Because you aren't my enemy Katana," Deku replied with a determined look. "You were raised by a man who admires All Might and wants to make the world a better place. That's why I know that you know that this is wrong!"
Katana was slightly taken aback by his declaration and determined look that reminded her of her father. She looked at the area where they had been fighting. All the destruction was kept away from the unconscious girls and to a minimum. She had to admit that he had skill, but she couldn't let her emotions cloud her judgement. She shook her head, clearing her mind from those thoughts.
"Your methods are far too soft! For the world to be changed a true hero must impose a clear and punishable law!" Katana said before she heard something happening not far from where they stood.
Katana turned towards the source of the source of the noise. She saw a man with a crowbar fighting with the door of a car parked next to him. She narrowed her eyes, definitely another criminal trying to steal someone else's car.
Deku and Wonder Woman turned towards the man and the car. They saw something inside the car but then another thought crossed their minds. Their eyes widen at what Katana would do to the man in question.
"Wait, Katana don't attack him!" Wonder Woman said, but her words fell on deaf ears.
Katana rushed towards the man with the crowbar. She reeled back her left hand, readying herself to swing the blade.
The man noticed the shadow of Katana's fierce form coming down on him. He screamed as the door snapped open.
Katana swung her blade against the man, but it didn't strike.
Deku had taken the sword's attack directly on the chest. His eyes turned a pale white as his soul was taken by Soultaker.
"Deku!" Wonder Woman screamed with tears coming out of her eyes.
Wonder Woman rushed past Tatsu and caught Deku's soulless body. She buried her face on his chest, muffling her cries.
Katana was shocked. How could someone like Deku sacrifice himself for someone he didn't even know? A criminal no less. She turned to the 'criminal' in question.
"Daddy?" A soft voice called out from inside the car.
Katana turned and saw a little girl, no older than six years old. She held an All Might doll on her arm as she got out of the car.
The man grabbed the little girl and held her tight.
"Please, don't hurt us! Take the car, the door lock is busted but please don't hurt us!" The man pleaded.
"Is this your car?" Katana asked, unable to believe what was happening.
The father didn't dare speak, and only nodded to answer.
Katana was distraught. She had almost taken an innocent life. Almost left a little girl without a father. Tears swelled up in her eyes. She had become the thing that she despised more than anything: a villain.
"Go, now!" Katana told the parent and child.
Only once the parent and child were far enough did Katana collapse. She dropped Soultaker before falling on her knees. She pulled off her mask, allowing her tears to fall down her face. She couldn't breath and her throat felt sore. She felt like her world had just dropped on her.
"Tatsu," Wonder Woman said, snapping Katana from her trance.
"I-I'm sorry, Diana. P-Please, I-I didn't," Tatsu stuttered, unable to form a proper sentence.
Wonder Woman placed a hand on Tatsu's shoulder, calming her.
"I know you didn't, but you still have to make things right," Wonder Woman said, lifting Izuku's body in a bridal style.
Tatsu wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded.
Tatsu and Diana went back to the old house of the garden.
Tatsu set up some candles and burnt some incense as Diana placed Izuku's body in front of Tatsu. Tatsu then held up Soultaker, looking at her reflection on the blade. She let out a deep breath before she began the incantation.
"Gi. Yu. Jin. Rei. Makoto. Meiyo. Chugi. Jisei," Tatsu chanted, causing the sword to glow a ghostly blue. "In the name of Murasama the maker, I command you all, vacate the sword and return to life!" She chanted, lifting the sword in the air.
From within Soultaker, many souls were released. They flew through the air, going back to their bodies.
One soul went straight into Izuku's body, bringing back the color to his body.
Izuku's eyes snapped open, revealing his bright emerald color. He took in a deep breath as he looked around.
"What? What happened?" Izuku asked.
"Izuku! You live!" Diana cried out, hugging Izuku, fearing that he would disappear in a puff of smoke. "I am so glad you're alright!" She cried with tears running down her cheeks.
"I'm fine Diana, but I can't breath," Izuku wheezed out.
Diana stopped hugging him, allowing him to take a deep breath. He flashed a smile at her before they embraced again.
However, their happy moment was short lived. They spotted Tatsu looking sad at Soultaker. She sheathed the blade and placed it before them. She then bowed before Diana and Izuku.
"I apologize for what I've done. Because of my reckless actions, I almost ended the line of great heroes. I am not fit to be a hero," Tatsu said. "Please, do with me what you see fit."
"Tatsu, you don't have to give up on your dream," Izuku said, helping her up. "You can be a hero, like all of us."
"We can help you become better and set you on the right path," Diana said, giving Tatsu a reassuring smile.
"You can count on us, because we are here!" Izuku said, doing his best All Might impression.
Tatsu's face turned bright red from embarrassment as her heart skipped a beat. She couldn't help but laugh at the face Izuku was pulling. She did have a soft spot for people that made her laugh. Even if she wasn't on the right path of a hero, she would help prepare the man before her. She would be there to help him become the bright light of peace that the world needed. That she needed.
"Hey! Where are we?" Barbara asked, getting the attention of Izuku, Diana and Tatsu.
"Why are we tied up?" Kara asked.
"Are we in Japan?" Karen asked, looking at where they were.
"Oh, I also apologize for capturing your friends," Tatsu mumbled, blushing.
