The Winged Wolf Chapter 2, a Harry Potter + Avengers Crossover fanfic

AN: Hello my dear readers, what you're seeing here is chapters 4 through 6 of my original fanfiction.

Chapter Two: Hard Path to the Future

Bruce Lee once said, "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times," and as I land on my back for what must be the ten-thousandth time it feels like, my sensei must agree with that philosophy. After a year of being with sensei, I know my skills are leagues above from where I started, maybe not able to fight a competent fighter but definitely able to bring down your average man or woman.

One of the first things he did when I accepted being his student was having me wear a blindfold, telling me that to truly see the world around me, I must see beyond my eyes. After telling me that, he then proceeds to kick my ass all over the forest, from hip tossing me, overhead throws, and repeated light jabs.

Though it's not like I took all of that without complaint, sending random attacks whenever he was close, being able to smell him and hear his footsteps when they were right next to me. Keeping the blindfold on the entire time, because as mad as I was, he was still trying to teach me and hone my senses, though trying to land a hit on him was still an effort in futility.

After an entire day of pointlessly attacking whenever I could, I calmed down and did my best to take in all the information my body was telling me. I strained my nose to the limits to finally catch a faint trail of his scent, focused my ears on the soft padding sounds of his footfalls, hearing the dirt silently being pressed deeper into the earth.

Though as soon as he saw how I was getting closer to following him, those small tells soon disappeared as well, showing his five hundred years of experience and chi mastery.

Three days going through this went by, eating and sleeping with the blindfold on before I was able to use my other senses to their utmost. Feeling the wind of his movements on my skin, the slight radiating heat of his body, and even tasting the various scents in the air. I really have to appreciate the adaptability of a child's mind.

After a week of all of this, my senses were sharpened to their limits, hearing his heartbeats even a few yards away, feeling the vibration of his movements on my skin, smelling the barest hint of his scent mingled with the smell of crushed plants and disturbed dirt, finally being able to track him, seeing a world on fire through my senses.

Here I am now a year later, age seven, and still wearing the same blindfold, with it being washed when I rinse off in the river or by the well. Getting taught more Judo, having gone over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu last week, and boxing footwork the week before. The idea of going over some of the best principles of various martial arts over and over again until they are instinctual was not a new concept, but still a very effective one. Getting tossed onto the ground again, making sure to slap it with my hand, breaking my fall, the breath is still forced from my lungs, and I've never been so happy for my healing ability.

"Again" Sensei Izo yells in German, another area of lessons we're going over, having just finished the first year going over Japanese and Chinese (Mandarin), though we went over the writing and its different forms for the first two. Now and for the rest of the languages we go over it will be just its spoken forms more than anything else. But getting back to the present I let out a brief groan before my body returns to normal, doing a quick kip-up to get ready and return to my fighting position.

Feeling him come closer through my heightened senses I dash toward him with a sudden burst of speed, grabbing his robes with my back slightly next to him in an attempt to shoulder throw him. He quickly kicks one of my legs to widen my stance and throw off my balance but just lower myself to adjust, focusing my grip down to his wrist, locking it and he lets me throw him to the ground.

"Finally!" I yell out in joy, feeling some schadenfreude at him being the one on the ground for once, even if he let me take him there.

"Good job girl, remember that feeling you just had, adapting to your opponent and immediately taking the opportunity available to you, but remember you need to temper your actions with patience and experience so as not to fall for the traps of your enemies" he says with a small smile before shifting to a frown, expressing the severity of his warning.

"Yes Sensei" I say, nodding and focusing on his words, doing my best to show I'll take his lessons to heart.

"Good, now let us head back home," he says, making out way back to the home that was about four miles away from where I made my own hut. Built in traditional Japanese architecture and hidden by the forest, it was both beautiful and peaceful, with a few Sakura trees in the courtyard.

It was here that I trained in the basics of various martial arts before going out and sparing in the forest to fight in less controlled terrain. I also practiced more relaxing endeavors to help balance out my life such as singing, tea ceremonies, cooking or preparing traditional Japanese meals, and even taking time to meditate as sensei played the bamboo Shinobue flute.

"We'll have some soba tonight with matcha on the side, I will take care of soba, and you, the matcha" he says with a smile while also letting me know I'll be working on my tea ceremony skills.

He continues, "And after I'll have my sake as you work on one of your dances" he says without any shame as he heaps more practice on me, even as I stumble. As much as I have grown to truly respect and like my sensei, the man seemed to drink like a fish. But I guess we all have our quirks in the end.

Arriving home after our short walk, and yes, this place has started to feel like home to me, with my sensei being like a grandfather in a way, a crazy drill sergeant like grandfather, but still, a grandfather all the same. Going our separate ways, I head over to the well in my section of the yard, quickly rinsing off after removing my Gi, and throwing on a white cotton shirt and pants with a white yukata. Tying the obi and tossing on a pair of sandals I head inside you prepare the matcha as Izo prepared the soba, enjoying a companionable silence as we ate, and I served our tea.

After cleaning up I think on which form of dance I want to practice, having three to choose from, Classical Chinese Dancing to work on my balance, acrobatics, and flexibility, which is intensive but also fun. Kenbu is the next option, which is basically a Japanese sword dance that works on honing control, patience, and precision when going through the different sword forms and making sure every movement is exact and flows into each other. Lastly is the Shibu style of dance, teaching the same things as kenbu but with more flowing movements and artistry, and the style I decide, grabbing my two fans with Sakura petals painted on them.

Heading outside I sense my sensei with a small taiko drum on the ground and some of his sake next to. Holding my fans close I bow slightly to him before going to the center of the courtyard, sitting on my knees in the seiza position, ready to begin.

"Begin!" he says as he starts a four-four beat on the drum, tapping with one hand as he sips on some sake with the other, waiting for me to start.

Taking a breath, I stand up in a fluid motion, arms extended and opening the fans, before moving forward in controlled steps, starting to spin with the fans. Stopping with a sudden motion I bring my left fan to my face, leaning back slightly as I keep the right fan extended before I continue forward once again. Arms held wide I toss my right fan high into the air as I then lean back to catch it again, flowing into a single leg spin and collapsing down in a seiza position once again. A short dance showcasing my balance, control and spatial awareness.

Sensei Izo nods and smiles at me, impressed with the dance and control I showcased, bowing slightly to show his thanks and appreciation for the performance. "Good work girl" he says, a genuine smile spread across his face, "tomorrow you will work on your archery and blade throwing in the morning, classical Chinese dance after lunch, and we will finish off working on your capoeira movements" he says, serious once again and ready to keep up my schedule. "Those bladed feet of yours will make the style especially deadly and will work very well with your monstrous stamina and speed" he finishes off.

"Yes sensei" I say, happy to have such a knowledgeable teacher and one who could help me incorporate different elements from different styles that suited me.

"Next week we're going to incorporate elements of Muay Thai and Wing Chun, we'll see about testing the durability of those metallic bones of yours" he says with what seems to me, a slightly sadistic smile.

Hearing that, I pale slightly as thoughts run through my head for what he might have planned to train me because even if I heal fast, that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt even with my pain tolerance. Once again, a similar word appears in my mind at the tortures training he has planned: Shit!

ΩΩΩ

Another year has gone by with more varied training and added languages, having finished German and Russian I am working on French with Sensei, the last language we will be working on, which is pretty good for an eight-year-old like me. After that we will make sure to move through the previous languages I've learned from now on, so all of them become easily fluent for me.

Though another exciting discovery for me in regard to another language is that I'm a Parselmouth, something that definitely shocked me because I thought that skill came from the horcrux. I'll have to look up my family tree when I get back to Britain or come into contact with the goblins because right now I have to assume that I'm related to the Black family in some way.

Coming across a magical variant of the Japanese mamushi is what led to said discovery in the first place, and that's because I accidentally got a bit too close to the snake, hearing its hiss of warning.

This particular magical breed can blend in with the environment like a chameleon, and its venom is still as potent, being able to melt flesh. After realizing it was saying "Get back", and that I wasn't hearing things, I quickly connected the dots, apologizing in return before leaving, probably giving it quite a shock as well.

Though outside of the various languages I have learned or discovered, I have continued incorporating various martial arts into my repertoire thanks to my sensei. After working on various elements of Muay Thai and Wing Chun, I started to incorporate cane fighting with Silat and two elements of Wushu, a contemporary Chinese martial art. Jian shu or swordplay, which focuses on quick but controlled attacks, but I've incorporated the use of a short spear instead of a sword, which has suited me better.

This way I can do quick controlled strikes and slashing attacks while being able to get close to slip in clawed punches as well. I also incorporate basic magical attacks with my free hand such as pushing and pulling attacks to throw off my enemy's balance, as well as a few weak elemental attacks like fire or lighting, though the lighting can shock me as well.

I keep up my practice with my magic so that I can blend both magical and physical fighting seamlessly, though a wand will allow more versatility. I want to make sure never to be helpless without my wand, but my sensei pointed out that a wand acts as both an amplifier and more fine control over our magic.

I will have to make sure to be able to do whatever I can do with a wand without one as well, just in case, but why throw away something that helps and amplifies my abilities? Pride? No, I'll make sure to get a wand and increase my versatility with my magic over time and when I go to Hogwarts.,

While my sensei might be aware of the wizarding world as well as some of their strengths and weaknesses just in case he ever needed to fight one, he never needed to learn our form of magic. So right now, my basic use of magical telekinesis and a few elemental attacks will have to do for me.

The other form of Wushu I am learning and show a good talent in is Qiang Shu, basically spear play, hence the short spear I use for Jian shu. I make use of use of supple body work and fluid motions to better work with the length the spear offers me, keeping my distance from my opponent. Using techniques like parrying inward, parrying outward, stabbing, downward striking, tilting, enveloping, and figure-8 circling, I can deal with a variety of weapons and even spells if I can incorporate a magical spear.

And being that I am learning a variety of weapons at the moment, sensei is also teaching me the basics of forging right now so that I can forge my own weapon in the future. Currently, I'm making simple knives in the coal forge, making sure to watch the temperature and judge the color of the metal. Eventually, I'll start working on folding metals together, making Damascus patterns, and working with sharpening stones.

The final test before my own blade will be imbuing my magic into the metal and wood, everything from using my magic for the fire to pushing it into the metal and wood as I hammer and carve. This way I can add my intent and magic into both so that I can add a few abilities that will suit me while making it near impossible for other's magic to affect the weapon.

This will also allow me a shield against enemy spells, though I still have to be careful of certain spells that are explosive and elemental, or certain dark spells like the killing curse that I could defend against but could also break my weapon as well.

But right now, I can put all that stress and work behind me for the moment because it's my time to rest and relax, so I'm heading to my favorite part of the forest that has a beautiful Sakura tree. Maybe this time I can avoid the Japanese mamushi, no need to antagonize him again and risk a bite, it might not affect me, but again, it still hurts as I heal.

With me I carry a basket with some dango and a teapot with some dark tea, conjuring and heating the water when I get to the Sakura tree. It's even nicely shaded overhead so that the sun won't be much of a bother, though I do hope to avoid the rain that might come with the clouds as well.

Though of course something happens when I finally have some time to relax because I swear to whatever god there may be, Potter luck is a real thing. How else can you explain almost dying one day and then meeting an awesome teacher not long after, and the same could be said about my reincarnation as well.

Going through hell with the Dursleys, only to awaken memories from my previous life and amazing mutant abilities. This will probably be another instance of that, as I hear a lightning bolt come down in the distance ahead of me, causing me to hurry forward.

I can smell the smoke and feel the heat before I even reach the fire, but when I arrive, I see that it's my favorite Sakura tree that was hit, just starting to burn, with someone recognizable there as well.

"Back! Get Back! Flee! I need to flee! Trapped!" I hear the same Japanese mamushi as before, finally sensing its location higher up in the tree, surrounded by flames.

Seeing the snake surrounded by flames I quickly yell up "I'm coming to help!" hoping the snake could hear me as I jump up into the tree, ignoring the burns on my hands along the way. A few moments later I reach the snake high in the burning tree, reaching toward it.

'Stay back!" it hisses back in fear, moving away from me and the flames.

"I'm here to help, please, let me take you down" I hiss back, the flames coming closer all the while.

It hesitates for a moment before slithering forward and wrapping itself around my arm, after which I quickly jump down to the ground. Yet looking at my favorite Sakura tree burning, I can't help but feel a bit of melancholy, thinking of the times I watched its petals fall and relaxed underneath its shade.

Taking a deep breath as the snake wraps itself around my arm, I really need to check if the snake is a he or she later, I connect with my magic. Holding out a hand in front of me I start conjuring more and more water above the tree, before letting it rain down, drowning out the fire.

"Thanks" the snake hisses out, finally calming down enough to talk to me.

"No problem" I respond, "Do you want to head out to another tree now?" I ask.

"You safe, I'll stay with you" it responds, surprising me.

Having a highly dangerous and camouflaged snake around could be useful, plus, a new friend is always nice. Though I'm not sure what my sensei will have to say, I'll just have to ask when I get back home.

"So, want to be friends then?" I ask, not sure what the snake might think.

"Friends? Yes, friends" it hisses back in response, making me rather happy for another companion. Though I look back at the tree again and wonder if I can help in some way. Thinking of an older form of magic, I cut my palm, gathering some of my blood, then place my hands on the tree, pushing my magic into it, channeling my intent to heal it through my magic.

After a few moments, the burns on the tree start to flake away, new wood growing in its place, new branches sprouting out, and a sky of pink petals blooms overhead. Suddenly, one of the new branches that sprouted drops to my side, with a few blooming cherry blossoms still attached, about ten inches long and two inches thick.

Grabbing the branch I can feel my magic coursing through it, and I feel like I found my wand wood, while also wondering what my magic and blood did to the tree. If the whomping willow can be a sentient magic tree, maybe my magic can do the same for this one, but only time will tell what it may become.

Looking down at the snake I hiss out "I'm going to take us home, that fine with you? Oh, and what's your name" I ask.

"Yes, fine with me. Name is Yumie" she responds.

"Yumie, pretty name. Let's head home Yumie" I respond, picking up the basket I dropped and putting the cherry tree branch inside before heading home. This was definitely an exciting day, and I have to wonder what's going to come my way next?

ΩΩΩ

Kneeling in front of my Sensei with Yumie still wrapped around my arm, I relay the series of events that led to the current situation as well as what might turn out to be a new magical tree in the forest.

"Mm, undoubtedly an interesting series of events, but what made you want to save the snake Elizabeth" he asks in French, though the question does make me think.

I braved fire and pain, though not death for Yumie, and I have to wonder why? I have killed plenty of animals myself and only talked to her once, so why take the risk for her? I might not want to see an animal die in a fire, but I also took the risk of burning myself, even burning my hands in saving her. Closing my eyes, I think about the issue, but as I do I feel my magic reaching out to her and connecting us, if only slightly right now.

Looking at my sensei, "My magic responds to her Sensei, and, I feel like having another companion will be nice as well" I say, looking down at Yumie and holding her closer.

Taking a moment to look toward me and then at Yumi he takes a moment to think to himself before turning to me again, "I had a wizard friend around hundred and fifty years ago who always had an animal companion, some form of a magical dog if I recall correctly, and after asking about it, he told me that the animal was his familiar" he says, seeming to reminisce a bit.

"A familiar? I've heard of that but, did he tell you anything else?" I ask, hoping to see how I could make Yumie mine if that's fine with her, and what that could do to the both of us.

"Yes, well, from what I remember you must reach out with your magic, completing the bond when and if the animal in question accepts. This should tie your familiar's life span to yours while increasing its overall abilities, and you should be able to make use of your familiars' magical abilities in return as well" he says after taking a minute to think back on what his friend shared with him.

"Wow!" is one of the first things I have to say, impressed by what the bond can offer to both of us.

"Wow indeed" he responds before chuckling a bit at my reaction.

Looking down at Yumie I ask in parseltongue "Would you like to be my familiar?" before relating what my sensei just shared with me. In response she simply nods after a moment, seemingly happy enough with me and what the bond can offer as well.

Smiling at her acceptance I push my magic toward the bond I feel connecting us, feeling her accept the bond in return, seeing her glow suddenly before her brown scales turn black.

Blinking in surprise at the change I begin to look closer, seeing that her scales look to be vantablack now with a dark green hue being shown in the spaces between her scales. She also grew about half a foot, measuring at about two feet in length now and three inches at her thickest.

"How are you feeling?" I hiss out my ask, worried about the change, even if I'm sure that the bond shouldn't have hurt her.

"Good. Better than good, actually. I've never felt like this before, I feel stronger" she responded as she looked herself over.

"Great" I reply and smile at her before looking over to my sensei, "Do you think you can check her over Sensei? Make sure she's fine and maybe tell me any changes about her? Other than the obvious color changes." I ask him.

"Perfectly fine Elizabeth" he replies, happy to help.

Looking over to Yumie I bring her closer to me "My Sensei is going to check you over, okay? I trust him completely, so will it be okay if I hand you over to him Yumie?" I ask.

Yumie takes a moment to look Izo over before turning back to me, nodding her consent and I hand her over to Sensei Izo, his hands having a slight glow as he uses his chi to scan her.

Looking over to me as he finished "Well I can tell you that firstly, she's no longer a magical variant of a Japanese Mamushi but an Acid Shadow Serpent," he says with a smile, keeping me in apprehension.

"And that would be?" I ask, doing my best not to sound impatient while also pushing for an answer.

He simply chuckles at me "Before, your familiar's bite could melt flesh if left untreated, an Acid Shadow Snake takes that to the extreme, their venom acting like acid to organic matter, burning its way through a victim" he says.

I have to sit there with my jaw open at that information before opening it, "And the Shadow part of its name?" I ask.

He looks down at Yumie and then back at me "Whereas before she seemed to have chameleon-like properties to her scales, this has been taken to the extreme for one aspect, as you can guess, the Shadow aspect. With her color alone she would be all but invisible in shadows, but she should be able to magically blend into them now, and when she gets more control over her new magic and form, even travel through shadows to attack and escape prey and predators alike" he explains to me.

"Wow" is all I can really say, looking down to explain what my sensei just told me, but she seems to have understood him just fine, maybe a side effect of the familiar bond? Looking back to my sensei "how do you even know so much about this kind of snake Sensei?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

Looking at me directly, he gets serious at the question, startling me because of how rare that is outside of training, "I've said this many times Elizabeth, but I am old, very old, and throughout my life I have been a part of two assassins organizations; the Hand as a founding member before it lost its path, and creating the Chaste to fight the Hand.

Such snakes are very rare but their venom, when found, has been used in our trade" he said. Though his gaze sharpened when I widened my eyes at the two names he spoke, recognizing both of them.

Leaning closer after noticing my reaction "Now I know that you have your own secrets Elizabeth, but how is it that you know those names, of which I'm sure both should never have crossed your path" he asks.

My own heart rate starting to increase I look away from him as I rub the side of my arm "I don't think you would believe me Sensei" I say, apprehensive about his reaction.

"I've seen a lot of things in my life Elizabeth, reincarnation is very rare but hardly unknown to me" he says with a slight smile, though a slight tension is still held in his posture, hardly noticeable to anyone but those who share our radar like sight.

My head quickly snapping to him, my mouth opening in shock, and I can only mutter a "how?" before falling silent.

Now he lets out a laugh at my reaction, "Come girl, incredibly talented you may be, and even childish, but you know and are aware of far too much to truly match your age. Now tell me Elizabeth, what secrets have you held so close, and how do you know those two names?" he asks once again.

Looking at my sensei I take a deep breath before slowly letting it out, "Well, you have to understand that when it comes to anything related to who I might have known or my family, it's all a blank, but, well, I remember I used to be a musician, I loved to read, I had hobbies, and I had my vices, but even still, I can't even remember my old name" I said, hoping he would understand.

Nodding, he seemed to accept everything I said, though considering how sharp and experienced his senses were, he could easily tell if I was lying. "And? There seems to be more to the story than that" he said

Hesitating for a moment I think about what I'm about to share before resigning myself to coming clean about it all, knowing if there was anyone I could trust it was the man who took me in, gave me a home, and trained me.

Firming my resolve I begin again, "I can tell you for certain that this isn't my original world, because I remember reading about some of the things I'm living now. Though it was Harry Potter being the boy who lived rather than me being the girl who lived. And I also read about those two organizations as well, though they were part of a different story, and even watched shows with them, but I can't trust everything I might know since like I said, these worlds were two stories. Even the worlds with the organizations you talked about had multiple timelines, so what I might know is even less reliable because of that" I say, feeling a weight off my chest being able to share that, and a bit amused at his open-mouthed shock.

Quickly composing himself he clears his throat "I must admit you managed to do something that hasn't happened in a long time and that is to truly and utterly shock me" he told me, a small amount of bewilderment coating his voice.

Clearing his throat he continued on, "I know you aren't lying, and I am well aware reincarnation is possible, but from another universe is a first for me. Yet I am happy that you have no ties to either mentioned organization, even if I am shocked at both being stories in another universe. But, I have heard of the multiverse theory so I suppose anything is possible" he says, sighing at the end.

Shocked that he's heard of that have to ask, "You have?"

Again he laughs at my reaction, taking his chance to recompose himself further "I do read Elizabeth, more than happy to take my time feeling the words on the page, and such a term is not only in the realm of scientists but science fiction as well. I don't just sit around acting as the wise master, I enjoy taking part in what the world and what its people have to offer" he says with a smirk.

Bashfully I rub the back of my head, chuckling in embarrassment but enjoying the new closeness we seem to have after both of us have shared some of what we've held to ourselves.

"True" I laugh out, but looking back at Yumie wrapped around my arm, enjoying my heat I ask "Since she is such a rare species and rather noticeable when not in shadow, is there a way to keep her safe? Hide her?" Worried about the safety of my friend and familiar, I hold her closer to my chest.

Rubbing his chin, he thinks over various options before seemingly coming to a conclusion "I do know of one method that can be used, which is to use a chi infused ink to tattoo her likeness onto you. Then, she can merge with her image, becoming one with you, able to leave and return at will. She can even merge or interact with any magical tattoos you may get, both of which can grow with you" he says, pleased with his plans, even Yumie nodding along.

"That's great!" I say, happy to have a way to keep her safe and close to me, though he got me thinking when he mentioned magical tattoos as well.

"Can you, or, do you know someone who can do a magical tattoo as well?" I ask, having something in mind already.

He looks at me before nodding "I know someone, and it seems you have something in mind already. I can contact the man I know for your magical tattoo, and I will do your chi tattoo, we'll work at the same time, next week, does that work for you?" he asks.

"That would be perfect, thank you Sensei" I say with a smile, bowing to show my thanks and respect.

ΩΩΩ

A week goes by quickly, spending the time both training and bonding with my new familiar and friend Yumie, as well as exploring the ability she can share with me.

Blending into shadows was an incredibly interesting experience, feeling as if they were covering me and Yumie like a thick blanket, turning the world into a gray monochrome as we looked out. Also able to blend seamlessly from one shadow to another.

Even Sensei Izo had difficulties sensing us in the shadows, making it near impossible for most others to be able to do so.

The ability to shadow travel is still a ways off for both Yumie and I, but sensei told us that when we master the ability, we should be able to shadow travel to almost anywhere in the world we have been to. Almost anywhere because some places do have protections against it or are in their own realm of sorts. Though I imagine that would more fall into the realm of sorcery rather than many, if any, wizarding locations.

But finally, the time has arrived for both of my tattoos, and sensei arrived with an older-looking Japanese man wearing a traditional robe and carrying something in bound leather, sensei holding the same.

Bowing to both of them I turn to the man my sensei brought and respond in Japanese "Thank you very much for taking the time to come sir, I am Elizabeth, it's very nice to meet you" I say before bowing to him again, showing my respect.

The man nods in approval of my manners, responding in Japanese in turn "I am Asakusa Horiyasu, Izo speaks well of you, and he says you already know what you want? Tell me" he says, rather stern in his demeanor.

Nodding to the man "Yes Hori (tattoo master) Horiyasu, I would like a full back tattoo in traditional Japanese style, a great full moon at the top of my back with a beautiful Sakura tree at the forefront of the moon, at the middle of my back, petals falling in the wind." I say, taking a sip of tea sensei set out before continuing.

"At the bottom of the Sakura tree, I would like a field of red lily flowers in full bloom and a great stag resting at the side. Lastly, I would like a raven inside the Sakura tree and a spear resting at the side of the tree. The staff of the spear should be five feet long with a slight curve at the end, and the blade being a foot-long Viking spear point. Will that be fine you Hori Horiyasu?" I ask.

"That is fine, though both Izo and I shall tattoo you traditionally, using the tebori style, single and few needles dipped into ink, then pushed into you, are you prepared?" he asks.

Thinking of something that should have occurred to me earlier I look to my sensei "What about my fast healing?" I ask him.

"Both the chi and the magic of the ink should help with that, as well as your consent to the processes, allowing both to settle in permanently into you" he says with a smile

Smiling I nod my thanks to my sensei before turning back to Horiyasu "I'm ready, thank you very much for taking the time to come and do this" I say and bow before taking off my top to expose my back and laying down, my left arm out for my teacher to access while Horiyasu works on my back.

Each part of the tattoo has a deep meaning to me, with the full moon representing the night I almost died and was reborn, the Sakura tree being the one I healed and found my familiar, while also representing renewal and the fleeting nature of life. The flowers and stag are obviously for my mother and father, with the spear being my weapon of choice outside of my claws and magic, representing my Sensei as well.

And lastly, the raven represents to me the fact that I will kill my enemies, representing the lives that I will take in the end, because I will have vengeance for what was taken from me. And those that are like Voldemort and his ilk can die all the same.

The world is not just black and white, something I understand, but letting those that will wantonly hurt and kill go unchallenged just makes future victims. There is a time for mercy and those that deserve it, but there are also those who do not want it or will never deserve it.

I will have to make that judgment and live with my decisions, but something inside me, buried deep, makes me think I can live with that just fine, almost giddy at chasing down my prey. But for now, I put those thoughts to the side, deep in the back of my mind.

For the next ten hours, I lay there as both men work on their respective tattoos, my sensei turning my arms as needed and finishing at the ten-hour mark, with Hori Horiyasu resting at that time as well.

Through all the training and mental discipline I have gone through, I simply slip into meditation as they work, clearing my mind and finding inner calm.

Hori Horiyasu works for three more ten-hour sessions, taking breaks in between each session to drink or take a short nap, with my healing and willpower making it easier to get it all done in one go.

By the time Hori Horiyasu leaves, taking with him both his payment and my sincerest thanks, my back is full of his beautiful artwork. A large white and textured moon that seems to have a slight glow with a backdrop of black, and vividly pink and brown Sakura tree with slowly falling petals that drift on an invisible wind as ravens flutter about and land through the tree.

Rich and deep red lilies can be seen at the bottom of the tree and my back, also shifting from the invisible wind, a stag resting among the flowers before prancing off into the distance, a realistic spear glinting silver in the moonlight resting on the tree trunk.

If you look closely among the pink flowers, you can also see the vantablack scales of Yumie, having already merged with the chi tattoo originally on my arm, now resting among the flowers. Interestingly enough I can still feel her, even inside the painting on my back, and hear her inside my mind if we want to talk.

Turning to my sensei I bow low "Thank you Sensei, thank you very much" I say, doing my best to show how much this meant to me.

"I'm happy you're happy Elizabeth, and glad both works have turned out so well. You have a week to rest and let the magic settle in, then, we move to your last addition to your martial arts, Kali knife fighting, and incorporating your claws" he says with a smile.

I simply smile back at him, this man who has become a grandfather to me in all but blood, "Yes Sensei!".

ΩΩΩ

It's been a year since my familiar bond and tattoos have been finished, and I'm currently working through some of my knife fighting techniques using my claws, incorporating the Kali martial arts style. Working in fast slashes and stabs into each other easily was a bit difficult at the start, but it's like practicing an instrument, start slow and speed up from there.

I know that I will never be a powerhouse in regards to physical power, at nine I'm a bit below average at four feet even, and even if I am strong for my size with my healing and training helping a lot, that will only take me so far.

But speed is where I can shine, making use of my enemies' openings to strike, and using their weight and momentum against them. I may not be the largest foe for my enemies, but ignoring my magic, my claws alone make me lethal.

At nine inches long and metallic, they are deadly by any estimation, adding in my speed, incorporating my magic, my training, and using momentum to make use of the added weight and density of my metallic bones, I'm not to be underestimated. Both my claws and my height still have room to grow, and as I gain more experience in fighting and knowledge of magic, I will be able to grow as a warrior and assassin.

But as a fighter, I want to mirror what Bruce Lee said, "Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves".

I need to be able to adjust to the different enemies I will face in the future, both magical and non-magical alike, and I have built a foundation on which to move forward with, only life and its many adversaries will be able to give me the experience I need to grow.

"You're getting faster" Yumie hisses inside my mind, from her place resting in the Sakura tree on my back.

"Thanks, but I can go faster, like you said, moving my body as one, into a single movement" I hiss back, having taken inspiration from her and how fast a snake can strike. Moving their body as on muscle into a single movement of intense speed.

Taking a calming breath I work on that concept again, something I have been trying to incorporate into my movements for the past week. Relaxing and clearing my mind I center myself, feeling the wind move through my hair, the blood running through my body, becoming aware of every muscle becoming loose but getting ready at the same time.

I am a blade ready to be drawn, a snake before the strike, and in a single moment my body tenses as one into a single movement as my fist and claws punch forward. The air snaps and then silence, the world around me still as if waiting in tense anticipation before it breathes again, the wind rustling the leaves once again.

Punch after punch, the air snaps around me, my hands and claws blurring between fierce stabs and deadly slashes, my body working as one into a lethal dance of death. Exuberant in my success at reaching a new breakthrough and an even deadlier speed I slow down, centering my mind and body once again.

"How was that?" I ask Yumie, smiling all the while at my success. How she is able to tell what my body is doing while on my skin I don't know, but I just boil it down to another mystery of magic.

"Perfect" she hisses out in pleasure, making me smile even wider. Though this is when I start to sense the arrival of my teacher coming back from his trip, another stumbling person joining him.

Moving to the center of the training yard I sit on my knees, waiting for my teacher and the stranger to arrive, curious as to what is going on. This will be the second time my teacher will have brought another person to our home, the first being the man who gave me my tattoo, so I have to wonder what this is all about.

As I wait for my sensei and his companion, I think back to our discovery of what my magic did to the Sakura tree, having found that it seemed to have mimicked my healing capabilities. If you cut it, it would bleed but soon heal seconds later, and I'm sure if you poisoned it, it would sicken but very easily recover. While you could still cut it down, I'm sure, killing it, same as me, it has the potential to be an incredibly long-lived tree that can weather many of the trials time can throw its way.

Another discovery was that you could take the naturally falling Sakura petals and steep them in hot water, the resulting tea being both delicious and able to heal the body of the drinker. Sensei pointed out that while the resulting tea may not make a drinker immortal by any means, it could still add two or three years to a person's life or bring a man away from the brink of death but using most of its potency doing so.

Though like many things in the world, there is a balance, in that the life-extending properties and extreme healing abilities are limited to a single cup of tea, the magic saturating the body with that one cup, and no longer effective after that.

The leaves can be dried though for later use in said tea, or crushed into a power, able to heal any open wounds, severe or not, and as many times as needed. So, if your potential death is from an open wound and not blood loss, poison, or damaged organs, you're in luck there.

While not the most useful for me, being that it is mimicking my own abilities, it can be used for others, studied, or even sold later. Because of this, sensei and I have collected two Twenty-five-ounce bags, one for me and one for him, as the petals fall once every six months, now blooming despite the season and weather. We've stored the bags in two space expanded boxes sensei managed to get, blood locked to each of us.

The rest of the petals break down and keep the soil and surrounding plant life healthy, that magic seeming to recycle itself. If too many leaves are taken, then the magic of the tree won't replenish itself right away, causing it to stop producing for who knows how long. Like in many things in life, it's all about balance, take too much and you cause harm, too little and it can go to waste, but just enough and everything works out.

Sensei is immortal himself and can use chi to heal, and I can heal from pretty much anything in seconds to a minute, but it never hurts to have other options to help available. Plus, I think sensei wants to try and make some infused sake out of the petals, the lush, but I'm sure it will be great anyway.

Yet as I think of sensei, my curiosity creeps up like a sly cat once again, wondering why he's brought another companion so soon after the last.

A few minutes my curiosity is raised even higher as my teacher arrives through the door with the stumbling man in tow, his hands bound and a gag in his mouth. After entering the courtyard, he pushed the man to his knees before turning to me and simply uttering in Japanese "Kill him".

Shock washed over me like a tidal wave of glacial water, I could only look at my sensei, the man who has guided me and trained me for years and ask "why?" responding in Japanese as well.

"Because I asked of it of you Elizabeth, this will be your final test before I train you in the foundation of chi, if you cannot do this, you must leave" he said, firm in his stance.

"What did he do to deserve this fate, to deserve the touch of my blades?" I ask, not yet ready to comply with my teacher's demand, no matter how much I respect him, and yes, even love him as a grandfather.

"Nothing, he is simply your test. What is your answer?" he said, again firm in his position.

Taking a deep and calming breath, I brace myself for what may happen next, my heart crashing under the weight of a mountain, but nonetheless, I face my sensei "I cannot and will not do this then Sensei. There is good and evil in this world of grey we live in, and this is an evil action I will not do. Forgive me!" I say and bow to the man I respect and love, my eyes glistening behind my blindfold.

"Good!" I hear him say, causing me to sit up with a start, my senses showing me both my sensei and the man looking at me with smiles, the man unbound and no longer gagged.

"Why?" I must ask, more confused than hurt or angry, knowing this must be a test of another kind.

"Because Elizabeth, I know how much you respect and love me, and I have come to see you as a granddaughter as well" he says, causing me to smile. "But I needed to see that you would keep to your principles despite your feeling, I do not need to you be righteous, I do not need you to be pure or a hero, but I do need you to think for yourself. If I am to teach you chi, you must make your own path, and never be a puppet to others, not even me. Understand?" he says.

"Yes Sensei" I respond, giving both him and his companion a short bow of respect.

"Good, now Akio is done helping he will head out. You have shown me that you know when not to kill, now you must show me that you can kill" he says, his tone and demeanor stern once more.

"Yes Sensei" I respond, my own demeanor just as stern for the task ahead. This may be far too much a task for the average nine-year-old, but I am far from average, and I have been training for a coming war. Both my own and the battles ahead that I may find in the world of Marvel.

Look upon me oh enemies of mine for I am your death in shadow, blades, and magic, may your blood stain my hands and drip from my claws.

ΩΩΩ

Standing next to my sensei in front of a rundown house, I can hear five people inside, and even from here, I can smell the metal of their blades and the used opium scent poisoning the air.

"Who are these men? I can smell the drugs and weapons from here." I say, curious who my targets will be.

"Simple thugs, not good enough for the yakuza and vile all the same. They are your targets, and you are free to do as you want in your pursuit of them" he said, the weight of his words easy to hear, holding the magnitude of life and death.

"Yes Sensei" I nod and silently make my way to the house, merging into the shadows as I get closer, taking the time to study its occupants. One of the first things I notice is that one of the five people is an innocent woman, a woman who has been ill-used and abused by the other men inside, their rancid scents covering her.

Sensing that she was alone in her room I merge into the shadows inside, thanking Yumie once again for her amazing talents as I cover my lower face with a black mask before covering the woman's mouth as I make my presence known.

She startles and tries to scream but my hand stops the noise easily and she soon notices me, seeing that I'm not one of her vile abusers but still a stranger. Covering my lips with a finger, I motion for her silence, waiting for her to nod before removing my hand.

Going close to her hear ear I whisper "I'm going to get you out of here, just close your eyes and you'll feel very cold for a few seconds before the feeling recedes and you'll be free to run away after that. I'll take care of the men here, nod if you understand" I ask, waiting a moment before I see her nod then close her eyes.

Holding her close, I merge into the shadows once again, moving outside through them, though I know they would feel like an arctic winter bath to her, so I move quickly. When we emerge outside, she takes a deep shuddering breath as she opens her eyes, taking a closer look at me, seeing my covered mouth and eyes, before nodding her thanks and running off to safety soon after.

Shadow traveling back into the house, I watch the monochromatic world of the living room within the deep and crawling shadows, my prey right before me.

Something switches inside my mind because they are no longer men, no longer humans, but prey for my hunt, filth I need to purge. A large smile spreads across my face, a demented waxing crescent moon, my bloodthirst as easy to see as fresh blood on fallen snow.

Reaching out with my magic I wrap it around their throats, as soft as Death's breath, it wraps around them, with no magic of their own to fight it off or even feel the touch of my magic. With a violent squeeze of magic and will, the sound of crunching bone and wet tearing paper is heard through the room, a gory overture to the coming symphony of death that awaits them.

The walls and ceiling are painted a fresh and shining burgundy as the smell of copper becomes cloying through the air, filling one's nose, and heavy on the tongue. With a scream the last two men rise, but far too late for one of them, as I bust from the inky shadow, claws at the ready, carving deep into his back and eviscerating his spine and heart.

The other man screamed, a high-pitched whine of terror as he threw the watermelon knife he was wielding at me, the blade sinking into his friend with a soft squish as he ran towards the door. Letting out a giggle that only caused him to run faster I shadow traveled outside, standing before him bloodied and smiling as he opened the door, only to slam it closed again.

The scent of his fear filled the air as the music of his screams hide behind the door, the chase of this prey becoming more entertaining as time ticked by. Going up to the door I feel the need to play with him more, to drive him to run, to flee from the monster chasing him and make the chase more fun, and so I ring the doorbell and sing:

Ding Dong

I know you can hear me

Open up the door

I only want to play a little

I smile and stab my claws into the door, purposely just missing his head, and ring the doorbell again with a giggle.

Ding Dong

You can't keep me waiting

It's already too late

For you to try and run away

Skipping away from the door I move over to the window, scratching it with my claws as I look in with a demented smile and bloodied face as he looks at me with horror and terror in equal measure, making me smile all the wider.

I see you through the window

Our eyes are locked together

I can sense your horror

Though I'd like to see it closer

Letting out a loud laugh I drag my claws across the walls to the door once again, ringing the doorbell again before starting to claw open the door, making his breaking voice scream out again as he runs.

Ding Dong

Here I come to find you

Hurry up and run

Let's play a little game and have fun

I walk through the broken-down door, his scent easy to follow as I make my way through the hall.

Ding Dong

Where is it you've gone to?

Do you think you've won?

Our game of hide and seek has just begun

I sing out, my childish voice ringing through the house as I follow his scent, hearing the beat of his heart screaming out like a wet and waterlogged drum.

Just wait, you can't hide from me (I'm coming)

Just wait, you can't hide from me

Arriving at what I assume is his room I kick the door down, letting myself in with a laugh, his heart beating even louder, a beacon to my instincts.

Knock Knock

I'm inside your room, now

Where is it you've hid?

Our game of hide and seek's about to end

I rip open the closet door where the wet beat of the drum rings out, his fear filled scent filling my nose, like the sweetest perfume to me as I hunt down the vile trash who so wantonly begets pain to the innocent. He cowers in terror at the sight of me, no longer able to fight, fear robbing him of his will to move, eating away at the sanity of his mind.

Ding Dong

I have found you

My claws rip into his head and brain, ending his nightmare at last, the crimson fluid painting my claws, dripping from them like a leaky spout as I finish my song.

Ding Dong

You were hiding here

Now you're dead (N1)

With that, I finish my hunt, my prey dead throughout the house discarded like the trash they were, and the switch inside my mind turns off, shocking me with what I've done, but at the same time, unable to care at how I killed them. They were vile people who made victims to any they could, making the world suffer around them, as that woman could attest to, I was simply the bigger predator who played with my food.

I turn to my sensei who walked in behind me, having observed the entire ordeal "Am I a monster?" I ask, feeling both hallow at how I acted but satisfied with the hunt.

"To many, you would be," he answers honestly, making me nod in acknowledgment, hearing no condemnation from him, "but more so you are a predator to those who perpetrate true evil in this world, making the innocent suffer due to their malice and desires. You hunt them as a wolf but play with them as a cat would a mouse" he says, bluntly honest in his assessment.

"Yes Sensei" I say, having no choice but to agree, Yumie whispering words of understanding to me, her being a predator as well, understanding my mindset.

"But you are more than that as well Elizabeth," he says, surprising me, "you made sure to save the woman first before you began your hunt, and only played with your prey when there was one weak one left. You have a noble heart to go along with your predatory sadism, and more so, you are in control of the hunt rather than the hunt controlling you" he says with a smile.

"I may not share your instincts or inclinations Elizabeth, but you still desire to do good and end the evil in the world, and that's enough for me. You did well, and I'm proud of you, proud to have you as my student and granddaughter" he says, his smile becoming warm, feeling to me as the noonday sun would to others.

"Thank you, Sensei," I say before bowing, and when I look up to meet his white eyes, my heart unburdened because of his acceptance, I can't help but say…

"Thank you, Grandfather" with a gentle smile gracing my own face.

Note 1: This song is "Hide and Seek" (Vocaloid) English ver by Lizz Robinett, slightly altered by me