Opening File: Sanban Industries
Originally starting as a small trading company during the middle of the Silver Age of Huntsmen Kani Sanban worked from the ground up in the Dust trade community but was met with not only competition from other companies in other countries but also from various criminals seeking to steal Dust often from ships on trading routes and Grimm attacks. It was at this time he met his future wife, Genki who was one of Japan's rising Huntresses. Hailed as the Demon Sword of the East for her unparalleled mastery of swordsmanship, Genki gathered Huntsmen and Huntresses to aid her in fending off these attacks while Kani sought out the best and brightest to transform a simple Dust trading company into one of the most highly influential companies in the world. Soon enough Kani and Genki were married and their first daughter, Kuki Sanban was born not so long after.
The company has thrived through the years, coming into business deals and partnerships with other companies like Fulbright Corporation and DexLabs. It was also around the time that Kani entered the realm of politics, leaving his wife to manage most of Sanban Industries and surprisingly became Prime Minister of Japan. This action quickly alleviated the Sanban Clan's reputation up to being the highest level of influence in Japan. In addition to these achievements both Kani and his wife became aware of special secrets regarding the threat of the Grimm, including the existence of the Fallen that are known only to a few and considered a myth by everyone else.
The reputation of the Fallen is infamous in Japan, especially the one known as Sammael who is believed to have been born around the time of the Emperor and even was responsible for the loss of the Emperor's sword, the rumored magical sword that awakened the Emperor's power of Aura and led to the creation of the first generation of Huntsmen. It is because of this rumor that the Fallen are considered a great enemy to the entire world to those who know of them.
Close File
Xxx
"The thing about coming from a family with power and prestige is that people often forget that it had to start with someone working from literally the bottom of the barrel and all the way up, spending a life time of working hard, sweating a lot and even probably suffering a whole lot of mental and physical anguish. When you are born into it you find it hard to imagine what life would be like without the riches you inherit and that leads to a great many enjoying their life style to the point they think they are better than everyone else. There those who would use it to benefit their fellow people and remember that not everyone can be as lucky as them while others…There is an old saying: the poor have nothing and the rich need nothing." TOM lectured, closing the file. "Don't be sad if you don't live the big rich lifestyle that millionaires do because sometimes what you want in life is not what you need in life. There is a big difference between the two even if it might be hard to understand that sometimes what you need is what you might already have."
Xxx
Danielle had been greeted with the amazing surprise from the sight of the bathroom that was actually part of the bedroom she had been sleeping in. The bathroom featured a stone shower stall with ten angled shower ports all centered on one spot. Instead of curtains the shower had a two feet tall wall section allowing anyone to see outside, showing the backyard with an amazing garden. Next to the shower was a large tub with Jacuzzi jets and next to the tub was a counter made of chiseled limestone with two sinks and under a large mirror with lights framing the glass, finally ending with the toilet offset from the counter.
The floor and walls were made of polished marble tiles that made the bathroom look even more luxurious.
"What kind of house am I in?" Danielle questioned, nearly unable to move thanks to the feelings of sheer awe from the bathroom's appearance.
"Due to their status the Sanbans usually have visits from foreign diplomats and thus made sure their home was made to look hospitable." The maid named Sayoko answered in English. "It's also the reason why Lady Sanban and I can speak English. Almost all the employers are fluent in numerous languages to accommodate visitors' needs. Now then, I believe you have a choice between the tub and the shower."
Danielle looked back forth between the shower and the tub. "I think I'll settle for the shower. I don't want to keep Miss Sanban waiting too long."
"Very well. Do you wish for a specific kind of shampoo?"
Danielle thought it over. "I don't really have a specific taste. I'll just settle for any kind that works."
"Very well. I'll leave you alone to clean up. If you require anything simply press the button on the wall." Sayoko gestured to the button next to the mirror over the counter and closed the door after she walked out.
With the bathroom to herself Danielle quickly took off her sleeping clothes and took a quick shower, using the nearby soap bar and shampoo to clean herself up and let the water wash all the soap away. Once she was done she turned the water off and grabbed the nearby towel. She then opened the door and walked back into her room, spotting a set of clothes laid out for her on the bed. They were nothing special, just a simple pair of shorts with a blue sweater along with blue sneakers. She quickly changed into them just as Sayoko had returned.
"Was the shower to your satisfaction, Danielle-san?" Sayoko asked, closing the door.
Danielle nodded happily. "It was amazing. I can't imagine anyone not liking having a room like this. And it's only a guest room?"
"One of several." Sayoko answered, smiling a bit at the surprised look on Danielle's face. "Shall we go now? I imagine lunch is almost ready."
"Right, but first do you have a hair band or something?" Danielle gestured to her hair. "I kind of prefer my hair tied back. I remember that much about myself."
"Ah, I believe I can help." Sayoko nodded, producing a small hair band and helped Danielle tie her hair into a pony tail.
"Thank you." Danielle said with a smile once it was done. "Okay, now I am ready."
"This way then." Sayoko opened the door and led Danielle out of the guest room.
The Sanban family compound was more like a small castle. The furnishings reflected its dominant and native culture, but several rooms had been decorated to reflect tastes and preferences found in other countries. The artwork, architecture and choice in color scheme were meticulously chosen in each chamber and corridor. As they passed through a corridor with a glass wall overlooking a garden Danielle caught sight of several men and women who flew between trees and glided across water, sparring with a variety of weapons.
"These are several of the newer recruits to the Sanban Family Guard." Sayoko commented, seeing that Danielle had stopped to watch. "Given the high profile of Lady Sanban, we have always chosen from a pool of Huntsmen who both demonstrate a certain level of skill and reliability."
Danielle gasped as she watched one woman seemingly blink out of view in order to avoid a barrage of arrows only to reappear behind her assailant-a robot clad in a non-descriptive set of armor, and retaliate with a kick which propelled the automaton high into the air. "They're amazing!"
"I would hope so." Sayoko nodded. "If you desire, we might visit the training yard later."
Remembering their intended destination, Danielle stepped away from the glass. "Right! Sorry, I got caught up."
"Quite alright." Sayoko responded serenely and continued onwards without any further detours.
Lunch was served in a dining room reserved for members of the Sanban family. Danielle stepped through a set of sliding doors to find Genki Sanban seated at a table carrying a wide palate of foods from all four food groups-most of which Danielle couldn't put a name to. Seated with her was a man who was undoubtedly her husband and two girls, one close to Danielle's age who was the spitting image of Genki and another who was younger and with her dark hair tied into pig tails.
"Lady Sanban." Sayoko bowed. "Your guest has arrived."
Genki turned. "Thank you Sayoko." She beckoned Danielle over. "Please, join us. I'd like to introduce you to my family."
Danielle obliged and took a vacant spot. "Thank you, Lady Sanban."
"Please." Genki held up one hand. "No need for formalities here, Danielle."
"Hello!" The older of Genki's daughters greeted Danielle. "My name is Kuki Sanban! It's nice to meet you, Dani!"
"And I'm Mushi!" The younger girl beamed.
"It's nice to meet you both." Danielle replied, being careful with her words for fear of embarrassing herself. "Thanks for inviting me. I'm…well…starving doesn't describe it."
"Then dig in!" Genki encouraged, sweeping one arm out over the table. "If you don't see anything familiar, I think Kuki and Mushi may have some recommendations to make."
And they did. Danielle ended up trying foods she had never heard of before and, in some cases, couldn't pronounce the name of. By the end of it she had found herself growing attached to several particular dishes. More importantly she had found herself liking Genki's daughters, both of whom seemed to radiate a positive aura. Even Genki's husband, while relatively less talkative, still proved cordial and welcoming to her presence.
"So, Danielle." Genki spoke up, earning the girl's attention. "Tell us a bit about yourself."
"Well…Um." Danielle quickly swallowed. "There's not much about me that I can remember. I know my own name and I know have a cousin back in America but I can't say for sure he even knows that I am here. I think the name of the town he lives in is called Amity Park."
"Well, I'll look into it and see what I can find." Genki replied, sadly having to feign ignorance for the time being. "Anything else?"
"Well, I can say that I might have had to run away from home because…family troubles." Danielle looked a little uncomfortable now. "I can't completely remember who my parents were but…I am not sure they were good people."
Genki nodded solemnly while sharing a hidden look with her husband, remaining silent while watching their daughters offer comfort to Danielle. It seemed her memory hadn't been completely taken and came back in small forms but enough for her to make sense of. Her cousin named Danny Fenton living in a small town named Amity Park that unfortunately did not exist in this universe and her 'father' Vlad Master who was a cruel man that almost killed her, leaving her to basically live on the streets before she was brought here by the workings of Sammael and his underlings.
But did she remember her powers?
Her Semblance told her that Danielle was honest when she spoke and at the same time she was hesitant to divulge everything about herself which given her past was understandable. The poor girl had been betrayed by almost everyone she knew, save her 'cousin'. She might not remember her powers completely but at the same time she seemed to remember all things general about herself.
"In that case Danielle I offer you a place here." Genki spoke, surprising the young girl who seemed to stutter for a few seconds.
"R-Really? But, I am just some kid who ran off from home and then somehow ended all the way here after I probably bumped my head doing something stupid. For all you know I could be some punk that got her kicks scamming and stealing." Danielle pointed out; feeling like the trust Genki was showing her was misplaced.
"Oh, well good thing I have the best fighters in Japan in the family guard that you no doubt spotted on your way here." Genki teased, seeing Danielle look a little flustered now. "Besides, you'd get to see a whole new world," Literally. "And I'd hate to see my daughters say good bye to their new friend so soon."
"Pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaasssssssse!" Both Kuki and Mushi begged Danielle to stay, showing off cute smiles with teary eyes.
It was enough to make Danielle almost instantly crumble. "Oh…Okay."
"Yay!" Both girls celebrated and it made Danielle offer a small smile.
"Splendid." Genki said happily. "In that case I believe the room you slept in will be perfect for you. We can draw up the rest for later. For now, let us enjoy lunch."
The rest of lunch followed with enjoying good food and drinks and some stories traded back and forth with any serious matters pushed to the back of everyone's minds.
For now it was just a nice lunch meant to welcome a new friend.
Xxx
Raven was not sure what to expect.
She last remembered facing a man with dangerous powers and she had been badly losing. Her powers that had come from her demonic heritage had been no match for the strange pale skinned man and she remembered blacking out when that man used some sort of spell to drain her powers.
Speaking of her powers…
Raven held out her hand to the lamp that had been placed next to her bed. "Azarath Meterion Zinthos."
A small bit of black energy surrounded the lamp but dissipated a second later. Raven looked down at her hand, understanding why she felt so different.
Her powers had been drained from her.
It must have been when that red eyed man had cast that spell that acted like some sort of virus. It infected her and drained most of her powers. That was concerning since Raven was not sure if her powers would ever return. She only possessed a small bit left which was likely the only reason why she was still alive but she had no idea what had happened after she had blacked out. She remembered that she wasn't alone when she woke up in the strange lab and all of them had faced the red eyed man.
Perhaps they had managed to escape and that was why she woke up in what appeared to be a farm house. What was left her empathic powers told her the woman named Muriel meant her no harm and had been kind to enough to let her rest and recover. Though she sensed some kind of strange power coming from Muriel it was overshadowed by the feelings of kindness she felt from the elderly woman. So for now she considered herself safe and had time to recover and plan out what she was going to do next.
Well, maybe after she had something to eat and considering the smell coming from the kitchen she wouldn't have to wait long.
Muriel had changed her clothes, taking her blue cloak and black leotard to be cleaned while she slept in aqua blue colored pajamas. Muriel had left her to clean up, using the shower in the nearby bathroom and to change into the clothes left for her. They were fairly simple, consisting of a white T-shirt and light blue jeans with black shoes but they would do. She walked down the stairs, looking around the living room and seeing that it was a simple farmhouse like Muriel had said with a TV that more than likely would be considered an antique in places like Gotham and Jump City.
She walked past the living room, coming upon a dining room with a simple wooden table and chairs while the smell came from the door on the other end that no doubt led to the kitchen. The door opened, revealing Muriel carrying a large plate filled with bacon, eggs and toast that gave off an aroma that made Raven stagger a bit from how good it smelled.
"Come and sit down, Raven." Muriel gestured to a chair as she placed the plate on the table. "I'll have fresh orange juice out in a moment."
"Thank you." Raven sat down looking at the food that looked as delicious as it smelled. "Do you live all the way out here by yourself?"
"Oh no. My husband and I live here with our dog." Muriel answered, shaking her head. "We are both retired Huntsmen and bought this farmhouse that previously belonged to my husband's father."
"Huntsmen?" Raven questioned, picking up a fork.
"You do not know?" Muriel tilted her head.
"I…Might be from somewhere else." Raven shifted a bit.
"I see." Muriel simply said. "In that case then you will have a lot to catch up on around here and it will have to be quick. After you eat of course."
Raven could only nod, feeling she had a lot of learning to do. As she dug into her food she spotted a dog with pink fur staring at her before running off. There was something strange about that dog but Raven sensed no malicious emotions from it.
Perhaps it was just nervous about her being in its owner's home.
In the meantime Raven had to consider she might be around for a little while and she had no idea if and when the other Titans would track her down or if they even could. She knew she was on Earth but it might not be the same Earth she knew. Dimensional travel was not out of the question, considering her own past and if so the Teen Titans would have a very difficult time looking for her.
And then there was the matter of the pale man with red hair and dark veins traveling down his body.
There was the possibility that he might bring others to this dimension like he did with her and that meant many people would be in danger. What made it worse is that with her powers so weak she couldn't do anything about it.
She only hoped her powers would return and soon.
Xxx
"They both wore red cloaks." June flinched as Jasmine placed a bandage over a cut. "They weren't as strong as most of the demons I fought but they were lot smarter and had actual fighting skills."
"Cipher's worshipers. Only they would be skilled enough to face you in a town as isolate as this one." Jasmine closed the med kit. "They know we're here and they don't like it."
"So what do we do?" Lili asked, sitting next to June.
"We go out there and kick their butts!" Ray-Ray exclaimed, pumping a fist.
"No, Ray-Ray!" Jasmine cut her grandson off sternly. "These are not brainless goons. We need to plan our next move carefully. The fact Cipher's cult openly made a move against the Te Xuan Ze means their master is moving forward with his plan."
"What exactly is his plan?" Dennis asked.
Jasmine sighed. "All we know for certain is that Bill Cipher wants to get into this world because the world he lives in isn't going to last much longer. It's breaking down because unlike our world it has no laws of physics or any kind of law for that matter. It's a chaotic region filled with monsters and demons that can exist nowhere else. If Cipher and his goons get into our world…Things are not going to end well."
The Lees and their friend shared concerned looks as Jasmine turned away, looking out the window. "These are the kinds of the threats you will face down the road, June. Bill Cipher is just one of many who would love to see reality burn. No reason or logic behind it, just pure madness. That's why everyone is here, because the Te Xuan Ze cannot face these threats alone."
She looked back at her granddaughter. "You need more than help. You need a team."
"And I got one." June replied, looking around the room, starting with her brothers followed by Monroe and ended with Lila. "I am tough but I am smart enough to know I can't do this alone. So as long as you guys are helping me I don't have to worry about anyone, even this Bill Cipher loser."
"YEAH!" Dennis and Ray-Ray exclaimed in agreement while Lila nodded and Monroe smiled at the support his charge was getting.
CRASH!
The celebration was unfortunately cut short as something hit the wall of their hotel. They looked out, seeing the two police officers Gravity Falls groaning in pain as they slid down the to the ground. And a hulking man slowly approached them.
"I am sorry. I must have misheard you." Hoss Delgado said with a grin. "Did you mean to say I can come into town and exterminate all the magical infestations?"