I do not own the rights to Naruto or Marvel
Khalid POV
Mary-Ann carried me inside the the house. The scent of fresh baked biscuits it my nose. I looked towards a massive open kitchen with marble counter top, two massive refrigerator , and a huge 8 burner stove with a double oven.
In the living room was a huge sofa with different pillows toss about it, a fire place with logs neatly stacked inside and a 65 inch rear end projector tv. There was also an assortment of animal trophies hang in various location. The most magnificent one being a stuffed bear.
The house exuded an air of elegance and comfort. The walls were adorned with artwork and family photographs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Soft, plush carpets covered the floors, providing a cozy feel underfoot.
In the dining area, a grand wooden table stood, surrounded by high-backed chairs. The table was beautifully set with fine china, sparkling silverware, and crystal glasses.
Large windows allowed natural light to flood the rooms, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. The curtains added a touch of sophistication and could be drawn to create a more intimate setting.
"Whoa!" I exclaimed softly. Mary-Ann asked, "You like it?" I nodded eagerly. She gently placed me on the floor, allowing me to explore. I walked up to the bear and ran my hand through its soft fur.
"Where's Lizzy?" Alexis asked, as she threw herself onto the sofa.
"Now, what have I told you about throwing yourself on my chair?" Mary scolded Alexis. To my surprise, I watched as the woman who had been a loving but stern parental figure since I met her turned into a child again.
"Sorry, Mom. I forgot," Alexis answered quietly. Mary-Ann had a look on her face that said, "I still got it." I guess mothers will always have that type of power over their children.
"Regarding your question, Lizzy went to pick up a friend from the airport. They also have a kid Khalid's age, and the twins are the same age as him as well," she said, answering Alexis' initial question. "Speaking of the twins, I'll be right back."
I observed as Mary-Ann walked out of the backdoor towards the barn. I approached Alexis and asked, "Mom, who is Lizzy?"
"Lizzy is my older sister and your aunt. She lives in the city, but she and her boys, Rowan and Harry, come here for the summer to escape the city," she replied, turning back to look at me.
I was about to ask another question when I heard the front door open and watched as Barton brought in our bags.
"Here you go, ma'am. I already contacted our New York field office, and they're sending some additional men to back me up," Barton explained as he set the bags down and looked around the house. "Remember, we can't tell your family about SHIELD. So stick to your cover story for Coulson and why I'm here."
"I've been doing this for 4 years now. We'll be okay," Alexis said, waving him off. We always told people that Coulson works for the CIA as a mediator between different agencies around the world. Only members of SHIELD and maybe their families knew the truth. The two then engaged in a hushed conversation, and I decided to go and see where Mary-Ann had gone.
I walked outside, the warm breeze gently rustling the leaves of the nearby trees. The farm hands were busy tending to the majestic horses, their strong and graceful movements captivating my attention. Some were leading the horses into the stable, while others were grooming them.
In the distance, closer to the edge of the woods, a figure emerged from the dense foliage. As it drew nearer, I could make out the familiar form of Mary-Ann, her determined stride evident even from afar. She had a firm grip on the hands of two young boys, who seemed to be filled with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
The boy on the right had a head full of ash brown hair that cascaded down his shoulders, adding a touch of rugged charm to his appearance. Standing tall and confident, he exuded an air of quiet strength. In contrast, the boy on the left sported a similar shade of ash brown hair, neatly styled and complemented by a pair of rounded glasses that framed his intelligent eyes. The glasses added a hint of intellectual curiosity to his features.
As they drew closer, I couldn't help but notice, both boys were dressed in matching shirts that proudly displayed the words "Twin Power." The shirts, adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs, seemed to symbolize their unbreakable bond as twins.
"Who's that, Grandma?" the one in glasses asked loudly, pointing his finger at me.
"That's Aunt Lexi's son. Wanna go say hello?" Mary-Ann asked. Without needing another invitation, the tall twin broke free and practically ran up towards me.
"Hi, I'm Rowan, and that," Rowan said, pointing over his shoulder, "is my brother Harry. What's your name?"
"Hello, I'm Khalid. It's nice to meet both of you," I said, giving a respectful bow.
"Look, Rowan, he bows like samurais do!" Harry exclaimed. I watched as Rowan rolled his eyes.
"I told you Vikings are better than samurais," Rowan turned to his brother, a pout evident on his face.
"Are not."
"Are too."
"Are not."
"Are too."
I watched as the boys went back and forth before I interjected, "Well, they are both cool, but not as cool as ninjas and pirates." This caused the twins to pause and look at me with awe.
"You know about ninjas?" the twins said in unison. From there, we started talking about everything we knew about ninjas.
Alexis watched as her little warrior enthusiastically told his cousins about ninjas. The three of them seemed to be getting along well. Her smiling mother walked back inside the kitchen.
"It is so adorable the way he bows to introduce himself," her mother said sweetly.
"Yeah, it's something his martial arts teacher taught him. Ever since Khalid met him, he has been training non-stop. I brought him here hoping to get him to relax," Alexis said, sighing loudly.
"It will be alright. Look, the twins are going to bring him out of his shell. They already seem to be interested in the same things," her mother said as she started to take things from the fridge and freezer to cook.
"You're right, Mom," Alexis replied, taking one more look at the boys before leaving to help her mom. She knew Agent Barton was somewhere watching them. Alexis the started to tell her Mom about Khalid's past.
They were cooking and engaged in conversation for about 30 minutes when Mary-Ann suddenly heard the sound of a vehicle pulling up. "Let me see who that is," she said, quickly washing her hands and making her way to the front door. Alexis could hear multiple doors opening and her mother greeting someone.
"Lexi! It's your sister and her friend," Mary-Ann shouted excitedly through the door. Alexis quickly washed her hands, her curiosity piqued, and eagerly joined her mother at the front door. As she swung it open, a wave of anticipation washed over her.
Standing before her was her sister, radiant in a strapless white sundress that hugged her figure, complemented by a pair of elegant white sandals. Her brown hair was meticulously tied up in a ponytail, accentuating her warm smile and sparkling eyes.
Beside her sister stood a striking blonde woman, exuding an air of confidence. She wore a fashionable denim jacket over a black wife beater, perfectly paired with denim shorts that showcased her long, toned legs. Her hair, cut low and styled effortlessly, framed her face with a touch of edginess.
But it was the little girl who stole the show. Clad in an adorable 'I Love New York' t-shirt and short tan pants, her blonde hair cascaded down her back, dancing in the gentle breeze. The backpack she carried, adorned with a picture of unicorns, added a touch of youthful charm to her ensemble.
As Alexis took in the scene, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and anticipation for the moments they were about to share together.
As she approached her sister, she asked her mother, "Who's the hunk on the fence?"
Mary-Ann calmly stated, "According to your sister, that's little Khal's bodyguard." Lizzy waved at Agent Barton, who smiled and waved back before turning his attention back to where Khalid and the twins were.
"Why would a child need a bodyguard?" Lizzy asked Alexis, concern evident on her face.
"I'll tell you about it later. Why don't you introduce us to your friend?" Alexis responded with a smile.
"Oh, this is my neighbor Helen Stacy and her daughter Gwen. I invited them to spend a few weeks with us," Lizzy said cheerfully.
"Nice to meet you all," said Helen, extending her hand. Alexis took it and shook it.
"I'm Alexis, why don't you guys come inside. Dinner is almost ready," said Alexis as she gestured towards the house. Helen grabbed her bag from the trunk of Lizzy's SUV, and everybody followed Mary-Ann, with Alexis leading from the rear. As they made it inside, Alexis noticed that Gwen had the same awe-struck expression on her face that Khalid did earlier.
Just then, Khalid came bursting inside, with Harry and Rowan in hot pursuit. "Mom, can I teach Harry and Rowan how to fight? I promise I won't be mean like Master Ogun," Khalid pleaded, giving her sad puppy dog eyes. The twins mimicked him, but put their hands together as if they were praying.
"I thought I said no training," Alexis said in an amused tone.
"I won't be training. I will be teaching them. They will be training," explained Khalid. Alexis couldn't help but smile at her son's antics.
"Fine, but you'll have to ask their Aunt Elizabeth if they can," Alexis replied, pointing over her shoulder to her sister.
Alexis watched as Khalid walked over to where Lizzy, Helen, and Gwen stood. He bowed deeply in front of them. "Hello, my name is Khalid S. Coulson. I would like permission to train your sons, Aunt Elizabeth."
Helen and Lizzy couldn't help but fawn over the little gentleman. Gwen eyed him with curiosity from behind her mother's leg. Lizzy got on her knees to be eye level with Khalid. "As long as you guys don't hurt each other, sure. But not tonight, it's getting late and you boys need to clean up for dinner."
"Yes!" the three boys said at the same time.
"Come, Khal, let me show you our room," Harry said as he took off down the hallway. The other boys took off after him.
Alexis couldn't help but feel a surge of joy as she watched her son finally embracing his childhood and behaving like a typical kid his age. It was a heartwarming sight for her, seeing him let go and simply enjoy being a carefree child. A sense of relief washed over Alexis as she realized that Khalid was getting the chance to experience the joys of childhood that he rightfully deserved.
A Few days later
With the addition of 300 Shield recruits and 500 volunteers from Japan, the excavation was progressing quickly and smoothly. They had already uncovered six faces and were now working on the last one. As they continued digging, they realized that the remains of the village were much larger than they had anticipated.
Dr. Mann estimated that the village could span a little over 40km. Some parts of it were completely covered by earth, indicating the need for heavier equipment. Fortunately, with the Japanese government's keen interest in uncovering every detail about the village, they hoped to be granted special privileges to bring in the necessary machinery for the excavation process in those areas as well.
Coulson had one goal in mind: to uncover Khalid's past. He had already spoken to Alexis, who informed him that they were in New York visiting her parents and sister. Coulson managed to persuade her to stay for the entire summer, under the condition that Ogun would only train Khalid for four hours a day in the old barn on the ranch.
Coulson agreed to the arrangement but decided to increase security on the ranch. He wasn't sure how Ogun would react to having his training time reduced by four hours, so he wanted to be prepared. Fury assured Coulson that he would handle Ogun, and Barton would stay with them throughout the summer.
Furthermore, Fury informed Coulson that the construction team was already working on the building he had purchased for his new home, and renovations had already begun. He also mentioned Horizon Academy, the school where Fury planned to enroll Khalid.
During his spare time, Coulson decided to search for information about Horizon Academy on the internet. He discovered that the academy was renowned as a school for the geniuses of the future. Located in Manhattan, the campus was massive, consisting of six buildings.
Three of the buildings housed the elementary school, middle school, and high school respectively. The remaining three buildings were dedicated to different facilities. There was a gymnasium for sports and physical activities, a science center for advanced scientific research and experiments, and a newly added culinary center for students interested in culinary arts. The diverse range of facilities showcased the academy's commitment to providing a well-rounded education for its students.
"Agent Coulson a word.",said Dr. Mann said breaking Coulson out of his thoughts. The doctor always seem to have a cup of coffee in his hands now.
"What is it doctor?", Coulson asked giving the doctor his full undivided attention.
"Well, me and my team have made a significant discovery while excavating the last face," said Dr. Mann, his voice filled with anticipation as he carefully placed several intriguing photos on the table. Each photo showcased skeletons, adorned with deteriorated scarves that had pieces of metal attached to them. The scarves were tied around the head, arm, or neck of each skeleton.
Coulson's expression grew more serious as he asked, "Are these multiple instances or just a few?"
"That's just three examples we've uncovered so far, but I believe there are bound to be more," Dr. Mann replied, his voice tinged with excitement. "However, the bodies themselves are not the focal point of my revelation. Take a closer look at the metal on the cloth."
Coulson leaned in, examining the photos with heightened curiosity. Despite his scrutiny, he still struggled to comprehend the significance of the metal pieces.
Sensing Coulson's confusion, Dr. Mann let out a sigh and pointed directly at the metal in the photo. "What's truly remarkable is that these artifacts have been buried for thousands of years, and yet they show no signs of rust or decay," the doctor explained, his voice filled with awe and intrigue.
After fully understanding the doctor's explanation, Coulson immediately called Fury.
Khalid POV
Sweat dripped down my chin as I went through my forms in the yard. It was 5:30 A.M., and the sun was starting to peek over the barn. I had already been at it for an hour, determined to maintain my training routine, even if it was just a small workout.
As I completed the final intermediate stance, I picked up my wooden blades and began performing the tontos form. With each swing, my blades arched high, executing precise movements that resembled a beautiful dance. I repeated the routine four times before finally taking a break. It was during this moment of rest that I heard clapping coming from the door.
Looking up, I saw Gwen Stacy standing on the porch in purple pajamas and a black top. "You are really good. How long have you been doing this?" she asked softly, as if not wanting to be overheard. I cursed myself for being so wrapped up in my workout that I hadn't noticed her presence earlier.
"Not that long. My uncle hired a really good teacher," I replied, not wanting to delve into the topic too much. I wiped the sweat from my face with my shirt, trying to regain my composure.
"You must be some sort of genius," she said, a smile appearing on her face.
"Not really, I just trained and studied the forms," I explained modestly.
"I wish I knew how to fight. Then I could beat up bad guys like my dad," Gwen said after a few moments of silence. She was an anomaly to me; I didn't recall seeing her in any of the MCU films.
I paused, considering her words. "Fighting isn't always the solution, Gwen. There are other ways to make a difference and protect the ones you care about. It's about finding your own path and using your strengths."
Gwen looked at me in confusion and said, "You sound like a grown-up."
I sighed and said, "Don't worry, Gwen. I'll take it upon myself to protect you."
Gwen turned her head away from me, her cheeks slightly flushed, and shyly said, "Okay."
Feeling a pang of guilt, I moved to sit on the porch, and Gwen followed suit, sitting next to me. As we watched the sun rise, a few moments of silence passed between us. Wanting to break the quiet, I decided to ask, "What are you doing up so early?"
"I woke up to use the bathroom and saw you out the window. I wanted to watch from up close," she replied, her smile lighting up her face. For some reason, my heart skipped a beat at the sight of it. It was as if I was witnessing a smile for the first time.
"Are you okay? Your face is really red," Gwen asked, placing her hand on my forehead. I quickly turned away, avoiding her gaze.
"I'm fine," I replied quietly, and turned back to face her.
"Okay," she said, turning back to the sun. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," I said quietly, as I stared at her awe-struck face.
Alexis had woken up early to prepare breakfast, but her attention was diverted by the conversation between the two children on the back porch. Intrigued, she quickly texted her sister to join her downstairs and witness the interaction. Now, Alexis, Lizzy, and Helen stood in the kitchen, observing the scene.
"If George were here, he would have probably interrupted by now. He's so overprotective," Helen remarked, taking a sip of her coffee while keeping an eye on the kids.
"Well, she's your only daughter, so I don't blame him," replied Lizzy, who had her head resting on the countertop. "I really want a girl, but James doesn't want another baby right now."
"Well, you could help me with mine when she arrives," suggested Alexis, gently rubbing her slightly bulging stomach.
"How do you know its going to be a girl?",asked Lizzy raising her head off of the table.
"Just wishful thinking. Khalid said he wanted to a baby sister to treat like a princess.", said Alexis.
"By the look of it Gwen might have stolen that position. Look at how he's looking at her.", Helen said with a smirk on her face. Alexis turn and say how Khalid looking at Gwen as if she was the most beautiful thing he had seen.
"There still young might just be a little crush between kids.", said Lizzy, "Lexi, you should start making breakfast, Mom will be up soon. In the mean time I'm going to go wake up the boys."
Lizzy headed to the kids' room, while Alexis started gathering the ingredients for pancakes. Helen moved closer to the back door and snapped a few photos with her camera.
"So, what does your fiancé do for work?" Helen asked, turning around as Alexis began mixing her dry ingredients.
"He works in law enforcement," Alexis replied vaguely, choosing not to disclose the specifics. Shield wasn't something she wanted to bring into the public eye.
"Nice, George works for the NYPD as a detective," Helen said with a sense of pride.
"That's great, I can't wait to meet him when we move there," said Alexis, cracking her eggs and adding milk and butter to the dry mix.
"If he's not too busy, there's always a case for him to work. I'm just glad he still comes home to spend time with Gwen," explained Helen.
"I know what you mean. Sometimes Phil is gone for weeks, but when he comes home, it's like he never left. Plus, he's extra good with Khalid," said Alexis. As she was talking, Lizzy came back into the room with the boys in tow.
"Khal!" Rowan exclaimed as he made his way onto the back porch.
"Let's play ninja!" Harry said excitedly, following his brother outside. Alexis smiled as she continued to cook. They continued to talk about their professions and what it's like living in the city, sharing stories and experiences. They also discussed setting up playdates for the kids, envisioning the fun times they would have together. Alexis couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the years to come, filled with laughter, growth, and cherished memories.
Khalid's POV
After breakfast, I played with the other kids for a few hours before slipping away when nobody was looking. I had to wait for Lizzy to distract Barton so that I could slip into the nearby woods. I walked for about 30 minutes until I found a clearing. I took out the scroll that Iruka had sealed for me before I came here. Biting into my finger to draw blood, I placed my hand on top of the seal, causing smoke to appear around the area. In front of me were several books and two large scrolls. I picked up the Scroll of Sealing and opened it.
There were a few jutsu that I had never seen before, but only one was important for right now. I looked over the very first jutsu on the scroll, the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu. It was one of the most powerful abilities in Naruto, even though it wasn't used properly until the second half of the series. I read over the notes left by the Second Hokage. I raised my arms and made the cross hand sign. I closed my eyes and focused on dividing my chakra into many.
With my eyes closed, I could visualize my chakra splitting into ten different energy balls. I patiently waited until each ball was formed and filled with the blue spiraling energy. Opening my eyes, I knew that the moment had come.
"Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!" I thought in my mind, hearing a few small explosions as the clones materialized. I looked to my left and right, seeing ten fully formed clones standing there with their arms folded across their chests.
"Nice," I said, feeling proud that I could create ten solid clones on my first attempt. "Now, four of you practice the tree walking exercise. The other four practice taijutsu, and you two come with me."
I handed the clones the beginner's guide to Fuinjutsu, "Training in the Elements" by Sasuke Sarutobi, the "Introduction to Genjutsu," and a sheet of chakra paper. "Read those until you fully understand them. Once you do, release yourselves so I can gather the information."
I observed as my last two clones ventured towards different trees and settled down to read. Following suit, I found another tree and joined them. The book itself wasn't that big, so I read more to understand each element.
Fire, with its fierce and untamed nature, embodies the essence of passion and rage. It ignites the flames of desire and fuels the intensity within us. Water, on the other hand, flows with a graceful fluidity, symbolizing both change and tranquility. It has the power to cleanse and purify, bringing a sense of calmness to our souls.
Earth, solid and unyielding, represents the unwavering strength and stability that grounds us. It forms the very foundation upon which we build our lives. Lightning, with its electrifying energy, serves as a force of destruction and judgment. It strikes with a swift and decisive power, reminding us of the consequences of our actions.
Lastly, air, ever elusive and free, carries the essence of freedom and decisiveness. It whispers through the trees, granting us the ability to make choices and embrace our independence. Together, these elements weave a tapestry of existence, each contributing its unique qualities to the world around us.
After reading about the elements, the next section of the book provided a step-by-step method for mastering each element. It emphasized the importance of proper chakra control and warned against attempting it without it. This made it clear that my main focus for the next few years would be on developing my chakra control.
As I was contemplating this, a sudden wave of information hit me. Two of my Taijutsu clones had been destroyed. I glanced over and noticed that the remaining two clones were now engaged in a face-off. I knew that later on, I would feel the fatigue from each clone's exertion catching up with me.
Turning my attention to the other clones, I observed their progress in tree walking. Each clone managed to walk halfway up the tree before either being pushed outwards due to an excessive amount of chakra in their step or slipping off due to insufficient chakra. They marked their stopping points with kunai, indicating their progress.
My clone, who had been reading the fuinjutsu book, moved back to the pile of books and equipment. He picked up the now empty scroll, ink, and brush. I observed as his chakra flared around the ink bottle for a moment before he began writing on the blank scroll. Meanwhile, the clone who had been reading the genjutsu book appeared to be in a deep state of meditation. Sitting completely still, his chest barely showed any signs of movement.
Glancing at my watch, I realized that I had already been away for nearly an hour and 30 minutes. I stood up and created another clone.
"Hey, go back to the ranch. I'm sure they're looking for me. I left while the other kids were playing hide and seek. Please be careful and try not to do anything that could get you dispelled," I instructed the clone. It nodded in understanding and dashed off with a burst of speed.
Clint watched the kids playing hide and seek while Elizabeth approached him. As he turned, he noticed Rowan, one of the kids, starting to count while the others scattered to hide. Clint's attention was drawn to Khalid, who cleverly concealed himself beside the old barn. He then resumed his conversation with Elizabeth, unaware of the passing time.
After 45 minutes, a little blond girl named Gwen approached Clint, catching his attention. Concerned, he knelt down in front of her and asked, "What's wrong?" Just then, the twins came running towards them.
"Did you find him, Gwen?" Harry asked, a small smile on his face. Gwen shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Find who?" Clint inquired, already anticipating an answer he wouldn't like.
"Khalid. He's a great hider. We can't find him," explained Rowan, a mischievous grin on his face. Clint's expression hardened upon hearing this.
Pressing his hand to his ear, Clint said, "Area 1-6, status report." Each station gave an all-clear signal.
"Search the perimeter. Baby Eagle hasn't been seen for the past hour," Clint instructed as he stood up and glanced at the barn.
"Mrs. Levin, can you please take the kids inside?", instructed Clint. Elizabeth nodded, her face displaying a mix of horror and concern. She gathered up the kids and led them away.
Clint took off running towards the massive old barn. Upon arrival, he meticulously searched every nook and cranny for 30 minutes. Unsatisfied with his findings, he decided to expand his search to the outside, considering the woods were located just behind the barn. As he rounded the back of the barn, a rustling in the tree caught his attention, causing him to draw his sidearm. He pointed it in the direction of the movement, realizing that it was too significant to be caused by a mere squirrel.
As Clint moved closer, he relaxed when he caught a glimpse of a pair of familiar shoes standing on a branch of the tree.
"Khalid, I know you're up there. Come down," Clint said, putting his sidearm away. He watched as Khalid jumped out of the tree, landing almost silently.
"Why were you just sitting in the tree?" Clint asked, puzzled.
"I knew they wouldn't think to look in the tree for me," Khalid replied, stretching his limbs.
Clint sighed. "Come on, I'm sure your mom is worried."
They began their walk towards the house, Khalid's smile radiating a sense of relief while Clint's mind was plagued by a persistent feeling of something crucial slipping through his grasp. He couldn't shake the notion that there was an important detail he was overlooking, but it remained frustratingly elusive.
As they made their way, Clint's eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any clue that might trigger his memory. The rustling leaves, the distant sound of children's laughter, and the fading sunlight casting long shadows all seemed to hold a hidden message, but he couldn't decipher it.
Khalid, oblivious to Clint's internal struggle, chatted animatedly about his hiding spot and how he had outsmarted the others. His innocent excitement contrasted sharply with Clint's growing unease.
Clint's mind raced, desperately trying to connect the dots. Was there something he had missed during the game? A detail that could explain his nagging sense of urgency? He replayed the events in his mind, analyzing each interaction and conversation, hoping for a breakthrough.
As they reached the front porch, Clint's furrowed brow betrayed his deep concentration. He exchanged a few words with Khalid's worried mother, assuring her that everything was fine. But deep down, Clint knew that something was amiss, and he couldn't shake the feeling that the puzzle pieces were just out of reach.
With a heavy sigh, Clint resolved to delve deeper into the mystery. He would retrace his steps, question the other children, and scrutinize every detail until he unraveled the truth. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, and he vowed to uncover the missing piece that would bring clarity to his troubled mind.