Chapter 41:
– Natasha –
Natasha violently kicked open the door of the rundown hotel room, sending splinters flying into the dimly lit interior. Her sharp eyes immediately took in the scene, assessing each detail with calculated precision from years of training.
Inside the cramped, filthy space stood two men dressed in grimy, black priest robes. Their wild, bloodshot eyes widened in shock and confusion as they spun towards the sudden intrusion.
Between them stood a frightened young woman with long blonde hair cascading messily over her shoulders and down her back. She was dressed in a nun's outfit.
"Who the fuck are you?" one of the men shouted angrily.
Both men reached inside their robes, drawing their guns halfway out, their movements slow compared to Natasha's lightning reflexes.
Natasha's trained body reacted instantly, her senses sharp, every muscle honed by years of intense combat drills and genetic enhancements. She smoothly drew her own pistol. She squeezed the trigger twice in quick succession, the loud bangs echoing sharply through the confined space.
Both men cried out, their weird looking pistols dropping from their now useless hands, clattering loudly against the filthy, worn carpet. They collapsed onto their knees, clutching wounds that spurted dark blood across their robes and the floor. Natasha had expertly placed her shots to incapacitate but not kill, her boss wanted them alive for interrogation.
The young blonde woman finally let out a piercing scream as the men fell, her slender hands trembling as she pressed them against her mouth. Natasha stepped swiftly into the room, her weapon still trained on the wounded men as she quickly approached the frightened girl.
"Stay calm," Natasha commanded firmly, her voice cool but reassuring. "You're safe now. I'm here to get you out."
The girl stared at Natasha with wide, terrified green eyes, her voice shaking as she asked, "Who... who are you? Why did you shoot these… nice priests?"
Natasha let out a sharp snort of disbelief. "Nice? These two? I don't think so…" She stepped closer to the trembling young woman, her voice calming slightly. "Relax. I'm with SHIELD. We're the good guys."
The girl's confusion deepened, her gaze darting nervously around. "I don't know what SHIELD is."
"I'm a spy," Natasha explained succinctly, "but the kind you actually want around. Trust me." The wounded priests moaned on the dirty floor, writhing in pain.
One spat curses at Natasha, his voice filled with venomous hate. "Fuck you!"
Natasha shot them both a dismissive glance. "Shut up and suck it up. You're both headed to prison for kidnapping and human trafficking."
One priest suddenly shifted his glare to the blonde woman, snarling viciously. "Asia Argento! Heal us already, you dumb bitch! We have to kill this red-headed whore!"
Natasha frowned, momentarily confused. "Heal them?"
Before Natasha could question further, Asia dropped to her knees, a frantic sob escaping her lips as she held out trembling hands. Her palms suddenly emitted a vibrant green glow, illuminating the cramped room.
Natasha's eyes widened in shock as she watched the bullets physically exit the priests' wounds, blood swiftly flowing back into their bodies and sealing the injuries completely. "What the hell?" Natasha muttered sharply.
Realizing they were moments from getting back on their feet, Natasha quickly stepped forward, throwing precise, powerful punches that cracked audibly against their jaws, knocking both men out instantly.
The sudden violence drew another terrified squeak from Asia, who cringed backward.
Natasha took a deep breath. She saw the blonde girl trembling visibly, wide green eyes fixed on her with fear and confusion. Natasha slowly holstered her weapon and lifted both hands slightly, showing she meant no threat.
"I'm sorry," she said, keeping her tone steady and gentle. She took another cautious step towards the young woman, noting her tense shoulders and quick, shallow breathing. "I didn't mean to scare you. I promise, I'm not going to hurt you."
The girl's gaze darted nervously between Natasha and the unconscious priests lying motionless on the floor. Her voice came out hesitant and fragile. "Who are you? Why did you come here?"
Natasha paused, carefully considering her words. "My name's Natasha. I'm here to rescue you." Her voice carried an air of authority tempered by genuine reassurance. "These men aren't priests, they're criminals. They kidnapped you, didn't they…?"
At least that's what Natasha figured was going on here going by that Fallen Angel's words earlier and the fact that this girl's powers were amazing. What organization wouldn't want their own genuine miracle healer on hand...?
Asia swallowed hard, her throat visibly working as she avoided Natasha's gaze, focusing instead on the stained carpet at her feet. Her voice was a strained whisper, tinged with a deep sadness. "Why would anyone want to save me? Nobody ever cared before now. Nobody sees me or wants me, they just want me for what I can do…"
Natasha felt a familiar pang of recognition in the girl's weary words. She had lived that life, had seen that same defeated look staring back at her in countless mirrors during her darkest moments. This girl thought of herself as nothing but a tool.
Natasha stepped forward with measured movements, closing the gap until she could feel the faint tremor of the girl's breath against her chest. She opened her arms, letting them wrap around Asia's small frame with deliberate care. Her gloved hands settled firmly at the girl's back, one resting between her shoulder blades, the other circling low to steady her.
"It's alright now," Natasha said softly, her tone stripped of all the steel it had carried moments before. She kept her voice low and even, speaking into the crown of Asia's head. "You're safe. I've got you."
Asia's shoulders tensed at first, the rigid line of her spine pressing against Natasha's arm. Natasha felt the quickened rhythm of her breathing against her collarbone, shallow and uneven. The girl stayed like that for a heartbeat before the tension gave way and her body sank against Natasha's chest. Natasha could feel every small tremor shaking through her.
A muffled, broken sound escaped Asia's lips. Then the dam gave way entirely. She clutched at Natasha's vest with trembling fingers, her body shaking harder as sobs forced their way out. The wet heat of her tears soaked into the fabric at Natasha's shoulder.
Natasha's chest tightened. She had been trained to ignore suffering, to stay detached, but this was too close—too much like her own past for her to push away. She tightened her hold, one hand moving in steady circles over Asia's back. The repetitive motion was meant to calm, to anchor the girl in something safe.
"Let it out," Natasha murmured, keeping her voice firm but warm. "Nobody's going to hurt you now. Not while I'm here."
Asia's sobs grew raw, her breath hitching with each one. The sound filled the quiet room, mixing with the faint groans of the unconscious men on the floor. Natasha ignored them entirely, focusing only on the fragile weight in her arms. Her fingers traced slow, grounding paths along the tense muscles of Asia's back, pausing at each flinch to let the girl adjust.
Natasha lowered her head slightly, letting her chin rest briefly against Asia's hair. The scent of sweat, dust, and faint floral soap reached her, reminding her that this was not just another asset to extract—this was a person who had been treated like a possession. And she was not going to let that happen again.
"You're going to be alright," Natasha said again, letting the certainty in her voice carry the promise. "I'll get you somewhere safe. We'll figure everything else out from there."
Asia's grip on her vest tightened for a moment, a silent acknowledgement between sobs. Natasha kept her there, steady and secure, until the trembling began to ease.
…
The airplane jolted lightly around Natasha, mild turbulence shaking the private jet as it sliced through clouds high above the ocean. Across from her, Asia Argento slept peacefully in a reclined leather seat, her soft breathing steady and even. Natasha briefly studied the sleeping young woman, noting her gentle expression beneath long, messy blonde hair that spilled loosely over her shoulders and chest. Asia seemed utterly drained, exhausted from everything she had endured.
Natasha shifted slightly, adjusting herself into a more comfortable position as she listened to the secure phone pressed firmly against her ear. The encrypted line was impossible to breach, something SHIELD ensured meticulously.
Agent Coulson's calm, pragmatic voice filtered through first, quickly summarizing Natasha's detailed recounting of Asia's tragic story. Natasha had gently coaxed Asia into opening up a few hours ago, patiently listening as the emotionally fragile young woman described her ordeal in quiet, broken sentences.
"So," Coulson continued evenly, "you're telling us the Vatican tossed her aside because she healed a devil? An actual devil, right in the heart of Vatican City?"
Natasha leaned back in her plush seat, glancing briefly at Asia's peaceful face again before replying quietly, "Exactly. She healed a devil, who somehow managed to infiltrate Vatican grounds. And apparently, they have trained exorcists and literal angels guarding the place constantly. Round-the-clock security."
Nick Fury interjected with a sharp scoff, his voice carrying clear irritation through the line. "Sounds like complete bullshit to me. Who in their right mind kicks out a healer of this caliber over something so trivial? Instead of punishing her, they should've asked themselves how the hell a devil got near her in the first place."
"I agree," Natasha murmured, carefully watching Asia for any sign of stirring. "But religion isn't exactly my area of expertise. Maybe, from their perspective, it made sense. Still doesn't justify what they did to her though."
Coulson spoke again, voice tight with subtle indignation, "It sounds obvious she was set up. Someone wanted her vulnerable and defenseless, easy to grab. SHIELD didn't even know about the Vatican's hidden security forces until today. But if what she's saying is accurate, this reeks of an inside job."
Natasha exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "You're probably right. They wanted Asia isolated, abandoned. Makes it easier for whoever orchestrated this to kidnap her without complications."
There was a brief pause before Fury spoke again, his tone growing more firm, "What's your next move, Natasha? You plan to bring her in? Someone with her power would be very useful—"
Natasha interrupted swiftly, her voice resolute and unyielding, "No, Director! Not yet. The girl just escaped being trafficked by twisted freaks who saw her only as a living medical kit. I'm not about to toss her to SHIELD like she's some commodity we can exploit. Powers or no powers, she's a person first, and she's terrified right now."
Fury's voice hardened slightly, irritation evident in his tone, "Natasha—"
She sharply cut him off again, her voice low and controlled, leaving no room for debate, "I'm serious. SHIELD might be the good guys, but if we treat her the same way those psychopaths did, how are we any different from them? That sounds a bit too close to slavery for my comfort."
Fury released a grudging, frustrated sigh but didn't push the matter further, clearly understanding Natasha wasn't backing down. "Fine. What exactly do you propose we do then?"
Natasha glanced out the window, her green eyes calmly tracing the distant expanse of clouds beneath them. "Asia will stay with me for now. She'll be under my protection while we're assisting Blake Himejima in Japan. That'll give me time to figure out what to do next."
She turned slightly, glancing up the aisle toward the front section of the luxurious private jet. There, Blake sat quietly beside his mother, Shuri, their heads lowered as they spoke softly. Pepper Potts was seated beside Tony Stark, the pair whispering in a tense but hushed conversation of their own.
Natasha returned her attention to the phone, voice composed and confident, "I promise I'll keep her safe. When the girl is ready, she'll decide her own path."
A moment of silence stretched over the line. Coulson eventually spoke up, tone respectful yet firm, "Understood, Natasha. We'll follow your lead."
Ending the call, Natasha lowered the phone, allowing herself a rare moment of quiet contemplation. She leaned her head back, eyes briefly closing, before turning her gaze back to Asia. The young woman shifted slightly, letting out a soft sigh in her sleep.
– Blake –
I shifted restlessly in my plush leather seat, tension knotted tightly through my shoulders and back. My mind was racing nonstop since we'd boarded Tony Stark's private jet bound for Japan. We had finally found Akeno. After all this time, my sister was really within reach. I glanced down the aisle, feeling my jaw tighten slightly.
Across from me sat my mother, Shuri. She appeared equally anxious, her face showing clear signs of stress. Her eyes were narrowed and focused on nothing in particular, her long black hair spilling gracefully over her shoulders. However, her way of handling tension irritated me.
Shuri sat comfortably in Tony Stark's lap, his arms wrapped casually around her slender waist. Tony was rubbing gentle circles along her hips, murmuring soothing words into her ear. Occasionally, his hands wandered possessively lower, openly caressing her thighs. Despite my frustration, I noticed Shuri visibly relaxing under his attention, leaning back into him and sighing softly.
My irritation grew, but I couldn't say much. My situation wasn't exactly innocent either. Pepper Potts sat beside me, her head resting gently against my shoulder. Her soft red hair brushed lightly against my neck, her hand slowly rubbing soothing patterns across my back. Every now and then, Pepper turned her face slightly, pressing gentle kisses along my jaw and whispering comforting words into my ear.
"Relax, Blake," she whispered softly, her lips brushing tenderly against my skin. "Everything will be okay. We're almost there. I'm here for you…"
Damn, I really missed being comforted by a woman like this. I tried to relax, but it was difficult.
Tony suddenly spoke, amusement thick in his voice. "You know, Pepper, maybe you and I aren't so different after all. We clearly share a knack for calming down our sexy Japanese lovers."
Shuri instantly pouted at Tony's playful teasing, lightly smacking his shoulder in mock irritation. I shot him a glare, annoyed at his casual tone. Beside me, Pepper immediately flushed, her cheeks turning noticeably pink.
"We're not the same at all," Pepper quickly insisted, lifting her head off my shoulder slightly. She looked flustered, embarrassment obvious in her expression. "I'm just doing my best to be a good girlfriend!"
Girlfriend. That word caught me completely off guard. I paused, turning slowly to face Pepper directly. Her blush deepened as she stared down at her lap nervously, fidgeting with the hem of her business skirt. Her voice came out soft and hesitant, full of insecurity.
"You don't like hearing that?" she murmured quietly. "I mean…I know I'm not young and pretty like those mutant girls Emma and Jean. I'm not powerful like Tsunade or Shizune. I thought maybe…"
I didn't let her finish. My chest tightened at her vulnerable expression. I gently reached up, placing my hand under her chin to make her look at me. Pepper's eyes widened in surprise as I slowly shook my head.
"No, that's not it at all," I assured her firmly, letting sincerity fill my voice. I leaned closer, carefully pressing a reassuring kiss against her warm cheek. Pepper's breath hitched quietly at the intimate contact, her lips slightly parted. She looked into my eyes, clearly still uncertain. I took another step, brushing my lips softly against hers in a slow, deliberate kiss. Pepper responded instantly, leaning closer as our mouths lingered warmly together.
Tony loudly cleared his throat, pulling my attention sharply away from Pepper's soft lips. I looked over, eyes narrowing immediately as I saw Tony's hand blatantly shoved beneath my mother's shirt, openly groping her breasts. Shuri's breathing had already quickened, her lips parting slightly as a playful moan slipped from her mouth. She squirmed lightly in his lap, her hips shifting back against him as she shot me a quick, teasing glance.
"Tony… not in front of Blake," she murmured breathlessly, her words contradicting her obvious excitement. Tony just smirked knowingly, giving her breast a firm squeeze that had her gasping again.
I could hear Pepper's breathing pick up. Pepper didn't waste another second, clearly inspired by Tony's boldness. Her soft hand moved confidently between my legs, fingers gripping and rubbing my rapidly hardening cock through my pants. I let out a muffled grunt, my hips instinctively pressing up into her touch.
Tony chuckled roughly. "Looks like we're all pretty pent up," he said bluntly, openly kneading Shuri's breasts under her thin shirt. Her nipples were visibly erect beneath the fabric, pushing out obscenely against his fingers. "Lucky for us, my plane's got a few private bedrooms. Seems like we should put them to good use."
Tony didn't wait for any argument. He firmly lifted Shuri off his lap, standing quickly behind her. Shuri's cheeks flushed deeply, a clear smile playing at her lips as Tony's hand slid possessively down her waist to grip her shapely ass without hesitation. He began steering her toward the back of the plane, clearly eager to have her all to himself. Shuri followed eagerly, hips swaying provocatively with each deliberate step she took. She looked back and threw me a wink over her shoulder.
I just let out an exhale and shook my head.
Pepper stared after them, shaking her head slightly as she watched Tony openly manhandle Shuri into the private cabin. "Okay, maybe I'm just a little bit like Tony after all," she admitted breathlessly, her voice husky with desire.
Without waiting for my response, Pepper grabbed my hand firmly, pulling me quickly up out of my seat. I stumbled slightly at her insistence, but Pepper just grinned slyly, tugging me urgently down the aisle after Tony and Shuri. My cock ached against the restrictive fabric of my pants, my body painfully aware of Pepper's proximity and the eager sway of her hips beneath the tight business skirt.
I followed obediently, watching Pepper's ass move enticingly in front of me, barely hidden beneath the snug, professional fabric. As we reached the back of the plane, Pepper wasted no time shoving open the door to the nearest bedroom cabin. She pulled me swiftly inside, shutting the door decisively behind us with a heavy click, leaving us completely alone and away from prying eyes.
I barely had time to catch my breath before Pepper pressed herself firmly against my chest, eyes locked intently with mine. Her fingers immediately went to work at my belt, unbuckling it eagerly as she pressed her lips hungrily against mine again.
…
"Fuck yes! So big!" Pepper's fully naked body moved enthusiastically on top of me, her tight pussy gripping my cock perfectly with every deep, eager bounce. The rhythmic jolts of the plane's mild turbulence added an extra intensity, shaking her slender, toned body as she ground herself down on me harder. Her soft, modest tits bounced enticingly each time she flexed her thighs, pink nipples stiff and visibly erect as she rode me relentlessly.
My hands eagerly explored her soft curves, gripping her hips firmly and guiding her movements. Her pussy was soaking wet, dripping and squeezing hungrily around my cock each time she slammed down onto me.
Pepper's head tilted back as she moaned loudly, completely unashamed of how her body responded to mine.
"Yes, Blake…fuck, you feel so good inside me," she gasped breathlessly, her voice filled with unrestrained desire. Her eyes closed tightly, lips parted in an expression of pure pleasure as she moved even faster, harder, her pussy tightening around my cock with every thrust.
"God, Pepper…" I groaned deeply beneath her, my fingers digging possessively into the soft flesh of her thighs, holding her steady as she fucked herself harder onto my cock. She was stunningly gorgeous in the most genuine, human way—her skin flushed deeply, slick with sweat, hair sticking messily to her flushed cheeks. The open, needy expression on her face made my pulse race, cock throbbing almost painfully inside her tight cunt.
Pepper leaned forward slightly, her nails scratching lightly across my chest as she continued to bounce enthusiastically on my shaft. I moved my hands upward, gripping her ass cheeks firmly, spreading them apart to thrust up into her dripping pussy even deeper.
Pepper gasped sharply at the sensation, her pussy spasming uncontrollably around my cock. "Fuck, Blake! I'm cumming—oh fuck, I'm cumming all over your cock!" Her voice broke into a loud, desperate cry as her orgasm hit her violently. Her thighs trembled uncontrollably, her cunt contracting powerfully around my cock, milking me with incredible intensity.
I couldn't hold out any longer. I groaned deeply, thrusting upward with desperate force as my balls tightened sharply. Pleasure erupted through my cock as I began spurting thick ropes of hot cum deep inside Pepper's quivering pussy.
She shuddered harder on top of me, moaning deeply with unmistakable pleasure. "Yes—oh God, Blake, fill me up! Fuck, I love feeling your cum inside me…" Pepper panted against my chest, riding out each intense spurt of my orgasm, her pussy greedily squeezing and fluttering around my cock as if determined to milk every drop.
As the intense sensations slowly subsided, Pepper collapsed forward onto my chest, breathing heavily. Her sweat-slicked skin pressed against mine, her slender body warm and soft as she relaxed completely against me. I wrapped my arms tightly around her back, my cock still pulsing faintly inside her soaked pussy. Pepper murmured contentedly, gently pressing soft, lazy kisses along my collarbone as we caught our breath together, enjoying the peaceful aftermath.
Pepper snuggled in closer against my side, her warm, bare skin pressed flush against mine beneath the thin sheets. My arm curled gently around her shoulders, pulling her comfortably closer as we lay there, still breathing softly from our recent exertions. My cock remained semi-hard against her belly, its heat and thickness evident through the thin barrier of the bedding. Fallen angel stamina definitely had great perks, despite cumming hard moments ago, I still felt ready for more.
Though, for now, I calmed down and was a lot less stressed.
Pepper shifted slightly, lifting her head so our eyes met. Her red hair fell around her flushed face in tangled, sweat-dampened waves, the soft strands brushing pleasantly against my chest. She leaned in slowly, pressing a gentle, lingering kiss to my lips. When she drew back, her eyes sparkled contentedly.
"That was amazing," she murmured warmly, fingertips tracing slow circles over my chest.
I chuckled quietly, squeezing her gently. "Yeah, it really was."
Her expression softened further, turning slightly apologetic. "I'm sorry about earlier," she said hesitantly, glancing toward the cabin door. "I mean Tony…being so bold with your mom right in front of you. That was probably uncomfortable."
I shrugged easily, shaking my head slightly. "Honestly, it's fine. It's not exactly the first time I've seen Shuri in a compromising situation anyway. I've seen her naked already. Back in that other world, we visited hot springs a few times. She never was shy about nudity." Although that was when she was in a body that I would have had no interest in seeing naked. She was definitely a lot different now that she was in a mature body again.
Pepper's eyes widened slightly, clear interest lighting her expression. "Really? Hot springs? You know, Japan has hot springs too, right?" Her voice grew increasingly enthusiastic. "I've never actually been to one. I'd love to experience that sometime."
I smiled warmly, turning slightly toward her and brushing some stray hair gently behind her ear. "I'd love to go there with you, Miss Potts," I told her sincerely, leaning in and pressing another tender kiss against her lips. Pepper sighed happily into the kiss, returning it eagerly.
She pulled back just slightly, smiling softly. Her eyes grew more thoughtful. "But first things first. You're finally about to meet your long-lost sister. Ten years apart…that's such a long time. I honestly can't even imagine how you're feeling right now," she said softly, her voice full of sympathy.
I took a slow, deep breath, the reality of seeing Akeno again briefly sinking in. I shook my head slightly, offering her a faint smile. "Yeah, honestly it still feels unreal. I'm not even sure how it's going to go. But I'm glad she's doing alright. At least she's attending a really prestigious school," I added with a dry chuckle.
Pepper smirked playfully, nuzzling closer against me as her lips pressed softly to my neck. Her breath felt warm against my skin as she teased, "And here I am, tangled naked in bed with a high-school dropout."
I laughed, shaking my head in mock indignation, giving her hip a playful squeeze beneath the sheets. "Hey now, I'm a high-school dropout with a big cock. Don't forget that very important detail," I teased back, grinning at her confidently.
Pepper rolled her eyes dramatically, though a smile tugged insistently at her lips. "Oh, of course. How could I ever possibly forget about that?" she retorted dryly.
…
Tony and I were the first to emerge from the private bedrooms in the back, stepping out into the main cabin of the plane. I adjusted my shirt carefully, smoothing it down as I glanced behind me. The girls were definitely going to need a bit longer to make themselves presentable. Especially Pepper was going to need a quick shower.
I noticed the young blonde woman that Agent Natalie Rushman had rescued earlier was awake now, sitting upright quietly in her seat. Her striking green eyes darted around nervously, lingering curiously on Tony and me as we walked toward the seating area.
I sat down heavily in one of the plush leather chairs nearby, exhaling slowly as my body relaxed. Tony dropped casually into the chair across from me, already reaching toward the small but fully stocked liquor cabinet nearby. He poured two generous glasses of amber whiskey and handed one to me with a knowing wink.
"Don't tell your mom," Tony said with a mischievous grin.
I rolled my eyes at his antics but took the glass anyway, bringing it to my lips for a cautious sip. The strong liquid burned sharply going down, causing me to cough involuntarily, my eyes watering slightly from the sting!
"Are you okay?" a soft, gentle voice asked from nearby.
I glanced up quickly, meeting the worried gaze of the pretty blonde girl in the nun outfit. Her green eyes were wide and sincere, framed beautifully by strands of loose golden hair. The nun outfit she wore seemed oddly provocative, now that I was actually paying attention—short enough to show her smooth, pale thighs and tight enough to accentuate her delicate curves.
Was that supposed to be sexy cosplay? Natasha had run off earlier after we killed those fallen angels on the highway, and then she had come back with this girl, meeting us at the airport. No one had asked the spy any questions yet.
I cleared my throat, managing a sheepish nod. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just not used to drinks like this."
Tony laughed out loud as he took a smooth sip from his own glass. "It's probably Blake's first encounter with a real man's drink," he teased easily. He turned his dark, playful gaze toward the blonde girl next. "So, what's your story, young lady?"
The girl blushed deeply under Tony's direct gaze, her slender fingers nervously playing with the hem of her skirt as she shifted in her seat. "Oh…um…my name is Asia Argento," she began softly, her voice delicate and shy. "Miss Natasha rescued me earlier. From… bad men."
I raised an eyebrow, turning my gaze to Natalie, who was seated calmly nearby, observing us silently with her typical unreadable expression. "So," I said slowly, "we finally get to know your real name, Miss Spy? Natasha, huh? That's not too different from Natalie. Or is Natasha another fake name too?"
Natasha rolled her eyes, letting out an irritated sigh as she crossed her arms defensively beneath her chest. "Natasha's my real name. Don't tell anyone," she said sharply, her tone laced with clear annoyance despite the faint pout forming on her lips.
Tony chuckled softly, leaning back in his seat casually as he swirled the whiskey in his glass. "I already knew it, of course," he announced smugly. "SHIELD's servers aren't exactly difficult to hack."
Natasha instantly shot him a sharp glare, her eyes narrowing dangerously. Tony only smiled back, clearly unbothered by her reaction. Asia glanced between the two of them uncertainly.
I took another careful sip from my whiskey, managing not to cough this time as I watched their exchange with mild amusement. Natasha's gaze met mine briefly, her expression softening slightly with a resigned sigh.
"Fine," she said quietly, leaning back in her seat and shaking her head. "You got me. My full name is Natasha Romanoff. Now let's all move on and pretend this didn't happen…"
Tony lifted his glass toward her in mock salute, still grinning broadly. "Cheers to that, Agent Romanoff," he teased lightly.
I relaxed deeper into my seat, chuckling softly under my breath. Asia caught my eye again, giving me a small, shy smile. "Nice to officially meet you, Asia," I said warmly, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'm Blake, by the way."
"Nice to meet you, Blake," she replied softly.
I shifted slightly in my seat, giving Asia a reassuring smile. "You don't have to worry, Asia. Those fallen angels who were after you—we took care of them. They won't bother you again, especially now that we're headed to Japan."
Asia squirmed nervously in her seat, biting softly at her lower lip as her bright green eyes darted between Natasha, Tony, and me. "Well, actually," she began hesitantly, "Mister Dohnaseek mentioned something about us going to Japan. He said that more of his fallen angel friends were already there waiting for us to arrive."
Tony coughed roughly, choking on the whiskey he had just swallowed, quickly giving Natasha a pointed, flat look. "Really? Why are we bringing her then?"
Natasha raised an eyebrow, turning slowly toward Asia, giving her a patient yet stern smile. "You know, Asia," Natasha began carefully, "that might have been useful information to mention earlier..."
Asia blushed deeply, her delicate cheeks turning bright red. She lowered her eyes shyly, fingers nervously twisting the hem of her nun outfit. "I'm sorry… I guess it slipped my mind with everything else happening. I was just so happy to get rescued…"
"Don't worry about it, Asia. It's fine—I'll make sure you stay safe no matter what happens." I added a playful wink to ease her nerves, hoping it would reassure her.
Something about this girl could just make you want to naturally protect her. Maybe it was the genuine kindness vibes she gave off.
Tony immediately chuckled, looking highly amused. "Well, well, would you look at this little Casanova Junior over here," he teased, eyes gleaming mischievously as he sipped his whiskey.
For a brief moment, I considered flinging my whiskey glass directly at Tony's smug head, but I stopped myself. Mom would probably be upset if I messed up Tony's face. For some bizarre reason beyond my understanding, she actually seemed to enjoy it.
Tony leaned back casually, his attention shifting back to Asia. "So, Asia," he began bluntly, "what exactly makes you so special that those fallen angel creeps were willing to kidnap you? Also, are those nun robes authentic, or are you just into sexy cosplay? Because, I've gotta say, that outfit looks way too tight and thin to be a standard church issue outfit."
Asia immediately flushed crimson, her eyes widening with embarrassment as she quickly pulled at her skirt, attempting unsuccessfully to cover more of her thighs. "I-it's real! It's an authentic nun's habit, I promise!" she stammered shyly, mortification obvious in her tone.
Really!?
I couldn't help mumbling quietly under my breath, still staring at her slender curves appreciatively, "When exactly did the church get awesome?"
Tony's smirk widened further as he heard my comment, nodding subtly in agreement before returning his focus to Asia. "Alright, fair enough. So, what's your actual story, kid?"
Asia took a shaky breath, seeming to compose herself. She leaned forward slightly, eyes fixed nervously on her hands folded tightly in her lap. "I was born blessed by God," she began softly, voice trembling slightly. "Ever since I can remember, I've had the power to heal any injury or illness. The Church raised me as their Holy Maiden, dedicated to using my gift for God's work." Her expression grew increasingly sad, her voice dipping lower. "But…a few days ago, I accidentally healed a devil. I didn't realize what he was until afterward, but they didn't care about that. They said I betrayed the Church, that I was tainted and impure." Asia's voice broke slightly at the end.
Natasha cleared her throat suddenly, drawing everyone's attention. "I probably shouldn't mention this," she began cautiously. "But my partner, Coulson, thinks there's an inside job at play here. The Church may have been corrupted by… devils." She emphasized the last word with finger quotations, shaking her head slightly in annoyance. Her voice grew quieter, tinged with frustration. "Honestly, I miss the days when things were simpler—terrorists and war criminals were enough to deal with. Now it's devils, angels, fallen angels, and monsters. When did the world get this insane?"
Tony raised an eyebrow. He turned to Asia with clear curiosity, leaning forward slightly in his seat. "So, your powers—are we talking literally any injury? No matter how serious?"
Asia nodded slowly, looking unsure but sincere. "Yes, I've healed all kinds of wounds and illnesses. There's nothing I haven't been able to fix so far."
Tony hesitated briefly before lifting his shirt casually, exposing the glowing blue arc reactor embedded deeply in his chest. The device emitted a soft, steady hum, illuminating his skin with its cool blue glow.
Asia's eyes widened in immediate horror and concern. "Oh my!" she gasped softly, her slender hand covering her mouth. Her green eyes stared intensely at the bizarre mechanism. "H-how did that happen?"
Tony chuckled dryly, tapping the reactor with his fingers. "I built it myself. Shrapnel from an explosion was headed straight for my heart. The reactor keeps the fragments from killing me, at least for now."
Asia studied it closer, clearly fascinated despite her horror. "I could heal that," she murmured, confidence building in her quiet voice. "I've fixed injuries worse than that many times. I can help you if you want." She made the offer.
Blake was surprised to hear she could heal that. Even Tsunade would struggle with this kind of injury Tony had.
Tony's eyes widened, surprise swiftly shifting into clear excitement.
But before he could speak, Natasha interjected firmly, her tone leaving zero room for negotiation. "No. Absolutely not," Natasha stated sharply, eyes narrowed protectively. "Asia's been used her entire life because of her healing powers. The Church exploited her gift and rewarded her by abandoning her. You won't do the same to her!"
Tony looked genuinely offended, scoffing loudly. "Hey! Who exactly do you think you're talking to, Romanoff?" He straightened up indignantly, turning directly toward Asia. "I would never exploit someone without fair compensation. Asia, listen carefully—I'll give you ten million dollars after taxes, full United States citizenship, and a free ride through any college you choose. I'll even bribe your professors if your grades aren't great."
I couldn't help but whistle at that. Yeah, a universal constant was that Healers got paid. As soon as Tsunade pulled herself out of her funk, after having met me, she started raking in the clients.
Asia stared at Tony blankly, her mouth slightly agape, clearly overwhelmed and in shock.
Natasha sighed heavily, shaking her head but visibly softening. "Fine, Stark. That's… acceptable, I suppose."
I chuckled softly. "You're sounding a lot like Asia's mom right now, you know that, Natasha?" I asked her.
I wasn't expecting her reaction though.
For a second, Natasha's expression turned visibly startled. Her composure wavered before she quickly covered it with a faint smile. "Asia's not that much younger than me. I'd rather be her big sister—if she'd even accept someone like me." Her voice was softer, vulnerable.
Clearly I stepped on a drama landmine there with my words.
Asia finally snapped out of her shocked state, tears pooling quickly in her green eyes. Without any hesitation, she jumped up from her seat, her short nun outfit swaying provocatively around her slender thighs. In a few quick steps, she threw herself into Natasha's arms, hugging her tightly. "I'd love to have a big sister, Natasha!" she cried emotionally, pressing her face against Natasha's shoulder.
Natasha initially stiffened in surprise, but quickly relaxed, her arms instinctively wrapping securely around the emotional girl. She looked genuinely moved, gently stroking Asia's blonde hair.
…I walked off the plane with Pepper at my side, our fingers intertwined as we entered the private section of the Tokyo airport. Her hair was still slightly damp from her quick post-sex shower, and her skin seemed to glow softly under the bright airport lights.
Pepper leaned gently into my side, glancing around curiously. "You know, I feel like I missed quite a bit while cleaning up back there," she pointed out.
I chuckled softly, giving her a teasing grin. "Yeah, you did miss a few things. Don't worry—I'll fill you in later," I reassured her. Then my expression grew slightly more serious. "Oh, and I should probably mention we might have a few more fallen angels headed our way, planning to kidnap Asia and kill us in the process."
Pepper sighed dramatically, then casually patted her elegant purse with an easy, confident smile. "Well, it's a good thing I brought my gun, then."
My eyes widened instantly, and I quickly leaned in closer, whispering urgently, "Pepper! You probably shouldn't say stuff like that out loud in an airport!"
She rolled her eyes dismissively, letting out an amused laugh. "Relax, Blake. We just stepped off Tony Stark's private jet. He's a famous arms dealer—people practically expect him and his secretary to be armed to the teeth."
I let out an exasperated chuckle, shaking my head at her relaxed confidence. "Damn, Miss Potts, you're way more dangerous than I realized," I teased, giving her hand a firm squeeze and pulling her slightly closer against my side.
She visibly shivered under my touch, glancing up at me with a smoldering look, eyes sparkling mischievously. "And here I thought you already knew exactly how dangerous I could be," she whispered seductively, sending pleasant chills down my spine.
We shared an intimate smile before her attention shifted to something across the way. She nodded forward with amusement. "Oh, look. There's Happy."
I followed her gaze and saw Happy Hogan standing patiently near the exit, holding a neatly printed sign that proudly proclaimed, "Stark Family." His familiar stoic expression showed a hint of impatience—he'd obviously arrived ahead of us on an earlier flight to arrange transportation.
"Looks like Tony sent Happy ahead to get everything ready," I noted dryly. "At least someone around here is responsible."
Behind us, I heard Asia giggling cheerfully as she chatted animatedly with Natasha. Turning briefly, I caught sight of the two women walking close together, their fingers linked affectionately. Natasha wore a rare, gentle smile as she patiently listened to Asia's excited chatter, the blonde former nun was bouncing with enthusiasm as she looked around at all the foreign sights.
Well, for her it was foreign. For me it was… home? Or maybe I'd been gone for so long Japan wasn't my home anymore. I turned my head and saw Shuri and Tony getting off the ramp last. Home was wherever my new family was and hopefully that would include Akeno once we made it to the small town of Kuoh that was on the edge of Tokyo.
…Kuoh Town surprised me with how quiet and charmingly peaceful it was.
Even though it sat practically right on the edge of bustling Tokyo, the atmosphere couldn't have been more different. It felt like stepping into a calm sanctuary—tree-lined streets, neatly manicured hedges, and cozy little homes tucked behind small, tidy fences. The air was clean and fresh, carrying the faint fragrance of blooming cherry blossoms on the breeze.
Pepper had already booked us several spacious rooms at the best hotel in town—one of those upscale but charmingly modest places that exuded quiet luxury.
Tony, Shuri, Natasha, and Asia had settled in for the time being, but I found myself restless, a buzzing mix of nerves and anticipation pushing me outside. We had obviously managed to track down my sister's academic records through SHIELD, but oddly enough, they couldn't pinpoint her exact home address.
It was late afternoon—just a few hours past the time when Japanese schools usually let out. I wandered down a peaceful street alone, absorbing the gentle hum of everyday life. Every now and then, I'd pass a cluster of housewives chatting animatedly by a garden or doorway. Each time I walked past, the conversations paused abruptly, replaced by surprised gasps and rapidly reddening cheeks.
I couldn't help but smile warmly and wave politely each time, amused and slightly flattered by their reaction. A few of them even returned bashful little waves of their own, hiding shy smiles behind raised hands. It was flattering, honestly.
Maybe Tony's endless teasing about me being a "junior Casanova" had a kernel of truth in it after all.
Gradually, my path led me deeper into the heart of Kuoh, towards the impressive and renowned Kuoh Academy. It rose majestically ahead, elegant buildings looming behind a tall iron gate, surrounded by lush greenery and pristine gardens. Akeno spent every school day here…
I wondered if I'd be allowed to look around inside?
Lost briefly in thought, my body suddenly tensed as my supernatural senses prickled. A potent, unmistakable energy washed over me.
Devils were nearby. My eyes narrowed slightly as I paused, taking a slow, deep breath to hone in on the sensation.
They weren't stray devils—the malevolent, corrupt aura was missing—but their unmistakably demonic presence still made me cautious.
I turned slowly, scanning the nearby area. The energy originated from a park nearby, shaded by sprawling cherry blossom trees and dotted with secluded benches and walking paths. Curiosity got the better of me, pushing aside caution.
What exactly were devils doing in a quaint town like Kuoh, especially so close to my sister's school?
I moved toward the park with deliberate steps, focusing my senses sharply ahead. The closer I drew, the clearer the signatures became. Multiple devils, all radiating strong auras. Well, not even close to as strong as me. Maybe Chunin level in strength? That was my best estimate at least.
I emerged into the heart of the park, slowing my pace as I approached a beautiful marble fountain that dominated the central clearing.
But the calm setting was marred by a large, ugly stain of fresh blood splattered across the stone paving. My gut tightened, instantly alert—someone had obviously been killed here recently, though oddly enough there wasn't a body in sight.
Two young devils stood near the grisly scene, their eyes immediately fixing on me as I approached. They wore school uniforms, which surprised me. But they had no blood on either of them.
Were they investigating whatever happened here, or had they simply stumbled upon it by chance like me?
The taller one, a handsome blonde guy, looked around my own age—likely in his senior year or just starting college. His eyes narrowed sharply, warily assessing me with suspicion written clearly across his features.
Beside him stood a smaller, strikingly cute girl with soft silver hair that framed an almost doll-like face. She had a petite yet lithe figure, her uniform hugging subtle curves that instantly caught my appreciative eye.
…Strangely, looking at her gave me an odd, almost irresistible urge to reach out and pet her adorable head.
Their bodies visibly tensed at my approach, clearly wary of my presence.
"Another evil fallen angel," the blonde guy whispered urgently to his companion, voice pitched low but clear enough for my keen ears to pick up.
Well, shit. Not exactly the greeting I'd been hoping for. And really? I was evil just for being a fallen angel. That's racist…
The silver-haired girl let out a low, fierce hiss as she glared daggers at me. "Are you here to finish the job, bastard?" she spat venomously, fists clenching tight at her sides.
I suppressed an exasperated groan. Great, just my luck. Apparently, some rogue fallen angels—maybe even that bastard Dohnaseek's friends?—had already stirred up trouble here, and now these devils naturally assumed I was involved just because I walked by. Perfect.
Usually, my luck was much better than this…
I held up both hands slowly, showing my palms in what I hoped was a calming gesture, keeping my voice steady and reassuring. "Hey, easy there. I literally just arrived in Kuoh a few hours ago. I have no idea what's going on here—I'm not involved, I swear."
The blonde devil sneered coldly. "Nice try, fallen scum!" he shouted as his body suddenly blurred into motion. He shot toward me at high speed, instantly manifesting a black longsword from thin air.
He moved fast—impressively fast for most standards—but I'd trained extensively under Tsunade and then my mother.
In terms of speed, he was barely on the level of a high-tier Chunin at best.
His blade sliced toward my head in a lethal, sweeping arc.
ducked beneath the strike with practiced ease, feeling the displaced air rush over my hair. Before he could recover, I swiftly stepped forward and drove a controlled but powerful fist into his solar plexus.
The blonde devil gasped harshly, eyes bulging with shock and pain as the sword slipped from suddenly limp fingers, clattering loudly onto the stone pavement. His knees buckled beneath him, and he dropped heavily, doubled over as he desperately fought to draw breath.
"Yuuto!" The silver-haired girl's furious shout was filled with concern, her pretty features twisting into a snarl as she lunged toward me without hesitation. Her small fist was clenched tightly, launching directly toward my face with an intent clearly designed to rearrange my features.
Damn, why did they both insist on attacking my face? Wasn't there a rule that you couldn't hit handsome guys like me in the face!? If not, there should be!
I reached out and caught her fist mid-strike in my open palm. My fingers curled gently but firmly around her small hand, stopping the attack completely. But the force behind her punch genuinely surprised me—it packed an incredible punch for such a petite girl.
She had to be a Rook, I realized, recalling the limited knowledge my mother had briefly explained to me about devil peerages and how they worked. Which wasn't a lot as a former Shinto priestess from another faction.
The girl's eyes widened in stunned disbelief as she registered that I had effortlessly blocked her powerful strike. Her face, lips parted slightly in shock.
I smiled warmly, giving her slender fist a gentle, reassuring pat. "Relax," I urged softly, keeping my voice gentle and steady as I held her wary gaze. "I'm honestly not here to fight. Like I said, I literally just got into town."
She blinked several times. A faint blush suddenly rose to her cheeks at my casual touch, momentarily softening her fierce expression.
"Let her go!" the blonde guy—Yuuto apparently—gasped weakly from behind her, still clutching his chest as he fought to regain his breath. He glared up at me stubbornly, but his eyes were wary, clearly understanding now that he was thoroughly outmatched.
With a light sigh, I carefully released the silver-haired girl's hand, stepping back slowly and deliberately. I kept both hands raised slightly, continuing to project calm reassurance. "There, see? No harm intended. Just an unfortunate misunderstanding. Maybe we could start over without immediately trying to decapitate me?"
The two devils clearly still didn't trust me. Not that I expected them to. At least I didn't have to hit the cute girl. I know the ninja world had never even considered anything except gender equality but I still found myself hesitating when fighting women. I think that was Peter's uncle Ben's teaching about never hitting a woman.
The petite silver-haired girl quickly moved to Yuuto's side, slipping a slender arm under his shoulder to help him back onto his feet. Both of them stepped cautiously away, keeping wary eyes fixed firmly on me.
"Damn… You really hit hard," Yuuto grunted softly, wincing slightly as he regained his footing. His wary eyes locked onto me with newfound respect and lingering caution. "Exactly how many wings do you have, fallen?"
I felt a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of my lips as I casually shrugged. "Eight," I replied smoothly.
With a thought, I summoned my wings. The sharp, unmistakable sound of flapping filled the air as eight pitch-black feathered wings flared dramatically from my back in a single smooth motion.
Yuuto's jaw dropped slightly, eyes widening in astonishment, while the silver-haired girl gasped audibly, her pale face flushing slightly with shock. "Eight wings…" she whispered softly. "That's just one pair short of an Ultimate-class fallen…"
Yuuto shook himself, obviously stunned by the revelation. He eyed me incredulously, hesitating briefly before asking in a cautious voice, "Just how old are you, exactly?"
"Just turned eighteen a couple months ago," I replied simply, giving a casual shrug and folding my arms across my chest, wings stretching leisurely behind me.
"...Even younger than me and already so ridiculously strong," he muttered under his breath, almost grudgingly impressed. He gave a resigned sigh and fixed me with a wary but oddly respectful gaze. "You could obviously kill both of us easily if you wanted," he pointed out.
The silver-haired girl scowled slightly at his admission, clearly not thrilled to hear such blunt honesty from her friend, but after a tense pause, she reluctantly nodded her agreement. Her expression softened slightly, though her wariness remained apparent.
"Alright, Fallen. Who exactly are you, and why did you come to Kuoh?"
"My name's Blake," I replied, relaxing my wings again, letting them settle comfortably against my back. "As for why I'm here… I'm looking for someone I used to know. A personal matter." My voice remained friendly yet firm, intentionally vague.
I wasn't exactly eager to give these devils any unnecessary information about my sister.
After a brief hesitation, she asked, "So… you really aren't working with those other fallen angels currently causing trouble in town?"
I sighed softly, shaking my head firmly. "Nope, not even close. In fact, if they're the group I'm thinking of, we're probably enemies."
Her curiosity piqued further, she pressed, "And why exactly would that be?"
I chuckled softly, my lips curving into a teasing grin as I met her wary gaze. "That's for me to know and you to dot dot dot, cutie."
"C-Cutie?!" she repeated, voice rising slightly in embarrassment, her fierce glare intensifying adorably.
Honestly, she reminded me of a cute but grumpy kitten, and I couldn't help but chuckle again softly.
Yuuto looked away quickly, struggling to hide an amused smirk behind his hand, though he wisely kept quiet as the silver-haired devil continued glaring daggers at me.
"Anyway," I continued smoothly, refocusing my voice and expression into something more serious, "my friends and I will be staying in Kuoh for the next few days. I'd appreciate it if incidents like this didn't happen again." I kept my tone calm and even, but the implied warning was unmistakably clear.
Attack me or my family, and I will not hold back next time…
Yuuto met my eyes again steadily. He gave a cautious nod. "Understood. I suppose we'll see you around, Blake." He glanced down at the grisly bloodstain on the pavement beside us and grimaced slightly. "For now, we need to clean this mess up."
I nodded once before finally turning and slowly making my way out of the park, letting my wings fade from view with another subtle thought.
Behind me, their quiet murmurs drifted clearly through my heightened senses as I walked away.
"We need to report all of this to Rias," Yuuto whispered.
"Y–Yeah, she needs to know about that b–bastard," the silver-haired girl agreed reluctantly, still sounding adorably annoyed by my teasing.
Whoever this "Rias" was, it seemed she was their superior—perhaps their King?
XXX