Journey through all the multi-verse

The Jade Dragon: A Shop Full of Stories

The warm aroma of steeping tea leaves filled the Jade Dragon as the morning sunlight filtered through the wooden lattice windows. My humble tea shop had become a sanctuary for those seeking a moment of peace amidst the bustling world of heroes and quirks. Each day brought new faces and new stories, but some left an impression deeper than others. Today, I sensed, would be one of those days.

As I carefully arranged porcelain cups on the counter, the soft chime of the shop's bell announced a visitor. I looked up and blinked in surprise. A small white creature entered, walking upright with a sense of purpose. Its appearance was unlike anything I had seen before—part mouse, part bear, part... something else entirely. Intrigued, I couldn't help but smile. "Ah, a most unique guest! Tell me, are you some kind of spirit?"

The creature chuckled, its voice warm and intelligent. "No, though I've been called that before. My name is Nezu. And you must be Iroh, the proprietor of this fine establishment. I've heard rumors of your exceptional tea and couldn't resist investigating."

"Ah, Nezu! Welcome to the Jade Dragon," I said, bowing slightly. "It is an honor to host a fellow connoisseur of tea. Please, have a seat."

Nezu climbed onto one of the cushioned chairs with surprising agility. As I prepared a pot of jasmine tea, his sharp eyes roamed the room, taking in every detail. His gaze settled on a group of elderly patrons in the corner, their laughter and quiet concentration focused on a circular board with intricate tiles.

"What game are they playing?" Nezu asked, his curiosity evident.

"That, my friend, is Pai Sho," I replied, setting a steaming cup before him. "An ancient game of strategy and harmony. It is not just a pastime—it is a way to reflect on the balance of life."

Nezu's eyes sparkled. "Fascinating. Would you teach me?"

"Of course," I said, pulling a Pai Sho board from beneath the counter. "But be warned—it is a game that requires patience and an open mind."

Nezu proved to be a quick study. As I explained the rules and demonstrated a few moves, his sharp intellect absorbed everything like a sponge. Within minutes, he was devising strategies that challenged even my own experience. We played our first match, and while I held back to let him learn, it was clear he didn't need much assistance.

"You are a natural, Nezu," I remarked, impressed. "Your mind is as sharp as the finest blade."

He chuckled. "I find games of strategy to be most engaging. They reveal much about one's opponent—and oneself."

As we began a more serious match, Nezu posed a question. "Tell me, Iroh, what are your thoughts on the Hero Society?"

I leaned back, stroking my beard thoughtfully. "The Hero Society is a fascinating construct. It has noble intentions and achieves great deeds, yet it is not without its flaws. Heroes are placed on pedestals, expected to bear the weight of the world's hopes and fears."

Nezu nodded, his ears twitching. "An astute observation. And what of All Might?"

"Ah, All Might," I said, pouring us both more tea. "He is a remarkable man—a true pillar of strength and hope. But therein lies the problem. He stands alone as the symbol of peace. When a single pillar bears the weight of an entire structure, it may hold for a time, but eventually, it will falter."

Nezu's gaze sharpened. "You believe the Hero Society lacks support structures?"

"Precisely," I said, placing a tile on the board. "If many pillars rise together, the weight is shared, and the structure becomes unshakable. But to achieve this, heroes must learn to work in true harmony, not just as individuals pursuing their own glory."

Nezu fell silent, pondering my words as we continued the game. He was a formidable opponent, but as the match reached its climax, I placed the White Lotus tile in the center, completing a perfect harmony. "And thus, the game is won," I said with a gentle smile.

Nezu studied the board, then looked up at me, his expression contemplative. "You've given me much to think about, Iroh. Your insights are as profound as your tea is delightful."

"And you, Nezu, have shown me that wisdom comes in many forms," I replied. "I suspect this will not be the last time we share a game of Pai Sho."

He chuckled, rising from his seat. "Indeed. I shall return—not just for the tea, but for the conversation."

Nezu was more than a curious visitor; he was a kindred spirit, someone who understood the delicate balance of life and the importance of striving for harmony.

As Nezu prepared to leave, a peculiar tension filled the air. His fur bristled slightly, his sharp instincts warning him of a presence nearby—a large predator, perhaps. He turned, scanning the room, his eyes alert.

The sudden burst of energy came from the back of the tea shop. A young boy charged in, his laughter echoing through the space, his excitement radiating like sunlight. Behind him, a graceful woman entered her presence as calming as a gentle breeze.

Nezu's fur settled, though his curiosity remained piqued. He watched as the boy ran to Iroh, who greeted him with a warm smile and open arms. The interaction was pure, familial—a striking contrast to the complexities of the world outside. Nezu felt a newfound intrigue about this family and the dynamics within the Jade Dragon.

Nezu lingered for a moment longer, absorbing the scene before him.

Nezu pov

I had always trusted my instincts—they had been honed through years of survival and learning. As I prepared to leave the tranquil atmosphere of the Jade Dragon, a sudden, primal sensation swept over me. My fur puffed up involuntarily, a warning from my animal instincts that a large predator was nearby. The warmth of the tea shop seemed to grow sharper, more intense, as my senses heightened. I scanned the room, searching for the source of my unease.

That's when I saw him.

A young boy came charging in from the back of the shop, his laughter ringing out with unbridled excitement. His energy was almost palpable, like a flame dancing freely in the wind. But what truly caught my attention was the scent—faint but unmistakable. It clung to him, a unique aroma that reminded me of a fox. It wasn't the scent of a typical animal, but something... more. My instincts prickled, cautioning me to remain alert.

Then I noticed her.

Trailing behind the boy was a woman of such grace and beauty that, for a moment, I forgot my initial alarm. Objectively, she was the most stunning individual I had ever seen. But beyond her appearance, there was an air about her—calm, serene, yet carrying an underlying strength that was impossible to ignore. My unease shifted into intrigue.

It took me a moment to place her, but then I recalled where I had heard her name before. Recovery Girl had spoken of her recently—a healer whose work was quickly becoming renowned in the medical community. Recovery Girl had expressed a strong desire to meet her, praising her achievements and innovations. To see her here, in this unassuming tea shop, was both surprising and oddly fitting.

As I observed, Iroh glanced in my direction and noticed I was still there. He smiled warmly, his ever-present calm as inviting as the tea he served. "Ah, Nezu, it seems you haven't yet met my family," he said, gesturing toward the pair. "Allow me to introduce my sister-in-law, Tamayo, and my nephew, Kirito."

The boy—Kirito—grinned at me, his dark eyes sparkling with curiosity and mischief. Tamayo inclined her head in a graceful bow, her expression gentle yet composed. I returned the gesture, my curiosity now fully piqued.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," I said, keeping my tone polite but measured. "I am Nezu, principal of U.A. High School."

Tamayo's voice was soft and melodic as she replied, "The pleasure is ours, Principal Nezu. I have heard much about U.A. and its esteemed reputation."

Kirito, unable to contain his excitement, interjected, "Uncle! Mama got invited to a party, and we have been invited too!"

"A party, you say?" Iroh asked, his tone light and teasing. "Well, it seems we must prepare for an adventure, then."

Tamayo chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to diffuse any lingering tension in the room. "Yes, Kirito. We've been invited to a charity event, and I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to socialize."

I watched the interaction closely, noting the dynamics between them. Tamayo exuded a maternal warmth that was both endearing and commanding, while Kirito's energy seemed boundless yet grounded in his admiration for her and Iroh. There was something extraordinary about this family, something I couldn't quite place.

Iroh, ever the gracious host, poured another cup of tea and handed it to me. "Nezu, you are welcome to stay a bit longer. Perhaps you and Tamayo could share thoughts on the art of healing."

Tamayo smiled modestly. "I would be honored to discuss such matters, though I must admit my methods are somewhat unconventional."

I nodded, intrigued. "Unconventional approaches often yield the most remarkable results. Recovery Girl speaks highly of your work, and I'm sure there is much we could learn from each other."

We exchanged a few more pleasantries before I realized it was time for me to leave. As I made my farewells, that initial sense of caution returned briefly. My gaze lingered on Kirito for a moment longer than necessary. The fox-like scent, the energy he radiated—it was unlike anything I had encountered before.

Stepping outside the Jade Dragon, I couldn't shake the feeling that this family was far more than they appeared. Tamayo's poise, Kirito's mysterious aura, and Iroh's boundless wisdom—it all felt like pieces of a puzzle I had yet to understand. And yet, I felt certain our paths would cross again.

As I walked away, the scent of tea still lingering in my senses, I found myself pondering the complexities of balance, harmony, and the extraordinary people who seemed to embody both. Perhaps, I thought, the world is far more intricate than even I had imagined.

Lady Nagant's POV

The city streets stretched before me, dimly lit and eerily quiet. The rhythm of my boots against the pavement was the only sound accompanying me. My mind swirled with thoughts, heavy and relentless. I had been wandering for hours, lost in the labyrinth of my own despair.

Rumors had reached me through the grapevine of the Commission—whispers of failed operations, assets lost, and a woman who had slipped through their grasp. They had wanted her under their control, but something—or someone—had thwarted their plans. Normally, I would have ignored such chatter, but these days, everything seemed to weigh on me more heavily. Perhaps it was because the truth of my own existence within the Hero Public Safety Commission had become impossible to ignore.

Once, I had believed in heroes. I had dreamed of becoming one who could truly make a difference. But that optimism had been crushed under the weight of reality. The Commission had turned me into an assassin, trained to eliminate threats to their fragile order. Villains, corrupt heroes, and even innocents who dared to disrupt their plans—all of them became my targets. Their blood stained my hands, and no amount of justification could cleanse them.

My thoughts drifted to the children I had met not long ago. Their eyes had shone with admiration, their smiles pure and hopeful. They had reached out to me, wanting to shake my hand, and I… I couldn't do it. I had looked down and seen my hand covered in blood—not literally, but in the ways that mattered. I had pulled away, horrified at the thought of passing my tainted legacy to them.

The Commission would never let me leave. I knew too much. If I tried, they would silence me. Permanently. The realization was a prison of its own, one I couldn't escape.

A faint aroma wafted through the air, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. It was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold emptiness I felt inside. Without realizing it, I followed the scent, my feet guiding me to its source. I stopped in front of a small shop, the sign above reading "The Jade Dragon Tea Shop."

Inside, a man was tidying up, clearly preparing to close for the night. He glanced up and saw me standing there. His face broke into a warm, genuine smile, one that seemed to see straight through me. There was something in his gaze—an understanding, a quiet empathy that I hadn't encountered in years.

He set down his broom and walked toward me, his movements slow and deliberate. When he reached me, he didn't say a word. Instead, he opened his arms and enveloped me in a hug.

I froze, startled by the unexpected gesture. But then, something inside me cracked. The walls I had built around myself began to crumble, and before I knew it, I was crying. Not the silent tears I was used to, but deep, gut-wrenching sobs that seemed to come from the very core of my being.

The man said nothing, simply holding me as I cried. When my legs threatened to give out, he guided me inside and sat me down at a small table. The shop was warm and inviting, the air filled with the soothing scent of tea and herbs. He moved around the space with practiced ease, brewing a pot of tea and placing a steaming cup in front of me.

"Drink," he said gently, his voice as calm and steady as the sea.

I obeyed, wrapping my hands around the cup and letting the warmth seep into my skin. The tea was unlike anything I had tasted before—earthy and floral, with a hint of sweetness that lingered on my tongue. It was comforting, grounding, as though each sip was pulling me back to myself.

When my tears subsided, I looked up at the man who had shown me such unexpected kindness. "Thank you," I said, my voice hoarse. "I… I don't even know why I…"

"Sometimes," he interrupted, "the soul knows what it needs, even when the mind does not."

I introduced myself, offering my real name for the first time in what felt like forever. "Kaina Tsutsumi."

He nodded, a knowing smile on his face. "It is an honor to meet you, Kaina. I am Iroh, the keeper of this humble tea shop."

"Iroh," I repeated, the name rolling off my tongue like a balm. "Thank you, Iroh. For… for everything."

His eyes softened. "You carry a heavy burden, Kaina. Would you like to share it?"

I hesitated, but something about his presence made it impossible to hold back. I told him everything—my dreams of being a hero, the Commission's betrayal, the blood on my hands, and the crushing weight of it all. He listened without judgment, his expression thoughtful and compassionate.

When I finished, my tell I had expected him to recoil, to call me a villain, a monster, a false hero. To condemn me with the names I had already labeled myself. But he didn't. Instead, his words held no judgment, only a profound kindness that I couldn't comprehend. It left me both disarmed and oddly hopeful.

Pouring me another cup of tea, he spoke. "The world is rarely as simple as we wish it to be. Balance is difficult to maintain, and often, it is the innocent who suffer most. But your story is not over, Kaina. You have the power to choose what comes next."

"But how?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice. "I can't leave—they'll kill me. And even if I could, what use am I?"

Iroh leaned forward, his gaze steady. "A flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all. You have endured much, but you are still here. That means there is still hope. Perhaps your skills, honed for destruction, can now be used to protect, to heal. On your terms, not theirs."

His words settled over me like a warm blanket, their weight both comforting and challenging. I didn't have all the answers, but for the first time in years, I felt a glimmer of hope.

As I prepared to leave, Iroh walked me to the door. "Remember, Kaina," he said, "the path forward may be difficult, but you are stronger than you know."

I stepped out into the night, the scent of tea still lingering in my senses. The burden on my shoulders felt just a little lighter, and as I walked away, I found myself thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, there was a way out of the darkness after all.