#also some tests began yesterday at least in my district but the first one I am taking is today

[wuzhere75]

Good luck everybody

[sockablock]

I’ve had a small idea for a little while now, so I’m testing the waters with a first chapter! It’s a bit long, so excuse me there, but hopefully y’all enjoy reading! :3

—

It began with a letter that arrived one morning as Essek sat alone in the kitchen.

The courier himself had seemed just as surprised to be delivering a message to the reclusive Shadowhand, but a cursory glance at the carefully-folded envelope and a less-cursory casting of Detect Magic had signaled no foul play. So Essek took the letter, settled back beside the dining table, and floated over a glass of chilled juice for the reading.

His eyes flicked over the return address, and though it did seem familiar, it did not immediately spark recognition. His first real impression of the message was simply that of crisp, neatly-printed handwriting and the faintest whiff of…hmm. Lavender.

The letter began with a standard greeting.

To Shadowhand Essek Thelyss—

I hope you have been keeping well since we spoke. It has been some time, and I admit it is strange for me also as I realize this is likely the first letter I have sent you since our meeting.

He sipped the juice.

You are a busy man, and I would not intrude on your time if my request is unwelcome or unfeasible. But you see, in the time since we have ended the war and sealed away the Chained Oblivion—

Essek nearly spat out his drink.

He managed, in the proceeding moments, to weakly swallow, and shakily set his glass back onto the table. He cleared his throat once or twice. He gently coughed.

He picked up the envelope he had discarded earlier and quickly, the pieces fit together.

The Firmaments. Eastern district. The neighborhood where once, Den Thelyss had provided a house for a ragtag group of outsiders…

He snatched the letter back into the air.

—and semi-accidentally, though certainly also purposefully toppled the Cerberus Assembly.

Essek had to pause and re-read that sentence. It still didn’t sink in until nearly a minute later. He rubbed his temples, and resumed.

As such, it has befallen on I, and by extension the rest of the Mighty Nein to rebuild some of the arcane infrastructure of the Empire. To be more specific, in our meeting with King Dwendal’s court, a lord accused us of trying to cripple the nation by eliminating a powerful institution of magic and Beauregard volunteered that I would be the best candidate to replace it. One comment led to another, and perhaps it was our past efforts in politicking, or our recent defeat of the Maw of Eternal Darkness—

Essek wondered if he had any alcohol.

—but the court ultimately, shockingly, decided that I should be put in charge of creating and overseeing a new arcane academy for the Dwendalian Empire. And so, at the time in which I am writing you this letter, I have been appointed the Headmaster of a new Soltryce Academy, though I certainly will not be keeping that name.

It is with this in mind that I am writing to you now, my friend. For you see, despite the apparent confidence of my friends and my “superiors,” I do not believe I am capable of running a school on my own. Certainly not implementing the necessary infrastructure to have a school of any repute by the next century as well. And though I have my friends, and some resources, and an idea of where to start, the destruction of the Assembly and the Cobalt Soul’s anti-corruption efforts have left our nation in a sorry state regarding reputable mages. So, my dear friend, as we have worked together in the past, I have quite a large favor to ask.

And as Essek’s eyes continued scanning further down the page, the sinking sensation gripping his stomach was not helped by the decanter of plum wine that floated over to his table.

—

Meanwhile, beneath a shining sun on what seemed like the opposite side of the world, Caleb Widogast, the appointed head of a yet-to-be-named-academy was being berated by one of his closest friends.

Beau at least had possessed the decency to shut the tent flap so the army of woodworkers outside would not hear this.

“—suspicious! Caleb, there’s no way it’ll work. And not just because he’s the Shadowhand of the Bright Queen, also because…because…well…everything!”

“I think if he carried an umbrella during the day—”

“Not what I’m talking about,” Beau said. “I’m talking about literally every other problem that asking Essek to teach will cause, good gods.”

Caleb leaned back on the small wooden crate that was currently serving as his favorite chair. The slightly-larger crate he was using for a desk said “Honigblumen Brewery” on it.

“Well, nobody will be teaching for quite some time yet,” he said, “so we will have plenty of chances to work out the kinks.”

Beau shook her head at him, then took a seat. “I’m so far down disbelief city that I’m not even going to talk about the fact that you just said kinks.”

“I meant—”

She waved a dismissive hand. “I know what you meant, and here’s what I mean. Caleb, as much as I know you like Essek, there’s no way any of this is gonna work. First of all, he’s already got a job as the Shadowhand, and I doubt he’d wanna give up a cushy position like that to come work for a nothing-at-all school in the middle of the Empire.”

“Ja, I know, I know, I’ve thought about that—”

“And did you think about the part where he’s the fucking Shadowhand and you’ve asked him to come to the middle of the Dwendalian Empire to teach a goddamn gen-ed course?!”

Caleb was quiet for a moment. And then he said:

“Actually, I was thinking of asking him to take the more advanced levels—”

Beau reached across the ale crate to flick Caleb in the head. “And you don’t see a problem with that, at all? Caleb, for the gods’ sake, use your stupidly big head to consider the fuckin’ political ramifications of that. If the Empire catches wind of this, they’re gonna hate it, war over or not over. And I don’t even mean that in a ‘there’s gonna be shitty racism’ way, which is something else you’ll probably have to deal with later, I meant that in a ‘think about his last job description way.” And speaking of that, I mean, on Essek’s side, really, are you really expecting him to really settle down and help teach after he’s spent a lifetime—a human lifetime—being a military spymaster? Not to mention the fact that he’s a power-hungry war criminal who betrayed his own nation to get ‘arcane secrets’ or whatever. Seriously, dude, there’s no scenario where this goes well for you or him.”

At Caleb’s expression, Beau’s tone eased just slightly and she added, as a peace offering, “Really, dude.”

Caleb sighed. He scratched at his head.

“I…look. I…I think you’re right, but…there are also good possibilities of having him around. He is knowledgeable, he is skilled, I know his magic firsthand, and he has always been trustworthy—”

“Ha!”

“—for us, Beauregard. I think he is one of our best potential candidates, especially as he is only one of three so far. Just…trust me on this one, alright?”

She studied his face intently. The sheerness of the tent walls let in quite a bit of light, giving both of their eyes a faint, sunny sparkle.

With these two, though, it was more of a manic glint.

“What’s this really about?”

“Was?”

Beau leaned closer. “I said, what’s this really about? I don’t think that’s your only motivation. And if I’m gonna trust you, you’ve gotta be straight with me. I know you’re not an idiot, so I believe you when you say you’ve thought about the risks. What’s made them all worth it? What do you really think, and don’t give me that crap about him being a good teacher. You’ve got good teachers. Two advanced ones anyway, and you said yourself yesterday that the rest can be trained. So what’s up? What’s your real game here?”

Caleb floundered only slightly under the intensity of her stare.

“How long have we known each other now? No, fuck that, I pulled you out of the mouth of a forsaken god. Tell me, dickwad. Come on, it’s me.”

And after a moment, Caleb pinched his nose.

“It’s…it’s… it’s partially selfish. And…”

This, Beau understood. She nodded. “And…?”

“And…well, I…was thinking last night, after dinner, about who I want on this project. Aside from you all. And I realized…thinking about everything we have been through, that…for the most part, especially after our…revelations at sea, Essek is one of the people I want around. Largely because, well…”

He gave another sigh.

“Because I want to see what has become of our Xhorhastian friend. More importantly, I want to see if he has…or…could, ah, change.”

“Change,” she said flatly.

“Ja. I…I think I need to seem him change.”

“Because?”

“Because...” Caleb exhaled. “After everything we have been through, what we have seen, after fighting against the Assembly and watching so many mages crumble, I find myself searching for…assurance. Assurance that not every wizard is bad. Assurance that we even deserve this second change. And…if at all possible, what I most would like is to know that anyone, even the most driven and ambitious, the most ruthless, cutthroat, power—as you said, power-hungry—wizard can be shown that there is another way. That…ultimately, all of us can be redeemed.”

He looked back up, and raised an eyebrow. “I want to make this school a force for change. And I want to make it a place where we change, too. I said once before, and I still believe it is so, that Essek and I have a lot of things in common. It is time to see how much we can be changed.”

Beau did not answer for a drawn-out moment, but neither did she look away.

“I think you’re pretty changed, Caleb. That should be a point in your corner already.”

“That’s true,” and this time his smile was a little brighter, “but that is largely due to our group. I think Essek has gotten some of the Mighty Nein treatment, but probably not enough.”

“So…so is he your pet project now, or something?”

“Ach, no, nothing so…no. It is more of a…the thing is, Beauregard, I do consider him a friend. And we got so caught up with the Angel in Irons cult and then the Assembly that, well…it is just, before all that happened, I did like spending time with him.”

“Me too,” she waved a hand, “he had good wine, and when we got him in the hot-tub, he wasn’t that bad. Still don’t know if he’s worth all this. He’s a war criminal—yeah, I know what you and Jester think, but that’s what I think, and Veth agrees. Seriously, you never know, he could be too far gone, and I don’t want him near this school and project if it’ll put you in danger or risk anything.”

“We are no strangers to danger,” Caleb murmured. “And I…would like to think that with enough effort, nobody could be so far gone.”

Beau sighed. She leaned across the crate again, but this time it was to put an arm on Caleb’s shoulder.

“You’re really fucking stubborn, you know that?”

“Ja, so I have been told.”

“Essek has betrayed people before. His people, before.”

“Yes, but…” Caleb shrugged. “He also will probably be betraying his own nation to join this school.”

“Oh, good,” Beau grunted. “So at least he’s had some practice.”

—

By the time Essek had managed to re-arrange his thoughts into something even mildly resembling order, the letter in his hands was so thoroughly crumpled that all its corners were bent.

He attempted to smooth them back out. When this failed to be satisfactory, he put it back on the kitchen table.

A…teaching position at Caleb’s school. Well not Caleb’s school, but a new Empire Academy that Caleb would oversee. And they needed instructors, as well as mages to help build it, and he thought Essek would be a good fit…

Idly, he wondered if Caleb wanted a teleportation network, as many of the finest institutions had. He wondered if this was something he would have to organize.

Apparently, the Mighty Nein had defeated the Chained Oblivion in some obscure corner of the world, without most of civilization even noticing. But Essek remembered the readings that morning, remembered the clamor and panic in the Cathedral, remembered the theurgists in the Conservatory practically tearing themselves apart to understand what was happening. If their claims were true, and this wasn’t an elaborate prank on the Mighty Nein’s end, a large part of Essek vowed he would draw chalk circles for them forever, if they asked.

But a small part of Essek had the needling thought: why didn’t they tell me it was happening? I could have helped them.

He glanced back at the note.

Well, they were asking for help now, weren’t they? And if nothing else had changed, it was the simple fact that Essek would still do his best to help his friends.

There were just some minor complications to be dealt with.

Namely, what to tell the Bright Queen. And his—

He made a face.

—and his mother.

—

A few days later, Essek stood in front of his bathroom mirror.

It was a beautiful piece, made from polished volcanic glass and set into an ornately-twisted frame of dark metal. It was the perfect gift for someone who regularly floated around Rosohna being called the Shadowhand, but as far as mirrors actually went it left some details lacking.

Still, it served Essek well enough, and he’d never really gotten around to replacing it.

He stared into his dim reflection and slid a hand over his chin.

—

Elsewhere, another wizard stared too, but not into any reflective surface.

Veth’s eyes hadn’t refracted light like that for nearly two years, now. But Caleb could still feel the weight of her gaze boring into his skull as she searched for answers.

Eventually, she sat back.

“Alright. How?”

“Yes, I know it’s—was?”

“How?” she repeated, and steepled her fingers. “How are we gonna do it? He’ll need a disguise, right?”

There was a long pause as Caleb processed this. He managed, “You are…not mad?”

“Well, it’s not like I’m happy, but I trust you, Caleb. You have a reason?”

“Er…yes. I quite do.”

“So…alright, then.” There was a pause, then she added, “I am kind of annoyed you already sent the letter without asking, though.”

“Sorry.”

“I feel like I should ground you.”

“That, er…you can, if that makes you feel better.”

Veth genuinely seemed to consider this. Behind them, through the thin tent-walls of the office, they could hear a delighted child running circles around adults. They were, respectively, Luc Brenatto, having the time of his life shooting the Mighty Nein with wooden darts.

They were rounded off, of course. Yeza had seen to that with great care.

“No,” Veth sighed eventually. “No, that probably sets a bad example. I don’t think a professor can ground the Headmaster.”

“Head Professor, do not forget. I trust you the most out of everyone on this project. Not just because you are my friend, but you are qualified. And you really understand our mission.”

His tone of voice suggested that this was a conversation they had had many times. The way Veth’s face colored just slightly suggested she was still having trouble with the ‘qualified’ part.

Nevertheless, years of trained suspicion broke through the treacle-sweet flattery.

“But you didn’t trust me enough to tell me you were planning to ask Essek to come earlier,” she pointed out. “What did you think I was going to do?”

Caleb winced. “No, Veth, I…scheisse. That was…I was being impulsive that night. I…the idea occurred to me and I did not even hesitate to contact him. I…in retrospect, I should have.”

At least, to his relief, Veth nodded in response. “I get that,” she shrugged. “And like I said before, I am on board. You’re lucky I like you so much, Caleb. I don’t…care for Essek, but if this is what you want, I’ll…deal with having him around.”

“I am sorry again,” he said. “And, er…if it helps, you will also be his boss.”

Veth hadn’t been a goblin for years, but her eyes gleamed.

“Please be nice to him,” Caleb added.

“Nice?” Veth scoffed. “He’s not exactly nice.”

“He was nice to us—”

“Not Yeza.”

At the tortured grimace that passed across Caleb’s face, Veth sighed.

“Look, don’t worry, seriously. I was mostly kidding—I’m kidding! I just…you know that I have complicated feelings about Essek. In a…in a sort of way, I understand what he did. And I know where he’s coming from, I do. Lots of us are...well, we were pretty sketchy too. He really reminds me of the things we’ve done. But…he hasn’t shown nearly as much remorse as I’d like. And some of the things he’s done are—” She risked a glance up into Caleb’s impassive expression, “—I don’t like that he still doesn’t seem to care. But…he is a wizard, and I guess he’s our friend. So…if you can keep him from doing anything, I don’t know, very sketchy, then I’m on board. I trust you.”

Caleb’s expression went soft. He nodded.

“Thank you, Veth. I appreciate your cooperation in this matter.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“And I do hope that…well, I hope we can stop him from ‘sketchy’ things. In fact, ah…a small part of me is hoping that eventually, he will want to stop doing sketchy things all by himself.”

“Really?” Veth sounded more than skeptical. “How?”

Caleb shrugged. “The same way you and I did, no?”

—

Now Essek stood before the iron wrought gates that led into the expansive manor grounds of his family home. He could see, high above and a bit back, the five towers that made up the domain of the Umavi of Den Thelyss, long empty after all her children had moved on.

And, Essek recalled with a grimace, after his father had most probably, definitely, died.

It was a lonely castle. A feeling he could commiserate with, even in his smaller manor.

He straightened his collar. He knocked twice.

—

“By getting rich as adventurers.”

“By getting friends.”

—

“It is a surprise to see you here,” said Umavi Deirta Thelyss, Denmother of Den Thelyss and also Essek’s actual mother. “You rarely visit outside formal events and holidays.”

She did not add that Essek had totally missed the last two get-togethers, and thus must have been in a charitable mood. The rare—albeit leftover—tea blend that Essek had brought might have tipped the scale.

“I know, Mother.”

“I worry about you, of course.”

“I know, Mother.”

“And I’m certainly proud of what you’ve accomplished thus far.” At this, she took a sip of the Blooming Grove’s best. “I trust you are finding ways to keep yourself busy even during these times of peace?”

“Of course, Mother. Er…actually, it is partially that subject which I wish to address with you.”

His mother lowered her cup.

“Ah. So this is not purely a social call.”

“Er…no.”

She dabbed at the corner of her mouth, but Essek could have sworn she’d just smiled. Or, he backpedaled, at least tactfully smirked.

“Is this about access to the Beacons again, dear? As I always say, I can try to put in a word, but we have never been the den as involved in religious matters.” She paused, and tilted her head at him. “Is this about Consecution?”

“Er…no.”

“Oh. Well, then? Speak your mind.”

Under the table, Essek twisted at the hem of his sleeve.

“I, ah…well, that is…I’ve received a letter, Mother. An offer of…professorship. From…an Academy.”

This seemed to genuinely surprise the Umavi.

“Professorship? But…why?”

“Someone out there believes in my arcane prowess, apparently.” With the first sentence out of the way, Essek managed to sip his tea. Only a true observer would have noticed it falter slightly in its trajectory.

“Well,” said his Mother, trying to meet his gaze, “what a strange request to make of one already so gainfully employed. As the Bright Queen’s master of…let us call them the more obscure matters of state.”

When Essek did not match her eyes, she continued, “What sort of Academy is this, dear? Surely none in the Marble Tomes would write you in this way, and I find difficulty imagining you taking up permanent residence in Asarius. Which must mean…”

Essek sighed. His mother certainly was a true observer.

“Yes, Mother. It is outside the Dynasty.”

“Worse than that, I am sure.”

“Er…”

There was a sweeping of long robes as his mother leaned. She wasn’t wearing her headdress, but could loom without height, her sheer imposing presence doing the work just fine.

“Essek?”

He sighed again.

“Inside the Empire, Mother.” And because they had gotten this far, and he didn’t have much else to lose, he added, “Run by Widogast. Caleb Widogast, if you remember him, as well as a number of his friends, I gather. It is the…replacement institution currently being built to fill the void—”

“That the Assembly left, yes, I assumed.” She settled back, and a shifting of fabric indicated that she had crossed her arms. “And our dearly departed hero Widogast wants you to teach there?”

“And to assist him in establishing some of its curriculum and facilities, yes.” He tactfully ignored the ‘dearly departed’ bit.

“That would certainly be an odd career move for you, Essek. And surely, foreigner or no, he has spent enough time in our country to be aware of the implications of what he is asking.”

“Surely, Mother.”

“And as we all know, he has had training in Dunamancy these last years. I do hope his teacher had impressed upon him how vitally important it is to keep such training and knowledge a secret.”

For the first time since reading the letter, Essek paused.

In all his…well, excitement was not a word ever ascribed to the Shadowhand, but certainly in his anticipation to consider his offer, it had never actually crossed his mind that he might be asked to teach Dunamancy.

A small but very significant part of him riled.

Across the table, his mother drank some more tea. She was watching her son, who to his credit, had mastered the art of freezing his micro-expressions so swiftly that they could not be read. But without his mantle on, sitting in his mother’s tearoom, his hands were fidgeting up a storm across the table.

He probably hadn’t even noticed. She took another sip.

In a matter of seconds, Essek was back. He shook his head, and reached for a dry cookie.

“I think he is aware of the gravity of the situation. And I trust him to have already, ah…weighed the pros and cons.”

“And have you?” asked Deirta Thelyss, knowing the answer.

Essek bit down.

“I believe I have.”

—

“So…that’s it? We just wait for an answer, now?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think he’ll say yes?”

“Well, I certainly hope so.”

“How’s he supposed to tell you?” This one was Jester, leaning across a stack of milk crates. “He doesn’t have Sending, I’m pretty sure.”

There was a pause in the air as the Mighty Nein watched Caleb consider, and realize this.

“Oh,” he said eventually. “I, er…I had assumed he did.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Beau said. “How did you think he was going to answer back? You didn’t think Xhorhas had a postal service to Felderwin, did you?”

“I, ah, admit that—”

“Maybe you should check our mailbox in Rosohna,” said Fjord kindly. “He probably just sent it to the Xhorhouse, or something.”

Caleb faltered, and scratched the back of his head. “…scheisse. You don’t think he has been waiting all this time to answer already, has he? I had not even considered—”

“I would not worry about that.”

All of them turned as a voice outside the door drifted in through the thin walls of the tent.

Then the voice added:

“How do I…oh, there is a latch—”

But he did not manage to finish the assessment before Jester ran over, threw the flap open, and tackled Essek bodily in a hug.

—

“In that case, there is only one last thing to say.” The Umavi of Den Thelyss sat back in her seat. A thin trail of steam curled up from her cup.

“I forbid you from going.”

“Thank—you what?”

She steepled her fingers. “I say ‘no,’ Essek. I will not let you chase this Empire wizard across the continent to teach at his school.”

“I…but…that is not…Mother, why?”

The swiftness of his outburst answered the question for both of them.

She studied his gaze.

“Essek, you have a purpose here. You have a bright future, and a reputation, and glowing prospects and I will not let you squander that to go off spilling our nation’s secrets.”

Essek managed to bite his tongue just in time. His mother would not have liked his instinctual answer.

Instead, he choked out the words, “I’ll quit, then. I’ll defect. I want to do this. More than I have ever wanted anything else in my life.”

Later, he would wonder why he said that. Even later, later, he would wonder if that were true.

The oldest and nearly-youngest souls of Den Thelyss stared at each other across the tea table. Their drinks cooled, and somewhere high above, the sun began to rise over the city of Rosohna.

But down here, beneath the blanket of perpetual stars, the only light was from the low, flickering lamps along the wall.

“I would do anything,” one said.

“…is that so?” said the other.

—

He was released after the impact knocked his parasol aside and his skin very quickly, visibly, began to redden. They immediately ushered him into the tent, shouting and laughing and clapping him on the back all the way, though he noticed that despite the friendly reception from Jester, Caduceus, Fjord, and even Yasha, Veth seemed somewhat frozen in her smile, and Beau even less warm.

That was…probably to be expected, actually. He wondered if this might present an issue and was about to open his mouth, say something, until he noticed a figure striding across the tent floor, side-stepping a stack of crates, and taking him by the hand.

Essek met his eyes. It had been some time, since he saw those eyes. Then he blinked.

“By the light, Caleb, you have grown a beard.”

There was a pause, and then Caleb laughed, and that was new too. Essek always forgot how quickly humans could change.

“I had meant to shave it before you arrived,” Caleb admitted. “It is, ah, a product of sleepless nights overseeing the construction of a new school.”

“It’s terrible,” Jester said. “It makes you look old.”

“I can fix this now if needed,” said a voice, followed by the sound of an unsheathing sword.

“Er…maybe…later, bitte?”

And Essek couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “I nearly forgot how boisterous all of you are, all the time. I have…” He turned, faced the Mighty Nein. “My life has not been nearly as interesting without you in it.”

“Well then, welcome back,” Caduceus gave a smile.

And even Veth, despite their…history, stepped forward.

“I said it once before, didn’t I? Welcome to the Mighty Nein, Essek.”

She even stuck out a hand for him to shake.

—

“I want you to report back everything to me. And when the time comes, when your Headmaster is summoned to the castle, I want you to go with him.”

“But…Mother, why?”

Her voice was nothing but gentle as she addressed her son.

“It is well-known that King Bertrand Dwendal has no heirs. And rules over quite a…combative court, with an iron fist.”

She leaned in even closer.

“What would happen to the Empire, do you think, if he was removed from that picture?”

—

And somewhere else, on what felt like the opposite side of the world, Caleb put an arm around Essek’s shoulder, and grinned.

“It is good to see you again, my friend.”

Essek’s lip twitched into what could approximately be called a smile.

“Good to see you as well,” he said.

[astronomoney]

This story was made by @tomatosamla and @le-green-lion and inspired by that one Oogway quote and the villain from spy kids 4 because why the fuck not

Summary: The Teen Titans of the future are sucked into the past where they run into their parents and must work together to get back to their own time

Word Count: 2.1k

Warnings: cursing, time travel, speedsters (they deserve their own warning)

Gifts

Chapter One: A Twist in Time

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift! That is why it is called present.

-Oogway

The day was as clear as Gotham could be. Batman and the Teen Titans were battling the villain known as Tick Tock, another Arkham wannabe that was kinda powerful in his own right, he was able to slow down time which definitely gave him advantage over the team, thankfully the speedster was able to do more damage than the rest (thank you superspeed).

"Damnit," Andromeda Kent cursed as time slowed once again. "I can't land any hits on this guy!"

"Just keep trying," Thomas Wayne shouted back. "He can't keep this up forever so we just need to outlast him! Kid Flash, go right!" He threw an exploding batarang at the villain and it moved in slow motion, drifting towards Pamela West who used her Super speed to give it an extra boost. Even with her help Tick Tock still had time to casually side step and avoid getting hit, luckily Nobody had planned for this and the batarang exploded next to the villains head.

He was thrown off balance and the effect of his powers disappeared giving Jaiden Pham a chance to use their powers. With the Green Lantern ring they tied up Tick tock so he couldn't slow the time. The Teen Titans walked over to him cautiously and Pam spoke up.

"Haha we stopped you! You really thought you'd get away with it butcha didn't cause we're here! The Teen Titans can stop anyone who threatens the innocent!" she rambled in true speedster fashion.

The villain laughed. "Do you really think you've defeated me? I'm offended. You must think of me as any old cheap bad guy without a backup plan. Well children, that was your first mistake." A swirling light came out of the ground underneath him, it stretched and began sucking things in. The heros were taken by surprise and none of them had time to react before they were sucked into the void.

Batman was the only person left on the road.

"KIDS!" screamed Damian as he saw his children fall into the portal, he reached out to grab them but they were already gone.

The Titans landed in a hard surface face first, Caipora was the first one to react, she tried attacking Tick Tock but he once again used his powers, she was able to land a hit thanks to her super abilities. Thomas once again began giving orders, until he saw his brother.

"Orphan! What the fuck are you doing here?!"

"I don't know. I was collecting intel and then I landed here!" he replied.

"Watch out!" screamed a guy in the... Robin costume?

"What the he-" said Kai, right before being pushed aside by none other than the Yara Flor herself, but she was younger...?

Tick Tock tried using his tricks once again, this time accelerating time (which none of them had seen before) in order to send Pam flying with too much speed for anyone's liking, Jai West was able to catch her in time.

"What is going on?" this time spoke Minh, Damian was... confused to say the very least, why was this kid dressed as him? Were these teenagers cosplaying or playing dress up? Those costumes looked like real hero stuff, so what the hell was going on?

Andromeda launched herself towards Tick Tock once more, the villain accelerated time again and Superboy came to catch her as the time warper slowed time once more. Damian started barking orders to all the heroes, he figured the abilities of those weird teenagers just by observing, maybe they would serve a purpose. Together the two teams tied Tick Tock once again, Damian touched his communicator in order to contact the batfam and take this dangerous villain to Arkham, in the meantime, they needed to talk.

Tick Tock laughed at their attempts to catch him before slowing time so much that they could barely move. "As fun as this is, I really must be going. I'm sure I'll see you all later." And with that he disappeared behind a corner leaving two generations of Titans behind, and one of those generations stranded.

Once the villain was far enough away his powers wore off and everyone was released from the time trap. Damian, kind of frustrated, went over to someone who was dressed like Nobody, first as he assumed that was the leader.

"Do you know that guy?"

"Yeah, an Arkham villain, before today we didn't think much of him, but now... I don't know."

"I don't know any Arkham villain with those abilities."

"Seriously? He's one of the popular ones."

Damian looked at him with just a brow raised, not much else in his face, Thomas eyes widened, he looked around and saw every other hero there, his sister gave him a confused look as he began to kinda panic.

"You're R-r-obin... the fifth Robin."

Damian moved his head in surprise, the other Titans started to figure out as well and they also started to panic.

"Yes, who are you?"

He didn't know if he should tell him, Thomas looked at his teammates and all of them nodded their heads, he took his mask off, Damian formulated a theory before the guy talked (they looked way too similar to him to be a coincidence), boy was his theory wrong.

"I'm your son."

Everyone of the present Titans froze at that, "What?"

"My name is Thomas Wayne, this is my brother-" he said signaling for his siblings to come over, "Jackson Wayne, and my sister... Minh Wayne." Damian was in shock, he kinda believed him because the similarities are way too many to ignore, still, he wouldn't totally believe them until he made some DNA tests.

Andromeda went over to Jon and Yara, "Mom... Dad-" she said, hugging them, they reacted kinda late, Jon totally believed her right that instant and hugged her back, Yara on the other hand wasn't quite sure.

Pam on the other, other hand didn't make any sentimentalism shit and just launched herself to her father, Jai didn't react right away, it took him a moment to process.

The Pham kids firstly went to Lian and then, smiling, Kai signaled his dad to come join them in the not so comfortable hug, Tai was shook, and drama completely ensued, because... well... he was not dating Lian... he was dating Mar'i.

"Wait a second, you're saying that you guys," Lian motioned towards the future Titans. "Are our," she pointed back at her team. "Kids? More specifically me and Tai have... kids?" She was definitely in shock as she looked over at Tai.

Mar'i stepped forward and spoke up. "That can't be right. I mean I'm dating Tai but if you guys are supposed to be their kids then," She paused as if trying to figure out how to word the question. "Then what happens to me?"

"YOU GUYS DATED?!?" Pam exclaimed before anyone else could say anything. "You never told me that!"

"KF, now's not the time." Thomas jumped in, he realized how confusing the situation was and he wasn't too sure what happened either but he did know they'd be better off talking about it somewhere more secure. He turned to Damian who still looked sceptical about everything. "You probably don't believe us and won't want to take us back to your base so why don't we head to a safe house. Is the one on Schapp avenue up yet?"

"We don't have any safe houses on Schapp avenue but I do know of a place nearby." He glanced at Jon, his eyes told the super to be alert. The Future Titans looked, acted, and had powers awfully similar to the Teen Titans but who's to say they weren't just trying to trick them. "It's on the corner of Camron and Murphy, are you familiar with that area?"

"Upper west side right?" Minh asked. "We know it but where we're from it's called the West River district."

"Interesting," Damian muttered. He looked around at the future Titans again before turning towards his bike. "Let's all meet there." With that he sped off, the Teen Titans followed shortly after most of them having some form of fast power. The Future Titans were left standing on the corner.

"Listen team, I don't know what's happening but we're clearly in the past and I don't think telling them everything about the future is the best idea." Thomas said in his signature Batman authority voice. "If they know what'll happen to them they might try to prevent some things and that won't go over well for anyone so be careful about what you say. Especially you KF."

"What? Why are you targeting me?" She asked with exaggerated offense.

"Because out of everyone on this team you're the most likely to tell them about some crazy important event that they definitely shouldn't know about," Jaiden laughed, pointing out how bad Pam was at keeping secrets.

She smacked their arm lightly. "That is so not fair."

"Also, Kai, I know you didn't do it on purpose but... come on man" Thomas continued.

"Everyone was doing it!"

"So they DID date, why didn't anyone tell m-"

"Just!" interrupted Jackson "let's get this over with, we will meet them there and then we will find a way to go back to our time and also to capture Tick Tock."

Andromeda interjected, "or... we can capture Tick Tock and wait for our parents to come for us."

"Either way, we should get going, knowing my dad he called grandpa Bruce to bring some DNA tests and uncle Tim will be there too, and knowing them they will bring the whole family and uncle Dick will be very impatient." said the team leader with his siblings nodding every word he said.

"In that case, wouldn't all of our families be called?" Asked Pam.

"I don't know, probably not." answered Jaiden.

Thomas and Jackson were carried there by Andy, because super strength, Kai was carried by Jaiden, because ring, and Mihn was carried by Pam, because speed. Maybe some drama would ensue, but they were sure of something, everything would work out.

"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS THIS?!"

"I don't remember uncle Jason ever being this strong worded with his kids, or us for that matter." said Mihn in a whisper to Kai who just nodded in shock.

"Little Wing, just... don't." Dick put a hand up before anything else could be said or done. "Ok, so... ummm, jeez, how do we start this?"

May we clarify that this conversation took place right after the DNA results returned, and they CONFIRMED that those kids were the Titans kids. Bruce went into shock, with Selina trying to calm him down (the main word being trying), Tim and Dick were surprised but said nothing, Jason... we already know, Clark was already playing with Jon and Andromeda, Roy almost fainted, Kori also started playing with Pam, and overall it was a very quiet moment for everyone... surprisingly.

"Soooo... who is your mom?" asked an Irey full of curiosity to her niece.

"Oh, she's-"

"Nope nope nope nope nope, you won't do that, nope." interrupted Jaiden.

Pam whined "But whyyyy?"

Andromeda puts a hand on her shoulder and says "Because, if anything in this world screams 'Temporal mayhem' it is speedsters."

"Ugh Andyyyy, that's no fun." Pam slumped.

"All right" says Irey, Andy lowers her hand and the next thing anyone knows is that Pam is almost on top of Irey screaming out loud "HER NAME IS RENATA AND SHE'S A CIVIL- ow, what was that for?" she said holding her head after Kai had used one of his arrows on her, barely touching her but making her stop.

"Why wouldn't I?"

Thomas just shook his head in disappointment for their behavior, and Dick came to ask him something, of course he wouldn't miss a chance to tease his little brother.

"So, who's your mom?"

"I definitely won't answer that one, thank you very much."

On the other side of the safe house (in the same room, just on the other side of it) Jason aproched Jackson.

"What's your name kid?"

"Jackson...?"

"No motherfucking way, shit dude, HEY DEMON SPAWN, YOU NAMED YOUR KID AFTER REPLACEMENT?"

"Wait what?!" asked Tim before anyone could say anything.

"HIS NAME IS JACKSON!"

Mihn walked over to them, "Ummm, yeah, so?"

"You get along with Demon Spawn and you get along with Replacement, oh how great this day is."

"Jason, please stop, you're embarrassing me" complained Drake while Damian was giving them all his best ew face, Dick was kinda giving them a little smile, Jason was laughing his ass off and Bruce had a face that spelled regret for having so many children.

"Yeah, and my second name is Peter." Everyone froze at that, everything was silent until Dick, Tim and Damian, all at the same time started hysterically laughing

[sea-side-scribbles]

Fanfiction: Sympathy For A Downer

link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22737214/chapters/55722046

Chapter 10

Now, that was finally settled, Nick thought with relief, leaning back in the couch and closing his eyes for a while. It was finally some progress after all his struggles! Now, he needed some calm and quiet, so he actually had to leave the hotel, because in here the guests kept staring at him or trying to pull him into a conversation. His suite wasn’t safe either, unfortunately. All of a sudden he preferred to stay here, but he also knew that his mind wouldn’t leave him alone until he came back to the place where it all had started. He was all tired again when he raised up and made his way out of the hotel.

Climbing down the ladder into the underground he couldn’t help but think about the first time climbing down, how he had to overcome his fear to even try. Now he was used to it and still, every step deeper into the tunnel felt very uncomfortable. He had to force himself to go on and remained very attentive, watching and listening into the dark, to notice if someone was coming. It was much more eery than usual, even though the man he was looking for wasn’t really dangerous.

Entering his improvised home, he found the same chaos that he had tried to clean up yesterday. Was it even yesterday? It seemed to be ages ago. Everything had changed since then. He looked at the couch where he had sat with Arthur. Without knowing why, he sat down at the same place where all the drama had happened. It was like Arthur was still there and at the same time it was weird that he wasn’t there anymore. Perhaps it was for the best, he told himself, thinking about what he had done to Arthur, who had only wanted to help. Nick had ruined it.

Not that he ever had a chance. It was rather his behavior at Sally’s place that made him feel miserable. The fact that he didn’t hold back his anger even thought he had no right to be angry at anyone. That he had tried to ruin it for Arthur, that he kissed Sally right before his eyes, to show him that she wasn’t his, to make it look like Arthur was only one of many customers she used to play with. In fact, nothing had happened between him and Sally for years. He didn’t know if she had changed until now.

It was all just a show, the revenge of the great Lightbearer. How pathetic! He slapped his forehead in frustration. He hoped that he didn’t destroy what had looked like an intimate relationship. He wouldn’t wonder if Arthur hated him now. And that was why he was afraid to meet him again, that was why he couldn’t handle being here. „I’m sorry“, he said to the empty space next to him and it’s answer was silence.

He raised up again and walked over to his bed, remembering that he hadn’t made any notes for a long time. And now that so many things happened he didn’t know where to start. He found his old notes in his bed stand and the words he wrote seemed strange to him now. He could barely handle what he had written about Arthur. For a moment he was about to rip the notes apart but then he couldn’t face doing it. Perhaps he could at least learn from them and avoid the same mistakes in the future.

While he was clumsily writing a new note he couldn’t stop thinking about Arthur and Sally. What if he as a downer had also other reasons to visit her than personal interest? What if she was helping him to survive? And what if Nick had destroyed this now too? He had to explain what happened. And if he couldn’t look Arthur in the eyes again he had to write a letter at least.

So he stopped his own notes and started to put something together that was both an explanation and an apology. He had to rewrite it multiple times and covered the floor around him with crumpled papers until he had managed something he could accept. Now he had to let Arthur have it without meeting him in person. He sneaked towards his hideout, as quietly as possible, praying that he won’t come out and left the letter at his doorstep, hoping that he would find it in time. Then he left the place as fast as possible and fled back into his improvised home, where he wanted to fall back on his bed and calm himself down when he noticed a black envelope lying there, that he must’ve overlooked until now.

Nick stared at it as if it was about to jump at him, wishing he would’ve stayed in the hotel. But then again, he was sure that James would’ve found another way to contact him. In fact, Nick wasn’t surprised that the Parade had become aware of his latest adventure. With an uneasy feeling in his stomach he took the envelope and slowly opened it. The letter inside was rather small, so Nick guessed James wouldn’t tell him what he had planned for him. Just as always.

Dear Nick, I know what happened. Don’t be afraid. Meet me there:

He described a street in Maidenholm. Nick asked himself if it was the same house he had brought him for the painful procedure. He turned around the paper but of course, there was nothing written on the backside. Now he wondered how long the letter had lied there. Nick didn’t want to let James wait any longer, but also he didn’t want to meet him. Then again, he didn’t want to stay either - and he needed his Joy. The effect of the Vanilla pill was slowly fading, so he didn’t have a chance but to follow the invitation.

The second walk through the tunnel was uneasy again, but not a lot more than standing at the doorstep of the said address. It seemed to be much more sinister than all the other houses in town. Of course it could also be caused by the Joy withdrawal and his anxiety. He ringed the bell, fighting the urge to run away. James didn’t let him wait for long. Stepping in, Nick thought that he was an eerie sight even at daytime.

„Is that…the same house?,“ he asked quietly and looked around. James raised his eyebrows as a silent question. „The same as last time…“, Nick added louder and James understood. He gave him a faint smile and nodded. „How are your hands?“ Nick immediately clenched them into fists. „They are alright…completely healed.“ „Good,“ James simply said and pointed along the corridor. „Please, Nick, have a seat in the living room.“

There was no sign of taunt or anger in his voice, if anything, it was soft and careful. Nick hoped it was a good sign and obliged, already relieved that James didn’t lock him up in the bedroom. „Let’s have a drink,“ James offered when he followed him into the living room. „Scotch, cognac, or do you prefer something sweet?“ Nick would’ve gladly accepted such an offer from someone else but now he wondered if it was a test. „I take whatever you prefer,“ he said and watched James serving the drinks. Whatever the test result was, James didn’t show.

When he had sat down across from Nick he began to speak again. „I’ve made a great mistake,“ he said and Nick decided not to interrupt him. „I scared you with my last actions. When we first met I promised to help you out of your cage but then I made it look like I locked you up in another.“ James gave him a pained expression that puzzled Nick. „I made you suffer. Don’t get me wrong, I still want you to get off the drugs but I feel like I’ve been too harsh to you. Instead of being your friend, I made you fear me. All I want is to let you know that whatever you do, and whatever happens to you, I want to help you. And I beg of you to give me a second chance to prove that I’m not a cold-hearted overseer. I’m not here to judge. I want to help you as a friend.“

James gave Nick an intense look and Nick was baffled, he didn’t know what to say to begin with. He felt is anxiety melt away and felt sorry for the man he had seemingly horribly misjudged. But there was still a rest of mistrust in him.

„That sounds…rather like a very personal interest to me than an official task“, he finally concluded. „Does the Parade know what you’re doing here?“ James smiled mysteriously. „They know. But coincidentally I can combine business with pleasure. Do you know the Executive Committee is right now urgently looking for new symbols of hope?“ Nick had never heard of that before. „I’m not quite up to date anymore,“ he confessed. „Why right now?“

„A great anniversary is coming up: The Twentiest Victory Memorial Day. That’s all they talk about in the Parade District.“ „…but that’s just a yearly celebration…“ „Not only that, Nick. It’s going to be the day of renewal. They say Coconut Joy will be introduced that day.“ „The new flavor!“, Nick blurted out. He had been waiting for it ever since. James nodded.

„Of course it’s all top secret,“ he said and winked at Nick. „S..sure, I won’t say a word…“, Nick became nervous again, but James softly interrupted him. „I know, Nick, it’s alright…My task is to set up a new beacon of hope and - as you might guess by now - I chose you!“ Nick was baffled again and took another sip of his drink, being glad that he had the glass to hold onto. „But…all I’m doing is pop music,“ he said helplessly and James smiled again.

„My new symbol is expected to sing the anthem of Wellington Wells at the opening.“ „Okay, I guess I can manage…“. Nick wiped his forehead. „Unfortunately you’re not the only possible candidate. Do you know who’s the favorite at the moment?“ The uneasy feeling in his stomach came back. „…Birdie Callagher,“ he simply said. James leaned back, looking content. „I see you can follow me.“

„Virgil didn’t tell me anything…“ „Well, Virgil went a bit rogue, didn’t he?“ James sounded amused. „But he might’ve come back to his senses by now.“ He gave Nick a suggestive look, who asked himself if it was finally time to pay for his sins and sunk down. „I made a mess again, didn’t I? I’m sorry…“, he whined and James put down his glass and leaned closer.

„Nick…Nick, I’m not mad at you…“, he said in a gentle tone. „And I won’t tell anyone.“ „But I was the downer in the news!“ „What downer?“, James shook his head, „It was all a game. Uncle Jack said it, so it must be true.“ „What if the Parade knows better?“ James shook his head again. „They will forget. It’s rude to know more than you’re told, even in the Parade.“ Nick crossed his arms and looked back at James.

„And what if I don’t make it? What if I’m not the new beacon of hope, what are you gonna do with me then?“ James sighted and the painful expression took over his features again. „Nick…believe me, whatever happens, I’m at your side. It doesn’t matter if you’re the new symbol or not.“ Nick stared at him with wide eyes. „You’ll help me…just like that?“, he asked doubtfully. „What do you get out of it?“ James silenced for a while, pondering.

„It’s probably unusual, but I’m sentimental. I don’t like to see old idols die. And I believe that you deserve better.“ Nick proceeded to be surprised. „I…don’t know what to say. That’s…honestly not what I’ve expected to happen today…“ „It’s alright. All I want to know is if you can give me a second chance. Please, think about it.“ „I…sure…“, Nick stuttered. „Sorry, I didn’t hear many excuses in my life…“ „That’s sad,“ James said compassionately, „I wish people knew you deserved better…“ Nick finished his drink, trying to sort his thoughts. He felt like there were thousands of questions he didn’t ask yet.

He let James pour him another drink before a question took shape into his mind. „I’m wondering…How do you plan to help me? Except with…Blackberry Joy?“ James took his time to fill his own glass, probably thinking about his answer, before he spoke again. „You see…with everything you went through, you’ve been more or less alone, with no one to look after what you really want, or what you felt. I’m not saying that I know all these things but I could help you finding out, if you want. Again, I’m not here to judge you. I want to help you find out how you built yourself that cage and how to get out.“

Nick had never thought about finding out what he really wanted. It all sounded very complicated to him, except for one thing: having someone to listen. Someone who wouldn’t punish him for his actions. Someone he could tell secrets he couldn’t tell Morrie or Virgil. Someone who could help him to change his ways. „That’s tempting…“, he admitted. „You don’t have to decide yet. Take your time. If you want, you can leave for now and tell me next time we meet,“ James gently offered.

Nick asked himself if he wanted to leave. He didn’t know where to stay right now, and he didn’t trust himself to keep his head clear when he didn’t know what to do with himself. When he stayed here instead he had someone to look after him, and he thought it couldn’t hurt to be James’ guest for a little while longer.

The night was starry and cold, but Nick didn’t freeze. He was comfortable as he followed James along the dark alleys where the fog was slowly swirling around them. The small droplets of water tickled on his skin and the smell of motilene was energizing. He knew exactly what he had to do. „I’ll bring you a souvenir,“ James whispered when they parted. Nick started to climb a gutter. It wasn’t the first time he used that way. When he reached a certain window he knocked against it and a woman dressed in a night gown opened.

„Nick,“ she hissed when he climbed inside, „he’s still upset. He could be still awake…“ „Why don’t we just wait and see,“ he whispered, stroking her cheek before he pulled her into a passionate kiss.

What’s wrong with me, Arthur asked himself, sitting on the big comfortable bed in the center of Nick’s abandoned tunnel suite. He had tried to move on and forget about the incident at Sally’s place but he couldn’t stop thinking about her, and more to his surprise, he couldn’t stop thinking about Nick. Coming back to his shelter he had found the letter that had been written in a scrawly handwriting.

Dear Arthur, I’m sorry for what I did at Sally’s place. Sally and I are just old friends and we didn’t see each other for years. There never was anything serious between us. I think she really loves you. Give her a chance. She’s a good girl. Yours Nick

It took a while until Arthur had made out the handwriting and then it had been harder and harder to read on. He had simply wanted to see Nick, maybe to tell him that Sally wasn’t the innocent angel he thought she was. And then what, he asked himself and curled his fingers into the blanket.

Maybe it was for the best that Nick wasn’t here, so they couldn’t have this embarrassing conversation. But looking around the empty suite, Arthur felt a blunt pain in his chest. Would Nick ever come back? Arthur didn’t even know what he wanted from him. Perhaps he was simply used to his presence and that was why he missed him now. Still, he kept sitting there, unable to leave.

[agirlinjapan]

Red Data Girl: My Wish on the Night of the Shooting Stars (Week 21)

Red Data Girl: My Wish on the Night of the Shooting Stars By Noriko Ogiwara A Translation

Miss the last piece? Read it here!

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I don’t know where all of you are, but here where I am, we got one week of spring, and now it’s winter again? It was snowing yesterday. I invited some friends over and we sat around the kotatsu and had nabe (Japanese hot pot). It was great! However, now that’s basically May, I would at least like temperatures in the mid 60′s...

For anyone who didn’t happen to see, I posted a bonus piece of RDG last week because I got so much work done over break. :D Click the link above that leads to the previous week if you didn’t get a chance to read it already.

Red Data Girl: My Wish on the Night of the Shooting Stars By Noriko Ogiwara Chapter 3: Winter Solstice Part 2 (1 of 2)

Finally, the exam period came to an end.

Once the final paper was collected and the teacher proctoring the last exam left the room, the students exploded into celebration over their freedom. Now they could flock out of the school and into the busy nearby shopping district to soak up the Christmas spirit coming from all the decorations lining the streets there.

As soon as all the students were released from their exams, flyers about the open house Christmas party that would take place in the auditorium next Saturday were distributed, getting everyone’s attention. Attendance wasn’t mandatory—only people who wanted to come would attend—but many of the students seemed interested in the event. The girls in 1-C quickly began talking about what they would wear.

“Hey, you don’t think they’ll make us wear our uniforms, do you? During Saturday’s party?” Mako and the other girls asked Izumiko right away. They had just read on the flyer that the student government was putting the gathering together.

Izumiko smiled. “I haven’t heard yet. But I think we’ll get more information during today’s meeting.”

There was still time before they would get their graded tests back, but like everyone else, Izumiko wasn’t thinking about that. Perhaps she had used up all her academic concentration for the time being. Seeing as Miyuki had forced her to show him her previous exam papers and they had used them as a basis to study, these end of term exams hadn’t seemed as scary as the midterm that had come before it. Still, they weren’t something she wanted to be thinking about now.

“Ma—”

Izumiko had been about to ask Manatsu if he was going to that afternoon’s student government meeting, but when she turned in his direction, she saw that his chair was already empty. There was no boy sitting there. But Manatsu had rethought dropping out of school and Izumiko had seen him calmly taking his tests. He was fine. She didn’t need to worry about him. Truthfully, she would have been more worried if he was still sitting in his seat after the exams were over.

I wonder why we have things like exams. I guess it’s just one of those things the adults force us into to see what we’re made of and make us nervous…

While studying for the exams, there had been times when Izumiko had felt the unreasonableness of the situation. She could understand the pain Manatsu, who hated studying so much, had been in even more than ever.

They can’t measure us individually like this. We’re all going to forget most of what was on these exams anyway…

Miyuki and Mayura were high achieving students. Was there a way for them to speak up against the teachers? At the very least, they were good at keeping teachers from meddling in their business. Izumiko wanted to learn how they did it, but at the moment, she wasn’t sure if that the right thing to do or not.

But everything’s okay right now. I should be in a better mood. The pain of studying ended yesterday after all...

Izumiko’s brads swung around her as walked into the hallway, thinking this over. When she saw Mayura coming down the hall though, her rising spirits dropped in an instant.

Mayura was walking next to Ichijo Takayanagi.

“Mayura?...”

Mayura’s expression looked moody, almost as if no one had told her the exams had ended.

“Hey, Izumiko,” she said in a hard voice that was much different from her usual tone. “This guy wants to talk with us as soon as possible. It’s about the parents and guardians being invited to the Christmas party.”

That’s right. We were going to make a plan to keep the parents and guardians from attending the Christmas party once the exams were over…

Izumiko quickly realized that even though the written tests were over, the adults weren’t finished testing her just yet.

Deciding that the other members of the student government should hear the outcome of their short conversation, Izumiko, Mayura, and Takayanagi agreed to bring the topic up again when the government was gathered. In order to do this, they went directly to the student government room after lunch. Along with Honoka and the other second years, Manatsu and Miyuki were also there.

Takayanagi didn’t seem to care if he was in front of a full audience or not. His manner did not change at all.

“After everything that happened before, I spoke directly to my honorable father and grandfather. At the time of the school festival, they were aware of Izumiko’s existence, and it’s true that they already had a long relationship with the school’s chairman.”

Honorable father and grandfather?...

It was obvious in every way possible that Takayanagi was the son of a rich family. Oblivious to the impact his choice of words had on the people listening to him, Takayanagi continued.

“But regardless of what happened to me here, my family made me see that I am still a diviner with unsurpassed talent. I am still in my mid-teens and carry much more still-latent potential. Therefore, my family does not believe in anyway whatsoever that I lost. Even if Izumiko’s abilities are unfathomable, they still continue to hold this belief. However, this is what Izumiko said she wants people to think. She said she doesn’t know what will happen after these three years, though.”

Izumiko felt as if she had taken some sort of oath regarding her three high school years. Still, it was true she had said that she didn’t know how this was all going to play out, so she carefully confirmed Takayanagi’s words.

“I don’t think we can consider what happened at the festival as being something that only happened to you.”

Perhaps thinking about Hodaka, who was not here for this conversation, Honoka’s voice was cold as she said, “Are you saying that you’re going to ignore the second ruling and continue fighting for the win?”

“No. My parents also understand that there’s no point in confrontation. They have come to terms with Izumiko’s desire to maintain the status quo. This has nothing to do with our match that took place here at the high school. If it did, I’d be more inclined to cooperate with you now.”

Izumiko blinked. The conversation seemed to be moving in a somewhat positive direction.

“Your family understands the situation?” she asked.

“In no way do I think that they feel any hostility towards you. In fact, there’s been more and more talk about scouting you out to join us. On my honor as a diviner, I swear this is so.”

As always, Takayanagi’s words were ornate. Miyuki grimaced for an instant before he asked, “There are parents mixed up in every part of this situation and now you’re saying your family might be interested in working with Izumiko. Where does the chairman fit into all of this? Assuming that he’s aware of the decision we came to about the festival, why did he invite all the parents and guardians to campus?”

“He’s certainly aware of our decision,” Takayanagi said, responding to Miyuki. For the first since the start of the meeting, he paused before adding, “The agreement between Izumiko and I maintains the diviners’ reputation, but the chairman’s reputation is another matter…”

Honoka spoke up. “This is about the exchange students, isn’t it? It’s about their reputations and the reputations of all the parents and guardians who are involved with the school. That’s what President Hodaka’s been saying.”

“Is this about the foreign researchers?” Miyuki asked.

Takayanagi’s voice was tight as he said, “That’s part of it. Still, Angelica isn’t a bad person. She likes Japan, and she’s easy to understand. Claus is the same. They’re the only two people who have been dispatched by that organization. In order to name the World Heritage Candidate, the chairman can’t refuse any investigations they might want to do.”

“If we’re hiding the truth, will we end up with enemies overseas?...” Miyuki asked thoughtfully after a moment.

“That may very well become the case,” Takayanagi admitted. “From here on out, they’ll probably want to do all sorts of different tests after all. Our agreement is only valid while we’re at school. What we need to worry about now is if someone will be told about our plan during the Christmas party. That’s why I originally came to speak with Izumiko today.”

Takayanagi looked back at Izumiko and then brought up the true point of the meeting. “I have no objections to acting as the top student at this school. With that said though, in the event of any tests that may take place, I don’t believe I could keep up the ruse with my ability to control shikigami sealed away. Izumiko, how do you plan to hide the truth?”

“How do I plan?...”

Izumiko paused for a moment. She hadn’t thought about this before. “You can’t do anything if you can’t use shikigami?”

“Isn’t that clear? I need you to at least remove your barrier on the campus for the days Angelica’s organization does their tests.”

“You said… my barrier? I made a barrier?”

Takayanagi’s shoulders slumped as Izumiko repeated his words with wide eyes. “This is why, Izumiko. This is why I told you what you do instinctively is the exact opposite of diviner magic. You laid down such a powerful barrier that if you don’t take it down when visitors come to the school, they’ll probably suspect it’s there at least partially if they have even the slightest bit of spiritual ability.”

I wonder how I’d take down the barrier… Izumiko thought to herself. She got the sense that it wouldn’t be good for her to say that she had never undone any sort of magic before.

Thinking over what had just been said, she paused before saying, “I understand. I’ll take it completely down on the day of the tests.”

Miyuki did not look nearly as worried as Izumiko. “I guess we will have to do something about the barrier on the day of the tests. Is that all you wanted to say, Takayanagi?”

“If you could take down the barrier a little sooner than that, my associates and I could get a feel for the people who come to participate in the Christmas party.”

Takayanagi’s tone was cautious, but immediately Mayura broke in, her own tone sharp.

“Absolutely not. The campus might finally be more relaxed now that exams are over, but it’s better if we take as few steps backwards as we can. I hate things like shikigami. They make me sick.”

Izumiko nodded at Mayura. Manatsu had been saying that the horses were doing better than they had been before. With that knowledge, she knew it was the right decision to keep the barrier up.

“I like the campus better without shikigami, too,” she said. “So I’ll only take the barrier down on the day those people come.—Sorry, Takayanagi.”

Takayanagi gave a small shrug of his shoulders, but then rose from his seat.

“I won’t make a big deal out of it now. I’m just wondering why you don’t think my proposal would be useful. I’m sure you’ll all reconsider sometime soon.”

After Takayanagi left, Hoshino took up his role as the Christmas party planning chief and shared the latest arrangements which he had put together and the meeting moved back to its original agenda.

When Izumiko and Mayura left the room to pick up some print outs from the administration building though, Mayrua began to speak almost as if she couldn’t help herself.

“Are you really alright with letting Takayanagi throw his weight around like he just did? If he gets his ability to use shikigami again, it’ll be like nothing’s changed. I honestly can’t get behind your decision to try and work with everyone, him included. He’ll probably put together some plan again on the day of the tests.”

“What would you do if you were in my place?” Izumiko questioned Mayura back.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’d make it clear that the game was over. Right now, it’s a draw because you’ve left him powerless, but I would have fought to the very end. That’s what I do with my opponents.”

Izumiko was honestly impressed. “You’re really inspiring to be around. I get what Manatsu was saying about it never being boring around you.”

“What do you mean you get what he was saying?” Mayura laughed awkwardly at the words that had just come out of her mouth. “Never mind. You’re the first person to say anything like that to me, that’s all.”

“I’m serious though,” Izumiko replied earnestly. “I don’t think a lot of people have the ability to get fired up like you do. Manatsu’s the same. I think that’s why everyone gravitates to the two of you. In my case though, I’ll never have that same ability to attract people, no matter what I do. This Christmas party that’s coming up is going to be the first party I’ve ever been to.”

Izumiko continued shyly. “I’ve had my hands full with just watching and learning about all these new things around me that I’m enjoying, and that’s probably why I’ve only done as much fighting as I have to. I’ll be really happy if I find out everyone in 1-C is planning to go to the party out of uniform. I hope we get permission to wear more than our usual clothes. Those are the sort of exciting things I want to focus on.”

Lowering her gaze somewhat, she finally ended her statement. “What I’m trying to say is, you know about these things. Right, Mayura? You know how many Christmas presents it’s normal to give out to people. Or what to do if you’re giving one to a boy…”

Mayura took a few steps down the hallway without saying anything. Then she suddenly let out a sigh, confusing Izumiko entirely.

“Uh? Am I being weird? Is it really strange that I’m bringing this up?”

Mayura shook her head. “That’s not it. You’re you, and I know you’ve been really isolated your whole life. Your goal in coming to this school was to do the things normal people do.”

Turning deep red, Izumiko continued quickly, “But when you’re limited by time and the amount of things you can do, wouldn’t anyone choose what they enjoy if they could only choice one thing?”

“I get it. I get it. You win.” Smiling again, Mayura patted Izumiko’s shoulder. “We’ve shared how we really feel just now. You’re leading this school with your pure heart. That’s the reason why this place feels so calm now. Even so, I’m being ungrateful, and forgetting that you have experiences to make up fo.”

“Make up for?” Izumiko repeated. Mayura did not respond directly to the implied question though.

Instead, she said simply, “If I had to say, you owe Sagara a present. If you decide that you want to share your feelings with him, I’ll give you as much support as you need. When we go into town next time, I’d be happy to help you pick out a present for him, too.”

Keep reading!

[soaringlanddormitory]

Title: The Risks [5/5]

Summary: A supposedly new head of the family quits his role to make his own gang. It was his choice to make, and this was the path he decided to take.

Word Count: 5353

Notes:

This will contain some canon characters and this will also be the longest chapter [I think]!! Also the last chapter for this Yakuza AU story!! I hope you’ll enjoy it and if you read all chapters, I appreciate it a lot and I hope you loved the story as a whole!! <3 <3

Hanako/Lotus belongs to @polar-stars!!

Emile/Canción belongs to @polar-star-dorks!!

Part 1: here! Part 2: here! Part 3: here! Part 4: here! Comments are appreciated, and remember that I love you!!

I hope you enjoyed the first multi-chapter story I wrote !! <3 <3 I love you guys a lot and thank you for sticking with me!

Once the leader of the gang had a couple of drinks with his members, he decided to go upstairs to get some food from the fridge. His eyebrow raised when he heard several violent knocks on the door. Curiosity built up in his veins, and he wanted to check who was behind the door. Was it an enemy who found out their location so easily? He wouldn’t be able to tell unless he turned the knob on the door.

A sly smirk was present on the leader’s face as he carefully approached the door, and one twist of the knob, there was a gun to someone’s head. Before he even spoke, he felt a  sharp knife pressing on his skin, but it wasn’t enough to cause a cute. His eyes widened to see a familiar face... A face he never expected to see in those hours.

“Eizan?”

“No shit, Atitarn.”

The rest of the gang members were waiting for their leader to come back, and they wondered where he was. “Do you think Kaoru was drunk enough to fall on the floor and sleep there?” The person who acted like the oldest member brought up. “I know he wasn’t drunk before he went up, but it could have hit him late.” He was trying to explain what may have happened to him. 

“Possibly.” The planner of the gang shrugged. “I can see him being that kind of person... Getting suddenly drunk out of nowhere. But despite the possibility of that being true...” She raised her finger. “We should still check him up. We wouldn’t know the truth until we check.” She was the first one to get up and start going upstairs and the rest followed.

“If there’s a stranger there, I’d have to bring out my knife... The paralysis one...” The most petite figure brought out a knife, her red eyes perfectly matching her threat. “I wouldn’t let anyone hurt the people I have left. They should perish.” Her voice got rather cold, and normally she didn’t speak like this around them. Her dark demeanor instantly dropped once someone behind her ruffled her hair.

“We should hear what Kaoru has to say first, mi amiga!” He tells her this and he was actually right. “Just because you don’t recognize someone’s face, it doesn’t mean that you should take them down. There is a possibility that he may know the person! He may have never mentioned them to us before.” Emile always knew what words to say, and the girl slowly placed her knife away.

That was an awful first impression.

A man who they never met in their life currently had a knife at their leader’s throat and the person who they were looking for was pointing a gun at the intruder.

Before they started anything, Kaoru had to capture their attention first, especially when one of them was already running to the visitor with a knife at hand. “Calm down, you all.” He started to speak before he placed his gun down. “It’s not someone who should be killed. See?”

Eizan placed the knife away from Kaoru, glaring at him. “If you didn’t point the gun at my head, I wouldn’t move by instinct.” He placed his knife away before crossing his arms.

“Aroon, you should have expected Gaia to act like that.” 

“I know, Lotus.” Kaoru began laughing despite the atmosphere. “I apologize for worrying my one and only gang. It’s my fault.” 

Emile blinked and tried to familiarize the face of the person who just entered. “I’ve never seen you before, but I think it’s best if I remember your face.”

He pushed up his glasses in annoyance before he turned around to Kaoru. “I only came here to talk to you.”

“You enough told me before you came. I and my gang is celebrating the first official mission we completed together.” The gang leader spoke up. “So if you wish to tell me something, please reschedule it to tomorrow. I want to celebrate.”

Eizan was irritated by Kaoru, but he did believe he made a point. Normally, he’d schedule something. But because of the whole suddenness of everything that was going on his side, he didn’t think clearly. “Fine then.” Eizan sighed, showing a sign of anger. “However, you better promise you’ll go to District 9.” He turned around, but before he could place a cigarette in his mouth, someone slapped his hand. “What the fuck-”

“If Canción is around, no one is allowed to smoke.” The girl who was previously holding a knife stated, her eyes half-lidded. “If you can’t obey the rules, get the hell out.”

“So what if I don’t?”

“Are you testing me?

“Eizan.” The person who owned the house suddenly changed the tone of his voice, sounding less playful than usual. “I promise to meet you there as long as you calm down. I wouldn’t want to be mad at this time... Or see you paralyzed. Don’t underestimate her, she beats both our speeds and the tiniest cut can do the worst.” He pulled the girl back. “And Gaia, you too. Calm down.”

He knew that Kaoru was the kind of person to train all his subordinates, but he didn’t know that he’d be able to make their skills meet the maximum potential. “Whatever.” He continued walking away, but before he closed the door, he specified the time. “Be there at 8pm sharp.”

The door closed at their faces and the gang members began eyeing their leader.

“You want to know who he is, huh?”

“He was rather impolite.” Hanako brought up before sighing. “You’ve never brought someone like him before, I never knew you’d have a bond with someone like him.” 

“I... I’m happy that he didn’t smoke inside the room.” Emile began smiling. “I might not know him, but I do think that he’s someone that you consider as important. I can read your eyes... so I’m curious!”

“Never have I ever thought you’d actually have someone visit this secret house of yours besides the gang of Dai Adachi.” Tetsuji stated. “Oh. And your parents. Do you have a history with him?”

“Not interested. I want to slit his throat. That’s all.”

Kaoru stared at each of his members one by one before he walked back to the basement. “I’ll tell you guys tomorrow morning. First, let’s continue celebrating.”

Once the door was locked by Tetsuji, everyone ended up going down to continue having their small little party... even if they had a billion questions in their minds.

“So you’re telling us that you’ve had a gang before us?” Emile was rather shocked when he heard this. “I thought we were your first, but no wonder you’re so experienced! I thought that you were only trained by your family!” A pleasant yet very excited expression was on the face of the male.

“I did. But it was just a temporary thing. The gang was formed so we could bond with each other.” Kaoru answered the questions being thrown at him, and the flashbacks with his old gang made him want to flip a table. “... But trust me, I will prefer you 4 more than them any day.”

“Of course, you will.” Hanako already predicted that he was going to say that. “They seem like the only people who could... piss you off. Even if you do consider them as your friend, they seem like and enemy towards you too by how you told us the story.”

“Yeah. They make me stress the fuck out.” What she said was right. They may have been his friend, his ally, and also they were certainly significant to him- but there were times when he was done with their shit. “Added to that, they don’t have anyone as beautiful as you, Lotus. They could never be as sweet as Canción. They’re not as soft as Gaia. And of course, they can’t beat the dadness of Sukiru.”

A blush was on the cheeks of the first person mentioned, before she placed her palm on your forehead. “Now isn’t the time for flirting.”

“Mi amiga, I think he’s being serious! He actually mentioned that you were the most beautiful person in the world when he was drunk last night.”

Hanako was already asleep by the time when he said that, and her cheeks went darker. She tried to keep her cool and only raised an eyebrow at the drunkard that night.

He gave a sheepish smile before changing the topic. “Anyway, what I truly meant is that none of you can beat your intelligence, if you want my true answer. Seriously. With you all combined, your skills, your abilities- they couldn’t take us down easily. Lotus has the plans, Canción has the words, Sukiru has his hands and Gaia has her knife.” He gestured at his holster. “And I’ve got the guns.”

Kaoru never missed the chance to compliment his members, and he always told them the truth. Every time they showed their potential, he never wished for a better team. “But yes. Going back to topic. Eizan Etsuya and Kuga Terunori were my first gang members, and... if you ever see them, please do not fight with them. That isn’t the best choice. We’re technically... allies with them, you know? Eizan may be a dick, but he surely could be useful. Kuga is a runt, but he can be nice. Try your best to at least tolerate them. You’ve seen Eizan yesterday, but maybe we can meet Kuga another time.”

“Question... Are we supposed to be with you? When you meet him at 8 pm?” Masae suddenly brought up, her head tilting. 

“Yeah, sure. He didn’t tell me I should come alone.” He did have a point there. “Plus, I want it to be a better first meeting... At least better than yesterday. You were all ready to shoot him down.”

“Mi amigo, I was ready to shoot him with command... I thought he was planning something dirty, and after thinking you died yesterday... I can’t help but worry...”

“Canción...” He muttered before lifting his hand to give some pats on his head. “If you say it like that, I feel guilty about yesterday. I wouldn’t die on our first mission together.”

A little smile appeared on the brunet. “I know, but I overthink sometimes.” 

“To be fair, you didn’t do what I told you to do. Once I lost any contact with you, I too, may have panicked.” The person with blue hair began speaking, her eyes drifting to the side. “I thought I may have failed on the first official mission, and I even believed my plan was flawless. I may have wanted to bring out the Swiss Knife you gave me the moment he had the knife at your throat.”

Tetsuji agreed with the other two who spoke. “I may have been the driver, and I wanted to do your command. But I hesitated a lot. If something bad happened to you, I would have placed on my brass knuckles to punch him.”

“I was already ready to slice him. Watch him get paralyzed, then poison him later.” Masae spoke up. “If you didn’t tell me to stop, I would have killed your previous team member. I can’t stand the thought of losing you... Anyone in the gang, actually.”

The room was silent, and suddenly the gang members was surprised with the sight of their leader.

He was crying.

“Oh god! Don’t feel guilty about it, Kao-”

“I’m not crying because of that.” He brought at small laughs before trying to crack up a smile. “I’m just very happy that you were that worried about me... I love you guys a lot, and I thought it wasn’t possible to love you guys more...” 

Suddenly, two other people began tearing up. One of them let their tears flow down, while the other was sniffing. Luckily, Gaia didn’t place her contacts yet.

“I’ve never seen you cry before... this makes me so happy that you showed this side to us!” Emile almost pounced on Kaoru, giving him a tight hug. “Of course we’ll worry about you! We love you so much!”

It was followed by another person jumping to him, and she tried to snuggle between her two friends. “You’re our leader... No, our friend. A close friend. You should have expected us to feel that way...”

Tetsuji tapped the shoulder of Hanako before pointing at the three who were currently hurdling up. “Should we join them?” He didn’t get a verbal response, but the person he was talking to stood up before joining in and he ended up being a part of the hurdle too.

“Damn. I fucking love all of you. I’d die for you.”

“Leader, I think... “I’ll live for you” sounds better.”

After an emotional ride, there was someone calling the landline of the house. The person who picked it up was no other than Hanako. “Hello?”

“Oh! Lotus!” A cheerful tone was on the other side of the phone. “May I talk to your leader, Aroon?”

“Of course.” She replies. “Please hold on for a minute.” He was one of the only people who visited their house often, and his voice was so familiar, even when he was only on the phone. “Kaoru, Isshiki Satoshi wants to talk to you.”

Kaoru lazily went off the couch. “Damn it. Emile was already playing the guitar.” He began walking to the place where the phone was. “Thank you, Hanako.” He thanks his friend before he sat down on a chair. “Hey Isshiki! It’s been a while since you called.” He placed his elbow on top of the desk. “What is it this time? Is anyone bothering you? Should I shoot someone?”

“It isn’t that, Kaoru.” The happiness in his voice was slowly fading. “I want to ask if you’re available at 8 pm.” Wasn’t that the same time he was going to meet Eizan?

“No can do, Sir. I have someone to meet already.” He was unable to mention who it was since Isshiki has never met Eizan before, and he should keep his identity from him. “Can’t mention their name. But may I ask why?”

“I wanted you to meet the person who was protecting me.” Isshiki laughed nervously and suddenly Kaoru almost shouted through the phone.

“What?! Someone’s protecting you now? Wow! Lucky you! They better be great. I thought you only needed me, but apparently I’m wrong.” He laughed, and Isshiki sighed.

“I do think he is. He does mention all the rewards he’s gotten for being great... But maybe we can meet another time! I was also planning to meet Nene that time as well, so we could make sure that the gangs defending us could become allies.”

Kaoru felt a bit disappointed, knowing that he had to still meet up with Eizan. “Aw... What a shame... Maybe I can meet the person tomorrow? I’m sure that I’ll tell my gang to be nice to whoever that is!”

“I’ll also make sure to tell him that he should be nice to everyone in your gang as well!”

“Thanks Isshiki.” 

After a few conversations, he placed the phone down and began stretching. “Man, what a waste of time! I have to meet Eizan instead of Isshiki and the person he’s protecting! He better be good. I don’t want that kind guy to die early.” He went back to his group before sitting on the couch again.

He didn’t expect what was coming at 8 pm.

Kaoru spotted a male with glasses and he instantly shot a bullet near his face. “Greetings, old pal!”

“You idiot! Don’t do that here!” He spat, before twitching. “Not everyone is part of a gang in this place at the moment!”

“Not... everyone?” He looked behind him. “I mean, the people with me are all part of a gang but...” He faced Eizan again before spotting a female figure who he was covering. “Ah. You actually have someone with you for once.” He smiled before skipping to the person. He had a warm smile on his face, but his eyes were closed as he approached her. “Hello, miss! Pleasant to meet you, I’m-”

“Atitarn?”

His eyes popped open when he heard the familiar voice. “... Miss Kinokuni?” He didn’t expect to see her here. He glanced at Eizan for a moment, then back at her. “Wait... Nothing is adding up. Why are you with this dangerous man?”

“You fucking dumb ass.” Eizan placed his two fingers on the bridge of his nose before shaking his head. “Should I really explain what the hell is going on?”

“No, you don’t need to.” The gang leader replied before looking at Hanako. “Lotus, make an intelligent guess.”

“I assume that the woman with him is someone who he has to protect, considering the fact that he said that there was someone who was not part of a gang.” Hanako hit the bull’s eye in just one single guess.

“Oh. Damn. Miss Kinokuni. You trust this man?”

Nene shrugged, before answering his question. “My parents do. So I assume I can trust him.”

“Wait... Weren’t you suppose to meet Isshiki? He said that he’s going to meet you at 8 pm...”

“We were.” Eizan was the one to give his reply before he looked at his watch. “And it’s already 8:03, and they aren’t here yet.”

Kaoru couldn’t guess what was going on, but he backed away before going next to his gang members. “Hey, if any of you notice anything or anyone, please inform me. It’s dangerous when a gang is together, it’s a perfect way to hit two birds in one stone.”

Emile blinked before bringing up a question. “Does something odd count?”

“Yeah. Something dangerous or odd, you can tell me. Did you see something?”

He was staring into an empty space for a moment, but he soon shook his head. “I saw something, but it could be my imagination! I just thought I saw something shining!”

The gang of Kaoru began talking to each other, but after 10 minutes- they all stopped talking.

There was a car that stopped by, and suddenly someone was coming out of it. Kaoru waited to see if it may be someone he knew, or someone he had to shoot. His relaxed the moment he spotted the person who came out.

Nene started squinting at the man who just arrived. “I said 8 pm. Why is it already 8:15?” 

“I’m sorry.” Isshiki laughed nervously before scratching the back of his head. “The person who’s supposed to protect me had something important to do.”

“And where is he now?”

Before Isshiki could make the person who was currently slightly pissed at him for being tardy, he felt an arm wrap around him. “Kaoru?”

“God! What a coincidence! Look, we ended up meeting after all! Now who’s this person that my gang should be nice to?”

Once the engine of the car stopped, a blonde went out of the car before fixing his clothes. “Yo! Yo! The best Yakuza head of the world has arrived!” He posed, giving a very extra appearance. “I’m going to be nice to you because Mister All Smiles told me to-”

“Why the fuck are you here?!”

The person who came out of the care suddenly became quiet, before he replied. “Same goes to you, Greedy Shit!”

Kaoru didn’t even need to look at the person to know who it was. His face immediately paled before turning to Isshiki. “The person protecting you... is he Kuga Terunori?”

Isshiki gave a nod, with a bright smile on his face. “Yes! That is him! How did you know?”

“Oh my fucking god. This is going to end up badly.”

The gang of Kaoru heard the familiar name, and they realized that he was the other person that was part of his first gang. “Leader, are you okay? You’re turning pale.” 

“I’m... dying in the inside, Sukiru. I’m fucking... dying.”

“I promised myself that I’ll never see that fucking glasses of yours again!”

“I told myself that I won’t see a midget in my damn life again!”

“YOU FUCKING BITCH!”

Kaoru began twitching and he tried to keep his cool. “Anyway...” He tried to block out the annoying argument. “Isshiki, Nene... do you want us to be allies with the person who’s currently protecting you?”

“I wasn’t the one who decided this. It was Isshiki.” She eyed the male. “I didn’t even know you were part of the Yakuza. When he said “ally”, I never expected you.” 

“I didn’t know that the people who are protecting us would hates each other this much.” He really didn’t expect this to happen. “But I think if you help in protecting us, that means we have more chances of living. I trust you and your gang.”

Kaoru felt that compliment was sincere, so he only ended up smiling. “Of course you can trust us, isn’t that right?” He glazed at his gang for a moment, and they nodded their heads. “Every person in my gang is amazing and-”

Bang!

“... Kuga. Eizan.” Kaoru turned his head to spot both of his previous members pointing their guns at each other.

“I want to fucking kill you.”

“Aim better then, midget.”

“I missed on purpose, you fuck!”

“Wrong. You’re just horrible in shooting.”

“Says the man who needs glasses!”

Bang!

“At least I’m tall enough to see the fucking target!”

“Excused the fuck ME?!”

Bang!

“Listen up you too...” Kaoru brought out both of his pistols before pointing it at their heads. “If you don’t shut the fuck up, I’ll bring both of you to fucking HELL.” He already snapped. “Both of you should know that we’re not supposed to fucking fight at the moment, and here you are- shooting each other!”

“Oh wow, Stupid Red Clips brought out his gun! This is rare! Wow wow!”

“And what are you going to do, Atitarn?”

He was done with this bullshit. 

He pulled both triggers.

“What the fuck, Aroon?! You shot my suit! I just bought this!”

“You broke my damn suit too. I have other pairs too but is that why you were fucking late?!”

“I was fashionably late, Greedy Shit. You, however-”

“If you two continue to talk, I’ll aim for your skulls. You know I’m good with guns.” Kaoru hissed. “My gang protect both Kinokuni Nene and Isshiki Satoshi ourselves. I don’t need you here.”

“... Tch.”

“Fine then, Aroon.”

It was all quiet. Nene never saw him all angry, neither did Isshiki. The people inside “LA5T 5HOT5″ also were in shock, knowing that their leader was capable of being this angry towards his “friends” to the point of threatening them.

“Good.” He kept his guns inside the holsters. “I hope you both know that we’re supposed to be fucking allies. We’re supposed to help each other protect these two.” He gestured to the two people who he was talking to before he ended up being too pissed. “So we’re not supposed to be at each other’s throats. Trust me, I would rather not deal with you guys being TOGETHER but it is a request from them. And I won’t deny it. They need the best protection.”

Eizan kept his gun away before he sighed. “I know.” He sighed before trying to avoid eye contact with Kuga. 

“Yeah. Well informed about it! Mister All Smiles was the one who suggested it, after all.” 

“We should discuss everything...” Kaoru crossed his arms. “Formally.”

“So we’re all in agreement?” Isshiki began looking around seeing everyone nodding. “That’s great then!”

“Are we free to ask questions to each other since we’re officially allies?” 

“Yes, we are, Canción.”

“Why are Eizan and Kinokuni wearing matching rings? I spotted something shining... and now I know what it is!”

“Good eyes, Canción.” Kaoru smiled before he began freaking out. “Wait... Miss Kinokuni, you’re engaged?!”

“And you’re still alive?”

“WHAT?! NO WAY IN HELL GREEDY SHIT IS ENGAGED BEFORE ME!”

“It was the deal. If I were to get engaged to him, I and my family would be protected, so there will be no further deaths. However, in exchange, we also share money with them. It’s a win-win, but I have to marry him in a year.”

Eizan didn’t talk about it, all he did was sigh. After short moments, he explained further. “I only accepted because it improves the business side of the whole Eizan family.”

“Wrong. You’ll end up falling for her.”

“Excuse me, Atitarn?”

“You’re going to end up fall in love.”

“I won’t.” Eizan disagreed. “I only am with her for the business part. Nothing further.” 

“Let’s have a bet. If you end up actually falling in love with her, you better make me the godfather of your kids.”

“As if that will happen. Sure. If I don’t fall for her, you have to pay me 100 USD.”

“Deal!”

“But yes. I am currently engaged to this woman and I have to protect her with my whole life or the deal is off.” Eizan brought his attention to Nene, who only listened the conversation. “So I have to deal with her for eternity.”

“I don’t really mind, as long as you don’t go overboard with your ways.” Nene looked up at him. “I’ll stop you if you do.”

Kuga was still in too much shock to react properly. “Thank god my family isn’t like that. I’m straight and I don’t want to be engaged with Mister All Smiles.”

“Shut up, midget. No one asked for your opinion.” Eizan glared at the male. “I didn’t want to be engaged with her, but if it’s to get a better reputation inside this Yakuza life of mine, I’ll do it.”

Kaoru laughed a bit, before winking. “Seems like a fair trade. Miss Kinokuni is pretty.” He complimented Nene and she turned her head to look at him.

“Shut up.”

“Come on! I was being nice!” Kaoru sneered. “Eizan may be a bit of a trouble, though. You and him seem to have the opposite kind of morals, but you’ll get through it.”

“I already know that very well.”

“Dang, I can see why you think it’s a possibility of love. Greedy Shit and Woman on her period. Seems like a romantic love story.”

“Die.”

“Oh oops. I’m not dead yet!” Kuga grinned before sticking out his tongue. “Are you disappointed?”

“Please don’t go too far.” Isshiki tried to stop him, and Kuga only pouted. Damn, why did he have to protect such a peace maker? It was no fun at all!

“Since we know... that... Eizan is engaged, and the reasons for it... Why did you protect Isshiki?”

“It’s easy as this. Their family is really hecking rich!” Kuga told them facts about this person. “And this makes him famous! If someone like me, who’s already famous enough, protects this man... Fame will be all around me! I bet that I’ll be the greatest Yakuza member in the world in everyone’s eyes!”

“It’s stupid if you call me greedy when you have an explanation like that.

“You’re greedy for money. I’m just hungry for game. It’s two different things!” Kuga complained. “Sheesh, always trying to look for something to go against me, huh?”

“I’ll just ignore your whole fucking existence.” Eizan began ignoring Kuga, and he wanted to listen to the side of his other previous gang member. “And you, Kaoru? Why are you accepting this?”

“You see, Miss Kinokuni is someone who I knew since middle school, and it’s the same with Isshiki. I knew something like this would happen, and... I’ve worried about them. It’s now my chance to make sure they stay alive.” He explains his side.

“And the rest of your gang?”

“We follow with whatever Aroon has to say, unless it’s morally bad. I don’t see anything wrong with it.” Hanako replied for the gang. “He usually picks the just decision. But personally, I just don’t mind. You all would need a planner after all.”

“Lotus is correct! Not so sure... but I think you might need a negotiator sooner or later! I’m also great in gaining information according to my other gang members!” Emile smiled warmly at them. “Since we’re allies now, I hope I will be a great help!”

“Obviously, you two alone can’t defend both of them all the time. I offer my services as back-up.” Tetsuji explained. “I’ve seen Isshiki enter the house of ours a couple of times, I would miss him if he were to not come back. For Kinokuni, I believe that she should be protected for the sake of my own morality. I wouldn’t let an innocent person die.”

“Whatever Aroon says, I follow.” Masae answered their question before spinning a knife around her hand. “I have no further reasons.” Without any warning, she threw the knife near someone’s face

“You could have hit the damn woman I’m protecting!”

“I wasn’t aiming for her.” Her expression darkened. “People found us.”

There was a single person who dropped on the floor. The knife went exactly on their neck.

Kuga began sighing before preparing his gun. “I wanted to bond with everyone first but here we are.” He wanted to personally get to know the rest of his gang more because of a request, but he had to let that go for a while. “We’re gonna do the same thing as old times, huh?” He hated the fact that he had to team up with the person he despised most and the person he had a large debt to. Isshiki was pulled by the blonde to get closer to him so he can make sure he won’t get shot.

“I guess so. But it doesn’t mean I want to.” Eizan brought Nene behind him.

“I told you, I can manage.”

“Obey me, woman. You’re going to make things harder for me if you stay near me.”

“Hey gang, are you ready?” Kaoru had a grin on his face. “This is the first time we’re going to protect people, I hope you’re alright with this.”

“I’m going to get the car for escape. I’ve already planned ahead if something funny happens.” Hanako was completely ready for any outcome to happen. “Give me 3 minutes, and I’ll be sure to bring the car here.”

“I’m going to distract the enemies while Lotus is at it!” Emile saluted his leader. “I can handle this!”

Tetsuji cracked his knuckles while the girl beside him got her special knives out. “I and Gaia is always prepared, Aroon.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s do this.”

[rafaelthompson]

Opening a New Café During COVID-19: Hong Kong, Continued

We follow the story of two cafés in Hong Kong that opened their businesses during the height of COVID-19.

BY TIGGER CHATURABUL SPECIAL TO BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Cover photo by Tigger Chaturabul

From the editor: Yesterday, we began to follow cafés that opened in Hong Kong during the pandemic. Today we learn of two more, whose plans and business models have swayed since a recent resurgance of cases in the city.

Coffeed is a coffee experience space that aims to bring people together for brewing and sharing after social distancing measures can be relaxed. Photo courtesy of Wendy Wu.

Coffeed

Coffeed is a coffee experience space by the founders of Coffeeder, an events and media organization that focuses on promoting the coffee industry in Hong Kong and connecting it with the greater Asia region. While it’s not an F&B outlet, Coffeed offers a curated selection of beans, equipment, and specialty chocolate at its shopfront in the city’s Central District.

“Coffeed is like an extension of Coffeeder,” says Fiona Lau, co-founder of both businesses. “While Coffeeder mainly handled events and collaborations with coffee brands, Coffeed is a way for us to interact directly with coffee consumers and is a consolidation of a lot [of] ideas we had over the years. Now we finally have the time to implement them.” It only took a month, from mid-April to mid-May, for them to plan and open Coffeed.

Customers at Coffeed will be able to test out various coffee-brewing equipment before buying them—once restrictions are lifted. Photo by Wendy Wu.

The shop is more than a coffee lifestyle store—their plans include making it into a workshop and event space, as well as a place for customers to do their own brewing in a home-like environment. “We initially had it set up so that people could come here, choose their beans, and brew it themselves using some of the equipment we offer,” says Fiona. “It’s a chance for people to try a lot of different products like filters, drippers, and scales before buying them. We also want to make it like a home brewing space because it’s uncommon for people to visit each others’ homes in Hong Kong and brew together. By coming to Coffeed, they can try different brewing methods and beans with their friends and share their experiences.”

All of that has been put on hold due to the new wave of COVID-19 transmissions however. They’ve switched their focus to online sales for the time being, encouraged by the surge of people interested in home brewing, and one of their specialties is offering sets of hand-drip beans that contain a single dose from different coffee origins.

“With Coffeeder, we planned to hold more events this year but so far, we haven’t even been able to execute one. However, we still wanted to accomplish something. So when this space became available and with our team having more free time, it was a good opportunity to open Coffeed,” says Fiona. “Since last year with the protests and this year with the pandemic, anything you do now will be a struggle, so it’s actually a good time to not be afraid to try new things because you don’t know what will happen anyway.”

Good Day Coffee is a tiny little shop that focuses on takeaway orders, an advantage in the current pandemic. Photo by Tigger Chaturabul.

Good Day Coffee

Jacquelene Chan always wanted to open a coffee shop that catered to the local neighborhood. That’s why in addition to specialty coffee, Good Day Coffee also offers simple and inexpensive sandwiches, toasts, and snacks similar to the Hong Kong style of quick diner service that people living or working nearby could pick up on their way to work. In less than two weeks of Good Day’s grand opening on July 5, however, five cases of COVID-19 were reported in the block surrounding the café in the new wave of local transmission, and the once bustling street traffic around the area fell silent.

“We mostly focus on takeaway orders anyway, so even though a lot of shops have temporarily closed in this area because of the outbreak, we still stay open so that people around here have something to eat,” Jacquelene says. The quiet, neighborly vibe of this secluded area of Yau Ma Tei is one of the reasons Jacquelene opened Good Day here. “A lot of elderly people or neighbors in the area really show their care and concern and often come to share news or even do their own disinfection of public handrails in the area,” she says.

Although Jacquelene didn’t do much promotion before Good Day opened, she found herself busier than she expected. “A lot of people have come to support me and many foodies, bloggers, and media have featured the shop,” she says. With international travel restricted indefinitely, many Hong Kongers have turned to local tourism and flock as fast as they can to the latest venue. (A lot of it is for the ’gram.)

Every day is unpredictable, and for the most part, Jacquelene has been handling the entire shop’s operation on her own. Throughout our interview, she managed to serve customers, make coffee, and bake an entire chocolate cake while simultaneously sharing her story with me—that’s passion and talent right there.

Good Day Coffee opened in July 2020 because founder Jacquelene Chan felt it was now or never to fulfill her dream of opening a café, despite COVID-19. Photo by Tigger Chaturabul.

“I never had a definitive timeline for when I wanted to open a shop, but it’s always been my dream,” Jacquelene says. “I started planning to open Good Day two months ago and a lot of people asked me how I can dare to do such a thing now, but I think if you want to do something, you need to take advantage of your own abilities at this time and just do it. If your abilities last until you’re 60 and you’ve already lived half of that, or if you’re going to have kids a couple years later, etc., then you need to do what you want when you can.”

She continues, “Even if you have a dream, though, you also need to have a plan. If you have a plan and follow it, then the route you take shouldn’t be too far out of your expectations. Realistically, your dream might not directly translate into an actual business, but you still need to stand firm and stay motivated. When you have your own business, it might be really exhausting, but at least it’s all your own.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tigger Chaturabul tried to be a barista for two years until she realized she was better suited behind the business than behind the bar. She now runs her own copywriting and design studio, Curious Typhoon Studio, that serves F&B and other small businesses in Hong Kong. Her free-range creative lifestyle allows her to spend all her time in coffee shops everywhere.

The post Opening a New Café During COVID-19: Hong Kong, Continued appeared first on Barista Magazine Online.

Opening a New Café During COVID-19: Hong Kong, Continued published first on https://espressoexpertsite.tumblr.com/

[keywestlou]

HE DRIPS IN BLOOD

When coronavirus victims began dying in significant numbers, many said Trump had blood on his hands.

I agreed.

I go a step further at this time. He now is responsible for the blood of children who have died. Their deaths caused by Kawasaki. A disease that is in effect a spin off of coronavirus.

Adults are one thing. Children another.

New York State alone has recently reported 93 children afflicted. Five have died.

The disease attacks children under the age of 5. Their blood does not wash off.

Coronavirus is in the White House. Donald’s home.

He not yet afflicted. Everyone wearing face masks, except for Trump and Pence. Tough guys! Till the virus hits them.

It is inevitable. The virus will spread within the White House. It will ravish the Nation’s home.

New York columnist Hannah Selinger wrote in a recent article: “In this pandemic, President Trump has botched absolutely everything from the top down, now even those in his innermost circle are suffering because of it…..His White House is our mirror. As we crumble out here, he crumbles in there, too.”

The flu epidemic of 1918-20 was a disaster also. Fifty million died world wide. In the U.S., 675,000.

People wore face masks as recommended. Few made the fuss that is occurring today. Those that generally succumbed were smokers. They poked a hole in the mask in order to smoke.

I doubt we will reach the 675,000 dead in the U.S. as in the flu epidemic. U.S. numbers presently in excess of 80,000.

One problem back then is similar to one experienced in recent months. The U.S. struggled to bury its dead.

Yesterday, I mentioned what I have been suggesting for a couple of years. The U.S. is headed for a revolution.

The most recent situation suggesting rebellion possible are the Pennsylvania counties who are opening for business in spite of Governor Wolf’s schedule for reopening. The people of those counties want to open now!

Appears to be another organized effort. What “elitist” group is behind this one?

The District Attorneys for the counties  involved say they will not prosecute those who reopen. Some Sheriffs have advised they will not enforce the restrictions.

It was reported yesterday that Florida’s Governor De Santis had “fudged” the death numbers to make his State look good. He reported a lesser amount than had actually passed on.

Trump is no help in discouraging the threat. In fact, he encourages it. He said, “The people of Pennsylvania want their freedom now.”

Forget not Michigan where recently militia attired persons were walking around the balcony of the Legislature armed with war guns.

Lori telephoned yesterday. Beauty parlors opening today. She thought I would be excited.

I was not. In fact, I chastised her a bit. Only because I care for her. Unless money was an issue, told her she should stay home. Then I hit her with my 61st day of self-quarantine. Followed by I had shaved my head bald twice on my own.

I could hear the disappointment in her voice as I went on. I was sorry I even shared my thoughts with her. My concern was actually for her.

We left it that I would call when I was ready to return to normal living.

What is the real estate market going to look like down the road. As soon as late summer and then until the coronavirus moves on.

My Key West real estate friends I talk with say everything will be ok. I view their thought as wishful thinking. They tell me in return…..Look at the stock market…..In spite of its first initial big dip, it is holding steady in the low 2,000’s.

I tell them the market is no indicator where the economy is going. Main Street and the little people are not profiting from the stock market nor is it their monies that are keeping the market steady. It is the large corporations that are making money hand over fist in the crisis. Companies like Walmart and Amazon.

I see 2 impacts affecting the real estate market. Both of which will work to keep prices down.

One is home owners will not list. They do not want people tramping through their homes during the Covid-19 crisis.

The other is people will not have the money to buy. Look at the millions presently out of work. Not all will have jobs to return to when the crisis passes.

The super abundance of available housing under the circumstances is described as “pent-up supply.” A declining market.

The San Francisco Bay area’s North Bay an example. The pent up supply growing rapidly. April’s numbers for this year were down 62 percent from April last year.

Notice now that coronavirus has found a foot hold in the White House, Trump has a “testing strategy” for the White House. Not for the rest of the country, however.

We are still waiting.

Trump proceeded what he thought was going to be a celebratory press conference yesterday in the Rose Garden. Turned out to be a disaster with Trump leaving the stage when 2 female reporters exercised their rights.

Two big banners strung between columns hung in the background. In big bold letters something to the effect Victory Is Ours or whatever. I cannot recall the exact words. However such is close enough.

Trump said in his introductory speech, “We have met the monster and we have prevailed.”

Last but not least, Trump repeated what he has many times the past few months: “America leads the world in testing.”

If such is the case, why have only 2.7 percent of our population been tested?

Trump also threw in that the U.S. will have 10 million face masks by the end of the week.

Trump has a problem with his staff. It appears no one wants to speak truth to power. They permit and/or help Trump to make asinine false statements.

Tuesday again! Time is moving fast. Must be my age that makes me think so.

Tonight is my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Oh so much to rant and rave about. Donald digging his hole deeper and deeper.

Join me for a fast moving and interesting half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

    HE DRIPS IN BLOOD was originally published on Key West Lou

[bountyofbeads]

ISIS Leader Known for His Brutality Dies at 48 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/27/world/middleeast/al-baghdadi-dead.html

C.I.A. Got Tip on al-Baghdadi’s Location From Arrest of a Wife and a Courier

President Trump’s abrupt decision to pull forces from northern Syria disrupted planning for the raid and forced the Pentagon to press ahead with a risky night operation, military officials said.

By Eric Schmitt and Helene Cooper | Published October 27, 2019 Updated 4:36 PM ET | New York Times | Posted October 27, 2019 |

WASHINGTON — The surprising information about the Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s general location — in a village deep inside a part of northwestern Syria controlled by rival Qaeda groups — came following the arrest and interrogation of one of Mr. al-Baghdadi’s wives and a courier this past summer, two American officials said.

Armed with that initial tip, the C.I.A. worked closely with Iraqi and Kurdish intelligence officials in Iraq and Syria to identify Mr. al-Baghdadi’s more precise whereabouts and to put spies in place to monitor his periodic movements, allowing American commandos to stage an assault Saturday in which President Trump said Mr. al-Baghdadi died.

But Mr. Trump’s abrupt decision to withdraw American forces from northern Syria disrupted the meticulous planning and forced Pentagon officials to press ahead with a risky, night raid before their ability to control troops and spies and reconnaissance aircraft disappeared, according to military, intelligence and counterterrorism officials. Mr. al-Baghdadi’s death, they said, occurred largely in spite of Mr. Trump’s actions.

The officials praised the Kurds, who continued to provide information to the C.I.A. on Mr. al-Baghdadi even after Mr. Trump’s decision to withdraw the American troops left the Syrian Kurds to confront a Turkish offensive alone. The Syrian and Iraqi Kurds, one official said, provided more intelligence for the raid than any single country.

The initial planning for the raid began this past summer. The Army’s elite Delta Force commando unit began drawing up and rehearsing plans to conduct a secret mission to kill or capture the ISIS leader, and faced huge hurdles. The location was deep inside territory controlled by Al Qaeda. The skies over that part of the country were controlled by Syria and Russia. The military called off missions at the last minute at least twice.

“It wasn’t until Thursday and then Friday the president chose his option and gave us the green light to proceed as we did yesterday,” Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday.

Mr. Esper said he did not know if the United States would have been able to carry out the helicopter raid against Mr. Baghdadi’s compound had American troops been completely withdrawn from Syria, as Mr. Trump had originally planned.

“I’d have to consult with our commanders about that,” Mr. Esper said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

In addition to Mr. Trump’s account, more than a half-dozen Pentagon, military, intelligence and counterterrorism officials provided this chronology of the raid after the president approved the operation.

Around midnight Sunday morning — 5 p.m. Saturday in Washington — eight American helicopters, primarily CH-47 Chinooks, took off from a military base near Erbil, Iraq.

Flying low and fast to avoid detection, the helicopters quickly crossed the Syrian border and then flew all the way across Syria itself — a dangerous 70-minute flight in which the helicopters took sporadic groundfire — to the Barisha area just north of Idlib city, in western Syria. Just before landing, the helicopters and other warplanes began firing on a compound of buildings, providing cover for commandos with the Delta Force and their military dogs to descend into a landing zone.



See Where the Raid on al-Baghdadi Took Place in Syria

The compound where the Islamic State leader was said to have died was far from the terrorist group’s former stronghold.

Mr. Trump seemed eager to provide details of the raid during a White House news conference on Sunday.

The president said that with the helicopter gunships firing from above, the commandos bypassed the front door, fearing a booby trap, before destroying one of the compound’s walls. That allowed them to rush through and confront a group of ISIS fighters.

The president, along with Mr. Esper, Vice President Mike Pence, and Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, watched full-motion video of the raid that was piped into the White House Situation Room from surveillance aircraft orbiting over the battlefield.

The Delta Force commandos, under fire, entered the compound, where they shot and killed a number of people. Mr. Trump said they also removed 11 children from harm’s way,

Mr. al-Baghdadi ran into an underground tunnel, with the American commandos in pursuit. Mr. Trump said that the ISIS leader took three children with him, presumably to use as human shields from the American fire. Fearing, apparently correctly, that Mr. al-Baghdadi was wearing a suicide vest, the commandos dispatched a military dog to subdue Mr. al-Baghdadi, Mr. Trump said.

It was then that the Islamic State leader set off the explosives, wounding the dog and killing the three children, Mr. Trump said.

Mr. Esper described the climax of the two-hour ground raid on “This Week” this way: “He’s in a compound, that’s right, with a few other men and women with him and a large number of children. Our special operators have tactics and techniques and procedures they go through to try and call them out. At the end of the day as the president said, he decided to kill himself and took some small children with him, we believe.”

Mr. Trump was more descriptive. “I got to watch much of it,” he said. Mr. al-Baghdadi, he said, “died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way.” The president said that Mr. Baghdadi “had dragged three of his young children with him,” and that the Islamic State leader “ignited himself, killing himself and the three children.”

Mr. Esper did not repeat the “whimpering” and “crying” assertion made by Mr. Trump. “I don’t have those details,” he said. “The president probably had the opportunity to talk to the commanders on the ground.”

Altogether, the American troops were on the ground in the compound for around two hours, Mr. Trump said, clearing the buildings of fighters and scooping up information that the president said contained important details on ISIS operations. Mr. Trump said the commandos already had DNA samples from the Islamic State leader, which he said they used to make a quick assessment that they had the right man.

Once all the Americans had piled back into their helicopters and started the return flight to Iraq — using the same route out as they used coming in, Mr. Trump said — American warplanes bombed the compound to ensure it was physically destroyed, Mr. Esper said. Just after 9 p.m. Washington time Saturday — four hours after the helicopters took off, “Something very big has just happened!”

*********

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS Leader Known for His Brutality, Is Dead at 48

President Trump announced the death of al-Baghdadi, who transformed the Islamic State into a global terrorist network that conquered territory the size of Britain and directed horrific attacks in the West.

By Rukmini Callimachi and Falih Hassan | Published October 27, 2019 Updated 5:09 PM ET | New York Times | Posted October 27, 2019 | INCREDIBLE PHOTOS |

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the cunning and enigmatic black-clad leader of the Islamic State who transformed a flagging insurgency into a global terrorist network that drew tens of thousands of recruits from 100 countries, has died at 48.

His death was announced on Sunday by President Trump, who said al-Baghdadi detonated a suicide vest during a raid this weekend in northwestern Syria by United States Special Forces. Mr. Trump said preliminary tests had confirmed his identity.

There was no immediate confirmation from the Islamic State’s media arm, which typically is quick to claim attacks but generally takes longer to confirm the deaths of its leaders.

The son of a pious Sunni family from the Iraqi district of Samarra, al-Baghdadi parlayed religious fervor, hatred of nonbelievers and the power of the internet into the path that catapulted him onto the global stage. He commanded an organization that, at its peak, controlled a territory the size of Britain from which it directed and inspired acts of terror in more than three dozen countries.

Al-Baghdadi was the world’s most-wanted terrorist chieftain, the target of a $25 million bounty from the American government. His death followed a yearslong, international manhunt that consumed the intelligence services of multiple countries and spanned two American presidential administrations.

Al-Baghdadi evaded capture for nearly a decade by hewing to a series of extreme security measures, even when meeting with his most-trusted associates.

“They even made me remove my wristwatch,” recounted Ismail al-Ithawy, a top aide who was captured last year. He spoke from a jail in Iraq, where he has been sentenced to death.

After being stripped of electronic devices, including cellphones and cameras, Mr. al-Ithawy and others recalled, they were blindfolded, loaded onto buses and driven for hours to an unknown location. When they were finally allowed to remove their blindfolds, they would find al-Baghdadi sitting before them.

Meetings lasted between 15 and 30 minutes and the ISIS chief would leave the building first. His visitors were required to stay under armed guard for hours after his exit. Then they were once again blindfolded and driven back to their original point of departure, according to aides who saw him in three of the past five years.

“Baghdadi’s concern was always: Who will betray him? He didn’t trust anyone,” said Gen. Yahya Rasool, a spokesman of the Iraqi Joint Operation Command.

Much of the world first learned of al-Baghdadi in 2014, when his men overran one-third of Iraq and half of neighboring Syria and declared the territory a caliphate, claiming to revive the Muslim theocracy that ended with the fall of the Ottoman Empire.

The move distinguished the Islamic State from Al Qaeda, the older Islamist terrorist group under whose yoke al-Baghdadi’s men had operated for nearly a decade in Iraq before violently breaking away.

Although Osama bin Laden, the Qaeda leader, had dreamed of restoring the caliphate, he was reluctant to declare one, perhaps fearing the overwhelming military response that eventually cost al-Baghdadi his territory.

Yet it took five years before troops seized in March the last acre of land under al-Baghdadi’s rule. And in the interim, the promise of a physical caliphate electrified tens of thousands of followers who flocked to Syria to serve his imagined state.

At its peak, the group’s black flag flew over major population centers, including the Iraqi city of Mosul, with a population of 1.4 million.

Its territory spread east into the plains of Nineveh, the biblical city where the extremists turned centuries-old churches into bomb factories. It reached north into the mountains of Sinjar, whose women were singled out for sexual enslavement. It extended south to the Syrian oil fields of Deir al-Zour and the majestic colonnades of Palmyra.

Acting under the orders of a “Delegated Committee” headed by al-Baghdadi, the group known variously as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh imposed its violent interpretation of Islam in these territories. Women accused of adultery were stoned to death, thieves had their hands hacked off, and men who had defied the militants were beheaded.

While some of those medieval punishments are also meted out in places like Saudi Arabia, the Islamic State shocked people around the world by televising its executions. It also offended Muslims by inventing horrific punishments that are not mentioned in Islamic scripture.

A Jordanian pilot was burned alive in a scene filmed by overhead drones. Men accused of being spies were drowned in cages, as underwater cameras captured their last tortured gasp. Others were crushed under the treads of a T-55 tank, or strung up by their feet inside a slaughterhouse and butchered like animals.

But in addition to brutality, the group also meted out services, running a state that was recognized by no one other than themselves, but which in certain categories outperformed the one it had usurped.

The Islamic State collected taxes and saw to it that the garbage was picked up. Couples who got married could expect to receive a marriage license printed on Islamic State stationery. Once children of those unions were born, their birth weight was duly recorded on an ISIS-issued birth certificate. The group even ran its own D.M.V.

For a group intent on re-establishing a theocracy from the Middle Ages, the Islamic State was very much a creature of its time. The militants harnessed the internet to connect with thousands of followers around the globe, making them feel as if they were virtual citizens of the caliphate.

The message of these new jihadists was clear, and many of those on whose ears it fell found it emboldening: Anyone, anywhere, could act in the group’s name. That allowed ISIS to multiply its lethality by remotely inspiring attacks, carried out by men who never set foot in a training camp.

In this fashion, ISIS was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people around the world. A shooting at an office party in San Bernardino, Calif. An attack on a Christmas market in Germany. A truck attack in Nice, France, on Bastille Day. Suicide bombings at churches on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka.

In many instances, the attackers left behind recordings, social media posts or videos pledging allegiance to al-Baghdadi.

“Baghdadi was central to giving voice to ISIS’ project in a manner that achieved startling resonance with vulnerable individuals globally,” said Joshua Geltzer, who was senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council until 2017.

“He will remain a singular figure in the group’s emergence and evolution,” Mr. Geltzer said.

‘SHEIKH IBRAHIM’

Born Ibrahim Awad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi began life in a dry and desolate plain in the village of Al Jallam in central Iraq. He was one of five sons and several daughters of a conservative Sunni man who eked out a living selling sheep.

Neighbors described the family as average, and the area as unremarkable.

But one detail stands out in al-Baghdadi’s early story, and it would later become a key element in his claim to be a caliph or religious ruler: Al Jallam is populated by members of the al-Badri tribe, which traces its lineage to the Quraysh people of the Arabian Peninsula — the tribe of the Prophet Muhammad.

A hereditary connection to the Quraysh is regarded as a prerequisite for becoming a caliph, and pamphlets published by ISIS exhorting Muslims to pledge allegiance to al-Baghdadi trace his ancestry from the Badri community in Al Jallam to Fatima, the youngest daughter of the prophet.

By the time al-Baghdadi began elementary school, the family had moved to the nearby city of Samarra. He was a mediocre student. His high school transcript shows that his highest grade was in art (95 out of 100), while in core subjects like algebra, he mustered scores in the low 50s.

In interviews with 17 people who knew al-Baghdadi, including friends, classmates, neighbors, teachers and former pupils, he was described as “shy,” “reserved,” “isolated” and “quiet.” He found his place, they said, at the local mosque, where his father enrolled him in a Quranic memorization class.

“Yes, he had a spiritual gift,” said the owner of the Ahmed Ibn Hanbal mosque, Khalid Ahmed Ismael, adding, “His soul was connected to the mosque.”

Mr. Ismael recalled how, without being prompted, al-Baghdadi — a nom de guerre he adopted when he became a militant — would lead the other boys in cleaning the house of worship, dragging the carpets outside, hosing them down and placing them on the roof to dry.

And he quickly outdid the other boys in the memorization and recitation of scripture. By the time he was in high school, congregants began asking for the boy to lead the prayer in the imam’s place.

“That’s how sweet his voice was,” Mr. Ismael said. “It was so sweet that you could feel the sweetness and it would attract others into the mosque.”

But already there were signs that al-Baghdadi saw his conservative approach to faith as one that should be imposed on others.

When a neighbor got a tattoo of a heart on his arm, al-Baghdadi lectured him. Tattoos, the neighbor, Younes Taha, recalled him saying, are forbidden under Islamic law. Soon, he even felt comfortable reproaching his mentors.

“When you stand up and recite the prayer, the smell of your breath will make the angels fly away,” he reportedly told Mr. Ismael when the mosque owner began smoking.

At age 20, in 1991, he enrolled in the Shariah college of Baghdad University, according to school records obtained by The New York Times from Iraq’s intelligence agency.

He earned a bachelor’s degree and then enrolled at Saddam University, an institution dedicated to Islamic studies where he earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in topics related to Islamic scripture.

To pay for his studies, he taught Quranic classes at al-Haj Zaidan Mosque in the Topchi neighborhood of Baghdad, where his pupils referred to him as “Sheikh Ibrahim.” Those who interacted with him described him as taciturn and reserved, a quality that impressed his students.

“When I asked him, ‘Sheikh Ibrahim, I have a question for you,’ he would answer just the question and nothing more,” said the mosque’s current imam, Ahmed Rajab, who was al-Baghdadi’s pupil in the early 2000s. “We would try to get him to talk to us. He didn’t gossip. His reserve came from his self-discipline.”

But outside the mosque, some began to be bothered by his proselytizing.

On weekends, he coached a youth soccer team, using practices as an opportunity to hand out pamphlets advocating the ultraconservative Wahhabi strain of Islam.

“We were like: ‘Why? We’re here to play soccer.’ I just took it and threw it away,” recalled Faisal Ghazi Taih, one of the former players. His parents pulled him off the team when they found out, he said.

In 2003, as military jets sliced the sky over Baghdad and the American invasion to topple Saddam Hussein began, al-Baghdadi told his students at the mosque in Topchi that he was heading home.

Less than a year later, Mr. Taha was watching TV when he suddenly recognized his former neighbor in footage showing detainees arrested by American forces. They were lined up in orange jumpsuits, the same color that Western hostages of ISIS would later be forced to wear in their execution videos.

Security officials say that al-Baghdadi was arrested near Falluja at the home of his in-laws in January 2004.

The target of the raid was al-Baghdadi’s brother-in-law, who had taken up arms against the American occupation. Al-Baghdadi was swept up in the raid, considered little more than a hanger-on at that point, officials said. He spent 11 months in a detention center at Camp Bucca, according to declassified Pentagon records.

Some analysts have argued that it was his time in American custody that radicalized him. Those who were imprisoned alongside him, however, say he was already committed to violence when he entered the sprawling prison camp.

Talib al-Mayahi, now 54, met al-Baghdadi inside the tent where they were both assigned at Camp Bucca. Al-Baghdadi was in his 30s and went by the nom de guerre “Abu Dua,” recalled his fellow detainee, who is under a form of witness protection in Iraq and was interviewed in the presence of intelligence agents.

The prisoners inside the camp were beginning to organize, appointing secret “emirs” of each tent, Mr. al-Mayahi said, and al-Baghdadi was chosen to lead his. He immediately set to work driving Shiite prisoners from the tent, leaning on a gang of fellow Sunni prisoners, armed with shanks made from the metal mined from the camp’s air-conditioning units, Mr. al-Mayahi said.

Hatred of the Shiites was a hallmark of the insurgency that was sweeping across Iraq. Their places of worship began to be targeted in a move that was criticized even by Al Qaeda. Later, it would become a hallmark of the Islamic State, whose followers began targeting the sect throughout the world, dispatching suicide bombers to Shiite sites in Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iran and Bangladesh.

“It got to the point where Shiite prisoners would ask to be transferred to another tent,” Mr. al-Mayahi said. “Then when there were no Shiite left, he began threatening fellow Sunnis: Why are you smoking? How come you didn’t show up to prayer? Why is your beard so short?”

THE HUNT

Pentagon records indicate that al-Baghdadi was released in late 2004, a failure of intelligence that would come to haunt American officials.

“It’s hard to imagine we could have had a crystal ball then that would tell us he’d become head of ISIS,” a Pentagon official told The Times a decade later.

For years, he disappeared from view. Then in 2009, security forces recovered a cache of documents in a safe house used by the militants and found the name “Abu Dua” on the group’s personnel list.

His clout inside the terrorist group did not become clear until months later, when security forces captured a senior leader of the insurgency, said Abu Ali al-Basri, the director general of Iraqi intelligence.

At a checkpoint in Baghdad in March of 2010, Iraqi agents arrested Manaf al-Rawi, believed to be one of the executioners of an American contractor, Nick Berg, whose videotaped beheading was posted on the internet. Under interrogation, Mr. al-Rawi named “Abu Dua,” as one of the group’s coordinators, tasked with passing secret messages between the insurgents.

“I directly sent word to the prime minister with the names of three people we deemed important based on the interrogation of Manaf al-Rawi,” Mr. al-Basri said. “One of the three was Baghdadi.”

Not long after, in May of 2010, the insurgents announced their new leader: It was Abu Dua, who now introduced himself to the world as “Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.”

The meaning of the new nom de guerre was not lost on his future followers: Abu Bakr was the first caliph after the Prophet Muhammad’s death in ancient Arabia and is credited with the wave of Islamic expansion that followed.

For the next three years, Mr. al-Basri’s agents hunted al-Baghdadi, setting up at least six stings to arrest him.

There were numerous near-misses, he claims, saying they came close to catching him in the Baghdad district of Mansour, then in Adamiya, where he was spotted driving. On another occasion, they got a tip that he was driving to the town of Ghazaliya to meet with a Qaeda operative.

And in Topchi, near the mosque where his voice used to call the faithful to prayer, they laid an ambush. Somehow, he managed to get away.

“At that point, he was more lucky than he was smart,” Mr. al-Basri said.

But with each close call, al-Baghdadi became more circumspect, more obsessed with security and more untrusting. He is believed to have stopped using cellphones more than a decade ago, relying exclusively on hand-delivered messages, Mr. al-Basri said.

In 2014, when he ascended the marbled pulpit of a mosque in Mosul to declare the caliphate, it was the first time a video appeared that showed his face uncovered.

Al-Baghdadi’s reclusiveness fed rumors of his demise, with many news outlets carrying speculative reports of his death, all of which proved to be untrue. Each time, he resurfaced in audio recordings, and later videos, thumbing his nose at the world.

American officials who worked in the Obama administration say that for all of 2014, 2015 and 2016 there was not a single time when they believed they had solid intelligence about al-Baghdadi’s whereabouts, even as numerous other senior Islamic State leaders were hunted down and killed, including al-Baghdadi’s No. 2.

But unlike Osama bin Laden, al-Baghdadi was no recluse.

Bin Laden walled himself off from the world in a compound in Pakistan in an effort to avoid detection and operated as a distant manager. Al-Baghdadi, by contrast, was directly involved in some of his group’s most notorious atrocities, including the organized rape of women considered to be nonbelievers.

[Read about ISIS’ theology of rape.]

One of them was D, who was just 15 years old when she was kidnapped alongside other Yazidi women and girls from her village at the foot of Mount Sinjar a few weeks after the declaration of the caliphate. Interviewed after her escape, she asked to be identified by only her first initial because of the stigma of rape, and described how the women and girls were transported to a building in Raqqa, which acted as a viewing gallery for the men wishing to enslave them.

The first man to come in was al-Baghdadi, she said, information that was confirmed by two other girls who were held at the same facility.

“I noticed right away that he was important — everybody stood up when he walked in,” D said.

She and the other girls he chose were moved from house to house, eventually ending up in the same villa as 26-year-old American aid worker Kayla Mueller of Prescott, Ariz. All of them were taken out and raped by al-Baghdadi, including Ms. Mueller, who returned to their shared room sobbing unconsolably, according to the account of survivors that was confirmed by American officials and Ms. Mueller’s mother.

Al-Baghdadi took pleasure in brutality, the women held captive said.

One day in August 2014, D was summoned to see him. Fearing she was about to be raped again, she was surprised when al-Baghdadi took her into the living room, not the bedroom, and asked her to sit next to him on a couch.

“He had a big, black laptop,” she said, recalling how he hit “play” on a video on the screen. It showed the execution of an American journalist, James Foley.

“He told us, ‘We killed this man today,’” she said. “He was laughing at our reaction.”

Some who knew al-Baghdadi the longest wondered if it was his very nature that accounted for his ability to evade capture for so long, and not just his extreme security measures.

Hussam Mehdi, an ISIS member who first met al-Baghdadi at Camp Bucca and is now in jail in Baghdad, said his enduring memory of the man who would become one of the world’s most powerful terrorists was of him walking back and forth along the fence line — by himself.

“It’s something I have wondered about: a man who was totally alone, a person who doesn’t socialize, just ‘salaam alaikum,’ and then moves on,” Mr. Mehdi said. “I wonder if it’s because he likes to be alone that isolation came easily to him.”

Mr. Mehdi thought back to the men who had come before al-Baghdadi at the helm of the Islamic State.

“Abu Musab was killed,” he said. “Abu Omar was killed. But Abu Bakr lasted.”

Rukmini Callimachi reported on this obituary from Samarra, Al Jallam and Baghdad, Iraq, between late 2018 and early 2019. Eric Schmitt contributed reporting from Washington.

*********

ISIS Leader al-Baghdadi Is Dead, Trump Says

President Trump said in a nationally televised address that American forces targeted Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the head of the Islamic State, in an operation in Syria this weekend.

By Peter Baker, Eric Schmitt and Helene Cooper | Published October 27, 2019 Updated 7:22 PM ET | New York Times |

WASHINGTON — President Trump announced on Sunday that a commando raid in Syria this weekend had targeted and resulted in the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State, claiming a significant victory even as American forces are pulling out of the area.

“Last night, the United States brought the world’s No. 1 terrorist leader to justice,” Mr. Trump said in an unusual nationally televised address from the White House. “Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead.”

Mr. Trump said Mr. al-Baghdadi was chased to the end of a tunnel, “whimpering and crying and screaming all the way” as he was pursued by American military dogs. Accompanied by three children, Mr. al-Baghdadi then detonated a suicide vest, blowing up himself and the children, Mr. Trump said.

Mr. al-Baghdadi’s body was mutilated by the blast, but Mr. Trump said a test had confirmed his identity. The president made a point of repeatedly portraying Mr. al-Baghdadi as “sick and depraved” and him and his followers as “losers” and “frightened puppies,” using inflammatory, boastful language unlike the more solemn approaches by other presidents in such moments. “He died like a dog,” Mr. Trump said. “He died like a coward.”

Mr. Trump said American forces, ferried by eight helicopters through airspace controlled by Russia with Moscow’s permission, were met by hostile fire when they landed and entered the target building by blowing a hole through the wall rather than take a chance on a booby-trapped main entrance. No Americans were killed in the operation, although Mr. Trump said one of the military dogs was injured.

Mr. Trump, who is under threat of impeachment for abuse of power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his domestic political rivals, appeared eager to claim credit for the raid, engaging in a lengthy question-and-answer session with reporters after his statement as he personally walked them through the details, promoted his own role and compared himself favorably to past presidents.

The White House released a photograph of Mr. Trump surrounded by top advisers on Saturday in the Situation Room where he monitored the raid on Mr. al-Baghdadi’s hide-out in Syria, much like the famed image of President Barack Obama watching the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011. Mr. Trump even seemed to suggest that killing Mr. al-Baghdadi was a bigger deal than killing Bin Laden.

Mr. al-Baghdadi never occupied the same space in the American psyche as Bin Laden, but proved to be a tenacious and dangerous enemy of the United States and its allies in the Middle East.

The son of a sheepherder from Iraq, Mr. al-Baghdadi, 48, was arrested by occupying American forces in 2004 and emerged radicalized from 11 months of captivity and came to assemble a potent terrorist force that overtook Al Qaeda. He promoted a virulent form of Islam and at one point controlled a swath of territory the size of Britain.

The discovery of Mr. al-Baghdadi’s location came after the arrest and interrogation of one of Mr. al-Baghdadi’s wives and a courier this summer, two American officials said. The location surprised his American pursuers because it was deep inside a part of northwestern Syria controlled by archrival Qaeda groups.

Armed with that initial tip, the C.I.A. worked closely with Kurdish intelligence officials in Iraq and Syria — including those caught off guard by Mr. Trump’s decision to withdraw American troops from northern Syria earlier this month — to identify Mr. Baghdadi’s whereabouts and to put spies in place to monitor his periodic movements.

For Mr. Trump, a successful operation against Mr. al-Baghdadi could prove both a strategic victory in the battle against the Islamic State and a politically useful counterpoint to critics in both parties who have assailed him in recent weeks for the troop withdrawal, which allowed Turkey to attack and push out America’s Kurdish allies from northern Syria.

But experts have long warned that even eliminating the leader of terrorist organizations like the Islamic State does not eliminate the threat. Mr. al-Baghdadi has been incorrectly reported killed before, and American military officials were concerned that Mr. Trump, who posted a cryptic message on Twitter on Saturday night teasing his Sunday announcement, was so eager to announce the development that he was getting ahead of the forensics.

A Defense Department official said before the president’s announcement that there was a strong belief — “near certainty” — that Mr. al-Baghdadi was dead, but that with any other president, the Pentagon would wait for absolute certainty before announcing victory. But Mr. Trump was impatient to get the news out, the official said, and Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper appeared on the Sunday morning shows as a last-minute addition to the programs to promote the apparent success.

Critics of the president’s decision to withdraw American forces quickly argued that the operation took place in spite of, not because of, Mr. Trump and that if the military had not slow-rolled his plan to withdraw, the raid would not have been possible. Rather than justifying a pullout, they said, the raid underscored the importance of maintaining an American military presence in Syria and Iraq to keep pressure on the Islamic State.

“We must keep in mind that we were able to strike Baghdadi because we had forces in the region,” said Representative Michael Waltz, Republican of Florida and a former Army Green Beret. “We must keep ISIS from returning by staying on offense.”

Mr. al-Baghdadi has been the focus of an intense international manhunt since 2014 when the terrorist network he led seized huge parts of Iraq and Syria with the intention of creating a caliphate for Islamic extremists. He was believed to hew to extreme security measures, even when meeting with his most-trusted associates.

American forces working with allies on the ground like the Kurdish troops abandoned by Mr. Trump in recent days have swept Islamic State forces from the field in the last couple of years, recapturing the territory it had seized.

Mr. al-Baghdadi’s death is another important victory in the campaign against the Islamic State, but counterterrorism experts warned that the organization could still be a potent threat.

“The danger here is that President Trump decides once again to shift focus away from ISIS now that its leader is dead,” said Jennifer Cafarella, research director for the Institute for the Study of War in Washington. “Unfortunately, killing leaders does not defeat terrorist organizations. We should have learned that lesson after killing Osama bin Laden, after which Al Qaeda continued to expand globally.”

The Islamic State has its roots in Al Qaeda in Iraq, a deadly radical Sunni group founded in the early years of the Iraq war by Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi. In June 2006, Mr. Al-Zarqawi was killed in a safe house by American bombs, but his group continued its devastating violence in Iraq, and the civil war worsened over the next year. Years later, Mr. al-Baghdadi, after a weak period for the group, transformed the organization into the Islamic State, with the help of officials once loyal to Saddam Hussein.

The American commando raid took place on Saturday in Idlib Province, hundreds of miles from the area along the Syrian-Iraqi border where Mr. al-Baghdadi had been believed to be hiding, according to senior officials. Counterterrorism experts expressed surprise that Mr. al-Baghdadi was hiding in an area dominated by Al Qaeda groups so far from his strongholds.

However, the Islamic State has extensively penetrated Idlib Province since the fall of Raqqa, its stronghold in northeastern Syria, in late 2017. The American operation on Saturday took place in a smuggling area near the Turkish border where numerous ISIS foreign fighters have likely traversed, Ms. Cafarella said.

“It could be that he believed the chaos of Idlib would provide him with the cover he needed to blend in among hordes of jihadists and other rebels,” said Colin P. Clarke, a senior fellow at the Soufan Center, a research organization for global security issues.

But there is also a more ominous possibility of why Mr. al-Baghdadi was in Idlib. “Baghdadi’s presence in Al Qaeda-dominated areas could signal many things,” Ms. Cafarella said. “Most dangerous among them is resumed negotiations between him and Al Qaeda leaders for reunification and/or a collaboration with Al Qaeda elements on attacks against the West.”

American counterterrorism officials have voiced increased alarm about a Qaeda affiliate in northwestern Syria that they say is plotting attacks against the West by exploiting the chaotic security situation in the country’s northwest and the protection inadvertently afforded by Russian air defenses shielding Syrian government forces allied with Moscow.

This latest Qaeda branch, called Hurras al-Din, emerged in early 2018 after several factions broke away from a larger affiliate in Syria. It is the successor to the Khorasan Group, a small but dangerous organization of hardened senior Qaeda operatives that Ayman al-Zawahri, Al Qaeda’s leader, sent to Syria to plot attacks against the West.

If Mr. al-Baghdadi’s death is confirmed, it would set off a succession struggle among top Islamic State leaders. Many other top leaders have been killed in American drone strikes and raids in the past few years. Anticipating his own death, Mr. al-Baghdadi delegated authorities to regional and functional lieutenants to ensure that the Islamic State operations would continue.

“There are few publicly well-recognized candidates to potentially replace al-Baghdadi,” said Evan F. Kohlmann, who tracks militant websites at the New York security consulting firm Flashpoint Global Partners.

Mr. Kohlmann said the next most prominent public figure from within the Islamic State is its current official spokesman, Abu Hassan al-Muhajir, an enigma himself whose exact pedigree is still unclear.

In announcing the raid, Mr. Trump put himself in the center of the action, describing himself as personally hunting Mr. al-Baghdadi since the early days of his administration. He said he watched the action on Saturday with Vice President Mike Pence; Mr. Esper; Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and others in the Situation Room “as though you were watching a movie.”

Unlike previous presidents announcing such operations, Mr. Trump ended his national address by taking questions from reporters. He made a point of thanking Russia, Turkey, Syria and Iraq for their cooperation and said Kurdish forces provided “information that turned out to be helpful.”

By contrast, he described America’s traditional European allies as “a tremendous disappointment,” repeating his complaint that they have not agreed to take captured Islamic State fighters who originated from their countries.

He said that American troops did “an on-site test” of DNA to confirm Mr. al-Baghdadi’s identity and that they brought back “body parts” when leaving the scene. Mr. Trump said two women were found there wearing suicide vests that did not detonate but were killed on the scene.

The raid could help Mr. Trump with at least some hawkish Republican lawmakers who had broken with him over his decision to withdraw troops from Syria even as the president refused to notify Speaker Nancy Pelosi or other Democratic lawmakers in advance as his predecessors did in similar circumstances, saying he did not trust them not to leak.

Mr. Trump invited Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, usually a strong ally who had been the most outspoken critic of his Syria decision, to join him for the speech on Sunday morning and then sent Mr. Graham to brief reporters from the lectern in the White House briefing room, an unusual spectacle for a lawmaker.

Mr. Graham called the raid “a game changer in the war on terror,” while adding that “the war is by no means over.” He said Mr. Trump had reassured him on his concerns. “The president’s determination over time has paid off,” Mr. Graham said. “We don’t give him enough credit for destroying the caliphate.”

He added: “This is a moment when President Trump’s worst critics should say, ‘Well done, Mr. President.’”

Democrats were not quick to take the advice. Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., a leading Democratic candidate for president, released a statement praising the military and intelligence officials involved in the raid without mentioning Mr. Trump at all.

Representative Adam B. Schiff, Democrat of California and the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee who is leading the impeachment inquiry, said “good riddance” to “a bloodthirsty killer,” calling the raid “an important victory.” But speaking on “This Week” on ABC, he offered no congratulations to Mr. Trump himself.

Instead, he said it was unwise for Mr. Trump not to notify the so-called Gang of Eight congressional leaders traditionally informed about such operations, noting that doing so would have been helpful for the president if something had gone wrong. He also said the success of the raid did not absolve Mr. Trump of the decision to abandon the Kurds by pulling out.

“It’s a disastrous mistake to betray the Kurds this way,” he said. “I think it just improves the Russian position in the Middle East, something they desperately want.”

Reporting was contributed by Rukmini Callimachi from Romania, and Edward Wong, Nicholas Fandos and Chris Cameron from Washington.