The Manor
Biscuit had chosen their estate with the same careful attention to detail that Kris would have used in the past. The sprawling manor, nestled on the outskirts of London, provided the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. It was far enough from the city's chaos to offer privacy, yet close enough to remain within reach of everything the vibrant city had to offer.
The estate, acquired through a series of discreet transactions, was a testament to the seamless coordination of Kris's team. Its true ownership was carefully kept anonymous—something Kris had entrusted to Biscuit, who managed everything with ease. With her roles as Financial Manager, Biscuit had handled the entire acquisition effortlessly, allowing Kris to focus on the things that mattered most. Kris no longer felt the need to oversee every detail, confident that his team, with Biscuit guiding them, would always make the right choices.
The manor itself, with its ancient stone walls and expansive gardens, was a place that exuded a quiet history, a sense of permanence Kris found soothing. The architecture, timeless and unhurried, reflected his own shift. It was a place where control no longer felt like a burden, where Kris could simply exist—knowing that those around him, Biscuit especially, had everything in hand.
---
The Routine
During the day, Kris trained his nen with Biscuit, still uncertain about the impact this secret could have on his relationship with Evelyn. Biscuit, ever the voice of reason, suggested he let Evelyn decide if she wanted to know more. After all, it wouldn't be fair to burden her with the responsibility of holding knowledge that could change her life forever.
And so, it remained an open secret, one that neither of them proactively shared. They trained within the confines of the estate, allowing Evelyn and Jonathan to simply take it in stride, unaware of the deeper complexities of Kris's training.
Biscuit focused Kris's training on the core principles of nen. They revisited Ten, Ren, Zetsu, and Hatsu—principles Kris had never fully honed due to his hectic schedule. But now, with all the time he needed, he could finally dedicate himself to them.
Next, Biscuit reintroduced Kris to the advanced techniques: Gyo, Shu, En, In, Ken, Ko, and, of course, Ryu.
Biscuit emphasized Gyo, Ken, Ko, and Ryu as the foundation of unarmed combat in the Shingen-ryu school of martial arts. These techniques, essential for unarmed combat, became the cornerstone of Kris's training. She also encouraged him to integrate his Observation Haki with nen principles, particularly Ryu, to enhance his combat capabilities.
Though they focused on the martial aspects, they didn't neglect the other principles. Shu, crucial for weapons combat in the Shingen-ryu, involved coating weapons and other objects with nen—a fundamental skill for nen battles. Meanwhile, En, when coupled with Observation Haki, brought Kris's spatial awareness to an entirely new level. The combination of In allowed him to perfect guerrilla tactics, making him an even more dangerous fighter, able to strike with precision and vanish without a trace.
At night, Kris found solace in the moments he shared with Evelyn, whether it was taking her out for dinner in a quiet corner of the city or simply wandering through the streets, lost in conversation. Their relationship, once defined by lighthearted flirtation and playful banter, had slowly transformed into something neither of them could fully explain. There was an undeniable bond between them, one that had deepened in ways neither expected, and though they couldn't put a name to it, they felt it every time they were together.
In Evelyn's presence, Kris was no longer the man who had built his life on strategy and control, the master of manipulation or the ruthless planner. Those roles, once so integral to who he was, faded away. With her, he was simply a man—someone who could enjoy the quiet comfort of her company without the pressure of pretenses. They shared moments of vulnerability and trust, letting down the walls they had both built over the years. In her embrace, Kris found something he hadn't realized he needed: peace. It was a kind of intimacy that went beyond physical closeness, a connection that felt both natural and profound.
It wasn't perfect—nothing ever was—but in those moments, it didn't matter. The complexity of their pasts, the secrets they carried, all seemed to melt away in the simplicity of being with her. Kris, for the first time in a long while, allowed himself to let go and just be.
---
In The Groove
Evelyn had settled into her new life with remarkable ease. London's quiet rhythm suited her perfectly, offering the kind of space and solitude she craved. Each day was a blend of research, ancient texts, and time spent with Kris, and she embraced it all with an infectious enthusiasm. The city's subdued pace allowed her to dive deep into the mysteries of the past, unraveling secrets that had long been buried beneath layers of history. Her excitement was palpable, whether she was discussing a new discovery with Kris or poring over old manuscripts, her eyes lighting up with the thrill of uncovering something new.
Though her days were often spent in quiet contemplation or buried in the world of her research, Evelyn never lost sight of the growing connection she shared with Kris. It was a balance—intellect and intimacy, curiosity and companionship—that she found herself relishing more with each passing day. London, for all its vastness and complexity, had become the perfect backdrop for her own unfolding journey.
Jonathan, by contrast, flourished in the vibrant chaos of London. The city's fast-paced energy seemed to fuel him, and he wasted no time in diving headfirst into its nightlife and social scene. He effortlessly charmed the city's elite, his wit and charm making him a fixture in the most sought-after circles. For Jonathan, London was a playground, a place where he could indulge his every whim without consequence.
But beyond his social pursuits, Jonathan also brought a sense of levity to their days. His antics—often humorous and sometimes downright absurd—were a constant source of amusement, a rare spark of lightness in what could otherwise be a world of complex plans and weighty responsibilities. Kris, who had long been accustomed to a life of strategy and precision, found himself smiling more often than he expected. Jonathan's carefree nature acted as a reminder that, sometimes, life didn't need to be taken so seriously. In a way, Jonathan's humor had become a small but meaningful part of their new, quieter lives—a testament to the balance they had found between their different worlds.
---
Updates and Well Wishes
One evening, as Kris stood on the balcony of the estate, the soft chime of his comm device broke the quiet rhythm of the night. He turned his attention to the device, the steady hum of the city's pulse mixing with the distant calls of night creatures. The voice on the other end was familiar—Bishop, ever the calm, calculated presence.
"Things are progressing as planned," Bishop's voice crackled through the speaker, steady as ever despite the distance. "The Medjai are adapting well to their new role, and the desert's starting to show signs of life. But we need to be careful. Too much attention on our movements could derail everything we've worked for."
Kris stood still, eyes fixed on the horizon. The lights of London stretched out before him, a sea of golden light contrasting with the deepening shades of twilight. His thoughts lingered momentarily on the vast desert and the covert operation in motion.
"I trust you, Bishop," Kris said, his tone calm but firm. "Keep it under control. Subtlety is key." He paused, taking a deep breath, allowing the weight of the situation to settle in before speaking again. "No missteps."
The conversation continued briefly, Bishop outlining the progress of their covert operation. The Medjai, once a scattered and fragmented group, were now being molded into something much more potent under Bishop's leadership. Ancient artifacts uncovered in the desert were providing the necessary funding to keep their operation afloat, and their efforts were starting to bear fruit. As for Bishop, he'd become something of a legend to the Medjai—his presence not just a guiding force, but almost a mythic one, a figure of respect and reverence.
Kris chuckled softly at the thought, picturing Bishop, the ever-pragmatic man, now viewed through the lens of near-mythical reverence. He offered a final word of encouragement before ending the call, a fleeting smile crossing his face as the line went silent.
Moments later, another message arrived, this one from Tengyi. He had settled in Tibet, immersing himself in the ancient Bon traditions, a pursuit that Kris knew would deepen his understanding of curses and the spiritual realm. Tengyi's presence in the mountains was a calculated move, not just for personal discovery but to tap into the deep well of knowledge hidden within the region's mysticism.
Kris opened the message, Tengyi's calm, measured voice filling the air once more. "I've made progress," he reported, his tone steady and contemplative. "The Bon practices align with many of the concepts we've discussed, but their approach to energy manipulation is… unconventional. I've started training with the local practitioners, and the results are promising. There's much more to uncover, but the terrain here is difficult. I'll keep you updated."
Kris paused, considering the implications of Tengyi's words. Tibet was a world away from the bustling life of London, and yet the connection between the two—through Tengyi's exploration of the spiritual and curse mastery—felt ever more vital.
"I trust you, Tengyi," Kris replied, his voice steady, a quiet confidence in his words. "Push forward, but take your time. The path you're on is crucial, but it needs patience. Keep your findings to yourself for now. We don't want unnecessary attention."
The message ended, and Kris stood there for a moment, contemplating the path that lay ahead. His team was spread across the globe—each pursuing their own purpose, each adding another layer to the intricate web of plans and knowledge that he had carefully set in motion. The world was full of mysteries, and Kris knew that as long as he trusted his team, they would uncover the answers together.
---
Another Disappearing Act
Kris was just settling into another peaceful evening when Yanwei's voice crackled through the subdermal communication device. She had spent the past several months in America, seeking peace and trying to reconnect with her magical heritage. After six months of relative peace and relaxation, it was now Yanwei who brought the next adventure.
"Kris, I need to talk to you," Yanwei's voice crackled through the device, her tone laced with urgency. "I met someone in New York... and things have spiraled out of control. I've been caught, Kris. They've imprisoned me." Her words hung in the air, thick with implication.
Kris's pulse quickened as he listened, his senses immediately on high alert.
"The person I met—her name's Tina Goldstein. She's a magical cop, but a good one. She's helped me a lot, even got me an apartment in their building," Yanwei explained quickly, the tension creeping into her voice. "But… there's a problem."
Yanwei paused before continuing, her voice lowering. "Tina brought home a man a day ago, thinking he was trafficking magical creatures, but there was a mishap—some of the creatures got loose. His name is Newt Scamander. But now the authorities think he's a terrorist, and they think we're his accomplices. They believe we're working for a dark wizard… someone named Grindelwald."
"We've sent something to get you," Yanwei said, her voice dropping into a near whisper, as if she was afraid of being overheard. "It'll be there any moment now. Just... be ready."
Kris barely had time to process her words before the device went silent. He looked down at it for a moment, his thoughts scrambling. New York. A magical government. A terrorist hunt. And now Yanwei was caught in the middle of it.
He didn't hesitate. Kris rushed to his feet, already grabbing his coat and his bag of holding, his movements swift and deliberate. On the way out of the door, he found Biscuit.
"Biscuit," Kris called, his voice urgent. "Stay here with Jonathan and Evelyn. I'll be back."
Biscuit gave a small nod, sensing the seriousness in his tone. As Kris turned back toward the door, something sharp pricked the back of his neck.
He froze for a split second, his hand flying to the spot where he'd been stung. It felt like the sting of a tiny needle, and then...
Poof.
Biscuit's eyes widened as she watched Kris dissolve into smoke, his form vanishing before her very eyes.
For Kris, the sensation of being transported was like nothing he had experienced before. One moment, he was in his familiar surroundings, and the next, the world spun around him, dissolving into a haze of colors and shadows. There was no sense of direction, no up or down—just movement.
Then, with a sudden lurch, he reappeared.
---
Welcome to America
Kris was transported across the ocean to America, appearing suddenly in front of Yanwei—now calling herself Irene—alongside Newt and Tina. They were in immediate danger; they had been sentenced to death by Percival Graves, who had accused Newt of conspiring with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.
"Not the warmest welcome," Kris muttered, eyeing the hostile surroundings.
Irene, now calm but clearly tense, glanced at him.
Chaos erupted the moment Kris arrived. Reacting swiftly, Kris took down the witches tasked with carrying out the executions. Using his lightning-fast reflexes and Soru technique, he struck them precisely at the base of their necks, rendering them unconscious before they had the chance to act.
"Stay down," Kris called out, glancing back at Irene. "I'll handle this."
At the same time, Newt desperately scrambled to save Tina, who was mere moments from being submerged in a shimmering, silver liquid. She was bound to a chair that was dissolving beneath her.
"Newt, help!" Tina gasped, her voice panicked as the liquid rose.
"Hold on, Tina!" Newt shouted, rushing forward. With a flick of his wand, his Swooping Evil—his blue-and-green flying creature—zoomed in, intervening just in time to break the bonds. Tina leaped free, her body swaying from the close call.
Kris, while observing the rescue, narrowed his eyes, using his newly sharpened Observation Haki to track every movement. He quickly freed Irene from the magical handcuffs that had drained her strength and suppressed her powers.
"Thanks, Kris," Irene said breathlessly, rubbing her wrists.
"No time for thanks," Kris replied, his tone urgent. "We need to get out of here."
Elsewhere, Queenie and Jacob, the no-maj baker, infiltrated Percival Graves' office. Their objective was crucial: recover Newt and Tina's wands, as well as Newt's enchanted suitcase. Armed with these, they hurried to rejoin the group.
Kris, Irene, Tina, and Newt made their way out of the unsettling white chamber, its silvery liquid still swirling ominously. But freedom was short-lived. American Aurors immediately descended upon them, launching a barrage of spells. The group was forced into a deadly dance of dodging, blocking, and teleporting to survive the relentless assault.
"We're not getting out that way!" Newt shouted, narrowly dodging a blast.
"We need to move!" Tina cried, barely evading another curse.
Kris rolled his eyes at the frantic scene. "You're not going to outrun them with magic alone."
He leapt into the air using his Geppo technique, bouncing off walls and dodging spells with ease. As he soared, he knocked out Aurors one by one with swift, precise strikes to their necks.
"Nice," Irene called out as she ran and hid behind pillars to avoid the spells coming at them.
"Thanks," Kris said, a grin spreading across his face as he knocked out another Auror mid-air.
After the fierce skirmish, they rounded a corner and reunited with Queenie and Jacob, who had successfully retrieved the wands and Newt's suitcase.
"Got everything," Jacob said, breathless, holding out the suitcase. "Now let's get out of here before we're the next ones turned into paste."
Queenie, ever quick-thinking, proposed a plan. "You can hide in Newt's suitcase. No one will find you in there."
Once they had all squeezed inside the magical suitcase, Queenie smuggled them out of the American Ministry of Magic undetected.
When they finally emerged, Queenie led them to the safety of her apartment, where, at last, they could catch their breath.
"Well, that was too close," Irene said, collapsing onto the couch.
"Tell me about it," Kris muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.