Chapter 47: Mystery

Sora stared at the vial in his hand, ignoring the looks of shock coming from June and Tai.

[Object: Power Serum]

[A potion that instantly and permanently stimulates muscle growth. The user may experience pain during the stimulation.]

He made it before they left with the intention of using it but he got something much better instead.

'Besides, this way I can examine it's effects with my own eyes to determine it's true usefulnesses.' He thought as he passed the vial to June who took it with shaky hands.

"What is that?" She asked, flustered and anxiously.

She had a desperate look in her eyes as she asked that question. Desperation that would immensely affect her decisions.

"A simple serum I made. It's going to stimulate the cells in his body to begin the formation of muscle tissues and the muscle itself."

"In simple terms, it's going to help him build some muscle." He added in exasperation upon seeing her confused face.

June's eyes looked teary as did Tai's as they stared at the vial with eyes filled with emotion. Before any more could be said, June went on her knees, bowing to him as tears flowed from her eyes.

"Thank you!" She managed to say as her forehead kissed the floor in genuine gratitude.

"Don't thank me yet. Save your gratitude for when his screams die down." He said as Tai who now held the vial, threw its content into his mouth.

Not even a second after he took the last gulp, he froze as he felt his body pulse pain. The vial fell from his hand, shattering on the ground as Tai fell to the ground…or would've if June hadn't caught him.

"AAAAAHHHHHHH!" He screamed, unable to endure hold in the pain.

'Do they know how troublesome it is to make those glasses vials?' He thought, glancing at the broken shards of glass before putting his attention on the screaming boy.

His sharingan immediately activated to observe the scene in more detail. His energy barely changed but he could see the minute increases in his form.

His screams lasted for another ten minutes before it finally died down. June stood by his side basically bitting her fingers off in worry until it ended.

"Is it…over? Did it work?" She asked shakily as she held Tai's now unconscious form. Sora analyzes him once again.

[Name: Tai]

[Race: Human]

[A human with a strengthened physique. Born with a physical deficiency, Tai has been unable to perform strenuous physical activities. This was until he received aid from Makoto Sora. He is now physically stronger than the average child.]

[Note: He possesses a unique genetic marker.]

'His description has changed quite a lot.' Be thought as he read it. The most important change was the loss of the weakened status.

"Yes it worked." He answered confidently as the old man who stood some distance behind him muttered in shock and awe.

"Incredible." Lee observed everything with a face full of wonder.

"What is?" Sora asked in confusion as he and Zatanna turned to him.

"The ancient arts of alchemy is thought to be long lost. Who taught it to you?" He asked.

"I'm self taught." Sora said as Lee's eyes shot wide open upon hearing that.

'I think you've done enough shocking today.' Zatanna's amused voice said in his head.

'It's not my fault they're easily impressed.' He replied as Lee spoke up once again.

"Let us take him to the physicians to know exactly what changed. N-not that I'm doubting your work or anything!" Lee stuttered out the last part quickly but Sora waved it off.

"Let's go." He seconded, wanting to get it over with.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just like Sora had said, Tai's body had been strengthened but there had been barely any change to his energy system.

Despite that, June was still overjoyed. At least now, Tai would be able to practice some of the physical techniques that didn't require internal energy.

Though the physician was astounded and was curious on what caused the sudden change, his question was left unanswered.

That all led to this moment of June standing on one knee in front of Sora.

"My lord, you have my eternal loyalty." She declared with a solemn face.

The moment it was concluded that Tai was okay and not only okay but strengthened, her decision was made.

Whatever he asked of her, she would obey to the best of her ability. She was at his beck and call.

For now Sora ignored the tone of worship in her voice as he spoke.

"Like I said earlier, polish your skills and grow stronger. I will be back and when I return, I will require your strength." He said clearly as she took in his words.

"Yes, my lord." She replied immediately as Sora resisted the urge to roll his eyes a bit.

"I believe that is all we have come to do here." Sora said he took a look at the time, it was almost nighttime.

"Lee! Prepare a room for us, Zatanna and I will be staying the night." He said, releasing a tired sigh.

He wasn't physically tired but the mental stress he had been under when they arrived here. Now that he was sure that there were no actual members of the Akatsuki here, his mind could finally relax.

"Would you prefer a single room or two separate rooms?" Lee felt the need to ask as Zatanna turned red behind Sora.

Sora turned to her, leaving the decision to her as he massaged his temple as she stuttered out an answer to Lee.

They ended up staying in a single room for the night. Zatanna was flustered for the most of it but Sora was too busy to bother about it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A black haired man sat in front of a large and high tech computer as he went through the information on the screen.

"Master Bruce, you've been looking at the same thing for almost an hour. I'm afraid dinner is getting cold." A wisened elderly voice spoke from behind the man causing him to let out a sigh.

"I'll be there in a minute, Alfred." The man now identified as Bruce spoke up but his voice sounded tired and stressed. There was silence for a moment before Alfred spoke again.

"Master Bruce, you've been acting strange since you started investigating that young boy a bit over a month ago. You need to rest. This sort of behavior is unlike you." He said in an attempt to get Bruce away from the computer.

"I can't. Not yet. Zatara said that Sora may be the descendant of a powerful sorcerer. I've managed to find some records of an ancient sorcerer named Aldous dating back a few centuries." Bruce said as he typed on the cold keyboard.

"And?" Alfred asked as he walked behind the chair to look at the screen.

"From what I've found and from what Zatara has told me, this Aldous is powerful enough to lay waste to any continent. There's also that fact that Sora and Zatanna are currently in china for a few days." Bruce said as he pulled up more information.

"I'm afraid I don't see how their being there matters at all." Alfred said in a confused manner.

"Aldous created an organization before he was taken out. Historical records are sketchy at best so I can't figure out what remains of it other than the fact that it is in china. With the fact that Sora was able to thwart a demon claiming to be Aamon's servant, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that Sora is related to Aldous." Bruce said, slight frustration bleeding into his tone.

"Aamon…isn't that-" Alfred started but was interrupted by Bruce.

"Yes. The demon that almost brought hell on earth almost ten years ago. I tried hacking airport footage and street cameras to find Sora but at one point it just cuts off. With that I can conclude that there is a connection between Sora and Aldous and Xi An is at the center of it." Bruce said in one breath.

"If he really is his descendant and his powers are anything like Aldous, then I fear he may be more dangerous than I originally thought." Bruce finished.

"What about the boy's mother?" Alfred asked after a moment of thought.

"She died in a shootout about three months ago and Sora has been searching for revenge ever since. Two major gangs have been wiped out already and others are afraid to even try and take over." He answered, pulling up information about Sora's mother with a picture beside it.

"Dear god. Isn't that…" Alfred whispered in slight shock as he muttered under his breath but Bruce still heard him evident by the small nod he gave.

"That means…Is he-"

"Yes." Bruce answered, already knowing Alfred's question.

Alfred stared at the back of Bruce's figure sadly as the man himself seemed to sag in the chair.

"You need to rest sir. You can continue when you're well rested. Master Richard is upstairs and he's also worried." Alfred said, gently pulling Bruce away from the computer.

The man didn't attempt to struggle as his eyes revealed dark eye-bags that indicated sleeplessness and tiredness.

He didn't resist as Alfred dragged him out of the batcave.