Chapter 8: Chapter 8:Bloodlines and Power plays
After collecting his wand, Leonardo turned to Ollivander and asked, "Is there a way to conceal this?"
Ollivander, stroking his chin, nodded. "Yes, young man. You can store it within your cane using a spell called Inventory. It allows you to store objects within another and retrieve them by saying Proliferate."
Leonardo smirked, impressed. "That sounds perfect."
With his wand secured within his cane, Leonardo was escorted by Professor Giovanni "John" Zatara back to an east London estate, where Don Salvatore and the ever-watchful Nanny McPhee awaited him.
"School starts in a week's time," Professor Zatara informed Salvatore. "Ensure Leonardo is prepared."
Salvatore gave a nod before turning to Leonardo. "We have business to discuss. But first, get yourself comfortable."
Leonardo went up to his room, taking a hot shower before dressing in his usual sophisticated attire: a grey coat, a tie adorned with a spider jewel, black rubber gloves, a bowler hat, a black suit jacket, a black dress vest, a white button-down dress shirt, black flat-front slacks, and polished black Clarks Tilden shoes. He completed his look with a white twill pocket square and grabbed his cane before heading back downstairs.
A sleek Rolls-Royce Droptail awaited outside. As they drove through the London streets, Leonardo and Don Salvatore discussed their expansion plans.
"We'll target the big families," Salvatore explained. "Spread the word that the Giovanna Mafia Familia has arrived in the UK. The underworld here is ripe for the taking."
Leonardo listened intently, already formulating strategies in his mind. "We need to establish control without making too much noise. Influence first, then dominance."
Salvatore chuckled. "You think like a true strategist."
Their conversation was interrupted as the car came to a stop outside an elegant east London estate. The building loomed in the evening fog, its gothic design giving it an eerie, yet regal presence. Ivy crawled up its stone walls, and the wrought-iron gates creaked as they opened. Mist clung to the ground, giving the estate an almost otherworldly aura.
Upon entering, they were led through a long, candle-lit corridor to the grand dining room, where a woman with an air of mystique and a man exuding eccentric confidence awaited them.
Salvatore gestured towards them. "Leonardo, meet Diana Spellman, my half-sister, and her brother, Gomez Addams."
Diana's piercing gaze studied Leonardo, while Gomez flashed a toothy grin. "Ah, family reunions! How delightful!"
Leonardo raised an intrigued brow. This just got interesting...
The dining hall was adorned with grand chandeliers and antique portraits. A long mahogany table stretched across the room, set with an extravagant feast. Silver goblets gleamed under the candlelight, filled with an unknown crimson liquid that shimmered strangely, hinting at something beyond ordinary wine.
"Come, sit," Diana gestured with an elegant motion. "We have much to discuss."
As Leonardo took his seat, Gomez clapped his hands together. "So, my boy, what brings you to our peculiar side of the world?" he asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Salvatore leaned forward. "Expansion. The Giovanna Mafia Familia is moving into London, and we need allies."
Diana tapped her fingers against her wine glass. "You seek influence in a city riddled with secrets. Tell me, Leonardo, what do you offer in return?"
Leonardo smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Power, control, and a piece of something far greater than mere criminal enterprises. We do not deal in petty crimes—we deal in empire-building."
Diana exchanged a glance with Gomez, who chuckled. "I like him."
The conversation turned to the intricacies of the supernatural underbelly of London. Leonardo learned of vampire lords who ruled the night, wizards who operated from the shadows, and ancient forces that even the mafia dared not cross. As the night deepened, Leonardo felt the weight of something far more significant settling upon him.
This was not just about the mafia.
This was about destiny.
As the discussions settled, the air in the room suddenly grew heavy. A dark, towering figure stepped into the candlelight, his presence alone suffocating. Standing at 6'3", with a monstrous build, red wavy hair, thick black eyebrows, and piercing red eyes, the man exuded raw, primal power. His black shirt and pants barely contained his muscular frame, and he wore a pair of traditional Chinese-style shoes. The aura surrounding him was almost unbearable.
The man smirked. "So this is my son?" His voice was deep, filled with menace.
Salvatore exhaled, turning to Leonardo. "Leonardo, meet your father. Yuujirou Hanma—the Strongest Creature on Earth."
Leonardo's heart pounded in his chest. He had read about this man, heard legends of his feats, but now, standing face-to-face with him, he felt something he hadn't experienced in years—fear.
Yuujirou chuckled. "Come, boy. Show me your strength."
Leonardo clenched his fists. He had trained with masters like Ip Man and Boyka, refining his skills to perfection. Now was the time to prove himself. He lunged forward, delivering a powerful punch aimed at Yuujirou's jaw.
Yuujirou didn't move. He didn't even flinch. The punch connected, but it was like striking an immovable wall.
Then, with a flick of his finger, Yuujirou sent Leonardo flying across the room, crashing into the wooden panels. Blood dripped from Leonardo's lip as he groaned, pulling himself back to his feet.
"Weak," Yuujirou scoffed. "You haven't even unlocked your Devil Gene."
Leonardo wiped the blood from his mouth and smirked. "I may not have my Devil Gene… but I unlocked something else years ago. Something I never revealed. I call it… the Demon Back."
With a sudden burst of energy, Leonardo's muscles expanded, his back bulging with an intricate network of pulsating veins. His aura darkened, an overwhelming pressure filling the room.
Then he vanished.
In an instant, Leonardo appeared in front of Yuujirou, throwing a rapid series of punches. This time, Yuujirou was forced to block, though he used only his pinkie finger to do so.
The ground beneath them cracked as their fists collided, the sheer force of their clash shaking the walls. Leonardo spun, delivering a powerful kick aimed at Yuujirou's face, but the monster of a man effortlessly blocked it.
Yuujirou grinned. "Not bad. Maybe you are my son after all."
Leonardo growled, his Stand manifesting behind him, ready for another attack. The battle had just begun.