A gift from a dragon to a wyvern:

Master Ryuujin heaved a sigh, seemingly looking as if he was preparing to brave a storm. Elise was clearly excited, but also nervous to discover what type of connection the Ryuujin no Budo had with her mother. It appeared she wouldn't need to wait long, because after a moment the elderly man started speaking.

"The Ryuujin no Budo, as I told you before originated from the teachings of your ancestors. However, there is one particular ancestor who is known to be the father of those teachings. His name is Drake V. Drachenberg, your grandfather."

Elise nodded her head, seemingly listening attentively to the explanation of her master. To think her grandfather had been the one to develop this combat style... it surprised her a little! Of course she knew her family was something special, in the end they had been important enough for the World Government to lock them away.

"Your grandfather is actually the one who gave birth to the title of your family name. The reason behind this is related to an ancient legend that even today is still told by seafarers on the Grand Line. In the end it's within the grand line that the mystical 'Dragon Mountain' exist, and it's guardian the Ryuujin, or Dragon King as we commonly call him exist."

Elise's eyes widened in disbelief, and she was rather quick in responding to his explanation.

"Aren't Dragons creatures from mythology? The type of being you'd only find in stories?"

The man laughed heartily in response, shaking his head lightly as he continued speaking.

"You're mistaken Cricket. While Dragons are an incredible rare sight, they do exist. In fact the granddaughter of one is seated right before me."

Tilting her head to the side in confusion the young woman tried to make sense of the words spoken by her mentor. Her parents were undeniable human! In the end she clearly was lacking the dragon-like features! Heck she couldn't even breathe fire if her life depended on it!

"I can notice the confusion in your eyes Cricket. You're grandfather, Drake V. Drachenberg ate one of the mysterious Devil Fruits and became a being of myth: One who is neither human nor dragon, but both."

She could barely wrap her head around the revelation, to the point that if not for the fact she had met Mea and seen the existence of those powers a Devil Fruit caused for herself... she might had not even believed the old man!

"As you can imagine the fact your grandfather remained on the island he found the fruit on, preferring the solitude over the violence that was brewing in the conflicts of the First Great Pirate War... the island became known as the 'Drachenberg' and its inhabitants, the offspring of Drake became called 'The children of the Dragon'."

So that was the secret behind her unusual name...

"It was when I traveled to the Drachenberg island and trained under your grandfather that I met your mother. A free-spirited and adventurous lass, in fact she met your father during her travels in the Grand Line, joined his pirate crew and everything! Of course then the war reached its boiling point at the rest you knew..."

The young woman nodded her head lightly in return, knowing all too well what happened. Her family got imprisoned in a lifetime of slavery for them and their offspring. A punishment for desiring peace and prosperity. Still, it seemed the elderly man wasn't finished just yet.

"There is actually a gift I was meant to pass onto you Cricket, but before I can do that I'll need you to know something of great importance."

Something important... Another secret that had yet to be revealed? However, it seemed this secret would be the most outlandish of them all.

"The will of V. Have you ever wondered what that letter in your name meant?"

Elise was rather quick to respond, since she obviously had a guess already.

"Doesn't the V. stand for a short version of Von? To show that I'm from Drachenberg?"

The man shook his head lightly, and for the first time since their conversation his expression darkened into a gloomy look of seriousness.

"The Will of V can be either a blessing or the greatest curse. Those who inherit the Will of V are often said to be blessed when it comes to conflict. They have the potential to become incredibly powerful, the charisma to bring people together and fight for a common cause. The fortitude to obtain 'Victory'. However... If the Will of V. becomes tainted those individuals become a herald of chaos and strife. Everywhere they go they cause conflicts and war. They are avatars of Violence."

Was such a thing even possible? It sounded a bit weird all things considered, but she doubted her master was trying to lie about that.

"I'm uncertain what type of future is in store for you Cricket. Whether you bring Victory to those you care for, or plunge the world into an era of violence... Nevertheless, I believe that in due time you will decide your own destiny."

The man smiled kindly at her, rising off his feet while he gestured toward the nearby door.

"Let us go and get your heirloom shall we? But before that you'd best prepare yourself for one final trial Cricket."

Another trial? Why was she not surprised... Still, she wanted to see for herself what type of gift awaited her! Her lips curving up into a confident smile she nodded her head firmly and started to follow her master. The two of them slowly descended toward the lower floor once moor, but unlike before it seemed they entered a different part of the dojo. A long corridor seemingly led to an underground section of the dojo, and it was within a large room that Elise found her next trial... one that would provide her with a challenge unlike any other!

The first few moments after she had entered the chamber were filled with an eerie tension. It was dark, understandable due to them being underground so there were no windows that could possibly offer light. The Ryuujin Master stepped beside her, his gaze seemingly drifting into the darkness as he spoke, his tone somewhat more serious, just as when he had spoken about that mysterious 'Will' business.

"This chamber is one that only those who possess the Will of V are allowed to enter. The heirloom I mentioned rests within. However, to claim it as your own you will need to overcome the guardian that dwells within."

A Guardian who was protecting a treasure? It almost sounded like something from a book. Still, she was a bit curious about who or what this guardian would be. In most stories it was actually some sort of beast, or perhaps a sentient machine. With the knowledge that the dojo had those special training dummies she wouldn't have been surprised to witness a Golem.

Taking a deep breath Elise stepped inside the room, and the moment she entered a path became lit by several lanterns that were placed against pillars that rose all the way up to the ceiling. It was only when she arrived at the end of the room that she spotted one peculiar thing: there was no sight of the aforementioned treasure!

However, there was something else there... A dark mist was gathering in the room, seemingly molding together into the figure of a woman, and after a few moments it had properly materialized.

"I knew I was special... In the end the World Government must had done those hideous crimes out of fear."

It was a strangely familiar voice, and it was when the woman turned around that she understood why. A young woman in her early twenties stood before her, clad in the same attire as she herself worn. Long blond locks kept together in a ponytail, azure-colored irises that gazed with a look of confidence at her...

"What the---"

It was a exact replica of herself! Yet there was something odd about the copy. She could feel a certain dark sensation from her, not to mention that black mist that was flowing around her... There was also a certain arrogance in her tone.

"The world government fears us, and rightly so! Because I will destroy each and everyone of them. The government, their followers and even their children! I will erase every trace of their existence!"

There was clearly an overwhelming malice flowing from the mysterious entity, to the point it was slightly suffocating. Although she agreed with the desire to bring down the World Government Elise knew about the fact that not all marines were followers of their dogma, nor were the children of those in charge. There were innocent bystanders in that conflict, and she didn't want her grudge to reach them!

"Those words are lies! A victory earned through the bloodshed of innocent people would make us just as terrible as them!"

The shadowy woman's gaze softened a little at those words, stepping a bit closer as she spoke.

"But are they truly innocent? To ignore our plight makes them just as guilty as those who caused it. "

That statement did make sense. To ignore the evil in this world was almost a crime just as bad as causing it. But could she truly blame them? In the end not everyone possessed the strength or determination to fight the evil and wicked.

"You do realize that you don't need to stand against me, do you?"

The woman stopped an arm-length away from her, a hand raised, almost as if she was expecting for it to be shaken.

"You have heard firsthand about my power. The power that the Will of V. can create. All this power and more, I'd be willing to share with you. If only you'd be willing to kneel."

To kneel was to acknowledge the beliefs of this being. The words spoken by her master were starting to become clear now... This being that took her appearance... It was the tainted Will of V! A being that represented an avatar of violence, a being that prospered on chaos and strife! How could she ever accept her?

"No, my Will is one that brings freedom and prosperity, not chaos and conflict. Your power would only bring forth disaster. You're not me, nor the things I represent!"

The shadow's eyes widened for a moment, seemingly surprised when Elise slapped the hand away, before her gaze sharpened into a glare.

"Pity, then I will have to enforce my Will onto you by force!"

The shadow lashed forwards, and while Elise was able to avoid the opening strike in the form of a palm trust, the second one that was intercepted with a strike of her own made her realize rather quickly how strong the physical strength of this being was! A simple palm strike had caused Elise's feet to grind a few meters backwards, and when Elise's counter-attack finally happened in the form of a push of her palm into the stomach of the shadow, she was quick to realize this being possessed a endurance unlike anything she seen before.

She shrugged off the attack, a hand grasping for her throat, one that came so quickly that she barely had any chance to dodge, and soon she was lifted off her feet, a testimony to the iron grip that was choking her.

"You're way too weak to be able to do anything by yourself Elise. You need me! You need the power I possess if you want to obtain the revenge you desire! Why can't you see that?"

Still, despite all her flailing and kicking Elise couldn't break free from that deathly grip that restrained her into the air. She needed to think quickly! Lest she'd lose consciousness from being choked...

She wasn't weak! Although she might had lacked the strength to carry out her grudge, she still held the potential to become stronger! Perhaps it was that determination of her that was seemingly fueling her, for Elise's hands firmly grasped a hold of the shadow's arm. The fingertips dug into the shadow's arm, harder and harder as the muscles in Elise's hand and arm seemingly stirred, her iron grip being unleashed with such destruction she felt the bones in the shadow's arm snap, forcing her to release Elise. However, to the young martial artist her surprise that seemed to do little to stop the shadow, for she growled in anger, her leg sweeping swiftly and before Elise could properly move out of the way the kick had hit her squarely in the chest, sending her reeling backwards against one of the pillars.

"..."

Despite her determination Elise felt a certain worry about the fact the shadow forced her arm back into its correct angle with little effort, as if she had healed the broken bones without anything but a soft grunt as a sign of pain. She at the other hand... She was gasping lightly for air, and while she had been fast enough to harden the muscles in her back to reduce the impact of being kicked into the pillar it still did little to soften the pain.

No, she would need to use all her power if she wanted to defeat that creature! Noticing that Elise was dropping back into her combative stance the shadow ran toward her, a fist being aimed toward Elise's head. The punch was nimbly avoided, a sidestep allowing her to ignore the attack while she moved behind the shadowy copy of herself, her arms trying to force the shadow's arms behind her back, hoping to lock her down but to Elise's surprise her opponent suddenly pulled her head backwards, slamming it against the young woman's own.

The impact obviously caused Elise to reel backwards, a pained look on her face but she was not done yet! Before the shadow could properly pull her arms forwards Elise grasped a hold of one of them, and then it happened...

A small bluish hue surrounded her body for a second, a aura of energy that lasted for only an instant when Elise thrown her enemy forwards. It was a violent throw, one that carried itself with unnatural strength for the shadow was send flying ten whole meters into a nearby wall. The rumble and debris collapsed onto her, and Elise saw a good opportunity to catch her breath.

"That headbutt hurts like hell..."

Mumbling under her breath Elise was too late to see a sudden movement amidst the debris, and before she realized it something had moved beneath her, an uppercut carrying such titanic strength she was knocked off her feet and send flying into the ceiling. Her eyes blurry from the pain a second punch followed, this time knocking her through the ceiling and to her surprise she found her body crashing onto the courtyard of the dojo.

Akari and the other students who had been practicing in the courtyard seemingly were shocked by the sudden event, rushing over to her side but before Akari could offer her aid a stern voice boomed in the air.

"Leave her be! This is a battle she needs to settle by herself!"

It was Master Ryuujin, who had appeared from the large hole in the center of the courtyard, but what surprised Elise was the person that appeared behind him. She barely caught a glimpse of the blur that rocketed into the sky, but at that moment Elise knew she was in troubles.

The black scales that covered the person's body, the dangerous tail that swayed behind her... those large dragonic wings that beat in the air... Was this the true form of the Will of V?

"Playtime is over Elise. Now you will experience the true terror of our Will!"

The dark dragon girl swooped downwards, and while Elise had recovered enough to stand up again, even being able to deflect some of the initial sweeping attacks of the creature, the tail that slammed into her flank was enough to send her reeling backwards.

"GOT YOU!"

The dark dragon grinned wickedly, her hand raising upwards into a fist to send Elise flying, but to her surprise the young woman had grasped a hold of her tail, and with a sudden pull send her flying into the nearby wall.

"Master Ryuujin, what is that thing!"

Akari's question seemingly was one shared by the other students, and for a moment Master Ryuujin seemed hesitant to continue.

"That my students is what happens when noble intentions become corrupted by power."

Noticing a bit of blood dripping from her lips Elise smiled briefly, wiping it away with the knuckle of her fist, and for the first time ever she realized something odd: she was enjoying this. The excitement of fighting an overwhelming opponent. The adrenaline rush she gained from such a conflict was intense and almost intoxicating even! It was a sensation she had never felt before, and judging from the look on the dragon girl's face it was one that she shared. It made Elise wonder... Was this feeling truly her own? If that was the case... Then was the shadow before her... truly a shadow of her true self?

You're starting to realize it...

Once more the two of them darted forwards, exchanging a series of strikes, but unlike before it seemed they were starting to become even-matched.

"Did the monster slow down?"

Akari's question was replied by a light shake of Master Ryuujin's head, and the First Brother who had stepped beside his master explained in a proud tone.

"It's Elise who is becoming faster. She has cast off her insecurities and is fighting at her full potential now."

Fist struck against fist, and the two warriors continued to exchange blows in a violent clash. Despite each blow of the shadow dragon causing Elise to feel a sharp sting of pain, the young woman still felt something, something strong drive her onward. It seemed like it was a battle that could continue for days, and at the same time a single mistake could possibly spell the demise of one of them. However, it seemed that fatal mistake was about to be made. Elise had just caused her opponent to be send reeling backwards, a glare in the dragon girl's eyes as she suddenly leaned backwards. sparks of black flames started to gather around her, and yet Elise boldly charged forwards, a palm strike hitting the dragon girl in the stomach, interrupting a possibly dangerous attack. A shoulder throw followed when Elise grappled the dragon girl's arm, tossing her onto the ground while she mounted her, and yet to everyone's surprise she didn't deliver a finishing blow.

"I already know... You, me, the Will of V. Those things are all simply parts of one large puzzle that makes me into who I am. Although I can't forgive the world government for the crimes they committed, I also won't discard the virtues I uphold, the very person I want to be."

The students looked in surprise as the shadow dragon ceased her hostilities, and instead she merely nodded her head lightly in response. Arms reached to wrap around Elise's neck, when a moment later the peculiar creature had disappeared, leaving in her wake a purple stone that was attached to a necklace around Elise's neck. Grinning briefly Elise tried to stand up, but her injuries started to take its toll on her, causing her to collapse forwards, straight into the arms of Akari and the First Brother Gregory who had come to pick her up.

Several days had passed since the battle that had caused some destruction in the courtyard of the dojo, and while most of it had been repaired, as if it had never happened Elise did notice something peculiar. The trinket around her neck had remained, and she was still curious about the purpose of the trial, or the heirloom her master spoke of.

She had been summoned into the courtyard, her master standing at a balcony overlooking it, and upon hearing her approach he smiled calmly at her.

"I see that you're healed already."

The young woman nodded her head while grinning sheepishly, turning her gaze to the sky for a moment as she voiced her thoughts.

"What was that trial master?"

Master Ryuujin turned toward Elise, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

"You didn't figure it out yet? That trial is meant to awaken your skills Cricket- No you're no longer a Cricket, you're Elise the Wyvern now."

The young woman tilted her head to the side, seemingly confused by the statement as her master continued.

"A young dragon, that is what you are. A follower of the Ryuujin no Budo, the second sister of the dojo. Nevertheless, to answer your question: The heirloom in question were two things. The first one being that necklace that belonged to your mother. The other is to allow you to learn to wield the Will of V. Although I doubt you'll be truly able to master its power until the day you follow in your ancestor's footsteps and travel to the Grand-Line, I believe it will be a great boon in the days to come."

Nevertheless, it seemed that while Elise and her master were conversing something was happening on the island, for in the meanwhile upon the plains of a nearby dojo...

A cloaked figure's sword had been unsheathed, the blade stained with blood as several martial artists were collapsed on the ground around him, their dogi stained with blood. The figure lifted their straw hat, a glint of wickedness in their eyes.

"It seems she wasn't among them."

A second figure was seated on a tree branch nearby, and judging from the voice it belonged to a female.

"Of course she wasn't, that person wouldn't go down that easily. Besides Master warned us that we shouldn't confront them."

The male looked up at his companion, and while he swiped his blade back into its sheath asked in a curious tone.

"I wonder why he is so terrified of her..."

The female giggled softly, swinging back and forth on the tree branch while humming playfully.

"Don't you know what happened thirteen years ago? She stirred and a whole island got consumed in chaos and bloodshed. Sure, some say it's because of those mercenaries attacking the island but we know better."

The man grinned mischievously, whispering in an excited tone.

"The Will of Violence... We shall find her at all costs."