The dust settled, revealing a crater that seemed to swallow the monster whole. Bruised and battered, Xenomorph struggled to rise. Its eyes, once burning with fierce rage, were now dull with pain. Looking up at Alex, it growled weakly, "You… you can't… defeat me."
Alex looked down at Xenomorph, his expression serious and cold. "I can sense someone behind this monstrosity…" Alex thought.
Alex glided down to the ground, his unwavering, cold gaze sending chills down the monster's spine. Xenomorph trembled, its anger replaced by dread. "I'm impressed you survived that kick," Alex said, his expression serious and cold. "But it's time to end this fight."
Alex began with a clockwise rotation of his hands, settling into a powerful yet relaxed, slightly crouched stance. His body was angled, poised for action. He took a deep breath, gathering energy, and a navy blue aura enveloped him. Bringing his hands to his right side, he formed a bright blue orb. His arms were together, one hand outstretched; his upper body was slightly twisted; his legs were apart for balance; and his upper body leaned forward (a pose reminiscent of Son Goku's Kamehameha).
"Final Punisher!!!" Alex roared. With a lightning-fast movement, he thrust both hands together, palms meeting. A blinding flash of fuchsia light erupted from his palms—a concentrated beam of blue energy that tore through the air with a deafening roar. The air crackled with energy, and the ground trembled. Xenomorph was engulfed by the beam, screaming in pain. Alex, however, held back the blast's full power, intending only to knock it unconscious. He sensed a person within the monstrosity, as if possessed by the beast. (Similar to Son Goku's Kamehameha)
The blast engulfed Xenomorph, and the girls shielded their eyes against the blinding light. The air crackled with energy, the ground vibrated, and a deafening roar echoed through the city. When the light faded, Xenomorph lay still, its monstrous form of smoking and charred. It no longer roared, no longer moved. The five girls watched, hearts pounding, as the blinding light engulfed Xenomorph. The air shimmered with energy, the ground trembled, and the smell of ozone filled the air. Then, as suddenly as it began, the light faded.
They finally dared to look. They saw the monster lying on the ground, its form contorted, its eyes glazed over. The blast had knocked it unconscious but not killed it. Alex had held back, knowing there was more to this creature than to meet the eye. They stared in awe, unable to comprehend the power they had just witnessed. Even Kiara, usually eager to jump into action, stood speechless. The air hung heavy with the aftermath of the blast, the silence broken only by the soft rustle of the wind.
Alex remained in the same position, calmly observing Xenomorph's fallen body. He slowly lowered his hands, the blue aura fading. As he looked down, some liquid within Xenomorph began to move. Then, as the liquid vanished, it became clear Alex was right: a man, with short, somewhat long hair, skinny, and in his underwear, lay unconscious. He looked unremarkable. Alex sighed in relief, knowing he had saved someone.
"He… he didn't kill it," Gura whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. "He just… knocked it out."
"I didn't know," Ina'nis said, her gaze fixed on the fallen monster as she de-summoned her book.
Kiara, sheathing her sword and lowering her shield, said, "Well, I guess Mr. Handsome doesn't need our help." She giggled.
Amelia and Mori rolled their eyes at Kiara's words, de-summoning their weapons. Gura also de-summoned hers.
While Alex watched the unconscious man, the five girls ran to check on him. Mori carried the unconscious little girl earlier in her arms. Amelia knelt and checked the man.
"Is he going to be okay?" Gura asked.
"Yes, he's just unconscious," Amelia replied.
Alex, still looking at the unconscious man, said to the girls, his voice a low rumble, "He's safe now. The creature's control is broken."
The girls nodded. As he turned to leave, Amelia said, "Hey, wait a minute," causing Alex to stop and turn.
"Your name is Alex, right? Thank you for stopping the monster. We could have handled him, but still, thanks," Amelia said.
"Thank you! You saved our asses," Mori added, smiling softly.
"Yeah, thank you very much, Alex…" Gura said.
Alex nodded politely. "You don't need to thank me. I had to protect the innocents…"
The girls giggled, especially Kiara, who said, "My, you're such a hero…"
"Yeah, especially your speech earlier… That was so heroic…" Gura added.
"Okay, okay, enough. Kiara, call an ambulance," Amelia said.
"Already on it, boss," Kiara replied, pulling out her phone.
"By the way, why didn't you kill the monster? Was it because you knew there was a person inside?" Mori asked Alex.
"Yes," Alex replied, his expression stoic. "I sensed someone inside before I fought him; that's why I didn't finish him off."
"What do you think made him into a monster...?" Ina'nis asked.
"I think it's some kind of experimentation," Amelia said. "Humans often fear what they don't understand…"
"I agree with Amelia," Mori said, her expression turning serious. "Humans often experiment on what they fear… it's human nature."
Kiara, having finally finished calling the ambulance, walked over to her teammates and said, "Guys, the ambulance will arrive shortly…"
Alex glanced at the unconscious little girl in Mori's arms. "How's the kid? Is she okay?" he asked calmly.
Mori glanced at Alex and replied, "Yes, she is. You don't need to worry about her." She looked down at the unconscious child in her arms.
City sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder with each passing second. The sound cut through the lingering tension, a stark contrast to the quiet aftermath of the battle. Alex watched as the ambulance pulled up, its flashing lights momentarily blinding in the dim streetlight. Paramedics rushed out, their movements efficient and practiced. They quickly assessed the unconscious man, securing him on a stretcher and loading him into the ambulance. People emerged from their homes and businesses, and they face a mixture of shock and awe. News crews arrived, their cameras flashing, recording the scene of destruction and the aftermath of the incredible battle.
The ambulance arrived, its flashing lights cutting through the gathering dusk. Paramedics rushed forward, expertly taking over the care of both the unconscious man and the little girl. As they carefully loaded them onto stretchers, Amelia turned to Alex, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"We'll take care of them," one of the paramedics assured Amelia, who nodded curtly, still slightly shaken by the evening's events.
"We owe you a huge debt, Alex," she said sincerely. "Not just for stopping the monster, but for saving that man… and the little girl's life."
Alex nodded, politely acknowledging the paramedics. "No need to thank me; I only did what I had to do…"
The little girl, still unconscious in Mori's arms, stirred slightly. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing wide, confused eyes. She looked around, her gaze settling on Alex, then back to Mori. A soft whimper escaped her lips.
"It's okay," Mori murmured softly, stroking the girl's hair gently. "You're safe now."
The little girl seemed comforted by Mori's words and the warmth of her arms, her whimpers slowly subsiding into quiet breaths. Then, in the distance, the little girl's parent called out her name.
"Mary! Are you alright...?" the mother shouted. The little girl heard her mother's voice, turned her head, and spoke.
"Mommy, Daddy." Mori put down the little girl, who ran straight to her parents. The three embraced. "I'm happy you're okay, sweetheart…" the father said to his daughter.
The reunion was heartwarming, a stark contrast to the brutal battle that had preceded it. Alex watched them, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. He felt a sense of satisfaction, a quiet pride in knowing he'd done the right thing. The city's noise faded into the background as he focused on the family's quiet joy. It was a simple scene, yet it held a profound beauty, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Alex turned to the five girls. "Thank you for taking care of the little girl," he said, his voice quiet but sincere. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without you."
"It was nothing," Amelia replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "We've dealt with worse." Her gaze drifted back towards the departing ambulance.
"Though, next time, maybe try to give us a heads-up before teleporting behind us like that," Mori added with a light chuckle.
Ina'nis and Kiara giggled at Mori's comment. Gura, ever cheerful, clapped Alex on the shoulder. "You were awesome! Seriously, you're officially a legend now."
Kiara, ever impulsive, turned back to Alex. "Hey," she said, a mischievous glint in her eye, "you know, for a guy who's as good-looking as you, you're awfully quiet."
A chuckle escaped Alex's lips, a genuine laugh that seemed to surprise even himself. "I'm not much of a talker," he admitted, a slight smirk creeping onto his lips.
"Ah, a man of few words... I find that more attractive," Kiara added, her expression mischievous.
As the paramedics loaded the man into the ambulance and the little girl went home with her parents, one paramedic said to his colleague, "It seems our work here is done," his voice a low rumble. Then, addressing Alex and the five girls, he said, "Thank you for your assistance." They nodded as the ambulance drove away.
A chilling premonition hung in the air, a stark reminder that while one battle had ended, a much larger, more sinister conflict had just begun. The ambulance pulled away, sirens still screaming, a fading echo of the recent chaos. The five girls exchanged a look – a mixture of relief, awe, and a dawning understanding of the extraordinary events they had just witnessed. And in the center of it all stood Alex, a figure shrouded in mystery, a protector who now carried the weight of a much larger secret. The fate of the world, it seemed, rested on his shoulders.
Amelia turned to Alex, her gaze intense. "That was… something else," she said, a hint of wonder in her voice. "We've fought alongside powerful beings, but you… you're on another level."
Ina'nis nodded in agreement. "Your control, your precision… It's unlike anything we've ever seen. And the energy… It wasn't mana, or any kind of magic I recognize."
Mori added softly, "I guess that's what your Ki is, right?"
Gura, ever energetic, spoke. "Yeah, Alex, your Ki powers were awesome…"
Kiara, on the other hand, remained silent, looking at Alex mischievously, her gaze lingering on his physique.
As Alex was about to leave, he turned in the opposite direction. His stomach grumbled loudly, audible to the five girls. They tensed, thinking another monster had appeared.
"What the hell was that?" Gura said, looking around.
Alex, embarrassed by his rumbling stomach, admitted, "That was me. My stomach…" A blush rose on his cheeks.
Relieved it was just Alex's hunger, the girls chuckled. "You must be starving," Amelia said, smiling. "How about we grab some pizza? My treat, as a thank you for saving us all."
Alex hesitated, his eyes widening slightly. "Pizza? I… I don't know," he said, looking down, a hint of shyness coloring his cheeks. "I've never had pizza before. It's… it's not something I've ever had the opportunity to try."
The girls gasped, surprised. "Never had pizza?" Kiara exclaimed, incredulous. "Wow, I never expected a handsome guy like you to never have eaten pizza before…" she teased. "But… but it's amazing! You're missing out!"
Mori, amused, chimed in. "Yeah, you're missing out on a whole world of cheesy goodness!"
Gura, enthusiastically, added, "It's like a warm, delicious hug in a box!"
Ina'nis, gently, smiled. "It's really quite good, Alex. You should give it a try."
Alex, surrounded by their enthusiasm, nodded. "I… I guess I could give it a try."
Delighted, Kiara clapped her hands. "Wonderful! I know the perfect place. It's a bit of a walk, but trust me, it's worth it." She grabbed Alex's hand and pulled him along. Alex and the others were surprised by Kiara's boldness.
"Damn, Kiara's really making her move on Alex, huh…" Gura whispered to her three companions. They chuckled.
"Yeah, this is the first time she's acted like this with a guy… I guess Alex's appearance really smitten her," Mori added, chuckling.
The four girls, however, were also feeling a little jealous of Kiara, as they, too, found Alex attractive.
As the six of them walked through the city, the girls told Alex they were going to Kiara's fast-food restaurant, KFP. Alex was surprised to learn Kiara owned a restaurant. Upon arriving, they led him inside. The aroma of garlic and cheese filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They seemed to be the only customers. The five girls found a table while Kiara prepared their pizza.
The aroma of garlic and cheese was intoxicating, a symphony of savory smells that made Alex's stomach rumble again. He felt a bit nervous—a feeling unfamiliar to him. This normalcy, this human interaction, felt strange.
Kiara placed a steaming pizza box on their table. Gura, a known pizza enthusiast, was particularly excited, as were Mori, Amelia, and Ina'nis. "So," Kiara said, "this is our special. It's a KFP classic, guaranteed to satisfy your hunger." She winked mischievously at Alex.
The pizza was a masterpiece: a large, circular pie with a golden-brown crust, generously topped with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and oregano. The perfectly melted cheese bubbled slightly at the edges. The aroma was heavenly—garlic, tomato, and cheese—making Alex's mouth water.
"Dig in," Mori said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
The girls eagerly devoured their slices. Alex, however, hesitated, unsure of how to eat pizza. He picked up a slice tentatively, his fingers clumsy.
"Here, let me show you," Amelia said, gently folding her own slice in half. "You can fold it like this or cut it into smaller pieces." She demonstrated, cutting her slice into bite-sized pieces.
Alex watched and learned quickly. He carefully folded his slice and took a bite, his eyes widening in delight. The flavors exploded in his mouth—a symphony of savory and cheesy goodness. He was surprised by how delicious and satisfying it was, understanding why the girls loved it so much.
"Wow," he murmured, his mouth full of pizza. "This is... amazing."
"Told you!" Kiara exclaimed, beaming with pride. "This is what I call good food!"
The girls laughed, their eyes sparkling with amusement. They enjoyed their pizza, each bite filled with warmth and contentment. The restaurant's tension was replaced by a sense of camaraderie, a shared experience that brought them closer.
As they ate, Amelia, the time-traveling detective, observed Alex curiously. "Say… I don't recall seeing a human with a wolf tail before. How intriguing?"
Kiara, ever vivacious, beamed at Alex. "Yeah, Mr. Mysterious Powerful Guy," she said brightly, "what are you? Some kind of super-powered martial artist? A werewolf or lycan?"
Alex hesitated, unsure if he wanted to reveal his past. However, their kindness made him feel obligated to explain.
Alex smiled, a faint, almost melancholic expression on his face. "Perhaps you could say that. I'm from a holy ground on East Island. A warrior monk, a Forsaken monk from that monastery…" His expression turned serious.
The girls' eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Forsaken monks? Do you mean the ones rumored to have mastered ancient martial arts?" Amelia asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
"So you know about the Forsaken monks…" Alex said, looking at Amelia.
"Yes," Amelia replied. "In HoloCity, the Forsaken Monks were known for their brutal, hellish training, yet they were also considered the most honorable and disciplined people in the world."
The other four girls were shocked. "Wait, really...?" Gura said, astonished. Amelia glanced at Gura and continued.
"Yes, Gura… The Forsaken monks were famous for their rigorous training. They trained like Spartans, living and dying by honor and combat." She looked back at Alex, whose expression remained unchanged.
Amelia continued, "The Forsaken monks were also favored by other nations for their military expertise and prowess on the battlefield. They were hired as protectors, guards, or even soldiers in other nations' wars. They served as a military force for their temple and monastery and could also be hired as mercenaries. They participated in battles, wielding blunt weapons like metal staffs, tonfa, nunchaku, arnis sticks, and gauntlets and greaves for hand-to-hand combat."
"How the hell did you know about this, Amelia...?" Mori said, shocked.
"Well, I read about the Forsaken monks online. It's part of my detective work…" Amelia said, turning to Mori.
"I see. No wonder you dress like that. You're a warrior monk. Makes sense why you have a physique like a warrior…" Kiara said with a mischievous smile, glancing at Alex's muscular physique.
Amelia and Mori facepalmed at Kiara's boldness while Ina'nis giggled. "You really had to say that, huh, Kiara…" Gura said, laughing.
Kiara giggled. "What? I'm only telling the truth…"
Alex could tell Amelia was very smart; her research on the Forsaken monks was thorough.
Alex nodded slowly, his expression turning stoic. "You've done your research," he acknowledged, taking another bite of pizza. "The stories aren't entirely wrong, but they only tell a small part of the truth. The training was indeed brutal, pushing us to our absolute limits, both physically and mentally. We were taught to control our emotions, to master our bodies, and to always uphold honor and discipline. But the life of a Forsaken monk isn't just about fighting. It's about finding inner peace amidst chaos, striving for enlightenment while facing our inner darkness. It's… complicated."
Mori, ever perceptive, leaned forward. "So, the 'Forsaken' part… is that about being exiled or something?"
Alex hesitated, then took a deep breath. "No," he explained. "We're called Forsaken monks because we are soldiers hired by various parties or nations—often foreign governments or groups—to fight in conflicts for payment, rather than out of loyalty to a specific country or cause. We are mercenaries for hire, but we separate ourselves from other countries to fight for our homeland, the holy ground."
"I see," Mori said thoughtfully, tapping a finger against her chin. "So, essentially, you're freelance warriors for hire, dedicated to protecting your homeland, but operating independently from any specific nation's military?"
Alex nodded. "Exactly. We take contracts to earn money to support our monastery and its operations while simultaneously honing our skills and maintaining our spiritual discipline. It's a delicate balance." He paused, then added with a hint of sadness, "Many outsiders misunderstand us, seeing only the mercenary aspect, missing the deeper spiritual dedication at the heart of it all."
"That makes a lot more sense," Amelia chimed in. "The brutal training and unwavering discipline now make sense. It's not just about fighting; it's about maintaining a balance between spiritual growth and providing for your community."
Gura, ever the enthusiastic one, clapped her hands together. "So, like... warrior monks who moonlight as mercenaries?" She grinned. "That's awesome!"
Kiara, still gazing at Alex with a mix of admiration and something akin to playful challenge, simply raised an eyebrow. "So, what kind of contracts do you usually take? Anything juicy?"
Alex chuckled, a genuine laugh that seemed to ease the slightly somber tone of the conversation. "We're not exactly thrill-seekers. Mostly, we stick to protecting convoys, providing security details for high-value individuals or organizations, that kind of thing. Sometimes, we get involved in more… delicate situations if the cause aligns with our values, and the payment is substantial enough to justify the risk." He paused, then added wryly, "We're professional, after all. We need to eat, too, you know. Even warrior monks like to enjoy a good pizza now and then."
Ina'nis smiled softly. "I understand. Protecting your monastery and your people is important. And, well," she glanced at the half-eaten pizza box, "the food here is pretty good too."
The conversation continued late into the night at Kiara's KFP restaurant, punctuated by laughter and shared stories. The five girls learned more about Alex's life, his training, and his beliefs, while Alex, in turn, found himself opening up to them in a way he hadn't anticipated. He felt a connection with these women, a bond forged not only by shared experiences but by a shared understanding of life's complexities—the balance between duty, honor, and simple pleasures like a good pizza after a hard day's work, or, in his case, a hard day's battle. The quiet hum of conversation and the lingering aroma of garlic and cheese filled the restaurant, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere far removed from the battles and chaos he had known. For now, at least, he felt a sense of belonging, a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time.
"And also, Alex, I read that the Forsaken monks and the Hunters Blade ninjas were in conflict. Is that true?" Amelia asked.
Alex frowned, appreciating Amelia's knowledge of their conflict with the Hunters Blade shinobi. "You know too much, don't you?" he said seriously.
Amelia raised her hand. "Sorry, I just wanted to know. You don't have to tell us if you don't want to…"
Alex sighed, deciding to answer since she'd already asked. "You're correct. The Hunters Blade ninjas, or shinobi, were also favored for their military experience and prowess on the battlefield. They were hired by nations as mercenaries, participating in battles as spies, assassins, saboteurs, thieves, and engaging in espionage and stealth, especially information gathering and interrogation They wielded bladed weapons—shurikens, kusarigama, katanas, kunais, and all bladed weapons—and used gauntlets and greaves for hand-to-hand combat."
His expression turned serious. "The Hunters Blade shinobi trained in their academy in the Wicked Lands, located in the Western Swamps. They were considered dishonorable, with immoral codes; they fought with reckless abandon, dirty tactics, and cunning. We monks, on the other hand, were considered honorable, with moral codes; we fought with self-control, fair play, and intelligence. The Hunters Blade ninjas were considered criminals—committing wicked acts, crimes, stealing, and deceiving—while the Forsaken Monks were protectors of justice and honor. They were polar opposites."
"The Hunters Blade shinobi became known as evil and wicked; the Forsaken Monks, as righteous and virtuous. The Hunters Blade ninjas were Chakra followers, or Yin Release users, while the Forsaken monks were Ki practitioners or Yang Release users. Our conflict stemmed from nations hiring us; their enemies would then hire the Hunters Blade ninjas in return. This started the war between us. If the enemy of the nation that hired us was also the enemy of other nations, they'd hire the Hunters Blade ninjas to fight us, because they were the only ones who could rival our military experience, prowess, and power in combat. That's why we always crossed paths on the battlefield," Alex finished, his expression stoic.
A long silence followed Alex's explanation, broken only by the gentle clinking of cutlery on plates. The girls were clearly processing the information, the gravity of the long-standing conflict between the Forsaken Monks and the Hunters Blade shinobi sinking in.
Finally, Ina'nis spoke, her voice thoughtful. "So, it's not just a difference in fighting styles; it's a fundamental clash of philosophies, a war between opposing forces—Yin and Yang, honor and dishonor."
"Precisely," Alex confirmed, nodding slowly. "It's a conflict spanning generations, a cycle of violence fueled by national interests and ancient grudges. We've tried to find peace, to end the cycle, but it's… difficult. They are barbaric, enjoying death, destruction, and bloodshed more than the money they earn."
"So, it wasn't just a simple clash of ideologies; it was a complex geopolitical chess game, with both your order and the Hunters Blade playing key roles as mercenaries," Amelia mused, tapping a finger on the table. "And the 'Forsaken' part of your name reflects your independence from any specific nation's loyalties, correct?"
"Exactly," Alex confirmed. "It's an unfortunate reality. Though we try to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, conflict is sometimes unavoidable."
"And what about the power difference? You mentioned only the Hunters Blade could rival your strength. Does that mean there's a specific technique, or a type of Ki control, that only the Hunters Blade possesses?" Mori asked, her eyes alight with curiosity.
Alex considered this. "Their mastery of Yin Release Chakra is potent, and their use of poisons and stealth is unmatched. Their skills in assassination and sabotage are terrifyingly effective," he explained. "However, our strength lies in our disciplined approach and mastery of Yang Release Ki Control. We focus on strength, resilience, and battlefield control. It's not a question of superior power but of differing strengths and weaknesses clashing head-on."
"Chakra… what is Chakra exactly? You said they use Yin Release Chakra, right?" Ina'nis asked Alex.
Alex explained, "Chakra is similar to Ki, but darker and more… malevolent." He added, his expression unchanged.
Mori leaned forward, her gaze intense. "And what about you, Alex? Have you ever… killed a Hunters Blade ninja?"
Alex hesitated, his gaze falling to his hands. He took a deep breath. "Yes," he admitted quietly. "Many. I've seen my brothers die, witnessed their deaths firsthand. And I've nearly died myself many times. It's a war; wars are brutal. They're fought to be won, no matter how honorable you try to be. It's a heavy burden. Both sides have suffered heavy losses over centuries. Many monks and ninjas died. It's a constant cycle."
The five girls, despite the grim subject, felt sorry for Alex. It must have been hard to watch his brothers die. Even with his stoic expression, they saw the hurt and trauma in his face, the toll of a life lived in war. Ina'nis, ever calm, said, "I understand. War is never easy, no matter what side you're on."
Gura, ever energetic, added brightly, attempting to lighten the mood, "But," she said, "at least you have some really great pizza to help you deal with it." Her attempt was met with smiles. Even Alex smiled faintly.
Kiara, observant, noticed Alex's exhaustion. She reached across the table, gently placing her hand on his. "We're glad you're here, Alex," she said softly, sincerely. "And we're here for you, if you ever need to talk, or just… need a break."
The gesture was unexpected and comforting. Alex looked at Kiara, then at the other four women, their faces illuminated by the warm restaurant light. He saw genuine concern and empathy—a stark contrast to the harsh reality of battle. For the first time in a long time, Alex felt a glimmer of hope, a fragile seedling of peace sprouting amidst the shadow of war. The pizza, the camaraderie, the unexpected kindness—these small moments of normalcy were a powerful antidote to the turmoil of his life. Perhaps, he thought, there was more to life than endless conflict. Perhaps there was room for peace, even amidst the ongoing war.
To be continued.