Shadowmasked
Chapter 5
"Little Cheating: Yush's New Ability"
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Scene: Madphyco's Lair
Yush stood face-to-face with Madphyco in the darkened room, shadows clinging to the walls like living things.
Madphyco's grin was wide and unyielding. "Hello, Shadowmasked."
Yush's eyes narrowed, fists clenched. "You... Madphyco."
Madphyco chuckled, the sound echoing ominously. "Not just me... she's here too."
Yush's brows furrowed in confusion. "Who?"
Suddenly, the ground quivered, and from its depths, a shadowy figure emerged—a female silhouette wrapped in darkness, her eyes gleaming crimson.
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Scene Change: The Cosmic Universe
Amidst swirling galaxies and shimmering nebulae, a lone figure stood, illuminated by starlight. Her presence commanded the cosmos itself.
"I am Shiv, the Creator of this world," she whispered, her voice a gentle echo. "I see... the Demon Lord awakens. Interesting."
Her gaze turned, piercing through dimensions as if observing the threads of fate themselves.
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Scene Change: Astral Union Base
The room buzzed with tension as Sayaka, Mizu, and Flame gathered around a holographic projection that flickered with static.
Sayaka's hands trembled as she stared at the image. "I... I can't believe it. No... no way."
Destruction nodded solemnly. "She is the Demon Lord."
Mizu's eyes widened, disbelief etched on her face. "What? The Demon Lord?"
Flame clenched his fists, flames crackling around his knuckles. "And not just any Demon Lord... the first female Demon Lord."
From the shadows, Yush observed in silence, his fists balled tight. "Ken, can I beat the Demon Lord?"
Ken's voice was steady, almost apologetic. "Sorry to say, Master, but you cannot. You haven't unlocked many of your powers yet. You only have Teleportation, Flight, and your fighting skills. Your punches and kicks are strong, but not enough to face her."
Yush's eyes burned with determination. "What if... what if all of us fight her together?"
Ken paused, the screen flickering. "...It might be possible. But it will not be easy."
Suddenly, the Astral Union members surged forward, their weapons and magic ready. Yush tried to follow, but his feet remained stuck, like the shadows themselves held him back.
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Scene Change: The Battlefield
The Demon Lord stood tall, a menacing grin spreading across her face as the Astral Union members surrounded her.
"So... you little ones think you can beat me?" she sneered.
Mizu stepped forward, her hands raised, magic crackling. "Water Magic—Hydro Lance!"
A spear of high-pressure water rocketed toward the Demon Lord's chest, striking true. She screeched in agony, but mere moments later, the wound knitted back together, dark tendrils of energy sealing it shut.
Flame's eyes went wide. "What?! It didn't work!"
Mizu staggered back, breathing heavily. "I... I'm fine."
Sayaka moved beside her, light gathering in her hands. "Healing Light."
Mizu's wounds vanished, the pain ebbing away.
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Scene Change: Yush and Ken
Yush watched from a distance, impressed. "Mizu's attack was awesome."
Ken's voice was sharp. "Master, did you notice something?"
Yush blinked. "What?"
"Sayaka... she doesn't wear a Healing Mask, yet she can heal. Curious, isn't it?"
Yush nodded slowly. "Yeah... that is strange."
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Scene Change: Back to the Battle
Flame stepped forward, flames erupting around him like a living inferno. His eyes burned with fury. "You hurt Mizu... I won't let you live! Fire Mastery—Fireblaster Level 3!"
A massive wave of fire surged toward the Demon Lord. Cloud stepped up beside him, eyes wide. "No way! You jumped straight to Level 3?! We need to help!"
Sayaka began to channel her magic. "I am the Princess of Angels... I can't lose! Mana Zone—Water Hell Circuit Form!"
Destruction's grin was feral. "Destruction is here."
Soundtracker screamed loudly, amplifying their power. But suddenly, everything stopped. Movements locked in place as if frozen in time.
Sayaka's eyes went wide. "I... I can't move! How is this possible?!"
(The battle continues...)
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Scene Change: Flashback - Madphyco's Lab
In the darkness of a shadowy lab, Madphyco chanted under his breath, the room vibrating with arcane energy.
Madphyco's voice was desperate, almost pleading. "Please... come forth! I don't have a Mask, but I will summon you! Help me create a new world!"
The ground shuddered, splitting open as black mist poured forth. From its depths, the Demon Lord emerged, her form towering and regal.
She chuckled, the sound cold and unfeeling. "You think you summoned me? Foolish. I came because I chose to."
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Scene Change: The Present
The Demon Lord's gaze fell upon Yush, her eyes glimmering with dark amusement. She teleported, reappearing mere inches from him. Instinctively, Yush vanished, materializing mid-air, safely out of reach.
The Demon Lord's lips curled into a grin. "Impressive... I like it. You're cool... and quite handsome."
Yush smirked, shrugging off her gaze. "Of course I am! Sorry, but I like Mizuhana."
The Demon Lord pouted, tapping her chin. "Aww, that's too bad... I was going to ask you to be my boyfriend."
Yush chuckled, shaking his head. "Sorry, I already like one anime girl."
From the shadows, Sayaka blushed, her thoughts racing. "Thank goodness... just an anime girl," she murmured under her breath.
The Demon Lord stretched, her dark aura flickering. "Well, I'm bored. I think I'll leave for now... but I promise, next time I come, I won't stop."
Yush's eyes narrowed. "Then why did you come?"
She turned, her gaze lingering for a moment. "For a little fun."
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Scene Change: Kracknoir's Base
Kracknoir stood atop a towering platform, his eyes gleaming with power and ambition.
He raised a hand to the sky, energy swirling around him. "I'm ready to go... Ready to save your world... Strom."
Next morning
Scene: Yush and Mizuhana
Morning sunlight streamed through the window as Yush and Mizuhana sat together, the atmosphere between them growing tense with unspoken words.
Yush's cheeks flushed slightly as he scratched the back of his head. "So, Mizuhana... what about our first... umm... kiss?"
Mizuhana's face turned crimson, her eyes darting away before leaning in, her face just inches from his.
"I... I..." she began, her breath soft against his lips.
Suddenly, a loud, booming voice shattered the moment. "Brother! Brother, wake up! Brotherrrrrrrr!"
Yush's eyes snapped open, the dream evaporating into reality. He groaned, rolling over. "Huh? What happened?"
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Scene Change: Sayaka and the Queen of Angels
In a grand, ethereal hall shimmering with celestial light, Sayaka knelt before a radiant figure. Her wings glimmered with ethereal energy, feathers as delicate as the morning dawn.
The regal woman before her spoke, her voice melodic yet firm. "So, Sayaka, my daughter, what news do you bring us?"
Sayaka's head bowed in respect. "The Demon Lord has awakened... and our Astral Union... it was not victorious."
The woman stepped forward, her golden crown catching the light. "I am Ayako, Queen of Angels. The Demon Lord's name is Kakitokumi."
Sayaka's eyes widened at the name, her fists clenching in disbelief.
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Scene Change: Yush in the Washroom
Yush stood in front of the mirror, splashing water on his face before slipping the Mask on. His reflection stared back, sharper and more defined than before.
Ken's voice echoed from within. "Hello, Master."
Yush rubbed his eyes. "Ken, show me my power level."
A translucent screen materialized before him, flickering with digital light.
Power Level: 0
Abilities:
Flight: Complete
Teleportation: Complete
Magic: Incomplete
Forms: Locked
Summoning Power: Locked
Other Powers: Hidden
Yush sighed. "So, my powers aren't enough yet."
"Correct, Master," Ken replied calmly.
Yush leaned against the sink. "But where are my fighting skills?"
"Not added. They are your own techniques, not the Mask's."
Yush straightened up, determination burning in his eyes. "How do I master it, then?"
Ken's voice softened. "There is one ability I can create for you, Master."
Yush's eyes brightened. "What is it?"
"Copy. If you accept, you can copy any power or magic."
Yush's fists clenched with excitement. "How do I achieve it?"
"In three hours, without the Mask, do push-ups nonstop."
Without hesitation, Yush pulled the Mask off and dropped to the floor, his body moving with relentless focus. "Let's do this!"
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Scene Change: Kracknoir's Spaceship
Kracknoir stormed through the metallic corridors of his warship, his fists clenched with fury. "What?! Our spaceship is damaged?! What the hell?!"
He slammed his fist onto the control console, sparks flying. "Strom, you got lucky... this time."
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Scene Change: Sayaka and Ayako
Sayaka gazed up at her mother, confusion swirling in her eyes. "So... she's your age, Mother?"
Ayako's expression turned somber. "No, my child. Her age... and your age are the same."
Sayaka's breath caught. "How is that possible?"
Ayako's gaze turned distant. "I will tell you a story. Long ago, after the creation of the Astral Union, Shiv, our God, declared that the world would know peace. But after one year, a being awakened, destroying everything. He was called the Black Knight, leader of the Super Demon Lords."
Sayaka listened intently, her heart pounding.
Ayako continued, her voice softening. "A warrior named Kenzo, once shunned for having no magic, rose up. He was chosen by the legendary Infernal Signet and the Strom Mask. Kenzo fought the Super Demon Lord, pushing beyond mortal limits. I don't know all the details, but I know Kenzo sealed the Demon Lord inside his ring."
Her eyes sharpened. "And now... my stepdaughter, your sister, is the Demon Lord."
Sayaka's eyes widened in shock. "My sister?!"
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Scene Change: Yush in the Washroom
Yush pushed himself up, sweat dripping from his forehead. "One hundred push-ups... done."
He grabbed the Mask and slipped it back on. A screen flared to life before him.
Ken's voice was clear. "Congratulations, Master. You have unlocked the Copy Power. Would you like to name it?"
Yush paused, a grin spreading across his face. "Hmm... let's call it Little Cheating."
"Roger that," Ken replied.
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Scene Change: Shiv's Realm
Amidst swirling storms and crackling energy, Shiv stood alone, his eyes shining with ancient power. He smiled. "My Strom is growing stronger."
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Scene Change: Demon Lord's Castle
The Demon Lord sat upon her dark throne, shadows twisting around her form, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
She murmured softly to herself. "My king... I think he's Strom... I think he's my... ummm..."
Her musings were cut short as Sayaka appeared in the room, arms crossed, her smirk sharp. "Thinking about my hero, are we, my ugly sister?"
The Demon Lord's eyes flared with crimson light as Sayaka taunted her, shadows coiling with fury.
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To Be Continued...