"So, Alex," Amelia said, her voice turning serious. "What brings you to HoloCity? Shouldn't a warrior monk be at his monastery?" Her voice held a curious tone.
"I left the monastery to begin a solitary journey to learn my true origin—why I landed on this planet as a baby in a space pod, and why I can shapeshift into a werewolf…" Alex said seriously, glancing at his right palm. "I wanted to know my race, my parents, and why they sent me to Earth. I sought many oracles, but none could reveal my true origins." His expression remained serious.
The five girls were shocked to hear Alex admit to being a shapeshifting werewolf and an alien.
"Wait, you're telling me you're a werewolf and an alien...?" Kiara said, her surprise evident.
"Yes, I am," Alex said seriously. "My master, Ramon, showed me the space pod I was found in as a baby, and he also gave me this scouter." Alex pulled out a grey scouter (the class indicator was green) and placed it on the table for the girls to see. His expression remained serious.
The girls examined the scouter with awe and apprehension. Unlike anything they'd ever seen before, they noticed a crack in its green glass.
Amelia, an expert in machines, picked it up, turning it over in her hands. Mori, Kiara, Ina'nis, and Gura also examined it. "This is… advanced technology," she murmured, tracing its contours. "Definitely not from this planet. And it seems to be broken."
Mori, her eyes narrowed in concentration, inspected the scouter's markings and symbols. "Yeah, I've never seen this type of technology. This is definitely alien."
Amelia nodded. "I agree; it also looks futuristic."
Gura, ever enthusiastic, poked the scouter gently. "Can it scan people? Can it tell us what kind of alien Alex is?"
Ina'nis, calm and collected, said gently, "Gura, perhaps we should let Alex explain before we start probing him with alien technology."
Alex nodded. "It's a long story," he began wearily. "I was found as a baby in that space pod by the Forsaken monks. The scouter was strapped to my left eye. They raised me and trained me in the monastery. Grandmaster Ramon eventually revealed my past in small steps. He never revealed my true parents—he didn't know them—but he told me I fell from the skies and that I could transform into a werewolf." His expression remained unchanged.
"He never told you anything about your parents?" Mori asked, her brow furrowed with concern. "Not even a hint? A name? A planet?"
Alex shook his head. "Nothing. He only said I was incredibly lucky to have survived the crash landing. The space pod was heavily damaged, but I was unharmed. He said it was a miracle, a sign that I was destined for something greater."
Then Amelia noticed five buttons on the scouter's left side. She pressed the center one; the scouter activated with a deep humming sound (similar to a DBZ scouter's sound effects), and alien letters and numbers appeared on its green display. Gura, Mori, Kiara, Amelia, and even Ina'nis, who studies ancient texts, couldn't understand the symbols.
Ina'nis leaned closer, peering at the scouter's display. "Those symbols… they're unlike anything I've ever encountered in my studies. They don't seem to align with any known Cthulhu Mythos languages."
Gura, also looking at the scouter, added, "Yeah, and it's not even an Atlantean language either. It's completely different…"
Amelia, meanwhile, carefully probed the scouter's surface with a small, specialized tool from her detective kit. "The materials… they're unlike anything I've ever analyzed. It's incredibly durable, almost impossibly so. And the energy signature… it's fluctuating, unstable."
Mori, ever practical, pointed at one of the scouter's other buttons. "Perhaps pressing one of these other buttons will give us more information. Or maybe even translate what's already displayed."
"Wait," Kiara interrupted, her eyes fixed on the scouter's display. "Those numbers… they seem to be increasing. Like a countdown timer…"
A palpable tension filled the room. The scouter's humming intensified, and the alien symbols flashed rapidly. The numbers on the display counted down from 10, still in alien letters.
"I don't like this," Gura whispered, a nervous tremor in her voice. "It feels…" dangerous."
The countdown reached zero. The humming stopped abruptly. The scouter's green display went blank, the device going cold and unresponsive. Silence fell over the group, heavy with unspoken apprehension. Then, a woman's ragged, panting voice, accompanied by a crying baby, was heard from the scouter, speaking in an alien language unknown to the five girls, even Ina'nis. Alex, already familiar with the voice, remained silent.
Alex finally broke the silence, his voice low and grave. "It's a message; I think the woman is speaking to the baby."
The girls exchanged shocked glances. "A message?" Gura breathed, her fingers still resting on the cold, inert scouter.
"Yes," Alex said, his expression unchanged. "I think it was supposed to project a hologram, but the crack may only allow the audio to play."
"A hologram?" Kiara questioned, her brow furrowed. "So the crack didn't just damage the device; it altered its function?"
Alex nodded. "It's possible. The scouter is far beyond my understanding of technology. My master, Ramon, never fully explained its capabilities. He only said I'd worn it since I was a baby."
A chill ran down the girls' spines. The implications were staggering. Alex wasn't just an alien werewolf; he was possibly part of a larger, unknown race, one that might hold the key to his true origins, even through the fragmented message from the broken scouter.
"What do you think the message is saying?" Mori asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Alex shook his head. "I don't know. It's an alien language, not from this planet. I've been trying to understand it, but I can't decipher the words."
Ina'nis, ever the scholar, spoke up. "Perhaps if we can get a clearer recording of the audio, we can analyze the language. I may be able to find parallels in some of the ancient texts I've studied."
"Amelia… can you try repairing the device?" Gura asked.
Amelia agreed. "I can try, but my best tools are at home. We'll need to go back. It's a long shot given the damage and alien technology, but if I can stabilize the energy signature, I might get a better signal or perhaps restore its ability to project the hologram."
"Hey, how about you come with us to fix your scouter?" Gura said, her voice high-pitched. The four girls, and even Alex, were surprised by her suggestion.
"Are you kidding? Why would you ask him that?" Mori whispered, leaning close to Gura.
"Why not? He's a mythical creature—an alien mythical creature! Why not invite him to our house?" Gura replied.
"Yeah, I totally agree with Gura. Besides, it's good having a handsome guy like him around, right?" Kiara said loudly.
Still surprised, Alex said, "Are you sure? I'm a complete stranger to you guys." His tone was low and calm.
Amelia chuckled. "Gura's got a point, though. I need better equipment to work on your scouter, and it's probably safer to have Alex with us. We can all keep an eye on each other, and you can tell us more about your… unique background on the way."
Ina'nis nodded in agreement. "It does make practical sense. And, perhaps, a safer environment than a public restaurant." She shot a pointed glance at Kiara, who was already beaming at Alex.
"Hey, KFP is a safe restaurant! I always keep an eye on my customers…" Kiara said proudly.
Alex hesitated, considering their offer. He'd been wary of getting involved with these women; they seemed to have their own unusual adventures, and he preferred solitude. But their genuine concern and their involvement in his extraordinary life made him reconsider. He wasn't opposed to the idea but was hesitant about staying with strangers.
"Are you girls sure…?" Alex hesitated. "I mean, you just met me today. I don't think it's a good idea to let a stranger like me stay in your home."
The girls exchanged amused glances and giggled. Alex was confused. "What's so funny?" he asked calmly.
"Nothing, sorry, we don't mean to laugh…" Amelia said. "And we know you don't have any bad intentions." Her friends nodded in agreement.
"Still… it's not a good idea to let a total stranger live in your house like that…" Alex insisted.
"Well, that's not acceptable," Amelia declared firmly. "We can't have you sleeping in motels. You're a guest. You're staying with us."
Mori, though typically reserved, offered a rare smile. "It would be nice to have you around, Alex. We could all learn a lot from each other."
Ina'nis nodded, her gaze softening. "We'd be happy to have you stay with us, Alex. And it would be nice to have you as part of our little group."
Gura, ever energetic, added, "Yeah, Alex… You're part of the team now…" Her shark tail wiggled excitedly.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Part of the team, huh…?" he questioned.
Amelia, as their leader, explained, "Yes, you're part of the team—a team of mythical creatures, called Myths."
Alex raised an eyebrow at Amelia's statement that he was now part of the myths. "Myths…?" he said in a questioning tone.
Amelia, being their leader, explained, "Yes, that's what we call ourselves… Myths. Because we're all mythical creatures, like you."
Kiara, with a mischievous grin, added, "It would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity to have a handsome guy like you living with us, right guys?" Kiara quipped, winking at him. "It's not every day we get to hang out with an alien werewolf. This is a story we'll be telling our grandchildren."
The other four girls, their faces flushed with amusement and embarrassment, giggled in unison. They knew Kiara was teasing, but it was hard to deny the truth in her words. Alex was undeniably handsome, with a rugged charm accentuated by his powerful physique and intense gaze.
"You know, Kiara," Ina'nis said with a gentle smile, "Sometimes you say the most embarrassing things. But I have to admit, you're not wrong. Alex is definitely… eye-catching."
Mori, usually stoic and reserved, let out a soft chuckle. "Indeed. It would be nice to have some male presence in our household for a change."
Gura, ever bubbly, added, "Yeah! It's been all girls for so long. It's about time we had some testosterone in the mix!"
Alex, caught off guard by their playful banter, felt his cheeks warm up slightly. While not unused to such attention—his solitary journey had attracted many admirers—he remained focused on his goals. But there was a warmth in their teasing that made him feel comfortable and welcomed.
"I…" Alex hesitated, unsure how to express his gratitude. "I appreciate your offer," he finally managed, his voice a little rough. "It's been a long time since I felt like I had a place to call home."
"No problem," Amelia said, her smile warm and genuine. "We're glad you're here, Alex. Now, let's get out of here. It's getting late." She stood up, her gaze meeting the others. "We'll figure out the sleeping arrangements later. For now, let's get back to the mansion. We have a lot to talk about."
Amelia, watching the playful interaction, felt a sense of contentment. She had known Alex would fit in well, that they would connect. She had been right to trust her instincts and was glad he was joining them, not just as a guest but as part of their family.
Gura raised her fists in the air. "Welcome to the team, Alex…" she said with a big smile. The four others smiled at him as well.
Alex smiled back. "Yeah, thank you for having me…" He said warmly.
The six of them left Kiara's restaurant and walked toward the mansion. The evening air was cool and crisp, a welcome change from the warm building. City lights twinkled in the night sky, a shimmering tapestry of activity. Alex found himself taking in the scene with newfound appreciation. For so long, his own journey and goals had consumed him, causing him to forget the simple beauty of the world.
As they walked, the girls bombarded Alex with questions, and he paused, reflecting. He'd never spoken so openly about his past, his struggles, his loneliness. He usually kept his feelings hidden, his emotions guarded. But something about these five women—their genuine curiosity and warmth—made him comfortable enough to open up. Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. Here he was, a solitary warrior monk, suddenly surrounded by extraordinary women who possessed extraordinary powers and were mythical creatures, just like him.
"So, what do you think?" Amelia asked, playfully curious. "Enjoying the city lights?"
"It's… beautiful," Alex admitted, in a soft and calm voice. "It's been a long time since I've had the chance to just… appreciate the world around me."
"Well, you're in the right place for that," Kiara said mischievously. "This city's full of surprises. And we're going to show you all of them somehow."
"Just try not to get lost in the chaos," Gura added happily, her shark tail wiggling. "We know you're strong, Alex, but this city can be tricky for even the most seasoned traveler."
"You don't need to worry about me," Alex said in a smirk. "I can take care of myself. I've faced danger, fought many—humans and monsters—and tested my skills. I defeated them all."
"Wow, that's amazing!" Gura exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration. "You're like a real-life action hero! I bet you have tons of cool stories to tell."
"Yeah, Alex," Kiara chimed in, playfully excited. "We've gotta hear all about your adventures. Did you ever fight any dragons? Or maybe slay a giant monster?"
Alex chuckled, a smirk forming. "Yes, I fought many dragons and giant monsters. But mostly, I defeated them in one blow…" He sighed, his expression sad and disappointed. "And not just dragons and giant monsters, I even fought angels and demons…"
"Angels and demons?" Amelia's eyes widened in disbelief. "That's… incredible! You really have led a fascinating life."
Alex shrugged, a stoic expression appearing in his face. "That's the life of a warrior monk. We always seek a thrilling fight."
"A thrilling fight, huh?" Kiara chuckled. "Well, I guess we've got plenty of those in this city. Maybe not angels and demons, but we've got our fair share of troublemakers."
"And a few mythical creatures too," Ina'nis added softly but firmly. "There's a reason we call ourselves the Myths, you know."
"So, you're saying you guys also fight monsters?" Alex asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Oh, we do," Amelia confirmed, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "And sometimes, it can get quite messy. But that's part of the fun, right? Besides, there's nothing quite like working together as a team to take down a big baddie."
"And you guys actually work together?" Alex inquired, surprised and admiring. "I always work alone. It's always been just me, training and fighting. I'm not used to working with a team."
"Well, you're in for a treat then," Gura said, her shark tail swaying with excitement. "We're a pretty awesome team. You'll see."
"Yeah, we've got each other's backs, no matter what," Mori added firmly. "We're like a family."
Kiara laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Well, you're in for a wild ride, Alex. This city has its fair share of surprises, and they're not all friendly."
"Sounds like my kind of place," Alex said, excitement lighting up his eyes. "I've always sought a thrilling challenge."
The group continued their walk to the mansion, the city lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors. Alex found these five girls intriguing; they were unlike anyone he'd ever met. He wasn't romantically interested—Alex prioritized training and fighting strong opponents over what he considered "nonsense," unlike many men. He wasn't the type to be happy simply being paired with five beautiful women.
He'd experienced this type of attention before, particularly from women drawn to his physique and handsome appearance during his solitary journey. Some men were jealous, others impressed. But despite the attention, he remained focused on his training, journey, and goals. Still, there was a warmth in these five girls' teasing that made him feel comfortable and welcomed.
What interested Alex was that they were mythical creatures (except for Amelia Watson, a human time-traveling detective). Alex wasn't sure if he was considered mythical, being an alien werewolf, but still. He was Alex Garcia, an alien werewolf warrior monk (the Iron Fist); Mori Calliope was the Grim Reaper; Takanashi Kiara was the Phoenix; Ninomae Ina'nis was the Priestess of the Ancient Ones; Watson Amelia was a time traveler and detective; and Gawr Gura was a sea creature and Atlantean.
Even Alex couldn't help but think his werewolf shapeshifting might be part of his alien biology. He knew this because he'd accidentally transformed in the monastery, prompting his solitary journey and departure to explore the world and discover his origins. He'd sought many oracles, but none could reveal his true origins.
"So, Alex," Kiara asked, intrigue and a mischievous smile on her face. "What would you do after finally finding out your origins...?"
Alex, walking beside them, spoke calmly, his serious expression unchanged. "Well, I'm going back to the monastery and continuing my life as a Forsaken monk…"
"To your old life?" Kiara scoffed, walking next to Amelia, her smile turning into a frown. "Are you kidding me? After all that you've been through, you're just going back to your boring old life?"
Alex sighed. "It's not a boring life, Miss Kiara. It's peaceful. And it's where I belong."
"But what about the journey you took, and what about us… We just declared you're part of our team now, remember? Are you just swiped that aside?" Gura said sadly, her shark tail slowly wiggling. "You've seen the world, fought many monsters, met many oracles! Surely, there's more to your story than that."
Alex paused, considering Gura's words. He'd been a Forsaken monk for almost 30 years, but after his journey, he wasn't so sure anymore.
"The truth is, I wasn't supposed to leave the holy ground. I was supposed to spend my life in the monastery. The only reason I left was to discover my origins—my race and my parents. That's why I told my masters, and they suggested I explore the world and seek oracles." Alex explained.
"I understand wanting to return to a place of peace," Amelia said thoughtfully, "but you also said you felt a sense of belonging with us. Isn't that also important?"
Alex hesitated. He hadn't considered it in those terms before. The monastery had always been his home, his refuge, a place of familiar routines, and unwavering purpose. He was dedicated to the monastery until death. Abandoning it would break his code and dishonor his vows as a Forsaken monk. But the warmth and acceptance he'd found with these women, the shared understanding of their extraordinary lives, and the potential for a different kind of belonging—a sense of community he'd never known—was a new and compelling possibility.
Mori, ever perceptive, added, "You said your masters suggested you explore the world and seek oracles. Did they give you any other instructions? Any guidance about what to do after you found the answers you sought?"
Alex pondered this. He hadn't really thought about it. His entire focus had been on finding his origins on understanding his past. He hadn't considered the implications of the answers or what he might do once they were clear. The discovery itself had been the goal. "No," Alex said, his expression serious yet warm. "They didn't. I decided to return to the monastery myself after learning my origins. Abandoning my life as a Forsaken monk would break my code and dishonor my vows. I would be seen as a traitor to the monastery and to my brothers."
Ina'nis, ever the voice of reason, spoke softly. "Perhaps there's a way to reconcile both paths, Alex. Your dedication to the monastery is admirable, but your connection with us… it's undeniable. Could you perhaps… find a way to serve both?"
Alex considered her words, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. The idea of bridging the gap between his solitary life of monastic devotion and this newfound sense of camaraderie felt both daunting and exciting. He'd always valued his independence, his self-reliance; the idea of relying on others, of being part of a team, was a novel concept.
"Well then, since you're so devoted to your monastery code," Kiara suggested, her voice laced with a playful lilt, "how about we hire you? You said Forsaken monks are mercenaries for hire, right? We'll hire you to stay with us, lending your strength. You could still uphold your vows, maintain your connection to the monastery, while also… lending your skills to us when needed. Think of it as… missionary work, but with a whole lot more monster-slaying."
Surprise crossed Alex's face. Kiara's suggestion, though whimsical, held merit. It offered a way to balance his commitments and honor his past while embracing his future. Even Mori, Gura, Amelia, and Ina'nis found Kiara's suggestion smart.
Gura, excited by Kiara's idea, spoke up. "That's a good idea, Kiara! Yeah, since Alex is a mercenary for hire, we can hire him to join our team…" Her shark tail wiggled. Turning to Alex, she asked, "So what do you say, Alex?"
"It's… a possibility," Alex admitted, thoughtful. "But the monastery is quite far from here. How could I possibly do my duties to both the monastery and you guys?"
"We have ways," Amelia said mysteriously, a twinkle in her eyes. "Technology, you know? Instant communication, quick travel… we can make it work. Besides," she added warmly, "we could use someone with your skills. This city, with all its glamour, also has its underbelly. And we don't always have time to deal with every threat ourselves."
Mori nodded. "Indeed. Having you as an ally would greatly strengthen our capabilities. Your skills and experience would be invaluable."
Gura, ever enthusiastic, added, "Plus, imagine the adventures! We could go on epic monster-hunting expeditions together! I'd love to have an ally. We'd be an unstoppable team!"
Even Ina'nis, usually reserved, voiced her support. "It sounds like a practical solution, Alex. It allows you to honor your vows while still contributing to our endeavors."
Alex looked at the five women, their faces a mix of earnest hope and playful excitement. The warmth of their camaraderie washed over him, a stark contrast to the solitude he'd known for so long. The thought of facing challenges alongside them, of sharing their unique bond, filled him with a sense of purpose that transcended his monastic vows.
"Alright," Alex said finally, a smile touching his lips. "I'll do it. I'll join your team of mythical creatures. But on one condition."
"And what would that be?" Amelia inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"That you guys help me find my origins," Alex said, his gaze unwavering. "The monastery and my brothers might be my home, but discovering who I am, where I come from, and finding the family that sent me here is my ultimate goal. And I know, somehow, that you can help me fulfill this ultimate goal."
The five girls exchanged excited glances. They knew finding Alex's family wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to face any challenge together. They knew this journey could take them to many places, unveil many mysteries, and potentially introduce many enemies. But all of this was possible if they helped Alex fulfill his quest.
Amelia nodded. "Deal. We will help you find your origins, but you will keep your word about joining us…"
Alex nodded. With Alex joining their team, they were confident they could overcome any obstacle, and they were ready for this journey. A new chapter had begun, filled with possibilities, camaraderie, and the promise of exciting adventures. They had accepted Alex, and he felt more comfortable with them. The journey to find Alex's family and face the challenges ahead had begun.
To be continued.