The sun shone brightly over HoloCity, a beautiful city nestled between mountains to the north, forests to the south and east, and a large lake to the west. A little slice of paradise, it bustled with people from all walks of life. It was just another peaceful, ordinary day in this mostly ordinary city. Despite its size, HoloCity boasted many large buildings, mostly owned by the wealthy. It was a place where many dreams had come true for those worthy—a land of opportunity.
As the city bustled, five friends—Mori Calliope (the infamous Grim Reaper's apprentice), Takanashi Kiara (the phoenix), Ninomae Ina'nis (the Priestess of the Ancient Ones), Gawr Gura (the Atlantian shark girl), and Amelia Watson (the greatest detective and time traveler)—made their way to Kiara's KFP restaurant. Ninomae Ina'nis walked silently behind her friends, deep in thought. Gura and Amelia playfully annoyed each other while Mori tried to stop them, and Kiara giggled at the chaos.
Mori turned to Ina'nis. "Are you okay, Ina?" she asked, startling her.
Ina'nis slowly turned, offering a warm smile. "Ah, yes, Mori… I'm alright."
Gura and Amelia stopped their antics. "Yeah, Ina, you've been oddly quiet," Amelia said. "Is something wrong?"
Ina'nis responded softly, looking down, her uncomfortable expression unchanged. "It's nothing." The four friends frowned; they weren't used to seeing her so quiet and distracted.
Kiara put a hand on Ina'nis' shoulder. "What's up? You seem off," she questioned. Ina'nis shook her head, a worried expression on her face.
"I… I sense a strong energy," Ina'nis said.
The others felt it, too. "Yeah, you're not kidding, Ina. It's strong, yet calm," Mori commented.
Amelia, Gura, and Kiara nodded in agreement.
"Should we check it out?" Gura suggested.
"Yeah, let's go," Kiara agreed.
The five friends—Mori Calliope, Takanashi Kiara, Ninomae Ina'nis, Amelia Watson, and Gawr Gura—followed the energy's source to the southern forest and soon found it.
"Are you sure this is the source, guys?" Mori Calliope asked.
"Yes," Amelia replied confidently. "Don't doubt my detective skills; I've never failed to solve a mystery."
As they surveyed the area, Gura spotted someone. "Hey guys, look! Who's that?" she asked, pointing.
The five girls saw a man sitting alone by a waterfall. "Who the hell is that...?" Kiara whispered, surprised.
Mori's expression turned serious. "I don't know, but we should keep quiet to avoid unwanted attention," she said.
Hidden in the bushes, they observed the man. He sat on a rock, legs crossed, eyes closed, in deep concentration. His expression was stoic and relaxed; the waterfall flowed peacefully behind him. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, handsome, tall, and muscular.
This was Alex Garcia, a wandering adventurer known as the Iron Fist. A disciplined, stoic, and introverted warrior monk in his mid-twenties, with a righteous heart, he stood approximately 195.58 cm (6'5") tall. Handsome, tall, and muscular, he traveled the world seeking worthy opponents. Despite his attractive physique, he remained indifferent to admirers, viewing them as distractions. He was a skilled martial artist, proficient in both unarmed combat and weaponry. He wore a tight, long-sleeved black turtleneck that revealed his well-defined muscles, loose-fitting red martial arts pants, and a brown rope belt; a long, gray, hairless tail extended to his ankles. His messy, long white hair reached his neck; he had pale skin, onyx eyes, and thick, defined eyebrows. He also wore red gauntlets with metallic studs and black combat boots with gold designs on the sides and front, and buttons. He hailed from the Forsaken Monks' mountain temple in the East, renowned for their ancient martial arts.
"Is he a myth, too?" Gura asked, her shark tail wiggling.
"I don't think so," Amelia replied calmly. "He looked human to me, like a martial artist, judging by his outfit."
Mori nodded in agreement. "Amelia's right. He's definitely human, a martial artist, and it looks like he could handle himself in a fight."
Kiara, gazing at Alex, blushed slightly. "Yeah, he's actually pretty hot… and those muscles…" she said, her interest evident. "I wonder what kind of training he did to get that physique?"
Ina'nis, Amelia, and Gura chuckled; Mori facepalmed.
Amelia chuckled softly. "You've got a one-track mind, Kiara, but you're not wrong. He is quite handsome."
Mori rolled her eyes playfully. "Of course, you noticed his physique first. Typical Kiara."
Kiara, still looking at Alex, pouted playfully. "But can you blame me? He's like a real-life fantasy come true."
The five girls agreed that Alex was handsome and muscular.
Mori, ever the pragmatist, broke the reverie. "Alright, Kiara, enough ogling. We need to figure out why he's emitting such strong energy."
Amelia, practical as always, began strategizing. "Let's get a closer look, but carefully. We don't want to startle him."
Cautiously, they approached the waterfall, moving silently. Peeking through the foliage, they observed Alex from a distance.
"Maybe he's training to be a superhero?" Gura suggested, awestruck.
Amelia snorted. "Gura, he's probably just a very dedicated martial artist. I saw a documentary about martial artists who could focus their energy and do incredible things."
Kiara snorted. "You mean those guys who walk on hot coals?" she asked Gura.
"Yeah, and move objects with their minds!" Gura exclaimed.
"I doubt the mind control," Ina'nis said softly. "But I sense a strong spiritual presence. Perhaps he's connected to something larger?"
Silence fell as they pondered the mysterious figure. His calming energy was undeniable, bringing a sense of peace to the forest. It was both intriguing and unnerving.
Mori broke the silence. "Whatever he is, he's not a threat, and his energy is the source we've been looking for. But what do we do now?"
"Maybe we should talk to him?" Amelia suggested. "See if he'll explain himself?"
Kiara was sceptical. "Seriously? What if he freaks out and uses mind powers? Remember Gura's stories? I don't want to be hypnotized into liking him, even though he is super hot…" she added with a mischievous smile.
Ina'nis chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Kiara. I doubt he'll do anything like that. He seems peaceful."
Mori, amused, added, "Yeah, Kiara, I think the last thing he wants is a fangirl. He seems like a man of quiet contemplation."
Kiara scoffed. "Don't pretend you girls aren't fascinated by his looks." She said, unconvinced.
Mori chuckled. "Okay, okay, maybe we are. But let's focus. We need to figure out what he's doing and why he's emitting this powerful energy."
Gura, ever adventurous, suggested, "Maybe we should sneak closer and eavesdrop?"
Amelia countered, "Gura, that's terrible! He could be training, and we'd interrupt his concentration."
"Or worse, he might think we're attacking him," Ina'nis added worriedly.
"What if we just ask him?" Kiara boldly suggested. "He seems approachable. Plus, I need to know if those muscles are real!"
A collective groan followed. Mori attempted damage control. "Alright, let's contain our inner fangirls. Let's approach him without startling him, observe him from a distance, and see what's happening."
"Maybe we can pretend to be lost?" Gura offered mischievously.
Ina'nis insightfully suggested, "Or we could try connecting with him through the energy. He's clearly radiating something powerful. Maybe we can tap into it and understand him better."
"Let's try Ina'nis' idea," Mori said decisively. "It might be the best way to understand what's going on."
The girls, fueled by curiosity and a desire to solve the mystery, nodded. The plan was set: they would attempt to connect with Alex through his energy, hoping to learn more about him and the source of his power.
As they continued to observe him, excitement and apprehension mingled. This encounter was unlike anything they had ever experienced; they had clearly stumbled upon something extraordinary.
Alex, meditating by the waterfall, smoothly rose and leapt to the rock, landing gracefully. His expression remained stoic and calm as he opened his eyes. His long grey tail swayed gently.
Alex began with a clockwise rotation of his hands, settling into a powerful yet relaxed, slightly crouched stance. His body 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 slightly twisted, legs apart for balance, and his upper body leaned forward (a pose reminiscent of Son Goku's Kamehameha).
"Final Punisher!!!" Alex roared, thrusting both hands forward. A blinding flash of fuchsia light erupted from his palms, a concentrated blue beam that tore through air and water, obliterating trees with a deafening roar. The air crackled, and the water trembled. He then thrust his hands upward, sending the beam skyward in a massive explosion that caused a small earthquake, a powerful gust of wind, and huge cracks in the sky (similar to Son Goku's Kamehameha).
The five girls, still hidden, watched in stunned silence. The blast sent a shockwave through the forest, shaking the ground. They had never witnessed such power. This man, this being, had unleashed an unimaginable force that defied the laws of nature.
"What the fuck was that?" Mori exclaimed, shocked. "That was a powerful attack."
"Holy moly!" Kiara exclaimed, her voice trembling. "He's not just a handsome martial artist, he's a freaking superhero!" Fear and admiration warred in her eyes.
Amelia, despite her skepticism, was impressed. "That was… intense," she whispered. "I've never seen anything like that."
Ina'nis felt a shiver. "His energy is overwhelming," she murmured. "He's channeling something ancient, something primal."
"What the hell was that… what did he do?" Gura stammered, awestruck and terrified, her shark tail wiggling in the air.
Mori, the pragmatist, tried to make sense of it. "I don't know," she admitted, still shaken. "But it was definitely powerful. Okay, so he's not human. But what exactly is he doing?"
Alex remained standing for a moment, arms bent at the elbows, fists clenched at waist level, muscles tense. He took a deep, heavy breath. His expression was stoic and serious.
"Wait, hold on… did he have a tail…?" Gura said, pointing out the tail.
"Yeah, you're right. A gray, somewhat hairless tail," Mori confirmed.
"I don't think he's human," Amelia said, intrigued. "No human has a tail, unless they're a humanoid or mythical creature."
"Yeah, you're right. He might be a mythical creature, just like us," Kiara agreed, equally intrigued.
Ina'nis, deep in thought, sensed the man's aura. It was calm and warm, suggesting discipline and self-control. Yet, beneath that, she sensed a primal, powerful energy—as if a wild beast were contained within.
Mori's observation sparked a new discussion. "If he's a mythical creature," she mused, "that might explain his incredible power. But what kind of creature could he be?"
"Maybe some kind of powerful yokai?" Kiara suggested, excited by the prospect of encountering a creature from Japanese folklore. "There are plenty of powerful yokai with incredible abilities!"
"Or perhaps a being from another mythology altogether?" Gura added, already considering possibilities. "He's definitely not Atlantean—he didn't have a shark tail, and I'd have met him in Atlantis if he were."
Amelia tempered their enthusiasm. "You have a point, Gura. He might be a different type of mythical creature. He didn't look Atlantean, and he doesn't seem like a yokai either… We still don't know what he is, or why he used that much power. It's unlikely he was just practicing."
Mori nodded. "Amelia's right. We need more information. Let's try to approach him again, more carefully this time."
Mori then decided, "Okay, then. Let's approach him cautiously. This time, we'll try Ina'nis's suggestion and connect with him through his energy. Let's see if we can communicate without alarming him."
The five girls exchanged a look—a silent agreement. They would approach him cautiously, but they would do it. They were about to embark on a journey that might change their lives forever.
As the dust settled and the forest calmed, Alex stood for a moment, gazing at the sky. Looking at his right hand, he thought, "That was still a weak attack. I need to improve that technique." His expression remained serious and calm.
Alex turned toward the girls' hiding place. His senses, honed by years of monastic training, had detected their presence, even through the dense foliage. He turned his head, sensing their energy; he knew they were in the bushes.
"I sense you there," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "Come out. I know you're watching."
The girls, surprised he'd noticed them, realized he could sense their energy.
"Oh shit! We've been noticed!" Mori whispered.
"Whoa, he can sense us! How is that possible?" Gura whispered, awestruck.
"Let's introduce ourselves, I guess?" Kiara said, excited.
The others agreed; there was no point in hiding. "Okay, but don't do anything stupid, Kiara…" Amelia warned. "I won't promise that…" Kiara replied.
The five slowly emerged, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Kiara, bold as ever, led the way as they approached Alex.
"How did you notice us?" Gura asked, her shark tail wiggling.
Alex looked at them, his gaze sharp. "I sensed you girls before you even entered the forest… and you're very loud." His stoicism remained.
"Sense us?" Amelia scoffed. "But how? We were hiding in the bushes! You must have super senses."
Mori added, "Yeah, how did you do that? We were quiet and hidden."
"No, I don't have 'super senses'," Alex corrected them. "I've been trained to sense life energy—the energy of all living things. I can sense animals, humans, even trees. It was easy to sense you girls before you entered the forest. You girls have very unique energy signatures. It was impossible to miss your ki…"
The girls were stunned. He could sense their energy so easily; it was as if he had a sixth sense.
"Ki?" Gura tilted her head, her shark tail swishing in confusion. "What's that?"
Mori, quick to understand, explained, "She's asking about your ki, mister. We're not sure what it means, but it seems connected to your ability to sense our energy."
Alex nodded, his stoicism unchanged. "Indeed, ki is the vital energy every living being possesses—humans, animals, plants. With proper training, one can harness or master their ki, gaining the ability to sense energy…"
"Like… telepathy, or a sixth sense?" Kiara interjected, excited. "Can you read our minds?"
Alex shook his head. "No, not telepathy or a sixth sense. It's more like ki control. Once mastered, one can materialize ki, making it physically visible. It's believed to enhance strength, speed, and agility," Alex explained. "You girls don't understand ki, correct?"
The girls, awestruck, exchanged glances. "You're right," Amelia admitted. "We've never heard of ki before. It sounds fascinating."
"I see," Alex said, scanning their faces. "You all possess unique abilities, even if you don't fully understand them. You're not ordinary humans."
"What do you mean?" Mori asked sharply.
"The moment you entered this forest, I sensed your energies," Alex said seriously. "I sense immense power from all five of you. And you sensed my energy—that's why you came here… How did you sense my energy without harnessing ki?" His tail moved slightly.
Ina'nis nodded and spoke softly. "Yes, we sensed your energy through our mana mastery."
Alex raised his eyebrows upon hearing "mana." "Mana? What is that?"
Ina'nis explained. "Mana is a source of magical or spiritual energy that powers spells, abilities, and other supernatural phenomena. We five possess it, just like your ki." The five girls nodded.
Alex listened intently as Ina'nis explained mana—a familiar term to the girls, their power source, but entirely new to him. He realized that despite their different names, ki and mana were connected by the same underlying force: the life energy flowing through everything. For nearly 30 years at the monastery, he'd believed ki and chakra to be the only power sources. Now, he knew of another: mana. This was a revelation. He'd spent years mastering his ki, believing it and chakra were the only sources of power. Now, he realized his perspective was limited.
"So, you girls use mana to enhance your powers?" Alex asked, curious.
"Indeed. We use mana to augment our natural abilities," Amelia explained, her eyes sparkling. "Gura uses it to control the sea and tides. Ina enhances her spiritual connections to the Ancient Ones. Kiara draws upon it for her phoenix fire. Mori uses her mana to power her soul Reaper abilities. And I manipulate time, using my mana to enhance my watch…" She gestured to her wrist, showing Alex her watch.
Alex's expression became serious as he heard Amelia calling her friends by their names and describe their abilities: Gura controlling the sea and tides, Ina connecting with the Ancient Ones, Kiara wielding phoenix fire, Mori using soul Reaper abilities, and Amelia manipulating time. He realized they were no ordinary humans.
"Gura, Ina, Kiara, Mori? Are those the names of your friends?" Alex asked seriously.
The girls exchanged glances, realizing Alex's confusion. "Yes, those are their names," Amelia explained, her friends nodding in agreement. "We'll introduce ourselves individually…"
"My name is Amelia Watson, the detective in the group, and also the time traveler." Alex glanced at the blonde-haired girl as she introduced herself. Amelia, the second shortest at approximately 145 cm (4'9"), has light-blonde hair, blue eyes, and wears a light brown deerstalker with a checked pattern and a golden magnifying glass hairpin. Her white blouse is complemented by a short red tie with a mustache graphic, and she wears a light brown checked skirt, carrying a golden pocket watch. On her left leg are various syringes; she wears black high socks and dark brown shoes, and a light brown detective coat with a stethoscope.
Amelia then introduced her friends, pointing to Mori. "This is Mori Calliope, the Grim Reaper." Mori, the tallest at approximately 168 cm (5'6"), has long straight pink hair, a small black crown with a transparent veil, and pink eyes. She wears a black cape with sharp white teeth and greeted Alex with a smile. "Wassup, big guy…"
Amelia pointed to Kiara. "This is Takanashi Kiara, the Phoenix." Kiara winked and waved. "Hey there, handsome…" Kiara, the second tallest at approximately 165 cm (5'5"), has medium-length coral hair fading to teal green, similarly colored feathery earrings, and magenta eyes. She wears a mostly orange uniform, a small white chef's hat, and a red beret with a black bow and white stars.
Amelia pointed to Gura and Ina'nis. "This is Gawr Gura, the Sea Creature, and she is also Atlantian." Gura greeted Alex with a big smile, revealing sharp teeth.
Gura, very short at approximately 141 cm (4'7"), has a slim build, white-silver hair with baby blue and cobalt blue strands and short pigtails tied with diamond-shaped shark-faced hair ties. She has cyan pupils and sharp teeth. She wears a dark cerulean-blue shark-head hood, an oversized dark cerulean-blue hoodie fading to white, a gray shirt, dark blue socks, and white shoes with pale blue tongues. Her sapphire-blue trident and cyan shark tail are also notable. The upper lobe of her caudal fin is sewn with gray stitches, and the lower lobe shows three bite marks.
"And the other one is Ninomae Ina'nis, the Priestess of the Ancient Ones." Amelia introduced the final member of the group. Ina'nis, the third tallest at approximately 157 cm (5'2"), has long purple hair reaching below her knees, purple head-flaps, tentacle-like side locks that are squishy and fade to yellow at the tips, and a golden tiara. She has bluish-purple eyes and pointy ears, and wears a black and white choker. Her sleeveless dress is two-layered; the purple bodice has a plaid pattern, and the yellow skirt is pleated.
She has two feathery white wings at her waist, and on her left side, wears a white detached sleeve and high sock, both decorated with purple and white button knots. She wears black and purple sandals and can optionally display a golden halo. Multiple large purple tentacles, some with sparks, orange spots, hearts, and other patterns, float behind her.
Alex's serious expression remained unchanged as he considered each woman. Gawr Gura was Atlantian; he had already met several Atlantians during his solitary journey, but he hadn't expected to meet another. He wasn't sure if Ninomae Ina'nis was human, given her pointed ears and head-flaps, and her status as Priestess of the Ancient Ones was intriguing. He also observed Mori Calliope, Takanashi Kiara, and Amelia Watson. They appeared human, yet extraordinary: a Grim Reaper, a phoenix, and a time-traveling detective, respectively. He noted Amelia's watch. While they identified themselves by their unique abilities, Mori, Kiara, and Amelia seemed human-like, with Amelia appearing the most conventionally human.
Unbeknownst to them, Alex was also extraordinary: a human with a hairless tail that could transform him into a lycan. He had discovered this ability as a child and wondered if it was a birth defect or if his hairless tail caused his lycanthropy. His masters had once severed his tail to halt his transformation, only to have it regrow within months—an event from thirty years ago that remained vivid.
Alex, his mind reeling from the introductions and the power he sensed, remained silent. The revelation of mana, similar yet distinct from his ki, had shaken his beliefs. He studied each of them, noting their unique features and potent energy, seeing not just individuals but vessels of immense untapped potential.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and thoughtful. "This… this is unexpected. I've spent my life studying ki, believing it to be the sole source of such power. To encounter mana… and to see its application in such diverse and impressive ways… it's… fascinating." He paused, adding with wonder, "And you all… you are truly extraordinary."
Mori chuckled. "Extraordinary is one way to put it. 'Troublemakers' might be another. We're not exactly known for our subtlety."
Kiara giggled. "Yeah, subtlety isn't our strong suit. We tend to make a bit of a… splash." She tossed a small flame into the air, a miniature phoenix briefly blazing.
Gura grinned, her tail swishing. "We're a bit loud, yeah. And we tend to attract attention, whether we want to or not."
Ina'nis nodded serenely, a faint shimmer emanating from her fingertips.
Amelia smiled knowingly. "We're a package deal, really. Take one of us, and you get the whole lot. And right now, we're all very curious about you, Alex."
"We're sorry if we seemed to be spying," Amelia Watson said to Alex. "We were looking for something and unexpectedly found you. We couldn't help but watch because what we saw was extraordinary."
Alex raised an eyebrow, then frowned. He didn't understand why these women had been watching him, suspecting they might be fans—a common occurrence on his solitary journeys. While generally kind to fans, he sometimes reached his limit and ignored them.
"You shouldn't be here," Alex said, his voice low. "This place is dangerous. You could have been hurt. If you're here to annoy me, leave. I'm training."
"Well, hello, Mr. Grumpy Pants," Kiara retorted, crossing her arms and pouting. "That's no way to talk to a lady. What a rude introduction! If you're going to be rude, at least tell us your name."
The other women sighed. Kiara's typical behavior. "Sorry, she's being herself," Amelia said. "She can be a bit rude. We didn't mean to disturb your training. We were investigating something, and you were in the middle of it. We can protect ourselves."
Alex remained stoic. "Alex Garcia," he said, unwilling to share more information.
The women exchanged glances. Kiara smiled mischievously. "Alex Garcia," Amelia repeated. "Mr. Garcia, we're not here to cause trouble. We're curious about what you're doing."
Alex remained wary and silent. Years of solitude had made him focused and averse to distractions.
Kiara sensed his apprehension. "We're not typical fans," she said. "We're a team, on a case. We saw your training and were intrigued."
Alex's expression didn't change. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice deep and calm.
"We sensed your energy back in the city," Amelia explained, smiling. "Then we saw your training, and you have a tail! We thought maybe you're a mythical creature, like us."
Alex stared at them, the revelation hanging heavy in the air. A mythical creature? The idea wasn't entirely foreign; the hairless tail and lycanthropy were certainly unusual. But to be grouped with a Grim Reaper, a phoenix, an Atlantian, a priestess of the Ancient Ones, and a time-traveling detective… it was absurd. Yet, their genuine curiosity, and the undeniable power he sensed emanating from them, made him reconsider his immediate dismissal.
Alex swallowed, the dryness of his throat a testament to his surprise. "My… abilities are… different," he admitted, his voice barely a murmur. "I didn't know others like this existed." He gestured vaguely at his own body.
Amelia nodded understandingly. "We understand. We've all had our share of unusual beginnings. What we're investigating involves a surge in unusual energies—energies similar to what we sensed from you."
Kiara, ever the impulsive one, interrupted. "Basically, weird stuff's happening, and we think you might be connected."
Gura, ever calm, added, "We aren't here to judge or exploit you, Alex. We simply want to understand." She offered a genuine smile, her Atlantian features softening.
Ina'nis, the silent observer, finally spoke, her voice a gentle whisper that somehow carried across the clearing. "I agree. You don't have to feel intimidated; we are all… not normal."
Alex sighed. The purple-haired girl (Ninomae Ina'nis) was not wrong. When Alex heard about the origins of these five women, he could somewhat relate to them, as he was also a lycan, or werewolf.
Alex considered their words, the weight of their implications settling upon him. He was a solitary, forsaken monk who had left his monastery to seek his own origins. He had traveled the world seeking oracles for answers, but none had provided them. Yet, here he was, faced with a situation that demanded more than his usual avoidance. The thought of the power they described, the potential chaos, was unsettling. But the curiosity they sparked in him was equally strong, a yearning to understand not only himself but this new world of mana and the extraordinary beings who inhabited it.
To be continued.