Shirou

"Anyone else still shaking?" Michiru asks.

"Somewhat." I respond.

"Yeah..." Nazuna says.

Damn, a thousand years of life, death, combat, and hellscapes, and I still feel like I've just been through my first ever fight, of which I was nearly killed.

Nothing, not even the Fallen Angel, could've prepared me for THAT.

I know I said that about him, specifically, but this one takes the oversized cake.

I'm in, no...stuck...in my human form, and even though I'm wearing my trench coat in this slightly warm weather, my hair is still standing on end. My skin feels feverish, almost sensitive, even, from that albeit brief experience.

I can still hear his voice...

And the way he threw me around, was even more violent than how Alan fought.

Worst part is...

My power is gone...

I'm on the edge of an identity crisis because of it...

My whole existence was based around people like me, who had that form, and were persecuted for it.

Suddenly, I'm anchored to my human form, and I don't even have access to my full strength anymore...

I can't imagine what Cato and the girls were going through before me and Marie showed up.

Though my curiosity is, unfortunately, killing me right now.

"What...happened back there?" I ask them.

"Cato summarized it pretty well. We got attacked by a Demon Scout, he fought it for a while, but suddenly some black void came out of nowhere." Michiru says.

"The Scout knocked him closer to it and...well... you know who popped out of it." Nazuna adds.

"Scarecrow..."

"He got the drop on Cato, the Demon fled, and when we tried to help Cato, Scarecrow somehow created MORE of himself. Like afterimages or clones. Kind of like how the Fallen Angel did, when he basically tore us apart when he first showed up." Michiru says, trying not to get disturbed from having to remember the very recent events. "The clone that went after me just wiped the floor with me...I felt helpless despite my efforts."

"I tried to help her, but there was already one after me as well. Insult to injury after he came out of left field and smashed me through the walls, and he just kept taunting me with even more of his little selves..." Nazuna reflects.

"And he was just flinging me around like a ragdoll." Michiru says, the areas where he hit me still somehow sore even after being supernaturally healed. "Then he stabbed me with his sickle...and...I was human again. I couldn't turn into a Beastman again.

"At least he was only punching you around. He tended to crash himself into me and impale me with his sickles. He even pulled a Mortal Kombat's Scorpion to yank me towards him, I didn't expect him to rip them out..." Nazuna says. "Worst part was I too was turned back into a human.

"You even had ME worried there, I didn't know why you passed out, you were about to make me cry, there." Michiru admits with an embarrassed smile.

"I'm pretty sure I went into shock. I haven't been hurt that bad, so."

"It's a natural reaction to having damage like that done to you. You get desensitized to it the more it happens, if you live to tell the tale." I say from past experience, but still somewhat shivering from having to remember.

"I think I'd need some time before I'd start retelling THIS tale." Nazuna says, shaken, her eyes detailing everything she's feeling. "And I thought after last time I'd be somewhat ready. I guess it took me being thrown around to realize I'm not."

"Same." Michiru says, sharing the same look.

We're left with a few minutes of silence as we continue to walk.

It's broken as fast as it was formed.

"Nazuna, why is your hair orange again? I haven't seen you like that since you transformed." Michiru asks.

The ginger-haired girl looks at her locks, feeling them before speaking up.

"I...I don't know...I'm not sure if it's because my power was either inhibited or taken away...but...I'm not sure... but guys, I think Scarecrow also attacked Youta." She says suddenly.

I dart my head to her as Michiru's eyes go wide.

That little dog boy Michiru saved from Gram Grandma?

"WHAT?!" She exclaims.

"Why was he there?" I ask.

"I'd have to assume it was relating to the clone Cato was fighting. Scarecrow said, I think, 'little dog boy almost met his end'. Knowing Cato, he likely stopped Scarecrow before he could do anything to him." She explains.

Michiru shakes her head in slight disbelief, while I maintain my poker face.

"He better had saved him..." She utters.

"He hasn't failed us, and he'd probably tell us if something happened." Nazuna adds.

"We'll hear it from him in a couple hours." Her friend says.

"Yeah." The orange haired girl finishes somberly.

The rest of our walk to Beastman Co-Op is silent, as compared to our brief exchange a moment ago.

When we arrive, we open the front door on the corner and step right on in, the first sight we see is the distinctive married couple...

Watching a recording of the fight.

It's been a few hours since, and they've been known to record most things and channels they watch.

They must've either been taking care of people who were seeking temporary refuge away from the battle or hunkered down, likely both.

They hear us come through and direct their attention to us.

Witnessing us...

In our bloody, pyrrhic victory state.

The wounds are not present, but the evidence is overwhelming with our bloody damaged clothes and sullen demeanors.

And the fact that we're still human.

"Oh, my, goodness..." Mrs. Melissa Horner utters, holding her hands to her mouth, tears threatening to form in her eyes.

The look of shock on Mr. Gem Horner's face is more controlled than emotional.

He says nothing as he observes us alongside his wife.

Who, within moments of her reaction, springs right up and rushes over to us like a mother.

"Oh, you poor things..." The woman says, eyeing us up and down in concern.

"Are you okay?" Her husband asks.

"Kind of." Michiru says.

"What happened out there?" He asks.

"Something we never saw coming." I summarize.

"Would you like a change of clothes?" Melissa offers.

"That'd be nice." Nazuna says.

"Yeah, thanks." Michiru replies.

I nod.

She rushes off to find the new clothes while Gem offers us seats to rest.

We take haste in doing so.

"Is there anything I can get you?" He asks.

"Some Firebull would be good, if you have it." Michiru asks.

"Same." Nazuna raises her hand briefly, as do I.

As Gem goes to the kitchen to get our drinks, Melissa returns with our change of clothes.

She keeps copies of mine and Michiru's usual clothes in case we ever need replacements, since the last time Nazuna was here, she also has her clothes too.

"You can use the shower in the next room, if you want to clean yourselves up." She says kindly, gesturing to the nearby door.

"Thank you." We all say, bowing.

The next 30 minutes or so consists of us taking turns in the shower. (I know that there's one in Michiru's apartment, which is obviously close to Cato's dwelling, but it kind of feels like we've trekked enough blood in her place for the time being.) There isn't much that goes on besides just us sipping on the spicy Firebull and getting much-needed consolation from the Horners.

We've had so many things going on that we haven't had time for just nothing.

It, at least, feels good to give our minds a break.

By the time Michiru, Nazuna, and I (In that order) finish cleaning ourselves and getting changed, we're gathered on the table with our drinks.

I've already told the couple everything that's happened, and the girls provide their end of the story too.

"It's like he just kept screwing with my mind..." Nazuna growls, her face in her hands.

"I think I can still feel the pain." Michiru hisses, holding her side where she said Scarecrow stabbed her.

"He called himself the embodiment of fear AND pain." I reminisce, still seeing his face when he got up into mine.

"I can't imagine what it was like..." Gem utters.

"I'd say I'd have been terrified if I was in your shoes, but that'd be the understatement of the century." Melissa adds, her elbow on the table supporting her chin.

"Yeah...understatement..." I say, my hands clasped over each other on the table.

"Will you be alright?" Melissa asks, concerned, leaning in.

"Not sure." I utter. "I...we...lost our Beast Factor."

The husband and wife's eyes go wide.

"Wait...what did you say?" Melissa asks.

I turn to them, but Michiru speaks up first.

"Whatever this 'Scarecrow' was, he...he took our power. He already did so to the us, and did the same to Shirou and our friend Marie after they showed up. We barely beat him before he fled." She explains, looking at the table.

The couple gasps in shock.

"Oh...you poor things...!" Melissa says again, her eyes getting teary at the news.

"Are...are you going to be okay...? I've heard stories of the victims of the Sylvasta incident who've lost the Factor too, but...what about you guys?" Gem asks, concerned.

"For the most part, yeah." Michiru responds. "In a couple hours we're going to have to start training. I dunno what Cato's got planned for us, he's what the media's calling the 'Angel', but I hope we can get to where we don't get our asses handed to us every time there's a new threat."

"I don't really have much faith in us at this point, given our track record of this new chapter in our lives..." Nazuna utters, her arms crossed. "Sooner we supplant our abilities until we get them back, the better."

"Well...I have faith in you that you can do it. You're strong. All of you." Melissa says, we turn her way. "You're the only ones who can do it. Who else in this city beyond you guys have bravely fought off creatures and beings we never thought could've existed?"

"Who else would've jumped off a building to save one of your own?" Gem says, smiling.

The time before Michiru unlocked her wings, and when I saved her from the impact of falling off Sylvasta tower...

"Who else risked everything just to save a world that wasn't even theirs?" He says, turning to Michiru.

"Who else is actively going into danger to protect all of us after being an icon?" Melissa comments, smiling to Nazuna. "Being a superstar and being a superhero are two titles not many can claim."

With just those few words from the couple, we're all left thinking...

Yeah...

I was the one who, without hesitation, nearly risked my life and almost died to protect young Michiru when no one else would've helped her.

Michiru actively knew she was a human at heart, even though she's a Beastman (turned), yet still decided to save this world even though she could've just lived out her days as a human after she figured out how to change back.

Nazuna is going on her own redemption arc to make up for what she's done, she gave hope to people by being a star, and now she's fighting for that very same hope she put in their hearts.

"All we've been doing is fighting." I utter.

"And that's exactly why you're the ones who can do this." Melissa says, looking to all us systematically in the eyes. "All 3 of you are braver than nearly every Beastman or even living creature I've ever known. Even being humans right now. You've faced danger time and time again, and still returned to protect us."

"It's with this, that we trust you. No matter what happens, even if the whole world takes you for granted, we'll be here to show you that what you do is significant to us." Gem says. "We give respect and thanks where it is due. And with you, is always where it's at."

"Speaking of thanks..." Melissa starts, Gem nods.

They both get up from their seats and look at us gradually.

"Michiru Kagemori." Melissa says.

"Shirou Ogami." Gem continues.

"Nazuna Hiwatashi." Melissa finishes.

They bow...

"Thank you all, for protecting us." They say in unison, their voices becoming one.

The room is left in deafening silence as we're left with this...

I attempt to comb my memory for any form of resemblance of true face-to-face gratitude of ANYTHING either me or the girls have done beyond just domestic things they've done for friends...

Nothing...

Nothing on the caliber that THIS is.

Within the last couple days, I don't think anyone beyond Mayor Rose has thanked us for what we've been doing, even BEFORE all this.

Is...is this what it's like?

I turn to the girls.

Nazuna has her hands over her mouth, tears threatening to break through.

Michiru is sniffing right now, her own waterfall twinkling in her eyes.

I'm just...here...right now.

Just 2 people I've known for a good few decades bowing in respect and thanks to us...

Given everything that's happened today...

It almost makes me begin to choke a little...

"Oh...you guys...!" Michiru nearly cries out, getting up from her seat and rushing over to the couple, embracing them both in a heartwarming hug.

"Thank you!" Nazuna actually cries out, tears gushing through as she bounces up and dashes to the couple to seize them both that makes it look like she's their daughter that came home from war.

Given everything they've been through, I guess they, at some point, need the warm embrace of parents. Even if they're not by blood, it's the meaning that counts in this context.

Especially in the state we're in right now.

I can empathize.

I decidedly maintain my poker face as I normally do, but it almost splinters when Gem and Melissa walk over to me and quickly embrace me in a hug on their own.

They've never done this before...

I'm not normally a hugger, but this feels...

Good.

Like I'm young again, being comforted by the warm embrace of my own family...

When they release me, I'm left with less of a poker face and more of a small grin that shows I'm not silently suffering.

"Always knew you were a big softie." Michiru teases me cheekily, rubbing a tear out of her eye.

"I'm not a softie." I calmly reply, trying to get rid of my smile.

"You know you enjoyed it." Michiru retorts, her little smile getting bigger.

I sigh and roll my eyes, letting my smile return.

"Okay, yeah. I can be." I admit.

"Not so much of a hardened Silver Wolf are you now, huh?" Nazuna raises her eyebrow.

"Not really." I say, still smiling.

"I always knew you'd come around." Michiru adds, smiling.

I roll my eyes again.

As much as I hate to admit it, it's this chemistry between me and others that really makes eternal life interesting.

Melissa decides to ask us something before anything else happens.

"Do you all by chance need any rest?" She asks.

"For the most part, not entirely. We took some, honestly convenient, stuff from Cato that essentially made it to where we don't need to lay down."

"Okay, if you're ever in need of help or a place to retreat to, we're always here." Melissa says generously, her and Gem bowing again, to which we return courteously.

"Thank you." We all say.

As the couple begins to leave to take care of other matters, Melissa turns once more.

"Oh, and if you can, please extend our gratitude to that friend of yours. He has just as much reason to be thanked for what he's done as much as you have." She says.

"We will." Michiru replies. "Thank you. Mrs. Melissa. You too, Mr. Gem. For everything."

"Thank you all, we needed that." Nazuna adds, referencing to their inspirational speech.

"The world needs more people like you. You have our thanks." I finish, nodding my head.

"It's not just people like us. The world needs more goodness overall. I'm glad you are able to at least find it here." The motherly figure says to us before departing with her loving husband.

The silence here and now serves to nail down everything that we've been told. The girls and I share wholesome smiles all around.

I know that we live here, and I've been in Anima City for longer than I can remember...

But in this new chapter of our life...knowing that there are those who care for us, and can be our family if we need them to be...

Only makes this place feel more like home.

I look at my hand, thinking about what's to come.

I squeeze it.

All the more reason to defend this place.

As I reminisce, I can't help but notice the orange-haired Nazuna having an expression of debate on her face, eventually leading to her pulling her phone out of her pocket, excusing herself as she dials a number.

She steps outside, to make a call.

Cato, meanwhile

"...And so my friends, currently, are resting up. They've already been administered Seeds so they don't need physical rest. I thought they'd need mental relaxation before we begin. I wanted to contact you because of all this solely because of Scarecrow. In addition, I need a work order request. I've sent it to you through the Ethereal Chatter."

I've been speaking with my parents for the past 30 minutes to an hour. We've been discussing what's been happening since I've gotten here, detailing everything since I've tracked down Seraph to the fight with Scarecrow.

Of whom, as I've said, is the primary reason I made this call.

Also mainly because they technically qualified as my superiors, so they have the know-how and know-what.

The other end is quiet for a few moments, before the voices return.

"We'll get that situated ASAP. But Son, in regards to what you were telling us..." My mother starts. "I don't know how to say this in any other way, but.."

"You faced an Anomaly." My father ends.

My eyes are closed right now, but if they were open, they'd be as wide as dinner plates right now.

"A what?!" I exclaim.

"An Anomaly." Mom says.

"An Anomaly is a creature born from the volatile nature of the Omniverse. A being never meant to exist. A Glitch, if you'd call it." Dad explains.

"I...think I've heard people mention it at one point, but I always thought it was figurative. An analogy, like a wrench in the gears."

"It's not figurative, it's literal. Anomalies are among the rarest beings we've encountered, but tend to be the most formidable. Forms all differ from one another, but what they all have in common is that in the worlds in which they were created, they had no other history beyond the moment of creation. Hence the reason why they weren't 'meant to exist'." Mom elaborates.

So my first thought about Scarecrow was correct...

"He DID feel too otherworldly." I say.

"Funnily enough, son, your friend Kai called us recently. He talked about something related to a being he encountered that seemed to also feel otherworldly." Mom says.

"I'll send the data to you from my memory, see if you can get him to cross reference what I experienced to the being he's found." I request.

"Noted. And son, on the note of Scarecrow, take extreme caution when fighting him again, Cato. You don't know what else he's capable of." Dad advises me. "He was more than likely gauging your power, and not even fighting you at full strength."

I wasn't going entirely all out either, but with the way he was handling himself...

I'd shutter to think what he'd be like going all-out.

"He seems to have either erased or nullified the powers of my friends. They have stronger forms, but they're locked into their base human forms. It seemed to happen after he hit them with his weapons. Why is that?"

"Anomalies have been known to inhibit or neutralize the powers of people who don't have any special immunity to it. Even if they've been Awoken, their native powers will not work." Dad explains. "If you send the weapons, maybe we can find a counter to it."

"Understood."

I take haste in resummoning the scythe and 2 chained sickles, and sending them back home for my parents to study alongside sharing the experience of earlier with them.

We don't normally do things in terms of reading minds, but sometimes we are able to share information with each other.

"It's done."

"Thank you, son." Dad says.

"Welcome. So, why didn't they affect me?"

"Because you are one of those people who have the special immunity. You've been exposed to so many energies throughout your life you've built up that resistance." Mom adds.

"For the time being, continue with the plan of training your friends, son. They need the power as much as they need you." Dad says.

"I know, sir."

"Son, if he attacks again, you remember what to do." Mom says.

"Also remember what to teach your friends." Dad adds.

"Don't hesitate." I answer.

"Good man." Dad says. "Also, I forgot one last thing."

"Yeah?"

"Guess your dad's not such an idiot after all, huh? Said you'd 'never' use the Greatsword sword training cuz you always had your mighty blade staff, but who's laughing now?! Ha!" He laughingly teases me as he does when he's proven right.

"No, dad, you were right." I admit, being humbled for once.

I know he's doing this to kind of cheer me up, as he likes to do.

He IS right though, as the knowledge of such is what allowed me to triumph against Scarecrow.

Dad's commentary is working, Mom's probably going to join in soon.

I was taught many things when I was younger, whether it be certain skills, talents, and as you saw, combat training I never thought I'd need because, well, you saw.

I'm glad to have people in my life who care about me in the way my parents do.

"Make sure to thank your friend Kai for making you that sword." Mom advises me.

"I will. He basically saved my life because of it." I say.

"Then don't keep him waiting on that. Speaking of waiting... I'm still waiting on you to tell me you were the star of a show or a party or something like that." Mom comments. "What I'd give to hear you say you did a killer solo in music."

Since Mom and Dad are basically part-timers now, they'd undertaken other hobbies and careers to keep themselves busy.

Mom's a natural-born multi-musician and taught me how to play various instruments over the course of my life.

I'm not like Metallica in guitar, but I'm good enough to where I can imitate it.

Probably the weirdest thing I can play is a bagpipe, which is what Mom is actually known for.

You wouldn't believe it unless you saw it, but the way she plays the song 'Bagpipe Blues'...

Holy crap...

You'd never look at that seemingly ridiculous instrument, or even Scottish people, the same way ever again, even though Mom would technically be Swedish.

"I haven't had time for a party, but if I do, and if I make the night, I'll tell you." I say to them.

"Promise?" She asks.

"Promise." I agree.

"If you ever need any help, Cato..." Dad says.

"I know, I'll call." I say.

"Love you, son." Mom says, heartwarmingly. "We'll get your order situated."

"I'm proud of you, bud. You got this." Dad finishes, boosting my confidence.

"Thank you both, it means the world and beyond." I say. "Talk to you later."

"Love you." They both say.

"Love you." I say.

Call end

As weird as may sound, we tend to say 'love you' several times in our conversations.

It's a thing that we have between us, and I know it sounds kind of excessive...

But it's like I've always said:

'There's never enough hugs, or times to say 'I love you', to last eternity.'

It's why I take the line of 'Cherish them, protect them at all costs, don't hesitate', extremely seriously.

I think that's what it was...these past few months have felt like forever.

I've cared for my family more so because of it.

It was the last thing my friend Rictor...or Rick...Voss said before his sacrifice...

He's been MIA ever since.

He's the reason why I came here, the Demons wouldn't kill him outright if they can try and either drain him of his power or make him one of their Influenced Acolytes.

If he's out there, I'll find him eventually...

But I can't abandon my duties.

I'm here, and I have a job to do.

We all do.

I do this job, specifically, because I want to help others and want to serve a purpose higher than myself. It's fulfilling work, and it enriches my life while I'm at it.

It's also unlike anything you've ever seen when you see someone of another universe shatter their limits and become greater than ever before.

To watch them...

Ascend.

I get up from my cross-legged position on my bed, stretching myself fully after I'm standing on the ground. I grab my sword, tossing it into my Pocket Dimension to store it, not wanting to be unarmed again. I walk downstairs to look around in the kitchen for some reason.

All this time I've been here, and with all these tools and appliances, I never got any food of any sort to cook with.

Speaking of here, when I eventually call Kai, I'll need to talk to him about Coen Krauss...

But we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

After training today, I'll probably look at getting food for my place.

Though, for the here and now, there's 2 things I need to do before training begins.

Well, just one, the first one is technically being taken care of right now.

It's a work order that I can send in to my superiors for a set of specific things we'll be needing.

While that's being taken care of, only one last thing to do.

Alright, let's see...

I put my fingers to my head to initiate a Warp, extending my radar-like senses to the far corners of the globe, and using my geographical knowledge to see if, hopefully, this universe has it.

The West...South...Northeast of the continent.

A special place I'll need to scope out before we go...

There...

To a new wonder of the world, if you may.

The last thing the house sees from me is my form flashing and vanishing.

VRREEEE-WHOOOSH!!

Marie, a little while later

The 5 o'clock wind brushes up against me as I lean on the bars on the tower summit of city hall, overlooking the city I've been living in for nearly all my life, causing the grey dreadlocks of my human form to flow alongside it as well as my white jacket.

The time of day in between sunset and evening has always been something that calms my nerves, and brings a sense of serenity to my otherwise repetitive and unfulfilling life.

Of which, I've still had time to think about.

It's been around 2 hours since Cato's told us to meet him at Anima City Co-Op, and I'm still waiting, and thinking.

Normally 3 hours would fly by in a normal day, but obviously that's not the case for the here and now.

I just recently got the first real glimpse of what I might be facing if I truly step foot into this new life, and what could happen once I do.

I may not have been showing it, but I was scared out of my own skin even when I was cutting 'Scarecrow's' throat.

He looked up into my eyes as I was doing it, and it was like even if I got him at his most vulnerable, he was STILL in control at least somewhat.

The abyss known as HIS eyes was something I also can't help but fail to get out of my head, as he cemented his position as the one who would keep you up at night in fear of the nightmare known as him.

Guh...dammit...

Every time I even think about him...

It just keeps reminding me of the fate he condemned me to...

I never even thought about this possibility beyond just a few days ago with those Anti-Beastman drones...

I took extra care to make sure I didn't get hit...but here I am now, knowing without a shadow of a doubt I somehow was...

I fought my entire life, from feeling helpless, to at least gaining a shred of confidence that's allowed me to semi-succeed...

Only for this battle to make me feel like the little girl on the streets I once was...

Just helpless...

Against the world, and those beyond it...

If that was just one threat, what else is out there?

Would I even be ready for it?

Could I do it?

Do I WANT to?

I clearly passed a test that said so...

Then I guess all I need to do is try.

No, don't try, just do it.

That's all I ever do.

BEEP!

I pull out my smartphone, looking at the alarm I set for 5:30 to let me know to head out.

Damn, 2 hours of slow waiting only for the last hour to fly by? This is why I have reminders set in case this happens...

I learn from my mistakes.

Taking this initiative and glancing once more at the orange sun preparing to set, I walk over to the elevator on the roof, pressing the ground button to take it all the way back down.

As I emerge from the vertical-travelling room, and eventually the tower known as city hall, I take a deep breath start making my way to my destination.

He said go to the top of it, so that was good to mention.

As I'm trekking the sidewalk, still somewhat lost in my own thoughts, I wind up knocking into someone.

"OOF!" I slightly exclaim, surprised at the suddenness of what just happened.

"EEK!" I hear the distinct sound of a little girl cries out as I hear someone fall down.

I look to the ground to see a young teenage girl, probably up to my shoulders in height with blue hair and a white dress with heels currently trying to pick herself up.

"S-Sorry!" The girl exclaims.

"Oh, no, I'M sorry! I should've been looking where I was going."  I quickly reply with guilt in my voice, I rush down to help her, checking her to see if she's hurt at all.

"Well, it's okay." She gently assures me as I lift her back up to her feet.

"Thank you. Again, sorry." I apologize again, still torn that I accidentally hurt a kid.

"Don't worry, I've been through worse." She says, confusing me.

"Worse?" I ask.

"I almost drowned at one point." She bluntly says, shrugging her shoulders.

OH SH-!!

The look on my face conveys that exact message to her.

"Yeah, it was a long story." She adds, nodding.

"Are you not able to swim?" I ask.

"No, I can do that perfectly, just, I wasn't able to get out of the water. I'm a dolphin Beastman and I went to a human party. They found out and thought I didn't need air to survive so there was this whole thing where they trapped me and my friend had to rescue me." She summarizes, reminding me of my lack of power...

"Why were you hanging out with humans?" I ask, deciding to be perplexed as to why someone her age would be in the human world, as compared to pouting at my fate.

"Well..." She starts...

But she scans the area, as if she was making sure she wasn't followed.

"You think there's a more private place we can talk?" She asks.

Well, first thing that comes to mind is why would she need somewhere more private?

Is she being followed?

I don't know...

"Follow me." I suggest, I take the lead as we speed-walk to the Co-Op.

Is she supposed to look familiar?

Either way, she looks like she's either scared of being watched or something like that.

I take the liberty of also looking around, seeing if any shady persons are present at the moment.

I'm fully clothed...but without the strength of my mink form to back me up, I feel uncharacteristically naked right now...

Okay, no one shady enough to be considered a threat, but we better keep moving.

As we're continuously moving and passing by people quick enough to where we don't make too much of a scene, I can't help but notice someone who passes the shady guy checklist in every way.

Across the street, buff Caucasian guy, blonde fade on the sides of his head and long backcombed hair, probably 6ft 3, black leather jacket.

Definitely someone either the girl is avoiding or is stalking her, I don't know which is which for this guy, but we'd better lose sight of him soon.

Worst case scenario if we run right into him...

"This way." I make us take a right turn, and make another left turn to get into another sidewalk.

We keep moving and I look back, no guy so far...

Beastman Co-Op is on the next corner, we're almost there...

The fading light from the sun will provide the perfect cover for us.

As I finish this thought, and when I manage to get a glance at the guy giving us the death stare, the dimming light allows us to blend in with the people around us just enough to allow us to cross the street and make the sharp turn.

I just about see...

Nazuna?

She has her phone up to her ear, nods, and is now putting it in her pocket and walking inside the establishment.

Seems she, and likely the others, are here early.

We look behind us one last time to make sure the coast is clear.

Just in case, if someone can see us that we can't, we sprint slightly in front of the corner to make it look like we're continuously running away from the Co-Op.

Instead, out of sight from anyone else, we turn back a little and nearly kick open the doors and step in, closing them and locking them for good measure.

This, obviously, catches the attention of everyone in the immediate vicinity.

The recently-entered Nazuna, and the sitting-while-conversing Michiru and Shirou all snap their heads towards us.

Before anyone can comment, I put my finger over my mouth to tell everyone to be quiet, and they do.

Confirming my suspicions, several sprinting footsteps begin passing us by from the left and soon to the right.

When it's been quiet for about a minute, and the tension begins to dissipate, the girl takes a deep breath of relief, as do I.

"Okay, I think the coast is clear." I say.

"Oh, thank goodness..." She utters.

"Marie? What's going on? Why's Nina with you?" Michiru interrogates us.

"Kid looked like she was being followed, and she wanted to talk about a few things that'd require privacy, so I brought her here. You guys are here early." I explain and point out. I turn to the girl. "That's your name? Nina?"

"Yeah, Marie?" She asks.

"Yeah, how do you two know each other?" I ask, gesturing to her and Michiru.

"She was the friend that saved me at the human party!" She reveals.

"Wait...OOH! Michiru, was she the girl you mention-"

"Yes." She abruptly says.

"Okay...wait, so Nina, why were you at the party anyways?" I ask, us walking away from the door.

"THOSE guys." She says with a concerned look on her face, pointing to the outside.

"What's up with them? They stalking you or something?" I ask.

"No, they're my dad's guards. He's got connections and agents all throughout the city, and he pays them to watch me if I ever either leave the house or go AWOL." She explains.

"Wait, who's your dad?" I ask.

Nina twiddles with her thumbs a little bit, before mumbling an answer.

"What?" I ask, unable to hear it.

"My dad is..." She mumbles again, beginning to get stressed.

"Still can't hear ya, kid."

"M-my dad is Giuliano Flip, okay?! He's the head of The Family!" She reveals once more.

Oh sh...

The crime family who runs at least half of the underground operations in the city?!

And I basically kidnapped his daughter...

To think I was talking with one of them no more than a few hours ago...

"I...uh...wanted to get out of his eye. I was going down the street to try and go to another party I heard of that was being held later on tonight. It's the weekend, so it was going to be big. But I was also trying to hide from my dad's guard. I don't know what kind of business they run, but apparently it requires I'd be watched 24/7, and I wanted to be free again." She says somberly. "I'm hardly ever allowed to leave the house and I've got little to no real friends."

O...kay...

That's... a lot to take in.

Nina's...almost like me, when I was her age.

No friends, no one else beyond the dime a dozen, only difference being is that she more than likely lives a life of pseudo-luxury and I the streets.

Also added to the fact that she's got no idea who, or even what her father truly is.

Does she even know that her dad's been known for trafficking kids?! Or even that he's been known to execute his subordinates for trivial mistakes?

Either way, I don't exactly know who's going to be the one to tell her...

Can't even imagine how she'd react if she found out...

"Well, for now, you can have a little freedom here." I assure her. "Your dad's eye can't reach everywhere."

"Really?" She asks, her eyes twinkling.

"Yeah." I say. "Besides, I can handle myself. If his guards decide to get a little touchy, they'll wish they didn't."

She lunges out and...hugs me...

"Thank you..." She utters.

I return the embrace to the girl.

I've never had anyone hug me before...

It feels nice.

Very nice.

This...puts a smile on my face...

"Aww!" Michiru squeals.

"Not so selfish are you now, huh?" Nazuna quips with a raised eyebrow.

"I have my moments." I reply, smiling. "I may be a little greedy, but that doesn't mean I don't have a heart. You know that, right?"

"Fine, fine." The carrot-top girl raises her hands with a good-hearted smile, remembering how I saved her from Boris.

"So, what's gonna happen now? We're all here, and he's gonna show up at any-"

VRREEE-WHOOOSH!!!

Everything goes silent as we hear the distinct sound from right outside.

"Moment..." He finishes.

At first, we hear the sound of trying to open the doors, only to realize they're locked.

KNOCK KNOCK!

Half of me is insanely tempted to set up a knock-knock joke right at that moment, but I resist. Opting instead to walk over to the doors, and unlock them with a 'click!'.

When they open, the last light of dusk is settling around him, and his wings reflect the brightness of the final hour of day.

He's wearing literally all silver, perfectly matching that of his metal wings.

"Hey guys, everybody-"

Though his presence entirely means we are to begin soon, the first thing he notices is...

"Nina? What're you doing here?" He asks the little blue-haired girl, tilting his head.

"How do you know my-" She begins to ask, but suddenly she walks up to him, seemingly recognizing his voice.

"S...Skyfall?" She asks, looking at his face.

He chuckles, slightly.

"I guess this is overdue." He whispers to himself as he kneels down. "Yes. But my real name is Cato, and yes, this is me, without my mask."

"You look so cool..." She utters.

"Thanks, but...still...Nina, why are you here? Shouldn't you be home right now?" I ask.

"I...needed to get away from my dad for a while." She answers technically honestly, slightly hanging her head.

Cato sighs.

"Having to stay under watch and/or in the house?" He asks intuitively.

Nina looks almost stunned at the sheer accuracy of what he just said, but nods.

"Y-yeah, that's about right."

"Okay, if you need to get out for a while, you can come along with us." He offers.

"Really?" She asks, her eyes mimicking earlier.

"Sure." He says, holding his fist out for a fist bump, to which Nina bumps with her own. He gets up and composes himself. "Everyone, if you're ready..."

He turns to face the outside world, and soon his head slightly towards us.

"We begin."

Chapter End