Black Shonen: Homunculus

By Sir Isaac and Kweli Wilson

 Black Shonen:

Homunculus Saga

Juliet Valentine never had a normal life. Romeo Valentine, her late father, was a part of a secret organization that went by the name "The Society of the unknown." When her father dies and Juliet escapes from her abusive uncle with her father's gian

• Language: English
• Publisher: Team Shonen Publishing
• Release date: Jan 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087942735

Sir Isaac

Black Shonen: Homunculus Saga Black Shonen are a group of rookie agents between the ages of sixteen and twenty one, their job is to hunt and defeat anything paranormal. However, it has been years since their government branch "The Society of the Unknown" has fought anything out of the ordinary in their world. When a terrorist group called The Enlightenment appears from another dimension, a sixteen-year-old Juliet Valentine along with her comrades are forced to take the villains out. Follow Juliet and her Brothers and Sisters in arms as they fight their way to the top, battling weird creatures, trying to figure out relationships, and revealing revelations in each other's lives.

Book preview

2

Dedication

The Journey to Black Shonen was one that took five years and if it wasn’t for the team who helped me create this book and tell the stories that go in my head it would have taken a lot longer. First, my mother, Bridget Harris, who was a constant inspiration these five years. Next is my Best friend, Bro, and character designer Kweli Wilson, and his beautiful fiancé who is the cover designer Jasmine Zecchini. Their Instagrams are Kweli Wilson and Frolynn Almighty, check them out for some good art and they do commissions! My Editor, Marketer, good friend, and business partner Peter Angelo is another person who has helped me reach my dreams by leap and bounds and last but not least our newest recruit for Team Shonen is Wendy Louise Nog who created the beautiful website for Black Shonen. Well, now that all that important stuff is out the way, read the book, meet some good and cool characters, and escape into the Zeroverse!The Realm of Treasure

3

Prologue

Prologue:

The Waste Bar on Planet Kaka was known for its dangerous residents. The planet was filled with criminals such as thieves, rapists, and murderers. To most sane space travelers this was a planet that wasn’t even marked on their map, it was far too hazardous.  However, to the more adventurous half, the intergalactic bar served as a hub for adventurers and fortune.

                Today, the bar had a silence running through it. The various aliens that inhabited the place kept to themselves as they sipped or snorted their spirits, lost in their thoughts of debauchery.  The lost criminals didn’t expect the bar’s double ebony doors to bash open and reveal a human walking into the land of the wicked. The milk chocolate woman went by the name Juliet Valentine, and she had made a name for herself in the darkest of regions. The various species all turned their queer faces to the human girl, their many eyes scanned her brown skin and long curly jet black hair. The alien’s odd noses took in the scent of battle, sweat, and grime coming from the woman’s skintight but strong black armor, and they turned their misshaped heads as Juliet’s intense blonde eyes looked over them. Some even left the bar as her tattered black cloak floated by their table. Fortunately, for the criminals, Juliet wanted nothing to do with them. She had a far more profitable venture in mind.

            Juliet made her way to the bartender, Gimme Space Poison on the rocks!

            The bartender’s five crimson eyes peered down at the battle tested girl, and the alien almost jumped at seeing a human this deep in the unknown. Space Poison? the bartender scratched his moist head, You think you can handle that?

            Juliet’s golden eyes looked up at the moist, blubbery, multi-eyed bartender, she gave one of her beautiful sneers, and her right hand reached behind her shawl. The bartender watched the hand, noticing the pommel of a large blade, just hidden behind her dark cloak.

                Ok, Ok. The bartender didn’t want to test the human. This was the first one he had seen up close in his life, and he heard from his ancestors that even though they look weak some of them are very strong in mind and body.

            Juliet rested her hands on the counter, Make it quick. The girl coughed up a luge, and spat it on the floor, I got shit to do.

            The bartender almost feeling silly to be scared of such a small creature began to rush making her drink, What brings a human here? Why do you have my customers scared to suck on their mom’s tits?

            Juliet gave a ghastly smile, as the alien bartender set down her fizzy purple drink, I’ve been around. The girl raised her filthy mug and let half of the drink slide down her throat, as she made loud sucking noises, Ahhh, hit the spot. So, they told me you might be able to tell me some important information for my next venture?

            The bartender's eye’s filled with suspicion, A human venturing to the Mutated Planet. A fool’s journey, I hardly got out myself.

You old alien bums ain’t got nothing on us new generation. Juliet retorted, I already got a plan to infiltrate that planet and get the fortune. Juliet took another swig of her purple spirits, I got a team. I know a few other crazy bastards that decided to leave Terra Firma and venture into the darkness.

The bartender grabbed his oversized stomach and let out a hearty laugh, Looks like stupidity is common in all species.

Juliet licked the remnants of her drink from her plush lips, Give me the coordinates to the planet so I can put it in my mech and get the fuck outta here.

And what if I don’t foolish human?

Juliet pulled out several rusted coins and put them on the table, Looks like I’ll have to kill the answer out of you. The young girl grabbed her blade with her right hand and had the giant weapon to the alien’s neck before he could think. Tell me the coordinates, or I’ll decorate this room with your multicolored blood. Juliet’s eyes glanced around the room,  I’m sure some of the customers here wouldn’t mind.

The bartender weighed his options. How could a human be this strong? This confident? Humans were a race of chaos. "It’s 3.332, 5.444, 7.9999, 8.33333, in the Vile Placid Sector.

Juliet smiled, and just for a second the alien could see a radiance of beauty emit from the young girl, but her negative aura quickly cloaked it, Great doing business. Juliet sheathed her blade on her back, If you gave me the wrong coordinates, I’m killing you and everyone in this bar. The young woman’s eyes tapped into the alien’s fears and the bartender could feel coldness travel down his many spines. Juliet gave one last devilish smile and headed for the doorway.

The aliens who had been peeping on the conversation quickly turned their heads down as Juliet passed.

When Juliet reached the door, she turned around back to the alien drunkards, Just to grind it in that disgusting obese head of yours, if you lie my beloved bartender, I will kill you and everyone here. Don’t think I can’t find you. With another turn, the girl kicked open the doors and left the bar. 

4

Chapter 1: Meet the Bastards

Isaiah the Space Mercenary pushed through the smooth blue doors of Club Shallow. The smoke in the air smelled like strawberries, aliens of all species were happily grinding on one another, lost in some false sense of bliss, the DJ had irritating music playing, as his six hands repeatedly scratched discs, and everyone seemed to be having a real good time. Isaiah saw it as lustful fools wasting space.

            Look at’em, Chaos. The Space Mercenary said to his partner, Grinding, lost in the pseudo world of drugs and sprits. Why did she have to pick this abysmal building?

            Isaiah’s partner was a robot formed in female shape. The robot had brown skin like her master, the robot’s moon colored hair was short and trimmed into a stylish bob cut, the upper half of her body was covered in light silver armor, and the lower half was covered in fitted black baggy pants and black combat boots.

Chaos processed her master’s question, Juliet seems to be prone to highly sexual habitats. Master.

            Of course. Isaiah said, rolling his eyes.

            Chaos pointed at a solo black round table, I think that’s the designated spot she wanted to meet us. Chaos ran the coordinates in her head again, Correction….Master that is the spot.

            Isaiah nodded and the two headed to the round table ahead. When they went to sit down, Isaiah noticed the couch was in a sphere form.

            I guess we’re not the only ones to join this farce. Isaiah said, as he and Chaos sat down, That Warlord title must have really gotten to that woman’s ego if she thinks we can pull this mission off. Isaiah had traveled with Juliet on missions countless times in his life. It wasn’t because he liked her looks, but because she was a good damn warrior. She had saved his life multiple times and vice versa. Isaiah told himself he was paying a debt, but by Chaos’s calculations, the robot knew it was deeper than that.

 She would pick such an immoral place. Said Shiro Mitsurugi.

            Everything’s Immoral to you, said Asuka Nakamura, We’re in space, let loose.

            Shiro sighed, Asuka, we're heading for the table.

            Aww, Shiro your such a buzz kill

            The two walked into the crowd of drunken dancing aliens, finding a black table and familiar faces.

            It’s that damn merc. Shiro said, observing Isaiah, Does he really need to be here?

            Stop pretending to be upset. Teased Asuka, You know he’s your best friend in the whole damn galaxy.

            Shiro rolled his eyes, Yes, me, friends with the guy who built a robot based on a girl who teased and tortured him through high school.

And you’re the lonely samurai who everyone is scared of. Asuka added.

Shiro ignored Asuka and made his way to Isaiah, Looks like you and the sexbot aren’t enough.

Chaos immediately jumped on the table, a white foot long blade came from out her right forearm, and she pointed it at the neck of Shiro, Sexbot is a trigger word…Correct Master?

Shiro already had his left hand on the handle of his katana. He would be damned if something that wasn’t even alive could kill him in battle.

Isaiah waved his right hand, We’ll let it pass.

The white blade retracted back into Chaos’s arm and the robot returned to its seat as if nothing ever conspired.

I could have destroyed your toy doll. Shiro stated, Why don’t you be a man and come fight me yourself, Mad Inventor?

Isaiah quickly grabbed his dual plasma pistols from their holsters and pointed them straight at Shiro, Let’s see how fast you are Mitsurugi! 

It’s cute. Asuka smiled at the boys.

What’s cute?! Isaiah and Shiro questioned.

Your bromance. Asuka answered.

Isaiah and Shiro exchanged glances and sheathed their weapons.

Asuka you’re a thorn in my brain. Shiro said, taking a seat, Can you get the waiter, so we can eat?

I hope this rock we’re on has decent food. Said Isaiah to Chaos, I already have to deal with shitty service.

What was that? Shiro overheard.

Ultra Girl a.k.a Caroline White was ecstatic to enter the confines of Club Shallow. This was the eighteen-year-old’s first time outside of her galaxy. She didn’t know what to expect or what beings to see. She was excited to be invited by the one and only Juliet Valentine, a figure in the world of heroines. Caroline could only aspire to reach such heights as her idol. The dazzling lights of the club were the first thing that caught her eye, the people were of all shapes, sizes, skin colors, eyes, mouths, and everything you could see, there was a smell similar to strawberries stuck to the air, a wave of tension and sexuality emitted from people’s vibrations, and Caroline wanted to be part of it all.

However, the young red-haired heroine knew she had more serious business to attend to. Caroline quickly scanned over the residents inside the building; it only took her half a second to find the correct table. She knew it was the black round table and matching couch. There already seemed to be a good amount of people over there. How would she introduce herself? What would she say? The closer she got to the table, the more she could feel sweat perspire out her body, her fingers twitched, and her thoughts became muddled.

Hey, I’m Caroline…. Oops, the super-heroine quickly covered her mouth, the nervousness was getting to her,  I mean…oh…. Ultra Girl! Protector of Planet Terra Firma.

Isaiah looked up at the girl, Are you the waiter for our food?

No..Uh… Now Caroline was embarrassed, I’m here for the mission.

Another girl! Asuka screamed, Yes!

With Asuka’s excitement, Caroline began to feel a little better, Yes, I’m here to help with the Mutated Planet Expedition.

So it’s an expedition now? Shiro said, sarcastically.

Caroline’s confidence began to wane, Well, that’s how Juliet explained it.

Cause it is an expedition you bitches and bastards! The group knew whom the voice belong to before even seeing her voice, no one’s vocabulary could be more vulgar than Juliet Valentine's, Now, that I’m here let’s go over the perks attached to this fucked up mission!

5

6

7

Chapter 2: Juliet’s Party

Juliet Valentine, The Warlord of Space, walked into the confines of Club Shallow. The Warlord was immediately hit with a heavy smell of strawberries and sexual musk. It took her eyes a second to adjust to the multicolored lights that danced around her. As she walked to her favorite table, a female alien passed her by. The alien had smooth orange skin, long purple hair, giant baby green eyes, and a body that held more curves than any earth woman. Juliet gave a confident smile, the alien smiled back.

When Juliet made it closer to the table, she began to see the comrades she had ordered. The first person her eyes saw was one of her most trusted companions, The Mad Inventor. Isaiah was a young man, with long black hair braided into a ponytail, Kevlar armor protected his chest, and lastly, he wore fitted black baggy pants and black combat boots. Next to the Mad Inventor was one of his greatest creations, an assistant fighter named Chaos. Chaos was Isaiah’s right hand and always had his back in a pinch, even though to most she just seemed like a low-tech android.

The next group of comrades-in-arms Juliet spotted was Shiro Mitsurugi and Asuka Nakamura. Shiro Mitsurugi was known on Terra Firma and to aliens alike as The Hunter. Shiro’s job passed on from his ancestors was to guard Terra Firma against any extraterrestrial threat. Asuka Nakumara was to serve as a helper to Shiro, much like Isaiah and Chaos. Shiro and Asuka were dressed in similar outfits that resembled police uniforms from the Mejia era of The land of Dragons. Juliet always noticed Shiro’s face looked upset, his short black hair contoured to his head, and his eyes always seemed like they were in deep concentration. However, Asuka was completely the opposite. Asuka had long brunette hair spilling from her police cap, and always with a smile planted on her face. To Juliet’s admiration, Asuka always wore a black schoolgirl skirt that showed off her shapely legs and thighs.

Lastly, was the newest in Juliet’s talent roster, the up and coming superheroine Ultra Girl. Juliet had run into her on Terra Firma about several months ago, and The Warlord could automatically tell the naïve heroine was smitten. Juliet used that leverage to add the eighteen-year-old to the intergalactic adventure. The young red-headed hero had shoulder length hair, big blue eyes, and freckles decorated her fair skin. The young woman’s urban outfit consisted of a black shirt with a capital U on the chest, a short black cape, blue acid stained jeans, and worn low top black shoes. Juliet did find the young hero attractive, but The Warlord didn’t know how she felt about Celebrity Heroes.

I’m glad all you fools could make it. Juliet said to her team, Are you guys ready to be the richest motherfucker’s in the galaxy? 

Ol’ great warlord. Isaiah sarcastically responded, But we don’t know if we even have a chance of surviving?

Last I heard, Shiro intervened, the most recent group who went to the Mutated Planet recorded their adventure for everyone to see. They claimed they were going to find the Royal Treasure of the War. Shiro made a smirk, After the ninth day a flash of some creature came upon the screen, then it went black. No one’s heard anything from the group. It’s obvious what happened.

What happened? Caroline questioned, enthralled with the story.

Isn’t it obvious? Isaiah hissed, They died.

No! Caroline gasped, putting her hands on her mouth.

You can’t be serious? Isaiah said, highly stupefied, What do you think happened? 

Hey, lay off. Asuka giggled, Don’t scare the newbie away.

Don’t worry. Juliet reassured Ultra Girl, No one’s going to die.

Caroline obediently nodded.

She hopes. Isaiah whispered.

I just want to know, Shiro said, What makes you think we have a chance on The Mutated Planet? Asuka, Ultra Girl, and I are newbies to space. Wouldn’t we just be holding you and the mercenary back?

Juliet smiled and shook her head, No we need fresh meat. Adventurers untouched by the wonders of space. You aren’t jaded like me and Isaiah, you guys are coming into this adventure new and full of excitement. The reason people keep dying, Juliet jumped onto the table, is because they go to the planet expecting to die. So many stories and lies flying around that sickening orb. No, we, the newest adventurers, we’ll get the treasure and make the galaxy our bitch!

If Juliet knew anything, it was how to raise morale. The group couldn’t help but let a twinge of a smile from their mouths, as they thought about the riches and what it could bring them.

Um, Excuse me. Juliet turned around to see a tentacled waitress, balancing several dishes on her suction cups, The food is ready.

The Warlord smiled, Let’s eat and party our asses off. Twenty four Terra hours from now we’re setting off, Juliet pointed to the ceiling, where lights forming stars and moons danced on the wall, To the Mutated Planet!

8

Chapter 3: Journey to The Mutated Planet

26 Terra Hours later…….

                I knew that wild woman wouldn’t keep her word. Shiro said, with a roll of his eyes.

                Do you think she’s hurt? Caroline asked, Maybe we should go look for her?

                That would be easy if we knew which room she stayed in. Asuka said, with her hands behind her head, This Club Shallow has so many bedrooms, I doubt we could find her within a day.

                Juliet wouldn’t let money pass her by. Isaiah stated, She might not be the best about proficiency, but trust me, she will show.

                Hmmm, will she show, Inventor? Shiro questioned, She’s probably drunk somewhere between a whore’s legs!

                Isaiah’s pistol was in his right hand before he even realized he had taken action, I would restrain you from talking about The Warlord.

                A white blade shot out from each of Chaos’s forearms.

                Did I touch a nerve, Inventor? Shiro smiled, I’d say you have a crush on the wench.

                Isaiah pulled down the hammer and his index finger hovered above the trigger, Do you want to test me, Hunter?

                There she is! Caroline nearly screamed.

***

                Uuuuh, why did I drink and smoke so much? Juliet mumbled to herself, Heh, at least I got a taste of that orange waitress.

                Juliet! Said Caroline, flying up to The Warlord, Are you okay? Are you hurt?

                The Super Heroine’s high pitch voice cause Juliet to hold her head, wishing someone shut the girl up, I’m fine. Let’s just head to the ship, eh, doll face.

                Caroline blushed, and quickly turned around, As long as you’re okay.

She’s cute, Juliet thought.

The Warlord struggled through the tube pathway and into the space station, where the rest of her crew was waiting for her. Juliet could tell by the two boys' enraged faces they were just in an altercation.

                You two fighting again? Juliet said, Why don’t you two fuckers kill each other already?

                That Hunter is nothing but talk. Isaiah said, crossing his arms, Plus, I’m a mercenary, he wouldn’t put up a good bounty anyway.

                No one’s hunting for a two bit Inventor. Shiro stated.

                The two young men exchanged glances with seething eyes.

                Juliet’s head vibrated with pain, I can’t deal with your two’s shit. Let’s saddle up and get this fucking money.

                You guys are truly silly. Asuka teased the boys, Ultra Girly, let’s promise not to be all dumb and testosteroney.

                Caroline nervously nodded, Okay.

***

                To a traveler of the great darkness, their spaceship is everything. A spaceship represents a person’s spirit, pride, image, and heart. Most space pirates base the perceived strength of a crew on their vessel alone. Each member of Juliet’s team had their ship and it was equipped to do battle with anyone and anything lying out in the sea of blackness and stars.

                Isaiah’s spaceship was a Fighter DX Delta. To the average person of Terra Firma, it looks like a giant black jet with four wings; Two of the wings were positioned pointing upwards, two were positioned downwards under the craft, and with a cannon attached to each wing. Isaiah, Chaos and Ultra Girl would occupy the ship named Pain.

Shiro and Asuka’s ship took the form of a giant black ball with thrusters all around it to guide its direction. It was named The Seeker. Juliet’s mech, however, was the most spectacular of all. The giant robot reached sixty feet in height and was created from the strongest metals within Terra Firma. The robot was fairly worn with scratches decorating its black metallic armor, a dark cloak was wrapped around its body, and it hid its gigantic jagged blade. The mech went by the name Romeo.

                Juliet rose her right gauntlet and spoke, O, Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore are thou Romeo? Deny they father and refuse they name; or, it thou will not, be but sworn my love, and I’ll no longer be a Capulet.

                The mech answered The Warlord’s call, with the loud moaning of rusted steel and screws opening its chest cavity and releasing a rope ladder. Juliet climbed upwards into the cockpit, which took the form of a comfy leather chair, a joystick on each chair arm, and a lever for each foot.  She quickly sat down and let out a deep sigh. It was good to be back in the seat of her robot, one of the last things to connect her to her late father. Juliet quickly reached in the back of her chair, pulled out two migraine pills, swallowed them, then pushed a button on each joystick. A holographic screen appeared, showing Juliet the outside world of the space station. The girl pushed the buttons again and a screen appeared on the left and right sides of the main screen, showing her comrades.

                Are you finally ready? Isaiah asked, his face sketched with irritation as Caroline kept trying to nudge herself into the screen.

                Hey, Juliet! Caroline smiled, These spaceships are amazing, I’ve never been in one before.

                Please refrain from getting closer than twenty feet to me! Isaiah snarled at Caroline.

                Caroline’s face sagged, becoming that of a saddened puppy.

                Be nice. Hacked Juliet.

                Isaiah sighed, Ms. Hero is going in that mech of yours on the way home.

                Are we ready to shove off? Shiro questioned, Or are we waiting another two hours before launch?

                Shut the fuck up! Juliet snapped, The mission starts when the Top Bitch is ready!

                Yeah. Asuka repeated, When the Top Bitch is ready.

How I wish I could throw you in a black hole Asuka. Shiro thought.

                Asuka flipped several buttons on the mainframe controls of the ship, Starting thrusters.

                Starting thrusters. Isaiah repeated.

                Starting the thrusters and AutoPilot, I’m taking a nap. Juliet reported.

                One after the other, energy in the form of red fire began to pour from out the two spaceships and from under the mech’s cloak. The roof of the space station rapidly opened, letting the vehicles enter into the abyss of the galaxy to start their mission for riches and reputation.

9

Chapter 4: Rough Landing!

Juliet Valentine was thirteen again, trapped in her uncle’s house. The room she occupied was damp and filled with mold. The covers smelled of must, and her windows were painted with grime. The only piece of clothing she owned was a ratty dress, that she used to wipe her tears. The young teen glanced at the giant robot outside of her bedroom. The robot her uncle tried to break into it day after day, to gain its immense power, but to no avail. The young girl through her darkest moments liked to look upon the robot, imagining it as her savior. It was the only real connection to her late father and her only reminder to keep on living.

Juliet crept to her window, where the giant hand of the machine was only an arm's length away. She reached out and touched it, feeling its cool broken metal. The touch reassured her she could live another day, it assured her everything be alright, and there would be freedom from the tyranny of her uncle. A thunderbolt crashed into the ground, causing Juliet to look toward the dark distance. The glowing silhouette of a giant monstrosity could be seen, standing on all fours, and with tentacles waving on its back. Juliet screamed.

***

Juliet awoke to blazing red alarms. The young woman’s main screen was filled with blue clouds and purple lightning, on her right screen Isaiah was screaming hysterical blabber, and on the left, Shiro was pretty much doing the same.

Shut up! You bitches! Juliet screamed, I need to focus!

You need to lower your thrusters. The Mad Inventor protested. Before you crash the mech straight into the ground!

Leave it to the drunkard to almost kill herself. Shiro added.

Juliet grabbed the joysticks, settled her feet on her pedals, and smoothly pushed each forward. The disruptive speed of swirling blue clouds and dashes of violet lightning stabilized into a form of normalcy. The sixty-foot robotic knight calmly landed on the sickening blue dirt of the Mutated Planet, between Pain and The Seeker.

We’re here! Juliet announced, jumping from her rope ladder, I can already see the asses of all the strippers my money will be going to.

Isaiah scanned the area as he stepped off his ship. The ground was a mixture of black and blue, most likely caused by the mutation from several nuclear wars ago. They had landed in front of a forest, with the entrance in the form of bent trees, which looked dead but had blue glowing veins. The sky took the form of dark blue with purple strikes of lightning and was followed by the booming of thunder.

This place looks tragic. Caroline said.

I hope you know what you’re doing, Warlord? Shiro questioned, looking over the pathetic planet, This sure would be an unpleasant place to die.

Chaos scan for life forms. Isaiah demanded, We don’t need anything getting the drop on us.

No trace of dangerous life forms. Chaos stated.

You heard the robot! Juliet screamed, Let’s get rich! 

10

Chapter 5: Powerless

When Isaiah nearly brushed the age of becoming a teenager his mother died. The young man’s father became a drunkard soon after, causing Isaiah to depend on himself. High school didn’t fare well for the young inventor, who was obsessed with robots. The other kids thought his hobby weird and taunted him. In the beginning, Isaiah thought nothing of his bullies, thinking of them as inferior.  However, as time passed, and Isaiah’s harassers saw the young man ill affected, they decided to one-up their horseplay. One day, the young Isaiah decided to stay after class and work on his newest robotic project, and in the middle of his work, several kids came into the room. They immediately attacked the young inventor, the jealous students destroyed his project of three months and threw him in the school’s garbage bin.

The evening Isaiah took the plunge from the bridge. The day he hit the salty waves of the ocean only for a second, only to be abducted by the ancient aliens known as The Greys. The young inventor was broken down, manipulated, and molded to fit the Grey’s image of a mercenary. Within the next month, the entire galaxy knew the name of Isaiah The Mad Inventor.

Isaiah, Isaiah! Juliet snarled, Did you tell the robot to check for life forms!

Isaiah broke from the daydreams of his past, Sorry, Warlord. Chaos check for nearby life forms.

Are we getting lost in thought, Inventor? Shiro teased, Is being close to The Warlord too much?

Isaiah waved Shiro away, Focus on the mission.

No life forms master.

Ahhhhh, I’m getting a little bored. Asuka whined,  I wish there were life forms.

So is all the life on this planet mutated? Caroline asked.

Pretty much. Isaiah answered, From my research, all the life here has been drastically changed from the war in one way or the other.

Yeah, Juliet chimed in, The castle we're heading to is supposed to have all types of fucked up creatures inside.

Really? Caroline asked, feeling fear creep within her.

What are you worried about? Isaiah said, You have every fighting ability in the book.

Fuck? Juliet held her fist in the air, signaling her group to stop, Shit, something’s coming. 

A yellow light began to shine in the near distance.

            Chaos, I thought you said there were no life forms. Isaiah whispered.

Mas…. Chaos sounded hesitant, The creature must have been able to hide its life signature. The robot released the blades from her forearms, I’ll take care of the threat.

11

Chapter 6: First Blood

Drops of sweat slid down Isaiah’s face, his hands lightly shook, and his anxiety grew as he turned the knobs. A sigh left the Mad Inventor’s mouth as he connected the last of the wires. He quickly closed the area he was working on and backed away as the robot awakened. It was like seeing a baby experience the world for the first time. The moon hair robot slowly raised its body, its eyes scanned the laboratory it was created in, and a white blade shot out from its forearms.

                Isaiah felt a tinge of excitement arise within, Those are your main weapons.

                The robot nodded.

                Your name is Chaos.

                The robot took a glance at the mirror, across from where she sat. The android quickly found out its skin was a chocolate brown, black stitches laid scattered on its body, and its eyes held only empty darkness, Yes, I am Chaos.

***

                Chaos spun, slicing through three, slimy, gray, electric filled tentacles. A fourth tentacle attached to the robot’s forehead. Chaos immediately began to convulse with electricity, shutting down her systems. The space creature had no time to celebrate its victory as bullets of plasma collided into its leathery skin. The monster let out a cry that sounded like the voice of a dying woman and swooped down toward Isaiah. The Inventor jumped to the left, firing his plasma pistols. When the creature passed by, The Inventor was able to get a good look at his opponent. The upper half of the creature looked almost human, its skin was gray and leathery, the beast had no eyes, its mouth was filled with black rotten fangs, and eighteen tentacles filled with paralyzing electricity flowed under its body. The nightmare looking creature dove for Isaiah again, but it was crushed under the metal of Juliet’s mighty blade.

                How do you like my sword taking a bite out of your ass! Juliet roared, as she yanked her jagged sword from the creature’s back, Maybe you need another bite. Juliet rose her large blade above her head and with both hands swung it down on the back of the creature once again, causing blue blood to splatter onto her face, Bitch ass Alien!

                Caroline's eyes widened, as she noticed a tentacle rise behind Juliet.

                Before Caroline could yell her name, Juliet felt a tentacle attach to her neck.   

The Warlord rolled her eyes, and said, Got dammit.

                Juliet felt the sensation of fire being injected into her veins. The scream that came out was not one of a vicious Warlord that people had learn to fear, but one of a woman on the edge of adulthood scared and in pain. When the shock was over Juliet's eyes drooped, her sword fell from out of her hand, and she fell face first into the dirt.

                The monster, badly injured, but still able to fight, took to the skies with a flap of its limbs. Shiro met the monster with an effortless jump and cut into the monster’s abdomen with one fluid stroke. Navy blue blood spilled into Shiro’s hair. The monster let out another scream and tumbled onto the ground. Shiro landed on his legs as softly as a cat and sprinted towards the monster for the final strike. The remaining tentacles shot out towards Shiro like whips, but with a swish of his sword, Shiro cut each appendage down. When he rapidly made it to the body, he aimed for the chest, but the creature grabbed Shiro’s blade with great accuracy. Shiro watched as golden bolts materialized from the hands of the creature, danced on his sword, and shot into his body, sending him vaulting into the ground.

                A punch to the face sent the creature sprawling. Caroline followed her first attack with an uppercut, sending the creature tumbling into the air, she followed up with a right knee and bashed the monster back into the ground. When the monster tried to raise itself back into the air, Asuka Nakamura held it down with her Cat String, which emitted from the gloves of her outfit. With one hard tug, Asuka caused the monster to crash back into the ground.

                I got it Ultra! Asuka screamed, Do your superhero thing!

                Caroline took a deep breath and let out a freezing gust of wind. The wind spiraled and focused onto the creature and froze it solid.

                Is Juliet alright? Caroline said, swooping down to her idol.

                She has survived worse. Isaiah said, inspecting Chaos.

                Caroline quickly put her ear to Juliet’s chest, Good, she’s still breathing.

                Looks like The Warlord couldn’t handle the challenge. Shiro stated.

                Could you say that to her face? Isaiah questioned.

                Shiro frowned, I’ll remind The Warlord of her recent fall.

                Gosh, you two love to bicker. Caroline said.

                Isaiah and Shiro turned to Ultra Girl, Shut Up!

                Why? It’s the truth? Asuka said, Two meteors in an asteroid belt.

                Doesn’t even make sense. Shiro muttered.

                We should probably get out of here. Isaiah said, holding Chaos in his arms like a lover, We don’t know how much time we have before that thing breaks free.

                Caroline gave one of her naïve smiles, Oh my ice breath is super thick nothing can break through it.

                The rock of ice that held the creature shattered into a cold mist. The nightmarish creature, with its rotten teeth, and long black claws rose into the air, with a shrill scream. Its tentacles, completely restored, lashed out at the group. The creature caught Shiro, Asuka, and Juliet off guard, paralyzing their bodies. Isaiah blasted the three tentacles that came for himself. Meanwhile, Caroline released tunnels of fire from her eyes, burning four appendages to a crisp.

                The monster rose, taking Juliet, Shiro, and Asuka with it, wrapped in its tentacles. The creature held out his hands to the remainder of the team, focusing a ball of golden lightning in the center of its palm.

Isaiah held his left gun toward the creature, a smile creeping on his face, Do you dare to face The Mad Inventor?

Caroline braced herself to take off and tackle the creature. The monster smiled a hideous smile and the blast of lightning left its hands, aimed for Isaiah and Caroline. 

12

Chapter 7: Escape

Shiro Mitsurugi bowed onto his knees and looked up at his Grandfather. The elderly man was lean, yet filled with muscle, he had a gray beard and long flowing gray hair. He sat crossed legged in a white robe printed with Japanese symbols. The man’s eyes seem like they were closed, but Shiro knew his grandfather used other avenues for his senses.

The elderly man took in the sweet smell of the temple and spoke, Shiro, you have surpassed me. The old mentor lightly massaged his neck with his left hand, I remember being your age and being taught the ancient practices. I remember being told of how our planet was surrounded by beings from afar, at first I was scared, but you were different Shiro. The old man sat and thought for a moment, You didn’t fear this new information. Shiro, you embraced it. You let it stir the innards of your soul. At the old man’s lap was a katana wrapped in a black sheath, imprinted with a golden dragon. The man put his hand over the katana, This weapon has been part of the Mitsurugi family for ages. Shiro’s Grandfather began to shed a tear, With your inept father, I thought our bloodline was done, but you were born. Born to save the Mitsurugi bloodline and continue to protect Terra Firma from outside forces.

                When Shiro returned to the waking world, his entire body felt heavy. The young Samurai tried to move, but he was stuck to something. He slowly looked around, noticing rotting walls, a sour smell, and the floor was crumbling apart, covered in centuries of dust. Shiro looked up, realizing what was keeping him secure. The appendage beast known by the planet as a Light-Walker had trapped Juliet, Asuka, and himself in a large black spider web. Shiro struggled again, only to feel useless. The young samurai quickly glanced around for the creature that had trapped them. It was nowhere to be seen. The young man began to pace his breathing. Shiro let all external forces disappear from his mind, as he concentrated on his internal forces. With a tug and a yell, Shiro broke from his sticky shackles and fell onto the ground, with a soft thud from his shoes.

                Shiro felt like he had been trapped in the web for hours and rolled his neck and arms, as he glanced over the nearby ruins. The building resembled a cathedral with its high walls, cement floors, and pillars. When Shiro turned to the windows, he saw the bluish gray sky and its purple thunderbolts crashing upon the land. He turned to the giant spider web and swiftly released his blade.

                The Inventor will be highly upset once he finds out I saved his woman. Shiro gloated.

It would give the samurai much pleasure to see Isaiah’s small angry face. Shiro bent his knees, ready to jump and destroy the web in several slices, then he heard a noise. It sounded like hard footsteps coming toward him. Shiro swiftly spun around, facing the desecrated entryway.

When the creature hit the queer gray moonlight, Shiro's legs became slightly weak. The bipedal creature had creamy skin, covered in bulging muscles, and red veins. The head of the monstrosity was only a large yellow eye, accompanied by a fanged mouth, filled with saliva. The right arm of the creature was a large thick steel blade. When the creature walked it moved slightly sideways, as if its center of gravity was off.

            The creature caused Shiro’s stomach to waver, How could such an abomination want to exist? He thought.

            The monster’s large yellow eye settled on the visage of Shiro. Shiro readied his feet to dash the creature. The troublesome monster let out a scream that sounded like a thousand dying men and awkwardly ran towards the samurai. Shiro, fluid and graceful, sprinted towards his opponent