Episode 2: The Awakening of Shadowmasked
Yush stood suspended in mid-air, his feet hovering inches above the ground as the wind howled around him. Suddenly, a voice broke through the silence.
Aline: Who are you, Masked Man?
Yush glanced at his shadow cast beneath him and pondered for a moment. Shadow...masked. The words fused together in his mind, a name forming like an echo from another world.
Yush: I am... Shadowmasked.
---
Another Planet — Dark Citadel
Kracknoir stared at the monitor, his eyes wide with disbelief. His clawed fingers trembled as he leaned forward.
Kracknoir: That mask... No, it can't be real! That mask... it means he's the Storm.
The room filled with whispers, alien advisors exchanging glances of fear and uncertainty.
---
Back on Earth — Yush's Location
Yush stood firm, his eyes scanning the area. Three aliens... Can I beat them? he wondered. I don't know...
Suddenly, a distorted voice crackled into existence, echoing in his ears.
Voice: Welcome, sir.
Yush spun around, searching for the source.
Yush: Who's there?!
Voice: I am the AI.
Yush: AI?
Voice: Yes, sir. I can assist you in combat.
Yush rubbed the back of his head, a grin spreading across his face.
Yush: Alright, AI... Got a name?
Voice: I do not. Would you like to assign me one?
Yush thought for a moment. A name... How about Ken?
Voice: Name set. From this moment forth, I am Ken. May I call you Master?
Yush blinked in surprise. Me? he asked, almost laughing.
Ken: Yes, Master.
Yush chuckled. Alright then, Ken. Let's beat these guys.
Ken: Yes, Master.
Aline, who had been watching in disbelief, burst into laughter.
Aline: He's talking to himself! Hahaha! So, Shadowmasked, are you ready? You're not Shadowmasked—you're Crymasked!
Yush ignored the jab and turned to Ken. Ken, what powers do I have?
Ken: The mask grants you enhanced jumping, supernatural strength, flight, speed, and mastery over the five magic elements.
Yush's eyes lit up with excitement. Alright then. I've watched enough anime to know how to fight. You just tell me their positions.
Ken: Understood, Master.
---
The Battle Begins
Yush bent his knees, assuming a running stance. Aline's confident grin faded as Yush vanished from sight, his speed nearly invisible. In a blink, he delivered crushing blows to two of the aliens, sending them sprawling across the pavement.
Ken's voice chimed in his ear. One's behind you, Master!
Yush spun on his heel, driving his fist into the third alien with ease. It crashed to the ground, leaving cracks in the concrete.
Sirens wailed in the distance, and soon enough, reporters flooded the scene.
Reporter: Aliens have arrived on Earth, and it seems a hero has emerged to fight them! But is he a hero... or a villain?
---
Back to Yush
Yush: Ken, are there any more aliens nearby?
Ken: None, Master.
Yush: Ken, can I talk to their leader?
Ken: One moment, Master. Processing... The AI's voice grew distant before returning. I will hack his watch's contact link. You will be able to communicate directly.
Yush floated mid-air, waiting as Ken completed the hack.
---
Kracknoir's Command Ship
Aline rushed into the control room, her voice frantic.
Aline: Lord, our computers are shaking!
Kracknoir's eyes narrowed. What? Let me see!
Suddenly, Yush's masked face appeared on the monitor, his gaze sharp and unwavering.
Yush: So, alien leader, I don't know your name, but I have one thing to say: Never try to destroy my planet. If you do, I will end you.
The screen flickered off, leaving Kracknoir seething.
Kracknoir: Nooooooooooooooo! Shadowmasked... That means the Storm. Next time, I will kill you. You don't understand why I want to destroy your planet.
A shadowy flashback emerged—Kracknoir's father stepping onto Earth, seeking peace and alliance, only to be gunned down simply for being different. Bitterness burned in Kracknoir's eyes.
Kracknoir: Next time, I will destroy your Earth.
---
Back to Yush
Yush exhaled, his fists unclenching. I said some big, bold words... but I was so scared.
Ken: Do not worry, Master.
Yush smiled. Thanks, Ken.
He turned his attention to the underground facility where MadPsycho resided. Reporters followed him as he approached the entrance.
---
In the Lab
MadPsycho: You managed to use the mask... I want to say thank you.
Yush waved his hands nervously. No, no, please don't...
MadPsycho: That mask was found by my father. He intended to use it to destroy the world alongside the aliens. That's why I... killed him. But you're different.
He extended a hand. What's your name?
Yush's eyes narrowed behind the mask. It's Shadowmasked.
The door swung open, revealing the gathering crowd of reporters. Cameras flashed as they chanted his name.
Reporter: Shadowmasked! Are you a hero or a villain?
Yush smirked. I'm a hero. Sorry, everyone, but I have to go.
With a burst of speed, he vanished into the shadows, leaving the world buzzing with the name of its new protector.
To be continued...