Chapter 24

Yuuma was in City R for rehearsals.

He read over the script and had suggested a few changes. Much to his surprise, they were accepted and the implemented them into the new script. So far the people have been rather kind and opened minded to him. Yuuma was well spoken for to his fellow actors and actresses. They were still amazed that he really looked like a serpent man. "How man? I mean… whoa!" said one coworker named John. He was going to be playing one of the 'freaks' named Birdboy.

"It's just how I was born, no biggy. If you want to really see something cool, watch me take down a monster… then eat it!"

"No way, you do that too!?" asked his female co star Gina.

She was a beauty to say the least; long, wavy red hair, sharp green eyes and a smile that could make everyone around her share in it. Yuuma smiled and nodded to her. "Family habit. You know, if we are going to take a monster out, better to use it up too right? It helps with the grocery bills." He said and laughed.

As they were going through the script, he shuttered. "Anyone else get the feeling we're being watched?" he said aloud. Despite saying so, he knew they were. Someone with a very piercing glare was coming from behind him. He turned and saw them lingering in the shadows.

The other cast members froze, some began to look nervous. "Holy shit it's her!" whispered John.

"Who…" Yuuma muttered.

She was a doll like woman, but smile warmly to everyone around her. "Hello everyone, glad to see you are doing well!"

But then, her eyes bore into Yuuma. "Huh… guess anyone can be a star these days…"

Yuuma forced a smile. "Glad to know the feeling is mutual." Yuuma paused when he swore he saw a twinge come from the strange doll like woman.

"Yuuma… that's Webigaza!" whispered Gina.

He looked back at her as she gave a fake smile. "Oh… okay," he said without care and went back to the script.

Suddenly, his arm was grabbed. "I want to have a word with you, you are an up and coming star after all, how about some words of advice?" she asked in a fake sweet tone. He tried to refuse but she was pulling hard on him. Her grip was also growing tighter, no doubt she won't be taking no for an answer! Yet Yuuma paused as her fingers began to dig into his arm. "Ow, let go!" he whispered sharply.

But he was pulled away from the others. Her sweet smile vanished as a more evil one took over. "You know, I am not just an idol, actress and singer… I am also a fashion designer…" she began to eye him oddly. "I wonder…" she leaned in next to his ear and whispered. "How many pieces of clothing I can make from your skin alone…"

Yuuma felt a chill go down his spine. "You're a crazy woman, you do know that?"

But her smile only grew. "You may have gotten away with being part of a so called… monster hero family… but not for long… and when that day comes… I will be sure to use very inch of your flesh…"

"Such a barbaric practice isn't befitting of you."

Yuuma froze, yet Webigaza's smile only grew. Lingering behind her was Amai! Her attention turned as she gave off a scary giggle. "Oh Amai… I didn't forget about you! After all, the Neo Heroes know the truth about you… we've always known the truth… it's just waiting for the day you slip up!"

Amai kept calm and smiled warmly to her. "Slip up? Oh no, I didn't… slip up as you say. I reflected upon that day and realized what a true hero said to me… We're all human…" he said. "However, it's rather unbefitting of you to threaten someone so young. Who hasn't done any wrong, and yet, you are eyeing them like a hunk of meat? That isn't how an idol acts… that's rather… ugly to me."

Yuuma couldn't quite figure out what was going on. Amai was helping him?!

Webigaza looked to Yuuma and then back to Amai. "Coming from the expert on the matter of ugliness… I suppose I have had enough fun for now… but let this be a lesson for the both of you. I always win in the end." With that she walked off, not before offering a fake smile and a wave to Yuuma's co-stars.

When she was gone, Amai's fists clenched. "Don't trust her…"

"I trust her as much as I trust you." Yuuma muttered.

Amai merely nodded. "Good," he said and walked away.

However this was strange, even for Yuuma. Amai has been acting far more concerning to him and those around him. Like he actually gives a damn about their safety and well-being.

Perhaps Yuuma was looking into it too much…

#

Athena was hard at work.

Her latest piece was just nearing completion with Guillermo approached. "Oh, you're best one yet!" he said with glee.

She made a rather lavishing dress, frills near the bottom and yet used monster skin. However Guillermo took a closer look at the skin. "This is strange, I haven't seen this material before… we haven't skinned any snake like monsters."

Athena sighed. "Uh, sir, you met my brother Hunter right? I have other brothers… some are serpent and one molted a lot recently. I just thought I would put it to good use." She explained.

He took a closer look at the skin and found it wasn't like the others they used. But still the design of it was remarkable. He loved the look and wanted her to make more of them. "How much do your brothers shed?" he asked curiously.

She smiled and nudged her head to the corner of the room. He froze at the massive pile. "My goodness they shed often!"

"Actually… that's from one brother" she said and giggled.

Guillermo went white. He was curious enough to approach the skin and inspect it himself. It was a good thickness, nearly that of leather, yet felt light and airy. "We cannot tell anyone where this material came from!" he insisted.

Athena nodded in agreement. "I know, I don't want anyone doing something stupid to my siblings…" she said in a warning tone.

Guillermo went over the skin time and time again, impressed to the feel of it, but also how light it was. "Athena… can you make a suit for me with this?" he asked.

She was surprised, but nodded to him. "Of course sir!"

"Oh good! I trust you darling…" he paused. "I should warn you, you have caught the eye of someone… my rival named Webigaza. She has been off for a few months recovering from something apparently, but now, she has full intention of returning to the fashion world… I need you to be at your best… is that understood?" he said with great sincerity.

Athena merely smiled. "Watch me," she said in a challenging tone.

He nodded proudly. "I knew picking you as my apprentice was the right thing to do. Now, let's bring the fashion world to it's knees!"