Thousands or maybe even millions of frozen spears hovered amidst the air. The light reflected from the moon dazzled within each individual sharpened spikes of ice.

With a seemingly deranged wide grin, Rito initiated to pierce.

"Rito! Stop!" He was broken out of his trance when Lala suddenly enveloped him in a hug. Tightly embracing his backside as it prompted him to regain his momentum.

"Lala! What the hell!?" Rito shouted in alarm as he felt Lala's form stop his command. "I was about to kill them!" He yelled in protest.

"What!? Don't kill them!" Lala seemed to be startled by Rito's suggestion as she hugged him tighter. "You don't need to go that far!"

"I don't?" Rito tilted his head innocently.

"Of course you don't!" Lala cried out. "Killing is bad!"

Rito was about to argue with her once more before realizing their position. Quickly dislodging himself out of her grip. He took a step back as he gazed at her with narrowed eyes.

"Don't do that again" Rito grumbled as Lala blinked in confusion.

"Well, at least you stopped" Lala said with a nod, ignoring his somewhat offensive tone. "Now, will you please make all of these disappear" She widely gestured with both of her arms up high. Indicating for the countless spears in the dark night sky.

"...If I don't want to?" Rito stubbornly argued.

Lala glared with unexpected heat. Something that even made Rito flinch. Grumbling for various reasons, he slightly raised his hand with a flick of his fingers.

*Snap*

With that gesture, the onlookers heard distinct breaking sounds in the skies. Gazing up, they found the countless spears already shattering as small fragments and crystals harmlessly rained upon their heads.

"Wow!" Lala cheered as she saw bits of miniature ice falling. It was similar to snow on a Christmas night. Not that the aliens know of Christmas or snow for that matter.

"There. Happy?" Lala turned to look at Rito with a bright grin.

"It was so beautiful! I didn't know you can- Rito are you alright!?" Her eyes suddenly caught the faint trail of blood that escaped Rito's lips. Sudden worry and concern became visible in her eyes as she took a step forward. To only be stopped with a hand by the individual in question.

"Don't worry about it" Rito brushed his chin once more as he wiped the traces of blood in his shirt. "It's just blood Lala. No biggie" He tried to calm the frantic Lala down.

'So much for that. It seems my limit is about five huh?' Rito mentally thought as he shook his head. Trying to disregard the sudden spike of pain that he felt in his head. Something that he had been ignoring for the time being. Well, not that Lala had to know that.

"Are you sure Rito?" Lala asked worriedly as she cupped both of his cheeks.

Prying Lala's hands off his cheeks, he proceeded to face the three aliens from earlier.

"Anyways, let's get back on topic" Rito said without facing her. "What are you going to do now Lala?" he asked indicating for her to speak.

Lala looked at Rito first before directing her view towards Zastin and the others.

"I..." She trailed off before shaking her head resolutely. "I'll be staying here Zastin. That's my decision. You can go tell Daddy that I have chosen a suitable husband to marry" She continued unhesitatingly as she recalled Rito's earlier words.

Surprisingly, what he had said earlier made her blush. A warm feeling invading her insides as she remembered how cool Rito had been moments prior. She wouldn't mind him now being her-

"What Lala was supposed to say was that 'She'll be thinking it more thoroughly'" Rito said with a brief glare towards Lala before facing the aliens again.

"She had been tired and desperate for the day and I clearly noticed that. With all the chasing and running going on. It would not be a surprise for her to cling on someone that helped her unconditionally. So, to her sudden decision of proclaiming that I would be his 'husband'. Can you just assume that it was only a desperate move on her part in this kind of situation?" Rito bowed making the aliens surprise from his genuine politeness while Lala expectedly protested.

"No Rito!" Lala stated. "I'm serious about-" She was cut off.

"I said this once and I'll say it again" Rito turned to her fully with a leveled firm gaze. "We've only met today Lala. One day isn't enough for your feelings to bloom into love. You don't know me all that much. Heck, I can even tell you that I'm not all that of a good person you envisioned me to be"

"But... No, I really-" Lala tried to come up with a response but to no avail. She was shaken out of her thoughts when Rito held onto her shoulders.

"Lala, look at my eyes for a sec" Lala stopped her struggles as she looked at two beautiful distinct colored eyes.

He needed to convince her not because he doesn't want her proposal. He was doing this to make sure that she would never regret anything. He can tell that she was too innocent for her own good. Too innocent. It was always those types that always look at the smaller picture rather than the big one. Not that he was criticizing her. But he was just sure that it would be hard to convince the alien girl.

"You are a great and beautiful girl even without all that royalty stuff" Lala blushed red from the praise. "I know you're also a strong-willed individual Lala. You tried to deny what you're forced to do out of freedom. While I can't really call you running away from it as a good thing. I can at least respect your pure intentions. And you know what? I kinda like those type of girls" Rito slowly averted his gaze as he realize words kept running on his mouth. "...Forget that last part"

What was he saying!? Curse his unhinged mouth for blurting something irrelevant!

"Rito..." Lala mumbled as she too averted her gaze. 'So Rito likes girls like me. Hehe~ He's so cute right now' She giddily thought.

"Anyways..." Rito hurriedly changed the subject. "I'm only doing this for your own good. And even if I did somehow accept, you'll only come to regret in the long run" Rito stated somberly. "...I can't exactly tell you the details but you have to listen to me okay?" He said with a pleading tone.

"You're too much of a wonderful girl to be wasted on someone like me. If you want somebody to make you truly happy, I know for sure that I'm not the one. You have to listen to your own heart when that time comes. And make sure to never regret it" Rito stated as he took a few steps back. Lala instinctively stepped closer towards him.

He was wrong. Lala thought. Even if it was just a short time, she truly did enjoy the time that she spent with Rito here. He was rude, that she can say for sure. But he had been a person that understood her. A person that didn't take advantage of her and had stayed true to his words. She didn't like the way that he degraded himself like that.

Aside from her family, this was the first time someone genuinely treated her like a normal girl. And someone that really manage to-

"Zastin? If I'm correct?" Lala wasn't given a chance to say anything as Rito spoke. "I apologize for my rash behavior. I won't deny that I had the intention to kill you and your followers. And I won't even make excuses to get out of this situation" He apologized. "If I somehow manage to insult the whole Devilukean Kingdom. Please turn all your anger towards me and only me" He stated with a serious tone.

If Zastin was surprised, he didn't show it. Years of training to be the best swordsman had taught him of the ways of hiding one's expressions. He surveyed the orange haired teen known as an 'Earthling'.

He was... strong. That much was true. It was his first time of seeing that kind of strength even by universal standards. His display of power even reminded him of their King. His first attack managed to destroy his armor effortlessly. He couldn't even imagine if this Earthling decided to rain them with countless sharp spears in the skies.

But he had also determined him of being a fearless and courageous individual. Even after knowing of the truth, he had stood up for Lala in the most bizarre way as possible. Even then, he didn't try to get their princess' hand just like any other suitor, from what he can tell. He even encouraged her to make decisions wisely and never regret it.

This Earthling's ridiculous strength and noble values.

If only the other suitors were like this boy, the King would surely be complacent of choosing a worthy heir.

But that was for another time. He still had to address something.

"You don't have to worry about that" Zastin shook his head as he gazed at Rito with newfound respect. "This was all just a misunderstanding. There will be no kind of feud happening in this night" He proclaimed before straightening himself.

"Furthermore, you have our gratitude for keeping Lala-sama safe and sound" He bowed deeply to show his reverence.

"You don't have to bow" Rito sighed as he scratched the back of his head. "I'm just doing my part of my deal with Lala" He excused as Zastin faced him. "Just be sure to let her have the freedom to at least choose someone who would make her happy in the future"

"I'll try to request that to the King. You have my word" Rito nodded as he then looked at Lala.

"Well, I think it's time to say our goodbyes Lala" The girl promptly shook her head.

"No, Rito. Can't I stay here with you?" Lala pleaded before feeling a chop on her head. "Ow!"

"You haven't been listening to me at all" Rito sighed as he placed his hand on her head. "If you stay with me, happiness is the last thing you'll ever find" He then brought his palms to reach her hands. "And I don't want that. Search for the one that'll really make you happy. I'll be silently supporting you along the way" He then continued with a slight snicker. "Even if you're kind of weird"

"Rito!" Lala pouted before feeling his hand softly stroke her head.

"What? It's true though" Rito amusedly stated.

The two then shared a laugh as Lala suddenly grasped Rito's hand on her head. Clutching his warm palm with both of her own palms.

Feeling the warmth that he gave.

And even if it was a short time. She surely wished it would last forever.

"...You won't reconsider?" Lala stated quietly as she absentmindedly caressed Rito's hand. The latter can't help but sigh as he shook his head.

"Now you're just making this hard for me" He rolled his eyes. "If you keep doing this, I might just give up" Lala brightened up from the words that he had said. Something that he shouldn't have stated right in front of her. But he can't help it.

To him, even if their meeting was the very definition of unusual. He can't totally say that he hated Lala and regretted what came next. No, it was very far from that. Not even close. If he could be truthful, there was just something about her that made him feel... alive. As illogical as it may sound, their short and crude encounter today made him feel a taste of freedom. Someone that he can sympathize with when it comes to breaking your own shackles.

Though, his situation was vastly different compare to her. At least he had witnessed someone that truly wanted to be free. Someone that would take a risk in just proclaiming your own self-worth.

Unfortunately, that time had to end... for now at least.

"Let's go... Lala-sama" Zastin called out rather awkwardly. Not really wanting to interrupt their heartfelt moment so rudely.

But judging from the uncharacteristic glare he was given. He knew he absolutely messed up in that one.

"Zastin~" Lala whined as she pouted. Rito laughed from their interaction.

Gently prying off both of his hands from her. He then took a step back as he looked at her with a smile.

"Stay safe Lala"

Rito raised his hand for a wave.

"See you... Rito"

Lala looked at him sadly as she returned a reluctant wave.

It was then the spaceship in the sky formed a spherical shape glow. Before a beam of light immediately shot down from the sky. Lighting Lala and the three aliens from underneath.

Rito kept his hand raised as he waved goodbye. To Lala who could only close her eyes in sadness. Her and the other aliens' feet slightly floated for the incoming departing.

Looking at Lala who was trying hard to keep her tears away, Rito subconsciously stopped his wave.

Something suddenly spurred within him. A twist in his stomach that he couldn't quite figure out. But nonetheless it was... unpleasant.

He wasn't the type to make girls cry. Not at all. He can't even stand the notion of being the one who caused it. So seeing Lala like that, it made him feel something akin to regret.

Funny. Earlier it was him who had lectured her of things about regret. But now, he knew it was the start of a new one. Maybe on his part. But more so for the princess alien girl.

Regret for not being able to get a chance to get what she had always wished for.

His lips thinned as he withdrew his hand to his side.

The light from the spaceship flickered. Quickly sending the aliens into its abode. With another flicker, the beam of light extinguished as the otherworldly aircraft revved up. Spinning slowly as it prepared to descent. The nearby surroundings swishing violently from the rapid force.

Rito stood there as his orange locks shadowed his eyes. An indiscernible expression etched onto his features. A mysterious yet solemn atmosphere enveloping his form.

He didn't like regrets. Not. One. Bit. That kind of emotion didn't exactly sit right with him. It always portrayed something wrong in his part. Why choose to miss on something you always wanted just because you aren't allowed to? Why does fate and destiny always have to be the ones on control? Why can't anyone just be free to choose what they freaking want?

Sure, there's the existence of consequences. But at what cost? To forever be damned to a life not worth living? Isn't that what it means to live? To be free and happy? Well, he only has three words in response to that. Even if it means exposing oneself to an inevitable danger.

Consequences be damned.

The air parted for the departing aircraft. Before it gave a final swoosh as it instantly disappeared out of view. A streak of light immediately painted the sky as it promptly disappeared afterwards.

As the violent winds stopped, it left a silent and almost untouched environment. With the brief signs of breeze swishing gently amidst the night. Shadows from the nearby objects staying stagnantly.

But a much greater shadow moments prior, seemingly remained absent amidst the darkness.

[~][~]LINE BREAK[~][~]

As Lala and the others arrived inside the spaceship. The former wordlessly trudge the metallic floor of the aircraft to a large door.

"Lala-sama?" Zastin called out as he saw the alien princess stood in front of the door with no notice.

"...I'll be resting now Zastin. Don't disturb me until we get home" Stopping herself to answer. Lala spoke as her pink strands of bubblegum hair shadowed her usual cheerful exterior.

"H-Hai Lala-sama" Zastin agreed obediently. Surprise etched on his features. Noticing the firmness that laced her tone for the very first time. Something that he could never imagine coming out from the usually childish princess' mouth.

Giving an imperceptible nod, the automatic door opened as Lala stepped on the other side.

"But please don't run away anymore Lala-sama" Zastin decided to inform. "It would not be good for the royal family to always be worried when you decide to escape from your responsibilities again"

Lala didn't reply to his words as the automatic door closed shut. Prompting a sigh from the best swordsman of Deviluke.

"Well... not that you'll try it again for the mean time though" Zastin stated as he rubbed his temples. Already knowing the princess was not in the mood for another escape plan. How long? He didn't know. He then turned to look at his two men.

"Maul. Smutts. Go ahead and treat your injuries in the medical bay. You both earned your rest" Zastin ordered as both aliens gave a respectful bow. Well, as respectful as it showed since they winced painfully from their injuries. As they stiffly raised their heads, they both headed towards the door that Lala used and entered.

"I still can't imagine that an Earthling can do this much damage to my Devilukean men" Zastin stated with a shook of his head. "...much less make Lala-sama the way she was now" He muttered as he recalled earlier events.

Truly, the planet called Earth was a backwater planet. The technology they possessed weren't all that excellent even compare to similar planets in the universe. Along with the local habitant's standard combat power. They were easily regarded as weak and frail.

But the term 'weak' can't properly described what he had seen. Far from it.

"Now that I think about it... I didn't even get his name" Zastin cursed himself as he failed to recognize the teen who had struck him as a formidable individual. An individual that was rare in these modern times.

He showed unbelievable strength that came rare in this part of the universe. No, even rarer when it comes to other individuals that he knew of. Seemingly possessing surpassed average Devilukean strength, instant control over the weather and even creating those sharpened spikes of ice that can easily destroy his armor wasn't really all that common.

And not to overlook his noble values. He was clearly stronger than Lala and yet he didn't take advantage of her. As unpleasant as it may sound, that Earthling had many time in the world to do just that. But he did something else entirely. Proceeding to reject Lala's proposal that almost the entire craved over. And even approach her with no kind of ulterior motives judging from their interaction.

Truly, a respectable individual. And he had been foolish not to get his name for recognition.

"Oh? You didn't huh? Well, my full name is Yuuki Rito. It's an honor to meet a real life alien swordsman" Rito stated with a grin.

So his name was Yuuki Rito huh? He will make sure to remember to commit it to his memory-

"R-Rito-dono!?" Zastin whipped his head to turn around.

There he saw the weird Earthling waving his hand with a big grin on his face.

"W-What are you doing here!?" Zastin pointed a finger before stopping himself to ask another. "Wait...how did you even got here!? The sensors didn't pick up anything!" He stated, genuinely startled.

*Alarm! Alarm! Intruder alert! Intruder alert!*

"What? You mean this one?" Rito pointed a finger above as flashing red lights colored the spaceship's entirety. Looking unperturbed, he continued. "If it didn't detect me for the last few minutes, it's pretty weak" He stated disappointingly as he shook his head. The swordsman hurriedly checked the monitors for any defects on the security system.

"It's... functioning properly" Zastin sighed in relief thinking that the spaceship had any problems. Shaking his head, he turned the alarm off as the door suddenly opened to show Maul and Smutts running with medical tapes in their injured parts.

"Intruders!" Both of them said as they prepared to lunge. But hurriedly stop themselves as they were utterly surprised to see Rito waving at them.

"It was all just a false alarm" Zastin said as he palmed his face. "You two can go back now"

They nodded with no more questions before suddenly feeling the pain on both of their bodies seemingly vanished. Startled, they each took a closer look to no longer find any bruises or leftover blood from the earlier fight. Zastin who had looked at them was undeniably surprised. Seeing their postures relaxed as they seem rid of fatigue.

"Don't worry about your injuries. I took care of them already" The aliens turned to look at Rito. Only catching a glimpse of his left eye glowing dimly before reverting back to normal. "And I'm really sorry about that" Rito said with an apologetic smile.

But instead of amazement, they were just outright startled from the display.

'That isn't possible!' Zastin thought with an alarming look. 'Those injuries would take at least a week to recover!' It was one thing for the supposed Earthling to show weird abilities. But it was another thing for someone to instantly cure injuries in those kinds of levels.

They may have advanced technology for healing purposes. But they also have to regard time as a major factor. While wounds grave or deadly were relatively no problem. The actual process of recovering to full health had been quite a detrimental as they were practically soldiers. Individuals that are needed to be ready at all times. If this had been somehow possible with their technology, they would be invincible.

"Nah. I used time as a major factor too. Literally" It seems Zastin spoke his thoughts out loud as Rito clarified. "And no... You were not thinking out loud just now" He then gave a mysterious smile. Zastin looking at him with a scary and disturbed look.

Now he can read other's minds? What the hell? Is he really just a bona-fide Earthling!?

"Last time I checked, yes... to both" Zastin gave up as he dismissed the still clearly shell-shocked aliens towards the automatic door.

He was about to talk once more when he caught Rito standing in front of the spaceship. A humungous clear glass in his view.

"This is so awesome! Like so awesome!" Rito giddily exclaimed like an excited kid. Eyeing the giant window as it flew from planet to planet. Completely forgetting what they were talking about.

Zastin looked quite surprised from the show of childish joy. Before dismissing it to ask something.

"What are you doing here Rito-dono?" Zastin refused to asked how this Earthling managed to keep up with their almost light-speed movement airship, bypass their top-notch security and even manage to get in the main deck in the first place.

He had been already bewildered earlier. No need to add anything more extreme. Though that was only wishful thinking.

"Can you ask questions later please?" Rito ignored him in exchange for enjoying the view. "I'm busy enjoying a ride on a freakin U.F.O! How can I not enjoy this!?" He cheered as Zastin sweatdropped.

How can you blame him? Was it his fault that he found U. amazing in their own right? Screw those controversies popping out everywhere in the internet! He was now riding one for crying out loud!

"Eh? It's just a spaceship Rito-dono" Zastin tried to calm the excited teen down. "Surely you wouldn't be this excited. I mean, it's only a matter of transportation" Oops. He stepped on a landmine.

"Just a spaceship!? A matter of transportation!? It's not that simple!" Rito protested heatedly making Zastin reel from shock. "You just don't understand since you get to ride this thing every day!" He pouted jealously while Zastin tried to make sense of this Earthling's... enthusiasm.

...He's got a feeling that he'll be hearing this more frequently than not.

"Look just-" Zastin tried to calm down. He really did. But he was forced to bite his tongue when something drew his attention.

The monitors on the walls suddenly blacken. A red trident shaped icon appeared in each screen. Flickering continuously and emitting a ringing sound as if it was a communication call.

"The royal line!" Zastin straightened himself as he knew who was calling. Then paled before looking at Rito who was tilting his head oh so innocently.

"Somebody calling you Zastin?" Rito asked noticing the screens. "I can wait here. I'll make sure to be quiet" He gave a polite nod.

"No! This isn't just anybody! This is the-" He slammed his hand on one of the desk where he accidentally pressed a button. A button that immediately answered the incoming call.

The lights of the spaceship darkened. The giant windows in front flickered to black, giving zero to no visibility. While a much larger monitor suddenly appeared in front of the deck as it flickered once. Like a television, it immediately lit up. Showing a shadowed figure with an intimidating presence.

Eyes of dark amber blazing amidst the darkness.

Then a sudden gruff voice resounded

A tone of voice coupled with those eyes that immediately made Rito's danger senses go past at an alarming rate.

"Zastin? Have you done the assignment I have given you?" The voice spoke of authority and unlimited power. Something that almost made Rito's body to shake in subordination.

Almost.

"Y-Yes Gid-sama!" Zastin stuttered as Rito also sensed his anxiety. "We managed to find Lala-sama and she is now safe in our hands" The former gave the report with confidence.

"Good" The shadowy figure nodded in satisfaction until he registered Rito's form amidst the dark. Something that was almost impossible to find given the dark setting. But...

His lone chocolate brown eye glowed. Its center blazing amidst the dark.

His distinct light blue eye burned. Its entirety radiating a discernible ripple.

His sets of eyes actually displayed sheer intensity that may not pale in comparison to the one it was subjected to.

"Who are you?" After a pause the gruff voice called. Something akin to... interest evident in his tone.

"Rito. Yuuki Rito. An Earthling" Rito said stoically as his voice portrayed confidence with underlying power. Stepping closer to the monitor as his posture screamed courage.

The two beings stared at each other in intimidating silence. As Zastin looked on in shock as he tried to not be overwhelmed by the terrifying gazes from the two. He had been subjected by both of those stares at least once in his lifetime. But he can't help but notice that this was far heavier than what he had ever seen and felt.

An enigma that surpasses all.

And a King that dominates everything.

Quite a marveling phenomenon had taken place.

"An Earthling?" The figure said with a displease tone. "State your business then" The gruff voice stated as he observed Rito.

"Lala Satalin Deviluke" The shadowy figure perked up from the name. "You're her father correct? Then you're probably the King of the Milky Way galaxy" Rito asked for confirmation.

"How about it? How do you know about my daughter?" The tone then held an underlying aggravation. Something that Rito picked up but still stood his ground defiantly.

"I'm just some innocent bystander that got involved in your daughter's escape plans" Rito elaborated. "And someone... that just got proposed to" The figure's eyes widened in minuscule.

"Zastin!" The indicated alien shot up from being called. "What is going on here!?" The voice demanded while still keeping his eyes on Rito.

"I-It's just as he said Gid-sama!" Zastin hurriedly informed. "While I don't know the intents of this Earthling by going into this ship. It had seemed that Lala-sama decided to give him a proposal to be her husband" As he was about to continue, he wasn't given a chance when the figure spoke.

"What!?" Looking at Rito more closely, he growled. "Did you do something to my daughter? I swear I'll eradicate you where you stand, you Earthling!" The voice erupted.

"I didn't accept it" Rito firmly stated. Wincing slightly from the figure's thunderous tone. But it ultimately rendered the figure silent, waiting for his next words. "I know very well what that implies. But I can assure you. I did not do anything to Lala. Nor can I ever do anything remotely close at all. Zastin here can be my witness"

"Does he speaks the truth Zastin?"

"Yes Gid-sama!" Zastin then spoke with confidence. Something that even surprised himself. "I can assure you that Rito-dono speaks the whole truth. He was even the one that persuaded Lala-sama to go back home" The figure's eyes wore a scrutinizing gaze towards Rito.

The figure's eyes then closed in contemplation. Before opening fully back up.

"Then what is your reason for remaining there Earthling?" The figure asked.

Rito narrowed his defiant gaze.

"I'm here to tell you that Lala's life is only hers. And you have no right even as a parent to disallow her freedom" Zastin jaw slacked upon hearing what Rito just said. The audacity! Sheer impudence!

The pair of dark amber eyes blinked.

"...You have some balls in demanding that to me Earthling" The voice was lucid. A clear threatening tone evident in the figure's gaze. Power seemingly radiated beyond the screen.

"Have you seen what you made Lala do in desperation?" Rito said as the glow in his eyes amplified by seething anger. "How about the chances that she may just drift into another planet with less accommodating inhabitants? I'm just an Earthling from a backwater planet yes. But this Earthling is just one of the few compassionate ones that your daughter met by sheer luck" He gritted his teeth.

"Can you imagine the thought of Lala ever meeting anyone on the bad end of the spectrum? Did that thought ever crossed your mind by how many times Lala escaped from your planet?" Anger fueled his argument. Something about this 'King' truly grated his nerves.

Gone was the lingering sense of fear in his system. Now appeared the hot fueled rage that kept poking the back of his mind when he saw Lala for the first time.

Why was she so comfortable with him even in their first encounter? Why did she instantly trust him? How can someone not see that she had something called freewill too?

"You may be correct on that one Earthling" The figure accepted his argument with a stern gaze. "But what's it to you? You are clearly just a bystander just as you said. You have no right to meddle in our affairs"

The orange haired boy drew a breath.

"Last time Zastin said that..." Rito glowered.

"...You nearly got yourself three aliens ridden with bloody holes right in front of your doorstep"

The figure's eyes looked quite widened from that. And turned to look at Zastin in the corner of his eyes before noticing something.

The upper right corner part of Zastin's armor had been partially destroyed. Upon observing, it had seemed like it had been hit with a spear of some kind.

But he knew of his own planet's technology. Seeing the clearly damaged part of one of the most certified strongest armor up to date made some conclusions to form in his head.

And of course the traces of respect that reflected in Zastin's eyes even now.

He then allowed one more look to graze Rito's form.

Those distinct colored eyes seemingly held something... peculiar. A struggling tempest just waiting to be unleashed with the slightest intent.

His posture never once yields in his presence other than indistinct flinches. But overall, it was courage that made himself look at the suppose Earthling with intrigue. A feat that no one had ever done in his presence, not even his best swordsman.

Finally, the unlimited power seemingly hidden in his being that he was now noticing that appeared similar to his own in a lesser extent.

Things that were now only just being showed as he scrutinized the being known as Yuuki Rito.

"...What is your name again Earthling?" The figure decided to ask.

"Isn't it rude to say my name twice without giving your own?" Zastin was about to reprimand Rito for his behavior when he was stopped with a laugh.

"Hahahahaha!"

The figure laughed from the monitor loudly as it portrayed his amusement. Until it slowly died down as he gave his reply.

"Never once anyone talked like that to me in my presence. It's actually quite refreshing" The figure amusedly stated before his dark amber eyes glowed.

"You've got guts for a mere Earthling, boy. You're very lucky you chose you're words as I can pound your existence to dust!" He proclaimed before continuing.

"The King of the Milky Way Galaxy and the Warmonger of the Galactic Unification War!" He introduced within a thunderous tone. "Gid Lucione Deviluke!"

"Then, how about this?" Gid stated as he portrayed a challenging look. "I challenged you to a fight here in my planet in two month's time. And if you somehow win or at least impress me, I will let Lala get her freedom that she desires. I'm curious to see the strength that you use in gaining my planet's best swordsman's respect" Zastin looked utterly surprised from the challenge.

"But if you inevitably lose... say goodbye to your planet and your very existence" Zastin looked even more shocked as he quickly gazed at his King before looking at Rito.

"No. We'll be holding that fight after two days had passed" The figure showed sudden surprise from Rito's sudden proclamation. "I've already come here prepared. Lengthening it any further is meaningless. I can't make Lala wait to get her freedom that she rightfully owns!"

"...You keep impressing me boy. Just make sure that you're not all talk"

"Don't worry. I've been dying to put a knuckle on your face after hearing what made Lala go desperate" Rito said with a bloodthirsty grin. "You'll end up regretting it if you ever try underestimating me"

"Fine. We'll see. Head to Deviluke with Zastin. You and I will meet in the battlefield after two days. IF you ever flee. Your planet will be the first thing that will pay for your foolishness" Rito scoffed.

"Of course I'm a fool. I'm directly challenging the King of the Milky Way galaxy just because of a girl I hardly met in a day for her freedom. Calling me smart is the last thing I expect. But if I can at least make someone's regrets keep from happening. I'll be happy to oblige"

The figure gave a last appraising look before the monitor flickered off ending the call. Following with the spaceship lighting up as the windows became transparent again.

"...You are a fool Rito-dono" Zastin shook his head exasperatedly.

It was also his first time seeing someone directly challenge their King so brazenly and even mean it. He didn't know if it was because of courage or plain stupidity. Nonetheless, he liked to believe on the former.

Rito suddenly felt his form slumped down. Kneeling on his right knee as he clutched his chest. A shaky grin etched on his face.

"Amazing! I can feel that guy's strength even all the way out here!" Rito stated with a cackle. "I surely did it this time!" Though, he wasn't regretting his decision. He surely felt body was close to giving out just moments prior.

"Gid-sama singlehandedly stopped the galactic war. His skills of combat surpassed any living being I know in the galaxy. And you challenge him without even seeing his tremendous strength firsthand" Zastin informed. "If you're just aiming for mere chances and meager luck. I'm afraid your life and your whole planet is destined to be non-existent"

Rito just chuckled, expectedly confusing Zastin. The former then stood up as the glow in his eyes became dimmer.

"Zastin..." Rito started as he turned his head towards the transparent monitors. "Don't tell Lala that I'm here. I know we'll just see each other in that planet of yours okay?" Zastin didn't appreciate his statement being ignored. But nonetheless nodded.

"And as for your statement... I've lived my life knowing what it feels like to be rid of your freedom. Trust me, it's ugly. You'll keep wishing that you're better off dead than dealing a life that you never wanted" Rito said with a forlorn tone.

"...I just don't want Lala to ever come to that point. I managed to endure it but I can't say the same for her. Regret can make you do things that can only make everything worse" Zastin kept silent. Preferring to listen.

"Well, I'll surely win anyways" Rito confidently said. "Not that I need to beat him. But I'll try to do so along the way" He then shrugged as he looked at Zastin. "I'll be hanging around here. I'll make sure to not touch anything" Before Zastin could ever reply, he found Rito melding with the environment before turning invisible. The sensors in the advanced computers detected no traces of him.

Invisibility!? How many abilities does that Earthling have!?

Zastin sighed once more in where he stood. Already knowing what kind of thoughts that plagued Rito's mind.

The teen was feeling anxious. He was sure of it.

Standing in front of a being such as their King would always give that kind of expression. He was just amazed that the supposed Earthling could withstand the notion of looking afraid or at least show traces of fear.

But his feelings for Lala's situation seem to be the most prevalent...

Who knows? Maybe the Earthling can just prove himself to his King. Maybe it was just him but... his King seems anything but pissed from Rito's earlier brashness.

"Oh yeah Zastin" Rito suddenly said as he appeared out of nowhere, startling him.

"W-What?" Zastin said as he tried to regain his bearing.

"Does this ship come with a communication feature connection to Earth?" He then showed his orange case phone in front of Zastin. "I can't exactly get any signal here"

"It does but... it only connects to the royal family line I'm afraid" Zastin said as he scratched the back of his head in response.

Then silence followed.

Zastin blinked as he saw Rito's face slowly morphing into unadulterated fear. The first ever genuine fear that he showed during his impromptu trip in this spaceship.

"What?" Zastin dumbly asked.

"Mikan's gonna kill me!"

The red flashing lights and alarming sensors went off.

[~][~]LINE BREAK[~][~]

Sorry for the late update! School keeps forcing me to do things I need to get a job.

Anyways, it seems that Rito will be having an early visit to Planet Deviluke!

Now for the reason I did that is because I ended up deciding I wanted to stray from canon even if it's on the early part of this story. You know, to spice things up as I know that all of you may be tried of the constant story line. It's just an experiment. I want to try something different.

So be prepared to see Momo, Nana and maybe even Selphie so early in the story. Don't worry. The twins won't be immediately joining Rito to his trip back on Earth. He'll just have an interaction with them at the least. There will be some character development between the three.

And speaking about character development. You may have noticed that Rito's decison may appear very sudden. Does this mean that he already has feelings for Lala? The latter, possibly yes. But I can tell you that Rito does not currently have any romantic feelings for Lala, yet.

It's just empathy for her situation. That's why I never wrote his lines indicating any kind of romantic implications to be with Lala at first. It's just he understands what type of situation Lala is in.

He only has about one and a half year before he dies. How? I offered you a glimpse in the very first chapter. Why? Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters!

And furthermore... Rito will lose to Gid if they ever fought in this story. Surprised for the spoiler? Well, you shouldn't be. Even with Rito 'weird' abilities. He still has no chance towards Gid's ,wikipedia quote, 'omnipotent powers' in this part of the story.

Oh and an important note. I decided that I'll be delaying some of the updates here in this story. As you may know, this is a crossover fic of CharlotteXToLoveRu. Not exactly a usual pair but it's different right?

The reason for that is because I don't want to spoil any kind of power demonstration even before my main story manages to explain them. As Rito's abilities relies heavily on a certain someone. I'm already risking it in creating this chapter and, even possibly, the incoming ones. Hope you can understand.

Lastly, I'll be stating that this is not a sequel any longer to not make any of you confused. Just imagine it as one of those fics where the main character gets sent on a parallel universe. Similar to most HighschoolDxDXFate/Stay Night crossovers. Because it is. The explanation will come in due time.

Well, that's it! I'll be working on my vocaloid one next. Stay tuned for the next chapter of To Love Ru: Charlotte!