Tokyo Destroyer: Chapter 8: Uplift

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I don't own any of these franchises, though the characters of Ben, Lindsey, and Chaos are of my own creation. So there.

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Chapter 8: Uplift

What has gone before: The Kurusu household: Suu was the first to notice it. "Master! Master! Something's wrong!"

Kimihito had just been about to query Shinichi about his…friend—when the slime girl interrupted. "Suu, can't it wait?"

"No, it can't," said Saitama, who'd maintained his vigil by the window. He hadn't changed his position a bit: he was still staring up into the night sky, one foot propped upon a stool. "I'm very much afraid it can't wait at all."

"What is it, Sai?"

"It's the sky."

"The sky? What about it?"

"It's gone."

….

A handful of microseconds earlier: "Now, Lindsey!"

…..

Now: "Sai? What do you mean, the sky's gone?" But the others had crowded to the windows, and each of them reacted in his or her own way when they saw….a shifting kaleidoscope of colors and shapes that had no basis in any reality they knew. "What…?"

"I'm afraid," said a calm, completely new voice from behind them, "that you all—this entire world—are outside of normal space and time. I'm sorry for the disturbance, but it was kinda necessary."

They whirled to see two strangers: one a large, powerfully built man with jet-black hair, wearing a blue oversuit with a black undersuit beneath it. Beside him was a woman dressed entirely in green, in a green tunic and pants, with a green hooded cape pulled around her. Right then, the hood was pulled up over her face, obscuring the upper half. Strands of coppery-red hair protruded from beneath it. It was impossible to guess their age, but neither of them looked to be more than twenty-five at most. "I'm Ben, and this," the dark-haired man gestured to the woman beside him, "is Lindsay.

"And we're directly responsible for your current predicament.

"At least, the part about you still being alive, that is."

….

Downtown Tokyo: "The time stream? We're in the time stream? When did you do that?"

"That's just it: I didn't. My nemesis has been one busy little god. He's the reason this world is still here."

"Your nemesis? Who's that?"

Ben looked away, rolling his eyes slightly, as though trying to decide how best to put a complicated subject. "Weeeelllllll, actually…

"He's me."

The Kurusu household: Saitama, Shinichi and, more covertly, Kaneki prepared themselves for possible combat. But how had these strangers been able to get in? "Wait," said Kimihito, stepping forward. It gave Miia a kind of a thrill to see her Darling approach the strange pair so, so…fearlessly. "Maybe you could elaborate a little on that? What exactly happened? Where are we, and what's going on?"

"Your world was about to be destroyed by the very entity that leveled Tokyo. Lindsay and I waited until the very last moment, and then teleported this world into," the man gestured towards the ceiling, "this state of existence. We're actually outside of time, outside the universe you knew, outside all universes. We swapped out a lifeless Earth into the path of his world-killer beam. We gambled that he'd not take the time to determine whether the world he destroyed was actually the one he intended to destroy." He paused, shrugging. "I guess even gods can be guilty of hubris, sometimes. Or perhaps especially gods."

"Is that what you are? Gods?"

The man glanced at the woman. "We'll have to do for now. But what we're here about: our enemy is back. Right now, he's in downtown Tokyo, no doubt admiring his handiwork, such as it is.

"Unless we want what almost happened to happen for real, we need to prepare."

….

"He's you?"

"A version of me, yes."

"How's that possible?"

"One of your writers once wrote, to wit, that, in an infinite universe, everything one could possibly think of, and a great many things one would really rather not, exist somewhere.

"The multiverse is infinite, Rize. Hence, there exists a version of me that never met you, that never discarded his pathetic notions of right and wrong. A version that opposes me.

"He's my nemesis, my self-proclaimed adversary."

She was silent, thinking about it all. Finally she decided it really didn't matter all that much. She had a much more important question to ask. "Ben, something I've been meaning to ask you for some time now." Hordes of emergency responders were still rushing past them, but neither of the pair took any heed of the scurrying humans. They were beneath their notice.

"Hm? What's that?"

She turned to him. "You've gone to a lot of trouble on my behalf. Okay, I get that it was hardly any effort for you, but you still didn't have to do it. Why did you?

"What am I, to you?"

He looked at her, that bemused expression on his face, the one she'd come to find both fascinating and infuriating. "That depends. What do you want to be, to me, Rize Kamishiro?

"For that matter, what do you want to be?"

"What do you mean, what do I want to be?"

"Rize, you stand at a unique crossroads, something few individuals ever get the chance for. You can go on as you are…or you can become something more. Something far more.

"I can make you into something far beyond your wildest dreams, Rize. I can Uplift you. You'll never be like me, but you'll be a whole lot more than you are now, more than you can even imagine being.

"And that goes back to my earlier question: what do you want to be, to me? What do you want me to be, to you?" He extended his hand out to her. "What do you say, Rize? Ready to take the next step in evolution?"

Without hesitation, she put her hand in his.

"People," said Saitama, as the strange new pair watched. "I've got to get to Tokyo. If what you're saying is true, we're in more danger now than before. Plus a…friend of mine is on her way there. I've a hunch she'll need help."

"Sai? Is this a good idea?"

"I'm a hero, Kimihito. That means more than just wearing the costume. I have to do something."

Kimihito saw there was no dissuading him. "How will you get there? It's a long way, and I'm sure the trains and buses aren't running there now."

"I can get there, trust me. But I really must go." And with that, he left out the front door. "Once I've done all I can, I'll be back. Okay?"

"Okay, Sai."

Outside: Saitama took one look, getting his bearings. He couldn't actually fly, but he could do the next best thing.

Zeroing in on Tokyo, he crouched down, gathering his arms in front of him, and exploded off the ground.

One Punch Man was on his way to Tokyo.

….

Rize was in extreme pain, but it was a good kind of pain, the pain of growth. She could feel her very nature, the basic matter / energy of which she was composed, altering, becoming something different, something more than it had been. More than she was. "Ben…" she managed to gasp out.

He was right beside her, holding her up. "We might should have done this back home. You may need to recover a bit."

"No…I'll…be fine." She could feel the waves of power (?) coming off of him, going into her, changing her. Already, her previous life seemed ludicrously simplistic, now that she could see.

It had been fun, feeding off the humans. At the time, that was all she knew. One's existence is bound by those things, those experiences, that one can imagine. How do you explain the color green to someone born without sight, without even the concept of sight?

But now…

Now the horizons of her imagination were expanding. Except it was far, far more than that.

For the first time in her life, she saw.

Even as she changed, she knew there was no going back. Not even Ben himself could take back what he was giving. He could take back the power, yes, but not the evolution that was taking place in her mind, her soul.

So this is what evolution really is, she thought, not some puerile biological change. It was similar to a primitive caveman hefting a rock, thinking how it might could be used to multiply his own innate force…and a modern day human calculating the mathematics of space-time. Understanding it.

…..

One good thing, thought Fubuki, about the disaster, was that the roads into the city were virtually free of traffic. "Now, remember," she told the others, "when we get there, the rest of you fan out. Stay in communication, of course. I'll head for the heart of the devastation." She turned to Glasses. "You've got the Geiger counters?"

"Yeah, boss, right here." A wave of the stick-sensor. "Brand new. But so far, none of 'em's picked up anything."

Fubuki chewed a lip. "I hope there's nothing for them to find. All the news media keeps saying it wasn't a bomb, but I don't know what else it could have been."

Mountain Ape leaned forward. "Could it have been a monster that had, like, bomb-like powers?"

"That's what I'm thinking. Missiles, bombs…all those should be pretty easy to detect, in this day and age." She looked around at them. "What?"

"Er, boss? Is it really a good idea to get separated?"

"Going in as a group just makes the group an easy target, especially if the thing, whatever it is, has some sort of WMD-like ability. But we stay in touch. The first sign of anything unusual, we converge on it." Privately, she was hoping to be able to find and neutralize the threat without the group's help, for two reasons: one, she wanted the collar all for herself, and two…

…she was, frankly, concerned about the lives of her teammates.

Fubuki had, like Amon before her, concluded that now would be a perfect time for someone to insert a bio agent of some sort. There were many nations who'd be willing, able, and even eager to do a number on Japan. North Korea was her prime suspect right now: they had the nukes and motivation. Presumably it wouldn't be hard to come up with something else nasty to send their way. Although she couldn't think of any reason why North Korea wouldn't press on with a strictly nuclear assault. It would be so much more melodramatic that way, and the Powers That Be in that rogue state did seem to get off on melodramatics.

But that only meant they might launch another one. Having the group spread out meant at least some of them were more likely to survive, and maybe find out something.

Nobody ever said the life of a hero was supposed to be safe.

"I heard on the news it was supposed to be ghouls who did it."

"That's stupid. Why would ghouls bomb the very city they live in? That'd be like a cattle rancher blowing up his own ranch in order to slaughter his cattle."

"So who do you think-*?"

"That's what we're here to find out." It would be awesome, she thought, if the Blizzard Group could actually resolve this matter, take down the bad guy or guys. Their track record hadn't been the best in the world; bad luck and just plain not-good-luck had dogged their steps. Fubuki sighed inwardly, careful not to let the others see her do so. If only they'd been able to persuade that stuck-up Saitama to join up… She wondered why he didn't contract up with somebody. Made no sense.

The outskirts of the city hove into view. "Hold on, people." Using a new technique she'd been experimenting with, she levitated the car while bending the light rays around it, effectively making it invisible. She levitated it right over the heads of the MP's stationed there to keep the curious, the souvenir hunters, and the just-plain-weird out. It took a lot of her power, but it would be more than worth it if they could just catch the whatsis with its proverbial pants down. If they were successful, then would be the time to announce their presence.

She realized that was a lot of "ifs." But it was important that a leader inspire confidence in those they lead, so she did her best to put up a good front.

And against a whatsis that could devastate one of the largest cities on Earth, they'd need all the confidence they could get.

…..

Tatsumaki had had an uneventful flight so far. Just then coming into the northernmost edge of the city, she paused a moment to get her bearings. There: the smoke still rising from the center of the city. She winced. Saitama hadn't been exaggerating; it was a mess.

She cast around with her senses, trying to find some evidence of a monster or human villain anywhere nearby. She doubted any of them—monster or villain—would have any reason to hang around in the vicinity, but it was standard operating procedure. Besides, it wasn't unheard of for villains to hang around the scene of their handiwork, admire it a little, maybe post a selfie on Facebook. Grab a burger or something.

Speaking of, her stomach rumbled. Flying that far took up a lot of calories, and even though she was watching her weight, she knew she'd best stop somewhere and refuel.

Damn. She'd forgotten her credit cards again.

Sighing, she started looking around the edge of the destroyed area. Maybe somebody had set up an emergency food cart or something.

…..

The Blizzard Gang set down in the shadow of what had once been a mighty skyscraper. Fubuki shuddered inwardly when she thought about what must have gone on here. What must it have been like for the people living here? Those that were left—Fubuki passionately hoped no children had been deprived of their parents and vice versa, but she knew that wasn't the way these things usually went—those that were left would, no doubt, be severely traumatized.

If a monster caused this, Fubuki was determined to show it no mercy.

"Hey, Ape, I didn't get a Geiger counter."

"I know I packed enough for us all. Anybody else missing any?"

"I'm missing one, too," said Glasses.

"I know I packed enough for us all." He went to the car. There, on the floorboards of the rear seat, were two counters. He patted his pockets. "Who's got the keys?" Everybody shrugged. "I thought you had 'em."

"Oh, snap." He turned to Fubuki, who was still surveying the devastation. "Uh, boss?"

"Hm? What is it?" She was still standing before the fractured wall, feeling it, trying to see if her powers could tell her anything.

"Er, uh, I, uh, left two Geiger counters locked in the car. Along with the keys. Could, uh, you….?"

Fubuki sighed, closing her eyes and leaning her head against the broken wall. Maybe I should just give up and become an adult video star.

.

Saitama's initial leap carried him a good fifteen miles. At this rate, he'd be in Tokyo in minutes.

A while back, he'd learned a little trick. Rather than just blindly leaping, he'd learned to use his cape as a kind of directional parachute, an air-rudder or flap, such as airplanes had. It wouldn't hold him up, of course, but he could, by shifting it one way, then another, control the direction of his flight, and land closer to the areas he'd intended. It took a bit of skill, but he'd practiced out in unpopulated areas. He'd gotten quite good at it.

There: the outskirts of Tokyo. He was amazed at the sheer amount of destruction. Whoever, whatever did this would be a worthy foe indeed. They might actually require more than one punch.

He landed on the outskirts of the city, looking around, getting his bearings. The epicenter appeared to be several miles inward. Rather than leap, he began running in that direction…

…..

"Alright," said Kimihito, back at his home, "you say we've got to prepare. Why us? From what you say, there's no way any of us have anything like the power required here."

The one who'd called himself Ben turned and briefly glanced at the one he'd introduced as Lindsey—and replied, "That is true. However, I—make that we—can sense probabilities, to a certain degree. This group is going to be pivotal in deciding this matter…one way or another.

"But I have to warn you: some of you may not survive.

"In any case, we can boost your power levels up to a point where it won't be such an uneven contest. You won't be able to go up against Chaos himself, but you will be able to hold your own with…others."

"So he's not alone?"

"No. He came for…" And here he turned his gaze upon Kaneki. "He came for Rize Kamishiro." Kaneki started. "Some of you may already be familiar with her.

"They apparently have some kind of relationship, though exactly what, I couldn't say."

"Rize," muttered Kaneki. "I thought she was dead." Standing beside him, Touka took his arm, shook her head ever so slightly: don't let on, Kaneki. Ever.

But Kimihito noticed. He turned to his cousin. "You know this person?"

"Let's just say…we've met. And if she's back in the picture…he's right. Things are about to get a whole lot worse."

"Who is she?"

"It's not so much what she is," Ben interjected, before Kaneki could say anything, "as it is what she's becoming."

"What's that?" Kaneki was almost afraid of the answer, though he'd already half-guessed it.

"She's becoming a lot more than she was."

…..

Ben finally broke contact, and caught Rize before she could fall to the ground. Several EMTs rushing past noticed the pair. "You, uh, need some help, sir?"

"Oh, no. Everything's fine. My friend is okay. Just getting used to a few things." The EMTs moved off.

Ben half—carried Rize to a more private area. "Rize? Still with me here?"

"Y-yes, Ben. But…you were right; it takes some getting used to." Already, her head was clearing, and she could see the lines of probability that formed the invisible yet inevitable world an oblivious humanity—which had included herself up until now—moved and swam through every day. She could see those same lines that had moved her up to the point where…"Kaneki. He's alive." Even as she spoke, she could feel an inrush of…of…power? Vitality? Something…coming into her, accelerating her already robust vitality. It was an incredible experience.

"Yes. The first of Kanou's experiments. But he was a bit of a disappointment to the good doctor."

Something like true love shone in her eyes. "He's mine. Nobody gets to kill him but me."

"Power ups? Don't mean to sound ungrateful, but what can we do? We're only a few people. Shouldn't you be taking this to the authorities? The EDF?" Kuroko Smith had joined the group, and they filled her in.

"No. In this, your authorities will be virtually helpless. Lindsey and I," he gestured to the woman, who still hadn't made a sound, "will take on Chaos, but, as I said, he won't be alone. So…that's where you come in."

"Alright," said Kimihito, resolutely. "What do we do?" As long as it doesn't involve…my friends.

The big man seemed to sense that. "Only a few of you will be suitable to this task. And the power-ups, as you call them, will be tailored for each individual. Shinichi? You go with Lindsey. Kimihito, you come with me."

"Me?! I don't have any powers to power-up!"

"You'll still need a little something to survive what's about to come. Lindsey? You'll see about the MON team, won't you?" The woman in green nodded, the upper half of her face still concealed by her hood. Kimihito found that a bit disturbing. He wondered what was under that hood. But he followed Ben into an empty room. Once there, Ben turned to him. "Alright. Are you ready to begin?"

"It'd help a lot if you'd tell my why I'm so special."

Ben spread his hands. "I can't. Not because I don't know, but because if I did tell you, it would have the effect of negating your 'specialness.' Now. If you're ready—and I warn you, it may not be pleasant—take my hand." He extended his right arm, and Kimihito hesitated. "Kimihito. I know you have doubts, reservations. You don't even know if I'm on your side or not. I can promise you I am, but then, that's what I'd say if I wasn't, so I guess that's no good. But…I need you to have faith. This will enable you to, not only survive, but to…protect others. Especially," and here, his dark eyes seemed to bore into Kimihito's, "Especially one other."

Well, you put it like that…

….

"So. What now?" asked Ben. He and Rize were walking through the devastation of Tokyo.

"You know," she said, looking around, "You could have been a bit more subtle when you first arrived here."

"What's the point of having unlimited power if you can't make a flashy entrance once in a while?"

"Hm. Good point, I guess. So now." She looked up, though she didn't have to. "I sense they're coming. Plus a couple of others." She turned to him. "You don't mind if I handle them alone, do you? I need to test myself, see what I'm capable of."

He looked askance. "You sure? You do know, they won't be what you've faced before. They won't be easy prey."

Again, she looked him square in the eyes, those self-same eyes she'd had a problem looking into before. She remembered the old tales about how it was dangerous, if not outright fatal, for mortals to see the gods in their natural state…but she was no longer entirely mortal, herself. "I'm sure. Though I will, I know…perhaps not be as successful as I'd like. I lack the experience you have. But I have to do this. I can't go on depending on you for everything. After all." She lifted her chin and smiled, "that would do a number on my self-esteem. We certainly can't have that."

"Alright. But I'll…be around, maybe not visibly, though. I do have a few things that require my direct attention. But…I'll be available."

"Ben…you never did answer my question."

"Hm? What question was that?" It was sort of annoying; she knew he hadn't forgotten.

"What am I, to you?"

"What do you want to be?"

"You know, in anyone else, I'd call that response a lack of courage."

He paused a moment. Then, "You're right. I guess it is. Even destroyer gods can lack courage, sometimes. In…certain situations." He turned and faced her squarely. "I want you to be what you've always been, Rize Kamishiro. I want you to be…mine. My companion. My other half. My advisor, my connection to the world of mortals. Unlike you, I was never mortal, so some things…are unfamiliar to me."

Now she looked away. "I'm…not sure if I'm capable of that, Ben."

He took her hand. "We have literally forever to find out." And then he did something that took her completely by surprise, even though she'd been halfway expecting it: he reached over and kissed her, full on the lips.

She found it was…the most exhilarating experience she'd ever had. And the thought flashed through her head: whoever's known the love of a god can never again be satisfied with the touch of a mortal man.

She wouldn't have had it any other way.

To be continued…