Tornadoes For Sighs
-Chapter 13-
Run Away
TATSUMAKI REGRETTED HELPING THAT PILLBUG HEAD.
City C was slow, nothing ever attacked. Paparazzi found her then news of Tornado of Terror in City C got everywhere.
The narrative that, "TORNADO OF TERROR-SAMA IS NOBLE ENOUGH TO SACRIFICE TIME WITH HER FIANCE AT HERO APPRECIATION EVENT SO THAT INHABITANTS IN CITY C ARE SAFE!" was spun by Amai Mask, who said that she wanted to protect the unseen cities.
If no one knew she was in City C, she could have gotten her date with Dr. Gray but nooo, everyone lauded her. The attention on Tatsumaki drew monsters to the calm city, which was bad. She snuffed out malicious Mysterious Beings left and right without any reprieve.
Usually, Tatsumaki's psychokinesis was such a sweet, exalting power to have but now it was irritating. Infuriating.
Tatsumaki couldn't see Dr. Gray after begging him. Tatsumaki wanted to see Dr. Gray on their first… er, date but her feelings don't move accordingly to her expectations. Instead of kisses, Tatsumaki was covered in gore and guts.
Here Tatsumaki was, disgusting and alone. For the first time, Tatsumaki didn't want to work—
"Wait. I am a hero, saving sorry butts for a living. I am married to my job and getting the weak out of tight spots. I won't quit like Atlas. I want to work! I WANT IT!" Tatsumaki shouted so that the gods could hear.
Compliments were wasted words. Caring was creepy. Love was just a trick. A lie people told themselves. But Tatsumaki loved her work. She built walls instead of bridges. She liked killing monsters, proving who was strong and who wasn't. Human interaction was the worst part of humanity. Working and being with others was a huge waste of time.
Tatsumaki hated lying.
Tatsumaki genuinely wanted to prove everyone wrong that yes, she isn't horrible all the time. She could make someone happy by… being herself. She wanted someone to believe in her until she was gone then wanted her back for more.
Work was boring and life was boring, lost in the mundane. Tatsumaki met Dr. Gray while looking for work. Each of her reasons to work alone has been broken BY … DR. GRAY—
What was that sound?! Shit.
Nobody evacuated downtown because Tatsumaki killed all the monsters.
Tatsumaki missed one.
In this calm avenue lined with trees, a huge monster disrupted the atmosphere. There was a mess of rubble and concrete where a building used to be.
The child hostage was silent. The girl was happy in a frilly pink dress with shiny shoes. Her Showa era hairstyle gleamed as the Mysterious Being held her over its mouth.
The mysterious being had a sinister laugh, charred laughter and a burning essence. The air stunk of lighter fluid and burnt matches. The potency stung Tatsumaki's eyes and made the back of her throat sour.
The Mysterious Being cackled at Tatsumaki. "Another school girl. Tasty human girls. Wonder if you'll taste the same in a pancake."
He picked up a table-sized boulder and hurled it at Tatsumaki. Tatsumaki dodged it easily.
"Throwing a boulder means you're prepared to have it thrown back at you, yes?! Let the girl go. Hands off. Make the right choice. I'm curious about what your brain's made up of!" was what she'd normally say but this guy had a hostage.
Provocations made the Mysterious Beings take their anger out on humans. So, Tatsumaki sighed. "Don't look down on me."
"Oh, ho, ho, I like playing with amateurs."
"You find death to be a game? Put on a better show. I'm yawning." Tatsumaki crossed her arms. "You're the mouse, I'll be the lioness."
The Mysterious Being roared. "Why're you the lion? Are you scared, are you going to cry? You need a hug?"
"I don't care for hugs but if you wanna cry, tell me. Hands-off or I will make you go extinct. Let her go. You'll get a short ride to the grave anyway. I'll hold your hand all the way, honey."
Tatsymaki smashed a nearby boulder in half. One half hurtled into the monster's stomach then crushed his elbow. With a curdling scream of pain, he tossed the hostage aside.
Tatsumaki caught the girl on the flat part of the other boulder. The girl landed with surprising agility.
Instead of screaming, the girl's eyes lit up. Her face brightened up like the sun, back turned onto the monster.
"Hey! Hey!" The girl waved enthusiastically with both hands. "You're her! I found you!"
This happiness wasn't healthy. People fainted, vomited or froze in shock in front of monsters. This girl smiled as if she saw the ice cream truck roll by.
Tatsumaki needed 15 seconds until the Mysterious Being died. The girl jumped like a bouncy ball on the moving boulder.
The boulder zoomed away from the Mysterious Being while Tatsumaki tried to stop her from moving. The Mysterious Being tried to knock the girl out of the air when he wasn't screaming.
The Mysterious Being squirmed with agonizing pain, the boulder using its body like a punch card.
"Hey kid, stay real still. I'm bringing you to my side," Tatsumaki said gently, ignoring the beating the monster got. "I'm going to save you and I'll kill him—"
"No!" The girl stomped her foot, a stubborn edge to her voice. "Don't expose me to violence! I haven't seen anything horrible. You can't start to ruin that. Settle this somewhere else, we have to go home."
Then the girl stared Tatsumaki down with the intimidation a kid shouldn't have. It didn't work.
No violence? What did she mean we? Tatsumaki was at a loss. The girl could run away or close her eyes. Even so, the Mysterious Being started dodging Tatsumaki's attacks. Intelligent motherfucker.
The girl grinned. "Anyway, I'm excited to see your game show in City A this Tuesday! It'll be so cool—" she faltered and stumbled.
The girl stoically dropped twenty feet in the air without a peep. She didn't beg or cry out, she simply reached in Tatsumaki's direction with open arms. The trusting expression directed towards Tatsumaki threw the esper off.
Tatsumaki's body felt the weight in her arms before her brain made the decision. With how this girl was latched on, Tatsumaki couldn't catch up as the chortling Mysterious Being escaped.
Tatsumaki followed the monster's every movement, an unspoken threat in her steady gaze. Next fucking time.
Why didn't Tatsumaki just catch the girl with telekinesis and squash the monster?
Tatsumaki chose the girl. It was instinct, to pummel this monster and win, win, win. But saving a life was more important than winning a battle.
Tatsumaki attempted to set the girl down but the girl held on, patting Tatsumaki's back.
"You were scared." the girl concluded, watching Tatsumaki's angry expression.
"No. I was worried. Very different. Don't put legs on a snake." Tatsumaki tsked.
"Then they'd be a lizard, lady." she laughed, the sound like wind chimes. "I like my cat better."
"Me too. I like cats way better. They're my choice." Tatsumaki smiled.
Dr. Gray's face flashed in front of her eyes.
The girl trilled on about her cat, not loud and awful. The girl cuddled up to Tatsumaki's arms didn't treat Tatsumaki like a child. Usually, adults and kids assumed Tatsumaki was an overgrown toddler.
They were near an old railway and the gigantic lake near office buildings. People in the shopping district watched Tatsumaki comfort a small, fearless girl who didn't ask for help.
Tatsumaki set the girl down. "Helping people is high on my agenda but don't stay quiet." Tatsumaki poked the girl's forehead. "Use your brain under your pretty hair."
The girl's thin eyebrows wiggled a bit. "I knew I'd be okay. My brother could protect me." She puffed out her chest. "He saves everyone."
Ah. The girl had a sibling. When talking about her brother, the girl's eyes shone like diamonds, her voice prideful and affectionate. Kind of haughty.
"That's what big brothers do. They're the greatest heroes." Tatsumaki winked.
"I agree. He's a stubborn oaf but he does his best not to expose me to violence," she nodded boastfully then ducked a bit, showing a little caution. "And there was a giant monster around here."
"You really don't like violence, huh?"
"It's gross and I see too much of it." The girl shuddered.
"It wears me out." Tatsumaki amended, thinking of all the arguments she's gotten into.
"Right. I'd rather just play music so everyone could listen together. It's my favourite thing. I go to the mall too, just to shop, just to get new dresses and get ice cream."
"I like ice cream. We might be able to share dresses one day." Tatsumaki shrugged.
"Share away!" The kid clapped.
Tatsumaki leaned in. "Can I share advice with you? I'll get you ice cream after this with three scoops. It was illegal while I grew up. Consider this your lucky day outta the slammer, kid."
The girl shrugged for a moment, so downtrodden, reminiscent of a drowned kitten. "My brother lets me get two. He says three will make it fall over and then he yells at the ice cream or the storeowner for having bad ice cream."
"Ah. He's lame." Tatsumaki said to herself.
"My brother's not lame! Don't say that!"
"I meant the store-owner. Calm yourself. The scoops don't stick, huh. I've got a solution." Tatsumaki announced with a conspiring look in her eye.
"What is it?"
"Me." Tatsumaki danced green energy in her palm, balancing three pebbles onto one another. Swirls and curls fascinated the girl.
"You're amazing." The girl squealed loudly, clapping her hands.
"Ah. There it is. Your voice is too small. Have a volume of 8 million gods."
"There are 8 million gods?"
"Yeah, kami represent infinity in an old way. We'd all tell you, don't be quiet when you're in danger—" the girl protested but Tatsumaki smirked. "Or if you don't think you're in danger. Okay?"
The girl watched Tatsumaki skeptically.
"You get that in your head. You got your brother but trust me. I got a slow-burn wonderfulness. As a top hero, I work too much and come home after dark but trust me. I face those demons every day, don't stay quiet." Tatsumaki patted the girl's hair.
The girl observed her carefully, eyes wide and young. "Is it cold after work?"
"At home after work…" Tatsumaki opened her mouth with a big inhale, like her words needed the extra support, and darted her gaze up. "The coldest."
The girl frowned. "Put up the heat."
"It's an adult type of coldness." Tatsumaki smiled wistfully. "Kid… If you can't fight back, run away with every you have. If you can't throw a punch or move your body, raise your voice. I'll be listening for it."
The girl noticed Tatsumaki's slight tiredness and shortness of breath. "Did you come running to save me?"
Tatsumaki nodded. "Always."
"I really like that. Can we get hot chocolate, too?" she asked excitedly.
"Oh, the devil's water? Are you cold? Ice cream is totally counter-intuitive."
"Pfft. No. I want both!"
Tatsumaki gaped at the girl. "We'd have to go to two stores. You still want your teeth to rot like that?"
"Yep. I'll show you around. Also, I wanna spend time with you. You said you were cold after work, I think after cleaning up the streets, you'd want hot chocolate. Or hot milk."
That's so sweet and thoughtful. Her heart crooned. When acknowledging Tatsumaki didn't like fish, beef, chicken, plums or most fruits— she was rather out of prospects when eating food. Hm. Maybe she'll fix that. Probably never.
"I don't eat a lot of stuff," Tatsumaki shrugged.
"You're nothing like my brother!" The girl laughed. "You could have coffee but you grown-ups should drink hot chocolate more. Can my brother come? He's gonna eat so many pancakes, he eats a lot. He's like a huge, cool vacuum."
"Eh. Can we tell your brother where we are?"
"Oh. He knows." The girl giggled at Tatsumaki's disbelieving expression. "He knows everything. I want ice cream as a reward for holding my own against that jerk."
So this guy is irresponsible, too.
"You were very brave. I was small and weak at your age. I got better, do you trust me to save you next time and ask for help from my colleagues, too?" Tatsumaki asked.
"I want you to help me." the girl said loudly.
Tatsumaki patted her head. "Oh alright. I'll save you."
The girl frowned, eyes suspiciously roving over Tatsumaki's face. "You promise, no matter what?"
That 'no matter what' part got Tatsumaki internally flinching. Eh, Tatsumaki will never see this kid ever, again so a promise didn't matter. And it'll kickstart the kid's self-preservation skills.
"Yeah. Even your brother. I promise. No one will ever hurt you. They'd be a volunteer for today's butt-kicking." Tatsumaki smiled mischievously, punching the air as a demonstration.
The girl looked relieved and happy. Tatsumaki's arms were noodles but she did have her telekinesis, so there. It didn't matter if she had noodle arms.
"You'd promise, huh?" A deep, male voice rumbled, cutting through the air like a cracking glacier. "What the hell is this?"
Tatsumaki looked up to Badd with his furious gaze, wide black pants and aggressive stance. He was in City A, what was he doing here?
"Ah, little brat. You caught me at a bad time, huh. Well, I've gotta get back to getting this girl back to her family." Tatsumaki stood, ready for another screaming match.
The girl vanished from Tatsumaki's side, throwing herself into Badd's stiff arms. "Onii-chan!" she cried out happily.
Tatsumaki made a choked sound. ONII-CHAN?! They both had irritated eyes, shiny black hair clipped away from their faces and the same stubborn stare. How did she not realize this before?!
"Zenko." Badd breathed her name like a silent prayer. "You're alright. You toughed it all out. That's my girl."
Fretting, Badd set Zenko down. Badd shrugged off his leather jack and draped across Zenko's shoulders, swallowing her in fabric. Zenko looked all too annoyed to be coddled by her older brother. However, Zenko leaned on his bat with the familiarity a general had with a gun.
Badd glared at Tatsumaki with the evil eye. "And now you, Tornado of Terror, if I see one scratch I'll come after ya—"
Zenko swatted Badd's leg. "Don't come after this nice lady. She's the one who saved me. She's even getting me ice cream then hot chocolate."
"Yeah, Badd." Tatsumaki chirped petulantly, folding her arms.
"Don't accept nothing from strangers." Badd tsked. "Zenko, why'd you run off? I told you to stay in the house. Even Tama's stressed out! You know she's not in the right state. You cannot leave my side like that. I didn't think you'd get on the train back home from City A."
Zenko hunted Tatsumaki down from City A? Zenko was just a random thing that happened to Tatsumaki. Not that Zenko ditched Badd, hopped on a train from City A to City C then got attacked by a Mysterious Being without being scared. Damn.
Zenko tugged on Badd's arm with a grin. "She promised no matter what, she'd save me and you. And guess what, I like her. SO, we'll ALL go back to her house and we'll have more fun and dinner."
Hell no. That rash promise wasn't meant to be taken seriously. Tatsumaki didn't want the obligation and half-worries. Zenko wasn't supposed to trust Tatsumaki. No one should put purpose in Tatsumaki's stupid words.
"Huh?" Tatsumaki stared at Badd. "What did you tell her? Wrecking my rep, huh, imp?"
"Imp?! Shut up!" Badd got a touch defensive. "What the hell does it matter what I say? My sister's the one who was in danger because of you. She came to hunt you, did so, and succeeded because she's intelligent. Still, I'm the one who protects her to the teeth because of your bad decision."
He was blaming the wrong person but Tatsumaki was happy she met Zenko.
Tatsumaki waved her hand. "Okay. Whatever. Just know that you guys aren't staying in my home because there isn't an adult, right? I'll get going and find that monster—"
"What about my ice cream?" Zenko piped up, disappointed.
Tatsumaki paused. "You could get ice cream at the Hero Appreciation Festival. You'll see all your favourite stars and everything. Amai Mask's there. He's… He's a good musician. I've seen better but he'll be there." Tatsumaki declared without gagging.
Zenko pouted, setting Badd off into loud curses and insults. "Oi! Don't make this seem that light. Zenko's so precious that she skipped the Hero Appreciation Day event just to see your sorry ass." Badd pointed at Tatsumaki accusingly.
Zenko didn't look unhappy about it. "I wanted to m-meet you but onii-chan lied to me about what you were like," Zenko explained.
Badd jumped back. "Hah?! I would never, ever lie to you. She's just being weird now." Badd eyed Tatsumaki. "I don't know what she's pulling, throwin' a damn curve-ball like this."
"You're just rude!" Tatsumaki squawked. "I'm great. If you want me to leave you alone, actually take care of yourself! Or her. Either one will do you good."
"Hey, no. Do you have the right to stop me? You're just an outsider hag." Badd shouted. "Shut the hell up."
"I just got told to shut the hell up. How refreshing." Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "You know what, I'll go back to killing monsters. You both will meet Fubuki at your house with your rules. I'll go on with my life and you know, prosper. Loudly." Tatsumaki said pointedly to Badd.
Tatsumaki paused. "Take her out for ice cream, will you? Three scoops. If you don't I'll hunt you down and break your bat."
"Like that's possible. I'll break every bone of yours." Badd countered with a serious expression. "Call the hospital."
"You think that ambulance will be for me?" Tatsumaki scoffed.
Zenko cuffed her brother's bicep, squirming in his arms. "Don't fight! All this anger will melt my ice cream!" she pouted.
It was nice… meeting that girl but this was none of her business. She itched to take a shower and hunt down that monster. Tatsumaki took off but before she got far, she heard loud footsteps.
"Wait! I didn't think you'd wanna be alone." Zenko cried.
Tatsumaki turned around. What?
Zenko obviously spoke but Badd scooped her up. "But onii-chan! She has to see it." Zenko insisted, struggling against him.
Zenko had puppy-dog eyes, staring at Badd who shook his head. Zenko was asking for permission to do something.
"Fubuki left a note. I don't want to wait around for her," Zenko said earnestly, fighting to get out of her brother's grasp.
After a chop to Badd's collarbone and a couple of choice words, Zenko landed on her feet.
Zenko waved a square piece of paper in her hand like a flag. Tatsumaki pulled the note into her hand with her powers. And the note read;
Hey, Tornado of Terror…
I know you love me, truly, but your love is a total pain. It's toxic and controlling. I know you have a stubborn, strong personality. You act on your own convenience so no one follows you. I moved out to become successful on my own, to not depend on you.
Don't bother coming to Daruma's birthday party if you do not change your behaviour. We'll go shopping again when that happens. You have a different, changing fashion sense. Please change, I want to have a sister again. Please, please, just try.
-Fubuki ❄
Tatsumaki crumpled the note in one hand. Fubuki can be a stone-cold bitch.
Fine! Tatsumaki won't intrude on Atlas and Kizashi's family time anyway. Tatsumaki had the hope for a brief, cleansing fight rather than a long, excruciating conflict. But now… Fubuki's a stranger.
Kizashi was the one who wanted Tatsumaki's presence. Did it matter if Tatsumaki was there?! Frankly, Tatsumaki expected this disdain. Why break this circle that's been placed around her?
Tatsumaki envied Fubuki's natural glamour and adored her style. Fubuki was the one who styled Tatsumaki's hero outfit. They had matching collars when they joined the Hero Association together. They felt closer, looked closer— like sisters.
This hurt. A lot. She wanted her sister back. She watched Fubuki becoming a small dot then disappearing.
Zenko's voice interrupted Tatsumaki's unproductive self-reflection time.
"You don't need new clothes," Zenko said certainly, running up to Tatsumaki. "I like you and you are stylish."
This kid was unnaturally fresh and gentle. She cheered Tatsumaki up even if both Zenko and Badd read the note.
Badd growled, "Don't look so happy, it's not that hard."
Ignoring the neanderthal, Tatsumaki gestured to the crumpled letter. "You read it, yeah. Why aren't you running away?" Tatsumaki asked Zenko. "I'm mean, selfish and arrogant. Go back to Metal Bat. Don't hesitate. Bye, bye. My kindness is just fake."
"No thanks." Zenko grinned.
Tatsumaki's good advice was thrown to the winds. "Why not?" she demanded.
"You're like my brother," Zenko leaned in, checking over her shoulder then whispering, "not everyone knows how nice you are. You were being nice to me and that wasn't fake. You're not being something you aren't, aren't you just being yourself?"
Tatsumaki narrowed her eyes. How could a brat be better than Tatsumaki at surmounting a life-crisis? Zenko said exactly what Tatsumaki wanted to hear, so happily sure.
How could someone with no clue be so confident?
"I just do what I want, that's the problem." Tatsumaki shrugged.
"Do whatever you want. I think you'll do nice things from now on. Even if you are mean, I'll knock you straight and narrow. I'm strong." Zenko smiled and held up her small fist.
"You are. Aren't you? For making it this far, you've gone through a lot." Tatsumaki said gently.
Getting a compliment from Zenko was kind of a breath of fresh air.
Tatsumaki had head-shaking amusement at Zenko's needless trust in Tatsumaki. Tatsumaki had blazing wrath, prideful attitudes, walls and such but this girl still complimented her.
Zenko wasn't saying it outright but they needed help. It wasn't about Tatsumaki, it was about Badd and Zenko, kids who could benefit from her.
God, Tatsumaki had a fight about this with Fubuki. How could Tatsumaki be a hypocrite?
Fubuki wasn't coming back, Tatsumaki didn't need the house and they were defenceless kids who didn't have a place to stay. Even if there's something small that needed help, Tatsumaki couldn't ignore it.
Even before, Tatsumaki was the clumsy, tiny underdog but that never stopped her from doing something.
People lingered in the past. Tatsumaki didn't need to. Tatsumaki's obsessive need to be needed… and to save people was still a quirk. A good quirk.
Was this how crazy Atlas was for adopting Tatsumaki? Tatsumaki wiped a hand against her face, slightly appalled. I'm just like Atlas, taking in damaged, violent orphans who rebel without care, she groaned.
There was sentimentality and embarrassment when recognizing Atlas in her quirks. For years, Tatsumaki shamed Atlas for being big-hearted and fostering others… Guess what she's doing. SIGH!
"I don't have a remote at home. Well, not really," Tatsumaki admitted. "I change my channels psychically, so I lose the remote. You'll be able to find it somewhere. I wake up early, 5 am and I check my emails. I say I don't cook but I do. Lady Shibabawa will invite you to dinner at least once a month. I can whip up a mean miso soup with yuzukoshō. Every breakfast in my home has an apple or a cool fruit or a vegetable. You don't have to wear slippers if you're sitting on the couch watching TV. Oh yeah, no Amai Mask movies. Unless I get to make fun of them. I still get invited to every premiere, so you will be, too."
"What do you mean?" Badd gnarled.
Tatsumaki tipped her chin up. "If you live in my home, you have to get high grades. I care about the elite and they gather in my presence." she clicked her tongue. "No slacking off."
"Hey! He's failing ALL of his classes and I'm small and 9," Zenko complained.
"That isn't what I said. The weak are those who don't care. You have to try your best, do everything to achieve your goals. Self-respect and confidence are a must."
"Oh," Zenko beamed. "That's fine."
"Run away. I'm awaiting it. Shoo." Tatsumaki looked at Zenko and Badd expectantly. "You both sure you're up for it? It's a laundry list of reasons to say no. Tell me I'm not making sounds formed in a vacuum."
Badd and Zenko were planted in place, Badd with a stupid expression. Zenko smiled a lot.
"You're different." Zenko giggled. "You talk all rough but you care more than anyone else in the world. That's all I need to know."
Tatsumaki leaned down. "I'm overbearing. I'll peel your grapes. I'll call you in the morning then once in the evening. Wake you up and force you to floss, brush your teeth and shower. I'll probably fold all your clothes and make you tell me about your day. Then we'll all have matching slippers, cups and apple-decorated mugs. If someone I know coughs, I'll get medicine and a cold compress. I'll give you water or jelly or congee— something good to eat all the meanwhile chasing you with the thermometer. I'm annoying." she warned. "Seriously."
Badd looked away. "I don't expect you to care but Zenko is my responsibility. Not yours. I don't want your "my house, my rules" attitude."
"I'm a tyrant and a slave driver when it comes to everything else but if you live under my roof, it should be what works for everyone instead of what works for me. If you want to bounce, then bounce and I'll never say anything ever again." Tatsumaki bit her lip. "Most of all, I'll keep you safe. In the meantime."
Surprisingly, they didn't run. Tatsumaki did all those things for Fubuki and Fubuki left. Tatsumaki did something wrong, clung on too hard. Maybe Tatsumaki should be distant or find the right balance.
"Come on brats. You guys haven't probably moved in properly. You need me for that." Tatsumaki huffed in indignation. Secretly, happy.
"Yeah, right," Badd said. "What about me? I'm better at moving things. A building is no feat."
"I could move the whole sea without a sweat. I'll take care of moving everything," Tatsumaki assured. "Stay out of it."
Tatsumaki snapped, lifting every car, boulder and large chunks of debris in the street. Her famous green glow engulfed the scene. Badd growled as Zenko giggled. Tatsumaki moved and blood flakes peeled off of her arms. She felt gross.
They all had to clean up, Tatsumaki realized. "We're all gross. Take a shower after we go to Nitori, where you'll choose your mattresses and whatever else then we'll eat with ice cream and hot chocolate. You'll settle in."
That child-like defensiveness of taking a bath came out. "Badd stinks more than I do." Zenko protested.
Badd looked personality attacked. "Oi. I was out runnin' after your slippery self. Don't you ever run away from me or being clean."
Zenko looked at her dirt-stained dress with distress. "I don't like showers. I want a bath."
Tatsumaki looked at Badd. "You need to freshen up, too. You disgust me when you're dirty. Never track in mud at my house, imp."
"Tch. You're worse off than me, hag." Badd barked.
"I was killing monsters. You think that is clean? I'd like to see your pompadour messy, yeah!"
Zenko tugged on Tatsumaki's dress. "Can I have some yuzu flowers for my bath?" Zenko asked loudly, avoiding Tatsumaki's gaze. "My friend's mom put it in her baths. She says her skin's nice and fair."
Tatsumaki cooed. Zenko's precious when shy.
"You're too pretty to worry about that stuff. We have some yuzu trees in the backyard." Tatsumaki smiled. "Fubuki took care of the garden."
Badd eyed Tatsumaki suspiciously, flexing his muscles. "You better not be making yuzukomachi, I'll kill you, hag."
Yuzukomachi was a liquor made from yuzu. Such an asshole child who'd mention that. And accuse Tatsumaki of making alcohol. Damn.
Tatsumaki glared at him. "Have some manners. Don't mention that in front of your sister."
Zenko was just overjoyed at the prospect of hot chocolate, ice cream then shopping then eating at home. It was now only 6, the sky was sun-drenched.
Tatsumaki was happy she wasn't alone despite being a total pain.
For the next couple of hours, Tatsumaki learned about the two siblings and how they were entirely different.
Zenko was diplomatic, expressive and refined, compared to her brother. Badd hadn't completely corrupted her with curse words and delinquent-like attitudes. Zenko was forceful, stubborn and not afraid to use physical punches when either of them went out of line. She constantly yelled, all aggressive while being cute and sweet.
Tatsumaki was happy Zenko fussed and kicked, she was Badd's sister after all. Zenko was treated like a crown princess; she had people wrapped around her little fingers. Maybe not Tatsumaki but soon. Cue the horror.
Badd was in a bad mood all the time, earnest and tall compared to Tatsumaki's 4'11. Badd was loyal, fiercely protective and strangely gallant. He opened doors, trying to pay (though he had no funds) and was attentive to his sister. He was deathly afraid of displeasing Zenko and he never said 'no'.
Badd was quick to anger at everything else but never flared up at Zenko. He had the affectionate sense of knowing exactly what's going on in Zenko's mind.
But damn, Badd was an arrogant problem child just like Tatsumaki. Their personalities clashed. Tatsumaki didn't provoke him— well, not all the time but still. They hardly gave each other room to breathe between insults and threats.
While shopping for beds and stuff, the siblings were surprised at how accommodating Tatsumaki was. She had rather solitary confidence that she had enough money. They could get what they wanted. No, it wasn't too much. Yes, Tatsumaki could carry it all.
Her house was near the shopping district. It wasn't weird for a huge bunch of purchases following her in a green forcefield as they walked back home.
The strange, cool, crisp evening was sweet while she cleaned out the rooms for them to stay in. Zenko was classy and perfectly pink, wanting a fairytale to explode in Fubuki's old room. She loved how big the house was. Badd was a teenager, so everything was decorated in black, had to do with motorcycles in the room. He stayed in the bigger storage room.
Tatsumaki took a shower, getting all the gunk off of her. She wore a flowy black dress with straps, surprised at how the atmosphere was different. It was always so cold and quiet in the house... like it was dead.
Tatsumaki's room no longer felt cold but her apple tree was missing. Did Fubuki trash it purposely? What the hell? That was a gift! Where was it? Tatsumaki glared out of the window that overlooked her backyard.
Surprisingly, amongst the ugliness of spring, she saw her apple tree standing in the garden. Out of its container, bathing in the last remnants of dusk streaking the air. It was pretty, deciduous and an apology.
Tatsumaki didn't care for the plant properly, so Fubuki was more thoughtful than her. Again. Tatsumaki forgot to water it for a while.
Tatsumaki made a horrible decision.
Tatsumaki zoomed downstairs into the garden to her plant. The soil around her plant had pokes of peeking grass. Fubuki planted it so it would be taken care of because Tatsumaki wasn't able to.
Tatsumaki glared at the wins and the losses of the garden. At the chewed up flower petals killed by wanton beetles and insects. The gnarled, thin branches arching over everything. And the dank, musty smell of algae. Stupid birds and their dumb songs.
Tatsumaki usually focused on the losses, how Fubuki got dirt inside of the house despite being telekinetic and able to clean. The flower vases had no variety, only white flowers, none of the green Tatsumaki wanted.
Fubuki never invited Tatsumaki into the garden, so Tatsumaki avoided it. She was an intruder after all. Zombieman brought a garden to Tatsumaki's room. Zombieman cared. He was annoying but he cared.
Holy shit.
Tatsumaki couldn't take care of anything and those kids will depend on her. They were her apple trees, which took six to ten years to harvest. Tatsumaki already failed her first plant, how will she mess up two human children?
She wasn't going to mother them but she will condition them not to destroy her home when she was busy. With her phone in hand, Tatsumaki crouched in the dirt, the train of her dress in the grass. Impulsive and out of options, Tatsumaki called Zombieman.
"Zombieman… Shut up. Let me talk." Tatsumaki snapped, ignoring his shocked breath. "Just please be quiet. You like kids, right? I have this problem and you were the last person I chose to contact."
"The last?" he asked smoothly.
Tatsumaki nodded, hoping this fib would follow through. "Uh-huh. Be grateful I called. I'm still contemplating scraping your brains off the ground. Not that I'd be easy to find anyway."
Zombieman chuckled. "I'm filled with gratitude at this worldly pleasure. Don't get sad or worried by yourself where I can't see."
"Seriously? Good Morning City A doesn't deserve me. You might be right about my transgressions and shortcomings—"
"I think you're fine," Zombieman cut in, certain and apologetic. "I learn so much from you. I'm sorry I made you think anything else. I wanted to monopolize your time more. Jealousy is a bitch. You have a desirable, tolerable personality."
Any anger melted like snow in the winter. Tatsumaki looked at her apple tree. There was dismay when she got accused of coldheartedness. She suddenly wondered if there was something to it… Not really when Zombieman sung praises into her ears.
"Hmph. I k-knew you thought that all along. You're… you're forgiven."
"Thank you. I'm sorry," he probably smiled, the action colouring his voice.
"Who says you're not?" Tatsumaki snapped. "You're annoying, okay. Whatever."
"About the kids… does… Are you expecting—"
"I'm not pregnant." Tatsumaki interrupted with a snap. "Be smart like I know you are. It's just false shit circling on the news."
Zombieman sounded relieved. "I had this unsettling sense that I'd just turned invisible then… then you called… Green Eyes, why didn't you come to the event? We were going to host together—"
"I said to be quiet, not be a chatty asshole. Don't let your voice impose on my ears." Tatsumaki sighed, refocused. "You like kids, right?"
"They're cute. Oddly clingy but they have a lot of trust in me."
"Right. Right. I only have poise in strength. I don't concern myself with even smaller beings; kids. Two are in my home. Fubuki moved out after our fight, said I'm too much." Tatsumaki recounted.
Zombieman quietly absorbed the information. "You're siblings. Nothing really hits the skids in a family. You'll be able to make up."
"Did she love you?"
"No." he said casually, no residing bitterness or hurt in his voice.
"I don't think she loved me either," Tatsumaki admitted. "I think she's embarrassed of me. When we were kids, she'd insist on playing indoors because the neighbourhood was terrified of me."
"She was trying to keep your company. Be thankful she was selfish with you."
"No. She didn't want to ruin her reputation and be seen with me." Tatsumaki huffed. "Anyway, if my sister didn't like me when I was a kid and she doesn't like me as an adult… how am I supposed to make kids like me now?"
"Be yourself."
"That didn't help, never helps," Tatsumaki stated grimly. She felt annoyed about having to assert herself on that. "Tell me something I don't know."
"You're smart, Green Eyes. Impossible. Have you spoken to your fiance?" Zombieman inquired.
"No. How do I know I'm doing the right thing?" Tatsumaki sighed. "Stop me in this endeavour or assist me in not making mistakes for these broken kids. I'm not asking for help though," she added quickly.
"You aren't." Zombieman chuckled. "Enthusiastically, I offer help. You're strong. I know that. With kids, you embrace them till you have no strength left. You are there to remind them that they are safe, they are valued, and they are loved. Cook. All the time. They'll like your food and your room and your detergent. Make it so comfortable that they'll never leave. Get them presents they can brag about."
Tatsumaki nodded. "What else? I got a hobby of wounding people. They're sensitive."
"Make your humble abode an infirmary and apologize. Act differently. Learn from your mistakes," Zombieman said softly. "During these three years, I'm sure you've made mistakes."
"I've reacted fairly." Tatsumaki snapped.
"Maybe a little bit in excess. You are particularly… possessive." Zombieman paused, juggling his words carefully. "Even though you complained about us working together, you don't allow me to partner up with other S-Class heroes. It's cute for me but also hurtful to others who I needed to train."
Tatsumaki frowned. "They didn't need you."
"Technically, you didn't either," Zombieman interjected. "You like to champion your victories, everything you did right. It's important to highlight your successes but your losses need more attention. You have to claim them too."
Tatsumaki was surprised at his usefulness. Maybe he knew her a bit. Maybe she's clingy to the wrong things and the wrong people. Maybe she knew fuck all.
Zombieman continued, "You have a strong desire to monopolize everything. Own them entirely. You're the type to not be satisfied until that happens. Be selfish until death. I wanna spoil you." Zombieman assured. "It's not awful. It shows you care. But to Fubuki, you ever considered that it might be controlling?"
"What do you mean?" Tatsumaki asked, a spike of trepidation in her heart.
"You were controlling her in various ways. During fights, you'd take up too much of her burdens. You'd also make all of her choices. "Protecting her" as you called it."
"I was." Tatsumaki protested.
"A bit too much," Zombieman revealed. "She felt inferior since you're so great. It's like you punish her for that and stunt her growth. You made her seem like she would never catch up."
"I know that. I tried to tell her it was okay. She's the one who misinterpreted me." Tatsumaki glared at the phone.
"You don't see it?" Zombieman hummed. "You're bad at math, right?"
"I can do some calculus."
"Really?"
"No."
He laughed. "Don't worry. Say that I'm excellent at maths. Everything is too easy in higher-level calculus. I win school awards, scholarships, programs in prestigious schools. I solve the most difficult equations, helping the loudmouths and blowhards who needed me. I'm arrogant, skilled and better than everyone else and I try to tutor you. How could you react?"
"Gross. No." Tatsumaki spat.
"Exactly. It's pompous and you naturally hate people who are better than you or you admire them. Like I do."
Tatsumaki was surprised she didn't feel the pain then she felt it a second later. He explained something she had struggled with. She waited for the 'just kidding' but he didn't say it. There was a certain degree of mystification; why didn't Fubuki tell Tatsumaki thinks earlier?
Tatsumaki offended Fubuki unconsciously with thoughtless actions and her personality. Did Tatsumaki purposefully keep Fubuki hostage because deep down, Tatsumaki knew the truth? She's unsteady on the seas of what she feared.
It's not like Fubuki wanted solitude, she made the Fubuki group with more than ten people. Fubuki didn't want to be around Tatsumaki.
Tatsumaki's throat is filled with sand but she forced the words, "I'm astonished that people say 'hi' to me despite everything."
"I'll say 'hi'. Answer my calls and come to HQ." Zombieman said.
"You'll be busy." she protested.
"Pfft. I'll find ways to visit you." insisted the zombie.
Oh really. There's a comfort, Tatsumaki mused, when he talks too much but it's okay when he does it.
"You talk too much," Tatsumaki said unconcernedly, her heart so much lighter. "You… You always get what you want. And I know you helped Fubuki's garden."
Tatsumaki looked around. The more time she spent here, the prettier Fubuki's garden seemed. She missed Fubuki.
"There are certain people who don't like strength. Nonetheless, it's good to be humble and apologize. Even better, have the self-awareness that you're the bad guy." he said.
Tatsumaki groaned. "I'm usually a bad guy."
"You can be shitty and mean and egotistical. A handful." Zombieman blew air out of his mouth.
"Hey—"
"But that's why I have two hands." Zombieman laughed. "Don't worry. They'll admire you, Green Eyes. It's hard to tell the difference between blood and water these days."
Everything that was tangled up loosened slightly. Maybe Zombieman was something to wonder about.
"The two kids, one loud-mouthed teenage brat and a young princess type remind me of two different apple types; Fuji and Mutsu." Tatsumaki caressed the leaves.
"What's up with your suspicious nicknames?"
"They're endearing! Fuji apples are very sweet with pure, crisp white flesh. Sweet and mellow. Mutsu's are big with a bold taste. Its sweet-tart flavour is interesting. They remind me of apple types. One sweet and one not so obviously sweet." Tatsumaki explained.
Zombieman was quiet. "Those are endearing nicknames. There's Famous Fubuki. Fuji. Mutsu. Ligament Mountain for Tank-Top Master. Romeo for Amai Mask. Daycare for Child Emperor. Copper Toaster for Metal Knight and too many to count for everything else…"
"I forgot about Ligament Mountain," Tatsumaki snorted.
"Laugh it up. Ha. I don't have anyone's snobby nose to impress but I nickname people because of you but… you, you don't have a nickname for me."
Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "You're Zombieman to me. Simply. You don't need embellishment. Except for Fubuki and those kids, I make fun of people with nicknames. I'm not embarrassed to be associated with you. I'm usually highlighting you when talking about you."
"You talk about me?"
"Not negatively," Tatsumaki informed him. "And you don't need a nickname. You're unique. It's a privilege I care this much to remember your name. You're wholly Zombieman, I don't wanna single anything out or miss anything."
"You…" Zombieman said lowly, all emotional. "Your fiance's a lucky man."
"Isn't he? Even when I am less than perfect. I sacrifice my image a teensy bit." she joked.
All Zombieman could do was laugh. "Us mortals thank you for your sacrifice."
Zombieman was serious about his trench coat, his rifle and his sunglasses. He wore sunglasses at night like a dumbass. Does Dr. Gray like steaks? It would be okay to ask Zombieman.
"Do you like steak more than your sunglasses?" Tatsumaki asked.
"Yeah. I'd take our sunglasses off to see steaks and your beautiful thing. To see them better."
"Oh shut up," Tatsumaki huffed. Giving in to his flirty words has been so much easier than fighting it. "You're actually sorry?"
"Always."
Tatsumaki was relieved. Eventually Dr. Gray would have to agree to her hotpot/steak dinner. Zombieman was the only one who survived her with a smile and flirted. Dr. Gray did say to thank those who survived.
She vented her spleen. Zombieman listened while she ran her mouth off. He made Tatsumaki's problems feel cleaner. He gave her advice, not some cheap imitation. He relaxed her, made her laugh without the edge of weariness.
"Thank you," she said softly, blush on her cheeks. "You're not bad. No more grade C miscommunications, got it, loser? I don't know why you aren't afraid of me."
"You can't ever convince me," Zombieman promised. "I'm glad you called me. It's… unexpected. At least I didn't."
"Yeah," Tatsumaki said. "Me too…"
"Green Eyes—… Can I call you Tatsumaki?" he asked after a lengthy, hopeful pause.
There was a lot of weight in his words, for some reason.
"Positive. I guess I know why I'm called a tornado of terror. Destruction and fear are sorta key to my actions. A tornado." she snorted.
"You aren't a tornado. You're a fresh breeze that blows happiness into my life."
Tatsumaki's heart swelled. That's one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to Tatsumaki while meaning it. It was great. Even if they did meet because they worked together, it wasn't such a bad thing. He's not a bad choice, either.
And Tatsumaki had to know something. "Did Fubuki bring the universe into your chest… Ever?"
"No. You are—"
A loud crash and yelp interrupted her. "I have to go," she said.
Tatsumaki hung up.
Tatsumaki turned around to see Zenko throwing herself at Tatsumaki. She barely caught the girl. Zenko's skinny arms locked around her middle, despite Tatsumaki's many, many protests.
The siblings were arguing. Atlas's kids were vicious during fights. Siblings were ruthless. Tatsumaki had never been one to placate a fight, either.
"Why?" Tatsumaki asked Badd's red hot scowl.
Zenko buried her face into Tatsumaki's stomach with a concerning death grip.
"He's trying to make me do my science work. I'm not going back to that school! It doesn't matter. And I don't wanna." Zenko spat petulantly.
"C'mon, leave her be. Don't bully her." Tatsumaki said to Badd.
"I thought you were diligent against slackers," Badd groaned. "Besides, we need to get her mind in shape for that genius-people Psychic Academy."
Oh yeah.
Badd tugged on Zenko's skinny arm. "C'mon. You have to finish your dinner to get into your bath."
The agitated Badd somehow understood Zenko's muffled insults into Tatsumaki's clothes. Zenko spun around Tatsumaki, to avoid Badd's quick hands. They were like wild animals, unpredictable to the point of surprise when clawing at each other.
Tatsumaki was caught in the middle.
Okay. THAT'S IT!
Tatsumaki ripped them apart telekinetically. They kicked and gasped in the air. Frustrated, suspended, they both looked at her with shock. Badd threatened her like a wild dog and Zenko was swinging to escape Tatsumaki's grasp.
"Both of you, calm down. I made sure kids with disadvantages got help at that school. I wasn't good at school and I was often abandoned by teachers. You'll be taken care of. I swear it. Or I'll tear down the institution and make a new one."
Both of them watched her intensely, eyes digging into her skin.
Badd cleared his throat. "So we're going to that new school?"
"Yes. I said it so I mean it. A high-level school that only rich kids can afford? I wouldn't lie." Tatsumaki pursed her lips. "Don't ruin my garden. It's a nice, boring garden."
The unlit lanterns that dotted the backyard swayed with the gentle breeze. The tall maple and yuzu trees were in full bloom. The verdant smell of life just highlighted all the shapes and cascades. The stones anchoring the tumbles and ponds, the plants reaching for petals and light… made Tatsumaki sigh. It was peaceful, beautiful and still.
Of course, the beautiful Fubuki could make something so beautiful. Fubuki must have tried so hard and all for naught. She abandoned the garden like it was nothing. The garden only looked pretty whenever Tatsumaki watched it with others.
Was Fubuki lonely in this garden?
"It's pretty. Would you rather notice how pretty it is than fight over meaningless idiocies?" Tatsumaki asked.
Zenko nodded. "It looks like a lot of work."
Fubuki's idiots must have done all the work.
Tatsumaki will have to read up on children, flowers and things to do with a spiky teenager, a cheerful 9-year-old. The day-to-day slog of life will return. Tatsumaki will eventually have to speak to Fubuki again.
"You're a pain when you sound like Amai Mask," Badd said at last to Tatsumaki.
She scowled at him. Jerk.
He looked at his sister, decidedly neutral. "Zenko, I was bored so I figured I'd talk to someone cuter than me."
"You think so?" Zenko asked, looking at her dress.
"Do I have to say it every time?"
Zenko's lip quivered. "You won't?"
"You bet I will," Badd said. "We're still going to go see the sakura blossoms."
"I'm waiting. I'm excited." Zenko cheered.
Badd pointed to his smooth cheeks. "Look at all these wrinkles I got from waiting for long. I can't even laugh."
Zenko shook her head. "You have no wrinkles. What are you talking about?"
Zenko's musical laugh brought a smile to both Tatsumaki's and Badd's faces. The vagaries of taking care of children seemed like nothing when they laughed. She finally put them down.
"Why see it?" Tatsumaki asked. "The sakura?"
Atlas and Kizashi took the kids to see the flowers but Tatsumaki cursed them out and called them lame. Tatsumaki hasn't gone to a hanami. Why do families go see the cherry blossoms?
"Sakura means transience of life, idiot hag. You are born and live for a brief moment, then fade away. Why not spend it with someone who makes you feel alive?" Badd grunted.
Someone who makes Tatsumaki feel alive?
"We've always gone to see 'em in City C in April. It's the start of life, school starts in April. Spring starts in April. Jobs transfers, the end of marriages all happen this month. Plus, sakura represents bushido or warrior spirit. Fightin' spirit. Ain't that cool?"
Tatsumaki sighed. Badd likes sakura because of the fighting spirit.
"We could all go together," Zenko suggested. "Right, oni-chan!" she growled.
Tatsumaki can't intrude, right?
A sudden, loud and smokey boomed across the sky.
With sudden bursts of light and sound, the fireworks went off. Ah. A fantastical way to end the night and celebrate the heroes. Agoni loved them. They usually put up green fireworks for her.
They watched the fireworks with damp grass between her toes. The blazing spirals, flitter shoot straight up before exploding, shattering into thousands of sparks and raining down in a red, blue, yellow, white shimmering shower.
They were enthralled by the most ephemeral bursts of entertainment. The light bounced off their chubby cheeks as they "ooohed" and "ahhed". Badd looked free of wrinkles, free of curses, free of scowls— like Tatsumaki did around 17 when Atlas was being nice.
Zenko reached a hand out to the inky sky. "Can you guys get me a star or a firework?" Zenko asked.
"I can get you a meteor." Tatsumaki offered, shrugging.
"That's too crude." Badd ruffled Zenko's hair. "Oh, you're the only star that's around at your next upcoming recital, yeah? Little fallen angel."
"Up," Zenko said, well, more like demanded. "I wanna be closer to the stars. They're pretty."
Badd picked Zenko up. "You're wrong. The stars wanna be closer to you," he grumbled. "They don't deserve it."
"You're being silly," Zenko said, slinging her arms around Badd's neck. "Everything in City A is so bright and big."
"Yeah. Ain't it?" Badd agreed.
City A might seem big for children. Very big. She forgot how lost she was when young and alone. Kids' futures were undiscovered, wide-open and bare like the night sky.
With diffidence, Tatsumaki knew that she couldn't shine bright like the universe but she could be the light between stars and guide them. And she had no idea why.
It hit Tatsumaki. Maybe she did a good thing. She has almost deprived herself of the right to be helpful and understanding to Badd. She wanted to apologize. There was something to be made with them… though she didn't know what. She almost didn't regret seeing Dr. Gray.
They needed her more.
"I'll show you around. Make it, er, less big." Tatsumaki cleared her throat. "After this, how about we put artificial stars in Fuji's room?"
"Who's Fuji?" Zenko asked. "Do I have another friend? I didn't know you had a kid."
Tatsumaki laughed. "With these hips? I could never."
"Huh?"
"Darling, it doesn't matter. I don't have any other kids. No. You remind me of a sweet apple type, Fuji. And you," Tatsumaki looked at Badd. "you remind me of a sour but golden Mutsu apple. So, Fuji and Mutsu."
Badd and Tatsumaki both argued about the names but Tatsumaki wouldn't budge. Not when the lights were so pretty and Zenko didn't like the violence. Zenko grabbed Tatsumaki's hand and that was fun. Though it was hard to ignore the way Badd glared at Tatsumaki.
They agreed to start school next week. It was nice. Very nice. That gave time for Tatsumaki to procrastinate seeing Fubuki and her family.
Soon enough, every inch of the house had the kids' presence.
It was dirty, they argued a lot and they ate so much candy Tatsumaki bought many, many toothbrushes. They broke stuff and Tatsumaki subscribed to sports channels.
Even though they were annoying and loud and she did mundane tasks, it was different.
The house became a gentle place with colours despite the darkness in the walls. She completely denied smiling like a new world has been found. Something Tatsumaki thought very boring (child-rearing and babysitting) was the most mundane, clean fun she's had in a while. Maybe being mundane isn't boring.
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-End Chapter-