One Punch Man: Attitude Adjustment
Ch.17: Convictions
The late afternoon sky had a light red glow as the private plane with the Hero Association's logo touched down on the runway. After landing and opening the doors, The Bespectacled Worker from the executive board was the only one to exit the plane. He was still leaving the runway with a briefcase in his hand when the cellphone in his pocket rang.
"I just arrived, the Irwin's have already sent a car for me." The Bespectacled Worker said as he walked towards a limousine.
"Good, I thought you should know that all monsters in City-T have been dealt with." The Bearded Worker said, calling from headquarters.
"That's a relief, was Savage Senior involved?" The Bespectacled Worker asked with intrigue.
"Yes, Outback Girl's team managed to beat three. One of them was considered a Demon Level threat." The Bearded Worker replied.
"Quite impressive..." The Bespectacled Worker said with a hint of regret as he entered the back of the limo.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" The Bearded Worker asked, checking his coworkers resolve. "There's still time to send someone else."
"That won't be necessary." The Bespectacled Worker said. "I knew the risks that came with my decision, it's only fair that I be the one to deal with the consequences."
With the last monster taken care of and put in Association custody, The Bulldog was free to drive away from the partly ruined theater. Jeremy was using Master Wing's medicinal ointment on the red, rope shaped mark around his neck, Mia was having a much-needed drink of water after all the running around they had done today and Randal sat with an ice pack pressed to his lower back.
Kathy felt worn out too, and hungry after spending all day interrogating Scrappers and chasing around City-T. Despite this, she smiled with pride and looked more confident than ever.
"Okay guys, two things we need to do next." Kathy said. "First, go to Sammy's place again for some food."
"Agreed." Jeremy said as he finished applying the ointment.
"Figured as much. Second, scope out every power station we can find. There's only so many that Spade could be using, we'll be knocking down his door in no time." Kathy said before her phone started to ring. "Oh hey mom...yeah we're okay. The last monster was a tough one but we're not too banged up."
"Speak for yourself..." Randal said under his breath.
"Look, we got a big lead to follow so I'll talk to...wait...seriously?" Kathy said, getting more excited as she listened. "Oh this is great! We'll be there asap, thanks so much mom."
"What did she say?" Mia asked.
"Mom's been keeping up with the executive board to find something for us. It sounds like Child Emperor found out where Spade is for us." Kathy replied with an excited grin.
"Great, so where is it?" Randal asked.
"She said he's doing some last-minute scans of the area to be sure, but in the meantime one of the board members is waiting at my house to work out a strategy and to congratulate us on a job well done today." Kathy replied. "Who knows, maybe three monsters in a row is enough to get a rank up."
"Does that mean we can have dinner there" Jeremy asked, almost drooling at the idea.
"Yes, but you can't eat half the kitchen this time." Kathy said as she made a turn and started driving toward her families mansion.
It was evening when The Bulldog arrived at the Irwin's mansion, Kathy had her own parking spot reserved among the long row of cars and motorcycles that were owned by her father.
"Evening Jerry." Kathy said to the family butler as she got out of the vehicle.
"Good evening Miss Irwin, your mother and father are waiting for you in the living room." Jerry explained.
As the Heroes followed to the front door, Randal eyed every car and motorbike they passed. He could tell most of their makes and the year they were made, but it was harder to tell with some of the newer models. As they walked through the front door, Jerry let everyone step inside until Jeremy came through. He put out an arm to stop him and then pointed at a small counter next to the door.
"Paint, Mr. Lacroix." Jerry said.
"I know..." Jeremy said as he took two cans of spray-paint out of his hoodie.
"All of them please." Jerry said.
"Fine..." Jeremy grumbled as he took two more cans out of his hoodie and one that was tucked into the side of his sock.
"What did you do kid?" Randal asked with a smirk, figuring there was a good reason Jeremy could not bring paint inside.
"He tagged a wall in the backyard." Kathy replied. "You should have seen the look on Dad's face."
"It's not my fault! The wall was blank, the birds in the garden gave me some ideas and I had the perfect combination of colors...I just couldn't help myself." Jeremy said like someone who fell off the wagon.
The Heroes were led into the massive living room with a marble floor and a ceiling that was twenty feet above their heads. The white walls were cleaned to perfection, one of them was completely covered by a massive flat-screen T.V.. The two couches were made from the highest quality black leather and the crystal coffee table in the middle had actual diamonds in it. Isaac, Steven and The Bespectacled Worker were standing next to Amelia, who was sitting in a leather chair next to the couches.
"This room might be bigger then the house I grew up in." Randal said as he looked around.
"Here they are sir, anything else?" Jerry asked Isaac.
"Not right now Jerry, thank you." Isaac replied, making Jerry leave the room.
"Hey guys, got something good for us?" Kathy asked, rubbing her hands in anticipation.
"Have a seat Kathy." Amelia said as she gestured towards the couch.
"What's going on?" Kathy asked, noticing the concerning look on the faces of her family.
"Please, just sit down." Amelia said in a cheerless way.
The others noticed that Kathy was thrown off by the way the Irwin's behaved. They also noticed the expression of The Bespectacled Worker, he looked like less like someone ready to discuss strategy and more like someone who knew they had to deliver bad news. They were all about to sit down, until Isaac pointed at the other couch beside them.
"You sit right there." Isaac said sternly while looking directly at Randal.
The others looked even more confused as Randal tried not to glare at the Irwin's. He could see the way they were looking at him, which made being singled out even more worrisome. Old instincts kicked in, just do what your told until the authorities are happy and hope they don't find anything
"Alright." Randal said before taking a seat, Kathy and the others filled the couch beside him.
"So...are we gonna talk about finding Spade now?" Jeremy asked, hoping that was still the reason they were invited.
"I'm afraid not, and I must apologize to all of you." The Bespectacled Worker said. "Spade's location is still unknown, but it was important to bring all of you here."
"So you lied to us." Kathy stated, showing how unhappy she was.
"Had to be done sis, we didn't want a certain someone to know we're on to them." Steven said smugly.
"Don't play with me! What are you talking about?!" Kathy said in frustration.
"Oh I could tell you, but here's a better idea...does anyone have something to get off their chest?" Steven asked, his eyes scanning from Jeremy to Mia and stopping at Randal. "Anyone at all?"
Randal did not turn his head to check, but he could practically feel the others looking at him. He kept a straight face, even though it probably would not matter soon. The Bespectacled Worker watched Randal carefully, wondering if he would be willing to confess.
"Randal...what's going on?" Kathy asked.
"Yes Mr. Hogan...what exactly is going on?" Isaac said.
There was no answer at first, Randal stared at the Irwin's with cold contempt. The Bespectacled Worker was doing his job and Amelia looked more distressed than angry, but he could tell the men of the family were getting their kicks out of this.
"Spade stopped by my place...made me an offer to join him." Randal said, turning to Kathy and the others.
"Excuse me?!" Kathy said, looking and sounding appalled. "When did this happen?!"
"The night you were in the hospital..." Randal replied.
"Oh my god..." Mia said, her eyes wide with shock.
"Here we go..." Jeremy grumbled.
"So why am I only finding out about this now?!" Kathy asked loudly as she stood up.
"I just...didn't want to make you worry." Randal said in a hushed tone.
"And why wasn't the Association informed?" The Bespectacled Worker asked with great intrigue.
"Because I knew you didn't trust me, so giving you one more reason to feel that way seemed like a waste of time." Randal answered.
"Hmm...a likely story." Amelia remarked.
"Sure, if you're easily fooled." Steven added with a scoff.
"I'm not lying." Randal said, glaring at Steven. "Here's a good question, how would you even know I talked to Spade in the first place?"
"That would be thanks to the hearing device that was planted after Kathy hired you." Isaac explained.
"You bugged my apartment?!" Randal asked, standing up as well with a furious look on his face.
"What?!" Kathy exclaimed, shocked by what she heard.
After Randal stood up, Amelia snapped her fingers which made two security guards wearing suits, sunglasses and carrying pistols walk into the room. Mia grabbed Jeremy's hand as she looked around the room with pure dread. Jeremy barely noticed, he was too busy wondering what was going to happen next.
"Only with audio, but it was more than enough to hear every word you said to each other." Isaac said.
"Well that, and the tracker we put into that your jacket." Steven added with a smirk.
Kathy gasped, she could not believe what she was hearing. What made it even worse was when she turned to look at Randal. Instead of being angry like she expected the old man simply looked at her with disbelief. She wanted to assure Randal that she had no idea, but the words would not come out and Randal turned his attention back to her family.
"Then I'm guessing you heard me say no." Randal replied, turning to The Bespectacled Worker. "And are you okay with them spying on me? Or was that a favor you had them do for you?"
"The Irwin's informed us of their intentions after the device was planted. Though some of us were against it, the majority voted to allow such actions because of your..." The Bespectacled Worker tried to explain.
"Let me guess, my special case?" Randal replied with disdain.
"Well, it's not like he's wrong." Steven remarked. "After all, your special case is the reason my sister almost got assassinated."
"It is?" Mia asked, her lips trembling from anxiety.
"Yes, the end of the tape had Spade making a not so subtle threat to hurt all of you if Mr. Hogan refused to comply." Amelia said.
"But...but what is he supposed to do about that?" Jeremy said with a confused expression. "I mean...that's a bad deal no matter what. He either does what Spade says or has to deal with the Crime Association trying to kill us all the time."
"I was not aware Spade's group was given an official name." The Bespectacled Worker commented.
"Actually I made that one up, but if you wanted to make it official..." Jeremy said, smiling at the thought.
"Can you please save this for later?" Mia pleaded, trying to get Jeremy to focus on what mattered.
"Their name doesn't matter." Isaac remarked to steer the conversation back on track. "And I'm not surprised to hear that coming from you Jeremy. It makes sense with you being the only one not attacked yet."
"Wait...that's not right." Mia said, leaning forward to stick out in the middle of her taller friends. "Unless you mean the hospital again."
"I'm afraid not, during the monster attacks today your home was invaded by members of The Wild Pack." The Bespectacled Worker explained.
Mia's face turned pale, sliding off the couch and onto her knees. She looked close to catatonic and had nothing to say, the news was a eerie reminder of the worst day of her entire life. Kathy knew what was going on, putting an arm around Mia's shoulder. Jeremy was in the dark, leaving him concerned about what could possibly make Mia act like this.
"Mia...Mia talk to me." Kathy said, waving a hand in front of Mia's face.
"M-My father..." Mia said, snapping out of the shock. "Is he...?"
"I'm fine Mia." A dry, deep toned voice said as another person entered the room. "The same cannot be said for the intruders."
The man was exactly six feet tall, walking with perfect posture and his hands behind his back. He wore a snow-white Tang suit that went down to his shins that was buttoned up along the right side of the collar. Black pants were underneath, along with a matching pair of slip on shoes. His hair was mostly a dark brown color, with a touch of grey around the ears and on his thin side burns. It was tied into a long, braided pony-tail that reached halfway down his back. On the back of his suit were two silver wings, each from a different bird. The left appeared to be the wing of crane, while the right resembled something more like a hawk or eagle.
"Father." Mia said, quickly standing back up with a straight back. "W-when did you...?"
"I informed the Hero Association about what happened. They must have told the Irwin's soon after, because I was invited to come here and receive answers." Master Wing said in a very frank way. "But it seems I'm only finding more questions, such as when were you going to mention working with a known criminal?"
"I...I didn't..." Mia did not know what to say, being confronted with her own lies and finding out her home had just been invaded made her far too stressed to think of a response.
"Give her a break, you tried to scare Jeremy away when she told you about him. Why expect the next time to go any better?" Kathy said, snapping back at Master Wing.
"I was not talking to you." Master Wing replied coldly. "The fact you took this man in tells me you need to work on becoming a competent leader."
"How about you cut them some slack?" Randal said, tired of listening to more reasons he should feel guilty. "I'm the one on trial."
"Does that mean you're willing to confess?" Isaac asked with a raised brow.
"No point in denying it right? You caught me, I talked to Spade and kept my mouth shut about it! Is there anything else you want to put on the rap sheet?" Randal said to the entire room.
"Actually, there is." The Bespectacled Worker said, opening the briefcase to pull out a single document. "Sekingar made a report about your suggestion for inhumane tactics being used on the captured associate of Spade. Not only that, but we also have a claim from the Class-B Hero Nordic that you attacked him and Class-C Hero Bushwhacker after the two approached you with an offer to work together."
"Oh really?" Randal asked, remembering the two wannabe rookie crushers that came to his door.
"Finally we have a rather...unique case. In all my time working the Association I have never heard of gang members filing a complaint about Heroes abusing power. From what I heard, you left their leader Junkblade in a terrible state. I have to wonder if such actions were necessary considering the groups minimal threat level." The Bespectacled Worker said.
"Now you're just screwing with me!" Randal said angrily.
"And then there's what happened to my new animal shelter today. I show up after lunch to check on construction and find most of it covered in ice!" Steven said, getting more frustrated with every word. "Thank god the animals weren't brought in yet, but it's still going to cost thousands in ruined equipment!"
"Then go get the money out of these couch cushions!" Randal said before waling into the middle of the room, turning to face everyone. "Why don't we just get down to it huh? What's the verdict Specs? Am I getting locked up or not?!"
"This was never about incarceration..." The Bespectacled Worker tried to explain.
"So what, I'm just fired then? After months of busting my ass for you?" Randal asked.
"We cannot allow you to keep operating like this..." The Bespectacled Worker said before being cut off again.
"Oh stop acting like I'm the black sheep already, you've got worse than me on the roster and you know it." Randal stated.
"Is that so, any chance you can name one?" Steven said with complete confidence.
"Puri Puri Prisoner." Randal answered bluntly.
"Ah...crap, I forgot about him." Steven muttered.
"So what about him Specs? You've got an actual sex offender hanging out in S-Class but I'm the one you've got to keep an eye on?" Randal said.
"Puri Puri Prisoner may be...eccentric." The Bespectacled Worker said, trying to put it lightly. "But he agrees to our terms and provides help when it's needed."
"And that's what it comes down to. He follows orders and he can toss a tank like a Frisbee so that means he get's a pass." Randal said with a mocking tone. "Tell me; if we chucked Jeremy into Mr. Eccentric's cell, how long do you think his pants would stay on?"
"W-Wait, what?" Jeremy asked with a a very concerned look.
"Being vulgar won't prove your point." The Bespectacled Worker stated. "But you are still right, we allow Puri Puri Prisoner to work with us because his is willing to cooperate. Given your rather impressive work so far, the board is willing to offer you a similar option."
"So what, you're just gonna keep him in jail?" Kathy asked in opposition.
"It's where criminals like him belong." Master Stated nonchalantly, making Mia noticeably distraught.
"No, I am not." The Bespectacled Worker said to make things clear. "But the board agreed that you cannot continue to operate as a Hero without constant surveillance on your behavior and whereabouts."
Randal scoffed, everything about this seemed ridiculous. On one side, he had security guards standing at the ready for the Irwin's like well dressed lapdogs. On the other was his team, looking at him with a mixture of worry and pity. Likely as planned, the Irwin's were the ones in the middle with the completely passive member of the executive board. Topping it all off was Master Wing, who stood behind Randal with an unforgiving glare.
"I've got a better idea..." Randal said with pure aggravation, slowly backing away.. "Save yourself the trouble, I'm done." He said before making a full turn for the exit.
"Randal, wait!" Mia said, choking up on her words.
"Don't waste your time Mia." Master Wing said sternly as Randal walked past. "Just be happy this degenerate lost the chance to put his hands on you."
The moment Master Wing finished his sentence made Randal's exit come to an abrupt halt. They had only a brief moment to notice, but the other Heroes had been around Randal enough to know what was about to happen.
"Son of a...!" Randal said with gritted teeth, turning around to punch Master Wing in the face.
Before Randal could realize what was happening, Master Wing was able to grab his arm and completely flip the much larger man over his shoulder with flawless technique. When Randal sat up, the first thing he saw was Steven snickering while his parents looked quite pleased with themselves. He turned his head around to Master Wing, who was already standing in a one legged crane stance. The other leg was held up, his right foot hovered hovered his left knee. He stood facing the wall, but his arms were stretched out like an open palmed cross with one hand pointed at Randal. His head was also turned to the side to stare his opponent down with the kind of welcoming look that Randal knew all too well.
"You wanna go Sensei?!" Randal asked as he got back to his feet. "I'll teach ya something!"
Before Mia or Kathy could step in to stop them, Randal had already moved in for a chance at payback. He swung his fists with everything he had, but couldn't land a hit on the martial arts expert.
Master Wing only needed seconds to determine what king of fighter he was up against. For a man who looked like a complete brute, Master Wing could admit that Randal seemed to be fairly skilled in boxing. His attempts to land a hit were never sloppy, he also moved with more speed and fluidity then expected. None of that changed the fact that Randal was just a competent street brawler compared to the many truly gifted and well trained fighters Master Wing had faced over the years. He danced around everything Randal tried to throw at him with a ballerinas grace, waiting for the perfect opening before he spun out of the way of another jab and hit Randal's cheek with a well placed crane beak strike.
Randal stumbled to the side before catching himself, he didn't expect such a small hit to make his head feel like it was rattling. Master Wing moved in to attacked, but than stepped to the side to avoid Randal's uppercut. He ducked another right hook before planting a straight kick into Randal's side. It made Randal step back and clutch his stomach with a pained groan.
"Why aren't you stopping this?!" Kathy shouted to her parents as a fight broke out in their living room.
Her parents said nothing, Isaac and Amelia were watching the fight carefully. Steven looked at his sister, grinning as he shrugged his shoulders before going back to enjoying the show.
"You can't dance around me forever!" Randal declared before stepping forward and trying to boot Master Wing in the chest, only to have his foot caught.
"I don't have to." Master Wing, a stern look on his face.
Instead of shutting Randal up like he intended, Master Wing was surprised to see a smile on his opponents face. Even though his leg was caught, he could still use the other to pull off one of his favorite wrestling moves. Using his free foot, Randal hopped up enough to make his whole body hang in mid-air for a moment. He followed this up by using that same foot to kick Master Wing across his jaw with a maneuver that was commonly known as an insiguree. The kick struck with enough force to make Master Wing's body spin twice before he crashed into the wall across the living room.
"Father!" Mia screamed in complete shock.
The impact left a small crater in the wall with cracks running along it in all directions, Master Wing's body was stuck in the crater for a moment before he pushed himself out and fell to the floor.
"How's that for technique asshole?" Randal asked mockingly as he got back to his feet.
At first, Master Wing was content with embarrassing the man who lead to his home being invaded. But as he looked up with a frenzied stare after hearing Randal's insult, he was ready to do far more. Mia could see this as well, almost hyperventilating as she noticed the methodical way her father stood back up. What made her certain about his next move was his hand, he shaped his index and middle finger along with his thumb into the shape of an eagle's claw.
The martial artist slowly stepped towards his opponent, Randal could Master Wing's change of mood and put his fists up to be ready for anything. Before having the chance to attack, Master Wing was grabbed by the shoulder and quickly quickly spun into a strike from two palms hitting him in the chest. Being unprepared and the well placed hit made Master Wing stumble back. He looked down at his chest with a murderous rage and looked back up to see Mia standing in front of him.
"What?" Master Wing said, not believing that his daughter would ever do such a thing.
"If mother were still alive..." Mia said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face. "She would be ashamed!" She shouted before storming out of the room.
"Mia..." Master Wing mumbled, his anger fading as he watched his daughter leave.
"Well...that was awkward." Steven said.
"I'm gonna go check on her." Jeremy said to Kathy, seeing his chance to get out of this very tense situation.
Kathy nodded in response, holding back her own tears after seeing Mia look completely heartbroken. Randal dropped his hands, losing his need to fight after seeing a little girl run away crying. Noticing this, Amelia looked to her security guards and made a simple gesture that was enough to let them know it was time to do their job.
"I think you've caused enough trouble here Mr. Hogan, these men will be more then happy to give you a lift home." Amelia said with a fake smile.
Again, Kathy was left awe struck by her parents behavior. She knew they could be a little bit ruthless when it came to business but would never expect them to go this far. The Bespectacled Worker tried his best to be impartial, but his disapproval over the Irwin's handling of the situation was noticeable.
"Works for me." Randal said, giving the Irwin's one more dirty look before leaving with the security guards behind him.
"Randal, please..." Kathy said, walking to Randal and grabbing him by the arm. "We can work this out."
"I'm sorry Kathy..." Randal said, looking over his shoulder just enough to see her. "It's just not worth it anymore."
With that said, Randal left the room and headed for the front doors. Kathy watched until the guards backs got in the way, and then turned her eyes to the floor.
"Kathy, I know you're upset and I understand." Isaac said honestly. "But we only did this to keep you safe."
"He's right sis." Steven said as Kathy turned and walked towards him. "Sooner or later someone would've dug up his..."
Before Steven could finish his sentence, Kathy slapped him hard enough to knock him off his feet. Their parents gasped as The Bespectacled Worker quietly sighed, he was sent to do his job and now he was literally standing in the middle of the Irwin's family drama.
"Kathy, what on earth are you...?" Amelia tried to say in protest.
"Shut up!" Kathy shouted as she pointed at her mother. "You had no right! This is my team and I decide what happens."
"Don't forget who's keeping your team funded Kathy." Isaac said, trying to make Kathy see reason.
"I don't care! You can keep the money, I'll get by on my Association paychecks if I have to. I would sell my stocks, my sponsorship's and even my cloths if that's what it took for my team because it is the one thing that is mine! All the PR stuff has been for you and the big family image we always have to worry about. Well I am done with it, you can disown me if it means I don't have to put up with this cloak and dagger nonsense again!" Kathy yelled to her family before storming out of the room.
Isaac and Amelia were left speechless by their daughters outburst, Steven was still lying on the ground while he rubbed the sore side of his face. The Bespectacled Worker decided this was the right time to leave as well and gave the Irwin's a respectful bow before leaving the living room to call the executive board.
Randal was close to the door, his hands in his jacket pockets until he remembered what the Irwin's said about the tracker they had planted on him. He was about to take the jacket off, but then noticed the spray-paint cans Jeremy left by the door. It made him think of The Bulldog and all the other cars outside, after e moment of putting all the mental threads together Randal realized he had something to work with. The plan was probably crazy, but that never stopped him before.
"Move it." One of the security guards said.
Randal complied and started moving again, the guards keeping a close eye on him. Apparently, they were not watching close enough because Randal's quick hands managed to swipe a spray-paint can on the way out.