Disclaimer: I don't own One Punch Man
Italics is subconscious speaking.
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My breath was immediately stolen the moment cracks showed under my foot, breaking down entirely and swallowing me whole. It happened so fast I wasn't given a chance to scream for help.
Another day, another disaster. Seriously, the amount of trouble I face almost every other day will cause a vein to pop and there I will be on the floor, dying of aneurysm. Not even a full week had gone to pass and here I am buried underground, only my head remained above. Here I thought a normal disaster such as an earthquake hit Z-City one lazy morning.
The cold soil was a pleasant surprise while my head got all the warmth from sunlight like a plant. Green, buried, and thirsty.
The studio I stayed at had no water running, or anywhere else close to the vicinity. Well, if there was then without doubt clean was not the exact word to describe it. Especially now with my current situation, no way in hell will I risk hospitalization when records of my existence was well… nonexistent! And don't even start on the bills and medications just because I got an upset stomach. Stealing was way easier. I admit, the catholic in me fought valiantly whenever I cross a store but my hunger and basic needs won out in the end. So when I was walking towards the nearest, not really, grocery for a bottle of water, viola! This happened.
"What the hell?" I yelled in surprise. Body twisting from side to side in a rather poor attempt to wriggle my way out, when the sounds of rocks vibrating caught my sensitive ears.
The noise got louder and my senses told me it came from my left.
A rat… or better… a mole dug its way from the ground. Its whiskers twitching which I would have found cute and cooed at instantly, but the clear spite on it beady eyes said otherwise.
I grimaced, remembering the show and that scientist's other animal experiments.
"Nicely done Ground Dragon!" A slow, nasally voice said and the mole, Ground Dragon, straightened up from the praise. I felt them walking behind me and I didn't have to look back to know who the speaker was because this girl, boy, right here was one hundred and one percent sure it was a pink slug.
"We don't want him putting up a fight."
"Be careful though, we were warned about his condition." Was the slug's only reply.
Twisting my body once again as I struggle for freedom, "What exactly do you want from me?" I didn't bother asking about my condition knowing it was shit. By now, my labmates should've been at Saitama's apartment, wreaking havoc. That bald guy was supposed to make his grand debut, naked, after Mosquito Girl fought Genos. Surely that got the scientist's attention.
They should be attacking Saitama and not me!
Dr. Genus had one job and he failed me!
"You can't move your arms and feet. We have you surrounded!" A booming voice exclaimed. Its laugher echoing along the empty street as it made its way forward. "HAHAHA! Is this the best you can do Toxic? The doctor was concerned we wouldn't be able to capture you, you slippery snake."
Great. I'm certain Armored Gorilla and Kamakyuri were close, or if they weren't they were probably assaulting Saitama already.
My teeth gritted against one another. There must've been some divine shithead interfering with the way I wanted things to go because this is not part of the show! The feeling of irritation intensified – a common occurrence – and I wondered, no other person aggravated me this much before. Somehow, I landed myself right in Dr. Genus' object of interest instead. Well… I supposed being one of his escaped experiments granted that. Just my luck. I have no idea why he didn't go for Saitama.
Beast King was huge with pronounced muscles in every part of his body. His face curled in a permanent scowl, his mane was unruly and long and he easily dwarfed me with his size. Even if I was standing, my height wouldn't make a difference as the massive biped cat bent to meet my eyes. This action reminded me of the frog boss and in all honesty, it was becoming redundant.
Those brown, caramel-like eyes of his had a crazy glint behind it, matching the maniacal grin he was supporting. To be honest, I was kind of scared but my instincts were dormant. Two sharp claws glinted against the light as Beast King pointed those claws at my eyes, but still none of the constant static ring was heard. Maybe the absence meant safety? Or… perhaps it was due to us created in the same approach. It was an idea to study at a later date. Nevertheless, a tiny bit of courage helped me pull a brave front and hope against the odds that I could trick these idiots.
"That's what I call a tight spot." He joked, "HAHAHA!"
"Haha." I started to roll my eyes. Brawn doesn't equate to brain, I could do this. "Yes. Yes. I'm surrounded, now could you please get me out of here?"
The oddity of my request had Beast King paused before yelling, "Unlikely! We'll drag your body back in the house!"
Ground Dragon shifted his gaze at the slug, uncertain about the apparent leader's exclamation. The simple act had me wondering on what could be the reason behind Ground Dragon's hesitation. If it was due to a camaraderie, albeit one-sided, it would certainly help me in my endeavor.
The slug jumped suddenly at three pairs of eyes glancing his way, as if the decision kick-started a part of its brain in panic.
Ultimately, it said, "Let him walk." And I let out a sigh of relief.
It was a good thing Ground Dragon dug the hole I was in wider so I could just climb my way out. Even better was when the trio just monitored my movements because they're getting a once in a lifetime shock. I was actually expecting them to pull me out, but oh well.
Thanks. From yours truly.
Their stares, so intense, almost had me think twice at my plan. It was an idea so demeaning that my past self would outright reject it and just let herself be captured. But I wasn't Trisha no more. I wasn't in Earth any longer. Throwing all dignity I have for myself, I faced the pink one the second both feet stood straight on the ground and dared a smirk. Wasn't the slug a telepath? Can't he read my mind?
As if on cue, his pupils widened, "G-grab him!" He shouted! His mind powers were too slow but with all the strength I could muster, I ripped my shirt apart and any other clothing I have on my body. If I'm in any other situation where my life didn't hang by a thread, shame and discomfort would be the major emotions felt that would make me wish I wasn't born. Internally though, I cackled with glee and run towards the opposite direction.
I examined my fingers finding them gone. In all honesty, if it wasn't for my invisibility I'd be dead already. Or worse, imprisoned.
Beast King gave out a huge roar and swiped at my left. I wanted to dodge but decided against it. The static remained absent so I couldn't rely on my instincts but I knew how unlucky my choices tend to be.
The rumbling earlier came back. Though now that I knew it was the mole's doing, I leaped sideways the moment noise started to intensify. Ground Dragon emerged from another hole, like an ugly Diglet, from the spot where I was few seconds ago. I didn't linger. It seemed that among the three Ground Dragon has superior sense of hearing.
So the others followed, Beast King roaring at a distance.
How am I supposed to lose them? There was a lion with sharp claws and has probably better nose seeing as he was a cat of all things. Hunting preys were their forte.
I wonder what I smell like?
Not to mention there was that slug that could read my thoughts and act accordingly. As a matter of fact… the slug can read my thoughts.
I cannot escape them forever. My legs would burn out from running despite having an enhanced body. The months I stayed here in city Z wasn't really the most productive days I spent on compared to them – probably training 24/7 in a special room. Any person with sufficient common sense can tell my stamina was weak and will crash sooner if I kept my pace in this speed.
Fighting, definitely, wasn't an option.
But hiding was.
Trisha was one of those students with mediocre grades in college, boring hobbies and second-rate skills to boot, however picturing Saitama's room came with ease now that I'm desperate for his help. Imagining the streets, the red-bricked lane, and upturned trees, even that damn cactus… my mind focused on the nondescript building with off white walls, all the while chanting "Here!" repeatedly. I just hoped the telepath received the message immediately.
"Lion Slash!"
Rounding a corner towards a familiar crossing, Beast King had his arms outstretched, claws retracting as he swiped in a wide arc. Gusts of pressurized air soared above me and it narrowly missed my head when I ducked a little late.
The loud agonizing 'creaks' of metal sliding was heard, irritating my eardrums as a three-story house fell. Two parts at the sides gave away to gravity. I didn't even notice that I stopped. Beads of sweat trailed down my brow at the realization. My jaw hanged open to gawk at the lion's display of power – winds so strong that it managed to slice a house down like dominos.
I don't think they're letting me escape alive.
Never before had my heart beat this fast. It thumped in continuous lub-dub rhythm that had me sway on my feet from the sudden blood rushing to my brain. This was real. If Genos fought me again with his metallic repulsor, I'd scoff, and maybe even laugh at his threats and call it "Cute." Beast King on the other hand, was a villain. And villains weren't exactly known for morals. If I don't move my ass the second he yelled "Lion Slash" I'm royally screwed! Regeneration be damned.
Not wasting precious seconds in gawking, I ran with all I have.
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[Saitama and Genos]
Sitting the cup down with a low 'tunk', Saitama offered the tea to his unexpected guest and then proceeded to take a seat across the blonde teen. The position vaguely supplied an image of a young, green-skinned boy who sought his presence when he accidently killed someone few days ago, and Saitama wondered how Green-kun was doing.
"Drink up and then leave." He said, and then added, "I don't need a disciple."
Saitama stared at the cyborg, his face unmarred and his torso complete, very different from the mangled state he caught before slapping that damned mosquito, "Hey, you're all healed up?"
"Yes." was Genos instant reply, "Most of my body is a machine so I have the parts…"
Saitama taught a machine being part of his body was weird, but he guessed in this world where if a person ate too much crab, said person becomes Crablante.
"What kind of parts do you use Master?"
At Genos' innocent question, he was immediately brought back to reality and answered in a confused tone, "I don't really have any…"
"What?!" Exclaiming in disbelief, the cyborg pointed a finger on Saitama's head, "What about the skin-colored armor on your head?"
"That's skin."
Thoughtful, Genos rested his chin on his knuckles, mind already processing the given information and blurting out, "That would mean you went bald young."
"I AM BALD! What's you problem?!"
At Saitama's shouted question, Genos looked at the other with a gaze so serious, Saitama felt as if he'd burn into ashes.
"You wish to know about me Master?
"…uh, no."
But Genos continued anyway, "Four years ago, I was a normal human being until I was about fifteen. I lived a peaceful and relatively happy life with my family together in this dog-eat-dog world. But one day, a crazy cyborg went out of control and attacked our town –"
An eyebrow twitched at the sudden story told in rapid succession, as if the cyborg's mouth was a machine gun in battle firing bullets per bullets in less than a second. Except words were fired. But the reaction was the same, it pained Saitama's brain. Veins from his forehead started to bulge, throbbing and eventually growing bigger the minute Genos' seemed to be concentrated on continuing his biography. Similar to his guest last week, Genos had the same wordy and expressive thoughts as Green-kun. While it annoyed Saitama to hear the younger's woes and misfortune, he decided to extend his tolerance for long, winding talks due to his awful situation. That was probably a once in a blue moon event since he already had exhausted that patience and nothing more was there to offer.
As his legs begun to tap repetitively, his impatience reached the top when Genos said "Professor Kuseno" for the fifth time, and at the peak Saitama exploded.
"KNOCK IT OFF! SHORTEN THAT TO 20 WORDS OR LESS AND TRY AGAIN!"
It was quiet in his apartment, but the imaginary kettle whistling a high, irritating tune in Saitama's head gradually soften until peace was settled. Genos sported a contemplating look as he arranged his words into a more acceptable sentence for the older man.
A minute wasn't even over when Genos' mouth opened once again and Saitama braved for whatever he had to say. "Master Saitama… Here is the shortened version." The teen started, but what surprised Saitama was the determination on his yellow, almost golden lenses, "Teach me the way to become strong like you!"
Here before him, was a teen few years older than that weird, green-skinned boy looking for his guidance as well. Just what did Saitama have this year to attract kids nowadays? He wasn't actually a teacher material. Although, some part of him betrayed the thought, pointing how he also said that he couldn't be a shoulder to lean on for Green-kun yet he dragged the kid inside his home and gave him comfort to the best of his meager abilities.
"Genos." The expression on his eyes stayed the same. Saitama could see the unwavering resolve underneath the cold, serious appearance. "How old are you?"
"I'm 19!"
Saitama nodded, his bald head catching the light from the windows. There won't become a time where his brain matches the bright sheen on his forehead because before he could even think on how to train Genos – a cyborg, who admitted that machine mostly made up his body – his mouth blurted out, "I'll teach you."
Gulping down the immediate lump forming in his throat, he continued all the while ignoring the sweat gathering on his hands, "But it's hard. Can you handle it?"
A low rumble from Genos' chest was heard, which made Saitama curious on what could it be?
"Yes!" Before the teen could say anything else, Saitama caught the yellow lenses flash and in the blink of an eye, his guest was gone.
"…Freaky"
Crouched behind him, along his corridor, Genos told the man, "I detect something approaching at high speeds."
The ceiling above his head collapsed with a loud 'craaash' and cement rained. A normal human would have been injured and avoided the debris but the seeing the damage caused on his apartment roof, he couldn't help the spiking annoyance felt for the intruder. An alien looking mantis chuckled, posing like a boxer with his scythe for arms. "My name is –"
Instead of an apology, Saitama heard nonsense and his patience limit reached its peaked once again and punched the insect's face.
Splat!
"PAY FOR MY CEILING!"
Now that the mantis was headless, there would be no one to pay the damages and Saitama let a tiny, disgruntled frown mark his face.
"There are more outside."
At Genos' remark, he jumped from his balcony to search for more insects who could pay his bills. But what his eyes saw was a monkey that towered over Saitama wearing a well-polished armor that rivals his bald head's shine.
Below him was a crushed frog.
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The sight of a tall, cape-wearing, bald hero brought tears to my eyes. How Saitama hopped off from his apartment reminded me angels landing from heaven to bless unworthy humans grace and providing miracle to the needy. I am both unworthy and in need of a savior. The only thing that lacked that would have completed the picture were clouds parting to light his descent, though the blood and guts scattered on his feet kind of ruined it.
He landed on Frogman! My goodness! In the show he just buried half of him!
But that's beyond my concern despite the taste of bile that ascended. Beast King bellowed a mighty roar. If I found myself in a different circumstance I might have commented how I really love that specific roar and that he should consider auditioning in Lion King.
"Lion Slash: Meteor Power Shower!"
Pushing the last vestiges of my energy, I willed my legs to run few meters more to reach Armored Gorilla. My breaths came in deep, short pants that would surely alert the animal and I frankly, I couldn't bring my exhausted self to care. As long as I live to see another day, I don't mind being captured by the heavily protected among the group. Grabbing his shoulders, I swung around to grip the collar of his armor and hung… like a piece of necklace…or toy.
From my position, there was nothing exciting to observe. I could feel the winds in random directions. If I hadn't known better, I might have deduced it as some weird, deadlier version of a tornado but it wasn't. Armored Gorilla despite his protection did not leave the direct line of attack unscathed. While he tried to run behind Saitama's apartment, a part of his shin guard and arm bracers have cuts. Blood blossomed from the wound and I gulped. Those were deep.
That… could… be me.
I was broken from my musings when a familiar voice demanded. "I want to ask you a few things, cyborg."
Frowning, that dickhead sure had amazing skills at showing up where I don't need him the most. When I am actually trying to survive from insane war-mongering people here he comes bringing the fight to me. I have no more strength to run, much less duck for cover but I have to try anyways.
Releasing my hold on Armored Gorilla, I landed on the ground in an awkward heap. Apparently, my muscles chose this bad time to give up, screaming in protest as it felt like my bones rattled from misuse. The skin around the fingertips and toes turned sickly green before changing into a darker hue, and bit by bit the color ascended.
Catching twin looks of puzzlement, I heaved a sigh.
"Sorry! You weren't supposed to notice me." My apology felt backhanded and I was pretty sure none of the two cared as both were quick to send me their own menacing glares. My weary state was too tired to respond a scathing reply, though it seemed a small ounce of strength remained as I attempt to maneuver around to dodge Armored Gorilla's huge hand.
However, the slap still swept me that I hadn't the chance to yell. There was sting on my sides as the tender muscles made itself known but before it could blossom into more agony, my head hit the concrete. There, I welcomed sleep.
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[Genos]
The lizard kid was a wonder, not as wonderful as Master Saitama but the kid still caught Genos' attention whether it was a bad thing or a good one stayed unknown. Citizens were informed ahead of time about the mosquito outbreak so they evacuated accordingly, but not this individual. When he first found a suspicious-looking green figure wandering the streets of an abandoned business district, Genos had made a hasty judgment in the form of his repulsor giving off heat as it hummed in barely contained power. It was wrong for him to assume that a child, about 5 years his junior, brought the disaster… especially when he pleaded his case. His actions, while not the worse he had done, left a bitter taste on his tongue because he didn't listen. A spark of shame within him brightened as it grew into fiery embers the moment the real culprit showed herself.
Professor Kuseno warned him countless of time, but Genos didn't listen.
And now he was paying price of guilt on his shoulders.
For the past five days of stalking Master Saitama, Genos did not expect to see the kid once more with him suddenly appearing on the floor of Master Saitama's front door as if summoned from air. The filthy garment that were floating mere seconds ago now had a body and it belonged to the lizard kid, he lay crumpled as he caressed his bleeding nose.
Currently, the same kid who appeared again in the same manner – but this time without clothes – shouted as he clutched his legs in pain.
"Sorry! You weren't supposed to notice me." Genos had no idea if the apology was directed at him or at his fellow cyborg. If it was indeed for Genos, he could understand the acidic undertone of his rather bland apology. If it was the gorilla though… The cyborg was a mammoth of heavy armor, similar to the numerous villains he encountered they tend to be massive in size that equally sported great strength but Genos didn't waste his time with Professor Kuseno. His smaller form packed a punch and fire power.
The only flaw he saw in himself was his prejudice towards the kid, and he vowed to make amends.
The gorilla's attack was immediate, seeing as the kid was just behind the enemy the slap instantly swept him away. His green figure rolling before colliding with the wall in a resounding 'boom'!
Genos moved. Approaching the cyborg with his repulsor blaring, "Incinerate." He met the armored chest and slammed a ball of fire. It caused an explosion that brightened the streets, and the blast threw the cyborg couple of meters away from the kid.
From below the overpass, orange flames lingered at the ground, eating away whatever material that could burn. Smoke flew in hazy circles covering the surrounding area, but the silhouette of a standing gorilla was obvious.
His attack wasn't good enough.
"Your attacks won't work on me." The mechanical voice stated, "I am Armored Gorilla from the House of Evolution."
Genos remained stoic, the single piece of information was valuable so he repeated to his self, imprinting the name to his memory: House of Evolution.
"What do they want with Yamori?"
His question prompted the gorilla to slam his knuckles against the other in preparation of a fight "That is none of your business. We destroy anyone who resists."
Genos sneak a concerned peak at the unconscious kid lying naked few feet behind him, his modesty covered by debris. With an innocent victim nearby, Genos knew that unleashing his full potential would not only destroy Master Saitama's already damaged apartment but also the neighboring people close to their range.
Under the overpass seemed to be an ideal battle ground, not only there were fewer homes in at area but the cars above could just speed away acquiring less than 20% percent damage should their fight escalate. But the thought of leaving Yamori vulnerable brought back the unpleasant taste in his mouth. There was no telling what could happen in the time he left him alone.
A loud crash from the opposite side of the street alerted the two cyborgs. Genos had seen Master Saitama's strength and he have faith that the man could deal with his opponents as easy as flicking his wrist.
Now that Master Saitama agreed take Genos as his disciple, he couldn't let him be disappointed.
Crouching low, the steel on Genos' arm shifted as white, hot steam came out rising as his power accumulated. This situation called for speed more so than strength if he wanted to catch Armored Gorilla unaware, so he let his arms fall to his side – repulsors facing the ground as he blasted to the skies.
Through the thick smoke generated, his kick wasn't seen when Genos landed directly above Armored Gorilla's head. With the force of his arms, propelling him below aided by gravity it drove the Genos faster that he plummeted the other cyborg on the unforgiving earth.
The land gave away, forming a crater with the ape on the center.
Armored Gorilla looked relatively fine under the crumpled helmet, according to his analysis and his legs acted on its own. Rushing forward to seize him, Genos targeted the head – his fist pounding at the metal until it chipped off.
With the half of his face exposed, Armored Gorilla can no longer remain safe from Genos' fire.
His fist uncurled. The hole on his hand glowed yellow as Armored Gorilla shielded his face, but the plan wasn't to blast the cyborg into oblivion. Genos, already established the fact that the armor was a special that could withstand his blast. Instead, he drove his hand down to meet the unprotected side and pushed.
The earth cracked and flew up in large fragments. All the power in his arms whirred as Genos pushed with vigor as Armored Gorilla kissed the ground for the second time – his face, purple and bloody which would only worsen if the pressure kept up.
But as abruptly as it started, it ended just the same.
Genos's hand was hot. It was a hairsbreadth away from Armored Gorilla's swollen eye, a clear intention that he wasn't someone to mess around, "Answer my questions or die. You choose."
No one spoke. No objects moved.
So Genos, in a show of intimidation, adjusted his hand's temperature. From blazing hot, it became scorching that even the color changed into white.
"…You are the one who'll die, fool." Bruised as he may be, Armored Gorilla retained his robotic speech like his jaw wasn't in correct position. "I am the House of Evolution's third strongest. You will never beat the Beast King, he is the second strongest."
Master Saitama walked to the chaos under the overpass, on his hand was a blood-stained eyeball. The optic nerves remained connected as it hang and bounced whenever Master Saitama stepped.
"You mean this guy?"
"I think he does."
Armored Gorilla stared the eyeball and Genos watched the understanding slowly breaking the stoic, uncaring visage.
"Sorry about that. I'll tell you everything so go easy on me!"
Master Saitama looked amused as he pointed out, "Hey! You're talking normal now!"
"Sorry. I was just tryin' to be cool."
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10/27/18
Hello! Sorry I wasn't able to update for like more than a year. It was internship year so you could understand how demanding that was, but rejoice! I just graduated and suddenly found myself a lot of free time heh heh! I admit that writing this chapter was a challenge, mainly because my writing skills are rusty… I felt like I didn't improve no matter how much I stayed up late to edit and revise my term papers. But enough about me.
I read the previous chapters and noticed some things.
(1) How can Trisha turn completely invisible in front of Saitama? What happened to his clothes? I decided to edit some paragraphs there, nothing major. Haha!
(2) If you're confused about Trisha's power, don't be. He just calls it 'invisibility' because he isn't convinced it camouflage.
(3) He still doesn't have a name. Dr. Genus calls him Toxic, Saitama calls him Green-kun and Genos with his very astute observation calls him Yamori. Next chapter, Trisha'll decide on a name for himself. Or not. You guys don't have to guess ^_^ hahaha
(4) Genos didn't struck me as someone who'd apologizes verbally but rather correct his mistakes by acting on it. I hope did his character some justice here, though his fight with Armored Gorilla left me underwhelmed?
(5) I planned for this story to kind of… ruin the whole canon. If that bothers you I'm sorry. If not…welcome aboard! Let me know what you think!
(6) Unbeta-ed. We die like illiterates.