Ch.2: How To Marry An Alien
"Have you studied the documents?" Delta demanded.
Ataru nodded bravely.
"Have you gotten an adequate amount of rest for this event?" Delta commanded.
Ataru nodded confidently.
"Are you tired of listening to Delta's bitchin'?" Epsilon asked flatly.
Ataru nodded tiredly.
Delta glared at them heatedly.
"What? You've been on his case ever since we got here." She defends Ataru, who nods in agreement.
"Your point?" Delta scoffed, "The fate of our entire planet rests on his shoulders. We shouldn't be comforting him. We should be preparing him for whatever challenge they throw his way."
"No pressure," Ataru muttered.
"I'm not going to baby him. I'm making sure he's ready," Delta asserted as he turned away from them. "Earth needs Omni, not Ataru Moroboshi."
As he walked away, Ataru lowered his head. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, He saw Epsilon smile at him.
"Sorry about him. Delta isn't exactly a people person," She comforted him.
"It's alright. I know what's on the line." Ataru clenched his fist, but his eyes gleamed. "I won't crumble under pressure. I'll break through and win."
Epsilon smirked at his determination.
"By the way, where are we?" Ataru looked around with a frown. "For some reason, I don't remember anything after getting into a car with you. The next thing I know, I'm on the ground, and Delta's prep checking me."
Epsilon went into her suit and pulled out a thick pen.
"This was the last thing you remember, right?" She asked.
"I think so? What's a pen got to do with this?"
She shook her head before saying, "This isn't a pen."
Twisting the top, the bottom of the pen extended until a dim red line appeared.
"It's a neuralyzer." She gestured at the device. "A standard device for the M.I.B. It emits a flash that isolates electrical impulses related to memories and erases them. From there, we can insert new memories into our victims that they'll accept as truth."
"You wiped my memories." Ataru realized with wide eyes. "Why?"
"We needed to make sure the neuralyzer could affect you. Your Omnitrix could've possessed countermeasures against mental manipulation." Epsilon explained shrugging at his shock. "To be honest, we are going to neuralyze you and your family once this is all over. I mean, it's a secret organization. What did you expect?"
Sighing, Ataru stared at the Omnitrix.
"To be honest, I don't know much about this thing." Ataru held the Omnitrix at Epsilon. "Other than what it told me."
"Really?!" Epsilon leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "What did it say!? Was there a vocal gender?! Oh, I Love Studying New Technology! Come On! Tell me Tell me Tell me Tell me Tell me Tell me Tell me Tell me Tell me Tell me Tell me Tell me TELL ME!"
Stepping away from her overly excited face, Ataru placed his hand in front of her.
"Okay Okay! Hold your horse. I'll tell you if you calm down." Wide-eyed, Ataru watched as she went from crazy to professional in under a second. "That Was Fast!"
"I'm M.I.B. It comes with the suit" She said while adjusting her tie. "So, you're going to talk?"
Ataru stared at her before looking up at the clouds.
"After I used the Omnitrix, I had no idea what I was doing. It's not like my parents would've helped, so I had to learn in secrecy. Even when I found my hiding place, it didn't make things easier. I couldn't transform like what happened before. Hell, I still don't know how it turned on at all. Everything I tried to do always backfired on me. One day, just as I was about to give up, it spoke to me."
6 Years Ago
"Come on. Stupid Watch! Work!"
Deep within Tomobiki forest, an 11-year-old boy swung his hand at a tree, hitting the watch on his wrist. Afterward, the child pressed his back against the tree and glared at his watch.
"Why won't you work?!" Ataru snapped as his fingers pressed the black faceplate. "You worked the first time, so why aren't you doing anything?!"
Sliding to the ground, Ataru let out a scream of frustration, knowing that no one would hear him.
Once he had vented his rage, the child looked down at the watch.
"Please, I can't do this without you," Ataru begged, only to get nothing. "Nagi, I'm sorry."
He felt ready to cry until he heard it.
'User Recognition Incomplete'
Ataru lifted his wrist and found the watch flickered with green light.
"It's On?!" Ataru thought surprised.
'State Your Name'
"Ataru Moroboshi!" He states quickly.
The light faded away and Ataru feared the worst.
'User I.D Accepted'
However, the watch sprung to life as two green stripes appeared on the faceplate, forming the outline of an hourglass.
'Omnitrix Online'
"Finally!" Ataru cheered his right arm waving excitedly in the air.
However, the Omnitrix started blinking wildly, much to his shock.
"What Now?!"Ataru yelped.
'Multiple Active Playlists Detected' 'Playlists One Through Seven Unlocked' 'Remaining Playlists Disabled' 'Omni-Key Required To Access Remaining Playlists' 'Beginning Systems Check'
Suddenly, the Omnitrix stopped blinking while Ataru tilted his head.
"All Internal Systems Functional' 'Beginning Primary System Check'
'User Required For Primary System Check'
The stripes on the faceplate started to glow.
'Activate Selection Cycle'
"Okay?" Ataru muttered as he press the faceplate
A holographic circle materialized before him, with five faces appearing on the top half.
'Selection Cycle Functional'
"This didn't happen before, did it? Then again, a lot happened." Ataru thought back before shaking his head. "What do I do now?"
'Move Fingers In Circular Motion'
"Umm? Thank you?" Ataru raised his brow at the Omnitrix.
Going through various icons, he eventually stopped on one.
'Press The Left Side To Confirm Selection or Cancel Usage With The Right Side'
Grinning, he quickly pressed the left and watched as the faceplate slid open and a tube extended outwards.
'To Commence Transformation, Apply Pressure To The Core'
Without hesitation, Ataru slammed down on the core.
Suddenly, Ataru felt his body begin to change. Becoming taller, bigger, harder.
Stronger.
As the sensation ended, Ataru felt compelled to shout this out.
"Diamondhead!"
"That's it!" Epsilon shouted angrily. "AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL!?"
"Sorry if you were expecting something else," Ataru shrugged while staring at Omnitrix. "The only time it speaks is to inform me of something. Like when my usage limit increases."
This piqued her interest, enough to ignore her disappointment.
"Limit?" Epsilon asked, narrowing her eyes. "What limit?"
Atari explained, "Back then, I could only stay transformed for ten minutes. The reason is that energy used for transformation is dangerous if used for too long. After years of constant transformations, my body is building resistance against that energy meaning longer usage. Now, I can go for at least an hour."
"One form for one hour?"
"No. As long as I change back before my limit, I can turn into something else. As long as I give it the five minutes it needs to recharge, then I'm good."
"That shouldn't be possible. Not unless the AI is monitoring his genetic code and making improvements on it. Maybe there is more to the Omnitrix than even Ataru realizes." Epsilon thought tapping her cheek while suppressing her grin. "Regardless, it's still advanced enough that it sets my curiosity aflame. It's a shame that I won't be able to study it."
As she nodded, Ataru asked, "Now that I've answered your questions. How about you answer mine? I know we're on some kind of island."
Shrugging, Epsilon said, "This is Gunkanjima, less commonly known as Hashima Island. An abandoned islanding located near Nagasaki. Usually a tourist attraction, the M.I.B has secured this location for the challenge against Oniboshi.
"And what's stopping people from noticing?"
Point upwards, Epsilon said, "Look up there."
Following her finger, Ataru noticed a strange device as it hovered over the island. It released a pulse of purple energy that descended downwards around Gunkanjima before fading around.
"A Neuralyzation Field Emitter," Epsilon revealed. "They're used to obscure our activities to any non-M.I.B or non-extraterrestrial observers. And to prevent any noisy people, it transmits a special frequency directly into their brains, causing them to perceive the location as being plain and not worth any investigations. Complete Unnotability."
"You people don't pull any stops, do ya?"
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning nearby startled Ataru.
"The hell was that?"
"They're here," Delta yelled at them. "Get Moving!"
"The Oni possess short-range teleportation technology," Epsilon mentioned to Ataru as they followed Delta. "So where are they?"
"The open area between the Ruins of the 70th building and the Public Toilet."
"What's the deal with this place anyway?" Ataru asked.
"Hashima Island was a coal mine back until the 1970s when oil replaced coal as a major energy source. Since then, it's been a ghost town since." Epsilon explained. "Besides tourism, M.I.B uses Gunkanjima as a meeting point for intergalactic politics. It may look like crap on the outside, but the inside is better looking."
"Enough chatting." Delta pointed ahead. "There they are."
Ataru noticed Omega waving to them, but then he saw what must be the Oni.
Once he saw them, Ataru almost couldn't believe it.
A gigantic demon of a man who was both ominous and intimidating. Admittedly overweight, it did nothing to hide the muscles bursting behind his fat. Two fangs poked out of his lower jaw and two black pupils trained on their position like a hawk on its prey. A full head of green so dark that was nearly black as the abyss with two small yellow horns sticking out. He wore a large yellow tracksuit with black tiger stripes.
It was clear as day who the warlord was.
However, the Oni champion was less than what Ataru had expected.
It was a girl about his age. Her long green hair reached her back with two bangs laying gently across her shoulders. Her bright blue eyes shined brightly while two horns rested perfectly on her heart-shaped face. Despite her age, her curvaceous figure could bring most men to their knees and kiss the ground she walked up. It didn't help that she was wearing a tiger-striped bikini that pressed against her large chest and rear with matching knee-high boots.
"Are we sure that's an Oni and not a goddess?" Ataru asked absentmindedly.
Delta rolled his eyes before elbowing Ataru.
"She's Oni. The horns on her head tell you that. Her name is Lum. She's the only daughter of the Oni's warlord, making her Onibushi's princess and future ruler." Delta said, ignoring how Ataru held his stomach in pain. "Let's not forget that she's your opponent for the ownership of the Earth. But no, feel free to gawk at her jugs while the fate of our planet is at stake."
Blushing, Ataru shouted, "I'm not that type of guy!"
"What guy?"
They slowly looked back and realized the two Oni were staring at them.
"Well? Is something the matter?" The big Oni asked.
"None at all, Mr. Invader." Delta declared.
"That's rude!" Ataru muttered, sweat dropping.
"Why would it be rude if that's my name?" The invader must have noticed Ataru's confusion as he explained. "My people traditionally speak Oniboshigo, but some of us can speak other languages fluently. My surname in your people's language means Invader."
Looking at his daughter, Ataru asked. "Then, your full name is Lum Invader?"
She nodded.
Looking down at Ataru, Mr. Invader asked, "Is this your planet's strongest warrior?"
Omega shook his head.
"No. He's Earth's Most Versatile Fighter."
The Warlord narrowed his eyes.
"Now that everyone is accounted for," Omega stated, narrowing his eyes back at Mr. Invader. "Perhaps you should announce the challenge. I think you'll agree that we should get this over with?"
The large Oni snorted, but he grinned nonetheless.
"Eager to lose, I see. Very well," Mr. Invader closed his eyes. "The challenge is a classic on Onibushi. It is…"
With bated breath, Ataru prepared for whatever hellish battle awaited. Whatever torment he must face, he will emerge the victor.
Snapping his eyes wide open, Invader bellowed so loudly that winds blew past them as his voice echoed far beyond the barrier.
"ONIGOKKO!"
As the wind died down, Ataru felt both relieved and cheated at the same time.
"Tag?" Delta repeated, for once stunned. "We're deciding the fate of the Earth on TAG?!"
"Of course. It seemed fair to give you humans a chance at victory." Invader smiled confidently. "Rules are simple: Grab my daughter's horns before ten days are over and you win. No leaving this island or it's an immediate disqualification."
Ataru released a huge sigh, "Tag? Ten days seem like overkill, but considering what's at stake, I take it."
"I'm ready," Ataru stated, with a fire in his eyes.
"I won't make it easy." Lum grinned, her top fangs showing.
"Like your spirit, kid." Mr. Invader laughed as he looked at Omega. "We'll head toward the observation deck and watch the action from there. Meet me when you're done."
As the Warlord walked away, Omega made his way to his agents and Ataru.
"Tag. I know I should be grateful, but it feels like he's underestimating us." Delta scowled.
"Perhaps. Most aliens view humans as a vastly inferior species. To the point that if Earth wasn't neutral ground for the universe, then it would have been conquered or destroyed by now. Besides both." Epsilon admitted.
"Regardless, it's more favorable than outright combat," Omega said before glancing at Ataru. "Especially, since it is not us partaking in the challenge."
Ataru crossed his arms, "Although, it isn't a problem. Ten days seems like a bit extreme, doesn't it?"
"Not for Onis, it's not," Omega stated, "They're a strong race of fighters. The legends on Oni were mostly based on them. Your opponent may not seem like it, but she's strong. There's a reason she was chosen to participate in this."
"Right." Ataru nodded.
"A little reminder before we leave you," Delta said, "An Oni's powers are related to the number of horns they have. Furthermore, Onis are known to have various abilities different from each other. Don't screw this up."
With that, Ataru was left alone with Lum.
"So," Lum stared at Ataru, who did the same. "What's your name?"
After a moment of debating, Ataru shrugged.
"Ataru Moroboshi."
"Okay. Well, I hope you're finding this as fun as I am."
"Fun?" Ataru frowned.
"You see, I just got out of a bad relationship awhile ago," Lum said sheepishly. "I wanted to take some time away from home, so my father decided to take me along with him."
"And to compete for ownership of the Earth?" With that thought, Ataru asked. "You're here because of a bad relationship?"
"Boyfriend. And he was horrible!" Lum snarled, much to his surprise. "Relationships are sacred on my planet and he just…."
Lum screams at the top of her lungs.
"THAT JERK! I HATE HIM!"
"Sounds like I would make a better guy for you than him," Ataru said, rolling his eyes.
Hearing this, Lum twitched.
Slowly turning red, Lum muttered, "Y-You t-think so?"
Shaking his head, Ataru smirked at Lum.
"Let's make a deal. If I can catch you before the end of today, we'll get married." Ataru jokes, unaware of the effect his words had. "What do you say?"
Stunned by his brazenness, Lum could only nod meekly.
Suddenly, Ataru changed to Omni.
"You're a shapeshifter?" Lum realized before whispering, "What's the deal with me and shapeshifters?"
"This form is called Omni," Seeing her nod, Omni winked. "And I'm one of many, baby."
"B-B-BABY!?" Lum shrieked in her head.
"Attention. This thing on? Good." Omega's voice echoed across the Gunkanjima. "The Khokkans' Trail of Rights Shall Now Enter Its Final Stage. An Onigokko Between Lum of Oniboshi and Omni Of Earth. On My Mark, The Game Will Begin!"
Despite this, neither side moved. Each waiting for the other to react first.
"All I have to do is grab her horns." Omni looked at Lum, who appeared confident. "Two horns, two different powers. I've researched her race, but I don't know what her powers are."
However, he smirked and went through the Omnitrix. "But it doesn't matter what Lum can do if I don't give her any time to use them. This looks like a job for Clockwork!"
Slamming it down, Omni transformed into…
"Fasttrack!" He called out before dropping his head and arms. "I misread it again."
"So you were serious about being one of many?" Lum tilted her head.
Shaking his head, Fasttrack trained his vision on her.
"He may not be Clockwork, but Fasttrack will work!"
With his enhanced speed, Fasttrack charged at the Oni and reached out for her horns.
Just as he was about to touch them, Lum vanished from sight.
"What?!" Fasttrack gasped. "Where did she go?"
"Yoo-hoo." A voice rang out from above. "You weren't expecting that?"
Looking upwards, he saw Lum hovering over him.
"So you can fly." Fasttrack muttered, before shouting, "But that won't stop me!"
Fasttrack sprinted away from her, much to her confusion, before reversing his course at high speed. Once he was close enough, Fasttrack launched himself at her, only for Lum to instantly swerve to the left.
Wincing, she could watch as he crashed through the run-down building.
"That had to hurt." Lum thought, keeping her eyes on the crash site. "Is he done?"
As she hovered, something started poking out of the ground. Undetected, green vines quietly rose from the ground and inched closer to her. Once they were close enough, they suddenly wrapped around her legs, catching her by surprise. Before she could do anything, more tendrils quickly appeared, grabbing her waist and hands. She struggled to break free as they pulled her to the ground. Meanwhile, a plant-like creature emerged from the ground, looking pleased with itself.
"If Fasttrack can't reach you, then Wildvine can take you by surprise." He grinned as he stretched his body towards his captive. "Sorry, but losing is an option."
"I agree." Lum gritted out, before giving him a fanged smile. "So, how about this!"
Lum emitted strong electricity from her body, electrocuting Wildvine. Fighting through the pain, he stretches his arms at her horns, but not before she loosens his vines grip on her. Breaking free, Lum launched herself backward, easily dodging his grasp.
Smirking back the smoked plant, Lum took to the sky as Wildvine laid there, recovering from the shock. With a green glow, Omni scrunched his eyes before watching his opponent fly over the building.
"Ten days are starting to make sense." He growled silently. "But I can't risk it. There got to be something I can do? Flying is an obvious option, but which flier? Even then, how will I…"
Pausing, Omni suddenly had an idea.
Meanwhile, Mr. Invader snorted from his seat as the M.I.B sat in front of him.
"That's the best he can do?" The Oni sneered. "He'll need to do better if he wants to catch Lum."
"You don't think highly of humans, do you?" Delta scowled, to which Mr. Invader rolled his eyes. "What?"
Crossing his arms, he explained, "Despite my actions, I don't hate humans. I'm not the vicious conqueror like my ancestors were. What you're hearing is not a warlord mocking his foes, but a father proud of his daughter."
"To be honest, I had originally planned for a trail of combat between my true champion and the boy." Mr. Invader revealed before sighing. "However, I noticed my daughter was going through a tough time due to ….personal reasons. I wanted to give her a chance to get away from it all. Onigokko was her favorite sport back home. No Oni alive has ever beaten Lum in this game. While she isn't the strongest, she's the fastest."
"Even so, you shouldn't consider yourself victorious yet," Omega said.
"The kid can't catch her on foot. No matter how fast he is, Lum's faster."
"And what if there was someone faster than her?"
Mr. Invader glared at the old agent, who looked back at him calmly.
"Humans are a fragile species. That is true. We find ourselves lacking in nearly every way compared to other species out there. We're not as strong as you. We're not as fast as you. Your technology surpasses what we're capable of. Even our Quirks, some of which can be considered powerful, are pitiful at best when compared to yours. We are a grain of sand in a desert known as the universe."
Suddenly, Omega smirked at the warlord.
"However, there's something that only Humans possess that none even the most advanced species lacks."
"And that is?" Mr. Invader frowned only to see Epsilon point back at the screen.
"We Never Give Up."
"ARE YOU EVEN AWAKE BACK THERE?!" Lum shouted, amused. "After all that talk, I thought you'd be more than that!"
With her opponent nowhere in sight, Lum just lower herself near a three-story building.
After several minutes, Lum sighed and prepared to end today's bout. "Guess I was wrong about him."
"Thinking about leaving?"
Suddenly she heard his voice.
Spinning around, Lum noticed Omni leaning on the window directly in front of her.
"So you were trying to sneak up on me again?" Lum guessed before chuckling. "Sorry, but that's not going to happen. I'm just too fast for you."
"Too sexy for me as well, but I'm not complaining." Omni jokes, too far to see the space beauty turn red. "You're right about this. Fasttrack can't keep up with you and your lighting is too much for Wildvine. Good thing I have someone perfect against a speedster like you."
Losing her blush, Lum narrowed her eyes at him."The way he said that. Does he…No. There's only one faster person and he's not her."
"So, I won't use Fasttrack." Omni showed her the Omnitrix. "I got more than enough comrades to fight alongside."
"It won't matter if you can't…"
"Fly." Omni finished for her. "No problem."
A green light nearly blinded Lum before she instinctively flew higher until she was above the building. She twirled back and she searched for Omni, only for him to have disappeared.
"I didn't see it, but I…" She gulped slightly as she touched her horns. "I felt something graze my horn. It could be my imagination, but I need to put some distance."
Lum started moving toward the other side of the island. The wind brushed against her skin as she flew away.
"Leaving so soon?"
"What?" Lum gasped as she spun around.
Flying above her was some kind of flying reptile humanoid.
"Say hello to Astrodactyl!" He said. "I thought I'd even the playing field."
"Interesting," Lum replied, slowly increasing her speed. "But you won't find me an easier target."
Suddenly, Lum dived towards the ground.
"Love it when they play hard to get." Astrodactyl joked before giving chase.
Before hitting the ground, Lum altered her course and flew alongside the grounds before looking back and seeing Astrodactyl slowly gaining on her.
"You know it's rude to stare at a lady's butt!"
"Don't worry! I've only got my eyes on the price!"
"If I don't do something quick, then he'll catch me." Lum nodded. "Let's hope this works."
Reversing her course, she boosted her speed before charging at him.
"Want to play chicken? Bring it!" Astrodactyl did the same.
They continued flying toward each other, neither hitting the brakes. Just before the collision, they pulled upwards as their feet pressed each other. Astrodactyl's hands shot towards her horns, only for Lum to pull her head backward, barely avoiding his grip. Almost immediately, Lum shot upwards like a rocket, only for Astrodactyl to follow.
"IF YOU'RE TRYING TO WEAR ME OUT, THEN IT'S HOPELESS!" Astrodactyl shouted out. "I WON'T STOP UNTIL I SAVE THIS PLANET! THAT'S WHAT OMNI IS! SOMEONE WHO WILL STOP UNTIL EVERYONE'S SAFE!"
"Pulling corners and using my surroundings is only delaying him. It hasn't even been an hour and I've already been forced to speed up more and more." Lum thought. "I need to think of something quickly."
And yet, despite this surprising turn of events.
Lum found herself smiling at her opponent.
"WHAT!? HE'S CATCHING UP TO LUM!?" Mr. Invader rose from his seat. "Impossible!"
"People tend to label what they can't or refuse to understand as such." Omega smiled at his shock.
"Holy crap," Epsilon said. "They go so fast. The surveillance system can barely keep up with them."
"Thank fuck," Delta groaned. "When that moron crashed, I thought we were screwed."
"I've got the edge on her for now." Astrodactyl thought. "But the clock is ticking and once I time out, I'll doubt she'll let me catch up again."
Narrowing his eyes, he zeroed in on her horns.
"I've got one chance." Astrodactyl nodded. "Let's hope it works."
Looking back, Lum noticed him slowing down. Curious, she stopped moving as well.
"What's wrong? I thought you said it was pointless to wear you down." Lum placed her hands on her waist. "I haven't even broken a sweat."
"Oh, it's nothing," Astrodactyl said. "Just enjoying the view."
Looking around, Lum could only see ruins.
"The view?" Lum mutter before suddenly turning red again. "IS HE TALKING ABOUT ME?!"
Without waiting, Astrodactyl turned towards the sky, "You know the truth is…"
"...I hate this world."
Lum looked shocked by this.
"While I can't say I've seen the worst, it certainly felt like it. I was only able to hide the pain behind a smile because I had someone standing at my side through it all. Only for this sick world to take that person away. For a time, I wanted to destroy this world. To show how I felt about their abuse."
Slowly he looked back at Lum.
"But that wouldn't bring him back. It would only shame his memory. So when I received this power, I decided to become the man I knew he would've been. A man who would stand by others when none would. A man who would protect those who couldn't protect themselves. A man who would fight against injustice, even when they were protected by a corrupt justice."
Leaning forward, Astrodactyl prepared himself for his next and hopefully final move.
"Because I know more than anything..."
Suddenly his jetpack went into overdrive.
"...THAT HE LOVED THIS STUPID WORLD!"
With his propulsion blast, Astrodactyl shot forward at incredible speeds.
"SO FAST!" Lum thought, stunned.
Before Lum could do anything, she was already tackled by him as they plummet towards the ground.
A large crash could be heard from the observation deck.
"Lum." Her father muttered before racing out of the room with the agents right on his tail.
"They landed near the Hashima Coal Mine," Epsilon said.
Once they reached the coal mine, they found a crater with smoke rising.
"Lum!" Mr. Invader called out through the smoke. "Are you alright? Say Something?!"
"Ataru!" Epsilon shouted. "You Good?!"
As the dust finally settled, they could finally see it.
Lum laid atop Omni, her head resting on his chest. And Omni rested under Lum, his right hand resting on her head.
Gripping her horns tightly.
Mr. Invader couldn't believe it.
"We…" He muttered, shocked. "…lost?"
Epsilon hugged Delta tightly as she jumped excitedly.
And for once, he allowed it and returned her hug with a rare smile.
Standing next to the Oni, Omega said cheekily. "It would appear that The Khokkans' Trail of Rights has ended in our favor."
As the shock faded away and all that was left was acceptance, Mr. Invader sighed.
"It would seem so."
Meanwhile, Omni stirred as he was greeted by the sight of a blue sky. Feeling a weight against him and lowering his green eyes to stare into a head of green hair until the owner slowly met his gaze with her sky-blue eyes. Neither willing to look away too captivated to notice anything until a cough filled their ears.
"Welcome back," Epsilon giggled.
It was at this moment, they remembered where they were. At their side, Epsilon waved at them while Delta rolled his eyes and Omega chuckled softly.
Mr. Invader, Lum's Father, didn't look pleased by the sight.
Burning red, Lum flew off Omni until she landed behind her father, literally hiding the mountain of a man.
"W-What happened?" Omni asked half-embarrassed, half confused.
"What happened is that you won!" Epsilon cheered, much to the competitors' shock.
Lum peeked around her father, who nodded to her.
"For real?" Omni questioned, to which the agent smiled.
"For real."
Walking over to Omni, Delta held out his hand and pulled him up before patting his back.
"You were sloppy at first, but you pulled through in the end," Delta said flatly, but the gleam in his eyes said otherwise. "Excellent work."
Lum tugged at Mr. Invader's suit, catching his attention. Rising to his level, she leaned towards his ear. With wide eyes and raised eyebrows, he looked back at her, only for her to nod. Lowering his head, the Oni trembled as shadows covered his face while his daughter watched with concern.
"I agree. You did excellently, Ataru Moroboshi." Omega walked towards him before holding his hand out. "Although this will be the only time we meet. It was a pleasure."
Shaking his hand, Omni nodded with a smile.
"It truly was."
Suddenly, a shadow towered over them as Mr. Invader glared down at him.
Facing the warlord, Omni crossed his arms and stood his ground with a smirk.
"Got something to say, big fella?" Omni sneered, subtly reaching for the Omnitrix.
"I'm impressed. Many have tried, but no one has ever beaten Lum at Onigokko." He rumbled, menacingly.
"Is that going to be a problem?"
Omega slowly reached into his suit as his agents crept closer.
"A problem?"
Faster than they could react, Mr. Invader grabbed Omni by his shoulders and lifted him to his face before…
…smiling?
"None at all." He said, happily? "From what my daughter told me, I'd be happy to call you my son-in-law."
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"What?" The humans asked in unison.
"You told her what!?"
"Epsilon, relax."
"Don't tell me to relax, Delta!"
Delta stared at Epsilon with half-opened eyes.
"Then could you relax your grip? You're choking him."
Looking at Ataru, she realized his face matched her true form in color. Dropping him, she watched as he lay there, taking much-needed air.
At Dolphin Pier, a M.I.B cabin cruiser had arrived on Omega's orders, and they remained on the upper deck.
"In retrospect, this is our fault," Delta rubbed his chin as he took a seat. "He was only informed of their capabilities, not their culture."
"Well…?" Epsilon started, only to drop her head.
With his breathing returned to normal, Ataru scowled at her.
"What the hell was that about?!"
"You unintentionally got married to the princess of Oniboshi," Delta reveals.
On his knees, Ataru froze like a deer in headlights.
Using his silence, Delta explains, "Your briefing should've mentioned the differences between a female Oni and a male Oni. While the men have superior strength, the women possess greater control over their abilities. Furthermore, the most common power for an Oni is Flight. With that in mind, their women are natural flyers with maneuverability any humans with flying quirks could only dream of. Remember how I was so annoyed when he announced Tag as the competition?"
"What does that…?"
"Tag is more than a game on Oniboshi. For them, it's a traditional marriage proposal." Delta continued as Ataru went stiff again. "If a woman accepts, then the man has ten days to touch her horns or the proposal is null. Do you get it now? The fat bastard was comparing our planet to some dude who couldn't get the girl."
"Except you did," Epsilon added. "And she accepted."
"I didn't mean it." Ataru countered, placing his hands in front of his face as she scowled. "Sometimes, I make jokes as Omni. It helps hide my fears."
"We can't change what's already been done," Delta said, looking at Epsilon. "How's Omega?"
Sighing, she looked back at the seemingly ruined lighthouse.
"Discussing terms with the Invader. Naturally, He wants Ataru to come with them to Oniboshi." Noticing his panic, she added. "Omega won't let that happen. Since you're our champion, you're required to remain on Earth. They're trying to reach a suitable agreement."
"Can't we tell them the truth?" Ataru asked, only to flinch at their glares.
"Do you want to tell a powerful warlord that you lied to his daughter?" Delta asked, scowling. "A warlord who, if I may remind you, has countless soldiers and enough firepower to make conquest as simple as snapping his fingers."
"It just doesn't feel right to play with her feelings." Ataru scowled back. "She just got out of a bad relationship. She should be with someone who loves her. I may not love her, but I won't use her, regardless of the consequences. She doesn't deserve to be used. Lum deserves happiness."
Sighing, Delta looked away from him.
"Maybe, but right now we don't have a choice."
After three hours, Omega arrived at the boat with Lum as a lightning bolt rang out. With a single call, the boat left the pier and away from Gunkanjima. As Lum moved on, Omega noticed Delta leaning against the railing.
"I take it that this means Omni's staying?" Delta asked, to which Omega smiled. "What are you smiling about, old man?"
"It seems that this won't be our final encounter with Mr. Moroboshi. I'd say it was a good introduction."
Narrowing his eyes, Delta questioned. "Introduction?"
"Indeed," Omega nodded. "After all, Intergalactic Law states that a champion must be affiliated with their planetary law enforcement in some kind of way. Then, I suddenly remembered that you've been lacking a partner recently."
"Omega," Delta said slowly, pushing off the railing.
"I'll admit that it will be a stretch since his Omni persona will be made public soon, but I think he'll make a fine addition to the organization." Omega turned away from Delta. "I hope you treat your new partner well."
"YOU SHITTY OLD MAN!"
As he went inside, he couldn't hide the impish grin that appeared on his face.
Meanwhile, Ataru sat near the back of the ship, watching the waves as they went by.
"May I sit next to you?"
Looking behind, he found Lum staring at him.
Nodding, Ataru slid to the left as she sat on his right. As they gazed at the waves, he felt something twisting inside. Glancing at her, his lips parted before becoming a grimace. He looked away from her, disgusted with himself.
"I know you don't like me."
His head snapped back at Lum, who continued to watch the wave.
"I eavesdropped on your conversation. You, humans, tend to never look up." Lum glanced at him. "You know that, right?"
"I'm sorry," Ataru said, looking away. "I never meant to play with your feelings like that. I was just-"
"It's alright, I understand. That's why…"
Ataru clenched his eyes.
"...I'll make you love me."
His eyes sprung wide open as Lum smiled at him.
"W-W-What?" Ataru muttered.
"I won't lie, a part of me wanted to clear this misconception with my father," Lum admitted before resting on his shoulder. "However, I took into consideration everything I've learned about you and realized something. As strange as it must sound, I fell in love with you the moment you decided my happiness was more important than any repercussions. So, I decided to live here with you on Earth and do whatever I can to make you fall for me as I have for you."
"And if I don't fall for you?" Ataru asked, cautiously.
"I won't force you if that's what you're thinking," Lum reassured him before smirking, "Plus…"
Suddenly, she kissed him.
Using his shock, she deepened the kiss.
Slowly, she felt him reciprocate as he pressed against her lips.
Eventually, the need for air surpasses their desires.
As they separated, Lum could lust in his eyes, but there was something else.
Something familiar.
"So love at first sight does exist."
Looking back at the waves, she said only this.
"...I'm more than willing to wait."
"Is everyone present?"
"Yes. The executive board of the Hero Public Safety Commission is accounted for."
"And…"
"They'll arrive shortly. Especially her."
"I don't know what you're implying?"
"Riiiight."
Walking through the halls of H.P.S.C, two men made their way towards the boardroom.
The first was a 37-year-old man. With curly black hair, he wore his grey narrow-framed glasses loosely over his purple eyes. His dark skin clashed perfectly with his three-piece navy-blue suit and black dress shoes. His name was Ichibei Haruno.
Trailing slightly behind, a 25-year-old man, although he looked no older than 22. Unlike his companion, his appearance was similar to someone who had just gotten out of bed and was already wishing to go back. With short unkempt copper hair and dull bronze eyes, he wore a simple long-sleeve white shirt and faded blue slacks with matching sneakers, carrying a black leather messenger bag. Straight black lines were zigzagging across his face, starting at the ends of his lips before going behind his ears like a line chart. His name was Tokuma Asano.
Holding the door open, Ichibei thanked Tokuma as they entered the board room. Like vultures, the members of the board watched as they silently passed them until they reached the head of the table, where three seats remained open. As Tokuma took the right seat, Ichibei sat directly in the middle while everyone examined them, some with great scrutiny.
Raising from his seat, a board member said, "Now that Lead-Investigator Asano and President Haruno have decided to grace us with their presence. We can now begin the meeting."
"My apologies everyone," Ichibei stated, earning ire from some members. "I was busy handling the media and addressing the public's concerns. I must say, they're quite upset with our Commission as of late."
Despite sensing the tension, Tokuma yawned, "It makes sense considering how much sensitive information was released to the public. Of course, their faith in our organization would be shaken by such revelations. I wonder how they learned about that?"
Slamming his fist against the table, a board member roared. "YOU WERE THE ONE WHO EXPOSED THOSE SECRETS! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU'VE DONE!"
"The public relations toward the Commission and Hero Society as a whole has fallen drastically because of your actions, Mr. Asano." A stone-skinned man chastised heatedly. "Enough that the public is supporting vigilantes, such as The Crawler, Pop Step, Knuckle Duster, and worse, Omni."
"We should focus our resources on arresting those criminals." A rat-like woman stated firmly, crossing her arms. "They have violated several regulations such as interfering in police business and misuse of their quirks."
Another woman with purplish skin nodded.
"Especially Omni, who is more blatant in disregarding protocols and has resisted arrests on numerous occasions over the past two years." She paused, recalling vital information. "Speaking of which, our agent has confirmed that we're not dealing with a large organization, but a single man. While it's relieving to know, it makes him even more of a threat to our society. We're talking about someone who essentially possesses numerous Quirks. Our primary objective should be his arrest and-"
"Who are you people trying to fool?" Tokuma interrupted, with his head resting on his hand. "It makes him even more of a threat to our society.' More like a threat to your influence. Influence, that I should mention, led to your current predicament."
"And what would you know about-"
"Must I remind everyone of my quirk?" He echoed across everyone's thoughts. "No amount of subtlety can stop me from learning of your crimes."
"How Dare You!"
"That glossy image of Hero society was going to fade away eventually, so why not do it on our terms?" Tokuma said, unbothered. "As for Omni, it would be murder on the Commission's fragile reputation. Although he has intruded into police matters, there have yet to be any disasters from his interventions. He seems keen on involving himself when situations affected his usual patrol area, Tomobiki."
"It doesn't matter where he frequents himself. There are more than Heroes to handle any crimes going there."
"And we both know that's not true." Tokuma countered, irked by their blatant dishonesty. "The Hero Commission had previously inhibited Hero Activity in that area because of the financial influence possessed by the Mendou Conglomerate and Mizunokoji Empire. Trying to force those major clans into supporting H.P.S.C and, in worst cases, attempting to ruin them by using criminals who miraculously escaped police custody. When you think about it, it's your fault that Omni exists. Be grateful that it was only the previous president and vice president were the only ones to face imprisonment and not your corrupt asses."
"YOU-"
*Bang*
Before things could escalate, a gunshot rang through their ears as a bullet hole appear on the wall. A deep silence filled the room until Tokuma chuckled at the board's hesitation.
Unflinching, Ichibei turned to greet their guest.
"Welcome, Hawks. Lady Nagrant. " He nodded as she retracted her quirk. "I hope you had no trouble getting here."
Narrowing her eyes, Nagrant simply made her way to the empty seat on his left.
Rubbing his head, Hawk snickered. "There were no problems. A random glare here and there, but a beauty like my senpai can manage. Where's my seat?"
"Here." Tokuma stood up and said. "Your throne. And it's pre-warm."
"My thanks." Hawk took his seat before leaning back. "Did we keep you waiting?"
"No," Ichibei said, before looking across the room. "We were just about to begin. Asano."
Nodding, Tokuma pulls out a digital tablet from his bag.
"I would like everyone to turn on their computers and access the presentation located on their desktops." He waited until everyone had opened them before continuing. "Yesterday, at exactly 3:25 pm, the escaped convict Michio Hori, otherwise known as Androburst, appeared in Tomobiki's Downtown District and mercilessly assaulted the area."
Tokuma sighed.
"During the said rampage, four civilians and fifteen officers were hospitalized. Thankfully, there were zero mortalities and he was apprehended before the situation could worsen."
"It was not a Hero who made the arrest." A board member argued. "It was Omni."
"That doesn't matter." Ichibei countered before glancing at Tokuma. "Continue."
"Androburst, recognized as E-Class Villain. Quirk: Combustion, which grants him the ability to generate explosions through ocular vision." Tokuma stated, before frowning. "Previously imprisoned, he mysteriously escaped his cell. Furthermore, neither the patrol units nor surveillance cameras had any information relating to his disappearance. To put it simply, it was like he vanished entirely."
"The guards knew nothing?" A board member raised her frozen brow.
"Nothing, but there's a reason." Tokuma shook his head and explained. "Eventually I was forced to use my quirk and discovered large signs of memory alterations to the guards. Primarily, those who were involved with monitoring and patrolling the section that held Androburst. I did reverse the effects and they should return to normal. Even then, they knew nothing."
"Did we learn anything from Androburst himself?"
"The trail's was already cold. Androburst kept mentioning that how someone improved him, but he doesn't remember anything beyond that."
"This means we're potentially dealing with someone with a powerful memory manipulation quirk," Ichibei stated before asking. "Is there anything else you'd found?"
"It was Hawks who discovered it." Tokuma nodded at the No.3 Hero, who smirked back. "What you're about to be shown are two police photographs of Androburst, examine them carefully. The first was during his incarceration while the second was taken yesterday after his recapture."
As two mugshots appeared, Lady Nagrant was the first to notice.
"His skin." Lady Nagrant said, catching their attention. "The first has his skin color as Caucasian…"
"...and yet his skin is grey in the second photo." Ichibei finished.
"Exactly," Hawks agreed, furrowing his brow. "Then, there was his quirk. Combustion only produces explosions equivalent to a stun grenade, but these reports mentioned how he was able to generate high-level explosions, like hand grenades or RPGs. I can confirm that since I arrived after Omni left the scene. It looked like a warzone."
"Could this be a new type of Trigger? You said that he mentioned improvements?"
"We don't know yet," Tokuma admitted. "However, I did a little bit of side research and discovered something."
"And that is?" A board member pressed.
"Michio Hori wasn't the only person to go missing," Tokuma revealed, much to their confusion. "There have been other counts of missing people. I know it sounds unrelated, but I did a cross-reference between the day of Androburst's escape and any reports of disappearances."
Grimacing, he continued. "Up to twelve confirmed cases, most of them were days before Androburst's disappearing act."
"It could-"
"I don't report coincidences, I report facts." Tokuma declared, sternly. "I met with people who were last to see these victims and found alterations similar to the guards in every one of them."
While there was still doubt, none were willing to express it.
"Regardless, it would be wise to keep quiet until we've learned more. If word got out about a potential kidnapping scheme, there would be widespread panic." Ichibei suggested before turning towards Lady Nagrant. "We'll send this information through the Hero Network and request Police assistance in the investigation. Would you be willing to lead the investigation?"
"Her?"
"Nagrant?"
"That's too far."
Ignoring their criticism, Lady Nagrant glared at the President.
"Need a killer?" she muttered with disdain.
"Not a killer. What I need is a Hero." Ichibei countered, before saying. "I know your past with the previous President. What you had to do to preserve a false peace. I promise you, that will never happen again. We existed to border the gap between reality and fiction. Not to hide reality with fiction because it seems easier. Heroes are human too. And more often than we'd like to admit, humans are susceptible to corruption and Heroes are no different."
Addressing the room as a whole, Ichibei continued "I know the public needs to be that Heroes are good guys and Villains are the bad guys, but few are all good or all evil. We will live in this world of grey shades. We can't turn this world white or all we'll be left with is black. Killing may solve some problems, but if it's the first and only option. Then we're not fixing the problem, we're making it worse."
"Under my watch, I won't allow us to return those ways. And I will not tolerate anyone attempting these acts, or they will be reminded that the Hero Public Safety Commission IS NOT above the law." President Haruno glanced around the room before nodding. "That will be all. Good night everyone."
As the executive board left the room, Lady Nagrant kept her sights on Ichibei as he went to speak with Hawks.
"Haruno is out of this world, right?" Tokuma told her. "He's managed to keep everything afloat despite the circumstances."
"What's his game? What's yours?" Lady Nagrant demanded silently. "A month ago, no one even knew anything about their secrets, and yet the heads are now in jail, and you two suddenly appear."
"To open the public's eye. To give the right to those who've been wronged. That's me, anyway." He shrugged. "And considering how you're not rotting in Tartarus anymore, maybe it's the same for Haruno. So, are you going to stop some kidnappers or keep your eyes on the past?"
Lady Nagrant lowered her head as Ichibei glanced at the Heroine.
*Drip, Drip*
Droplets continued to fall into the sink.
"Drip. Drop. Drop. Drip." a voice echoed across the darkroom. "Where will the doctor take his next trip?"
*Drip, Drip*
Gloved hands dived into the sink
"Drip. Drop. Drop. Drip." Slowing the hands rose from water "Is the doctor finally flipped?"
*Drip, Drip*
"Drip. Drop. Drop. Drip."
A needle glimmer in the moonlight.
"Who will be next for the needle's tip?"