Make note that places used in this story exist. A friend of mine asked about it and I had to add this to avoid any troubles in the future. Check your maps. Gunkanjima is real.

P.S. What's your favorite alien? Just curious, Heatblast's my favorite.

Ch.4: Lum's Ex

A female security guard said. "Okay. Just allow me to examine your belongings."

"BLARGHZEENEZT!"

"I understand that you're upset. A three-hour delay would upset anyone. However, I need to check for any illegal contraband."

"BLARGHZEENEZT!"

"You don't have anything illegal?" A new voice repeated sarcastically. "We'll be the judge of that, shall we?"

The guard looked away from the large mass of tentacles as Agent Delta marched towards them.

His infamous cold stare forced the alien into silence.

Saluting, the guard was ignored by Delta as he took over her terminal.

Nearby, some agents took notice of him.

"Delta's been acting strange lately." Agent T said, much to Agent U's confusion.

Squinting at the impassive man, Agent U said. "He looks normal to me."

"Trust me when I say he ain't. He may not show it, but if you're perceptive enough, then he's an open book."

Skeptical, Agent U glanced at Delta, who was glaring at the alien.

"You have a Shunpir's rod. Which is illegal on Earth. Explain yourself, Stulqik." Delta scowled flatly.

The alien let out a deflating noise as its tentacles went limp on the floor.

"Medical reason?" Delta muttered.

He went to the terminal before narrowing his eyes. Looking between the Stulqik and its records, he scowled at the nervous alien before sighing.

"Everything seems in order," Delta admitted reluctantly before warning. "However, you're forbidden from using that rod in public areas. You could cause an epidemic if humans catch even a whiff of that rod. If that happens, then you're gonna regret coming here. Understand?"

"BLARGHZEENEZT!"

Agent U looking blankly at Agent T.

"I don't see it."

Back with Delta, he was about to leave the terminal, until he noticed something.

"Arrival from Oniboshi?" Delta thought, suspicious. "Isn't there a thunderstorm over there?"

"I have a bad feeling about this."

"I have a bad feeling about this."

Ataru winced at her tone.

"They're not so bad," Ataru muttered over the phone.

"They tried to invade the planet!"

"I'm surprised you, believe me, Shinobu."

"I've known you long enough to recognize any deceit…" Shinobu said before growling. "Don't try to change the subject!"

"Damn." Ataru sweatdropped before relenting. "Fine. How about you come over and meet Lum? I'm sure you two would get along swimmingly."

"Or I can drown you," Ataru gulped at her threat. "This weather is too extreme to travel through."

"I'll pick you up as Jetray," Ataru said, before adding. "It will be quick and you don't have to worry about getting wet."

"It'll look suspicious if someone sees you carrying me."

"In this weather?"

Sighing, Shinobu looked outside her window before checking the weather. "Look, the rain is supposed to lighten up in a few hours. I'll come over to meet your….girlfriend."

"She's not my….hello? Shinobu?" Ataru sighed, watching the rain. "Why is she so scary?"

"Darling."

Ataru flinched as Lum stood behind me with her arms crossed and electricity pouring out.

"Let me restate that. Why are the women in my life so scary?!"

"Who is this Shinobu?" Lum commanded, her eyes glowing. "And why are you meeting her?"

"Busted!" Ten said, pointing at Ataru. "Show me your aliens if you want to live."

"Firstly, Shinobu's been my best friend since childhood and one of few people outside this house to know my secret," Ataru stated.

When that had no effect, he added with a sigh. "She has a boyfriend."

Like flicking a switch, Lum smiled as she depowered herself.

"Why didn't you do so, Darling." Lum hugged him, much to his blushing face.

"Does that mean no aliens?" Ten pouted.

"I've never seen any species like ones you change into, Darling. Do you call them Aliens for their appearances?" Lum poked his cheek as he shrugged it away.

"The Omnitrix calls them aliens, so I figured why not." He said before looking at Ten. "And my Omnitrix ain't a toy."

Ten pouted even more.

"Anyway, we are going to meet Shinobu in a while. She's…." Ataru paused.

"Irked. Resenting. Infuriate."

"...eager to meet you." Ataru winced.

While Ten stared flatly, Lum clasped his hands and said. "Any friend of my Darling is a friend of mine."

"Lum…." Ten sighed.

Ataru waved him off, showing the Omnitrix.

Perking up, Ten smiled.

"You're right Lum-chan! You'll make great friends with…"

"Shinobu," Ataru added before smiling. "Trust me. Once she gets to know you, you'll become best friends?"

"I hope."

Excited, Lum decided to get ready and the boys smiled as she left.

Once she was gone, Ten frowned at Ataru.

"Alright, she's gone. Now, what's the deal with this Shinobu lady?"

Ataru sighed. "She doesn't like you guys. I told her about my encounter with Lum and she hasn't taken it well. It doesn't help that it relates to her quirk."

"Quirk? Do you mean the genetic mutation that some humans possess which allows them superpowers?"
"Quirks, and yes," Ataru said. "Shinobu's quirk is called Rage. The angrier she is, the stronger she becomes. As a result, she has a short-fuse and an even shorter tolerance for things that make her mad."

With a hand on his chin and his eyes towards the floor, Ten hummed.

Suddenly, the baby Oni looked at the human with fierce eyes.

"Can I see your aliens now?"

Falling on his back, Ataru groaned.

"That's what matters right now?"

"I'm a kid. We get bored easily." Ten shrugged.

Before Ataru could respond, his mother shouts. "Ataru! Get Down Here!"

Standing up, he grunted. "What now?"

As they left his room, Ataru reached the stairs and saw his parents and Lum staring at….

"You!" Ataru gasped, catching their attention. "Cherry!"

"It has been a while," He said, tipping his straw hat. "Omni."

Curious, Ten looked between Ataru and this short man.

"You know this guy?"

"Not now, Ten." Ataru hissed before glaring at the monk. "Why are you here?"

Nodding, Cherry said. "I've come to warn you of misfortune. Please, heed my words."

"Misfortune?" Ataru said, glancing at his family. "Alright, but only if you answer me this. We've never met before, so how did you know I was Omni? I've hidden my tracks well."

With his eyes shut, Cherry stated. "You may change your form, Ataru Moroboshi. However, your soul remains unchanged. For a high priest such as myself, it was obvious."

Despite his slight frown, Ataru nodded.

"Now then, there is a disturbance spreading through the air." Cherry frowned. "Even now, it nears this house at alarming speeds."

While his parents exchanged worried glances, Lum shook her head at the monk.

"While I'm not buying your crap, that doesn't mean I should brush it off. Can you be more specific?" Ataru asked, ignoring Cherry's offended expression.

Reluctantly, Cherry explains. "It is not certain yet, but there's a familiar presence."

"Familiar? How?"

Cherry pointed at the Onis.

"These two are relatable to the disturbance."

Offended, Lum stared Cherry down while Ten bared his fangs at him.

Glancing at them, Ataru asked. "Are you saying they're the threat?"

"No. Only that this misfortune is related to them." Cherry lowered his hat. "Or comes from their kind."

His words sent panic through the house.

Knowing this, Cherry said. "You need not worry. Your secrets shall not escape my lips. I've known since the day you entered my vision. You may rest easy. My honor might seem small, but my pride is worth more than any earthly treasure."

Leaving their home, Cherry gave a final bow before shutting the door.

"...That was something?" Hazuki muttered, still recovering.

Rikyu could only nod in agreement.

Ten scoffed. "Oh please. That guy is just crazy."

"I don't know, Ten," Ataru said, rubbing his neck. "When I met him, he already knew my identity and that something was happening here. Next thing I know I'm suddenly recruited to take on Lum. So while I don't believe in the occult, I will admit he's unusually perceptive."

Suddenly, a buzzing noise filled the air as Lum went into her bra and pulled out a strange hand-held device. Pressing the device to her ear, the humans realized it was a phone.

"Hel-" Lum stopped as her eyes went wide. "Are you certain of this?"

*Crackle. Boom.*

Deep within Tomobiki Park, a spaceship had crashed into the ground, hidden by the storm. Smoke erupted from the thrusters as the right-wing sent sparks out of a large fissure. The front of the ship was badly damaged with large gashes covering the bottom and the ship's nose had broken off in the crash.

Wearing black trench coats, several people surrounded the ship as they began to quarantine the area. Rains fell harshly on a group of six as they managed to force the cracked black canopy open before making room for their leader.

On the phone, Delta looked inside the cockpit and frowned at the poor conditions. The control systems flickered briefly as though it was struggling to live and failing. However, Delta was interested in the pilot seat, which was already soaked by the rain.

"The pilot survived the crash," Delta said, to the agents and his phone. "Lucky bastard."

Focused on the agents, He ordered. "I want wide-range surveillance of this whole park and neighboring areas! This storm is doing wonders for us, but no chances! Find the pilot of this craft, Immediately! Any potential witnesses are to be neuralyzed after brief questioning! Remember, this was a small fire caused by the trees being struck by lightning! The situation has been contained and everything is alright! Affirmative!"

After receiving confirmation, Delta resumed the call.

"The ship was reported to have entered our atmosphere at around 6:09 pm. The pilot was permitted to enter our planet, but he was meant to arrive at M.I.B headquarters for examination. You know, the standard procedures you'd usually see at an airport. Instead, he made his way here and his ship was damaged in the storm."

Looking back at the cockpit, Delta scowled. "Although, it looks like our pilot escaped the scene and this weather covers his tracks well."

Listening to the other side, Delta replied. "I called you because this spacecraft is an advanced model of the 865 space cruiser, also known as the Fang Blade, which is an Oni-designed spaceship. Furthermore, we have the name of the driver and wanted to see if you knew anything about him. Does the name Rei sound-"

Immediately, the call had ended as Delta glared at his phone.

"If that wasn't a yes…."

Everyone jumped when Lum shot towards Ataru's room.

"LUM!" He shouted as they raced after her.

"What just happened?" Hazuki asked, concerned.

"I don't know," Rikyu grimaced. "But Lum isn't alright. I'm sensing hatred and fear from her."

Once they were near, Ataru held his hand out and told them all to wait.

"You all stay here. Let me talk to her."

Moving past him, Ten complained. "What!? Why You? She's My Cousin!?"

Grabbing Ten by his diaper, Ataru pulled him back before glaring harshly at the child.

He glared back, ready to breathe fire.

"Fine," Ataru grunted. "But let me take the lead."

Slowly, he entered the room before turning the lights back on.

Although Lum was nowhere in sight, Ataru noticed the window and balcony were locked and covered by curtains. Scanning the room, Ataru noticed the closet was slightly open. Quietly, he crept over to the closet and pressed his ear against it.

"Lum," Ataru called out.

Nothing.

"Lum. I know you're in there. Come on out and let's talk."

"Please Lum," Ten pleaded.

Gradually, she crawled out of the closet, eyes scanning the room. Sighing, she looked at them with a fearful gaze and allowed Ataru to pull her up. On her feet, Lum wrapped her arms around Ataru, who rubbed her back gently. Once she was calm enough, Ataru led her to his desk while Ten pulled the chair out for her, to which she thanked him.

"Now then," Ataru said. "What happened? Who were you talking to?"

Looking down and away, Lum chewed on her lips.

Kneeling before her, Ataru comforted. "Lum. Something's bothering you and we want to help, but only if you let us in on your problem. We can't help you unless you tell us what's wrong."

"He's right, Lum. Please, I hate seeing you like this." Ten pleaded. "You can trust Ten. He's a good boy."

Looking ready to crack, Ataru smiled shyly.

"And you can trust me, Lum," Ataru reached out and caressed her leg.

He paused as his cheeks glowed red.

"After all, I'm your husband."

Softly, Lum shook her head and muttered.

"Rei."

Ten gasped while Ataru looked at them.

"Rei? Who's Rei?" Ataru asked, confused.

"Lum's ex-fiancé," Ten answered, much to his shock. "They broke up a month ago before you came into the picture."

"Fiancé!? I thought he-" He shook his head. "Never mind, but why are you reacting like this? When you mentioned Rei to me, you were pissed, so why are you scared now?"

"Delta had called me," Lum said weakly. "A ship crashed in Tomobiki. He said that it belonged to Rei."

"Rei on Earth? Why would he…?" Ten asked while Ataru narrowed his eyes.

"He's here for you, isn't he?" Ataru asserted to which Lum nodded. "Ten, stay here. I'm going to -"

*Knock. Knock.*

"Ataru!" A familiar voice called out as someone banged on their window.

"Shinobu?" Ataru muttered as he slowly went to the window.

Opening the curtains and undoing the lock, he opened it and found her holding onto the gutter before helping her inside. Soaking wet, she dropped to her knees, gasping for air.

"One thing after the other," He muttered before asking, "Why are you here? I thought you were going to wait for the rain-"

"Ataru! Where's Lum!?" Shinobu rasped, catching them off guard. "Some kind of bull-tiger is looking for her! It was the size of a car!"

Lum gasped. "Rei!"

Staring at her, Shinobu explained. "So, you're Lum, huh? I saw it outside of my house. It was howling your name wildly against the storm. I remembered Ataru mentioning you and rushed over here."

"Did he follow you?" Ten asked, glancing out the window.

"I don't think so? Why?" Shinobu insisted. "Wait, who-"

Pointing outside, Ten interrupted.

"Because he's right outside."

Suddenly, someone leaped through the window. Standing before them was an extremely handsome man with jade eyes and vibrant green hair that went down to his neck. He wore a tiger stripe jumpsuit with matching boots.

"Nevermind," Ten said, wide-eyed. "He's here."

"Lum," Rei said, his eyes trained on his ex-fiance.

Tripping backward, Lum crawled away as he walked towards her, only for someone to get between them.

"Darling!" Lum said, much to Rei's annoyance.

Ataru scowled as Rei glared darkly at him.

"Move," Rei demanded flatly.

"You first," Ataru growled. "Get the fuck out of my house. Now."

"No."

"I wasn't asking."

The Oni pressed his lips together as the human reached for his watch.

Blinded by a flash of green, Rei felt something around his neck before being dragged away. Opening his eyes, Rei found himself back in the rain as a strange creature tightened its tail.

"Jetray!" It cried out. "Let's settle this problem where no one will get hurt. Okay? Okay."

With the fierce howling of the wind, Rei struggled as Lum became smaller and the distance between them larger.

"L-Lum!" He gritted out, trying to break free.

"Easy there, buddy!" Jetray called out. "Unless falling to your death seems enjoyable. Stop Yanking!"

Back home, Lum rushed towards the window as her Darling took Rei away. Floating, Lum leaped into the pouring rain.

Looking back at Shinobu, she said. "Look after Ten. I'm going after them."

Although shocked, Shinobu nodded bravely.

"But Lum-"

"No, Ten! You're Staying Here And That's Final!"

Going into high gear, Lum flew after them.

"Whatever Darling's become, it's faster than me." Lum frowned, struggling to catch up. "Looks like he was going easy on me."

A blue blast zipped past by her, stopping her.

"ONI!"

Looking downward, she found a black car in the middle of the street and its driver waving at her.

"Delta!"

"Here we are," Jetray said as he descended. "Sayama Lake."

Releasing his captive in said lake, Rei sank like a rock before crawling out.

A short distance away, Jetray changed back into Ataru. Holding his grounds, he watched as Rei shook the water from his hair, despite how pointless it was.

"Considering how much of a hassle he was, his physical strength is impressive. He nearly broke free of Jetray's tail. Other than what Shinobu mentioned, I have no idea what Rei is capable of," Ataru glanced around the vacant lake. "I would've preferred somewhere more isolated, but he wouldn't have it. Still, in this weather, civilians shouldn't be a problem, I hope."

"Lum. Where?" Rei asked angrily.

Throwing on a smile, Ataru said. "What's the hurry, man? We just got here. How about we stay here and chat for a while?"

"Like I don't know," He smiled coldly. "Staying away from Lum."

Snarling, Rei bared his fangs at him, but it didn't scare him at all.

"You see Rei. Lum doesn't want you around her. I don't know what happened between the two of you to cause such a reaction, but I can tell that you terrify her. Despite this, I am going to be nice and give you a chance to leave. Just walked away or flying away, which every works, and leave Lum alone."

"Lum." Rei glared before pointing to himself. "Mine."

"She was yours," Ataru started before smirking darkly.

"But now, she's mine."

Immediately, Rei appeared in front of Ataru and sent his fist flying at him.

Sidestepping, Ataru leaned to the side before sending his left knee at his stomach, only for his opponent to jump back. Despite this, he used the momentum to spin around and used his hands to push away from Rei. On one knee, Ataru quickly rolled away from Rei's axe kick, the muddy ground shattering underneath his boot.

Turning to his enemy, Rei was suddenly hit with a mud ball, blinding him. With him distracted, Ataru jumps towards the Oni and slams his feet onto his torso. Adding his weight into the dropkick, he bent knees before jumping off, sending Rei crashing to the ground.

Putting distance between them, Ataru watched Rei roll back onto his feet. Glaring, Rei cracked his neck, looking unharmed despite everything.

"That did nothing and anything I do as Ataru will have much effect. I wanted to settle this without drawing attention, but it looks like I'll have to use the watch" Ataru thought, reaching for the Omnitrix.

"Just give up Rei! Things don't have to go further than they have! Think about it. You're already in big trouble with the M.I.B, and it will only get worse if we continue!" Ataru reasoned only to fall on deaf ears. "As things stand so far, you aren't going to beat me! So-"

To his surprise, Rei had a beastly grin on his face before slouching forward.

Shaking, his body began to grow larger as his skin melded with his clothing. His hands widen before becoming paws with jagged claws. With razor-sharp fangs, his mouth changed into a snout. His horns extended themself, curving into bull horns. His pupils narrowed as slitted eyes trained themselves on his prey.

Where Rei once stood.

A bull-horned tiger towered over Ataru, roaring fiercely.

"Me and my big mouth," Ataru complained, backing away.

Before he could use the watch, the tiger pounced on him, forcing him to leap to the side. Rei chased after the human before throwing his right paw down, barely missing him. Cutting him off with his other paw, he quickly slid his right paw toward him. Almost immediately, Ataru sprinted at his left paw and used it to launch himself at the oncoming paw before repeating the process, escaping his grasp.

Despite this, Rei managed to strike Ataru in the air and sent him hurtling into Sayama Lake.

Waiting for his ascent, the tiger snarled at a green light shined under the water.

Rising from the lake, a creature, similar to Rei in height, roared out.

"Humungousaur!"

Rei growled furiously, pacing in front of the creature.

Suddenly, he sprinted forward before curving to the left and twirling around, sending a tidal wave at him. As the water covered his vision, the dinosaur shifted his footing and twisted his waist slightly. As Rei pounced, Humungousar spun around and, using his tail, struck Rei as he crashed into the lake.

Before he could recover, Humungousaur leaped above him and slammed his hands onto his side. Holding Rei down with one hand, he pulled his fist back and aimed for his head. Jerking his head to the side, the tiger avoids the punch before biting his hand. Gritting his teeth, Humungousaur released his grip on the tiger, but not before spinning Rei around, loosening his jaws and tossing him away.

A glance showed Rei's bite didn't break through his thick hide, much to his relief.

Stepping back, Humungousar jeered at the moist tiger.

"I can see why most cats hate baths."

Just then, the tiger rushed Humungousar, diving under his fist, and lunged forward. Tackling him to the water, Rei tried to bite him only for Humungousar to grab his jaws, struggling to hold him back. Enhancing his size to 16 feet, the dinosaur suddenly pulled him in for a headbutt, then threw him to the side. Recovering quickly, Rei surprised him by increasing his size until he was 20 feet tall.

Charging, Rei tried using his claws, but his opponent rolled out of the way and punched his face. However, this only pushes Rei back, who laughs at him.

Standing up, Humungousar scowled. "That must be his second horn's ability. Fighting muscle with muscle isn't getting me anyway. I could grow larger, but I can't risk prolonging this battle any longer than it has."

*Rumble*

With the distant sound of thunder, he had an idea and it would be shocking if it worked.

As Rei rushed him, Humungousar slammed the Omnitrix on his sash.

"I just don't get it," Ten muttered, floating around while Shinobu dried herself off. "Why did Lum react that way to Rei? My Auntie said that she was pining after him ever since they were kids. "

After Lum left, Shinobu had used their bath and was now wearing one of Ataru's red shirts and a pair of loose sweatpants while her original clothes were being dry.

Throwing the towel into a corner, Shinobu said. "Maybe he wasn't the person she thought he was. Maybe he cheated on her? Or abused her when they were alone?"

"Rei wasn't that type of guy and Lum isn't some defenseless hum-" Ten paused, before saying. "…Oni. She's a princess and they're expected to be skilled in combat. Besides the Lum I know wouldn't let anyone treat her poorly. She would've electrocuted Rei's butt and dumped him a long time ago."

Raising her brow, Shinobu pondered. "Long time ago?"

"They were dating for a year," Ten said, rubbing his chin. "That whole time, nothing seemed wrong. Then again, Rei never spoke much."

"Silent type?" Shinobu wondered. "Anything else?"

"Whenever he visited, he was always hungry."

"That can't be it." She waved. "Well whatever it was, it was enough for Lum."

*Rumble*

"What a storm," Shinobu muttered.

With his claws, he slashed at Humungousaur for him to suddenly vanish.

Coming to a halt, Rei scanned the area for his enemy. As thunder drew closer, he noticed something on top of the Yamaguchi Reservoir. Cautiously, he moved closer and saw blue lights flickering around. Squinting, he could see a person and rushed over, believing it to be Ataru.

Once he was closed, a humanoid grinned at Rei as thunder roared above them. With its antennas aimed at the clouds, it gripped the pole atop the tower as electricity danced against the roof. Growling, Rei charged ahead and bared his fangs.

*Rumble, Crack*

Only to stop as an earsplitting rumble filled his ears and lightning flickered across the clouds. As a bolt of lightning fell upon them, it was suddenly redirected into the creature's antennas as it aimed at him.

It was at that moment Rei realized…..

"You've caused a lot of trouble! It's time for some payback! Or Better Yet!"

….it was a trap.

"SOME FEEDBACK!"

Rei braced himself as lightning coursed through him and the lake beneath him. Pushing past the pain, he rushed Feedback with beastly tenacity, who unleashed another electrical blast. Rei's screams broke through the storm, slowly returning to his original form. With the battle over, Feedback lowered the voltage and watched Rei plummet towards the lake, unconscious.

He was about to catch him only for someone to beat him there and he was surprised by who it was.

"Lum?" Feedback said, shocked by her sudden appearance.

No pun intended.

Holding Rei in her arms, Lum smiled at her Darling as she floated over to him.

"Finally caught up to you," she said, handing Rei to Feedback. "You were going easy on me."

"How did you know I was here?"

Pointing to her horns, Lum explained. "I used my powers to detect your bio-electrical signature. From there, we noticed a flash of lightning and heard a large scream in the area."

Feedback held Rei over his shoulder.

"We? Who's we?" He asked as Lum looked at the pier connected to the small tower.

"We would be me, Moron-boshi."

Turning around, Feedback saw Delta marching across the pier with two agents.

"Delta! Nice to see you!" He grinned, landing in front of them.

He sighed. "Hand over the Oni."

After doing so, Delta attached a thin collar around his neck before handing Rei over to his colleagues.

"What are you going to do with him?" Lum asked, uncertainly.

"Isn't it obvious? Instead of arriving at the M.I.B base, he crashed into a public area. Not to mention the attempted assault on Ataru. For this, Rei of Oniboshi is found guilty under the Terran's Law Of Interstellar Travel," Delta stated. " Depending on his record, he'll be locked away for a long time. I'm going to discuss this with Omega as soon as possible."

Turning away, Delta said. "I'm leaving and I suggest doing the same. This little brawl caused quite the ruckus. Police and heroes are on the way. We have 20 minutes before the whole area is swarming with them. I'll have one of the agents escort you both home."

As Rei was taken away, Lum looked away with a grimace.

Reverting to normal, Ataru asked. "I thought you hated him?"

"I do," Lum admitted before adding, "But not enough to want this. Dating him was a mistake, for reasons I can't tell you. Despite that, I never wanted Rei to get arrested."

"It wasn't your fault. He should've accepted your choice," He told her. "For now, let's go home before we catch our death in this storm."

"Alright," She sighed.

Taking her hand, Ataru walked her to their driver before holding the door for her.

Noticing her conflicted expression, Ataru reluctantly drew her in as her head rested on his shoulder. As he looked away, she gave a gentle smile and settled nicely against him.

"Shinobu, this is Lum," Ataru introduces her before repeating. "Lum, this is Shinobu."

"Nice to meet you!" Lum smiled wildly.

Shinobu stared at her warily.

"Yeah," She said carefully. "Right back at you."

"I love what you're wearing. It's so casual like you won't allow the expectation of others bother you while establishing yourself as a free-spirit." Lum complimented.

"This is Ataru's clothes. I'm wearing them because mine has to dry." Shinobu stared flatly

"Soooo," Ataru said awkwardly. "How's Inaba? I haven't seen him in a while."

"He's good. It's just that his job is demanding more of his free time." She answered, not fooled at all. "Speaking of which, how are you doing?"

Blinking, Ataru shrugged.

"I'm doing alright, all things considered."

"And you know who?" Shinobu grimaced, trying to be vague.

Lum lowered her head and Ataru inched closer to her.

"It's been dealt with. I doubt he'll be bothering anyone."

*Ding-Dong*

"He-oh it's you," Hazuki said flatly from downstairs.

"It ain't no picnic to see you either, hag."

"WHY YOU!"

"Save your aggression for your late sex with your husband. Where is Ataru Moroboshi?"

Hazuki could be heard growling before gasping.

"H-H-H-H-H-H-H"

"You broke her. Wait? Where are you?"

Suddenly The door opened and….

They jumped at the sight as Lum gasped.

"REI!" "HANDSOME!"

Nodding, Rei was about to rush her, but he was instantly wrapped in bandages.

"Snare-oh," Shinobu whined. "Really?"

Turning to the source, the Onis found a mummy-creature walking towards Rei.

"I was going for Big Chill, but this works," Snare-oh said. "Now, what to do with you?"

"How about letting him and letting me explain?" Delta demanded as he walked inside.

"Explanation first, then I'll let him go." Snare-oh countered.

Sighing, Delta said. "It was decided that Rei will be sentenced to one year parole on Earth. Under several rules, which he has promised to follow or receive ten years imprisonment."

"And if he tries to go after Lum?" Snare-oh asked, eyes glowing.

"That's where you come in as his parole officer," Delta said, much to their surprise.

"PAROLE OFFICER!" Snare-oh yelled out. "Why me?!"

"Regulations state that an agent has to watch over the convicted during their probation."

Leaning back, Snare-oh questioned.

"An agent? I'm not an agent?"

"..."

"..."

"That shitty old man never told you, did he?"

"Told me what?"

Delta scowled.

"Even since you beat Lum, you've officially become a member of M.I.B. It's the reason why you're still on Earth."

"He's…what?" Shinobu asked, catching his attention.

"Great. A witness," Delta said, reaching his coat and pulling out his neuralyzer. "Ma'am if you could…."

Suddenly, it was snatched by Snare-oh, who said. "She knows about Lum being an alien."

"What?"

"I've trusted her with my secret for six years. I know she'll keep this one as well."

After a moment, Delta sighed. "Fine. Anyway, you're an agent now. A space cop if you want to put it bluntly."

"And him?" Snare-oh pointed at Rei.

"He's an imbecile, but he's not stupid." Delta leaned against the door frame. "He'll play nice unless he wants prison food."

Rei shivered, nodding rapidly.

Glaring down at him, Snare-oh tightened his hold before Lum said. "Let him go."

Looking back at her and seeing her nod, Snare-oh reluctantly removed his bandages and allowed Rei to sit up.

"If you haven't noticed. Rei is wearing a tracker around his neck." Delta gestured to it. "We'll be constantly aware of his position, no matter where he is or how far he goes. You'll have the final say on what happens to him."

"So, I could beat him up if he does anything wrong," Noticing his raised brow, Snare-oh added. "I'm not going to abuse him."

Narrowing his eyes, Delta said. "I hope not, rookie."

Suddenly, Rei jumped up and faced the door.

Turning away, Delta noticed Hazuki shyly holding a plate of sweet potatoes.

"Ah." Delta nodded, much to her trembling form. "Ready for your affair?"

"Shut up." Hazuki hissed before smiling sweetly. "I thought everyone would like a snack after such a hectic day."

"Thank you, Kaa-san?" Snare-oh rubbed his head, looking around. "I don't think that was necessary though. They were just leaving."

"Oh, Nonsense!" She waved to her son before focusing on Rei. "He can stay as long as he likes."

"WHAT!" "KAA-SAN!" "MOTHER!"

To make things worse, after Hazuki handed the plate to him, Rei took her hand and kissed it!

"WHAT!" "BASTARD!" Shinobu repeated & Snare-oh shouted.

Holding her blushing cheeks, Hazuki gasped before running out of the room.

"It's a good thing that your father is sleeping, right?" Shinobu said weakly.

"You bastard! What? You can't get Lum back, so you decided to go after my mother!" Snare-oh growled, ready to pummel him.

"That's not it."

Shinobu and Snare-oh turned and found Lum leaking electricity with a lifeless expression.

"That's not it."

"L-Lum?" He stammered while Shinobu went behind him.

Standing, Lum gritted her teeth. "You haven't changed at all, haven't you? You…."

Electricity shot wildly from her as Lum shouted.

"YOU NEGLECTFUL PIG!"

*Silence*

"THE WHOLE TIME WE WERE DATING! THIS IS WHAT HE WOULD DO! EAT EAT EAT EAT EAT! IS IT WAS LIKE I WAS LESS OF A GIRLFRIEND AND MORE OF A CHEF!" She ranted, much to their disbelief.

"That's what this was all about?" Shinobu asked, dazed.

Reverting to normal, Ataru fell to his knees and lowered his head, eyes wide.

Delta shook his head at the sight.

"What a stupid day."

"This one?" Ten asked.

"Chromastone. He can redirect energy through his body or convert it into ultraviolet beams." Ataru sighed as he lay in his futon and allowed Ten to look through his aliens in the dark.

Delta had driven Shinobu home, no doubt to threaten her into silence, which would only end with her breaking something. Rei had to be dragged away before Lum electrocuted his dumbass and was being taken to a new location where he'll be living out his probation.

Speaking of Lum….

"I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused," Lum apologized, bowing with her face touching the ground. "Please forgive me.

"This one?"

"Spidermonkey. He's a monkey with spider powers."

"Sounds boring." Ten said, before pointing. "This one looks cool."

"Come on, you guys!"

"You mean hot." Ataru jokes, ignoring Lum's pleas. "Heatblast. He's pyrokinetic, so he controls flames."

"So he can breathe fire like me." Ten asked in awe.

"That's easy for Heatblast and he's ten times hotter than your flames."

"Show me." Ten demanded.

"And burn the house down?" Ataru yawned. "No thanks."

"Coward." Ten pouted before also yawning. "I'm going to bed."

"Where have you been sleeping anyway?"

"Your closet. Lum added a Trans-Dimensional Dormitory into your closet, so I would have my room," Ten explained as he went inside. "So, I won't hear you guys have adult fun. Whatever, I'm not some kid! I know how babies are made."

As he shut the closet, Lum pounced at Ataru, landing on his stomach.

Gasping, Ataru finally gave in and turned towards Lum.

Seeing her all teary-eyed, Ataru grimaced.

"I'm sorry that I upset you, but please don't ignore me. Yell at me. Scold me. Just don't ignore me. Being ignored by someone you're in love with hurts more than anything. Please, talk to me."

Ataru looked away.

Biting her lips, Lum nearly cried until he said.

"I thought he abused you."

Looking back, Ataru sighed. "I thought he was going to hurt you and I wasn't going to sit back and let that happen."

"Darling," Lum whispered.

"Having learned the truth, I should've been angry or at the least annoyed," Ataru said, hurting her before he added. "Instead, all I felt was relief that he didn't hurt you. Relief that you weren't in any real danger."

Smiling at her, he held Lum close and whispered in her ear.

"Happy that you were….mine."

Blushing, Lum buried her head on his shoulder.

"Please, don't say things like that. You don't know what they do to me."

Deciding to tease her for a change, Ataru slid his hand near her butt, making her squeak.

Tilting closer to her, Ataru whispered sexily.

"If things got any worse, I might have claimed you right then and there."

Rising to face him, Lum's eyes turned into spirals as she struggled to speak through her steaming face.

Finally, she fell onto his chest, smiling dreamily with a slightly bloody nose.

"Looks like she isn't as mature as she'd like to believe."

Snickering quietly, Ataru covered them with a blanket.

"I don't know why, but I love this girl. My life has gotten a little more interesting since I met her," Ataru smiled fondly. "I haven't had fun like since…."

Slowly, his fondness turned to sorrow.

"Nagi."