Author's Notes: This is the revised ninth chapter. I left out some major details. Sorry and Enjoy.

Ch.9: Lum's Friends

Staring out into the frozen fields, she muttered softly. "I wondered if she'll be arriving soon?"

"She'd better!" Her friend scoffed, crossing her arms. "Lum wanted me to visit, but I wasn't going to ruin the surprise."

"Truly? That's so unlike you, Benten."

"What do you mean?"

"You're usually much more impulsive. I'm surprised you want to be subtle about this," Oyuki giggled softly, making her growl.

"This Bitch!" Benten huffed, controlling her temper. "Yeah well. Considering who else is here, I thought it would be better to act cautious, especially since Lum won't be coming alone."

"I see," Looking out towards the snow-filled plains, Oyuki narrowed her eyes. "You don't think she'll-"

"Of course, she fucking will. She was pissed when she heard that Lum dumped his ass. And a month later, we learned that our girl got married to a human. I bet she's frothing at that mouth as we speak."

"Oh dear," Oyuki sighed. "This will not end well."

"Please," Benten snorted. "Lum can't hold a grudge against her girls. Now, if it were me?"

"I think it's obvious what you would do, but you'd have to get married first," Oyuki smiled as the Biker rolled her eyes. "Still, I'm surprised Lum got married after the way things ended with Rei. Didn't Lum say she was done with men?"

Smirking back, Benten snorted. "No, but it fucking felt like it, did it? Shit, the way she was talking, I thought she murdered Rei. Then again, that would've broken her heart, and Lum wouldn't want that."

Nodding, Oyuki confessed. "Speaking of which, she's been gone for a while. Should we go looking for her?"

Jumping to her feet, Benten cracked her knuckles. "You know what, Fuck it. I'm not going to let her grudge get in the way of meeting Lum's husband."

Raising from her pillow, Oyuki covered her mouth with her kimono. "I suppose you leave me with no other choice but to accompany you."

"Like you got anything better to do?"

*Jingle, Jingle, Jingle*

Grabbing a tablet from under her bed, Lum silenced the noisy device before checking the caller. It took one look for the Oni to smile before answering the call.

"Oyuki, It's been a while, hasn't it?"

The Queen of Neptune smiled back at the Princess of Oniboshi. "That it has, Lum. The Traffic Control Station has reported your ship entering our atmosphere, so I thought I'd take the chance to greet you personally."

"Well," Lum said before continuing in a muted tone. "There's something I want to show you."

Perplexed by her sudden whisper, Oyuki raised her eyebrow.

Shifting her tablet to hover, Lum pointed the device to her left and allowed it to levitate. Resting her head on her pillow, she grinned cheekily at Oyuki's quizzical smile.

"Is that who I think it is?" Oyuki giggled softly.

"This is my Darling, Ataru Moroboshi," Nodding, Lum tilted her head as Darling sleepily folded his arms around her. He looked so peaceful as his breath gently brushed against her face. "He gets sleepy when traveling and looks fucking adorable."

"I could imagine," Oyuki teased, only to sigh. "It's such a shame to ask, but could you wake him? It would be better if he's awake to hear this. It's very important."

Blinking, Lum partially opened her lips as Oyuki shook her head. Reluctantly, she placed her hand on his shoulder and shook him gently. "Darling, Darling."

With a low groan, Ataru scrunched his eyes before slowly opening them.

Sluggishly, He mumbled. "Lum?"

"Sorry about this, but Oyuki wants to talk to us," She apologized as Darling rose from his slumber.

"Oyu-?" *Boom*

The sudden rumbling was like cool water as Lum snatched her tablet and examined Oniyari.

"Oh, it looks like I'm late," Oyuki deadpanned as Ten rushed into the room, shouting. "What's happening?!"

"We're hit! There was no damage," The Oni reported, confusing her boys. "A soft-shell round? Those are non-lethal missiles used as distress signals. They hit hard, but hardly critical."

*Boom*

"It missed?" Lum stated, confused. Through the tablet, they could hear distant voices.

"I see the bitch!"

"Stay out of this! This Is Between Lum and Me!"

"Like Hell It Is!"

Amidst the sounds of fighting, Ten floated towards the couple. "Lum, what's-"

"Don't ask me."

"OW!"

"That's what you get!" A familiar voice taunted as it drew closer. "Oyuki, I got…what are you doing?"

"I'm talking to Lum."

"What!"

"Benten!?" Lum shouted, surprised. "Is that you?!"

"Now look what you've done," Oyuki rebuked, shaking her head. "You've ruined the surprise."

"Why you…" Benten growled before another voice popped up. "LUM!"

The girl in question stiffened at the voice. "R-Ran-chan."

"YOU MMMHH…!" She started strong only to become muffled.

"That's enough outta you," Benten grunted, frustrated. "I can see the Oniyari from here. Lum, why don't you come down and meet us?"

"Sure. See ya." Lum mumbled, turning off the tablet.

Blinking, Ten said. "Ran's down there? But you haven't talked with her since Rei…"

"Ten, head to the hanger. We'll be there shortly," She sighed, rising from her bed.

Once he was gone, Ataru watched as Lum hugged herself, staring aimlessly at the floor.

Cautiously, He asked, "I take it you weren't expecting her? Ran?"

"What gave it away?" Lum replied slowly before facepalming. "Last time we met, it ended…badly."

Grimacing, Ataru glanced at the door but inhaled noisily and said. "Do….do you want to," Sighing, he shook his head. "Do you want to talk about it?"

When she turned towards him, Ataru rubbed the back of his head. "I can't say that I'll have any solutions, but I can admit that talking is better… than reminiscing on the past. It's like you said, ``I'm not here to fix your problems, but at least you won't be dealing with it alone."

Staring blankly, Lum lowered her head, which made Ataru feel like he'd screwed up. Just then, she lifted her head and chuckled softly. "I appropriate the offer. If that's alright with you?"

At his warm smile, Lum took a deep breath and made her way to her terminal, changing the autopilot.

"When I was a little girl, I didn't have many friends, real friends. Being a princess means dealing with people who want you for your status. My only friends were Oyuki, Benten…"

When she struggled, Ataru said. "And Ran."

"And Ran," Lum nodded, typing away. "She was my oldest friend, the only girl in Oniboshi who I can call a friend. We lived close to each other and played together nearly every day," She smiled softly. "Those were good times."

"But something changed, and I'm guessing she was the girl you were talking about back at Yoshinoya," Ataru theorized, and when she raised her brow, he mentioned. "When you have a mother who can remember everything, you tend to develop a good memory."

"Back when I still had feelings for Rei, I was oblivious to the world. It was my first time falling in love, and as you can tell, an Oni doesn't think clearly when they're emotional. When Rei accepted my love, I was over the moon," Lum scrunched her eyes, her voice strained. "And Ran sent me plummeting down to the ground. She had been in love with Rei long before me, and when I told the others, Ran wasn't happy about it."

"Clearly, but if you've known her for soon long, then -"

With the final click of the keyboard, Lum laid back on her chair and sighed. "The thing is, Ran was sorta unstable at the time."

"Unstable?"

"I don't know why, none of us knew, but it was like something buried deep within her. And when it broke free, the Ran I knew …changed. The next thing I know, I'm on the floor, holding my face."

"She hit you?" Ataru muttered.

Nodding, Lum continued. "It didn't stop there, she started shouting, accusing me of ruining her life. I…just snapped. We started fighting, screaming at each other until our throats went sore. I had never been so furious in my whole life, but Ran …did not deserve what she got that day. When it was over, Ran just…left. I lost one of my closest friends and Rei wasn't the guy I thought he was."

Turning the chair, Lum faced Ataru with a heavy stare. "After that, I decided to change myself. I wasn't going to be controlled by my emotions any longer. "

"Did you-?"

"Ataru," Lum stated, showing how serious she was. "We haven't spoken for a whole year, and not for a lack of trying on my part. Ran changed her numbers and moved away from her mother after our fight. She completely took herself out of our lives. I can't even imagine how Oyuki or Benten found her, but I have a feeling this is why she wanted us," Lowering her bobbing head, Lum closed her eyes. "I don't know if I'm ready to face her."

Getting off the bed, Ataru walked toward his girlfriend, towering over her. When she refused to look, he frowned, crossing his arms.

"This isn't the Lum I know. She's a proud, caring woman who never lets others decide for her, and who stands by her choices. The Lum I know is stubborn when it comes to the safety of her loved ones, and is willing to let them fly free when she knows they're safe." Holding her chin, he lifted her head as she stared into his eyes. "The Lum I know is willing to lend an ear when she knows someone needs it, even when that someone doesn't want to admit it."

"That Lum is different," She muttered, glancing away. "From the one who chased her friend away."

"Exactly," Ataru said, lifting her to her feet. "You said yourself. It's been a year and you've changed a lot. Maybe Oyuki knows this and wants to give you a chance to reconcile."

"But," Lum started, only to be pulled close to Ataru, who raised his arm.

*Slap*

"AAAAAH!" She screamed after being spanked, hopping slightly as he released her. "WHY!?"

"The only butt I want to hear is the sound of yours being slapped. Now, what do you say?" He declared, slightly blushing. "That ass is addicting."

Rubbing her rear, Lum whimpered. "I say leave spanking for sex, Darling. Mmmm, that hurts when I'm unprepared."

Sweat-dropping, He noticed her smile. "Still, you're right. I've wanted to make things right with Ran for a long time, and now I have a chance. So, I should take it."

"Good," Ataru nodded before rubbing his head. "Sorry about the…"

Amused, Lum giggled. "Now, you're shy? Don't worry, Darling." Leaning to his ear, she whispered seductively. "Cause the first chance I get, we're going to be connected again. Just you wait, My Darling."

Licking his ear, Lum savored the quick intake of breath as her Darling turned red, but she was pleasantly surprised when he held her close and gasped as his hand caressed her ass.

"I'll be waiting, My Lady," He whispered sexily, walking away before she pushed him into her bed, actually the floor closer. "We shouldn't keep them waiting."

"You Bastard. You Did It AGAIN!?"

When he does things like that, it drives her wild. Leaving her like this, he will be punished.

But first, she had to …meet her old friend.

"I hope you're ready," Darling smiled, a loving one at that. "If you need help with Ran, just let me know. Can't say I'll be much help, but I'll do what I can."

Taking a deep breath, Lum said. "I might take you up on that offer. And Darling?"

"Hmm," Ataru blinked, only to flinch at her sparks. "I did it again, did I?"

"With everything that's about to happen," She reminded as she raised her hand at her Darling, and curled it into a fist. "What do you think?"

"Sorry?"

"Don't be," She smiled, sending chills down his spines and colors in his cheeks. "Just remember. First Chance."

Sweating slightly, Ataru gulped. "Right."

"Oi Baka-Ataru," Ten glared at the human. "What did you do to Lum?"

"What are you talking about, Jariten?"

"She's drilling holes into your head," Ten pointed at his murderous cousin. "How do you explain that?"

"Just that will bite me in the ass later."

"Oh, it'll be more than that, Darling."

As the human grimaced, Ten grinned smugly. "Ooh! You're in trouble."

"Hell hath no wrath like a woman scorned. Or an Oni woman like Lum." Ataru thought. "You guys ready to go."

Putting her feelings aside, Lum inhaled deeply and floated ahead towards the entrance. Opening the gates, frozen winds blew through her hair as she examined the area. When the winds suddenly fell, the Oni followed its course and found a large white cruiser resting upon the icy floor. Walking next to her, Ataru glanced at her grimace and held his hand to her, much to her confusion. When he nodded with a small smirk, Lum smiled lovingly as she took his hand and they jumped. Using her flight, she carried Darling downwards with Ten cocking his head and following behind them. Once they were close enough, Lum brought him down gently as Ataru touched the ground.

Up ahead, there were three girls besides the snow cruiser.

Dressed in a dark red snowsuit with black elbow and shin pads, a girl with her black hair tied into a bun.

"I'll be damned," She blinked, crossing her arms under her generous bust. "He's cute."

"Agreed. If you don't mind Lum, I might snatch him for myself," A girl, with long ice-like hair and wearing a thin white kimono, stated.

The last girl glared darkly at Lum as she was wrapped in chains by the girl in red. With vibrant dark pink hair and eyes, she wore a bright pink snowsuit with bright red gloves and boots with light pink earmuffs.

"I do mind. Thank you very much," Lum frowned playfully before looking at the red girl. "Darling. These are my best friends. The girl holding the chain is Benten."

"Sup, Hubby," She smirked.

"The Girl in the kimono is Oyuki. She's the Queen of Neptune." Lum continued as Oyuki bowed at them. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Moroboshi-san."

As Darling returned her bow, Lum stared deeply into the hateful eyes of the last girl.

"I take it that she's...?" Ataru asked, glancing at his girlfriend.

"Yes, this is Ran. My…"

"I'm not your friend, Lum," Ran hissed, making her flinch. "Not after what you've done! First, you stomped over my trust, just to ruin his life! Did you think I wouldn't hear about his arrest? Being an Oni yourself, you know how love affects an Oni, and yet you kicked him to the side! Did you think he wouldn't try to win you back?" Ran took one look at Ataru before speaking darkly. "And a month later, you found yourself a husband and living a good life. After everything, you have done. Do you enjoy ruining people's lives? Does it satisfy your twisted desires? Well, Lum?"

Hitching her breath, the Oni looked away, ashamed. Outraged, Ten inhaled deeply, only to be shot a warning stare by Ataru. Exhaling, the little Oni pouted angrily, floating closer to his cousin. He wasn't the only one upset, but someone was more than willing to act.

"Okay, you…" Benten growled, tightening her chain, slightly choking her. "If you don't apologize right now, then I'm going to -"

"Do What!" Ran cried out, glaring heatedly. "You Brought Me Here, Just To Apologize?! For What!?"

"For Being A Dumb Bitch!"

"Like You're Any Different!"

Sighing, Oyuki frowned as she noticed Lum starting to shake. Moroboshi held her shoulder and jerked his head towards the commotion. Hesitating, Lum glanced between her friends and her husband before taking his hand with a pleading stare. He closed his eyes briefly but squeezed her shoulder before reaching for his watch. With him at her side, Lum tiptoed to the bickering duo.

"I swear you Going TO BE SHITTING TEETH IF YOU KEEP THIS UP!" Benten shouted furiously, taking a fistful of Ran's suit.

Emboldened by her rage, Ran knocked her head against Benten, sending them both to the ground. "BRING IT! SLUT!"

Before it could escalate any further, they were blinded by a green flash. As their eyes settled, they suddenly felt lighter and drifted apart.

"Ara Ara," They heard Oyuki exclaim. "It seems you are full of surprises, Moroboshi-san."

"Yeah well, I somehow doubt these two were going to listen without some enforcement," A giant rock monster smirked at them. "By the way, when I'm this guy, call me Gravattack."

"Very well, Gravattack-san."

"You're a shapeshifter!?" Ran exclaimed before glaring at Lum. "You dumped Rei for a cheap rock!"

"Cheap?" The couple thought but didn't react.

Coming to her senses, Benten scowled as she struggled aimlessly. "Put Us Down!"

"No, I don't think I will."

"Teme!" Ran growled, baring her fangs. "Bukkorosu!"

Frowning, Gravattack chided. "I don't like your attitudes."

"You'll like even less when I shove my foot up to your -!" Benten threatened, only to faceplant into the snow. "Flop Yoeh!"

"Not interested. How about you, Ran? Do you wanna join her?" He asked, glancing at the redhead before sending Ran down. "Too late."

Raising them again, Gravattack spoke sharply. "One last time, are you going to listen?"

"Look buddy, I respect what you're trying, but stay out of this," Benten fumed, shaking off snow. "This doesn't concern you."

Snow dripping from her face, Ran scowled. "Like you're one to talk!?"

Before things escalated once more, Gravattack intervened. "How do I put your mouths to better use?"

"DARLING!?" "THE FUCK!?" "NANI!?" "Oh my…" "I don't get it?"

They were quickly ignored as he zeroed in on his victims. "Earlier you called Gravattack a cheap rock. You weren't exactly wrong, but Gravattack isn't just some rock," The Galilean floated up as his body curled into itself. "He's a living planet."

"What?" Benten muttered before she and Ran started moving around the living planet. "What!"

"What you are about to experience is referred to as an Orbital Track," He explained casually as they started to pick up speed. "It's the course that astronomical objects travel around another object. Like how the planets revolve around the sun. Interesting, isn't it?"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Ran shrieked, flying past him as Benten tried to threaten him, getting one word in as she flew by. "MOTHER! FUCKER! STOP! THIS! SHIT! OR! I'LL! CRACK! YOUR! ROCKY! AAAASSSS!"

"Looks like you'll need a few more minutes."

"FUUUUUCK!" "I'M GOING TO BBBEEE SIIIIICK!"

"While they are rather hardheaded, this seems rather cruel," Covering her mouth with her sleeve, Oyuki turned away from the scene. "Also, it's nauseating to watch."

"Same," Ten tried to watch, but his head started spinning as the dizziness started to take effect before grabbing his head. "I'm going to be a sick boy if he doesn't stop."

Eventually, they started to slow down as the Galilean uncurled himself and lowered his hands, causing them to fall.

"Any more backtalk?" He asked as they groaned sickly. "Good. Now that I have your attention, I believe she has something to say."

As their vertigo started to settle, Ran found the Oni towering over her, staring intensely. Without looking away, Lum asked. "Can you guys give us some privacy?"

"What? But Lum-" Ten said, only to fall silent under her soft gaze, and reluctantly followed Oyuki, who rubbed his head and smiled. "We'll be waiting at the Speeder. If you will follow me?"

"Alright," Lifting Benten once more, Gravattack made his way towards Oyuki's cruiser. "We don't want to bother them, now do we?"

"Wa-" Benten found her mouth forcibly shut as she was whisked away by the living planet.

Watching from a distance, Oyuki asked softly. "Are you sure this will end well?"

"This is what Lum wanted so that all depends on her," Gravattack replied before staring down his prisoner. "Would it be wise to let her go?"

"Knowing Benten, she isn't very happy right now, so I wouldn't release her yet," Even with her mouth sealed, Benten growled loudly as Oyuki pointed at her. "Case in point."

"Right," He mumbled, scratching his rocky head. "For what it's worth, Lum warned me about you, that you tend to get physical when pissed." And from the burning fury present in those eyes, she was right. "Look, Lum wants to handle this herself. And having us around would only make things harder, for her and Ran. If you are her friend, then you should know how much this means to Lum, and how much Ran means to her. Are you going to waste this opportunity because Red pissed you off?"

Narrowing her eyes, Benten lowered her gaze, while Oyuki stepped forward. "Benten, he's right. You're better than that, allowing the past to cloud your judgment. After all, in case you've forgotten, who searched tirelessly for Ran despite their own bias towards her."

Looking away, Benten softened her glare and raised her head towards Gravattack. Taking that, Gravattack released his control and reverted as she landed on her feet.

"That…was pretty hardcore," Benten admitted, cracking her neck. "Might go a couple of rounds with you, if you can keep up."

"Not interested in starting fights, more used to ending them," Ataru smirked, which she snorted. "Sure thing, Hubby."

"And stop calling me hubby. My name is Ataru, Ataru Moroboshi."

"Gotcha," Benten shrugged, slightly amused. "Baby."

"I take it back," Ataru said, reeling back. "Hubby, call me hubby."

"Too late," The biker sang. "Payback is a bitch, and that's what I am."

Covering her mouth with her sleeve, Oyuki teased. "At least you're honest."

Knowing a shot when she heard one, Benten growled and marched towards the Snow Queen. "My ears must still be ringing because I thought the snowlady tried to burn me." Under her glare, Oyuki lowered her sleeve and flashed a fond smile at her friend. "Say something!"

Much to the biker's annoyance, Oyuki kept smiling but looked at the human. "I must agree with Benten. That was an impressive display of power."

"It was the Omnitrix," Ten chimed in before wilting under Ataru's glare. "Lum said that I shouldn't tell humans and they aren't!"

"Omnitrix?"

Sighing, Ataru pulled down his sleeve and showed them the watch.

"This little device on my wrist allows me to alter my physiology to become a specific set of creatures. As Ataru, I do not possess any powers, but my transformations have their unique abilities."

"Like that rocky form," Benten realized, holding her chin.

"Gravattack."

Ignoring this, the Biker grinned. "So you're stronger than I would've thought. That's good to know."

Floating forward, Ten boasted. "For a human, he's pretty strong and he even took down Rei."

"Ten…" Ataru hissed out, only to get jumped from behind. Landing on his back, he grunted as someone sat harshly on his waist. "What…?"

"THAT WAS YOU!?" Ran shrieked, grabbing fistfuls of his jacket and lifting him closer. "My Precious Rei is rotting in jail because of you!"

Struggling to break free, Ataru choked out. "He's not in jail! Rei was given an offer to spend a full year on Earth under probation or go to space jail for ten years. He's living on Earth, honest!"

Glaring, Ran growled at the human, looking for any signs of deception. When she found none, the redhead allowed Ataru to fall back as she stood up and dusted her clothes.

"I told you, Ran." Turning around, she scowled at the Oni floating behind. "I'm still mad at you, Lum."

"I know, but can we at least agree that we're both responsible?"

After several minutes of scowling, Ran looked away from Lum before saying. "I guess."

Landing beside her, Lum was suddenly pulled closely to Ran, who whispered. "You better keep your promise. Got it?"

Although shocked, the Oni smiled. "I won't forget…Ran."

"Good," She pouted, looking away once again.

"Soooo?" They turned towards Benten as she placed her hands on her waist. "Everything's good? No more temper tantrums?"

"Why would I have a temper tantrum?" Ran frowned, shooting sparks at Benten, who happily returned the favor. "Isn't that your job?"

"After everything that just happened, you have the balls to say that!?"

"I don't have balls, but…" Ran trailed off, turning away from the biker. "Maybe you do?"

"Oh ooooh-"

From the sidelines, Ataru stared blankly at Oyuki. "Was this common back then?"

"No, but it wasn't uncommon to see those two bickering like immature children. At least they have that in common," The Snowwoman smiled.

"…I can't tell if you're joking or not," He sweatdropped as Ten nodded.

As this went on, Lum turned her head, looking at everyone as her lips curled upwards and her eyes glossed over.

As Benten bared her chains, Oyuki clapped loudly to catch their attention.

"Now, Now. I believe we've spent enough time out here, and while some are resistant, others are likely to catch their deaths out here. So, shall we enter my Cryo Drifter and return to my home," Oyuki stated with a gentle smile. "I have snacks."

Sighing, Benten rolled her chain around her arm and walked towards the Snow Queen. Pouting, Ran stuck her tongue out at the Biker's back and followed behind. Standing beside her Darling and her cousin, Lum took their hands and lead them forward. Ten cheered happily while Ataru hid a smile that Lum knew he was hiding.

Not like she wasn't baring her fangs.

"The gang's all here. New and improved."

Through the scope, he watched as the Neptunian carrier pushed through the icy plains. "I have located the Queen. She heading for the palace."

"Excellent work, brother. Our comrades are nearly complete and soon, our reckoning will commence. Return to base, our forces are gathering.

"Understood, High Flame."

Within Oyuki's palace, everyone rested in her living room as the fireplace warmed their bodies.

"And that's how I met my Darling," Lum finished, resting her hand atop Ataru's.

Laying on her zabuton, Benten snorted, resting her head on the kotatsu. "After playing Onigokko for the fate of a planet. My girl, you have fucking terrible luck with men, so I'm not even surprised you married your opponent."

"My luck with men isn't-" Lum paused, quickly hugging her Darling. "I have my Darling and that's what matters."

As Benten busted her gut, Ran hummed suspiciously and folded her arms. "She has great taste in men. After all, she liked Rei."

Somehow, that made Benten laugh even harder as she hold her stomach, while Lum hide her face on Ataru's chest.

"What?" Ran frowned, looking between them.

"Nothing dear," Oyuki comforted, rubbing her shoulder. "Nothing at all."
"Stop it."

Munching on some mikans, Ten dived under the kotatsu before sticking his head and arms out. "Ten is a happy boy, right now."

"I'm glad that you're happy, Ten-kun," Oyuki smiled, making his heart flutter. "How have you been? Living on Earth?"

"It's boring, but I'm alright."

"Yeah, I wonder why?" Ataru said, rolling his eyes.

"Wanna fight?" Ten declared, narrowing his eyes.

"Boys," Lum called out, putting her foot down.

As Ten pouted, Benten smirked. "Now we know who wears the pants in the relationship."

"Maybe so," Lum smirked back, lowering her voice slightly. "But that'll change by the night's end."

Benten whistled as Ran groaned. "The rooms are soundproof right?"

"Don't worry, the couple will have the room farthest from us," Oyuki said, sending a wink toward them. "And I'll share my room with Ten if he needs company."

"Can always count on you, Oyuki," Lum cheered, making Ataru gulp.

"Ten's a big boy."

"Not big enough, little guy," Benten smiled as the little boy puffed his cheeks. "Would a ride on my hoverbike make us even?"

"YES!"

"Good boy."

"Please do not resort to bribery," Oyuki scolded gently.

"Who said anything about bribes?" She frowned softly.

Before the Snow Queen could respond, a commotion erupted through the halls and was drawing closer.

"Please you mustn't enter! The queen is currently involved in a political meeting."

"Like I care about your people's politics." A snobbish tone called out. "Queen of Neptune, show yourself."

"Someone you know," Benten raised a brow as the Queen sighed.

"The Minister of Usone and Representative of Dhessaeh race," Oyuki exhaled calmly, looking unbothered. "He thinks rather…highly of his race, and his position makes it very unlikely to sway his views."

"Nobody likes a bigot," She hummed, glancing at Ran, who growled back. "So, what's ya gotta do?"

Raising from the kotatsu, Oyuki straightens her kimono and made her way for the exit. "I'm going to see what the issue is."

"I wonder what's it like to be a Queen," Benten confessed, but she gave them a blank stare. "But then I realize… I don't care."

"You're unusually sarcastic today," Lum blinked.

Jerking her chin at Ataru, she shrugged. "I'm still a little pissed about Baby taking me out."

"Benten, he's not a baby," The Oni pouted. "He's a Darling."

"Whatever," The Biker rolled her eyes, but she rested her arm on the table with a gleam in her eye. "I want a rematch."

"No thanks," Ataru casually denied, taking the wind out of her sail. "I don't start fights unless I have to end them."

"Come on," Benten smirked, leaning in. "You said it yourself. You packing more than what I've seen. And guess what, I want to see it."

Lowering her mikan, Ran nodded. "You should fight her. It might give me some fuel to burn her."

"Do you wanna go instead?" The Biker frowned.

"Brains beats Brawn any day."

"Then it's a good thing I have both."

As they bickered, the couple and the child watched with dry amusement until they felt a sudden rush of cold air blow past everyone. Looking around, Ataru was amazed at the frost forming around the room.

"What?"

"Oyuki's mad," Ten whimpered, diving back into the kotatsu.

"I-I DIDN'T DO IT!" Ran shrieked, following his example. "DON'T HURT ME, OYUKI!"

Looking toward the door, Ataru asked. "Oyuki's doing this?"

"Oyuki is a Yuki-Onna, but her control over ice and snow is on a whole other level. Even her soldiers are found lacking in comparison," Lum grimaced as the fireplace froze over. "She's usually so even-tempered, but there are times when her powers go… haywire."

Shivering, Benten grunted. "Haywire? More like below zero! We're Catching Our Deaths In Here!"

Growling, Ataru removed himself from the Kotatsu and stepped away from everyone. Activating the watch, he skimmed through his aliens before slamming it down on the core. While Benten and Lum were blinded by a green flash, they sighed in relief as a warm light shined over them.

"I don't think I've mentioned it earlier, but you got a keeper," The Biker declared happily.

Resting on the kotatsu, Lum smirked. "He can be trouble at times, but he's worth every second."

Popping their heads out, Ran dropped her jaw at the sight while Ten cheered out. "Heatblast!"

"That's my job, Ten," The Pyronite snorted, sitting cross-legged and away from the others.

Flying towards the fiery humanoid, Ten stared in awe as the flames danced across his body. "How are you doing this? Nothing's burning!"

"Years of practice, and I'm making a conscious effort to keep it that way, so please don't distract me," Heatblast stressed as Ten tried to touch him, making the little Oni chuckle sheepishly.

"Ten's a good boy," He said slowly, looking away.

As Oyuki returned, she noticed a fiery creature and realized the state of her living room. With a deep inhale, the temperature quickly rose and the ice faded away.

Reverting to normal, Ataru frowned. "You should be more mindful of your surroundings."

"My apologies," Oyuki bowed. "That always happens whenever I'm upset, which is rare."

"Lucky us," Benten scowled, rubbing her arms. "Otherwise, we would've sculptures by now."

Tapping her cheek, Lum hummed. "Wasn't that what happened to every pervert that Oyuki ever knew."

"Nope. Only every idiot who dared to piss her off," Ran jeered, popping her head out from the kotatsu, only to have her head shoved under by Benten. "Hey!"

"Stay down there," Benten grinned while looking at Oyuki. "So, what happened?"

Holding her cheek, Oyuki sighed. "It would seem that planet Usone is demanding a refund because they never received their delivery of wind chimes. However, I handle the shipment personally, so I know that was it transported to Usone, and thus, I refused to pay. Not long after did the Minister make some rather…bold claims about my business skills and my position as Queen."

"Which lead to you nearly freezing our asses," Ran said, still struggling against Benten. "Let me go."

"Shhh," The Biker smirked. "The adults are talking."

"Bitch!"

"So, was he lying?" Lum asked as Darling took his place beside her.

"I'm not sure. He seems to think I'm lying," Oyuki conceded, covering her mouth with her sleeve. "I promised to send another shipment…free of charge."

They all shivered at the sudden drop in temperature, which thankfully faded as quickly as it had appeared.

As they could see, nothing irked the Snow Queen more than the thought of losing money.

"That shipment must've been pricey?" Ran muttered from below, and somehow Oyuki heard her.

"That it was, Ran. A Thermal Converter is always pricey," She frowned, much to their surprise.

Slamming her hands down, Lum shouted. "A Thermal Converter!?"

Shaking her head, Ran said. "Yeah, you're getting ripped off."

"Who the hell loses something that big!?" Benten exclaimed.

"A thermal converter?" Ataru blinked.

"Oh, my apologies once more. You're still new to all this." Oyuki said, taking her seat. "A Thermal Converter is an industrial device used in planetary reconstruction projects."

"Planetary? You mean like…a whole planet?" He blurted as Ran, who popped out between the couple, nodded. "Why?"

"Damn, well took her long enough." The Biker shrugged. "A universe is a big place, with tons of barren planets with hazardous conditions and I've seen tons of worlds suffering from overpopulation during my travels. Those projects create more hospitable planets for those in desperate of some elbow room."

"Fine, but this converter-"

"Thermal Converter," Oyuki repeated, to which he nodded. "As its name implies, it collects thermal energy and converts it into some else before directing that energy throughout the planet."

When Ataru tilted his head, Ran sighed. "Think of it like this, the Earth use to have trouble with its Ozone layer, which degrades as a result of high temperature and low winds. On high-temp days, the ozone produces at fast rates, leading to bad air quality. You still following?"

"Barely," He sighed.

Slapping the table, Benten grinned. "It gathers up all the hot and cold energies on Earth, turns it into something that repairs and strengthens the Ozone layer, and launches back worldwide. Better?"

"Yeah. I suppose," Ataru nodded, while Ran hissed for having her thunder stolen. "Is that why they needed it?"

Looking away, Oyuki lamented. "In a way. The Dhessaeh were desperate to acquire our Thermal Converter."

"Yeah, well those things cost a shit ton, so-"

"The issue was never money," Sighing, the Snow Queen revealed. "They managed to reclaimed one of their colony worlds, the one taken by the Blastula."

Following those words, there was a heavy silence as Ten slowly crawled out of the kotatsu.

Quickly, Ataru coughed loudly as everyone faced him. "So, Neptune is pretty…cool? Right…every…one?"

"Ataru-no-BAKA." Ten said flatly, making him growl.

"I don't see you trying, Jariten."

"Cause I'm not a baka, Baka."

Sighing, Ataru heard a faint giggle and noticed Lum smiling at them as Oyuki covered her mouth.

"Nice going, Hubby," Benten smirked softly. "Not good, but points for trying. Let's save the sad shit for another day, don't you agree?"

"Ran…agrees," Ran gritted out before downing her teacup. "That felt wrong."

"Regardless, that should not excuse my rude behavior towards you, my guests," Oyuki apologized before flashing a charming smile toward Ataru. "Especially, Lum's handsome husband."

Flinching, Ataru suddenly felt hotter as the Snow Queen's eyes went half-lidded. Gaping, Lum twitched her brow as electricity bounced between her horn.

"Ballsy," Benten snickered viciously. "Lum's nearly as bad as Ran when it comes to being clinging."

Opening her mouth, Ran was about to deal with retribution, before coming up with a mischievous idea. Whispered into the Biker's ears, They exchanged wide grins, their eyes shining under their shadow-covered faces.

They're getting zapped for this, but their faces were worth it.

"You know something, Ataru?"

Eager for a distraction, the couple quickly focused on Benten, only to freeze at the sight of her chainmail bra with a wide gap in the middle.

Winking, she threw a coy smirk and said. "If you want to spend some time with me, then I'm more than willing to…," Making her generous chest bounce, the Biker sends bedroom eyes at the human. "…handle a big boy such as yourself."

With their hair covering their eyes, the couple started stammering as the husband started to steam over and the wife began to short circuit.

"What the hell is going on!?" They thought as Oyuki giggled.

Pouting, Ten popped out of his fortress and grabbed another mikan. "I'm a big boy too."

Rubbing his head, Oyuki smiled. "That you are, Ten."

"H-H-H-Hey, I-I-I-" Ataru sputtered, only to hear Darling, and out of a habit, looked behind him.

And found Ran wearing silver underwear, posing sexily before him. To make it worse, Oyuki undid her kimono and exposed her strapless orange bra.

He yelped "OYUKI!?"

"I didn't want to be left out," The Snow Queen smiled.

Licking her fangs, Ran purred. "Don't worry. There's enough for all of us."

"Eh?!"

Nodding, Benten smirked at Lum as the Oni trembled with her head facing the table. "Girls got to share, right Lum?"

"Sharing is caring."

"Shut up, Ten," Ataru hissed, before freezing up as Lum gripped his shoulder. "L-Lum."

"Ten," The Oni girl called out, catching their attention. "Sharing is caring, but there are some things you mustn't share with anyone."

Lifting her head, they were greeted with the war-crazed grin worthy of a true Oni and the human shivered as the demon glared down with a possessive hunger. Suddenly, Ataru found himself being dragged away by his she-devil and noticed the girls waving farewell, realizing they planned for this.

"Where are you going, Lum?" Ten asked, flinching when she grinned darkly in his direction. "N-Nevermind."

"It's no problem. I just remember that Darling needed to be…" Lum glared madly at her Darling. "Punished."

"P-Punished!?" Ataru shouted, only to fall silent under her glare, and lowered his head. "Yes ma'am."

"We'll keep a watchful eye on Ten while you're gone, so please take all the time you need," Oyuki beamed, to which Oni girl started to float.

"Don't worry, I plan to. I need to remind everyone what it is mine." Pulling Darling close, she hissed. "Especially you, DARLING!"

The moment they were gone, Ten broke the silence and said. "Well, he's screwed."

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Benten and Ran fell to the floor, laughing their asses off. Tears fell from their eyes as they struggled to breathe. Not even Oyuki was above showing amusement, covering her mouth as her giggles threatened to spill out of her.

"Not even close, Ten. We're screwed when Lum comes back," Benten grinned through her laughter. "She will come."

"That was horrible," Ran mocked, but laughed anyway.

"Made you laugh!"

Regaining composure, Oyuki smiled impishly. "Despite some setbacks, I believe things are going well."

"I guess," Ten muttered, but he looked toward the window. "I wonder how everyone is doing back on Earth."

"What? Think the planet's going to go boom, Ten?" Ran jeered, only to be bonked by the Biker.

Noticing his concern, Oyuki reassured him. "I'm sure everything going smoothly."

"Yeah," Benten smirked.

Throwing the door open, Lum raced towards the bed, tossing her Darling before landing atop of him.

Neither noticed the Multi-Coms fall from his pocket and roll across the floor.

*Beep Beep Beep*

Even as it blinked repeatedly, the chime went unheard.

"What's the worse that could happen?"

Sorry for the long wait. I had a lot of stuff going on in my personal life, but the timing couldn't be better.

Cause Today is my Birthday and I wanted to you, my readers, some special gifts.

Likewise, I uploaded the first chapter of my newest story earlier today! Check it out if you'd want.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.