Chapter 8

The next day, Amai saw no difference in his situation. He was forced to sleep with the thought of being seen like this monstrosity. He was not looking forward to the next day, worst still, the second monster he ate was slow to digest. Enough of it has been absorbed that he could slither, but still, he has this large bulge in his body that the world will see. As he closed his eyes for the night, he tried to think once more of a way out. Snek won't be taking back his power any time soon, nor will the family show him any sort of mercy no matter how much he apologizes for his actions. It was only a week, and he was sick of it all.

"This place is a mad house," he said to himself. "How anyone keeps their sanity here is beyond me."

"We are not insane the least bit."

Amai was startled! Sitting against the wall in his room was Goliath. By the looks of it, he's been there for a while. "How long…"

"Ever since you started your self loathing."

Amai paused. "Wait, before you were merely repeating everything your brother said or agreeing with him. Are you far more articulated with your words?"

"Very much so. Believe it or not, Draven is the one who is still having trouble with pronunciations." Goliath paused. "You still don't give a damn."

"Excuse me?"

"You… don't… give… a… damn." Goliath said slowly. "I maybe young, but I see right through you, and I am starting to believe no matter what happens, even after all this, you won't have a change of heart or option on my family or my friend Snake. I take offense to that." The boy paused as he appeared to think things over. "I began to believe what mother said about you earlier… if given the chance, you could see beyond what you are and what is in front of you. Perhaps for once, she was wrong."

Amai smirked. "I don't care that you do, quite frankly boy, your mother says a lot of things about me that has tainted my image in your family." He gave off a small laugh. "I don't really see how this is punishment for me. Uncomfortable, yes, insulting, yes and yet it appears that as you said no matter what happens, I won't change my option on the subject matter. I tend to believe that you are correct on the notion. No one forces their opinion on the likes of me."

Goliath forced a small laugh. "I think we are going to change that," he said. "If you were half the man Snake was, I would give you credit were credit is due. But you aren't. Not even close. Certainly, you get to change back when this is all said and done. Snek returns to being this, and yet you won't care. Why should you? Despite the fact that he does far more for the cities than you will ever know, he has done more for the people then you will ever see. In my family, we consider him a great hero. He's my hero."

Amai sneered. "I don't want to hear you sing the praises of some mediocre hero, I would like to get some sleep."

Goliath nodded. "If you insist, but rest assured Mr. Mask. I will be certain that you know how great Snake is and why you will never hold a candle to him." Goliath stood up after that and walked out of the room. The door closed, Amai got comfortable once more. Goliath's words rolled off his back, they meant nothing to him. After all, he's just the son of Garou, his family's option are nothing more than mere words…

#

"Come on! Out you get!"

"I am not going."

"You have to go, everyone has to go, including you!"

"I am NOT going out like this!" Garou has been trying for the past twenty minutes to get Amai out of his room. He was still big and refuses to let anyone see him in such a state. His appearance was not befitting for the public eye, or anyone else's for that matter. Yet Garou wasn't going to let him off the hook.

"Snek made appearances all the time, even on a full stomach. It didn't stop him," said Garou. "So Snek is better than you at attendances, good to know. But you're still coming!"

He hissed aloud. "I told you, people don't know I look like this! I want to keep it that way. My image will be destroyed if people learn the truth as to why I am… THIS!" he stated. "Understand that my look is everything to the fans, I am Sweet Mask! Not… a snake!"

"And I'm the human monster, but not human anymore. People get over it, people still call me the human monster anyway. It doesn't matter, so get your scaly ass out of the room or I will force you out." Warned Garou.

Amai refused to move. "Go ahead and try it!"

"Okay," Garou turned. "Pac!"

Pac came to the doorway. He pointed at Amai, which made him glow green! "NO! NO! PLEASE NO!" he begged, but he was levitated out of the room. Amai tried to grab on to the walls, doorframes, anything that would prevent him from leaving the house. But Pac's esper power was too strong, he was able to freeze Amai's arms and hand! Soon, he found himself out of the house and couldn't touch the ground. Pac unfroze his arms, Amai then tried desperately to reach the ground and attempt to grab hold of the earth. Despite his best attempts, it was out of range, his fingertips just brushed the surface of the earth.

"Are we ready?" called Melee.

"I want a sweater!" protested Amai. The family turned and stared at him oddly. "Please, may I have a sweater?"

Rolling his eyes, Hunter went in and got one of Amai zip up hoodies. He tossed it to him. Amai was quick to zip it up and then raise the hood over his head and pulled the strings tight. "Yeah, like that's going to do you any favors." Muttered Garou. "Let's go!"

Amai didn't enjoy the flight, yet he knew the moment they arrived at the Heroes Association. As his underbelly hit the ground, he was already trying to figure out a way to go unseen… at least, as best as he can. His stomach would be the main hindrances, but there was nothing that could be done about that. With a deep breath he was forced to follow Garou's family in. Matters didn't help much as Pac and Suiryu came behind him to ensure he didn't try and make a run for it. He slithered in, yet kept his face hidden, his head down and made no eye contact. People in the halls would pause and whisper.

"Snek looks different today."

"Since when does he wear a hoodie?"

"Oh look, he just ate, we better extend the room for him."

"Is Snek cold? His scales are blue."

He sneered at the thought, Amai paused as the family came to a stop in the hallways. "Garou! You called this meeting again? What's this about?" asked Darkshine.

"In due time, we have a few announcements, even my son Hunter has one. For now, wait and see."

"Cool… hey… Snek, you look different today!"

Amai kept silent, he turned away trying to avoid eye contact. "Don't mind him," said Melee. "He's in a mood."

"Ah, I see… Ooo, you got some protein in you last night! Nice, good use of a monster I say! See you all in there."

"Let's go grumpy, we're down this way." Said Alley as she peered up into Sweet Mask's hoodie. They continued on until they reached the new meeting room. A larger facility that could house all the S Class, M Class and a few others if need be. Amai just got through the doorway when he cringed to the voice.

"What's the meaning of this!" Tatsumaki demanded. "I know you two called it, so it better be good!"

"I'll let you decide in just a moment." Said Garou.

Amai tried to keep himself hidden in the back. Tatsumaki quickly took notice of him. "What's with Snek?" she demanded. "He never huddles in the back corner of the room, even if he did eat something the day before… EW you ate the day before!" she said realizing the large mass in the middle of his body.

Amai then saw Garou was suddenly smiling from ear to ear. Tatsumaki was quick to confront 'Snek' on his lack of attention. "Are you ignoring me!?" She demanded. "And why are you wearing a hoodie?" With her esper power she wrenched it right off. Amai hissed at her, but then realized he was exposed. He froze as Tatsumaki stared at him, wide eyed and shocked. She pointed to him then turned to Garou who was grinning an evil smile.

She started to snicker. The snicker grew into a muffled giggle, then full out laughter. "HAHAHAHA! YOU… YOU… HAHAHAHAHA!" she twisted and twirled in the air with utter delight, she went in close and stared at Amai Mask. "Oh you messed up BAD didn't you?" she turned to Garou. "I got to admit freak boy, I didn't think you would go THIS far!" She then went on to laugh at Amai's condition and even poked his side.

She burst into fits of laughter, she couldn't stop herself despite Sweet Mask demanding it. "It's not the least bit amusing!" he protested. "You wouldn't like it if it happened to you!"

"But it didn't, it happened to you!" she continued to laugh aloud while floating in place, it wasn't long for Bang to come in.

"Tatsumaki, this is unbefitting of…" then Bang saw Sweet Mask. He too began to snicker. He turned to Garou, laughing it up. "This was what you had in mind!?"

"Part of it," said Garou. "This is just for what he did to Snek. We are still plotting our punishment!"

"We like to spread it out and jab at you when Amai when he appears most content," explained Melee. She turned and smiled to Sweet Mask. "Enjoy the ride."

Amai hissed aloud to the news, and yet, he began to feel strange. His stomach was acting up once more, the moans and gargling filled the room. As the sounds continued, Amai felt his stomach empty. The last of the monster he ate vanished. Garou appeared curious. "Hmm, I think you have been depriving yourself of food for some time. Then again, you are a model aren't you? At least, you were…"

"Be quiet!" Amai snapped.

As the other heroes filed in, they all stopped, stared and laughed at Amai Mask. Metal Bat in particular gave him the hardest time. "Look at this, Mr. Idol man has become the thing he hates the most! How does it feel to have the shoe on the other foot huh? Oh wait, you ain't got feet!"

Amai growled. "I can still defeat you with ease, remember that!" he warned.

Metal Bat smiled. "Bring it on snake man!"

"People, please! My God, you think you would know better than to try and start a fight here." Said Sitch, yet the moment he saw Sweet Mask, he froze. Amai cringed and looked away.

"I don't want to hear any more comments about this… I am what I am right now, please move on from it." He pleaded.

Sitch turned to Garou. "I do suppose this is your doing?"

"Amai Mask will be filling in for Snek for the next four months… well three months and 4 weeks." Explained Garou. "However…." The grin on Garou's face only grew. "Remember when I requested he remain in A Class?" Garou asked aloud. The room nodded. "Well, since Amai is still A Class, Rank 2… but he has to maintain that rank with his heroic actions since he cannot do his usual media appearances… he can't maintain rank either lying about at my house!"

Amai froze. He turned to Garou. "No… no please, anything, ANYTHING but that, please, don't let the public know I have become this monstrosity! It will break the hearts of my fans to see me like this!"

"Don't care" Garou said in a cold tone. "I really don't care that it will do that to your 'beloved fans', you are not going to just ride it out in the comfort of my house. You got a rank to keep and maintain, like all the other heroes."

Tatsumaki was snickering once more. "You really are evil, aren't your freak boy?"

"I am inclined to agree with Garou on this, Amai Mask. From this moment on you are to fulfill your hero obligations…"

"NO" he snapped. "I will not be made a mockery of any more of this! I have had it with your games, your torment, this… this… this existence! This isn't right, it's not befitting of my image nor me. I have an appearance to keep and maintain for the sake of my fans and those who admire me. I cannot be seen like a monster!" he paused. "You keep forgetting Sitch, I am one of your best ambassadors to the Heroes Association. I am the one that gets the donations with ease. I am the one that encourages quality heroes to apply and join this cause. Without me, you have NOTHING!"

"Aren't we full of ourselves," said Alley. "Some of that maybe true, Amai. But rest assured, if push comes to shove, I think we will be just fine when it comes to securing donations. Besides, I though you said anyone can become a hero if you feel the desire for peace in your heart,"

"Not… monsters…" he said slowly.

Hunter snorted. "But you are one now, at least, half of one. So how about you ease off on your own sense of what a hero is and shut the hell up for a moment." Hunter stood tall as he turned to Amai, looked him square in the eyes and said. "You will be accompanying me on heroic tasks and patrols." Announced Hunter. "As Class A Rank 1, I have read the obligations of that title, and one includes training heroes below my rank… you are" he said with an evil smile on his lips. "You are going to be my partner."

Amai refused. "I will not work with the likes of you," he said defiantly.

"Oh? Is that so?" he asked.

"Yes, it is!"

Hunter smirked. "I hope you enjoy Rank 2 then… I won't be leaving for S Class if that's the case."

"What? Your whole purpose of this was to get into the S Class, it is within your reach now, take the damn promotion and leave me be!"

"How can I? If you yourself won't fulfill your duties as a hero looking like that, there's no point in me going to S Class, as well. You will drop in ranks faster since you are also not doing any movies, shows, albums…"

"Shut up, shut up!"

"Amai, suck it up!" said Lightning Max. "We have done just fine being heroes looking the way we are. You look like a snake, big deal. You always were one,"

"Ooo burn," said Metal Bat.

"I refuse to speak of this any farther!" Amai slithered out; he had to get some distance away from the meeting room, but froze. He left his sweater in there!

"Wow… that thing looks like Amai Mask, doesn't it?"

He froze as his name; from the corner of his eye he saw them, citizens that may recognize him. "It does look like Sweet Mask doesn't it?"

He darted. He didn't care where he went, he had to get out of the view of people. Taking the stairs he slithered his way down and into the subbasement. There he caught his breath and tried to figure out his next move. "I can't go on like this, I just… can't."

His stomach moaned once more. "Not again…"

"STOP IT!"

"IT'S TOO STRONG, IT CAN'T BE STOPPED!"

"CALL THE HEROES! CLEAR THE BUILDING, LEVEL DEMON THEAT!"

Amai found himself in the lockdown area of the subbasement, where the monsters are kept. Yet this one appeared to be getting out of hand. He peered into the room as he saw associate members trying to subdue a level demon giant. Yet it was rampaging! It broke open other cells releasing more monsters out. Amai however was licking his lips, he couldn't control himself as he slithered out. One creature was snickering and saying aloud how it was going to kill the first human it finds. However, as it turned. Amai grabbed hold of its throat! The monster was terrified, and Sweet Mask liked it! "Already thinking of the kill are we? I won't let that happen. Besides, you will be my first today… but… I won't kill you… at least, not yet!" There was no merciful death, there would be no breaking of its neck or squeezing the life out of it. Instead, Amai hissed, his jaws widened as he shoved the monster in alive!

He couldn't understand at first why, until he felt it struggle in his mouth, down his throat all the way to his stomach. Even then, the sensation was savory. From the corner of his eye, he peered down at himself just as his body twitched with monster fighting for its life with no success. It won't escape him. "Such… perfection… a fitting end to one who causes so much harm. A slow and possibly painful death…" He licked his lips. His smile grew. Sweet Mask has room for seconds! More and more of the weaker monsters escaped their prison cells, but they were all caught and stopped by Amai. They were forced into his jaws as he took his time devouring them whole and alive. The pleasure he felt from the night before returned, but this… this was ecstasy! It was even better than before, after all he could still feel them trying to break free from his stomach.

The low rank monsters were easy to grab and consume, but his eyes set on the demon one that caused the commotion. He slithered out into the open as all the associate members were struck back by the monster. Amai was smiling to it, as the men who tried to subdue it froze. "Is… is that Snek?"

"No, it isn't…"

"If that's not Snek, who or what…"

"Enough, all of you." Amai said sternly. "Back down and let me take care of this."

They froze to his voice, but Amai didn't care anymore if they knew it was really him or not. His eyes were set on a greater prize…