Hey Guys! I'm back yet again with another chapter. Now things can get a bit intense now starting right here. There will also be well I would like to say episodes but, think of this story as a series if you like to. What I mean is, episodes or chapters wherein it focuses on one character or let's say some pairings moments, a date or anything (Ugh, hard to explain sorry about that) If you DO get what I mean, you're awesome, and if you did not, well, that's my fault.
Anyways! Let's get on with the story!
Chapter 11: A Well-Deserved Verity
''Tsk…'' A brown haired boy sneered. Those PPGZ and RRBZ were able to get away without any injuries. He frowned ''Looks like they are getting stronger everyday…I need to get my powers back and soon.''
''Oy! Natsuki bro! Let's go home already, I still got some things to do at my house.'' A black haired boy said. Natsuki sigh and turned around to face his friend ''What's got you gearing up already Eric?''He raised his eyebrow, questioning him.
Eric grinned ''You know I'm a responsible big brother Natsuki. My little sister is probably at home waiting for me, I still need to cook our dinner.'' Natsuki let out a small smile and nodded ''Sure, let's go home.'' With that, the two best friends walked out of the school after an angering practice match earlier in the afternoon.
Natsuki looked at Eric ''If only I could make him join me or something…'' Natsuki didn't know why but he likes the sense of companionship Eric is giving him. It makes him feel less lonely than before ''A friend huh?'' He closed his eyes, reminiscing his old past; a certain orange pigtailed girl playing tag with him, a taller figure teaching him how to fight, 4 boys waving at them, etc. Then his eyes grew darker ''Friends are pathetic'' Natsuki smirked and looked at a certain window of his school, the window showing the girl who he was after, laughing and having the time of her life. He can't wait to crush that and make it his.
As Natsuki and Eric walked off, Natsuki encountered two particular adults, going to the direction of the school. ''Hmmm….Momoko's so called parents? Now what are they doing around here?'' He thought and as if time slowed down, he had a brief eye-to-eye contact at Hachizou. While Hachizou passed by him, the father figure didn't notice a small leer that Natsuki formed. ''Now this is going to be interesting.'' Good thing Eric's house is near the school, that way he will have enough time to hide himself and watch at what it looks like a confrontation. Natsuki definitely want to know why those two were going to the school when Momoko seems fine and all.
''This I have to see''
With Momoko and the others
''I swear that guy is a know-it-all person! He doesn't want to listen to me and I'm way better than him at soccer.'' Butch rambled his rivalry with Natsuki ''I don't even know what others see in him.''
Momoko giggled ''He's not that bad.'' She commented. Butch scoffed ''Probably because he likes you'' Butch was not stupid, he feels something strange about that guy. The personality he shows when he's around Momoko and the crowd...it's different.
''Man, you had it rough.'' Kaoru said to Brick. Brick sighed and nodded ''You know it.''
Miyako decided to step in their rambling ''You guys were awesome! Looks like Kaoru will have some competition now.'' She winked at the said green girl. ''As if I'll let them take me on easily Miyako'' Kaoru grinned competitively.
Boomer shook his head and talked to Momoko ''You were awesome out there Momoko! It looks like you had years of practice in soccer.'' Boomer exclaimed. ''How did you do that?'' The others began to listen at what Momoko will say
''Well…'' Momoko began. ''Now that I think about it, howdid I get so good at soccer?'' She began to think ''Well, I did practice a few before we became the PPGZ, still; I know that's not enough to get those kinds of skills. I just…let my instincts take over.'' Momoko can't say that though, it would appear weird if she did say that. She unconsciously looked outside the window and then suddenly, she froze.
''Momoko?'' Miyako called her but she was still frozen ''Momoko, what's wrong?'' Boomer asked and decided to look at what she was seeing. His jaw clenched a bit when he saw two adult like figures waiting at the gate; Looking at how Momoko froze and they have resemblances to her, it could only mean one thing. ''Momoko…Are those your parents?'' With that question, all of them began to look at the direction Boomer was looking at, and indeed there were two adults waiting there. They looked back at Momoko, waiting for her answer.
Momoko slowly nodded, confirming their question. They all exhaled, so, this was the parents who denied Momoko from being her true self?
Brick darted his eyes between Momoko's parents and Momoko herself ''The hair color can be justified but…'' He narrowed his eyes and glanced at Momoko's eyes that is gathered in an emotion like…fear? This got him worried. ''Either they're too far for me to see their eye color, or something really is going around here.'' Well, they do have some resemblances; maybe this was his imagination taking over? He decided to forget about it, he was being paranoid to think that they aren't Momoko's parents.
''What….what are they doing here?'' Momoko whispered, her heart slowly getting faster by the minute because of the nervousness.
Kaoru narrowed her eyes ''They better not be doing what I think they are going to do.'' She growled ''Adult or not, I don't respect parents who are so opposing to their own child, let alone trying to stop her. That's just wrong'' Parents should be accepting, heck her own mother approved of her doing all sports that she know. That's a real example of a loving parent.
Miyako put her hand on Momoko's shoulder, snapping her out of her stupor ''Momoko…what are we going to do?''
Momoko swallowed; can she really face her parents right now? Almost all students are gone now so no gossip is happening if she decided to confront them. Well, they can always fly and avoid them… ''No…This is enough running, we…I need to confront them now. No more running from my own problems.''
Momoko took a deep breath and exhaled ''I…I'll confront them right now.'' She answered, her confidence showing bit by bit ''I don't know what they are doing here but…I know it has something to do with me obviously. This time, I'm not running away. And also…'' She glanced at her friends and gave them a small smile ''Please don't say anything when we are talking. I…I want to confront this.'' She said softly.
Butch does not like this; He doesn't want to just stand there and stays still like an idiot, it makes him feel like he's useless. He looked at Momoko, her eyes full of determination, and that determination has what made him agree to let her confront her parents. ''I got a bad feeling about this…''
Momoko looked down at her parents; somehow, she could feel that they know where she was. Her parents have powers of course, so they might have sense her. She stared back at them, the parents that gave her love and family when she woke up from that dark abyss, the parents that taught her how to defend herself, the parents that advised her to fake herself, and the said parents that stopped her from being who she was…. ''But still…'' Momoko thought ''I can't forget how much they have done to me…but I need to know why are they so opposing…why are they so secretive…and what are they hiding from me?''
''Let's go get my skates, I'm pretty sure no one is around the school now right?'' Momoko asked. They all shook her head, knowing that there are no more students left at the school. The teachers were at the faculty so they won't see what will happen outside.
Momoko nodded appreciatively ''Alright then, let's go.'' Momoko walk in front of them as they all began to go towards the direction to the locker. ''This must really be eating her out.'' Her friends thought. Momoko prayed that this will go along nicely but who was she kidding? This is life, it's not that easy.
''Hachizou…are you sure about this?'' Kakiko asked her husband. Hachizou nodded with a stern face ''I'm sure of it Kakiko, the one who is after Momoko is right here in the city. We can't let her out of our sight right now.'' Kakiko nodded but the bad feeling that she felt is still there, and the longer they waited at the gate, the worse that it gets. ''Momoko is strong Hachizou…she got her friends to help her.''
Hachizou shook his head ''Momoko's been friends for them in just a year Kakiko. That is still not enough time to be powerful enough to defeat him. Hino and the others have years of training to back them up and they still couldn't finish him once and for all.'' Hachizou sighed and looked at his wife, fatigue can be seen in his face ''Kakiko…we also have years of training to back us up. I think that's enough reassurance for us. If Momoko did get attack, we will be there to prevent it.'' Kakiko sighed and felt Momoko and her friend's presence. ''No turning back now…'' She thought and took a deep breath.
Sounds of a wheel rolling was heard and there skating is Momoko, her face unreadable, and her friends looking at Momoko's parents with distrust and cautious.
''So they knew…'' Hachizou thought. He stepped forward and looked at his daughter's eyes. ''Momoko…'' He called out softly.
Said daughter stiffened ''Hello mom…dad.'' She greeted them. ''Time to cut the chase'' Momoko stopped her skating and stood in front of them ''What are you doing here?''
Kakiko flinched at the tone Momoko used, it was as if they were just acquaintances not parents…''No…No doubts now, that powerful aura that we felt earlier…We need to protect her.'' She looked at Momoko ''We…we came to take you home Momoko.'' Kakiko answered her, her eyes pleading ''Come home with us…''
Kaoru clenched her fist when those words left from Kakiko's mouth. They are doing what she thought they were going to do. Butch crinkled his face, suppressing his anger for a bit. Brick narrowed his eyes in anger. Boomer and Miyako looked at Momoko worriedly.
Momoko's eyes widened a bit, her parents are actually taking her home out of the blue? What the heck? It's even rarer for them to go to school just for this purpose. She narrowed her eyes in suspicion, the pain and anger that she felt from their last confrontation is still there. No…she is still not going to go home until they tell her what's really going on.
''And if I refuse?'' Momoko answered, staring intensely at the eyes of her parents. Hachizou hardened his eyes ''This is for the good of you Momoko…'' ''You are still coming with us Momoko, whether you like to or not.'' He stepped forward, with an intent to get her home.
Momoko took a step backward, the wheels of her blades making a sound but still keeping her balance. ''Just tell me why?'' She croaked out ''Why are you doing this?''
Kakiko looked away; hurt flickering in her eyes ''We told you already Momoko…There's someone after yo-''
''That excuse again?! Then let that someone come!'' Momoko spat in anger ''Am I really this weak in your eyes?! Damn it!''
Her friends widened their eyes a bit, they've never head Momoko curse before…Hachizou actually stopped walking towards her to stare at her carefully. He processed the words she said and slightly glared ''You don't understand! That someone we are talking about is way stronger than any of you. Can't you see? We're protecting you! We are sheltering you!''
Momoko glared back ''Then make me understand!'' She shouted ''Just what are you hiding from me!?''
Kakiko looked at her in shock, does she know? ''Momoko, what are you talking abou-'' She was cut off again when Momoko speak ''Don't act like you don't know!'' Tears are now gathering in her eyes ''What are you not telling me?! Aren't I your daughter?'' She whimpered at the end.
Both adults looked down, Momoko shakily breath seeing that they will still not tell her. Miyako was about to step forward and comfort Momoko but Kaoru's hand stopped her. She looked at her green best friend who shook her head. Seeing Momoko like this also pains them…
Kakiko then decided to tell her some of the truth ''…Do you know the unknown monsters that all of you are encountering?'' Momoko looked at her mother apprehensively. How did they know that? She slowly nodded, confirming what she said. ''What about them?'' Momoko asked
Hachizou sighed ''…Those monsters are his doing.''
Momoko's eyes widened ''So...it's a he. At least they are telling me something'' She shook her head and said ''So? My friends and I already defeated them. There's nothing for you to be worried about.''
Hachizou frowned ''That's not even close to how it will appear in full power! He's not even showing himself to you! He's that dangerous'' He took a deep breath and looked at his daughter's eyes ''You and your friends are…not that strong to take him on.'' A flashback of Hino's injuries along with the others crossed his mind ''Now, come along Momoko, either you come with us or…'' Hachizou took a deep breath and said ''We will move out of New Townsville.'' Just like that, everyone froze, even Kakiko. ''Hachizou…'' Kakiko thought, he is that scared of the one who is after Momoko but…is this really the correct way to do it?
Momoko and her friends looked at Hachizou with disbelief. ''Move…move out?! But what about Kuriko…'' She thought of her little sister. Are they serious? Will they really move out to the place where they all grew up? Her thoughts are blinding her to see the regret in Hachizou's eyes….
Kaoru and Miyako were frozen in shock, Momoko away from New Townsville to who knows where? Kaoru gritted her teeth in anger while Miyako was shaking a bit; they can't bare the thought of being away from their friend/sister. The RRBZ were hardly controlling their anger, all of them glaring and clenching their fist.
''No…'' Momoko whispered as everyone looked at her ''No! I'm tired of running away! If that someone who is after me is here, then let him come!'' She shouted ''We will defeat him!''
Hachizou rubbed his forehead in a stressful way ''Momoko you don't understand! He is too strong!''
Finally, Kaoru can't take it anymore, no one called them weak! They are the Powerpuff Girls Z and Rowdyruff Boys Z for Christ sake! They save this city from destruction so what's the difference with this situation?
''Hey! Are you saying we are weak old man?!'' She snarled, everyone looked at her in surprise but in Momoko's case, she's grateful.
Hachizou looked at them sternly ''Look, I just don't want Momoko to be caught by him. Who knows what he will do to her…''
Momoko looked at his father defiantly ''I said I have my friends to help me prevent that from happening. We can do anything as long as we help each other!''
Hachizou gritted his teeth in frustration ''Stop being so naïve!'' He stalked towards his daughter and grabbed her by the arm. Butch growled ''He-'' He was about to shout until Momoko smacked her father's hand away from her hand with tears in her eyes.
Unknown to them, a certain brown haired boy is watching them, amusement and mischief dancing in his eyes ''Wrong move old man.'' He murmured with a smirk and continued watching. He could definitely use this knowledge to his plan. ''So, Momoko's parents are that desperate to get her away from my clutches huh?'' He simpered; it's good to know that they fear his strength. It gave him a power boost you can say.
Natsuki then looked at Momoko, her bangs hiding her eyes. He didn't know that Momoko was sleeping on another house; maybe someone in that house can help him…
''I…I won't leave this city.'' Momoko whispered ''This is where I belong, where we belong. Dad please…'' She said finally lifting her head to let him see the emotions sparkling in her eyes ''Please…trust me. I'll be alright.''
Hachizou softened his eyes ''Momoko…'' Kakiko slowly move forward next to her husband, she move her hand to place it on Momoko's cheek. Momoko sighed, almost blissfully; she missed her mother's touch.
''Come home please…'' Kakiko pleaded. Momoko looked at her mother and said ''Will you trust me then?''
Both adults looked at each other, they can't lie to her and say yes…Sure Momoko is powerful but…what Hino said really shake them up.
''Please! He is after her! I…I don't know what I'll do if he somehow got to her…He might,'' Hino choked up while crying ''He might hurt her or worse…'' He looked at Kakiko and Hachizou's frightened eyes ''break her…''
Hachizou shook his head ''I'm sorry Momoko…'' He said softly making Momoko's eyes widened in disbelief. Even after begging and crying, they still won't trust her? Momoko swallowed, took another step back and skated away.
''Momoko!'' Kaoru shouted and also skated towards her but not before giving a glare at the two adults ''I hope your happy choosing your fear over your daughter'' She snarled ''Selfish scums.'' Kaoru murmured.
Hachizou bristled at that ''You don't know a thing!'' He yelled but Kaoru ignored him, chasing after Momoko.
''Kaoru wait up!'' Miyako shouted as she and the boys started to run after them but not before giving an apprehensive look at the two parents. Kakiko was clutching her chest, the pain of what just happened still there. Hachizou just stood there, the guilt and tough exterior he had slowly breaking him. What the green eyed girl said shook him up.
''Kakiko…'' Hachizou looked at his wife who was slowly crying ''I'm sorry.'' Kakiko looked away as he said that.
''I…I tried to change your mind.'' Kakiko whispered ''I'm scared too Hachizou, don' forget that. But the only way to get Momoko back to us is to trust her…Are you willing to trust her?'' She asked, Hachizou was about to speak but a loud shout stopped him.
Honk! Honk! Honk!
''MOMOKO! LOOK OUT!''
The sound of a truck's horn and a crash came through their ears and fear gripped their hearts. ''No…''
''MOMOKO! KAORU!'' Miyako's voice screamed. The two adults bolted towards the direction of their daughter and there they saw a truck crashing in a stop light.
''Momoko!' Kakiko called out, her hand flying to her mouth.
''Did you see what happened?'' Brick panicked, they were a second too late to see what happened…Momoko and Kaoru were nowhere to be seen.
''I…I don't know.'' Miyako teared up and ran after the site, the boys quickly following her as they reached to the other side of the street. They saw Kaoru's skateboard at the road, a bit damaged but still usable.
''Kaoru must have jumped to save her.'' Butch murmured, grabbing the green skateboard and looking at the two.
''There they are!'' Boomer sighed in relief and ran after them. They all sagged their shoulders as they saw Kaoru cradling Momoko with bruises on their bodies.
''Thank God…thank God both of you are alright.'' Miyako whispered, collapsing in her knees while crying silently. That was one of the scariest and nerve-wrecking moments of her life. The thought of Momoko and Kaoru badly injured and may very well die shaken her up.
Momoko slowly opened her eyes ''What…?'' She whispered. She felt someone push and hug her as she skated away from her parents. Momoko did hear of something like a horn but she didn't pay attention. She opened her eyes fully and cringed at the pain she felt. She then saw Kaoru holding her rather tightly as if she was going away. ''Kaoru?'' Momoko called out.
Kaoru grunted and slowly opened her eyes ''You…stupid reckless girl.'' She said. Kaoru shakily started to stand up and looked at the side where the truck was crashed into.
''You…you almost got hit by a truck you idiot.'' Kaoru shakily said. The fear that she felt when she heard the horn as Momoko kept skating away, not hearing it. Her legs hurt after putting so much force in making her skate faster, and as if time slowed down, Kaoru jumped from her skateboard and made it in time. She caught Momoko and the force of her jump made them go all the way to the other side of the road.
Momoko's eyes widened, she saw the damaged truck at the side, the driver was probably knocked out due to the impact. She then saw the worried and relief looks of Miyako and the RRBZ. A lump formed in her throat, tears slowly falling from her face ''I…I'm sorry you guys.'' She never knew that she was almost close to getting into an accident that may cost her life.
Miyako suddenly hugged the two girls ''I'm just glad both of you are alright.''
Brick and Boomer helped Momoko and Kaoru stand up ''Let's go to the professor's lab then?'' Momoko asked. The boys shook their heads ''The Professor and Ken are with the mayor right now. They won't be home until late at night.'' Butch said
Kaoru sighed ''I guess we have no choice. Let's go to my house, we have some first aid kit there. My brother will take care of us.''
''Momoko!'' A feminine voice called out. They looked behind them and saw Kakiko and Hachizou running towards them. Butch got in front of his friends protectively and glared at the two adults.
Both parents stopped ''Please…we wanna help.'' Kakiko pleaded. Butch's glare didn't waver, ''I think you've done enough help right now.'' His tone a bit dangerous gesturing at the two injured girls behind him.
Hachizou and Kakiko were quiet, there's no way they can fight Momoko's friends. Momoko gave them a look. She will just hate them even more if they tried to use force so they let them be. Butch nodded seeing that they gave up.
''Come on, let's transform, let's carry these two to Kaoru's house.'' Butch declared. They all nodded and took out their compact as they lay Momoko and Kaoru gently at the ground.
''Rolling Bubbles!''
''Hard Brick!''
''Explosive Boomer!''
''Strong Butch!''
Momoko's parents slightly widened their eyes; power seems to be rolling off on them. This made Hachizou even more guilty ''So…They do have some powers in their arsenal.'' He looked at his injured daughter who was clutching her arm in pain ''I'm so sorry my daughter…''
''Let's go.'' Brick said, he carried Momoko in bridal style. Kaoru then looked at Boomer ''Don't you dare carry me like that,'' She scoffed. Boomer snickered but nodded. Kaoru just climbed on Boomer's back and found a comfortable position. Butch carried Kaoru's skateboard while Bubbles will be the support.
All of them started to fly upwards with Kaoru directing them to their house. But before all of them could fly, Bubbles stayed a bit to look at Momoko's parents.
''They seem guilty...'' Bubbles thought and flew closer to them. She smiled softly when both of them looked at her. ''I'm sure Momoko will forgive you both…Just please, trust her and tell her the truth. Momoko is a kind person and both of you raised her to the way she is now.'' Bubbles said. ''I'm sure the three of you will fix it. After all, all of you are family.'' She finished before flying after her friends.
Kakiko and Hachizou just stood there, processing what Bubbles said. They then looked at the damaged truck as both of them nodded to each other. They will fix this, but for now, spaces will be needed to calm them all down.
At Kaoru's House
''Who are these boys?" Dai glared at the three Rowdyruffs who glared back at him. The girls sweat dropped as the boys' aura blazed while staring each other down. ''What's up with them?'' They thought
The boys might look bad boys or whatever, Dai's got a feeling that these boys…fancy the one he was treating now.
''Ouch! Dai-niisan that hurts!'' Momoko yelped when Dai pressured it a bit too much. ''Sorry kiddo, but seriously, how the heck did you and Kaoru get injured like this?'' Dai said, gently applying some disinfectants.
Kaoru sighed, bandages wrapping around her injuries by Miyako. ''Long story short, Momoko's parents came to our school and…talked to us. It didn't end well though.'' She explained
Dai took out some bandages while saying ''And then?''
''A truck was coming towards Momoko's direction and apparently she didn't hear it.'' Kaoru said making Dai dropped the bandages ''What?!" He exclaimed as he looked at Momoko who took an interest at the floor.
Kaoru decided to stop her brother's incoming scolding by continuing what happened ''I skated towards her real quick and jumped off my skateboard.'' She looked at the damaged skateboard beside their couch, she was thankful it didn't break ''I successfully caught up to her in time but the results were prett... painful'' Kaoru finished, gesturing their injuries.
Dai sighed and picked up the bandages ''I know you and your parents aren't on bad terms…'' Dai whispered softly and carefully put the bandage at Momoko's injuries, said girl looked up to him while the boys and Miyako look surprise that Dai knows. ''But please don't get caught up on your emotion so much that you lose your awareness to your surroundings.'' He then smiled and patted her head affectionately ''I don't want you and Kaoru getting hurt.''
Dai then looked at Kaoru ''You should be thankful mom and Shou went to the mall for some groceries.'' Dai fixed up the first aid kit after taking care of the two ''Who knows what we need to explain when mom saw both of you earlier.''
Momoko stretched a bit, thankfully the bruises won't leave some scars ''Thank you Dai-niisan'' She smiled at him brightly. Dai chuckled ''No problem kiddo.'' He knelt down to her eye level ''Do be careful next time, both of you.'' Dai also looked at Kaoru showing them that he is serious.
The boys couldn't help but stare at Dai intensely. He was being too…close to Momoko for their liking. Thankfully it should only be a sibling relationship between them, but still the way Momoko look at him in admiration made them fidget a bit.
''Well, with that taken care of, would you mind introducing yourselves to me?'' Dai grinned at the newcomers of their house, though he matched the hard stare the boys were giving him.
Miyako smiled and bowed ''My name is Miyako Gotokuji '' Dai clicked his fingers ''Ah, so you're the Miyako I'm hearing from the two. Well, thank you for helping me patch these two up'' He smiled ''Nice to meet you, you should come over with these two next time.''
Miyako beamed at him and nodded ''Of course, it's nice to meet you too! Thank you for having me here.'' Dai nodded ''I didn't expect Kaoru to be friends with a girl like Miyako.'' He chuckled ''Oh well, unexpected things do happen. Now, these boys…'' He studied the boys in front of him, ''Well, they got the bad boy vibes I'm sure hmmm…Is it possible for them to like one of the girls here?" He will observe them very carefully now, after all he is the big brother around here. No one will probably take his place.
''How about you boys?'' Dai questioned them, a protective aura surrounding him.
The tension of the boys was definitely noticeable between the girls. Miyako gave a look to Kaoru 'Calm them down, he's your brother.'
Kaoru returned Miyako's look with an incredulous look 'Are you kidding me? Just cause he's my brother, I will be the one that will relieve that tension.' Kaoru then gave a signal to Momoko who was sweat dropping at them. 'You calm them down Leader Girl'
Momoko gave Kaoru a deadpanned look 'Now you call me leader at times like this?' Kaoru rolled her eyes 'You are still not over that?'
Momoko gave a teasing grin 'I was just joking.' Miyako couldn't help herself and giggled. The girls froze and looked at the boys to see if they noticed that; they face-palmed to see that they are still having a staring contest.
Miyako and Kaoru then gave a look to Momoko that says 'You should do it'
Momoko's eyes twitched 'Why should I do it?' She raised her eyebrows to them questioningly. Miyako and Kaoru just stared at her as if she was from another planet; Momoko sighed and held her hand up in surrender 'Fine! I'll do it.' Miyako and Kaoru just gained a triumphant look at each other when Momoko did that.
Momoko cleared her throat and said ''Uhmm…'' The boys immediately look at her which made her sweat dropped. ''Is there something wrong Momoko?'' Dai smiled at her making the RRBZ narrow their eyes at him.
''This is ridiculous.'' Kaoru sighed. Miyako just snickered watching them interacting.
Momoko shook her head and since Dai knows about their alter ego, might as well tell him ''They're the Rowdyruff Boys Z, they help us protect the city from danger.'' She introduced them. Dai widened his eyes a bit ''So they also have powers.'' Then he glanced at Miyako ''I'm guessing she's Bubbles then.''
Brick smirked; time to show this guy that he's not the only one who can protect her. ''I'm Brick of the Rowdyruff Boys'' He said it in a way that made Dai twitch his eye.
''I'm Boomer'' Boomer introduced himself politely making Dai nod his head. ''At least this guy has respect'' Dai thought before looking at Butch ''Hmmm…He has some similarities with my sister except with the pale skin. Oh well'' Dai shrugged the similarities and waited for Butch to answer him
''I'm Butch.'' Butch finally replied, looking at Dai just as intensely as he was looking at them.
The girls felt that the tension was still there and nervously laughed ''What's up with them anyway?'' The moment Dai saw the boys carrying Momoko and Kaoru, he immediately frowned and glanced at the boys with disapproval. ''Must be a boys thing.'' Momoko thought.
''Can I ask a question?'' Dai said, particularly to the boys. Butch grinned '' You already did.''
''Uh oh…'' Kaoru thought looking at his brother. That's not a really good impression to her brother. Her brother can be…really scary sometimes, it's almost impossible to make him angry, but snappy answers like that tick him off, especially if he didn't know that person much, much less a boy.
Dai forced a grin '' How did you boys suddenly became heroes?'' He asked. ''After all, I have never seen you guys protecting the city a year ago.'' Dai smirked triumphantly when he saw the boys frown.
''Why should we tell you?'' Brick glared. He didn't like how Dai knew their alter egos, now he has the gall to ask them how they became heroes? ''It's none of your business.'' Brick said crossing his arms.
Dai's feature hardened ''It's my business because I don't like how you boys will be there for the girls here'' Dai said, rather calmly though. ''Especially of how you look at Momoko.'' He narrowed his eyes
''Calm down you guys,'' Momoko finally spoke up, then she looked at the RRBZ ''Don't worry you guys, Dai-niisan is the kind of person you can trust your life with.'' She smiled at Dai
Dai smiled back and nodded his head in thanks ''Well, if you don't want to tell me, I'll just ask the girls.'' He then looked at the girls with a soft smile.
Brick was scoffing and was about to retort but a look from Momoko made him stop and just grumbled.
Kaoru started the history ''Well, they were our enemies to begin with. Mojo created them to defeat us.'' The PPGZ narrated all their fights and ended it where Butch caught Momoko after a gruesome throw from Mojo.
''And then Professor gave the boys some Chemical Z to help us find Momoko.'' Miyako ended. Dai sighed and ran a hand through his hair ''You guys have been through so much huh'' He remarked making the girls chuckle and nod in agreement Dai then glanced at the boys ''Maybe I judged them too much.''
''Sorry for the rough treatment boys,'' He apologized to the RRBZ who looks surprise ''I'm just very protective of the girls here.'' Dai chuckled ''And speaking of the girls,'' Dai turned his gaze at Momoko ''Sometimes, you are too reckless for your own good.'' He sighed
''Sometimes, you are too reckless for your own good'' An amused voice said
''What the heck?'' Momoko blinked, an image of a red orange haired boy with a cheeky grin appeared on her mind when Dai said that. Heck the image even repeated Dai's words! ''What was that all about? '' She thought. Momoko was cut off from her thoughts by a ruffle on her hair. She immediately knew it was Dai, ''Dai-niisan you're ruining my hair again!'' She exclaimed trying to escape from his grasp making Dai laugh.
Miyako smiled and turned to look at Kaoru ''Were they always that close?'' She asked. Kaoru smiled a bit and nodded ''Yeah, when they met the first time, they just clicked I guess.''
The RRBZ didn't know how to feel, sure it was just a brother-sister thingy, but they can't help but feel something bad is going to happen. To distract himself from the affectionate sibling thingy, Boomer looked at the time and said ''We better get going guys, the Professor and Ken must be at home by now.'' Brick and Butch nodded before standing up.
''I better get going too guys, I don't want grandma to be worried too much.'' Miyako informed them, Kaoru and Momoko nodded ''Be careful you guys.'' Momoko then looked at the boys ''Why don't you guys accompany Miyako to her house? It is pretty dark right now.''
The boys thought about it for a minute and nodded ''Sure'' They said. Miyako thanked them and said ''I'll see you guys when I see you'' She smiled at all of them and with that, the boys and Miyako left but Boomer stayed for a bit. He raised his hand and placed it on Momoko's cheek, worry dancing in his mesmerizing blue eyes ''Please be careful next time, I don't want something bad happening to you.'' Boomer said. Dai made a strange noise at his throat making Kaoru snicker.
Momoko smiled at him and said softly ''I'll be ok Boomer, thank you. You should go on, your brothers doesn't want to keep waiting you know'' Boomer chuckled and nodded, he said one final goodbye to the green siblings before leaving the house. Momoko placed a hand where Boomer touched her cheek, he really is sweet. Maybe it's in the counterpart thingy? After all, Miyako is his counterpart.
Dai cleared his throat ''So, is he one of your admirers?" He raised an eyebrow questioningly.
''No! He's one of my…special friends.'' Momoko said with a pink hue on her cheeks. Dai put a hand on his chin and observed Momoko, who sweat dropped at his scrutinizing gaze. Kaoru sighed ''Onii-chan, you're being too protective to Momoko. So what if some boys fancy her? It's only natural.'' She said, trying to stop her brother's protective streak.
Dai then looked at her ''B-b-but! What if some boy hurts her or something!'' He retorted rather childishly making Momoko giggle.
Kaoru's green eyes rolled around their socket ''Momoko is a strong girl onii-chan, besides, she has us to beat up that guy if that happens.'' She said as if beating up that guy is not violence at all
Momoko put her hands up between them ''Alright knock it off will you? No violence around here, and can we please not talk about my love life right now?''
The green siblings just looked at her and simultaneously said ''No.'' Momoko jaw dropped ''I cannot believe you guys.'' She whispered. The green siblings laughed as the three of them waited for Mitsuko and Shou to arrive with dinner. They bonded and talked like siblings do as they had a pretty good time with each other, unknown that a shadow was watching over them.
''Hmmm…'' The figure thought looking at the laughing Dai ''He could prove useful.''
Dai plopped to his bed in exhaustion ''Ugh, what a day.'' His mother and little brother came in a bit late than usual, saying that Shou wanted to play a bit more at the arcade. His mother immediately asked what happened seeing the bandages around Momoko and Kaoru. Thankfully they reasoned it was because of the practice match. Mitsuko shook her head and muttering about sports and how she never knew why they go with it and just get hurt at the end. All of them laughed at that and reassured her that they're fine as they ate dinner heartily.
Dai then thought about the secrets that were given to him ''Well, the world is bigger than I thought it seems.'' He didn't know that there were so many mysteries in this world, so many unexpected things came to him. His sister is actually Buttercup of the PPGZ, her friends are also one of them, those…boys were former enemies of the girls and were now heroes, and also…
''Momoko'' He thought, he never thought that he would get close to her in almost a week. They just clicked, even he was surprise when he told her to call him Dai-niisan. ''Well, It does feel good to let her call me that.'' Dai grew up letting others depend on him. It made him feel proud when he saw the thankful look they gave to him when he helped them. The same goes to Momoko, the happiness yet confused look that she gave to him when he said to call him big brother…It made him happy! But it also pains him to see the lost and confused gaze at the girl's eyes. She may hide it quite expertly, but he's observant. He saw through all the mask of her eyes, ''Those masking of emotion…It shouldn't be in the eyes of someone so young''
Then it got him thinking to the girl's parents, something around that family is so mysterious. They are hiding something, even Momoko could tell that yet the girl's parents won't budge. They are just like a wall of unveiling the happenings around them. So suspicious…There is something going on around that he is sure of. It's like opening a locked chest without the key.
''But what is the key?'' Dai mused.
''Verity.'' A voice echoed around Dai's room making the said boy stand up in alert. He thought he heard something ''Verity? The truth?'' He shook his head, must be his imagination.
''Don't you want to know why?'' The voice said again as soon as Dai was about to lay in his bed. Dai narrowed his eyes, his senses on high alert; This time he knew he was not imagining things.
''Who are you?'' He said in a low voice, Dai was not that surprised at all. Well, shouldn't shock him or anything, he was revealed to revelations a few days ago and even earlier. So no, he just needs to proceed in caution. ''Never thought knowing the secrets of theirs would get me involved to this.'' No, Dai would not blame them. Actually, he was kind of jealous of the boys earlier knowing they have powers to protect the girls, especially someone close to him, while he, the big brother he is, just stands by at the sidelines, hoping that they would come home safe. He wanted to be there for them, maybe beating the owner of this voice would help him. ''This guy could be a serious threat''
The voice chuckled ''Oh no, I'm not your enemy. I could very well be the answers to all your questions.''
Dai tensed, it's like this voice knows what he's thinking ''If you are going to answer my questions, why don't you come out and talk to me face to face!'' Dai shouted ''Who are you!?''
''He's not so shallow as I thought he would be'' The stranger thought in surprise, yes he could be very useful.
''Now come on, don't be like that. I know Momoko more than any of you, more than herself.'' The voice said. Dai widened his eyes ''What do you mean more than herself?'' He asked, does this guy know something? And what did he mean he knows Momoko more than herself. This suddenly got fishy, just who is Momoko?
''Oh she doesn't alright.'' The voice agreed ''That's why I want her to come with me.''
''Who are you anyway?'' Dai said, not trusting the voice.
''You can call me a long lost friend of hers'' The voice chuckled. Dai clenched his fist not believing this strange voice. ''You want to know more of her right? After all you do like her as a sister.''
Dai clenched his fist ''Of course I want to know! She's like the little sister I never thought I will have! Almost as close as Kaoru! These few days we've gotten to know each other…It's been great! I've grown attached to her and…I want to help her.'' Dai whispered the last part. Who was he kidding? He has no powers to help her up, he is just a moral support that's all. Why was he ranting this to a stranger?
''She is pretty interesting. Too bad she doesn't know much about her past.'' The voice commented. ''Too bad she didn't know that she's being deceived by her so called parents.'' The voice turned into a sneer.
''Deceived by her parents? What are you talking about?'' Dai asked lowering his guard. Now this is something that he didn't know, he only knew that Momoko's parents has powers and confronted them at the school earlier. They seem to love Momoko since he hasn't seen any signs of abuse but deceive? Now, this may be the key to unveil the mysteries around the girl.
''Allow me to tell you.'' The voice offered. Dai was silent and let the voice tell him. ''She and her parents actually got into a fight concerning herself. Consumed by her anger and hurt, Momoko said that she will not return to her house until her parents accept her. Poor girl'' The voice said with pity in his voice ''Out of all the people she trust, it was her parents who didn't accept her.''
Dai narrowed his green eyes in anger ''I already know that! Just what are you telling me?!''
The voice laughed ''So she told you huh? You seem to get her trust real quick.'' He said it rather amusingly. ''I'm not surprised at all, you are her big brother''
''Stop beating around the bush,'' Dai scowled ''Tell me what you are trying to say!'' Dai isn't acting like himself at all, he never demanded anything but the temptation was far too strong. He wants to know right now.
''Her so called parents, are not really her parents at all. They made Momoko believe that they are the one who gave life to her. It sickens me.'' The voice said turning sinister
Dai shook his head, slowly turning back to reality ''Why should I believe you? I don't even know you and how do I know you're really Momoko's long lost friend'' Dai analyzed.
''He's not as dumb as he looks.'' The voice thought impressed.
''Well, you are her big brother since she seems to tell you everything. Why don't you put two to two together?'' The voice informed him.
Dai began to think, Momoko's parents, the one who didn't allow her to accept her true self…are not really her parents at all? Well it made a bit sense since any parent would accept their child no matter what unless they are delusional. But from what Momoko told him, her parents weren't delusional at all, and then he remembered a particular moment a few days earlier after Momoko stayed with them.
''Sometimes I feel like they are hiding something from me…'' Momoko whispered to Dai as they watched TV while Kaoru was taking a bath. Dai ruffled her hair affectionately ''I'm sure they'll tell you, they are your parents after all.'' Momoko grinned softly ''Thanks Dai-niisan'' Dai grinned back ''No problem kiddo.''
Dai snapped his eyes opened, So they were deceiving Momoko after all! Why would they hide things from their daughter if they are really family? This voice…how did he knew that?
''How did you know that?'' Dai voiced his thoughts.
''Well, is that enough proof for you that I'm Momoko's long lost friend?'' The voice chortled
Dai took a step back, the voice suddenly turned sinister and a shoot of fear sprang up from his spine. ''If you are her long lost friend, why weren't you there for her.''
The voice stopped his chortle ''Because I can't. Her parents are hiding her from me and…I still can't approach her when those so called parents spread up lies that I don't exist. It hurts to know that she doesn't remember me as I remember her.''
Dai sat down in his bed, this is a lot to take in…But he needs to take advantage of the voice, he needs to know more. Now what he said lead back to Momoko's parents.
''If what you are saying is true…where are her real parents?''
''They're dead.'' He said in a monotone voice. Dai widened his eyes in shock, now this…surprises him. ''Poor Momoko…'' Pity overtaking his eyes, now the urge to be there for her is stronger than ever, and now the parents that are claiming to be Momoko's parents are still here, deceiving her and making her believe that she has family and yet said family are hiding things from her. Who knows what they are hiding. ''Despicable…'' Dai hated those types of people. Momoko deserved the truth, she looks so confused and yet she stayed strong and happy, ignoring all the mysteries and secrets surrounding her. That's what he admired of her.
''But…Momoko has a brother.'' Now that made Dai look up, a brother?! Then…why did she look so lost as if she has one? ''If she did have a brother, why isn't he together with her right now and fighting off those fake parents?''
''Then what about his brother, where is he?'' Dai voiced out his thoughts.
''He left her.'' The voice answered with an emotionless tone.
''He left her…He left her…He left her…'' Dai repeated the words. He clenches his fist in anger. ''How dare that…bastard left his sister…'' Dai whispered, his body shaking in anger. This is unforgivable! How could that bastard call himself a brother! Letting Momoko be blind from the truth that was given to him! But wait…why…''Why are you telling me this?'' Dai asked, his hair shadowing his eyes, a frown on his face.
''Because from what I observed, you are actually there for her like a big brother should'' The voice answered him '' She deserves a big brother like you.''
''He's right…Momoko deserves a big brother like me unlike that betraying bastard.'' Anger rose to him like never before, an image of Momoko looking lost and masking up the sadness inside of her. Dai clenched his fist. She needs to know this, she needs to know the truth! She deserves the truth after hiding for so long! If only…if only he got the power to do so! If only after telling her, he will protect her and her friends from all the dangers! He will be someone to rely on!
The voice chuckled, he did very good at manipulating Dai like that. The truth can be really scary sometimes, it can even change a person! ''I can't wait for Momoko to know all of this.'' The stranger's glee thoughts kept on coming. Oh how broken Momoko would be if she were to find this. After all, a broken spirit is a way to let the darkness swallow you whole.
''Well, are you going to tell her all of this?'' The voice asked Dai. Dai took a deep breath and looked up ''Yes, I will'' He said in a serious tone then he clenched his fist ''But afterwards, what will happen? Surely she will probably be broken from shock. I won't be there to protect her since…''No, he could not say he doesn't have the power to do so. Momoko would be vunerable, what can he do?
The voice chuckled ''That's why I'm here to help you. After all, the role of the big brother comes to you now. She's depending on you.''
''What do you mea-'' Dai was about to ask but he was hit by a black light, he let out a silent scream and went to his knees in pain. Then…he felt it. The power surging through his veins, it was amazing! Is this what his little sister and Momoko felt when they transform? He felt so powerful!
''Now go, tell her what you know. Don't let anyone hear about this'' The voice ordered. Dai's dirty green eyes glowed rather sickly ''As you wish.'' Dai answered before getting out of his room.
Outside at the cool breeze of the night, standing beside Dai's window was a figure who was chuckling. ''That went well, now, let's see what will happen'' His hazel eyes being the light of the darkness around him and with that, the figure close his eyes allowing the darkness envelope him.
Dai walked through the halls in the direction of Kaoru's room, he can't barge in there; His little sister is there and this verity was meant for Momoko's ears only. He hears laughter and chatting in his sister's room. ''This might take a while.'' He frowned. Then he heard Momoko saying ''I'm going to take a bath now Kaoru, I'll call you when I'm done.'' The sound of footsteps came close to Dai's ears. Using his newly found powers, he dashed towards the bathroom and blocking the path of it.
''Dai-niisan?'' Momoko called out ''Are you using the bathroom?'' Dai glanced at her rather seriously, and this made Momoko nervous ''Something's different about Dai-niisan…''
''Momoko, I have to tell you something.'' Dai said in a monotone voice, so unlike his usual lively voice and that alone made Momoko suspicious of his brother like figure.
''What is it nii-san?'' Momoko asked then Dai turned his back at her ''Follow me, this is meant for your ears only.'' Momoko's eyes narrowed ''Can it be tomorrow Dai-niisan? I am pretty tired right now, physically and emotionally.'' She said tiredly.
Dai quickly turned to her with a scowl ''No, you need to know now.''
Momoko sighed, if this is another one of his jokes, it's not funny. ''Dai-niisan, this isn't funny anymore. Just let me take a bath and I'll listen you alright? My muscles aching right now.''
Momoko walked towards the bathroom, trying to get Dai out of its path. Momoko grunted ''Dai-niisan…'' Her temper rising slowly, she's pretty damn tired right now and desperately needed the warm shower. ''Would you please get out of the wa-'' She was cut off by Dai quickly pushing her to the wall. She cried out in pain as her injuries felt the impact of the wall.
''Dai-niisan what are you!'' She couldn't finish her sentence as Dai took her arms and pinned it at the side of her head. Dai glowered over her as a pang of fear shot up to Momoko. His glowing eyes made her shiver in an unpleasant way.
''Listen to me! I'm doing this for your own good!'' He growled making Momoko whimper a bit in pain as he puts pressure on her wrist. What was wrong with her big brother figure? He never acted this violent before. ''Now if you won't follow me, I'm going to make you by force if necessary.''
Momoko was about to speak up but another voice rang through their ear ''Momoko! You forgot your towe-'' Kaoru's voice said and footsteps coming towards them. Momoko felt relief flood through her as soon as she heard Kaoru. Maybe she'll knock some senses to her brother..
Kaoru dropped the towel in shock at the sight before her ''On-onii-chan?!'' She exclaimed. Then she saw Momoko's look for help then immediately glared at her brother ''What are you doing Onii-chan! Momoko's injured, this is no time for joking!''
''Tsk…'' Dai glared back at his little sister. He was about to relent but his thoughts stopped him ''No! She needs to know right now! That she was being deceived by her parents and she has a brother that has probably forgotten about her!''
Dai let go of Momoko who was now holding her wrist in pain ''Dai-niisan…What's wrong with you?'' She asked. Dai shadowed his eyes and in a quick move, he knocked Momoko unconscious with a hit on her neck.
''Onii-chan!'' Kaoru shouted, her eyes wide. Then as she squinted her eyes, he saw black particles circling around her brother. ''Black particles?''
Kaoru was now running towards her brother with an intent to knock some senses through him but a gust of power sent her back skidding on the floor. ''What the heck?'' She muttered, she looked at Dai who was now holding Momoko in bridal style and looking at her with those glowing green eyes.
Kaoru tried to stand up but the pain of her injuries is too much and she grunted in pain. Seeing that Kaoru was not getting in his way, Dai saw a window ahead of him and opened it, with Momoko on his arms, he flew off to God knows where.
Kaoru punched the wooden floor in anger, wincing at the pain flooded through her by doing so. How the heck did his brother get some crazy powers, she didn't know. Right now, she needs to save Momoko and knock some senses to her brother's mind.
And that's a wrap! I really hoped you guys liked this one! I told you guys that Dai was getting a much bigger role right? Well, this is the start of it! I'm excited to write the next chapter and I hope you all are too! Anyways as always R&R guys and don't forget to favorite!