Back in the Hoshuka castle, the portal opened back up, the trio stepping through.
"We're home-" Spydey announced before she was bearhugged by Owlio. For a second everyone stared at them, then Owlio cleared his throat and let Spydey go.
"It is…good to see you unharmed, Spydey." Owlio said, trying to regain his composure, only for Spydey to hug him back.
"I missed you too." She giggled.
"Heh, made it back in one piece, suppose that's impressive." Antlio scoffed.
Scorpia rolled her eyes.
Meanwhile, Poisoda and Owla tackle hugged Spydey to the ground, crying comical anime tears. "WE MISSED YOUUUUUU!"
"I missed you guys too!" She laughed, returning the hugs.
Weava chuckled at the sight.
"So," Owlio said. "Did you get it?"
"Ummmm… a-about that…."
After a moment, Owlio's eyes widened. "You…what happened? Are you alright? What went wrong!?" He asked, concerned, lookin over her for injuries.
"Well uh…there was a dangerous attacker coming, and we encountered the Ryumushingers. They were losing. Badly. But they were also our best hope at taking care of this attacker, as she'd likely come back to bother us later if left unchecked so…I…"
"..." Owlio's eyes widened in realization. "...you…gave…the Heart…to them!?"
"I…..yes…." Spydey looks down like a scolded child.
Owlio stood there, ready to blow a gasket, then Scorpia stood in front of Spydey protectively, the owl's eye twitching at that, the two of them glaring at each other, seemingly ready to attack at a moment's notice.
"With all due respect, how much it actually is, I will leave up to your imagination," Weava spoke up. "While we do not have the Heart, I am still quite capable of making powerful monsters myself, and even ignoring that, Spydey made the best decision in the interest of her kingdom, helping eliminate a potential threat." She spoke sternly.
Owlio glared at her, Weava staring back unimpressed.
After a moment, Owlio took a deep breath to calm himself. "...you make a good point, Seamstress." He looked to Spydey. "I…apologize. I…shouldn't have reacted that way."
Spydey was silent for a moment before nodding at him.
"The important thing is you're safe." Owlio nodded back.
Spydey beamed.
"Was there anything else of note?" Owlio asked.
"...nothing. That was all." Spydey answered.
"Good. In that case, you should all rest."
Everyone nodded, the owl and scorpion sharing one last glare before everyone headed to bed.
Spydey smiled and blushed as the trio walked along the hallways. "Uh…thanks…"
"For what, Spydey?" Scorpia asked.
"Standing up for me like that…"
Scorpia smiled, cheeks flushing subtly. "I-it was nothing Spydey…"
Weava giggled, smirking. "Take the thanks, Scorpia."
"I-it really was fine. I don't mind." Scorpia blushed more.
Spydey looked to Weava. "...Are you sure you're gonna be fine? After everything with…her?"
Weava sighed heavily "One thing is for certain… I don't plan on playing god like that again…"
Spydey frowned, taking Weava's hand in her own. "...hey…we aren't going anywhere."
"Thank you, Spydey. I'll be okay, I just need rest."
"I-if you're sure…"
"Don't worry, why don't you show Scorpia that cafe you always gush about?"
Spydey's eyes sparkled. "Ooooh! That's a great idea! C'mon, Scorpi!" She squeed excitedly before dashing off.
Scorpia blinked before laughing. "I forget how much energy she has…"
Weava waved Scorpia off, watching her leave before she returned to her Seamstress shop.
When she got there, she found the door ajar. She narrowed her eyes, walking in cautiously, willing her staff to herself.
"Ah c'mon If I was here to hurt ya I wouldn't have given you any warning."
Weava pointed her staff at Niknight, who was leaning against a bookshelf, holding her side, the Seamstress glaring fiercely at her. "Why…are you here?"
Niknight coughed up pink slime onto the floor of the seamstress shop. "C-cmon Weava…. We both know you're the only one who can…Patch… me up…." She wobbled on her feet, grabbing the bookshelf tighter.
Her grip shaking on her staff, Weava let out a "tch." "Why the hell would I do that?"
"Cause if I die in here your Seamstress shop will explode?"
"...Dammit all." Weava stepped forward, helping Niknight lay on her desk, starting to work her magic.
Niknight coughed more. "T-thanks, and for what it's worth, I was joking about exploding in here… at least I think I was, getting hard to tell when a death's gonna be loud or quiet…"
"After this, I want you to leave." Weava told her simply, trying her best to hide any emotion. "And if I ever see you causing any trouble again…"
"You'll what? Spank me for being bad?~" Niknight started to laugh, then coughed hard, cringing.
Weava's face went red, blushing. "Are you capable of taking things seriously for more than five seconds!?"
Weava's voice came out of Niknight's mouth. "If you were able to take this seriously you might actually try to kill yourself." And Niknight smirked at her.
"...That's a terrible impression." Weava fibbed with a growl.
"You gave me the voice, can't knock me for using it."
"I hate you." Weava said flatly.
"Awww, c'mon you used to laugh at that."
"You used to not kill people more cruelly than they deserved, but here you are."
"Hey, that's Owlio's improvements, not my choice."
"..." Weava looked to her, shock on her face. "...what…?"
"Ohhh no, you can't expect me to believe you didn't know about Owlio's 'improvements,' Miss Control Freak."
"He…then I…then you…" Weava stammered in shock, processing all this, standing there in silence as her middle and lower hands clenched into fists.
Niknight continued, not noticing at first, "Mostly brain stuff, turning down pain receptors and remorse…" Her eyes shifted to Weava's hands then back up to her face. "... You really didn't know?"
"He…turned you into…" Weava stood there, a torrent of different emotions flowing through her.
Relief that this wasn't entirely her fault…
Shock at this revelation…
And a sheer, burning hatred towards Owlio…
"I didn't…I didn't know…"
Niknight sat up, cringed again from the soreness of her wounds, but grabbed Weava's shoulder. "Weava I know that tone, don't do something stupid."
"He turned you into this…altered someone I LOVE. He's not gonna get away with this." Niknight gripped her a bit more firmly.
"I'm not saying do nothing, but don't go trying to pick a fight. He's way stronger than you realize."
Weava paused, taking a deep breath before sighing. "...I'm sorry."
Niknight hugged Weava gently "I'm sorry for believing you were okay with this. For now, I need to disappear, but I'll contact you."
Weava hugged her back. "...I love you. I still do."
Niknight sighed heavily. "I… I love you too, please don't do anything stupid while I'm gone?"
"I promise." Weava told her, cupping her cheek.
"Good, stay alive." Niknight pecked her lips and rushed out.
Weava watched, hands shaking, wiping her eyes.
"So," Spydey began, her and Scorpia sitting at a cafe. "What do ya think?"
"It's… It tastes good, but I have no idea what it is."
Spydey shrugged. "Dunno, I think it's some type of fruit mixed with some 'secret ingredient' or something."
"That… Doesn't tell me much but cool."
Spydey chuckled. "Thanks…for everything today. Just…sticking by me and...making sure I was ok. Even going along with my plan for the Heart…"
"... While I'm concerned by Owlio's reaction, I believe you made the right call, Niknight didn't seem like she was going to make their deaths swift."
"I don't think he'll do anything drastic, I've never known him to be that type of man." Spydey said. "Though…given everything we learned about him…"
"While there are things Owlio obviously… hid, he does still care for you. That, he's never hidden. He would've verbally torn apart anyone else. So let's…. Reserve judgment, till the picture is full."
"...Yeah…I…I know, I just…I want to be a good ruler, but…I…if he's been doing these kinda things in the past…I have to wonder…why, and is he still doing them? This…this isn't the kinda leader I wanna be." Spydey looked out the window, seeing various different kinds of people walking about happily. "I wanna make our kingdom one that can make more people happy. But…" She looked down at the table. "...I don't think I could ever do what he did…what he might still be doing for all we know…and…and why does he wanna keep this from me…why would he do this…this…this isn't like him at all…" She put her face in her hands, taking a deep breath. "I don't know what to do or what to think…"
Scorpia tried to place a reassuring hand on Spydey's shoulder. "It's a lot to take in, don't try to tackle it all at once. We'll go one step at a time."
"Scorpia…" Spydey stood up from her seat and hugged her. "...be careful…when investigating, ok? You and Weava. He won't do anything drastic to me, but…I don't think we can guarantee the same for you two."
Scorpia returned the hug with a smile. "I'll be vigilant, my liege."
Spydey giggled. "Do well, my knight."
"I'll try to meet and exceed your expectations."
The two laughed.
"...soooo…" Spydey smiled innocently. "What happened between you and Weava on the mountain to make you awkward around her? You never answered that before we left."
"I…. Ummm… Ohhh my stomacchhhh, I must return homeeee…" Scorpia fake groaned, holding onto her stomach.
"Scorpia." Spydey said.
"H-huh?" Scorpia looked at her. "...no…no don't you dare-"
Spydey pouted.
"DON'T YOU DARE-"
Too late.
Spydey started giving the puppy eyes.
"Oh no-"
Maximum.
Puppy eyes.
"...It's uh….something personal and I'd…I'll tell you eventually, but uh…I'm still processing it." Scorpia finally said after a few moments.
Spydey patted her head. "You could've just said that earlier, ya goof!"
"Mmmffff," Scorpia hid her face, bright red as it was.
Spydey giggled. "Would ya like a glass of water?"
"Y-yes please.."
Spydey nodded and went to go get some water with a skip to her step.
Scorpia touched her lips, and leaned back in her seat, still processing.
In HENSHIN HQ's meeting room, Amy slumped in her chair, putting her hand on her forehead, a frown on her face. "Gosh…if…if I noticed sooner something was up with them both-"
"Hey, no blaming yourself," Ziga smirked softly, "that's reserved for us Rangers."
Amy snorted. "...I needed that. Are…you ok? After everything ya went through?"
"..." Ziga looked down, unable to respond.
Amy leaned forward, noting the look in Ziga's eye. "Is there…something you wanna say?"
"I… Yes, but I'm… I'm fine, it can wait… There's things we found out, and went back over that I'm still processing…" She looked at Amy, took a deep breath, and said, "Amy… are you sure you don't… blame me? For… for what happened that day?"
Amy took her hands in her own. "I'll tell you as many times as I need to. No, I don't. And I never will."
"... I really wish I could… stop blaming myself…"
"Ziga…" Amy rubbed her thumbs over ZIga's hands. "Do you want to say something to me?" She asked.
Both of them knew what that really meant.
'Are we ready to talk about this?'
Ziga is silent for a bit "... Not just yet."
Amy cupped Ziga's cheek, smiling. "Alright."
Ziga leaned into the touch, putting her upper set of hands over Amy's.
The two remained like that, leaning their foreheads against each other. "... Do you think they'll come back? The Brothers?" Ziga asked.
"They're some of our best fighters of the past couple decades. Both in body and soul." Amy smiled. "I have faith they'll be back on the right path…"
Ziga nodded and sighed. "I can't imagine what this whole thing is doing to Azu… But… Strangely, Nazu looks more at peace lately. Though that could just be the friend he reunited with."
Amy chuckled. "That was quite a shock…"
"At least he's doing okay, but Azu… hasn't left her room since returning…"
Amy frowned. "I can leave a message offering therapy appointments."
Ziga nodded. "Worth a try, no guarantee she'll take it…"
"We'll give her time for herself before making the offer. Whether she takes it…that's up to her."
Ziga smiled gently, still holding Amy's hands. "Amy…."
Amy nodded for her to continue, smiling.
"I… I look forward to talking about… it later…." Ziga managed with a small smile.
Amy nodded, running her thumb over Ziga's cheek before letting her go, Ziga walking out of the meeting room smiling and flustered.
Once she was out of the room, she met up with Andah, who was leaning against the wall opposite to the door. Sighing in relief at the sight of her, she went over to the gynoid.
"I…I'm not ready to talk it out with her yet, but…" She smiled at Andah. "Thanks. I…feel like I'm gonna be ready soon."
Andah smiled happily. "Progress was made, then!"
Ziga smiled as they walked down the halls. "Yeah. Real progress. Even if not a lot. I can see why you're a popular gal. Pretty and kind, heheh."
The Gynoid's smile widened. "Don't forget fun~"
Ziga blushed. "Understatement."
Andah chuckled. "Glad we agree at least~"
Ziga blushed more. "...um, let's say, hypothetically, I needed more…practice, for Amy…in case she says yes-"
"She will, Ziga." Andah interrupted the doubt.
Ziga stared at her before clearing her throat. "Uh…would you be up for more uh…practicing? I…could use the help."
"Of course I will!"
Ziga smiled shyly. "Thanks…"
"Who knows, maybe Amy'll need practice before then~" Andah winked before running off.
Ziga blinked, confused. "..."
Then she paused.
…Practice…
FLASHBACK, RECRUITMENT WEEK
Ziga was walking through the hallways of HENSHIN HQ after a workout, when suddenly Amy beamed in.
…clothes and hair disheveled, and out of breath…
"Amy, are you ok!?" Ziga ran up to her.
"Y-yeah…I'm fine…" Amy responded with a sort of goofy smile.
"...you sure? You're exhausted…"
"Just a very energetic recruit. I'll be fine."
Ziga looked confused before shrugging. "Alright."
Amy nodded, walking…or rather, limping away.
"...you sure you don't want help?" Ziga asked.
"Yes I'm sure!"
FLASHBACK END
It all clicked in Ziga's brain.
"YOU SLEPT WITH HER!?"
Andah was already booking it down the hallway. "Oh boy…!"
Nazu arrived back home, hearing something being prepared in the kitchen. "Hey hun, I'm home!" He called, walking in.
Shiro smiled, waving from the stove. "How did the mission go?"
"It was cold." He commented, walking over to her. "I think I see something that can warm me up, though." He quipped, hugging her, pecking her lips. She chuckled, hugging him back. "We went on a mountain trek and I think our red has four more women lusting after her from that journey." He laughed.
"Oh dear, how's Azu holding up?" Shiro chuckled.
"About as well as someone with too much self loathing issues can. So, I imagine a lot of denials that their affections are genuine, lots of reddening or pinkening of the face, and cute noises of embarrassment…." Nazu blushed. "So…me back when we met, I guess." He laughed.
"Sounds about right~ Mmmm your eyelid's twitching, something else to say?"
"yeah…uh…at the start of our trek, we came across a village that was interested in helping us. Turns out they had a lot to do with the Draginsects, worshippers if you will. There I met up with someone familiar. It's uh…Matilda."
"Oh really? She's not really a religious type, how was she?"
"Well, she long ago came across that place accidentally, and…she seems a bit more at peace with herself. She even helped me a fair bit with my own issues."
"That's good, I know your last meeting didn't end great, but that's not why you're twitching, something else?" Shiro asked, leaning against the counter.
"Yeah, uh, heheh…" Nazu chuckled nervously, taking a deep breath. "She uh…came back with us, says her journey over there was over. She wants to come home…to us."
Shiro raised a brow. "... 'Us'?"
"Well...you know how both of us uh…had at least a fling with her at some point or another? During her stay, she apparently realized her feelings towards the both of us went a bit deeper than that and ...she wishes to try out a relationship with both of us."
Shiro looked… stunned, standing in silence for a while.
"...are…you ok?" Nazu asked, concerned.
"I just… I was a lot younger and hadn't… hadn't had three kids last time she saw me…" She said, looking a bit self conscious.
"Hey." Nazu put his hands on her shoulders. "If she could still like my mug after several years, I'm pretty sure she'll be glued to the sight of you."
She chuckled, leaning into him. "You sure?"
"Positive. In fact," He gave her a deep kiss, holding it a moment before breaking. "She told me to give that to you." He said with a grin.
Shiro blushed, hugging him. "Well…. We can discuss it over dinner with her. Where is she?"
"She's currently in my room at HQ. Thought it'd be best if I came to you about this myself first."
"Oh? And where was she gonna go if I said no? Stay in your room?~" Shiro teased gently.
Nazu blushed with a roll of his eyes. "Oh ha ha."
"Hey I was your friend back when you two dated, I know how much fun she is."
"We haven't done anything yet. We agreed not until we're all ok and agreed to this."
"I know, I'm just teasing you. Let her know to come over for dinner."
Nazu nodded, hugging her. "So, you want help picking an outfit~" He waggled his eyebrows.
"Mmmm Only if you help me finish making dinner~"
"Will do.~" Nazu kissed her cheek.
Azu's room was dark, the gynoid sitting on her bed, knees hugged close to her chest as she sniffled.
The past few days, especially the fight with RyuKabuto, flashed through her mind.
She didn't lie before. She genuinely remembered everyone. Every last one of her victims.
Ark had made sure they were carved into her memory like stone…
He made her like it.
He made her…made her…
She was snapped out of her thoughts, although did not move, when she heard knocking on the door.
"Azu, Are you okay in there?" Slavi's concerned voice called from the door.
"I… no, I'm sorry, I need some time…"
"...Azu…"
"..."
"...Ok…just lemme know when you wanna talk." Slavi called out.
Azu sat there, silent.
…
As Slavi began walking away, she heard the door open, and felt someone grab her hand.
Azu stood in her doorway, gripping her hand, silent. "..."
Slavi turned around, Azu looking at the ground, trembling. The Pythonian frowned, squeezing her hand lovingly, gently bringing her into a hug, one Azu eagerly accepted, sobbing quietly into her chest. Slavi smiled gently, slowly moving the hug back into Azu's room and closing the door.
"You don't have to say anything, I'm here."
Azu sniffled, sobbing, Slavi sitting on her bed, bringing Azu into her lap, the two just sitting there quietly, Slavi stroking her back.
Back at the Beetle Bros' base, they were nursing their injuries, and of course drinking coffee.
RyuKabuto leaned against the counter, silent, unable to think of what to say.
RyuKuuga grumbled after setting his coffee cup down. "They were stronger than expected."
RyuKabuto nodded. "The power up from the Heart definitely helped…not just that, but their resolve…"
RyuKuuga sighed deeply. "Maybe I wasn't as resolute as I thought…"
"...perhaps I wasn't either…" RyuKabuto muttered. "...we failed in what we set out to do…and the Heart won't give us enhancements at this point, and they'll most likely be working on their power up forms by now…and in the end, we didn't have what it took…" He turned to his brother. "...what now?"
RyuKuuga looked to his helmet in his lap. "...Fuck revenge. We prove that we're better the old fashioned way."
RyuKabuto…laughed. "...I think I like that idea."
RyuKuuga stood up "Let's get to training."
RyuKabuto nodded, the two fist bumping.
FLASHBACK, YEARS AGO...
A tanned man with dark brown hair in a crimson button up shirt under a brown vest, black pants and shoes leaned against a table in a law firm, reading over some files.
Nearby, on a computer, was a lighter skinned man with brown hair, wearing a navy button up shirt, black vest, pants, shoes, and fedora with a blue stripe, a black and blue coat hanging nearby.
"Got any leads on the Neo Alienizer case?" The crimson clad man asked.
"If I did you'd be first to know."
The crimson clothed man sighed. "Yeah, figured as much."
A knock was heard on the door.
The crimson colored clothed man went over to the door, opening it. "Hello, can we help-"
"WHOA!"
A woman, having been leaning on the door, fell down as soon as the door opened, the man catching her, only for both of them to fall to the ground, yelping.
The man rubbed his head, groaning.
"Oh I'm so sorry!" The woman apologized, the two opening their eyes and getting a good look at each other.
The woman was of a pale complexion, with brown shoulder length hair with purple streaks in it. She wore a white button top under a black business top, and a black business skirt with black and purple heels, earrings of similar colors adorning her head along with purple lipstick.
"Heh, it's ok." The man chuckled. "You the new girl, I assume?"
"Y-yes." The woman blushed, sweat dropping. "I-It usually takes people a bit to answer so I just lean against the door while waiting…"
The man laughed, helping her up, the two standing. "Hey, I get it."
"M-my name's Ayame Hikari." She introduced herself, holding out a hand, yelping as some of her things slipped, the man catching them, setting them on his desk and shaking her hand.
"Robuto Beetleson." He introduced himself. "The computer guy over there is Buwaga, my brother."
"Oi, I'm not just a computer guy. I'm THE computer guy. Put some respect there!" His brother called out.
"Ok, Mr. THE computer guy." Robuto chuckled.
"S-so uh…w-what do I do first?" Ayame asked nervously.
"First, I give you a tour of the office, see what jobs your good at if you haven't picked one already."
"A-and then?"
"...coffee?" Robuto offered.
"..." Ayame giggled, and Robuto's heart softened. "Coffee would be lovely."
FLASHBACK END
Back in the empire's dojo, Antlio was practicing with a training stick, recalling Scorpia's and Owlio's near confrontation.
The way she glared at him…
The way she was about ready to fight him…
He smirked to himself. "Good…"
END