Showa Chronicles: Road to Annihilation

Interlude: Lum

"The First Day"

"So, this will be your room," Shinichi said as he opened the door to Lum's new quarters. "You can stay here while we sort things out for you."

"Thank you, Darling," Lum smiled and she kissed his cheek, causing him to blush. Ever since Shinichi had rescued her, she stuck to him like glue.

"We'll help you get some papers to set you up with an identity on Earth. You're also going to need a whole new wardrobe," he said.

"What's wrong with the way I dress?" Lum asked. Her outfit was acceptable on her home planet.

"Nothing, if you were going to the beach or a swimming pool," Shinichi answered. "But it's not exactly appropriate in public. There's a replicator in case you need anything. Here, let me show you how it works."

They entered the room and Shinichi approached the replicator which resembled a box with a window that was fitted into the wall. Besides the window were two buttons. One button was green with the word 'REPLICATE' on it and the other button was red with the word 'DISINTEGRATE' on it.

Shinichi pressed the green button and a female voice came from the machine.

"Please name your food item," the replicator's computer requested.

"Two Chinese pork buns," Shinichi responded. There was a buzzing sound as Lum watched two pork buns materialize behind the window. The window rose up and Shinichi retrieved the steaming hot buns before handing her one. She took a bite and it was delicious.

"Yummy," Lum said before taking another bite.

"Just tell it what you want and it'll make it for you. If you want to cancel your order, just press the red button. Now, I gotta go. Make yourself at home."

"I will, Darling," Lum smiled and she watched him leave before she studied her new room. It was rather spartan, with just a bed, a desk, a chair and a wardrobe. Approaching the food replicator, Lum pressed the green button.

"Please name your food item," the replicator's computer requested.

"OK, computer lady. What else do the locals here like?" Lum asked.

"So, how's our new guest doing?" Daichi asked as Shinichi came into the command centre.

"She's settling in. I showed her to her room and told her how to use the food replicator," Shinichi answered. "So, what can we do about her ship?"

"I've never fixed an FTL engine before and it will be a challenge but I think I can manage," Chiaki said confidently.

"Or Shinichi here could make it good as new," Daichi suggested.

"And take this project away from Chiaki? No way," Shinichi declined.

"We could just ask ARMOR to send her home," Shogo proposed.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Shinichi objected. "She was fleeing from something and I doubt she'd want to go home if something bad is waiting for her there. Once she's in good condition, I'll ask her what's going on with her."

"You should have Hana take a look at her too," Shogo recommended. "She may be carrying alien pathogens."

"Right," Shinichi agreed. "I'll go get her."

"Try to keep it in your pants," Daichi teased. Shinichi rolled his eyes in response.

"The Medical Exam"

"Will this take long?" Lum asked as she sat on top of the examination table in the infirmary. "I really want to spend time with Darling."

"It's just routine so we know you're healthy and not carrying any foreign diseases," Hana said as she handed Lum a small cup. "Spit in here please."

"OK, and after this, I can go see Darling?" Lum asked.

"You're talking about Shinichi, right?" Hana questioned and Lum nodded. "You only just met and you already have a crush on him."

"Oh, it's more than a crush," Lum stated firmly, putting a hand to her heart. "I just know he's the one. My soulmate."

"And you came to this conclusion because he saved you," Hana responded.

"That's right."

"Ah, I see." Hana understood. This was a typical Rescue Romance. Since Shinichi saved her life, Lum was immediately smitten with him. It was the same case with Princess Shawna. "You're not the first."

"What was that?"

"Nothing," Hana said as she handed Lum another small cup.

"You need more spit?" Lum asked curiously.

"No, that's for a urine sample. After this, I'm going to need a blood sample," Hana said as she held a syringe.

"B-b-blood!?" Lum recoiled.

"Relax, it's just a needle," Hana said as she turned but then Lum bolted and ran for the door. Hana shot a web line at her patient and dragged her back before tying her to a chair. "No running. Doctor's orders."

Lum opened her mouth to scream but Hana webbed that shut too.

"So, how was the medical exam?" Shinichi asked as Hana stepped out with Lum.

"She's in perfect health," Hana answered as Lum looked particularly pale. The alien quickly clung to Shinichi for comfort.

"Are you sure?" She looks pale," Shinichi said as he rubbed Lum's back gently.

"She didn't like needles."

"The Shopping Trip"

"So, you want me to take her shopping?" Michiru asked.

"She's going to need a whole new wardrobe," Shinichi answered. "You should take her to the Terminal's plaza. There are plenty of clothing stores there with different fashions from across the Multiverse."

"No problem. So, are you gonna tell the others about the new girl?"

"Should I?"

"Hana-chan told me she likes you. She says you're her soulmate."

"She only has a crush on me coz I saved her life. I'm sure it will pass."

"Isn't that just like how you met Shawna? How did that turn out again?"

"Behold, the King's Plaza! The ultimate Multiversal shopping paradise!" Michiru declared.

The time train had shown up on the Hive Tower's roof, much to Lum's surprise, and then it took the both of them across a strange otherworldly desert with a multicoloured sky until they reached their destination, King's Terminal. Leaving the platform together, they took the elevator to the plaza.

"Wow..." Lum's breath was taken away when she saw the plaza. She had seen a few shopping centres like this. There was literally a Space Mall that aliens went to for shopping and entertainment but it paled in comparison to the expansive King's Plaza.

Lum was dressed in a more modest outfit that was provided for her by Michiru. Coincidentally, it adhered to the same aesthetics as her bikini. She was in a yellow tank top with black tiger stripes and a denim skirt that came down to mid-thigh. She still kept her boots.

"Yeah, it has that effect on newcomers," Michiru. "Now, let's go shopping!"

"So, you really like Shinichi, huh?" Michiru asked before sipping on her banana smoothie. The two women sat at a table in the food court with numerous shopping bags sitting by their feet. The food court was home to various restaurants, selling cuisine from all across the Multiverse. It even had alien cuisine which was an acquired taste but some people from the other universes seemed to enjoy it. How anyone other than Klingons could stomach their cuisine was anyone's guess. Though, they made pretty great coffee.

"He just came swooping in heroically," Lum swooned. "I've never seen such a courageous display in my life. It was amazing."

"That's him alright, always swooping in to save the day," Michiru agreed.

"And from that very moment, I knew he was my soulmate." Lum blushed as she put her hands on her cheeks.

"If you plan to win his heart, you're gonna have to get past his harem," Michiru pointed out.

"He has a harem?" Lum was surprised to learn this.

"Is that gonna be a problem?" Michiru questioned.

"No, but it makes sense that someone as powerful as he would have many admirers and lovers."

"So, you're OK with sharing him then?"

"I was hoping to have him all to myself but if I must share him, then I will," Lum admitted.

"Then you should try your best," Michiru encouraged her. "Guy needs all the love he can get."

"What do you mean?" Lum asked.

"It's best you let him tell you himself," Michiru answered. It was not her story to tell. "Oh, did you know he has kids?"

"Kids? I love kids!" Lum beamed.

"Darling!" Lum glomped onto Shinichi lovingly after she returned with Michiru.

"So, how was your shopping trip?" Shinichi asked.

"It was great!" Lum beamed. "I had so much fun!"

"That's good," Shinichi smiled. She pecked his cheek and flew back to the elevator with her shopping bags so she could take them to her room. "So, what do you think of Lum?"

"She seems like a nice girl," Michiru stated. "She asked me a lot about you too. She even spent a lot of time in the lingerie store." Michiru wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "She wanted to know what would be the best thing to entice you."

"Guess she's a real go-getter, huh?" Lum was an attractive girl and her bikini did little to hide that. If she ever put on lingerie, well, the effect would be mind-blowing. "Did she say anything else?"

"Yeah, she did," Michiru's smile faded. "Her home planet was invaded and destroyed. She might just be the only survivor."

"I see..." Shinichi had a sympathetic look on his face. Losing her home in such a short time was something he could relate to. She was probably putting on a brave face so she would not completely break down from the loss.

"And she's totally in love with you. It's kinda like how Shawna quickly fell for you after you saved her life."

"A lot of people will keep making that comparison, huh?" Shinichi raised an eyebrow.

"Shinichi, do you like her too?" Michiru asked.

"I've been thinking about it while you were gone and I think I do," he answered and she sighed.

"Look, I might not agree with your lifestyle but if you decide to give her a chance, I think you should introduce her to the others first."

"The Harem"

"So, you're the new girl, huh?" Satan asked, glaring at Lum. Lum was in the Hive Tower's lounge area, sitting in the middle of the semi-circular couch. Sitting around her were the other women in Shinichi's life: Rena Ryuugu, Princess Shawna de Genovia, Satan and Tsukuyomi. Shinichi had invited them over to meet with Lum and to get to know her.

"Yes," Lum smiled. "I'm Lum Invader."

"Didn't ask for your name," Satan huffed and Lum wilted.

"Don't be rude, Satan," Rena scolded and the red-eyed woman rolled her eyes. "I'm Rena, by the way."

"Oh, I know about you. Darling talks about you all the time," Lum said.

"'Darling'?" Tsukuyomi parroted. "Already have a pet name for him, huh?"

"Well, he is a darling, isn't he?" Lum asked.

"So, how did you two meet?" Shawna asked.

"Oh, he saved my life," Lum answered.

"Really? What a coincidence. He saved my life too. He was so heroic, like the samurai from the tales I read as a child." Shawna began to feel nostalgic.

"Shawna," Satan interrupted, snapping her fingers. "Focus."

"Oh, sorry," Shawna apologised. "So, you fell in love with him when he saved your life."

"Yes," Lum nodded. "I mean, it was a little scary but he was so courageous and strong. He even took me in when I had nowhere else to go."

"So, what makes you think you're good enough for him?" Satan demanded. "Someone like Shinichi deserves someone strong."

"And supportive," Tsukuyomi added.

"Someone who can comfort him," Shawna continued.

"And someone who won't take advantage of him or hurt him," Rena finished.

Lum looked at all of them and tried to think of an answer. How could she be good enough for him? What could she offer?

"I..." Lum hesitated. "I don't know if I'm good enough for him but I do know that I will do my best to be someone who deserves his love."

"The First Date"

It was October 31st, Halloween Night, and Shinichi decided to take Lum out on their first date. They would be going to a horror-themed amusement park together. Lum was thrilled and was looking forward to their date.

It would be a night they would never forget...

"Darling!" Lum gasped as Shinichi collapsed, injured. Dozens of horrific monsters surrounded them. This was supposed to be their first date, but then all of a sudden the night turned into a real-life horror movie as they were forced to fight for their lives.

"Lum! Run! Save yourself!" Shinichi yelled. His healing factor was not working and he was severely injured.

"No, I'm not leaving you!" Lum shouted as the monsters converged on them. She had lost her family and her world but she was not going to lose her soulmate. Her eyes narrowed as electricity crackled around her horns. "LEAVE MY DARLING ALONE!"

Electricity exploded from Lum's body and branched out in bolts that struck the monsters, frying them all. Shinichi's eyes widened as he witnessed the power she possessed, the power she was using to protect him.

"The Parents"

"OK, just relax, Lum-chan," Shinichi advised her.

"I can't help it, Darling," Lum responded, looking nervous. "You're introducing me to your parents. I just hope I can make a good first impression."

Shinichi and Lum both stood outside his parent's home. Following Michiru's advice, Lum put on a modest pink sweater with a jacket and blue jeans. She also wore sneakers. Shinichi also wore a red turtleneck with a black overcoat and matching pants.

"Kaa-chan and Tou-san are going to love you just like I do." Lum blushed at the confession and then he kissed her forehead. "Just be yourself."

"Be myself. Be myself. Be myself," Lum repeated like a mantra

The door opened and Lum opened her mouth to greet the person on the other side when her mouth dropped. A man stood in the doorway, a tall man with broad shoulders in a white shirt, black tie and black slacks. He had a square jaw, short crew-cut black hair with some greying on the sides, shades and a goatee. He also looked like he worked out. He appeared to be quite intimidating but then she saw that he was wearing a pink apron.

"Hello, Tou-san," Shinichi greeted. "I see Kaa-chan made you cook tonight."

"Shinichi," Kasai nodded before he turned his eyes to Lum who froze a bit under his gaze. "A new girlfriend?"

"Yes," Shinichi answered. "Is Kaa-chan busy?"

"She's currently working on her latest manuscript," Kasai said. "Come in."

Lum and Shinichi entered and took off their shoes before following Kasai into the living room.

"Shiori, Shinichi's here and he brought a new girlfriend!" Kasai called. Lum and Shinichi immediately heard quick footfalls as Shiori came running out of her office.

"Shinji!" Shiori went and hugged her son. "It's so nice to see you."

"Nice to see you too, Kaa-chan," Shinichi smiled.

"And you must be Lum-chan," Shiori greeted with a smile.

"H-hello," Lum nervously greeted and Shiori took a moment to study her.

"You are so pretty!" Shiori squealed excitedly as she hugged her. "And those horns are so cute! Are you really an alien? That's amazing!" Lum was surprised but smiled nonetheless as Shiori literally welcomed her with open arms. Maybe this would not be so bad.

"I brought some sake," Shinichi said as he held a bottle they could share.

After dinner, he and Lum left together. Lum had enjoyed the visit as she got acquainted with her darling's parents. His stepfather kind of reminded her of her dad. He was a big man with an intimidating stature but he was really just a big old teddy bear. Shiori was also very warm, friendly and welcoming. Shinichi had told her that his mother was a novelist and Lum was interested in reading some of her works.

"Your parents were nice," Lum stated.

"Thank you," Shinichi accepted.

"But why did your mother call you 'Shinji''?"

"...It's a long story." Shinichi knew that she would ask him that. Why would she not? His mother had called him by his birth name throughout the whole meal. He took her hand. "Come with me." In a flash of feathers, he teleported them to the top of the Hive Tower.

"What's wrong, Darling?" Lum asked.

"'Shinji' was my birth name," Shinichi confessed. "But it isn't anymore."

"Why?"

"It's because I'm not 'Shinji Banabara'. I haven't been in a long time," he answered.

"I don't understand."

"I did not get my Rider powers due to some miracle. When I was six years old, I was kidnapped by a mad scientist and spent ten years being turned into a cyborg weapon," Shinichi explained. "And I did terrible things."

Lum listened quietly as he recounted his experience in GIN-SHOCKER. He told her how they had stripped him of his memories and his humanity. He told her how they had turned him into a killer, forced him to kill his teammates and tricked him into killing his first love. He also told her how he escaped and came to Hinamizawa. Finally, he told her how it was Rena and his friends in the Gaming Club who helped him regain his humanity.

It was no wonder he never talked about his childhood before: he never had one. Now, she understood what Michiru meant before about him needing all the love he could get.

"Oh, Darling..." Tears fell from Lum's eyes as she hugged him. "I'm so sorry that happened to you."

"Thank you, Lum-chan," Shinichi smiled as he hugged her back. It was always painful to talk about his past, but she deserved to know and sharing the burden with others helped to lighten the load.

"The Chase"

Today was a special day as Lum and Shinichi would be performing 'The Chase'. It was a custom amongst her people. If a male was interested in a female, he would need to prove himself worthy by catching her, thus proving his determination and commitment. Their marriage would then be blessed to be a long and happy one. It was also tradition that it be attended by close family and friends.

Everyone was gathered in a forest to witness the event. There was Lum who was in her tiger skin bikini while Shinichi stood next to her in a robe. In attendance were Shinichi's harem, the Gaming Club, the NEO-NUMBERS, AI-Shin and Shinichi's parents. Warren was also present as he was Shinichi's biological father.

Lum wished her parents could have been here to witness this, but she accepted that they were gone and moved on.

No, she would not cry. This was supposed to be a happy occasion.

"Oh, this is so exciting," Shiori smiled. "I get to witness an alien courtship ritual."

"Did she tell you what it was about?" Kasai asked his wife.

"Oh, she did." Her smile just widened. "Basically, Shinji has to chase Lum-chan while she runs away from him. When he catches her, they will consummate."

"Doesn't that sound like...?" Michiru remarked, grimacing.

"Well, some couples like doing these sorts of things together," Hana shrugged. "Roleplay does exist, after all."

"Wait, if she wants this to happen, wouldn't she just let him catch her?" Yokoshima asked, puzzled.

"Oh, that would be bad luck and make the whole thing invalid. He has to catch her himself," Shiori explained. "It's like playing hard to get."

"Aliens have weird courtship rituals. Best not to question them," Warren advised.

"Alright, Darling, take it off," Lum smiled.

Shinichi undid his belt and disrobed, revealing that he wore nothing save for a tiger skin speedo that showed off his physique. Rena, Shawna, Tsukuyomi and Satan all drank in his appearance and Lum could not tear her eyes away from him. Unlike Lum who wore her boots, he was barefoot.

"Aren't you a bit embarrassed to be wearing that?" Daichi asked as he pointed.

"It's a bit snug but it's pretty comfortable too," Shinichi admitted, putting his hands on his hips.

"Alright," Shogo spoke. "So, according to Lum, she's supposed to have a ten-second head start and run into the forest. After that, Shinichi will chase after her."

"Hold on, I need to take a picture of this, first," AI-Shin said as his eye flashed like a camera. "Looking good there, Shinichi."

"Alright," Shogo nodded. "Now, Lum, run!"

Lum kissed Shinichi on the cheek before she bolted into the forest and Shinichi counted.

"1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10."

"Now, Shinichi, chase!" Shogo prompted.

"Ready or not, here I come!" Shinichi then went after Lum.

As Shinichi gave chase, Lum looked over her shoulder to see him gaining on her already. That was to be expected because of his augmentations but she was not about to make it easy for him. While he was not allowed to use his powers, Lum was allowed to do everything in her power to keep him from catching her. It was part of the fun after all.

"Try and catch me, Darling!" Lum teased.

"Your sexy ass is mine!" Shinichi yelled back.

She flew through the forest as she zigzagged between the trees in an attempt to lose him but he managed to catch up without losing ground. The Chase was just so exciting and Lum was tempted to let him win, but tradition demanded that he caught her fair and square or else it would be both invalid and bad luck.

Wiggling her fingers and building up a charge, she fired a lightning bolt at Shinichi's feet to trip him up but he saw it coming and leapt over it.

"Gotcha!" Shinichi yelled and Lum gasped as he crossed the distance to grab her but his hand snagged on her bikini top instead and tore it away.

"Darling!" she cried out and covered her breasts.

"I gotcha now!" Suddenly, he lunged and wrapped his arms tightly around her midsection. The two fell together, rolling on the grass before coming to a stop with him pinning her down. They both gazed at each other, Lum panting while Shinichi did not appear winded at all.

"You've caught me, Darling," Lum smiled. "Now, claim your prize!" She wrapped her arms and legs around him to pull him into a deep kiss.

*Chuu~!*

Meanwhile, everyone was still at the starting point, awkwardly waiting for Lum and Shinichi to return.

"OK, I'm just going to say what everyone is thinking," Satoko started. "We're all waiting for Shinichi-san and Lum-san to finish banging."

"I wouldn't put it that crudely, but that sounds about right," Rika agreed.

"Then we're going to be here for hours," Daichi groaned.

"You're not wrong," Satan agreed. "Shinichi won't stop until they're both satisfied."

"And he always leaves us satisfied," Rena blushed as Shawna just sighed.

"Geez, you make him sound like some kind of unstoppable sex machine," Mion commented. "And now that I hear myself say it, I'm picturing a sex bot with his face."

"Mion, why...?" Keiichi whined.

"I'm kidding, Kei-chan."

Shiori was just writing everything down in her notebook. The ideas just kept pouring in.

Half an hour later, Lum and Shinichi returned to where everyone waited. The alien oni had a look of exhaustion yet satisfaction plastered on her face. She also needed Shinichi's help to walk. Some leaves and twigs were stuck to their hair and their bodies were covered in dirt and dried sweat.

"We are now mates!" Shinichi declared.

"So, how was it?" Shiori asked with a knowing grin as Lum leaned against Shinichi.

"Spectacular," she sighed contently.

DrEx: This interlude showed Lum's life during the time skip after she first arrived on Earth. It's just snippets, some of which I intend to expand on later. The last scene was inspired by the Orville Season 3 finale. Go check it out. Also, this is a reference to the tag game in the original Urusei Yatsura manga/anime. I felt it was fitting to be used as a courtship ritual for Lum's people. It may seem barbaric to outsiders, but it's pretty symbolic to show how strong the union could be.

Tailsmo4ever: Since it would be troubling to add a new girl off the bat like that, Dr. Ex came up with short one-shots that show her time on Earth. It may not be much, but it's a start. Next time, we cut back to Shinichi and see how he fares.