Geryuganshoop, Groribas, and Melzargard. These three individuals had multiple lifetimes' worth of experience between them. Whether it involved combat or something more relaxed, this trio had it all. Honestly, when together, there was nothing these men couldn't handle or find a solution to.
However, on this particular day, these three were confronted with a truly unprecedented situation. None of them had ever fathomed such a development. Lady Boros, the Dominator of the Universe, was gradually reverting to her former self, emotions and all. Yet, with the resurgence of these feelings, a new one was revealed. What made this especially alarming was...well...she had no inkling of its existence.
After rousing Groribas from his slumber, Geryuganshoop wasted no time in alerting his companions about this unforeseen issue. Before they could even begin to comprehend how this was possible, he did his best to explain. Boros' species were never known for their emotional depth. They were a race driven by the primal instinct of survival and dominance. This mentality even extended to their reproductive habits. Mates were chosen based on their perceived strength and superiority, and they engaged in the most basic form of intercourse, after which they parted ways.
The concept of a loving family or a social life simply did not exist in Boros' world. It was a neverending contest to see who was the best and to ensure the strong created an even stronger next generation. It was only when Boros singlehandedly beat everything that could've challenged her in her world to a bloody pulp that she looked to the stars and sought greater heights elsewhere. Be mindful that this isn't to imply Boros killed every living organism on her planet, thus making it a dead world. She merely delivered every opponent to a point where they could not continue fighting and claimed victory.
Anyway, when Boros set out on her conquest through the universe, that is when her emotions came to life. Each new experience caused a reaction within her very soul. But, and this was the most important detail, Boros' range of emotional catalysts was incredibly short. She felt joy and excitement in battles and when interacting with her elites. Annoyance and anger when dealing with those who were deliberately ignorant, arrogant, flirtatious, presumptuous, pathetic, etc. And, most notably, the overwhelming sensation of boredom that suppressed everything else.
So, in regard to things like affection or love, Boros was as dense as an asteroid. Any positive emotions, even new ones she never had before, were assumed to be no different than how she felt toward Geryganshoop, Groribas, and Melzargard. Her relationship with these three was literally the ONLY reference and point of comparison that she had. Boros may very well be incapable of processing and realizing the full extent of these specific feelings and any others that are related. Hence, the trio of elites have gathered in a vacant throne room to discuss the matter.
"Nope," Groribas said before turning around and walking away.
"What the, HEY!" Geryuganshoop exclaimed, flabbergasted by that action. "Groribas! What are you doing?!" He asked.
"We have known our mistress for the majority of our lives. We understand everything about her as she does us. So, even though I'm not as smart as you, Geryuganshoop, or have as sharp of senses as you, Melzargard, I know for a FACT that if we try to meddle in our lady's love life, it will be the fastest way to commit suicide." Groribas answered, now halfway across the room. "I'll be sure to give each of you a proper burial when our mistress turns you into paste," He promised.
Surprisingly, Groribas didn't expect what came next. His body was enveloped in psychic energy, lifted off the ground, and then brought back to where it had once been.
"Groribas, we have no time for your antics," Geryuganshoop sternly told him as the bipedal plant faced his fellow elites. "To be sure you don't disrupt us further, I'll be keeping you still and your mouth shut until we've figured out a plan." He added.
"Not to take Groribas' side..." "But how are we meant to handle such a thing?" "Are we sure that our lady won't realize it with enough time?" Three of Melzargard's heads spoke.
"It's possible, but if you asked me to give an estimate, I'd say the chances are in the single-digit margin..." Geryuganshoop sighed. "Lady Boros is truly clueless. Her recent odd reactions and behaviors, as well as the hot flashes, are the direct result of her not being in tune with these emotions. Even if I were to explain everything, our mistress would assert that her feelings toward Saitama are no different than those she has for us. But it wouldn't be due to a refusal to accept the truth or a conscious effort to lie to us. Lady Boros simply doesn't have the emotional intelligence and experience to understand what's happening. As such, we, her loyal attendants, must assist her." He stated.
"That's a sound argument, but it still leaves us with no direction," "Although we aren't in as bad of a shape as our lady in this matter, we're still not experts on relationships of this nature." "So, I ask again. How do we proceed?" The same three heads of Melzargard spoke.
"We need to study a bit. We'll learn more about subjects such as romance and love. When we've obtained enough knowledge, we'll sit our mistress down and have a conversation with her. The best way to help Lady Boros understand what is happening is to be direct. We can't be subtle since her mind is as blunt as the rest of her." Geryunganshoop replied.
"MMMF!" Groribas grunted, wanting to say something.
Although it was against his better judgement, Geryuganshoop lessened his control over the plant man's main mouth.
"Where is Lady Boros?!" Groribas questioned when his jaws could move. "If she catches wind of this, she'll use us to paint her bedroom's walls!" He exclaimed.
"Don't worry. Our mistress came to me regarding another of her misunderstood spells. Currently, she is sealed in a treatment pod that is keeping her relaxed in both body and mind." Geryuganshoop assured him.
"Ah, I see." "You plan to wake our lady after this meeting has finished." Two of Melzargard's heads said.
"Mhm. Kuseno and Genus are running routine checks in my absence. Better yet, our mistress was kind enough to allow them to study the data the machine provided about her biology as it treated her. That alone will keep them busy as well." Geryuganshoop proudly shared. "Of course, we'll likely not need more time than we've already used. I think I've given us the perfect approach to this-"
KNOCK KNOCK
Despite the throne room's doors being struck with heavy blows, the rhythm of those strikes was well-mannered. Likely, the only reason the doors had been hit with such strength was to ensure the knocking was heard.
"One of the crew?..." Geryunganshoop guessed aloud before using his ESP to investigate.
Sure enough, on the other side of the doors was one of Geryuganshoop's subordinates, an anthropomorphic dog-like creature stationed in the control room.
"What is it?" Geryuganshoop inquired, speaking to his subordinate through telepathy.
"O-Oh! Sir Geryuganshoop!" The canine reacted, fairly accustomed to mental conversations with the Esper by now. "Forgive me, sir, but the humans that you and Lady Boros have been in frequent contact with are calling us." He informed him.
To ensure Busho and Jinzuren could keep the others updated on the Hero Association and its executives, Geryuganshoop provided them with a custom number that would connect to the ship's communications system. That way, even without high-tech devices made from the same technology, the men could always stay in touch so long as there was a regular Earth-made phone nearby.
"Hm, it would seem our other human associates need to chat," Geryuganshoop revealed to his fellow elites. "I'll attend to this while the both of you go and release our lady from her pod. Although I've kept everyone distracted, it would still be best not to raise any suspicion." He instructed.
"Got it. Consider it done." "I'll also keep Groribas from flapping his gums." Two of Melzargard's heads promised.
"Hey! I'm not letting you make me an accomplice! If you want to risk your health by doing this, then be my-"
BONK
Melzargard delivered a blow to Groribas' head by turning his arm into a mallet. When Geryuganshoop released him, the poor guy fell limply to the floor.
"Well done," Geryuganshoop praised Melzargard as he picked up Groribas.
"All in a day's work," One of Melzargard's heads responded before both men went to handle their tasks.
Elsewhere, In The Prison...
When Boros first met Genos, she equated him to a puppy. If asked about that now, she'd happily maintain that opinion. However, at present, it might be more appropriate to call him a guard dog. After Genos found Saitama and discovered what was happening, he entered defense mode. Well, not a literal mode he needed to activate, but you get the idea.
Xiomara, Queen of the Subterraneans, was legitimately unsettled by the cyborg. He stared her down with an unrelenting coldness that could transform into emotionless extermination in an instant. If he believed she was a threat to Saitama, the inside of her cell would become hotter than the surface of the sun. At least, that's the temperature Genos would aim for.
Fortunately, Saitama was there. He was going to handle the introduction between these two to prevent the world's most dangerous barbecue from becoming a reality. He had already resolved the pervert issue with Xiomara. Saitama wasn't about to let another fiasco manifest because of his trigger-happy disciple.
"Master, are you sure?" Genos challenged, pointing at Xiomara. "This ignoramus set fire to your building and left you in the nude. It is my opinion that affiliating yourself with her will only bring more problems." He stated.
"The ignoramus isn't deaf..." Xiomara remarked with folded arms and a half-lidded, unamused gaze.
"Of course you're not. I intentionally spoke at a volume that you could hear. If I didn't, you might assume that you aren't one." Genos explained.
"ALRIGHT!" Saitama interjected, slicing the air with a mighty karate chop. "Both of you, STOP. The whole point of this is to leave the past where it is, even if it's only been a day. I've already accepted Xiomara's apology, so that's that. There will be NO fighting." He asserted.
"Listen to him, boy," Xiomara sneered. "If we were to fight, I'd reduce you to a pile of metal shavings." She said.
"That's assuming you'd survive any of my blows. Your body would shatter with little effort." Genos replied, unaffected by her threat.
CLAP
Both the royal and the cyborg jumped at that sudden sound. When the duo looked at the source, they were stricken by a bolt of fear.
"Let's get to know each other..." Saitama began, his expression as serious as it could be. "The best way to move beyond differences and turn enemies into friends is to share. I'll go first. I'm a very sensible shopper who makes the most out of every sale, discount, and coupon." He stated before focusing on Xiomara. "Your turn." He told her.
"...Um..." Xiomara looked at the floor with all three eyes. She was still unnerved by how intimidating Saitama could be at a moment's notice. "Well, I'm the ruler of the Subterranean race. Saitama knows that, but this one doesn't." She said, pointing at Genos when she did.
"Good," Saitama praised her, now looking at the cyborg beside him.
"..." Genos took a second to determine his options. "I wish to become stronger so that I may defeat any enemy before me." He stated.
"Alright. The ball is rolling," Saitama remarked with a smile, happy to see progress. "I'm a hero, which has been my dream since I was a kid." He said.
"I have mastered a vast variety of sword techniques, martial arts, and stealth-related skills." Xiomara said.
"I've recently developed a strong animosity toward any hostile entities that resemble bugs," Genos stated. That one confused Xiomara, but Saitama understood where it was coming from.
"Boros, the lady whose ship we're in, has given me hope for a real fight again. Because of my strength, it's been tough for me to enjoy much of anything lately. It's all become too easy for me." Saitama said.
"Huh, I know how you feel, Saitama. That's why I wished to conquer the surface. For too long, my people and I have been forced to stay within my domain because of the other queens. We weren't allowed so much as an occasional emergence from the underground. Although we are Subterraneans, we would still like to live in the world that surrounds us. Or, at the very least, be permitted to experience its wonders." Xiomara revealed.
Silence took the air. Saitama and Genos stared at the Subterranean Queen. Unknowingly, she gave them information that they were not aware of.
"Is something wrong?" Xiomara asked, noticing their surprise.
"Queens. Unless you made a mistake, that means there are several other creatures like yourself." Genos answered.
"Oh, that," Xiomara realized. "Yes, there are more queens other than myself. However, they aren't Subterraneans. There's the Deep Sea Queen, the Sky Queen, and the Ancient Queen." She listed.
"Wow. They're everywhere." Saitama commented.
"Why isn't the world aware of so many supposedly notable entities?" Genos inquired.
"It's because of an agreement we made centuries ago," Xiomara sighed, shoulders slumping. "To spare you a story, the four clans waged endless war on each other for total control of the planet. This was LONG before monkeys evolved and became your species. Eventually, it occurred to all of us that we were stuck in a permanent stalemate. Thus, we agreed to reside in our domains and leave it at that. Most of our names already tell you who lives where, except for the Ancient Queen. She was called that because she and her people were the first life forms of notable power in the world. As for their domain, they resided on the largest landmass that existed back then. I'm unsure if it still exists as it did or if it has since split into multiple continents and islands." She informed them.
"Hmm..." Genos hummed while closing his eyes to think.
"What's up?" Saitama asked.
"If one queen decided that it was time to break that agreement and cause trouble, then it is possible the other queens will do the same." Genos answered.
"Could that happen?" Saitama pressed, addressing Xiomara.
"Hmm..." Xiomara also hummed. She needed to be careful with her words. "Realistically, if that did happen, it'd be a miraculous coincidence. The others would surely come forward if they learned that I had broken the agreement, but there is no way for them to have such knowledge unless they were somehow spying on me, which would be impossible." She determined.
"But it is still possible," Genos noted, restoring his vision.
"Of course. Anything is." Xiomara replied.
"Hmm..." Now, it was Saitama's turn to hum in contemplation. "We...might need to tell the Association guys about this..." He reckoned. The thought of multiple non-human leaders with armies declaring war on humanity didn't sound pleasant.
"Saitama!"
Saitama jumped in place. Afterward, he quickly jerked his head from left to right.
"Master! What's wrong?" Genos inquired with widened eyes. Both he and Xiomara were startled by the unexpected behavior.
"I...heard a voice..." Saitama told them, still searching for the source.
"Saitama! It's me, Geryuganshoop."
"...OH!" Saitama exclaimed, immediately calming down. "Right, you're an Esper. This is...telepathy, correct?" He guessed.
"Precisely so," Geryuganshoop confirmed. "The range of my power is immense. I not only can detect your presence, but I am also able to see and hear you without being in your vicinity." He explained.
"Dude! That's amazing!" Saitama complimented with a grin. This was insanely cool!
"Thank you," Geryuganshoop politely responded. "Anyway, I've reached out to you because I needed to tell you something! It's urgent!" He said.
"What is it?" Saitama replied.
"Busho and Jinzuren contacted us just now. Their superiors have recovered from their shock and have been debriefed on you and your strength. Skipping over the obvious reactions, the executives have reached a decision that is VERY bad for us." Geryuganshoop informed him.
"Bad? How is it bad?" Saitama pressed, failing to see the issue.
"You're not going to become a registered hero," Geryuganshoop started. "The executives can barely handle the fact that ANY human could be so powerful. As such, they're concerned that if your existence were made public, then the world's population would succumb to an existential crisis and general hysteria. However, it isn't the denial of your registration that's the concern. If Lady Boros hears this, she'll be uncontrollable!" He exclaimed.
...
...
...
"Yeah, no, there will be a genocide," Saitama agreed. He tried to give Boros SOME credit, but it only took a few seconds for him to accept the truth. Not only was she a good friend to him, but one could say that Boros was Saitama's biggest supporter and appreciator. If she heard the Hero Association was denying him what he "deserved", then the Grim Reaper was going to be busy.
"Exactly! So, if you wouldn't mind, I'd be grateful if you could distract Lady Boros for today. I, Groribas, Melzargard, Busho, and Jinzuren will try to sort this mess. But we can't have her anywhere near us as we work! One slip of the tongue within her hearing ranged is all it would take to set her off!" Geryuganshoop requested while also describing his plan on how to handle this situation.
"Yeah, sure. Whatever I can do to lend a hand." Saitama accepted, much to the Esper's relief. "But if I'm going to keep Boros busy, it'd be easier to do with some help. Is it alright if I bring Genos along?" He asked.
"Certainly! That will make it seem less like an obvious diversion!" Geryuganshoop answered.
"Um...pardon me, Saitama..."
Hearing that voice reminded the bald man that he wasn't alone. Xiomara and Genos watched in silence as Saitama engaged in a one-person conversation, which is what it looked like from their perspective.
"Hm? OH! CRAP!" Saitama shouted. "Sorry, guys. I bet you're confused, aren't you?" He apologized, followed by a question.
"I'm not, Master. It's Geryuganshoop you're speaking to, right?" Genos assumed.
"Wow. You're sharp." Saitama said, impressed by the cyborg's perception. "Xiomara, to fill you in, there's someone on this ship who has psychic powers. One of the abilities that comes with that is something called telepathy, which is a way for people to talk to each other with their minds." He explained.
"What? Such power exists?" Xiomara inquired with widened eyes.
"Yup. They're called Espers, I think." Saitama assured her.
"Astounding..." Xiomara whispered, truly in awe. "Well, what has this creature been saying to you?" She asked.
"Uh...it's sort of complicated..." Saitama sighed, unsure of how he'd summarize it all. "Basically, I need to take Boros away from her ship for a while. Something important has come up, and we don't want her to be bothered by it." He answered.
"Will I be going with you, Master?" Genos questioned.
"Mhm. I was just talking about that with Geryuganshoop," Saitama responded.
"...Oh..." Xiomara reacted, getting their attention. "So...you'll be leaving, then..." She said.
Dang it! How could that have slipped Saitama's mind? Xiomara was still being kept in this cell! Even though an urgent problem had arisen, he didn't want to leave her here alone. Just thinking about that put a pit in his stomach!
"Hey, Geryuganshoop," Saitama began, assuming the Esper was still listening. "Are you able to open the cell that's in front of me?" He inquired.
"Uh, I could..." Geryuganshoop hesitantly confirmed. "Saitama, I don't know what's brought this about, but I don't think involving the arsonist who burned your home to the ground is wise," He warned.
"What's worst? Letting me handle how Boros will react to this or trying to prevent her from going on a rampage?" Saitama challenged.
beep
Instantly, a gentle digital sound came from the cell. Rather than voice a pointless question, Saitama stuck his hand into the cell's entryway to see if the barrier was still there.
"Thanks, Geryuganshoop," Saitama said. "I owe you one," He added.
"Far from it, Saitama. If anything, me and the rest owe you several," Geryuganshop replied. "Now hurry and leave the ship! We'll send Lady Boros to you. It'll be better if you handle things when she's not surrounded by anything." He instructed before going quiet.
"Gotcha. Will do." Saitama promised. Afterward, he looked at Xiomara. "Come on. We need to get moving." He beckoned.
"Master, are you sure?" Genos asked with widened eyes.
"Absolutely," Saitama answered unhesitatingly. As he did, he extended his arm for Xiomara to take. "We've already worked things out. Plus, the only reason she's in here was because we weren't sure if she'd cause any more trouble. But I know that she won't." He stated.
This simple act of kindness hit the Subterranean Queen like another slap to the face. Sure, Saitama had been impressively patient and compassionate toward her so far. But not even Xiomara thought that he'd be this trusting or that he'd permit her freedom so soon.
"Saitama..." Xiomara whispered, almost ready to shed tears. "I...I'm so sorry for the terrible things I said about you..." She apologized, feeling like a horrid bitch from her previous insults and baseless accusations.
"Hey, it's no big deal. Really." Saitama insisted with a smile. "Now come on. We've gotta get out of here before Boros beats us outside." He beckoned again, still offering his arm.
With a wipe of her eyes, Xiomara happily took the hand she was given. From there, the trio would then exit the vessel and wait for Boros outside. That gave Saitama plenty of time to fill them in and ask for their help in figuring out the best way to keep Boros busy, which Genos and Xiomara eagerly agreed to. Operation: "Distract the Dominator" was underway!