Gaijin
Part 42
Black Cat Luck.
OooOOooOO
Tony Stark was sitting in class again. He had bandages around his head, chest, and his left arm was in a sling. He also had a scowl on his face and looked a bit bleary eyed.
Gun sat in front of him and looked at him with wide eyes. ôHey Mate, what happened?ö
ôNot much. I had to destroy an evil murderous cyborg and got punched in the face by a giant irradiated green man. Why?ö The other white kid looked up at him with his sour frown deepening a little.
ôOh,ö replied the blond kid as he turned around.
Tony cocked his head and looked at the board. ôHey...what's going on?ö There were photos taped to it that he just noticed. ôSick Pervert!ö Was scrawled across it in kanji.
The blond boy blushed. ôOh...that...ö He hung his head a little. ôWell...ö
Aya leaned forward. ôThat's normal. Just ignore it.ö
The class was looking a bit suspicious on the whole. Most of the room was whispering amongst each other, and a few people were snickering.
Tony glanced back at her. ôNah. Explain it. I'd go up and look, but I'm too banged up to bother.ö
Gun gave a sigh. ôThose are probably lewd photos of Mr. Kanzaki.ö
The other gaijin blinked. ôHuh?ö
Aya shrugged. ôThis class...isn't exactly normal.ö
The brunette boy cringed. ôWait. What?ö
Gun was playing with his finger on his desk. ôMr. Kanzaki is the second homeroom teacher we've had this year.ö
Aya nodded. ôYeah. You'll get used to it. I give him a month at most.ö
ôWhat do you mean 'not normal' that makes me nervous. You should know why,ö said the new boy as she scowled at the kunoichi. ôThe second this year? The year just started about a month ago.ö
ôWell, this class hates teachers. It's a long story, but G-1 has something of a reputation you see.ö She blushed. ôI don't help out or anything, but...I guess I can understand it. The first guy only lasted a week. Mr. Kanzaki started about two weeks ago.ö
Tony didn't look like his mood had improved any. ôExplain it to me. Seriously. I've got it bad enough...ö
The blond boy looked back at him. ôThey call this place 'The Dungeon'. No teacher has lasted in this class for more than two months. It's been that way since last year. I wasn't here when it happened, and no one will say anything about how it started.ö
Aya looked at him and explained with a small frown on her face. ôWell, the class got burned a while back. One of the teachers was taking photos in the bathrooms and upskirt shots under the desks and posting them on the internet. Some pervert started stalking a few of the girls in class and...hurt one of them because of it. He got arrested, but the teacher who was doing it never got fingered...so...ö
ôThe class took matters into their own hands,ö said Tony with a nod. ôWhat's that got to do with this guy? He seems like a nice guy.ö
Gun shrugged. ôI hadn't heard about that before, but I do know that the class hates teachers. They'll lash out at any of them. Those pictures were probably set up or faked.ö
ôGreat,ö the new boy was annoyed. ôI knew this place couldn't be normal.ö
ôIt's no big deal. I helped them out at first, but...I sort of backed off. I could get in trouble if I overdo it. A few of the students are a bit annoyed with me for backing off. Especially Eri and her friends. I don't stop them or say anything about it though, so they don't bother me about it.ö
ôI'm new, so I'm not in on it either,ö said Gun. ôThey've asked me about it, but I'd rather stay out of trouble. I get what they're mad about. The last guy we had was a jerk, Kanzaki seems all right though...for a grown up.ö
Tony sank into his chair. ôWell, leave me out of it. I've got enough problems.ö
The girl sitting across the isle from him turned and frowned. ôWhat? You like adults or something? They're all liars and can't be trusted.ö
He glanced over at her. ôYou're putting up fraudulent photos and you think you've got room to talk about being dishonest?ö
ôWhy shouldn't we? They're no better!ö snapped the girl.
ôYou got some kind of problem new kid?ö growled the boy in front of her. He had messy looking blond hair and tanned skin.
ôI've got problems you wouldn't believe,ö replied Tony. ôI don't see the point in getting mad about something you're doing yourself either. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones you know. It's stupid to get mad about people lying and being mean when you're doing stuff like this. It makes you just as bad as them.ö
ôThat's how the world is,ö replied the irate girl. ôYou're naive if you think otherwise.ö
ôWho the hell are you two anyway?ö grumbled Tony as he frowned at them.
ôI'm Miyabi,ö snapped the girl.
ôToshiro,ö responded the boy as he leaned back and put his hands behind his head. ôWhat happened to you anyway? Did you fall down the stairs?ö
ôI got punched in the face by a giant green monster,ö replied the gaijin without missing a beat. ôYou're all annoying brats from the sound of it, and I didn't get any sleep last night because of my injuries. I'm a bit irate because of it.ö
ôWhat would you know? This is the real world! Get used to it. You can't trust adults, or anybody else.ö Miyabi tossed her hair and put her nose up.
Tony was getting annoyed. ôWhat the hell would some middle school kids know about 'the real world' anyway? I've been there, and it ain't nice. That attitude is gonna get you eaten alive in it. All I see is a bunch of immature brats taking things way too far. If that guy didn't do anything, you shouldn't be screwing with him that way. Revenge is something you do after someone burns you, not before. That's just bullying.ö
Toshiro snorted. ôAdults need to be bullied. You punk. Shut your stupid fucking mouth before I do it for you. They're all bullies themselves.ö
ôPlease calm down,ö said Aya as she leaned towards Tony.
ôYeah. I wouldn't bother with it. Let 'em do what they want.ö He looked away.
ôThat's what I thought,ö growled the tanned kid.
Tony twitched but didn't respond. He didn't want to start picking fights with middle school kids, but that didn't subdue the urge to punch the punk in the mouth. Looking around revealed that most of the class seemed to be in on it, or at least approved of what was going on.
ôYou are such a loser. Do you really think anyone believes you?ö said Miyabi as she smirked at him. ôLike we're that stupid.ö
Kanzaki walked into the room. He had a smile on his face until his eyes turned to the board. The class got a collective shit eating grin and looked on as the man froze in place in front of the white board. ôWhat the?ö He started shaking and reached out to pluck one of the photos off the board. ôWhat...what is this?ö
The man whirled around with anger in his eyes. ôWho did this?ö
ôGuess he didn't notice the hallway,ö said Toshiro with a chuckle.
ôThe...hallway?ö muttered Kanzaki.
ôThe hallway?ö repeated Tony in a more confused tone.
Aya had her hand on her cheek and a rather dazed expression on her face. ôYeah. There's fliers printed out on all the walls with copies of those photos calling him a pervert.ö
The man was already out of the room and an anguished cry floated in from the outside. The class gave a collective chuckle at that.
Tony scowled at them, but didn't speak up. Kanzaki seemed like a nice guy. He'd only been attending class for a few days, and he'd not heard anything about it yet. ôHow the hell did I end up stuck with the troubled...oh...right...ö The cops had brought him in from the street and he was pretty much a delinquent. ôI guess it makes sense they'd put me in a group like this.ö He did look a bit like a tough punk that belonged in a gang.
ôYeah,ö agreed Aya. ôI helped out when it started, and got chewed out for it at home.ö
ôWhat's your story? Any idea why they'd stick you in a place like this?ö asked Tony as he looked at Gun.
The boy shrugged. ôI think they thought I was some kind of delinquent because everyone calls me Gun. I guess they thought it was some kind of gang name or something. I only go by that because it's easy for them to pronounce. I guess I can understand why they'd assume that though.ö
ôHe won't last another week,ö said one of the girls in the back cheerfully.
ôThat dope. I bet he won't show up tomorrow. We've done this enough times that I can tell. It sounds like he snapped already,ö replied Toshiro.
ôHe hasn't even been here three weeks yet. I give him a couple more days,ö said another.
Eri, a girl with red hair done up in a pair of ponytails shook her head. ôNah. He's done for. That did it for sure.ö
Tony glanced at her. ôShe's the ringleader then?ö he muttered to himself.
ôWhat are you looking at new kid?ö she snapped.
He scowled back at her. ôWell. You gotta admit this is a bit weird. I mean, even for a delinquent class this is strange.ö
A boy with well kept hair and a pair of glasses smirked at him. ôHe might be useful. How about it new kid? We're going to punish all the teachers for being such losers. Lying jerks, you can't trust any of them.ö
ôPunish?ö grumbled Tony. ôI've heard that before. It was nothing but trouble. Leave me out of this. I got no interest in settling your personal scores.ö
The kid narrowed his eyes and nodded. ôFair enough. I guess you're new, and it might be a bit much to ask right now. I bet you'll come around though, once you see them for what they really are.ö
Tony turned his eyes away. The kid was at the top of the class. His name was Ishimora, he didn't know him, but he seemed to be the resident genius of the room. ôI'm one of them,ö he grumbled under his breath. He had a bad feeling about his situation. It was making his stomach turn a little.
OooOOooOO
ôWhat happened to you?ö said the principal as he sat behind his desk with his hands folded in front of him.
ôWork related injury. Happens sometimes,ö replied Tony without missing a beat. He narrowed his eyes at the old man and scowled. ôWhat the hell kind of class did you stick me in anyway?ö
The old man smirked. ôI assumed you would do best with other students of a similar nature.ö
Tony growled at that and sat back in the seat he'd been given. ôYeah. Whatever. Don't lump me in with those delusional jerks. They've all got something against adults for some reason.ö
ôI'm aware of the issues with that class. You don't agree with their philosophy?ö The principal arched his eyebrow.
ôKanzaki seemed like a nice guy. I don't get all the butt hurt and whining about teachers. Some of them are jerks, some of them aren't. It's like that with everyone.ö The boy seemed indifferent.
The old man gave a small sigh. ôYes. His resignation was unfortunate.ö He hung his head and looked down at his desk. ôIt's an unfortunate situation indeed.ö
ôI don't know much about it, but I get the impression this isn't the first time this has happened either,ö replied the boy.
The principal nodded. ôYes. That's true. I must admit you surprise me. I'd think you'd fit right in with that crowd.ö
The boy shrugged. ôGuilty, I get along pretty well with thugs and extortionist. I also tend to stay out of their business. You'll get no trouble from me, and I've got no intention of getting involved with any sort of anti teacher movement.ö
The old man closed his eyes and nodded. ôHmmm. I see. I hope that is true.ö
Tony scowled at him. ôYou don't sound like you believe me.ö
The head of the school chuckled. ôIs it obvious. You're quite the joker my boy. I've heard about you, talking about running a corporation, and being some sort of super hero? I've had the school counselor do a psychological report on you. You're a pathological liar it seems. No matter.ö
ôWait. You mean...nobody told you?ö Tony looked surprised. ôI figured your judge friend would have mentioned it. He did dump me off here after all.ö
ôWe golf together. I admit I think of him as a friend, but I don't know him all that well.ö The old man smirked at him. ôMy major is in psychology. Don't worry, I understand that compulsory disorders are not something that is easily controlled. I won't hold it against you, but I do hope you'll try to seek help for your problem.ö
Tony was looking at him with his jaw hanging down. ôWhat? You...you're serious aren't you?ö
ôYou take me for a fool? Really my boy. Well, I suppose there is hope for you. Thus far, you've been getting good reports from the faculty. Don't think we aren't watching you though.ö
The boy stood up and turned away. ôWhatever old man. Look, I've got places to be. I don't know anything about that mess.ö
The principal nodded. ôThat's what everyone else said as well. I believe you though. You're new here after all, and I suppose I have no reason not to trust you had any involvement with this matter. Still, if you learn of anything, I would appreciate your input.ö
Tony halfway considered finding out the details for him, but just shuffled away. There was no point in wasting time bothering with it. ôYeah. Whatever. I'll see you tomorrow. Good luck replacing that guy. I hope you can pull in someone who can handle those jerks.ö
The old man seemed cheerful. ôI don't believe that will be a problem. I've called in a favor and I believe we've got just the man for the job.ö
Tony paused in the doorway and looked over his shoulder. ôA specialist huh?ö
ôThat's right,ö said the old man with a chuckle.
Tony already had a mental image of some sort of giant man with a military mentality. ôYeah. Well, good luck with that.ö He didn't think it would bother him, but some sort of super strict sadist might irritate him a little if he called attention to himself. It might be best to fade into the background for a while. At least until the class got rid of him.
OooOOooOO
A few hours later at Cybertech Labs, Tony stood looking at several screens as several men were running about the room. ôHow is it going? Any sign of him?ö
The man closest to him shook his head and scowled. ôNone.ö He had a lab coat on and slicked back black hair. A pair of glasses was tucked into his pocket as he peered over data on a spreadsheet. His name was Iwaza, and he was the acting head of the lab. ôHe went into the mountains, and we've just lost track of him. The gamma radiation trail faded last night, and we can't get a reading. We're combing the area he vanished into with radiation detection equipment, but nothing is registering.ö
Tony nodded and crossed his arms. ôThat's good. If we're not finding a trail that means...ö
ôRight,ö agreed the man. ôIt's likely that he's not going to irradiate anything else. We'd be able to detect it if he was emitting enough to cause problems. Our equipment is very sensitive, so if we're not detecting anything it's not likely he's emitting any radiation at all anymore.ö
ôHow did we lose something that size?ö grumbled one of the frustrated men looking at a screen that showed the image of a camera over the mountains. They were using a device similar to predator drones with a camera mounted on them. It was a project Tony had started immediately after he'd bought the company. The drones only carried camera equipment, but were small, cheap, fast, and took high resolution images, as well as thermal and infrared. The camera equipment was the most expensive components.
ôMy guess is he's reverted back to normal. I think the change is only temporary,ö said Tony.
Iwaza looked surprised. ôI doubt that sir. I don't see how he could shrink back to normal. He took on a lot of added mass, and it wouldn't just disappear.ö
The boy nodded. ôWell, keep an eye out for anyone human that's alone out there. We need to find him, and I don't want to take chances. That thing is dangerous, and we need to figure out a way to keep it contained and under control until we can fix Yoshi. That thing is too unstable and dangerous to just leave it alone.ö
ôThink of the possibilities. I'm looking forward to researching this,ö said Iwaza.
The owner of the company frowned a little at that. ôDon't get too excited. Our primary goal is fixing the mess. We can worry about how it happened and practical application and study after that. I'm not so sure trying to weaponize this is a good idea.ö
ôWe could make millions,ö said the man in shock.
ôAt what cost?ö replied the boy firmly. ôI'm not about to let this go unresearched. I'm more interested in medical applications for this than military. That thing was out of control. We don't need another mess like that Carnage Cyborg. A weapon you can't control is no good to anyone.ö
ôI see,ö said the scientist with a nod. ôI worked with Yoshi on the applications of gamma radiation. It appears that it's military application is more varied than we anticipated though. We shouldn't just abandon that.ö
Tony looked at him out of the corner of his eyes. ôWe'll consider it. However, our primary concern is reversing it if possible and keeping it under control at the least. We can't turn soldiers into giant green monsters with berserker tendencies without a way to control it and reverse the effects first. Only an idiot fools with a poison he has no antidote for.ö
Iwaza nodded. ôI guess you have a point. Still, it's amazing...from a scientific perspective of course. I never imagined such a thing was possible.ö He looked a bit nervous as he added the last part.
The boy nodded. ôYeah. I guess I can understand that. I'm leaving. I want to know right away when you find him. I think it's a good idea if I go along to help retrieve him.ö
The man looked a bit confused. ôNot to disrespect, but...ö
Tony nodded. ôYeah, I know. I'm pretty banged up. Still, I owe him, and I'd rather talk him into coming back. I'm hoping he'll show up on his own. If he pops up, I want to know about it.ö He had no intention of doing anything but try and make the problem go away. He had a feeling it would prove fruitless, but Yoshi was a friend, and he wanted to give him as much help as he could, and a safe place to work on the problem for as long as possible. He didn't think he'd be able to hide him forever, but wanted to keep him from being chased all over the place by the military if possible. He was going to have to keep an eye on Iwaza. He hadn't done anything suspicious yet, but his instincts were telling him to keep tabs on what the man was doing, especially if it involved gamma radiation. He didn't want something like the Abomination or worse popping up if he could help it, and had no intention of trying to profit from what had happened. He wanted it to go away, but doubted that was going to happen.
OooOOooOO
About an hour later he was sitting in his office and reclining in his chair. ôAh. Peace and...ö
ôHey. Get out of my way! I've got to talk to him!ö
ôCrap.ö
He considered hiding under his desk for a moment, and did so. The door flew open and a familiar voice boomed across his office.
ôWhere are you! Come out! I know you're here!ö Mei Lin put her hand on her hip and looked about the room. ôCome on! Don't be a jerk, and I'll tear up your office looking for you!ö
Tony did not move and stayed silent.
His secretary walked in behind her with a scowl on her face. ôHey. Listen, you can't just barge in here like this. Mr. Stark is very busy.ö
ôWhat? Don't be silly! He's got plenty of time for me. Isn't that right you jerk!ö cried the Chinese girl.
The woman who watched his door cracked her knuckles. ôAll right, if I've got to drag you out of here, I will.ö
The boy considered that for a moment. The woman was a kunoichi, and she could probably handle the Chinese girl.
ôThat's all right, Izuna. She's a friend,ö said Kei's voice. ôJust come out you dope. How long do you think it will take her to look under your desk?ö His wife sounded amused.
ôAll right,ö grumbled the secretary with a bit of annoyance in her tone.
ôHey,ö chirped the reporter as she greeted the woman. ôHow are things?ö
Kei smiled at her. ôWell enough. He's still bitching about school.ö
ôHave they found Yoshi yet?ö asked the dark haired girl as her tone turned to worry.
The ninja woman shook her head. ôNo. We're doing everything we can to find him though.ö
Tony crawled out from under the desk and belted his injured arm in the process. He hopped around holding it straining to keep himself from yelling. It was out of the sling, but still tender. He calmed himself and looked annoyed with the pair of girls. ôIf she did look under the desk, what makes you so sure she would have spotted me?ö
Mei Lin practically lunged at him. She was grabbing his shirt by his waist and on her knees. ôThere you are! I've finally found you!ö
ôWhat is it?ö he grumbled.
ôWhat do you mean?ö she snapped. ôIsn't it obvious?ö
ôNot really,ö he replied as he twisted his finger in his ear.
ôI want this story you jerk! An exclusive like this? I can't possibly pass it up!ö she made her eyes grow very large and they watered a little.
ôGah! Don't do that!ö he cried as he shied away from it.
She hung her head and let him go. ôYou've got to! Do you have any idea what it could do for my career?ö
ôWhat? I thought you had a piece on that Carnage monster?ö he grumbled.
She put her hands under her chin and shook her head. ôI do! It's in tomorrows edition! The front page!ö
ôWhat the hell are you talking about then?ö he growled as he looked out the window and turned his back on her.
Mei Lin stood up and balled her fists up. ôDon't play stupid with me! I heard that you're telling people that you're Spiderman! I want an exclusive!ö
He froze and got a disgusted expression on his face. ôHuh?ö
ôI'm already doing a piece on you. I mean, come on. You've got that whole rags to riches things going and all. You're a pretty important guy, and you're doing that stuff with the Governor of Tokyo.ö She hopped up and down. ôI want the story. I want it! I want it! I want it!ö
He turned to look at her and narrowed his eyes. ôWhat? Why should I?ö
ôBecause we're friends, and it's your fault I've got this job anyway!ö she replied with a small giggle as she batted her eyes at him. ôTee hee!ö
ôWhat is with you anyway? I wasn't planning on holding a press conference about it you know.ö He looked annoyed, but that was normal and she ignored it. ôWhy should I?ö
ôUmmm...ö she seemed to think about it. ôI'll agree...to a threesome with you and your wife if you do!ö
ôFine with me,ö replied Kei with a shrug. She was over by the bar by that point fixing herself a drink.
ôWhat makes you think I'm interested in that?ö he growled as he put his nose up. ôJeez you're a pain.ö
She was on her knees and tugging at the back of his shirt. ôIt's a matter of time until everyone finds out anyway! Come on! Give it to me! I want it! I want it! I want it!ö
He walked away and she lost his grip. ôWhat are you, ten? Knock it off.ö
ôIf you don't...I'll...ö she started to sound annoyed.
ôYeah?ö he said as he looked out the window.
ôCry! Please? Pretty please? I'll do anything you want! I promise!ö She put her nose on the carpet. ôI'm begging you!ö
He turned around and slumped down into his chair. ôJeez, what is with you? Did someone slip you some pixie sticks or something?ö He narrowed his eyes at her. ôYou'd better not make me look like an asshole.ö
ôYeah. You're a shining example of manliness and virtue,ö she replied as she calmed down in an instant. She set a tape recorder on the desk and pressed record, and pulled a pen and pad out of her shirt.
ôDon't go thinking that crap worked. I'm only doing this because I know it's going to get around anyway. I guess I owe you too. I don't want you thinking acting like a twelve year old and playing cute worked on me.ö He seemed annoyed at her sudden recovery. ôI'm not that stupid.ö
ôDon't listen to him, it works for me too,ö said Kei as she sat down in the chair next to Mei Lin and sipped at her drink.
ôReally?ö said the Chinese girl as she smiled at her.
Tony scowled at her. ôIt worked because you weren't wearing clothes.ö
ôI'll remember that,ö chirped Mei Lin.
ôIt won't work for you that way. You're not my wife.ö He turned his eyes away.
ôHe's also not figured out that I don't mind if he sleeps around a little. I'm thinking of asking a friend to help out. I don't want things to get boring,ö said the Kunoichi. ôHe'll pretend he didn't hear that. Watch.ö
Tony ignored her. ôKeep Yoshi out of this. Dealing with it is bad enough without it being all over the papers.ö
ôTold you,ö said the ninja girl cheerfully. She kicked her feet up on the desk.
The boy looked at his wife and frowned. ôJust one girl is trouble enough.ö
Mei Lin shrugged. ôYeah. I remember. He's my friend too you know. I won't say anything about it.ö She scowled at him. ôBesides. He should appreciate having a reporter as a friend. I'm useful, and he should throw me a bone sometime.ö
He scowled, ôDon't put it like that. You'll give my wife ideas. It'd just be weird with you anyway.ö
ôHad them to begin with,ö said Kei as she stirred her drink with her finger and looked like she wasn't paying much attention. ôNotice he never said 'no'.ö
Mei Lin smiled at him. ôSo, I'm like a sister or something then?ö
Tony seemed to consider that. ôIt'd get all awkward and stuff cause we're friends. Can we change the subject? It's weird just talking about it.ö
Kei chuckled and looked mischievous. ôWell, I'll deal with it later. You'll just change the subject if I bring it up later anyway.ö
The Chinese girl seemed to think on that. ôIs it weird that we're the perverted ones?ö
Kei shrugged. ôKind of. I tried to drag him into one of those stores that sells uniforms and panties, and he just pouted in the corner the whole time. He didn't seem to mind much when I wore what I bought there.ö
The boy seemed to give up on being annoyed and put his fist into his cheek as he leaned on his desk. ôIt doesn't do anything for me unless someone sexy is wearing it. Japan is just weird.ö
ôYeah. He isn't even interested in watching me pee or golden showers or anything, and he never tries to peep on me,ö said his wife as she looked at the Chinese girl.
ôWell, it's not exactly difficult to see you naked, and who would get turned on by that? I don't want you peeing on me, and taking a leak isn't sexy,ö he responded. ôWhy are we talking about this anyway?ö He grabbed the tape recorder and rewound it to the start again before pressing record again. ôI don't want a record of that conversation.ö
ôBet he can't even tell you what color panties I'm wearing,ö said the kunoichi. ôI have to bend over in front of his face to get him to look down my shirt or up my skirt.
Mei Lin nodded. ôOh. A bit prudish huh?ö
Kei giggled. ôIt's kind of cute, but I'm still not used to it.ö
ôI'm not prudish,ö growled the boy. ôI'm not some perverted salary man either. I just don't get off on that sort of stuff.ö
His wife smirked at that. ôWell, what do you get off on?ö She tossed her hair and looked at her nails. ôI'm willing to try anything you want you know.ö
ôAre you going to interview me or not?ö grumbled the boy as he looked at the Chinese girl and stopped the recorder again.
ôThis is interesting though,ö she replied cheerfully. ôI didn't think guys like you really existed. I already know about the whole Spiderman thing anyway.ö
ôWell, she already knows what I like. She's just teasing me, and I'm not discussing it with you. She'll probably tell you anyway.ö He put his head on the desk. ôIf you already knew, why did you come here to interview me anyway?ö
The reporter shrugged. ôYou made me promise not to say anything.ö
He lifted his head up and frowned at her. ôFair enough. Go ahead, just don't make me look like an asshole or some sort of vigilante. I'm not exactly patrolling the streets looking for trouble. Just leave Yoshi's problem out of it, and don't say anything about the shinobi village. They'll kill you if you run your mouth about them, and I won't stop them.ö
Kei nodded. ôThat's true.ö
ôJeez, I'm not that stupid,ö replied the Chinese girl. ôAnyway, I've got what I need then.ö She grabbed Kei by the arm and pulled her away. ôSo, um...what is he into anyway?ö
His wife chuckled as she walked towards the other room with the Chinese girl. ôHe likes massages. He's pretty good at giving them too. Plus, if I do a little striptease for him, he's absolute putty. He doesn't like being tied up, but he doesn't mind handcuffs, and I can get him to spank me a little, but he doesn't care for being on the other end. He does it for me sometimes though. It's cute, he gets this scowl and balls up his fists. Sometimes he'll wrestle with me a bit and we pin each other down. He really likes blowjobs too, and it's not hard to get him to go down on me either.ö
Tony sighed and walked over to make himself a burbon. He paused and shivered as his neck turned towards the roof entrance. ôUh, hi.ö
Usagi was leaning against the wall next to the door with a smirk on her face. ôWell, that's more than I wanted to know about you.ö
He hung his head and finished making his drink. ôMore than I wanted you to know too. Want a drink?ö
She seemed to consider it. ôSure.ö
The other two women had stopped talking and looked over at the pair.
ôWho...who is that?ö said Mei Lin.
ôVenom,ö replied the boy as he handed Usagi a glass. ôI see you're feeling better.ö
The blond girl hung her head and nodded. ôI guess.ö She downed the drink in one gulp and made a sour face. After a moment she shuddered and set the glass down before looking at him. ôSo...now what?ö
He looked at her. She wasn't smiling, but seemed calm. It was obvious she wasn't very trusting. ôUnit, status report on the subject's condition.ö
Venom's robotic voice came from the blond girl's clothes. She looked uncomfortable. ôRepairs complete. Operator's condition has stabilized.ö
Tony smiled at that. ôGood.ö He looked at her. ôWell Tsukino, I guess it's time we started working on your little problem. Have you tried transforming?ö
ôNo,ö she replied as she hung her head a little. ôI don't trust you.ö
ôI know,ö he replied. ôWell, I suppose we should visit your friends. First, we've got a stop to make. Venom needs a check up. I want to make sure it's working properly.ö
ôI'm still not sure about this. Why am I here?ö she snapped at him with a scowl on her face. Her features softened a little. ôAre...are they all right? Rei, Ami, Makoto, and Minako?ö
ôYou should ask them when you see them. You can trust me that far at least. We're on the same side after all.ö He turned towards the doors to the office. ôCome on. We'll take my car. I'm in no condition to go swinging around.ö
ôWhere are we going?ö snapped the girl. ôI...I told you I don't trust you.ö
ôBack to where your friend came from,ö replied the boy. ôWe...never got along very well. Not even then. You always were a bone headed ditz. Mom's favorite. I suppose that was to be expected with what I did.ö
Kei and Mei Lin looked confused. Neither one said anything though.
Usagi frowned at him. ôWhat was that? What did you do?ö
He shrugged. ôI'm not sure. I know it was something though. I really got under her skin, and you were on her side.ö He chuckled at that. ôI remember her scowl seeing your face now. She wasn't happy with me. Of course, she wasn't happy with you and your boyfriend either. It was forbidden, and he's still the same flaky jerk he was before.ö
ôWhat? How dare you?ö snapped the girl as her clothes went black.
ôStrange...how little has changed,ö he muttered. ôCome on then.ö
ôWhere are we going?ö snapped the irate looking girl as her clothes morphed back into place. She jogged after him. ôSlow down you jerk! What the hell are you talking about?ö
ôMy, you sure have gotten colorful,ö commented the boy as he walked out into the secretary's office.
ôShut up. It's partly your fault you know!ö snapped Usagi as she stalked after him.
ôTh...that thing?ö muttered the Chinese girl in shock.
Kei didn't look pleased. She'd had a run in with Venom as well. ôI see. I remember that thing. What's he doing with it?ö
ôSeems like they've joined forces,ö said Mei Lin. ôI think.ö She didn't look very sure about it.
The kunoichi got a sort of lost look on her face and an odd smile. ôYeah. He's got a funny way of doing that.ö
The Chinese girl smiled at her. ôI guess I see what you mean. You were trying to kill him before right?ö
Kei nodded and shrugged. ôYeah. I got over it though.ö
OooOOooOO
Usagi looked around the lab she was standing in. She was wearing a hospital gown and rubbed at her shoulders looking uncomfortable. ôWhat is this? What's going on?ö She'd just been put through what appeared to be a cat scan machine. It was a bit more complex than that. Her voice was a bit above a whisper and the scar on her neck wasn't hidden.
She gasped and looked at the large glass vat filled with black fluid. ôWhat is this? What are you doing? You said...ö
ôI said we needed to do some diagnostic tests, and I wasn't talking about just you. Relax, we're not hurting it. It's valuable, and performing the way it was intended now.ö Tony was standing nearby and looking on as machines moved around the unit's container. ôCalm down.ö
ôYou'll give it back?ö she glared at him and looked uncomfortable.
He was chewing on a straw and glanced at her. ôNope.ö
ôWhat?ö she croaked as her eyes went wide.
ôWhat is this?ö muttered one of the men looking at data on one of the computers near to the machine she'd just been pulled out of.
ôYou said...' started Usagi as she lunged at him with her fingers clawed.
He grabbed her wrists and held her back with ease. ôI said we wouldn't destroy it. We're not going too. It's not yours though. Besides, you're useless like that. I wouldn't leave you that way, and it's too late to try and train you up like your friends. We don't have time for that. Relax would you?ö
ôRelax? You tricked me!ö she snarled at him. The girl was pissed and pushed away from him. Her eyes looked panicked and afraid.
ôI didn't,ö he responded. ôShut up and pay attention.ö
ôMr. Stark. This is very strange,ö said the man by the computer.
The boy smirked and walked over. Usagi moved behind him glaring daggers at his back. ôYou...you asshole.ö He put his hand back and kept her at bay by pushing against her chest.
ôCalm down,ö said one of the scientists as he approached. ôThe Unit is fine. It's a computer anyway. It doesn't feel anything.ö
The girl frowned at him. ôYou're wrong. It...it's my friend.ö
He backed off and Tony put her in a headlock. She looked up and struggled for a moment before the scan caught her attention. It looked like there was something in her chest. It was next to her heart between her lungs. About the size of a small rice ball. ôWhat? What is this?ö
ôJust what we needed,ö replied Tony. ôShut up. I told you already. You'll be fine. We need Sailor Moon, and I think Venom was blocking it somehow. Not just by raising your aggression either. I'm still not sure if you can transform, but I've got a way around it.ö
ôWhat are you talking about? Give it back you jerk!ö she struggled and he let her go. She staggered, but managed to keep her feet without bumping into anything.
ôQuit being a brat. Come on.ö He motioned for her to follow. ôFitsuki, we're going below. It's finished right?ö
ôHuh?ö said the man dumbly. ôWell, yes, but...we don't have...ö
Tony smirked at him. ôYeah, we do.ö He pointed at the screen he was just looking at. ôRight there.ö He grabbed the girl by her wrist and pulled her along. ôJust come on will you? I've got something to show you. You'll like this.ö
ôWhat? You lied to me! I'll kick your butt!ö snapped the angry girl.
ôWhat got into you? Never mind.ö He sighed and pulled her to an elevator.
She crossed her arms and stood in the corner pouting. ôWhere are we going? Tell me you lying jerk! I'm gonna steal back my friend and escape! Just you watch!ö
He rolled his eyes as the doors closed. A moment later they were in another lab. In the middle of the room was a sealed container of some sort.
Usagi looked around. There was no one else in the room. Tony pressed a button on the wall. ôHey. Get that interface loaded would you?ö
ôNow?ö muttered a confused voice from the other side.
ôYeah. Now,ö he replied as he pushed it again. ôLet me know when it's done.ö
Lights began to come on in the room. The computers on the wall started humming with activity. ôWhat is this? What are you doing?ö
Tony glanced back at her. ôThis is Venom Mark II.ö
The girl blinked in surprise. ôHuh?ö The room was humming with activity. ôWhat's going on?ö
ôWe're loading your 'friend's' AI into the new Unit,ö said the boy as he glanced back at her. ôI told you. You and your friend will be fine. We're giving you an upgrade.ö
ôWhy didn't you just say so you jerk?ö she hissed. Her throat was getting a little harsh.
ôBecause it was more fun to tease you,ö he responded. ôQuiet down, or you'll lose your voice completely. I told you we need you. There's no time for you to catch up.ö
She scowled at him but went quiet. The room was humming with activity and she stepped towards the container. It was metal, and looked like it was sealed tight. ôIt's...in here?ö
ôYeah. Took us a while to build it.ö He frowned at her. ôIt was expensive too. I could buy half the property in the Nerima ward for what this thing cost.ö
ôYou...planned this?ö she seemed annoyed.
ôKind of. Got the idea a while back from that sword I've got. It's got a lot of magic energy in it.ö He gave her what seemed to be a good natured grin.
She backed away, obviously not trusting it. ôYou're an asshole.ö
The intercom piped up. ôIt's done sir.ö
ôGood,ö said Tony. ôOpen it up.ö
The metal container twisted and shifted away.
Usagi stared with wide eyes. ôWhat...is this?ö It almost looked like a seat of some sort that conformed to the whole body.
ôGet in,ö replied the boy. He pointed at it and moved over to a computer nearby. ôRelax, it's custom fitted to you. I stole some of your clothes from your house to get the measurements right. Even if it's off a little it won't matter, it's partially made from the same stuff your old friend is, so it will conform and fit you even as you grow. Even I can't afford to keep building more of these to keep up with your growth.ö
ôYou what?ö snapped the girl. ôYou...pervert.ö
ôJust shut up and get in,ö he grumbled with an annoyed sigh.
ôWhy should I?ö
ôDo you want to be able to help your friends or not?ö he replied simply. ôJust get in. If I was going to kill you, I'd have done it by now.ö
She looked hesitant, but climbed into the weird seat. ôA...all right.ö She gasped as the area around her began to fold over her body. ôWha...what is this?ö Her voice returned to her as she said it, as the familiar feeling of liquid metal spread across her skin.
The boy spoke to her. ôThere's going to be a moment of discomfort. It's a one time thing.ö
ôOuch!ö cried the girl as she felt a prick on her back. ôWhat was that?ö
ôIt pokes a hole in your back and attaches to your spinal chord. It's how we got around the problems caused by the old interface. We've upgraded Venom to operate that way as well. The patch was a temporary fix. If you hadn't come in it would have run out of power in a week or so and stopped working. You don't ever need to take it off, but if you do for some reason it's going to have to stick you again to reestablish the connection. No worse than a shot right?ö Tony looked on and grinned. ôHow does it feel? Any discomfort? Weakness? Nausea? It fits all right?ö
ôY...yeah. It's fine,ö she replied with a little reservation. ôI can't even feel where it pricked me anymore.ö
ôAll right. Step down now,ö said the boy.
ôWhat? Open this thing up so I can get out,ö said Usagi.
Tony blinked. ôHuh? No. Just step down. Trust me all right? I don't need to open it.ö
The girl grumbled in annoyance and stepped off the platform. Her step had a hefty weight to it, but she adjusted quickly. It wasn't difficult to move, just as easy as the Venom Unit. ôHuh? What is this?ö
ôHave a look,ö replied the boy as he pointed to a nearby full length mirror.
Usagi stared in shock at what she was wearing. It was hotrod red and gold armor. It had feminine curves and two slits for eyes. A computer interface popped up around her face and she lifted her hand up to touch the mask. ôWhoa. Cooooooollll.ö She twisted and looked around at her sides and rear. ôWhat is this?ö
ôI told you, it's Venom Mark II. Iron Moon.ö He smirked at her over her shoulder in the reflection. ôThe interior is liquid metal, but it's not enough to cover your entire body. You can't make a whole outfit with it. It won't cover your whole body anymore, but it will let you keep your voice even without the armor. You could make a shirt with it or something I guess, maybe a hat. You'd be able to alter your face I suppose, but not your whole body anymore.ö
ôI...Iron Moon?ö she said in wonder. She felt so...strong. More than the Venom Unit. She looked at her hand, and there was what looked like white lenses in her palms. They were some sort of metal, but looked a bit like light bulbs. ôHey...what is this?ö There was something similar in the middle of her chest. She noticed they were glowing, and the eyes as well. ôCareful with those, they're repulsors. Sort of like laser beams.ö
ôI've got lasers?ö she gasped.
ôSort of. Relax. I've got some explaining to do before you run off and start messing with it.ö He tapped at the keys on the computer. ôIt's powered by the Silver Imperium Crystal that's hidden in your body. It was created as a way to access that power without removing it from your body.ö
ôHuh?ö muttered the girl. ôCrystal?ö
ôSerenity sealed the crystal inside you. It was to keep it safe and protect it until it was needed. It's best to leave it there. With this, you don't need to take it out to use it. The armor would kill you if you didn't have it inside you. All the power draws are inside of the suit, and it's using the energy to power itself. It shouldn't stop you from transforming into a Senshi either. Though, you probably don't need to anymore anyway. It's connected to your spinal chord, but there are a few tendrils that touch the crystal as well. The other draws just augment it a little.ö
ôWait. What? Y...you tested this thing right?ö she sounded nervous.
He cocked his head and crossed his arms. ôWell...you're the first person to wear it, but yeah. We tested it. Used that sword I've got to figure out how to draw out magical energy. Kind of a pain, but if it wasn't working, you'd be dead by now. It's set up so that it would eject you before that happened. You're too important to risk, relax.ö He noticed her tense up after he told her she might have died.
She growled a little at that, but didn't say anything about it. ôSo, this is mine then?ö
ôWell, it was made for you. Technically I still own it. It's yours though. No one else could use it anyway. Not even me. I took advantage of the situation you're in when we designed it.ö Tony shrugged. ôCome on. Let's get topside so you can stretch your legs a little.ö
Once they reached the upper floor they were surrounded by gawking scientists. ôIt works...ö muttered one of them in shock.
ôYou weren't sure?ö she cried in annoyance.
ôThey're skeptical of magical things. They're scientists, don't worry about it.ö Tony put his finger in his ear and twisted it. ôHold on. I've got a pickup to make.ö
Usagi turned her head as he walked over to the vat of black liquid.
Tony looked at the only woman in the room. ôOpen it up.ö
She gasped. ôUm sir? Are you sure? We've finished the diagnostics, but...ö
ôJust do it. It's working like it should, right?ö
She arched her eyebrow and cocked her head. ôYes, Mr. Stark.ö She typed in a password and the top half of the vat slid open. Tony stuck his arm into it, and the black fluid inside slid onto his body. ôCool,ö he said simply.
ôHuh? I thought you said you put it's mind in here?ö said Usagi. The interface was familiar to her, and the feeling of the unit was still the same. ôYou're the same as before. I mean, they...ö
ôWe copied it,ö said Tony as his clothes formed. ôIt's a computer program. It's exactly the same information that's in this one. We didn't need to erase it from this Unit to use it in that one. We just duplicated what was in it's memory and transfered that. It would be a waste to erase all the information it's acquired since it's been with you and start from scratch.ö
ôOh,ö said the girl in confusion. ôThen, this isn't the same as...ö
ôWell, it is actually. Everything up to the moment of transfer. I've got other uses for this one,ö he replied simply. ôI own this facility, and you'll need to come in to make sure it's maintained. They're machines, and they'll need maintenance from time to time.ö
She looked at her hands and nodded. ôSo...um...how do I?ö
ôOutside before you start blasting things. Come on.ö He waved for her to follow.
A few moments later, they were standing in the open wilderness just outside the facility. They were in a field with several trees in the distance.
Tony had his hands behind his back. His injuries were already almost gone. ôHmm. Convenient that.ö
ôWhat?ö said Usagi.
ôNothing.ö She shrieked. It sounded like he was right next to her. ôRelax. It's the communications system. I can talk to you directly.ö
She frowned at that. ôHuh?ö
ôYou can pick up signals in these things remember?ö he responded. ôNow, point your hand, the suit has built in instructions. I'm sure you can figure out the rest.ö
Usagi looked at the screen in front of her eyes and frowned. The readout was simple enough, and she could feel buttons on the tips of her fingers. ôOh. I see.ö She pressed the correct ones with pressure from the tips of her fingers. It took a few tries to figure out how, because the fingers moved with her own. She had to stretch her fingers out to do it. It was a little weird, but after she managed it, a white beam of light shot from her hand and turned a nearby hunk of stone into several smaller rocks that were smoking a bit. ôCooooollll! I'm a walking tank!ö
ôJet actually,ö replied Tony.
ôHuh?ö said the girl in confusion. ôWait...you mean this thing flies?!ö
ôYeah. There are repulsors in your feet as well, and on your back. The ones on your hand are for steering.ö Tony gave a small sigh. ôI'm a bit nervous about giving you something like this...but...ö
The girl had quickly called up the instructions. As soon as she figured it out, she blasted off the ground and into the air. She screamed with excitement as she roared into the sky like a rocket. ôWheeeeeee!ö
Tony smirked despite himself. ôMan. I hope this was a good idea.ö
ôKick ass!ö cried Usagi over the communications system. ôI should find Mamoru! How high can I go? This thing doesn't run of gas or anything? Is it bulletproof? How fast does it go? Am I really strong? How much can I lift with this thing?ö
ôDon't go to high. The unit can filter oxygen from water and act as a gas mask, but if the air is too thin you won't be able to breathe. There's a warning that will flash if the oxygen levels are getting to low. Yes, it's bullet proof. No, it won't run out of power, the Silver Imperium Crystal is some sort of infinite energy generator. We don't know how fast it goes yet, you're the first one to wear it. We don't know how much you can lift. We'll be testing all that later, but I figure you've had enough of the lab for today.ö Tony gave a small sigh. ôCome back would you? We're done here, but I said I'd take you to meet your friends. You can find your boyfriend later.ö He was a bit annoyed, and didn't like the idea of Mamoru touching it. Still, he supposed it couldn't be helped. That didn't make it any less annoying to think about.
Usagi flew down to the ground and hovered above it before setting down. ôNeat. It lands itself too?ö
Tony nodded. ôYes. I knew better than to trust you with a landing. You're likely to have planted your face into the dirt, and even wearing that you could get hurt that way.ö
ôWhat's that supposed to mean?ö snapped Usagi. She pointed her hand at you. ôI ought to blast you!ö
ôYou can't,ö he responded. ôDo you really think I'm stupid enough to give you something you could attack me with? It's programed so it won't hurt me, just like Venom was after I patched it.ö
She stomped her foot and balled up her fists. ôNo fair!ö
ôShut up and come on,ö replied the boy. ôI've got to show you how to break it down for when you're not using it. You can't just spend forever like that you know. You're going to need a change of clothes first, otherwise you'll be half naked. I told you already there's not enough of the liquid metal to cover you up all the way. That stuff cost more than you think. The armor and computer systems was expensive, but the liquid metal is half the cost of that thing. It's a superior unit because of the extra features, but it's actually cheaper than Venom is.ö
They went back into the building and came out a few moments later. Usagi's shirt was made of the metal material, and she was wearing a pair of blue jeans. The armor itself was folded up and disguised as what appeared to be a pretty compact back pack. It even had working pockets. The exterior was more of the liquid metal used to hide what it really was. The armor was made up of what Tony had called memory metal. It could actually fold up into a very compact size, yet was still stronger than almost any other known metal. Even adamantium would have difficulty scratching it.
ôThis is so coooool!ö squealed Usagi. ôI still haven't forgiven you for being a jerk, but I guess I should say thank you.ö She shifted her eyes away from him and frowned a bit.
ôYeah, yeah. Let's just go,ö he replied irritably. Usagi had control of how her new 'backpack' appeared, and it was annoying seeing the high tech armor look like a pink Hello Kitty backpack.
OooOOooOO
cont...
Part 42
Black Cat Luck.
OooOOooOO
Tony Stark was sitting in class again. He had bandages around his head, chest, and his left arm was in a sling. He also had a scowl on his face and looked a bit bleary eyed.
Gun sat in front of him and looked at him with wide eyes. ôHey Mate, what happened?ö
ôNot much. I had to destroy an evil murderous cyborg and got punched in the face by a giant irradiated green man. Why?ö The other white kid looked up at him with his sour frown deepening a little.
ôOh,ö replied the blond kid as he turned around.
Tony cocked his head and looked at the board. ôHey...what's going on?ö There were photos taped to it that he just noticed. ôSick Pervert!ö Was scrawled across it in kanji.
The blond boy blushed. ôOh...that...ö He hung his head a little. ôWell...ö
Aya leaned forward. ôThat's normal. Just ignore it.ö
The class was looking a bit suspicious on the whole. Most of the room was whispering amongst each other, and a few people were snickering.
Tony glanced back at her. ôNah. Explain it. I'd go up and look, but I'm too banged up to bother.ö
Gun gave a sigh. ôThose are probably lewd photos of Mr. Kanzaki.ö
The other gaijin blinked. ôHuh?ö
Aya shrugged. ôThis class...isn't exactly normal.ö
The brunette boy cringed. ôWait. What?ö
Gun was playing with his finger on his desk. ôMr. Kanzaki is the second homeroom teacher we've had this year.ö
Aya nodded. ôYeah. You'll get used to it. I give him a month at most.ö
ôWhat do you mean 'not normal' that makes me nervous. You should know why,ö said the new boy as she scowled at the kunoichi. ôThe second this year? The year just started about a month ago.ö
ôWell, this class hates teachers. It's a long story, but G-1 has something of a reputation you see.ö She blushed. ôI don't help out or anything, but...I guess I can understand it. The first guy only lasted a week. Mr. Kanzaki started about two weeks ago.ö
Tony didn't look like his mood had improved any. ôExplain it to me. Seriously. I've got it bad enough...ö
The blond boy looked back at him. ôThey call this place 'The Dungeon'. No teacher has lasted in this class for more than two months. It's been that way since last year. I wasn't here when it happened, and no one will say anything about how it started.ö
Aya looked at him and explained with a small frown on her face. ôWell, the class got burned a while back. One of the teachers was taking photos in the bathrooms and upskirt shots under the desks and posting them on the internet. Some pervert started stalking a few of the girls in class and...hurt one of them because of it. He got arrested, but the teacher who was doing it never got fingered...so...ö
ôThe class took matters into their own hands,ö said Tony with a nod. ôWhat's that got to do with this guy? He seems like a nice guy.ö
Gun shrugged. ôI hadn't heard about that before, but I do know that the class hates teachers. They'll lash out at any of them. Those pictures were probably set up or faked.ö
ôGreat,ö the new boy was annoyed. ôI knew this place couldn't be normal.ö
ôIt's no big deal. I helped them out at first, but...I sort of backed off. I could get in trouble if I overdo it. A few of the students are a bit annoyed with me for backing off. Especially Eri and her friends. I don't stop them or say anything about it though, so they don't bother me about it.ö
ôI'm new, so I'm not in on it either,ö said Gun. ôThey've asked me about it, but I'd rather stay out of trouble. I get what they're mad about. The last guy we had was a jerk, Kanzaki seems all right though...for a grown up.ö
Tony sank into his chair. ôWell, leave me out of it. I've got enough problems.ö
The girl sitting across the isle from him turned and frowned. ôWhat? You like adults or something? They're all liars and can't be trusted.ö
He glanced over at her. ôYou're putting up fraudulent photos and you think you've got room to talk about being dishonest?ö
ôWhy shouldn't we? They're no better!ö snapped the girl.
ôYou got some kind of problem new kid?ö growled the boy in front of her. He had messy looking blond hair and tanned skin.
ôI've got problems you wouldn't believe,ö replied Tony. ôI don't see the point in getting mad about something you're doing yourself either. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones you know. It's stupid to get mad about people lying and being mean when you're doing stuff like this. It makes you just as bad as them.ö
ôThat's how the world is,ö replied the irate girl. ôYou're naive if you think otherwise.ö
ôWho the hell are you two anyway?ö grumbled Tony as he frowned at them.
ôI'm Miyabi,ö snapped the girl.
ôToshiro,ö responded the boy as he leaned back and put his hands behind his head. ôWhat happened to you anyway? Did you fall down the stairs?ö
ôI got punched in the face by a giant green monster,ö replied the gaijin without missing a beat. ôYou're all annoying brats from the sound of it, and I didn't get any sleep last night because of my injuries. I'm a bit irate because of it.ö
ôWhat would you know? This is the real world! Get used to it. You can't trust adults, or anybody else.ö Miyabi tossed her hair and put her nose up.
Tony was getting annoyed. ôWhat the hell would some middle school kids know about 'the real world' anyway? I've been there, and it ain't nice. That attitude is gonna get you eaten alive in it. All I see is a bunch of immature brats taking things way too far. If that guy didn't do anything, you shouldn't be screwing with him that way. Revenge is something you do after someone burns you, not before. That's just bullying.ö
Toshiro snorted. ôAdults need to be bullied. You punk. Shut your stupid fucking mouth before I do it for you. They're all bullies themselves.ö
ôPlease calm down,ö said Aya as she leaned towards Tony.
ôYeah. I wouldn't bother with it. Let 'em do what they want.ö He looked away.
ôThat's what I thought,ö growled the tanned kid.
Tony twitched but didn't respond. He didn't want to start picking fights with middle school kids, but that didn't subdue the urge to punch the punk in the mouth. Looking around revealed that most of the class seemed to be in on it, or at least approved of what was going on.
ôYou are such a loser. Do you really think anyone believes you?ö said Miyabi as she smirked at him. ôLike we're that stupid.ö
Kanzaki walked into the room. He had a smile on his face until his eyes turned to the board. The class got a collective shit eating grin and looked on as the man froze in place in front of the white board. ôWhat the?ö He started shaking and reached out to pluck one of the photos off the board. ôWhat...what is this?ö
The man whirled around with anger in his eyes. ôWho did this?ö
ôGuess he didn't notice the hallway,ö said Toshiro with a chuckle.
ôThe...hallway?ö muttered Kanzaki.
ôThe hallway?ö repeated Tony in a more confused tone.
Aya had her hand on her cheek and a rather dazed expression on her face. ôYeah. There's fliers printed out on all the walls with copies of those photos calling him a pervert.ö
The man was already out of the room and an anguished cry floated in from the outside. The class gave a collective chuckle at that.
Tony scowled at them, but didn't speak up. Kanzaki seemed like a nice guy. He'd only been attending class for a few days, and he'd not heard anything about it yet. ôHow the hell did I end up stuck with the troubled...oh...right...ö The cops had brought him in from the street and he was pretty much a delinquent. ôI guess it makes sense they'd put me in a group like this.ö He did look a bit like a tough punk that belonged in a gang.
ôYeah,ö agreed Aya. ôI helped out when it started, and got chewed out for it at home.ö
ôWhat's your story? Any idea why they'd stick you in a place like this?ö asked Tony as he looked at Gun.
The boy shrugged. ôI think they thought I was some kind of delinquent because everyone calls me Gun. I guess they thought it was some kind of gang name or something. I only go by that because it's easy for them to pronounce. I guess I can understand why they'd assume that though.ö
ôHe won't last another week,ö said one of the girls in the back cheerfully.
ôThat dope. I bet he won't show up tomorrow. We've done this enough times that I can tell. It sounds like he snapped already,ö replied Toshiro.
ôHe hasn't even been here three weeks yet. I give him a couple more days,ö said another.
Eri, a girl with red hair done up in a pair of ponytails shook her head. ôNah. He's done for. That did it for sure.ö
Tony glanced at her. ôShe's the ringleader then?ö he muttered to himself.
ôWhat are you looking at new kid?ö she snapped.
He scowled back at her. ôWell. You gotta admit this is a bit weird. I mean, even for a delinquent class this is strange.ö
A boy with well kept hair and a pair of glasses smirked at him. ôHe might be useful. How about it new kid? We're going to punish all the teachers for being such losers. Lying jerks, you can't trust any of them.ö
ôPunish?ö grumbled Tony. ôI've heard that before. It was nothing but trouble. Leave me out of this. I got no interest in settling your personal scores.ö
The kid narrowed his eyes and nodded. ôFair enough. I guess you're new, and it might be a bit much to ask right now. I bet you'll come around though, once you see them for what they really are.ö
Tony turned his eyes away. The kid was at the top of the class. His name was Ishimora, he didn't know him, but he seemed to be the resident genius of the room. ôI'm one of them,ö he grumbled under his breath. He had a bad feeling about his situation. It was making his stomach turn a little.
OooOOooOO
ôWhat happened to you?ö said the principal as he sat behind his desk with his hands folded in front of him.
ôWork related injury. Happens sometimes,ö replied Tony without missing a beat. He narrowed his eyes at the old man and scowled. ôWhat the hell kind of class did you stick me in anyway?ö
The old man smirked. ôI assumed you would do best with other students of a similar nature.ö
Tony growled at that and sat back in the seat he'd been given. ôYeah. Whatever. Don't lump me in with those delusional jerks. They've all got something against adults for some reason.ö
ôI'm aware of the issues with that class. You don't agree with their philosophy?ö The principal arched his eyebrow.
ôKanzaki seemed like a nice guy. I don't get all the butt hurt and whining about teachers. Some of them are jerks, some of them aren't. It's like that with everyone.ö The boy seemed indifferent.
The old man gave a small sigh. ôYes. His resignation was unfortunate.ö He hung his head and looked down at his desk. ôIt's an unfortunate situation indeed.ö
ôI don't know much about it, but I get the impression this isn't the first time this has happened either,ö replied the boy.
The principal nodded. ôYes. That's true. I must admit you surprise me. I'd think you'd fit right in with that crowd.ö
The boy shrugged. ôGuilty, I get along pretty well with thugs and extortionist. I also tend to stay out of their business. You'll get no trouble from me, and I've got no intention of getting involved with any sort of anti teacher movement.ö
The old man closed his eyes and nodded. ôHmmm. I see. I hope that is true.ö
Tony scowled at him. ôYou don't sound like you believe me.ö
The head of the school chuckled. ôIs it obvious. You're quite the joker my boy. I've heard about you, talking about running a corporation, and being some sort of super hero? I've had the school counselor do a psychological report on you. You're a pathological liar it seems. No matter.ö
ôWait. You mean...nobody told you?ö Tony looked surprised. ôI figured your judge friend would have mentioned it. He did dump me off here after all.ö
ôWe golf together. I admit I think of him as a friend, but I don't know him all that well.ö The old man smirked at him. ôMy major is in psychology. Don't worry, I understand that compulsory disorders are not something that is easily controlled. I won't hold it against you, but I do hope you'll try to seek help for your problem.ö
Tony was looking at him with his jaw hanging down. ôWhat? You...you're serious aren't you?ö
ôYou take me for a fool? Really my boy. Well, I suppose there is hope for you. Thus far, you've been getting good reports from the faculty. Don't think we aren't watching you though.ö
The boy stood up and turned away. ôWhatever old man. Look, I've got places to be. I don't know anything about that mess.ö
The principal nodded. ôThat's what everyone else said as well. I believe you though. You're new here after all, and I suppose I have no reason not to trust you had any involvement with this matter. Still, if you learn of anything, I would appreciate your input.ö
Tony halfway considered finding out the details for him, but just shuffled away. There was no point in wasting time bothering with it. ôYeah. Whatever. I'll see you tomorrow. Good luck replacing that guy. I hope you can pull in someone who can handle those jerks.ö
The old man seemed cheerful. ôI don't believe that will be a problem. I've called in a favor and I believe we've got just the man for the job.ö
Tony paused in the doorway and looked over his shoulder. ôA specialist huh?ö
ôThat's right,ö said the old man with a chuckle.
Tony already had a mental image of some sort of giant man with a military mentality. ôYeah. Well, good luck with that.ö He didn't think it would bother him, but some sort of super strict sadist might irritate him a little if he called attention to himself. It might be best to fade into the background for a while. At least until the class got rid of him.
OooOOooOO
A few hours later at Cybertech Labs, Tony stood looking at several screens as several men were running about the room. ôHow is it going? Any sign of him?ö
The man closest to him shook his head and scowled. ôNone.ö He had a lab coat on and slicked back black hair. A pair of glasses was tucked into his pocket as he peered over data on a spreadsheet. His name was Iwaza, and he was the acting head of the lab. ôHe went into the mountains, and we've just lost track of him. The gamma radiation trail faded last night, and we can't get a reading. We're combing the area he vanished into with radiation detection equipment, but nothing is registering.ö
Tony nodded and crossed his arms. ôThat's good. If we're not finding a trail that means...ö
ôRight,ö agreed the man. ôIt's likely that he's not going to irradiate anything else. We'd be able to detect it if he was emitting enough to cause problems. Our equipment is very sensitive, so if we're not detecting anything it's not likely he's emitting any radiation at all anymore.ö
ôHow did we lose something that size?ö grumbled one of the frustrated men looking at a screen that showed the image of a camera over the mountains. They were using a device similar to predator drones with a camera mounted on them. It was a project Tony had started immediately after he'd bought the company. The drones only carried camera equipment, but were small, cheap, fast, and took high resolution images, as well as thermal and infrared. The camera equipment was the most expensive components.
ôMy guess is he's reverted back to normal. I think the change is only temporary,ö said Tony.
Iwaza looked surprised. ôI doubt that sir. I don't see how he could shrink back to normal. He took on a lot of added mass, and it wouldn't just disappear.ö
The boy nodded. ôWell, keep an eye out for anyone human that's alone out there. We need to find him, and I don't want to take chances. That thing is dangerous, and we need to figure out a way to keep it contained and under control until we can fix Yoshi. That thing is too unstable and dangerous to just leave it alone.ö
ôThink of the possibilities. I'm looking forward to researching this,ö said Iwaza.
The owner of the company frowned a little at that. ôDon't get too excited. Our primary goal is fixing the mess. We can worry about how it happened and practical application and study after that. I'm not so sure trying to weaponize this is a good idea.ö
ôWe could make millions,ö said the man in shock.
ôAt what cost?ö replied the boy firmly. ôI'm not about to let this go unresearched. I'm more interested in medical applications for this than military. That thing was out of control. We don't need another mess like that Carnage Cyborg. A weapon you can't control is no good to anyone.ö
ôI see,ö said the scientist with a nod. ôI worked with Yoshi on the applications of gamma radiation. It appears that it's military application is more varied than we anticipated though. We shouldn't just abandon that.ö
Tony looked at him out of the corner of his eyes. ôWe'll consider it. However, our primary concern is reversing it if possible and keeping it under control at the least. We can't turn soldiers into giant green monsters with berserker tendencies without a way to control it and reverse the effects first. Only an idiot fools with a poison he has no antidote for.ö
Iwaza nodded. ôI guess you have a point. Still, it's amazing...from a scientific perspective of course. I never imagined such a thing was possible.ö He looked a bit nervous as he added the last part.
The boy nodded. ôYeah. I guess I can understand that. I'm leaving. I want to know right away when you find him. I think it's a good idea if I go along to help retrieve him.ö
The man looked a bit confused. ôNot to disrespect, but...ö
Tony nodded. ôYeah, I know. I'm pretty banged up. Still, I owe him, and I'd rather talk him into coming back. I'm hoping he'll show up on his own. If he pops up, I want to know about it.ö He had no intention of doing anything but try and make the problem go away. He had a feeling it would prove fruitless, but Yoshi was a friend, and he wanted to give him as much help as he could, and a safe place to work on the problem for as long as possible. He didn't think he'd be able to hide him forever, but wanted to keep him from being chased all over the place by the military if possible. He was going to have to keep an eye on Iwaza. He hadn't done anything suspicious yet, but his instincts were telling him to keep tabs on what the man was doing, especially if it involved gamma radiation. He didn't want something like the Abomination or worse popping up if he could help it, and had no intention of trying to profit from what had happened. He wanted it to go away, but doubted that was going to happen.
OooOOooOO
About an hour later he was sitting in his office and reclining in his chair. ôAh. Peace and...ö
ôHey. Get out of my way! I've got to talk to him!ö
ôCrap.ö
He considered hiding under his desk for a moment, and did so. The door flew open and a familiar voice boomed across his office.
ôWhere are you! Come out! I know you're here!ö Mei Lin put her hand on her hip and looked about the room. ôCome on! Don't be a jerk, and I'll tear up your office looking for you!ö
Tony did not move and stayed silent.
His secretary walked in behind her with a scowl on her face. ôHey. Listen, you can't just barge in here like this. Mr. Stark is very busy.ö
ôWhat? Don't be silly! He's got plenty of time for me. Isn't that right you jerk!ö cried the Chinese girl.
The woman who watched his door cracked her knuckles. ôAll right, if I've got to drag you out of here, I will.ö
The boy considered that for a moment. The woman was a kunoichi, and she could probably handle the Chinese girl.
ôThat's all right, Izuna. She's a friend,ö said Kei's voice. ôJust come out you dope. How long do you think it will take her to look under your desk?ö His wife sounded amused.
ôAll right,ö grumbled the secretary with a bit of annoyance in her tone.
ôHey,ö chirped the reporter as she greeted the woman. ôHow are things?ö
Kei smiled at her. ôWell enough. He's still bitching about school.ö
ôHave they found Yoshi yet?ö asked the dark haired girl as her tone turned to worry.
The ninja woman shook her head. ôNo. We're doing everything we can to find him though.ö
Tony crawled out from under the desk and belted his injured arm in the process. He hopped around holding it straining to keep himself from yelling. It was out of the sling, but still tender. He calmed himself and looked annoyed with the pair of girls. ôIf she did look under the desk, what makes you so sure she would have spotted me?ö
Mei Lin practically lunged at him. She was grabbing his shirt by his waist and on her knees. ôThere you are! I've finally found you!ö
ôWhat is it?ö he grumbled.
ôWhat do you mean?ö she snapped. ôIsn't it obvious?ö
ôNot really,ö he replied as he twisted his finger in his ear.
ôI want this story you jerk! An exclusive like this? I can't possibly pass it up!ö she made her eyes grow very large and they watered a little.
ôGah! Don't do that!ö he cried as he shied away from it.
She hung her head and let him go. ôYou've got to! Do you have any idea what it could do for my career?ö
ôWhat? I thought you had a piece on that Carnage monster?ö he grumbled.
She put her hands under her chin and shook her head. ôI do! It's in tomorrows edition! The front page!ö
ôWhat the hell are you talking about then?ö he growled as he looked out the window and turned his back on her.
Mei Lin stood up and balled her fists up. ôDon't play stupid with me! I heard that you're telling people that you're Spiderman! I want an exclusive!ö
He froze and got a disgusted expression on his face. ôHuh?ö
ôI'm already doing a piece on you. I mean, come on. You've got that whole rags to riches things going and all. You're a pretty important guy, and you're doing that stuff with the Governor of Tokyo.ö She hopped up and down. ôI want the story. I want it! I want it! I want it!ö
He turned to look at her and narrowed his eyes. ôWhat? Why should I?ö
ôBecause we're friends, and it's your fault I've got this job anyway!ö she replied with a small giggle as she batted her eyes at him. ôTee hee!ö
ôWhat is with you anyway? I wasn't planning on holding a press conference about it you know.ö He looked annoyed, but that was normal and she ignored it. ôWhy should I?ö
ôUmmm...ö she seemed to think about it. ôI'll agree...to a threesome with you and your wife if you do!ö
ôFine with me,ö replied Kei with a shrug. She was over by the bar by that point fixing herself a drink.
ôWhat makes you think I'm interested in that?ö he growled as he put his nose up. ôJeez you're a pain.ö
She was on her knees and tugging at the back of his shirt. ôIt's a matter of time until everyone finds out anyway! Come on! Give it to me! I want it! I want it! I want it!ö
He walked away and she lost his grip. ôWhat are you, ten? Knock it off.ö
ôIf you don't...I'll...ö she started to sound annoyed.
ôYeah?ö he said as he looked out the window.
ôCry! Please? Pretty please? I'll do anything you want! I promise!ö She put her nose on the carpet. ôI'm begging you!ö
He turned around and slumped down into his chair. ôJeez, what is with you? Did someone slip you some pixie sticks or something?ö He narrowed his eyes at her. ôYou'd better not make me look like an asshole.ö
ôYeah. You're a shining example of manliness and virtue,ö she replied as she calmed down in an instant. She set a tape recorder on the desk and pressed record, and pulled a pen and pad out of her shirt.
ôDon't go thinking that crap worked. I'm only doing this because I know it's going to get around anyway. I guess I owe you too. I don't want you thinking acting like a twelve year old and playing cute worked on me.ö He seemed annoyed at her sudden recovery. ôI'm not that stupid.ö
ôDon't listen to him, it works for me too,ö said Kei as she sat down in the chair next to Mei Lin and sipped at her drink.
ôReally?ö said the Chinese girl as she smiled at her.
Tony scowled at her. ôIt worked because you weren't wearing clothes.ö
ôI'll remember that,ö chirped Mei Lin.
ôIt won't work for you that way. You're not my wife.ö He turned his eyes away.
ôHe's also not figured out that I don't mind if he sleeps around a little. I'm thinking of asking a friend to help out. I don't want things to get boring,ö said the Kunoichi. ôHe'll pretend he didn't hear that. Watch.ö
Tony ignored her. ôKeep Yoshi out of this. Dealing with it is bad enough without it being all over the papers.ö
ôTold you,ö said the ninja girl cheerfully. She kicked her feet up on the desk.
The boy looked at his wife and frowned. ôJust one girl is trouble enough.ö
Mei Lin shrugged. ôYeah. I remember. He's my friend too you know. I won't say anything about it.ö She scowled at him. ôBesides. He should appreciate having a reporter as a friend. I'm useful, and he should throw me a bone sometime.ö
He scowled, ôDon't put it like that. You'll give my wife ideas. It'd just be weird with you anyway.ö
ôHad them to begin with,ö said Kei as she stirred her drink with her finger and looked like she wasn't paying much attention. ôNotice he never said 'no'.ö
Mei Lin smiled at him. ôSo, I'm like a sister or something then?ö
Tony seemed to consider that. ôIt'd get all awkward and stuff cause we're friends. Can we change the subject? It's weird just talking about it.ö
Kei chuckled and looked mischievous. ôWell, I'll deal with it later. You'll just change the subject if I bring it up later anyway.ö
The Chinese girl seemed to think on that. ôIs it weird that we're the perverted ones?ö
Kei shrugged. ôKind of. I tried to drag him into one of those stores that sells uniforms and panties, and he just pouted in the corner the whole time. He didn't seem to mind much when I wore what I bought there.ö
The boy seemed to give up on being annoyed and put his fist into his cheek as he leaned on his desk. ôIt doesn't do anything for me unless someone sexy is wearing it. Japan is just weird.ö
ôYeah. He isn't even interested in watching me pee or golden showers or anything, and he never tries to peep on me,ö said his wife as she looked at the Chinese girl.
ôWell, it's not exactly difficult to see you naked, and who would get turned on by that? I don't want you peeing on me, and taking a leak isn't sexy,ö he responded. ôWhy are we talking about this anyway?ö He grabbed the tape recorder and rewound it to the start again before pressing record again. ôI don't want a record of that conversation.ö
ôBet he can't even tell you what color panties I'm wearing,ö said the kunoichi. ôI have to bend over in front of his face to get him to look down my shirt or up my skirt.
Mei Lin nodded. ôOh. A bit prudish huh?ö
Kei giggled. ôIt's kind of cute, but I'm still not used to it.ö
ôI'm not prudish,ö growled the boy. ôI'm not some perverted salary man either. I just don't get off on that sort of stuff.ö
His wife smirked at that. ôWell, what do you get off on?ö She tossed her hair and looked at her nails. ôI'm willing to try anything you want you know.ö
ôAre you going to interview me or not?ö grumbled the boy as he looked at the Chinese girl and stopped the recorder again.
ôThis is interesting though,ö she replied cheerfully. ôI didn't think guys like you really existed. I already know about the whole Spiderman thing anyway.ö
ôWell, she already knows what I like. She's just teasing me, and I'm not discussing it with you. She'll probably tell you anyway.ö He put his head on the desk. ôIf you already knew, why did you come here to interview me anyway?ö
The reporter shrugged. ôYou made me promise not to say anything.ö
He lifted his head up and frowned at her. ôFair enough. Go ahead, just don't make me look like an asshole or some sort of vigilante. I'm not exactly patrolling the streets looking for trouble. Just leave Yoshi's problem out of it, and don't say anything about the shinobi village. They'll kill you if you run your mouth about them, and I won't stop them.ö
Kei nodded. ôThat's true.ö
ôJeez, I'm not that stupid,ö replied the Chinese girl. ôAnyway, I've got what I need then.ö She grabbed Kei by the arm and pulled her away. ôSo, um...what is he into anyway?ö
His wife chuckled as she walked towards the other room with the Chinese girl. ôHe likes massages. He's pretty good at giving them too. Plus, if I do a little striptease for him, he's absolute putty. He doesn't like being tied up, but he doesn't mind handcuffs, and I can get him to spank me a little, but he doesn't care for being on the other end. He does it for me sometimes though. It's cute, he gets this scowl and balls up his fists. Sometimes he'll wrestle with me a bit and we pin each other down. He really likes blowjobs too, and it's not hard to get him to go down on me either.ö
Tony sighed and walked over to make himself a burbon. He paused and shivered as his neck turned towards the roof entrance. ôUh, hi.ö
Usagi was leaning against the wall next to the door with a smirk on her face. ôWell, that's more than I wanted to know about you.ö
He hung his head and finished making his drink. ôMore than I wanted you to know too. Want a drink?ö
She seemed to consider it. ôSure.ö
The other two women had stopped talking and looked over at the pair.
ôWho...who is that?ö said Mei Lin.
ôVenom,ö replied the boy as he handed Usagi a glass. ôI see you're feeling better.ö
The blond girl hung her head and nodded. ôI guess.ö She downed the drink in one gulp and made a sour face. After a moment she shuddered and set the glass down before looking at him. ôSo...now what?ö
He looked at her. She wasn't smiling, but seemed calm. It was obvious she wasn't very trusting. ôUnit, status report on the subject's condition.ö
Venom's robotic voice came from the blond girl's clothes. She looked uncomfortable. ôRepairs complete. Operator's condition has stabilized.ö
Tony smiled at that. ôGood.ö He looked at her. ôWell Tsukino, I guess it's time we started working on your little problem. Have you tried transforming?ö
ôNo,ö she replied as she hung her head a little. ôI don't trust you.ö
ôI know,ö he replied. ôWell, I suppose we should visit your friends. First, we've got a stop to make. Venom needs a check up. I want to make sure it's working properly.ö
ôI'm still not sure about this. Why am I here?ö she snapped at him with a scowl on her face. Her features softened a little. ôAre...are they all right? Rei, Ami, Makoto, and Minako?ö
ôYou should ask them when you see them. You can trust me that far at least. We're on the same side after all.ö He turned towards the doors to the office. ôCome on. We'll take my car. I'm in no condition to go swinging around.ö
ôWhere are we going?ö snapped the girl. ôI...I told you I don't trust you.ö
ôBack to where your friend came from,ö replied the boy. ôWe...never got along very well. Not even then. You always were a bone headed ditz. Mom's favorite. I suppose that was to be expected with what I did.ö
Kei and Mei Lin looked confused. Neither one said anything though.
Usagi frowned at him. ôWhat was that? What did you do?ö
He shrugged. ôI'm not sure. I know it was something though. I really got under her skin, and you were on her side.ö He chuckled at that. ôI remember her scowl seeing your face now. She wasn't happy with me. Of course, she wasn't happy with you and your boyfriend either. It was forbidden, and he's still the same flaky jerk he was before.ö
ôWhat? How dare you?ö snapped the girl as her clothes went black.
ôStrange...how little has changed,ö he muttered. ôCome on then.ö
ôWhere are we going?ö snapped the irate looking girl as her clothes morphed back into place. She jogged after him. ôSlow down you jerk! What the hell are you talking about?ö
ôMy, you sure have gotten colorful,ö commented the boy as he walked out into the secretary's office.
ôShut up. It's partly your fault you know!ö snapped Usagi as she stalked after him.
ôTh...that thing?ö muttered the Chinese girl in shock.
Kei didn't look pleased. She'd had a run in with Venom as well. ôI see. I remember that thing. What's he doing with it?ö
ôSeems like they've joined forces,ö said Mei Lin. ôI think.ö She didn't look very sure about it.
The kunoichi got a sort of lost look on her face and an odd smile. ôYeah. He's got a funny way of doing that.ö
The Chinese girl smiled at her. ôI guess I see what you mean. You were trying to kill him before right?ö
Kei nodded and shrugged. ôYeah. I got over it though.ö
OooOOooOO
Usagi looked around the lab she was standing in. She was wearing a hospital gown and rubbed at her shoulders looking uncomfortable. ôWhat is this? What's going on?ö She'd just been put through what appeared to be a cat scan machine. It was a bit more complex than that. Her voice was a bit above a whisper and the scar on her neck wasn't hidden.
She gasped and looked at the large glass vat filled with black fluid. ôWhat is this? What are you doing? You said...ö
ôI said we needed to do some diagnostic tests, and I wasn't talking about just you. Relax, we're not hurting it. It's valuable, and performing the way it was intended now.ö Tony was standing nearby and looking on as machines moved around the unit's container. ôCalm down.ö
ôYou'll give it back?ö she glared at him and looked uncomfortable.
He was chewing on a straw and glanced at her. ôNope.ö
ôWhat?ö she croaked as her eyes went wide.
ôWhat is this?ö muttered one of the men looking at data on one of the computers near to the machine she'd just been pulled out of.
ôYou said...' started Usagi as she lunged at him with her fingers clawed.
He grabbed her wrists and held her back with ease. ôI said we wouldn't destroy it. We're not going too. It's not yours though. Besides, you're useless like that. I wouldn't leave you that way, and it's too late to try and train you up like your friends. We don't have time for that. Relax would you?ö
ôRelax? You tricked me!ö she snarled at him. The girl was pissed and pushed away from him. Her eyes looked panicked and afraid.
ôI didn't,ö he responded. ôShut up and pay attention.ö
ôMr. Stark. This is very strange,ö said the man by the computer.
The boy smirked and walked over. Usagi moved behind him glaring daggers at his back. ôYou...you asshole.ö He put his hand back and kept her at bay by pushing against her chest.
ôCalm down,ö said one of the scientists as he approached. ôThe Unit is fine. It's a computer anyway. It doesn't feel anything.ö
The girl frowned at him. ôYou're wrong. It...it's my friend.ö
He backed off and Tony put her in a headlock. She looked up and struggled for a moment before the scan caught her attention. It looked like there was something in her chest. It was next to her heart between her lungs. About the size of a small rice ball. ôWhat? What is this?ö
ôJust what we needed,ö replied Tony. ôShut up. I told you already. You'll be fine. We need Sailor Moon, and I think Venom was blocking it somehow. Not just by raising your aggression either. I'm still not sure if you can transform, but I've got a way around it.ö
ôWhat are you talking about? Give it back you jerk!ö she struggled and he let her go. She staggered, but managed to keep her feet without bumping into anything.
ôQuit being a brat. Come on.ö He motioned for her to follow. ôFitsuki, we're going below. It's finished right?ö
ôHuh?ö said the man dumbly. ôWell, yes, but...we don't have...ö
Tony smirked at him. ôYeah, we do.ö He pointed at the screen he was just looking at. ôRight there.ö He grabbed the girl by her wrist and pulled her along. ôJust come on will you? I've got something to show you. You'll like this.ö
ôWhat? You lied to me! I'll kick your butt!ö snapped the angry girl.
ôWhat got into you? Never mind.ö He sighed and pulled her to an elevator.
She crossed her arms and stood in the corner pouting. ôWhere are we going? Tell me you lying jerk! I'm gonna steal back my friend and escape! Just you watch!ö
He rolled his eyes as the doors closed. A moment later they were in another lab. In the middle of the room was a sealed container of some sort.
Usagi looked around. There was no one else in the room. Tony pressed a button on the wall. ôHey. Get that interface loaded would you?ö
ôNow?ö muttered a confused voice from the other side.
ôYeah. Now,ö he replied as he pushed it again. ôLet me know when it's done.ö
Lights began to come on in the room. The computers on the wall started humming with activity. ôWhat is this? What are you doing?ö
Tony glanced back at her. ôThis is Venom Mark II.ö
The girl blinked in surprise. ôHuh?ö The room was humming with activity. ôWhat's going on?ö
ôWe're loading your 'friend's' AI into the new Unit,ö said the boy as he glanced back at her. ôI told you. You and your friend will be fine. We're giving you an upgrade.ö
ôWhy didn't you just say so you jerk?ö she hissed. Her throat was getting a little harsh.
ôBecause it was more fun to tease you,ö he responded. ôQuiet down, or you'll lose your voice completely. I told you we need you. There's no time for you to catch up.ö
She scowled at him but went quiet. The room was humming with activity and she stepped towards the container. It was metal, and looked like it was sealed tight. ôIt's...in here?ö
ôYeah. Took us a while to build it.ö He frowned at her. ôIt was expensive too. I could buy half the property in the Nerima ward for what this thing cost.ö
ôYou...planned this?ö she seemed annoyed.
ôKind of. Got the idea a while back from that sword I've got. It's got a lot of magic energy in it.ö He gave her what seemed to be a good natured grin.
She backed away, obviously not trusting it. ôYou're an asshole.ö
The intercom piped up. ôIt's done sir.ö
ôGood,ö said Tony. ôOpen it up.ö
The metal container twisted and shifted away.
Usagi stared with wide eyes. ôWhat...is this?ö It almost looked like a seat of some sort that conformed to the whole body.
ôGet in,ö replied the boy. He pointed at it and moved over to a computer nearby. ôRelax, it's custom fitted to you. I stole some of your clothes from your house to get the measurements right. Even if it's off a little it won't matter, it's partially made from the same stuff your old friend is, so it will conform and fit you even as you grow. Even I can't afford to keep building more of these to keep up with your growth.ö
ôYou what?ö snapped the girl. ôYou...pervert.ö
ôJust shut up and get in,ö he grumbled with an annoyed sigh.
ôWhy should I?ö
ôDo you want to be able to help your friends or not?ö he replied simply. ôJust get in. If I was going to kill you, I'd have done it by now.ö
She looked hesitant, but climbed into the weird seat. ôA...all right.ö She gasped as the area around her began to fold over her body. ôWha...what is this?ö Her voice returned to her as she said it, as the familiar feeling of liquid metal spread across her skin.
The boy spoke to her. ôThere's going to be a moment of discomfort. It's a one time thing.ö
ôOuch!ö cried the girl as she felt a prick on her back. ôWhat was that?ö
ôIt pokes a hole in your back and attaches to your spinal chord. It's how we got around the problems caused by the old interface. We've upgraded Venom to operate that way as well. The patch was a temporary fix. If you hadn't come in it would have run out of power in a week or so and stopped working. You don't ever need to take it off, but if you do for some reason it's going to have to stick you again to reestablish the connection. No worse than a shot right?ö Tony looked on and grinned. ôHow does it feel? Any discomfort? Weakness? Nausea? It fits all right?ö
ôY...yeah. It's fine,ö she replied with a little reservation. ôI can't even feel where it pricked me anymore.ö
ôAll right. Step down now,ö said the boy.
ôWhat? Open this thing up so I can get out,ö said Usagi.
Tony blinked. ôHuh? No. Just step down. Trust me all right? I don't need to open it.ö
The girl grumbled in annoyance and stepped off the platform. Her step had a hefty weight to it, but she adjusted quickly. It wasn't difficult to move, just as easy as the Venom Unit. ôHuh? What is this?ö
ôHave a look,ö replied the boy as he pointed to a nearby full length mirror.
Usagi stared in shock at what she was wearing. It was hotrod red and gold armor. It had feminine curves and two slits for eyes. A computer interface popped up around her face and she lifted her hand up to touch the mask. ôWhoa. Cooooooollll.ö She twisted and looked around at her sides and rear. ôWhat is this?ö
ôI told you, it's Venom Mark II. Iron Moon.ö He smirked at her over her shoulder in the reflection. ôThe interior is liquid metal, but it's not enough to cover your entire body. You can't make a whole outfit with it. It won't cover your whole body anymore, but it will let you keep your voice even without the armor. You could make a shirt with it or something I guess, maybe a hat. You'd be able to alter your face I suppose, but not your whole body anymore.ö
ôI...Iron Moon?ö she said in wonder. She felt so...strong. More than the Venom Unit. She looked at her hand, and there was what looked like white lenses in her palms. They were some sort of metal, but looked a bit like light bulbs. ôHey...what is this?ö There was something similar in the middle of her chest. She noticed they were glowing, and the eyes as well. ôCareful with those, they're repulsors. Sort of like laser beams.ö
ôI've got lasers?ö she gasped.
ôSort of. Relax. I've got some explaining to do before you run off and start messing with it.ö He tapped at the keys on the computer. ôIt's powered by the Silver Imperium Crystal that's hidden in your body. It was created as a way to access that power without removing it from your body.ö
ôHuh?ö muttered the girl. ôCrystal?ö
ôSerenity sealed the crystal inside you. It was to keep it safe and protect it until it was needed. It's best to leave it there. With this, you don't need to take it out to use it. The armor would kill you if you didn't have it inside you. All the power draws are inside of the suit, and it's using the energy to power itself. It shouldn't stop you from transforming into a Senshi either. Though, you probably don't need to anymore anyway. It's connected to your spinal chord, but there are a few tendrils that touch the crystal as well. The other draws just augment it a little.ö
ôWait. What? Y...you tested this thing right?ö she sounded nervous.
He cocked his head and crossed his arms. ôWell...you're the first person to wear it, but yeah. We tested it. Used that sword I've got to figure out how to draw out magical energy. Kind of a pain, but if it wasn't working, you'd be dead by now. It's set up so that it would eject you before that happened. You're too important to risk, relax.ö He noticed her tense up after he told her she might have died.
She growled a little at that, but didn't say anything about it. ôSo, this is mine then?ö
ôWell, it was made for you. Technically I still own it. It's yours though. No one else could use it anyway. Not even me. I took advantage of the situation you're in when we designed it.ö Tony shrugged. ôCome on. Let's get topside so you can stretch your legs a little.ö
Once they reached the upper floor they were surrounded by gawking scientists. ôIt works...ö muttered one of them in shock.
ôYou weren't sure?ö she cried in annoyance.
ôThey're skeptical of magical things. They're scientists, don't worry about it.ö Tony put his finger in his ear and twisted it. ôHold on. I've got a pickup to make.ö
Usagi turned her head as he walked over to the vat of black liquid.
Tony looked at the only woman in the room. ôOpen it up.ö
She gasped. ôUm sir? Are you sure? We've finished the diagnostics, but...ö
ôJust do it. It's working like it should, right?ö
She arched her eyebrow and cocked her head. ôYes, Mr. Stark.ö She typed in a password and the top half of the vat slid open. Tony stuck his arm into it, and the black fluid inside slid onto his body. ôCool,ö he said simply.
ôHuh? I thought you said you put it's mind in here?ö said Usagi. The interface was familiar to her, and the feeling of the unit was still the same. ôYou're the same as before. I mean, they...ö
ôWe copied it,ö said Tony as his clothes formed. ôIt's a computer program. It's exactly the same information that's in this one. We didn't need to erase it from this Unit to use it in that one. We just duplicated what was in it's memory and transfered that. It would be a waste to erase all the information it's acquired since it's been with you and start from scratch.ö
ôOh,ö said the girl in confusion. ôThen, this isn't the same as...ö
ôWell, it is actually. Everything up to the moment of transfer. I've got other uses for this one,ö he replied simply. ôI own this facility, and you'll need to come in to make sure it's maintained. They're machines, and they'll need maintenance from time to time.ö
She looked at her hands and nodded. ôSo...um...how do I?ö
ôOutside before you start blasting things. Come on.ö He waved for her to follow.
A few moments later, they were standing in the open wilderness just outside the facility. They were in a field with several trees in the distance.
Tony had his hands behind his back. His injuries were already almost gone. ôHmm. Convenient that.ö
ôWhat?ö said Usagi.
ôNothing.ö She shrieked. It sounded like he was right next to her. ôRelax. It's the communications system. I can talk to you directly.ö
She frowned at that. ôHuh?ö
ôYou can pick up signals in these things remember?ö he responded. ôNow, point your hand, the suit has built in instructions. I'm sure you can figure out the rest.ö
Usagi looked at the screen in front of her eyes and frowned. The readout was simple enough, and she could feel buttons on the tips of her fingers. ôOh. I see.ö She pressed the correct ones with pressure from the tips of her fingers. It took a few tries to figure out how, because the fingers moved with her own. She had to stretch her fingers out to do it. It was a little weird, but after she managed it, a white beam of light shot from her hand and turned a nearby hunk of stone into several smaller rocks that were smoking a bit. ôCooooollll! I'm a walking tank!ö
ôJet actually,ö replied Tony.
ôHuh?ö said the girl in confusion. ôWait...you mean this thing flies?!ö
ôYeah. There are repulsors in your feet as well, and on your back. The ones on your hand are for steering.ö Tony gave a small sigh. ôI'm a bit nervous about giving you something like this...but...ö
The girl had quickly called up the instructions. As soon as she figured it out, she blasted off the ground and into the air. She screamed with excitement as she roared into the sky like a rocket. ôWheeeeeee!ö
Tony smirked despite himself. ôMan. I hope this was a good idea.ö
ôKick ass!ö cried Usagi over the communications system. ôI should find Mamoru! How high can I go? This thing doesn't run of gas or anything? Is it bulletproof? How fast does it go? Am I really strong? How much can I lift with this thing?ö
ôDon't go to high. The unit can filter oxygen from water and act as a gas mask, but if the air is too thin you won't be able to breathe. There's a warning that will flash if the oxygen levels are getting to low. Yes, it's bullet proof. No, it won't run out of power, the Silver Imperium Crystal is some sort of infinite energy generator. We don't know how fast it goes yet, you're the first one to wear it. We don't know how much you can lift. We'll be testing all that later, but I figure you've had enough of the lab for today.ö Tony gave a small sigh. ôCome back would you? We're done here, but I said I'd take you to meet your friends. You can find your boyfriend later.ö He was a bit annoyed, and didn't like the idea of Mamoru touching it. Still, he supposed it couldn't be helped. That didn't make it any less annoying to think about.
Usagi flew down to the ground and hovered above it before setting down. ôNeat. It lands itself too?ö
Tony nodded. ôYes. I knew better than to trust you with a landing. You're likely to have planted your face into the dirt, and even wearing that you could get hurt that way.ö
ôWhat's that supposed to mean?ö snapped Usagi. She pointed her hand at you. ôI ought to blast you!ö
ôYou can't,ö he responded. ôDo you really think I'm stupid enough to give you something you could attack me with? It's programed so it won't hurt me, just like Venom was after I patched it.ö
She stomped her foot and balled up her fists. ôNo fair!ö
ôShut up and come on,ö replied the boy. ôI've got to show you how to break it down for when you're not using it. You can't just spend forever like that you know. You're going to need a change of clothes first, otherwise you'll be half naked. I told you already there's not enough of the liquid metal to cover you up all the way. That stuff cost more than you think. The armor and computer systems was expensive, but the liquid metal is half the cost of that thing. It's a superior unit because of the extra features, but it's actually cheaper than Venom is.ö
They went back into the building and came out a few moments later. Usagi's shirt was made of the metal material, and she was wearing a pair of blue jeans. The armor itself was folded up and disguised as what appeared to be a pretty compact back pack. It even had working pockets. The exterior was more of the liquid metal used to hide what it really was. The armor was made up of what Tony had called memory metal. It could actually fold up into a very compact size, yet was still stronger than almost any other known metal. Even adamantium would have difficulty scratching it.
ôThis is so coooool!ö squealed Usagi. ôI still haven't forgiven you for being a jerk, but I guess I should say thank you.ö She shifted her eyes away from him and frowned a bit.
ôYeah, yeah. Let's just go,ö he replied irritably. Usagi had control of how her new 'backpack' appeared, and it was annoying seeing the high tech armor look like a pink Hello Kitty backpack.
OooOOooOO
cont...
