Author: Alex Williams | Banner: Andrew Sudomerski

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Aftermath Perspectives
Chapter 2: A Deal with the Devil
Chapter 3: Adjusting to Life
Chapter 4: Ultraman Ace and Mefilas vs. Vakishim
Chapter 5: Ambush!
Chapter 6: Just Stop!
Chapter 7: The Runaways and the Rider
Chapter 8: Ultraman Ace vs. Ultraman Jack
Chapter 9: The Calm Before the Storm
Chapter 10: All Out Assault
Chapter 11: We Can Be Better
Chapter 12: “Want to know something?”

[Continued from Match 468]

Chapter 1: Aftermath Perspectives

The Ultra awoke to find himself in a dark abyss, seeing streaks of red across the blackened sky. He scanned the area, barely taking note of the orange hue creeping up on him, their flames scouring the land. 

“Where… am I?” Ace questioned, rubbing his eyes, as his mind was slowly coming back together. 

Screams were heard, slightly startling the Ultra. He jumped around to see shuttles preparing to launch before blobs with glaring red eyes destroyed them with their crimson beams. Ace instinctively reared back, flashing his arms forward only to realize he wasn’t present for the battle.

Instead, it was far worse.

It was his memory.

“The day my life went to hell,” Ace growled, the dream nudging its way towards him, attempting to plague him. At least, that was his interpretation on why it was presenting itself. 

He saw it all.

The seconds leading to the moment he snapped.

Deathla gurgled in laughter, basking in their failure as it watched them observe the remains of the shuttles raining down on them. He saw what befell him before, the despair inflicted upon them, realizing their mission had been a failure. 

All because of one man.

Ace watched his past bolting towards Jack, ramming his foot against his ribcage, shattering it in an instant. The Present couldn’t help but watch the display of his younger self brutalize the man he hated most of all. Sympathy was not present. 

“It’s your fault this happened!” the past screamed at the top of his lungs, feeling fire raging through his entire body. Both versions of Ace felt it, the pure hatred for not only failing the mission or even causing an entire race to be doomed, but to allow his brother to be on death’s door.

Blue energy erupted from his body, electricity striking every body of Jack’s, searing his skin and forcing him to scream continuously. Jack’s body was writhing around from each volt as the present kept his eyes laser focused on it.

“Keep doing it!” Ace screamed at his past torturing the Ultra who sent Taro to his death as his hand twitched violently. He wanted to take his past’s place, to commit the deed of making Jack suffer for what he did. His parents were taken from him, and he would not allow some worthless runt to take his brother from him now. 

“Don’t act so innocent yourself, you sack of shit!” a demonic-like voice echoed through Ace’s mind, causing him to jump in shock.

“What?” Ace stammered before composing himself, raising his fists up. “Show yourself!” 

“You can’t fight me!” the voice boomed yet again, following it up with a giggle. “I own you and always will!” 

“We’ll see about that!” Ace growled, placing his hands together, intending to unleash his beam at the unseen foe. 

“See if you can fight your past first!” the voice cackled, as everything around him started going in reverse, almost as if someone was hitting rewind until a critical moment of Jack handing Taro to his past. 

“At the cost of the mission?!” the Past screamed at Jack, furious at what the Ultra did during the mission. 

The Present felt himself at a loss, his throat clogged. Ace’s hands soon faltered, realizing what he meant when his past screamed that out. He took the mission far more seriously than the life of his brother, despite loving him dearly. 

“Ah!” the voice creeped around, almost as if it was hovering over Ace’s shoulders, smirking at him. Ace’s head lowered down while his hands finally dropped to his sides as it could only tell how many thoughts were rushing to his head. “Already through your defenses, eh? My, my. For being so full of himself, I thought you would at least last longer than…. Jack, perhaps?”

Ace lashed out, screaming at the top of his lungs, firing a Metalium Beam at the disembodied voice. The seemingly present being cackled as Ace pounced on it, striking it several times with his fists, going at it for an eternity. 

The Ultra roared once again, throwing himself down at the voice getting lower and lower to ground as he sent his fists nonstop at it. He smirked when he felt his fists finally hitting something as he pulled through the darkness and reached out. 

To his shock, it was Jack!

His broken face staring at him, his eyes barely lit up. Ace was more shocked than excited or even angry, confused at how Jack was with him right now. The broken Ultra attempted to reach up and murmured, “I’m sorry….. For everything.”

Ace felt himself at odds, feeling a harsh chill wind hit him as he dropped Jack’s body. The enjoyment of striking Jack, one of the people he hated the most, was gone. There was nothing to it until the voice started cackling again. 

The Ultra’s head darted around, attempting to find the source once more as it seemingly hung about his shoulder. 

“Check again…..” the voice hummed.

Ace screamed as he reached through the ground and pulled the body back only to find himself. Ace nearly jumped back at the horror of his broken, decomposing body staring back at him. One eye torn out as half of his head was burnt in flames while his color timer beat nonstop. 

The noise was ear piercing, causing his ears to ring while he murmured in pain. 

The cackle was heard again. 

Ace relinquished his grasp on the body before huddling down, his arms wrapping around his torso. The Ultra’s knees were shot as he cried out in pure agony while the voice leaned down next to him, slightly caressing him on the cheek.

“Figured you out……” the voice hummed, caressing the top of his head like a mother would do to her newborn. “You don’t hate Jack.”

“No!” Ace panicked, realizing the voice knew his secret, his flaw he kept hidden from everyone. He attempted to reach out, but the voice backed away only to mock him even further. 

“You hate….”

“NO!” Ace shouted, throwing his arms out when he found his entire world change in a moment’s notice. The dark dying world of M Space Hunter Nebula, but the comfort of Ayame and Mitsuko’s apartment. 

He felt his chest racing rapidly, trying to piece together what exactly happened to him, only to realize his hosts were watching. Ace wanted to snap at them, for seeing him in such a weakened state. But upon closer inspection, he saw the two of them were in no better position than he was.

Then, after another moment of clarity, he couldn’t scream at Mitsuko. Despite that horrific nightmare, he, as much as he didn’t want to admit it even further, he cared for her.

“This garbage planet,” Ace mentally growled to himself.

“Are you okay, Ace?” Mitsuko asked, placing her hands together, as she walked towards him. 

“No,” Ace murmured, feeling his entire body still aching from the fight, forcing himself to take another breath. “But thanks for asking; I appreciate it.”

“I’m just glad you’re alright,” she breathed, relief washing over to see her newfound friend coming back around. Most people like her partner would hate him, but she saw the kindness in him, the person he could be. He just needed to see it for himself.

“That’s a first,” Ayame remarked, hanging her back against the wall, all the while Ace slightly glared at her. The TAC soldier smiled softly at him. “But it’s good you’re back, I’m gonna need your help in killing my boss.”

“Your boss?” Ace almost snorted out in confusion, trying to remember when Ayame’s boss angered her in any way.

“You really don’t remember, huh?” Ayame asked, taking her back off the wall, approaching him.

“No, that asshole Mefilas brutalized me while monologing about his bullshit!” Ace exclaimed, beyond furious at how he could defeat an Iron Fortress like Gabora, but could lose to a scrawny alien Mefilas. “So forgive me if I don’t remember the whole fight.”

“Well, my boss is whatever this Mefilas is,” Ayame confirmed, furious at how someone she trusted betrayed her in an instant. “So, unless we want to storm TAC headquarters ourselves, we’re screwed.” 

The TAC soldier raised her hand up to her face, rubbing it as she hated the situation she was in. Her job, her livelihood, even her family is all out stake. Any wrong move and it could all be vaporized.

Mitsuko glanced at her partner and felt it all. The pain and confliction coursing through her body as she had no idea what to do. She looked back at her Ultra and knew the only thing she could do was continue to fill him in. 

“Ace…. for now it’s best if we tell you everything,” Mitsuko reasoned, inching herself closer to the Ultra. “That way we may be able to think of something.”

Ace simply shook his head, preparing himself to listen to her recap when an important person came to mind. He nearly jumped and exclaimed, “Z! Where is he!?”

His heart raced a mile a minute, desperately trying to find out where he was. He last remembered face first into the rubble, not knowing if he was still alive or not. The Ultra attempted to rummage through the entire area, but a small clap got his attention.

Mitsuko smiled at the Ultra, taking one step in front of him, raising her hand just above his arm. Her warm, soothing voice brought a calming effect onto him, cascading him with serenity. “Z’s okay. He’s with Chiharu on the roof.”

Ace lifted his head up slightly, feeling relieved at Z’s survival. Yet, everything else in the past few minutes made him feel hollow.

Worthless.

***

“There,” Mefilas spoke, looking down at a huge plot of land hollowed. He glanced over at almost a hillside’s worth of dirt sitting next to him. The Seijin exhaled, feeling tired from the manual labor he set upon himself.

Mefilas rolled his shoulders, hunching himself over ever so slightly to relax the muscles in his body. He turned his head over to the motionless body of Gabora, one of his beloved pets. The Seijin knelt down beside him and rubbed his hand over his side. 

He hung his head down, closing his eyes just for a moment. “I am so sorry, my friend.”

Mefilas caressed his hand upwards, rubbing his beige head, feeling the cracks over it. He glanced over to his head nearly split open and the ruined upper parts of his drill. “Your loss is regrettable and no one could ever take your place, but we are so close to peace.”

He felt something rub up against his free arm, as Mefilas turned over to see Neronga gently pressed up against him. The Seijin chuckled at the display of affection and moved his hand over Neronga’s head. He moved his hand across every part of his pet’s head as Neronga murmured with delight, feeling comfort with his owner despite the death of his brother.

Neronga looked up at Mefilas, the night sky shining behind him as the stars barely lit them up. “I know it’s a terrible moment, but it’ll soon pass us over and will be nothing but a bad memory.”

Mefilas got back up and began pushing the corpse of Gabora into the hole as Neronga stood in front of him. The Seijin paused, confused at what Neronga was trying to do. He stood by while Neronga marched over to Gabora, looking its ruined face straight in the sockets. The electric beast gently placed his head against his brother’s and closed his eyes. 

Neronga opened his eyes and backed away, looking up at Mefilas, seemingly motioning to continue with the burial. “I understand wanting to say goodbye.”

Mefilas gently pushed the body into the hole as he moved over to the hill level height of dirt. The Seijin began pushing it back into the hole, covering the body of his dear friend. “Funerals, one of my least favorite events.”

***

Chiharu stretched across a folding chair, looking up at the clear night sky. The stars shone down on him while he kept his gaze on them. Physically, he felt fine, but mentally, the battle left him apprehensive about the future. 

A question lingered in his mind. 

One regarding Z.

“If he died, what would happen to me?”

Scenarios swam through his mind, each making him fearful that even one of them could come to light. 

Would he simply cease to exist if Z died?

Would he be as he was before the merger?

Would he be comatose?

All of them provided him with a path of uncertainty. Something he didn’t think would happen this early, only when he reached adulthood, according to his sister. 

Chiharu sighed.

He didn’t know, only keeping his eyes on the sky above him. 

“Heyo!” an enthusiastic voice called out nearly startling the boy. 

Chiharu turned around to see Z still full of energy as he was jumping around, clearly unphased by the fight. The boy jumped up from his seat and held his hands up, causing the Ultra to cease his celebration. 

He tilted his head in confusion at Chiharu’s change of demeanor. Z had known his host as energetic like himself, feeling almost baffled at why he could only assume he’d want him to stop. 

“Woah!” Z exclaimed, raising his arms up, matching his host’s behavior. “What’s the big deal? I thought we were having fun?”

“You just got hurt!” Chiharu countered, fear filling his vocal cords at how Z could be up on his feet within a few hours. “Shouldn’t you be resting!?”

“Oh!” Z yelped out, the realization settling in. It was familiar to him, at least from what school had taught him, but to Chiharu, it was an entirely new thing. It was something he had to be mindful of going forward even if he didn’t think of it as a major deal. Z rubbed his chin, smiling back at the boy. “Give us a couple of hours and we’ll be good as new!”

Despite his concerns over Z, he couldn’t help but smile back at his friend. Something about him made him feel at ease, he couldn’t describe it. He felt a siblingly connection to the Ultra, one that was very similar to his own relationship with Ayame. 

“It’s good you’re okay, Z,” Chiharu murmured, turning to take a seat back on his recliner. 

The Ultra took a few steps forward, standing next to the piece of furniture, watching outwards. Within seconds, he pieced it together. Z figured Chiharu was out here for some peace of mind after the conflict.

The fight was intense, he couldn’t deny that, as he took a deep breath remembering the outcome. He was nearly out of it when Mefilas revealed himself, but still prided himself in being able to stand toe to toe with a kaiju Lipiah once fought. 

Z knew he and his father lost today, but vowed to get stronger before that day came. He just needed Ace to help him with it as his smile lowered slightly, as his curiosity peaked his mind. Z wondered how his dad was taking all of this, knowing he was at least unhappy about the outcome.

“Hey, Z?” Chiharu asked, shaking Z out of his thoughts and turning his attention to the boy. 

“What’s up?” Z replied, kneeling next to his friend. 

“Your dad… my sister’s Ultra…” Chiharu trailed, twiddling his fingers together, hearing the arguments she had with Ace, with concern washing over him. He had to know, to know from the person who was a part of his family, what the senior Ultra was like. “What is Ace like? At least how do you view him?”

Z paused, contemplating on what to say. He wanted to say Ace was one of the kindest people he knew, but heard the stories and even witnessed how he treated certain people. He loved his father dearly, but to fabricate it with a glowing review was a complete disservice to his newfound friends.

“Ace…. my dad is someone a lot of people dislike for reasons I can’t fully comprehend, but….” Z paused, trying to compose himself on how he exactly wanted to word his answer. “However, despite that, he always made sure both my moms and I were taken care of..” 

“Huh….” Chiharu simply replied, rubbing his hands together. “Sounds a little similar to Ayame.”

“I can only imagine,” Z murmured. 

“Some people think she’s too rude, but when it comes to me and Mitsuko, she’s the greatest person around. Like, she could do no wrong.” Chiharu relayed, feeling a smile grow on his face. “Especially when she surprises us with Niku Udon and mochi ice cream!”

Z breathed out.

The entirety of the night sky was replaced with a viridescent light, causing Chiharu to nearly jump out of his chair. 

“What the heck!?” Chiharu gasped, astonished at the very world changing around him. 

“Don’t worry!”  Zett chuckled while the roof they were standing on morphed into a grassy field. “I wanna show you something.”

The boy calmed himself, allowing himself to rest back in his chair while the whole display was reminiscent of a laser light show. Within the memory several other beings similar to Zett and Ace materialized, all focusing on pointing their heads to the sky. 

With the dark green sky, purple bodies of icy shot through, cascading past the Land of Light. Their bright figures shone, casting zones of violet light all around the Ultras.

Like the Ultras of the past, Chiharu couldn’t help but be enthralled by its beauty. The child got up from his chair and observed the phenomenon closely. Without turning his head, he had to know what kind of event he was witnessing. 

“Oshira’s comets,” a voice belonging to Ace spoke with excitement, something Chiharu found immediately uncharacteristic. He snapped his head around, expecting to find Ace coming in, only to realize it was a version of him from the past when he saw a smaller form of Zett.

“Wow!” the younger Zett ushered with wonder in his voice, mesmerized by the comets sailing above them. “They’re amazing!”

The past version of Ace chuckled at the boy’s enthusiasm. “So amazing they only show up every sixty-six thousand years.”

Z’s past self turned around and up at his father with concern in his face. “Why do they take so long to come back?”

“Because I yell at them too much,” Ace joked, catching Z’s younger self by surprise before laughing at his joke. “But I’m no scientist, your moms will have a better answer to that.”

“It’s beautiful,” Zett chimed in, turning his attention back to the comets once again. He wrapped his hand around Ace’s hand, causing a slight jerk in the older Ultra. “I’m glad you’re spending time with me out here.”

Ace turned his head down at Zett, giving him a small smile before turning back up. “Me, too, kid.”

The green and purple filled sky vanished and was replaced with the regular night atmosphere. Zett chuckled fondly from the memory he presented to his friend “Only sixty-three thousand more years left to go.”

“That much more to go?” Chiharu inquired, feeling a small realization settle in his body. “How long do you guys live for?”

“Hmm……” Zett pondered, placing his fist under his chin, desperately trying to remember the teachings from his days at school. “I believe the oldest is a little over three hundred thousand years old.”

“Yikes!” Chiharu exclaimed, feeling extremely nervous about his friend outliving him over several lifetimes. 

“Eeyup!” Zett exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “Still a long way to go, though!”

“Will you still remember our conversations by that time?” Chiharu asked worriedly, knowing he can not live alongside his friend for long, but hoped he would never be forgotten.

Zett looked down at his friend, concerned about washing over him and could even swore he saw his eyes welling up. Ultraman Z lowered his hand down to comfort the boy, “How can I ever when you told me about water parks?”

Chiharu laughed at Zett’s remark, feeling himself be more at ease. He laid back down on the recliner, turning his attention back to the Earth sky. “You know? I think we’ll do okay for now.”

“For now?” Zett asked, almost shocked by the declaration as he continued to smile. “We’ll always do okay.”

“Yeah, we will,” Chiharu concurred, wanting to watch the life above him for as long as he could before he drifted off to sleep, knowing full well Ayame would bring him back in. The memory of both Zett’s night and his will be enough to bring him peace.

 

Chapter 2: A Deal with the Devil

TAC Headquarters. 

A place she had come to dread.

Ayame’s hand twitched as she looked up at the white and blue building. She hated having to come here, knowing her superior, a man she could have trusted was nothing more than a Seijin wanting to take over the world. 

It made her want to storm through the building and execute Mefilas on the spot, but knew she couldn’t and wouldn’t on principle. Ayame figured Mefilas would have some trick up his sleeve while the rest of TAC would likely open fire on her before she could get the chance to expose the Seijin.

Then, there was the possibility Mitsuko would be hurt in the crossfire. Ayame gritted her teeth, she hated having to bring her with her, to put her in this situation over the ominous threat Mefilas presented. Especially how he wanted both of them to meet him.

She hated it so much, she hated putting her partner in danger. 

Ayame felt herself staggering, as if she was trying to fight herself on entering the building. She wanted to break free and run away with both Mitsuko and Chiharu, to a place where no one could find them.

A place where they can live in peace.

With a light touch against her hand, Ayame glanced up to see Mitsuko looking back at her with that beautiful smile. The TAC soldier felt herself slightly at ease, as that smile and touch were all she needed to remain on task. 

“It’s okay, Ayame,” Mitsuko murmured, placing herself right next to her partner, keeping her grip soft but firm. “We’ll just listen to what he has to say and hope that’ll be the end of it.”

Ayame nodded. She wanted to argue back, knowing it won’t be as simple, however, Mitsuko’s presence overwhelmed that urge. The TAC soldier cleared her throat. “Right. We’ll just listen to what he has to say.”

The two walked in, keeping each other close as they saw several of Ayame’s comrades preoccupied with their respective tasks. Both Ayame and Mitsuko kept their distance, providing small smiles to whoever passed them as they made their way over to the command center.

Noriko Mikawa typed away at the console, monitoring each of the TAC stations, ensuring there were no anomalies detected. She blinked before taking her eyes off the screen to rest them when she saw Ayame walking in. 

The communications specialist smiled and waved. “Ayame! It’s good to see you!”

Ayame smiled and offered a small wave as Noriko got up from her chair and briefly stretched. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”

The TAC soldier shrugged her shoulders. “I didn’t either, but the….. Captain requested a meeting.”

“Oh?” Mikawa questioned, raising her eyebrows. “A promotion, raise? I could use one of those, and get a better apartment.”

“No idea,” Ayame murmured, still dreading the upcoming conversation with the Seijin, but kept herself as composed as she could be around her co-worker.

Noriko took her eyes off of Ayame and towards Mitsuko, realizing she had never seen the nurse before. Then, like a lightbulb turning on, she held out her hand towards Mitsuko. “I don’t think I’ve seen you before! Noriko Mikawa.”

Mitsuko chuckled as she took the woman’s hand and shook it. “Mitsuko.”

“Are you applying to be a TAC soldier?” Noriko inquired, causing Mitsuko’s eyes to widen as Ayame nearly jolted back. 

“Oh no!” Mitsuko chuckled, waving her hands dismissively. “I’m just here to have a little chat with your Captain after our dinner…. session….. prematurely ended.”

“Nice save,” Ace commented, earning him the ire of Ayame, who gave him a cold blooded stare. 

Mitsuko chuckled nervously from the lie she made up while rubbing the back of her neck. She started to really understand why Ayame was so nervous about all of this. As nice as it was to get a glimmer of what her partner’s work life was like, she wished it was under different circumstances. Noriko seemed nice enough, but lying right off the bat was something she wasn’t comfortable with. 

“Ohta!” a voice belonging to Ichiro Yamanaka echoed out, causing Ayame and Mitsuko to turn their heads, as they watched him approach them. “Captain wants to see you now.”

Ayame nodded her head. “As he should.”

The two turned to take their leave before Noriko expressed her enthusiasm. “It’s good to see you again Ayame, and it’s great to meet you Mitsuko.”

Ayame kept her attention towards the door of Mefilas’ office while Mitsuko turned back and waved, a false smile plastered on her face. 

Goro looked away from his station and towards the door seeing the couple enter his office. He grinned at them, feeling overjoyed at the arrival. 

“Aw! Two of my favorite people on this planet!” Goro vocalized, his vocal cords vibrating with every word spoken. “Come, sit.”

“Piss off,” Ayame growled, slamming down on the seat, even if it killed her to listen to an order from him. 

Goro lifted his hands up defensively, shrinking his lips in shock at his subordinate’s behavior. “I thought we’d get off on a strong start.”

“Apologies,” Mitsuko simply murmured, placing her hands together and facing them downwards. She glanced over to her partner and gave her a small glare, motioning for her to dial it back. Ayame rolled her eyes, as she let out a defeated sigh.

The TAC captain chuckled, loving the couple’s interaction despite knowing they were in no mood for pleasantries. He set his elbows on the desk, tapping his fingers together, “I was hoping we’d have an icebreaker, but I suppose we can discuss the situation at hand.”

“Just say the word and I can vaporize him in an instant,” Ace firmly suggested, materializing right between his two hosts and glared at the figure on the opposite side of the table. 

Mitsuko slightly glanced over and nodded her head, signifying for him to hold. Mefilas tapped his index fingers and turned his attention to Mitsuko. “Ah, I can tell our friend is getting excited. I’m curious to hear his thoughts about my little proposal.”

“Let me out!” Ace spat, tightening his fists. “He’s asking for it!”

“No, that won’t be necessary, Mr. Ryu,” Mitsuku humbly said, keeping the peace between all four members in the room. She hated it, even outright disliking the Seijin across from her, but knew it was the only way their little family could be spared. “Please continue with your proposition.”

Mefilas pressed his hands together and pointed them at Mitsuko. “I appreciate your manners, Miss Abe.” He reeled his hands back, eager to get back to the discussion at hand. “This beautiful green and blue planet we all love is on the verge of death.”

“Yeah, so?” Ayame muttered, crossing her arms. “That happens several times a year and we’re able to handle it just fine.”

The TAC captain chuckled once again, finding his subordinate’s responses funny. Her rage and how he’s able to get a reaction out of her, fueled him. Mefilas did genuinely care about Ayame, but her reactions were some of his favorite things about her. “True and true, my good friend, but Yapool is something far different than any of us have ever faced.”

“And you need our help to defend it,” Mitsuko surmised. 

“Correct!” Mefilas grinned, taking a moment to pause. “But you’ll also need my help as well.” 

“Uh-huh,” Ayame muttered, looking him in the eye. “Let me guess, you probably need us to take the brunt of the assault, so you can conquer or destroy the planet however you want. Is that right?”

Mefilas shook his head, slightly disappointed by Ayame not seeing the bigger picture in his plan. “Not at all. I want this to be a partnership.”

He got up from his chair, slightly startling the couple as Ace snapped his head towards them. “Hurry! Let me deal with him!”

His request fell to deaf ears as Mitsuko and Ayame kept their wits as they simply saw him pacing around. “I want the world to see how far it could progress when they see humanity, Ultras and Seijin working together against a common threat! The perfect unity to bring all together in a time of crisis.”

“Seems noble enough… almost admirable….” Mitsuko commended as she was then cut off by Ayame.

“Yeah, until you take the world for yourself,” Ayame countered, not taking her guard down for one second despite Mefilas’ declarations sounding beautiful. 

Mefilas shrugged, smiling back at her. “‘Superior Conception’ has a nice ring to it and you wouldn’t be wrong. I love Earth and her people, but they need a leader to get them on track.”

“Knew it,” Ayame muttered as Ace waved his hand around, motioning for them to relinquish control over to him.

Mitsuko got up from her seat. “And what’s to stop us from entering an alliance with you?”

“Short answer; technically nothing,” Mefilas mouthed, slowly rubbing his hands together. “But it’d be in your best interest to accept this partnership.”

“You’re going to tell everyone we’re bonded with an Ultra?” Ayame guessed, standing up as she placed herself next to Mitsuko, intending to shield her away from the Seijin. 

“You don’t seem to listen, do you?” Mefilas inquired, slightly tilting his head. “Revealing your connections to Ace does more harm than good, at least for my benefit.”

Ayame continued to glare at him, forcing the Seijin to raise his hands up defensively. “But, let me say straight away there will be benefits to this collaboration. Miss Abe, you will be granted membership to TAC, all three of you will be uplifted from your quaint apartment and moved to a beautiful home in the countryside, and whatever you need, all you have to do is ask.”

The perks he spewed out of his mouth ran into their ears. Mitsuko was almost enthralled by his promises, feeling she could do more good out on the field and be closer to her beloved while they’d live more comfortable lives. 

Ayame, on the other hand, was still livid at the gall of Mefilas. He nearly killed them alongside Ace and even worse, threatened the lives of Chiharu and Z. She felt every fiber of her being commanding her to scream at the Seijin, but hesitated. 

She looked over to Mitsuko who shook her head while Ace spoke out yet again. 

“Please! Let me do this! Let me vanquish him for what he did to us!” 

Ayame shook her head, realizing her wrath will not do anyone any good, alongside the fact of potentially getting Mitsuko killed. She instead breathed and closed her eyes.

“Fine, we’ll work together.”

“Splendid!” Mefilas exclaimed happily, feeling overjoyed by the newfound partnership. “Everyone will get what they wan….”

“But don’t think I’ll ever consider trusting you,” Ayame cut off her superior, pointing directly at him. “I’ll be watching you the whole time to make sure you’re good on your promises.” 

The TAC captain chuckled at her threat, feeling almost enamoured at how much she cares about this little proposal of theirs. He will have to do the same for her, as Ayame is known to be reckless and will not stand for any doublecross whatsoever. 

“I look forward to all of us working together.”

***

“You know you’ll regret not letting me out here and now, right?” Ace spat.

“So?” Ayame muttered, walking over to the breakroom, with Mitsuko following close behind her. “Get in line, I want to rip him in half.”

“All the more reason you should have let me out!” Ace yelled, forcing the two to cover their ears from his ear piercing outburst.

“I wish I could,” Ayame growled, gripping onto the fridge before nearly ripping the handle off. She snatched a bottle of water and chugged it while Mitsuko watched her worriedly. “But unfortunately, he could have several tricks up his sleeve ranging from annoying the shit out of me further or blowing up the entire goddamn planet.”

“Ayame….” Mitsuko cooed, placing her hand over her partner’s before smiling at her. “It sucks. I know, but we just need to go along with him until the three of us can find a way to undermine him.”

The TAC soldier chuckled at her comment, feeling the usual relief washing down on her. Ayame was ecstatic that she had someone who could bring her back no matter the situation. She gripped Mitsuko’s hand and said “I like the way you think, Mi.”

“If her way of thinking is so good, then we’re glad she’s on the team,” Yoshimura complimented, nearly startling the two. 

The couple turned to see Konno and Mikawa standing alongside Yoshimura, all of them smiling at the two. The display slightly frightened Ayame while Mitsuko was dumbfounded by their sudden happiness. 

“Seems like they’re about to kill you,” Ace pointed out, glancing back at them still smiling before turning back to his hosts. “Sure you don’t want me to come out?”

Ayame swiped her hands in disgust. “No.”

The TAC soldier stepped forward, placing herself in front of Mitsuko, addressing her comrades. “What seems to be the problem?”

“We just wanted to check on the new member of our little team,” Konno spoke up, giving a small wave to the girl behind. Mitsuko returned to the gesture by waving her hand at new co-worker.

“That makes sense…” Ayame trailed, feeling slightly more relaxed at the revelation as she stepped out of the way, allowing Mitsuko to fully see her new comrades. Yet, something puzzled her by the sudden reveal. 

“It’ll be good working with all of you,” Mitsuko accepted happily, bowing in front of the three while the TAC soldiers did the same. 

“If you can keep us in the fight, you’ll be bound to be ‘Trouble Maker’ of the month!” Yoshimura enthusiastically called out.

“‘Trouble Maker’ of the month?” Mitsuko giggled, already in love with the group’s enthusiasm and eager to learn more about their little traditions. “What’s that exactly?”

Mikawa stepped forward. “It’s whoever causes the Terrible Monsters the most trouble, either by doing the most damage to them or making sure we’re still standing to continue the fight.”

Mitsuko smiled back at her partner, lightly wrapping her arm around her back. “Ayame, you never told me about that little tradition. It’s so cute.”

Ayame rolled her eyes. “It just never came up.”

“But she won it at least three times!” Konno pointed out, smiling at his co-worker’s accomplishment.

Mitsuko snapped her head back to her partner, slightly glaring at her. “Why didn’t you tell me about that? It’s a great thing to achieve.”

“I…. I di….”Ayame stumbled between her words because she didn’t want to cause a scene between her, Mitsuko, and her co-workers. She didn’t care about the empty title or recognition, it was just ‘bullshit’ to her. But Ayame also knew how much it meant to the others, particularly with morale. She went to fabricate a half-assed answer, but remembered something that puzzled her just minutes ago. “Wait, how did the three of you know Mitsuko joined TAC?”

“Oh….” Yoshimura murmured, scratching the back of his head. “Goro messaged us a few minutes ago, probably after your little meeting with him.”

Ayame’s fists tightened, but ceased relatively quickly, realizing this was the least offensive thing the Seijin had done. She sighed before patting Mitsuko on the back. “She’ll do extremely well here and even win the… ‘Trouble Maker’ award.”

“Woo!” Konno cheered, clapping his hands at the declaration. 

“Let’s get you some Choju to blow up!” Mikawa vocalized, adding on to the enthusiasm.

“Wait!” Yoshimura uttered, putting his arms out in front of his two friends. “We have to celebrate first!”

“Yes!” Mikawa gasped, pausing as she then slammed her hands down repeatedly through the air, eliciting out a chant. “Drinks! Drinks! Drinks!”

“Drinks! Drinks!” Konno and Yoshimura soon joined in as Ayame and Mitsuko eyed each other. 

Mitsuko shrugged her shoulders before leaning her on Ayame’s own shoulder. “It’ll at least help us unwind.”

“Drink the day away,” Ayame murmured, finding the route of being blackout drunk more and more appealing as this day went on.

 

Chapter 3: Adjusting to Life

Drinks were filled and bellies were full of the delicious sushi. Ayame had her arm around Mitsuko’s shoulder while she rested her head against her chest. “I’ve been dying…. To know…” Konno said between bites, pointing his chopsticks at the two. “How’d you two meet?”

“Tell us!” Mikawa cheered, putting her glass down. “Ayame never tells us anything.”

Mitsuko elbowed her partner and gave her a shocked expression. Ayame rolled her eyes slightly before Mitsuko turned back with a smile on her face. “It all started when I stepped into this little shop and I heard some shouting.”

“Sounds awfully like a certain someone,” Yamanaka snarked as Ayame shot him aglare.

“Watch it,” she growled, but felt herself being hit with Mitsuko’s elbow as she smiled back at her.

“I see Ayame just around the corner yelling at this customer, who at the time, I didn’t know he was completely rude. I stepped between the two to sort it out and the guy attempted to hit me when….” Mitsuko regaled before turning back to Ayame and placing her head on her shoulder “Saved me by kicking him through a window.”

“Way to go, Ohta!” Yoshimura cheered, slamming his glass down so he could give her a round of applause while the others soon followed. 

Ayame gave her comrades a small smile, surprised to hear they didn’t judge her for her reckless behavior during her teens. “I wish I got that response back then. All I got were my parents nagging me about the broken window.”

“It does seem a bit rude, but you got me out of it,” Mitsuko smirked at her partner as Ayame simply chuckled. 

Ayame smiled until she turned her back to see Goro grinning back at her. It was then, the entirety of her happiness was shattered, replaced only now with fury. She scooted herself up from her seat and towards the others at the booth. “Sorry to leave this a bit early, but the Captain is requesting to speak with me.”

“Aw….” Mitsuko murmured. “I was going to tell them more about us.”

“I know….” Ayame faked a smile in front of her co-workers. “I won’t be long.”

Mitsuko nodded as she went back to telling them about their life while Ayame picked up the pace with her feet. She didn’t even allow herself to blink as she kept her hateful gaze upon the disguised Seijin who continued to smile at her, knowing he was relishing their upcoming conversation. 

“Enjoying the show?” Ayame spoke up, placing herself on the stool next to Mefilas. She eyed the bartender and motioned for a drink. 

Mefilas chuckled. “I am enjoying seeing all of you happy.”

Ayame grabbed her drink and took a sip, completely surprised at her supposed boss not mingling with the team. It was then a sudden realization had hit her, a missing element since the fight had not been seen.“Where’s your pup?”

“Out and about,” Mefilas answered, taking a sip from his drink. He glanced over to Ayame glaring at him as he then waved his hand dismissively. “Relax, Neronga’s not hurting anyone.”

Ayame huffed, shaking her head. “So, when do you take over as ‘Superior Conception’, as you like to call it?” 

“It won’t be for a while if that’s what you’re asking,” Mefilas sniggered, always finding himself amused by his interactions with Ayame. He did, however, respect her enough to engage in a proper conversation. “It’s an investment after all.” 

She squinted her eyes at him, tightening his grip around glass, imagining herself squeezing the life out of the Seijin’s body. “What exactly are you waiting for?”

“You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs, one of my least favorite sayings, even if it is a necessary one,” Mefilas relayed, lightly tapping his cup, watching the liquid bounce. “Trial and error by killing several kaiju and fulfilling other requirements if necessary?”

“Other requirements?” Ayame nearly stammered, feeling her heartbeat increase.

“Whatever gets me… us to be looked at more favorably in the public eye,” Mefilas clarified, looking back at his subordinate. 

Ayame scoffed, trying to keep herself contained, but failed in letting a piece of that rage shoot out of her throat. “History here will teach you humanity will never bow down to an invader like yourself.” 

“I’m well aware of the atrocities committed by let’s see… “ Mefilas calmly spoke, holding his hand out, slowly raising his fingers one by one, as if he was conducting a list. “The Mysterians, Xiliens, Virasians, the Baltan, Zarab, and so on.”

“Funny,” Ayame chuckled at the series of justifications her faux boss was throwing at her to see him in a better light. “I also thought you would be smarter than to copy the Nebulans’ plan of destroying all monsters.”

Mefilas smiled while waving a finger at her before taking another swig. “People are warming up to Earth’s kaiju, particularly the children. They cheer to your high heavens whenever one shows up to save the day. Which is why I specifically only go after Choju. Relatively easy to prove they’re different from your average kaiju.”

“Guess you really thought it through,” Ayame sarcastically surmised, rolling her eyes, lightly tapping her glass against the wooden counter. 

“I have indeed, Miss Ohta,” Mefilas said, giving her a warm smile, still trying to show he held her in a favorable view.  “And as I said, I love humanity and this planet, my compassion will push all of us forward.”

“You can start by showing the rest of the crew who you really are,” Ayame pointed out, turning her attention to the rest of her crew, watching them continue to share stories and laughter. 

Mefilas smiled back at his crew, feeling completely proud of them like any great leader would. However, he knew the one downside in his entire plan and to say it didn’t bother him, would be a lie. “You know they’d shoot me on site, all because I made a little visit and simply asked to have this planet a few years ago.”

“You kidnapped SSSP members and a child!” Ayame spat. 

“I abhor violence,” Mefilas calmly said, shaking his hands dismissively. “I just had them play a game, it’s not like I tried to eat their brains like those Terrans do.”

“What you did was still terrible.”

“Perhaps, but it made me come to admire all of you,” Mefilas paused, smiling just how amazing humanity can be in his relatively brief observations of them. “Even your children will spit in the face of your aggressors.”

“Because we have a lot to live for,” Ayame declared, taking a moment by glancing over at Mitsuko. She smiled at her, watching just how unaware her partner was at the moment, only in a world of happiness. “And we’ll fight and even kill whoever threatens that.”

“Bravo!” Mefilas cheered, clapping to the high heavens at Ayame’s declaration. “And that is why I changed my approach. Forcing you to give me the planet will only make you fight for it more, but by being your friend and your savior, you will all willingly entrust it to me.”

Ayame sat there, the horrible realization settling right in her as she slowly put her hands together. Her mouth quivered, as after everything Mefilas relayed to her, she knew he had a very high chance in succeeding and that everyone would be powerless to stop him. 

***

This world, much like the one it was born on, was completely foreign. 

Ace Killer stood in a forest, trees hiding his form as it kept its knees to the ground. It brushed its hand across the dirt, feeling its contents connect against its body. The machine lifted its hand and inspected the dirt, rock and grass. The bits and pieces of this forest intrigued it, allowing the machinery to process everything it witnessed thus far. 

It was only a little, but this made the being excited over the countless possibilities. Perhaps once it finishes its mission, the voice, its creator, will allow it to explore more of this. 

Creak!

Ace Killer slowly turned its head, gently peaking through a few trees as it noticed a deer taking its steps. The machine inspected the animal, lowering its head and taking a drink from the nearby creek. Ace Killer couldn’t help but feel entranced by how calm the animal was in nourishing itself. In fact, this is what it strived for. 

The birds over it cawed, as they migrated across the forest while other critters scurried about. Ace Killer murmured slightly, as it attempted to get a closer look, but its grip on the trees was too much.

SNAP!

The deer snapped its head upwards to find the giant red and bronzed colored robot peaking behind. The hart bolted off as fast it could, the deer not reciprocating to its presence. Instead, it disappeared beyond its line of sight as the giant machine simply eyed the animal’s trail. It felt something on how the interaction went. Why then was it disappointed?

“Be prepared, my child,” Yapool’s voice suddenly rang, causing Ace Killer to jump to their feet. A fervor of a chance, it realized, to fill the hole in its artificial heart. To eagerly await and obey its creator. “Your assault will begin shortly, but first you will venture forward in the city when Vakishim has Ace distracted. It’ll be there you will eliminate Z.”

Ace Killer nodded its head with enthusiasm, as it saw a reddish crack appear in front of him. There, a Choju marched out of it, slamming its navy colored hands together while letting out a roar from its orange maw. The newcomer’s emerald colored eyes glanced at Ace Killer briefly before turning away towards its destination.

The machine attempted to communicate with the being, but it ignored them. Ace Killer felt a stinging pang, briefly glancing back down at the forest it was in. However, it wasn’t time to study what truly intrigued it, but to study what his enemy was capable of. 

Despite never knowing what Vakishim was like, it would have liked to be able to bond with them. Perhaps its creator will be kind enough to allow it to interact with others like them in the future. 

For now, it needed to complete its mission for even the possibility of that reward. 

***

Sirens blared, altering the entire TAC team. They collectively jumped up from their seats and turned to their commanding officer, awaiting orders for the newfound choju. 

“Konno, Yoshimura, take to the skies!” Goro ordered, with Yoshimura saluting him before running off.

“Sir, yes, sir!” Konno vocalized before running off. 

The Captain of TAC turned to Mikawa and Yamanaka. “The two of you will take the Panther and harass it from the ground. Mikawa, I want you to chuck the explosives at its feet, knock him down!”

“You’ll like what you’ll see when we’re done,” Yamanaka declared, smirking at the grand gesture of when they inevitably bring down the monster.

The two bolted off leaving only the captain and the two hosts of the Ultras. Goro turned around and snickered, letting his fingers tap against each other once more. “And just like that, I gave the two of you an alibi, so our mutual friend can play hero.”

“Thanks,” Ayame muttered, unimpressed by the favor he bestowed onto them. 

“And where will you be?” Mitsuko questioned, raising an eyebrow, beyond curious if he’ll be present alongside his men or committing to showing his true self in battle.

“Twidling his thumbs in base while a kaiju eats us,” Ayame called out, as Mitsuko felt herself beginning to laugh before immediately slamming her hand over her mouth. She didn’t want to risk offending the Seijin, but she couldn’t help it. 

Mefilas slightly rolled his eyes at Mitsuko’s laughter from a lackluster joke. “I do that when I think or when I’m engaged in a conversation. Nonetheless, I’ll be participating in the fight, so please don’t think so little of me.”

“Oh, I’m going to kill him when I see him.”

“Don’t!” Ayame hushed the Ultra as the TAC captain raised an eyebrow. Mitsuko flashed him with a nervous smile. 

“We got a job, Ayame!” Mitsuko hollered firmly, placing her hands on her partner’s back, slowly pushing her outside the establishment. 

“‘Fortune favors the brave,’” Mefilas reflected, tapping his middle fingers together while looking at the fleeing couple. “One of my favorite sayings.”

 

Chapter 4: Ultraman Ace and Mefilas vs. Vakishim

Vakishim roared out, with flames emitting from his hands, torching the countryside. The greenery was no more, as ash was all that remained. The choju watched its handiwork, bashing its hands together in excitement watching the black particles slowly descend to the ground. The orange and blue being marched forward, spotting the next plot of land for it to set ablaze.

ZOOM!

Missiles struck Vakishim from the sky, exploding across his chest. The choju shrieked, turning its attention towards the aircraft, watching their red and silver forms fly past it. The orange and blue being roared yet again, charging its fists and yanking itself around. Blue energy bolts shot out of his hands, chasing after the aircraft.

Yoshimura snickered. “Typical.” 

He spun his jet out of the way as Konno followed his comrade’s lead, allowing them to go in for another attack. The twin jets bombarded the kaiju with several missiles as Vakishim got ready to fire another round of bolts when an explosive struck him on the foot.

Vakishim squealed, taking note of a black car zooming past him while Yamanaka held out his twin pistols, firing at it repeatedly. The repeated bolts slammed against its bumpy hide as the choju attempted to figure out which target to strike down first. All three of them came from different angles, not even being given a chance to properly assess the battlefield. 

“Punch laser!” Ace screamed from the heavens, striking Vakishim across the next chest, sending him flying across the blackened landscape. The Ultra landed on his feet and yelled out, holding his hands out as he assessed his downed opponent writhing around. 

The Ultra’s vision skewed as Vakishim was gone, but instead, Mefilas cried out in agony. Ace slammed his hands together, readying to inflict oblivion until the manipulator. 

“Do it!” a voice whispered. “Rid your precious world of this disgusting Seijin and show the world you will not tolerate any of it!”

Ace bashed his hands together and fired a blue laser from his hands, blasting apart the choju’s chest. An explosion followed as Vakishim cried out yet again from the resulting impact, rolling around in the ash. Vakishim struggled to get up when Ace bolted forward and slammed his fist down on the back of the choju’s head.

The orange and blue being collapsed onto the ground and gurgled out. Vakishim struggled to get up as Ace continued beating him down to the ground, refusing to let the terrible monster rise again. The choju shrieked, betting on one action to be his salvation by launching the horn off his nose.

“Keep going!” the voice commanded, seemingly watching him brutalize the terrible monster. “Rid the world of one less demon! Do what you failed to do all those years ago!” 

Ace suddenly found himself hesitating. His vision became clear once more through the field of ash and saw it was not Mefilas, but the choju. Killing a terrible monster was no skin off his back, but the mention of a demon and that event all those years ago shook him to his core. 

“No!” Ace yelled out, throwing his hands up, feeling himself panicking at the thoughts rushing back to him. Seeing the pure hatred of him brutalizing Jack, his rage firing out on all cylinders at nearly everyone he interacted with, his parents abandoning him for no reason, and the lack of commitment to his family. “Get out! Get out of my head!”

Ace stumbled forward when Vakishim’s horn rammed him in his back, piercing him. The Ultra screamed out in pain as the weapon dug into his skin while he moved forward when Vakishim rammed his foot forward. Ultraman Ace lost his footing and fell face first into the dead ground, blanketing him in ash like his foe. 

Vakishim roared in victory as a new horn grew through his skin. He stood above the struggling Ultra, deciding to repay his enemy in kind. The choju shot a crimson and azure colored beam straight on Ace’s back, detonating the horn and scattering its pieces all across his body. Ace screamed in pain while Vakishim shot his foot forward, crashing into his chest, earning a gag from the Ultra.

Ace was struggling to get up, pushing himself upward while he heard the blasts coming from TAC vehicles. He briefly glanced over to see Vakishim turning its attention away from him and back to the aggressors. 

“Look at you!” the voice creeped back, causing Ace to look forward, expecting to see someone, but alas, nothing. “You gave Jack all that shit about being useless, but look at you.”

“Not now!” Ace barked, gripping his hands against the ash infested dirt as he glared at the nonexistent entity. 

“We don’t play when you want to!” it cackled, relishing in Ace’s misery. “We play when I want to!”

“Goddammit! I said not now!” the Ultra screeched, jumping up to knees and slamming his hands together, firing off a Metalium Beam. 

“If only Rutia and Yuri could see you now, to see just how much of a shitty influence you are to their baby boy,” the figment voice spoke, its voice slinging around Ace’s shoulders, causing him to shutter.

“You don’t need to tell me about Z,” Ace spat, looking down at his hand slinging into the ash, feeling ashamed of himself for not being better. Deep down he knew he failed them and Z for not being as good to him as they’d like to. “I tell that to myself everyday.”

“They’ll be better off without you.”

Other voices rang in Ace’s head, commanding him to stop. The Ultra knew it was both Ayame and Mitsuko telling him to get back into the fight, but despair had him enthralled. He was too tired to fight, too exhausted.

Vakishim chased the jets away, allowing him to turn back to Ace slumped over. The choju saw the figure motionless and cackled, eager to annihilate him in one fell swoop. The orange and blue beast lifted his hands up and charged the embers inside. 

Flames erupted as Ace could sense the heat rushing towards him as he turned his eyes forward, intending to look away at the distant blue sky. At the very least, the three of them could enjoy their lives without him in it. 

ZOOM!

In the corner of Ace’s optics, he saw a golden beam rush past him. The Ultra slowly turned his head around to find Vakishim ceasing his assault while the flames died down. Blood shot out of the choju’s shoulder like a volcano as Vakishim let out a massive shriek. He slammed his hand over the wound, attempting to nurse it as best as it could.

Ace looked over to see Mefilas’ standing over him with his hand out. In that moment, self-hatred had left his body and filled with pure malice for the Seijin. He wanted to crush his skull in and reduce his body to a pile of mush, however, the voices were more clear to him now.

“Ace, believe me, I want to do it as well, but we need to wait!” Ayame cried out, waving her arms. 

“Ace… please…. Let’s save the day,” Mitsuko pleaded, putting her hands together. “This isn’t about Mefilas or us, it’s for everyone else. Just focus.”

The Ultra glared at Mefilas still offering a hand out, as Ace huffed. Killing him would have to come another day. Ace slammed his hand against Mefilas’ and picked himself up. The two stood side by side, facing against the recovering Vakishim.

“Aren’t you worried about your little friends shooting at you?” Ace snarked, glancing up at the TAC jets flying back towards the battlefield. 

“Nonsense,” Mefilas, glancing over to the Ultra. “After this battle, they’ll love me.”

“Shut up and fight,” Ace barked, firing an arrow beam. 

The red projectile slammed into Vakishim’s neck, forcing him to gag. The choju slammed its hands against its neck while blood resumed to geyser out of its wound. Mefilas’ elbowed Ace, eliciting a glare, but Mefilas rushed towards the wounded beast. 

Energy crackled around his hands, as the Seijin shot the energy out, striking Vakishim. The resulting impact forced the beast to cry out as Ace watched Mefilas strike the choju several times. Mefilas bashed his head against Vakishim’s, forcing his right eye to swell up. Vakishim cried out, stumbling forward while Mefilas delivered a kick against its back.

“Time to end this before he shows off even further,” Ace muttered, generating an Ultra Slash from his hand. 

The buzzsaw energy weapon swirled around his fist while Ace watched the stumbling choju. Ace yelled out, charging forward. Before Vakishim could even be aware of what’s going on, Ace ran past him, striking the space monster on the head, dragging the weapon downwards. The resulting impact sliced through Vakishim, splitting him in half, blanketing the ground he once stood on with blood.

Ace turned back to see the rest of TAC surrounding Mefilas and realized what was about to happen. 

“A little help, my friend?” Mefilas chuckled, watching his subordinates circling around him, aiming their weapons. 

The Ultra wanted to leave him to fate, to hear him be vanquished by Earth’s defenders, but knew there were so many ways this encounter could go sideways. Ayame and Mitsuko wouldn’t forgive him in the event any of their friends perished or even the possibility of Mefilas’ pet ambushing him at any second. Then, the worst of all, the idea of Mefilas having something even greater up his sleeve.

Ace sighed and moved forward. He never directly interacted with the members of TAC, but out of the two giants, he had a better chance of them listening to him. The Ultra moved over to Seijin, resisting the urge to punch a hole through his face. Ace waved his hands at the members of TAC, motioning for them to not open fire.

“Is that… Ultraman telling us not to shoot Mefilas?” Konno inquired. 

“Looks like it,” Mikawa answered, glancing from the window.

“I don’t like this,” Yamanaka bluntly stated, glaring at the Seijin, keeping his fingers just an inch away from the triggers. He sensed something could go wrong at any second, but knew the captain would disapprove if a diplomatic meeting with an alien species was botched. “We’ll converse with the Seijin, but keep your wits about you.”

The members of TAC got out of their respective vehicles as both beings shrunk down to greet the team. The entire team kept their grips on their weapons while Mefilas simply nudged at Ace to break the ice.

“Any ideas?” Ace muttered to his hosts, attempting to figure out how to even navigate through this faux peace meeting. 

“Well, just be kind to them, this is also their first time meeting you,” Mitsuko reasoned, smiling upon seeing her standing in front of the Ultra.

“Um, hi,” Ace mouthed, waving his hand in front of them. After speaking only two words to them, he already hated it and wished another Ultra was with him to take his place. “I’m Ace and uh, Mefilas here just helped us in vanquishing Vakishim.”

Ace stuttered for a moment when he heard Mitsuko’s voice going on inside his head.

“You’re doing great!”

“You’re totally not screwing this up,” Ayame scolded, earning a glare from her partner.

“Ayame!”

“I’d like to see you try!” Ace hushed discreetly before turning his attention back to the crew. “Let me put you all at ease that Mefilas does not seek to harm you, but instead…. Instead…”

Then, Ace felt himself slightly gagging at the massive lie he was about to relay to the attack team. The members stared at him for his unusual pause before Ace could reconstitute himself to finish the fib he had to tell. The Ultra still did not know what could happen at any moment and he hated it. 

“Instead, Mefilas wishes to partner with us to keep the planet safe from the Choju,” Ace regrettably testified, glancing at Mikawa, briefly flashing a look of disbelief. 

Mikawa reared her head slightly back in confusion, attempting to figure out what the Ultra meant by this odd display. She went to speak up when Mefilas stepped forward and cut in, “What my friend says here is true. I have made mistakes in the past, but I wish to make amends and help save you and your beautiful planet from the invasion we are currently facing.”

Yamanaka sighed, pulling his fingers away from the triggers and putting his guns in their respective holsters. The others did the same. Mikawa hesitated ever so slightly, still bewildered by the gesture Ace sent her way, but nonetheless, followed suit. 

“If what you say is true, then you would be okay with us escorting you back to base where we can discuss an alliance,” Yamanaka relayed as Mefilas offered his hand out. 

“I’d be delighted to,” Mefilas accepted, as the man took his hand and shook it. The Seijin turned over to Ace. “I take it you will be joining us, Ultraman Ace?”

Ace went over to speak when he heard a loud scream far off in the distance. It was faint, but he could still recognize it and its importance to him. His eyes grew wide as a result and he raised his arms out, prepping himself for flight. 

“Z!”

Ultraman Ace shot up into the sky, flying towards the conflict. He may have compromised the “collaboration” with Mefilas, but he didn’t care. The consequences or whatever both him and TAC were going to discuss didn’t matter.  

Z’s life was all that mattered.

 

Chapter 5: Ambush!

“So…. what exactly is the Earth custom of splashing around in the mud while it’s raining?” Z inquired, materializing right next to his host, scratching his head.

“It’s not a custom…..” Chiharu answered, adjusting his umbrella to better protect him from the dripping rainstorm. “It’s Fujimoto’s very, very strange habit.”

“Oh!” Z exclaimed in shock, realizing it was something that was not common. “So just a quirk.”

“Eeyup. A very strange quirk,” Chiharu added, stepping on the wet cement, thinking more of the strange child the two of them saw earlier in the day. “Sure am glad I’m not his friend.”

Z cocked his head, curious as to why his host would not be fond of having him as a friend. “And why is that?”

Chiharu sighed. “Just a bit too weird for me.” 

“Even if he was just having harmless fun?”

The boy pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling slightly annoyed over the conversation. He never felt such irritation before in his life, but something in him changed. Chiharu didn’t know, he felt puzzled. Aside from him and family being hosts to aliens, he didn’t feel affected by anything even if he almost died just a week ago. 

Still, he just felt a bit different than before. 

“Z, he was playing in the mud in front of a theater,” Chiharu rationed, taking a moment to pause. “Where people go to watch entertainment.”

“But him playing in the mud was entertainment,” Z countered, chuckling at the thought of that act. 

“The sooner I distance myself from that, the better,” Chiharu retorted, feeling ever more thankful he has no affiliation with Fujimoto.

“Pfft! You sound an awful like Ayame and dad,” Z pointed out, causing Chiharu to pause. 

He contemplated his companion’s words, trying to process if he really was like either of them. The thoughts were nothing but brief, shaking his head once more dismissively. “ Nah! I’m not like that one. I have standards.”

“Whatever you say, Ayame,” Z playfully teased, eliciting a slight glare from his human compatriot. 

Chiharu went to speak but a large object crashed down directly in front of him, sending the boy several feet away. His body skidded across the wet cement as he grunt in pain, feeling the burn against his skin. 

The boy slowly raised head up to see a bronze and burgundy-like machine staring down at him. The being’s emerald eyes scanned the boy, taking only but a second to confirm the identity of its target. 

The machine pulled out a blade, brandishing in front of Chiharu. Today was the day it would please its master, by eliminating one of the greatest threats to him. It will be rewarded with its creator’s love and admiration.

Ace Killer launched his battle sai towards the child, intending to impale him through the wet concrete. Chiharu’s eyes went wide, but before he could react, he was engulfed in a blinding light. The illumination caused Ace Killer to shriek in agony, forcing it to close its optics while it backed away. 

“Ultraman Z!” the Ultra chanted through the light, causing Ace Killer to lift his head up to see the blue and silver giant standing in front of him. 

It saw that its target was currently capable of fighting back, allowing it to chuckle. Ultraman Z would provide it with a greater sense of honor once it slays him in combat. The love its creator would cast down on it would be a thousand-fold.

Ace Killer tightened his grip on its battle sai, excitement coursing through its circuits as it charged forward, readying to give itself a warrior’s victory.

Z watched the machine charge at him, throwing his arm forward, firing a Zestium Beam. The beam vaporized the falling water and struck the machine, causing it to stumble back as sparks erupted from its chest. The young Ultra held his hands up, preparing himself for the next strike, noticing the machine already planting its feet back to the ground.

Ace Killer hissed from the beam colliding striking it, its body ceased momentarily from the projectile, but commanded it to fight it. It never felt this sensation before, as it was all strange to it and not in a good way. It launched forward, slamming its battle sai towards Ultraman Z, forcing the Ultra to move his head out of the way.

“What kind of robot is that!?” Chiharu blared out in both horror and amazement at seeing the machine function. 

“Good question!” Z hollered back, jumping away from each swing as Ace Killer continued swinging forward. The young Ultra reared his back, his eyes rolling down to the blade’s tip just at his neck. He started to breathe heavily before allowing himself to crash onto his back to avoid the sharp object. “Any ideas?”

Chiharu looked up through the eyes of Z, witnessing Ace Killer rush forward towards the downed Ultra. “Aim for the legs!” 

Z nodded his head, swinging his own legs towards the machine’s, forcing it to collapse on the ground. The Ultra picked himself back up and fired another Zestium Beam at the robot, but its instincts were a lot faster. Ace Killer lifted up its battle sai and blocked the azure beam, sending it into the sky.

Before the young Ultra could react, Ace Killer rushed up and caught him off guard. The machine grabbed him behind the neck and powered up its light blue core. Energy pulsated out of Z’s body, heading towards the machine, eliciting a scream from the Ultra.

“Z, what’s happening!?” Chiharu cried out, watching Z struggle against the choju. 

“It’s draining… my power!” Z gasped, throwing punches at the machine’s head, but it did not deter it. Instead, Ace Killer kept its grip on Z, feeling more of his power flow into its body. The transfer was nearly complete and one Ultra will be down for the count. 

Ace Killer could feel itself grinning as it’ll make its master proud.

“GET OFF HIM!” The rage filled Ace bellowed, causing Ace Killer to turn its head, only to be met with an electric kick. The choju skidded across the wet asphalt, electricity coursing through its body as it found itself stalling for a few moments.

The senior Ultra turned towards the younger Ultra, struggling to stand up. Ace felt a small sense of relief at seeing the boy still standing strong, but seeing that machine trying to harness his energy filled his insides with fire. 

“Are you okay?” Ace questioned, grabbing Z’s shoulders, holding him in place.

“Yeah…” Z breathed, putting his hands on his father’s shoulders in an attempt to support himself. “I just need a moment.”

“You’re getting more than a moment,” Ace pointed out towards a nearby building more than capable of holding his weight. “Sit back there and let me take care of the rest.”

“But…” Z continued to breathe out in protest, trying to take a step forward.

“You did enough!” Ace commanded. “Let me handle the rest.”

Z simply nodded before limping over to the building as he was instructed to do so. Ace turned around to face the slowly ascending machine, looking directly at him in the eye. His hands tightened, wanting to rip it apart like he did with the choju just minutes before him.

Ace Killer unleashed its battle sai, intending to slash the Ultra it was modeled after, feeling its inner workings operating at an intense speed. It’ll be a battle worth fighting and to tell its glorious master.

Ace stared back at the machine, taking note of its primary weapon. The Ultra held his right hand out flat, intending to have it strike against the blade of the machine. Without any further hesitating both ran towards each other as Ace Killer swung its weapon down at Ace, but the Ultra was fast. He swung his hand against the blade, hissing at it cutting into his body, but was able to match up against it, holding himself in place. 

The two circled in place, neither intending to give up even with Ace beginning to grunt slightly from the blade. The two stared each other directly in the eye, seeing each other as nothing more than machines with one simple function. 

To eliminate the other.

“I’m coming!” Z cried out, causing Ace’s head to tilt over to see the younger Ultra rushing over despite the obvious limp that accompanied him. 

“Z, don’t!” Ace demanded while Z put his hands up to his now azure glowing head. 

“Z Slugger!” 

Blue projectiles rushed over to Ace Killer, striking it in the chest. The machine shrieked, launching out its larger hand with sharp talons at the younger Ultra. His sharp fingers struck Z, forcing to collapse on his back.

“Z!” Ace screamed at the top of his lungs, seeing the younger Ultra incapacitated. The Ultra’s hands pulsated blue energy before firing them directly at the robot, shattering part of his blade and forcing him to stumble backwards.

Ace continued screaming, storming over to the machine when a bolt of electricity struck the back of the machine, forcing it to falter. The Ultra watched as Mefilas’ invisible pet, Neronga materialized behind the machine it was fighting.

“I fucking knew it!” Ayame hollered, knowing full well Neronga was lurking around them this entire time. 

The Ultra wanted to rip that kaiju apart as well, but he’ll have to wait as Ace Killer was far more deserving of that fate. Neronga’s horn glowed, firing another round of electricity at the machine, forcing it in place while Ace fired a Metalium Beam. More and more sparks flew out of its body, forcing its body to stall every few seconds.

Ace Killer forced itself to move forward, towards the Ultra, but felt itself unable to proceed with its master plan. It felt ashamed of itself, failing Yapool, the one who gave it purpose. It wanted its love for doing a good job, but that chance may never come.

“Retreat for now,” Yapool simply commanded, his words moving all around its circuits. 

Ace Killer felt excited to hear its master’s voice again, especially with new orders on him wanting it to live. An order it couldn’t be more than happy to fulfill. Ace Killer lifted its sai to deflect Ace’s beam while it turned to its side, rushing away from the battlefield. It could still feel Neronga’s electricity hitting it, but it was pain the machine was willing to endure. The torture would only last a few seconds before it could be recovered for repairs and soon it realized it was out of their sight.

Safe at last and standing to fight another day.

Ace snarled at the robot escaping before he stared at Neronga, wanting to blast it to pieces just out of rage. However, before he could even realize how much of a bad idea it was, the dinosaurian kaiju became invisible once more, disappearing almost without a trace.

The Ultra could easily track it down, but the thought of Z rushed back in his head. Ace ran back over to the struggling Z and picked him back up to his feet. He kept him close to him, moving him towards the home of their hosts. Neither said a word to each other on the journey home, as their day was agonizing.

“Why did you have to be in my life?” Ace whispered angrily, words the younger Ultra did not even hear.

 

Chapter 6: Just Stop!

“Are you okay!?” Ayame tearfully cried out, wrapping her little brother up in a hug. Within the span of a week, her little brother had nearly been killed twice. She continued keeping him close to her as he rested his chin on her shoulder. Mitsuko soon followed by rubbing her hand on her partner’s shoulder as she lightly brushed her other hand across Chiharu’s hair. 

“Yeah…. Just a bit tired,” Chiharu breathed, looking over at Z and giving him a small smile. 

Z gave him a thumbs up while Ayame felt a small sense of relief. It was all that mattered to her for the time being, but for others, it wasn’t the end of it. She noticed the fury of Ace when it came to Z’s safety once more and looked back at Mitsuko, noticing the same idea popping in her head. 

Ace will want to come back out. 

“You both know,” the senior Ultra uttered, without any hint of emotion in his voice. They heard every word come out as if he had lost his spark, his fury. All that was present was defeat. “Tell Chiharu I want to talk to Z.”

“Is it even the right time to?” Mitsuko asked, rubbing her hands together. “Both of you expended a bunch of energy, you need the rest.”

“For once, don’t argue with me,” Ace plainly said, commanding them to let him out.

Ayame and Mitsuko looked at each other, reluctantly nodding, knowing it’ll only be worse if they resisted. “Chiharu, Ace wants to speak with Z, is that alright?” 

Chiharu paused, awaiting for a response from his Ultra. 

“It must be important,” Z called out, feeling slightly giddy at talking to his father again. “I should speak to him.”

The boy nodded his head as all three felt themselves dematerializing from their living room as the two Ultras took their places once more. Z looked up at his dad and chuckled. “I’m getting better at fighting kaiju at least.”

Ace pinched the bridge of his nose and breathed out. “Z, stop. Things are not getting any better.”

“Huh?” Z mouthed out, tilting his head. “What do you mean? We may get some cuts here and there, but we always do well. I do…”

“No,” Ace cut the younger Ultra off. He had to tell him now, he could no longer be nice or tiptoe around the situation. As much as it pained him, he needed to say it in a way he understood. A way everyone was able to acknowledge with him. “You need to leave this planet.”

The words frozen Z, taking him a few moments to conjure up a response. He was struck like a planet being hit by an asteroid. A chuckle soon came out of his mouth, denial setting in, making him think his dad was just joking around with him. 

“Nice try!” Z hollered, raising his hand in an attempt to highfive him, but Ace remained motionless, forcing him to backtrack. His heart started beating rapidly. “Nice try, right?”

“Z, it’s better this way,” Ace explained, taking a moment to pause, keeping his composure as best as he could. “Leave Earth and head back home, because I guarantee your parents are worried to death about you.”

“I can’t just leave!” Z announced, pointing at his head. “I still got Chiharu with me and I don’t think he’ll survive our planet.”

“Then I can contact your parents and they’ll bring a beta capsule,” Ace countered, feeling his hands tightening up from the resistance Z was pushing onto him.

Z shook his head, waving his arms up as he stepped towards his father. “I… still can’t do that. I need to protect this planet, continue hanging out with Chiharu, and helping you, my da…..”

Like a needle dropping to the ground, his patience ran out. 

Rage overwhelmed him, forcing him to unleash the point onto the younger Ultra, he screamed at the top of his lungs.

“I’m not your fucking dad!” 

The room fell silent.

Both Ultras stood there, waiting for the other to make the next move, unsure of where to go from there. 

In a flash to the naked eye, Z vanished and was replaced by Chiharu. 

“Z?” Ace’s voice quivered, regret suddenly kicking in at how he handled the situation. A recent voice oozed back into his conscience, taking the utmost delight at Ace’s further descent into despair.

“Brilliant! You really did screw it up yet again! I love it, you pathetic idiot.”

Ace, not knowing what to do, heard another voice screaming out, one belonging to Ayame.

“What the fuck is your problem!?” 

The Ultra didn’t respond, but in turn, dematerialized, allowing his hosts to walk on the Earth once more. Ayame and Mitsuko looked down at Chiharu, as the former kneeled down next to her brother.

“Are you okay? How’s Z?” Ayame asked, placing her hands on his shoulders.

Chiharu lightly brushed them away, feeling empathetic about what Z just experienced. For him, he couldn’t even hear his Ultra’s voice and it made him feel alone and devastated. He rubbed Ayame’s hand and murmured, “I would like some space…”

Ayame nodded, feeling herself tear up over her little brother being hurt over the conflict. She watched mosey over to his bedroom and soon shut the door. Her feelings of being sad were replaced with anger, directing them over to the Ultra once again.

“What the hell is your problem!?” Ayame yelled out, staring directly at the Ultra behind.

“I did what I had to do to protect both of them!” Ace screamed back, ramming his face against hers. “Unlike you!”

“At least I try to be there, unlike you who acts like he’s better than everyone else!” 

“And you do the same exact goddamn thing!” Ace barked back.

Ayame threw her arms out, really wanting to punch through the nearest wall around her, but realized it would only make things worse. She didn’t want people outside of their lives to think she was ever hostile to Mitsuko and Chiharu. Instead, she took a deep breath and found her thoughts trailing over to Mefilas. 

The bastard who had his guard dog watching over them this whole time. Ayame breathed out once again, “Mitsuko, you coming?”

“Where… are we going?” she stammered, rubbing her hands together, slowly inching body towards her partner’s in an attempt to comfort her.

“Hopefully get an opportunity to beat the shit out of Mefilas,” Ayame almost snarled, but was able to dial back her emotions.

“Oh no…” Mitsuko murmured, placing herself next to Ayame’s body. She knew she couldn’t stop her, but could at least minimize the damage if something did come. 

“Good! I can use the practice,” Ace clamored angrily, wanting to punch Ayame so hard she’d never wake, concurred that Mefilas will be enough. 

Ayame didn’t retaliate, for Mitsuko’s sake, but she gritted her teeth .

Things were getting worse by the minute.

***

“What the hell were you thinking!?” Ayame lashed out, slamming her hand on Mefilas’ desk. The resulting impact knocked over a pencil holder. 

“I seem to get that a lot,” Mefilas mouthed out, keeping his composure as he moved his hand over to the holder and picked it back up. “What did I do this time?”

“Let me out! I really want to do it,” Ace commanded, but his orders fell on deaf ears. 

“I’m talking about your pet following us!” Ayame cried out.

“Oh, that,” Mefilas surmised, tapping his fingers. “He ended up saving your lives.”

“We had it under control!” Ayame countered, slamming her hands on the desk. 

“While I don’t doubt your capabilities, Ace Killer would have left regardless, what Neronga ended up doing was help buy time,” Mefilas explained, justifying Neronga’s surveillance of his new found partners. “Enough time for us to mobilize properly against that threat.”

“And how is TAC going to accept an invisible monster roaming around in their backyard?” Mitsuko questioned, deciding to jump in before Ayame could get a chance to scream.

Mefilas smiled at the new recruit, giving her a small clap. “I’m glad you asked. Our pal, I mean, me, convinced them that I pacified the kaiju after that little demonstration. So, when the time comes, he can come out and play if I so choose.”

“And the others bought it?” Mitsuko questioned, following it up with a snort from Ayame.

“They can’t be that stupid.”

“With some minor pushback from Mikawa and Yamanaka, I convinced them pretty easily. Probably because of the daily threat from the Choju and other invaders, that they can’t be picky about their allies,” Mefilas rationalized, keeping his focus on the two hosts. “And need I remind you, I’m keeping your secret, so don’t meddle in what we’re creating here.”

“Let me do it!” Ace barked, forcing Ayame to grip the table from the seizing pain of his outburst.

“It’s tempting, but no….” Ayame growled seemingly to herself, catching Mefilas’ attention. 

“Perhaps you should lecture our friend more on patience and order.”

Ayame stared him dead in the eye, wanting to rip him apart herself, but Mitsuko jumped in the way, blocking him from her vision. “And we shall, we’ll continue this at a later date, yes?”

Mefilas smiled at her, holding both of his hands together. “Of course, Miss Abe. You know where to find me.”

Mitsuko, without wanting to risk an incident, rushed Ayame outside of the office and to a more secluded area of headquarters. Ayame breathed, placing her hands on her knees, looking back up at her partner.

“As much as I hate that, it was definitely the right choice you made.”

Mitsuko smiled, rubbing her hand on Ayame’s cheek. “We’ll find a way to sort all of this out. We always do.”

“I need to talk to someone,” Ace muttered, making himself known to the two. He felt the defeat writhing around in his body. He didn’t want it to come to this, but found himself truly at a loss. It was the only option he had left.

“Pathetic,” the voice spoke, forcing Ace to tighten his hand.

“Who… do you need to talk, Ace?” Mitsuko inquired, glancing over in his direction, curiosity piquing her interest. She was curious as to why Ace would suddenly be willing to ask for someone’s advice outside of someone he cared about deeply. “Is there anyone you even care about here?”

Ace glared at her briefly before taking a moment to compose himself. She was right to ask, but he was more angry at himself for allowing this to happen. 

“And the answer will be the reason why you are really the worst Ultra of them,” the voice chimed in again, feeling excited about the Ultra it was tormenting to face his downfall.

“Worse,” Ace clarified.

 

Chapter 7: The Runaways and the Rider

“You sure Ayame will be okay with you walking around without her knowing?” Ultraman Z questioned, inspecting every area in his field of vision to ensure his host’s safety. 

“Her and Mitsuko will be fine with us taking a walk,” Chiharu rationalized, looking at several of the stores they passed. “Besides, I think we deserve some space especially since the rain is gone.”

“That’s nice of you to say that, but I think they’re only worried about you,” Z murmured, looking away from not only Chiharu but everything around them, keeping his gaze on the drying cement. “I don’t think Ayame likes me very much and Mitsuko is just keeping the peace.”

Chiharu sighed, knowing what Ace said still got to him, and his older sister didn’t do much to mitigate the disaster. He wasn’t blinded by his sister’s behavior, but knew she did care in her own way. 

“Ayame cares, she just takes a while to show it,” Chiharu explained, attempting to cheer up his friend. “It was even like that with Mitsuko, but she always comes around.”

Z huffed, taking a small sense of solace from what his host relayed to him. “I suppose so, but Ace….” 

The Ultra couldn’t continue on with what he was trying to convey as the emotions were starting to overwhelm him. He felt his ghostly form phasing in and out, feeling the sense of not wanting to be seen, to just disappear entirely. To him, it felt like it was all a lie. 

“Ace is an asshole and what he said to you was horrible,” Chiharu conveyed, turning around to face his friend. “And you entering my life has made it even better.” 

Z coughed, feeling overwhelmed by having his host stick up for him. The damage wasn’t undone, but he could feel himself being able to keep himself visible. “Thank you. I just want to let you know that you’re my best friend.” 

“Back at you!” Chiharu exclaimed happily, raising his hand up for a high five as both of them raced their hands towards each other. Their hands, however, phased through each other, immediately causing them to laugh.

“That one!” a distant, gruff voice called out. “He’ll do nicely for conversion!”

Z jolted his head to the side to see several people adorned in black clothing with white stripes across their bodies. Their faces obscured in masks outside of their eyes and mouths, covering up any humanity that may have once been present. Realizing the trouble they were about to bring upon them, Z turned back to his host. 

“Chant my name!” 

“What?” Chiharu stammered only to turn around to see several of the masked men charging at him. He reared his head back in surprise and spoke his name, “Ultraman Z!” 

In a blinding light, Ultraman Z took his place, raising his hands forward, striking a pose as he kept his focus on them. The goons circled him, intending to strike him down with either their fists or the weapons they brought with them. 

The Ultra, however, beat them to the punch and fired the Z Slugger from the top of his now azure colored crest. The blue projectiles launched forward, hitting several of the masked men, forcing them onto the ground. Ultraman Z turned around to face the rear guard, only to be met with several punches to the face and chest, making him stumble backwards. 

Z slammed his hands together, firing a Zestium Beam at the offenders. The beams sliced through a couple of the assailants while others were sent skidding across the street. However, despite his best efforts, he saw more and more of the masked men surrounding him. 

“I got about maybe thirty seconds left in this form,” Ultraman Z relayed to his host, keeping his eyes at the evergrowing crowd of hostiles. The seemingly endless amount of troops caused him to rethink his entire strategy compared to fighting one singular kaiju. “Any ideas?”

“Uh, we can always book it,” Chiharu suggested, noticing just how little energy Z had left from his brief stunt. He did find it odd how being human sized always put him at a disadvantage. Chiharu even asked Z about it and couldn’t provide an answer himself. 

“Eeyup!” Z exclaimed, raising his arms in the air. “I was thinking the same thing too!”

The Ultra intended to make his getaway, but was met with several objects colliding into his body, forcing him to seize up. Z collapsed on his back as he was met with more objects hitting him against his silver and blue skin. 

“An Ultra will be very exciting to use for the program,” one of the goons yelled out. 

“Oh shit,” Chiharu muttered, realizing who they were. 

“What?” Z questioned, firing another Zestium Beam, bisecting one of the masked men. His remains caused a few of the others to stagger away. 

“It’s Shocker!” Chiharu cried out, realizing the amount of trouble they were in. 

“Why hasn’t TAC or anyone done anything about them!?” Z cried out, firing more of his Z Slugger, dispatching more of the footsoldiers. However, it wasn’t enough as their numbers were seemingly endless. They were at their wit’s end. 

Until…

Off in the distance, the sound of a motorcycle revved. The masked rider sped down the street, racing past everything in his path until he saw several members of Shocker huddled together. He tightened his grip on the gas as flames erupted from the exhaust, barreling through various members of the terrorist organization. Their bodies launched up from the sky and broke upon impact, some of them even expiring.

“It’s him!” a Shocker soldier cried out before being flattened by the Cyclone, leaving behind a bloody trail.

The others turned around while Z lifted himself up, sitting on the ground to witness the new arrival. “Who is that?” Z asked, immediately becoming mesmerized with the multicolored figure. The figure’s red eyes were as bright as the scarf wrapped around his neck as green body armor reflected the sunlight off it.

Chiharu grinned like he would on Christmas day, upon seeing exactly who he had always wanted to meet in person. “Kamen Rider!”

Kamen Rider removed one of his hands from the handle and struck a goon’s face, instantly becoming a crater akin to a plot of land being hit by an asteroid. The impact sent the soldier flying into several other masked men, breaking apart their bones. 

“We need more men! We need mo….” another soldier attempted to cry out, only to be met with the rear wheel of the Cyclone. Teeth splattered out of his mouth from impact before being sent flying into the sky. 

Kamen Rider turned his motorcycle around to face the last of the goons around their hostage. Revving the Cyclone’s engine once again, he sped up, giving himself the momentum before launching himself up in the air. 

“Oh! Here it comes!” Chiharu excitedly yelled out, clapping his hands together. 

Z didn’t respond, but only watched with the same amount of excitement as his host had, he had no idea what was about to occur. Kamen Rider stretched his right leg forward, aiming it directly at them.

“Rider Kick!”

The masked rider collided into the Shocker goon, shattering his entire ribcage, causing him to collapse instantly. The superhero turned around and grabbed two more of the soldiers’ heads and smashed them together. Their bodies dropped like flies as he saw the rest of Shocker running off with their tails tucked between their legs. 

He chuckled at them being terrified by his mere presence before turning back to what really mattered. The person he came to rescue.

Kamen Rider faced the sitting Ultra, cocking his head as he studied the figure in question. Z was pacing around, twiddling his thumbs together, feeling a bit nervous. He chalked it up to the Ultra likely being frightened from the ambush. “Hmm… never would have I expected to save an Ultra. Much less meet one.”

Before Z could answer, the masked man extended a hand for the Ultra. The excitement from Chiharu was contagious and Z was not immune to it. The young Ultra snapped out of his nervous state and excitedly grabbed the hand of the superhero, beginning to shake it rapidly. 

“I just now discovered you and I’m such a huge fan!” Ultraman Z excitedly cheered, still shaking the man’s hand up and down, earning a small chuckle from the masked hero. 

“The pleasure is all mine,” Kamen Rider returned the gesture, albeit more gently. “I’m honored to meet an Ultra like yourself.”

“Chiharu, he thinks it’s awesome to meet me!” Z excitedly exclaimed to his host before abruptly disappearing. 

The Grasshopper Augment slightly jumped back in surprise only to see a child in his presence. He tapped the side of his darkened helmet, putting the pieces together of why an Ultra merged with a child as opposed to an adult. Knowing how Ultras tend to treat humanity, he had a solid guess on what it could be.

“Accident, I presume?” Kamen Rider asked Chiharu, only to realize he wasn’t getting a response, but instead, simply being stared at in awe. The superhero laughed in response, realizing he wasn’t going to get an answer, but it mattered little to him. What mattered is that both him and the Ultra were safe from Shocker. 

The Rider took Chiharu’s hand and shook it, as the boy kept his eyes on him the entire time. He felt the cyborg’s grip and couldn’t help but squeal in delight. He was absolutely enamored with meeting his hero while in the corner of his eye, he saw Z jumping up and down, throwing his arms up in excitement. 

The two were on cloud nine.

Kamen Rider gently relinquished his grip and clapped his hands together, realizing what he could do. “Tell you both what, my friend has a nice cafe a little ways out and you can tell me your story there.”

Chiharu finally turned his gaze away from his idol and towards Z, both of them excited beyond belief. They screamed in unison “We get to hang out with Kamen Rider!”

“Call me Takeshi,” the masked rider said, smiling behind the mask as he watched Chiharu dancing with the invisible Ultra by throwing his arms up and moving his feet at an intense speed. 

***

“Welcome to Coffee House COL!” Takeshi introduced aloud, opening the door for Chiharu as he excitedly entered the cafe. He smiled at the quaint cafe decorated with white walls and assortment of colors ranging from pink to yellow plastered on various objects. 

“Wow! This is where you go to relax after stopping Shocker for the day!” Chiharu exclaimed as Z inspected every time in the vicinity. 

Takeshi removed his helmet off his head and placed it on the desk before making it over to the bar. He seated himself, ringing the bell as an older man came out from the backroom. Upon seeing Hongo, he lit up, placing a few glasses down. 

“Takeshi! How’s the day been treating you?” the man asked, filling Takeshi’s glass with coffee, spotting Chiharu looking around the cafe. “Who’s the kid?”

“Chiharu,” Hongo answered, taking a sip from the cup. “Saved him from a Shocker platoon.” 

The owner of the cafe reared his back, disgusted by what transpired. “Kidnapping a child? What the hell for?”

“He’s the host of an Ultra, and they thought converting one would be a good idea,” explained Takeshi before turning over yet again, this time to get the boy’s attention. “Hey Chiharu, you should get something to drink.”

“Oh, right!” Chiharu snapped  himself out of being distracted by the decorations throughout. He rushed over and hopped on the barstool, turning to the owner. “Coke, please.”

“You bet!” the man replied enthusiastically, fulfilling the young boy’s request.

“By the way, this is Tobei Tachibana, a good friend of mine,” Takeshi introduced, earning a chuckle from the older man. 

“And let’s not forget, trusted mentor,” Tachibana joked, rubbing his hand through his greying hair before turning to the boy. “I helped him develop the Lightning Rider Kick.”

Chiharu’s face immediately lit up, becoming full of excitement as he was learning more about his hero. “Wow! That’s so cool!”

“It really is,” chuckled the owner, passing the boy his drink. “So what brings you around these parts?”

“Oh, right…” Chiharu hung his head down, gaining the attention of the two. The boy had forgotten the argument that transpired earlier and was now brought back to its cold reality. Despite not wanting to talk about it, he felt at home in this cafe alongside having a sense of trust with both of them. “My friend and his, um, dad got in a huge fight, and it also affected my relationship with my sister.”

Takeshi tapped against the white counter, feeling saddened by the dynamic both him and his Ultra were going through. He, along with Tacibana didn’t need to hear him say it had to do with his Ultra, they were able to pick up on it. 

“Well, how does…” Takeshi was about to ask when he realized something about the Ultra he just met. “I never got his name actually.”

“Z.”

“Well, how does Z feel about all of this?” Hongo inquired, almost shrugging in response. “Was it perhaps a misunderstanding?”

Chiharu took a moment and glanced over to Z looking off slightly, muttering, “It wasn’t a misunderstanding, he disowned me.”

The boy wasn’t sure if he should speak out on what exactly transpired, but decided to give them some sort of answer nonetheless. He took another sip of his drink, before looking up at them. “Ace said some really mean things to Z despite only wanting to help his dad, but it wasn’t enough. It was never enough according to him.” 

The boy hung his head down as both Tachibana and Takeshi took a moment to compose themselves. The sound of their conflict broke their hearts, having a completely hard time even pretending to act like that to a loved one. Still, neither had to see it, but despite never meeting the man, there had to be more to it. 

Takeshi breathed out, trying to find the words he wanted to convey to the child. “It’s… not what I imagine either of you want to hear, but everyone says things they don’t mean, or it just comes out wrong. It’s human.”

“But, no matter what Z said, it didn’t matter to Ace. He tried getting better or just tried to help with every kaiju he fought, Ace just said the worst thing imaginable to him,” Chiharu relayed, as Z hovered his head just over the counter in sadness, hating reliving those words the senior Ultra spat at him.

Tachibana placed his elbows on the counter, looking over at Chiharu. “Yes, what his father said was terrible, but I can see where he’s coming from.”

Chiharu snapped his head towards the owner, baffled at what Tachibana was about to suggest. “What are you talking about?”

Tobee lifted his right arm off the counter, wiping away a tear from his eye as if painful memory came back to haunt him. “My family, my wife, two sons, and daughter wanted to see me race one day and I thought it’d be the greatest feeling in the world. To be on that track doing what I loved most while the people I loved most of all watched me achieve it.” 

The cafe owner took a moment to pause, keeping himself composed as Chiharu kept his focus on him while Z slightly lifted his head up. “For the longest time, I closed myself off, thinking I lost everything until I met Takeshi,” Tobee relayed, looking over to Takeshi, giving him a small smile. “And he became my son, someone I vowed to do better by.”

“Love you too, pop,” Takeshi cheerfully gestured, lighting the tension up, earning a chuckle from the older man. “But to add onto what he’s saying, Ace said it in the worst possible way, but he said it because he’s probably scared of him getting hurt or even dying.”

“I, maybe, I just don’t know,” Chiharu responded, finding some logic with their rationale, but the hurt that was thrown at his best friend was devastating. He couldn’t quite explain it, but he felt a small part of that pain Z experienced, perhaps it was due to their bonding that caused them to share certain things. “I just also wonder if Ayame feels the same way, because she always tells me not to do certain things or tries to hold my hand through it all.”

“She’s doing her best to help you through and if she’s always looking out for you, then I say you got yourself a really cool sister,” Takeshi conveyed.

Chiharu couldn’t help but smile through all the things he and his sister have done together. Their countless adventures, bonding over the taste of food, and her teaching him how to survive in this world. He couldn’t help but think that’s what Ace attempted to do, but due to his own shortcomings, failed to do it. 

“Yeah, Ayame really is great,” Chiharu recalled, smiling fondly at the mental image of her. “She’s probably worried sick about me!”

“She’ll be happy to see you back,” Takeshi confidently assured him. Chiharu got up from his seat, but stopped him for a moment. “He probably could hear us this whole time, but I want to talk to Z real quick, if that’s okay.”

Z lifted his head up as Chiharu smiled at his Ultra, excited for his friend to get another chance to talk to the superhero. The two switched places, with Z materializing the cafe, stunning Tachibana for just a moment, never would have expected to have interacted with an extraterrestrial. 

“You wanted to speak to me?” Z almost stammered out.

“I know you’re probably thinking you’re not ‘good enough’, but no one is at the start,” Takeshi relayed, causing a huff of disappointment from the Ultra. “You might not believe me, but do you know how many times I’ve had my ass handed to me?”

Z shook his head, wanting to be surprised that Kamen Rider had ever lost a battle, but was still down on himself. 

“So many times that’ll take a while to count, but I didn’t let that change me,” Takeshi reasoned before turning to his surrogate father and smiling. “But I had people lift me back up and push me to be better. Like Tobei said, he taught me the Lighting Rider Kick, and without it I would haven’t won one of my hardest battles.” 

“I’m not even sure what you’re getting it,” Z said, rubbing his head.

“My point is, Ace wants you to be better, probably even better than him, but he doesn’t want you to die. Though, I don’t think he realizes you’re quite capable already,” Takeishi added.

“I’m capable?” Z stammered, lifting his hand up to his glowing blue chest. 

Takeshi smiled. “Anyone willing to stand up to Shocker is more than capable in my book. You have a long way to go, but there’s a fire raging inside you. Keep it burning.”

“And, might I add something,” Tachibana cut in. “You still got your family, and I’m not saying you need to forgive him right away, but just show him you’re alive and still standing, stronger than ever. You got this.”

“Wow….” Z murmured, feeling overwhelmed by lessons his newfound friends told him. “I… don’t know what to say.”

“It’s only natu…” Takeshi attempted to speak only to be interrupted by a hug from the Ultra, completely surprising him. The superhero slowly lifted his arms up and returned the gesture, noticing Tachibana laughing from the corner of the eye. 

After a few seconds, Z let go as Takeshi put his helmet back on before addressing both him and Chiharu. “Come on, I’ll take you both home.”

Chiharu’s mouth dropped while Z pumped his arm in the air in excitement. They both couldn’t but scream in unison. 

“I get to ride on the Cyclone!?”

 

Chapter 8: Ultraman Ace vs. Ultraman Jack

“This is where we’re supposed to go, right?” Mitsuko inquired, staring up at the door leading to their destination. The hallway they stood in was quiet, something they were all thankful in the event things went south.

Ace huffed as he materialized right next to his hosts. He briefly turned to his hosts, his body shaking before facing the door once more. “Yeah…. at least from my understanding.”

“Are you getting cold feet?” Ayame asked, taking a step forward, preparing herself to knock. Whatever Ace needed to do, she’d just hoped it worked for his sake. Him screaming at both Z and to some extent, Chiharu, infuriated her.

“No…. shut up.” Ace nearly yelled out, stomping his foot down only for it to briefly phase through the floor.

The Ultra yelped, slowly regaining his footing as Mitsuko went over by his side. She placed her hand just near his shoulder and gave him a small smile. “Ace… it’s okay.”

“It’s just… this is the last person I want to see,” Ace explained, feeling a part of himself become lighter. He didn’t know why, but perhaps it was finally becoming close to telling himself the truth. Yet, it still made him sick to his core even coming to this realization. “And this is going to kill me, crawling for…. Advice…”

“Hey, we got you,” Mitsuko murmured, keeping her eyes on him, intending to be there every step of the way for him. 

“Yeah…. We’ll just do what you need us to do,” added Ayame as she moved her hand to the wooden door and knocked.

The door opened to reveal a woman with shoulder length brown hair and a smile that matched Mitsuko’s kindness. The two couldn’t help but notice her bright yellow sweater and beige skirt as well before wondering who she was to the person Ace was searching for.

“Hi, I’m Mitsuko Abe and this is Ayame Ohta,” Mitsuko formally greeted, bowing in front of her as the woman did the same. 

“Hello there! I’m Aki Sakata” Aki greeted them before continuing. “What can I do for you both?”

Ayame decided to cut through the pleasantries and get straight to the point. “Is there a Hideki Go here?” 

Aki cocked her head to the side, curious as to what two beautiful women would want with Hideki. She was suspicious by their behavior until she decided to further hear them out. 

“Well, to ans…” Mitsuko attempted to speak, but Ayame cut her off to further speed things along. 

“Making a general assumption that you know, but we’re the hosts of Ultraman Ace and need to talk to Jack.”

“Ace, huh?” Aki asked, her eyes starting to glare at the two women, causing them to realize something was not right. 

“Yes, Miss Sakata,” Mitsuko clarified, moving her hands together. 

“No,” Aki bluntly stated, her golden smile completely replaced with a frown, turning to slowly shut the door on them. “Ace has already caused Jack enough problems and I won’t tolerate him assaulting someone I care about.”

Ace yelled out, throwing his hands in complete and utter anger. “Great! She was already told!” 

“Jesus, what did you do to him?” Ayame baffled, not caring if Aki had heard her one-sided conversation with the Ultra. She felt bad for whatever Ace did to Jack and to some extent, the people connected to him, but her own frustrations outweighed their own. Ayame desperately needed Ace under control so she can get some semblance of her life back together.

“Not now!” Ace barked back, folding his arms together, wanting them to continue in their attempt to locate Hideki. 

“We understand, Aki, we hear him all the time, but we just need to talk to Jack, and see, I…. I don’t even know how to explain it,”  Ayame almost stuttered between words as she held her hand on the door. Mitsuko and Aki both saw the TAC soldier on the verge of crying.  “I’m so lost in all of this to the point where I’m leaving my little brother all alone yet again, because…..”

“You have no idea where to go from here?” a masculine voice was heard from inside the apartment, causing everyone to turn their heads towards the source. “I should know.”

“Hideki?” Mitsuko inquired, taking note of the tall man with black hair neatly combed while he wore a white jumpsuit.

Hideki nodded, smiling at the two visitors. “I overheard some of what all of you were talking about.”

“Is Jack there?” Mitsuko asked, immediately jumping to the gun. 

Hideki glanced over at Jack leaning against the wall, leaving just enough of a gap between it and his noncorporeal form. 

“It’s okay,” Jack spoke. 

Hideki turned back to the two, “He is.”

“Tell him to bring Jack out,” Ace commanded, feeling himself in a better state, knowing he can potentially receive the answers he’s looking for. “Time is of the essence.”

Mitsuko stood forward as Aki relinquished her hold on the door, allowing the two to come inside. “I know you two aren’t on the best terms, but Ace would like to speak to you.” 

“Ace wanting to speak to me?” Jack lifted himself up to face Ace’s hosts. “That’s a first.”

“Up to you,”  Hideki relayed, feeling slightly apprehensive about all of this after seeing the hell Ace put him through. However, he knew Jack would be willing to listen to him even if it wasn’t going to be pretty. “We can see what he wants.”

“It couldn’t hurt, just tell them we’ll do it under certain conditions,”  Jack rationalized.

Hideki and Jack took a moment to discuss as the others watched Hideki having a one-sided conversation. Both Ayame and Mitsuko realized this is what they appear to other people whenever they spoke to Ace. They glanced at each other, silently confirming they should be more selective on where they have a conversation. 

Hideki turned around, clapping his hands.“We’ll do it, but we have a few conditions.” 

“Great….” Ace muttered, realizing it was going to be a list of inconsequential demands. 

“And those are?” Ayame inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“Only the three of us will go to a certain point to avoid any unnecessary damages and we only let out our respective Ultras at that point,” Hideki relayed Jack’s requests to the two other hosts. 

“Unnecessary damage? Who the hell does he think he is?” Ace scrutinized, irritated he had to go through more hurdles just to receive advice that may not even work for him. 

“Ace!” Ayame barked firmly. 

“Fine! I accept!” Ace begrudgingly complied, turning away from everyone.

“Ace agrees to those terms, surprisingly,” Ayame relayed, rubbing her forehead as Mitsuko patted her on the back.

“Good,” Hideki nodded, making his way towards the kitchen, with Aki following her partner. He brought a few things down as both Ayame and Mitsuko were confused by his sudden behavior. 

Aki wrapped her arms around Hideki, terrified for his and Jack’s wellbeing as she had a gut feeling this could end in a fight. “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

“We’ll be okay, the two of them seem nice,” Hideki looked back over at Ayame and Mitsuko standing off in the living room, smiling at them. “And I don’t think this will end in a fight despite how Ace is.” Hideki spoke as Jack gave him a thumbs up, brightening his faith in this being a peaceful encounter. 

“You sure about that?” Aki questioned, tilting her head back, lightly brushing her hand against his chest. 

“Ace is a lot of things, but he has a reason for approaching me and for once it’s not to antagonize me. I’m willing to see this through,” Jack assured, briefly trading places with his host, just out of eyesight from Ace’s hosts, to bring a sense of solace to her. 

“And I as well,” Hideki complied, phasing back into reality, wrapping her up in a massive hug. 

“Just don’t hesitate if something happens,” Aki murmured before glaring over at the invisible Ace. “Otherwise I’ll have to beat him into a coma.”

“Always,” Hideki chuckled before turning back to Ace’s hosts, keeping a smile on.“Oh. One more thing?”

“Yes?” Ayame responded, curious as to what else he could want. 

“Need a water?” Hideki inquired, reaching inside the fridge. 

“Why?” Ayame said, squinting her eyes.

“We’re going on a hike,” Hideki announced, pulling out two more bottles of water as he gave them a wide smile. 

***

“How much further?” Ayame asked, keeping her body pumping with each step on the rocky path. She looked at the massive cliffside they were at as the three of them stood over, taking in the great valley just below them. 

“Here should be good,” Hideki relayed, taking a moment to look at the beautiful landscape he led the other hosts to. He turned around and smiled back at them. “Well, moment of truth, I suppose.”

“And we’ll be okay, right?” Mitsuko asked, taking a swig of her drink. “Have you ever done this before?”

“Transform alongside another host, nope,” Hideki answered. “And, uh, we’ll personally be fine, but it’ll be up to Jack and Ace how this goes down.”

“Right….” Mitsuko breathed with Ayame following her lead as they brought up both of their rings. Hideki kept his eyes open as both he and Ace’s hosts phased out of reality. 

A brief light engulfed the cliffside before revealing the two Ultras facing each other. Jack chuckled, offering him a small wave. He was curious to know what Ace had come to him for, as he could already spot something different about him. 

Ace was still furious, but not at him. Jack could sense there was a lot of pain residing in him currently. Before he could even inspect any further, Ace rushed over, asking, “How did you do it!?”

“Did what?”

“Ha ha!” Ace blurted out, feeling his mind chip away from his growing anger. “You know what I’m talking about. How you’re so full of yourself like you were before that day!”

Jack shuddered slightly, remembering that with the worn torn, blood red sky as he and the others fought for their lives to stop Deathla. A day that remained in infamy for him, causing himself to take a deep breath. He further planted his feet in the ground, remaining strong as he kept his mind focused on the task at hand. 

“It’s not something I or my host did in a day.”

“And you were able to do it! Because life just loves giving you handouts!” Ace vexed his distress, bashing his hands together out of frustration, wanting to punch Jack in the face yet again. Despite that initial feeling, he didn’t want to go through it, he needed his help. Ace punched himself in the shoulder, keeping himself in check, choking out once more. “While I’m stuck hearing a goddamn voice in my head now all because….”

“Regret, “ Jack answered, watching the Ultra starting to lose it while pacing around. He saw how much worse he was getting and knew it wouldn’t be a typical conversation they had in the past. “That’s what it is.”

“Oh, he’s good. Can figure it out in an instance unlike you,” the voice inside of Ace’s mind spoke, tormenting the flawed person it was born from. 

“Shut it!”  Ace barked to the sky, attempting to direct the voice in general. His entire body was visibly shaking, readying to punch the air or someone in his vicinity. 

“Ace!” Jack yelled back out, attempting to get him back on track, to prevent him from going down that spiral he once went through. It was hell for him and he vowed to save anyone who’d be on its path. Never again. “It’s not real… they’re demons we conju….”

“Demons I created!?” Ace retaliated, turning his full attention back to Jack. His voice started to crack from the emotions overwhelming him, but he fought himself by moving forward towards Jack. Fury still raged heavily in his eyes.  “Oh right! The ones I created by thinking it was best to stop you from screwing up even further on that planet, belittle every species, neglect my partners, treat my hosts like garbage, become no better than my parents by disowning my son!” 

“That’s not….”  Jack attempted to speak, trying to do everything he could to help his former rival, but found himself interrupted yet again. 

“And I can’t even find a goddamn solution to stop the Choju or Mefilas by myself, or even know why my parents abandoned me!?” Ace vented, listing more of the grievances life itself had thrown at him, his insides spinning like crazy as if he felt sick to his stomach. 

“Ace, it’s okay,” Jack spoke, offering a hand out in an attempt to comfort him. “We all fai…..” 

“I’m not Lipiah, I’m not Zoffy!”  Ace screamed, smacking Jack’s hand aside as he got up right in front of his face. He looked him dead in the eye, seeing just how much Jack encapsulated the picture of being a hero. He couldn’t deny it any longer.

“I’M NOT YOU!”

The scream rattled the entirety of their surroundings. Both of them stood still while the quiet settled back down.

Ace didn’t realize it at first, but he had his fist raised up to Jack. His hand shook in response, realizing even instinctively he always reacted with hostility. Before Jack could say or do anything, Ace turned away and faced the vista they stood before. 

The Ultra flashed his hands together, intending to fire his Metalium Beam to decimate everything around him in anger. Colors formed at his fingertips, attempting to come out while Ace unleashed a scream so loud it could be heard across the whole valley, rattling it once again. 

All of it was at his mercy.

Yet…

The colors faded away as Ace threw down his hands, collapsing onto the ground. He sat there, taking a moment to witness what he almost destroyed before turning over to Jack. 

“You won… I hate myself,” Ace choked, feeling himself at his complete lowest by handing one of the people he disliked the most their victory. “That’s what you wanted to hear.”

Jack was dumbfounded by everything Ace had screamed out. He never would have expected the next encounter to be emotional as it was, but couldn’t let himself be stopped in what he vowed to do just months ago. 

He walked forward to Ace, but upon closer inspection of his devastated form, an all too familiar voice made itself known. 

“Good. He’s at his lowest. Bring him down even further and you will prove you’ll always be better than him.”

Jack glanced over to his left to see his own demon, Belial, standing off in the distance. The disgraced Ultra smiled devilishly at him as he started up a round of applause for him. 

Ultraman Jack glared at the devil and shook his head, refusing to give him any more power. He turned his attention towards Ace, with his vision altering ever so slightly. Instead of Ace, it was when he and Beth were kids, watching that colorful night and telling her she can be anything she wanted. 

He attempted to reach out, to put his hand on his shoulders, but pulled back. If he wanted to help him, then he’d have to go through a different approach. Jack plopped down next to Ace, staring at the beautiful landscape, watching life itself flourish before their very eyes. 

“You’re right,” Jack spoke, earning Ace’s attention as he lifted his head slowly at him, completely at the mercy of what he was about to say. “You’re not me and you never will be.”

“Thanks,” Ace muttered, turning away. He felt disgusted with himself that he could open up only to be repaid with gloating, but also knew Jack was right. He could never be better, like he was trying to be.

Jack shook his head. “But you shouldn’t strive to be like me.”

Ace turned back up to see Jack continuing on, keeping himself focused as if he was facing down an entire army. “You did what you did back there to save lives, something I forgot about because I wanted glory. Despite your claims, you still provide for your family to make sure they see the next day and when the world or even someone needs saving, you ride in, risking your life every chance you get.”

“How… does that help me in any way? Just a few things to say so I can pat myself on the back?” Ace scoffed, rubbing his legs. 

“Because under that tough exterior you like to parade around in, you’re caring, resourceful, and stubborn to do the right thing.” Jack relayed. “All of those are part of what makes someone a good person.”

Ace breathed, feeling his insides work up again as his mind raced at everything Jack said to him. Ayame looked down in regret, knowing she didn’t make it easier on Ace as well despite their constant arguments. 

“Ace, I’m sorry,” Ayame murmured, reaching her hand out as a gesture to shake his hand, even if he didn’t see it. “I don’t know what more I can say, but I want to be better, to help not only you, but all of us.”

Mitsuko smiled at her partner, the progress she was making to push forward. “And you know you’ll always have me around you, whether you like it or not.”

Ace chuckled, shaking his head, something Jack quickly picked up on. “Listen to them. Our hosts help make us better, to see we’re also a small part of this universe, just trying to do what we can for everyone.”

“I suppose I have a lot of work ahead of me….” Ace huffed, getting up back on his feet. “Great.”

“Ace, the battles that are the most important to us are never easy, you can do this,” Jack said out of compassion, following Ace’s lead by standing back up, facing him properly. 

“Yeah….” Ace sighed, brushing the dirt off his lower body before looking back at his former rival. “And I still have two sets of threats to take out.”

“Need any help?” Jack asked, readying to step up to the plate to help not only him but the rest of the planet in the crisis. “I’ll always be there.”

“We’re not there yet,” Ace chuckled, lightly smacking Jack on the shoulder, eliciting a small laugh from him. “But if my hosts are up to it, I think I might take some of your advice… at least regarding the topic of help.”

“Okay,” Jack chuckled, before taking another look at the descending sun, giving the vast land the last amount of light it had for the day. “If things ever go sideways, don’t hesitate…”

“Yeah, yeah!” Ace responded sardonically, tempted to recite everything Jack threw out to him. “I’ll be sure to call you.”

 

Chapter 9: The Calm Before the Storm

“Any idea what you want to say to Z?” Ayame asked, glancing over at her Ultra, flashing him a small smile as she and Mitsuko walked down the hallway to their apartment. 

“I… I’m not sure,” Ace said, going through every apology he could think of, but nothing sounded meaningful to him or even to Z. “I just think I might wing it. Make it up as I come along.”

“Sometimes that’s best,” Mitsuko hummed, tilting herself towards his corporeal form. “It comes from the heart.”

Ayame pressed the key into the lock and unlocked the door, taking a step in. “We’ll just need to get Chiharu to come over when he and Z are ready.”

“Ready for what?” Chiharu asked, seemingly materializing in front of his older sister.

Ayame jumped back out in surprise, startled by the boy’s sudden appearance. “You scared me!”

“Oh,” Chiharu murmured, looking away as he felt he disappointed her. “I’m sorry.”

She immediately realized by raising her voice she upset him, knowing it only made today’s argument surrounding the group worse. Ayame pulled him in for a hug, rubbing her hand through his hair. “You have nothing to be sorry about, this one is on me.”

Chiharu gave her a small smile before returning the gesture while Mitsuko folded her hands together and placed them above her heart. She loved seeing this side of Ayame, a sweet and loving protector of her family. 

Ayame pulled her head back to properly face her brother, registering the fact she still hadn’t answered his question. “Ace, and I guess us, to some extent, did a lot of thinking.”

Chiharu glanced back at Z, noticing him keeping his distance despite only being seen by him. He still felt unwelcomed around Ayame and Mitsuko. “We did a lot of thinking and even met Kamen Rider on our adventure.”

“Kamen Rider?” Mitsuko asked. 

“Wait, you weren’t here the whole time?” Ayame inquired, putting together the pieces of the puzzles upon realizing where Chiharu was just moments ago. She almost shot her brother with a small glare, but caught herself in the nick of time. “So, an adventure with Kamen Rider, huh? How was that?”

Chiharu smiled. “He saved us from Shocker troops and Z even got to take a few out! Both of them kicked ass!”

“Languge!” Ayame called out, stunning her little brother for just a second until she smiled again. “Sounds to me Z did most of the heavy lifting and Kamen Rider just helped out a tad.”

Z chuckled in response, inching himself closer to Ayame, noticing her smiling at him despite him being invisible to her. “Z, regardless of what happened, I’m glad you came into our lives. You’re not only my brother’s best friend, but his brother as well, and that makes you family to me.”

The young Ultra felt his body becoming light, overwhelmed by the loving reception he received from someone who was indifferent about him at best. Now, he knew she showed genuine love for him.

“And there will be plenty of hugs when you decide to say hi,” Mitsuko chimed in, flashing him a huge grin.

Z moved next to Chiharu. “Tell them… ‘I love them’.”

“Z says he loves you both,” Chiharu relayed, causing Ayame to smile as her heart beat, feeling happy to have another person in her life she can truly love. Mitsuko was simply overjoyed, another person she can bond with. 

“We love you too, Z,” Ayame murmured, her eyes twinkling slightly.

“We love you so much!” Mitsuko enthusiastically jumped in.

Ace watched the whole display, seeing as everyone was making their amends towards each other. He wanted to join them, feeling as if he was an outcast in their little family, but those words he was searching for still couldn’t come to him. The Ultra revisited the idea of winging it, but couldn’t bring himself to make an uninspired apology. 

He did, however, wanted to relay something to Z through his hosts. 

“Ayame, I still can’t think of the words, but just tell Z, ‘I’m sorry for what I said, and I’m sorry for not being able to give you a proper apology. I’m terrible at this and I understand if you need time away from me, as much as you need.’”

She nodded her head, getting Chiharu’s attention. Ayame relayed every word verbatim, with Z listening to every word. He was still devastated by what Ace screamed at him, not wanting to speak to him, possibly forever. However, he remembered what Hongo and Tachibana told him, knowing time will be what he needs.

“Tell Ace, I appreciate what he’s trying to do, but I just need the time,” Z said, rubbing his shoulder, looking away from the group.

Chiharu did as he was instructed as Ayame simply nodded her head. Ace titled his head down in disappointment, knowing it was the expected outcome. However, time is what Ace will give him as he just hoped there’ll be a moment when the two can reconcile. 

With tensions being reduced between the five of them, they shuffled into the apartment, preparing to settle down for the night, with a nice warm meal.

***

Ayame tapped her shoulder while Mitsuko paced around their living room, waiting for their next step. It had only been a day after their reconciliation, but the plan to move forward still needed to happen. They were anxious with how Ace conveyed his plan, but were willing to go through with his plan, as the evidence he laid out for them made sense. It was just a matter of the others believing it. 

A knock was heard at the door, causing Mitsuko to perk up and open the door, revealing a couple of their coworkers, Yamanaka, Mikawa, Konno, and Yoshimura. They smiled at Mitsuko as Mikawa greeted them delightfully, “This is a nice surprise to be invited by the two of you.”

“By all means, come in,” Mitsuko greeted her four friends as they stepped inside, all taking seats on the couch or a nearby stool. 

“So….” Konno said, rubbing his hands together flashing the two hosts a huge grin. “What’s on the agenda today?”

Ayame breathed, dropping her hand as she eyed her comrades. There was no point in dancing around the subject, what they needed to tell them needed to happen now. “I wish it was under better circumstances, but Mefilas isn’t who he is cracked up to be.”

Silence was met. Both Ayame and Mitsuko looked at their friends with mixed reactions. Konno was confused, Yoshimura was processing it all, Mikawa and Yamanaka frowned. Vice Captain Yamanaka stood up and stared Ayame in the eye. 

“I had my reservations on Mefilas, but if the captain and an Ultraman can vouch for him, then we’ll have to let it play out,” he rationed as the others followed suit on their opinions. 

Konno followed through, asking, “What would Mefilas even want out of this? He said he wanted peace.”

Mikawa stayed quiet for a moment, letting their statements pass through one ear and out the other. That was, until she remembered something that day. The mental image of Ace looking at her as if he was trying to warn her of something. 

“Mefilas is onto something,” the communications specialist spoke up, turning everyone’s attention towards her. “That Ultra… Ultraman Ace, he gave me a puzzling look, like he wanted to tell me something, but couldn’t.”

“Yes,” Ayame responded, lowering her head slightly, still feeling apprehensive about what Ace had planned. Panning over slightly to Mitsuko, she gave her an encouraging smile to trust him. “Ace was right, he was trying to warn you about Mefilas.”

“Warn her how?” Yoshimura questioned. 

“And how would the two of you know that?” Yamanaka questioned, continuing to frown at what the two were getting at. He wondered what their connection to Ace was or at least their claim of knowing what he said. 

Mitsuko chimed in, preparing to relay that information to them. “Did you ever wonder why we weren’t there during the Vakishim attack?” 

“I assume Goro had orders for you both to stay back,” Konno answered, before smacking himself up the head upon realizing that tactic made no sense. “Now I’m confused by his methods.”

The moment of truth was upon them.

Ayame nodded at Mitsuko before rolling up their sleeves to reveal their rings. The shiny silver and red objects caught their attention like a mosquito to a bug zapper. Before they could ask further questions for the two, the two hosts disappeared out of existence and were replaced by Ace.

Mikawa and Yoshimura stared at the Ultra, their eyes widening while Konno backed away. Yamanaka smirked. “Knew it.”

“What, how?” Ace questioned, completely thrown off by what his hosts’ friend relayed. He’d expected shock across the whole room, not someone already figuring out the little secret he hid with the two hosts. 

“You…” Yamanaka tried to speak, catching himself when he realized he was no longer talking to his friends, but the Ultraman that stood before him. “I mean, Ayame and Mitsuko seemed to disappear whenever a kaiju attacked or some excuse always came up conveniently.”

“He’s making a good point there,” Konno added, pointing at the Ultra.

“I… you…. did not know that, how?” Ace questioned, feeling annoyed at how one person was able to figure it out instantly. 

“Ace, this is good. We want to catch them up to speed quickly,” Ayame pointed out, causing another huff from the Ultra.

“Whatever,” Ace muttered. “Did you at least know your precious captain and Mefilas are one in the same?” 

“No.” Yamanaka frowned. 

“Oh, so I was obvious, but the Seijin with an electric dog wasn’t?” Ace uttered in disbelief, feeling frustrated at how clueless the members of TAC were. He felt himself wanting to scream at them, berate them for their stupidity as he gripped his hands.

“Ace, remember…” Mitsuko gently said, reminding him to take a deep breath and compose himself.

“Ace is right, he did try to warn me about Mefilas,” Mikawa elaborated, stepping towards the Ultra and her Vice Captain, but still appeared puzzled. “Though, I’m confused as to why you or Ayame and Mitsuko didn’t say anything beforehand.” 

“Yeah…. That…” Ace murmured, scratching the back of his head, temporarily looking away at them and towards his hosts. Ayame sighed out but joined Mitsuko in smiling at him, telling him to reveal it all. “I, to some extent Ayame and Mitsuko, mainly me, didn’t know how you would all react to this information, especially since I don’t know any of you. Along with the fact that Mefilas would have revealed it to TAC and likely the world.” 

The room went silent for a moment until Yoshimura stepped forward. “While I understand the hesitation, the three of you haven’t led us astray yet. You’re all doing your duty to protect this planet.”

Konno nodded his head, agreeing with his comrade. Mikawa gave the Ultra a smile, patting him on the shoulder. “If my friends came to me for anything, even revealing a personal secret, then I’d have to trust them.”

Yamanaka sighed, patting the gun strapped to his hostler. “Welp, what’s Mefilas’ endgame here, on top of being a liar, so I can shoot him.”

Ace couldn’t help, but feel happy at how people are not only looking up to him, but accepting the three of them. He, and Ayame, felt like kicking themselves for never once believing in them the same way they believed in them. Their numbers were small, but they felt confident they could not only prevent Mefilas from ruling the Earth, but stop Yapool as well. 

***

It glanced at the city lights off in the distance. Like the forest it had witnessed previously this concrete jungle lathered in lights reminiscent of the cosmos. Ace Killer wanted to be within its body, but today’s earlier experience taught it that the beings inside feared it.

The machine couldn’t comprehend why. It was not there to hurt them, only the silver giants that occupy that space. 

Ace Killer shuttered for a moment. 

“What did the Ultras do to hurt its creator?”

The machine held its hand out, imagining the touch of every building in that plot of land. It wanted to know what kind of story each of those colorful signs displayed. To Ace Killer, the whole city could tell stories far different than anything it experienced. 

“My child!” Yapool’s voice echoed, shaking Ace Killer, forcing its gears to go into overdrive. The machine stood at attention for orders by its creator. 

“Tomorrow is the day when our enemies will engage each other,” Yapool announced, eliciting a head tilt from the machine. “You will jump in when they’re weak and all of them will be vanquished in an instant.”

Ace Killer nodded its head, intending to fulfill its duty by killing the four biggest threats to its master’s plan. The machine raised its arm up towards its head and saluted Yapool. Ace Killer couldn’t help but show extra gratitude for its master by being inspired by how the inhabitants of this planet praised each other. It felt calming and even warm.

The voice ceased, leaving Ace Killer alone. It took a few moments to realize, but all the machine could do was hang its head down. The being couldn’t understand why its creator would not wish to be with his creation more often. Ace Killer couldn’t help but feel confused, baffled by why its creator wouldn’t be here, when it could enjoy something as beautiful as the city.

Still, there had to be a reason for Yapool’s decision, his behavior. 

It would only be a matter of time before he opened up more to Ace Killer. To get that sweet reward of being praised further by its parent, and it’ll fulfill the completion of tomorrow’s mission. 

It must.

***

Chiharu threw a yellow ball up against the ceiling, letting it drop back to his hand before repeating the process. He laid on his bed, listening to the conversation between the members of TAC in the other room. From what he heard, it sounded like they were going to throw everything at Mefilas and Neronga. 

Z materialized next to him, holding out his hand to catch the ball only for it to phase through. He already knew he wouldn’t be able to catch it, but he wanted that illusion, to feel like he was playing with him. 

He, too, listened to the conversation happening beyond the walls and glanced back at Chiharu. “Are you worried about them?”

“A little,” Chiharu said, continuing to throw the ball. He had his reservations about their plan, not knowing if they could even stop Mefilas with TAC behind their back. What Mefilas was doing wasn’t right for anyone, but he’s been helping in keeping the Choju invasion at a pause. He just wasn’t sure if this was the right move to make. “I just don’t know if they’re doing the right thing or not.”

Z chuckled. “I know the feeling, just not sure if any of us are doing the right thing.” 

Chiharu let the ball drop on his chest, turning his complete attention to Z. He noticed how Zett stared at him, slowly putting it together on his Ultra coming up with a conclusion. “You thinking of doing something?”

“Yeah,” Z huffed, brushing his hands together. He wasn’t fully there with coming to terms with his emotions and how he felt about Ace, but he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. “Ace is a jerk, but he’s going to need to help whether he wants it or not. All hands on deck, am I right?”

Chiharu shot up from his bed, planting his feet on the soft carpet. “Ayame is going to kill me, but it beats being alone throwing a ball.” 

“You can say that again!”  Z cheered out, throwing his hand up for Chiharu to high five him. The boy instinctively did so only for their hands to phase through each other, forcing both of them to stumble through each other. They turned around and chuckled at their behavior, still not fully comprehending how the merging works. “We still have a ways to go.”

“Let’s figure that out after the battle.”

 

Chapter 10: All Out Assault

Ayame peered out through the glass door, leading to the back of the facility. She saw Goro sitting on one of the benches, overlooking the valley leading to Mt. Fuji itself. No doubt he was enjoying the view, knowing he’d take joy in anything. 

She turned back to Mitsuko, giving her a smile. Her partner noticed her looking at her and matched hers. Mitsuko raised her hand up to Ayame’s cheek, slightly squeezing it, eliciting a giggle from Ayame. “It’s going to be okay. We got this.”

Ayame placed her hand behind Mitsuko’s back, looking her in the eyes and smiling. “Let’s do it.”

“Do… do what?” Mitsuko asked, grinning at her girlfriend. 

“Start a life together like, actually start one together,” Ayame exclaimed, gripping her fingers against Mitsuko’s back. 

“What brought this on, Ay?” Mitsuko questioned, squinting her eyes, but keeping her smile. Despite the poor timing, she was liking where her partner’s head was. 

“Maybe because we’re not gonna make it or maybe it’s just kicking in for me, I just don’t know, but who cares!?” Ayame said out loud, pulling Mitsuko closer to her. “It’s you and me.”

Before Mitsuko could even say anything Ayame pulled her even further and planted her lips onto hers. It felt like years had passed as the two kept their hold onto each other, never wanting the moment to end. 

“Ahem!” Ace coughed, startling them as they turned around to see him tapping his foot and point at his hand. 

“Right…. Distracted before the big fight,” Ayame murmured, fiddling with her outfit while Mitsuko just simply slapped her on the shoulder.

“It’s just what I needed.”

“Good, whatever. Do that after we kick his ass,” Ace groaned, ushering them to head outside to confront the Seijin. 

Ayame and Mitsuko breathed, heading outside to be met with a gentle breeze. The two mosied out, pacing themselves to prevent suspicion until they made it to the nearby benches. They stared at the vista Mefilas was seemingly fixated on, as they couldn’t help but agree in finding it beautiful. 

“Enjoying the view?” Mefilas inquired, never taking his eye off the green valley. 

“We are,” Ayame simply answered, panning her head slightly towards her former superior, making sure he hadn’t moved a muscle. Instead, he kept himself seemingly frozen in place. 

“That’s good,” the disguised Seijin flexed his lips as he was planning to grin, but stopped halfway through. “It’d be a shame if this was lost.”

This time, he turned over to face the couple, puzzling them before Ayame was starting to realize what was happening. “Nothing escapes your eyes, does it?”

Mefilas chuckled, brushing his hands together. “I guess not, but I suppose I should congratulate you both for rallying the team together. You really do have the makings to be a good leader, Miss Ohta.”

“Then you know it won’t end for you well,” Ayame countered, inching her hand towards her gun in the event he tries to run for it. 

“That depends how this all goes down,” Mefilas relayed, pulling himself off the bench and taking another look at the gulch. “We still have many surprises for each other.”

“We do,” Ayame pulled out her gun while Mefilas yanked out his own version of the Beta Box, shaped like a dagger with a tip drenched in red. Ayame’s finger was inching away from the trigger as Mefilas glanced at her until the engine belonging to the Panther revved up. 

The Seijin smirked, seeing Mikawa aiming a rocket launcher at him as he heard the sounds of the Arrows’ engines roaring. He knew they would pursue him to the ends of the Earth no matter what.

“A shame this didn’t last. I really thought we could have worked well together.”

“Not when you decide to dictate us however you want,” Mitsuko called out.

“‘No one’s ever perfect’, one of my least favorite sayings,” Mefilas sadly surmised. “I would have made sure everyone was safe and treated however they’d want to be.”

“Until it conflicts with your ideal world,” Ayame fired back. “Everyone deserves to live free without having to compromise it.”

“In time you’ll see,” Mefilas pointed out, tilting his head slightly to the left as he seemingly spotted the invisible Ace. “All three of you will see that humanity needs me.”

“We got the Ultras and Kamen Rider,” Ayame said, taking delight in rejecting Mefilas’ supposed help. “We’re doing fine.”

“For now, but it never ends well with humanity,” Mefilas poignantly noted, keeping his eyes purely on the Ultra hosts, ignoring the rest of TAC pointing weapons at them. “Eh, one last thing?”

“What?” Ayame muttered, wanting to either shoot him or for him to escape into space never to be seen again. His constant chattering was fueling an oncoming headache. 

“Where’s Z?” 

Ace rolled his eyes as Ayame winked at him, telling him to not let it get to him. She turned back to Mefilas and smiled, “As far away from all of this.”

Mefilas smiled, clapping his hand slowly, letting the Beta Capsule meet the faux flesh on his palm. “I respect your dedication to your family.”

Before anyone could respond, Mefilas slammed his hand against the capsule, growing exponentially larger, destroying the patio. Concrete and wood flew out towards the two hosts, expecting to be hit when their rings lit up. 

Other bits of debris rivaled the ones from Mefilas’ direction, colliding into each other and shattering into pieces. Ace materialized fright in front of Mefilas, throwing his hands up to strike the Seijin at any given point.

“I guess I chose well after all,” Ace felt proud of how his hosts handled themselves in a conflict and their willingness to protect his son.

The two stared at each other for exactly one second before firing off their respective beams. Mefilas’ orange pair ray collided with Ace’s rainbow Metalium Beam. The colors danced across their very eyes with neither giving up any ground. They stood still, concentrating their respective beams as best as they could until the collision could no longer hold.

The engagement forced an explosion between the two, sending them skidding backwards. TAC immediately opened fire on the recovering Mefilas while Ace regained his footing. Ace smirked and threw several guillotine shots, intending to amputate his limbs. 

The saw-like projectiles swarmed at the Seijin, but Mefilas swung his hands repeatedly causing them to fly across the battlefield. The now earthbound weapons of energy tore up the ground, ruining the once grassy valley. 

“Neronga, now!” Mefilas commanded, blocking several missiles with arm before firing off a grip beam at the swerving Arrow. 

Emerging from behind the mountain, an invisible force plowed through the land, rushing towards the aid of his master. Neronga cried out, tackling Ace to the ground, striking him several times with his claws. The lightning quadruped smacked his horn against Ace’s face, eliciting a roar of pain. 

Ace slammed his hands to his chest and fired a timer bolt. The red singular beam struck Neronga in the chest, sending the hound off the Ultra and into a nearby body of water. Ace recovered slowly while he watched Neronga splashing around and making his way back towards the surface. 

The Ultra circled his arms forward, firing an arrow beam. The projectiles were fast, but Neronga was quicker on the draw, leaping out of the way. Neronga roared, declaring it was faster than Ace, but the Ultra had something planned. Ace waited just another second before throwing out a devastating punch, knocking his foe to the ground as he was left stirring. 

Mefilas, on the other hand, only felt ticklish at best from TAC’s combined strength. Their missiles and weapons were nothing to him, but he was at a complete stalemate. They were too evasive for not only his physical strikes, but his beams as well. 

“I taught you all well,” Mefilas felt a small sense of pride for training his former soldiers well.

“Hey Mefilas!” Ace called, with the Seijin turning around still feeling the meager blasters from TAC. “Let’s finish this.”

Ace’s hands glowed yellow and immediately wasted no time charging in. The Ultra sent out punch after punch, striking Mefilas anywhere he could as the Seijin threw up his arms to defend himself. Mefilas quickly folded his arms back before slamming them on both sides of Ace’s, causing him to scream and stumble backwards. 

Mefilas fired his pair ray, forcing Ace to collapse on his back. The Seijin rushed over but Ace beat him to it by firing another Metalium Beam. Alien Mefilas was sent flying upwards before crashing down on his feet, something he was able to prepare himself for. 

Lighting was channeled between Ace’s hands before morphing into a red ball. The Ultra yelled out and threw it at his rival as Mefilas ducked. The Seijin retaliated by firing another beam as Ace was too quick on the draw and evaded it. 

Both of them soon came to realize something. 

At full strength, neither of them had the advantage. 

BOOM!

Ace and Mefilas turned around to see both jets engulfed in flames as the pilots were ejected from their craft while the Panther was tipped over. Ayame and Mitsuko’s eyes widened in horror at their friends not only being taken out of the fight, but potentially injured. 

“No!” the two hosts screamed out in unison. 

Mefilas chuckled, assuming Neornga was able to shoot them down without anyone noticing. He turned back to Ace, preparing to lecture him once more when he felt a searing pain in his side. Before he was sent skidding across the ruined landscape, he saw a blue beam piercing it. 

Ace recognizing that beam anywhere was both happy and upset that Z was here. He went to turn his head over to acknowledge his son’s appearance only to be met with the same beam as his rival did. The Ultra slid across the dirt, his head hitting Mefilas’ chest. 

The Ultra grumbled, realizing it was the brown and crimson colored machine that attempted to kill Z. Yet, it was puzzled by how it had acquired Z’s beam, however, he wasn’t going to let it have the chance.

Ace jumped up to face the approaching machine while Ace Killer kept its eye on him as well. The machine pulled out its battle sai, brandishing it as if it were showing the down giants at the means of their execution. 

It didn’t know them personally or even know what they did to anger its father, but it was simply irrelevant. It needed to feel Yapool’s warmth and it’ll destroy anyone he demanded, no matter how interesting they appeared to it.

Ace threw his hands up as he then heard a coughing Mefilas. The Ultra glanced over to the slowly recovering Mefilas looking up at him. “I know we’re not on good terms right now, but would you be opposed to extending our arrangement… at least for a few more minutes?”

“Just do it!” Ayame firmly issued, glaring at her former superior. She still wanted to see Ace beat him into submission and hear his cries of mercy, but there were bigger issues afoot. “We can humiliate him later.”

Without saying words, Ace offered up a hand to Mefilas, eliciting a chuckle from the Seijin. The two got ready to fight while Neronga slowly materialized right next to his master. The hound shook his head, still feeling his head pounding from the punch. Mefilas lightly patted him on the head, “Excellent resilience, my friend! That’s the spirit!” 

Neronga huffed, aiming his horn at the approaching mech and readying to fire at any second. Not even having to convey anything towards each other, they fired their respective beams, all of them cascading towards Yapool’s agent. 

Three different beams struck its metallic exterior, smoke rising out of it as it slowly raised its blade, allowing it to take the brunt of the assault. Ace Killer steered the beams away with its sai, impacting the nearby hills, blowing them apart. Its blade as a result shattered to pieces causing it to drop the handle.

Ace, Mefilas and Neronga all looked surprised to see the robot functioning after being blasted. The machine’s front half was still charred, but functioning as it wasted no time charging towards them. Neronga opened fire, firing several bolts of electricity at it, striking it. 

The bolts only danced around its body, eliciting minimal damage, allowing the machine to keep pushing forward. It leapt up and delivered a kick to Neronga’s face, forcing a yelp of pain as blood gushed out of his cheek. Ace Killer raised his arm upwards, gears circulating in response before striking Neronga on the head. 

Mefilas growled, seeing his pet being harmed as he went to kick the machine’s darkened head. Ace Killer reared its head back, dodging the attack before matching his foe’s leg with his arm. The machine kept Mefilas still until it fired Z’s copied beam at the Seijin, sending him crashing down on his back. 

Ace leapt forward, firing a few bolts of white energy at his doppelganger, forcing it to stumble backwards. Sparks erupted even further as its natural colors were being further darkened by his attacks. Ace Killer responded in kind by firing another Zestium Beam at Ace’s chest, eliciting an agonized scream, barely keeping himself upright. 

The Ultra took a breath, taking just a second to recompose himself before he let out a primal scream and jumped onto it. Ace threw down several punches, barely denting the armor before the machine looked at him blankly and shot out another Zestium Beam. The blue energy sent Ace flying off of him and crashing down on his back. 

Ace struggled to get up, watching Yapool’s creation march towards him, preparing to fire another beam. This was the end for him. The Ultra groaned, feeling he failed no matter how hard he tried. He glanced over at his hosts, begging for him to get up, but his energy was almost depleted. 

“I’m so sorry Ayame and Mitsuko,” Ace apologized, feeling his body almost motionless. “I thought I could make this all work. At the very least, Z and Chiharu are safe.”

Before anything further could happen from an attack on his physical body or his conscience, a scream was heard from the sky. A blue beam struck the machine’s back, forcing it to stumble forward as several sluggers followed. Ace turned his head to see the machine collapse on its belly as he then heard a loud thud. 

The Ultra Brother looked up to see to his complete shock Z standing above him. “Z!?” Ace exclaimed, not even mad at his presence but overwhelmed by the sudden entrance. 

“I heard your little plan the other day and figured you’d need help whether you like it or not,” Z relayed, inching his hand closer to his body. 

Ace couldn’t but chuckle before throwing his hand forward, matching his son’s before being pulled up. “You did the right thing, son!”

Z’s heart raced at hearing Ace refer to him as his son for the first time in his life. The younger Ultra attempted to speak up before being cut off by Ace. “I’m sorry for everything I said. It was absolutely horrible and no excuse could ever justify it. What matters is you. You’re my one and only son!”

The younger Ultra snatched his father up with a hug. He felt overjoyed to know someone he looked up to for a very long time cared about him. “I love you too, Dad, but we should do this later.”

“Yes, very heartwarming, indeed,” Mefilas coughed, slowly picking himself up. “We still have a robot to deal with.”

Ace glared at him, wanting to still strike him down where he stood, but was right. With the four of them present, they could stop the damaged being. They each struck up a pose as Ace leaned over to Mefilas, “Mind keeping his attention for a few seconds?”

“How so?” Mefilas asked, curious as to know what Ace had in store.

“Just fire a couple of beams, Neronga and I can overload it,” Ace relayed, knowing how the last encounter went with it. “Just need everyone to do their part.”

“I suppose I can do it,” Mefilas sighed before firing off an orange beam, striking the charred robot. It beeped out, taking the bait and fired a Zestium Beam as Mefilas barely leapt out of the way. The Seijin fired off another beam as instructed, completely gaining the attention of Ace Killer.

Ace glanced over at the still head shaking Neronga. He wasn’t sure if this part of the plan would work, much less the hound even being capable of listening to him, but still had to try. The Ultra moved over to the slow moving Neronga as Ace raised his hands up, signifying he meant him no harm. 

“Hey, you, uh, Neronga,” Ace spoke, causing the electric reptile to look up at him. “I need you to fire just one or two more bolts of lightning at the thing attacking your master at the same time as me, okay?”

Neronga blinked at him.

“I don’t think he knows what you’re talking about,” Z pointed out, inspecting the docile creature who just kept staring at them.

“Oh my god…” Ace muttered as Neronga lightly pushed past him, electricity glowing up his horn. The Ultra then smiled upon relief before turning around and folding his arms together. 

Lightning was called upon sky, striking himself as he felt himself imbued with it. Matching Neronga’s timing of his own surge of electricity, the two fired them off, striking the distracted machine. Upon impact, the machine erupted into flames as it let out a hideous shriek, feeling a sense of pain for once. 

The burning Ace Killer turned around to meet its assailants, intending to fire back on them. Blue energy coursed from its body when the being he was based upon called out to the high heavens. “Everyone! Give it everything you got!”

On cue, Neronga fired another round of his lightning as Mefilas followed it up with another beam. Ace nodded at Z, causing the younger Ultra to light up with joy and unleashes a Zestium Beam alongside his father’s Metalium Beam. 

All four beams crashed into Ace Killer, forcing its already burning limbs to act out of control. It staggered around for a few seconds as its emerald eyes blackened. The machine was in complete darkness, no longer able to see this new world it was brought to nor its master. 

In its last few moments, it felt fear.

Ace Killer became motionless, falling backwards as the flames continued washing over it. The four ceased their assault upon realizing they slayed their opponent and for a few moments, none of them thought about fighting. 

Just breathing.

Ace patted Z on the back for a job well done as the younger Ultra did the same. They were relieved they just made it through the day, regardless if Yapool strikes again soon. 

Footsteps were heard, with both Ultras looking up to see Mefilas weakly walking over to his pet. They saw the Seijin rub his hand on the hound as he inspected the gash on his cheek. Mefilas attempted to nurse as Neronga let out a small growl, eliciting a chuckle from him.

The Seijin weakly turned his head around, taking note of the Ultra’s weakened condition. The thought came to him about resuming the fight as all of them were still standing. However, Mefilas absolutely still abhorred violence, even if he had been exposed and lost TAC, a place he grew fond of. 

“Why don’t we call it a day and go our separate ways?” Mefilas suggested, raising his hand up, pointing it towards Ace.

Ace scoffed at the idea, hating how it would mean the Seijin would live to fight another day and concoct another, more dangerous scheme to take over the planet. Yet, his entire body was on fire and despite his newfound confidence in Z’s abilities, he couldn’t risk another fight. Not now.

“I’m not shaking your disgusting hand,” Ace spat, shooting daggers out of his eyes, intending to still execute the Seijin here in and there. “But I’m making an exception. Leave and never come back, because I won’t be as generous.”

Mefilas chuckled in response, dropping hand. “Tough, but fair. A saying I’m fifty-fifty on.”

The Seijin placed his hand onto the Neronga’s back as they felt their bodies dematerializing. The two Ultras watched their foes vanish before their very eyes only for Mefilas to utter one more thing. 

“Take care of TAC, they’ll need you.”

Ace attempted to ponder on his newfound allegiance, knowing he would soon be more a part of their lives. He questioned how far he’ll continue taking up the mantle of being Earth’s defender, but he didn’t want to focus on that right. The Ultra just wanted to help his comrades back onto their feet and to not hear anything for the next couple of days.

“Dad.”

Except one.

“Yeah?”

“That was pretty awesome, right!?” Z exclaimed excitedly, already going back on the memory of the battle they fought together. The younger Ultra snapped his head back at the burning body of Ace Killer with Ace looking back on it as well.

“You’re awesome.”

 

Chapter 11: We Can Be Better

Every member of TAC was back at the base either recovering from their wounds suffered in the battle or celebrating their victory. The captain told them ‘they earned it’ and not wanting to let the opportunity or allowance go to waste they went all out. Drinks and food filled their bellies as they let their ears open up to the music blaring. 

All but two, that is.

“You’re kidding, right!?” Ayame exclaimed, completely shocked by what Captain Yamanaka was suggesting to her. Her left eye was raised, slightly twitching as her mouth hung open. “You know I’m not even a teamplayer!”

“Ayame, you’re not only very capable and revealed the truth about Mefilas to us, and you can swap with an Ultra!” Yamanaka exclaimed, circling his hands as if he were dishing everything out to her. “That makes you more than qualified.”

“I….” Ayame stammered, lightly popping herself on the head. “I don’t know if I want the responsibility, I just promised Mitsuko to pretty much take it up to the next stage, I don’t want the added responsibility.”

“Fair, but I know TAC can benefit from this very handily,” the Captain relayed, marveling to her at how much not only morale will improve but their jobs as well. “They’d love it.”

Ayame thought about the proposition for a bit, pressing the bridge of her nose. She wanted that life with Mitsuko, to pop the question to her in the next few days and eventually what they discussed that day. 

Starting a family.

Then, it hit her.

“Why am I stopping myself?”

“Okay, yes, yeah!” Ayame said aloud, giving in as Yamanaka grinned. “I’ll take the job; I’ll be Vice Captain!”

Yamanaka then bowed to her, eliciting the same reaction from his second in command. “Better go make the announcement.”

The two made their way out into the main area of the building where they saw their subordinates enjoying themselves. Yamanaka walked over to the stereo, smiling softly as he then pressed the power. The music ceased as everyone turned around to see Yamanaka and Ayame preparing to make a statement. 

Ayame glanced down and saw Mitsuko winking at her. The Vice Captain winked back before looking back at the entire group amassed in front of them. “I’m the Vice Captain,” she said bluntly as Yamanaka snapped his head at her. 

“What, I wanted to get back to the party?” Ayame reasoned as Mitsuko snatched her away for a hug. 

Yamanaka shrugged his shoulders before turning the entertainment system back on and joining his friends. 

Mitsuko snatched a kiss from her partner, bringing her in close as she pressed up against her. “I’m so proud of you, Ay,” she hummed.

“I didn’t know this was my bonus,” huffed Ayame.

“Get used to it,” Mitsuko quipped, moving her lips towards her neck. 

“Ahem!” Ace’s voice abruptly interrupted, causing the two to let go of each other as Mitsuko rolled her eyes. “We need to have a meeting.”

“Can it wait?” Ayame almost snapped, glaring at the intruding Ultra.

“It can’t,” Ace spoke before clarifying further. “It’s nothing bad or anything, just family related.”

Mitsuko’s behavior switched, going from agitated to concerned. If he or Z were having a tough time, then she’d do what she could to help. “Okay, we can hear you out.”

“I need Chiharu as well, he’s kind of important for the meeting,” Ace explained. 

“Does it involve Z?” Ayame inquired.

“Yes.”

***

Ayame, Mitsuko, and Chiharu walked on an open field, traveling a decent way outside of the city. They were still unsure why Ace wanted them to travel to this area in particular, but were willing to go along with his simple request. 

“Trying to take in the view here?” Ayame asked, flashing the nearby Ace a smirk. She was still slightly baffled at his reluctance to tell any of them what he planned, even leaving Z in the dark was equally as puzzling. 

“Yeah, right,” Ace chuckled before stopping, motioning for both his hosts to halt. Ayame placed her hand on her brother’s shoulder, signaling him to follow their lead. “Figure I let you all know why you’re gathered here.”

“Could have at least packed a few things so we can have a picnic,” Mitsuko chirped. 

Ace playfully brushed her off before presenting himself more seriously. “I do need to have a talk with Z.”

“Oh?” Mitsuko inquired. “What do you and Z need to talk about?”

Chiharu looked at Z’s noncorporeal form as the Ultra shrugged his shoulders, completely in the dark like himself. 

“His future, I suppose,” Ace answered, shrugging his shoulders.

Ayame turned to Chiharu. “Would you and Z be okay with that?”

Chiharu nodded his head, before turning his head back to the Ultra. Z thought for a moment before nodding his head as well.

All three of them were engulfed in light as the two giants from the Land of Light stood, facing each other. Ace scratched the back of his head, taking note of how far his son had come since he first arrived on this planet. He was so happy to be proven wrong with everything Z did during their short time together.

“Z, I’m so proud of you,” Ace congratulated, approaching his child and placing his hands on his shoulders. 

Z felt himself overcome with happiness, seeing that joy in his father’s eyes after so long. He snatched him up with a hug, almost lifting him up as Ace let out a small laugh, patting him on the shoulders. 

“Thanks, dad,” Z murmured, pulling away as he clapped his hands together. He was feeling energized from not only the latest fight, but the praise he received from his father. Z was ready to get back into the field. “So, who’s the next Choju on the list?”

“Z, you’re a very capable warrior, but….” Ace said, trying to convey what he was trying to mean without giving him the wrong idea.

“But?” 

“I don’t regret you being here with me, but… I need you to start your training at home,” Ace said, causing Z to lower his head slightly. The younger Ultra deep down knew his father was right, only wanting the best for him and for him to be safe. Ace noticed the slight change of behavior before speaking up again, intending to instill confidence in him. “Think of it this way. Your adventures here will be a hell of a story and you’ll already prove you’re the best that there is.”

Z glanced over at Chiharu flashing him two thumbs up before lifting his head back up, reveling in revelation. “You’re right! I’ll be flying through everything so fast they’ll have to pass me earlier than everyone!”

“That’s my boy!”

“Wait, wait!” Ayame cut in, swinging her arms wildly. “What about Chiharu? He can’t just go alongside him.”

“Got you covered,” Ace snapped his fingers.

As if on cue, two figures descended from the clouds landing just a few feet from the two Ultras. Z turned around only to see both Rutia and Yuri standing side by side, smiling at the two planetside Ultras. 

“Mom! Mama!” Z shrieked happily, rushing over and swinging his arms out. Yuri and Rutia scooped him up as the three of them shared a family hug together as Ace slowly walked over to them, feeling his heart race excitedly. 

Rutia looked over her son’s shoulder at her slowly approaching partner and waved at him. “Ace, get over here!”

“Yeah, we rarely get to have moments like this!” Yuri chimed in, motioning for him to join them.

Ace glanced over at his hosts both snickering at him. He shook his head only to be met with Ayame making a snarky comment. “Hey, you’re the one who created that family.”

The Ultra Brother playfully flipped her off before joining in on the family hug. Ace felt their arms swarming his body, he couldn’t remember the last time he felt this amount of love and peace. It was still relatively foreign to him, but he wouldn’t say ‘no’ to it anymore. 

The four relinquished their grasp onto each other as Yuri snatched out a Beta Capsule, pointing it at Z. “You ready, Z?”

Z went to speak up before glancing back at his host. He turned his back on his mom, placing his attention on his soon to be former host. A part of him was excited to continue his training and to show he’s the best of the best, but he didn’t want to leave his friend behind. In just a short amount of time, he built up a seemingly unbreakable bond that he could no longer see as his best friend. 

Instead, Chiharu was his brother.

“It’s okay, Z,” Chiharu cheerfully said. “I’m sure we can bug your parents and Ayame enough to let us hang out again.”

“Yeah, you’re right!” Z exclaimed before turning over to his father. “I want to come back to Earth periodically regardless of what anyone says.” 

Ace chuckled, seeing a small bit of his fiery spirit in the next generation before him. “The three of us talked about it and three months out of the year, you can spend time with me here.”

“Yes!” Z excitedly yelled out, throwing his arms up in the air as Chiharu did the same. “I’ll see you soon, buddy!”

“Count on it!” Chiharu exclaimed, matching the same amount of energy his Ultra was dishing out as Yuri pressed the button on the Beta Capsule. The two felt their bodies no longer intertwined, but now of their own.

Chiharu materialized beneath the four Ultras, almost gulping as he completely forgot just how much bigger they all were. His height couldn’t even match up to their feet.

“Mom, Mama, this is Chiharu!” Z introduced, pointing back to his brother on the ground. His body commanded him to jump and down, but quickly had to remind himself about Chiharu getting squashed if he did so. 

“He’s adorable,” Yuri cooed while Rutia waved her at the child, something he responded to in kind. 

Rutia then walked over to Ace and wrapped herself around his body, resting her head on his shoulder. “You sure you don’t want to come back with us? We’d like your company again.”

Ace reared his head slightly, looking at her soft silvery eyes. He huffed out, “I’d love to, but my place is here for the time being. Earth and its people still need me.” 

On one hand, Rutia was disappointed, but couldn’t help but feel enamored by her partner’s dedication. She placed her hand on his cheek, softly smiling at him.“Just don’t be a stranger this time around.”

“Visit me whenever any of you want,” Ace relayed, rubbing his hands down her arms as she slowly backed away to Yuri and Z. The three of them all smiling and waving at him before shooting up into the sky and towards their homeworld. 

Ace might have been alone physically, but he knew they would always be with him mentally. They will never be far from him again. 

***

Optics flickered. 

Its emerald eyes slowly gazed at the ruined battleground. The battle before was becoming clear to it. The machine felt its entire body in flames from the four entities coming together in unison, with several pieces of their armor, their body being blown to bits… Yet, it didn’t hate them, it was more curious on how such mortal enemies could come together.

Did they form a close-knitted community?

Would they help each other in future?

Can it be possible for me? Ace Killer questioned, letting the processors go wild with possibilities they can learn in the coming days. 

They felt comfort in those thoughts, providing them with time to reflect as their master will send a recovery unit for them. In fact, now that they thought about it, their master has not connected with them after the battle.

Not even in an attempt to reactivate them.

No word.

Their processors generated a new topic, one to replace the pleasant thoughts they briefly had. They wondered why their creator had abandoned them. 

What did I do wrong?

The results in their search were a fruitless endeavor. Only theories, no answers. 

They slowly picked itself up, lifting their body off the blackened dirt. Ace Killer went to rest their hands on the ground, but found their body shifting slightly towards the left. They caught themselves, pushing their hand upwards, as it took a moment to compose themselves. Ace Killer turned towards their right and found its right arm missing. 

Realizing the situation afoot, Ace Killer glanced down at the rest of their body and saw multiple holes punctured through their body. The brown and crimson colored torso of theirs was no more, but a pitch black while the emerald on their chest was a dull color.

They brushed their hand across the body, as it attempted to get up. Their body faltered slightly, but managed to accomplish the task. Ace Killer huffed, annoyed at their body becoming slower while they then decided to move forward. It was a step forward, feeling confident in its right foot, but as they took their second step, it felt itself dragging. 

Ace Killer scanned their entire body again to find their left foot damaged, barely able to move. 

Ace Killer hung their head down, disappointed in themselves. They failed their mission, causing their creator to abandon them, for them to feel broken. To not know the feeling of when their opponents came together with differences set aside. 

What does that feel like?

They lifted their head back up and made an objective themselves. If they were to survive in this universe, then they needed a community and understanding of the lifeforms. For then, they can transcend being a simple machine, but as a lifeform. 

***

Her knife cut through the vegetables as she hummed. Mitsuko moved her blade under the faucet and rinsed it before scooping the produce up. Ayame was out running errands, leaving her alone to get a few chores done around the apartment. She poured the food into the bowl, only now realizing something that puzzled her in the back of her mind.

“Hey Ace?” Mitsuko asked and upon the words uttered, the Ultra materialized right next to her.

“What’s up?” Ace asked, leaning to the side over the counter, keeping himself stabilized. 

Mitsuko couldn’t help but giggle over Ace’s behavior. “Still on the counter shtick?”

“It’s something I’m trying to conquer,” Ace clarified.

“It’s cute,” Mitsuko said, smiling at him as she shook the bowl. “But there’s something I’m a bit confused about.” 

“What’s that?”

Mitsuko tapped her chin, looking slightly away from her Ultra. “Why did you name him just Z in particular?

Ace leaned away from the counter, standing back up as he snapped his fingers. In an instant, the kitchen morphed into the living room of Rutia and Yuri’s home. They turned to see a younger version of Ace holding onto the toddler.

“Z….” Ace’s past self murmured, bringing the sleeping child closer to him. “I don’t know what your parents were thinking when they gave you a name like that, but… doesn’t mean I can’t improve on it.”

Hearing the child’s little snores, Ace couldn’t help but feel his heart race. He let Z’s little head rest on his chest as he kept his grip on him firm. The Ultra looked down at his face, staring at how happy he looked, likely from a really good dream. 

It made him happy.

“Z, often the last letter…” His face lit up when he realized how he could improve upon the meaning of his name. He saw the child wiggle slightly as he opened his eyes, cooing at the sight of his father. Ace couldn’t help but do the same, smiling back at the toddler’s pudgy little face. “You’ll be the last hero to exist, because you’ll be the one to bring peace to the universe.”

“I know it,” the present day version of Ace spoke, watching that cherished memory of him holding his son. 

 

Chapter 12: “Want to know something?”

2020

He rubbed his eyes as he walked out of the conference room, following it up with a yawn. The pilot was normally enthused about these meetings, always admiring his captain drawing up the plan regardless if it was business as usual or a kaiju attack. Then, of course, being with his friends all at once. He loved his job, he wouldn’t change it for the world, but he would have loved to spend more time with them outside of work hours. 

Despite all that, he was fighting the exhaustion that took over him. He let out another yawn, tugging at his light brown jumpsuit, moseying over to the nearby coffee pot. The young man poured himself a glass and brought it up to lips.

“Hey, Haruki!” an energetic voice called, forcing him to sputter out his coffee. 

Haruki’s grip on the white mug tightened as he slowly turned over to Ultraman Z leaning over by the counter, barely resting his head over the clear wall. He sighed, not fully used to the Ultra integrating himself with him. 

“You scared the heck out of me, you know?” Haruki spoke up, loosening his grip as he set his mug on the counter. 

“My bad, sorry about that,” Z chuckled further, keeping his eye on his new friend and host. He had an advantage over most Ultras and that was observing the behavior of humans. The Ultra noticed Haruki was checked out, almost docile-like. He stood back up and reached to his friend, placing his hand just above his shoulder. “You doing okay?”

Haruki nodded. “Just tired from yesterday’s fight. I barely got any sleep in.”

“Don’t need to tell me twice, those Valis Raiders are exhausting to deal with,”  Z sleepily complied, at least before oddly turning his attention to a new arrival in the room. She had long brown hair that went down her shoulders and a smile that was so infectious it could encourage anyone to match it. STORAGE’s most important scientist and the organization’s greatest weapon standing across the room.

He kept his eyes on her, feeling a great sense of relief as he watched her push her glasses upwards and inspect a strange liquid in a glass. Then, he saw a hand waving up and down in front of him, snapping the Ultra out of his trance. 

Z looked over at a perplexed Haruki, realizing he was still in a conversation with his host. “Oh, right. Completely my bad.”

“Why are you staring at her like that?” Haruki asked, wondering why Z was so fixated on her like she was an object of great obsession. In fact, he couldn’t help but notice he has done that ever since he brought him into work. 

Z chuckled. He knew he couldn’t talk himself out of this one, especially when Haruki was catching on to his connection. He went over to place his hand over the wall once more, but felt himself completely phasing through, earning Haruki a loud yelp.

“Okay!” Z clapped his hands together, phasing back into his line of sight. “Want to know something?”

Haruki nodded as Z pointed towards the girl in question, as the Ultra couldn’t help but smile. 

“Are you in love with her?” Haruki inquired, eliciting a kneejerk reaction from Z. 

The Ultra jumped back, waving his arms repeatedly, terrified beyond belief at such a question like that being raised. “What!? No, no! Never!”

“Really, she’s kinda cute, though?” Haruki scratched the back of his head, taking a quick glance back at her.

“Hey, she’s family!” Z blurted, immediately causing Haruki’s eyes to shoot out. The Ultra’s demeanor soon changed when he rubbed his shoulder lightly and turned away.“And besides, I may or may not have my eyes on Yoko!” 

“Fa… family?” Haruki sputtered, taking several steps closer to his Ultra. “What are you talking about? Is she like you?”

Z turned his head back at the oblivious girl still mixing away the liquids in the vials. He may have not seen her all that much, but like himself, so many people were proud of that girl. Human and Ultra alike. 

“Yuka’s grandmothers are Ultraman Ace’s hosts.”

Winner: Ultraman Ace, Ultraman Z, Alien Mefilas (Universal), Neronga (Universal)