Megumi waited in front of the building with her old crown in her hand. Beatrice arrived at the building with a woman in a blue-green outfit. \u201cI am Azevordem, the blue-green princess of Chizara and the water leader,\u201d introduced the woman to a floating camera. \u201cThe combatants are ready for their next bout! Representing Universe U-M-1-N-3-K-0, we have Beatrice, the Golden and Endless Witch! Representing her new home of 8-3-Y-0-N-D-C-1-T-Y and a permanent student of the multiverse\u2019s leading educational institute, After Academy, we have Megumi Hishikawa with home turf advantage! The fight will be a hunt. Beatrice must find Megumi\u2019s old crown within the storage building, always stuffed with supplies for the campus. Now, Beatrice has an hour time limit and must find the crown without magic. No help is permitted as well. Beatrice, are you ready?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m always ready!\u201d cackled Beatrice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMegumi Hishikawa, are you ready?\u201d asked Azevordem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust say the word,\u201d answered Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you would kindly hide the crown,\u201d directed Azevordem. Megumi ducked inside and found a good spot for the crown. After 30 seconds, she came out of the building. \u201cThe hunt begins in 3, 2, 1!\u201d Beatrice ducked into the building and started looking first around the floor. She spent roughly 5 minutes on it before moving upwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t you dare find it!\u201d hissed Richard as Megumi\u2019s friends watched from the Gateway room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeatrice IS crafty,\u201d muttered Emily as she remembered Beatrice\u2019s dossier. \u201cShe may try a new method.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay, normally, I\u2019d agree with you,\u201d mused Twaldar, \u201cbut this woman uses magic on a daily basis. She\u2019s at a huge disadvantage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMuch like you when you can\u2019t find your keys normally?\u201d chuckled Swalmu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGo rain on someone else\u2019s parade,\u201d snarked Twaldar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo magic for Beatrice?\u201d chuckled Optimus. \u201cShe\u2019s gonna give up in 10 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be so sure,\u201d countered Blackarachnia. \u201cShe\u2019s already 15 minutes into her hunt. She doesn\u2019t stop until she\u2019s secured victory. The only time she\u2019s ever lost is when other witches took control of the game. When she\u2019s in control, the game is hers to command.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHence why I don\u2019t think we should be worried,\u201d assured Optimus. \u201cThis is Megumi\u2019s plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeatrice let someone else set the rules of the game?\u201d quizzed Blackarachnia. \u201cThat\u2019s not like her. \u2026Oh no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2018Oh no\u2019 what?\u201d asked Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeatrice did some scouting of After Academy,\u201d explained Blackarachnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh no!\u201d realized Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe\u2019s still at something of a disadvantage,\u201d remarked Prowl. \u201cLook at her face.\u201d Optimus and Blackarachnia did as Prowl asked and could make out irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFunny,\u201d muttered Blackarachnia, \u201cshe never wears that face unless\u2026oh!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA theory, Legs?\u201d asked Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe didn\u2019t get the full lay of the land,\u201d chuckled Blackarachnia. \u201cThat building wasn\u2019t scouted!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe\u2019s still got a chance of losing!\u201d realized Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMan, Beatrice\u2019s looking madder than a PO\u2019d Fairy pollination squadron,\u201d chuckled Malak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c30 minutes into the contest and she\u2019s not found it yet,\u201d sniggered Arsha. \u201c\u2026Wait, I think it\u2019s\u2026oh, Megumi, that\u2019s just mean!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs that her crown above the exit?\u201d asked Shalvey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is,\u201d confirmed Elmar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay, that\u2019s a little cruel!\u201d giggled Bashoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe must have gotten that from Hiro,\u201d joked Emily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow, now, let\u2019s not compare your sister-in-law to her hated enemy,\u201d remarked Xiomara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe\u2019s cultivated that brand of meanness on her own,\u201d chuckled Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI suppose you would know,\u201d conceded Emily. \u201cTell me, does that apply to your private chambers?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, I don\u2019t ask you what you and Joshua do in the bedroom!\u201d snapped Richard. \u201cWhatever sexy time happens between me and her STAYS between me and her!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s now 45 minutes into the contest,\u201d announced Azevordem, \u201cand Beatrice STILL hasn\u2019t found the crown. The betting boards are saying she\u2019ll find it within the last 10 minutes. Let\u2019s see if they\u2019re right. Of course, there IS one option that most competitors don\u2019t like. Let\u2019s see if she will take it. Beatrice, will you yield at this point in time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNEVER!\u201d snapped Beatrice. \u201cI WILL find it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery well,\u201d answered Azevordem. \u201cContinue. You now have 13 minutes.\u201d Before the communication channel closed, the furious tossing of items could be heard. \u201c\u2026Dang,\u201d mused Azevordem, \u201cshe\u2019s not messing around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrimus,\u201d swore Optimus when 10 minutes had passed, \u201cshe don\u2019t look happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI should say not,\u201d remarked Blackarachnia. \u201cShe\u2019s got three minutes left and she\u2019s in an area where she can get a view\u2026uh oh!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI see it too!\u201d gulped Optimus as Beatrice could be seen going down the massive clutter pile. She then stopped halfway and picked up the shiny object that caught her eye. The Autobots sighed in relief when she stopped, tossed aside the trophy she saw, and resumed her search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was too close!\u201d breathed Xiomara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou ain\u2019t kidding!\u201d agreed Richard. \u201cThere\u2019s still two minutes left! This could still go either way!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI just noticed, apropos of nothing,\u201d mused Bashoon, \u201cminutes of most universes are 60 seconds instead of 50 like us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd hours are 60 minutes,\u201d supplied Arsha. \u201cI found that odd myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019d be surprised to learn,\u201d offered Elmar, \u201cthat only 24 of their hours make one day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo kidding?\u201d asked Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSpeaking of time, Captain, Ma\u2019am,\u201d interjected Bashoon, \u201c30 seconds left!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome on!\u201d Arsha begged all of her home\u2019s gods. \u201cLet her win this one!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c20 seconds!\u201d gulped Emily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t look at the door yet!\u201d Richard begged Beatrice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c10!\u201d counted the Autobots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c9!\u201d continued Azevordem. \u201c8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! TIME!\u201d Beatrice howled in frustration when she heard it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWHERE IS IT?!\u201d she demanded. Megumi then came in and whistled to get her attention. Beatrice then turned and followed Megumi\u2019s finger to the top of the door. Her jaw dropped in surprise and frustration. \u201cAre\u2026you\u2026KIDDING ME?!\u201d she finally shouted when she found her voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI DO have the cunning of a cat like you do,\u201d chuckled Megumi. Beatrice\u2019s face contorted in rage and she looked ready to throttle Megumi\u2026then she took a deep breath, produced her pipe, then curtsied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood game,\u201d she bid. \u201cPerhaps, next time, I should pick the contest if I ever face you again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI look forward to it,\u201d returned Megumi as she curtsied back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis contest is over!\u201d cheered Azevordem. \u201cThe winner is Megumi Hishikawa! Beatrice, you will be returned to your home. Though you have suffered a defeat, know that it only brings as much dishonor as you feel necessary. Would you care for an interview with Blancalmarem and Nemengra?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI must respectfully decline,\u201d answered Beatrice, \u201cbut thank you. Until we meet again.\u201d She was then returned home in a flash of blue-green light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Congratulations, Megumi Hishikawa, on your victory,\u201d praised Azevordem. She then vanished in blue-green light as Pestilence appeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was tense!\u201d she wheezed happily. \u201cHow did you know she wouldn\u2019t see it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t,\u201d replied Megumi as a rift opened, letting her husband, Optimus, and Arsha through. \u201cI just showed her the wrong big picture.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cClever,\u201d praised Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI must extend my congratulations,\u201d supplied Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you,\u201d bid Megumi. \u201cNow, forgive me if I don\u2019t invite you all to a party just yet, but I need to check on how my house is doing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was about to suggest that,\u201d offered Richard. \u201cShall we?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll leave you to it,\u201d declared Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMs. POmega, we\u2019d like a rift back to Vorton,\u201d called Arsha on the comms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOn its way,\u201d answered POmega. Optimus and Arsha then went through a rift as Richard and Megumi called for a cab. One arrived and the two got in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhere to?\u201d asked the driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c2974 Angel Robe Drive, 960792,\u201d replied Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight,\u201d replied the driver. He then recalled something. \u201cWait, are YOU the people that asked those three to\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI asked without looking up their pictures,\u201d explained Richard. \u201cCould you please hurry?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGot it, one Stooge Check-up package, 2 silver studs each,\u201d answered the driver. Richard pulled out the amount and handed it over. \u201cFasten your seatbelts,\u201d directed the driver. Once they were secure, the driver set his cab for the fastest air route and was cleared for take-off. His cab picked up speed and the wheels retracted into the undercarriage while the sides sprouted wings. The flight took two minutes. \u201cSir and Madam,\u201d called the driver, \u201cwe\u2019re making our approach to your home.\u201d The cab then landed right in front of the house. Megumi and Richard dashed out of the cab and ran up the driveway to see that the house was built as they remembered it with only one exception, the exterior was bubblegum pink. Moe then came out of the front door to greet them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh, there you are!\u201d he cheered. \u201cCome in, come in!\u201d Megumi and Richard then came in to see that the house on the inside was exactly as they left it, even to the colors. \u201cAs you can see,\u201d continued Moe, \u201cwe\u2019ve got the place all fixed up as you wanted it!\u201d Richard turned the kitchen faucet and it worked exactly right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll forgive us if we inspect the entire house,\u201d muttered Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease, go right ahead,\u201d answered Moe. The inspection took about an hour before Megumi and Richard approached Moe as Larry and Curly joined them. \u201cWhat did we tell you?\u201d chuckled Moe. \u201cYour house is perfect!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s sensational!\u201d boasted Larry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s even mediocre!\u201d supplied Curly. Moe then showed his open hand to Curly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPick two,\u201d he ordered. Curly picked Moe\u2019s pointer and middle finger, then received an eyepoke. He yelped, then rubbed his eyes to clear his vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt IS as we remember it,\u201d Megumi interjected, \u201cbut there IS one flaw.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo!\u201d the Stooges gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, nothing major,\u201d assured Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just that the original exterior was powder-blue,\u201d continued Richard. Moe and Curly then turned to Larry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou were the one who said they needed it to be pink!\u201d he protested to Moe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI said we needed them to be tickled pink when we\u2019re done!\u201d snarled Moe as he smacked Larry\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOW!\u201d protested Larry as he shut his eyes. His eyes still stayed shut. \u201cMoe! I can\u2019t see! I CAN\u2019T SEE!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?!\u201d yelped his friends in concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI got my eyes closed!\u201d replied Larry with a grin. Moe then yanked out a bit of Larry\u2019s hair and presented it to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGo stuff a mattress with it!\u201d he snarled. He then turned to Megumi and Richard. \u201cNow, don\u2019t you worry,\u201d he assured, \u201cwe\u2019ll get your house the right color.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow much would the job be?\u201d asked Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo charge at all,\u201d answered Moe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, Moe-san, we couldn\u2019t do that,\u201d replied Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve got enough money right now,\u201d assured Moe. \u201cWe\u2019ll have your house looking right in no time!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you so much,\u201d bid Richard as Moe got Larry and Curly moving. He then called up a rift and they returned to Vorton. \u201cFor a minute there,\u201d he muttered to Megumi, \u201cI thought we\u2019d have to buy a new house.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a concern of mine too,\u201d replied Megumi. \u201cWell now, that\u2019s two rounds in the bag for me, let\u2019s see what catches our fancy next.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back in Megatron\u2019s home universe, Eggman made his way to the moonbase\u2019s command center. He had a tablet in his hands and read the contents of the document that was given to him. It was nothing important, just the usual reports of Energon production and troop drilling results. He then looked up to the main monitor. \u201cAlchemax, activate a secure channel to\u2026\u201d he began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEggman vocal test confirmed,\u201d interrupted Alchemax. \u201cAll access revoked until further notice. All exits have been shielded. Eggman, you are wanted for questioning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cQUESTIONING?!\u201d roared Eggman. \u201cDO YOU KNOW WHO I AM, YOU OVERSIZED\u2026!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d hissed Hiro\u2019s voice as he, Dr. Borg, and Megatron stepped out of the shadows. \u201cWhere\u2019s Caan?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat are you talking about?!\u201d demanded Eggman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been keeping tabs on you,\u201d explained Megatron. \u201cYou gave Soundwave a challenge, but we have our proof that you\u2019ve been working with Caan!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou left a security hole open to Soundwave,\u201d continued Dr. Borg. \u201cWe intercepted your conversation with Caan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFurthermore,\u201d growled Hiro, \u201cyou\u2019ve disappeared for weeks, made yourself invisible to Soundwave\u2019s sensors, and, when you reappear, you carry a rift signature similar to the one Caan uses! Now, I will ask you one last time, WHERE IS CAAN?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026I have nothing to say to you,\u201d hissed Eggman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll just see about that!\u201d snarled Hiro. \u201cMy best interrogator will get you to talk! So, unless you want to feel the lash for two straight hours, start\u2026!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIntruder alert!\u201d warned Alchemax. \u201cCaan is\u2026\u201d She went dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026Caan\u2019s where?!\u201d demanded Megatron. \u201cAlchemax, report!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe can\u2019t,\u201d replied Caan\u2019s voice. Judging by the fact that it sounded like it was run through a ring modulator, it was safe to assume he was in his Rider persona of Kamen Rider Dal. Dal came out from behind a control console and fired over Hiro\u2019s head. Hiro, Dr. Borg, and Megatron ducked behind consoles and fired at Dal\u2019s position. Eggman then went to join Dal. \u201cMetaltron, is the virus ready?\u201d barked Dal into his communicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMetaltron?\u201d asked Megatron. \u201cBut that Dalek committed suicide!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe virus is ready,\u201d reported Metaltron. The voice surprised Megatron further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRose Tyler?!\u201d he yelped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cActivate emergency escape rift!\u201d ordered Dal. \u201cEggman is returning with me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI obey,\u201d replied Metaltron. A rift opened and Dal and Eggman went through it. It closed before Hiro could follow them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDAMN YOU!\u201d Hiro wailed uselessly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Megumi waited in front of the building with her old crown in her hand. Beatrice arrived at the building with a woman in a blue-green outfit. \u201cI am Azevordem, the blue-green princess of Chizara and the water leader,\u201d introduced the woman to a floating camera. \u201cThe combatants are ready for their next bout! Representing Universe […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2422,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[101,102],"tags":[9,345,337],"class_list":["post-2421","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trinity-soul","category-trinity-soul-chapters","tag-kamen-rider","tag-three-realms","tag-transformers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2421","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2421"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2421\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2423,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2421\/revisions\/2423"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2422"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2421"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2421"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2421"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}