\u201cSo, wait, Elizabeth\u2019s a Martian?\u201d quizzed Richard as he, POmega, and Megumi waited for her ride to Elizabeth\u2019s battlefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep,\u201d replied Megumi. \u201cApparently Martians look like us, just with various shades of rusty skin tones and living underground.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut a multiversal constant of Mars,\u201d interjected POmega, \u201cis that Mars\u2019 gravity is 38% of Earth\u2019s. How is she still doing maid duties as well as a human?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cApparently, Martians have a secret training program that simulates gravity and the final test is surviving one of Jupiter\u2019s weeks ON Jupiter,\u201d explained Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a gas giant, though!\u201d protested Richard. \u201cNo solid ground at all!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, there IS a Martian base hovering within Jupiter\u2019s clouds,\u201d recalled Megumi. \u201cEnough gravity control for keeping the base intact, but Martians still feel the effects of Jupiter\u2019s gravity. Once they pass that, they\u2019re considered adults.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s the idea, though?\u201d quizzed POmega.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s to prove they\u2019re the strongest in, at least, the solar system,\u201d explained a voice. Everyone whirled around in surprise to see Greterey standing behind them. \u201cThey know they can\u2019t be the strongest in the universe, but they want to be able to defend their solar system.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you guys HAVE to surprise us like that?!\u201d snapped Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo,\u201d replied Greterey, \u201cwe just want to keep our contestants on their toes. Speaking of which, Megumi, your opponent is ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet\u2019s go, then!\u201d declared Megumi. She and Greterey vanished in toner-grey light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCalling all inhabitants of Vorton,\u201d POmega called over the comms, \u201cMegumi\u2019s bout is beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Megumi and Greterey arrived on a rather opulent stage. Elizabeth and her employer had just finished with all sound checks. \u201cAh, there you are!\u201d cheered Elizabeth. \u201cWe\u2019re ready to host our bout. Please, take your place on stage.\u201d She gestures towards one of the microphones on the stage. Megumi stood behind one and grinned, planning out her method of attack. Elizabeth and her employer spoke with each other before kissing and parting so Elizabeth could take her place. A camera appeared and Greterey spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am Greterey,\u201d she announced, \u201cthe toner-grey princess of Chizara and the family leader! 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! Representing M-4-R-T-1-4-N-M-4-1-D, we have Eli-zalem-barulee-thantii, Elizabeth, with home turf advantage! This fight will be determined by the Oldest Game.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Death heard that on her office computer, she spat out her drink. \u201cWHAT?!\u201d she shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor those of you unfamiliar with the Oldest Game, the rules are simple,\u201d continued Greterey. Death heard enough. She grabbed her scythe and made a portal to Elizabeth\u2019s home universe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOne of the challengers will set the meter and offer itself as a certain creature or object and the opponent must counter with a creature or object that can destroy the previous one,\u201d continued Greterey. \u201cThen the first one must assume another shape to destroy the previous and so on and so forth. Both will continue until one loses nerve, suffers a lack of imagination, is unable to shift into a defensive shape, or hesitates. Usually, there are…\u201d Greterey was interrupted by a scythe flying near her and embedding itself in the wall behind her. She ran her eyes along the scythe\u2019s shaft as it wobbled from the impact. The ladies on stage turned to the audience seats to see Death in her classic appearance, a skeleton in black robes and a hood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe bout must change!\u201d demanded Death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDeath, what are you doing?!\u201d hissed Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMegumi, I know you know about what happens to the loser of the Oldest Game,\u201d whispered Death. \u201cYou wrote a 10-page paper on the subject! I recall giving you a 97! The only reason it wasn\u2019t a full 100 was because of some grammar issues! You know as well as I do what happens to the loser! Give us a summary of what happens!\u201d Megumi sighed before she began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnder normal circumstances…\u201d she started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh!\u201d interjected Death as she raised a finger as if to indicate that the phrase Megumi chose wasn\u2019t the correct one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…Under normal circumstances,\u201d insisted Megumi, \u201cthe loser would suffer divine wrath.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut, these AREN\u2019T normal circumstances,\u201d supplied Elizabeth. \u201cIf things were different, I would invoke this game in my last round.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy?!\u201d protested Death. \u201cYou can\u2019t make your opponent suffer like that! The Chizarans shouldn\u2019t allow it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cArticle 5, subsection 7 of invoking fight terms,\u201d replied Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…What?\u201d asked Death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cArticle 5, subsection 7 of the invocation of fight terms for only the 590,492nd 3V2R,\u201d began Greterey as she pulled the scythe out of the wall and repaired the damage, \u201cif the competitor wishes to invoke the Oldest Game, they must first secure permission from the five Chizaran Princesses. Once permission is granted, the Chizaran Princesses will ensure that all proper precautions are taken so the loser does not suffer divine wrath. Once precautions are in place, the Chizaran Princesses must then inform all other princesses that an invocation of the Oldest Game is to be expected. Once it is invoked, it cannot be used again for the next 7,000 3V2R\u2019s. Since Megumi was the one who challenged Elizabeth to the Oldest Game, if she wins, Elizabeth must plan out new fight terms for her opponent. I assure you, the only thing the loser of these ladies will suffer is as much dishonor as she feels defeat is necessary. Now, if you don\u2019t mind,\u201d she then threw the scythe to Death who caught it by the blade, \u201cwe have a bout to begin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMegumi, when this round is over,\u201d hissed Death, \u201cyou and I will have a nice, long talk about taking unnecessary risks!\u201d She vanished in black smoke. Greterey released a sigh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith all that addressed,\u201d she declared, \u201cMegumi Hishikawa, are you ready?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReady and waiting,\u201d replied Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cElizabeth, are you ready?\u201d asked Greterey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKlatun paka tal!\u201d (Readiness becomes me!) answered Elizabeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen it\u2019s time to determine who sets the meter!\u201d proclaimed Greterey as she pulled out a coin of white and black. \u201cMegumi, as you set the terms, you will call.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBlack,\u201d called Megumi. The coin was tossed and Greterey checked it once it was on her hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…Hard luck,\u201d she answered. \u201cElizabeth, you may start!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a rat,\u201d began Elizabeth, \u201cfood consuming, disease spreading.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a cat,\u201d countered Megumi, \u201crat killing, claw laden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a car,\u201d offered Elizabeth, \u201cmetal constructed, cat crushing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a drunk driver,\u201d deflected Megumi, \u201cbrain-addled, car totaling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a drunk\u2019s alcohol,\u201d countered Elizabeth, \u201cliver destroying, home wrecking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a rehab nurse,\u201d replied Megumi, \u201chuman restoring, all life caring.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a snake,\u201d answered Elizabeth, \u201cnurse biting, poison toothed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a honey badger,\u201d invoked Megumi, \u201cpoison resistant, snake shredding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe just wanted to do a \u2018Honey Badger Don\u2019t Care\u2019 joke!\u201d protested Optimus as he and the Autobots watched from the base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt seemed to buy her time,\u201d remarked Strongarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a hunter,\u201d offered Elizabeth, \u201cpelt taking, gun firing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a scorpion,\u201d countered Megumi, \u201cpoison-tailed, hunter stinging.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a tarantula,\u201d supplied Elizabeth, \u201ceight-legged, scorpion dissolving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a tarantula hawk wasp,\u201d deflected Megumi, \u201ctarantula stinging, tarantula flesh eating egg laying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a roadrunner,\u201d countered Elizabeth, \u201cwasp consuming, fleet footed.\u201d Megumi saw how her opponent played, drawing on her Martian culture to overpower what Megumi could conjure as long as she stayed on the offensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a desert,\u201d she played, \u201carid land, water scarce.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am an ocean,\u201d countered Elizabeth, \u201cland eroding, over time desert destroying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a solar system,\u201d deflected Megumi, \u201cplanet dancing, sun orbiting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a galaxy,\u201d declared Elizabeth, \u201cchaos ridden, war laden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am life,\u201d invoked Megumi, \u201cchallenge overcoming, all things striving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am…I am…er, I am…I am the loser here,\u201d muttered Elizabeth. \u201cThat was good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis contest is over!\u201d called Greterey. \u201cThe winner is Megumi Hishikawa! Megumi, you will be returned home. Elizabeth, 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 think I would,\u201d replied Elizabeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen I will take you to them once Megumi is returned,\u201d declared Greterey. She then brought the combatants to their destinations in a flash of toner-grey light. Megumi was back on Vorton and congratulated on all sides. While that was going on, Megumi noticed Death with her arms folded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEr, excuse me,\u201d Megumi bid the group as she made her way through the group. Death led Megumi away from the group and into a conference room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…I never took you to have Deadpool levels of recklessness,\u201d muttered Death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI hardly think taking precautions with the Chizarans count as any form of recklessness,\u201d argued Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe last time the Oldest Game was invoked,\u201d hissed Death, \u201cmy brother, Morpheus, had to challenge a demon from Hell to get his helmet back. If he lost, he would have been Hell\u2019s plaything!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd the Chizarans prevented such an outcome!\u201d urged Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t rely on them for everything!\u201d shouted Death. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t when Vortech was hunting the Foundation Elements. That\u2019s one of their limits to their power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…What\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d asked Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEven immortals on the levels of gods,\u201d explained Death, \u201chave limits. Why do you think the 3V2R rarely lets the Oldest Game be played in a bout?\u201d Megumi had no answer. \u201cBecause,\u201d explained Death, \u201cthey need to combine themselves into an all-powerful woman and their combined form is taxing on their energy. What on Earth would have possessed you to even consider such a game?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet\u2019s just say,\u201d replied Megumi, \u201cit came to me in a dream.\u201d Death thought about what Megumi said, then came to only one conclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…I am going to KILL the Sandman for that!\u201d she snarled. Just then, the comms came on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDeath, I apologize for interrupting what you\u2019re saying to Megumi,\u201d called Richard\u2019s voice, \u201cbut Scorpainia\u2019s intelligence network just reported news that she felt we ALL need to hear. War\u2019s planning something against Optimus\u2019 home. Scorpainia wants to give the details in person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInvasion!\u201d Megumi and Death guessed aloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re on our way!\u201d Megumi replied to Richard. \u201cCall everyone! Tell them to meet in the Gateway Room!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust for the record,\u201d remarked Death, \u201csince I know Morpheus duped you, I can at least raise your common sense grade to a C.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI deserve it,\u201d replied Megumi as they headed to the Gateway Room. As everyone gathered, Scorpainia, her husband, King Emperor Eelinape, and Discornia were already there. \u201cKing Emperor Eelinape!\u201d greeted Megumi as she bowed. \u201cI wasn\u2019t expecting you, my friend!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish the circumstances of my visit were more pleasant,\u201d sighed Eelinape. \u201cI see your Autobot friends are among us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d asked Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur intelligence network,\u201d explained Scorpainia, \u201creports that War\u2019s fleet is gaining aid from ZAIA Enterprise. She\u2019s enlisted the Japan Branch\u2019s CEO, Gai Amatsu, and is using his technology.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEr, ZAIA Enterprise is…?\u201d quizzed Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA technology conglomerate from my home,\u201d replied Hongo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHiden Intelligence\u2019s rival,\u201d supplied Hiroki. \u201cGai Amatsu\u2019s a Kamen Rider called Thouser and is currently trying for a Take-Over Bid for Hiden Intelligence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo what does a Kamen Rider have to do with War?\u201d asked Megumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWar believes,\u201d explained Eelinape, \u201cthat Caan has recruited Hiro, Megatron, and Dr. Borg to his cause and has located their hideout at the Decepticons\u2019 Moon Base.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe intends to install a universal overseer to try and find Caan,\u201d supplied Scorpainia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWait a minute, she\u2019s planning to take over my home?!\u201d realized Optimus. \u201cAll to confirm some conspiracy theory?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s more news,\u201d continued Scorpainia. \u201cThe Autobot, Skyfall, and the Decepticon, Quake Hammer, are aiding her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…She\u2019s no Autobot!\u201d hissed Optimus, angry at Skyfall\u2019s treason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRusty, get me War!\u201d ordered Megumi. \u201cTell her I demand to talk to her immediately!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blancalmarem and Nemengra started their broadcast once again. \u201cI am Blancalmarem, the white princess of Chizara and the life leader,\u201d began Blancalmarem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am Nemengra, the black princess of Chizara and the death leader,\u201d finished Nemengra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn the previous bout, audiences were honored,\u201d continued Blancalmarem, \u201cto see a Martian warrior compete for the first time!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn this particular universe,\u201d supplied Nemengra, \u201cthe Martians had called themselves the Zocanans and their planet Eksorna.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen they heard about the origins of what the humans of Earth called them,\u201d Blancalmarem went on, \u201cthey decided to adopt the Martian name and became a valuable ally to the humans in the Earth\/Venus war.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis particular Martian, going under the human name of Elizabeth,\u201d continued Nemengra, \u201cworks as a maid for Mr. Noah Prometheus, the President and CEO of Solardyne Tech, the solar system\u2019s biggest tech company.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMr. Prometheus and Elizabeth have long been infatuated with each other,\u201d revealed Blancalmarem, \u201cand allowed their relationship to enter into public knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile we, personally, question the decision,\u201d remarked Nemengra, \u201cthe public seems okay with it, bar the few family members of both Elizabeth and Mr. Prometheus against such a union.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cElizabeth has been ranked as a Black Warrior, THE highest rank a Martian can achieve,\u201d continued Blancalmarem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo, our interview was centered around why she chose being a maid as her occupation,\u201d finished Nemengra as the screen displayed the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet\u2019s get the obvious question out of the way,\u201d began Blancalmarem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy is a warrior working as a maid?\u201d guessed Elizabeth. \u201cMr. Prometheus saved me from Venusian assassins. I owed him a life debt that could only be repaid if I saved him in the process. I studied what maids did and took to my duties well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen did you feel romantic attraction to him?\u201d quizzed Nemengra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was taken by his good looks when I first met him,\u201d replied Elizabeth. \u201cHe then saved me from a Martian criminal and so we dated and after a while…\u201d she then started blushing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…No way!\u201d realized Blancalmarem as a grin crossed her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe wedding\u2019s in two months,\u201d confirmed Elizabeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCongratulations!\u201d cheered Nemengra. Then a thought struck her. \u201cWait, won\u2019t that mean you won\u2019t be Mr. Prometheus\u2019 maid anymore?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m keeping the outfit,\u201d replied Elizabeth. \u201cBesides, it annoys my aunt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrefers keeping with tradition,\u201d guessed Blancalmarem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo the point of stagnation,\u201d answered Elizabeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYikes,\u201d winced Nemengra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, thank you for your time,\u201d bid Blancalmarem. \u201cYou obviously have things to plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMay the red sands bless you, Eli-zalem-barulee-thantii of the Third Great Martian House of Stogem,\u201d finished Nemengra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMay the Spectrum embrace you, my friends,\u201d returned Elizabeth. The screen went black and Blancalmarem and Nemengra returned to their audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wonder how many people their union will tick off?\u201d mused Blancalmarem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll the traditionalists of both worlds, perhaps,\u201d guessed Nemengra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll return with Queen Phury and Mr. Drendar\u2019s bout in a minute,\u201d continued Blancalmarem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut first, a word from our sponsor, Trooga Soda!\u201d finished Nemengra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTrooga Soda!\u201d called the announcer. \u201cEnjoy a nice meal with the nectar of the gods!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cSo, wait, Elizabeth\u2019s a Martian?\u201d quizzed Richard as he, POmega, and Megumi waited for her ride to Elizabeth\u2019s battlefield. \u201cYep,\u201d replied Megumi. \u201cApparently Martians look like us, just with various shades of rusty skin tones and living underground.\u201d \u201cBut a multiversal constant of Mars,\u201d interjected POmega, \u201cis that Mars\u2019 gravity is 38% of Earth\u2019s. How […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2485,"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-2484","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\/2484","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=2484"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2484\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2486,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2484\/revisions\/2486"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2485"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2484"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2484"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2484"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}