Time skip~ At Jack's Place.

Sitting in the living room, I watched Uncle Jack make tea and as soon as he was done, he walks over to me before handing one for me while he held one for coffee. 

Both of us drank our beverages before I patiently waited for him to speak, he doesn't say anything until he's ready and also he knows me well enough to know that I'm a patient person or more like, alien to be precise, who will wait for him to talk. 

But here's the thing about Uncle Jack. He's got his way of making me talk first. 

Take another sip of his coffee with an infuriating calmness, while I clutched my tea, the warmth doing little to ease as the tension began coiling in my chest. 

I hated this. 

I couldn't stand how he was sitting there all calm while I felt like I was about to lose it.

"Are you going to explain everything, or are you just going to sit there and drink your coffee like this is some kind of normal day?" I finally said, unable to take the silence any longer.

Uncle Jack set his cup down slowly, his eyes meeting mine. 

There was a weight in his gaze, a seriousness I hadn't seen in a long time. He let out a sigh, ran a hand through his hair, and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"Alright," he said, his voice low and steady. "I'll tell you everything. But you need to understand, Katsuna, this isn't just some story. This is history. Our history."

I nodded, my grip tightening on the teacup. "I'm listening."

Jack took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for what he was about to say. "Ultraman...he's not just a legend or some hero from the past. He's real. He came to Earth decades ago, from a place called the Land of Light."

"Go on." I motion him. 

"His mission was to protect this planet from threats that humanity couldn't handle on its own. But it wasn't just about fighting monsters or aliens. It was about balance. About ensuring that Earth could survive in a universe filled with beings far more powerful than humans."

I frowned, my mind racing to process what he was saying. "But...if Ultraman was here to protect Earth, why did he fight so many aliens? Why did it feel like he was just...eliminating anyone who wasn't human?"

Jack's expression darkened, and he shook his head. "It wasn't that simple. Ultraman didn't see aliens as enemies. He saw them as potential threats to the balance he was trying to maintain. Some aliens came to Earth with peaceful intentions, but others... brought destruction. Chaos. Ultraman's duty was to stop that chaos, no matter where it came from."

I leaned back, my mind reeling. "So, what? He just decided who lived and who died? That doesn't sound like a hero to me."

"It's not that black and white," Jack said, his voice firm. "Ultraman wasn't perfect. He made mistakes. But his goal was always to protect life, not destroy it. In the end, his actions led to a peace treaty between Earth and the Star Cluster Alliance. The final battle...it wasn't just a fight. It was a turning point. A chance for both sides to come together and find a way to coexist."

I stared at him, stunned. 

A peace treaty? Coexistence? It was hard to believe, especially after everything I'd seen in the museum. "And what about now?" I asked quietly. "What happened after that?"

Jack hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Things...changed. The SSSP disbanded, and Ultraman left Earth. But the peace treaty held. For the most part, anyway." I narrowed my eyes, sensing there was more he wasn't telling me. "What aren't you saying, Jack?"

He sighed, running a hand over his face. 

"Twelve years ago...something happened. A plane was destroyed. Everyone on board was killed. The government blamed it on Bemular."

My blood ran cold at the mention of Bemular. "That's not possible," I said immediately. "Bemular wouldn't do something like that. He saved me, Jack."

"I know," Jack said with regret, "And I believe you. But the evidence...it was damning. The government used it as an excuse to tighten their control over alien activity on Earth. They claimed it was a breach of the peace treaty, and they've been cracking down ever since."

I shook my head, my hands trembling with anger. "That's not fair. Bemular isn't a monster. He's...he's one of the good ones." "I know," Jack repeated, this time softly, "But the truth doesn't always matter to those in power. They needed a scapegoat, and Bemular was an easy target."

I stood up, unable to sit still any longer. 

"This is wrong, Jack. We can't just let them get away with this. Bemular deserves justice. All aliens do." Jack stood as well, his expression grim, "I know it's not fair, Katsuna. But this is the world we live in. The best we can do is keep our heads down and try to not get in trouble."

I turned to face him, my eyes blazing. 

"No. That's not enough. I'm not going to sit back and let them paint us as monsters. If the government won't listen, then we'll make them listen."

Jack's eyes widened, and he took a step toward me. "Katsuna, you can't—"

"I can," I interrupted, "And I will. I'm sick and tired of seeing someone be blamed for a murder they didn't commit. It's time for the truth to come out. All of it. And I'm going to do it whether with or without you."

For a moment, Jack just stared at me, his expression unreadable. 

Then, slowly, he nodded. "Alright," he said quietly. "But whatever happens, don't give yourself away. They'll be expecting that."  

"Thanks, Jack. For supporting me." I smiled.

Jack smiled faintly, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Anytime, kid."

So, for the last 2 weeks I've been busy brainstorming on how to get the SSSP's trust, and how I can become a trustworthy ally to them; Thanks to the info I got from Uncle Jack, he said that he's known to be working an SSSP informant for years.

Being an SSSP informant means you get to give them the information about anything useful, such as rumors related to a case, or maybe even a suspect. The key is to make sure it's valuable, not just any old gossip. 

They ain't got time for that. 

So, I've been thinking, what do I know, or what can I find out, that would actually interest them?

My first thought is about the SSSP's months-long pursuit on finding Bemular, which made me wonder how I could find him. I know it's difficult because it has been a long time since I last saw him, and if I did, he could tell me his side of the story. 

That way, everything can clear his name.

Dropping onto the couch, I closed my eyes, "Okay, think." I sighed, exhaustion weighing me down, "Bemular's been underground for months, SSSP chasing ghosts. What was Uncle Jack's advice about finding someone who doesn't want to be found?"

Rumor has it, Bemular's in hiding.

I doubt he'd changed his name, and ditched the old haunts. But even ghosts gotta eat, right?  Maybe even needs a mechanic to help him if he gets roughed up. So, who's dealing in cash only? Who ain't askin' too many questions?

Plus, if I get a job there, I can gain more info and find proof that Bemular isn't a threat.

Suddenly a knocking sound echoed my flat, I sat up and turn to stare at the door in confusion, 'Strange, I never had visitors...wonder who could it be?' "Coming!" I yelled, hastily shoving everything from the coffee table under the couch, though it barely concealed the mess.

I ignore it and dash towards the door to open it, only to be met by a man around 22, with slick black hair pulled back, blue eyes, normal human skin, and wearing a clean suit.

"Hello, Katsuna." 

The sound was instantly familiar; there was no mistaking it. I knew that voice without a second's hesitation. It was the very same voice I remembered so vividly, the one that had filled my ears and defined so many moments during my childhood years, "Bemular? You—"

"It's impolite to leave a guest outside," he interrupted. I sweatdropped, stepping aside. "O-Of course, come in!" I watched, surprised he knew where I lived, as he entered with ease, later I made sure to check if no one had followed him before closing and locking the door behind me.

Casually strolling around my flat, Bemular pulled out a Minicry System device, revealing his disguise. It surprised me, but I knew aliens without natural human forms commonly used them to blend in.

Once I see him in his true form, I quickly turn off the lights so no CCTV cameras can see him through the whole living room's window until I nervously say, "It's been a while since I last saw you, Bemular." 

"Indeed it has, Katsuna." Bemular calmly spoke, almost soothing, as he continued, "You've grown so much, Katsuna. Jack has done well in raising you. You're strong, healthy, and more than capable of taking care of yourself." 

He paused, his glowing eyes scanning the room before settling back on me. "But I sense there's more on your mind than just catching up."

I shrugged, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Yeah, well, Jack's done his best. But you're right. There's something I need to talk to you about."

Bemular tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Go on."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. "I've been thinking...about the SSSP. About how they've been hunting you, blaming you for that plane crash six months ago. I want to clear your name, Bemular. I want to prove to them that you're not a threat. That you never were."

For a moment, Bemular was silent. 

Then, to my surprise, he raised a hand, cutting me off before I could continue. 

"Katsuna," he said, his voice firm but gentle, "you must not concern yourself with this. Do not worry about defending me. It is not your burden to bear."

I stared at him, my heart sinking. "What? No, Bemular, you don't understand! I can't just sit back and let them paint you as a monster. You saved me. You've done nothing but protect people. I can't let them—"

"Katsuna," he interrupted again, his tone leaving no room for argument. "This is not your fight. The SSSP, the government...they will believe what they choose to believe. No amount of proof will change their minds. Not now."

I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling up inside me. "But that's not fair! You shouldn't have to hide like this. You shouldn't have to live in fear because of something you didn't do. I just...I just wish you had come to me sooner. I wish you hadn't disappeared for so long. I needed you, Bemular. I still do."

My voice cracked, and I looked away, trying to hide the tears welling up in my eyes. 

"And...and there's something else. Something I've been wondering for years. When will I get my powers? When will I finally be able to do something, to be more than just...this?" I gestured to myself, my fists trembling at my sides.

Bemular didn't respond immediately. 

The only sound in the room was the low hum of his suit, a constant reminder of the power he carried within him. Then, to my surprise, he sighed—a sound I had never heard from him before. 

It was heavy, almost...alive.

"Katsuna," he said softly, "your gifts will come when you need them most. They are not something that can be forced or rushed. They will awaken in you when the time is right when your heart and mind are ready to embrace them."

I looked up at him, my doe-grey-like eyes searching his for answers, "But how will I know?" I asked, "How will I know when it's time?"

Bemular's gaze softened, and for a moment, I saw something in his eyes—something that looked almost like pride. "You will know," he said simply. "When the moment comes, you will feel it. And when it does, you must trust yourself."

We stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity, the weight of his words settling over me like a blanket. 

Finally, Bemular spoke again, "If you wish to work with the SSSP, you may do so. But remember this: you are their ally, not their enemy. Do not let them sway you from your path. Do not let them turn you against your own kind."

I nodded slowly, his words sinking in. 

"I won't," I promised. "I'll be careful. But I'm not going to stop fighting for you, Bemular. Not until the truth comes out."

Bemular, eyes softening with a faint glow, spoke, "Katsuna, you are braver than you realize. Remember, bravery is not being fearless, but moving forward despite fear."

With that, he turned and walked toward the door, his form shifting back into the human disguise he had arrived in. Before he left, he paused and looked back at me one last time. 

"Take care of yourself, Katsuna. And by the way... meet me tomorrow night."

I raise an eyebrow of confusion, " Uh, Sure? But why?"

"You would know where." He disappeared, leaving me by myself in the dark room while the full moon lit up Bemular, who lingered in his real form for a moment before fading away into the night. With his words echoing in my mind. 

I didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain: Bemular's name would be cleared. And I would be the one to do it.

With his words in mind, I decided to do what I was going to do.

I was going to have to become the informant at the Science Special Search Party (SSSP).