The Daily Tribune was as busy as ever, with the steady hum of ringing phones, the clatter of keyboards, and reporters rushing to meet deadlines. Michael sat at his desk, staring blankly at the screen in front of him. Normally, he'd be focused on his latest article or tracking down leads for his Captain Gargle coverage, but today, his mind was elsewhere—specifically, on Belle.Ever since Belle had discovered his secret identity as Captain Gargle, their relationship had shifted. They had grown closer, sharing moments of trust and camaraderie in ways Michael hadn't expected. But something had changed over the past few days. Belle had been spending more time with someone else—Ross.Michael frowned at the thought. Ross Yates was another reporter at the Tribune, well-liked and sharp, but there was something about him that rubbed Michael the wrong way. Maybe it was Ross's effortless charm or the way he always seemed to get the best stories. Or maybe, it was the way Belle had started laughing at his jokes, leaning a little too close when they talked."Hey, Halloway, earth to Halloway!" Ross's voice snapped Michael out of his thoughts.Michael blinked, looking up to see Ross leaning casually against the edge of his desk, a grin plastered across his face. Ross had that same smug confidence Michael had grown to despise over the years."You've been zoning out, man," Ross said with a chuckle. "Too much time chasing superhero stories, huh?"Michael forced a smile, his stomach twisting in knots. "Yeah, something like that."Ross's grin widened. "Speaking of superheroes, I've got a date with Belle tonight. Can you believe it? She actually said yes."Michael's heart skipped a beat, and the forced smile on his face wavered. "A date? You and Belle?""Yeah," Ross said, oblivious to Michael's discomfort. "We're heading to that new Italian place downtown. Should be fun." He glanced over his shoulder at Belle, who was sitting at her desk, typing away. "She's something else, isn't she?"Michael's hands tightened into fists under the desk. He didn't want to admit it, but the idea of Ross taking Belle out made his blood boil. Ever since Belle had discovered his secret, Michael had started to feel something deeper for her—a connection that went beyond friendship. But now, Ross was swooping in, and Michael didn't know how to stop it."That's... great," Michael managed to say, his voice tight.Ross raised an eyebrow, clearly noticing the strain in Michael's tone. "You okay, Halloway? You look like you're about to pass out.""I'm fine," Michael replied, forcing another smile. "Just... busy."Ross shrugged, pushing off the desk with a playful wink. "Well, don't work too hard, man. You'll miss all the fun."As Ross sauntered away, Michael's heart sank. He glanced over at Belle, who was now talking with Ross, a smile playing on her lips. The sight of them together made Michael's stomach churn with jealousy. He hated feeling like this—like he was losing her to someone who didn't understand her the way he did. But what could he do? He couldn't just swoop in like Captain Gargle and save the day.Or could he?------That evening, as Michael transformed into Captain Gargle, he tried to focus on his superhero duties. The city needed him, after all. But no matter how hard he tried to concentrate, his thoughts kept drifting back to Belle and Ross. They were out together right now, laughing, talking, probably sitting at some candlelit table while he was patrolling the city alone. The more he thought about it, the more his jealousy flared.Hovering above the rooftops, Captain Gargle caught sight of the very restaurant Ross had mentioned—the Italian place downtown. His heart sank as he spotted Belle and Ross through the large windows, seated at a cozy corner table, talking and laughing as if they didn't have a care in the world. Ross was leaning in, saying something that made Belle laugh—a sound that usually lifted Michael's spirits, but tonight it twisted the knife in his chest."This is ridiculous," Michael muttered to himself, shaking his head. "You're supposed to be out here saving people, not spying on your crush."Still, he couldn't tear his eyes away. His mind was at war with itself—part of him wanting to storm in there and pull Belle away from Ross, and the other part knowing how petty that would be. After all, he hadn't even told Belle how he truly felt about her. And now, with Ross in the picture, he was too late.Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the street below, snapping Michael out of his thoughts. A car alarm blared, and people started shouting as a group of thugs, wielding baseball bats, began smashing windows and vandalizing nearby shops.Michael's instincts kicked in immediately. He had to stop this. Without a second thought, he swooped down, landing in the middle of the chaos."Excuse me po!" Captain Gargle announced as he summoned a blast of minty energy to scatter the thugs. The cool, refreshing air cut through the tension, sending the vandals stumbling back."Who the heck are you?" one of the thugs shouted, glaring at him with wide eyes."I'm Captain Gargle," Michael said, crossing his arms with authority. "And you guys seriously need to freshen up your act."The thugs exchanged confused glances, but before they could react, Captain Gargle unleashed his Fresh Breath Barrage, sending a wave of minty energy toward them. The thugs were knocked off their feet, their weapons clattering to the ground as they scrambled to get away from the minty onslaught.In a matter of minutes, the streets were clear, the thugs retreating into the night. Captain Gargle stood in the middle of the now-quiet street, his heart still racing. But instead of feeling triumphant, he felt hollow. The victory hadn't satisfied the gnawing jealousy inside him.-----After ensuring the area was safe, Captain Gargle flew to a nearby rooftop, his mind swirling with thoughts of Belle. He couldn't stop thinking about how she had looked at Ross, the way she had laughed at his jokes. He was supposed to be the one by her side, not Ross. And yet, here he was, alone on a rooftop, playing the hero while Belle was on a date with someone else.His phone buzzed in his utility belt, and he transformed back into Michael before checking the message. It was from Belle."Date went well. Heading home now. Thanks for checking in earlier."Michael clenched his jaw, staring at the screen. Of course, the date had gone well. Ross was charming, confident, and he didn't have to hide behind a superhero mask. What could Michael offer that Ross couldn't?Frustration boiled over, and Michael stuffed the phone back in his pocket. His double life was becoming harder to manage, and his feelings for Belle were only complicating things further. How could he be Captain Gargle and Michael Halloway at the same time? How could he protect the city, keep his identity a secret, and deal with the fact that he might be losing Belle to Ross?As Michael sat on the rooftop, staring out at the twinkling lights of the city, he knew one thing for sure: his jealousy wasn't just a distraction—it was a real problem. And if he didn't get a handle on it, it could cost him everything.---The Daily Tribune was buzzing with its usual energy, but for Michael, the noise and chaos seemed muted. He sat at his desk, staring at his computer screen, but his thoughts weren't on the article in front of him. His mind kept drifting back to Belle—and the fact that Ross had taken her out on a date the night before.Michael clenched his jaw at the thought of Ross. It wasn't just the fact that Ross was a fellow reporter. It was the way he always seemed to get the best stories, the best leads, and now, apparently, the best dates. Belle had spent the last few days laughing at his jokes, leaning a little closer when they talked, and it drove Michael crazy.He tried to shake the feeling, but when Ross sauntered over to his desk with a smug grin, Michael's irritation flared. Ross leaned casually on the edge of his desk, sipping his coffee like he owned the place."You looked out of it this morning, Halloway. Rough night?" Ross asked, though his tone was more playful than concerned.Michael forced a tight smile. "Yeah, something like that."Ross chuckled, his grin widening. "You should've come with Belle and me last night. We had a great time at that new Italian place downtown. You ever been?"Michael's stomach churned at the mention of Belle's name. His fingers tightened around the edge of his desk, but he kept his tone even. "No, haven't been.""You should check it out," Ross said, oblivious to Michael's discomfort. "Maybe take a date." He winked, glancing over his shoulder at Belle, who was sitting across the room, chatting with another reporter.Michael didn't trust himself to respond. He wanted to punch Ross's smug grin off his face, but instead, he just nodded, hoping the conversation would end.As if sensing his discomfort, Belle looked over and caught Michael's gaze. She smiled, but it didn't ease the knot in his chest. If anything, it made things worse. There she was, after a date with Ross, and she was smiling at him like nothing had changed."Catch you later, Halloway," Ross said with a wink, sauntering off to join Belle.Michael watched them for a moment, then turned back to his computer, his mood darker than ever. He had fought aliens, stopped Blaguda's lieutenants, and saved the city, but nothing felt as difficult as this—seeing Belle with Ross.This isn't going to work, he thought bitterly. I can't just sit back and watch this happen.But what could he do? He wasn't just Michael Halloway, a reporter stuck in the newsroom. He was Captain Gargle, and juggling that life with his feelings for Belle was starting to tear him apart.-------Later in the day, Michael was still wrestling with his emotions when Belle approached him. She pulled up a chair next to his desk, her smile bright, though there was a hint of concern in her eyes."Hey, Michael," she said. "You've been quiet today. Everything okay?"Michael glanced at her, his heart pounding. He wanted to tell her everything—how he felt about her, how seeing her with Ross was driving him insane—but how could he? After all, he hadn't even told her how much she meant to him. Not fully."I'm fine," Michael said, forcing a smile. "Just... got a lot on my mind."Belle tilted her head, clearly not convinced. "You sure? You've been different ever since... well, you know, since I found out about you being Captain Gargle. It feels like there's some distance between us."Michael's chest tightened. She was right—ever since Belle had discovered his secret, things had shifted between them. He had hoped it would bring them closer, but instead, it had created a barrier."I'm sorry, Belle," he said quietly. "It's just... complicated. Being Captain Gargle, balancing everything... it's harder than I thought."Belle's expression softened. She rested a hand on his arm, her touch gentle. "You don't have to do this alone, you know. I'm here for you, no matter what."Michael's heart ached at her words, but before he could respond, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced down, his stomach dropping when he saw the message from Commander Floss:"Blaguda's forces detected near the docks. Possible lieutenant on the move. Need backup."Michael's pulse quickened. He had to go. "Belle, I... I have to take care of something."Belle frowned, her brow furrowing with concern. "Again? What's going on?"Michael hesitated, then stood up, grabbing his jacket. "It's just something I need to handle. I'll explain later, I promise."Belle watched him go, frustration clear in her eyes. "Don't disappear on me again, Michael."Michael gave her a weak smile. "I won't."As he hurried out of the office, his thoughts raced. He needed to stop the threat at the docks, but he couldn't help but feel like he was losing control—of his life, of his feelings, and most of all, of Belle.--------The docks were quiet as Captain Gargle floated above the rusted shipping containers, his mind still swirling with thoughts of Belle. But the dark cloud looming over the water told him he needed to focus. Blaguda was making another move, and this time, it was a foe Michael hadn't faced before.As Captain Gargle descended, the smell of grime and filth filled the air. He landed softly on the ground, his senses heightened. He knew something was wrong—something dangerous.From behind one of the shipping containers, a shadowy figure emerged. Tall and wiry, the man was covered in a layer of dirt so thick it looked like a second skin. His clothes were tattered, and his greasy hair hung in unkempt clumps around his face. He grinned wickedly, his teeth yellowed and chipped."Well, well, well," the man said, his voice low and gravelly. "If it isn't Captain Fresh Breath himself. I've been waiting for this."Michael tensed, recognizing the name that had been whispered among Blaguda's forces: Boy Libag—a parasitic villain who fed on grime, dirt, and filth, leaving his victims drained of life and covered in muck."You must be Boy Libag," Captain Gargle said, narrowing his eyes. "Let me guess—you're Blaguda's latest attempt to stink up the city?"Boy Libag laughed, a chilling sound that echoed through the empty docks. "You think you're so clean, don't you? But there's filth everywhere, and I'm here to make sure you drown in it."Without warning, Boy Libag swung his arms wide, and waves of dark, greasy sludge shot toward Captain Gargle. The air filled with the stench of decay and rot, and Michael barely had time to react, summoning his Mint Shield just as the muck splashed against him.The shield held, but the force of the attack sent Michael stumbling backward, the thick sludge clinging to his shield like oil. "Gross!" Captain Gargle muttered, disgusted.Boy Libag smirked. "Oh, this is just the beginning, Gargle Boy."Michael wasted no time. He raised his hand, summoning a blast of Fresh Breath Barrage, sending a wave of minty energy surging toward Boy Libag. The fresh power cut through the grime, striking Boy Libag directly.But instead of recoiling, Boy Libag absorbed the attack, the minty energy dissipating into his filthy aura. "Fresh breath won't save you now," Boy Libag sneered. "I feed on filth, and your little tricks only make me stronger."Captain Gargle's stomach twisted. This wasn't like fighting the other lieutenants. Boy Libag thrived on dirt and decay, and his attacks were draining Michael's energy faster than he could replenish it.Boy Libag charged again, this time swinging his fists coated in thick, grimy sludge. Michael dodged to the side, but the impact sent a shockwave of grime through the air, covering everything in its path."You can't stop the filth, Captain Gargle," Boy Libag taunted, his eyes glowing with malicious glee.Michael gritted his teeth, his mind racing. He needed to think fast. The Fresh Breath Barrage wasn't enough, and Boy Libag's attacks were wearing him down. But then, an idea struck him.He hovered back, raising both hands toward Boy Libag. "You're right, Boy Libag," Captain Gargle called, his voice steady despite the tension. "I can't stop the filth. But I can clean it up."With a determined shout, Captain Gargle unleashed his most powerful attack—the Tornado of Tingle. The minty whirlwind spun into existence, faster and stronger than ever before. The refreshing vortex of energy swept toward Boy Libag, catching him off guard.The tornado swirled around the villain, pulling the grime and muck from his body, stripping him of his power. Boy Libag screamed in fury as the fresh energy overwhelmed him, dissolving the filth and leaving him weakened and exposed."No! You can't do this!" Boy Libag cried, his greasy form disintegrating under the force of the tornado.With one final surge of energy, the tornado collapsed inward, sucking Boy Libag into a vortex of minty power. When the whirlwind faded, Boy Libag was gone—defeated.Captain Gargle hovered in the air, panting from the effort. The battle was over, but the weight on his chest remained. He had won, but the real battle—the one in his heart—was far from finished.----As the minty whirlwind dissipated and the docks returned to a strange, eerie silence, Captain Gargle floated to the ground, still catching his breath. The air was fresher now, scrubbed clean of Boy Libag's greasy stench, but the victory felt hollow.He had won, sure, but something gnawed at him—the weight of his emotions, his struggles with Belle, and the constant pressure of his double life. Fighting villains was easier than dealing with his own feelings.Michael shook his head, pushing the thought aside as he transformed back into his civilian clothes. The cool night air brushed against his skin, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him.I need to figure this out, he thought, walking slowly away from the docks. Before it all falls apart.He pulled out his phone and stared at Belle's number. She deserved an explanation—something real. He couldn't keep disappearing on her, making excuses, and pretending like everything was fine. The problem wasn't just Ross or his jealousy. It was him. The lies, the secrets, the constant strain of balancing two lives. How much longer could he keep this up?His finger hovered over Belle's name. Should he call her? Should he tell her how he really felt? The weight of everything pressed down on him, and for the first time, Captain Gargle didn't feel like a hero. He felt lost.Before he could decide, a voice called out behind him."Michael?"He turned to see Belle standing just a few feet away, her expression a mixture of concern and frustration. Michael's heart leaped into his throat."What are you doing here?" Michael asked, his voice rough with surprise.Belle crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "I could ask you the same thing. I followed you—again. You've been acting weird all day, and I knew something was up. So I came here. Care to explain why you're always running off like this?"Michael opened his mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come. He couldn't lie to her—not now. Not after everything they had been through."Belle..." Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I didn't want you to get involved in all this."Belle's gaze softened slightly, though the tension between them remained. "Involved in what? The superhero stuff? You can't just shut me out, Michael. We're supposed to be a team."Michael winced at the word "team." He wanted to believe they could be one, but every time he let her in, it put her at greater risk. He couldn't bear the thought of Belle getting hurt because of him."I know," he said quietly. "I just—everything's complicated. Being Captain Gargle, keeping up with work, trying to protect you..."Belle's eyes widened. "Protect me? Michael, I'm not some damsel in distress. I don't need protecting. What I need is honesty. You've been keeping things from me ever since I found out about your secret. I get it, you have responsibilities, but I thought we were in this together."Michael's heart ached at her words. She was right—he had been pushing her away, not trusting her with the truth. But how could he? His life as Captain Gargle had put her in danger before, and now with Ross in the picture, his emotions were even more tangled."I'm sorry," Michael repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to push you away."Belle sighed, taking a step closer. "I just want you to trust me, Michael. I know it's hard, but we can figure this out. Together."Michael looked into her eyes, the sincerity of her words cutting through his fear. Maybe it was time. Maybe he couldn't keep juggling this on his own anymore. The weight of his secret was crushing him, and Belle was right—she wasn't someone who needed protecting. She was someone who could stand by his side."Belle, I—" Michael began, but before he could finish, his phone buzzed in his pocket.It was a message from Commander Floss."Urgent. Blaguda's forces regrouping. Possible attack imminent."Michael's chest tightened. Not now. Not when he was finally opening up to Belle. But he had no choice. Blaguda was planning something, and he had to be there to stop it.Belle noticed the look on his face and sighed. "You have to go again, don't you?"Michael nodded, guilt tugging at him. "Yeah. It's Blaguda. Something big's about to happen."Belle crossed her arms but nodded, a resigned look on her face. "Go. We'll talk later."Michael hesitated, wanting to say more, to finally tell her everything, but there wasn't time. He gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you. I'll be back soon, I promise."With that, he turned and sprinted into the night, his mind swirling with thoughts of Belle and the looming threat of Blaguda. He transformed into Captain Gargle as he took off into the sky, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him harder than ever.-------After the mission at the docks, Michael returned to the city, his body weary but his mind sharper than ever. Blaguda's forces had been driven back, for now, but it was only a matter of time before they regrouped. The fight was far from over.As Captain Gargle, Michael had never been more certain of his duty. But as Michael Halloway, the reporter and the man, he realized that hiding his feelings and pushing Belle away wasn't the answer. He couldn't keep juggling both worlds on his own. He needed Belle—not just to know the truth, but to stand beside him.The next day, when he returned to the office, Belle was waiting for him. She stood by his desk, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. Michael felt his heart leap with both hope and fear."Can we talk?" she asked, her voice calm but firm.Michael nodded. "Yeah. We need to."They stepped into a quiet corner of the newsroom, away from the chaos. For the first time in a long time, Michael felt like he could finally breathe. He looked at Belle, his chest tight with nerves."I know I've been keeping things from you," he began, his voice steady despite his anxiety. "And I'm sorry for that. I thought I was protecting you by keeping you at a distance, but I was wrong. I need you, Belle. I need you to know the truth. All of it."Belle's eyes softened, and she took a deep breath. "I'm here, Michael. You don't have to do this alone."Michael smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "Thank you. I don't want to hide anymore."And as the two of them stood together, the weight of the secrets between them began to lift. For the first time in what felt like forever, Michael felt like he could face whatever came next—with Belle by his side.End of Chapter