"Rinu I'm sorry let's sit down and read together!" Mr Oshiro pleaded as both he and Rinu returned to the living room while Douma continued flipping through the pages of the novel. If Mr Oshiro could get Mrs Oshiro to join them that would be great she wouldn't feel left out.
There was a page that stood out the most to Douma, about a multicolored source of light seen in the sky. Now things were starting to get really interesting.
"It's fine go read your books I'm just going to prepare the cookies for tomorrow's guests," With a calm voice, Rinu reassured her husband leaving him speechless. After all that's happened she can still forgive him with a smile, Mr Oshiro felt extremely guilty.
"Rinu-Chan you're so kind!"
From there, Mr Oshiro returned to where he sat trying to find the page when he noticed Douma reading the novel he was planning on telling him about.
"That book actually caught Atlas Science's attention when it first came out in 1986. Fans of relaxing stories will like this one. It's about the author's dream of exploring the vast wonders of the world and his encounter with a fascinating phenomenon during his vacation in Turkey a year before he wrote the book. Pay attention to it Douma." Everything Mr Oshiro said summed up the novel with the phenomenon part intriguing Douma the most.
"When the author was taking a walk at night, he saw a strange light in the sky that was moving really fast," Pointing at the paragraph they were reading, Mr Oshiro held the book close to his face and scanned through everything on the page. "His surroundings turned really still like a sudden wave of static occurred at that exact moment."
I couldn't believe it, a strange source capable of immobilizing the atmosphere. We never experienced something like that before, this was an amazing discovery but at the same time I was a little worried. What is up there and if it really turned the environment motionless, why? It's hard to decipher this phenomenon to this day because no one seems to know the reason behind the light's doing. I could only imagine what can happen if it takes matter to its own hands, luckily none of that's happened so far.
Douma took a deep breath and watched Mr Oshiro reading. The young founder was flattered that someone found his presence fascinating. Sometimes Douma would pass by Earth for a short period of time, even before Paradise Shrine was established.
"Let's see where's that chapter- aha!"
When I returned to New Jersey, that's when I told one of my friends who's a researcher about my encounter with the kaleidoscopic light. He decided that it's best if we give it a trademark solely for identification purposes, since it's unique.
They did some research but unfortunately it was left on hold since there wasn't any proof. I didn't take a picture it never crossed my mind for some reason. That was all I got which was disappointing because I expected more, it was so exciting to discover a new species or event.
At least its existence is now known in the field of research as a presence in the form of light that pauses anything upon contact. Someday it may shed light again. I'm glad my discovery still stands as a possibility.
Mr Oshiro closed the book and arranged the items on the table.
"This phenomenon has yet to be explained." Holding the books, Mr Oshiro looked at Douma expecting a response.
"I do visit Earth sometimes." Douma smiled it was obvious and Mr Oshiro should know that by now but something wasn't right, Douma didn't pass by Earth during that time period. This was odd knowing Douma was the only being on Earth so far with kaleidoscopic auras. The only explanation could be that the light was a wormhole of some sort leading someone or something else to the human world. It could be that the light itself was another entity since it was responsive to its surroundings.
"Which brings me to the question I asked you earlier," Things were getting serious now, Douma furrowed his eyebrows he knew what Mr Oshiro was going to say next and he wasn't looking forward to hearing that.
"The Winter Storm did you-
"Such powers are too much for the human world to handle, they can't be suppressed if nothing in the dimension is built to," Douma's expression was unreadable, it seemed threatening but unsettlingly calm, Mr Oshiro started to panic the idea of having Douma in his home was starting to turn into an ounce of regret. All he felt was fear but since he needed some answers he tried to hide it even though Douma could see right through him he could sense it, he felt weaker than ever. He began moving backwards trembling.
"Mr Oshiro are you alright?" Shinobu asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice clearly at Douma who was taking this lightly.
Douma covered his face with his fan again, watching the frightened man scurrying away from him, it was hilarious to see the tables turn so quickly. They were just having a nice conversation earlier. With exaggerations and the change of hat, this is why Douma pitied humans sometimes, they couldn't decide what they wanted to the point they had to take such drastic measures like this, now Mr Oshiro might start telling everyone about what he had just said. If Douma returns to Paradise Shrine, he's expecting some visitors. All that aside, he's just waiting to see the decision Mr Oshiro will make, continue having a civilized conversation with him or run out the door like a mad man.
"Don't worry humanity is safe with me, I can stop the storm anytime you should be worried if another creature followed me here." Douma chuckled it was funny seeing Mr Oshiro confused by his sudden change in demeanor. The man should know that Douma's a hero if it was the opposite, Hasu Mountains would be in shambles, now that's something to be utterly concerned about.
"Yeah right let's not forget the mess you made along the way." Shinobu crossed her arms and winked at Douma with a slight grin. Trying to get him to remember what happened to the badger mech. It seems the blonde got the memo as he hid further behind his golden fan awkwardly.
"T-they already have those alien things." Running to his room, Mr Oshiro came back with two test tubes containing some type of ash; murky grey with flakes.
"Notice how they always remain unscratched after firing weapons and impaling them? Look at this, it's from a dead marine silverfish, shriveled up from the low temperatures." Douma didn't really need to study the outcome of the silverfish's skin, he already knew about their impenetrable armor. It was interesting to see someone get their hands on these specimens and draw a conclusion about it.
Still holding the two samples, Mr Oshiro went on about how the aquatic silverfish are practically covered in metal to which Douma just nodded it wasn't his first time discovering this.
"There are speculations that these creatures came from Mars or Venus, I think they came from either one of those planets, Mars is believed to contain life and plant species were discovered in Venus. But if we're talking about something actively roaming space to this day, maybe another planet far from our galaxy." Putting away the test tubes, Mr Oshiro got up and searched through the shelves, looking for something.
"But how they got here is another question."
That's something Douma has been wondering too, he thought of a few possibilities. For now he's going to leave it to the research organizations to find out.
"You know something don't hide it Douma."
"That I'm aware of what these creatures could be and how they got here? You're right I just never bothered learning about the entire family tree, they're not important. Inhabitable planets are bound to have these types of creatures. I pass by them all the time." Douma was starting to feel restless, he appreciated the invite but right now Mr Oshiro was getting on his nerves with the suspicions. There was an ongoing catastrophe out there, babbling about who's innocent and who's not isn't going to solve anything.
Mr Oshiro's eyes turned to slits as he was about to ask the next question.
"Is this form of yours a disguise Douma?"
The living room fell silent. All eyes were on Douma now, even Mrs Oshiro who was busy preparing the cookies in the kitchen stopped what she was doing and stared at the blonde.
Shinobu waited for Douma's response nervously. The violette always wondered if there was something more to this angelic being than what meets the eye. He was definitely hiding something from humanity and with those powers it was a cause for concern. Although he was her friend she wasn't going to let her guard down.
"Think about it this way, this dimension that your world resides in is like ice. I'm walking on this frozen lake right now. Something heavy like an anvil would break the ice and cause it to sink into the depths, dissolving in the water which is another dimension."
Listening attentively, Shinobu and Mr Oshiro exchanged fearful glances with each other, visualizing Douma's explanation.
"So the object can't exceed how much the ice can hold, preferably it has to be light as a feather. In order for me to walk on the ice I have to be that suitable matter. But even an empty box can leave a crack on the ice's surface, in fact it has already happened with the Winter Storm." Douma's kaleidoscopic gaze met both Shinobu's and Mr Oshiro's as the only thing that could be heard in the living room were their heartbeats.
Rinu backed away from the spot right in front of the living room. Oh so that's not what he actually looks like? I'm starting to get the creeps now.
Mr Oshiro cleared his throat while Shinobu sat there quietly thinking about everything Douma just said. Could he really be trusted? There were so many questions. She was starting to wonder if she was on the right side of this investigation.
"Your abilities have consequences," Both Douma and Shinobu looked at Mr Oshiro with stagnant looks, Douma's being the most indecipherable. "After doing research on the alien's origins, it seems they came to Japan because of the sudden cold weather to contract their metallic skin. The effects of the wintry climate are stronger here so they found it suitable for their livelihood. We're not so lucky because the storm came from where you resided, a few hours from Tokyo so they have settled in these parts of Japan. Hokkaido and other parts are still standing strong like nothing happened this week."
"I apologize for what's happened. The storm was something nobody expected not even myself. I'm still trying to put an end to this climatic disaster once and for all. However, it's not that simple."
"What do you mean it's not simple?! Can't you just use your magic that should do it!" Mr Oshiro stacked the books and pushed them towards the side.
"Mr Oshiro it's true, Douma is really trying his best and he's been doing all he can to save us." Shinobu glanced at Douma with a smile. "I know he can stop this storm, he needs our patience and understanding too, our humanity."
Listening to their conversation, Rinu gasped and curled her lips. This is a completely different insight on the situation. We have people saying he's a hero and other's calling him a threat to mankind because of those mumbo jumbo powers. I'm not buying anything from this but I guess Kaozaki knows better, be careful dear we can't trust him entirely.
"If only Doctor Gareth was here he'd know what to do." Sighing, Mr Oshiro flipped through the pages of the books again.
Douma and Shinobu exchanged curious glances with each other. "Who's he?" The violette asked trying not to sound intrusive about Atlas' operations.
"Well Doctor Gareth was a renowned scientist known for his splendid research and inventions. His hypothesis were very elaborate it was almost like he solved those mysteries which was impressive he was so close to even finding the cure to some diseases! It's a shame he stopped his work and disappeared like that." Mr Oshiro closed the book and looked at the window, the storm was back.
"Do you know what happened to him?" Shinobu sounded worried despite not knowing this person, Douma couldn't understand. No matter how vicious some people were, Shinobu still cared about their well-being, she was a reassuring person. Someone Douma should've met earlier.
"Nope not at all. He vanished without a trace it's like those shadows in his lab consumed him."
Shinobu stared at him feeling disturbed by that last statement. "Um alright."
"Hey Mr Oshiro you alright buddy?" Douma chuckled, the man was huddled on the floor in distress for some reason.
"Ugh you don't understand! My two favorite stars lost the battle against the cold. BE015 was like a sibling to Rigel they were identical to each other and Vercules was a cluster of stars or a single one that appeared as several stars because of an internal divergence. They crumbled into pieces. How disrespectful they're not some cookies waiting to be eaten! They're luxurious ones that should be kept in a jar never to be taken out!"
"Hey! What about my cookies?" Rinu called out.
Suddenly the doorbell rang. Mr Oshiro immediately ran to the door and opened it, greeted by three men. Douma guessed they were from his workplace since Mr Oshiro acted like he knew them.
"Hello Mr Oshiro, we found something in the lab you might know what it is." One of them in a beige trench coat held out a report with an image to which Mr Oshiro took a closer look.
"That's amazing Tanashi I'm heading over there now."
"Don't rush Mr Oshiro we have yet to confirm the findings the next results will come out in two hours until then we'll run more tests."
"Great work Tanashi-Sama if the research team needs anything let me know."
"Of course."
Douma noticed a bruise on Tanashi's hand but there was something off about it. The more he looked at it some strange images started flashing in his head, trying to tell him something. Now he was starting to see a series of events unfolding.
In one of the scenes, it was the same man, Tanashi being pushed by someone but he couldn't make out who exactly. Tanashi knocked his hand against the edge of a table leaving a stain of blood on the furniture. There were cries and yelling in that location, a house? It was still hard for Douma to tell if the injured man was really Tanashi and who else was there, including the person who pushed him.
"Mr Oshiro I'm not sure if you heard, but there have been reports of intruders in Atlas. BeezleBot spotted them entering the examination facility. The guards are still searching the place."
Shinobu stood behind Douma upon hearing that. "Don't make it seem obvious he'll suspect something." The shrine leader whispered.
"Oh never mind that Mr Oshiro is going to tell them anyway I just don't want to be embarrassed."
"What about me where am I going to hide?"
Mr Oshiro scratched his head nervously. "Oh well that must've been a rat or something. We do have a rat problem."
"Hmmm I see. Well Badger-510 was destroyed." Mr Tanashi didn't sound convinced by Mr Oshiro's cover-up, he probably already knew who the intruders were.
"W-WHAT?!" Mr Oshiro shouted. "I'M ON MY WAY!"
Cowering towards the wall, Douma and Shinobu looked up and saw Mr Oshiro waving at the three men who stepped off the porch.
As the door was about to close, Tanashi looked at Douma with a sinister look on his face. At that very moment Douma knew this man was not to be trusted.
"Oh dear it's a good thing I still have those samples probably going to need them for this case." Mr Oshiro checked his pockets and picked up the same test tubes he showed Douma and Shinobu, shoving them in his pockets. "You guys are just pesky little troublemakers!" The duo stared at the man it seemed he wasn't going to confront them or anything he was just blabbering to himself.
Douma was starting to feel a little uneasy, was it a mistake following Mr Oshiro here? The guy seemed decent but Douma couldn't entirely believe that especially with Tanashi being someone he worked closely with. Tanashi had a plan and it wasn't good, he seemed to recognize Douma which meant he had to be extra careful with his movements now.
"Is someone there?" Mrs Oshiro appeared looking panic with her apron still on. As a husband Mr Oshiro should spend more time with her instead of leaving her clueless about what's going on at home and work.
"They left." Packing his stuff, Mr Oshiro grabbed the books and slot them into the shelf, dropping a small slip of paper in the process.
Both Douma and Shinobu eyed it as Mr Oshiro walked to the room leaving the slip on the floor unnoticed. Furrowing her brow, Shinobu picked it up and read the contents. Quietly both she and Douma analyzed the details.
'Dear Hanaku Watsume, the specimens are ready to be delivered.' The note said, written on June 3rd 1985 with Doctor Gareth's name at the bottom. While the couple was still occupied with their own errands, Shinobu quickly passed the slip to Douma who took it from her and put it in his pocket. The letter contained a lot of information someone clearly had skeletons in their closet and with the suspicion that Atlas has arise, Douma was certain the organization knew something more.
Mr Oshiro walked out of the room with a distraught look on his face. Probably from the news he just heard.
"Oh I see where are you going?" Cleaning up the tables, Mrs Oshiro stood there worriedly.
"Back to work, there's some fixing to do as well."
"Already? I know, it's a lot of work. Take care."
Douma and Shinobu got up and walked over to Mr Oshiro who was also about to say something to the shrine leader.
"We'll be heading off now." The shrine leader tried to put up a smile, Shinobu just wanted to leave she was afraid of what Mr Oshiro was going to say next.
"Alright it was nice meeting you Douma and Shinobu. Until we meet again." Mr Oshiro said tiredly. "Don't think you can get away with this. It was our hard work!" With that Mr Oshiro started yelling again.