"You hic fuckin' scrub! Jin b-beat his ass! A-again, hehe," Invisigal continued to murmur some drunken insults, while Bearman scowled at her. However, he didn't appear to be too affected by her words and was mostly upset about her interrupting his drinking session.
"Sorry about that." Sean apologized to the other man. Even though he was a bit tipsy himself, he hadn't let lose like some other members of the team did. Besides, he also had an accelerated metabolism, making him easily digest the amount of alcohol that would have sent his previous human self straight to the hospital. Alcohol was doomed to be a money sink for him in this life, even with those high-percentage beverages specifically created for heroes like him. Initially, he had thought he could indulge in some of those tastier drinks, considering he didn't have to worry about how many calories were inside his drinks, but he had yet to find something tastier with alcohol inside than without.
Sean continued, "We all are a bit drunk, and she isn't in the right frame of mind. Don't take her words to heart." Bearman glanced at him, giving him a nod and a grunt, and turned away to continue his drink. However, Invisigal didn't seem content with giving up, turning invisible as she walked toward him. Obviously, trying to hit the man, something that wouldn't end well for anyone involved. Sean reacted quickly and caught her before she gained any momentum. She appeared again and looked ready to argue, only to be thrown over his shoulder to be carried away.
"H-Hey, Jin, I'm not finished with him! W-hic-e have to beat his ass again!" Sean rolled his eyes. Although she was a good combatant, she wasn't Bearman's level.
"Let's just head out. The others were already thrown out." They had come here with the intention of making fun of the other beaten heroes, so Sean shouldn't have been surprised when they not only met them but proceeded to make fun of them. It was exactly as planned. By now, he should have been aware that they weren't the humble kind. Given that he was the one who beat them, he felt a bit embarrassed to taunt them afterward, so he didn't really contribute to the taunting behavior, even if he was 'boring' for it.
"B-but that pissant was a 'rogant bastard." Visi slurred her words, making it difficult for him to understand her, but he knew what she meant.
Bearman had come a bit later than Discy and two other heroes he had faced that night. When he saw Sean, he had told him that 'the next time won't be that easy to beat him'. Invisigal and Flambae, for that matter, saw it as a poor attempt to regain some form of dignity or, worse, to imply that Sean's win was nothing more than luck.
However, Sean knew from the man's bearing that his words were self-directed, that "His words meant he wants to improve until we once again face one another." Sean calmly explained before turning to the rest of the bar, "Sorry about that. Hopefully, you still have a nice evening." With Visi over his shoulder, he waved apologetically as he headed to the door where the rest of the team had a standoff with Levithan and some of his hero friends.
Given their taunts had turned bolder and more harassing as they got drunker, it wasn't hard to explain why they were 'kindly asked' to leave the bar. It took Sean some convincing not to have them burn down the bar, but fortunately, since they were celebrating his wins, they heeded his plea even if he 'had a stick up his bum' and they liked him more as the 'badass warrior'. A few heroes seemed eager to follow them out when Flambae, Punch Up, and Malevola continued to taunt them on the way out. It wasn't just the heroes that Jin had beaten. Their friends and some other by-standing heroes that didn't take kindly to the Z-Team's attitude or were.
It was clear that the tiniest of sparks might turn this into a full-blown bar fight, prompting Sean to want to push his team out quickly before they could light that spark. This was intended to celebrate his wins, and it somehow turned into him babysitting them.
"Guys, come on, let's just lea-"
At that point, just as he reached the others and started to pacify his group before he had to physically drag them out, Levithan called out, "Yeah, that's right. Get your sorry excuse for a bitch-ass team out." Getting some laughs and supportive cheers from his group.
Few things truly ticked him off, but unwarranted hostility and provocation certainly belonged to these things. He hadn't joined their previous taunting, and it should have been clear that he was de-escalating things and that it would have ended here.
Despite having to admit that his team was in the wrong, he couldn't accept his team being insulted. After all, he was part of this team. To insult his team was to insult him, and with his recently shortened fuse, he wouldn't take a comment like that lightly. Perhaps because it came from a defeated foe, coupled with some innate pride that fueled the indignation that arose when hearing these words, he couldn't let it pass.
Without a word, he put Visi back on her feet. For a moment, she wobbled before being steadied with Flambae's hand. Sean turned towards them, standing between them and his team.
"There are nine of you." His eyes glanced over them. His senses were washing over them, mentally filing their perceived strength, only to find them lacking. His Ki roused. "Are you sure there are enough of you to beat us?"
He wasn't one to flaunt or throw his weight around, but he wanted to understand what they wanted to accomplish by posturing at him like that. There were nine of them against seven of them. Their numerical advantage was hardly overwhelming, and even against all of them alone, Jin wouldn't call himself out. They should know this too. They had seen what he could do while barely trying. At least, his words seemed to be sobering.
"It's fine. Let's just go." Surprisingly, it was Flambae, who lightly pulled him back. Glancing at him and the rest of the team revealed worried looks. It was unclear to him who they were worried about, because he was certain they could easily take them. In fact, he alone should be enough. It might make this night even more fruitful with a decent challenge. However, he took it for it was, an opportunity to deescalate the situation, so he nodded at them before turning back to the now silent opposition.
It was then that he realized he emitted a white glow, his clothes fluttering despite being inside, sheltered from the wind. "I apologize for how we conducted ourselves." He began as he calmed his agitated Ki, "However, as heroes, we should always strive to deescalate situations and not disrespect someone whose reactions to such things you don't know about. Next time, be more sensible." His tipsy mind barely registered that he had almost escalated the situation at the end. Perhaps this was more about being taken lightly, but, of course, as he was now, he dismissed it. After all, peace couldn't be kept if conflict wasn't feared.
With that, he turned and headed outside, the Z-Team following wordlessly. As he stepped out, he took a deep breath, just wanting the night's air to refresh him from the suffocating air of the bar. "So, you want to go somewhere else, or should we call it for tonight?"
"I think it would be better to call it for the night." Punch Up responded surprisingly.
"Huh, I figured you would go until we cause a bar fight." Sean knew the other was also a bit of a battle junkie, so him quitting early felt unusual. The small man wryly chuckled at his words before pointing at Coupé, who was leaning against the wall and, right at that moment, puked on the floor.
"Right. Then next time." Punch Up responded with a nod before helping Coupé walk, which looked a bit comical with the height difference.
"You." Flambae started with narrowed eyes as he leaned forward, "You're one scary monkey. You know that?"
Sean raised an eyebrow. How was he scary? He hadn't threatened or insulted anyone as they had. Or was he referring to his fights?
"But you're alright. At least better than your pathetic act from before." He said as he straightened again. "See ya tomorrow." With that, he started walking away.
Sonar and Malevola, their mood dragged down by the others leaving, called it a night as well. So, they all parted ways except for Invisigal, who almost fell over by just standing, forcing Sean to hold her steady.
"Alright, let's get you home." Sean picked Visi up in a princess carry before asking her for directions. "So, where do you live?"
"Hic! Y-ou Hrk! we no- fucken'."
"Don't worry, I'm not sleeping with anyone drunker than I am. So, where-"
"Nooo!"
"Right. Back to SDN then?" Sean didn't think he could get any information out of her. With the experience of having to bring his drunk or drugged-out brother back, he knew he wouldn't get any useful information out of her. He glanced back and found that most had already disappeared into the night. Regretting not having asked the others if they knew where she lived, he just made his way toward their workplace.
Doubtful whether she or anyone, for that matter, would enjoy waking up at their workplace, it was, at least, better than waking up somewhere unfamiliar. Still a bit unclear whether he had some subconscious tactile telekinesis or would have to cover things he wanted to carry with Ki, he was careful with his speed. Neither did he want to injure her nor get thrown up on.
Despite being careful to be as gentle as possible, the distance wasn't far, so after ten minutes, they had arrived back at SDN. With his transponder, he entered the building and was about to head straight toward the R&R to lay her on one of the couches to let her sleep off her intoxication when he noticed something. After hesitating for a moment, he headed down a floor, found a comfortable couch, and placed her on it with some extra pillows and a blanket he found in one of the cupboards, along with a few covers. He had the feeling that he wasn't the first one to bring drunk people here.
With her tucked away, he headed up the stairs to the second floor and around the corner. There was a dispatcher in the far corner, the only one present in the building besides them, giving a rundown for a mission. He had his back turned toward him, so he didn't bother him before his eyes turned to his target.
'As expected, ' he thought. With a bit of a buzz, he tried something he hadn't done since that morning. His mind focused to the best of his ability, his palm facing the keyhole before he twisted and, with a click, his telekinetic ability found its first use as he unlocked the door before he brazenly opened Blonde Blazer's office, revealing a figure illuminated by the desk lamp.
He had sensed an unfamiliar Ki signature when he entered the building, and even though he couldn't claim to know everyone, he at least should have already sensed most people of the company. Regardless of whether he had sensed them before, this was Blonde Blazer's office. Not something anyone could or should enter.
Sean figured this person must be a thief or, at the very least, not be here on official business.
"W-Whaa-" She shouted, surprised, her eyes wide as she stared at him like she had seen a ghost as he turned on the big lights. A pretty brunette with a normal, albeit slightly above average, Ki intensity. Her Ki felt utterly mundane, so her higher-than-normal Ki was probably just a result of regular and intense exercise. She was dressed in what appeared to be some sportswear with a jacket to cover her upper body. In her hands was a red gem that he remembered seeing on Blonde Blazer.
"You're not supposed to be here." He started saying as he glanced around the room to figure out how she managed to get inside. His attention was immediately drawn to the wide-open window. Then his gaze turned to the chair next to her, on which appeared to be Blonde Blazer's outfit folded on top of it. "This is Blonde Blazer's office. Without her around, I don't think it's appropriate for you to be here, Miss?"
"You don't recognize me?" She asked almost incredulously. Was she some executive's daughter who could go wherever she pleased? Fortunately, he hadn't had the pleasure of dealing with spoiled rich kids during his missions, but he had already heard a few stories, so he wasn't keen on meeting that type.
"No, should I?" Even if she were some influential daughter, it was best for him to just follow protocol. "Do you have an SDN-certified identification?"
Her eyes still wide, knowing that she had been caught red-handed, but then, for some reason, she started chuckling before it turned into full-blown laughter. She shook her head, amused. "I guess I don't. Sorry, I didn't expect- Sorry, this was- I just wanted to confirm something, still not sure what to do though." There was something about her expression that told him she was earnest while deliberately being vague. One thing was certain: there was frustration and resignation, as for what exactly? His Ki sense wasn't fine-tuned enough to reveal that to him.
From her words, one thing was clear to him now. "Do you need some help?" Although it was strange for her to appear here in the middle of the night, her Ki revealed her to be rather kind and benevolent. If she decided to break in at such a time, she must have had a good reason. Of course, he would lend a hand to those in need… She was also pretty.
She glanced at him for a moment before shaking her head defeatedly. "…I guess I do."
"I'm sure Blonde Blazer will help you if you actually meet her during normal times." For some reason, his words made her chuckle ruefully.
"I don't think she can help me- No, I know she won't be able to help me with this."
"That sounds pessimistic. She might bring some unique perspective to whatever you're struggling with."
"No, that's not what I mean… she had already tried."
"I see…" Sean trailed off, feeling like the situation was more complex than he had initially thought. "Then let me help you."
She looked at him, surprised, and before she could reject his offer, he continued. "Come on, let's take a walk."
"I-" She hesitated for whatever reason, her eyes glancing towards Blonde Blazer's outfit as if she wanted to take it with her.
"Just leave that gem on her clothes." He couldn't exactly let her leave with Blonde Blazer's jewelry, even if her Ki revealed her good-heartedness to him. Even good people would do bad things when pushed into a situation that forced them to.
"Leave it here?" She asked as if the idea had never crossed her mind.
"Yep, this is Blonde Blazer's office after all, so it should be fine to leave it here for her. I'm sure she is going to need it when she starts working tomorrow, but since she has already clocked out, there is no need to bring it to her directly." Since this woman found the gem here, Blonde Blazer was probably used to leave it here. Besides, not many people were dumb enough to steal from her.
His words made her chuckle a bit. "I guess you're right." With that, she gently placed the gem atop the clothes. Afterward, she took a breath as if to resolve herself before she walked past him, out of the door. He followed her out, closed and telekinetically locked the door.
"Didn't know you could do that." She noted, making him pause for a moment.
"Do we know each other?"
"You truly don't recognize me?" She asked, her tone suggesting that she was just confirming things rather than truly asking.
"Again, should I? Just so you know, I had an accident a while back and lost my memories, so if we have met before, I won't remember." He had already explained it several times in the past few days.
"Hmm, considering I was in Blonde Blazer's office, to which I have keys, by the way." She held up a key before continuing, "It should be clear that I'm related to her. People would also say I look like her." Why was she so persistent in making him realize her connections? It wasn't like he was going to detain her or something. After feeling her Ki, he had already decided to let her go with a warning. Given their conversation until now, that much should have been clear.
"So, what, you're her sister?" He squinted at her, and now that she mentioned it, they did look similar, at least, from what little he knew of Blonde Blazer's face that wasn't masked. If that was true, his guess of her being some executive's daughter wasn't that far off. She was some influential person's relative, it was just his boss, which actually might make this worse… "Either way, if you need help, you should ask for it at normal work hours- Or is it some emergency that can't wait?" He asked, making her smile.
"No… no, it's not an emergency. Just something persistent." They started walking downstairs. She seemed to know the layout as she led him to the inner courtyard of the room, sitting down at the bench that curved around one side. "So, why are you here this late?"
He raised an eyebrow, "I'm a hero, working here, so it shouldn't be surprising to be here this late. Or did you know my shift had already ended?"
"Well, now you told me." She answered with a smirk.
"Good one." He leaned back into the stone bench. Without the cushioning they have placed on them during the day, the bench wasn't the most comfortable. "A coworker just drank too much, and since I didn't know where she lived, I brought her here to sober up."
"Hm. That's surprisingly kind of you." Her eyes trailed over him like she was reassessing her notion about him.
"Surprisingly? So, we do know each other."
"Maybe." He rolled his eyes while she smirked, clearly enjoying that she knew more about him than he did about her.
"So, you've just hit the gym here?" He asked, pointing at her getup. Although he wanted to know why she was in his boss's office, he also knew he couldn't, or rather, shouldn't, pressure her into talking. So, small talk it was.
"Yes, I need to stay fit."
"And people just let you walk around the office at night?"
"Indeed, no one had complained about me being here before you. Well, I never did go out as… blatantly open like this." She chuckled about something that was a bit lost to Sean.
"So… what's your workout routine"
"Really? That's what you want to know?"
"Why not?"
"I figured you'd be interrogating me by now. You know, figure out who I am and what I was doing in m-Blonde Blazer's office."
"Do you want me to interrogate you?" He challenged teasingly.
"Nope. I'm good… Just doing two full-body workouts a week, don't have enough time with all… the things I have to do."
Sean snorted at that, which made her stare at him with a raised eyebrow. "What?"
"No one ever has enough time for things they 'want' to do. People don't do things because of a lack of time. They don't do it because it's not their priority."
"Well, I can't really postpone my work or sleep for that matter, which already accounts for most of the time I have in a day."
"So, deprioritize your work."
She stared at him blankly. "My work is important." Sean had the feeling that this girl probably used her work not only to skip her workouts but to skip other stuff in her life, too.
"Is your work more important than what you want to do?" He simply asked. The conversation had already turned heavy far quicker than he had expected.
"Yes- No, I mean kind of…" Her tone trailed off as she looked into the distance in thought.
"So, work takes priority over yourself?"
"I… I don't know."
"That sounded like a resounding yes." Sean leaned into the bench, looking up into the sky, at the stars, wondering if he could have noticed the difference in constellations had he ever bothered learning them back at home. "You have to prioritize according to your goals, according to how you imagine your life. If you don't, then you might end up regretting it." His powers had stagnated. After getting a boost from sparring with Punch Up, Coupé, and Invisigal, his next breakfast didn't result in growth.
The heroes he had fought in this UFC knockoff were underwhelming and hardly a challenge. If those were his opponents, his goal of becoming a Super Saiyan might never come to fruition. Here, he was going out to drink with his coworkers instead of training or getting the rest he deserved. It was almost like he had just switched jobs and was now finding his place in it and making some work friends. However, continuing this job as a hero was only to prevent him from being hunted down by the police.
Once a Super Saiyan, he would have confirmed he wasn't losing his grip on reality, that his memories were real, and after figuring out the whole situation, then… he could move forward.
He needed to visit Royd again and ask him about his progress. It had only been two days, but perhaps Royd could use some help. Maybe, he could already make him experiment with his Ki-
"So, should I just quit my job?"
It took a moment for her words to register before he snorted, "Prioritizing your life doesn't mean having to quit your job. You could probably start by not doing any overtime." He glanced at her. She seemed like the person to volunteer for unpaid overtime at her job.
"That would be a start." She mumbled as she hugged her legs. "Unfortunately, I'm kind of important at my job, with a lot of responsibility, too."
He scratched his cheek, lacking experience or any heroic guidelines for how to handle possibly life-altering decisions, but this just sounded like a management issue. "I guess you'll have to find someone else who can support you, who knows the struggles and can help you juggle them." Overtime was a symptom of not having enough employees for that position, especially if that overtime was constant. "Stop holding on to some perceived ideal you can't maintain or that just isn't reality. You probably already know this isn't sustainable. That's why you're looking for help."
Someone 'kind of important, with a lot of responsibility', meant she had some preconceived notion about her job, and that it's her sole responsibility to handle it. If she were overworked, then the company needed to hire more people, or she had a problem with giving up control. Sean used to work for such a manager once. They wanted to account for everything, did everything by themselves, and ended up experiencing burnout just two years after starting in that position.
The woman fell silent, clearly mulling over his words. At least, she listened to what he was saying. Sometimes heartfelt advice would fall on deaf ears.
"I guess you're right." After a few minutes, she finally said as she stood up. Her voice sounded firm and determined, as if she had resolved to go to war.
"Got an approach to tackle your problem?" He asked as he rose to stand by her.
"Indeed, I know what I must do next." She confirmed with a nod. Her tone and expression softened as she looked at him. Suddenly, her arms wrapped around him. "Thank you." Coupled with her genuine gratitude, his brain couldn't quite keep up. Only being able to respond by patting her on the back before they separated.
"You'll be alright." He wasn't sure why, but he was confident that she would find a way to resolve whatever was bothering her. "If you need someone to talk to, I work out in SDN's gym after work. Usually clocking out at 17- I mean 5 pm." Why the hell did he tell her that? Just a moment ago, he resolved to prioritize better. He didn't have the time to talk about her problems every day, though… it wouldn't be bad to have a spotter.
"…Mandy."
"Huh?"
"My Name. I'm Mandy." She held up a hand, which he instinctively shook.
"Nice to meet you, Mandy. I'm... Jin" Her blue eyes seemed to twinkle in the dim light, and for some reason, that made Sean feel ashamed.
"Nice to meet you, Jin."