Back on Jupiter

A month has passed since Clive went to rescue Samantha. Only a week has passed for Clive. Clive's disappearance didn't cause any problems for anyone as he had told everyone beforehand.

"It's lonely without him." (Hazel)

"Yeah. Even though he didn't give us much attention, knowing that he was within our reach gave me a peace of mind. Now, he is out of our reach. An entire month has passed and he still isn't back." (Aura)

"But consider his side too. Only a day could have passed for him for all we know." (Fay)

"I have a feeling that he is still the same even there. He has a tendency to do stupider things when he is in trouble." (Gwen)

Hazel, Aura, Fay and Gwen were sitting in Fiona's lounge. Gwen is more or less settled in there. Gwen moved in a week ago. Her duties were done and she moved in.

"Still, it's funny that all of us are here, under one roof." (Fay)

"I don't think it's that funny. If we think normally, it might seem abnormal. However, we have to think differently. Clive is by no means normal." (Gwen)

"And I think we all know what might happen if we push him too hard." (Hazel)

"That man will run away the moment he thinks the situation is out of hands. Well, technically he tries to make everything right. So in order make everything right, he will push everyone away from him. That's a rather destructive way of thinking." (Aura)

All of them sigh. Their desire to monopolize Clive is still there. However knowing Clive, they can not push him too hard.

Clive will try to make things right in his own way. That might lead to him leaving them for good. They know this since Samantha has shown them some of the possibilities and Clive himself was planning on doing that.

They decided to join forces together to keep Clive close to them. Because Clive may leave them if they tell him to choose. Him leaving isn't all that bad but some other woman might get together with him.

"Despite being an oddball, he sure is popular among women." (Aura)

"He has been popular. His conduct made him stand out and his mannerisms were kinda mature for his age. I guess girls like that kind of maturity." (Gwen)

"That's true. He has his shit together even when he has no idea what's happening." (Hazel)

They were all enjoying their talk about Clive but suddenly a flash of light blinded them for a moment.

"What happened?"

All of them cried out in unison. The flash of light disappeared and they opened their eyes to see what happened.

A man with silver white hair, red eyes and a bulky build had appeared in the lounge.

They did not panic and proceeded to ask the man.

"Who are you?" (Aura)

The man looked at her. His eyes were not confused. He knew where he was.

"Call me Strauss. That's the name Clive gave me. My real name can not be said in this system. The bus would overload and system would crash. So, call me Strauss." (Strauss)

They all took their seats again and Strauss sat down as well. He was pretty beat up. His lips were bleeding a bit. His white skin was bruised.

"So Strauss, who are you?" (Gwen)

"I am Samantha's younger brother. Clive didn't mention me?" (Strauss)

"Oh..he did mention you. But you only met him once in his dream so he didn't elaborate." (Fay)

"Well, I purposely didn't meet him. Anyway, the reason I am here is because I was ousted from my home. My family found out about my little pranks." (Strauss)

He laughs at himself. But his laughter made one thing clear. He is involved in Clive going to save Samantha.

"Care to elaborate?" (Aura)

"Well, my sister is actually getting married off against her will. It's a political arranged marriage. The guy is a total scum. I don't want to see my sister sad again so I thought I would try to save her." (Strauss)

"Why Clive though?" (Hazel)

"My sister has been looking better ever since she saw Clive. He gave her joy. Because she is truly interested in him. I noticed that and thought, this is a chance." (Strauss)

"Tell me, is he okay?" (Fay)

"He is. Do you really think anything can hurt him? Although harbinger abilities like <Spirit > doesn't work there, he is more than strong enough to make up for it. The moment he landed there, the wedding was doomed." (Strauss)

Strauss makes a smug face. He looks really confident in Clive. But the elephant in the room was still there.

"Why are you so beat up?" (Gwen)

"My father found out that I had brought a harbinger there without any authorization. A harbinger is like a bodyguard. Every member of my family has a harbinger assigned to them. My sister had the harbinger of death assigned to her. However he died and Clive became his successor.

But that didn't fit well with my father. A harbinger is a bodyguard. So they have to be a bit weaker than us. On the other hand, Clive is an irregularity that would swallow the system whole. Father couldn't let such a dangerous irregularity or a bug live.

He tried to interfere a number of times including the attack on earth. All of it was in vain." (Strauss)

Strauss was saying these things like a monologue but everyone was already shocked enough. They are finding out the truth.

"But Clive is destined to become the ruler. He will replace us as the creator. When they found out that Clive was there, they started to mess with the people to attack Clive.

The village he was at, tried to sacrifice him to a dragon. Clive turned the tables on the dragon and ate it. He has found two unique companions as well. He is now headed towards the capital, full speed ahead.

It is only a matter of time before my family falls from power. A war will begin. A war which will shake the entire system to its original state. I hope Clive will come out victorious." (Strauss)

"Slow down, will you? First you barge in like that, then you dump all this information on us. What's with you?" (Hazel)

Indeed, the truth hits hard. They are still trying to process most of it.

"So, I will be happy if you shelter me for the time being. Staying here will ensure my safety at least." (Strauss)

The wheels of fate are whimsical and no one can control them. Strauss has suddenly appeared on Jupiter and told everyone the truth. Clive doesn't know about it so this will give him a shock as well.