Chapter 16: Middle of the End?

Hey guys, I am back with another chapter. It's going to be a short one. I'll try to crank out another chapter or two on this story and my other stories before leaving on my trip in July.

"Maybe, just maybe, there is no purpose in life. But if you linger a while longer in this world, you might discover something of value in it." -Orochimaru

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Shockwaves rippled through the air as two figures clashed in a high-speed ballet of punches, dodges, and redirections. The sky around them crackled with the sheer force of their movements, creating a tempest of wind and sound. Beerus, his expression one of stoic boredom, floated effortlessly, his muscles relaxed yet ready. 

Mark, dressed in his yellow and blue Invincible suit, dashed towards Beerus, his fist aimed squarely at his cousin's face. The force of Mark's charge caused a sonic boom, shattering windows below and sending birds scattering. Beerus watched with mild interest as Mark approached, then, with a casual tilt of his body, he sidestepped mid-air, allowing Mark's fist to pass harmlessly by.

Mark grunted in frustration, spinning on his heel to launch another attack. This time, he aimed a rapid series of punches at Beerus's midsection. Beerus's eyes followed the movements lazily, his body shifting just enough to avoid each strike. The air hummed with the near-misses, Mark's fists generating small sonic booms with every punch.

Beerus raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a slight smirk. "You're too predictable, Mark," he said, his voice carrying easily over the roaring wind.

Mark growled in response, his frustration mounting. He pulled back, then surged forward with a powerful uppercut, aiming to catch Beerus off guard. Beerus, still seemingly bored, caught Mark's wrist with a lightning-fast movement, redirecting the punch upward. The force of the uppercut created a shockwave that shot into the atmosphere, parting clouds and sending ripples through the stratosphere.

Using the momentum, Beerus twisted Mark's arm, spinning him around and sending him hurtling towards the ground. Mark managed to stop himself just before impact, creating a crater beneath him from the sheer force of his deceleration. He launched back into the air, aiming a kick at Beerus's side. Beerus simply raised his arm, catching Mark's leg and halting his momentum completely.

Mark's eyes widened in surprise as Beerus held him there, suspended in mid-air with one hand. "You need to think ahead, not just react," Beerus said, his voice tinged with mild disappointment. "Combat is about strategy, not just brute force."

With a flick of his wrist, Beerus sent Mark flying backward. Mark tumbled through the air, righting himself just in time to see Beerus already upon him. Beerus's fist moved so quickly that it seemed to blur, but Mark managed to dodge, feeling the wind of the missed punch ruffle his hair. The pressure wave from Beerus's strike caused a small explosion of air, scattering debris from the nearby cityscape.

Beerus sighed, his boredom palpable. He moved with an effortless grace, every punch and kick delivered with precision and economy of motion. In contrast, Mark's movements were fueled by frustration and determination, lacking the finesse and control that Beerus displayed. As Mark launched another flurry of attacks, Beerus dodged and parried each one, his expression unchanging.

Finally, Beerus grew tired of the exercise. As Mark charged at him one last time, Beerus sidestepped and delivered a light tap to the back of Mark's head, sending him sprawling. Mark tumbled through the air, finally catching himself and hovering, panting heavily.

"You're improving, but you need to learn control and patience," Beerus said, his tone almost bored. "Raw power is useless without precision. Remember that."

Mark clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "I won't give up," he said through gritted teeth. "I'll get stronger."

Beerus nodded, a hint of approval in his gaze. "Good. Just make sure you learn from these sessions. Otherwise, you're just wasting both our time."

The two hovered in the sky, the echoes of their sparring session fading into the distance, as Mark contemplated the gap between them and resolved to close it, no matter what it took.

XXXX

The New Guardians gathered in their training facility, their muscles sore and their minds weary from the rigorous schedule Beerus had imposed on them. The state-of-the-art room, lined with high-tech equipment and reinforced walls, buzzed with the remnants of the recent sparring match between Mark and Beerus. As they settled in, catching their breath and nursing their bruises, the conversation inevitably turned to the relentless pace of their training.

Dupli-Kate stretched out her aching limbs, a groan escaping her lips. "I swear, if we keep this up, we're all going to drop dead from exhaustion."

Shrinking Ray, wiping the sweat from her brow, nodded in agreement. "Seriously, does he ever let up? It's like he thinks we're Viltrumites too."

Monster Girl, her youthful face betraying her fatigue, added, "It's not just the physical training. It's the constant drills, the lectures, the nonstop pace. We're superheroes, not soldiers."

Black Samson, ever the pragmatist, tried to offer some perspective. "I get that he's trying to make us stronger, but there has to be a balance. We need time to recover, to process what we're learning."

Rex Splode, his usual bravado slightly diminished, grumbled, "Yeah, well, try telling that to Mr. No-Nonsense over there."

As if on cue, Beerus floated into the training room, his presence commanding and his expression as stoic as ever. He had heard their complaints, the murmurs of discontent echoing through the facility. With a slow, deliberate pace, he approached the group, his eyes locking onto each of them in turn.

"Idleness breeds weakness," Beerus stated, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "You are all complaining about the harshness of reality. I do not see so-called Guardians. I see children."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Beerus continued, his tone unwavering. "You think this training is hard? The real world is far harsher. The enemies you face will not wait for you to recover, to catch your breath. They will exploit your weaknesses, strike when you are vulnerable. If you cannot handle this, how do you expect to handle them?"

Beerus paused, his gaze sweeping over each of them. His presence was overwhelming, a testament to the power and discipline that marked his every move.

Dupli-Kate opened her mouth to protest, but Beerus cut her off with a raised hand. "You must understand that strength does not come from comfort. It comes from pushing your limits, from enduring hardship and rising above it. I am not here to coddle you. I am here to prepare you for the reality of the threats you will face."

Shrinking Ray exchanged a glance with Monster Girl, both of them recognizing the truth in Beerus's words, even if it was hard to accept. Monster Girl's usually vibrant expression was tinged with a hint of solemnity, her youthful energy momentarily subdued by the gravity of the conversation. Black Samson nodded slowly, his respect for Beerus's perspective growing. Rex Splode, though still visibly frustrated, remained silent, his usual defiance tempered by the undeniable logic of Beerus's argument.

"You are Guardians," Beerus continued, his voice softening just a fraction. "That title comes with responsibility. Embrace it. Rise to the challenge. Prove that you are worthy of it. Or step aside for those who are."

With that, Beerus turned and floated away, leaving the New Guardians to contemplate his words. The room was heavy with a mix of emotions—frustration, determination, and a renewed sense of purpose. As they resumed their training, the complaints were fewer, the focus sharper. Beerus's message had hit home, and they were ready to rise to the challenge. (AN: SIKE yall don't know whats coming for Earth)

Beerus floated into the observation deck, his cape billowing slightly as he moved with effortless grace. Omni-Man stood by the large window, his arms crossed, a look of disdain etched into his features as he observed the New Guardians below, their training session underway.

"Why even bother with this?" Omni-Man growled, his voice laced with irritation. "This is a waste of time, boy. They're never going to be a match for us."

Beerus approached, his expression unchanging, a faint air of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. "It's a way to pass the time, I assure you," he replied, his tone almost casual. "This planet, despite its delicious foods and the occasional interesting challenge, often bores me. Training them gives me something to do. Besides," he added, his eyes narrowing slightly, "I want them to realize their full potential before we crush their hopes."

Omni-Man turned to face Beerus, a skeptical eyebrow raised. "Do you think they have any potential worth considering?"

Beerus shrugged, his gaze drifting back to the training Guardians. "Perhaps. Some of them show promise. Not that it will matter in the end. But watching them strive, struggle, and grow... it's like watching a play, knowing the tragic ending yet finding the journey intriguing."

Omni-Man snorted, a hint of derision in his voice. "You sound almost sentimental, Beerus."

Beerus's eyes flashed with a momentary spark of irritation. "Sentimentality has nothing to do with it, Nolan. It's about understanding the psychology of our enemies. Humans are a peculiar species. They thrive on hope, on the belief that they can overcome insurmountable odds. Breaking them isn't just a matter of physical domination. It's about shattering that belief."

Omni-Man leaned back against the railing, contemplating Beerus's words. "So, you're playing a long game. Letting them think they have a chance before pulling the rug out from under them."

"Exactly," Beerus said with a nod. "A broken spirit is much harder to repair than a broken body. When the time comes, they will realize that all their efforts were in vain. It will make our conquest all the more absolute."

Omni-Man's eyes flicked back to the New Guardians, a mix of contempt and grudging respect in his gaze. "You're right about one thing—they are resilient. But that resilience will only make their downfall more satisfying."

Beerus smirked, his expression cold and calculating. "Indeed. And in the meantime, I get to test their limits, push them further than they ever thought possible. It's a form of entertainment, really. A way to stave off the monotony."

Omni-Man's lips curled into a grim smile. "You've always had a knack for finding amusement in the strangest places, Beerus."

"It's a necessity," Beerus replied. "In a universe where we are the apex predators, finding ways to stay engaged is crucial. Boredom is the bane of immortals. And who knows? Perhaps one of them will surprise us with a bit of amusement. Unlikely, but possible."

Omni-Man shook his head, his skepticism clear. "I doubt it. But if it keeps you occupied, who am I to argue?"

The two Viltrumites stood in silence for a moment, watching the Guardians below as they trained, each lost in their own thoughts. The weight of their impending conquest hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the inevitability of their mission. For now, the Guardians were oblivious to the true nature of their observers, striving for a future that was already written in the stars, their fate sealed by the very beings who watched them with such cold, calculating eyes.

XXXX

In the dimly lit conference room of the Global Defense Agency, Cecil Stedman and Donald sat across from each other, their faces illuminated by the glow of the holographic screens displaying various data points, surveillance footage, and psychological profiles of the Viltrumites. The atmosphere was thick with tension and the faint hum of the machines filled the silence as they prepared to continue their crucial discussion.

Cecil leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming thoughtfully on the table. "Alright, Donald, let's go over what we have on the Viltrumites again," he said, his voice steady but with an underlying edge of urgency.

Donald adjusted his glasses and tapped a few keys on the console in front of him, bringing up a detailed profile of Omni-Man. "Nolan Grayson, a.k.a. Omni-Man. He's been Earth's protector for two decades, but his recent actions and his suspected involvement in the deaths of the Guardians have raised some serious red flags. His psych profile suggests he's highly intelligent, strategic, and has a strong sense of duty, but there's a growing disconnect between his stated mission and his actions."

Cecil nodded, his eyes narrowing as he studied the data. "We know he's hiding something, but we need more evidence. His loyalty to Earth is in question, and I suspect he's got his own agenda. His recent claim about stopping an asteroid the size of South Dakota... that's convenient, isn't it? He could be using these so-called missions as cover for something more sinister. What about Beerus?"

The glasses-wearing government official switched to another holographic screen, displaying information on Beerus. "Beerus, also known as Atlas. Another Viltrumite, recently arrived on Earth. He's even more enigmatic than Omni-Man. His psych profile indicates he's incredibly strong, intelligent, and detached. He seems to have a disdain for humanity and a strict adherence to his own principles. His motives are unclear, but he appears to be testing the limits of our heroes and possibly planning something more."

Cecil sighed, rubbing his temples. "These Viltrumites are a problem. We need to figure out how to handle them. What about Mark? Omni-Man's son. What's his role in all of this?"

Donald pulled up Mark's profile. "Mark Grayson, a.k.a. Invincible. He's still new to his powers and seems to genuinely want to do good. But he's being influenced heavily by his father and Beerus. If they manage to sway him to their side, we could have another powerful enemy on our hands."

Cecil leaned forward, his gaze intense. "We need to find a way to get through to Mark. He could be the key to understanding and potentially stopping the Viltrumites. But we also need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Any ideas on how to turn them against each other?"

Donald hesitated, considering the options. "It's risky, but we could try to exploit their different perspectives. Omni-Man's attachment to his family and Earth might be a weak point. Beerus's disdain for humanity could be used to create a rift between them. If we can make Mark see the truth about his father's actions and Beerus's intentions, he might turn against them."

Cecil nodded slowly, his mind racing with possibilities. "We need more intel. Surveillance, psychological evaluations, anything that can give us an edge. We can't afford to underestimate them."

Donald tapped another few keys, bringing up a comprehensive plan on the screen. "We should start by increasing surveillance on Omni-Man and Beerus. We need to monitor their interactions, their movements, everything. If we can find any inconsistencies or weaknesses, we can exploit them."

Cecil glanced at the plan, his expression thoughtful. "Agreed. We'll need to be subtle about it. If they suspect we're onto them, they'll likely close ranks. We should also consider bringing in external experts—psychologists, behaviorists, anyone who can help us understand their mindset better."

Donald nodded. "And what about Mark? How do we approach him without tipping off his father or Beerus?"

Cecil leaned back, his eyes narrowing as he thought. "We need to find a way to isolate him, to speak with him privately. Maybe through his mother, Debbie. She's human, and she might be more approachable. If we can get her to see the danger, she might help us get through to Mark."

Donald made a note. "I'll arrange for a discreet meeting with her. In the meantime, we need to keep a close eye on all three of them. Any slip-up, any moment of weakness, and we need to be ready to act."

Cecil stood, his expression resolute. "Let's get to work. The fate of the world might very well depend on our ability to outthink and outmaneuver these Viltrumites."

Donald tapped a few more keys, bringing up footage of Beerus using his heat vision in battle. "One more thing, Cecil. Beerus has demonstrated abilities that Omni-Man hasn't shown. His heat vision is particularly concerning. We need to figure out what makes him different from Nolan, and how we can counteract it."

Cecil watched the footage intently, his mind racing. "You're right. We need to understand the full extent of his powers. If there's a way to neutralize or exploit them, we have to find it. Keep digging, Donald. We need every advantage we can get."

As they left the conference room, the weight of their mission pressed heavily on their shoulders. The challenge ahead was daunting, but they knew they had to act swiftly and decisively. The future of Earth hung in the balance, and they were determined to protect it at any cost.