Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Uta's breath hitched as the music surged through her headphones, the bass thrumming against her ribs. Her eyes sharpened, scanning the chaos around her. Then, with a deep inhale, she parted her lips—and sang.
Her voice sliced through the air, clear and commanding. A shiver pulsed outward, her domain unraveling like an unseen tide. The glow in her violet eyes intensified, and shimmering chains materialized, slithering through the panicked streets.
Civilians gasped as the ethereal chains coiled around them—not constricting, but guiding—lifting them effortlessly away from the chaos. As soon as they reached safety, the glowing binds surged forward, wrapping around the unsuspecting villains. One by one, their bodies tensed, eyes rolling back before they crumpled under the weight of her song.
Across the battlefield, a towering figure clad in red and silver armor exchanged thunderous blows with a monstrous adversary. Each strike sent shockwaves rippling through the air. Ultraman caught the villain's arm mid-swing, muscles tensing before he hurled the brute into the pavement with such force that the ground split open, concrete cratering beneath the impact.
The villain snarled, springing back with unnatural speed, his massive hand clamping onto Ultraman's chest. With a powerful heave, he launched him skyward. Ultraman twisted mid-air, regaining control just as they neared a skyscraper. A sharp glow built in his palms before he fired a concentrated energy beam straight into his enemy's face, forcing the villain to release him.
Inches away from crashing through a window, Ultraman halted himself midair, his body hovering effortlessly. His gaze locked onto the dazed enemy below. This time, he didn't hold back. He rocketed downward, fist colliding with the villain in a devastating blow that sent him hurtling into the ground below. Dust and debris shot into the air as the earth trembled beneath the impact. When the dust settled, the villain lay motionless, finally defeated.
As Thick plumes of smoke curled into the sky as the dust settled, revealing the unmoving body of Wrath sprawled across the cracked pavement. The deafening silence that followed was quickly shattered by the whir of news helicopters circling overhead, their cameras zooming in on the figure standing tall amidst the destruction.
A reporter's voice crackled over the live broadcast. "We're receiving confirmation—yes, it appears the man in red and silver has taken down the infamous villain known as Wrath!"
The newsroom buzzed with excitement, and across the city, television screens flickered with the same footage. Crowds gathered around shop windows, watching in awe.
"Wait—new reports just in! Not only did he defeat Wrath, but he's also responsible for capturing King Shark! Unbelievable! Look at him—Ultraman, the hero of the hour!"
Cheers erupted from the growing crowd as cameras flashed, capturing every moment. Reporters pushed forward, microphones raised, eager for a statement.
Journalists bombarded Ultraman and Uta with questions, their voices overlapping in a chaotic frenzy. Despite the overwhelming attention, the two heroes took the time to answer, their composure unwavering.
Meanwhile, police officers moved in swiftly, securing the unconscious villains and loading them into armored vehicles. Other heroes arrived on the scene, working alongside emergency crews to clear the wreckage and tend to any civilians in need. The city, once shaken by battle, now buzzed with relief and admiration.
Jackson shifted uncomfortably, the crowd pressing in, eager hands shoving papers and pens his way. The flashing cameras, the expectant eyes—it was all unfamiliar, a weight he wasn't sure he liked. He had never craved the spotlight, but this came with the job. He exhaled slowly, trying to ignore the noise.
Then, a small tug at his arm.
He glanced down to see a boy, no older than five, clutching a worn-out notebook to his chest. Wide, awe-filled eyes met Jackson's, his tiny hands trembling as he held out a pen. His mother stood a few steps back, offering a gentle, encouraging nod.
Jackson's rigid stance eased. He knelt, meeting the boy at eye level, and ruffled his hair before taking the notebook. Instead of just signing, he flexed his arm, striking a strong pose. The boy's face lit up instantly, his nervousness melting into pure joy.
The mother snapped a photo, and the boy clutched his signed notebook like a treasure. "Thank you!" he squeaked before sprinting back to her, his excitement bubbling over in laughter.
Jackson stood still for a moment, watching the scene unfold. An unexpected warmth tugged at his chest. Maybe the spotlight wasn't so bad after all.
Then His gaze shifted through the crowds, landing on Uta. She was engulfed by a swarm of eager fans, all clamoring for a piece of her attention. He exhaled softly, shaking his head. Without another second to waste, he sprang into action.
He shot through the air, his hand finding hers with ease. Uta looked up, meeting his eyes, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Sorry, folks," Jackson called out to the crowd, his voice laced with amusement. "She's got a flight to catch."
Before anyone could react, he propelled them both upwards, lifting her effortlessly. Uta let out a surprised laugh as she landed in his arms, her body nestled against his chest. She tilted her head back, meeting his gaze with a grin.
As they soared higher, the world below seemed to shrink, the sounds of the crowd fading into the distance.