The Cobra King's Return

Cristmas Babysitting #1

It was December 1, and snow blanketed the streets of America. Festive decorations adorned houses, trees twinkled with lights, and holiday cheer filled the air. Even the Hero Base was transformed, with garlands, lights, and ornaments bringing warmth to the usually stoic halls.

Inside the base, Poci and Renshuke stood before the Hero Base's boss, making their case for Renshuke to join the ranks. The boss, a stern yet wise figure, leaned back in his chair, his steely gaze fixed on Renshuke.

"You want to join us, huh?" the boss asked, his voice heavy with skepticism. "I'll consider it-on one condition. You must prove you can control yourself under the moonlight."

Before Renshuke could respond, Poci stepped forward confidently. "I'll be responsible for him. If anything happens, I'll handle it."

The boss raised an eyebrow. "You're vouching for him? That's a lot of trust, considering your last mission involving a werewolf. Or did you forget that already?"

Poci stiffened, glancing at Renshuke before meeting the boss's eyes. "I didn't forget. I didn't know back then that the werewolf was him, and, yes, we caused the fire in the woods. But thanks to Peti, the flames were extinguished before they could spread further."

The boss's expression hardened. "That's not all. Every summer, for years, a werewolf terrorized those woods. A hundred thousand people went missing over just three months each summer. That was you, wasn't it, Renshuke?"

Renshuke's ears flattened in shame as he hung his head. "Yes," he admitted. "That was me. I was out of control back then, consumed by instincts I couldn't suppress. I can't take back the lives I destroyed, but I've changed. I'm deeply sorry for what I did."

The room fell silent as the boss studied him, weighing his words. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. You'll start with small quests-low-risk assignments. If you prove yourself, we'll move you to bigger ones. Earn our trust, and you'll eventually join group missions and fights. But understand this: if you break that trust, there will be no second chances."

Renshuke met the boss's gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "I understand. I swear I'll protect humans, not harm them. I want to atone for my past."

The boss nodded again. "Good. Let's see if your actions match your words. Dismissed."

As they left the office, Poci gave Renshuke a reassuring smile. "You did great in there. I believe in you."

Renshuke smiled back, his heart lighter than it had been in years. "Thanks, Poci. I won't let you-or anyone-down."

Poci and Renshuke returned to their shared room after their meeting with the Hero Base's boss. The warmth of the fire crackled in the background as Poci settled on a nearby chair, her eyes distant as she prepared herself to open up.

"I think it's time I tell you everything," Poci began, her voice soft but steady. "About myself, about Peti, about everyone." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "I was just a one-month-old kitten when Peti took me in. He found me in Hungary, in a terrible state, and brought me home with him. We had nothing. He didn't even have enough to take care of me properly, and when I was only one year old, he joined Genjo's villainous group and took me with him. He kept me a secret, but I could always tell that he didn't always take care of me as he should have-no vaccines, no proper care. I was neglected in many ways."

Renshuke listened intently, his brow furrowed as he processed her words. "That sounds like a rough start. But it seems like there's more to it, huh?"

Poci nodded, her expression turning somber. "When Lily, the girl you saw in the hospital, fought against Peti, she defeated him and took him into custody. I was sent to the heroes, where Lily took care of me. The heroes agreed that Peti should be trained to be a hero, and they let him go. But Peti, in his greed and desperation, stole a jade necklace from Genjo-it was meant to be given to Genjo's son as a birthday gift. That's when everything started to change."