THE MOMENT
"It feels like such a dream...," Justin stared out at the bright violet ocean. It was the strangest, most beautiful sunset he'd ever seen; a brilliant blue sun slowly sank into the horizon. "...are you sure I didn't die in the ring? You hit me pretty hard," he made the joke to Roy without taking his eyes off the sunset. The beach was their latest stop on a multiversal tour. It'd been a full night. A little over 12 hours ago he was confidently starting another boxing match that he'd already won in his mind. A little less than 12 hours ago, he stopped the match during the first round.
Justin had an easy time of life up until that point. Early in his youth, he discovered unusual strength and he got the hang of it as he grew up. Boxing was an easy sport to fall into with his talents and he made a comfortable living without a worry in the world. 10 seconds into the match, Roy took advantage of Justin's sloppy form; it was in that moment that Justin had a sudden epiphany. He'd never felt pain before. He was aware of the concept; but, he'd never experienced it himself. He realized he'd never even been sick. And now, it felt like his head was one stray breeze from exploding. The deafening noise combined with the bright lights and swimming mind led to a quick decision and he threw in the towel.
Roy was confused for a few seconds but after a quick exchange, Justin learned his favorite number was #42 and Roy offered to get him up to speed. Apparently, his favorite number came with a lot of baggage. Justin learned he was something called a 'Unique Soul' and he was strong enough to shatter an Earth. After visiting Mundo, Roy offered to show Justin around other Earths as well until they found themselves sitting on the beach.
"I held back; but, I was still trying to knock you out," Roy chuckled. "I thought you were a Super; that would've laid you out." As Roy answered, Justin spotted a faint blue glow on his wrist in his peripheral vision. He turned for a better look just in time to recognize text as it faded. He didn't have time to read it; but, he saw the letters.
"Well, I hate to call it; but, my Mistress needs tending," Roy sighed as he stood from the sand and dusted his blue jeans off. It was such candid phrasing that Justin wasn't sure what to make of it. He forced himself to remember that Roy was from an alternate universe and it was likely they had different ideas of propriety. He scrambled to stand up too as he tried to think of something to say.
"Oh.. you have a Mistress... does that mean you're married too?"
"No," Roy shook his head. "Mistress as in master; like my boss," Roy said. "I don't hesitate to call Diavola my Queen. It's a duty, and I'm lucky enough to enjoy doing it."
"So.. when you say she needs 'tending'...," Justin didn't know what to think and he actively tried not to make assumptions. It was a hard habit to break after a lifetime of 26 years.
"Whatever she needs, I handle," Roy answered as he pulled a pitch black card out of the clear glass node. "I'm a cross between an errand boy and a bodyguard, I guess. At the moment, she wants something to eat."
"Oh, okay," Justin was relieved to hear it was a relatively normal relationship. In fact, it sounded like it would be a quick errand. "I'm still new to the multiverse, can I tag along for some more sightseeing?" he asked. "Meet your Queen, Diavola?" He preferred to use 'queen' over 'mistress'.
"That wouldn't be a great idea," Roy shook his head. "But, the node I gave you has my contact info; we can do some training to teach you how to box sometime," he chuckled and tossed the black card onto the sand. It opened a black portal and he stepped onto it.
"Definitely," Justin nodded as Roy began to sink into the hole. If he could have stopped the next thought from leaving his mouth, he would have. But, the night had been such a whirlwind that his thoughts were barely keeping up with reality as it happened. The question spilled out. He didn't realize what was happening until he heard himself ask. "Not that I'm complaining; but, I'm curious. Why not?"
"She's expecting me to show up with food," Roy shrugged. "Even if I pick up someone else on the way, she might still want to eat you too."