Batman

Pamela's eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at Kino. His body had turned completely green, bearing some resemblance to her own appearance.

"Kino, are you all right?"

Pamela hurriedly wiped the tears from her face.

"I'm fine. I have a Special Ability that lets me copy other people's superpowers. I copied yours when I touched you yesterday."

As he spoke, he waved at the Vines on the table with a gesture of control. Pamela broke into a smile through her tears and summoned a Vine of her own. The two Vines twined together.

She quietly gazed at Kino, a complicated, indescribable emotion surging deep within her.

She had also found a sense of belonging in Kino—a feeling that she was no longer alone, as if she had found someone similar to herself. It excited her, yet also made her feel at ease.

"Kino, could you let me try it one more time?" she asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation.

Kino smiled and nodded in agreement.

Just then, Pamela approached with light steps, sat on Kino's thigh, and gently kissed him.

Kino was slightly startled at first, but he soon became immersed in the sweet kiss and tightly embraced her.

After her mutation, Pamela gave off a sweet, honey-like fragrance that intoxicated anyone who breathed it in.

At last, the two slowly parted.

"Kino, how old are you?"

"I just turned eighteen. Why?"

"Then you're legally an adult. Be my boyfriend!"

"Mm."

After finishing breakfast, the two left the hotel.

As they walked down the street, Pamela no longer tried to hide herself as she once had. She openly displayed her green skin.

"Pamela, do we really have to walk like this?"

Pamela was clinging to Kino's arm, pressing her ample breasts against it.

"What is it, darling? Is this uncomfortable?"

Pamela looked puzzled as she drew closer to Kino, while a faint, woody fragrance surrounded them.

"No. If anything, it's very comfortable. I'm just a little embarrassed out here."

"Good."

Pamela hugged his arm even more tightly.

She had gone through so much trouble to find a man she could touch. There was no way she would let him go so easily.

Kino let Pamela hold onto his arm as they walked through Gotham's streets. They attracted quite a few sidelong glances. Some people looked astonished, while others showed disgust, but Pamela paid no attention.

Kino was a little puzzled. Ever since he woke up, Venom hadn't said a word. He called out to her mentally.

Venom, Venom, Venom...

Are you done yet? Why are you calling me? Go enjoy yourself with your girlfriend.

Thank goodness. You're still here.

What does it matter to you whether I'm here or not?

I feel at ease because you're inside my body. After all, Venom, you know everything about me.

...You see me as human?

Yes.

Then introduce me to Pamela.

"Pamela, come over here with me for a moment."

Kino found a small alley and led Pamela inside.

Even in broad daylight, Gotham's alleys gave off a dark and damp feeling.

Looking at the gloomy alley, Pamela's face flushed slightly.

"Darling, let's go back."

"Pamela, I'm only introducing a friend of mine to you."

Kino knew at a glance that Pamela had misunderstood.

"Oh, oh. Where is this friend of yours?"

Pamela awkwardly brushed her hair aside.

"Venom, come out... Venom?"

He called once, but Venom didn't make the slightest movement inside his body. He called again.

I'll let it go this time. Maybe next time.

"..."

"Is your friend called Venom?"

Seeing Pamela's puzzled expression, Kino gave an awkward smile. "She's a little shy. I'll introduce you two next time."

"Pfft..."

Pamela grabbed Kino, who was about to leave.

She had assumed he wanted to do something improper, but now that he had brought her here only to flee at the last moment, she understood. He was a newly adult Youth, after all, and it was perfectly normal for him to be worked up after she had teased him so much first thing in the morning.

"I never said I disagreed."

Pamela pulled Kino deeper into the alley. Since her little boyfriend was shy, she, as his girlfriend, had to be more proactive.

Half an hour later

The two walked out of the alley.

Kino felt refreshed all over, to the point that his steps seemed to float.

She was still the older woman he liked.

Pamela let out a satisfied belch. She hadn't expected this little boyfriend of hers to look so gentle yet be somewhat rough in practice.

But seeing Kino's delighted expression made her happy as well. It seemed she had satisfied him.

Pamela's lips curled upward as she hugged Kino's arm more tightly.

"Darling, where are you going next?"

"To find Superman."

"But isn't Superman dead?"

"His corpse will do too. Have you forgotten about my ability?" Kino said with a smile.

"Ah! You can even copy Superman's abilities?" Pamela cried out excitedly.

"Yes."

Hearing Kino's answer, Pamela felt her body grow hot. Women were all attracted to strength. The thought of her boyfriend soon possessing divine power made her want to drag him into an alley again.

But she quickly calmed down. Business came first.

"But the news never reported Superman's whereabouts."

"It's fine. Someone knows."

"Who?"

"Batman."

Wayne Manor

In the Wayne Family's estate on the outskirts of Gotham City.

"Hello, Batman. Bruce Wayne."

Bruce Wayne sat quietly on the sofa, looking at the man and woman who had arrived uninvited.

The loyal old butler brought coffee, along with the appropriate sugar and milk, and served the two seated across from each other.

"Thank you," Kino said politely.

The old butler returned the gesture with a slight bow before standing behind Bruce.

"State your purpose for coming here."

Bruce's eyes were filled with wariness. One look at their surroundings told him everything: the entire room was covered in Vines, which coiled around him like venomous snakes.

Pamela was somewhat surprised. The true identity of Gotham's Dark Knight was the playboy heir of Wayne Enterprises.

Kino focused intently on adding sugar to his coffee.

"I want Superman's corpse."

"What makes you so certain that Superman's corpse is here?"

Bruce countered. The last person to obtain a Kryptonian's body had used it to create Doomsday, nearly destroying the world.

If someone made another one, Superman wouldn't be able to sacrifice himself this time.

"Because you're Batman. You could never hand something capable of endangering the world over to someone else... Next time, just use a sedative. I don't like coffee."

Kino took a sip of coffee and complained.