Work Text:
Abstract:
Progress on the prototype Taiga Spark remains incomplete as a result of lack of information pertaining to bonds between ultras and humans. The dominant explanation for this lack of knowledge on bonds stems from the Space Science Technology Bureau’s incomplete archival database of information on the study of astral particle conversion.
Previous research by the Bureau proves inconclusive. Having relied on cross sectional data rather than firsthand testimonials, this limits the ability to account for change in populations surveyed. By contrast, this study uses data from a variety of subjects with the primary focus being Ultraman No. 6. The data in question, has been measured in order to map out the changes and nuances in bonds between ultras and humans over a select period of time. Contrary to what has been assumed prior, bonds between ultras and humans are not stagnant, nor are they fixed.
Entry No. 1:
Bonds between ultras and humans, according to personal testimony from Ultraman No. 6, showcase a pattern consistent with former research. This research, spanning several human decades, cites bonds between ultras and humans as being formed from near death experiences. In some cases physical death in humans also triggers the formation of bonds, as was the case with the human subject Shin Hayata (Hikari et al., p.53). In particular, the bond between ultra and host forms most often as a result of the specific human’s act of martyrdom or bravery.
As is the case for Ultraman No. 6, his bond with the human Higashi Kotaro was formed as a result of Kotaro’s death. The death in question is said to have occurred in conjunction with a military offense against an invading kaiju. As consistent with all prior research, bonds between ultras and humans are based on the ultra that witnessed the death of a particular human.
In conjunction with testimonies from No. 6, his host was brought to the Land of Light to be chosen. However, this event serves as one of the many variants of the beginning stages of hosthood. According to prior research, this particular event does not always take place during the process of a human being chosen. However, all recorded bonds thus far have formed according to mutual choice (Hikari, et al, p.68). *1
It is not yet known whether multiple ultras are capable of bonding with one human. However, one ultra is capable of bonding with multiple humans, as evidenced by the case study of Ultraman Nexus *2.
Very little has been discovered about the science of bonds in relation to astral particle conversion. However, the general consensus of the scientific community on the Land of Light denotes that bonds operate on certain rules or ‘laws’ so to speak.
The study of particle conversion itself is considered by many to be underdeveloped research, with detractors of the emerging field having dubbed it a novelty at best. With that said, exceptions are often made by these detractors in the event of being applied to bonds or to technology colloquially known by the name ‘transformation devices’. While these ideas are largely perceived as antiquated, their influence extends far enough that research into astral particle conversion is often underwhelming and…incomplete, relying primarily on archived information.
The aforementioned lack of prior research in turn, creates obstacles to the end goal of completing the prototype Taiga Spark.
* 1. Author’s note: While all current recorded bonds between humans and ultras have been by choice, the possibility of initiating the beginning stages of hosthood by force have not yet been deemed impossible.
* 2. Author’s note: The current attitudes of this planet’s scientific community denote it unlikely for one human to form bonds with multiple ultras. However, the author of this piece hypothesizes a correlation between the strength of astral particle conversion devices and the potential for one human to form bonds with multiple ultras.
Entry No. 2:
Resurrection in relation to bonds proves to be a tumultuous and often complex topic amongst those who experience it.
For example, when addressing resurrection’s role in astral particle conversion research with Taro No. 6, the conversation quickly found a way to disturb the certainty of my professional sensibilities.
According to his testimony, the physical states of both ultras and their hosts appear to be linked. If the ultra dies, so too does their human host for a certain period of time. Such was the case with No. 6, who described dying multiple times during his stay on earth. He describes pain, the inevitable futility of his color timer, death, and the feeling of nothingness.
Though he attempted to make light of this throughout his testimony, the endeavor was futile. Our personal relationship eclipses his ability to soften the topic of…several brushes with death.
It may often appear to other sentient species that ultras are far removed from the concept of death. However, ultras are not gods and events such as the ones described…border on unnecessary. Was it not enough for him to die once? Was this all truly needed?
No. 6 describes his motivation for returning to Earth through a sentimental lens. The children were calling out for him, he says; or rather, they were calling out for Higashi Kotaro.
Even still, though I know my place is not one as his companion in the Intergalactic Defense Force, I will never understand it. There are several other ultras in the I.G.D.F who are mutually tasked with the burden of protecting Earth. Why did you have to go back? What is it about that planet that’s worth saving in the first place?
Why couldn’t you stay?
To Taro No. 6, the answer is simple. He tells me again that the children needed Kotaro. I can only suppose that such a need is the price of bonds. Culturally speaking, Kotaro is the human host. Kotaro is the one with a life truly meant for Earth.
In contrast, Ultraman Taro is considered a weapon, a means to an end, a living shield for humanity. Though it pains me to admit, I can only hope that one day…no. That will never happen. We’ve grown worlds apart after all *3.
*3 Author’s Note: It seems as though I’ve injected my personal bias into this specific entry. In the event my research on astral particle conversion is published, most of this section will be rightly excluded.
Entry No. 3:
One aspect of bonds that seldom makes its way into research done by the Bureau is the ability of the Ultra Brothers to combine.
While culturally, such is treated as having little need for elaboration, there is something to be said that such a bond does not require the assistance…or rather the intervention of humans that makes it a compelling topic of research.
This connection is said to be achieved in a variety of ways.
The most common method of combination is said to be conjunction of powers and the fusing of forms. Ultraman Taro describes it as a unique experience. However, his elaborations hardly provide a concrete insight into the details of such.
That said, he managed to provide a description of a few overlooked but crucial details about the creation of what is known colloquially as ‘Super Taro’. Outside of the physical aspect of fusion, Ultraman Taro describes being able to feel the resolve of his…coworkers. Though my sensibilities denote it wouldn’t have been possible, I wish I had gotten to see him as he returned home…if only for a moment.
Do you remember? Taro? The first time you ever came home?
You arrived and left so quickly that by the time I was made aware of your presence amidst towers of paperwork, you had already left.
You had passed for a single moment before the light of this world was gone once more. Though I make it a policy to never work overtime, I should have walked you to the port. It should have been me alongside you. Though you claim the act of fusion is not at all intimate, I have to wonder what it would be like…to be so close to you. Bound together completely. In the absence of that, I think of you often. Taro…without you, all I have left on this planet is papers, and with papers, it’s deceptively easy to get lost in thought. I remember writing poetry on the back of that rejection letter the day I had to say goodbye to you. A shameful thing, really.
Did you ever pass by our old school, Taro? Did you even notice it at all? Or was it that the humans needed you more? They always need you more, don’t they…always taking and taking from my one light in this world. Will they ever need you less than I do?
If I could find a way to, then…no I hardly have the time to entertain these thoughts. Though it’s disappointing to say the least…it feels as though you are seldom ever home. If you are home, your coworkers’ powers are yours or you’re hardly ever you in a traditional sense.
While remaining as cheerful and unpretentious as I remember you, your spark dims more and more. You look so tired now. Do they ever let you rest? I never know… because…because then you leave, destined to save everyone else with little capacity to save…! Oh, nevermind. *4
*4 Author’s Note: I am afraid that someone in my department may have to finish the observations in this section. It seems I’ve lost my composure.
Entry No. 4:
As mentioned briefly in entry No. 2, bonds between humans and ultras extend even to the point of shared injury. If an ultra sustains an injury, so too does their human host. Taro states remembering that during one of his brief deaths, Kotaro met the same fate as well.
All current research into humans indicates their vulnerabilities. The fragility of human bones, the pliable flesh of their forms, their individual insignificance in relation to a much larger planet they inhabit. Taro says that’s the reason we have to protect them, but…is it truly worth it? They’re so small in comparison to us. They appear so ill equipped to handle pain, which makes it even more perplexing that they seem to almost single mindedly insert themselves into danger.
In a stroke of pure luck, I was able to obtain a copy of Taro’s medical records following one of his deaths at the hands of the kaiju Birdon. Though it can hardly be considered proper work conduct, I find myself poring over them on occasion. While of course, the land of light’s ability to heal its citizens far eclipses that of human hospitals, I find myself both impressed and disturbed at how well Taro fared upon coming back to me. Disturbed in the sense that there’s no evidence of his injuries outside of this medical record, not a single scar in sight as I looked him up and down in this very lab, and impressed for perhaps the very same reason.
I remember trying to find them, the scars on his hips and back; Fingers careful but probing as I searched for a single instant of ragged breathing, a wince, or even a sign that anything stung at the feeling of pressure. But to my surprise, Taro, with his newly tired eyes and familiar disposition, only squirmed slightly under my hand as he asked, “What’s gotten into you, Tregear-?” voice flustered and caught off guard, seeping out from under his usual cheeriness. It’s selfish, I’m aware, but I realize now that a part of me wanted to drag it out. To feel him writhing in my hands…!
Though I was surprised at my own forwardness at the time, in retrospect, I should have known it would be difficult to maintain an objective standpoint regarding Taro…no…my Taro’s presence. I look back at those medical records at times and feel a twisted pride in knowing…truly knowing that I’ve touched nearly all of those places of injury. Who knows… Perhaps at this point in time, I have at least one thing in common with humans on Earth. In the vast network of intertwining experiences between Ultras and their human hosts, I have no doubt that someone wanted desperately to touch Kotaro’s scars just as I long to touch… Pardon my distracted rambling-! Where was I-!?
Entry No. 5:
One of the many drawbacks in the study of astral particle conversion is the severing of bonds created by light. If the strength of bonds is to be mentioned, so too must the reality of separation. In Taro’s case, his pattern follows that of all currently documented separations of bonds. That being that separation occurred willingly between ultra and host.
Because of this separation, my one and only light has come home to me once more. While I’m distinctly and unfortunately aware that his duty is to earth, I cannot help but give into my own selfishness…wishing to be closer to what is considered light for a while longer.
I’m under no illusion that my Taro’s return is for my sake alone. After all, in our time spent discussing bonds, Taro sheepishly admitted to Kotaro’s insistence to remain human.
Even still, the fact of the matter remains…I missed him terribly! Practically sick with worry in the moments where his absence lingered, I hoped for something that would, for an instant, relieve me of my anguish! Taro…! My Taro! Will you ever know how much I hate this feeling? Would you save me again from the loneliness of the abyss!? I find it excruciating to sustain in my mind the ideals of the Land of Light, the ones you hold so dear! If only I could enter that world, if only I could see that dream of yours, wrap my hands around it…strangle it where it stands to free us both… Why does that planet insist on taking you away from me? When will those days of just the two of us return?
Taro…Despite how you feel about them, humans never fail to reveal the worst of themselves. They discriminate and kill and hurt each other just for the mere pleasure of it. At times I ponder the susceptibility of sentient beings to darker forces. As expected, both humans and ultras are considered this line of inquiry. Though there’s no documentation of such a phenomenon occurring, I’m inclined to wonder whether darkness can be used to separate bonds created by light. If such is the case, the strength of the light is subsequently called into question. Every time the Land of Light fends off darkness, whether in this galaxy or another, a different form of darkness arises to retaliate. Perhaps, if it is true that darkness prevails over light, it may one day be the case that ultras won’t need humans to transform anymore. While the prototype Taiga Spark is still on track to completion, I often question my purpose here at the Space Science Technology Bureau. After Chief Hikari’s fall to darkness, I find myself increasingly unsure of the strength of the light. My Taro? Will you return to me soon? Will you one day make the decision to stay by my side forever? I’m growing tired of a Land of Light without you in it, watching the cracks in a collective ideal grow larger without you here to sustain it. I’m beginning to think that all this planet has to offer is a single minded perspective, solely focused on the triumph of light. However, just as there is no night and day in space, there is neither good or evil. And really…who decided that the light is just?
References
Hikari, et al. (Human Year: 1966) The Case Study of Shin Hayata. Space Science Technology Bureau, 53-68. Volume 20 of The Journal of Science and Technology.