Bloodbound

Chapter 1

Enter the City of Pekmont! Heroes and Villains Collide

Dreams, an aspect of life nearly everyone had to content with at some point or another. Short or long-term, they're always just out of reach, but if one can manage to jump and snag it, a new path would show itself. Whether good or bad, that would be up for them to decide. And in a world of heroes and villains, dreams were what many held on to the most. From becoming a successful entrepreneur, to the worlds greatest hero, the boundaries that once blocked the way had finally been smashed. For most, at least. For others such boundaries still existed, as they did for young Chase Tanner. Born in the city of Pekmont, located along the east coast, his drive and determination proved useful during school hours, but it just wasn't enough to make the grades. No, he needed something more. Excitement, that's what he desired out of life!

Pekmon High, a typical high school dedicated to the education of the youth. Though old, it stood the test of time since the 1960s. Renovations were inevitable though, but if they kept it up and running in pristine condition, then why not? Two buildings sat upon the campus. Positioned up front, the Main Building were where most classes were help; including the gym used by their P.E instructors. Consisting of one structure and three rooms, the J.R.O.T.C facility sat behind it. Dedicated to studying the U.S Armed Forces, classes would be divided up depending rank. Privates would learn and study in the classroom to the far left, while Corporals and above studied at the far right, while a storage room separated them. Soon though, some would take the big leap and leave, forever. Four minutes remained before all seniors were given the freedom they do desperately wanted. Yet, Chase's eyes never left his test. Three short answer questions left, and he'd be a free man.

"Master of Greek comedy…Aristophanes. Yeah or the first ancient Olympic games, who held it, and who was it dedicated to? Christ. Okay, no pressure." He thought to himself, while scribbling down what he knew off the top of his head. Having good memory helped in the long run, but multi-answer question was still pretty frustration. "Alright. It was 776 B.C, the Greeks, and…Posi-no-no, Zeus."

Last question, and it was a pretty easy one compared to the others. Who was known as the father of Modern Medicine. A space, one name, and one-minute left on the clock. With gritted teeth, he searched through past lessons for the answer. It rang a bell, but he couldn't quite place it. Forty second and counting. The gears of his brain were working overtime, only for another word to fill his mind.

"Hypocrites. Hypocrats…Hippo…crates. Hippocrates!" He thought, worried that he'd forgotten.

Just in time! An hour later and the bell that signaled their freedom finally rang out. Although, they weren't free yet, as their teacher, Mrs. Hailey Miller, stood up from her desk. Combing aside a few strands of black hair, she faced her students with a look of sternness in her eyes.

"As I'm sure you're all aware, I expect the best from you upon leaving this campus. No screwing about or causing trouble, take this time to further yourself and look towards the future." She stated, flashing a sweet smile their way. "Remember to place your test papers and booklets in their proper baskets at the front of the class and have a nice summer."

How could one describe Hailey Miller? Determined, strict, punctual, yeah, those seemed about right. In contrast, her looks were quite nice. Short black hair, beautiful, pink eyes, and a curvaceous figure. A simple white button up top, long, black skirt that reached her knees, and black healed adorned her body. A simple wardrobe for a simple lady. With both book bag and gym bag in hand, he followed everyone up and out, or he would have if his name hadn't been called.

"Mr. Tanner, mind staying for a minute?" she asked of him, arms crossed in a serious manner.

"Uh, sure. What's up?" he asked in return, curious of what he'd done to gain her attention. "Is this about what happened with Charlotte? We were just messing around, nothing major."

"Somehow, I doubt that. If my daughter hadn't intervened it may not have panned out the way it had." she explained, casting a skeptical look. "I know you've been putting up with her for some time, but it's probably for the best if next time you ignore her and move on next time."

"Kind hard when she laughs like a hyena."

"Regardless, I'd hate to see someone as smart as you end up in trouble down the line. Maybe it's best if you think ahead of things before taking the leap." She suggested, placing her right hand on his shoulder. The gentleness of her voice being more pronounced than before. "At the very least, do it for your future."

"Heh. Alright, you've got me. I'll do what I can and stay out of trouble. Not like I'm the only Quirkless one in the world." He optimistically replied.

"Good boy. Now, off you go." she said in return, while shooing him away in a sarcastic manner.

"Gotcha. Catch ya later." he said with an enthusiastic smile, before walking out.

Putting aside his unique predicament, life wasn't too bad. Sure, his bright red hair, silver irises, 6"0', skinny frame invited the opinions of several morons over the years, but in the end, they were but words from the mouths of idiots. As the old saying went 'sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me', a phrase he lived by. In fact, over time their attempts at intimidation turned into amusement for himself. Whatever came his way, he'd push past it and keep moving ahead. Much like now, the excitement of summer vacation filled his mind, as a familiar tune clicked in his head.

"Where's this god we're fighting for? What's inside that chaos storm? Are there heroes left to save the world? In the distance of our true despair it's there, shining. Will you fight and give it all?" he happily sung, as other passed him in the hall.

Uniform tops covered the floor, as everyone showed their excitement by stripping clean their white, button up shirts that had constrained them for the past four years. Freedom felt great but wearing whatever they wanted felt even better. To his misfortune though, a most annoyingly familiar voice followed the crowd, as they left for the front entrance.

"Heh. Never thought I'd see the little gremlin singing along to such a cheesy song. You heading home so soon?" the feminine voice asked in a condescending manner, while pulling back a strand of her long, brown hair. "Why don't ya stick around and have some fun?"

"Here's a better idea, run off back to your bridge and stay there forever, Goro." He said in an annoyed tone. Regardless of the insult, he kept on walking. "Besides, I've got a much cooler friend waiting for me."

Name: Charlotte William

Quirk: Multi-Arms

Ability: Born with four arms, their enhanced strength lend itself well when capturing her prey. Quick and efficient.

Side-Effects: Unknown.

Tan skin, brown eyes and hair, standing at 6"4', yep, it couldn't have been anyone else. Charlotte, an all-around bully to those she deemed worthy of her wrath. Though rarely physical, she'd often attack others using their own faults against them. Whether they be physical or not, she'd keep poking until something happened.

"Oh who, that nerdy little pal of yours? Give me a break. What's he going to do? Build something in front of me? I'm quivering in my boots." she teased, before leaning in close. "Although, I suppose he's got something going for him, unlike a certain geek I know."

"…Not worth it. Just walk away." He told himself, a clear sign of irritation yet to come out.

Regardless of what she'd said, letting his emotions get the better of him would only lead to complications come graduation. So, with a small breath and cleared mind, he continued forward, however, her tenacity proved far greater. Wrapping her upper right arm around his neck, she took to pulling his arms back behind and against the center of his neck. Yep. Just as he figured.

"Think you can talk back like that? You may have some brains, Tanner, but you're nothing in the power department. I could wipe you off the bottom of my shoe if I wanted to, but if you're so confident, try something. Show me what you've got." she demanded, while a creepy grin appeared across her face.

"You think I care what a moron like you thinks of me? You're a real dumbass if that's the case!" he exclaimed in a rush of courage. Although, the pressure around his windpipe would quickly render him unable to speak anymore. Try as he might to wiggle free it proved fruitless. Her arm was like stone. "Dang it…"

"Tsk. Careful with your choice of words, they could lead you into hot water." she growled in a bout of frustration.

In a world of heroes and villains, a constant struggle between the predators and prey waged on. Those who were the prey one day could rise as a predator the next and vice versa. As for our young one, well, let's just say he'd yet to escape his label in the last four years. Struggling against the constant pressure, it wasn't until a familiar voice caught their attention that salvation emerged.

"Excuse me, but I'm going to have to ask you to let him go." the boy asked.

"Don't tell me, Roger McFlyn." she said out of suspicion, dropping her prey to the floor. Simply spinning around caused their eyes to meet, as Chase caught his breath. "So, what's it going to be today? Gonna drag me to the principal's office?"

"On any other day, yes, but seeing as it's our last day I'm giving you a chance to walk away." he answered in a firm and stern tone. "The choice is yours."

Declaring such dominance over someone like her would only cause more problems, but around him, her mind turned fuzzy and her stomach churned a bit. Almost as if it impressed her, to some extent. The slight smirk afterwards proved it.

"Tsk. Alright, you've got me. Not like it matters anyways. After walking through those doors, I won't be seeing you chumps again." she scoffed, before turning on her heel. "Best boost up that courage, Tanner, or you won't last out there."

"Whatever." he groaned, a look of annoyance having plastered itself over his face. "Freaking ape."

Frustration couldn't describe what he'd felt over the last 4 years. The constant ridicule day in and day out; when would it end? Now. It would end now. In two short weeks, he'd walk across that stage, grab his diploma and he'd no longer see her, ever. Rising to a knee, a friendly hand reached out, reminding him of his friend's promise.

"Need a hand?" asked Roger.

"A bit of payback would be preferable, but it'll do." he sarcastically replied, taking a hold.

"You know, picking a fight with someone like that won't get you anywhere." he grunted, pulling him back to his feet. "If she were a villain though, that would be a different story."

"Tell me about it. Not much I could do against her anyways."

"Not true." he reminded him. "Your secret weapon?"

"Tsk. I would but doing that would blow everything out of whack. Better to stay low for now."

"Whatever you say. Anyways, I've gotta get to work. The H.A.A won't be building any gear without me." he confidently said, before walking ahead.

"Best get to it, then." Chase said with a friendly smile. Speaking of which, something else came to mind. "Oh! Were you going to the Quirk Clash tonight?"

"Nah. Got a bit of crunch I've gotta crush first, but maybe next time."

"Damn. Alright. See you later, then." he replied in disappointment.

"Check ya and stay out of trouble."

Name: Roger McFlyn

Quirk: Technomancy- Using only his thoughts, he can deconstruct mechanical objects and reconstruct them into something else. So long as the needed parts are there, of course.

Side-Effect: Painful headaches if overworked.

Roger McFlyn, age 18, same as himself, and a mechanical wizard. You need a piece of gear fixed or made? Take it him and he'd work his magic, quick magic. Some had given him the name "Mad Technician McFlyn, due to his admittedly weird hairstyle and constant sinister expression. With spiky bleached blonde hair that flowed in the wind, it came as no surprised he'd attract a few strange looks; though his aqua marine eyes were nice. Underneath the hood though was just another well-mannered tech nerd who took pride in his work.

"Well, that's a drag. Guess I'll have to go alone then." he sadly thought to himself, while walking out the front doors. "But, until then, let's have a little fun?"

Why not? School was out and 5:00 P.M hadn't rolled around, so his mother wasn't expecting him home, yet. What's the worst that could happen? Following the crowd of students outside, he took the crosswalk to an old, abandoned factory across the street. At one time, it mass-produced shoes for the local clothing shops, but after a villain's rampage 5 years ago, it sustained too much damage to remain a fictional work environment. All machine machines were crushed, while half the roof above collapsed in, injuring several workers that day. Maximum was his name, a villain who sought destruction only to satiate his own pleasure for it. In the end, the helpful Wind-A-Go swept in to lend a hand and finish the guy off.

"They won't mind if I use this, hm? Nah, of course not." he thought to himself, while walking through the front entrance.

Dusty, decrepit, and barren of all supplies and machinery, it proved the perfect place for a quick change. Moving to the back-storage room for a quick wardrobe change, he threw off his once traditional school uniform and packed it into his bag for something for fitting for his afternoon activities. A dark red, short-sleeved hoodie, blue jeans, a red bandana, gloves, and boots, blue ski goggles, and a white, mechanical face guard, complete with voice changer.

"Everything's secure? I believe so. Oh, wait…" he said with excitement, before remembering one important detail. The voice changer, duh. All it took was a flip of a tiny switch on its right side to activate. "Now I'm set."

Okay, maybe a tad unconventional, but what else could he use? The H.A.A had all the top-notch stuff for themselves, and without a license there was no way of grabbing some. Heck, his own friend had nearly gotten caught when building his face guard and voice changer. Whatever, it worked and that's all that mattered. His identity could remain anonymous.

"Guess I'll patrol the rooftops until something happens." he told himself, while looking down at the time on his phone. Didn't want to stay out too late, eh? "I've got plenty of time. Dinner's not until five and the games don't kick off until eight. No sweat."

Stepping out, he left both clothes and bag inside, while taking his wallet and phone along for the trip. However, he wasn't alone. From atop a nearby roof, a sinister shadow loomed overhead, followed by an annoying laugh.

"OhHoHoHo! Do my eyes deceive me?" he heard the feminine voice ask aloud, as the figure gracefully floated down to the ground. "It is, the vigilante, Blood Oath!"

Dark purple, marine uniform, complete with golden buttons, white gloves, a black eye patch covering her left eye, with a red X etched into it, black boots, and two handmade patches in the form of a demonic shadow sewn into the chest of her top and hat? Yep, it couldn't have been anyone else but her. The ghostly figure of Pekmont and one much like himself.

"Ohhh…why now?" he groaned nervously, as her feet touched the ground.

"Awww. It's so sweet of you to notice." she said in return, while combing back a lock of her long, wild, butter blonde hair, that single crazy pink eye focused only on him. "It's as if fate's brought us together again."

"That's not what I'd call it." he uttered under his breath, before clearing his throat, speaking in a more serious tone. "How'd you know I was here, Mistress Specter?"

"It's not that hard when you're as vigilant as I. The squeaky hinges gave you away, darling~." she explained in a seductive tone, her well curved hips swinging from side to side. Her approach only caused his heart rate skyrocket. "So, what do you say? Give me a peak at the real Oath?" she asked, pressing her large bust against his own chest.

"This is getting super-creepy super-fast…"

"What do you say? Just a little peek~?" she softly pleaded, tapping the lenses of his goggles.

Ah, a familiar question he'd grown use to hearing from her over the last 4 years. Attractive as she may have been, personal space was still personal space, and he liked it the way it was. But if she wanted to play games, fine. He'd play along.

"You want a look, huh? Alright, I've cave, but just this once." he teasingly replied, while brushing a finger against her bottom lip. "But, I want something in return. Hope that's not too much trouble."

"Y-Yes, anything…" she uttered with a bright blush.

"Good. All you've gotta do is stand against that wall and I'll show you what you want to see." He promised, pointing his thumb to the wall behind him.

Enraptured with excitement, she wasted no time in doing what he'd asked. Back against the wall, she closed her eye while awaiting her present. The crunching of rubble beneath his feet kept his whereabouts known, as he took a few steps back. A few seconds went past, then a minute, then two, and yet he hadn't spoken to her. In fact, everything had gone dead silent. Something wasn't adding up. Opening her eye back up, the truth came to light. He'd deserted her! The tease had left the building.

"…He left?!" she exclaimed in both confusion and displeasure. "Grrr. Alright, you want to play cat and mouse? Fine. Let's play."

With a kick off the ground, her eye scanned the area while spinning around in midair, wondering if he'd hidden somewhere else in the empty room. Nothing. All that remained were chunks of debris and dust; not exactly what she'd been hoping for. Flying to the rooftop next door, her investigation continued by inspect the crowded sidewalk down below, hoping to catch a glance.

"Blood Oath, you'd best be ready, because when I catch you the mask is coming off." she thought confidently, as a determined grin took shape.

Christ. How clingy could someone get? It wasn't like he had saved her at any point, she'd just randomly appeared one day and wouldn't stop following him since then; asserting herself as his sidekick. But there was a fine line between endearing and creepy, and she had gone past his limit. Granted, a fair amount of admirable determination, and their little normal talks were fine, but this? Nope. Way too awkward for his liking. It wasn't as if he hated her or anything though, but after such sexual tension, he had to bolt.

"Whew. Now that was too close for comfort. The last thing I need is for that girl to discover my true identity." he thought, relieved she hadn't caught on sooner. Although, in retrospect, a damp, dark alleyway may not have been the cleanest of places to hide out. "I should be far enough away now. So…"

Throwing back his left hand, he prepared to begin his duties as a protector of innocence. But how? Throwing down with a deadly villain without a Quirk of his own would prove fatal. Well, remember his little talk with Mrs. Miller and how he lacked such a thing? From fingertips to forearms, skin, muscle and bone disappeared, replaced with a perfectly replicated appendage.

Name: Chase Tanner aka Blood Oath

Quirk: Bloodbond- Upon activation, all flesh, muscle, and bones vanish from the effected area, leaving a replica made entirely of blood. Useful as a normal hand, it also allows him to manipulate its form and density. Areas of effect include both arms and legs.

Side-effects: Overuse may result in muscle weakness and cramps upon deactivation.

"Time to fly high-" he said with an excitable grin, before throwing his arm towards the railing on the roof above. Grabbing a hold, it worked as a sort of grapple hook, but far stronger. "-and touch the sky!"

And like a slingshot, he propelled himself up and over the building. Pain wasn't something he felt when using his Quirk. Having trained for 8 years, it only made sense when needing to get from place to place quickly. No way in hell he'd get anywhere on foot, and by giving his blood sticky and rubber like consistency he could swing around, pick up speed, and halt at any time. You know those sticky and stretchy hands you could get from those toy machines in supermarkets? It's like that, but more reliable and safer.

"Ahhh…This is where it's at." He sighed, while soaring above the ten-story apartment complex.

Nearly 70 feet off the ground and already a rush of adrenaline coursed through his body. The gentle, flowing breeze through his hair, the sounds of the city below, and the road outstretched before it, god he'd missed it! Swinging his right arm up at an angle, he grappled to the side of the building across using it to swing around and up, gaining more height. Practice made perfect, and for vigilantes, they couldn't afford sloppy mistakes.

"It's been over a week since my last patrol, but I'm back." he joyfully thought, while using the many business buildings and skyscrapers in the area for some nice air time. Nothing could stop him now! "Better watch out, villains. Finals may have gotten in my way, but I'm coming for you."