Chapter 3

"Okay, so!" the doctor said with a cough, pressing his pen back to the clipboard. "For record-keeping purposes, what would you like to call your Quirk?"

Mystified by his newfound power, Astro barely heard him. "What?"

"Your Quirk; what are you going to call it?"

Astro's concentration ebbed until the blue wisps vanished altogether. With an inward pout, Astro turned to the doctor. "It's called the Blue Core."

The doctor stared at him for a moment, their intense gazes holding. He broke it off quickly and wrote down on the clipboard. "Interesting. I quite like that. So, continuing on, who are you and what are you doing here?"

Taken aback by his sudden remark, Astro blinked. "Er...well, my name's Astro and I-"

"No, I got all that," the man interrupted, waving his hand with the pen through the air. "I meant you. You're not from this world. Am I right?"

"H-how did you-?" Astro blanched, gripping the edge of the bed sharply. As the doctor smirked, Astro's eyes darkened. "You knew all along, didn't you."

Chuckling to himself, the doctor twirled the pen in his hand. "Well, it sort of occurred to me when you said you were from Metro City. There are no such places in Japan - for now, at least." He leaned forward and Astro pulled back. "Are you from the future?"

"I guess you could say that," he muttered, averting his eyes from the intense gaze of the doctor.

"You're quite the interesting fellow," the man laughed, "never giving too much away, yet still managing to tell the truth. We can do this all day." The doctor broke off and stared down at Astro, who gazed back at him defiantly. "But we won't."

As he stood and took the machine back to the cupboard, Astro blinked in surprise. "You mean you're not going to hand me over to the police?"

"Why would I? If you're here on purpose or by accident, it's of no matter to me," the doctor answered, stuffing the little machine back where it went. "I'm just an overly-curious bystander in this affair."

"So...does this mean I'm free to go?" Astro asked, his eyes brightening.

"Well, I didn't say that, now did I?" The boy's face sagged as the doctor continued. "You'll still have to be discharged. Annnnd since you have no health insurance…"

. . .

Astro stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets as he walked out of the front door of the hospital, grumbling to himself. He had spent nearly all of the cash the woman had given him on the bill. Just how was he supposed to get by now? Plus, his favorite pair of pants had gotten ruined by that villain, so he had been lent a pair by the staff. They weren't super comfortable, but they were pants nonetheless.

I'm really disliking these new emotions, he pondered to himself. I've never felt this much displeasure towards someone while I was a robot. Taking the remaining money out of his pocket, he frowned. Only 2,000 yen left. What am I supposed to do with this?

"Psst. Hey! Kid!"

Astro froze and glanced around him. "Over here!" the voice hissed again. Astro turned towards the voice and saw an older gentleman - albeit on the scruffy side - beckoning to him from an alleyway.

"Ohhh, no. I'm not going down any more alleys, thanks," Astro muttered, beginning to walk away.

"I saw you looking at your money. I know those eyes," the man hissed again. "I know a way that you can make cash."

Astro froze and took a few steps back, staring at the old man with curiosity. "Oh, yeah? What?"

"How would you like to prove your strength?" the man chuckled, slightly crazed. "A test of wits?"

"I...don't exactly know how to use my Quirk," Astro admitted, and the man's eyes glittered.

"The more you use something, the more it grows stronger!" he remarked with a smile. Astro grimaced when he noticed most of the man's teeth were missing.

"Er...no thanks. I, uh...have to be somewhere," he said quickly, pointing in two different directions. With a forced laugh, he stuffed the money back in his pocket and hurriedly walked away.

"If you change your mind, you know where to find me!" the man called after Astro.

Out of his peripheral vision he watched the old man vanish into thin air. Horrified, he picked up his pace.

The sun was quickly setting by the time he stopped walking. He didn't even know where he was heading, really. He had wanted to get away from that man as soon as possible. There was no telling what he was implying. Astro shuddered at the thought, stuffing his hands in his jacket pockets.

Sighing to himself, he dragged on. He had nowhere to sleep, no food to eat; his mind was buzzing with everything that happened today. He brought a hand to his forehead as his migraine surged on, his tiredness setting in. I might be forced to sleep on the street tonight… he thought sadly. Although, there's quite a big risk with that in this reality… His mind wandered back to the woman who had so graciously helped him along his journey. Maybe I can find her again and ask if I could stay with her… He shook his head and squinted his eyes closed. No! I couldn't ask that much of one person, especially one that's been so kind already.

He sighed, his eyes darting to a bench on the side of the park that he stood in. I guess here's as good as anywhere else. Stumbling over to his sleeping place, he lied down, his eyes drooping heavily as he drifted into unconsciousness.

. . .

"Hey, kid, wake up."

Astro blinked his eyes open groggily, the light nearly blinding him. Day had come. He sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eye as he took in the man in front of him. He was dressed in a police outfit and he didn't look happy.

"This is a no-sleeping zone," he grumbled, pointing to a sign on a tree near the bench. Tired, Astro glanced over at the sign with a frown. "If you don't leave, I'll have to take you in."

Suddenly more awake, Astro shook his hands out in front of him. "Okay, I got it. I'll move. Sorry."

"Besides kid, where are your parents?" he asked as Astro stood and wiped the dirt and dust off his clothes.

Thoughts drifting hazily over the past day's antics, he shrugged. "Around."

"Listen kid, I didn't come here to get smart-mouthed. If you got somewhere else to be, you'd better get going," he growled, waving his hand through the air.

"Got it…" Astro grumbled, fixing the collar of his favorite jacket. At this rate, even that would get ruined too. The officer watched him leave the park, his hands in his jacket pockets.

I can't keep doing this, Astro thought miserably. I can't be homeless. His hand slipped into his pants pocket and he fiddled around with the bills subconsciously. I do need more money… Maybe I should go back to where that man was and ask him what he meant. He shuddered at the thought, steeling his courage. I really have no choice if I want to get anywhere.

Smoke formed in front of him and he let out a shout as the old man materialized within the cloud. "It seems you do need my help, boy," he chided with a smile. Astro was reminded yet again about his ugly mug.

"Have you been following me?" Astro asked, not really that surprised. When the man opened his mouth to answer, Astro waved his hands in the air. "Never mind, I really don't want to know."

"I've come to bring you a solution to your money troubles," he went on, covering the side of his mouth with one hand. "I run an underground Quirk fighting ring. If you win, you get all the cash stacked on you."

Astro blinked, contemplating what he was saying before shaking his head. "I already told you I don't know how to use my Quirk. I'm a late-bloomer," he added on, remembering what the doctor had said as he was being discharged.

"Remember, you're a late-bloomer. Tell no one else about why you're here. There could be trouble," he had warned.

"Relax!" the old man chuckled, placing a wrinkly hand on his shoulder. Astro slightly recoiled. "You'll get all the training you need before you begin. Even a free bed - and meals! We treat all of our fighters the best."

A tiny voice in the back of his head was screaming at him to run away as far as he could, but he pushed it away. The thought of a free bed, meals, and possibly a shower was too much, overwhelming his entire being. Astro furrowed his brow, a smile forming. "I accept."

"Excellent," the old man said, cracking another toothless smile.

"Hey! You!" Both of them turned, spotting the police officer running towards them. "Stop right there! You're wanted for a violation of-!"

"Time to run!" he rasped. Astro barely had time to comprehend what was happening as the man tightly gripped both of his shoulders and they were immediately enveloped in smoke.

As the both of them disappeared before his eyes, the officer drew to a stop with a sigh. "Damn it. Fujikage will never let me hear the end of this…" He scratched at his chin and turned away, trying to pretend nothing happened.

The shock of a landing shook Astro out of his daze and he tumbled, falling to the ground. The floor around him was old linoleum, the edges of the tiles sticking up in places - yet not sharp enough to stab someone's foot. Looking around, Astro saw he was in a room with a low cement ceiling, the walls covered with bricks. Lights were littered all around the room despite its small size. It was then that he realized he wasn't alone. Scruffy-looking men and women were littered around the room, all staring at the newcomer.

"Relax, Boris! He's just another fighter," the old man said as a tall, overly buff man advanced on him. He froze and grunted with a nod, taking another step back.

"A kid? Are you serious, Hajime?" a girl in her early 20's scoffed as she eyed him from across the room. Her hair was ebony-black and short, reminding him of Cora.

"Yes, I'm serious. I see great potential in him," the old man - called Hajime - replied.

"The kid barely looks like he's out of junior high," she muttered, her arms crossed over her chest. "I don't think he'll last even one match."

"He will need some training," Hajime admitted, coming up to stand in front of the girl. "You know, you weren't exactly older than he is when I first picked you up."

The girl's face grew hot with embarrassment as Astro stared at them. "What're you looking at, pipsqueak?!" she shouted, turning and stomping away into another room.

"You'll have to forgive Airi," Hajime replied, turning back to Astro and holding out a hand. "She gives you the cold shoulder in the beginning, but I promise she'll warm up to you."

Astro took his hand and stood, glancing warily around at the rest of them. Some of them wore accepting smiles on their faces and the rest were sour, just as Airi had been. Just how long were they planning on him staying? "Thank you," he murmured, suddenly finding the ground to be very interesting.

"Let's get moving, everyone!" Hajime hollered at the gathered people. He paused, turning to a boy about Airi's age. "Geo, show him to his room," he added. "The rest of you get to training! The more we're prepared for this next fight, the richer we'll get!"

As the man named Geo made his way over to him, Astro couldn't help but think back to when Hamegg had thrown him in his Robot Games. He had to admit that this place reminded him of back then, but it was different. They wouldn't treat him like something to be thrown away, not if they were giving him a place to sleep and food. The nagging voice at the back of his head continued screaming, but he pushed it firmly away. He wouldn't give up now, especially now that he had a good source of income to look forward to.

As Geo reached him, Astro was surprised to see that he had a genuine smile on his face. "This way," he said. Astro followed as he led the way through corridors and hallways, and was surprised to see that it was a lot nicer than he had expected.

See? he told the voice in his head. Nothing to worry about.

"What's your name?" Geo asked as they rounded another corner.

"Uh, Astro," he replied.

"That's a pretty neat name," he admitted. "Wish I had thought of that one."

"What do you mean?"

Geo's demeanor shifted and his eyes flew to his feet. "I didn't have a name growing up," he told him. "No parents. I was forced to live out on the street, scrummaging for scraps, dodging the heroes and the cops. Not easy," he added with a backwards glance at Astro, "but of course you already know that, huh?"

"Yeah," he lied, shoving his hands in his front pockets.

"So one day, Hajime showed up and told me about this place. I was skeptical at first, but it grew on me," he admitted, smiling. "Since then, he's been sort of like a father figure to me. We trained and practiced together; ate meals together. We were almost caught one time," he laughed, looking up at the ceiling as if lost in his thoughts. "Those were some fun times… I named myself Geo in honor of the Earth which we were placed on. Airi thought I was just being sappy, but they all learned to accept it. I mean, they couldn't keep calling me 'Kid' forever."

Astro's smile softened as he was reminded of his own hardships back when his father had shunned him, calling him worthless garbage. "I know how you feel," he murmured.

"Well, here we are!" Geo exclaimed, turning and pointing his arms at the door. "This will be your room from now on." Lowering his arms, he added, "I'm sure Hajime will excuse today's training for you, since you've just arrived. He'll send someone by later with the explanation on how we operate - it'll probably be me. Until then!"

With a respectful bow, Geo left Astro alone by his room. Pushing open the door after a few moments, he was greeted by a similarly nice appearance as the rest of the area. The bed was a single, of course, but that was just something he'd have to get used to. Eyes darting over the remainder of the room as he closed his door behind him, he noticed another door at the end. Curiosity getting the best of him, he made his way over to it and opened it, revealing a small bathroom with a tiny shower. He couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief as he realized he wouldn't be sharing a bathroom with anyone else.

After relieving himself in the bathroom - man, oh man, would he have to get used to that - he jumped into his bed, letting out another sigh as he noted that the mattress wasn't too hard. It only seemed like mere moments as he closed his eyes that someone knocked on the door. "Astro?" He recognized Geo's voice.

"Come in," he replied.

Geo opened the door with a wave. "Yo. I'm here to give you the rundown on how we operate, like I promised."

"How long was I out?" Astro asked, sitting up.

"A few hours. I bet you're hungry," he added. As if on cue, Astro's stomach let out its answer and they both laughed. Geo wiped the smile from his face and sat down in a chair at the desk next to his bed. "But back to business. Breakfast is at 0600, training is at 0700, lunch at 1200, more training at 1300, and dinner at 1700. Oh, and curfew is at 2100. You think you can remember all that?"

Blinking, Astro nodded quickly. It sure was a lot to take in, but he could manage.

"Good," Geo smiled. "Now, what Hajime wanted me to stress with you the most is that we'll be drilling you harder than the rest of us starting tomorrow. We need you to be ready to fight in a week." He broke off and his mood went slightly darker. "God knows we'll need it."

"Er…" Astro chuckled lightly, holding the back of his neck. "One thing that's been bothering me…" He broke off, staring down at his lap. "This isn't a fight to the death...is it?"

For a moment, Astro thought that his worst fears were going to come true when Geo didn't answer right away. But he laughed at him and brushed it off with a wave of his hand. "Oh, no! Definitely not. I mean, I've lost more times than I have fingers and toes and I'm still here, aren't I?" When the teen nodded, he went on. "Nah, there's no worries, Astro. I promise you these aren't deathmatches. We fight fairly. When one fighter has their opponent cornered or unable to fight, they win."

"Okay, good," Astro sighed with relief. "That's a huge weight off my shoulders. I already had to do that once…" He sucked in a sharp breath, realizing quickly what he had just let out.

"What? You fought in a deathmatch?" Geo blanched, his eyes wide. "No way! You can't have."

Inwardly screaming at himself for letting another of his secrets slip, he nodded reluctantly. "Yeah. I, er...I won three times. The last one, I...I lost."

"But you're here right now! How could you have lost?"

"I was brought back to life," Astro sighed, remembering with a pang how ZOG had saved his life, both by refusing to fight with him and recharging his Core. "I really don't like dwelling on it."

Geo nodded in understanding. "Well, I'll leave it to you then, O Mighty One," he laughed with a mock bow. "But it's time for lunch. I think Hajime wanted you to watch some of the training sessions later to see firsthand how those go." He stood and started for the door, turning back when he noticed Astro was still sitting on the bed. "Coming?"

"Oh, right!" Astro said, hopping off the bed and hurrying after Geo.

Arriving in the room, Astro was greeted by multiple unfamiliar faces and suddenly felt a little pale under his skin. Geo motioned for him to come farther into the room and Astro obliged, hurrying after the man.

After grabbing his lunch - which consisted of a ham and cheese sandwich, some fruit, a carton of milk, and yogurt - they sat down at a table. Astro had to squeeze in between a larger man and Geo. The man turned and gave him a disinterested look, his lip slightly curved upward in the beginnings of a sneer. "Sorry!" Astro hissed with a wince. The man went back to chewing his sandwich.

"A little overwhelming, huh?" Geo laughed, voicing his thoughts. Astro nodded, poking at his milk carton and trying to figure out how to open it. "Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it soon, I'm sure."

Figuring it out, Astro pulled the tab back and quickly wolfed down his drink, savoring the taste. He sighed in contempt before turning to the rest of his food. To be honest, he could care less that it wasn't much. It was free. "So this training…" Astro began, swallowing his mouthful. "Are you sure I'll be able to use my Quirk?"

"Well, I hope so!" Geo said. "That's what we're all about. Like Hajime always says, 'the more it's used, the stronger it becomes'."

After a silence that seemed to drag on while they ate their food, Geo continued on, elbowing Astro's side. "So, tell me about yourself. Your background?"

Disheartened slightly, Astro lowered his hands after he was about to take a bite. "Uh… Well - you see, I-I'd really rather not talk about it… It's...really hard for me to accept what happened."

"Ah, a recent one, I see," Geo remarked with understanding. "No worries, though. We'll take great care of you. You'll fit in in no time!"

Astro stared at his half-eaten sandwich in his hands. Something about Geo's optimism was irking at the edge of Astro's mind, but he couldn't quite place his feeling. After all, he seemed harmless enough. I'm just overreacting, that's all, he needled himself. There's nothing wrong with helping the new guy feel at home. With another glance at the blonde and black-haired man sitting next to him as he ate his lunch ravenously, a haunted look in his eyes, Astro suddenly wasn't so sure.

A/N: Sorry for the late update guys! I was stuck in a certain part of the story and I wanted to keep my two chapter cushion, as you know. I had to go back and rewrite this chapter slightly, but I hope it doesn't disappoint!

I will be honest and blunt though; This story isn't getting much interest, pure and simple. It isn't just the reviews – although those concern me most – but the other story stats as well. I understand that this is a crossover between a sort-of dead fandom and a popular anime. That makes sense. But this lil story has been my brain-baby for some time now, and I don't want it going sour because I'm permanently in a grumpy mood. I need motivation to write, along with the joy of writing itself.

In short, if this doesn't pick up within this chapter and the next, I'll put this on the back-burner and move on. I'm not going to ruin the rest of the story because I'm down in the dumps. If you guys really do like this story, then please review. Tell me what you like about it. Tell me what you didn't. Tell me what I could improve. Tell me what I did well. Just tell me something that means something.

In other news, I'm going to be starting a blog on blogspot as well as a Tumblr blog if this picks up. So please, please, pleaseeee review something! Thank you.