Chapter 21: Guilt And Hate…
Disclaimer: I do not own OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes or anything related to it. It's rightfully owed by its respective owners and companies
Important AN: Hey guys! Here to give you another chapter! Glad you all like the last one. Still need suggestions for mentors for KO and Enid. One more thing, and this is serious. I have finally decided what the pairing is going to be for KO. Sadly I think it would be best if I kept it secret, for now. Not because I want to torture you guys. I just want to keep you guessing and see if you can figure it out before I reveal it. I'll leave some teases and clues. As always. But just a heads up, it's not Dendy or Fink. Sorry to all you KO x Dendy and KO x Fink shippers. I don't have anything against the pairings. In fact I like them quite a bit. However KO is older in my story, and Dendy and Fink aren't. So yeah, don't want things to get creepy. With the age gap and what not. Fret not my lovable readers. Because I still need a pairing for Little KO. And the edge lord himself TKO. So there you have it. I have a pairing planned, but will not reveal it yet. Tell me if you want Little KO and TKO to be with someone as well. Don't forget to suggest mentors for KO and Enid. Because I'm kind of lost. I think Enid would have a magical or supernatural teacher. You know, because her mom knows the teacher pretty well. We'll see if I can get her a ninja mentor too later down the line. Remember it can be anyone from any movie, cartoon, TV show, game or even any comic. I'm all ears. Oh and to talk about a serious topic. Net neutrality, a topic I'm sure you've all heard. It means we are able to look up the content we like. You know like this amazing site you are on right now. So yeah, being able to look up what we want is cool. However, that's about to change. Because a bill or whatever is about to passed where we might not even to get on this site anymore. Or any website for that matter. It means companies like Version and AT&T will be able to make sure you can't look up or get on sites they don't like. Like this one. No more stories. Can you believe that? Your right to look up whatever you want will be gone. Oh and they'll be able to make you pay more for your Internet too. Which would suck. So, if you don't give a shit that's cool. If you do, then do something about. Talk about it, call or text congress. Don't be a jerk though, these are the guys you want on your side. Speak up or we probably won't be able to get on this site or do anything we like. Oh and paying more for my Internet is a no go because I can barely pay for it as it is. So yeah, sorry if I was preachy. But I love writing… and you guys love my work. Even though I'm a terrible writer. And they could take that away. So… please do something. Or not… that's up to you. Now… ON WITH THE CHAPTER! Enjoy!
"Oh, hey Genji!" The woman chirped happily. She then turned around to give a wave to the monk. "Hey Zenyatta! Knew me and Reinhardt would catch up!"
"Greetings Tracer." The monk now revealed to be named Zenyatta greeted with a small wave. He then turned to the large man next to him. "And greetings to you as well Reinhardt."
Reinhardt gave a jolly laugh before patting Zenyatta on the shoulder.
"Ah it is good to see you my omnic friend!" Reinhardt heartily stated with another laugh. But that changed when he saw Stain, who was still ready to fight. "So, this is the scoundrel we've been hunting?"
"Yes." Genji simply said before getting into another fighting stance with his sword drawn. Which made Tracer ready her guns. "Watch out, he's very skilled."
Tracer only smiled.
"Well, he's never fought me before." Tracer happily stated with a smile, then in the a blink of an eye. She reappeared directly in front of Stain with her guns raised and aimed directly to his face. "Think you should give up love. You're outnumbered and out skilled too."
Any normal person would have given up then and there. But Stain wasn't any normal person.
"No… it's you who is out skilled!" Stain yelled out as he kicked Tracer so fast in the stomach she didn't even see it. Then like a blur, Stain raised his sword and slashed her across the face! Thankfully Tracer recovered in time to move out of the way, so all Stain did was cut her cheek. Which was all he needed. "Yes!"
Stain then back flipped out the way and brought his sword up to his mouth. Where a bit of Tracer's blood was. And then out of the blue, he licked it!?
"Eww! That's proper nasty!" Tracer exclaimed with disgust. Something Reinhardt and Genji shared. "What's wrong with you-"
Before Tracer could finish, her whole body suddenly froze! She dropped her guns and fell to the floor! Which shocked everyone except Stain, who only grinned.
"W-what's… happening!?" Tracer cried out in a strained tone as she tired to get up but couldn't! She couldn't move a muscle! She looked up to Stain with a glare. "What… did… you do!?"
Stain smirked maniacally as he raised his sword in the air.
"I killed you…"
And with that Hero Killer Stain brought his sword down onto the paralyzed Tracer!
But just as Stain was about to stabbed his sword right down onto Tracer, she disappeared in the blink of an eye!? All Stain stabbed was the dirt from the ground! A spilt second later Tracer reappeared next to Genji, where she was originally before she confronted Stain. For a brief moment she was standing up, but quickly fell down. It would seem whatever Stain did to her was still affecting her. Even when she was using her Chrono accelerator.
As Tracer was about to hit the ground, Genji gracefully caught her in his arms. Reinhardt and Zenyatta soon got in front of them protectively. The old knight had his hammer ready and Zenyatta summoned his orbs.
"Tracer! Are you alright child!?" Reinhardt asked worryingly as he turned around to give Tracer a very concerned look. "Genji, what's wrong!?"
Genji immediately looked down at Tracer, who was struggling to speak and move. Whatever Stain did, he got her good. That's when he remembered something. Something very important about Stain that he had overlooked. Stain's ability.
"She's fine Reinhardt." Genji calmly called out to the old knight. Who gave a sigh of relief. But that changed when Reinhardt glared hard at Stain through his helmet. "She's paralyzed, from our opponent's ability it would seem."
"What!?" Reinhardt exclaimed in shock.
"Don't worry old friend. It's only temporary." Genji stated as he looked to Stain with a steely gaze. Which made the hero killer smile manically. "Stain has the ability paralyze his opponents by just ingesting a little of their blood. He's killed countless individuals by using this ability."
This shocked Reinhardt a little. In all his life he's seen countless strange things. Fought many enemies with strange powers and skills. But he's never encountered a man like Stain. Who held noble yet foul convictions. Now he's just learning he has some odd ability to immobilize anyone just by ingesting their blood? Times were indeed changing.
"Seems like you know more about me than I thought shinobi. Impressive." Stain stated with a mocking yet impressed tone. "Than you know why I must continue my work! This world… is full of self in titled heroes! Who parade and disgrace the word hero! You, Crusader! You know what I'm talking about!"
Reinhardt was speechless, and so was everyone else. Before the old knight could respond. Stain continued.
"I've heard tales of the Crusaders, an order of men and women who all shared noble and honorable ideals and convictions. You should understand, beyond anyone else!" Stain preached with a determined expression as he lowered his guard. His gaze still locked on Reinhardt. Who… just stood there. "Live with honor, die with glory! That was your motto! Your conviction! So, you must understand my conviction! We are the same Crusader, we seek to make this world a better one!"
Genji and Tracer couldn't believe what this man was talking about. It sickened them truthfully. Yet Zenyatta oddly enough understood what Stain was talking about. Ideals and convictions. He had them as well. In a strange way… the robotic monk kind of respected Stain. His methods though he didn't respect. But Stain's desire and ideals, that's something Zenyatta respected.
Reinhardt… was still speechless. He didn't know what to say or do. Was this man in front of him right? Were they the same. Eventually, Reinhart lowered his guard down and did something very unexpected. He slowly removed his helmet using his free hand. Showing his grizzled and battle hardened face. His snowy white beard and hair along with his prominent scar on his eye. He looked like a true knight, from a bygone era. His expression was soft as he looked to Stain.
"You claim to know me, but you don't know that half of what I've been through. While you have your heart on a noble ideal. Your methods… are unforgivable!" Reinhardt harshly yelled shocking Stain. "We are noting alike! I'm not a hero, I'm just trying to make up for the mistakes I've made a long time ago. I do this not for a reward or the glory, not anymore When I was younger, around your age. My arrogance and ignorance cost me the life of my teacher… my friend. I'm no hero… and neither are you."
This shocked Stain even further and began to get him a little bit angry. While everyone else carefully listened to what the old knight had to say.
"It's true your ideals and convictions and noble, but your methods do more harm than good. Changing the world for the better is a just and noble cause. But not if that means more killing… that's something I hoped the people of today would understand. I'm no hero… I'm only a shield for the innocent." Reinhardt stated with a heavy expression before putting his helmet back on. "Now… are you going to come along peacefully child. Or do you want to test your might against mine?"
Stain expression soften for a brief moment. But quickly returned back to normal. He then sheathed his worn katana, and gave Reinhardt a serious look.
"It's true I'm not a hero… but you're wrong though. Because I see a true hero right in front of me." Stain softly stated that surprised everyone, including Reinhardt. "However, If I don't fix it... if someone isn't... stained with blood...! If heroes aren't restored...! Then this world will never see true heroes again! That's why I must continue my work! Goodbye Crusader… hopefully we will not meet again!"
With that Hero Killer Stain quickly threw a barrage of throwing knives at Genji who was still holding Tracer! Thankfully Reinhardt was there and activated his energy shield! That protected himself and everyone else from the throwing knives. Stain only smirked before bringing out a small black pellet and threw it on the ground! When it hit the ground it exploded , smoke engulfed him and around him.
"Keep fighting Crusader! Hold your convictions close!"
And that was all Stain said before disappearing as the smoke slowly dispersed.
Reinhardt could only frown. Their target got away. With a heavy sigh he turned to Genji.
"Genji, give Tracer to Zenyatta. I need your help to look for him." Reinhardt ordered Genji who looked surprised. But gave a firm nod before carrying Tracer to his master. Who gracefully took her with ease. "Watch her close my friend, she's quite a handful."
"Don't worry." Zenyatta replied with his usual calm and sagely tone as he held Tracer carefully in his arms. That made the young speedster grumble with a pout. The last thing she wanted was to be treated like a baby. "Good luck, and may the Iris guide you."
Genji gave a short bow before joining with Reinhardt, who gave a small laugh before shaking his head a little. He sure did keep the strangest company. Even both were off. Genji took the trees while Reinhardt followed on foot and tried his best to keep up with the cybernetic ninja. Their efforts were probably pointless. Stain could have head anywhere. At least he was headed to the hospital.
"Zenyatta, do think Reinhardt really feels that way?"
Zenyatta looked down at Tracer in surprise, event though he couldn't properly express it. The monk could see Tracer was conflicted. The talk between Reinhardt and Stain really got to her. Truth be told, it also got Zenyatta to ponder as well.
"I mean, he always looks so happy. But… is that why he joined Overwatch? Because he blames himself for his mentor's death."
This really troubled Tracer.
Zenyatta was wise, at least that's what many thought of him. His closest friends and comrades would usually come to him and ask him for advice. And he would always answer the best he could. However, he wasn't human.
But that didn't mean he couldn't feel emotion. He could feel anger, fear, sadness and other emotion. It's just that he didn't know how to act on this emotions or show them. All his years of training made it difficult.
What Tracer was feeling, Zenyatta didn't know if his advice would be good. So, he answered truthfully.
"Reinhardt is a caring and whimsical individual, but he does indeed carry guilt. I doubt anyone of us don't carry it. Maybe at first, he joined Overwatch out of guilt. But now… Reinhardt is fighting for something else entirely." Zenyatta sagely stated as he turned to the direction where Reinhardt and Genji ran off too. He then looked back down at Tracer. "He's fighting for more than for his mentor. He's fighting for everyone. Being in Overwatch changed him, being around all of you changed him."
Tracer was speechless by Zenyatta's unexpected words. She honestly felt a bit touched by them.
Maybe Zenyatta was right. Maybe Reinhardt did join Overwatch out of guilt, or maybe not. Whatever made him do it. Being a part of Overwatch changed him. He lost friends, his mentor, his family. But he found a new one in Overwatch.
Tracer gave a small smile.
"Yeah, you might be right." Tracer stated with her signature smile. "Oh, um Zenyatta?"
"Yes?"
"I still can't feel my legs." Tracer simply stated with a nervous smile. "Do you think you can carry me to back to our transporter?"
"Of course."
As Zenyatta hovered in the direction to their transport vehicle. Which was parked close by to the hospital with Tracer still in his arms. Both failed to noticed Hero Killer Stain looming over them in trees. He thought about eliminating them both. But his attention went to the hospital in the distance. Where he planned to do his work. Now though, he was having second thoughts.
Apparently that talk with Reinhardt really affect Stain.
Eventually the hero killer turned away from the hospital. But before he left, Stain give a parting glance and thought over what Reinhardt said.
"You are their shield Crusader… and I'm the blade you protect them from."
Stain then disappeared in a blur. Moving away from the hospital and away from his pursuers. His plans may have been foiled tonight. But that doesn't mean his work is done, or his quest. He'll just have to wait around until the boy he's heard so much about gets better. He will stay his blade, for now.
Meanwhile At The Hospital, In KO's Room
Everything was calm and quiet in KO's hospital room. The only sound was the steady beep coming from his heart monitor and small noises from the rest of the medical equipment. Doctors, nurses and visitors could be seen occasion outside of KO's room. But not a lot like earlier. Because everyone else was home or getting ready to leave for home. Dr. Recovery was one such person.
The old doctor was outside KO's overlooking the sleeping KO. And Carol, who was sleeping peacefully in the small guest bed next to him. Something Dr. Recovery arranged so Carol wouldn't have to leave her son's side.
After returning from the cafeteria with Mercy, who sadly left because she had another emergency to deal with nearby. Carol went to bed next to KO. Who looked a lot better than before. Something both Carol and Dr. Recovery were thankful for. The doctor even got that tube out of KO's throat. Since he really didn't need it. So, the only thing KO had attached to him were the heart monitor stuff and IV drip.
However, even though KO will live. There's no telling if he will fully recover. Mercy apparently had fixed a lot when she resurrected KO. His internal organs were all healed up. Along with any broken, shattered or dislocated bones. His scars and other injuries were another story. Unlike the first time KO was in a fight, his scars and chest wound weren't healing.
Dr. Recovery heard that KO somehow managed to heal most of history injuries when he fought Scaramouche. Something that the good doctor was desperately trying to find out how. Yet after KO fought Basil, he was in critical condition. If KO could healthy his injuries then why didn't he do it after or during his fight with Basil?
The old doctor was stumped on this.
With a small sigh Dr. Recovery decided to let it go. Right now he was just happy KO was going to be alright. And that's all that mattered.
Giving out a small yawn, Dr. Recovery decided it was probably best to leave now. He should have been gone an hour ago. But he wanted to make sure his family was taken care of first. Seeing that Carol and KO were going to be alright. The retired hero doctor was about to leave. That is until he sensed someone hiding at the end of the hallway.
It wasn't an enemy or anything like that. In fact, it was one of his patients.
"Shy Ninja, I know you're there." Dr. Recovery called out softy to the end of the hallway. Immediately he heard a loud "eep". Which made the old man sigh. "You can come out my dear. You aren't in trouble."
Eventually Shy Ninja did came out from hiding. The young ninja looked a lot better than last time the old doctor saw her. She was still in a hospital gown and was using a crutch to help her move along. She still wore her baseball cap and face mask. Which didn't do a very good job of hiding her blush. Poor girl was probably embarrassed to be found out of her room wondering the halls of the hospital. Or maybe she was blushing for another reason.
'I swear… KO is just like his mother when she was that age.' Dr. Recovery thought with a small sigh and a smile. 'Catching everyone's interest, guess that's to be expected. Speaking of which me and that boy really need to have a talk. Don't want him acting foolish. Especially if this keeps going on.'
Giving a small shake of his head, Dr. Recovery went back to the task at hand.
"So, is there any particular reason why you aren't resting?" Dr. Recovery asked while raising an eyebrow. All Shy Ninja do was blush and timidly shook her head. However she took a quick glance at KO's room. And that's when Dr. Recovery put the pieces together. "Ah, so you are here for KO. I should have know that."
Shy Ninja looked down to the ground trying to avert Dr. Recovery's gaze. But she took another glance at KO's room, this time concerned by the looks of it. Which meant she probably heard what happened.
"I'm sorry my dear, but KO is resting. He'll most likely be up tomorrow though." Dr. Recovery told the girl in a unfortunate tone. That caused her to hang her head low in sadness. Which really got to the good doctor, who eventually sighed and motioned her to follow him. "I'm afraid you can't go in to check on him. His mother is in there and they both need their rest. However that doesn't mean you can't see him through the window."
Shy Ninja was surprised by this. She was expecting to be asked to return to her room and rest. But instead she was told quite the opposite.
"You can check on him, but only for a few minutes. After that you should return to your room. Wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't tell you otherwise." Dr. Recovery kindly stated with a light chuckle. "Now… go on dear."
The old doctor got a nod from Shy Ninja before she made her way to the window. What she saw made her heart ache a little. It has been awhile since she last saw KO. While she was happy to see KO again, she didn't want it like this. From what she heard from the hospital staff gossip. KO was in far worst shape than he is now. She also heard he died.
Thankfully that wasn't true.
Though that didn't stop her from feeling terrible. Shy Ninja wished she could have came sooner. When KO was in his time of need she wasn't there. It was a terrible feeling. Especially after everything he's done for her.
While still recovering from her encounter with Scaramouche. KO had visited her as often as he could. He of course did it while hidden and secret. He even dropped off some flowers at one point for her. It made her happy to see KO come to visit her. She just wished he could do it in person.
Shy Ninja knew why he only visited her in a secret was because he still blamed himself for what happened. KO still thought he was the cause of her injuries. Something that wasn't true. Yet he still though it was his fault.
Shy Ninja softy placed her hand on the window. Her blush was still present as she looked at KO with longing.
It was no secret, she had a crush on KO. She didn't know why. Maybe it was because he saved her and the Plaza? Or maybe is was just because of his looks. Or his caring and energetic attitude. Maybe it was because of his strength and powers. She really didn't know.
Maybe it was a silly old crush. Shy Ninja didn't know why she was attracted to KO. But she wanted to find out. And when if it's not meant to be and he doesn't feel the same way. At least they could be friends.
Dr. Recovery saw how Shy Ninja looked at his grand nephew. It was a look he had a long time ago when first met his soul mate. When he was still young. When it was the golden age of heroes. Things were simpler back then. The heroes would foil the bad guys plans and everyone cheered and wanted to be them.
Now, things have changed. Taking a look at KO, Dr. Recovery knew things have really changed. For the best and worst.
'I will help you get stronger nephew.' Dr. Recovery promised himself. 'Even if I have to train you myself.'
As time went by, Shy Ninja gave a small yawn.
"Ah, guess that means your time is up my dear." Dr. Recovery stated with a kind smile. Though Shy Ninja didn't look to be too happy. Something the kind doctor immediately put rest. "Don't look so glum my child. You can come visit KO tomorrow. I promise."
Shy Ninja smiled under her face mask and gave Dr. Recovery a polite bow.
"Do you want me to walk you to your room?"
"Kekkou desu, doctor… I'll b-be… fine." Shy Ninja timidly said.
"Ah, you're getting better my dear." Dr. Recovery commented with a smile. "Keep on learning and you'll be speaking enigish in now time. Now, off to bed with you."
Shy Ninja gave another bow before leaving. She even gave a caring glance at KO through the window before she left.
Seeing he was one again alone. Dr. Recovery couldn't help but feel a bit sad and jealous. He was jealous how Shy Ninja and KO could have something he used to have. Love. He missed his soul mate deeply. But he was also happy for KO. And Shy Ninja. They were young and ready to experience the wonders of life.
Dr. Recovery reached down his pocket and pulled out a heart shaped locket. When he opened, he saw a small picture. A picture when he was in his prime. He wasn't the only one in the picture, there was a handsome young man standing next to Dr. Recovery in the picture. And they were holding hands. That wasn't all because there was an engraving etched on the other part of the locket.
It read, my partner, my hero, my loving husband and soul mate.
"Hmm… to be young again." Dr. Recovery softy said with a sad smile.
The old doctor placed the locket away back in his pocket. He then gave one last glance and KO's room and smiled. And with that, that doctor proceeded to leave the hallways. It was time to head home. And wait for tomorrow to come. Hopefully a good and happy day.
As the doctor left the hallway. The old doctor had no idea what was going on with KO. Or to be more specific, in his mind.
Meanwhile In KO's Subconscious
Things were once again quiet in KO's subconscious. However it wasn't empty or void of light like earlier. There were a few flashes of surging light in the distance. And two people could be seen siting by a large cage. Well, to exact only one was siting and other one was laying down lazily on top of the cage.
"So, you think he'll be back TKO?" Little KO asked his brooding older self. Who responded with a yawn as he tried to appear asleep. Unfortunately for him, Little KO wasn't falling for it. "Oh come big bro, do you think he's coming back or not?"
TKO sighed he sat up from his spot. He turned to look at Little KO with an annoyed expression.
"Alright, first of all. Don't call me bro. Second of all… I hate you." TKO harshly told his younger counterpart who kept on smiling. Which really started to get on the last of his nerves. "And finally… I don't care. That dumb ass can ignore us for all I care. He's done it before. Now… please shut up."
TKO then with a yawn laid back down on his cage. Either trying to sleep or act asleep. As long as it didn't involve talking to Little KO. Who didn't get the message, or did and didn't care.
"You really hate him… us I mean."
TKO just laid there silent. Looking up at the ceiling as surges of light flashed overhead. He did hate KO… but not for the reason most would think. He was annoyed by Little KO. Although he didn't hate him, he didn't like him but at least he had someone to talk to. Even though he would never shut up.
Being locked up in a cage half your life would do a lot to a person.
He hated being alone. But he hated being around people. TKO just wanted one thing. Freedom, something he was getting closer to achieving everyday. Soon he'll be free. Free to do whatever he wanted. What he wanted most though… was Enid. The only person he legitimately gave a crap about. And she didn't know he even existed. All she saw was KO, the sunshine boy. His warden. The person who took everything from him. And the only person standing in his way.
So yeah… he hated KO. More than anything. If he wanted Enid, KO will have to be out of the picture. And he had a plan for that. He just needed time. Something he had plenty of.
TKO wanted out. And he was going to get out one way or another.
Little KO gave TKO a sad yet wary look. He didn't know TKO long, or KO. Yet it's felt like he's known them for years. They were basically the same person, at the beginning at least. Now, they were just three people sharing the same body. With one of them in charge. Something TKO wanted all for himself. And there was no way KO was going to let that happen.
How he felt himself? Sure he would like to see world with his own eyes. See the sky, the dirt from the earth and other things. He wanted to experience life for himself. To be able to make friends and have fun. Little KO was very similar to KO when he was still a kid. Their looks, attitude and kind nature were identical. Almost anyways.
While KO had the drive of wanting to be a hero, along with anger of TKO. All Little KO wanted was some friends, to have fun. And most importantly… not to be alone.
At least he wasn't alone.
Little KO decided to do something very dangerous. But if things got out of hand. The little guy knew he could handle it. He just hoped it wouldn't come to that.
TKO was peacefully dozing off when he felt his cage rumble. He then heard the sound of someone struggling behind him. When he turned around he was surprised and very annoyed.
"What are you doing brat?" TKO harshly asked in an extremely low tone. His glare didn't seem to affect Little KO who smiled as he finally got up on top of the cage. The little guy then shocking laid down next to him. "Oh hell no… you get off or I'll make you get off!"
Little KO didn't care the threats TKO said to him. He only smiled and closed his eyes, trying to fall asleep by the looks of it. Normally TKO would have kicked off the cage or worse. But he was tired. Dying and then being resurrected could do that to anyone. With a loud groan TKO got back to laying down.
"I'm too tired… as long as you shut up and stay on your side of the cage! You can lay here." TKO shouted out with a deeply annoyed expression. This made Little KO smile, who nodded completely agreeing to TKO terms. He on the other, was to tired to get mad. "I liked better when I was alone."
TKO soon turned to face the other way as he laid back down. Little KO just smiled as he tried to get comfortable.
"Night, night TKO!" Little KO happily exclaimed with a small yawn.
"What did I say!?" TKO yelled out with annoyance.
"Sorry!"
Everything grew quiet again. Eventually TKO heard a light snoring and groaned. He then felt something smuggle right next to him. He turned around and saw Little KO snuggling up against his back. TKO wanted to kick the little guy off the cage then and there. But he stopped because he was too tired. So, he laid back down with a sigh.
While TKO didn't particular like this situation. He'd be lying if he wasn't a bit happy with not being alone. Besides, the kid wasn't that annoying. He was still annoying though, but he was tolerable. Unlike KO.
"I will get out of here…" TKO whispered to himself with a determined look in his eyes. "Just you watch sunshine boy… I will be free."
Meanwhile, In An Apartment Complex In The City
The sounds of cars, sirens and all the sounds of the city could be heard. The sounds Mr. Gar was quite used to.
The famous ex-member of P.O.I.N.T was home, or at least he will be in a minute. He was currently in an elevator going up to the top floor, where his apartment was. It's been an hour since he left the hospital. After making sure his all employees were alright. Notably KO, who was going to be just fine. Though Dr. Recovery said he might be out of work for awhile. And to top that off, he promised to train Radicles.
Which meant it might only be Enid running the whole store by herself for awhile. Something the young ninja wasn't going to be happy about. Not one bit.
Gar would gave thought more on the matter but the elevator stopped. Soon the doors opened and Garden walked out of the elevator and made his way to his apartment. As he walked past other apartments, he couldn't believe he was living in one of the most well known and expensive apartment complexes in the city. Guess being your own boss and owning a well known and famous Plaza did a lot to help out. Also being an ex-member of P.O.I.N.T helped out a lot too.
Though if Gar was being honest, he really didn't care.
Eventually Gar made it to his apartment. With a small sigh he got his keys out his pocket and used them to open the door. The door opened and Gar went it, he then closed the door behind him.
His apartment looked nice. A little to nice. Gar barely had anything of interest. He had a kitchen stocked up the necessary essentials and appliances. The same for his bathroom. He even had a flat screen TV along with a nice looking sofa and really recliner chair.
Gar decided to get something to eat. So he walked into the kitchen to see what he could get from the refrigerator. When he looked into it though, he only saw a sad excuse of a fridge. He had a couple cans of soda and plate of leftover pizza he ordered a few days ago when he was too lazy to cook. With a small sigh he grabbed the plate and a soda.
"Guess I better get stocked up tomorrow or soon." Mr. Gar grumbled to himself as he walked into the living room and took a seat on his recliner chair. Which he reclined back. He then grabbed the remote to the TV and turned it on. "Wonder what's on?"
Gar got comfy and watched what appeared to be a strange show. It appeared to be a drama doctor type of show.
"Great, more hospitals." Gar sighed with a frown as he took a bit out of his pizza. He then popped up the soda and took a drink. "Wonder what else is on?"
The ex-member P.O.I.N.T started to surf the channels. All the good shows weren't on, probably because it was midnight. As Gar continued to change channels, he stopped as something caught his eye. It was a promo for an upcoming debate for Stage Left. A show where heroes and other celebrities show up to talk. It used to be ran by Crinkly Wrinkly, that is until they hired a young and attractive woman by the name Dynamite Watkins, Action News Anchor.
"Tune in next week where we will talk with retired and up and coming heroes to debate about something shroud in mystery."
"What happened to the original P.O.I.N.T? Tune in Friday at-"
The TV was suddenly turned off as Gar wasn't really hungry anymore. With an impassive expression, Gar took a large chug of the soda which emptied it. He then crush the can with his hand and got up from his seat. Following that he made his way to the nearest trash can and threw the plate and empty soda can in. He knew it was a waste, but he really lost his appetite. He also felt very down.
Guess that promo really got him into foul mood. Because he knew why P.O.I.N.T fell apart. It was because of what he did.
"I let Laserblast die… and then I let everyone down." Mr. Gar whispered to himself as he clenched his hand into a tight fist. "All because I was jealous. I tore the team apart. I tore my family apart."
It was no secret Mr. Gar still blamed himself for what happened to P.O.I.N.T, it lingered in his mind always. After Dr. Greyman lost his powers, everything went down hill from there. His jealously and timid nature got his teammate killed. All because he was jealous of him being together with Carol. It was supposed to be a simple mission but it went wrong completely wrong. Laserblast went in alone it to a secret lab that was disguised as a donut shop. And he didn't come out.
After that… he left P.O.I.N.T, and so did Carol.
Gar traveled around and made a name for himself. Which made him one of the strongest heroes of today. Eventually he met a little robot who became his traveling companion. And his friend. Plazamo, a little robot who ultimately became Lakewood Plaza Turbo.
As time went by… he was alone again. That is until he met and hired his employees.
Who eventually became like his team. Like his family.
Mr. Gar's took a look on a shelf by his TV. Where he held many photos, souvenirs and other things from his past. There were photos of him and P.O.I.N.T, one with him and other famous heroes or with him saving the day. One photo in particular, meant a lot to him and was taken not so long ago. Gar slowly walked up to shelf and grabbed said photo which was framed. It was a photo of him and his employees. Radicles, Enid and KO before he was cursed. And he was in the middle with a small proud smile. Rad was smiling along with KO who looked to be ecstatic. While Enid just smile with her arms crossed.
He let one family down… he'd be damned if he let another one down.
Gar with a determined look, thought about what he was originally thinking about. When he was in the elevator. With him trying to train Rad and KO recovering from his fight. It will only be Enid all by herself. And that's the last thing she would want. He needed Gary in the stockroom. So, it would be a problem.
And that's when Mr. Gar had an idea. What if he hired some more employees? One or two at most. He had some money stocked up and the Bodega was doing well. So hiring more people wouldn't be a problem. Though they will have to be tough and prove themselves. Just like Radicles and Enid, he only hired KO because Carol asked him too. And he couldn't refuse. Still, KO has proven himself. Like a lot. He's a hard worker, a polite and kind person. And he's strong. Strong enough to take on guys he would have second thoughts on fighting.
"Guess I'll put an ad in the paper tomorrow, I'll probably put up one on the Internet too." Mr. Gar said to himself. He then yawned. "Now, I think it's time to hit the sack. Man I'm beat."
Mr. Gar then placed the photo back on the shelf. After that he headed to his room to get some well needed sleep. Tomorrow was a new day. And hopefully a better one. He'll probably head out early to check on KO and then leave for the Bodega.
Mr. Gar had a plan. The only question though, will it back fire for him?
To Be Continued
AN: Man, another long chapter. Hopefully not the last. So, Reinhardt and Stain shared some words and their convictions. Tracer didn't die. Stain is still at large. Waiting for KO, which is not going to end well. KO is out of the woods, and has still caught the eye of Shy Ninja. A bit of Dr. Recovery's past has been revealed. TKO is plotting something and is kind of warming up to Little KO. And Gar has a lot of guilt and issues. Will his plan for hiring more people back fire on him? Will Overwatch introduce themselves to KO soon? Will Shy Ninja figure out why she's attached to KO. And will something more come out of that revelation? Who will Mr. Gar hire? And will they have the best intentions. Alright, hope you liked the chapter. Again sorry for any errors or whatever. I'm still trying so please bare with me. Expect a lot to happen in the next chapter. And who knows, KO might actually be up. Expect the next chapter in a few days or in a week. If not at the end of the month. Don't forget to leave a review with your suggestions for mentors and general feedback. Thanks for reading! See ya! And if I don't get the chance. I hope you all have a happy holiday!