"I'm alivvveeeee!" – Kirishima, from that one episode in season two.

So uh, hey. How's everyone? Good? Enduring this quarantine? Um…six months, huh? Sorry doesn't even begin to cover it. I never meant for the gap to be this long, but the last few months had pushed this fic way down the priority list – even before this virus situation – and it didn't help that this chapter had been stubborn as hell for some reason. But I eventually got back to it! I know that you're probably tired of hearing my excuses though, so here's the next chapter!

The next update won't take as long, promise!


"Are they usually this…?"

"Competitive? Focused? Driven?"

"…Unrelenting?"

"Oh, yeah. Definitely," Silver drawled as he answered Power Loader, keeping an eye on the field laid out in front of them. Early morning rays of light pierced through overhanging clouds and littered the dewy grass. Silver yawned and wished that he could've gotten at least another hour of sleep. He understood that Aizawa wanted them at the school so early for secrecy, but still, five more minutes wouldn't have hurt. "They have…a deep-rooted sibling rivalry going on."

Power Loader's concern wasn't a surprise. Having one brother punch another brother square in the jaw, said sibling rolling with the hit and laughing it off like it was nothing before retaliating with a swift kick to the side, probably wasn't normal around these parts. Especially when the two were going at break-neck speeds.

"Ah," was all Power Loader said, watching Sonic jump over a devastating low sweep before flipping in the air and slamming his heel down against Shadow's head. It would've connected if Shadow hadn't blocked the blow with his arms with a deep frown, shoving Sonic away afterwards.

Sonic landed and skidded along the grass, grinned, and sped for his waiting opponent; the union became a flurry of punches and kicks even Silver had trouble keeping up with. He didn't really have to, however. All he had to do was make sure that Shadow didn't accidentally lose control and explode, ruining the field behind UA.

Silver glanced over to Power Loader, and while he couldn't see his expression due to the construction mask-thing over his head, the awe was near palpable as he witnessed Sonic and Shadow spar. And he wasn't the only one aptly watching.

All Might, Nezu, Aizawa, and Tsukauchi were there too, eyes tracking the hedgehogs' movements. Or trying to, anyway. The two were ducking and dodging, throwing out punches and kicks, basically showcasing their speed and strength to the heroes observing.

This was just supposed to be to test the golden cuffs Power Loader had made to restrict Shadow's power, but of course those speedsters' egos held priority. Silver had expected it.

"I already knew that Sonic's quirk was incredible…" All Might laughed, it deep and all-encompassing. "But this is outstanding! Those two are a blur of limbs! I can barely keep up!"

Nezu, sitting on the massive hero's broad shoulders, nodded in agreement. "It's very interesting. The abilities Shadow had listed before were already impressive, but now that speed has been added to the equation…he has amazing power, indeed."

Tsukauchi cradled his chin. "Which makes me glad that we went through with helping him control it."

Silver sleepily chuckled when Shadow spin-dashed at Sonic, and Sonic punted him away like they were playing a game of kickball. "It makes my job easier too." The headaches he got after holding one of Shadow's explosions were something he didn't want to experience often.

On the other side of him, Aizawa hummed pensively, mumbling a question in his scarf, "How do you hold up against Shadow?"

"Huh?" Silver blinked up at him before rubbing the back of his head, where he'd been kicked upon first meeting said hedgehog. That memory had been burned into his mind, unable to be forgotten no matter how hard he tried. "Well, as good as I hold up against Sonic. I just have to adjust to some long-range-" And underhanded. "-tactics."

Aizawa quietly grunted but made no other response.

Silver tilted his head up at him before refocusing on the fight, catching Shadow skating for Sonic but skewing to the right at the last moment and shooting past the blue hero. Sonic watched him in surprise, and Silver bet that it wasn't on purpose with how Shadow struggled to stop, scowling as the energy pouring out of his hover-shoes sputtered.

Silver prepared himself for action just in case while Sonic wiped some blood off his cheek and asked, "Everything alright there, Shad? Some energy still leakin' out?"

"I'm fine." Shadow eventually came to a stop, frowning at his wrists. Sunlight glinted off the cuffs around them, the inhibitors more metallic and blockier looking than his old ones. "I simply have to be conscious of my output."

Power Loader called out, "I could always tweak them if-"

"No, it's alright. Nothing you do will make them perfect." Shadow held out a hand, and yellow energy crackled in his palm. The sparks were bright, overflowing from his palm and sizzling to the ground below. Shadow stared hard at the energy until it dimmed, becoming more controlled. "I'll work with what I've got."

"He has no remorse speaking his mind, doesn't he?" Power Loader muttered so Shadow wouldn't hear. He almost sounded offended, but not quite.

"Yeah…he doesn't," Silver said, used to the striped one's quirks by now.

Obvious to their comments, Shadow hurled the crackling Chaos Spear at Sonic without any warning, and Sonic yelped as he sidestepped the projectile. "Hey! We were in a timeout – whoa!" He didn't get a chance to finish, for Shadow blinked out of existence and reappeared at the blue hero's side, kicking at the space to the right of Sonic. Sonic barked out a laugh, backpedaling a bit. "Almost got me! Chaos Control isn't as reliable, huh?"

A hint of frustration flashed on Shadow's face, and Silver could sympathize. It's one thing to adjust to the new limits of the inhibitors, but it seemed like the results varied every time Shadow used his powers. Earlier in the fight, he could skate and teleport just fine. The bands certainly weren't perfect, but like Shadow said earlier, he doubted Power Loader could do anything about it.

Shadow didn't answer Sonic before he blipped again, reappearing correctly in front of the blue hedgehog and throwing a punch to the stomach. Sonic caught the fist in his hand and threw his own punch for Shadow's face. Shadow stopped it with a grunt with his free arm, fingers clenching around the attack.

Sonic grinned, showing no strain as he pushed against his doppelganger. "Nice to know that bein' in that coma hasn't weakened ya, Shad! Was a little worried that Dandy might cause a little trouble for you when you fight 'im!" The grin morphed into a smirk. "But I dunno…he's pretty fast. If your energy's on the fritz, you might be the only one of us to give him that win!"

Shadow narrowed his eyes as he pressed back, digging his heels into the ground. "The hell I will."

"Oh really? The only way we know for sure is with proof!"

"He isn't my problem. I'm not fighting-"

"And have Silver have that over you? Come onnnn."

Silver would've been more offended if he'd been more awake, but as it was, only a hint of irritation settled within. "You're not exactly whispering, you know," he stated through a yawn.

Sonic chuckled and said, "It's just to rile Shad up, honest!"

"Yeah, yeah," Silver muttered while Shadow scowled, the two speedsters at a stalemate in the middle of the field.

"Alright, alright. I think that's enough." Nezu clapped his paws before hopping down off of All Might's shoulders. "I believe we can call this a tie for now!" Sonic and Shadow glanced at him, hesitating, and Silver thought that they were going to keep going until they both pulled back.

Sonic continued to grin as he rolled his shoulders, walking over to the sidelines. "Not everyday that I can call it a tie with you, huh Shad? Usually ends up with you wavin' the white flag!"

Shadow cut him a dry look. "I think you're forgetting it's the other way around." There was a subtle glow from his quills, and the bruises he'd obtained were slowly but surely disappearing. "Don't act all haughty just because we're here."

Sonic loudly gasped, placing a hand on his chest. "I would never!" His smirk returned. "Because everyone knows it's not just an act, big bro."

Shadow's eye twitched.

Nezu smiled as they stopped in front of the group. "Ah, you three are very lucky to have each other! Not everyone has the luxury of always having close family to train with, to get stronger together."

"Yep!" Sonic chirped before pulling Silver closer to him, throwing an arm over his and Shadow's shoulders. "Closer than peas in a pod! Right, guys?"

"Uh huh," Silver agreed because this was just a show for Power Loader, who didn't know the full truth yet, while Shadow elbowed Sonic in one of his bruises.

Sonic yelped, withdrawing his arms, and All Might along with Power Loader laughed. "Siblings, am I right?" the latter said before adding, "So, I know the inhibitors aren't what you're used to, but are you sure you're fine with them the way they are?"

"Yes." Shadow placed a hand on Sonic's - who was pouting - shoulder. A few seconds later, bruises underneath blue fur faded as well, looking like they had never been there at all. Shadow lowered his hand and said, "The bands work fine at a low output. That's all I need for now."

Power Loader looked him over, his gaze lingering on the inhibitors. "Well...if you're happy, then I'm happy. You know where to come find me if you change your mind, though."

Shadow nodded. "I do. Thank you for the help."

Power Loader waved him off. "It's no big deal. Part of the job! I want to help any upcoming hero in need." He then turned to the detective. "Hopefully this lowers the concern of property damage. Shadow's quirk is pretty strong, so I'm not surprised you wanted to see it back under control."

Tsukauchi smiled, going along with the little white lie. Well, it wasn't necessarily a lie, just not the whole truth. "I really appreciate your work as well. Now I can go back to tell the office that there's one less quirk to worry about."

"It's probably a big load off your shoulders." Power Loader commented before taking a step back, jabbing a thumb over his shoulder. "Well, I should get going. Haven't even started on my lesson plans today. Plus, I need to get back to the lab before Hatsume does."

Silver was reminded what time it was and asked, "Does she really get here this early?"

Power Loader nodded. "That girl is a real go-getter, I tell you!" He turned and began walking away, holding a hand up in a wave. "I'll see you all later!"

Sonic waved back. "What a nice guy, huh?" he told the others while watching the support course teacher shuffle across the field. "Great personality, very quick on the draw - which I appreciate, really talented, his clothing style is questionable but who am I to judge and-" Once he believed Power Loader was out of earshot, Sonic clapped his hands and focused on the group. "Alright, so are we good with the plan now? We are, right?"

The atmosphere around them shifted a bit, becoming more serious. Nezu linked his paws behind his back. "It depends." He looked over at Shadow. "How comfortable are you with fighting if the situation calls for it?"

"Very," Shadow answered with no hesitation. The plan wasn't going to officially begin until later on in the day, so he had plenty of time to get a good grip on what he could and shouldn't do.

Sonic chuckled. "I mean, he's not gonna be really needed anyway. Metal's going to be a piece of cake for me, so he's just gonna be bored the whole time."

Nezu hummed. "That may be so, but there's also the chance of more villains tagging along. Since the location will be publicized, the League could get there easily because of the Warp Villain."

"And we want to make sure your teleportation is reliable if too many come at once," Aizawa added with his no nonsense tone. "There's little room for error here."

Shadow crossed his arms. "I've worked with less. Once the time comes, I'll be ready." This was nothing but child's play compared to what he had dealt with in the past.

"Such confidence!" All Might praised, his smile bright and wide. "Very becoming of a hero!"

Shadow didn't say anything to that, and Silver decided to speak up, "So, am I going to still be stationed in the city? No changes with that, right?"

"Right," Tsukauchi answered, adjusting his hat. "You're needed here just in case Metal Sonic decides to go off course. We have no idea how the League will react with the declaration, and if for some reason Metal comes for civilians, you need to be ready."

"Gotcha." Silver wasn't opposed to it even though he knew that Metal was going to rush straight for Sonic. That robot was worse than Shadow when pride was at stake. Hopefully he still kept that side of him after the memory loss…

All Might put his massive hands in his hips. "And of course, we heroes will be vigilant as well! I will make sure to tip the others off that there might be suspicious activity of the League. We'll deal with anyone who decides to threaten us!"

"We hope that won't come to pass, but it's better to be fully prepared." Nezu smiled once more before continuing, "Now, about the location…"

Sonic perked up at that. The teachers had kept the location a secret until now. He could only guess it was because they had been still thinking about a good site for the showdown.

Nezu gestured over at the school. "It's a facility connected to UA, actually. It's called the Unforeseen Simulation Joint, or simply, the USJ."

Sonic blinked in surprise, having heard that name before. "The USJ?"

Silver noticed his off tone. "You know what that is?"

"I think so…" Sonic thought on it before snapping his fingers when it came to him. "Yeah! Shinso told me what it was during the Sports festival, I think. Not much, though." He pointed around Aizawa. "It's a place where you and 1-A ran into some bad guys, right? That's why you were all mummified when I met you?"

"Mummified…?" Silver repeated slowly. He didn't remember Aizawa being like that. It must've been before he met him.

Sonic nodded with a grin. "Totally. Right out of the tomb."

Aizawa sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets. "You're right, it's the same place. The facility is a few miles away and is dedicated to rescue training, having multiple environments inside scattered in sections. Cameras have been placed inside as well, so some of us will be watching what happens just in case we need to step in."

"Ooo, an audience?" Sonic had already been excited for this, but now he seriously couldn't wait. The USJ sounds cool and fun, and he got to show off - again - for spectators. Sure, it wasn't going to be broadcasted for all to see, but still.

Silver was a bit jealous that he wouldn't be there, but he could always just ask to visit the place later. Aizawa wouldn't say no...most likely.

"Am I allowed to go there now?" Shadow asked. The USJ sounded like the best place to hone his new limits, at least for now. He could also get a feel for the facility. It seemed large from the description, and it was best to exploit it as much as possible if need be.

"Of course!" Nezu chirped. "We can transport you there. You're not necessarily bound to the school anymore, now that your quirk is stable. Would you like Silver to go with you, just in case anything goes awry?"

"He doesn't need to-"

"But can I anyway?" Silver interrupted Shadow, receiving a sharp stare in response. Silver smiled apologetically and said, "I want to check out the facility! It sounds fun."

Aizawa gave him a level glance. "It's a facility for future heroes to hone their skills and gain experience. It's not a playground. It's not supposed to be fun."

"But it sounds like it…" Silver muttered under his breath, and Sonic stifled a chuckle.

"Lighten up, Aizawa!" All Might interjected, patting the teacher heavily in his back. "Let him go! I'm sure you won't miss his TA help that much!"

Aizawa sighed, long and heavy like he didn't have nearly enough energy to argue. "Fine. I don't care."

Silver smiled in excitement, and Sonic decided to take the risk. "So, can I play hooky and go too-"

"No."

"It was worth a shot."


"Where's your fucking brother, Roadkill?"

"Wow, that's an interesting way to greet a friend. I think you can do better though, Dandy. Wanna try that again?"

Midoriya paused in packing his things to peer over his shoulder, seeing Bakugo by Sonic's desk. Kacchan was scowling down at Sonic, who was giving him a cheeky smile in return while he shrugged on his bookbag.

"Well…?" Sonic prompted, tapping his foot, and Midoriya still wasn't used to people talking back to Kacchan like that. So easily, too. Now that Midoriya knew of Shadow's existence though, Sonic being like this wasn't such a surprise. Then again, Kacchan had been easier to rile up lately...

Bakugo's fingers curled at his sides. "Just answer the damn question," he ground out in a near hiss.

Sonic smirked, not intimidated in the slightest. "I would draw this out and tease ya more, but I got stuff to do. You're talkin' about Shadow, right?" He waved the blonde off. "He's out trainin' somewhere with Silver. I did ask him to fight you, y'know. But he said that you weren't worth his time. Crazy, right?"

"What?!" Bakugo all but screeched, halting any conversations going on in the room. "I'm not worth his - what the fuck."

"Maybe if you convince him good enough, he'll give in!" Sonic said with a snicker. "Try to do that the next time you see him!" He gave Bakugo a sloppy two-fingered salute before walking towards the front of the room where Aizawa was waiting, saying bye to others as he passed by.

Sonic met with Aizawa, and the pair left without another word as popping filled the air, courtesy of Bakugo's smoking palms. He was still standing by Sonic's desk; Todoroki had long since moved away from the area.

"C'mon, man." Kirishima was the one to approach the fuming blonde, tugging a bit on his sleeve. "Let's go before you blow up the room and everyone in it." Bakugo didn't move, and Kirishima glanced back at Kaminari, Sero, and Ashido for help. They simultaneously shrugged. Kirishima furrowed his brow before saying, "Uhh...want to go to the arcade? You could blow off some steam-"

It was then that Kacchan turned on his heel and stomped out of class, glaring murder at anyone in his path of destruction. Kirishima blinked before running after him, calling over his shoulder, "Anyone can come with if they want!"

"I'm in!" Ashido chirped, quickly following them.

Kaminari was hurrying to pack as well. "Ditto! I wanna see how many high scores he gets!"

Sero scoffed, "I want to see how many machines he breaks until he's kicked out," before leaving after those two.

No one else volunteered. Midoriya assumed it was because of safety concerns.

"Wow." Uraraka approached his desk along with Iida. She was still looking at the door they went out of. "Bakugo really doesn't like the Hedgehogs, huh?"

Midoriya carefully donned his backpack, not wanting the straps to rub his healing burns too much. "Well, I wouldn't say that he doesn't like them…" Both Uraraka and Iida threw him incredulous looks. He scrambled to explain himself. "I mean, Kacchan hates losing and probably sees them as tough rivals. So...the frustration comes from there. And it doesn't help that Sonic likes to tease him…"

Iida nodded, tapping his chin. "That, and it seems like Shadow looks down at him in a way. At least, from what we just heard. It's clear that Bakugo doesn't like being the victim of his own way of thinking."

Uraraka began leading them out of the classroom. She hummed in thought. "So, he can dish it out, but can't take it? Maybe he needs this reality check, because he isn't the most…tolerant person I know."

"Among other things…" Iida added on as they merged with other congregating students in the hall.

Midoriya thought about that for a moment, biting his lip. "I can...kinda understand why Kacchan is acting like this, at least now, anyway." His friends focused on him, curious, and he held his back straps a little tighter. "Sonic and his brothers really did come out of the blue, and they're so strong. If you're used to winning, then-"

"It would make sense that those big losses would anger you." Iida finished his thought, nodding. "But still, one should learn from the experience!"

"Granted," Uraraka giggled. "I understand if Bakugo's actually angry at Shadow. He did pin him to the floor."

Iida frowned. "Which is also not tolerable behavior."

"At least Shadow warned him."

"Still intolerable!"

Midoriya listened to their conversation, commenting here and there, but as their topics drifted, his mind remained stagnant. The power of their new friends were just...incredible. He knew that he should stop comparing them to himself, but Silver was a year younger than him with that much skill, while he…

Midoriya had to shake his head to oust those deprecating thoughts. No, he wasn't going to let that gap get to him. He was going to train, and he was going to get better at managing One for All. He had to.

Lifting a hand, Midoriya traced the faint scar on his cheek. He had to get stronger, because he couldn't keep losing to villains. He refused to. He refused to have All Might regret picking him as a successor, especially after learning about All for One a couple days ago...

He sighed a little louder than planned, and Uraraka tilted her head at him. She was a little closer because of how packed the city's sidewalks were, and Midoriya fought down a blush. "Huh? Are you okay, Deku? You've been quiet for a while now."

Iida, on the other side of her, leaned forward to look him in the eye. "Is something in your mind?"

Midoriya shook his head a little too quickly, not able to talk about One for All/All for One stuff and not wanting to bring down the mood by mentioning Metal Sonic. "Nothing really! Just...thinking about how soon I should start studying for finals."

Iida nodded, seemingly accepting that answer, but Uraraka pursed her lips. She opened her mouth to ask something - while Midoriya wished he was a better liar - but then Iida's voice grabbed their attention.

"Hold on, is that Sonic?"

Appreciating the distraction, Midoriya scanned through the crowd of moving bodies, unable to spot any blue quills anywhere. "Where?"

Iida pointed at a nearby building. "On the screen there!"

"The screen?" Midoriya and Uraraka chorused, following Iida's finger to a television shop that has a flat screen propped up in a large window. There was a small group of people watching, but Midoriya could catch a glimpse of that familiar confident grin. "Why is he…?" he asked before jogging over to the store, his friends on his heels.

When the trio got closer enough, Sonic's face was fully in view, soaking in the attention as what seemed like a news reporter spoke into a microphone. "-can't believe that you would make such a bold statement! Challenging the League of Villains like that!"

"Challenging...what?" Uraraka whispered in shock while Midoriya's mind spun.

Eager for answers, he turned to the nearest civilian - an older woman - and hastily asked, "Do you know what's going on, ma'am? What are they talking about?"

"Hm?" The woman shifted her attention to him and recognition instantly shone in her eyes. "Oh! You're a U.A. student, aren't you?" She pointed to the screen. "And his classmate, if I remember correctly?" Midoriya nodded, curiosity and concern tangling into a massive knot inside of him. The woman continued, "Well, you're about to be surprised, because he just said that he would fight and win against that robot who terrorized the city the other day! His confidence is outstanding, but-"

And that was when her words muddled into the back of Midoriya's mind, eyes widening as he refocused on the news. Sonic...said that? He was taunting the villains, on live tv?!

He looked around Sonic for any sign of Aizawa because they had left together, but there was no one but his classmate in what seemed to be a street near UA. No one to stop him from agitating the League even more. Why was he doing this?

Iida was staring intently at the screen, jaw tight. "He has always shown ample courage, but this…"

"Is he trying to lure them out?" Uraraka spoke around the hand over her mouth, tone filled with disbelief. "But he saw what happened at Hosu! And at the station!"

Midoriya was shocked speechless, unable to respond as Sonic's voice filled the air.

"-not scared of them! I can beat that robot of theirs any place, any time!" Sonic put a hand on his hip. "Yeah, that bucket of bolts is fast, but I'm faster! If I went up against it, the fight would be over in a heartbeat!"

The crowd watching burst with incredulous whispers as the newscaster blinked in surprise. "Oh? You're that sure of your skills? You are still a student at U.A., and you do realize that robot's track record?" she asked.

Sonic scoffed. "Yeah I do, and that's why I wanna take it down! Looks too much like me, y'know? Imitation is the best form of flattery, but I can't let it ruin my image. No way!"

The news woman still seemed unsure. "But what about the rest of the League of Villains?"

"What about 'em?" Sonic linked his hands behind his head. "Without that robot, they'd fall apart in a day." A smirk grew on his face, and a bad feeling settled in Midoriya's gut. "You know what? Let's make that day today!" He fully faced the camera, eyes shining with excitement. "Hey, you rusty tin can, if you're watching this, I'm ready to showdown whenever you are. The better hedgehog will come out on top! Whatdya say? I'll be a few miles north of here training alone at the USJ if you wanna meet up! I'm always down for some recycling!"

"The USJ?" Uraraka repeated, voice somewhat shaky. "He's...He's really doing this?"

"Yeah…" Midoriya breathed out as he thickly swallowed. "He is." Despite the danger, despite the uncertainty, and despite potentially putting himself in danger along with breaking the law like in Hosu, Sonic was planning on doing this if no one stopped him.

Wait.

Midoriya frowned, a thought coming to him. Hearing this, someone was definitely going to stop Sonic from going, or at least make it so that the fight wouldn't happen. Sonic had to know that too, though. He had to know that he wouldn't go far into this plan at all, and plus, why would he jeopardize himself and UA like this? Knowing that this wasn't allowed?

Unless…

Midoriya gasped when the answer came to him. "It's a trap." Uraraka and Iida sharply looked at him, and he shuffled closer to them, lowering his voice. "Or...at least I think so. Sonic is a risk-taker, but there are so many obstacles that could get in the way if-"

"-he doesn't have help." Iida quickly caught on. He visibly relaxed along with Uraraka, but the concern was still there. "That makes more sense. Him doing this without guidance would be nothing but recklessness."

"So…" Uraraka took a deep breath to calm herself. "So you're saying that maybe some teachers are behind this? Like Aizawa?"

Midoriya could see it. "It's possible…" Along with All Might. He hadn't seen him around at all today. "Silver and Shadow could be part of it too. Sonic said that they were training, but he could've been lying about it."

"But why to us, though?" Uraraka placed a hand on her chest, going back to watching the news woman gush about how brave Sonic was. Sonic was still there, winking at the camera. "I almost had a heart attack!"

Midoriya didn't know how to answer that. His knee-jerk response was that Sonic kept it secret to reduce the chances of it getting out, but if their class had found out about the plan, nothing would've changed. So, was he hiding something else?

Iida adjusted his glasses, his frown not letting up. "Well, whatever has been planned, I hope it all goes accordingly. That robot...is a menace."

"Understatement of the century," Midoriya softly uttered, being reminded of the violence and bloodshed. Of that piercing red gaze.

The bad feeling in his gut hadn't gone away.


Across the city, Silver was watching the same channel from afar while biting into a chocolate bar he snagged from a vending machine. After paying for it, of course.

"Yeah," Silver muttered as a group across the street began talking about Sonic's declaration, the news cast having ended. He was standing away from the confused and surprised audience to avoid questions he couldn't answer. "If that doesn't get Metal's attention, nothing will."

Hopefully either Metal or someone in the League had seen the invitation. It was more than enough to get that robot riled up, so he should eventually make his way to the USJ. If the villains didn't somehow restrain him. Silver doubted that was the case, though.

On the off chance no one took the bait, nothing was lost. Well, UA might have some questions to answer, but Nezu said that he would handle that.

Silver finished off his candy, already missing the facility he left Shadow in. Aizawa's words hadn't done it justice. That place was amazing with windy, rainy, and even fiery conditions to practice in. This dimension was filled to the brim with surprises.

"Young Silver?"

Silver dug into a pocket with his free hand, palming a small communicator. He held it up to his mouth and pressed the button on its side. "I'm here," he answered All Might, recognizing the booming voice. "Time to get serious?"

There was a laugh on the other side. "As sharp as ever! Villains can make a move on the city at any time now. Stay vigilant!"

"Roger!" Silver said as he turned away from the screen and the chatting public. He chucked his wrapper into an empty trash can before slipping into a nearby alleyway. "I'll keep a bird's eye on everything."

"Good!" Silver kept walking until he was deep within the shadows, out of sight of any curious eyes. He gazed up at the tall skyscrapers bordering the alley. "Just remember - report any suspicious activity you may see, but only target Metal if he shows up. Leave any other villains to the pros, alright?"

Silver almost said, "How are we supposed to forget when you keep reminding us?" but he shoved those words down as he wrapped himself in his powers and shot up the side of the building, hoping the people inside were too busy to notice a white blur outside their windows.

He cleared about twenty stories in a handful of seconds, landing in a crouch on the edge of the building. Many busy blocks of Musutafu were laid out in front of him, light from the lowering sun reflecting off of bustling buildings and honking cars. No one could see him this high up unless they knew he was up here.

Wind rustling his quills, Silver answered over the breeze, "Yeah, yeah, Metal's all mine if he shows up here." The chances were slim, but they had to be ready for anything. "I got a pretty good view. I'll let you know if I spot something!"

"Same goes for me! Stay in touch!"

The connection cut, and Silver lowered the device he had gotten a mere hour ago. The mission had officially started.

He really hoped they had Metal's head in a silver platter by the end of today.


In another city, Dabi stared at the phone in his hand, taking a leisurely sip of soda. He saw the UA student's cocky grin, heard the smug tone as he talked shit about the League's new toy, and felt, well. Surprised wasn't the word. He probably would've felt surprised if he cared more, but this wasn't his problem.

It was the League's, as well as that old man's.

If that robot was destroyed, so was that doctor, simple as that. A person without any use to him became a smothering pile of ash.

Dabi hummed before dropping his phone back into his pocket, taking another sip and going on his merry way.


Noise filled the train once a commercial aired, and Eggman had to take a deep breath to restrain himself from pulling at his mustache. His hand gripping the pole tightened, keeping himself steady as the train chugged on, as cheerful and worried voices rang in his ears.

Eggman gritted his teeth because he could never catch a break. He had been so close to being done with the solution - hopefully - to this issue, and that blue rat had to throw a wrench in his plans. Like he always did without fail. Sonic probably hadn't realized that Eggman was even here in this dimension, and yet, fate let that menace ruin his day anyway.

And this time, Eggman knew that his life was at stake.

So, he mentally urged the conductor to drive the train faster, for Metal to show some sort of restraint until he returned to his temporary apartment. He knew the robot had a sore spot whenever that rodent was mentioned, but maybe those villains had him restrained and locked somewhere.

Wishful thinking, he knew.

Because even if Metal was, he'd escape in a heartbeat.


Elsewhere in a tucked away bar, surprised shouts rang out as a window exploded, glass shards raining down on concrete.

Metal didn't look back as he took to the skies.


"Wow...now this is what you call a simulation joint!"

Sonic lowly whistled as he stepped inside the USJ, walking forward until he reached steps leading down to the center of the massive facility. He looked around, seeing a giant mountain to the side, ruins of buildings to the left getting pelted by rain, a sizable lake to the right - he was going to have to avoid that, and was that fire over there? Heroes in training definitely had it made.

He zipped down the stairs and stood in the central plaza, spinning around to take in the huge scale of everything. There was more than enough room here to tussle with Metal, whenever that tin can decided to show up. It should be soon, because he knew that Metal wouldn't pass up an opportunity like this.

If he had been watching, of course. Sonic was sure he had. Pretty sure. Like, ninety-five percent.

"I'm assuming it's time?"

There was a sudden presence at his side, and Sonic glanced over to find Shadow...who was soaking wet. Sonic eyed him. "Yeah, and uh, were you trainin' in the rain or something?"

Shadow didn't respond, crossing his arms. Water dripped from his fur.

Sonic took that silence as a no and glanced over at the lake. He stared before smirking back at Shadow. "Or, did you try to Chaos Control over to me only to end up plunging into that water over there?"

There was still silence, but the slight narrowing of eyes was all the answer he needed.

Sonic burst out laughing, and Shadow debated throwing him into the lake himself. He sent Sonic a brief glare that did nothing to smother the laughter before ignoring it altogether, saying, "The best place to fight would either be here or the ruins zone. I doubt you would want the handicap of slippery slopes, heated temperatures, and - would you stop, dammit?"

"Oh man…" Sonic wiped away a tear, getting himself under control. "Yeah, sorry sorry, what were you sayin'?" Shadow's glare was harsher, and, yet again, Sonic wasn't affected. "Something about the ruins, right?" His grin continued to split his face in half as he spotted the leaning and dilapidated buildings. It would be good for sneak attacks and finding things to whack Metal over the head with. Not that he really needed any. "Let me have a little look-see!"

He took a step forward, and the sound of glass shattering was the only warning he got.

Luckily, that's all he needed.

Sonic whirled his head around, saw intense red eyes and claws reaching to shred, and zipped to the side before any contact was made. Metal rushed past him, and the resulting wind whipped his quills and rustled his shirt. Sonic watched with increasing adrenaline as the bot turned around midair after the miss was processed, lowering himself to the ground. Those glowing eyes never left Sonic's.

A grin pulled at Sonic's lips as he took in Metal's less than pristine condition, identical to when he had attacked the train station. Sonic pushed the memory of that away as he said, "Well, well! Long time no see!" Metal continued to silently stare, not even paying attention to Shadow, who had sidestepped out of the way as well. Sonic scoffed. "C'mon, giving me the silent treatment? You do know who I am, right? Or are there a few screws loose in that head of yours - ack!"

Sonic had the wind knocked out of him when a body collided with his, sending him crashing to the concrete ground. The only reason he wasn't currently fighting against the assailant was because it had fur and definitely didn't have cold metallic parts. "Wha - Shadow?" he sputtered out just as another set of clawed hands swiped where he had been standing.

Familiar chaotic energy surrounded him, and he was suddenly a greater distance away from where Metal stood.

Shadow was off of him at this point, crouching with a deep frown on his face, brows deeply furrowed. Sonic couldn't blame him. Confusion was running through his veins as well because he was seeing double. Two sets of red eyes, two sets of curled claws.

Two Metal Sonics were in front of them right now, one standing and one floating. Both seemed ready to strike at any moment.

The pros had said that more villains might come along as backup, but Sonic had a tiny feeling that this wasn't what they had in mind.


"Metal Sonic is at the USJ."

"Seriously? Yes! Step two of the plan is complete! Now it's up to Sonic and Shadow to deal with him. Are there any signs of the rest of the League there? Shigaraki? The Warp Villain? Anyone?"

"No, it's just…"

"...Aizawa?"

Silence.

"Aizawa, are you-"

"There's two of them."

"What?! What do you mean?"

"What you think it means. Another Metal Sonic showed up, and I don't know-"

"Um, sorry to interrupt…"

"What is it, Young Silver?"

Silver stood completely still on top of his perch, staring off in the distance at something. Something that was blue, flying, and heading right for the city at a speed only comparable to a handful of people he knew. Silver gasped like a fish out of water before muttering into the communicator:

"You might want to make that three."


Another setup-y chapter, kinda, but at least you know some action is coming up! So, three Metals, huh? Wonder what that's all about…

Question answers:

Sonic the Dog- Oh, Nighteye would have a lot of trouble dodging Sonic's attacks. Yeah, he can predict the future, but it's no good if he can't be able to react fast enough to Sonic's speed

Mattew Cruz- Sonic, Shadow, Silver, Metal, and Eggman are the only Sonic characters, and no, I don't think I'm giving them weapons

Gokuu the Carrot- I loved the Sonic movie, and right now…I would say that Todoroki is my favorite character. Bakugo is a very close second though

Oh, and I just wanna say that it feels great being a Sonic and MHA fan right now. Like, the Sonic movie was awesome, and season 4 of MHA was amazing along with Heroes Rising. And then season 5 was confirmed…seriously can't wait.