The tip of the needle dug into Kiyoshi's arm. But as it did, a barrier of white bone appeared. Immediately upon making an impact, the needle chipped in half. At the same time, an explosion erupted from Bakugo's palms. A cloud of smoke blew in my face as everything around me turned gray. I stuffed the syringe into my sweatshirt pocket, and I felt someone's hands shove me out of the smokescreen. As the air cleared, I saw that Kiyoshi was standing over Bakugo who was lying down on the cement. He was hunched over clutching his stomach gasping for air.

"I thought I told you to stop," Kiyoshi said. His right arm was covered in bone. It looked ragged and sharp covering his entire fist up to his elbow.

"Fuck...you, old man..." the blonde rasped.

His shoe goes flying into his right lower abdomen. Then turning to look at me, I stiffened. The expression he wore sent chills down my spine. He was angry; very angry. Yet, he still wore a calm look on his face. It was unsettling.

"Why didn't you do it?" he asked, walking over. On his right arm, I can see a small blotch of orange liquid trickling off.

"Leave us alone," I pathetically demanded. I gave him a long, hard, glare. Seeing my disapproval, the corner of his lip curled up.

"You look like your father when you give me that expression. I guess you're Ryu's kid after all," he reminisced. "Don't worry, I'll let your little friend go. But under one condition..."

I didn't think it was possible, but his presence intensified. I began to break into a sweat and my throat went dry. Nevertheless, I did my best to plaster on a stoic face.

"You have to come with me."

This guy is using the oldest trick in the book. He's using the same tactic the villain did back at the festival; he's promising that he'll let Bakugo go if I go with him. It's so cliche but it works too well. I know that the minute I go with him, the minute he's going to grab Bakugo and haul us away.

My eyes darted over to Bakugo who was still on the ground. He was in pain. Just a few minutes earlier, I would've felt happy if I saw him like that. But now... It doesn't matter how I feel about him right now; I need to get the two of us away. But how?

A couple of feet away from Bakugo was the figure of my phone. The screen was off. It must've shut off while Bakugo and I had our fight. If I turn it on then my messages with Todoroki will automatically pop up on the screen.

【 ᴅɪᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇᴇᴛ ᴜᴘ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜ? ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ? 】

My phone has an emergency option. After the festival, Hiro suggested buying a phone with one since I get caught up in so many villain attacks. All I have to do it press the icon near Todoroki's name and it'll send him an emergency text with my current location. It'll be quicker than calling the police.

Can I do it in time, though? This Kiyoshi guy is fast. I could reach the phone first, but there's no way I was going to be able to send the emergency text in time. I could try evading his attacks for a bit but I don't know how long I'll last either.

Although Bakugo was hunched over covered in sweat, I could tell he was infuriated. He wanted to fight back. He was inching his way toward my phone possibly having the same idea of calling for help. There was smoke practically rising out of his ears...and his hands. The image of the blonde zooming toward me with his blasts replayed in my head.

I'm going to need Bakugo's help if we're going to get help in time. He's gonna have to be the one to send the text. I need a chance to tell him, somehow...

My heart pounded as I looked back at Kiyoshi.

"...Okay. I'll come with you," I said to him. "Just... Don't do anything to him."

I eyed Bakugo. I could see that the smoke around his palms was accumulating.

"Of course," Kiyoshi agreed. He reached over to grab me when I tried to punch him. He easily swiped my hand away.

"What do you think you're doing?" he said in a low voice.

I kicked him in the crotch as hard as I could. Letting out a grunt, he gripped my arm as I struggled to escape. I stepped on his shoe.

"I wanted this to be easy, but I guess that's out of the picture," he growled. The grip on my arm got tighter. It hurt.

Glancing over to Bakugo, I saw that he was getting up now.

"Send the emergency text!" I exclaimed.

On cue, his body goes surging forward with a blast. Meanwhile, I jerked my body back. I reached into my pocket and slammed it into the cement now that I was close enough. Turning back, I threw the broken remains of the syringe into Kiyoshi's face. Glass shards grazed his face. His eyes were filled with anger. His strong arms shoved me away. He began to make his way over to Bakugo.

Luckily I didn't set up a password yet or else this whole plan would've been toast from the start. Easily unlocking my phone, Bakugo hurriedly searched for the emergency icon. Kiyoshi sprinted over to him. I knew that there was no way I was going to be able to catch up in time but nevertheless, I ran.

"You damn brats," Kiyoshi rasped as he reached Bakugo. He was about to hit him when I clenched my fist. His fist zips up over his head. Jumping up, I wrapped my hands over his arm and pulled him. He stumbled back. Hopefully, that split distraction gave time for Bakugo to send the text.

"Did you get it-"

I felt Kiyoshi's elbow slam into my gut. The air was knocked out of me making me let go of his arm. Kiyoshi stole the phone from Bakugo's fingertips and threw it on the cement. He crushed it with his foot. My heart sunk.

Oh no.

Then grabbing Bakugo, he effortlessly lifted him off the ground. He threw him against the wall. His fingers wrapped around my hoodie pulling me up to my feet.

"And just like your father, you're a troublemaker too," he hissed, as I tried to pry him off. "No one's coming to save you now so there's no use in struggling. It'll only make things worse."

He punched me in the gut again but with his bone arm. Upon making an impact, it felt like my lungs collapsed. It hurt so much. I began to cough uncontrollably. Not to mention, my head was pounding like crazy. I wanted to throw up. My limbs were limp and felt like fire.

"Are...you sure about that?" I heard Bakugo rasp.

He turned to him. Bakugo was sitting against the wall. He looked like crap, but there was a grin plastered on his face.

"B-Bakugo... You..." I started.

Kiyoshi marched over to him. He was infuriated. My heart began to pounder even faster upon seeing that he was going to hit Bakugo again...for the last time.

"I was going to take you with me alive but I doubt you'll cooperate. It'll be such a waste though. Your quirk is amazing," Kiyoshi said stopping in front of the blonde. He cracked his knuckles. "It'll have to do. We'll just turn you into a mindless beast."

"No... Stop..." I weakly begged, breaking into a sprint.

Bakugo's crimson eyes peered over to me. The look he gave me sent chills running down my back. It was already bad seeing it on Dad's face, but seeing it on his face made it even worse. I made my blood run cold. It was horrible.

No more. Please.

"Goodbye, kid," Kiyoshi said. He raised his fist at Bakugo's face.

Stop.

The tingling in my fingers exploded. I felt a surge of energy zap out them. Kiyoshi's body flew back, slamming against the ground. The collision was so strong that his body created a dent in the cement.

Immediately, I lost balance and collapsed. My entire body was on fire. I couldn't move anymore. I watched as Kiyoshi staggered up from the ground and approached me. I felt fingers wrap around my throat, and I was lifted off the ground.

"What an extraordinary quirk. To think that you're able to use that move at your age..." he said. A threatening smile appeared on his face. "You might grow up to be even stronger than her."

I struggled for air as the world began to spin. It was getting darker and colder. My throat was ready to burst open. Tears stung my eyes.

I guess this is it. I'm going to die. At least I saved him. I saved someone.

Just as my eyes were about to close, Kiyoshi's fingers let go of my throat. I dropped down gasping for air. My vision was blocked by tears. Even with blurry eyes, I knew who saved me.

"My old friend. It's so great to see you," Kiyoshi grimaced.

Peering up from the floor, I saw two figures standing in front of Kiyoshi. Their violet eyes glowed in the darkness. There was a woman wearing all-black. She wore a mask over her nose and mouth. Besides her was a solemn man with graying, brown hair. In his hands was a bat.

"Get the fuck away from my daughter," Dad spoke.

The last thing I saw before fainting was Dad's bat smashing into Kiyoshi's face.

»»—- —-««

The edge of the bat dripped with crimson liquid, but that wasn't the only thing dripping. Blood trickled down Kiyoshi's nose. He watched as it splattered onto the gray cement.

He could've easily dodged that but he was too enthralled by the infuriated eyes his old friend gave him. They looked the same as they did thirty years ago. It really brought Kiyoshi back to the old days when the two of them owned the streets.

It was a wonderful time.

"Wow. It seems like you can still pack a hit with that old bat. I can't believe you kept it after all these years," Kiyoshi remarked, unaffected by the hit.

Meanwhile, Ryusaki tightened his grip on the metal handle. He inspected the harsh lines and dents created through many fights and battles. He can recall the blunt sound it made when it bashed his opponent's skull to the ground. He can smell the metallic scent of blood that often times stained his bat.

That's right. The bat was his number one choice of weapon, wasn't it? He wasn't sure why he kept this old thing when he left Venom's Bane. He couldn't find it in himself to toss it, so it's degraded to an emergency weapon if a burglar should ever try to get their grimy fingers on his hard-earned luxuries.

"What are you doing here? Didn't I say to stay away from me?" Ryusaki coldly said to his old companion.

"You really have changed, haven't you, Ryu? Your manner of speech is much more formal. But why the frown?" Kiyoshi casually said, reaching into his blazer. Immediately seeing so, the two of them went on guard. They would've attacked if Kiyoshi hadn't pulled out the handkerchief in time.

"Calm yourselves. There is no need for violence," he remarked. He dabbed the blood off his nose. Ryusaki scoffed at him.

"Violence? Then what the hell do you call this shitshow?"

Ah, yes. He must be referring to the blonde boy and his daughter. Well, it wasn't his fault he had to hurt them. They retaliated so he had to discipline them.

They didn't seem to accept his answer and his friend went to hit him again. This time, Kiyoshi dodged it. He went in for his gut when his hand gets pulled back. He felt the metal bat smack his face. He was prepared this time, though. He resisted the impact by creating a layer of bone on his cheek. As he did, Corvade sends her baton flying down at him. Lifting his right arm up, he blocked it with his arm. Corvade's padded knee propels up at his chin. Before impact, Kiyoshi gracefully jumps back.

"Ha? You running away, Kiyoshi?!" Ryusaki exclaims, running to attack.

He misses as Kiyoshi dodges. He elbows him in the back, but his figure disappears. A nail flew midair where he was at. Zipping around, Kiyoshi blocks Ryusaki's blow with both of his arms. He can feel his entire body vibrate upon impact. Ryusaki may have been old, but he could still fight. But so could Kiyoshi.

With the swipe of his left leg, he kneed Ryusaki in the stomach. The wind was knocked out of him as he fell back. Kiyoshi didn't have time to rest because Corvade swings her baton at his neck. Leaning back, Kiyoshi barely dodges it as the wind grazes his nose. He immediately evades Ryusaki's next attack by stepping back. Lifting his armored arm, he lunges it toward him only for it to be pulled back again. Now that he was fully open in the front and in the back, he took it as a wise choice to jump away. He felt the potential force of impact that could've hit him with just the look imprinted in both of their eyes.

"This isn't how you treat an old friend," Kiyoshi calmly said.

"Shut the fuck up."

Kiyoshi chuckled.

"It seems like you still retained your fiery attitude, Ryu."

"Enough," Corvade demanded. "Get to the point. Why are you here?"

He gazed at the stoic vigilante who stood there with a long baton in her fingers. Her eyes remained the same purple hue it had always been but the gleam in them was different. The innocence and warmth that had always filled her eyes were gone. They looked cold and distant; the gaze she gave him could cut steel.

Kiyoshi sighed.

"Very well then. I shall tell you since Asuka-chan asked."

For a split second, her steely composure wavered. If anyone else were there, they wouldn't have noticed anything. However, Kiyoshi and Ryusaki could both tell.

Kiyoshi glanced at the blonde-haired boy who was leaning against the wall. The lights in his eyes had gone dull. He must've fallen unconscious at some point. It's a shame that Kiyoshi wouldn't be able to take him or the girl away. These two were dead set on protecting them. Not to mention, the police were likely well on their way.

However, he still had time.

"I came here to ask you a favor, Ryu," Kiyoshi started. "I was wondering if you wanted to team up again. You know, like the good old days."

Ryusaki immediately shot him down. "Are you stupid? Didn't I tell you already? I'm never going back."

"I know, I know, but hear me out, would you? I have information about Shimura Nana. The hero who killed your father."

A dark shadow casted on Ryusaki's face. A delighted gleam shimmered in Kiyoshi's gray eyes seeing attention flash in his friend's eyes.

"During your years of absence, I took the time to do research. It was quite hard. There was so little information despite the woman holding such immense strength," he said. "It took nearly thirty years of digging, bloodshed, and infiltrating, but I finally found the source of her power."

Ryusaki was silent. Sensing the hesitation, Kiyoshi continued.

"The quirk...is called One For All. I don't know too much about the fine details, but I know that the quirk has something to do with strength-enhancement; stockpiling power. That is the reason why she was able to defeat someone as powerful as your father. I find it almost baffling that she perished at the hands of a villain."

"She's...dead?" Ryusaki asked.

"Unfortunately. I suppose that means you can't take your revenge on her even if you wanted to, old friend. I can't either. All her family members are dead...or that is what's presumed," he spoke. "I can tell you more about that woman, and the secret of One For All. I'll tell you everything about this twisted world if you want. We can go back to the old days again. Together, we can track down her offspring and finally take revenge. All you have to do is abandon everything and come with me."

Kiyoshi stared at his friend who had gone old with time. He had aged considerably; the slicked back hairstyle he wore back then was now impossible to achieve now. His head was now receding to gray. Deep wrinkles were imprinted on his rough face and dark bags under his eyes.

"I don't care about that woman anymore. I've already decided to never walk down that path after I left Venom's Bane."

"Even after what she's done to your father? She ruined your life," Kiyoshi retorted.

"She didn't ruin it," Ryusaki replied, staring into his eyes. "I did. I was the one who decided to fall into despair. And so did you."

His eyes hardened. It struck a chord, and it showed.

"I know you loved him as a father. He loved you as a son," Corvade spoke. "But what happened cannot be changed. The actions of one cannot be blamed on another just because they share the same blood. What she did has nothing to do with whoever is related. You have to let it go."

Resent on Kiyoshi's face deepened. He was itching to smack that hideous mask off her face. How could she, someone who was actually blood-related to him, not be affected at all? One thing that hasn't changed was the fact that she still retained that graciously annoying hero act of her. It boiled his blood.

The sounds of police sirens began to blare nearby. Red and blue lights illuminated the darkness. Seeing that, it was his cue to leave.

"It doesn't matter. Your minds are made up. It's a shame," Kiyoshi said, shaking his head in disappointment. "But before I leave, I think this information I'm about to give you may make you dwell on my offer for quite a while."

"Enough talk!" Ryusaki cried, charging at him.

He hit him with his metal bat. Kiyoshi blocked it with his bone-covered arm. Then grabbing a fistful of nails from his pocket, Ryusaki threw them in the air. With astonishing speed, he began to zip around the red-clothed man trading places with each nail. As Kiyoshi tried to track him, Corvade joined.

Her sturdy baton hit him right in the gut. He did have to admit, it did hurt. But again, she was practically a hero so of course, she knew how to fight.

"It's over, Kiyoshi!" Ryusaki exclaimed from behind.

Turning behind, Ryusaki prepared himself to land a blow. To his dismay, Kiyoshi throws down a smokescreen. Amidst the smoke, Kiyoshi let out a sigh.

I guess he can't tell his old friend about that anymore. Oh well, it'll make the reveal much more entertaining.

"Goodbye, my old friend," Kiyoshi departed, as his body began to turn into smoke. "The next time we meet will be our last."

And as quickly as he arrived, he disappeared into the night.

Frustration was imprinted on the brunette's face as he slammed his bat on the cement. He was angry that he couldn't give him the good beating he deserved for touching his daughter. And speaking of her...

Dropping his bat, he scurried over to the unconscious teen. Wrapping his arms around her, he inspected Rin for any injuries.

"Damn... That bastard hurt you more than I thought..." he cursed, upon seeing the bruises that were beginning to form on her cheeks.

Meanwhile, Corvade went to check out the blonde boy. He took quite a beating. His hair was a mess. Several purple specks were on him. He was slumped up against the wall with his head hanging low. His palms were stained with cinder. Even so, it looked like he was going to be okay.

Corvade stood up and turned to the disgruntled man who was muttering to himself in distress. Sauntering over to him, she said, "The blonde boy bears injuries, but none of them are fatal. He is fine."

"I don't appreciate being interrupted when guests are over," he remarked. "But I suppose today is an exception. How did you know about this, anyway?"

"I have my ways. Let's just say that I've been trying to track down the leader of Crimson Eclipse for a while," she replied. "I don't remember you calling the police."

"Because I didn't. Rin or that kid must've called."

Clicking her earpiece, she informed Blackjack that she wouldn't be needing his help anymore. As she began to walk off, a nail appeared midair in front. In a flash, Ryusaki landed in front of her blocking her departure.

"You're not even going to inform the police about Kiyoshi?" he asked bitterly.

Nudging him aside, Corvade continued walking down the street.

"There's no need for both the witnesses to relay the information to the authorities. Besides, it's getting late. You wouldn't want your imouto-chan to get mugged, would you?"

Reaching into her black coat, she pulled out a rectangular device. A metal wire spurred out of the end. Latching onto the nearby light post, she launched away leaving the displeased man behind.

»»—- —-««

Why didn't we have dinner at his house instead of mine?

I stared at the metal sign that read Bakugo. Behind the cement fence, was a beautiful home. Huge, glass windows adorned the tan, brick walls. The green shingles contrasted nicely with the muted colors of the siding. It looked way more modern and bigger than my house. From the looks of it, the property was a good size too. His family must get by well.

I grasped the stack of homework in my hands as I stiffly approached the front door.

Why am I the errand girl for the teachers too? Couldn't they have asked Midoriya to deliver the homework?

"Well, now that I think about it..." I mumbled to myself.

Didn't they ask him to do it but because he was busy, he begged me to do it for him instead? Bakugo got hurt more than I did and had to miss school. Meanwhile, Dad only let me skip school for a day. As much as I didn't want to deliver homework to him, I found it a good opportunity to apologize to Bakugo for what happened a few days ago.

Supposedly, I was knocked out cold when the police arrived. Bakugo was too. As expected, both our parents freaked out. Mom said that a boy with white and red hair came along too. He was the one who called for help. One of these days, I really should repay Todoroki back for that.

The police weren't able to track down Kiyoshi. According to my dad, he disappeared.

Wait, Dad never told me how he knew that Bakugo and I were in trouble. How did he know? And why was he with Corvade?

That's not important, right now. I have more pressing matters.

Peering over at the doorbell, I mentally prepared myself to press it.

On second thought, I don't think I can give it to him. I'll probably screw it up. I really hope that his mom or dad answers the door instead...

Taking a deep breath, I gently pressed my finger against the button.

Ding, dong!

I waited for a few seconds. I got nothing, so I tried ringing it a second time.

Ding, dong!

Nothing again.

"I guess that means I have to leave the homework here..." I concluded. I got low to the ground to place it when I heard footsteps rumbled toward the front door. The door burst opened just as I zipped up.

Standing in the doorway was Bakugo. He wore a black tank top with black sweats. His arm and face were covered in white bandaid patches, probably to soothe the bruises he received from Kiyoshi. His red eyes flickered to me immediately. He seemed a bit taken aback seeing me stand at his doorway, but his expression quickly turned into a disgusted look with a tinge of uneasiness to it.

Realizing that I was standing there like an idiot, I awkwardly cleared my throat.

"Uh... This is the schoolwork you missed while you were gone... Watanabe-sensei wanted me to deliver it to you."

I held out the packet to him. He roughly grabbed the paper out of my hands. He went to close the door when I stuck my arm through. It slammed against my arm. It kind of hurt.

"W-wait," I spoke.

Slowly creaking the door back open, Bakugo eyed me suspiciously. I sighed.

Where do I even begin?

"...About what happened that night..."

"What? You up for round 2?" Bakugo said with a tight-lipped grin. He began to remove the bandage on his cheek when I blurted,

"No! That's not it!"

He stopped upon seeing my sudden outburst. Biting my lip, I tried my best to regain my composure.

Alright, you can do it Rin. Just say those two words.

"I'm..." I started when Bakugo slams the door in my face. I began to hear his footsteps walk away, and I called out to him.

"W-wait. Bakugo!" I said. "I need to tell you something."

"Screw off, Coconut head!" he shouted.

"It's really important-"

"I don't care!"

"Just listen to me-"

"I told you to fuck off!"

Forget it. There's no way he's listening. I did screw it up. I always do. But even as much as I wanted to leave, my body wouldn't budge. There was something inside of me refusing me to move.

"Bakugo... I know that you probably want to blast me into oblivion right now but..." I began. "I need to apologize for what...I said to you. I...um...I shouldn't have said that; That Midoriya shouldn't have saved you. I really regret it. That was a terrible thing to say, and..."

I felt my throat tighten up. I wanted to run away. He probably wasn't even listening. But I can't. Not now.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for saying that and for hitting you. And for getting the two of us into danger. I'm the reason why you got hurt. You should've stayed behind at home while I took the trash out," I quietly said. "But most of all... I'm sorry for almost stabbing that syringe into your arm... I was about to do it. I really was. But that look you gave me..."

Chills ran down my arms recalling the fear in his eyes.

"I-I just...couldn't do it. In a way, I have to thank you for snapping me back into my senses. Now that I think about it... You're the reason why I didn't get as hurt as much. Um, I mean, I did get a couple of bruises but it's nothing compared to you."

Rin, you're going off track.

I let out a sigh. I gripped the strings to my backpack.

"You...were right. I don't know anything about being a hero. In fact, I'm probably more of a villain," I confessed. "...I don't like you, Bakugo. But even so, thank you for pushing me out of the way again and for never giving up. You fought back without hesitation."

Removing my backpack, I reached inside to grab it. Placing it in front of the doorway, I said,

"You know... I always thought of you as the human equivalent of rat poison, but I think you'll make for a strong hero."

»»—- —-««

Bakugo waited a few minutes until he was sure Rin had left. Then opening the front door, he saw that she had left something for him. It was a small, rectangular box the size of a tv remote. The covering was light blue with white polka dots. There was a tiny bow on the top right corner. Bringing the mystery gift inside, he shook the box. It sounded like there were round objects inside.

Bakugo roughly tore the top off. Opening the top revealed the contents inside. There were tiny, spherical orbs of multicolored hard candy.

"Who does she think I am? Some sort of kid?" he gruffed. "So damn annoying..."

As Bakugo carelessly tossed the candy onto the kitchen counter, he thought back to her words that he listened to the entire time.

It's pretty fucking obvious that you don't like me, but you decided not to listen to him. You didn't use the syringe. You even used your quirk to stop that anemic bone bastard from smashing my face.

His red eyes gazed at the little gift on the counter.

I don't like you, Onishi.

Slamming his fist on the granite in frustration, a small explosion erupted from his hand.

"Damn Coconut head... She really had to make me feel a tinge of gratitude for saving me, didn't she?"