So uhhhhh.. it's been a minute lol. I've really just been so unmotivated to write another chapter but hopefully I can get back into the swing of things. I've decided to start on a dragon ball story as well. So if you're into db, check it out when arrives if you'd like. Apologies for the delay and hope you enjoy the chapter

Staketzi's vision became blurry as he slowly passed out. He was immediately carried back to their section as Madison had helped with her teleportation.

Ash was approached by Alex with his hand held out to her.

"You did good Ash!" he said to her with a smile.

She latched onto his hand as he pulled her up.

"Thanks.. but it really was Nik who helped as well. I barely even know him yet... he just seems to have that motivation that everyone should have. " she said back with a faint smile.

"Yea.." was all Alex said back as he sighed before continuing with, "Who knows where he'll go. I don't know if he wants to be a hero himself, but I think that's the right path for him. He really does remind me a lot of Ms.Cora. I mean, they do have the same quirk which is crazy."

They made their way back as everyone had gathered back, recovering from today's activity.

It would be almost 3 hours until Staketzi would wake up. His eyes opened as he quickly shot up, beginning to scratch his head, also rubbing his eyes.

If he knew what a hangover was, this is probably what it was like for him. His whole body was still sore as his right hand hurt the most. He looked down as it was all wrapped in bandages. He also had a small band-aid on his left cheek.

He heard an abnoxious ring of snoring..Slowly turning to his right as it was Sensei Cora sitting in the chair, sound asleep. Staketzi reached over to his left as he balled up some tissues, tossing it as it landed on her face.

She snorted as she shot up with her eyes wide open,

"Oh.. you're up." she said as she yawned.

She sighed as she continued with, "What about you?" as she turned around.

Staketzi hadn't even notice Yasmin who was in another bed right next to him.

"I'm okay." she said quietly.

"So.." Cora began with, "what'd you guys think of today's activity?"

It was silent for a couple seconds before Staketzi started with, "Wellll, it was definitely not the easiest thing. But I thought it was a lot of fun, except for Alex being such a problem. All that stuff he was saying, who does he think he is." he finished as he crossed his arms with a pout.

Cora chuckled as she said, "That's just Alex wanting to be the bad guy I guess. He was just trying to see where your values stand. You know? See what you're fighting for."

Staketzi gulped. "M-my values?" With a puzzled look, those words felt like they were glued to the inside of his head, he couldn't get them out.

"Well anyways.. I'm gonna go shower and get ready for dinner, y'all behave now." Cora got up as she walked out the room.

Staketzi continued to stare down at his lap taking those words even more harshly to himself.

"Guess you really don't know why you're here huh?" Yasmin said to him.

His eyes sprung up. "Hm? Oh.. yea I guess not. I've never really had straight foward goals in life. I've sort of just wanted to do things with my quirk."

"Isn't that a goal then?" Yasmin asked him.

"I-I... I guess? I don't know." he said back.

"Well whatever it is, I'm sure you'll figure it out. You're pretty smart." she encouraged him.

Staketzi giggled as he said, "Thanks! You did pretty good today by the way."

"How do you move that fast?" Yasmin asked him.

Staketzi staring at his open hand said, "I, don't really know. It's really hard to consistently use my spirit, especially using it more than once or twice. Even then, when I was fighting Alex, my adrenaline kicked in and it was as if there was spirit I could grab in front of me. Next thing you know I'm across from him and the pain had gone away for a couple seconds."

"Maybe there's just more to unlock. You never know."

Staketzi took a deep breath in as he said, "Yea, you might be right. I need to get even stronger and work on this quirk."

Yasmin smiled at the fact of how determined Staketzi was.

"Sooo, has everyone here taken some sort of martial arts class? Everybody was making it look like they all knew how to fight."

Yasmin stared at him as she said,

"Well maybe it's coincidental I take martial arts too. But Ms.Cora is a fighter isn't she? I'd just assume she taught the returning kids something, and will do the same for the new kids."

Staketzi looked down at his bandages as he said, "Yea that would make sense."

Shortly after, the door had swung open. Alex, Ash and Madison entered as Alex opened out with a, "Yo!"

"How's you guys holding up?" he asked.

Staketzi lifted his arm showing them the bandaged wrapping as he said,

"It could be worse."

Staketzi was suprised as Alex showed him his left hand that was wrapped.

"Yea me too. You got me pretty good on that one punch."

Ash clapped her hands together as she said with a grin, "I know right! Who m

knew a noobie would do damage against Alex."

Alex sighed. "I have to hand it to you. You're pretty strong for someome your age. I spoke to Sensei Cora. . it's impressive how much you've gained in a short time. I see why she took a chance on you." Alex lightly smiled as he held his bandaged fist out towards Staketzi.

"Let's all get stronger together!" he finished with a grin.

A smirk quickly formed upon Staketzi's face as he gave him a fist bump back.

"Oh Nik!" Ash squealed out. "How did your fist explode like that?"

"Oh, that? I-Im not sure." he said as he chuckled scratching the back of his head.

The door had swung open again as it was Cora who walked in saying.

"It's called overloading. It applies specifically to your quirk. Just like when anyone else uses their quirk too much, it can make you become fatigued. But with this.. using your spirit in large quantities in a short period, causes your attacks to explode and send shocks throughout whatever body part you transfered the spirit to."

Staketzi blinked a few times before asking , "So when I punched early, that was Ash's luck helping me out then.. I knew it! Good job!"

Ash blushed as she turned away saying, "You don't have to praise me you know!"

She giggled as Alex sighed saying, "He didn't make a big deal out of it.. relax!"

*15 minutes later*

Nik and Yasmin would be cleared as the section made their way to the social hall to eat dinner.

All the kids ate and talked as they all got to know each other. This would be Alex's, Ash's, Kentzu's and Madison's last year at the camp before turning their ways to start the final phases of their hero school in August (3 months from now). This would also be Marcus's and Marlin's last year at the camp. Except they wouldn't be going into hero school as they would make their way to a sciences and technical school.

*Later in the evening*

Staketzi had went on a walk with Yasmin as he returned to his cabin.

He walked in has he yawned and stretched, plopping down on the chair in the corner.

Cora had walked out the bathroom, drying out her hair with a towel, wearing a grey tank top and black sports shorts. Her slim/muscular look glossed in the light as her hair dropped down.

"So," She started with before sitting on the bed. "How was your date."

"D-d-d.. date?!?" Staketzi belched out.

"Mmmmhm!" let out as she nodded.

"Is that what it- well- that's not what it- no!" he screeched.

Cora sighed as she said, "My goodness! Chill dude. I couldn't care less."

Staketzi blushed face faded as he went to take a shower. Drying off and getting into a pair of black gym shorts and a white t-shirt.

He notcied Cora was fast asleep on the chair she had sat down on as it was reclined. Staketzi took the thin blanket that was folded at the end of the bed and opened it, covering Cora with it. He climbed into the bed pulling the sheets over him. There was nothing greater than that feeling of laying back after a long day. Shutting his eyes he soon fell asleep.

Often times in the middle of the night..

Staketzi would always have nightmares about his encounter with Dr. Kin.

His face being pressured into the concrete as his arm felt like it was about to be ripped off that day. He woke up as his eyes pierced open sitting up. His lower back was sweaty as his shirt stuck to his body, pulling on it. He carefully got out of bed, checking his phone to read the time as,

"2:32 AM".

*Nikuru Staketzi*

The curtains were blocking the orange lighting as I looked through the window. One lamp was on in the middle of all the cabins to just allow a little light. I unlocked the front door and slowly opened as I walked out and closed it. There was a light breeze as it felt warm and humid out.

I sat down on the top step, bringing my knees up to my chest . Whenever I wake up in the middle of night at home, I always open my window and sit by it to get some fresh air.

I placed my arms across my knees, dropping my head down onto them. I like to think about being a martial artist and kicking bad people up all the time. Trying to ignore the stuff with that man. I had zoned everything out. The crickets, the sound of the wind, the rustling of the leaves and grass.. but I felt the weight of the step I was sitting on shift. I knew it was her as I slowly lifted my head up.

"Whatcha doin?" Sensei asked me calmly.

"Just sitting." I said.

But was I really just sitting here? She knew I was lying.

"Hmph, alrighty then" was all she said.

It was quiet for a few seconds before she asked, "Hey, what do you REALLY think I brought you here for?"

I was confused by the question at first. Lifting my eyebrows I replied with, "To get stronger.. or train to be a hero."

In all honesty I still didn't know a future purpose for my life. Maybe Sensei somehow knew me better than I knew myself.

"Sure.. you could say that. But that'd be kinda lame wouldn't it?" She said as she chuckled. "But for real, you like fighting don't you, and using your spirit?"

I nodded as I placed my chin on top of my arm.

"It's not JUST about what you want to do in the future Nik. It's more than that.. making sure you can make it there. Making sure you can be happy with what and who you are. Learning from your failures, those you meet along the way, and developing trust. Most importantly, proving to those you love and care about that you'll be just fine. You can't be afraid.. you don't have to pretend to smile. Find that warmth, and never let go of it."

It was an overwhelming experience for me at what Sensei had just said. The tone she spoke with sounded straight from personal experience. I looked over to her as she had a light smile.

"H-hey.." I hesitsted with. "The day I met you, you want to know why my shoulder was hurting?"

She nodded as I continued with, "Well I ran into some guy. I didn't get a good look at him, but he attacked me."

"What?" she let out.

"Y-yea.. I don't know. He said he wanted to help or something. Then he just did a takedown on me and hurt my arm."

Sensei had stiffened her posture as she then asked, "You sure he didn't give you his name?

Her expression changed to a more serious look.

"No" I said back.

Sensei sighed as she just let out with, "Shit!"

Confused, I then asked,

"What? What is it?"

She quickly responded with, "It could have been Dr.Kin. He earned his doctorates in quirk development studies. But would soon turn to manipulating many of his test subjects quirks. He kidnapped kids at young ages, whether it was with bribery, or causing harm to parents who would wouldn't want him to perform test."

"S-so.." I stuttered as I quickly swallowed. "Has anyone gotten close to capturing him?"

"No.. plenty of investigations have gone through. I've been working with a friend of mine who works at an agency, but nothing. I have files of all his test subjects but these must have been a cover copy cause most of them are blank. We don't even have an idea of where he operates."

I was overwhelmed by what Sensei had just told me. I then asked her, "What do you mean by manipulating his test subjects. Like.. what did he do?"

"It was anything from giving someone a quirk, to enhancing the quirk they already have, like a drug. But it never turned out well. Only 4 subjects survived either a manipulation or enhancment process. He also tried to hone his own quirk into others but only one made it out with it from what the files we have say.."

*GENERAL 3RD PERSON*

Cora hesitsted before saying, "B-but we couldn't find who-"

She turned her head, not able to stare at Staketzi for that brief moment. She knew he would need to find out one day, but now wasn't the time. It would for sure be a rather hefty task to find the time to tell him.

For now she told him to go back to sleep as did she.

The camp would continue to take place. Each section participating in their relative activities. Kids working together to improve not just on themselves, but their communication skills. Staketzi already began to see improvements in his ability to use his spirit. As the camp went on, it wasn't surprising whatever team Alex was on, had won most of the activities.

Staketzi would return home, telling his mom and aunt all about the camp and how much he learned. He was in a great mood, enough to encourage Cora to meet his mother and aunt, inviting her to dinner. Staketzi's mother almost fainted a few times with just the thought of her son taking martial arts and fighting. But Cora did a fine job describing to her on how determined and talented the boy was.

TWO years later..

Staketzi continued to work hard. He began a line of work in a hero course at his school. He had become great friends with those he went to summer camp, despite them being in different parts of New York going to their relative school district. Him and Yasmin had become great friends and had gotten really close as well.

Cora had decided to take Staketzi to the Whiteface Mountains during his winter break. They stayed in a small cottage along the woods where Staketzi met Cora's sensei.

(Lance Borgstrom. Age: 67)

-Quirk: Extreme balance and coordination

Lance was able to access excessive amounts of balance and momentum within his body to counter forces. Teaching Cora everything she knew, Staketzi would learn a deeper meaning behind martial arts and his own movements.

Cora waved her hands at Staketzi as he finally focused his attention on her, eventually calling out to him saying, "Alright! You ready?!?!"

She was wearing a dark purple parka jacket with black leggins and black shoes. Also wearing a beanie, trying to keep herself warm from the heavy winter breeze that came in.

Staketzi was just wearing a white track jacket with dark blue sports pants and shoes.

Lance just had on a dark brown hoodie with jeans and black and white sneakers.

Staketzi closed his eyes spreading his arms a little out to his sides. His spirit outlined his body as flames of blue spirit would linger out.

"Don't think too much. Yes he's Sensei's...well Sensei, but I've also gotten stronger."

He lunged foward, continuing as he sprinted towards Lance. He jumped up as he cocked back his right leg, going for a regular roundhouse kick just to see how Lance would react.

Lance was full of openings as his arms were still down, not moving an inch.

Suddenly.. he brought his left arm up, in a 90 degree angle as he pointed just two fingers up.

Staketzi's kick landed on Lance's hand. Creating a mini sonic boom. Staketzi's eyes widened as Lance had easily fended off his kick.. not moving an inch. Staketzi was trying to follow through with his kick but it felt like his foot was experiencing the same force as magnets repelling.

Lance chucked as he jokingly asked,

"Why didn't you follow through?"

Staketzi was a little irritated as he scoffed, lunging foward again. He brought his right knee up, but bluffing the kick using that momentum to propel a punch towards Lance. His attack was easily countered as Lance had blocked him with his arm.

Staketzi felt the same repelling force. He activated spirit in his feet, using it as a boost.

Lance felt Staketzi's opposing force strengthen as he smoothly side stepped, letting Staketzi fly past him as the boy stumbled.

Lance had both arms crossed behind his back as he slowly turned questioning,

"It's obvious single and/or linear attacks won't work, why do you keep doing it?"

Staketzi did the same exact attack again, repelling away as he skidded across the ground. A smirk grew on his face.

Lance was confused, wondering what Staketzi was doing.

Staketzi lunged again, this time Lance caught his fist with his palm. In a split second his eyes widened as he noticed Staketzi's left arm come up with a fist cocked back. He also blocked the next punch.

Staketzi's right wrist glowed with spirit as he swiped away. The pressure of his action even made Lance flinch a little. This gave Staketzi a slight opening as he went for another punch with his right hand...

But it was blocked yet again. Lance then released his grip on both Staketzi's hands as he ducked and tiger palmed Staketzi in the stomach.

"Impressive." Lance said with a smirk. "Even with those same attacks you increased your speed and mometum, almost able to successfully land an attack."

Lance noticed as Cora gave a light smile as he turned his attention back to Staketzi.

Staketzi had unzipped his track jacket, pulling his arms out as he dropped his jacket onto the patch of snow next to him. The jacket fell rather quickly for how it usually would, as it sank into the snow.

"Weighted hmm? Not suprised!" Lance thought to himself.

Staketzi was wearing a dark grey tank top, he lightly shivered as he felt the breeze and winter temperatures rush against his skin. He wasn't bothered by it as much, being use to the weather growing up. He took a deep breath in and exhaled.

He immediately leaped foward. Lance was able to keep tabs as Staketzi must have been moving twice as fast as before. His attacks were more powerful as well. Along with the speed boost, Lance's arm began to tingle with each blow. It was an admirable notion that Lance still hadn't moved from his spot. But with each blow he slowly began to skid back.

Staketzi jumped back giving Lance a few seconds to recover. Lance closed his eyes as he began to say in his head,

"Momentum reverseal: Phase 3!"

He held his arm up with three of his fingers pointed out tightly.

Staketzi's threw a kick this time as his foot landed on Lance's arm. Lance opened his eyes as a blue circle of light formed at where the contact took place, then suddenly... another circle, but of white light flashed and then expanded out, quickly fading away. Staketzi felt a shock throughout his body, as if it shot up through his leg, sending him tumbling back.

Lance let out another breath as he said,

"I told you, your attacks are too-"

He was cut off again as now his body was suddenly parallel with the ground. He was shocked, falling as he looked to his left to see Staketzi had recovered in the blink of an eye as he had swept his feet from underneath him with a wave of spirit.

Staketzi wanted to get another hit in cause he knew Lance could easily recover. Staketzi was going right for the left side of his torso with a fist covered in spirit.

Quickly Lance said to himself, "Momentum Reversal: Phase 3!"

Staketzi's punch landed as the circles of light appeared again.

But..

Staketzi didn't stumble back this time. He threw his left fist, connecting with a punch. Has Lance flew back.

Lance was confused as he slowly stood up.

"Hey!" He called out to Staketzi. "What'd you just do there!?!"

Staketzi realxed from his tensed fighting stance as he said,

"Oh, well.. It was easy to notice that I was knocked back with the same force that I threw cause there was no way you could have barely moved and hit me with that much force knowing a breif premise of your quirk. So when I attacked again, I pretended like I was going to use my spirit, but then I canceled it out with a weak punch. It was a gamble cause I didn't know if you could activate that move again quickly enough before my next punch. But I guess it payed off!" He finally finished as he chuckled.

Lance let out a sigh as he smiled, slouching his shoulders before saying,

"You really are impressive.."

Cora smiled as she gave Staketzi a thumbs up. Staketzi turned giving her one back.

For the next two weeks, Staketzi followed the same training Cora went through when she was younger. Most of it consisted decent amounts of Tai Chi and Qigong. It was a different pace for Staketzi, being impatient as ever he quickly learned the importance of patience and how relaxing improves a fighter's judgment.

Staketzi woke up on an early Saturday morning. As usual he went out for a quick workout. This time he was carrying a small basket he found as he had spotted nice patch of berries and apples trees that he wanted pick from and bring back home with him; as it was his last day in the mountains.

He was picking berries as the the wind began to pick up. It was an unorthodox gust had it had picked up tremendously. Staketzi darted up as his field of view became limited as fog appeared and snow was flying around him. It was as if a blizzard had hit.

"The forecast didn't say anything about a blizzard..." Staketzi thought to himself.

He darted his head to his right as he heard footsteps. It was a steady pattern, 5 in total.

Reluctantly he called out saying, "H-Hello?"

No answer..

He felt an immense amount of pressure in his chest as he turned. Seeing a blurred figure behind the fog and snow.

They were to tall to be Cora or Lance. He squinted, still not being able to make out the person.

"W-who are you!?!" Staketzi yelled out. His heart beating even faster now.

A brief moment of silence was interruptied has he heard a malicious toned voice say, "My my... what have we here."

Staketzi knew that tone, as his eyes widened as he put his arm up and his legs apart going into his fighting stance..

TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 8...