CHAPTER 11

FIRST ENCOUNTER

"Concentrate on your strength." Moyra's lessons held up consistently. Each day that passed further demonstrated it.

The butcher knife was in the air, held up by her power. Crush was hanging upside down, kept afloat by his own power. He was staring at the knife, watching it closely.

Moyra remained seated at her kitchen table, cards laid out in front of her. "You will overcome the disadvantages you face by being a specialist. Do you know what being a specialist means?"

Crush shook his head, barely able to concentrate on the words with the blade pointed directly toward his blue eyes.

"It means having one facet that is stronger than the rest. Being especially capable in one area. But if we look further into it, it also means you have an area where you will be the superior. Therefore, that is how you will overcome Terrible Tornado. You will play to your strength."

"And what's my strength?"

Vaguely, Moyra placed her hand down on one of the cards on the table. It had a picture of beast on it. The card was the Devil Card. "You have a great negativity in your life. I am all too familiar with it, because I am plagued by it as well."

Despite the correlation with that statement, Crush shook his head defiantly. "I don't believe in that stuff."

"It matters not what spirits we look to." Moyra moved her hand away from the cards and returned her focus to the knife that was hovering now. "You cannot deny that you are here today because you are troubled. And in this burden, we both share a mutual understanding. That is why I am dedicated to guiding you forward through the darkness."

"Now then, the knife. It will be one of the many threats you face. A talented esper can easily dispatch it. In fact, truly great espers prevent hazards from getting anywhere near them. But you must still learn your limits, and you must learn to push things as close as possible."

She released a faint smile. "So… you will use your powers to stop the knife right in front of your face. As close as you can."

Even then, Crush realized she awaited him to grant her approval. With a deep breath, he nodded and kept his eyes on the knife. It only took a couple of seconds for it to begin its motion, flying to his face at full speed. He wasn't even able to lift up his hands; instead he simply channeled his power. Despite the intense burst of excitement inside him, he succeeded. The knife came to a stop just in front of his eyes."

"Well done." The knife dropped harmlessly to the floor.

With the test complete, Crush flipped back up and returned to his feet. He rejoined Moyra at the table and took a seat, while she watched him proudly.

There was still a long way to go, but Moyra felt good about it. "When you face Terrible Tornado, she will have great power. Enough psychic power to overcome seemingly unstoppable threats. But her power, her training, her focus, has always been on her role as an S Class hero. The fact remains she is a human, like all espers, and she has a weakness. Her brain. It is around the same size as any human brain. And even with the human skull evolved to be thick and protective, the brain remains quite vulnerable."

"Then how do I hit her head?" Crush had been down this road with Moyra before, but neither of them ever reached a conclusion. Yet, now she had something in mind. He was dying to know what it was.

"Even when unconscious, Terrible Tornado is capable of combat. An unconscious person still maintains brainwaves, and thus her brain can protect her even when vulnerable."

"Then… it's not going to work." Crush clenched his hands into fists.

"But being unconscious still weakens her," Moyra added. "And she is not nearly as potent in that position. Therefore… you will be a specialist in the art of being unconscious."

At last, Crush was getting somewhere. There would be an area of expertise where he had an advantage. That would be the beginning.

Katsuo filled the fridge with sushi, fish, fruit, milk, and juice. He left more fruit on the table, along with bread and rice. Everything was stocked up, and he checked over the house. He had everything unplugged that wasn't necessary. The television was one of the only appliances that was kept on, and he had the remote sitting on the couch. It was important that he have the apartment set up for Ichika, so that she could be safe when he went out.

This S Class Hero Ride-Along was going to be his one chance. And although he had no intention of failing, he had to at least prepare for the chance that he would.

"Ambition, initiative, vigor, aspiration, yearning, hope." Ichika's voice revealed her presence from the bedroom.

Just like that, Katsuo felt his darkness take in light. He smiled as he made his way down the hall and returned to the bedroom, standing at the doorway.

Ichika was on the bed, lying on her belly, consumed with studying another one of her books. She had a bag of Karamucho chips, and was wearing the necklace with the blue crystal. All the things she had never been permitted to have back at the trauma center. The entire time, she looked pleasantly engaged in her activity, with her feet in the air as she kicked her legs playfully, humming to herself.

While Katsuo watched her, he finally seemed to grasp that she was going to be okay. No matter what happened next. Ichika Hironaka was a good person, and she was incredibly intelligent. Not to mention, she had psychic powers, and would be able to look out for herself. Nothing was going to stop her now.

That left only Terrible Tornado to deal with. The one monster who threatened Ichika's future. And Crush had to take care of that.

"I'm going out for the day," Katsuo announced, revealing his presence.

Despite being surprised, Ichika didn't get startled. "When are you coming back? And when are we going to the carnival?"

He laughed. "The carnival isn't in town yet."

"Argh," she moaned in disappointment. "That's no fun. When will it come?"

"S…" He had to stop himself from using the word 'soon.' He got the impression his sister was fed up with hearing that word. "I'll find out later today and then we'll plan a day."

"That sounds like a promise." Ichika rolled over so she was lying on her side, giving her brother a smug grin. "If you break your promise, then you have to help me study an extra hour."

Katsuo laughed again. "We really don't need that system anymore, sis. I'll study with you as much as you want."

"But not today, I guess." She had him there.

"I have to do some work today. And I also have to find a new job, so it's going to be a bit of a transitional period for the time being. Don't worry, though. No matter what happens, we're going to be okay."

"If you say so," Ichika said, unaware of the burden on his shoulders.

Katsuo couldn't resist moving in, as if each moment with her could be his last. He wanted to be absolutely sure he left her with a good moment, should that come to pass. "Hey Ichika-Kun."

"Yes?"

"I love you very much."

Her eyes glowed. "I love you, too. Thank you again for getting me out of that place. I'll always be grateful."

His heart was beating, in the presence of such an innocent young girl having so much good in her. "You can repay me by doing good things with your life. I want you to do what makes you happy. You won't go wrong if you follow your heart."

She looked skeptical, but she nodded her head obediently. "Okay. I think that sounds like a good deal. I'll be strong, just like you." Then she grinned mischievously. "Actually, I'll be stronger."

"I have no doubt that you will." Katsuo reached his limit. Any further bonding with his sister would debilitate him to the point where he'd be unable to carry out his mission. "I gotta run. Contact me if you need anything. Otherwise, I'll be home later tonight. Everything you need is in the living room and the kitchen."

"Okay, Katsuo-Kun. Enjoy your day. And make sure you find out about the carnival."

With that, he prepared to leave. He went to grab his lighter from the night table, along with his pack of cigarettes.

Ichika gave him a stern look. "You should stop smoking those, big brother. They are bad for your health."

He looked at her in a confused way. Since when did Ichika say things like that to him? After a few moments to try and figure out where her comment originated from, he sighed and took the items with him all the same. As he walked out the door, he heard his sister sigh, as if disappointed in him.

(Meanwhile)

Tatsumaki was sitting at one of the computer terminals in the Hero Association Headquarters. Something was on her mind. Something related to the name of the Hero who would be on the ride-along with her today. The application said that his name was Crush.

She was unsure why the name struck a chord with her. It felt like she'd heard it before, but for some reason, she couldn't pinpoint it. Considering how vast her memories were, with the way her powers functioned, she couldn't imagine how this piece of information could elude her. It was intriguing enough to draw her attention, rather than her irritation. At least, for now.

"Tatsumaki?" It was Fubuki.

The green-haired esper turned away from the computer to face her younger sister, crafting an expression of contempt along the way. "What is it?" she snapped, as if her sister were interrupting something important, even if the reaction was unnecessary.

Fubuki had a frightened look on her face, but there was something more to it. Like something additional was on her mind related to that fear. Her light green eyes were shimmering, as if she were about to cry. "Are you… busy tonight?"

"I'm always busy," Tatsumaki said with a stern gaze. Her façade covered her intrigue. She was trying to figure out what was on her sister's mind.

"Well… if you are free tonight… perhaps you would join me for dinner."

It caught Tatsumaki off guard. "Dinner? What for?" She couldn't remember the last time she did something like that with Fubuki.

"Yes. Dinner. I figured I'd cook for us."

"What for?" Tatsumaki was asking questions she didn't even care about. She was just stalling so she could try and figure out why Fubuki was doing this.

Her sister remained in her somber state. "I just… wanted to cook dinner for you. So we could talk. About… everything."

Despite what Tatsumaki figured had to be an ulterior motive, she nodded and decided to forget trying to decipher it. "Fine. I will go over once my ride-along today is complete."

"Okay. I suppose there's a chance you could run late. But I'll be ready, no matter the time."

"Very well," Tatsumaki replied. She found no means to be harsh in return. Considering how much Fubuki had been improving on her powers lately, it felt appropriate to grant her this. After all, good relations with her sister would benefit her growth in power.

So it was decided.

(Later that day)

Crush arrived at the lot just outside the Hero Association Headquarters. The entire premise was guarded, but agents were already present to greet him, having already been informed of his arrival. While he was there, Crush was polite and respectful. Now that he was finally in this position, he wasn't going to risk upsetting any of the people there and possibly spoiling the opportunity.

Eventually a man with a large nose walked out on site and extended a hand to shake. "Welcome, young man. My name is Sitch. On behalf of the Hero Association, I bid you welcome to the program. We are grateful for your willingness to take part in this new project. Your participation will resonate with our growth as an organization."

"Thank you, sir," Crush said with a respectful bow.

With that said, Sitch leaned in close to say something additional with lower volume. "Tornado-San is quite volatile. Please be wary of her moodiness and follow her instructions closely. She is intense but she is an amazing hero."

"I will, sir." Crush found it interesting that this man seemed to have a grasp on what Tatsumaki was like. He wanted to ask more questions, but if he did, it would raise suspicion. Best not to take the unnecessary risk.

Suddenly, there was a gust of wind, whipping up dust from the vicinity. And then, the glowing green light of Terrible Tornado's powers illuminated the area as she descended from the sky, until she was hovering just before the two men.

Sitch took the initiative to present the introductions. "I would like to formally introduce you to the Tornado of Terror. And this, is the aspiring hero, Crush."

There was that name again. Tatsumaki looked him over, with eyes of predatory intent. "Such a simple name."

Crush was frozen. His blood boiled and his heart was beating rapidly. His entire body was heating up, as he was finally in the presence of his greatest tormentor. The one who killed his father, his mother, and his two brothers. The same being who took Moyra's family away from her as well. The monster hiding amongst the superheroes.

He focused on his breathing and began to settle things down. He had many months to prepare for this moment, and he resorted to the tactics he'd trained. His powers came to his aid as he calmed his mind, concentrating on running things like a treadmill. A steady pace, a rhythmic heartbeat, and an absence of emotion. Total composure. It was how he would tolerate this encounter, long enough to see his mission through.

"It was inspired by you," he told her in a casual voice.

She squinted her eyes in irritation, but still couldn't resist revealing a degree of intrigue. There was something intriguing about him in general, and yet she couldn't pinpoint it.