Author's Note: Been planning this chapter for a while. Hope you all enjoy it!
Chapter 56 - Getting Better
Jin was working hard and well into his second week working at Hook Shot's agency. He had upgraded his equipment as ordered, the voice synthesizer was upgraded for more use than before, his utility belt was also upgraded with more supplies and his costume repaired with newer materials. Jin felt as confident as when he first got to wear a hero outfit at school. Each day began with Physical Training alongside other sidekicks and heroes that worked at Hook Shot's agency. The large matted gym room upstairs was used as a center for everyone in a boot camp style training session. Once each shift had trained, they were each given assignments for the day. Either patrols, office work or special projects from Hook Shot directly.
For the first week, Echo worked in the office familiarizing himself with where all the files went and how the base of operations worked. As he started his second week at Hook Shot's, he noticed a number of co workers seemed to be bulked up or stronger than he initially thought them to be. He watched their routines between patrols and PT, making sure to always keep the voice synthesizer on. It wasn't just Hook Shot who didn't seem to like his lisp. Jin had removed the support gear during lunch one day and was mercilessly picked on by everyone in the lunchroom for his entire break due to his inability to use any S related words without struggling. He didn't remove it at work again after that.
Still, despite obeying Hook Shot's rules, PT every day and memorizing how paperwork was filed and where, Jin felt like he wasn't progressing as fast or as noticeably as the other sidekicks and heroes around him. He saw those who started shortly before him already more muscular than Echo was. Halfway through one of his patrols with another sidekick named Ozone, a sidekick with the ability to manipulate and alter the air around himself, Echo finally asked what was going on as they waited for a crosswalk.
"Hey, Ozone?" The other sidekick looked over at Echo, a smile and wave to a civilian. "What's up man?" Echo waved, along with his fellow sidekick, both proceeding through the intersection when the light changed. "How are all you guys getting so buffed? I feel like I'm way behind compared to all of you!" Ozone laughed and led the newbie down another street for patrol, eyes scanning storefronts and up near the rooftops. "Well most of us take EndurX before we work out. I'm surprised Hook Shot hasn't offered it to you yet. He said it will help us reach our full potential faster, and man he was right. That shit is amazing!" Echo blinked and tilted his head, goggles over his eyes as he waved to another civilian. "EndurX? Is Hook Shot the only way to get it?"
Ozone shook his head no and kept walking. "No. He just introduced me to the supplier. It isn't like one of the illegal street drugs because you can buy it from sponsors when you have your provisional and pro license." Echo bit his lip thinking, eyes moving between himself and Ozone for comparison. They were both 18, but Ozone was bulked like a fighter with muscles in places Echo could only ever dream of having them. Despite all of Echo's fitness and PT, he was a skinny, athletic build that made him feel like he was struggling. "So do I have to wait for Hook Shot to take it?" Ozone stopped walking and looked at Echo, a hand going to his co worker's shoulder.
"Tell you what. I'll give you some samples from my supplier. If they work out for you, you can set up something with him for your own doses. How does that sound?" Echo grinned, relief evident in his posture. "Sounds great. Thanks!" Ozone grinned and threw a thumb up at Echo. "We're here to help each other, right?" Echo was about to reply when both sidekicks saw bright red feathers zipping around in front of them. Echo seemed excited and began looking up at the rooftops again. "Hawks is around!" Ozone helped look, equally excited. "Seriously?! That guy is legit. I wonder if he's ever going to open his own agency. Damn. I'd totally bail on Hook Shot for a chance to work under Hawks."
Ozone's reaction caused Echo to pause in his search. A bad feeling creeping up his spine. Hook Shot had ordered him to be neutral and distant to his best friend in the field. But Echo was supposed to become Hawk's sidekick once he got his agency going. Knowing other sidekicks wanted that chance made him feel...less than worthy. Someone landed behind him and threw an arm over his shoulder, windswept blonde hair framed bright golden eyes as Hawks grinned into Echo's goggles. "Well lookie here! Echo and Ozone! How is patrol going, guys?" It was hard for Ozone to not fan gush over the quickly growing popular hero. The guy was younger than both of them and already probably as highly rated as Hook Shot.
"Oh my god, he knows our names!" Hawks raised an eyebrow, arm still over Echo's shoulder as he loudly whispered to Echo. "Why is that such a dramatic thing?" Echo shrugged and swallowed whatever he was going to say as Ozone grabbed one of Hawk's hands to shake. "It's a true honor and pleasure to meet you! I can't wait for you to open your own agency. You're so fast and sure of yourself. I'd love to work with you!" Echo frowned, thinking about his orders as he pulled away from Hawk's arm. "We're supposed to be on patrol, Ozone" Hawks put both hands up defensively. "Of course! I didn't mean to distract you guys. Just swinging by to say hello." Hawks spread his large wings, a look at Echo as if to ask what was wrong. He saw the look of apprehension on his friend's face and knew immediately what the problem probably was.
"Last thing I want to do is get you two in trouble with your boss. If you ever want to team up, let me know, but I think I'll scram now so you two can get back to your patrol. Bye." Hawks shot up into the air with powerful thrusts of his wings, and Echo was left standing next to Ozone, watching his childhood friend disappear into the sky. He had wanted to say something funny, goof off, play around, but he knew Hook Shot might find out and would get mad at him for not listening. Absently rubbing his sore shoulder, he'd already had enough martial discipline for the week. Echo didn't want anymore.
/
Jin walked home with his hands stuffed in his pockets. His backpack held most of his gear, an entire second costume was stored at work in case something happened to this one. His right hand was gripping a small vial of EndurX that he had been given by Ozone. Hook Shot had apparently heard about their run in with Hawks. But he didn't say anything negative about their encounter. He did raise an eyebrow when Ozone mentioned giving Echo a sample of EndurX, and Jin swallowed at the seeming nod of approval. Pulling it from his pocket, he peered at the small vial curiously. There were no instructions on it, but Jin had been told to empty a full eyedropper under his tongue before his work out.
Opening his phone in the other hand, Jin began to look up reviews and information on the quirk enhancing supplement. He didn't see anything negative about the supplement, but it was so new that Jin was uncertain if he should trust it. It was times like this that he wished he were still living with his father near Hosu City. Jin wanted advice about this miracle drug idea, and it didn't seem like his grandmother would be the best option. She smoked regularly for pain afterall. The elevator dinged on the fourth floor and Jin paused outside Keigo's door. His eyes widened as he thought about Uncle Soji. He could help Jin understand if this would be worth it or not.
The teenage sidekick knocked gently on the door and smirked when he heard a loud squeal, followed by a chirp and then Azumi unlocking the door. "Jin! Keigo's not home yet, but won't you come in?" Jin grinned and stepped inside to be tackled by the excited 5 year old Mila. Her little blue wings were growing bigger, now almost three quarters her height and flapping quickly as she hugged him. "Nii san!" The teen hugged her gently as he looked at his Auntie. "Actually I wath hoping to talk to Uncle Thoji." As if summoned by his name, Soji walked from the kitchen drying his hands off from whatever he was doing. "Hey, Jin. You came to talk to me?" Jin nodded as Azumi pried Mila off of Jin's legs and laughed at the little girl's pout. "Come along, little bird. We'll go work on dinner while they talk."
Mila whined and chirped as she was carried by Azumi into the kitchen and Soji motioned for Jin to follow him to the sofa. Once they both sat down, Soji smiled at Jin. "So what's up?" Jin bit his lip and carefully removed the vial of EndurX, setting it on the coffee table next to the large L shaped sofa. Soji followed the vial with his eyes and said nothing as a frown took over his face, however his silence was not from surprise. Jin noted that it looked like Soji had seen the supplement before. "I gueth you know what that ith?" Soji nodded so Jin continued. "Everyone at Hook Thot'th agenthy is uthing thith. I feel like I'm not keeping up with them all and Hook Thot maketh me feel like I'm weak becauthe I can't bulk up or get thtronger with my quirk like everyone elthe. But I don't know if I thould take it."
Soji looked at Jin, eyes moving from head to toe as he tried to think of how to say what he wanted to. "I've seen this drug before. A number of heroes are giving it to their sidekicks or taking it themselves. It has some side effects that are pretty harsh, but that's mostly on people who take high doses all day." Jin eyed the vial as Soji continued. "I know of one person whose quirk stopped working because of abuse with this. I have the very same vials in my office because that individual is looking for compensation for not being told these side effects." Jin's shoulders slumped and he sighed as the balcony door opened behind them both.
"I want to get better with my quirk and training, but Hook Thot is making it clear he wantth me to thtart taking thith. I don't know what to do. I feel tho weak all the time." Before Soji could respond, Keigo spoke up from the doorway. "You are not weak, Jin. Far from it to be honest. You're one of the most versatile and emotionally strong heroes I know!" Jin jumped in surprise and Soji glanced behind them before standing up. "We were discussing that and how to get better through training and supplements." Keigo frowned and moved to stand next to Soji as he eyed the supplement on the table and Jin. "What's that?" Jin looked embarrassed as he tugged at part of his left wing.
"Uh, it'th a thupplement my co workerth are all taking. They gave me a thample to try to improve my quirk." When Jin moved to grab the vial, Soji grabbed it first. "Personally, I don't think these things are good for you. I know you came to me for advice, but take Keigo as an example. He started with wings, and as he grew older and developed them his telekinesis became stronger. As Keigo gets older, his quirk naturally gets better, and even basic training and exercise will help develop it. I believe that's true if every quirk" Jin's eyes widened as he listened to Soji, a glance to Keigo who was listening and looking at the vial. "Isn't Hook Shot giving you training, Jin?" Keigo asked gently as he slid off his glasses and headphones.
When Jin looked down, a glance at the vial in Soji's hand. "I think that thtuff ith how he doeth training that ithn't jutht PT." Keigo frowned. His wings flutter in irritation. "That's messed up. A hero with their own agency is supposed to encourage growth and training, bot make short cuts with stuff like that." Jin nodded and sighed. "I don't know how to keep up with them all. I have to wear my thynthithither at work, I'm not allowed to be buddy buddy with you in the field." Keigo nodded as Soji pocketed the vial. "I figured it was something like that so I didn't push when I saw you." Soji looked between them both as he spoke. "You do know your quirk will develop on its own the more you use it and the more you practice with it? You don't need the drug to get better, Jin."
The older teenager looked at Soji confused. "Theriouthly?" The adult nodded and motioned to himself. "Would you believe me if I said I know for a fact my own quirk is finely honed to the point I could avoid getting hit by both of you at the same time?" Keigo tried not to laugh. "Dad, we've been trained to take down villains and to do professional hero work. Your quirk isn't designed for combat or fighting." Soji grinned. "My statement still stands. In fact, I am so certain about it that I will give you both $100 if you can land a hit on me right now. Being careful of your mother's things in the apartment." The teenagers looked at each other before Jin stood up. "I feel like thith ith a trap."
Keigo eyed Soji. "Are you saying you've had combat training?" Soji shook his head. "Nope. I use my quirk every day, all day. I practice constantly and have learned the best way to use it on my own. You two can do that as well, no need for that drug. Really. Go ahead and try to hit me." There was a pause before Keigo darted around to get behind Soji and try to tag him on the back. As he moved, Jin tried to reach up and grab Soji's arm, both boys used to working together when they sparred with Dabi. As if he could read their intention, Soji moved to the side and Jin found himself holding Keigo's srm while Keigo had his free hand on Jin's shoulder.
They blinked and moved in unison to get on either side of Soji, who had stopped moving behind the sofa, and easily dodge the boys again, pushing Keigo into Jin and causing them both to fumble and land on top of each other on short part of the L shaped furniture. "When you start moving, Keigo, your muscles twitch along with the tips of your feathers. And Jin, your eyes focus on your target even when your body is moving away from it. Every tick and movement you two make I can see and recognize well before you get close to me. And I'm aware of the room because I recall where everything is in an instant. My quirk isn't made for combat, but it can be used like that because I practice with it every day."
The two teenagers tried again. This time Jin jumped onto the ceiling and tried to drop randomly onto Soji, only to find his shoulder and the back of his shirt grabbed and he was swung into Keigo again, sending them both toppling into each other and onto the ground. Keigo made a gasp as the wind was knocked out of him landing hard on his back with Jin on top of him. Jin was confused how he ended up mod air one moment, and on top of Keigo the next and winced at the pain of the bruises he had on his shoulder. "What the? How?" Keigo shoved Jin off of him as he gathered his breath and watched his dad stand next to the kitchen doorway, posture relaxed. He'd never thought about his father using his quirk the way he was describing. It made a lot of sense and the more Keigo really thought about it in use, the more he realized that they would never land a hit without a complete surprise move.
"Hey Jin, see if you can get a surprise hit in. I'll distract him." Jin nodded and went to stand up, only to find Soji had stepped forward into their bubble of space. Jin was grabbed and flipped over the back of the couch to land on the cushions and Keigo went with him shortly after before the teenager could get his bearings. Amid the tangles of Keigo's wings and Jin's wing flaps, Soji grinned at them both. "Really? Making a plan where I can hear it?" Keigo flushed, embarrassed as he tried to get up, hands out on surrender. "I give. You win." Jin nodded as he got up as well. "You know, after going through thith, I am not in thuch a ruth to catch up. I had no idea your quirk could be uthed like thith." Keigo nodded and stretched a bit as Soji put both hands in his pockets.
"You're both young and will develop your quirks faster by using them. You don't need a drug to get better, Jin. By the way are you staying for dinner?" Jin sniffed at the air and both boys could smell sauce and chicken cooking, Keigo rubbing his hands together. "Aw yeah. Chicken Yakitori. I'm gonna go clean up." He hurried to the bathroom as Jin nodded and moved to walk after Keigo, pausing when Soji put a hand on his shoulder to stop him from following his friend. Confused, Jin looked into Soji's bright blue eyes as Keigo shut the bathroom door to get a shower. Once Keigo was out of hearing range, Soji looked around to see no feathers and spoke softly.
"You should be careful how much you let that man change who you are, Jin. You are supporting him as a sidekick, not the other way around. Try to remember that." Jin blinked and nodded as he looked down. Taking a moment, he hugged Soji. "Thank you, Uncle Thoji. For everything." Soji gave him a pat on the back. "Let's get you cleaned up for dinner before Keigo beats us to the table and eats everything."
/
Later that night, Jin had headed back to Sion's and Keigo was in the living room with Mila, showing her how to flex and maneuver her primary and tertiary feathers. He had plans to take her for some flying lessons that weekend. But he wanted to make sure she knew the basics in a safe comfortable spot before he taught her to glide and fly. Soji was leaning on the kitchen doorway watching them both as he seemed to be thinking about Jin and what had happened earlier. He was so distracted he jumped a bit when Azumi wrapped her arms around his midsection from behind and rested her chin on his shoulder.
"You look like you have a lot on your mind, husband. Anything I can do?" He shook his head no. Moving to the side so he could wrap his arms around her in return and kiss her temple. "I worry for our children right now. So many heroes are not what they seem. Using drugs and violence to train sidekicks and forcing their ideals on the newer generation. Even the head organization is corrupt. I worry for them both." Azumi reached a hand up to caress his cheek and turned his eyes to look into her own. "We will keep them safe. Protect them and raise them right. That's what we agreed on when we got married."
Soji smiled and kissed her gently on the lips, the tension disappearing from his shoulders as he held Azumi close and heard Mila giggling over whatever Keigo was saying. Both adults turned to look at their children and saw Keigo covering Mila's eyes with a mischievous smirk on his face. "There's a child present guys, get a room!" Azumi laughed as Mila tried to move Keigo's fingers, still giggling. "Mommy and daddy love each other, Nii chan. That's what mommies and daddies do!" Soji grinned and scooped up Azumi bridal style, causing her to shriek as he walked towards their bedroom.
"We'll do that, son. You can put Mila to bed in your room. Night!" He stepped through the bedroom door and kicked it closed, Azumi's face was bright red as she held onto him laughing. Keigo and Mila blinked at their parent's antics. Looking down at the little winged girl in pajamas, Keigo sighed and motioned towards his room.
"Come on, little bird. Guess we get to make a nest!"
