Season Four, Episode XXXIV

Nabu Island's One and Only Hero

. . .

Shisui Adachi

. . .

"Are you sure this is the good idea Mom?" Kaiji asked, as we made our way down the street.

"Oh come on," I nudged him lightly, grinning from ear to ear as we neared our destination. "It's just one dinner, you can handle that right?"

"I just don't know why I need to be here." He shrugged casually.

"Don't be such a stick in the mud," I waved him off, "Besides Kento's got kids too, play with them!"

"They're both like ten." He answered, rolling his eyes.

It was early evening, and both Kaiji and I were cashing in on that man's offer for dinner. I know Kaiji had been having some trouble settling in, but I was honestly enjoying this new life. Nobody knew me here, and my record was wiped clean. When I applied for a job at the docks, they didn't even bother with the background check. Everyone here was so kind, accepting... This place, made me feel like I was finally free of my past.

To be honest, it wasn't Kento's offer to Kaiji that got me here. I'd met him over the past three weeks since we'd moved in, he ran deliveries around the island and even made some trips to the mainland for business. Since I was working as an off-loader at the main harbor and warehouses, we'd run into each other a few times. He was a nice guy, but I felt bad for his kids, knowing that their mother had passed away from illness a few years ago. But they were good kids, Katsuma and Mahoro.

"Hmm, those clouds are pretty dark," Kaiji noted, as we arrived outside their home. "I didn't see anything in the forecast about a storm."

"Could just be some rain," I replied, shifting nervously. "It's the end of the storm season though, so it shouldn't be too bad."

"I hope so..." But the way he stared up at the clouds encroaching in the distance, I could tell he wasn't so sure.

I made my way up to the front door, ringing it's bell once and waiting patiently. Smiling brightly as Kento opened up, "Oh hello Shisui, and Kaiji too, glad you could both make it." He greeted with a warm smile. "I was afraid you might get lost."

"Well when you live in the city as long as we have," I shrugged, "Making my way through a little neighborhood like this is refreshing."

"Ha, I'll bet, come on in." He nodded, stepping aside and letting us both through. "Dinner's just about ready, I was setting the table."

"I'll give you a hand," I offered, kicking off my shoes near the door. "Where are Katsuma and Mahoro?"

"Out back playing," He replied simply, "Would you mind bringing them in, Kaiji?"

To which he shrugged, "Yeah sure, I'll go get them." After getting rid of his own shoes, "Nice home by the way."

"Thanks!"

. . .

Kaiji Adachi

. . .

You ever just have that feeling in the pit of your stomach right before something bad happens? Yeah, every time I looked towards those storm clouds I got the same sensation. It was like animal instinct, telling me those clouds were going to bring more than just a little rain.

"Katsuma?" I called out, as I stepped into the back yard, "Mahoro?" It wasn't a very big play area, but they had a few things like a swingset set up under the tree.

"Oh," I looked up at the source of the voice, spotting Mahoro in the tree above me. "Hey Kaiji, you guys are here already huh?" She noted casually, while standing confidently on a branch while Katsuma struggled to climb.

"Yep," I nodded, "You two should come down, dinner is gonna be ready in a minute."

"Hmph," Mahoro pouted, crossing her arms. "We don't want to eat dinner with your stinky Mom."

I stifled a snort of laughter, "Stinky, huh? You know that's not very nice." I pointed out, crossing my arms. Of course I knew what this was about, they'd lost their mother just a few years ago, to see their father spending time with another woman...

"Well it's the truth," She stuck her tongue out at me. "Right Katsuma?"

The poor boy had just finished pulling himself up onto a branch, "R-Right, I think..."

"Besides," She smirked confidently, "We're all the way up here, so you can't make us go in."

Was that a challenge? "Really?" These kids didn't think I could climb this tree? No, I'd give them a better show than that. "You might be right, climbing that tree would be pretty tough, you kids sure are amazing." I shrugged casually, before crouching ever so slightly. And jumping straight up, crossing the distance between us as I launched into the air grabbing a branch with one arm.

"H-Hey no fair!" Mahoro whined, stomping her foot on the branch.

"Agh!" Katsuma yelped suddenly, "I-I'm slipping!"

But before he could actually fall, I grabbed him with my tail. "Alright Mahoro, enough games before somebody gets hurt." I urged, offering her my free hand. She still appeared reluctant, so I quickly added. "The sooner dinner is over the sooner that Stinky woman leaves..."

"Ugh, fine-" But before she could actually grab my hand, the wind picked up. It was sudden, and violent. The tree rocked, I could hear people crying out in surprise in the surrounding yards. "W-Waaaagh!" Mahoro cried out fearfully, the gust strong enough to knock her out of the tree.

"Hang on!" I managed to grab her just barely, letting go of the branch and falling to the ground. I knelt down, tucking both kids close to protect them from the harsh winds. It subsided a moment later, but it confirmed my fears. "We need to get inside." My suggestion punctuated, as a siren of some sort sounded in the distance.

"Katsuma! Mahoro!" Kento was already at the back door, looking towards us worriedly. "Oh thank goodness, quick we need to go."

"Do you guys have a basement?" I asked, letting the kids run to their father as I followed along.

"We're going to the emergency shelter nearby." He answered quickly, "That siren isn't just a storm warning, it means we're about to get hit by a hurricane!"

"What!?" I exclaimed, following him through and into the house. "How did nobody notice until it was so close?"

"I'm not sure," He shook his head, "Come on, do you two have an emergency bag packed at home?"

"Nope." Mom answered, shaking her head. "Don't suppose you've got a spare?"

"As a matter of fact, I do."

"Alright then lets go!"

. . .

Kirai Amari

. . .

"Everyone move to the emergency center behind the school!" I shouted through a megaphone, running along throughout the halls. "We've got a massive storm about to hit the island, drop whatever you can't carry and proceed to the shelter!"

"How the hell did this happen?"

"I don't know."

"Nabu Island's storm detection system is one of the most advanced you can get!"

"I'm not sure, something isn't right about this." Sliding to a stop as we stepped out through one of the doorways, towards the performance field. Bracing as a gust of wind whipped through the area. It was almost enough to knock me right off my feet.

"Amari!" My head darted towards the voice, spotting the history teacher approaching. "The shelter is filling up, you need to get inside before the storm hits!"

"Is everyone accounted for?" I asked quickly, "Do we have any missing students or faculty?"

"None yet," She shook her head, "I'm going to do a final sweep before-"

"Let me handle it," I interrupted quickly, "I'm faster than you, get to the shelter." I ordered.

"Don't you mean, I'M faster than her?"

"Just shut up and take over, this is an emergency."

"I know I kn- Wait, what's that?"

I stopped, following her direction and staring up at the roof of our school building. "Is that... A person?" It was hard to tell, but it looked like a man was standing there. Wearing a heavy overcoat with long white hair billowing behind him.

"No... That's not just some person."

As he held up his hand, and brought it down swiftly, lightning roared through the sky. Spreading across the clouds and striking at the lightning rods darting the island.

"Th-There's... There's a villain here!"

. . .

Kaiji Adachi

. . .

I was told there were shelters all over the island for emergencies like this. Since the island itself had elevation spread out around the center, the only places at risk of being totally flooded were the docks and beach areas. The town itself might suffer some damage, but the shelters would keep everyone secure and safe. By the time we reached our own, it was already starting to fill up.

But you could tell that this had all been done before, no panic no pushing and shoving. Every was just shuffling their way inside nice and calm, most carrying emergency supply bags with them. And a few men and women at the front doors were marking off everyone that came inside. They were keeping track of who was and wasn't here, that was smart.

"I take it this happens often," I noted, as we passed through. "You all seem well prepared."

"Storms are not a rare occurrence here," Kento assured, holding Mahoro's hand while Katsuma sat on his shoulders. "But it should have been detected before it got this close... Maybe there was a glitch in our system?"

"Those winds were pretty strong," Mom reminded, "Is this place gonna be able to handle a strong storm?"

"These shelters have held for two decades," He nodded, "This is the safest possible place to be on the island."

Two decades huh? Yeah, I thought those hinges looked rusty...

The interior of the shelter was like a massive basement, just a large room underground with heavy support pillars. A lot of drainage culverts to keep it dry if it started to flood, various crates with supplies spread around as well. It had the space for a few hundred people, at least. When we moved to our own little space, my eyes drifted around to everyone that was already here. I felt like I'd been put in crisis mode, not something I'd experienced in a while now. I was on edge, just waiting to act.

I could hear the metal creaking, winds outside were getting strong. The occasional thumping above as something, likely a power-line came crashing down. The rattling of rain striking the surface was getting louder, it was really coming down. I was started to get antsy, fidgeting in my spot. Before I felt a hand landing on my shoulder.

"Kaiji, you need to calm down." Mom whispered, "I know it's scary but-"

"It's not that I'm afraid," I shook my head, leg bouncing idly. "I should be helping, this is what I trained for..."

She took a deep breath, sighing heavily. "I know... But remember, that isn't who you are now..."

I hated it, but she was right. "Yeah... I'll go ask if they need help handing out supplies." I decided, that much would at least take my mind off things.

Rising to my feet, I started heading back towards the doors. They weren't completely closed yet, but water was getting in from the rain. A sharp gust occasionally whipping through the room. Several of the shelter managers were now wearing heavy raincoats, trying to stay dry while everyone inside stayed further away from the doors. They looked worried, and I had a bad feeling as I approached.

"He still hasn't reported in," They were talking among themselves, and hadn't noticed my approach. "The entire school district has gone dark!"

"Hey," I announced my presence, hearing those words. "What's happening? Is someone missing?"

They didn't think much of me hearing the news, and spoke bluntly. "A distress call came from the school, Garro went to check it out but he hasn't reported back yet."

"And we can't get through to anyone there." A woman added, holding up her phone.

I looked around at everyone here, eyes drifting back to my Mom as she spoke with Kento. Realizing the danger of me leaving here right now, and what problems it might cause. "Is... Is anyone going to check on them?"

"We can't now," The man shook his head, "Winds are getting too strong, we just have to trust that Garro will sort things out."

"Right..." I felt a terrible knot forming in my stomach. "Let the hero handle it..."

. . .

Red

. . .

My head was pounding, I could feel something hot running down my cold face as I picked it up from the water. "Wh-What... What happened?" I muttered, wincing as I brought a hand to my face, stomach lurching as I saw the blood staining it. "I-I'm bleeding..."

"That was too close." Amari's voice rang shakily through my head. "If he hadn't reached us in time..."

Looking up, I saw him, our hero standing before me. Tall and proud in his old age, facing down the villain. "Red, use your power and return to the shelter while I handle this criminal." He ordered.

Garro was an aged man, late sixties, with mostly human features. Aside from the long antlers sticking out of the sides of his head, like that of a great elk. He had a thick white beard that rolled down his chest as well, skin a light shade of brown. Like a great stag, with powerful legs and visible muscle. His costume was already in tatters from defending against the villain's wind blast. Reduced to nothing more than his baggy shorts.

"What... What about you?" I asked worriedly, forcing myself up on shaking legs.

"I'm going to do my duty," He replied quickly, "A real hero, always faces danger head on to protect others! Now GO!"

I didn't need to be told twice, activating my Quirk and racing off towards the shelter through the stormy winds and frigid rain. Looking back at him, the man who'd saved us. "Garro... You'd better not die you old bastard, we need you!"

. . .

Garro

. . .

"Heh, I'll do my best, young lady." Smirked grimly as I stared down my foe. "So, a villain that controls the weather, what business do you have attacking a peaceful island like ours?" He'd seemed content enough to wait for her to leave, what was he after here?

"Hmm?" He tilted his head, pale grey eyes staring down at me. He looked so... Indifferent, "This, this is just a field test... I need to know how far I can push this power." He used a gale of wind beneath his feet to remain hovering in the air. "Controlling the weather, it requires incredible force of will... Break in your focus, even for a moment and you could lose your grip." He raised both hands, before bringing them down.

Bolts of lightning tore into the school, striking the rooftop and shattering portions of the structure with sheer force and heat. "You bastard!" I grit my teeth in anger, fearing for anyone that might have no made it to the shelter.

"I wanted to test it here, my resolve..." He cracked a wicked, uncaring smile. "I needed to know, that I wouldn't hold anything back once I make my attack on the mainland itself," He slowly started to raise his hands again, "It's a shame you won't be around, to watch me bring an entire country to it's knees!" Slashing them downward.

As the bolts came crashing down, I jumped forward. Attempting to cross the distance between us as lightning crashed down behind me, "How foolish," I scoffed, my powerful legs carrying me closer and closer with every bound. "Youth these days, you get a little power and think you're unstoppable!"

He seemed surprised by my speed, "You're pretty spry for someone your age." Before slashing his hands through the air sideways, I was blasted by a wave of high powered winds. I had to dig in my heels to hold my ground, using both arms to shield my face and keep my vision clear. "I'm surprised you can move at all really..."

"Tch, no respect for you elders eh?" I smirked back at him. I understood his movements now, my well trained eyes watching his arms carefully. "This fight won't last long at all, I'm sure..."

"Mm, confident, lets so long that lasts once you've been fried!" As expected, he brought up both hands. The moment he did so, I charged. Springing forward and keeping low the ground. His hands came slashing down, and with them the lightning followed.

Just as expected, his movements controlled the weather. Specifically, the movement of his arms. He corrected his motions as I got closer, slashing sideways to unleash a brutal wave of wind racing towards me. I nearly stopped dead in my tracks, before crouching down and springing into the air. Flipping forward, catching only a light breeze beneath me. I spun through the air, leveling out in front of him while he was trying to move back.

"Stag Strike!" I kicked him dead center of the chest, knocking the young man right out of the air. He slammed in the wall of the school building behind him, while I landed on the ground. Wincing slightly, gripping my leg as pain shot through it. "Dammit... These legs won't carry me much longer if I have to keep attacking like that."

I heard a loud thud as the criminal fell from the wall, hitting the ground hard. "Y-You... Gnngh! Dammit... H-How did you..."

"You're young, you've got power, power that you weren't ready for." I answered simply, approaching the downed criminal. "Let me take a wild guess, you struggled with focusing your abilities for quite some time, and the moment you figured out how to control it you ran off on this idiotic plan rather than honing your skill." Stopping a few feet from him, "Consumed by a delusion of grandeur, what a waste of a good Quirk..."

"H-Heh... Y-You think you're so smart..." He managed to push himself up on one hand while holding his stomach, a little blood running from his mouth thanks to my kick. "No, actually... My quirk wasn't very strong, nothing more than a light breeze..." He released a pained coughing laugh. "B-But... I got a little upgrade, on the Black Market." He looked up at me, and I realized my mistake.

His other hand wasn't holding his stomach, it was grabbing something from inside his coat. A syringe of some sort, that was now stabbed into his side. "Gngh! No!"

I was nearly blown back, as the criminal shot upright with his arms spread wide. "AHAAHAHAH! FRY YOU OLD BASTARD!" Bringing both hands down, the sky above roaring to life with lightning.

A quirk boosting drug, I didn't have the stamina anymore to risk outlasting it. I was already close enough, even with that lightning coming down-

"You FOOL!" I roared, tucking my head and driving forward. Stabbing into him with my antlers, driving him back against the wall. My horns spread wide enough, that I only drove them into his shoulders, down to his forearms because the way his arms were spread. He cried out in pain, while I braced for impact as the lightning came crashing down.

I felt a burning pain throughout my entire body, before everything went dark.