"Himiko Toga. Second Year Student." began the old hound. "She too has gone missing along with several students and faculty members from the high school listed in the dossier, woof."
Police Chief Tsuragamae stood before a multitude of heroes, detectives and officers. Behind him, a screen displayed an image of the girl.
She possessed a slender build and pale skin. Bangs of sandy blonde hair partially covered her catlike eyes, the rest tied off into messy hair buns on either side of her head. Her mouth is drawn into a smirk, almost forming a sort of 'v' shape, and is wearing a knit cardigan over a school uniform.
"While there is no concrete evidence of her being directly involved in or responsible for the disappearances, it should be noted that she does have a history of past offenses including illegal quirk use."
"The main suspect, who operates under the alias of Skin-Walker, had been in a relationship with the girl for a time. According to our informant, a classmate of Toga's who has chosen to remain anonymous, the two had been together for close to a year before she discovered that he had been taking part in organized crime when outside of class. A local gang of street criminals and ex-mob members who had been involved in a number of illicit activities, the most notable being the sale and manufacturing of illegal quirk enhancing drugs and surgical augmentations."
"When Toga discovered this and made it clear to Skin-Walker that she could no longer be with him given the things he had done, he became enraged and attempted to assault her, though luckily our informant had been present and prevented any further hostile actions from occurring.
"That is, until three days later when this video surfaced."
The screen shifted to show a grisly sight. Bodies, caged behind chain link, some of them students, others teachers, all showing the same condition. Flesh turned pale white, faces gaunt with eyes sunken in and bloodshot red. The bodies are drained, limbs almost skeletally thin, the muscles having atrophied to the point of non existence. Many are moaning, begging for help. Some appear to have become feral, only able to utter guttural roars and screams.
"Hey, kids. it's your ol' pal Skin-Walker, here. And welcome to another episode of 'Happy Family Fun Hour'!"
The man has an appearance similar to that of the captives, as his skin is likewise the same pale, chalk white color, his eyes a bright ruby red. His hair is a long mane of silver framing his long, gaunt facial features, and he possesses a slender, but muscular build, akin to a sprinter.
"We've got a very special treat for you today! But first, let's welcome today's special guest... Toga-chan~~!"
Skin-Walker turns the camera to face the girl, tied to a chair by her wrists, ankles, and waist.
"Let me go! I told you I was finished with you, now let me go!"
"Aww... it looks like our guest is a little camera shy~~... But we can fix THAT, with help from today's sponsor..."
The man walks into frame as the camera pans out. He draws a small syringe from his pocket, a strange black liquid within it. The man, a theatrical wave of his hand, begins to speak.
"Now I know what you folks at home may be thinking. 'Isn't that just your average, every day trigger?' And most times, you'd be right. But THIS isn't just your average, every day trigger."
The man proceeded to force the syringe into his wrist, the whole of its contents entering his bloodstream. The injection site began to pulsate, veins taking on a darkened, black hue as he continued to speak.
"ALL NEW FROM A DEAR, DEAR BUSINESS PARTNER OF OURS..."
As the blackened liquid spread throughout the man's body, his body began to undergo a startling metamorphosis. His limbs began to lengthen, his hands growing massive, fingers disproportionately long, with nails growing to sharpened points, as long and as sharp as machetes, his feet growing in much the same way.
"IT'S AN AMAZING NEW PRODUCT...
His body begins to sprout long, thick fur, the very same silver color as the hair on his head.
A LItTle soMEthing tHE boYS LIKe TO caLL..."
The transformation enters its final throes as the man's teeth grow to massive points, his mouth beginning to jut outward like that of an animal's muzzle. As this occurs, one of his gangly, but nonetheless powerful, muscular arms knocks the camera from its stand, clattering to the floor on its side. The viewfinder focuses on the captive Toga, as the man begins to lurch towards her. He rears back before howling...
"WEEEEEEEN-DII-GOOOOOOOoo-o-o...!"
The video begins to distort, digital artifacts overtaking the screen, as Toga's screams can be heard before the video ends.
As those within the room began to collect themselves after viewing such a terrifying sight, Tsuragame spoke up once more.
"Skin-Walker's hideout was found to be long abandoned once the police had begun their raid. The captives were still caged within, though there was no sign of either him nor Miss Toga. While, miraculously, a good number of the captives, were found to be alive and put into medical care, two of the faculty members as well as three students are in critical condition, and if action is not taken soon they may not survive to see tomorrow morning."
The old hound, pressed at his brow a moment, eyes shut, before continuing.
"Though the syringe containing the modified Trigger drug was found, the doctors charged with isolating the element within it that had caused the condition within the hostages, as well as Skin-Walker's transformation, have been unable to do so. It has been found that the element decays rapidly and is only active for a limited time outside of a specific environment. Stored under specialized conditions, or freely flowing within a host's system. The only means of isolating it, then, would be to locate Skin-Walker, and extract a sample of his blood."
"And that's where I come in."
Those within the meeting room collectively turned to see the one who the chief had personally selected to carry out the operation. She stepped forward, her lithe, muscular build accentuated by her distinctive blue and white leotard costume. Her long, white furred ears perked up as she uttered with a toothy grin,
"Mirko, at your service!"
"Huh. Interesting."
After having been allowed a much needed shower and shave, as well as a fresh change of clothes courtesy of Mamadoriya, Dr. Robert Bruce Banner had taken it upon himself to get as well acquainted with his current home as possible. This had led him to studying up on the last couple centuries of human history, courtesy of a video series produced by an energetic man with a distinctive short cropped haircut and thick framed glasses.
"And that concludes this Crash Course on Modern Quirk Law. I'm Jack Blue."
It was the third day since his arrival in Musutafu and so far he had made as much of a home here as he could. With help from Izuku's mother he had made arrangements to rent a unit in their apartment complex. His fabricated hero credentials had proven to be a decisive factor in his approval by the superintendent, who was an older gentleman with his hair slicked back smooth and a prominent set of eyebrows who was chomping on a cigar. Though he was shorter in stature, his worn knuckles told a story of a fighter's past.
The older man walked from the threshold of his office's door and met with Banner who had been sat down in a folding chair in the hall outside.
"Well, the paper work's in order and your security deposit will be in escrow. With that said, here's the key to your unit, along with a copy of the relevant documentation. Have to say, it's great to have an honest to goodness hero here in my building. Maybe you and I can team up sometime, huh?"
Bruce quirked a small smile at the man's sentiment.
"I'll be happy to take you up on that offer if the opportunity ever presents itself. I do have to warn you. When I transform, even though I am able to do the most good, it's likewise where I could do the most harm."
"Ah, I can appreciate your concern. But just 'cause I'm an old timer it doesn't mean I'm made of egg shells."
"I'm sure you are. It's just that... for as long as I've had my... quirk, it's been a constant struggle to keep my emotions in check. Every day is a trial to make sure I don't succumb to my anger and end up misusing that power. I may end up hurting an innocent person instead of the bad guy." said Banner, as he set his eyes to the floor in thought.
...
"Hey."
Banner is brought out of this moment of introspection as the man gives him a small pat on the shoulder, and an understanding gaze like that of a grandfather.
"I can understand not wanting that anger to end up getting other people hurt, but even still, it's not letting your anger out that gets people hurt. It's keeping the anger locked up inside that hurts you."
...
"Hm."
"Maybe."
The days after the Sludge Villain Incident were proving to be quite eventful for one Izuku Midoriya, 14. Though typically the subject of attention, mainly for his classmates' desire of using him as an object of ridicule, he was now the talk of the school for another reason.
"So Midoriya..." Izuku looked up from his newest notebook to be met by a pair of eyes. More specifically, a pair of eyes jutting out a young man's head like those of a slug.
"HOW COME YOU NEVER MENTIONED YOU WERE RELATED TO SUCH A COOL HERO?!" he shouted, his eyes bulging as he did so.
"Yeah!" chimed in another, his body stretching and contorting like rubber. "I would've thought a hero otaku like you would talk about him non-stop! The way he took down that muck monster guy and got you and Bakugo out of that mess had to be one of the most awesome hero rescues of the year!"
"If I may." A glossy print of the Hulk's titanic finishing move on The Glob appeared before him, the green goliath forcefully ramming the sludge villain's head into the hardened pavement. It is levitated into place by a girl with curly hair and glasses. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd very much like to see if you could ask your Uncle for his autograph."
"ME TOO!" Another boy whose quirk allowed him to expand his muscles appeared before him, a t-shirt bearing the Hulk's scowling visage on it below the word 'SMASH' in his hand. "HULK SMASH!"
They've already made merchandise for him?
"Hey, could you set up a meeting with him for me?"
"I'd LOVE to meet Hulk!"
"Yo, Midoriya, do you think you could get him to come to my kid sister's birthday party?"
"Just how strong is he?"
"Why does he wear those funny purple pants?"
"Does he like puppies?"
His classmates surrounding him, Izuku began to feel the onset of anxiety as a barrage of inquiries came forth, all regarding his great hero 'uncle' who had made a grand debut just days prior. The questions continued left and right, his teacher even chiming in and asking if he could perhaps do a school visit, then-
WHAM!
The room goes deathly quiet, as in walks number 1 student, Katsuki Bakugo. He says nothing, merely walking forward, bandaged hands at his sides, until he reaches and sits down at his desk.
Following a pregnant pause, the students likewise seat themselves as their teacher begins today's lesson. Izuku shoots a troubled glance at Katsuki, whose cold stare could make even the most hardened person look away in fear of incurring the boy's wrath. Not being particularly hardened himself, Izuku did just that.
Though being Izuku Midoriya, he knew it was merely wishful thinking that he would go overlooked by his old childhood friend.
"Oi." Izuku looked back towards Katsuki whose gaze was piercing through his very soul.
"Lunch hour. The roof." He doesn't raise his voice. "If you don't show up I'm gonna find you and I'm gonna kill you." he finished, very quietly.
...Yep. That's the Kacchan I know.
"Hii-Mmiii-KKKOooo..."
Toga kept as still as she could, any sudden movement would be the end for her. She kept her breathing as quiet as possible, as she heard the thing's distorted, booming voice like glass grinding against stone from beneath her junk-pile shelter.
"PLAYINGG Hiiide AND SEEeek? My FAVORITE... yOU KNOW IT'Sss oNLY a MatTER of TIimE before WEEnDiGOOo FINNDSS YOU..."
Despite herself, Toga could not help her heart beginning to race, as the transformed Skin-Walker's words stirred greater fear in her. She began to hyperventilate, and so brought a hand to her mouth to quiet her rapid breaths.
"WHYYyyy are YOu so AFRaid? IT's ONLy ME. You KNOW I love you... ThOSe CUute littLE hair BUNs... Those GLLEAMING, GOLDEN EYES..."
"THAT SMELL..."
"STRRRAW-BERR-RRIESSSss..."
Himiko froze and the alley grew far too quiet far too quickly.
CRREEAACCKKK!
Crooked claws slashed through layers of sheet metal like hot knives through butter as Himiko remained still, too frightened to make a sound. Spindly fingers, like insect legs folded over the cut up sheets before pulling them apart like tin foil. Through the dark, all she could see on the other side of the widening hole were two shimmering, blood red orbs, jagged ivory points, glistening with saliva and foam dripping beneath them.
"FOOoouUUND YOUUUUuuuuu..."
Himiko screamed, and the thing tore her hiding place apart.
Jumping to her feet, she bolted, her legs pumping vigorously with each step. She looked behind her to see the twisted form of Skin-Walker, claws raised, ready to pounce as a single stride brought him ever closer. She turned to evade him, and continued running as fast as she could down another back alleyway until she crashed against dense concrete. Falling onto her back she looked up to see a dead end.
"AWWw... ToGA-Chan taKE a TUMBLE?"
"K-Kagerou, stop this! I told you already I don't want to do this with you anymore, I can't!"
"Ah-AH-AHhhh~... It's WENN-DI-GOOOooo now, TOooga-CHan..."
"I don't care who you are! I... I thought you were nice, your quirk was so much like mine, you said you understood, I trusted you!"
"AW... YOU DO CARE! But THAAaat doesN'T CHAAaange the FAct YOUuu BETRAYEDD MEEEE... "
"I left because of you and that- that POISON. I couldn't believe you tried pushing that stuff on those first year kids! It wasn't right! And all because of that you- you started to hurt my friends... WHY?! WHAT DID THEY EVER DO TO YOU?!"
"I JuST wanTED to GET to knooOOW YOUUuu BETTER... THey aLL had SUCH NICE thingGGs to SAY abOUT you WHIle I PLAYED WITH THEM... DON'T WOOOooorrry... YOU'LL SEE THEM AGAIN REAAAL SOOOoooon..." said the Wendigo as he brandished a mangled claw and advanced.
"Wha- what are you...?"
Toga shrieked as the claw came down.
"Alright, Deku. Spill. Tell me about this 'uncle' of yours that you or Auntie Inko never thought to mention for as long as I've known you."
The roof was empty, save some birds perched along the rain gutters. Bakugo stood with the sun against his back, giving him the appearance of some vengeful specter as his blood red eyes stared right through Izuku's very being. Izuku swallowed hard before replying.
"I-It just never came up?"
"Bullshit. A hero nerd like you would talk about him non-stop." The distance between them had closed quickly, as Bakugo stood over a recoiling Izuku. "So I'll ask you again... Why'd you never mention him." Bakugo glared at him, making Izuku turn his gaze away.
This is bad... I'll feel bad for embellishing the truth... but if I did tell him that truth, chances are he'd probably just blow me up.
Izuku looked back to see Bakugo's crimson red orbs still focused squarely on him in expectation.
Well... here goes...
"T-the truth is Kacchan... that well, Uncle Bruce is only my half-uncle. My Dad and him never got along when they were little and they would fight all the time... so he told me that he'd prefer it if- if we mentioned him as little as possible while I was growing up..."
Katsuki kept silent as Izuku went on.
"When he was old enough, he went to America to study as a hero and kept contact to a minimum. B-but then when my Dad went to America himself for business, he and him finally managed to patch things up. S-so he, my Dad, asked if he could come over here and look out for me and Mom while he's here as part of hero exchange. A-and that's all."
...
Izuku and Katsuki continued staring at each other for what felt like several hours until the latter broke the silence.
"I'll buy that. For now. But you're hiding something. And until I find out what it is... watch your ass."
Bakugo turned for the door, past a shocked Izuku.
"Oh. One more thing."
Izuku turned towards him.
"If you ever try to run in like that again, I'm blowing both your legs off."
The door slammed shut.
Well, that went well.
Bruce Banner walked steadily down the street, arm full of groceries, the midday sun hung overhead.
Is that really it? Is keeping you penned in like this really just hurting the both of us in the long run?
Hmph. Hulk not need answer what deep down Puny Banner already know.
Even so... I know what you're capable of if you fly off the handle. That's why I tried so hard in the early days to keep you in check. You're too dangerous.
Hulk only smash if Hulk need to. Not Hulk's fault stupid puny humans always hunting Hulk, HURTING Hulk, CALLING HULK MONSTER!
But you have to understand! Here we have a second chance. Nobody knows us. We have a clean slate.
It doesn't have to be that way anymore.
The Hulk stayed silent.
Bruce stood at the crosswalk. Glancing at the window to a convenience store at the corner, Bruce looked at himself. His heavy, green brow furrowed in contemplation.
What do you say?
"AAAAAAAAAUUUUUGHHHHHHH!"
Both man and reflection jolted as from a nearby alley they heard a young girl shriek.
Bruce turned back to face his reflection wearing a look of determination.
"Well... What do you think?"
His eyes flashed bright green.
Toga's skin was pale, an almost bright ghost white. Though she was not in as worse a condition compared to those who had come before her, she was considerably weak now and on the verge of losing consciousness. Her arm screamed in agony as the thing that had once been a man's claws siphoned the blood from her body.
"HnnnnGH... I'm ALMosT dissAPPoinTED... ThouGHT you'd put UPPP MMMmoRE of a FIGHT... STILL... THIsss DOES make IT EASier for ME to GETTT WHAT I NEED..."
Wendigo's macabre meal would be rudely interrupted, however, as a giant green fist soon sent him flying to the end of the alley, the brick buckling from the impact.
"If monster wants fight... Hulk will GIVE HIM ONE."
But as the Hulk began advancing, a voice causes him to hesitate... a boisterous voice belonging to a woman...
"Sorry, Jolly Green. But this one's MINE!"
"Hnngh?"
"If shaggy, pale and ugly really wants to tangle with someone, it oughta be me!"
Next time...
And Now... Mirko!