Intern Efforts
(Miruko's Office)
One would expect a pro hero that currently held number 7 on Japan's Top Heroes would be better prepared for any and all situations. For Rumi however she wasn't such a person. She was someone who thought more with her fists or rather her legs, rather than think things through. Which was why she was currently cursing herself for not accepting not one, but two students.
Her, the hero who says "to hell with teamwork" was tacking on Interns.
This was by no means her choice however. She was being forced to do so by some members of the Hero Committee and her own agent due to causing some property damage. It wasn't the first time this happened, but it started to become far more frequent as of late. She could admit that much. But she would rather work it off than actually teach some upstart punks. That was the real punishment, wasn't it? To be forced to work with others. Her agent just thought this would do well for a good popularity and agreed with it, much to her annoyance.
Thankfully she was allowed to pick at the very least, but had made the mistake of mentioning her choices to her agent. Which was why she was stuck with two rather than one. She blamed bad timing.
For her choices it was Izuku Midoriya and Katsumi Bakugou. She went for the green haired boy because of his ridiculous strength and the fact he had repeatedly broken his bones, yet kept on fighting. As for the explosive blond, she saw a somewhat calmer version of herself back when she went to U.A. and saw the same fighting glare she held. She knew it was gonna be an aggravating amount of work to deal with them, but she had the perfect way to start off.
A rough beatdown by her personally.
'Just beat them down, get a feeling of how they fight and work from there. Perfect.' Rumi thought while patting herself on the back. However she felt a slight annoyance that made her slam her head on the table. "Damn it. This is gonna be a pain."
"Mirko, Izuku Midoriya and Katsumi Bakugou are here." The intercom went off with Rumi groaning.
"Better make this shit go by fast." Rumi said, getting up. She stopped by the elevator and waited for them to come up. The moment the door opened, she gave a rather feral grin upon seeing them. "You two ready for hell?"
Izuku didn't seem surprised by the question, no doubt thinking about what they were gonna be doing. Katsumi however matched her grin, almost as though it was meant to be a challenge for her.
It was almost cute.
"I can handle anything you throw at us." Katsumi declared with Izuku nodding. His face changed into something close, but not quite there yet.
"Good, because the first thing we're gonna do is fight. Think you handle that, blonde?" Rumi asked mockingly.
"No shit, Bun-" Izuku slapped a hand over Katsumi's mouth before she could finish. However it was too late. Rumi was already ticked enough as is and was holding it down, but that just went out the window.
"And now I'm gonna make sure you're knocked out till the end of this internship. Let's go!" Rumi launched herself at them, beginning a long and tedious workout.
(Gun Head Agency)
Momo was forced to block several swings with her staff as she fought Gunhead. The man was fast, able to throw a punch faster than most would have expected. He wasn't even trying with her, not really, but his normal speed made it difficult to counter anything at all. He wasn't even using his Quirk either.
She was trying to get herself more comfortable with thinking on the fly and acting sooner rather than being caught up in her thoughts. She lost due to that, not being able to think fast enough on a plan. Sometimes it was better to act fast than think long depending on the situation. Gun Head was proving that to her with how easily he was countering her countless attempts to attack him.
"Hold it, let's stop for a moment." Gunhead said, catching Momo's staff as he said so. "You're quite good, your skill alone would dish out normal criminals, but we'll still have to work on your Quirk being used effectively alongside with it. It is a tool that should not go on ignored."
"I know sir, it's been...difficult. The only time I was forced into a real fight was at U.A. and...well, you know." Momo said, referring to the USJ incident. "I only realized my flaw during the Sports Festival, but I wished I had realized it sooner."
"Don't feel bad, plenty of Heroes didn't exactly start out being the greatest of the great. Even now I know there are some who are still picking up new tricks and issues." Gunhead said while letting go of her staff. "Not many of us had the opportunity to realize it. It makes me glad that the next generation is already a step ahead."
"Thank you, Mr. Gunhead." Momo said with a bow. She stood up straight just in time for a figure to be seen flying past her. Both her and Gunhead turned to Uraraka standing up, looking surprised by how far she launched him.
"S-sorry!" She said, looking sheepish.
"Judo throw, nicely done!" Gunhead said, giving her a thumbs up. Hearing the sound of groaning, made him sweatdrop. "I should check in on him. Take a small break, Momo."
Momo merely nodded before going to take a seat. She watched over as Uraraka was practicing more on disarming and countering, smiling at how easily she was getting used to the style.
'Perhaps I need to take another look at what I normally do and what I can do.' Her thoughts went to a few of her classmates. Rukido, Galva, Izuku, Mr. Aizawa, they all held such adaptly. Able to think on the fly, react just as fast and be ready for almost anything thrown at them. Her quirk was extremely versatile, that was true, but most of victories were done with prep time. Something she wouldn't have as much in reality. '...It's time to put my hero name to better use.'
If she couldn't do it her old style, then she'd just have to add in as many as she could.
(Best Jeanist Agency)
Katsuki was feeling regret.
"Your style is unpolished and your attitude is disgusting." Best Jeanist said, while looking down on Katsuki. He currently had the young man tied up in fabric and was currently lecturing him. "Your performance at the Sports Festival showed that you are certainly strong and possess a proper handle on your quirk. But that is all where it ends. Your lack of tact will be your downfall."
"I seriously fucking doubt that." Katsuki said through gritted teeth.
"Regardless, I chose you because I believed I could help you. However, we must start off with your attire." Katsuki could only stare as Best Jeanist approached him with hair gel and a comb. "Now...let's get this done."
Oh so many regrets.
(Ryukyu Agency)
Taya sat down awkwardly across from Ryuko, not sure what to expect from this internship. The Hero before her was patient, calm and was very kind, unlike herself who was a bit hard headed, impatient and had a bit of an honor complex. Even she could see that. It made her curious why she was chosen.
"Are you enjoying your tea? I do hope I didn't make it too hot." Ryuko said, with an apologetic smile.
"O-oh, it's perfect. Thank you, Miss Ryukyu." Taya said quickly, hoping she didn't offend her in some way.
"Please, call me Ryuko when we're alone like this. You may refer to my Hero name once we work together." Ryuko said.
"Of course, madam." Taya said with a polite bow.
"However you must be curious as to why I chose you." Ryuko said, catching her intern's attention. "I saw your performance during the Sports Festival. You were quite battle driven during it and if I recall from your report, you didn't allow yourself to rest once during that. Almost like a certain Rabbit I know."
"I was merely taking it seriously. I doubt I will have many chances to rest during Hero Work." Taya explained, hoping she wouldn't be scolded too harshly. She got that enough from Recovery Girl.
"Be that as it may, a Hero does need to know when to rest. Otherwise they can get overwhelmed later on." Ryuko said with Taya looking down in embarrassment. "But I do like your drive. It's sad for me to admit, but many Heroes will simply stay out of the way if things get to dire for them." The Heroine took note of the scowl that came across her intern's face, but didn't hear her add anything. "Ignoring that, you followed through the Sports Festival with ease, making it past the events with little issues. When those issues arose, you dealt with them the moment it appeared."
Taya couldn't help but beam.
"But I noticed that during your final match, you seemed surprised by your last attack." Ryuko pointed out while Taya winced slightly. "I can assume it's new for you?"
"I never breathed...anything before." Her throat was extremely sore after that. Despite her Quirk having two separate aspects to it, she never once thought of the energy side to it outside of it being a light cloak. She had wanted to call her father on it, but outside a message sent from him, she hadn't had the chance to speak about it with anyone. "It was new and I wasn't sure how to use it."
"And that is why I wanted to help you." Ryuko said, making Taya blink in confusion. It was well known that Ryuko could not breath fire in the slightest. "I know how terrifying it can be for a Quirk to evolve, so it will be my goal to help gain control over your power."
"I...I thank you for the opportunity." Taya said, quite thankful.
"Of course. Besides, one of my interns decided they truly wanted you to come and I simply could not deny her." Ryuko said with a smile.
"Huh? Who-NIGHTINGALE!" Two round objects hit the back of Taya's head as a pair of hands wrapped around her. Her blush came in full force upon hearing giggling. She was shocked that Nejire of all people was here. "It's good to see you again!"
"N-Nejire!" Taya had managed to get free from and turn her head. Her blush only grew upon seeing the blue haired girl's costume and tried to repress it. "You work under Miss Ryuko?"
"Yup! For three years now! I knew you would come here though!" Nejire said, keeping her large smile on the entire time.
"Nejire just couldn't stop talking about your entire first year, but she seemed to really like you." Ryuko explained while giving the Dragoness a knowing smile. Seeing Taya was too embarrassed to speak, she decided to continue on. "I asked Nejire here to help out with your training here due to having similar energy like Quirks. At the very least she and I will help you control it and turn it into something quite productive for hero work."
"That's right. My Quirk has me use my own energy from my body and turn it into energy. I get really tired when I overdue it though, but I can still easily help you." Nejire explained brightly.
"I see. I am grateful for your recommendation." Taya said, keeping her composure finally. "I will not let either of you down while I am here."
"I know you won't." Ryuko said warmly before standing up. "Now, let's get a good understanding of where you stand. Do not worry, I will go easy on you."
Somehow Taya doubted that.
(U.A. University, Support Room)
"MEI! LEAVE THE POOR BOY ALONE!" Power Loader snapped at the girl, who ignored him as per usual.
"Come on! I just want to see if your head comes off!" Mei exclaimed excitedly while approaching Galva with a wrench. The boy was backed up against the wall, using his Quirk to form a shield between the two of them with a frightened look. "Just think of how many ideas I will have once I take a close look inside him!"
"Mei no! Now get out of here or else I'm banning you from the workshop for the entire internship!" Power Loader demanded.
"Really?! Aww..." Mei finally halted her attack and lowered her wrench. She made her way back to her workstation, quickly getting caught up in making another "baby" for future use.
"That girl." Power Loader grumbled while shaking his head. "Sorry about her. When it comes to technology or machinery of any kind, she goes a little...fiesty."
"It's fine. As strange as it sounds, I'm used to it." Galva was used to being "attacked" by scientist and support item companies due to his Quirk. They had wanted to observe it for the longest time and use it to improve themselves. Of course they had made it sound painful altogether and so he naturally avoided them. "Though she's been the most forward."
"Regardless, take a seat so we can talk." Power Loader said, pulling a seat up for his student. Galva sat down across from him and watched the teacher pull up a stack of papers. "First thing's first, you did pretty well during the festival. You used your Quirk expertly during each event and followed through with it till you finally fell."
"I was just giving it all I had, same as everyone else." Galva said, rubbing the back of his head while grinning.
"Yet you chose me, knowing I focus more on support more than combat these days." Power Loader said, his interest made clear. "I'm curious why."
"Well...the thing about my Quirk, it's basically a super support item. To me at least." Galva began to explain as best he could. "I can make a number of things through my nanites, but I feel like I could create much more for my arsenal and I wanted to figure out if I can improve how I make them. Does that make sense?"
"...Yes. I'm actually impressed that you thought it through." Power Loader admitted.
"Well I kinda need to." Galva said.
"I suppose the best place to start is your style. Or rather how wasteful you've been." Power Loader said while crossing his arms. Galva seemed surprised by that, but didn't interrupt. "I saw a lot of unnecessary moves used by you. Due to how large your creations are, you trade your speed and flexibility in favor of power. It's a very large risk, one that cost you your chance in the finals."
"Well...yeah." Galva could see how that would stop him. He was always used to making them large and in charge. Not to mention it was always encouraged by his teachers in school...his teachers who are probably soaking in the fact that they taught him in the first place. "It's what I've always done since I got my Quirk."
"If you want to improve, we start there. Try making something small, like a metal coating on your hand." Power Loader said. Looking down at his hand, Galva almost made his big fist again before quickly stopping himself. He closed his eyes and focused for a bit while Power Loader watched as the Nanites began to form. It didn't coat his skin like the Support Hero had planned, but it was around the same size of a gauntlet. "Not what I wanted, but it's more than I expected."
"Wow." Galva opened his eyes to the sight, surprised how light it was. He clenched it a few times, finding it as easy to hold together as his normal creations. "...How am I gonna learn how to fight with this?"
"Leave your teachers to worry about that. I'm here to help you get used to it before anything else." Power Loader said while making Galva sweatdrop. "Next thing I'm gonna have to ask is that can you make anything powered by energy?"
"Not really. I don't have anything energy related in my body outside my nanites and all they can do is make my creations." Galva explained.
"But can you make something that can be powered?" Power Loader asked with Galva thinking about it.
"I mean, I technically could. Why?" Galva asked only to see Power Loader shake his head.
"Just an idea for the future. Don't think about it right now." He then pulled out a notebook and placed it down in front of them. "We have a lot of things to try out. Are you ready?"
"You have no idea, sir." Galva said, excitement clear in his voice.
(U.A. Nezu's Office)
Nezu was humming to himself while watching his security cameras before hearing a knock on his door. "Come in, Mr. Seito."
Rukido stepped in with a smile on his face. "You really do have eyes everywhere. Guess I should be talking outloud more often if I have an issue."
"I am always listening with good intent. But please, take a seat." Nezu said. Rukido did as he asked and waited for the conversation to begin. "I see you don't have young Eri with you today."
"She's spending time with Ship. If they need anything, they can call me." Rukido explained, his smile growing a bit larger. The girl was happy with how things were going and that was good, but he needed to stay on this track. He certainly needed to be prepared for anything and everything that could potentially ruin the girl's mood. "I was actually gonna start helping her learn some things properly."
"A fine idea. It is never too late nor early to start an education." Nezu said with a chuckle before it turned a bit serious. "However there are a few things to discuss."
"Such as?" Rukido asked.
"Do you remember the Nomu you cured?" Nezu asked, seeing the Plumber nod. "He woke up this morning."
"Really? Is he...alright?" Rukido asked, worried. The Omnitrix was amazing, but he doubted it could heal mental trauma. Especially when being turned into that thing.
"Physically, yes. Mentally is another thing. He holds no memory of being a Nomu." Nezu said. That was...good. Better than good. "We're already trying to locate any blood relatives and any reports that relate to the man, but so far nothing has come up. Do not worry, we're looking into it for right now."
"In doubt leave it to you. Anything else sir?" Rukido asked. The guy was okay and that was what mattered most.
"I also have news on the friend you made back at the USJ. Jin if I recall." Nezu said while catching Rukido's interest. "You'll be happy to know that he's currently going through rehabilitation for his Quirk as we speak. Not to mention the info he provided for us involving the League was quite interesting."
"Right, Handjob was the leader of the group. Or on the surface at least." Rukido said with a hint of grimace. The man was crazy and overambitious in his eyes, but he was still dangerous with that quirk of his. "Is Jin doing well though? You know those old stories of doctors and nurses abusing their patients."
"I can say confidently that he is currently in the care of the best that Japan has to offer." Neu said with Rukido nodding. "He's lucky however. If he didn't have his split personality be confirmed as true, he would have been forced to stay with the rest of the League's crooks. Even with a lesser sentence, it would not have done him any favors."
"That's nice, anything else?" Rukido asked.
"I do have to ask...were you able to learn anything from young Eri?" Nezu asked, concern clear in his voice. Seeing how Rukido went slump, he could only sigh. "I see. It's difficult isn't it?"
"I don't...I don't know if I can forgive myself for asking about anything about what she went through." Try as he might, he may never be able to talk with Eri about her days before she met him. He didn't want to risk bringing her back to whatever darkness remained. Especially after they've made good progress. "I'll work on it, but not now."
"You have no need. At least, not at this moment." Nezu said. "Thanks to some friends of mine keeping their ears open, we've been hearing minor talk of Eri's name being used." He didn't miss how Rukido's face went expressionless yet his hand was clenched tightly. Seeing he wasn't gonna be interrupted, Nezu continued. "These people have been noted to be part of a group known as the Yakuza. They're on a high watch list due to the group's past activities, but without any evidence we can't make any legal action against them."
"...And I suppose you want me to ask Eri if she knows anything at all?" Rukido asked, a dark tone in his voice.
"Not at this moment, but I do ask that you stay on campus grounds in the meantime. It'll be risky to take her out while they are allowed to move about." Nezu said, not missing the small scowl.
'I can wipe the floor with whatever the Yakuza has if it means keeping her safe.' Rukido thought only to nod. He wasn't an idiot. This was what the official Heroes of Earth were meant to do and he was more than family with the evidence issue. Too many times criminals got off due to a lack of evidence. "I trust you have more to say?"
"Yes. In regards to the current status of the Yakuza case, they are being watched carefully. Personally by Sir Nighteye and his agency." Nezu explained while letting out a sigh. "He also knows about Eri and wants to meet her."
"Nighteye...how would you describe him?" Rukido asked after some thought.
"He's a passionate man who believes that happiness within others is important and thus makes himself out to be hard and stoic." Nezu began. "However he can be a bit too passionate at times when it comes to certain aspects of heroics and doesn't like it when people can interrupt his investigation."
"Which means he probably doesn't like me. Trust me even less." Rukido muttered. Even with that mind, he knew how important it was to get this information. At the same time, he didn't want to risk Eri reverting back to that state. Yet if there was a chance this Kai could finally be brought in and have his entire group gone. "...Alright, I'll try to talk to her this week."
"Are you sure?" Nezu asked, watching the young man nod. "I know this would be difficult, if you want me to do it instead."
"No. I don't want Eri to get scared at being asked questions by a stranger. Even if I was there." Rukido said, letting out a sigh. "I'll ask her about Kai and what she knows about Yakuza."
"I see. I am sorry about this." Nezu said.
"Don't be. Just another hardship of a hero." And a Father. "Was that all, sir?"
"Yes. Do have yourself a good day." Nezu said politely.
"Same to you." With that Rukido took his leave, allowing the heatmaster to his thoughts. Of course at that very moment his phone went off, making him pick it up.
"Headmaster Nezu of U.A. Academy, who am I speaking with?" Nezu asked. His eyes slowly grew interested as the conversation began. "A cave in, in the tunnels? And right under Exodus Headquarters? No doubt they've already sealed up anything tight. Any more details? ...A strange figure you say escaping from the subway station connected to the cave in...yes. Yes you have permission to investigate further. Keep me updated."
He hung up the phone and looked at the door, considering calling Rukido back before shaking his head. This was a Hero matter as far as he was concerned, which meant they would handle it. And if it grew into something more Alien like, then they would handle it then. For now, he would just need to wait and watch.
(Alleyway)
Stain was never someone to sleep well. He always felt restless in his pursuit to slay all fake Heroes and thus never slept too often. When he did sleep, it didn't last too long. When it did, it could last nearly the whole day, but he would still not awake completely okay at first. Perhaps that was because where he normally slept, it would be on top of buildings and abandoned structures.
Yet as of right now, he felt...good.
"Where...am I?" Stain questioned, opening his eyes for the first time. The first thing he realized was that he was standing up straight, much to his confusion. Secondly there was a mangled body in front of him, a Heroine to be specific that he was meant to hunt after- "INGENIUM!"
A hiss instantly caught his attention, making him reach for his blade. Seeing how it was missing, he turned to meet the sound only to see a gooey face of red in front of his own. Naturally he jumped back, ready to examine the situation, but noticed how it seemed attached to him. It seemed startled by it, but had remained in place.
Meanwhile Stain was looking down at himself, finding his attire to be completely changed into something new. He didn't forget about the creature attached to him and looked at it to see it was staying surely docile. It gave him a look for a moment before giving him a fanged smile. He was still on guard of the creature before him until a slight pain entered his head and memories from before had appeared.
"What...what the hell did they do?" He remembered it all. Exodus capturing him. The captives that they held underground. The experimentations that they were gonna preform on him. This...this thing saving him. "You...what are you?" Another memory came in, infrocing the fact that they were connected. "A Symbiote...made from my blood while gifted from your parents...you're no Quirk I've ever heard of and yet I can't help to believe you...Why did you kill my target?"
It shook it's head and suddenly retracted back to his body. The next thing he knew, he felt it's feelings. It held the same belief that he did. That the fake heroes needed to be purged in order to make a pure world. Such a strange creature, yet it was just born it seemed. A primal creation that had not only saved his life, but also empowered him greatly. He was simply...more now than he had ever felt in his life.
No...not just him.
"Us...We..." Stain muttered as the mask appeared on before. This Symbiote and him were kin now. No. They were one person now. "We shall purge the corruption from this world for the true Heroes will not take such action. They'll all learn through us that the only way to rid evil is through blood spilt." The mask fully covered over his face as his scarf unwrapped slightly to show a bladed tongue with a wicked grin. "WE ARE STAIN!"
His purge would start soon.
(Chapter End)
A/N: I know, I know, I'm super late with this. I just haven't been feeling very motivated lately, but thankfully I found somewhat of a drive for now. I only hope I keep with it, if only because it's driving another thing for myself. But besides that, let's get into some things.
No, I wasn't gonna get into every internship, they were already brief as is and that's fine. They really aren't entirely important to begin outside of showing who ended up with who. A bit of laziness on my part, but considering that they'll have a chance to show what they have later on, I think it's fine. Also I did say why for Miruko's reason for even doing the internship in the beginning of the chapter, so there's no need to dive into that.
On another matter, I never did say Eri told them anything about Kai or his Yakuza. She just mentioned Kai and that was it. The whole matter itself is something that needs to be handled with care. However it's about time that talk did happen, which may be happening next chapter or the next.
Finally we have the Hero Killer himself embracing the Symbiote. Well why is a man with such conviction allowing this strange entity on his person. First and foremost, it's a symbiote first and foremost. It's a natural entity that makes it's host feel like they need them. Secondly because Stain and the Symbiote share the fake Heroes must die. This is due to the Symbiote adopting what it knew of Stain the moment it woke up. It's also why I decided to make it a bit more primal in comparison to other new Symbiotes.
That should be all for now, so as usual direct all questions towards the review section. In the meantime have yourself a great day and that you come back for more. Until next we meet.
Reviews
StrikerTj: Update
Answer: I'm only putting the one because they are the same thing technically. Well here it is, I hope you'll enjoy it.
