Ring ring ring. Ring ring ring. Ring ring ri-
A hand silences the alarm from the phone as a black haired teen lays up in bed. A yawn escapes him as he gets out of bed preparing for the day. Now dressed in an all black attire consisting of a shirt underneath a sleeveless hoodie with sweatpants and his usual black and red sneakers, he heads for his fridge but stops in front of it.
That's right, I still haven't gone shopping. How many days has it been since I last ate an actual meal. I'm not counting that milkshake from last night. Hmm, last night. After the cafe, I escorted her home. The whole way back we were holding hands. He looks to his open palm clenching it. The sooner I get over the past the better off I'll be. He opens to examine his empty fridge. Well, guess I'll do some grocery shopping while I'm out. I'm pretty sure there's a convenience store around here somewhere. With that thought in mind, he heads out for a jog with no destination in mind.
I still can't believe Yaoyorozu pulled a trick like that. To think the waitress' quirk was to mimic other's voices. They sure got me good. He looks around at the bustling streets filled with people. Musutafu city sure has a lot to offer. Guess being back in society, I haven't adjusted fully so it just feels odd. I'm sure it'll change as time goes on. He walks with the crowd across the street as the light turns green. I came to Musutafu Wednesday where I got settled in and met Principal Nezu, Recovery Girl, and Aizawa Sensei. Then Thursday I met all of Class 1-A along with Yaoyorozu, although I started off to a rough start with Midoriya's question of the past triggering me, ugh. Thankfully I made up for it and the class quickly warmed up to me, except Bakugou by the looks of it so far. I won my combat training thanks to Yaoyorozu's help and afterwards we became quick friends. Afterwards on Friday, the class including myself introduced ourselves as well as our quirks. Then immediately afterwards I encountered Nunu. To think after seven years, I'd run into another survivor on my second day. After our fight, he calmed down and we were able to talk. Once that was over, I convinced him to apologize but in turn, he caused such a commotion that my plan of staying to myself basically shattered. I've completely given up on that idea with how the class. Thanks to Nunu, everyone found out I had a small thing for Yaoyorozu including her herself. The rest of the day was awkward between us until I asked her to walk home together. Just asking her had me nervous and I couldn't do it sooner with the others around. Thank God, Kami, whoever, or whatever that they left. We managed to settle that tension between us and even rode home together. Then she confessed. By then I had figured it out although it's thanks to the way she was acting from the commotion. Yet once I suggested she move on, she denied that idea wanting to be with me. I'm the first person she's felt this way for and not only that, she wants me be the first and hopefully only guy she dates according to her. In other words, she wants to be with me permanently... right? He stops in the middle of the crowd as bystanders pass by, deep in thought at that idea. I can't tell. He proceeds on. It's too soon to think that but having a life with Yaoyorozu... the thought is enticing but before something like that can happen, we first have to become official and before that I have to get my mind in order. Being close to her gives me this warm sensation. It grows even stronger through physical contact like when we rest our heads together or hold hands. He looks to his palm. Holding hands with someone you have feelings towards is probably the best feeling ever. It gets even stronger when our fingers intertwine. He stops in place, realization striking him. Now that I think about it, we've hugged, held hands, kinda slept together albeit in the limo and at the park. The only thing we haven't done is kiss... He places his fingers on the his cheek. Except for when she gave me that peck Friday night but I'm pretty sure that doesn't count. Regardless, I need to prioritize getting my mind off of the my history. It's no good trying to be a hero when every little thing that reminds me of the past kills not only my mood but my focus. I can't have that happening in a fight if I ever go up against villains. It's bad enough I'll have to deal with my Malevolence form's entity trying to tempt me during a situation like that. Speaking of hero, my relationships with the rest of Class 1-A are steadily growing. If we're going to be together for three years then it's better to be friends than not. As for actually becoming friends with any of them, I'll let time do its thing. I think some of the guys think of me as one but whether that's actually true or not remains to be seen. The girls are the same for that matter. The only actual friend I have is Yaoyorozu and we're practically more than friends with our interactions between one another. I just need to do what I can. No point in trying to rush anything. He inhales some air preparing to exhale all of the jumbled thoughts but doesn't. Do I smell the ocean? Relon looks to his side as he sees the beach before him. Wow, I was so lost in thought I didn't realize how far I'd walked. It feels like I blitzed through Musutafu City. He looks at his phone. Two hours have passed!? No way! How? When!? He sighs as his phone abruptly vibrates. He opens it to see a text from Nunu.
Nunu: I'm gonna begin ignoring these annoying ass sighs. Bye.
He puts away his phone chuckling. Well at least I can sigh in peace now. I tend to do that a lot now that I think about it. I mean, whenever I have a lot on my mind, it helps. As for Nunu... He's in Class 1-B with the other hero class students. I don't know any of them but hopefully he'll get along with them. He heads down onto the sandy beach. I'm surprised no one is here. Yesterday at the Tower I saw some people here and it's decently warm. Oh well, might as well enjoy the peace and quiet. He walks further down the sandy terrain as he stops to set himself comfortably just outside the tide's reach. The ocean's cool breeze feeling wonderful. I'm sure Yaoyorozu would like this. She mentioned spending most of the day today studying so it's too bad she can't be here. I'm sure she'd enjoy it. He gazes as the calm sea as only the sound of crashing waves can be heard. Kanan... I hope you're safe out there, wherever you are.
"Lucinance? Is that you?"
He's snapped from his thoughts as he turns his head to see a familar green haired teen with freckles walking up to him. He stands to his feet as the teen
Midoriya? What's he doing here?
"Ah, I thought it was you. I just got here myself. When I noticed someone in the sand, I thought they seemed familiar. So are you just here to relax before the trip tomorrow?" Midoriya asks to gain a nod from Relon as said teen holds a card for him to read. "M-me? O-oh, I'm just here to do some t-training is all." Relon twirls his finger as the words change. "Y-yeah, I'm working on my quirk." Relon repeats his process as Izuku's eyes buldge. "How did you know I was a late bloomer!?" Once more. "O-oh. My mention of its backlash Friday. Y-yeah, I'm still new to my quirk and I have to catch up to the others. You all have had years to get accustomed to your quirks where as I haven't. My quirk awakened sometime before the entrance exams so I didn't have much training with it." He laughs jokingly as Relon nods at the statement.
The fact he still managed to get into U.A. though proves he has what it takes. Not to mention his work during the combat training against Bakugou and Iida. Speaking of which...
Relon holds up the card once more as Midoriya looks on in curiosity vefore Relon twirls his fingers as the green haired boy reads the new text.
"Y-you want to know how my quirk works? W-well, y-you s-see, uhh..." Relon is the one to tilt his head this time.
Why is he stuttering so much? It's way worse than Yaoyorozu's. Did my question bring up something personal like when he asked me about my reasonings for being a hero? Wait, why did that come to mind just now. Ugh, that was so embarrassingly stupid. Relon rubs his head at the memory as he refocuses back on his classmate.
"W-well, as I mentioned earlier, I generate power to a point on my body and and when I make contact, I basically destroy whatever it is I hit... at the cost of said body part, haha..." He nervously chuckles quickly silencing hinself as a sigh then escapes him. "In order to become a hero, I have to first master this power but I can't do that if I just keep injuring myself. My body can only take the recoil for so long. I can't have Recovery Girl healing me and Aizawa sensei wanted me to get my power under control but I don't know how to go about that..." A depressed look on his face.
Hmm, maybe I can help in some way. Relon snaps his fingers getting Deku's attention as he reads the card.
"You want to see a demonstration? Well I wouldn't mind but that would kinda hurt and with no adrenaline the pain is would-
Relon holds up to the freckled one's face. He spins a finger as the texts rearrange themselves again.
"So you want me to demonstrate the steps towards launching my attack?" Midoriya asks after reading the card to gain a nod from Relon. "S-sure, I can do t-that."
Midoriya steps back stretching his muscles before getting into a stance. He rears his fist back, his hand beginning to glow with red-like veins appearing as well as electricity crackiling.
"This is it." Relon examines the teen.
His stance is pretty sturdy. He has good form. For a guy that just recently got his quirk, he certainly has good technique with his body. Relon then look to the glowing hand. He said he can't handle the recoil due to concentrating his power to only one part of his body... Wait, why can he only focus all his power on one part of his body? Why not all of it!? He looks directly at Midoriya who jumps at the sudden motion.
"W-what is it? Is there s-something wrong?" He stutters nervously as Relon just looks at the nervous teen tilting his head blinking repeatedly.
Relon holds up the card again as he twirls his fingers for Midoriya to read.
"Why not instead of focusing your power on a single part of your body, you instead spread it throughout..." Deku is silent to reading this aloud.
One could tell the clogs were turning in the green haired boy's head. As if a clock was slowing reaching 12 o'clock, right when it would strike, Izuku's eyes bulge as if they were to pop out. He crouches down holding hovering his hands in front of his face as if trying to understand the logic in his head from what Relon suggested. One could say he was giving the perfect face of a meme from the internet.
Relon looks to his classmate, his hands at his hips as he looks up at tye clear sky. Three... Two... One... He looks down as Midoriya jumps up, his face showing so many expressions, it would take all day to describe them all.
"OH MY GOSH WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT INSTEAD OF FOCUSING SO MUCH OF MY POWER AT A POINT I CAN EXTEND IT THROUGHOUT MY BODY THAT WAY I CAN USE MY POWER TO ITS FULLEST BUT WSIT BEFORE I DO THAT I HAVE TO SLOWLY WORK UP FROM A SMALL POWER NO USE USING ALL OF MY POWER AT ONCE MY BODY WOULDN'T TAKE IT SO I NEED TO START SMALL AND WORK MY WAY UP YEAH THAT'S SUCH A GREAT IDEA I NEED TO WRITE THIS DOWN WAIT I LEFT MY STUFF AT HOME OH GOSH WHAT DO I DO FIRST!?" The excited green haired teen instantly runs to Relon, grabbing his hands. "Lucinance, you're a genius!" He shouts shaking his hands up and down causing our protagonist's head to bob back and forth.
Deku lets go as he steps back getting into a ready stance with her arms tucked and bending his legs as he closes his eyes. Relon raises an eyebrow as he looks on.
Instead of 100%, I'll stay small and work my way up. Let's try One for All at 3%. Focus... His hand begins to glow occe for. Now I need to focus that throughout my body. The red veins begins to extend through Deku's body as it all radiates a slight glow with electricity crackling once more. Izuku opens his eyes as he stares in amazement at the sight.
"I... I did it!" He exclaims gaining a grin from Relon as he floats a card to his powered up classmate. "Try it out...? What do you mean?" Deku wonders for Relon to step back as he manipulates the card, increasing its size making it big enough to cover the teen from view. "Do you want me to hit it?" Midoriya asks for Relon to lift the card above himself nodding in response.
Midoriya looks around. Well no one is around so there shouldn't be a problem and I really want to test this.
"Alright, let's give it a shot!" Relon nods setting the card in front of him.
Here I come!" Deku announces launching himself towards the black haired boy readying his powered up fist.
Here he comes...
SMAAAAASSSSSHHHH!
Deku's attack meets Relon's giant card, both trying to overwhelm the other. The impact extending air pressure in all directions. Soon Deku is repelled skidding in the sand as Relon slides back still on his feet with the card remaining in front of him. He lets his hand down leaving the large sized card in place as he heads to check on Midoriya. He walks to the freckled protagonist lying on the sand motionless. He reaches Deku to see the teen's eyes wide as he looks at the sky. Relon stands over him extending his hand to which Midoriya grabs it standing to his feet. He looks at his hand flexing the fingers and shaking his arm slightly before a look joy appears.
"My arm isn't broken and it doesn't even hurt... It really worked!" He shouts in astonishment to Relon's amusement.
He immediately bows repeatedly to Relon.
"Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much!"
Relon waves his hands in a 'don't mention it' fashion. Midoriya stops to look at the card.
"You're really strong though, Lucinance. Even though I was using only 3%, I couldn't even put a dent in your card..." Midoriya sighs to gain a shake from Relon as he levitates the card over in front them causing the One for All user to widen his eyes.
In the exact area Midoriya had came into contact with is a slight dent and below it are words.
"Even if that attack wasn't your full power, you still managed to leave a mark on my card. Not many have done that... Wait, really?" Relon nods.
I wasn't using much power either but to leave a scratch on my card, let alone with supposedly 3%, that's quite the quirk Midoriya has. I've seen him use it at 100% against Bakugou and the power is insane but I'm curious to see what it will be like when he is able to control such a strength like he just did.
"U-um, Lucinance?" He's snapped from his thoughts at the mention of his name. "I c-came here to do some t-training and now that I have a way of fighting without injuring myself, I was w-wondering if you'd like to maybe train together..."
Is he that nervous about asking things around me? Or is he like that to everyone? Well I had nothing planned today so getting some training in never hurts. Relon nods in response causing the nervous teen to smile as he starts muttering training ideas. And he's back to muttering. Relon mentally sighs as the boy's antics before sending some cards from his sleeves grabbing Deku's attention. More cards disperse as they grow to the same size as the previously dented one. Midoriya's eyes widen at the realization.
"You want me to punch them, right?" He asks, Relon nods. "Alright then..." He gets into a stance once more.
Time for some training. One for All... Then he stops powering up with a perturbed look on his face as he gets out of his stance. Relon gives a confused look. Now that I can control One for All easier, wouldn't this be considered a new form since I'm surging power throughout my whole body? What should I call it? He gets into a thinking posture before it hits him. I got it! One for All... He dashes forward towards the first card.
"Full Cowling!" His fist meets the paper knocking it back this time as he goes to the next one.
Relon can be seen with an arm extended forward. I'm putting just enough resistance so that he won't bounce off like before but still needs to put some power behind him. He watches as Izuku dashes from one card to another, knocking each back until he reaches the last punching it back a ways.
The One for All user lets out a breath as he flexes his arms and hands. Still nothing! This is amazing! He balls two fists in excitement as Relon walks over pulling in the cards to and above him.
"So punching is fine but now I should work on movement. No point in practicing my attacks if I can't move prooperly." He regains a thinking posture and after a moment, he gives a sigh. "I don't have anything that comes to mind. The most I can think of is to run with my power active but I can't properly do that in the sand and the law prohibits usage near people and buildings. There's no alternative way of running besides doing it the normal way but that doesn't really help either... What about you, Lucinance? You have any ideas?"
Relon tilts his head looking at Deku. Can't do much running like he said. His eyes lower the boy's feet. He thinks back to how Midoriya had attacked his cards. He didn't run when he launched an attack. He jumped towards the cards if not lunged. The card user nods as he floats the cards away from the two of them as he sets them at different heights acting as platforms.
"I get it. You want me to try jumping from one card to another right?" Relon responds with the usual. "Alright, let's give it a try." Deku says as he walks under the cards as they circle above the teen forming a type of spiraling staircase.
One for All: Full Cowling! He squats before jumping onto the card. He looks up to the next before jumping and landing smoothly. So far so good. He continues jumping one after another, his pace slowly increasing before he's jumping from one card to the other, with no pause. He reaches the top looking up to realize where he is.
"Alright, a success!"He says to himself. He looks back down as his eyes grow wide from the height. I was so into jumping up, I didn't realize how high I had gotten!
Relon lowers the card Deku is standing on closer to the sand surprising the freckled teen. So movement is working, but let's try something a little more difficult. With a motion of his extended arm, the other card-like platforms being placed at odd angles before the green haired teen with one card being at the same level as the one Midoriya currently stands on. Deku on one platform with a sort of obstacle course between him and another platform on the other side. Deku grins with excitement, his stupor disappearing as he sets his sight on the next challenge before him.
Alright, here I go! Deku jumps to one platform and then to the next at a slanted angle. Suddenly it starts rotating causing the boy to lose his footing as he falls in the sand land on his butt.
"Oof!" He rubs his rear and stands up turning to Relon whose moving his fingers about.
Midoriya looks back to see the obstacle course now seemingly alive. The slanted cards are rotating with others hovering side to side. Some even levitating higher and lower. He looks back to Relon. He's really making this hard now. A determined face can be then shown. But if I want to master One for All, then I need to get better at controlling it and there's no easy way to do that but with hard work! He stands back up and jumps onto the platform once more. This are only going to get harder. I knew that when I got accepted into U.A. and even before when I got All Might's quirk passed on to me. He clenches his fist looking ahead, his sight set on the leveled platform on the other side of the obstacle course. I can only move forward and this is another step I have to overcome! He jumps to the platform as he holds his ground at the sudden shift from one side to the other. He looks to the rotating platform and jumps once it is flat to then jump immediately after to an elevated platform. Stay focused! Where's the next!? Suddenly, he loses the sensation of the platform below him as he drops down falling to the sand once more. After a moment, he sits up and looks up at the platform to set it rotated horizontally. It's like it was a trap floor. He looks to Relon.
"I'm going again!" He shouts running and jumping on the platform.
Looks like he'll be going at this a for while so I might as well get comfortable. Relon takes a seat in the sand lowering his arm as his fingers still move simultaneously from one another. He watches as his classmate falls once again before getting up and going back to the platform. Yeah, definitely gonna be a while.
Just as he guessed, hours fly by for the two and before long it's late evening with the sum slowly setting over the horizon. Midoriya is huffing and puffing with his hands on his knees as he looks ahead at the obstacle course. He's covered in bits of sand and some bruises.
Looks like Midoriya is finally calling it quits.
The green haired teen slowly gets back into his stance, power coursing through him once more.
Or maybe not.
He watches as Deku takes a single step only to fall back on the card.
Nope, never mind, he's done.
Relon chuckles as he brings the cards back to him including the one Midoriya us on, although at a slower pace. He decreases their size before putting the pieces of paper away as he looks over to Midoriya laying on his back on the platform-like card.
"I... can't go... on... anymore..." Deku says in between breaths, his chest rising and then falling with each.
The freckled teen sits up releasing a sigh.
"Every time I thought I almost made it, something unexpected got me." He mentions to see Relon holding a card in front of him as he twirls a finger. "Always expect the unexpected... Yeah, you're right about that." Deku says in a amused tone albeit tired. "Your quirk is really amazing, though. Manipulating cards the way you do, it's like I'm on a magic carpet!" He says causing Relon to tilt his head at the comment.
He looks at the card. When he puts it like that, I manipulate them like one. I wonder... He walks past his training partner whose eyes follow the black haired teen. He tosses a card from his sleeve as its size increases before it hovers above the sand. He hops onto it as if on a skateboard. A magic carpet huh? He moves a finger causing the card to move at a slow pace. Midoriya watches in awe at the sight. Relon moves his finger again increasing the speed to a moderate rate. Why haven't I thought of this before? This is awesome! He glides along the sand before turning and coming back to Deku.
"So coooool! How was it?" He asks to then get a thumbs up from Relon.
He then floats back as a idea pops in the protagonist's head. He gets a few feet higher to then flip upside down. Deku gasps about to go to catch his training partner but stops when he sees before him, Relon hanging from the card by his feet still attached.
"H-how are you doing that!?" Izuku exclaims in awe and wonder.
Relon flips right side-up as he hops off twirling his finger for words to appear on the card he was using.
"I simply changed the card's matter to make it so that anything it touches sticks and can't be let go of... WAIT, YOU CAN DO THAT!?" He shouts to gain a nod from the silent boy.
Relon points his finger at Deku to get a questionable look before he realizes it. He tries to move his feet but they're stuck. His face showing a look of excitement as Relon hops back on his card. With a wave of his finger, the two are off flying down the shoreline.
"THIS IS AMAZING, LUCINANCE!" Izuku shouts.
They both continue flying side-by-side before Relon looks at the sunset as they slow down. Midoriya is about to ask why they slowed down when he follows Relon's gaze to stare at the sunset as well. Relon floats next to Midoriya as he raps his shoulder gaining the green haired teen's attention.
"What is it?" Deku asks as Relon points at the sunset. "What about it?" Relon's pointed finger goes from where they are to the ocean and then to the beautiful horizon. "Wait, you want to go out there?" Deku asks as he realizes what his classmate is suggesting to gain a nod.
Deku contemplates the idea for some time before finally agreeing. They slowly float over to the edge of where the waves come in. Both look to one another nodding before they take off across the sea. The scent of the ocean's salt water as clear as can one can smell. The breeze evident not only by their speed. Seagulls overhead of the two. Once they get far enough out, Relon elevates the two cards until they are about 50 feet high. He moves his finger gaining Deku's attention as he moves from his place taking a seat over the platform-like card as Deku cautiously does the same. The nervousness instantly dies as he meets the horizon shining brightly against the sea.
"Wow..." Is all Deku can say at the sight.
Wow indeed, Midoriya.
The duo remain in the air as they watch the sun set. Before long, darkness starts to overtake the night sky causing the two to return to land. This time, flying at a much faster rate taking only minutes to get back. They both jump off as Izuku stretches out his muscles wincing from the earlier pain due to their workout.
"Today was incredible, Lucinance! You not only helped me increase quirk's ability but went as far as to help me train. Thank you so much!" He bows causing Relon to wave it off as with a motion of his finger, words appear on the card he rode. "You helped me as well the idea of riding on my cards so thank you..." He reads aloud. "O-oh no, I didn't do nothing!Y-your're the one who made it reality." He stutters in response causing the black haired teen to sigh at his classmate's antics.
The words rearrange themselves as Deku reads again.
"Let's just agree we both helped each other out and leave it at that... Y-yeah, sounds good with me." Deku says rubbing the back of his head slightly embarrassed by himself. "To think we spent the whole day here... and nighttime is already setting in." Izuku mentions pulling out his phone. "It's already past 7!?" He exclaims causing Relon's eyes to widen as he too pulls his phone to check.
Wow, Midoriya was really going at it then, huh?
"Wow, I must have really been going at it with your obstacle course." He drops his shoulders. "I still couldn't get to the other side, though..." He feels a hand on his shoulder as he turns to Relon pointing at the large card. "Just because you couldn't you couldn't reach it doesn't mean nothing came out of the exercise. You were able to gain a feel for the way you want to move when you use your m power and plus there's always a next time. I'm more than happy to help out since I don't really have much to do as a right now..." He turns to Relon, his depressed form gone. "You're right! I'm already a lot stronger than I was this morning thanks to your help and we're only going to get stronger!" He grips his fist with a grin as Relon does the same. Both fist pumping the other as they leave.
As they're walking down the city street, the sounds of growling can be heard from the two's stomachs. They look to one another smiling from embarrassment.
"All that jumping really got me hungry. What about you Lucinance?"
Relon returns the question with a nod and pulls out a card for Midoriya to read.
"Do you know of any good eateries nearby...? No, I'm afraid not. I don't eat often in the city. Do you?"
Relon looks around taking in his surroundings. Wait a sec, aren't we near the Cavern Cafe? He walks a little ways ahead to confirm his suspicions before motioning for Deku to follow. After a few minutes they reach the cafe.
"Hey, I think I've heard of this place from my mom. She says it's quiet at night." He says to gain a nod from Relon.
The two head in taking a seat at the corner table as Relon had previously with Momo.
"Mom was right, it does feel relaxing here. The atmosphere is so calm. " He says leaning back in his seat.
The two place their orders and silence befalls them. Neither knowing what to say or do.
"Um." Deku begins getting Lucinance's attention. "I've been meaning to ask this but I haven't figured out hiw to say it exactly." Relon looks on, curious as where this is going. "I don't want to bring any possible memories and it isn't my business so you don't have to answer if you're uncomfortable but..." He tries to muster the courage to let the words out as Relon looks on, a serious expression on his face. "Why do you... want to be a hero?"
Instantly Relon's blood runs cold. He grips his hand on the table as their eyes remain locked on one another. Faint images from his past abruptly flash through Relon's mind causing him to ever so slightly but still noticeably twitch his head at every thought.
"We're Lucinances. We still together and overcome everything."
"Come on, Relon! Mom is waiting for us!"
Relon's eyes shake as the memories replay over and over in his head. His hands trembling a considerable amount now. Midoriya looks on in shock at the sight. He tries to say something but nothing comes out. What can I say? Is there anything I can say? No, I need to do something! Anything to get his attention. He's having a panic attack! With the will he has he slowly motions his hand towards his companion but stops as Relon lifts a hand up.
"Wh-what are you-
SMACK
The sound of skin on skin clapping together rings throughout the cafe. Deku stares utterly speechless at Relon. A red mark appearing on his cheek as the black haired tee
n takes a deep, slow, and heavy breath. He slides a card from his sleeve passing it the Deku as he looks at the white paper. His eyes return to Relon who seems devoid of his panic from just a moment ago. Deku picks up the card reading it.
'I want to be a hero so I can use the power I've been given for helping others.' Midoriya looks at him. The power you've been given? He puts the thought at the back of his head for the time being.
"I'm sorry! I shouldn't have asked! A-are you... alright?" He asks, this time getting a slow nod in response.
Relon shutters from the barrage of thoughts that just came before pointing to the card causing his companion to look at it.
'It's fine, Midoriya. That question just takes me back to the past. Something I need to get over is all. You didn't do anything wrong.' Deku looks to the boy whose expression is slowly becoming relaxed once more.
"If you say so..."
Silence returns for the two.
"I know I should stop talking but..." Relon looks up to Deku. "Isn't the past what defines who we are today?" Relon looks on in utter surprise at the words from his classmate.
The past... defines us? I knew that. My past is what defines me as a murderer to them. That's what it is right?
"You said you wanted to get over something bad that happened, right? I don't know if this is right to say but no matter how bad, shouldn't you embrace your history and use it as fuel to grow stronger? I m-mean, that's what I'm doing at least..."
Our past are very different, Midoriya. You probably had it it rough with being quirkless for so long. But what I've to do in my short life, yours pales in comparison. Yet you say I should accept what happened and use it to further improve?
Both gaze at one another. Midoriya with a concerned expression and Relon a neutral one. His eyes locked on Izuku's and Izuku's locked on the card. The previous words rearrange themselves as Deku reads. 'Some things are better left forgotten. They do define me, yes, but I want to change that definition.' He looks up to Relon, now holding a serious expression.
"But... even if you want to change it, that doesn't mean it still doesn't remain who you once were... It's like a person that's retired as a hero. He may still be retired but he's still defined as a hero." Relon just looks on as Deku shuffles in his seat looking down again, trying to find the words once more.
So... Once a murderer... always a murderer... huh? A solemn look now on the protagonist's face. That's what you're saying, right Midoriya?
Why does he look sad? Did what I say go to far? I just started talking on impulse and couldn't stop. What do I say now? Should I say anything? I've already seemed to have made thing bad, maybe it's better if I just stop. But what if there's something I can say that can lighten the tension? Do I act or don't act!?
They remain silent until their meals arrive. Even then, they both eat in silence. Both too preoccupied at their thoughts from the conversation. After paying, the two walk out.
"H-hey, I'm sorry about saying those things. I let myself go on for a bit." Midoriya rubs the back of his head with a apologetic tone. "I'm really sorry!" He bows.
Relon just looks to his side at the bowing boy. He crouches down so Midoriya can see him as he points up. They boy stand back up as Relon gives Deku a card.
"Don't worry about it. I needed someone to talk to..." Deku looks at his companion giving a somewhat cheerful look, the sadness still noticeable.
I'm not going to act all carefree after that talk. It doesn't take a genius to know when someone is faking their emotions.
"Oh? W-well I'm glad I was able to help I s-suppose. My home is that way, what about you?" He asks as Relon points in the opposite direction. "I see. Well I'll see you tomorrow then!" Relon nods as they both depart. "Hey, Lucinance!" Relon turns to Deku. "U-um, well, you see, I was wondering..." He presses his index fingers against one another. "We're friends... right?" Relon fully turns to him processing what was just asked.
A legit smile forms on his face as he nods happily to his classmate. Midoriya soon does the same.
"Great! See ya!" He takes off leaving Relon alone.
He waves as his friends figure fades into the crowd far off in the distance. He slowly drops his hand as he turns heading home. His hands curling into a fist.
"Even if you want to change it, that doesn't mean it still doesn't remain who you once were..."
He puts his hoodie over his head and walks home, nothing to come from his thoughts. He soon reaches a gate with a lamp post lighting up said gate and looks to see a lit up mansion up a hill. He goes to ring the bell but stops before backing away with a shake of his head. He looks to the ground before leaving. Ten seconds later a voice calls out to him.
"Excuse me." A feminine voice can be heard.
He stops walking to then look up.
"Do you need help with something? I saw you staring at my home and I just got back from some shopping." She says as footsteps can be heard getting closer.
She tilts her head at the mysterious figure. He's wearing all black in the dead of night. He seems to have a male physique and looks to be around my age maybe. At least my height. She continues walking to the figure as Relon begins slowly stepping away.
"I don't know what you're up to but- She stops as she notices his shoes thanks to the faint light from the gate's light post reaching the teen. "Lucinance? Is that you?" She calls.
Relon shakes his head still facing away from the girl as he breaks into a run to the girl's surprise.
"Lucinance, wait!" She calls out only for it to fall on none.
Run. Run. Don't look back. Keep running. What was I thinking!? Why am I running!? What am I-
So he does. He continues fleeing into the night. Around one block onto the next. Running like his life depended on it. Within minutes he reaches his home opening and slamming the door behind him. He breathes heavily as he slides against his door to the floor as he curls up quivering.
What was I thinking? Wanting to be a hero!? A murderer can't be a hero. Once a killer, always a killer!
He clutches his head.
Huff* *Huff*
He looks at his hands. Suddenly he sees them covered in blood causing him to panic sending cards all over the place, some embedding themselves into furniture as other simply fall to the ground gently.
Pant* *Pant*
He clenches his hands as he lays on the floor, curled into a ball.
What do I do now... What should I do... What can I do... I can't kill myself... Should I run...? No one will miss me... No one in class 1-A is close to me besides Midoriya but we only spent the day together... I'm sure he'll forget me like the others... Others...
...
...
Yaoyorozu.
If I go, will she miss me? She'll have to move on... But... There can't be an 'us.' I was stupid to believe I could get over this. I'm haunted by the memories and I'm cursed with this evil power. There is no future for me. There never was. Nunu and the other survivors are free to be who they are... I can't. I'm stuck and I can't escape it. Midoriya was right after all. There's nothing left for me to accomplish. I can't change what I am. I was a fucking dumbass to think that...
He rolls to his back looking at the dark ceiling.
Become a hero to use my powers freely and help others... That was my goal... To escape from the hell I was once in, I tried to move on and after my isolation, I thought I was ready to rejoin society and move forward. Instead, I've just fallen further behind...
He sits up looking under his bed. He slowly makes his way and pulls a medium sized book bag out with a single strap. He gathers his essentials and close belongings. He looks to his dresser at the pictures of his once happy childhood. He picks up the middle one showing him and his mom and Aura on the beach. His hand trembling as he tightens his grip as a pained look can be seen on the boy.
Mom... Aura... You both knew didn't you? That no matter how much I tried, I would forever be tainted with your blood... I would forever be... your murderer...
He looks to their faces in the photo as if awaiting any sort of answer. He lowers his eyes in sorrow putting the framed picture in the bag before zipping it up.
He looks around at the room. They'll take it all eventually I'm sure... He heads for the door opening it and is about to leave when he stops from bumping into someone standing in front of him. In front of him is a familiar dark skinned teen with white hair wearing T-shirt under a jacket with jeans.
Nunu...?
"My bullshit senses were tingling and they led me here." He looks behind him at the semi-empty room and then to the bag on his brother. "Where the hell do you think you're going?"
Relon looks on before trying to walk by only to get shoved back into his apartment falling on the ground.
"I asked you a question, bro. You should know better than anyone to answer it."
Relon's eyes widen at the comment as he clutches his head. Pain starting to set in again as a memory comes back to mind.
"Remember everyone, when someone asks a question, you all are to respond accordingly. It is proper etiquette after all. Understand?" A man states.
"Yes sir!" Said group of children respond.
Let it out... Go on... Show him why... YOU are Shinn...
No! Relon grips his head. Go back to wherever you came from!
"Answer me, Shinn!"
Do it... Let loose...
SHUT UP!
"Fine then!" Nunu barges in picking his brother up by the collar. "You're planning on leaving weren't you!?" He shouts throwing him out and against the railing as Relon falls against it, still clutching his head.
You know you want to... Do it... Or I'll do it... For you... Shinn...
I SAID GO AWAY! I DON'T NEED YOU! NOT NOW, NOT EVER!
Nunu clenches his fists looking at his brother.
"Why the FUCK would you give all this up!?" He shouts.
Relon places a hand to the floor, words appearing. Instantly Nunu walks up and picks Relon up to then toss him down the stairs to the bottom of the pavement.
"NO! NONE OF THAT SHIT! USE YOUR DAMN WORDS! BE A MAN! LIKE WHEN YOU DEFENDED THAT BITCH!"
...
...
Take that back...
Markings begin to appear around Relon's left half of his body. Nunu immediately gets into a fighting stance materializing his blade.
"WHY THE HELL SHOULD I!? YOU WANT ME TO TAKE THAT BACK!? COME AND MAKE ME OR IS YOUR DEPRESSED ASS TOO SORRY TO DO-
CLING*
Necrolite meets energizes paper as the two survivors come to a deadlock. Nunu supporting his blade with both hands and Relon holding a single normal-sized white index card between his fingers as he's now standing on the steps. He suddenly vanishes to appear behind Nunu kicking the black skinned teen into the street.
Nunu... Take it BACK! Relon bellows a unidentifiable roar as he lunges at insane speed to his brother.
"OH SHIT!" Nunu dives into a void portal as it soon disappears right after.
BOOM.
Nunu reappears a distance away on the street under a streetlamp. Relon's darkened form taking notice as he stands under one as well.
"Okay, calling your possible girlfriend a bitch wasn't my best move." He looks on as Relon bends his legs ready to attack as his left hand mutates into a red and black demonic-looking hand with sharp claws.
Shit, he's not using Eramsus Mode to control himself! Wait, he said he could control up to 80% and there's no way that's even 80%. 50% I'd guess. Which means I have to get serious...
Relon looks on as Nunu places his blade sideways with both hands fully extended, his free hand being an open palm against the flat side of the blade. Soon black markings appear on his left side of his body as he lets out a black breath. Both look at one another. Pitch black eyes meeting one another as in the center of both where his iris would be is a thin white circle.
"Time to see how my Malevolence measures up to yours, Shinn! COME ON SO I CAN KNOCK SOME SENSE INTO YOU!" Nunu lunges low to the ground as his blade evolves becoming slightly larger while going from only straight to straight with the blade's tip heavily curling outwards as Relon lunges as well.
Relon's demonic hand forms a large fist as Nunu draws his blade forward as if unsheathing it in front of him. The two attack meet as the raw power from the giant hand sends Nunu skidding back rolling before landing on his feet as he uses his blade to assist in stopping. He looks up to immediately block a punch from Relon as he once again is sent skidding against the road.
"YOU DICK! REALLY!?" Nunu shouts angrily as he stands up, his blade emanating a dark glow. "Malevolent Void Blade: Sunder!" Nunu shouts once more, this time unleashing a dark crescent-like slash at his demonic brother, one much bigger and the ends much curvier.
Relon holds out his demonic hand in front of himself preparing to block the attack but the incoming curve dissipates into nothingness as Relon lowers his hand.
Gotcha.
Relon is suddenly knocked back as he slides on his back against the pavement.
"How you like that!? Thanks to my Malevolence Form, my moves alter! But you already know that don't you."
Relon lays motionless as Nunu looks on. I know that attack couldn't have done him in so what's going on? A odd sensation flows through Nunu. My instincts are telling me to dodge but he's on his back. Nunu immediately looks around the neighborhood but sees nothing. He looks back to Relon to see him gone.
"Oh... Shit."
TAKE IT BACK!
Nunu looks above him to be met with a fist to the face coughing blood as he flies down the street. Instantly Relon appears behind him and punches the boy forward. He vanishes to reappear in front of Nunu's incoming body as he sends it upwards with a kick to appear one last time slamming him to the ground creating large dust cloud. Once it sets, Nunu can be seen laying in a small crater. His markings slowly disappearing as he winces trying to get up only for the demonic hand of Relon's to pin him down.
TAKE... IT... BACK...
"Fuck no! Such my Malevolent dick!"
Nunu... please...
Nunu's eyes widen at the sight before him. From Relon's pitch black, demon-looking eyes, are black trickles of water beginning to stream down his face.
"H-hey, why the hell are you crying now!?"
Nunu... Relon says mentally.
"W-what?"
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE! He begins to sob uncontrollably. I CAME HERE TO ESCAPE MY HELL OF A PAST AND NOW I REALIZE THERE'S NO POINT!
Nunu coughs from the pain as he musters out a sentence.
"How the fuck-
Cough*
"Is there no point?"
I'm a murderer... There's no changing that... No matter how much I want to...!
"Ahh..."
Cough*
"So what if you aren't. Let it-
Cough*
"Define whatever the hell you are. But tell me..."
Cough*
"Is that the only thing that defines who you are?"
Relon hiccups before speaking telepathically.
W-what?
"Did you forget? You're not-
Cough* *Cough*
"Fuck that combo shit hurt!" He winces. "You're not just a murderer. You're also a savior, remember?"
Relon's eyes widen at his words.
"You dumb-
Cough*
"Ass. You forgot didn't you?"
The other survivors... Kanan... Kanao...
Mental images of the survivors begin to appear one after another in his mind as he covers his right eye with his still trembling normal hand.
"F- *Ack* king dumbass. You keep focusing only on the bad and lose sight of the good you've done. How you haven't figured that out is beyond me."
Cough*
The good I've done...
One by one, memories flood his head. This time, recollections from his past of his good times. Meeting his sister, Aura for the first time. Protecting her from the school bullies. Cooking together for their mother's birthday. The days in the facility with the other survivors. Freeing them after taking him down. Helping Momo during the combat training and on their date. And finally today with Deku's training.
But just helping others can't make up for a human's life let alone two!
"THEN YOU FUCKING MAKE UP FOR THEIR LIVES BY WORKING TWICE AS MUCH! I BET MY ASS THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO MOPE ANYMORE OVER THEM. IF THEY'RE YOUR FAMILY THEN EVEN IN DEATH, I'LL PUT FIVE ON IT THAT THEY WANT WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU!" Nunu shouts at Relon before he starts coughing. "The only survivor that remembers his past and you're acting like this, ugh."
Mom. Aura. Could... that be true?
"L-Lucinance? Nunu?" A feminine voice calls surprising both boys as Relon looks forward and Nunu looks, his head upside down.
There panting heavily, hands on her knees with a expression of pure confusion at the situation before them, is Momo. The lampposts giving the boys full visibility of their fellow U.A. student.
A look of horror can be seen on Relon's face as he follows her gaze to his demonic hand, his markings are still visible, and worst of all, the black tears are still noticeable as well. He immediately covers his face as he steps away from the lamppost near them into the darker side of the road recalling his Malevolence Form as his body returns to normal and markings disappear. Momo cautiously walks over to Nunu who is now sitting up rolling his arm in a circular motion.
"Fuck, I was starting to get stiff from being in that position." He looks to the girl. "What are you doing here? Worried about your boyfriend I'm guessing?" He asks standing up as his blade disappears, his DNA bracelet returning on his wrist.
"What... was that?" Her focus still on Relon's hiding figure.
Nunu scratches the back of his head as he looks to Relon.
What are you going to do, bro?
Relon slowly steps out from the shadows revealing himself. The first thing she notices is the bag around him.
"Why do you- You were going to run away, weren't you..?" He hesitates to answer. "Well!?" Her tone raising causing our protagonist to flinch as Nunu sighs rolling his eyes away from the girl next to him.
She walks right towards the teen as she places both hands on tightly on his shoulders.
"Answer me! Why were you at my gate? Why did you run from me!? What was that weird arm? And why do you have a bag? Are you really planning on running away!? Well!? Answer me!"
Before she can continue, a hand is placed on her shoulder as she looks to see Nunu.
"As much as I'm sure you're worried about your boyfriend and have questions, but let him have a break for a moment." He then turns his attention to Relon. "So was I able to talk some sense into you?" Relon slowly nods averting eye contact from both. "Are you still going to leave?" Relon doesn't give an answer as the two look at him, Nunu patiently waitin as Momo's eyes go huge at the comment.
After a moment, Relon shakes his head looking at the two.
"Good. Then my work here is done." Nunu cracks his neck as he releases a breath. "Hey Yaoyorozu, watch over your boyfriend for me. Keeping an eye on his mental health is already a pain in the ass. And Shinn... sorry about what I said regarding your girlfriend."
Both blink, a blush appearing on Momo's face at his mentioning of their relationship.
"W-we're not together or anything."
"Yeah that shit ain't fooling me, toots. You both like each other, we all can tell damn it. It'll only be a matter of time before it's official and you both know that. That is Relon is willing to start moving on and letting others help instead of trying to deal with everything by himself because we ALL know that doesn't work." Relon twitches at the mention. "You know I'm fucking right. You won't date her because of the bad stuff but I'm willing to bet AGAIN that when you're together with your soon-to-be-girlfriend here, those memories leave you alone if they pop up, right or wrong?" Momo blinks repeated, surprised by how accurate Nunu is as Relon twitches again looking at the ground. "So you basically won't date her and would rather deal with your random flashbacks alone than have someone to help and don't even say that you don't want to put a burden because if this girl has the hots for you as I'm sure she does, then she cares enough to not let something like that bother her. Am I right or wrong, Yaoyorozu?" He looks to the developed teen, an annoyed look on his face.
"R-right." She answers dumbfounded still as Relon sighs in acknowledgement.
Nunu walks between the two poking his brother in the center of the chest.
"You." He starts to then point behind him with his thumb aimed at Momo. "Make it happen." He moves out of the way as he stands with his arms crossed.
They both look to Nunu, confusion etched on their faces.
"By make it happen, I mean right now."
"Huh?" Momo says in a surprised tone.
"What? I ain't leaving until we're all satisfied and by all, I mean me."
"You can't decide something like that! That's for us to deal with!" Momo protests.
"No, I did and Shinn being Shinn isn't going to let that happen because of his dumbass so I'm solving this problem right now for all three of us. Shinn, get over it and let your about-to-be-girl just help already. You need it and she wants to help. It's better to have someone you can trust than do it alone because you don't want me to be the one to help. I'll keep on coming ready for a fight. I don't give a shit if you beat me, I'm coming to knock some sense into you."
The two teens look to Relon as for what his comeback is but he doesn't give one. Instead he seems to be in thought as he glances up to Momo.
Wait, is he going to...!?
His mouth slowly opens as Momo's eyes widen bigger than ever before as Nunu's even widen seeing this.
He tries to form words but he after a moment, he gives up. A frustrated sigh coming from Relon as he slumps his shoulders with grips hands now fists.
"Well can't force everything out I suppose. Baby steps after all." Nunu states.
Relon gives Yaoyorozu a apologetic look which she smiles softly at her crush.
"It's okay, Lucinance. There's no need to rush anything. You already know my feelings on the matter. So take your time."
"Pause. If it's too soon for you to talk, then why not do that thing you've done with me. I mean, let's be honest. After your moments-away-from-being-your-girl saw that hand, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't believe your quirk could do all that. Right?" He gazes at Yaoyorozu who gives a nod.
"Y-yes. I've guessed Lucinance has had a difficult past but I don't exactly know the extent. " She mentions.
"Yeah, learning about that will take a while when you get together. Trust me, this guy's been through the ringer so-to-speak." She nods at his words as Relon slightly squirms.
"As for that... hand. I taking a guess that it has to do with said past, correct?" Both boys just nod albeit Relon more slowly. "I see..." She looks to Relon as she steps forward. "No matter what, I will still be here for you, Lucinance. That still won't change regardless of tonight." He stares at the girl in disbelief as Nunu whistles.
"Quite the gal you're about to have bro. Hurry up and do that thing with your card so I can go home." He says taking a seat on the sidewalk watching the two.
"What thing?" Momo wonders as she notices Relon take out a card placing it floating between the two of them.
Relon places his hand on one side as she watches in confusion.
"Put your hand on the card." Nunu calls from the sideline.
She looks back at Relon who nods in agreement. She does as instructed.
"Like this, right?"
"Yeah." Nunu says.
"What now?" She asks.
"Speak through your mind."
"My mind?" She looks to him quizzically.
Okay... What now?
Hey... Yaoyorozu.
She immediately jumps back looking at the teen as he raises his eyebrows in a 'yeah' fashion. She calms her nerves and walks back placing her hand on the card.
So this is what you sound like...
Disappointed?
She shakes her head. Not at all. It's just how I imagined you'd sound; Kind and gentle. She smiles at her crush, a blush appearing on Relon's face.
T-thanks. Damn it now I'm stuttering!
She giggles at his antics. You know, that's pretty cute. Seeing you act nervous like this.
His blush deepens slightly as nervous grin slowly forming before a serious expression takes its place.
I'll get straight to the point. Yaoyorozu... will you.. He stops averting his eyes before shaking his head looking her dead in her onyx eyes. Will you go out with me?
And that's chapter 5 done with a cliffhanger! Originally I was gonna end the chapter with Relon and Midoriya leaving but that was only 5k words and being at 45k for the story total just bothered me so I wanted to even it out to 50k words but uh, haha I got some more ideas and got to the goal. Hope you all enjoyed it. Let me know what you thought of the chapter down in the reviews. I'd love to know y'alls thought on the story! Finals are coming up so don't expect a chapter for the next week or two. Don't worry though, I'll be writing the USJ slowly bit by bit. Definitely will be longer that's for sure. Anyways, see ya~
Word Count Goal: 10k - Achieved!