This My Life Now

by Lucifer S Moringstar

All Roberto Rodrigo Robles wanted to be since he was 13 was a hero. Now he is attending UA Academy, this is the story of how he achieved his goal!

5. I am a Foreigner

A/N: Like the title indicates, a change is a comin', a shift of venue. Since at the time I wrote this story MHA had yet to tell us how the Good Ol' US of A handled heroes. So I had a vast berth of creative liberty. I hope you enjoy this chapter, the three High Schoolers he first meets in America are based on my IRL friends. The rest will be self-explanatory especially where he ends up. I like to give a shoutout to all my new subscribers "How you doin'?" and the faithful, "Thank you for your support -Latino sniff- you all mean the world to my creative process!" That's it for now, Tra La!

~Lucifer

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I am a Foreigner

"It's your mother's funeral." Tsu was berating me over the commlink. I was hot on the trail of Hōjō Yū, the bastard resurfaced and I was on a short timeline.

"Tsu." I had arrived on site, it was a seedy shipping port owned by yours truly. "Everyone will understand, I have to go." I cut her off before she could respond. Mei had been radio silent since we last spoke, she would supply me with the info I needed but remained recluse. No doubt she'd be at the funeral, as for me, I had a promise to fulfill that was more important than an empty plot. I would visit it properly after this was over.

I see him, Hōjō Yū, I felt the surge of my gloves going up my arms. I hit my cloaking device disappearing into the noonday sun. I leapt down landing silently and slipping past his entourage getting in close. I decloaked and slammed my fist into the side of his jaw. Time seemed to slow down as I nailed him in the side. He had resurfaced because of sciatic nerve damage, Suneater had damaged him more than he thought. I was taking full advantage of this, my surge knuckles damaging the injury further.

He growled and hit me with the full strength of his quirk stopping at my shield, "Oh shit." 'Aftershock Ready' I grit my teeth sending my fist deep into his torso and unleashing the full force of my ability. I launched him into a shipping container, his quirk ripped a hole through both walls and into the bay. Suddenly I was met with a firing squad, my shield took most of the impact but the bullets were made from Hōjō's quirk. He was smarter than I previously thought. I blasted to the sky then came down igniting the aftershock sending everyone flying into nearby containers and small post buildings. I grabbed my side and hit my comm.

"Tsuya." The bullet must have hit something vital, it burned and I saw my own blood trickling down. "Looks like I wouldn't have made it anyways." I already know my suit is sending out emergency alarms.

"ROBERTO!" that wasn't Tsu. "Hold on!" I felt my uniform filling my wound with pressure gel. I look up and see back up has arrived- theirs. I rise up as they cock their guns, my vision was blurred.

"I'm gonna make you earn this." I slam down smoke pellets, they explode as does a bullet storm from my foes. I disappear into the cloud taking cover behind the shipping container Hōjō ripped through. Adrenaline is coursing through my mind and veins as I sprint around flanking them. I take out the first six quickly snapping their arms, kicking out, and shattering knees. The seventh stabs my side with a knife made from Hōjō's quirk as well. With a sicking snap, he broke off the blade in my side. I am grateful to the adrenaline flowing through me, pressing me forward. I stab him in the collar bone with my kunai and launch the weighed end at the eighth wrapping it around his neck and pull. "GET OVER HERE!" I then yank the kunai out destroying the bone of the seventh and slice the arm of the eighth's causing him to drop his weapon. I hear weapons fire and use him as a meat shield. They empty their clips, I take more shots, and can no longer keep my eyes open.

Suddenly I hear nothing, I guess I'm dying. I fall to my knees, "One For All Full Cowling." Deku, heh. "BLACKWHIP SLASH!" I open my eyes for a moment and see black electrified tendrils sending the back up flying. The tendrils snapback, disappearing into Deku.

"Thank you, buddy." This is the last thing I say before succumbing to my injuries.

"Spectre!" Deku says grabbing me.

I wake up in hospital, obviously, Hōjō Yū got away. I see Deku in a chair his head down, Tsu was there, to say she was pissed would be a vast understatement. Deku rose up, "You already know." he said nothing more and exited.

"Midoryia wait." He stopped at the door and looked back at me, "Thank you."

"Thank Mei and Tsu." I couldn't even see his eyes his hair was longer now and was covering them. Before I could respond he was already gone and the door closed. Tsu came up to me then slapped me, I deserved that. She then read me the riot act through angry tears.

41

Recovery Girl, for the most part, let me bask in my own stupidity only halfway healing me. I was bandaged up pretty good, my vital organs were now just bruised and hurt like holy hell. I could move now, training, HA! That was for sure not happening, guess that was my penance. As I looked out the window my anger boiled I lost Hōjō. He got smarter, well at least it seemed that way for the most part. I slammed my fist on the window, then instantly regretted it, my lower torso was on fire. "The funeral is tomorrow." I spun around quickly, more pain.

"Son of a…" I gripped my side as Midoryia walked slowly towards me.

"What the hell were you thinking?" He grabbed me and helped me into my bed.

"Making good on my promise." I just sat at the end of my bed in pain, "If you are trying to convince me to go, you are wasting..." Suddenly his hand was on my neck, my eyes narrowed into daggers.

"Let's make one thing clear, you are going." I looked at him with utter defiance, "If I have to maim you further you will be there." his hand loosened.

"There's nothing to burn or bury, she's-gone."

"So she means nothing to you?" At his words I gripped his throat squeezing, ignoring the pain. He continued, "What nobody, no need for respect." My pain was worsening with each passing second as he released my own neck.

"Why do you think I was out there?" I said through gritted teeth.

"Not honoring the dead." Deku grabbed my hand forcibly removing it. "Because it seems to me you were running away." His eyes narrowed, "A coward." I raged and attacked him, Deku just shook his head batting my fists away effortlessly.

"Coward? Why don't you take a good long look in the mirror Izuku!" My body was on fire now. "The only…" Midoryia backhanded sending me flying onto my bed.

"Who are you?" Izuku eyes had tears in them, "Where is my friend, did he die too?" His words struck me like the bullets in the shipping yard. "I see nothing but a walking corpse, no light. Where is guy, who defied all the odds, who spat in the face of adversity, at all who told him that because he did not have a quirk so he could not be a hero." My fists popped as I tried to swallow bitter tears. Deku got in close and grabbed my shoulders, "The man who proved them all wrong, Aizawa, Midnight, Mirio, Hadō, me, fucking Chisaki Kai!" At the last name, I bowed my head and wept bitterly.

"He was broken." I clenched both my fists, "Shattered into a million pieces." I wiped the tears from my eyes but they continued to flow. "I can't go Izuku, not til I make this right!" He slapped me again.

"It's not about making it right, it's about being there, standing beside her memory escorting her home." I looked at him, his face was red from his own tears as he spoke, "Would you let her go alone, leaving her like you were, how you are now?" He got up after saying his peace. He made his way to the door, then looked back at me, "Roberto you miss this, you'll do more than just disrespect her, you truly will be alone. Alone with all the pain, guilt, and the regret will eat away at you slowly, bit by bit." He was almost out, "Then what would even be the point? Come back and live again Roberto Rodrigo Robles."

The next morning, I ready myself, as best I could. I got up and doubled over in pain. Recovery Girl suddenly appeared at the doorway, "And just where do you think you're going?"

"To recover somewhere else, your bedside manner blows."

"Such a defiant little shit!" Her eyes were set ablaze!

"I mean what kind of half-witted old bat, calling herself Recovery Girl would leave an orphan in such a shape that he could not even attend his own mother's funeral." Recovery Girl was about to lose her shit but was halted in her tracks. "So you gonna help me or can you get outta my way- please."

"Asshole, you're a pain in my ass anyway. The nerve. Humph!" She then grabs my face and kisses me, she breaks it, "I usually save this method for those with better stock in the looks department. Unfortunate for me, you look like a horse's backside!" She then proceeded to 'recover' me- I am left crying and probably in need of major therapy later, for now, I tuck that away.

I missed the service, but made it to the cemetery, priest spots me and I walk solemnly to him. I ceremoniously bow as I receive my mother's picture and incense, I then place the picture and incense in my father and birth mother's gravestone. I look up with tears welling up in my eyes, I clap three times, bow just as many, then ultimately break down. I cared not what, who, much less how I looked to the people, she was my world, my savior, my mom. Roc and Tsu knelt beside me as the tears continued to flow. She was really gone, in my mind, I saw us sparring in the backyard. "My son, this is not goodbye." I could hear her voice, "You will survive, you always have."

"Mom, I am so sorry I failed you," I told her in a whisper.

"No, no, no, baby, you have not."

"You're dead because I did not see this, I failed."

"No. You could not have, your human not God."

"I need you mom, you were…are my world."

"Roberto, rise and look around you." I swallow hard, "Open your eyes son, what do you see tell me boy," I obey and force my eyes open, "Roberto tell me."

"I am surrounded."

"By what."

"Allies, friends."

"Rise."

"People that I count on and who count on me."

"Rise." I am standing tall now, "This is what we do, this is what has to be done, no excuses." My eyes scan the crowds of people, I see Deku, Momo, Aizawa, Fatgum, "We never back down, we may break but we will never break down." I take a breath as my chest becomes lighter. "You are my son, I raised you, love you, gave my all for you, now rise and live." My eyes turn to the chef and the three men that got my mother killed, "There is your enemy, patience, there's still work to be done." My eyes give no tale, I then look to my beloved Tsu. "Is she still part of your world, have you forgotten?" She looks up at me, and I have fallen in love with her all over again.

"Tú eres mi mundo, y la luna es mi amor." I take her hand, "You are my world."

"Exactly as it should be, now apologize for your idiocy."

"You were right, you always are." She croaks at my words and I have no idea what she meant by it. I hear my mom tell me she will be waiting for me, no goodbye, but I understood. The funeral ended, Tsu went to stay with her folks, and I went back to the hospital.

Tsu was still mad, I did hang up on her, so how could I blame her? She didn't talk to me for a week. While I was in Eri visited me and returned me back to fighting health. I caught up with her, she was top of her class and had advanced her quirk control through leaps and bounds. I was so proud of her.

"Spectre, why are you chasing death." Her words caught me off guard.

"Who told you that?"

"No one, I can see it in your eyes, I can read too." She had me, I saw the clipboard in her hand. She handed it to me and I put it back on my bed the picked her up. "Spin me." I could not refuse her even if I tried and did what she asked. She then pulled me in hugging me tightly. "Please don't die Spectre."

"We all must one day Eri."

"Then let it come naturally." I matched her hug with my own, "You are not alone, I'm alive, stay alive Spectre."

"I will." I looked up and saw Tsu standing there, "I promise Eri I will." I let her go, she turns and sees Tsu. She runs to her giving her a hug then leaves. "Hey beautiful," I slowly rise, she runs to me, I take her in my arms, "I'm sorry mi amor de mi vida."

"Damn you." She looks deep into my eyes, "And your fucking Spanish." I smirk and grab her by her ass pulling her up to me. She wraps her legs around me then kisses me. "She's right you know."

"I know, it's hard for me to seek help." She crushes me with her legs, I forget how strong they are.

"LEARN!" I nod rapidly and she releases me and takes me by the hand. We leave the hospital and head home.

Months pass like days with no sign of the remaining Bullets.

42

We no longer lived in the dorms, not that we could not, we just preferred living together. UA could not protest due to us being both 17 and in the middle of our second year. Midnight had our backs as did Aizawa and surprisingly enough All Might. My class was not surprised and supported us as well. We had dinner with Tsu's parents, the berating still remained, mostly from her mom followed by her younger siblings. It just showed how much they cared about me, at least that's how I took it. I looked towards her dad, he just shook his head no so I took my lumps.

I decided to take the night off as did Tsu we stayed in and had a date night. Hōjō was long gone and after I made an example out of the soldier that tipped off Katsukame Rikiya. The Shie Hassaikai were no longer a problem, just these asshole wannabes helping the remaining bullets. I shake the notion away as Tsu snuggles against me. '

You are not alone.' I kiss her head, my actions do not go unnoticed.

'Just ask and they will bring the rain, why are you so stubborn?' My mind was warring with itself as Tsu pulls me down and kisses me then moves atop my lap.

'I have to be the one to bring them in.' She pulls my shirt off. 'Look where that always gets you, you were almost killed.'

I stand up with her in my arms, 'You are not alone.' I remove her top all the while I wage a battle inside me on what to do now.

Strangely enough, I woke up early at 0500, I got out of bed careful not to disturb Tsu, and went to clean up. We pretty much-changed rooms every night save mom's old room. Simply because I still felt like she would be coming home soon, ridiculous I know but It would feel too real like she really was gone. I cleaned up and went for a run. It was a couple of hours before I had to get to school so I'd shower there. My earbud went off. "Where are you Ribbit?"

"Out for a run beautiful, see ya at school." She croaked and punched off. I shook my head and continued on to school. I got there, still an hour till class, so I ran to Gym Sigma. The training helped me focus and got the blood flowing. As I was about to enter I heard an explosion. Followed by a text from the principal that school was canceled for the day. "This can't be good." My earbud went off.

"Looks like I can sleep in Ribbit." My beloved Tsu.

"You do that, I'm gonna do some training mi amor."

"Tsu yourself can we order out?" I laughed at her pun.

"Whatever you want babe, order for me too I might be back this afternoon."

"Ribbit…" Her voice was low and upset.

"Babe- please unlike you I have to keep fit." I was trying to calm her down.

"You calling me fat!" My eyes widen and I see what looks like a Nomu running towards the main building.

"No love I mean…" I kept my voice steady.

"I know 'you don't have a quirk'" she said sarcastically, "Love you Roberto come back to me."

"Always mi amor, por siempre con todo mi vida." I hear her giggle, always a good sign, and then she cuts off. I skip the gym and like an idiot race towards the danger.

I arrive and see several first years running out of their dorms, I try to get information from them but it's no use. "Robles!" I hear a soft voice, its principle Nezu, "Over here dear child." I meet him halfway.

"SITREP please."

"Well, that saves me asking." Crap baskets. "You saw the Nomu yes." I sigh, "Three first years are stuck with that horrible monster."

"Heroes? Teachers?"

"No one is in yet but they are on their way." I look at him dumbfounded, "We just got off the weekend, staying is optional you know that." I close my eyes.

"What am I working with."

"Unknown, the Nomu is very strange, like its incomplete." I nod my head, "The first years I have no idea what their quirks are, I just heard them assisting with the evac." They're brave, good I can work with that. "The other upperclassman are forming a perimeter, on work-studies, or haven't gotten here yet." I take a breath and tap my shoulder.

"Wraith reporting in." Principle Nezu smiles as I tap my visor and earbud thrice, "Mei." I read her text across my HUD, she was already on it. I pulled up blueprints then scrolled through my scans, I was set. I charge my gauntlets the slam the ground with sonar, "Got them." I look at principle Nezu, "Send anyone in with a strength enhancement quirk or an emitter." He nods and I blast in through the second-story window. I start to yell out but go against it, I needed information first. I could see the location of the Nomu and the first years my sonar was giving me a clear picture.

[Searching for cameras Wraith stand by.]

"I got them on my scans going in silent." I carefully make my way down, the building was torn up, nothing burning the fire suppressant system had already dost any fires. I could make out the Nomu pounding away at something maybe a door? I could hear voices as I got closer, I made out one male, and two females.

[Live feed coming in.]

I grunted in acknowledgment, The Nomu was thin but cut muscle-wise, it had no eyes and half a brain. It was a little over 2 meters tall.

[Get me a scan Wraith.]

I popped my neck then activated my cloaking, I snuck around him then lifted my gauntlet hands and started scanning, its head jerked up.

'Ah, crap baskets.' It turn its head and was now looking straight at me, its beak seemed to have two flaps that raised up. 'SHIT!' I saw a glow followed by a roar! It slashed at me only to stop as my shield took its kinetic energy. 'Aftershock Ready' I decloaked then sent an uppercut right into its jaw sending it to the floors above.

"Are you alright?" I called out.

"Yes, who are you?" That was the male.

"Wraith."

"THEY SENT THE ONE WITHOUT A QUIRK!" That was the first female, probably the chosen leader.

"Hey fuck you too buddy, I just sent that Nomu to the third floor what the devil have you done?" I opened the door, apparently, it wasn't smart. I close and lock the door behind me. The pounding returns as I look behind me then the three first years in front of me. "So tell me who's bright idea was it to face this thing alone?" I looked at them all, the male was the shortest of them around 1.54 meters tall give or take, he had an all-black outfit with a green circle in the middle with tube-like designs going down his arms and legs, I couldn't help but smirk at the striking resemblance. He was light-skinned but tanned and in good shape. The one that looked like the leader had wild blonde hair with red highlights tied up in a bushy ponytail that resembled a torch. She was 1.67 meters tall, athletic built, classic tomboy, black leather motorcycle suit with a circle on her shoulder.

"Take a picture, it will keep you warm at night." She raised her hand to her chin and the other one on her hip.

"Sorry, my bed is plenty warm and far better to look at girly," I replied shutting her down. The last girl was 1.63 meters tall, petite, loli girl, her outfit was baby blue with a half skirt that wrapped around her waist but ended at the sides of her hips and was a clear pink. She had a diamond window on her chest exposing her medium bust. She had a visor with horns where the ear coverings were. I sighed shaking my head.

"Are all of you quirkless as well?" They looked at me with confusion, then the leader spoke up.

"Shut up!" She looked away and I felt myself getting a headache.

"No, dear god please no, I will open that door and let the Nomu take me if you dare finish that sentence!" She looked away and blushed, "Soooo not cute buttercup."

"Yes, senpai we do." This was the loli girl, "I'm glad you're here."

"Thank you, but drop the innocent act hon, be honest with yourself."

"I want to destroy that motherfucker!" I now missed the innocent act.

"Okay, love the enthusiasm." She then laughs maniacally, shifting from one cliché to another. "You, name and quirk." I pointed at the male.

"S1, quirk… water, and no I cannot make ice." He was humble and mild-mannered. "The one with the skirt is S3 quirk: gas and Ms. Motorcycle fetish over there is W4 quirk: some type of sticky substance, we don't know." His humor was dry but I could dig it. He continued, "We are Spectrum."

"Oye."

"Quiet S1 you're embarrassing us." W4 hissed at him, he seemed to was he breathing heavy? S3 quieted them down and bowed apologizing for them.

"She has no manners and is the most excited for you being here." That was S3 I facepalmed. "And S1 is our boyfriend." At that, I laughed.

"I see, good show S1." He smiled like a proud pervert, hell I was proud for him. "Introductions aside that dumb beast isn't going to kill itself. What do we know?" They were more than eager to share.

"Enhanced strength, dumb as rocks." That was W4 who was now crossing her arms.

"Agile, incomplete healing factor." That was interesting and got my attention.

"Explain S1."

"We've managed to slice off an arm but it recovered, but then W4 noticed an open wound."

"If the wound is grievous enough it won't heal, I think it has thermal vision as well." S3 followed this up, they were smart, glad it wasn't all hero worship.

"I can confirm that, no hearing as well and is sensitive to scans, it felt the electron disruption." I finally concluded.

We see a fist punch through the door then rip out, "Seems like brute force won out." S1 pointed out with sarcastic dry delivery, S3 and W4 just look at him. I snort, I liked him even more. "He gets it." I chuckle giving him a thumbs up. Another fist and I snap out of it and point to the back wall, they look at me like I'm insane.

"Trust me." They nod and make a break for it, "S1 with me." He looks at me his eyes widen, "Can you pressurize your quirk?"

"Like a stream or something?" he swallows hard and I nod.

"I need you to make that stream able to cut."

"LIKE A HYDRO BLADE!"I nod and point to him, "I got you." He presses his pointer and thumb together I point at the arm reaching through.

"Be a dear and get that for me?" I stand aside and he whips his arm back sending a thin stream at the offending appendage. It hits the ceiling and bounces a few feet away. I fire my grapnel and retrieve it, the arm flails then stops as the nomu screams bursting through the door. I see the stump heal but not regenerate, we both smile.

"Weaken the wall behind your harem, I'll be with you shortly." I crack my neck as I see the arm melt into a skeleton then crumble. S1 falls back and goes to work on the wall. "W4 you're up." She boldly steps forward, "Can you can control the stickiness." The nomu strikes and I cover her my shield taking the blow, the nomu jumps back away from us. "So you can learn."

"Oh teach me senpai." I look back at her, her face flushed, I bow my head.

"Focus." I snap her back to reality, "Can you?" She pushes me aside.

"One way to find out." She shoots out two streams covering the nomu's legs. It tries to move but stays in place. I smile and grab her hand, more blushing.

"Let's move!" We both start running, "Out of the way!" They jump back and I activate my aftershock ability removing the wall kicking dust-up in the air. The wall revealed the staircase behind it, "Down!" They start running but I grab W4's hand, "Not yet." She looks where the wall was and nods her hands and body shaking, "I won't leave you." My assurance calms her and she fills in the wall just as the nomu breaks free. She falls back and I catch her, "So there's a time limit huh."

"Yeah but I can still run." She was breathing heavily, her quirk was based on stamina. I shake my head and pick her up in a princess carry.

"Fucking clichés!" I then opt to put her over my shoulder much to her dismay. "Get over it besides, nicer view from my end." I slap her ass to her delighted squeals. In truth I rather her be love-struck than fearful, easier to manage tactics that way. I run down the stairs. I go through a door and into the dorm kitchen, We lock the door behind us and I drop W4 coldly.

"WHAT THE HELL?" she protested.

"Later, S3" W4 pouted but got over herself.

"What do you need senpai?" S3 was ready, willing, and able, I told her to show me her quirk. She complied and I lifted my hand and scanned it [Inconclusive.] my HUD replied as I slammed my fist on a table kicking up dust, [particles, dust, compressed.]

"Interesting." I motion for S1 to come then told S3 to create another gas cloud, "Water it." He nodded and shot out a burst of water, suddenly the gas turned into a cloud? "Adaptable gas." The cloud merged with the dust cloud suddenly rumbled and I smiled as I pulled out a shock pellet activating it and tossing it in. I saw it surging with power. "S3 see if…." Lightning struck the counter.

"OH BABY, MAMA LIKES!" S3 eyes were a craze and I now had a plan, the cloud dissipated as the pellet fell to the ground inert. "I'm no longer useless!"

"No you are not, you are vital!" She was sinisterly gleeful, "You ready to destroy that mutha…"

"HELL YEAH!" They all shouted as the nomu broke through the door, its beak flared, but W4 covered it with her quirk causing it to roar and charge taking it head-on, it tackled me but stopped in its tracks. It hopped back into a trap W4 set up. I was impressed, she read my mind, I looked at her and she only blushed, nope just the one quirk

"Large cloud S3" I commanded and she acknowledged as I grabbed a handful of dirt and dust tossing it in. "Now S1. Keep him stuck W4!"

"RIGHT!" S1 blasted the cloud with water as W4 tapped out holding the nomu in place. The cloud rumbled and echoed.

"My turn! S3 Ready!"

"Oh fuck YES!" I launched three shock pellets in activating them, S3 focused then as electrons ignited around the nomu, in a flash, lightning struck it, then set it ablaze, "AH! HA! HA! HA!" S3 laughed creepily, "BURN FUCKER BURN!" It kicked, and screamed, wailing in pain till it stopped moving.

"Dost the flames S1." He nodded and put them out, revealing a sort of circular core in the body. I walked over and picked it up the touched my earbud, "Mei, incoming scan." My gauntlet did a deep scan as a burnt hand grabs my wrist, "Mei!"

[Almost Wraith, hold on!]

"S1!" He took aim and fired sending a stream of water severing the hand at the wrist. I jump back as it got up its burnt stub reaching for the core. "MEI!"

[DONE!]

I then crush the core the nomu lets out a death shrill then collapses then promptly crumbles to dust. "All clear Mei, what you got?"

[You okay, are they fine?]

"Yes Mei, target retired, the rescue was a success zero casualties."

[Good. Nomu was some type of advanced prototype. Found the black box working on its decryption. Shall I forward findings?]

"No, you know why."

[Understood, sending basic findings to throw off our trail.]

"Smart, thanks Mei, keep me updated."

[Affirmative, Tyche out.]

"Goddess of Fate, Fortune, and Chance. I like it!" I then look at the first years, "Great job everyone of you did spectacular." They were cheering, celebrating their victory. "Your names need to be changed though." They sighed, "Sorry not feeling them, meet me after school on Wednesday, Gym Sigma." Their collective eyes lit up, "Spectrum is a wonderful team name, let's make it infamous, be prepared then."

"Really senpai?" S1 was the first to speak up.

"Yes, from now on just call me." I hit my shoulder once retracting my cowl, "Roberto, the term senpai left me with a bad taste in my mouth."

"Yes, Roberto Sensei." They said in unison as they bowed, I just laughed.

"RIBBIT!" I heard Tsu over my com.

"Ah shit!" My new students looked at me, "Heh, heh, gonna be tougher for you S1 you have 2, I'm struggling with just the one."

"ROBERTO RODRIGO ROBLES!" I cringed said my goodbyes.

"I was already at school, and was the only one, okay I could have waited for backup." Tsu was giving me an earful as I reported to Principle Nezo of my success and findings. An hour later I was on my way home.

43

Asui Tsuyu:

Several Years later…

"Good Evening everyone! I am your host Niesha Summers and my guest tonight has given me her first exclusive interview in almost a year. Please welcome my very special guest Tsuyu Asui-Robles." The camera pans over to me sitting in a chair in my original costume, well an adult version. The stage was a green screen made to look like two flags, Japan and The United States, for the viewing audience. "Welcome to my show Mrs. Asui-Robles."

"Please just call me Tsu, and it's great to be here."

"Tsu it is, please call me Nigh." Niesha smiled for the camera and adjusted her seating slightly. "So let me start by saying it's an honor to have you on, and if I may ask why now, this interview?"

"Well I have given it quite a bit of thought and my kids say talking about it could help."

"By it, you mean your late husband, Roberto Rodrigo Robles, correct?" At his name I sucked in a breath, Niesha tried to back pedal, "That was rather cold, forgive me."

"No, it's alright, really just hard to hear his name, so suddenly, it always catches me off guard Ms. Summers."

"Please just Nigh. Do you need a moment dear?"

It was one year ago that very day, my world shattered in an instant. I knew what he was getting into but I could not stop him even if I tried, no one could. This was personal.

Back to the interview, "For now I will not go into details on that event. Let's start simple, everyone has read the biography you wrote on Spectre three years prior, how you met at UA, did you know then he was the one?"

"No not really, Nigh, I kinda just thought he was very attractive, he carried himself like a knight."

"A knight you say, please go on."

"My then future husband, hated bullies, growing up in Japan's foster system since being orphaned at 6 gave him that distaste. However, when I met him he was acting like the ones he fought so hardly against."

"You mean one Katsuki Bakugo correct?"

"Yes, he already gave him his, how you Americans say, comeuppance? The day before, he was being an ass to Midoryia"

"Ah, I forgot you went to school with Japan's Symbol of Peace, Deku."

"Yes, my Ribbit…" I paused for a moment and took a breath, Niesha took it as a cue to go to commercial.

"We will be right back." She smiled and held Tsu's hand, "You are doing great, think you can handle more?" I smiled, I had to get past my grief, and the best way was to actually talk about it.

Present-day… You would think living with your boyfriend and being a hero would make us sick of seeing each other. You would be dead wrong, since we interned at different agencies we hardly ran into each other. Well currently I was the only one at an agency, but my Ribbit had moved on to a different endeavor, no not the hero, but the actual noun. He became his hero's partner, Aizawa Shota aka Erasure Head. I remember when he told me the news I was so overjoyed, he fulfill his childhood dream. This was a far cry from seeing my Ribbit challenging sensei in our first year, and beating him!

The Heat with Niesha Summer…

"We are back, my special guest Tsu is ready for more." After a few commercials and several tears, we got to my husband's first major loss, the second only being his death. "My next question is going to be rather unsettling, are you ready?"I knew what was coming and shook my head for her to ask. "What can you tell us about Spectre's first clash with the villain Kai Chisakai?" My stomach sank and twisted up in knots, I flashed back to that day.

We were helping with evac and any stragglers trying to escape. "Hey Froppy look there's Deku!" Suddenly I heard him.

"MOM!" I knew it was him, something had happened that broke my Ribbit. I moved towards his yelling, my boss, Tatsuma Ryūko heard it as well. The scream was primal overriding me entirely, nothing else mattered, there was no way I was going to let anybody hold me back. Tatsuma looked back at me, she was saying something but I was not hearing it. Suddenly Ochoco pulled me back to her and pointed my face up, Katsukame Rikiya, the leader of the Eight Bullets. It was a long battle but Ryukyu Squad came out on top.

With that settled, Tatsuma released me to go to him, but I was already too late. I saw him, the blood splatter on the broken cement wall told me everything, "Ribbit…" I tried to move but my body would not let me, he needed me! I was calling out to him, but he was lost in his grief. What I saw next still shakes me to my core in both awe and fear. I could hear him saying something but could not make it out. He then rose up, Rock Lock got to him, but as I turned my head, my Ribbit was gone.

From there he joined Deku in the fight, he saved Lemillion, then turned his focus on that monster. Deku had landed, the little girl Eri, was losing control of her quirk, Rewind, my Ribbit had caught her but let her go to Deku.

"This was where she healed him?"

"Yes, he was injured about 7-8 months ago battling Lemillion."

"Wait, hold up didn't you say he saved Lemillion?"

"I did however when it came to being a hero, Roberto did not care about previous bad encounters, Lemillion was in trouble and he did what had to be done. Their past was irrelevant."

"Did he win… the previous encounter." Tsu pulled out a thumb drive.

"You tell me I'll wait." After a commercial, Niesha was smiling!

"What I am about to show you all, is unedited raw footage, and you have the exclusive here on The Heat." Tsu and Niesha looked into the monitors as the viewers at home got the full-screen experience of Spectre and Bakagō vs Lemillion and Hadō. The footage ended with Spectre launching Lemillion in the air and Bakagō finishing him off.

"Well?"

"Damn…"

"Exactly." Tsu giggled, "Shall I continue?"

"I mean damn, did he have to bring it to old boy that hard."

"Nigh?"

"Oh.. yeah, hehe, sorry, I…" I knew what she was going to ask.

"Next time, I promise."

"You heard it here folks, she will tell us what led up to that savagery." Niesha was all smiles, "Do go on Mrs. Tsu."

My late husband was always good at thinking on his feet, this was no secret. Now he was unhinged, I followed his gaze and saw Erasure Head come out, he then met up with him, and from where I was he was explaining his plan to him. He pointed at the cement wall, convincing him to go along with his plan. Deku just landed from his air battle with Overhaul, without a second thought Roberto ran up to Deku, who, in turn, launched him and Erasure Head at Overhaul.

"Mrs. Asui-Robles, has generously given us archive footage of that battle, be advised the footage may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parental discretion is highly advised." Niesha nodded her head and played the entire battle and aftermath from my Ribbit's POV.

"My god he was going to kill him."

"Can you blame him?"

"No, so you saved him."

"That was when I knew this was the man to be my husband."

"So after all this what happened next?"

Present-day…

Roberto never hid anything from me since we first broke up, however, he was very prone to keep things close to his chest. I wasn't mad that he ran into danger when that imperfect nomu attacked the school. I was upset that he didn't tell me that there was a nomu at the school. It was very rare that I could fight beside the love of my life, this was a missed opportunity. I forgave him of course, but I really wanted to be there with him. He loved me with every bit of his heart as did I for him.

If he wasn't at school my Ribbit was out looking for the final remaining Bullets. I was doing the same, the agency where I work studied at was assigned the case. We were tasked to get to them first, mostly because they knew Spectre, well Wraith now, was looking for them. The powers that be knew if my Ribbit got to them it could turn out ugly. Honestly, I knew this too, only if I found them I would lead him right to them. They hurt my Ribbit, so, despite my orders, Roberto deserved justice. His mom was all he had, she was a decorated officer, and she was taken from him in an instant. Roberto was never the same after that, what I saw on the news horrified me. Mei and Midoryia told me how he broke The Shie Hassaikai, and the soldiers that went against his ultimatum. My heart broke for him, but I ultimately sided with him, not because of our relationship, but I understood why. Yes, Mei and Deku were naive but by the same token, what choice did he have? A 16-year-old kid, in their eyes, was ordering THEM? Like hell, if they were going quietly, Roberto had to show them he was not screwing around. He broke that soldier's back to make an example, that man he hung on a makeshift cross was a final warning.

They could not see that, I may be called wrong for agreeing with him, but so be it. I wanted more than anyone to get my Roberto back, so I went to work. Mei eventually came around, not fully, but in truth, Roberto terrified her. Not by strong-arming her, no, Roberto loved his best friend. He misses her dearly, I saw it everyday. She communicates with him via text on his HUD, granted its communication, but it saddens him. No, what terrifies her is what he is willing to do, and the lengths he would go to do it.

He was willing to skip his own mother's funeral for a chance to bring down one of those monsters. He used a hired gun as a meat shield, was shot, nearly died, it terrifies me too. I almost lost him, I don't want to go through that, got dammit I love him so much. It's twice now that he'd almost died, no three, good god make it stop! He needs this to end, we both do.

The Heat with Niesha Summers…

"And we are back, we are almost out of time Tsu, will you come back to continue this interview?"

"Of course this has really helped me, thank you."

"No thank you Mrs. Asui-Robles, Spectre still has fans out there and I know they are loving this." She cleared her throat for the final question of the night. "We know this has been trying for you so I will end with this." She smiled at me then spoke, "Where did he propose to you?" I was laughing at this, so I thought a moment.

"Technically he did twice, but the one that counts was after he brought down Yū."

"Ohh, details!"

"He brought in Hōjō Yū finally." I had her full attention, "He just got his hero license in America and brought with him his three new partners, well what you all call sidekicks, Dezmond Brown aka Rocaphella, Terrin Hillsong aka Jenesys, and Andrew Rollins aka Pointbreak."

We really did not wait to plan it out, living together for over a year at this point we just wanted to make it official. It was at what is now Spec Ops Japan Headquarters. My whole class was there, Uraraka was my Maid of Honor, Aizawa Sensei was his best man. It was kinda funny I would have thought it he would of asked Midoryia but no, he wasn't his partner but he ended up a groomsman. Rocaphella, Pointbreak, Jenesys also served as groomsmen Mathew Rathers aka Slim Shade made good on his promise and paid for our wedding. The ceremony was short and sweet, daddy gave me away, I was so happy. I couldn't tell you who married us, nor did either of us care. We were together, and well, heh, heh, heh, I was carrying our twins.

When he brought in Hōjō Yū, he took me to one of the properties his mother left him in Okinawa… We 'celebrated'. All. That. Week. He flew back to America soon after, I remember when I told him the news, but that's a tale for next time.

The Heat with Niesha Summers…

"Thank you all for tuning in to my little broadcast here with my very special guest Mrs. Tsuyu Asui-Robles." I smiled for the camera as did Niesha, "Be here next week when Mrs. Asui-Robles returns to give us a deep look into Japan's #1 Hero, The Knightmare Hero, Spectre. GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE!"

43

Present-day…

Wednesday went by in a flash, Spectrum's training was something, something I needed. I needed to refocus, turns out they were better at working as a team then I could ever be. They completely trusted each other, that was something I was lacking, yes I trusted Mei, Tsu, and many others, but I always stood in my own way. Guess I could thank the foster care system for that but tonight was a nice distraction.

I went to school the next day, most of my class was there but it was different now. Unity was missing, I still got along well with all of them but The Shie Hassaikai Raid changed us all. I lost my friend Deku's respect as well as Iida's, this hurt, I could see it as well, in our interactions, conversation. Everyone was just trying to get through the day. I finally could not take it anymore, so I got up.

"Robles, where do you think you are going?" I just looked at my partner.

"Aizawa Sensei Its just homeroom right?" He nodded his head, "I'm bringing morale down sir." He looked at me in confusion so I continued, well pretty much confessed to all my antics. I was met with looks of horror, They looked at sensei, Deku, and Bakagō, who simply nodded in conformation. "That being said I am taking my leave."

"I haven't dismissed you."

"Yes sir, but the class has." The bell rang and nobody moved, I sighed and bowed to Aizawa Sensei. I reached for the door only for it to be wrapped up in his scarf.

"I have not dismissed you Robles take a seat." I fought against my instincts and took a seat. "We all know as heroes we will face gray areas that require a choice to be made." He was now addressing the class. "When we." He looked at Deku, Bakagō, and Iida, "Decided to go with Mr. Robles' plan he gave us an out." Deku stood up only for Aizawa to zap him with his quirk knocking him back to his seat. "You had a choice boy." Iida looked away and Aizawa pointed at him, "So did you, or lest we forget about your actions with Stain." Idia was about to protest, "YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE! Brother or not how was Robles any different? So you can stuff your self-righteous pompousness." Iida sat down, he then looked at Bakagō.

"I knew he was right, I own my decision." Bakagō crossed his arms then looked with contempt at Deku and Iida.

"We were out-manned, gunned, and in the middle of The Shie Hassaikai HQ. Do you think we had a chance of leaving there together? Alive?" Deku stood up.

"He used Eri, broke that man's back, how can you justify this?"

"I'm not." Deku set his eyes like daggers fueled with righteous rage. "Eri had a choice in this too, yes, she agreed, coerce, but look at what she had been through? She was forced to do things that are despicable, Robles gave her a choice, you really think he was going to do to her what Chisaki did."

"No, I wasn't Deku." I finally spoke up, "I would have gone there myself, a failure, and face the consequences of my actions. Besides Bakagō, could any of you do the same? Face certain death for your actions? No, I seriously doubt anyone in this room could." I was fuming now, "You romanticize the hero lifestyle, but refuse to accept every aspect of it good and bad. " Deku rushed and was now inches from my face.

"Who are you to preach at us?"

"Who are you exactly, what the hell have you done?"

"I save people."

"No, you save the good, innocent, which is admirable, but tell me what you know about dismantling evil at its source? Do you know how to get in something, dig to the root of the problem and kill it at its source?"

"What?"

"More than anything I want to bring all those responsible to justice, but it will be for naught if I do not have a final solution." I was avoiding saying mom, but he knew what I meant. "You call me a monster, so be it, I can be that monster, but this monster saved his allies. I told you my plan, you were and still are too naive to see the bigger picture."

"I admit you saved us but your actions do not match the line of bullshit you are selling Roberto. You were not a hero saving his allies, you were no different than that old man, a yakuza boss." He had me, some dark part of me reveled in breaking that soldier's back. "ADMIT IT ROBERTO!"

"FINE I DID, I ENJOYED EVERY SECOND OF IT!" The words came out faster than I could process, "These animals take and take, destroy lives like some fucking death worshiping cultists. I'm glad I did it, finally some fucking balance in the world." I was breathing heavily, "So go ahead Izuku, tell me what would have you done, what would you have done huh, I put my life in your capable hands." Deku started muttering, "Bang, Aizawa is dead." more muttering, "Bang, FUCKING BOOM! At least Bakagō took some of them with him and got us a way out!" Deku eyes were gone as I walked to him and placed my pointer finger in the center of his forehead, "Bang. I'm dead because I came back to get you." I turned away, "Bang. You're dead. Because you could not come up with a solution in time." Deku fell to his knees. "Now do you see the difference, you took too long, on the field. You can be a cop or a hero, time is your greatest enemy and it does not care about your alignment, creed, if you are a hero or villain, it's a force of nature. I made my choice, I will not apologize for saving you." I looked at my class then at sensei, he nodded and I was dismissed.

I finished my last class, business, I met Tsu just outside the gate. She looked at me, "Ribbit." She had my back, "You're not a monster, Ribbit, not to me." She pulled me in enveloping me in a kiss, "Never to me." I embraced her with everything within me.

"How sweet, the happy couple." I turned around and saw him, Rappa Kendō. I hit my shoulder just in time to absorb his attack. A second, I rush sending his own strength back at him cracking his plague mask. "The old man said you were formidable." My shield charged and absorbed another attack, he then turn and ran laughing maniacally.

"AFTER HIM WRAITH!" Tsu told me and I took off.

"Mei."

"I'm here Wraith." my eyes nearly teared up.

"Mei." my voice cracked and a tear came down.

"Focus Wraith, I am here now let's get this sneaky bastard." I refocused and my strength was renewed. I could see him, he was climbing up buildings like a parkour master. "Bringing up files now, his quirk is strongarm, Fat Gum barely defeated him and you only got one bar in the armor."

"So I just have to time them better."

"You only got one, his strength fried the input generator." I swallowed hard, my mind racing. "He can only use his quirk in spurts, but his stamina is off the charts."

"Is it just his fists?"

"Yes."

"I know what to do."I activated my poison coating and blasted stops then leaps into the air and I dodge just in time. I feel the wind from his fists, he wasn't just punching once, but several at a time. He lands and sprints to the next building. He leaps to a construction site over a big chasm, landing in a slide.

"The old man told me all about you Robles." He called out to me as I landed in front of him. "How's mommy dearest?" I grit my teeth, "Phavion was it, hot stuff that one." He was goading me, I took a breath, "We could have had fun with her, wonder who'd she call out to?" This man was getting under my skin, he continued, "Roberto! Roc!" Then he made a thrusting gesture, and I snapped.

"YOU BASTARD!" I fired a dart at him but he batted aside, he charged as I slid in a split then went into a handstand wrapping my legs around his neck, and pulled down. He toppled like a Jenga Tower, at his arc I released him sending my fist into the center of his back. Plates came down from my knuckles ripping through his shirt and skin. He quickly recovered knocking me away, it wasn't his full power, but it still, hurt like hell.

"The old man also told us about so…" His heart thumped in his ears, his eyes told me everything I needed to know. He rushed knowing that something bad was about to happen. I fired everything I had at him, but he was now a fast-approaching juggernaut. I tried to dodge but he nailed me in the side, I coughed up blood and he pulled me in close. "Yeah, he told me about that too!" My eyes widen, with a roar he gut-punched me. The blow was powerful, "You never had a chance!" I went to strike but he twisted my arm spinning me around and then slammed my back with several heavy blows before grabbing me by the nape of my neck. He walked over to the chasm, "Sayōnara, Roberto Rodrigo Robles." He then dropped me in the hole. Time seemed to slow down, I could barely move, my arms were heavy, my HUD was flashing all sorts of warning lights. Did the old man sell me out? I could not let it end like this!

I bounced off several ledges before I finally ended up in the bottom in loud KLUUD! My armor was locked, batteries destroyed, beacons damaged, Rappa Kendō knew what he was doing. He knew my suit, my mind was racing, did Mei betray me? Was this a nightmare? I bit my own tongue, it wasn't. HOW? How did he know! I was trapped, I could not get out of my armor, I could not hit the release. All I could do was call out till my voice finally gave out.

One month prior…

Rappa Kendō and Hōjō Yū sat in an underground bunker, "The old man betrayed us all." Hōjō growled as Rappa sipped on sake, he was quiet listening, planning. "He gave it all away to that Wraith kid, A KID!"

"Roberto Rodrigo Robles, 16, UA second year." Rappa finally spoke.

"You know his name?"

"I have a source inside, poor bastard, doesn't even know they gave their friend up."

"Source? How?"

"I met them last week, we needed supplies and I was not wanting to draw unwanted attention." He took another drink then lit up a cigarette before continuing. "The guy was wonky like he was fighting with himself. Hell, I thought it was two different guys talking at first." He then explained that he stayed in the shadows observing the interaction, "Finally one of them won, I approached this person. He asked if I had a cigarette, I obliged." I then noticed his uniform under his jacket.

"Easy cat, they ain't here." My source then stepped forward after a drag, "I know you and I got some information that might prove useful." So I took another one and lit it up too. "Does the name Roberto Rodrigo Robles mean anything to you?"

"Yeah, he's the kid whose mom my former employer killed, least that's what the news said."

"No my man, he's the one who took down your boss."

"Spectre?"

"You're catching on."

"Ok, so you have proof?" My source then pulled out his phone and showed me pictures, sure enough, it was true. This guy was deeply involved with him.

"So, how long have you had this source?"

"Three weeks now and they have given me some interesting information."

"I know Robles has no quirk that aftershock is tech and hurts like a bitch."

"Depending on his armor, he has two charges, however, his current has only one."

"Okay, that's fine and dandy. So who is your source?"

"A teacher."

"Name?"

"No dice, just know they don't know about each other's activities."

"What the hell does that mean? They some sort of mental case?"

"The term is Dissociative Identity Disorder and yes. My source contacts me to keep the other one from knowing."

"How can you trust them?"

"They planted a bug in his suit." He then pulls out a holoprojector, revealing a live feed of Spectre talking to the old man. "I now know everything he knows." He clicked the device revealing the schematics of the Wraith Armor. "I have a plan, reveal yourself at the docks, if you can take him out kool. We can get what we need from my source later."

Present-day…

Aizawa Shota: I had turned Tokyo upside down searching for him, it had been three days. No contact, my students were a wreck, I was a wreck, where was he? My class had not shown up since he vanished, they were all looking for him. Dammit, Roberto where are you!

Fat Gum: I dropped everything when Aizawa told me he went after Rappa. My heart sank, I barely made it out alive from that fight. Now Roberto took that monster on! Three days, I called in every favor I could, most of them just helped with the search not even considering it a favor. I could not lose him, not after what happened to him. Robles hold on lad!

Hatsume Mei: WHY WASN'T THE DAMN THING WORKING! I built in every safety measure I could think of! No signal, no beacon, where was he. I'm so stupid, stupid, stupid. I cut contact with him, just texts, stupid, stupid, stupid. Now he was probably dead by now, oh god Tsu. I can't lose it now, he needs me, he's not dead, not till they find a body. STUPID, STUPID, STUPID! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE MYSELF IF HE'S… I cannot give in, Roberto wouldn't and he never will, nor will I.

Bakugō Katsuki: Another low-life thug is nailed to a wall, no answers. Mom is a wreck. I haven't heard from Dek…Midoryia, he's been in his room catatonic. Roberto destroyed him worse than my own quirk could ever do. Got dammit Robles why would you do such a dumb move? It's not like you,- that's me. I'll find you, then Imma kick your ass!

Asui Tsuyu: I sent him after that bastard! He could be dead because of me. Day one, I didn't think much of it, Rappa almost took out Fat Gum. Why the hell did I sent him after him? Day two, the monster sent me a video of him beating him down. Day three, his grapnel gun. Ribbit… I can't think that no body, the video only showed him fighting- and losing. No. This is Roberto, Rappa would want to flaunt his victory, it just doesn't add up. Roberto is still alive I know it. He has to be, if not… Then I will kill Rappa Kendō myself. My Ribbit, my everything, My Roberto…

Usagiyama Rumi aka Mirko landed atop a construction site, she was the first to respond when Fat Gum called. "Kid where are you?" She took a step and something was rolling under her foot. "Hello." Her eyes widened as she touched her ear, "ROBERTO!" suddenly Rappa Kendō dropped down.

"Well didn't expect you." Rappa strikes but Mirko dodges in a cartwheel, swiftly moving behind him and quickly sending a series of kicks to the back of his head. Rappa falls rolls to the side escaping a powerful axe kick. She flips forward dodging his next blow but is brought down by a mighty chop.

Mirko is down, but not out she threw a flash-bang nailing him in the face. He covered his eyes, "LUNA TIJERAS! " she clamps her powerful legs around his neck and squeezed, "WHERE'S SPECTRE!" Twisting downward she sends Rappa's head smashing into the ground. "LUNA ARC!" The heel of her foot crushes half of his ribs, "TELL ME ASSHOLE!" Rappa cannot use his arms due to the pain of shattered ribs! "The next one will collapse your lungs, where is Spectre!" Rappa can barely breathe, but his arm falls, and his hand points towards the chasm. She follows it and her eyes look on in horror, she kicks him her foot sinking into squishy flesh. She then leaps head fist into the chasm, "ROBLES!"

She lands on a ledge then leaps off to another till she reaches the bottom. Her heart sinks, "Roberto, say something!" She moves to him, he's breathing, "Come on Spectre get up!" She notices the stiffness, "Dear God!" She tries to pick him up.

"Mirko to anybody out there, this an SOS. I found Spectre!"

"Bunny-girl-sen-p"

"Yes Robles it's me, I am gonna get you outta here." She returns to the com, "I REPEAT THIS IS AN SOS!"

"Tell Tsu… I'm."

"Save it, Robles!"

"MIRKO THIS IS MEI!"

"No.. trait-or." Mirko eyes widen, "Cannot…not her…"

"Where is Wraith?" Mirko is at a loss so she clicks to another line.

"This is Mirko, I have found Spectre this is an SOS!" She pulls him up, "I got to get you out of this."

"Right shou-l-der." Mirko sees the circular emblem and hits it, Roberto is freed but pushes off and out of her arms as the armor retracts into the circle.

"ROBERTO!" Robles falls into another hole filled with water. Mirko dives in after him but not before catching a whiff. With his remaining strength, Robles strips off the rest of his clothes. Mirko grabs hold of him and brings him to the surface. "Are you crazy?" He pulls his head to her, gives her a look, then lets his head drop. "I know stupid question? " She brings him out, stripping herself, "You know most of my suitors would kill for this." She uses her own body heat to warm him, smiling. "I'm glad you are alive." She snuggles him like a teddy bear, "I cannot imagine if you died."

"So soft, fluffy." Robles nestled into the quickly drying fur around her neck.

"Mirko, where's Ribbit."

"Tsu."

"I take it you're her. I got him, he's alive, dehydrated among a litany of other things."

"Roberto." Mirko could hear the sorrow in her voice.

"It's alright now, I am here." She said softly, "I am here."

44

I was on an IV for the better part of 2 weeks, the little water I did have was contaminated. So I was given antibiotics along with several anti-parasitic medications, my mind was the only thing keeping me alive. Being trapped in that suit was maddening, my body still ached and cramped due to it. Rappa bested me, but how, this was my entire focus. Only three people knew how my suit worked, Tsu and I diffidently did not say anything. I did not want to even give a thought if it was Mei, she wouldn't.

Rappa said the old man gave me up, it was possible he had a change of heart, however that could be bait. Him knowing my name was no surprise, and even the knowledge of my aftershock ability. The poison, however, that was inside information, Mei had tried to visit me but I refused her. Not now, not when all roads and evidence leads to you. How did he know my schedule, that I would be off at that time? My police training told me to follow the evidence, but be aware that everything might fit but could be made to look that way. Rappa knew how my armor worked, how to overload the aftershock, and most importantly how to lock me in it.

"I will bring you a war you cannot win." The way Mei said it was a mirror of my own wrath towards Chisaki Kai and The Shie Hassaikai. She had the means to do so, finding Rappa Kendō first. "I am limiting your access to Hermes, I will give you what you need. " No Robles, this is Mei, you've been through hell and back with her, no. "You will lose me." This is Mei. She was the first to gain the knowledge I had, access to everything.

I only allowed a limited amount of people near me. I kept my thoughts to myself for the most part only letting Tsu and Aizawa in. They both thought I had lost my damn mind! I told them what I knew, they still said I was crazy. The thought of her- is a pain worse than those three days. I still was in no shape to act now, I needed to regroup, if Mei did do it, I will need to act swiftly.

Recovery Girl finished my recovery, it had been over a month and a half. I took another week to train and harden my resolve. I knew Mei was suspicious, I pray that I am wrong. I never wanted to be more wrong than now, she's my best friend who I love just a much as my beloved Tsu. Tsu, she could feel my anxiety and kept assuring me that I was wrong. "I have to know, and if- I want to know why." I had a backup uniform ready, it was very analog, akin to tactical stealth. No bells or whistles, riot helmet, light ceramic armor, weighted gloves that could shatter car windows. Light armaments, flash and smoke grenades, ammo for a pistol that mirrors my mother's.

Against my better judgment and Tsu protests, I made my way to her lab. What was I doing? This was Mei, my best friend, surely I am dead wrong. I have to be, not Mei, my Mei, I would have never gotten this far without her. I entered UA and then into my former dorm. My mind was racing, my heart fighting against logic, the evidence was there, the motive and means. It all seemed to convenient, I sat in the common area trying to clear my head. Mei. I bowed my head covering my head with my hands.

"Who are you?" I looked up and I saw him, Midoryia could not see my face due to the riot helmet having a one-way visor. He charged and took off my helmet, "Robles." he stopped in front of me. I nod and stare at the guy I once considered a friend.

"Yeah, it's me Midoryia." He turns to walk off, "Wait." He continues to walk.

"I am glad you are alright, turn the light out before you leave."

"Midoryia."

"What you want to rag on me again, tell me I think too much?" I rise he turns, "Well?" I close my eyes.

"Do it." I remained unmoved, without a second thought he attacked me. I did not even fight back. A blow to the face, another to the stomach, he used me as a punching bag. He finally stopped when I took a knee, "Your martial arts have improved vastly." He wasn't using his quirk, honestly, I was grateful for that.

"Stop that."

"What?"

"I know you can take it."

"What, still not done, so be it." I rose again, "Let it all out." He charged decking me square in j my jaw launching me off my feet. He used his quirk, bastard. I wiped my jaw but I was done, I couldn't fight back if I tried. I started laughing, "Nice." His feelings were fully expressed and were received. I forced myself to rise, he went to assist but I raised my hand in refusal.

"So what are you here for?"

"I am trying to figure that out myself Midoryia."

"Cut the crap Roberto."

"Okay, shall I be frank?"

"When aren't you?"

"Good point, I think I might have been betrayed." I then spelled it out for him, my thoughts, the evidence, her motive, and means. "I will bring you a war you cannot win."

"Did you fry your brain down there? Mei?"

"Why do you think I am not acting on my information?"

"Mei wouldn't do that unless you turned villain." he then looked me dead in my eyes.

"My actions seem that way, but you have also worked with me." He continued to stare, "Do you think Tsuyu would stay with me otherwise?" He took a breath.

"No, she loves you more than anything in this world, but she would be the first to take you down." He muses a bit then sighs, "You and I both know Mei would not betray you, however, given the evidence and what happened to you, you have to confront her."

"So what you are saying is."

"You were in a chasm for three days and left for dead, I would do the same thing." I laughed a bit then offered my hand. He then took it pulling me in and hugging me.

"I don't always agree with you Roberto, but you are still my friend." At his words, my eyes tear up as I tighten my embrace. "Had we lost you I would be the first to hunt that bastard down." I give a tearful chuckle then release him wiping my eyes.

"I am trying to be better, my demons are strong, but I will overcome." I then take my leave.

I arrived at The Support Dept. Of UA, I take a breath and walk-in. The flickering of lights gave her away, she was in there. I entered in, she heard my steps and turned from the monitors she was looking at. She damn near leaps out of her seat, but as she got closer to me my face revealed everything. I was not hiding it nor was I trying to. I could see her heartbreak.

"Roberto."

"Mei."

It was all we could say to each other followed by long cold silence. "You stand accused." At my words her eyes changed, I wanted to hear her out, I wanted this all to be some elaborate ploy. Hell, it sure felt like it, Mei could see me warring inside. "Three days Mei, tell me I am wrong, tell me the evidence is wrong." My voice never faltered, but I was dying inside.

"From the moment we first met, I knew you were a great man." Her voice was not defensive, it was calm despite my accusation. She looked at me longingly, "I would not have wasted one micron of my intellect and talent if I did not think so." Her words tore at me more than any weapon, quirk, or bullet. "Robert I saw what he was doing to you." Tears filled her eyes, "I. Saw. Everything- then it cut out." She was quaking, "When I lost track of you I led the search." I stood stoic, "Betrayal?" Her voice said it like a curse.

"I will bring you a war you cannot win." My words were as cold as hers when she said it. She slowly backed away as I continued, "I am limiting your access to Hermes, I will give you what you need. " She fell into a chair as I loomed over her, "Those were your words, do you deny them?"

"No, Roberto I meant them." I then looked deep into her eyes, she was not scared. She saw the gun, "Precaution, execution, or both?" She stared into my eyes, knowing the answer. "What are you waiting for?"

"You know damn well what for." She remained calm, with no fear, "Mei right now I am your accuser and judge."

"How long?"

"72 hours."

"How poetic."

"Mei, Three days." I gave her my reasoning, the evidence, and motive. "What am I to think Mei?"

"I won't deny how compelling it looks, what about us?"

"You know, as brilliant as you are that is not how it works."

"Yet here we are, right now you are relying on it."

"I am giving you time, to prove the evidence otherwise." I was still inches from her face, she could have easily taken my weapon and retired me, it was loaded. The fact she was not spoke volumes. "I am begging you Mei Hatsume, for the love of God, I beg you show me that I am wrong." My voice cracked, "Today I am your accuser and judge, in three days I will be your executi-" She grabbed me, wrapping her arms around me her head on my chest, tears in her eyes.

"Then do it like this." she cried, "Let me die in the arms of the one I love." At that moment- It is said that in life we are given someone that is meant for us, a soulmate if you will. That one person we are meant to be with defies everything, every law of nature, the intellect of the mind, it cuts through our very being to connect us. Past, the metaphysical, the emotional, into what makes us, us, the soul. However, life is sometimes not as straightforward as we want it to be. Sometimes life, in its infinite wisdom, decides it wants to go down a different path, choosing a select few and giving them a little more. It shakes and changes it up, maybe out of sheer boredom, maybe it just does it because it can. Whatever force is out there, be it just nature or deity, because I know I'm completely different, will give that chosen person a second soulmate.

At that moment, I felt it, a certainty, despite the evidence, I knew the truth. I embraced Mei pulling her close to me, she felt it too. I brought my head to her ear and whispered, "Take care of this bastard." Her eyes brightened, she looked at me knowing that she got through to me. We stared into each other's eyes then engaged in a lover's kiss.

I did not notice her when she came in, she was here to stop what she believe I was going to do. However, what she witnessed, was the two of us in each other's arms embraced in a kiss. Any normal person would probably effectively lose their shit. We finally broke our kiss and saw her to both our horror. "TSU!" She stood there looking at us, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and lose her for good. She did not say anything for the longest time, then finally walked towards us and took both our hands. Suddenly we felt it, her heart merging with our own, she understood what was happening. That day we became as one, "Fucking harem protagonist." was the only thing she said before she kissed me the way Mei did.

"Tsu."

"He's still mine!" She snatched me away from her, "Least you are not some tramp."

"I'm sorry Tsu." her finger touched my lips silencing me.

"This was not cheating, cheating causes the other pain, I have nothing but happiness."

"So we can share!"

"No! He's mine, I know what I felt but…you cannot have this!" She then grabbed me and squeezed sending me to my knees. She then looked at me, "You got that lover boy."

"Yes ma'am." I squeaked and then she released me, "I promise." She then grabbed me again squeezing harder, "I SWEAR!" She released me again as I doubled over in pain. Mei looked at me with sympathy then doubled over in pain as Tsu sushi chopped her.

"He's mine understand?"

"Yes, I pro-swear." Mei didn't require much convincing.

"Mei and no more." Tsu picked me up, I was still in pain but dealt with it. I nodded in agreement to her terms.

"Bye Roberto." Mei watched us leave, then her eyes went narrow, someone violated her sanctum. Her work, her babies, and the one she loved, they were going to pay, and pay they will.

I left Mei to her work and continued on with my school work, I had to skip patrol for while til I caught up. Tsu helped me best she could, but she had her own work-study to do. I eventually caught up and by the end of day two Mei contacted me via an actual messenger! I opened up her handwritten letter.

Roberto,

Hermes compromised, the bastard hid his little trojan within my code! The nerve! Same with your armor's AI. I will be leaving the lab, I need to rebuild this damn thing from scratch! Our files are safe for I stored them in another network, but we have a traitor at UA, most likely a teacher. Get rid of everything, communications, earbuds, anything connected via Hermes and The Olympus database. As I said our files are safe but I terminated the network for now. See me later with Tsu.

Love,

Mei

Shit, just what I needed, I pulled out my mobile and dialed. She picked up on the first ring. "Moshi moshi?"

"Hey Bunny Girl Senpai."

"Roberto!"

"Meet me, for lunch, where had our date, it's important."

"Great you have fallen for me."

"Yeah, I want to settle down and raise a thousand little bunnies with you."

"Oh Roberto, I swoon."

"Oh hush, see you at noon Bunny Girl Senpai." I heard her giggle then hang up, I had about a little over an hour, so I made my way back to UA. I texted everyone that I gave an earbud to meet me in my old dorm. I got most of them, but the others were either at work-study or too far away. No matter so long as I got as many as I could.

I entered the dormitory and saw, Bakagō, Deku, Uravity, Tsu, Suneater, and my partner Mr. Aizawa. I smiled at him, that saved me most of the trouble.

"What up Robles, I got work-study apps to fill." That was Bakagō.

"It sounded urgent what gives?" Midoryia, added as the others chimed in agreement. I slam a copper cup I got from the kitchen face down on the bar, then gestured them to take off their earbuds and place them underneath the cup. They looked at me strangely then complied. I then pulled out my mobile, turned it off, then took it apart removing the battery. I gestured them to do the same, now they had concerned looks on their faces. I then placed several more copper cups face down on the bar. As with the earbuds they put their mobiles underneath them, I placed my finger to my lips then waited sixty seconds so that the remaining charge in the mobiles fizzled out. Aizawa was impressed then tapped a few keys on the bar and the dorm went into lockdown. The lights went out, then red, then normal. Sixty more seconds passed.

"So who compromised your network?" Aizawa started out as the other students looked at him.

"Unknown, Mei is looking into it."

"That eliminates her." Aizawa remained calm, but I could tell he was relieved as was Deku.

"There's a traitor inside UA, they got in contact with Rappa and you all know what happened after." They all growled, I was still one of their own.

"So, what do we know?" That was Uravity.

"Little, to nothing, Mei is pissed though," Tsu replied as she mulled over it.

"That does not even begin to cover it, the trojan masked itself with Mei's own code, it was only after my suit, from what Mei said other files weren't affected, but my suit was compromised obviously."

"We had a suspicion when Robles went missing." Aizawa said bluntly, "However, Robles thought it was Mei, thus we let it play out." They all looked at Aizawa like he was insane, "If I can't trust my own partner, what good am I as a teacher."

"Do you not know him?" That was Deku, I was a little hurt, but I understood where he was coming from.

"It was precisely why I did it, just like you, or am I missing something?" Deku did not pursue. I was beaming then he shot me a look and I stopped.

"For now till we find out who, no information exchange over ANY line. Communicate via mobile if you need to set up a place to meet, no mobiles with you at the set spot." They all nodded in agreement, Aizawa then deactivated lockdown. They each took their mobiles after I instructed them to reassemble them outside and away from here.

45

I met with Mirko for lunch, despite it all I was early, just like her. "So are we set to leave this country behind?"

"You would love that wouldn't you?"

"Would it be so bad?"

"Leave the hero business and start a family of bunny children?"

"I think I'd be a good mom, and with a handsome papa our children would be adorable." She took my hands in hers, "Am I, not wife material?" not going to lie my heart went aflutter. Her eyes shifted, I still could not read her, was she serious or not. She loved every minute of my struggle, she suddenly took her hands away in a huff. "I've bared my all to you," she blushed and looked away, "you've seen every part of me that night." People started to stare, I began to sweat, "Yet you refuse to take responsibility!" My eyes widen.

"I was at death's door, we were soaked."

"I still remember the warmth of our bodies, connected." I heard forks drop and people staring daggers at me, she winked.

"Yet you never stay the night." It was my turn to turn the tide, "You use me then leave before…" I look away, "I'm just a toy to you, I'm only 17." Suddenly the daggers turned to her and whispers "You've seen me too, but yet you constantly leave, you shattered my esteem as quickly as you build it up." She was beginning to sweat, "Responsibility? I gave you my best, you were my first." Scandalous! "Now, here we are where it all started." Her eyes widened she was now prey, not the hunter. "I can't take this anymore." We hadn't ordered anything so I left to the cheers of several customers.

"Roberto wait!" She got up and chased after me as the crowds hissed at her. "I'm sorry." I turned it up a notch and refused to look at her, "You are not a toy, I just couldn't tell you." The crowd went silent and she gave me a look, oh no, you wouldn't. The crowd, the wait staff, the host, and even the owner waited with bated breath. I looked at her and she gave me a sly smile that the crowd could not see. Crap baskets! She began to cry, holding on to me laying it on thick. "Roberto, I couldn't tell you, I tried over and over." Tension was rising, "I'm married." The crowd gave out a gasp, "And pregnant with your bunny." She grabbed my hand and placed it on her belly, she made her abs twitch and almost convinced me she was pregnant.

I took my hand away and pulled her close to me, whispering in her ear, "You literally almost got me with your abs."

"We could make a bunny if you wanted." She whispered back, my manhood went to attention, "My god." I pulled her closer, her eyes widened, I was hiding my shame.

"I so hate you right now."

"I'm so horny."

"Stop."

"Your fault."

"Excuse me?" I took a breath and regained composure, "It's him or me." I exited the restaurant, and she followed after me. I turned down an alley as soon as she cut the corner she slammed me against the wall, lifted her leg to prevent my escape.

"Roberto, you naughty boy."

"Rumi." Crap baskets! Her eyes changed at the sound of her name, she was the hunter now. "Rumi, please stop, before we both do something we will regret." My voice was sincere, snapping her out of it. Our little game of flirtation got out of hand, I saw her eyes tear up.

"What if I regret not doing it?" She removed her leg then placed her earbud in my hand, "I know about your network being compromised, Aizawa told me." She looked away with tears as I took it.

"Rumi."

"I have to go." I grab her hand, "Don't Roberto."

"You weren't role-playing." she still looked away but showed no resistance, "How long?" She turned to pin me to the wall kissing me deeply, she then broke it, leaping off. "Jesus Robles, how many hearts will you break?"

I returned to UA, I had one last class, but I skipped it going straight to Mei's lab. I passed through a stasis field, Mei had been hard at work. "Status?"

"I… what the hell." I looked at her confused, then she raise a mirror.

"Crap baskets, Rumi." Mei look at me, then I saw something I have never seen before in her.

"What does bunny girl senpai have to do with this?" Jealousy did not look good on her.

"Later, focus."

"I'm gonna focus my foot in your ass if don't explain yourself." I took a breath as someone else entered the lab.

"Rumi kissed him, he tried to stop her, but this bastard attracts women like flies on shit." She hits me with a right cross in greeting.

"You were spying on me, Tsu?" I grab my jaw, damn she was strong.

"You were going to meet a woman, who clearly has feelings for you."

"Rumi never."

I catch her gaze, "Roberto I swear you are sometimes-" She clenched her shaking fists, "STOP MAKING WOMEN FALL FOR YOU!" She nails me with her tongue launching me towards Mei who comes down with an axe kick slamming me to the ground.

"Momo, me, Tsu, Mina, now Rumi, what the hell Roberto?"

"Freaking harem protagonist!"

"You forgot, Eli, Bakagō…."

"THAT'S HOT THOUGH!" I slammed my head on the ground, freaking fudjoshi.

"Enough, what do we have Mei!"

"Nothing."

"Mei."

"No, I mean it nothing, I just caught the trojan and that was it." She touched her chin, "I am currently tracing it's digital history to it's origin, till then I won't have a clue who made it" She then tosses me a disc. "Spectre V5.7 Wraith Armor 2."

"Can you add the trojan from the previous armor in?"

"Why?"

"Mask this one's schematics with the previous."

"You want to trap them." She pulled up a laptop and then uploaded the trojan and data.

"Take it this field is masking communications?" Mei nodded, "Can I call out?" She nodded again. "Good, Pops come in."

"What'cha need?"

"I have a plan meet me at the house." I punched out and kissed Mei on the forehead, I grabbed Tsu by the hand and pulled her in kissing her deeply, "I will never cheat on you." Mei just sighed. "Nor you." I attached the disc to my chest, it was black and was pretty much the same armor, my aftershock ability was upgraded to two bars and the shielding re-enforced. The detachable parts were all re-enforced as well.

"I boosted your strength enhancements, Rappa won't be getting you again, AI has improved. That bastard provided me with excellent material to work with not to mention that asshole Hōjō Yū." She then kissed my cheek, "Be careful out there."

"I will."

After I met Pops at my home I told him of my plan to lure out the bastards. Pop is the same height and shape as the old man so he would go ahead of me. I eliminated the old man after Mei found the trojan, the inside man, whoever they are was clever, but I was going to find them out. I landed at the home and my HUD told me I was transmitting my location. Now it was time to play my part.

"TRAITOR!" I kicked down the door and rushed in, "How could you betray her like this." The old man had his back facing me.

"Have you any idea what true power is?" He spoke through a speaker with a direct link to where he really was.

"Power?"

[They're almost there.]

"A fabrication and illusion of man is what you traded for Eri?" that was the signal that they were getting close. "SHE'S!" Suddenly an explosion launches me at Pops.

"Found you." Rappa had a plate on his right side, no doubt that was because of Rumi. His voice was a bit wheezy, "The Shie Hassaikai don't forgive, not even our leaders." I turn, Pops reveals himself, "ROC!" he wheezes again, "No matter, we'll kill you too!" Yū rips through the remaining wall.

"Spectre."

"Wra…"

"I don't give a fuck if you call yourself Peter fucking Pan, you die tonight!" He charges and we meet blows, Rappa nails me in the back as Yū hits me in the gut. I smirk and unleash my ability on to the ground launching them in the air, I fire my grapnel.

"COME HERE!" I pull Rappa back grabbing an arm pulling back then snap it forward unleashing the second bar. His arm rips out of the socket exposing his plate, I charge my surge knuckles and slam into it. I hear a clash next to me and a sword, it was Pops. Rappa falls convulsing in pain, "Pops!"

"I got this asshole." I then see shards of Yū's quirk glittering the air, I nod and rush Rappa. I grab his limp arm pulling him up to the wall.

"You failed to eliminate me." I jab him across his face to his busted arm then backhand him, "Now I am here to repay the favor!" My shield flashes, "Say good bye to this!" I grab his metal plate and shatter it with my ability, Rappa roars in pain. "WHO ARE THEY KENDŌ!" I see blood leaking from his mask. "TELL ME OR I'LL MAKE THIS LAST A FUCKING WEEK!" I gently twist his side. He breathes and dust flies in my face and I inhale. I slug his side sending crimson flying out of the sides of his plague mask. I grab my throat, hyperventilating, calm down Robles. Rappa sends a mighty forearm down knocking me to my knees. He falls back on the wall as the room around me starts spinning. He reversed engineered the poison! The effects were stronger now, I swung my fist missing him completely.

"Shits powerful huh Roberto." My eyes were useless I could hear Rappa speaking but from where I didn't even know. Everything was spinning, he hits me with a jab knocking me into a table. His punch was weak, but still above average, "Mirko did a number on me, but I now know how to repay her." Three more strikes sending me backward. "She cares for you." A kick, then a strike, "They all do." Jab, "Hatsume Mei ." Knee then roundhouse, "Erasure Head and your little boy toy Kirishima Eijirō." He laughed and grabbed my collar then threw me against a wall followed by a headbutt and two kicks to my sides. He then rushed his forearm holding me by my neck. "I know it all, and I can't wait to meet your precious Asui Tsuyu." Suddenly my vision focused, I broke his grip.

"THE HELL YOU WILL!" I slammed my fists into his chest, then ripped off his mask! "YOU WILL NOT LAY A FINGER ON HER!" Strikes to the lower and upper torso followed by stabbing my open hand into the joint of his good arm and shoulder. He flinches and I close my fist suddenly with my ability breaking all the connective ligaments and shattering the rotating cup. My adrenalin was fading the poison was returning. Pops gets knocked into me, as I hear a roar from Hōjō Yū.

"The drug." Pops says, my mind cannot focus, as the overdosed beast launches us further into the house we were in.

[I am trying to get you a antidote.]

"Scrap that adrenalin."

[Ribbit!]

"DO IT MEI!" Suddenly the fog fades and I see Yū coming, I feel invincible as I charge, I am running on instinct, no thought it's like I gave up the wheel. I dodge a blow nailing his damaged hip. It gives but I take a blow, get one bar, I go for his throat, no effect. Another blow, another bar, his side, I hear the crack of a rib but no effect. He grabs me, then drags me through the floorboards then past through the ceiling. I break my ascension then dive-bomb, I see Pops reengage. Pulling out several pellets I randomly set them then dump them. "GET BACK POPS!" He leaps back just as the pellets explode. He is set ablaze and is stuck to the floor. I land and see Pops charge, I race after him but it's too late! "POPS!" I relive that day again as I see Yū impale Roc. "NOOO!" His swords fly back and one of them stabs into the floor. Without a second thought, I rip it out and blast my boosters at maximum. "YOU DIE HERE AND NOW!" I swing upwards removing his forearm I then launch the sword into his chest! "DIE!" I fill my darts with everything I have and unload everything into Hōjō Yū. The beast lumbers back and falls, as the adrenaline fades so has the poison. My eyes focus and I crawl towards the body.

Rappa runs in, "At least there's a body this time." I fling up only to meet his steel toe boot knocking me out. "Get up you big oaf he's dead, they're coming."

"Pops…"

"Kid, kid." I hear a voice.

"Pops?"

"Yeah, son I'm here."

"I'm dead. Got dammit."

"Dead? Wake up kid." My eyes spring up and I see Roc before me.

"Pops!" I hug him tightly, "Pops..You're alive." He embraces me and I crush him.

"I won't be if you don't let go Roberto." I am overwhelmed with joy I cannot let go. "I'm beat up kid but, I'm here alive." I then look at him, his eyes changed, "I'm alive, but you better hurry kid." He points at the old man. My heart sinks and I rush to his side.

"Roberto you're alive."

"Old man."

"I'm glad," I see the blood slowly trickling down the corners of his mouth, "Don't worry about me I've had worse."

"I failed you, I failed…"

"No you didn't Roberto, I did that long ago." He looks to his side and Roc gives him his swords, "You have the ability to do great things young man, I don't regret my decision." He takes a deep breath, "Tell Eri I died of a heart attack doing some good for once."

"I…"

"You must and you will!"

[I got you Robles, I'll lie for you.]

"Mei."

[Let me do this, she believes in you, we all do.]

"Roc, I knew the bomb was a dud, but I needed you Gomen'nasai, I pray you can forgive me." Roc just bowed his head acknowledging he was forgiven. "Take my swords, they have been in my family for almost a thousand generations, forged from a small meteor that fell on my ancestor's farm ages ago." He then looked at me. "Take the small tanto for yourself, I pass it to you as my grandfather passed it me. It is made from the same metals as the swords and as you saw can cut through anything, use it to… to… rise…" The old man passed on as he handed me the small tanto blade. I pulled his eyelids down and set him on the floor, Pops helped me to my feet. We both clapped our hands and respectfully bowed. A crime unit cleaned the scene, we both answered the officer's questions and were dismissed.

Pops took me home, where we were met by Tsu, Mei, and Eri. I took one look at her and fell to my knees in tears. She ran to me and held me in her little arms, "Gomen'nasai," I said between sobs, "Gomen'nasai for my failure."

"Grandpa died saving Uncle Roc." She looked at me through forgiving eyes, "Spectre you did everything right, Grandpa wanted to help, and left in peace. I cannot ask for any more than that." They told her the truth, not a lie, it was not the whole truth but enough to give her peace. She cried a little and I have never seen a braver person come to terms with something so wrenching. "I know you are going to catch them. I believe in you Spectre." I hugged her tightly for what seemed like ages, she then released me. I heard a horn and turned around. It was my partner with his bike. "Coming!" She kissed my cheek and ran to him jumping in the side cart.

"Where are they right now?" I looked at Mei.

"Gone- headed for the United States."

"WHAT?"

"We don't know which of them is on which plane but one of them is headed to a city known as Detroit, in the State of Michigan."

"Then I am going there, are we mobile?" My eyes narrowed.

"Affirmative, I bought us a warehouse next to The Old Shie Hassaikai HQ."

"Good do what you need to. Hermes up and running?" I fired back

"Also affirmative, you have full access to Mount Olympus." I hit the side of my head pulling up the database. I access the Ministry of Education, "What are you doing?"

"Revamping our education system, Tsu can you please get me those documents after they print out." She smiled and kissed me on the cheek and went into the house. I looked at Roc, "Pops take care of them while I am away." He smirked then nodded.

"You are really going to do this."

"I am done." I pulled out the tanto and handed it to Mei who took it, "Analyze that." Mei pulled down her goggles and zoomed in.

"Ooooo pretty."

"Scan it do not disassemble, that thing is centuries old, its still strong, and sharper than anything I've seen."

"Spectre V6 is underway."

"Yes. Spectre is coming back."

46

I saw him slam his paperwork on his desk in frustration, "That him Tyche?"

"Yes Dr. Serizawa Ishirō, he's the one Spectre." I heard a slight hint of joy when she said my hero name. I turn on my cloaking and grapnel to the window, "Window unlocked, don't scare him too much now Spectre." I smirk as I open it up, Dr. Serizawa turns pale as I deactivate my cloak revealing a green glowing Oni face.

I turn on my voice modulator, "You have been chosen as my acolyte." He screams launching his papers in the air. Mei locks the door and I step off the window, "Rejoice for you have been deemed honorable among your corrupted peers." At my last words he calms down and I turn off the modulator.

"Who are you?" Serizawa asks.

"The Knightmare Hero, Spectre." I respectfully bow, and then pull out the files from the pouch on my back, then toss them on his desk. "I come bearing gifts Dr. Serizawa Ishirō ." He cautiously moves to his desk and looks through the files, his eyes widen. "It's all there, names of everyone that was on the yakuza payroll."

"Why come to me, you're a hero."

"I want to balance the scales and need a favor."

"There's always a catch."He crosses his arms and I hit my chest revealing myself to him. "I know you." I then place two files atop the others, he opens them, "You're that officer's foster."

"No, her son." I say with steel in my voice, he nods and apologizes for his words.

"What do you need…"

"Roberto Rodrigo Robles, please call me Robert."

"Yes, Robert, how can I help you?"

"Those creatures are in the United States, namely, one of them is in Detroit, Michigan. If I go on my own, the risk is higher, but if…"

"You arrive as a foreign exchange student your success rate dramatically increases. Smart but…"

"Go directly to The Public Security Intelligence Agency, speak to Agent Mochizuki, no one else. After that, you will replace the Education Minister."

"Then we have an accord, Spectre." He actually shakes my hand and I exit the building back home.

One week later, all hell has broken loose on the news as roughly the entire Ministry of Education is arrested by The Public Security Intelligence Agency. Like I said Dr. Ishirō Serizawa, rose to become Education Minister, he accredited me as his source as a hero, not my hero name. He smiled as he took his oath then winked at the camera. Moments later I got the call, "All set, go get those evil monsters." I heard a click and hung up. Tsu got atop me and gave me her own congratulations.

"I'm gonna miss you."

"WHAT!" She looked at me confused. "I thought we were both going?"

"No, I need you here as my poxy my love."

"Roberto."

"You are already going to graduate next year." She wasn't buying it, "I have to do this, I love you and UA but I need to do this on my own."

"Ribbit." She croaked sadly as I brushed her hair aside and kissed her.

"I'll be back every vacation week, I swear, but Tsu."

"You'll be all alone." We linked pinkies and shook.

"You are always with me mi corazon." I kissed my hand as she did hers.

"Ribbit." She hugged me as tears rolled down her cheeks, I lifted her chin and wiped her tears.

"There's no escape now, they have nowhere left to hide."

I reported to Fat Gum Agency the next day. They were all waiting for me at the foyer. Fat Gum saw me and embraced me into his jiggly goodness, "So, Foreign Exchange Program huh." he smirked. Eli, Tetsu, and Suneater looked at me not buying my story. I sighed giving in, "You found them!" I smiled proudly, "Wait ago Spectre!" Eli's eyes lit up and I nodded my head.

"YES!" He proclaimed as did the others.

"Thank you all, this has been a long time coming, after so many failures I finally have them by the balls."

"Squeeze them bitches till they burst Spectre!" That was Tetsu this was followed by cheers all around.

"I will, boss, I am going in blind."

"Can't have that, I have a contact in Detroit, I can call him if you like."

"I would very much appreciate that boss."I clapped my hands placing them over my head.

"No need, you are one of my best men." The others cross their arms smiling, "You can see with the general consensus here I'm right." He then puts his arm around my shoulders, "I'm proud of you Roberto, come on we have an impromptu meeting." The others smile, "Ya'll coming or not? Their faces lit up and followed us to his office.

The monitor lit up and a man 1.73 meters tall, 71.21 kgs, light skin that was tanned came on. "Slim, how ya been buddy?" He was wearing a black tactical cap, heck it was all tactical gear.

"Fat Gum, damn you fat as hell."

"And you look like a cooked twizzler."

"Shit, so why the hell are you calling me this late at night."

"I come with a message from the future." Slim just shook his head, "You know good and damn well you are out at the club."

"I am patrolling my got damn city, that was one-time bro."

"Are those strippers?" I noticed pole dancing in the background with some very curvaceous women.

"Mind your own got damn business sushi roll." Oh, I was not having this!

"Excuse me put your glasses on tiny." He adjusted his camera and smirked.

"Oh, I see you got lost and swam up the wrong river."

"Turned out I actually got a chance at free healthcare, a better education, and equipment, unlike your old dusty ass militia hand-me-downs." Slim was stunned, "I'm sorry did I forgot to add the whheeeooooo, 'murica. There can your neanderthal IQ comprehend that."

"Neanderthal."

"Boss this man is a troglodyte, I'm better off going in blind."

"Troglodyte, what the fu-this one yours Fat Gum." He started laughing, "Bro get your boy."

"No I'm 2.- wait I'm sorry I don't want to fry what little mind you have left, 6'1" the height of an average man, you look about 5' 8" 157lbs the average height and weight of a middle schooler female."

"Damn, you got jokes alright man."

"Ya'll done?" Fat Gum was exhausted by our back and forth, we called a truce… for now.

He took a breath through his nose then looked at Fat Gum. "What your man say about going in blind?"

Fat gum then looked at me, "You want to tell him, or shall I?"

"I'm good boss. Slim… was it."

"Hero name is Slime Shade my agency is Delta 12, you can call me Matthew Rathers."

"The Knightmare Hero, Spectre, Roberto Rodrigo Robles."

"I forget how dramatic your names are." He then paused as he looked at me up and down, "How the hell did you end up in Japan?"

"Born and raised, I'm tracking two former yakuza underbosses, one Hōjō Yū and his partner, Rappa Kendō."

"Thanks for the info, I'll get on it." He was about to punch off.

"No dice this is my bag."

"Excuse me." He looked at me as if I slapped him in the face.

"You heard me, you and my boss have a history I can respect that. If you do not want to help me that's fine I am sorry to have bothered you." I got in real close, "But there is no way in hell am I going to let you take them down." He looked at me for a minute.

"This is personal." I gnashed my teeth at him, so he wasn't as dumb as he looked. "Fine, I'll pick you up at the airport." he looked at Fat Gum, "Kid's a G Fat Gum."

"You have no idea, heheh." They punched off. I was still fuming, "He likes you." I looked at him like he lost his damn mind.

My second year had ended and I was now packed ready to start a new adventure. The American school year started in three weeks and Minister Serizawa had arranged that I fly there early to prepare myself better. I arrive at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport at 0700 hrs. Jet lag was a bitch! I packed everything I needed in my carry-on, documentation, two hero outfit discs, I had sent the rest of my equipment ahead a month early at the address Mr. Rathers gave me. I walked to the exit and I saw him with a sign, ASS CLOWN. I walked past him and was about to hail a taxi.

"Robles."

"I'm sorry I see you are waiting for someone else, a Mr. Clown." He reaches toward me and I snap his hand back. "I do not wish to cause a scene."

"Shit!" He rotates trying to put my arm in a bar hold, I reverse it cartwheeling back to my feet. "Alright truce." He rips the sign, I don't drop my guard, "Uptight bastard aren't you."

"Certified jack ass aren't you?" He gets in the car shaking his head and I place my bag in the back seat, then get in the front passenger. His car was a recent model SUV from one of the main car manufactures in the city. I didn't know which one nor did I care, I mostly just flew everywhere in my hero uniform. The ride was quiet thankfully, the jet lag was brutal, but no way in hell I was going to nap in this vehicle. We arrived at the apartment he set up for me. Turned out to be one of his safe houses, it was near the Joe Lewis Hero Academy where I was to start my senior year. I got in and my equipment was already inside waiting for me.

"This safe house should have all you need to store your equipment away from prying eyes." He then gave me a tour and how to use the secret compartments. "I can translate everything into Japanese if you wish, but I figure it's unnecessary."

"Thanks but I prefer English or Spanish." He nods as begins to exit, "Mr. Rathers." He pauses.

"Matthew is fine."

"Robert then, thank you for this." he smiles at me.

"Jet lag must be a bitch, meet me when you ready." I smirk, "You can repay me with a sparring session, and don't hold back."

"So be it." He waved goodbye and the door automatically locked. "That's a nice touch." I then pull out a uniform disc and place it on my chest. It activates and my cowl and visor manifest. "Mei." I then shift to Japanese.

"You made it safe!"

"Yes."

"RIBBIT!"

"Hey beautiful, I'm safe." I yawn, "Jet lag is terrible."

"How is your contact?"

"A complete asshole." I look around, "Mei."

[On it, their security doesn't completely suck.]

"I miss you girls already."

[The apartment will take me at least a few days, however, feel free to store your equipment now.]

"That sonofbitch!" Mei was playing the audio for me to hear, it was glorious. "We're locked out of the equipment storage, the scanners are fried, Slim is not going like this."

"Mei." She opened a line to Matthew, "Mr. Rathers, that's what you Americans call strike 1." Mei then opened a screen to a pissed-off Matthew Rathers then punched off. My equipment was left untouched, Mei was the best when it came to tamper prevention. It scanned my hand and retina, opening the luggage, and started storing them where I needed them.

"Not very accommodating is he Ribbit?" I smiled then shifted to Japanese again.

"No, but he's only doing what I would do, so he's not a complete troglodyte."

"I regret ever calling you that."

"I'm not, I grown rather attached to it now."

"Oye!"

"I love you girls, but I am beat."

"Sleep well Ribbit."

"Yeah, they are not getting back in, nor will anyone."

"I believe you." I cut the line and make my way to the bedroom, it was a large king-size bed and I just collapsed atop it.

I recovered in three days, waking up at odd hours, but finally, my body adjusted. I stepped out of my apartment and into the brisk morning air. This was my family's home country, not my own. I am a foreigner in this land, I looked around my surroundings and noticed everyone preferred having their own vehicle, rather than public transit. "Interesting this will be my home, for now, I already miss Tokyo." I hit my uniform disc and took to the air.

Spectre V6 had a black and red motif, gone were most of the plates replaced with what seemed like black muscle fiber, especially around my torso and neck. Mei had really pushed herself in the design, this armor was way more flexible and made from the metal that came from the tanto the old man gave me. Scanning the blade proved to be a treasure trove of secrets, all of which Mei got patents on. The formula was easy to break down and could be manufactured with other more cost-effective resources like iron and aluminum then became stronger than Tungsten as well as lighter than carbon fiber. My equipment to my boots were made from this metal. Mei was still in the testing phase, but when all would be said and done, we would be number one.

I landed atop an old building used for off-Broadway productions, I looked out and saw a vast cityscape, casinos, new and old buildings, skyscrapers it was truly a wonder to behold. I wondered what awaited me in this country, who were its heroes and villains. I took a breath and thought a moment, "I'll engage him later today for now I need to explore." I tapped my visor, I spotted a tall muscular man in a coat, was his hand on fire? I was curious so I hit my cloaking device then flew towards him. He was chasing down a robber, small-time, I landed on a building running parallel to their route. I scanned both so I could track them and not worry about missing my jumps. I followed them for what seemed like half a mile through alleys and various streets.

The hero chasing the guy was about 245lbs, 6', dark-skinned male, in a black and gold jacket with matching visor-like shades. He wore jeans and a belt, basketball shoes, and had knuckle dusters in both his hands. Turns out the fire I saw coming from his right hand was not fire at all, my new anatomy scan revealed it to be his own blood superheated. Suddenly the robber turned and fired on him, before I could react he took several rounds to the chest and was bodied. I de-cloaked and landed in front of him as my neon green oni mask ignited. The suspect freaked and made a run, so I fired my grapnel. "What the holy!" I turned on my voice modulator.

"GET OVER HERE!" I pulled back my target to my awaiting fist, I then disarmed him slamming him against the wall.

"Shit." I stopped my attack pinning the suspect to the wall. I looked back and I saw the once dead hero rise in a red-orange aura. "Hey, he was, nevermind." I looked back at the robber who shot him.

"You did shoot him center mass?" He nodded, he was just as shocked as I was. I slammed my elbow to the side of his head knocking him out.

"Ooo, damn baby." He cringed then popped his neck while rotating his arms.

"How?" I said my voice still disguised.

"My quirk, Phoenix." He looked at my uniform up and down, "You're not from around here are you?" I shake my head no, Phoenix, that's a new one, I switched to Japanese and tapped my commlink.

"Mei you there?" The guy blinked.

"No, hey…"

"Hey beautiful, no real names." I look at hero in front of me.

"What's your name?" He holds out his hand, I take it switching back to English.

"Spectre."

"Oh snap, The Knightmare Hero?" How the hell did he know that? "Yo bruh me and my boy Terrin keep up with all the heroes in Japan." I looked at him confused.

"Sounds like you have an international fan, two in fact." Tsu said over my com, "I got the data logged for Mei, enjoy this, ask him what's his name."

"What's your hero name?"

"Hero, name?" He looked at me confused, "I'm not a hero baebee, training to be one at Joe Lewis, we don't get those till we go for our PHL." What? I got my hero name my first year at UA. What does the guy mean he doesn't have his PHL?

"America is weird." I looked at his outfit, "No hero uniform?"

"Could only afford the jacket." What the hell?

"What the hell the academy here doesn't issue them to you?"

"The bullshit basic ones, my quirk has two parts, as you saw I can resurrect myself, I can also superheat my blood as a weapon." I was stunned, UA gave its students access to free uniform creation.

"No support items."

"Bruh do I look rich?" Once again I was shocked, how the hell were they supposed to train? "What did your academy provide that?"

"My current uniform, no." he crossed his arms, "My first one yes, it was Kevlar based, with weighted gloves, and full access to any support items I needed, depending on my grades I was given a budget to work with." His jaw dropped.

"Budget based on grades, shit, my budget is based on how much I work my ass off at my bulk warehouse job." America was insane! "I got into Joe Lewis on a scholarship, I want to be a hero at The Delta 12 Agency." My eyes narrowed thankfully my visor hid it. He then gave me info on Delta 12, it was one of the largest hero employers in Michigan with branches throughout the state.

"I didn't catch your name."

"I didn't give it." Fair enough I liked him, I pulled out a small pouch filled with some of my gear. "Yo for real?"

"Yeah." I pulled out a pellet and hit a button, "Blue shock, red is flashbang, yellow is knockout its the reason for the re-breather, purple is a hallucinogen based poison." He was in shock as I continued, "The antidotes are the small clear vials, oh yeah and here." I pulled my old set of surge knuckles, "These are heat resistant and deliver a shock when you slam them together. Solar charged, so they won't fail, they also work pretty well if they run out of charge."

"Spectre, bro, I don't know what to say."

"Thank you works and passing your PHL."

"Thank you man, and I will." We shook and he gave me a bro hug, I liked it. He then attached the pouch to his belt. The cops came and took the robber away and my new friend returned his loot to the owner. I wished him luck and flew off, "Terrin is not gonna believe this."

I arrived at Delta 12, I was already uncomfortable, I switched to Japanese.

"Mei, what do you got for me?"

"Security here is a little better, once I figure out the apartment, this should fall right in line."

"Glad you got my back, standby." I tapped my chest and switched to my civilian clothes. I entered in and was greeted by the receptionist, she was a bit taller than Matthew. Her face was pleasantly oval, with fair light skin with blush only, she was slim and dressed in a gray pant suit. "You must be Roberto R. Robles." her voice was pleasant as well, "My name is Bailey Rathers." My eyes narrowed, she seemed to be used to this response, "Please don't hold my father's personality against me." I returned to normal, "Thank you, Mr. Robles."

"Please Robert is fine."

"Ok, Robert, my dad is waiting for you in the basement gym." She then directed me to an elevator, then joined me. "Cannot blame a girl for being curious."

"I'm going to destroy him."

"Figured, I heard how you locked us out of several sections at the apartment." She giggled, "He is having his best IT people on it, just between you and me, they're failing."

"So, you are not against my intentions." She shook her head no.

"I kinda hope you do, been a while since I've seen that. Just don't do anything too harsh."

"I can live with that." The elevator dinged then opened, I saw several of his men against the wall. I took note of where they were.

"Let's see what you've got Robles." I took a breath at his words, he then rotated two nightsticks in each of his hands."Feel free to use what you got." I tapped my chest 4 times.

"Gauntlets, boots, and cowl lens mode." Suddenly they appeared, "Feel free to use head protection, this is sparring after all Mr. Rathers, no need to lower your IQ any further due to blunt force trauma." That pissed him off, "I sure as hell do not enjoy concussions." I point to my cowl, he took off his hat and put on the protective gear. He was also wearing weighted gloves and boots, it was light but seemed fair enough. "Ready?"

47

He roared as we met halfway, I blocked one nightstick and took the other to the side. I held it in place and slammed my knee into his torso. I parried his kick with the same leg, headbutted him and kicked away. I squeezed my gauntlet fists and hooks came out the side of my forearm sealing in place. He struck with his weapon and I entangled it with the hooks then twisted shattering it. He looked surprised as I backhanded him then struck him in the lower torso chest and face. He charged forward dodge my fist gripping my wrist then rolled over my back tossing me into a wall. I hit it and was instantly met with his fist to my lower back.

I kicked out his knee grabbed his shoulder and slammed his head into the wall. He drops but gets me in a leg sweep, I fall but pop back up, dodge a high roundhouse, then another leg sweep. He was surprisingly agile, as he grabbed the nightstick he dropped and slammed it into my shoulder. Sparks fly as he pulls it back striking the hooks in my gauntlet. I grab it as he goes for another strike, I then slam my forearm on his disarming him. I change my grip and slam the handle into his gut pull back then break the thing.

I follow this by tackling him to the ground, he throws a punch but I parry and pull it sending him face down. I twist placing my body in the center of his back and pull his arm to me. He shouts in pain, I release him and get to my feet. "You done?" He slams his fist on the mat and gets up. "What the hell is your deal?"

"What do you mean?" He rotated his shoulder.

"This, everything, I thought Fat Gum and you were friends, why do you insist on being a jerk to me?" I started to hop side-to-side changing my fighting stance.

"Why you continue not minding your own got damn business."

"Excuse me? You have shown nothing but contempt and hostility towards me since that video call at the strip club." His men are silent, "You then go off on me when I call you out on it." He charges and I parry his blows, they're sloppy and telegraphed.

"Because of that, I lost a lead an asshole I've been after for years." I counter a strike and push him away.

"Then why the hell didn't you cut the call politely." Rathers stopped.

"Cause I owe Fat Gum- for that asshole- what the hell do you know?" move toward him he throws a punch and I catch it.

"More than you know." His eyes change color from hazel to bright yellow. "His agency saved my mom." I let go and cover my mouth, "You bastard!"

"This is my quirk ass clown, Truth Serum, or what I like to call Bullshit Detecting." I felt my mind being invaded, "So why are these guys so important to you?" I had to focus.

"Personal, back off."I had to power through, tell him the truth without revealing my hand. His eyes intensified.

"Not good enough Robles, you come into my city, searching for former yakuza goons, and expect me to just deal. No, SO tell me," my mind feels like it's on fire, I tap my chest and my uniform covers me.

"This isn't very hero like Slim," I warn, this was going too far, I had to escape, Mei was still working on the apartment. I needed to get away, fall back, recover, then destroy this asshole.

"I need to know what has been brought to my town, that requires someone to travel across international waters to deal with." His eyes were now completely yellow, he looked like some sort of demon.

"They are former yakuza what more do you need to know, they are scum."

"I saw the look in your eyes, why you? Fat Gum could have come least he is an actual hero." His words only fuel my growing anger, he pressed on, and I felt like my head was going to explode. "The more you beat around the bush, the worse it gets, I've seen people pass out due to the pain." I felt myself pulling up files, no, no, no.

"They are wanted in my country respect that." I was pleading the pain was getting worse by the moment.

"Respect? Your country didn't even respect us enough to send a real hero, just some kid with a PHL."

"I am a hero." I stood up, I saw the file I pulled up, NO. "As a matter of fact the only one I see at the moment Mr. Rathers." I could tell he hated the way I talked to him.

"I'll give you this kid you've lasted longer than most." His eyes ignited from yellow to a crimson red. "But I am done playing nice." I launch a holo-projector and I relive it. "What the?" The scene plays out and I am 16 again, his men stand in horror as she explodes in vivid color. Matthew looks at me in horror, it continues on, the whole battle all in a first-person perspective. Matthew's eyes return to normal and my migraine fades. "Ki…" Distracted I strike Rathers down to get some distance between us. Suddenly the lights flicker and I hear electricity sparking.

"SPECTRE!" Mei shouts on the other end, lights flicker rapidly then explode as sparks fly and darkness engulfs the room, I look back at his men. They only see a flaming green oni mask as I walk towards them.

"That was game." This bastard was nothing but prick, he bit off more than he could chew. "I was hoping for a better outcome, I wanted to work peacefully with you all." Bailey can only see the low green glow reflecting off her father on the ground. She then turns to me, her eyes widen at my burning oni mask she turns pale collapsing from fear. "Mei."

"You're clear." She punches off as I take the elevator to the ground floor. I exit the building with no major damage being done other than lights. I shake my head then take off to the safe house.

I had one more week till school started. The city was vast, narrow streets in certain parts, and people seemed more angry about one thing or another. I spent most nights atop rooftops looking at people, other than the occasional petty crime, I didn't make too much of a stir. I still did not know how things operated in America, and the events at Delta 12 didn't help my cause. The local media reported a mass disruption at the agency and assured the public it was being handled. My com went off, I tapped it to answer, "Moshi moshi?"

"Roberto."

"Hey boss."

"What happened?"

"Mr. Rathers violated me."

"WHAT?"

"Mentally."

"Please, lead with that next time but still WHAT?" I explained to him what went down giving him a play-by-play. "Are you alright?"

"No longer as pissed, but I will not relent."

"I do not blame you, he didn't tell me that part." I heard him sigh, "I'm sorry you went through that again Roberto." I assured him I'd live, "Please keep a low profile for now."

"Plan on it."

"Be careful, Delta 12 is…" I turn around and see several heroes behind me, "after you." I sigh and I can hear him cringe, "They found you huh, damn."

"Got to go Boss." he sighed and punched off.

"Spectre." I stand up I ran diagnostics, all clear, "We know what happened, the boss deserved what he got." I took a breath, at least this person seemed reasonable. Behind her was a squad of 3 other heroes, all-male. The lady talking to me is athletic and built like a luchador, about 5'9, 186lbs of muscle. Her costume seemed pretty light, Kevlar based, and she seemed to be of middle eastern descent as well as quite beautiful. She wore no mask or cowl, her hair was raven black and long, "We need you to come with us." Her voice was strong, dominant with an air of confidence, she was the second-in-command.

"No." I stated flatly, her backup flinched, "Rathers is on my shit list."

"Understandably so but..."

"No."

"Excuse me."

"Have you any idea, what that fool Rathers has caused?" Her eyes narrowed, "Can you comprehend the ramifications of an international incident?" Her eyes widened, "Let me break it down for you, I am a Japanese national, invited by an American agency only to be spied upon, then tortured for information by said agency's owner." She began to back down.

"Rathers."

"My suit tracks my health, actions, brainwaves, stress levels, etc. It's certified by several health officials under my country's authority." She swallowed hard, "I could not be a hero and wear this uniform if it was not approved by said authority, what do you think it is going to reveal when they look at the readings of that day?" My eyes narrowed, "I wanted to work with your agency. I wanted nothing more than to bring these bastards in and go back home in peace, but Mr. Rathers changed all that. Now you expect me to just forget what he did to me? Huh. Ms…"

"Jinn, my hero name is Jinn."

"Ms. Jinn. I will not let this go so you can take your men and fuck right off."

"How can I make this right then Spectre?" she paused a moment

"He made me relive the worse day of my life Ms. Jinn." My voice turned cold, "He declared war on me, and I intend to deliver with gusto." I see her men ready themselves but Jin raises her hand.

"Don't do this Robles."

"My quarrel is not with you or those unfortunate enough to work for that bastard." She tries to get through to me but it falls on deaf ears. "He drew first blood, as for making this right? Stand aside."

"I understand your rage, please I offer…" I hold up my hand.

"The one who should apologize is Mr. Rathers, not his second in command." The others flinch and I continue, "As I said my quarrel is not with any of you, only Mr. Rathers." I hear them murmuring among themselves, "I am not a villain, if that is all please take your leave." They leave as Jinn lingers a moment. "Good night Ms. Jinn." She nods then turns into mist still lingering as my cowl covers my face completely. Her mist form seems to wrap around me studying me as I do her, I can see her face smile then go into the night.

"You get the data Mei?"

"Water vapor, watch your back Spectre," I grunt in acknowledgment I take to the air keeping my full cowl the rest of my night.

48

The first day of my senior year at Joe Lewis Hero Academy, they didn't wear school uniforms. I could have dressed in my civies, now I'm stuck in this stuffy UA uniform. Students just looked at me like I was some type of alien, though technically true, I stood out. Normally this would have not bothered me, but this was different the unwanted attention was just that unwanted. I was bumped, "Sorry bruh." I knew that voice, it just didn't know me. I nodded as he looked back and headed inside, the academy was just as big as UA. It almost mirrored my alma mater, however, instead of pristine walkways, I saw litter. This was strange to me, where were the students that cleaned the grounds, the first years?

I didn't ask anyone, chalking it up to different cultures, but still where was the pride? "You lost my man?" I turned to my left and saw a tall student, light skin, lean, he barely had patches of facial hair and a goatee.

"A little, first day." he looked at me and tilted his head at my uniform.

"Where you from my man, those threads don't look like anything from around here." He inquired.

"Yes, I was unsure if uniforms were required here, I am a foreign exchange student from UA Hero Academy in Japan."

"For real, cool, names Andrew Rollins, you don't look Japanese or…"

"Speak in broken English?" I raised an eyebrow.

"You said it not me, so what's your name?" He seemed friendly enough so I indulged him.

"Roberto Rodrigo Robles," now he was definitely confused, I sighed, "My parents won a trip to Japan and mom went into labor while there."

"Makes sense, where you headed maybe I can help you."

"Counselor's office, apparently I pick up my schedule there."

"Follow me, I'm off this period, I can take you there, so you a junior?"

"No, a third, wait, I guess I am the equivalent to what your system calls a senior?"

"I'm familiar with enough anime to grasp what you are saying, so decided to graduate in the states, parents must be proud."

"I'd like to think so." I kind of trailed off, he noticed and decided not to push.

"All good." He leads me through the doors and to the admin section. Andrew said he was a senior as well and that we shared the same counselor due to the school going by last names. The counselor was a young lady, mid-twenties, wearing a dark red dress pinstripe suit. She had dark even-toned skin, fair features, medium built or what Andrew called 'Thicc' from the Dominican Republic. Her name was Ms. Diane Peña.

Ms. Peña did not say much, just the usual welcoming banter then handed me my schedule. Andrew remained my guide, apparently, we had the same schedules. I looked at my science class, "Ms. Takigowa."

"She teaches both science and combat training, we're lucky we don't have to leave the class."

"Figured, she was my teacher for the same thing during my second year."

"Cool, she fine too."

"My class said the same thing." The bell rang and we headed for her class.

We entered her classroom, "Sp-Robles." I smiled and greeted her.

"Morning Takigowa sensei." I bowed respectfully, I looked up and she was smiling back at me. "So who is class rep?"

"Well Robles, you are in for a bit of a shock." She shifted to Japanese, "Schools here in America are ridiculous." I returned the favor.

"How so?" I looked around it seemed normal, till the bell rang to get started. They did not greet the teacher and were not taking their seats. "What's going on here?"

"I told you it will be a shock." She then shifted back to English, "Sit down." They ignored her, my mouth dropped. "You fail, you won't be able to apply for your provisionals, the class has started and I will not wait for you." They grumbled and took their seats. This was indeed a shock, I looked at Andrew who just shrugged as he took his seat. "Now then we have a transfer student from my homeland."

"And?" That came from a guy in the back.

"So be quiet Terrin." he clicked his tongue as I felt my anger rise, Ms. Takigowa was one of my favorite teachers, this disrespect burned me. "Please introduce yourself." I heard some of the students imitate badly renditions of what they thought were Japanese string instruments.

"Your mockery is more Chinese than Japanese."

"And you look more wetback than Jap."

"And you more burnt grits than human." The students oooo'd and ah'd, "Like living charcoal biscuit over there so eloquently and bigotedly pointed out, yes I am a Mexican but Japanese by birth, my name is Roberto Rodrigo Robles."

"Man sit your dumbass down somewhere." He waved me off.

"Look everyone IT can string together words that are more than four letters long, he's just above a troglodyte." He got up and I smiled coyly, I finally got a look at him. He was 6'1, 200lbs of solid muscle, dark skin, with a hairstyle I have never seen before, it looked like a lion's mane but with ropes. He was dressed in jeans that seemed to crush his junk, a simple red t-shirt with what seemed to be some sort of music idol on it dressed like a delinquent, and a black jacket. We looked at each other for a moment and shrugged.

"That's what I thought."

"You are capable of thought?" I cover my mouth, "Gasp!" He moved forward as did I. That's when the guy I met when I first started to explore the city, stepped in.

"Terrin chill bruh."

"Yes, Terrin chill." Dezmond turn to me.

"Goes for you to bro." I nodded as Dezmond brought him to his seat. I could hear him talk to him under his breath, "Why you gotta be like that man."

"Man fuck him."

"Same as always Robles, sit wherever you like." I smile and bow, I see Terrin calling me a bitch with his mouth. I smile and spot a table near the window next to him. The classroom was a large lab with black tables and stools with backs on them. Along the four walls were counters for lab work and sinks every few feet or so. The walls were just a white painted brick with all sorts of scientific posters. Ms. Takigowa's desk was at the front of the room by the door, a whiteboard with dry-erase markers was behind it. A projector was on a platform that was bolted just behind ceiling tiles, her desk computer was an All-in-One PC that connected to it wirelessly. I took my seat beside him on the other table.

"What the fuck?" He looks at me, "Move."

"Fuck off." I return his gaze, Dezmond could not believe what he was seeing.

"Seriously man?"

"Sensei said wherever." They both could not understand, "You two seem interesting to me." I continued to look at them, then directed my gaze to Terrin, "Especially you."

"I ain't the one, skip me with that…"

"Gay shit? No, you are not my type besides I already have a girl and I don't cheat, no matter how wet she says it would make her." They both looked at me uncomfortably, "Aww, now you are uncomfortable, you were talking all that good shit a moment ago." Terrin gritted his teeth, I had won.

"Man go sit somewhere else." I smiled and shook my head no, Dezmond laughed.

"You alright Roberto, you got T here shook."

"I ain't shook, he's an asshole."

"You drew first blood bruh." My last word cause Dezmond to chuckle.

"Man don't make me whoop yo ass."

"Sounds interesting, combat training is next period, your schedule the same as mine?"

"Yeah."

"Is it just a lesson?"

"No Mr. Robles, there is sparring as well." I look up to see sensei, I then look at the board, then the projector. Then put two and two together then I look at the board again.

"Are you serious right now?" My words shake her and I point to the whiteboard and projector. She turns around then sighs, I solve the problem effortlessly. "I've already done this crap."

"Mr. Robles." I bow my head and apologize, "Yes I know you have, you might do good in my AP class."

"No, I just want to graduate," I say solemnly, "I am sorry for being disrespectful Sensei Takigowa."

"Well since you already know my syllabus, you can be my assistant." I pop my neck and agree, she was punishing me.

"Excuse me?" A girl spoke up, "How come he gets to be."

"Sit down Karen, Mr. Robles was my best student, and passed my class with high marks."

"Prove it," Karen smirked as Mrs. Takigowa motioned me to the board, then to Karen. She gave us both a pop quiz, I smoked her and then corrected her errors. She was in shock. I wasn't smug and just returned to my seat, both Terrin and Dezmond were floored.

"Shit you my partner for the rest of the year Roberto." Dezmond laughed, "Terrin come on bruh, my mans is the truth, lord knows you need all the help you can get."

"I hold no grudge, you want that PHL, stick with me, especially since I already got mine." I pulled it out of my wallet, it just had my name only and basic information.

"Well shit, ight bet." I seemed to have won him over, "What's your hero name?"

"And ruin that surprise, spar me and find out."

"Now you're talking, Dez can you believe your mans here?"

"Roberto you sure bruh?" I smile then smirked giving him my answer as the bell rang. As fate would have it, I also shared my schedule with Terrin and Dezmond.

Combat training started out in the lab then went to the gym. I had my UA gym clothes too, I stood out but not as bad, the others came out in the school colors of purple, white and gold trim. Dezmond, Terrin, and Andrew sat next to me in the bleachers. "ROBLES! You are first! Pick your partner." I looked towards Terrin who nodded. "Give it your all, support items, and if you have a hero uniform feel free to show off." Ms. Takigowa still believed in full contact within reason. Terrin had light armor underneath his gym clothes. I pulled out a disc from my pocket and placed it on my chest. Dezmond spotted it first.

"TERRIN!" I shot him a look and he swallowed hard as I waved a finger 'no' then placed it on my lips.

"What's up Dezmond." That was Andrew.

"I know Roberto's hero name."

"What is it?"

"You familiar with his insignia of UA?"

"Yeah some prestigious… wait, isn't that where that one hero All."

"Yup, All Might, went there and currently teaches there I didn't see it before."

"So, what's the deal?"

"I met Roberto two weeks ago, except he was in hero uniform and disguising his voice."

"Yeah, you said you met one of the heroes you and T follow, HOLY SHIT!"

"Shut up, this is gonna be good."

I chuckle to myself and got in a fighting stance, Terrin snorted and readied himself. "BEGIN!" Mrs. Takigowa shouted, we charged and took turns parrying each others' blows, testing the waters. I had no idea what his quirk was, but his strength was unmatched. I missed a parry and took one to the jaw, I fell backward but flipped back up. He pressed on, as I dodged and slammed my fists into his sides, it was like punching iron, was this his quirk? He grabbed my sides and lifted me, I slammed open hands to the sides of his head. He releases me and I wrap my legs around his neck, twist, and bring him down.

He grabs my legs and pulls them off himself, I escape as he gets up. I see I've wounded him, but watch as it almost instantly heals. "Regeneration huh."

"How you think I got these muscles."

"Steroids."

"Shut up Robles." He looks at me, "You best use that support item on your chest."

"And ruin this fun? Earn it bruh!" He shakes his head and we start again parrying each other's blows. I switch up my style, with him being a regenerate I could go beyond. I dodge a right haymaker, he's slow, he flips and I cross my arms blocking an axe kick. I see his support leg and I kick out his knee making him do the splits. He howls in pain, he's not flexible, I then deliver an axe kick of my own dislocating his shoulder.

"FUCK!" He switches his style getting up in a windmill maneuver, he charges faking an uppercut and nailing me with a low roundhouse. I take the hit but I think it cracks my ribs a little. He's a powerhouse, I come down with a elbow and I hear his knee snap. I drop his leg and strike him twice in the face. The man is a beast I may have to use my hero uniform.

The gym we were in was nothing special, it looked like gamma gym at UA, retractable bleachers, a huge center arena for sports like basketball and martial arts. Doors to the locker rooms were towards the south in the back. The main entrance in the north leads to the outside and parking lots. Near the locker entrance to the left was where we now were, led to the pool. Ms. Takigowa gave us free reign when sparring, using our surroundings built smart heroes.

Terrin charged and I moved to the side sending him through the door into the pool area. I followed him in and we traded blows around the pool while students and our teacher flooded in. "Quit playing Robles!" He batted my last blow aside then went in for the kill. His fist stopped and lost all its kinetic force. "What the hell?"

"Good job Terrin you forced my hand." He looked down and saw my belt glow, he then looked up as I tapped my chest. His eyes widen as my hero uniform sprang out replacing my gym uniform.

"No way." My muscle fiber-like black armor tightened and sealed itself.

Ms. Takigowa beamed with pride, "Class meet The Knightmare Hero."

"BRUH YOU'RE SPECTRE?" My cowl rolled up to the back of my head and over covering my eyes as my holo visor flashed on. "OHHH YESS!" He charged.

"Now the field is leveled." The class was cheering as we exchanged blows, now my hits were registering, Terrin was loving it. "You're good Terrin." I dodged a blow and struck him in the side releasing the first aftershock bar. He coughed up blood, "Rising!" I struck again releasing the second bar, Terrin was taking it like a champ, I clenched my fist tightly and with a mighty uppercut, "DAWN!" unleashed the third bar sending Terrin flying into the pool. The class was shouting cheering me as I finish him.

Terrin surfaced but was struggling tread water, I tap my visor and my cowl retracted. I squatted down and looked at him, "All that muscle." Terrin was looking terrified, "Makes you a stone."

"Yo man, don't do me like this." I smiled.

"Yo Robles man get him out." That was Dezmond.

"Apologize to sensei for being an ass." I demand.

"Alright man! Ms. Takigowa!"

"Yes Mr. Hillsong?" Sensei chimes innocently.

"I'M SORRY FOR THE DISRESPECT!" He then sunk to the bottom.

"Dezmond!" I fire my grapnel into the water, Dezmond takes off his jacket and dives in. I feel him grab it, he reaches Terrin and tugs the rope, I retract the line bringing them to the edge of the pool. Terrin and Dezmond pull themselves out.

"That was messed up man." Dezmond states as he clings to the side of the pool.

"It was the only way he'd learn." I reply looking at Terrin who was breathing heavy.

"I saw my grandma man!" he finally spoke.

"What she say?" Dezmond looked at him.

"Quit being an ass."

"Sound advice, follow it." I concurred.

"Yeah, but screw you man, you'd didn't have to do me like that!" Terrin flung water at me and laughed.

"True but it was fun huh." I grin sheepishly.

"I took on Spectre, hell yeah it was fun." I get up and offer my hands to both of them.

"Friends?" Terrin takes it.

"Yeah, bruh, only cause yo smart ass need that suit." Terrin laughs as does Dezmond and I help them up to their feet.

"Foreign exchange student turns out to be the quirkless hero Spectre." Terrin rubs the back of his head.

"Yup and I think you know I am just as capable without it." I smile school ends for the day and I have made three new friends.

49

The first month passed like I was standing still, school in America sucked! If I finished my work I still had to stay in class. Everything that was considered senior level was shit I covered in first and second year! It frustrated me to no end, my teachers were impressed with my knowledge and tried to get me into AP or Honors classes but I refused, I just wanted to graduate not stress out. Some took pity on me and let me go to the library for the rest of class or assist with other students. I felt like I was stuck in neutral. Andrew, Dezmond, and Terrin just looked at me in awe, they struggled with the material while I just aced the class.

One time I finished early and just passed out in a corner, normally the teacher would protest, but since I was acing the class it was let go. The principal then came in, bad timing I guess, and pointed me out. He woke me up, "Class over yet?"

"No, why are you sleeping?"

"Because I cannot leave."

"Excuse me."

"I finished the work, so I decided to take a nap." The principal just looked at me dumbstruck.

"And you think you passed."

"Think, no sir, I know." He then proceeded to test me, only for me to yawn and exhaustively answer his questions. He looked at me in shock. "See?"

"Why aren't you in honors classes?"

"I don't want the extra stress, I read the policy, I can refuse." I really just wanted to get back to my nap.

"Indeed, but your talents are wasted here."

"You are wrong there sir." He raised an eyebrow, "I just decided to take a nap today." He didn't understand, I stretched and he helped me to my feet. "I know I can ruin the curve." I then directed him to the class I was in, "Sensei if I may?" The teacher stopped a while ago and I already had the class' attention. "I'll be quick ma'am, how many here have I helped?" The principal saw the class all raise their hands. "Sensei how has the class improved?"

"Vastly, Mr. Robles." The principal looked at me questioningly.

"I firmly believe in leveling the playing field." I popped my neck, "I do this by ensuring competitive learning."

"How so." I hit my chest and reveal my hero uniform then launch a hologram covering the room. He looks around in amazement, "What is?"

"How I assist sensei, permission to speak freely?"

"By all means."

"American schools are boring as fuck!" My words shock him, "I challenge the class to improve their grades for experiences like the one you are in now." He's awe-struck, "It happened one day when I was losing my mind due to boredom." The principal remained silent as I continued. "I was listening to sensei teach so as a joke I shot out one of my hologram projectors, sensei didn't like it- at first. But the hologram was related to the subject."

"Mr. Robles here got the class' attention and helped with the lesson."

"Higher learning is never accomplished unless all collectively achieve it," I added to sensei's words.

"I take back my previous statement Mr. Robles." I could see it forming in his eyes.

"No, trade secret." He looked downcast, "Once I have it patented and ownership then I will be more than happy to extend the gesture." I shook the principal's hand, he never bothered any of the teachers that had me in their class after that.

The only classes I found remotely interesting, were combat training, apparently, Americans loved their athletics. Combat training with Ms. Takigowa was always rewarding. Granted she was no pushover herself, her students knew this, it was why though they seemed disrespectful they knew she was in charge. After the first day, I saw that JL also had a business class. So I went to see Ms. Peña and was lucky enough to enroll in it. Now my school day ended at 1300hrs every other day. This was fine by me, at least I now had a bit of challenge.

Clubs were also not required to join, so pretty much I was left with lots of free time. The time would not be free, per se, I had more time to hunt down my targets. JL finished school at 1500hrs M-F, though I got out at noon most days. The other thing I wasn't used to, Saturday off. I was amazed how they got anything done.

"Yo Robles, what'chu doing bruh." I gave my new friends each an earbud to get in contact with me. Honestly, it made it a lot easier to tutor them, I really wanted them to get their PHLs.

"Patrolling what's up."

"Bruh this isn't even yo city bruh." Terrin proclaimed.

"I live here, it's my city," I replied to his scoff.

"Terrin just ask him man or I will." That was Dez, I landed atop a skyscraper.

"Igiht Dez chill."

"What's on your mind?" I was curious now.

"Yo, peep this my moms is making dinner…" Food was all he had to say.

"Food, I'm in."

"Well shit, ight I'll send you the address." They somehow figured out my mobile, it irked me but I was actually a little impressed. "Dez and Andrew are coming too, so don't be late."

"What should I bring?" I asked, I wanted to make a good first impression.

"Yourself bruh, what else?" I raised an eyebrow, a moment of silence later, "Oh snap that's a culture thing right?" I laugh telling him yes, "In that case bring Pineapple-Orange Faygo and Ice I guess."

"What is Faygo, a drink?"

"Pop, soda, carbonated diabetes." I laughed at his description. "See ya then Robles." I cut the line smiling to myself, this should be interesting. I leapt off the skyscraper then flew off. My mobile pinged and the address scrolled across my HUD.

I had about $400 in cash on me, so after a few searches, I found a grocer, put in my tracking HUD and flew there. I landed in front of this huge store, I tapped my chest and switched to my civies. "What in the world was this?" I was greeted at the door by an elderly man, I bowed in respect and he looked at me like I was from a different planet. "Hello, I am not from here."

"Obviously young man, where are you from?"

"Tokyo, Japan, I'm here on a foreign exchange program."

"Well then welcome to the US."

"Thank you, sir."

"So respectful."

"Where would one find, Faygo?" He smiled with pride and told me it was a local brand, he then directed me to the pop isle. "Thank you sir." He smiled back at me and I was off. I decided to look around a bit before getting the requested items. I really wanted to give a good impression, mom always said, "You represent your family where ever you go." So I took my time, Dinner was at 1800hrs so I had a bit of time.

"Roberto." I knew that voice, my fists clenched, "Easy, I'm just grocery shopping." It was Ms. Jinn, I felt exposed, I was in my civies, and changing to my hero uniform would take too much time. "You're worried about my quirk aren't you?" I turned to face her, my eyes narrowed. "Easy, easy, I wouldn't be so foolish to do such a thing." Her eyes were soft, but I remained steadfast, "Got dammit Matthew, how can I show you I mean you no harm?" She shook her head.

"I believe you I just."

"Don't trust me, how can I blame you, this really is just a coincidence, as I said I am just grocery shopping are you doing the same?"

"Sort of, I was invited to a classmate's home for dinner."

"So you are picking up a gift, nice custom honestly, I recommend you get something practical."

"Humm. Sounds logical, thank you Ms. Jinn."

"My name is Mara Sennka, and I am glad I could help."

"Pretty name, thank you Ms. Sennka." I nodded and we parted ways.

I found a nice iron skillet, then a dutch oven also cast iron, my father use to use these. I smiled and grabbed the whole collection. I then picked up the Faygo and Ice. I paid for the whole thing and asked if they had a box? Moments later I put everything in it and left the store. I tapped my chest and picked up my items the flew off.

I arrived a bit early, 30 minutes actually, Andrew and Dez pulled up moments later. "Damn Rob, what you get?" I looked at Dez.

"Couple bottles of Faygo and gift for our host."

"Huh, what a nice culture." Andrew smiled, "Now you made us look bad." He laughed, I saw Terrin open the door.

"Damn son what you get, I just said Faygo bruh." He took the bottles and Andrew got the ice. I walked in and was greeted by a very tall woman.

"So you are the one who whopped my son's ass." My eyes widened, she was almost the spitting image of my mom only with dark skin. "You okay son." I felt my eyes tear up, "What the hell is wrong with you?" I smiled and swallowed hard, I pulled out my wallet and showed her a picture of my mother. "Oh baby, I'm sorry, wow she looks just like me."

"Yeah, my apologies Ms. Hillsong, I got a little overwhelmed."

"I'm sure she misses you baby come on in." I smiled at her.

"Ms. Hillsong, it's customary in my culture to give a gift to our host."

"Is that so?" She then looked at Dezmond and Andrew who just looked to the ceiling. "Hmm humm. No baby you don't have to take off your shoes." More culture shock. I respectfully walked in and she led me to her living room, it was quint, and homely with a leather sectional and coffee table set. She offered me a seat and my friends joined in. I set my box on the ottoman and she opened it. "Oh my god, a cast iron set, finally Terrin you bring someone with some got damn culture." I laughed, "Thank you baby." She opened her arms and embraced me.

"My pleasure mo.. Ms. Hillsong."

"Its okay baby, I'm all my Terrin's friends' momma." She laughed she really likes me. "Terrin take these to the kitchen, Dezmond, Andrew set the table."

"What can I do to help M.. mom."

"Nothing baby, you are just fine." She hugged me again and went into the kitchen.

"Damn Terrin she adopted him already."

"Shit.."

"Terrin watch your motherfuckin language we have a guest."

"Damn ma, what are me and Andrew."

"Shut up Dezmond before I beat yo ass with my new skillet. Andrew, on second thought baby can you help me serve."

"Yes, mom." Andrew shook his head and went into the kitchen.

"Welcome to my home Rob." Terrin rolled his eyes as he and Dezmond set the table.

"Ma why is Andrew always helping you in the kitchen?"

"Because he has a got damn sense of respect."

"That hurt ma." Dezmond laughed, "Get used to it Rob she's comfortable around you."

"Suck it up." I didn't know what to think, I looked around, her house was immaculate, clean. "Just make yourself at home Roberto." I heard Terrin click his tongue, "I heard that Terrin, don't be acting up boy." I just shook my head.

Andrew and my new adopted mother came out with several dishes I have never seen before. They bowed their heads as I instinctively switched to Japanese and clapped, "Thank you for the food." I looked up as I heard my friends say the same thing. Ms. Hillsong saw me and laughed then said the same thing.

"I can't believe that Terrin was right." She smiled at me as the others clapped too. "You are very welcome Roberto dig in, we have greens, mac n cheese, catfish, potato salad, beans, and sweet potato pie." I tried a little of everything and my mouth was in utter ecstasy.

"I think he loves it."

"It's ma's cooking course he was gonna like it." Mom was happy, I tried the sweet potato pie, wasn't really my thing but I ate it nonetheless. After we had dinner I helped with the dishes despite Ms. Hillsong's protest. I politely insisted and she finally gave in. While I was helping her in the kitchen she thanked me, "Thank you for helping Terrin with his studies, I've never seen him take to school so seriously."

"He's a good guy, kind of reminds me of my friend Bakagō, except he's more clever."

"Nonetheless, thank you, you should have seen him when he told me about you." I smiled as I continued to dry, "Mom, you won't believe it we got a foreign exchange student from Japan, it's Spectre!"

"Terrin has always been into anime and wanted to become a hero. Then he discovered a kid who was causing the biggest stir in Tokyo, a UA kid going by The Knightmare Hero, Spectre."

"How did he come across me?"

"Rumor had it he took on 2 heroes, then the news said something about a yakuza raid." Terrin had walked in, I nearly dropped a dish. "I went on a video site, and found leaked footage of a kid taking on their boss." I took a breath, "It was blurry but I recognized the armor, saw it on another video, same kid saved an elderly couple."

"It was a nomu, a mindless corpse, me and my friend Deku took it out."

"The footage I saw was taken down a few days later."

"That would be Mei, my eye in the sky."

"Baby, its okay, you don't have to." I raise me hand gently, she looked so much like my mom, I felt comfortable telling her.

"My mom was a cop." Ms. Hillsong heard my voice crack, I swallowed hard, "That bastard killed her right in front of me."

"Shit." They both gasped.

"I got him though, that was now two years ago."

"Is that why you are here baby?" She asked me, it was amazing how she put it together.

"Partly, but its getting a bit late… mom." She pulled me in a hugged me and I broke down. Terrin put his hand on my shoulder, "I have to get them all." Dezmond and Andrew came in.

"Robles I got your back if you need it." Terrin replied I pulled myself together Ms. Hillsong wiped my eyes.

"You got any leads baby?"

"Only that one of them is here in Detroit." Dezmond perked up as did Andrew.

"Bro what are you talking about.?"That was Dezmond, he looked at Terrin, who then looked at me and I nodded.

"Dez you remember that video I showed you that got taken down." He pointed at me with his thumb.

"I knew it! Yea babae, so what we got?" He hit Andrew on the chest playfully, apparently, he showed him as well.

"We?"

"You exposed now bro." I looked at Andrew then closed my eyes, "Spill it Roberto." I smiled, looks like I found better allies than Delta 12. I told them the real reason I was here.

"Damn, bro, I can't imagine how I would handle that." Andrew thought about it, "Probably the same and hunt these bastards down."

"So when we start Robert?" I looked at them like they lost their collective minds.

"Hold up you all don't even have your PHLs."

"Bro really."

"Yes really, you all can't be out there like some sort of rogue vigs."

"Vigs?"

"Vigilantes, especially with me, I could lose my PHL, and like hell if I'll sacrifice that."

"Shits are expensive."

"$150 a piece."

"Wait what?"

"Bro, don't tell me." SERIOUSLY WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH AMERICA! "Got dammit." He looks at Terrin and Andrew, "His school covered him." I was not having this I tapped my chest and switched to my hero uniform. Ms. Hillsong stepped back.

"What the hell?" I smiled as I tapped my visor.

"Mei."

"I heard, what the fuck?" She then went on a rant, "Scan your friends, this is some bullshit."

"Hey guys line up." I then launched a holoprojector out, Ms. Hillsong could not believe her eyes. A screen popped up with Mei on it. "Meet my eye in the sky Mei Hatsume aka Tyche."

"Damn, Rob this yo chick?" That was Terrin.

"Not exactly, what the hell is up with your hair?"

"My dreads, don't like them?"

"They're interesting."

"Wait you know English?"

"They teach us in school you freaking troglodyte."

"AH haahah, that's where you get it from Rob?" Dezmond was dying, I just shook my head.

"Spectre scans these fools so I can get to work."

"Wait what?" That was Andrew, "What the hell she mean scan us, what work?"

"What do you think?" I gesture my hands presenting my hero outfit. They all looked at me with confusion. "Mei is pissed off at the American school system, don't fight it."

"What?" They collectively say as I just roll my eyes and lift my hands.

"She needs your sizes, your exact sizes, for your hero uniforms." They stared in disbelief.

"Wait you giving my babies new hero outfits?" I nod my head as does Mei on screen, "How much?"

"What do you mean how much?" I was just as confused as was Mei.

"Ma'am, if their school is giving them bullshit uniforms, I cannot have that, especially if they are going to help Roberto." Ms. Hillsong was in shock, "Besides, I love making new things."

"So we are going to have the same armor as you?"

"Equipment as well, no aftershock ability because you all already have quirks."

"Cool fair enough." Dezmond was fired up, Mei zoomed in on him, he was wearing his hero jacket, she smiled.

"I like that." Dezmond gave her a good look and spun. "Material is shit though." Dezmond stopped, "But it gives me an idea."

"Robert I don't know what to say."

"Thank you works and…"

"Pass your PHL." Dezmond wrapped his arm around Andrew's shoulder. They then lined up and I scanned them with my gauntlet hands.

"I got the measurements, I know Terrin's and Dezmonds quirks."

"Pinpoint, I can see up to 6 miles and accurately judge distance and angles I need for snipping."

"Sounds like my own, Zoom, but I cannot do the second part, sniper huh."She smiles, "Gun only or."

"Anything that I shoot or throw, its secondary ability gives me the strength needed to take out my target."

"Oh, your friends are fascinating Spectre. I'll send the uniforms to your apartment in about three weeks."

"Thanks, Mei love ya." I punched out, "So tell me when is the PHL exam?"

"Three weeks on Saturday."

"Do I have pay now or time of?"

"What Robert are you…"

"Pass your PHLs and I will explain."

"Bet, they prefer to pay online." I pulled up the website the registered them and paid for it. "Well damn."

"Yo asses better pass!" They looked as Ms. Hillsong, she then kissed me on the cheek, "Thank you so much baby." They just shook their heads in disbelief.

"Wait Robert you've had your PHL for a while right?" I looked at Andrew and nodded my head, "You 18 yet?"

"Not till May why?"

"Damn, you can get your hero license at 18 if you have the prerequisites." He had my attention now, "6 months work-study, one year with your PHL, and recommendation of a registered hero." I smiled, "You have all that don't you?" I nod my head. "Well when is your Birthday?"'

"May 5." They all burst out laughing, "What's so funny?"

"Cinco de Mayo, bruh."

"What?"

"Some Mexican holiday I think it's their independence day."

"No, that's September 16, what does Mexico defeating France have to do with anything?"

"Dunno but we get off from school on it." I shake my head, I tell them I have to go.

"Get whatever materials you need for the PHL and meet me at my apartment Saturday."I sent them my address to their mobiles, they look at me and sigh, "I don't care if its your off day you will pass that damn test!"

"You all heard the man, yo asses better do what he said." She told me to wait, "Here you go baby, I fixed you a plate for the road." I smile and take it, "Be safe Roberto." I thanked her again then flew off.

I woke up the next day, to Mei ringing me up. "The system was a bit touch and go Robert but the apartment is now ours." A sleepy smile made its way up my lips, I got up and washed up. I skipped school, Mr. Rathers was on my mind. "You still serious about going to war with this man?"

"He violated me." I was not one prone to forgiveness nor was I one to forget.

"Well if you are serious I have a suggestion." I popped my neck and told her to lay it on me. "He forced you to reveal private information, let us take his database." I smiled. "Need you to go to Delta 12's servers, uploading Delta 12's schematics." They pop up on my HUD. "Public information, nothing illegal, however, you are going to need to use your sonar when you get there."

"Understood, how long is my cloak now?"

"About an hour give or take, 15 minutes if you use sonar with it." I acknowledge as my mind goes through scenarios, "Roberto no matter how you go about it, they are going to know you were there and you will have to fight your way out."

"When will he be there with the least amount of people."

"Hermes has been tracking the day-to-day at Delta 12 since he drew first blood, I love that saying." I smile to myself as I remember where I got it from.

"I miss you dad."

"What?"

"Nothing, what has Hermes found?"

"1900 hrs, most of the heroes are gone, Mr. Rathers pretty much lives there."

"Encounters?"

"Jinn at worse, two or three interns, Bailey will be gone."

"Will tonight be good?"

"Perfect actually. Delta 12 is open late, like way late, 0100hrs."

"Let's do this Spectre out." I then launch a holoprojector and pull up the surrounding area. I spend the day planning and observing the live stream feed at Delta 12.

I leave my apartment and take to the air. By now the ones keeping an eye on me from Delta 12 already reported their safe house had gone black. Mr. Rathers had made this personal, taking his files would turn the odds in my favor. I landed atop a tall building on a gargoyle overlooking Delta 12 Agency. I saw some of his men exit through the front. I then pulled up real-time footage from Hermes, I had every side of the agency covered. Most of his people were milling around, smoking, or heading home or to their assignments.

"Spectre, cloak now and get to the top of the agency building." I hit my gauntlet and disappear. I glide down and silently land atop Delta 12, "There's a panel on the opposite side of the roof entry. Open it." I walk around to the panel, I then grab it and pull it aside just enough to see wires. "Touch the wires." I do so and my gauntlet glows green. "Now, I am remotely linked, sending live feed from inside." I look around, "You can decloak now the roof is on a loop." I do so, I see my cloaking beginning to recharge. Light was still out so I was collecting solar energy. I cycled through Delta 12's internal CCTV, still too many people, I looked at the time in the HUD 1830hrs.

"Still got time but I can use my sonar while I wait," I crouch down and slowly send a pulse through the building for the next half hour getting a very detailed map of the building and all its floors.

"Smart, I finished logging the data Spectre." I check the cameras, then the outside, like Mei said very few people remained. I waited a bit longer, my cloak was almost recharged. "Now or never Spectre." I got a signal from my HUD, fully charged, I heard the roof door open just as I cloaked. I didn't see who it was but snuck in before the door closed. Mei killed the loop and I made my way down the four floors. I wanted this to be a snatch and grab with no issues. I got to the ground floor, the only way to get to the server room was through the elevator. "Get to Mr. Rathers office, your gauntlet has a thumb drive, connect it to his computer." I turn and almost run smack into Mr. Rathers. I move aside and he passes without incident. I slip through the door into the conference room. I see him look back, narrow his eyes then return to what he was doing.

I enter his office, his computer is locked, no problem, as I attach the drive to the back of the tower. "Connected decrypting… firewalls passed, accessing codes and giving you temporary access to the lower basements."

"Clone his hard drive."

"First thing I did, your access is good for 30 minutes, get out and get over there now!" I pull the drive out as his computer sparks and overloads. I smirk then exit the office checking the cameras, he was outside having a smoke. I quickly make it to the elevator. I get in and the door closes just as Rathers enters the building. Mei loops the elevator camera and I decloak. I switch to my civilian clothes, hit the servers, then scan my hand. A green light acknowledges my clearance, as I hit the floor alarms go off. The elevator returns to the ground floor… eventually. "Fourth row from where you enter I have it marked in your HUD." I switch back to my hero uniform. I follow my HUDs augmented reality markers and find my target. I put the thumb drive in and Mei gets to work.

"How long?"

"Thirty minutes due to it being underground." I hear the elevator ring and I pull out four pellets setting them to shock. "Once the thumb drive finishes attach it to your gauntlet and get the hell out of there." It opens and I see Jin and Mr. Rathers exit. "Ah shit!" I step out and face them, Mr. Rathers' eyes widen as does Jin's.

"Attack me now and I will destroy your servers." I toss a pellet at their feet it goes off causing them to jump back. "These three are set for max damage."

"ROBLES!" Rathers screams at me, Jin starts to change.

"Do that Jinn I will destroy the servers and you." I shake the pellets, "The human body is a plethora of elements that conduct electricity quite nicely, I take it you cannot change into pure water." She returns to her human form. "Thought so."

"Spectre, think about this."

"Your boss started a war with me." She looks at Mr. Rathers, "One that I fully intend to win." Mr. Rathers steps forward but Jinn blocks him. "Do be a dear and wait for me upstairs." They comply and leave, I check the thumb drive it was at 89%. I start looking around, "Mei when I upload the data, fry the system."

"That was the idea." I pause for a moment.

"If you are hacking through the drive…"

"Easier to store then upload physically than to do both at the same time."

"Makes sense." The thumb drive finishes and I pull it out, securing it in my gauntlet as it attaches to my AI system. I take the elevator up and cloak, the door opens, they attack then stop as I slip right past them. My suit enhances my strength and I decloak taking Jinn out with a chop to the back of the head. She drops like a sack of potatoes.

I grab Rathers and toss him across the room then turn off my strength enhancers. I tap my chest twice leaving only my cowl on with the burning green oni mask on. I leap upon Rathers slamming my fist into his nose breaking it. "FUCK!" He kicks me off of him but I dodge his swings countering his strikes and slamming him into the desk. Rathers was a strong fighter, I could see and feel his experience with each strike and kick. Training with Aizawa made me a better fighter, the police academy taught me how to takedown an opponent along with engaging multiple targets, and the foster system taught me how to take a beating and return the favor. I showed Mr. Rathers no mercy, each underhanded move I met him with one of my own. I hated this man, with every fiber of my being.

I kicked out his support leg then met him with multiple strikes to his torso and face. I then pick him up and shoved him into the reception desk nailing his back to it. I tapped my chest going back into my hero uniform. I got in close, his face was bruised and his mouth bleeding. I grabbed him by the throat then showed him my open hand. "This war is over." A hologram of his database pops up, "Mei uploading." He sees the hologram break apart and disappears. Suddenly he hears an explosion, "I have everything, but I left you your personnel files, I copied their names and quirks, they should not suffer for your stupidity." I then threw him down and exited the building.

"THIS ISN'T OVER ROBERTO!" I hear him shout as I take off.

Two days later, I get invited back to my newly adopted mother's home, I bring the Faygo and ice, and like before she sends me home a plate for later. I actually end up staying the night after a few rounds of competitive gaming. It was the most fun I had in a while. It was Friday morning so I went to school, as usual, I got the work I missed and was out by noon. Ms. Hillsong showed up and gave me some food before I left for home. She was there to pick up Terrin to take him somewhere, I think it was a job interview. I thanked her for my dinner and took off.

50

I landed on the roof of my apartment and placed my food atop an A/C unit. Walked slowly forward towards the man who was blocking my way. "Move or be removed Mr. Rathers." He gritted his teeth and whistled I look around me and see several men with Ms. Jinn surrounding me. My cowl closes and seals any port or crack that water vapor could get in.

"My files. Now!" I drop a smoke pellet, his men charge the smoke like idiots, all they see is the electric cracking of my surge knuckles. Sounds of fists and bone snapping echo. "What the hell?" The weighted end of my kunai shoots out and wraps around Mr. Rathers' neck.

"GET THE FUCK OVER HERE!" I pull and he disappears into the smoke. Inside we trade blows. Ms. Jinn looks on in horror as I strike Mr. Rathers with my aftershock ability launching him into the overhang of the roof. I soon follow bursting from the smoke with my burning green oni mask. She sees me nail her boss sending him over the ledge me in tow. We trade blows all the way down, I grab him by the throat land, and slam him against the wall. "COWARD!" I slam my fists into his torso as he bounces from the wall with each hit. Ms. Jinn floats down around me trying to get in. "Expulsion!" My suit sends a surge of electricity sending Ms. Jinn back into a solid form. "BACK OFF!" I yell at her.

"You bastard." Mr. Rathers wheezes, "This."

"Is a fool's errand." I release him, "You really think your rag-tag bunch of heroes can take me on?"

"Arrogant prick."

"Their injuries are on you." I jump back as one of his men hits the ground causing a shockwave launching me in the air. "Back down." I pull up his file, enhanced strength. He launches himself at me and I fling poison darts at him, he drops like a rock.

"Matthew stop this madness and admit you were wrong!" Ms. Jinn calls out to him, trying to get him to reason.

"You take his side?"

"You tortured him, exposed him to strangers, what the fuck is wrong with you?"

"He-"

"What defended himself? Kicked your ass in front of your men? Is your pride that important?" He growled like a beast, "Do you not see what he did in a manner of minutes?"

"He crippled our agency."

"No you did that yourself I just took what you left." I land beside Ms. Jinn crossing my arms in defiance.

"Stop it both of you." Jinn floated to Rathers, "Admit you did wrong or I walk." He looked at her, "Dr. KonKoKtion knew you would be there, he's always been several steps ahead of us."

"I had him."

"No, that was one of his doubles." He looked to the side, "You knew. Jesus Mathew." She picked him up.

"Truth would have been 25."

"Matthew." She hugs him, "We all miss Truth, but Spectre is not our enemy."

"I know Mara." He walks towards me as I narrow my eyes, "You hit like a Mack truck Roberto." I clench my fist, "Easy, easy, I'm done. It was wrong what I did to you. Shit you can relate…no… you lost your mom." He remembered the video, which made what he did to me sicken him all the more.

"Apology accepted, and I am sorry for your loss, but I am not giving up those files, not yet."

"Figured that especially now, Fat Gum wasn't kidding about you."

"Oh." I remain emotionless in my response.

"How the fuck are you not a hero?"

"Come May I will be, have a good night Mr. Rathers."

"Ro…" I fly up to the roof, "shit." I walk over to the A/C and took my food, then carefully walked over moaning bodies and enter through the roof entrance.

I entered my apartment and dropped the food on the table. "So you got in."

"You are one tough son of bitch." Jinn materialized in her human form.

"You kiss your mother with that mouth?" She walked over to the table and lifted the foil, she smiled, "By all means. It's delicious, you can have the pie, not a fan." I tossed her a plastic fork and she sampled everything.

"Damn, this soul food is legit."

"Soul food so that's what you call it." I still had my cowl fully covering my face, "So what you here to seduce me?" I sit caddy corner to her and drop a napkin, she takes it.

She wipes her mouth and looks at me narrowing her eyes, "I can if you like you're a pretty handsome kid."

"Thank you you're quite beautiful yourself Ms. Jinn." She laughs and takes a piece of sweet potato pie and suggestively licks it before taking a bite. "Wow, you really are trying."

"Is it working?"

"I would have already had you in my bed before we even had this conversation." She was taken back by my boldness.

"So what's stopping you, don't like older women?"

"No, that's not it Ms. Jinn" She got in closer and caressed her finger under my chin.

"I love it when you say Ms. Jinn." She then traced my lips that were protected under my cowl, "Cautious aren't you." I gently pull her hand down and shake my head. "Well, I don't know to be turned on or insulted."

"Whatever pisses you off more, I am spoken for by two lovely ladies back home one of which I plan to marry one day." I get up and sit on the couch, she turns around in shock.

"Handsome and polygamist, you sure you are not Arab?" She gets up walking towards me then straddles my lap.

"No I am a Japanese-Mexican and we don't see it that way, my beloved Tsu doesn't let me have sex with her." She wraps her arms around me, "I appreciate this gesture, but I am afraid I must decline."

"Damn, she's hot."

"I know right?" My eyes widen when I hear their voices over my com. I tell Jinn to stop."Man, I was enjoying the show."

"Not gonna lie… Let the river flow."

"Excuse me?"

"What?" She then smiles, "Oh my god are you recording this?" she laughs, "Can they see me?"

"GIVE HER AN EARBUD!" They shout in my ear and I hand her one. She puts it on.

"Enjoying the show?" She begins to sway her hips and hears them breathing hard. "I have to give it to your man, he has some willpower."

"We know."

"What the hell is wrong with you two?" Jinn then removes her top.

"Oh my god, they are magnificent!" Tsu says to which Mei agrees.

"Well thank you, girls, too bad I can't do anymore," she said coyly.

"Tsu." Mei looked at her clearly turned on.

"I know I want it too." Tsu had no shame, I was not surprised.

"What the hell? What about my needs?" I couldn't believe we were having this conversation.

"STUFF IT HAREM PROTAGONIST!" They scream at me.

"She's hot, but…" Mei was struggling and it was driving her mad.

"I know." I cannot believe what I am hearing, after all Tsu told me and warned me about. Ms. Jinn continues to move laughing at us.

"Times a wasting girls, and he…mmm." She was driving me mad, I felt my willpower fading.

"She's clawing at our man," Mei growled but was blushing.

"But she's hot though." Tsu's mind was racing.

"I know I wish that was me." I saw Mei's hand disappear.

"To be fair, I'll let you… DAMMIT ROBERTO!" I just throw my hands in the air, "I ORDER YOU TO SHOW HER NO MERCY!" My eyes narrow, and I hear the doors locking in my apartment and over the com.

"Oooo seems like they gave yo…." I pull her on the couch and remove my cowl and kiss her.

"WE WANT TO SEE EVERYTHING!" Projectors fly out of my gauntlets and film us. I see a screen with Mei and Tsu enjoying themselves.

"Eyes on me Spectre." My uniform unseals and she begins to pull it off me, "Don't worry I want this." She looked down and smiled, "I hope you know how to use that."

"HE DOES!" Mei and Tsu shout, I give in and proceed to rock Jinn's world the rest of the night. From the living room to the kitchen, to the bedroom, and have an encore in the shower. I leave her twitching and her voice horse from shouting my name.

I wake up the next morning, Jinn is lying beside me exhausted, I look up and see Mei and Tsu in each others' arms exhausted as well. I get up and Jinn pulls me back in her arms, "No."

"I have to go to school."

"Its Saturday."I pause a moment, I forgot where I was. She snuggles next to me, "I can't even move." I suddenly feel the pang of shame.

"I was used like some type of porn star."

"Better, I've had porn star."

"Thanks, I guess." I get up and collapse back down she giggles. "Son of a bitch." I reach over and see my cowl, I put it on and check my data, she tried but failed. "So you were trying to seduce me."

"Yeah, I couldn't break it, so I just enjoyed the sex." It was so point-blank and nonchalant, I felt dirty.

"I feel so used." I wasn't even going to lie to myself the sex was phenomenal!

She pulled me close to her, I could feel every inch of her, "Honestly I barely even tried, sorry?"

"It was great sex, better than the first time I was with an older woman." I shrugged. "Eh forgiven."

"You lucky you are so hot." Mei was groggy, barely awake, and looking at Jin with daggers. She smiled and tightened her embrace.

"Stop that." Now Tsu was fully awake so she let me go. I just dropped my head shaking it side to side. "My poor Ribbit."

"Awww, that's so cute!" She giggled and wrapped her arms around me as I just sighed. "So can I have him while he's here?" I looked at her.

"NO." They both shouted at her, "One-time thing!" Thank god! I got out of bed and stumbled out of the room on shaky legs.

"Ribbit." She then looked at a naked Jinn and raised an eyebrow, "You're hot." She laughed and blew her a kiss.

I heard a knock at my door, instinctively I answered it, "Got damn it smells like sex, and budussy." I then remembered and looked down at myself, too late. "AHHH heeheh you got yourself some last night huh." Dezmond high-fived me and gave me a bro hug but then realized I was naked and jumped back. I just rolled my eyes, it was too late to feel shame, so I just went with it. As if on cue Jinn came stumbling out naked for all to see.

"HOLY SHIT that's Delta 12's second in command!" That was Andrew, "I know those titties anywhere."

"Thought you had a girl Robles, but damn I can't blame you." Terrin stuck his tongue out giving me some dab. Jinn didn't even hide her shame, she just tapped her foot as the screen came hovering out and saw them all. "What the fuck?" I facepalmed, unsure to feel shame or not.

"Oh snap you put on a show, is that yo girl, the one in green." I groaned and they all were shaking each other's hands acting like idiots.

"Hi, I'm Tsu and she's hot ribbit." her voice was deadpan and her face solemn with no shame.

"Shit, my boi Robert here is freak-a-leak." Dezmond busted out laughing.

"Moesha, Jawana, freak-a-leak, Monica, JINN!" Andrew sang with the others soon joining in. "Freak-a-leak ROBERT, RODRIGO, ROBLES. AHHHH hahaha!" I just smiled and laugh.

"You assholes done?" I said smiling.

"By the way, yours and Jinn's legs are shaking we sure you is!" Terrin slapped Dez and Andrew's hand.

"He was a good fuck." She pointed to the kitchen, "There, in the living room, bedroom, living room again, then an encore in the shower." They were struck dumb.

"Can confirm, it was so hot." That was Mei, "Ooo Robert." I look down as the others looked as well.

"DAMMMMMNNNNN." They collectively shouted as Jinn just licked her lips.

"You sure you ain't black bruh." I just looked at Dezmond.

"Maybe." I shrugged as Jin came to me and kissed my cheek. "Ya'll hungry? I promise we didn't touch the dining table."

"Yeah, but air out this house."

"And sanitize that motherfucking kitchen."

"And put some clothes on." Andrew said as Jinn started to walk away, "Nah girl you're good." Dezmond and Terrin agreed with Andrew, Jinn Just looked at them shaking her head.

"Proud perverts these three," I said as I made my way to my room.

"Take a." A flash went off, then a few others from them as she flipped them all off. "Wait for me Roberto." Mei opened the windows via wireless access.

After Jinn and I cleaned the kitchen and living area, I cooked breakfast for us all. They enjoyed the chorizo con huevo and tortillas I made, Jinn even stayed and help them study for their PHL. She got through to them better than I could. Sadly, she had to go at noon back to Delta 12 much to the protest of my guests.

"Damn Rob, your game hard." Terrin began.

"Real talk, props bruh," Dezmond added.

"They were just as majestic as I imagined" Andrew was in a different world and they jabbed him laughing and agreeing.

"You guys are nuts."

"How many you drop in dat fine piece of ass?" Terrin said coyly.

"Bruh, a gentleman never kisses and tells."

"Mannnn, get the fuck out of here." Dezmond threw his pencil at me as they all push and goad me laughing.

"Ya'll best hit these books hard, I demand you crush the competition." That sobered them up, I had to admit it though, I wanted just one more taste.

Terrin nudged Andrew and Dezmond as he pointed at me."Yo, yo, yo, look at his ol' smiling-I-got-some-ass-face, he's imagining clapping them cheeks again."

My friends put in the work, I really wanted them to help me, I just didn't know why. I held off finding my targets for them, even Tsu and Mei were in shock. It was now three days before their exams and I received 'the package' I think I was more excited than they were. "Mei."

"You get it?"

"Affirmative." I heard her squeal for joy then pulled out a holoprojector, she appeared on screen.

I switched channels, "Guys you there?"

"Oh snap what up Roberto." That was Terrin.

"Andrew here what'cha need bro?"

"Man I was about to get a lil sumtin sumtin bro, what do you want?" Dezmond wasn't playing I could hear his sumtin' sumtin' through the earpiece.

"It's here." It was all I had to say.

"BET!" They collectively said and cut the line as I laugh and beamed with pride.

I sat on my couch as I waited for them, Mei continued talking to me catching me up on what was going on in Japan. Tsu and her missed me, as did I but surprisingly enough I wasn't as lonely as I thought I would be. My door opened, Andrew turned out to live the closest to me. I had given them access to my apartment during their study sessions. "Am I first?" I laughed and nodded.

"Yeah, have a seat Andrew kun." He smiled, "As a reward." I tossed him my mobile, "Order us some food, I don't care what man."

"Hey, Andrew kun." He looked up at the screen and smiled.

"Hey, Hatsume chan." She giggled, Mei said Andrew was her favorite, she liked his personality.

"Andrew kun its okay, call me Mei." I heard the sounds of a car pulling up, "They're here." I could hear them running up the stairs, I hear the sounds of the scanners now.

"Robert!" I raised my hand motioning them to the couch. They saw Mei, "Hey lil mama wassup girl?" That was Dezmond, he dabbed my hand as did Terrin.

"Hey, girl you look fine as ever." Mei just rolled her eyes.

"Heel bruhs." They chuckled and sat down. "Andrew, what you order?" I heard Terrin click his teeth, "You know the rules, first to arrive orders."

"Middle Eastern."

"BET!" That made both of them happy. I then placed the medium size box on the table.

"First off, I am impressed with your dedication to your studies as is Mei and Tsu." I saw them look at Mei.

"Thanks Mei, whatever it looks like I am grateful."

"No doubt girl, much love from me too."

"This feels like Christmas, thank you Mei." She smiled and bowed humbly towards them. Immediately they all stood up and returned the gesture.

"I'm I late?"

"Hey beautiful, no you are just on time." I smiled at her, I could almost smell the peppermint. I placed my dart on top of the box, "Well what are you all waiting for someone open it." Terrin grabbed it first and sliced it open, inside was a diamond-shaped device, a circle, and underneath them a black and purple jacket with a gold strip down the sleeves and along the jacket's trim.

"Trust me you are going to love this, the diamond is Andrew's, the circle is Terrin's and the jacket is for you stylish one." Terrin passed out the items.

"How?" I grabbed the circle and slammed it into Terrin's chest, "WHAT THE FUCK MAN!" The circle whirled and sealed into place, suddenly Terrin had no clothes for they were sucked into the device. "BRO!" it whirled again as armor seemed to sprout from it wrapping him in the muscle like black armor, it suddenly sealed revealing gold like seals where the armor connected. "Oh shit." his neck armor seem to slither up and then create a mask over his eyes while not interfering with his dreadlocks, his mouth was exposed, and had a chin strap completing his look. From his waist compartments lit up in a purple glow. His gauntlets and boots looked like my own.

"I kept the gauntlets and boots uniform with you Spectre on the others as well."

"Thanks Mei, can he fly."

"They all can, how do you expect them to keep up with you?"

"Shit we can fly?" Terrin was amazed as were the others, Terrin then looked at his new threads, "Thank you, seriously." A HUD popped up, "What the?"

"They all have the same AI as you, I leave their access to Mount Olympus at your discretion."

"When they pass their PHLs I will decide then."

"Olympus, you on some Greek god-type shit?" I smirk, "Each they own."

Andrew placed the diamond on his chest like Terrin and experienced the same thing. His armor was very lean like he was, it was also black but had green trim at the armor seals. His gauntlets, however, had one difference than that of my own. He had no grapnels but rather turrents that could fire anything from darts to rubber bullets to the pellets we all carried. The diamond device lit up to reveal a gold crosshair, his cowl covered his head save his mouth. His eyes were protected by a pair of goggles were where his HUD popped up. He tapped his temple and turned off the hub, which triggered it to polarize. "I can see everything, it's so clear, damn Mei this is awesome!" He lifted his goggles and bowed thanking Mei profusely. "I love it!" Mei laughed she was enjoying every minute of this.

Dezmond looked at his jacket a moment, "This is so nice." His voice cracked, "Thank you so much."

"You're very welcome Dezmond." He smiled and then put it on, just like the other his clothes were sucked in and the armor attached itself to his body.

"Oh yeah baby!" His armor only covered his body but not his neck, "Huh no cowl for me?" Glasses popped out of his pocket and into the air, he caught them and put them on. "This is some of that good shh." The glasses went straight across his eyes like a visor then sealed to is face, his ears were then covered then connected to his armor linking it to his HUD. The armor, like the others, was black but with no extra color at the seals. His belt however, glowed red at the compartments.

"Heat whatever part of your body with your secondary ability. I DARE YOU TO OUTMATCH MY BABY!" Dezmond smirked challenge accepted, "Beat it and I will only make another till I win."

"Damn girl chill, I just got this." He pulled down his shades, "Thank you seriously." He winked at her. Then they all looked at me, "Bro, we with you till the end." Terrin and Andrew agreed with Dez.

"Well alright, then you got your hero names yet?"

"What?" I smiled at their reaction.

"You all are going to need to put something on your PHL." They looked at each other, they never thought about it. "I can give you some suggestions."

"Shoot fire away." Terrin said as he looked at me.

"Jenesys, for you make things brand new." Terrin liked the suggestion.

"Bet, make sense." I then look at Andrew.

"Pointbreak, near or far, there is no escape."

"Cool." I then look at Dezmond twirling and dancing in his new uniform.

"Man I feel like million bucks, Rocaphella status."

"Then go with that, Rocaphella."

"Yo fo'sho!", Our food arrived and I gave the delivery guy a good tip. They helped me set the table. Looks like I learned to be a team player, it wasn't so bad. Tsu and Mei were pleased at what they saw, wished us good night, and cut off. "Man, we are going to kill it Saturday."

"For real homie."

"Ya'll better, I gave you the tools now use them."

"Chill bro, we got this, we won't let you down." Andrew smiled as did the others.

End of Part 7.