...
Maria turned to see who had spoken and she was both surprised and terrified to find a child there. The child couldn't have been older than four or five. What was he doing here? This place was dangerous! It was too dangerous for regular adults much less someone so young.
The child wore a long sleeve black shirt and jeans. Over the shirt he wore a light jacket that was far from being warm enough for the weather. She thought she could see short spiky black hair under a red hat with two golden spike-shaped horns on the front. He seemed to ignore everyone that tried to convince him to leave. A few tried to grab him and lead him away from the scene. For their trouble they got punched in the gut or dodged around. No one seemed able to get close to him.
Echo asked turning to look at the boy, "Aren't you the Water Hose Dou's kid? What are you doing out here? Don't you know it's dangerous?"
The kid ignored the vigilante his entire focus was on the vigilante who still hadnt moved. The blood pool was ever growing. If he wasn't dead now he soon would be from blood loss. The villains were laughing and congratulating each other on killing Delta. They were allowing themselves to bathe in their success.
Maria had to wonder if the whole escape and attack was a ploy to lure out Delta. It would be an effective way for them to lure out a vigilante and trap him. If they wanted to end the vigilantism in the city why not go after all three, then?
The boy said heartbroken, "Delta get up. Please you have to get up," dark eyes filled with tears turned to the heroes and Echo, "Why won't he answer me?"
She could almost see them visible swallow everyone understanding the most likely reason. Delta wasn't answering because he couldn't answer. It was likely he couldn't hear them anymore.
Echo said his voice low, "Kid I'm sorry but I don't think you should..."
"No," loudly denied the child, "I won't leave! He didn't leave when he was hurt and standing between my parents and Muscular. Someone has to be on his side. Someone has to believe in him!"
Echo flinched away as if the child had slapped him. Several heroes glanced their way surprise and shame flickering across their features. In Maria's mind she was still processing the new information.
Delta had been the one to save the Water Hose Duo? All the news outlets had been told that it was a team of Underground Heroes. Why weren't they informed of the truth? Vigilantes weren't always good for business for the heroes but lying made it a hundred times worse.
Then there was a sudden change of air pressure that had everyone looking up. The camera pointed to the sky just in time to catch as All Might landed just outside of the barrier. Echo had to grab the child by the back of his collar to keep from being thrown away as the landing caused a heavy flow of air to rush around them.
Loud cheers erupted from the crowd of onlookers who refused to disperse. Echo gave the Number One Hero a withering look before returning his attention to the barrier. He kept trying to talk to his partner.
Maria didn't want to think of the lack of response and what it could mean. She had seen many heroes, mostly rookies fall in battle because they got in too far over their head. Somehow she knew that Delta wasn't new. He knew exactly what he was doing.
Across the barrier a villain that she hadn't seen before came out laughing, "Looks like we have finally killed him! What will this city do without it's protector? Don't you see vigilantes and heroes? You are useless! We run this city and if you go against us you will end up like him!"
"You villain," shouted All Might and Maria had to hide a wince at the booming, "Do you truly believe you can get away? We have the area surrounded."
The villain grinned and they could see his blackened tongue showing his Trigger addiction as he pointed to the injured hero, "And we have two hostages. I'm inclined to kill Delta but will you still attack us knowing we have one of your own in here. I thought heroes protected each other."
For the first time in her career she saw All Might hesitate. He glanced at the hero and then at the vigilante. His expression was conflicted on what choice he was make. To her it was clear. Back off and rescue the two injured. Villains could always be caught later but two deaths could not be fixed. As if reading her thoughts a few of the heroes backed off. Reluctantly but they backed off.
All Might however straightened his eyes hard as he stared at the villain. He wasn't? He wouldn't just abandon the two. Right?
The villain went towards Delta still laughing and calling out taunts. When he stood before the vigilante he stared at him for a moment.
Nothing was done by heroes, their hands were clenched at their sides as they watched. Once again it was the little boy who said his voice strained from holding back tears, "Don't give up now. The city still needs you. The heroes can't do this on their own. Please wake up."
Kage a young Underground Hero came out from where he had been watching. He tried to grab the child and pull him away from the barrier. The child kicked and screamed that he couldn't leave. He had to stay. He had to wake Delta up.
Maria felt her heartbreak for the child. No one had the heart to tell him that Delta likely wasn't unconscious. He had been down for too long. That pool of blood was too large. Most likely the man was dead.
"You're not alone," screamed the child as he was pulled away, "We need your help. You're the only one who can do it!"
Echo to her surprise flinched as if he had been slapped. His eyes that she was sure were brown before were now slate grey. That wasn't normal. What in the world?
What were they going to do? The villains were protected by a barrier. Even if the heroes were able to break through there was still the hostages to contend with. Was there anyway out of this without someone dying?
She looked to the heroes. They looked as conflicted as she did. She could see the want to help but the uncertainty of if they could even help. Present Mic a known friend of Eraserhead was now on scene. He looked worse for wear.
Support Heroes like Thirteen and Power Loader both from UA had also arrived. Would Midnight be arriving soon as well? What could they do in this situation.
Maria felt despair. Even if they won the fight against the villains it was unlikely they would be able to save the hero and vigilante. No matter who Delta was he still tried to save the city. He didn't deserve to die here.
Suddenly her cameraman gasped, "L...Look!"
Every hero and vigilante's head shot around to look back through the barrier. There they could see Delta against all odds was pushing himself up to his hands and knees.
...
"You're not alone. We need your help. You're the only one who can do it!"
Those words had pulled Izuku back from the inky blackness. His body was cold and he could feel his strength waning. The attacks from Quake had broken several of his ribs and he was sure at least one had punctured his lung. It hurt to breath much less move. Other villains had used various weapons to tear into his body. He was no longer sure how many different injuries and cut into skin. All he did know was that his Kevlar vest was useless now.
In the past he had come close to death many times but Izuku was positive this was his closest brush. But the child was right he couldn't give up. He had to find the villain that the shadow quirk belonged to. Find him and put a bullet in him to destroy this barrier. If he could do that then the heroes could take care of the rest.
Opening his eyes he could see a pair of feet standing a few feet in front of him. They didn't belong to Quake that he was completely sure of. Tilting his head slightly he through he looked up into the villain's face. The black tongue was a dead giveaway. This was the one he was looking for. Izuku carefully hiding his weapon pushed himself up to his hands and knees.
He heard a voice say breathlessly, "L...Look!"
A young voice called out, "Delta! You're hurt!"
Izuku couldn't find the energy to reply. He could barely stay conscious. It was only the sheer force of his will that kept him from collapsing in the pool of his own blood. That was the same voice that pulled him back from the brink. He couldn't disappoint the child.
A hand grabbed the collar of his jacket and pulled him up and off the ground. By the Kazoo God he wished he was taller in this body. If he was taller than he might actually be able to touch the ground in situations like this.
The villain said with a feral wolf like grin, "It's surprising that you are still alive, Delta. Maybe I should fix that."
The villain glanced back at Quake and Izuku took his chance. Bringing his sidearm from where he had been hiding it he aimed for the man's knee and fire. A scream of pain ripped itself from the villain's throat as he dropped Izuku. Izuku grunted as he hit the ground splashing his own blood up onto his face.
Around them the barrier dropped. Different villains let out shouts of fear and tried to run away. Quake began yelling at them to get back there. To stand and fight the heroes.
It was too late however. As soon as the barriers dropped the heroes jumped into the fight. Henri was right along with them and instead of fighting he rushed to Izuku's side. Kind hands pulled him out of the sticky puddle.
"Delta," breathed his partner, "We need to get you help. The amount of blood you've lost..."
"No," denied Izuku, "We can't go to a hospital. They won't treat me. You know this."
"But..." He tried again.
"No."
Two pairs of grey eyes clashed against each other. Henri wanted to get him help no matter the cost. At the same time he knew that Izuku was right. Being quirkless alone would get them turned away from a hospital. Someone with a minor cold would get seen before them. Izuku was sure they would simply let him die because not only was he quirkless but he was a vigilante.
Pained he asked, "Who all is here?"
"Most of UA's Heroes, Tsukauchi, All Might, Kage has the kid, there is..."
Wait what?
"All Might?!" He squeaked out.
That was the last thing they needed. They could get away from heroes. Hell if they had to they could fight the heroes. Fighting All Might was not in the cards. He already had one foot in the grave as it was.
Under his breath so that he couldn't be overheard he said, "We need to leave. The heroes should have it from here."
As he said that All Might and Quake began their clash. The backlash from their blows caused wind currents. If Izuku had been standing in his current state he was sure that he would have been thrown back. His mouth went dry as he watched the two exchange blows. The power behind the blows was like nothing he had ever seen before.
If this was All Might's current state, what was he like in his prime? Hell what had All For One been like in his prime? Those were terrifying thoughts.
Izuku hissed in pain as Henri pulled his left arm around the older's shoulders and pulled him to his feet. Leaning heavily on his friend they headed towards safety. Static filled his vision with each step. He knew that he was going into shock from the blood loss.
Unexpectedly another body came up on his right side. Together the two men helped him towards an awaiting ambulance. Turning his head to the right he found Tsukauchi. The detective had a determined look on his face. Surely the man just wanted to arrest him? Why was he helping Izuku to an ambulance?
As soon as they were close paramedics took him from the men. The paramedics immediately tried to peel his gear off of him. Being a vigilante he had none of it.
Izuku snarled, "The hood and cowl stay."
"But sir!" One tried.
Again more insistently, "They stay!"
A tired sigh escaped Tsukauchi, "Do what you can for him. He won't let you remove them and will run if you try."
"He wouldn't get far," muttered the other paramedic petulantly.
"Want to bet?" Retorted Echo.
The paramedics gulped fear written across their faces. Without another word of protest they began to peel back the remains of his jacket and kevlar. This caused Izuku to hiss in pain as the few scabs that formed tore and a fresh wave of bleeding began.
They had to work quickly to staunch the bleeding and more than once Izuku felt as if he was going to pass out. Only Echo's hand on his shoulder kept him upright. His knowledge that they were being watched constantly by heroes kept him awake. When they tried to give him medication for the pain he refused. He had to keep his senses about him or they'd end up in jail cells.
Zach arrived a short while later just as they finished stitching up the wounds they could get to. His grey eyes were constantly watching the heroes who formed a loose semi circle around the ambulances. More ambulances arrived to take the injured civilians away.
As soon as they were done Izuku pushed himself off of the ambulance. He wobbled slightly on his feet still light headed from the blood loss. Once he was steady again he eyed the heroes. They were mostly low ranking C List heroes from surrounding areas. He caught sight of Kage in the back of the crowd he held back a little boy who couldn't have been older than five.
What was he doing here? Why did he look familiar?
Izuku pushed the questions from his mind as a reporter and cameraman pushed their way towards him. She was probably in her mid thirties and wore a professional suit. In her hands were a microphone. If he remembered correctly she covered the news for Musutafu.
She immediately up to him and began asking, "I am Maria Toru from Musutafu News. Are you Delta?"
Izuku blinked trying to understand why she was talking to him, "I am. What do you..."
He didn't get the chance to finish his question as she interrupted, "Is it true that you, Delta are the vigilante who has been protecting Musutafu since late last year? What brings a vigilante to Musutafu after so long? Aren't you afraid of UA and the possibility of capture?"
"I..."
She didn't give him the chance to answer. Instead she continued to fire off questions about his intentions and quirks. Henri seemed to grow more agitated with each question. Out of the three vigilantes, it was Zach who had the best for dealing with reporters.
Tsukauchi stepped between them and the reporter as he ordered, 'Ma'am I need you to back off," Maria gave him a look that said exactly where he could shove that order, "It is true that Delta and his two friends are vigilantes. However tonight they have done nothing wrong."
Excuse him? What?
Tsukauchi gave Izuku a look that said to keep quiet, "Myself and Eraserhead gave the three authorization to engage in battle. Tonight due to their actions they will be allowed to be treated for their injuries and to leave without being pursued. As a thank you for their actions to save so many tonight. Including my own life."
Detective...
Tsukauchi now ignoring the reporter he asked with concern in his dark eyes, "Are you well enough to leave? Or do you need to go to the hospital?"
All three of the vigilantes flinched and shook their heads. No. No hospital. A frown crossed Tsukauchi's face and he looked as if he wanted to pursue the issue. Then he looked around as people were being brought over. Many were injured deep cuts that would need treatment.
With obvious reluctance he said, "Go on then."
"But detective," that was one of younger heroes that was in the semi circle.
Tsukauchi snapped turning angry eyes upon those who had not moved, "All of you go! Help the injured civilians. You shouldn't be here watching when there are those who need your help. You should be ashamed of yourselves."
To their credit a few of the heroes did look ashamed. The one who spoke however did not back down, "They are vigilantes they should be arrested!"
Tsukauchi snapped, "And they were given authorization to act tonight. Given what they accomplished I have made the decision to allow them to leave. If you try to stop them it will be you who will be spending the night in jail. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal," snarled the hero as he stomped off.
The other heroes began to disperse with that. A few gave Izuku scrupulous looks but no one tried to stop them. Slow and steady Izuku took steps to leave until he was shoulder to shoulder with Tsukauchi.
There he hesitated before he said so quiet that only the detective could hear, "Thank you."
Tsukauchi startled with the shock but Izuku did not wait. He continued on his way into the dark alleys heading towards Castle.
...
Naomasa threw his trenchcoat over the back of his desk chair. His legs shook from exhaustion. He had been up for 26 hours and it was taking it's toll. The last 14 hours had been dealing with the attack on the city.
Most of the villains were taken into custody including Quake and Kane. Kane being the shadow manipulation quirked user. If it wasn't for Delta's special bullets he didn't think they would have caught Kane. That quirk of his allowed him to easily escape. With a bullet in his knee his quirk would not work.
He leaned heavily on his desk. The papers on it were on different cases including the one on Delta and the other two vigilantes. He let them go. It was hours ago but he had let them go instead of bringing them in. Even going so far as to lie to the press about giving the three permission to act. It was a lie. A lie that could lose him, his job.
There was a knock on his door causing him to jump in surprise. Looking up he saw his boss, the Dog Quirked Police Chief Kenji Tsuragamae wearing a wrinkled suit. His hands were behind his back. Naomasa tried to straightened his body protesting with the movement.
"Sir," he croaked out.
Tsuragamae held up a hand cutting him off before he said, "I have already heard Sansa's report on what happened over the last day. I want to know one thing. Do you believe in them?"
Naomasa didn't hesitate to answer, "I do."
Tsuragamae looked just as exhausted as he felt. His shoulders were low and his ears were back. It made Naomasa feel guilty about not easing the weight that was on his boss by catching the three. Even if he knew what he had done was right. What was right wasn't always easy and it had some unexpected consequences.
His Chief said bringing one hand holding a packet of papers, "Then call them. I want to meet with them but have them look over these papers first. If they agree then we can arrange a meeting."
Naomasa felt mouth go dry as he came across the side of his desk to grab the papers. They were papers that would make the three officially under the police department. They wouldn't be vigilantes anymore. They would be allies following the old laws from when heroes first came about. It just needed their signatures and one of a hero. He needed to call Eraser and the vigilantes.
