Chapter 2

The triplets settled in to their new surroundings. They were shown to the sleeping quarters on the third floor of the association. The rooms weren't that spacious but they would be all right for the time being. Sitch made it so their rooms were connected if need be, but everyone had their own space. He then took the triplets down to the east wing of the corridor. There was a seamstress on sight who made hero uniforms. Sitch placed the request in for the triplets to have fresh sets of clothing for the duration of their stay. When finished, they went to the cafeteria.

Pac, Hunter and Alley sat alone at the table. Pac rested his head on the surface, trying to figure things out now. What to do next, where to go and how to go about doing it. He has to be the strong one, he's the oldest after all! They sat in silence to each other, neither one wanting to speak or say a word. Pac was about to stand up and leave when someone sat at their table. The whole thing shook rather aggressively. Looking up, Pig God had taken a seat. "Sorry, we'll move," said Pac.

"No, you won't." Pig God corrected. His meals were placed before him, the same large boxes full of custom foods. Yet, Pac was surprised when one was placed before him and his siblings. "Eat up, you're parents would be upset if their children weren't fed well."

I brought a brief smile to Pac as he took a seat once more and ate. Despite the silence, it was a good meal to have and enjoy. "Thank you." Said Hunter.

Pig God paused. "I didn't like your father, I didn't know your mother. But I have seen what they did, and know who they have helped in the recent year. Who am I to judge them? You three can eat with me any time."

Alley giggle. "We won't challenge you to an eating contest again." She said.

"Says you!" protested Hunter. "I am certain, I will beat him one day!"

The three snickered, even Pig God cracked a smile. "You can try little one."

After the meal, the kids took in the association. Pac only remembered the gym and cafeteria from the tour his mother took them on, but nothing more since the eating contest with Pig God made him pass out. Yet the gym drew his interest once more. He wondered in and saw other heroes working out. Tank Top Master for one and his crew. It was almost as if they never left the place. But, they paused and took notice of him.

"Man, I thought Garou couldn't change back!"

"Why he dye his hair?"

"Is he wearing contacts?"

The whole crew was talking about him. Pac finally turned and smirked. "I look like my old man, don't I?"

Their jaws dropped. "Wait… you were ten years old last I saw you!" said Tank Top Master.

"I hit a growth spurt." Muttered Pac. He began to wonder about and look at the equipment. He hadn't really thought of working out before, everything just came naturally to him. His father would give him challenges that took time to master and perfect. Everything had to be perfect too, if his footwork or stance was out of place, he was told so and had to correct it.

Yet, ever since he grew, the one thing he hasn't tried really was martial arts. In his younger body, it was simple, but now, his arms are longer, stronger and could extend farther than before, same with his legs. But he wondered, how much stronger did he become?

His eye caught a massive punching bag. It was easily over ten times the size of a normal one. No doubt it was custom made for Darkshine. Just to be certain he did a quick walk around to ensure no one was behind it before giving it a try. Satisfied, Pac took his stance. With one hit, he struck the bag. The impact could be heard over the gym as the punching bag flew off the hook! It hit with a sickening thud and took out some of the wall at the same time. Pac, flushed with embarrassment. He turned and saw everyone's mouth drop open. Their eyes were about to bulge from their heads.

He awkwardly left the gym shortly after.

#

Alley went down one of the other hallways. She found a room full of lab equipment and machinery. She never could quite understand her draw to it, but machines were fascinating to her. Perhaps it was the moment her eyes first lay on Genos. How he was made, what made him move and function as a cyborg. Perhaps it was also overhearing her mother speak of Genos. "Oh no, he got broken up again. Poor guy, I swear, he breaks apart every second battle!"

It inspired her. She saw the news later that night of Genos appearing nothing more than a torso. There has to be a better way for him to function. She began toying with ideas but then realized that the design wasn't flawed, it was the metal.

She needed to make a custom metal for Genos to help him function better and stay in the fight longer. How to go about doing it was the question. She wondered into the hero labs, there they made custom weapons for the A and S class heroes. She looked about for a moment, trying to see what there was, what would catch her interest. When she noticed a smelting room.

They were making things in there, but, she wondered if perhaps she too could go in and see for herself.

#

"I mean, I know I look small, but I still think I could take you!" Hunter didn't leave the cafeteria, he was still sitting next to Pig God who continued to eat away. Hunter thought for sure he could find a method in beating the S class hero at his own game, yet the more he sat and watched, the more he realized he was in over his head.

Pig God paused from his feast, he looked over to Hunter and said. "Why do you think you have to beat me at anything?"

Hunter signed. "It's not you… it's just that… I don't know what I am good at." He explained. "Pac has all of dad's skills, he trains like dad too. I didn't take it seriously, and then… with what happened… I felt useless."

"With what happened? What do you mean?"

Hunter shook his head to Pig God, he refused to speak of it farther with him, and he couldn't. "I can't tell you… it… it's too much for me right now."

Pig God gave but a nod as he went back to his meal. The more Hunter thought it over, the more he realized something. Pig God was right, he doesn't have to beat him or anyone at anything. What he needs is to work harder on himself, complete with his past to be better in the future. "I got to go…"

He rushed out of the cafeteria only to find Pac awkwardly leaving the gym. "Pac?"

"I accidently put the punching bag into the wall… and nearly taking the wall with it." He said.

"I would have been more impressed if it went though… Pac… I have a favor to ask of you. Train me?"

"What?"

"Train me! I need to be better. I need to be stronger. I need to be like you!"

"But, I'm still learning too! Dad was going to teach me a new move, but…" he paused. "I don't know if I would be a good teacher."

"Let's try, if you are, great. If not. You know I will tell you, you suck at teaching."

"Seems fair."

"Perhaps you two need a quite place to practice…" Both boys turned and saw Silverfang lingering in the hall. "And if it is a teacher you need, one is standing before you. Come with me."

They trailed just behind him, yet every so often he would turn and look at them strangely, then, shake his head to it all. "You two are the spitting image of him, as if he cloned himself…" sighed Silverfang. "It's a good thing you two have different color eyes and hair, if you didn't. I doubt I would have been able to tell you two apart!"

Hunter smirked. "Oh, I think there would have been obvious ways Mr. Bang."

"Please, just Bang."

He opened up the door and revealed a dojo room, plenty of space to spar and practice. "You two are welcome to this room, this one mainly belongs to me. But, I offer it to the both of you and your sister if she feels obliged to use it."

"Thank you, it's perfect." Said Pac.

Hunter stretched himself out. "Let's start now."

"Now?"

"Now!"