EARLY A/N: PLEASE! READ THE BOTTOM OF EVERY CHAP ON EVERY STORY I MAKE. I ANSWER QUESTIONS AND MORE DOWN THERE. SO PLEASE DON'T ASSUME I'M IGNORING YOU. THIS IS TO MAKE SURE YOU READ MY AUTHOR'S NOTES SO I DON'T NEED TO REPEAT MYSELF EVERY CHAP IN EVERY STORY.
My Hero Academia: A Hero's Torch
Chapter 5: A New Enemy Starts, A Dark Ex-Aid?
WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.
This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.
Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.
So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^
Quirks! Abilities that have become part of the norm in everyday life on Earth. It is unknown how it came to be, though some speculate the reason due to the world's greatest hero, All Might. Supposedly since he came, these 'Quirks' have manifested within the majority of every human (and some animals) in the whole world.
Though, as the increase of humans with Quirks keep going, so do the activities of people using their powers to their own needs. And always becomes villains. No matter where you look, heroes and villains fight for power.
But with in this new day of age, one Quirkless boy will become a legend. One where he will fight for humanity and the lives of the people. And the title they will shout for decades will be known, as Kamen Rider!
A new day at Genm Corp starts as Aurora is walking through the hallways as she soon reaches the entrance to the Dan's office, upon opening it she sees him hard at work along with screens of showing Ex-Aid and Snipe, while the other side showed 3 new Gashats being in the process of production.
"You wanted to see me, sir?" She asked him.
"As a matter of fact, yes," Dan nodded, turning off a screen into sleep mode. "I am to let you know that we will be producing new games that the people might enjoy, as always."
"And I take it, they're being made into Gashats?" She asked as he nodded, "Well, what do you want me to do, President?"
"I was hoping the Gashats can be delivered," He then grinned. "And handed personally by you." He said, handing her one Gashat that was lime green and had a sports motif to it.
"Wait… you want me to deliver this… 'Shakariki Sports'? Wouldn't it be better to hold them for other potential riders?"
"The Gashats are different than the other ones that your brother and Snipe has." He explained. "Consider this as a task for your job."
"O-Of course, Sir." She bows, picking up the Gashat, "Though.. I may ask… Who am I delivering this to?"
"You'll see soon enough."
"A-Alright sir…." She bows before making her way out of the office. She looked over the Gashat as she first decided to head home, as well as this 'surprise' her brother has in store for her before school.
Once gone, he looks to the side, the pixels forming none other than Graphite. "So the data has finally gathered to use what we learned about that Ex-Aid and Snipe."
"Correct… But I know who'll take up the task for collecting it and work on the next data." Dan said, standing up. He walked over to a safe as he dialed away before the safe opened up, revealing a spare Gamer Driver and Gashat inside.
(Insert Op - EXCITE - Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Op)
The song quickly begins like that of a chiptune like sound as it shows a loading screen before quickly saying 'Complete'
(I gotta believe...)
After leaving the loading screen, the screen quickly pans towards the UA High as it passes the several students before reaching Ex-Aid as he turns and punches it. Upon shattering showed the title card along with the Gashats of Ex-Aid before Might Action X floats to the center and lights up.
[I don't wanna know beta na shinjitsu nara]
The screen pans above the high sky before quickly lowering down and zooming in to show off Cody, as he sees the ruins of the old town he used to live in before a quick flash showed the Bugsters destroying it before returning to the present.
[I don't wanna know shiranai kata ga ii noni ]
The screen shift towards the Class 1 of UA High, as it shows off the students. Each one chatting away as Cody is chatting away with Izuku, Ochako, Tenya, and Poppy on his mobile screeen chat back. With the occasional glare from Katsuki.
[Why, Why, Why, Why? Kitsukeba I Came Too Far]
It then shifts towards a flashback where Cody is being lectured by people with Quirks, his family of classmates, before shifting to where he was saved by All Might, then shifts again as All Might accepts him into the academy as the rest of the teachers are behind them. Even Aurora who stands there unsure that he is ready to be a hero looks at him with distrust.
[Tomaranai kanjiru sono yokan wa, The New Beginning]
Inside an ally, several villains start pouring out from the darkness, led by Genm as they begin to march their way towards UA. Faint images of injured students and people are shown briefly before an image of All Might is on the ground, dead with his students.
[Michi no ryoiki, ima wo kiri hiraku'nda, I gotta believe! (Turn it on...)]
As the mass of villains rush towards the entrance, Cody and Izuku hesitates while the other students march ahead before the shadow of All Might made them turn around. He pats their shoulders as Izuku jumps ahead, while Cody holds up Mighty Action X and presses it, a faint pink glow covering the screen.
[Sotto Excite Excite takanaru, Excite Excite kokoro ga]
A faint image of Ex-Aid LV 1 appears briefly before LV 2 jumps out from behind it. The Action Rider punching, kicking and beating any enemy in it's way as Izuku and the rest of their team helps them out, with their powers.
[Michibi ano basho e, Kakenuku deku dake]
A few more enemies appear before being stuck down by All Might and the other teachers. Several Bugsters being to gather around until more and more heroes appear, helping out what remains of the enemies.
[(Hey!) I'm on a mission right now, (Hey!) I'm on a mission right now]
Faint images of new Ex-Aid forms can be seen before it zooms out to reveal the enemy behind it all, chuckling madly as he turns to see a large vial of Bugster viruses floating in a tank. But it then shifts towards the Aid Den as several unknown Gashats glow, resonating to stop the diseases.
[Excite Excite kotae wa, Excite Excite kotae wa]
With more and more enemies falling towards the ground,everyone backs up, back to back to make sure no more injuries can be given. As that happens Cody takes out the Mighty Action X Gashat before placing it into the Kimiwaza Slot and presses it, as he rider kicks at the screen.
[(One) Kono te mo naka, (Two) Susumu beki life, (Three) Ikiteku dake]
Back at the school, everyone was cheering, laughing and relaxing as they completed the mission. All Might nodding to them all as Poppy pats Cody's shoulder. The young rider smiling as he lifts up the Gashat one last time before looking out at the sky where the title card shows off one last time.
Inside the large apartment complex, Cody was sitting their with Mia, looking a bit nervous about this all. "Y-You sure it's alright to tell her?" He asked her, "I mean… We did just start this. What if she doesn't approve?"
"Of course! Isn't this one of the few things about relationships?" She reminded.
"R-Right… Sorry. Still kinda trying to get use to this whole 'couple' thing…" He said, taking a few breaths to calm himself down.
"It will be a-okay," she smiled brightly.
"Heh, right…." He smiled softly, "Thanks Mia. Guess just a bit nervous."
The two heard the door open and speak of the devil, there was Aurora. She took notice of her little brother. "Hey Cody, I brought-" she stopped the moment she noticed Mia. "Cody… who is she?"
"Hey sis… Um… This is Mia Ashido. She's… my girlfriend." He introduced her, a smile on his face as he then took her hand.
It became quiet for a moment as Aurora stared at Cody. She blinked once. She blinked twice before. "Eh?"
"She's my girlfriend," he repeated.
"I see…" she glanced at Mia, seeing the smile. She rubbed the bridge of her nose, letting out a sigh. "First you picked up a game console from the abandoned city district and enjoyed it… now you found a girl… After your trip to Hawaii..." she muttered.
"Uh… Surprise?" He smiled softly.
"The right word is 'dumbfounded.'.." Aurora said. "Never expected this nor see it. And here I thought the only thing you love are video games."
"Um… So uh… I take it you approve?" He questioned, unsure of her answer.
"Yes," she nodded before looking at Mia. "I need to speak to my brother alone for a moment."
"Of course." She nods before pecking his cheek, "See you at school!" She waved before heading out the door to the school.
"So, what did you want to tal-"
"Firstly what in god's name didn't you tell me!? Any news should immediately be told to me the moment it occurs."
Cody flinched from her tone, "I'm… sorry? I wanted it to be a surprise…" He rubbed his shoulder softly.
"Secondly, you nearly got a student turned not too long ago as well!" She added on.
"I just thought that-"
"This isn't a game Cody Aldrich! Like Snipe, you have to stop thinking like a gamer and a hero and think on what is important! You nearly cost a student's life and worse of all, not listening to your own teacher!"
Cody looked away, "I-I know… I didn't take it seriously enough…" He admitted.
"Well you better start acting serious or so help me I will personally take you back home and let Snipe do the cleanup of the fights!"
Cody flinched from her increased tone, "I'm sorry, alright? You don't think I feel guilty as it is for almost getting someone killed because of me?!" He said, his voice raised a bit higher.
"I know you do but this will be one of those times you have to keep your head straight," Aurora frowned. "And don't raise your voice Cody. Mom might not be around but I am in charge, is that clear?"
"Well, sorry that I'm just a disappointment!" He said standing up as he marched out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Aurora sighed heavily as she felt back onto the couch, raising her head to the ceiling.
For Cody, he lowered his head before he made his way to school. 'I said I was sorry…. I didn't meant to have her life be in danger…' He said in his thoughts as he reached the elevator and pressed the button to the express train to the school.
[You know she's just trying to help you?]
Cody sighed, looking at the screen as Poppy appeared on it, "I know Poppy… But she doesn't need to remind me of my mistakes…" He replied, "I know I screwed up, but I'm still new to this!"
[But she's right though…] She said.
"I know… I just wish she trusted me…." He sighed.
[Cody, trust isn't easy as it seems. You have to earn your way to get the trust you seek. It isn't free, it is earned.]
"Did you get that from a fortune cookie or something?" He smirked softly.
[Nope.]
"Either way…. I'll.. 'try' to apologize after school… Though I wonder what she 'brought'?" He pondered.
[We'll find out after school.]
Cody nodded, "Right…. And Poppy?"
[Hai?]
He smiled softly, "I just wanted to say, thanks for being a good friend."
[Y-You're welcome…] She said, looking away softly as the game screen she was in showed a brighter background and some faint hearts before it faded back to the old screen.
'Wonder what that was all about?' He said in this thoughts before shrugging it off.
It was now class time as the students of 1-A were listening to another lecture. All the students were taking notes as Izuku wrote fast upon the information entering his head.
Cody looked at Nathan who had bandages hidden by his suit but he could tell he was already recovering from the fight against that Bugster. He still felt bad for him. He lost someone who was a childhood friend and was about to confess his feelings. Only it was taken away from him and drove him into strength through tooth and nail. It paid off seeing as how he is a teacher assistant as a young adult age, being 18.
'I can't even imagine how that would feel…. But that does beg the question… Who was the Bugster? I know he is called Graphite but he is familiar' Cody questioned in his thought, not paying attention to the problems on the board.
"Mr. Aldrich, dozing off I see." Aizawa said, slapping his wrist to make him snap out of it.
"Eh? Uh.. S-Sorry Mr. Aizawa…." He apologized.
"Pay attention then.." he sighed before going to the board as Bakugou chuckled until he flinched when he got a cold glare from Nathan. Of all teens in UA, Nathan was the only one to show the blonde his place and show who is the alpha wolf in the classroom.
Within a few minutes, the bell rang as Aizawa yawned. "Alright you are to do the assignment that has been given to you. No late work…" he went to his sleeping bag and squirmed away like a worn. Nathan on the other hand simply got up, grabbed his duffle bag and left the classroom without a word.
"Uh… Nathan?" Cody called out, only to receive a glare from the assistant.
"I'm heading somewhere so don't bother me. Not in the mood." He left as he made his way to the direction that leads to the gym.
"Guess…. Not." Cody sighed. He then grabbed his bag, and was ready to head out as well.
"Hey, Cody," he looked back to see Izuku. "Is Nathan alright…?"
"I think he is still upset about that Graphite Bugster…" he answered. "I couldn't forget how he acted when he saw Graphite."
"How so?"
"He sounded cold, like he had so much hate, pain… a need to kill and put a bullet to anything without a second thought…"
"I feel sorry for him…" Ochako said, joining the two, "Isn't there something we could try to help out?"
"Well… we could go to the gym so see him? I noticed he was heading there." Cody suggested.
"You sure that's a good idea?" Tenya questioned.
"He needs someone to talk to," Cody said. "What's better than students concerned for their teacher?"
"An elite kicking your assess…" Bakugo spat out.
"Hey, says the one who always shuts up whenever the sniper glares or orders you," the fellow blonde countered.
"Shut it, wannabe!" He growled, his handing exploding, "Before I turn you into ash…"
"Let's not fight," Momo intervened.
"Fine, whatever…" Bakugo scoffed. "I got better things to do anyways." He said before walking away.
"So.. anyone else got any bright ideas?" Cody turned to the others.
The group were heading to the gym to see Nathan. Since Cody thought that would be the place but instead, a better lead were the group of third year female students who sighed happily. Knowing full well why, the group managed to get through and saw Nathan practicing his fighting skills but this time with a blindfold.
"What's he gonna do with a blindfold on?" Ochako asked.
"We are about to find out." Momo said as Izuku quickly grabs his notebook for more observation notes.
The sniper remain quiet as the blindfold unalloyed him to see. However the moment a target popped up, he punched it before he fired a round at another target that was on the other side. They watched as he was hitting the targets one by one.
Izuku was writing down notes, realizing that their teacher assistant was fighting without the need for his sights. 'It's almost like a form of echolocation!' He beamed. His Quirk allowed him to make his mark while increasing the speed, strength and power of a bullet. And this, it showed he had a backup plan in case his Quirk blinds him.
When the last target popped up, he tossed a plastic model of a military knife but with his Quirk, it only sliced the wood in half and embedded it into the wall.
"He's good…" Ochako noted in awe.
The teacher assistant removed the blindfold and pressed a timer. "07:01::02…" he muttered. "Better than last time…" he glanced at the spectators by the door, the third year female students waving at him with giggles. He mentally sighed until noticing Cody and the other three. He huffed as he turned away and went to his duffle bag.
"I.. think he saw us…" Ochako noted, "What now?"
"We have to walk up to him, that's what." Cody declared before he walks up to Nathan.
"Go away…." He said as he was writing down his new record.
"We just want to help." Izuku responded.
"Help with what?" He questioned as he looks over his improvements and needed corrections.
"With… you know… Cheering you up?" Izuku added on.
"I'm fine as it is," he said as he closes the notebook and placed it in the duffle bag.
"You're more angered than 'fine'..." Momo noted. "Sir, I know you're trying to play it normal, but we're worried. Worried that you're taking your anger and this 'revenge' Cody told us about, a bit too far."
Hearing this caused the sniper to stop what he was doing. They suddenly felt the temperature drop as Nathan slowly looks back at them with a heavy yet angry glare that made them shudder. "And who told Cody that I had revenge against that Bugster?"
"U-Uh… u-um…" Cody gulped.
Nathan frowned deeply as a scowl formed in realization, "ASUNA!" He yelled out.
"I think we should run…" Izuku informed the others, they all nodded before they turned around, ready to rush away from him.
He grabbed their collars before they had the chance. "You lot are gonna have a long talk. Asuna! You too!"
The girl in question soon peeked out of the corner, a cloud over her head and a sad, yet scared looked on her face. "S-Sorry, Nathan… Pirou….."
He dragged the students before tossing them to Asuna. "WHAT IN GODS NAME GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO TELL THEM!?"
She flinched, "C-Cody and the others were worried…. They have the right to know after all…" She admitted. "Why shouldn't the students be worried about their teacher… and friend?"
"Don't blame her! I was the one who nagged it on. So don't be angry with her." Cody said to him standing between him and Asuna.
"No one and I mean no one deserves to know about my past!" He jabbed at Cody. "It is my problem alone! So stay out of this and stay away from Graphite! He is mine to kill!"
"With attitude like that, you won't be able to make a scratch! You're acting just like Bakugo!" Cody pointed out. "Anger driven, unfocused, and selfish!"
Nathan growled until he chose to fire at a dummy, obliterating it into pieces, causing Cody to flinch. "I have been upset for a long time." He frowned before grabbing his bag and left.
"Nathan…" Asuna frowned softly, about to reach out to him.
He walked past her, before saying, "I thought I trusted you…" he whispered before leaving.
Asuna lowered her head, that same cloud appearing above her once more, "Piyoru….." She said sadly.
Cody lowered his own head, sighing heavily, "I'm such an idiot…" He said softly. "Asuna, I'm sorry…"
Nathan was leaning against the wall, looking at two old necklaces that held each half of a symbol.
"You really shouldn't have said such a thing, Nathan." Nearby was All-Might, looking at the young Rider, "I know fighting that monster is your battle. But you can't blame Asuna or your students for worrying about you and wanting to cheer you up. They don't need to know the full details, but you can't hide it forever. Just be glad they only want to use that knowledge to help out."
The sniper placed the necklaces in his pocket before glancing at All-Might. "Asuna told them everything. I trusted her ever since my master took me in. And now…" he clenched his hands.
"So, you're think blaming her will make the situation go away?" All-Might noted, "While you have every right to be angry, you can't just let her go. She's your friend after all. Do you really want to become just like your master and be a lone wolf again?"
He turned away, recalling his times when he fought on his own. While doing so, Brave also fought solo ever since Lazer's current condition. "I… I honestly don't know…" he admitted.
"Then look at your heart. See what it truly wants. As well as looking at your students and friends. Because unlike your master now, you have others around you who'll want to help." All-Might noted before walking away.
Nathan watched the mighty hero leave before he chose to walk the opposite directions however as he walks something caught his attention as it was heading somewhere. And it wasn't good.
With Cody and the others, they begin to make their way home. Cody had his head lowered more as Asuna was in her cyberspace, not responding to anyone else as the others seemed worried about them.
"Cody… you mustn't beat yourself up." Mina said to him, holding his hand to try and cheer him up.
"It is…. If I didn't pester Poppy, or tell you guys…. Then this, she, and I wouldn't feel so bad for it…" He responded. "From the way she and Nathan talk, it's like they trusted each other very much. And I just broke it…."
"You didn't know this would happen, Cody," Mina said.
"It's still my fault though… Just like with my sister…" He sighed.
Mina's eyes softened, seeing him like this was bad… just as she was about to speak up again, as a surge of energy flowed throughout the area, pixelating before going back to normal.
"Wait, isn't this a Game Field?" Izuku got out.
"Over there!" Ochako pointed as they saw someone approaching them much to their shock. It look just like Cody's Ex-Aid Level 1 armor only the eyes were blood red with ripples and the hair was black. It just glared at them before it soon reached for the panel and opened it up.
[LEVEL UP! MIGHTY JUMP! MIGHTY KICK! MIGHTY ACT~ION! X!]
The Level Up screen formed in front of the Rider as it soon passed through him and broke apart. Revealing the other side to be an almost duplicate version of Ex-Aid. But the bodysuit was black with purple markings replacing the black. On his right wrist was a device that had two barrels and a blade.
"Another Ex-Aid!?"
"How is their another…?" Cody gasped.
It pointed at Cody then at himself as he used his finger, sliding it across his neck, making a gesture of death. Before it pointed its device at the group and fired upon them all, forcing them back more and more.
"H-Hey! What is it doing?" Ochako questioned as they had to move back.
"It made a threat gesture, what do you think!?" Cody asked as he took cover. "I'm not in the mood for this!" He growled, taking out his Gashat and pressing it.
[MIGHTY ACTION X!]
His Game Field formed as the blocks soon flew out placing around the area as Cody was ready to place the Gashat in his driver, ready to fight. But a few more shots soon flew out, striking near him and forcing him to let go of the Gashat.
"C-Crap!" Cody got out as he was about to reach over for it but the doppelgänger planted his boot on his arm. He slowly raised his head as he saw the twin barrels aimed at him.
"Game over…" The distorted, bone chilling voice said.
Cody's eyes widen as he soon felt sharp pain hitting his chest as the barrels soon smoked from the device, causing him to soon scream in pain before holding his shoulder. The doppelganger soon picked him up and tossed him outside of his safe area.
"CODY!" Mina cried out.
The doppelganger Ex-Aid turned to the others who stumbled back upon seeing him as he aimed at them.
"NO!" Cody reached his arm out.
Before the evil Ex-Aid could shoot, numerous shots caused him to roll across the ground, smoke coming off its chest. It quickly looks around, aiming for the source until more shots were delivered to his chest. While he was distracted, Mina and the others rushed to Cody as they knelt down to him.
"G-Guys… get out of here…" He groaned in pain, reaching over as he took the Gashat that laid near him.
"We aren't leaving you here!" Izuku argued.
The Dark Ex-aid tries to find the source, only for a pair of arms to grab him in a chokehold, causing him to gasp for air. Behind him was none other than… Kamen Rider Snipe.
"N-Nathan!?" Cody got out.
"Go! All of you!" He shouted as the dark Rider elbowed him twice but the sniper grunted as he let go, the dark rider swinging his blade but missed. Snipe moved back as he holstered his gun and pulled out his own blade. "Come on, come and get it."
The dark rider lunged as the two locked blades. "You've grown weak…. Much like your master…"
"Screw you…" He growled as he ducked before striking him.
The Dark Rider flinched before kicking one of the blocks open as the item flew into it's body. "Item Taken…. Invincible." The rider said, turning back to Snipe as he soon gained a white glow over his body.
"Shi-" The dark Rider punched him in the chest as the sniper blocked the next punch as it continues on and on as his Quirk was helping him but at the same time, slowly causing his vision to blur. Dark Ex-Aid chuckled before he switched his device into blade mode, planting it on his chest before slashing downward, slicing at him before tossing the rider into some rubble.
Snipe cried out as his health bar was on 20 HP. He growled as he aimed at the dark rider who was rushing to him. "Not this time…" He quickly aimed as he focused on his Quirk once more. "Fire…" He fired at the dark rider as it sent not just him flying but the recoil sent Snipe flying as well, both critically hit on their respective damages as his and the dark rider's life bar was now near the red.
"Nathan!" Momo called out, forcing her to rush to him.
[KIMIWAZA!]
From afar, the Dark Rider stood tall as the energy soon built up in his barrels before pointing at Snipe and Cody, as it chuckled softly before it reached for the Kimiwaza Slot once more. "Villain, I suggest you keep your leg where it should be." Dark Ex-Aid gasped as he was punched in the face and landed against the wall as the soft glow it once had soon faded away.
He grunted as he saw none other than All-Might. "You…"
"All-Might!" Izuku smiled.
"Stand back, everyone," He advised as the two stare at each other.
The dark rider stared for a little longer than at his health bar. Due to the shot, it cut him down well and with All-Might's punch it nearly emptied his health as 1% remained. Raising his head, he pointed at All-Might, then Cody as he made the same 'throat slice' gesture before he rushes to a TV and vanishes into pixels.
"Hmph, just like a villain. Leaving when cornered." All-Might huffed.
"W-What…. Took you so.. Long?" Snipe said before collapsing and being forced out of his armor, showing several severe wounds on his body.
"I had a hunch when you followed as well," He replied. "Like you say, 'a trained eye can tell when something is in the midst.'"
"Ugh… just save your dumb speech for later and take me to the hospital…" Nathan groaned. He yelped as he held his left eye. "Dammit…"
"Nathan…?" Momo asked.
"I used nearly all of the energy for the Quirk…" He grimaced.
"Momo, leave him to me. You all need to get to safety." He said to her before turning to Mina and Cody, "I take it, you can handle with taking him home as well?"
Mina nodded as she helps Cody up and helps him walk while the others followed. For All-Might he approaches the sniper who slowly sits up and leans against the wall, covering his left eye.
"You were careless, Nathan. You should've called for help before coming here…." He lectured the rider.
"If I haven't it would have delayed time to save Cody and his friends…" He grimaced as he reaches in his pocket before pulling out what seems to be black wrappings as he began to unroll it before wrappings it diagonally across the left side of his face, covering his eye.
"Well… it would have…" All-Might sighed, realizing Snipe made a good choice while it was risky. "But what is your answer to what I said before?"
Once finished, he raises his head as his left eye was covered in the wrappings. A sigh escapes his lips as he stood up and walks past him before saying, "My honest answer… I will find my answer soon enough…" He said before leaving as he chose to not tend to the wounds once more.
Back at the apartment, Mina helped the slightly injured Rider inside, groaning from the wound, but is still fine for now. "The first aid is in the cupboard to the right…" He informed her.
She nodded as she reaches up to it, finding the box in question before walking back to Cody as she sits down and opens it. Seeing the supplies, she begins to tend to Cody's wounds, each touch causing him to wince in pain. "Thanks…" He winced.
"You should try to be more careful…." Mina said softly, "I was scared there for a moment…"
"I'm sorry…" he apologized, looking away. "We would have died if it wasn't for All-Might and Nathan…"
"Don't be…. At least you're safe." She smiled, kissing his cheek.
"R-Right…." He muttered.
They soon heard the door click as Aurora walked back in before she sees what's going on as her face grows pale as she rushes over, "What happened to you? Are you alright?" She asked, worried about her brother.
"I-I'm fine…"
"Fine?! Cody, look at you! Someone hurt you."
Cody looked away. "We… We encountered a…" he mumbled.
"What he was trying to say is that we were confronted by another Ex-Aid. A black and purple one." Mina explained. "He attacked us without any reason… and nearly killed us…"
"What!?" She looks at Cody. "Cody, this is exactly what mom, dad, and myself warned you about!"
"Seriously? How was I supposed to know there was a dark version of me out there?" He argued.
"And look at how it ended up!" She gestured to Cody's wounds. She grabbed her phone. "I knew this was a bad idea. I'm gonna let mom and dad know about this. This is already getting out of hand."
"You can't do that!"
"You already gotten hurt Cody. How would mom and dad react if they learn you have ended up in a hospital or worse, dead!?" She pointed out. "This is for the best…"
"Please, Aurora!" He pleaded. "I already gotten this far in UA! I don't want my only chance to be taken away!" She was about to press 'call' until she looks at Cody.
"Please….. This is my dream…. If I lose this I won't ever be able to live with myself…. Won't be able to help out those in need and be the hero I was meant to be…. You'll be killing my dream…." He said, trembling from this moment.
His older sister stared at him before she looks at the phone before deciding to close it. She sighed heavily upon doing this. "Alright…" Cody raised his head to her. "Alright, you made a point… I won't call them…"
"Thank you…."
Aurora puts away her cell phone before she said, "I'll be making dinner…"
Cody nods softly before he looked at her, "A-Aurora?" He called out to her as she turned to him, "I'm… sorry for what I said…."
Aurora hugged her little brother, "Its okay… just… please, do your best at UA. Okay?"
"I… I will." He said, hugging her back, "Also… what did you want show me?"
"Oh! Right," she reached in her pocket before presenting a Gashat. "I have been meaning not show this to you. A new Gashat. Not sure what if can do though."
"I'll find out tomorrow…." He said, pocketing it.
"For now, get some rest," Aurora looks at Mina. "And you should head on home. It is already getting late."
"Right… See you tomorrow." Mina smiled, kissing his cheek before leaving the apartment.
Cody sighed softly before he took out his phone and dialed away as the screen shifted to a sad Poppy, "Poppy…. You know he didn't meant that…" Cody said to her.
[He had so much trust in me, Cody… it's more than you think.]
"I understand, Poppy… But I truly think he'll apologize. He was just in the heat of the moment and didn't think…" Cody reassured her.
[He was… The whole 'emotions get in their way thing', it doesn't go for him.] she informed.
Cody was confused at first until he recalled Nathan's words.
'I have been upset for a long time.'
"He… he hides most of his emotions…"
[Hai… and with those hidden emotions, he covers it was a mask of a normal person but under it is a young man who wants revenge for having the one thing he cared about so much he taken away…] She nodded.
"It truly must've affected him more than I thought…." He said before looking at her, "I… I'm sorry for making him angry with you…." He apologized once more.
[I… It's okay… you should get rest so you can recover, okay?]
"Are you going to be alright, Poppy?" He questioned her, but was worried more on her feelings.
[I told you, I'll be okay.] She said before the screen became black.
Cody frowned softly before he placed his phone near him before he laid his head and went to sleep for the next day to come.
In an apartment rooftop, Nathan was looking at the two necklaces from before as his memories rang back in his mind.
'We wear them to show how much we are connected!'
'R-Really?' A younger Nathan asked with a soft blush.
"Of course, Nathan. After all…" She soon pecked his cheek, "You promised to be with me, remember?"
"Y-Yeah."
"When we get older, we can really be together… forever."
A tear slowly escapes his right eye as Nathan slowly clenched the two necklaces. He could never forget when he got the necklace when he was 13. But now… it felt painful. The only person he cared about so much in the entire world was taken away.
He wanted justice.
He wanted revenge.
He wants… peace...
He misses Kairi so much that he was driven by revenge to end Graphite so he can get the peace that Kairi and himself deserve. "I miss you so much…" he muttered to himself.
The next day came as Cody, Mina, Izuku and others were making their way. Doing so, Cody showed them the new Gashat as they too were surprised by it.
"Shakariki Sports?" Izuku read.
Cody nods, "It's a Sports game where the player has to use special equipment to earn 'Shocking Points'. They have to do their best and gain as much as they can while using specific vehicles for the completion of the game." He informed them.
"Never thought to see that kind of game," Izuku commented.
"Well, I'm more surprised I was given it…. " Cody noted.
"It makes you curious to why," Tenya pointed out.
"Well, I'll have a chance to test it once school is done…. But we do need to be on guard though." Cody reminded.
"Oh right… that Evil Ex-Aid…" Izuku remembered.
"I heard, Nathan won't be able to work today due to his injuries…." Ochako informed, "But… where did that guy come from, and why does he look like Cody's armored state?"
"I wish I knew…" Cody muttered. Even he wondered how there was another Ex-Aid.
Their thoughts were put to a halt when they heard a motorcycle engine. They look back to see a dark blue motorcycle with a yellow strip on the left side. It drove until it slowed down in front of them. The Rider removed his helmet to reveal Nathan with the wrappings around his left eye. "Hey you guys." He greeted.
"Nathan? I thought you would be at-"
"Home? No, I am heading to work, what else?" He said.
"But, you're injured!" Ochako frowned with worry.
"I told you before, it doesn't bother me. I'm just waiting for my eye to regain its focus after using too much of my Quirk."
Cody lowered his head before he approached the Rider, "Um… I'd like to apologize.. For what I did yesterday… I…. was just seeing if I could help out is all… Don't blame Poppy…." He apologized for his actions.
The sniper glanced at Cody who flinched upon seeing his stare before the blonde finally heard him say, "Asuna." The said girl jumped out of cyberspace as she kept her eyes away from Nathan.
"You guys… you guys are forgiven, including you Asuna." Hearing this caused them to look at Nathan.
"Nathan…." Asuna smiled as pixel smiles formed around her before she hugged him tightly.
This caught him by surprise at first before he smiled softly. "You can let go now." He said.
Asuna nodded as she did so, rubbing some tears away from her eyes. She then turned to the group before poking cody's nose, "You guys best get going before you're late." She noted.
"Huh?" They look at the local clock and saw the time. "Oh crap!"
Nathan chuckled as he offers a helmet. "I have room for a passenger."
They looked at each other. "Rock paper scissors." Cody declared since other than Tenya, one other person would be able to make it on time in the sniper's motorcycle. After a few rounds, Cody was chosen to be the passenger as he grabbed the helmet. "Just where did you get this bike at?"
"Made it myself." He replied as he revved the engine before driving towards UA. As they traveled, Cody started to get a odd feeling as another ripple of energy formed around them.
"Nathan…"
"Yeah…" he clenched the handle bars.
[STAGE SELECT!]
A gate opened up, revealing a wasteland as the two didn't have enough time to stop before being dragged into the Game Field screen. As he drove, a black motorcycle with a purple front bumps into them with none other than the evil rider driving it.
"You again!?" Cody growled.
The Dark Rider chuckled as he pointed his weapon at the two, shooting at them but Nathan slammed the brakes the vehicle, moving back behind the dark Rider.
"Cody, henshin now!" He advised. "You'll fight while I drive!"
"Got it!" Cody nodded, taking out Mighty Action X and pressing on it. He then placed it into the Driver before quickly opening the Level Panel. "Henshin!"
[GACHAN! LEVEL UP!]
[MIGHTY JUMP! MIGHTY KICK! MIGHTY, MIGHTY ACTION X!]
The Level Panel passed through Cody before shattering away to reveal his LV. 2 form as he then took out his Gashacon Breaker and began to swat the bullets away from them.
"Talk about a driving fight," Cody chuckled.
"Focus on the situation!" Nathan scolded.
"R-Right!" He flinched as the two drivers were side to side. The dark Rider and Cody were blocking each other's strikes, each one trying knock them off the bike. "Just who are you? And why are you after us?" He shouted to the rider.
"Shakariki Sports." He answered.
Cody's eyes widen, giving the Dark Rider enough time to strike him down, and force him off of the bike as he tumbled to the ground.
"Cody!" He spun the wheel as he grabbed his own. "Henshin!"
[BA-BANG BANG! BANG BA-BANG! (YOW!) BANG-BANG SHOOTING (GO!)]
The Level Panel screen passed through him as he quickly donned on his LV. 2 armor. But that wasn't all that changed, the motorcycle changed as well as it looked more sturdy and sleeker as the front part looked more armored with the lights in a v-shape. On the right side was the letters STG in yellow. While it gained a radar near the handles, and a Kimiwaza Slot.
The Dark Rider turned as it moved away from a few shots before it fired back, striking Snipe's back before it soon hit the tires of the bike, forcing it to skid before he was flung off of the bike. The Dark Ex-Aid soon turned back to the injured Cody as it made his way towards him.
"Hey wannabe!" The dark rider turned around only to see that Snipe had the Gashat. "Want this?"
Flashback.
Before Cody was kicked off the bike, Nathan quickly grabbed the Gashat from the buckle and pocketed it before the attack continued.
Snipe grabbed his Magnum and drew out the knife. "We weren't finished last time." He said.
"As if you're skilled enough to take me on…. You can't use your Quirk yet, without that pain settling in…."
"That may be true but I am not giving up here." The dark rider charged towards him as Snipe blocked the wrist blade with his knife before firing a few rounds at him, sparks casting off as some health lowered. Snipe twirled the knife as he struck the knee before smacking him with the gun.
"Why you…" he growled.
"Come on, this is just the start."
The evil ex-aid roared out as they locked blades while Snipe couldn't use his Quirk, he still showed he can still fight with one eye. They clashed, with each strike as the fight continued until the doppelganger then struck his chest before gripping his arm as it then twisted it, causing Snipe to drop the knife before slamming his elbow to the face. Seeing this chance, the dark Rider quickly grabbed the Gashat from the holder and shoved him away.
"Both of you are too weak…" Dark Ex-Aid said, holding up the Gashat, "And you're about to face something worse than death…."
"What…. Are you doing?" Cody gritted, slowly standing up as he held his weapon, ready to attack. The Dark Rider just chuckled, pressing the Gashat as a new Game Field was formed.
[SHAKARIKI SPORTS!]
What formed was a lime green field, and what came out of the screen was what looked to be a sentient bike as it swerved around the one who summoned it, before racing over and striking the two weakened riders before they were tossed to the ground.
"Exceeding Grade Level 3…." Dark Ex-Aid said, surprising the two as he soon closed the Level Panel and placed the Gashat in before opening it back up.
[GACHAN! LEVEL UP!]
Two screens then formed in front, before both flew back and fused with the Rider as the bike soon raced around him.
[MIGHTY JUMP! MIGHTY KICK! MIGHTY ACT~ION X!]
[A-GACHA! SHAKARIKI, SHAKARIKI! BAD, BAD! SHAKATTO, RIKITTO! SHAKARIKI SPORTS!]
The Bike soon flew above him as it began to fold apart, revealing an armored chest piece and helmet before placing onto the Dark Ex-Aid. He soon had armor from the body of the bike, while the tires soon rested on his shoulders as armor pads, with finishing off a helmet on his forehead where the hair used to be as his glare casted upon the two riders.
"L-Level… 3?" Cody got out.
"Not good…" Snipe growled.
The Dark Rider, soon took out the Gashat as it placed into the slot as he pressed on it. He then took out the purple wheel on his right shoulder and got into a throwing pose, similar to Olympic Disc tossers.
[GASHATTO! KIMIWAZA!]
He glared at the town before turning his attention to Snipe first before pressing it once more as the energy built up in the wheel.
[SHAKARIKI! CRITICAL STRIKE!]
Dark Ex-Aid soon tossed the wheel as it flung over, striking Snipe in the chest and right arm, as an audible bone snap could be heard. But it wasn't done as it then flung off striking Cody in the chest and neck as it bounced off before finishing off with a large explosion upon hitting Snipe.
"NATHAN!"
"AAAAAUGGGHHH!" Snipe cried out, his armor smoking as the health bar was very low.
Cody began to panic as he turned, seeing the Dark Rider press the button again, his gaze now on him as he jumped into the air and flew right at the young hero.
[SHAKARIKI! CRITICAL STRIKE!]
With the last attack, both were unable to move much as the kick connected, sending the young rider through some blocks before erupting into another large explosion. Cody rolled out from the fire cloud, severely injured and unconscious as he was now forced out of the armor.
"C-Cody!" Snipe called out
"Hmph, data retrieved…." The Dark Rider said before turning away. He soon disappeared into pixels before the Game field ended, returning them to the entrance to UA High, where many students soon saw them.
'Data retrieve…? Is that bastard collecting battle data?' He realized. He slowly stood back up.
"Alright move aside," All-Might said. "Snipe, what happened?"
"The doppelgänger came back… Level 3 and he was collecting battle data." He growled as he picks up his knife and sheaths it to his shoulder.
All-Might soon picked up the injured Rider before turning to him, "Come, you need severe medical attention as well."
He rubbed his shoulder as some students winced when Snipe literally had to pop his shoulder back in. "Cody deserves more medical attention than me." He declined. "I have a matter at hand… that Ex-Aid is collecting data and not on me, but Cody."
"Nathan…. You need rest and help." All-Might said, "I'm not letting you go after this villain while in the condition. You can either follow me, or I'll have to carry you myself."
"I'm not going after that guy…" All-Might raised an eyebrow. "There is one person I know who can tell Cody about the level 3 information." He reached to his cloak and pulled out a phone.
"You mean..."
Snipe listened as a call soon came through, finally. "Master, I have something you might wanna be here to find out."
"I'll be there in two days…" He responded before hanging up.
Aurora soon burst into the hospital room. Her face paled and filled with worry as she soon sees her brother, equipped to many devices and wrapped in bandages all over his body. Near him was Mina, Asuna, and the others as she rushed over to her brother, spite him being out cold.
"W-What happened to my brother!"
"The evil Ex-Aid," she turned around to see Nathan, arms crossed. While he declined medical help, his body showed his fair share of the fight.
"Again? I thought it was taken care of!" She walked over before slapping him hard, "You're supposed to be his teacher, right? So why didn't you protect him!?"
"Then explain why another person has a Gamer Driver when only four were produced."
"Maybe he stole it from one of the others. There's no, fifth driver."
Nathan showed an image of the dark Rider and the Gashat he held. "How come he was aware of Shakariki Sports? And knew your brother holding it. If anything you would have been his target in the first place."
Aurora's face went pale as she turned to her brother. Tears of fear run down her face as she walks over and places her hand on him. "It's my fault…." She said softly.
"Either you or Cody would have been forced to hand it over." Nathan pressed on.
"You're right….. It's not safe here for us…." She said, turning to them, "Then… By the time he's fully recovered, we'll be heading back to the States. And Cody will have to give up on this dream of his…."
"What!?" Everyone except Nathan exclaimed.
"Y-You can't do that! Like me, Cody dreamt of doing this!" Izuku defended.
"It's only brought harm to him and us. He almost died from doing this 'dream' of his! I won't let my brother die because of it…" Aurora said to them, "It was my duty to protect him, and now I'm making the decision for him to give up on this suicide idea and head home to become a doctor…"
"And what if he doesn't choose to?" She looks at Nathan. "He has choices and with choices comes to decisions. You can't force him to choose, he has to do it on his own. You are only forcing him to choose that life. Like a puppet."
"He is under my protection and guidance. And I can and will decide what he does next."
"So you are willing to not only take away his dream…" he gestured to the students. "But to take their friend away?"
"If that means a safer life for my brother, then yes. I am willing to."
"No!" She looks at Mina.
Aurora frowned, "I know you care for him. But this is for the better…." She said before walking out of the room, and made her way to UA.
"She… She can't do that…" Mina said, falling to her knees. Ochako helped her up as some were worried about this. Nathan was also worried due to her influence she has due to Genm Corp. As well as her practices and duties. When she says she'll do something, it always brings the results she wants.
He sighed, "Another problem to deal with…"
A/N: Phew! Alright, Genm is done as well as the debut of Lv. 3! I know it may not be the same as Ex-Aid's show, but I thought this was a good idea to try out! ^^ Along with the newest problem of Aurora overprotecting Cody and about to force him away. Of course, I have the next Chap idea ready to go, but not written yet since I have a schedule to do.
The only thing I can say about it, is that it'll be interesting to show. :3 And, I'm just letting you all know now, not ALL of the Gashat's will be used in this fic. So, no JuJu Burger in this story. Still debating on Knight of Safari Gashat from the Brave special though. But the one from Snipe's special, Bang-Bang Tank is in this due to a special surprise I have in store. :3 Also, yes I saw the scans for Ex-Aid's final form, same with the two other new forms and the new Riders. Don't wanna say much due to spoilers for those who want to see on the show. Only thing I can say about them is... They are planned but nothing yet.
BUT! I did see one thing that I do plan to add sometime soon. :3 and I'm very excited about this Gashat and form.
So until then, later minna!