WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
This fic is officially canceled, the reason is that I lost interest in my hero academia, and ghost rider's status as a supernatural being makes him fitter to another universe I'm currently more interested in, Kimetsu No Yaiba/Demon Slayer, so I'll just let the draft of the chapter I was writing here.
My hero Academia Spirit of Vengeance
Chapter 3
Johnny wasn't expecting this. All Might and Midoriya in this isolated place was honestly not something normal people would actually expect.
The flaming skull looks at the pro-hero and the boy while getting off his bike which he named the hell cycle and walks towards them.
"So. Fancy seeing you here. Both of you.". Says Johnny trying to break the silence.
'It's weird when a flaming skull is not the elephant in the room'. Johnny thinks.
"Tell them about the demon inside you, I'm sure that will get their attention in that's what you want.". Says the demon with an angry tone but with sarcasm under the surface.
'Not helping Zarathos.'.
"So, Midoriya. What are you doing here?" Asks the flaming skull trying to sound cool and relaxed.
"I… I."
"We are training so Midoriya can get into UA the greatest school for heroes in the world." Says All Might with all the energy Midoroya was lacking.
If Johnny still had his eyes, they would be widened by the number one hero's words, if he was supporting Midoriya to pursue his dream even when he lacked a quirk, then maybe it was not so impossible for him after all, or maybe he saw something else in the boy.
"That's a coincidence." Says Johnny 'smiling' and with a humorous voice. "I also came here to train my pow… I mean quirk. With how things are going with my life I thought it would ease some weight on my mind.".
With his always optimistic smile, an idea comes into the number one hero's mind.
"Then it's settled." Says All Might crossing his arm and giving both boys a thumbs up. "Midoriya, Blaze-kun you will both train under my supervision.".
Both boys look at the pro hero with curiosity making him wonder; 'how does a skull could have facial expressions?!' but he puts these thoughts for a later hour and decides to explain the both of them what he intends to do.
"Sometimes having a sparring partner can show you how much you improve during your training, that is why I want you Midoriya, and Blaze to train together, since he is already here it would be a waste to just change places." Says All Might with conviction.
Midoriya looks at Johnny and shies a little but doesn't argue back with his mentor. "It that's what you want, then let's do it.".
The flaming skull nods with his head and both of them clash their knuckles against each other before they start their training.
Their first task was weight lifting, they start with 10kg with 1 extra being added after they lift their arms over their heads to see what was their limit.
"So, Blaze-kun. I've been wondering." Says Midoroya trying not to drop his weight on his feet. "Why don't you turn your quirk off?".
"I've been asking myself the same." Says All Might adding one more kg to their weight making it 12kg now.
"I haven't really tried yet." Says Johnny not sure if he was trying to convince his training partner, his tutor, or himself.
"Well, maybe we should give it a shot after the training is done, it could be really tiresome to maintain a transformation after a long series of exercises." Says All Might knowing too well how tired one could be because of their transformation.
The lifting weight training stops at 30kg for Midoriya, Johnny could continue a lot more since Zarathos told him his weakest strength feat was about 10 tons but he stops as well at 33kg not wanting to discourage Midoriya's training and the pursuit of his dream.
All Might congratulate both of them, 30kg might not be too much but to two teenagers who probably haven't done exercises or any training on their own, it has to count for something.
"All right." Says All Might clapping his hands to gain the attention of the two boys. "Now I want you to run 10 laps around the place, you can pause to rest only once per lap and only for 5 seconds, and you aren't allowed to walk or do quick paces. On your marks go.".
Before the boys had the chance to say or complain about the sudden exercise given to them they start running, the number one hero could notice the sweat and the panting on Midoriya's face, and Johnny, on the other hand, All Might couldn't.
'Still can't figure out how a skeleton has facial expressions.'. Thinks All Might, still intrigued.
While both boys are running All Might reaches the pocket of his pants and types the number he wants to call. He remembers he still have to solve Johnny's situation and now that he was here helping Midoriya there was no better tie than now.
"Hello, It's me." Says All Might to the person on the other side, he was still smiling but his voice was serious. "I need a favor. A big one.".
"…".
"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb your sleep but this is serious, like villain threat serious.". Says All Might, not smiling anymore.
"…".
"Well, I just found this kid living by himself… Well, the problem is that unlike many others this one was part of a plot to create villains with multiple quirks but he escaped… No, he is clean, what I need your help with is finding someone to take care of him… I would if I could, really but I'm on a time limit and can't afford the responsibility to take care of a kid.".
"…".
"Really?! thank you, I owe you one, big time." Says All Might back to his usual smile, seeing the two boys running back at him he decides to gang up his phone. "Talk to you later.".
Looking at skinny and skinless All Might can't help himself and snort, Midoriya looks like a not-so-distant relative of Blaze by the way he is panting.
"Well boys, looks like you are ready for more.". Says All Might with his hands on his waist ready to give them their next exercise.
"Question." Says Johnny lifting his bony fingers. "I know you've said you're training Midoriya for UA, but will they accept you Midoriya?! You know, being quirkless and all that.".
"I…" Midoriya feels a little intimidated by the question, or because it was of the flaming skull, but remembers All Might's words, about how he could be a hero and find the strength to answer Johnny's question. "I don't need a quirk to enter UA I just need to prove that I have what it takes to be a real hero.".
"Realy?". Says the skull raising an eyebrow while squeezing the other eye. "All right then, you convinced me. Let's do it".
All Might sees the smile(?) on Johnny's face nods to the two boys and decides to enter their conversation.
"And what about you Blaze-kun?" Asks the number one curious to see if Johnny also has what it takes to enter U.A
"What about me?".
"Don't you want to enter too and become a hero?". All Might asks, genuinely curious about Blaze's answer.
Johnny doesn't answer, he puts his hands on his teeth and ponders All Might's question. Zarathos had asked him what would he do if he was stuck forever in this reality, maybe being a hero was on the table now, the problem was the life of a hero, All Might already knew how it is, but Johnny doubts Midoriya knows.
"Being a superhero sounds good." Says Johnny looking back at All Might in the eyes. "But is also a hard one, tell me All Might, have you ever faced a situation where you had to choose between catching the villain or saving the innocents?".
That was a valid question, and a hard one to make, All Might had faced that dilemma more times than he could think of, and all of them he chose to save the innocents, it was what real heroes do, save lives. Seeing the anxious expression on Midoriya's face only makes the answer heavier, save the innocents was always the right choice, but it didn't mean bad consequences wouldn't follow, if Midoriya was to be his successor it was better for him to learn early this valuable lesson now.
"Yes." Says All Might still smiling but with seriousness in his voice. "More times than I can count. All heroes have faced or will face this decision one day.".
All Might looks at Midoriya and asks him to pay attention with his eyes.
"One day you will have to face this choice as well, so think about what young Blaze just said.".
"W-What is the right choice?" Ask Midoriya almost whispering.
"Saving the innocents." Says Johnny without hesitation. "Superheroes save lives, of course, there is the argument that letting the supervillain go only lets him free to make more victims, but that is their fault, never yours.".
"Good answer Blaze-kun." Says All Might giving Johnny a thumbs up. "Listen to him Midoroya-kun, that is what every hero should answer.".
"O-Okay. I will remember.".
After resolving the dilemma All Might asked why Blaze didn't turn his quirk off, Johnny says that he felt naked when not transformed, a lie, of course, he couldn't talk about Zarathos, but it was enough to convince the two people present.
Midoriya wasn't so satisfied with the explanation, as a fanatic for quirks he wanted to see how Johnny transformed from human to skull and skull to human, although reluctant the American agree, Johnny knew he would have to revert to normal sooner or later, but the problem was the fact that Zarathos was a course, and every time he transforms he would feel his body being burned from the inside out, he should drink boiling oil as well since it would probably hurt less compared to the infernal flames of the spirit of vengeance.
With reluctance Johnny transforms back into his human form, the grotesque vision of fire becoming flesh, muscles being stretched and eyes forming in the sockets clearly disturbed Midoriya and All Might a little.
When it was over, Johnny turned back to the blonde, blue-eyed teenager he has always been, of course, he tried to mask the pain the transformation caused to not worry the two.
Now back into his human form, Johnny and Midoriya go back to training, Modoriya more determined to surpass Blaze now that his quirk was turned off, and both proceed to give everything they got for the rest of the day.
When the day was over Johnny and Midoriya were laying on the ground, sweating and looking at the orange sky. All Might was laughing at the sight of these two young children, proud they didn't quit at any moment during their training.
The number one hero also was thinking, mostly about Blaze's effect on him, he still couldn't understand why his time limit wasn't a problem when he was close to the boy. He thought it could be just a coincidence, but ever since Blaze turned back to normal, his time limit had returned, and All Might only had thirty minutes left before turning back to normal.
Looking at his wrist All Might see the hours and turns back to the boys.
"Midoriya, Blaze.". He says, gathering the attention of both. "I have to go, do you want me to escort you?".
"No need, I decided to accompany Izuku to his house.". Blaze says, getting on his feet and helping Midoriya do the same.
"Very well then. See you both tomorrow.". All Might says before jumping away, making one of the boys look at him with stars in the eyes, and the other just with curiosity.
On their way to Izuku's house, Johnny, back into his transformed Ghost Rider form looks at the boy at his side making notes on some notebook.
"What is this Midoriya?". Johnny asks while trying to read what he was writing.
"It's my notes, I make them whenever I see a quirk or a hero in action.". Izuku says while finishing his last notes.
"Is it a hobby?". Johnny asks.
"Kinda. I… I don't have a quirk so I always try to imagine what are the things I could do with the ones I see.". Izuku says.
"You don't need a quirk to be a hero.". Johnny says. "Policemen, Firemen, medics, those are heroes, you don't see them in fancy spandex and capes to help ad save people.".
"I… I know. All Might told me I could be a hero, and I'll prove to everyone that I have what it takes.". Izuku says.
Johnny nods at the boy's determination. They soon arrive at Izuku's house, with the green-haired boy offering Johnny to enter so he could eat and drink something, but the flaming skull refuses, saying that he only wanted to accompany Izuku to make sure he arrived safely.
They both give their goodbyes and Johnny starts to walk back to Toshinori's house, but when he is about to turn around the corner of the street he stumbles and ends up hitting another person. Taking a few steps back Johnny looks at the person he hit, it was a blond boy with spikey hair and a face showing a very ugly frown.
"Watch it, bonehead.". The boy says.
"Sorry I… Do I know you?". Johnny asks, there was something familiar about the boy.
"No, but you will if you don't get out of my way.". The boy retorts as if Johnny's breathing was enough to insult him.
"Can I burn him?". Zarathos asks with puppy socket eyes.
'No Zarathos, no burning.'. Johnny tells the spirit before turning back to the boy. "Now I remember, you're that kid who ended up eaten by that slime villain.".
"I don't know what are talking about.". The boy responds in a defensive tone.
"You were eaten, then Midoriya had come to rescue you. I remember because I ended up having to rescue you both.". Johnny says, remembering how he had somehow summoned chains to free the boys, he would have to ask Zarathos about that later.
"Deku doesn't know what's good for him, if he did, he would've stayed out of my way that day and stopped his stupid daydreams of entering U.A. As if that fool could be a hero.". The boy says as if he was stating facts.
The skull is the one to frown its brow after hearing these words, Johnny barely knows Midoriya, but he could see he was a good person, so seeing this boy belittle him was getting on his non-existing nerves.
"And I suppose you have what it takes to be a hero?". Johnny asks with a bad taste in his mouth, thinking that; if this is how the future generations of heroes are going to be. 'Then how will people differentiate them from the villains?'.
"Damn right I do.". The boy says with a cocky and arrogant smile. "My quirk is that of a true power, befitting the hero I will become, and when I reach the top no one will even remember the other heroes.".
"Then you are a deluded idiot.". Johnny says without hesitating.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY.". He screams.
"I'm not repeating myself. If you believe that having a good quirk and being powerful it's what makes a hero, then you are no better than the ones who fight for evil, the only thing you will get is a reality check, and I hope to be there when it's delivered.". Johnny says, tired of even looking at this boy he starts to walk away.
The spike-haired boy grinds his teeth in anger at Johnny's words, for a moment he considers shooting him with an explosion but refrains himself to do so, attacking someone on the back and who is defenseless were not the actions of a hero, so he just let it be. He takes a last look at Midoriya's house before going home and swears an oath to himself.
"You will see Deku, I'm the one who will surpass All Might.". He swears as Johnny is no longer in sight.
It started to rain during Johnny's walk to Yagi's place, it wasn't a problem since his body burn so hot it could melt steel. On his way back Johnny has a small talk with Zarathos.
'So, heaven and hell are real. I still don't know how to react.'. Johnny comments. 'Any advice?'.
"If you are wondering whether there is salvation for your soul I suggest you ask Gabriel, redemption, and regret are his turf.". Zarathos snorts, he was actually really good at redemption and regret, once the sinner sees him they immediately do the two on the spot.
"How does it work? I mean, at what point a soul becomes irredeemable?".
"The moment they start feeling good about the sins they commit and how great is the sin.". Zarathos knew where this is going, it always comes down to people being afraid of that there was on the other side and seeking salvation out of fear instead of faith.
"Okay, but what if I committed a great sin, something unforgivable, but sought salvation nonetheless.".
"Even if you truly regret, there still gonna be punishment, what punishment it is matters not, along with whatever notion of if it is enough for the sinner, once the punishment for the sin is over the person is allowed rest.".
"So it's possible for everyone?".
"As long as the person truly regrets, trust me, the being in charge always knows who is truly seeking forgiveness.".
"And I guess you always know those who are not.". Johnny comments with a mocking tone.
"You learn fast, I'm starting to like you better than my last host.". Zarathos chuckles remembering the man, they didn't get along very well.
"Who was he?". Johnny is curious to know who was the person that once carried the same curse he is bonded to now.
"Noble Kale, maybe you will meet him someday.".
Their conversation stops once they heard a noise. Johnny turns to the side and sees a woman in an alley with a man with a knife on her throat, the skull frows at the scene, considering the talk Johnny was having with Zarathos it almost felt like divine intervention, or not so divine since a woman being mugged was anything but benevolent to see.
"Help her. It is time for you to see how I made the liars truly regret.". Zarathos says.
After the training with Midoriya and the talk with that blonde short-tempered boy, Johnny would feel like a hypocrite if he didn't do anything to stop this. He walks toward the alley thanking the rain for making things darker so other superheroes don't see him and accusing him of being a vigilante.
"Hey, tough guy.". Johnny says, making both looks at him. "I'm pretty sure the lady already has someone because I'm pretty sure she would never date someone like you.".
"Cringe.". The spirit comments.
'Can it.'. Johnny looks at the knife and breaths in relief as it's no longer touching the woman's neck. "How about you let the lady go, we all forget this happened and no one gets hurt?".
"I have a better idea.". The thug comments with a mocking laugh. "You walk away, and you don't get hurt. I'm feeling generous today. Get lost kid.".
The thug might've been full of himself since he stop paying attention to Johnny once he said his part and turn back to the woman he was robbing. Johnny seeing that violence was the option chose to go into action.
"Hey, turn around.". Johnny says, putting his hand on the robber's shoulder.
The man gives an annoyed groan and looks at Johnny, he is met with a bony fist in the nose that throws him 5 feet in the air and 10 feet away from Johnny and the woman, who just look shocked at the scene in front of her.