It's over…
Crona looked around despite the dark, suffocating liquid that weighed around them. Simply taking a breath was a momentous effort but they didn't mind even as he saw the beautiful note that Maka and Soul had taken to the outside of the moon.
Madness crept around the edge of his mind but it was fine, so long as Maka was safe, the Kishin Asura would never be able to break out of the moon.
You think this is over? It'll never be.
Crona felt a vertigo pull on their stomach before stopping in front of the three eyes of madness. All of three focused together on Crona, the intensity alone would have driven even hardened meisters into insanity.
Leaning on hope, your comrades, and promise?
A rumbling mocking laugh echoed, the volume went down all the way to the bones.
The moment your support falls, I will be free, and madness will return once again.
Crona looked at Asura before gripping their fist tightly.
But I won't.
Not a nary of fear within as the vision edges slowly closed in on them.
Even if Maka is gone, Black Star, Kid, or Shibusen.
The darkness closed in on him, tighter and suffocating but defiantly, Crona kept their gaze on Asura.
I won't ever falter.
Crona consciousness was fading now but the last thought in their head burned brightly, just like how they are rule-breakers, Crona will go against the rule that Asura had set.
Because I made a promise.
In another world, separated from many other realms and realities, some fantastical, others horrifying, this one was simply normal. An oddity in itself and unique amongst others for its normalcy.
Normal, however, doesn't necessarily it doesn't have its own tragedies as one of its beings, was currently experiencing.
The fire raged around as metal fell apart, people struggling and screaming as a train derailed itself and crashed into a platform. Killing several people as sparks from its electric cables ignited the underbrush around it.
A freak accident, it was called, a series of unfortunate events that lead to it, an incident that while mourned, would be forgotten soon after.
However, one of the souls that died that day, went somewhere else.
Crona felt an odd warmth all around, noises that usually blanked out most of their thoughts were silent. Oddly silent.
That had set Crona on edge, was this another plot that Asura madness conjured?
Don't worry, I can deal with it. Crona carefully examined what was going on and had their guard up.
Who said that?
Crona train of thought stopped entirely and froze in place, eyes moved around to identify the intruder despite the pitch blackness. It wasn't a voice that they could recognize.
Come to think of it, their body also felt oddly heavy and stiff.
Why can't I move?
What do you mean you can't move? Who's there? Where am I? Who are you?! And why can't I move either?!
The voice panicked more now if this was some sort of lie crafted by Asura meant to get him to lower his guard, Crona was not biting.
Then, everything around them tightened and they were pushed forward without any control over it. Leading to the two screaming and yelling in fear.
"What complication?!"
A man with short jet black hair dressed in a suit, white unbuttoned collar shirt turned his face back and forth between the doctors and wife, the latter of whom was breathing with effort, face pale and making the red hair of hers stand out more as she rested on the bed.
"Not so much a complication, babies crying a lot during their birth is often a good sign and health. However, in your child case-" The portly doctor, his name tag showing Kyudai Garaki, urged the two as he assured them with a wave of his hand.
"What's wrong? I followed a strict menu, diet and-"
"Well, more like he's too lively. He has been crying non-stop after delivery and been moving around a lot. For his safety, we placed him in a larger cradle and nurse Haruka is watching over him as well as calming him if needed with her quirk." Kyudai softly said before smiling.
"Is there a cause for it? Any symptoms? Surely, if a baby cries that much, there must be injuries!"
"Ayuna, we have checked numerous times, using both conventional methods and quirks for any signs of injuries." Kyudai calmly spoke and placed his hand on his knee. "After all, it would be irresponsible of me to not take care of our colleague's precious baby."
"If you like, Mr. Solid can keep an eye out for you."
"Kurogane, please" Kurogane raised a hand and shook his head to correct Kyudai out of habit. "I'm not a hero at this moment and there's no need for such formality."
"Apologies but the offer stands, your husband can observe from afar. In the meantime, you focus on recovering. Despite your quirk byproduct-"
"Of limited regeneration, hemokinesis is my main quirk." Ayuna mimed and sighs deeply, taking several deep breaths as she placed two fingers on her wrist. After a moment she spoke again in a much more controlled tone. "Sorry, I am just so...overwhelmed right now."
"A common and understandable one." Kyudai adjusted his glasses and took a look at the documents he had clipped together. "Still, you should be celebrating your first child. Have you thought about his name?"
"Of course, his name is-" Ayuba steadied herself after a stutter, regaining control over herself and in front of her boss.
"Crying again, Kurono? My, my, you really have a strong lung capacity-"
I'm crying because I'm confused, afraid, and everything else, lady!
Crona shifted themselves to the side, sighing mentally and trying to stop the outburst of the other occupant in their mind.
There's no need to shout.
Like you're one to talk, you're the one to freak out first that I have to calm you down instead.
Crona whimpered at that, not wanting to recall that awkward experience.
That's when the other occupant stopped talking and slump back down in exhaustion and sore throat which was another new experience for Crona.
Not only were they reborn a baby, but they also had to share bodies and minds together. Whatever the other did, Crona had no control unless they actively exerted over it. It was like sharing bodies with Ragnarok, except both had an equal pull on the body.
Made worse or weirder still, was the lack of motor control and how incredibly fragile their new body was. Thoughts shift easily, focus, and long acquired muscle memory are all gone.
The most noticeable one was the lack of the black blood, practically second nature, was gone entirely. Along with it came a vulnerability they never experienced before.
Such as having their umbilical cord cut in front of them.
Yea, I can do without seeing that ever again. A concurring thought echoed from the other person, another thing to get used to, was the lack of privacy on their inner thoughts. Not even the bond with Ragnarok was that intrusive.
What is your name again?
Sorry? Crona said but it gurgled out from their infant's mouth, making the nurse come closer and tried to soothe them.
Your name, man.
Oh, Crona.
Crona, like, Crona from the Soul Eater series? Nice, I like that series a lot.
I'm not from Shibusen though, and I don't deserve to be there.
...Come again?
I left Shibusen-
No, I mean, your name is not a coincidence and you're actually Crona, who's related to Medusa Gorgon?
Uhm-Yes, yes I am. Crona muttered, not really comfortable as they turned onto the side from habit. Their infantile body followed suit as they laid on their sides.
That was soon followed with their hands slapping the top of the temple and winced at that.
Haha! Pull the other leg mate, that's hilarious!
What-No? I am Crona!
Yea? Then I'm a millionaire!
That left an awkward silence between the two as Crona hearing the laughter slowly fade and felt their body moving to lay flat on the back.
Light flooded their eyes and they recoiled back from the pain, eyes still unused to light for their new body. At the corner of their mind, Crona felt their left arm clenching and unclenching itself repeatedly.
Crona, right? The occupant replied with a calmer and resigned tone after a long while of silence.
Yes?
Let's try to figure things out together at least, think you can do that?
I'm not sure I can deal with that.
Well, neither do I. Hey, look at the bright side, things can't get weirder at least.
Tatewaki residence
Musutafu area
Age 2
Okay, things have officially gotten weirder.
How so?
Crona crawled on the ground anxiously, the long hallway of their new house was now padded with baby-proof rubber cover on the edges. The wooden floor reflected their current looks.
For one, the pink hair of theirs was slowly growing out. Leading it to look more like their original appearance, the dark rings had yet to appear thanks to their caring parents.
Crona bit their lips at that, recalling all the gentle smiles and treatment they received. It was such a night and day comparison, his heart ached and cheeks puffed at that thought.
Cheer up, man. That's in the past, enjoy the present. The other occupant, Kurono, who seemed to embrace their new identity, stopped them in their tracks as they sat upright and curled their legs in.
Anyways, what I'm talking about was-
"There you are!"
Oh no. Both their thoughts sync with one another as they were lifted up by their father's large and strong hands.
Crona wiggled with his right arm as he pushed against his chin whereas the left arm, controlled by Kurono, waved back lazily to their father. Leading to such an awkward movement that only encouraged him.
"Want to see something amazing? Papa was on the television!" They were quickly whisked away as Kurogane shifted and carried them to the living room before settling down on the sofa.
Yea, about that. Kurono hummed inwardly as he directed their attention to the TV while they were placed on Kurogane's lap. The latter of whom switched the channel to the news channel.
On it, was Kurogane but in a more well-dressed suit alongside his glasses. One that he probably didn't need since he often takes it off at home but Kurono figured it was part of the theme.
With it, he was standing proudly alongside other pro-heroes like Nighteye, Edgeshot, and most of all, All Might.
It would've been a very great moment but Kurogane was at the edge of the news report and framed more heavily on the trio than him.
"See! Your papa is on national television, and with Nighteye too! What do you think of it?!"
Yay. Kurono muttered dryly and raised his arm, similar to how All Might does it.
It's good, I think? Crona unsurely added his own reply to it.
"Ah!" Their combined reply led to a small unenthusiastic baby garbled reply.
If Kurogane noted their despondent response, he didn't seem discouraged by it as he continued his story and explained how he got there.
Anyways, that's the problem I wanted to talk about. Kurono focused their attention to the television, featuring All Might in an interview.
What about him? He seems nice. Though his presence seems overbearing to deal with in person, Crona did not see the problem.
...Right, long story short, we are in a fictional world called My Hero Academia, or Boku no Hero Academia. Wherever you are.
Aren't they both the same?
What do you mean? I'm talking to you in Engli-Oh never mind that. Kurono shook his head in resignation, their infant body mirroring suit as Crona could feel the exasperation. He continued his own explanation and explaining the short gist of it
...So you see, Izuku gets All Might quirk, and then the actual story begins.
Crona stared at the television while he listened to the story with rapt interest, digesting all this new information and looking at the bombastic blonde man before wincing slightly as they recalled the gruesome detail.
He gets his intestine ripped out?
Intestines, a lung, and stomach. That fight was brutal. Kurono replied solemnly, the twitching on the lips and trembling left hand was now felt by Crona.
You want to help him? Crona asked as his right eyes glanced to the left side, the subtle feeling that Kurono had within him felt familiar.
...Yes, but I'm conflicted.
On?
The timeline, it all went well in the end. Changing that might result in...unpleasant things.
But if you can stop everything in the first place, why not do so?
It's not that simple, man. And since when have you been so eager to help anyway? Kurono flung his arms upwards mentally in frustration before questioning Crona, earning a wince from the latter at the accusation.
I mean, I thought you want to help him. Crona twiddled and shuffled his feet at that, this time, the physical body following their lead instead of Kurono.
You don't mind helping All Might despite never knowing him at all?
I'm not helping him, I'm helping you since you did the same for me. Crona answered, tilting his head slightly at that. Don't friends do such things? They were pretty sure that was what Maka and Soul did.
Kurono remained quiet for a while, quiet enough that Kurogane actually looked down and gently shook them
"Ah, you're tired already? Let's get you some rest then. I'll finish the story later," He then lifted them over the shoulders and headed for their room.
They struggled for a bit but slowly, the rocking motion had them slowly lured them to the arms of sleep. Crona hadn't realized just how much energy babies had and how fast they're able to fall asleep just as well.
Before the hold of unconsciousness seized them, Crona felt a nod from Kurono.
Thank you.
Tokyo city
Downtown area
Kurogane Tatewaki, or Mr. Solid the pro hero, sighs as he disconnected his phone call.
"You're on duty now, Mr. Solid." A young man in dark skin, dark curly hair dressed yellowish-white mask and suit, muttered annoyedly with his arms crossed as they faced the swarming press around them.
Kurogane cleared his throat hurriedly as he turned around to address the latest intern in the agency he worked in.
"Apologies for that, Rock Lock." He straightened his black shiny suit, the heavyweight of it flinging off hidden dust and gravel within. A slight adjustment to his tie and glasses, he showed a polite and professional face. " So, any questions that you like to know?"
With that, a bombardment of questions came. Ranging from professional, intrusive, or downright nonsensical, Kurogane can only speculate on the nature of the questions but it didn't take much to figure it out.
The situation of so many villains popping up had only recently slowed down thanks to All Might efforts but it still took time. Some had even begun to question what the Japanese hero association as a whole was doing before All Might came.
Ignoring and answering with as much tact as he can, it took a while before the police finally arrived to arrest and transport the villains they had caught.
Well, more like ruffians that got way above their heads. Kurogane thought as he looked at the trio of villains, ranging from a man with a moose head with one of the proud horns broken, while a muscled fellow with spikes growing out of their head was the worst off as nearly all of his spikes were broken or ground off.
The last one, a light blue skin man reminiscent of a fish, possessed enhanced strength and was currently sporting a large purple bruise swelling on the left side of his cheek. All of them cowed and flinched when they felt his gaze passed by them.
Kurogane felt a slight flush of embarrassment and avoided eye contact with them, he was sure he had not gone too hard on them.
The moment they were finally allowed to leave, Kurogane turned towards Rock Lock. "Come on, we got a long way more before our shifts over."
"Yes, sir." Rock Lock quickly followed behind as they went back to their patrol route. The two continued on without much further word said between the two.
His mind, however, went back to the conversation between his wife. Replaying the words over and over again.
Already, he feared the worst scenario that could happen.
"Sir." Rock Lock's voice shook him out as he snapped towards the intern. "Your face is scaring some of the civilians."
Kurogane slowed in his steps, took deep breaths, and relaxed the scowl on his face.
"Everything alright, Solid?"
"Just news, nothing to worry about."
"I will when it stops affecting you," Rock Lock cut to the point sharply. "We're on the job right now, and whatever it was, it is clearly affecting you."
Kurogane pursed his lips in annoyance, to think the day would come where an intern was actually lecturing him on being a professional.
Not a word between them was said as the two continued walking on, the glare on Rock Lock however remained blazing at Kurogane back despite the latter being nearly twice as tall.
"It's my son." Kurogane relented, preferring to get it over with knowing just how spindly and uptight Rock Lock can be.
Rock Lock glare lessened slightly but hadn't abated in its intensity as Kurogane scanned the area he's patrolling in.
The neighborhood they're in was a quiet one, with the occasional pedestrian or drive-by cars coming, due to the sprayed paintings, disheveled and disused buildings as well as the small alleyways littered with rubbish.
"Problem?" Rock Lock kept a tight watch but continued their conversation.
"Slow development in learning and motor skills, temperamental mood swings, repetitions of movement-" Kurogane stated though his fist tightened at each word. "The doctors suspect Apraxia at first, but quirk testing showed that it isn't."
He knew that there was something odd about Kurono, difficulties in understanding him, not paying attention and being very distracted, odd body movements, and even difficulties in crawling.
It took 2 years before he was able to crawl consistently and explore the house, sometimes odd and sudden bursts of movements would erupt without rhyme or reason.
Poor Ayuna was at her wits end as she tried to understand what was going on, more so when the results showed that physically, Kurono was completely healthy.
He also didn't know which one was worse, a deficit in mind or body.
"You suspect he has-?"
"It's... too early to tell just yet."
"There's nothing wrong with it."
"It's not him, it's his later life I worry about." Kurogane shook his head at the accusing tone that Rock Lock leveled at him.
That had Rock Lock shrugged his shoulders at that before lingering a bit more on an abandoned building that they were approaching.
"Mr. Solid." Rock Lock casually said as he flexed and moved his fingers. "Is it difficult being a parent?"
"Of course," Kuro-no, Mr. Solid said as he adjusted his glasses, eyes flicked to the building once. The area around his neck slowly turned into a jet black sheen, hidden by his suit. "But-"
"Get them!"
The moment the pair was in front of the building, multiple figures burst out from the windows, alley, and rooftops. The moment they landed, all of them started rushing forward to them.
Four from above, two from behind, three from the sides, simple coordination, no disabling or large attacks. Mr. Solid ran the information in his head as he was already moving forward to clear a path, Rock Lock right behind him for a follow-up.
"I never regretted a single moment of it."
Tatewaki residence
Musutafu area
Age 3
Right, left, right, left.
Okay.
Kurono didn't so much walk but shuffled and slid his feet forward in the gloomy hallway, slowly and steadily as they finally found a balance point as their arms were outstretched to sides in order to maintain that balance.
Both of them focused on their task, sweat beads forming and brows furrowed as they synchronized their will together.
Slowly, inch by inch, they reached the end of the hallway and into the living room. Then heading for the sofa, the two of them matched their arms and pulled themself upwards and rolled to a seating position.
Finally. Kurono let out a long relieved sigh and buried his face with his hands, an act followed by their physical body as Crona flopped down wordlessly.
That was hard.
No kidding, no wonder they said the human greatest balancing act was standing and walking. Kurono slumped down onto the sofa, exhausted yet feeling accomplished. The hardest part of the hurdle was nearly gone, they just needed to figure on matching each other's walking pace naturally and he would be free to go wherever he pleased.
Crona was just simply happy to not stumble or fall every moment, even more so than usual.
Looking at the black screen of the television, Kurono saw Crona's actual mental appearance and decided to nod his head towards them.
"You feeling alright?" Kurono muttered quietly to them as he looked left and right first. It was still early in the morning after all.
"Yes." Crona leaned backward and rested his arm on top of his head.
That was what convinced him that it really was Crona, it took a while for that to happen but it seems that if they look at a reflection and focus hard enough. Frankly, Kurono wondered if he had gone mad and was just imagining the whole thing.
"That's a bit harsh," Crona said, overhearing his mental thoughts.
"Sorry about that." Kurono apologetically said and waved his hand. "Well, at least we're one step closer now."
"To help the world?"
"You bet!" Kurono raised his thumbs-up, winked, and smiled at Crona. Much to the latter confusion as they raised an eyebrow before Kurono dropped that act, sticking his tongue out in disgust at that. "Yea, I can't believe how corny that looks too."
Never mind it's a baby doing it, god, that was stupid.
"We got lots of things to catch up. Let's go again, the moment we got this down, the better." Kurono said as he gestured for Crona to get up, it took a moment for Crona to follow suit as their reflection turned back to normal.
"We're gonna go faster," Kurono mumbled, taking a deep breath, getting the familiar feeling to match with Crona. As one, they lifted and plopped themselves to the floor.
The two landed and bent their knees, wobbling side to side but managed to find their center. Then it was onto the task of sliding back to their room.
"You know, I'm glad," Kurono commented off-handedly as they moved their right leg then left.
Glad?
"I'm not alone at least." Kurono bit back a curse when he moved the left too fast and they slid further than needed, mentally dialing and reminding himself to be a bit slower.
...Me too. Crona felt a flush coming to their face when they felt the truthfulness of those words. It wasn't a lie either because in this world, there's no such thing as Shibusen or Shinigami.
No witches, meister, Kishin, Asura.
No Maka, Soul, Black Star, or Kid.
Nothing.
Even Ragnarok, aggravating, mean, and pushy as he was, was gone as well.
Crona would've been completely alone in this strange new world if not for Kurono.
"What's that noise so early in the morning? Is that you dear-?" A door clicked open, sending the pair to be still like a statue but it was too late as the lights flicked on. Ayuna rubbed the sleep dust from her eyes as she held a yawn back before resting a stop on them. "Oh, it's just you Kurono."
Then the moment those words left her mouth, she did a double-take and eyes widened like saucers as she stared at the two. Like deers caught in the headlights, they stared at one another in silence.
Crona, raised your hands up.
O-Ok. Crona quickly complied as they followed Kurono's lead.
"M-Ma." Kurono muttered in purposefully broken words, before lifting both hands up. "Mama!"
That sent Ayuna into a flurry of action as she dashed back into the room before quickly coming back out, handphone and camera at her side as she snapped multiple photos in such speed that she blurred before swooping them up in her arms.
"My baby's first words! Say it again, say it again!" Ayuna excitedly said as she had tears forming in between her words.
Crona wryly smiled and tried to shy away from the close physical contact before just letting it happen as Ayuna squished her cheeks with theirs.
Of course, their new parents.
They're...kind and warm.
That's more than they could've asked for.
Watanabe's Poly Clinic
Musutafu area
Age 4
"Don't worry, it's just his quirk manifesting itself." Doctor Watanabe assured a beleaguered Kurogane, his face unshaven, short hair uncombed, and dressed in his light blue pajamas.
"Quirk?! I don't care about that, is he injured?! He hit his head on the sink hard enough to crack it!" Kurogane nearly shouted at the doctor as he loomed over him. Feeling the pressure, the doctor assuaged the man as he raised his hand.
"Indeed, we have checked for injuries first." Watanabe then gestured over the nurse and opened the curtain, showing Kurono sitting upright on a bed as a small patch of bandage was applied to the center of his forehead.
Looking none the worse, the latter even waved back at them nonplussed at the ordeal. "There was a small bruise but that's limited to the skin only. No internal damage, concussion, nor was there any broken bones."
"Your quirk, it was solidifying right?" He double-checked with Kurogane, the latter nodding once at that.
"Yes, I can solidify any parts of my body or upon impact." He recited his quirk information quickly. " The side effect of it is that my weight also increases in proportion to it."
"If I had to posit, his quirk manifested and the weight threw him off-balance." Watanabe then pointed to an x-ray, showing the picture they took. "Take a look at this."
Kurogane squinted as it showed his son's outline but nothing in between, not even the bones.
Wait, don't tell me-
"Is his quirk manifesting within his blood only?" That was an unusual but not unheard of, quirks are often either inherited fully, partially or they mixed together to create something completely different.
"Indeed," The doctor took a pen and pointed to the center of the photo. "It seems that his blood has somehow increased in its viscosity to the point that it is nearly like cement."
That stunned Kurogane as he felt his jaw drop. "Isn't that dangerous?"
"So far, his heartbeat, body tissue, and muscles are all fine. No shortage of breath as well so the blood is moving like normal." Watanabe then swiveled around to the young child. "How are you feeling?
"I am fine," Kurono muttered and smiled weakly as he raised his arm slowly. "Feels heavy."
"May I?" Kurogane turned to Watanabe and gestured to Kurono as he slowly got up.
"Of course."
Moving forward, he quickly inspected Kurono. The latter seemingly made himself smaller at his touch and pursed his lips tightly. Gently wrapping and squeezing his arm, the stiff resistance he encountered underneath felt more like an iron bar rather than flesh.
Was that why Kurono couldn't move just now? Come to think of it, Kurono felt a lot heavier when he carried him all the way to the clinic. He must have missed that detail during the rush.
He sighed to himself, that was far too unprofessional as a hero then. "I see, then he would need some time to readjust to the new weight?"
"With some exercises, he should be able to get used to it." The doctor nodded at that assessment in approval. "Take note, however, while his blood makes his inner body much dense, his outward skin can still be damage."
Nodding at Watanabe's warning and taking that into account, he'll have to adjust accordingly since that meant his own training regime wouldn't work.
Still, surely now, this was something he was familiar with.
Kurono meanwhile felt crap, everything felt so heavy and that it was still six in the morning,
Is this how you feel always with the black blood? Kurono muttered inwardly as he struggled from nodding off and yawned.
N-no,it isn't supposed to be this heavy. Crona panicked as he moved his right arm around, a lag happening as he could move normally before slowing down. It was like being tied down with lead.
Kurono growled in anger, it was one thing after another. Bad enough that they miss out and were confined home till they could walk properly, the moment they got their slight freedom, this had to happen.
Still, at least they had a quirk. It would be the most ironic of things if they had been born quirkless instead.
I mean, just imagine. 'What's your quirk?' Oh, it's insanity!
Crona flinched at that comment, something that Kurono felt before quickly apologizing. "Sorry."
"There's nothing for you to be sorry about, your quirk just manifested at a bad time." Kurogane patted their heads, which had Kurono gummed up immediately at that as he lowered his head. "We'll get you moving soon!"
"Okay." Both Kurono and Crona smiled together as they nodded at his words, which lifted their father's mood.
"That's the spirit! Doctor? If there is nothing else, sorry to trouble you-" He left them as he discussed with their doctor on leaving.
Hey, Crona. A thought then came across Kurono as he realized something about their power.
Yes?
"And so long he keeps his quirk in control, there shouldn't be a problem. After all, if it's similar to yours-" Watanabe advised before a loud slurping sound akin to a sink full of water being drained took both his and Kurogane's attention.
Poised there on the bed was Kurono with a ball of black liquid hovering above his hand. Both also caught a whiff of a familiar and strong iron smell wafting through the air.
"Is he controlling and shaping that?" Watanabe looked at it curiously and Kurogane paled, realizing where it was coming from.
Just as sudden as the appearance, it quickly moved and reformed itself. Stretching thinner and longer until it was in the shape of a sword, then solidifying itself as it came into fruition.
"Cool." Kurono looked at his feat, completely entranced by it, and had stars sparkling in his eyes while his father had a growing sense of dread.
Oh no.
Ayuna was going to have nightmares about this.
Age 5
The bustling roads of Tokyo, tall buildings, and people going to their work, an endless stream of movement as a child with a bright yellow cap, light blue shirt, small backpack, black trouser, and white shoes seemed like a speck of insignificant dust among them.
Looking at upwards as the tall buildings and making their way past the people, pink hair brushed aside as their gaze lingered on their surroundings. Somewhere, noises can be heard, alarms and sirens blaring out as people dressed in colorful outfits rushed to the scene. An unusual activity but not a strange one among them.
Another villain? Kurono thought to himself as he looked at the general direction of the noise, coming back from their daily kindergarten school.
Could be. Crona replied to him as they tightened their hold on the school bag sling and shuffled their feet faster.
Kurono can't help but wonder just how this world even functions, seems like every day there's someone who's stirring trouble just because they can.
To make things worse, the world history of both this world and his own previous knowledge of the setting told him that it used to be worse.
I can see why you want to help. Crona muttered to him.
"Yea, kind of like how your world use to be." Kurono mumbled quietly as he looked at a shiny reflection of themselves, showing Crona in their older form before they're sealed in the moon. The latter looked down on him as they walked together.
Was it?
"You have a person who can cause madness on a global-scale, murderers popping everywhere that Shibusen was apparently unable to rally all personnel to deal with Asura, and leftover demon weapons in the world."
Oh. Crona looked away as they shifted their feet at that.
"Hey now, from how the series ends, Maka and Soul have it under control."
That perked up Crona as they smiled again, happiness and relief pouring over their mental connection. Making his mood perk up as well.
"Welp, let's do our best for our studies and training then." Kurono changed the topic, something that Crona agreed on as the latter was genuinely enjoying the chance to study and learn. "I'll help you out with math, history, English and whatever, you help me out with Japanese."
Alright, thank you.
"Don't mention it, you're helping me out with combat afteral-and what's going on?" Kurono raised an eyebrow as there was a crowd forming in front of their usual route home. Some taking phones out as murmurs were cut short by a large announcement
"Due to villain activities, this road has been closed! Please be patient and wait untill the situation is resolved!" The police set up the yellow tape as they barred anyone from entering.
"Just our luck." Kurono clicked his tongue bitterly before feeling a mental pat on the head by Crona, making him take a deep breath. Swiveling around and they headed for the alternate route.
A few minutes of walking later, they arrived at the Yutaparuh park. Trees decorated the area alongside neatly trimmed bushes and plants, alongside with a large pond for people to fish.
Walking off the paved road and closer to the trees and nature, giving them the quiet peace as they admired their surroundings. Kurono's thoughts wandered as he listed down the plans he made to help the world.
He wasn't sure if he could help Shigaraki by now but he can certainly make All Might and Gran Torino aware of his circumstances. He needed to move quickly since there wasn't much time before the confrontation between One for All and All for One will take place.
Kurono wasn't sure about the other league of villains, he died before the series concluded after all. Dabi and Compress, he knows nothing about, same with the lizard boy, or the weapons dealer. Finding twice was hard since he doesn't remember his actual name.
The only one left would be-
Crunch
Crona stopped them in their tracks firmly, remaining deathly silent as Kurono felt the equivalent of being thrown into the backseat of a car suddenly. Even with his panic, nearly all control on the body remained with Crona.
What's wrong? Crona eyes then flicked to the sides and gave Kurono the answer as they smelled it coming deeper from the forest park.
Blood.
Already, the pulling sensation of their blood gathered at the palm of their right hand before Crona slowly headed for the source of it.
Wait, shouldn't we leave?
Would you?
...Damn it, alright, you focus on the fight and I'll bail us out if it gets too dicey.
Crona nodded as they slowly made their way deeper into the park. Trees growing tighter as the sunlight darkened overhead, bushes intermingling with small patches of wild undergrowths.
Then, they both heard it, a weird sucking sound like an animal and it was very close. Just past a particularly large bush in fact. Small pants could also be heard in between as they got closer.
Maybe it's a cat? Kurono hoped as the air was tense now.
There's a footprint, a small one. Crona said as their eyes caught it on the soft ground, a small shoe print that belonged to a child.
Fuck.
Crona felt a rush of emotions but kept his breathing steady as they had a short blade fully formed now and he pushed the bushes away quickly. Hoping to surprise or at least, take advantage of what's happening.
What they found, however, was the complete opposite.
A dirty blonde hair girl, dressed in similar kindergarten clothing as them, swiveled around, her yellow slitted eyes locking onto them, the most alarming thing being that her mouth was covered entirely in blood.
Oh no, it's Toga. When they locked eyes, Crona noticed the fanged teeth and small bird in her hands, bleeding out completely as it laid motionless.
Crona felt fear shot up through their veins and Kuron reactions quickened their breath in turn.
We're not supposed to meet her this early. Kurono quickly said in panic, fear and urge to run away was intense as Crona had to actively fight against it.
"She's the villain? Should I kill her?" They muttered as he shifted the sword in his hand, readied for a single strike.
No, absolutely not! She isn't one just yet! Kurono recoiled, horrified at how casual Crona suggested it. Rubbing his head in frustration, he had to diffuse the situation as quickly as possible!
She's technically a villain by circumstances, life was shitty to her, and it's due to her quirk. Giving a short and concise explanation to Crona furiously and even held the right arm down in place as muscle strained but was struggling, Crona willpower was much stronger than his.
I see. Crona bit his lower lips, feeling the body bouncing back and forth between their control.
During that entire time, Toga had just remained still as she studied them, cocking her head to the sides at their prolonged silence and reaction. Eyes going back and forth between the sword and them.
I can only postulate, but her quirk seeks out blood. She denied that part so long she wasn't able to control it and one day, she just snapped. Kurono added, the latter feeling of sympathy well up but it was replaced with fear.
Sharing a look, Crona looked at her straight in the eyes. While there was curiosity, there was also a sense of familiarity to them.
It took them a while to recognize why. Her eyes looked exactly the same as how they used to be.
A sense of frustration, fear, denial, and complete isolation that comes from others not understanding them.
Was this how they used to be?
Was this how Maka saw them?
Crona closed their eyes for a moment and thought, then he arrived deep within their mind. The whole world disappeared into black void around them, leaving only Kurono who was floating around as he jolted backward when they made their appearance.
Looking at Kurono now, it was exactly how they used to look when they're young.
"Oh, you're here? Good, I suggest we run, no one will blame us." Kurono waved a hand but looked away the moment he finished his suggestion, then quickly as it came, he shook his head furiously and bit his lower lips. "It's...too dangerous to associate with her."
Crona considered his words and most of all, their shared emotions. the feeling of sadness but also the protectiveness that came, not for himself but rather, for them.
Yet, there was this weight that formed in the pits of their stomach and heart.
Was this really something they could allow to happen to others?
A moment passed and Crona set their mind.
"Kurono." They began in a firm tone as he stood with his chest outwards and back straight. The sense of responsibility and desire, or perhaps madness, blossomed within them. " I want to help her."
"A-are you insane?! She's not exactly the sanest person out there, heck, her archetype and design is that of a yandere! She's meant to be a villain!" Kurono countered back and flung his arm backward.
"But she's not one just yet, right?" Crona stepped forward and closed the distance, looking at Kurono straight in the eyes as the latter floated upwards to a similar height as them. "I don't know what I can do for her but I like to try at least."
"She'll kill us in her warped desire of love!"
"Perhaps, but I still like to help."
"-But why?" Kurono questioned as he struggled to find words and counterpoints.
"...Because I can. No one aside from Maka and you ever took the time to understand me," Crona looked at his hands and then wrapped their arm around them, remembering their past life. The one greatest moment of happiness. "I-I want to do that for someone else."
"Please."
Kurono looked gobsmacked at their words, mouth open and close multiple times. Crona also felt so many emotions rushing past them, fear, rejection, denial, and then anger. That last one surprised them as it built up greatly, threatening to explode like a volcano as Kurono held his fist tightly and his reddening face twitched.
Then a loud smack echoed, Crona blinked rapidly as they tried to process what happened.
Why would Kurono slap himself?
Oh, and now he's doing it multiple times.
It culminated as Kurono arched his head backward and holding his head, teeth bared, and readied for a scream.
It never came but the torrent of emotions melted away as Kurono sighed deeply, brushed their hair backward before asking softly.
"-you sure you want to do this?"
Resolve, acceptance, and understanding flowed from those words.
"I may not know how to deal with it, but I like to try."
"...Well then, it can't be any worse than what I would do."
With that, they returned to the current situation and met with Toga, who had stood up and leaned forward at their silence. A Cheshire grin coming to her face, painting a nightmarish picture on her face.
To Crona, it wasn't that particularly bad. Scary certainly but not that horrifying, the same can't be said to Kurono who's feeling very squeamish at the entire thing.
"Uh-Hi."
"Hello!" She replied in a cheery voice and nod. "I'm Toga! What's your name?"
"I-I'm-"
It's just like kindergarten, introduce yourself properly. I've done it, you can definitely do it as well.
Alright. More memories flashed as he recalled one that he used before.
"I'm Crona," They replied flatly in their mannerism, then out of habit and dissolved their sword into a blob. "And my blood is black."
Oh no, you did not go there. Fear and apprehension sprung anew from within.
It seems to go well. Crona said after a quiet moment since Toga was now looking at the mass of blood in their hands with eyes wide as a saucer. Not at all disturbed and was in fact, fascinated by it. In fact, it reminded them of how a cat would often look at a mouse.
Like a flash of thunder, Toga seemed to discard the bird in her hands and lunged forward towards the black blood.
This sent both of them in panic, particularly Kurono and it messed with their concentration. The ball of blood then exploded and showered the two of them in it. Leaving the strong iron scent to linger and splattered on them.
As they fell on their backs, Toga continued with the momentum and ended up landing face-first into their chest. Right where the stain was the thickest, then she bolted and sat in an upright manner.
Looking down on them, the looks of her face were one in absolute ecstasy. Face red, marred with the drying red blood and now, the fresh black blood of theirs splashed across her cheeks as she seemed lost in her own world.
"Ah, ahaha, hahaha!" She laughed and hiccups formed in between. "It really is black! It's everywhere and is so pretty!"
Her tongue flicked to the sides of her mouth, tasting and sampling their blood. "So thick, rich, and hot! I never tasted anything like this!
Toga used her fingers to wipe and gather all his blood from her face then slowly, she licked it off her fingers. Once that was clean, she looked downwards to them and brought herself closer to their face.
Oh god. Kuro squirmed and Crona was then aware of how cold their feet were. Attempts to push her away seemed to only inflamed her efforts as she grappled with their arm before changing her target.
Mouth open, she hurled herself face-first to his shirt once again, licking, biting and pulling on it like a crazed animal. Eager to squeeze every drop of their blood from it, the two struggled with one and another erratically.
Crona didn't know how long it took but Toga then slowly settled down as she plopped her face onto their chest. Exhausted yet a thorough impish smile remained on her face.
"Fun." She proclaimed before snuggling close, it was only afterwards that a moment went by where they realized she had fallen asleep.
W-What was that? Crona finally asked between their ruined and stained uniform.
I told you, she's nuts. Kurono muttered, not even sure what he saw in the last few minutes.
Still think you can deal with it?
Crona looked at Toga, the latter peaceful looking face like she had let go of something that was weighing down on her for so long and finally able to get true rest.
That sense of helping someone, being useful and fulfilling it. It was a nice feeling.
It was not like Maka but it was a start.
Yes.
AN: Good day, everyone, I started this unusual story simply due to my binging on MHA materials and wanted to do a crossover SI initially but taking too much of Crona from Soul Eater power. It ended with me just doing all 3 things at once to see how it goes and turns out, it went pretty well.
I had experimented with Crona only but the problem I found was that after 1 chapter with meeting with Toga, they basically achieved a happy end and ending it in a one-shot. So I decided to put the SI instead in place of Ragnarok and the result is as above.
If people like to know more, kindly follow me on questionable questing or spacebattle forums as I usually put the latest chapter there first before here. Kindly comment and criticize as I appreciate it so I can further improve my skills as an author and writer.