I never really thought about how it was going back home, didn't really have a chance to go back or communicate with whoever's left over there. I hope they're doing alright, it's been 10 years, so I'm pretty sure recovery efforts have already been put into place.
I miss my family.
I groaned as I got out of my warm bed.
Sorry bed, you will be missed.
I cracked my neck, and got started on my daily routine as usual, doing some pushups to get my heart going.
Once dressed I head downstairs.
Same old, same old, to be honest.
I got the stuff I needed ready for opening, but I felt that weird feeling again. It's one of those that builds over time, like in anticipation for a game or a fight or something. It was weird, so I took a peek.
...
Well shit.
The door burst open from the foot of an irrate Mirko.
"You could've just knocked..."
"Can it, fuck face!"
Okay, I guess she's already on one.
She looks around the place, as if she's looking for something. I don't have anything to hide this time though...
Her glare then hardens at me as she stomps towards me.
"Why are you so aggressive this early in the morning?"
"I can be however I wanna be... No funny business around here huh?"
"... No? Your kinda trespassing right now..."
"Don't care, just making sure trash isn't trying to be bigger then trash!"
Okay, that's a little much.
"Quit that shit, you woke up to catch the bus to school, didn't ya? Mama woke you up on the wrong side of the bed, shortie? I hope you packed her lunch with you."
She growled as she grabbed the collar of my shirt and lifting me with surprising strength.
I thought it was cute that she had to look up almost all the way though.
"Why don't I just take you out now? I'll be doing everybody a fucking favor! Too suspicious... To innocent!"
"Mirko. Put him down." I look past her to see one Aizawa, leaning on the doorframe.
"You shouldn't barge into people's property like that." He said in his usual monotone voice.
"I can do whatever I want... I dunno who you are." She said with a tilt of her head.
"What you can do is put the man down."
"Make me!"
Aizawa groaned hard.
"Mirko, your not going to get anything out of him from up there."
With a few seconds, she then huffed, practically throwing me aside to the floor.
"Fucking bitch..." I muttered. Throwing me on the floor like I'm some side chick...
She glared at me before turning towards the hobo standing inside.
"And who are you..."
"... Eraser Head."
"Uh huh." She immediately dismissed him as she turned to me, her feet on each side of my legs as she crouched down.
"Heh, look at you, beneath me, who's got the smart mouth now?"
"Mirko... I knew you were bold, but this is too much."
"Eh?"
I made myself smile as I looked towards the side, before looking back at her with my affectionate, domineering dilf eyes.
Don't ask why. Don't ask when. Don't ask who. Don't ask where. Don't ask how. All I'm gonna say is that it was useful in some situations.
"If I had known this was going down, I would've brought protec-" in an instant her eyes lit up in fury, her fist raised to cave in my skull. I saw this coming, but the look on her face was kinda freaking me out.
Thankfully, my man Aizawa came in clutch and wrapped his support weapon around her raised arm.
"Mirko, you were about to harm a civilian. Stop with the childish behavior!" He said more irritated then ever.
"You know good and dog damn well this guy with a civilian!"
"Nevertheless, you were about to strike a person unwarranted without any evidence of villainous actions." He said with a dangerous glare.
"And Mendoza, stop antagonizing people!" He said with a less intense glare.
Meanwhile, I was trying my HARDEST not to fold right now. Can you blame me?
She continued to glare at the man, before huffing, getting off of me, and harshly brushing past Aizawa as she lept away from this place.
"... What's her problem?"
"I'm not sure in the slightest. Good luck with that." Thanks Aizawa.
Me and him talked a little bit, he spoke about what was going on within his teaching career and the villain groups sprouting up or recent developments. I could tell that he hid some things, but it didn't matter to me.
"Meta liberation, huh? I never really heard of it to be honest."
"Yeah, all I'm saying is do not get involved within that, Mendoza."
I'm glad he comes by often, and gives me someone to actually talk to these days, despite his dull and stern expression at first glance.
"Hmph, I have to go now. Stay safe and don't do anything stupid, alright?"
"Yeah, yeah, I know the deal by now. Stay safe, alright?" He sent a wave over his shoulder as he left.
What a guy.
I looked outside the place, noting the darker clouds in the area. It was probably gonna rain.
Damn, now my leg aches...
~~~~~
Late afternoon, it was. Thankfully no rabbit burst into my restaurant and interrupted my very important work.
I would try to hire somebody for some help, but considering I'm still under watch and surveillance and the such, they don't exactly want someone else under a criminal. What a pain in the ass.
I glanced up, noting a new customer. I always recognized familiar faces, but this guy wasn't one of them.
It was a scraggly guy, bluish hair and the dryest skin I have ever seen, along with a seemingly permanent hunchback. He wore a black jacket and pants, I side the jacket was a plain grey shirt as well, his hood pulled over his head.
A little weird, but I don't judge.
He hobbled over to me, I can see in more detail his chapped ass lips.
Dude, chapstick ain't expensive man.
"Hello there sir, how can I help you today?"
"... One pepperoni... Take out." He said, his slightly hoarse voice spooked me.
"Sure thing, and for who?"
"Shigaraki..."
I got to work, but I noticed that he simply leaned on the wall, watching me the whole time, incessantly scratching at his neck.
This guy might be bad news.
A peek won't hurt at all.
...
I'm in the clear, but this guy is definitely bad news.
"Say, what's your favorite hero?"
Not exactly a weird question, but I'm pretty sure he hasn't blinked since he got here.
"Don't really have one. I don't pay attention to them." I tell the truth as I put on the pepperoni.
"Good... They're all miserable pieces of shit, don't you think?"
If this is some sales pitch, he is doing an awful job.
"I seen my fair share of them, I couldn't say I hate them though." I said as I chuck the pizza into the oven.
"But think about it, all these heroes,they don't care about anything other then money and fame,"
While I did see into the future, I still perked up slightly. I can only see up to about 3 minutes without straining myself.
"The hero rankings, the publicity, most of those fights you see are just stunts." He said, his grin spreading.
"I see where you're coming from."
"I bet you do."
"Really?"
"You ever find yourself wanting to change it? You did it before, so take another step, Mendoza. Be a part of the change..."
My face turned into a glare.
"... Your pizza is ready."
I put the box down in front of him.
"Now get outta here."
Shigaraki just grinned at me, his dry skin cracked around his lips, sending a slight shiver down my spine.
This is not good at all.
This guy knows who I really am.
I dont want anything to do with whatever he has going on.
He took the pizza and left, somehow not taking eye contact off of me as he left, leaving me in a sweating mess.
That guy was trouble, he most likely is another villain. But he isn't just another villain, he knew who I was, and there were likely a few more people associated with him. He wanted me to join him? I'm not that ambitious where I want to change society as a whole...
This wasn't good.
~~~~~
"Shigaraki, huh?"
I sat before Aizawa and Yamada later into the night.
"Yeah. Does that make ring a bell?"
"Man, not really..." Yamada rubbed his chin in thought as Aizawa stayed focused.
I decided to tell them just in case they do any funny business, which I had no doubt they would. I can't do much cooped up here.
"What do you think?" Asked Aizawa.
"What do you mean?"
"Taking down the hero society? Bring change?" Ah, I see how it is, he thinks I might be swayed by the creepy guy's words.
I simply laughed as I said "Trust me, my fire died a long time ago..."
"Right. Thank you for bringing this into our notice, it seems we will have to double up on the security for here." He said, going back into his usual monotone demeanor.
"I'm glad you're okay, Mendoza-kun! It would be bad if my friend got hurt!" The other hero said with a smile and a thumbs up.
"Thanks Yamada..."
"Is that all, Mendoza?"
"Pretty much."
"I see, come on Yamada." Aizawa had to practically drag Yamada out of the place
"Bye Mendoza-kun!!!"
"I'll see you guys whenever!"
As they left, that sinking feeling dropped to the bottom of my stomach. Whatever it was wasn't good.
Should I...
No. Too costly and too risky.
I just hope I don't get involved in whatever the hell is going on.
I wish that was the case.
~~~~~
[Shigaraki POV]
I scratched my neck, waiting for master's call from the TV.
"Shigaraki, please stop-"
"Shut it, Kurogiri!"
I scratched harder.
That Mendoza guy, what was up with him!? I really thought he would fold for that. He had to have hated heroes! Hell, he almost killed one! It was supposed to be foolproof!
I let my hand slam on the table as the TV turned on, static came out of it as a voice echoed.
"Shigaraki."
Master!
"I did what you asked, I tried but it did not work!"
"Calm yourself, remember it is a person you're dealing with, and people are complicated. Some will fold and some shall not."
It's not fair though! It shouldn't take much to get a grunt to join my party!
"In due time, just remember, if you can't get him to join us, bring him to me... Alive."
~~~~~
[Jason POV]
I woke up the next day with bags under my eyes. I didn't get much sleep last night. Thoughts of that encounter plagued my mind. I always had problems with paranoia. It came with my past profession, if you could call it that.
Don't interrupt my peace now...
I got up as usual and got started the day. However, it started with something different.
I heard a knock as I looked out to see... Nothing?
Was it some kids playing a prank on me? No, it's too early for that.
That one Shigaraki guy? I don't know but I can't rule it out- that's a big ass rat.
Okay, quite the switch around I know, but I looked down to see a literal fucking rat thing was outside my door, it's beady eyes peering into my soul.
Are they after my cheese again? Rat bastards-
"Hello! May I come in?"
It can talk.
The rat can talk.
Now that I think about it, it was dressed quite nicely, wearing what appeared to be a suit. It was rocking those timbs though.
I cautiously opened the door.
"Can I help you...?"
"Yes! I am currently filling in for Yamada today, you can call me Nezu for your convenience!" It said, putting out its paw...
Am I finally losing it?
I gingerly shook the paw as he stepped inside.
Nezu... Where did I hear that before...
"Wait, aren't you the principal for UA!? What are you doing here?" I heard of that name when Yamada went on his usual rant about the amount of paperwork he does over there.
"That's right, it's me, principal Nezu! The one who could be a bear, a mouse, or a dog!"
I could only nod in reply.
"What... Are you doing here?"
"I simply wanted to have a little chat! I heard much about you!"
Fuck. I was NOT liking the way he looked at me, I felt that he was analyzing my every move. Creepy bastard...
"Do you want tea or something?"
"That would be splendid!"
I turned on the kettle as I prepared the tea as he sat at a booth, kick his legs. What is my life...
I sat across from the thing, watching closely. I was about to use my quirk just in case until...
"That's a neat activation cue!"
"Huh?"
"Your eyes, they give a slight spark when it's activated."
I halted my future sight as I took that in, usually nobody notices the visual cue of my quirk, since it's so small... This guy was smart and perceptive, for sure.
"Right... What are you doing here... Really."
"I simply wanted to get know about the former vigilante, your case is quite particular. 198 villains or crooks apprehended by you, 12 heroes with less then reputable behaviors exposed, heroes who had quite the quirks as well. And all of that is known stuff by the agencies and police over there, we don't know the true number."
His face all the sudden gets serious, or, as serious a rat thing could get.
"The troubling factor is undoubtedly the way you went about your justice. It can be noted that more extreme criminals, like those who would be charged with murder, rape, or human and child trafficking were dismembered and/or beaten half to death by you... What do you have to say for that, I'm genuinely curious."
I just looked at him, do I really want to go into that?
"I was young, and angry. That's all."
The mouse's face then turned up slightly.
"Personally, I feel the good outweighs the bad, here. Countless people were saved due to your actions, especially during the New York Incident. That's why your case is so complicated. Vengeful and a criminal, but responsible for numerous lives saved..."
It finished, stroking it's chin. I got up and retrieved the tea, pouring some for him and myself.
"Right, it doesn't seem like you really needed to talk to me if you knew all of that." I said, taking a sip of my tea.
Huh, quite alright this time.
"My, this tea is great, Mendoza!" It said with a smile.
"Just get on with it."
"Ah, well, I simply wanted to hear from you yourself, you quite interesting."
"Me? Please, I own a pizza shop for christ sake, I lost that fire long ago."
"I wouldn't exactly say that, considering what you did several months ago."
Damn, that's right.
"Yeah, yeah, but like I said I don't know what your deal is. Don't you got some young future heroes to teach?" I said semi sarcastically. I was tired of this conversation.
"I can assure you, Mendoza, I try to teach my students how to be a true hero, and a good person." He probably had caught on to what I was thinking.
"Really? I hope your doing right, unless all your going to see around here is a bunch of clout chasers." I said a little aggressively. Damn, I can't lose my cool here.
All the rat bear thingie did was smile.
"I can also assure you that we only accept the people we believe to make change and inspire hope as well."
"Right. Are we done here?"
"Ah, just one more question!" He said as he drunk the last of his tea.
"Would you ever find yourself, with all your experience, educating or dispensing your wisdom to others?"
Thats a weird question. Willing to dispense my wisdom? Eh, maybe...
Mina...
Kirishima...
Well, it wouldn't be too bad if I did so, even if it isn't related to quirks or heroes or whatever. I was always a life smart kinda guy anyway.
"I mean, maybe. Not sure if you would want a criminal as a teacher though." I said with a smile.
All the bear things did was smile.
"Thank you for your time, Mendoza, I must get going!" He said, not replying to my answer.
"Great. Well, I hope you've heard what you needed to hear, Nezu. There's not much to me, now."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that... Anyways, off I go!" He said as he left, getting into a... Little car. It was a nice ass car too, but it looked something a toddler would drive. Surprisingly it worked, as he quickly took off.
...
That was pretty weird.
I thought for a moment about what he said. The guy was smart as all hell, that's for sure. How odd...
"Teaching others, huh?"
I'm too old for that, and I'm gonna keep saying that even though there's tons of people teaching that are older then me.
It would feel nice though, seeing someone grow from what I try and say.
Well, it's not like I could even do that, im still cooped up in here...
...
What would you think, Mama? Papa?
~~~~~
"Come on... Come on!"
I pushed the bar up and racked it up. I looked at the weight: 225. Nice to know I still got it. Not bad for my bodyweight of 195 lbs.
I'm grateful I can do that for reps still, I used to do a lot more back then, though. It is what it is.
"Oh yeaaahhhh!!!" I grimaced at my impromptu gym partner, which was Yamada. I was able to go to the local gym, but I had to constantly surveillanced by a hero. How annoying.
I quickly moved onto my chest flies using the 35s. I liked working out, kept my body looking good and kept me distracted.
"Man... Do I gotta... Do your routine too!?" Yamada, however, was struggling with my rather tough regiment. He was strong, don't get me wrong, but not as strong as me.
"Yes, if your ass is here, your gonna work."
"Dude, I can't feel my chest or my triceps..."
"That's how you know it's working."
After that superset, I went back on the bench.
He struggled with getting the 225 up, I offered to take off a 45 and put a 25, but he was stubborn about it, so I only lended a little bit of help. He was able to get by with a little help.
"Gah... Damn dude..."
"Uh huh, quit complaining."
"Boo..." He said as he did his superset. After that, he lumbered over to me as I sat on the bench, tiredness all over his face.
"Your... Crazy..."
"I know, I'mma need you to spot me here, alright? No stupid shit."
"Of course, Mendoza-kun! I believe in you!" He said with a big smile.
"Thanks..."
I got it up and went at it, I quickly realized the affects as after the fourth rep. Thankfully, Yamada was smart enough to help, but let me work at the same time.
With a struggle, I did the last few reps before racking it up.
"Good job!"
"Alright, after the super set we're going incline."
"Damn it..."
~~~~~
As I stood in the shower, I just thought about all the events that transpired the last couple of days.
Mirko tried to beat my face in.
Shigaraki's creepy ass tried to recruit me.
And now the principal of fucking UA came in here to have a chat?
What is going on here?
Why do I feel like my life is ramping up here?
Whatever it was it isn't good.
That pit in my stomach only grew as the days past by.
The troubling thing is I don't know if it'll result in catastrophe or anything good.
The only thing I can do is be prepared.
~~~~~
[??? POV]
I can't believe I'm doing this!
This early in the morning?
And I have to introduce myself to a stupid crook?
"Promote relations" they said! Yeah right, I don't wanna watch over some dirty ass criminal. I know Eraser Head and Present Mic are watching this guy, so why should I?
"Increase in security and surveillance" they said!
I'm Mt. Lady, dammit! I know my worth here!
I walk unto the place and knock on the door.
In and out.
It's probably gonna be some greasy, ugly bastard...
I see him come down what appeared to be steps and towards the door...
"The fuck you want?"
Holy shit.
Holy shit he's hot.
He's hot as FUCK!
What do I do? Do I look good right now? I'd my hair alright? Maybe makeup-
"Are you gonna sit there or are you gonna tell me why someone like you is here?"
"O-oh? Oh!? You already know who I am?"
Of course he knows he who I am, I'm the most attractive hero out here.
"Yeah, the clout chasing,"
Eh?
"Goldigging,"
Eh!?
"Bratty,"
EH!?
"One note wannabe hero? Yeah, I know you." And then the door is slammed at my face.
...
This fucking guy... How dare he!?
I'm Mt. Lady! Upcoming and rising star!
"Oi! Open this fucking door, you bitch!"
"Sorry, if rather not talk to pieces of plastic, it'll make me look crazy!"
This fucking guy...
"You little- open the fucking door!"
He strode back over and opened it, leaning on the doorframe with a smirk.
Man, I don't care if he's hot, how dare he!?
"Can I help you?"
"My name is Mt. Lady, the person you decided to cross today! I will let it go since you're quite the good looker. Maybe I'll let it go if you and I get to know each other a little better?~" I say, pushing my chest up with my arms. Oh yeah, I got him-
"Yeah, thanks, but I'll pass."
...
"R-really?"
"Yeah."
"Oh..."
"Are we done here?"
"... I mean, I guess?"
"Cool, have a good day." He said before closing the door.
I was just left... Like, dumbfounded.
I could barely process what just happened right now.
Did I just get rejected? Me? Mt. Lady? Yuu Takeyama?
I could tell he wasn't going to walk back to the door, does he not like heroes?
I... I think I need a minute...
~~~~~
[Jason POV]
That was definitely weird as shit. I'd rather not deal with her ass. She isn't my type anyway...
I watched as she stumbled away, man, is this the "security" they talked about? Yeah, right.
Anyways, I decided to just clear that encounter out of my mind, I thought back to my shower thoughts I had last night. That feeling I had was still there. It always was before something big happened, either good or bad. But from my experience nothing good ever came from it.
Man, peace of mind is so scarce...
That pit in my stomach was still there...
Not like anything bad could happen anytime soon, right?
Right.
~~~~~
And that's a wrap! Thanks for reading this little passion project of mine! I got some cool stuff lined up for the future, so stick around and find out!
Already, AFO is gunning for our protagonist here, and I think it's pretty obvious in what he wants!
Nezu pulled up and asked some particular questions of the man as well... To be honest, he just finds him to be interesting.
And that pit in his stomach only grows... What could happen now! Stay tuned and find out in the next chapter! Buh bye ;)