A/N: Decided to not do BGM's for every chapter. Too much of a hassle. They'll only show up in major battles or events.
"...This is where he lives?"
"Maybe he ran out of money, or the upper lifestyle does not suit him?"
Deku and Peter had arrived at the home of the Gran Torino, All Might's former homeroom teacher, and the man they will be interning under. They had expected the retired hero to live in a comfortable status but were surprised to see that Gran Torino was living in an apartment like most people.
"Well…" Peter look at Deku and gave him an unsure look, "Not what I expected."
"What did you expect? A creepy yet fancy mansion outside of town with a butler named Alfred?" Midoriya muttered causing Peter to laugh.
"I'm a bad influence. Both Tsu and you are starting to pick up on my sarcastic nature." Peter said to Deku as the latter looked at his friend.
"It could be worse. We could be vigilantes like you." Deku replied with Peter laughing more and slightly embarrassed.
"You jerk! That's uncalled for!" Peter calmly stopped laughing and kept a smile on, "I rather have you two be sarcastic than follow my idiotic tendencies." Peter looked at the building again. "Let's go inside." Both Peter and Deku walked up the stairs and saw a note that said the door was unlocked. Peter looked at Deku, "Ladies first."
Deku huffed a bit, "You're mean." Deku opened the door, "We're from U.A. Our names are…" Deku froze in place as Peter looked at him in concern.
"What's wrong?" Peter asked.
Deku looked towards Peter, "I jinxed us, it can be worse."
Now Peter was confused, "Why is that?"
"HE'S DEAD!" Deku yelled out instantly as Peter looked inside quickly. What Peter saw made him very disappointed in Deku.
"He's not dead, Deku!" Peter said loudly to Deku.
Deku blinked at looked at Gran Torino's body closely. What he saw Gran Torino faced down on the ground, red liquid-like substance splattered across the floor and under the old man, and… "Sausages?" Deku mumbled as Peter hit him on the shoulder. "What was that for?!" Deku looked at Peter as he rubbed his shoulder.
"Don't scream bloody murder in the public! You're gonna attract people's attention! Examine the sight first before you say anything and confirm if they are dead!" Peter explained as Gran Torino's body suddenly jumped up, startling the two boys.
Gran Torino was a small person, his height being around probably 4'2"; he was also shaking slightly while holding onto a sturdy wooden cane. He donned a costume that was a full-body monochrome with a yellow cape, a belt with the letter "G" where the buckle would be, had very thick yellow gloves and boots, and wore dark domino mask over his eyes that resembled two diamonds. "When I was carrying a string of sausages with ketchup poured on them, I fell!" Gran Torino pointed towards Peter, "You have a good eye for seeing through my deception, unlike the other one who could have caused an unnecessary commotion!" Peter smiled slightly while Midoriya deflated a little. "Now...who are you?" Gran Torino asked.
"My name is Peter Parker." Peter introduced himself.
"I am Izuku Midoriya." Deku presented, quickly regaining his spirit.
Gran Torino leaned in with his left side and held a hand to his ear, "Who?"
Peter and Deku both blinked.
"I'm Peter Parker!"
"Izuku Midoriya!"
Gran Torino pulled his body back and relaxed once more, "...Who?"
Peter and Deku deadpanned and looked at one another, "C-crap…" Both of them simultaneously said to each other.
Peter whispered towards Deku, "I knew he would be old, but I didn't think he be Hanna Barbera old!" Both young men heard a thud and looked at the old man. He was sitting on the floor with his legs spread out.
"I wanna eat something."
"Eat?!" Deku and Peter almost yelled out.
Gran Torino looked at the two and blinked, "Toshinori? Nighteye?"
"Not that's us!" Deku yelled out.
"Who's Nighteye?!" Peter asked in frustration.
The three stared at one another in silence, but with tension as well. Peter and Deku could not believe their eyes. This senile old man had asked to intern Deku, and Nezu thought this man was the best option for Peter to show his worth too!
Deku put his hand into his pocket, "Excuse me, I'm going to make a phone call." Deku pulled out his phone and showed it off as if he was showing a baby a new toy. Deku walked outside as Peter followed him.
"Who are you calling?" Peter questioned.
"All Might. I'm going to tell him about this guys condition…" Deku answered.
Peter looked his shoulder before he saw that Gran Torino was looking through both of their hero suitcases. "H-Hey! What are you doing?!" Deku looked at what Peter was panicking about and freaked out as well. He put his phone away as both of them ran inside, but were stopped in their tracks as the old man spoke.
"Fire off a One for All at me." Gran Torino demanded in a commanding tone. This change of attitude stunned the duo. Peter looked at Deku and mouthed 'Is he serious' at him. "I want to know how well you can handle it. As for the other one, I want you to stand aside; I'll deal with you later." Gran Torino kept looking through Deku's outfit, "Nice costume! Wear it and fire!"
"Well you heard the man Deku, go for it," Peter suggested as he took a couple of steps back.
Deku looked at Gran Torino for a moment as Gran Torino stared back at him with a serious expression. Not a second later, the seriousness that was once there faded into one of relaxation, "Who are you?"
Deku and Peter yelled out loud in frustration. At this rate, they will be going nowhere! "This isn't going to cut it!" Peter yelled out before pulling Deku to face him before pointing at Gran Torino. "We aren't going to be doing anything if this the guy who is training us!" Peter signed and let go of Deku and pulled his finger away from Torino.
"I know Peter, I know." Deku said as he clenched his fist and looked at Gran Torino, "We need to hurry. I need to quickly to become able to use One for All because All Might is retired now, and Peter needs to hurry because he is supposed to uphold that title for me until I can carry it. Both of us can't waste any more time with you sir, please excuse us." Deku bowed as he began to walk towards the door.
"I'm sorry sir, but I agree with Midoriya. We can not allow time to pass us by anymore." Peter bowed as well before following Deku.
"Hmmm...in that case."
Peter and Deku stopped in their tracks and looked back at Gran Torino. He straightened himself out before taking a deep breath, and suddenly, he launched himself at a wall before he was jumping around the room. Peter and Deku were shocked to see this old man be this quick and versatile, but Peter was even more surprised that he was faster than his eyes. They heard a crash behind them and saw Gran Torino on top of the doorway with the wall under his body being cracked from the impact.
"Holy cow he is fast!" Peter said in amazement as Gran Torino looked at them with a determined expression.
"In that case, that is all the more reason for you two to show me what you got, especially you, you One for All zygote!" Deku's face held one of confusion and slight fear as Gran Torino continued, "I watched the U.A Sports Festival on TV! The way you used that power was not only unthinkable but completely idiotic as well! He may have been called the Symbol of Peace and the number one hero, but his teaching and overseeing skills are even lower than that of a novice! I can't stand the way you use that power, so I will teach you!"
Deku began to notice similarities between the two. Both used the same 'zygotes' phrase and the way they play dumb is ditto as well. "He really is All Might's teacher!" Deku told himself as he swallowed hard, but put on a face that looked driven.
"As for you, webhead!" Gran Torino looked at Peter as Peter looked down.
"Oh great…not this again, I already had enough from Wolverine…" Peter mumbled as he looked up again.
"I can tell that you are better! Either you are holding back, fighting against children has made you soft, or being away from action too long has made you rusty!" Gran Torino blasted at Peter, the young hero looking at him in utter realization. "Now, both of you put on your costumes!"
Peter and Deku grinned and nodded their heads, "Yes sir!" Both made their ways to their hero suitcases and began to put on their suits.
Before Deku started to dress up, he saw that his suit looked different than before. He picked up a manual and read the note inside, "Dear Mr. Izuku Midoriya, when making repairs to your costume, our company decided to make some changes to the materials and design. Thank you for understanding." Deku than imagined an excited Hatsume in his head designing his suit, "It will look a lot cooler like this, and this baby will work more effectively for him!" Deku signed and started to clothe himself in his upgraded suit. "They changed the materials and look without even asking, I wonder if everyone in the support business is like Hatsume." Deku thought out loud.
Peter looked at Deku, "Something wrong?"
Deku looked back with a smile, "Nothing."
Once the two were done, Peter stretched a bit in his Spider-Man outfit. "It always feels great to be in this. Say Deku how are you…" Peter turned to Deku to see that his costume was different. The green was now a darker shade; the white outlines were now black, the 'teeth' on his hoodie was now replaced with a metal respirator, had white cloth shoulder pads, and his legs were now protected heavily with armor that reached to knees. Overall, his outfit received a needed upgrade. Peter grinned slightly, "Nice upgrade. It looks more protective than the one you wore during the fight with me when it was One vs. All."
Deku nodded before turning to Gran Torino, who was on the floor waiting patiently for the two, "I am ready."
"Alright. Webhead, stand aside. I want to test out this zygote first." Peter did as told and moved back, "Zygote. Hit me."
Deku looked concerned, "A-a-are you sure? Honestly, I don't even know if how well the suit is, and if I fire at 100% accidentally, your body wouldn't be able to take it…"
Both Peter and Gran Torino looked at Deku with dumbfounded looks. "Hey, Deku!" Peter called out, "Just do it! He is obviously stronger than he looks!"
"Good grief you are a chatterbox…" Gran Torino said before launching himself at a wall once again and began to jump around the room at lightning speed. Deku kept looking around his surroundings, trying to catch the older man but was failing to see him. Peter was watching in admiration of the retired heroes outstanding speed. He was like a white blur, but you could still see where he was for a split second as he had to stand still as he makes contact with the ground before jumping again. "I am losing patience!" Gran Torino announced as he kicked Deku in the back, Peter's smile now fading a bit.
"He is serious now." Peter thought to himself.
Deku was moved a bit, but stayed on his feet as he looked behind him, "We're doing real combat now?" He asked with slight agitation at the sudden strike.
Peter watched on as Deku could not see where Gran Torino as he kept flying past him left and right before landing on his microwave, smashing it to bits, "You couldn't even see my true strength with that hit earlier?" Deku gasped at this as Gran Torino looked at him with disappointment, "I can't believe the ninth holder of One for All is such a pushover."
"Ouch. This guy is tough." Peter winced as bit as Deku staggered a bit as Gran Torino again started to fly around Deku, causing the green-haired student to back up, but was immediately stopped in place as Gran Torino hit him in the back again. This time, however, Deku let out a weak draw of breath and spat out as the hit was much harder this time. Gran Torino was instantly back with the same strategy as Deku began to try and study the old geezer.
"Deku!" Peter shouted, grabbing Deku's attention, "Stop worrying about everything else and focus on your counterattack!" Peter wanted Deku to improve greatly, but the younger hero needed to learn that he can not worry about every single detail because there is no time to account for everything in the middle of battle.
Deku was once again hit in the back as he was now dropped to his knees. Deku rolled over and began to think to himself, "Peter is right! I need to focus on how I will retaliate against Gran Torino! Okay! He is fast, and in a space like this, there are little openings for me to attack which means it is perfect for his Quirk! Which means I have to keep him from moving!" Deku then figured out Gran Torino's pattern as his right hand began to glow with One for All. "He has passed behind me twice, which means!" Deku quickly got up and turned around to see that his calculations were correct, and Gran Torino was about to strike him from behind once more. "I got him!"
Gran Torino grinned as he knew he had been figured out, "Analysis and calculations, huh?"
"Smash!" Deku reached out to grab him, but Gran Torino averted his body so Deku's hand flew past him.
"But, you're stiff!" Deku looked in shock as Gran Torino dodged his smash. Before Deku knew it, he was on the ground with one of Gran Torino's legs on his right arm while Gran Torino's right hand was over his face. "And there is discord in your mind! That is why it turned out like this!"
"I thought I had you for sure…" Deku mustered out.
"You used One for All in the tournament, and in the cavalry battle, you should have a perfect understanding of it. But your admiration for All Might and your sense of duty are like shackles." Gran Torino clarified to Deku.
"Sh-shackles?" Deku said weakly, clearly shaken up by those words.
"It is true you need to get stronger, fast." Gran Torino got off of Deku and looked down at the fallen boy, "But time and enemies will not wait for you to get stronger. You're making One for All more special than it is."
Deku sat up quickly, "Then what should I do?!" Deku asked loudly as Gran Torino headed towards the door.
"Ask webhead. He knows something about mentors and powers; however, I want you to find that answer for yourself. I'm going to buy some grub, in the meantime, both of you start cleaning up." Gran Torino said as he walked out and closed the door behind him.
"Wait, what?!" Peter asked, but was not heard. "Seriously?! I put on my Spider-Man suit for this?!" Peter signed and walked over to Deku and helped him up. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine…" Deku said as he dusted himself off, "My admiration for All Might is a…shackle?" Deku asked himself.
Peter looked around a bit, inspecting the damage. "So much little pieces of the walls are everywhere, fantastic. Where's the broom?" Peter said as he began to look for the broom.
Deku stood in place pondering on his thoughts for a moment before speaking, "Peter."
Peter found the broom and grabbed it, but looked back at Deku when he heard his name, "Yeah?"
"Did you feel as though you were being held back when you were under Iron Man's wing?" Deku asked Peter as Peter looked a bit stunned.
Peter looked around for a bit as the two shared silence for a while before Peter signed, "No. I did not, but I was holding myself back. It took a harsh punishment from Mr. Stark to make me realize that." Peter looked at Deku in the eyes, "I found out that a group of wanted men were smuggling dangerous weapons upon a large ferry. I tried to stop them, but I got distracted when the FBI appeared out of nowhere. I guess they knew about the weapons too and were there to capture it. While I was out of focus, one of my old enemies named Vulture made his move. He had one of those weapons in the form of a gun, and I started to brawl with him. I managed to swipe the gun away, but I also ended up damaging it and began to panic when it started to fire off shots for no reason. I webbed it down, but that was the third-worst mistake I made that day. The gun went haywire and started to send off these large lasers that split the boat in two. Vulture and one of his henchmen, Shocker, got away. In an attempt to save everyone, I shot webs at every strong point on the boat, so the boat wouldn't collapse. I made a fatal error though; I missed just one strong point, and all my webs started to peel off as they were not strong enough to handle that pressure. I recklessly decided to fire only two webs, one on each side, to try and hold the boat together myself. I did not care if I would be ripped in two, I just wanted to save everyone. Before any more damage could happen, Iron Man showed up with his Iron Legion, basically an army of Iron Man suits, and not only did they push the boat together, but they sealed the cracks as well to make sure it wouldn't split again."
Peter signed as Deku listened attentively, "Mr. Stark ordered one of his suits to take me to a nearby building so I wouldn't cause any more harm. I was mad, I was frustrated, and I was beyond upset because I was blaming Mr. Stark at that moment for what happened. I tried to tell him about the weapons, and I thought he was not listening to me, but he was. An Iron Man suit came to me and told me that I crossed a line by hacking into my current suit, which had an AI in it that is currently being fixed by Hatsume and Power Loader, sneaking around his back, and for doing the one thing he told me not to do which was be an idiot. He also told me that everyone was okay, but no thanks to me. I started to yell at him for how he was not paying attention to me and that I was trying to tell him something but he wouldn't listen, and this is where I made my second worst mistake of the day. I told him that he did not care about the people." Peter chuckled a little, "Little did I know that Mr. Stark was in that suit because the second I said that, the suit opened up to reveal that he was inside the suit. He stepped out of it, and I knew I was in for one hell of a lecture."
Peter looked down, "He told me that he called the FBI, that he was listening to me and that everyone around him was calling him crazy for taking me under his wing. For allowing a fifteen-year-old boy to swing the city doing all kinds of dangerous things with a multimillion-dollar suit. Mr. Stark explained to me that if someone had died, that would have been on me, but if I died, that would be on him and he did not need that on his conscious. At that moment, I told him I was trying to be like him, and he told me that I shouldn't be like him, that I should be better than him. Mr. Stark demanded that I gave him back this suit because he felt that I was a liability, and I was at the time, I just did not know it. I begged him to not take it, that I was nothing without it. I will never forget what he told me, 'If you are nothing without this suit, then you shouldn't have it.'" Peter looked up at Deku. Deku's face was a mix of emotions ranging from shock, horror, and sadness. Peter then got serious, "What was the stupidest mistake I made that day?"
Deku blinked and snapped out of his trance, "What?"
"What was the stupidest mistake I made that day?" Peter repeated himself.
Deku looked lost, "I…uh…."
Peter signed and placed a hand on Deku's shoulder, "Remember what I told you in the final parts of my story. I said something very important, and it directly relates to you too."
Deku had placed a hand on his chin before he began to think to himself. Peter did cause many dumb mistakes in the day, but what was the worst one he made that day? What separates Peter from himself in regards to Tony and All Might. Both look up to them as they are their idols, but why does Peter feel more…like an individual. Like he is his own person. Deku shot his eyes up and looked at Peter in realization, "You tried to be like him. That was the worst mistake you made."
Peter nodded his head, "Exactly. I was trying to be like him. I am not Tony Stark; I am Peter Parker. I am Spider-Man; he is Iron Man. I can't be Iron Man because he shoots lasers and flies in a billion-dollar one-man war machine, a suit unlike any other. I shoot webs from my wrists, and I can't fly, but I can swing around. I can not be Tony Stark, and no matter how hard I try, I could never be him. I don't have his brain; I don't have his money, I don't have his lifestyle, etc. In other words, Deku, you shouldn't strive to be an All Might copycat. You should strive to be yourself, be Deku. Be someone better than All Might."
Deku smiled widely and nodded his head, "So I should stop trying to be like All Might! No matter how hard I try, I should just be myself. Not an Iron Man wannabe, but Spider-Man. I can only be me, and that is what I should have been doing, to begin with!" Deku looked very giddy for a bit as he was very proud of him of himself. Peter just chuckled lightly and went to sweep up the mess on the ground. In a moment, Deku paused, "Wait. But that still doesn't solve what Gran Torino means by I am stiff."
"That one is easy. Just go on one of your famous mumble trances and you'll figure it out." Peter said without looking to him.
"Not funny…" Deku retorted as he began to think to himself.
A few minutes had passed as Peter swept up most of the rubble. He was also thinking to himself about what Gran Torino said about him not being at his best, "It is true, though. I know I have not been the same since I got here. That clearly showed when I was at the Sports Festival and facing off against Tsu. I was getting pummeled too easily, and she was fighting like an amateur. I wonder if Tsu knows if I am getting weaker because she did not chastise me about not being at my best, or she believes that is the best I can do. I was able to take on the whole class at one point no problem, even that Nomu at the USJ for a moment, yet I am not able to overpower her in one match?" Peter paused his thoughts for a moment and let out a huge breath, "Wow I am a big jerk; I'm calling Tsu weak. But then again, who else can I compare myself to at the moment?" Peter looked at Deku, who was now in a trance and mumbling like crazy, "Still kinda creepy." Peter said before Deku clapped his hands together.
"That's it!" Deku yelled out as he ran over to a table, reached into one of the bags on his utility belt and pulled out a notebook with a pencil. He opened the notebook and began to furiously write into it, "I've been thinking One for All and the smash as a special move! I saw it up close, why didn't I notice it?! Quirks are apart of your body! I need to think of One for All more, more evenly!"
Peter grinned to himself, "You're something else, Deku. You're going to be a great hero one day; I know that for a fact."
Unbeknownst to the duo, Gran Torino was outside and listening in with a proud smirk on his face, "His thinking is flexible; I knew that from the way he moved in the Sports Festival. You really found someone special, huh, Toshinori?"
Uraraka
Uraraka was Hosu City, the same place Iida is interning at. At first, she was assumed Gunhead's Agency would be elsewhere but was surprised when his location was just outside of Hosu City. Uraraka was expecting Gunhead to be this fierce person, like a drill sergeant. What Uraraka got, though….was the complete opposite. Gunhead was a softy, a friendly man. His voice was not intimidating at all, in fact, it was adorable. Gunhead was not what Uraraka was expecting.
After getting introductions and a slight briefing out of the way, Uraraka was told to put on her hero costume for they were to go out patrolling in Hosu City. Hopefully, along the way, she could bump into Iida and check on him. …Maybe even ask him if he really is looking for revenge.
"Basic Hero duties involve controlling crime, see? When a crime occurs, the police will contact the heroes for support. The request will come all at once by district, okay? We file reports on the services we provided, like assisting with assets or rescuing people, to the government office. And then, we receive payment based on an examination conducted by a special agency. We usually get a percentage." Gunhead told Uraraka as they were walking down the sidewalk of Hosu. Gunhead is a heavy muscular figure with spiky, gray hair. His hero costume consists of a white mask with four holes that resemble gun muzzles, dark gray pads that cover his neck to his shoulders over a black vest with no shirt underneath, and wears brown pants, black boots and his signature steel bracers, each in the shape of a revolver chamber.
Uraraka was looking up to her teacher in awe and with focus; however, her focus was on something else entirely. She heard what Gunhead was saying, but was not processing the words. Uraraka was focused on Gunhead's voice. It was just too adorable to listen to. "His voice is so cute," Uraraka told herself. Gunhead suddenly stopped as Uraraka did as well. "Why the sudden stop, sir?" Uraraka asked.
"See that man over there?" Gunhead pointed in the direction of a man who was carrying heavy objects by himself to a nearby car, and he was struggling. "Even without payment, a good hero helps those in need. Call it being a good samaritan."
Uraraka nodded in understanding and went over to help the man. She lightly tapped the objects as they now became weightless. Uraraka quickly grabbed onto them as the man let go in confusion of how they became so light. "Sorry, I used my Quirk to make them weightless. You looked at though you were having trouble."
The man looked down at Uraraka and smiled, "Thank you." He tilted his head slightly, "Are you a hero? You seem to young to be one."
Uraraka smiled back, "No, sir. Right now I am doing an internship."
The man chuckled lightly as he opened up the trunk of his car and placed the stuff in it before closing it. "Thank you once again."
Uraraka bowed, "You are welcome."
"What's your name?" The man asked.
"Ochaco Uraraka." Uraraka replied happily.
"Uraraka…say, your part of Class 1-A from U.A aren't you?" The man questioned.
Uraraka nodded, "Yes I am."
The man smiled more, "I might bump into you at U.A. You can say I'm the 'new guy.'"
Uraraka looked surprised, "Oh! You just got hired?" Uraraka beamed more, "Congratulations! If you don't mind, what is your name?"
The man's smile kept up, "Dr. Banner. But you can call me Bruce."
Peter and Deku
Time had passed quickly. It was already night, and Gran Torino was knocked out cold on his bed. Peter and Deku, still in their hero outfits, were looking at the old man sleep quite loudly.
"Is he asleep?" Deku whispered to Peter.
"I guess so. I mean, he is snoring." Peter replied as the two slowly left the room. "Are you sure you didn't see anything about him? Not even a record on file?" Peter asked Deku.
Deku shook his head, "No. Not one trace. He is a real mystery."
Peter took in a breath before exhaling, "Okay. What did you want to do again?"
"Follow me." Deku simply replied as they approached the door. Both boys left the apartment as they walked into the safer parts of Hosu city, from there, Deku took Peter to a small empty alleyway that was in between two large business buildings. Inside of the alleyway was nothing but piles of trash bags. "I want to practice on using One for All. I want to feel as though as me and the Quirk are one, not separated."
"Okay." Peter crossed his arms, "And what do you plan on doing then?"
"I'm going to jump from wall to wall until I can get to the top of the building," Deku responded as he crouched down and charged up his legs. Deku launched himself into the air at the wall, only for him to hit it face first. Peter burst out laughing as Deku fell and landed on the garbage below. "It's not funny!" Deku said as he got up and looked over to Peter with embarrassment.
Peter stifled a laugh, "You're right…IT'S HILARIOUS!" Peter laughed more as Deku looked down in shame. Peter wiped a tear from his eye, "Deku, you put all of your energy in one movement. That's not good because then you have to think fast and move the rest of your energy elsewhere, and that takes too long." Peter calmed himself while Deku listened to him, "Watch me." Peter jumped towards the wall, but unlike Deku, he already had energy stored in his arms so he was able to quickly jump from wall to wall effortlessly. Once Peter reached the top, he let himself fall to the ground before landing on his feet in front of Deku. "See that? My energy was not focused in one place."
Deku looked confused for a moment before it hit him. Deku's whole face changed into pure shock and understanding, "I understand…I understand now!"
Peter crossed his arms over his chest, "Understand what?"
"I've been using One for All in places that I needed it in, like flipping on a switch! But with that, my reaction time for my second and third movement grew slower and slower! I should have flipped the switch on throughout my entire body instead of having it stored in place!" Deku then crouched slightly and began to charge. At first, his legs were glowing, but then slowly, his entire body began to glow a bright green before shooting out green electricity with that.
Peter smiled widely seeing this, "Yes...YES!"
Deku had focused One for All around his body before he looked at Peter with a hard face, "I get it! It's working!" Deku said with a giant, glowing red 'X' across his face. Deku was struggling to get a grasp on his as his body and voice were shaky.
"Test it! Do what I did!" Peter shouted as Deku launched himself from the ground and towards the wall. Instead of hitting it, Deku stuck was stuck on the wall for a moment before he jumped to the other wall and began to hop from wall to wall until he was at the top. "Heck yes!" Peter jumped as Deku landed on the ground with a loud 'thud'.
Deku placed on hand on his knee before collapsing onto one knee, the energy he had flowed faded away as he was panting hard. "I...I did it." Deku muttered out.
Peter walked towards Deku and stuck a hand out. Deku looked up and took it as Peter helped him up. Peter looked at Deku with a proud look, "I'm so proud of you." Peter said as Deku smiled sheepishly.
"Thanks, dad." Deku laughed as Peter laughed as well.
"I did sound like a dad for a moment, huh?" Peter said as the two then walked out of the alleyway, their mission already over. "Tomorrow, the real training begins."
Taskmaster
Taskmaster knew better than to be walking around in daylight. Even in the alleyways, it was better to be working at night, especially in a new world where almost every individual could be a challenge. Taskmaster knew who he was looking for, and he knew how to find him as well. "If he is hunting for heroes, then he will most definitely be scouting the area for any potential targets. If anything, he is on the rooftops." Taskmaster stopped and examined the area around him. There was a ladder on the side of an apartment that had stairs going to the top. Taskmaster ran towards the ladder, jumped, and grabbed onto it. He climbed it until he got to the top where he quickly made his way up the stairs and onto the roof. Not a second later, in the distance, he saw a roof jumper. "There he is."
Taskmaster gave chase to the roof jumper as both were hopping from building to building. Taskmaster, being the expert veteran that he is, was ready for anything from any landmines, to bullets, to knives or whatever the Hero Killer could throw at him. Taskmaster knew he should be careful for if he loses Hero Killer without even getting him to meet the League, he would most likely lose out on his contract, and this was the biggest contract he has ever been offered in his whole career.
Taskmaster watched as the shadowy figure jumped down into an alleyway. He heard a yell and some struggling before it was dead silent. Taskmaster slowly approached to the edge and looked over the edge to see a hero on the ground and a clear view of the Hero Killer.
Stain had on a dark combat suit, plated with sleeveless metal armor across his body with yellowed bandages wrapped around his arms from just below his shoulders to his wrists. He also wore long black wristbands and a watch on his left arm, and his knees were protected with metal pads, the costume completed by black boots with steel armor. Not to mention that he dons a signature blood-red scarf and matching headband, as well as a tattered cloth he wears around his face as a mask.
Stain had many blades on the sides of his chest, but one long sword with blood on it. The Hero Killer looked ready to plunge the sword into the back of the hero. Stain jumped back when he sensed danger coming as an arrow was shot into the head of the hero. Taskmaster jumped down and landed in front of Stain. "Easy there, I just wanna talk." Taskmaster said as he got a better view of Stain. Stain had a muscular physique and distinct hunch and has a flat, somewhat triangular face with no nose as well as long black messy hair that would cover his face if not for the mask and headband.
"Who are you?" Stain asked, still in a defensive position.
"Taskmaster. You never heard of me, you could say I am new around here." Taskmaster responded.
"What is your business with me then?" Stain's eyes sharpened as if he was expecting a fight to break out.
"I've been hired by a group that wants to do the hero society well." Taskmaster started, "From what they hear about you, you target unworthy heroes who only rescue people if they gain fame and money out of it. My group shares a somewhat similar goal. They want the people to realize the dystopia they are living in, and for them to open their eyes and see the world for what it is. Nothing more but a bunch of celebrities posing as heroic figures."
Stain looked surprised to see that Taskmaster was speaking about an ambition that is relevant to his. Stain wiped the shocked look off of his face and eased up as he saw this group as a potential ally, "What is the name of the faction?"
"League of Villains." Stain looked unimpressed. Taskmaster chuckled a bit, "I know, but I didn't come up with it. I am just the messenger for them right now, and they wish to extend you an invitation to talk." Taskmaster pulled out a card and flicked towards the Hero Killer who caught it. "That has the address for where they are located, whether you take up on the invitation is up to you." Taskmaster then fled the scene, leaving the same way as he came.
Stain looked at the paper for a moment before he put it in his pocket. He looked down at the dead hero and thought to himself, "I may have just met this 'Taskmaster,' but he has 'dangerous' written all over him. I should not take him lightly if I ever do combat with him." Stain then walked away from the scene and decided to visit the League tomorrow.
Peter and Deku
Gran Torino was slow to get up as he took his time when he first awakened. The old man worked as a pro hero, so it would make sense his body would be worn out as he aged. Gran Torino had taken his time getting ready for another day with his interns before he made his way downstairs to be greeted by said interns.
"Good morning, Gran Torino!" Deku and Peter said with smiles and looking fresh.
"Early birds huh?" Gran Torino said as he walked by them, "From the way you both look, I assume you had a good night's sleep?"
"Even better than that!" Deku said happily.
Gran Torino eyed him, "Is that so?"
"Yup!" Deku then placed both hands by his sides and began to charge up One for All. Gran Torino turned his body to Deku and looked surprised by as Deku was producing green lightning from his body. "I finally figured out how to control One for All, somewhat!" Deku said in between grunts.
"Was this your doing?" Gran Torino looked at Peter, who had a cheerful smile planted on his face.
"Nope! I just mentioned how I kept my power spread throughout my body, and Midoriya figured out the rest!" Peter said proudly.
"Well then." Gran Torino walked towards a chair, "You two fight."
Deku released the pressure of One for All and looked towards Gran Torino with Peter, "What?" Both of them said. "Right now?"
"Yes right now!" Gran Torino barked as he pointed his cane to Peter, "I didn't accept you without a reason, and you are more capable of training him than me!" Gran Torino signed, "I'll admit I am hesitant to allow this considering I have a personal history with One for All, but I am too old to take the constant punishment. Had you not been here, Webhead, I would have trained him myself. I know you are more capable than what you showed at the Sports Festival, and I believe having the two of you spar will improve both of you." Gran Torino closed his eyes for a moment, "The zygote here would be able to get a better handle on One for All, and with you helping him, maybe even improve faster than I could do in my current state. Also, it would prove beneficial to him in the long run since you are constantly with him whereas I will only be tutoring him for a week. As for you though, Webhead, when the zygote achieves a better understanding of One for All, then he will push you farther, and you will possibly be back to your old self before you got here."
Peter and Deku looked at each. "I guess it makes sense," Deku said.
"Yeah, it does." Peter then placed a hand on his chin, "But I don't see how I will be able to get Midoriya to improve if his body can not withstand the power without breaking."
"That is true. The zygote here does not have enough mass to exert much power from One for All." Gran Torino said as Deku looked disappointed, "However," Deku looked up, "Bodies are adaptable. Bodies are capable of adapting to different environments, including new physical limitations or additions. And that includes Quirks like One for All." Gran Torino smirked a little, "If his body uses One for All constantly, and he is training it to get a greater hold of it, then his body will adjust to the new feelings. Thus, increasing how much power One for All can be used." Both Deku and Peter looked excited to learn this information, "It will be a much slower process, but that is all you can do until he builds himself better."
Deku clenched his fists in anticipation, "Then there is no time to waste!" Deku then stood in a fighting pose, "Come on, Peter, let's do this!"
Peter smirked and got into his pose, "Fine, but I'm not taking it easy on you!"
"Good. I would hate that." Deku paused for a moment, "Now I sound like Kacchan." Deku then charged up One for All for a few moments, "Ready?"
"Ready?"
Gran Torino held a smirk as he lifted his hand for a moment before bringing it down, "Begin!"
X-23 and Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler and X-23 had just finished an interview with the press about why they invaded the Sports Festival, and what their affiliation was with the 'Hulk Rampage' event that happened. Both X-Men shared their reasons, all of it being scripted by U.A, and they had no ties with Hulk. They also expressed how 'grateful' they were to be given a second chance at a better life from U.A extending a hand to them, and placing them in a special rehab course. They also apologized to everyone to the masses and said that in the future, they will be helping the people instead of causing trouble.
X-23 and Nightcrawler were walking down the sidewalk of Hosu City as most of the populace recognized them, but also avoided them too. X-23 couldn't care less about it, but it bothered Nightcrawler. Not because he craved attention, no, he was bothered by the reason why people avoided him. They saw them as criminals still.
"It seems as though we have a long ways to go before the public can trust us," Nightcrawler said.
"Like I care if they like me or not," X-23 replied with her hands in her pockets.
"I know you do not care," Nightcrawler signed a bit, "But I do not want to be outcasted in this world either. It is meant for people like us, Laura."
X-23 looked towards Kurt for a moment. She closed her eyes for a moment before looking forward, "I won't argue with that. This world is meant for mutants whether if they are affiliated with the X-Men or Brotherhood. All of us could be living in peace here."
"Laura. Do you think we are capable of going home?" Nightcrawler somberly asked, "As much of a paradise this world seems to be, it is not home."
X-23 looked down, "I don't know. Peter has been stuck here for over a year now and he's even got a girlfriend. If there was a way back home, Peter would never allow a relationship to bloom because he wouldn't want to hurt whoever he is dating. In this case, that frog girl."
"Asui, Tsuyu. That is her name." Nightcrawler informed.
"Whatever. Anyways, I am not sure, but from what our current situation, there is no chance of ever going back home." X-23 signed as she kicked a pebble, "Kurt, as much I don't want to say it, there may be a time where this place might become home."
Nightcrawler averted his eyes down to the ground, "...I didn't even get to say goodbye to everyone…"
X-23 looked at Kurt, "I know," X-23 softly spoke, "It hurts me too…" X-23 then grew a firm look on her face and placed a hand on Kurt's shoulder, "We'll stick together. You and me."
Kurt looked up to X-23 and nodded with a brief smile, "Okay." X-23 smiled lightly, but it left as fast as it came. Kurt took a deep breath and look forward again, "Let's not dwell on these sad times. We're in a whole new world. I am curious about many things, especially about how they govern these 'Quirks.' What did this world do that is different from ours?"
"It reminds me of the 'SuperHero Registration Act', except without the stupid bullshit in it like the reveal of one's identity." X-23 shared.
"Yes, it does, doesn't it?" Kurt chuckled a little, "To think we could have been living in a world like this if the US Government and Tony took the liberty of thinking things through."
X-23 nodded her head, "There were too many egos involved on both sides."
Nightcrawler nodded his head, "That is true. Everyone had a big ego." Nightcrawler then noticed something, "Say…how much of the population do you think is made up of mutants?"
X-23 shrugged her shoulders, "Fifty-fifty? Maybe less."
"Could be. Now I am very curious. I should research this after our meeting with U.A." Nightcrawler said, now extremely fascinated by this world. X-23 had nodded her head before she sniffed the air. Nightcrawler was now curious, "What's up?"
"I smell someone familiar. One of the new people we met in Peter's class." X-23 kept sniffing until she saw two men walking towards them. A man with a blue and white, skin-tight, long-sleeved shirt that tucks into his orange gloves with dark pants, white boots and a helmet that features a fish-like fin and blue visor. The other was a person in white armor. He wore a helmet that covered up their entire face with many holes where the mouth and nose would be at. His legs had twin-engine designs on the front of the thighs, and three exhaust pipes on their back with another three smaller ones on their legs.
Both X-Men stopped as the white armored individual's body shook in surprise, "X-23, Wagner?" The man spoke.
"Iida?" Kurt said, recognizing the voice.
The other man looked between the two X-Men and Iida, "You know these two?" The man's face expressed surprise and concern. No doubt he knows the deeds the X-Men have done.
Iida bowed slightly, "Yes. They were introduced to my class within the week." Iida said as he left out the part that they were now part of his class. "They are fine people, believe me, sir."
The man looked sheepish for a moment, "Please, Iida. Just call me, 'Manual'." Manual said as he looked at the two teens. "Though I am glad both of you took the opportunity U.A gave you, it will be hard to earn people's trust. It's not impossible, but it is difficult. You just have to work for it."
Kurt smiled, "We understand. And we intend to be better."
Manual smiled back, "Good to hear. I would like to stay and chat, but Iida here is interning for me and I have to show him the basics of being heroes."
"We understand. We're making our way back to U.A actually, our presence is required there immediately." Kurt explained.
The two groups parted ways after brief farewells. X-23 and Kurt stopped and looked behind them, "I did not expect to see one of our classmates today."
"I wonder why he chose this city to intern at. It's big, yes, but also completely guarded by heroes. If anything, that makes this place a safer place to be since any open villain attacks would be stopped in a second." X-23 evaluated. "Then again, smart villains always work in the shadows, or at night."
Kurt nodded his head, "Agreed." Kurt then noticed that the sky was now having an orange tint to it. "We should move. It is getting late. Let's find a place to eat, then hop on a train?" X-23 nodded her head in approval as the two X-Men walked towards a nearby food joint.
Stain
Before going to where the address was, Stain made sure to research it. No doubt it could be a trap for all he knew. Once he did some proper investigation, Stain declared the place 'safe' and made his way inside. Once inside, he was greeted to an empty bar with a lone TV on a stand near to where Kurogiri was as he was cleaning a wine glass. In front of him, on a stool, was Shigaraki. Kurogiri was the first to notice Stain's arrival, "Welcome, Hero Killer: Stain"
Stain eyeballed the two and looked around the room for a moment. He noticed that Taskmaster was not present. "Where's Taskmaster?"
"Out on another mission." Shigaraki said as he scratched his chin, "I assume Taskmaster informed you of why we want you to join us?"
Stain nodded once, "He did. Taskmaster told me we share a goal about seeing Hero society exposed for what it is. I came to see if that is true, but first, tell me one notable accomplishment you have achieved as a group." Stain was not about to join a group of nobodies, especially one that has yet to prove themselves.
"We were behind the USJ attack," Shigaraki replied as Kurogiri proceeded to explain the plans.
"I see." Stain said, looking convinced, "And you wish to add me to your numbers?"
"Yes," Shigaraki answered, "You have the much more experience as a villain."
"Okay. But tell me," Stain stared intently at Shigaraki, "What are you after then?"
"I just wanna kill All Might, and anything I do not like must be destroyed." Shigaraki said with a relaxed tone, "Including these damn children." Shigaraki pulled out a couple of photos of Class 1-A, but two of them were visible. One of Peter and the other was Deku.
Stain did not look impressed, instead, he was frustrated on the inside. Taskmaster said this group shared a common goal with him, but he was looking at the brat. "I was a fool to believe Taskmaster." Stain said with anger, "You're the type of person I hate the most."
"What?" Both Shigaraki and Kurogiri looked stunned.
"You want to join your childish tantrum?" Stain said as he slowly reached to his sides and gripped the handles of two blades. "You kill, but without a purpose. What are you trying to do to hero society? Show it something it already knows?"
Kurogiri looked at Stain with slight fear, but mostly with concern. "Stain...He was brought to help Tomura grow. But….is this too much? He may end up killing Tomura!" Kurogiri looked towards the TV, "Master, is it alright to let this continue?!"
"There is no point in telling Tomura the answer, he must learn on his own." The TV spoke, "That is why I sent Taskmaster away as he would intervene without hesitation, and he would ruin this chance."
Stain ignored what the TV was saying as he rushed towards Shigaraki. Kurogiri was about to fight back, but Stain quickly cut Kurogiri deeply on his left arm and licked his blade. Suddenly, Kurogiri froze in place. Shigaraki got up quickly was ready to attack, but was stabbed in his right shoulder and pushed towards the ground with Stain kneeling on top of him.
"Pathetic." Stain spat at Shigaraki, "You want to add me to your numbers, yet you lack basic traits in achieving one's goals. Conviction and desire. Those without either or are just weak will be weeded out. It is only natural, how else would I have been able to defeat you so easily?" Stain lectured Tomura. Stain was ready to kill Tomura and Kurogiri, but that all depends on what the tantrum child says next.
"Ow….this hurts quite a bit." Shigaraki said blankly, "Kurogiri, get him out of here."
"I...can't move!" Kurogiri said as his body refused to move, "I think it's the Hero Killer's quirk!"
Stain was now losing his patience, "Heroes of today have turned the meaning of the word 'hero' into a joke. 'Hero' today could stand for 'a cosplaying celebrity.' Those type of heroes and villains like you who wave their powers idly deserve to perish." Stain moved his free hand, which had another blade in it, towards Shigaraki's neck, more specifically, where the hand that covered his face was. However, Shigaraki quickly grabbed the knife.
"No. Not this hand." Shigaraki said as one red pupil bore into Stain's eye, "I'll kill you if ever touch this palm." Shigaraki said as the knife began to quickly rust and crack. Stain looked surprised at Shigaraki because his voice changed from a relaxed tone to one that held purpose. But his aura, it was strong, stronger than any other one Stain has felt in a long time, "You talk a lot, you know that? Conviction? I don't have anything like that." Shigaraki said as he squished his hand on the blade, reducing it to nothing more but dust. "Though if I had to say I did have any 'Conviction,' it would revolve around All Might. I just want to see this society burn, to kill trash like him that get worshipped like gods." Shigaraki said with a small and maniacal grin.
Shigaraki then took a swipe at Stain to grab him but missed as Stain jumped off of him and gain distance. Shigaraki stood up and rolled his shoulders, "And just when my last injury was healing. We don't even have a medic on our team, you know? Taskmaster is great, but he's an assassin, not a first aid. Are you going to take responsibility for this one?!" Shigaraki was aggressively scratching his neck now.
"So, that is the type of person you are." Stain calmly said.
"What?" Shigaraki was now confused, but still rather pissed off.
"Our goals oppose each other, however; we share do share a common desire. To destroy the present." Stain stated.
"Stop toying with me. Go home and die." Shigaraki did not like Stain, in fact; he hated him now, "I am the type of person you hate the most, right?"
"I was testing your motive." Stain admitted as he sheaths his remaining blade, "People show their true colors when they are on the verge of death. You are different from everyone else. You do have a 'desire', a conviction, but it still needs to sprout. How will you let it grow? Though I may not get to see it if I kill you first, though." Stain openly threatened.
"You want to kill me?" Shigaraki said as he noticed Kurogiri was finally able to move, "Kurogiri, I do not want this mad man on our team."
"Tomura Shigaraki, Stain will be a great assist on the team." Kurogiri opposed, "The negotiations were successful."
Stain licked his lips, "My business is done. Send me back to Hosu City, there is a mission I need to complete." Stain demanded. Kurogiri agreed as a portal opened behind him. Stain stepped inside and walked into a familiar alleyway.
Stain looked around to see if anyone noticed him. "No one saw me. Good." Stain said as the portal closed behind him. Stain then fled into the shadows to find a new target.
Peter and Deku
"And I beat you….again," Peter said as he holds Deku on the floor with both of his hands gripping both of Deku's wrists and a foot on his back. "Sheesh. This is going to be much more difficult than I thought." Peter admitted as he got off Deku.
Deku was bruised, scratched up, and looking a bit weary whereas Peter was clean of any damages. "Yeah." Deku said with a pant, "I'm still surprised I haven't even landed a single hit on you. How did Asui-"
"Tsu." Peter interrupted.
Deku stared at him for a moment, "How did Tsu almost managed to beat you at the Sports Festival, yet I can't even get a finger on you?"
"You're too predictable. Plus…" Peter shifted a bit, "She got into my head for a moment." Peter scratched the back of his head. "You fight like every other thug I go up against in New York, so it is easy for me to read your moves. You may be faster and stronger, but you act the same." Peter then placed his hand on his chin, "Maybe you need more experience. Sparing could only go so far."
"Hey, I am the tutor here, not you." Gran Torino said as he brought a plate of microwaved Taiyaki. "Although I must admit, that isn't a bad idea." Gran Torino acknowledged as the three began to chow down on their food.
"How will I gain more experience then?" Deku asked as he swallowed his food.
Gran Torino smirked as he finished up his Taiyaki, "Both of you put on your hero costumes, it is time to move onto to stage two." Gran Torino spoke.
The two young heroes looked one another for a moment, "Okay then." Peter said as he motioned for Deku to follow him.
It didn't take long until Peter and Deku were in their hero costumes and outside of the building. "In other words, let's go fight some villains!" Gran Torino announced. Spider-Man looked excited to finally be in action while Deku looked worried.
"What?! All of a sudden?!" Deku said with anxiety.
"Finally! Some real hero work!" Spider-Man said happily.
"If you only fight one opponent for too long, you develop weird habits. You need to experience different types of fighting, so you can easily adjust." Gran Torino explained as he began to walk down the sidewalk, "This is an internship, after all, you didn't think we wouldn't be fighting villains did you?"
"Yeah, Midoriya." Spider-Man turned to his friend, "Another great trait that you need to learn is 'Improvisation.' Not every plan you make is going to succeed, and planing during a battle can take too long. So fighting villains will also be a great way to improve your improvisation skills."
Deku nods his head in agreement, but still looks angst, "I understand what you are both are saying, but I just don't feel ready…I still need time to prepare..."
"Midoriya, sometimes, there will be no time to prepare yourself for battles." Spider-Man said from his wisdom, "Sometimes, you just have run into a situation with just your guts and wits alone. I know you are not feeling comfortable using One for All: Full Cowling right now given you just unlocked it, but like we said, the best way to improve yourself to be in the fights."
"Besides. We're not going to be fighting any major villains, kid. We're going up against common criminals, so you'll grow at a reasonable pace." Gran Torino revealed while waving for a taxi. The taxi stopped as all three got into the back seat. "We're heading towards an urban area due to this city having a decreasing population, so the crime rate will be bigger there instead of here. That is why there are more hero agencies in those areas then there are in other districts. The bigger the population, the bigger the crime rate. Around Shibuya, we'll find many small fights." Gran Torino explained.
"Shibuya?! You mean the one in Tokyo?!" Deku asked in surprise as Spider-Man looked surprised too.
"We're going that far?!" Spider-Man asked with wide eyes.
"I didn't think I would be wearing my costume in such a fashionable place!" Deku meekly said with a faint blush.
"That's what you're worried about?" Spider-Man asked with a hand on his chin.
Gran Torino lightly chuckled, "You wouldn't be able to wear it if you weren't with a hero, right? Be happy you'll be able to display it on a grand stage."
Deku looked up as he just realized something, "We're taking the bullet train from Kofu towards Shinjuku, correct?"
Gran Torino nodded, "Yes."
Deku looked towards Spider-Man, "We'll be passing through Hosu City then."
Spider-Man eyes squinted a bit, "Hmm…" Spider-Man signed, "I wonder how Iida is doing."
Gran Torino perked up, "Iida? You know an 'Iida'?"
Both of them nodded. Iida explained to them long ago about how well known his family name is in the hero industry, so it makes sense Gran Torino would know of them too. "Yes," Deku spoke up, "Tenya Iida." Deku then looked down, "He is the younger brother of Ingenium…"
Gran Torino looked surprised, but then his face fell to one of sympathy, "Oh." Gran Torino's face hardened, "Isn't Hosu City where Ingenium was attacked by Hero Killer: Stain?"
"Yeah," Spider-Man confirmed.
"Hmmm…" Gran Torino closed his eyes, "I hope your friend isn't seeking out vengeance."
"We hope so too…" Spider-Man signed as the car ride remained silent the rest of the way.
X-23 and Kurt
X-23 and Kurt were exiting out of a local food joint. The service treated the duo like common citizens, which was a nice change of pace for the two since they have been receiving looks the whole day.
"That place had great food. We should come here again if we get the chance." Kurt admitted as the duo walked towards the train station.
"Eh. Six out of ten." X-23 judged while carrying a bag filled with leftovers.
"Says the one with the leftovers." Kurt teased. X-23 simply smirked in response.
The two quietly made their way to the train station and sat at a nearby bench. "This is the longest we have ever hanged out alone, you realize that?" Kurt says in some shock at the revelation.
"Yeah, I know." X-23 looked at the clock, "It's also one of the most peaceful days I ever have had in my life. Usually, I'm either fighting or dying or both."
"Don't jinx it." Kurt laughed a little, "I would prefer not to be fighting right now. I wanna end the day without a sore body."
*BOOM!*
Everyone in the train station looked startled as Kurt's eyes gazed over to X-23, "I was right, you jinxed it."
"Shut up, Kurt!" X-23 growled as another loud explosion was heard and the civilian populace began to panic. "Let's go check it out!"
"Right!"
Both of them ran outside the train station and saw a massive cloud of smoke a few blocks away.
"Villains." Kurt said as he looked towards X-23, "I'll get the pedestrians to safety, you take care of the scoundrels!" Kurt said as both of them took off towards the danger while avoiding the scared residents. "And don't kill them either!" Kurt almost forgot to say as X-23 rolled her eyes.
"I wasn't going to!" X-23 replied as her hand claws were unsheathed.
Spider-Man and Deku
Deku, Spider-Man, and Gran Torino were aboard the train that was would take them to Shibuya. For Deku and Gran Torino, it was easy to board the train. For Spider-Man, however, it proved to be a little difficult with the attention of the locals, and it almost made him miss the train.
Deku and Spider-Man were sitting together on the train while Gran Torino sat in a row in front of them as each row only contained two seats.
"Have you ever been to, Shibuya, Deku?" Spider-Man asked.
Deku shook his head, "No. But I have seen pictures of it online, and on TV too." Deku smiled and leaned back in his seat, "It's a very special place. It's one of Tokyo's most colorful and busiest districts, filled with shopping malls, some of the best diners, and is the birthplace of much Japanese fashion and entertainment trends." Deku then laughed a bit nervously, "Having saying that, I hope my outfit doesn't get noticed or laughed at," Deku looked down, "Because that would be very embarrassing…"
Spider-Man laughed at his friend's dismay, "You look awesome, Deku. A lot better some others I've seen in my universe like Hypno Hustler." Spider-Man then began to laugh as he thought back to some of the weirdest people he ever faced, "Or Typeface, a guy with letters tattooed on his face! No, Big Wheel! That guy was just a man inside a large wheel and controlling it!" Spider-Man said as he continued to laugh, Deku now laughing a little alongside him. "If I am ever able to, I'll show you pictures of them and you'll see that your costume is worthy of a fashion award compared to theirs," Spider-Man said as his phone suddenly began to ring. He pulled it out of his pocket and saw it was Tsu, "Oh! It's Tsu." He looked towards Deku, "Wanna say hi?"
Deku smiled and nodded, "Of course!"
Spider-Man lifted his mask above his mouth before answering the phone, "Hey babe, what's up?"
"Nothing much. Just got dismissed for the day. We went on patrol, but encountered nothing, again." Tsu said over the phone, "Also, sorry for not calling yesterday, I passed out as soon as I went to bed."
Spider-Man chucked, "No worries. I did the same too."
"How are you doing?"
"Doing great, Deku and I are on our way to…." Spider-Man looked at Deku, "To where again?"
"Shibuya and hi Asu-I mean Tsu!" Deku said happily.
"Tell Midoriya I said hi," Tsu said.
"Tsu says hi."
"How is her internship going along?" Deku then got a bit jumpy, "Did she fight any villains?!"
Spider-Man then handed the phone over to Deku, "Just talk to her if you want to know."
"I heard your questions; it's amazing, and no I haven't fought any villains." Tsu said with a small laugh, "How's your internship with Peter?"
"More than amazing!" Deku said in pure joy, "I finally learned how to control my Quirk without hurting myself!"
"Kero?! Really?!" Tsu was very surprised.
"Yeah! Peter helped me figure it out, and…Tsu, Peter is the best." Deku praised, causing Spider-Man to flush lightly under his mask.
"I know he is." Tsu said with a happy croak, "I'm very happy for you. Have you told Uraraka yet?"
"Oh! I should tell her right now! Here, I'll give the phone back to Peter." Deku said as he handed Spider-Man his phone.
"You got him excited." Spider-Man joked as he watched Deku whip his phone out and text Uraraka. "Did you tell him to tell Uraraka?"
"Well, it was the only way to get you back on the phone without telling him too." Tsu admitted, "I am very happy that Midoriya is now able to control his Quirk. How'd you two do it?"
"It wasn't me. I just told him how I jumped from wall to wall, and he figured it out. He always put his energy in one place whenever he used his Quirk, then he spread his Quirk throughout his body, and he was able to gain better control of it without injuring himself." Spider-Man explained, "He calls it 'Full Cowl'."
"'Full Cowl?' Why that?"
"I have no idea, and neither does he. It just came to his head at that moment, and Deku dubbed it that." Spider-Man said as he looked towards Deku, who was now talking on the phone. "Deku is calling Uraraka now."
"I would have guessed."
Peter heard Tsu let out a sigh from her end, "What's wrong?"
"Have either of you two talked to Iida? He hasn't answered any of my messages nor Uraraka's." Tsu asked.
Spider-Man looked down as his tone changed to one with worry, "No…We checked earlier, and he left us on 'Read.' He usually responds within ten minutes according to Deku, and it's been over twenty minutes since we texted him." Spider-Man said as he turned to his left and saw passengers looking out the window. Spider-Man squinted his eyes to enhance his sight and saw an orange tint outside. "What the…"
"That building just exploded!" Someone yelled out as everyone began to look to their left.
"A building just exploded outside of the train," Spider-Man repeated unconsciously.
"Just outside of the train?!"
"Yeah, I-" Spider-Man's spider senses flared as he felt something approaching them. Spider-Man jumped up from his seat, "Spidey-senses flared! Everyone get down!"
Everyone on the train looked stricken for a moment before, suddenly, a white-furred hero was thrown into the train.
"Oh crap!" Spider-Man said as he looked towards the gaping hole in the train.
"Peter?! What's going on?!"
"Tsu, I'll call you back! The train got attacked!" Spider-Man said as he quickly hung up his phone and placed it in his pocket.
Deku looked on in shock as he spoke, "Uraraka, I'll call you later, the train was just attacked by…" Deku froze in horror as a skinny, white, Nomu suddenly appeared through the hole, "A Nomu?!"
"Everyone get away from the danger!" Spider-Man yelled out as he was about to lunge at the Nomu, but was stopped when Gran Torino suddenly shot himself from his seat and towards the Nomu, hitting it square in the chest and outside of the hole.
"Gran Torino!" Spider-Man and Deku yelled out as they ran towards the hole.
"You two stay there!" Gran Torino yelled out as he punched the Nomu in the face while they crashed through a building nearby. Spider-Man and Deku got a great view of the city as they noticed that there was a giant cloud of smoke covering a large area of the city, and few parts of the city were on fire in separate areas.
Deku held his phone to his ear, "Uraraka, I'm sorry, but I have to go now. I'll be okay, I promise! I have Pet- Spider-Man with me!"
"Okay...Okay. Just please be careful." Uraraka said, knowing her location was too far for Gunhead to be called into action.
"As I said, I promise!" Deku then hung up as he put his phone away. "Spider-Man, we should go!"
The train began to slow down before coming to a complete stop. Spider-Man looked towards Deku, "That was a Nomu, right?" Spider-Man averted his eyes back outside of the hole, "No doubt the League is behind the attack, so you're right, we should go!"
Deku and Spider-Man jumped out of the train and onto a rooftop before sprinting towards the commotion with Deku activating 'Full Cowl' to keep up.
X-23
X-23 and Nightcrawler had encountered the cause of the panic. These strange creatures, that their brains exposed were behind the attack. They were aimlessly attacking people whether they were villains or heroes. Nightcrawler already began evacuating while X-23 started to combat them.
"Gah!" X-23 was thrown across the street by a purple muscular Nomu before it jumped at her. X-23 dodged the attack as she got on her feet before lunging at it and slashed it across its chest. The Nomu roared in pain as he attempted to grab X-23, but X-23 jumped backward to avoid its grasp. "What the hell are you thing?!" X-23 yelled out as the Nomu healed slowly itself. X-23 stood up straight before a confident grin appeared on her face, "Come on you big purple freak! Try harder!" X-23 clashed her claws together before swinging them to her sides.
Before X-23 could do anything, she heard a loud crash behind her. X-23 jumped out of the way as another Nomu appeared, this one being white and skinny. "Another one?!" X-23 yelled as a few civilians ran past them. Both Nomu's attempted to hit some of them but were stopped when X-23 jumped at the skinny one, stabbed it through its chest, and used all of her power to throw it at the larger Nomu. X-23 looked around as some of the civilians were frozen, "Get out of here, now!" X-23 yelled at them as all of them regained consciousness and ran away.
"Hey, kid! Seems you can use some help!"
X-23 looked behind her to see a short, elderly man in a yellow outfit jump through the hole where the smaller Nomu came from. "It seems we got mixed up in something crazy!" Gran Torino said as he jumped next to X-23.
"Do you know what these things are?" X-23 asked as both of the heroes got into fighting poses.
"I have no idea, but you should go. I can take care of this!" Gran Torino said. This caused X-23 to grunt.
"I can take care of myself!" X-23 retorted as Gran Torino looked at her more carefully.
"Oh. You're one of the kids from the Sports Festival." Gran Torino smirked, "Didn't think I would run into one of you already."
"Deal with it." X-23 said as the Nomu's got up and looked in their direction, "I got the bigger one, you handle the other one."
"Suit yourself, kid. Just don't die on me." Gran Torino earned a snicker from X-23.
"Like that'll ever happen."
The Nomu's charged at the young and old hero/heroine as both of them also ran towards them to commence a team battle.
Nightcrawler
When the Nomu's appeared, Nightcrawler wasted no time teleporting civilians out of the way. He wished the Bamfs were with him, but avoid them getting caught in any media crossfire or causing some type of trouble, he had them stay at U.A with that Hatsume girl. She seemed…crazy, but Peter had given her Karen so she must be responsible at least.
Nightcrawler had gotten separated from X-23 when she took a fight with a Nomu away from a populated area. Nightcrawler had evacuated the area and saved some locals who were caught in a building fire. He was about to go search for his partner but was stopped more screams of terror were heard nearby. Nightcrawler did not waste any time as he teleported to the sound and saw one of more those Nomu's. Unlike the other one, this one had wings on it.
"Tch! A flying one?" Nightcrawler was curious about the origins of these monsters but did not dwell on it long as one of its feet, or hands was grabbing someone by their leg as it lifted them in midair. Nightcrawler looked around to see many other pro heroes were either helping with evacuation or trying to put out the fires. Some of them were attempting to get the Nomu down to free the captured person but were unsuccessful as it used one of its long arms to swat them away.
"Tenya!" One of the heroes yelled out as they were manipulating water from a broken fire hydrant to cease the fires. "Where are you?!"
"Tenya?" Nightcrawler looked towards the hero and recognized that it was Manual. "Manual!" Nightcrawler teleported next to the pro hero as the young adult looked at the blue demon.
"Y-you!" Manual said as he sprayed water on some fires, "Have you seen Iida?!"
"No! I just got here!" Nightcrawler said as he looked towards the Nomu, "Where was the last time you saw him! I can help find him!" Manual averted his gaze away from Nightcrawler for a second, no doubt weighing his options. It was clear to Nightcrawler that Manual did not trust him, and Nightcrawler could not blame him. "Manual, please. Tell me. You told me it would be hard to earn people's trust, but I can regain it by working for it, and I can start now!" Nightcrawler pleaded, "I will find him, I promise! Just tell me where you last saw him!"
Manual was quiet for a moment before looking back at Nightcrawler, "A few blocks down to the east! That was the last time I say him! Please, find him and make sure he okay!" Manual pleaded.
Nightcrawler nodded his head and was about to flee the scene until he saw a familiar web-slinger, and green suit teen appear from the rooftops. "Spider-Man!" Nightcrawler yelled out as everyone suddenly turned to see the red and blue figure throw himself at the flying Nomu.
The Nomu threw a hook at Spider-Man, but Spider-Man dodged it and countered with a jab of his own to the creature's face. The Nomu dropped the hero it was holding, but before he could hit the ground, Deku was able to make the save by catching him in midair. Spider-Man grabbed the Nomu by the arm and flung himself to it's back before he began to try and steer it near ground level. "Deku! Punch it!" Spider-Man yelled out as Deku laid the hero on the ground, and charged up his Full Cowl.
"SMAAAAASH!" Deku charged at the beast as Spider-Man jumped off it's back, and Deku connected with Smash to its face. The creature had been in the air for a moment before Spider-Man spun webs at it and yanked down on his webs to force it to crash into the cement below as a massive crater was created from the impact.
Spider-Man and Deku walked up to it and looked inside. The Nomu was limp in the crater with its eyes rolled up inside its head. "That's one down," Spider-Man said as some nearby civilians began to cheer for the two. Spider-Man had turned and waved to them for a moment before he noticed Nightcrawler running towards him, "Nightcrawler! When were you-"
"No time for formalities, I need you two to follow me!" Nightcrawler interrupted as he pointed to the east, "A few blocks down east is Iida, and he needs our help! I have no idea where he is, but we need to find him!" Deku and Spider-Man both nodded, but before they could move out, the Nomu flew out of the hole and tackled Spider-Man into the air.
"Spider-Man!" Deku and Nightcrawler shouted.
"Forget about me! I can handle this!" Spider-Man yelled as he began to punch the Nomu repeatedly in the face, "Just go save Iida!" Spider-Man told them. Deku and Nightcrawler both nodded as they trusted their friends would be okay and ran off to find Iida.
Iida and Stain
Iida found him. He found the core behind all of his rage. The reason why he chose to intern at Hosu City.
Iida was not excited to work the internships. As much as Iida wanted it before, it all changed when he saw his older brother, Tensei, his idol, his hero, laying in a hospital; defeated, sadden, and broken. Broken in more ways than one. Broken was Tensei's spirit for he could no longer perform the work he swore to uphold. Tensei was a proud hero. He never did it for fame or glory, but he did it because he saw it as the right thing to do. Tensei was an honorable hero who's pride was now shattered like his body. If having his will crushed wasn't enough, Tensei learned a painful truth. He could not feel anything in his lower body. Tensei was paralyzed from the waist below.
When Iida saw his brother in the hospital, it filled him with grief and misery, unlike any other. His brother never deserved this fate, not for all the heroics he did for people. Tensei was not supposed to retire like this, Ingenium the hero was not supposed to end. So when Tensei asked his younger brother, Iida, to be the heir to the Ingenium name, to keep it alive, Iida was conflicted. Iida believed he could never fill the role, but was convinced when Tensei begged him to. If not for himself, then for the people who believed in the name 'Ingenium.' Iida took the name, but would never forgive the one who struck his hero down. Hero Killer: Stain.
Iida spent nights researching everything he could about Stain, though he could not find much. Stain was always one that one step ahead of heroes, never being caught in plain sight or allowing himself to be tracked. Stain was a true stealth villain, but every crime he has committed always has one identical detail, a crucial piece of evidence that gave Iida all the answers he needed. For every location Stain visits, he makes sure to cause permanent damage or kill four pro heroes. Tensei was his only victim in Hosu City. When Iida learned of this, he knew what he had to do despite his morals screaming at him it was the wrong choice. Iida was going to seek vengeance against Stain for what he did to his brother, and no matter what, Iida was going to find him in Hosu City. So when the unknown villains attacked the scene and Manual and Iida were dispatched to help combat the evil, Iida saw him inside of an alleyway. With an injured Pro Hero named, Native, Iida saw the blood-red scarf of the villain who took Tensei's purpose away from him. Hero Killer: Stain.
Iida wasted no time in making his presence known to Stain, and his reason for why he was hunting him down, even telling him as to who he was. Stain and Iida had a brief battle that resulted in Iida getting knocked down and paralyzed under Stain's foot.
"You're no hero. A true hero would put their vendettas aside in the name of what is right. You sought me out to avenge your brother, but for the wrong reasons. You wanted to find me, so you could kill me? That's the furthest thing from being a hero." Stain criticized the irrational child that was under his foot face first in a small pool of his own blood, "Your death will not be in vain, as you would be a great sacrifice to a more just world." Stain said as he lifted his sword and aimed it towards Iida's back.
"Shut up...shut up!" Iida said with tears in his eyes. He had failed his mission to defeat Hero Killer: Stain. He disobeyed the morals he believed in, the ones that define what a hero is to him. But more importantly, he let his older brother down. What would Tensei think if he hears that Stain, the same villain who paralyzed him forever, killed his younger brother? What would his family think? Iida was selfish, so very selfish to do this to his family. But…it doesn't change anything from the one thing Iida will forever know, the truth. "No matter what you say, you will always be the criminal that hurt my brother!" Iida roared in despaired as he was not ready to die, least of all to the Hero Killer.
Stain grinned maniacally as he was about to plunge his sword into the back of this unworthy hero, but paused as he heard a random noise to his right. It sounded like someone was jumping from wall to wall.
*BAMF*
Stain instantly turned his gaze forward to see a blue demon in front of him that snatched Iida away from under his foot. Stain then felt a fist connect to his face as he was launched towards the deeper into the alleyway. When Stain regained focus, he looked towards the two who struck him. A kid dressed in a green suit and one of the brats who invaded the Sports Festival.
"M...Midoriya? Kurt?" Iida mumbled out. Deku had his eyes locked on Stain while Nightcrawler attended to his fallen classmate.
"You'll be okay, I'm going to get you out of here," Nightcrawler said as he grabbed Iida and Native before teleporting away.
Stain eyes narrowed towards Deku as his target and an unworthy hero were evacuated, "You're causing me a lot of trouble kid. I have no quarrel with you, so why interfere in business that is not your own." Stain said as Deku got into a fighting stance.
"You're right, but meddling where you're not needed, that is the true mark of a hero!" Deku simply spoke.
Stain looked astonished momentarily before a grin appeared over his face, "I see." Stain then sheathed his sword, "Spoken like a real hero, kid." Stain acknowledges as it was Deku's turn to be caught off guard for a second.
Deku reaffirmed himself, "I always looked up to All Might, and I want to be just like him. I want to smile and say, 'I am here' to the world so everyone feels safe." Deku then began to charge Full Cowl, "I'm not going to fight you for vengeance for what you did to Iida, I'm going stop you so you can't hurt anyone else." Deku said as he shot himself towards Stain.
Stain quickly dodged Deku's attack before trying to go for a sweep. Deku jumped high into the air the attempted to kick Stain in the head, but Stain showed his amazing speed as he dodged the kick. Deku landed on the ground but was met by the tip of Stain's blade pointed towards his face.
Deku stared down the blade in horror as Stain spoke, "I'm not going to kill you nor permanently hurt you. You are the perfect example of what this society needs, a real hero. However, it would be easier for me to simply incapacitate you now so I can make a tactical retreat. Don't take it personally." Stain said as he swiped the blade at Deku's cheek to give him a small cut, but missed as Deku rolled ducked under the blade before rolling backward to gain distance.
Stain hurled himself at Deku and carefully swung his blade so he may only cut Deku lightly, but Stain could even make it to Deku as a powerful kick was felt on his back that sent into the ground.
"Stay away from my friend," Nightcrawler said as he reappeared. Nightcrawler regrouped with Deku, "Iida and the pro hero are with paramedics, they should be heading towards the hospital now." Nightcrawler informed as Stain got up and gazed at Nightcrawler. Nightcrawler felt a small bead of sweat rolling down his head with his heart pumping a little faster as Stain eyed him. "What's with his aura? His stare alone is enough to make me antsy."
"You're one of the runts that invaded the Sports Festival and kidnapped that special kid, Peter Parker." Stain pulled a military knife from on his side body holsters, "If it weren't for your interference, the Hulk would have never attacked Musutafu." Stain looked into Nightcrawlers eyes, "All that blood is also on your hands."
"Yes, I know." Nightcrawler agreed with regret, "And nothing I can do will fix it. But that does not mean I can not try to prevent something similar from happening again."
Stain snickered at that, "You may say that now, but you lost the chance to be a worthy hero when innocents suffered because of your actions." Stain said before charging at the two heroes.
Nightcrawler disappeared as Deku jumped out of the way of Stain's attack. Stain looked to his sword as he landed and saw a small drop of blood on it. He grinned and licked it gently.
Deku was about to use a Detroit Smash but stopped when his body suddenly felt stiff, like he was paralyzed. "W-w-w-what is happening?!" Deku said as he fell over onto the ground face first, his face facing towards Stain who was walking towards him. "Your Quirk!" Deku said in realization. Before Stain could get nearer to Deku, Nightcrawler reappeared and tackled Stain into a wall before giving him a straight hook into his jaw and vanishing again. Stain swiped at space as he felt a kick to the back of his. Stain swung his sword around, but sliced air. Then he felt two of his knives leave their pockets. Stain predicted where Nightcrawler would appear and took a wild swing to his back. Nightcrawler reappeared and nearly dodged Stain's killer blow.
Nightcrawler landed on his feet as Stain went for a straight stab at Nightcrawler's chest. Nightcrawler responded by wiping out Stain's knives and using them to stop the blade in its tracks. Nightcrawler forced Stain's blade to move to the left as he backed up and the two proceeded to clash with one another with their blades.
On the ground, Deku was trying to move, but could not as his body refused to do anything. "D-damn it! I have to move! I can't let Nightcrawler face him alone!"
Nightcrawler jumped onto a wall and bounced off of it towards Stain. Stain and Nightcrawler were about to clash, but Nightcrawler vanished a second before they could. Stain assumed Nightcrawler wouldn't be foolish enough to attempt a back attack, so he looked up and saw both of his knives falling towards him. Stain hit them out of the sky to see nothing. Nightcrawler reappeared and swiped Stain's sword away from him as his tail grabbed the two knives and he teleported back to Deku with the three blades in his grasp.
"You have many weapons, but I have disarmed your biggest advantage," Nightcrawler announced. He heard movement behind him and quickly turned to see Deku was back up, "You can move?"
Deku was about to answer but noticed Stain reaching into one of his pockets. "Look out!" Deku pushed Nightcrawler out of the way as three shurikens grazed Deku's arm. Stain saw an opening and jumped into the sky and reached into the final two knife pockets he had and threw them at the two. Nightcrawler dropped the sword, grabbed Deku with his hand, and teleported them away from the incoming knives. Stain landed onto the ground and recover his weapons as he heard a Nightcrawler's signature noise and turned to see the two heroes side by side.
"Hmmm….you must be blood type O." Stain mumbled as he got ready for round two.
"Are you okay, Midoriya?" Nightcrawler as he got into a fighting stance.
"I am. Let's beat him, Nightcrawler." Deku said as he charged One for All.
Both sides stared down one another for the final time before each of them launched at one another to clash once more.
X-23 and Gran Torino
X-23 and Gran Torino were panting heavily as the purple Nomu finally fell to the ground, defeated. They managed to knock out the Nomus by hitting their exposed brains many times. They assumed that after a certain amount of damage, they'll have to fall over, and their analysis was correct.
"You're not bad, kid." Gran Torino said, "You surely know your way around a fight, even if you are quite reckless."
X-23 unsheath her claws and popped her neck, "I'm not a kid." X-23 said as she looked around, "I have to find my friend."
Gran Torino nodded, "I'll clean this up, you go find him. Thanks for the aid though." X-23 nodded her head and dashed off in a random direction.
X-23 began to sniff the air as she was running to try and at least get a small scent of him, but was trouble doing so, "Goddamn! I can't get a scent on him! There are too many different smells all at once!" X-23 was about to turn a corner, but something small came running out of an alleyway in front of her. The small figure gasped in slight shock, but X-23 stopped herself in time. X-23 looked down to see the figure. It was a child, a girl. She couldn't make anything other than the long hair. Before X-23 could do anything, the child flung herself to X-23, startling the teen for a second. X-23 signed, "She must be very frightened." X-23 lowered herself to the frail child. "Hey. It's okay, those monsters are not attacking anyone anymore."
"One's still in the alleyway." The child meekly said.
X-23 grew cautious as she looked inside the alleyway, but did not see a monster. She saw a man of average height walking out. The details were still hard to see due to the lighting, but she did see that he had a beak on his face.
"Ahhh, you found my daughter." He said as he walked closer into the moonlight. His hair was messy with a reddish-brown color, parted to the left on his forehead with his eyes being thin, small and gold irises, and had rather long lower eyelashes and small eyebrows. He was wearing a black dress shirt with matching dress pants, a pale gray tie around his neck and a belt with a long, thin buckle around his waist. Over this, he wears a dark olive-green bomber jacket, its collar lined with thick purple fur and white lace-up sneakers, their soles tan-colored, with no socks on his feet. His most noticeable features are the white surgical gloves he wears on his hands, and the magenta plague mask he wears over his mouth, which is tipped and embroidered with gold. Not a good sign in X-23's book. "She had gotten scared because one of those creatures was in the alleyway, but it left. Now, I wish to retrieve my daughter and go home. It is past her bedtime." He said in a rather charming, yet somewhat malicious tone.
X-23 looked down towards the child and the moonlight began to shine on her. The girl had messy and unkempt bluish off-white hair, which is parted in the middle of her forehead, almost reaching down to her waist. She's wearing a plain short-sleeved dress, which is a dirty pale yellow color. The most noticeable feature was the bandages that were wrapped around both her arms and her legs, stopping at her wrists and halfway down her shins. "...This isn't normal. It's almost as if…" X-23's face grew horrified as she looked down towards the little girl. It was too close to home, the way this girl was presented reminded X-23 of….her creators.
"Oh, do not mind the bandages. She loves to goof off, and gets into trouble quite frequently." The man said, his voice getting slightly impatient, "Now, Eri, come to me."
"Please don't let me go." Eri weakly said as she was shaking violently.
X-23 already had her answer, "No."
Both the man and Eri looked at X-23 in shock.
"...What?" The man asked threateningly.
"If I look under those bandages, I'll see scars, won't I?" X-23 said as she picked up Eri while staring down the masked man, "And I don't mean scars you get from 'goofing off.' I mean needles, surgical tools, and other ways of experimentation." X-23's face then grew aggressive. "You think you can play me like a fool?" X-23 unsheathed her claws slowly as Eri and the masked man looked at them in awe, "I know what's it like to be hurt by a parent." Eri looked at X-23 in complete shock. She was hurt by one of her parents too? Was this new person like her?
"You know too much." The masked man said as he took off his glove and dashed forward towards X-23. X-23 quickly ducked while protecting Eri and kicked him a few feet.
"I can't fight with her in my arms! I have to retreat!" X-23 then quickly dashed into another nearby alleyway.
The masked man got up quickly and tailed her into the alleyway, but saw that it was empty. He looked around quickly and…nothing. "Son of a…" He touched a nearby garbage with his hand as the metal container suddenly crumbled up into a small piece of scrap metal.