"I choose to run toward my problems and not away from them. Because that — Because that's what heroes do."
—Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Thor: Ragnarok
———
There is nothing more annoying than waking up with the sun blasting in your face, especially when you have a hangover. At least that's how it was for Logan.
His head pounded like a jackhammer, and the brightness only made it worse. Groaning, he rubbed his eyes and blinked against the harsh light, realizing he was lying on cold, hard pavement.
Disoriented, he got up and stumbled out of a dark alleyway into a bustling city street, his head pounding and his vision blurred. The bright sunlight made him squint as he tried to make sense of his surroundings.
He glanced down at himself and was momentarily taken aback. Instead of usual attire, he was wearing his brown and yellow spandex suit. The yellow mask with pointed ears added to the suit's classic look, giving him a fierce, unmistakable presence.
Just then, a young boy, no older than ten, approached him hesitantly, holding out a few yen with a look of concern. "Hey, mister, are you okay? You look like you need this more than me."
Logan's confusion deepened as he took the yen. He looked around, noticing the bustling cityscape and the unfamiliar architecture. The boy's kind gesture snapped him out of his daze. He realized that the suit, the yen, and the city around him were all wrong. This wasn't the world he knew.
"Thanks, kid," Logan said gruffly, trying to mask his bewilderment. He gave the boy a small, reassuring smile, even though he had no idea how he ended up here or where "here" was.
Logan looked around, taking in the bustling street scene. Neon signs with Japanese characters flashed brightly, and the rhythmic hum of conversations in Japanese filled the air. The unmistakable scent of ramen and street food drifted past him, and he noticed a vendor setting up a stand nearby. The architecture, the language, the atmosphere—it all screamed Japan.
"Japan," he muttered under his breath, piecing it together. But how did he end up here? His mind felt foggy, the events leading up to this moment fragmented and unclear.
Images and flashes of memory surfaced. He saw himself running into a room, Captain America and War Machine beside him. He could hear the sound of his claws popping out, the familiar snikt echoing in his mind.
Then another memory forced its way through— a large figure holding a smaller one. The large figure's eyes glowed red, a sinister light that burned into his memory. The smaller figure, helpless and struggling.
Then... nothing. No clue how he ended up alone in an alleyway in Japan, or why he couldn't recall anything after the portal.
"Dammit," he growled, frustration bubbling up. His healing factor usually took care of any mind fog, but this was different. It was like someone had scrubbed his brain clean of the last few hours.
He scanned the crowd, looking for anything familiar, anyone who might be out of place. But all he saw were ordinary people going about their day, oblivious to the presence of a mutant. He caught a glimpse of his reflection in a shop window, the brown and yellow suit unmistakable.
No way to blend in like this, he thought. Need to find some answers.
His senses were on high alert as he moved through the crowded streets, trying to ignore the curious glances from passersby. He had to find a place where he could gather his thoughts and figure out his next move. A coffee shop caught his eye—quiet enough to sit and think, and maybe get some information.
Logan pushed open the door and stepped inside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee hitting his nose. He found a corner table and sat down, his mind racing. He needed to contact the rest of the Avengers, figure out if they were here too, and most importantly, understand who—or what—had brought him to Japan.
But first, he needed to remember. And for that, he needed to calm down and let his healing factor work its magic. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and willing his body to do what it did best: recover.
Come on, Logan, he thought. Think.
Logan's eyes snapped open as he remembered his Avengers ID card. It was supposed to be his lifeline, capable of contacting the rest of the team, no matter where he was. He reached into a hidden pocket in his suit and pulled out the sleek, metal card.
Getting it out, he pressed the activation button. Nothing happened. He pressed it again, harder this time. Still nothing. He examined the card closely, noticing small cracks and a faint scorch mark. It was busted, completely devoid of power.
"Just my luck," he muttered, shoving the card back into his pocket. He sighed and looked around the café. If he couldn't contact the Avengers, he needed to regroup and figure out his next move. Maybe a drink would help clear his head.
He approached the counter, eyes scanning the menu written in both Japanese and English. After a moment, he decided on a black coffee. As he placed his order, he kept his gaze low, not in the mood for small talk.
"One black coffee," he said, his voice gruff.
The barista moved efficiently, preparing his drink. Logan, still not looking up, fished out the yen from his pocket to pay. It wasn't until he heard the barista's voice, a soft and hissing "Here you go," that he glanced up.
He blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. The barista was a lizard-like humanoid, with green and tan scales covering her face and hands, and slitted eyes that regarded him curiously. She was wearing the standard coffee shop uniform, her apron slightly ill-fitting over her reptilian frame.
"Uh, thanks," he managed, taking the coffee from her. The sight of her was unexpected, even for someone like Logan, who had seen his fair share of unusual beings. Not only that, but here was a mutant out in the open.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle but with a distinct reptilian lisp.
Logan nodded slowly, still processing the sight of her. "Yeah, just a rough morning. Thanks for the coffee."
He retreated to his table, sipping the hot drink and trying to refocus.
It wasn't just the barista who was unusual; the entire place was filled with people who looked and acted unlike anyone he'd seen back home. One patron had glowing green hair that floated around her head like it was underwater. Another, a man sitting by the window, had arms that seemed to stretch and retract as he read his newspaper.
Across the room, a kid who couldn't be older than thirteen was levitating objects around his table, seemingly without effort. A woman nearby had what appeared to be wings folded neatly against her back, the feathers shimmering with an iridescent hue.
Logan's eyes narrowed as he observed the scene. He sipped his coffee, the hot liquid doing little to ease his growing unease.
Maybe this was a hidden mutant community, a place where they could live without fear of persecution. But even that didn't seem to fit entirely. The sheer variety and visibility of these abilities were unlike anything he'd ever seen.
Finishing his coffee, he decided to step outside and take a better look at the city.
He saw a man with metallic skin effortlessly lifting a car to parallel park it, a woman with antennae sprouting from her head chatting animatedly with her friends, and a group of children playing a game of tag while hovering a few feet off the ground.
Logan walked down the bustling street, his senses on high alert. The more he observed, the stranger it became. People moved about their daily lives, but their actions were punctuated by displays of unusual abilities or peculiar features.
He passed a man at a fruit stand who had vines growing out of his arms, delicately plucking ripe apples with an effortless flourish. Nearby, a woman used her telekinetic powers to hold a bunch of grocery bags in mid-air while she chatted with a friend, her hands free for a cup of coffee.
As he continued, Logan saw a group of teenagers sitting on a park bench. One of them had holographic tattoos that shifted colors and patterns in sync with his animated conversation. Another was levitating slightly above the ground, a clear sign of some form of anti-gravity ability.
Further down the street, a vendor was grilling skewers of meat using what looked like controlled bursts of fire from his hands. The flames danced precisely over the grill, cooking the food to perfection with a show of effortless mastery.
Logan's eyes widened when he saw a man with a body covered in shimmering, translucent scales, similar to the barista but more pronounced. He was using these scales to project a sort of protective barrier around a small crowd that had gathered for a street performance.
At a crosswalk, a young woman with metallic limbs moved with a fluid grace, her arms and legs gleaming under the sun as they seemed to transform into various tools as she crossed the street. A couple of kids were running past her, one of whom was leaving a trail of glowing sparkles in the air with each step, apparently some sort of minor light manipulation.
Logan tried to absorb it all, the surreal nature of the scene becoming almost overwhelming. It was like walking through a living comic book, where everyone had their own quirks and superpowers seamlessly integrated into daily life.
Despite the awe-inspiring spectacle, he couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place. He was used to dealing with extraordinary abilities, but this was on a whole different level. The casual use of powers for mundane tasks was something he'd never encountered before, and it left him with more questions than answers.
He couldn't help but think about how people would react to this. Groups like the Friends of Humanity, who despised mutants and anything they deemed unnatural, would have a field day here. Bastion, with his relentless drive to eradicate mutants, would probably see this place as a goldmine.
"Friends of Humanity and Bastion would lose their freaking minds," Logan muttered
He furrowed his brow in confusion. In his experience, extraordinary abilities were usually kept hidden or at least handled with discretion, given the potential for fear and misunderstanding. But here, it was as if powers were an everyday part of life, with no one batting an eye.
Logan stopped at a street corner, trying to make sense of it all. He observed a group of people discussing the latest news, where one individual was using telepathy to share thoughts with the others. They conversed as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
"Must be some new mutant law or something," Logan muttered to himself. He scratched his head, trying to piece together the logic behind this openness. It was as if powers were regulated and accepted as part of the social fabric, a far cry from the secrecy and fear he was accustomed to.
Logan continued his walk, each step taking him further into the heart of the strange city. As he navigated the bustling streets, he tried to piece together how he had ended up in this bewildering place. But the memories eluded him, slipping through his mental grasp like sand through his fingers.
He concentrated hard, trying to recall any specifics. Was there an explosion? A flash of light? It was all so indistinct. Every time he thought he was about to catch a glimpse of the missing pieces, they faded away, leaving only a foggy sense of disorientation.
Logan walked through the city, his senses overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sights, smells and sounds. The streets were lined with strange vending machines, each offering odd items—one dispensed women's bras and panties, another provided grilled mackerel in some dashi stock, there was even one for ice cream.
He saw restaurants with neon signs advertising everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to futuristic, high-tech dining experiences. Nearby, capsule hotels stood like futuristic dormitories, their sleek, compact pods stacked in neat rows.
As he wandered, Logan came across a row of pay phones, their bright red booths a stark contrast to the high-tech surroundings. He recalled Tony Stark mentioning that Stark Industries had a couple of buildings in Japan. If there was any chance of reaching his teammates or getting some assistance, Stark's resources might be the way to go.
He approached a pay phone, calling Stark Towers was the only thing he could do. Logan fumbled with the phone's keypad, dialing the number Tony had given him. He hoped that despite the oddities of this place, the call would go through.
He waited as the phone rang, but after several moments, a crackling silence filled the receiver. A message in Japanese came through, too rapid and complex for Logan to understand. The line went dead, and he was left staring at the phone in frustration.
"Damn it," Logan muttered, hanging up the receiver. It seemed the phone lines were either disconnected or incompatible with whatever system was in place here.
Logan's thoughts were interrupted by a piercing scream. Instinctively, he turned towards the source of the commotion. A woman was on the ground, her bag snatched by a man with a rough, beastly appearance.
A man who has a rough, beastly appearance, possessing a head that resembles that of a horse or a shark, and a very wide-set, large muscular body. He has long, dark brown hair, which he wears in dreadlocks, and a reddish-brown beard around his jaw.
"And I thought Banner was ugly." Logan mumbled.
The man bolted past Logan, and without a second thought, Logan stepped into his path. As the thief tried to shove him aside, Logan braced himself and took the hit. The force was strong, but Logan barely budged. Years of battles and his adamantium skeleton had conditioned him for far worse.
"Big mistake, bub," Logan growled, his claws unsheathing with a distinctive snikt.
The beastly man stopped and turned, surprised that Logan had withstood his strike. He let out a snarl, baring his teeth in a feral grin.
"Get outta my way," the thief barked, taking a swing at Logan with a massive fist.
Logan dodged the blow with practiced ease and retaliated with a swift slash of his claws. The thief yelped in pain, clutching his now-bloodied arm.
"You're gonna regret that," Logan said, his voice low and menacing.
The thief lunged at Logan again, but Logan was ready. He ducked under the wild swing and delivered a powerful uppercut to the thief's jaw, sending him stumbling backward.
As the thief regained his balance, Logan advanced, his claws glinting in the sunlight. "Last chance. Drop the bag and walk away."
The thief's eyes darted around, realizing he was outmatched. With a growl of frustration, he tossed the stolen bag to the ground and bolted down an alley, disappearing from sight.
Logan retrieved the bag and walked over to the woman, who was shakily getting to her feet. He handed her the bag, his usual gruff demeanor softening slightly.
"Here. You alright?"
The woman nodded, her eyes wide with gratitude and a hint of fear. "Thank you. I... I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't stepped in."
Logan gave a curt nod.
Logan was about to continue his search, he heard a deep, rumbling roar behind him. The thief had returned, but now he was transformed. His already large frame had grown to four times its original size, muscles bulging and skin stretching grotesquely. His beastly features were even more pronounced, and his eyes burned with rage.
"You think you can mess with me?" the man bellowed, his voice a thunderous growl. "I'm gonna make you regret ever crossing my path. I'll break every bone in your body and enjoy every second of it."
Logan narrowed his eyes, unflinching. "I've heard worse threats from scarier faces," he spat back. "Let's see what you've got, big guy." He pulled his mask over his face. "Let's fucking go."
The massive brute lunged at Logan with terrifying speed, throwing a punch that could have leveled a building. Logan sidestepped, but the sheer force of the blow sent shockwaves through the ground. Logan wasted no time and countered with a powerful slash of his claws, aiming for the giant's torso. His claws sliced through the air, meeting the brute's tough skin with a sickening thwack.
The beast roared in pain but barely slowed down. He swung a massive fist at Logan, catching him in the side and sending him crashing into a nearby wall. Logan grunted, the impact rattling his bones, but he quickly got back on his feet, his healing factor already kicking in.
"Is that all you got?" Logan taunted, wiping blood from his lip. "I've fought Sentinels that hit harder."
Enraged, the beast charged again, this time attempting to crush Logan beneath his enormous weight. Logan ducked and rolled to the side, then leaped onto the brute's back, plunging his claws deep into the beast's shoulders. The man howled in agony, thrashing wildly in an attempt to shake Logan off.
Logan held on, his claws tearing through muscle and sinew. "You're tough, but not tough enough," he growled, pulling his claws free and delivering a series of rapid slashes across the beast's back.
The giant stumbled, blood pouring from his wounds, but he wasn't finished yet. With a mighty heave, he finally dislodged Logan, slammed him against the ground and then flung him across the street. Logan hit the ground hard, but he rolled with the impact, quickly springing back to his feet.
The brute was slowing down, his massive size working against him as blood loss and exhaustion took their toll. Logan saw his chance. He rushed forward, dodging a sluggish swing, and delivered a devastating uppercut with his claws fully extended.
The beast staggered, his eyes glazing over. With one final, desperate roar, he collapsed to the ground, his body shrinking back to its original size. Logan stood over him, breathing heavily, but victorious.
"You picked the wrong guy to mess with, bub." Logan muttered, sheathing his claws.
He looked around, noticing the small crowd that had gathered, their eyes wide with shock and awe. Logan knew he had drawn unwanted attention, but at least he had made it clear that he wasn't someone to be trifled with.
As Logan walked away from the fallen brute, he was quickly surrounded by a crowd of curious onlookers. They clamored around him, their eyes wide with excitement and admiration.
"Are you a new pro hero?" one of them asked eagerly.
"What's your hero name?" another shouted over the din.
Logan raised a hand, signaling for them to calm down. He wasn't used to this kind of attention and wasn't in the mood for a Q session.
"Look, I'm not a pro hero," he said gruffly. "Just a guy passing through."
"But you took down that villain like it was nothing!" a young woman exclaimed. "You must have a hero name, right?"
Logan sighed, realizing that these people weren't going to let up. He didn't have a hero name like the ones they were used to, but he had to say something to get them off his back.
"Call me Wolverine," he finally said, his voice carrying a note of finality.
The crowd murmured among themselves, nodding and repeating the name.
"Thank you, Wolverine!" someone called out, and the sentiment was quickly echoed by others.
Logan gave a curt nod and began to push his way through the throng, needing to get away from the attention.
As Logan tried to distance himself from the crowd, a deep, guttural growl echoed behind him. He turned just in time to see the brute getting back up, his wounds already healing. The man's body swelled, growing larger and more muscular until he towered over Logan like a living mountain.
"Ah, hell," Logan muttered under his breath, claws extending once more.
The brute, now even more monstrous, roared in fury and lunged at Logan. His massive hand shot out, grabbing Logan around the torso and lifting him off the ground. The crowd scattered, screams filling the air as they fled from the impending fight.
"You're gonna pay for that, little man," the brute snarled, his grip tightening painfully around Logan's ribs.
Logan struggled, his claws slashing at the brute's arm, but the thick hide was tougher than before. The beast's strength was incredible, and Logan could feel his ribs creaking under the pressure.
"Let's see how tough you really are," Logan spat, driving his claws deeper into the brute's arm. He twisted his wrist, causing a gush of blood to spurt from the wound.
The brute howled in pain, but he didn't let go. Instead, he swung Logan around like a ragdoll, smashing him into the ground with bone-shattering force. Logan's healing factor kicked in immediately, but the impact left him momentarily stunned.
The brute raised his foot, intending to crush Logan beneath it, but Logan rolled to the side just in time. He sprang to his feet, his eyes blazing with determination.
"Alright, big guy, you want a fight? You got one," Logan growled, lunging at the brute with all his might. He aimed for the brute's eyes, hoping to blind him and gain an advantage.
The brute swung his massive arms, trying to swat Logan away, but Logan was too quick. He ducked under the blows, slashing at the brute's knees and ankles, trying to bring him down to size.
"You're not the first giant I've taken down," Logan said through gritted teeth, driving his claws into the brute's leg.
With a roar of frustration, the brute stumbled, his balance wavering. Logan saw his chance and leaped onto the brute's back, driving his claws into the base of the brute's skull. The beast roared in agony, flailing wildly as he tried to dislodge Logan.
As Logan continued his relentless assault on the brute, the crowd's murmurs grew louder. People began whispering about "The Claw Hero," a nickname quickly spreading through the onlookers.
Logan lunged at the brute, his claws gleaming in the sunlight as he aimed for another strike. The brute roared, swatting at Logan with his massive hand. Before Logan could deliver his blow, a tangle of wooden tendrils wrapped around him, yanking him away from the brute.
"What the hell?" Logan growled, looking up to see Kamui Woods standing before him.
"You're being too violent!" Kamui Woods shouted. "I've never seen you before, and you're endangering civilians with your recklessness!"
Logan yanked himself free from the wooden restraints, his eyes narrowing at Kamui Woods. "You think I'm the one endangering people? That guy's a walking disaster!"
Kamui Woods stood his ground. "We have protocols for dealing with villains. You can't just—"
Logan cut him off, his voice a low growl. "I don't have time for your protocols. That brute needs to be stopped."
As they argued, the brute regained his composure, smashing through an electric pylon with a mighty swing. The crowd screamed in terror as sparks flew, and Death Arms caught the fallen pylon, straining under its weight.
"Ngh! Urgh!" Death Arms grunted, his muscles bulging as he held the pylon steady.
"Oh, it's Death Arms!" a man in the crowd shouted. "He carries out justice through his great physical strength – the Punching Hero!"
Backdraft worked to keep the crowd back with a line of water. "Everyone, this is dangerous. Stay back, stay back!" he commanded.
Meanwhile, Kamui Woods glared at Logan. "We handle things differently here. We're heroes, not savages."
Logan's eyes flashed with anger. "Yeah? Well, where I come from, we stop the bad guys first and ask questions later."
Kamui Woods was about to respond when the brute charged at them, his roar shaking the ground. "Get away!" the brute bellowed, swinging his massive arm.
Logan dodged to the side, but Kamui Woods was thrown back by the brute's sheer force. "Damn it," Logan muttered, turning his attention back to the raging giant.
Kamui Woods groaned as he got back to his feet. "We need to work together," he said, though his tone was less accusatory now. "Can you follow a plan?"
Logan nodded, his eyes never leaving the brute. "As long as it ends with that big guy on the ground."
"Fine," Kamui Woods agreed. "I'll restrain him. You go for the knockout."
Logan's claws extended once more, gleaming menacingly. "Now you're talking my language."
With a plan in place, Logan and Kamui Woods moved in tandem. Kamui Woods' wooden tendrils shot out, wrapping around the brute's limbs, while Logan charged forward, aiming for a decisive strike.
Just as Logan was about to land the final blow, a shadow loomed over the battlefield.
"Canyon Cannon!" a voice shouted.
Logan barely had time to register what was happening before a massive leg swung through the air, connecting with the brute and sending him flying off the train station.
"Urahh!" the brute roared as he tumbled away.
Logan turned, his claws still extended, to see a towering woman standing where the brute had been. She struck a dramatic pose, showing off her skin-tight outfit and flashing a confident smile. "Today is the day of my debut. My name is Mt. Lady. A pleasure to make your ass-quaintance."
A chorus of camera clicks filled the air as a bunch of men began taking pictures of Mt. Lady, their excitement palpable. "Here it is, here it is, here it is, here it is," they chanted, captivated by her display.
Kamui Woods, still recovering from the earlier impact, looked up and sighed. "Sh-She's getting the credit..." he muttered, clearly frustrated.
Logan, meanwhile, retracted his claws and shook his head. "Great. Just what we needed," he grumbled, though he couldn't help but smirk a bit at the absurdity of it all.
Mt. Lady walked over, basking in the attention, but gave Logan a nod of acknowledgement. "Nice work, Claw Hero," she said.
"Yeah, whatever," Logan replied, still trying to wrap his head around the day's events.
As Logan turned to leave, he was stopped by Death Arms and Kamui Woods, their expressions stern.
"Hold it right there," Death Arms demanded, stepping into Logan's path. "We need to talk about how you handled that fight."
Logan raised an eyebrow, clearly annoyed. "Handled it? I stopped the brute, didn't I?"
Kamui Woods crossed his arms, his wooden limbs creaking slightly. "You were excessively violent. You nearly killed the villain. That's not how we operate here."
Logan scoffed. "You've got to be kidding me. That guy was a walking tank. What was I supposed to do? Ask him politely to stop?"
Death Arms glared at Logan. "We have protocols. Procedures. You can't just—"
"Protocols my ass," Logan interrupted. "I did what needed to be done."
Death Arms took a step closer, his tone firm. "Let's see your hero license."
Logan's expression shifted to one of confusion. "My what?"
"Your hero license," Kamui Woods repeated. "Show it."
Logan grumbled under his breath, cursing as he rummaged through hidden pockets in the suit. He pulled out his driver's license and held it up. "This what you want, bub?"
Kamui Woods sighed, shaking his head. "No, we need your hero license. The document that allows you to legally perform heroic duties."
Logan's patience snapped. "You gotta be fucking kidding me? I need a god damn license to da e people? Well news flash, I don't have one. Don't need one."
Kamui Woods' branches shot out, wrapping around Logan securely. "Then I am sorry. You're under arrest. It's illegal to fight crime without a license. Due to the Hero Regulations and Quirk Restriction Laws, people are not allowed to perform heroic duties on their own. Vigilantism is illegal."
Logan struggled against the wooden restraints, his claws itching to come out again. "You've got to be kidding me," he growled. "I just saved a bunch of people, and this is the thanks I get?"
Death Arms nodded. "We appreciate what you did, but rules are rules. You can't operate as a hero without proper authorization."
Logan's claws shot out in an instant, slicing through Kamui Woods' branches. "I don't think so," he growled, breaking free from the wooden restraints.
Kamui Woods' eyes widened. "Stop him!"
Logan wasted no time, using his enhanced speed and agility to evade Death Arms' grasp. He barreled through the crowd, knocking over a few people as he made his escape. The civilians gasped and backed away, creating a clear path for Logan to dash through.
Kamui Woods tried to ensnare him again with his branches, but Logan was too quick, leaping onto a nearby rooftop with a powerful jump. He glanced back to see Death Arms and Kamui Woods giving chase, but he was already several steps ahead.
Logan sprinted across the rooftops, weaving between buildings with practiced ease. His heart pounded as he used his claws to help him climb a building and go from one rooftop to another, each landing barely making a sound. Finally, he reached a high-rise building, the top offering a panoramic view of the city below.
He paused to catch his breath, his claws retracting as he scanned the area. The bustling streets and towering skyscrapers stretched out before him, a sprawling cityscape bathed in the setting sun's golden light.
From his vantage point, Logan could see the pursuing heroes below, their figures small but clearly visible. Kamui Woods and Death Arms were still searching, their presence evident in the streets and alleyways. Logan watched them for a moment, noting their frustration.
"This place is like a damn maze," he muttered to himself. His mind raced, trying to piece together how he ended up here and what his next move should be. He needed to find answers, and fast.
Logan crouched on the rooftop, staring out at the sprawling cityscape as he tried to piece together the fragmented memories of how he ended up here. The adrenaline from the chase was starting to fade, leaving his mind clearer but still foggy. He focused intensely, pushing through the haze of confusion.
As he concentrated, fragments of recollection began to come back to him. He remembered a meeting—an Avengers briefing of some sort. There were nine of them in total.
"Nine of us," he muttered, frustration edging his voice. "Where the hell are the others?"
———
Meanwhile, Izuku Midoriya is mumbling to himself about the "Claw Man" and his supposed quirk. "Claw Man, huh? I wonder what kind of quirk he has. The way he fought... it was intense. Could he have something related to strength or transformation?"
A old man in sunglasses passing by stops and notices Midoriya scribbling furiously in his notebook.
"Hey, wait, you're taking notes? You wanna be a hero?" The old man asked
"Huh? Ah! Yes! More than anything!" Izuku said
———
At Aldera Junior High, the classroom buzzed with the energy of students discussing their futures. The teacher stood at the front, preparing to address the class.
"So, since you're all third-years," the teacher began, distributing handouts for future plans, "it's time for you to think seriously about your futures."
The teacher paused, noticing many students activating their Quirks in excitement.
"...you're all... pretty much planning to go into the hero course, right?" the teacher continued.
"Yes!" the students chorused.
"Yes, yes, you all have wonderful Quirks!" the teacher responded, smiling. "But remember, using your powers at school is against the rules!"
Bakugou's voice cut through the room, sharp and confident. "Teach! Don't lump us all in the same group. I'm not gonna be stuck at the bottom with the rest of these rejects."
"That was uncalled for, Katsuki!" a student shot back.
Bakugou sneered. "You all should shut up like the extras you are!"
The teacher intervened, trying to defuse the situation. "Oh, if I remember correctly, you want to go to U.A. High, right, Bakugou?"
"U.A.? That national school?!" the students around him exclaimed, their voices tinged with awe. "It was in the top 0.2% this year, you know! Their acceptance rate is always really low, too!"
"That's exactly why you guys are just extras!" Bakugou declared with a smirk. "I aced the mock test! I'm the only one at this school who could possibly get into U.A. I'll definitely surpass All Might and become the top hero! My name will be inscribed on the list of top earners!"
The teacher turned to Midoriya, who had been silent until now. "Oh yeah, Midoriya wanted to go to U.A., too, right?"
Midoriya's face turned pale. "Erk..."
Laughter erupted among the students. "Hahahaha! Huh? Midoriya? No way! You can't get into the hero course just by studying!"
Midoriya tried to defend himself, though his voice wavered. "Th-They got rid of that rule! There's just no precedent..."
Before he could say more, Bakugou slammed his hand down on Midoriya's desk, crushing it. "Urahh!"
Midoriya winced, trying to keep his composure. "Gah! Ngh..."
Bakugou loomed over him, a sneer on his face. "Hey, Deku!"
Midoriya flinched. "Ah...!"
Bakugou's anger boiled over. "You're below the rejects! You're Quirkless! How can you even stand in the same ring as me?!"
Midoriya tried to explain, though his words came out in a rush. "No, wait, Kacchan! It's not like I'm trying to compete with you or anything! Believe me! It's just that it's been my goal ever since I was little. And well... I won't know unless I try..."
Bakugou's rage was palpable. "Whaddaya mean, unless you try?! Are you taking the test for fun?! What the hell can you do? You're Quirkless!"
———
Meanwhile, in the afternoon, the city buzzed with activity. A woman's scream pierced through the streets as the Sludge Villain, a grotesque figure made of sludge and muck, hurried away with her belongings clutched in his grasp.
"Ahh!" the woman cried out, her voice filled with panic.
A nearby man shouted, "Thief! Someone help!"
The Sludge Villain taunted as he fled through the streets, "Catch me if you can!"
Onlookers exchanged worried glances. "Huh? There's no hero around. Normally someone would come right away."
Among the crowd, All Might, in his civilian guise, emerged from a nearby store. The conversations around him were filled with frustration and confusion.
"This guy's taking advantage of the chaos from this morning," one man said. "There are tons of people around who don't know what to do with their Quirks. There's no end to them."
All Might's eyes narrowed with determination as he activated his Quirk, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a formidable presence. "There is an end."
The surrounding civilians looked around in surprise, their expressions a mix of confusion and hope.
All Might's voice boomed with authority, "Because I am here!"
The Sludge Villain turned to face the source of the challenge, his eyes widening in recognition and fear. "Hm? Ohh!"
All Might stood tall, his resolve unwavering as he prepared to confront the villain
———
As Logan sat on the rooftop, the city's cacophony faded into the background, replaced by the faint, unfamiliar scent that reached his nostrils. He paused, his senses sharpened, and inhaled deeply. The smell was peculiar—an odd mix of metallic undertones and a strange energy. It was something he'd encountered before, something associated with powerful beings.
"Ion energy," he muttered, recognition flashing in his eyes. "Simon."
———
Meanwhile, in a different part of the city, Simon Williams, also known as Wonder Man, was deep in conversation with Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America. The two were amidst a tangled mess of confusion, still grappling with how they had arrived in this unfamiliar place.
Simon, embodying his usual grandiose flair, gesticulated wildly as he spoke. "Cap, I assure you, this whole situation is just absolutely insane! One minute I'm minding my own business, and the next, bam! I'm here! Ok, I don't remember what I was doing before got here, but I'm telling you, it's like the universe is playing one massive prank on us."
Steve listened attentively, his expression a blend of curiosity and concern. Simon's dramatic and theatrical nature was a stark contrast to his own measured demeanor.
Simon continued, switching seamlessly between melodrama and awkwardness. "And the worst part is, I can't even find my favorite smoothie bar. Can you believe that? It's absolutely tragic!"
Steve, still focused on their predicament, raised an eyebrow but maintained his composure. "We need to figure out our situation first. We don't even know if we're still in our world or somewhere else entirely."
Simon's eyes widened with exaggerated realization. "You mean to say we could be in a whole new reality? Now that's something you don't see every day!"
Simon Williams, despite his larger-than-life persona, was only 15. His journey had been a whirlwind of events. Originally a child star in the entertainment industry, he had a dramatic flair and a taste for the theatrical, which naturally extended to his superhero career. However, his path to becoming Wonder Man was far from straightforward. A mix of youthful ambition and a series of near-fatal accidents during his early heroics had led to his enhanced abilities. His transformation involved a blend of advanced technology and experimental treatments, giving him superhuman strength and durability.
As Steve Rogers and Simon Williams walked through the city streets, their conversation was a blend of frustration and curiosity. The urban landscape provided little in the way of answers, and their surroundings seemed foreign and confusing.
"I keep going over it," Steve said, trying to piece together the fragmented memories. "All I remember is being in the middle of a fight. There was something... something with red eyes and then—"
"A bright green explosion!" Simon interrupted, his tone shifting from dramatic to contemplative. "It was like something out of a sci-fi flick, with all the flashing lights and chaotic energy. Absolutely bonkers!"
Steve nodded, taking in Simon's description. "We need to figure out if this is somehow connected to our fight. That explosion might have been a portal or some kind of transport mechanism."
"Perfect...just perfect." Simon said.
———
Earlier at the middle school, Izuku picked up his notebook while reading about an incident in his phone, but as he gets ready to get home and take notes, Katsuki approaches and destroys the notebook with his Quirk. He then throws it out the window and tells Izuku, who does not reply to his taunts, to give up on U.A. and dive off the rooftop. As Izuku picks up his notebook, he remembers an incident from his childhood: watching a video of All Might making his debut as a hero, saving over 100 people. Izuku said he wants to be just like him, but was later told by a doctor to give up: he has two joints in his pinky toe, which shows that he is Quirkless. Later that day, Izuku watched the video again, crying, and asked his mother if he could still be a hero like All Might, to which she teary apologized.
As Midoriya walked forward, his hand held high, a burst of laughter escaped him. The moment was abruptly shattered as he felt a sinister presence behind him.
"Hahahaha!" Midoriya's joy turned to fear as he noticed the Sludge Villain materializing. "Ha... Ah... Ah! A villain?!"
The Sludge Villain's voice was chilling. "A medium-sized invisibility cloak..."
Midoriya's eyes widened in terror. "Ah...! Ahhh!" He tried to react, but the Sludge Villain was already upon him, attacking with swift, liquid movements.
"Mmph!" Midoriya struggled, gasping for breath as the Sludge Villain began to overpower him. "Don't worry," the villain taunted. "I'm just going to take over your body. Calm down. It'll only hurt for about 45 seconds."
Midoriya's thoughts raced in panic. I can't... breathe... His attempts to fight back were futile; his body was losing strength rapidly. I'm dying... Am I dying? Somebody... Somebody...! The fear was overwhelming. No...!
Just as hope seemed to fade, a figure emerged from a manhole cover. All Might, in his heroic form, burst onto the scene.
"It's all right now, young man," All Might declared with confidence. "I am here!"
The Sludge Villain hissed in frustration. "Hm? Ahh!" He attempted to attack All Might, but the hero was too swift. With a powerful move, All Might dodged and countered with a decisive strike.
"Texas Smash!" All Might shouted, unleashing a tremendous force that sent the Sludge Villain reeling.
The villain crumpled, defeated by the overwhelming wind pressure. Midoriya, gasping for breath, opened his eyes to see the silhouette of All Might standing over him.
———
As Steve Rogers and Simon Williams walk through the city streets, they hear a commotion nearby. The sounds of a struggle and shouts prompt them to investigate. When they arrive at the scene, they find only an empty alleyway, the sounds of the scuffle having faded away.
Steve and Simon exchange puzzled glances, scanning the area for any sign of what might have happened. Just then, Logan appears from around the corner, his rugged appearance and distinctive brown and yellow suit catching their attention.
Simon's face lights up with relief. "Logan! We're glad to see a familiar face."
Logan gives a curt nod, his expression mirroring the confusion they all share. Simon quickly asks, "Do you remember how we ended up here?"
Logan shakes his head. "Not a clue. I was hoping you might know."
Steve, who has been quiet, finally speaks up. "I don't remember either. All I recall is a fight, a thing with red eyes, and then a bright green explosion."
The three Avengers stand in silence, each one trying to sift through the fog of their memories. The more they try to recall, the more elusive the details become. Logan clenches his fists in frustration. "I've been trying to remember what happened, but it's like trying to hold onto water. I even tried calling Stark Towers—nothing."
Simon, who had been deep in thought, speaks up. "I tried to find my dad's video rental store," he admits, his voice tinged with confusion. "Video stores are still pretty popular in Japan, so I thought maybe I'd have some luck. But it's weird. I couldn't find it anywhere. I even asked around, and it was like the store never existed here."
Steve frowns at this, the pieces of their situation becoming stranger with each revelation. "So things are missing, or different. We don't remember how we got here, and places we know should exist... don't."
Logan nods, his mind racing as he considers the implications. "Whatever's going on, it's messing with more than just our memories." He pulled out a cigar, lit it, and stated smoking.
Steve glances around at the unfamiliar skyline, the sinking sun casting long shadows across the rooftops. "Given the circumstances," he says, turning back to Logan and Simon, "we might end up spending the night here. Problem is, I don't have any cash on me—not for here, anyway."
Simon rubs the back of his neck, looking a bit sheepish. "Yeah, I've got my debit card," he admits, pulling it out of his pocket. "I could try getting some cash, but... I don't even know if it'll work in this place. For all we know, the banks here might not recognize our accounts."
Logan exhales a cloud of cigar smoke, his expression grim. "Well, there's only one way to find out. Let's see if we can find an ATM or a place that'll let us swipe a card."
Took them a few minutes but they found one.
Simon approaches the ATM with a mix of hope and apprehension, slipping his debit card into the machine. The screen prompts him to enter his PIN, and he does so with a quick series of taps. Logan and Steve stand nearby, keeping watch as Simon waits for the machine to process the transaction.
The seconds stretch out, and then a message flashes on the screen: Account does not exist.
Simon's heart sinks. "Uh, guys," he says, his voice tinged with frustration and a hint of disbelief, "the ATM says my account doesn't exist."
Logan takes a step closer, peering over Simon's shoulder at the screen. "What the hell? That's not possible."
Steve frowns, his expression growing more concerned.
Steve leads them to a nearby bench, the three of them sitting down with the weight of their situation pressing heavily on their shoulders. The bustling city around them seems almost oblivious to their presence, the people moving along as if nothing is out of the ordinary.
Simon leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and stares at the ground. "So... what are we gonna do now?" he asks, his voice tinged with uncertainty and a rare hint of vulnerability.
Steve sighs, running a hand through his hair as he considers their options. "First, we need to stay calm," he begins, trying to sound reassuring. "We're in a strange place, and it looks like nothing we know applies here. We have no money, no connections, and no idea how we got here. But we're not completely helpless."
Just as Steve, Logan, and Simon are about to leave the bench, an explosion rocks the air, the force of it sending vibrations through the ground beneath them. They exchange a quick glance, instinctively knowing what needs to be done. Without a word, they take off, weaving through the crowded streets, following the source of the commotion.
As they draw closer, they hear the panicked cries of civilians and the menacing roar of the Sludge Villain. The scene unfolds before them in a blur of chaos. The Sludge Villain has a young boy in his grasp, strangling him with tendrils of viscous, toxic sludge. Nearby, a group of pro heroes seems frozen, unable to make a move against the overwhelming force of the villain.
"Why aren't the heroes doing anything?" one civilian cries out. "It looks like they've met their match, plus the villain captured a kid. Things aren't looking good for him."
Another civilian, wide-eyed and confused, shouts, "Wait, I'm confused. Isn't that the villain All Might was chasing earlier today?"
The Sludge Villain's grip tightens, and the boy—Bakugou—struggles, his eyes filled with fear as he gasps for breath. The villain growls, squeezing harder. "Grrrr... Urahhh..."
Bakugou chokes out a pained grunt, "Ngh... Ugh...!"
Steve, already in motion, pulls his helmet on with a fluid motion. "Logan, take the left! Simon, cover the right! We need to hit him hard and fast. No holding back!"
As Steve gives orders, the chaos around them intensifies. Midoriya, with wide, terrified eyes, suddenly breaks from the crowd, sprinting toward the Sludge Villain with reckless determination.
"Ah... Ahh!" Midoriya gasps, his breath ragged as he pushes himself forward.
Death Arms, one of the pro heroes, yells out in desperation, "No, you idiot! Stop! You're gonna get yourself killed!"
The Sludge Villain snarls, his attention shifting to the charging Midoriya. "Not this brat again!"
Bakugou, his voice barely audible, rasps out, "Deku?"
Midoriya's thoughts race, panic and fear warring within him. What am I doing? Why am I running?! Why can't I stop?!
The Sludge Villain rears back, ready to strike the boy down once and for all. But before he can land the blow, Logan barrels through the crowd, shoving Death Arms out of the way with a snarl.
The Sludge Villain was hit in the head with a shield that came back to Steve.
Steve quickly assesses the situation. The crowd of panicked civilians is too close to the action, making the situation even more dangerous. Steve turns to Simon, his voice firm and commanding. "Simon, get the citizens to safety! Logan and I will handle the sludge monster."
Simon nods and immediately moves toward the crowd, his presence and booming voice urging the civilians to clear the area. "Everyone, move back! Get to safety! Now!"
Meanwhile, Midoriya, driven by sheer desperation, hurls his backpack at the Sludge Villain. The bag bursts open on impact, and books scatter through the air, some striking the villain square in the face.
"Ngh... Urahhh... Urahhh!" the Sludge Villain roars, momentarily loosening his grip on Bakugou. The young boy gasps, his face finally released from the suffocating sludge as he coughs and struggles to catch his breath.
"Kacchan!" Midoriya cries out, his voice filled with desperation. Without thinking, he charges forward, clawing at the Sludge Villain's body, his hands sinking into the vile mass.
Bakugou, still choking, manages to sputter, "What the hell?! Why are you here?!"
"I don't know! My legs... They just started moving!" Midoriya responds, panic and confusion etched on his face. But before he can do more, the Sludge Villain reasserts his hold, covering Bakugou's mouth again.
At that moment, Steve steps forward, pulling his shield from his back with a practiced motion. The familiar weight in his hand gives him a sense of control amid the chaos. Beside him, Logan's claws extend with a sharp snikt, his expression fierce and focused.
"We need to break his hold, Logan," Steve says, his voice steady. "I'll draw his attention. You get the kid out."
Steve and Logan move into action with precision. As Logan charges straight toward the Sludge Villain, Steve swoops in to grab Midoriya, pulling him out of harm's way.
"Hey, kid, you're brave, but you need to get to safety," Steve says firmly, his shield held defensively between them and the raging sludge monster.
Midoriya, breathless and wide-eyed, shakes his head. "I want to help! I can't just stand by and do nothing!"
Steve assesses the young boy's determination, recognizing the same unyielding spirit that once drove him to become Captain America. "Alright," Steve concedes, "but listen carefully. Get the others clear of the area, and then see if you can find something to absorb or contain the sludge. But be careful—don't get too close again."
Midoriya nods fervently, grateful for the trust placed in him, and quickly dashes off to execute the plan.
Meanwhile, Logan is fully engaged in battle with the Sludge Villain. His claws slash through the creature's viscous form, each strike more determined than the last. But the monster is slippery, reforming around Bakugou each time Logan tries to pull him free.
"Kid, stop fightin' me! I'm tryin' to help ya!" Logan growls through clenched teeth as he continues his assault.
Bakugou, his face barely visible through the muck, glares back with fierce, defiant eyes. "I don't need your help! I can handle this on my own!"
Logan's patience wears thin as he digs his claws in deeper, trying to get a firm grip on Bakugou's arm. "Well, tough luck, 'cause you're gettin' it whether you want it or not!" He pulls hard, but the sludge holds tight, wrapping around Bakugou like a living prison.
Thinking quickly, Logan shifts tactics. He spots a nearby fire hydrant, grabs it, and uses his claws to puncture it. A jet of saltwater erupts, splashing over the Sludge Villain. The salty water begins to weaken the monster, causing it to recoil and momentarily lose its grip on Bakugou.
Taking advantage of the opening, Logan dives in, wrapping an arm around Bakugou and yanking him free with all his strength. "C'mon, kid! I'm not askin'!" he growls, his tone leaving no room for argument.
With a final, determined pull, Bakugou is wrenched from the Sludge Villain's grasp. The villain roars in frustration, but Logan is already dragging Bakugou clear, refusing to let the monster reclaim its prey.
As they reach safety, Steve rejoins them, shield at the ready. "Logan, you good?"
"Yeah," Logan grunts, glancing at Bakugou, who still looks angry and defiant but no longer in immediate danger. "Got the kid."
"Good," Steve replies, his eyes scanning the area to ensure no other threats are looming. "Kid, how's it going?"
Midoriya rushes over, having found several large towels that might help absorb the sludge. "I got these! Will it help?"
"Perfect," Steve nods, taking the towels from Midoriya. "Thanks kid."
Just as the Sludge Villain recoils from its brief setback, it lunges forward, determined to reclaim Bakugou and lash out at Logan, Steve, and Midoriya. The creature's slimy tendrils stretch toward them, a malevolent grin forming within its amorphous body.
But before it can strike, a deep, booming voice echoes across the street.
"It's clobberin' time!"
In an instant, a massive figure plummets from the sky, landing squarely on the Sludge Villain with a thunderous impact. The street quakes as the ground cracks beneath the weight of the Thing. With his orange, rock-like skin glistening in the sunlight, the Thing grinds the monster underfoot, his massive fists driving into the creature's form with relentless power.
The Sludge Villain screeches in pain and surprise, its gooey mass splattering under the onslaught. The Thing doesn't let up, each punch carrying the force of an earthquake. "You picked the wrong town to mess with, pal!"
As the Sludge Villain writhes and flails in a desperate attempt to escape, the sky suddenly fills with the sound of repulsor blasts. War Machine descends from above, his armored suit gleaming as he rains down firepower on the villain. "Need a hand?" he quips, firing off a salvo of missiles that explode upon impact, further destabilizing the creature.
The Sludge Villain's form begins to falter, parts of it evaporating under the combined assault. Just as it seems to regain some of its shape, a web shoots out, sticking to its body and yanking it backward.
"Hey, ugly!" Spider-Man swings in, landing gracefully next to Midoriya, his web-shooters ready for action. "Time to cool down!" He unleashes a rapid series of web blasts, binding what's left of the Sludge Villain to the ground, immobilizing it as it struggles futilely against the sticky threads.
The final blow comes from Vision, who glides down to the ground with effortless grace. His forehead gem glows as he phases into the Sludge Villain's form, his presence disrupting the monster's molecular cohesion. The Sludge Villain's pained cries echo as Vision's powers tear it apart from within.
With the Sludge Villain reduced to a harmless, inanimate sludge, that tried escaping but was caught by Midoriya, using the towel.
Vision steps back, his expression calm and composed. "The threat has been neutralized," he announces in his measured tone.
Steve, Logan, and Midoriya look on, relieved and impressed by the sudden arrival of reinforcements. Bakugou, still gasping for breath, glares at the heroes with a look of frustration.
War Machine lands beside Steve, giving him a nod. "Good to see you, Cap. Looks like we aren't the only ones who landed here."
Steve looked at Midoriya and gave him a thumbs-up. "Hey, kid, you did good. Takes guts to stand up to a villain like that."
As the firefighters arrive on the scene, the wail of sirens and flashing lights filling the air, Steve turns to the Thing and the others, a look of both relief and curiosity on his face.
"Where have you all been?" Steve asks, his voice steady but with a hint of urgency.
The Thing, still brushing off some residual sludge from his rocky exterior, gives a casual shrug. "We've been lookin' for you, Cap. Me and webs crashed in a sushi bar and tried to find ya. Got a little sidetracked, but Vision here managed to find us."
Vision steps forward, his expression serene as he addresses Steve. "One of the benefits of being an android," he begins in his calm, measured tone, "is my ability to access and process information at a rate beyond human capability. I was able to triangulate the positions of our team members by tapping into local networks and scanning for unusual energy signatures. Once I located them, we regrouped and followed the most recent disturbances—which, as it turns out, led us to you."
Steve nods thoughtfully, absorbing the information. "That's a good thing you did, Vision."
As the group begins to move away from the scene, Simon jogs back up to them, slightly out of breath but still wearing his usual carefree grin. "What did I miss?" he asks, glancing around at his teammates.
Before anyone can answer, they are suddenly swarmed by a crowd of reporters and Pro Heroes. Cameras flash, and microphones are shoved into their faces as the press bombards them with questions.
"Who are you people?" one reporter demands. "What agency do you work for?"
"Are you new heroes? Where did you come from?" another reporter shouts.
Logan, already on edge, growls in irritation. "Back off," he snarls, but the press only presses closer.
Among the chaos, Death Arms steps forward, his expression stern. "You guys are causing a lot of trouble," he says, eyeing Logan in particular. "You nearly killed that villain earlier. We need to see your hero licenses, now."
Steve exchanges a quick look with Logan and the others, realizing the situation is escalating. He pulls out his wallet and shows his driver's license, trying to keep the situation calm. "We don't have hero licenses," he admits, his voice firm yet diplomatic. "We're not from around here."
Logan, growing more agitated by the second, does the same, holding up his driver's license with a scowl. "This what you're lookin' for?"
The reporters murmur among themselves, clearly surprised by this revelation, and the Pro Heroes exchange uneasy glances. Death Arms crosses his arms, frowning. "No hero licenses? Then what are you doing fighting villains in the streets? That's illegal."
Steve steps forward, trying to take control of the situation. "We're not here to cause trouble. We're just trying to figure out what's going on, same as you."
Before the conversation can go any further, more Pro Heroes begin to close in, clearly preparing to take them in. Spider-Man glances at Steve, worry flickering in his eyes. "What do we do now, Cap?"
Steve tightens his grip on his shield, glancing around at the growing crowd of heroes and reporters. "We're going to have to talk our way out of this. We don't need to start a fight unless it's absolutely necessary."
But Logan, never one for diplomacy, is already tensing up, ready to spring into action if things go south.
The police arrive, their vehicles surrounding the area, while more Pro Heroes step forward to reinforce the group already confronting Steve and his team. The crowd of reporters continues to hover, cameras rolling and microphones pointed, capturing every moment.
Steve quickly assesses the situation, knowing that any wrong move could lead to an all-out brawl. With a deep breath, he turns to the group. "We're outnumbered, and we don't want to cause any more harm than necessary. We're going to surrender peacefully."
Logan's eyes narrow as he glares at the approaching officers and heroes, his fists clenched tightly. "I don't like this, Cap," he growls, his voice low and dangerous.
"I know," Steve replies, placing a hand on Logan's shoulder to calm him. "But we're in their city now. We play by their rules until we figure out what's going on."
Death Arms steps forward, clearly eager to take Logan in. "Smart move," he says, a smirk playing on his lips. "Now, hands where we can see them. Let's make this easy."
Logan's gaze locks onto Death Arms, his irritation growing by the second. As he reluctantly raises his hands, he mutters under his breath, "I already hate this guy."