THE FEARED HERO

CHAPTER THREE

Chapter 3: Shadows Of Dominance and Hopeful Struggles

The atmosphere in Nezu's office was tense, the air thick with unspoken questions. Izuku Midoriya, or Homelander as he called himself, sat confidently across from Nezu and Aizawa. His posture was relaxed, but the piercing intensity of his gaze belied a simmering restlessness.

Nezu, the small yet astute principal of U.A. High School, leaned forward, his ears twitching slightly as he assessed the young hero. "Izuku," he began, a hint of curiosity in his voice, "can you explain your actions during the entrance exams? What prompted such a display of—"

Homelander's glare interrupted him, sharp and commanding. "It's Homelander." he snapped, the authority in his voice silencing the room. Nezu shifted uncomfortably but quickly recovered, adapting his tone. Homelander enjoyed watching him squirm a bit.

"Very well, Homelander. What motivated you to intervene as you did?"

The corners of Homelander's mouth curled into a smirk. "Why wouldn't I? They were floundering like fish out of water. Someone had to show them what real power looks like." His voice was smooth, dripping with an unsettling confidence. "I did them a favor."

Aizawa, seated nearby with his trademark scowl, observed silently. He felt the undercurrents of menace radiating from Homelander and knew that, while his Quirk could erase powers, it wouldn't be so simple with this kid. The boy's enhanced hearing and speed would likely foil any attempt at incapacitating him before Aizawa could even react.

Homelander continued, "The weak need to understand their place. This isn't just about power; it's about establishing order. If they can't handle the pressure, they don't deserve to be heroes." His words dripped with a chilling certainty, each syllable reinforcing his belief in superiority.

Nezu's ears perked up, sensing the deeper implications. "But you're not just a hero, Homelander. You have a responsibility to inspire, not instill fear."

Homelander chuckled darkly. "Inspire? Please. Do I look like that muscle idiot All Might? No. Fear is the greatest motivator. They'll remember me—not just as a hero, but as a force they can't ignore. Isn't that what you want? Strong heroes to uphold your precious ideals?"

Nezu's expression remained calm, though internally he was weighing the risk of allowing such a mindset to flourish. "Your actions could have serious repercussions. I've had trouble covering up some of your nefarious deeds but you must consider the impact on your classmates and the legacy you leave."

"Legacy?" Homelander echoed, leaning back in his chair with a mocking air. "I'm not worried about legacies. I'm creating a new standard. They'll either rise to meet it or be left behind."

Aizawa shifted in his seat, feeling a growing tension. He had faced countless threats, but Homelander was different—a volatile mix of raw power and unsettling charisma. There was no doubt that this boy was a potential danger, even to those who sought to guide him.

As Nezu prepared to ask another question, he was cut off again by Homelander's icy gaze. "You're asking the wrong questions, Nezu. You should be asking yourself how you plan to handle the new reality I'm creating. The weak will fall, and I'll be standing tall."

The Implications hung in the air, heavy and oppressive. Nezu's mind raced as he tried to navigate the complexities of this new reality. Homelander was not just a student; he was a force that threatened to reshape everything.

With a glance at Aizawa, Nezu knew they needed to tread carefully. Homelander's power was overwhelming, and his perception of strength was skewed. "Let's focus on how we can support you in using your abilities for good," he suggested, aiming to redirect the conversation.

Homelander's smirk faltered, replaced by a cold, calculating stare. "Support? You mean control. But good luck trying to rein me in. I'm not your puppet, and I won't be anyone's second choice."

Silence enveloped the room as the weight of Homelander's words settled in. Aizawa exchanged glances with Nezu, both aware that the path forward was fraught with uncertainty. They were dealing with someone who viewed the world through a lens of power and domination, and if left unchecked, he could become a threat to everything they had built at U.A.

With resolve, Nezu decided to steer the conversation in a different direction, hoping to find a sliver of the Izuku he once knew buried beneath the overwhelming façade. "Homelander, let's talk about your goals moving forward. How can we ensure that your incredible abilities are harnessed for the greater good?"

But as the discussion unfolded, both Nezu and Aizawa realized they were not just speaking to a student; they were confronting a new kind of hero—a being who saw the world in shades of power, and they would need to adapt to keep the balance.

As Nezu attempted to guide the conversation, Izuku, or Homelander as he preferred, couldn't help but feel a wave of disdain wash over him. This tiny, clever principal with his eager questions and hopeful ideals seemed utterly naïve. 'Does this rat really think he can control me?' Izuku mused darkly, his lips curling into a mocking smile. 'He wants to mold me into some kind of poster boy for heroism, but I'm not here to inspire the weak. They'll learn to respect strength, not follow some delusional dream of harmony.' Nezu's attempts to appeal to his better nature felt like a feeble grasp at power, a futile effort against the overwhelming force that he had become. 'I'll show them all what true dominance looks like, and when I do, he'll realize that my path is the only one worth following.'

Midoriya Residence, Musutafu, Japan…

In the cozy warmth of their living room, Izumi sat on the couch, her hands nervously fidgeting in her lap. Inko, watching her with a blend of concern and pride, leaned in closer. "So, how did the entrance exams go? You seemed so confident going in."

Izumi took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts. "I thought I had it all figured out. I was sure I'd make it into U.A. It felt like everything was in place, you know? But then…"

Her mother nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"There was this moment during the exams when I saw him—Izuku. He looked different. Not just the power upgrade, but his whole demeanor. There was this tension in the air, like something dark was brewing inside him." Izumi's voice trembled slightly as she recalled the encounter.

"Different how?" her mother asked, brow furrowing. She remembered how he had slowly started distancing himself from everyone back then before getting into UA. It had pained and worried her.

Izumi hesitated, searching for the right words. "It was like he was no longer the Izuku I knew. There was a cold confidence about him, something unsettling. He was powerful, sure, but it felt more like dominance. I couldn't shake the feeling that he was enjoying the chaos."

Inko's expression shifted to one of worry. "You think he's changed that much?"

"Yes!" Izumi exclaimed, her eyes wide. "Don't you remember? He was always so determined to help others, but now… it's like he sees them as obstacles. I couldn't believe it when he intervened so aggressively during the exams. I thought he'd be supportive, but instead, he just overwhelmed everyone."

"Maybe he was just trying to prove something," her mother suggested gently, though she too felt a knot of concern tightening in her stomach.

Izumi shook her head. "No, it felt deeper than that. It's almost like he's been consumed by this need to assert his strength. I almost didn't recognize him. The way he looked at everyone—like they were beneath him. It was terrifying."

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken fears. Her mother took a moment before responding. "Do you think he needs help?"

"I don't know. Part of me wants to reach out, to remind him of who he really is, but what if he's too far gone? What if he doesn't want to be saved?" Izumi's voice cracked, betraying her uncertainty.

Her mother placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're strong, Izumi. If anyone can reach him, it's you. But you need to be careful. If he's as different as you say, approaching him could be dangerous."

Izumi nodded, her mind racing with the implications of her mother's words. "I'll try to talk to him, but… I'm worried about what I might find. I don't want to lose my brother to this new version of himself."

Inko smiled softly, brushing a stray hair behind Izumi's ear. "Just remember, you're not alone in this. You have the power to make a difference, but it starts with understanding what's really going on inside him."

Izumi felt a flicker of determination ignite within her. "I won't give up on him. I'll find a way to reach the Izuku I know."

Hours Later…

The neon lights of Musutafu flickered above, casting an eerie glow over the dimly lit alley. Izuku Midoriya, now calling himself Homelander, stood with an air of casual dominance, arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips. The remnants of chaos lingered in the air—alarms blaring in the distance, the echoes of hurried footsteps from fleeing civilians, and the faint sound of sirens growing fainter as they chased after a bank robber who had managed to slip through their grasp.

The man, a scruffy figure wearing a black hoodie and clutching a duffel bag overflowing with cash, stumbled into the alley, panting heavily. He glanced over his shoulder, panic reflecting in his eyes as he realized he was cornered. There was no escape.

Homelander stepped forward, his presence commanding, the very embodiment of power and intimidation. "Well, hello there! Hope you had a happy robbing," he said, his voice smooth and taunting.

The robber froze, his heart racing as he recognized the figure before him. "You… you're that kid Homelander from UA" he stuttered, eyes wide with a mix of fear and disbelief. Fuck, there's no way he could escape now. "What are you doing here?"

"Just enjoying the night," Homelander replied, his smirk widening. "And you? You've made quite the mess out here. You know, robbing a bank is a serious offense."

The man shifted nervously, gripping the duffel bag tighter. "I didn't mean to… I just needed the money. I thought I could get away—"

Homelander cut him off with an icy glare. "Spare me the sob story. It doesn't matter what you thought. What matters is that you chose the wrong night to test your luck."

With a sudden, swift movement, Homelander closed the distance between them. The robber barely had time to react before he found himself pinned against the cold brick wall, the wind knocked out of him. Homelander's hand gripped the man's wrist, twisting until the bone cracked like a twig.

"AHHH!" the robber screamed, his voice echoing through the alley as he dropped the duffel bag, its contents spilling onto the ground—bills fluttering like fallen leaves.

"Oops," Homelander said, feigning innocence. "Looks like you'll be needing that arm for your new home in jail." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "Maybe you'll think twice before you try something so foolish again."

The robber's face turned pale as he attempted to pull away, but the grip was unyielding. "You don't have to do this! I didn't hurt anyone!" he pleaded, desperation lacing his voice.

Homelander's eyes narrowed, a flicker of amusement dancing across his features. "Oh, but you did. You think I didn't see those people you scared? You think they're just going to forget the terror you caused? They won't. And neither will you."

With an effortless motion, he lifted the man off the ground, holding him at eye level, his green eyes glowed bloody red with the power of his heat vision. "You see, I'm not just here to dish out punishment. I'm here to make a point. Real power demands respect, and people like you? They need to learn their place."

The robber's eyes darted around, searching for an escape that didn't exist. "Please! I'll do anything! Just let me go!" His voice cracked with fear as he squirmed in Homelander's grip.

"Anything?" Homelander laughed darkly, the sound chilling. "That's adorable. But you see, the world doesn't work that way. You can't just take what you want and expect to walk away unscathed. Especially with how weak you are."

With a sudden motion, Homelander tossed the man onto the ground, where he landed with a thud, gasping for breath. He could also feel a few broke bones. "Consider this a lesson. Next time you think about playing hero, remember who's really in charge."

The robber groaned, cradling his broken arm against his chest. "You think you can just bully me? I know who you are! You're not a hero! You're a monster!"

Homelander's expression darkened. Suddenly he was in front of the man and delivered a slap with a fraction of his strength, breaking a few teeth and causing the man to bleed from the mouth and nose. He spoke his voice low and dangerous. "I'm what this world needs. Strength. Order. If you don't understand that, then you're just as weak as the rest." He stepped back, allowing the man to scramble to his feet, albeit awkwardly.

"Now," he said, gesturing to the spilled cash. "You can either gather your little treasures and wait for the cops to come, or you can try your luck and run. But I'll warn you…" He leaned in, a twisted grin spreading across his face. "I'll always be watching."

The robber hesitated, weighing his options, but the fear in his eyes told Homelander everything he needed to know. With a defeated sigh, the man began to pick up the scattered bills, his spirit broken.

Homelander turned away, satisfaction coursing through him as he walked toward the alley's exit. He paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "Remember this moment. Remember that I'm the one in charge."

As he flew away into the night, the sounds of sirens began to grow louder, the distant flashing lights painting the alley in a strobe of red and blue. He felt invigorated, alive with the knowledge that he was a force to be reckoned with—a new kind of hero in a world that needed to understand the true meaning of strength.

This was something he truly enjoyed.

UA High

The staff room at U.A. High School was unusually quiet, a heavy atmosphere settling over the gathered teachers. The usual chatter and lighthearted banter were absent, replaced by a palpable tension that hung in the air. Nezu, the astute principal, stood at the head of the long table, his ears twitching with concern. He had called an emergency meeting to address the situation with Izuku Midoriya, now identifying himself as Homelander.

Aizawa, leaning against the wall with his trademark scowl, crossed his arms tightly. "We can't ignore the fact that he's become a potential threat. His actions during the entrance exams were alarming, to say the least."

Present at the table were several key staff members: All Might, the former number one hero; Recovery Girl, who had been quietly observing; Midnight, whose expression was a mix of concern and curiosity; and several other teachers who had come to respect Izuku over the years.

"All Might, you've known Izuku longer than any of us," Nezu began, directing his gaze toward the former hero. "What are your thoughts on this transformation? Is there any chance we can reach him?"

Toshinori sighed, his expression heavy with regret. "I've seen Izuku grow from a timid boy into a powerful hero. But this new persona… it's like he's been consumed by something darker. I don't recognize him anymore."

Recovery Girl nodded in agreement. "It's as if he's abandoned everything we taught him about heroism. The way he dealt with that bank robber… it was brutal. I'm sure he enjoyed it. He didn't just stop the crime; he relished in it."

Midnight leaned forward, her voice soft but firm. "We have a new batch of students coming in soon. If we don't address this, we risk exposing them to Homelander's twisted ideals. We can't let that happen."

Aizawa interjected, his voice low and serious. "We need to consider the implications of having someone like him in the school. His perception of strength is skewed, and if he influences the new students, it could create a dangerous environment."

Nezu nodded thoughtfully. "Exactly. Our mission is to cultivate heroes who embody the values of justice and compassion. If we allow Izuku's current mindset to flourish, we risk undermining everything we stand for."

All Might spoke up again, his voice filled with determination. "We have to try to reach him. He may be lost, but there's still a part of Izuku inside him. We can't give up on him yet."

Recovery Girl added, "But how do we approach him? He's shown that he won't tolerate any attempts to control or manipulate him. We need to tread carefully."

Midnight's eyes sparkled with an idea. "What if we organize a mentorship program? Pairing him with a new student might help him reconnect with his roots. It could remind him of the hero he once wanted to be."

Aizawa raised an eyebrow. "And if he sees that student as weak? What's to stop him from exerting his dominance over them?"

Nezu considered this, his mind racing through the possibilities. "We could select a student with a strong sense of justice and resilience. Someone who embodies the qualities we want to instill in our heroes. If Homelander can see the value in supporting others, it might spark something within him."

The Symbol of Peace nodded thoughtfully. "That's a good idea, Nezu. A positive influence could help him remember what heroism is truly about. But we must also prepare for the worst. If he reacts violently, we need a plan in place to protect the other students."

"Agreed," Aizawa said. "We should also keep a close watch on him. I can use my Quirk to monitor his movements and ensure he doesn't pose a threat during school hours."

Midnight added, "What about the new students? They're coming in with their own dreams and aspirations. We can't let them be tainted by Homelander's ideals. We need to create a safe environment for them."

Nezu's ears perked up as he considered their words. "Perhaps we can implement a series of workshops focused on teamwork and empathy. By fostering collaboration among the students, we can create a sense of unity that may counterbalance Homelander's influence."

All Might smiled, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "That's the spirit! We can show them the importance of working together and relying on each other's strengths. It might even remind Homelander of the bonds he once valued."

Aizawa, though still skeptical, nodded. "It's worth a shot. But we need to remain vigilant. If he shows any signs of aggression, we must be ready to intervene."

With that a plan was in progress. They just hoped it wouldn't backfire.

Well that's it for this chapter. To be honest, I was planning on releasing it tomorrow but decided to do it today since the second chapter was short. Anyway I don't have much to say so I'll leave it to you guys.

Read and Review.

Peace.