AN: I don't own MHA or DC
Chapter 2
Finding My Way
It must have been just a few minutes.
Though if he were to be honest with himself, it felt like hours had passed at this point instead.
Izuku continued to walk through a busy street filled with pedestrians walking past him.
Not too long ago, the green-haired vigilante embarked on a quest to find employment, motivated to change his circumstances. He scoured various establishments throughout the city, from bustling cafes to local shops, hopeful for a chance to prove himself. Unfortunately, his efforts were met with a barrage of rejections. Many employers turned him away, citing his status as a homeless youth wandering the streets, which made them hesitant to offer him a position.
Others were influenced by his status as a foreigner, someone not originally from Gotham or even the United States, which added another layer of elitism and discrimination to their decision-making. Izuku also faced the obstacle of lacking any identification, a critical requirement that hindered his ability to secure even the most basic minimum-wage job.
This series of setbacks only deepened his resolve to overcome the societal barriers that stood in his way.
Figures. Izuku wasn't surprised if he had to be honest with himself.
He did encounter several good Samaritans who recommended various places where he could seek employment. After all, it couldn't have been that difficult.
Expressing his thanks, Izuku bowed respectfully to the benevolent strangers and proceeded to explore the limited work opportunities available. However, before he could depart, the good Samaritans cautioned him about the city's particular perils.
Izuku remembers their cautions: "Be careful. Gotham isn't a safe place for a kid like you."
The former UA student shook his head, fighting those thoughts away. After all, he wasn't afraid.
In his journey, he had faced numerous villains, each one more nefarious than the last—monsters unworthy of coexisting with the innocent. He had witnessed the specter of death, staring it down in countless battles, yet he realized that none of those experiences had left him shaken.
In truth, the terrifying encounters from his past paled in comparison to the emotional turmoil he faced from the people in his original world.
Among those memories, none stood out quite like his tumultuous relationship with Katsuki Bakugo, or Kacchan, as he affectionately called him. In their middle school days, Kacchan often loomed over him like a storm cloud, his fierce demeanor striking fear into the hearts of his classmates, especially Izuku.
Those moments of intimidation were suffocating for the green-haired teen, leaving scars deeper than any physical battle ever could. But as time went on, particularly during their shared experiences at U.A. High School, Izuku began to witness a transformation in Kacchan.
Ironically, he found himself smiling at those earlier memories—an indelible mark of growth. With perseverance and the realization of his potential, Kacchan gradually became someone Izuku could count on, a friend capable of loyalty and bravery. This evolution came to fruition during the harrowing fight against All For One in the Paranormal Liberation War. At that moment, Kacchan bravely saved Izuku's life.
This act strengthened their bond and confirmed Izuku's belief that beneath Kacchan's abrasive exterior lay a brighter, more compassionate soul… in his own way. Kacchan would often scold him for being careless, revealing a caring side of himself for the most part.
During the chaos, Izuku found solace in their connection, reflecting on the journey that had brought them to this pivotal moment—one that signified not just survival but the power of friendship forged from understanding and respect.
However, besides the occasional thugs and criminals out in the street, Izuku did hear of a few notable villains while roaming last night. Besides the man with the Black Mask from the previous night, there was another mob boss by the name of "The Penguin."
Penguin? What an odd name for a villain. Did he have any abilities or anything animalistic traits that belonged to a penguin? Was he an actual penguin? It wouldn't be the craziest thing that Izuku had seen before, knowing his principal was a bear… or mouse. You know, that was one question that Izuku always wanted to know.
But Izuku digresses; it wasn't solely The Penguin that sprang to mind for Izuku; other villains like The Riddler, akin to a living questionnaire, also appeared. Mr. Freeze, a villain who would wield an ice quirk or power—if quirks were a thing in this world—bore a resemblance to Todoroki's quirk.
Yet, the most notorious figure that haunted Izuku's thoughts, often dubbed "Batman's other opposite," was The Joker.
The Joker.
He remembers that name. During his time at the library, he had read online that this person was dubbed the "Clown Prince of Crime." This individual was responsible for the most tremendous upheaval in Batman's early career. A villain who had perpetrated atrocious crimes, including robbery, gang wars, arson, murder, and kidnapping, embodied all the traits of a true villain. Izuku had believed All For One to be the worst of the worst, yet it was astonishing to consider that there could be another, equally malevolent, who could meet those standards.
Even though Shigaraki committed harmful deeds, part of him understood it wasn't entirely by choice, owing to his past. All For One, too, had an endgame goal and different beliefs about the quirked society, whereas this Joker character seemed to do it merely for amusement.
Overall, Izuku understood that villains such as the Joker were extremely dangerous.
Anyway, he knew that there was a mission to do for today.
That was to find a job, mainly a temporary one, that would allow him to live on a decent wage.
Noticing a sign, Izuku realized he stood in front of a small building—a Chinese restaurant of sorts, as he could see on the sign in English.
Emerald Pagoda.
Huh, that was a name Izuku wasn't familiar with.
Deciding to stop wasting, he finally took action. As he entered the small restaurant and opened the door, a bell chimed, coinciding with his encounter with a man who seemed to be in his late thirties to early forties. The man had black hair and was clad in an apron with casual clothes underneath his attire.
"Hey." The man spoke, gaining Izuku's attention. "Can I help you, young man?"
"Ye-Yes!" Izuku nodded. "I'm looking for a job here."
"A job?" the man asked. "No offense, kid, but you don't look exactly the working type. Look a little young to be asking for a job," he commented on Izuku's appearance.
Yeah, as if that's not a line he's heard a million times before. Izuku's been through enough of that nonsense in middle school, all because of his baby face.
It's like he can't catch a break!
"How old are you?" The man asked with suspicion in his voice.
"16," Izuku answered simply.
The man raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the green-haired teen's unexpected comment. After a moment, his curiosity took over, and he asked another question: "Hmm, do you have any parents? Do you have a guardian you live with?"
Izuku hesitated, uncertainty flashing in his eyes as the moment hung heavy around him. Just as doubt began to close in, a spark of inspiration ignited within him; he crafted a response, prepared to face whatever lay ahead. "No, sir, I… I live on my own," he shook his head.
"Normally, I wouldn't hire teenagers in my establishment, especially since I'm running a business here."
Izuku appeared downcast, his eyes giving it away, expecting to hear a negative answer from the man. Of course, what was he expecting anyway? He had no work experience, let alone in the food business, so how would that make him eligible for this kind of job?
However, that wouldn't be the case here.
"However, I am looking for more help, especially since two of my employees quit, both of them delivery boys. Can't blame them since Gotham is notorious for ruining small businesses, mine included." Jian answered as Izuku stood silent in surprise, his eyes lightening up as he heard the words being spoken to him.
"So, tell you what, kid. If you can show me a good work initiative, I might consider hiring you full-time." He spoke, causing the green-haired teen to glimmer with hope.
"Really? So, can… I have the job?" Izuku questioned.
The man said, "Yep, that is, if you can last for the night. Most of the guys I hired in the past always quit on their first delivery. Not that I blame them, of course."
Izuku only nodded in response.
"What's your name, kid?" The restaurant owner inquired with a tone full of intrigue.
"Izuku. My name is Izuku Midoriya," he said calmly, with no reason for having to hide his name.
"Izuku? Huh, that's Japanese, isn't it?" The man questioned with a curious tone as Izuku nodded, not before the man realized it in the tone he had used. "Not that I don't mind, obviously; I just wasn't expecting to see many foreigners here. Not in Gotham of all places."
Yeah, so he has heard. Gotham does have that infamous reputation that Izuku has heard of so much.
"Anyway, my name is Jian Chao, and we are hiring now. When can you start?" the restaurant owner asked.
"I can start as soon as you need me," Izuku answered honestly.
It's not like he had nothing better to do.
"Alright, then, in that case, tomorrow, you can start. But not right away; I need to show you how all the details and deliveries work in this city. I need to "iron all the details out for you." Jian informed the green-haired teen, nodding, understanding the policies and rules of the job.
"Thank you, sir." Izuku bowed politely.
"Wow, manners. I don't expect manners from this generation. Not that it's a bad thing, of course. If you can show me a good work initiative, I'll consider hiring you full-time." The restaurant owner clarified, further informing the green-haired teen.
After the introductions, the green-haired inheritor of One For All took his leave, feeling fulfilled—he had achieved what he came for.
Alright, so that was step two complete.
Now, all he needed to do was wait.
He knew that he needed to wait until he could find an affordable place to live and understand how the world operates here. He particularly wanted to avoid sleeping in another abandoned building, risking encounters with Gotham's petty criminals or, even worse, the notorious villains that he had heard plague this city.
And that was the moment Izuku had to be cautious. Nevertheless, he would be prepared for that scenario. Fear was not an option for him when his survival was at stake; he was poised to battle, and he would no longer live in peril, especially in his presence.
With his hands clenched in determination, he realized he was utterly alone, unable to rely on All Might or his loved ones. Their absence signified it was time for Izuku to embrace his path of heroism fully.
He wasn't afraid this time.
This world resembled his own, yet it was more unpredictable than he could confidently articulate. At this moment, survival was his paramount concern, and Izuku understood that he must continue to advance to demonstrate his presence to the world.
For All Might.
For his classmates.
For his mother.
For everyone who was counting on him.
Whatever it takes.
'Well, time to get going.' Izuku thought to himself.
Well, it had been a while since he set foot in Gotham.
As he continued to walk into the city, a wave of nostalgia washed over him; it was as if time had stood still since he last walked its familiar streets.
A man with neatly combed black hair and blue eyes wore a brown jacket and black jeans. His face was chiseled with a strong jawline, appearing like some kind of playboy at best.
But truthfully, no, he was far from a playboy. He grew up in the circus, after all. So that should tell you something.
Dick Grayson continued to walk through the streets of Gotham City, a trip to visit a specific billionaire slash caped crusader living in a manor.
Stepping back into Gotham stirred a strange nostalgia within him. As a former Robin, he had left his mark on these gritty streets—each corner echoing memories of triumphs and failures. He always knew that one day he would redefine himself beyond Batman's shadow.
As he walked through the city, he noticed the changes: towering skyscrapers, fallen landmarks, and new threats emerging. He wondered how Bruce was managing it all. Their lack of contact weighed on him, and he hoped that Batman was holding firm, especially with his responsibilities in the Justice League.
These streets whispered stories, igniting a longing in him to reclaim his purpose. Yet, the pull of Gotham's past reminded him of his roots and the legacy he still carried.
Tim and Barbara were on his mind, each in their own way. Tim had embraced the role of Robin a few years back, and he genuinely hoped this time would be a success for him.
But Barbara? That was a different tale altogether. It had been ages since they last crossed paths, and he couldn't shake the feeling that things were tangled between them. He didn't hold any resentment; he understood her struggles.
All he wanted was to bridge the gap and reconnect as friends, to find a way back to the easy camaraderie they once shared.
As Dick walked on, he observed a scene unfolding in the distance: a little girl playing ball with her friends, their laughter and gestures indicating their enjoyment. A smile crossed Dick's face at this display of innocence, but it quickly faded when he saw the ball slip from the girl's hands. She chased after it into the street, and as she reached for the ball, the sound of an approaching car filled the air.
Frozen in the headlights, the girl stood petrified while the urgent honking of the car's horn alerted Dick to the danger as he noticed the traffic light turning red.
Shit!
Dick realized immediate action was required. Harnessing his former strength, the Bludhaven vigilante sprinted without pause, aware that life depended on him right then. Swiftly scooping the girl into his arms, Dick readied himself to leap.
However, he required additional time and momentum, knowing the car was quickly coming their way.
'Shit, I'm not gonna make it!' Dick, in a frenzy of thought, held the girl firmly, positioning his body as a shield to protect her from the impending impact.
In that heart-stopping moment, the former Boy Wonder experienced a surge of clarity. His sole focus rested on the innocent girl securely held in his arms as her life hung in the balance, and he knew he'd rather face the oncoming car himself than let her perish. In that critical moment, he made the split-second decision to push her onto the sidewalk to ensure her safety, and Dick's thoughts sharpened into focus. The little girl in his arms was his priority; her survival depended on his next move.
He would not allow her life to be snuffed out by the oncoming car.
Without hesitation, Dick made a bold decision to throw her to safety on the sidewalk away from the road, fully aware that he was ready to sacrifice himself for her. If it meant saving her, then so be it—he would face his fate head-on.
The former Boy Wonder would embrace it, knowing that his sacrifice could save her bright, young life.
Before he could throw the girl to keep her from harm's way, lost in his contemplation, an intrusive voice shattered the former Boy Wonder's thoughts.
"Look out!" A voice from the unknown yelled as Dick's arm was abruptly grabbed, pulling him out of the way as the former Boy Wonder was shocked all of a sudden.
What?
Izuku proceeded along the sidewalk, skillfully maneuvering through the bustling crowd. The burden of his circumstances weighed upon him with the same intensity as the rigorous training he had endured to inherit All Might's quirk. With each step, he reminded himself that finding a place to sleep for the night was his immediate priority, just until he could secure a job and stabilize his situation.
After that, he could finally afford a proper place to rest and regroup.
As he approached the intersection, the streetlight switched to red, illuminating the crosswalk ahead with a sense of urgency. Suddenly, his attention was drawn to two figures standing in the middle of the street, seemingly oblivious to the oncoming car barreling toward them.
Tension surged through him.
'Shit!' he thought, his heart racing as he recognized the peril of the situation.
Though he wasn't always the fastest thinker in high-stress moments, the familiar tingle of his Danger Sense pulsed at the back of his mind, compelling him to act. Without a second thought, he dashed forward, determined to intervene before it was too late. The crowd around him blurred into the background as his focus narrowed onto the figures, adrenaline fueling his every move.
He knew he had to reach them in time.
He sprinted down the street, his heart pounding with adrenaline as he pushed himself to run faster than ever before. In a split second, Izuku swooped in like a whirlwind, his instincts honed by countless battles guiding him.
With a firm yet gentle grip, he snatched the man carrying the little girl off his feet, swiftly securing her small frame against his chest. The familiar hum of Danger Sense thrummed through him, heightening his awareness of everything around him as the inheritor of One For All.
Cradling the girl safely in his arms, Izuku tapped into a surge of energy with a quick burst of Fa Jin, propelling himself forward. He felt the exhilaration of speed rush through him as he redirected his course toward the next street, each stride pouring all of his focus into keeping the child safe.
They raced through the disorder, the girl's wide eyes reflecting both fear and trust, and Izuku's determination surged; in that moment, she was his priority, and he was resolute in ensuring her safety above all else.
At that moment, the girl nestled in the other man's embrace was safe, and Izuku felt a wave of relief wash over him.
Shit, he should have been more vigilant. Though he was grateful that both the man and the little girl were unharmed, a deep anxiety gnawed at him—he couldn't afford to draw any more unwanted attention to himself. It was crucial to keep things low-key.
Just as Izuku steeled himself to use his training and leap out of sight, another voice sliced through his thoughts, pulling him back into the present.
"Molly!"
"Mommy!" the little girl yelled to her mother as she held her child, happy that she was all right.
Izuku smiled in return, happy to see the girl reunited with her mother. "Thank you," the mother said kindly.
As Izuku flashed a final, radiant smile, he continued on his path, unaware of what lay ahead. Suddenly, he found himself standing toe-to-toe with the very man who had selflessly intervened for him moments before, who was standing in front of him. The stranger, who previously clutched the little girl protectively in his arms, locked eyes with Izuku, creating a brief but powerful connection that hinted at shared struggles and unspoken gratitude.
Izuku, being himself, decided to ask a simple question. "Are you okay?"
"Are you okay?" the mysterious boy asked as Dick blinked in confusion.
The former Boy Wonder's gaze sharpened as he studied the person who had rescued him. A youth, seemingly around or close to his age, was clad in a gray and black hoodie paired with gray sweatpants, giving off an almost homeless vibe.
However, what stood out most was his hair – those curls of an unusual green hue.
Dick hesitated to pass judgment; green hair was something he'd only seen on a certain chaos-loving clown.
Yet, he reminded himself not to make assumptions.
"Ye-Yeah, I'm fine," Dick said, brushing himself the dust. "Should have been quicker on my feet," he joked.
"Yeah, I'm glad to see nothing bad happened to you or that girl." The boy commented with concern as Dick couldn't help but let out a small chuckle.
"Yeah, that's good," Dick said positively. Well, good to see that there are decent people left in Gotham. Dick was glad that it was true.
The voice of the green-haired teen interrupted Dick's thoughts. "Well, I should get going. Sorry to bother you; I hope you take care of yourself." The boy said meaningfully as he rose to his feet, ready to depart, now assured of their well-being.
"Hey, wait!" Dick stopped the boy in his tracks. "What's your name, by the way?" he questioned curiously.
"Izuku. Izuku Midoriya. And you are?" The boy, now Izuku, asked politely of the dark-haired man.
"Dick. The name's Dick Grayson." Dick introduced himself, smiling in the process.
He shook hands with the green-haired teen, who had a slight smile on his face. "Nice to meet you, Grayson-san. You seem like a good person." Izuku began to assume kindly.
Good person? Well, isn't that the case of the pot calling the kettle black?
Dick had barely gotten to know the young man, yet he turned out to be one of the most courteous individuals he'd encountered in Gotham City, of all places—an admittedly unexpected revelation.
Dick chuckled a bit before responding. "In a way, yeah. I could say the same thing about you. However, I do have a question for you." Dick inquired as the now-named boy, Izuku, looked in curiosity.
Dick hoped it wouldn't be too much of a personal question. "You're not from around here, are you?" The former Boy Wonder speculated.
Izuku scratched his head out of old habits. "Yeah, I… I moved here from Japan a while ago to here. Been living in Gotham since then."
Japan? That immediately captured Dick's interest. As he reflected on it, memories of a distant adventure surged forth—his trip to Japan with the Teen Titans years ago, a time that had brought him closer to Starfire. The vibrant sights and sounds of the bustling streets still echoed in his mind, but so did the tumultuous challenges they faced.
During that trip, Dick found himself in a nightmare scenario, wrongly accused of a murder he didn't commit.
With the police hot on his trail and his teammates facing suspicion, the stakes couldn't have been higher.
Despite the chaos, they managed to unite, unraveling the intricate web spun by Daizo, an ex-commander turned villain. Daizo was the cunning mastermind behind Brushogun's devious scheme, and with teamwork and determination, they ultimately exposed his true intentions and thwarted his plans before more damage could be done.
Yet, a pang of nostalgia tugged at him as he thought of his fellow Titans: Cyborg's tech expertise, Beast Boy's playful antics, Raven's enigmatic wisdom, and Starfire's unwavering spirit. It had been too long since they'd connected. He often wondered how Starfire was faring after his departure to Blüdhaven, especially with the weight of becoming Nightwing resting on his shoulders.
The bond they'd shared had been remarkable, and he couldn't help but feel a lingering curiosity about how her life had unfolded since that fateful trip.
"Japan? Interesting. It's a great place to visit. I even went to Japan for a few years with a couple of friends. Beautiful country, I'll say that. Your English is pretty fluent, too," Dick happily stated with a thumbs-up.
"Thank you." Izuku bowed in return.
Dick waved his hands in return. "Hey, you don't need to do that here. You already have my respect. Besides, I should be the one thanking you for what you did for me and that girl."
"No problem… It's what heroes do." Izuku declared with pride as Dick noticed the tone and expression of the green-haired teenager.
Such a response took aback Dick, yet he wasn't opposed to it. To an extent, it seemed appropriate. "Heroes, huh? That's one way to put it," Dick concurred with the green-haired teenager. A new question sparked in his thoughts. "Do you have a favorite?" he inquired with a hint of innocence.
"Uh, not that I can remember; there's a lot that I can think of," Izuku said honestly.
Dick laughed. "I bet. It's cool; most people probably would have said someone like Batman or Superman as good examples," He said, earning some interest from Izuku, who looked intrigued by those mentions of the heroes.
Especially since said one of them was a big inspiration to Dick, of course.
"Yeah, I know what you mean, Grayson-san, but to be honest, I… already a favorite hero. You've never heard of him, but he's the one who helped me achieve my dreams a long time ago. Someone told me that it was never too late to achieve it in the first place." Izuku said proudly.
Dick could relate to that. He was in a similar boat.
Dick nodded before giving out his thoughts. "I can respect that. I also have someone who did the same for me. You could say he was like a "father figure" of sorts for me. You could say that he's my inspiration as well."
Even if said inspiration can be a grumpy pain in the butt sometimes. Even Dick acknowledged that, without his mentor, he would never have grown into a better person. A faint smile appeared on his face as he recalled the fond memories of his time with Bruce before departing for Jump City and ultimately embracing his role as a full-time vigilante in Bludhaven.
"I'm glad to hear that, Grayson-san. Having one's support always makes it worthwhile, especially since if they believe in you, then you should go for it. Believe me. I know."
"Yeah, that's true. It's what a lot, if not everyone, needs in their life." Dick trailed off as Izuku nodded, agreeing with the former Boy Wonder. A good role model is something that everyone needs as a way to look at the positives in life.
"Well, excuse me, Grayson-san. I don't want to be rude, but I should get going somewhere. Somewhere to rest for the night." Izuku spoke, not wanting to intrude on the former Boy Wonder's time.
Dick nodded, understanding completely. "Oh, I got you, ya. I'm sorry to ask this of you, and I hope this is not personal, but do you have a place to sleep for the night?"
Izuku stood silent, unaware of what to say, as even Dick caught onto his posture. "You don't, do you?" the former Boy Wonder assumed with a solemn expression.
"Well, no! I-I mean, I usually stay at a shelter. Or whatever I can find for the night."
Dick said for a few seconds before responding. "Hmmm, I see," he finally spoke as the vigilante of Bludhaven took out a small paper that appeared like a card, of all things.
"Here, take this card." Dick offered to the green-haired teenager, who looked in confusion.
"What is this?" Izuku questioned.
"It's a homeless shelter where you can stay for the night. It has a lot of room and is pretty advanced for most shelters here." Dick informed the homeless green-haired teen.
On the paper, it had an address to a shelter for people without housing; the most intriguing thing about it was it was under the name Wayne, meaning Dick knew his connections somewhere.
The former Boy Wonder saw the eyes light up on Izuku, also seeming grateful about it.
"Thank you, Grayson-san, but… I have to ask. Why are you helping me on this?" Izuku asked, wondering the reason why.
"Because of what you did earlier. Not a lot of people in Gotham would risk their lives for a stranger. From our first meeting, I saw you as a good person. Someone's willing to do the right thing, no matter the cost." Dick said sincerely. "And I respect that gratefully."
"Thank you, Grayson-san. I won't forget this favor." Izuku promised.
"I know you won't." Dick ensured.
"Well, it was nice meeting you, Izuku. I need to get to my father's house. If we do see each other again, feel free to give me a reach, and I can return the favor to you, whatever you need."
"Thank you, Grayson-san, for the support."
"Take care, kid, and good luck in Gotham." Dick happily said, bidding farewell.
With a quick nod, Izuku slipped the trim card into his pocket, feeling a strange mix of excitement and anticipation. He waved goodbye to the former Boy Wonder, convinced that this meeting was just the beginning of an unexpected journey ahead.
As Dick walked to his next destination, a ringtone played from his pocket, signaling him that someone was calling him. He sighed as he could already tell who it was. Grabbing his phone from his left pocket, Dick answered. "Hello."
"Dick. It's been a while." A familiar voice called out to the former Boy Wonder.
Dick smiled. "That it has. What's up, Bruce?"
"Change of plans. I know you said you were stopping by the manor, but I need you to meet me, Tim, and Barbara at the Bat Cave." Bruce informed on the other line.
Dick became confused, wondering what changed. "Why? Something happened?" the vigilante of Bludhaven questioned.
"I'll explain it when you get here. Contact me when you arrive." Bruce hung up as Dick sighed, putting his phone back in his pocket.
'Well, glad to see you haven't changed at all, Bruce.' Dick thought to himself with nostalgia, chuckling in the process.
Yep, he had returned home once again.
Meanwhile, in another part of Gotham
The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain of the Batcave. As twilight settled in, the vibrant colors of the sky gave way to the deep blues and purples of night, while the moon ascended, radiating a silvery glow that illuminated the cavern's dark corners.
It was the perfect moment for a vigilante's work—when darkness cloaked the city and opportunities awaited.
Before he could step into Gotham's bustling night, however, Batman needed to address a few pressing matters. He stood resolute at the heart of the Batcave, surrounded by the high-tech gadgets and vehicles that defined his relentless pursuit of justice.
Beside him was a young man, likely one of his trusted sidekicks.
Tim Drake, with his black hair closely cropped into a buzzcut, held a determined expression in his striking green eyes, a stark contrast to the black mask that concealed his identity.
Clad in a sleek red suit that hugged his athletic frame. The suit's design featured bare forearms that hinted at his agility and strength. A small black cape draped over his shoulders, fluttering slightly with the movements of the cavern's cooling air, and a hood framed his face, adding an air of mystery. The bold letter R emblazoned on his chest spoke to his role as Robin, the Boy Wonder—an integral part of Gotham's fight against crime of darkness.
Tim took a breath, knowing this night would likely test their mettle, both as partners and as guardians of the city. He could feel the weight of anticipation pressing down on him, an unyielding sense of purpose as he prepared to follow Batman into the shadows once more.
"When are Dick and Barbara getting here?" Tim asked his mentor.
"They should be here soon," Batman replied.
Tim nodded thoughtfully, his mind turning to a suspicion: he was certain that Bruce was concealing something from him about what had transpired the previous night.
"So, you wanna tell me what's the news here?" Tim questioned the Dark Knight, who continued to type on his Bat computer.
"It's about what happened last night, Tim. The vigilante who apprehended Black Mask and his men in Gotham Bank." Batman answered Tim without facing him.
Tim nodded. "Oh yeah, I heard about him. Supposedly, he's on our side."
"That can't be the case. There's more to this vigilante than we already know, and that's what I don't like about this."
"Well, glad to see you're still active, Bruce."
A dark-haired young man dressed in a blue and black skin-tight suit, a black eye mask covering his identity, and two escrima sticks sticking from behind his back.
"Nightwing, it's been a while," Bruce said, walking over to where the former Robin was, shaking his hand to greet him.
"You haven't changed a bit, Batman." Dick joked.
"Funny, I could see the same thing about you, Nightwing." A feminine voice called out to the Bludhaven vigilante.
A young woman appeared in the Batcave, wearing a black suit with bright yellow accents, courtesy of the utility belt around her torso, alongside a leg pouch and the bright yellow symbol on her chest. A mask resembling a bat was covering her identity, doing its job right.
"Batgirl, miss you too," Dick said with a smile.
"I bet you did. Everyone missed you." Barbara said, walking over to where Dick was, giving him a hug which he returned as well.
"Heh, didn't think you were coming today," Tim let out jokingly.
Dick chuckled in response. "Yeah, well, I got time to kill now that Bludhaven isn't too hectic on crime from over there."
Tim was annoyed by that statement. "Hey, at least you get to branch out. I'm still stuck in Gotham, patrolling and detaining the same villains like always." He complained, causing the vigilante of Bludhaven to shrug both of his arms.
A few seconds passed and Tim and Dick began to laugh for old time's sake.
"Alright, so what was the emergency you called us here for?" Dick questioned.
"It's about what happened last night." Batman clarifies. "Gotham has a new vigilante."
"The vigilante? What about him?" Barbara questioned.
"Last night, Black Mask was apprehended by him, eventually being taken into custody by your father. Afterward, two guards began to escort him to Arkham Asylum in a vehicle, but on the way, both of the guards were stopped and knocked out due to someone intervening."
With a heavy heart and a somber tone, Batman revealed the grim truth to the rest of the Bat-family, casting a shadow over their usual camaraderie. "Black Mask was stopped again... before he was killed."
The air crackled with tension as the group stood frozen in disbelief, the weight of the startling news hanging heavily in the room. Everyone was caught off guard—everyone, that is, except for Batman, who remained deep in contemplation within the confines of the Batcave.
"Black Mask's dead?" Dick questioned, wondering how the hell did that happen. "But how?" he further asked.
"He was shot in the head by an assailant. The question is, no one knows who it is." Batman answered straight to the point.
Tim became a little skeptical about it. "That can't be. Do you… think that the vigilante had something to do with it," he assumed.
After all, how many rogue vigilantes did exist in Gotham Freaking City anyway?
Barbara, however, didn't buy it at all. "No, it can't be possible. Why would the vigilante detain Black Mask, only for him to murder the guy later at night? He could have just done it in the bank." She rested her chin on her hand, and a spark of curiosity ignited within her. Thoughts raced through her mind as she endeavored to unravel the mystery before her.
"Unless do you guys think it was someone else?" Dick assumed, adding in his thoughts.
Batman turned his attention to face Nightwing. "That has to be the case. Black Mask died from a gunshot, while the vigilante had no signs of using weapons. If anything, it has traits that belong to a metahuman," he reckoned, knowing metahumans were common in Gotham City.
This wasn't the first time, of course.
"Metahuman? So, what? This guy has powers all of a sudden. What's he even doing in Gotham, anyway? Metropolis sounds like a better place for this guy." Tim let out as he couldn't believe that they were dealing with another metahuman situation.
"Maybe he's heard how bad a place Gotham can be." Dick assumed. "Maybe Superman kicked him out of his city to let him know that it's his city, not this metahuman," he continued with his theories.
That did bring up an interesting topic. "Speaking of which, Bruce, did you contact Supes on this news?" Tim asked.
Batman shook his head. "Not yet; I'm not sure if Clark even knows who this vigilante is."
"That is a possibility. After all, it is weird that a metahuman is in Gotham, of all places. You figured that he would go to Metropolis or Central City." Barbara spoke out.
Batman understood that the situation was far more complex. Therefore, it was necessary to conduct a thorough search, as this peculiar vigilante could appear anywhere. "Even so, we can't let our guard down. We need to be on patrol further and be on the lookout for him. In case he is a threat to Gotham or not."
"Does this guy even have a name?" Dick asked as he pondered the true identity of the elusive vigilante.
"No one knows who he is," Batman answered vaguely.
Tim eagerly stepped into the conversation, sharing his insights and sparking lively discussion. "What if he isn't? Are you going to recruit this guy?"
Batman lingered in silence for a moment, the weight of the night pressing down on him, before finally breaking his stillness to voice his thoughts. "Maybe… if he isn't a threat to others, then I won't be afraid to stop him for good. Meeting adjourned. Get the Batmobile prepared; let's make our way into the night."
The Bat-family shared resolute glances, the tension in the air crackling with anticipation as they steeled themselves for the trials that awaited them.
Each member felt the gravity of the moment, united in purpose and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Well, it was getting late.
Izuku felt the weight of urgency pressing down on him; time was slipping away faster than he could grasp.
Having located the address a few miles from the city, the inheritor of One For All realized he was pretty close. On this occasion, he might consider himself fortunate. After all, how many people could offer assistance in his journey from Point A to Point B?
At this moment, Izuku couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude.
As the former UA student stood on the cracked pavement, he mentally prepared himself for the wait that lay ahead. His gaze drifted up to the imposing building before him, its weathered façade bearing the marks of time, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those within its walls.
A subtle breeze ruffled the small card clutched in his right hand, and he glanced down, double-checking the address.
Confirmation flickered in his mind; this was indeed the right place.
Before him stretched a long line of individuals, each with stories etched in the lines of their faces—a diverse group, yet united by their shared hardships. They stood patiently, some shivering in the cool air, while others engaged in quiet conversations, their voices barely rising above the sound of the city.
He was surprised to find a homeless shelter exuding such class.
Upon entering the shelter and waiting for almost thirty minutes, he reached the front of the line. A middle-aged woman with short black hair welcomed him. "Welcome to Wayne Shelter for the Homeless. May I have your name, please?"
Izuku coughs his hand into his throat before introducing himself. "Ye-Yes. Izuku Midoriya."
The woman jotted down the green-haired teenager's name on the clipboard. "Alright, Mr. Midoriya, you're in luck. We have a bed available for you. Meanwhile, there's some soup in the cafeteria that will be waiting for you for the next two days, should you head there."
Izuku nodded. "Thank you," he said politely.
As the green-haired teen made his way to the cafeteria, he observed the large crowd. The young vigilante recognized that poverty was a severe issue in Gotham. Although Izuku had encountered impoverished civilians in his hometown, the scale here was something he had never realized was so dire.
He had underestimated the severity of poverty in Gotham. Still, the crime rate here was undeniably worse than in his old hometown and even more alarming than the city he had lived in before waking up in this place. Nevertheless, the young vigilante understood that he had to adapt to this harsh reality before he could reclaim the mantle of a hero once more.
He would need to wait until the right moment arrived.
Holding a tray with hot soup, Izuku settled at an empty table and started sipping. He wouldn't lie; he deeply missed his mother's cooking. Not that the soup was terrible; it was pretty satisfactory, but at that moment, nothing could surpass the taste of his mom's homemade meals.
Especially if it was his mother's Katsudon.
As Izuku continued to eat his hot soup, a nearby voice caught his attention. "Hey, mind if I take a seat here?"
A young man slightly older than Izuku stood holding a tray with a steaming bowl of soup. He was clad in a black shirt and pants, draped with a brown coat over his shoulders. His hair was black, marked by a white streak at the front, and he had a firm jawline. His eyes were a vivid green, so intense that they rivaled Izuku's own.
"So, could I sit here, or do you want to take a picture to make it last longer?" the young man lightly joked.
Izuku blinked for a few seconds before finally responding. "Oh, sorry! Yes, you may.", the former hero-in-training offered politely.
The young man with dark hair nodded in relief. "Fantastic. Makes my day a whole lot easier."
"Good to hear," Izuku said in response.
Izuku sat quietly, savoring his soup while stealing glances at the young man across the table, who cautiously took a few sips of his bowl. The atmosphere was charged with an unspoken tension; the young vigilante couldn't help but feel a bit awkward in this unfamiliar situation. Sharing a meal with a stranger wasn't precisely what he had planned.
It wasn't that he had anything against this guy. There was an unusual vibe that made the whole experience feel uneasy, stirring his curiosity about who this person was.
"So, kid, is this your first time in Gotham City?" The young man asked curiously as Izuku blinked in reflex.
"Yeah… sorta. I'm… kinda here for a trip." Izuku said with a shrug. And by the trip, he meant being dropped into a whole new world where quirks didn't exist and where crime was a problem everywhere, even more than in his original world, which was a little baffling to the inheritor of One For All if he had to be honest on this occasion.
The young man furrowed his brow, a hint of confusion flickering in his eyes as he processed Izuku's words. He raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet perplexed by the unexpected revelation. "Trip? To Gotham, of all places? No offense, kid, but Gotham City isn't exactly a good place for a vacation. Not with crazy psychos and costumed weirdos running around here," He spoke with a morbid expression on his face.
Yeah, like Izuku wasn't aware of the crimes. One of the first things he heard upon waking up in this city was the alarming crime rate, and he was fully aware of what that meant.
Izuku answered. "I'm aware, but I wasn't here by choice, if that makes any sense. I don't have anywhere else to go."
"Huh, I see." With a tousled mane of raven-black hair framing his face, the man spoke, his tone laced with a blend of skepticism and curiosity. "What about your parents? Any family in Gotham?" he continued to ask.
"No, it's just me alone. I don't have any family." Izuku answered, at least not within this world.
The dark-haired man, with a solemn expression, had already begun to regret posing his question. "Shit, sorry to hear about that, kid. If I knew, I wouldn't have asked in the first place."
Izuku gave a firm shake of his head, a reassuring smile on his face as he conveyed that it was no trouble at all. "It's okay. You didn't know. I have grown used to being alone."
"Still, it wasn't my business to ask. After all, I know what it's like to be alone, " the older teen said.
Izuku's curiosity was piqued as he contemplated the raven-haired man's enigmatic words. He found himself captivated, recognizing that the man was in a situation strikingly parallel to his own.
Did he know what he was talking about?
"You do?" Izuku questioned.
"Yeah, let's just say a lot has changed over the years since I stepped into this damn city. I thought everything would go decent from here, but it's not that easy. Not without paying the price yourself." The young man continued with his mini-lecture, knowing he had his fair share of past struggles. "By the way, I never got your name, kid."
"Izuku. My name is Izuku Midoriya. What's your name?" Izuku inquired.
"Jason. The name's Jason Todd." The man introduced himself in a melancholy tone.
Izuku smiled. "Nice to meet you, Todd-san."
"Eh, don't need to use honorifics, kid. Just call me Jason, okay?" The raven-haired man clarified.
"Okay, Jason-san," Izuku said, a bit awkward, as Jason sighed.
"Eh, close enough." Jason let outa light sigh, realizing what the time was. "Well, it's getting late. Gotham is usually hectic around these times. You might wanna stay in for the night." He warned lightly. Izuku didn't need to be told that twice.
"Right." Izuku nodded.
Like Izuku said before, he was aware of the kind of place Gotham was, especially at night.
After the duo had concluded their meal of soup, they realized that night had fallen.
"Well, been good talking to you, kid. Better get some sleep since tomorrow's going to be a long day for every resident of Gotham." Jason remarked, fully aware that the night was just beginning.
"Yeah, I know. Thank you, Jason-san. I hope you have a good night." Izuku bid a good night.
Jason nodded, bidding the same. "Same here, kid. You take care of yourself."
Izuku bid Jason another good night, then picked up his tray and placed it on a counter with other empty trays. With that, the green-haired teenager exited the cafeteria and headed towards his room.
What do you know? Guess everyone in Gotham wasn't a bad person, after all.
Izuku opened the door and closed it behind him, casting a swift glance around his room. It was furnished with the essentials: a comfortable bed, a night lamp, a window offering a view of the city's nocturnal skyline, and a shower in the bathroom, completing the room's amenities.
"It's a start, at least." Izuku expressed lightly.
Dressed in the same attire as before, sans the hoodie and shoes, Izuku reflected on recent events. He was hesitant to tempt fate, but thus far, he had encountered no significant misfortunes. Aside from a bank robbery and some wary glances from locals due to his distinctive hair and unassuming appearance, his experience had been largely untroubled.
He had encountered several kind civilians who had offered assistance and cautioned him about the perils of Gotham.
This world was somewhat peculiar yet not entirely dissimilar to his own. The technology was almost identical to that in his world, albeit with a few quirks removed and some downgrades in mobile devices.
In the end, it didn't matter. Izuku was ready to alter his destiny. He was reluctant to acknowledge it, but he doubted his survival in the upcoming months within this forsaken city. Yet, that was irrelevant to him. He was determined to persevere for his loved ones and to continue the struggle for all those relying on him.
After all, to help others, you need to take care of yourself first.
'I'm here for a reason, after all. I just hope it's for a good reason. Whatever it is, I won't give up, not without trying.' Izuku thought to himself as he felt his eyelids getting heavier each second, the more he continued to think.
'Hold your head up high and plunge forward.' Izuku thought one last time before drifting to sleep.
Tomorrow would be a new day for the present inheritor of One For All.
Hmm, things would never be the same after this.
Perched on the edge of a skyscraper, a mysterious figure in a crimson hood meticulously plotted a "special surprise" for the city's underworld.
Scum they were. It's one of the reasons that this city is infamous in the first place.
No more being the nice guy.
Red Hood drew his gun, methodically loading it while selecting his next target. In Gotham, a city rife with crime, finding a mark was hardly a challenge. The streets were teeming with gang members and those entangled in the narcotics trade.
Gotham City would not be itself without its characteristic chaos, so it came as no surprise to him.
The question was how long it would take him to finish the job for tonight.
Countless options spread before him, yet none of them genuinely mattered; he knew this would take time. The night stretched ahead like an endless canvas. Choosing was akin to picking a singular bloom from a vibrant garden, knowing full well that it would soon wilt in his grasp.
How many innocent people must die because a certain costumed vigilante was too afraid to butcher them? How many families will face the heart-wrenching consequences of gang violence and the unpredictable actions of those who thrive on chaos?
No more. It needed to be stopped for once.
He would show them all his "true justice." Take it with a grain of salt; that was his logic.
Gotham has a fresh face lurking in the shadows, a new vigilante who sends chills down the spines of its seasoned criminals. But this time, the streets are silent—no escapees are left to tell the tale of their terrifying encounters. This successor, unlike his former predecessor, isn't afraid to eliminate them all without getting his hands dirty.
"Well, let's get started." Red Hood remarked, leaping from the building and vanishing into the night, intent on teaching Gotham the true meaning of fear.
AN: Hello, Everyone! Special thanks go to Meraj Alimi (King 101) for beta-reading this chapter! Couldn't have done this without their help!
Things are getting better for Izuku as he unintentionally runs into not one but two figures with a previous legacy in Gotham. The kid has a good track record of meeting heroes by chance, starting with All Might lol.
The next chapter will focus more on Izuku's part-time job, with him reacting to how Gotham works, since let's be real: a majority of Gotham's villains, when committing crimes, make All For One pale in comparison due to being more heinous for many reasons.
Other heroes, like a few members of the JL, will appear soon in future chapters, but for now, everything will be somewhat self-contained in Gotham. Don't worry, eventually, we'll see Izuku in other locations in the DC Universe, like Metropolis, as a good example.
Please leave a review, favorite, and follow. No flames, but constructive criticism is always welcome! Of course, if you're a fan of both MHA and Marvel, expect an update on A Hero Among Avengers soon.
Hope the characters, such as Dick Grayson and the rest of the Bat family were well-written in the story so far for you guys and not too OOC since this is my first time writing a DC story and knowing DC, there's a lot of inconsistencies, regarding on how they're written and act in situations.
The highlight in this chapter was definitely Izuku meeting Dick/Nightwing as both are good, wholesome young men who want to do the right thing, just to be a hero for others. Though that ideology is gonna clash when Izuku meets Jason the next time, only for obvious reasons, so looking forward to writing it very soon!
Hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and feel free to PM me if you want to chat with me or ask for updates on any fic I've got planned in the future!
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Great Fanfiction servers are available if you ever feel like chatting or if you want an easier way to catch up on future updates.
Stay safe, stay awesome, and catch you in the next update! Adios!