It's early in the morning, the sun having just barely risen less than an hour ago giving the sky a beautiful hue of colors and producing a tranquil atmosphere. But a loud clang of metal disrupts this atmosphere as a stream of highly pressurized water blasts apart a trash heap. Scraps of metal and garbage are thrown across a beach splashing into puddles of water while a red, mollusk-like humanoid with green eyes blasts water out from their palms.
"I gotta admit Water Hazard is pretty nifty." Water Hazard blasts a rusted car, the blast sends bits of trash and broken car pieces into the air. Seeing an opportunity Water Hazard quickly fires out another stream of water, propelling the debris away. "Ha, this is actually kinda fun."
"It's NOT supposed to be fun!"
The transformed Izuku stumbles in place. Watching or more like glaring at him is a steaming Thirteen. The pro hero is rightly pissed about Izuku's stupid stunt at the mall a few days ago. That said on one hand, the mentor side of Thirteen couldn't be prouder, but the professional and more responsible side of the hero overrides most of that feeling and replaces it with righteous fury and disappointment.
As a result, Thirteen has been working Izuku's butt off this entire week during training sessions. So much so that Izuku has passed out on his bed whenever he gets home afterward. His mom actually had to shake him awake in order to feed him dinner and get him to bathe.
However, through all of this, Izuku doesn't peep a word of complaint. He does have to face the consequences of his actions, if only those consequences didn't spread to school as well. The attack on the mall or better known as the "Mutant Siege" is the only thing anyone seems to be able to talk about. The media is blowing it up with praises of All Might for his victory against Dr. Animo and his evil army of monsters.
Speaking of the quack, the police are under fire for losing the villain that managed to organize a terrorist attack while holding off the heroes. The police transport vehicle arrived at its destination, but they were in for a shock when they had no prisoner and no trace of where he went. Of course, the media swarmed upon them like flies on a corpse demanding to know how and why the police could let this happen.
And of course, Izuku's classmates just have to give their opinions on both matters. Most aren't really concerned with Dr. Animo's disappearance. Instead they can't help but find the monsters cool and obviously All Might is always the highlight of any conversation.
All the chatter around the two just hammer on Izuku's conscious, afterall he did get a good scolding from Thirteen afterwards because of the villain. But what really has him bothered is Henzu. While he was getting checked over at the hospital, Henzu finally texted him back saying that he was fine but would rather be left alone for a while. Figuring that he would get a chance to talk to him at school, Izuku shrugged it off as nothing to worry about. It's been five days and Izuku's nerves of guilt and worry can't seem to leave him be. Apparently Henzu skipped school on Monday and Tuesday and then on Wednesday he outright avoided Izuku. That move alone made Izuku feel absolutely shitty. In fact, he spent all of Wednesday chasing after his friend, but to no avail. Henzu actually ended up ditching class halfway through the day just to get out of interacting with his liar of a best friend.
"Don't just stand there. Keep it up!"
Water Hazard snaps out of his musing, but since he's not paying attention, with his hands down he accidently releases a blast of water downward causing water, sand, and a bit of trash so shoot back up at his face. "Ah, sand in my eyes!"
Izuku furiously rubs his eyes until he remembers that he's a living water gun before firing water at his face. The blast is a bit too strong and it actually knocks him backward.
Thirteen watches blankly shaking their head as Water Hazard splashes himself in the face. Sighing the hero pinches the center of their helmet where their nose would be. "Alright, let's take a quick break."
With a heavy sigh, Water Hazard unceremoniously falls back onto his rear accepting the order. He could keep going, but he's just not really feeling up to it. This predicament with Henzu is really weighing on him, the guilt just won't go away. Afterall he lied to his face, Henzu probably thinks that he's been lying to him since they met 4 years back. There's got to be some way to make it up to him or at least to explain himself.
Water Hazard falls back on the beach grabbing his forehead. 'Maybe I should tell him the full truth: the watch, the Plumbers, the aliens? NO! Bad idea, I promised Thirteen that I wouldn't tell a soul. Heck, I haven't even told my mom. Well I mean I did sorta mention my new "quirk" to her, but that's it I swear!' By that he means he told her about developing a quirk late in life.
Water Hazard comedically flails about in the sand, unsure about how to go about this situation.
Thirteen can't help but find the alien flailing in the sand a bit odd. Sensing that something else is bothering their young protégé. "Hey, are you feeling up to this today?"
Water Hazard springs up, sitting up straight. "Wha?! Of course, I am!"
Thirteen isn't convinced. "No. You're not."
It almost seems like the watch agrees with Thirteen because it coincidentally times out then and there. Rather than argue Izuku blinks before slouching down in silent defeat seeing no point in continuing to argue.
Thirteen takes a knee trying to be at eye level with the youth. "You want to tell me what's bothering you?"
Izuku glances away, as if in deep thought, though he probably doesn't know what to say.
"Midoriya."
Izuku doesn't turn to look.
Understanding that Izuku's not going to participate in the conversation, positions themselves as to appear a bit more relaxed but still holding their attention on the boy. "I understand if you don't want to say anything to me, but it's not good for you to keep your feelings pent up." Izuku's head turns slightly. "Whatever's bothering you, you need to confront it, say what's on your mind, do what you have to, do what feels right. Okay?"
Izuku nods, accepting the advice. "Okay."
Thirteen nods. "Good," Thirteen pushes themselves off the ground. "let's call it early today. Why don't you get ready for school in the meantime?"
Izuku doesn't respond, allowing the soft breeze of the ocean to calm him but yet one can tell that he's uncomfortable, not because of the soft wet sand he's sitting on but from something internal.
Assuming that they won't get an answer Thirteen turns to leave.
"Thirteen." Thirteen turns and is greeted by a pair of emerald eyes staring back at them. "Thank you. For everything."
Thirteen smiles, and even if it's behind their helmet, Izuku can sense that they're smiling. "You're welcome. Just keep at it, the Entrance Exam will be here before you know it."
Izuku raises his left fist and gives his mentor a curt nod. "Right."
And with that Thirteen turns to make their commute to U.A. 'This boy has a lot of growing to do. Not just with his skills but mentally and emotionally as well…I can only imagine what he'll become.' Thirteen looks up at the awakening sky with a faraway look in their eyes as they reminisce about the past. There are still some stars lingering above, not yet having been outshone by the sun. 'He's just like you, senpai.'
As Thirteen heads off for work, Izuku takes a minute to think about his options. 'I need to confront whatever's bothering me…' Maybe he should tell Henzu? Afterall Henzu's been nothing but honest with him even when telling him to give up his dream, he does it not out of spite or prejudice, but because he cares. And it's an insult that he's not as honest in return. He has to make this right. He will make this right!
'Today. After school, I'm going to tell him all about the watch. Sorry, Thirteen I know I shouldn't, but I have to.'
Izuku is back on his feet, watching the sunrise make a full appearance in the horizon. 'I'll make this right. I promise Henzu.'
Izuku takes off for home so he can take a quick shower and get some food in his system. 'Um, maybe I shouldn't mention Thirteen and the Plumbers…I mean it's not lying if I don't say anything. Right?'
Izuku is practically shaking with anticipation watching the hands on the clock tease his freedom from the classroom. It's been a painstakingly slow day, so much so that Izuku's nerves and mumbling has disrupted the class several times throughout the day. Usually resulting in him getting embarrassed, mocked, and/or laughed at by his classmates. Thankfully the one advantage of the slowly paced day was that it gave the nervous wreck of a teen time to think of the best way to tell Henzu about the watch.
Izuku was hugging his backpack ready to just spring out of his desk and make a run for it. If he's not on top of this, he'll miss his opportunity. He already knows that Henzu will try to be the first one out of his class, so he's got to be there immediately.
Finally, after hours of anticipation the bell rings and Izuku doesn't waste a second. He practically jumps out of his seat, nearly toppling his chair, and sprints the hell out of there. His classmates blink in confusion but don't pay it any mind, assuming the quirkless weirdo is just being his normal odd self.
Bakugou glares at the door having just watched Izuku book the hell out of there. He tsks figuring it's not worth his time to chase the nerd down. But a small nagging part of him can't help but feel the urge to find the useless prick and get some info from him. Don't think that he hasn't noticed the subtle changes in Deku: he's been more confident, not breaking down into a ball of nerves as often, he even looks to be in better health these days. There's got to be a reason for that right? No way the nerd is doing some kind of training for U.A. That thought alone nearly makes Bakugou laugh out loud. 'Besides even if he trains his body, there's no way U.A. will accept a useless fuck like him. Ha.'
Izuku arrives at Henzu's classroom, Class 3-E, just after the students started to leave for the day.
There amongst the crowd Izuku can see his friend's black-hair as he attempts to leave in the opposite direction. Not caring about the others in his way Izuku pushes and budges his way through, throwing out a few apologies here and there.
"Henzu!"
"Henzu!"
'Dammit.' It looks like he'll have to go there. "Henchan!"
Henzu instantly spins around, looking very annoyed. "I told you not to call me that!" The scope of what he did hits him. "Fuck."
Izuku can't help but chuckle, calling him "Henchan" never fails to get a reaction. "Henzu. I have some explaining to do."
Henzu rubs his neck, trying to act annoyed while not making eye contact. "Yeah. Let's talk somewhere else though." Henzu eyes dart to his classmates who are sidestepping around them. "Too many ears here."
Henzu turns and leads Izuku away to a staircase that leads up to the roof.
Once there, the two teens stand opposite of each other with a fair distance between them.
They remain like that for several minutes, while Izuku is literally twiddling his thumbs unsure on how to start. "I, um, I guess I should start with that I'm sorry."
Henzu doesn't respond and Izuku can't gauge his reaction thanks to his black-hair covering his eyes.
Unsure how to continue, and his nerves starting to rise up within him, Izuku figures that he's got to power through this. "I'm sorry I kept this from you. I'm sorry that lied to you." He takes a breath, making sure he says all the right things. "And I know that I hurt you by hiding the truth I should have told you right away."
"Yeah, you should have."
The response throws Izuku off but he shakily continues. "R-right. And well I want to make amends and do what I should have done from the start." He's going to go through with this. Izuku fearfully raises his left hand, displaying the alien watch. "You see this…watch?"
"Hard not to." Henzu glares at the watch as if it personally offended him. "Let me guess you lied about where you got it."
"Y-yeah. Sorry. But, um, it's the reason…" Izuku stops, his breathing is shaky, and his body is trembling in worry.
Henzu is clearly losing patience. "The reason?"
Izuku takes a deep breath, now is the time for the truth. "The reason why I have a…quirk."
Henzu blinks in confusion.
"Truth is…I have always been quirkless."
"Phft, no you're not." Henzu laughs but it quickly dies down to that of a growl. "Dammit, Izuku. I thought you were done with the lies."
"I am! Just-just let me finish. Alright?"
Henzu tsks. "Fine."
"About a month ago, after school, I went to Dagobah Beach where I found this sphere, this pod, and inside was this watch." He taps the watch making sure Henzu is following along. "When I reached in to grab it…it latched itself onto me." He rotates the watch to show that there's no clear way to remove it. "And I can't seem to find a way to take it off."
'Not that I want to.' Izuku thinks briefly. "Anyway, this watch. After I found it, I discovered what it can do. While fiddling with it I activated it and it gave me a quirk…" Izuku makes air quotes when he says quirk. "or quirks if you will."
Izuku pauses to allow the teen a moment to process the information.
"Wait, are you saying that that watch is the reason why you can transform?" Henzu asks in disbelief.
"Yeah, I know just bear with me."
Henzu's eyes narrow, but he nods giving Izuku permission to continue.
Izuku has to choose his next words carefully. After a moment to think he figures that he's blown his friend's mind enough and he won't mention anything space or alien related. "Anyway, I have no idea where it came from or who made it. All I know is what it can do." He silently begs Henzu for forgiveness, since he once again is omitting some info.
"And that is?"
"It can transform me into nine different forms such as the ones you saw last weekend."
Henzu's mind is going at hundred miles per hour as all these new revelations circle through his head. A few memories standout in his mind. "Wait, a month ago? Was that the same day-"
"As the Sludge Villain attack? Yeah."
"By chance, that hero with the black skin and tentacles was that was you?" Henzu makes hand gestures as to mimic having tendrils on his head and rear.
Izuku, although still nervous, stands a bit straighter feeling somewhat proud. "Yup, and just for the record that form is called Feedback." he smiles, proud of the name.
"That's a stupid name."
Izuku falls over feeling dejected.
Henzu eyes the watch, but now that he understands the full implications of the item, he needs to see it in action. "Show me."
"Huh?"
"Show me what you can do."
"Oh, um, not here."
Feeling a little more confident now, Izuku takes Henzu to his favorite (and only) training site, Dagobah Beach. Once there Izuku doesn't waste a second, he's too afraid that if he does, he'll break into a wobbling nervous wreck, and he transforms into an alien. After a few moments of Izuku demonstrating his form both Henzu and him are laughing their asses off.
"FOUR! … Arms, hehe." Four Arms swings a large heavy pipe right into a microwave like a golfer, sending it flying high into the sky before it curves and crashes down into the ocean.
Henzu is clapping his hands together laughing with joy as he nearly falls from his seat atop of a refrigerator. "Oh, oh, oh, man!"
Izuku cannot describe how happy he is with how Henzu is taking this. Feeling so overjoyed he swings the pipe right into a junk pile blasting the garbage away like a burst of confetti.
"Woah-ho, now that is cool!"
"I know right?" Four Arms drops the pipe. "Check this out." He falls to the ground, catching himself. With a cocky grin the alien starts doing pushups after every push he removes one appendage until he's using one hand. "Look, one hand."
Henzu is in such a good mood that he doesn't bother calling Izuku out on the lame joke instead he laughs along.
For the next ten minutes or so the two friends take time to make up for lost time. At one point, Henzu absorbs some nearby iron and he lets Four Arms to chuck pieces of scrap metal at him, Henzu in return punches the projectiles breaking them into smaller pieces. Later Henzu, still encased in iron, allows Four Arms to use him like a bat to smash at various appliances: washing machines, fridges, and even a few cars. The two teens are laughing like idiots the entire time as they enjoy their stupidly violent fun. Eventually though Izuku returns to normal and while he finds a comfy spot in the sand, Henzu goes off and comes back with sodas from a nearby convenience store.
The rugged teen returns after a few short minutes. Henzu lazily falls back onto the sand next to Izuku, handing his friend a soda can. "I gotta admit, but that watch was a pretty great find."
Izuku takes the soda. "Thanks. And I couldn't agree more."
The two take a moment to enjoy their fizzy soft drinks as they watch the beautiful horizon. Izuku hasn't been this happy in a while now, finally he can share this amazing secret with someone, and not just anyone but with his best friend. Maybe he can talk Thirteen about letting Henzu in on the Plumbers and alien stuff, too. That'd be fantastic just imagine them teaming up to fight aliens, robots, and mad scientists! Oh, wait they already did that.
Henzu is also having some fond thoughts: just imagine what they can do with this…wait why think about it? He grins mischievously finishing his soda.
"Hey, Izuku."
Izuku takes a gulp of his drink. "Yeah?"
"Have you registered the watch-er your…quirk yet?"
Izuku can't help but feel a little embarrassed that he forgot to do that exact thing. "Oh, um, no not yet." He was going to wait until he had a good handle on each of his abilities.
"Is that so?" Henzu's smile turns wicked as he crushes his empty soda can. "Let's take advantage of that and have some fun."
"Wha-What?!" Izuku's eyes practically pop out of their sockets.
"Oh, come on." Henzu stands up tossing the can to the side. "Let's go make some trou-…fun, let's go have some fun. I mean it's not like you'll get caught."
"Wha-What a-are you saying?"
"Let's ditch this literal dump and continue our reunion! It'll be great, it'll be you, me…and possibly the cops." He throws in the last part as an afterthought.
"What?!"
Not acknowledging the greenette, Henzu continues. "Come on, Izuku! You already bailed on me once before." For a moment, Henzu's eyes glaze over with spite. He gestures at his wrist, Izuku understands that he's indicating to the watch. Izuku's shoulders slump as guilt once again overcomes him. "Just go along with this. Just, think of it as you making it up to me."
Izuku is thrown for a loop. On one hand he still feels guilty and thus he has to do more to make up for his mistake. On the other, this can turn out really badly for him in the end. But he owes him, he's done so much for him, he has an obligation to make amends.
Henzu's smirk widens. "So, what do you say?"
"I…I guess it wouldn't hurt."
Henzu ecstatically claps his hands together in victory. "My man!"
That doesn't make Izuku feel better in anyway. 'Something tells me that I'm going to regret this…'
"Henzu, why are we here?"
The two teens currently find themselves within the confines of a local grocery store hidden by the freezer section. There's nothing too spectacular about the store, it's perfectly normal with no signs of trouble. The only things out of place are them amongst the small crowd of shoppers bustling across the various aisles.
Henzu is leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Relax man, don't worry about it." He pushes himself off the wall and slings an arm over Izuku's shoulders. "Just do as I tell ya and it will all workout."
Somehow that only makes Izuku feel worse. The blood is gone from his face, and tears threaten to leak out. Something's not right here, Izuku's been dragged into Henzu's…schemes before and none of them ended well. Sure, nothing too terrible took place, but it was always murder on his spirit.
Henzu releases the nerved racked Izuku, clapping his hands together. "Alright, first order of business. Go ahead and transform!"
Sighing in submission Izuku activates the watch and transforms. Luckily their location is secluded enough that no one notices the flash of green light.
The morphed Izuku lightly knocks his red shell. "I call this guy Water Hazard."
Henzu's smile widens. "Cool, so I assume he works with water."
Water Hazard nods. "You guessed it; in this form I can fire out high pressurized water from my palms."
Henzu's eyes flash with opportunity. "Really? Alright, go ahead and spray the floor." He gestures towards the freezer aisle.
Water Hazard tilts to the side; why the hell would he do that? "Spray the floor?"
"Yeah, give it a good wash." Henzu slaps Water Hazard's back, shoving him forward.
Izuku takes note of how the slap didn't hurt him, thanks to his exoskeleton.
Anyway, Water Hazard shrugs. "Um, okay, not sure what the purpose is, but okay."
He walks forward, before squatting down, and placing both hands onto the floor. Water Hazard looks back up at Henzu, silently asking if this is okay. To which Henzu silently replies with a confident yes.
Taking a deep breath, Water Hazard releases a stream of water against the floor. The pressure is low enough not to make too much noise but high enough that a large puddle of water starts to flow through the aisle.
When a good layer of water has spread across the tile, Izuku cuts off the flow of water. "Now what?"
Henzu laughs to himself. "Now we wait."
'Wait? Wait for what exactly?'
Izuku would soon get his answer. A group of shoppers obliviously march through the soaked aisle and the result is immediate. The shoppers begin to slip, fall, and crash into the hard-wet floor. Their carts are flung forward causing them to crash into shelves and/or each other spilling their contents of food products across the aisle. It's a huge mess and the screams and yelps of the victimized shoppers just add to the total chaos especially as employees of the store run over to check the situation only to end up slipping across the tile themselves.
All the while Henzu is laughing his ass off. He's brought to tears and his gut is hurting from how hard he's laughing. "Ha, this is great! Hilarious! Hahahahaha! Look at them all! Hahahaha!"
Meanwhile, Water Hazard's reaction couldn't be more different to his companion's. 'This is awful! Those poor people, I have to help th-' Just as he's about to move a strong hand pushes down on his shoulder.
Turning around, Water Hazard stares up at a smirking Henzu; who somehow was able to recover quickly from his laughing hysteria.
"Just relax, man."
"But Henzu-"
"Seriously dude, it's alright. It's not like we're committing a crime."
"But-"
"Come on, just let this one go. Afterall," Despite his smile Henzu's expression turns shady. "you owe me, Izuku."
Water Hazard freezes. He's right, he caused Henzu a lot of grief. So maybe just this once, he'll let it go. That of course is easier said than done.
The poor victims of their prank finally manage to compose themselves and begin to recover. Seeing that the fun is over Henzu takes off for the exit with a large grin on his face. Water Hazard shyly yet hastily chases after him, not wanting to be left behind.
Henzu leads Water Hazard out and away from the store.
Henzu's smile never fades as the duo enter the main downtown area of Mustafu. They pass by various people as they go about their day. "That was hilarious!"
Water Hazard catches up to the delinquent. "No, it wasn't! That was awful, I can't believe I caused that. Those poor people I bet they hate me. They must be covered in bruises, someone really could have gotten hurt, and we could have been caught! I really hope no one finds out about this-"
Not wanting to let Izuku's muttering storm to strengthen Henzu cuts him off. "Dude chill out. No harm was done, trust me."
"Are you sure?"
"Hell yeah."
"Oh…that's good." He's not convinced.
The two weave in and out of waves of people.
"Don't let this get you down. We're just having some fun after all. Besides, technically, we're not doing anything illegal since you're technically not using a real quirk."
"I…guess that makes sense." Still doesn't feel right though.
"It makes complete sense. Now let's head out." Henzu turns and starts to cross the street.
Water Hazard stops to watch him. "Head out? To where?"
Henzu makes it across and spins around, smiling. "Anywhere that we can have some fun," He turns around and continues walking with a smirk. "and stir up some trouble."
And stir up trouble they did. As it turns out the prank at the store was just the beginning.
After Izuku transformed back into human, Henzu lead him to Tatooin Station. The place was packed with people commuting home and while others waited for their trains, they enjoyed themselves at one of the many food stalls and vendors.
For most it was a rather quiet afternoon but that couldn't be said for others. Since a gang of Dittos were running around causing trouble by committing pranks on poor unsuspecting commuters. Henzu assigned each Ditto with a different prank ranging from tying shoe laces to elaborate schemes.
For example, Henzu pressured a duo of Dittos to drop banana peels across various areas. One Ditto lazily tossed the peels around while the other Ditto ate so many bananas that his stomach expanded.
Another pair of Dittos each stood at opposite ends of a hallway with a rope between them. They pulled the rope at the same time, tripping over a wave of oncoming people. The Dittos ran off before anyone could spot them. One Ditto found the whole thing very amusing, but the other clone was quick to reprimand him.
Other Dittos ran about tipping over trash cans, placed gum on top of water fountains, a group of clones poured paint atop a group of people, and one copy even made a stink bomb and threw it into the middle of a crowd… admittedly some of the Dittos started to enjoy themselves a little too much; prompting Izuku to take a mental note to ask Thirteen if Ditto's clones can have slightly altered personalities. All the while the original Ditto cowered in shame next to Henzu, who was absolutely enjoying the show. Izuku was just happy that because of the huge crowds of people no one was really able to notice the little aliens running around… hopefully.
Afterwards at a nearby road crowded with more commuters a huge whirlwind swept through the street stopping people in their tracks as they braced themselves. Unfortunately, many of their loose belongings such as cash, papers, hats, trash, and anything else that wasn't tied down were blown off their person.
If any of them had looked up, they would have been surprised to see a flying turtle shell hovering above them. A terrified Terraspin quickly disappears over the buildings allowing everyone a reprieve. Many of them are disheveled as they try to gather their things and clean themselves up. At the same time, Henzu casually strolls up and snatches up anything of value he finds on the ground: money, cards, he even found an expensive watch.
Later at a local beach many beach goers are screaming in fear as they flee towards their cars. A depressed, and slightly insulted, Ripjaws watches them from the water. Henzu had him swim around and bare his fangs at a few swimmers. Speaking of that devil, Henzu was busy scavenging through everything that was left behind by the beach goers.
After that last incident Henzu really started to push the limits of how far he could push Izuku into doing what he wants.
He took Izuku to a junkyard and had him fight off some thugs as Four Arms. He was nice enough to allow the morphed Izuku to disguise himself, albeit with a big blanket that he used as a cloak. The fight was less of a fight and more of Four Arms throwing the thugs around, one of them managed to hit him with a bat but it split in half when it collided with the brute's tough red hide. The whole time Four Arms is profusely apologizing for his actions. Henzu of course was digging through the guys' hideout for "merch" and "goods".
They then went across town to a storage facility for a video game company. There the black-haired delinquent got Grey Matter to hack the security system and allow them access. The whole time Izuku let his worries and fears heard, but Henzu expertly persuaded him to see this through and he promised that he wouldn't take anything; he just wanted to checkout the newest games coming in. The tiny alien somehow bought the act, mainly because his worries clouded his judgment, but he remained outside while Henzu browsed the large crates and boxes. As they left, Grey Matter hopped a ride on the taller teen's shoulder; from up on his perch he could have sworn that he saw Henzu tuck something away into his pocket something that said Sumo Slammers or something on it.
Finally, the "partners" in crime made their way to an arcade. There Feedback used his tendrils to hotwire the rows and rows of arcade machines and games causing them to spark to life and shoot out a torrent of coins, so much so that the aisles were flooded with the stuff. Henzu was nearly swimming in quarters as he used a trash can to scoop up the loot.
Izuku is exhausted both physically and emotionally; this is all too much for him. Sure, he wants to patch things up with his best friend, but is this really the best way to go about it? This entire day is like nothing he's ever experienced; he's never felt so terrible or ashamed of himself until now. And with every task and scheme the seemingly endless pit in his stomach worsens.
And the current setting is not helping. The subway tunnel is cold and damp the only light sources are the dim lamps creaking above their heads. Izuku's pretty sure that a rat ran across his foot at one point and he doesn't want to even think about what that gooey substance he stepped in was.
Henzu's voice pierces through Izuku's daze. "Alright we're here."
Izuku nearly trips as he comes to a halt. Shakily looking up he finds himself in what appears to be an abandoned subway station with several tunnel entrances and a pair of train tracks running parallel to each other. The place clearly hasn't received too many visitors over the years, yet the train track still look to be in good condition so trains must still be running through here.
"Come on." Henzu rushes over towards a fusion box and trailing point where a track intersects between the parallel rails.
Henzu places his hands on the fusion box, absorbing the electricity that sparks off his bare arms. When he has enough, he grabs the large trailing point lever charging it up until the train order lights turn on and the lever shifts. At the same time the tracks clank in place diverging the tracks into a single point.
Izuku looks between the tunnels unsure about what's going on. "What are you doing?"
Henzu smirks. "A cargo train that's supposed to be carrying a shitload of gold is supposed to be coming down this track."
Izuku's stomach drops. "And?"
"And so, when it crashes into the oncoming subway train…Boom! Instant payday! You'll transform into that XLR8 guy, grab the gold, and get us the hell outta here."
"What?!" Clear panic rings through Izuku's voice. "No! No way. I'm not going through with this." Henzu can't be serious. Taking quarters from an arcade is one thing, but a train heist is something else entirely… Wait. Did he say subway train? No.
"Henzu… the subway train… is it…" The question dies in his mouth. It can't be true, it can't.
"Don't you worry about that just worry about your part."
Izuku's breathing becomes heavy and despite the cold of the tunnel he's starting to break into a cold sweat. "Part?"
Henzu, sensing Izuku's hesitation, decides to divert his attention. "After this we'll be square." Izuku is so shaken he struggles to come up with a response, but his eyes turn towards the taller teen. "Look at it this way when this is over all will be forgiven between the two of us, he'll be set for life, and no one will ever find out about this."
But they'll know… he'll know… How can he live with himself after this? Henzu has always been… rough, but he'd never intentionally hurt anyone.
That's a lie, he's obviously not against hurting others. He steals, he hurts, and he doesn't care about the consequences of his actions.
Izuku's legs are shaking, his cold sweat has become worse, and the tunnel seems so dark and cold now. The shadows crawl up towards him ready to devour him into despair and agony. He tries to speak but a terrified choke squeaks out instead. He has to say something, do something. He can't let this happen!
A single word manages to escape his lips, it's more or less a whisper but nonetheless it is audible. "No."
Henzu's smile disappears and the spark of mischief in his eyes are gone and replaced by that of malice.
He can't bear to look at Henzu's face. "I… I can't do this… it's wrong so wrong. People can get hurt, can be killed. And… if I want to call myself a… hero one day then I have to stop this." He takes a shaky breath lifting his head up to face this challenge with a smile just like All Might. "I have to be a hero." He gives a shaky smile as to show his determination and hoping that Henzu will see reason.
Henzu's fists ball up, his temper rising to dangerous levels. He's absolutely pissed off by this second backstabbing! How dare this wimp, this wannabe standup to him? Who in the hell does he think he is? He's no hero.
The thug snarls. "Shut the fuck up."
Izuku freezes in place, his pupils dilating out of dread.
"Who the fuck do you think you are, huh? All Might?!" Henzu grinds his teeth trying to hold himself back. If he screws up there's no way, he'll have another opportunity like this. "You listen to me you bastard," He jabs a finger into Izuku's shoulder. "you owe me."
Izuku's fists ball up. 'No, I don't. I've done more than enough, you're just… taking advantage of me… And I won't stand for that.' He leers up at the taller teen. "I don't owe you any-"
"YES, YOU DO!" Henzu roars out in fury.
Izuku stumbles backward not expecting that response.
"You owe me you piece of shit! And I'm not just talking about these favors."
Izuku's breath hitches in surprise.
"You owe me for defending you from that living pile of trash, Blasty. You owe me for hanging out with you." Henzu's rage is so toxic that he's shaking even though his muscles are tense. "You owe me," Through his black strands of hair he locks eyes with Izuku. "for making me trust you! And calling you a FRIEND!" Henzu grabs his head, throwing it back as if in defeat. "In this world… everything is give and take. No one really cares for others. Even those stupid heroes are in it for their own gain whether it's for fame, money, or attention! The only thing you can trust is that people will use each other to get what they want! So, you can't trust anyone! Yet… you were able to make me trust you!" Within his rage and despair he begins to laugh hysterically as if this is all a cruel joke.
He fell for it again, he can't believe it. He promised himself that he'd never be betrayed by someone that he trusted again. "Ha…ha…hahahaha! Ha, it's hilarious! A quirkless useless wimp with no hope for the future was able to gain my trust, and make me open up to someone…" His expression turns dark once again. "But then you go behind my back and betray my trust. And that… is unacceptable."
It hurts, the insults hurt but they don't compare to the pain and regret he has for his friend, his best friend. After all, it really was a challenge for them to even consider themselves as friends.
##########(Flashback)#########
It was the end of the school day for the students of Aldera Junior High. A ten-year-old Izuku Midoriya was strolling down an empty hallway heading towards the principal's office to drop off some papers that his homeroom teacher asked him to deliver for her.
"Hey, broccoli head!"
"Huh?" Izuku turns his head to a see a taller boy with long black hair jogging towards him with a friendly smile and wave to boot.
The taller boy catches up to Izuku. "Phew, I caught up to you, ha."
Izuku nervously yet curiously pipes up a question. "C-can I help you with something?"
The taller boy's expression brightens. "Yeah." He pats Izuku's shoulder. "Give me your money."
"What?!" It's a shake down?!
The delinquent lightly grabs Izuku's shoulder. "Yeah, I'm short on cash and I really need some right away." The delinquent places his other hand against the wall. "Just think of it as giving to charity." He activates his quirk, absorbing the matter of the wall and thus transforming his skin into the same thing. His grip tightens around the greenette's shoulder and despite his friendly smile the atmosphere around him is that of danger. "So, do ya think you can help a friend out?"
Izuku's legs nearly give out from under him. "Some charity!"
And just like that Izuku's wallet was drained completely dry and the delinquent got away scot free.
Izuku is bent over on the floor his wallet laying below him, a few tears leak from his eyes. "My poor wallet… I hope this never happens again…" He has a feeling that that promise won't hold true.
Sighing he grabs his wallet along with the papers and continues on towards the principal's office. 'Who was that guy? And his quirk I wonder what it is? It looked like he absorbed the wall or something. Can he only absorb what he touches? And if so what kind of substances can he absorb? I bet with a quirk like his he can become a very versatile hero.' An idea strikes him. 'I know! I'll ask him, tomorrow… But maybe I'll just leave my allowance at home tomorrow.'
The following day, Izuku manages to locate the delinquent's classroom. He asked some of the older students about a guy with absorbing powers and, luckily, they knew who he was talking about, but that doesn't explain why some of them look scared when he asked about the boy.
Izuku arrives at the classroom, he's in luck the only soul present is actually the person he's been looking for.
The person in question is sitting at his desk polishing what looks like to be a wrench. He spots Izuku at the door. "Whadda you want?"
"Oh-um, I, uh."
The delinquent springs from his chair and casually yet confidently sways towards the smaller student. "What? Want me to shake you down again? Because I will."
Izuku gives a nervous laugh. "No, no. I huh just wanted to ask you something."
The delinquent frowns and his eyes furrow. "Oh, yeah? What?"
Izuku begins to sweat and shake with nervousness. "I, um, I'm I-Izuku M-Midroiya and, well, you see, I uh-"
"Spit it out!"
Izuku yelps, shutting his eyes. When there's no strike he opens his eyes and holds up his notebook, it's titled "Hero Analysis For The Future #10". "I uh wanted to ask you about your quirk." Izuku gives him a cheery smile that would lighten up even the darkest cave.
That was not what the black-haired boy was expecting. "Wha?"
"Yeah, I wanted to learn more about your quirk. So, can you absorb anything or is it more of a specialist type quirk? Would you classify it was an Emitter, Transformation, or Mutation? How-"
"Shut up!"
Izuku's mouth clamps shut as his body goes stiff.
The delinquent is angry, the last thing he needs is for some stupid punk to try and get one over on him. "That's my business and my business alone. The only ones that can know that kind of stuff are those I trust, but guess what? That means nobody. So, do yourself a favor and buzz off." The boy slings his bag over his shoulder and pushes past Izuku, knocking into his shoulder. The hit shoves Izuku into the door frame. "Don't bother me again or you'll regret it." He marches off leaving a shaken Izuku behind in his thoughts.
'What the heck was that?! Did I offend him somehow?' He takes a breath, calming himself back down. 'You know… he almost seemed sad. I wonder if something happened to him. Maybe I should apologize.' He tucks his notebook closer to his chest and decides to head home for the day. 'He did say that those he trusts can know him so maybe that's what I'll do. Yeah, I'll get to know him and then he can tell me all about his quirk!' With a shit-eating grin on his face Izuku takes off for home so he can come up with the best way to approach the prickly boy.
What followed the next few days was a series of failed attempts to even approach the black-haired boy. Everyday whether during, before, or after school Izuku was doing whatever he could to approach the delinquent. The greenette tried intercepting him at his classroom in the morning but when the delinquent spotted him, he turned right around and left. Izuku stayed there at least until the bell rang, he later returned but found out that the guy had actually ditched class all day.
The next day Izuku tried to locate his target within the cafeteria. The truant was sitting alone at his own table in the corner, Izuku was radiating with glee at the opportunity, but one mean look from the black-haired boy sent Izuku backing away. His sense of self-preservation was actually able to influence him for once.
More and more attempts were made in similar fashions. Occasionally they were a bit more creative for example Izuku straight out tried to ambush the delinquent by hiding in a tree near the school gate. The guy in question easily spotted Izuku and simply kicked the tree causing the smaller boy to lose his grip and crash to the ground. Fortunately, it was a rather short fall thanks to the bushes.
After a bit, the delinquent actually found the attempts somewhat entertaining, but in an annoying type of way.
Finally, on the thirteenth attempt did Izuku's luck change.
"What'd the hell did you just say to me you bastard?!" Bakugou's voice rings out from the school yard.
Izuku rounds the corner so he can see what the commotion is all about. A ten-year-old Bakugou and a few of his cronies are standing off with the same delinquent Izuku's been after. The guy looks confident and really smug, he probably said something to piss Bakugou off. Although that's not really that difficult to do.
The guy smirks with spite. "I asked, if you farted would an explosion come out of your ass?"
Izuku can practically feel Bakugou's fuming anger from his position and it nearly makes him pass out from shock.
"You bastard! You're dead!" The angry blonde charges his palms bared and ready to strike a powerful blow.
As if on instinct Izuku's feet take off from the ground. "No don't!"
The delinquent's grip tightens around his wrench ready to absorb the material.
Bakugou's hand lunges forward. "Now DIE!"
Just before an explosion can be let loose a green blur jumps between the two punks. Bakugou's blast shrouds the figure in smoke and heat.
The delinquent can't help but stare in confusion and shock at the kid with burnt green-hair lying on the ground writhing in pain. 'No way? Why would he do that? Is he stupid or something?'
Bakugou's scowl hardens when he recognizes the interloper. "Dammit, Deku! What the hell are you doing?! You wanna die or something?!"
Izuku gives the hot-tempered blonde a fearful grin. "Ah, uh, no Kacchan I just sort of moved on my own. Without thinking I, uh-"
"Shut the fuck up, Deku!"
Izuku screams in response.
Bakugou swings his right arm back for another attack, but the delinquent quickly realizes what's about to happen.
The angry boy gives his lesser a nasty glare. "Just move it…or die!"
Another explosion fires out from his palm. But this time when the explosion was detonated someone else had taken the brunt of the attack except this time not a scratch or a burn mark could be found on the back-haired boy's literal iron hide.
Bakugou is of course outraged as if what he's witnessing is blasphemy. "What the hell?! That should have burned you to a crisp! No one can stand up to my quirk!"
The defiant thug smirks with spiteful intent. "Oh, yeah? Then this must be extremely embarrassing for you? Huh, Blasty?"
"Don't fucking call me that, you son of a bitch!"
"I'll call you whatever the hell I want. Got it, Blasty?" The delinquent's smirk becomes larger. "Of course, you could always try and make me stop," He bangs his iron fists together and the sound of heavy metal clanging together echoes out. "but you'll have to make me."
Bakugou's only response is to snarl. Izuku stares up at the iron-hided boy with something akin to admiration.
"Just keep in mind, I'm sure a teacher or two heard your foulmouth and, in all honesty, I could care less about getting into trouble. So tell me," The delinquent's smile becomes wicked. "which one of us has more to lose here?"
Bakugou's hands are furiously popping out mini explosions, he so desperately wants to kill this smug faced fucker, but even he has to admit that this guy has a point. If this becomes a drawn out fight the teachers will have no choice but to write him up, and the last thing he needs is a stain on his perfect record.
"Whatever!" Bakugou spins around, stomping away. "If I ever see your stupid face again, I'm going to blast it into a million pieces!" He shouts back as his cronies nervously trail behind him.
The delinquent's skin turns back to normal as he chuckles to himself. "I doubt that."
With that out of the way that only leaves one more nuisance to deal with.
"So," The guy looks down on the greenette who has yet to pick himself off the ground. "care to tell me why you jumped in like that? What do you have some kind of death wish that involves a "blaze of glory" type thing or what?"
"Huh?!" Izuku flails his hands in denial. "N-no! Nothing like that. I…just thought that, well, you may have, um, needed some help."
The guy raises in eyebrow in confusion. This guy is so weird to him. Who in their right mind would take an explosion head on and defend someone he barely knows? He must be after something…maybe. "You're an odd one, aren't you?"
Izuku responds with a sheepish laugh. "Yeah, I guess you can say that."
"So, did you do that just so you can find out about my quirk? For your own interest?"
Izuku stops laughing, staring up at the taller boy with silent confusion and wariness. "N-no. I mean sure that would be a plus but that's honestly not why I did it. So, no I didn't do it for my own interest."
That actually surprises the delinquent. "Come on there's got to be something you want from me?"
Izuku blinks, he tilts his head down thinking over his response. "Well I guess there is one thing…"
The guy tenses up ready to hear what this kid, this enigma, is after.
"How about…your name?"
For a split second the only noise is that of the wind rolling across the lawn as the black-haired boy deadpans. "HAHAHA!"
The sudden burst of laughter makes Izuku cower in surprise.
"Hahaha! Really?!" The delinquent asks between laughs. "You've been chasing me all week and you don't even know my name." He wipes a tear from his eye. Man, what a surprise this turned out to be. This kid is really entertaining.
Izuku sweat drops. "Yeah, well it's not like you gave it to me."
The guy chokes back his laughter. "True." He stops to think, smiling softly to himself. Maybe this one time someone won't betray him. But there's only one real way to find out. "Alright, then let's start from the beginning." He reaches his hand down towards the smaller youth. "The name's Henzu Uuichi."
Izuku smiles warmly. "Nice to meet you, Uuichi. I'm Izuku Midoriya." He grabs Henzu's hand.
"I th-think we'll be good friends."
…
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves…"
########(End Flashback)#######
Izuku cries out, shouting in desperation, he has to make this right! "I am your friend! And as your friend I would never betray you! Did I lie to you? Yes, that was wrong of me, and I'm so sorry!"
Henzu roars back at him with fury that can outmatch Bakugou's. "SHUT UP! You're not my friend! You're just a useless, quirkless… DEKU!"
Something inside Izuku snaps. Henzu…how could he? He knows. He knows what that name means. How could he? Izuku feels like part of his heart had shattered, every memory of Henzu replays in his mind like a film, but rather than the usual bright colors and fondness those memories usually bring to him this time they are seen with regret and melancholy.
"Even with that garbage on your wrist you'll never be anything more. Now get out of my way, Deku!"
There it is again. He called him…Deku… 'No. I'm not a Deku… I'm not… I'm not!' All of Izuku's regret and sorrow has festered to that of anger. "NO! I'm not a Deku! I'm Izuku! I'm a…Hero!"
Henzu rage subsides thanks to being surprise by Izuku's outburst, but before his rage can spring back Izuku continues his tirade.
"I am a hero, dammit! I've fought killer robots! I saved people's lives! I even saved Kacchan!" The sheer anger and resolve in his eyes are enough to make Henzu take a step back. "And if I want to continue to call myself a hero, then I can't let you do this, Henzu!"
Henzu is more than a little shocked. This can't be right? Izuku has never stood up to him before. He's too much of a coward. He's weak and quirkless. He's supposed to be his friend, someone he can trust, but here he is defying him. But if he's being honest with himself maybe they were never truly friends, hell he had a feeling that it would never last anyway. Remember in this world, it's every man for themselves and sometimes you have to step over others to get what you want… "Are you really going to get in my way?"
With a determined glare Izuku activates the watch, disappearing in a flash of green light, and having his human form replaced.
More precisely, he's replaced by a tall alien with its head floating between arch-like horns on its shoulders. It's black with yellow markings along its crab-like claws, feet, and chest. Izuku has transformed into the alien he calls Lodestar. An alien he first transformed into during his off time a few weeks back. He had wanted to see what other aliens he had, and this one is currently his ninth.
Lodestar looks back at Henzu who is starting to come to his senses after staring at this odd form. He glares, standing tall and with a purpose he gives his answer. "Yes."
Henzu grinds his teeth together in frustration, it's official now, they are no longer friends. Deku is no longer his friend. He slams his hand against the track lever, absorbing the steel into his body. "Fine then, just remember," Using his strength, added with the strength of steel skin, he snaps the lever in half before throwing the broken half away. "you asked for this!"
He charges readying his fists, trying to make the first strike.
Lodestar aims his arm out and an invisible force waves out from his hand. Suddenly the steeled Henzu finds himself flying backwards away from the extraterrestrial. He falls backward and is pushed across the ground until Lodestar cuts off his power.
"It's not too late to stop this, Henzu."
Henzu doesn't respond instead he gets right back up and charges ahead at full speed.
Lodestar pushes him back once again but this time the pulse is so strong that Henzu is flung against the wall. That's when he realizes this transformation's true power.
Smirking he gets back on his feet, grabbing the wall, and absorbing the stone instead. "I get it now. That form messes around with magnetism, doesn't it?"
Lodestar doesn't like that he was able to figure it out so quickly, but he nods seeing no point in hiding the truth at this point.
Henzu chuckles, he's thrilled with his discovery. Now he knows he can win. "You're going down Deku!" He charges and this time Lodestar can't stop him. Even with this distance between them not even Izuku can come up with a plan to win.
'What do I do!?' Lodestar is internally panicking. He hasn't had a lot of practice with this transformation all he can do at most is repel and attract metal… 'Wait, that just maybe enough.'
Acting fast Lodestar sticks both hands forward allowing a field of magnetism to grow and intensify. The tunnel rattles and even shakes, dust falls and spurts out from the air as nails, screws, metal shards, loose piping, and metallic trash comes flying towards the tall being. 'Time it just right and now!' With expert timing Lodestar is able to adjust the pull of the magnetism just before a swarm of metal can lodge themselves into him making the items crowd around him like a large veil of metal.
Seeing that Henzu is close now Lodestar proceeds to step two of his plan: reversing the pull of the magnetic field. Acting fast Lodestar holds himself tight, holding back the energy before releasing a powerful pulse that launches all the metal surrounding him backwards and right into his attacker's path.
Seeing the wave of scrap and metal flying at him Henzu stops and braces himself. The metallic items crash into him: tin cans harmlessly bounce off, some nails are able to embed themselves into his skin, but they don't go far, the most damage comes from the bigger pieces of scrap metal and pipes which are able to knock him back.
Henzu growls. "Throwing garbage?! That's you're plan?" He flexes his muscles breaking off the nails, thus removing any hindrances. "Is that really all you got?! I thought you were able to fight off monsters and robots? Or was that all just dumb luck?"
Lodestar gives Henzu an offended look. "It wasn't dumb luck."
"Oh, yeah?"
"Yes, and I can prove it." Lodestar points towards the broken track lever.
Henzu warily yet curiously glances over and what he sees makes him gasp out loud. The lever and the tracks have been switched back to their original positions. But how?!
Lodestar must be able to tell what he's thinking just from his expression. "The final magnetic pulse had enough strength behind it to push the lever to reset the track. Good luck trying to reset it."
It's true since Henzu broke the top half of the lever the only part of the lever is what's encased in the ground, thus inaccessible to him. His plan has failed, there will be no payday today.
Henzu roars out in anger as he charges forward, and this time Lodestar has no time to react. "You bastard!" His fist slams into Lodestar's gut making the alien wheeze and bend over in pain.
Henzu flings his knee up striking his former friend in the gut again before raising his elbow and slams it down on his back; Lodestar hits the ground hard. Lodestar groans in pain as he rolls over but before he can pick himself up Henzu pushes him down with his foot, the heavy stone easily pins him down.
Henzu glares down at the altered form of his former best friend. His eyes screaming at Izuku that his betrayal hurt him more than he could ever know. He's breathing heavily but he refuses to let up his quirk. "You cost me a fortune. You owe me for that."
Lodestar is able to choke out an answer. "I don't…owe you… shit."
That actually makes the delinquent laugh a little. "Ha, tough guy. Look at you, huh?" He jabs a finger at the dial on Lodestar's chest. "But that tough guy act is a facade, these transformations are nothing but costumes, masks, for you to hide yourself behind. Isn't that right Deku?"
'No, that's not true. This is me…right?'
"The only reason you can do what you can do now, why you can call yourself a hero is because of this thing! All because of dumb luck and by chance you found it at a dump of all places. Ha, fitting since you're a piece of trash anyway. Now that's the real you! The real you is useless. The real you is quirkless. The real you isn't a hero. And this will prove it…" Henzu gives Lodestar a malicious frown as his hand opens up and over the watch's faceplate.
Lodestar's eyes widen with worry. "Wait, what are you-"
Henzu cut off, not by a shout or scream, but by a whisper. "You don't deserve this gift."
Henzu grabs the dial, activating his quirk. As he tries to absorb the energy, to absorb the watch, and take it for himself green-energy sparks wildly out of control from the alien device.
Lodestar screams out in pain. It hurts, it hurts so bad! But why?! Why does it hurt so much?! It's as if his heart is being pried right out of him. "Stop it! Stop it!" His cries of pain go unanswered as Henzu continues to tug at the device.
"Come on, give it up." He groans trying his hardest to pry the device away. "Since you made me lose out on being set for life, I'm going to take this as compensation." Henzu's starting to feel it, whatever energy this watch is omitting is finally starting to be absorbed by his quirk, and that makes him smile. "I bet I could get a real pretty penny for it." He grins crazily, feeling excited as the prospects of what this could mean for him are. "Or maybe I'll just use it for myself and go on a crime spree. With access to so many powers and my quirk no one would be able to stop me! Not even All Might!"
Even though he's in pain, and the green energy has only begun to become more erratic as it discharges from the device, Lodestar is able to speak. "T-that's…n-not… going to happen, Henzu!" He can't let it end like this, he can't let this villain take the watch for himself, just imagine the harm he'll do with it. 'I refuse, I refuse to let this watch fall into the wrong hands. It's my responsibility as a hero to keep it out of the wrong hands!'
And just like that the sparking dies down and the device becomes silent.
Henzu smirks. "Ha, what was that you were-"
BANG! A blast of green energy bursts out from the watch engulfing both combatants. The two boys are flung backwards, and both had returned to their original states. Henzu is now leaning against the opposite wall and a normal Izuku is lying between the two parallel train tracks.
The boys groan in pain, they are bruised, battered, and dirty. They struggle to pick themselves back up, that blast really took it out of them.
Izuku is able to lift himself up before bowing over in pain, clenching his wrist, and struggling to breath. He felt like he was being choked to death suddenly. It must be a side effect from trying to extract the watch.
Henzu meanwhile is able to get on his feet, he's breathing heavily, and something definitely feels broken. But that doesn't matter, what matters is finishing what he started.
He barely takes a step before a cargo train speeds right past him its whistle howling through the tunnel. Henzu blinks in confusion he also notices that the subway train is running along the opposite track. An important detail sticks out to him, Izuku is trapped between the two trains. The black-haired teen smiles finding this amusing, of course Deku's luck would put him in a situation like this. He places his hand against the wall, ready for his quirk to take effect.
A moment passes and there is no change, wind whips at his face as the trains continue to zip by. Izuku meanwhile is stumbling about trying to pick himself back up, but failing.
Henzu stares at his hand in confusion, he counts all five fingers, he's touching the wall. What could be the problem? He thinks for a moment trying to come up with a possibility. Then it hits him like a truck. He. Is. Now. Quirkless. "NOOOOO!"
Henzu slams his hand against the wall trying to get his quirk to work. To see if it's still there. "No! No! No! No! NO!" He slams his hand against the cold stone wall. His hand stings and it's bleeding there's even a red print of his hand on the wall's surface now. 'This can't be happening. It can't. Now I'm just like-' He spins around locking eyes with Izuku through the gaps of the train. Izuku is breathing heavily and staring back at him. 'I'm just like Deku now.' That thought alone almost wants to make him fall over and cry, but he won't he has to get out of here. Now, now Deku is the strong one. Henzu turns around and sees an old sewer drain.
Izuku is exhausted he can't stand much more of this and the watch has timed out for some reason; it's blinking red and making that annoying buzzing sound as it recharges. He can somewhat see Henzu through the gaps of the train but it's hard with dust and wind whipping past him. But it doesn't matter. He will defend himself; he will fight for what he knows is right.
Both of the trains disappear through their respective tunnels leaving Izuku alone in the dark and cold silence. Izuku cautiously scans the tunnel before realizing that Henzu is gone. He left, ran off to save himself, and leaving an exhausted Izuku behind. Henzu has officially turned his back on him and left him behind. And with that, their friendship has officially ended.
It hurts, it hurts more than the cuts and bruises coating his body. Not even the tears that stream down his face provide any relief. Izuku drops to his knees, the tears pour out as he cries out in anguish and grief. "I'm sorry, Henzu! I'm so sorry for ruining our friendship!"
The only response are the echoes of his own wails of heartbreak from losing the only friend he had.
'Dammit.'
'Dammit!'
'Dammit!'
Henzu's limping and holding his side, he knew something was broken. He hates this, especially how the tunnel reeks plus it's filthy, but that's a given. A few rats scurry about running away from the much larger being.
'I hate you Deku. I fucking hate you!' Henzu grips the wall trying to prevent himself from falling over. "Next time I see you Deku you're so dead!" His fingers scrape the wall in anger, but he doesn't expect the sound of shredding metal to accompany the action.
Staring up at his hand Henzu's eyes widen in shock and amazement. His hand has claws, large sharp claws with webbing, and coated in dry grey scales. Bringing his hand to his face Henzu stares at it trying to comprehend what has happened to him, the rest of him looks normal but his hand is… his hand is… Then he realizes the truth, this glorious truth, and it makes him laugh. He laughs hard with maddening joy. He didn't notice it before, but he feels the change, he can feel something where his quirk used to be. He throws his head back letting this new found power to invade his entire being: he can feel scales spread over parts of his body, a fin or two stretch out from his elbows, and the sharp jagged teeth only help to make his smile that much more menacing. And why shouldn't he smile, just imagine what kind of trouble he can get into with this new found gift.