Chapter 174 - 7-

Ch.7 Lost One's Rojo

Things are not going well.

Thirteen is tapping their foot watching as Lodestar struggles to levitate a swarm of swirling metal trash over his head. "Come on, concentrate."

The sad part is he really is.

"I am." Lodestar replies impatiently, his arms are shaking slightly from the tension of the magnetic waves he's producing.

For the last week Thirteen and Izuku have been training on Izuku's Biosovortian form. Their goal is to get Lodestar to compress his magnetism as to focus in on singular objects rather than generating an entire magnetic field that affects everything in the vicinity.

"You need to focus."

The swarm of trash shakes violently as the magnetic wave begins to falter. "I'm trying!"

The magnetic pulse begins to break apart, some of trash manages to get loose and gets flung away. In the end though Lodestar can't hold it any longer and the hoard of trash comes crashing down onto the beach below.

Lodestar glares at the trash like it personally offended him and in a roar of frustration he releases a magnetic burst that blasts away several trash piles surrounding him.

Luckily, Thirteen happened to be standing by a pile of tires; thus, they were able to use them as a blockade. The pro hero steps out from their hiding spot shaking their head in disapproval.

The alien device blinks red as it does Izuku falls back onto the sand with a humph.

Thirteen strides over as Izuku falls back staring up at the few seagulls flying above, their squawks kind of sound as if they're mocking him. And they might as well be because Izuku's progress hasn't exactly been that remarkable all week, unless you count failing every exercise this week remarkable. All because of the heavy weight on his heart.

Thirteen's head comes into his view blocking out the seagulls.

"How are you feeling?"

Izuku gives his mentor a look at asks if they're being serious. "Frustrated."

"That's obvious, I meant what's bothering you?"

Izuku turns his head, he can feel sand grinding against his green locks. "Nothing… I'm just kind of… out of it."

Thirteen sighs crossing their arms, they're looking for a real answer. "Be honest with me, Midoriya. I am a teacher after all I can tell that something's weighing on your mind."

Izuku's cheek presses on the sand, he can't bother to look Thirteen in the eye. "It's… nothing, really."

'He's lying, anyone can see that. But why? Something must have happened.'

Rather than call him out, Thirteen steps over Izuku's prone form and sits down next to him. They gaze out of the ocean silently, not speaking a word, just watching as the waves roll across the shore the setting sun gives the view a magnificent hue of color. God this beach would be beautiful if it wasn't so trashed, but it is getting better thanks to Izuku's efforts. At least now there are parts of the beach where they can sit on the sand without having to worry about shards of glass and nails.

Izuku lays there waiting for Thirteen to speak. After a moment the teen props himself up, following Thirteen's line of sight he too watches the ocean.

The two sit in silence gazing out towards the warming light and soft ocean breeze. Izuku inhales the calming smell of the sea letting it ease his frustration away.

Thirteen takes a soft soothing breath releasing all of their tension. "It's okay to be frustrated, just don't let it fester." They wait for Izuku to react before continuing. "You don't have to tell me what's wrong, but everyone needs someone to confide in." Hopefully, this advice will get through to the boy. "Sometimes it's good to get everything off your chest, to let it all out, and just by talking to someone you can ease your troubles." Thirteen looks over and finds Izuku watching them with a thoughtful expression. "Do you get what I'm saying?"

The soft wind makes his hair sway as he thinks for his answer. He gets what Thirteen's saying but honestly, he's not so sure he can follow through with it. Either way he quietly nods his head.

Thirteen appreciates the answer thou. "Take the weekend off alright? Take it easy and figure out your feelings. It's never good to let them build up."

And like that, they are back to enjoying the serene atmosphere.

"Thirteen."

"Hmp?"

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Inko leans over her plate as to get closer to her son who's busy fumbling his food around his plate. "How was your day, sweety?"

"Good, Mom." Izuku states rather bluntly without looking up from his distraction.

"What'd you do today?"

"Train." There it is again, the uninterested and somewhat annoyed tone, and he's back to stirring his food around his plate.

Inko's gaze falls to her own dish feeling rather dejected. "Izuku." She speaks gently not wanting to upset her dear child. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah."

"You are sure? I'm here if you want to talk."

"I know, Mom."

With that the two Midoriya's fall into a sullen silence with only the clink of their plates and utensils making any sort of noise. Inko really looks like she wants to say something, but she hesitates and allows the stillness of the room to overtake them.

An excited smile stretches across her face as a great idea pops into her head. With an excited smile she stretches her hand out, she activates her quirk, and a few moments later two letters float towards her from the living room. She grabs the letters from midair. "These came in today." She holds out the letter that hasn't been opened out towards Izuku. "It's a letter from your father."

That gets his attention, although he doesn't show it, his eyes shift towards the letter observing the crinkled edges and somewhat faded scribble of their address.

"He actually sent two but this one is for you. I've already read mine, oh, that man he's such a charmer." Inko holds the side of her face reminiscing about the good old days when they were both young.

For some reason the disappointment in Izuku's heart grows as he hesitantly grabs the letter. 'At least she has fond memories of him.'

"It's such a shame his job sent him away for so long, it's been a decade now."

'Yeah, a shame and convenient that his "job" pulls him away just after the doctor identified me as quirkless.' 

"But I guess that's to be expected when you work for the Self-Defense Force."

'Of course, he has to "work" for his family rather than be here with them.'

"I've already written my response; I even mentioned how hard you're training now a days. He'll be so proud."

'Would he?'

"Oh, I know you, should tell him about your quirk finally awakening!"

Izuku's breath hitches and his grip nearly tears through the letter.

"That'll really surprise him, it sure did for me. To think you were just a late bloomer. I'm so happy for you Izuku!"

Even though he appreciates the sentiment, he can't deal with this right now. Izuku springs out of his chair, startling his mom. "Thanks for dinner, Mom."

"Oh, uh, sure honey."

Without looking at her face to gauge her reaction he unceremoniously grabs his plate before trudging off for the kitchen.

Inko is internally panicking. Did she upset him somehow? "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah…" Izuku dumps out his leftovers and heads for the sink. "I'm just tired."

"Oh, well, alright." Inko grabs her plate and follows. "Why don't you just leave the dishes there, I'll take care of it."

Izuku nods and walks off for his room. "Alright."

Inko watches in quite remorse as Izuku walks away from her, his head hung low, and the letter being harshly crumbled into his fist. Clenching towards her heart she turns to stare longingly at an old photo hanging on the wall. It's one of her husband who's holding up a baby Izuku in his arms. She holds up the photo staring longingly for her significant other, Hisashi Midoriya.

She takes a moment to examine his handsome features, she can't help but notice how much her boy has grown to look so much like his father. The resemblance is uncanny the main differences obviously being age, Hisashi's hair being black, their eyes with Hisashi's being brown, and the fact that Izuku's face is much rounder, but that's as far as the differences go. They both have similar freckles speckled on their cheeks, unruly hair that can't be tamed no matter how much Inko tried to comb it back, and that special glint in their eyes that just radiates cheerfulness and goodwill.

Inko strokes a finger across her husband's smiling face, hoping that he'd return. "Oh, how I wish you were here. You would know what to do."

Izuku falls back leaning against his bedroom door, the room is dark since he doesn't bother to turn on the lights. His mind mixing between anger, regret, and depression and all of those feelings are now focused in on the wrinkled letter.

Izuku lumbers over to his closet, pausing slightly he slowly swings open the door. There's nothing out of the ordinary in there, except for Izuku's collectable All Might hoodies. However, tucked in the corner behind a strategic pile of laundry is a little shoe box. Getting onto his knees Izuku digs it out from its tomb. The box is old and covered in dust but despite that it actually has some weight to it as the contents shift inside.

He holds the letter his finger playing with the folds but there's no real attempt to open it. "Proud of me, huh?" He gently takes off the lid revealing a stockpile of old unopened letters each one written out to the same person and address. "I have to wonder if that's even true."

He has no intention of ever opening or answering those accursed letters; they're just sad attempts for that man to say he has some sort of connection with him. But they don't. It's even gotten to the point that Izuku doesn't even register the few photos that there are of the man. But why should he? He took off a little after reality tried to crush his hopes and dreams. He's just using work as an excuse to not admit that his own son is a quirkless weakling.

He drops the letter, adding it to the ever-growing number of unread questions, stories, and possible connections with his father.

With the deed done, Izuku places the box back into its hiding place and hoping that his mother never finds it.

Izuku scoffs at himself. 'God, I never learn.' After all, lying and keeping secrets from those he cares about is what got him into this state of mind to begin with. Just look at the secrets and lies he told. He lied and betrayed his only friend, he lied about his "quirk" awakening late to his own mother, he even has the gull to keep the truth of it all away from her even now. 'Maybe the universe just hates me or something.'

Things after all have been pretty shitty all week and not just from his lack of progress during training but at school too. His grades haven't been too hot this week, but that's the least of his concerns. What's really weighing on him is Henzu's absence. He never showed up for class the entire week; Izuku even contacted Henzu's foster home but they didn't seem too concerned since Henzu rarely spends any time there. He tried calling him too but Henzu's phone is no longer in service, so no dice. In full honesty, he's not going to put in a police report for several reasons: 1. He already betrayed Henzu once so he can't bear to rat him out to the police. 2. Henzu has some experience with avoiding police, that should have been a red flag, but he was the only one that was nice to him. And 3. It may draw unwanted attention to himself and more importantly the alien watch. So, he has even more secrets and lies to keep.

'God, I have a problem.' I guess this is how things are going to be from now on. He grips the watch remembering the choking feeling of Henzu trying to pry it from his chest. 'I'll just have to deal with these issues myself.'

*Ping*

Izuku's eyes snap up at attention his eyes quickly scanning the room. But there's no other soul in sight. "What was that?"

*Ping*

That ping is familiar to him. "Oh… it's my phone."

Yup, it was a text that snapped him out of his daze. There are two texts on his phone: the first text was a simple greeting with Ochaco stating that it's in fact her contacting him. The second text was her explaining how she wants to explore more of Musutafu, but she'd like someone local to guide her and the only person she knows is him.

Izuku is not sure how to respond. Should he say he's too busy? He's not available? No. Those are just more excuses and lies, he can't be doing this for every single thing. Besides, it might be good to get out of the house for a while. Especially because his mom is going to be even more attentive to him after his episode.

After weighing the pros and cons Izuku decides to accept the invitation.

Ochaco is quick to respond with a resounding Great and smiley face emoji.

They agree to meet up tomorrow at the train station.

That makes Izuku sweat a little, his mind flashing back to previous events.

Once all of that is set, Izuku flops onto his bed staring up at the blank ceiling. Maybe he should grab a new All Might poster while he's out he has a great space for it.

Trying to distract himself Izuku pulls up his phone to read up on some of the latest hero activities.

'Huh, looks like Kamui Woods is chasing after a thief that raided a hero commission transport vehicle. I wonder what was inside.'

"Damn that was close."

A shifty silhouette props open a window of an abandoned warehouse that contains nothing but large crates, some heavy machinery, and a number of pests scurrying about the dust and grime.

They swing their leg over the ledge and into the warehouse from atop a pile of crates and from there they jump down to the ground.

This person approaches a single table, the only item that isn't covered in a layer of dust, and conveniently has the only light source hovering above it as the only working lamp swings above it.

They are a woman, one in their early twenties, she has dark maroon hair and pale skin. Her lips have been applied with black lipstick that matches her brown jeans and gothic black jacket with its spikes and skull insignias on each shoulder. Her piercing and the spikes of her jacket sheen in the light. On her side is a large brown duffle bag which is clearly holding something large and bulky.

"Ha, oh, Rojo you've done it again." Rojo praises herself, as she drops the heavy bag onto the table letting it clang against the hard metal surface.

She really did a good job: she not only was able to rob a heavily armored transport vehicle from "the" hero commission, but she managed to escape scot free. Well mostly her favorite blaster got scrapped by that human tree guy; damn, it was a costume job, too.

"This thing better have been worth it." Rojo opens the bag before lifting up the contents.

She glides her hand across the slightly bent surface of the heavily damaged hover drone. The drone is heavily damaged, its head is bound to its body by wires, an insectoid arm dangles from its side, and the outer shell is heavily dented.

Apparently, it's part of one of the rumored robots that attacked some mall along with some giant monsters or whatever. The sight of the item makes Rojo's heart pump, this will hopefully give her the edge she needs. For you see, it's all part of her quirk.

Her quick, Attachment, allows her to attach technology to her body. It does have its limits for example just because she attaches a phone to her arm doesn't mean she can use it at will, she would still need to physically type into the phone to make a call. She's also limited, she can only attach tech to the surface of her body and even then, she has to be sparse with it or it'll hinder her maneuverability.

That's kind of why she's upset about losing her blaster. She had it embedded into the top of her arm and a special activation switch on her hand that acted as a trigger. This way she wouldn't have to be holding the gun, and she keeps her hands free. But Kamui Woods latched onto the blaster, thus forcing her to release it so she could escape.

That's why this score better be worth it. Apparently, this robot was able to hold its own against the mutant monsters and sure it may have gotten obliterated by All Might but so what? It's not like she plans on taking him on any time soon. Either way, if she can figure this thing out, she might just change her luck. But first she has to make sure it can actually power on.

She lugs over a car battery and after some tinkering, she's able to successfully attach the robot to the battery.

"Come on. Come on." She tries and tries but the robot just won't activate. "Dammit!" Rojo yells out in anger slamming her fist onto the table, denting it slightly. By some miracle the orange-red eyes blink to life as electricity surges through its components. "Yes! Haha!"

The drone makes strange sounds as it tries to move and access its missing limbs.

Rojo grabs and pokes at it. "Now what is it you can do?"

Rojo watches curiously as the drone shakes and shifts, and then suddenly, without warning, wires and cables burst out from its body and latch onto Rojo's arms and torso.

"Woah, what the hell!?" Rojo tries to step away but the drone refuses to release her. "Fuck, let go of me!" She struggles to free herself as the cables tighten around her. Acting on instinct, she activates her quirk, Attachment. The effect is immediate, suddenly the entire drone seemingly jumps up and latches onto her like a metal parasite.

Rojo panics screaming and flailing her arms about to get the thing off of her, but all attempts fail. The husk of the drone seems to meld onto her body, she can feel as electricity and a powerful headache strikes her making her scream out in both pain and shock. The cold strange metal claws at her skin as it imbeds itself. Finally, after a few grueling minutes the pain is over.

Rojo is freaked out, breathing frantically, holding herself up against a crate trying to regain herself.

She grabs her head, trying and failing to stop a migraine. "Glad that's ov-AH!" Her hand! What the hell is wrong with her hand!? It's not her normal pale tone but dark red with long metallic fingers that look like they can tear through a car. After some internal panicking she rushes over where she knows there's a mirror. She finds it behind a junked forklift, she throws off the blanket that's covering it and what she sees nearly sends her jumping back in fright.

It's her she's looking at, she can tell right away, but she's drastically different from before. Her entire body has been transmuted to a shade of red, she has not two but four red cybernetic eyes, and strange red orbs protruding from her shoulders. Running along her arms are sharp gleaming blades. She's buffer too, she can feel how much her muscle mass has increased so much so that her jacket and pants have torn around her arms and legs, even her feet have expanded to the point that they ripped through her boots.

"What the hell?" She grabs at her face trying to comprehend what had happened to her.

Then it hits her, and it makes her smile. This had turned out better than expected, she's been upgraded. For once her quirk was actually useful and whatever this robot was it has power strange unexplainable power. And she loves it.

"This is so great!" She eyes the forklift, smiling she slashes at the vehicle creating a huge gash into its side while also pushing back. "This is so goddamn great! I wonder what else I can do." In response the red orbs on her shoulders move upward, propped up by metal limbs, the orbs glow red before beams of light shootout burning away at part of the ceiling. Rojo grins with mad amusement as she traces the scorched marks left behind. "With this power, I can get my biggest score yet!" She glides her long claws long body as the orbs retract themselves. "Look out Japan because Rojo's going to have some fun."

Izuku is so not ready for this. Currently he's in downtown Musutafu waiting by a water fountain surrounded by crowds of people. He's fidgeting in place pulling at his collar, his hands are clammy with nervousness. If it weren't for the fact that he's in public right now he would be having a full-blown meltdown. The reason being is a girl. It didn't hit Izuku until this morning that he had agreed to meet up with a girl; he agreed to take Ochaco out by himself, with nobody else, in public.

Man, he's so nervous, so much so that he begins to spout out his concerns under his breath. "Holy shit this is happening. Should I have combed my hair? Did I over dress? I mean it's just a black polo and khakis, but still. Oh, no! What if I'm underdressed!? What do I do!? What do I say!? I don't even know where to take her. What would we even talk about? Maybe about heroes… the weather … life changing questions!? And-"

"Hi, Deku."

"Ahah!" Izuku nearly falls backward in surprise.

Ochaco Uraraka looks a bit worried, Izuku's response kind of startled her. "Are you okay!?"

Izuku tries to save some of his already little dignity by standing up straighter and fixing the hem of his shirt. "Y-yeah, I-I'm all good."

He takes a moment to examine her. She's wearing a lavender shirt with a teal skirt and black leggings. Along with pink converse and a matching drawstring bag on her back.

"That's good." Ochaco leans forwards smiling up at him, pumping her fists.

'She's so close!' 

"Thanks again for accepting my invitation."

"O-oh, it was no problem."

"Yeah, well, it would have really been boring by myself so thanks anyway." Ochaco claps her hands together, smiling with anticipation. "Now what do you say for getting this show on the road?"

"Oh, uh, yeah sure. Let's do that."

Ochaco's smile brightens in appreciation. She twirls around and heads for the nearest shop that had caught her interest.

Izuku tails behind her before matching pace with her.

She gives him a cheery grin to which he returns in a similar fashion, albeit sheepishly. 'Maybe this won't be so bad afterall.'

"Master!" One of the humanoid drones in red and black armor reports to his ship's commander. Who is still regaining his health from their battle. "We are receiving a combined signal from the planet."

The commander takes a minute to breathe through his breathing apparatus. "Explain…"

"One of the drones has somehow merged with one of Earth's lifeforms." The drone types away into a table like device, pulling up more information. "We are receiving one combined signal and that signal is on the move."

"Hmmmm. An interesting…development. Perhaps one head…is better than two."

"Look out!"

"What is that?!"

"Ahhhhh!"

The sounds of lasers being fired out in tandem can be heard emanating from within the jewelry store. It's a small store located in a less populated part of town, which means not a whole lot of heroes patrol this area thanks to the lack of news coverage. And that is unfortunate for some of the local shops such as this one.

People flea in fear from the jewelry store as laser fly at them, thankfully none connect.

Rojo is grinning, she's very happy with how easy this job is. All she had to do was give a mean glare to make them runaway, albeit the lasers shooting out from her shoulder-blasters did help.

She aims one of the lasers, protruding from her shoulder, down at the glass display. She fires out a laser melting away the top part of the display case. Her smile widens as she reaches in and grabs the jewels inside. She opens her palm admiring the very expensive gems, wondering how much they'll fetch for. Her thoughts are interrupted when a high pitch sonic wail pierces through her head. Rojo groans in pain holding her head before falling to her knees.

The high pitch sonic wail ceases but is replaced by baleful voice. "Listen to me… whoever you are…"

She wobbles as she tries keeps to pick herself up while still holding her aching head. "Where… are you? Who are you?" She's able to fight through the receding pain so she can stand back up. "How'd you get in my head?!" She frantically observes her surroundings looking for the culprit. Looks.

"No questions!" The voice screams out in irritation. "You are here to serve me."

That makes Rojo scowl. "Guess again. I work for me and only me!"

The high pitch sonic wail returns but this time is far worse. The wailing is louder and a shock of pain courses through her entire body causing her to keel over, screaming out in pain. Mercifully the shocking stops rather quickly, but the threat is clear.

"You now possess power you could have never imagined." The voice continues to echo through her ears. "Fulfill my demand and I will give you even more power, more technology for you to equip… However, if you fail me then I will turn you to dust!"

The proposal is tempting. This voice, whoever it is, must be the creator or owner of that robot she stole. And look at what one broken drone did to her, what would happen if she got a hold of more tech just like it. She could be unstoppable… "So, what do you want?"

She can almost hear the voice smirk despite not seeing their face. "Only one thing. A piece of valuable technology missing from my possession. And luckily you are already programmed to find it." In that moment, a visual display like that of a video game appears in her vision. It already appears to be tracking the item in question. "Now go and get me my Omnitrix."

"Awe, what a cute little playground."

Ochaco gushes at the public playground just a few yards from their perch on a park bench. The recreational area is decently sized with trees, large playground sets, a volleyball court, gazebos, and even a pond for ducks and fish.

Izuku figured that he should show Ochaco some of Musutafu's main attractions. And what else than the local park?

Izuku visibly relaxes in his seat. "Yeah, it's pretty nice here. It's a great place to hang out outside, get some exercise, and think."

Ochaco nods in agreement, watching as a mother duck leads her young towards the water. "No doubt, this will be perfect when I eventually have to move here. Or I should say "if" I have to move here. Hehehe."

Izuku grimaces with tension, although the U.A. Entrance Exam is still a way off they still have a lot of work to do. Far more work before they can even consider passing the exam. "Oh, yeah. You plan on taking the U.A. Entrance Exam, too right?"

"Sure do!" Ochaco sheepishly rubs the back of her head, trying not to look overconfident. "But I have to admit that I'm still pretty nervous about it."

"Yeah, same." An idea pops into his head. "Oh, hey, Uraraka."

"What's up, Deku?"

It makes him flinch when she says Deku, but she doesn't seem to notice. That's good because he really doesn't want to start feeling depressed anytime soon. "I had some questions about your quirk. Would you mind answering some of them?" He holds up his "Hero Analysis for the Future #13" notebook for Ochaco to see. Making her wonder where he was keeping that thing anyway.

Ochaco is slightly put off, but she sees no harm in it. "Um, sure. Why not?"

With the go ahead, Izuku begins his interview. "So, your quick, Zero Gravity, allows you to make anything you touch weightless, correct?"

"Yes, but there's more to it than that." The gravity manipulator holds out her open palm, displaying the tips of her fingers. They somewhat remind the greenette of paw pads on a cat. "It's my fingers, all five have to make contact with whatever it is I want to float. Admittedly, there's also a limit before I get nauseous." She looks a little embarrassed admitting that. "It's really nothing that special."

Izuku can't help but feel somewhat offended, not for what she said. But for what she implied; that her quirk isn't good enough, that she isn't good enough. "Are you kidding!?"

"Wha-!?"

"You have an amazing quirk! With a quirk like that you'd be a key player in rescue operations especially in disaster zones. You could float rubble away from civilians, heck you can even float large heavy objects at villains to use them as weapons."

Ochaco blinks not really sure how to take all this praise. "Yeah, I guess you're right." She twiddles her thumbs not sure how to feel. "But it's nowhere as versatile as your quirk. What does it do exactly?"

Now it's Izuku's turn to blink, yeah, he totally overlooked that part. "Oh, yeah I guess I never fully explained it, did I?" He already knows this will leave a bad taste in his mouth, but he can't tell her the truth. So, for now, he'll use the cover story both Thirteen and him worked out. "My quirk is called… One Man Army. It allows me to reconstruct my DNA so I can transform into about nine different…forms. Oh, and each one has its own abilities, weaknesses, and I think they somewhat alter my personality a little bit." Izuku chuckles thinking about Ditto's sass, Four Arm's confidence, and XLR8's excitable demeanor.

Ochaco stares, that's mind blowing. How could one person be so lucky to be born with a quirk like that? "Wow, now that's amazing. Almost seems unfair..." She can't help but sulk about her own usefulness.

Izuku can seemingly sense the doubt she has in herself, afterall he has a lot of experience with that. "I, uh, wouldn't say that after all I have a time limit of when I can use… my quirk and that includes a recharge time. Oh, I also have to use this special device," He taps a finger against the bulky watch. "to help me activate my quirk; it also acts as a timer. Letting me know when I can transform and even helping me select which form to take."

Ochaco eyes the watch and Izuku has a hard time gauging her thoughts. 'Please buy that explanation.'

Ochaco shrugs, figuring that it makes sense: nearly all quirks have some kind of drawback after all. Well except for maybe All Might's quirk; whatever it is. "Huh, well, it's still a pretty awesome quirk though, right?"

"Yeah…" It is amazing, this watch has an impossible ability, but yet it's sitting on his powerless wrist. "but sometimes I think this power is more trouble than it's worth…" Afterall it did cost him a friendship.

Ochaco notices the change in Izuku's demeanor. His shoulders are sagged, and his eyes have a far-off look. "Hey, Deku."

Izuku tenses but he slumps over trying to look calm.

"Are you okay?"

"Huh, I'm um I'm fine."

That's all the brunette needs to hear. "No, you're not." She states with all seriousness.

He looks away trying to avoid eye contact.

Ochaco leans forward trying to keep his attention. "I can tell when people are trying to keep their problems to themselves." My parents often try to do the same thing, especially when the bills start to build up. "and I can tell that it's weighing you down."

Ochaco silently assesses him, he's clearly trying to think of what to say, and she doesn't want to interrupt his thought process. Honestly, she might be pushing him too far. They don't really know each other that well, heck, this is only their second time interacting with each other. So, he really doesn't owe her answers, but she can't just let this sit. He's clearly hurting, and if she can help then she will.

Izuku's astonished she saw right through him. Then again, he was never very good at hiding his emotions. But what can he say? Tell her that he's one of the soul keepers of some ground shattering secrets: aliens, the Plumbers, and this powerful watch. How is he supposed to explain his feelings while also withdrawing information?

He remembers how Thirteen also tried to help him by getting him to converse. He remembers their advice; that sometimes talking to someone can help ease one's pain. So, maybe he can talk about something, talk about what's really plaguing his mind. "There have been some… things bothering me recently." He admits, his eyes hesitate to meet Ochaco's.

The round-faced girl shifts from her spot, situating herself, allowing Izuku to know that he has her full undivided attention.

Izuku prepares himself, taking a breath, trying to ease his worries. "Do you remember Henzu Uuichi?"

Ochaco nods. "Yeah, your… friend from the mall."

"Yeah, well, we sort of got into a fight and now…" Izuku can feel tears begin to form, so he looks away slightly as to not let Ochaco notice. "we're no longer on speaking terms." Izuku presses a hand over his heart remembering the ripping away sensation when Henzu pried on the watch. The pain almost seems unbearable now thanks to the betrayal and shame he feels.

Ochaco notices the change in Izuku's emotional state. "I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine physically, but… emotionally I'm not." He takes a shaky breath; God why is this so hard? A bit of tears starts to drip from his eyes, he runs his hands together trying to keep himself together. "He was about to do something that we'd…both regret and I had to stop him." He begins to sniffle; he runs his arm across his face in a poor attempt to wipe away his tears. "I know I did the right thing, but…it hurts. Why does it hurt so much?" The dam broke, tears streaming down his face he hides his head in his arms trying not to let Ochaco see him. Why does it hurt so much? I did the right thing. I did what a hero should, but…I lost a friend…the only friend I've ever known or had. "And the worst part…" He's shaking while festering in a pit of melancholy and regret. "the worst part is that…I caused all of it." He's having a hard time speaking between his tears and sniffs. "I lied to him and…so that propelled him to do it. If I had been honest…from the start…then we'd…still be friends. And none of this would have happened!" Izuku wails out throwing his head down in defeat, giving up on trying to hold back his emotions allowing the tears to flow unhindered.

Ochaco isn't sure what she could say to make him feel better. So, she doesn't say a thing. She shifts over, placing a gentle hand on the boy's back letting him know that he's not alone in this.

Izuku remains in a heaping mess as he lets his tears run their course. After a few minutes he finally calms down enough to wipe his face clean.

Izuku is able to compose himself and get his breathing under control. "Thanks, Uraraka. *Sniff* Sorry, for dumping all of that on you."

"It's okay." Ochaco keeps her hand on his shoulder allowing him to lean on her slightly. "Just tell me, do you feel better now?"

Izuku thinks about and honestly, he does feel a lot lighter and somewhat refreshed now. "Yeah., I do. It felt really good to get that off my chest."

That makes Ochaco smile both for Izuku's emotional health and the fact that she was able to help him in a small way.

Izuku can't help but smile, too. He really does feel a whole lot better. 'I guess Thirteen was right after all, sometimes it is good to just talk to someone, even if it doesn't solve the issue, it does help to calm my emotions.'

*Grrrrr*

'What was that?!' Izuku flails his head about looking for the source of the growl.

*Grrrrr*

Ochaco covers her mouth trying to stop herself from outright laughing in his face. "Pft."

Izuku hears that, he spins towards her his eyes wide and nervous. His expression is what sets Ochaco off into a fit of laughter.

As Ochaco tries and fails to hold back her laughter, Izuku stares at her as if she's gone mad only for another growl to resonate…from his stomach. 'Oh, it was me…' The realization make Izuku want to crawl into a hole for a little away, at least until the embarrassment wares off. "I think that's a sign for us to have lunch."

Ochaco manages to take a breath, clearing her eyes of tears. "Sounds good, any place in mind?"

Feeling like he regained some dignity, Izuku stands up. "There's a great restaurant I know of not too far from here."

"Sounds good," Ochaco follows his example. "lead the way."

And with that the two teens make their way out of the park and towards the downtown area.

Rojo is frustrated to say the least, she's still trying to understand all the strange symbols showing up on her visual display the only comprehensible icon on her display is that of a lock-on symbol that has her tracing it with her eyes. The target symbol is moving across the screen, but she can't see or even tell how close the Omnitrix is. So, to help locate it, she climbed onto the tallest building she could find in the area. "Now where is it?" She scans the area until finally the target symbol moves towards the open street and locks onto a black watch with a green hourglass symbol on it. "There you are."

Meanwhile, Izuku and Ochaco stroll through the street passing by quiet stores, services, and a small number of pedestrians.

Ochaco leans in close, staring in awe at the green glowing watch wrapped around Izuku's wrist. "Woah, so what's that one do?"

Izuku can't help but chuckle. He's currently walking Ochaco through his arsenal of transformations, by displaying their silhouettes on the watch's dial. "I call this one Ripjaws. Basically, I become a tall fishman with razor sharp teeth and claws."

"Haha I bet it's hilarious to see."

Izuku winces in embarrassment. "Eh, I wouldn't hold my breath." He grins awkwardly hoping his joke was somewhat funny.

It works in a way, because Ochaco spittakes in response. "Pft, was that a joke?!" She tries and fails to hold back her laughter making Izuku slouch in humiliation.

"It was that bad, huh?"

"No, no." Ochaco waves off his concern. "It was good, just need to work on your delivery."

Izuku is able to smile appreciating the advice but feeling self-conscious for even having to be given advice at all. "I'll try."

A moment of silence falls over them as they continue their trek. "Uh, h-hey, Uraraka?"

Ochaco stops, blinking in curiosity. "Yes, Deku."

"I…I never asked, but," Oh, God is he nervous. "How are you doing?!"

"Um, I'm doing fine?" Why is he asking this now? Is he trying to start a conversation? Or what?

Sensing her confusion Izuku clarifies. "What I mean is, how are you doing after…the mall trip?"

"Mall trip?" She takes a moment to think about what he means and when she makes sense of it, a feeling of dread fills her stomach. "Oh, yeah…that trip." She's clearly become uncomfortable, Izuku notices but he's unsure what to do about it. He's too afraid of accidentally upsetting her. He attempts to reach out to her, but his handshakes so badly with nervousness that it's slow to get there. His hand never reaches her shoulder to comfort her thou. "The day in the mall…when I really think about it…it was the SCARIEST thing I've ever done in my life!"

The blood drains from Izuku's face.

Ochaco cradles her stomach as if she's going to hurl as the images of mutant animals and a deranged doctor flow through her head. "It was terrifying, we could have been killed!" Tears start to leak out from her eyes. "We shouldn't have gone after the villain! We should have never even fought those monsters!" She grabs at her eyes trying to stop the inevitable stream of tears to break through. "I can't bear the thought if one of us had died…and what that would mean…for those we care about…" And like that the dam breaks and tears pour out as Ochaco chokes on her regret.

Izuku is beyond stunned, but mostly he feels guilty. Guilty because it was him that dragged her into it, it was him that nearly got her killed, it was him that nearly cost her everything. "I-I'm…I'm sorry…"

Ochaco gives a harsh sniff wiping her nose with her arm. "W-why are you sorry?"

"It was all my fault. I led you and Henzu into that fight. I was the one that risked our lives. And I am so sorry for putting you through that." That's right, he's the one at fault. And he truly regrets involving them in his theatrics, but in all honesty, he doesn't regret what they accomplished. "In full confidence thou, I'm obliged to say that I don't regret what we did."

Ochaco's eyes widen in shock. How could he be so insensitive?

Realizing how badly he worded that, Izuku continues. "What I mean is, that I regret forcing you to action, but I don't regret nor am I ashamed that we were able to save lives that day." He states this like the fact it is, full of confidence and conviction. "We saved a lot of good…innocent people that day." His eyes lock onto to the brunette's. "We were heroes." He gives her the most comforting smile he can offer.

Ochaco inhales sharply, even though she still feels like she's going to breakdown from the experience, she can't help the sense of pride and gratification she feels as well when she really thinks about it. A tiny soft smile just barely begins to form on her face.

A woman's voice interrupts in a sarcastic tone of voice. "Awe, ain't this cute?"

Both teens look forward and instantly alarm bells are ringing in Izuku's head. Something's not right about this woman. Her… features are off but they're familiar. And then it hits him. 'The alien drone… Is she one of them?'

Ochaco, also senses something off, she can't help but find something familiar about this person. "Who are you?"

"Me? I was a nobody, but now," Rojo smirks flexing her metallic claws. "I can be whatever I want, and I want to be powerful."

Well there goes the possibility that she's friendly.

Izuku and Ochaco take a step back ready to run if need be. Izuku leans forward and positions his hand over the watch. 'I guess she's not an alien robot then, she must have merged with one somehow… maybe it's her quirk.' 

Rojo notices Izuku's hand hovering over the watch, reminding her of her mission. "But I can only do that if you hand over the Omnitrix."

That throws Izuku off. "The what?"

Ochaco looks over towards the greenette. "What's she talking about?"

"Don't play dumb!" Rojo snaps annoyed with their reactions. The red plates on her shoulders move upward and begin to buzz as a laser begins to charge. "Now are you going to hand it over or will I have to take it from your melted corpse?" She sticks her hand out ready for these kids to willingly handover what she's looking for.

Ochaco turns to him, worry written across her face, looking for an answer.

'This is bad.' Izuku grimaces. What's he supposed to do? What is she even talking about? What could she possibly want from them?

Rojo is losing patience, she needs the Omnitrix in exchange for more technology. "Okay, kid. Time's up give me the Omnitrix" She stomps forward standing next to a light pole, she swings her arm slashing through the steel with her razor spines on her arms. "or I'll slice off your arm to get it." The light pole tips over, crashing onto the street with a loud clang.

'Arm? What is she…' Izuku slowly peers down at his wrist as realization dawns on him. She's referring to the alien watch!

No, he can't allow her to take it. If someone like her would to have control over this device, it could be catastrophic. Who knows what mayhem she'll cause or how many people she'll harm?

One thing is clear though. He'll do what he can to stop her from getting it.

Izuku grips the…Omnitrix ready to defend it. "If you want it," He grips the Omnitrix, disappearing in a flash of greenlight. "you're going to have to pry it from my cold dead hands." Four Arms flexes raising his fists as to exaggerate his point. 'Nailed it.' He thinks smugly, happy that he was able to get a quip in.

Ochaco gasps silently at Izuku. Is he crazy!? They should run and call the police, maybe find a hero to handle this.

Rojo is taken aback by this development. That damn voice should have told her about this kid's quirk. "Woah, hey what the hell just happened?"

Four Arms grins. "Simple, I buffed up."

"Tsk, funny guy. Well I'm more than willing to accommodate." Rojo raises her claws positioning herself like that of a beast ready to pounce. "Let's dance big boy."

And with that Rojo leaps into action. She's fast, in less than a second, she's cleared over half the distance between them, her arms stretched to the sides as to ready slashing attacks.

Four Arms, noticing the outstretched claws, readies to defend himself. By some odd coincidence, his experiences with Bakugou as well as analysis heroes and their battles over the many years have given Izuku a good, albeit inexperienced battle sense. But as of now they are paying off seeing as his prediction was correct.

As she approaches Rojo draws back her left arm before lunging it forward towards the red alien. Using his bulky forelimb, Four Arms easily parries the attack. Rojo swipes with her other claw but it's effortlessly blocked.

Now that both her attack and defense are down, Four Arms uses his two lower arms to grab onto Rojo's arms.

"Damn!" Rojo snarls trying but failing to pull away thanks to Four Arms' grip. "Let go of me!"

"Sure thing." Four Arms swings his body pulling the robotic villain along with him. "There you go!" He throws her around both him and Ochaco towards the upper floor of a nearby building.

Rojo bounces off the brick wall before landing with a loud crash onto the hard street below.

She doesn't move, thinking they're fine Four Arms takes a moment to check on Ochaco.

Her face is written in worry and nervousness, her eyes glued to the still form of the villain.

"Uraraka," She flinches, drawing her attention towards the hulking mass of muscle. "Go ahead and-"

"You bastard!" Ochaco gasps as Izuku scowls when they realize that Rojo is fine.

As she stands up Four Arms takes note of the fact that there's not a single scratch on her. She doesn't even look fazed by being thrown at a building.

"You think you're hot-stuff? You think that thanks to your quirk than that makes you some kind of hero, don't ya?" Although she's fine physically it's clear to anyone that she's more than pissed. "Hate to break it to you but with my new power," Her fingers begin to shift becoming thinner and notably sharper. "not only will I be taking the Omnitrix, but I'll make sure to hurt you so bad that you won't even be able to hold a fucking pencil!" Her newly formed claws sheen in the light of the day, they are twice as long as they were before, they are more akin to blades. "Prepare yourself for a world of pain!" She runs forward swinging her blades wildly with no real technique or plan other than to tear through the kid's hide.

Fearing for not only his life but Ochaco's, Four Arms grabs the brunette before jumping backwards just barely avoiding Rojo's attack. She doesn't let up though as she chases after her prey who has little to no time to defend himself as he continues to dodge attack after attack. Four Arms, using one arm to secure Ochaco, does his best to parry, dodge, and defend from the onslaught. Luckily, this alien's hide is tougher than one would think so not many of the slashes actually pierce through the skin, thankfully. However, human flesh is a different story. One wrong move and he risks Ochaco's life and if he doesn't finish this or get them away in time he'll revert back to human and it'll for sure be over for them both.

Ochaco is terrified, this villain really has her on edge. All she wanted was a peaceful afternoon, one that doesn't involve monsters, robots, or villains. 'But Why? Why is this happening? What the heck is she after? And why? Why aren't I doing anything?' Four Arms dodges another slash, acting fast he grabs Rojo's wrist, and then he flings her into a light pole. The light pole bends as the villain is slammed into it. 'Deku is so amazing. He's scared, I know that, but he's still able to stand and fight. And here I am terrified out of my mind, unable to help.' Rojo quickly springs back up and continues her assault but this time Four Arms is able to counter with his own punches. While using his body to shield Ochaco. 'I'm a hinderance. He's only trying to defend me.' Rojo manages to get a clean strike to Izuku's chest making him wince as he stumbles backwards. 'I'm slowing him down!'

Rojo lands a solid punch to Four Arms' gut making him keel over, wheezing from the blow. "Not so tough now are ya?"

While bent over Four Arms latches on to Rojo's leg lifting her up. He then swings her downward slamming her into the ground again and again until he launches her away. The robotic woman skids across the ground the sound of metal scraping across the concrete accompanies her.

With a small moment of reprieve Four Arms finally puts Ochaco down. She wobbles on her feet, her nerves now allowing her to keep her balance. "Uraraka, go and call for help."

Ochaco looks somewhat relieved but still very much worried. "Ar-are y-you sure?"

Four Arms nods his head. "Yes."

While those two have a quick strategy meeting Rojo leaps back onto her feet. Seeing that his opponent is back on their feet Four Arms readies himself to continue. Meanwhile, Ochaco remains rooted to her spot her eyes glued to Rojo's metallic red form.

"What's going on here?!" A male voice shouts out from afar.

Four Arms and Ochaco spin around spotting what appears to be a hero running towards them. They must have received a call about a couple of mutant quirk users duking it out.

The pro hero appears to be Mr. Brave at least that's what Ochaco and Rojo are able to make out from Four Arms' muttering from when he recognizes the lesser-known pro hero.

Rojo also spots the pro hero making a beeline for them. 'Shit! I got to think fast here.' This is bad, she's already wasting too much time with this overgrown child and now a hero is here to arrest her. If this fight drags on any longer no doubt more heroes will show up to help take her down. She may now be stronger but even she knows that the numbers in battle can defeat the strongest of foes. She has to think of a way to keep the hero at bay while also getting this brat alone… She glances over taking note of the girl that the red brute's been hauling around. Rojo smirks gleefully as a devious idea forms in her head.

Mr. Brave is nearly upon them and with no time to waste Rojo sprints forward and grabs onto her target. She binds her arm around the surprised and terrified Ochaco before jumping onto the outer wall of a five-story building. She digs her free claw and her clawed feet into the WALL allowing her to hold to the side.

Four Arms realizes his blunder of letting his guard down, fearing for Ochaco's life. "Uraraka!"

"Deku!" Ochaco screams out squirming in Rojo's tight hold. She is unable to get her hands free and thus unable to reach anything that she can use her quirk on and allow her to break free.

Rojo crawls up the wall as Ochaco squirms and begins to tear up. As she hops onto the roof, she calls back down at Four Arms. "If you want your girl back, you'll have to give up the Omnitrix you brat!" And with that she takes off via leaping from roof to roof.

"Hey, get back here villain!" Having just witnessed a kidnapping Mr. Brave takes off after Rojo, but due to lack of acrobatics he must follow from the streets below.

Four Arms calls out to the pro hero. "Hey, wait!" But it's too late the pro hero is already out of earshot. 'This is really bad.' Four Arms takes off running, chasing after the pro hero and the villain. 'This is all my fault! How could I have let her get taken like that?! Oh, I hope Uraraka is okay!'He's now in a full-on sprint passing by driving cars and unsuspecting bystanders, from above he can spot Rojo roof jumping with a struggling Ochaco in her arms, and not too far away is the hero Mr. Brave who looks to be calling in backup. 'What do I do?! What do I do?!' 

Rojo turns her head to analyze the situation, she grins spotting both the hero and big red muscle head following below. She continues on her way but with much more urgency.

Noticing the change in speed Four Arms attempts to speed up as well but he's so busy trying to keep an eye on the kidnapper that he fails to pay attention to where he's going. More precisely, he fails to see oncoming traffic.

*CLANG!*

A truck slams right into the bulky alien. Four Arms yelps as he bounces off the grill and onto the street. Pedestrians gasp and some even wince as they witness the large mutant getting plowed by the heavy vehicle.

"Ow." Four Arms groans as he pushes himself off the ground, holding his head with one hand, and holding his side with another. After taking a moment to pat himself down he's happy to report that nothing appears to be broken the worst thing he has is probably a very large bruise and road burn, thank God he was Four Arms and not Ditto he definitely would have ended up like a bug on a windshield.

People surround him asking if he's alright but he's a bit preoccupied he's scanning the roofs looking for Rojo. 'Shit!'He can't see her, nor does he spot the pro hero anywhere. 'No. No! No! This can't be happening!' He's panicking as he stumbles here and there trying but failing to gently move those around him as they can only stare at him in confusion or concern. "Where are they?! Where are they?!"

"They went that way." A cool calm voice responses from within the crowd.

"What?" Four Arms spins around and for a second, he thinks he's staring at another alien, but he quickly brushes off that idea.

A tall and rather muscular young man with pale gray hair, that's swept forwards, and that covers most of his face and his eye. He has six arms that are all attached to each other by a web of skin, his two upper arms have hands at the end but the rest end in what appear to be ears, eyes, and even a nose. He's also wearing a blue mask that happens to cover the lower half of his face. Izuku is instinctively curious of what's under the mask.

The young man steps forward as he approaches Four Arms takes note that the young man is about a foot shorter than him. "You were chasing after that villain, right? The one carrying the girl?"

Four Arms' heart begins to race as he remembers his mission ."Yes, she took my friend! Do you know which way they went?"

"Yes, I saw them heading in that direction." The multi-armed man points west. "I can even hear them from here, just go down a few blocks and you should be able to hear sirens. When you do follow them."

Those are some specific directions, must be thanks to his quirk. "Okay, thanks so much!" Four Arms bows his large body making it a rather hilarious sight. "I really appreciate it!"

"No thanks are necessary." The young man waves it off as Four Arms stands backup. "Now you better hurry, sounds like things are only escalating over there."

"Right," Four Arms breaks into a run, as he does, he waves back at the helpful soul. "thanks again."

The masked youth gives the red hulk a thumbs up in response.

'What a nice guy.' Izuku thinks to himself.

As he rounds the corner the watch or more precisely the Omnitrix flashes red regressing Izuku to his original form. And it couldn't have happened at a worse time, even though he's been training his athletic ability is nowhere near Four Arms' meaning it takes him longer than anticipated to get into earshot of the sirens the tall muscular man had told him about. After nearly three minutes Izuku can finally hear the sound of police sirens in the distance, he follows the sirens until it's clear where they are originating from.

After taking a shortcut through an alleyway Izuku finds himself lost amongst a rather large crowd of people. "What da?" Due to his stature he is unable to make out what is happening.

So, he follows along the edge of the crowd making his way around until he gets a clear enough view of the situation. A number of police and pro heroes such as Mr. Brave, Air Jet, Death Arms, Backdraft, Slugger, Kamui Woods, and Mount Lady are present and they seem to be surrounding a store that seems to specialize in selling various appliances: fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.

"What's happening? Where's Uraraka?"

A very familiar and welcoming voice calls out to Izuku. "Midoriya!"

Instantly recognizing that voice Izuku spins around and spots someone approaching him from behind. "Thirteen!" Indeed, Thirteen has arrived behind is their car left a distance away from the crowd as to not get in anyone's way or to draw attention. "What's going on?!"

Thirteen frowns. "It's not good a villain has taken a hostage."

"I know that already!" Izuku stats rather bluntly.

…

Thirteen gives him a questioning look. "Excuse me?"

Rather than let his blunder throw him off Izuku focuses in on the main issue. "The villain took Uraraka while we were together!"

Thirteen recognizes the name as the girl that Izuku fought Dr. Animo with. "Alright, explain everything."

"Alright," Izuku takes a single deep breath before explaining all that's transpired. "We, Uraraka and I, had met up earlier today and while we were heading for lunch when the villain."

Thirteen nods. "Right and then they kidnapped Uraraka."

Izuku tenses up realizing that Thirteen doesn't in fact understand the full situation. "No, the villain they…they wanted something…from me." Izuku grips the watch in a tight hold as if even finishing the sentence will magically teleport the device away.

Thirteen instantly picks up what Izuku's trying to say. "They wanted the watch." They say it like it's a fact and not a question.

Izuku nods. "They wanted the Omnitrix. It's what she called the watch." He finishes after Thirteen gives Izuku a puzzled look.

"The Omnitrix, huh?"

"Yeah," Izuku nods, his hands fumbling together. He's trying his best from his letting his nerves take over and he goes into a panic. "she demanded that I hand it over and when I didn't, she took Uraraka." He takes a quick shaky breath in the meantime Thirteen keeps their full attention on the fearful greenette. "And that's not all. The villain it looked like she's fused with one of those attack drones we've been encountering." Thirteen's eyes visibly widen. "It must be thanks to her quirk or something, but she's fast, strong, and dangerous. Oh, she also doesn't know what the Omnitrix does, but for some reason she's after it." He throws in the last bit of info rather half-hazardly.

Thirteen allows all the information to process in their mind. "Okay, that explains quite a few things: I had gotten a ping on my surveillance system about alien technology being activated and I tracked it here." Well that explains why they're here in the first place. "However, the fact that the technology has fused with the villain is not at all comforting." Izuku begins to shake, but he wills himself to keep it together. "Whoever this person is they know about the wat-Omnitrix, a major power boost with unknown capabilities, and a hostage. We'll have to search for answers later, especially about why they're after the Omnitrix in the first place if they're not even sure about what it does."

Now comes Izuku's panic attack, he's sweating as dark thoughts swirl in his head. "This is terrible. It's all my fault. I must have done something, someone must have found out about it and hired her to get it or something." Maybe it was Henzu Uuichi. "And now Uraraka could be hurt or worse. And the villain might get away. And if they get what they want, who knows what they'll do. And-"

A firm yet comforting hand grips Izuku's shoulder. It's a firm grip that is well practiced in calming panicking and hyperventilating victims in disaster zones. Izuku calms down, allowing Thirteen's presence to comfort him. "Relax, alright?"

Although he was much calmer now, he still can't help the feeling of dread and regret rise up in his throat. "How am I supposed to relax? When it's thanks to me that my…friend is being held against her will. Those robots they've been targeting me and while I'm around everyone I care about is at risk. How can I just standby and do nothing while those I care about are caught in the crossfire?!"

Amongst the storm of Izuku's tirade Thirteen's firm voice cuts are through the barrage of panic. "Then don't." Izuku instantly quiets down, unsure what the pro hero means. "You've never, not once, since I've known you have you been willing to just wait for someone else to save the day."

That is somewhat true Izuku thinks.

"It's why you're so quick to use the Omnitrix because for the first time in your life you have the power to do something, to save others, and that's incredible. So, why stop now?" Thirteen grabs both Izuku's shoulders and gives him a quick shake, anticipating an answer.

Izuku is still lost. "What are you getting at?"

Thirteen sighs, he needs to be forward with this one. "I'm going to be honest with you. What I'm about to say could get me reprimanded, but I think it's necessary. The villain has the appliance store sealed really good and we, the heroes, don't have a clear idea about what's going on in there." Izuku's breath hitches. "The villain is refusing to respond to police negotiations and none of the heroes can make a move without risking Uraraka's wellbeing."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I'm telling you all this, because I…" They pause to correct themselves. "we need you to sneak in there and stop the villain."

"What!?"

Thirteen isn't at all surprised by the teen's reaction. "I know but hear me out." Thirteen points at the store. "That villain has fused with technology. Alien technology. Meaning this situation falls under Plumber jurisdiction, but…" Thirteen leaves the sentence hanging hoping their message finally clicks with Izuku.

It does. "We can't risk being found out." Izuku finishes, his voice is serious but obviously full of fear.

"Exactly, and if pro heroes get involved not only will they have the villain, but they'll have access to level 10 alien technology." Thirteen shivers not wanting to think about what could potentially happen if that's the case. "And that could be catastrophic. And since there's no chance that I can get in there, let alone by myself, I need you to go in there and stop this villain. I need you to disable the alien technology within them. And I…we need you to save your friend."

Saying that this is a lot of responsibility is an understatement. How can he possibly do this by himself? This different than anything he's tackled to this point so far: monsters and robots are one thing. They can't strategize, adapt, or process emotions…but a villain, a human, with the ability to make decisions and a hostage is a whole other ballpark.

Noticing Izuku's discomfort Thirteen decides that he should be responsible and not try to force his protege into this. "If you don't feel comfortable with this than I understand."

Izuku can tell what they're trying to do, they're trying to give him an out a chance to step away. But that would mean risking the risk of alien technology being released into the world, the villain getting away, and abandoning Ochaco. How could he possibly do that? Can he really just walk away? … No, he can't.

Despite his nervous disposition he delivers a steely glare. "I'll do it."

Thirteen is a bit surprised, but they really shouldn't be. They definitely can't stop the sense of pride rising in their chest.

Izuku gives the pro hero a shaky and somehow a confident grin. "And I think I have a plan."

If Thirteen wasn't wearing a helmet Izuku would have seen one of the biggest grins of his life. "Then let's hear it."

A few miles away All Might, in his civilian clothes, holds up a very dizzy and possibly concussed purse thief. "FEAR NOT CITIZEN THIS THIEF WILL NOT TROUBLE YOU ANYMORE."

A small crowd of admiring faces have gathers aweing in All Might's glory. A single woman bows repeatedly as All Might returns her purse to her.

"HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, NOW WATCH AS I MAKE MY EXIT!"

*Whoosh!*

And just like that All Might disappears in a blink of an eye the only evidence of him ever being there is the and tied up unconscious thief and a gust of wind.

The small crowd barley starts to disperse many of them are still hyped up about encountering and witnessing the Symbol of Peace in action.

"Woah, look at him go!"

"How? He took off so quick."

"He's so cool!"

"You're amazing All Might!"

An extremely thin All Might overhears and blushes from the praise, glad that he could help. He steps out from his hiding spot, the backside of a nearby dumpster within a nearby ally. He takes a moment to regain his breath after all he's nearly at his limit for the day already. He's just about to walk away as the chatter behind him continues.

"I wonder where he went?"

"Probably to that hostage situation across town."

That makes the pro hero freeze up. 'A hostage situation?'

The two pedestrians continue not noticing the skeletal man eavesdropping on their conversation. "Yeah, the heroes got the whole place taped off and they can't seem to get inside. Apparently, the villain has a strong quirk and the hostage is just some middle school girl."

"That's too bad. I hope it all turns out okay for her."

"Yeah, me too."

All Might's mind can't help but remember the Slime Villain attack, but more precisely he remembers how useless he was. He couldn't be the hero that day for a lot of people: not for the crowd, the hostage, and definitely not for that boy, Izuku Midoriya.

No matter how much he'd like to he'll never forget what he did to that poor boy. A Quirkless boy so full of hope and he outright crushed it with little to no remorse. 'I could have done more…I should have done more, but I didn't I just turned his back on the kid.'

He feels uncomfortable when he considers how much that must happen to the boy, how often people turn their backs on each other because of their status, appearances, and/or abilities. 'Maybe…he was the one.'

It's not the first time he's considered this; perhaps that boy could be his successor, but… 'Would he even want to see me? Would he even listen? Would he even accept after everything I said?'

A dreadful feeling tells him that no the boy would not accept him. Sure, he could go and track him down, but would that really fix things? Probably not, and they may never know. Maybe in an alternate reality it all worked out from them. But in this reality, he has to find the right successor one that understands what it means to be a hero and can become a symbol.

But for now, he's the holder of One For All and the Symbol of Peace so for now he'll focus on his duties as such starting with the hostage situation.

As fast as he can muster, while in his weakened state, All Might takes off calling Tsukauchi to find out where the villain is held up. Hopefully he can make it there in time.

*Sniff*

'Someone please hurry.'

CLANK!

The sound of metal being smashed echoes throughout the building making Ochaco recoil in fright.

Rojo pulls her fist away in frustration from the smashed washing machine. "Dammit, he's taking too long." Rojo snarls kicking a different washing machine. She kicks it so hard that it's flung away, bouncing off other appliances before landing hard onto the tile floor.

Ochaco flinches from her seat on the cold floor. Her wrists are bound to a pipe as to not let her slip away. The villain also took her phone and her bag throwing them towards the opposite corner away from her.

Ever since Rojo brought her here, after nearly making her lose her lunch from hopping from rooftop to rooftop, they've been cooped up in this appliance store for nearly fifteen minutes and already she can hear the sound of police and heroes surrounding them. It gave her hope knowing that they're here, but it's been fleeting ever since they tried to hail the villain to negotiate, but she answered back with a round of lasers from her shoulder blasters.

Now here she is, scared witless as a killer robotic psycho paces back and forth through the store as if expecting something to happen.

"Arrrgh!" Rojo screams out slashing down at a refrigerator knocking it to the ground in a fit of rage. She spins around marching straight towards a terrified Ochaco. "Where is he!?" She screams directly into the girl's face, Ochaco can smell the older woman's breath, and she grimaces as specs of spit fly at her face.

"W-who's he?"

Rojo spits out her reply. "You're boyfriend!"

'Oh, Deku…' Wait. "He's not my boyfriend!" She (comedically) yelps out in embarrassment and shock.

Rojo clicks her tongue. "Whatever, either way he'll be showing himself sooner or later."

Ochaco tenses up, knowing the risk of accidental provoking the villain. "W-why do you say that?"

Rojo smirks, she can practically taste victory. "Simple, he knows what I'm after." She pinches Ochaco

'S face with two metallic fingers, squeezing her cheeks. Ochaco has to fight the urge to pull away as to not risk getting her face sliced off. "And if he doesn't want anything to happen to your cute round face" Rojo clutches her hand. "Then he'll have to deliver the Omnitrix to me on a silver platter."

Rojo mercifully releases the girl's face.

Ochaco rubs her cheeks. "T-the Omnitrix?"

"Yeah, that thing on his wrist."

She can't be serious. "His watch?" Why would she be after that thing? It's only function, as far as she knows, is to help Izuku control his quirk. She doesn't know why but she has one final question that needs to be answered. "Why?"

The question makes Rojo pause before drawing her full attention onto the prisoner. "Why? Why do people do anything?"

Ochaco's not sure if she should answer so she remains quiet.

"People will do anything for power and money! Those are the only things that drive people to do anything in this life!" Rojo states this with such righteous confidence that Ochaco actually starts to consider what she's spouting out. "Just look at me I'm fucking jacked!" Rojo gestures to herself admiring her red and mechanical physique. "I finally have the firepower to do what I want and after this I will be even more powerful." The blasters on Rojo's shoulder extend and blast an unexpecting dishwasher burning a hole right through it. "And with this power, this strength, I can take and do whatever I want! I'll be rich and known as one of the greatest bandits in the whole world! After this I bet, I'll even be able to take on All Might himself!"

A shiver runs down Ochaco's spine. 'She's insane.'

Rojo seems to notice Ochaco's reaction. "You're right to be scared, because no hero will come to save you."

"Th-that's n-not true."

"Isn't it?" Rojo asks rather coldly. "Those heroes out there are not here to save you. But to make themselves look good so they can become famous, get a fatter paycheck, and with that comes power. That's also why they won't risk coming in here. Because if they fail then that's bad press, with bad press comes a loss in popularity, which equals a real loss of money."

Ochaco hates how much sense the villain is making.

With a giant grin, Rojo glances towards the large store windows watching the number of heroes, police, and innocents outside waiting for something to happen. "Don't you see? The only way you're getting out of here is if your…friend delivers the Omnitrix or…" Rojo makes a slicing motion to her neck. "in a body bag."

Ochaco breaks down into a fit of tears, turning her head away as to not give the villain the satisfaction of seeing that she got to her.

Rojo chuckles to herself satisfied with the girl's reaction, she then marches off to survey the situation outside.

Ochaco is really having a tough time keeping it together as she slumps down in defeat, her hands bound over her head thanks to the binds. She just really wants to be home right now with her parents wearing her favorite pajamas. She'd rather be anywhere but here. 'It's not true. She's wrong! Someone will come. The heroes will come.'

"Don't let her get to you." A squeaky voice chirps out from above her head.

With tears clouding her eyes, Ochaco peers up not knowing what to expect, she certainly didn't expect to see a grey frog with bulging green eyes staring down at her. The little frog like thing is hanging off the side of the pipe that she's bound to. She blinks away the tears and that's when she notices the familiar green hourglass symbol on the medallion like disc on the frog's back.

"Deku?"

Grey Matter nods gesturing for Ochaco to keep her voice low. "Yeah, it's me."

Ochaco stiffs up and in a fit of panic she quickly scans for Rojo, but the villain isn't in her direct line of sight. "What are you doing here?" She whispers harshly at the grey bipedal frog.

Grey matter slides down the pipe until he's resting on Ochaco's arm. He grabs the bindings, sticking the rope into his mouth, before biting down hard. As he chews away, he tries to reply. "I, grrr, came to, grrr, get you, grrr, obviously."

*Snap*

And with that Ochaco's arms are free. The brunette rubs her wrists gently trying to regain blood circulation within her hands. Rojo is nowhere in sight, thankfully, but she can return any moment and how the hell are they supposed to get out of here? Make a run for it? No, they'll get caught before they can even make it to the door. Hide? She'll easily find them. Fight? No chance.

Even though she's no longer tied up, the cage of defeat still looms around her. She holds Grey matter in her hands, the little alien looking up at her with his big eyes that are full of concern and worry. "You should just leave."

The question comes totally out of nowhere for Grey Matter. What could she possibly mean? Just what did the villain do to her? "Uraraka, I can't just leave you here. We need to get out of here."

Ochaco gives her little friend a soft but deeply saddened smile. "Thank you, Deku. But you shouldn't have come."

Grey Matter has no idea how to react to this, should he say something? What should he do?

Ochaco chokes back a sob. "Why risk everything for me? I'm no hero." That really hurts to admit. "I can't do what you can do. I'm not powerful, I'm not skilled, I'm just a stupid girl with an unachievable dream. So, please Deku…just leave me…"

'Uraraka…I'm so sorry, this must be so terrifying for you. And it's thanks to me that you're even here.' He has to make this right, but first he has to get her out of here. He will get her to safety, and he'll beg for forgiveness, he'll do whatever it takes to make it up to her. "Uraraka I-"

"What's this?!" A red hand seemingly out of nowhere snatches onto the tiny alien. Ochaco yelps back in fright as Rojo holds up the frog-like alien examining it and noticing the dial on its back.

Grey Matter flails about struggling to break free from Rojo's grip. "Ah, Ah!"

"Deku! Are you okay?!"

Grey Matter tries to push and pull himself free of Rojo's claw. "Yeah, she just has really cold hands!" That's probably not the most pressing matter at the moment.

Grey Matter's body seems to squeak like a rubber duck as Rojo gives his body a few squeezes. "I knew you'd show up. Ready to give up the Omnitrix?"

If he wasn't an amphibian he would be breaking into a cold sweat right about now. "I, uh, not really. I'm rather attached to it in case you haven't noticed."

Rojo actually finds the quip amusing. "I'll be taking it anyway." Her silver claws glean as she turns Grey Matter over and tries to tinker with the strange alien device trying to find some way to get it off.

Grey Matter can feel the cold sharp claws scratching and digging into the Omnitrix faceplate and his flesh. He starts pounding on Rojo's hand, but it hardly phases her, it doesn't even tickle, instead it provokes her to tighten her grip to the point that he's actually struggling to breath. In between breaths he's somehow able to call out to a frozen Ochaco. "Uraraka…run."

The order goes unanswered as Ochaco continues to cower watching helplessly as her friend is being tormented by the mad woman. 'Deku…even when your backs against the wall you're still looking out for others…I'm not like you…I'm not a hero.' She hates how something deep in her mind seems to agree, and it hurts because it's true. How can someone like her, someone with such a weak will possibly be a hero? She's nothing like Deku! He never seems to hesitate to help others, but she always does she can't even save herself. She can't even will herself to move. 'How could I even consider the possibility of getting into U.A. and becoming a hero? How can I ever take care of my parents?'

Her parents, they work themselves to the bone just so they can keep a roof over their heads, cloth themselves, and get food on the table. And to thank them she really wanted to make a lot of money as a hero to give them the life they deserve. It's ironic really with how right the villain was; heroes only act for their own self-interests… No, that's not true. Just look at Deku…what could he possibly be getting out of this: not fame, fortune, or power he's here for the sole purpose to save her so she can live her life feeling safe and with a happy smile on her face. Happy smiles…that's what really drew her into the appeal of pro heroes they just seem to make everyone feel safer and happier with their presence alone. She had always dreamed of that the most, bringing smiles to people's faces, allowing them to live their lives free of fear and harm. That's the future she strives for one where not only her parents, but everybody can live their lives free of worry and strife. They can live their lives with smiles on their faces.

Something clicks inside her heart as she gazes up at the pathetic struggle above her. Grey Matter is doing his best to break free while trying to choke back the squeals of pain from having what feels like his own heart being tampered with.

'If I want to achieve my dreams…then I have to make a stand. I have to fight back. I have to save my friend!' Seemingly without thinking, as if by instinct, her legs seem to move on their own. "Leave him alone!"

She lunges at the villain, acting fast she presses a firm hand onto Rojo's shoulder making her weightless and without any hesitation she throws the much bigger woman backwards and right into the ground.

The attack didn't so much as hurt but it certainly came as a surprise and it does manage to knock the wind out of her allowing her to lose her grip and thus lose her quarry.

Without a second to lose Ochaco grabs Grey Matter and makes a beeline straight for the exit at the front of the store.

From within a much warmer and friendlier grip Grey Matter calls out to his savior. "Uraraka, that was amazing!"

She doesn't voice a reply, she's too focused on getting them out of there, but her eyes sheen down at her friend soundlessly appreciating the comment a great deal.

Rojo screams out in outrage. "You bitch!"

The morphed Izuku spins around in Ochaco's hand, his eyes widening in fear, as Rojo leaps up to her feet and the shoulder blasters extend upwards.

"Look out!" He barley shouts that out before a pair of laser beams are fired out right towards them.

Either by luck or skill Ochaco falls to the ground allowing the lasers to zip past her head, although the smell of singed hair does reach their noses. The lasers continue forward blasting apart a poor unexpecting drying machine. The blast is loud enough that everyone such as the news, heroes, and police are able to hear it.

"Get back here you brats!" Rojo roars out as she sends out a rapid-fire of lasers. "That watch is the key to my successes!"

Ochaco frantically ducks behind a row of refrigerators. The large machines provide enough cover to keep her out of sight which is good because Rojo fails to notice Ochaco scrambling towards the opposite end of the aisle and away from Rojo's aim.

Grey Matter peeks over the side observing the situation. He takes a moment to examine Rojo's body taking note of how much that alien drone actually melded with her human flesh… Perhaps to the point that he could rewire her! He could shut her down or make her go haywire! As Grey matter he'll definitely have the knowhow to complete such a task, but first he has to get close to her to do that. "Uraraka try to get me close to her."

"What?!" Ochaco harshly whispers, she accidentally squeezes the tiny Izuku making him wheeze.

"I think I can disable the technology encasing her body, but I need access to her inner wiring and components." He pauses to consider their options; he needs to stop her and retrieve the alien technology. Maybe with Ochaco's Zero-Gravity she could float him up and he could sneak up on her from above. "Throw me while she's not looking."

Ochaco considers the order, understanding what he's trying to do, but she quickly realizes the possible risks such as Deku being spotted as she throws him. "No, that won't work…but this will." Without warning she takes off in a sprint back towards the entrance of the store, not bothering with stealth, her hands tucked in front of her as to keep Grey Matter out of Rojo's sight.

Rojo takes the bait, she snarls in frustration not liking the idea of losing out on her payday, and gives chase leaping over and throwing machines that are in her way. "Stop running!"

The Izuku within Grey Matter rears his head as he has a panic attack. "What are you doing?!"

Ochaco speaks with the most conviction she can muster. "Giving you an opening."

She activates her quick on her friend, who instantly feels the effect of being weightless, while still running from a fast approaching Rojo she tosses him up and over her head.

Thankfully, Grey Matter is smart enough to remain quiet despite how much he wants to scream out in fear. It feels really weird to be floating in midair and watching as your friend fleas for her life as a mad woman chases after her. Speaking of which, Ochaco glances back at the nearing Rojo when the sprinting villain is nearly underneath Grey Matter the brunette gives a shaky smirk as she presses her fingertips together, releasing her quirk.

Grey Matter falls from above and lands, somehow quietly, on Rojo's shoulder thankfully with how much she's running around and crashing through things he goes unnoticed by her. Which is good because he's struggling to crawl his way towards the back of her head thanks to all the thrashing around. But he has to do this, he promised Thirteen, plus it wasn't exactly easy to get in here those vents were extremely dusty.

At this point, Rojo is practically at Ochaco's heels so much so that she takes a few swipes at the poor girl. Despite the real threat of being slashed into pieces Ochaco is surprisingly calm, she only a few aisles away from the exit. Sensing an oncoming attack, she ducks her head forward avoiding a swipe to her head, she then banks left into an aisle of more kitchen appliances: microwaves, refrigerators, etc.

Rojo follows but with a less than gentle manner, with a swing of her arm she bashes her arm against the stacks of appliances knocking them away, a few stray microwaves clash against Ochaco's legs tripping her up. The brunette tries her best but ultimately, she lands on the tile floor with a loud thud.

Ochaco groans propping herself up she's just about to get up when a shadow looms over her.

Rojo is huffing down at her with malice. "You're beaten. Now hand over the Omnitrix."

Ochaco glares up at her, but her expression breaks for a second not because of the villain but because of the little grey alien climbing on her shoulder blade; the adrenaline must be keeping her from noticing or maybe the robot skin is preventing her from sensing the additional weight.

"No, I don't think I will." With a cheeky smile Ochaco reveals her empty hands.

If it weren't for her altered eyes they would be widening in surprise. "Where is he?!"

From behind Rojo's neck Grey Matter can make out what appears to be the main circuit board of what was once the drone.

Ochaco takes a second to examine what's around her and from the corner of her eye the perfect weapon stands out. She then peers up at the villain, deciding to humor her question. "He's closer than you might think."

"What?"

Meanwhile, Grey Matter has somehow gotten through the steel skin to the circuiting underneath, and with as much strength he can manage with such a tiny body he tugs on the wires breaking a few of them free.

"Ahhhhh!" Rojo screams out in pain as a high-pitched static screeches through her head and electricity sparks out from the back of her neck, the sparks nearly fry the little alien who's holding on tight as to not get thrown off by Rojo's floundering. Rojo desperately tries to grab at Grey Matter but the little alien is a bit too slippery for her to even touch.

With the villain distracted Ochaco reaches for the one kitchen appliance that's stood out to her.

"What are you doing to me?!" Rojo roars out in desperation trying to get rid of the grey pest. She can feel it, she's losing control over own body, it's weakening. The strength, the surge of electricity, the power is all starting to fade away as the little pest continues to rip away at her inner wiring.

"Hey!"

Rojo spins around to face the girl what she sees really takes her by surprise. Ochaco's wielding large silver refrigerator holding it the cord making it look like a giant-sized balloon, the large size makes her look even smaller than she really is. But somehow that only enhances how intimidating she is right now with such a determined look in her eyes.

"Have a taste of this!" Even though she's scared, even though she's exhausted, even though she feels like she may puke at any given second she will not back down from this. She swings the fridge as if it was a giant flail right at Rojo.

The refrigerator slams right into Rojo, who stands there like an idiot thinking that her armor would protect her, it does not. Because in that same moment Grey Matter was able to complete his part of the mission, thus bringing her defense down to that of a normal human being. As the large machine slams into Rojo, Ochaco not only let's go of the cord but releases her quirk enhancing the impact of the attack. The impact comes in so fast and hard that the hit shatters the robotic exoskeleton making it crumble away like a potato chip being smashed. Add in the fact that now about 300 pounds of moving force not only has the strength to break things but to launch them too. Both Rojo and the fridge are sent flying towards the store entrance, both crash right through taking the crowd of reports, heroes, and bystanders by surprise.

Rojo passes out as she skids across the street completely stripped of her power and enhancements, reverting her back to her normal self, as a broken refrigerator lies not too far away.

Everyone's attention is so focused on the downed villain that most people don't notice the grey amphibian roll across the ground at the same time the villain was launched through the store.

The entire crowd is silent as they all gaze up towards the store entrance, and there waiting to greet them is a battered and exhausted Ochaco Uraraka she's out of breath and slightly queasy, either way she remains composed and standing. She wipes away sweat from the side of her face with her arm and breathing heavily while glaring down at the once mechanical criminal with disdain. What she says is a mere whisper, but because of the silence it is clearly audible. "I…can be a hero. And I will keep everyone safe!" Ochaco declares out to the world with a tired yet victorious smile.

And with that the crowd goes insane with thunderous applause and cheers, which totally take Ochaco by surprise making her pink-cheeks become even darker in color. The noise seems to snap the pro heroes and police out of their daze as they charge in to apprehend the villain, some of them enter the store to make sure no one else was inside, and a few pro heroes immediately descend upon Ochaco as well as any reporters that were starving for an interview.

Mt. Lady makes it to Ochaco first. "You were absolutely amazing!"

Ochaco squawks, making a comically confused expression with her mouth agape. "Wha?"

The reaction makes Mt. Lady squeal with delight. "Eee, you're so goddamn adorable! You just gotta join my agency when you go pro."

Before Ochaco could reply even more words are thrown right in her face by other pro heroes and reporters.

"That was spectacular!"

"Miss how are you feeling right now?!"

"How did you manage to defeat the villain?!"

"What exactly is your quirk?!"

"Do you plan on becoming a hero?! If so, join my agency!"

Grey Matter watches on at first, but it becomes increasingly difficult as reporters move-in nearly crushing him in the process. Luckily for the little guy a friendly hand snatches him up, bringing him to eye level.

Thirteen, holding Grey Matter in his open palms, watches as the Galvin tries to calm his racing heart. "You okay?"

Grey Matter nods waving off the adrenaline. "Yeah, just give me a minute." As his heart rate calm Grey Matter takes a moment to look over to where Ochaco is.

She's smiling, and blushing profusely, as heroes and reports praise her for not only rescuing herself, but for managing to bring down a dangerous villain all on her own. Even though the praise is extremely flattering it's clear that Ochaco is really suffering from embarrassment. Thirteen takes note of how uncomfortable she is amongst the swarm of new fans. "Come one let's go rescue her…again."

"You got it."

Thirteen places Grey Matter onto their shoulder before proceeding to squeeze their way through the sea of people in order to save Ochaco from the barrage of praise, inquiries, and agency offers.

Unbeknownst to the two of them they pass by a strange man with blonde hair and sunken eyes. He's dangerously skinny, his clothes hanging off of him, and he's having trouble breathing not surprising considering he ran all the way here and was able to catch the tail end of the ordeal. Thanks to his lankiness and height he watches as the police lead the round-faced girl way for her statement and a checkup. 'My search just might be over…'

Meanwhile, someone else comes to their own realization.

"Worthless!" The alien commander with an octopus like head roars out in anger. Oh, how he urges to destroy or kill something, but alas he can only voice his frustration thanks to being stuck in a healing pod. He continues to spout out words of anger until they begin to wheeze and cough.

One of the humanoid drones is busy monitoring their commander's vitals through a holographic screen. "Master please you are still recovering!"

The commander's wheezing stops, thanks to the breathing apparatus attached to his mouth and gills, and he composes himself "Silence…" The commander of alien cruiser peers upward at a large holographic monitor which is projecting what appears to be the day's events from Rojo's point of view.

The commander watches as the monitor replays the same scene over and over, the scene of a human girl somehow managing to takedown his agent with a single attack. "This…endeavor has proven…to be fruitless."

"Master should we send more drones?"

The commander takes a moment to think. How does he continue from here? How can he possibly retrieve the Omnitrix now? The inhabitants of this world are proving to be a greater nuisance than originally foreseen. The so called "pro heroes" are crawling all over this place called Japan, one of them was even able to take out his attack drones with a single strike. And now this, an adolescent child was able to defeat his minion. This cannot stand! However, it is clear that drones will not get him what he so desperately desires. "No…"

All of the drones within the command center stop what they are doing to check on the status of their leader. "Master?"

"We…will decrease the deployment of drones…for now we will standby and observe. We will take time…to learn about this backwater planet and its inhabitants…until an opportunity…presents itself."

Yes, this is the right strategy. He needs time not only to heal but to work around those pesky "heroes", he cannot just simply use force to take the Omnitrix, he needs to be more…resourceful. So, for now, he will learn what he can and perhaps if the hero presence on this world is so great than so too must be the criminal underworld. Perhaps a solution lies there.