Chapter 12
"Mountaintops inspire leaders, but valleys mature them."
- Winston Churchill
Fort Erskine, CA - July 4, 2042
It was Independence Day in the ole US of A.
A day where Americans could come together and demonstrate their patriotic spirit by waving flags, eating and drinking tons of food and drinks (likely alcoholic), playing games, and–of course–setting off colorful explosions in the sky…or just blowing stuff up. It was as the Founding Fathers had intended when they signed their names on the Declaration of Independence nearly three-hundred years ago.
Most personnel stationed at Fort Erskine were given the day off to celebrate the nation's birthday, but the SSR recruits were required to remain on base. The group indulged in card games, basketball in the courtyard, and/or chatted about various topics outside of military life.
In short, today was a day of relaxation that the SSR recruits sorely needed.
Izuku Midoriya, however, did not have the luxury of taking things easy today as he was embarking on an important mission.
"You sure you want to do this now? I mean, we can always try this another time." Bucky offered.
"Don't worry about it." He smiled reassuringly. "I still have a couple hours before I'm required to report to the science division anyways. Besides, this'll be a great way to settle my nerves before then and help you out at the same time."
Bucky smiled appreciatively. "Well, if you're sure about it. Let's get started!"
The two friends were sitting next to each other at one of the dining hall's tables.
"Okay, so…" Izuku somehow pulled out a blank composite notebook and pencil from somewhere on his uniform. Bucky wasn't sure where and didn't really want to know. The scrawny teen neatly wrote in English on the front cover.
BUCKY'S GUIDE TO LEARNING JAPANESE
"...you should know that I'm not fluent in Japanese. So I can't teach you everything, I'm afraid." Izuku clarified. "But I can at least put you on the right track."
Bucky furrowed his brows. "I would've thought your mom taught ya."
Izuku nodded. "The basics, yeah, but she mostly spoke in English to help me assimilate to America better."
The brunet nodded in understanding. "That…makes sense. Well, that's fine." He grinned. "We all gotta start somewhere, right?"
"Just a fair warning, learning any new language is a lot of work; Japanese especially." he cautioned.
Bucky grinned confidently. "I've never backed down from a challenge before, and I don't plan on starting now."
Izuku smiled at his friend's enthusiasm. "Alright, let's start with the basics then. Learning the alphabet."
Bucky nodded. "Seems straightforward."
"There are three basic writing systems you'll need to know to read Japanese: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji."
"Or…not…" He deflated slightly.
Izuku flipped to the first page and titled it 'Hiragana'. "Let's start with Hiragana as that's pretty important for any beginner. It's used primarily for native Japanese words, if I remember correctly. It's considered the key to understanding how and why Japanese words sound the way they do. Because most of the characters have only one pronunciation, Hiragana is quite easy to learn. Once you learn Hiragana, you'll create a firm foundation needed for a native-sounding accent…"
Izuku continued to ramble while his hand and pencil danced across the notebook paper. In moments, he had already filled out the first couple of pages with all of the basic information he knew on Hiragana.
Bucky, meanwhile, nodded every few moments as he tried to follow along with everything Izuku was saying-which was easier said than done. 'This…will be a challenge…' He mused sheepishly. 'But…' Recalling how Izuku pushed himself through all of the training and exercise drills the past 10 days, his determination swiftly returned. '...if Izuku can push himself through all of that, then I can learn this.'
Over 90 minutes later, Izuku was still giving Bucky a basic tutorial on the Hiragana alphabet and filled up five pages with an alphabet chart and various notes. Though the Brooklynite struggled to keep up at first, he was starting to pick up on what Izuku was teaching him closer to the end. He was grateful his new friend took excellent notes, however. There was no way he could've recorded so much information otherwise.
"There you guys are." The pair looked up from the notebook to see the source of the voice was Sharon and James, Namor, and Nick walking alongside her. "Was wondering where you both snuck off too."
"What the hell are you doin' cooped up in the mess hall?" James asked gruffly. "Shorty's not supposed to have anything to eat, isn't he?"
The mention of 'food' made the small teen's stomach growl and twist in discomfort. Going without food for almost a day would do that to someone.
"Does it look like we're eating? We're studying, guys." Bucky evenly responded.
"Studying?" James furrowed his brows. "For what? A pop quiz?"
"Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if that crazy Corporal Yamamoto gave us one…while running wind sprints around the fort and pulling weighted sleds." Nick sardonically added.
Izuku wanted to dispute Nick's statement but remained silent as he recalled the past ten days of utter hell. Actually, she likely would do something like that.
Namor closed his eyes, humming. "As warriors, we must be prepared for any waves that crash against us. Perhaps our comrade Izuku is onto something?"
"I'm pretty sure Howlett was being sarcastic, Namor." Sharon deadpanned.
"Oh…" Namor blinked.
James rolled his eyes. "Lighten up a little, Atlanta."
"If you guys are curious, I was teaching Bucky how to write Japanese." Izuku answered.
The group blinked and turned to look at the Brooklynite incredulously. Bucky never struck any of them as the studious type.
"What?" James uttered, dumbfounded.
"Uh…not saying there's anything wrong with that but…why?" Nick knitted his brows in confusion.
Izuku was also curious about Bucky's choice. At the time, he didn't inquire for details when Bucky had approached him days earlier about teaching Japanese. Izuku thought it'd be a nice way to give back to his new friend after all of the kindness and respect he had shown him. He was sure Bucky had his reasons for wanting to learn his homeland's language.
Bucky shrugged nonchalantly. "Why not?"
"Yah seriously expect us to believe you're wanting to learn a new language just for the hell of it?" James sounded skeptical.
Bucky shrugged, "All I'll say is I have my reasons."
Izuku turned to Bucky, curious. "Does it pertain to that dream you mentioned to me a couple nights ago?"
Bucky smirked wryly. "Maybe… Just maybe. But, we'll have to leave it there for today."
Izuku nodded and hastily wrote in the notebook a few phrases in Hiragana.
こんにちは
さようなら
バッキー・バーンズ
(Bonus!) さらに先へ.
Satisfied, Izuku pushed the book toward his Battle Buddy. "Here! You should be able to translate these with the notes in here. It'll take effort on your part, but you can do it."
"Ugh, homework." Bucky feigned a groan. "But seriously, thanks. This means a lot."
"Anything for a friend." Izuku smiled, momentarily blinding the group from how bright and innocent it was.
'So pure!' Sharon internally shouted, a tinge of pink forming on her cheeks.
'Just a beacon of sunshine this kid is.' James mused.
"We can continue the lesson next time." Izuku tensed up a little. "Well, if everything goes-"
"It will." Bucky cut in, laying a supportive hand on Izuku's shoulder. "You're in good hands."
Izuku smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I know."
Later, Izuku stood in front of a bathroom mirror, giving his appearance one last look over. He straightened out the wrinkles in his green camouflage combat uniform. His surname was emblazoned on his right pectoral with the American flag and SSR symbols stitched to his right sleeve. He ran his fingers through his messy black hair before hiding it under his camo cap.
He exhaled deeply to calm himself. 'This is it. Today is The Day.'
Confirming that he was presentable, Izuku nodded to himself before stepping out of the communal bathroom and into the main room. All twelve of the other A.M.P recruits were inside at the moment, lying on their respective beds either talking to one another or silently relaxing while his main group of friends had gathered by the front doors. As he walked down the main aisle, he could feel the stares of his fellow recruits on him.
He shrunk in his uniform ever so slightly, feeling a tad uncomfortable.
"Hey, yah think you're clean enough now, dude?" Bucky smiled wryly.
"Oh…uh," Izuku realized that he had been in the bathroom for a while. "Y-yeah, sorry. The shower was really relaxing, yah know…" He smiled sheepishly.
"Mhmm," Namor subduely nodded, arms crossed over his broad chest, "The harmonic flow of water can help to relieve stress."
"Well, it did help a bit. But," Izuku's eyes trailed off, "I'm still–"
"Scared sh*tless?" James curtly suggested.
"Well…yeah, kind of." Izuku truthfully admitted.
"If we weren't on an Army base, I'd recommend booze or cigars. They can take the edge off." James said casually.
"I…think I'll pass." Izuku deadpanned, sweat-dropping. 'Wait, isn't James too young to drink?!'
"Good choice." Nick nodded sagely. "Nothing good comes from getting hooked on that junk."
Sharon turned her gaze to James and narrowed her gaze. "Don't put toxic ideas like that in 'Zuku's head, Howlett."
The stocky man shrugged. "It was just a suggestion yah bunch of squares."
"Well, it's a terrible one. Our cinnamon roll is too pure for that stuff anyways." Sharon added matter-of-factly.
'Cinnamon roll?' Izuku hadn't been called that one before. He wasn't sure if he liked it or not, honestly.
"Cinnamon roll?" Izuku questioned. "What did you mean by that, Sharon?"
Sharon smiled. "Oh, I just came up with it. You're small, sweet, and have freckles. So yeah…you're a cinnamon roll."
"Oh…" Izuku felt his face heat up slightly. "Thanks…I think."
"Ha-ha-ha!" Another recruit lying on a bunk close by boisterously chuckled. "Geez, Carter, you're making the poor fella blush." He was a six-foot-tall (182 cm) burly young man with a square jawline, brown eyes, and short auburn hair. "He's already got enough on his mind without you sending him mixed signals. Try toning it down a little, yeah?"
'Mixed signals?' Izuku titled his head.
"H-hey, what's that supposed to mean, Dugan?" Sharon sounded defensive.
Namor tried to answer for her. "I believe Private Dugan is insinuating that you have fe–"
"Don't complete that sentence!" A tick mark popped up on Sharon's temple.
The other recruits chuckled at the exchange and some started whispering to one another, occasionally looking in Izuku and Sharon's direction.
The young blonde woman growled under her breath while Izuku was ignorant over the situation. 'I have no idea what's going on...' He blinked twice.
"Anyways," Bucky switched topics and looked at Izuku, "I know you're worried, man, I would be too…but it's gonna be alright."
"The doctor knows what she's doing." Nick added. "Sure the Super-Soldier procedure is one-of-a-kind, untested, and basically changes your DNA and stuff…but I'm sure it'll be fine." He waved off.
"Um…yeah." Izuku did not feel any better.
"You sure have a way with words, Huntsville." James remarked dryly.
Still lying down on his bunk, the recruit Dugan glanced sideways at the short teen. "Hey… Midoriya." He called out.
"Huh?" Izuku turned around to look at the reclined man curiously. "What's up, Dugan?"
"Yah sure about going through with this procedure?" Dugan questioned.
"Oh… yeah, I am. Why do you–"
"Are you really sure?" Dugan cut him off. "You realize there's a good chance you're going to die, right?"
Izuku's breath hitched in his throat, taken off guard by the redhead's bluntness. He hadn't had as much interaction with Dugan in comparison with his main group of friends, but Dugan seemed like a rather nonchalant person based on what he had observed so far.
"Hey!" Sharon raised her voice. "Where do you get off–"
"I'm just stating the truth, Carter. Look, Midoriya, I respect you and all but it's no secret that physically you're way behind the rest of us." Dugan went on. "And like Fury said, this procedure is practically untested. I know I sure as hell wouldn't want to be the first subject."
"Hold on," Bucky narrowed his eyes. "Are you implying that Doctor Hatsume is just using Izuku as a guinea pig?"
"I don't mean anything by it…but I'm just calling it as I see it." Dugan plainly said.
"C'mon, that's a stretch. Dontcha think?" Nick dismissed. "The doctor's been a fan of Flagman since Day 1."
Namor nodded in agreement. "I doubt she would use him in such a nefarious manner."
"Although," James chimed in, "she does work for the government, and they can be really shady…"
Bucky rolled his eyes. "You need to lay off the movies, Howlett. Besides, don't any of you remember what the Colonel said at orientation? He said the procedure is safe."
"Yeah?" Dugan sat up from his bed. "Do any of you also recall what Corporal Yamamoto said prior? The point of this whole 10-week training program was to strengthen our bodies and minds for the procedure, right? So…" His brows furrowed skeptically. "...why is it that Midoriya who–with all due respect–is the runt of the group receiving the procedure after only ten days?"
The room went silent as they processed Dugan's words, realizing that he had made a valid point. If a physically healthy body was necessary to achieve optimal results in the super-soldier operation, then Izuku technically shouldn't qualify. So why else would he be going first if not to simply serve as a test subject?
"The doc said she's giving him the serum to help him get through all the training." Bucky refuted, sounding unsure. "I mean…she wouldn't play him like that."
Dugan shrugged. "Not saying she would, but…" His gaze shifted to Izuku, who had remained stoic throughout the exchange. "...I just wanted to make sure you really thought this whole thing through Midoriya."
Izuku didn't immediately reply, his eyes directed to the floor. "Dugan, right? You're wrong about Doctor Hatsume. She isn't the type of person who'd use someone like that. And even if you are right in some capacity…about me just being a guinea pig…I'd still go through with the procedure anyway."
Intrigued, everyone in the barracks shifted their attention to the scrawny Asian-American.
Izuku went on. "I know it's risky, and I could die…but as soldiers our jobs are full of risks. We make sacrifices so others don't have to." He looked up with a wobbly smirk. "After all, this country wouldn't exist without people who weren't afraid to take risks or sacrifices; so, I'm going through with this. Whatever it takes."
A silence hung over the barracks as the recruits stared at Izuku. How could such strong, inspirational words come from someone who looked like he would blow away in a strong gust of wind, many thought. They were immediately reminded of the scenes with the flagpole and the dummy grenade. His tenacity was something to be admired.
Before anyone else could comment, the front doors swung open and Corporal Yamamoto stepped through, dressed in a USMC combat utility uniform (MCCUU) with her raven hair tied up into a bun. Instantaneously, everyone in the barracks stood up and straightened their posture, standing at attention.
"At ease." Peggy commanded, letting everyone relax. Her gaze then fell on Izuku. "Cadet Midoriya, are you ready?"
Izuku stepped forward and dutifully replied, "Yes ma'am!"
"Good. Have you bid your farewells to your fellow recruits?" She inquired.
"No ma'am. I don't need to." He smiled bravely. "Because I'll see them again really soon."
Bucky, Sharon, James, Namor, and Nick smirked. After that simple statement, the apprehension that Dugan had drudged up had been overshadowed by Izuku's confidence and resolve.
Peggy nodded. "Very well. Then let's be off."
Izuku nodded and glanced back at the platoon to give them a thumbs-up. He would've preferred that his friends tag along as well, but only authorized personnel could witness the procedure, much to his disappointment. As the pair walked out of the barracks, most of the recruits resumed what they were doing previously.
"Hmm…" Dugan hummed thoughtfully. 'Izuku Midoriya… Definitely a brave one. May have somewhat of a martyr complex? Well, regardless, I do pray that this whole super-soldier thing works out for his sake.'
"Izuku is going to pull through this." Sharon declared.
"Damn straight." Nick nodded and smirked. "Flagman's too stubborn."
"He is a salmon swimming upstream." Namor subduely proclaimed. "Determined and unrelenting, never stopping until reaching the end goal."
"Uh…" James raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't the salmon die once it gets upstream though?"
Namor blinked twice, and then blanched after realizing what he had mistakenly insinuated.
"He won't die. It'll work, guys. Just have faith." Bucky stated. He quickly recalled a certain memory from several days ago.
It was mid-afternoon and the SSR recruits were taking a water break. Everyone was sweating heavily as they tried to catch their breaths and rehydrate. Near the training grounds was a covered area with several water fountains set up, the shade providing a little relief from the hot California sun.
"Hey…Izuku…" Bucky breathed heavily with his hands resting on his knees.
Izuku gulped down big mouthfuls of water before stepping away from the fountain, wiping the excess water off his face. "Y-yeah…what's…up…?" He panted.
"You…kept muttering something…during the exercises. What was it?"
"Huh…? Oh!" Izuku perked up. "It was…my family motto. Sarani saki he."
"What's that mean?" Bucky asked dumbly.
Izuku smiled. "It means 'Go Further Beyond'."
Bucky cocked a brow. "Go Further Beyond?"
"Yeah." Izuku nodded, regaining enough of his breath to speak. "Do your best and then some."
"Heh… Sounds like one of those cheesy motivational slogans." The brunet soldier commented.
"Yeah," Izuku rubbed the nape of his neck, "it does, huh? Actually, when I was younger, I amended it as 'Plus Ultra'. I thought it sounded cool."
"That sounds even cheesier…" Bucky remarked, grinning wryly.
"Alright, water break's over!" Corporal Yamamoto shouted out, making the two teens flinch. "Get back into formation now!"
"Yes ma'am!"
Bucky clenched his fists with his gaze focused on the doors that Peggy and Izuku had stepped out of just moments prior. "Sarani saki he." He murmured to himself. "You've been doing that every day since you've been here. Don't stop today, dude."
Izuku maintained three paces behind Corporal Yamamoto as she led him toward the base's science division. Both remained silent as Izuku trained his gaze on her back. Though Peggy appeared professional and stoic outwardly, he could tell that she was still worried. He could see it in her slate-gray eyes the moment she had stepped foot into the barracks earlier.
Maybe he should talk to her?
"Per-Permission to speak, Corporal?" Izuku requested.
Peggy chuckled softly. "You can talk to me normally, Izu-kun."
Izuku smiled a little. "Thank you, Peg-chan. Um…how are you feeling?"
The ravenette sighed heavily. "That's a loaded question."
Izuku wordlessly nodded, their conversation from yesterday evening still fresh on his mind.
Peggy glanced over her shoulder. "I…I still don't approve of this, yah know."
"Yeah…I know." He looked despondent.
Of course he knew that. She had made it very clear that she didn't want him in the military. She had been much sterner with him than the others, and had pushed him beyond his limits every day in training; all to force him into quitting the program. It sucked to be treated in such a way, especially by his childhood friend. Nonetheless, after their talk yesterday, he understood now why she had done it—not wanting to see him get hurt or potentially killed.
He appreciated the sentiment behind her actions, but it still didn't excuse her though.
"Still," Peggy continued, snapping him out of his thoughts, "you made your choice. Though I may not agree with it, I'll stand by you nonetheless."
Izuku gaped and looked up in surprise. "Y-you mean it?"
Glancing back over her shoulder, a soft smile crossed her face. "Don't look so surprised, Izu-kun. I'm not your best friend for no reason." There was a sparkle in her eyes.
Izuku smiled widely, resisting the urge to cry.
The touching moment was interrupted by the sounds of thrumming blades echoing from somewhere. Curious, he looked around and spotted a gray helicopter flying in the distance–coming from the south.
"That must be Senator Brandt and his clique." Peggy noted. "Right on schedule."
"Uh, senator who?" Izuku questioned.
"He's one of the politicians who helped garner funding for the A.M.P." She responded. "He and several other important people from Washington will be observing the procedure today."
"To see if they're getting their money's worth." He deduced.
"Something like that." Peggy sighed, exasperated.
It then occurred to Izuku that today's results may not just affect him personally, but determine the fate of the SSR itself and quite potentially Teruko's arrangement with the United States government as well.
'Teruko is taking a big risk with me as the first subject.' He clenched his fists determinedly. Even though he was scared, he resolved to keep moving forward. Too much hung in the balance for him to make any other move. 'I won't let them down.'
(Music: The First Avenger soundtrack - Vitarays)
Izuku straightened his posture as he and Peggy stepped into the fort's science division, passing several military police (MP) along the way. They stopped at a lone elevator down a hallway. Strange. He didn't recall seeing this yesterday.
"Um, what are we doing here?" He asked, curious.
"Just follow my lead." Peggy leaned down by the control pad to place her right eye in front of a retina scanner.
"SCANNING… AUTHORIZATION CONFIRMED: YAMAMOTO PEGGY." A computerized voice said. The control panel flashed green as the doors slid open.
Peggy wordlessly gestured for him to scan his eye as well. Izuku complied and, like with Peggy, the system authorized him. The pair stepped into the elevator as the doors immediately shut behind them. There was a sudden jerk as they began to descend.
"Um, where are we going, Peg-uh…Corporal?" Izuku corrected himself. "Shouldn't we be heading to the lab?"
"We are." Peggy responded. "The real laboratory is hidden in a bunker beneath the base."
His chocolate brown eyes widened slightly. "A hidden underground lab? So cool…"
"Pft," Peggy snickered to herself. "Dork."
Moments later, the metal doors open to reveal a fluorescent-lit hallway lined with bright white walls and tiled flooring. Two armed MPs were stationed on either side of the door as they stepped out. The pair passed several scientists in the hall carrying clipboards, who paused to look at the pair. Izuku had a feeling that they were only staring at him though.
They reached a set of thick metal doors that automatically slid open. Peggy and Izuku stepped inside onto a metal platform that overlooked a large cavernous room with tiled walls, industrial air vents, and an array of sophisticated equipment and computers lining the walls. In the center of the room was a set of control consoles encircling a circular steel platform with a peculiar, elongated silver pod positioned upon it.
The scientists and engineers in the room immediately stopped what they were doing and turned to Peggy and Izuku, their gazes focused squarely on the latter.
Izuku audibly gulped from the sudden attention,a few beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The scent of cleaning chemicals permeated his nostrils. No doubt the room was as sterilized and well-ventilated as it could be without the occupants wearing containment suits.
The silence was deafening now. Why was everyone looking at him like he was a deadman walking, he hesitantly wondered. Thankfully, the uncomfortable silence was broken when another set of metal doors opened on the other side of the room, and three occupants stepped out.
The first two consisted of Teruko conversing with a well-groomed five-foot-seven (170 cm) man with black hair slicked back, a trimmed mustache, and hazel eyes. He wore black dress pants and shoes, a blue buttoned shirt and black vest with a long white lab coat over it. Tailing behind them was a random dude holding up a video camera.
'Are they filming this? Guess that makes sense.' He rationalized, and then perked up when he looked at the man by Teruko closely. 'Wait! That man with Teruko…I recognize him from somewhere…'
"Remember, when we get to step three, gradually increase the Vita-" Teruko stopped and smiled widely when she spotted Izuku standing on the stairway. "There's the man of the hour! C'mon down, Izuku!" She glanced around at her stunned colleagues, mildly annoyed. "Hey! Enough gawking. Back to what you were doing, people!"
Everyone complied with the head doctor's order and resumed their assigned duties. Izuku carefully proceeded down the metal steps with Peggy tailing behind him. They stepped onto the platform before walking over to Teruko and her companion.
"Good evening, Izuku." She held out her hand, which he politely shook. "Good to see you as always."
"Same here, Doctor Hatsume," he nodded, smiling.
"Teruko." She corrected him.
"R-right…" he scratched his head sheepishly.
"So this is the guy, huh?" The other man hummed as he studied Izuku closely. "Hmm… Yeah, he's pretty small. You sure about this, Teruko?" He sounded hesitant.
"As sure as I've ever been, Howard." Teruko responded resolutely.
He sighed. "Well, alright," he shrugged casually. "This whole shebang is your baby. I'll follow your lead."
"Wait! Howard?" Izuku's eyes widened in recollection. "As in Howard Shield!? I remember seeing you at the Innovation Expo!"
"Oh?" Howard cocked a brow, mildly surprised. "You saw that, huh?"
"Yes!" Izuku went starry-eyed. "Even though your Arc Reactor broke at the end of your presentation, it's still such an incredible invention and concept! I'm sure with more research and development, it could produce all the clean energy the world will ever need! The possibilities are endless!"
Peggy sweat-dropped, sighing. 'There he goes again…'
Howard grinned impishly. "Teruko was right. You are a smart one! Sadly…" He slumped his shoulders. "...I was forced to put the Arc Reactor project on hold after the expo. Investors just aren't really interested in energy these days."
'Your presentation didn't do you any favors either, showman.' Peggy inwardly remarked.
"I see…" Izuku looked disappointed. "That's a shame."
"Maybe someday I can pick it back up though." Howard said.
"Ahem…" Teruko cleared her throat. "For now, let's focus on today's project. Howard, why don't you do one last system check?"
"Yeah," he nodded in agreement, "I suppose no one ever got hurt from being too prepared." With that, the man stepped off the platform to man one of the console stations.
Teruko refocused her attention on Izuku. "So…are you ready?"
Good question. Was he?
Izuku nervously glanced at the strange metal contraption a few meters in front of him. Split down the middle in two main segments, it had an array of wires, peculiarly-designed light bulbs, and mechanisms inside of it that Izuku dare not try to discern their functionality and a black cushioned pad for a person to lie down on.
At that moment, the full weight of the situation finally came upon Izuku. This was the nexus point of his entire life. Either he'd be transformed into an artificial meta-user…or he'd die. The feeling was very comparable to a person preparing to enter critical surgery. And though the patient may be terrified of the upcoming surgery, deep down they knew it was necessary in order to move forward with their lives.
Izuku gulped and turned back to the redhead scientist with a wobbly yet determined expression. "I am."
Teruko nodded and smiled. "Good."
'I won't let you down, kid. I promise!' She internally swore.
"Now," she went on, "head over there to change out of your uniform." She gestured to a curtained spot at the other end of the room. "We have something for you to slip into."
Izuku nodded and walked away.
Teruko glanced over her shoulder at the cameraman. "Hey, while he's away, go talk with Mr. Shield or something."
The man gave a thumbs-up and sauntered off the platform.
"What's with the camera?" Peggy asked tersely. "Isn't this supposed to be top-secret?"
"Government still wants video records of the project in action. This is an important day in American–or rather world–history, after all." Teruko explained.
"Hmm… makes sense." Peggy's gaze dipped downward.
Teruko picked up on her distress. "Corporal, what's wrong?" Though she asked, the eccentric scientist already had a sneaking suspicion what was bothering the Marine woman.
Peggy didn't immediately respond, seemingly lost in thought. "I…" she hesitated. "I'm worried about him."
'There it is.' Teruko internally grinned.
"Worry not!" The ruby-redhead chirped. "It's a waste of energy; also, it causes wrinkles. Trust me, I've studied the human body for a while. I know this stuff."
The Marine corporal was not amused by her reply.
Teruko then leaned closer to her ear and whispered. "Yah know, you and Izuku both are way too serious. If you're not careful, you're going to think your way out of a golden opportunity."
"Huh!? I…" Peggy blushed madly, picking up what she was implying. "I don't know what you're talking about!" She swiftly denied.
"Mhmm." Teruko hummed, smirking slyly. "Sure you don't, Tsundere."
"S-Shut up!" She stammered, still flustered.
"Is everything alright?" The two women turned to see Izuku stepping back onto the platform–wearing only a pair of loose olive-green pants. The pants were so loose that he was forced to hold them up with his left hand. "You sounded like you were arguing…" He sounded concerned.
"Oh…um, it's nothing." Peggy regained her composure, and then tilted her head in bemusement at Izuku's questionable attire. "Um… Where are the rest of your clothes? And why are your pants so loose?"
He shrugged cluelessly. "I dunno. This is what I was given."
"We need as much skin contact as possible." Teruko interjected. "Also, he's gonna want those pants to be very loose."
"Why?" Peggy asked quizzically.
Teruko smirked smugly. "You'll see." She shifted her gaze to the scrawny subject. "Alright, Izuku, if you would please step into the Metamorphosis Chamber?"
Taking a deep breath, Izuku nodded and proceeded toward the silver pod.
Meanwhile, Colonel Phillips was standing in a well-lit observation room outside the main laboratory. Several cushioned chairs had been positioned in neat rows in front of a large panel of bulletproof glass that showcased the lab. He had put on his Green Service Uniform which consisted of a green Army peaked cap, dark green jacket over a tan shirt and black tie, green pants, and dark brown shoes.
If the old army colonel was feeling nervous, he did a good job of keeping it in check. He maintained a straight-faced expression as the suits and ties neatly filed into the room. He politely greeted all of them with a reserved smile and a firm handshake; however, there was one certain person in the group that had Colonel Phillips on edge.
"Senator Brandt." Colonel Phillps politely greeted, extending his hand out. "A pleasure to see you again." He lied through his teeth. "Glad you could make it." The statement was partially true.
Senator William Brandt, a five-foot-eleven (180 cm) Caucasian man in his late fifties with short graying black hair wearing a black suit and tie, was an influential voice in the United States Senate. He was one of the people Colonel Phillips had to essentially grovel to in order to secure the necessary funding for the A.M.P.
Senator Brandt mirthlessly returned the handshake. "This better be good, Colonel. I was enjoying a wonderful 4th of July barbeque with my family." He narrowed his eyes, not sounding too pleased.
"...I assure you, Senator, this will be worth it." Colonel Phillips assured.
"It better. Oh…uh, this is another associate of mine." Senator Brandt gestured to another man standing close by. "Introduce yourself."
A five-foot-nine (175 cm) Caucasian man in his mid-thirties with short black hair, square, black-rimmed glasses, and a gray tailored suit stepped forward. "Clemson Fredrick, State Department." He shook hands with the colonel. "If this project works out, we'd like to see it used for something other than headlines." A hint of snark was present in his voice.
Colonel Phillips didn't know why, but he had a nagging feeling about this guy.
"Hold on," Senator Brandt stepped toward the window, looking down into the laboratory. "Is that your test subject?"
Colonel Phillips walked to his left side. "Yes, Senator. That's our candidate. Cadet Izuku Midoriya."
"Good lord… That kid needs a cheeseburger stat." He remarked, wide-eyed. "Wait, is that an Asian name?"
"Japanese." Phillips clarified. "From what I understand, he and his mother immigrated to the United States when he was very young."
"So," Clemson chimed in, "you've selected the nation's first potential super-soldier to be someone who's not originally from here? How progressive." He smirked coolly.
"Hmm," Senator Brandt stroked his chin thoughtfully, "...interesting choice. You sure that stringbean is up to the task?" He cocked a brow, unconvinced.
"...I'm sure everything will go smoothly, Senator. Doctor Hatsume herself has given the procedure her stamp of approval." Colonel Phillips mentioned with feigned confidence.
"Well…either way," Clemson smirked, "it appears we'll be in for quite the show today."
Colonel Phillip did not comment as he turned his attention on Izuku, who was climbing into the round, segmented tank in the center of the lab. 'Kid…you defied the odds to make it here. I need you to defy the odds again…just one more time.' He silently prayed.
Izuku carefully climbed inside the elaborate contraption and laid down. He briefly wiggled his body until he settled himself on the cool, padded platform. He briefly stared up at the ceiling until Teruko stepped into view by his side.
"Comfortable?" She inquired.
"It's…uh, a little big in here." Izuku pointed out.
Teruko grinned. "Well, to be fair, it was designed for people bigger than you."
Izuku nodded understandingly, and then recalled something from his conversation with her last night. "Did you save any of that Osaka sake for me?" He kept his voice down.
Teruko became bashful. "Not as much as I should have. Sorry. Next time, kid." She winked.
"Teruko…" Off to the side, a scary menacing aura wafted off of Peggy's body that caused the pair to sweat nervously. "You're not trying to taint Izu's little pure body with alcohol…are you?" She scowled.
"Uh…n-no," She said nervously.
Peggy growled, crossing her arms over her bust.
'She's not buying it!' Izuku fretted.
"A-Anyways!" Teruko laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of her head. "Mr. Shield! How are your levels?"
"Don't ignore me!" Peggy snapped.
Howard stepped back onto the platform, the cameraman following behind him. "Coils are at peak, levels are one-hundred percent. In short, all systems are green. The power across the base may cut off for a bit…but we're as ready as we'll ever be."
Teruko nodded in response. "Corporal Yamamoto, we're about to start soon. We'll need you to head to the observation deck." She gestured to the large window on the far side of the wall.
"Right…" Peggy turned to lock eyes with Izuku. The pair stared at one another for a brief moment that felt like an eternity to them. Izuku smiled softly, silently assuring her that everything would be okay. Peggy wordlessly nodded with a small smile and ambled away.
"Ah…young love." Teruko gushed, sighing happily.
"I-uh, y-you're looking too much into it." Izuku felt his face heat up.
"Sure…Keep telling yourself that." Teruko playfully rolled her eyes, and then shifted her focus on the observation deck; the small crowd inside were still intermingling with one another. "Let's get this show started, shall we?"
Teruko stepped away to grab a wireless microphone and switched it on.
Giggling, she tapped her finger against the mic, causing a loud thudding sound over the laboratory's PA system. "Hello? Is this thing on?"
With that, everyone in the lab and booth stopped what they were doing and directed their attention to Teruko. The cameraman from earlier continued filming everything in the background.
"Happy July 4th, ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for being here in spite of your busy schedules. I can assure you that today will certainly be a memorable one for the country and the world."
"My name is Doctor Teruko Hatsume, and I am the lead scientist for the SSR's Artificial Meta Project." Teruko politely introduced herself in accented but legible English. "Before we get started, I wanted to say a couple of things… First, if you didn't guess by my accent, I am not originally from America. Despite that, your country has welcomed me with nothing but open arms and hospitality since I arrived. I am grateful." She bowed in respect. "Though I may be new here, even I can appreciate the values this nation was originally founded on: Truth, Justice, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
Teruko's smile dropped a little.
"It's no secret that the sudden appearance of Meta-Abilities nearly three decades ago has made our world's future seem dark and bleak. People are on edge, afraid of the unknown. Many have to come to fear and perhaps even hate those born with Meta-Abilities."
"However…" She paused briefly. "…Our understanding of Meta-Abilities is the direct inverse of our gratitude for its existence."
The laboratory staff and crowd in the observation booth perked up in curiosity at her statement.
Teruko went on. "Though Meta-Abilities can certainly be dangerous, they also have the potential to push humanity forward to a brighter tomorrow. They are neither good nor evil, right or wrong. Meta-Abilities are simply power…a tool. What someone does with their power, that determines whether a person is good or bad–not the power itself."
Izuku smiled and nodded, fully agreeing with the meta-biologist's proclamation. 'Right. Power is just a tool. It's the heart of the person that matters.'
"On this day, the 4th of July 2042, we at the SSR aim to prove this to the world by taking the first step not toward war and oppression…but the path to peace and understanding." Teruko wordlessly gestured for three lab assistants off to the side to move in, one of them pushing a metal cylindrical cart.
Two assistants approached the pod and loosely strapped Izuku down with leather harnesses across his wrists, torso, and legs. He was taken off guard when several sets of intricate metal clamps folded out from the pod's inner structure. The nerdy side of him couldn't help but admire the sophistication behind the Metamorphosis Chamber's design.
Izuku flinched from the cold metal contact on his bare skin as the assistants attached the clamps to his chest, arms, torso, and legs.
"The procedure is a three-step process. First, we begin with a series of microinjections into the subject's major muscle groups. The serum infusion will cause immediate cellular change." As Teruko spoke, one of the assistants opened the cart's top and a rack folded out containing 10 vials filled with bright green liquid. With sterile, gloved hands, the three assistants pulled 9 vials out and carefully attached them to open ports inside the pod.
Only one vial remained in the cart.
"Second," Teruko continued, "we'll connect the subject to several IVs that supply the subject with the glucose and essential vitamins and nutrients required for muscle and bone growth."
Izuku winced when the scientists' inserted the IV needles into his arms, legs, and torso.
"Lastly, to stimulate said growth, the subject will be saturated with Vita-Rays. In case you're wondering, Vita-Rays are electromagnetic radiation with a specific wavelength that have stabilizing properties, particularly for this super-soldier formula." Teruko further elaborated. "Vita-Rays were invented by my colleague Howard Shield for this project specifically." She glanced over to Howard and winked while he returned a lazy salute; appreciative of the shout-out.
Pulling the microphone away, the meta-biologist turned and approached Izuku's side. He grimaced as one of the assistants inserted a syringe into Izuku's upper left arm and injected something in him before pulling away.
Izuku sagged down, sighing in relief. "That…wasn't so bad…"
"That was penicillin." Teruko corrected.
"Eh?" The skinny teenager looked at her apprehensively.
Teruko gave him a silent look of encouragement before holding the microphone closer to her mouth. "Serum infusion beginning in five…"
"Four…" Colonel Phillips furrowed his brows.
"Three…" Peggy nervously chewed her bottom lip.
"Two…" Teruko laid a comforting hand on Izuku's right shoulder, assuring him that everything would be okay.
"One…" Izuku let out a deep breath.
On cue, after entering a sequence of keyboard keys, a scientist manning one of the terminals pressed a button. Izuku winced when tiny needles extended out of the braces and into his skin. The emerald serum in the vials were gradually drained away and injected into Izuku's body.
"UNHHH…!" Izuku painfully grunted before his eyes shot open…a hint of green present in his brown irises.
Teruko took a few steps away from the pod. "Mr. Shield, now."
Howard nodded and swiftly pressed a few commands at his terminal.
With a mechanical whirring noise, the Metamorphosis Chamber tilted upward into an upright position while the segmented panels smoothly slid together and adjoined with a solid clink. A lab assistant then stepped onto a stool and connected a braided hose to a port located at the back of the chamber, twisting it until it was fully secured in place.
Meanwhile, Izuku pulled in deep anxious breaths as the pod's segments joined together and enclosed him in darkness–the only light coming from a small dark-tinted porthole above his head.
'Don't panic. Don't panic. Don't panic!' Izuku consoled himself, trying to ignore the painful mixture of the needles inserted into his body, the serum flowing through his veins, and mild claustrophobia. 'It's gonna be alright… Just stay calm.' He exhaled deeply.
Teruko approached the pod and gently tapped the porthole glass. "Izuku…are you okay in there?" She softly asked.
No, he was terrified; nonetheless, he had to be brave and steel himself. "I guess it's too late to use the bathroom, huh? Heh-heh…" He chuckled bashfully.
'So stupid!' Izuku berated himself.
Teruko smiled a little at his attempt to inject some levity into the situation, and then turned back to Howard. "Proceed."
The handsome engineer nodded and flipped a few switches before pulling out a pair of shades from his coat to put them on. Teruko followed his example by donning her own shades as well. Using both hands, Howard slowly turned a small wheel on the control panel.
Close by was a digital analog labeled "VITA-RAY %" with a percentage score that started to increase as brilliant white light shone through the chamber's porthole.
"That's 10 percent… 20… 30… 40… 50…" Howard called out.
"Body signs are normal!" another scientist reported.
"Brainwaves are normal as well." a third notified.
"...60…" Howard continued.
Izuku clenched his eyes shut from the blinding white light that saturated his scrawny body. He was reminded of those tanning beds he had seen on the internet. He wasn't sure how to describe the sensation of being bathed in Vita-Rays. It wasn't warm and pleasant like the sun on a nice spring day…but it wasn't blistering hot like the Mojave Desert either.
Vitamins and minerals started flowing through the IV tubes and into Izuku's body. His breathing and heart rates steadily climbed as his veins visibly throbbed. He felt like he was running a marathon even though he wasn't moving an inch. The pain that Izuku experienced from the serum injection was sharp yet manageable, but as the intensity of the Vita-Rays increased it became much harder to ignore.
A few beads of sweat ran down Howard's brow as he slowly turned the wheel. "...70 percent…"
Izuku's eyes suddenly shot open, releasing a scream of unadulterated agony.
"ARRRHHHH! ARRRHHHH! ARRRHHHH!" Hot tears poured out of Izuku's eyes.
The pain was excruciating. The best way to describe it was like having your arms and legs tied off and being pulled in opposing directions, only you didn't get ripped in half; instead, your spinal column just continued to stretch if it were somehow possible.
Everyone tensed up at the sound of the agonized yells.
Peggy swiftly jumped out of her seat in panic. "IZUKU!" Nobody dared to stop her as she madly dashed out of the booth.
"Izuku? Izuku!?" Startled, Teruko hastily ran up to the Metamorphosis Chamber and tapped on the porthole. "Izuku!?"
"ARRRHHHH!" was the teen's only reply.
"TERUKO!" Peggy hastily ran down the stairway down to the laboratory floor. "Turn it off! TURN OFF THE MACHINE!"
The redhead quickly snapped her head to her associate manning the Vita-Ray control console. "Shut it down, Mr. Shield! Kill the reactors!" She frantically ordered.
Through the pod's mechanical buzzing and his own painful cries, Izuku couldn't hear much outside. But the moment his ears picked up the words 'turn off…shut it down' he had to respond.
"NO!"
Everyone stopped, turning back to the silver pod.
"DON'T!" Izuku willed himself to continue. "I CAN DO THIS!"
"Izuku!" Peggy climbed up the chamber platform's steps. "What are you talking about!? No, you–"
"JUST KEEP GOING!" He screamed.
Teruko looked between a panicked Peggy and the pod before readopting a determined expression. "You heard him, Mr. Shield."
"But—" Peggy wanted to protest, but Teruko's stern glare cut her off.
"You believe in him, do you not?! Then show it!"
Peggy clenched her fists and bit her bottom lip, almost drawing blood. She reluctantly nodded, a shadow forming over her eyes.
Shifting her gaze back to Howard, Teruko wordlessly nodded for him to continue. The engineer hesitantly complied by gradually turning the wheel.
"That's 80 percent…"
Izuku clamped down his jaws and willed himself to contain his screams. His muscles were spasming wildly and seemed like they were going to rip out of his skin while his bones felt as if they were in a loop of breaking and instantaneously healing. He never could've imagined how agonizing the process would be.
'This…hurts…so…much!' Izuku clenched his teeth, his veins throbbing madly. 'Don't know…how much more…I can take!'
The smiling face of his mother then appeared in his mind. "Even when you think you're beat, even when you get pushed down…you get back up and keep going. Never let others discourage you. You just keep chugging along."
Izuku's eyes shot open with sheer determination blazing through them. 'That's right! This is nothing compared to everything else! Screw the pain! Keep fighting! GO PLUS ULTRA!' He internally bellowed.
"...90…" Howard continued gradually turning the Vita-Ray's power valve. "Alright, that's 100 percent!"
Everyone, even those wearing protective shades, was forced to turn away from the blinding white light shining out of the pod's porthole. It was as intense as looking into the sun.
Izuku's eyes rolled back as his vision went black, his body fully enveloped by the chamber's full blast of Vita-Rays.
The electrical power currently surging through the Metamorphosis Chamber and laboratory equipment was massive. Thankfully, all of the machinery had been built to handle such levels of electricity, so nothing was at risk of exploding or catching fire. Unfortunately, Fort Erskine's electrical generators could only produce so much power, and the drain was becoming more than what they were initially designed for.
Pushed beyond its maximum output, the generators automatically shut down. The power across Fort Erskine–including the laboratory–went off. Everyone in the lab froze as the electricity went out, bathing the cavernous room in darkness. The bright light inside the Metamorphosis Chamber steadily dimmed and finally faded out.
(Music End)
Moments later, the base's backup generators slowly kicked in and the lights started to come back on.
"Status?" Teruko demanded.
"Our systems are still booting back up." One person manning a station reported.
"Do we at least know the subject's vitals?"
"Negative." Another responded.
Teruko glanced over to Peggy and almost wished she hadn't. The usually stoic Marine woman was shaking and looked like she was on the verge of tears. "T-Teruko…is he…?" She quivered.
The group in the observation booth meanwhile looked on with bated breath.
(Music: The First Avenger soundtrack - We Did It)
The renowned meta-biologist turned back to her engineer partner. "Mr. Shield?!"
Howard nodded in understanding. When designing the Metamorphosis Chamber, the brilliant engineer had the foresight to include a mechanical method of opening and closing the pod in the likelihood the power had been lost. He reached down to pull a lever at his control station.
With a pressurized hiss, the pod split apart and folded back to reveal an astonishing sight. The scrawny, frail Izuku Midoriya was gone!
In his place was a six-foot-one (185.4 cm) young man with a well-built, rippling muscular body. His arms were big and toned, his shoulders had broadened out, and his pectorals were perfectly chiseled. Sweat glistened off of his washboard abs, making all of the women present (Peggy included) blush at the sight. He had filled out the green pants he had been wearing; in fact, the outline of thick muscular thighs was noticeable. Additionally, his face was less rounded and had become sharper and more mature looking; though, his freckles and curly hair had remained…with one crucial difference.
In summary, Izuku's body was like a cross between an Olympic athlete and a bodybuilder. Needless to say, everyone in the laboratory and observation booth was in awed shock.
Teruko walked up to the pod. "Izuku?"
With his head still resting back, Izuku partially opened his eyes. "Doctor? Did it…?" He panted.
A beaming smile overtook her face. "Yes…it did!"
The spectators in the booth broke out into loud applause. They were absolutely stunned at what they had just witnessed. Who could blame them? Anyone would be impressed after watching a little scrawny kid instantaneously transform into a tall, muscled bodybuilder!
Colonel Phillips looked out at the window with a proud, roguish grin. "That mad woman actually pulled it off…" He laughed to himself before heading toward the door. He was so excited that he didn't notice three bone-like fragments sitting in one of the chairs.
A short moment later, Izuku was unstrapped and disconnected from the Metamorphosis Chamber, and Teruko and Howard, supporting his left and right side respectively, helped Izuku out of the pod.
"You did it, doctor." Howard was amazed. "You actually did it."
"We did it." She corrected.
The ruby-redhead shifted her gaze over to Peggy and grinned in smug amusement at her dumbstruck expression. Peggy's eyes were as wide as dinner plates and her jaw was practically resting on the floor. With how motionless she was, Teruko would've thought the poor girl had been affected by some Meta-Ability that could freeze people in place like statues. Actually, there probably was one or potentially one day could be an ability like that, she surmised.
Chuckling, Teruko was about to call her over until Peggy seemingly snapped herself out of her own stupor. The ravenette sauntered up to Izuku and stood directly in front of him, craning her neck up to meet his gaze.
That was a first.
"Cadet Mi…Izu-kun…" She stuttered. "H-How do you feel?"
Izuku lifted his arms off of Teruko and Howard's shoulders and managed to stand on his own; much to his own surprise. He was utterly exhausted moments ago, and now he felt well enough to stand under his own power. He was taken aback to see himself looking down at Peggy, who was five-foot-nine (175 cm).
Glancing around the room, he realized was standing at least a head above nearly everyone present.
It was so…surreal.
Shifting his attention back to Peggy, he simply replied, "Taller." A lopsided smile crossed his face.
"Eep!" Peggy's breath hitched in her throat as her cheeks reddened. Of course she'd admit his tall, muscular body was very attractive, naturally. However, what captivated her the most was his handsome face. Though it was sharper and well-defined now, it still had the freckles and seemingly innocent charm that she found so endearing. She was also pleased to see that his mop of curly hair and round eyes had remained too.
Wait a second! Peggy's eyes widened in shock when she noticed something very different.
"Is everything okay, Peg-chan?" Izuku asked, noticing her surprise
Yes and no, she thought.
"Izu-kun!" She ignored the question "…your hair! Your eyes! They're green!?"
"Huh…?" Izuku blinked dumbly.
"Hmm, yeah…I was about to ask about that, Teruko." Howard chimed in, equally bewildered.
Teruko looked up at Izuku's emerald irises, smiling softly. 'Just like yours Yoichi-kun…'
A female assistant walked up and handed Izuku a white T-Shirt with the SSR symbol in front, which he quickly slipped on, much to Peggy's disappointment. "Doctor Hatsume, should we be concerned about the subject's hair and eye color change?"
Teruko continued to smile. "Not to worry, people. It's normal for the subject's eyes to turn green after the serum successfully infuses with their DNA."
'Well…as long as they have a pure heart, that is.' She internally added.
"As for the green hair…" Teruko paused dramatically. "...I have no clue!"
Several lab assistants fell over, dumbfounded.
"Hey, what can I say?" Teruko scratched her cheek, embarrassed. "DNA is complex, yah know. I said there was a five percent chance something unexpected may happen, right? Let's just be thankful it was only a minor cosmetic change."
"I wouldn't call this a minor change!" Peggy sharply countered.
"Well…think of it this way, Corporal, now Izuku lives up to the meaning of his family name. Hehe…" Teruko giggled, referencing how 'Midori' translated to green in Japanese.
Izuku gazed at his reflection off the Metamorphosis Chamber's smooth metal surface. "Whoa…this is…so weird." He commented wistfully. 'Is this…really me?'
"What? The new body or your hair?" Howard joked.
"Yes."
Colonel Phillips and Senator Brandt were walking together across the laboratory floor.
"What do you think, Senator? Was the trip out here worth it now?" Colonel Phillip asked, smiling smugly.
Senator Brandt chortled. "I can think of certain groups out there that are about to get very nervous."
(Music end)
Meanwhile, as Senator Brandt's group mingled and gave congratulations to the scientists, one figure stood in the background inconspicuously. Clemson Fredrick glanced around the room before his eyes settled on a cart on the platform, pushed off to the side.
For some reason, he closed his eyes and clenched his right fist. Then, the bone fragments sitting on the chair inside the booth suddenly glowed orange.
BA-THOOOOM!
A fiery shockwave suddenly exploded out of the observation booth, sending shattered glass and debris raining down in the laboratory. Startled cries rang out as people were either knocked down by the shockwave or dove for cover from debris.
Noticing a chunk of debris flying toward the pod, Izuku (with his newly enhanced reflexes) rushed forward to push Howard and Peggy both off to the side–narrowly saving their lives as the debris cut through the grated flooring where they had been standing.
'What the hell's going on!?' Izuku internally shouted, his senses on high alert.
The attacker's right jacket sleeve ripped apart as his arm bulged out to three times its normal size. Gun barrel-like protrusions composed of bone grew out of his knuckles. His right hand enlarged and grotesquely transformed into a biomechanical four-barreled machine. The veins on his arm throbbed madly as the skin turned a dull gray.
The now revealed meta-human, Clemson Fredrick, extended his arm and–with the sound of an airsoft gun–unleashed rounds of bone fragments which detonated upon impact.
Clemson took aim at several armed MP officers stationed in the lab, killing them before they could respond. A sinister sneer curled on his face as he let loose a bombardment across the room. He cackled madly while relishing in the cacophony of explosions, panicked screams, and death.
"This power…This feeling… I love it!" Clemson exclaimed manically. He paused when he spotted a certain someone standing off to the side. Trepidation contorted on that person's face when they realized he had spotted them.
Grinning widely, Clemson lifted his right arm and prepared to fire another round.
As explosions went off, Izuku pushed himself off of Peggy and Howard who were both dazed by the shockwave. His eyes darted around the room before settling on the assailant: a meta-human with a right arm that resembled a biological machine gun. If this wasn't a dire situation, Izuku would be geeking out over the ability.
The moment he recognized that the mad meta-user was aiming his bioweapon at someone, he immediately sprang into action.
"See you in hell," Clemson remarked, mentally firing off a round.
All of a sudden, Izuku tackled the would-be victim out of the way at the last possible moment as the projectiles soared past them and detonated on the wall.
"Tch," Clemson growled in annoyance. 'Really wanted to kill that bastard. Oh well, enough fun. I need to secure the objective and blow this joint!' With everyone still shell-shocked from the attack, he made his next move.
Teruko weakly pushed herself off the platform's grated flooring, wincing painfully. Her eardrums were still ringing from the sudden explosions. Lifting her head up, she gasped in shocked terror at the carnage unfolding around her. What in the world was happening?!
Grabbing onto a nearby railing for support, the meta-biologist shakily returned to her feet, her clothing disheveled and ripped in places. Her yellow ringed-eyes darted around and spotted Clemson snatching the last super-soldier serum vial from the medical cart with his normal left hand.
Horrified, she cried out, "NO! That man's going for the serum! STOP– "
BLAM!
Meanwhile, Izuku pushed himself off the person he had just saved. "Are you alright?" He asked, concerned.
"Y-yes…I think so." Senator Brandt looked up at his rescuer with a frightened yet appreciative expression. "T-Thank you, son."
Before Izuku could respond, another explosion went off followed by a loud scream. He snapped his head in the direction of the commotion and felt his blood freeze. Out of a cloud of smoke, Teruko went flying back and roughly crashed to the floor.
"NNOOOO!" Yelling in shocked dismay, Izuku ran to the doctor's side.
Smoke wafted off of Clemson's barreled hand as his right arm started to slowly shrink. 'Damn! I'm approaching my limit on this arm!' He quickly stashed the serum into his jacket pocket and bolted for the exit.
Clemson only got halfway up the stairway before several gunshots went off.
"ARGH!" Searing hot pain filled his right shoulder. He looked down and spotted Peggy kneeling on the far side of the room with both hands clutching a pistol. Clenching his jaw shut, he lifted up his arm and fired a couple rounds at the ravenette–forcing her to dive for cover as the area ignited into a conflagration.
"ARGH! Damnit!" He grimaced when his right arm reverted to normal, blood pouring out from his gunshot wounds.
Not wanting to push his luck, the meta-user rushed out the door and down the hallway. His left jacket sleeve tore apart and–in a similar manner of his right arm's transformation–his arm bulked up, skin turned gray, and his fingers morphed into a single barrel resembling a shotgun. A few armed MPs rushed down the hallway, likely responding to the laboratory attack.
Clemson fired an onslaught of bone bullets that scattered like a shotgun round, instantly killing the poor soldiers in their tracks. As they fell to the tiled floor dead, blood pouring out of their wounds, he scooped up one of their guns and proceeded toward the elevator. He pressed the UP button, only to then realize that the elevator controls weren't responding.
Perhaps the power outage damaged the electronics, or it was still rebooting?
"Sh*t!" With no other alternatives, Clemson rushed back and took an adjacent hallway to the emergency stairwell. He had spotted it earlier when he was scouting the joint as Senator Brandt led him and his clique onto the base. Bursting through the door he rushed for the stairway.
He then turned around and aimed his weapon at the roof above the doorway and fired multiple times. The concrete roof cracked and chipped before several large sections broke off and fell in front of the door, effectively blocking it.
Nodding in satisfaction, he bolted up the long stairwell as fast as he could go while clutching his bleeding right arm.
Sensing the smoke, the lab's fire alarm and sprinkler system automatically activated and started dousing the room in water.
Peggy snarled as she picked herself off the floor. "Argh! F**king bastard!" Without wasting a moment, the young USMC Corporal rushed toward the stairwell in hot pursuit of the meta-human.
Meanwhile, Izuku knelt by Teruko's side with tears brimming in his eyes. "Doctor Hatsume…Teruko…no…" He whimpered.
Teruko was lying on her back, moaning painfully. Her clothing was ripped and charred in various places, revealing the second-degree burns that spanned her body. However, the more gruesome injury was the gaping holes in her torso where blood freely poured out onto the floor.
"Izuku…" She weakly tilted her head up, looking up at him. Her broken glasses fell off her face to fully reveal her yellow-ringed green eyes. "F…fi…"
"Teruko, don't speak. Save your energy. HEY!" He looked around frantically. "Doctor Hatsume's injured really bad! Anyone who isn't hurt, please help!"
"Izu…" Teruko's voice was weak, and her breathing weak. "...file…9… Office…Yoichi…"
"What?" Izuku shook his head. "I don't understand… Please, just save your strength and hang on! Help is coming!" He sobbed.
Though color drained off her face, Teruko warmly smiled at him. Weakly lifting up her right hand, she tapped his chest; specifically, his heart. Izuku looked back at her, understanding the message.
A Good Man.
With a groan, Teruko went completely limp. Her eyes were partially opened and, despite her gruesome injuries, a small smile was etched on her face.
Izuku trembled as he stared at Teruko's lifeless form in horrified disbelief. A pool of crimson spread out from around her. The sprinkler water mixed with it and flowed into a nearby drain.
No… This couldn't be happening. This…this wasn't real. Was this a nightmare? That had to be it, right?!
"Son, we need you to move aside!" A voice snapped him out of his thoughts as three assistants stepped in with first aid kits. Izuku wordlessly stepped away as they swiftly tended to Teruko.
"What's going on?! What the hell happened to the attacker!?" Someone exclaimed, sounding frantic.
"Son of a b**ch is making a break for it!" Colonel Phillips shouted. "Alert all base personnel! We can't let him escape!"
"Corporal Yamamoto is in pursuit!" Another added, making Izuku perk up. "We're trying to contact the surface, but the explosions damaged our communications!"
"Dammit! Get comms back up and running ASAP!" the Colonel ordered. "That maniac will NOT leave this base!"
Izuku clenched his fists to the point his knuckles turned white and popped. He slowly turned toward the exit with a mixed expression of sorrow and rage. The tears freely pouring out of his eyes were distinguishable from the sprinkler water soaking him.
Clemson burst out of the science division's main doors, wildly shooting bony projectiles back inside and killing several MPs in the process. The gun meta-user frantically dashed away, breathing heavily. His Meta-Ability Bone Armament required stamina and a calcium-heavy diet to work properly. After getting shot and running up a 200-feet (~61 meters) stairwell, he was approaching his physical limits as he could already feel his left arm shrinking.
He roughly estimated that he had a few rounds left in him before his Meta-Ability shut off. The meta-user knew he needed to make them count. He couldn't let his gift go to waste.
"HALT!" A few High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) suddenly pulled up in front of Clemson. Torrents were attached on the roof with gunners aiming straight at him. Additionally, several ATVs with armed soldiers drove up behind him–effectively surrounding him.
Clemson grinded his teeth in frustration.
A voice burst out via one of the vehicle's PA speakers. "DEACTIVATE YOUR META-ABILITY AND SURRENDER! OR WE WILL USE LETHAL–"
V-WOOSH!
A wall of earth suddenly burst up between Clemson and the army vehicles. The ground around the big HMMWVs cracked and caved in, resulting in them falling into a shallow sinkhole. Meanwhile, the ATVs were blown up into the air and crashed to the ground. Fortunately, none of the soldiers had been killed; however, they were gravely injured and/or trapped in dirt.
Clemson shifted his gaze toward the source of the spectacle, the helicopter pilot kneeling with his right hand on the ground.
"About time," Clemson remarked.
"Enough snark! MOVE IT!" the pilot barked.
He didn't need to be told twice as the meta-human pair made a break for the helicopter resting on a makeshift pad in an open field. They swiftly hopped inside the copter and took their seats at the front (not bothering to strap in), putting on their respective headsets.
"GET US IN THE AIR!" Clemson shouted.
Pressing the ignition, the helicopter engines turned on and the blades swirled to life. The pilot waited for the engine to build up enough thrust before pulling back on the throttle stick. The helicopter slowly elevated into the air and, for a moment, it appeared that the meta-human pair were about to escape.
"The objective! Did you get it!?" The pilot yelled through his headset.
"Yes!" Clemson patted the side of his jacket where the vial was stashed. "And I took out Hatsume! Just as the Supreme One comm–"
BAM!
The windshield shattered as blood splattered across the console. Clemson snapped his head to see the pilot slump forward lifelessly, a bullet hole in-between his eyes.
Clemson unceremoniously pushed the dead pilot out of the seat and moved into it. The helicopter briefly veered off before Clemson regained control and resumed the slow ascent. He looked out the broken windshield to locate the shooter and snarled when he did.
"Her again! HOW?!" He shouted angrily.
From the distance, Peggy was aiming a standard M16 rifle at the helicopter down on one knee. What Clemson was unaware of was that though he had blocked off the emergency stairwell, the elevator system had finally rebooted–allowing Peggy to catch up to him moments before he could vacate the base.
Trained via hundreds of hours of practice, the Marine woman took careful aim and pulled the trigger. The bullet narrowly grazed past Clemson's face, much to his shock.
He needed to get rid of her quickly!
Without wasting a moment, Clemson extended his left arm out the broken windshield and fired several bony projectiles. He grimaced painfully as his left arm finally reverted to normal; his Bone Armament ability was fully taxed out.
Peggy paid no heed to the explosive projectiles coming towards her. She had Clemson's head directly in her target and was determined not to miss.
However, before she could pull the trigger, Izuku suddenly tackled Peggy off to the side and caused her to drop the gun. Seconds later, the projectiles struck the ground where she was prior and detonated, throwing up chunks of dirt into the air.
"IZU-KUN!" Peggy yelled vehemently. "I HAD HIM!"
Too zoned in, Izuku didn't even acknowledge Peggy's exclamation as he swiftly scrambled back to his feet. While Peggy had taken the elevator back to the ground floor, Izuku had taken the stairway. Though Clemson's stunt had slowed him down a bit, after ripping the doors off their hinges with his incredible newfound strength and pushing enough debris out of the way to squeeze through, he practically glided up multiple flights of stairs.
Spotting the helicopter, Izuku ran forward like a madman while going as fast as his newly enhanced legs could carry him…which was very fast. Peggy's eyes widened in surprise at Izuku's superhuman running speed. He was moving as fast as a car!
The helicopter was already twenty feet (6 meters) in the air and climbing. Izuku knew he had to hurry! Once he was within range, he leapt high into the air with all of his might. Peggy was stunned at how high Izuku was jumping. It was like something out of a superhero movie! Remarkably, Izuku gained enough height to grab onto the copter's landing gear.
The sudden shift in weight caused the helicopter to veer to the side, forcing Clemson to immediately course correct.
"What's going on?!" He growled irately. "Too many damn setbacks today!" The biggest setback was still to come.
Izuku pulled himself up the rail and reached for the side door and, with a mighty shove, forcefully ripped it open. Clemson looked over his shoulder, flabbergasted to see Izuku climbing into the cab.
Pure fury contorted his face. "MURDERER!" He roared over the whirling blades and engine noise.
With Bone Armament out of commission, Clemson instead reached for a gun (one he had snatched off a dead soldier earlier) from his jacket and took aim…and then winced as his right arm's bullet wounds flared up. That pause was long enough for Izuku to rush toward the pilot seat and wrench the gun out of his hand, following up with a knockout haymaker into Clemson's face.
The attack posed another problem, however. Without a steady hand on the throttle, the helicopter started to spin uncontrollably to the ground. Izuku steadied himself from the sudden motion by grabbing onto the seat. 'CRAP! I should've forced him to land first!' He berated himself.
Izuku swiftly heaved Clemson's limp body over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. With the ground quickly encroaching, he didn't have time to think as he jumped out of the helicopter with the meta-terrorist in hand.
Now, dropping from a height of over fifteen feet (~4.5 meters) with a person slung over their shoulder would likely result in serious injuries to a normal person. However, the super-soldier landed safely in a crouch, completely unaffected by the fall.
He glanced over his shoulder to witness the helicopter crash on its side over fifty feet (~15 meters) away. The spinning blades tore into the ground as the aircraft ignited into a conflagration. Izuku tossed Clemson off his shoulder and dove to the ground, covering the back of his head from any stray debris. Unbeknownst to him, the last vial of super-soldier serum had flown out of Clemson's jacket and shattered on the ground.
The meta-user was roughly snapped awake and grunted painfully. He rolled onto his back and tried to sit up, only to be forcefully kicked back down. Izuku crouched down and grabbed the meta-terrorist by the front of his shirt, indignation plastered on his freckled face.
"Who the hell are you!?" He roared.
The black-haired man looked up at the super-soldier defiantly. "The first of many. I am part of the evolved! Those who will inherit the Earth!" Using his tongue, he pushed something out of the corner of his mouth and bit down. "Kill one of us…two more…shall take their place…" White foam fizzled out of his mouth, making Izuku pull back in confusion. "...Hail…Hydra…"
His eyes rolled back as his body went limp and lifelessly still. He quickly realized what the man did.
'He just took his own life…like it was nothing…' Izuku felt unsettled. He dropped Clemson's corpse and stood back up, taking a few steps away.
Steadying his breathing, Izuku started looking over his super-soldier body in subdued awe. He was able to rip doors off hinges, run at superhuman speeds, and easily endured a hard drop from a helicopter that would've broken a regular person's legs. All that without feeling tired or any shortness of breath. He could hardly believe it.
Being the meta-enthusiast he is, Izuku should have been thrilled and eagerly seeking to learn more about his new abilities. But he couldn't be happy right now. How could he with so much death in the air?
"Izu-kun!" He turned to see Peggy running up to him. "Izu-kun, are you alright?"
He nodded robotically. "Yeah…I'm okay." He pointed down to Clemson's dead body. "He killed himself. Used a suicide pill or something." He sounded distant.
"I see." Peggy looked back at her friend in concern, noting his solemn expression. "Hey…what's wrong?"
'Stupid thing to ask, Peggy.' She chided herself.
The verdette didn't immediately respond. In the background, flames consumed the helicopter wreckage with black smoke pillaring into the late-evening sky. Alarms blared across the facility with messages playing over the PA system to notify personnel over the situation. He could also hear vehicles driving towards them.
"Izu-kun…?" Peggy softly pressed.
Izuku lowered his head. "All those soldiers…they're…" He trailed off.
Peggy closed her eyes and frowned forlornly, recalling the dozens of MPs that Clemson had gunned down. "Yes…it's a tragedy. But…thanks to you, their sacrifice wasn't in vain at least."
"..." Izuku's body started to tremble, tears brimming in his eyes.
Peggy stepped in front of him, staring up at him while empathetically realizing that this was the first time he had ever seen anyone (let alone over a dozen soldiers) get killed before his eyes. "Izu-kun…it's going to be okay, alright."
His hair cast a shadow over his eyes. "...I…I…couldn't save her…" He murmured.
The ravenette blinked in confusion before connecting the dots. Her eyes then widened in horror. "No… Don't tell me Teruko is…"
Izuku slowly nodded, his bottom lip starting to quiver.
"Oh, Izu-kun…" Peggy immediately pulled him into a hug, wrapping her arms around his neck—ignoring how surreal it was to stand on her tippy toes to reach him.
The figurative dam literally burst as Izuku buried his face into Peggy's shoulder and wept bitterly. Peggy remained silent as she consoled her heartbroken best friend…and even felt her own eyes water.
That day in early July of 2042 marked the start of a global conflict that would forever change the world. Many lives would be lost and no true winner would be declared—not that there ever really was one in war. Society, governments, and the overall view of humanity would never be the same going forward.
However, on that same dreadful day, a Symbol was born. One that would take a stand against the injustices and deaths plaguing the world. That symbol of truth and justice would go on to rally others into many battles and inspire many to take a stand. That symbol would inspire hope for a peaceful future.
On July 4th, 2042…the First Hero was reborn.