Chapter 3: Fenton Rising
Danny watched as the three people who stood before him stared at him with varying levels of surprise and perhaps concern. He waited for someone to say something or for them to begin the detaining process but instead he was met with awkward silence.
Eventually the odd and suspenseful quietness got to him, "Isn't this the part where you arrest me?" He awkwardly said while holding up his hands to show off his wrists that lacked any form of restraint.
Aizawa, who had snapped out of his daze, waited for the detective to respond to the boy's question. Even if he was surprisingly against the boy being restrained. After all this kid had just saved them and had chosen to stay instead of running. Although that could've been because the kid was too tired to run. Honestly Aizawa was shocked the boy hadn't already collapsed from the feat he had just somehow pulled off.
But technically the detective had the right to detain the boy. Since he was a suspect for illegal activity. So Aizawa stayed silent, since it was Tsukauchi's call to make.
Detective Tsukauchi looked at the boy who he had thought would be under tons of rubble. But was instead casually standing in front of him and without any more damage than he previously had, the detective noted. It took him a moment to snap out of his frozen state and to truly process what the boy had said.
He let out a sigh after quickly coming to a decision on how to deal with the mysterious and injured teen, "No, we're not going to handcuff you. As long as you continue to comply, that is."
Danny was surprised by the officer's response. He had expected them to be more on guard.
"Okay now that we have that out of the way," Midnight said while turning to look at her colleagues "We need to get him medical treatment."
Detective Tsukauchi nodded in agreement and turned to get Officer Tamagawa's attention and began talking to the cat-like man.
"There's really no need," It was true that Danny wasn't feeling good by any capacity of the phrase. But he wasn't too fond of letting any sort of doctor examine him.
Even if he was choosing to go along with these people. He drew the line at hospitals and people analyzing his ghostly biology.
"Kid, you need medical assistance," Aizawa sternly said.
Danny furrowed his eyebrows at the black-haired man.
"He's right Danny, like we said earlier we want to help you and that means getting that wound treated" Midnight quickly added to try and reassure the boy who was clearly going on the defensive.
His frustration slightly dissipated but he didn't take his eyes off the man "Listen I'm willing to go with you but no hospitals."
Although Aizawa didn't like the idea of not getting this banged up kid the serious medical attention he clearly needed. He knew that pushing wouldn't help anyone. Besides, the kids' clear dislike for hospitals was concerning.
"Fine no hospital but that wound needs to be looked at." He said while pointing to the white-haired boy's shoulder.
Danny felt oddly victorious over winning against the stern black-haired man.
"Just give me a med kit and I can patch it up myself. But honestly even if it doesn't get bandaged it'll heal soon on its own." Danny said. Only slightly downplaying how painful his shoulder hurt.
God what had this kid gone through, Aizawa wondered. "You look like you got hit by toxic waste," the man tiredly said to the boy.
Danny couldn't help but laugh at the man's humorously dry statement "Well you're not entirely wrong,".
Maybe this guy wasn't so bad, Danny thought. But both of the heroes' concern for what the kid had previously been through only grew.
But before they could ask the boy any more questions Detective Tsukauchi who had been talking to Officer Tamagawa and someone via a radio only a few steps away. Turned around to face Danny and the two heroes.
"So, you're really not going to let us take you to a hospital first?" He asked although he already knew the boy's answer as he had heard the boy's refusal moments ago.
Danny looked at the officer and once again made his stance clear "Nope." he said while popping the p.
"Alright then," the detective sighed while briefly closing his eyes "I'll be taking you to the police station. You're still a part of this investigation and I have quite a few questions for you to answer" Quite a few was the understatement of the century. Tsukauchi had what felt like an endless list of questions for the white-haired teen but he didn't want to scare the boy.
Although the idea of willingly going to a police station made Danny slightly anxious. He was more relieved at the idea of finally getting a chance to ask his own questions and to hopefully figure out where he was. Luckily, he didn't have to wait long as police cars began pulling up to the area.
After the detective was handed car keys by an officer. Danny was directed to wait in the back seat of one of the vehicles.
As he sat there looking out the window at the officer who he really needed to get the name of. He watched as the man walked around and talked to the various other police officers and eventually to the oddly dressed woman who he should also learn the name of and to Eraser Head, was that really his name Danny momentarily questioned.
He was once again grateful for his impeccable hearing as he listened in on the three's conversation.
"More officers are on their way to transport the targets to prison for questioning." The detective said to the two heroes "I reported that Land Slide escaped. He should still be within the area. Luckily a few more heroes and agencies have agreed to help with the search."
Danny frowned in confusion, what did he mean by 'heroes'.
"In that case I'll stay here to help and to ensure none of these bad boys get up," the woman said in a strangely sexual tone as she gestured to the passed-out criminals.
"I think it would be best if I went with you to the station with the kid," Eraser Head said.
Danny was slightly surprised to hear that the man planned to come along and apparently, he wasn't the only one. As the officer made a surprised expression "Are you sure, it's unlike you to volunteer for extra work."
"You make it sound like I'm lazy," came Eraser Head's dry response before he turned to look at the car and at Danny. Who quickly looked away to make it seem like he wasn't watching. "You saw what that boy could do. It would be best to have me around in case he changes his mind about wanting to stay."
Danny couldn't help but frown for a moment. But he wasn't too shocked that the serious man still saw him as a potential threat and in all honesty the possibility of him running wasn't off the table yet.
Detective Tsukauchi nodded in agreement to the hero. It was true that the man made a fair point. It would be best to have him around to hopefully erase the boy's quirk in case things went south. But he could tell that his usually more reserved friend was more concerned for the boy than at the idea of the boy putting up a fight. But he decided to keep that observation to himself.
With that the two heroes got in the car with Tsukauchi driving.
The drive was quiet and uneventful. With how tired Danny felt he initially thought he would fall asleep. But as he watched the streets, and various buildings go by he was once again struck with the reminder that he was no longer in Amity Park.
As he looked at the people on the streets as they drove into what seemed to be a more populated area of the city. He was shocked to see that the odd features and colorful hair that the criminals had seemed to extend to the rest of the population. Just where had that portal spat him out?
But he didn't get much more time to think as the car pulled up to what appeared to be their destination.
"Alright Danny, we're here," the officer said while parking the car.
As he followed the officer through the large police department, he couldn't help but feel like a criminal being escorted. Even if he lacked handcuffs and was being spoken to with an unfamiliar kindness. It still felt like he had willingly allowed himself to be arrested and that feeling only worsened when he was brought into what appeared to be an interrogation room.
"Eraser Head can you watch him while I go grab my laptop and some files," the officer quietly asked the man who had been quiet during the whole trip over. After receiving a nod, the officer left.
Danny decided to sit down on one side of the metal table that was in the middle of the room and watched as Eraser Head brought over what appeared to be a med kit. That Danny guessed he must've picked up along the way.
"Alright kid since you refused to let us take you to a hospital at least let me patch you up,"
'Well, that's surprising', Danny couldn't help but think to himself. He had expected the gruff man to just hand him the kit and be done with it. But though the unexpected offer was endearing Danny still didn't feel too comfortable allowing anyone to help him bandage his wound.
So, after a moment he sheepishly responded, "Thanks for the offer but I can handle it. Besides, my shoulder isn't that bad anymore." Danny said while showing off his shoulder.
Aizawa wasn't surprised by the boy's refusal to let him help. But as he was about to disagree with the boy about the severity of his shoulder. He stopped himself when he noticed that the shoulder that had looked gruesomely wounded did in fact look almost completely healed. Just what is this kid's quirk, he found himself wondering yet again.
After being silently handed the kit even though he had expected the man to put up a bit more of a fight. Danny quickly got to work wiping his shoulder with disinfectant cloth. To remove his dried ecto-blood from the healed skin. Then haphazardly wrapped it with bandages.
He had to admit it didn't look the prettiest by any extent of the word and based off of Eraser Head's disapproving gaze. He also found his medical skills quite lacking.
But to be fair he didn't have a lot of practice doing it. Since his ghostly durability and other powers kept him from being hurt often and when he did get injured it usually only took a minute to heal. So there was never really a need or chance for him to perfect the skill.
Detective Tsukauchi quickly got back to the room with a laptop and a few files in hand and sat down on the other side of the boy with Eraser Head sitting beside him.
"Danny before we begin, I want to thank you for your actions at the warehouse and for complying," Tsukauchi said honestly. "I also want you to understand that you are not under official arrest. Although you are a suspect for illegal activity. So please continue to comply and answer our questions truthfully and to the best of your ability." The detective decided to leave out that his quirk allowed him to tell when someone was lying or telling the truth, for now. As he wanted to see whether or not the boy would truly be honest.
Danny didn't like that he was a suspect. But decided to go with it and not try to argue. Since this guy was being pretty nice and he had learned that arguing with cops never ended well for him or his reputation.
He nodded in understanding "I'll comply but before that what should I call you?" He then looked at the scarfed man, "I heard you be called Eraser Head but is that really your name?"
Aizawa and Tsukauchi weren't too surprised to learn that the boy didn't know who Eraser Head was as he was a more obscure, underground hero.
"I suppose I never told you my name, I'm Detective Tsukauchi," Tsukauchi said while smiling. Then looked to the hero to allow him to answer the boy's other question as it regarded his own hero name.
Aizawa dryly answered, "Yes, Eraser Head is my hero name." He expected that to be enough to satisfy the boy's question, but the kid only looked more confused.
"Your 'hero' name?" Danny asked as he thought he must've somehow misheard the man.
"Yes, Eraser Head is my pro hero name. The alias I use when doing pro hero work," Aizawa clarified. It was strange, it almost seemed like the teen didn't know what he meant by hero.
Danny was lost. What did he mean by 'hero' and 'pro hero' in this context? It almost seemed like he was referring to the term hero as if it was a job title that he himself possessed. Maybe his ghostly ability to understand any language was mistranslating what the guy was saying. Of course, it had never failed him before, but stranger things have happened, he was an example of that.
"So does that mean you're a 'hero'?" He awkwardly asked.
"Yes, Eraser Head is a hero." Tsukauchi answered, he was also finding the boy's confusion strange.
"Like a superhero from a comic book?"
Aizawa stared in disbelief at the confused kid. It was clear that he truly didn't understand what they meant by 'hero'. But how was that possible unless this kid had been living under a rock somewhere… or in captivity, he grimly thought.
Beside the man who was beginning to draw dark connections as to where the boy in front of him had come from. Detective Tsukauchi was also beginning to reach a similar dark conclusion. But neither wanted to jump to conclusions without further evidence.
"Kind of like in comic books," Tsukauchi slowly answered, "But it's a bit more professional with proper education and certifications required for a person to be a pro hero, like All Might for example."
Since when had being a hero become an actual job, Danny wondered. As he tried to rack his brain on whether there was a place that existed that made heroing an actual profession. But no place came to mind. Besides, if there was a place like that, he would've made sure to visit.
As for who the detective just mentioned, Danny briefly recalled Rock Man saying that same name, but he had absolutely no idea who All Might was. "I have no idea who that is." he deadpanned.
Tsukauchi could tell by using his quirk that Danny wasn't lying. This boy had seriously never heard of All Might, the world's most popular hero. "Maybe it would be best to move on and come back to this subject after we get a bit more information about you Danny." The detective finally said.
Danny quickly hummed in agreement while nodding because at this point, he wanted to get past this confusing conversation. Because currently he felt like he was taking a test he didn't study for.
"Alright then let's start out with your full name, age, and where you're from." Detective Tsukauchi asked. As he prepared to type the boy's answers into the database. To hopefully pull up information about who this teen was. Aizawa who had been silently studying the boy listened intently for the white-haired boy's answers.
Danny didn't know if he wanted to give these people his full name, he had always kept his identity a secret especially from government agencies and the police. He could just lie or give his own alias. But for some reason after a bit of thought he decided to relinquish his most precious secret. Maybe it was because he didn't have much to lose, he sadly thought for a moment. "My full name is Daniel Fenton, but I prefer Danny, I'm fourteen and I'm from America."
'True' Tsukauchi's quirk registered, as he began typing the information into the database. But after searching to his shock, he was unable to find any Daniel Fenton.
Aizawa looked at the detective's screen and saw the same lack of search results. His theory about this kid was starting to seem more realistic. But he didn't want to show his growing concern, so he kept a neutral expression.
As did Tsukauchi who simply continued his line of questioning with a friendly smile, without pause for concern. "Where in America are you from, Danny?"
"I'm from Amity Park, Illinois," came Danny's simple reply.
Finally, Aizawa decided to speak up "You're pretty far from home kid. How'd you end up in Musutafu, Japan?". The man watched as the boy's eyes grew large.
Before Danny could stop himself, he blurted out his surprise, "Wait this is actually Japan!?" He had briefly wondered if he was in Japan due to the language. But to be actually told he was so far away from his hometown was a shock that his sleep deprived brain wasn't fully prepared for.
Aizawa and Tsukauchi were taken back by the kid's sudden outburst of shock at learning about where he was.
"Wait kid you didn't know you were in Japan?" Aizawa quickly asked with a raised brow.
Maybe it was because of the sudden surge of emotions but Danny couldn't help but furrow his eyebrows as he defensively answered "No, I didn't know I was in Japan. It's not like I have a GPS or map on me."
Detective Tsukauchi wanted to sooth the irritated boy but the knowledge that he didn't even know he was in another country raised even more red flags and questions. "Danny, do you recall how you got to Japan?"
"Well that's kind of a confusing story" Danny said after doing his best to regain his composure.
"We have time," Aizawa responded.
Danny stared at Eraser Head for a second before lightly sighing "Okay fine, well I kinda got sucked into a green portal. That suddenly appeared in front of me and well it spit me out over that warehouse which is also how I ended up there." He expected the two men to give him a look of disbelief at the mention of a portal but surprisingly they didn't seem too shocked by his explanation.
Aizawa and Tsukauchi stared at the boy. They could both tell that he was telling the truth even without the use of the detective's quirk.
"Danny, do you know who opened the portal? Are they the ones who did that?" Tsukauchi asked while pointing to Danny's bandaged shoulder.
The halfa shook his head at the detective "I wish I knew who opened that portal. Then I could give them a piece of my mind. I mean I was this close to finally getting my life together," he rambled while putting his fingers only a centimeter apart. "But of course with my luck it can never be that easy." He let out a sigh as he finished. He had to admit it was nice to finally let out some of his pent up frustration at never being able to control his own life.
"As for my shoulder, let's just say my parents no longer considered me their son," Danny bitterly joked while looking down at the table. He bet his parents were still trying to hunt him down back in Amity Park.
The halfa waited for one of the two adults to ask him another question. But after a few seconds of silence he looked up. To see that both of the men were staring at him with what appeared to be barely disguised anger and sadness. That's when it clicked that he just told a police officer and a guy who apparently is a 'hero' that his own parents shot him without any further context.
Aizawa felt his anger rise. It wasn't his first time dealing with abuse cases or even child abuse. Given his line of work it probably wouldn't be his last either. But the knowledge of a kid being subjected to pain and injured by their own parents always made his blood boil. He did his best to keep a well trained neutral face but he knew he was failing. As he recalled just how bad the kid's shoulder had looked.
"Danny, I'm sorry you had to go through that," The detective tentatively said.
The halfa couldn't help but feel flustered at the suddenly somber tone of the room. He was not use to having anyone, especially adults try and comfort him or get angry on his behalf. He had his sister and friends but this felt different somehow and he couldn't tell if he liked it or not. On one hand it felt validating but he had always worked hard to ensure his inner feelings remained hidden. But now It felt like he was being examined like a bug under a microscope. So he did what he usually did when he became uncomfortable, he joked.
"Hey it's fine, honestly my parents have always been trigger happy. Which sucks since they know how to make their own death rays." Except with how off kilter he felt his attempt at diffusing the situation with humor only resulted in him rambling. "But I can't really complain seeing as I got my powers due to their machines…"
Luckily his rambling was cut short when Eraser Head who had been intently listening spoke up "Are you saying a machine activated your quirk?"
Danny was happy that the conversation was finally going in another direction and away from his emotions. But once again he was left confused by the man's wording. What was a 'quirk'?
"Umm, well I got my powers like the ones you saw back in the warehouse from a machine" Danny slowly said while intentionally leaving out that it was a portal machine because that would get way too confusing. "But what's a quirk, exactly?"
Once again the two adults were floored by the kids' genuine confusion at what a quirk was. First it was 'heroes' and now 'quirks'. "Danny, do you truly not know what a quirk is?
Danny looked at the detective. Who once again was staring at him like he had grown a third head. He was really starting to question whether coming with these people was the right decision. "No, I don't know what a quirk is."
'True' his quirk registered. He sighed "Okay, well to put it simply, quirks are genetically mutated abilities that around eighty percent of the population process."
As Danny listened to the man's explanation. He could feel the pit in his stomach drop. If what these men were saying was true and based on what he had seen at that warehouse and during the drive over, it was. Then he was a lot farther from his hometown than he initially thought, like another dimension far. Because there is no way he would've missed eighty percent of the population getting super powers even if his life was hectic.
The detective decided to further explain as he watched the boy's expression change into one of shock. "Danny, I'm sure it's a lot to process. But during your life I'm sure you've seen people with abnormal features or who could do unimaginable things, like being encased in rock. Well we call those abilities and features quirks."
It was true that Danny had his fair share of experience in dealing with superpowers and the unimaginable but that only applied to ghosts not other people. So he simply shook his head in agreement. Because he didn't know why he had been sent to another dimension. But he knew that he probably shouldn't share that information. I mean who would believe that he was from another dimension. Even he was having a hard time believing it.
He knew that other dimensions existed. I mean the Ghost Zone was proof of that and from what he had been told the Ghost Zone was essentially the inbetween point for all other dimensions including his own.
The halfa even recalled a long and overly complicated conversation with Fright Night and Frostbit. Where they explained how he should never go through any of the doors that appeared within the green dimension. As they were doors to other dimensions and that once you go through you were basically stuck.
Although he had been very curious to see what other worlds could exist besides his own. He had decided not to gamble on what world he would get stuck in. Yet here he was sitting in another world's Japan being told that heroes and superpowers were common. Okay so he had to admit it sounded pretty cool, but still why him.
Of course the white haired teen kept his thoughts and existential crisis to himself as he did his best poker face. As he decided to ask a question of his own "Okay, I think I get what a quirk is now. But what are your quirks?"
The detective was happy to see that his explanation seemed to be sufficient and that the boy no longer had the same shocked facial expression. In fact he now seemed to be overflowing with curiosity which actually made the boy look his age for once. So he decided to oblige and answer the boy's question "Well my quirk is called Polygraph, it allows me to tell when a person is being truthful or dishonest."
Danny was suddenly grateful that he had decided to be honest during this investigation. Although it also meant he would have to be careful on how he words his answers going further.
"Wow, that must be super useful for your line of work."
Tsukauchi was glad that the boy didn't seem to be deceived by him not telling him sooner that he could tell when he was lying.
The halfa turned to look at the other man in anticipation for his own explanation of what his superpower or quirk was.
After a few long moments of silence Aizawa relented while giving a tired sigh "My quirk is called Erasure, it allows me to disable quirks." He decided to forgo any more information about the activation or limitations of his quirk.
"Which is also why he's called Eraser Head." The detective quickly added on while smiling.
Danny felt his shoulders tense at the man's explanation. He suddenly recalled what he had seen back at the warehouse. How the people just lost their powers due to this man. The fear of losing his own powers now at the forefront of his mind. Although realistically the man's quirk shouldn't work on him seeing as his own powers weren't a quirk but because he was an actual ghost, or half ghost. But even with that rationalization he still felt a shiver run up his non-existent spine.
"That's a really powerful ability," the halfa responded in his usual laid back tone. Not wanting to show any of his own fear at the man's quirk. Although he suspected the watchful man could tell.
"It is a really powerful ability," The detective said "Now since we told you about our quirks. Could you tell us about your quirk?"
The two men had seen what the boy could do and were both very interested to hear what the boy would say.
Although Aizawa who had been mentally creating a list as to what the kids' quirk could be was probably the most interested. He had witnessed the boy display a multitude of different powers like flight, being able to appear and disappear, creating powerful green blasts of energy, and that giant green shield. Plus other abilities like the boy's healing and reflexes that were beyond superhuman. But no matter how he tried to put those abilities together it didn't make sense for the boy to possess so many separate powers.
Danny needed to think of something that would work. He couldn't just tell them that he had powers because he was actually a half ghost. But he also needed to be honest about what he could do. Both for convenience and to not be registered as lying by the detectives quirk. He needed something that would cover all his various powers and abilities and that's when it clicked. "Well I guess my quirk could be called, 'Ghost'."
Of all the names or explanations the two adults had expected 'Ghost' was not one of them. Which was apparent by how they both raised their eyebrows and the detective questionably said "'Ghost'?" to hopefully get the boy to further explain.
The halfa noticed the detective's and hero's questioning looks but he was already too far in. Besides the best lie is the one that's the closest to the truth, "Well basically my quirk allows me to manipulate and control ectoplasm and ecto-energy. Which gives me all the powers a ghost would have. So yes 'Ghost'."
"Kid, so you're saying all the different powers I saw boil down to 'Ghost'?" Aizawa tiredly asked.
"Listen man. It's the best explanation I can give you. I literally do what a ghost can do." Danny stated "If you think I'm lying ask the human lie-detector." while pointing to the detective.
"He's telling the truth," The detective simply said as he began to type down the information.
"See told you," Danny couldn't help but triumphantly say to the serious man. Although he had been nervous. Because while he had technically told the truth it was not the full truth. But since he didn't know how the detectives' quirk fully worked he had gambled and for once it paid off. 'Hey, maybe I should buy a lottery ticket after this' he joked to himself. But then quickly remembered that his luck also brought him to a random dimension so he quickly dismissed the thought.
The scarfed hero tiredly looked at the teen who looked a little too thrilled over being told he was right. He could already tell this kid was going to be a handful, especially if he went through with what he was planning.
Detective Tsukauchi finally got done typing and looked back up from his laptop "Alright Danny I want to thank you again for complying. I think we can call it a night here. Would you be willing to wait here while me and Eraser Head step out for a minute?" He said with a diplomatic smile.
Danny nodded and watched as the two men got up to leave. But before the detective left he turned around to ask "Oh, would you like some water or a snack while you wait? I'm sure you're thirsty."
The halfa would usually just say yes in order to keep up appearances of being a normal human who needed food and water to survive. But since he was in another world and the man who asked would know if he lied if he said 'yes' he politely turned down the man's offer.
Aizawa followed the detective out of the room and only a few feet down the hallway. He decided to not wait and asked what he had been eager to know "Was the kid actually telling the truth about everything?"
The man smiled as he responded "He was, everything he answered and said was the truth."
"So the boy was on the run from his parents. When he got teleported to Japan over a warehouse full of criminals, kids beyond unlucky." Aizawa said.
The detective nodded in agreement "He is but," his smile fell as the man took on a more serious expression "here's the thing I did some research. From what I could find neither he or his town exists."
Aizawa's eyes grew large as he stared at the man before him. "Are you saying Amity Park, Illinois doesn't exist?" He had seen that the boy's name didn't come up in the database. But how was it possible for his town to also not exist? "I thought you said the kid was telling the truth. In that case wouldn't your quirk pick up that he gave us a fake town."
"That's the thing my quirk only picks up on whether a person truly believes what they are saying is the truth. Not if what they said is factorially the truth. In most cases what a person knows to be true and what is true are the same thing but in this case…"
Aizawa cut off the detective as he figured out what the man was getting at. "So you're saying the kid truly believes that he came from a place called Amity Park. Even though it doesn't exist" he rubbed at his neck and closed his dry eyes as he continued "and I guess the same could go for his name as well." This case was starting to get even more strange.
Tsukauchi nodded at the man's analysis "The kid's a ghost, it's like he never existed."
"How ironic," Aizawa tiredly said. "So we have a kid with no records, dressed up in some type of hero costume. Who didn't even know what a pro hero was or quirks. Yet possesses a quirk that makes little to no sense." Not to mention all the other odd things Aizawa had noted. Like how the kid speaks fluent Japanese as if it was his native language yet apparently came from America.
The detective's friendly smile returned "It seems so, I plan to do some more research and reach out to a few people I know in America who hopefully will be able to find something on the boy. Until then I don't want to jump to any conclusions but honestly…" he looked towards the closed door of the interrogation room "That kid might be connected to something way bigger that we initially thought."
Aizawa hummed in agreement before asking his next question "So what do you plan to do with him? We both know you could've arrested him already for vigilantism."
Tsukauchi couldn't help but lightly laugh as he looked back at his friend and colleague "I don't plan to arrest him. Seeing as he didn't know about pro heroes it's fair to argue that he probably doesn't know the laws of vigilantism or quirk usage either. Besides, he did save us all and chose to come with us willingly. From what I could tell he seems like a good kid who's been through things no kid should have to experience."
Aizawa couldn't help but agree with the detective which is why he was about to do something he never thought he would do.
"As for what I plan to do with him. I'm going to reach out to child protective services. It might be hard to find a place for him to stay on such short notice but I'm sure I can work something out." The detective finished.
"What if the kid stayed with me?" Aizawa stated more than asked in his usual deadpan voice.
The detective stared at his long time hero friend. It was true that the man cared for kids more than his overly serious demeanor ever let on but this was unexpected. But Tsukauchi knew the man wouldn't just ask without thoroughly thinking it through. So after a moment he sighed, "Aizawa if you're sure I'll trust your judgment. But if you do this it will not only interfere with your private life and your hero work but also teaching. After all, isn't this year's entrance exam in two weeks. We don't know how long the boy would have to stay with you; it could overlap with your job." He could've said more to deter his friend but he knew by how serious the hero was that his mind was already made up.
"You know I wouldn't rush into a decision like this. I've thought it through and if it's true that that kid is linked to something. Then by staying with me he'll be both safe and monitored." The scarfed hero then gave an uncharacteristic smile "As for my job I have an idea of what I'll do."
The detective quickly understood what the man meant and couldn't help but laugh "He did show a lot of potential. Alright then I guess the kid will stay with you until I can get some more information. I guess we should go tell him and then I can give you two a ride back to your place."
With that the two men walked back to the interrogation room.
Danny did his best to listen in on the two men's private conversation. But he couldn't help but get distracted from the information. That not only did Amity Park apparently not exist in this universe but also he didn't exist either. The latter was probably a good thing since he really wouldn't know how to deal with another alternate universe him, especially since the last one only further ruined his life.
But the knowledge that his home town didn't exist stung. Everything he had fought for and everything that had shaped him for better or worse was just gone. He knew that it wasn't truly gone and that it still existed in his universe and theoretically if he somehow found a portal to the Ghost Zone then he could go back but it still hurt.
Although if he was being completely honest with himself which he wouldn't be. There was a not so small part of himself that was happy at being in this new world and that didn't really want to go back. But he pushed those thoughts down.
The halfa only snapped out of his thoughts when the door opened up. He wanted to slap himself for not paying attention to the rest of their conversation. But instead put on his usual easy going smile as he leaned back in his chair "So will it be firing squad or burning at the stake?" he joked.
Yeah this kid was definitely going to be a handful. Aizawa thought before giving his own monotone response, "Neither kid, instead you'll be coming to stay with me."
Danny almost fell out of his chair. He really should've listened better.
He had thought he would be given a comfy prison cell at worst. Or if he was lucky put into some type of group home. Which would've been great since it would've given him more freedom and he would probably be able to finally detransform. But instead he would be going with the guy who could possibly erase his powers.
"Danny, Eraser Head has agreed to let you stay with him for the time being. Are you okay with that?" The cheery detective asked, completely ignoring the shocked expression of the boy.
The halfa could tell that despite it seeming like he had a choice in the matter he really didn't. So he relented and decided to just go with it. "Yup, sounds just peachy." Of course he didn't need to sound happy about it.
"Alright then!" The detective clapped his hands together "I'll be driving you both, I'll explain more as we go, okay."
Danny nodded and began following the two men.
Before he knew it he was once again enjoying the view of the city from the backseat of a car. Only this time the silence didn't last as the detective spoke up.
"In a few days I'll be back to ask you some more questions. But if you need to talk to me before then you can either talk to Eraser Head who'll convey your message or he can contact me and I'll come over. But for the time being Eraser Head will act as your guardian."
Danny hummed in acknowledgment which seemed to be enough of a response for the detective. Who fully focused back on driving and for the remainder of the ride was peacefully quiet.
When the three finally arrived at the hero's townhouse. Danny took his time examining what was apparently where he would be staying as he followed the two adults into the house. The front entrance way was nice with off white walls and an area to take off your shoes. Which is where the two adults stopped.
"Kid are you even able to take those things off?" Aizawa asked as he stared at the kids white boots that seemed to be attached to the kids' suit.
Before Danny could try to answer, the detective spoke up from where he stood by the door.
"That reminds me, Danny within this country, the act of vigilantism or using your quirk for combat or in a public area without a pro hero license is strictly against the law. So could you tell me if you were a vigilante and if that's why you're in that costume? Before you answer, I won't arrest you if you say 'yes'." The detective quickly reassured as he saw the boy tense.
Danny stared at the detective and at Eraser Head who were waiting for his response. He could easily just say 'yes' and be done with it. But after a bit of thought he decided that now would be the best time to detransform and explain how he had two forms. Without seeming like he was intentionally hiding the information.
He had originally planned to keep his other form a secret but he didn't have the energy to keep up the same secret that he had to keep back in his world. Besides, he wanted to be able to finally relax in his human form and these people already knew his real name. So what was the harm in telling them about yet another secret.
So with that thought he sighed as he began to explain "Alright so this suit is kinda a part of my quirk."
"It's a part of your quirk, how so?" The hero questioned.
"Maybe it's best if I just show you,"
Aizawa didn't know what to expect but before he could question the boy further he was forced to squirt. As two bright rings of light appeared around the boy's torso and quickly traveled up and down the boy's body.
When the light finally dissipated the previously white haired, green eyed boy in a black and white suit. Now had black hair with blue eyes and was wearing a white t-shirt with red on the sleeves and a pair of basic jeans and red sneakers.
Despite the scarfed hero's initial shock he instantly noticed that the boy now looked strangely more human but also a lot worse for wear. Where previously the kid had only looked like he hadn't slept in weeks. Now it looked as if he had never slept at all in his entire lifetime.
The detective who had also been momentarily blinded by the sudden light show startled in shock before pulling himself together, "Danny what just happened!?"
Danny couldn't help but laugh at the question. Even though he now felt like he had been run over by a semi truck multiple times. He hadn't realised just how much the full access to his ecto-energy from his core while in his ghost form had prevented him from feeling every bad life decision he had made over the last few weeks.
Honestly he felt like he could pass out at any moment. But instead of giving in to his desire to fall asleep on the wooden floor. Which at this point seemed pretty inviting, he forced himself to remain smiling as he began quickly explaining.
"Basically my quirk gives me another form that I can transform into. I call it my ghost form and the suit that I had on kinda just comes with the form." He decided to leave out the part about how he's in the suit because he technically died in it, "I can technically change what I wear when I transform if I focus hard enough. But I find it easier to just use the suit. Also to answer your first question I have been a vigilante or whatever you called it. But like you said you wouldn't arrest me so no takesy backsies, okay"
If he still needed air the halfa was sure he would've been hyperventilating after his word vomit of an explanation. But at this point he just wanted to get this conversation over with.
Tsukauchi once again couldn't help but stare at the boy as he digested what the boy said. While making a mental note to add this new information to the kids file. "Okay I have a lot more questions…"
But before the detective could continue, Aizawa spoke up "Questions that can wait. For now I think we should call it a night."
The man's tone left no room for debate and the detective who had been focused on getting more information. Quickly understood his friend's intentions as he fully took in how tired the boy looked.
"You're right it's been a long night." he sighed and continued while smiling "Danny, I'm glad that we met even if the circumstances weren't ideal. Going forward I hope to continue to work with you in order to further figure out your situation. But for now get some sleep and although Eraser Head may seem cold he's not so bad once you get to know him." The light hearted joke got him a small glare from the serious man. But as he finished his goodbye he quickly took his leave.
Danny waved goodbye to the detective and felt his shoulders relax as the possibility of finally getting some sleep was finally within reach.
"Alright kid, let me show you to your room."
The halfa quickly followed after the man and was guided to what appeared to be a guest room with little to no decorations but it did have a bed. Which was all he needed at this point.
"It's not much but we can get you better situated tomorrow…" Aizawa then looked at the boy who seemed to be transfixed on the bed and corrected himself "or whenever you wake up. There should be some pajamas in that dresser and down there on the left is the bathroom and to the right is my room." he said while pointing to the different doors down the hallway. "There's extra toothbrushes and towels in the cabinet but if you need anything else just knock on my door, okay kid."
Danny snapped out of his staring fit and looked at the man with a raised eyebrow.
"Kid, did you even get all that?"
The halfa furrowed his eyebrows "I heard you I was just um processing," he said while snapping his fingers as he pieced together his tired response.
Aizawa sighed as he stared at the exhausted boy and decided not to further keep the boy from getting the sleep he very clearly needed. "Alright then have a good night"
Danny watched as the man began to walk away and his last brain cell kicked in as he spoke up "Eraser Head," said man turned around to look at the halfa "um well thank you."
The usually serious and grumpy man stared for a moment before smiling "Don't worry about it kid." With that he turned around and went to his own room.
Danny quickly followed suit and closed the door to his own room. He probably should shower or change his dirty clothes, he absently thought. But it felt like his body moved on its own and before he knew it he was on the bed not even under the covers.
Within seconds the half ghost was asleep.
Line Break -
Across the city from where the exhausted halfa slept peacefully. Land Slide angrily paced back and forth in an abandoned building.
He had been told through the walkie talkie that he had grabbed before making his destructive exit hours ago. To wait for who was apparently one of the leaders of their supposed sponsors to make contact.
The giant rock encased man was furious that his goal of finally destroying the heroes had been taken from him all because of some white haired brat. As he waited for what felt like hours, to the angry impatient criminal his fury only grew.
He had let that spiky bastard Barasawa Katarao handle the previous contact with their sponsor but now he was buried under tons of rubble. Along with the crates full of weapons and black market support gear. So now he would have to explain by himself that the entire operation was destroyed.
Just as the large man was about to smash his rock fist through yet another wall in anger a purple swirling portal appeared.
He watched as what looked to be yet another teenager who was covered in hands stepped out of the portal. Followed by what looked like a man made of the same purple smoke that the portal was made of. So these were the bastards he was supposed to be scared of, though Land Slide in anger.
"So you failed, you giant pile of rocks?!" The gray haired man with a hand over his face said with barely disguised frustration.
Before Land Slide could say anything the living portal dressed like a butler spoke up "Shigaraki this failure was already expected there is no need to be angry."
"It was expected?!" Land Slide said as he balled his fists up.
Instead of answering the giant man's question Shigaraki only looked towards the portal man and huffed while clenching his own fists only he made sure to keep one finger pointed out.
Finally after a long moment of anger induced silence Shigaraki finally turned back to Land Slide but still did not answer his question. "You explain what happened" he said in a gravely voice as if he hadn't had water in days.
Land Slide was barely suppressing his anger which was evident by the tone of his voice as he answered "We were ambushed by heroes."
"And? I gave you those weapons because you said you could handle heroes!" Shigaraki yelled.
Land Slide felt the urge to punch something but instead grit out the rest of his explanation. "There weren't just heroes. Just when I was about to destroy them a kid appeared and saved them."
Shigaraki seemed to freeze as he took in what the man said before saying in an eerily calm voice "So you weren't taken down by heroes but by a kid? What kid?"
"I don't know who the brat was. He had white hair, green eyes and was dressed in a black and white costume. But he had multiple powers and when he blasted me my rock shell almost broke." The man gestured to the side of shoulder, where he had taken the blast. A few cracks still visible.
Shigaraki then turned to the butler and asked, "Kurogiri do you know who this kid is?"
"No, I am unaware of any kid who fits that description."
The man covered in hands only seemed to get more angry at the insufficient answer, "Damn it all! You're both useless!"
Land Slide had finally had enough of the kid's arrogance and slammed his fist into a wall which caused giant cracks to form. "You know I think I've had enough with kid's thinking they are hot shit."
"Good, I was hoping I would be able to destroy you!" Shigaraki said, completely unfazed by the sudden threat.
"Shigaraki the master does not want you putting yourself in harm's way." Kurogiri said in a neutral voice.
"Please this pile of rocks isn't a threat besides it's clear that he is no longer useful for our cause."
"Very well." Kurogiri responded.
Within moments Land Slide began his charge towards the man. As he was about to slam down his giant rock fists and smash in the annoying brat's skull. The boy quickly moved out of the way of the impending impact.
Shigaraki placed his hand on the man as he dodged minus one finger that remained lifted off the rock. His hand landing right on the cracks, the weak point in the almost impenetrable man.
"Die" Shigaraki said, in his gravelly voice before placing down his last finger. Allowing Shigaraki's quirk to activate, decay quickly spreading both along the surface of the stone and seeping further in.
Land Slide screamed as he felt his body begin to break away. He could feel himself decay.
Shigaraki watched in glee as the man who had failed began to turn to ash. Without intervention the rot spreading without pause. Although his enjoyment didn't last long as he quickly grew bored. Turning to Kurogiri he spoke, "Let's go, what happened tonight doesn't change anything. I will still destroy this world and its precious symbol of peace."
Kurogiri simply opened a portal as commanded and allowed the boy to walk through. But right before Shigaraki took his last step through the purple portal he turned "Oh, and find information on this kid. Whoever they are, I want them destroyed for interfering with my plan."
With that the two vanished from the warehouse and the only thing that remained in the vacant building was a pile of ash.