Lamentations of a War Machine

A Figure Appears

"Woah, that sure is a big villain!" A voice cheers among a crowd.

A teenage boy of average stature pokes his head up, jumping a little to get a view. His green hair flops a little as he does so, and occasionally the sun gets into his similarly green eyes, but he doesn't mind. His smile stays as wide as ever as he grins from freckle covered cheek to cheek.

"Sure is, but unfortunately, I can't assist." A man comments, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. His messy black hair is the first thing in the boy's vision, followed by his tired onyx eyes. "I know you'd like to stick around and watch, but we are in this part of town for a reason, kid."

"I know, Shouta." The boy smiles at the man, who gives a nod in response. Just then, the crowd of civilians lets out a gasp, the two turning to see a man covered in wood appearing from the city's skyline, as his arm extends in many branches, attacking the large hulking man attacking the train line. "Woah! It's up and comer, Kamui Woods! I've always wanted to see him up close!" The boy cheers, pulling out a small notebook from behind his back.

Shouta rolls his eyes, aware he won't be able to move on until the kid has written down at least a few facts in his book. Well, at least it's a hobby he can encourage. Hero or villain, it's always good to know your Quirks.

"So, are you two hero fans?" A middle aged man speaks, looking at the two with a smile.

"Ah, you could say that." Shouta responds, the boy in green giving a nod in response. "Izuku here more so than me, but I dabble in the field myself."

"Heh, well it's always nice to see people encouraging those who work hard to keep us all safe! I bet that the kid here is looking to be a hero too! I'll be rooting for you pal!"

Izuku looks up, a smile on his face. "Oh, thank you!"

"Time to finish this up!" The hero, Kamui Woods, yells, as he lifts his arms up. "Finishing move!"

Izuku looks at the scene in excitement, the middle aged man and Shouta watching as well. "Oh man, this is it! The Preemptive..."

"...Binding Lacquer Chain Prison!" Kamui Woods yells, his arms extending and folding out at rapid pace, as he goes to entrap the villain.

"CANYON CANNON!" Another voice shouts, as out of nowhere a giant woman drop kicks the villain, knocking him off of the trainline... And inadvertently crushing part of the track as she lands. "Hey everyone! I'm Mt. Lady, and this is my official debut as a hero!" She announces as she turns around in a pose that makes many of the men go wild.

"Eugh." Izuku, Shouta, and the middle aged man all speak at the same time.

"That's just a downright shame. The fight was already over, no need to make a huge mess for a debut!" The man shouts, angrily raising a fist.

"Not to mention her glory hog pose. Spotlight heroes..." Shouta says, before looking over at Izuku.

The boy's eyes are focused solely on the collapsed trainline, unmoving from the spot. His notebook is closed, and held in a tight grip. For a moment, his green eyes flash orange, as he takes in a breath.

"Izuku." Shouta speaks, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, snapping him from his tense state. "They evacuated the area earlier. Everyone is fine." He says, the boy nodding as he lets out a few shaky breaths.

"R-right." Izuku nods, putting his book away. "We should head out now, right? Errands to run and such."

"Yeah." Shouta responds, before turning his head to the other man. "Have a good day."

"You too! I hope to see you again someday kid, when you're a hero!" The man cheers, getting a curt nod from Izuku, the two walking off.

They approach a tall building, a diamond crest on the side of it, Shouta letting out a sigh. "This is my least favorite part of having any kind of license."