Zero Hero ||MHA||

31. Jet Set Run

I ran through the empty streets—my sneakers pounding on the road. I tried calling the police but had no luck; I left my phone at home. With no other choice, I had to meet them at the city's center. Luckily, it wasn't too far from where I was so I should be able to make it in time.

No, I have to make it. Lives are in danger. If Crimson Eclipse steals the vaccine or destroys the lab, then who knows what'll happen next?

When I arrived, hoard of police, cop cars, and heroes surrounded the area. The lights on the cars flashed while traffic cones blocked the entrance. Some police officers were on stand-by. When I ran up, I was immediately turned away.

"It's dangerous. You shouldn't be here," one said, stopping me with his arm. He inspected my face for a moment before speaking again. "...Hey, you're Officer Onishi's daughter. Yeah, you definitely can't be here! He'll lose his marbles if he sees you."

"You're right, but I need to tell you guys something important," I said, peeking behind him. I searched for a grumpy-looking middle-aged man amidst the sea of police. "Look, Crimson Eclipse has their sights on Musutafu Science Lab. They're gonna try to--"

"Even if you're Officer Onishi's daughter, I was ordered to not let any civilian through," he interrupted.

I had the sudden urge to pull my hair out. Why are the police so complicated?

I ready to kick him in the knee and run past when a loud explosion erupted. The ground started to rumble. Police began to shout orders, and they ran into place. While the cop in front of me was distracted, I darted past. Another explosion set off and this time, it sounded closer. The aftershock caused me to nearly eat the ground, and I struggled to keep my balance. Soon after, I heard yelling and people fighting.

Crimson Eclipse grunts were popping out of vortexes that looked like the same ones Hiro and I got snatched into. I spotted some heroes I knew, like Kamui Woods and Gunhead, and they were busy pummeling villains. I ran around trying to find a hero who was free, so I could tell them Crimson Eclipse's plans but found that they were all preoccupied with battles.

Crap. If they're attacking now, that means that they're also at the lab! How are the authorities gonna get there in time, especially since this is happening? What was I gonna do?

"Rin, what are you doing here?! You're supposed to be at home!"

I was growing tired of hearing that line and didn't bother to hide my annoyance. I found Dad who was giving out orders. He jogged over to me wearing a deep frown, looking ready to punt me all the way home. Before he could lecture me, I spoke,

"I know, but Crimson Eclipse is planning something so I came here to tell you guys--"

I heard the cry of a charging villain from behind when I suddenly heard a thwump! Spinning around, I saw that they got smacked by a large black boomerang. It spun back to its owner and when we locked eyes, I knew that I was in deeper trouble. Corvade marched over, her eyes storming. She was gripping her boomerang so tightly that I was sure it was gonna snap.

"How many times do I have to repeat myself?" she said in a low voice.

That same villain tried to attack her, but she redirected his attack, causing him to punch himself instead. Pulling out her baton, she jabbed it into his ribcage, electrocuting him. She dropped his body on the ground and glared at me. I wasn't backing down. I still haven't forgotten what she said to me, after all. I met her daggers with a fierce stare.

"I told you that you are not fighting Crimson Eclipse. I thought I made myself clear. No, I made myself clear!"

Dad asked what she meant. Corvade flickered her eyes at him and told him to ask me. He then turned to me with a stern expression.