an ODST among Heroes.

9

Izuku was driven, sedated, to the black-site facility. This protocol ensured he remained unaware of the route and location. During transit, he was placed in cryo-sleep to keep him unaware of any details. Upon arrival, he was revived, allowing him time to regain his bearings before the staff led him to the prep area. A team of technicians swiftly suited him up in the ADS-Advanced Defense System-a powered exosuit made specifically for intense field testing.

The facility was located in an isolated area, deep in the wilderness, with no one around for miles. They could push limits here without concern for prying eyes. Daisy, already in her armor, appeared on his HUD as her voice crackled over the comms. "It suits you, Halsey."

Izuku flexed his gloved hands, feeling the powered suit respond to every movement. "Not quite as refined as your kit, Daisy. But I admit, I appreciate my bones staying intact, rather than getting powdered by my own equipment."

Daisy chuckled, the sound light through her helmet mic. "You need to work on your humor, Halsey."

"No promises."

A commanding voice came over the facility's intercom, interrupting their banter. "Soldiers, your objective today is a capture-the-flag drill. Each of you will be retrieving a flag from a designated point and returning it here. Begin when ready."

Izuku grinned, feeling the rush of adrenaline kick in. "Last one back buys dinner."

"You're on!" Daisy shot back, instantly breaking into a full sprint as her powered armor propelled her forward.

Izuku took off as well, activating the thrusters in his suit to launch into the air. The HUD displayed the map and objectives as he maneuvered over rocky terrain, evading obstacles and taking mental notes on the suit's capabilities. This gear was unlike anything he'd used in past exercises.

In the distance, he could see Daisy sprinting like a blur, expertly navigating the terrain below. Her armor was a marvel of advanced tech, designed for speed and agility. Izuku's suit, though not as fast, was better suited for close-range defense and mid-air maneuvering. This setup would test them both to their limits.

Izuku spotted the flag point, aiming to outpace Daisy as he descended. She wasn't far behind, her laugh echoing over the comms as she caught up. "Better move, Halsey! You're buying dinner at this rate."

Izuku smirked, adjusting his position mid-air. "Not if I can help it."

As they raced back, dodging simulated hazards and each trying to edge out the other, Izuku could feel a sense of pride. They were soldiers, built for the unknown, and though the stakes were only dinner this time, they both knew this was just a warm-up for the battles yet to come.

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Izuku, keeping his end of the bet, bought dinner for himself and Daisy while a few nearby Marines chuckled, clearly enjoying the scene. One of them nudged Izuku, grinning. "Halsey, challenging a Spartan to a speed test? That's very ODST of you."

Izuku smirked, shrugging. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Still worth the shot."

Daisy laughed, raising an eyebrow at him. "You're almost my type now, Izuku-gotta appreciate a guy who doesn't mind losing to a Spartan."

They took their seats, a few ODST troopers coming over to pat Izuku on the back with good-natured ribbing. "Hey, Halsey," one of them chuckled, "solid effort out there. For a second, we thought you were gonna pull a fast one on her-especially since you're known as the 'Wraith' and all. Speaking of which..." He waggled his eyebrows, looking between them. "You two an item yet?"

Both Izuku and Daisy shot back immediately, voices in perfect unison. "No!"

The ODST sergeant laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Just kidding, just kidding. We'll keep our bets to the range from now on." He leaned in, giving Izuku a friendly nudge. "Speaking of which, how about you join us later? We can see if anyone can finally beat your record."

Izuku nodded, a small smile forming. "Wouldn't miss it."

As the others drifted back to their own tables, Daisy leaned closer to Izuku, her expression softening just a bit. "You know," she said, smirking, "you didn't have to go so hard just to keep up with me."

"Wouldn't be much of a soldier if I didn't try," he replied, shrugging. "Besides, someone's gotta give Spartans a little competition."

Daisy chuckled, eyes gleaming. "Guess we'll see who's buying dinner next time."

For the moment, surrounded by comrades who respected him as one of their own, Izuku allowed himself a quiet pride. This world was one of intense loyalty, relentless training, and rare trust-a place where even a boy with no real home had found a family.

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