Evil Isn't Born (MOVED)

Chapter Nine

Deku squinted, adjusting to the brightness of the room. In the basement he had been held captive in it was always quite dim. Grunting, he sat up, a slight headache coming on. As he opened his eyes further, he realized he was in an apartment, the rest of Downfall surrounding him. 'Ah, so they did move.' He thought to himself. Suddenly, he realized they were all staring intently, as if he was a foreign specimen. He frowned. "Erm...hello?" He finally stammered. When they didn't answer, his eyes wandered, landing on Streak. He covered his mouth with a gasp of horror. The boy looked terrible, though he knew Crimson must have healed him, there were scars covering his right arm, and blood staining his sleeve around his shoulder, a gash cut into the fabric. "Wow, what happened there?"

He murmured, unnerved by the cautious look that Streak was giving him. The Downfall leader cleared his throat, sitting up on the futon he was laying upon, a serious expression on his exhausted face. "You did, Deku." He said simply. His words shook the green haired boy to his core. 'M-Me? That doesn't make any sense! I would never attack one of my own. And I don't remember doing that...' He thought, trembling. "W-What? No way! I would never attack any of you!" He gasped, his gaze sweeping over the others, who shifted uncomfortably. Even little Sprout was silent, suddenly very interested in tying her shoelaces as slowly as she could, glancing up at him once and a while. "S-Streak!" Deku looked at Streak, anxiety spilling out of his eyes in the form of glistening tears. Sympathy formed in his friend's green eyes as he stood up with a wince, sitting on the couch beside him.

"I know you wouldn't hurt me. Not in the right mind at least..." He patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Nevermind that. Let's just say you have some pretty good knife skills! Don't know where you got them from, didn't even know you had them actually, but it's a good start." Deku looked at his shaking hands, not quite happy that they had changed the subject quickly. He just shrugged, biting his bottom lip. 'I didn't know I had them either.' He thought with a shaky breath. "Yin, Yang, Sprout, take Deku out to train, okay? Don't hurt him too badly, he just recovered after all." Grinning, Streak looked at him. "This might help you get your mind off things! And the sooner you train, the earlier you can start helping the group out." His enthusiasm caused a soft smile to tug at Deku's lips. With a sigh, Deku stood and nodded. "Okay...feel better." With a last guilty glance over his shoulder and a wave from Streak, he was lead out the door. 'Something tells me this isn't a good idea...'

•••

Deku blinked as they rushed down the stairs. By the time they were at the bottom, he was leaning over, hands on his knees, breathing like a dog after a mile run. He caught an amused grin from Yin in the corner of his eye. "You'll have to work on that endurance, Deku-san!~" Sprout giggled, patting his back and joining Yang beside a red door. Yang slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a chain with several keys. Deku watched as he slipped a key into the doorknob, and with a, "Click!" the door was creaking open. He followed them inside, a chill running up his spine at the low temperature of the room. He shuddered. "D-Does it have to be so c-cold?" He mumbled, looking at the others who simply chuckled. Blinking, he scanned the dark room. There were several racks full of weights, a mat, and a punching bag on one side, along with a large area he presumed was for running laps. "We'll be starting with simple reaction timing." Yang spoke up, walking over to the mat, motioning for Deku to stand in front of him. Obeying, the green haired villain crossed the room, face to face with the young man. "Sprout, c'mere." At the command, the little girl hopped over, her eyes sparkling eagerly. "You know what to do." Stepping back, Yang sat on a bench beside Yin. Deku watched, puzzled, as Sprout grabbed one of the weights, gasping as it grew. Laughing maniacally, she threw the huge weight at him. He let out a small yelp as he just barely dodged it, whimpering as the edge caught his ankle. Suddenly, he felt his arm twitch involuntarily. 'Kill her. She hurt you. Kill her. KILL HER NOW! MAKE HER DIE A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH!' Deku froze, his eyes wide, his breath quickening. "T-That wasn't...I didn't..." He mumbled to himself, his hands shaking. As he looked up, he realized the others were staring at him in confusion. "You okay, Deku-kun?" Sprout called, a look of concern and disappointment in her brown eyes. He nodded shakily. "Y-Yeah! Let's keep going." He smiled, taking up a ready stance. But, in the back of his mind, he heard a lower, eery version of his own voice growl, 'Liar.'

•••

Originally, I was planning for this to be a lot longer! But, don't worry, the next chapter is much more eventful and...well, you'll see. Oh! And I've received some amazing art of Cat! AU Streak! ))

By, my friend, Buttermilk! http://aminoapps.com/p/p04u0e

By, my bf, Squash!
http://aminoapps.com/p/yjm6x9