Powerless - A My Hero Academia/ DC Crossover

Chapter 29 - The Hero Killer

"You want me to be a part of your crumbling little league," said the Hero Killer Stain. "But you won't accomplish anything if you don't have conviction and desire." Stain was standing over Shigaraki, his dagger buried deeply into the villain's shoulder. The pain didn't even seem to phase Shigaraki, who simply stared back at him with quiet contempt.

"You're being a little rough, aren't you?" Shigaraki said. "Kurogiri, take this guy back."

The warp villain didn't move. Blood was dripping down his arm from a deep gash left by the Hero Killer. "I'm sorry, I can't move," said Kurogiri. "It must be the Hero Killer's quirk at work."

Stain spat on the ground. "The word 'hero' has lost all meaning in this society," he said. "The world is overrun with fakes and criminals like you who chase petty dreams. They must all be purged." He moved his second dagger closer to Shigaraki's neck, but the villain grabbed the blade with his bare hand. Before his eyes, Stain's blade began to disintegrate into dust. Stain leaped backward in alarm, still clutching his damaged dagger.

"You sure talk a lot 'Hero Killer,'" Said Shigaraki. "Conviction? Maybe I don't have anything as loaded as that. If I had to choose a desire, though, it'd be killing All Might. This world wants to worship trash like him, I'll destroy their beloved Symbol of Peace and crush them while they're in shock."

Stain paused. "I see your true nature," he said finally. "It seems our goals fundamentally oppose each other. However, this wasn't in vain. We agree that we need to destroy the present."

"I thought I was the person who hated most," said Shigaraki.

"I was testing your motives," Said Stain, sheathing his remaining dagger. "People always reveal their true colors on the verge of death. It's abnormal, but there is a desire, a warped sprout of conviction, inside of you. How will it bloom, I wonder? Maybe I'll let you grow, and If you don't turn out well, I'll take care of you later."

Shigaraki rolled his eyes. "Kurogiri," He said, looking behind him as the warp villain began to move again. "A man as crazy as this would be nothing but trouble for the League of Villains."

"Please reconsider," said Kurogiri. "This man will be a great asset if he joins us."

"I'd say this was a success," Said Stain. "My business here is done. Now, you will return me to Hosu." He licked his lips quickly, his eyes shining with a red glare. "There are many more false heroes I must attend to there."

*                                 *                                   *

Izuku stood waiting on a bench at the train station near his house. Dick had gone off to get their tickets, as they would be traveling outside of the city. He still couldn't believe that he was working with Nightwing, Bruce's first protegee, the first Robin. He hadn't had the chance to meet him previously, as his base of operations was in Bludhaven, back in the USA. Bruce was very sparing about bringing up the past, and so he hadn't mentioned him often. But Nightwing was one of the largest advocates for quirkless heros, being quirkless himself, and Izuku had followed his activities from a young age, since he formed the Teen Titans. After he struck out on his own as Nightwing, his time in the spotlight had declined. Dick had explained that this was due to the nature of crime in Bludhaven, as it was considered to be one of the worst cities in the United States, and in many ways was worse than Gotham City. Many of the things that went on there were better off staying in the shadows where they belonged.

"This place is great!" Said Nightwing, approaching Izuku. He was carrying their tickets, but also two drink cans. "You can purchase beer from the vending machines! Can't do that back home."