Chapter Text
" PENUMBRA'S QUIRK CAUGHT ON TAPE (MUST WATCH) ( NOT CLICKBAIT)💯💯 “
"I can't believe we're getting this on film!" A man's voice can be heard over the recording of a soon-to-be clash between a hero and a villain. He and his companion were at least a block away. Having to rely on the zoom-in feature of the phone made the video turn out grainy although it still manage to capture the scene with no fail. He thanked his lucky stars that they were at least somewhat close to a dingy light post. He shifted his phone to the right, recording a small convenience store. "So here's the gist, dude thought he could rob the convenience store scot-free," He narrated. The video once again focusing on the hero.
"We are so posting this on the internet!" Another quipped from the sidelines. He fist pumped, his arm slipping into the frame for a few shots.
Penumbra levitated a few feet from the ground, her black cloak shrouding her face and body. The night was serene for the moment despite the ongoing conflict.
The brute contemplated between two options, running and fighting back. The latter was unwise. There was hardly news about the heroine; other than a hero name she was a complete enigma. Was there a possibility that he could outrun her? Wouldn’t he like to know. An ambush was probable in this case. The alleyway could be used to his advantage. Lead her around aimlessly until he finds an opening in which he could strike. The plan felt solid. This would work; after all he knows this city like the back of his hand.
Penumbra's cloak shifted.
He tenses and lifts his arm up in a defense position.
The street came alive with what felt like a million eyes staring from each nook and cranny. Faint whispers was audible, they were chattering amongst themselves. It was clear that they were excited. Their words were undecipherable in the harmonized gabfest.
“What the fuck.” The cameraman muttered. His surroundings felt alive, it was almost like something was looming behind him. He turns back only to be met with a dumpster.
The wind howled furiously causing the audio to crackle and the chatter to diminish.
It didn’t look as if the villain had the upper hand this time around. He shivered lightly. Was this somehow her quirk? Devilish manifestations? Was it somehow just an illusion or is it the real thing. He didn’t want to stick around to find out. Run! Kept hammering in his mind, but he could make no use of his legs. Just what is she capable of?
Now or never . He unshod his long razor like nails and stood against her. A coward is what he was, but pride kept him in place. It was better to die trying. The alley was deemed unhelpful for the time being, who knows what bigger threat was lurking in there. He takes a deep breath. It’s now or never. He makes a mad dash around her with his arms menacingly jutting away from his body. Adrenaline now fully flowed through him heightening his gutsy attitude.
Penumbra had no reaction over the situation. This seemed like a daily occurrence for her. Though somehow the heroine managed to convey how tensed she was becoming despite being concealed.
By the wills of no-bodied silhouettes they jumped on the opportunity to leap at him at close proximity. Their weightless forms managed to bring him to a skidding halt against the asphalt.
Profanities spilled from the cameraman’s mouth as the scene unraveled. The shadow creatures were piled on top of one another. Relentlessly clawing and mangling the man like starved wild animals even their sounds could be compared to one too.
Blood began to seep from the horde.
The fight didn’t prove to be much of a sight with the villain easily overpowered by her quirk. It was the heroine herself that managed to appeal to citizens with her arcane nature, in fact she was treated like a cryptid due to it. If there were any videos of her that manage to surface the internet it was mostly of poor quality, one could barely make out the people involved making the recording useless for further inspection.
The cloak shifted again, her hand shot upwards from the confines of the shroud. She rose it high and pulled it into a fist.
This caught her creation's attention.
To say they were dismayed was an understatement. They were beyond aggravated. While most retreated back to the shadows, a few stubbornly lingered. Though none of them dared to touch the body.
Penumbra ceased her levitation. She descended on the ground with a soft click from her heels. She made her way over to the incapacitated man, pushing the remaining creatures away for good measure. Her cloak pooled around her as she kneels before him.
Quite preoccupied with the achievement of catching a secretive hero at work they almost didn’t notice the shadows eyeing them hungrily despite the lack of organs. If anything, they lacked everything that was needed to consume let alone expel.
One the the men audibly gulps.
The camera last caught her nudging the villain before being pointed against the creatures. They were nothing against the dark background. As soon as one of them lurched forward the duo ran the other direction.
Only darkness along with airy breaths and thundering footfalls were caught on camera. It lasts for a few seconds before cutting.
The video went viral as soon as soon as it was released.
* * *
Summer signifies only one thing for a teacher and that was; no students. The school was vacant and the staff who were present gathered in the rooms with air conditioning. You couldn’t blame them, only a lunatic would roam the scorching halls willingly in a thick black cloak. Jokes aside, the experience either felt like a waking dream or an rpg game. Nonetheless both were illusory visualizations.
The sun was at its peak now, it’s heated gaze intensified by the tropical climate. You yawn while reaching overhead to stretch your stiff arms.
Time for a nap.
You began to head back to the faculty. Having to pass one of your previous classrooms had you thinking. There was only a week and a half left till Yuuei would once again open its doors to welcome seniors and freshman alike. Considering how stronger quirks are beginning to manifest through the years, the school might once again have to opportunity to educate the future number one.
A chuckle leaves your lips at the idea. Let’s be honest, it was apparent that a top ranking hero to-be was already being mentored here. Not to toot your own horn but he’s one of your students. And you had confidence that he can even surpass All Might himself.
If the faculty was bustling a while ago, it wasn’t anymore once you phased through the door. All eyes were on you, they all had one thing in their mind right now and that was of last night’s events.
Snipe’s phone continued on screening the appalling video. From the audio, you guessed it was about to wrap up hence the panting.
The hood of your cloak dipped down further concealing your features. This is overwhelming. You wrung your hands together. Being caught on camera wasn’t part of the agenda but it was something that couldn’t be avoided. The only problem was that it managed to catch you on a particularly bad day where your friends felt a bit too rabid. .
Must be from the pent up energy. That's what you get for dismissing a patrol the other day.
An air of disbelief blanketed the room. It was easy to understand that they were shocked from the your quirk, but the way their gaze pierced through your shroud felt as if you committed the villainy act yourself. They never did witness the full extent of your quirk, it would have been better if it remained that way.
No one could think of anything to comment, it was so staggering that it even manage to silence the ever boisterous Present Mic.
Did I really mess up that badly?
Like how the villain was in the clip you weren’t able to move your legs. Fear run rampant in your chest. Couldn’t someone say something.
The atmosphere shifted into uncomfortable silence. It was well past the mark where somebody should to said anything about it.
"Ah, Penumbra! I've been waiting for you." A jovial voice cried out.
You spooked. Not because you were surprised at being addressed. No. It was because it was from your boss, Nezu. He was unintentionally hiding behind the desks. His ever-present grin sent shivers down your spine.
You took a deep breath and calmed your nerves. You can do this. "Y-yes, Mr. P-principal?"
Nice.
“A moment of your time please.” He ordered as he walked out of the the room, leaving the door open for you.
Apprehension fully consumed you. The room was still silent as you were leaving. The moment it closed however, you were able to hear Present Mic’s muffled cursing.
Nezu disregarded the obscenity. He didn’t want to push the dilemma further after witnessing your nerve-wracking display. You were already cornered into a tight spot, he didn't need to make it worse. Also, considering how many views the video racked up, you were in for a couple of wild nights.
You paced yourself slower, opting to tail behind him rather than your usual side-by-side.
"All Might accepted the position as a teacher." Nezu started. "What do you think?" He looked over his shoulder waiting for your insight.
All Might as a teacher… That was something you wanted to witness. But then again fresh meat always attracted predators. “For starters, we can’t let this go public.” You gulped. Already perturbed for the man having to stand-against the media. “And wouldn’t that make our school a prime target for his enemies?”
The creature hums in acknowledgment before facing forward again. "There's a reason the staff all have quirks." He mused. "And wouldn't it be great for the children to learn from the number one hero himself."
There was no dismissing that one. It was quite a risk to take but if it was for the bettering of the next generation of heroes who were you to stand in the way of it. "I suppose."
"Now,"
Welp, time to kiss your job goodbye. Who knew the ferocious nature of the video could cause you your job. It’s not like having a violent hero take charge of the youngsters was in any way dangerous. Fuck dude. Just when your pupils were nearing graduation too!
You shouldn’t have neglected doing that patrol, it was just a silly little migraine. Now you had to pay the price by watching your students from afar, how cruel.
You balled your fist.
No.
Not today.
Stupid is what this situation is. It was just like any other casualty (with the robber taking the brunt of it all), it couldn’t be helped. It's not like you had full control of your quirk anyway, the bastards do what they want. And wouldn’t it be a tad bit sadistic to kick someone when they’re already down?
If everything else fails, Nezu wouldn't fire someone crying right? This is it, it's now or never.
"would you like to join me for lunch?"
Oh.
"Of course, Mr. Principal."
* * *
Most of the villains you've fought had one thing in common; they had no idea who you were. Which meant they were cautious to high hell, not that you could blame them. Nights like this were a like a roulette wheel. You'll never know what you're gonna get.
Work was easy lately. Your encounters were none you had before. They all seem to underestimate you but that was probably for the best. If they ran the damage would be greater, they do love the runners after all.
After a decade of hero work it was pleasantly surprising to know how little the media knew of you. Mostly just snippets of your made-up persona as well as a peak into that your quirk was. They were right about one thing and that was shadows. Shadow manipulation as they would call it. Manipulation seemed like a stretch, if it were to come from you you'd label it a summoning instead. There was no controlling these creatures. You're like a ringmaster in the middle of a lion cage armed with nothing but a whip, it was up to them to listen if not tragedy is sure to follow.
You stood at the opposite side of the street facing the robber. There was a considerable amount of space between you, it was enough to get a closer look of your opponent albeit not enough for a close range attack.
The moon was nowhere to be seen and the sky was a dark void. The only source of light was the lamp post that held a sputtering dim light.
It was waiting game from here, the man was considering his options. Not a good sign, that meant you had openings.
Let's get this over with.
You activated your quirk putting a gap between you and the concrete. You had their attention now. They were communicating with you, it wasn't physical but in your mind it is clear.
Good to have you back, little flea. We thought you left us for good.'
They didn't receive an answer straight away. Not now.
The villain eye's darted towards the alleyways then back to you.
You sighed audibly. With a motion of your fingers you beckoned them closer. If you understood them while back, you couldn’t anymore. Once they set their sights on their prey they began to rejoice. Their thrill was coated with history of bloodlust and destruction. The reminder made your skin crawl.
Please don’t do anything stupid.
The robber was hesitant.
This is a good opportunity to talk him down, not everything has to end in blood.
He unleashes his claws. You needed to act now.
Just as you were about to start up a conversation. The guy darts off to the side. Oh no. Before any of you could react, the shadows had already manage to strike him down.
Stop this! Your command was drowned in the noise of ravaging animals. I said stop it!
' Oh little flea, the fun is just starting.' A voice stood out from the racket.
THAT’S ENOUGH. You raised your fist. You felt a little control handed back to you.
‘Party pooper.’ They said in unison. A handful of them retracted back into the shadows, the rest stayed put and eyed you cheekily.
You dropped to the guy’s side in a matter of second after shoving away the creatures. Thankfully, there was a pulse. You reached for your phone and dialed for an ambulance. Even if it crushes you, you didn’t plan on lingering around long enough to be questioned.
* * *
"I didn't know that they were going to be that brutal." You sank back into the cushion of the couch. It just now dawned upon you how bad this situation might turn up to be. As usual the video gathered mixed reactions from the citizens. Hero fanatics were exhilarated to finally have a glimpse of your quirk while others were disgusted by the brutality of your attack.
Jakey742: She was just doing her job. :/
Teriyakiperonni: The guy was scared shitless, she could have just apprehended him when she got him down
Linda: disgusting tactics, clearly went overboard
qwerty: :0000
senpaiOwO: Penumbra is clear-
Nezu plucks the phone from your fingers. "No use crying about it now." The phone was placed out of your reach onto the far corner of the table.
You began to think back to again. Miscalculation on your part as well as lack of control over the situation. That was all it took to be a bad hero. Bad hero . You're a bad hero. Your mind felt hazy. The sound of Nezu's bento box opening brought you back. You looked over to your own lunch waiting beside you. Today's events managed to quell your hunger.
"Aren't you going to eat?"
"Neh."
Nezu idled for a second before perking back up. “If it makes you feel any better,”
"Hm?"
“I think you did your best. Quirks are different for everybody but you’re managing yours well.”
“I suppose.”
“Not everyone is born equal, and not everyone gets to deal with what you do.”
He was right, but it didn’t stop the guilt that ate you up.