Work Text:
"Don't you want devoted followers?"
A man much older than him asked with a delighted smile on his face as stared at this white-haired mutant. Void dead eyes stared back as those words rang loudly in his ear. There was a fanatical look, this wasn't the first time he has seen him.
Just another sucker Hisashi scrapped money off of by peddling him some random power. An odd sort, no one special or even worth knowing. Yet it seemed he had tracked him down again despite making it clear they aren’t to meet again. He clearly didn’t listen.
"The hell are you talking about?" He scoffs. He didn't have time for this his little brother had run another fever for some reason. To the point that he couldn't move so only came out to get more money. The man smiled widely because in a sense he did give him attention. Likely the rambling of some nutcase.
"You've been blessed! The marks on your hands are a sign you are a messiah, a symbol of humanity's next step in evolution." The man jeered, and the young man scowls. This man was delusional, all his father ever saw his kids as a demon and burden. Leaving them with a mother who couldn't handle it alone anymore.
Some Messiah.
His fingers instinctively clenches over the palm of his hand never one to enjoy keeping them open.
"Oh, you're an insane person like my religious father," Hisashi jeers with amusement finding these religious types just so funny. Spilling platitudes and nonsense with no value, "Why do I need a bunch of dead-weight strangers?"
The man seemed surprised at the rejection. Did he assume that because was doing some shady underground power exchange, he was that desperate? He needs extra money as his business job was a shit hole that still hasn't given him that raised his promise. Yoichi's medical aide isn't cheap considering he needs outside 'help'. But this seems like more work.
"You still aren't awakened yet," the strange man noted softly. Hisashi's eyes narrowed wondering if should get rid of him since he isn't supposed to remeet those he works with. His hand cracks with light electricity as a warning knowing the power he gave this idiot was weak.
Only to be startled by the man clapping his hands in delight, "I can help you! People would leave their families for you! Give you money or even their body I can already see it now. This very world is hell itself and you will bring it order even if it is by cruelty! The moment you touched me it gave me this revelation! Everyone needs to know your brilliance!"
Hisashi steps back as this psycho walked toward him with that insane admiration. As if the moment he had received some power something broke in this man's brain. It pissed him off wondering what made the other so happy looking at him. He was just some ordinary man stuck in a damned dead-end job while the government did nothing to prevent the verbal abuse he endures.
"Isn't this your will that you pushed on me!? To become a god-!?"
In a fit of rage, he killed the blathering man when this man went to touch him... And this feeling of disappointment remained unsure of what came over this man as well as the worry about anyone discovering he had killed someone. His hand ached and itched at the wasted quirk but also fear of getting caught.
He needs to run.
Damn, he hated this world.
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It lingered in his mind despite the fact he had other things to worry about like a teenage little brother. His work at this wretched company once again skimped him on his pay raise. Instead, they were scolding him for his 'behavior' as he wasn't acting like a team player.
"Honestly, you're the only one here that complains and refuses to do over time! You need to learn to respect your elders more before you come bothering about a pay raise. But then I guess should expect it from a mutant," the last part was said under his boss's breath. Hisashi grits his teeth hating that the man wants him to be a slave but refused his deal.
As if he was going to work overtime to not get paid when has someone at home. But there isn't anything he could do about this bullshit.
"I do my job perfectly and usually finish by the time my shift ends. I still don't see why, me, refusing to stay over time is a deal breaker," Hisashi tried to speak calmly as forced a smile. Sadly it isn't very effective against a boss who has a powertrip over trying to break every new 'meat.' But at least he gets the pleasure in knowing it pisses the man off.
"Tch, get out of my office! I already made my decision and that's final also dye your damn hair as we've said!"
The boss sneered bothered by his smile. Hisashi sighs as he gets up and bows though he doesn't go all the way. Enjoying the annoyance showing on the man's face at the half-assed respect as he leaves. But underneath he was fuming wondering why the hell he is still at this damned place.
He studied, he worked, he went to college like every other fucking drone in this society. He crawled over every other person to get to this position and yet in the end he hit the wall. Just like every other hopeless mess, his hand moves to touch his hair knowing exactly the reason. Despite his qualification, this is all they see, his refusal to conform to their desires.
As he returns to his desk the fire of spite was still fresh knowing he should work but a thought entered his mind.
If I was a cult leader maybe instead of being scorned they would cower in awe.
Hisashi frowned. The thoughts have been becoming stronger as is his urge to use his power. His hands were always itching to grab at something to shove in his pocket and take home was common. Kleptomania has always been a problem to the point was taken to a therapist, too bad their parents chickened out when they did say something was wrong.
Still, this felt different, not even when he comes home to his little brother did the feeling leave. Now thoughts of becoming a cult leader. How absurd there is only one result that could bring.
Ping~!
The sound of an email arriving on his computer sounded catching his attention. As he looked at the email he stares at the title.
Do you wish to learn how to charm people?
Well... Hisashi can't deny his curiosity.
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"Hey, Big brother?" Yoichi spoke up. Today he seemed to be doing better and healthier. Seems the money he got for that expensive ass doctor’s help was worth it. If the free health care wasn't shit in this current climate it probably wouldn't be such an issue. Then again the doctors barely even know what is wrong with him.
"What is it, Yoichi?" Hisashi needed a smoke his nerves still shot at another failure for that pay. Not that he allows his little brother to know he has any problem. He can handle this.
"What have you been doing?" Yoichi was as blunt as ever. Those eyes looked at him curious but also concerned. Guessed he has noticed him sneaking out during odd hours but it is best not to admit that.
"Working," Hisashi answered. "Come on don't look at me like that Yoichi I'm fine you just focus on your highschool life before you get another episode."
He just hopes some asshole at the school remembers to mask up when sick before Yoichi goes through another hospital trip. He hates his brother going to that school it was a ticking time bomb now starting to understand why their parents kept him homeschooled if could. Not that Hisashi had many options for homeschooling as he needs to work. What was it the parents always say? You'll understand when you have kids?
Too bad it is his little brother and not his actual kid.
...He shouldn't think like that. This is the only family he has and it isn't his fault his health is like this. But damn the other constantly questioning him can get frustrating.
"Stop acting like my dad it's weird," Yoichi was quick to remark. Making a face that didn't enjoy being 'talked' down to.
Hisashi looks at the brat who was trying to cross the barrier. As if he didn't sacrifice a lot to keep his ass out of the system before was even eighteen when their mom couldn't handle him them.
"When you stop being a burden to our finance over a cold then you can tell me how to act," his word was harsh but there was no lie just a jab. Watching those green eyes widen and his form shrink it made him back off. He isn't too sure why that would bother him. He was cared for in a way could enjoy himself but at least it worked. Results are all he cares about.
"By the way, I'm probably going to be looking for new employment. So my schedule going to be a bit erratic," Hisashi informed. Taking out a cigarette as he goes to step outside. Though he glanced at Yoichi noting how he looked miserable. "What? Did it seriously bother you that much what I said?"
It honestly baffled him. As he's sure Yoichi is aware of this simple fact but he looked like he was about to-
"Hey don't cry! Why are you about to cry!?" Hisashi questioned startled as his little brother had tears in his eyes. Feeling himself becoming stressed at the tears in the other's eyes. Shit, how does he fix this?
"I'm not trying to be a burden!" Yoichi shouts his hands on his lap as his teeth were clenched. "Why do you always have to bring that up whenever I protest? Do you hate me that much?"
Hisashi tries to wrack his brain at how had come to this conclusion. He takes a moment to process the other's words, "Hate you? Why would I hate you?"
The smoke break and murder of his lungs can wait. Walking over he kneels in front of his little brother his large size allowing him to examine the teen boy.
"I love you a lot. It's why I'm doing all this I was just stating the truth it isn't anything to cry over. You know I'm just like that," Hisashi may have no idea why his brother was crying but he was trying to understand. He reaches out to grab his little brother's hand and continues, "Look, no matter what I might say or do at least know this. You are important to me if wasn't for me caring about you, I wouldn't be here. And you need me too, after all, I ain't abandoning you."
He knows that he isn't exactly... Parental. The other needed a dad and all he had was his apathetic and dead inside older brother. He used to have so much more life in him, his little brother likely missed when he would drag him outside to have fun. Playing roughly and how would spend every moment with him if could even if got him sick. It was a precious memory.
Unfortunately, Hisashi had to grow up.
"How about I buy you the lastest chapters of, Captain Hero? I heard it is getting really good," he notes with an awkward smile. Yoichi slowly calmed down his tears only small sniffles as removed a hand to wipe his face. He was much too old to be crying and likely eventually Yoichi might rebel harder. He isn't too fond of that idea when is trying, but he was sure if this new work endeavor works out then it will be alright.
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These cults were interesting.
Hisashi had technically 'joined' one out of curiosity. Though it was clear they were slowly starting to realize he wasn't invested like the others. The seminars quite frankly were about how amazing and perfect their leader was.
He had a mutant power. A weak rare 'healing' power but he can tell easily it was more about a euphoric sensation. Basically, the man had a touch that made you feel like you were on cloud nine was the claim. Everyone wanted to be touched by him and Hisashi studied him.
He experienced it once.
The man had touched him and it took all of Hisashi's willpower to not strike back. The touch was something else but beyond that, it wasn't as insane as everyone acted. Making him wonder if it is only because of how much he talks it up that they think it is some orgasmic experience. When it is just small shocks.
That wasn't the interesting, of course. He can’t help his curiosity over super powers.
It was just how every single follower was pathetic, desperate, and hopeless. They had no hope in themselves but in their leader who is spewing only lies. Spreading promises of happiness and joy while suppressing any desires for them to leave. He guessed if those are the targets of a cult it makes sense since many people have lost their homes, families, and everything.
Mutants, normal, and the odd ones were here mixed in the crowd. Though it seems the leader doesn't like being observed like a lab rat. One day when he had tried to leave they grabbed him for a talk.
"You don't believe that I'm a real god, do you? I would think the business type would be more open-minded," The leader questioned. Hisashi doesn't say anything as he was shoved. Noting that the men that herded him in to the room now blocked the entrance. Hisashi recovered as he fixed himself a bit.
"Come on now we are all adults here. I'm not about to expose you as the fraud you are," he puts on his businessman smile, "I'm just about to leave and you will never see me again."
Seems he somehow had said the wrong thing. This was to be the final time he make such a mistake in being so honest.
"You don't believe me a god? My my, I think you misunderstand. You can't just 'leave' once your in," the cult leader spoke as walks toward him. "We need to fix that come let me give you my touch. So we can open your mind."
What happened next would make anyone puke as his hand touches him in places he never wished for. Gross and disgust hands moving against his skin. It elicited a repulsed response and this time he didn’t hold back his protest.
"Don't touch me!" Hisashi howled hating the sensation trying to elicit fake emotions. It was a mistake he won't make again in his naivete. Seems it isn't just society that would rip siblings from each other but men themselves seeped in filth.
The cult's leader very soon learned though when he had his men restrain to give his touch. Hisashi could not be swayed over such feelings with disdain for conforming to others will. Feeling him trying to force his feelings into something else. With an unfathomable strength calling all this power. The very ones he worried would consume him every sleepless night, he grabbed the man's skull-
And crushed him like a grape.
"W-What the hell!? What are you!?!?" The guards were shocked and horrified pulling away from him with fear. Blood still coated his hand and despite most people would be horrified at what he had done... He felt euphoric. Wondering if it was because of the man's powers prior to being crushed had anything to do with this. Or maybe he was just this fucked up on the inside. A ringing in his very chest that felt so empty seemed to sing.
He stole the man’s power too.
As he looks over at the guards a wide smile formed on his face as he felt like those villains in those comics. Like he had just finally been freed by whatever shackle had made him cautious of going too far. The fear on their face at his smile grew only made him cackle as he finally says what had been on his mind since that psycho asked if wanted followers.
"I'm above frauds and I'm going to show you what a mistake you all made in trying to contain me," he jeers knowing he was always broken inside. He always has been hating every rule and monotonous life he was forced to live working for other people. Abandoned by their father and their mother's untimely demise. So leaving him the only one to struggle to care for his brother. To conform to what others wanted just to survive in this miserable existence with small-time peddling.
Unloved. Unwanted. The only thing he had is a little brother whose health depends on how much money he has.
But right now, for the first time in his life, he felt joy in this depressing and monotone life because he finally understands why he exists.
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Even if the leader was a fraud he had taught Hisashi everything he had needed to learn about how to gain followers. With actual power of worth, he can do more than dumb parlor tricks and shocks of euphoria. The government didn't exactly help make the many mountains of mutants end up shot down any lesser. So he focused on that.
After all, his old job presently has him in work limbo because of his conduct so he has time.
He learned to run toward any chaotic scene. He was no hero he had no intention of helping the police and this time he won the lottery. Someone's superpower had gone out of control and then the police came at them with guns blazing. This time, unlike every victim before, they escaped without becoming a chalk line with people wondering what happened.
Such a sorry sight. She was curled up in the corner of the trash the evidence of flowers crawling across her features and even on the trash. A pretty thing though not his type looking almost sharp. Those eyes stared intently at him with a burning fear as the flowers seemed to grow even more.
"Relax, I'm only here to help," he assures with a small smile as he walks toward the other. Memorizing how that cult leader and how held himself with decorum. Slowly extending a hand to the woman as he smiles, "You may call me..."
All for One.