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It had been done when the boy born from death stared at a TV announcing to the world that the Glowing baby was coming to japan. The other was only a month younger than him standing on the stage talking about things as if he ever knew true hardship. So he was going to meet the one that had everything already making up his mind. To see the boy that everyone acknowledged while those like himself scrounged in the streets for scraps.
That is when he stands there watching the boy who was radiating like some heavenly figure untouched by filth. Standing there with a crowd of people who adored him despite everything he is saying being more like a fairytale. And this is when he knew-
He wanted what he had with all his heart.
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The glowing baby was born in China to a loving family and was often used in debates on the rights of those with and without power. His country was very strict, struggling to control its own population as many more with powers appeared after his birth. But the Glowing baby wasn’t just a symbol he had a name.
His name is 阳 or Yang, meaning the light, heaven and sun. The name was a natural fit for him and despite the struggles his parents held him with pride and protected him. So he returned that protection by wanting to help others like him with no voice. His powers were seen as a blessing, like he is a god given human flesh but he just wants to see others be free like him. To be able to speak up without fear and with the hope of everyone peacefully coming together.
So despite his families being concerned he spread his activism to their neighboring country of Japan as it struggled deeply with its rising paranormal population. Wanting them to understand those with powers were more than what they seem.
That is when he met that mysterious boy just before he was about to give a speech to the people. The boy had white hair and white eyes very much standing out even among others that seemed to have powers. Those eyes stared intently at everything as if trying to register all the people who were aware of his presence. An air of despair hangs over him as stands clearly on the defensive. Clinging to his features even with an expression that doesn’t give away any emotions, and yet Yang was enraptured with curiosity.
Despite the people around him showing weariness toward this outsider of the cause he shoos them and smiles. As the other seemed to be the exact person he had been wishing to understand and aide. The whole point of everything is to help those who were on the outskirt of society after all.
“Welcome! Are you here for an activism speech?” He greeted the white haired boy noting how he looked to be around his age. The white haired teen looked at him puzzled wearing ragged clothing with shoes that have seen better days. It was no surprise that many had actually been close to wanting to chase off this stranger if Yang hadn’t noticed. He wasn’t exactly the normal sort of crowd they would be used too.
The teen seemed startled looking more like an animal that had been cornered for a brief moment. As everyone was now looking at him though Yang did try to lighten up the atmosphere as didn’t want him to run away. So he tries to speak before one of the adults decides to do something. As it was clear they were close to kicking him out, “It's ok if you're just curious! I’ll be having a speech soon, you should watch it!”
The other’s expression that was alert slowly shifted to a more neutral expression yet he still didn’t say a word, seeming to be studying him intently. Finally the white haired teen nods his head not even greeting nor introducing himself. But that’s fine! Maybe they can talk after the speech. He could use more friends his age and might help him understand things here better! And he can’t help but note he was kind of cute just looking at him confused like that.
So he does his speech. He glows like he always does to make sure every eye is on him as he speaks his mind on the issues. There are always hecklers but the people on his side are protective, making sure to kick anyone out that causes problems. That strange boy stayed just watching his speech as if was absorbing every word.
“Sometimes all anyone needs is someone to extend a hand to them in their time of need. It’s why I’m here advocating for those without a voice,” Yang speaks firmly. His eyes glanced a bit at the boy who stood out with his white hair and odd behavior. “Especially those who are still trying to find meaning in their life. I hope they know I’m on their side.”
There seemed to be a flash of something on the stranger's face and for a moment Yang wondered if said the right thing. Feeling almost proud as he hoped that he could make a difference and of course everything ends without much issues. He talks to people just answering random questions like what it is like living with these powers, the issues, their fears. It’s always a lot of things but eventually the adults usher him away.
At least that is how it usually goes as when he went backstage he was startled to see the odd kid was there. And it looked almost like he was getting in trouble as the adults seemed to have caught him.
“The hell are you doing back here!? You aren’t allowed, don't mistake Yang kindness to mean you can do whatever you want,” One shouted as the white haired boy was clearly ready for a fight. The way they treated this boy was vastly different from what Yang expected as the guy looked to be around his age.
“Hey it’s fine! He probably is just shy,” Yang interrupted as he walked over though it was clear everyone was uncomfortable with him interacting with the boy. As suddenly he was stopped from approaching the stranger who was staring wide eyed at this very exchange. “Guys he looks to be around my age. I could use a friend.”
“Yang, you can find more ‘normal’ friends that don’t look like they came out of the trash. This one is here clearly to cause trouble,” one of the activists spoke and it was clear this seemed to bother the stranger.
“That’s not for you to decide,” Yang huffed and pushed past them as he approached the teen still glowing. He was delighted to meet someone his age as he extended a hand toward the other in a show of friendship, “Hi, I’m Yang tho I guess you already know that. Who might you be?”
There is a long moment of silence as the white haired teen glanced around clearly aware of the animosity being projected onto him. Despite Yang's attempt to assure him that he was safe he guessed they left quite a bad impression. He recedes his hand a bit and gives a sheepish smile, “Haha I guess after they threatened to kick you out can’t blame you for being weary.”
Again not much of a response. A part of Yang wondered if the other was just actually mute and thus why can’t speak. Though he didn’t have to wonder for long.
“Just call me A,” was all the white haired boy said.
Well that certainly is an ODD name as that doesn’t even qualify as a name! It’s clear to anyone that this is an alias and of course everyone was even more suspicious. But Yang doesn’t let that bother him one bit! He just needs to show that he’s trustworthy is all, that’s it! It’s decided he’s going to make this guy be his friend and help him out!
“Nice to meet you, A. Why don’t you tour with me?” Yang spoke with excitement though there was barely any change on the others' faces. The adults didn’t at all seem happy at his blunt offer. But what’s the harm?
They were both paranormals in this world and they gotta stick together. What’s the harm right?
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So that is how Yang got A to basically travel around with him for his tour. It seemed like he was studying him in the way he talked, how he held himself and presents on stage. If anything it seemed like he was genuinely interested in everything he did. Even if didn’t say much he was a great listener just absorbing information like a sponge.
“You’re not much of a talker are you?” Yang noted as A was just scarfing down the food he got him like an animal. It was a habit he noticed sometimes when really hungry guessing unless gets food that doesn't have much, “Nor much for manners.”
He meant it as a tease as he went to eat but the white haired boy seemed to stop his gorging, actually seeming to frown at him. Looking at him intently and Yang feels like he might have said the wrong thing.
“I don’t mean anything bad by it! I’m just surprised,” he piped as the fellow teen was such an enigma to him. Unaware that this boy had never come to befriend him nor how he was being scrutinized every second. As to Yang it just seemed like he was very interested in him believing the best of intentions. Naivety would be the best way to describe Yang as he allows the boy who had nothing to follow and see him ‘flaunt’ everything he lacks.
“Hm,” was all A’s response, not seeming to be as hungry anymore despite how ravenous he had been. His white eyes narrowed as he looked at the ground away from Yang, “And you’re bright.”
Oh- Yang was startled looking a bit surprised at the others words. Unsure of how to respond as it was said almost bluntly but… Was he trying to tease him back? Yang felt his heart flutter just for a moment, a bit embarrassed as wondered if that was being literal because of his powers or as a compliment. He leaned on the table just a bit as he smiled at the boy who seemed unsure how to interact with him.
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Yang smiled. At this moment he felt almost happy. Maybe they were going to become friends or maybe more.
After all, why would he stay so long with him? Watching him for so long staying at his side if not because enjoys his company in return.
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It was a terrible mistake, so many people have died as A stood in front of him with an unreadable expression. All Yang did was try to be affectionate as he thought the other getting so close was a sign of trust. It was his people who noticed the spikes first and went to his aide only to end up skewed on the wall.
Now he is trembling on the floor as people are coming to kill A who was unbothered by the multitudes of deaths he inflicts. Treating them like insects even when they inflict wounds but he eventually blocks the entrance. And Yang is left trapped, trying to understand where he had gone wrong.
“A why? I-I thought- I dunno, I thought at least maybe we were friends?” He was close to tears wondering how long the other plan for this. The white haired boy approached him and Yang knew he was defenseless as all he could do was glow. He isn’t even fast enough to try and defend himself before he feels himself being grabbed by the face.
It hurt- It felt like something was ripped from him and it took a minute to realize he was no longer glowing. That is when he noticed that A was slowly beginning to smile, it was the first time he ever seen that expression on his face. As if A had finally found something he had been looking for as he hums a little, it sounded like how Yang would hum when trying to figure out a speech.
“I actually really enjoyed our time together. I learned a lot about what people like,” A spoke and it took Yang a moment to realize the other was talking about his speeches. The grip on his head tightened causing a small whine as A forces his head back against the wall.
“But I hold only contempt for you. Born with everything you could ever want, love, praise, security and it all because you were born in the right place and right time. Then you invite me in just expecting me to just fall all over you,” A speaks casually but those words were like knives. And in that moment Yang realized instead of trying to seem hospitable all it must have seemed like was he was showing off. As if saying look at all the things I have that you done and he wants to cry wondering how he could have been so stupid. “I’ll use what I learned from you.”
“I-” Yang wanted to speak, maybe even apologize despite knowing he is the one about to die unsure of how he got here. Wondering how he could have gotten it so very wrong confusing the others constant companionship as actually caring. But the other's smile seemed so genuine right now as uses his powers to glow in all the time they spent together he has never seen him smile. It was almost like a-
CRUSH!
Just like that the boy who had everything was reduced to a dead corpse just as waves of his followers barged in to see the horrid sight. They all wished for the boy who would grow up to become All for One’s head. They all charged at him cursing and damning him with words he has already heard many times before. But this time he was embracing those titles.
He was a monster, but now he is choosing to be a monster and will use what he has learned to get what others have. By making them seem like they are getting what they want in return even if those words end up empty. Just give them enough of what they want and they eat right out of your hand.
Because that is what Yang had taught him. He needs to share this new dream with Yoichi, as now he knows what he wants to do. He can’t wait to share it with him.
And he’s sure he can take what he learned and put it to good use. As extending a hand like that did make him feel something even if he had no idea how to respond. It was strong yet also foreign so it must have meant something even if he didn’t take it.
He just isn’t too sure what it was…