Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Izuku walked down the hallway of the school, heading to his class. The ones occupying the hallways paid him any mind. The few that looked up returned to their prior activity once they realized it's not their homeroom teacher coming in. None of them paid any heed to him.

'Not that they would of course. Nobody wants to talk to the Quirkless kid.' Izuku thought gloomily. Aside from Katsuki Bakugou, he doesn't have any friends in this school. In fact, he never had any friend except for that guy. Not since he was revealed to become Quirkless. 

Briefly, his eyes turned to the students. Everyone in this school has an amazing ability from something mundane like stone-skin to creating flames or even bending water to their will. What does he have? Nothing but absolute normalcy like the people of ancient past. This isn't a fair world. 

"Oops." One guy laughed. Izuku only noticed the extended leg when he begun to fell, obviously failing to detect it. Eyes closed in an attempt to brace for impact. However, the pain never came and surprisingly, when he opened his eyes, the teen realized someone is holding him by the scruff of the collar. In one swift motion, the would-be saviour was revealed to be...

"K-kachan?" Izuku stuttered, baffled by his friends gesture.

"Sup, Deku." Katsuki Bakugou greeted plainly, his condescending look displayed clearly. Before Izuku could say his thanks, Katsuki had already walked past him in favour of focusing on reaching their shared classroom. Izuku quickly pursued the teen, ignoring the snickering and jeers the others gave.

"Hey, Katsuki, no need to thank me." The culprit claimed.

Katsuki merely paused for a moment, stopping to give the smallest of glances at the idiot. He scowled at the man. Having a better look now as mass of tendrils begun oozing out of his finger tips, Izuku realized the one who tripped him was a third year student like them. But he can't recall the guy's name for the life of him.

"Hey Katsuki, aren't you thanking me?" Tendril-man called.

"You're not close enough to me to call me that casually, brat." 

A jovial expression turned sour in an instant. A single fierce stomp to the ground shot the man up. More mass of black tendrils poured out of the feet, propelling him forward without taking a single step. The momentum ceased when the two were locked into a staredown, their bodies mere inches away from one another.

The students ceased in their activities out of a desire to see the most promising student of their school getting into a fight. There were already talks on how Kacchan would be the only student applying for U.A High. The other student, Kuro Komachi, was considered as a prime applicant for Shiketsu High.

Both were famous in their school for being prime hero material and the fight would certainly become an interesting show. Although Izuku knew there would be another dilemma should the two fight.

"Fuck off, tentacle man." Katsuki barked without breaking a single sweat. There wasn't an ounce of fear in the man. Neither were willing to back down. There were already sparks of flames igniting in Katsuki's palm while black ooze writhing in the other man's own appendage.

"I got a name, Kachan, and it's Kuro Komachi." Barked Kuro in a mocking tone.

"You and I ain't close. Use that term again and I'll blow your head off."

"Kachan, don't fight him. You'll get blacklisted from enlisting into U.A."

The blonde gave his childhood friend a brief glance and merely huffed in annoyance before turning away, completely ignoring the aggressive individual.

"Oh come on man, come back and fight me." Kuro called out, making several exaggerated punching gestures and kung fu sounds. However, Izuku noted the moves were incredibly fluid, a sign of his skill with martial arts. Now that he think about it, Kuro had specialty in martial arts. Karate or Judo, that's the part he wasn't certain.

Each motion were punctuated by a mass of black ooze lashing out at the empty air in front of them. Growing furious at how Katsuki simply walked away without even giving a look, Kuro gave chase with fury.

A hand raised back, hands clenched into fist. Katsuki merely paused and glared at the man. 

"Watch out!"

Izuku quickly leapt in between the two, taking the brunt of the attack on the face. The sensation of getting punched was quite a painful experience. Katsuki had never laid a hand on him when he picked on him. 

"What the hell, Deku?!" Katsuki yelled, grabbing onto the boy to prevent him from hitting the ground alongside the green-haired idiot.

"Kuro Komachi! Stop this nonsense!" A teacher yelled. The teacher, an elderly man with the hooded head of an actual cobra, marched forward and grabbed the tendril-user by the shoulder. 

"Oh come on teach, I was just joking." He tried to laugh off. Several of the other students followed suit.

"I know but this is the final days. We don't want anything bad happen to our star pupils." The snake-headed teacher turned towards Katsuki.

"I hope you'll understand. Both of you are the prize pupil of our school. Let's get along for now."

"Whatever." Scoffed Katsuki, already heading towards his class.

"I'll just be leaving for the infirmary then." Izuku excused himself, making a beeline for the aforementioned place. 

"Hey, Izuku-kun." 

Izuku turned to the teacher, deciding to hear what he wish to impart. Perhaps it is due to his nature of having a Serpent mutant-type quirk, but the teacher's reptilian face made his smile looked far more sly. The fact that he spoke to him using a personal and informal tone doesn't help that.

Even if he was a teacher.

"I hope you...shall we say, change the tales of how you got that injury okay. And I would like to see you after school."

Izuku fought the urge to yell at the teacher and simply gave a small understanding smile. Turning away, the man fought the urge to shout and scream obscenities at them. Blasted teachers, blasted schoolmates and even blasted Kacchan.

Every last one of them gets preferential treatment due to their quirk. Each one gets a freebie since their future is incredibly bright. Just because they can spit fire, cover their skin in stones and can even create explosions, they get a pat on their back, a smile on their face following So people just ignore the common guys, normal people who doesn't even have a Quirk. 

A mere glance at the students who went back to their usual task proves his belief. No one even sport a glance at his general direction nor offered any help. None of them took his side or spoke up on his behalf. Kacchan at least did the bare minimum of not letting him trip and fell. 

It would've been great if he helped him more.

Shaking the negative thoughts, Izuku decided to focus on finding the infirmary. It took a while but he managed to get there. The nurse was a middle-aged woman whom he doesn't really know all that well but she was nice to him. She patched him up after getting an understanding on what happened. Or at least a version that wouldn't draw attention to him.

Just as he exited the infirmary, an announcement came about.

"All students please gather at the auditorium."

Seeing no reason to dawdle, he make haste to the area per instruction. Students of Alderan Junior High were taking seats in the auditorium, all of them discussing and sharing their take on the situation. It was a mess to say the least as all of them. He recognized Kuro the tendril user in the crowd and saw some of his classmates. Katsuki stood out as he didn't exchanged any words with anyone and even his usual lackeys isn't near him.

There was an empty seat beside him so Izuku took the offered opportunity. Moving past the people, excusing himself to reach the desired seat. Izuku eventually managed to reach the spot and took the seat.

"Deku, it's you. Couldn't find any other seat could you? " Dryly remarked Katsuki.

"Yeah." 

Hearing Izuku's answer earned a derisive snort. 

"Fine, whatever. Just make sure you don't mutter too much. I don't want to hear you recite stuff."

"Haha. I'll try my best." Izuku laughed as he scratched the back of his neck nervously.

The students became quiet as their school principal, a portly and short fellow dressed in a suit usually worn by a teacher walking towards the podium. Getting up, he tapped the microphone to test it's function. Ascertained the device is clearly functioning, he begun speaking into it.

"Hello everyone. I'm sure all you young'uns must be rearing to go back to your studies instead of listening to me talking so I'll get straight to the point. We have a special guest today. Please welcome the CEO of the world's premier pharmaceutical company, Stephen McFarlane."

None could believe what they had heard and even Katsuki's eyes widened in genuine disbelief. However, their disbelief were disapproved when the head of that famous company walked on-stage. A pale-skinned old man who, in spite of his advanced ages evident by the wrinkles on face and completely gray hair and beard, sports a highly athletic physique.

The beard and luscious, long mane of white hair gave Izuku the impression of a lion. Briefly he wondered if the man has a Quirk that gives him lion-like traits. A pair of shades hides the man's eyes but it was clear the great businessman was eyeing them. For a moment, Izuku swore the man's eyes lingered on him for a split second. He couldn't ascertain this feeling as he had broken off the stare.

The more eye-catching part was his bodyguards. There were two of them but their physical traits make them stuck out. Both wore three-piece suits, a black overcoat over a white dress shirt with a matching tie and pants in blacks. But their similarity ends there as one of them was essentially a giant dinosaur and the other is a foreigner with black hair.

The dinosaur looked like a Stegosaurus, only if it stands on two legs, have opposable thumbs and wore a pair of black shades. There was an earpiece of sort hanging in the ear.

The other one, the normal human, looked around before tapping the ear piece. He gave a glance at his fellow security guard before nodding.

Smiling disarmingly, he waved his hand to the students.

"Thank you, Mr Principal. I'm grateful for the opportunity I can get. Now, you guys are wondering what the head of some pharmaceutical company is doing here. Well, I'm here for a study-tour for the students of this fine junior high school."

The students erupted into discussion into each other. All of them were excitedly talking to one another, surprised at such a rare opportunity presenting itself. He couldn't blame them for this kind of reaction.

The pharmaceutical company had existed since the early days of pre-quirk emergence days. Ever since then, they have dedicated themselves to the study of Quirks; medicines on how to prevent harmful quirks , medicines to improve quirk potency that isn't like the drugs that circulated the streets at one point and even tools to aid people with bizarre Quirks.

They were also known for creating and selling support tools for Heroes, rivalling the Shield Industries by one David Shield. Of course they also specialize in a variety of other industries. Engineering, hair-gel production and even architecture.

"Anyway, anyone who wants to sign up for this program, you guys can just fill this form." A quick raise of his hand and dozens of people flew up, flying around the space above their heads. Everyone was awed by such majestic display.

'So, his quirk is paper manipulation.' Izuku was delighted at his confirmation. There were old videos of Stephen in his youth, using papers to do simple and cool tricks using his Quirk. He would sent paper flying across the air and doing tricks like a barrel roll or shaping them into paper planes and have them fly.

They eventually landed on their laps perfectly, letting Izuku see the content on the papers. Same as any papers related to school; demanded the legal guardians and/or parents hancock, their names and personal addresses and etc. The typical personal information expected from something like this.

"Oh, and one other thing, we're always looking for more applicants for our ever-growing company. So I hope you guys will join us. I understand hero work is fun and cool and inspiring but hey, they can't work without people like us helping them. So, give it a try yeH? Goodbye.'

The two escorted the rich man out. Stephen gave one last friendly smile and wave, contrasting against his grim bodyguards.

The school principal hurried back to the podium.

"And that's all folks. Now go back to class and study hard. Hope you students pick the right path."

As the students disperse, getting back up and returning to their class. Izuku was unable to help himself and struck up a conversation with Katsuki.

"So, Kacchan, what do you think?"

"I'm not interested in this crap. Hero work is something I'm more invested." Katsuki's face grew to a smirk.

"Maybe you should join this one Deku. You're always a dork and a geek, jotting down on your hero book. Still doing that after I burned the last one I bet."

Izuku freezes up before laughing it off. He inherited his mother's sense of humour is a given. Not just her looks.

"Y-yeah, you're right on the mark Kacchan. Guess it beats taking a dive off the building right?"

Katsuki's steps momentarily halted, an uncharacteristically shocked look on his face. Even Izuku was slightly surprised at what he's seeing.

"About that Deku..."

"Oh, look at the time. It's time for class. See you Kacchan." Izuku waved off with a happy smile, moving as fast as possible. Katsuki was left stumped as he watched his childhood friend's retreating back.

---

"Drive."

That was the only word Stephen spoke to the driver. The man nodded quietly and begun to do as he instructed. The car's windows were dark enough to prevent people from seeing the inside. Prevent common people to see what he doesn't want them to see.

Stephen grabbed a tablet and switched it on. He tapped on the messages features, seeing how it went.

Stephen: How is the progress on forming symbiosis of Host and the Aliens?

Skirth: Here are the reports.

Stephen tapped on the folder containing the reports and it revealed itself. He browsed through the notes and documented observations, huffing as it finds it satisfactory. The results weren't what he wanted but they would suffice. Anything to understand the aliens even better. There were even several footages of the results of several hosts bonding with the aliens.

One of the host, some disabled man they nabbed off the streets with a massive forearms Quirk. Or supposedly he did had as they were chopped off in a car accident. Very complicated and a terrible tragedy. Surely society wouldn't miss a missing lowlife like him but they just had to shove their dirty noise into the trashcan and now his family is looking for him.

What a pain in the ass. Their agents in the police force had to spun a tale and make some showing they are helping. 

The man was hiding in a corner of the containment unit, crying and bemoaning on wanting to be released before their scientist ejected a symbiote into the room. Subject Sym-01 if he recalls. Shark man subject looked mildly curious and repulsed, retreating from the unknown entity. In a display of incredible strength, Sym-01 leapt forward and entered into his body through the pores.

The bonding process looked fine but it begun writhing in immense pain, arms and legs breaking in places as the man cried out in pain. Stephen couldn't help but smile at the sight, watching the alien making it's moves in immense fascination. Eventually the writhing and breaking stopped before he got up.

The second video displayed Sym-02. This one had bonded to one of their mercenary soldier, an American by the name of Trevor Cole. One of the containment equipment suffered a malfunction, allowing it to break out. In the process of attempting to capture it, the subject bonded with the mercenary. 

Ever since then they gained their second unwilling host. Trevor had showcase favorability to the creature, something that was an unexpected development or so the doctor noted. The videos related show him a series of physical test Trevor had conducted. Unbonded and bonded and the results was a blast to watch.

It's physical abilities surpass even the highest quality of Nomus. As a scientist, this fueled the elderly man's scientific desires. It was an amazing sight.

The Symbiote is now shown facing off against a giant robot. A decently sized robot used to detain criminals, the sort used by the Russian government against unruly criminals.

The fight lasted for several seconds as the man and symbiote ripped the machine into pieces. He grinned at the sight, wondering how well would one perform against a Nomu. Trevor's quirk was also enhanced by the Symbiote in terms of potency. 

He typed the reply to the young doctor. Satisfied, he turned to the next focus of work. Calling his lord, the screen lit up with his lord on the other end of the camera feed.

"Greetings Lord All For One. I come bearing news." He replied.

"Doctor Kyudai, that is good to hear. Tell me, how are the performing?"

"Yes, the Symbiotes are performing quite admirably and we've seen how one , when bonded to a human can do against a combat droid. Shall we have a test with a Black Nomu?"

The man leaned back, idly tapping the arm rest as he wondered. Finally he replied after doing some thinking.

"You have my permission but I want you to try it out against the one made to combat All Might."

"But my lord, he is my greatest joy. I can't -"

"Good doctor, I've seen that Nomu performed and I've fought against All Might. You know how badly scarred I am thanks to my brother's successor. What your Nomu can do is mimicking a mere fraction of his full strength."

"But he is injured from your last clash." Meekly replied the scientist. The world may not have noticed it but they have. Through their many eyes and ears, his lord's greatest rival and most hated enemy is no longer able to exert his full power. His appearance amongst the public, while impactful, has grown lesser and lesser with each year.

"And yet, he still possess a great deal of power. Have your mercenary clash against the beast. This is my command."

"It shall be so." Stephen bowed, shedding a single tear at the loss of such fine specimen. That precious baby of his was made using an underground street fighter as the main frame. Injection of several Quirks courtesy of their lord into him and after a year and a half of conditioning, genetical alterations and even usage of drugs for him, only it was born.

And yet he was still unable to meet the expectations of his master. Though, he do hope he could mix a Symbiote with a Nomu. Maybe they can even bring it back to life?

"Speaking off, how is our other benefactors? The Worshippers of Knull and those Dinosaur men I lent you."

The man grew frustrated recalling those savages. The cults was something his master had encountered in the past conflict while the Dinosaur men were acquaintances his master knew from the good old days. The cult were the ones who helped them deepen their understanding of the symbiotes even if their understanding came from a religious background, something he vehemently loathes.

The Dinosaurs are just barbarians. The cult can be reasoned with, just don't mock their religions and they become content. The Dinosaurs are all raring to eat someone. At least they work as excellent waste management, disposing the dead bodies.

"Stegron is...obeying orders and the cult has been helpful."

"Hah, I know you would say that. Tell Stegron and his men to be patient. Their time will come."

"Of course my lord." Stephen replied. Turning the tablet off and watched the scenes through the car windows. 

----

"Are you sure about this?" His mom asked nervously sitting across the dinner table. 

"Yeah." Answered the greenette plainly, sipping on a cup of green tea. His mom had dreams of running a small teahouse in the countryside or so he was told. She eventually gave that up to start a family with a man who would eventually cut off all communication. If it weren't for the fact they kept getting allowance, Izuku was certain his dad had essentially left them.

"Y-you don't want to become a Pro Hero anymore?" She asked.

Izuku remained quiet, preferring to focus on the reflective surface of the tea. Does he want to become a Pro Hero? Of course he does but Katsuki was right. His teacher's actions and everyone around him were right. The world isn't fair and it never has. It is best for someone like him to simply try and adapt to it.

The boy took a deep sigh and faced his mother.

"I took a good while and thought about it. All these heroes that protect people and they have one thing in common. You know what that is mom? A Quirk. I don't have one."

She tried to say something but was stopped by a simple raise of the hand.

"I...I think I'm done dreaming. I'll try and focus on a more reasonable goal. Maybe become a teahouse owner like you dreamt." He smiled.

"....if that's what you want."

"Oh it's not what I want mom but I can't exactly reach for a star if I don't have a rocket. So how about we go out and buy some fried chickens at McDonald. I've heard they are getting better at making them."

Chapter Text

I'm going to bed."

Mitsuki Bakugou was taken aback by her son's abruptness as he had gotten up and left for his bedroom. She sent a sharp glare at him, demanding her brown-haired husband to do something. The man looked puzzled as he didn't knew what to do. Mitsuki briefly took the time to admire his cluelessness before continuing.

"Go talk to your kid!" Yelled Mitsuki.

Startled, he tried calling out to his son.

"Hey Katsuki, you wanna come watch television with your old man?"

Katsuki's eyebrow rose in skepticism, sizing up his father for a brief second before replying.

"Sure, dad."

Katsuki's deflated response surprised the both of them. Usually, their only son would have protest defiantly as he wanted to focus on working on some stuff. Mitsuki had assumed he was reading those gravure idol magazines but she didn't find any. Masaru even pointed out their kid wouldn't be interested in those useless kind of things.

Their son is too busy focus on being the best. As he had always professed and desired.

"G-great." His dad replied. gesturing for him to take a seat at the couch. In a rare moment of obedience, his son complied and took a seat across his dad. The parents were confused by the sight and was even more confused when he whipped out a piece of paper.

"Here, the school got a visit from the Life Foundation CEO."

Both perked up hearing that and his mom leapt over the couch to snatch up the paper. Like a leopard pouncing on it's prey. His mother's eyes scanned the content of the paper and his dad had to scoot over to get a read. Katsuki rolled an eye at how they acted.

Naturally, they exploded into excitement.

"Katsuki, ditch your dream to become a pro hero and be their scientist."

'Predictable', thought Katsuki. Although he doesn't blame her for acting like this. The company is one of the top ten company in the entire globe. The only ones that can even hold a candle to this megacorporation is Shield Incorporate. Aside from these two, the others-while no slouch in their own right-looked like nothing more than kids trying to earn some bucks by selling lemonade on a Sunday.

He would know considering his dad took him on a parent-kid trip at his old man's workplace.  

The boy snorted, reclining in his seat.

"Dear, let our kid choose what he wants. Although I must admit, I'm a little skeptical about this." Masaru stated.

"Huh? Don't you think it's good our kid got a chance to visit this fine company?" 

"Y-yeah about that. I've been hearing bad things about the company. They've-" Masaru's words were cut short by Mitsuki.

"Oh hush you. Katsuki, you just ignore your dad's rambling. That's just his competitive side talking."

"I actually agree with dad." Katsuki replied, taking a moment to watch his parent's shocked expression. Before his mother could reply, he continued.

"The Life Foundation, ironically, have multiple rumors surrounding them. Cases such as malpractice, breaking of multiple laws and even blackmail of their employees. There were even rumors that members of the Life Foundation are in cahoot with that crazy cult, the Cult of the Void. The one that have members committing mass murder because they claim they can hear the voice of god. You know the one that's on the news?" 

To prove his point, Katsuki grabbed the remote and turned on the television, tuning in to one of the news channel. Just as he memorized, the usual news station has just started to give out their evening broadcast. What surprised him, they are actually covering another violent case of murder caused by that cult.

'Must be my lucky day.' Remarked the boy.

"That's just rumors. The news reporter just said it might be some crazy hoodlum." Mitsuki deflated.

"There were photos of one of their shareholders meeting Cassandra Casady." 

"That has been proven false." His mother retorted.

"No, it's actually proven true dear. Oswald Grace was in fact a member of said cult and have met one of their shareholders." Masaru chirped in, deflating a bit when his wife sent a sharp glare.

"No marshmellow night for you." Mitsuki snapped.

"Please don't tell me that's what I think." Cringed Katsuki, having a guess on what that was. The sounds he can hear them again. The creaking and moaning. God, he wished the walls were thicker. 

"I-in any case, I think that's enough for tonight." Masaru stated. "You wouldn't be going."

"No, you will go. Take this and get ready to see some big shot company." Mitsuki yelled. The boy eventually got into argument with his mother and after several minutes he wound up having to deal with a signed paper.

Retreating into his room, Katsuki took the headset, put it on and focused on listening to rock and roll music as he focus on doing some research about the Life Foundation. The form sat at his table, having the hancock of his mother and the forced permission of his father.

'Great.' Muttered Katsuki. Briefly he wondered if Izuku would join the tour. The boy seems to have a change of heart. It just...felt wrong now that he thought about it. Looking back now, Katsuki's stomach turned and flipped as he thought about the treatment he gave to Izuku.

It's not wrong but at the same time it isn't right. Nothing about that seems to be right. If his parents learned what he did to Deku, they would lose their cool. His parents were many things but they don't condone bullying.

But the teachers back in kindergarten and primary school lets him get away with it. His classmates also lets him did as he pleased. And it was Deku who didn't learn his place. But then again, they were kids back then. He didn't knew any better.

Katsuki groaned, grabbing his head as a migraine started to form. Everything is too damn difficult. And he can't even think with the loud music blaring in his ear. 

However, there was one thing that was clear. That is he needs to apologize to Deku for what he has done.

----

Izuku walked to school with his schoolbag slung over his back. Inhaling in the fresh air, Izuku felt clean. It's got nothing to do with the fact that he went out to eat at the recently renovated restaurant with his mom. No, not that of course.

Ever since he came out to his mother with the truth, he felt great. It's like for the first time in his whole life, he felt wonderful. Like the lenses that cover the eyes were finally lifted and the world's splendor is now on show. The same exhilaration a teen felt after pulling a dangerous stunt.

"Here's to a new me." He laughed, taking the steps down the hill. As he walked, a couple of joggers went pass him. The shops were opening and people were heading to wherever they want. Work, home or whatever, it doesn't matter to him. He never mattered to them from the get-go.

Taking a turn, he decided to make a little detour. He had been meaning to do this for quite some time now. A recently opened store by a Chinese-American woman that sold groceries and small essentials. 

"Hey, kid. Got any plastic bottle." The usual old man who hung outside asked. Some guy who collects plastic bottles and other garbage for recycling. Izuku paused, glancing him up and down.

"I can donate something but I'm not sure if you want it." He replied mysteriously, sporting a small smile. The smile widened as the elderly man chuckled, revealing rows of crooked fangs. Underneath his disheveled appearance, he could see traces of smooth gray and scarred skin often found on a shark.

If the slight protrusion on his back weren't a giveaway, he would have assumed he was a crocodile man.

"Hey kid. I'm just an old guy trying to make ends meet. Why don't you just spit out the truth?" Cackled the shark man.

Instead of saying anything, Izuku simply smiled, fished out the pocket money his mom gave him and handed it to the man. The man looked positively shocked, trying to refute it but Izuku was insistent. With one hand, he grabbed the man's sandy-skinned hand. Admiring the clawed nature on it for a brief moment before putting it in his hands.

"Hey kid, use that for your yourself." He stated.

"No, you take it. Go buy food for yourself or your friends okay? Go and use it for others." He replied. The man looked hesitant but Izuku could see the desire in his eyes fighting against the rational. He wanted it. The man relented but ultimately nodded. Just as Izuku was about to walk out, the man reached out and grabbed him by the shoulder.

Before he could inquire why, the man offered a snicker bar. It's not a wrapper or a smudged good, but a genuine snack. Clean and untainted.

"Take it. I'll pay for it."

Izuku wanted to say his allowance was much more than a mere snack but the boy relented. The old man already won in this small exchange. He didn't see any reason to deny him as men in this country, even the beggars don't like being disrespected. The beggar then left, leaving the boy to his thoughts.

"Huh, even a beggar gave me something nice." He checked the expiration date, ascertaining the food had not in fact been spoiled. Seeing no reason to reject it now, he wrapped it open and took a bite out of it.

'I like this.'

----

Her kids should have been asleep by now, Dora Skirth idly thought as she walked down the hallway. The nanny would have put them to bed by now per the instructions. When she picked this job, the woman had dreams of reshaping the world hence the reasoning for joining this company. 

The pay are good. The benefits are good. Only issue is the shady and outright illegal work she has done for this company in the name of progress. She wasn't a believer in anything but the young doctor fairly believed she'll be burning in hell for all her evil deeds.

The woman quietly walked down the hallways, wanting to reach her goal. Several guards walked past her. Mercenaries hired by the company to 'protect the company's interest'. Dressed in black and wore tactical combat suit that looked like they were more fit for war zones over protecting several vats of chemical fluids and other stuff.

Those aren't even the worse of it. She recall their test with one of the mercenaries, the one that bonded with a mercenary. Watching him wore the alien like it's a suit was disturbing, she still has nightmares about the slasher smile it wore.

She paused in front one of the vaults. There was a biometric scanner device to the left, a way to prevent people from entering. Kneeling down, the woman lets it scan her eyes and whispered the keyword to the receiver on the other end.

"Apricot." She stated.

"Individual confirmed. Doctor Dora Skirth." The voice announced. The vault door slide open, granting her passage. She entered it, noticing the guard standing by at one of the control panels. He gave her a look before closing the door.

The secret area of their research. The place where they tries to create changes that will shake the world's foundation. Men and women in lab coats performing research and writing notes on their computer, observing the changes and reviewing the videos.

As she walked past them, she saw some of the more monstrous guards. Physically that is as in massive dinosaur men. She recognized some of them as her kids favourite, a tyrannosaurus here and a triceratop headed man there.

All of them wore simple black bodysuit that doesn't really provide any protection. No doubt considering their own natural toughness is just what they needed. She'd seen some withstanding assault rifles firing blast and he only laughed at what the guard did.

A series of containment cell, each one hosting an individual that has been infected with a symbiotes. Her heart sank as the three people, the ones infected with Sym-01, Sym-02 and Sym-03. The rest of the symbiotes have not been been subjected to bonding with these particular individuals as the cult had instructed them not to do so.

They refused to elaborate on the reasons but whatever the case, they complied. Their company boss had demanded they do so to prevent any complications down the line.

Sym-03's host had been acclimating quite well to the host if the fact she's not curling in a corner like Sym-01's host. A long-black haired beauty wearing a white tank top and a pair of combat jeans with combat boots. Her skin was deathly pale, a side effect of the woman's quirk.

"Sup doc." Leslie Gesnera greeted casually. A mass of red and yellow ooze formed along her arm, waving at her. Unsure on what to do, she simply returned the gesture.

A female mercenary at Trevor's and the Sym-02's recommendation was picked together to become one. Apparently this symbiote was the closest to the second in command of the group they found. 

"So, we've heard we'll be doing some test today. Can you let us in on it?" Leslie asked.

"Oh, it's nothing really. It's like a fitness test really. You just gotta do it with the suit on and suit off." Dora explained. She took note on the use of pronoun. Trevor didn't exhibit this. Perhaps their psyche is bonding together. It is an interesting development.

"Really? We don't get to fight any androids like the boss?" Leslie pouted at the thought. Just as she was about to reply, a second head grew out of Leslie's neck. The head was made off the same yellow and red goop that appeared around her arm briefly. Like the Sym-02, it's mouth has rows of teeth fitting for a shark only this one has something akin to a hair if the mass of tentacles flowing behind it were any indications.

"We would like to fight one of those." It stated, pausing for several seconds before adding another word.

"Pretty please miss? My host and I would like to go down and eat that pussy." It stated, showcasing a ridiculously long tongue, flickering up and down in an obviously erotic manner before lapping everything back in.

"...okay." Dora muttered, obviously flustered by what she heard. It has been awhile as well, with all the stress building up. But she obviously would not take up on her offer. That would be highly unprofessional.

"Hahaha." Both mercenary and symbiote laughed as Dora walked away. The second containment unit, housing Trevor and the Sym-02 is empty. The woman recalled how the man is getting carted off to do another test.

The first symbiote they were instructed to experiment with sits inside the final containment cell. The host is replaced yet again, this time it's some shark fellow they nabbed this evening. Sym-01 must have done his work again given the old man is now curling in some quiet corner of the cell. Whimpering and covering his eyes.

"Dora." A man called out to her.

She turned to the source, catching one of the mercenaries marching up to her. A fellow built like a quarterback player, garbed with the stereotypical military equipment the mercenaries have. There was an earpiece of a sort stuck on the right ear. Black hair slicked back using way too many hair gels for her personal preference.

"Officer Price." She greeted plainly. The man made no reply, gesturing her to follow. She complied.

"What is it?"

"The director want to see you." Lee stated plainly.

"Obviously. I got a call but for what?"

He simply shrugged and yet sports a mischievous smile. There was a twinkle in his eyes, a hint of amusement. The sort the company's CEO has when he watched the black symbiote destroyed his first host. It was a haunting look.

Lee Price was bad. He's even worse than the mercenary and the cultist they worked with. He's practically the sort of guys that seduce young women to a secluded area only to have them chopped up into tiny pieces and ground them to bits. 

"I thought they would told you by now." Lee absently stated.

"No, why do you think I asked you?"

"Because you have no clue on what is actually happening." 

Lee's replies grated her nerves but she held her snark back in.

"Yeah. Mind shedding some lights on the matter?"

"Nah, it's more fun for you to see it." Lee paused for a moment. "Although if the boss lets me get one of those alien, that will be cool. They might even improve my Quirk."

Pulling off the glove of the left hand, revealing a hole in the palm. Dora fixed her glasses, eyeing the gaping hole.

"The alien organism has a weakness to flame and high frequency sound. Your Quirk would have been incompatible with it." She replied plainly. The man's quirk was devastating to say the least.

"Poh, oh well. I guess they can handle bone weapons at least." Lee stated, after taking several more turns, they arrived at one of the testing grounds.

Under them was the test zone. The test zone is nothing more than a big empty space where they run test. It reminded her of the colosseum based on how it was built, elevated seats for the masses to watch the gladiators duke it out only in this case there's only one platform and it's their director who is watching the fight.

Surrounding the open ground were large sonar-based weaponry built on standby. While the symbiotes have proved to be cooperative under the close supervision of the cultist, the same advisors have strongly advocated for employment of these devices in the event of them acting unruly. In truth, the weapons were modified sonar devices used by the American submarines to detect any life or enemy submarines as the frequency of the echolocation had been altered to match the frequency the alien symbiotes finds highly unpleasant.

Though what drew her attention wasn't the fact Sym-02's Host is standing in the arena but the fact their boss Stephen was there. Accompanied by the head of the cult and a teenager.

The head of the cult, Cassandra Cassidy, wore the usual priestly robes fit for the head of th cult. A black robe with an ornate red and gold cassock. Sitting in the middle of her forehead was the tattoo of an eye. Her hood was removed, revealing a shaved head for the whole world to see alongside incoherent words tattooed along the surface. 

The second company, the teenager looked no different than the homeless people their company kidnaps for experimentation. Slim and often disheveled, it appears he wasn't wearing those weird and ghastly accessories molded after hands, revealing pale skin, crooked yellow teeth and chapped lips. His red eyes observed her for a split second before returning to the mercenary doing light stretches.

Both individuals frightened her. Nothing about either one speaks of normalcy. The teen rarely talked but he would occasionally make small talk; how was her day, how is the work like and what kind of work she usually does. At first she assume the man is okay but she made a small mention of her two kids, his eyes would narrow down and he started making some cold and venomous remarks.

He had even displayed usage of his Quirks on her old phone. She had to get a new one after that. Stephen was furious and offered to make amends after that.

Cassandra was just intense. Her fervor, passion and love for this lord was just tremendously overbearing, It's like the preachy pastors back in her hometown but the intensity is far severe. The single mom hoped she never have to get locked in a room with her but thankfully Cassanra never used her quirks on a non-believer.

"How are you doing?" Greeted her employer cheerily. Stephen spread his arms for a hug but she merely smiled. The man pouted when it was made clear she wouldn't return the gesture.

"Any case, I hope to talk to you after this Mrs Skirth. Your reports were great and I loved it so I wanted you to witness something amazing. Think of it as a treat for my favourite employee."

She simply smiled, unsure of what to make of that. A bonus or an increase in salary is what she wants. Hell, she wanted to leave this project and moved back to the States. Preferably without leaving this place in a body bag.

He glanced at the teenager who was the closest to the control panel and simply nodded his head.

"Why you nodding at me for? Ask Mercenary what's-his-name to open the gate. I'm just here to watch the show, doctor."

"Me?" Lee asked, aghast at what he was told.

"Dang it boy, your father lets you come out so you can learn more things. I already taught you which button to press." Stephen remarked, becoming annoyed.

"Yeah, I wasn't pay attention, Uncle McFarlane. Get the bald woman to do it then." He replied.

"Bald?" Whispered Cassandra in mild disbelief.

"How about I do it? Just tell me which one?" Dora added, hoping to put an end to this needless discourse. 

"Thank you, deary, it's the green button." She turned to the panel and pressed the button per instruction. At her action, the gates in front of Trevor begun to move. Heavy machineries roared to life as it begun to move out. Dora could make out the sign of a pair of clawed feet.

The unknown entity stepped out once the gate was fully opened, revealing a towering and muscle-bound beast that had the combined physical stature of All Might and Endeavor combined. One trait that stood out was the fact it' brain was exposed and have a yellow ridge surrounding it. There was also a beak and a pair of eyes, a pair of arms ending in claws as well, making it look humanoid.

The symbiote begun to move, enveloping Trevor in an instant. Silvery-grey slime seeped out of his being, enveloping his clothing alongside the wearer. A pair of blades sprung out of the hands and the symbiote and host put it to good use. 

The two begun to rush towards each other and begun throwing attacks at one another. It looked like a monster movie.

"Oh, and Dora," Stephen spoke, as the violence broke out before their eyes. "I want you to lead the tour guide this Saturday."