Chapter Text
The fluorescent lights hummed softly overhead as Izuku Midoriya sat at his desk, surrounded by the chatter of his classmates. Izuku glanced around nervously, his gaze flickering towards the door every few seconds, as if willing the clock to move faster.
Aldera Middle School wasn't the friendliest place for someone like Izuku. With his quirkless status and timid demeanor, he often found himself the target of ridicule and bullying, particularly from Katsuki Bakugo and his group of lackeys.
The minutes ticked by agonizingly slow, and Izuku's stomach churned with anxiety. He clutched his notebook tightly, his knuckles turning white with tension. Every sound, every movement made him flinch, half-expecting the familiar jeers and insults to come crashing down upon him.
Eventually, the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, and Izuku felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could slip out unnoticed and avoid another confrontation with Bakugo and his gang.
However, as Izuku gathered his belongings and made his way towards the door, he felt a burning hand grip his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. Dread settled like a lead weight in his stomach as he turned to face the source of the interruption.
There stood Katsuki Bakugo, his trademark scowl etched across his face, flanked by his two cronies. "Well, well, well, look who we have here," Bakugo sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Little Deku, trying to sneak away like the coward he is."
Izuku's heart pounded in his chest as he searched desperately for an escape route. But before he could even think of a response, Bakugo's lackeys moved in, blocking any chance of retreat.
"Leave me alone, Kacchan," Izuku pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I-I don't want any trouble."
Bakugo's laughter echoed through the empty classroom, sending a chill down Izuku's spine. "Trouble?" he scoffed. "Oh, you're gonna get more than just trouble, Deku."
Izuku's heart sank as he realized there was no escaping the beating that he was about to receive. He stood frozen in place, his mind racing as he tried to come up with a plan. Bakugo's cronies closed in, their menacing grins making Izuku’s fear spike more.
"Come on, Deku, aren’t you going to fight back?" one of them taunted, cracking his knuckles menacingly.
Izuku swallowed hard, his palms clammy with fear. He knew he couldn't fight back, not against three of them. But the thought of submitting to their cruelty was equally unbearable.
Bakugo advanced, his eyes flashing with malice, Izuku's instincts kicked in. Without a second thought, he ducked under Bakugo's outstretched arm and bolted for the door, his heart pounding in his ears.
"Get back here, Deku!" Bakugo roared, his voice echoing through the empty hallway.
Izuku ran as if his life depended on it, his legs pumping furiously as he raced towards the exit. He could hear Bakugo and his lackeys hot on his heels, their shouts growing louder with each passing moment.
But just as Izuku reached the safety of the school gates, he was tripped by someone, causing him to slam face first into the medal door. He’s lucky he did break a tooth. He looked up to see one of Bakugo's cronies standing over him, a triumphant smirk on his face. Another one soon came and pinned him down.
"You thought you could escape, huh, Deku?" Tsubasa sneered, as he his foot pressing down on Izuku's leg causing an audible pop.
He cried out in pain, his vision swimming as he struggled to break free. But the bully's grip was like a vice, crushing any hope of escape.
Izuku limped home, each step sent a jolt of pain shooting through his body. He gritted his teeth against the agony, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to put one foot in front of the other.
Nobody spared him a second glance as he passed by, their eyes sliding right past him as if he were invisible. Izuku felt a familiar pang of loneliness gnawing at his chest, a reminder of just how isolated he truly was. In a world where strength was everything, he was nothing but a weakling, a nobody.
As he turned the corner onto his street, Izuku's heart sank even further. The sight of his small, run-down apartment building loomed before him like a specter of despair. It was a place he had once called home, but now it felt more like a prison, trapping him in a cycle of misery and solitude.
With a heavy sigh, Izuku dragged himself up the steps, his muscles protesting with every movement. The door creaked open with a sound that seemed to echo in the empty hallway, and Izuku stepped inside, the weight of the day's events bearing down on him like a crushing weight.
He walked over and collapsed onto the threadbare couch in the living room, his body trembling with exhaustion and pain. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he buried his face in his hands, the events of the day replaying over and over in his mind like a cruel mantra.
He began sobbing into the pillows of the old, tattered couch. He was alone, no one would help him. His childhood friend bullied him relentlessly, his father left him, and his mother was dead. He had no one.
He just wanted to give up. To let go of everything. And honestly he isn’t sure how long he had been crying for. But eventually he ended up pushing himself up from the couch with trembling hands, his body protesting with every movement. Tears streaked down his cheeks as he made his way to the bathroom, his mind numb with pain and despair. He needed to bandage himself up.
He stumbled his way to the bathroom, the dim light barely assisting him as he rummaged through the meager supplies he had, searching for bandages and antiseptic. His hands shook as he carefully cleaned and dressed his wounds, wincing as the antiseptic stung against his raw skin.
Each touch of the bandages felt like a cruel reminder of the day's events, a testament to his own weakness and vulnerability. But despite the pain, Izuku gritted his teeth and soldiered on, determined to patch himself up as best he could. For his mother.
Izuku's tears continued to fall unabated. He didn't bother trying to stifle his sobs anymore, letting the anguish and despair consume him completely. The pain in his body paled in comparison to the ache in his heart, a deep, crushing weight that threatened to suffocate him.
As he tended to his wounds, Izuku couldn't help but feel a sense of hopelessness wash over him. What was the point of patching himself up when he knew the cycle of abuse would only continue? He was tired, so tired of being a punching bag for those stronger than him, tired of feeling like he was worthless and alone.
As he made his way back to the living room, Izuku collapsed onto the couch, the weight of the day's events bearing down on him like a leaden blanket. He curled into himself, his body racked with sobs as he surrendered to the overwhelming despair that threatened to swallow him whole.
His mind filled with questions and his heart heavy with sorrow, he couldn't help but wonder why Bakugo couldn't just be his friend. What had he done to deserve the relentless torment and cruelty? Was it simply because he was weak?
The thoughts echoed in his mind, it was all just a reminder that he was a useless nobody. He had always admired Bakugo's strength and confidence, wishing desperately that he could be more like him. But instead of friendship, all he had received was scorn and ridicule.
He had never asked to be quirkless, never asked to be singled out and bullied at every turn. All he wanted was to be accepted, to have a friend who would stand by his side through thick and thin.
Friendship was nothing but a distant dream. In a world where strength was everything, he was destined to be an outcast, a pariah to be shunned and reviled. The weight of his loneliness crushed him like a ton of bricks. He didn't know how much more he could take, didn't know if he had the strength to face another day of torment and humiliation.
His loneliness pressed down on him like a suffocating blanket, he couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that consumed him. His mother was gone, he truly had no one left. The thought pierced his heart like a dagger, leaving behind a gaping wound that refused to heal.
Memories of his mother flooded his mind, her warm smile and gentle touch were now nothing but distant echoes of a happier time. She had been his rock, his confidante, the one person who had kept him going.
But now she was gone, taken from him far too soon, leaving him adrift in a sea of grief and despair. Without her, Izuku felt like a ship without a rudder, lost and adrift in a world that seemed determined to swallow him whole.
Tears streamed down his cheeks as he curled into himself, longing for the comfort and security that only his mother could provide. He missed her more than words could express, missed the sound of her voice and the warmth of her embrace.
But no amount of wishing or longing could bring her back. She was gone, and Izuku was left to navigate the treacherous waters of life on his own.
He cried himself to sleep, his dreams haunted by the echoes of laughter and the sting of fists. In this cruel world, there was no respite, no solace to be found. The face of his mother haunted him if only he could have saved her.
Izuku awoke to the faint light filtering through the curtains, his body stiff and sore from the events of the previous day. He lay there for a moment, his mind still heavy with grief and despair, but as the events of the day ahead began to weigh on him, he knew he couldn't stay in bed forever.
With a heavy sigh, Izuku pushed himself up from the couch and made his way to the kitchen. His stomach grumbled with hunger, a painful reminder of his neglected needs. He opened the fridge to find it nearly empty, save for a few meager leftovers and half-empty containers.
As he rummaged through the cupboards, Izuku's heart sank even further. There was barely enough food to last him the day, let alone the rest of the week. But despite the gnawing hunger in his belly, he couldn't bring himself to eat. The thought of nourishing himself felt like a betrayal to his mother's memory, a reminder that she was no longer there to share his meals or offer her comforting presence.
But as he stared at the meager supplies before him, Izuku knew that he couldn't let his grief consume him. He had to eat, if only to muster the strength to face another day. With a heavy heart, he forced himself to prepare a simple meal, the taste of each bite bitter on his tongue.
As he ate, Izuku made a silent vow to himself. He may be alone in the world, but he would continue living for his mother's sake. She had sacrificed so much for him, and he refused to let her memory fade away into nothingness.
He glanced at the clock, he had an hour before school started. He haphazardly cleaned himself up and fixed his hair. He found himself restless and unsure of what to do. He paced back and forth in the small apartment, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He didn't feel like studying or reading, and the thought of engaging in any other activity seemed futile in the face of his overwhelming sense of despair.
Feeling a sense of heaviness settle over him, Izuku slumped onto the couch, his thoughts consumed by the events of the previous day. He replayed the scenes in his mind, each moment etched into his memory like a scar that refused to fade.
As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, a wave of exhaustion washed over him, his body and mind weary from the constant battles he faced. He closed his eyes, longing for a moment of respite from the turmoil that plagued him.
But as the minutes ticked by, Izuku realized that there would be no reprieve, no escape from the harsh realities of his life. With a heavy sigh, he forced himself to his feet, steeling himself for the day ahead.
With nothing else to occupy his time, Izuku decided to leave early for school. It was better than sitting alone in the apartment, drowning in his own misery. So he grabbed his bag and began the painful walk towards his school.
He limped along the sidewalk, his wounds were throbbing with each step. His tried his best to keep his mind off of the pain but it was difficult. He turned a corner when his attention was caught by a bold advertisement newly plastered on a nearby building. The words "Darkstride Productions" leaped out at him.
Darkstride, a name synonymous with power and influence in the world. As one of the Global Elites, Darkstride wielded immense authority, controlling vast industries with an iron grip. Izuku had heard stories of the Global Elites, whispered rumors of their wealth and influence that seemed to transcend borders and boundaries.
Intrigued by the advertisement, Izuku paused to take a closer look. The ad detailed various projects and ventures associated with Darkstride Productions, each one more ambitious than the last. From cutting-edge technology to groundbreaking scientific research, it seemed that Darkstride had a hand in every aspect of modern society.
As Izuku studied the ad, a flicker of curiosity sparked within him. What would it be like to work for someone like Darkstride, to be a part of something bigger than himself? The idea both thrilled and intimidated him, stirring a sense of longing for a purpose greater than the struggles of his everyday life.
But as quickly as the thought had come, Izuku pushed it aside, reminding himself of the harsh realities of his existence. He was just a quirkless middle school student, barely scraping by in a world that valued strength above all else. The idea of working for someone like Darkstride seemed like nothing more than a distant dream, out of reach and beyond his grasp.
With a heavy heart, Izuku tore his gaze away from the advertisement and continued on his way to school. Even as he left, deep down, a part of him couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to walk in their shoes, to wield power and influence on a scale unimaginable to someone like him.
But he just shook of the thought. Instead, he decided to ponder the powerful figure of Darkstride and their vast influence over various industries, he couldn't shake the mystery that surrounded them. Unlike other Global Elites who flaunted their wealth and power in the public eye, Darkstride remained a shadowy figure, their identity shrouded in secrecy.
It was said that Darkstride was the epitome of anonymity, a faceless entity that operated behind the scenes, pulling the strings of power with unmatched skill and cunning. No one knew what they looked like, sounded like, or even their gender. They were a mystery, a legend whispered about in hushed tones among the elite circles of society.
The very thought sent a shiver down Izuku's spine. What kind of person could wield such power and remain completely hidden from the world? It was a question that gnawed at him, stirring a sense of unease deep within his soul.
There was absolutely no way of denying their influence. From tech to arms dealing, they controlled vast swaths of the global economy, their reach extending to every corner of the world. It was a level of power that seemed almost unfathomable.
Izuku eventually made it to school with thirty minutes to spare. Knowing that his teachers despised students arriving just as much as they did tardiness, he decided against entering the building. Instead, he found solace under a large oak tree at the edge of the school grounds. The cool shade and gentle rustling of leaves provided a welcome respite from the harsh realities he faced daily.
With a slight wince from his still-aching wounds, Izuku settled down against the tree trunk and pulled out his computer. He hesitated for a moment, fingers hovering over the keyboard. His mind drifted back to the advertisement for Darkstride Productions. The mystery of the Global Elites gnawed at his curiosity, and he decided that now was as good a time as any to delve into the subject as he never really thought to look at them past Japan's Elite sometimes. They were just large business owners not something like heroes.
He navigated to their Wike page. With a few clicks, he found the entry dedicated to the Global Elites and began to read the large article.
The first one he decided to read about was Takeshi Nakamura, the Elite who controlled the education industry in Japan. Takeshi Nakamura was a figure of immense power and influence, and Izuku knew that he would probably be a good starting point for his research. He began reading the detailed entry about Nakamura:
Takeshi Nakamura
Industries: Education
Industry Partnerships: Tech, Innovation
Status: Neutral
Global Influence: 2
Time in Power: Approximately 4 years
Background: Takeshi Nakamura rose to prominence in the education sector four years ago, revolutionizing the way education was delivered and perceived in Japan. Under his leadership, the education system underwent significant reforms, incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching methods. These changes garnered both praise and criticism, but there was no denying the impact Nakamura had on the industry.
Industry Partnerships: Nakamura's influence extended beyond education through his strategic partnerships, most notably with the tech and innovation industries, which fall under Darkstride's vast domain. This alliance allowed Nakamura to implement state-of-the-art technology in educational institutions, enhancing learning experiences and making education more accessible to students across the country and the globe.
Status and Influence: Nakamura has maintained a neutral stance in global politics and conflicts. His primary focus remained on advancing the education sector, earning him the respect and admiration of many. With a global influence rating of 2, Nakamura is recognized as the second most powerful Elite. Which is a feat on its own.
History of Power: Nakamura's ascent to power came after the untimely demise of his predecessor, a Finnish man named Aada. Aada had been a respected figure in the education industry, known for his progressive policies and international collaborations. However, his reign was cut short by a notorious mob boss known as Eclipse, aptly nicknamed the Elite Killer.
Izuku's eyes widened as he read about the previous education Elite, Aada, and his tragic end. The mention of Eclipse sent a shiver down his spine. The mob boss's reputation was legendary, a shadowy figure who operated in the underworld and had a penchant for eliminating powerful figures. The idea that someone so influential could be brought down by such a ruthless force was both terrifying and intriguing.
As he continued reading, Izuku couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and apprehension. The world of the Global Elites was far more complex and dangerous than he had ever imagined. It was a realm where power and influence were constantly in flux, and where alliances and enmities could mean the difference between life and death.
Curious, he decided that maybe he should try and research Eclipse. He wants to know how they managed to kill some of the Elites. He quickly typed Eclipse (Elite Killer) into the Wike search bar. And what he found scared him greatly.
Eclipse: The Elite Killer
Eclipse
Aliases: The Elite Killer, Claw
Notoriety: High
Operational Base: Unknown
Criminal Activities: Assassinations, Organized Crime
Status: At Large
Background: Eclipse, shrouded in mystery, is one of the most feared and elusive figures in the criminal underworld. Little is known about their true identity, as Eclipse operates in the shadows, leaving little to no trace behind. They are a master assassin, known for their precision and deadly efficiency in eliminating high-profile targets, particularly those among the Global Elites.
Notable Assassinations:
Aada (Finland)
Industry: Education
Status: Deceased
Impact: Aada's assassination sent shockwaves through the global community, highlighting the reach and power of Eclipse. It was a meticulously planned operation, executed with such precision that it left no doubt about Eclipse's capabilities.
Isabella Rossi (Italy)
Industry: Luxury Goods and Fashion
Status: Deceased
Impact: Isabella Rossi was a dominant force in the global luxury market, her brands synonymous with elegance and exclusivity. Her death disrupted the industry, causing a significant power vacuum and financial turmoil among the world's elite fashion houses, leaving the industry struggling to regain its footing.
Vladimir Petrov (Russia)
Industry: Energy
Status: Deceased
Impact: As the head of one of the largest energy conglomerates in the world, Vladimir Petrov's assassination led to widespread instability in the global energy markets. His death triggered a series of power struggles within the industry, ultimately resulting in the energy sector falling under the control of Darkstride. This shift significantly increased Darkstride's already immense influence and power.
Ling Wei (China)
Industry: Pharmaceuticals
Status: Deceased
Impact: Ling Wei was a pioneering figure in the pharmaceutical industry, known for her innovations and influence on global health policies. Her assassination caused a major setback in medical advancements and created a ripple effect of uncertainty within the pharmaceutical community.
Robert Kingsley (United States)
Industry: Defense
Status: Deceased
Impact: Robert Kingsley was a titan in the defense industry, controlling a vast network of military contracts and advanced weapons development alongside Darkstide. His assassination not only threw the defense sector into chaos but also raised global security concerns. In the wake of his death, the defense industry came under the control of Darkstride.
Marie Dubois (France)
Industry: Finance
Status: Deceased
Impact: Marie Dubois was a leading figure in the global financial industry, her influence reaching into major banks and financial institutions around the world. Her death caused significant disruptions in global markets, leading to economic instability and uncertainty. The vacuum left by her assassination allowed for rival factions to vie for control, further destabilizing the financial sector.
Alejandro Torres (Mexico)
Industry: Innovation
Status: Deceased
Impact: Alejandro Torres was known for his groundbreaking work in innovation. His death not only halted numerous projects but also led to a significant decline in the global innovation sector, causing widespread technological setbacks and economic losses. Ultimately the innovation sector fell under Darkstride's rule.
Hiroshi Yamamoto (Japan)
Industry: Automotive
Status: Deceased
Impact: Hiroshi Yamamoto was a pioneer in the automotive industry, known for his advancements in electric and self-driving vehicles. His assassination caused major disruptions in the automotive market, leading to a decline in technological progress and financial instability within the industry, ending with the industry falling under Darkstride’s rule.
Elusiveness: Eclipse's ability to evade capture is legendary. They leave behind almost no clues, no patterns, making it nearly impossible for authorities to track them down. This elusiveness has only added to their terrifying reputation, making them a ghostly figure who strikes fear into the hearts of even the most powerful individuals.
Moral Code: Despite being the most feared assassin in existence, Eclipse does not engage in black market dealings or human trafficking. In fact, Eclipse actively targets child and quirk traffickers. After eliminating such targets, Eclipse always leaves behind a their ‘name’ engraved on their victims. This signature, while seemingly immature, indicates that Eclipse revels in the fame or fear their name brings.
Izuku's could feel the blood drain from his face as he read about the other Global Elites that had fallen victim to Eclipse. The list of names was staggering, each one representing a towering figure in their respective industries. The meticulous nature of the assassinations, coupled with the lack of any clear motive beyond the elimination of these powerful individuals, painted a chilling picture of Eclipse's capabilities.
He pondered the implications, and a troubling thought crossed his mind. If Eclipse could take down someone as powerful as Aada, Rossi, Petrov, Wei, Kingsley, Dubois, Torres, and Yamamoto, did that mean other Elites were at risk too? What if Eclipse decided to target someone like Takeshi Nakamura or even Darkstride? The thought of such a thing sent a shiver down his spine.
Izuku leaned back against the tree, staring up at the leaves swaying gently in the breeze. The world was far more complex and dangerous than he had ever realized. He felt a pang of helplessness, knowing that he was just a quirkless student in a society that valued strength above all else.
He sighed and looked down at the clock on his computer. He still had a little while before he needed to go inside. Maybe he can try and take a look at Darkstride. Their advertisement is what started this whole little research adventure.
Darkstride:
Industries: Tech, Innovation, Automotive, Arms dealing, Defense, and Energy.
Industry Partnerships: Renewable energy (Sustainability and environment), EdTech (Education), Economic Development and Commerce
Global Influence: 1
That's it. That's all there was. Not even a status to indicate if they were neutral, passive, or hostile. The scarcity of information only made Izuku more curious. He continued searching, hoping to find more details, but all he found were discussions on Blip, a popular social platform.
Blip was abuzz with debates about Darkstride's identity. The posts ranged from serious analyses to wild speculations, but most of them seemed to argue over whether Darkstride was male or female. Izuku didn't understand why this mattered, but it was clear that the enigma surrounding Darkstride's identity intrigued many people.
He found a few threads particularly interesting:
User-gold: “Anyone knows why Darkstride always hides their face?”
User-4evr: "I heard Darkstride never shows their face because they were disfigured in an accident. Could be why they stay in the shadows."
User-bluebery: “I was thinking that it was because of the Elite killer and not wanting to be killed.”
User-nobie: “I doubt the Elite killer would be able to do anything to him regardless.”
User-4evr: “Who’s him?”
User-nobie: “Darkstride obviously.”
User-blueberry: “But their gender is unconfirmed?”
User-nobie: "Darkstride has to be a man. No woman could handle running so many industries at once."
User-gold: "That's sexist. Darkstride could be anyone, and gender doesn't determine capability."
User-blueberry: "Maybe Darkstride is non-binary or something. The point is, we don't know, and it's probably for a good reason."
User-nobie: “The hell you mean non-binary? Their are only two genders! And a girl would ever be capable of doing that!”
User-blueberry: “There* Also all in favor of banning Nobie from this discussion say I.”
User-gold: “I”
User-4ever: “I”
User-nobie has been kicked from this discussion
Izuku scrolled through the posts, noting how little concrete information was available. The secrecy surrounding Darkstride was deliberate and impenetrable. The lack of details only deepened his curiosity.
He leaned back against the tree, pondering what he had learned. It was quite interesting that a significant number of the industries taken over by Darkstride were those whose leaders had been assassinated by Eclipse. There had to be a connection, but what could it be? The timing and precision of Eclipse's actions seemed almost too convenient, as if orchestrated to benefit Darkstride's expansion. But that was silly.
Izuku's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the school bell ringing. It was time to head to class. He packed up his computer and stood, wincing slightly from the pain in his wounds. As he made his way to the classroom, his mind kept returning to the mysteries of Darkstride and Eclipse. The world was far more complex than he had ever imagined, and he couldn't help but feel a growing desire to uncover the truth behind these shadowy figures.