"-riving at the scene is Death Guru, ranking 16th highest on the heroes list. Civilians are eager to see what he'll show us today."
The reporter continued babbling, static cutting in every now and then. Growling in disgust, he turned away and took a swig of fizzy pop. Here he was, trying to get away from societies freak show of heroes and villains and yet everywhere he went, it followed behind like a plague. He had even gone as far as 66th street, purposely choosing the grimiest bar he could. Sliding away from the bar, he slipped out the doors, warily watching the bodyguards near the entrance and ambled into the dirty streets.

Drug dealers and gang members, prostitutes and thieves, all the bottom dwelling scum clogged up the slums of Tokyo. Each street and building had seen centuries worth of brawls and battles. Shady scams and deaths were norm and you were as likely to be mugged by your roommate as the guy living out back. Truly a dog eat dog world. Pulling up the hood to a beat up hoodie, he shoved his hands deep inside his pockets, making sure to keep a hold of his possessions. The neck off his jacket covered everything expect his eyes, which darted around, carefully inspecting each passerby, assessing their danger, strengths, weaknesses and adding them to his ever growing list of criminals. Despite how normal some of them may look, streets rats in the slums was anything but.

There's Boro. Looks like he just got a new shipment. Probably pot, by the looks of his smirk and pockets. That means Marrie will start acting up again so I'll have to avoid 13th. Dean and Rose look scuffed up. Five knife wounds, twelve bruises, internal bleeding and a bullet wound. Three of the cuts will scar. Must have gotten into another turf war with Death Guns gang. Judging from their direction, they're heading to Saints. Not a good idea, especially since Rose took out Mary just six days ago. Saints recruited a newbie. Close combat was his specialty, specifically hand to hand. According to plan, Knuckles will take them out so I can get through to Don, finish up the raid plans and hopefully get enough moola to pay off the last six months rent. Worth tipping off Death Gun, getting chased by bloodhounds and nearly facing execution.

Humming under his breath, he skillfully dodged past the crowd outside Hells Haven, 16th most popular strip club and 8th largest. He made a split second decision to come back tomorrow to trade, when there was less insects. Sundays seemed to mean something to people, which he'd never understood. Hopping the nearly destroyed fence, he ran over a variety of parked vehicles, giggling as various alarms screamed back. A well calculated leap landed him on the rusted fire escape, groaning under his sudden presence. He bounded up the steps, four at a time, skidding to a stop on the fifth landing. Inserting the custom made key, an eye scan followed by several key codes and locks opened the door. Dropping his coat in a disheveled heap and collapsing onto his stained couch, he fumbled for the tv remote, switching to a random channel.

"New Mount Lady figurines are now available at half price! Get it will sup-"
"-ari! You can't be afraid now! Use your spirit guns! The whole village is counting on yo-"
"In my opinion, I feel there's a distinct lack of high ranked woman heroes. What ever happened to gender eq-"
"-ERE HE IS! DEFEATING THE SLIME MONSTER WITH ONE FELL SWOOP! OUR NUMBER ONE HERO, ALL MI-"
His hands curled into fists as he listened to the hero filled commotion. Heroes this, heroes that. It's as if all there was to worry about was heroes and villains. Wasn't it the heroes job to fix everything? To come in and save all the damsels in distress.

Bullshit.

They didn't give a damn about people like him and Boro and Marrie and Dean and Rose and Mary and Knuckles and Don. While they scrapped away a living in this God forsaken hellhole, those underwear wearing buffoons frolicked around filming adds and looks cool. Everyday was a struggle for food and survival. Death was their constant companion, hovering, watching, waiting for the one moment that you let your guard down so it could sink its claws into you. Heroes thought they could save people by fighting against each other for more fame and fortune. Looking good was their only concern. Your only concern was making it to see tomorrow.

How pathetic that the people who are supposed to rescue you can't even bother to look your way. He hated them with every bone in his body. Every fiber of his being. Every minuscule speck that made up his dad excuse for an existence burned with a desire to get even. To turn the tables and reveal in all the glory and power while watching as they broke apart, piece by piece. He would tear down their golden castle and give them a taste of reality.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm baaaaaaaccccccckkkk!
Regular updates from now on (or at least until my next camping trip which is in 4-ish days)
Also in case you're wondering why I write it as published on August 8th even though technically speaking it's 2 in the morning of August 9th, I consider a day down at about 3-4. So when I put down the publishing thing at the bottom, since I usually update past midnight I still count it as the day before. Capisce?

In case you haven't noticed, this chapter was heavily inspired by the shounen anime Boku no Hero Academia or My Hero Academia. I'm caught up with the manga by haven't seen the second season as I'm waiting for it to come out completely so I can binge through it in one seating.

QOTC: What's a stupid part of society that you wish you could fix?

Thanks for reading!
- FAH

Written: August 8, 2017
Published: August 8, 2017
Last Updated: ---