Hero For Lust

Genos followed behind Caspian as they ascended the carved stone steps leading up to Bang's dojo. The roar of a waterfall beside them ensured silence never lingered on the mountain. The mist from the cascading water clung to the air, cooling their skin as they climbed. Sunlight filtered from above, dappling the steps in shifting patterns of light and shadow. As the rhythmic crunch of loose pebbles underfoot blended with the waterfall's constant hum, creating a strange harmony.

He scanned the surroundings, alert for any sudden changes, while Caspian moved forward with his usual casual confidence, as if the mountain itself bowed to his presence.

"Master, I didn't expect you to get so excited about martial arts."

Caspian shook his head. "Martial arts definitely interest me, but that's not what I'm excited about. Today's a big day."

"Is that why you brought her?" Genos asked, his eyes now locked onto the eternal radiance rebounding off Caspian's head.

"That's correct. Before we reach the top, I should fill you in on what I'll need you to accomplish today."

"I won't let you down!"

¤ ¤ ¤

"'Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist.'" Bang's hands arced through the air, a blue aura trailing like flowing water. His movements slowed, settling into a praying mantis-like stance as streams of blue energy rippled around him before dissolving. "It goes something like that."

He relaxed his stance, placing one hand behind his back and extending the other. "Want to try? You both look like quick learners. I bet you'll get the hang of it in no time."

In front of him sat Caspian and Genos. Bang's focus, however, lingered on Caspian. A man who appeared the sky like that meteor Bang had been certain would spell the end. Why had he vanished so abruptly? To evade blame for the destructive aftermath caused to Z-City? Bang had weathered the harsh realities of this world long enough to foresee the potential public outcry toward who he had learned was only a C-Class Hero at that time.

Bang struggled to make sense of Caspian. What kind of man was he? He looked ordinary and unremarkable. And adding the mosquito trapped in a jar on his knee. Bang struggled to come to any conclusion.

"Expectedly, this is the cool thing you wished to show us. I'll pass, but I have someone in mind who would benefit from your guidance." Caspian looked to his side. "How about you, Genos?"

Is he going to bring me a new disciple? Bang's posture straightened slightly at the thought.

"No, I will pass too. What I seek is not the art of self-defense, but absolute destructive power."

"You punks!" Charanko, who had been sitting quietly off to the side behind Bang, shot to his feet, fists clenched. "You dare mock our fighting style?!"

Charanko rushed forward, his fist drawn back. "I, Charanko, the top disciple, challenge you—"

Genos swiftly stood and clasped his neck, lifting him into the air.

"Guh! I give up!"

Thud

Charanko, released by Genos, crashed onto the polished wood floor.

Bang wasn't surprised by his student's outburst. He had always been a tad too loud-mouthed.

"I heard your dojo was full of of skilled fighters," said Genos.

Bang lowered his head, eyes closed, as the memories of the past burned within him. "Well, one of my disciples went wild. He beat my most skilled students so badly they're all out of commission. The rest got scared and quit."

"Garou…"

"Hmm?!" Bang spun to face Caspian, who now stood beside Genos. "How do you know of him?"

Caspian paused, then replied, "Ah. I'm a big fan of the Super Fight tournament. Garou—or as he was known during the 21st Tournament, 'Wolfman'—took home the prize. So, out of interest, I looked into him. Anyway, we should save this talk for a later date. There are more pressing matters the need to be dealt with today."

Bang fell silent, deep in thought. What pressing matters? Had he still underestimated Caspian? Yet, his intuition whispered that something about Caspian's knowledge of his former disciple felt off. After living for so long, he trusted his instincts without question. He would need to take time after today to uncover why it felt off.

"I see… Yes, he was my top disciple, but I gave him a good beating and expelled him."

"You must pack quite a punch if you could beat him, old man."

Charanko leapt in front of Bang, puffing out his chest. "Hey! This is the famed hero 'Silver Fang!' S-Class Hero, Rank 3. He toys with opponents, flowing like water, then strikes like a raging river smashing boulders! A master of martial arts!" He jabbed a finger toward Caspian, his voice rising. "You only became a hero recently, right? And what's with that mosquito in a jar? Do you treat this as a joke? You'll regret underestimating Master Bang!"

Despite his flaws, Bang knew Charanko was a good person. But his habit of underestimating others was a problem that needed fixing before it cost him more than he could afford.

"Enough, Charanko! Do not disgrace us. Caspian is many times stronger than me."

"Many times? Master, you must be jok—"

The dojo's heavy wooden door slid open forcefully, the sound reverberating through the room.

"Mr. Silver Fang!" A man in a suit and glasses stood at the threshold, one hand braced against the reflective wooden floor as he gasped for air. "The Association sent me. An emergency summons has been issued to all S-Class Heroes! Please come to the Association Headquarters."

The suited man's eyes widened. "Oh! Is that you, Mr. Genos? Since all S-Class Heroes have been summoned, please come too."

Bang's ears perked at Genos' following words.

"Just as you predicted, Master."

Does this Caspian also possess prophetic abilities or maybe he…?

Bang shook his head. Now wasn't the time to dwell on this. "Here we go… Charanko, look after the dojo." Hands clasped behind his back, he strode toward the entrance.

Charanko's voice called after him. "Be careful, Master!"

"Master, I'm ready to complete the task you've given me," said Genos, his tone resolute. 

"That's the right attitude, Genos. Now, let's go. It's time to change history."

Bang contemplated Caspian's words. Today, he would need to keep a close watch on the duo.