32

Chapter 32: Abomination

Izuku spent the next few days split between training with Taskmaster and learning about professional design studio work with Dr. Connors and Kusuma. To his delight, he quickly discovered that there was so much he still had to learn. There was no doubt that he was a rank amateur in comparison to his mentors, however he was committed to absorbing as much as he could in the short time he had with them.

While Taskmaster imparted upon him the basics of unarmed combat, Dr. Connors helped him refine his knowledge of algorithms and computers, greatly accelerating the programming of his goblin armour. As the days slipped by, he found that his knowledge of both fields was steadily improving, though he had a long way to go in becoming as skilled a fighter as he was a scientist.

Taskmaster puzzled him. From what he could surmise, Taskmaster was an expert at reading body language and could anticipate any attack. No matter what he tried, Taskmaster was able to counter him perfectly. From the few times he had seen him spar against a few of Endeavour's other sidekicks, he knew that the trainer was holding back with him as well. He found himself wondering: If they were to fight for real with him using his full strength, would he stand a chance? The more they trained the more he suspected the answer was no.

He wanted to know about Taskmaster, but his curiosity was tempered though by the trainer's cold demeanour. Punch like this, move like that, don't do this, don't do that – it was like being taught by a robot. Still, he couldn't fault the man for lack of skill.

Before he knew it, Thursday arrived. His internship was nearly at its end. After he and Taskmaster finished their sparring exercises for the day, he resolved to ask the man some questions.

'You're really good at this.' he panted, picking himself up off the mat, 'If you don't mind me asking, why haven't I heard of you?'

Taskmaster, who had bent down to straighten the mat didn't turn around, 'I'm a trainer. Not a hero.'

'You have a hero's codename.' Izuku pointed out as he dabbed himself down with a towel.

'I have a codename.' conceded Taskmaster, 'But like I said, I'm no hero.'

'So…your what?'

Taskmaster finished straightening the mats and stood. Turning, he faced Izuku, his mask-like face showing no emotion.

'I'm someone who gets paid.'

At that Izuku decided it would be wise to abandon his questioning. He had his own secrets after all and he would not begrudge Taskmaster his. Also, he didn't want to lose any teeth. As he grabbed his things and prepared to leave, a young woman he recognized as one of Endeavour's sidekicks approached him.

'Hey, intern!'

'Yes?' Izuku asked apprehensively.

'Before you leave, Endeavour wants to see you in his office. Don't keep him waiting.' she said bluntly, curling her lip in disdain, 'Nice moves by the way.'

'Uh, th-thank you.' Izuku said in confusion, but she didn't acknowledge him. Instead she just continued on to the exercise machines.

What's her problem?

Going to the elevators, he rode up to the top floor and after getting turned around a few times in the halls he arrived at Endeavour's office feeling distinctly uneasy. Approaching Fuyumi's desk, he gave her a tentative smile.

'Hi. Um, I was told that Endeavour wanted to speak with me?' he said.

'Hello, Midoriya.' Fuyumi returned, 'Yes, Endeavour wants to speak with you. However, he's busy with someone right now. You can wait here if you'd like.' she said, gesturing to a nearby couch against the wall.

He thanked her and took a seat. Resting his head against the wall, he picked up the faint sound of voices from within Endeavour's office. He tried to eavesdrop, but he couldn't make out any words.

Endeavour must have soundproofed his office. He doesn't miss a beat, does he?

All he could do was wait patiently. Eventually, he sensed someone approaching the door and he quickly straightened up and uncrossed his legs. The doors violently swung open and Shoto Todoroki stormed out of the office.

'Shoto…' Fuyumi started in alarm, but he ignored her.

Without a sideways glance at either of them, he stormed off down the hall. Izuku kept perfectly still. He was suddenly fascinated by the nearby bonsai trees and couldn't look away. Once he was sure Todoroki was far enough away, he risked a glance around the room.

Fuyumi had stood up from her workstation and was staring after her brother while Endeavor had appeared at his office door; glaring down the hallway at his son's back.

'Leave him, Fuyumi.' Endeavor growled, before turning to Izuku with an unreadable expression on his face, 'Ah, good, you're here. Come in.'

If anything about what had just happened seemed unusual, Endeavour didn't show it. However, Izuku couldn't help but notice Fuyumi had a sad frown on her face.

This seems personal. There is no way in hell I'm involving myself in a family dispute!

Averting his gaze, he went over to the door where Endeavor motioned for him to enter. Timidly sidling past, he began walking to the chairs in front of Endeavour's desk. Behind him, he heard Endeavour swing the doors shut with a loud clang. He flinched at the sound.

Endeavour seems mad. Great…

Promptly taking his seat, he braced himself for the worst. He could hear Endeavour's heavy footfalls coming closer, but he resisted the urge to fidget.

'Your internship is almost at an end.' Endeavour said from behind him, 'I was just reviewing the reports that my subordinates have compiled on your performance thus far and I must say you have certainly left an impression on them. Dr. Connors can't seem to think highly enough of you and Taskmaster says you are acceptable, which coming from him is quite the compliment. Well done.'

Izuku felt himself relax slightly.

'Thank you.'

Endeavour came into view. Walking around his desk, Endeavour sat down across from him, 'I'm happy to see you making use of your time here to improve yourself. People like Connors and Taskmaster are leading experts in their field, and their time doesn't come cheap. Several members of my staff could learn something from you when it comes to taking every available opportunity. These are critical moments in your development as a hero so it is imperative you continue to work as hard as you can; for your own future.'

Endeavour stroked his flaming mustache before continuing.

'A few of my employees have expressed dissatisfaction in my treatment of you. They think that I am throwing good after bad so to speak.'

'O-Oh?'

'However, I would like you to know that I recognize your talents. Your drive. If you continue on the path you've chosen, you will become an exceptional support hero. Next year there may be more internship positions available at my agency. I hope that you will remember the growth you experienced here when you consider your options for the future.'

Endeavour nodded at him dismissively and Izuku took his cue. Standing, he started backing up to the exit.

'Y-Yes. Will do.' Izuku said, 'I'll uh, definitely keep that in mind.'

'…'

'I'll just…go.'

Endeavour nodded, and began shuffling through the papers on his desk. Turning, he increased his pace as he went for the exit. Before he could take more than a few steps however, Endeavor called out to him.

'Oh, and Midoriya?'

He froze and turned. Endeavour was staring at him, his face like a stone mask.

He gulped, 'Y-Yes?'

'Tomorrow I have a special exercise planned. I'd suggest making sure you are well rested.'

'Okay.' Izuku said, his voice cracking.

Endeavour waved him away, and he turned. Walking to the door, he opened it just enough for himself to slip out. Shutting the doors softly behind him, he let out a sigh of relief. Fuyumi let out an amused giggle and he turned to her sheepishly.

'So, how'd it go?' she asked leadingly.

'Probably about as well as it could have to be honest. Now I just hope I don't screw up massively tomorrow.' Izuku said with a grimace.

Fuyumi smiled reassuringly, 'If you keep doing as you are, I'm sure you'll do fine.'

'Thanks. Erm, I don't suppose you know what your father has planned for me tomorrow do you?'

Feigning shock, Fuyumi gasped and put a hand to her chest, 'Why, Midoriya! You should know better than to ask for tips! What's the point of a surprise test if it's not a surprise? Besides I wouldn't worry. You must know all about fire extinguishers after the Sports Festival.'

His eyes widened, 'Fire?!'

Her face broke at the sight of his fearful expression and she began laughing. While she cackled, he couldn't help but feel like there was something very off about the Todoroki family.

Izuku bid Fuyumi goodnight and started off for home. Besides worrying about the test that was sure to kick his ass tomorrow, he wasn't sure how to feel about Endeavour's proposal. He liked working with Dr. Connors and Kusuma, but the general atmosphere of the place rubbed him the wrong way. That night at dinner he voiced his concerns to his mother and she took a surprisingly pragmatic view of things.

"Izu, work experience is work experience.' she said exasperatedly, 'Think about your resume.'

'I guess so…'

'Whatever you do, leave a lasting positive impression. Endeavour would make for a great reference, I'm sure.'

He couldn't argue and the two finished their meal. After brushing his teeth and washing his face, he went to his room. Stretching out, he hopped in his bed. As he was getting settled, he thought back to what Endeavour had said.

"Several of my staff members think I am throwing good after bad…"

He sighed.

"Good after bad"? Some things never change.

Grabbing his bedside earplugs and face mask, he prepared to go to sleep. Before he could slip on the mask however, an odd sensation washed over him. It was as though he had suddenly been flung into icy water. All the hairs on the back of his neck stiffened and goose bumps erupted over his skin as a rippling of nerves emanated from his spine.

The feeling built in intensity and he found that he couldn't move. He was totally paralyzed in his bed, unable to even breath. Still leaning towards his nightstand, he lay in place. This wasn't like the sensation he felt at the USJ. This was much, much worse.

What he was feeling was dread.

Like a key turning a lock he suddenly found the will to move. In a blur he leapt out of his bed and to his window. The street below was quiet. A few people were on the sidewalk calmly speaking to each other, cars were cruising along the road, the lights in the houses and apartments were on; everything seemed normal.

Mom!

In the blink of an eye he burst from his room. Charging across the hallway, he flung open the door to his mother's bedroom. She was laying in her bed, book in hand. At the sight of him she recoiled and gasped.

'Izu!' she exclaimed, 'What is it?'

He ignored her. Quickly scanning the room, he searched for some sign of a disturbance, but everything seemed ordinary. There was no sign of any intruders. So why did he have this rotten feeling?

Is there a bomb? A missile? A tsunami? What? What could it be?

'Izuku, what's happening?' she said, a tremble of fear in her voice.

Without saying a word, he ran out of her bedroom and did a quick search of the apartment. Flipping on the hero alert channel as he went, he listened to see if there were any active threats while he inspected the kitchen and living room. However, Musutafu was calm tonight and nothing was amiss either.

What am I missing?! Have I been discovered?!

Pacing in indecision, he noticed his mother watching him from the head of the hallway. Her face was drawn and her eyes were wide with worry.

'Izu?'

He stopped. Whatever was going on he needed to get her out.

'Hey Mom, let's…go for a nightcap or something.' he said slowly, trying his best to keep the quiver out of his voice.

'But-but Izu, I'm in my pajamas. I'm in bed, I-'

'Get dressed.' he said in a firm voice, 'We can go to the café on the corner.'

She looked at him with a shocked expression, but she didn't press the issue. Instead she merely nodded and stiffly shuffled over to her room. While she was changing, he wasted no time and went to his own room. Pulling on a hoodie, he tucked his Spider-Man mask in his pocket and strapped on his web-shooters before concealing them beneath his sleeves. Something big was happening. Something terrible.

Dr. Akatani stood in awed silence before the containment tank. Defying all odds, Stain had survived the transformation process and now appeared to be resting. The subject had mutated spectacularly. Four additional arms had grown from his shoulders and back; their powerful, clawed digits flexing as rippling sinews and muscle slowly tensed and relaxed from the creatures breathing.

Stain's skin, once a light tan had drastically mutated as well, becoming evenly patterned with blue and red, exactly as the enhanced spider and Spider-Man's costume was. But most incredible of all was the creature's face. Gone were the scarred but recognizable features of humanity. Instead the mutant had six, giant, milky white eyes, divided into three pairs alongside its now smooth, masklike face. Where there once was a stump of a nose, there was now a simple pit. Like a skull.

Beneath the nose was a lipless maw; a solid row of daggerlike teeth that lay in serrated columns, opened slightly where a long tongue lolled above, tasting the air.

Dr. Akatani felt himself shudder as he watched the tentacle-like tongue twitch and curl his way. Was the creature hungry? The insect lab specimens had all been ferocious eaters themselves.

To say that Stain had merely grown would be a gross understatement. Beyond the addition of limbs and sensory organs, he was now over a hundred kilograms heavier. His rippling torso had elongated and drawn in to his hips adding at least three feet to his total height and his leg muscles were of monstrous proportion, easily as thick as Dr. Akatani's waist.

Though visually similar to Spider-Man in terms of colouration, the mutant before him was no longer even vaguely human. It could not hide in a crowd or be inconspicuous amongst the population as Spider-Man no doubt was. It might not even have a functioning brain or be capable of speech. At best, it was a poor imitation of a man; a nightmarish Doppelganger of what Spider-Man might have become.

This transformation was fueled by the caloric intake of the specimen! Dr. Akatani thought in amazement. If Spider-Man had been fed as much as Stain had been when he was first bitten, would he have undergone a similar mutation?

As he watched his creation slumber, he couldn't help but feel his own exhaustion. The last four days had been unbelievable. Undoubtably it was the most incredible intellectual journey of his life, but now was the time for rest. It was getting late and he would be forced to leave soon anyway.

Turning away from the tank, he grabbed his suitcase and prepared to leave. He wished he could have asked one of his assistants to stay and monitor the specimen overnight, but the draconian rules of Tartarus were written in stone. As he neared the exit he thought he saw the Doppelganger stir slightly, but it was probably just a trick of the light. With a yawn, he exited the laboratory and sealed the door shut behind him.

With the curiosity of a newborn, Doppelganger explored its environment with the gentlest of care. The tiny fibrous hairs that covered its body bristled and flattened as they reacted to the unbelievably subtle humming of electricity around it. Raising its tongue, it tasted the air. Mere feet away it could sense savory warm blood and flesh, but right now it was too drunk off of the mere sensation of the world around it to feed.

He could feel bumbling, two legged creatures walking the hallway beneath it. Hear the guttural throat choking sounds of a cluster of the same creatures in a far away room. He could sense the dangerously hot stream of particles flowing through the metal wiring around it. Creaking machinery, pacing feet, pounding hands, sweating, crying, shouting, he could sense it all.

The stench of suffering was heavy in the room it was in and the scent was its own. Was it the throes of birth? After a moment's consideration it decided that it didn't matter. Cautiously it flexed its muscles, considered their strength, then released. Dimly it was aware of the shifting mass of meat away from itself as the tiny fluttering heart beats pulsed further and further from its box, but it chose to ignore the flesh-thing. There were too many distractions to feed now.

After an hour of lying there it decided to leave the small, cold box it was in. It wanted to explore. Curving itself upright, it pushed a claw against the transparent, oddly smooth surface surrounding it. To its surprise, its razor-sharp finger nail merely slid away.

After poking and prodding at the glass for a few moments, it dropped on its back hands. Tucking in its legs, it aimed its feet at the middle of the strange material confining it and kicked. The inches thick glass exploded and immediately the series of tunnels and chambers around him erupted with sound. Shrill piercing cries began to emanate from all over and the two-legged creatures in the building began to bob and sway in excitement.

Doppelganger let out a long and low hiss. There was danger now. All around itself it could feel the aggression directed his way as swarms of bipeds began to converge on his position. It would need to be careful while it fed.

The Special Operations Response Team were busy lounging in their break room, cleaning their weapons while they chatted. It had been a quiet night so far, but that was always a bad sign. Sure enough the alarm began blaring. In an instant they all leaped from their chairs to their lockers. Pulling on their armour over their uniforms, the intercom above them sounded:

'Code red! There has been a security breach in the medical research laboratory! One subject has confirmed to have escaped its holding tank! The subject is Stain! I repeat, the subject is Stain!'

A few of the members of the team tensed. Stain was a skilled fighter, just securing him in the medical research lab in the first place had been a challenge. This wasn't going to be easy.

Amongst the two dozen SORT members there was one tall, gaunt faced man who stood out from his younger comrades. Though a little grey had started creeping in his hair his eyes were sharp as ever. Grabbing his shotgun and pumping a shell into the chamber, the grizzled veteran activated the radio on his collar.

'Central this is Captain Miura responding to Code Red at medical lab. Moving to intercept. Stand-by.'

Captain Miura looked over his team as they strapped on their gear.

'What's the ROE captain?' asked one of his men.

'Ask for compliance, shoot to kill.' Captain Miura said.

'Stain is one of Dr. Frank's pets. Do we have authorization to terminate if he resists?'

'Yes.' Captain Miura said without hesitation.

State property be damned, he knew about Stain and his body count. The worst scum in Japan were housed in Tartarus and he was used to dealing with hardened killers, but Stain was an exception. Though his blood paralysis quirk wasn't the most powerful, he made up for it with his tenacity and cunning. He and his team would be in for a difficult fight.

After a few seconds everyone finished readying their weapons and equipment and they moved out into the hall. Keeping their guns raised, Captain Miura took point as they moved as fast as they could towards the medical lab. Dr. Akatani's laboratory was in the seldom used eastern wing of the prison and as such was relatively isolated from the security network.

'SORT be advised: hall security has arrived outside of med lab. They are awaiting your arrival before breaching.'

'Understood central.' Captain Miura said into his mic as he picked up the pace. His men likewise entered into matching sprints. Hopefully Stain was trapped in the lab.

At last Captain Miura and his men arrived at the locked security doors of the Eastern Wing. A three-inch-thick steel door that was being monitored by several robotic gun turrets stood between them and the lengthy corridor to the medical lab. Captain Miura signalled to the security team behind the glass of a nearby control room and with a press of a button the steel door smoothly retracted allowing the SORT squad entrance.

Boots pounding against the concrete floor, they charged into a long, empty hallway. As soon as the SORT squad finished passing through the security gate, they heard the steel shuttered door clang shut behind them. Stain would have to get through them to escape. Just as they were about halfway down the corridor, they heard gunfire break out from around the corner of the passage in front of them. Captain Miura gritted his teeth. Stain must have been attempting to push outside the lab.

'Central, there's shots coming from-'

Suddenly the halls rang with a piercing scream. The SORT squad froze as it echoed around them. As quickly as it had begun the scream abruptly ended and the hallway fell into an eerie silence. Captain Miura raised his weapon and advanced.

He must have paralyzed the security team.

'Stand-by, Central.' Captain Miura relayed into his radio, 'Be ready for hostages.' he said over his shoulder.

His squamates nodded in ascent and he cautiously approached the corner of the hallway. Pressing himself up against the wall with his men at his back he slowly peeked around the corner. Just as his head come around into view of the hallway beyond, he stopped and looked.

There was blood everywhere. Dripping from the ground the ceiling, but where were the bodies? Suddenly he felt a rush of air by his face, but it was already too late.

In a torrent of gore and brains the top half of his helmet was obliterated by a savage swipe from a razer clawed hand. The SORT team blinked in uncomprehending surprise at their captain's slackening body as a blue and red blur came skittering around the wall faster than the eye could process.

In a flurry of rends and tears the squad was brutalized. Four men were torn to pieces, their armour ripping like paper, before they even realized what was happening. Raising their weapons, the remaining team members opened fire, spraying down the hall in panic at the blur before they too were cleaved apart.

At the sight of the carnage in front of him, the rearguard to the troop turned and fled, wildly shouting incoherently into his radio he managed a few steps before his head was snapped back and ripped free by the jawbone. His half-decapitated head slapped wetly on the floor as his body continued stumbling forward for a few steps before collapsing.

At that moment Captain Miura's body finally slumped down from the wall it had been propped up against and splashed down into the growing pool of blood.

Half crouching over the hallway of bodies, Doppelganger paused. Roiling its elongated tongue languorously on the blood covered floor, it felt a familiar rush as the blending flavours tickled its memory. Some of the bipeds tasted much better than others. What flavours were there waiting to be sampled?

Doppelganger's revelry was interrupted by a crackling radio.

'SORT! SORT, respond! Captain Miura! Do you read?!'

Doppelganger retracted its tongue and bore its fangs down the hall towards the steel shuttered door. It could eat later. There were more threats it needed to get through first.

Izuku escorted his meekly protesting mom from one café to the next before eventually settling down at a popular chain restaurant. He tried his hardest to act as though everything was fine, but to his dismay the danger he sensed had followed him everywhere he went.

Poison? Zombies? What?! What is it?!

Ignoring his beverage, he stared off into space while his mother looked at him worriedly.

'Izu, what's wrong? Are you still thinking about your internship? Talk to me…'

He shook his head. There was no possible way he could explain what he was feeling. He couldn't even describe it to himself.

'Nothings wrong, Mom. I-'

He paused and took a breath.

'-I just needed to get out of the house. Everything is fine. Really.' he said, trying his best to smile, but his mother looked unconvinced.

'Izu.' she said simply, moving to touch his hand, but he quickly pulled back. He didn't want her feeling his web-shooters.

'Mom, don't be weird.' he muttered under his breath as he glanced around the coffee shop in embarrassment.

She merely sighed and looked at the other tables. Most of the people coming in were young couples coming back from bars or clubs looking to stock up on fat to delay their hangovers. They were joking around with each other, laughing and carefree. She turned back to him.

'Sorry, honey. So…what are you going to do over the weekend, Izu?'

'Um…I'll probably finish off my computer code for my new suit. Oh!' suddenly he perked up, 'I never told you my hero name, did I? It's "The Green Goblin"!' he said proudly, 'What do you think?'

She wrinkled her nose and frowned.

'The Green Goblin.' she repeated, 'That sounds like a villain's name.'

His enthusiasm vanished, 'Why does everybody keep saying that? Its quirky and fun! Like…like a cereal mascot or something. I throw treats to children, and bombs to criminals.'

'Bombs?' she asked sharply.

He swallowed and nodded. He had forgotten how sensitive his mother was about him and explosives.

'I don't like you messing around with bombs, Izu. But as long as your teachers know I guess.' she said disapprovingly.

Before either of them could say anything, he noticed that a few of the people at the other tables seemed to have spotted him. With an exaggerated yawn, he stood up from the booth.

'Well, I'm done. Thanks for the drink. Shall we go?' he said, arching his eyebrows meaningfully.

She must have caught on because she smiled and nodded.

'Sure.'

He carefully kept his face neutral as he heard several phone cameras go off while they exited. He knew he had more important things to worry about, but it still irked him that he was still such a "momma's boy" as Bakugo would say.

As they walked outside, he felt that same pressure as before. If anything, it was even stronger now. Why was it so omnipresent? Was the whole city in danger?

I hope there's not an asteroid or nuke or something heading our way.

'Its getting late. We should head back.'

He spared another look at the peaceful streets around him before nodding in ascent.

'Yeah. I need to get up early tomorrow anyway.'

He walked alongside his mother back to their apartment, convinced that at any moment an alien warship would descend over Musutafu, but nothing happened. Climbing back into bed, he wondered if maybe he was just letting the stress of it all get to him and settling down under his covers, he tried his best to sleep.

During the night, Izuku repeatedly checked the internet and television for any news, but there was nothing. No cataclysmic asteroids had fallen, no bridge collapses, no outbreak of nuclear war. Everything seemed normal. But he wasn't ready to relax just yet. His spider senses were never wrong. Somewhere out there, a crisis was looming and he would need to be ready for it.

Once the sun was up, he went to the kitchen and prepared a cup of coffee for himself. As the water heated, he entertained the notion of taking the day off and hovering around home in case anything happened, but he decided against it. His mother would go ballistic if he skipped his internship and besides, if there was an emergency he could do a lot more good downtown then he could cooped up in the apartment.

Still, he was reluctant to leave his mom alone. Finally, the time came when he'd have to leave or be late for his train and he forced himself to start moving.

'Goodbye Mom. I'll see you later.' he said before pausing in front of the door, 'Turn your cellphone on and keep it with you!'

'Yes, goodbye Izu. Remember, try to leave with a strong first impression!' she said as she sipped her coffee.

With one last look at her, he left to catch his train. Everything was calm as he arrived at the city centre station and proceeded through the bustling sidewalk to Endeavour's office. However, upon entering the foyer to go to his usual training session with Taskmaster, he was intercepted by the receptionist.

'Midoriya, Endeavour has called for an emergency meeting in his office, all staff are to proceed there immediately.'

He felt adrenaline surge through his body. Acknowledging the receptionist with a nod, he hastily crossed the hall and entered Endeavour's private elevator. Pushing the "up" button, he began impatiently bouncing on the balls of his feet as he willed it to move faster.

If there's an emergency meeting then there must have been an incident! Any money says it's related to my spider sense warning. Could the League of Villains have attacked again? No, it doesn't make sense. Shigaraki said he was waiting to build another team to conduct a special operation. Why would he launch another attack before his team was ready? 

He ran a hand through his hair.

I guess one way or another I'll find out at our meeting tonight.

Arriving at the top floor, the doors opened and he quickly strode down the hallway to Endeavour's office. Fuyumi looked over as he approached. Today she was all business.

'Go right in. Everybody is still assembling.' she said.

He opened the doors. Several costumed men and women, including Taskmaster and Dr. Connors, were engaged in a private conversation around Endeavour while several younger costumed men and women stood nearby. Off to the side he spotted Kusuma anxiously fiddling with her hands by a bookshelf. He walked over to join her.

'What's happening?' Izuku asked as he drew near.

At the sound of his voice she jumped slightly.

'Ah! Midoriya, you startled me.' she breathed, 'There has been an incident at Tartarus.'

He looked at her in surprise. He had heard of Tartarus of course. It was the most notorious prison in all of Japan. It was built to contain the most vile, powerful supervillains around. How could anything have happened there?

'An incident? I thought Tartarus was impenetrable?'

'It's supposed to be, but there was an attack all the same. All we know is that some of the inmates are unaccounted for and there have been multiple confirmed casualties. We're still waiting to hear an exact count. Apparently, the forensic examination is…difficult given the state of some of the victims.' she said grimly, 'Details are scarce. However, we know that Spider-Man was involved.'

'Spider-Man? Are you sure? Were they're eyewitnesses or…?'

'Surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, about as much evidence as we could ever need really. I've had the chance to review some of the footage myself. It was extremely graphic.' Kusuma said grimacing.

'I-I see.'

They have footage? Did someone dress up as me and start killing people? This is like Stain all over again!

'Do we know why Spider-Man was at Tartarus? Was he trying to break someone out?'

'Motivations are unknown at this time, but…' Kusuma looked over at Endeavour and Dr. Connors before lowering her voice, 'I have a theory.'

He edged closer to her and she leaned over to his ear.

'Have you heard about the man Spider-Man attacked in the penthouse of the Glassway Tower?' Izuku nodded and she continued, 'Well it turns out he was a supervillain who called himself Shocker. He wasn't known outside of the criminal underworld, but supposedly he was the kingpin of crime across Musutafu. In the wake of the attack they discovered enough evidence to have him arrested and he was sent to Tartarus to await trail. My theory is that Spider-Man was going to kill him that night, but got interrupted before he could finish Shocker off. So I wager he broke in to Tartarus to take him out.'

He frowned, 'Why would Spider-Man want to kill him? Why not just let him rot in prison?'

'Who knows what might have appeared in court? Maybe Shocker knew something that could implicate Spider-Man? His true identity, his associates, hell, maybe Spider-Man just wanted to finish what he started. In any event, Shocker is among the missing inmates at Tartarus. And given the state of the bodies…'

He pulled back and looked at her in alarm.

Shocker is missing?!

'This is…very bad.' he said nervously, 'You said multiple inmates are missing. Did Spider-Man attack them too?'

'A few yes, but several others used the commotion to escape. It's all a mess right now.' she sighed, running a hand through her hair, 'That's what this meeting is about. Endeavour is heading the taskforce to recapture the lost inmates, but we need to get organized. Every minute we waste the escapee's trail gets colder.'

As Kusuma fell into a fretful silence, Izuku saw Shoto Todoroki enter the room. Looking over at his father for a moment, he noticed Izuku and made his way over.

'Midoriya.' he said plainly, 'Do you know what's going on?'

'There has been a breakout at Tartarus. From what we know…'

After he and Kusuma filled in Todoroki of the situation, he nodded.

'Seems like we'll be busy today. I'll probably be joining the manhunt. What's support going to be doing?' Todoroki asked.

'That depends on your father.' Kusuma said, 'But I would imagine we're going to be trying to deduce Spider-Man's quirk for any upcoming battle. Reviewing the footage of the attack, it seems as though he has developed himself to become much more powerful.'

He felt his heart beat faster. More powerful?

At that moment, Kusuma looked away from them. Dr. Connors was beckoning her over.

'Excuse me.' she said, as she hurried over to the huddle of senior heroes.

He and Todoroki stood side by side in silence. His mind was racing as he considered what he had just learned. It had to have been a copy cat only this time they were wearing his costume too by the sound of it. He would need to track down the impersonator before more people were killed.

I was able to find Stain by focusing my spider-sense, but back then I was able to visit the crime scene. I doubt that they would let me into Tartarus, I'm just an intern after all. Maybe I can piece something together from the evidence that Dr. Connors has…

As he considered his options, he heard Todoroki cough slightly, disrupting his chain of thought.

'Sorry to interrupt, but I didn't quite understand what you were saying.' Todoroki said.

'Huh?'

'You were mumbling.' Todoroki said evenly, 'Something about evidence and Tartarus?'

'Oh!' Izuku exclaimed worriedly. Sheesh was I talking out loud just then? 'Um, I was just thinking about the evidence of the attack. That's all.'

'I see.' Todoroki paused, 'You know, I've been wanting to speak with you for a while now, but I haven't had the chance. About what happened on Sunday…'

He gulped. Amidst the whirlwind of activity, he had forgotten about the little stunt he and Mei had pulled on class 1-A. It all seemed silly and childish now.

'Oh, right. Sorry about that. I'm not usually the pranking sort of person.'

'Please, its fine. I'm not without a sense of humour.' Todoroki deadpanned, 'But I was surprised that you managed to lose me. I thought I had you on the train. I assume you saw me board and snuck off with the departing passengers?'

'Yeah.'

Todoroki sighed resignedly, 'That's three times you've managed to beat me, Midoriya. I'll need to work harder.'

Izuku treated Todoroki to a small, confused smile.

Three times? What's he talking about?

'You know, my dad had originally planned on having me, you, and the other junior members engage in an impromptu competition today, but what with the crisis and all, it seems as though we won't get the chance.'

'R-really?' he said, trying not to sound too relieved.

'Yes. My father seems to like you. I've no doubt that he'll try and recruit you if you keep this up.'

He was about to respond when Endeavour's voice sounded.

'All right everyone! Form up.' Endeavour called.

Izuku, Todoroki and the others all hushed and gathered before Endeavour who stood with his senior staff behind his giant desk. The atmosphere in the room was tense as everyone waited for him to speak.

'I'll keep this brief.' Endeavour began, 'There has been a breakout at Tartarus and as many as twenty inmates have escaped into Musutafu and the surrounding countryside. Every hero agency in the city is being mustered to join the manhunt, including us. Our top priorities are to secure those prisoners with the most devastating quirks before they're able to go to ground and disappear. Here, -' he arranged a series of envelopes on his desk, 'We'll stick with existing teams. Except you Shoto - you're with me. Every team take a dossier on your target and move out.'

At that each team leader moved forward and grabbed their mission folder. Izuku stepped out of the way as everyone bustled around. Amidst this urgency, he floundered in uncertainty for a moment before thankfully Dr. Connors and Kusuma came to him.

'Midoriya,' Dr. Connors said, pulling Izuku with him and Kusuma towards the hallway, 'We've got ssssome critical work to do.'

'Are we going to be helping the others track down the escaped supervillains?' Izuku said, keeping pace with the other two as they exited Endeavour's office.

'No. They will be on the move constantly. Pursuing them is best left to the teamsss in the field. Instead I think it would be best if you asssssisted us in trying to pin down Spider-Man. Myself and Dr. Kusuma still need to go over the ssssurveillance footage, but any insight you may have on Spider-Man's whereabouts may prove invaluable.'

'Why haven't they announced a general alarm yet?' Izuku asked as they quickly walked towards the side elevators, 'There was no mention of a prison escape on T.V. or the internet.'

'I imagine they didn't want to create a panic.' Kasuma said as they entered the elevator, 'Many of the inmates who escaped were notorious criminals with a laundry list of atrocities to their names, some of which are still fresh in the public's consciousness. The Sinister Six, M.O.D.O.K, that…monster Kasady.' Kusuma trailed off, making a disgusted face before she swallowed, 'It's only a matter of time before things escalate. I just hope Endeavour and the others can apprehend them before there's an attack.'

Izuku fell silent as he mulled their words over. Didn't Shocker use to be a member of the Sinister Six? Did he arrange for a breakout with a Spider-Man imposter? It sure would be a hell of a way to get revenge.

The elevator doors opened and he followed Dr. Connors and Kusuma into the development studio. Walking past the silently humming banks of computers and machinery, he took a seat while Dr. Connors and Kusuma discussed the division of responsibilities and what they should be looking for. Despite the urgency of the situation, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming emptiness. It had taken so much effort, so much blood and sweat and tears to put Shocker away the first time, and now after barely spending a week in prison he was free?

I guess the succession war is cancelled now that the band is back together. At least there won't be a bloody power struggle. Or maybe there will be? Speed Demon never got caught after all. Come to think of it, maybe they'll just carve the slums into six pieces and all start duking it out over the Trigger Distribution.

His bitter thoughts were interrupted by the mention of a name.

'…Dr. Akatani will be reviewing our report. If we don't have anything substantial than-'

'Eh?!' Izuku cried, very nearly falling out of his stool, 'Did you say Dr. Akatani? What has he got to do with this?'

Dr. Connors and Kusuma stared at him, blinking in surprise.

'Dr. Akatani is the ranking physician at Tartarus. He's the person responsible for the forensic investigation at the scene. Do you know him?'

'Y-Yeah.' Izuku shifted uncomfortably in his seat, 'When I was little my mom took me to see him. He was a, uh, quirk specialist at the time and I wanted to have my quirk potential re-evaluated.' He said in embarrassment. Clearing his throat, he quickly changed the subject, 'What's he doing in Tartarus?'

Kusuma frowned, 'I'm not entirely sure. It may have to do with the security system. I know that most of their inmate control policy depends on suppressing quirks. A doctor with his expertise is no doubt quite useful for evaluating new prisoners and tailoring security systems to specific individuals. As far as I'm aware, he doesn't work there full time. I believe he's mostly a sort of contractor for the government, offering his skills to whichever department needs him most.' Kusuma said.

'Yessss. A very proficient scientisssst indeed, though not without his ssshare of controversy. As I recall, he had a research lab at Tartarussss, but it was closed under suspicioussss circumstances. Very hush-hush.'

Izuku felt a shiver run up his spine. He had a hunch that Dr. Akatani was doing more than conducting a forensic investigation.

'You said you had security footage of Spider-Man. May I see it?' Izuku asked.

Immediately they began shaking their heads and refusing. It was like he was a child asking if he could watch an R rated movie. He tried to argue with them, citing that he would need as much information as possible to do his job effectively, but they were still reluctant. He persisted however and eventually his pestering payed off.

'Can I at least see how he moves?' Izuku pleaded, 'You must have some footage of him that isn't too extreme.'

Kusuma let out an exasperated sigh. Looking over at Dr. Connors, he gave her an almost imperceptible shrug, before turning back to his computer.

'Alright, fine. I'll see what I can scrounge up. You don't take no for an answer, do you?'

'Nope.' Izuku said cheerfully before adopting a more serious tone, 'I won't disappoint you with this information, Kusuma. I promise I'll make good use of it.'

She snorted and returned to her computer. After a few moments she called him over.

'Here.' she said as she offered him her seat, 'The cameras have a high framerate and I've slowed everything down, but even so. Pay close attention, he's very fast.'

Izuku felt a thrill of nervousness run up his spine as he clicked play.

The screen showed a barren, straight, grey hallway illuminated by harsh florescent lights from both the side and ceiling. It was the sort of joyless passageway Izuku expected from a supermax prison. However, as he watched he suddenly saw a splash of red and blue fly across the walls.

He felt a sharp intake of breath as the imposter came into view. The mystery man's costume was almost exactly like his own. With the exception of the missing spider pattern on the back, it was a near perfect copy. However, that wasn't all that was different about the newcomer. Unlike himself, this Doppelganger had four extra arms, arranged in two pairs coming off above and below the shoulders.

Whoever this is he's more spiderlike than I am. But how?

As that particularly worrisome thought crossed his mind, he couldn't help but notice the Doppelganger's nasty looking mouth. Even more disturbing was the long, flickering pink tongue that kept running across its maw of razer sharp teeth. Staring at the creature, he couldn't help but feel a deep unease. It was familiar looking yet completely alien at the same time. It even moved like him. At high speed, in the dark, he could see how someone could confuse him with this…thing.

He paused the recording so he could better examine the suit the copycat was wearing. The material seemed to be as thin as his own spider-suit as he could clearly see all of the man's muscles. To his relief, the Doppelganger didn't appear to have any web-shooters.

When I confront this guy at least I won't have to worry about getting webbed. Still, I wish he didn't steal my look! How did he work the costume into wrapping around his mouth like that? His suit makes the phrase skin tight…

Suddenly he was struck by a terrible realization. He wasn't looking at a man in a costume at all. It was so obvious! The presence of Dr. Akatani, the spider like characteristics, the powers. It all made sense.

Those colours aren't copying my costume, they're the original patterning of the mutant insect! They've made another Spider-Man!

With baited breath he resumed the recording. He wished his theory was false, but the more he saw the more he became convinced. The only question was why was this guy so much more spider-like than he was? Was it because he was grown in a lab and was therefore "purer" spider? If that was the case then he was glad he didn't share this guys fate. The thing in the video looked monstrous.

I think it's about time that I had a checkup with Dr. Akatani. If anybody has any answers, it's a safe bet that he does.

Izuku's remaining time at Endeavour's hero office was spent sifting through the video clips that were available to him. As disturbing as it might be, he wanted to see the other Spider-Man in combat, but Dr. Connors and Kusuma refused, point blank.

'It would be unethical, Midoriya. You aren't officially tied to the investigation nor do you have your provisional hero's licence. We have to think about the families of the victims too, you know?'

He couldn't argue with that, so he let the matter drop. Unfortunately, though the clips were very useful for him as Spider-Man, they weren't as informative as he had hoped in deconstructing the copycat's motives or movements in the city for Endeavour. Thankfully the hero teams seemed to have more success than he did as several of the escaped inmates were apprehended over the course of the day, though the most high-profile prisoners remained at large, including Shocker.

At the days end, he was forced to concede defeat and tell Dr. Connors and Kusuma that he had no idea where Spider-Man could be other than to suggest that he had retreated to "somewhere" in the slums.

'It'sssss to be expected.' Dr. Connors hissed, 'If you had disssscovered where he was, then I would have been amazed.'

'I wouldn't be surprised if the only way we stop Spider-Man is if he is caught out in the open. Good try though Midoriya.' Kusuma said kindly.

The conclusion to his internship felt anticlimactic. After the build up of the past few days of training he had expected some sort of trial by combat but the breakout at Tartarus seemed to have derailed whatever send off Endeavour had planned.

'So…what happens now?' he asked.

'You can go home, I guess. It's quitting time for interns.' Kusuma said with a yawn.

'Well…if you want, I can stay and-' Izuku started before Kusuma quickly cut him off.

'No, no, no. Midoriya, let me give you some key advice: A support hero's time is everything. If you're not on the clock and being payed, then walk away and let the meatheads handle it. Rest assured that sooner or later they'll run headfirst into a brick wall and then they'll come to you, cash in hand with a problem to solve. For heroes, charity is noble. But charity towards heroes is a rarely rewarded exercise.'

'But-but this is an emergency. Shouldn't I do everything I can to save lives?'

Kusuma treated him to a small smile and Dr. Connors glanced over from his computer bank.

'Yessss. Saving lives is paramount, but in the end support heroes are tools. And tools have a habit of being misused by ungrateful ownersssss. You have skill and talent, Midoriya. Someone like you should not be forced to work for free. If you work yoursssself to the bone for nothing, I can guarantee you that you will be valued as nothing. You have a resssssponsibility to yourself too, you know.'

Kusuma nodded, 'Burning out in the support business is a very real thing. Go home and try to rest up for your classes next week. Eventually you'll come to realize that there is always a crisis on the horizon.'

'Oh.' Izuku said, blinking in surprise, 'Well. okay. Hopefully I see you guys again.'

'Take care. Keep your grades up and I guarantee you, you'll have at least one job offer come graduation.' Kusuma said with a wink.

After gathering his things and saying one last goodbye to Kusuma and Dr. Connors, he headed for the subway. Exiting on to the city streets he felt his spider-sense again warn him of a distant danger, same as last night only now it seemed to be carried on the wind. He frowned as he felt the tingling race over his body.

I would have thought that my spider-sense would have calmed down by now, but it's still as strong as ever. Strange.

As he rode the train home, he noticed that everyone was considerably more anxious than they were on the way in to work that morning. Rather than their blank zombie-like expressions, each of them appeared strained; internally counting down the seconds until they arrived in the perceived safety of their homes. As he observed them fret and worry in tense silence, he thought over the advice that Dr. Connors and Kusuma had given him and found himself disagreeing with it wholeheartedly.

Tonight, me and Dr. Akatani are going to have a little chat about his spider formula.