Where it all begins
I remember the first time I saw it. Tried to find the right words to describe it...but I couldn't. Nothing had prepared me, no books, no teachers, not even my own family. I heard a thousand stories, but none could describe this place; it must be witnessed to be understood, and yet I've seen it and understand it even less than before I first cast eyes on this place. New York City. Some call it The City that Never Sleeps, others The Big Apple, but those are just names invented by people to attract tourists. To me, it only goes by one name...home. A place where the impossible truly becomes possible, a place of heroes forged in Iron, soldiers frozen within time, and gods walking among men.
This place...is where my story begins.
Rebirth:
Yuno walked down the streets of New York, his hands cozily stuffed inside the pockets of his winter jacket. Music bumped into his ears from the headphones that nestled snugly over them, drowning out the city's symphony of honking horns and bustling footsteps. His wild and spiky black hair fluttered in the chilly breeze as he navigated through the crowded sidewalks, each step echoing a sense of purpose.
As Yuno turned the corner the corner, the towering skyscrapers seemed to envelop him, their reflective surfaces capturing the city's dynamic energy. Neon signs blinked and buzzed, adding a vibrant glow to the dazzling scene. The cold air nipped at his face, a reminder that winter had firmly settled in the city before he finally reached his destination. A familiar alleyway opened before him, a narrow path sandwiched between two towering buildings. The dimly lit space contrasted sharply with the bright lights of the main streets. Yuno's steps echoed softly against the brick walls as he entered the alley. Not many would venture into it willingly, but for him, it held the entrance to a world he had discovered not too long ago.
The alleyway seemed to stretch endlessly until he reached a metal door at the far end. Yuno knocked twice, a rhythmic pattern that only those in the know would recognize, and after a brief moment, the door creaked open, revealing a burly bouncer with a shaved head and a stern look on his face.
Bouncer: About time you showed up. The match starts in 10 minutes.
Yuno shrugged his shoulders, unfazed by the bouncer's stern demeanor.
Yuno: What can I say? Lost track of time. It's not like it matters anyway; we all know how it will end.
The bouncer grunted, allowing Yuno to pass. As he stepped through the door, the ambient noise of the city was replaced by a different kind of chaos. The sounds of punches connecting, cheers from the crowd, and the occasional jeers filled the air. Yuno descended a narrow staircase, entering a dimly lit underground arena, casting long shadows on the walls as he walked through the crowded corridors. The muffled sounds of the ongoing fights grew louder, echoing all around the maze-like structure beneath the city even as Yuno entered his waiting area.
In the dimly lit room, Yuno found himself surrounded by a mix of fighters, each absorbed in their own pre-fight rituals. The air was thick with a blend of adrenaline, tension, and the metallic scent of sweat. Yuno took a deep breath, absorbing the atmosphere that felt both familiar and exhilarating.
He slowly removed his winter jacket and the undershirt underneath, revealing a well-defined physique sculpted through countless hours of training far before this point, but most interesting of all was the brown tail now wrapped around his waist. The crowd's murmur above ground intensified, signaling the start of another match.
Yuno knew it was his turn.
As he approached the arena entrance, the crowd's noise became deafening. The anticipation hung in the air like static electricity. Yuno took a final deep breath and smiled, letting the chaotic energy and excitement seep into his veins. The metal door before him swung open, revealing the blinding spotlight of the ring.
Yuno: Alright, time to have some fun.
—————
Yuno sat alone in the waiting area after his match, the tape around his knuckles battered and bloodied whilst he appeared unscathed, his tail flowing freely in the open air. The cheers from the crowd above resonated through the underground corridors, a mixture of admiration and awe for the display of skill they had just witnessed. Yuno, however, remained composed, his expression unchanged. He leaned back against the cold concrete wall, his mind drifting as he replayed the match over and over again.
???: That was quite the show you put on out there, kid. You made it look easy.
Yuno chuckled as he pulled himself back into reality, acknowledging the compliment with a nod.
Yuno: That's because it was.
Yuno turned toward the source of the voice, finding a man with gray hair wearing a well-tailored suit that seemed out of place in the gritty surroundings of the underground arena. His piercing blue eyes studied Yuno with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
It was a speaker for the big man himself.
???: The boss wants to see you.
The man in the suit gestured for Yuno to follow, leading him through a labyrinth of corridors until they reached a door guarded by two imposing bodyguards. The door swung open, revealing a lavishly furnished office that sharply contrasted with the gritty atmosphere outside. The room was adorned with expensive-looking art and sleek furniture. Behind a large mahogany desk sat the bossman himself with a girl who looked no older than you at his side.
Boss: There he is! There's my newest money maker!
The boss grinned, the smoke from his cigar leaking out. He gestured for Yuno to take a seat, to which he complied.
Boss: Yuno, right? I've been hearing quite a bit about you. You haven't lost a fight yet; you've got skills, kid. Skills that make me a lot of money.
Yuno: I appreciate the compliment, and I just love to fight, that's all. The excitement I get from it... like it's etched into my blood.
The Boss leaned back in his leather chair, a sly grin crossing his face.
Boss: Well, Yuno, I like your spirit. You see, I run a business here and have an eye for talent, and talent like yours can take us to new heights. We can make a lot of money together.
Yuno raised an eyebrow, studying the bossman and the girl beside him. He could already sense there was more to this "proposition" than just fighting in the ring. Things outside of the law, and he despised the very idea of it.
Yuno: Money is great and all, don't get me wrong, but I'm not interested in getting involved in anything that goes beyond the ring. I fight for the thrill and to get stronger, not some shady business...no offense.
The girl by the boss's side smirked and giggled quietly, her eyes studying Yuno with a mix of amusement and intrigue.
Boss: You may say that now, but you haven't seen what the real game is. We're not just talking about underground fights. We're talking about power, influence, and the kind of life you can't even imagine.
The boss leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with a hint of intensity.
Boss: Yuno, my boy, you're young and talented, and you've got that spark in you. But trust me, there's a bigger world out there, and I can offer you a ticket to it. All you have to do is say yes. Come work for me.
Yuno remained silent, contemplating the offer. The allure of a life beyond the confines of the underground arena was tempting. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that getting involved with these people would lead him down a dangerous path towards becoming someone, something he always hated, just another criminal ruining the lives of others.
Yuno: Thanks, but no thanks. Ima do my own thing.
The boss leaned back, a disappointed expression briefly crossing his face before being replaced by a sly smile. He slowly reached into the inside of his suit, pulled out an envelope, and tossed it to Yuno, who quickly caught it and looked inside to find it filled with cash.
Boss: Consider this as a little incentive then, on top of your winnings for today's match in case you ever decide to change your mind, but remember, kid opportunities like this don't come often. Think about it. When you're ready to change your mind, you know where to find me.
Yuno nodded and slowly rose out of his chair before turning away, inevitably emerging back on the bustling streets and the cold New York air. He took a single deep breath and sighed, exhaling all the tension that had built up in the boss's office.
Yuno: Thank god that's over, but at least I have a decent amount of cash on me now. Wonder what I should spend it on first?
Instantly at that moment, as if it had ears of its own, Yuno's stomach roared out, telling him exactly the answer he was looking for.
Yuno: Ah yes, my one weakness. Food.
With a chuckle, Yuno set off to find a place to satisfy his hunger. As he walked through the lively streets of New York City, he couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom. The neon lights, the honking taxis, and the diverse crowd moving in a rhythm of its own reminded him why he loved this city so much. He wandered into a small, cozy diner tucked between the towering buildings. The warm aroma of comfort food greeted him as he entered, and the sound of sizzling from the kitchen made his stomach growl even louder. Yuno sat at the counter, greeted by a friendly middle-aged waitress.
Waitress: What can I get ya, hon?
Yuno grinned, scanning the menu.
Yuno: I'll take...A burger, fries, two chili dogs with the works, and a milkshake, please.
The waitress chuckled.
Waitress: Hungry, huh? Coming right up.
As Yuno waited for his order, he glanced around the diner, taking in the pleasant atmosphere of the place. The chatter of customers, the clinking of cutlery, a group of friends in the corner booth trying and failing miserably as they roasted one another over a videogame they had played, calling each other bums or cornballs, and an elderly couple shared a quiet conversation at a nearby table. Yuno found himself lost in it all...at least until the waitress placed a tray with his massive spread right in front of him, his eyes instantly sparkling like the stars.
Waitress: There you go, hon. Enjoy!
Yuno: Oh, I plan to. Thanks a bunch!
Like a wild animal, Yuno dug into his feast, practically inhaling it all down whilst somehow managing to savor each bite as if it were the greatest thing in the world. For a moment, as he continued to eat, it was as if the entire diner stopped to stare at the boy, whether in amazement or, more than likely, disgust, but Yuno was oblivious to it all.
From the juiciness of the burger, the crispiness of the fries, and the delightful sweetness of the milkshake, it wasn't long before it all simply evaporated off the tray, leaving only the pair of Chili Dogs still standing. Yuno sat back, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and sighing happily. He glanced at the remaining chili dogs, contemplating whether he had room for them or not. The waitress approached, noticing the remnants of Yuno's feast.
Waitress: Impressive, hon. Looks like you enjoyed it.
Yuno grinned, holding up the chili dogs.
Yuno: Hell yeah, I did! And I still saved the best for last.
The waitress laughed and nodded, leaving Yuno to savor the final part of his meal, but just before he took a bite, the ground violently shook, instantly sending the entire diner into a frenzy. Dishes clattered and smashed against the floor, the elder couple at the nearby table held each other close, and the friends in the corner booth went deafly silent.
Waitress: What in the world...
Still holding the chili dogs in his hands, Yuno froze for a moment and glanced around as the commotion spread before it shook again. People outside screamed as they rushed past the window. Others poured into the diner, quickly ducking behind or under furniture, seeking shelter.
Yuno quickly hopped to his feet, scarfing down a chili dog as he made his way outside. He looked around, confused, as people ran and screamed in panic all around him before finally realizing what was going on as a car flew over his head and crashed into a nearby building.
Yuno: It's never really a normal day in this town unless a supervillain attacks, huh?
For as far back as he could remember, Yuno always knew that New York was the epicenter for every hero and villain in the world, and attacks like this were practically the norm, but despite the Chaos they caused, the action they brought with them excited Yuno like nothing else.
Yuno: I wonder who it is this time, Iron Man? Doctor Strange? The Fantastic Four?
As Yuno scanned the chaotic scene, an all-too-familiar twhip echoed through the streets as a blur of red and blue swung by.
Yuno: Oh shit, it's Spider-Man!
Yuno's eyes widened in excitement before he narrowly managed to duck out of the way as Spider-Man's body soared back overhead, slamming into the side of a car.
Yuno: And he's getting his ass kicked, who the hell is he even fighting anyways?
As Yuno watched the chaotic battle unfold, he noticed a pair of figures emerging from the smoke and wreckage.
Yuno: ...Yeah, that make sense, but I'm sure he's got this.
Yuno turned to leave, not even managing to take a single step before a pair of screams rang out, pulling him right back as his eyes caught the source. It was a woman and her daughter, frozen in fear as Venom and Carnage loomed over them.
Carnage: Oh boy, I always love an easy kill!
Venom grinned, his symbiotic tendrils extending menacingly toward the frightened duo. At that moment, Yuno froze, the entire world around him seemingly doing so as well, his tail unconsciously loosening itself from his waist, freely flowing in the air once more as a spark ignited inside his entire body. His eyes darted between the mother and her child, then the lone chili dog still in his hand before launching it into the air and vanishing into the winds.
Yuno: Hey, assholes!
Carnage and Venom turned their attention in the direction of Yuno's voice, finding nothing when suddenly, in an instant, he reappeared, delivering a powerful punch straight to Carnage's face. The impact and the shockwave it created sending him and Venom flying and barrelling through the street, tearing it apart.
Yuno: Leave them alone!
The mother and her daughter stared at Yuno in disbelief as he landed on the ground, their fear slowly turning into gratitude as he glanced over his shoulder toward them.
Yuno: Hurry before they get back up, get out of here.
The woman nodded, whispering a thank you as she clutched her daughter's hand tightly, and they sprinted away. Yuno turned back to face Carnage and Venom, who were slowly rising from the wreckage, their twisted grins now gone, replaced by a bloodhungry glare.
Venom: You little punk!
Carnage: You're going to regret that! I'm going to enjoy hearing your screams as I rip you limb from limb!!
Yuno chuckled and cracked his knuckles, a confident smirk on his face as adrenaline rippled through him. He bounced happily on his feet before leaping into his fighting stance.
Yuno: Sorry, but I don't scream, and I'm not one for regrets.
Venom and Carnage roared as they charged toward Yuno, the ground shaking with each step as they grew closer and closer. Meanwhile, Yuno stood his ground, his eyes focused and his tail swirling as the symbiotic duo lunged at him. Yuno's body blurred into action, dodging Carnage's slashing tendrils and Venom's lunging attacks, weaving through the air and landing shots of his own, absorbing into their symbiotic forms.
Yuno: You know, you guys are kinda funny to me...
Yuno vanished before their eyes before instantly reappearing above Carnage, grabbing him by his head and pulling as he twisted in the air, launching him into the side of a nearby building. Enraged by the attack on his partner, Venom roared and lunged at Yuno. However, with a casual backflip, he evaded Venom's charge and landed a kick on his back, sending the symbiote sprawling forward.
Yuno: You two fight all these crazy superheroes and have all this power, but here you are, failing to keep up with a kid.
Venom growled in frustration, his tendrils firing wildly in all directions, forcing Yuno to desperately dodge the chaotic whirlwind. Carnage, recovering from the impact against the building, cackles sadistically. Seeing the opportunity, he fires a tendril, catching Yuno by surprise and piercing through the side of his leg.
Yuno: GAAAAH!!!
Yuno gritted his teeth, feeling the searing pain shoot through his leg. Carnage yanked the tendril back, sending Yuno stumbling backward. The wound smoked with the remnants of the symbiote's acidic touch, but before he could recover, Venom pounced, landing a powerful punch straight to Yuno's stomach, sending him flying into a pile of debris.
Carnage: Hahaha! You thought you could take on both of us, little punk? I'm going to enjoy feasting on your heart!
Yuno: AYO!?
Yuno struggled to get to his feet, his leg screaming in pain, and at that moment, as Carnage raised his tendrils for a finishing blow, a familiar voice echoed through the chaotic scene.
Spider-Man: How about you guys pick on somebody your own size!
Spider-Man swung in, webbing Venom and Carnage's tendrils together, momentarily restraining them. Yuno used the opportunity to regain his footing as Spidey landed beside him.
Spider-Man: Now, Cletus, I thought we talked about this already. You can't go around eating people's hearts. It's wrong, and it goes straight to your hips.
Carnage growled, struggling against Spider-Man's webbing, while Venom roared in frustration. Spider-Man shot Yuno a quick glance.
Spider-Man: You ok, kid?
Yuno nodded, a smirk playing on his lips.
Yuno: I've had worse. Thanks for the save, Spidey. I was getting kinda tired of carrying so hard on this whole hero thing.
Spidey chuckled
Spider-Man: Yeah, sorry about that. I'll take it from here from now on, though.
Yuno pushed himself off the ground, the pain in his leg still evident, but he stood ready, a determined glint in his eyes.
Yuno: Are you kidding me? Not a chance. This is the most excited I've ever been in my entire life! I'm all fired up!
Spider-Man: It doesn't matter, kid. I'm not going to let you get yourself ki-
Before he could finish his sentence, however, Carnage and Venom broke free from his webs, charging at him and Yuno once again.
Yuno: Spidey, I can end this thing right now, but I need you to trust me!
Spider-Man: Kid I don't think-
Yuno: Just shut up and do it! Hold 'em off for one minute!
Spider-Man nodded, swinging into the action. He engaged Venom and Carnage in a high-flying battle, using his agility and web-slinging skills to keep the symbiotic duo at bay. Meanwhile, Yuno closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as his thoughts ran through his mind.
Yuno: OK, Yuno, this is do or die time. Remember what Dad taught you.
Suddenly, Yuno's body erupted in a flash of pure blinding white light, the air around him crackling with energy. His silhouette expanded, becoming engulfed in a radiant aura. As the light intensified, the ground beneath him trembled, and the wind howled in response.
Yuno: Harness your KI!
Slowly, Yuno guided his hand behind him as energy gathered between his palms.
Yuno: Control it!!!
He then slowly opened his eyes.
Yuno: KAME!
As the roaring word echoed through the air, the ground around Yuno began to crack and shatter, the shaking becoming more and more violent by the second, felt nearly all across Manhattan. Venom and Carnage paused in their assault on Spider-Man, and as he fell to the ground, he noticed the source. Yuno.
Yuno: HAME!!
Venom: Well, it looks like the little one had a trick up his sleeve. Tell you what, Spider, you get the front-row seats to watch the little brat die. Carnage, let's go!
Carnage: Finally, I can't wait to devour his insides!
They charged straight toward Yuno and Spidey, barely able to stand, webs their backs, pulling with whatever strength he could muster to hold them back.
Spider-Man: Kid, if you're gonna do it, do it now!
And just like that...Yuno screamed.
Yuno: HAAAAAAA!!!!!
Spidey leaps out of the way as the blue beam completely engulfs Venom and Carnage, tearing through the air with a deafening roar and surging forward with them high into the air. The symbiotic duo roared in agony as the energy consumed them, their forms writhing and contorting in the onslaught before the beam slowly died down. As the dust settled, both villains crashed into the Earth, the symbiote barely hanging onto their host's unconscious bodies.
Yuno fell to his knees, panting heavily, the aftermath of his Kamehameha leaving him drained. Spider-Man approached him, a mixture of awe and concern on his masked face.
Spider-Man: Kid, that was... something else. Are you good?
Yuno grinned, wiping sweat from his brow.
Yuno: Yeah, just need a minute to catch my br-
In an instant, Yuno leaped back to his, rushing forward as his eyes trained on the sky. He slowly stops, holding out his hand, and waits only a moment before his Chili Dog lands in his hand.
Yuno: Oh fuck yes, it's still warm!
Spider-Man couldn't help but laugh at Yuno as he practically scarfed the entire thing down in one bite.
Spider-Man: You're something else, kid. Who are you anyway?
Yuno finished the last bite of his chili dog, licking his fingers with satisfaction before looking up at Spider-Man.
Yuno: Just a guy who loves a good fight WAY too much. Anyways, thanks for the assist, Spidey. See ya around!
Spider-Man: Wait ki-
Yuno: NIMBUS!!!
There was nothing but silence for a fraction of a second before a small yellow cloud zoomed by and hovered right in front of him, and Yuno immediately hopped on. Spider-Man stood there, blinking in surprise as Yuno rode off on the Nimbus cloud, disappearing into the New York skyline.
Spider-Man: Did he just...fly away on a magic cloud?
Spidey stood there frozen, his mind delicately trying to piece together...everything that just happened before he sighed, pulled out a communicator and made a call.
Spidey: Hey, Widow, it's me, Spidey...we need to talk.
As Yuno zoomed through the city on the Nimbus, he couldn't help but relish the rush of wind against his face and the sense of freedom that came with flying above the bustling streets of New York. He maneuvered effortlessly through the skyscrapers, the city lights twinkling below him before he spotted a familiar rundown rooftop. Yuno guided the Nimbus to a smooth landing on the rooftop, dismounting with a grin.
Yuno: Home sweet home.
Yuno entered the run-down, empty house, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the empty hallways as he made his way to his room. He pushed open the creaky door, revealing a room with a modest bed, a small desk with a small journal and a small bag resting on top of it, and a collection of worn-out training equipment. Yuno tossed his jacket onto the bed and approached a full-length mirror on the wall. He looked at his reflection, his wild black hair, his tail wrapped around his waist again, and the fatigue in his eyes.
Yuno: Sheesh! I came outta that worse than I thought.
He made his way over toward the desk, grabbed the small leather back, and reached inside, grabbing a single, small green bean.
Yuno: Thank god for Senzu Beans, though. I love ya pops.
As Yuno ate the Senzu Bean, his body began to rejuvenate, his energy rushing back to him, and the gash in his leg completely healing. Yuno sighed in relief, turning his attention towards the small journal. It was old and worn, filled with sketches, notes, techniques, and memories but not of his own...but of his late father.
Yuno: Looks like I can mark down the Kamehameha as a done deal. Wonder what technique's next?
Yuno flipped through the journal, his eyes scanning the pages filled with the teachings and experiences of his father. Memories flooded back as he recalled the countless hours spent training before his eyes landed on something.
Yuno: Hmm, The Kaioken, what's that?
Suddenly, Yuno let out a powerful yawn, the exhaustion from the intense battle finally catching up to him.
Yuno: Whatever...I guess it can wait for tomorrow.
He stretched his arms and cracked his neck, feeling the satisfying pops that came with it. He slowly crawled into bed, pulling the worn-out blanket over him, and within moments, Yuno drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.
—————
The following day, Yuno woke up to the sunlight streaming through the cracks in his curtain. He yawned and stretched, feeling the renewed energy coursing through his veins. At least, that was until he heard a solid set of knocks at his front door.
Yuno: I swear to god, if that's the FBI, I'm gonna blow this whole place up.
Yuno groggily got out of bed and stumbled towards the door. As he opened it, he was greeted by a familiar, friendly neighborhood wall-crawler, and right beside him, someone who made the young boy's jaw hit the floor.
???: Yuno Kazuya, it's nice to meet you. I'm Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Sentences failed to process inside Yuno's brain, only allowing him to utter one simple word.
Yuno: Oh.
Nick Fury: I'm here to talk to you about the Young Avengers initiative.
https://youtu.be/CXRuZp_0cXo
—————
And here we are, people, Spirit of a Hero and the Heart of a Saiyan: Rebirth! I hope you all enjoyed reading the chapter because I sure had a hell of a time writing it, which is not something I felt with this series in a LONG TIME!
From this point on, some things will be different, some things will stay the same, but most importantly, I plan to deliver you a more fleshed-out and overall better story than the original ever was with none of the slip-ups and fuck ups I had when I was just a young rookie in this writing game, and yes Yuno will still get cooked.
But that brings me to the most important part of this little author's message. This will not be a quick series. This will be a long and thought-out process from beginning to end in every sense of the word, especially since I am rebuilding from the ground up, so I hope you all will be patient with me. Not only that, my other quicker and growing series also need attention, so to give you guys a little insight, this shall be the plan from now on in terms of uploading for this book.
1. Monkie Kid Season 1 must be finished, which is the top priority, as well as getting Hero Complex back up and running again.
2. After that, Sonic and this series will be uploading hopefully on a bi-weekly basis.
But yeah, with all that being said, here we go again, one last time! You ready, Yuno!?
Yuno: Fuck yeah!
What our boy looks like incase new people read this or somehow we all forgot.
But yeah that's it love yall and don't forget to take it easy
Mikey out!
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