[ All of his haphazard plans have utterly fallen apart, and he knows it's now only going to end up with him getting hurt. 'Minimal damage' might not include escape attempts, and he needs to be as unharmed as possible to fight these people. Fuck, he feels so helpless, though. Like he's a child again, just learning the ropes and not a survivor of a whole villain war. Not a hero.
At least he has a damn shirt on.
He finishes what he needs to do (it felt like it took forever) and somewhat awkwardly tucks himself back in. It wasn't the easiest thing with the cuffs, but he'd rather avoid flashing these people.
Chargebolt stands there for a moment, staring into the woods with a determined look on his face... before his shoulders sag and he turns to head back to the car. He'll get another opportunity. A better one. He can't force this, and he's only (known to him) been gone for half a day or so.
The electric blonde sits down in the seat next to Band again, holding his arms out to her and moving his legs into wrapping range. Maybe he can at least try remaining upright like a normal person this time. ]
[To his credit, he's not dead and hasn't prompted his kidnappers to assault him further by acting out of line. Some might say it's the smarter route to actually cooperate with kidnappers after the initial fight has been lost. Wait for a better chance, don't blow a surprise until it's in your best interest. By your time and protect yourself to avoid getting hurt and jeopardizing your escape attempt later.
Probably also helps the group aren't assholes. Entirely.
Something else Kaminari might notice, however, is the faint sound of the sea. Drifting through the woods, which are also alight with crickets singing and the occasional buzz or bird. The American doesn't seem worried about him attempting to book it or rush a strike on him from behind.
Once Chargebolt turns and walks back towards the car, the man turns and heads back after him. The trunk pops open thanks to CK and he rummages around inside the back before producing a shovel and a bottle of liquid. With these, he heads back to Denki's area of "business" a moment again and starts to slosh the area with the liquid. While that's settling, he takes the shovel and starts skimming some dirt and jungle debris off the floor, careful not to take too much from one area or to leave much in the way of tracks. The debris is thrown and sprinkled over the sterilizing area, using both chemical compound and the natural covering of the forest to eliminate anything a tracking Quirk or dog might be able to pick up. Professionals. His own tracks and work are covered up easily enough and the American replaces the sealed bottle and shovel in the car trunk, then shuts it and gets back in the driver's seat.
The doors lock once more (yeah, child-proofed) and the car pulls forward off the side of the road back onto the drive. Band glances at Kaminari's offered arms and legs, glances to the rubber band around his throat, and then waves him off with a hum.]
Nah. You earned it, Pikachu.
[He can stay free for the ride. That literal choker collar can serve as his restraint(s) for now.]
[ That is very true, and he has to remind himself of that. He needs to let his head heal, too. The constant ache in it isn't helping his struggling mood. Not even the aftereffects of the new millions of volts he sometimes overdid lasted this long.
Running while wobbly was a bad idea from the start.
He did notice the sound of the sea, and that somehow brings him a bit of comfort. Denki always liked the beach, and it meant that they must be close to the coast. Hopefully still on Honshu and not Shikoku or even further. They couldn't have gotten that far in the time he knew of, so it had to be east or west coast.
Maybe. God, he hates not knowing.
Chargebolt watches the man grab the stuff from the car with a somewhat bewildered look, not sure why his piss is somehow treated like it was radioactive. It's not until the shovel is put back in the trunk again that he connects the dots. Wow. That was... some insane level of precaution and preparation. They certainly were professionals.
It's making him wonder if the American is the boss or just the leader of the goons.
At least he's allowed to be unbound (aside from his cuffs) with the choking weapon around his throat, so he wiggles his hands over to try to put a seatbelt on like a fucking human rather than a trussed-up animal. It's not easy, but he feels a little more in charge of himself when he finally makes the latch click. ]
Thanks.
[ He's not actually thankful, but at least his bladder is empty and all other physical problems can be more easily ignored. ]
[Between covering up Kaminari's presence out in the woods and Band offering to let him have somewhat limited freedom so long as he behaved himself, the group showed themselves a different kind of villain than the stereotypical grab and heave into the van style of kidnapping. Whoever's running this racket wants the blonde in better condition when he arrives.
Since there's a whole extra 24 hours of travel that Chargebolt's unaware of, unfortunately for him, they're actually quite far from where he's come from. Coming up from Shizuoka's power plan, into Yamanashi for the motel stay, then traveling up into Saitama for the duration of the day, and finally down into the delta where Saitama, Tokyo, and Chiba butt their corners as the night falls. A map for reference. It's here, along this forested road, that the car finally breaks out of the towering pines and reveals a winding road along a small mountain wall. Rock to one side, but a large flowing river on the other.
This appears to be a service road... Snaking further along the rocky edge, it winds down towards the river, and a larger forest resting on the opposite side of the river. Sitting on that side, swallowing the thread of concrete, a large power plant rests within a pushed-back curve of the stone wall and rocky beach line. It must be a hydro-power plant, considering the visible dam-like structure stretching across the river as it dumps into the ocean bay. Brackish water, mingling fresh and salt. the building is fairly casual in its design and structure, a collection of concrete, cement, steel, and other materials common in power plants. A few trees line the grounds around it, though most plant life is hardy beach topiary that can deal with the salty shores and water.
The American's car soon crosses the river, driving over the second damn structure serving as the bridge towards the power plant. An electric bolt over a blue river serves as the power plant's logo, cast on the wall of its upper right side. The closer they get to it, the larger it becomes, quickly revealing itself to be fairly impressive in size. Likely producing quite a bit of power for the surrounding areas. With a shift of the rear-view mirror, the American eyes Chargebolt in the back seat.]
[ It's all really confusing and he keeps still in his seat, watching the winding road as they go. 'Behaving' suits him best at the moment, even if the proven professionalism of these people are becoming more and more intimidating. There's either a lot of money flowing here, or a lot of loyalty.
The change in scenery makes him perk up a bit, golden eyes taking in the mountain and the river. Looks like they're heading up? Maybe?
...then he sees the mass of concrete and things start to click. A power plant, a massive one by the look of it. Chargebolt happens to really enjoy dams and the cleaner power they make, and he's seen a few. Not this one, though... Japan has over 1000 of them, so unfortunately the building and the logo doesn't tell him more than that it must be one of the bigger ones.
Taking him to a power plant is... well. Not great. He's starting to realize why he was supposed to be as little damaged as possible. Either they wanted his quirk to boost their output or they needed him to check something too dangerous to handle.
He eyes the American and sighs. ]
I was hoping it would be a little more interesting than playing giant battery.
[He'll have to keep guessing for the time being. There's no indication whether it's money or loyalty that drives the gang to do what they do. As the car pulls closer towards the power plant, and Chargebolt gives that flat line commentary with sigh, Band glances at him before offering a lazy smile, amused at his wry consternation.]
You'd make a pretty battery. Maybe they'll put you on a little treadmill, like a cute generator gerbil. Run, Pikachu, run~
[That earns a haughty sniff from CK in the front seat.]
Pikachu, Pikachu. How juvenile. They won't be putting him on a wheel, fruitcake; he's neither a hamster, nor a rat. [One white-gloved finger sticks in the air, as if claiming an illustrious discovery.] Clearly he's a Boltund, and will be best served as a electric-tracking guard hound.
[Band's eyes narrow and she leans forward, one hand catching the back of the American's seat.]
He's cute! And he has a lightning bolt shape in his hair. So obviously he's a Pikachu! Or even a Dendenne!
[The caped kidnapper shakes his head, as if he's at a loss with his teammate.]
I don't know what to tell you, Band. Obviously you've too much a focus on his appearance to think straight. A guard Boltund is the only conclusion.
[ The back and forth is interrupted by an incredulous voice from behind, still remaining in his seat. ]
I'm a Jolteon, dammit!
[ ...what is this sudden conversation? He's not sure, but if they're gonna compare him to a Boltund for guard dog reasons he's gonna complain! Sure, his nickname is always Pikachu, and he likes that well enough (when it's not infantilized by Band) but if he got to choose a Pokemon... ]
I'm not anybody's guard dog!
[ Frustrated about that and the power plant reveal, he unclips his seat belt awkwardly and points to the two arguing henchmen with accusing double fingers thanks to the cuffs. ]
So Jolteon! Not Boltund, you don't deserve Pikachu, never Pichu. There!
[ Fuck both of you and fuck this car. He tries to open the door, but it's still child locked. ]
[Both of them get cut off by the sudden incredulous protest from the back, with CK turning in his seat to look around the back of it and Band twisting her head on her neck to stare at Kaminari. Either surprised that he spoke up or that he was also a fellow nerd. The American's just... gonna put his hand on the side of his head and rub his temple.]
A Jolteon?
[CK adjusts his glasses, though doesn't take them off, simply gives them a little nudge on the side with his fingers. He does a quick up and down with his head as if to see Chargebolt for the first time, then gives a "hmm" in thought.]
But Jolteon are covered in spikes! There's nothing cute or soft about them! [And Band quickly points out the fallacies in that argument.] They don't even have a lightning bolt on them anywhere!
[Since this is obviously important. Though she's arrested by the suddenly unclipped belt and fingers pointing at her and CK. If he's going to try for the door, it's not going to help him, but they're giving Chargebolt the benefit of the doubt.]
Pichu?
[The door--
*cajunk*
--actually pops open, flying out to the side, offering Chargebolt a straight stumble/tumble out of said car. Straight into a concrete garage that looks like an unloading dock for supplies and other equipment. A few workers glance at him, wearing the same blue and yellow uniforms for bay workers, but no one seems surprised to see a famous hero tumble out of a car in the middle of a power plant loading area.]
[ Of course he's a Pokemon nerd! He loves popular things and what was ever more popular than that? Plus it's been his nickname since he got his quirk! Completely ignoring the poor American's frustration, he ends up almost eating concrete as the door opens unexpectedly.
Thankfully he catches himself, even if his wrists ache at the fall. He doesn't need any more head wounds. ]
Neither does Boltund or Dedenne! [ He protests again, wiggling a foot towards them from his half-flopped position. ] Jolteon might be spiky but they're super loyal and strong!
[ That's when he finally notices that there's other people around them. ]
Hey? Help! I've been kidnapped.
[ It's almost conversational rather than a cry for help. He just wants to see if these people are in on it. ]
[All Might. That's what's more popular than Pokemon in their world. Still, it gives the two villains pause for the moment, enough for Kaminari to actually get himself a break and go tumbling out of the surprisingly-unlocked car door. Neither of the other two seem to give much concern, though that might be due to them being surprised Chargebolt actually got out.
And that the hero's still yelling at them after getting out of the car instead of running. Maybe he really is an idiot...]
Nah.
[Another voice comes behind him and depending on whether Kaminari tilts his head back and looks or twists himself around to look, the person's going to be upside down or right side up. A younger man, probably in his mid twenties. Black hair swept back in an attractive spiked style, with one blonde fringe of a bang hanging down over the right side of his face, which also sports a blonde eyebrow and golden eye, whereas the other brow is black and his opposite eye a dark brown, almost jet color. Tan skin and rather pointed ears accent the attractive face of a foreigner, youthful but still with a business-like focus despite the amused smile curving one half of his mouth. A simple white shirt buttons up to his collar bone, a pair of suspenders and dark dress pants clashing with the fact he was actually down here working with the bay crew, sleeves rolled up along some slender but athletic forearms.]
You weren't kidnapped. [He walks forward and crouches down on the balls of his feet in front of Kaminari, watching him with an interested gaze. His accent certainly proves he's not native Japanese, something Eastern European there.] You were rescued.
[Before reaching out to offer a hand to the fallen hero.]
[ Very fair. Everybody likes All Might... or at least most people.
He's not running, not (just) because of the Pokemon argument, but also Band's literal choke hold on him. Denki wouldn't get far before he passed out with that still on, and just like he decided a moment ago, he doesn't want more head injuries.
The new voice makes him tilt his head back like a doofus and look at the owner. This guy was definitely a foreigner with that accent... but his Japanese was really good. He seems to be about his own age, and definitely attractive in a way that would have been alluring if he wasn't kidnapped and already happy with a far more attractive man.
Chargebolt isn't sure who the man is - he looks like a worker here so he doesn't quite catch on. Then those words leave him even more confused. Rescued? Welcome home?
Still, he takes that hand with his cuffed own, preferring to be on his own two feet rather than almost upside down. ]
[At least most people. True, the heroes have been raked over the coals thanks to the villains and the war, but things have changed, are changing, and efforts are going to not have a repeat of the past.
All of which doesn't quite have much help for Kaminari right now. The reason none of the three kidnappers tried to stop him from getting out of the car is pretty obvious. Since he's landed right in the center of the operations. After all, it'd be stupid to take him into this place and say "it's just a normal power plant" when he knows full well who they are and what they've done to bring him here. No, if they took Chargebolt to a place, or to meet a person, he'd easily assume it's related to his kidnapping.
Either the source of the orders or the source of his delivery.
When Denki tilts his head back to look up at him upside down, the man's smile turns into something a little more boyish and a chuckle wanders out, eyes closed in amusement. That smile of his is genuine and bright, though the electric hero might notice his canines are quite a bit longer than a normal person's. Stereotypically so.
Once Chargebolt takes his hand, the man moves to help him stand up, keeping his hold on his hand. The points of longer nails, almost claw-like, rest against his skin and something seems to move inside him. His contained Quirk, reacting as if the powerful force inside him is shifting towards their clasped hand.]
Bună seara, Chargebolt.
[He sounds excited, maybe a bit relieved, voice a quicker than a moment ago. Though he catches himself, realizing the other guy doesn't speak Romanian, and smiles with a sheepish expression.]
Sorry! "Good evening," Chargebolt. Nice to meet you!
[ It's been easier after reworking the commission and having a stricter rule of the rankings, but they still have a lot to do. At least it has been going in the right direction, and heroes are winning the trust of the people again.
Definitely not helpful in this situation, though. He feels like a pizza being delivered to an excited hungry guy. The blonde in the man's hair and the gold eye reminds Denki of his own, and the way the guy acts was quite the opposite of what he had assumed the leader of this mess would be. Hell, maybe he was just the recipient?
He seems so genuinely happy that Chargebolt was here that it would be borderline cute if it wasn't for the situation.
Standing up with the man's help, he blows his lightning bolt fringe out of his face and expects the grip to disappear... but the guy keeps his hand there, holding his cuffed one. The movement under his skin makes Denki's heart quicken - what was this guy's quirk? The little details makes him think of Dracula and the accent isn't helping.
Is that quirk-bigoted? ]
Good evening? You're very polite for someone who sent people to kidnap me. I didn't need rescuing from anything?
[Some people still think the rankings should go away altogether, as it promotes unhealthy competition between the heroes, but then others argue the world has a billion sports competitions, the Olympics being the obvious one, and those haven't been trashed. So there's still a lot of work to do, but at least the trust is beginning to rise once more.
The gold is certainly similar to Denki's own, though it's hard to tell which is the true color, if there's dye, or if it's instead completely natural. The "roots" of where that golden fringe hits the rest of his hair is gold, with some "splash" of gold up into the rest of the black around the area. If it's a dye job, he's certainly put work into it. If not... weird ass genes. Then again, Mina's got pink hair and horns, so... go figure. As for his eyes... either natural or contacts? Who knows. They seem natural enough.
His golden brow arches when Kaminari blows the lightning fridge out of his face-] Ah! [-and points at him, momentary shocked expression turning into another grin and laugh.] You still do that! [Before hooking his lower jaw and lip so he can "phoo" and blow at the bang hanging over his own face. It's... not as effective, but obvious an imitation attempt.] Haha!
[He gives Kaminari's hand another squeeze before letting go and catching the cuffs in the center. Small threads of electricity momentarily drag off the hero's skin, trailing after the now-glowing claws on the ends of the guy's fingers like electric arcs. Then are gone as he holds the middle of the metal cuffs. There's a few seconds of rummaging around in his pockets before he produces a key.] Got it!
[And puts the end of the key near the cuffs, causing a reaction (likely electric) before the cuffs sag and yawn open around his wrists. Kaminari might be able to see a faint mark on the topside of both wrists, almost like a tattoo of a ring target, but that fades away as the cuffs draw off his skin.]
Oh that's right. You don't know... [There's a hum, as if he's trying to deliberate on something.] Mah, later. [And pulls the cuffs off entirely before tossing them to the American.] Sankyu!, Synthetic, Band, Condom King!
[The American catches the cuffs out of the air with an easy swipe of his hand, the three kidnappers having by now emerged from the car and stood beside it.] No problem, Kyūketsuki-san.
[A few of the bay workers glance at each other. Their boss just... uncuffed a war hero... But no one says anything as the kidnappers and the man exchange post-delivery compliments. Denki's certainly going to feel that muffled sensation of his Quirk fade away, allowing it to go rushing back to full bear inside him.]
[ 'Popularity' seems to have taken a hit in the polls and might be phased out from rankings eventually, leaving actual work the main way to count how well heroes are doing. The comparison of sports and other competitions is pretty valid, even if few athletes go out risking their lives to help saving people. Being known is the reward for risking your life every day.
Even if he's new to the job, Chargebolt already has some devoted fans.
...and he's starting to realize that this guy is at least some form of a fan, if him blowing the hair out of his eyes makes him react like this. Sure, he does that a lot, even has a picture of himself mid fringe-flow that apparently make the fans swoon for some reason.
When the man lets go of his hand, Denki did not expect him to return to his cuffs with a key. The way those claws glow feels slightly familiar, but he can't put his brain in order long enough. Instead he tries to focus on what the man is saying. He doesn't know what?
Then the cuffs click open and all those volts come rushing back like a creeping charge through his veins. It sends small streaks of electricity around him like a minor discharge, tensing his muscles tight for a moment before it lets go again, stabilizing inside. If he has half a whey-face, he can't really be blamed.
He could go for a nap again, honestly.
The whirling of his electric-fueled brain did catch those names, though, and he's not surprised about the weird condom pervert's. Seriously?
Then it was this guy, who apparently was the one that wanted him bad enough to order villain hero delivery. Kyūketsuki. ]
Ow.
[ He's lucky he's not a teenager any more and can handle his power much better. Not perfectly, but he's accepted that as part of his hero charm. ]
[Even with the actual work being the main count, some people (villains included) are still going to gripe about turning heroics into a numbers game. How many people did you save? How many villains did you bag? How fast did you clean up this disaster. Leading to showboating and jealousy and perceived negligence or overexertion. But that's human nature so... sort of a catch 22 there. And then again, some villains are just dicks who won't be happy with anything.
So long as Chargebolt keeps well in his heart that his number one fan is waiting for him at home. Well, not now. Now, said No 1 fan is blasting around the city, yelling into the comm links, and generally alternating between professional but frustrated (most of the time) and unprofessional rage mode (occasional).
Look, no one is going to deny that Chargebolt's fringe flick is even more captivating and charming than Can't Stop Twinkling's head-canted wink (likely because Aoyama's can veer right on the cusp of "too much" for some). Even if Dynamight ends up rolling his eyes and walking off to the next area whenever his boyfriend starts posing for the stupid camera. Idiot.
Kyūketsuki doesn't seem at all worried about the appearance of those electrical discharges zipping in small lines around the now-freed hero. Some of them even end up pulling towards the guy's body when the get nearest to him, but it's easily dismissed as a flux. He tucks the key back in his pocket, leaving the cuffs open for Synthetic to use again if necessary. Seems that it's a one-and-done deal. Once the kidnappers put the cuffs on, it's only Kyūketsuki who can take them off.
The guy looks back at Denki when he utters that "ow" comment.] Are you okay? [And only then seems to notice the bandage around his head.] Synthetic! What did I s-
Already told you about that, Kyūketsuki, remember?
[He's brought up short by the casual reminder, and thinks back again before, blinking in realization.] Oh. You did. [A frown appears and he turns his attention back to Kaminari.] I'm sorry they had to knock you out... Come on. Let me help you. We can get the injury looked at, and I'm sure you're hungry.
The electric blonde is well-aware that his biggest fan is back home, or more likely out looking for him. He does not envy anyone that has to work with his boyfriend right now, he must be pissed. Professional, sure, but probably as rage-y as his old teen self.
Dynamight is a genius. He'll figure this out and come for him, probably call him an idiot for getting kidnapped - or not, he knows the feeling - and take him home. Their home, not this... place.
Fringe flick, finger-guns, lip bite. All classics. Chargebolt is a dork and that seems to really endear people to him. He loves the photos, the autographs and the excited people, usually taking in the crowd after a mission so people like Dynamight and less social heroes can sneak off.
Is that why this guy is weirdly nice to him? Because he likes Chargebolt? Or is it some kind of trick?
Denki's head is throbbing again after the rush of his quirk returning, and the concern from this Kyūketsuki would feel almost sarcastic if it wasn't for the reactions. He's not being insulted or goaded, but instead 'protected'. ]
...okay.
[ He could strike everyone down right now with a discharge, but he's already on the verge of stupid and can't risk that... plus Band's band is still around his throat. Now with his hands free, he can try to tug at it while still 'following orders'.
Man, when was the last time he ate? Breakfast this morning (yesterday)? ]
[Always. Definitely plenty of throwbacks to his teenage self. Snarling at Sero, yelling at Kirishima, barking at Best Jeanist, probably getting into a fight with Midoriya or Todoroki while they try to calm him down and assuage his anger and not-worried worry. The continued radio silence is driving him up the damn wall.
He is a genius and he's working through this as best he can, locating one potential lead after another. But right now, all he can really do is continue to turn over stones, looking for the one that will provide some sort of clue to get them moving. It's even more disconcerting that the people who kidnapped his boyfriend weren't some half-ass low-rank kidnappers. They knew what they were doing. That makes it even harder.
Ugh, that damn lip bite. Bakugou's come close to telling Kaminari not to fucking do that because he's seen his boyfriend bite his lip way too many times while getting railed and it's sort of got a pavlovian response now. Fucking sex face, even if he's doing it with a smile and a wink for the camera. It just goes straight into a darkened room, golden hair thrown about on the pillow, flushed face and open mouth as his boyfriend's chest hikes up with another thrust driving home into hi- ... Anyways. Baggy pants are a benefit in cases. Though he'll occasionally lurk nearby, skulking on the sides to wait for his damn boyfriend to get off the fucking showboating and return to him.
When Kaminari agrees to the assistance, Kyūketsuki looks over to the three kidnappers.] Always do a good job. Serin.
[A brief snap of his fingers and one of the men nearby steps over to his side, gives a slight nod and bow, then heads to the trio.] This way. We'll take the B entrance.
[Seems they're not a one-time worker though, since Synthetic nods in response and the trio walk after the man. A few other workers make to start pushing the kidnapper's car further into the loading bay, where a few new people in dark olive suits arrive, looking very much like an auto-mechanic or pit stop crew.]
Oh, please, let me get that for you. [Noticing the hand at his throat, and the rubber band still there, Kyūketsuki turns to Kaminari and, leaning right into his personal space, abruptly slides an ornate butterfly knife from outta nowhere (his pocket) between the hero's skin and the rubber. Careful to do it towards the back side of his neck, deliberately away from his jugular and throat. It slices through the tube-like wrap easily and with a floppy twang the piece falls away into his other hand.] There. That should help.
[He flicks the knife shut in his hand and slips it back into his pocket.] Most people are nice to their friends. [He frowns slightly in thought.] Or they should be... [Disappointed at something, the man shakes his head.] I'm sorry for all the trouble.
[ If anything, at least he has friends that understand his snapping and yelling, and just take it in stride while trying to help. Deku finally arrived from the US, so there was probably some stressed fighting and the green boy trying to de-escalate it. That loud nothing was putting dread into everyone's stomach the longer things dragged out. If Kirishima punches a wall after another dead end or Ashido is doing her best not to get tears on the phone as she goes through Chargebolt fan sites, nobody can blame them. That's their Pikachu, their bright doofus with dumb jokes and dumber ideas, but also the most empathic and understanding.
Sero has been dead quiet for hours. As Kaminari's main partner in the Lurkers, he feels so guilty for letting him go alone. Even if he couldn't do anything at all in the power station accident, he could have been there. Outside. Watching the fucking perimeter.
The lip bite may be creating some Pavlovian reaction, and you just know the damn tease does it on purpose sometimes. He doesn't mind being dragged into some alley afterwards to make out and then piggyboom home for after-mission fun.
Right now, though, Denki is very much the opposite of wanting to cause any teasing. This Kyūketsuki guy was fucking creepy and the 'niceness' was making his skin crawl. It didn't make any sense at all, and the feeling when Band had treated him like a pet returns in full force.
He watches the car being pushed away like it was a race car getting a tuneup by a team, and grits his teeth slightly. He can't fly out of here, so seeing the possible escape vehicle get away is frustrating. Maybe the leader guy had more cars.
Then Chargebolt freezes as a knife if flicked up at him. His hair stands up a bit on edge from collected static, but he calms as he feels the knife carefully slice the rubber tube from his neck. He was free and he had his quirk back. Now he just needed an escape plan. ]
Thanks. It was getting uncomfortable.
[ Be nice. Follow along for now, and find a ride. Discharge enough to stun this whole place, and drive off.
He's a bit confused about the 'friend' comment and the 'should be', but who knows with villains. He could have plans or be delusional. Denki might be treated like a guest all of the sudden, but 'I'm sorry' doesn't excuse the damn abduction. ]
It was really unnecessary. What do you wan from me?
[More and more of the class are arriving and pitching in. Probably the first time Hawks actually had to try and keep up with Tokoyami for once, though the guy's currently struggling to keep Dark Shadow reined in at times. The calmest ones of the bunch are still Todoroki and Koda, with Koda staging a grand search with birds that are covering the entire city. His Quirk's certainly expanded in power. Top surveillance, though not as great as Search used to be. Bakugou's certainly had his share of fights and yells while Deku has to act to calm him or keep it from blowing up further with each new dead end. The continued disappointment escalates this towards a professional team, which are starting to be investigated.
Bakugou's still furious at the team that went with Kaminari for not putting up parameters around the entire building, though he's probably not allowed to talk to the cops for the same reason. Upbraiding people isn't going to help right now; they're aware of their mistakes and feel like shit for it.
Bastard's stupid lip bite on purpose... Denki should know that's a risky gamble, since Katsuki isn't the most patient of people and he's got no problem with turning that alleyway makeout into a shove-against-the-wall fuck rather than wait to get back home.
It's more telling that this place is probably 'in' on the entire thing if a group of kidnappers can arrive and get their car tuned up in the garage bay. Some wheeled stations are brought out to start taking measurements of the car, from temperature to gas quality and other such readouts, further suggesting the vehicle is mostly devoid of electronics. A stealth car.]
I'm sure it was. Rubber isn't all that comfortable. [Kyūketsuki leads him out of the loading dock and into the building. A hallway of grey stretches in front of them, the walls themselves made of long fabric-covered pads to help cut down on the noise that echoes in the loading bay. Not a long hallway, and some of the pads have pictures sitting on them. Rivers, nature, health tips, safety rules, advertisements for the power plant...
Mizudenki, a leading chain of powerplants that specialize in hydroelectric energy supplies. Utilizing the natural flow of rivers and solar energy to generate electricity with a high focus on conserving and protecting natural resources. There are rumors that 80% of the company's buildings, resources, and supply chain are all recyclable and/or renewable. The company had stubbornly continued to use archaic waterwheels for its production, but twenty years ago had been saved from bankruptcy and destruction by financial intervention. Instead of destroying the old time efforts, the new owners had transformed the company and its powerplants into the green-heavy functions they are today, challenging other power plants inland to echo their success.]
Perhaps it was. But I don't think you would have come on a pure invite. [Kyūketsuki glances over to Kaminari.] I told you already: I brought you here to rescue you.
[The hallway parts past them and opens up into a one-sided glass-walled hallway going left and right. Through the glass walls, the main operations of the hydroelectric powerplant sprawl out in a massive display of sparkling metal machinery and glass containers. Water and lightning seem to live together within the gigantic room, vertical and horizontal waterwheels of all shapes and sizes resting together as if in a huge clock. Small streams paddle little wheels, thick waterfall sections power towering wheels, electricity glows through coils, and countless waterproof computers and monitors sprinkle throughout the entire region. Even through the foot-thick glass wall, the noise manages to get through in a quiet muffled roar. It might take some very good eyes to spot the workers and auditors keeping watch over the area.]
[ The war heroes of UA are a tight-knit team and everyone's doing their part. The fact that it doesn't help is wearing everyone down.
...and aside from the class, the Kaminaris and the Bakugous are also asking for updates over and over. Mitsuki is raging in a way only a worried parent can, because damn it, her brat's boyfriend makes him happy even if he's an idiot sometimes. Denki's parents... well, they're not doing good. Especially with the media twisting it to worry about him being dead rather than 'just' kidnapped.
(He's always gonna be a tease, Bakugou. Getting railed in an alley is a risk the electric blonde is willing to take.)
At the hydroelectric plant, Chargebolt is still rather stunned by everything. This place was amazing and he'd be so into it if it wasn't for the circumstances. Mizudenki. Renewable structures. Earth-friendly, conserving, super green. It's so cool, and when he stops by the glass to look at machinery display inside, it's beautiful.
Electric production was always gonna be a special interest when you're one as well. ]
I think you're wrong about that. I would have loved to see this place by own choice. It's fantastic.
[ Maybe he shouldn't be praising his kidnapper's business, but some honesty could be good. It gives him more of an excuse to look for exits and possible escape paths, too. ]
Kyūketsuki-san, I really don't understand what you think I needed rescuing from. I was doing just fine, I'm getting really good at what I do and I have a lot of people to support me.
[ People who are looking for him. ]
Giving me a concussion and interrupting a disaster rescue sounds kind of the opposite from saving me.
[Katsuki's raging at his mom to stop interrupting the damn search! No one's gonna find things faster if she's yelling at them to find shit faster! Though he won't yell at the Kaminaris for their own worry; that's their son out there right now, and there's no word on whether he's alive and well or not. Of course they'd be worried! And It's been almost a day and a half now, going on later. Longer than Katsuki had been kidnapped without information...
They're trying to prevent the media from getting away with twisting this to "death" rather than "kidnapped"; they don't need that kind of shit blasted over the airwaves when there's no facts to even support it! Who'd kidnap someone just to kill them? If death had been wanted, they would've knocked Chargebolt's head off in the fucking powerplant!
(That's gonna be a risk so long as he keeps teasing Bakugou. Good thing neither of them have a "hero car" right now because it'd be a sex-mobile soon enough.)
Kyūketsuki walks up beside Chargebolt and looks down at the machinery below them. He seems to take everything in at a sweeping glance, but knows what to look for. Scanning from this side to that, noting this wheel's working order versus that one. Readouts can come later, reports and communications as necessary, but sometimes it's nice to see it all in person. There are even fences and streams in place to do their best at keeping wildlife out of the powerplant's wheels and waterworks.]
It is fantastic. It took a lot of work to pull it back from the brink it was on. Almost destroyed simply because it focused on older technology that was safer and better for the world around it...
[There's some quiet on the other side of the conversation, listening to Chargebolt talk and say his mind.]
Sometimes, what people want isn't what they need. Children don't want to take medicine from their parents. Adults don't want to listen to advice because it goes against their current life. If I had invited you to come here because of the impending disaster, you would've elected instead to focus on others, concerned about the struggles ahead.
[ 'Thank you for joining the Hero News Network, I am Tanaka Hanabi. The investigation of the attack at Shizuoka Power Station on Pro Hero Chargebolt continues. No demands have been made after nearly 48 hours and his body has yet to be found. Heroes from all over Japan has gathered to search for the young hero, with no known success. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends for their possible loss, the first hero casualty since the UA wars.'
Eraserhead might be limping to HNN to tear someone a new asshole.
(Sex-mobile honestly sounds like such a Kaminari thing that it's probably why he doesn't have one. The PR team would cry. As is, alley trysts may be less of a nightmare than that.)
When Kyūketsuki walks up next to him, Denki watches the man from the corner of his eye. It would be easy, to slam down a few million volts right here... maybe create a loop to shock the 'boss' until he gives up and tells him where to find a car.
What he says makes the electric blonde pause, though. This place had been rescued from neglect and turned into something like this? It's some dedicated work.
...fuck, he needs to stop being impressed by his captor.
The rest of the 'explanation' doesn't make much sense. He turns to fully face the man, frowning a bit as he tries to put things together about what he means. ]
I'm neither a child nor someone who doesn't know what's best for them, Kyūketsuki-san. You're not making any sense.
[ What disaster? ]
Without electricity? I guess I would try to help people as much as I can. Is that... is that your plan, here? Taking out the power?
[ All to make his power plant the only source for all of Japan? Yeah, that sounds plenty villain-y for Chargebolt to get a grip around. Maybe that's why he was taken, too. So he couldn't help with charging emergency generators and stuff. ]
[Tanaka Hanabi is getting murdered. Strangled. Pulverized. Melted. And whatever Eraserhead plans to do to him. Don't go from "possible loss" to immediately "first hero casualty" in the same damn sentence! What the fuck is this news?! Some villain propaganda demoralizing hijack?! FUCK YOU, HNW!!
(It wouldn't even start out as a sex-mobile. It would quickly turn into one, with all of Kaminari's eclectic tastes and bachelor-pad-style designs. Bakugou can control it in their apartment, with a semi-iron fist, but the car... It's kind of hard to deal with the upholstery when you're getting drilled into the fucking seat. PR doesn't know about alley trysts. They keep it that way.)
If the man has any concerns or fears about being abruptly electrocuted and fried by the hero he's kidnapped, he doesn't show any of them. Content to watch the waterworks below and the bands of electricity it creates. He surprisingly seems content right now, as if Kaminari standing beside him is what he's comfortable with.
Yes. When this place was rescued from neglect, some of the waterwheels were still made of wood. Elsewhere in the powerplant, those old remnants have been put on display in the small museum that discuses Mizudenki's history, to honor the work this place had been doing since the beginning. Even if it had fallen out of favor and was almost scrapped before being salvaged.]
Blesk. [Kyūketsuki turns his head to offer Denki a small smile.] That's my first name. [Far less Japanese than his last one, obviously. Might be an indication of that accent carried in his voice.] I only meant it as an example; it's obvious you're not a child.
[He waits for the answer and then nods as he faces the works once more.]
Of course not. But that was one of All for One's plans. To create a monopoly over everything. He was stopped and his ambitions were halted, but he's not the only one who's capable of picking up the pieces. There are plenty in the wings, like vultures waiting their turn.
[Blesk's dual-hued eyes narrow at the window.]
And there are three chains who are planning on reviving that plan. Each one determined to be the only source of that power.
[ Tanaka is definitely getting fired or something once Aizawa has chewed off her ear. It's been a long time since something this juicy has happened and the news are eating it up like starved vultures. Pictures of Dynamight in the field searching for clues is also plastered everywhere, with headlines from the gooey 'broken-hearted lover' to wild mentions that he's not doing enough.
(Animal pattern upholstery, blankets, wipes, tinted windows, back seat permanently leaned back into a bed-like space... it just needs some beaded curtains and funky music. Yeah, fucking in an alley is better for everyone.)
It is rather strange that the guy seems so at ease next to him after giving him back his quirk. Denki is no master strategist, but Kyūketsuki must be powerful; he doubts the guy is underestimating him when his specialty is electricity. Chargebolt pumps out millions and millions of volts that will stun and knock out opponents, but there's a reason he's not racking up a body count. Sure, depending on the circumstance, as low as 50 volts could kill a person if they're unlucky - but it is the current is what's lethal rather than the voltage. If this villain could negate his volts, then it was pretty useless.
'Blesk' was a strange name that Denki can't really pronounce even in his head. Belesuku? Bresuku? No, better not piss him off. Kyūketsuki-san it is.
...then things turn even more serious when that name is mentioned. Fuck, things still went back to AFO, didn't it? He left a power vacuum that villains have been trying to fill ever since. Vultures, like the guy says.
It's weird, the way he speaks, though. Like it's distanced from his own plans? ]
I know I'm known to be stupid, dude, but you're being very vague.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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At least he has a damn shirt on.
He finishes what he needs to do (it felt like it took forever) and somewhat awkwardly tucks himself back in. It wasn't the easiest thing with the cuffs, but he'd rather avoid flashing these people.
Chargebolt stands there for a moment, staring into the woods with a determined look on his face... before his shoulders sag and he turns to head back to the car. He'll get another opportunity. A better one. He can't force this, and he's only (known to him) been gone for half a day or so.
The electric blonde sits down in the seat next to Band again, holding his arms out to her and moving his legs into wrapping range. Maybe he can at least try remaining upright like a normal person this time. ]
Alright. Seats saved.
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Probably also helps the group aren't assholes. Entirely.
Something else Kaminari might notice, however, is the faint sound of the sea. Drifting through the woods, which are also alight with crickets singing and the occasional buzz or bird. The American doesn't seem worried about him attempting to book it or rush a strike on him from behind.
Once Chargebolt turns and walks back towards the car, the man turns and heads back after him. The trunk pops open thanks to CK and he rummages around inside the back before producing a shovel and a bottle of liquid. With these, he heads back to Denki's area of "business" a moment again and starts to slosh the area with the liquid. While that's settling, he takes the shovel and starts skimming some dirt and jungle debris off the floor, careful not to take too much from one area or to leave much in the way of tracks. The debris is thrown and sprinkled over the sterilizing area, using both chemical compound and the natural covering of the forest to eliminate anything a tracking Quirk or dog might be able to pick up. Professionals. His own tracks and work are covered up easily enough and the American replaces the sealed bottle and shovel in the car trunk, then shuts it and gets back in the driver's seat.
The doors lock once more (yeah, child-proofed) and the car pulls forward off the side of the road back onto the drive. Band glances at Kaminari's offered arms and legs, glances to the rubber band around his throat, and then waves him off with a hum.]
Nah. You earned it, Pikachu.
[He can stay free for the ride. That literal choker collar can serve as his restraint(s) for now.]
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Running while wobbly was a bad idea from the start.
He did notice the sound of the sea, and that somehow brings him a bit of comfort. Denki always liked the beach, and it meant that they must be close to the coast. Hopefully still on Honshu and not Shikoku or even further. They couldn't have gotten that far in the time he knew of, so it had to be east or west coast.
Maybe. God, he hates not knowing.
Chargebolt watches the man grab the stuff from the car with a somewhat bewildered look, not sure why his piss is somehow treated like it was radioactive. It's not until the shovel is put back in the trunk again that he connects the dots. Wow. That was... some insane level of precaution and preparation. They certainly were professionals.
It's making him wonder if the American is the boss or just the leader of the goons.
At least he's allowed to be unbound (aside from his cuffs) with the choking weapon around his throat, so he wiggles his hands over to try to put a seatbelt on like a fucking human rather than a trussed-up animal. It's not easy, but he feels a little more in charge of himself when he finally makes the latch click. ]
Thanks.
[ He's not actually thankful, but at least his bladder is empty and all other physical problems can be more easily ignored. ]
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Since there's a whole extra 24 hours of travel that Chargebolt's unaware of, unfortunately for him, they're actually quite far from where he's come from. Coming up from Shizuoka's power plan, into Yamanashi for the motel stay, then traveling up into Saitama for the duration of the day, and finally down into the delta where Saitama, Tokyo, and Chiba butt their corners as the night falls. A map for reference. It's here, along this forested road, that the car finally breaks out of the towering pines and reveals a winding road along a small mountain wall. Rock to one side, but a large flowing river on the other.
This appears to be a service road... Snaking further along the rocky edge, it winds down towards the river, and a larger forest resting on the opposite side of the river. Sitting on that side, swallowing the thread of concrete, a large power plant rests within a pushed-back curve of the stone wall and rocky beach line. It must be a hydro-power plant, considering the visible dam-like structure stretching across the river as it dumps into the ocean bay. Brackish water, mingling fresh and salt. the building is fairly casual in its design and structure, a collection of concrete, cement, steel, and other materials common in power plants. A few trees line the grounds around it, though most plant life is hardy beach topiary that can deal with the salty shores and water.
The American's car soon crosses the river, driving over the second damn structure serving as the bridge towards the power plant. An electric bolt over a blue river serves as the power plant's logo, cast on the wall of its upper right side. The closer they get to it, the larger it becomes, quickly revealing itself to be fairly impressive in size. Likely producing quite a bit of power for the surrounding areas. With a shift of the rear-view mirror, the American eyes Chargebolt in the back seat.]
Here we are, kid. Delivered safe and sound.
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The change in scenery makes him perk up a bit, golden eyes taking in the mountain and the river. Looks like they're heading up? Maybe?
...then he sees the mass of concrete and things start to click. A power plant, a massive one by the look of it. Chargebolt happens to really enjoy dams and the cleaner power they make, and he's seen a few. Not this one, though... Japan has over 1000 of them, so unfortunately the building and the logo doesn't tell him more than that it must be one of the bigger ones.
Taking him to a power plant is... well. Not great. He's starting to realize why he was supposed to be as little damaged as possible. Either they wanted his quirk to boost their output or they needed him to check something too dangerous to handle.
He eyes the American and sighs. ]
I was hoping it would be a little more interesting than playing giant battery.
[ That was just dehumanizing. ]
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You'd make a pretty battery. Maybe they'll put you on a little treadmill, like a cute generator gerbil. Run, Pikachu, run~
[That earns a haughty sniff from CK in the front seat.]
Pikachu, Pikachu. How juvenile. They won't be putting him on a wheel, fruitcake; he's neither a hamster, nor a rat. [One white-gloved finger sticks in the air, as if claiming an illustrious discovery.] Clearly he's a Boltund, and will be best served as a electric-tracking guard hound.
[Band's eyes narrow and she leans forward, one hand catching the back of the American's seat.]
He's cute! And he has a lightning bolt shape in his hair. So obviously he's a Pikachu! Or even a Dendenne!
[The caped kidnapper shakes his head, as if he's at a loss with his teammate.]
I don't know what to tell you, Band. Obviously you've too much a focus on his appearance to think straight. A guard Boltund is the only conclusion.
Pikachu!
Boltund.
PIKACHU!
Boltund, my dear.
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I'm a Jolteon, dammit!
[ ...what is this sudden conversation? He's not sure, but if they're gonna compare him to a Boltund for guard dog reasons he's gonna complain! Sure, his nickname is always Pikachu, and he likes that well enough (when it's not infantilized by Band) but if he got to choose a Pokemon... ]
I'm not anybody's guard dog!
[ Frustrated about that and the power plant reveal, he unclips his seat belt awkwardly and points to the two arguing henchmen with accusing double fingers thanks to the cuffs. ]
So Jolteon! Not Boltund, you don't deserve Pikachu, never Pichu. There!
[ Fuck both of you and fuck this car. He tries to open the door, but it's still child locked. ]
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A Jolteon?
[CK adjusts his glasses, though doesn't take them off, simply gives them a little nudge on the side with his fingers. He does a quick up and down with his head as if to see Chargebolt for the first time, then gives a "hmm" in thought.]
But Jolteon are covered in spikes! There's nothing cute or soft about them! [And Band quickly points out the fallacies in that argument.] They don't even have a lightning bolt on them anywhere!
[Since this is obviously important. Though she's arrested by the suddenly unclipped belt and fingers pointing at her and CK. If he's going to try for the door, it's not going to help him, but they're giving Chargebolt the benefit of the doubt.]
Pichu?
[The door--
*cajunk*
--actually pops open, flying out to the side, offering Chargebolt a straight stumble/tumble out of said car. Straight into a concrete garage that looks like an unloading dock for supplies and other equipment. A few workers glance at him, wearing the same blue and yellow uniforms for bay workers, but no one seems surprised to see a famous hero tumble out of a car in the middle of a power plant loading area.]
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Thankfully he catches himself, even if his wrists ache at the fall. He doesn't need any more head wounds. ]
Neither does Boltund or Dedenne! [ He protests again, wiggling a foot towards them from his half-flopped position. ] Jolteon might be spiky but they're super loyal and strong!
[ That's when he finally notices that there's other people around them. ]
Hey? Help! I've been kidnapped.
[ It's almost conversational rather than a cry for help. He just wants to see if these people are in on it. ]
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in their world. Still, it gives the two villains pause for the moment, enough for Kaminari to actually get himself a break and go tumbling out of the surprisingly-unlocked car door. Neither of the other two seem to give much concern, though that might be due to them being surprised Chargebolt actually got out.And that the hero's still yelling at them after getting out of the car instead of running. Maybe he really is an idiot...]
Nah.
[Another voice comes behind him and depending on whether Kaminari tilts his head back and looks or twists himself around to look, the person's going to be upside down or right side up. A younger man, probably in his mid twenties. Black hair swept back in an attractive spiked style, with one blonde fringe of a bang hanging down over the right side of his face, which also sports a blonde eyebrow and golden eye, whereas the other brow is black and his opposite eye a dark brown, almost jet color. Tan skin and rather pointed ears accent the attractive face of a foreigner, youthful but still with a business-like focus despite the amused smile curving one half of his mouth. A simple white shirt buttons up to his collar bone, a pair of suspenders and dark dress pants clashing with the fact he was actually down here working with the bay crew, sleeves rolled up along some slender but athletic forearms.]
You weren't kidnapped. [He walks forward and crouches down on the balls of his feet in front of Kaminari, watching him with an interested gaze. His accent certainly proves he's not native Japanese, something Eastern European there.] You were rescued.
[Before reaching out to offer a hand to the fallen hero.]
Welcome home, Jolteon.
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He's not running, not (just) because of the Pokemon argument, but also Band's literal choke hold on him. Denki wouldn't get far before he passed out with that still on, and just like he decided a moment ago, he doesn't want more head injuries.
The new voice makes him tilt his head back like a doofus and look at the owner. This guy was definitely a foreigner with that accent... but his Japanese was really good. He seems to be about his own age, and definitely attractive in a way that would have been alluring if he wasn't kidnapped and already happy with a far more attractive man.
Chargebolt isn't sure who the man is - he looks like a worker here so he doesn't quite catch on. Then those words leave him even more confused. Rescued? Welcome home?
Still, he takes that hand with his cuffed own, preferring to be on his own two feet rather than almost upside down. ]
Hello?
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All of which doesn't quite have much help for Kaminari right now. The reason none of the three kidnappers tried to stop him from getting out of the car is pretty obvious. Since he's landed right in the center of the operations. After all, it'd be stupid to take him into this place and say "it's just a normal power plant" when he knows full well who they are and what they've done to bring him here. No, if they took Chargebolt to a place, or to meet a person, he'd easily assume it's related to his kidnapping.
Either the source of the orders or the source of his delivery.
When Denki tilts his head back to look up at him upside down, the man's smile turns into something a little more boyish and a chuckle wanders out, eyes closed in amusement. That smile of his is genuine and bright, though the electric hero might notice his canines are quite a bit longer than a normal person's. Stereotypically so.
Once Chargebolt takes his hand, the man moves to help him stand up, keeping his hold on his hand. The points of longer nails, almost claw-like, rest against his skin and something seems to move inside him. His contained Quirk, reacting as if the powerful force inside him is shifting towards their clasped hand.]
Bună seara, Chargebolt.
[He sounds excited, maybe a bit relieved, voice a quicker than a moment ago. Though he catches himself, realizing the other guy doesn't speak Romanian, and smiles with a sheepish expression.]
Sorry! "Good evening," Chargebolt. Nice to meet you!
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Definitely not helpful in this situation, though. He feels like a pizza being delivered to an excited hungry guy. The blonde in the man's hair and the gold eye reminds Denki of his own, and the way the guy acts was quite the opposite of what he had assumed the leader of this mess would be. Hell, maybe he was just the recipient?
He seems so genuinely happy that Chargebolt was here that it would be borderline cute if it wasn't for the situation.
Standing up with the man's help, he blows his lightning bolt fringe out of his face and expects the grip to disappear... but the guy keeps his hand there, holding his cuffed one. The movement under his skin makes Denki's heart quicken - what was this guy's quirk? The little details makes him think of Dracula and the accent isn't helping.
Is that quirk-bigoted? ]
Good evening? You're very polite for someone who sent people to kidnap me. I didn't need rescuing from anything?
[ He needs a rescue now, though. ]
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The gold is certainly similar to Denki's own, though it's hard to tell which is the true color, if there's dye, or if it's instead completely natural. The "roots" of where that golden fringe hits the rest of his hair is gold, with some "splash" of gold up into the rest of the black around the area. If it's a dye job, he's certainly put work into it. If not... weird ass genes. Then again, Mina's got pink hair and horns, so... go figure. As for his eyes... either natural or contacts? Who knows. They seem natural enough.
His golden brow arches when Kaminari blows the lightning fridge out of his face-] Ah! [-and points at him, momentary shocked expression turning into another grin and laugh.] You still do that! [Before hooking his lower jaw and lip so he can "phoo" and blow at the bang hanging over his own face. It's... not as effective, but obvious an imitation attempt.] Haha!
[He gives Kaminari's hand another squeeze before letting go and catching the cuffs in the center. Small threads of electricity momentarily drag off the hero's skin, trailing after the now-glowing claws on the ends of the guy's fingers like electric arcs. Then are gone as he holds the middle of the metal cuffs. There's a few seconds of rummaging around in his pockets before he produces a key.] Got it!
[And puts the end of the key near the cuffs, causing a reaction (likely electric) before the cuffs sag and yawn open around his wrists. Kaminari might be able to see a faint mark on the topside of both wrists, almost like a tattoo of a ring target, but that fades away as the cuffs draw off his skin.]
Oh that's right. You don't know... [There's a hum, as if he's trying to deliberate on something.] Mah, later. [And pulls the cuffs off entirely before tossing them to the American.] Sankyu!, Synthetic, Band, Condom King!
[The American catches the cuffs out of the air with an easy swipe of his hand, the three kidnappers having by now emerged from the car and stood beside it.] No problem, Kyūketsuki-san.
[A few of the bay workers glance at each other. Their boss just... uncuffed a war hero... But no one says anything as the kidnappers and the man exchange post-delivery compliments. Denki's certainly going to feel that muffled sensation of his Quirk fade away, allowing it to go rushing back to full bear inside him.]
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Even if he's new to the job, Chargebolt already has some devoted fans.
...and he's starting to realize that this guy is at least some form of a fan, if him blowing the hair out of his eyes makes him react like this. Sure, he does that a lot, even has a picture of himself mid fringe-flow that apparently make the fans swoon for some reason.
When the man lets go of his hand, Denki did not expect him to return to his cuffs with a key. The way those claws glow feels slightly familiar, but he can't put his brain in order long enough. Instead he tries to focus on what the man is saying. He doesn't know what?
Then the cuffs click open and all those volts come rushing back like a creeping charge through his veins. It sends small streaks of electricity around him like a minor discharge, tensing his muscles tight for a moment before it lets go again, stabilizing inside. If he has half a whey-face, he can't really be blamed.
He could go for a nap again, honestly.
The whirling of his electric-fueled brain did catch those names, though, and he's not surprised about the weird condom pervert's. Seriously?
Then it was this guy, who apparently was the one that wanted him bad enough to order villain hero delivery. Kyūketsuki. ]
Ow.
[ He's lucky he's not a teenager any more and can handle his power much better. Not perfectly, but he's accepted that as part of his hero charm. ]
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So long as Chargebolt keeps well in his heart that his number one fan is waiting for him at home. Well, not now. Now, said No 1 fan is blasting around the city, yelling into the comm links, and generally alternating between professional but frustrated (most of the time) and unprofessional rage mode (occasional).
Look, no one is going to deny that Chargebolt's fringe flick is even more captivating and charming than Can't Stop Twinkling's head-canted wink (likely because Aoyama's can veer right on the cusp of "too much" for some). Even if Dynamight ends up rolling his eyes and walking off to the next area whenever his boyfriend starts posing for the stupid camera. Idiot.
Kyūketsuki doesn't seem at all worried about the appearance of those electrical discharges zipping in small lines around the now-freed hero. Some of them even end up pulling towards the guy's body when the get nearest to him, but it's easily dismissed as a flux. He tucks the key back in his pocket, leaving the cuffs open for Synthetic to use again if necessary. Seems that it's a one-and-done deal. Once the kidnappers put the cuffs on, it's only Kyūketsuki who can take them off.
The guy looks back at Denki when he utters that "ow" comment.] Are you okay? [And only then seems to notice the bandage around his head.] Synthetic! What did I s-
Already told you about that, Kyūketsuki, remember?
[He's brought up short by the casual reminder, and thinks back again before, blinking in realization.] Oh. You did. [A frown appears and he turns his attention back to Kaminari.] I'm sorry they had to knock you out... Come on. Let me help you. We can get the injury looked at, and I'm sure you're hungry.
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The electric blonde is well-aware that his biggest fan is back home, or more likely out looking for him. He does not envy anyone that has to work with his boyfriend right now, he must be pissed. Professional, sure, but probably as rage-y as his old teen self.
Dynamight is a genius. He'll figure this out and come for him, probably call him an idiot for getting kidnapped - or not, he knows the feeling - and take him home. Their home, not this... place.
Fringe flick, finger-guns, lip bite. All classics. Chargebolt is a dork and that seems to really endear people to him. He loves the photos, the autographs and the excited people, usually taking in the crowd after a mission so people like Dynamight and less social heroes can sneak off.
Is that why this guy is weirdly nice to him? Because he likes Chargebolt? Or is it some kind of trick?
Denki's head is throbbing again after the rush of his quirk returning, and the concern from this Kyūketsuki would feel almost sarcastic if it wasn't for the reactions. He's not being insulted or goaded, but instead 'protected'. ]
...okay.
[ He could strike everyone down right now with a discharge, but he's already on the verge of stupid and can't risk that... plus Band's band is still around his throat. Now with his hands free, he can try to tug at it while still 'following orders'.
Man, when was the last time he ate? Breakfast this morning (yesterday)? ]
You're surprisingly nice.
[ Which is probably a trick, but still. ]
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He is a genius and he's working through this as best he can, locating one potential lead after another. But right now, all he can really do is continue to turn over stones, looking for the one that will provide some sort of clue to get them moving. It's even more disconcerting that the people who kidnapped his boyfriend weren't some half-ass low-rank kidnappers. They knew what they were doing. That makes it even harder.
Ugh, that damn lip bite. Bakugou's come close to telling Kaminari not to fucking do that because he's seen his boyfriend bite his lip way too many times while getting railed and it's sort of got a pavlovian response now. Fucking sex face, even if he's doing it with a smile and a wink for the camera. It just goes straight into a darkened room, golden hair thrown about on the pillow, flushed face and open mouth as his boyfriend's chest hikes up with another thrust driving home into hi- ... Anyways. Baggy pants are a benefit in cases. Though he'll occasionally lurk nearby, skulking on the sides to wait for his damn boyfriend to get off the fucking showboating and return to him.
When Kaminari agrees to the assistance, Kyūketsuki looks over to the three kidnappers.] Always do a good job. Serin.
[A brief snap of his fingers and one of the men nearby steps over to his side, gives a slight nod and bow, then heads to the trio.] This way. We'll take the B entrance.
[Seems they're not a one-time worker though, since Synthetic nods in response and the trio walk after the man. A few other workers make to start pushing the kidnapper's car further into the loading bay, where a few new people in dark olive suits arrive, looking very much like an auto-mechanic or pit stop crew.]
Oh, please, let me get that for you. [Noticing the hand at his throat, and the rubber band still there, Kyūketsuki turns to Kaminari and, leaning right into his personal space, abruptly slides an ornate butterfly knife from outta nowhere (his pocket) between the hero's skin and the rubber. Careful to do it towards the back side of his neck, deliberately away from his jugular and throat. It slices through the tube-like wrap easily and with a floppy twang the piece falls away into his other hand.] There. That should help.
[He flicks the knife shut in his hand and slips it back into his pocket.] Most people are nice to their friends. [He frowns slightly in thought.] Or they should be... [Disappointed at something, the man shakes his head.] I'm sorry for all the trouble.
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Sero has been dead quiet for hours. As Kaminari's main partner in the Lurkers, he feels so guilty for letting him go alone. Even if he couldn't do anything at all in the power station accident, he could have been there. Outside. Watching the fucking perimeter.
The lip bite may be creating some Pavlovian reaction, and you just know the damn tease does it on purpose sometimes. He doesn't mind being dragged into some alley afterwards to make out and then piggyboom home for after-mission fun.
Right now, though, Denki is very much the opposite of wanting to cause any teasing. This Kyūketsuki guy was fucking creepy and the 'niceness' was making his skin crawl. It didn't make any sense at all, and the feeling when Band had treated him like a pet returns in full force.
He watches the car being pushed away like it was a race car getting a tuneup by a team, and grits his teeth slightly. He can't fly out of here, so seeing the possible escape vehicle get away is frustrating. Maybe the leader guy had more cars.
Then Chargebolt freezes as a knife if flicked up at him. His hair stands up a bit on edge from collected static, but he calms as he feels the knife carefully slice the rubber tube from his neck. He was free and he had his quirk back. Now he just needed an escape plan. ]
Thanks. It was getting uncomfortable.
[ Be nice. Follow along for now, and find a ride. Discharge enough to stun this whole place, and drive off.
He's a bit confused about the 'friend' comment and the 'should be', but who knows with villains. He could have plans or be delusional. Denki might be treated like a guest all of the sudden, but 'I'm sorry' doesn't excuse the damn abduction. ]
It was really unnecessary. What do you wan from me?
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Bakugou's still furious at the team that went with Kaminari for not putting up parameters around the entire building, though he's probably not allowed to talk to the cops for the same reason. Upbraiding people isn't going to help right now; they're aware of their mistakes and feel like shit for it.
Bastard's stupid lip bite on purpose... Denki should know that's a risky gamble, since Katsuki isn't the most patient of people and he's got no problem with turning that alleyway makeout into a shove-against-the-wall fuck rather than wait to get back home.
It's more telling that this place is probably 'in' on the entire thing if a group of kidnappers can arrive and get their car tuned up in the garage bay. Some wheeled stations are brought out to start taking measurements of the car, from temperature to gas quality and other such readouts, further suggesting the vehicle is mostly devoid of electronics. A stealth car.]
I'm sure it was. Rubber isn't all that comfortable. [Kyūketsuki leads him out of the loading dock and into the building. A hallway of grey stretches in front of them, the walls themselves made of long fabric-covered pads to help cut down on the noise that echoes in the loading bay. Not a long hallway, and some of the pads have pictures sitting on them. Rivers, nature, health tips, safety rules, advertisements for the power plant...
Mizudenki, a leading chain of powerplants that specialize in hydroelectric energy supplies. Utilizing the natural flow of rivers and solar energy to generate electricity with a high focus on conserving and protecting natural resources. There are rumors that 80% of the company's buildings, resources, and supply chain are all recyclable and/or renewable. The company had stubbornly continued to use archaic waterwheels for its production, but twenty years ago had been saved from bankruptcy and destruction by financial intervention. Instead of destroying the old time efforts, the new owners had transformed the company and its powerplants into the green-heavy functions they are today, challenging other power plants inland to echo their success.]
Perhaps it was. But I don't think you would have come on a pure invite. [Kyūketsuki glances over to Kaminari.] I told you already: I brought you here to rescue you.
[The hallway parts past them and opens up into a one-sided glass-walled hallway going left and right. Through the glass walls, the main operations of the hydroelectric powerplant sprawl out in a massive display of sparkling metal machinery and glass containers. Water and lightning seem to live together within the gigantic room, vertical and horizontal waterwheels of all shapes and sizes resting together as if in a huge clock. Small streams paddle little wheels, thick waterfall sections power towering wheels, electricity glows through coils, and countless waterproof computers and monitors sprinkle throughout the entire region. Even through the foot-thick glass wall, the noise manages to get through in a quiet muffled roar. It might take some very good eyes to spot the workers and auditors keeping watch over the area.]
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...and aside from the class, the Kaminaris and the Bakugous are also asking for updates over and over. Mitsuki is raging in a way only a worried parent can, because damn it, her brat's boyfriend makes him happy even if he's an idiot sometimes. Denki's parents... well, they're not doing good. Especially with the media twisting it to worry about him being dead rather than 'just' kidnapped.
(He's always gonna be a tease, Bakugou. Getting railed in an alley is a risk the electric blonde is willing to take.)
At the hydroelectric plant, Chargebolt is still rather stunned by everything. This place was amazing and he'd be so into it if it wasn't for the circumstances. Mizudenki. Renewable structures. Earth-friendly, conserving, super green. It's so cool, and when he stops by the glass to look at machinery display inside, it's beautiful.
Electric production was always gonna be a special interest when you're one as well. ]
I think you're wrong about that. I would have loved to see this place by own choice. It's fantastic.
[ Maybe he shouldn't be praising his kidnapper's business, but some honesty could be good. It gives him more of an excuse to look for exits and possible escape paths, too. ]
Kyūketsuki-san, I really don't understand what you think I needed rescuing from. I was doing just fine, I'm getting really good at what I do and I have a lot of people to support me.
[ People who are looking for him. ]
Giving me a concussion and interrupting a disaster rescue sounds kind of the opposite from saving me.
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They're trying to prevent the media from getting away with twisting this to "death" rather than "kidnapped"; they don't need that kind of shit blasted over the airwaves when there's no facts to even support it! Who'd kidnap someone just to kill them? If death had been wanted, they would've knocked Chargebolt's head off in the fucking powerplant!
(That's gonna be a risk so long as he keeps teasing Bakugou. Good thing neither of them have a "hero car" right now because it'd be a sex-mobile soon enough.)
Kyūketsuki walks up beside Chargebolt and looks down at the machinery below them. He seems to take everything in at a sweeping glance, but knows what to look for. Scanning from this side to that, noting this wheel's working order versus that one. Readouts can come later, reports and communications as necessary, but sometimes it's nice to see it all in person. There are even fences and streams in place to do their best at keeping wildlife out of the powerplant's wheels and waterworks.]
It is fantastic. It took a lot of work to pull it back from the brink it was on. Almost destroyed simply because it focused on older technology that was safer and better for the world around it...
[There's some quiet on the other side of the conversation, listening to Chargebolt talk and say his mind.]
Sometimes, what people want isn't what they need. Children don't want to take medicine from their parents. Adults don't want to listen to advice because it goes against their current life. If I had invited you to come here because of the impending disaster, you would've elected instead to focus on others, concerned about the struggles ahead.
... what would you do, in a world without power?
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Eraserhead might be limping to HNN to tear someone a new asshole.
(Sex-mobile honestly sounds like such a Kaminari thing that it's probably why he doesn't have one. The PR team would cry. As is, alley trysts may be less of a nightmare than that.)
When Kyūketsuki walks up next to him, Denki watches the man from the corner of his eye. It would be easy, to slam down a few million volts right here... maybe create a loop to shock the 'boss' until he gives up and tells him where to find a car.
What he says makes the electric blonde pause, though. This place had been rescued from neglect and turned into something like this? It's some dedicated work.
...fuck, he needs to stop being impressed by his captor.
The rest of the 'explanation' doesn't make much sense. He turns to fully face the man, frowning a bit as he tries to put things together about what he means. ]
I'm neither a child nor someone who doesn't know what's best for them, Kyūketsuki-san. You're not making any sense.
[ What disaster? ]
Without electricity? I guess I would try to help people as much as I can. Is that... is that your plan, here? Taking out the power?
[ All to make his power plant the only source for all of Japan? Yeah, that sounds plenty villain-y for Chargebolt to get a grip around. Maybe that's why he was taken, too. So he couldn't help with charging emergency generators and stuff. ]
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(It wouldn't even start out as a sex-mobile. It would quickly turn into one, with all of Kaminari's eclectic tastes and bachelor-pad-style designs. Bakugou can control it in their apartment, with a semi-iron fist, but the car... It's kind of hard to deal with the upholstery when you're getting drilled into the fucking seat. PR doesn't know about alley trysts. They keep it that way.)
If the man has any concerns or fears about being abruptly electrocuted and fried by the hero he's kidnapped, he doesn't show any of them. Content to watch the waterworks below and the bands of electricity it creates. He surprisingly seems content right now, as if Kaminari standing beside him is what he's comfortable with.
Yes. When this place was rescued from neglect, some of the waterwheels were still made of wood. Elsewhere in the powerplant, those old remnants have been put on display in the small museum that discuses Mizudenki's history, to honor the work this place had been doing since the beginning. Even if it had fallen out of favor and was almost scrapped before being salvaged.]
Blesk. [Kyūketsuki turns his head to offer Denki a small smile.] That's my first name. [Far less Japanese than his last one, obviously. Might be an indication of that accent carried in his voice.] I only meant it as an example; it's obvious you're not a child.
[He waits for the answer and then nods as he faces the works once more.]
Of course not. But that was one of All for One's plans. To create a monopoly over everything. He was stopped and his ambitions were halted, but he's not the only one who's capable of picking up the pieces. There are plenty in the wings, like vultures waiting their turn.
[Blesk's dual-hued eyes narrow at the window.]
And there are three chains who are planning on reviving that plan. Each one determined to be the only source of that power.
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(Animal pattern upholstery, blankets, wipes, tinted windows, back seat permanently leaned back into a bed-like space... it just needs some beaded curtains and funky music. Yeah, fucking in an alley is better for everyone.)
It is rather strange that the guy seems so at ease next to him after giving him back his quirk. Denki is no master strategist, but Kyūketsuki must be powerful; he doubts the guy is underestimating him when his specialty is electricity. Chargebolt pumps out millions and millions of volts that will stun and knock out opponents, but there's a reason he's not racking up a body count. Sure, depending on the circumstance, as low as 50 volts could kill a person if they're unlucky - but it is the current is what's lethal rather than the voltage. If this villain could negate his volts, then it was pretty useless.
'Blesk' was a strange name that Denki can't really pronounce even in his head. Belesuku? Bresuku? No, better not piss him off. Kyūketsuki-san it is.
...then things turn even more serious when that name is mentioned. Fuck, things still went back to AFO, didn't it? He left a power vacuum that villains have been trying to fill ever since. Vultures, like the guy says.
It's weird, the way he speaks, though. Like it's distanced from his own plans? ]
I know I'm known to be stupid, dude, but you're being very vague.
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Don't you national ass me, Helen Zass.
;)
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