*ATHORS NOTE*
Hey guys I hope you are all well. I just wanted to clear some stuff up real quick.
DC: Armory was supposed to be its own book but the chaps I wrote kept on being deleted. After a couple of days of trying I eventually gave up and decided to continue on this one. Unfortunately Armory was already taken as a name. So I began to look for a new name that I didn't have to have DC or MHA in it.
This proved harder than it should have been. Fortunately I came up with The Chronicles of Ken. Not my first pick but I guess it will do.
Sorry for the small rant but I hope I've cleared some stuff up. Sorry for those who were new and confused, I hope you've enjoyed the fan fiction so far.
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*KEN'S POV*
Bullets rained down on Ken's position as he took cover. He had taken cover as soon as he could, Deathstroke (and yes it was definitely Deathstroke) could without a doubt woop his ass all over the world whenever it came to hand to hand combat. Or any form of combat of he was being honest.
"Come on kid!!! I expect more from "Ronin"!!! Or are you just some kid with a sword?"
Yes he is just a kid with a sword. Ken wasn't a master martial artist (yet). So yes Ken was a kid with a baddass sword if he was being honest. He doesn't have any items that would enhance his senses or reflexes, he did this so he could focus on his skill instead of overwhelming his opponents with speed and power.
Staying low Ken moved from his position as Deathstroke continued to taunt him. Apart of him just wanted to leave....buuuut this was a good opportunity to see how big a skill gap there is. He wasn't stupid so he would put on a shit ton of defensive items but wouldn't enhance himself beyond that.
As he stuck to the Shadows and darted from cover to cover Ken made his way towards Deathstroke. He was just going to assume that Deathstroke knew where he was, because yes he could be sneaky but he doubted he could be get passed a trained assassin like Deathstroke.
When he spotted Deathstroke again he was to his left side away from his gun, so he would have to turn more to aim at him. Hand tightening on his sword Ken threw a knife and charged forward he knew without doubt that Deathstroke was ready for him, so he really wasn't surprised when without looking he took out his sword and effortlessly deflected the knife and blocked the swing that was meant to cut his head off.
In a blur of motion Ken was looking at the barrel of a gun. "Amateur." Head Jerking to the side Ken barely dodged the bullet.
Swinging his blade at the outstretched arm that held the gun. Deathstroke's arm fell with the blade avoiding it entirely. Deathstroke responded to the attempted maiming with a spartan kick.
Ken managed to block it but was sent rolling back. Getting on his feet as soon as possible Ken raised his blade above his head blocking an overhead strike.The strike made his arms buckle and he had to fight the urge to use strength quirks to overpower Deathstroke.
Shoving the blade to the side Ken darted towards Deathstroke's midsection and pulled out a knife. The blade was nothing special just one of the many he had taken from soldiers and mercenaries.
The knife scrapped uselessly against the armor. Ken knew this would happen so when the blade was out of sight he let go of it and summoned the permeation sickle out if sight and twisted slashing at Deathstroke's back.
He hoped that seeing that he didn't have something that could pierce his armor Deathstroke would lower his guard...his hopes were quickly dashed.
Years of experience showed itself when Deathstroke leaped forward avoiding the attack and twisted mid air gun aimed at Ken. Three shots were fired all were dodged if just barely.
Ken had released the sickles as soon as the attack was complete and immediately moved out of the way. He needed to stay in motion anything less would end with him getting shot. It wouldn't do much but he needed to see where he stands in terms of skill, and purposefully getting shot didn't show that in his opinion.
He took cover in the destroyed surrounding to prevent being an easy target. He took deep breaths and tried to slow his heart as he moved slower but still with purpose. He suddenly leaned back as a blade shot in front of him. It would have pierced through his head if he hadn't moved.
Leaping back some Ken raised his blade and took a stance. Deathstroke holstered his gun and took up a sword stance as well. Deathstroke was fucking with him and they both knew it.
With no indication they charged at each other. Ken was on the back foot almost imitate, Deathstroke's speed and strength seemed to double. The only reason why he could keep up was because he was used to fighting at fast speeds.
Thirty seconds that's all it took for Ken to have his sword trapped under a foot, a blade placed at his throat and a gun pointed at his chest. "Sloppy, and amateurish...you aren't out here to do mercenary work are you? No, you're out here for something else right boy?"
Golden eyes stared into blank white eyes or eye of a mask. Ken didn't know how to respond, he kinda just wanted Deathstroke to shoot him or something so he could pretend to die and life could go on. Yet here he was in one knee staring awkwardly at one of the best assassins I'm the DC universe.
In a blink of an eye the gun and blade were put away and Deathstroke was walking away from him. "I'll be seeing you soon kid and if you haven't gotten better by then... "
Still on the ground I watched as he left. Hmmmm mabey it was time I took a little break, I've noticed that my thoughts were taking a dark and depressing turn. So like a personal health day or week, yeah I think it'll be good for me.
*RYU'S POV*
Finding Ted Grant was easy, he did own a gym after all. Getting Ted to train him would be the real challenge. Even then it shouldn't be too hard he does run a gym so going in and asking him for training should be rather simple.
Stopping infront of a rundown building Ryu checked the address again...then double and triple checked it. WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT!!!!!
If our Intel is correct then Wild Cat the former member of the Justice Society of America(JSA) works here? The hell man you'd think someone like that would have at least a nice gym.
I get it secret identity and all but like still he was a pretty big name in boxing if I remember correctly. But then again didn't something happen that made him like age slower or something? Actually he probably wants to keep under the radar if hes supposed to be on his death bed old.
In Ken's first life he read some DC and Marvel but not a lot of the older stuff. So his knowledge of some characters like Wild Cat were limited to baddass fighter and old dude. So he went in preparing for any kind of aditude from grumpy old man to wacky old dude.
When he entered the gym it was empty the only sound that was made was the dull ringing if the bell. From the back a gruff voice shouted shouted out a "Be there in a minute!" cut through the silence and was quickly followed by what sounded like boxes being thrown around.
After a few awkward moments a man that looked to be in his late forties to earlier fifties entered the main room. With one look the frown that was already on his face deepened. "This isn't a place for kids to play hooky at."
Without thinking Ryu replied. "This ain't a retirement home either but your old ass is here all the same." They both looked at each other, one sizing up the new punk that decided to make his gym his new stomping grounds, and the other in mild shock that was hidden under a blank mask.
The insult was more instinctual than anything and now he couldn't back-down or I'd make him look like a bitch. The staredown carried on for an uncomfortable amount of time in Ryu's opinion.
It was Ted who ultimately broke the silence. "Who are you?"
It was less of a question and more of a demand. A demand that Ryu was fighting all his instincts to answer instead of telling this old man to go fuck himself.
"Ryu" more awkward silence. This was getting a little annoying, they were in this weird stand still and he wasn't sure how to break it.
After a few more moments Ryu decided to break the silence this time. "I'm not looking for trouble, just a place to train." He was giving Ted the upper hand but in the end Ryu was the one who needed help not Ted.
Ted took a moment before he answered and in that time his gaze became less hostile and more curious. "Why aren't you in school?"
Ah this question. It was one that was bound to be asked, luckily he had prepared for this and even made some fake identification. It was basic orphan since birth whent from foster home to foster home and many were hypnotized to recall him and a few things if note he had done.
The same could be said about school teachers and students. They went all out for this especially since someone like Batman would no doubt take interest in whoever people like Ted Grant, and Richard Dragon train.
Making eye contact Ryu spoke clearly. "I don't need it. I'm smart enough now are ya gunna let me train here cus if not just say so and stop wastin my time." His plan to convey this information and background he and the other clones made was to avoid the topic of school at all costs. His character was gruff and a bit of an asshole, simply giving the info wouldn't be his style.
With a frown Ted spoke "You can workout here...but not during school hours." The look he gave him told Ryu that this wasn't up for debate.
It wasn't ideal, but I could work with that. Hmmmm mabey I should have made myself look older. With grunt I nodded in confirmation.
He was a former hero so it was to be expected that he wouldn't want to have an underage kid hanging around his gym when they should be at school. I expected him to try to convince me to go to school or some shit like that, but this works too.
*TIME SKIP 3 MONTHS LATER*
It was a fuckin trap!!!
It started slow, the casual question about life and all that. Then he started to ask for proof that I went to school if I wanted him to train me then he's wanting me to show him my grades and shit.
FUCK!!!! If it weren't for the fact that other heros visit him on occasion then I would have tried to hypnotize him. The risk of one of them figuring out somethings wrong for one bullshit reason or the other is too fucking high.
"Alright before you get started let me see you're homework." Ted stood infront of Ryu arms crossed with an expectant look in his eyes.
Reaching into a bag that he definitely didn't steal Ryu pulled out homework that he stole from the local school. It was easy to steal and fill out homework and easier to fake report cards. Still if you were too look into the school a student named Ryu would be shown to go there and to be a mid C low B student.He of course never attended but, it's better to have at least a little something incase someone looked into his school life.
After a moment Ryu pulled out a few papers and shoved them towards Ted. "Fuck man, what's your problem? Why can't you just teach me? I'm paying you after all."
With a grunt and a half hearted "Stop cursing brat." Ted took out reading glasses and looked over the papers. Fuck this asshole was old! He was always talking about back in his day and giving him shit about how much he curses.
Cursing was the one thing he refused to give up. He faked going to school, went out of his way to do homework he was never given he had the right to curse!
Glancing up from the papers Ted gave Ryu a once over before jerking his head, indicating for him to head in. "Alright go warm up. I'll be there in thirty minutes so we can start."
His response was a few muttered curses and a "Go fuck yourself!" Over Ryu's shoulder showing his acknowledgement.
As Ryu began to stretch he thought about the other clones. He knew Jayden found the shadows and has begun his training but Sozu and Hashirama have leads but haven't found their targets yet. Cane...Cane was worrying he's pretty sure that clone has gone full conspiracy theorist like tinfoil hat and shit.
Then there was Ken fuck his emo ass was getting kinda old. Like he gets it but bitching about it won't change shit. He knew that and so did Ken. Luckily the last report from him shows some improvement.
While Ryu was in thought Ted had walked up and reared his foot back for a kick. Arm blurring to block the kick Ryu turned to Ted and spoke in a mocking voice. "What you need to take cheap shots to stand a chance."
The shit eating grin that he gave afterwards made a vein pop on Ted's head. "I can kick your ass all day any day you little shit."
Jumping to his feet Ryu began to crack his knuckles and replied. "Yeah why don't you come and have a go if you think you're such tough shit!"
Ted: "Come on brat grab some pads so I can beat some respect into that block of bone you call a head."
Ryu: "PADS?!?!?! You think I need that shit?!?! You might you old fuck, shit you'll probably throw your hip out just trying ta put the fucking shit on!!!!"
With a face red with anger Ted jumped into the ring and motioned him to follow. Yeah Ted was a bit of a hard ass but he knew how to teach...mostly by doing, and by doing he means beating the shit out of the person he is teaching which is fine by him.
Jumping into the ring soon after he began to walk around the ring. While boxing served as the base of his fighting style he managed to mix in a few others. He had taken to them like fish to water. It helped that he knew some of the basics of each one.
Grinning viciously he took up a loose boxing stance and began to make his way towards Ted. This right here made all the shit with the school and homework bull worth it.