The corridors of the royal wing murmured with unease. Whispers stirred like wind through silk, rippling through the tension that gripped the palace.
The faint rustle of robes, the soft shuffle of slippered feet; sounds that normally vanished into the great hush of the sacred hour now hung heavy in the air like breath held too long.
A cluster of palace maids huddled just outside the sealed doors of Prince Naruto's chamber. The doors, tall and carved from Centaurian silverwood.
They stole anxious glances at the blockade, uncertain whether to knock again or leave it be.
The lingering scent of sacred incense curled in the hall like smoke trailing from a vanished comet. Hours earlier, the High Priestess of Centauria had passed through these same corridors. Her mere presence had quieted every voice, bowed every back. And now she had returned.
Crimson and gold wrapped her form in flowing layers, the ceremonial robes of her station catching the moonlight that spilled like water through the high arched windows of enchanted crystal. Each footstep of her sandals tapped against the polished marble, soft but absolute.
Kushina slowed as she reached the gathering of attendants, taking in the uneasy expressions on their faces, and the guilty downward glances.
Her gaze sharpened.
"What's going on?" she asked, calm but iron-clad.
One of the elder maids stepped forward with a deep bow, her tone careful. "Highness. It's the prince. He's… shut himself in. Refused to answer us, or eat anything. He threw a pillow at poor Minka!"
Another maid added in a whisper, "He's been quiet since the training yard, Your Holiness… He wouldn't speak to anyone after that. We didn't know what to do…"
Kushina's jaw tensed. A flicker of something passed behind her eyes; fury, maybe but it passed just as quickly.
"You've done more than enough," she said gently, brushing her fingers down the shawl over her shoulder. "Go rest. All of you."
The maids hesitated. "But Priestess!"
"That wasn't a suggestion," Kushina interrupted with a pointed smile. "Go. You've done enough."
They exchanged glances torn between duty and obedience, but eventually bowed and began to file away, the rustling of their robes fading like waves leaving shore. The hallway quieted in their absence.
Kushina exhaled softly, then turned to the door.
Two sharp knocks echoed through the wooden grain.
"Go away!" came the shout from inside. The voice was strained, cracking beneath the effort to sound angry.
She paused, waited a beat, then knocked again but this time gentler and more familiar.
"It's me."
Silence.
Then the barricade scraped and groaned. Metal clinked. A chair slid across stone.
"…Mother?"
The door creaked open just enough to show a sliver of light and then wider.
Kushina stepped inside.
The room was dimly lit, the glow of energy-lamps casting soft golden hues against tall bookshelves and floating scrolls. Starlight filtered through curtains of gossamer, illuminating the marbled floor.
Naruto stood in the center. Barefoot. Shoulders hunched. His golden hair tousled and sticking up more than usual. Eyes red-rimmed and nose slightly pink.
Kushina crossed the room in three strides and lightly smacked the top of his head with her closed fist.
THUMP.
"You're supposed to be a man," she said without venom. "You're the future of Centauria and next in line to the throne. And here you are crying like a broken-voiced whelp."
Naruto winced and rubbed his head, pouting. "You didn't have to hit me…"
Kushina gave a shrug that was far too elegant for the moment, then stepped closer and cupped his cheek with her warm, calloused hand. Her thumb brushed gently under one eye.
"Now… tell me what's going on, my little whirlwind."
He stared at the floor. The marble tiles had tiny, invisible cracks near the center; likely from when he'd first awakened his powers. But he didn't want to think about that now.
"They… they called me weird," he muttered, voice barely more than a whisper. "Said I was a freak. That I shouldn't be able to do what I do. That something must've gone wrong when I was born…"
He sniffled again. "They said… they said I wasn't wanted here."
Kushina's expression didn't shift. Not even an inch.
She leaned in and pressed a kiss to his forehead, her lips resting against his skin for a long, quiet second.
"It's okay," she said softly, her hand brushing back the hair from his face. "You are weird."
Naruto blinked up at her, confused.
"You're my weird little Naruto," she added, smiling now. "And I love you exactly as you are."
He looked away quickly, but not before she saw the shimmer in his eyes. He blinked too fast, hoping she wouldn't notice.
"Don't ever feel lesser for standing apart," she said, her voice rich and steady like the river that carved through Centauria's canyons.
"Being different isn't a punishment. It's a sign. It means the stars gave you something rare. Something only you can do."
She tapped a finger against his chest, just over his heart.
"The abilities you have? That's your father's blood. His strength. You inherited more than power, Naruto. You inherited a legacy. And legacy doesn't always look like a blessing at first."
Her eyes searched his.
"It sets you apart. It always will. But never let it make you feel above others. That's not our way."
She waited, then smiled.
"Our ancestors said it first. And it remains true."
"To whom much has been given…" she began.
Naruto nodded, voice quiet. "…much is expected."
She wrapped her arms around him.
This time, he didn't fight it.
He pressed his face into her robes and held on tightly.
"Please," she whispered, "never forget your purpose, my little whirlwind."
He spoke into her shoulder.
"I won't, Mother. I promise."
The bell rang, long and shrill, echoing off brick and glass. Students poured out into the courtyard like water bursting through a cracked dam.
Mark Grayson walked beside Naruto and Eve at a slower pace, his backpack half-zipped, one strap hanging loose.
"God, that sucked," Mark muttered, rubbing his temple. "It's official. Being a superhero is destroying my GPA and my social life. All at the same time."
Eve gave him a sideways glance. "Then drop out. When are you ever gonna need to find Mongolia on a map during a hostage situation?"
Mark didn't even hesitate. "Exactly. That's what I've been saying since like.. The ninth grade."
Naruto chuckled low, almost to himself.
Mark frowned. "What's so funny, dude?"
Naruto didn't look at him. "I think she was using that thing you Earth people call sarcasm."
Eve smirked without turning her head. "At least someone gets it."
Mark exhaled in defeat. "I just don't see the point of world geography when I can fly to most places faster than a plane."
"Yeah," Eve said. "But if you ever want to be a halfway competent hero, maybe know where stuff is. Like… you know. On the actual planet you're saving."
Mark looked down at his shoes. "Fair point."
Naruto glanced sideways, sensing something shift in the air.
"You okay, Eve? You seem weird." he asked.
Her voice dropped, quieter. "You ever read those articles about kids who get kicked out at sixteen and wish it was you?"
Naruto blinked. "Uh… no. Not really."
She looked at the ground, then up at the sky. Her arms were crossed, face unreadable. "Didn't think so."
"You wanna talk about it?" Naruto asked, awkward.
"Yes. No. I don't know." She threw up her hands, exasperated. "I just feel like I'm supposed to have it all figured out, and I don't. I have all this power, and none of it helps when it comes to… me."
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, visibly uncomfortable. His eyes darted to the nearest exit, like he was already plotting a tactical retreat.
Before he could say anything else, a voice broke through the air.
"Mark!"
Amber.
She moved through the crowd with ease, notebook in one hand, backpack slung over one shoulder. Mark perked up immediately, all gloom forgotten. He stepped forward, leaning in for a kiss.
Amber sidestepped him smoothly.
"Easy, tiger. You're still on my shit list."
Mark laughed sheepishly. "Right, right. Sorry."
"You're coming tonight, yeah? Don't flake. And this time, it's not just me counting on you."
"Of course I'm coming," Mark said quickly, like he hadn't forgotten in the first place.
Amber turned her attention to the others. "Hey, Eve."
Eve offered a polite nod. "Hey."
Amber's gaze shifted to Naruto, giving him a once-over before focusing back on Mark.
"We're doing dinners tonight. Beckwell Community Center. Twice a week, hot meals, no questions asked. Anyone's welcome."
Eve raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You organize that?"
Amber shrugged. "Don't give me too much credit. Beckwell was my second home when I was a kid. I used to hang there after school while my mom worked double shifts. That place gave me everything. I just try to give back."
"It's on Third, right?" Mark asked. "Low brick building with the weird purple graffiti?"
Amber smiled faintly. "Yeah. Seven sharp."
His smartwatch beeped. Mark jumped like he'd been electrocuted. "Ah crap! I told my mom I'd help with the open house. Gotta run. I'll see you guys later. Bye Eve. Naruto."
He jogged off, disappearing into the tide of students.
Amber turned to the two left behind.
"You guys wanna come tonight?" she asked. "We could use the help."
Naruto shrugged. "I'm free."
Eve hesitated, hands sliding into her jacket pockets. "I wish I could, but…"
"Too busy saving the world?" Amber teased, one brow raised.
Naruto's eyes went comically wide, like she'd hit too close to the truth.
Eve looked away. "Not anymore, actually."
The joking tone faded.
Amber studied her, but didn't press. "Well. No excuses, then."
She looked back at Naruto. "Hey… you and Mark've been hanging out a lot, right?"
Naruto gave a lazy nod. "Yeah."
Amber chewed the inside of her cheek. "Has he been acting… I don't know. Off?"
Naruto tilted his head. "Off how?"
"Late. Distant. Weird. He flakes, then lies about it. Or I think he does. I don't know." She exhaled. "I'm trying to be patient, but I'm starting to feel like I'm not even in the picture anymore."
Naruto paused, thinking.
"Mark's a lot of things," he said finally. "He overcommits. He sucks at time management. But he's not a liar. And he talks about you. A lot. Like… too much, honestly. Gets annoying."
Amber blinked, surprised by the blunt honesty. "…Really?"
Naruto nodded. "You're basically the main character in his brain."
Amber looked down at the pavement. Her mouth twitched. "Well… thanks for that."
She gave a small wave. "See you guys tonight?"
"Yeah," Naruto and Eve said at the same time.
Amber smirked, then walked off, her braid swinging behind her.
Naruto glanced sideways at Eve.
She didn't look back.
The city buzzed below them like a living circuit board. Mark adjusted the fit of his gloves, eyes on the tallest building in sight. Glass-walled, sharp-edged, practically daring someone to try something stupid like break in it.
Titan stood beside him, arms crossed, jacket collar flapping in the breeze. He pointed with his large hand at the upper floors.
"That penthouse right there. Sixtieth floor. That's where he'll be."
"Machine Head?" Mark asked.
Titan nodded. "That's his nest. He barely leaves it. Bulletproof windows, some kind of composite plating I've never seen. Whole level's a fortress. Guards everywhere; former spec ops decked out with top-tier gear."
Mark gave him a look. "Sounds fun. And let me guess... that's why you called me."
Titan smirked. "You're not just muscle. You can fly, punch through walls, and not get shot in the face doing it. That helps."
Mark squinted at the tower. "What about his teleporter guard? Isotope, right? He's kind of a big problem."
"That's been handled," Titan said.
"Handled how?"
"He's... occupied. I know a girl he sees a couple times a week. I paid her to keep him busy all night."
Mark's eyebrows rose. "Huh. That's... kind of shady."
Titan gave him a sideways glance. "You want the job done or not?"
Mark exhaled, still watching the tower. "Alright. Say we get in there, rough Machine Head up a little. What then? You expecting me to let him walk?"
"You're the one with connections, right? Global Defense whatever?"
Mark nodded slowly. "They'll take him. Probably."
"There you go," Titan said. "Already thinking ten steps ahead, hero."
A quiet beat passed between them. Mark's voice shifted.
"That was your kid at the shelter, wasn't it? The one running around with paint on her hands?"
Titan blinked. "Yeah. Fiona. How'd you know?"
"Just an educated guess."
Titan let that sit for a second. "She loves it there, it's like a second home.."
Mark gave a small nod. "Good kid."
Invincible straightened his posture. "Alright. I'm in. But we've gotta be quick. I've got a thing tonight."
"Another mission?"
"No. Yes. Promised someone I'd show up and help with a thing."
Titan smiled. "Do you ever stop doing the right thing?"
"Trying not to."
They both turned toward the building. Wind swept across the roof, tugging at their clothes.
"Then let's get to work," Titan said.
The exterior of the warehouse looked like it had lost a war of attrition a long time ago. Rust streaked down its sides like dried blood, and the sagging chain-link fence out front did little to stop the wind, let alone stray intruders.
Cracks spidered across the concrete walls, and the metal roll-up door was bent and pocked with old impact craters.
Inside, however, it was anything but silent.
A low hum vibrated through the dark, mixing with the occasional snap of arcing energy. Thick green tubes pulsed faintly as a hulking machine in the center of the room came to life. Inside a large, curved pod filled with glowing fluid, something stirred; its outline massive and blue.
The machine hissed, venting steam into the warehouse. Tubes retracted with mechanical precision. Inside the pod, a large figure twitched.
Across the room, the original Mauler Twin was slouched in a foldable metal chair. A ratty blanket half-covered his bulk, and his arms were crossed as he snored beneath flickering overhead lights. A sudden pop of static jolted him upright.
He blinked, looked across the lab and grinned.
"Oh, right," he muttered, pushing himself to his feet. "I almost forgot how damn good I look."
The pod cracked open with a hiss. The figure inside sat up slowly, coughing, eyes adjusting to the dim light.
He was identical to the first down to the towering frame, the squared jaw, and the black-and-white sleeveless bodysuit. Muscles rippled as he swung his legs out and stepped down onto the cold floor.
The newly awakened clone groaned, stretching his limbs as the pod powered down behind him with a descending whirrrr.
"Welcome back to the land of the living, clone," the original said, smirking.
The new one narrowed his eyes. "Don't start. I'm obviously the original."
They both chuckled.
From the shadows beyond the lab's central machinery, a figure stepped forward; silent and calculating. Metal limbs and glowing green optics.
Robot.
"So the process was a success," he said, voice calm and mechanical.
The Maulers turned in unison.
Robot added, almost disapprovingly, "I'll never understand why you two do that."
The response was immediate.
Both Mauler Twins lunged.
The newly awakened twin charged first, fists clenched. The original wasn't far behind, roaring like a bull.
Robot dodged cleanly, fluidly. One duck, one side-step. A punch meant for his face dented a nearby gas pipe instead, which hissed loudly as pressure escaped.
"Stop," Robot said, hands raised, still backing away. "I'm not here to fight."
The Maulers weren't convinced. One of them tore a pipe free from the wall and swung it. Robot vaulted backward, landing atop the replication chamber.
"Not the replication chamber, idiot!" the original barked at his twin, who froze mid-swing, glaring.
Robot remained balanced atop the machine, cloak fluttering slightly.
"As I was trying to say," he continued smoothly, "I need your expertise. Tissue growth. DNA replication. Your specialty."
He jumped down, landing in front of them, arm extending.
"I'll make it worth your time."
From the palm of his mechanical hand, a vial emerged filled with deep red fluid.
The Mauler Twins looked at each other and smirked.
_________
AN: If you want to read 20 chapters ahead visit my patreon at patreon.com/banmido!