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[While he wasn't expecting her to be floored, he was a little surprised at the complete lack of reaction. He's never going to be used to his abilities being considered normal.]

It's not that they're rare. They're non-existent. Humans can't do what I do and they don't have hair color like mine.

[He sighs and sets the anvil down.]

Back home, I was called a monster. Everyone thought my mother was a demon or that she'd offered her body to one. I've spent my entire life hiding what I can do because if I didn't, I'd be chased with torches and pitchforks. I've spent a lifetime turning something like 'blue hair' into a charm point instead of a stigma.

[He physically stops himself from being worked up.]

But...I'm getting off topic. My story...well, it's hardly important.

Recently, someone pointed out that I could be doing more with my powers. Something I'm...reluctant to do. I don't know what my limits are. I could easily kill someone with this strength. But then I look at someone like you. Someone who wants to be a hero and I guess...

...I guess I'm looking for a place to start. And...well, I trust you. And I trust your opinion. That's...why I called you out her to talk.

[ Momo's face turns sympathetic as she listens to Darin's tale. It's hard for her to imagine such a world, where a quirk like super-strength is so unique as to be forced into hiding for fear of derision or worse. To be called a monster, just for doing the things you were born to do? It's dreadful, and Momo's heart breaks for Darin.

Obviously, this is something important to him, so Momo treats his words with all the appropriate seriousness. ]

There are many ways to use your quirk for good, even without being a hero. But you strike me as a good person, with a kind heart, who genuinely wants to help others. If you truly want advice on how to use your strength to help people in need, then I will do what I can to give you advice.

[He offers her a small smile in appreciation.]

Thank you.

What made you want to become a hero, Momo?

[ It sounds so simple, but that's actually a fairly big question. Momo takes a deep breath before answering. ]

Well, at first I wanted to be a hero to follow in the footsteps of my parents, who were heroes themselves. But more and more, I want to help people. I have a very powerful quirk, if used correctly, and so I feel a duty to use it to save people.

[ ~~with great power comes great responsibility...~~ ]

[Darin laughs.]

Are you kidding? You have the single most powerful ability a hero can ask for!

[Darin bounds over and takes Momo's hands and turns them over to show her palms.]

I mean, think about it. What is the most important part about being a hero? It's not just being brave or strong or saving people. As a hero, you forge a path for others to follow. You create a better tomorrow for others to look forward to.

Momo, you have the power to be the greatest hero! With these two hands and a little imagination, you can create a future for everybody!

[ Momo's eyes go wide when he takes her hands, then she absolutely just gasps because Darin is being SO KIND, he might be THE KINDEST PERSON SHE'S EVER MET?!?? ]

Oh, Darin-san!! I think you can forge that path, too! You can really inspire people, with your strength and with your strength of character!

[ She stands suddenly, looking Darin in the eyes with a wide grin. ] Let's forge that path together!

[Darin lets out a laugh. It almost started as a scoff; he knew that he could never truly be a hero. His fate was far worse, his path far less bathed in light. He was destined to destroy, not create. He was born to be the antithesis of everything she stoof for.]

[But that wouldn't stop him from nurturing this young woman into being the best damn hero she ever dreamed of becoming. Her sheer earnestness made him want to work harder just to see to it she rose higher than anyone else.]

[And besides, who was he to steal her momentum? If she wanted to run this path with him, he'd take it as far as he could go. Until he was sure she could continue on without him.]

[His grin widens to match hers. If there was one thing Darin knew how to do, it was stoke a fire that was already lit.]

Well, who am I to argue with a sentiment like that? Just you wait, Momo. I'm gonna teach you everything I know. Every technique, every ounce of metallurgy and smithing that's been hammered into these bones? I'm gonna pass on to you. You're going to be able to forge a future so blindingly bright, that the sun itself will have to act as your forge!

[He pumps a fist into the air, really getting swept up in the mood.]

Let's show this world the path that real heroes can create!

Inbox - MoM

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