CHAPTER 13 — "Shadowing the Rabbit Hero"
The U.A. hero office buzzed with activity.
Devon Jackson shifted nervously in the chair. He had been summoned to meet his assigned Pro Hero for the Shadowing Program, a rare opportunity to observe and learn from a professional in the field.
The door swung open with a powerful thud.
"Jackson," a confident, booming voice called.
Devon looked up and froze.
Standing in the doorway was Mirko—the Rabbit Hero, ears alert, muscles taut, and eyes scanning him like a predator evaluating prey.
"You're Devon Jackson, right?" she asked, smirking.
"I specifically requested you," she added, hopping onto the chair casually. "Heard you've got a little… shadow trick up your sleeves."
Devon blinked, caught off guard.
"You… requested me?" he stammered.
Mirko folded her arms, smirking.
"Yeah. Your Shadow Form—unique, dangerous, and interesting. I want to see how it works… and maybe help you sharpen it. Consider this your personal hero lesson. Follow me, and try not to get yourself killed."
Devon swallowed hard.
"Yes… ma'am."
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✅ FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Outside on the U.A. rooftop training grounds, Devon tapped his watch nervously.
Red, Blue, and Gold Jordans shimmered faintly—but the Purple-and-Black Shadow Jordans remained quietly coiled, ready.
Mirko crouched into a fighting stance.
"First lesson: observation. Watch how a pro moves, how she adapts. Then we'll see if your shadows can keep up."
Devon's eyes widened as she launched forward, speed unmatched. Her movements were precise, fluid, and aggressive, yet controlled—every jump, kick, and dash perfectly calculated.
He tapped the watch.
Red Jordans — Burst Speed.
Devon sprinted after her, leaping over obstacles and keeping up. Not easily, but well enough to stay in sight.
Blue Jordans — Aqua Step.
Across water hazards, he mimicked her movements, balancing perfectly and striking dummy targets along the way.
Gold Jordans — Strength.
Heavy barricades shifted with each precise strike from Devon, clearing the path for himself and simulating aiding Mirko in a real fight.
Mirko paused on a rooftop ledge, turning sharply to glance at him.
"Not bad. You've got skill—but you're holding back. I want to see how far you can push it."
Devon swallowed.
He knew what she meant.
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✅ SHADOW FORM TEST
Mirko's voice lowered:
"Time to see the real deal. Let's put those shadows to work."
Devon's pulse jumped. He tapped the watch.
Purple-and-Black Jordans — Shadow Form.
Darkness surged around his feet, swirling into a controlled mist. Devon moved silently, unseen as he shadowed Mirko's rapid attacks on automated targets.
Partner, not weapon, Devon reminded himself.
The shadows responded perfectly, creating barriers, immobilizing dummies, and even guiding him through a stealth path across the rooftops.
Mirko smirked, landing beside him.
"See? That's what I'm talking about. Controlled, precise, and deadly when needed. You've got potential, Shadow Kid."
Devon felt his cheeks heat slightly.
"Thanks… I've been practicing."
Mirko tilted her head, ears twitching with interest.
"Keep this up, and maybe one day you'll be more than a student. But don't get cocky. The moment you lose focus… that power could turn on you."
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✅ A LIGHT-FLIRTING MOMENT
Mirko hopped onto a nearby ledge, crossing her arms.
"You're fast. Clever. And… a little cheeky. I like that."
Devon blinked, heart racing.
"Uh… well… I try," he said, smirking nervously.
"Partner, not weapon… right?"
Mirko laughed, a loud, genuine sound.
"Exactly. Control your power, control yourself—and you'll survive this world. You're doing well… Shadow Kid."
Devon's pulse spiked. Not just from excitement, but from the thrill of being noticed by a real pro hero.
---
✅ CONCLUSION OF SHADOWING
The rest of the session was a mix of practical drills, shadow exercises, and combat simulations.
Devon learned advanced stealth movement, using shadows for both offense and defense.
Mirko gave him tips on reaction time, anticipation, and integrating Shadow Form with physical combat.
Devon realized he could combine all his Jordans in sequence, switching seamlessly while keeping shadows controlled.
As the sun began to dip, Mirko landed beside him, wiping sweat from her brow.
"You did well today, Jackson. Keep this up, and I'll be proud to see you in the field."
Devon tapped the watch gently.
The shadows pulsed faintly—calm, obedient, alive.
"Partner… not weapon," he whispered.
"And I mean it this time."
Mirko grinned.
"Good. Don't let me down. Or do… depends how entertaining you make it."
Devon laughed nervously.
"Yeah… I'll try to stay alive and impress you."
She hopped away, leaving Devon alone on the rooftop, shadows swirling at his feet.
For the first time, he felt confident.
The Shadow Form was his.
Controlled.
And ready for anything.