12 The Vanishing Nightmare

The debris settled in the narrow alley as All Might, still in his weakened form, stood victorious over the fallen figure known as "The Nightmare." He had managed to outmaneuver her and deliver a powerful Detroit Smash, leaving her incapacitated on the ground.

"Give it up," he panted, extending his hand toward her. "You're under arrest."

The Nightmare lay there, her costume tattered, and she clutched her musket tightly. All Might had witnessed her extraordinary abilities firsthand, including her control over shadows during their battle.

But The Nightmare was not one to give in easily. Her eyes gleamed with a curious mixture of defiance and fascination. It was the first time anyone had managed to lay a hand on her.

However, as All Might reached out to apprehend her, The Nightmare displayed her true power once more. In a heartbeat, her form seemed to meld into the darkness, her figure dissipating like smoke into the shadows.

All Might's eyes widened in astonishment as he watched her vanish before his very eyes. He knew about her shadow skills, having seen them in action during their battle, but this was a level of mastery he hadn't anticipated.

"What… just happened?" he muttered to himself, scanning the dim alleyway.

But there was no trace of The Nightmare. She had become one with the shadows, escaping his grasp.

Unbeknownst to All Might, The Nightmare moved silently through the darkness, her laughter echoing in the alley. Her curiosity and desire for new experiences were far from satiated.

"What an intriguing world this is," she murmured to herself. "And what an intriguing hero."

With a graceful leap, she melded back into the shadows, leaving the perplexed hero behind. The Nightmare was a phantom, a being who danced on the edge of light and darkness, and this world was her playground.

As she disappeared into the depths of the night, All Might could only wonder about the enigmatic figure he had encountered. Little did he know that this would not be the last time their paths would cross, and that The Nightmare's presence would continue to cast a shadow over the world of heroes and villains alike.

* * *

As I leisurely walked along the streets, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had transpired in the shadows, a whisper of events that had unfolded when I wasn't present. I knew it was my clone – the one that had engaged with All Might. After becoming kurumi, I was somehow able to feel what my clones were doing. So I knew this clone was the one who accidentally ran into all might and engaged with him.

Seeking a quiet spot away from prying eyes, I summoned my clone. She appeared before me, showing signs of the fierce battle she had endured, her disguise bearing the marks of combat.

"Well, that was quite the spectacle, wasn't it?" she remarked, her voice a mixture of excitement and exhaustion.

A small smile tugged at my lips. "Indeed, quite the spectacle. How did it go?"

My clone described her encounter with All Might, recounting his evasion of her bullets, her clever use of shadow manipulation to ensnare him momentarily, and the final, devastating Detroit Smash that he had unleashed. But then came the part that piqued my interest.

"He caught a glimpse of my musket," my clone revealed. "When his eyes fell upon it, there was a spark of recognition. I believe he suspects something."

I contemplated this unexpected twist. All Might, a renowned hero, had seen my weapon. It was a risk I hadn't foreseen, yet I couldn't help but find it intriguing. "Ara, that might be a problem."

My clone chuckled softly. "Indeed. However, he couldn't apprehend me. I melted into the shadows once more. He is left pondering the enigmatic 'Nightmare,' a figure who vanishes without a trace."

I nodded, recognizing my clone's commendable performance. "You did admirably. We've made quite the impression on this world, haven't we?"

A sly grin crossed her lips. "And this is only the beginning."

As my clone dissolved back into the shadows, I felt a growing sense of anticipation. My journey in this new world was unfolding with unexpected twists and turns.

Yet, as I continued on my way, I couldn't help but wonder if All Might's glimpse of my musket had ignited a spark of suspicion within him. He had seen me fight the slime villain before so he may know that 'The Nightmare' is me.

A small grin tugged at my lips. "Ara ara, maybe I should have my debut as a villain."