I'm baaaaack! And boy has then been a long time coming! Have been working on this chapter for two months! Had to juggle college work with this and trust me, it's not a joke. Like to thank Jilnachtaugen again for the support and beta reading. Good to know there are good people in the BNH community, but enough about that! Onto the story!

Arcona looked at his monitor and scratched his chin. He had to admit, he was not impressed. To be greeted in such a manner was banal and customary. Then again, his work always did provide him with unwanted by necessary attention.

He inspected the face on the screen, A face lined with scars, Mob scars probably, judging by that American accent. His shady demeanor would probably unsettle the average man.

Expect Arcona was anything but average.

The doctor stifled a yawn with a clawed hand and looked back at the screen, "I take it that you want something made hmmm? Well I'm on break at the moment, so you have to come back to me in a couple of months." he said as he attempted to turn the monitor off.

The face's smile faded slightly the regained posture,"You sure? I was hoping you can be of help with a mutual problem," said the voice.

Arcona raised an eyebrow, "I highly doubt that we have anything in common-"

"Not even if it involves Steamworks?"

Arcona stopped, staring intently at the screen, "...What about them?"

The face smiled, "My employers have taken an interest to the detective agency since they landed in Japan. And would like to send a message to the hero community and the U.S. We were hoping you could contribute."

"To your little allegiance, I assume." Chuckled the mutant, showing off his pair of fangs.

"Well, yes," the voice seemed to lose its luster, clearly unnerved by the venom coated teeth, "So are you in?"

Arcona leaned back in his chair and folded his arms behind his head. "I suppose I could squeeze a project in. So what are you expecting?"

"Something that can level a coliseum."

Arcona grinned, "I suppose I can have something created by forty-eight hours," said the madman before leaning in close to the screen, "but first, we have to discuss payment mister-?"

"Equal, My associates call me Equal," Said the scarred face.

"Well here's the thing Equal, Money bares no substance to me, never did really. I always preferred old-fashioned trading."

There was silence on the other side of the screen, then a question, "What do you want?"

"That, is a conversation for your employers, seeing as I'm leaving American Soil very soon."

You're leaving? As in coming here?" questioned Equal as he raised an eyebrow.

"That I am," said the Doctor as he stood up, "I'll send the bomb to specific coordinates in Japan before I leave. Until we meet again, Equal." then his finger went towards the extension cord-

"WAIT!"

The doctor stopped.

"You never told me the coordinates!" shouted the scarred man.

Arcona looked at him and smiled, "I'll send them when I'm done with it. Now if you excuse me I have work to do."

"But!-"

And the monitor went black as Arcona turned off the screen

(David [Steam]'s POV)

Chapter Ten: Let The Games Begin!

"I c-can do this...I-I can do this..."

Collect and I both look at the trembling spider girl whose knees were knocking against one another. Her breathing was strained and heavy, and I can see the telltale signs of nausea taking root in her sickly green cheeks.

Collect looked at her with a raised eyebrow, "It's just U.A Webb. It's not like you haven't been here before..."

This seemed to cause her more distress as she began to tug at her fiery locks of red hair, "Y-You don't understand! What if I'm found out?!" she half whispered, half squeaked.

I put a hand on top of her head, causing her to stiffen, "Deep breaths Susie."

"B-But-"

"Deeep breath," I calmly commanded.

Stopping, she inhaled, then exhaled. She seemed to relax a bit, but not by much. She was still shaking in her boots, or shoes for that matter, "D-David? what if they notice m-my change in be-behavior?"

I looked at her, "They will notice, there's no stopping that."

Her eyes widened, and her shuddering came back with full force.

"But there's no need to worry, seeing that Selina provided a cover for you last night," I explained quickly, causing the spider girls tremors to cease, "I had Selina file medical reports to the school, so if anyone asks, you're simply off your meds due to it being discontinued."

She smiled a shaky smile, "T-Thanks David…"

Collect gagged in the background, but I tried my best to not pay attention, "Your welcome," I said as the school gates open, revealing U.A in its entirety.

We walked through the doors, and as Collect and I parted ways with Webb. He turned to me with a serious expression, "Do you think she'll be alright by herself?"

I nodded, "She'll be fine as long as she doesn't make something out of school regulation. Who knows, maybe she'll get the help she needs from Power Loader."

Collect nodded as we walked in silence, until finally, we made it into to doorway, "Let's just focus on the now, okay Charles?" I said as I opened it greeted with a view of the classroom and it's students.

Aizawa was at his desk, stacking notecards in his hands, "Good, you made it, I was just about to give the grades for the orientation exam."

I raised an eyebrow, "You graded us?"

"I graded the students, seeing that they failed miserably," he elaborated, tired eyes meeting mine. "Stand there so you can give feedback to the classroom."

We obeyed, and stood next to Aizawa. As Collect walked past a faint scent of smoke filled the air. I turned to see Bakugou gripping the table, the frame cracking under his touch. Well, someone is still reeling from the Orientation Exam. I wonder what Collect said to him that upset him so much.-

"Ahem," Coughed the homeroom teacher. Pulling me out of my thoughts,"Now that I have your attention, allow these three to give you feedback from last week's exam."

That woke me up,"Three? But Susie's not here-"

Just then the door swung open, revealing the spidergirl. Her overalls and shoes were doused in soot, as smoke trails whisked lazily off her slightly singed hair. I couldn't even see her freckles over her soot covered face. She looked a mess, but judging by that smile, she's never been better.

Aizawa took in her form, and scratched his head, "...If this a bad time then you can come back later-"

She hastily shook her head, allowing soot to cover the floor "N-No, I-Its okay, I'm not busy," she said, stutter still present in her voice.

Guess some things simply won't go away…

"Very well, we'll start with you then. Give a review of Tsuyu's abilities."

I heard Susie give an audible gulp as she looks at Tsuyu, who was staring with a dopey expression.

"Uh, well, um…." she began, trembling slightly under the pressure, then spoke her thoughts, "You have no combat p-prowess whatsoever. Y-you seem the kind to chose fleeing over fighting in any given s-situation. During the fight simulation, your fighting style was flimsy and b-basic. W-When you go into the field, a villain might not, uh, give you that option. So I highly, uh, r-recommend you work on that…"

Tsuyu's eyelids lowered, giving her a more somber look, "Gero…" she croaked, as she sunk lower into the desk.

"Well, that was harsh," said Collect as he looked at Webb, "I think you might have hurt her feelings."

"W-What?" Said Webb as she looked at Tsuyu's crestfallen face, "I d-didn't mean to d-do that! I'm s-sorry! I-It's just that, well..uh, I want you to be better! Y-You never know what m-might happen...and...uh-" her words stalled and stumbled, ending on a cliff note.

"Charles you're next," said Aizawa as he turned his attention to the telepath.

"Bakugou!" said Collect with a smile.

The volatile teen looks up, face curved into a scowl for the telepath, "What wise ass?!"

The grin remained plastered on Charles's face, "The main problem was that you underestimated me! It's true that you have talent, anyone can see that, but it doesn't mean much if you view the world through tinted lens. In order to broaden your horizons, give the world a different outlook like me, and you'll succeed in-"

"Fuck you and your fucking feedback," growled Bakugou. Hatred evident in his voice. Earning a look from Aizawa.

Charles raised an eyebrow but chuckled nonetheless.

"The fuck's so funny?!" Bakugou roared, rising from his seat, Smoke trails making themselves known from his palms.

Charles looks at him, his smile never leaving his face, and says, "A hero without growth isn't much of a hero at all. Whether you win or constantly fail. Think on that when you attend the Sports Festival."

Bakugou's gaze hardened, before sitting down at his desk, "Fucking shitrag…" he mumbled, a tiny explosion leaking from his palm.

Collect said nothing else, simply shrugging at the volatile teen. And turned to me, "Your turn David."

I looked at Todoroki whose eyes remained firm as they met mine, my exam played in my mind since the beginning of class, and now it was pretty apparent what had transpired,"You held back during the exam, why?"

Todoroki raised an eyebrow, "I didn't hold back.-"

"Your fireside, you didn't use it. Why?"

Todoroki's eyes widened then hardened as he inspected me, opting to say nothing of his own accord.

"You don't need to tell me if its personal, but the fact of the matter is that it cost you the exam. I hope your reasons were good enough to throw that away." I sighed as I looked forward, "That all I have to say."

Todoroki looked down at the table, a saddened expression lining his face. Whatever the reason was, bared some scars with it.

"That's enough for today," said Aizawa as he hands me a file. "Send this to the principal's office. Nezu wants to meet you and Susie. Go and see what he wants then come back."

"Yes ," I replied as I left with Susie. Leaving Collect as the classroom prepared for their lesson for the day.

I knocked on the door to the principal's office, waiting for an answer from the other side.

"Come in~!"

It sounded chipper, carefree even, completely devoid of stress from days of work. I took note of that as Susie and I walked through the door. Meeting the beady eyes of an animal... wearing a suit.

"Woah…" uttered Susie, taking in the sight of the mouse...bear...hybrid...thing. No doubt inspecting the scar on his right eye.

I poked her side, eliciting a small *Eep* and a shiver, "Don't stare, it's rude," I said as I extended a hand, "Nice to meet you Mr. Nezdu. Mr. Aizawa said you wanted to see us?"

He shook it, smiling a comforting smile, 'Why yes I did!" He took the file in my hand and ushered us to the couch and a table. He sat down and began to pour tea into three teacups, before handing us each a glass, "I hope you enjoy tea, I myself find it quite relaxing."

I took a sip, it was warm, tangy, sweet, and warming to the core. Steam trails whisked lazily off my body as I consumed it in its entirety, giving a satisfying "ahhh" in satisfaction,"This is pretty good! What is it?"

"Spring Leaf Tea," said the principal as he sipped his teacup, "Great for relaxing those with anxiety issues."

I took notice of what he said, and looked at Susie, she seemed much more relaxed, her eyes were steady, and so was her breathing. She made eye contact with me and blushed a faint red, before returning to her attention to her teacup.

I shrugged and returned my attention to Nezu, "So what do you want to speak to us about?"

"Oh! Almost slipped my mind!" He picked up the file and began to pull out the documents, Laying them on the table for us to inspect.

Nezu took a sip from his tea, "When I heard that American exchange students were coming here to U.A I couldn't help but do some digging! To think one of our students owns a detective agency!"

I scratched the back of my head, "Yeah, it's not much, but it's what we have."

Nezu nodded then sighed, "It's a shame that you can't attend the festival, it would've been quite the sight."

I nervously chuckled, "I'm sure it would, but judging how our orientation exam went, it necessarily wouldn't be fair."

"I suppose," said the Principal as he looked at the clock, "Look at the time! Don't you have to go back to class?'

Realization hit me that we were talking rather lengthy. I got up and bowed, "Thank you for the tea , but we have to get going."

He smiled, "It was nice meeting you two. if you ever need anything, just stop by and ask me, I'll be sure to accommodate ."

I followed his eyes and noticed he wasn't looking at me when he said this, but at Susie, "T-Th-Thanks. I-I'll be sure to keep that in mind," she said all but too quickly, before getting up and scurrying for the door, leaving me in the room with Nezu.

"...Did I say something wrong?" Commented Nezu as he took another sip from his teacup.

I sighed under my breath,"No its just… its been a rough couple days for Sue, but we're helping her pull through," I said before walking to the door, "We'll talk again, maybe after the festival?"

He smiled, "I sure hope so! Until then David!"

I nodded and shut the door behind me.

I found Susie staring at a vending machine, most notably the rows upon rows of chocolate that seemed to be asking to be purchased.

Not giving myself away, I walked up behind her, watching as she attempted to fish out a dollar from her wallet, and sulked when she realized it was empty.

"Susie."

She let loose an *eep*, and turned to face me, her cheeks scarlet red, trembling under my soft gaze, "I-It's not what it looks like! I-I'm just in-inspecting their wares. That's all! I wa-wasn't going to buy one, honest!"

I raised an eyebrow and grinned, "Then why do you have your wallet out?"

She froze and audibly gulped, "That's because, well um…"

I inwardly sighed, She's been under alot a stress lately...best to give her something to brighten her mood.

"Susie, Do you want a Hersheys?"

Her eyes went wide, and she gave a small nod, "Y-yes, please," her voice in a whisper.

I inserted a dollar into the machine, and after pressing in a combination. The chocolate drop into the retrieval bin.

Picking it up, I handed it to Susie, who clutched it to her chest, "T-thanks," she managed as she slipped the bar into her pocket, "L-Let's get back to class, I'm s-sure is waiting fo-for us."

I nodded and we proceeded to walk down the hallway, "So Susie, How's is the Power Loader internship going?"

She shrugged, "I-It's going okay, M-Mei and I made a body scanner to check f-for internal wounds, like internal he-hemorrhaging and b-broken bones. It still in the beta stages though."

I smiled down at her, "That's great Susie! I'm sure that it would help a lot of people."

Her ears reddened at my praise and shook her head, "It wasn't m-much, just an eq-equation in my head that needed sc-scratching."

I raised an eyebrow, So her urges have come back... It's to be expected, candy and her work were her only escape in that hellhole of a cellar.

"Well, as long as you enjoy yourself that's what matters. Just don't go overboard with your creations, alright?"

"I pr-promise," She said as she looked from me to the hallway, only to stop dead in her tracks. She grabbed ahold of me and hid behind my back, crushing my wrists with her tiny hands.

"Gah! Jesus Webb! I can feel my bones crack!"

"B-But Sk-Skeleton!" she whimpered. Pointing in front of me.

A weak chuckle could be heard as I looked forward, and met the eyes of a gaunt man. He was the same person that I ran into last week. His eyes holding the same intensity they seem to emit.

I pried Susie off my back, "Susie, stop being rude. That's not how you greet people-"

A soft chuckle spilled from the lips of the gaunt man, "It's alright lad, She meant no harm."

Susie seemed to relax at his words, "T-Thank you Mr.-"

"Toshinori Yagi my dear," he said as he extended a bony hand towards the spidergirl, "A pleasure to meet you."

Susie looked at me then back at Yagi, before hesitantly taking the bony man's hand, "I-It's a pleasure to meet you too. My, uh, n-name's Susie."

Toshinori smiled, "Susie, what a nice name."

The tips of Susie's ears turned a faint pink, T-Thanks, she said withdrawing from his hand. She quickly pointed to me, "and this is David, m-my fr-friend."

Shallow eyes looked at her to me, and I extended a hand his way, which he took in a firm grasp, "It's a pleasure to meet you, what is it that you do around here?"

He seemed to freeze at the harmless question, before quickly regaining his train of thought, "Oh! Well, I handle the events and financial papers that circulate through here. So nothing short of paperwork."

"Paperwork isn't all bad," I said as I looked at my watch the long hand on the twelve, "It was nice to meet you but we gotta get going, will probably scold us for taking too long.

Toshinori nodded and smiled. Or at least I think it was a smile, "Until we meet again David, and Susie." before taking a turn left into the neighboring hallway.

"H-He seemed n-nice," said Susie as we walked back to Aizawa's class.

I nodded my head, the preverbal gears in my head running.

"I-Is something wrong?" asked Susie as she looked up at me.

I shook my head,"It's nothing, just a feeling of Deja Vu, is all," I said as I stepped back into reality, "Let's get back and pray that Charles hasn't turned one of the students to a drooling vegetable."

She nodded as she walked ahead. As I watched her leave, I tried to shove the gnawing feeling to the back of my skull. I can't help but feel that I have seen him before, but I had no idea where.

Shrugging it off, I caught up to Susie just in time to make it back to class.

"Remember to train for the festival," said Aizawa as he sipped the mug of coffee, "There will be onlookers who will offer mentorships for those they have interest in, so be ready."

I looked at the classrooms varying faces. some were giddy while others were definitely nervous. Wouldn't blame them if they were. This event will be televised around the world.

"See you here at six tomorrow," Aizawa concluded as he took another sip from his coffee.

And we left for the door. Susie was waiting for us in the front, munching on her bar of chocolate.

"Enjoying yourself?" Said Collect as he grinned wildly at her, before opening the door to the front seat of the car.

Her cheeks turned a sharp pink, opting to say nothing as she entered the backseat, Taking small nibbles from the Hershey's Bar.

Collect shrugged and turned to me, "You know she can't have sweets. Then again, I always do enjoy her sugar highs."

I sighed as I started the engine, listening to it roar to life, "Yeah well, if she a tad hyperactive, I'll handle it." I stepped on the gas to set myself upon the neighboring street, "So did you get anything on Izuku while we were gone? Anything that should make us worry?"

Collects grin slightly faltered, and turned his attention from me to the road.

Uh-Oh

"Charles, what did you do?"

He looked at me with his hands raised, "I didn't do anything I swear! It's what I wasn't able to do."

"W-what weren't you a-able to do?" said Susie as she looked up from the backseat.

Collect sighed, "I couldn't read his thoughts."

I pulled over into our parking lot, This was news, big news,"What do you mean you can't read his thoughts?"

"I tried to give myself a peek during a boring lecture But it was like hitting a steel wall filled with spikes! Gave me a literal headache. Trust me when I say I'm not trying that again."

"So his mind is fortified," I said as we walked out of the car and into Steamworks.

"I can break through a fortified mind, but his was...intimidating, it was like nine of them working in tandem with each other, He shuddered slightly, eyes leaving my viewpoint.

I walked to the fridge and pulled out some soda pop and handed it to Collect, "Try not to think too much on it," I said as I pop my own can of Cola, "For now get some rest. We have the festival to think about."

He nodded, and walked into the hallway, "I'm going to check in with Doc to see Millie before I hit the sack, see you tomorrow."

I nodded and looked at Susie, who was licking the melted chocolate from her fingertips.

"Webb."

She looked up at me, "Y-Yes?"

"Be sure to lock up when you go to bed tonight," I said as I walked upstairs, inferring that the spider girl will be up working most of the night.

"W-Wait..." she whispered

I stopped and looked at her, "Yes Webb?"

"I uh, sent Equal's memory transcript to your computer to review, So when you have the time, maybe we can uh, look at it together?"

I nodded, "That would be best, we still don't know who captured Selina in the first place. So a review is needed so I can get to work on a case file." I said as I walked to her and put a hand on her shoulder, "But for now, don't worry about it. Just enjoy the festival tomorrow, and we'll worry about Selina's kidnapper later."

I let go and proceeded to walk back up the stairs, "See you in the morning Susie."

"Y-yeah, S-see you." she stuttered.

I gave her a reassuring nod and proceeded to bed.

Meanwhile, Elsewhere…..

"Have you done what Tomura has asked?" Said Kurogiri as he wiped the counter with a spotless cloth rag.

Equal nodded, and stirred more of the bitter cocktail, it was a pain in the ass, but the doctor kept his word. The satchel charges were set, primed and ready to go. But everything comes with a catch.

"How much was it?" The Black Mist asked, eyeing the recruiter curiously.

"He didn't want money, if that's what you're wondering," Equal said as he downed the cocktail, "He wanted to meet Tomura."

"I see," said Kurogiri as he opened a bottle of Sake "So, when does he arrive?-"

"How about now?" Said a smooth Irish accent.

They both turned and spotted the doctor sitting down at a table, helping himself to a drink of his own.

Equal stood mouth agape, "When did you?-"

"You shouldn't leave the doors unlocked at night, accidents happen," Said Arcona as he took another sip from his alcoholic beverage, "That and any good businessman keeps track of his merchandise."

Kurogiri looked at Equal, then at Arcona, "I take it you're here to see Tomura? I'll retrieve him," and the mist sunk into the floor, and rose again with a pale man in tow.

"This better be important Kurogiri! I was in the middle of a boss!" Roared Shigaraki.

"Ahem."

The pale man turned and faced the Doctor, and his posture relaxed slightly, "Who's that?"

The doctor stood up, "Allow me to introduce myself, My name is Shane Arcona! I'm the one who sent the merchandise to your-" He looked around,- "Fine establishment"

Shigaraki scratched his neck, "So Equal pulled through for once?" he looked at the former drug dealer turned recruiter, "And here I thought that I'd have to kill him."

Equal nervously chuckled, then stopped when Tomura's eyes rested upon him. "So what do you want?" asked Tomura, turning his attention towards Arcona.

Arcona smiled,"What I want is simple, they have something of mine in which I'd like back, and you have the capability to do that," He took out a card and placed it on the table, "Here's my number if you are in need of my services again. A pleasure doing business with you," and the doctor left, Taking the bottle of Sake with him.

"...I hate him," said Shigaraki as he lightly scratched his neck.

"You hate everyone Shigaraki," said Kurogiri, "But we need allies if we want to eliminate All-Might, and be rid of Steamworks."

"Steamworks," growled the Pale Man as both hands went to his neck, "The only reason I'm going after them because Sensei demanded it, saying they are the precursor to the main event. But they have proven to be more than a pain in the ass then I expected." he began to claw at his neck in haste speed, Those bastards! Those fucking bastards!-"

"Trust me, I want nothing more than to watch those sons of bitches burn..." said Equal out loud through gritted teeth, earning a look from Tomura. "And we'll be killing multiple birds with one stone tomorrow. I dare say that this game we have been playing has just begun."

"...Yes," muttered Shigaraki. He looked at the mobster, and grinned, "Let the games begin."

And that's it folks. The next chapter is the official start of the Sports Festival Arc! Hope you liked the chapter! Leave a review of anything I can change or add something to fill plot holes. I may also answer any questions you may have so far! Until then!

-Restless...