Chapter 18
Tenya, Bakugou, Izuku, and Denki each sat on an individual barstool. Tenya's two brothers Tento and Tensei bore down on them in a custom similar to that of a mother scolding her child. All members appeared unscathed, apart from the black eye inflicted on Izuku, the gash that manifested on Tenya's brow, as well as the raw and swollen knuckles of the weary Katsuki Bakugou. Denki appeared the most shaken out of the whole lot, his eyes were unwavering, with a thousand-yard stare, his head hung low. The taller of the two brother's leaned against the entry door menacingly, his stern glare unmoving. The shorter of the two brothers, Tensei, sighed while pressing his temples firmly.
"Izuku if this were any other occasion, it would be extremely nice to see you again, really," Tensei vouched to Izuku, doing his best to construct the slightest smile possible.
"I get it Tensei, it's good to see you too don't worry," said Izuku nervously scratching the back of his head. He nodded in return before focusing his attention onto Tenya.
"Tenya, for the love of God, why did you not call us the minute you arrived?" He spoke exasperatedly.
"We got into a little trouble at the blimp doc, there's still a lot that I need to fill you in on," he said apologetically.
"Alright well I'm listening," replied Tensei attentively.
"So, it's um… It's a long story. So, before we were able to board the blimp, Aspeuean troops actually raided the platform. They were looking for stolen property on board," he said through stutters and awkward pauses.
"Is that what held you up so long? What does that pertain to you? Why would that have prevented you from calling us when you arrived?" He questioned more quizzical than ever.
"Well see, that led to there being a hold up at um … customs. And well, that's when the troops became somewhat irritated," Tenya said prolonging the inevitable.
"Tenya honesty just spit it out, there's no use in covering it up", said Bakugou coolly. Tensei trotted closer to Tenya until he was just an inch away, jabbing his finger at his chest.
"What did you do?" Tensei demanded in a tone both furious and panicked. Izuku had never seen Tensei react in this fashion, as he himself became quite flustered. Izuku, who could clearly see Tenya trying in vain to deliver any sort of answer, responded for him.
"Tensei it isn't his fault, really it's mine, there's something we need to show you." As he spoke his voice remained solemn.
"Both of you are scaring the hell out of me, you didn't steal anything did you? There shouldn't have even been troops in Galliedenn to begin with, what would they want with you?" Before he could continue his line of questioning, Izuku drove his hands into the knapsack slung over his top, pulling out the orb that had shaped their journey.
All the fear and rage expressed on Tensei's expression had quickly dissolved, giving way to pure awe. Even Tento, who just moments ago held no interest in the scolding and interrogating that was taking place, left the entrance at the bar. He proceeded over with widened eyes that held novel interest.
It was then that Izuku recounted the story, beginning at the conveyance of AC up until the bar fight that had just transpired. Throughout the counting of the entire tale Tensei remained composed, the sentiment in his expression remained blank as he heeded every detail the story had to offer. Izuku resisted the urge to request advice or opinion regarding their situation, knowing full well he would submit both once the story had been told.
By the time all had been told it was late afternoon. The snow still piled on the sills of the tavern coating the countryside with a silky sheet of frost. The fire that had once been running at the hearth had been reduced to coals, granting a faint ambiance. His expression remained as plain as it had been prior to the recounting. He began to pace, appearing to be deep in thought, surly pondering the actions this group of juveniles should take to avoid incarceration or any further trouble.
"So, the globe just shot off into your GAUNT, no warning, no nothing?" he asked perplexed.
"No warning at all," Izuku confirmed.
"Izuku, why don't you just hand AC over to the green caps? I feel as though that's the only way to avoid any further trouble. Just tell them what you told me, and you and your friends will be fine," he said comfortingly.
"Exactly, that's what I've been telling them this whole time," said Bakugou smugly.
"Don't you think I've thought of that?" he asserted to both Bakugou and Tensei, "but it's not that simple. They already took him once before, but he just bolted again, and found his way back to me. If I give him willingly who's to say he doesn't just escape and track me down all over again. And even if I did hand AC over, there's no way they're just going to let us off the hook. They probably think I'm some foreign spy trying to smuggle some high-tech equipment from the guys in green."
"Izuku those are all risks I know, but that's still your safest option," explained Tensei in an attempt to reason with him.
"That's not all, it's not just about us," he said attempting to remain calm.
"What are you talking about?" Tensei asked in response. Izuku hesitated for a moment.
"The night we arrived at Astrovale, Tenya and I were about to go to sleep, when suddenly AC showed us a vision, a display really, it's not important. What's important is there was this girl who looked like she was in real trouble, all hurt and scraped up after what looked like a motor accident. He had to have shown me that for a reason."
"Izuku," Tensei said hastily "I don't want to seem cold hearted, but that's a stranger who has nothing to do with your current situation. You don't even know why AC showed that to you. You have to put yourself first." Izuku averted his eyes from Tensei, flustering to find a retort to the sagacity she displayed. Though all his thoughts were valid, he excluded to divulge the bond he shared with AC, knowing full well both Tensei and Tento would not understand.
"Listen, I'm not going to be the one that forces you to hand him over. You'll have to come to that decision yourself. However, I can tell you exactly what you're up against," he said grimly.
"I rather you just tell us how much trouble we're in, and if there's anything we can do to avoid any more," said Kaminari, speaking for the first time in hours. It appeared that his mind returned to the present, enduring the outburst and brawl that had happened earlier. Izuku was relieved to hear him speak once more.
"I can," Tensei said somberly. "The last thing I wish to do is keep you kids in the dark, but these events are hard to grasp, even for someone who's employed in the navy. I'll tell you all that I know. First things first, that Dabi fellow you mentioned, I know of him. He's a high-ranking colonel in the Aspeuean military. He climbed up the hierarchical rungs at a very early age. Though he may be in a different branch then me, he's well known amongst all federal branches."
As he developed his portfolio further the four colleagues became extremely engrossed. While Bakugou leaned forward in his bar stool, appearing enthralled at all that was being told about this man, Denki shrunk back with a novel understanding of the trouble they were in. Tenya and Izuku remained unmoved by the account of his character, in an attempt to retain all information.
"Though he had joined the force at an early age his training was relentless, his tenacity was unwavering. Blessed with a keen mind and sharp reflexes, he became the youngest colonel to have ever been enlisted. He surpassed all others in the fields of pistol precision, and fast draw shelling. Many in the government found his unforeseen rise to power as chancy, but he exceeded all expectations, spending two whole decades as a soldier in the greater war."
"This man sounds like a major problem we'll have to deal with," Tenya said, rasping his chin in thought.
"This guy sounds like a badass," exclaimed Bakugou abruptly. At this comment all heads turned to Bakugou, flashing looks of confusion and exasperation.
"What I meant was just, that he's kind of a big deal you know. What I can't admire the guy?" he protested defensively.
"As talented as he may be, the colonel is rarely seen now a days. His subordinates whisper down the chain, claiming he mainly stands about outside the presidential cabinet. They say he passes what people refer to as presidential justice, abiding whatever orders he is given, regardless of the law."
"One For All correct? He's the one calling the shots?" questioned Bakugou.
"The very same. Do you know what that means Izuku? It means your brewing a feud with those at the very top, high level aristocrats, the presidential cabinet, the most baronial to walk this country," he continued, his voice never faltering. Izuku became more and more unsure of himself, a feeling he had been growing accustomed to over the course of this odyssey, one he has grown to hate.
"You can't know that for sure," he responded, grasping at straws.
"Yes, I can, I'll tell you one other thing. The android that attacked you, the one who gave you that nasty gash on your thigh, you say its name was Moonfish correct? A colossal amount of military funding was used to construct him, and a handful of other abominations, as they're referred as. If he was sent to retrieve what you hold in your hands right now, it gives me a grasp of just how high profile this case is," he continued sternly.
"If he's such a big deal then why did AC come right back to after they finally got him?" Izuku asked in retaliation.
"Izuku think about your family! Don't you get it? After they've issued an attack on a mob of innocence like that, and committed to a foreign invasion, do you think they will stop there? Going after your loved ones wouldn't phase them in the slightest. And I'll be damned if I let Tenya get hurt or killed over something like this." A wall of silence was forged, remaining unbroken for several moments.
Izuku was on the verge of a total mental breakdown. Though he felt as though turning himself in would be the poorest course of action, Tensei's reason lead to emphasize all the doubts he had grown to bare. The dream Tenya and he forged to realize, one of a fruitful life and higher class never felt so distant. He sunk his head, coming to terms with all the facts that that Tensei had addressed, dawning upon a somber realization that he may not be able to keep his promise to Yoroi after all.
"I'm sorry Tensei but I don't agree," said Tenya abruptly. Tensei recoiled at the unexpected remark feeling as though Tenya would be the most approving of his decision. Tenya straightened his back, as he pondered every possibility.
"I'm sorry Tensei but I see more harm than good if we give ourselves up. A union that shows no hesitation when invading foreign lands cannot concurrently be a forgiving union. Izuku and I have saved too much and worked too hard to throw it away. We made a promise to everyone back home that we would make it back to see them, and that is a promise we intend to keep. In addition, AC is not just something who we will easily hand over. Despite what you may perceive him to be he is one of us now, and the promise he shows holds no bounds. We could thrive in the fields of invention and technological pursuit if we come to understand just a small fraction of the power it possesses. This decision is unanimous and there is nothing you can say or do to alter it." Tensei's face, formerly contorted into worry and ire, became blank once again. Yet sadness danced behind softened eyes.
"Do all of you truly feel this way?" Both Tensei and Tento crooked their heads in unison towards Bakugou, who in turn gave them a stern nod. They then looked at Kaminari, who's head remained hung low, buried in his arms.
"Denki just be honest, I'm sorry you were dragged into all of this so unexpectedly. I'm sure Tensei and Tento would be more than happy to get you a ticket back to Galliedenn once all this mess has been cleared up," said Tenya with comforting influence. A moment of silence drew by.
"No. I'm not going anywhere. You guys are my friends and we have to stick out for each other. Izuku you were right the whole time, I know it's been rough, but this is still the best chance we have of making it big. Sorry if I've been such a pain in the ass," he said, once again struggling to hold back tears. Izuku clasped him on the back placing his arm around his shoulder.
"I totally get it Kaminari. I'm sorry all this is so hard, and that I've been so focused on the plan and not enough on you. But I'm really glad we have you and that your sticking around." The moment, though fleeting was pleasant. Izuku now knew that all members were on the same page, willing to risk whatever they may to achieve their ultimate goal of corporate success. They now faced Tensei, who had yet to respond to their newfound drive.
"Well," Tensei whispered post sighing "You guys aren't going to make it five steps without my help, everyone gather around." As if on cue, all associates gathered around the bar counter, with Tensei at the for front. At his side, he carried a weathered duffle bag, which he placed firmly on the countertop. Zipping it open, he reviled the vital contents that were inside. The balding bartender still remained behind the counter knowing his place by remaining unobtrusive.
"Tenya gave me vague details regarding the situation that you're all in right now, I've figured we'd come prepared," said Tensei behind Tento, who proceeded to pull item after item out of the bag. Tento's stoic nature and brooding persona set an unease about the cluster.
"Well we appreciate it. Also, not to sound ungrateful. But do you talk, like ever?" Denki said, addressing Tento. He shot Bakugou a nasty look, though the silence itself remained unbroken. What laid in front of them directly on the counter were several blank identification tags, followed by several rings of Aspeuean credits, fresh sets of clothing, vacuum sealed meals, heavy winter coats, some tools, and a bulky pager.
"Apologizes for the clothes, we weren't quite sure who would be accompanying Tenya on his journey, so we only have clothes his size," he said remorsefully.
"It's quite alright, I appreciate it," Tenya said with a smirk.
"Alright listen up. These are blank tags, once we're done here you lot are going to a base a couple of miles south from here. There you'll find a man you can trust, someone who can forge you governmentally issued identifications, ID: digits, place of origin and all."
"That's good yeah, but won't there be an APB out for us? I'm sure at least Dabi knows what we look like," Izuku said keenly.
"That's true, which is why you have to keep your head low in regard to anyone military. If what you said is true, and it was just Dabi and the TANKS that intercepted you at the blimp docking station, then there's a good chance the public doesn't know who you are."
"Ok well at least we have that," said Denki with a sigh of relief.
"So, in regard to the MRE's. What you have to remember is that this place isn't like Galliedenn, where there are local farmers market in every other corner in the country. Here people zip around on trains and automobiles, so the markets are much farther apart. If you're ever in a jam or are trekking a long trip these will come in handy," he said supportively.
"I'm just going to assume they are not the most appetizing foodies in the world, now are they?" said Izuku jestingly.
"No, they're really not," responded Tensei in kind. "The last thing you all need to keep in mind is the pager. It vibrates on the same frequency as every FM radio in all of Aspeu, all bouncing off the same radio mast in Kenfall. We can use it to keep tabs on you. If you're ever in real danger, you page us. But only for the most extreme of emergencies alright?"
"You got it," responded Denki committedly.
"I mean it, if word gets out that Tento and I are aiding and abetting wanted criminals, in addition to forging fake identification tags, we will be tried for treason." The atmosphere became somber once more at the thought of penitentiary.
"Tensei, Tento, don't worry about a thing we've got this. You haven't even seen AC in action," said Izuku, patting the orb gingerly on his lap.
"Alright so now that we have all these preliminary's out of the way, what about job applications? You know, the whole reason we came to Aspeu in the first place?" said Bakugou rhetorically.
"Izuku mentioned you four were staying at the ParkGold Motel? From there go south, say thirty minutes by train. You will arrive at a city called Ceederwood. It's not the safest of districts, in the sense that there's not a whole lot of police activity. But on the other hand, that might actually be a benefit to you and your squad."
"Good point, the smaller number of green caps the better," said Tenya approving.
"Yeah I feel better already," said Bakugou sardonically.
"In addition to that there is a good chance you could make a living there, at least initially. There's a greater surge of manual labor there than there is throughout the vast majority of the eastern border. Given the fact that you guys don't possess the best qualifications, the chances of you landing work there is surly better than here." A moment passed, while the option was being contemplated by all.
"Sounds like as good a plan as any," said Tenya positively, knowing full well he could trust his brothers until the bitter end.
"I have no objections. I mean, this is already more than I could make in a week," said Bakugou gesturing to credits contained within the duffle bag.
"What do you think Izuku?" Denki asked, gazing up at the contemplating lad. His brow was furrowed, weighing all possibilities, considering all avenues.
"Yeah that seems like our best course of action. Thanks again Tensei and Tento for the supplies, we're in your debt. Also, thanks for trusting me with AC," Izuku said gratefully.
"Don't mention it. I still think you're making a huge mistake but hey, there's not a person on this earth that can change your mind now is there?"
