Dragon of the Academia-10
"Police arrested seventy two villains at the scene, but the League's leader escaped. His whereabouts are unknown."
As the news continued playing on the television screen, Torino sighed sitting back on his couch, before noticing he had an unopened envelope on his coffee table, from a couple months ago.
"Huh, I wonder what he wrote about in his letter." Torino pondered. "Probably thought I already read it if he didn't ask me about it at Athena's birthday party."
"Greetings, the air is warm here, feels like summer is just around the corner. Hope this letter finds you well sir, in good health and even better spirits. This semester I took a position as a teacher at UA High School, that's right, now guiding the next generation of heroes. I was hoping to find someone worthy of inheriting my power among the elite students of the school, a hero in training with outstanding test scores and a powerful Quirk, however, before I ever began my ten-year at UA, I met a young man. Even though he was weak, and had a simple Iron Dragon Quirk, he showed incredible bravery. He rushed into a dangerous situation that caused Pro Heroes, including myself, to hesitate. He managed to save the life of a classmate, even if that classmate was nothing more than a bully. He may not have had a plan when he acted, but he knew he had to do something. I feel like watching this young man spring into action taught me something that day, and it reminded me of the virtues I must embody in order to call myself a Pro. A hero. That's why, Athena always means it, when she tells him, that he to can become a hero. She reminds him on a daily basis never to give up hope, and to keep pushing himself forward. Soon after that, I told this pupil the secret of my Quirk, and proposed that I transfer it to him, after Athena had so many times rejected my offer. Turns out, he'd been the successor Athena had been helping me look for the entire time I was looking. This ability I have that's been passed on from person to person, cultivated and made stronger. The crystallization of power that binds itself to a courageous heart, for the good of those in need. One-for-All. He accepted without hesitation, and both Yang and I began training him to overcome the trials he'd face to be accepted into U.A High. Even though he sometimes struggled with his newfound abilities, he never stopped fighting, and gave 100% as he tried to harness One-for-All, with Athena right at his side, the entire time. I don't like to toot my own horn, but I can't take the credit for this one. I believe Athena found the perfect person for me to pass my Quirk on to. He has shown me, time and again, what it takes to be a real hero. I'm still quite new to the roll of instructor. The day may come when I must trouble you, my old teacher for advice. I'll be counting on your wisdom and patience when that time comes, until then, please take care of yourself, as the seasons begin to change. I'll continue to keep you updated on what's happening. Sincerely yours…"
"So, Toshinori has found a worthy successor." Torino smiled, before the mental image of a green haired boy he met at Athena's party, came to mind. "I think I've already met him."
~Class 1-A~
"Wow Athena, I can't believe you were able to grow your limbs back using your abilities. Are they really made of gemstone and gold?" Uraraka asked, looking over Athena's outstretched arm.
"Uh-huh. An' they are able to grow and move around like my original limbs. It's basically like I never lost them in the first place." Athena exclaimed, flexing her arm.
"But if they're made of gemstone, why do they look flesh colored?" Uraraka inquired.
"Silicone sleeves. I had the materials to make them, being Reaper Rose's makeup artist and all, so I simply just made the sleeves to fit me perfectly, and make it look like I never actually lost my limbs. I'll only be using them as I go through my three years of U.A of course, but I won't use the sleeves for internships or work studies." Athena stated.
"Wow, that's so cool." Uraraka smiled.
"You guys, did you watch the news last night?" Toru questioned.
"Yeah." Ojiro answered. "They were still doing coverage of the USJ incident, even though it happened a few days ago."
"It was so cool that we got a few seconds of screen time." Toru exclaimed. "Though I bet nobody noticed me hanging out in the background."
"Probably not." Shoji stated bluntly, causing Ojiro to look at him as if to question why he was so blunt.
"It was difficult to stand out when you're just gloves." Ojiro stated, trying to smooth it over.
"If I remember correctly, the news was actually more focused on coverage involving Athena and her condition." Shoji exclaimed.
"We're totally big deals. Those news channels love us, we're basically celebrities." Kaminari exclaimed.
"Yeah it's kinda crazy right?" Kirishima asked.
"Get over yourselves, the hero course that pumps out pros was attacked, and one of us was nearly killed, that's what they care about." Jiro exclaimed.
"Who knows what would have happened to us if the teacher's hadn't shown up." Sero exclaimed.
"Most likely we would have been doomed." Athena said. "I know I almost lost my life back there, that's for sure."
"Ah shut up, you're just weak is all. If it had been me, they would have been begging for mercy, and that Nomu would have been dust before it knew what hit it." Bakugo stated confidently, though it was hard to take him seriously with the large gauss pad on his cheek.
"Well someone needs to get his ego in check." Momo said.
"Did you guys see Golden Huntress fighting the monstrous bird guy after All Might came back with Aizawa, Tsu, and Midoriya? That dude was super strong, and she still destroyed him." Sato asked.
"Yes, her strength is truly a thing of wonder. It's quite clear to tell she's the real deal, being All Might's former sidekick."
"Attention, homeroom class is about to begin." Iida stated. "Everyone stop talking and take your seats."
"Uh, we're all sitting." Kirishima stated.
"Yeah you're the only one standing." Sero added.
"Dang it." Iida said, taking his seat and clenching his teeth.
"Don't sweat it." Uraraka stated.
"Hey Tsu, so…" Mina began, leaning back into her seat, before she leaned a bit too much and Tsu had to catch her chair. "Who do you think's gonna teach class today?" She asked, coyly, knowing perfectly well who it was.
"No idea. Mr. Aizawa's still in the hospital recovering from his injuries." Tsu said, before the door slid open.
"Morning class." Yang stated, coming in with a directory in hand, while wearing her hero costume without the jacket or sunglasses.
"Golden Huntress, what are you doing here?" Kaminari asked.
"I'm taking over as your teacher until Aizawa is fully recovered." Yang explained. "Principle Nezu threatened to cut his pay if he didn't stay put, and stopped trying to leave the hospital to teach you, until he was properly discharged."
"Golden Huntress, I'm glad you're okay." Iida stated raising his arm. "I'm glad to see you haven't sustained any injuries from fighting at the USJ."
"I appreciate your concern Iida, but my wellbeing is irrelevant, I'm sure Aizawa would say the same if he had come like he was planning on doing." Yang said going behind the desk. "Alright now everyone. Your fight isn't over, not just yet."
"Our fight?" Bakugo questioned.
"Don't tell me…" Athena exclaimed.
"Not more bad villains?" Midoriya pondered.
"The UA Sports Festival is about to begin." Yang said with a smile.
"Yes." Kirishima smiled.
"Why would you scare us like that?" The entire class questioned. "The Sports Festival."
"Let's go kick some ass." Kirishima stated, all hyped up, before Kaminari pressed his hand against his face and stopped him.
"Wait a second." Kaminari exclaimed.
"Is it really such a good idea to hold the sports festival so soon after the villains snuck inside?" Jiro asked.
"They could attack once we're all in the same place." Athena exclaimed.
"That might happen but it's unlikely to, as the security will have been beefed up, and upgraded thanks to personal donations to the system by David Shield, and multiple Pro Heroes will be on guard duty there. But I'm with you on this. However, the administration thinks this is a good way to show… that the threat has been handled, and our school is safer than ever." Yang explained. "This event is a huge opportunity for all students in UA, it's not something the school can cancel because of a few dozen villains."
"I suppose that makes sense, we have to show them we're stronger than they think." Athena smiled.
"Now for a brief update on the history of the U.A Sports Festival." Yang said. "The UA Sports Festival is one of the most watched events in the entire world. It's my understanding that in the past, everyone obsessed over the Olympic Games, but that all started to change, when Quirks started appearing. Now, the Olympics have been drastically reduced in terms of scale and viewership. For anyone who cares about competition, there's only one tournament that matters, and that would be the UA Sports Festival."
"An' top heroes everywhere will be watching. This is where you get scouted." Momo exclaimed.
"She's right. After graduating, a lot of people join Pro Agencies as a Sidekick." Kaminari exclaimed giving a thumbs up.
"Yeah, but that's as far as some people go, they miss their chance to go indie and stay eternal sidekicks." Jiro stated, turning to Kaminari. "Actually, that's probably where you're headed, you're kinda dumb."
"Now-now that's enough picking on your classmate Jiro." Yang said. "It's true that joining a famous hero agency can garter you greater experience and popularity, those reasons are why the festival matters. If you wanna go pro one day, then this event could open a path for you." Yang exclaimed. "Though because I'm already graduated, I won't get the chance to join in on the festivities the students get to do. One chance a year, three chances in a lifetime, which means no aspiring hero can afford to miss this festival. That means you better not slack off on your training."
"Yes Ma'am." The class stated.
"Alright, now that we've got that out of the way, time for study hall." Yang exclaimed, pulling a book out of her back pocket. "Oh, I almost forgot. Athena, Recovery Girl would like to see you in the nurse's office. She's wanting to do one more check up on your new limbs to make sure they're working properly still."
"Okay, I'll head there now." Athena said, getting up, and headed for the door.
"As for the rest of you, start studying." Yang's voice resonated from the room as Athena traveled down the hall.
~Lunch Time~
"Yeah that villain stuff sucked sure, but I'm pumped for these games." Kirishima said.
"We put on a good show, and we're basically on the road to being pro's." Sero exclaimed.
"Yeah, this is why I'm even here in the first place." Sato stated punching his palm.
"We get so few chances, we have to make the most of this." Tokoyami said.
"Oh man Ojiro, I'm getting kind of nervous about the festival." Toru said, standing in front of Ojiro's desk. "I have to come up with a way to get noticed."
"Uh sure, maybe you should be looking at a shinier costume or something?" Ojiro asked. "Otherwise you're gonna have to try really hard."
"My, what's a boy to do? I stand out even when I'm standing still." Aoyama began. "That means the scouts won't be able to take their eyes off…"
"Shut your trap Aoyama. You're not as glamorous as you think you are." Athena said, stopping his ego stroking monologue, as she was doing some designs in her sketch book. "I swear, you're the only one in this class who has a bigger ego than Bakugo. The difference is, you're not a bully, you're just a narcissist, and an annoying one at that."
"So what you up to Athena?" Mina asked.
"I'm just drawing out a few new costume ideas. I like my original one, but the loin flap kinda got in the way, so I'm trying to come up with a better design." Athena said.
"Why not just remove the loin flap?" Jiro asked.
"Mmm, I thought about that, but it just leaves the mini shorts, and I don't want to seem perverted like Midnight Sensei. So I'm trying to figure out what else I should do." Athena said.
"Why not go with something similar to your mom's original style of clothing?" Midoriya suggested.
"What, like a belt with pleated piece of material going from hip to hip?" Athena asked.
"Yeah, see remove the stockings, readjust the shoes a bit, making them a bit more than martial arts slippers, add the pleated belt, with whatever design you want on it for show, and there you have it." Midoriya said, taking her pencil and doing a simple sketch.
"Hmm, not a bad idea." Athena said. "It might actually work."
"Man, you're so lucky Shoji." Kaminari said, sitting on a desk. "People are bound to notice your unique Quirk."
"Sure, but what matters is I show them how useful I can be." Shoji said.
"No doubt you'll make a scene to." Jiro said, trying not to laugh from the memory of Kaminari when he fried his brain.
"This is gonna be nuts. Everyone's so excited." Midoriya said, as Athena joined him.
"Well yeah, of course we are. We enrolled in this school, with the soul aim to become heroes. So naturally we're all getting fired up." Iida said.
"Wow Iida, those are some interesting moves, ribbit." Tsu said as she went to lunch with Mina.
"You both have to be excited to, right Midoriya, Xiao Long?" Iida asked.
"I told you to just call me Athena." She sighed.
"Oh yeah, of course I am. I'm also nervous." Midoriya said.
"Deku. Iida. Athena."
The trio looked behind them and nearly had a panic attack when they saw Uraraka, glowing with a dark aura for battle.
"Let's do our best in the Sports Festival." Uraraka said.
"Uraraka, what happened to your face?" Midoriya asked.
"Seriously, what's up? You're normally like, the most laid back girl ever." Mina said.
"Okay, let's get your out of here and to lunch, before you cause a riot Ohma Tokita." Athena sighed, pushing Uraraka out of the class room and down the hall, Iida and Midoriya joining them.
"Hey Uraraka?"
"What's up?"
"What made you decide to come to U.A, what made you want to become a Pro-Hero?" Midoriya questioned.
"Oh, well because… I'm wanting to become a hero, for the money." Uraraka said.
"For the money?" Midoriya questioned, as if trying to clarify if he heard her right. "You wanna be a hero, so you can get rich?"
"Wow, did not see that coming from a girl as sweet and laid back as you Uraraka." Athena said, genuinely surprised.
"If we're cutting to the chase, then yeah." Uraraka said. "I'm sorry if it sounds greedy. You three have such admirable motivations, I hope you don't think less of me now."
"Uraraka, there's nothing wrong with wanting to provide yourself with a certain type of life style. It's perfectly natural. I mean, no one is perfect, I certainly ain't perfect, so there's no judgement from me." Athena smiled.
"She's right. Your goal is to support your wellbeing which is a perfectly admirable ambition to have." Iida said, with his usual over dramatic enthusiasm and actions.
"Mmhmm, it's just kinda surprising." Midoriya said.
"Well you see, my family owns a construction company. But we haven't gotten any work lately, so we're flat broke. Anyway, this isn't something I usually tell other people but…"
"Construction eh?" Iida asked.
"Ah, if she got licensed I bet she could use her Quirk to bring cost down a lot." Midoriya said.
"Which means they could sell their heavy lifting equipment thanks to what her Quirk can do." Athena said.
"She could float everything." Iida said.
"I know right? I've been telling my dad that since I was a kid. But… they'd rather have me live my dreams and go out on adventures, than being chained down and helping them with the family business. I know they just want me to enjoy my life while I can and not bother worrying about them, but what I really want is to help them." Uraraka said. "I'm gonna become a pro. I'll sign with a good agency, and make plenty of money, then I'll be able to let my parents have an easy life."
"Gotta say Ochako, I'm touched by your motives." Athena smiled. "You're not here because of some fantasy of becoming a hero. You're more down to earth than any of us, and that's saying something given your Quirk."
"Hahahahahahaha… Young Midoriya, and Young Xiao Long, are here." All Might called out dramatically, pointing his finger at them.
"Hi All Might, what's up?" Athena asked.
"Lunch. You wanna eat with me?" All Might asked holding up a wrapped up bento box.
"That's adorable." Uraraka said, trying to hold in her laughter.
"What do you say?" All Might inquired.
"Well…"
"Go on you two." Iida said. "We'll just have lunch together tomorrow."
"Thanks Iida." Athena smiled. "Sure thing All Might, we're coming."
All the while to the teacher's lounge, Midoriya couldn't help but think that something might have been wrong.
~Cafeteria~
"I wonder what All Might wanted with Deku and Athena?" Uraraka pondered as she was standing in line with Iida to get lunch.
"Who knows? But their powers are similar to his, so maybe he's taken a liking to them both and is gonna offer to bring them under his wing as his protégées, and potential sidekicks for when they graduate." Iida said.
"Oh wow, they're so lucky." Uraraka smiled, neither of them aware of Todoroki listening in on their conversation.
'All Might, Izuku Midoriya, and Athena Xiao Long, huh?' He thought. 'I wonder…'
~Lounge~
"So, what's up Uncle Toshi?" Athena asked as she used the water boiler to pour hot water over tea leaves in the mini kettle.
"I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming Sports Festival." All Might said, deflating to Toshinori Yagi. "Midoriya, the problem with you is, you still can't fully control One-for-All yet, so then what's your plan?"
"I'm not sure. I mean, I did manage to actually control it that one time in the Shipwreck Zone." Midoriya said.
"You were up against a real villain, so it's most likely you succeeded in subconsciously putting on the breaks so you wouldn't accidentally kill anyone." Athena exclaimed putting a cup of tea in front of him.
"Hey, that's some progress at least." Toshinori said getting up, and heading for the window. "To be frank, I don't have much time left as the world's Symbol of Peace. Soon, I'll have to put that title to bed. At least that's what I would say if things were different."
"What do you mean?" Midoriya asked.
"You remember my power from Remnant, the one you unlock after you unlock your Aura?" Athena asked.
"Yeah, it's called a Semblance isn't it? It's a power that manifests into physicality from your soul." Midoriya said.
"Uncle Toshi here, has actually managed to unlock his Semblance." Athena smiled. "An' miraculously, it grants him the same strength he had as the eighth holder of One-for-All."
"Seriously?" Midoriya questioned. "But, when did you get your Aura unlocked?"
"About six year ago, during the fight that ensued from when I had rescued Athena from that villain who kidnapped her." Toshinori smiled. "I needed a successor because I couldn't safely use both my Quirk, and my Semblance at the same time. It'd have put too much of a strain on my body."
"So now with me as your successor, you can still be the Symbol of Peace, while also passing on the lineage of One-for-All." Midoriya said. "That's nuts. I guess that's another method for teaching when I find my successor."
"Yeah, about that Midoriya." Athena said.
'Uh-oh, she's serious when she uses my last name.' Midoriya thought. "What's the matter Athena?"
"Is something the matter?" Toshinori inquired.
"I think the lineage of One-for-All, should end with Midoriya." Athena said.
"What? But why even suggest that?" Toshinori questioned.
"Because it's getting too strong." Athena stated. "At this point in time, Izuku's only able to handle five percent of One-for-All, ten at most when he covers himself in iron dragon scales. But as the strength of One-for-All keeps growing, so too does the backlash of those who wield it, while they're bodies can't handle its full power. What do you think will happen with Izuku's successor, when they use One-for-All's full power, and their body can't handle it? They'll either lose their limbs, or half their body will burst from the backlash, and they'll die. It's only a theory, but it's a solid theory nonetheless."
"She does make a good point All Might." Midoriya said. "The next person who inherits it, would already have to be a bodybuilder, to just be able to handle it."
"You both make valid points." Toshinori sighed. "But it's not up to me on this. If Midoriya feels that this is the right course of action, that One-for-All's lineage should end with him, then that's his choice to make, and I can't stop him."
"Thanks Uncle Toshi." Athena smiled.
"Now, back to what I was saying about the Sports Festival." Toshinori exclaimed. "The both of you, will be the heroes who take my place."
"Izuku, do you still feel the same way you did, when Uncle Toshi offered you his power?" Athena asked. "Do you still wanna be a hero?"
"Yes." Midoriya said, firmly.
"Excellent, the time has come for you to prove it." Toshinori said. "This Sports Festival, it's something that the Pros, no, the entire country, will be watching very closely. I want you both to think of this Sports Festival, as your debut. You are the fledgling Symbols of Peace. The next All Might. Izuku Midoriya, Athena Xiao Long, I want you to introduce yourselves to the world, and proudly say, I am here."
"But… All Might that's your catchphrase." Midoriya said. "Besides, what can I do?"
"You know how the Sports Festival is set up right?" Toshinori asked, walking back over to the couch.
"Well yeah, of course." Midoriya stated. "Students are separated by class year, and then the support, business, general studies, and hero courses all fight against each other in a bunch of preliminary trials. Whoever makes it through the initial games face off in the finals. It's basically a big, round robin tournament."
"Right, meaning you'll have plenty of opportunities to sell yourself." Toshinori said.
"Uh, yeah about that Uncle Toshi." Athena said, sitting in the seat next to Midoriya's. "I… don't think I want to participate this year."
"Why not? You'll be spotted by the Pro's in no time." Toshinori said.
"It's just… I won't be able to wear my silicone sleeves, and I'm already being discriminated as a villain enough without all the public having a look at my arm, and possibly my legs." Athena said, looking at her right hand. "I'm just… not ready for the world to see me like that, not yet."
"I understand, in Principle Nezu thought something like this might happen. So, he's prepared an offer for you, and you specifically." Toshinori said, pulling an envelope from his back pocket. "He understands that you might not want to participate because of your injuries, and he gets is, but he also wants you to show the villains, that you're not that easy to beat."
Opening the envelope, Athena saw it was an application sheet, for a special exposition event.
"Every year, Principle Nezu tries to find a student who deserves to request an exposition event for the Sports Festival, from each year category. He found you deserving as you had sacrificed so much during the USJ Incident. You can request anything you want for the exposition event, so long as it's legal, and within his power to do so." Toshinori exclaimed. "He wanted me to give this to you. He said that the latest time to hand that in when you've made up your mind, is tomorrow by the end of the day, the earliest being the end of today. He's not trying to bribe you, so he'll understand if you still choose not to participate in the Sports Festival. He'll even give you a pass, from the games, and let you enjoy the festivities instead."
"I'll think about it." Athena said.
"Great." Toshinori smiled. "But, let me give you some parting words before I send you off back to class."
"Okay?"
"Some heroes always aim for the top, while others just happily settle. The difference between those two mindsets has a big impact on how far you go in the real world. I understand how you feel Athena. So don't worry. Just aim for the top in your own way, even if it means skipping out on the Sports Festival." Toshinori said.
"Thanks Uncle Toshi." Athena said, getting up, and pocketing the application. "I'm gonna get something to eat before returning to class."
"Have a good day Athena. I'll see you this afternoon. Your parents invited me over for dinner." Toshinori said.
"I'll see you then. Izuku, you're welcome to come by for dinner to if you want." Athena said, heading for the door.
"Thanks, but I think my mom is wanting me to stay and have dinner at home tonight. Maybe some other time." Midoriya smiled.
"Yeah, some other time. See ya." Athena smiled.
~After School~
"Um… Why the hell are you all here?" Uraraka questioned seeing the crowd of students standing outside their classroom door as they were all ready to head home and leave.
"Do you students have some sort of business with our class?" Iida inquired.
"They're scouting out the competition idiots." Bakugo said, walking straight for the crowd, while some of the students of 1-A looked at him in disbelief. "We're the class that survived a real villain attack."
"As much as I hate to agree with the Pomeranian, he's right." Athena said. "They wanna look at us with their own eyes."
"At least now you know what a future pro looks like." Bakugo said, stopping in front of the crowd. "Now move it extras."
"Typical Pomeranian, always thinking himself higher than the rest of society." Athena said.
"You can't walk around calling people extra's, just because you don't know who they are." Iida said.
"So this is Class 1-A. I heard you guys were impressive, but you just sound like an ass." Someone said, coming in through the crowd. "Is everyone in the hero course delusional or just you?"
"It's just him. He's the only delusional one here in the course." Athena said.
"Good to know. My name is Hitoshi Shinso from General Studies, Class 1-C." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I wanted to be in the Hero Course, but like many others here, I was forced to choose a different path. Such is life. I didn't cut it the first time, but now I have another chance. If any of us do well in the Sports Festival, the teachers can decide to transfer us to the Hero Course, and they'll have to transfer people out, to make room."
'Guess that's another thing to be weary of with skipping the games that Uncle Toshi was warning me about. Still, he assured me Principle Nezu said I wasn't at risk of that.' Athena thought.
"Scouting the competition, maybe some of my peers are, but I'm here to let you know that if you don't bring your very best, I'll steal your spot, right out from under you." Shinso said. "Consider this a declaration of war."
'Where'd this guy even come from?' Iida, Uraraka, Athena, and Midoriya thought in unison.
After a brief moment of silence, and Bakugo starring down Shinso, the blonde Pomeranian made his way out of the classroom and through the crowd, as they parted for him.
"Hey you. I'm from Class 1-B right next door to you. We heard you fought some villains, and I came to see if that was true." A silver haired boy, sounding freakishly similar to Gajeel, said through the crowd. "So don't get too cocky during the Sports Festival."
"Oh, but how can they not get cocky and full of themselves Tetsutetsu?" A new, snide voice said, as a young man with blonde hair, pushed his way to the crowd, and standing next to Shinso. "1-A's supposed to be the superior heroics class aren't they? So it's only natural they'll get cocky and try to portray themselves as superior to the rest of us."
"What's your deal?" Athena questioned, getting some bad vibes from this guy.
"My name is Neito Monoma, I'm also from 1-B. I'm here to make my own declaration of war against the mutts of 1-A." The blonde kid said. "Pretty soon it will be class 1-B taking the spotlight at the end of the Sports Festival, leaving you vile mutts in the cold, like it should be."
"What are you insinuating?" Mina asked, coming to the front of the door.
"It's quite obvious, isn't it? Or are your canine minds too small to comprehend what I'm saying?" Monoma asked.
"I'm gonna pour acid down his throat." Mina growled.
"You think that just because you got to fight villains, and save the day, it made you the star attractions. The biggest hit of U.A's First Years. Well guess what, class 1-B is just as good if not better than you, so don't go looking down on us because you actually got to fight some baddies. Pretty soon, we'll have you eating out of our lands like the dogs you are." Monoma said.
"You make it sound like they wanted the villains to attack them, just for the attention." Shinso said.
"Hey if the shoe fits. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if one of them actually orchestrated the attack and hired the villa…" Monoma was stopped as Athena came charging at him, slamming her fist in his face, sending him flying back into the window. "GAH, you bitch you broke my no-" Monoma was silence when Athena grabbed him by the throat, lifted Monoma off the ground, and slammed the back of his head into the window, cracking it.
"You seriously think, we would want to be attacked by villains, when we're only first years?" Athena questioned squeezing tight on his throat, her face and eyes over shadowed by her bangs, as Shinso came over and tried to get her to let go. "Several of us almost died. I almost died. An' you seriously think, we'd go parading around school, bragging about it, like it was some sort of publicity stunt?" Athena raised her head, and Shinso was surprised to see that she was pissed, but that she also had tears in her eyes, streaming down her face. Unexpectedly, Athena dropped Monoma to the ground, as he struggled to breathe in the oxygen he'd been deprived of, and looked at her, as she removed her blazer and the right part of her shirt. "You wanna see what kind of hell we went through in that attack? I'll show you."
Shinso looked to the class, to see none of Athena's classmates were stepping in to stop her, either because they feared her, respected her, or were smart enough not to get near her when she was like this.
Gripping the upper part of her arm, Athena began to peel the skin, before it started to change from flesh, to black and gold. A second later, Athena had fully removed her silicone sleeve from her gemstone arm, the entire crowd gasping when they saw it.
"I lost both my legs, and my right arm, in that attack, and you have the audacity to claim we were doing it for publicity? What kind of sick narcissist are you?" Athena questioned, pulling her shirt back on.
"Please. I don't buy that shit for a second." Monoma exclaimed. "You're probably just mad because you missed you appointment that day."
"What?" Athena questioned.
"Everyone knows, you're a major slut. You'll put out for them, so long as they have the right amount of cash. You're probably just pissed that situation cost you a good payday with a client." Monoma exclaimed.
"You shut it." Shinso stated.
"C'mon man, you've heard the rumors flying around to. I know you have. I've seen you talking with that blonde you just had the stare down with, earlier at lunch today. He's her pimp, that's why he's going around spreading the word discretely." Monoma said, before turning back to Athena with a cocky smirk. "So, what are your rates?"
Athena's only response was a fist to his face. Grabbing his shirt, Athena pulled him forward, and slammed her fist into his face multiple times.
"It's not true." Athena said, with each punch, hitting him with her gemstone fist. "It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true." She shouted repeatedly.
"Athena that's enough. Stop it." Midoriya said, coming up from behind and pulling her off Monoma. "He's had enough. You can stop."
Athena just looked at Monoma, wanting nothing more than to keep beating him to a pulp. The blonde laid there on the ground, his face barely recognizable as he laid on the ground in pain. Athena broke free of Midoriya's hold on her, and ran down the hall, for the exit, the crowd parting for her as she ran, passing All Might and Yang as she did, drawing attention for their concern of her.
"Athena?" Yang questioned. "Where's she going?"
"I'll call in a friend to help keep an eye on her. I think I might have an idea of where she's going." All Might said, pulling out his phone.
After leaving the school grounds, Athena actually began to run for the beach she trained at with Midoriya for almost a year, using her speed to run through the streets, not caring anymore if she got in trouble. As she neared the beach, Athena wasn't paying attention to where she was stepping, and tripped, falling over and rolling at high speeds, before painfully hitting the flood wall of the beach.
Picking herself up, Athena walked down the steps to leading to the sand, and sat down, in the middle of the slope, crying her eyes out. It was bad enough that she had nightmares and phantom pains to remind her of what had happened at the USJ, but now Bakugo was going around, telling the whole school she puts out for anyone so long as they had the cash. Normally she'd just brush it off, and punch anyone who'd believe those rumors, in the face once, to let them know the rumors weren't true. But, normally, was when she didn't have to deal with the stress and trauma of a villain attack, looming over her.
"I can't take it anymore." Athena cried, hugging herself close as she was dealing with the pain the only way she knew how, through crying.
"You know, it's not very healthy to be out here on your own. Especially when you're crying."
Athena turned her head and saw, hanging from a light post by a thin white threat, a man in a skin-tight body suit that looked like it had several technological devices added to it. The one thing she could tell was the spider motif it had, with the color schemes of red, white, blue, and black. The mask she could tell was one meant to hide his identity, as not a single skin surface was visible on him. (A/N: Advanced Suit from the PS4 Marvel's Spiderman game. There was no description I could actually use besides the paragraph above.)
"You're right where he said you'd be. At Dagoba beach." He said turning around, and landing on the ground on his feet, stepping forward. "My name's Spiderman, I was sent to find you, by a mutual friend of ours."
"Who exactly was that?" Athena asked, mentally preparing for a fight.
"All Might." Spiderman said, causing Athena to relax a bit as he sat down next to her. "He gave me a call, said you stormed out of U.A in a huff, looking a bit disheveled, and upset. Mind telling me what's on your mind?"
"First, you wanna tell me what an American hero is doing in Japan?" Athena asked.
"Touché." Spiderman chuckled. "I moved to Japan a few years ago, I had been a partner of All Might's during his time in the U.S. He and I attended the same college, before long he and I went to New York, and he helped me build my Agency. But the Big Apple got a little dull and boring for me, so I moved to Japan, and once again, the big guy helped me to settle in."
"I see." Athena said.
"Your turn." Spiderman said, nudging her with his shoulder. "Your mom and All Might are very worried about you, ya know. I'm aware of what happened at the USJ, how it traumatized you. On my way here, I got another call from All Might, explaining to me what he learned from your friends Midoriya, Uraraka, Ashido, and Iida. He's not upset with you for acting out against Monoma the way you did. Might be a little upset that you caused him that amount of harm, but not upset as to why you acted against him."
"I just…" Athena said. "I can't take it. Normally I just brush off the bullying, but… for the past several nights, since the USJ, I've gone nights without sleep, because I either have nightmares of what happened, or my phantom pains keep me awake, and even when neither happens, I'm just too scared to go to sleep, because I'm afraid, when I close my eyes, I'll open them, and find myself in the middle of a lab being turned into one of those Nomu creatures." Athena cried, burying her face in her arms.
"I get it, I totally get it." Spiderman said. "Sometimes you feel like the world is against you, like its out to get you and turn you into a monster. Especially when you're dealing with bullies." Spiderman looked around, and found no one within hearing distance of him, before he turned back to Athena. "I'm gonna tell you a little something about me."
"What?"
"I… am Quirkless."
Athena's head shot up and she looked at him, expecting for a punchline or something, but found none.
"I'm serious. I am Quirkless. The only reason I have my powers, is because I got bit, by a radioactive spider during a tour of Osborn Industries." Spiderman said. "So, I just passed myself off as a late bloomer, my high school bully kept picking on me, but I learned to fight back, and even used my power to make some money wrestling."
"But using your power without a…"
"The laws are very different in the US, than in Japan. If it was to make an honest living, or to help you with your daily life, you don't need a license in America to use your Quirk. That includes wrestling. But one night, I lost someone dear to me, and the last time I spoke with him, we argued, I never got to say sorry for the argument we got into." Spiderman said. "So, after finding out who had killed, the person I lost, I went after him. I soon later came to regret that decision for vengeance, as I realized something about him." Spiderman exclaimed readjusting his position in the sand.
"What did you realize?" Athena asked.
"The fight coordinator cheated me out of my reward money for beating the local champ. Only gave me a couple hundred instead of three thousand like the ad said, said it wasn't his problem, when I told him I needed that money. So I left, and a second later, he was robbed, and I had an opportunity to stop the man robbing him, but I just let him slip by me. When the fight coordinator said I could have stopped him, I said the exact same thing he said to me, 'I missed the part where that's my problem', and left. I've regretted that night ever since, because when I tracked down the man who killed my uncle, I saw that it was the same man, who I let slip past me after he robbed the fight coordinator."
"It wasn't your fault you know." Athena said.
"But it was." Spiderman exclaimed. "Before that, I had actually kept quiet about my powers, and didn't show them to anyone. An' when me and my uncle argued, he told me something, I suspected he knew I had powers, and during the argument, he told me that, with great power, comes great responsibility. I have a responsibility I have to uphold with my power, and I've had it since I got them. All it took for me to see that, was losing my uncle. I could have stopped the thief, but I had to be petty, and let him slip past me."
Athena was quiet, thinking about what Spiderman said, and looked to him, wondering something.
"Why are you telling me all this?" Athena asked.
"Because I learned a lot since then, and even with great power, you can't bear that responsibility all on your own. You need to learn to lean on people. If you're suffering from nightmares, you should tell someone, preferably your parents." Spiderman said. "Your strong, I got that from when All Might spoke highly of how you knocked him through several buildings seven years ago. But you don't have to be strong, all the time."
"I… guess I could talk to my parents about the nightmares. It is possible I could be suffering from PTSD." Athena said.
"C'mon, I'll buy you a smoothie on the way back to U.A campus." Spiderman said.
~The Following Morning: Nezu's Office~
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Mr. and Mrs. Bakugo." Nezu said, with All Might, Hound Dog, and a mummified looking Aizawa behind him, while Mitsuki, Masaru, and Bakugo sitting across from him, with the explosive boy sitting between his parents.
"Of course Principle Nezu, what is this about?" Mitsuki asked.
"It has come to our attention, that Young Bakugo has been spreading harmful, and inappropriate rumors of Ms. Xiao Long around the school. One of which, resulted in the stress and trauma of the last few days exploding from her." All Might said.
"What exactly are the rumors about if you don't mind me asking?" Masaru asked.
"I'm afraid we can't say verbally, so we've asked several of the students he's talked to, to write down the rumors he's told them. I'm afraid that they're just as unsavory." Nezu said, sliding a piece of paper towards Mitsuki and Masaru. "We even have signed witness testimonies that affirm he's been spreading the rumors, and they're willing to step up if need be."
Mitsuki took the paper, and read the rumors that had been written down, and she looked rather displeased with them.
"Katsuki, is this true?" Mitsuki asked, shoving the paper in his face.
"So what if it is? I'm only speaking the truth about her." Katsuki said.
Masaru took the paper, and read over what the students said. Surprisingly, he looked pissed.
"Katsuki Bakugo." Masaru said, sounding like he was suppressing his anger. "We are going to have a talk when we get home young man."
"Uh-oh." Bakugo said. Usually his dad was shy and timid, but when he got pissed, it was a sight even Mitsuki didn't want to see.
"Is there anything else we should know?" Mitsuki asked.
"On several occasions I've heard, and seen your son insult Athena Xiao Long, based solely on her body. She's even affirmed that he started calling her a, slut, when her body had started to develop." Aizawa said.
"On top of that, he's still trying to spread rumors and nasty things about his classmate, when she is currently dealing with PTSD from the events at the USJ. He has a superiority complex, thinking power is everything, and he's the most powerful. I'm afraid that this type of behavior is not hero material." Nezu said.
"What? You're kicking me out of the hero course?" Bakugo shouted. "You can't do that."
"Pipe-down, and shut up. We're not done." Hound Dog said, with a growl. "We're not kicking you out of the hero course. Not yet."
"We're giving you an ultimatum." Nezu said. "You have until the end of your internship after the Sports Festival, to show that you can be true hero material. Whoever you mentor with, will be instructed on what's going on, and will report back to us the day the internships end. If we like what we see, you will remain in the hero course."
"But if we don't like what we see, you will be transferred to General Studies. An' will have to obtain your hero license through other means after graduating from U.A." Hound Dog exclaimed.
"Do you understand Katsuki Bakugo?" All Might asked. "We're giving you only one chance, to prove yourself worthy of being in the Hero Course. So don't, waste it."
"Whatever, it doesn't matter when I become a hero, I'll still be richer, and more famous than you, All Might." Katsuki said.
"Arrogance and pride are what brought Julius Ceaser to his knees, as his empire crumbling around him. I wonder if it'll be the same for you." Aizawa said.