Chapter 40 - Unwanted Reunion

School was let out, and the classes went back to Heights Alliance. Class 1-B was able to enjoy a rather peaceful afternoon, as both Peter and Monoma were resting at the nurse's office. However, just like Class 1-A, they had homework to do. Since the Americans arrived and were causing quite the commotion, Aizawa and Vlad King were generous enough to let some assignments slip. But enough was enough, and they wanted their students to get back on track. So, both classes took to studying, and doing their homework.

In the Class 1-A Heights Alliance, Matthew took to studying with Midoriya, Uraraka, and Iida. The four were all gathered in the common area, going over their textbooks and asking each other questions.

Sunshine, Murdock, Joshua, and Annabelle took to studying with Todoroki, Yaoyaorozu, and Milo, who had been asked to help with their studies by Ojiro, Ashido, Jiro, Sero, Kirishima, and Kaminari. The group of thirteen were gathered in the kitchen, split into three different groups.

Yaoyaorozu led the first group, consisting of Kirishima, Joshua, Jiro, and Sero. Todoroki led the second group, consisting of Sunshine, Kaminari, and Murdock. Milo led the third and final group, consisting of Ashido, Annabelle, and Ojiro. As for the other students, they took to either forming their own groups, or studying by themselves. The studies went well, until boredom set in. And with boredom, ridiculous discussion topics came up, such as farm trivia.

After Murdock claimed to be very knowledgeable about farming, due to having grown up on a farm in Texas, Joshua decided to challenge him. Soon, all three groups combined to have this rather ridiculous debate, and eventually, Milo, Yaoyaorozu, and Todoroki gave in and listened. Even Matthew's group came over to listen to the ridiculous questions that were being asked.

"Okay, cowboy, the topic is horses." said Joshua. "What do you know about them?"

"They can run hours after being born." Murdock replied, his tone cool. "Males have forty teeth, while females have thirty-six teeth. Since their eyes are on the sides of their heads, they can see up to three-hundred and sixty degrees. They can also express how they feel through facial expressions, using their eyes, ears, and nose. Horses cannot vomit, and they like sweet things, such as apples, but will reject anything bitter."

"Believe it or not, Tokoyami loves apples as well." Sero spoke up.

"Interesting." Joshua replied. "Okay, Murdock's proved his smarts. Anybody else want to challenge him?"

"Let me try." said Ojiro, much to the surprise of everyone. "I'm not a farmhand, but I've got a question. What do you know about chickens?"

"You trying to 'egg' me on or something, Ojiro?" Murdock asked, his tone humorous. "Okay, chickens. First, you can't have two roosters; they're very territorial, and cockfights are illegal back in the states. There are also more chickens in the world than any other bird, and they are actually not flightless. In fact, the longest flight of a chicken is-"

"Thirteen seconds." Todoroki spoke up, causing everybody to look at him in shock.

"What?!" Midoriya asked, his tone in disbelief.

"Thirteen seconds, that's the longest flight of a chicken." Todoroki replied, his tone serious. "You're not the only one with knowledge like that, Murdock."

"How did you, of all people, know that?!" Murdock asked, his tone shocked.

"I read a lot." Todoroki replied, before adding in a serious tone, "Yeehaw, cowboy."

Murdock threw his head back and began laughing hard, while everyone was both shocked and confused at what just occurred.

"Okay, let's put a hold on this 'trivia' and get back to studying." said Todoroki.

The groups obeyed and got back to studying, while Murdock had to take a minute in order to stop laughing. It was just so funny to him how serious Todoroki was in his answer, and how he didn't skip a beat in saying 'Yeehaw' in a serious tone.


The study sessions went on for a while, until dinnertime came around. After dinner, the class split up to engage in their own activities; Some went out, and some stayed in the Heights Alliance building. Soon, night fell, and lights out was coming up. Everyone began going to bed, leaving only Joshua, Jiro, Milo, and Ashido. However, Milo and Ashido were asleep on the couch, both resting comfortably in each others' arms.

"Well honey, the kids are asleep." Joshua spoke, his tone joking. "What would you like to do for tonight?"

"I'm going to bed." Jiro replied, her tone somewhat snarky.

"Alright, that's fine by me. Anyway, Iida's assigned me to turn out the lights after everyone gets in bed, so I better go and do that. Good night, Kyoka."

"Good night, Josh."

Joshua then kissed Jiro's hand, and Jiro, a small smile on her face, began heading to her dorm room. Joshua then went over to where Milo and Ashido were sleeping on the couch; they looked rather cute, being all cuddled up together, and Joshua honestly didn't want to wake them. But, he had to, as he didn't want them to get in trouble for not being in their rooms during lights out.

"Hey, Milo…" said Joshua, his tone quiet as he shook his friend's shoulder. "Milo Shiloh, time to get up and go to bed."

"Huh, what?" Milo asked, his tone groggy. "What happened?"

"I think you had a study overload and fell asleep, that's what happened."

"Oh really? Well, Mina and I decided to watch a movie and… I guess studying can take a toll on you. I better get her to her room, but I don't want to wake her."

"Carry her then; you're pretty strong."

Milo nodded and got up slowly, gently slipping out of Ashido's arms. He then put his hands underneath her and gently lifted, scooping Ashido up and into his arms. After he did that, he began making his way to her dorm room, carrying her like a small child, with her head resting gently against his shoulder. Joshua followed behind, just to make sure Milo didn't trip or anything like that. They then made it to Ashido's room, which they found the door unlocked, and Joshua opened it, as Milo was carrying Ashido.

"Whoa." Joshua said, as he and Milo entered into Ashido's room. "So… pink."

"Yeah, pink indeed." Milo replied, looking around, before heading over to the bed. "Give me a hand, will ya?"

Joshua nodded and headed over to the bed, pulling back the covers. He then walked out of the room to give the two privacy, as Milo placed Ashido on the bed. Milo then pulled the covers over her, and kissed her lightly on the forehead. Ashido stirred a little, a small smile on her face.

"I love you, pink puff." Milo whispered, a smile on his face. "Sweet dreams."

Milo then quietly moved away, and shut the door behind him gently. Joshua and him then began walking away from the room, to which Joshua had a small smile on his face.

"You, Romeo, you." said Joshua, his tone joking.

"Aw, give me a break; I love her." Milo replied, his tone somewhat shy. "I'd do anything for Mina. And you should talk, lover-boy; you've got Jiro as your girlfriend."

"Yeah, and it's the same for me; I'd do anything for Kyoka. Only difference is that she wasn't asleep."

"I understand. Anyway, I'm going to bed. How about you, Josh?"

"Iida's assigned me to turn off the lights for tonight, so I'm going to do that."

"Alright. Good night and Shalom, Joshua." said Milo.

"Likewise, Milo." Joshua replied.

Milo then began heading to his dorm room, while Joshua went downstairs to where the light switches were. He began turning them off, but before he hit the last one, something outside the front door, down the walkway, and outside the gates caught his eye. Joshua turned off the last light, and then walked forward to see what it was. But upon seeing what was out there, his blood ran cold!

What was out there, standing at the gate in the darkness, was a man in his late forties, and he looked like an older version of Joshua. He had long black hair, blue eyes, a black goatee, and pale skin. His clothing consisted of a black fedora, a black trench-coat, black pants, and black shoes. If it wasn't for Joshua's keen vision, he almost wouldn't have noticed him. But Joshua did notice him, and he instantly he hoped that he was dreaming, because that stranger was his father!

Joshua's father was Caleb Rourke, also known as 'Death Wish'. He was one of the most notorious villains in the United States, and also one of the most violent, due to his quirk. His quirk was called 'Monstrosity', and it was similar to Joshua's 'Assault' quirk, only stronger and more powerful! After being called and told that his son had turned traitor, Death Wish came over to get his son back on the 'right' track. He was going to approach him in public, but after deciding that it wasn't a good idea, he chose to approach him in 'private', so to speak.

Upon being noticed, Death Wish began walking away, and Joshua quickly raced to the door, a horrified look on his face. He then opened the door, ran down the walkway, opened the gate, and went out. Fortunately, Aizawa wasn't out on patrol at the moment, so Joshua wouldn't get caught. He then saw his father moving through the trees near the Heights Alliance building, and quickly raced in after him!


After a couple of minutes of running through the forest, Joshua came to a clearing. With the moonlight as his only source of light, Joshua began looking around for his father. What he didn't expect was that his father came out of the darkness, and stood behind him!

"Looking for me, Joshua?" asked Death Wish.

"GAH!" Joshua yelped, quickly turning around. "Pop! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Just keeping you on your guard. Now give your old man a hug…"

"No way! Last time I did that, I ended up sleeping on my stomach for a week!"

Death Wish chuckled, and replied, "Well, I see your knowledge has improved. So, how are things going for you, here in Japan?"

"Fine, just fine!" Joshua replied, his tone somewhat nervous. "Seriously, Pop, you didn't have to come all the way out here! Things are going good!"

"Oh yeah? Because I got a really interesting phone call from one Daisuke Haruki, saying that you've turned on us."

"He's lying! Stone-Fish is a liar! He's just jealous because I'm doing good in this mission!"

"Then how do you explain this?" asked Death Wish, pulling out his phone and showing a picture: It was Joshua with Jiro at the music store.

"Uh… Well…" Joshua stuttered, trying to think of an excuse. "Well… I'm… using her for information! Yeah, yeah, I'm getting information about U.A from her! I mean, sure she doesn't know that I'm doing it, but I am!"

"Okay, sure… then how about this?"

Death Wish then swiped the picture on his phone, and a new picture came up: It was Joshua and Jiro standing outside the Jiro family household together.

"That doesn't have to do with anything." Joshua replied.

"It doesn't, huh?" asked Death Wish. "It doesn't do with the fact that my son has gone soft?"

"Soft?! I'll have you know that I'm still as villain as you are!"

"Then what are you doing hanging out with this girl, huh?! You can't be with her! She's training to be a hero, and what are you?! You're the son of a villain, sent here to destroy the top class of U.A! And yet, you've wanted to call this whole thing off! Do you love her, Joshua?! Is this romance you are seeking?!"

"Maybe I do love her, okay?! But hey, you loved Mom, didn't you?!"

"Love her?" asked Death Wish, before cruelly laughing and saying, "Son, your mother was nothing to me! All that she was to me, was a tool that I needed in order to bring forth an offspring!"

"How can you say that?!" Joshua asked. "How could you not love her?!"

"I'm a villain; there's no place for love in our lives! Your mother was a homeless person, having been thrown out by her parents due to a drug addiction! I found her under a bridge and, after seeing the quirk that she possessed, decided to have her as the carrier of my offspring!"

"You… you mean I'm… I'm, I'm the product of… of…"

"Yes. After nine months passed, and you were born. She died in childbirth, which was fine by me; one less end to tie up. And I know what you're thinking, and don't bother trying to fight me; I'm far more powerful than you. As for this girl… leave her, or I'll come into that building, and slaughter every last one of your 'friends'. Do you understand me, Joshua?"

"Yes sir…" Joshua replied, his tone nervous.

"Good." said Death Wish. "Well, I see no reason to continue our conversation. I will leave you now, my son…"

Death Wish was about to leave, when Joshua asked, "What other quirk was passed on to me?"

"What?" Death Wish asked, stopping in his tracks and turning to face Joshua.

"Aside from your quirk, which I renamed 'Assault' so that we wouldn't have any connection, what quirk did my mom give me?"

"It doesn't matter; it never manifested with you."

"What is it?! What is her quirk?! Tell me!"

Death Wish gave an annoyed sigh and replied, "It's called 'Pinball', and it supposed to make you incredibly fast and indestructible. That's why your mother was hooked on downers; because everything was always incredibly fast-paced for her. And that is also why I chose her to be the bearer of my offspring. If my 'Monstrosity' quirk merged with her 'Pinball' quirk, you would've been a force to be reckoned with. But all you received was my quirk, so I have no care for the one who didn't manifest. And before you ask, no; we got her clean of the drugs before she gave birth to you. I wasn't going to have a drug-baby with a bunch of complications as my successor. Any more questions, son of mine?"

"Are there any others?" Joshua asked.

"Any other what?"

"Do I have brothers, sisters, others who you've brought into this world as your successor?"

"You did. I had a boy and a girl with another lady, one who believed in the ideals of a villain. But, they all failed me… even the lady."

"And let me guess, you killed them, didn't you?"

"I made it look an accident; I didn't want any loose ends. Now straighten up, check your mouth, and do what you were sent here for. And I'll be making it my own personal business to see that you do what's required."

"You're not going to win, Pop. I'll make it my own personal business to see that you don't…"

Death Wish cruelly laughed again, and asked, "Who are you going to tell about me, huh? The teachers? Your fellow students? If you tell them anything about our plan, they'll get suspicious, and then an 'anonymous source' will let it slip that you, are the spawn of a villain! And you know what will happen to you? You'll be thrown out of U.A, shipped back to the states, and thrown in jail! And what do you think your friends, and that girl you love so much, will think about that?"

Joshua gritted his teeth and shut his eyes; it was a painful truth that he had to accept. When he opened his eyes again, his father was standing close to him, and-

SWISH!

Joshua recoiled, grabbing the right side of his face and yelling in pain! He then pulled back and saw there was blood! His father had activated his power in his arm, and clawed him in the face!

"Let that be a reminder if you try to go against us." said Death Wish, walking away. "Good luck, Joshua."

Death Wish then disappeared through the trees, leaving Joshua alone. Joshua watched him leave, then slumped against a rock, both angry and saddened by what had transpired. Eon was right; his father was in Japan. But, what did Eon mean that Joshua would have something in his pocket that would determine how the villains are going to attack?

What Eon had said then came into Joshua's mind:

"Either tell U.A about how the plan you're a part of, or wait and watch them get killed. The choice will be yours, to determine the fate of Class 1-A. By sacrificing yourself, and your image, they will live."

"No, not yet." Joshua said to himself, getting up. "I can defeat this; I know I can."

Joshua then began walking through the forest, heading back to Heights Alliance. With the idea that he could still defeat his father, and keep Class 1-A from finding out he was a villain, Joshua felt he was going to be alright.

Little did he know, how wrong he was going to be…


Ralphie: Seriously? Farm Trivia?

Heroboy005: Give me a break, I didn't know any other subjects to talk about.

Ralphie: Personally, I find it 'UDDERLY' ridiculous.

Heroboy005: Shouldn't you be 'MOO'-ving along?

Ralphie: Why? My jokes aren't all that 'BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA'-D.

Heroboy005: Well, you aren't 'SHEEPISH' about it, I'll give you that. You're not 'CHICKENING' out.

Ralphie: I like to have a 'SHELL' of a good time.

Heroboy005: Guess the 'YOLK's' on you? But please, forgive me for 'EGGING' you on.

Ralphie: Okay, I'll give you that one.

Heroboy005: Thank you.

(Ralphie goes back into the story).

Heroboy005: That's what you call a pun war; You've got to beat them at their own game.


R&R,

Heroboy005