Substitute Nightmare
Chapter 9: Let the Festivities Begin!
"I've collected all the necessary data that I can from inside the school." Ryan explained to Nezu as they did their weekly meeting. "No one has appeared suspicious right off the bat, but what I've deduced is that the break-in from some weeks back could have been used as either a ruse or a distraction."
"What do you mean by that?" Nezu asked, his paws folded together as he listened intently.
"If the break-in was used to distract, then it's main purpose was to keep the eyes of the staff focused elsewhere…" she started, tossing a stress ball back and forth from hand to hand. "... it allowed for someone to take the time to download the necessary files without being detected."
"So you think it might have been someone other than my staff?" Nezu questioned.
"Not necessarily. The schedule is easily accessible to any facility member at any given point in time. If the traitor is a teacher or someone else on staff, then the break-in provided a clever ruse to establish a convenient time-frame for when the schedule could have been accessed by an outside force giving the traitor deniability and possible alibi."
"I see, and by outside force you mean if the traitor is a student?"
"Yes, so it's very important that we figure out which of the two is correct." She slapped the ball down. "I looked into the records and determined who accessed what files from each given time. During the time of the break-in there were two computers that were accessed from the school library. The first was the librarian who was going over the new student files in order to distribute cards and passes. The second was from a student terminal who used it to print out school materials. after reviewing the camera footage and speaking with the librarian directly I deduced the student was from the business course."
"I see, so unless this "so-called" outside force has access to stealth computer hack software, then our best bet would still be a fellow staff member." Nezu pressed his paws to his mouth.
"I can keep digging here if you'd like… but Nezu, you and I both know that the best way for us to catch this traitor is to find a link between them and the villains in question."
"You've got a point… but the police and HSPC have taken the reigns on that particular case. I won't be able to give you any kind of free reign on that information." Nezu sighed.
"Which is why it's a good thing that I've taken residency here in Japan." She smirked and stood up to show off her hero costume. The greyscale camo cargo pants were a snug fit, and outfitted with straps and braces for intense combat and mobility. The sturdy boots were steel-toed, and allowed her to trek through any form of terrain. The top was a thin,breathable fabric in the same camo colors, and was paired with a tight black vest that resembled a corset, but was used for core stability.
Normally she would have a set of holsters for her various weapons and support items, but considering the school environment she decided against looking like something out of a video game. Instead she upgraded for some headgear that resembled a pair of cat-ears, and had a single visor that covered one eye and allowed her to view various stats such as thermal readings, speed, distance, and facial recognition.
"You do look ready to go onto the field. However…" Nezu jumped down from his chair so he could walk her to the door. "I ask that you put all that on hold until after the festival."
"If you're worried about me being able to multi-task-"
"Not at all, I know you're more than capable…" Nezu paused by the door and looked up at her. "However, I do have an additional task for you to do. I wanted to inform you sooner, but you've been otherwise occupied and I didn't want to interrupt any progress you might have made."
"I appreciate that…" She placed a hand on her hip. "So what's the task?"
"Each member of our teaching staff is required to participate in the festival itself in some form or another. You could opt out if you truly wish, but I think it would be better for your covert operation if you took every opportunity to blend in."
"I can't argue with that logic," Ryan chuckled. "So what exactly did you have in mind? Do you need some help beefing up security?"
"Oh, no, I've got all that taken care of already. I was actually thinking something a bit more light-hearted." Nezu's tail twitched and he turned his smiling face up to hers. "I was hoping you'd act as a host for the first year games."
"I thought you asked Midnight, and Cementoss to do that." Ryan raised a confused brow. "Or do you want me to do commentary with Mic?"
"Midnight will act as standing referee for the main events, and Cementoss is there to run interference if need be. What I need is someone to provide proper motivation and possible entertainment for the extra curricular activities that will partake between the second and third events. It's a grace period that will allow the students to participate in a few extra games for prizes and additional exposure… and I'd really like them to take full advantage of that opportunity. Unfortunately many choose to opt out as the primary focus is always on the tournament portion."
"I see, so you need someone to deal with the lack of motivation, huh?" Ryan rubbed her chin, her cupid bow lips slyly curving up. "Say no more, Nezu." She held up her hand. "I've got the perfect solution to put the spring in the steps of the students. Just give me a few minutes to make some phone calls."
"Excellent, let me know when you've the details ironed out and we'll make it happen." Nezu waved as Ryan exited the room. "Looking forward to seeing what you have planned."
Ryan strolled down the hallway, pulling her phone out to quickly dial her contact. She paused at the teacher's lounge and hurriedly made her way inside. She sat on the couch and tapped her fingers impatiently as the phone continued to ring and ring.
"Come on, Tiger, answer the damn-"
"Hello?" The chipper English voice spoke from the other end. Ryan let out a small sound of irritation.
"How long do you let your phone ring before answering, you lazy bum?" She complained. "For a minute I thought I was gonna have to yell into your voicemail."
"Nice to hear from you too, Ry." Tiger laughed over the distorted sounds of a party in the background. "Sorry I was busy entertaining some friends."
"Ever the party girl…" Ryan shook her head, but smiled. "I don't suppose you can take time out of your busy schedule to do me a favor?"
"Well that depends on the favor now doesn't it?" Tiger's lips curved mischievously. She twirled a finger through her streaked black hair, and crossed her legs. She stretched a foot out to watch the lights flicker over the sparkle on her new shoes. "Spill the tea, sis."
"I found you a gig."
"Honey, I don't need help finding a gig, or did you forget that I'm a world wide celebrity?" Tiger boasted, causing Ryan to roll her eyes.
"Yes, yes, and you're the epitome of modesty, but this would be great publicity for you. You'll be performing at the U.A Sports Festival… I've been charged with hosting the extra curricular games, and I was hoping you could come and perform a number or two to… yah know… inspire my students?"
"Your students, huh? Wow... so you weren't kidding when you said you were going to Japan to become a teacher." She gave a throaty laugh. "My big sister, the child whisperer. Who would have thought you'd be the motherly type out of the three of us? I always pegged Katie as the nurturer, me as the rebel, and you as daddy's favorite."
"I am dad's favorite… but that's because I'm the only one out of the three of us who took dad's lessons seriously." Ryan laughed. "You were semi-decent until you discovered the opposite sex and decided you'd rather paint your toe-nails than roll around in the mud."
"Hey I was, and still am more than decent, Ry. Just because I choose to use my words, rather than my fists doesn't make me any less of a badass." She flicked her hair confidently. "Just ask my PR maven."
"Believe me, I know it." Ryan heard the click of a lighter, and knew Tiger's current beau was now listening in on the conversation. The distinct sound made her fingers itched for a cigarette. "That's the main reason why I need you to come. I'd be more than happy to pay your appearance fee, sis, but I also would rather you keep the fact that I'm the one asking you to do it hush, hush. The world doesn't know we're sisters, and I'd like to keep it that way."
"I know you do, Ry, and as always your selfish desire to keep me and everyone else you love at a distance in order to protect is rather insulting." She waved away the cigarette her boyfriend offered her and stood up. "Why should I help someone who doesn't even want to acknowledge the fact we're family."
"Come on, Tiger, you know why I do it. Also if it helps, it always kills me that I can't tell anyone my sister is a badass billionaire pop-star. I'd be the talk of the school if people knew."
"Eh, it helps… a little." Tiger smiled and then sighed heavily. "Fine, you win, I'll perform for your baby heroes… but I've got two little conditions." She held a peace sign over her eye, despite the fact Ryan couldn't see it.
Ryan had seen this coming. With her sister there was always a catch.
"Name them."
"The first is you have to take time out of your busy schedule to come home for the Fourth of July." She put a hand on her hip. "Mom has been putting a bug in everyone's ear about getting you to come home and visit more often. It's irritating."
"Yeah I know," Ryan winced and sighed. "Dad said as much when I spoke to him this morning. I'll have to speak to Nezu about it, because I'm not sure when summer vacation starts or if I'll be needed for summer school, but I'll do my best to get down there."
"Good… and now the second stipulation…" She twirled a finger in her hair again and leaned against a door jamb. "Is for you to spill about what's going on with you and that hero hunk Hawks."
Ryan winced again, and let out another long sigh.
"Should have known dad wasn't gonna keep that information to himself." She rubbed the back of her neck. "Look, Tiger, it's nothing special. We just sort of reconnected and yah know…"
"Did the horizontal tango?" Tiger bounced her eyes, and had Ryan blushing. "You may act like a tomboy, but you're such a girl, Ryan. You clearly like this guy enough to be seeing him even after what happened. Why don't you just enjoy it while it lasts?"
"You know full well why I can't!" Ryan got to her feet and anxiously paced. "Dad keeps telling me I need to be the Alpha, but with Hawks it's just not possible! I can't stay in control when I'm around him."
"So then tell him the truth." Tiger rationalized. "If he knows how he affects you, then maybe it'll smooth things out between the two of you and get him to back off for a bit."
"Or antagonize the situation. I can't do that either. As much as I love and respect him, I just don't trust him enough to keep that information to himself. He clearly doesn't trust me, either, as that's the whole reason we broke up in the first place." She ran fingers through her hair. "What's worse is that the HSPC has been pushing him to look into my actions, and poking into my business."
"Nosy governments, always gotta get in the way of true romance." Tiger sighed. "Alright, alright, I won't pester you anymore about it… but I really think you've got something good here Ry. I've never seen, or heard you get so worked up over a guy before. Hawks is different from any other relationship you've ever had, and you owe it to yourself to look inside your heart and find out exactly why that is."
"Dad says I should just-"
"Will you forget about dad for once, Ryan!?" Tiger snapped at her. "God, this is precisely your problem! You talk about breaking free, becoming independent and making your own decisions, but you just can't bring yourself to let go can you? You're never gonna be truly free until you stop following other people's orders. Don't give anyone else a chance. Take the reigns, ride the stallion, and Giddyup!"
"You make it sound so easy, but you and I both know I don't always have a choice in the matter, Tiger." Ryan closed her eyes. "I'm not a true Alpha like you and dad.I have to fight for dominance every time I step out into society, and frankly It's exhausting."
Tiger's eyes softened at the pained tone in her sister's voice. It both pleased and worried her that this Hawks guy could really break through his sister's tough shell and bring out the scared and frightened girl she'd grown up with. Their father had spent years helping her tough up that shell, so it was no wonder he was so adamant about making Ry push the man out of her life.
In Tiger's opinion the shell had done more harm than good. Ryan had become so reliant on the shell she'd build that she didn't know how to handle being soft without feeling weak or pathetic. The curse of being the only Omega in a family with Alpha based quirks.
"I know it is, Ry, but you can do it." Tiger gripped the phone tightly in her hand. "I know you can do it, because I've always looked up to you. You're the strongest, and bravest person I know, so stop being such a coward about the things you really want. Don't doubt yourself anymore and just go for it. When I come to Japan for the Sports Fest, I fully expect to see my bad ass sister at the top of her game. You got me?"
"Yeah, I got yah." Ryan laughed. "Yah know, Tiger, you and dad are way more alike than you think."
"I'm not sure if I should consider that praise or an insult…" She frowned.
"Believe me, it's high praise." Ryan smiled. "So I'll see you Monday?"
"Yeah, be sure to roll out the red carpet for me." Tiger smiled and hung up before looking at her crew. "Who's up for some real good sushi?"
Ryan closed her phone and held it to her lips. Perhaps it was a bit of a risky move bringing her sister out here… but Ryan felt it would be well worth it. Tiger's quirk was exactly the thing she'd need to boost morale for the Sports Fest. She wanted to make a real good impression on everyone who thought she couldn't cut it, and she'd take every opportunity she could.
"Let the festivities begin…" She smirked and got up to head to her next class.
~Day of the Sports Fest~
"I'm so nervous…" Izuku fidgeted in place, his stomach twisting in knots and face as green as his hair. He took long deep breaths trying to calm himself down.
"Midoriya…" Todoroki stepped up behind the nervous boy, catching his attention and putting his nerves on hold for the moment. At the tone of his voice, he also caught the attention of the rest of the class as well.
"Oh, hey Todoroki. What's up?"
"From an objective standpoint, I think it's fairly clear that I'm stronger than you." He said it bluntly, causing Izuku's nerves to bunch in his stomach again. He couldn't help but nod in agreement.
"Yeah, that's fair."
"However… I think all of us have noticed that All Might has taken a special interest in you." He deduced. "On top of that, you've got Miss Ryan in your corner helping you out. She even held a special class with her and All Might just so the rest of us wouldn't feel left out."
"Uh well, I don't know about that." Izuku flushed and nervously gripped his hands together. Did Todoroki find out about One for All?
"I'm not here to pry about that, it's just an observation… just know that I will beat you."
"Whoa…" Denki chuckled nervously. "Did the top student in class just make a declaration of war against Midoriya?"
"Hey, come on now." Kirishima grabbed Todoroki by the shoulder. "Why are you picking fights all of a sudden, and with your classmate of all people?"
"We're not here to be each other's friends!" Todoroki reminded him, shoving his hand off his shoulder and turning his back to walk away. "Don't forget, this isn't a team effort."
Izuku lowered his head, the nervousness in his stomach subsiding from Todoroki's words. Something about them had a memory triggering from one of his and Shinsou's training sessions.
~A few days ago~
"Few that was a work out…'' Izuku wiped sweat from his chin and looked down at Shinsou who had taken a seat on the ground after their bout. He looked frustrated and irritated. "You okay?"
"Yeah, but I'm frustrated." He slowly got to his feet. "You have a clear advantage on me, but we've been fighting pretty evenly today. I can't help but feel like you're holding back so I don't get hurt, or maybe I'm not really worth your time and effort."
"Hey, don't say that…" Izuku turned to face him. "You're really good, Shinsou. You're learning fast and our training has been doing great improving your physical capabilities. I haven't been using my quirk for my own benefit because of what Miss Ry said. Remember? The dynamics can shift really easily given the circumstances so we have to be prepared for anything. We can't hesitate or rely too heavily on our quirks or we'll just wind up losing in the event they become neutralized."
"Easy for you to say…" he muttered, making Izuku's brow raise in confusion. "Sorry, I know you're trying to be helpful and encouraging, but you're not here to be my friend, you're here to make me stronger!"
"So you… don't want to be my friend?" Izuku repeated with some sadness in his voice.
"No… I'm not trying to be mean, or that I wouldn't mind being friends with you Midoriya." He sighed and placed a hand on his hip. "I just… I don't want you thinking that I'm gonna play nice. The Sports Festival is my chance to get into the Hero course and make my dream come true. I'm gonna work ten times as hard as anyone else to get what I want, so you better prepare yourself and give me everything you've got." His eyes turned hard on Midoriya, the mood shifting greatly. "Because I certainly won't hold anything back."
~End of Flashback~
"Todoroki." Izuku clenched his fist at his side. His voice coming out low, but clear. "I don't know what's going on through your head, or why you're saying these things to me. I know you're better than me, in fact I think you have the most potential out of anyone in the hero course."
"Uh, Midoriya…" Kirishima held his hands up laughing nervously. "You really shouldn't be so negative about-"
"No, he's right!" Izuku grit his teeth, Shinsou's hard gaze burning in the back of his mind. "All the other courses, they're coming at us with everything they've got! We're all gonna have to fight to stand out."
Todoroki slowly turned to face Midoriya. The look in his eyes, the tone of his voice, and his firm stance showed him that this guy was taking his declaration seriously. As Midoriya lifted his head, and their eyes met, the air seemed to go thick with heat and tension. Even Todoroki had to admit that the hairs on the back of his neck prickled as Midoriya turned his declaration back to him.
"I accept your challenge, Todoroki. I'm aiming for the top, too!"
Ryan watched from the crack of the doorway, having listened from the moment Todoroki had made his declaration. She both saw and heard from Izuku precisely what she wanted to hear. Her confident smirk spread slowly.
"Guess I don't have to worry about motivating my own class."
"What are you doing skulking in the hall?" Aizawa questioned, walking over, his still bandaged arms folded over his chest. "It's time to get those kids out onto the field."
"I know, but they were having a moment so I stalled for a bit." She waved him off.
"Well, the moment's over, they need to line up." He grunted.
"Are you in a hurry to lose, Shota?" She turned to him crossing her arms. "From what I've just witnessed, you should be very worried about your position."
"About that…" He laid papers in her hands and Ryan glanced down at them.
"What's this?"
"What does it look like? They're employment papers. I'm cancelling our bet, and accepting you as the new homeroom teacher for Class 1-A."
"What? Are you serious?" She stepped closer to him. "Why? This is a joke right? A ploy? A con? Where's the angle? Are you sick? Oh god are you dying!?"
"No, and no!" He grunted when she tried to take his temperature. "Knock it off, Hellcat. You're embarrassing yourself."
"I don't know what to say, I-" She started to smile and thank him, but something in his eyes made the joy and elation fade away. Her hands holding the papers lowered and her lips pursed firmly together. "Nezu told you why he hired me, didn't he?"
"He wasn't going to, but he found out about our bet and thought it best to put an end to it. He didn't want his plans derailing because we were acting immaturely, which he isn't wrong. Our bet wasn't exactly professional."
"So then what?" She held the papers up. "I'm just supposed to accept this as some kind of truce? I can't accept this, I haven't earned this yet, and the only reason you're accepting it is because you know you can't convince Nezu to get rid of me."
"Cut the act, Ryan, I'm not buying it. I know full well you made that bet because being a full-time member will give you more access to personnel and help to further your investigation. Stop pretending to care about these kids, when we both know you'll just ditch out and leave once the job is complete. You always do."
"Oh shut up!" Ryan shoved the papers back in his chest. "This stopped being about the job the moment I saw what kind of idiotic teaching methods you enforce on those kids. My soul purpose was to show you that I could help those kids exceed their potential without having to break them, and the bet was just to put someone at the forefront of my ideals. Lucky for me you're too much of an idiot to see that Midoriya has endless amounts of potential. That kid is special, and he's gonna prove to you and the rest of the world just how special he is by winning this tournament. As for the job offer, you can shove it! I want Nezu to offer me a full-time position because I've earned it, not because it would benefit me."
"Suit yourself, but I'm giving you a fair warning, Hellcat. If you truly want to prepare those kids for the real world, then stop pampering them. You and I have both seen the harsh realities hero work has to offer, and if you can't prepare them for that, then you're no good to them as a teacher." Aizawa turned his back to her. "Get those kids lined up. We haven't got all day."
"Grrr…" Ryan prickled, her knuckles cracking as she fisted and flexed her hands in and out. "No good, huh? Well, we'll just see about that won't we, Erasehead?"
~Ask Briry~
Bri: Yay! Feels good to write again! I feel like I haven't touched my keyboard in weeks. Hope you all enjoyed the update!