Chapter XXII Mystery
"Girls, did you pack your everything?"
"Yes, Clara!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Aye, sir!"
The sisters are looking at Ophelia weirdly to see her two big pieces of luggage behind her. "Um... why are you carrying a load of stuff?" Clara couldn't help but ask curiously. She remembered correctly they're going for their respective internships, not for a holiday trip.
"You do know that we're not going on a holiday trip, right?" Aileen asked in a suspicious tone and Ophelia smiles nervously. She has a feeling the blonde girl with golden eyes ignored the hero internships.
"We're not?" It earned a deadpanned look on her face. "Oh, crud." She forgot their internship to have an experience with the pro heroes they wanted.
"OPHELIA FAY AMBROSIUS!" Aileen yelled in anger and whacking her head.
"Ow!"
"You all have your costumes, right?" Aizawa asked his students. "Remember, you aren't allowed to wear them in public. Don't drop them or anything."
"Yessir!" Mina answered cheerfully.
"Speak clearly! It's 'yes, sir,' Ashido." He lectured the pink-haired girl.
"Yes, sir..." She pouts.
"Make sure you mind your manners with the heroes at your internships! Off with you now." Aizawa discreetly glances at Ophelia. "Ambrosius, I don't know what you saw. Please keep in mind to be vigilant and report if you need me."
"Yeah." Ophelia answered and glancing at Gallade. "Ready, my fellow partner?"
Gallade nodded his head. "Yeah. I'm surprised you choose Luminous-sensei agency over Ruby-sensei."
"Hehe... I wanted to train a weapon for a change." Ophelia answered and sticking her tongue out. "I'm surprised Lee-lee choose her agency than Luminous-sensei."
"That's because her sister works under Ruby-sensei." Gallade answered and looking at Todoroki. "Didn't Endeavor agency close to your aunt, Todoroki?"
"Yeah, and my aunt is different from him." Todoroki assured them. "Do you think aunt Tomoyo can answer your questions?"
"Yeah." Ophelia nodded her head with a serious look on her face. "Her, Ruby-sensei and the other three people." The three of them are riding on the train together.
"Who's the other three?" Todoroki asked curiously through their mind so no one could overhear their conversation.
"Aizawa-sensei, Sir Nighteye and Hawks." She answered and leaning on the window. "Sir Nighteye and Hawks are one of the agencies lists that wanted me to intern. Including Ruby-sensei as well. I use my seer powers and I can't face those three yet... not until Luminous-sensei can answer my question."
"Do you think that your birth parents are here, Ophelia?" Gallade asked curiously. "Granted we search the entire place to find your parents and no leads so far."
"You think your parents are around here in our world." Todoroki commented and Ophelia nodded her head. "Why are you looking for them? Didn't they left you with the Pokemon?"
"I have a feeling... there's a reason why my parents abandoned me in the first place." Ophelia answered and laying her head on Gallade's shoulder. "I should've just left it but in my heart... I yearn to learn the truth from this."
"You have a lot of nerve to call me for this, Yagi." Haruka glares at the window and clenching her phone tight.
"Look, I know we're unable to have an eye-to-eye because of Em-" All Might is cut off by her voice.
"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" She growled in anger and breathing heavily. "You lost your privilege to be the husband and father for them. I lost my respect for you on that day you walked away."
All Might sigh and wished he can ask Tomoyo's favor but her agency is far from Gran Torino's place. It's only Haruka who can visit Gran Torino to see his student. After all, the old man has a soft spot towards her. "Look, I know you hate me but please... can you visit Gran Torino."
Haruka nearly dropped her phone and haven't heard his name for a long time. "And pray to tell why should I do that?"
"He interned Young Midoriya to help him improve his Quirk. Young Midoriya chooses him over you girls." All Might answered. "I told him how you girls knew it and my relationship. Please, Haruka... "
"Fine. Happy to be your spy for your new holder." She ends up the call and sighing heavily. Ruby Witch hated to do some favors when it comes to him. Since All Might chose someone to become the new bearer of One for All, she has the right to check them. Considering her aunt was a former bearer of One for All. It's her job to ensure the new bearer won't kill himself for misusing the Quirk.
"Haruka? Sycamore and Meowstic are here." Her Pokemon partner appeared with Aileen and Meowstic.
"Good morning, Ruby Witch-sensei." Aileen and Meowstic greeted the aquamarine-eyed girl as they bow their head in respect.
"Good morning, Sycamore and Meowstic." Haruka greeted them back. "If we're in public please don't call me sensei."
"Yes!"
"Good. I'm sure your sister, Clara, told you everything about my agency, Aileen?" Haruka asked the blue-haired girl curiously.
"Yes. She told me everything and I was hoping if I can also bring my Pokemon out to train as well?" Aileen asked and hoping she would say yes. Her Pokemon are beginning to be relentless for not releasing them.
"Sure, the more and merrier." She smiles softly. "Clara asked the same thing when she interned my agency. Yes, they can join for training and doing some patrol too. I can understand you're here but Meowstic? Aren't you suppose to be with Ambrosius by now?" Haruka is wondering why Meowstic is with Aileen for today.
"We kind of swap partner temporary, ma'am." Meowstic answered. "Gallade went to the same agency as Ophelia and she asked me to go with Aileen. I wanted to train hard too and hope I'm not intruding."
Dragonite chuckled and patting his head. "You're not. When it comes to Pokemon training, Haruka and I split our responsibilities. I'm the head to train Pokemon whereas Haruka is training our young heroes."
"Wow..." Aileen is amazed by their teamwork. "You guys are showing strong bonds between a hero and Pokemon! It's rare to let your partner train another Pokemon and you're dealing the others! I can't believe there is an agency to help Pokemon to train!" She's completely awestruck and admires their agency.
"We still have a long way to go. Besides, you guys have more experience when it comes to Pokemon more than I do." Haruka chuckled and was flattered by her compliments. "Can we stop over at Gran Torino? I need to see someone."
"Who?" Aileen and Meowstic are completely clueless as they're not familiar with some heroes.
"Gran Torino is one of my late aunt's friends." Haruka answered with a melancholy look on her face. "You can say he's like a second father to me. I wouldn't surprise you didn't hear him because he's a retired hero."
"Eh? Retired hero?"
"Welcome to my agency, Saber and Amethyst." Luminous greeted her new interns with a warm smile.
"We're looking forward to working with you, Luminous-sensei!" Both of them are bowing down their heads.
"Haha..." She chuckled in amusement. "Please, we're no longer in U.A. You can call my hero name or my first name. I don't want anyone to get confused."
"Yes, Tomoyo-san!"
"That's a start!" She exhales softly. "Why don't we patrol all over the city? Usually, I'm active in the daytime because of my Quirk and rarely receive emergency work in the night."
"What is your Quirk, Luminous-san?" Gallade asked curiously.
"My Quirk is light." She answered and leading the two interns out to begin their patrol. "It allows me to manipulate or control the light of the sun. That also includes stars but it won't be enough for me to take down the villains. Hence the sword I have." Luminous showed them her sword had been strapped on the left waist. "This sword allowed me to absorb any light and to reduce my drawback." The more she absorbs the light it causes her to have severe damage of burning herself.
"Can you also teach me how to use a weapon?" Ophelia asked with a hopeful look on her face. "Just in case my Quirk isn't working."
"I can and what weapon do you have in mind?" Luminous asked curiously and tilting her head. She would thank her fiancée, Edgeshot, to teach her the mastery of weapons.
"Twin fans or naginata." Ophelia immediately answered and Luminous blinks her eyes in shock. "I held it before and never tried to train with it."
"Those two weapons are quite challenging for you, Amethyst." Luminous commented with a thoughtful look. "You need to have speed and flexibility."
"Luckily for her, she has those skills." Gallade answered it for the blonde girl with golden eyes. "She's a fast learner, Luminous."
"I'll take your word for it." She smiles softly. "Normally, we usually patrol to see if there are any problems that we need to deal with. When the police or government seeks our assistance, it's important to help them out."
"Even if some Governments are corrupted?" Ophelia asked Luminous and she nodded her head with a grim look. "You do know they're basically using some heroes as a puppet to clean their screwed up or to do their dirty work."
"Yeah and even if we decline... they will find out a way to threaten us." Luminous commented and wasn't surprised she asked the question privately through the mind link. "That's why we should be careful of who we're dealing with."
"Why did you accept it from the delivery guy? He can just drop it at his place." Aileen commented as Meowstic uses his psychic to carry it.
"You also bring a homemade taiyaki for breakfast?" Meowstic asked with a nervous look on his face. "Who eats that for breakfast?"
"Gran Torino loves taiyaki and wouldn't trade it for the world." Haruka answered with a shy smile. "It's either me or Tomo to cook something from him before..." The three of them notice she didn't want to reveal her pasts.
"Here we are." Dragonite announced and knocking on the door.
"Hel- eh!? Dragonite-sensei!? Aileen-san!? Meowstic-san!? and Ruby-sensei!?" Midoriya yelled in shock to see familiar faces again.
His partner runs in his direction and smiling widely at them. "Aileen and Meowstic! You guys are here!" Pikachu jumped to Aileen's arm.
"Hello. Pikachu." Aileen greeted the yellow mouse Pokemon and Meowstic smiles in response. "Oh, Haruka-san took it from the delivery- what in the Arceus's name have you done?" She immediately heals Midoriya's injury.
"He's trying to learn to control his powers without breaking his bones." Pikachu answered. "He tried to jump from one building to another and no significant progress so far."
"Pikachu-kun!" Midoriya yelled in shock and pinching Pikachu's cheek. "You shouldn't say it out loud- gah!" He got shocked by him.
Haruka smiles softly at Gran Torino. "It's been a while... uncle Sorahiko."
"Ha-Ha-Haruka, is that you?" Gran Torino asked with a surprised look on his face. "Come closer, my dear."
Haruka gulps and comes closer to the retired hero. She kneels down and smiles lightly at him. "Ye-yeah, it's me."
"How did you know where we are, Aileen-san?" Midoriya asked in a hushed tone.
"All Might asked Haruka-san a favor to check you guys out." Aileen answered back and crossing her arms. "To be honest, I've never seen her so angry at All Might. Do you know why?"
"Ye-yeah. Um... you can say they have a history from the past." Midoriya answered nervously.
"You still look exactly like your mother and your father's eyes." Gran Torino hugged Haruka tight. "I miss you, darling."
"I miss you too." She sniffs and returning the gesture.
"How's your training?" Aileen asked Midoriya curiously and he shook his head. "I see... then, can I say something of your Quirk?"
"Ye-yeah! What is it?" Midoriya asked nervously.
"You actually forced your Quirk to use it and never realizes the consequences." Aileen explains her theory of his Quirk. "You only use it when needed in a certain area you wanted it. Think of it like flipping a switch."
"You're right, why didn't I think of that before!" Midoriya exclaimed in shock as the two adults are looking at them. "But with that, my reaction time got slower and slower with the second and third moves. If that's the case, then I should've turned the switch on throughout the beginning." He is starting to use his Quirk. "Imagining the heat that used to only be in one place... spreading throughout my whole body!"
Haruka is surprised to see Aileen is helping Midoriya to sort out his Quirk. 'Clara wasn't kidding when you can read them like an open book. Without knowing Midoriya's Quirk is completely confidential.' She thoughts and crossing her arms. "I have a feeling you're giving him a few pointers about his performance."
"Him and Toshinori are a bit similar." Gran Torino shrugged his shoulder with a smirk. He glances at Haruka curiously. "You still hate him."
"I don't think I can ever forgive him, Uncle." She looks away and clenching her elbow. "I wouldn't forget of him being a coward."
Gran Torino smiles in sympathy and holding her hands. "Please don't hate him, Haru."
The five of them are completely uncomfortable to hear their private conversations. Midoriya notices they're talking about All Might and decided to speak up.
"Um... you know! All Might feels really guilty the loss of his wife!" Midoriya yelled out loud and Haruka narrowed her eyes at him. "He-he-he blames himself for not saving her and the child! His child is out there-"
"Child!? His and Yelena's daughter is alive!?" Gran Torino exclaimed in shock whereas the others except Haruka and Dragonite stood their shock. "How is she alive!? How come nobody told me!?"
"Tch." Haruka clicks her tongue in annoyance. She had a feeling Tomoyo informed All Might of his daughter and searching for her. Luckily, she vowed not to reveal the daughter. "I take it she told All Might and he told you guys." She commented and crossing her arms.
"Um... since when did All Might is married and have a child?" Aileen asked and holding Meowstic.
"Or better yet... who is Emerald!?" Meowstic exclaimed. "You know ever since that hand guy appeared on day one... he's talking Emerald this and that!" He wouldn't forget that day when Ophelia nearly lost her head by him.
"Who is exactly is she?" Aileen asked in a stern tone. "We tried to find out who she is but ended up with her works and no picture." She's completely tired of them hiding secrecy regarding Emerald. All they ever wanted is some answers and stopping the villains from Ophelia's harm.
Haruka sighs softly. "Emerald is- or was a former underground hero like Shouta-senpai." She answered calmly. "She was our mentor and taught us everything- even gave us a choice to do what we wanted."
"You said ours, Haruka. Is it only you and Tomoyo?" Dragonite asked curiously.
"No." She shook her head. "Shouta-san was one of Emerald's companions. Emerald hates to think of us as a sidekick because she thinks we're a shadow. A shadow who would stay hidden behind their back. She thinks of us as a team."
"That's why Emerald choose three students because she saw their potential." Gran Torino commented sadly. "Yelena and Toshinori went to the same school as they started dating in their second year. None of them excluding us knew they're in a relationship secretly. Heck, they even hide their secret wedding."
"Yagi forced Emerald to file a divorce so no one would come after them. Especially when the husband is a number one hero." Haruka explained and looks away. "The villains manage to gain information of his marriage and they target them."
"Wha-what comes after next?" Midoriya stuttered nervously and holding Meowstic tight.
"To-Tomo and I are completely surrounded by the villains. By the time we manage to apprehend them, we were too late to save them."
"You also mention their child is alive. How did you manage to get that?" Gran Torino couldn't help but ask nervously. He's still in shock at the news of the child is alive.
"They sense her." Dragonite answered it for Haruka. "That's why her life is confidential. If a villain found out that their child is alive-"
"They're going to finish what they started." Midoriya finished off his thoughts with a dreadful look. "All Might is actually determined to find his daughter!"
"That idiot doesn't have a stealth experience and leading his child in danger!" Haruka snapped angrily. She wouldn't be surprised if he begins to search for her. "Anyway, now that you know to use One for All quirk. You better control it or no one would be able to fix your broken bones without Aileen or us." She warned the dark-green-haired boy as he squeaks in fear. "We're leaving and here's your taiyaki."
Haruka left as her companions are following. Midoriya gulps nervously and wasn't expecting to see her other side. The other side hates All Might for leaving them behind. She blames All Might for leaving them when he needed them the most.
"Please excuse her behavior." Gran Torino apologizes on behalf of Haruka's behavior. "She always looks up to her as a mother figure. Ever since she died, Haruka completely changed."
Pikachu frowned and looking at Midoriya. "Izu, are you planning to stop All Might to search for his daughter? Granted, he wanted to redeem himself and find her daughter."
"On the other hand, Haruka is right. Toshinori is completely terrible on a stealth mission and he could bring his daughter in danger. If what Haruka said is true that this girl is alive-"
"Where could she be?" Midoriya finished off his thoughts and someone pops into his mind. "I have a theory but I highly doubt she's the girl they're looking for."
"Who?"
"Well... you see..."
"That's enough for today, Amethyst and Saber." Tomoyo stopped them from sparring. "Great job, you two." She complimented them. "It seems like the new generations are going to surpass the old ones someday."
"You're not that old, Tomoyo-san." Ophelia assured her and stretching her body. "I'm surprised you're a teacher because I thought you're a student!"
"I am?" Tomoyo blinks her eyes in surprise as they nodded their head. "I didn't notice about that. Where is your feline friend?"
"Feline... you mean Meowstic?" Ophelia asked and she nodded her head. "Saber choose this agency and thought we could swap partners temporarily. Meowstic is with Lee-lee at the moment."
"I'm surprised that he's okay with it. Any particular reason why he'd agreed?"
"Meowstic admired Ruby-sensei and wanted to train under her despite he isn't listed as a student. So I thought... maybe give him a try to see how it goes." She shrugged her shoulders.
"Meowstic is a bit mean but he's actually overprotective to the girls. You can say he's our mother hen." Gallade jokes as the females are giggling.
"Um... Tomoyo-san, can I ask you something personal?" Ophelia asked timidly.
"Sure, what is it?"
"Ever since we met, you looked at me as if you saw a ghost." Ophelia commented and twiddling her thumbs. "It's not only you but also Ruby-sensei and Aizawa-sensei. Why?"
Tomoyo exhales softly and patting her head. "You kinda remind me of my former mentor, Emerald." She smiles slightly. "Whenever you said on rare moments, she said similar words like you."
"Really?" Gallade asked and blinking his eyes. "Some villains mention they see Emerald on her. How come only a few people know her?"
"She happened to be like Shouta-senpai as well. An underground hero." She answered in sorrow while looking at her sword. "She and her daughter were murdered by a villain and Haru blames All Might for abandoning them."
Ophelia flinched in surprise to hear the tragic news. "I'm sorry, for your loss... Tomoyo-san."
Tomoyo simply shook her head. "It's fine... it's been a while I heard that name. I guess we should call it a day. Tomorrow, we're going to patrol again." She left them in the training room.
Gallade couldn't help but feels sorry for asking personal questions. "I feel like we just reopen her old wounds, Ophelia."
"Yeah..." Ophelia answered sadly. "I didn't know she died along with her child. How could they do such a terrible thing."
The blade Pokemon simply patting her shoulder to comfort her. "Hey, it's all in the past. Did you seek those answers you're looking for?"
"A little bit." She sighs softly and leaning on him. "I'll ask her again when the time comes. I can tell she wanted to say something but holding back."
"Holding back for what? Ophelia?"
"To reveal everything."
|| Hosu City ||
Crystal is tempting to choose Mirko agency instead of Manual but she chooses him for a personal reason. A personal reason to investigate Stain secretly without blowing her cover. She already gained a hero license together with Aileen, Gallade and Ophelia to allow them to save the Pokemon secretly. She also needs to keep an eye on Iida because Crystal can tell he's going to avenge his brother's condition.
"Please look after Ten-kun, Crystal." Riko's voice echoed through her mind. "I'm scared if he's going to do a reckless action to takedown Stain. I tried everything and he ignored me."
"Revenge, huh?" Crystal muttered under her breath and Scorbunny manages to hear it. "Is he actually here for Stain or for the sake of hero experience."
"You're thinking of Iida-san's well-being?" Scorbunny asked curiously while he's turning away to give Crystal privacy to change her sleeping attire.
"His mindset is keen to take Stain down." Crystal answered and buttoning her pajama top. "It took him hard when he found out Stain nearly end Ingenium's life. If it wasn't- no, I'm happy they managed to stop him on time."
"Did Aileen diagnose Ingenium's health?" His ears twitch and allowing him to face her. "Riko told us they overheard it from Ruby-sensei that Aileen is one of the strongest healers they have."
"Lee-lee did and she said it's going to be suspicious for everyone if she healed Ingenium's legs completely in one day." She exhales softly and biting her lower lips. "She's studying again to heal his legs like baby steps to avoid suspicion. That's why Lee-lee is multi-tasking right now."
"Even if you guys do have a license, Aileen's healing must keep it confidential." Scorbunny nodded his head in agreement. He yelps in surprise as Crystal's phone is ringing. "Jeez, I thought there's a Seviper underneath the bed."
Crystal shook her head in amusement and picking up the phone. "Eh? Tetsu-kun?" She accepts the call. "Good evening. How's your internship, Tetsu-kun?"
"Crystal-san! Everything is fine and I'm not the only one who's joining Fourth Kind's agency." Tetsutetsu commented happily.
"Eh? Really? Who?" She asked with an amused look on her face.
"Kirishima-kun! We both choose the same agency and I have someone with familiar faces." Tetsutetsu answered with a gleeful look on his face. He smiles hearing her giggle. "What about you, Crystal-san? How are you and Scorbunny?"
"Both of us are okay and I have someone to know at least to get along with." Crystal answered and laying down on the bed with Scorbunny. "It's actually a different experience from where we come from."
"I actually forgot you guys are from different Earth." He hums in agreement. "Does your folks know about it?"
"Our family and friends are the ones who knew about our situation. We're still keeping it as a secret not until we have enough evidence for it." She explained their situation. "Until now, it's a huge mystery how they teleport in here. I mean- it wasn't caused by the legendary Pokemon. Who could it be?"
"Maybe a villain knew your existence?" Tetsutetsu suggested and Crystal pursed her lips in deep thought. "Look, you're in the place where Stain is lurking everywhere. Promise me you'll take care of yourself."
"You're still worryat as ever, Tetsu-kun." Crystal smiles in amusement before she feels someone's presence. Scorbunny's fur raised as he sits up straight and glaring at the shadow in front of them. "It's been a long day for Scorbunny and I. We're going to get some rest. Take care of yourself, Tetsu-kun."
"Ye-yeah! Yo-you too." Tetsutetsu stuttered and ended up the call before he could say something stupid.
Crystal immediately held her lasso and glaring at the shadow. "Come out, we know you're there." She grips her weapon as the shadow revealed it's no other than, Mewtwo. "Mew-Mewtwo?"
"How!?" Scorbunny exclaimed and his jaw dropped to see their former enemy again. "How did you find us!?"
Mewtwo smirked in amusement. "I'm the psychic-fighting dual type, remember?" The rabbit Pokemon smiles sheepishly and rubbing his nose. "I've been here for a long time on the day we separate our ways."
"You are?" Crystal asked with a surprised looked on her face. "It's been two years since the Pokemon transported here in this world."
"It happened again." Mewtwo answered in vague. "I'm sure you know this by now because of your ancestors, princess. The previous Arceus guardians saved the world before and closed down the portal before the world merges into one."
"It happened before in here?" The genetic Pokemon nodded his head with a grim look. "Who would've done it?"
"A villain name All For One believes it's not only one Earth that exists but there is another one." Mewtwo answered and crossing his arms. "I can't explain everything. Not until you guys are gathering around." He started to disappeared but Crystal stops him.
"Wait, Mewtwo!" She yelled and stopping him from using teleport. "How did you know about this? What do you mean once we're gathered together?"
"You'll know in time, your majesty. Know that All For One is more dangerous compared to your enemies back in our world." Mewtwo warned the black-haired girl with emerald eyes. "Look out for each other and may Arceus watch over you guys." He disappeared out of their sight.
Crystal exhales and collapses on the floor. Scorbunny immediately goes on her side with a worried look. "Crystal!"
"Wh-why?" She stuttered in fear and looking at her hands are shaking. "I-I-I never met or knew this person but for some reason... that name left me shaking in fear."
"Perhaps your mom knew about this?" Scorbunny suggested with a hopeful look. "I mean she's a former guardian and Princess Katherine can tell you about it!"
"I hope..." She bites her lower lips. "I have to inform them ASAP."
Uraraka narrates: The whole class heroes begin to start their internship! Ophelia is searching for clues to find out her parents! Haruka revealed her hatred against All Might for abandoning his family.
Yaoyorozu: How did All For One knew their existence? What does Mewtwo mean once they gathered together?
Ashido: Find out as the journey continues!