Chapter Eight: Battle Trials Set Up
~A/N~ So here we go. the lead up to the battle trial. I was going to put the battle trials in one chapter but I had a new idea for it so I'm going to be cutting it up a bit. I hope you like it.
Chapter Start!
Izumi sat on her bed gently petting Wrathion. She didn't know why the words Monoma said cut so deep. She was used to people thinking she was a villain. So why did this time hurt more?
"Midoriya-san," Izumi's eyes moved to the door as she heard someone calling along with a soft knock.
"Who is it?" Izumi asked.
"Yaoyorozu," Momo replied.
"It's unlocked," Izumi said.
"I wanted to make sure you're ok. The things Monoma said were unacceptable," Momo said as she stepped into the room.
"Like I said. I'm used to it. When your parents are two of the worst villains you get a pretty big black mark on your record without doing anything," Izumi explained.
"That doesn't make what he said and how he acted ok. Just because your parents are evil doesn't mean you are," Momo said as she sat down next to Izumi.
"Thanks," Izumi replied. "It's nice to see some people can look passed them,"
"While it's not the same. I too am trying to step out of the shadow of my parents. While they aren't villains they do cast a large shadow since they are the leaders in their field of support gear design," Momo explained.
"Oh yeah, Yaoyorozu Industries. Biggest hero support company in the world. I guess your name didn't click right away," Izumi said.
"If I could ask. What was it like living with them?" Momo asked.
"Not as bad as you'd think," Izumi said. "They spoiled me until I made the mistake of saying I wanted to be a hero,"
"What happened?" Momo asked.
"When I said I wanted to be a hero," Izumi paused for a few moments. "Everything flipped. They didn't try to convince me that being a hero was wrong. Apparently to them, the very idea was a cardinal sin. They went from spoiling me to beating me. Teaching me everything they could to trying to break me so I'd be obedient,"
"I'm so sorry that happened," Momo said. "How old were you?"
"Fourteen," Izumi replied. "I'm pretty sure if I was any younger they would've just killed me and tried again,"
"Are they really that evil? That they would kill you?" Momo asked.
"Yeah. I had an older sister. She tried to do what I did. Escape," Izumi said.
"What happened to her?" Momo asked.
"They killed and ate her," Izumi said causing Momo's blood to freeze.
"That's monstrous," Momo said with a hand over her mouth.
"It's only gotten worse since then. Apparently, Hiashi liked the taste of humans. He started eating people during his attacks," Izumi added.
"Gross," both girls looked to the door hearing a voice.
"Eavesdropping is rude," Momo said hearing several people scramble away.
"I'll let you rest. But if you ever need to talk. I'm more than happy to listen," Momo said.
"I'll keep that in mind," Izumi replied with a soft smile. Momo smiled back then left. Izumi sat quietly for a few minutes before pulling out her phone. She needed a distraction from her brain. And she knew the best distraction. A quick text later and her night was set.
~Unknown Location~
A man walked slowly down a deep cavern his hand running along the smooth walls. "It's been a while since I was last here," He said with a smile. He always liked how well built the area was.
"Want to tell me why you are here?" the man's smile remained as he faced a young man with deep green hair.
"Look how have you grown. How long has it been Little Victor?" the man asked.
"I've been well. You on the other hand," Victor looked the man up and down. "You haven't aged a day,"
"Healthy living," the man laughed.
"Healthy living my ass," Victor growled back. "Now wanna answer my question? What are you doing here?"
"I've come to see them. Can't an old friend come to see his old friends," the man replied.
"After your last talk. I don't think they want to see you. But I sure as hell can't stop you," Victor says as he turns. "They are down here,"
"They will want to hear what I have to tell them," the man said his smile still plastered on his face.
~Deeper inside~
"Ah there we go," the man said stepping into a massive room.
"What are you doing here?" a titanic voice roared out.
"I've come to speak to you... Deathwing," the man calls out. A moment later a figure slams into the ground before him. The man didn't move. Even standing before the monolithic form of Deathwing. The great dragon's body was coated in thick metal plates. Most likely at this point, they were the only thing keeping him in one piece.
"You dare enter my domain!" Deathwing roars down at the man.
"Have you forgotten what happened last time we fought?" the man's smile still hadn't waivered.
"Enough husband," A calm yet stern voice spoke.
"Ah, Sinestra, radiant as always," the man's smile widened. He turned to the approaching woman. Unlike her husband, she still shifted back and forth between human and dragon forms.
"Why are you here?" Sinestra asks her deep emerald eyes locked on the man.
"I've come with information, a location, and a plan," the man's smile turned devious.
"Tea? I remember that you preferred jasmine," Sinestra says stepping aside showing a table.
"That would be lovely," the man.
"Now then. What is this plan? It must be pretty bold for you to come all the way to America, Shigaraki," Sinestra says.
"Please just as you prefer Sinestra and Deathwing now. I prefer All For One," All For One replies. "Now let's talk about your daughter,"
~The Next Day~
"Tetsutestu-san! You're going to be late!" Kosei shouted as he knocked on the door. No response.
"What's up? Is Tetsutetsu-san not feeling well?" Neito asked seeing Kosei all but pounding on Tetsu's door.
"He's not answering and I know I heard him in there a bit ago," Kosei replied.
"Maybe he already left?" a gruff voice said.
"I don't think so Bronzebeard-san," Kosei said back.
"I could pick the lock," the three turned to see Togaru.
"Maybe you should," Kosei replied.
"I get a feeling that's a bad idea," Muradin said looking at the door.
"What's the worst it could be? Oh no, we see Tetsutetsu's junk? I don't want him late for the first day of heroics," Kosei said.
"Good god would you guy's shut up," A distinctly feminine voice growled out. The four students froze. Their eyes moved in tandem towards Tetsu's now open door. Except that definitely wasn't Tetsu standing in the doorway.
"Wha-" Kosei squeaked out.
"Move!" Izumi growled getting the four to jump away.
"Oh morning guys," Tetsutetsu said as he followed Izumi. "See you in class," he shouted back to the still frozen four.
"Was that Midoriya?" Togaru asked.
"Aye, it was," Muradin replied.
"And she was in Tetsutetsu's room?" Neito asked.
"Aye, she was," Muradin replied again.
"They were just hanging out right?" Kosei asked.
"Nay, I don't think they were," Muradin replied with a now red face.
"Why is everyone standing in the hall?" Jurota asked as he stared at the four frozen boys. "You all should be getting ready for class," he added.
~Heroics Class~
The day had dragged passed at a snail's pace for Izumi. But finally, it was time for Heroics. The class sat with bated breath. Everyone had heard how the Heroics teacher had retired last year so they were in for a new heroics teacher.
"I AM HERE!" The class froze. It couldn't be... could it? "COMING THROUGH THE DOOR LIKE A NORMAL PERSON!" All Might burst through the door in a very not normal way.
"ALL MIGHT!" the class roared.
"YES, IT IS I!" All Might said his voice booming through the room. "I AM YOUR NEW HEROICS TEACHER!"
"Finally a good teacher," Bakugo said.
"Must you yell?" Shota said stepping into the room.
"Aizawa-sensei? Why are you here?" Ochaco asked.
"He may be the number one but he doesn't actually have a teaching license. So an Actual teacher has to be present for his classes," Shota said giving a side glare at All Might.
"It is on my 'To Do' list," All Might replied. "Now then today will be the first step into heroics," All Might's smile widened. "Now each of you will draw a number," All Might paused for a moment as he held up a box. "Ah, young Stormstout if you would please," Chen nodded and took the box from All Might. "Thank you. Now the number you draw is important as it will match you to your partner for this exercise,"
"Sensei," Ochaco asked with a raised hand.
"Yes, Young Uraraka?" All Might said looking to the girl.
"What type of exercise is this?" Ochaco asked.
"I'm glad you asked. This will be Battle Training," All Might replied holding up a card with a stylized 'Battle Training' on it.
"Sensei," Hitoshi rose his hand.
"Another question, Fire away," All Might smiled.
"I understand you're trying for the randomness of the field with us choosing lots but that doesn't happen nearly as much as people think. In fact, a vast majority of heroes work in teams nowadays. Wouldn't it be better to have us pick our partners?" Hitoshi asked.
"Well analyzed young Shinso," All Might beamed. "While yes it is partially set to play off the randomness of hero work. It is also easier to have it done this way as those numbers don't apply to anyone in this class," The students paused. "You will be matched with the person who has the same number as you from Class 1-B. Which is where I just came from. They are currently heading to the changing rooms. As the next part of this will be done at Ground B. Once you've picked your number you may grab your case and go change," All Might finished as several pannels opened on the wall revealing their hero suitcases.
~Changing Room~
Izumi stared down at her hero suit. For the moment it was very plain. Consisting of only a pair of underwear, black scale pants, and a deep green scale shirt. All they had been able to synthesize from her scales and hair in a day. While impressive it felt lacking. Izumi looked to the other girls all changing into amazing suits while she was basically dressed as a civilian.
"Something wrong Green?" Kyoka asked.
"Just being petty don't worry about it," Izumi replied.
"Your hero suit not come out how you wanted?" Kyoka asked.
"It's not really a hero suit. I have to have my scales and hair used to make clothes that will change with me. And since they only took those after school yesterday I don't have much," Izumi explained.
"Sorry if this comes off as rude," Izumi and Kyoka looked to see one of the 1-B girls looking at her. If Izumi remembered right her name was Taelia "But why were you leaving our dorm this morning?"
"Right, might as well get this out of the way now," Izumi said loud enough from all the girls to hear her. "I'll just say it. I was having sex with Tetsutetsu-kun,"
"Wow pretty open about it," Itsuka said from her spot a crossed the room.
"I don't see a reason to hide it. Like my parentage. It would come to light eventually. This way you know and can deal," Izumi replied. "Oh, also I swing both ways so if any of you wanna fool around let's talk later,"
"You'd cheat on Tetsutetsu-san?" Ochaco asked.
"Not cheating we aren't dating. We just fool around when we are horny. Neither of us wants a relationship at the moment," Izumi replied as she started to change.
"So what if I wanted to have sex with you I just asked?" Kyoka said.
"Yup, wouldn't happen then and there but I would know you're interested and focus on getting to know you a little better before others," Izumi explained. "Why you wanna?" she added.
"Nah I like guys I was just wondering how you would deal," Kyoka asked.
"Gotcha," Izumi replied. The girls changed in silence after that. Izumi could tell she had more than one pair of eyes on her now. 'Oh, a few interested parties. I wonder who will ask first?'
~Ground B~
Two classes had gathered and waited for the next step. All Might, Eraserhead, Vlad King, Ojiro, and Tess stood before them. They seemed to be taking stock of their hero suits.
"You all look the part," All Might smiled. "Now then, take a moment and pair up with your matching number," Izumi looked down at her '13' then towards the crowd.
"Who's got nine?" Bakugo shouted.
"That's me," Neito said walking up.
"Thirteen?" Tetsutetsu shouted.
"Awesome," Izumi replied moving towards him.
"Sweet," Tetsutetsu smiled seeing Izumi was his partner. "We got the win in the bag,"
"I wonder how they will set up the Vs. random lots or if they picked while we changed," Izumi said.
"But wait! A twist," All Might called outright as the teams finished forming. "These aren't for teams of two. But of four," Eraser and Vlad both had a lot box. "As many of you noticed your number cards are one of two colors. That is your side. Red cards here, Blue cards there,"
"Once you've picked a number pair up again," Aizawa said tiredly.
"Wanna grab our number?" Tetsutetsu asked looking at their red cards.
"Sure I'll be right back," Izumi replied heading towards their box.
"Feels like a lot of pomp and circumstance," Neito said as he all but shoved passed Izumi. Only to fall on his ass when Izumi didn't budge.
"Next time try 'excuse me' instead of trying to shove someone," Izumi said down to Neito.
"Aizawa-sensei," Izumi said with a nod as she took another number.
"Whatcha get?" Tetsutetsu shouted.
"Seven," Izumi replied. Almost on cue, she heard someone call out.
"Seven!" Izumi smiled turning her attention.
"Shinso-kun," She called out.
"This just got fun," Hitoshi said walking towards Izumi with a grey-haired girl a step behind him.
"Cool Yanagi-san you're with us too," Tetsutetsu said with a toothy smile.
"It appears so," Reiko replied tiredly.
"You ok?" Izumi asked.
"Just didn't sleep well last night," Reiko replied trying to wave off Izmui's worry.
"Now then," All Might called out. "Now that the teams are set. We will have to pick sides,"
"You guys mind?" Izumi asked whiling putting her pointer fingers on her forehead as faux horns.
"I'm fine with it," Hitoshi replied.
"As long as I get to punch someone," Tetsutetsu laughed.
"I was hoping to. It will help us better understand them," Reiko replied.
"Sensei!" Izumi called out.
"Yes?" All Might replied not expecting anyone to call out before he could even finish his explanation.
"My team would like to volunteer to be Villains," Izumi said.
"Very well. Team Midoriya Villains," All Might said before looking at the class. "Anyone else want to volunteer?"
"Verily," a voice spoke. "My comrades have chosen to walk the darkened path,"
"Understood. Team Tokoyami Villains," All Might said. Once the two volunteer teams were written down All Might gave a pause to see if any others would speak up. When no one did he continued.
"I hope we can pick a location for this. I need a lot of space," Izumi said thinking of her dragon form.
"About that," Reiko said getting Izumi's attention.
"Didn't like it?" Izumi asked.
"Quiet the opposite. I thought your dragon form was very beautiful," Reiko replied.
"Oh... thanks," Izumi said as a light dusting of red crept onto her face. Hitoshi elbowed Tetsutetsu and pointed at Izumi. The steel teen nodded agreeing with the unasked question.
"Well, I think we've basically already decided," Hitoshi said.
"Yeah, You're the boss of this team," Tetsutetsu added.
"I think that would be best," Reiko finished.
"What? me?" Izumi said finally going beat red.
"You are ok with that?" Reiko asked.
"Yeah, I got it," Izumi smiled doing her best to push her blush away.
"Now then," All Might gained everyone's attention again. "Villains you will be given a packet. Within has several simulations and locations. You may pick one each. Once you've chosen speak to a teacher and they will lead you to the location,"
"What about the hero teams?" someone asked.
"Heroes will be given a dossier with information on each villain your team will be facing. These will contain the most basic information. So as not to give you too much advantage. You can of course request more information but the student will have to approve it," All Might explained.
"Sensei," Hitoshi rose a hand.
"Yes?" All Might replied.
"If possible can we refuse to give any information. Perhaps allow one student per team to be the new blood per se and their quirk is unknown," Hitoshi suggested.
"Hmm. To add the unknown to the match..." All Might paused sparing a glance at the other teachers. "I will allow for one member of the team since it's already decided that you won't know what heroes are coming for you,"
"Good idea," Izumi said.
"Hero or villain I'd want as few people as I can to know my quirk," Hitoshi explained.
"No, it makes sense," Tetsutetsu replied.
"Hey," the four looked to see Tess walking up with the packet. "Look it over and pick," Izumi nodded and took the packet.
"None of these places seem to be large enough for you," Reiko says as the group looks at page after page.
"Wait turn back one page," Hitoshi said stopped Izumi.
"This one?" Izumi asked.
"It has a large auditorium that we could use for you. If we pick a hostage mission we can keep them backstage and block off all but the main entrances," Hitoshi explained.
"What do you guys think?" Izumi asked looking to Reiko and Tetsutetsu.
"I like the location but I think the nuclear weapon scenario would be more up our alley," Reiko suggested.
"I was kinda leaning towards the drug deal ambush," Tetsutetsu countered.
"So we are good on location?" Izumi asked. All three nodded in agreement.
"So what scenario? we all want a different one," Hitoshi asked.
"Izumi-chan why don't you pick?" Tetsutetsu said.
"You two are closer than I thought," Reiko said with a side glance at Tetsutetsu.
"She doesn't like being addressed by her last name," Tetsutetsu replied.
"I will remember that," Reiko says.
"Well if you want me to pick," Izumi started ignoring the side conversation. "I think the hostages would work best. The drug and nuke ones only require the hero team to touch said items. the hostages must be removed from play. So if we keep them far from the doors it would mean the heroes' best choice would be capturing us. You guys ok with that?"
"I've got no issue," Tetsutetsu said.
"I agree. Your logic makes sense," Reiko adds.
"Well then let's go see our base," Izumi said getting the group to move towards the teachers.
"Decided already?" Shota asked.
"Yup Location Seven with Scenario Four," Izumi replied handing the packet over.
"Very well. Since you picked so quickly we will start with your team. Follow me," Izumi smiled as her group followed. This was going to be fun.
~End Notes~ I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. I know not a whole lot actually happened as it was mostly set up. The next chapter should be more entertaining... I hope at least.
