Midori the Phoenix
Chapter 7: Gigamachia's Revenge
The news of Karma's death spread like wildfire across the world. The villains claimed her as a Martyr, but the majority of the public saw her as a tragic figure. They saw a young and vibrant teenager who had been led down a dark path that destroyed her life. As for the child that was left behind, the police reported the existence of one, but refused to comment on its location, sex, or paternal parentage.
This, of course, allowed for rumors to spread about what truly happened to the Queen of Villains. Some believed that she didn't die at all and that the heroes were clueless where to find her. Others believed that the heroes that came to collect Karma had killed her in a horrific accident and were using the childbirth as an excuse. Some believed the truth, some sought out the truth and some just didn't care in the slightest.
Whatever the truth, it left a foul taste in Gigamachia's mouth. He'd hunted down the Queen of Villains for months only to be left with this unsatisfying moot point. With the girl dead, just what sort of revenge could he achieve for his master's humiliating defeat?
He went to the only person who could possibly help him. He went to the doctor.
"It was risky of you to find me here, Gigamachia." The Doctor scribbled down notes, his latest creations fermenting in their tubes. "You don't exactly blend in with a crowd."
"I don't know who else to turn to. My existence, everything I've ever done has been for my master." Gigamachia grumbles and sits down, the ground shaking with the weight and force of his movements. "I must avenge him. Tell me how I can avenge him."
"The Queen of Villains is dead by her own volition and lack of virtue." The Doctor told him and spun around in his chair. "If you truly want to serve your master, then you should serve his chosen disciple."
"NO!" He slammed his fist into the ground, shaking the room further and making the doctor panic as his experiments and concoctions threatened to fall and break. "I won't serve Shigaraki Tomura. He not only is an ill fit to lead, but he betrayed the master! He and his followers chose the Queen of Villains over him. I hate him, I won't serve him!"
"That may be true, but he's still the one your master chose to succeed him." The doctor sighed and righted everything. "If you truly want to avenge him, Gigamachia… then you should destroy what's left of Karma's legacy. She has a child, and I hear Tomura plans to raise that child himself and make him his future successor. You should prevent that from happening, because if there's one thing I've learned from the master, is that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. That kid will be the death of the League of Villains, mark my words."
"Where can I find the child?" Gigamachia slowly got to his feet.
"Shigaraki and Dabi have him hidden somewhere in Tatooin where his mother is from." He hands Gigamachia a map and circles the apartments in question. "Be thorough, and just destroy the whole building. No point in mourning the lives of civilians in that area… they'll just get in the way if you try to spare them."
"yes… I shall destroy it all. I will destroy Karma's Legacy."
~U.A. Dorms~
Several months had passed subs the arrival of Baby Midoriya and the kids at U.A. had become accustomed to having her live with them in the dorm. They all took shifts after class, taking the time to learn how to change a diaper, bathe her, bottle feed her, burp her, and whatnot. Bakugo was the only one who refused to participate in any of it. He stayed as far away from the baby as he possibly could, and did his best to ignore her very existence.
No matter what anyone said or how hard they tried to convince him, he was bound determined to keep his distance. On a beautiful Sunday morning, He spent all morning training, and building up his muscle. Their second year Sports Festival was only a few weeks away and he was doing all he could to improve his techniques and quirk application. Since his first year at U.A, He'd grown several inches to put himself at a solid 5'10". Todoroki, unfortunately, still had him beat in height, but Bakugo was certain that his strength and agility still far outweighed half n' half. With his daily regimen completed, he was looking forward to spending a quiet Sunday in his room and away from all the chaos and annoyance. He wiped the sweat from his brow and he jogged up the steps to the dorm entrance.
As he opened the front door, he took a swig of his water, and paused when he heard a faint cooing sound at his feet. He glanced down, and his temple throbbed with irritation at seeing Baby Midoriya crawling across the floor, unattended, and making a beeline for the open door.
"Just where do you think you're going, squirt?" He slammed his boot down in front of her, careful not to actually step on the kid. He fully expected the girl to cry, and throw a hissy fit, but she merely looked startled and glanced up at him with big innocent eyes.
They stare at each other for a long time in silence, and then suddenly Midoriya pushed herself up, sitting flat on her butt. She lifted her hands up to him making nonsense baby noises.
"Tch," irritated that she wasn't the least bit scared of him, Bakugo crouched down and stared furiously into her eyes. "Forget it, kid, I'm not picking you up." He held up his hand, explosions popping along his palm. She was startled again, but instead of being afraid her big green eyes lit up and she clapped her hands in applause.
"Baba, Baba!"
"Augh will you just cry, yah stupid midget?" Bakugo let out an aggravated sigh and bowed his head. This kid was too stupid to even get scared when he threatened her. "Fine, whatever." He hoisted her up, the girl letting out a squeal of delight and immediately took a firm grip on his t-shirt. "Where the hell are your babysitters at, so I can beat the crap out of them for leaving you alone?"
He walked into the common room, and his irritation grew when he found Kirishima, Mineta, and Kaminari all sprawled out on the floor, surrounded by baby toys and essentials. Kishima had bows in his hair, Mineta was curled up with a pacifier in his mouth, and Kaminari snored loudly, a teddy bear in the crook of his arm.
"Useless morons…" He looked down at the kid. "Well what should I do with them? Any suggestions, midget?"
"Ba! Ba!" She held her hand out as if mimicking his explosions and then giggled in response to her own idea. Bakugo couldn't help himself, He smirked evilly and lifted up his free palm.
"That's just what I was thinking…" He crouched down setting his hand right next to Kaminari's ear, and then let loose an explosion. The loud noise made Kaminari yelp and roll, his body colliding with Mineta and Kirishima's and his electricity sparing out of control for a hot minute.
Midoriya laughed and applauded the light show.
"Whey… .what happened?" Kaminari sat up letting out a smoky breath.
"Bakugo? Geez!" Kirishima got to his feet. He frowned at the amused look on his friend's face. "That wasn't funny, yah know."
"Yeah you jerk!" Mineta waved his fist. "You could have hurt the baby."
"Hard to do that when she's right here you idiot." He motioned to the laughing baby in his arms. Kaminari looked down at the roasted Teddy Bear in his hands and made a face before tossing it aside.
"Right, our bad." He laughed. "Mr. Aizawa woke all of us up super early because she was fussing. Said that he would add 50 points on our next quiz if we agreed to watch her for the day. We couldn't resist."
"I'm not sure who's the bigger idiot, you guys for accepting that deal, or Aizawa for actually trusting you." He holds Midoriya out. "Humph, but whatever… just take the kid and don't fall asleep this time. From the smell of it I'd say she needs a diaper change so get to it."
"Again!?" Kaminari groaned. "Oh man that's like the 100th time today."
"Do we have any more paper towels left?" Kirishima asked holding his arms out for Midoriya. Bakugo suddenly pulled her away and glared at him.
"Why would you fools need paper towels to change a diaper?"
"Well we ran out of baby wipes and diapers. So we've just been using papertowels to-" Kaminari started to explain.
"HAH!?" Bakugo grabbed him by the front of his shirt and shook him. "ARE YOU TRYING TO GIVE THE KID A RASH? WHAT THE HELL KIND OF PARENTING TECHNIQUES HAVE YOU FOOLS BEEN LOOKING UP? NEVER MIND! OUT OF MY WAY, EXTRAS!"
Bakugo stormed past them and into the baby's room. He grabbed the sink tub, towels, and a fresh change of clothes then went into the kitchen.
"One of you losers bring me two t-shirts, and they better be clean!" He filled the sink tub with warm water, making sure the temperature wouldn't be too hot for her. He then stripped the kid down before setting her inside the tub and began bathing her. Kirishima came back with two plain white t shirts, and watched in awe as Bakugo patiently and competently cleaned the baby, and then dried her off.
"Wow, man, I never pegged you to be so good with kids. Most of the time you yell and scream and make them cry."
" Believe me I tried. This stupid kid isn't afraid of me." He laid her out and ripped up the t shirt folding it into a triangle. He put baby lotion and powder on her, so she was nice and fresh, then folded the shirt into a makeshift diaper then put on the All Might onsie he'd found. "There. Go grab the stroller and the kid's diaper bag. We're loading up and going out to buy more supplies."
"Great idea, but I'm due they guys and I can handle it from here. You don't have to force yourself to come with us."
"Like I'd leave you losers alone with the kid after the shit you just pulled." Bakugo snarled.
"Okay, okay, it's just, well you seemed so determined to ignore her before. I just didn't think you cared."
Bakugo looked down at the baby, her eyes bright and hands stretched out waiting for someone to pick her up. Bakugo set his teeth.
"Shut up, I just don't want you morons to get in trouble for not taking proper care of her. The moment we get back from shopping you're on your own again." He picked up Midoriya and shoved her back at Kirishima. "Come on, I don't have all day!"
Midoriya fussed, stretching her arms out to Bakugo as he left the room. Sure whimpered and whined when she got ignored and started to cry.
"There, there,Midoriya…" Kirishima nuzzled and bounced her. "I know you like Bakugo, but he'll be right back." He carried her into her room and gathered up the stuff Bakugo told him to get. He set her in the stroller and picked up an All Might doll waving it in front of her.
Her teary eyes eyed the doll and she reached out to take it. Kirishima smiled thinking that did the trick and then flinched back when she threw the doll in his face.
"Hey! Geez this is so not manly."
~Meanwhile~
Kota pushed Eri on the swing as the two of them played on the playground near the apartment complex they were currently living in. Both of them had become accustomed to living with villains, for the most part, but Touya… or Dabi as he was calling himself... had made it clear that if at any point they couldn't handle being around the villains, then they could leave at any given point.
Kota knew he'd be welcomed back with the Wild, Wild Pussycats despite all he'd done, but Eri had nowhere else to go. Eri was still afraid of Chisaki and had told him she didn't want to go back to that house.
And who could blame her?
So despite his fears, despite his lack of trust in Tomura and the other people in the league, he'd tough it out for Eri's sake, and keep her safe.
"Kota…" Eri murmured his name and dragged her feet to stop the swing. "Do you think, Izumi would have wanted this?"
"No," Kota replied, holding the ropes of the swing just above her hands. "Izumi didn't want this for us. She didn't want us to get involved with her work with the villains. It's why she kept us far away and safe in England for as long as she did."
"So how come Touya brought us here?" She bowed her head, a tear slipping down her cheek. "How come we have to be around scary people like that? How come he's letting that Tomura guy tell him what to do?"
"I don't know… but I think it's because, he doesn't now what else to do." He let go and sat on the swing next to hers. "He's not himself Eri… something in him broke when Izumi died."
"Our family broke…" Eri bowed her head and sniffed. "It's all my fault."
"Huh? What makes you say that? It's no one's fault, Eri, especially yours!"
"It's because Izumi went out of her way to get help from Professor Shield. She asked him to make me a device to help me control my quirk, but instead he told the heroes."
"Dabi still got the device for you," He motioned to her new cuffs which looked like pretty silver bracelets rather than restraining tools. "David Shield is gonna pay for betraying Izumi, Dabi said so."
"That's not the point, Kota, the point is once again my quirk has done nothing but hurt people. Why should I learn to control it when-"
"Eri!" Kota got up and grabbed her shoulders. "Stop it. I told you this isn't your fault, none of it is! Izumi knew the risks of telling David but she did it anyway because she wanted to help you. David Shield didn't have to make your device, but he did anyway because he knew Izumi wouldn't ask him unless it was important. That's not how the heroes found us, that's not why Izumi died, so stop blaming yourself!"
Eri sniffed and stare up at Kota, startled and scared still. He sighed heavily and pulled back to look at his hands.
"I hate quirks, I hate this whole society based on quirks. Heroes Vs. Villains, people hurting and killing each other… it's all so stupid." He clenched his fists. "Izumi hated it too. All she ever wanted to do was help people, no matter who they were. She didn't judge people by whether they were heroes or villains or normal people. She wanted to help everyone. She wanted to help you, and she did."
He lifted his head and looked her in the eyes. A confident and bold expression spread on his face.
"Dabi's doing what he can because Izumi's not here... but we are. We should use our quirks to help other people and to make Izumi's dream a reality. That's what she would want from us, Eri. She would want us to use our gifts to help others."
"Mmmm…" Eri smiled and nodded, holding her right wrist and admiring the bracelet. "You're right… thanks Kota."
"You're welcome." He grinned at her and held out his hand. "Come on, I'm getting hungry. Let's go inside and get some lunch."
"Okay…" She ignored his hand and instead just hugged him tight. "Thanks, Kota."
"Uh.. yeah…" he blushed and hugged her back. "Don't mention it."
~Bakugo~
"WILL YOU IDIOTS STOP GOOFING OFF!" Bakugo snarled as Kaminari and Mineta play dress up with Midoriya. "I swear you two are like a couple of girls the way you fuss like that."
"Aww come on Kaaaa-chan." Kaminari teased and lifted up a frilly pink dress. "Every girl deserves to look cute, even a miniature one."
"Don't call me that!" Bakugo shoved the dress in his face and he glared down at Midoriya. She had the oddest look on her face… a sort of wide eyed stare that made him feel like she was looking right into him. "...and you!" He crouched and pointed a finger at the girl. "Stop looking at me like that."
"Ka….Ka….Ka-cha!"
Bakugo tensed up and his red eyes widened. He watched the smile bloom on her face, and he was suddenly thrown back in time.
~Flashback~
"INKO!" Mitsuki Bakugo waved to the green haired woman sitting on the bench. "I thought that was you."
"Mitsuki," Inko Midoriya smiled up at her friend. "It's been a long time, how have you been?"
"Pretty good, I take it that husband of yours is still doing the overseas gig?" Mitsuki placed a hand on her son's head before he could wander off. "You remember my son, Katsuki?"
"Oh, I haven't seen him since he was a baby." Inko beamed. "Hello again, Katsuki-kun."
"Hi…" Katsuki grumbled and looked up at his mother with a frown. "Can I go play now? I don't wanna listen to you two talk anymore."
"Excuse you?" Mistuki squished his cheeks together making him wriggle and pull away.
"Why don't you keep my Izumi company, Katsuki-kun?" She pointed a finger out towards the playground. "That's her in the sandbox."
"Oh, how cute is she?" Mistuki ogled the adorable pigtailed girl currently building a sandcastle. "Go on, Katsuki." Mitsuki shoved him in her direction. "Go introduced yourself."
"Tch… fine…" Bakugo shoved his hands in his pockets. Anything was better than listening to two old hags talk. He crossed the playground, giving a longing glance to some older boys kicking a soccer ball around. He knew if he went in that direction without at least saying hi to the girl, then his mother would give him hell. So he made his way to the girl, and stood over her. "Hi."
"Eh?" Izumi's head shot up from her work and she offered a sweet and shy smile. "Um, hello."
"Okay listen," Katsuki crouched so that they were eye level. "My mom told me to play with you, but I really want to play soccer so-"
"Oh?" She glanced back at their mothers, saw them watching and then looked back at the boy. "You don't have to play with me if you don't want to. I'm used to being by myself."
"Good, then bye." He stood up and turned around. Something fell out of his pocket and Izumi immediately picked it up and stood.
"Hey, wait you dropped-" She then saw what she was holding and gasped. "Oh wow! Is this an All Might Keychain?"
"Huh?" Bakugo patted his pockets down and he grit his teeth and held his hand out for it. "Hey that's mine! Give it back"
"I know, it fell out of your pocket." She held it out to him. "How many times did you put a quarter into the machine to get one? I tried a bunch of times, but I keep getting other heroes. I like those ones too but All Might is my favorite. He's just so cool!"
Bakugo took his keychain back, eyed it and then the sparkling look in the girl's eyes. She suddenly was so vibrant and cute talking about All Might. Her excitement made him excited too and he found himself smiling.
"Well yeah! Only idiots don't like All Might. He's the best hero in the world."
"He is!" Izumi giggled and bounced a bit "I've watched his debut video hundreds of times! I want to be a hero just like him!"
"Me too!" Bakugo got in close… and suddenly blushed when he realized how close they were. Her smile was so… bright.
"My name is Izumi MIdoriya. What's your name?"
"Ka...Ka…" he swallowed hard, not sure why he was suddenly tongue tied.
"Ka?" She giggled at that. "That's cute." Her smile softened into one of pure affection. "It's nice to meet you, Kacchan."
~End of Flashback~
"Bakugo… .Oi! BAKUGO!" Kirishima waved a hand in front of his face and then shook him. Bakugo jerked up and away.
"Don't touch me! I can't breathe in this crowd! I'm getting some air!" He whirled away and stormed out of the department store. The minute he was outside he took a long deep breath to get air back in his lungs. The pain in his chest exploded before he could stop it and he brushed tears away."Damn you, Usagi… still trying to shove your way in where you don't belong. Leave me the fuck alone!"
"SOMEONE HELP!"
Bakugo glanced up as a rush of people came panicking down a street.
"Villain! There's a villain attacking an apartment complex! There's elderly and children still inside! Please someone help!"
A few blocks down Kota looked out the window of their apartment building as it rumbled and shook. The base started to teeter and peoples were running out and screaming for heroes.
"I didn't sign up for this!" The teenage blonde babysitter that had been hired to look after them grabebd her phone and purse and rushed out. "You brats are on your own!"
"Ah, Hey!" Kota shouted at her and stumbled when the building rocked again. Eri stopped Finnick's stroller from tipping over, the baby boy crying not knowing what was going on.
"Kota what do we do?"
"We need to get out of here, grab what you can! I'll call Touya and-" He flinched as the building shook again. "HURRY!"
"Destroy the legacy… destroy Karma… do it for the master." Gigamachia pound his fist in again the building leaning off to the right and looking ready to tip over with one more solid hit. "AVENGE THE MASTER!"
~Ask Briry~
Briry: Uh-oh Spaghettios! Action is imminent! Stay tuned!
Next Chapter: Bittersweet Memories