Well damn. This was a beast of a chapter to start a new arc. I want to thank Bearshark, Viral, DrZenkai, and Galileo for their help in beta-reading and brainstorming.
I actually rewrote a few scenes that ended up not making sense in the end. I think this is really hitting its stride, however. I made several changes to the established canon, but it's for the sake of the story and the characters. This will be a three-part arc with a lot of moving parts, but I hope it still reads well. There's a lot of set up but also some pay-off and happenings throughout.
Sorry for the delay on Walk. I hit a snag on it, so I'm further behind then desired. However, I adjusted my approach a bit and it will still be released by the end of the month, hopefully. Then I'll go back to alternating. I wanted to get chapters out for certain days: One for Kendou's birthday, one for Momo's and finally, one for Setsuna's.
I put a lot of effort and love into this. I hope you all enjoy. Let me know what you all think.
Have a lovely weekend and Happy Momo day.
—-
The news played in the background of the Kendou household's kitchen. Things had been tense in the wake of the villain attack. Two students were missing, most of 1B was in critical condition due to a gas quirk, and three villains were in police custody. Damage to the surrounding mountain area had luckily been minimized, but public outcry over another failure on UA's part to keep students safe had opened up some old wounds and was slowly shaking public opinion to its core.
The death of Loud Cloud decades earlier had been dredged up again, with blood in the water and a frenzied public demanding answers ahead of a planned press conference by school staff. Itsuka turned off the TV and gripped her bag. "I'm headed out, mom. I've got a busy day. I've got to swing by the hospital but I'll be back."
"Aren't you headed out early?" Hizatsu casually took a sip of coffee as her daughter prepared herself. Kenta was busy working on a client's car that had been dropped off overnight, so he would eat later.
"I…I need to tell Kosui about Dokuga. She has the right to hear about it from me. It's still…surreal. Bad enough that I'm related to a villain. I babysat one and went to middle school with one."
"It's gotta be tough, Itsy. Sorry to hear. I can't say I'm not the least bit weary of UA after all this, but your brother has tried vouching for them. Anyway, be careful, and tell Momo I said hi. Have her bring her parents next time."
"I mean, I do have something to talk about with her anyway…so she'll be by soon." Itsuka bashfully poked her fingers together, feeling lighter than air as she thought back to those soft lips that made even blood taste sweet.
"Oh? Did you ask her out yet?" Hizatsu smirked. She could tell something was on her daughter's mind these past few days, aside from current events. There was more of a flush to her daughter's cheeks now.
"Mom! There was a villain attack! That said…we did…kind of confess to each other? Twice…" Itsuka rolled her eyes and had her own coffee, but paused to consider things more. Her mother was bound to figure things out eventually, but first it was up to Momo and herself to do just that.
Hizatsu guffawed. She knew it. She had always hoped for it, given how close the two were. It was something. "Ok. You are definitely bringing her over. We need to take a new version of the leather jacket photo. This time, I won't be rocking the Chelsea Hawk, but it will be nice to have one with you and your girlfriend."
"We haven't started using the g word yet. Were just…dealing with the aftermath first." Itsuka got more bashful, avoiding eye contact with her mom.
Hizatsu reached across the table and held her child's hand, smiling at her. "Yeah. Sorry about your class, especially Tokage. She sounded like a blast. I hope they rescue her."
"Same. I should get going though. Love you, mom. I'll give Momo your regards." Itsuka got up, finishing her coffee before giving her mom a kiss on the cheek.
Hizatsu returned the favor and rustled her daughter's hair, sending the teen on her way. "Please do. And bring her over for your birthday. We'll have her favorite: my world famous donburi!"
"Yum. What about mine, though?" Itsuka laughed.
"Eh, you're living here for free," she winked. "Go see Momo. I'll make sure dinner is ready when you get back. We'll have Shogayaki for your birthday."
"I'll hold you to that. See you later."
She watched as her daughter stepped out of the door, taller and more confident, yet burdened with the weight of all that happened.
She had come a long way from drinking soda near the pinball machines at Viper's bar, or acting out all her mom's fights as a toddler. She looked at an old photo of herself, pregnant with Itsuka while her son and husband both doted on her and Harley nipped around her heels. They still all had leather jackets on. Some things never changed.
X
Itsuka knocked on the door of a small apartment. The trip had been a short detour, but a necessary one. A grouchy teenage voice spoke from the other side of the door.
"What do you wa…Kendou?"
Itsuka leaned on the doorframe, offering a calm expression. "Hey…It's been a while. I wanted to talk to you. You probably talked to the police and saw the news. Thought you might prefer a friend instead."
"I'd prefer to shut out the world right now but come on in. I'm actually glad you came." Kosui sighed, walking past the tiny kitchen set up as she led Itsuka to the sitting room. Several wig styling heads sat atop a tall bookshelf, which was filled with fashion magazines and materials. The entire apartment smelt like a perfume department, hints of lavender and citrus filled the air.
"I blame myself in a way. I was his babysitter. I could have set a better example. But I tried playing vigilante middleman and I screwed up big time."
"Girl, how many times are you going to blame yourself for the School Dance incident?" Kosui sighed, her perfume turning more pungent to match her mild agitation. She waved a hand dismissively at the self-abuse her friend was piling on herself.
"It was my fault." Itsuka defended, her face taking on a lucid appearance. "I've been living my life better ever since, partially to make up for it."
Kosui looked at the clock, some vintage thing she got from a secondhand shop. She had stolen it but Itsuka had ended up paying for it out of pocket, voluntarily. It was irritating at first, but it soon came to be one of the qualities the former Sukabon cherished most about her friend. She spoke, sharing her own feelings.
"Ok, yeah. You meddled, and broke the law by using your quirk. Your big bro vouched for you and you got a second chance. Besides, we did kind of make it harder for you, encouraged you to be less of a 'goody two-shoes' and it ended up pushing Kairi away, nearly killed some of us, and…what it did to Dokuga. I'm partially to blame too. I was his big sister. I was supposed to be a good example. I should have protected him. He ended up worse than me."
Itsuka thought, then smiled at the same clock, remembering fonder times, both before and after the incident. It was a learning experience, not a cross to bear. Perhaps she had grown more than she had thought. Momo and Sora would most likely agree, even if the former didn't exactly know all the details.
Itsuka sighed and relented, realizing Kosui had a point. "Perhaps we are both feeling too sorry for ourselves. I hear you and the rest of the old gang have turned your lives around."
"Yeah. I'm still not doing the best. I'm seeing tutors, but some things just don't stick. Honestly, I think I'm still stuck in the past. Yesterday's scents and all. I like what she's doing though. Film making sounds fun. I kind of want to be an actor…or like, a cosplayer. I don't know where to start." Kosui lamented. She could feel her body trembling in frustration. She couldn't help but think how things could have turned out if she had made different choices.
Itsuka reflected on the girl's words, turning them over in her head before something clicked. "Hey! It's a long shot, but maybe that internship I did wasn't entirely a wash. I'll see if I can serve as a reference. You might not be able to work as a sidekick to Uwabami, but I can see if she can give some social media tips or put in a good word for you and Eiga."
"You would do that for a nobody like me?" Kosui looked up in amazement.
"Nah. But I would do it for an old friend. Two of them, in fact." Itsuka grinned, receiving one in return.
"Damn, Fisty. I appreciate you so much. I could kiss you, but I heard there's someone else you're saving your lips for," the girl said with a wink. Those feelings were fleeting, if they were ever stronger than a hormonal charged smooch.
Itsuka put a hand in Kosui's face to shut her up. It felt like old times. "Shush. That's my business. I'm on my way to see her now, actually. I just wanted to check in on you, and also apologize."
"Didn't I tell you not to beat yourself up over that?" Kosui pouted.
"Not that. Dokuga was one of the villains that attacked us…he shot one of my friends multiple times but we both managed to knock him out." Itsuka shook her head, laughing slightly. Kosui shrugged, smiling to herself. It was pained but resigned at the same time.
"I mean, he kind of deserves it…but yeah. Thanks for apologizing."
"You can punch my bro if it helps." Itsuka offered.
"No way. Sora's pretty. I could never. I'd probably break my hand." Kosui scoffed, happy that any possible tension had cleared away. It felt like a clean slate in some ways, without forgetting the past. She punched Itsuka's arm playfully.
"I'll be sure to tell him that." Itsuka punched back with a playful grin. She had been prepared for tension but it felt clear now. There was probably more to talk about, but they could catch up later.
"Don't you dare!" The buzzcut girl shouted in embarrassment. Itsuka politely held up her hands and smiled, then mimed zipping her lips.
"Nah. Your secret is safe with me."
"It's no secret. He's fucking dreamy." Kosui blushed, wiggling her eyebrows.
"Ack!" Itsuka gave an exaggerated gag, throwing a cushion at her friend. "Eeew. I'm leaving. Text me if you need anything."
"Pffft. As if. See ya, Kendou." Kosui waved her friend off flippantly? Trying to appear far more aloof than she actually was.
Itsuka got up and headed for the door but soon felt a pressure against her body. Toned arms wrapped around her torso and squeezed, pulling her in for a hug.
"I fucking missed you, slappy." The girl with the shaved head smiled as tears ran down her cheeks.
Itsuka looked fondly towards the other girl and ran a hand over her shaved head. "I missed you too, baldy. I gotta run. Going to see my girl. You should check in on some of the others yourself. Fanshawa's been worried. Anyway, Peace."
"Oh? Yeah…Is that so? I suppose she would…enough about me. Get going. Go see your babe. I've got some styling to do."
As they separated from each other's embrace, they both gave each other the finger and smiled, knowing full well that they could rely on each other, even after so long apart. That was only a fraction, however, of what was forged beyond Itsuka and Momo.
X
The train pulled into the station, a phone call between a girl and her parents having ended. The latter could barely keep her head lifted as the gravity of the situation, as well as that of her own emotions, pushed down on her.
She had healed from the syringe in her thigh but was still feeling drained, thinking back to the boy she most admired. When he started dating someone else, and others saw him in a similar light, she wanted to be happy, and yet all it did was break her heart. However, seeing Izuku completely shattered in body and spirit broke her even more.
"What do I even do?" Ochako thought to herself.
"Hey." A monotone, feminine voice came from behind and brought her out of her own mind like a whip crack.
Ochako squeaked as she jumped, levitating a little before coming back to Earth as she looked at the girl who greeted her. Brown eyes met blue as the gravity girl came face to face with Yui.
"Oh, um…Kodai. What's up? You're visiting the hospital too?" The girl scratched at one of her rosy cheeks as her frazzled nerves started to come back together.
Yui nodded sagely. "Mmhm. Can we talk?"
Ochako was caught off guard for a bit, but was able to regain her composure. It wasn't everyday that she heard the quietest kid in the other class speak up.
"Sure. What's up?"
Yui got straight to the point, gazing at the other girl with sorrowful eyes, thinly veiled by an otherwise vacant expression. "Tokage."
Ochako was taken aback slightly by the bluntness, but she had learned to cope with it from hanging around Todoroki and Tsuyu. Her heart sank as she once again recalled the events of that night. "Yeah. Sorry. I know she was a friend of yours and Deku's. She…I wish I could have saved her. I…"
Ochako felt a knot in her stomach. She felt jealous, and ashamed of that jealousy. "Kodai…I have a question. You don't have to answer if it's too much."
"Ask, please." Kodai stated in a short but gentle burst.
"Right. At the slumber party…on the second night…you seemed understanding so here it goes," Ochako looked around. Seeing nobody else, she took a deep breath, then asked something. "Have you ever felt jealous of someone for being close to a friend of yours? One you had feelings for but could never tell them?"
Yui stared blankly at Ochako, who was blushing and vulnerable, recoiling at her own words, as if her body was rejecting her own feelings. Ochako felt like she was being judged almost, as Yui wasn't exactly talkative or easy to read.
The quiet raven-haired girl thought back through her middle school days and the confusion of faceless fan clubs, to the sunlight she was basked in when she first attended UA. "I asked her out. She had feelings for someone else." Yui spoke up, averting her own gaze. "She was…the first one I had ever felt that way about, after wondering so long if there…was something wrong with me, and in the end, it did not transpire as I had hoped. It's not easy. And yet the words poured out with her. It still hurts…but I want her to be happy. Both of them…"
Ochako blinked a little, surprised by how eloquent and verbose Yui could be when she opened her heart. The gravity girl couldn't help but feel a little bit touched to have earned that privilege. "Yeah…I don't like feeling jealous towards a friend, especially over another friend. I just wish it was easier, you know? It felt nice and warm…those feelings, but over time they felt gross and I…I hate resenting people who don't deserve it. I want to apologize…to Deku…to Mina, and to Tokage. I was in denial for a while but…now that it's too late, I guess there's no point holding it in."
"Together." Yui patted the other girl's hand, doing her best to comfort her. They would be there for one another. "We'll tell them together."
"Yeah. Thanks. We should keep going." Ochako nodded, feeling slightly more Invigorated by the conversation as they walked.
"Sorry. I'm not very talkative. I understand though." Yui frowned.
"Well, thanks for talking to me. I appreciate it. And if you ever have trouble speaking, I'll talk for the both of us. I mean, if you want. I know we're not super close, but…" Ochako blushed as she started to speak vulnerably. As she went on, however, she found her energy levels snowballing as she spoke more confidently.
"Thank you…Uraraka." Yui gave a full smile, like an arrow through the heart.
The gravity girl took a moment to find her words, then responded. "Oh, um, you can call me Ochako. No reason we can't be on a first name basis. I am with the other girls. I suppose I should do the same with Tokage as well."
"Mmm."
Ochako stood there, reflecting on everything. Her failure to save someone, her inability to be open with her own feelings until it was too late, and her denial of said feelings to begin with.
Yui's voice picked up, carrying a little more energy to it as she beckoned her new friend with a smile. She had already ran two meters ahead. "Let's go, Ochako."
"Right. Coming." Ochako ran to catch up, feeling uncertain but a little bit better about what might come. She just hoped all would work out in the end.
X
The trip from Chiba to the hospital was faster than expected, though it did still take some time. Some meditation helped make it go by faster, however, as did the anticipation of checking in on her most cherished person.
Itsuka sat next to Momo's bed, having brought roses with her. On the way, she saw a few nurses coming from the direction of the room. She was sure she was about to find out, but she also could hazard a guess based on one Awase had explained to her.
"Hey, princess. You seem to be up and active."
"As much as I can be. Thank you, Itsuka."
"How are your injuries?"
Momo smiled pleasantly, reaching for the tea next to her hospital bed. "They were luckily fairly shallow. I'm still healing but I should be fine to go home soon. I…had the nurse bring coffee as well, by the way. I anticipated your visit, after all."
Itsuka nodded then looked at her hands. "I want to address it. All of it…the words we said, the way we feel…" She looked back up at Momo and inched closer.
"As do I. But you're worried about the timing, right? About declaring intent while your class is hospitalized and Tokage and Bakugou are missing." The raven-haired girl sat up in her bed, ebony locks cascading down her shoulders as her eyes met Itsuka's.
Itsuka slumped back into her seat, unable to bottle her emotions much longer. It was too late to do so anyway. They were already out there, and even reciprocated. "Yeah. Momo…I want to go out with you. I was planning to take you to the fireworks Festival, a proper date. You and me."
"I would like that. If…you want to start slow and small…I would like that. We did want to be cautious. Make sure we are sure of…"
"Momo…I was sure enough to utter those words and even more sure when we kissed. I know it's corny and probably sudden…but when all of this is settled…" Itsuka almost choked on her words. She felt like there was a bull migration of butterflies from her stomach to her heart. Still, she had come this far. She grabbed Momo's hands and smiled. "Momo Yaoyorozu, will you be my girlfriend?"
"Why, Itsuka Kendou…I thought you would never ask." The black-haired girl felt her face heat up as happy tears trailed down her cheek.
Itsuka kissed Momo's hand and reached up to stroke the girl's cheek, sharing a gentle smile. "Best news I heard all day. We'll tell the others when they're all with us. For now, we do our parts to be strong for everyone."
"Agreed. Oh, by the way, did you hear about that café that opened? Ashido was mentioning it a while back. Apparently some family friends are providing the funding and business space for it."
"Oh? What's it called?" Itsuka was curious. It could be a fun date idea. However, she also had a sneaking suspicion in the back of her mind.
"Elegant Wishes, I believe. It was apparently a small café that opened up not long after we parted ways as children. They're branching out to a larger location though, and apparently expanding clientele. "
Itsuka started to feel a bit uneasy, recalling something about the establishment, but deciding to hold her tongue, save for one tidbit of information.
"Why, Momo. I didn't know you were into maid cafes. I thought you would get your fill of that at home."
The raven-haired girl processed the information and nearly dropped her tea. "Wait, that's what it is? I…I suppose that makes sense with the name. A shame, really. It sounds cute. I don't quite get the appeal though."
"Ask Mineta."
"I refuse to talk to him. He's probably still sore from being thrown like a baseball."
"He should be. I had the best arm on the girl's team in middle school." Itsuka laughed gently before her entire tone shifted. It felt almost wrong to joke like this just yet. "Momo…I'm worried about Setsuna. She's one of my best friends and I'm scared for her, but I know I can't. I have to represent my classmates and do things properly."
Momo looked at her new girlfriend and frowned. "About that. There were some heroes here yesterday. They plan on rescuing those who were taken. I provided a tracker so they could find the villains. Apparently they might know where they're hiding out anyway." The raven-haired girl spoke, her eyes falling downwards as if her memories were being projected onto the hospital sheets.
Itsuka nodded, placing a hand on Momo's as she listened. "I see. I had a feeling. Awase told me about the device you had him plant on that Nomu thing. Plus he saw some pros come out of your room yesterday when he was discharged."
"I see. Yes, that's correct. All-Might was there, along with the police. Your brother was here too, apparently, but I must have been asleep at the time. I saw a card from him, as well as one from Mandalay. I wish there was more I could do to help, but I was assured that I was doing enough with providing the tracking device. I was even commended on my attitude," Momo explained, smiling gently. And yet, the girl seemed unsatisfied, something Itsuka could tell easily.
"Want to go for a stroll?"
Momo nodded, smiling more vibrantly. "Sure. I might need some help though. I'm feeling better, but my legs still feel a bit shaky."
"Place your hand in mine, then. I'll be your strength." Itsuka bowed like a prince as she spoke, a playful mischief to her words.
"Oh my. I feel honored to see this side of you. I'll make a cane though, at least until I gain my footing. We don't want our friends to know just yet.
Itsuka felt disappointed but couldn't argue with the logic. "You're the brains, Momo. Just remember, you can always lean on me if you need to."
"I know…and though I may not seem like much, you can always lean on me too. If you wish "
"I accept your kind offer. Let's mosey, love." Itsuka's teal eyes sparkled as she gazed at her closest friend.
Momo knew the timing was weird and that the situation was tense. She wished she had been able to do more, even after the reassurances of All-Might. And yet, in this moment, she was happy to be called "love".
"O-ok…D-darling." She blushed.
Itsuka laughed. "We might be laying it on a bit thick, haha. We'll get there though. Come on. Let's see how Midoriya is."
The two left the hospital room together to visit, keeping an eye out for hospital staff. Luckily, nobody minded. There was still an unease and uncertainty in the air, and the aftermath of that night was certainly adding up, but together, perhaps, the two girls could carry that weight.
X
Yui and Ochako had arrived just in time to see a swarm of students around Izuku's hospital bed. Momo was in the room as well, next to Itsuka.
Izuku could barely hold back the tears, feeling himself go to pieces as he reflected on that night. "My body couldn't move. It was all I could do to save Kota. My reflexes were so shot, I was almost there in Setsuna's place. Honestly, I should have been…"
Tokoyami averted his gaze and closed his eyes as he felt the guilt overtake him. Dark Shadow perched on his shoulder and eyed him worriedly.
Izuku continued, hot tears flowing down his face. "Two people…people I knew since childhood…were right in front of me and I couldn't do a damn thing."
Everyone looked upon the boy with concern, Mina making her way to the front. It was Kirishima, however, who had spoken first. "Then let's save them. Both of them."
Izuku let out a short gasp as his eyes widened. He craned his neck to look up at Kirishima, who continued to speak. Itsuka watched the situation and listened to the story, already knowing Momo's perspective.
"Todoroki and I visited yesterday. We felt kind of uneasy, so we came by and that's when we overheard Yaoyorozu talking to the pros about a tracking device."
"And you want her to produce another device for you?" Iida gritted his teeth, reflecting on his own actions on the day Stain was spotted in Hosu, when three Nomu terrorized the city. "I talked to Yaoyorozu…I checked on her yesterday after that, as we're both friends and student council members. She told me what All-Might said: That we should leave it to the pros. This isn't the place for us to act, you reckless idiots!"
"Do you think we don't know that? When I heard my friend had been targeted, and I couldn't do anything, I felt worthless. Who am I as a man or a hero if I just stand by and do nothing? I've done it before. I can't do that again!"
"Jeez, dude. Keep it down. It's a hospital. I know how you feel but…maybe Iida has a point here?" Kaminari managed to eke out, trying to calm his friend.
Behind him, Mina stood by helplessly as she saw Kirishima's pain and frustration, looking to Izuku as well, as he held back the tears."Izuku…Kiri…"
As the pink girl struggled with what to say for once, Itsuka scanned the room, trying to get a read on things as she formulated her own stance on all of this. It certainly hit close to home, more than most could ever know.
Tsuyu was similarly apprehensive about the proposal, to put it lightly. "Kirishima, I can't agree with what you're saying. I know we want our classmates back, but we're not pros. If we break the law to get what we want, aren't we no better than the villains? We can't let emotions like pride cloud our judgment on this, ribbit."
"Tsu…You're a good friend and I get your concerns…but that's horseshit." Todoroki spoke up, giving his own blunt assessment of things. "Are we to just shut up and await orders? To wait our turn while our schoolmates are in danger?"
"YES! Do you not recall…" Iida felt himself getting agitated at both Izuku and Todoroki especially for even entertaining the idea, but restrained himself. He refused to forget his last visit to a hospital. "Kendou. You're 1B's class president. Surely you agree."
An antsy Monoma stepped in, weighing in with his own thoughts. "Oh? Is 1A here to lecture us on what to do when most of our class was put into the hospital in some way shape or form?" Monoma retorted, hands trembling as he started to lose his cool. Itsuka, however, placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. No chop or slap. Just a gentle application of pressure was all she needed.
Itsuka had heard quite enough. She doubted she could put this to bed so easily, especially as her own thoughts were so conflicted. However, she could not avoid answering. Even if she put it off, she knew the question and the pressure it exuded would get to her eventually, and her class's resident shit-kicker was only making it worse. "Monoma, that's quite enough. Perhaps Iida is right. I…have had experience with vigilante behavior before, and its repercussions. Ashido and Kirishima probably remember local news about the School Dance incident…and how one student's interventions made it worse."
Kirishima felt his throat go dry as he remembered hearing about it from a middle school friend. Mina had seen it on the news at a local cafe when it happened and was now hanging anxiously on her fellow Chiba native's every word.
Everyone was silent, listening intently to Itsuka now. Only Momo, Izuku, and Reiko noticed her shaking. "As for my class, Tetsutetsu is resting from being shot point-blank by a kid I babysat and most of our class is in no state to put it to a vote, like yours is. Forgive me if I'm not appreciative of an appeal to authority right now, Tenya Iida. I just…need to process this still, this whole mess."
Iida stood in silence, then averted his gaze, biting his lip in agitation. The atmosphere of the room had gotten much heavier. Monoma, on the other hand, was in utter awe, admiring his classmate's resolve.
"Madame president, can I shake your hand? That was awesome. Besides, I could end up expelled for going along."
"Monoma?" Itsuka blinked before putting her head in her hand. She drew an exasperated breath as she thought to herself. "Of course he's in."
The blonde boy started. "It's funny, I would normally condemn your class for kicking up trouble, soaking up accolades, shining when we can't. The thing is, we did get the spotlight. We have people in this class who showed how great they can be…and one of them is being held captive. 1A and 1B are sister classes, and now we share similar pain. If some of your class is going, ours is too. And I'll be among them." Monoma spoke up, a gentle fury brewing beneath his smile. Even deeper below that were pain and fear, but he pushed through.
"You're coming with us?" Kirishima blinked.
"Of course. Would it make sense for someone who named themselves 'Phantom Thief' to whinge about lawlessness while playing at being a dashing rogue? I am a thief for justice. I take quirks, borrow them really. Then I use them to help those in need, and I carry a watch because I always make time to help. Right now, two of our schoolmates are in danger, and I might as well march over to the Hero Commission and register under a new hero name, because what the hell kind of Phantom Thief am I? Certainly not a shapeshifter at Poe's Masquerade. Just a loudmouth fraud and a coward who sits alone while his friends are comatose or captive. If you want to stop me, be my guest, Asui. You too, Iida. We take care of our own. Do you?"
Itsuka rolled her eyes. Of course he had to stir the pot, then dramatically tip it over. Still, she couldn't disagree with his convictions. Suddenly, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder as someone else gave their own opinion.
Momo cleared her throat. "If I may speak for a moment, I must agree with Iida, to a point. Tensions are high. I am frustrated as well. I wanted to do more but I know this is the best I can do. If I must play a supporting role, it's better than no role at all. I must also agree with what Itsuka has said. We are all hurting right now. We can't act rashly. Even if we did act, we would need a solid plan, measures and countermeasures on top of that. The pros are prepared in a way we are not. We have months of experience in comparison to their years."
Itsuka nodded, as did Iida, who felt himself calm down a bit. The room still maintained its forlorn atmosphere, however. Ochako looked like she was about to throw up, not from the gravity of her quirk but from that of the situation. She kept it down long enough to carefully work through her thoughts.
"I still don't know how to feel, fully. I mean…I do. I feel guilty…powerless even…but that's why…maybe Iida has a point. We've already been through a lot. I do want to help. I want everyone back, safe and sound, but we're just starting out. Is this the right way to go about this?"
Yui looked over at Ochako, who seemed divided on the whole thing. She knew the inner conflict, the indecisiveness, the urge to bury one's feelings for others sakes or out of fear of failure, only for it to backfire. "Right or wrong, I'll go for both of us."
At this, Ochako felt her spine tingle but she couldn't sort out why, or what the strangeness in her chest was.
Reiko nodded, noticing that the trio that fought Dabi was all on board. "We don't do this out of vengeance for our classmates. If Setsuna is an unknown variable, we don't even know if the villains will keep her alive. We're going to have to act fast and decisely."
"You see that, Midoriya? You're not alone. Together, our hands can still reach them!" Kirishima gave a pleading smile as he reached out a hand for his green-haired classmate.
With that, the lines were drawn, with all but one possible participant remaining. Izuku thought for a moment and got up.
"There's someone else I need to talk to. Yaoyorozu, Kendou…did you want to talk to Jirou first or should I?"
Momo spoke on behalf of Itsuka and herself. "...Go on ahead. We'll catch up." Itsuka merely followed up with a nod.
Before the green-haired boy could leave his room, however, the room was brought to attention once more.
"Do you hear yourselves? I'm glad there are some voices of reason here, but they do not seem to be getting through to those who wish to go…None of you get it. I can understand your passion and concern, but we're still just students. UA is in a bad position as is. It's not just the staff that reflects the school. It's us. Don't you understand?"
Izuku stepped out of his bed and into the conversation, hoping to soothe his friend's doubts. "Iida, it's not like we don't care about the rules either, but we can't just…" The green-haired boy was caught across the jaw by a punch from his friend, sending him towards the ground, only for a shocked Mina and Ochako to run to his aid. Before anyone, including Izuku himself, could ask "What the hell?", Iida lashed out at his friend.
"You don't think I'm frustrated too, Midoriya? That I'm not concerned for our schoolmates? That me or Asui or anyone dissenting to this plan care only for rules. I'm a class rep, dammit. I care for all my classmates…and all of yours too. You say you can't stand by and leave Tokage or Bakugou's fates to chance, but I can't do that with any of you either, especially you, Midoriya. Or you, Todoroki. I can't just throw my hands in the air and wait for you to be battered beyond repair like my brother. Are you saying my feelings don't matter on this? I care. We all care…" Angry tears filled his eyes as he pleaded passionately with the other students. Kirishima was stunned, but was ready to throw hands with his class rep until Momo held up a hand to stop him.
In Iida's case, Itsuka stepped in and grabbed the tense teen's shoulder, speaking firmly yet gently. "Iida…that's enough. You've made it clear. You, me, Momo, and Asui. There are others who cannot go or refuse to go. I'm a class rep too. I feel everyone's frustrations. We're not licensed to fight villains…or each other. Go cool your head."
The speedster breathed through his nose, feeling pent up and already starting to lose it. He looked at his friend, in the arms of Mina and Ochako, and gazed in surprise and guilt at his own actions. Izuku was just out of his bed and yet all that frustration and pain targeted him. The tall boy adjusted his glasses and went to find some time for himself. "Right. Excuse me. I'll talk to you all later. I can't be here while you contemplate throwing your lives away…I let myself get heated, though. Apologies for the outburst."
Iida stepped out, leaving everyone in shock at the punch. Izuku was especially stunned, as he rubbed his jaw and frowned. He was divided on what to do in that moment, but he knew for sure that he would have to talk to Iida later.
"Izuku…" Mina shot a worried glance as she helped the boy up.
"I should go talk to him," Izuku sighed, dusting himself off and heading for the door.
Mina grabbed his hand. "Maybe you should let him cool off. I'd rather you not get punched again."
"Fair. I'll give him some space. I'll go talk to Jirou first."
X
Izuku entered the room where Tooru and Jirou were resting. However, one of them seemed to be consciously looking out the window at distant songbirds.
Izuku greeted the girl, distracting her from her absentminded ornithology. "Hey. You're up? I thought you would still be out cold."
Kyouka slowly looked at the boy and waved in response. She spoke in a groggy tone. "I was going to say the same thing. How are you holding out?"
"About as well as expected. Still waiting for that idiot Lizard to come visit me in the hospital. She ran off and couldn't even leave her arm to keep me company. She better make it up to me with those tickets. She promised…right?" Kyoka faked a smile, frustration dripping from every word.
"Jirou…"
"Because I saw the news. They turned it on for me instead of just playing me some tunes. I know there are two students who got kidnapped by the League…"
Tears fell, staining the floor, as well as Kyoka's hospital sheets. "I would have been in critical condition if it weren't for her and here I am, expected to just wait. She saved me. I know we have to uphold the law but…just…Sorry…"
"Guess she saved us both. We were the first names she mentioned before disappearing. We were the ones she wanted to save the most." Izuku trembled as he spoke.
"Kirishima wants to use the tracking device Yaoyoruzu made for the heroes so he can find Kacchan. Where we find him, we will likely find her. They might be keeping them separately though, so we may need to look around more."
"I'm in. No idea what the full plan is…if there even is one…but I'm in."
"That's…very punk rock of you…I talked to Mina. She's worried. Doesn't want me to go. She's conflicted, she says, but I can tell. We apparently both have faced villains, back in middle school. We're both kind of experienced with it…but she's scared and doesn't want me to get hurt. I don't want to hurt her…but I can't just sit on my hands and not save my friend."
Kyouka yawned, stretching her arms out as she propped herself back up. "I take it not everyone was on board?" The girl gently pointed an ear jack at a bruise on Izuku's face.
"Our class was pretty divided on it. I think Todoroki is on board but most seemed opposed. Momo seemed receptive to providing a tracker, but I don't think she is going." Izuku inhaled sharply before exhaling through his nose. "Well…um…in regards to my bruise, Iida ended up punching me. He got kind of heated. I'm actually going to talk to him after I leave your room."
"Damn. That's kinda scary. Didn't take Mr. Straight Laces for a brawler…I can see why he's frustrated though. I hope you two can hash it out." Kyoka laughed nervously. "Sucks that one of your best friends hit you though. That and trying to save two people with just four people from our class. Might be tricky, even if we do avoid fighting. Might even make it trickier."
"Thanks…And yeah. That's why I'm bringing some people from 1B. Setsuna is one of their own. Even Kodai spoke up." Izuku became more animated, filling the punk girl in on the plan.
"She speaks?" Kyouka feigned being stunned. She knew the girl could talk, she just didn't do so often. Still, it was still a bit unheard of from her.
"Enough to confess to Kendou, and to tell us she would go on the rescue mission." Izuku reminded her.
"Yeah. I remember the first one. She's full of surprises. I was embellishing a bit. I know she confessed to Kendou. Sort of. Still, it's rare. Didn't expect Koda to talk either. Guess I need to listen more." Kyoka glanced to the side, offering a little smile. People could be full of surprises, especially Setsuna. The punk girl's heart sank a little as she clenched her fist and fought back the tears on their return trip.
"If we go…we need to avoid conflict." Izuku cautioned. "We go covert…or covert as a team of eight can be."
"Yeah. Maybe going full vigilante might be too much. Still, I hope the dick who took Setsuna loses all his teeth but one…and gets a toothache." Kyoka smiled, still feeling exhausted and anxious.
"That's…very specific?" Izuku blinked, a bit perplexed by the saying.
"Yeah. It's something one of my grandparents passed down to my mom. I picked it up from her." Kyouka spoke calmly. "I was actually…hoping to invite Sets over to my parents' place in September, but I'm getting way ahead of myself. Anyway, I'll keep listening tonight."
Izuku was puzzled, not quite following what the girl was saying. "For what?"
Kyouka got a bit bashful, poking her ear jacks together. "Right…Sorry. Gentile. So starting on the 25th of September…"
The girl paused, seeing Izuku's further confusion. She realized he wasn't talking about her plans to invite Setsuna over, but rather the plan to bring her back.
"Um…we're sneaking out of a hospital, right. Pretty sure someone will see or hear us. I can listen for activity and we can sneak out. Just gotta change into actual clothes but I think my parents dropped some off just in case."
Izuku's eyes lit up, becoming more determined at those words. It really felt like things were coming together.
"Right. Sorry. The change of subject threw me off a bit. That's awesome, though. I'm thinking of something Kirishima said. My hand can still reach Kacchan and Setsuna. Yours can too, Jirou."
Kyouka laughed gently at the offer. "Don't have to tell me twice. Probably going to go for Sets, though. Not as close to Bakugou. No offense."
"That's fair. And none taken. So are you in or out?" The green-haired boy asked.
"I think we're both out our minds for this, Midoriya, but fuck it. Let's save her. Let's save them both." She offered a fist towards Izuku. He extended his as well, sealing the contract.
"Yeah. No argument here…Um Jirou? I have another question." The boy became slightly more nervous, uncertainty painted on his face.
Kyoka shrugged. She hoped she could help her troubled classmate, especially after they had both been saved by the same girl and had shed tears over her. "What's up?"
Izuku paused for a moment, then tilted his head to the side. "What's a gentile?"
X
As Izuku stepped out of Kyoka's hospital room, he heard a voice and nearly shot out of his hospital gown. He was expecting Itsuka or Momo, but it was a different voice, one he had grown accustomed to.
"So are you really planning to do this?"
Izuku turned to see Mina, standing there and tapping her foot nervously.
"Don't get me wrong. It's badass, it's adventurous, it's cool…but we're not pros. We don't know what we're doing."
"What should I do, Mina? I'm torn. I can't just ignore Iida's feelings but I can't ignore mine either…How do you feel about all this?"
"I don't know. This isn't exactly my strong suit. Besides, we're dating, but like…I can't make decisions for you. I don't know?"
"Are we going to be ok?"
"Why wouldn't we be? I just…I don't want you to get hurt. I want Tokage back too, and even Bakugou. I want us all to go to school together. I don't want to lose you in the process."
"Mina…"
"Just…come back in one piece, ok? And bring your friend back. I never thanked her enough for introducing us."
"Yeah. I will. M-Mina? Come with us. I want you to come."
"I'll pass…but thanks for asking me."
"Of course. You're my gi…" Izuku paused at how naturally he almost said those words and started to panic. Where did that even come from? He looked over to the girl, expecting a teasing look. Instead, her eyes were as wide as dinner plates.
A blush washed over the pink girl's face as her mind raced to keep up. "I…whoa. Wasn't expecting you to say that…or almost say that. You can finish though. I don't mind. I actually…kinda…no, I really want to hear it."
"I…um…W-Well…W-When I get back…, w-we should announce it together!" Izuku blurted out, red-faced and stuttering as he tried to vocalize his feelings.
Mina giggled, then gazed softly back at her boyfriend. "I'd like that. Just make sure you get back first. Before that though, Mr. Mutterstutter, finish your thought. I want to hear it now, before we make it public."
"Right. Sorry…I know the timing is weird, but M-Mina Ashido…you're my…my girlfriend."
Mina pulled the boy into a big bear hug and refused to let go. "I still can't believe Iida punched you."
"I know. Me neither, but at the same time, I understand his frustration. I do. We know we can't fight the villains. That's why it's a covert operation, four people to survey the situation and rescue Setsuna and Kacchan respectively. I should tell Iida that…after I apologize to him. I know it will ring hollow, but I should anyway."
Mina cupped the boy's cheeks with her hands, squishing his cheeks, much to his confusion. She followed up with a peck on the lips, which nearly made Izuku's hair stand on end. Both teens blushed as they looked at each other before Mina finally spoke. "Go make up with your friend, then rescue your other friends, you goober. Just let me know when you're home safe, ok?"
"Pinkie promise." Izuku smiled, gently kissing Mina back. "S-sorry I'm not a good kisser. I should find Iida, but I'll call you before and after the mission."
Mina blushed, then giggled.
"Yeah yeah. That's my line, dude. Be careful, ok? I need you in one piece." Mina pouted, hands on her hips.
Izuku nodded and saluted. "Right. I'll see you later, Mina."
As the boy headed down the hospital corridors to find Iida, his girlfriend watched from afar, face painted with worry. "Please come back to me."
X
As the day progressed, several visitors went home, with a few sticking around for various reasons. Momo and Itsuka had decided to check in on Kyoka, wanting to see how she was feeling.
As the two childhood friends departed, Momo looked back towards the bedside table, where she had left a gift for her musical classmate. "I'm entrusting you with it, Kyoka…" Momo reflected on her words before she and Itsuka had departed the room.
It was then that the two found someone else outside, sitting in the waiting room: Iida.
He noticed them in return and hailed them, inviting the pair over. Itsuka could tell earlier events were weiging on his mind still. Sure enough, his words confirmed it. "Ah. You two. Listen…I wanted to apologize. I still feel strongly about this, but I lost my cool and hit my best friend while he was still injured. I was just about to head home."
"Oh, sup, Iida? I take it you apologized to Midoriya?" Itsuka greeted her fellow class president. Momo waved back as well.
"Yes. I offered to go along and support them, to pull them back if need be. It seems there was already a team assembled. Midoriya did say he could still bring me along. Eight people on a recon team is quite enough."
"Funny you mention it. We just visited Jirou, to see how she's holding up. She was almost in critical condition…Tokage actually helped carry her to my location before everything else."
"I see. I remember briefly seeing her without arms and covered in blood. I was concerned." Iida gritted his teeth before looking down solemnly.
"She never fully explained it, but she said it was fake blood," Momo pondered aloud. Itsuka gave a somber smile.
"That's on brand for her. I really hope she gets out of there. Setsuna is among the best of us. She was actually there for me when I left the classroom during the USJ incident. She helped encourage me to…act on certain feelings," Itsuka twirled a strand of her hair around her finger as she glanced at the floor.
"Ah. I see. So you two are finally an item?" Iida gave a warm, assuring smile. "I suppose it was a matter of time. While I do believe our priorities should lie in our studies…I am happy for you both."
"We wanted to hold off on announcing anything. The timing isn't exactly great now. Awase and Tetsutetsu…already know, given my response when we saw each other." Itsuka laughed gently as she held Momo's hand.
"You saw me, more than anything. My vision was a bit blurry and I had some blood in my eye, but I do remember that night…" Momo blushed as she reflected on the past few days.
"That's the best approach, I believe. You truly are commendable. Both of you."
"That means a lot. I wish I could do more. I just…can't go. It's best that I don't, even if I want to support my classmates…which is why Momo and I will be in a more supporting role."
Iida listened, intently. "It seems 1B is very lucky to have you as a president."
"I mean, right back atcha. 1A is lucky to have you and Momo. And…I don't know him personally, but I say this wholeheartedly as a younger sibling to a pro, and a fellow class president…your bro is probably proud of you." Itsuke smiled, extending a hand to the spectacled speedster.
Iida firmly accepted, using his other hand to wipe the tears from his eyes. "Thank you, Kendou. That means a lot. So tell me…What will you do if Midoriya's group is unable to avoid confrontation."
"Remember before the finals, when we thought the practical would be against the entrance exam robots?"
"I do. You said an upperclassman had been the source of your Intel. Oh. Oh I see now."
"It's actually quite clever, though still risky, as we're increasing the number of people in the field, but Itsuka floated this idea to me before we visited Jirou. Since the license exam is typically taken in your 2nd or 3rd year…"
"Asking for help from someone who is already legally permitted to act. That's brilliant. Plus they have the necessary field experience. It's still a gambit though. Couldn't you have asked them to go instead?"
"You tried talking our classmates out of it and it did not work out. If I coordinate with our A team, and have the extraction duo act to yank everyone back to safety if things get dicey, it will go smoother. Although, it is different from what I am used to."
"Well it's actually quite a commendable approach, I suppose. You're rather versatile, Kendou. Who exactly did you ask?" Iida queried, adjusting his glasses dramatically. Momo looked to her new girlfriend, equally curious.
"Well, thank you. I haven't asked yet, however. Waiting til we head home to do so," Itsuka's eyes took on a serious expression. "As for who they are, this really only applies to one of them but, let me ask you…have you ever heard of the Big 3?"
X
It had been a quiet and thoughtful train ride in each other's company, followed by a quick walk from the station but Momo and Itsuka had arrived at their destination. They approached the garage, entering through the main door and heading to the apartment above it. After departing the hospital, the newly minted couple had returned to the Kendou residence. They were greeted by Hizatusu, who greeted the two with her hands on her hips.
"Hey Itsy. You're late. Your dinner is cold."
"Sorry. I'll heat it up. I have to make extra for our guest."
"Hello, Mrs. Kendou. Hope I'm not intruding…Itsuka, is it OK to tell our families yet?"
"I guess there's no harm. Mom, meet my girlfriend."
"Took you long enough. I'm so happy for you. Please. Make yourself at home!"
"Thank you."
"Oh, Itsy. A big guy came by. Looked like a pro hero. He wanted me to give you something."
In the envelope was a phone charm of an orange lioness, as well as a pin of a Lynx. There was also a note.
"I want to apologize for our failure to keep you all safe. The remaining Pussycats will be working together to bring your friends back from the heart of darkness itself, as well as our beloved teammate, Ragdoll. It isn't much, and the timing is a bit off, but I want you to have these. You have a good head on your shoulders and strong fists. Never let them go to waste.
Sincerely, Tiger 🐾
P.S. Tell the feisty little panther with the creation quirk thanks for the tracking device. Mandalay tells me you're close."
"Anyway, your dinner is cold but I can heat it up again. We have extra for Momo as well, if she wants."
Momo blushed and insisted she would be fine. Her stomach, however, loudly objected. "I suppose if you did make extra, I cannot let it go to waste."
"I'm glad you two are finally dating."
Momo nearly choked on her food when the older lady gave her a knowing glance. Itsuka slid down her chair and tried to escape.
"You came to that conclusion fairly quickly."
"I am always happy to help. I'm not exactly a martial arts expert, but I can help set up for your classes whenever I am around."
"Momo, you're the most helpful rich kid I've ever met. Kudos." Hizatsu teased.
"Thank you, Mrs. Kendou. I'm always happy to help. This is delicious by the way."
"You think so? Mr. Honda over at the marketplace gave me a good deal on some rice and veggies. I used to train at the butcher's back in the day, so I get any excess meat he has lying around as well, so it gets used before expiration."
Momo happily helped herself to a bowl, making sure to give thanks for the meal before daintily eating several helpings.
"It's very good. Sorry for having so much. You must not have expected me."
"Ever since you and Itsy were reunited, I always kind of hope you will come over, like the good old days. Sometimes I make extra, just in case. You must be starving since hospital food can be the pits."
"It's not so bad. My family might be well off but I'm not so arrogant as to not appreciate a meal someone put time and effort into."
"You definitely still have that appetite of yours from when you were a baby. You look so thin though. Are you sure you're eating enough?"
"I mean, I was thinner in Middle school. My hair was a bit fluffier too." Momo spoke softly as she wiped her mouth, remembering years of etiquette training. "Plus my quirk uses up any fat stores to create objects."
Itsuka laughed slightly as she looked towards her mother. "Yeah. Lay off her a bit, ma. Whose mom are you?"
"Both if you two stick together after UA." Hizatsu gave a teasing look to both girls. This brought the meal to an absolute halt.
Itsuka nearly died, while Momo very nearly dropped her chopsticks. Hizatsu merely took a long sip of her coffee and placed the mug on a coaster.
"Mom!" Itsuka slammed her hands on the table in embarrassed excitement.
"Yeah. Maybe I went too far with that one. My bad. When you two are done, wash up, then you can hang out."
X
Setsuna was escorted into another room not long after she was brought to the villain base. She kept silent as she was brought into the main room. She had no idea what would come next.
The girl had tried several times to escape with her quirk, but to no avail. Frustration simmered below the surface, only for it to get more difficult.
"Oh fuck me…" The lizard girl cursed under her breath, trying to keep it together.
"You shouldn't have gotten yourself involved, crossdresser." Bakugou spat.
"Pretty sure it's past crossdressing at this point. My hair is real now. Go ahead. Pull it." Setsuna winked, sticking out a forked tongue.
"Get serious, bitch. Is this a joke to you?" Bakugou was feeling irritated by the girl. Her jokes were grating and her general nosiness just pissed him off.
"Of course I have to joke. I might not make it out of here!" The girl shouted in agitation, taking her fellow captive by surprise. Even he was unable to yell at that, leaving the green-haired girl to continue. "Yeah, sure. I won the Sports Festival. That's impressive, but they wanted you. They saw your anger and your power, and they wanted you…they don't need me. I'll probably get ganked and used as fodder for those Nomu things, right?"
Setsuna paused, cracks forming in her thin veneer of confidence. Her fellow hostage had no choice but to grit his teeth and listen. "I…"
"Besides, at least you're not tied to a chair with the boy who still calls you 'Kacchan'. But you are tied next to the girl you bullied alongside him, so for once in your life, shut your mouth! Maybe you can use that silence to think of the scars you left in your wake." The girl looked at her arms, thinking of the burn marks left by explosions years ago or the lines etched into her wrist from a tooth as she dealt with bullying without the first kid to really get her. Even the bruises bestowed upon her in middle school by her first boyfriend were no longer apparent. The physical scars had long since healed but the phantom scars remained, the lingering trauma of it all, like shrapnel in a flower garden.
Bakugou went quiet, seething a bit, so Setsuna continued. "I'll cool it with gallows humor, but they probably know there's no chance I'll turn heel. At least I'll make a sick example…I owe an apology, though. To my friends and family for making them worry. I just don't know if I'll get the chance. There's too real a possibility that nobody will get to me in time…and having enough potential to be recognized and recommended by a pro will not save my life when I can't even use my quirk to save myself…or you."
Bakugou was at a loss for words, unsure how to process that answer. He would have easily expected her to leave him behind. Perhaps she should have. It was irrelevant, though. Neither of them could get out of this easily. But if he could blow that collar off her neck, then maybe. "You…"
A deep yet androgynous voice broke the silence. The owner of the voice stepped into the light of the room and undid ropes holding Setsuna in place. "That's enough talk, gabby gums. Apparently, the leader of this little group has a teacher, and he's interested in that quirk of yours. You're coming with me to see him. The little firecracker is staying for a job interview."
Setsuna opened and closed her hands, processing her partial freedom. She considered making a break for it, but knew her chances were slim. She could at least play along but as far as she knew, without her quirk, her chances were slim. Had she been overly reliant on it? She supposed society as a whole was like it but how could she not? The girl looked up at the villain and scoffed.
"Alright. Lead the way to this mysterious teacher who's so interested in a teenage girl."
Magne stifled a laugh. She had to admit, the girl had moxie. That was irrelevant, though. She was an enemy and a liability. Luckily, there was a solution in another room. They walked away from Bakugou, who was soon left alone to face his future.
"Hah. I made a villain laugh. Guess there's some hope for me after all. How about letting me go and I'll fake amnesia or something." The teenage girl nudged, being met with silence and a shove. It wasn't much, but if she could capitalize on amusing one of her captors, then maybe there was hope after all.
"Blondie's right. You don't shut up." Magne sneered, slowly losing her patience.
Setsuna stopped in her tracks, taking a moment to breathe through her nose. She had no idea why she did this. It was futile perhaps, but she still had to try.
"Would you? Shut up, I mean. Be honest with me. I'm probably going to die here. I'm not exactly needed. The magician guy only grabbed me because I managed to retrieve my friend and his classmate from his clutches with a magic trick of my own…Can't say I'm not surprised."
"Yet you still sacrificed yourself. Wasn't expecting to die young as a hero, huh?" Magne was rather cruel, but she had to be. Was this society not cruel as well with a thin veneer of "peace"? What exactly made one a villain anyway, especially when one could go to jail for doing the right thing but without licensure.
Setsuna reflected. It was one of the few things she was able to do. She hated being all doom and gloom beneath a clownish demeanor. Maybe someone would save her. Since when was she a quitter? She asked herself what her friends would do, then what she would do. After all, that last one was far more relevant. "It's a very real possibility. One of my friends almost got turned into powder by your boss, and the friend I saved was probably on his hit list too. The guy basically held Izuku hostage to ask him questions."
Setsuna kept walking as she spoke, taking note of how much longer this place seemed. It was surprising how large the building was in addition to just the bar and its storage room.
"Can I ask you something? Girl to girl? What got you into all this?"
"Nice try, Missy. You think all us 'villains' are eager to share our plans with the heroes?" Magne brandished her grand metal pillar, Knowing full well who was in control at the moment and what had to be done. And yet, she hadn't even considered gagging the green-haired girl. Instead she listened and responded.
Setsuna frowned, but kept going. "I'm not asking as a hero. I'm asking as a kid who got treated as a novelty at best and a perverted freak at worst since before I even got my quirk. That boy I saved was the first one outside my parents to see me as I am, and even my family didn't grasp it as quickly as he did. I had friends after that, yeah. But UA was where I first felt safe, like I no longer had to change away from the others. So I ask again, lady. What do you want?"
The woman used her quirk to pull the teenager close so that she could hear every word clearly. She also took the opportunity to clean her glasses. "You're annoying…I've killed people. I've got blood on my hands and hair on my chin. I'll probably never pass and will rot in jail if I don't rot in the ground first." She released Setsuna, then nudged her with a swift kick.
The tenager groaned, but kept trying to probe for information, find a new angle. Maybe she could even buy herself time until someone rescued her. There had to be someone, right?
"Ok, maybe you're a worse person than I thought. It's just, I know a kid who's acted more villainous in the past than a former villain I know. My uncle used to be on the wrong side of the law. The thing is, he's not a bad guy. He made some shady decisions and I was mad at him for a while, but he's in a transitional period. He was for a while. Guess we both are too. So if I'm fucked, at least give me a cigarette…not an actual one. Smoking's gross." Setsuna gagged on purpose to accentuate her disgust.
Magne finally gave a full laugh. "You know what, heroling? I like you. You're an irritating little brat, but…I've known people like you…wanted a better world for them." Her demeanor turned gentler, more relaxed. She didn't understand why. No, that was a lie. She knew why, but she couldn't be soft here.
Setsuna's demeanor softened too, taking on a gentle pleading in case there was no way out after all. "Can you start by making sure nobody misunderstood me at my funeral? My dad might but I don't want him to lose his job. It's tough enough for heteromorphs. Guess that's two types of passing I've got going, three if you count my grades."
Magne could tell that the last bit would resonate with Spinner. This kid really had a way with words. However that's all they were in the end, and eventually she would run out. Still, the woman cursed herself and gave in a little, sharing what she knew.
"Look…I don't know much, but I heard this…teacher of Shigaraki's, well…he can steal quirks and give them. That's how those Nomu things have so many. I even heard the guy who made them experimented on his own family. But the one little kitty from the training camp is here. She's probably already had hers taken."
This is when it set in for Setsuna. This was worse than death in a way. To take away her expression and part of what made her her? They might as well take everything else too. In fact, even that was a very real possibility. She spat at how selfish it sounded, especially as some folks were born quirkless. And yet this was a twist of the knife as far as she was concerned.
"I changed my mind. Let me go, then you can kill me. I'd even chop myself into pieces, but…" She gestured to her inhibitor collar.
"Selfless to a fault, eh, little sister? Don't worry. It's probably already too late. Besides, you'll likely lose yours soon anyway." Magne shook her head in contempt. Deep down, she felt sympathy. However the fact was this was a kid she didn't know, and a prisoner of war to boot. This did not concern her, so any glimmer in the dark of her heart would have to be dimmed.
"What? No! Come on. I'm sneaky. You don't think I could be an asset as I am? Please…" Setsuna pleaded, showing cracks in her facade. Scenes from her youth replayed and distorted in her mind, like warped film as the very thought of losing herself pierced her soul.
"So much for the brave act." Magne scoffed. Seeing heroes squirm certainly was entertaining.
"Brave smave. I'm scared shitless. And maybe it's selfish, and not heroic. I just don't want to lose part of who I am to some creepy dude who doesn't care about me. I already dumped a boy like that in middle school. Just…I may never see my loved ones again. I was tied up and referred to as one of the first insults hurled my way, like it was a nostalgic greeting…" Tears hit the floor as Setsuna stared daggers at the villain, defiantly even in her fearful bargaining.
Magne paused for a moment, thinking over the situation. She thought she had overheard the word crossdresser and remembered its sting. Even if her skin toughened over the years, some pain never got any easier. It was a death by one thousand cuts that could break down any wall of numbness one might put up, eroding it brick by brick.
Setsuna continued, finishing her plea with all her strength as a final gambit. "But if things go south, I'd rather die than lose who I am. I'd also rather die than be told I don't understand the world by people who put my friends in critical condition and let a bunch of murderers after us just to grab a kid with anger issues who will probably say 'fuck you' in response anyway," Setsuna spat.
Magne scoffed, putting the wall back up. Why should she even care for any similarities they might share. That was moot now. "Not my problem, kid. Say hi to the cat lady. She's probably in a tank in the next room."
Magne left, once again pausing a moment as she headed back to meet up with the other villains. She wanted to say more, but nothing came to mind. Why should she even care for some child soldier of the status quo? There were bigger issues at play, and she would stand with the League to face them.
As the villain left, Setsuna once again tried to take the collar off, feeling for any creases or weak points. As she looked over, she heard the door lock.
She ran for it, tried to jostle it in vain, but she knew deep down, there was no going back the way she came.
She decided to at least observe her surroundings. It was definitely a tonal shift. She felt like she had gone on a movie studio tour at gunpoint and had gone from neo-noir to broody sci-fi. All that was missing was a mad scientist, but she was sure they were on lunch break somewhere.
The pods were uniform in their design, arranged in rows like an incubation room. Setsuna grew uneasy. This had to have been where the Nomu were developed. Sure enough, she thought she saw the glow of distant computer monitors and liquid-filled tunes. As she wondered what else lay within the room's depths, a noise stirred in the nearby darkness. The green-haired girl called out, her voice trembling as she tried keeping herself together.
"Who's there? Is it another villain?"
A feminine voice groaned as its owner strained herself, shambling into the light like a revenant. "Nnn…no…thankfully. Wait…one of the 1B kids?"
The woman and the girl gasped in shock as they saw each other. It was both a relief, and an unnerving shock. Setsuna gasped under her breath.
"Ragdoll?"
X
Back at the Kendou household, Momo and Itsuka decided to soothe themselves. Dinner had gone well, so all that was left was to wait and coordinate with their schoolmates. For now, they thought, there was no harm in reminiscing. They brought some coffee and tea up to Itsuka's room and sat on the edge of the bed. Momo made a small folding table for their beverages, then engaged in a breezy conversation with her new girlfriend.
"Remember when we asked how our families knew each other and your parents had a sideshow prepared?"
"Yes. They do have a habit of making an entire presentation out of these matters," Momo blew on her cup to cool the tea down.
Itsuka took a sip, then placed her cup down. She answered in a sly tone. "I take it I missed some embarrassing baby picture presentations?"
"You missed several birthdays' worth," Momo responded as she took a sip of tea.
"Guess I'll have to make up for lost time when you bring me over to see your folks again." Itsuka smiled, sipping her black coffee once more. The aroma was soothing to her nerves, even if the caffeine had the opposite effect. She was glad that Momo bought Dark Roast at the convenience store before they arrived home. Itsuka looked at her girlfriend and thought to herself. "Of course she would know what I like. She really is something. I'm lucky I have her…"
Momo protested with a huff, her face now beet red. "Itsuka Kendou, you will do no such thing. Do you want me to die on the spot?"
"Full name, huh? Yikes. I touched a nerve." Itsuka smiled, laughing to herself. "This is nice. I wish it had been under better circumstances. I keep expecting Setsuna to come in with some sly comment and congratulate us. I really hope they find her…"
"Itsuka…I hope so too. She can be quite the presence, but she really is unforgettable. The pro heroes will rescue her. I promise."
"I hope so. I want to contact Sora, make sure he's among their number. He hasn't been answering his phone though. It just goes straight to voicemail."
"I'm concerned for our friends. I know they have their hearts in the right place, but can they guarantee they won't get into danger?"
"If anyone can figure it out, it's them. Reiko is sensible enough to pull them out if it comes to it. Just in case, however, I have a plan."
Momo looked over with great curiosity. "On top of coordinating with the team and having our seniors act to pull them out of danger?"
"It's kind of risky, but if we got caught, should we inform a pro or a teacher? Perhaps Vlad King or Aizawa or Sora…" Itsuka winced at her every word. She groaned in defeat upon reflection. "Wow, when I say it out loud, that's a really bad idea. There is no way Vlad would condone this."
Momo nodded and patted her girlfriend on the back. She took another sip of tea, then placed her cup back on the tray and responded. "There there. It happens. At least you recognized it. I sense your concern, however."
Itsuka slumped onto her bed, falling backwards into Momo's lap. She addressed her girlfriend while staring at the ceiling. "Yeah…What do you think, Momo? You're the smartest of the two of us. Did we make the right call?"
"Hush. You're fine. You're a better leader than you give yourself credit for.
I think this is risky, and that we should leave this to the pros. A rescue without fighting seems improbable, but our approach is the best option we have," Momo said with a smile as she stroked Itsuka's hair.
"You're right about the pros. They're better trained at this. As for the idea being improbable, we're aiming to be heroes. Fighting the odds is part of the job description, and I think that group might just pull it off. And if not, Haya and Hado can pull them out and leave the rest to the pros," Itsuka reflected on her girlfriend's words, responding in kind as she felt herself melt under Momo's gentle touch.
"I suppose you're right. You may be a better leader than…huh?" Momo started to speak but was cut off by the seasoned hands of her girlfriend, who cupped her cheeks and gazed sternly yet affectionately at her.
Itsuka spoke in response. "None of that. You and I are partners, not just romantically but in everything. You're a great strategist, and when we graduate UA, you'll be one hell of a hero. I stake my Bruce Lee poster on it."
Momo giggled and rolled her eyes. "Well, you have had it since we first met. Can't believe you were watching martial arts that young," she sighed wistfully and responded. Afterwards, bent down to kiss the other girl. As the two gazed at each other, they knew that they could stay like this forever.
"I love you," Itsuka whispered. Momo whispered back in response.
"I love you too."
The moment was interrupted, however, by Itsuka's phone going off. The two teenagers bumped into eachother and nearly fell off the bed as they were scolded back to reality by electronic vibrations and lights. The ringtone seemed to be some sort of generic jazz.
Itsuka pulled herself up and grabbed the phone. She looked at the screen to see that her alarm had gone off. She had set it on the phone just in case. She looked at Momo, whose face was painted with concern.
The young martial artist nodded, then spoke to her girlfriend in a relaxed but serious tone. "We should call Midoriya. It's time."
X
As Hizatsu sat in the living room, she heard her phone ring, reaching for the device and answering. "Go for Kendou."
"Hey mom, Is Itsy there? Wanted to check in on her after the villain attack. I heard she was at the hospital."
"She's back now, and she has company. I wish you could join us."
"Yeah. Sorry. Been busy. Been tracking uncle Rappa down but got called into work on a rescue mission for two of the UA kids. Tell her I'll give her a call as soon as I can."
"I'll let her know. You should visit in your downtime. I miss my son, even if he's famous now as a big time pro with his own agency and everything."
"Mom, you and Itsy are literally bigger names than I am. I'm just a dude who cleans up messes and dresses like a mythical beast. I'm not in it to crack the billboards like Rumi did."
"I know. I just like busting you. Besides, my 15 minutes are up. I know you and your sister will be bigger than I ever was, and that you'll go even further than this old scrapper," Hizatsu reminisced, smiling to herself as she thought of her life so far. "Anyway, I'm cleaning up the kitchen right now. Your father will be home late. Akuma wanted to talk to your dad about his bike."
"That's such a mom thing to say." Sora laughed. "But yeah. Thanks."
Hizatsu shrugged blissfully as she held the phone to her ear, content with that. "I mean, it comes with the territory, so…yeah. Thanks. And you're welcome, sweetie. You've got a lot ahead of you, kiddo. You're a pro at the age I was when I stepped out of the ring and started wearing one"
Sora gave a contented sigh, chuckling to himself at his mother's words. "Yep. That's true. It's wild to think about. I haven't found anyone yet, but that's ok by me. Anyway, you mentioned Akuma. Is that bar still open? Wow. You know, that guy's a teddy bear for a man named after a demon. Maybe it's because you kicked his ass."
"Sora, if I befriended everyone whose ass I kicked, I'd have a star on my neck. Do you know when you'll be in again?" The matriarch of the Kendou family guffawed, happy as always to speak with her children. She heard people talking in the background and the slam of vehicle doors over the phone, all that electrical klaxon in her ear snapping her to attention.
"I gotta go, mom. I'm headed to Hosu now. The operation starts tonight. We're getting those kids home safe. Sorry for leaving so soon." Sora apologized, torn between duty and family. "Time to clean up a mess."
"Go do your thing, Rara. I'll be here when you get back. I'll be sure to let Itsy know you'll call her. I've actually got something I'll have to tell both…""
Sora had already hung up. Hizatsu shook her head and smiled softly, hues of worry painted across her face. "That boy. I swear. Oh well. Better tell Itsy." The woman's body ached, like she had just done a marathon of every opponent she had ever faced. She straightened her back and exhaled. As Hizatsu looked at her phone, she saw its battery was nearly drained. "Heh. That makes two of us, cellphone."
She lamented not being able to tell her kids the day she found out, the day her eyes fell upon those little twin lines again. The situation threw off the timing, but she felt it was now or never. Well, never was impossible but she knew what she meant. She could only imagine the cigars her husband must be turning down right now. Her eyes drifted to a photo he had taken of her and Sora posing with Itsuka the day she was accepted into UA. The woman's eyes watered, but she wiped away those nostalgic tears. Those could wait. She had a message to deliver. No. She supposed she actually had two messages.
"I'm proud of my kids, I swear…" The aging martial artist walked towards her daughter's room, gently placing a hand on her stomach as she stared at the family photos adorning the walls. She looked down at herself lovingly. "All three of you."
X
The night felt chillier than normal, like the chill of winter in the depths of Summer. The rescue squad had assembled, deciding its members and sneaking out as carefully as possible, with Kyoka and Reiko serving as surveillance and diversion respectively.
All three made their way to the designated meeting spot in silence. That is, it was silent until a repeated "I am here!" roared from the pockets of a very anxious and embarrassed broccoli boy.
Izuku took out his phone and answered. "Hello?"
The voice on the other line spoke."I still can't say I approve of all this, but I will still keep an eye on all of you, as will Kendou. I hope the tracking device works well."
"Wait, you gave one to us?"
Kyoka took one out of her bag. "The gal pals dropped by and handed it over."
"Alright. Now remember. If anything happens and you have to fight, fall back and leave it to the pros. We're getting our friends back without any of you getting hurt or worse. Speaking of, sorry about your jaw. Did you and Iida make up?"
"We did. He offered to come with us to make sure we don't get into any unnecessary trouble. I told him I appreciated the offer but that our team was probably large as is. He seemed sad, but completely agreed, so he wished us luck and went home."
"That's good to hear. As for his suggestion…we've got you covered. I won't be more specific than that. Just don't do anything too reckless."
"Of course. It's not perfect, but I have a plan. Laid it out in outline form. I'll let you know how it goes." Izuku responded.
"Good to know. And please do. Good luck…all of you."
Itsuka hung up the phone and placed it on the bed, feeling like had made more calls tonight than she had in a long time. It was certainly different from what she was used to, in terms of leadership skills. She would roll with it as always though.
"Well, that's settled for now. Guess we just have to keep tabs on them via…"
Her Naruto ringtone filled the room, causing her to wince as her girlfriend stifled a laugh. Itsuka pouted while raising an eyebrow. She then answered the phone, checking the caller ID to see who it was. They were right on schedule. "Yo."
"We got them in our sights. Not sure they notice us. We're headed to the station now. We might be able to get there ahead of them and switch into civvies to avoid detection." The voice spoke from the other line in a hushed tone. "Just waiting for my partner to get out of the bathroom."
"Partner in what way?"
"Quiet. Respect your senpai. Anyway, gotta go. Just reporting in. I'll text you our location so you know we're there. Over and out, Kendou."
"Over and out, Haya."
As Itsuka hung up, her upperclassman hopped onto her Vespa and placed the helmet on her head, tucking the phone into her pocket and zipping it up. The scooter was a cherry red Primavera and was just big enough to fit two passengers.
"Whoa! We're headed out already?" Nejire walked out of the building, noticing her best friend had already started getting ready.
"Yup. Kendou just called. We're headed to the train station. The little busters are on the move. Let's pull them out."
Nejire hopped on and wrapped her arms around Yuyu.
"Nejire…you forgot your helmet."
"Oops. Sorry." Nejire tied her long hair into a bun and put her helmet on. "There we go. Let's ride!"
"Alright. Think you can hold on tight?"
"I think I can."
"Groovy."