Notes: wow, i just realized the night i posted this was the 1 year anniversary to this story being published. wow. 43 chapters later, and you fans have pushed this to be the number one MHA x avatar the last airbender fic. I cannot express my gratitude enough. Now... lets get to the number one avatar crossover!
Damn! My girl Burnin is getting animated! I will finally get to hear her voice in the show and the movie! i hope she's rough sounding like Mirko! And as for things like her quirk and how it works, at this point i already wrote her the way she is here and won't be changing her even if she does in canon so... Bleh.
Okay, once again ended up doing a lot more here than originally planned. As I was writing though, it just felt so good for some reason! so... Enjoy!
Walking into school, Katara yawned as she rubbed her head. For some reason she just couldn't find herself in a deep sleep last night, stirring several times in bed and groaning in annoyance. She didn't know why, but her dreams just seemed strange. She couldn't recall what they were about, but every time she woke she was in a light sweat feeling really warm. And all she could remember was there was someone else with her in her dream, a figure walking beside her as she recalled walking along the ocean.
"Just one of those nights…" She grunted and exhaled.
"You feeling okay, Katara?" Tenya asked, noticing her condition.
"Yeah, I'm good," She responded with a small shrug. "Just couldn't get really get a good sleep last night."
"Hmm…" Tenya crossed his arms as he thought about it. "Perhaps your stress from the final exams was keeping you up. Now that you know you've passed, you should feel better soon."
Sighing, she gave a small nod in agreement, hoping that is what was keeping her up. Making it to their class, Katara opened it up to find mostly everyone already inside. Most were relaxing in relief knowing they passed the finals, although a certain four classmates were slumped in depression. Both Mina and Kaminari were practically in tears as they whined to Sero, although he was just as distraught as them too.
"What are we supposed to do now? Everyone's going to have so much fun at summer camp." Mina sniffled.
"This is so lame… how was it fair we had to go against the principle!" Kaminari whined as latched onto Sero's shirt. "This is the worst!"
"Dude, I get it," Sero groaned. "Just because Mineta got through doesn't mean I passed."
Katara felt a pain in her stomach when she heard them complain, looking over to see Kirishima with his head down on his desk. "Hey, how you feeling?" She asked as she approached, earning a small grunt from her testing partner.
"Oh goodie… all good knowing I failed." He mumbled out and looked up at her, pouting. "I was picking concrete out of my ears all night."
Katara grimaced at the idea and seeing him so down. "Well, I got through the gate… so maybe that could help you?"
Sighing, Kirishima laid his forehead back down and tapped it on the desk in frustration. "If only my quirk was stronger, then I could have a good time at camp as well with all you guys…"
Feeling horrible about his situation, Katara patted his back and prepared to walk to her seat, only to next lock eyes with Tokoyami right there. At first she felt her heart skip after everything that had happened, hoping they could still be friends after yesterday. Her worry did fall when he gave his usual quick nod towards her, making her smile softly and silently walk by him. It was subtle enough to show he was okay, making her feel somewhat better. Her heart didn't slow however as she then reached her seat and sat down right next to Shoto. Glancing over at him, she felt her stomach tighten when he looked to her as well to give her a small nod, her mind going back to those strange thoughts before bed. Shaking her head, she gave another smile to him to calm herself.
"Hey, did you sleep well?" She asked him, earning another nod from him.
"I did. You seem tired, though. Are you okay?" He asked back.
Katara grumbled and rolled her eyes. "Is it that obvious?"
"It is."
Katara's eye twitched at his bluntness, only to chuckle to herself after being used to it after this long. "I just couldn't get comfortable for some reason. Maybe I'll be more relaxed now that these tests are over."
"True. After everything that's happened, some time to collect our thoughts would be for the best." Shoto said before him and Katara looked up to see Aizawa walk into the room.
"Alright, everyone get to your seats and quiet down." Aizawa grumbled out to everyone, waiting for the final few students entering to sit. "So obviously your final exams are over, and all of you passed the written portion. However, the practical portion is what we staff determined what would be the deciding factor on what happened to you for the upcoming camp. I assume it's pretty obvious who passed and failed, so that means only one thing..."
Immediately Mina, Kaminari, Sero and Kirishima all went back into depression mode, their chins laying down on their desks as Aizawa spoke again.
"You are all going to summer camp."
…
…
…
"WHAT?!" the class screamed out in unison.
"This summer training camp the school has set up for you is specifically designed to help improve your strength, so keeping any of you from going is pretty illogical for improvements. However, the class tests were all determined to see which of you were able to overcome challenges, and which of you need further tutoring in combat knowledge." The teachers normally blank face twisted up in whatever he considered a smile. "Telling you all you wouldn't go if failing was a simple boost in motivation."
Many of the students sat in utter confusion to what they just heard, unsure if they could take more of their teachers strange sense of humor. The ones in worry however yelled out in glee.
"WOOHOO! We still get to go!" Mina whistled out in excitement.
"I can't believe we are still going!" Sero added.
"Wow, I was sure I was stuck here!" Kirishima cheered.
"All of you shut it…" Aizawa snapped out silencing everyone. "Now the ones who did fail will be given extra work in a classroom setting on top of your physical training. Your schedule will be harder since you three didn't act right in the test."
"Three?" Sero sat up in confusion. "But, four of us failed, Sensei."
Aizawa shook his head. "No. Ashido and Kaminari both failed to escape in time, and you also failed from getting defeated so easily while Mineta passed. Kirishima however while captured, did enough for us to consider a passing grade for us. While I considered running straight into the battle a foolish move, the fact you were willing to hold off Cementoss to give your partner the chance to escape was very noble of you. You did that twice despite knowing you had no chance, earning enough praise from the others to be given a pass."
"Really?" Katara's face spread into a large smile remembering what her teammate did, looking up towards Kirishima in his seat. "You did it! You didn't actually-
"AHHHHH!" Kirishima screamed out in glee as he clenched his chest, several tears pouring out of his eyes. "Sensei, that is too kind of you to say!"
Laughing at his reaction, Katara sat back feeling much more at ease now. She felt bad seeing some of her classmates were going to be left behind, but seeing all were able to go now certainly put her and everyone else more at ease. Even the rest of the school day was pretty simple, listening to Aizawa going over what they needed to change on whatever they lacked on, and what they should try during future confrontations. This continued on throughout the day as they all took what their teacher told them even after lunch until the final bell rang.
"This is so amazing! I thought we were going to miss out of this trip!" Mina cheered out as everyone began gathering their things to go home.
"Yeah, I thought none of you were going to be joining us." Tsu responded. "Aizawa sensei is hard to read sometime."
"While it seems strange sensei deceived us once again, he obviously had reasons for it." Tenya added, "It seems he did it to try and scare us to going all out in our tests!"
Katara rolled her eyes playfully at his answer. "I guess so. Either way, its good we all are going together at least to the training camp. That could be very helpful for all of us."
"Indeed," Tenya smiled as he pulled out the sheet they were handed earlier about the upcoming camp. "It says this camp begins in three weeks during our summer break, and will run for a little more than a week. We are to depart early the first morning and ride out to the mountains for our camp.
"A week?" Izuku asked as he approached them, "I'm going to need a new suitcase. I don't have anything bigger than my backpack."
"I am in need of new leg weights as well. Mine were worn out recently from my training." Tenya said as he looked to Katara. "What about you? Are you in need of anything for the trip?"
"Uhh…" Katara fake chuckled and rubbed her head. "I haven't actually thought about it. I was focused on the test."
"Then we must prepare ourselves! We must gather things we need for the camping excursion!" Tenya exclaimed with a series of chops making everyone else laugh.
"We do have time, but it would be good to start getting stuff now so we don't rush." Uraraka said. "I might go to the mall and grab a few things I need."
"Hey!" Toru bounded over, the floating outfit around her invisible form shaking in excitement. "Since we have the day off tomorrow, why don't we all meet up at the mall?"
"Oh that's a sweet idea!" Mina added as everyone else began turning in curiosity to her suggestion. Almost everyone in the class agreed to the idea, except Bakugo who only scoffed and walked out of the room. Katara looked over to Shoto as he was gathering his things as well.
"How about you? You need anything special for the camping trip?" She asked him.
"No, I have things that I need." He quietly answered as he stood up. "And tomorrow I promised to bring lunch and spend the day with my mother."
"Oh that's really nice!" She responded happily. While she was slightly disappointed he couldn't come, she felt really good he could do something like this. "I think it's good you can spend the whole day with her. That's great you are able to see her a lot now."
"Yeah…" Shoto gave a small smile as he slipped his bag over his shoulder. "I assume you have your healing training tonight?"
"Yes. I'm meeting Recovery Girl now, actually." Katara stood up and put hers on as well. "I hope you have a good time with her tomorrow."
"Thank you. I'll see you soon."
Watching him walk away, Katara then saw Tokoyami still siting in his seat, her mind thinking back to their interaction yesterday. Taking a breath, she stepped forward right behind him. "Hey. You're coming tomorrow too, right?"
"Hmm?" Tokoyami looked back at her in surprise. "I wasn't really on need for anything. I think I will be fine if I don't-
"You should still come." Katara interjected. "It would be fun for you to still go with everyone."
Tokoyami sat quiet in confusion, but before he could respond a few others chimed in.
"Yes. It is important nothing is forgotten for training in the forest! Bug repellent is most crucial to keep yourself safe!" Tenya exclaimed with another chop.
"Even if you don't buy anything, it's fun to just walk around. Ribbit." Tsu added.
Tokoyami's mouth fell open in surprise, looking around as a few others requested him to come. He then looked up to Katara, her face almost pleading him to not be alone. While he was still feeling down about knowing she didn't care for him the way he was hoping, he couldn't help but smile seeing her act. She wanted to show he was still a friend and shouldn't be left out. Seeing not just her but the other there say the same thing made him slowly feel better, the lonely feeling he used to have before UA slowly dissipating once more.
"Sure. I can go too."
Katara couldn't help but smile as she walked down the hall alone. After they had discussed the plan to meet at the mall, she felt great knowing that Tokoyami had chosen to come too. Even after the incident yesterday, she would have hated to lose him as a friend. She thought back to the different things she had experienced since coming to this school. The entrance exams, the mock battles, USJ, and the sports festival. The two of them did interact a lot, and now she understood how this all happened. She only hoped they could move beyond what and-
"Well well, someone looks happy."
"Huh?" Katara turned to the sudden voice from the side, her mood immediately souring when she saw the smug look on the student leaning on the wall nearby. "Oh, it's you…"
Monoma was casually stretching his neck as he smirked at the waterbender. "You've had quite the first term, haven't you? You and your class have become so popular lately."
"Uh, thanks?" Katara turned to face him. "… I guess?"
"Oh, of course. You've done a lot since you showed up. I mean I cannot deny your speech at the festival was quite riveting. And I must give you credit for helping with Tetsutetsu's arm."
"Oh yeah, that…" Katara chuckled to herself. "No problem about that. Glad to help."
"No need for flattery. It's crazy how your class faced off with villains right when school started, how your class took all the attention at the sports festival. I mean, you even made the news yourself. it's like you can't keep out of the spotlight."
Glaring, Katara crossed her arms and frowned at the tone she caught along with his comment. "Excuse me? What's that supposed to mean?"
Monoma chuckled and waved his hands. "Oh I am not accusing you of anything. It's just crazy how all this stuff happened to you, and you made it out. You even got attacked by the hero killer when some of those same creatures that attacked the school attacked Hosu. It's like…" his eyes narrowed as his smirk grew. "… as if all these things happened around you."
Katara's teeth clenched so hard hearing that, her fists balling up as she stepped towards him. "What did you just say? You think I had something to do with all this stuff?"
"Oh? Of course not. I'm not saying it's a coincidence all this happened with you." Monoma scoffed out enjoying the glare she gave. "I mean… everyone else is saying it, though."
Katara stopped in her tracks, her eyes going wide in shock. "What?"
"Oh you didn't hear? Apparently there is quite a bit of people making up ideas how you could have been involved in these attacks. Why they would ever say such horrible things I can't understand."
Seeing the smug look he wore only made Katara's blood boil, not believing a word he said as her hand clenched tighter. "You think I had something to do with my friends being attacked? To people I care about being hurt? I think you should shut your mouth and get away before something happens."
"Oh?" Monoma glared back as she approached. "What's this, resorting to violence? You seem pretty defensive about this if it wasn't true! It seems pretty obvious something is-
WHACK!
Katara's eyes widened as a hand suddenly swiped in and chopped the back of Monoma's head, the blonde going silent and slumping to the ground. She looked back to the hand and followed it to its owner, sighing as she saw Kendo standing there. "What are you…?"
"Man, it's like he will never learn." Kendo grunted and smiled up to Katara. "Sorry about him again. He just doesn't get how to take "Leave class 1-A alone" as an answer."
"Thanks…" Katara took a breath and rubbed her head. "I'm not sure it would have been the best for me to make him stop talking."
Kendo laughed and stepped forward. "Don't let him get to you, girl. He's still jealous how you all showed us up at the festival."
"It's not like I asked for attention…" Katara groaned out and frowned.
"Hey, I don't think anyone but him is asking for it either. It's not like I believe that crap he's talking about."
Katara's eyes widened once more when she thought back to what he said, confusion and shock growing in her mind. "What is going on? Are people saying I had something to do with the attacks?"
Kendo's smile fell, the orange haired girl sighing out. "people are stupid, that's what's happening?"
"What do you mean?"
Taking a breath, Kendo placed her hands on her hips as she looked at the waterbender. "Some people have been trying to say that you are connected to the villains that attacked the school."
Katara's heart felt like it stopped beating in her chest for a moment, the shock from what she heard causing her mouth to fall open in disbelief. "What?! Are you kidding me?!"
"Woah, easy!" Kendo jumped back in surprise from the outburst. "I don't get it either, trust me. I can see why you're upset. I can talk to you more later about it so you know what's going on."
Huffing out, Katara bit her lip in frustration from hearing something so ridiculous. Now she really wasn't in the mood to train healing. "I have time now if you can talk."
After Katara contacted Recovery Girl and told her something came up tonight, Katara met up with Kendo outside of school. The pair of teens walked down the road and grabbed something to eat before they got back to the topic at hand, finding a small cafe and going inside. Taking a bite of her sandwich before she even sat down, Katara grunted and dropped onto the bench as Kendo came over sitting across from her. "Damn, hungry?" Kendo laughed seeing the other teen already attacking her food.
Blushing, Katara wiped her mouth clean and swallowed her bite. "Sorry. Just needed something to cool off a bit."
"I gotcha, don't worry." Kendo waved her hand and took a bite of her own sandwich. "Let's just enjoy our meal for a bit. You look like you need it."
Huffing out, Katara went back to eating her meal, already feeling somewhat better as she took bite after bite of the fish sandwich. For the next few minutes the pair ate in silence before Katara looked back up, her eyes widening when she saw Kendo was already finished with hers. "And I thought I was hungry."
Laughing, Kendo wiped her mouth clean and leaned back in her seat. "I barely had time for lunch earlier. I was trying to help a few of my friends catch up with assignments they were behind on."
"You still had time to do work today?" Katara playfully rolled her eyes and laughed. "Aizawa sensei told us if we didn't have our work done by the time finals started, "Tough luck.""
"Serious?" Kendo shook her head and smiled. "And I thought Vlad Sensei was harsh. Ours is loud, but your teacher seems to be the silent but scary type."
"You can say that again." Katara chuckled, both girls laughing as they continued comparing the different things their teachers did. The conversation then went to classmates and the antics they experienced everyday. Katara was enjoying her time that she had almost forgotten why they met up in the first place until a certain name came up.
"And I will never forget that time Shiozake began scolding Monoma for his rants in class, asking if he would like to repent for how he was behaving." Kendo laughed and leaned on her elbows, but was surprised at the look on Katara's face. "What's wrong?"
"It's what he said to me in the hallway. What did you mean when you said people are saying things about me?" Katara questioned, her eyes now focused.
Kendo frowned and waved her hands. "Hey, don't worry about it. It's just stupid stuff a few people are saying, so don't take it too-
"What are they saying, though?"
Hearing the stern tone in Katara's voice made Kendo sit back slightly. She knew Katara wasn't angry at her, but was obviously upset with what she heard. Huffing out, she scratched her head and leaned forward again. "Apparently a few kids started spreading a rumor after the internships ended, how you might be a secret villain or something."
"What?!" Katara's fists balled up once again in anger. "Why would they say something like that?"
"Some were trying to bring up how you were involved with that incident with Endeavor and then the school had been attacked by villains. They are trying to say it must be connected somehow. And then the attack in Hosu had those strange creatures and…" Kendo shrugged her shoulders. "Well, they are trying to say since you were there, they could be connected to you."
"Are you serious? How could they…" Katara's fingernails dug into her palm from squeezing so tightly. She couldn't believe it. She was attacked in these events as well, and somehow people thought she was somehow a part of this? She still remembered the pain she felt when she faced that nomu, unknowingly reaching up and touching her side. She looked back up to Kendo staring at her, taking a deep breath to keep from shouting in utter frustration. "And you don't think this?"
Kendo rolled her eyes. "Of course not. What, that you are some hidden villain in our school? Really? These idiots are forgetting you got attacked at school and by the hero killer, too. No one in our class buys that crap, either. I don't even think Monoma believes it. He's just trying to get under your skin, so ignore him."
Sighing, Katara leaned back in her seat and rubbed her head. "But… others are saying it…"
"And they don't even know you." Kendo gave a small shrug. "I mean, I don't really know you either, and yet I can tell it's a load of BS."
Hearing that did help Katara relax slightly. "Well… thanks for telling me that. That does make me feel better."
"Of course. Hey, don't let what others say get to you, it's obviously some kids probably jealous about you getting first in the entrance exam still. Once we come back to school after break, I feel like most are going to forget all about this. Besides, since Monoma failed the final exam, he has to suffer more through that summer camp trip too."
Katara looked back up to the large smirk on Kendo's face, bringing a smile back to her own face. "Okay, I am definitely going to remember that when he says something to me next time."
Kendo sarcastically clapped her hands together with a fake pleading face. "Please do, my hand is getting tired from hitting him."
Katara couldn't help but smile brighter, unable to hold her laughter in as the pair of teens both broke out in a fit of giggles. After several minutes the subject changed off that and went back to what they expected from the summer camp coming up, both curious what was planned for everyone. While they stopped talking about it, the waterbender was still in disbelief to this news, to think there were some that thought she had anything to do with these attacks. After what she and her friends fought through together, to hear some actually make up lies that she had something to do with it made her sick to her stomach.
As she looked across the table though, she couldn't help but feel more at ease as her neighboring classmate dismissed it like nothing. It felt much better knowing there were others like Kendo who didn't believe those lies, and knew something like this would never come between her own friends.
'If only it were easier than that…' Katara mumbled to herself the next day at the mall. After everyone who was going to show made it, many had broken off into their own small groups and were off shopping in their own areas. She had hoped after the talk she had with Kendo, she would be able to clear her head with her friends and just have a fun day. After she got home and went to sleep however, worry began to grow inside her head. Thoughts began to grow inside that her about what she had heard, how others in school began saying things about her and who she was, and it was for certain different than she ever expected.
While she knew some of her classmates who knew who she really was would never believe whatever rumors were going around, she began growing concerned if some of the others had heard anything said or could start growing doubt. While some like Tokoyami, Mina and Momo would shoot down whatever was being spread, she began wondering what the others may begin thinking. What if they began to grow hesitant around her? It was already hard enough to deal with keeping her true origin away from her friends, and now she had to worry about this too? And was this limited to school?
'If it is true that others are talking about it, are other people outside school thinking this? What if a lot of people didn't believe that story with me and Endeavor? but what if other be-
"Knock knock!"
"Gah!" Katara gasped as Mina's fist tapped her forehead, looking over to see her pink friend staring at her curiously. "What was that for?"
"Uhh, because you were spacing out at that those shirts for like five minutes." Mina huffed out, making Katara roll her eyes.
"I… I was deciding which one I wanted." She lied and pretended to flip through the shirts.
Mina raised her eyebrow as she watched. "Uh huh… so you were looking in the men's section?"
"What?" Katara stopped and looked up, blushing when she actually saw what she was skimming through. "I… sorry I just had a lot on my mind."
"Yeah, you've seen a little off today." Mina set down the thermos she was looking at. "What's up?"
While she was hesitant about talking about it, Katara knew it would be best just to ask. Rubbing her arm, she took a breath and looked back up to her friend. "Ashido, have you… heard anything going around in school about me?"
"Huh?" Mina tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Well… There are…" Katara sighed and looked away. "… have you heard people saying I had something to do with the attack at school?"
Mina stared at her wide eyed, not from shock but from being lost. "Uhhh… what?"
"Like, some people are saying I had something to do with the attack at the USJ, that I helped villains. You haven't heard that?"
….
….
….
"PFFFT! HAHAHAHA!"
Katara jumped back in surprise as Mina burst out into a hysterical laugh, clutching her sides and falling to the ground. "What was so-
"Hahaha! Wh-what?! Hahahahaha!" Mina rolled on the ground as she continued. "You helping the villains?! Hahaha! Good one, Katara!"
While it wasn't the reaction she was looking for, Katara certainly felt a little better she wasn't being accused. As she continued staring at Mina rolling around, Shoji walked around the corner carrying a large sleeping bag in his arms, looking down in confusion to the laughing girl. "What's with all this? I could hear her across the store."
"Oh Shoji, y-you won't believe this!" Mina struggled to breathe as she sat up. "K-katara says some people at school think s-she helped the villain attack! HAHAHAHA!"
As Mina dropped back into her laughing fit, Katara grabbed her forehead and shook her head. "What she means is things people are saying about me at school. It's just-
"Oh please, not those rumors again." Shoji shook his head as Katara's eyes widened.
"Wait, you've heard of them?" She asked.
"Woah woah, hold on…" Mina took a breath to calm herself and sat up, her smile vanishing almost instantly. "You mean people really are saying that? That's ridiculous!"
"Yeah, some of us have been asked by other kids in the school." Shoji raised his eyebrow in surprise at the look Mina gave him. "You really haven't heard anything?"
"Her? Why haven't I heard anything?!" Katara snapped louder than she expected. "Why am I just finding out about this? You knew and didn't say anything?"
"Because it was obviously not true." Shoji casually answered with a shrug. "You've done nothing but try and help everyone, not mentioning how you were hurt as well in the attack. I think it's crazy how anyone even thinks that could be true."
Ojiro overheard the conversation as he walked by, his tail perking up in curiosity. "wait, what's going on?"
"Remember that thing we heard before finals?" Shoji asked. "Where that one guy from the support course walked by and made that comment about Katara?"
"Oh yeah…" Ojiro shook his head. "That was so weird."
"You knew, too?" Katara threw her arms up in disbelief. "How does everyone else know this and not me?"
"I'm lost here, too." Mina shrugged.
"I don't think everyone has heard about it, but it's not like we are making it a big deal in class because it isn't like we believe it." Shoji said casually. "I mean, it was kind of odd when that news about you and Endeavor came out, but to say you actually helped with the attacks is insane."
"Yeah, and besides, I don't think you are…" Mina gripped her chin as she thought about how to say it. "You don't strike me as bright enough to come up with such an evil plan to go on so long."
Katara couldn't help but glare at her friend. "I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be insulted or not by that."
"No no, it's a good thing!" Mina sheepishly laughed and waved her hands. "I mean, you are amazing, but to have a whole evil plan about sneaking in here and working with the villains… I don't really think that's something you could come up with."
Katara's face scrunched up hearing that, grunting and looking away. "Yeah, not sure if I am supposed to take that as a compliment." She turned and thought she noticed Shoji smirk under his mask. "What's so funny?"
Chuckling quietly, Shoji gave a small shrug. "I mean… I was kind of thinking the same thing."
Ojiro blushed and rubbed his head."Yeah, me too. And I heard something about Tsu wanting to have a spelling contest with you sometime."
"What is it with her and a spelling contest?!" Katara gripped her hair in frustration as the other three couldn't keep from laughing.
Walking through the sunscreen isle, Momo hummed to herself as she came across her favorite brand. Quickly stocking up on a few bottles, she looked down and frowned she was still only on cosmetic supplies and hadn't even looked for anything like a sleeping bag.
"I don't think I have ever actually camped before…" Momo blushed in embarrassment, only able to recall staying at luxurious resorts with her parents growing up. Having to find things like this was certainly new to her and she realized she probably should have asked for a little help from her classmates what to grab.
"Hey, Yaoyorozu…"
"Hmm?" Momo turned around to the sudden voice, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw Uraraka standing there. "Oh, hey there. Were… Were you looking for some sunscreen too?"
"Uh y-yeah." Uraraka forced a smile and walked by the taller teen, pretending to look at the different bottles on the shelf. "Wh-what kind do you like?"
"Oh, well, I usually prefer this brand," Momo lifted one of the bottles she had and showed it to her. "It's really good on the skin and doesn't leave it oily."
"Uh huh…" Uraraka barely heard what she said as she was looking around, making sure they were alone from their other classmates. When she knew they were, she took a breath and looked back up to Momo. "Actually, I… was hoping to talk to you about something."
Momo's heart jumped slightly from the question and the pleading look on her classmates face. "Oh… um, sure. What is it?"
"Do… Do you…" Uraraka's cheeks puffed out as she struggled to say it, still trying to accept the fact she knew. "Do…"
"Uhh…" Momo raised her eyebrow as she watched the gravity teen turn slightly red. "Are you okay? I can get you some water if-
"DO YOU LIKE DEKU?!"
Both girls turned bright red in embarrassment from the shout. Uraraka from suddenly bursting out loud like that, squeaking out and covering her mouth in fear. Momo however was in complete disbelief and shock from the question, feeling her heart suddenly pounding in her chest.
"Wh-what do you- mean?!"
"Sorry for yelling!"
Both girls responded at the same time, swallowing the lumps in their throats before Momo spoke again.
"I mean… H-he is an amazing friend and everything and he always tries to help. Who couldn't like him for that and-
'That's… not the like I mean…" Uraraka rubbed her fingers together as she huffed out. "You… like him… like him, don't you?"
Momo felt her breath catch in her chest once again, not expecting Uraraka of all people to be asking her this. After what she could tell recently, it was obvious she liked Izuku as well, and that-
'As well?' Momo gasped internally when she realized what she said, finally admitting to herself what she has been feeling for sometime now. Taking a moment to calm herself, she looked back to Uraraka and saw the girls eyes almost begging for an answer. And for the first time, she said what she had been feeling out loud.
"I… I do." Momo felt her heart flutter after finally saying it after so long, reaching up and gripping her arm tight. "I really do like him."
Uraraka felt a tightness enshroud her chest hearing it, hoping for some reason she was wrong. After what she had learned over the last few days though, she knew it was the truth. Giving a soft smile, she nodded her head. "I know."
Momo looked at the brunette in surprise, not thinking she would hear that. "You do?"
"Yeah. I mean…" Uraraka gave a small shrug. "I… heard you call him… Izuku during the finals."
"What?!" Momo gasped and clasped her cheeks, turning red in embarrassment. She had no idea she said it out loud in the room either. Her eyes went back to the girl in front of her, the teen giggling slightly at her reaction. She then thought back to the beach and all the other times she watched Uraraka talk to Izuku, how happy she always looked. "So… you like him too, don't you…" She asked.
Taking a deep breath, Uraraka smiled and nodded once more. "Yeah…"
Momo felt her brow furrow hearing that, still not a fan of hearing that despite knowing that was the truth. Before she could say anything though, Uraraka continued.
"I've liked Deku for a long time now. It… actually kinda started before school when he saved me during the entrance exams. He was one of my first friends here and he was always so nice and made me want to try harder to be a strong hero. I began to really discover how I felt during the sports festival, when you got to be on his team instead of me," Uraraka blushed and rubbed her head. "I may have been a little… jealous back then."
"Really?" Momo asked, not realizing Uraraka had feelings going back so far.
"Yeah. You got to be on a team with him, and I could… tell you two were growing close with how much you two talked during school and stuff. You were spending a lot of time together and…" Uraraka sighed and looked away. "… Deku is one of my best friends, and I realized I was falling for him and kept denying it. But the truth is… he likes someone else."
The beating in Momo's chest grew harder from the soft look Uraraka gave to her right then, the small smile on the girls face followed with a slight nod to confirm it. "He… told you he does?" she hesitantly asked.
Uraraka shook her head and giggled. "No. After school yesterday, I ended up hanging out with Iida and Deku as we left. We were talking about finals and everything that happened in school so far, and he always brought you up in conversation. Just hearing him talk about you, he was so excited and happy, and he… even called you Momo one time without realizing it."
Momo felt butterflies in her stomach at that. "Really?"
"Yeah…" Uraraka smiled up at the blushing teen. "You like him a lot, don't you?"
At this point, Momo could barely contain herself. Her face had been split with a cheesy smile as she was now a soft pink at this point. "I do, I really do. I've thought I've felt something for so long but I kept denying it. Izuku has always been there to help me whenever I needed it. He is so smart, and kind and handsome. Every time I see him I can't help but smile, feeling myself just grow happier whenever we talk. And I-
Momo paused as she realized who she was saying this to, her mouth hung open as she stared at Uraraka. "S-sorry. I shouldn't be doing that since you feel-
"It's… okay…" Uraraka slowly answered. "I should expect that since you like each other."
Momo gave a small pout in guilt as she saw the small hint of disappointment in the fellow teens voice. Even though she was feeling jealous as well seeing Uraraka try to get close to Izuku, she now felt bad seeing how much she actually did like him. "Uraraka. I… I don't really know what to say."
Uraraka smiled back instead. "It's okay. You don't need to say sorry or anything. Last night I… thought a lot and finally accepted Deku liked you. I was a little upset, but I got over it."
Last Night
"WHAAHHHHHH!"
Uraraka bawled out as she laid on her bed, shoving a spoon into the tub of ice cream she had been eating. She scraped out the massive scoop of chocolate and scarfed it down, not even able to swallow it before forcing the spoon into the tub and grabbing another one.
"D-D-D-D-D-D-DEKU!" she gurgled out between the bites she shoved in, barely able to even see whatever cheesy romance movie was on TV. "Why d-d-didn't I…" Shoves another bite in, "talk to him more?! WHAAAAA!"
She glared through her tears and jammed her spoon into the tub once more. "It's all that damn ponytail's fault! She is flaunting herself in that tiny outfit and getting everyone to look at her! I could do that too if I really wanted! I-
Uraraka's eyes burst open in shock as she dropped the ice cream and gripped her face. "Oh my god… I'm turning into Bakugo! is this what happened to him? Was he rejected and turned into that vile thing?! Is that what is going to happen to me?! Is this what despair is like?! AAAAHHHHHH!"
Uraraka frowned thinking back, hoping to never go back to that state. She shook her head and smiled, her eyes filled with determination now. "Alright Yaomomo, now that we know, it's time to make this happen now!"
"What?" Momo tilted her head in confusion. "Make what happen?"
"As Deku's friend, it's my job to make sure he is happy! But knowing Deku, he is too shy to say anything first. It's time you march right up to him and tell him how you feel!"
"What?!" Momo gasped and shifted back to being red. "I can't just walk up to him like that and say it!"
"It would be much easier! Just go all out and do it, plus ultra style!" Uraraka threw her fist in the air and grinned, although Momo couldn't share the enthusiasm.
"That is certainly not going to happen!" Momo frowned. "That would make me look desperate and… I can't. It just doesn't feel right. And especially in front of everyone else."
Uraraka closed her eyes and crossed her arms. "Hmm… maybe. But we can't wait too long." She opened her eyes and held a finger up. "How about we find him and I convince him we need help finding something. As we walk, I can slip away and you can talk to him alone."
Momo's mouth hung open in absolute shock. She couldn't believe what literally just happened; Uraraka went from class rival to wing man in the matter of one conversation, and she still couldn't process it all. "But… why are you trying to help me?"
Huffing out, Uraraka pursed her lips and looking away. "I still like Deku, but if he likes someone else I shouldn't get in the way of that," her face suddenly lit up in a large grin as she threw a thumbs up. "Therefore as his friend, I will make sure he does what he should and shouldn't blow this!"
'This is so strange.' Momo said inside her head, still not expecting Uraraka to suddenly try and get her and Izuku together. Before she could say anything, Uraraka suddenly turned and walked away. "Where are you going?" She asked.
"To find Deku."
"Now?!" Momo gasped and dropped her basket to run after her. "Wait, don't I get a say in this plan?!"
"Nope, because if you wait too long like me, you are going to end up like Bakugo."
"What?! What does Bakugo have anything to do with this?" Momo yelled in confusion.
"Just trust me on this." Uraraka frowned as she led the other girl through the store. "You shouldn't wait forever. You should just talk to him and…" She stopped walking as she exited the store and looked around the massive mall plaza. "Uhhh, where did he go by the way?"
Finally caught up, Momo huffed out and pulled her phone out. "I was kinda overwhelmed with what I was thinking about buying I didn't even pay attention. I'll call him and see where he is."
Uraraka pumped her fists in excitement. "See? I told you you would like this plan."
Rolling her eyes, Momo couldn't help but give a small smile at the brunette. To think this was what was going to happen she never could have predicted, but she was not going to complain about it. She would have to thank Uraraka somehow, feeling thankful as she brought the phone to her ear.
The ringing in Izuku's pocket continued to go off as he sat down on the bench, his shaking hand not reaching for it. His eyes glanced down to his side as the vibration kept going until it stopped feeling his heart ache not being able to answer it and call for help.
"Don't worry, you can always call them back later, Midoriya…"
Izuku's skin shivered once more from the cold voice next to him, his eyes shifting back to the figure sitting next to him. He had to turn slowly due to the bony hand wrapped around the back of his neck, only the middle finger not making contact with his skin. His gaze drifted up to the black hooded figure, covering the raggedy gray hair of the man who came up onto him the moment he was alone, his red eyes and crooked smile beaming down to him with no severed hand covering his face.
Swallowing as much as he could, Izuku stared up at the man that almost killed him before. "Wh-what do you want… Sh-Shigaraki?"
"Now now, don't be hasty…" Tomura chuckled as he danced his loose finger above Izuku's throat. "I was out for a walk checking out the wonderful city, and I see you and your pals walking around. I just had to come and have a chat with you."
Grimacing, Izuku still sat still and didn't move. He knew the moment he tried, all of Shigaraki's fingers would connect and disintegrate his neck. Even if he somehow got away, there were too many civilians around. Shigaraki could kill dozens as he escaped before a pro even got close to the area, and he couldn't put others at risk like that. The only thing he could do was sit still and talk. "So, what do you want?"
The smirk on Tomura's face fell, looking out in frustration to the crowd walking around. "That stupid hero killer is being talked about by everyone. My nomus were in Hosu that night, and yet we were pushed to the back of the news while everyone was all about that Stain. Can you tell me why is that?"
Izuku looked up in surprise, not expecting this. "What? Wh-what do you mean?"
"Both me and the hero killer are after the same goal, and yet it seems I am being forgotten as everyone is talking about what he did that was so big. Even some people came and want to join me, and yet they all gush about that damn hero killer like he was so important. I look around and see these pathetic people, and they worship the heroes that Stain was killing. And yet… they show him respect and cast me aside. We both are trying to destroy this wretched society your heroes rule over, but we are treated differently. Tell me, why is that?"
Sweating, Izuku looked out to the crowd as he thought of the right thing to say. While he was hesitant to say something to piss off his captor, he couldn't help but see the difference between the two before speaking. "You… You both are trying to destroy this society, but you simply destroy for pleasure. While I don't agree with the hero killer's actions, he… he has motivation and reasoning to his plan. He didn't go and kill innocent people, because he believed in a true hero like… All Might."
Shigaraki's eyes looked down to the ground as he listened, taking in whatever this kid had to say understand why no one cared about him.
"The hero killer, he did attack heroes, but he didn't do it for fun. He did it because he was trying to remove those he saw were not true. It was wrong, but he believed in what he did. He claimed All Might was the true essence of what a hero is, and how all should be like that if they want to be-
The quiet hiss next to him sent a chill up Izuku's spine, looking up and shivering at the odd look on Tomura's face. It looked like one of… Euphoria.
"So that is it huh… I can't believe I never saw it before. Everything wrong with this society, with… this world." Tomura's cracked lips twisted up into a cold smile. "Everything points back to All Might."
Izuku's eyes bulged out as Tomura's hand began growing tighter from excitement, gasping out as his breathing was cut off.
"Oh this is such a relief! Now I can see why this world is so backwards. It's all because of him…" Tomura laughed to himself. "All this time I was simply going to kill everything like All Might, but now I see what must be done. This is so wonderful! Oh, don't struggle now, do you want to die?"
The grip grew tighter on Izuku's throat, his hands struggling to keep from reaching up and breaking the grip off. His eyes began watering while struggled to get air, the pain growing while-
"Izuku…"
The soft voice of Momo nearby caused Izuku's heart to freeze inside his chest. His eyes opened up to see Both her and Uraraka standing there, mouths hung open in shock to see him sitting there. Urarka's hand came up as she stared at the figure next to him, her own heart skipping to the cold feeling she felt coming from him. "D-deku… who is…"
Momo eyes locked onto Izuku's terrified gaze, looking down to see the hand gripped on his neck. Her blood ran hot as she saw him struggling to breathe, looking up to the hooded man sitting beside him. She felt her skin crawl from the gaze coming up from his cold red eyes, but her anger greatly outweighed her fear at this moment. "You…" She growled as her hand began glowing. "… you let go of him right now."
Tomura couldn't keep back the chuckle building in his throat as he watched the girl glare at him, causing Izuku to panic they may try something. He waved his hand frantically to keep them back. "D-don't come over! Just stay there and-
Tomura's grip suddenly let off, the teen gasping for air as the villain smiled playfully towards them. "Oh, is he a friend of yours? My bad, I just had to talk to someone famous from UA." as he stood up, his head leaned back towards Izuku once more, his smile falling away. "Try anything, and your friends here are dead."
Both Momo and Uraraka stepped back as Tomura walked away from the bench with his hands in his pockets, the creationist's hand shook slightly as she waited for the moment to create a thick steel pole from her hand. The moment he was away, she canceled her quirk and rushed over to Izuku's side. "Izuku! Are you alright?!" she yelled, placing her hands on his side as he frantically coughed.
"Deku!" Uraraka yelled out and knelt down as well. "What happened?!"
Seeing him gasp out like this caused Momo's blood to boil, glaring back to the figure walking away. "Hey! What do you think you are-
"Don't…" Izuku's hand gripped her arm pulling her back, glaring past her and staring to the black hoodie. "Wait Shigaraki!"
Both girls eyes shot open in shock when the heard that name, knowing that was the man who attacked their school. "That's…" Momo stuttered out.
"Answer this right now…" Izuku gritted his teeth to Tomura's still form. "… What is All for One after?"
Sighing, Tomura looked to the ground. "Who really knows. Either way, you should be thankful. The next time I see you is when I want you dead. Just remember that."
Momo glared and activated her quirk again ready to conjure a capturing net. "Wait, don't try and-
"Momo…" Izuku squeezed her arm tighter. "… Don't. There's too many people here he can hurt. And I can't put you two in danger."
Uraraka swallowed the lump in her throat as she turned back towards him. "Deku…".
Clenching his fists in frustration, Izuku watched as Shigaraki walked through the crowded mall as if he were any other person, weaving through the people until he vanished among the masses.
After the encounter with Shigaraki was reported to the police, the mall was quickly evacuated as they tried to find him. Unfortunately, he vanished just as quickly as he appeared, no trace of him found anywhere. Most of the students wanted to wait together, but the police ordered all those who hadn't seen him to head home for safety. Only the three who saw him were told to stay to give as much detail as they could. It wasn't much talking for Momo or Uraraka though, the pair of them done fairly quickly while Midoriya's interview continued. Outside the interview room, Momo paced back and forth while Uraraka leaned against the wall and twiddled her thumbs.
"What's taking so long?" Momo growled out. "Why do we have to wait outside?"
"He has a lot more to talk about," Uraraka quietly said, "But I do wish we could know what is going on."
"Yeah, this is ridiculous having to just sit here and-
The door to the side suddenly opened up, Momo's eyes lighting up when she saw her crush standing there. "Izuku!"
Izuku smiled seeing her there, walking out of the room to ask how they were doing. Before he could even open his mouth though, he yelped in surprise as Momo leaped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. His face flushed deep red as she pulled him into a tight embrace, sweating as she leaned back and looked him in the eyes. "Are you okay? I never even got to ask you that after everything. My mind was spinning with everything and tried contacting the police and-
"I-I'm okay. Thank you." Izuku nodded and smiled. "I'm… I'm glad you are okay too."
Huffing out, Momo smiled and pulled him into another hug. "Thank you." She suddenly felt something moving behind her, blushing herself as his hands moved and wrapped around her backside to return the embrace. She however enjoyed the feeling, laying her head on his shoulder for a few moments before leaning back and glaring. "Stupid. You should answer your phone more often."
"What?" izuku's mouth fell open in shock. "How is that my fault today?"
"You could have warned us you were being held up!" Momo exclaimed, "I could have… I don't know, shot something from a distance!"
"That is completely illogical! What if you hit me?!"
As they suddenly started bickering over something like this, Uraraka couldn't help but laugh out loud, causing both of them to stop and look over to her in surprise. "Wow, you both got over that fast." She giggled out.
"U-Uraraka!" Izuku smiled seeing her there too. "I'm glad you are okay, too. You both waited here for me?"
Uraraka gave a quick nod and smiled. "Of course! Yaoyorozu wanted to make sure you were okay so we waited after our interviews for you."
Blushing, Izuku looked back to Momo and nodded. "Thanks. To both of you. I don't know what would have happened if you both didn't show up."
Sighing, Momo nodded in return. "I wonder what the school will do now since that villain found us at the mall."
"I don't know, but as long as we work together, we can get through anything."
Nodding in agreement, Uraraka took a breath and looked at the time on her phone. It was getting late and should probably be heading home soon. She then looked up and saw the other two still standing close to one another. While she still felt her stomach tighten at the sight, she knew there was nothing more to do. Instead of feeling bad for herself, she clenched her fists in determination. Even though she couldn't be more than friends with him, she was going to be the best friend she could be and make sure he was happy.
Slowly making their way home, Katara and Tenya walked in silence down the sidewalk after getting off the train. Once news spread that Shigaraki was sighted at the mall, Katara's heart immediately began to race in fear that he was going to attack someone. Her mind replayed seeing his sickly form, his body covered in those hands as he walked towards her. She felt her skin crawl, but was ready to rush and find him before he could hurt any of her friends. But the police had said they searched and couldn't find him, ordering them back home now. It wasn't something Katara and the others wanted to do, forced to go home and wait to hear from the others. Both of them made it home before it was dark, coming through the front door sighing together.
"I just hope they are all okay…" Katara huffed out as she took her shoes off.
"Indeed. But we both know Midoriya is far too stubborn to be hurt by someone like him," Tenya said with a smile, "I am sure they are all fine."
Laughing, Katara nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're right about that." she said as they walked through the entryway and entered the kitchen. Immediately they were both met with Madoka running towards them.
"Tenya, Katara! Thank goodness you are both here now!" She exclaimed out.
"Mother, is something wrong?" Tenya asked her, causing her to huff out.
"Of course there is! I just saw on the news the villain that attacked your school showed up!" The Iida mother took a breath to calm herself. "This stuff is going to give me a heart attack one day."
"Mother, it is alright. We were not near where they saw him, and he didn't try to hurt anyone." Tenya reached out and patted her shoulder. "We are fine."
Katara smiled seeing her concern before nodding as well. "We are okay. Thank you, though." The door behind them suddenly opened, causing Katara's smile to grow as Tensei and his father came into the kitchen as well.
"She is right, you two. You should be more careful going out." Toki said as he pushed Tensei inside. "After everything that's happened, you can't be too cautious."
"Don't worry dad, they know what they are doing," Tensei smirked up at Tenya. "I don't think he wants to look for villains any time soon."
"Brother…" Tenya pouted and gripped his forehead, "You guilt tripping me on what happened is only causing duress."
"Well I hope it does, so you don't do anything stupid like that again." Tensei chuckled as he watched his brother pout, wheeling himself into the room besides the couch. "How about we talk about something different and just enjoy dinner."
Sighing, Madoka gave a small nod. "Okay, that is a good idea. Honey, can you help me?"
"Sure." Toki said and walked into the kitchen to help his wife. "You know I still can't cook after all these years, right?"
"Of course. I just need you to get the bowls for me." Madoka laughed as she pulled out the ingredients.
Smiling at them laughing together, Katara turned back to see Tenya go to use the restroom as walked over and sat down next to Tensei. "So, I hope your day hasn't ended as bad as ours did." She joked out making him laugh.
"Honestly, it seems like you kids can't catch a break sometimes from the craziness and just have a normal day." He said and reached over to pat her shoulder. "Still, it's good nothing happened to either of you."
"Thanks. Honestly…" Katara took a deep breath and sighed. "Thinking back to when I saw him at the school, I was worried what was going to happen this time. We are lucky he didn't try anything now."
"I know. Let just hope he crawls back into the hole he came out of for sometime." Tensei hissed out. "He's been hiding for a while now, so hopefully he decides to hide once more after whatever happened today."
"Yeah…" Katara rubbed her arm as she took a breath. She smiled over to Tensei for his concern, but noticed him wincing suddenly. "Hey, Are you okay?"
"Yeah I am. It just…" Tensei grunted as he shifted his upper back. "I've just had a twinge in my back the last few days."
"Really?" Katara leaned over and gripped his shoulder. "Is it your upper back?"
Tensei shook his head leaned up, rolling his shoulder blades making it pop. "No, It's just above the injury. Probably just irritation from sitting all day." He leaned back in his chair and sighed feeling it go away. "God I need to swim more. It feels so good being out of this chair."
Rolling her eyes, Katara chuckled and patted his shoulder. "I can try and heal you more tonight if it's bothering you."
"It does feel better after you do it. I love having a personal masseuse on call." Tensei smirked at her causing her to scoff.
"Please, I should be charging you for how often I do this for you."
"Oh really? Let's not forget where you are living… rent free."
Katara was about to retort but held her tongue as he smugly looked at her, crossing her arms in defeat and sighing. "Fine, you got me there." Listening to Tensei laugh brought a smile to Katara's face, looking around to the others in the house. She laughed herself when she watched Tenya debating with his father on how he was cutting the vegetables, chopping the air as he claimed his dad was making them uneven as his mother chimed in from behind. She felt herself forgetting the odd comments she had heard at school yesterday, instead focusing on the happiness she found here. She couldn't help but feel like these people truly took her in, and she could never express how grateful she was for being allowed to be part of this place.
Sitting in the chair across from his mother, Shoto set down the bowl of soba he finished as he listened to her story. Hours upon hours had gone by that day, and yet he could never get enough of hearing her soft voice speak to him. He couldn't help but smile as she went on telling him about the time he was little and tried sneaking into the yard to play with his sister, only to fall into the bushes and set it on fire.
"You were so frightened when it happened, you actually jumped into the pond to get the flames off your shirt." She chuckled as he sighed out.
"I don't remember that at all…" He stated.
"I assume you wouldn't. You just turned five when that happened." Rei clasped her hands together as she reminisced about the past. "Fuyumi was laughing so hard, she couldn't stop for close to an hour."
Shoto grunted out before sighing. "She always tried her best to include me in things growing up."
"She is a good girl, she always has been." Rei took a sip of water from her glass before continuing on. "She came and saw me a few days ago. She told me you have been very busy besides your finals."
"Yes… Me and Katara have been training whenever we can after school. She has helped me improve a lot."
Staring at her son, Rei couldn't help but feel her heart warm to the small smile her son was wearing right then. While she never said anything, she had been noticing that on him much more recently. And it always came when a certain girl was brought up in conversation. "You and this Katara have grown to be good friends, haven't you?" She asked him.
Humming to himself, Shoto smiled down to the ground as he thought back to how they started. "It is still strange how it started. I challenged her, and she is the one who opened my eyes to be who I am."
Looking out to the darkened sky, Rei felt her chest swell thinking about her son. He probably didn't even realize it, but every time they had met he had brought up Katara in conversation many times. Even if other names were mentioned, she noticed that was the one to come up repeatedly. Whether it was their time at internships, his many training sessions they had, or even about his final exams earlier, he brought up her match and how intriguing it was to witness. Just listening to his voice and how it changed even slightly whenever he brought her up made Rei's heart flutter.
"Shoto, I am very happy for you. It is wonderful that you have made great friends in school. And it sounds like you may have found someone special as well."
"Special?" Shoto raised his eyebrow curiously. "I mean yes, Katara really is…" after a moment he realized what she was insinuating, sounding very similar to what Tokoyami said to him. "Do you think that…? You think we are more than friends?"
"Are you not?" She asked him, "You seem to truly enjoy spending time with her, and she with you as well."
"No, we are training after school, therefore why we are seeing each other more." Shoto frowned. "There is nothing between us."
While he seemed adamant on his stance, Rei simply smiled softly toward her son. "Shoto, you have found great friends in your classmates, but it seems that you have something special with this one girl. One you can't help but smile every time you say her name."
"What?" Shoto mumbled out, feeling his body suddenly feel warm as she talked about this. "What do you mean?"
"She seems to be a very kind girl from what you have told me, and you both are making time to be together. Whether it is training or not, you both enjoy each other's company, yes?"
"I… Yes." Shoto answered. "But that does not mean there are feelings."
"Well…" Rei giggled watching him shift in his seat. "… With how nervous you are, it is obvious there is something else. I remember when you told me she invited you to have you go to the beach with everyone else. And Fuyumi even told me she came over for your studying. She also told me she was a very beautiful young lady."
Shoto felt his cheeks heat slightly, looking away as his mother continued.
"She also told me how she couldn't remember the last time she saw you look so happy. How both of you were smiling together, and she even has heard you laugh talking to her." A small tear formed in Rei's eye in happiness, reaching down and gripping her sons leg. "It sounds to me like there is something special about her that you see. And I know she must see the goodness inside you as well."
"Mother…" Shoto grunted and looked back at her. "It's… not like that. And… even if I did have some feelings, that doesn't mean she would. It's not like there are things to like about me."
"Shoto, you are a truly wonderful young man, and any girl would be blessed to be with you." She said as she rubbed his knee. "If there really is nothing between you, then that is okay. Just make sure you choose what your heart tells you to, that you do what you can to keep the ones you care about happy."
Looking at her smile towards him, Shoto took a deep breath before turning to the ground. First he had Tokoyami telling him he assumed there was something going on between him and Katara, and now his mother was telling him the same thing? He shook his head to avoid those thoughts, confused why others kept thinking there was somehow something between Katara and himself. He tried pushing those thoughts aside, but now unlike before… he couldn't ignore them.
'Am… Am I being blind to myself again?' He whispered internally, 'Even my mother senses something? She hasn't even met Katara, and says that we are close...' He sighed and looked to his mothers hand on his knee, reaching down and gripping it. He felt his emotions twisting inside, unsure what was happening. One thing he did know was that he wanted to make sure he kept those he had grown close to safe. Whether it was his mother or Katara, he didn't want to lose those what he had now. He would try and figure out whatever was stirring inside of him, and he would make sure even if there wasn't something between her like others were saying, he would make sure she was safe.
Nearly two weeks had gone by after the mall encounter, and no other sightings of Shigaraki had been made. That was because the league of villains figure had remained in his hideout, the crazed man's mind had been set in stone ever since that day. He leaned over the bar as he gazed down to the images below, chuckling to himself as he stared at the picture of Midoriya during the sports festival.
"I wish I could thank him again for clearing up my head. It's such a shame knowing he will be dead soon enough. Oh well…" he sipped his whiskey and grinned at the green haired boys image. "You are another victim of All Might. A boy jumping into this deadly lifestyle just to try and be something you aren't because you see him do it."
He looked around to see the many other figures spread out across the bar, a few newcomers having just come today. While he still despised the hero killer for stealing his thunder in Hosu, he couldn't deny the fresh faces were much deadlier than the idiots he hired at the USJ. Even the green lizard figure who was dressed exactly like Stain, while pissing him off for looking like that, had promise and pledged himself to the cause to "Follow Stain's dreams" as he said.
"It's almost time, people…" Tomura hissed out as he placed one of his severed hands onto his face. "Soon our plan will finally take place."
"Ooh, I can't wait for this!" The blonde girl in a school outfit giggled out, her pointed teeth exposed as she clasped her face. "I am so ready to do this!"
"You seem very eager for this miss… Toga, was it?" A masked man in a yellow coat and top hat questioned, chuckling as he adjusted his cap. "I am ready to deliver quite the show as well."
"I just can't wait to meet some new friends, Compress!" Himiko Toga squeaked in excitement, licking her lips. "I wonder what they will taste like."
"Disgusting…" a smaller figure in a black suit and green gas mask spat out. "Keep that crap to yourself."
"Oh?" Toga grinned as she licked her lips again and looked his way. "How about you, Mustard? I wonder how your gassy blood will taste."
"Don't even think about it…" Mustard hissed and grabbed onto the handle of his revolver. "Keep those gross teeth away from me."
"Someone is getting edgy, isn't he?" Toga teased, exposing the knife in her hand, earning a snicker from Mustard.
"Try and get near me, and I'll gas you so fast, hear me? I will-
He froze when a hand gripped the back of his neck, feeling the lightest of hot flames lick at his neck. His breathing froze as he looked back to see Dabi looking down at him, the grotesque man's piercing blue eyes staring down at him.
"You keep that damn gas to yourself. I don't want to smell that crap." Dabi sneered out and released his grip, the small amount of blue flames dissipating from his hands. "I'd rather not be put to sleep before we even get anything done.
"Wow, such a party pooper. We were having a little fun!" Toga giggled as she spun in her seat, only receiving a grunt from the pierced man.
"You keep calm too, you blood psycho. You are just as crazy as that muscled meathead outside."
"Now now, let's all play nice now." Tomura stood up from his seat. "You will all have a chance to let loose, and the time is coming soon. Once we make this work, not only would it cause faith in that stupid school UA to be lost, but in heroes in general. That is exactly what we will do when we strike."
Dabi turned to stare at Tomura, snickering out and rubbing his thumb along the tattered skin on his chin. "Don't get ahead of yourself and think this will be a walk in the park. I recall you got a bullet through your leg the last time you tried attacking the school."
Tomura glared through the fingers at the comment. "You sure talk big for someone who came crawling to me. If you weren't so level headed compared to everyone else, I would have put one of these other crazies in charge of the attack."
"Hey!" Compress crossed his arms in offense.
"That was very rude, sir!" the final figure in a full body black and gray bodysuit yelled out in annoyance, before changing his pose and holding his finger up. "But very true!"
"Quiet, Twice." Tomura grunted out at the bipolar man before glaring back at Dabi. "Either way, just remember this is my plan. You do what you are told, and you will get to kill as many heroes as you want later. But for now, I would hope you remember who you are talking to. All of you get your tasks, and we will be that much closer to destroying this filthy society."
Grunting, Dabi turned and walked out of the room to the dark hallway. He made his way to a secluded spot. While he was here to see what this league of villains was like, he had his own dreams and goals in mind. He knew everyone else that showed up was no different than him, simply using this league as a means to an end, a way to finally let loose after being kept to the shadows in this wretched hero filled society. The goals of everyone clawing to become another face for people to worship, and a tool for this workplace of a world they called home. It all was something he couldn't stand, and he had only one goal to make the hero killer proud.
To burn this cursed society down to the ground.
"Soon, it will all be in place…" Dabi huffed out and pulled out the stack of images from this pocket that were handed to each of them. They were told the plan in mind, where it was set and what it entailed to happen. Apparently anyone who stood in their way was deemed an obstacle, and allowed to be killed. He had no problem with that at all, no. What he was curious on were the people on the images they were given. He eyed the first two pictures, each of them marked for capture… alive. One of course was the reason for this attack, but the other was apparently a personal request from that voice talking through the TV, this strange voice seemingly the one pulling Shigaraki's strings.
Dabi actually didn't care about those personally, instead going to the photos of the students Tomura personally wanted dead for pissing him off. He flipped by the green haired teen, followed by the red headed hardening kid, the frog girl, and even the bird headed boy. Instead he found the remaining two images, smiling to himself as he stared at the two students left.
His gaze first focused on the red and white haired teen, ice erupting out from the boys feet in the image. "The famous son of the great Endeavor, the talked about star who won the sports festival. Such a wondrous young hero in training." He then looked over to the other one, taking a breath and chuckling out loud at the dark skinned waterbender. "The mysterious girl who ran into the flame hero on the streets. The girl who gave our little festival winner such a close fight and even went to work for the Mighty Endeavor. Oh, what are the odds."
The blue flames from his hand ignited the images, disintegrating the pictures of Shoto and Katara instantly. "It would be such a shame for the world to see something happen to not only Endeavor's new intern, but his prized son?" Dabi couldn't help but laugh to himself as he watched the ash fall from his fingers. "Oh Enji Todoroki, what would you do if something like that happened to you?"
Notes: Ohh ho ho! Got some interesting stuff going on here! Rumors, confessions and malls, oh my!
Originally I was actually going to have the first part of the summer camp here already, but as I wrote it, it felt so much better to have all this here. This is the last chapter of rest people. soon. All of you better be prepared. I'm not even sure if I am... and I'm the one writing this!
Sweet news as well! check out my profile for two new pieces of artwork on my deviantart page! one of the stain fight done by Katsura369. Thank you!
and the other image by STOPfatSHAMING... you just have to see it for yourselves!
hope you all enjoyed this chapter and love to see your thoughts and reviews of what happened. Till next time!