I have returned and I bring with me chapter 13 of When Heroes Meet Huntsmen. Along with this comes the start of a new arc. Hope you guys are ready for some fun fights later on in this arc. Now, on to the chapter.
Battle Trial Arc
Chapter 13: Setting Things up
Nezu had just gotten off the phone with Toshinori about the recent of arrival of Glynda Goodwitch, the now elusive Neopolitan, and the villainous Cinder Fall. Staring out his window, Nezu was left to ponder the new information he had received. My this is quite the predicament. Even with my intelligence I've yet to discern a pattern in the arrival of people from Remnant. From what Qrow and the three others have told me proximity from the epicenter has no factor in it. Jaune was far away from Ren and Nora and yet they still end up here in the same place at the same time. Nezu sighed. Let's see the first we know of is Qrow who came her five years ago. It was a little after All Might had received his injuries. The next one was Ruby Rose seven months ago. Then three months ago Jaune, Ren and Nora appeared. Finally we have Glynda who just arrived today.
Nezu returned to his desk. The times they arrive at all vary with no pattern between them. That's not even mentioning the fact we have no idea how long this Cinder woman and Neo have been here. Not only that it's all too likely that there are others who arrived in different countries. It'd take some time to get this sort of information from other countries if their handling it the same way as we are. Even if we could discern a pattern with this information, I doubt we'd have a way to predict who, when, and where they'll arrive. Nezu sighed.
"I can worry about this later. I've got a new school year to prepare for and possible a new staff member to get caught up to speed." Nezu noted. "Best get to work."
At the police station…
"UNCLE QROW!" Ruby cried.
In a burst of rose petals Ruby charges towards Qrow tackling him in a hug. The force of said tackle hug nearly knocked the old crow down, but he retained his footing. With a soft smile Qrow hug Ruby backed.
"Guess you missed me huh?" Qrow noted.
Tears began to streamed down Ruby's face.
"Yeah… I missed you, and Dad, and Weiss, and Blake, and Yang. Everyone." Ruby cried.
"Figures… sorry for not getting in touch sooner. I wanted to surprise you when you got into UA." Qrow explained. "Though with all that's happened I figured it'd be best to get it over with."
"Yeah…" Ruby replied with a sniffle.
However, something dawn on Ruby when she heard what her uncle stated.
"Wait Uncle Qrow, your involved with UA?" Ruby questioned.
"Oh… yeah, got in touch with the principle not long after I came here." Qrow explained.
"And how long ago did you get here?" Ruby asked.
"Five years I think." Qrow answered.
"WHAT!?" Ruby shrieked, pulling out of the hug. "You been here for five years and you didn't think to come for your sweet adorable niece when she got here. I thought you all were gone."
"Uh… well… sorry." Qrow replied awkwardly.
"Sorry doesn't cut it jerk." Ruby replied with a pout. "And you All Might!"
"Me?" All Might questioned.
"Yeah you, why didn't you say anything when you found me. Your the number one hero you had to have known about this." Ruby pointed out.
"Yes well… would you believe me if I said I didn't and only found out when I told Nezu about you?" All Might expressed awkwardly.
"Really?" Ruby deadpanned.
"Really," All Might replied.
Ruby sighed. Then there was an awkward silence.
"W-well… at least this clears somethings up." Izuku pointed out. "But that still leaves the questions regarding what happened to Remnant and why all it's people seem to be ending up here."
"Yeah, that's the main reason I wanted to talk to you all. Arrivals seem to be coming at an ever increasing rate and some of them are our enemies. I thought it best to try and figure things out sooner rather than later." Qrow replied. "However it'd be best if that little group of yours is with us in some way when we do. We also need Aizawa since he's involved with this as well. Think you all can get together soon."
"Hmm… We'll have to get in touch with everyone and see what day works best. Also we'll have to get Uraraka and Iida in through phone or internet since they're from out of town." Izuku explained. "But I don't think we'll have to wait too long till we can get them together. Where were you planning on meeting up?"
"Probably Aizawa's or my place." Qrow answered. "Their both in town so it shouldn't be too far for you all."
"Oh… can it be your place pleeeease? I want to know where you live so I can visit." Ruby pleaded.
"I'll talk with Aizawa and see what he thinks. Also, visit? You don't want to move in with your favorite Uncle?" Qrow jested.
"Heck no, you barely take care of yourself as it is. I'd be cooking my own dinners for gods know how many nights at best." Ruby pointed out.
"Well… can't argue with that." Qrow replied with a laugh. "Now then I think we're done here."
"Good cause I still need to get to school." Izuku pointed out.
"You sure you want to go to school after all this sweety?" Inko questioned.
"Yeah, I get the feeling UA's gonna be kind of like this so might as well get use to it." Izuku noted.
"If you say so I'll allow it. Thanks to this little cutie you got away with no injuries so you should be fit for school." Inko noted.
Eri blushed lightly at the sudden praise.
"I-i-i-i-i-it was n-n-n-nothing." The little girl replied, fidgeting with her fingers.
"I wouldn't say that. Not having a broken arm is something pretty good." Izuku pointed out as he picked up Eri and placed her off his lap.
When Izuku got up Eri immediately grabbed his arm.
"She really is attached to you sweety." Inko pointed.
"Oh, you should have seen it on the way here Eri was holding onto Izuku's arm the whole time." Ruby stated. "It was the cutest thing ever."
"Please tell me you got pictures." Inko demanded.
"Tons," Ruby replied.
Izuku sighed.
"This we'll be one plus of going to school." Izuku muttered.
Later, at the clothing store…
Ruby and Inko lead a nervous Eri into the store. Said girl was gripping onto Ruby's arm as if her life depended on it. Eri looked around frantically for any signs of danger.
"Hey Eri you can relax your safe now." Ruby expressed gently.
"B-b-b-b-b-b-but what if Kai or Cinder come for me? W-w-w-w-what if something else bad happens?" Eri questioned fearfully.
Ruby got down to Eri's height and looked her in the eye.
"Hey don't you worry now. Your new honorary big sister will protect you." Ruby assured her.
"H-honorary big sister?" Eri questioned.
"Yep as of now, no matter what we're honorary sisters." Ruby stated. "Got it?"
Eri looked at Ruby with wide eyes. Ruby gave her a soft cheery smile. A small attempt at a smile creeped on to Eri's face.
"Got it big sis." Eri replied.
Finally big sister status achieved! Ruby mentally exclaimed. Suddenly her phone began to ring.
"Huh…" Ruby expressed.
Returning to an upright position Ruby took out her phone to see Jaune calling him.
"Uh crap I never told Jaune what happen he's gotta be freaking out about me not being there." Ruby expressed worriedly. "Hope things are at least a bit better."
She hesitantly answered her phone.
"H-hello?" Ruby asked wearily.
"RUBY, WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!?" Jaune shouted.
"Gahh… sorry Jaune. I… got caught up with something I'll explain later." Ruby answered.
"Well when are you gonna get here? It's starting to get better but it's taking forever." Jaune expressed.
"Well…" Ruby began as she looked down to Eri. "I can't something came up I promise I'll explain later but right now I'm busy with something bye-bye."
"Ruby wait!" Jaune shouted before Ruby ended the call.
Ruby let out a long sigh.
"You sure you don't want to go help him it seems like it's really important?" Inko questioned.
"I'm sure. What kind of big sister would I be if I didn't at least help my new little sister with shopping after everything that happened." Ruby answered.
"If you say so dear." Inko replied.
"Also in case something bad happens I'll be able to get you and Eri out quickly." She whispered into Inko's ear.
"Good thinking even if we have heroes nearby, extra safety is good." Inko whispered back.
The trio head into the little girls section. Immediately Inko and Ruby started picking out various articles of clothing for Eri to try on.
"Eri dear try this." Inko suggested.
She and Ruby held out the first set for Eri to try on. It consisted of a white dress shirt with a frilled collar, a red pinafore, black tights, and a pair of large yellow boots.
"Do I have to do it alone?" Eri asked nervously.
"Don't worry I'll be in to help you." Ruby answered.
"Okay," Eri replied.
Taking the clothing, Eri walked into the changing room followed by Ruby. After a short while the two came out with Eri changed into her new outfit.
"Oh it's even cuter than I imagined. Do you like it dear?" Inko questioned.
"Mhm…" Eri answered with a nod.
"Good now let's try on more." Inko stated.
"O-okay," Eri replied.
The trio went through several outfits, all of which Eri was happy with.
Later…
Eri exited from the changing room with Ruby in tow. She had just changed into her latest outfit. Said outfit consisted of black double button up shirt, short white skirt, and black shoes.
"Oh… so adorable." Inko squealled.
"I know right." Ruby replied. "Though I think it'd work better if the shirt was sleeveless."
"True, true, but it's still winter so we can't have her in that." Inko pointed out. "We'll have to get a sleeveless version when spring rolls around."
"Fair enough, welp I think we've got enough for today." Ruby expressed.
"Indeed." Inko expressed.
To Eri she had more than enough given this was the fifteenth outfit she'd tried on.
"Let's get going." Inko stated.
"Uhm… actually." Eri began, nervously playing with her fingers.
Inko and Ruby looked at Eri curiously. Which only made her more nervous.
"C-could I uhm… wear the first outfit you got me?. I-I-I really l-liked it." Eri asked.
There was a brief moment before Inko smiled at the little girl's request.
"Sure thing dear let me get it all together again and Ruby can help you change into it." Inko stated.
Eri gasped, her eyes sparkled, and the closest thing to a smile she'd ever done creeped onto her face. After getting the outfit together, Ruby lead Eri back into the changing room to get back into it. After a brief moment a happy little Eri came out in her first and favorite outfit. With everything set the trio purchased everything and returned to Inko's apartment.
Elsewhere…
Neo sat atop a old abandoned building. From their she looked out onto an unfamiliar cityscape. It seems that I really am in another world. Good thing I did some snooping in Overhaul's compound when I did. Deftly she hoped down from the building and landed gracefully. Creating an illusion, her hair turned black and eyes turned green. Her clothing shifted to a long sleeve white top, black skirt, black leggings, and brown knee high boots. She walked out onto the street. I'll need to bid my time and try and build up my power in the underworld. First I'll take out Cinder then Ruby. Only then will my revenge be complete. Now then where do I begin?
As she walked by some woman she bumped into her.
"Ow watch where you're going." The woman scolded.
Neo feigned an apology and moved on. With a sly smirk she looked at the yen she swiped from the woman as she walked away. She hide it carefully before anyone noticed. I'll build up my wealth. With that I'll gain the notoriety and power to draw allies to my side. She noticed a hero on patrol passing by. The heroes are gonna make things difficult. Huntsmen were trouble enough back home and with this world's equivalent they are far more prominent and actively patrol the streets. I'll have to be careful. A sly smile crept onto her face. It'll be tough but if I play it right things could turn out very good for me.
Later at the Midoriya residency…
Izuku entered into his apartment. He saw Ruby standing in the hallway on the phone with someone.
"Yep sorry again for not being able help you out with that, see ya later Jaune." Ruby stated before hanging up.
"Hey Ruby." He greeted.
"Oh hey Izuku." She quickly returned.
"Talking with Jaune about what happened today I take it?" Izuku inquired as he took off his shoes.
"Yeah, he said any time works for them to met up." Ruby answered. "All that leaves is seeing what works for Tenya and Ochako."
"Good," Izuku replied.
In that moment Izuku noticed the missing presence of a certain little girl.
"Where's Eri?" Izuku asked.
"Oh she's napping in my room." Ruby answered. "She was tired and we haven't been able to get her a bed sooooo…"
"I get it. It was a pretty long day for her." Izuku noted.
"AHHHHHH!" Said girl screamed from Ruby's room.
"ERI!?" They both exclaimed before rushing to her room.
They bursted into the room to find Eri out of bed, looking around wide eyed and frantic. She was in her new PJ's which was a pink fluffy onesie with bunnies on it.
"Eri, what's wrong?" Izuku asked.
"Are you okay?" Ruby asked.
"Is she okay?" Inko, who suddenly appeared behind them asked.
"I'm free." She whispered. "I-I thought it was a dream b-b-but… but…"
Her eyes teared up her lips trembled. Her trembling lips slow curled up into a big bright joyous smile, the first she could remember.
"It wasn't a dream I'm free, I'M FREEEEEE!" She cheered as she began to dance about the room.
Izuku, Ruby and Inko smiled at the now happy energetic little girl.
"I'm free, I'm free, I'm FREEEEEE!" She shouted as she ran all about.
She jump, twirled, cartwheeled, and danced about the room all with her smile never leaving her face. She rush to the window to look outside.
"I'm free, I can see the sky whenever I want, I can see the sun whenever I want, I can finally play in the snow whenever it comes." She babbled.
She left the window to skip about the room.
"No more experiments, no more of my arms being blown up, no more lonely nights in my prison." She continue.
That turned morbid fast. They collectively thought, straining to keep the smile on their face at Eri's cute antics.
"I got new cloths, I got a big sis, I might get a big brother, I might get a mama and papa again." She continued to babble. "I get to have a home cooked meal, a comfy bed to sleep in, and I get to sleep with big sis."
I am calling Hisashi right now we are adopting her, no if, ands, or buts. Inko resolved in her mind. In that moment Eri finally became aware that her caretakers were watching her. She stopped dead in her tracks. Her face turned bright red in embarrassment.
"Having fun Eri?" Ruby teased.
"Uhmm…" Eri began.
"I best start getting dinner ready. Gotta give you that home cooked meal." Inko stated before walking away.
"Uhmm…" Eri continued.
"Glad your happier now." Izuku stated.
"Yeah, and since your up Eri I need to teach you all kinds of fun games to play." Ruby stated.
"Really?" Eri asked with sparkly eyes.
"Yep, come on Izuku your playing with us too." Ruby stated.
"Wait what? But I have homewoooorrrrrk." Izuku began before being dragged along by Ruby.
"Homework can wait." Ruby answered.
The rest of the day was spent playing all kinds of games with Eri. After eating dinner Izuku was finally able to get to his homework. Eventually it came time for everyone to go to bed. Eri fell asleep with her new big sister, truly happy for the first time in a long while.
Izuku: Man it is good to be back.
Ruby: No kidding it's been over a month since the last chapter was released. Taking waaaaay too long there author.
Izuku: Just be happy we got six more chapters now and let's get on with the preview.
Ruby: Righty o then, next time we finally all meet up to figure things out, grown ups included.
Izuku: And I ramp up my quirk training. I hope I get it ready in time for school.
Ruby: I'm sure you'll be fine. Lastly Glynda has her meeting with Principle Nezu.
Izuku: Next time, Chapter 14: Preparations. See ya then.
