I am back with the last chapter before the wait for six more to be done. Today we continue with the misadventures of Blake, Sun, their friends, and the writer who's too stubborn to retcon things so he's just trying to muddle through. Nothing left to say so let's get to the chapter.

Chapter 4: The Next Step

Blake made her way inside the hero agency of her current work study. It had been about one month since the completion of her first work study. In the foyer area were four of her classmates; Achillea, Publio, Aurelio, and Hannibal. Each had their hero outfits in the cases they were holding.

"Blake! There you are!" Achillea exclaimed as she ran up and hugged her.

"Hey Achillea." Blake replied as she hugged her back.

"You're finally here." Aurelio note. "I was beginning to think you'd be late."

"Sorry an accident on the road delayed me for a bit." Blake explained as she and Achillea separated.

"Don't worry about it. We're still waiting for Ares to come and greet us so it's not like you missed anything." Hannibal pointed out.

"Indeed." Publio added.

"Regardless, please try and not cut it so close. Tardiness is something one should avoid when possible." Aurelio stated.

Blake rolled her eyes.

"Yes captain." She retorted.

"Still I can't believe we're working with THE Ares. I've been a fan of his for the longest time. His fighting style. His dedication. His bravery. HIS MUSCLES!" Achillea gushed in strangely orgasmic delight.

Blake could only stare one worriedly. Glad this doesn't happen… anytime during school or during movie night. Seriously girl you can keep your muscle fetish in check then, why not… ALL THE TIME! Aurelio meanwhile could only sigh while Hannibal laughed. Publio did nothing but stand where he was looking impassive.

"Well, looks like you all are here." A voice filled with cockiness noted.

The five turned to the source, though Achillea was more giddy than the others. A muscular bronze skinned man with scars across his body. He had dark-black messy hair. He was dressed similar to an ancient spartan warrior. He currently wasn't wearing his helmet, which was in his hand at his side.

"While unnecessary, I'll introduce myself. Pro Hero Ares at your service. I'll be working with you all directly." He stated. "Now then, who are these trainees before me?"

"Aurelio Falco, my hero name is Gilded Falcon." Aurelio answered. "It's an honor to work with a hero such as yourself.

"Publio Zucca, Inarrestabile." Publio answered.

"Names Hannibal Couscous. I go by Grav-Rider for my hero name." Hannibal answered.

"I'm Achillea Miele, hero name Unbreaking. I look forward to our time together." Achillea answered with glee.

"Blake Belladonna and my hero name's Night Flower." She answered.

"Alright then, get changed and get ready. We're gonna be hitting the ground running. Ain't no rest for the wicked and even less for the righteous." Ares directed. "Got it?"

The group replied with nods and voices of affirmation.

"Good, now get going. Meet back here when you're done." He directed.

The group went off to the changing rooms and got into their hero costume. After a bit, Blake had gotten finished changing before Achillea and returned to the foyer area. Already waiting there were Aurelio and Hannibal. Aurelio wore a pair of golden baggy pants with a bright blue waist band. Around his neck was a golden choker. He wore no shirt. Hannibal wore a black tank top, a pair of blue jeans, thick black military style boots, and had white bandages wrapped around his arms. He wore a dark blue mask over the upper half of his face.

"There she is." Hannibal called out.

"Yep," Blake replied before turning to look at Aurelio. "No comment about us taking too long."

"One cannot expect the impossible and berate someone for not achieving it." Aurelio returned.

"So you are learning." Blake retorted.

She looked around the room.

"I thought Ares would be waiting for us." She noted.

"He was but he said he had something to take care of and left. He shouldn't be too long." Aurelio answered.

After a few minutes Achillea walked into the room.

"Sorry for the wait guys. This armor can be a pain to put on sometimes." She lamented.

Achillea's hero outfit was a female variation of traditional greek armor with main difference being she has a simple bronze headpiece rather than a helmet.

"No worries, we're still waiting for Publio." Hannibal pointed out.

"Indeed." Aurelio added.

The group waited a bit longer, making small talk in the meantime. Eventually Publio silently entered the room, save for the shuffling of his armor. Publio wore a full set of thick body armor which primarily had a silver color, accented with a bronze color at various spots.

"Well, looks like you all are already." Ares noted as he walked back into the room, his helmet on. "Which means we can get started. Today you'll get a live hands on experience of life out in the field."

"What?!" Achillea exclaimed.

"Mrs. Torrone did mention something of this. Though I didn't expect it from day one." Aurelio noted.

"Such is the life of a hero I suppose. You'll never know what you'll get thrown at you." Blake noted.

"Right you are, little missy. As heroes you'll have to get used to being thrust into situations you're not prepared for." Ares explained. "Now then let's go over what's going on and what your role's gonna be so listen close."

They nodded.

"This is gonna be a simple raid where we'll be working with a few hero agencies." Ares explained. "The other heroes involved already know of your involvement so you've been accounted for in the planning. Your role is to assist in perimeter containment. Perfect place to get a taste of hero life if you ask me. Just in danger enough to get the blood flowing but nothing too serious where we'd have to worry about you being a liability.

"That being said, I suggest you defer to the advice I gave you. You'll never know what you'll get thrust into so always be on guard. Got it?"

The group nodded.

"Good, now let's get moving. Myself or my sidekicks will answer any questions you have on the way there." Ares stated. "Transports are this way."

He turned and led them to the transports to take them to the raid site. They moved at a brisk pace.

"Do we have any information on the quirks of the villains?" Aurelio inquired as they walked.

"I made sure to have all available information printed out with copies for each of you all. My sidekicks will have them for you once we load up in the cars." He answered. "Normally you'd have a bit more time to review them but you'll have to make due with the time you have."

"Isn't it unwise to suddenly put us in an operation with so little prep time?" Blake questioned.

"Like I said you'll be outside assisting in perimeter containment. With the other heroes and sidekicks there you should see little to no action if all goes well. The point of you being here is more for learning than anything." Ares answered.

The group arrived at the transports. They were all started and ready to go. Outside one of the vehicles were two young women. One was a taller more muscular woman with a fierce wild look. She had long silvery white hair. Her arms were covered with the same colored hair as on her head down to her hands. This hair seemed to travel up the length of her arm to her face, framing it, adding to her fierce look. She had hair that ran from the middle of her thigh down to her feet which was also a silvery white. She wore a white sports bra like top and battle skirt, she was barefoot. She had a confident smile on her face

The other was a slender young woman with a regal air to her. She had short silky smooth black hair which was tied in an elegant bun. She wore a simple yet elegant purple dress and purple high heels. Her face showed no emotion.

"Allow me to introduce two of my sidekicks, Primate Master." He introduced gesturing to the white-haired woman. "And Amazon Queen."

He gestured to the other woman.

"Yo!" Primate Master greeted.

"Welcome young trainees." Amazon Queen greeted.

"Thank you, it is an honor to work with you all." Aurelio returned.

"Ugh you're one of those polite types. Lame." Primate Master lamented.

"Must you be so rude Pasq." Amazon Queen chastised. "I apologize for her. Even if she is an ape she should still have proper manners."

"What'd you say you prim proper prissy bitch!" Primate Master shouted.

"STOP!" Ares shouted with a raised hand. "We're not wasting time on this. Amazon, get in the driver seat. We're leaving."

"Yes sir." She replied.

She quickly opened the door and got inside.

"Alright let's load up you all. Prime, you got the info sheets?" Ares asked as he opened the door.

The students made their way in.

"Yepper, they should be in the passenger seat." Primate Master answered.

"There here!" Amazon Queen shouted.

"Thanks Riette!" Primate Master returned.

"Perfect." Ares stated before he went around and got in the passenger seat.

Meanwhile, Primate Master got in with the students and closed the door. With everything set vehicles drove off towards their destination. As they drove, Ares handed the paper with all the information behind him.

"Hey pass these out and skim through them. You won't have much time till we get there. It won't be long til the raid begins after that." Ares explained.

The papers were taken and passed out to each of the students, who quickly went to work looking over them. The time passed by in silence as Primate Master looked around at all the students.

"If you younglings got any questions, ask them now." She spoke up. "You won't get much of a chance once the action starts."

"Hmm… nothing really." Blake spoke up.

"Yes, everything we need is on these papers. Though… I do have to ask. Is all this really necessary for a drug raid?" Achillea questioned.

"Indeed, this seems a bit much for a simple drug raid." Hannibal noted. "I know they've been a real problem recently but this seems a little extreme."

"It's more to do with the type of drugs. You've all heard of Trigger, right?" Primate Master inquired.

They all nodded.

"Well there's a new drug like it on the market called Mystic." She explained.

"Mystic hm… I think I've heard about it." Achillea noted.

"There was a news story about it a few nights ago." Aurelio added.

"From what I've heard it's been around for about four months now, but has really been rising in use recently." Hannibal commented.

"Though from what I've seen it could have been around even longer." Blake added.

"Hahahahaha… nice to see you kids do your research." Primate Master noted. "Your right on all accounts about Mystics recent rise in popularity and there are a few main reasons for that. First is it's boost to your quirk is slightly better than your average shot of Trigger. It only lasts about thirty minutes at most which is better than some poorer quality Trigger but it can't compete with the better quality shots. The real kicker is the lack of any negative mental effects it has or even outward signs someone's been taking it. Someone could have taken Mystic and you'd have no idea until they start using their quirk. And from what we've gathered there's been a drop in the price of it on the black market. All and all it's nothing good to have out on the streets. Especially since there have been cases of people's quirks going out of control upon taking it."

"That explains the amount of prep and heroes. Powered up villains who don't lose their sense of reason need more precaution." Hannibal noted.

"Exactly, so be on your toes." Primate Master replied. "We won't be putting you at the front but you'll still never know what's gonna happen. So no recklessness, leave that to the pros. Got it."

"Yes ma'am." They all replied.

"AHHHHH! Don't call me ma'am it makes me sound old!" She shouted.

"Ma'am, you might want to get ready. We're here." Amazon Queen stated as she brought the vehicle to stop.

"Grrrr… … … I'll get you for that after this." Primate Master returned as she opened the door.

Outside waiting for them were a group of other heroes and police.

"Get ready kids. It's almost show time." She stated as she got out.

One by one the group exited the vehicle, Blake being the last one out. She looked around at the heroes before her. Hopefully I can make a good impression with some of them. I need to get my hero license soon. With those thoughts in her head, she moved forward.

A few minutes later…

The raid party stood before the compound. Ares turned to Amazon Queen.

"You're up." He stated, earning a confused look from the students.

She nodded and walked forward in a dignified, regal manner. Her eyes were closed as she took in a deep breath. After a few seconds they snapped open with only the whites of her eyes showing. Her muscles bulged. Her dress shifted into a one piece bodysuit. Her heels morphed into more combat oriented shoes. She let out a primal roar. The students could only stare wide-eyed at the sudden transformation. Amazon Queen's quirk was [Berserker]. At the cost of most of her higher reasoning, she gains massively increased strength. She charged forwards and burst through the door. The police and other heroes rushed in.

"Damn they're here." One of the villain mooks noted before being knocked to the side by Amazon Queen.

Before another could go on the attack, Primate Master burst through the window and crushed him into the floor.

"Haha… go time." She noted with excitement.

Suddenly she heard the sounds of large footsteps. She looked to her right to see a large muscular man come charging at her.

"Time to die girly." He declared as he reared up a punch.

She smirked as it came at her. In an instant she bulked up, gaining massive muscles and size. Gorilla. She caught the fist with ease. Primate Master's quirk is [Primate]. It grants her the ability to take on the abilities of various primates. She is able to control which abilities she takes on. Her base form has the abilities of a chimpanzee.

"If I had a lira for every time I heard that line I'd be frickin' millionaire!" She retorted before punching him hard in the stomach. (Note: I'm using liras instead of euros since I find it unlikely the EU would survive the dawn of quirks and the chaos that'd followed.)

She threw him harshly against a wall. The villain groaned.

"Alright big guy. Let's see what you got." She declared with a feral grin.

Meanwhile…

Ares rushed past Amazon Queen headlong into battle, laughing like a mad man. He tore through the small time grunts as he raced further inside. Three villains went to meet him head on. One was a humanoid rock person. The other looked like a bipedal cat. The third and final villain had six arms with short swords in each hand. Ares met their attack with a feral grin. He quickly moved to attack the bipedal cat first, taking him down with several powerful punches before the other two could react. They didn't let their partners' quick defeat deter them. The six-armed villain slashed at him from multiple directions. Instead of dodging he blocked all of them with his armored forearms. Using his opponent's shock against him, he quickly retaliated with several even stronger punches. The swordsman was sent flying into a wall. The rock man was undeterred, until a well placed elbow shattered his protective stone guard. Ares gave him no rest and quickly took him out with even stronger punches. Ares' quirk is [Battle Frenzy]. As Ares fights; his strength, durability, and speed all increase over time. They will slowly decrease back to normal once he's out of battle.

"Alright… who's next." He challenged.

Meanwhile…

Blake, Achillea, Aurelio, Hannibal, and Publio all stood outside behind the line of police and heroes bored as they could only listen to the battle raging inside. So much for making a good impression. Blake thought to herself. A villain grunt was tossed out of an upstairs window and quickly restrained, and treated, by officers. Guess things I shouldn't complain. Not making a good impression in this case means nothing going… wrong… … … oh no… … … no no no.

"Well… Ares certain lives up to his moniker from the sound of things." Aurelio noted.

Everyone but Blake, too busy assuming the worst, could only nod at that as Ares' mad laughter echoed through the streets. Why… why would Blake tempt fate like. Blake, you know what happens when you tempt fate. Oh gods Blake's talking in the third person now.

"So what are we gonna do since…" Achillea began before stopping.

The streets began to fill up with an off white colored smoke. Ohhhh… NONONONONO! Blake repeated in her head. Everyone looked around confused before a drowsy feeling overtook them. Some even began falling asleep. Many others struggled to stay awake.

"Well *yawns* if this isn't annoying." A voice spoke up.

Those still awake looked to the source of the voice. Young man with an oriental appearance became visible through the smoke. He had black hair tied in a long ponytail. He wore a blue changshan, black pants, and sandals. Resting on his shoulder was a large ornately designed smoke pipe. He had a tired look. He blew out more smoke. His quirk is [Sleeping Smoke]. It allows him to breath out a smoke-like substance that causes people to become drowsy.

"Quite the troublesome lot you all are." Lian note.

Through all the drowsiness, Blake could only think of one thing. FFFFFFFFFUUUU...

Blake: Ah shit, here we go again.

Sun: The one time I'm not there some big time shows up.

Guilio: Don't worry, you'll get your time... hopefully... anyways we've got a next chapter preview to do.

Sun: Oh right... ahh... *clears throat* Next time we hope back to the main story for the semifinal matches.

Guilio: While ones pretty straight forward in how it's gonna go, the Kumoko vs. Katuski match looks to be interesting.

Sun: I know, I'm curious to see who'll come out on top.

Guilio: Next time, Chapter 47: The Semifinals.

Sun: Catch you guys then. Plus ultra!

And that wraps this chapter up. If you want me to be able to produce more content, please consider supporting me on subscribe star. (search zmanxv and the link is on my deviantart page). Til next time.