Coco: Hey, guys, I know it's been a while. Like I kind of went MIA on all my stories. It's just the holidays aren't really for me. Work stresses me out and big family gatherings really wear me out, so I haven't felt much like writing. That and this was my first Thanksgiving and my first Christmas without someone special to me.

2020 has been a rough year with lots of ups and downs. I graduated from school with honors and two months early in February. Started a new job and things were looking up, but then the Corona Virus started and I was laid off from my new job and right back in my old one that only seems to get worse by the day. I've lost more people in my family this year than any years previous, and the one I'm missing the most is still weighing heavily down on me. So, I was just really down in the dumps and didn't feel like writing or doing anything really.

So, I'm sorry for the wait. I've gotten some writing done recently though and actually have two more separate story updates to post today, which I hope you'll enjoy. But enough of that depressing stuff. We're here to have fun and enjoy some reading together, right? So, let's get to it.

"Yes, Sir, I believe I will be seeing you soon," Ayano said as she stepped into the dorms that evening after classes. "While the teachers haven't come out and said it, it appears they'll be going along with the work study program for us first years."

Ayano then nodded along with whatever Nighteye was saying on the other end as Katsuki was walking over to greet her. She smiled at the blonde who was wondering just who she was talking to.

"I am eager to get back to work." Ayano said. "Do you still have that project waiting for me?"

Katsuki frowned wondering what was going on as he looked to his classmates. Some looked jealous as they looked at Ayano while the others looked a bit surprised.

"I would like to get to work on it as soon as possible," Ayano said as she walked by Katsuki to head to the elevator that would take her to her room's floor. "Perhaps sending over the necessary paper work would help speed along the process? I could get it signed as soon as things are settled here."

After she was gone, Katsuki, who had watched her go, looked back to his classmates.

"What the hell was that about?" Katsuki demanded to know.

"Sorry, House Arrest, but we can't tell you." Eijiro teased his friend. "You'll find out tomorrow."

Katsuki growled feeling annoyance as he wanted to know now. He was starting to understand bit by bit. It seemed as if the teachers were preparing his class for the next level of internships with these work studies. If Ayano was speaking with who he had a feeling she was, she was preparing to do some actual hero work.

'I have to catch up,' Katsuki thought. 'Soon she'll be out in the field…and I won't be with her…'

Up in her room, Ayano was setting down her school bag before taking a seat at her desk.

"I will be going ahead and sending you some information on the case." Nighteye was telling her as she was starting up her laptop. "If you're so confident that you'll be joining us soon, I want you fully prepared once you arrive at the agency. We don't have the luxury of time. Especially not if this new information we received mere hours go is true."

Ayano frowned wondering what could have Nighteye so bothered that he'd be willing to give her case information before she actually has permission to start her work study.

"It seems our target has recently made contact with another person of interest." Nighteye said. "Twice of the League of Villains."

Ayano's eyes widened as Rina's face flashed within Ayano's mind. If the League of Villains were making another move…the two sisters might be meeting again…very soon.

Rina looked up from her book as she heard Twice approaching by picking up on his thoughts. She heard the mental presence of another as well and deduced he was the one Twice had mentioned. She hummed.

"My, my, Twice certainly stumbled across someone interesting." Rina said as she closed her book with a soft thud.

Tomura, who was leaning against the wall, looked over at her curiously as she was handing her book to the hooded Nomu at her side.

"Interesting?" Magne repeated. "Interesting how?"

Rina didn't reply right away as the door to the warehouse they were staying at slowly opened. Twice was revealed first before stepping back to let their guest come through first.

"Welcome back, Twice." Rina greeted.

"Hey, Sebone, good to be back!" Twice said then pointed a thumb downwards. "I haven't missed you at all!"

Rina just gave the man a small grin before turning her eyes onto their guest. She narrowed her eyes as she picked up his thoughts.

'This isn't going to go well,' She thought as her eyes glowed.

She kept her mouth shut, however, as Tomura recognized their guest while now understanding what Rina meant by the man being interesting.

"Well, now," Tomura hummed. "You brought us a pretty big catch, huh, Twice?"

The man in front of them tilted his head as he seemed to size up Tomura. Though his eyes did briefly flicker over to Rina who was sitting near Magne with her silent bodyguard close to her side.

"You think so?" The man asked. "Strange coming from you—The League of Villains."

"What gives?" Magne asked as she looked to Tomura. "Is this guy famous or something?"

"He does look a bit familiar." Royale commented from their spot next to Compress.

The man turned to Royale and Rina could see through his mind that he recognized Royale as well. Apparently, they crossed paths more than once when Royale came here a few years back. Back when Royale still had ties with the old school gangs and mobs they had worked for before becoming their own villain.

"My master showed Rina and me a picture of him." Tomura explained. "He's what you'd call Yakuza. The Young Head of the Shie Hassaikai."

"Chisaki Kai—though I hear you go by Overhaul." Rina added in. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

At the sound of his name, Royale finally remembered why the guy looked so familiar to them. They remember seeing him when they were with their old boss who came here to Japan to do some business to help the Yakuza try and survive. Because while the old mobs were dying out in Japan, they were still thriving in other counties. Mostly in the European Counties and in the States.

"He's the number two of the whole gang?" Magne inquired. "Ooh, I've never met anyone like him before. He smells so dangerous. How exciting."

"I'm surprised he and his little group are still around." Royale said honestly.

They then went back to filing their nails as they were now bored with the conversation. From below Royale and Compress, Toga frowned a bit in confusion.

"What's the deal?" She asked as she tilted her head up to look at Mr. Compress and Royale. "We're all criminals here. So, how is this guy different?"

"Ah, allow me to tell you a story." Compress said. "In the past there were many different scary troops that ran the underworld. After heroes started thriving though, they slowly but surely began to disband. When All Might took the stage, their era was over. The Yakuza survivors who weren't caught became rent-a-thugs for villain groups. In other words, they were the lowest form of criminal. Barely scarping by to make a living. Frankly, they're obsolete. An endangered species."

Royale couldn't have said it any better themselves. There was a reason why they left behind such a life. They had bigger ambitions. Not to mention, they didn't feel like dying off with the rest of those obsolete criminals as Compress called the Yakuza. They had still much to do before they allowed themselves to be forced into such an existence.

"Endangered species, huh?" Overhaul murmured. "I guess that's true."

"Yeah, what's a Yakuza thug from the slums doing here?" Magne asked. "Let me guess, you're excited about All Might's retirement too?"

"It's good that he's gone, sure." Overall agreed. "But I'm more interested in All for One's absence."

His words, of course, caused Tomura to tense up, which had Rina sighing. Yes, things weren't going to go well at all. Tomura was still very sensitive about what happened to All for One.

"The Dark Emperor who ruled over the shadows." Overhaul continued. "The old timers always feared him. Even after the rumors of his death. Honestly though, most people my age thought he was an urban legend. You can imagine the shock when he showed up in the flesh. But in the end, the big and bad was thrown into Tartaros and the Symbol of Peace retired, which means those of us in the shadows and those of us in the light are both leaderless. So, who will step up to take their places?"

Rina knew Overhaul was just baiting Tomura. Just trying to put the pale-haired man on edge, and it was working. Tomura was already moving forward, and Rina could sense his anger beginning to rise. Right now, it was mere annoyance, but she knew how quickly that could change.

"You know who my master is, but you've still got the nerve to ask that." Tomura scoffed. "Sounds like a challenge. I'm the next leader. Even now I'm gathering my troops. Our numbers continue to increase. With our combined power, I'll turn hero society to dust."

However, those numbers were growing slowly. They haven't been able to recruit anyone new. Not since Giran about them this batch. Rina knew getting people to support their cause—or rather Tomura's cause—wasn't going to be easy. Sure, they've made a pretty big ripple in society to cause a stir and some fear, but most of their ventures have ended in defeat. They've lost valuable players along the way. One being their patron—the ever infamous and villainous All for One. And Rina could see Overhaul wasn't impressed with them, and honestly, she wasn't surprised.

"Do you have an actual plan?" Overhaul asked Tomura.

His blunt inquiry caused Tomura's annoyance to spike straight to anger, which had Rina frowning. Things were about to escalate.

"Watch your tongue." Tomura hissed. "And your tone. I thought you came here to join up with us."

At his angry tone, Twice looked nervously between Tomura and Overhaul who remained calm.

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." Overhaul said as he stepped forward. "If that's what you're offering, why should I join you? What happens after you increase your forces? Do you any idea how'd you organize your League? You had the Hero Killer Stain at your side—Muscular—Moonfish all first-class game pieces, and you lost them. Maybe you just didn't know how to play the game. You can't even manage a few crazy people, but you want to build an army? What happens when that power spirals out of control? You need direction to achieve your goals."

The more he spoke the more Rina felt the anger and distaste build up in her companions. Besides Tomura, she'd say Magne was getting the most ill from this entire ordeal. Rina wouldn't be surprised if the brunette decides to throw the first punch once Tomura finally decides he's heard enough from Overhaul and wants him gone.

"And I have a plan," Overhaul continued. "I didn't come here today because I wanted to join you."

That was about the last straw for Tomura who turned his angered gaze onto Twice.

"You brought this idiot here without knowing his intentions, Twice." Tomura growled at the masked man.

Twice felt guilt bubble up at his failure to his comrades, which had Rina giving him a sympathetic look. She sent a wave of peace towards him that relaxed some of the tightness in his muscles and eased his troubled mind and emotions.

"In order to execute my design, I need money." Overhaul said. "Unfortunately, there aren't many people looking to invest in some obsolete smalltime Yakuza. Now, your group on the other hand have widespread name recognition. Put yourself under me. Make me your new leader, and I'll show you exactly how to use the right tools."

And just like that, Rina felt the first snap of the metaphorical string of patience.

"Leave," Tomura, who wasn't even the one Rina sensed lost all patience, ordered.

No, the one she meant was Magne, who was already springing forth into action.

"Sorry about ya, small fry, but we didn't band together to serve underneath somebody's boot." Magne said as she readied her large magnet for attack.

She activated her quirk to pull Overhaul forward quickly. He tried to resist the pull, but couldn't as he was dragged forward.

"The other day, I met with an old friend." Magne said. "She's a gentle soul, but she supports me even knowing about my past. You know what she said? 'Those who are bound by the chains of society laugh at those who aren't.' I'm here because I don't want to be bound by anything! We're free to decide for ourselves exactly where we belong!"

She and Overhaul then clashed, and while it was just a small touch of his finger, Overhaul quickly dealt with Magne. The others watched with wide eyes as the entire top half of Magne's torso exploded, which sent her blood spraying everywhere. Rina flinched as some landed on her cheek. The hooded Nomu was quick to get in front of her, so to protect her from any threats.

"Oh no," Toga murmured. "Big Sis Mag."

What was left of Magne's body hit the floor as Rina tried to calm her racing heart.

'Relax,' Rina told herself. 'This space is one of your creation. You are safe here…unless we die.'

She looked to Magne as she thought this as she felt a bit of sorrow enter her heart. Quickly Royale and Compress were on their feet as Rina could sense more thoughts approaching. Even if they were here to aid Overhaul, they'd be trapped as soon as they got too close to her range of influence.

"Just remember you made the first move," Overhaul said while also trying to wipe the blood from his body. "Ugh, I'm filthy now. That's why I hate the aftermath."

As he seemed distracted by his messy appearance, Compress launched himself forward.

"Compress, wait!" Tomura ordered.

"No!" Compress refused. "I have to seal this guy away!"

He went to touch Overhaul, but something hit his arm. A bullet of some kind. He touched Overhaul's arm, but nothing happened, which had Rina tilting her head curiously. She might create the space, but she lets things unfold as they would in real time. Meaning things happen based on the combined thoughts of all though involved. Which meant whatever hit Compress was something Overhaul believed would cancel his quirk. This intrigued Rina who turned her focus even deeper into their guest's mind.

As Compress tried to understand what was going on, Overhaul used his quirk again and completely destroyed Compress's arm. As he fell back into Twice's arms, Tomura ran forward to attack. He was reaching for Overhaul, and Rina stiffened when she was able to spot another bullet of some kind coming right towards Tomura. Though Tomura managed to dodge the attack.

"Shield!" Overhaul ordered as soon as he realized that Tomura wasn't going to be stopped.

Suddenly someone wearing another plague mask appeared and put themselves between Tomura and Overhaul. As soon as Tomura made contact, the man started to decay and quickly. Tomura jumped back to put some distance between him and Overhaul as the Yakuza flunky hit the ground.

"Now, I get it." Tomura said as a group of Overhaul's men came bursting through the wall into the warehouse. "You should have just started with this and saved us the time."

Royale stepped forward looking ready to go at it with these new players, but Rina holding up her hand brought had them pausing. She gestured them back, and while Royale frowned in confusion, they sat back down. In fact, everyone stopped as they looked to Rina.

"That's enough." Rina said as her eyes glowed once more. "This meeting is over."

Everyone then blinked as things seemed to reset. Overhaul looked around in surprise when seeing none of the villains had even seemed to move. Though the one who he thought he had killed was now slumped over. Rina was looking at Magne with an almost saddened expression before looking back to Overhaul.

"Your friends are outside waiting for you." Rina said. "I suggest you leave with them now."

Overhaul didn't move at first as he kept staring at the white-haired girl. He's heard rumors about her quirk. What it could do, but seeing firsthand what it could really be capable of…he knew he needed that kind of power under his thumb. She could be a key component in making his goals a reality.

"So, that all happened in our heads," Overhaul guessed. "Though even so, your friend is still dead."

His words had Toga going to check on Magne. The blonde jumped up to where Magne was slumped over.

"Big sis." Toga said as she shook Magne.

Magne didn't respond, and Toga knew the look in the older woman's eyes all too well. She's seen it plenty of times—lifelessness. She looked down at Rina with a mix of confusion and sadness. Rina sighed as she looked to Overhaul.

"Magne's mind was connected to all of ours during that, and even if it's just inside her head…death is still death." Rina said. "It's like when people are in that dream where they're falling and it physically jolts them awake because they truly feel themselves taking the plummet…those who don't wake and fall to their deaths in that dream are rumored to die. No real cause behind it. They're just gone. You'll find that flunky of yours dead outside when you join up with your comrades who I still have suspended inside that dreamscape I created at the beginning of this meeting. They will be released once I am certain you won't be sticking around to be a threat to us. So, as I said before…leave."

Twice and Toga didn't seem ready to just let the guy, who killed Magne walk, since they stepped forward.

"He's not going anywhere!" Twice shouted. "Let's me eviscerate him!"

"Tomura, let me cut him." Toga requested. "Real quick."

"No," Tomura said as he surprisingly remained calm.

The two looked close to ignoring Tomura, which had Royale moving in front of them and putting their arms out as a barrier. Toga paused with Royale no in front of her, but Twice pushed forward.

"It's my responsibility!" Twice yelled enraged as Royale easily held him back.

"No," Tomura ordered then glanced at Rina.

She nodded her head with her irises bleeding blue. Twice and Toga wobbled on their feet when a wave of calm hit them. Toga sunk to her knees while Royale had to hold up Twice, so he wouldn't face plant. Toga and Twice couldn't even fight it as they fell into a relaxed state. Overhaul tilted his head at the scene. It seemed as if there were more to Rina's powers that he had heard of. Yes, she'd be quite the first-rate piece to have on his side of the board.

"I don't want to rush you, but the sooner we talk the better," Overhaul said to Tomura then took out a business card to toss at Tomura's feet. "Think things over carefully and consider how your organization should be run. Then when you've calmed down, call me."

Overhaul then saw himself out, and once he was outside and the door shut, Rina deactivated her quirk all together. She sensed Overhaul and his men leaving as Toga and Twice became more aware again.

"Ugh, why'd we let them go?!" Twice roared as he shoved against Royale.

Royale let him go while straightening their clothes from where Twice's shove had ruffled the fabric.

"You should have let me cut them." Toga added.

"Another time," Tomura said.

His words didn't seem to put the two ,who were ready for blood, at ease, but before they could argue, Rina spoke up.

"Overhaul will pay for what he has done to Magne." Rina assured all of them. "However, killing him now will not be the justice she deserves. He wanted to control us…set us in place…for Magne I say we break his sense of order."

Her words seemed to placate the others who all had been ready to take Overhaul's head then and there. At least for the time being.

"Does this mean we are going to consider working with him?" Compress questioned.

"Yes," Tomura replied. "I believe we will. Rina, what can you tell me of his plan?"

All eyes turned to the telepath who had managed to dig up some interesting things from their guest before his departure.

"Well…" She began.

Ayano sat tensely in class the next day as Aizawa was about to announce if they would be starting the work study program or not. After reading over the files that Nighteye provided her last night, she was more eager than ever to get started. There wasn't any hard evidence on this Chisaki Kai or whatever he has planned for the Shie Hassaikai, but the fact he was trying to build his numbers and finances were worrying. Especially since he sought out the League of all groups.

"The Hero Work Studies are more serious versions of your internships." Aizawa reminded the class. "They entail helping pro agencies on the streets and with investigations. Your teachers and the principal discussed them at the faculty meeting, and we all agree…It's too soon. They really should be cancelled."

His words had Ayano tensing as she had been certain that they would be allowed to begin their work studies. She wasn't the only one disappointed and/or shocked by this news as many of her classmates shared her sentiment. One, however, did not. In fact, Katsuki was downright ecstatic.

"But we already met about them!" Eijiro pointed out.

"And there are certain ones of us who already have made plans for returning to the previous agencies we worked with during our internships." Konan added.

Ayano nodded in agreement as she literally had the needed paperwork in her bag. She had planned to hand it over to Aizawa as soon as he announced they would be proceeding with the work studies.

"I guess when you think about why we had to move into the dorms it does make sense." Denki said as he was playing with Mashirao's tail.

That still didn't seem fair to Ayano. If they weren't going to be allowed to do work studies, she didn't see why they even let them try to get their provisional licenses. It seemed like all a waste of time now.

"Haha!" Katsuki cheered from in front of her, which brought a frown to her face.

"Just because you wouldn't get to do one," Toru grumbled from the front of their row.

Ayano was grumbling alongside her as she jerked Katsuki back down into his seat using her quirk. He turned to snap at her, but paused when seeing she was truly upset about what Aizawa said. He sighed knowing she was going to be pouting for a while.

"But," Aizawa began getting them all to swivel their attention back to him. "Some people think we won't be able to raise strong heroes with that sort of protective outlook, and with that in mind, the compromise is to be selective about participating agencies. So, choose one with a proven track record. Otherwise, you won't be taking part."

Hope exploded back in Ayano's chest as she shot up in her seat in excitement. She then dug inside her bag quickly to pull out the paperwork she needed. She hurried up to Aizawa to practically shove the papers into his hand. Papers he blinked at.

"I need to request off immediately to return to Sir Nighteye's agency." Ayano told her teacher. "You will find everything on Sir's end has already been filled out. Please, Sensei, I need this pushed through as soon as possible."

Aizawa looked down at Ayano who was looking at him with determination burning in her eyes. It had him wondering just what had her burning to go. However, he didn't ask as he sighed.

"Very well," Aizawa said as he looked down at the papers. "But, retake your seat, Ishida. Class is still in session."

Ayano blushed slightly realizing he was right as her classmates sightly laughed at her actions.

"Right, sorry." Ayano said as she quickly returned to her seat.

As she sat down, Katsuki watched her. He knew something had to be up. He knew she was excited to return to hero work, but there seemed to be something more to her eagerness. It wasn't just excitement that had her so wound up. It had him wondering just what was going on.

Coco: And that's the end of that. I know this chapter was more focused on Rina, but we'll be back on Ayano being the main focus soon enough in the next chapter, so be looking forward to that. Now, for the chapter bonus. This was a request (from whom a don't remember since it was made so long ago), and their request was to have a cute Shoto/Ayumi scene. Nothing romantic just the two kind of having fun and interacting with each other. I hope you like it.

!Chapter Bonus!

.

.

.

Shoto sighed as he laid against the headboard to the bed in his hotel room. It was another day where they didn't find the Hero Killer, and he could tell his father was getting agitated. Though despite the older Todoroki getting irritable and snappy, a certain speedster didn't seem fazed. She took his father's temper in stride. She hadn't even blinked when Endeavor had snapped at her for stopping to talk to citizens. In fact, she had seemed a bit amused.

Shoto then looked up from the book he was reading when there was a knock on his door. He would have thought it was Endeavor coming to bother him, but the knocking was too fast pace. Shoto got up from his bed and made his way over to the door. When he opened it, it revealed Ayumi on the other side. Though he wasn't surprised considering fast the knocking was. She gave him a big smile and he noticed she had a bag with her.

"Hey, Shoto, you busy?" She asked then frowned in concern. "I didn't wake you, did I?"

"No, I was just reading." Shoto assured her as he shook his head. "Can I help you?"

He asked this while stepping back to let her in. Her smile returned as she stepped into his room.

"I was wondering if you wanted to have some fun." Ayumi said as she set the bag she brought on the table at the foot of his bed. "I was going crazy from boredom in my room, so I thought I'd come over here to spend time with you."

Shoto tilted his head as he walked over to watch Ayumi pull a few things out of the bag. Most of it was snacks and drinks, but she also had a deck of cards.

"I asked a member of the hotel staff for these." She said holding up the cards. "It's not much, but you can play quite a few different games with a simple deck of cards. So, wanna play?"

Shoto thought about it for a second. It wasn't like he was doing too exciting before she arrived, and to be honest he was getting a little bored too.

"Sure." He said with a nod of his head.

Ayumi's smile grew even wider as she pulled the deck of cards out of the box, they were in.

—break—

Endeavor, who had changed out of his hero costume for the night, walked towards Shoto's room as he was preparing to check in on the two interns. After ensuring his son where he was supposed to be, Endeavor would then go and check on Ayumi. The No. 2 Hero went to knock on Shoto's door, but noticed it was partially ajar. This had his brow quirking. He then slowly pushed open the door to peek in, and the sight that greeted him wasn't something he was expecting.

Shoto was sitting crossed-legged on his bed with Ayumi, who was sitting in a similar position, on the opposite end. A stack of cards was between them, and they were holding some in their hands as well. They were staring at each other closely with Ayumi's expression comically serious.

"Do you have any fives?" Ayumi asked after a moment of silence.

"Go fish." Shoto replied.

Ayumi let out a dramatic groan as she went reaching towards the card stack and grumbling the entire time. As she was doing that, Endeavor noticed Shoto's face soften and his lips turn up. Endeavor watched the teens a moment longer before stepping back and closing the door as quietly as he could. He stood there with an unreadable expression on his face before he walked away to return to his own room.

.

.

.

And that brings this chapter officially to a close. Remember if you have an idea/request for a bonus chapter just leave it in a review or message me. I believe the next bonus will be of Eijiro and Konan. I do do these requests based on first come, first served, but once you make your request, it will be written down and it will appear in later chapters.

Until next time, everyone. Hope you have a happy New Year and here's to hoping 2021 will be better. See ya!~