Chapter Nine:
I was watching the scene from a building. Skitter was amassing her minions into the open, easily getting their attention with her bugs.
I admit I got spooked a couple of times by the bugs that were flying next to me, but I tried my hardest to ignore them.
Skitter looked even more terrifying than I thought she would. Her costume was clearly made out of bug shells and silk from the looks of it, with a window in the back for her hair. She was wearing some skin-tight spandex underneath, and she was covered in bugs. So creepy. It's definitely not an appearance a hero would have.
"Listen, workers!" Skitter projected. She was talking THROUGH her bugs. How was everyone not creeped out by her?
But it was interesting phrasing. Calling them workers. Maybe it was a way to brainwash them into believing they were just workers. Just like a regular job. Instead of drug peddlers or leg breakers.
She jumped down from the supplies. "In order to function, we need to make a profit, we need to make money, we need to sell something or offer something to some people."
"Ummmm, Miss Skitter," a woman from the crowd said. "What are you trying to say?"
"Isn't it obvious what I'm trying to say? We need to make a profit."
"How? We can't just sell drugs, can we? We'd be preying on people's addictions and self-imposed needs." A teenage boy about my age said,
"No...We're not doing that."
She sounded almost offended that someone would suggest that. As if being a villain means you have standards.
"Cause if you do, that's it. That's all we need to get us to leave."
Crap, I was missing information. I had to just pay attention.
"Don't worry, I would never. I don't believe in things like that, even though I'm a supervillain. I have other methods."
The man nodded and gestured at her to continue.
"Instead, we'll be giving them something they desperately need: supplies."
She was selling supplies? Instead of giving them for free?
How was she planning on competing with the heroes? We're giving our supplies for free. She can't top a price like that.
"Why don't we just give them supplies for free?" the same teenage boy said.
Right!?
"We don't get to make money that way."
"It's not about making money, it's about doing the right thing."
Some of the people in the crowd snickered at that, some of them shifted awkwardly, most stayed still and silent.
Clearly, they were uncomfortable.
She sighed. "Listen, I want to give these people supplies for free as much as you do. It would inspire loyalty and gain me more workers, but we have to make a profit."
So basically, she needs to make money for her boss? Or is her boss not paying her? If that's the case, then she might just be greedy, trying to find any way to make money. Even if it's really skeevy. Or maybe trying to stay in business so her boss doesn't shut her down.
Either way. It was stupid.
"Why? Where or...who do you get them from? And why can't they just give them to us anyway?" He asked.
Dammit, more information lost.
"I'm afraid that information is classified." I answered. "Things are more complex than they seem."
"No, it's not! It's simple! Help people or we don't help you. That's the way this works."
"Enough!" She shouted, the teenage boy immediately tittered, and slunk back into the depths of the crowd. "You will not question me anymore! You will help me because if I just help the people for nothing, then no one gets anything! Do you understand me?" They all nodded. "This is just the way it has to be done! And they can't get these supplies anywhere else!"
Wow, she was terrible.
"That's not true!" A teenage girl shouted.
Yeah, tell her.
All eyes fell on the girl. "The superheroes have recently started giving out supplies to the people, you know like they usually do."
"I thought companies were giving away less supplies at a higher price, and the heroes were getting them less quickly. They said it would take another month to get the supplies, right, Miss Skitter?" The same woman from before said.
Wait, she was outright lying to these people? Wow, this girl was awful. I would never say I hate anyone, of course. But she was terrible.
"Were you planning on telling us we could get supplies from the heroes? Or were you going to dangle food over our heads, so we'd do your bidding?"
Skitter looked away. Guilt? No. not for a supervillain. She was probably not a good liar.
"That's what I thought. You don't give a shit about us. You only care about your success or your paycheck, well forget it! We don't have to work with you if the heroes already have supplies!"
"Ok then. You can leave." Skitter said.
The man raised an eyebrow. "We can?"
"Yeah, you can leave if you want, there's no problem."
"You...don't seem serious…"
"Of course not. You can go with the heroes, they will protect you."
"Protect me...from what?"
"From the villains...Y'know," I leaned in. "There are a lot of dangerous supervillains out there...who don't take personal slights very kindly and will do anything to hurt your friends, family, or even you. Whether you're in a settlement is irrelevant, they can find you anywhere, and hurt you, kill you, or do worse to you before you even notice."
The man looked petrified. Was she threatening these people!?
"I would hate for it to happen to you. So…"
The crowd slowly backed away.
"That's why I wanted you all to stay with me, because of the dangers out there. Having a parahuman protecting you is the only way to stay safe. So...just be careful."
The man gulped. "Yes...ma'am"
"As for the rest of you. If you want to stay with me. Step forward."
She was threatening these people, concerning them to work with her? That's pure evil! How can you threaten people, their friends, and their family, all just for power? You don't rule people through fear. It's wrong. That's not how you get anything except followers looking to topple you. She was more terrible than I thought. Especially if she was doing this just for money or power or out of sadistic pleasure. Now every villain has their reason. But that makes it worse.
By the time I was paying attention again. Everyone was a step forward. Not good.
"Thank you," She actually said, "nice to know you are all reasonable. Now take these supplies to the people in need of them, for a price." I talked as I stepped down from the boxes of supplies and the truck. "The supplies already have price labels on them, so don't bother asking me. Now get to work!"
With that, she went inside the building.
This was it. This is my time.
I lept building to building using One for All at five percent on my legs, trying to get to the one facing the supplies. Leaping building to building is more dangerous than the heroes make it out to seem. They make it seem so easy when they do it, but if you're one inch off. You could fall and splat. You would probably survive. But one inch is the difference between injury and success.
I wish I knew how to use my power better. I'm no parkour master. And doing this would be hard enough without breaking my legs.
Eventually, I made it to the building and made my announcement. "DON'T BE ALARMED!"
Everyone turned my way. Giving me judgemental looks. My breathing increased. And I looked down. I wanted to just walk away. But these people were feeling how I was feeling when villains attacked me. Or my school.
So I refused to leave them. "BECAUSE I AM HERE!" they're looks were even more judgmental.
Ok, quoting All Might wasn't a good choice. What should I say next?
Ok, I got something. "I AM A HERO! AND I AM HERE TO HELP! I KNOW HOW SCARED YOU ARE! THAT'S WHY I'M HERE! TO SATISFY YOUR NEEDS!"
They were interested now. Perfect.
"THE HEROES HAVE SUPPLIES OUT NOW! WE CAN FEED AND HELP YOU! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS COME WITH ME! I'LL PROTECT YOU FROM THE BLOODTHIRSTY VILLAIN!"
They looked so hopeful. Like I saved them from the worst experience.
Which I guess I kinda am
"WE HAVE THE BEST OF THE BEST ON THE HERO TEAM! JUST WALK AWAY FROM THIS SETTLEMENT IN VILLAIN TERRITORY, AND INTO A MORE SAFE ONE, AND WE'LL GIVE YOU ALL THE PROTECTION YOU NEED! UNTIL WE DEALT WITH THE VILLAIN!"
They cheered. Wow! I guess I really have the making of a great hero if I could convince people this easily. Who knew it wouldn't even be difficult?
"SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO!? TERRORIZE PEOPLE UNDER A VILLAIN'S NAME! OR HELP EVERYONE ELSE LIKE A...A...a…"
It was that moment. I notice a mass of bugs covering the entrance. Wasps, bees, and flies swarming, buzzing, and causing a show. I knew that meant one thing.
Skitter returned.
Slowly, the bugs parted, revealing a tall, but skinny girl covered head to toe in bugs, and what looked like goggles that just looked like a bug's eyes.
I should've known this would happen. Why was my long-term decision-making so terrible? Of course, Skitter would hear and come out. I was so stupid.
"I don't remember inviting some hero." She said,
Ok, this is fine. This is ok. I faced villains before. And this one isn't even as powerful as the one I faced. And was probably younger. So that meant less experience. I could handle myself if it came to a fight. I wouldn't be afraid. Then I realized I was muttering to myself when I got some strange looks from the people.
I cleared my throat. "I'm trying to help these people. Something you clearly don't care about." I called her out. Hopefully, it was the right decision.
"What? Where did you get this knowledge?" She sounded legitimately confused. Did she delude herself into thinking this was for the best?
No, that can't be. She's a villain.
"Wait, do you think you care about these people?"
"You don't?"
"Of course, I don't! You lie to them, you threaten them, you rule them through abuse and fear, no true leader does that."
"No true leader, huh? Funny enough, All Might, the hero you clearly idolize from the way you were quoting him does that. Ruling people through fear. And if I'm not a true leader. Then maybe All Might isn't a true hero."
Ok, I take what I said back, I hate her. "Are you comparing saving people from thugs, villains and bringing down the crime rate, making people feel safe, to threatening innocent people and depriving them of essentials and basic human rights?"
"Food and water isn't a right. It's a privilege."
"It's not a privilege! Everyone deserves it! No matter what they do! And they didn't do anything except for the 'terrible' crime of not following you and not wanting to threaten people. And you still didn't answer my question. Are you really comparing the two to each other?"
"Why not? Some villains are just trying to survive. Not every villain is like the Slaughterhouse 9. Those kinds need to be helped, not stopped."
"That's not true! All villains have to be stopped! Or else they keep hurting people. They might have their reasons. But those reasons amount to money and bloodthirst. We can't let them run amok."
You think all villains are just bloodthirsty animals?"
"What else would they be?"
The bugs become frantic. Was she getting ready to attack?
"So what, hero? You're going to stop me from helping these people and saving them?"
"No. I'm giving them the choice. Stay with the person treating food and water as a privilege. Something to be taken away when you do something wrong. Or come with me and get saved."
"Ok, if you want to come with him. Go with him."
She used her swarm to project her voice on the last line. No one moved.
"Now if you want to stay with me...stay."
Everyone stayed.
"Well, I guess that settles it." She smugly replied. Her bus got even more frantic. Why? Was she actually getting ready to fight?
I clenched my fist. "They're staying with you out of fear. They fear you! It's not because you're right! Hey just won't make you angry!"
"What does it matter? The heroes won't be able to save all of them, they don't have enough supplies."
"We CAN save everyone."
"No…you can't."
She sounded angry. And there was another emotion. Was it sadness? No, that wouldn't make sense.
"Tell your stupid fucking philosophy to a five-year-old girl when you deny her any food because there isn't enough to go around." She said. "Meanwhile, we have enough food to go around."
Should I mention her boss? That we have suspicions? Would that be wise?
"What makes you so sure you won't do that?"
"Isn't it obvious?" she moved her arms around as she spoke. "Because, unlike heroes, I am willing, capable, and compassionate enough to help these people, while you heroes are doing nothing but filling people with empty promises. That's what you don't understand, anyone can be bad, including heroes, and everyone could be good, including villains. The individual matters, not the group they're apart of. You wanna know what I think? I think you were raised to be a good person, and you're blind to all the bad things that heroes do because to their own idealism. Or maybe heroes fill a void you have in your life, and you have tunnel vision, Or maybe…actually, it doesn't matter. The end result is the same, you're a naive, foolish, child that's unaware of how the world actually works."
My eyes narrowed. How the hell could she think like that? "You really think that? That I like heroes because I'm stupid? That I'm blind to their flaws due to them 'helping me'? That heroes could be bad and VILLAINS can be good? If you REALLY thought both sides have the capacity for goodness, you'd be a hero! They're the ones more likely to save people, and villains are more likely to KILL people. You even say they're not compassionate when they save people with no benefits to themselves? I mean, a lot of heroes don't even get paid! They could do no wrong! You want to know what I think? I think heroes were mean to you once, they didn't save you, said you couldn't become a hero, and you're so petty, spiteful, and idiotic that you thought a smart thing to do would be to take revenge on them, no matter how idiotic and stupid it is."
Her bugs were really frantic now. That must be a sign. The higher her emotional status is, the more frantic her bugs become.
But why before? Why when they were staying with her? It doesn't make any sense.
"Leave." She said, "Now."
I couldn't leave them with her. I had to save them. She was clearly terrorizing them. Plus, how could I call myself the future top hero if I couldn't even save a couple dozen people? All Might could save HUNDREDS of people. In one outing.
What could I do? I could jump at her but I'd break my legs. I could try to control it, but then I'd break my arm trying to punch her, and depending on how fast she is, she could dodge it, react to it, just like the Nomu…not to mention I'd be in her cloud of bugs…That wouldn't work, maybe I could just throw a punch and the shockwave could hit her but…no that'd be even worse, it'd be easier to dodge, not to mention the power would still break my arms, I wouldn't be surrounded by her swarm. But she could just as easily have them swarm me. Especially after I throw a punch. I could use a finger, but that wouldn't take away the speed problem. Would she even be that fast? You'd have to go through an incredible amount of training to be that fast. I doubt she has been through that kind of training. Most people don't. Most people aren't faster than a shockwave. But then again, you don't HAVE to be faster than a shockwave to-
"Well?"
She was waiting for an answer.
I gave her one.
I stepped forward.
"...Ok."
She got into a fighting stance, ready to battle.
Ok, This was my first real test.
I turned my power on my finger, ready to-
"Izuku."
What? Who was calling me by my first name? Was it Skitter? How would she know my first name? I turned my power off and turned around and saw who it was, Clockblocker and Sero behind me. "It's time to go."
"What? But I was so close to-"
"No, you weren't, and it doesn't matter." Clockblocker said. "You can't convince these people."
"Come on Midoriya! Don't you wanna follow orders?" Sero asked. "You don't want to be some punk that drives on the wrong side of the road, doesn't do their work before goofing off, and says fish is bad just to be a prick!"
"Ummmm, what?"
"I believe what Sero is trying to say," Clockblocker began to explain, "is that you're being a dumbass. Kinda obvious when you think about it."
"What he was trying to say?"
"No, you being a dumbass."
"Clockblocker." Skitter projected with her swarm. As she had your bugs fly over to us. "I hope you aren't trying to do the same thing this fool is."
"No, Skitter. We were just getting him out of here. Don't get your panties in a twist."
Skitter stayed silent for a while. "Watch your tongue." She spoke. "You will show me respect in my territory."
"Me, a hero, show respect to a villain? Yeah right. How about you take your advice and stop terrorizing people?"
"I only terrorize people who deserve it." Her, swarm got more frantic, what was the problem now? Was Cloclblocker angering her? "Or when it's for the best. Just take your friend and get out of here, before I get angry."
She really thought terrorizing people was for the best? How could she think that? How could she be vicious that she thought THAT was for the best?
Or maybe she was just saying that. Probably the latter.
"I don't take orders from you. I'll do it because it's right. Not because you told me to."
"Sure."
Clockblocker glared at her swarm. "Come on Izuku."
I walked away with Clockblocker and Sero. As Skitter silently laughed to herself. Wow, she was so terrible.
I felt myself cursing her name under my breath.
One hour later.
"What. The hell. Were you thinking?" Clockblocker asked.
I looked at Clockblocker. "We've been walking for an hour in silence and now you speak just to say that?"
"I don't know Skitter's range. I can't just speak all of the sudden. She could be listening. And I'm saying that because it's stupid...that you went there, not what I said. You didn't even bring All Might like I thought you would."
"I didn't want to bring All Might. He would be busy. And I was just wanted, scratch that, NEEDED to take down the supervillain," I explained, "AND help her 'minions' with getting supplies."
"We have to do this carefully. We can't just arrest criminals suddenly because-"
"Why not?"
"Because if we do that, without getting enough evidence or playing our cards carefully, they'll just win the eventual court case, or the people that depend on them will be hurt. We won't always be getting supplies. We can't just fight supervillains willy-nilly!"
"Heh, you sound 40 years old, Clock." Sero quipped. "You can't fight supervillains willy nilly, you darn whippersnappers! When I was your age we only had rotary phones and outhouses to poop in! You kids should be grateful you live in the current age."
"Oh! And you kids should be glad you're so young!" Clockblocker snarked. "So hormonal and angsty, having to deal with relationship trouble when you don't even know what you're doing, and having no freedom whatsoever, you should be happy! Your school years are the best years of your life after all! So instead of making things better, we'll just tell you you should be happy having a shitty life."
"Do you always have to make jokes?" I crossed my arms.
"Yeah, it's part of my charm."
I sighed. "Listen, guys, I was just trying to do the right thing. You can't judge me for that."
"You can't stop people from judging you. But if you really think that, then you can tell that to Piggy."
"There's no way that's her real name."
"It's what I call her."
"You can't call a symbol of authority that!"
Clockblocker held his head back. "If you dealt with her. You would say the same thing."
I would. Why? What was she like?
Wait…this is Clockblocker saying it. I doubt the truth is what he says.
"No, I wouldn't. You should never disrespect authority."
"What?" He sounded legitimately confused.
"Authority is good. They protect us. There's nothing wrong with authority. You need to accept that. And stop being a punk."
"Fine, then I guess you won't mind reporting to Piggy about every single stupid thing you fucking did in the last fucking hour. And telling her the whole business with The Undersiders taking territory and with them having a boss."
"Fine, I will."
Sero sighed "Alright. We're here."
We finally made it to the PRT headquarters.
I saw Kirishima Talking to Weld, his face one of fascination and jealousy, Mineta flirting with Glory Girl, who seemed to be annoyed, Kacchan leaning against the wall, looking even more annoyed,
and Ochaco looking my way. "Oh, hey Deku!
Glory Girl also looked my way. "Yo!"
Ochaco ran over to us, doing an upbeat, really fun-looking skip, and Glory Girl flew over, her hair moving in front of her when she stopped.
Ochaco talked first, relief and anger seeping into her voice. "Where were you? I and Iida were looking for you forever!"
"I already told you," Glory Girl said, "just because All Might showed up first doesn't mean they were in danger. Speaking of which, you are done talking to All Might?"
I looked at Clockblocker, and then at Sero. then said. "Ummmm, yeah! Sorry for leaving you guys."
"Eh, I told you when you left! It's fine. I doubt Aizawa would be fine with it though. You should explain yourself to him."
"Ok."
"That goes to you guys too!" Ochaco looked at Clockblocker and Sero.
"What!?" Clockblocker shouted. "I was only getting Deku!"
"Yeah! And technically, I was only there because Clock dragged me along," Sero defended himself. "So it should really be him explaining himself."
"Hey! What kind of friend are you?"
"Sorry Clock," Sero said awkwardly.
Glory Girl scratched the back of her head. "Well, he already knows so it's unavoidable. You might as well go to him."
Ochaco folded her arms. "Plus, you still went with him, Sero. That means you're responsible."
"Crap," Sero swore.
"Any chance Aizawa is a forgiving guy?" Clockblocker asked.
"We'd have an easier chance convincing Satan to freeze over hell than to convince Aizawa not to punish us harshly for acting 'irrationally'"
"Shit."
"We'll talk to him together," I suggested. "Improve the chance of us convincing him."
"That could work."
"Yeah!" Sero exclaimed. "As long as Aizawa isn't being a prick, we'll do just fine."
"Really?" Aizawa said, from behind us.
"Well,yeah!" Sero turned around. "We have the charm to…" Sero stared blankly at Aizawa. "GAH! Aizawa!"
"Not very smart of you, Sero."
"Wa-wait! I can explain! You see, I-I didn't know you were there! So-"
"So you decided to mock me behind my back?"
"No! Well yes! But...No! I mean-"
"Now now Sero!" All Might came sliding in. "When you have a fault or make a mistake, the best thing you can do is admit to it!"
Sero scratched the back of his head. "Ri-right…"
"All Might." My anxiety grew. "I can explain."
"Explain to All Might?" Aizawa questioned. "He would already know. And so do I after I asked him."
I looked at All Might. He simply grinned. "I told him about how you wanted an autograph for your American friend."
"Which begs the question. Which one of the Americans asked for that?"
We were all silent for a moment. Until Glory Girl walked forward. "I did."
"That means you'll face disciplinary action as well."
"Now to be fair Aizawa," All Might calmed things down, "let's be fair. Even if she did ask for an autograph, I doubt she would have demanded it right away. Young Midoriya probably just felt bad that he had to wait and chose to do it right at the moment."
Aisawa looked at Glory Girl. "Is this true?"
Glory Girl sighed. "I told him I'd be fine waiting. I might've...I don't know...Sounded dejected. maybe?"
"And did you do that on purpose? Sound dejected so he-"
"No no-"
"Would be more likely to-"
"That's not what happened. I was just disappointed, that's all."
Aizawa raised an eyebrow. Then leaned in.
Glory Girl looked him in the eye.
"Ok. If you say so. Then Midoriya takes the blame. And the punishment."
"I guess...that's fair," I said
"Only question is, what to give you?"
"Writing his name fifty times?" Sero suggested. At least sardonically.
"A slap on the wrist?" Ochaco said.
"A cut to his pay?" Clockblocker actually suggested.
Everyone looked at him.
"Oh, right...forgot you guys don't get paid."
"Yeah, thanks for the reminder." Sero quipped.
"I'm afraid none of these punishments fit. It needs to be something else. Something he'll actually learn from. And that we can do." Aizawa looked at Clockblocker for that last line, who simply scratched the back of his head.
All Might raised his hand. "I HAVE A SUGGESTION! How about a week of detention when we get back?"
Aizawa put his hand to his chin. "That could work. That'll be his punishment."
I nodded. "Right. Ok. That works."
I looked at All Might. "uhhhh, All Might, could I talk to you for a second?"
"WHY CERTAINLY YOUNG MIDORIYA!" He answered.
We walked away, to the inside of the base. When we got somewhere private, a breakroom with a couch and white board. I sat down.
"So about what happened…" I started.
"Let me guess." All might slipped into his normal form. His skeletal transformation that looked like a man that went forever without food. It created a cloud of steam that I tried to fan away. "You're wondering why I defended you."
"Y-Yes."
"Because," He put one hand on my shoulder. "If you...walked away to do something at a time like this and I told Aizawa you weren't with me, and were wandering the dangerous city, Aizawa would have definitely expelled you."
I scratched my tilted head. "Yeah…"
"I wouldn't want my protege to get expelled before their first year. So I had to look for you."
His look narrowed. "But be aware. What you did, whatever you did, was incredibly stupid. You didn't know what you would run into. this city is crawling with thugs and villains!"
"I know their territories, and where they're stationed. I wouldn't have ran into one randomly."
"You can't account for whether or not a villain wants to expand their territory and moves out because of it. But…" He sighed. "I suppose it does bring down the dangers. While we were on the topic, what were you traveling around the city for?"
"Is it alright if I don't tell you?"
"Of course not, young Midoriya! Even though I covered for you, I was worried, myself. I would have scoured the entire city looking for you if I didn't know you were coming back. Which despite my timer, would've been possible to do even if I only had 10 minutes."
"Sorry."
"It's ok. After all, I know you wouldn't do something really stupid. Like going into villain territory."
"I did," I whispered.
"What?"
"I said I did." I couldn't speak up.
"Young Midoriya, I can't hear you."
"I did!" I projected.
There was some silence for a moment.
"Did what?" He asked.
"I went to a supervillain territory…"
There was another pause. Until All Might fell down out of shock.
"WHAT!?" He quickly got up and got in my face. "YOU WENT TO A SUPERVILLAIN TERRITORY!? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!? EVEN PRO HEROES WOULD FIND THAT DANGEROUS!"
"I know! But I just had to help the people. They're being ruled by fear. They're at the mercy of supervillains!"
"And you think one kid is going to help them? What if you had to fight Hookwolf? or Faultline crew? Very powerful people and while you have the power, you don't have the control or experience yet. Aizawa told me you were hesitant to use your power because you would've hurt someone. What if that were to happen again?"
"It wouldn't! I would've made sure of it. I only wanted to spread that we have supplies so they didn't have to work with the villain. That's a good thing, right?"
All Might sighed. "Which supervillain was it?"
"Um...what?"
"Which supervillain was it? Come on, tell me."
"Um...it was Skitter," I whispered again.
"What?"
"It was Skitter." I was too ashamed to speak up.
"Young Midoriya, you can't just mumble your words when you know you'll get in trouble. You have to project and talk clearly."
I sighed. "Skitter's, I went to her territory."
There was another pause. I knew I was going to get it.
Until I didn't. "Hmm, I supposed it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be." All Might said.
"It wasn't?"
"No, you could've gone to a dangerous villain's territory. But you went to Skitter's. Although I doubt you knew she wasn't dangerous."
"Waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwait. You DON'T think Skitter is dangerous?"
"Do you?"
"She's ruling people through fear!"
"Is she?" All Might looked up. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. She tried to get the other members of the gangs to back off using fear. But any supervillain would do that to their enemies and rivals, but to their subordinates? It's not as common. Especially not for a villain like her."
"What do you mean?"
"She's giving supplies to people. Giving them supplies before they even join. It means she cares about them."
"Or that she's trying to inspire loyalty."
"No," All Might looked down a tad bit. "Her phrasing and body language tells me something different. She seems like your average teenage girl."
"What?"
"Oh, Skitter is most likely a teenage girl. Judging from her body type, her voice, and her attitude."
"Really? She seemed tall. Are you sure?"
"Well, I did say most likely. But that of course means I'm about 95% sure, maybe 98%."
I thought about it for a second. A kid? Being that bad? I won't deny people my age could be jerks. But evil? I could've never imagined it.
"Well, when I saw her, she was threatening people to stay with her. Not wanting them to leave."
"Really? She must have ulterior methods then."
"Like being evil?
"I don't think that's it. She still seemed like a normal teenage girl that wants to do the right thing. So she must know something we don't and have some other goal."
"What else could she have?"
"Don't know. It must be a pretty big deal if she's willing to use intimidation on her workers…Are you alright my boy? You seem tense."
"It's nothing. I just…well it's just weird hearing you defend a villain."
"Well, she not exactly a 'villain'."
"Oh, ok " I put my hand to my chin. I didn't want to question him anymore than I already did, but not really a villain? What did he know that I didn't? "So what should we do?"
"We can't do anything. Things like this require patience. We can't go in guns blazing or else the supervillain will escalate. I could use my 'gut in' form to take care of them. The only problem is, if I were to do that. Then afterward, when I leave the country, the villains will escalate. I can't stay everywhere at once."
"Didn't you stop supervillains all the time when we were in chaos?"
"I did. But only the most chaotic ones. The more smart ones, the ones that formed an empire, I had to be smart as well, and patient. We'll solve this. To the best of our ability."
"Ok…"
"Now, go out, relax. We're done with the supplies. So be sure to take a load off."
"Yes, All Might."
I walked to the break room on a separate floor. Walking past many heavily geared-out PRT agents as well on my way to the elevator. Which opened by unfolding from the interlocks on the and sliding open.
Everything here is so high tech. I thought, as I was taking the elevator. And here I thought America was the lowest on the totem pole in terms of technology.
As I took the elevator, I thought about what Skitter said. How could someone have been through so much stuff that they lost faith in heroes? That mindset was alien to me. She even said heroes weren't compassionate! When they saved the world from Endbringers, Dictators, and the like several times! How could she think like that!?
Not to mention she insulted me personally. Calling me stupid, naive and USELESS all because I have faith in people that save the world!? As if that's such a bad thing. There is nothing wrong with heroes! I can't think of a single thing wrong with them. They save people, they're kind, generous, and they always win! How could you see any of those things as bad traits!?
It was stupid. Plain and simple. She was stupid. She was a stupid, pathetic, facist that hurts people, acts like SHE'S the victim, and would be better off rotting in a jail somewhere. She probably can't do anything right, and is the lamest villains I ever heard of. I know All Might said she was good. But…is it possible All Might was wrong? No, that's impossible. All Might is one of the smartest, nicest people I ever met. It's more likely he just has a different opinion on her. And maybe it's founded in truth, bu t then again…she's a villain! It CAN'T be founded in truth! Was he lying to me.
Even if he wasn't, I can't forgive the fear, the look in those people's eyes. She must be stopped. For the good of everyone else.
When I arrived at the break room, I saw several of my classmates talking with the wards.
Well...one of them was yelling...
"SCREW YOU CLOCKFACE! WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM WITH ME!?"
"Jesus, boom boy. All I said was you have a short temper and a shorter dick. Is that so bad?"
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT THINGS LIKE THAT! BUT I WON'T TAKE INSULTS LIKE CALLING ME WEAK LIGHTLY NO MATTER WHAT! AND THAT STILL DOESN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION, WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM WITH ME!?"
"You see all the yelling and screaming you're doing right now? Over something as miniscule as a petty insult?"
"YES!"
"That's all I'm going to say on the matter."
Sero snickered behind him.
"DO YOU WANT ME TO SET YOU ON FIRE!? 'CAUSE I WILL!? YOU-"
"Ugh! So vulgar." Yaoyorozu said.
Vista shrugged her shoulders. "I think it's funny."
"Seriously! I took on a group of villains all by myself!" Mineta whined.
"I don't have a problem believing that," Glory girl said, "I only have a problem believing they were that strong."
"One of them could control one of the fundamental forces of nature!"
"Wait what!? Which one? Magnetism? Weak force? Gravity?"
"Water…"
"That...doesn't count."
"It doesn't matter! I beat them all by myself! without any help!"
"Mineta, that's a lie. We helped you take them down and you know it." Asui explained.
Mineta leaned to Asui while putting his hand next to his mouth and whispered, "Not now, Asui, I'm about to get laid!"
"Do you really think she would be interested in you?"
"Hey, I have powers! I'm a hero! And she owes me after she insulted me and I forgave her for it!"
"Wow, you're a creep."
"Shut up Asui, let me have this! She has no reason to say no!"
"Actually I do."
Mineta turned to Glory Girl. "you…were paying attention how much did you hear?"
"Only a little." Glory girl said. "And I have reason to not go out with you. My boyfriend…" She looked around, then whispered, "gave up his life-fighting Levithan."
"Oh...really?"
"Yeah, we had kind of an on/off relationship. regardless...I miss him."
"Was he Aegis?" Mineta spoke.
Glory Girl shook her head. "It was Gallant."
"Oh."
"Yeah...because of his death, his secret identity was revealed, and everyone learned he was rich. Despite that, him being rich I mean, he was caring and compassionate. He never turned down an opportunity to help someone. And-"
It didn't take long for Glory Girl to realize he was gone. "Huh? Where'd he go?"
"Well," Asui began, "he told me to tell you he went to the bathroom but considering our only time spent together was of him groping me…" She pointed at Mineta talking to Flechette.
"So...want to hear about the time I beat 20 villains with my own fists?" He said.
It didn't take someone with a thinker quirk to tell that Glory Girl was pissed.
"So your skin is as hard as metal?" Kirishima asked.
"Yes." Weld said. "Well technically, everything in my body is made out of metal. Including my skin."
"And you can't turn it off?"
"Yeah, it means I can't enjoy a lot of things that regular people do. Like eating, sleeping-"
"Masturbating." Sero added in.
"Sero!" Iida piped up while chopping the air. "Don't be so vulgar! This is not the place for crass statements! We're in the presence of official heroes!"
"Thanks, Iida," Weld said.
"Well, I guess your powers are lucky and unlucky at the same time." Kirishima said.
"Yes, I imagine it must be unfortunate not being able to enjoy the things other people can enjoy." Iida turned to Weld. "But at the very least you are more capable of being a hero than the rest of us."
"You…" Weld put his hand on his chest. "You really think that?"
"Of course, you can't turn your power off. But it covers your whole body. there's no distinguishable weakness with it." Iida adjusted his glasses. "You don't have to see it as a good thing. I wouldn't even see it as a good thing. I do, however, think it is important to see the most out of a bad situation."
"You're right...and thank you."
"Deku!" Ochaco called out. "Whatcha doing just standing there?"
"Yeah, what're you, a creep?" Kacchan quipped.
I quickly realized that I wasn't saying anything. And I was just standing still in silence. And now everyone was staring at me...
"Oh! Right!" I bowed. "I'm so sorry."
"Awww, don't worry." Clockblocker assured. "You don't have to apologize to Katsuki. It's not like he deserves it."
"SHUT UP!"
"Well, don't be weird." Flechette said. "Sit down."
I looked at Ochaco. "Ummm, right."
I walked to my seat, looking at their faces. Were they staring because they thought I was weird? Vista is putting her lips in her mouth. Was she trying not to laugh? Was everyone thinking like that? Maybe it was my walk?
I tried to fix it. Taking one big step, then taking another big one.
They looked confused. Crap. Maybe I should try to put my hand in my pockets and walk cooler?
Nope, still getting stares. Dammit. What should I do? Maybe move my arms while I'm walking, look less goofy?
Still not working, I could-
"What are you doing, Deku?" Ochaco said with a laugh.
"Oh! I-I-I was ju-just...fi-fixing my walk…"
"You look like you're disabled." Kacchan quipped again.
"Do I!?" I said, a little louder than intended.
"No, you're fine. You only look dorky." Clock assured. "And fuck off Katsuki, this is what I was talking about."
"I WASN'T-"
"You have the temper of a two year old, the aggression of a bear, you have the ego of Doctor Doom, and none of it is deserved. You're just a spoiled brat. So shut up and realize you're not the best."
Kacchan looked…shocked? Like he didn't expect him to say that last thing. He looked down with disgruntlement and squeaked out, "Whatever."
Clockblocker stood there silently as I frowned. I probably shouldn't have, but I said something. "Hey! Leave him alone!"
Clockblocker slowly turned his head. "What?"
"He didn't deserve that! You're just being a dick and justifying it by saying he was being a dick when he wasn't!"
Clockblocker threw his hands in the air. "He LITERARY called you disabled."
"No, he said I look disabled."
"Spoiler alert, Izuku. That's still an insult."
"I don't need you to get offended on my behalf!"
"Why are you defending him? He's a fucking tool!"
"Because he accomplished more than you ever will."
Clockblocker scoffed. "What?"
He doesn't think he's accomplished as much? I glared at him. "Just because you're an official hero doesn't mean you're-
"No-"
-better than him."
"No, fuck that. I AM better than him. Not because of my fucking skills, not because of my fucking power, but because of my motherfucking character, you motherfucker."
"Ha! You think that matters?" Kacchan quipped.
"Isn't that obvious?" Weld suggested.
"Well, Bakugo is exceptionally skilled," Todoroki said, "which does mean he'll be a capable hero, but he'll fail being effective in the leaderboards because of his personality."
"Honestly," Yaoyorozu said. "I find it hard to get behind him even with his skill and talents. His attitude is too deplorable."
"He gives me Shadow Stalker vibes."
My classmates looked at Vista.
"Oh, past teammate."
"Uhhhh," Kaminari voiced. "Should you be speaking ill of the dead like that?"
"Not dead. In juvie. Was kinda insane."
"Oh."
"It's clear we have some different stances on troublesome students." Iida said. "Bakugo, I suggest you cease your ranting to prevent further arguments. And Midoriya, I suggest you stop defending him."
"Wait, What!?" I said. "So I'm the one in the wrong!?"
"To be honest, I don't agree with Clockblocker egging on Bakugo like that. But Weld already told Clockblocker to stop, before you came in. And as the class president, you are my responsibility. I can't move out of my premiters to discipline someone else's teammate."
I sighed. "Ok…"
I sat right next to Ochaco, who whispered, "Defending your crush?"
"Ochaco! Shut up…" I said.
"What did Ochaco say, Midoriya?" Iida asked.
"Oh…nothing…" I said. "So what do you guys want to do?"
"Well, The pro heroes believe it would be prudent to take a break because to the psychological stress that comes from doing hero work in a city a Class S threat has wrecked." Iida put.
"Yes, and I'm inclined to agree." Weld said. "Not even pro heroes can do the job constantly without having a break."
"Yes, I just wish they would allow us to do more. In order to become heroes, we have to go through hard work that tests us! Improve our talents and hone our skills."
"You want to do more work?" Kid Win asked.
"Of course!" Yaoyorozu said. "Hard work is the only way to become pro heroes. To push yourself to new extremes, to train your mind until it's unstoppable in it's thought processes. Doing difficult tasks is the only way to get ready."
Kid Win looked away as Weld said. "I would agree. But the work doesn't have to be constant and it doesn't have to be grueling."
"No one said it had to be grueling." Iida countered. "Only that more hard work would be important to our development as heroes. I can understand them not wanting us to get stressed out from pressures from the hero's work. Maybe taking a leave should be voluntary? Not forced. I'm not sure. I just wish I could learn more about what it's like to be a hero and get experience."
"Well, you'll get plenty of opportunities. If you want, we can actually go to the work room if you like to get more training."
"Actually...yeah, that'd be-"
"Come on!" Clockblocker nearly shouted. "Do we really want to waste time training? I thought we were supposed to be taking a load off, having some fun, not fucking stressing ourselves out again!"
He was staring at Weld.
Everyone in my class was looking at him with a mixture of confusion and anger. It wasn't the wrong thing to do, considering he said some of the stupidest crap imaginable.
"Well…" Weld said. "It does make sense not to overwork ourselves. We can always train later when everyone is ready."
"well...I guess if the American students aren't ready, we'll hold it off."
My class rolled their eyes at Iida giving in. While Clockblocker simply replied, "Thank you, Tenya."
Iida whipped his head around. "What's the problem? I'm doing what you wanted. I thought you wanted to relax."
"I...do? That's why I said thank you."
"But you said my first name."
"And?"
Iida looked very confused. I realized the problem.
"Oh! Clockblocker, Japanese people call each other by their first name only when they're close to that person. Otherwise, they call them by their last name."
"Really? That actually explains some things. Ok."
Clockblocker took a seat and made a joke about the Japanese having weird things, like having farts as a superpower. Cleary referencing a joke All Might has made about his power to keep it a secret. Sato shared some of his sweets, Vista shared a cool trick she could do with her power, and I and Glory Girl compared notes.
Maybe The Wards were right. Maybe there's nothing wrong with not worrying about the future. If you could live in the present like this.
Author Notes: Told you! Every Saturday and Tuesday! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
We'll be going out of order with the next chapter! Next chapter will focus on Taylor, she'll be meeting another My Hero Academia character next. If you've been paying attention, you'll probably be able to guess who. But I won't reveal it just yet. If you want more of my writing, be sure to check out My site TheUltimateWriting for information on my original screenplay 'Ultimate'! and if you want to see what it'll be like, check out my screenplays! and my original prose version of Ultimate on SufficentVelocity. check out my twitter, 'TheUltimateWriting' for updates and sneak peeks. same goes for my Tumblr, 'Iamnotatroll'.
That's all I had to say. This is Super Ultimate Number One, singing out, Peace!