"We already went to the Demon King's castle, shut up!"
"But we only spent half an hour! Six hours is the minimum time to take in such a beautiful ride!" Sabnock kept complaining. He heard of the energy the boy had, and it was nice to see in action.
"Come on now, we're here to make sure everyone has fun, and that means exploring every part of the park as we can with the little time that we have."
"Yes my little lovely Kohai, let us explore all the lovely creations of Ronove's Daddy!" The high spirit of the second years shouted. "Now then, let us start with the bumper cars!" He shouted.
"Sir, for the last time! You're not here to play, you're here to work!" Shouted Waitoto. "You can't just go on the rides to study-and he's gone, of course he is." The man certainly sounded as underpaid as Naberius.
"You know, I know Ameri likes competition and wanted to keep the guy under close watch, but there's no way that's actually worth any of this." Midoriya muttered out loud. "Makes me all the more glad I didn't stay in the Student Council. I couldn't get paid to watch this guy."
"I'm not getting paid to talk to this guy." Asmdoeus added on.
"I'm not getting paid to listen to this guy." Gaako put in her two cents.
"Is it time for a nap now?" Picero yawned. He wondered if the drowsiness was a curse or just insomnia.
"Regardless, it's my job." They continued to wander a bit, playing a few games, and Balam noticed something.
"How come you keep asking Midoroiya about all these home life questions?" He asked the woman.
"Well, as one of his teachers, it's my duty to make sure he's doing well metally and emotionally. If Kalego can take such an interest in In...in the Midoriya family, then why shouldn't I as well? No student life behind and all that." Well, he supposed that made sense.
"Everyone huddle together now!" Waitoto called out to the group. He was confused, why was he-shit. He covered the student's up in vines, preventing anyone from wandering just in case. He could hear Morax generated frogs, which quickly made gulping noises as his own head was looking away.
Fire Butterflies. They were pretty to look at, and their flapping wings made an image of realistic moving fire. Too realistic, it hits a portion of the brain that puts you in a trance, letting it carry you off into danger, then would feed off the blood of your corpse. "What are Fire Butterflies doing around an amusement park?"
"There was recently a break in, we're still looking for the source." Buzz That was very concerning. Balam could assume that they were hiding a more embarrassing reason, but this involved demon lives for Devi sake. He would question the man later.
"Well, as long as we stick together now we should be okay. Is everyone safe? You didn't stare at any of them for too long, did you?
"Of course not Balam-sensei." Asmodeus spoke with the roll of his eyes. "Even children know not to stare at a Fire Butterfly, so nobody here is uncultured enough to-" Suddenly he, along with the entire group, became very concerned. "IZUKU!"
"What is this about Ronove's little Ronove?" The second year asked.
"Short version, Izuku is super sheltered and the Chair Demon's is a bad grandfather!" Gaako cried out. "He wouldn't know anything about Fire Butterflies, let alone that they'll feast on his corpse!"
"Oh, so that's why the little Kohai was walking away and following one of them." … He let the others start stomping on the man without interfering. "What are you..not the ax! Anything but the ax!" Naberius taught his students well.
So pretty, and warm, and all of Izuku's life was spent chasing it. Incredible beauty and calmness that overtook every nook and cranny. He needed it, give him the flame, give him the-what was he just doing.
Izuku looked around, finding himself in a dark alleyway. All he remembered was looking at a butterfly and then … he's here. He didn't know why, the flaming insect just looked so pretty and interesting, like it would take all his problems away. It wasn't the painful explosions of Kachan, or the intoxicating smell of Hiashi's breath, or even the powerful intimidation of Azz's magic, just a gentle and soothing presence.
And now he's in a very terrifying place as the man next to him simply sharpens their knife back and forth over and over. "Fresh meat, a little scrawny but the bones will fetch a nice price." And that was a big old pile of nope.
"Well, it hasn't been a pleasure coming here. See yah." And he turned his back towards what he hoped was an exit, but the arm of the demon extended to his own. Was that a magical spell? Was it some sort of bloodline to extend body parts? Was it bionics of some sort-wait time and place!
"Aww, going back so soon?" The man started retracting back. "But you just came for the feast. Demon Flesh can get a lot if you know how to present it right." Now, Izuku was never a fan of violence, rarely even using it on villains. But Cannibalism felt like a comfortable line to throw a few hits in.
"Get away. Get away.." He felt his voice grow deeper as smoke emanated from the ring. Lizzy, if there was ever a time to come out, now was it!
"Please, you think I'm scared of a lightshow?" The man asked, only to be set ablaze. "Fuck!" He let go, grabbing his face. "You set me on fire!" That was a perfect time. Thank you Lizzy, and Azz for your fire. Now to make his escape!
"Hey, the butcher lost his claim, it's a free game!" And now they were surrounding his escape, lovely.
"You don't want to do this..." Come on, magic! Work with him for a change! Give it all to him! "You don't want to make me angry." Come on, DEKU! DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT FOR ONCE!
"Oh, you're gonna cut us up? Some of us are into that shit! So come on, blast an arm off or two! We dare you!" Okay, maybe he could take one of their magics. But he wouldn't know how to use it. Maybe he could summon? He doesn't have a familiar circle on hand.
"Don't tempt me." The ring was glowing darker. He could just take it all from them. Just drain all of them of whatever bloodline they had and use Pandaloo to blast it back at all of them at once! Wait, he'd just be left weak..damn it, WHY was he doubting himself so much right now!?
"Oh we just did, and we're calling your bluff!" The man runs up to him with a cleaver. This is it, this is how it's going to end. Cut in an alley by a psychotic-
"Let go of my brother." That quiet line stopped everyone far more than whatever he did. One masked person stepped up.
"Or what?" He was soon answered by a flash, followed by his head sliding down his body.
"Anyone else?" Within seconds he was alone with the woman. "They don't do bluffs, they'll only leave when you show you're serious about killing them."
"I don't know whether or not I should be relieved about that." He sighed. They could tell he didn't want to kill, or at the very least seriously injure them, but for a moment he didn't know that. "Thanks for saving. I doubt that would've ended well." He shot her the most grateful smile he could muster after that exhausting experience.
The white haired woman stared at him for a moment. "Follow me…..I'll get you out of here." She offered a hand. He was in no position to decline, so he accepted it, and once again found himself being dragged off by a taller female.
That's been happening a lot since he's lived here. "You, ah, you have a name? I'm Izuku Midoriya."
"I'm Sheeda." She answered. She was very straight to the point.
"So do you … come here often?" Damn it, that sounded like a pick up line!
"Yes….I try to keep people out of danger."
"I wish I could do the same. Seems like lately all I ever do is run into danger, whether I want to or not." He chuckled weakly. "But I want to be a hero, so I guess I should just get used to it by this point."
"If you want to be a hero…...you need to learn to not hold back." She spoke. "If you show compassion to enemies…..they'll never return it."
"I mean, avoiding violence just seems the best way to keep people safe." He shrugged, knowing getting demons to understand his point of view was an uphill battle. "I'm nowhere as strong as anyone else, so if I can just get someone to smile, someone who's down to feel a little better, I'll be fine."
"Those men….. would have smiled if you let them kill you." He froze his thought process. "Would you have let them smile?"
"Uh, no, maybe." It was a loaded question he wasn't prepared for. "I don't know why they're doing what they're doing, so maybe if I could understand them.."
"Returning to Origin." He shuddered as a boy came into his mind. "Walter Park was built to allow demons to remove stress…..Some just like hurting others because it makes them feel good…. A hero can never make those people smile….. because their smiles only come from the suffering of others."
"But doesn't relieving stress in general help demons fend off evil cycles?" He still remembered that crucial detail. "If the general populace can remain happy, then isn't it at least possible to try?"
"That's why the street exists in the first place…..So they can kill people and fend off their evil cycles, which would kill more people." There was a place that allowed … oh god.
"Feels like my dre...my ambition gets more impossible by the day." He's seen that kind of world work, back on earth...where it was impossible for him to even try the same...where it was laughable he thought about trying at all.
He suddenly came face to face with something very pink, looking to see a ten scoop ice cream. "... I got too much … have some." She pushed the object into his hands. His mind was dragged out of his dark thoughts, it did look good.
"Thank you, how much do I owe you?" He really should pay her back.
"A smile." Cheesy, very cheesy. But genuine. That's what he looked for in a hero. Guess Sheeda was more of one than she let on.
"I guess I'll just smile." He let out a weak one.
She looked at him funny. "You….. look like you don't know how." She placed gentle hands on his shoulders. "Something…..wrong?"
"No, I just tend to smile more when someone else is safe." He relented. "Everyone is probably worried about me. It's weighing on my mind."
Sheeda looked around. "There's the missing child center." She pointed at the large broadcasting tower. Well it was a bit degrading, but it was better than nothing.
"Thank you again mam." He bowed, about to walk away until she placed her hand on him.
"The path is long … let's look at some things on the way."
Well, he did need to find his group right away, to just let them know he was okay if nothing else, but nothing's really gone right lately for him, so what was the harm in doing something else for a while? "Alright." Demons were supposed to be selfish, right? What was the harm in being so?
Sheeda placed the last of the baby chicks down. She never had much experience with animals, and while one was nice, the army was diving in the deep end of lava, without protection. She didn't have time to deal with cuddly creatures when there was something more prevalent happening at the moment. "You...having...fun?"
"Actually, yeah, I am." The kid, Izuku, if she recalled right, answered from his fluffy stead. "I haven't been on anything like this, since well, never I suppose." That was sad, he should surround himself with fluff, it feels nice even if it looked embarrassing. "My mother never had the time, and she'd worry about me being around any kind of animal. The world was just too dangerous for me, at least that's what she thinks."
"Everything's dangerous … that's what makes … it fun." It was true, exposing yourself to the dangers of the world, the air, the people, it's the only way you could ever experience that kind of fun. "We're … getting close." She noted as they got near the center.
"I guess we are." He didn't seem to be as worried about it as earlier. "You may have a point with that. I've been in more danger than ever ever since I started going to Bablys, but it's the first time I've been able to ever do anything for myself. It's the first time I ever thought there was more to me than nothing, more than just Deku."
"Stupid … name." She spoke, getting his attention. "... You know … there's one more ride … near here." She glanced at the ferris wheel, it was relaxing to go on at times.
"A ferris wheel? I haven't seen one since Kacha...yeah, let's go." She's never seen so much effort in one face to hold so much misery in. "So you experience the rides often around here?"
"At times … family … pass." Technically ne-san gave them their jobs, which gave them ride access as long as their jobs were done, so it wasn't lying per say.
"Ah. I understand." She doubted that...though maybe not as much as she thought she would. "Mom was always working, and dad, dad just didn't want to be around me. Too much work to care for in person."
She gave a hum of acknowledgement as they were in line. Sounded rough, but the past was in the past. While he was gone from those people he would make sure he smiled. They made their way to the front, accessing the ride as it went up.
Both of them stared outside, silently gazing out below the increasingly growing tiny people. His smile was slowly growing, even if it still lacked some genuine happiness. Something kept him from accepting it. She would see to it that whatever it was, it would go away, permanently. "They would want you … to be happy … or they wouldn't be worried." She started. "You should … enjoy."
"Thanks, but, it just gets so hard to let people care when you get told for ten years no one will. It-it feels right, but I'm afraid that it'll just...just.." There will not be another tear falling from his face today.
"It's….okay….I am here...for you." That changed something almost immediately in the kid, she could tell. The water building up in his eyes suddenly seemed to vanish.
"Thank you, I'm having so much fun." He smiled, light from their height shining brightly. It looked so cute, innocent, like an angel had descended from the planes above into their world. So much hope and wonder filling it. She felt a pulse inside of her.
She would rub him, a twist here and there. Gently caressed his neck with her mouth as he let out a gasp. Not too hard as to cause him pain or discomfort, this must be done gradually in order to keep that smile blooming. Slowly her hand would reach down, gently removing the buckle as-
She was at work, she couldn't indulge in that. So she settled for reaching out and patting his head. His hair felt fuzzy and warm, it was nice. "You … feel … fuzzy."
"Like a bunny, right?" He chuckled, actual laughter derived from joy. "I've been told once or twice. I usually don't meet many people who go out of their way to see me happy." He continued to look down out of the window.
"Walter Park …. is a place … of smiles … being happy … makes sense." It would be a pain to destroy this place, but whatever gave them a way to get Amy out the better. That boy was also cute and fluffy as well.
"Yeah. It does." Something caught his eye. "Hey, it's my friends!" Huh, Amy used a similar word in one of his messages. "They're right down there."
"Good...we'll meet them after it's done...the gondola still needs to spin."
"It's gonna what-now?" She probably shouldn't have snorted at his panicked scream once they hit the sound barrier.
Gaako watched Izuku play as the 'big bad' for goofing off while everyone was worried. He was still smiling as the little kids got to be heroes though.
"We'll take you down, Six Fingers!" One such brat yelled out with a cardboard sword. "Feel my fiery fury!"
"Ahh! No! I can't handle such powerful heroism!" This was more of a reward for Izuku than a punishment if she was being honest. Who knew that the danger-junkie was good with kids? Eiko will be happy to learn that fact later.
"So are we actually punishing him after this or are we just letting him off with a warning?" Azz asked.
"You think pain and violence answer everything, don't you?" She deadpanned.
"Truely, thou hast learnt nothing from my fated rival and our mutual friend." Sabnock spoke in that lame old speech he always did. It irritated Azz, so she let it slide. "Let the boy enjoy himself. I sense a big brother when I see it."
"Why are we here of all places, too loud, sleepy?" She'd think the Angres guy was a party animal at night with how much he slept.
"I like giving back to the young, it's the best kind of reward." Balam-sensei spoke. The man was horrifying but in reality he was like a puppy Cerberus looking to lick something.
"Take this Six Finger!" Shouted a kid that lobbed a paper mache fireball at the masked teacher.
"Still a reward?" Morax-sensei asked with a smirk.
"For their laughter, always." Maybe Izuku was more set out to be a babysitter than a hero. It would instantly drain away the danger-junkie reputation. "Hey, they keep talking about these Six Finger guys. Anyone I should know about?" Well these ones were pretty recent news, so she'd let it slide for now.
"They're a faction of heinous demons that want nothing more than to 'return to origin'." Azz explained. Great, they go for a little fun and they still had to be reminded of that Kiriwo Amy guy that almost blew Bablys up.
"So Kiriwo isn't the only one." Que angsty Izuku. "And that alley too … why do so many … doesn't matter." he shrugged off. "As long as the kids aren't exposed to it, they and their beliefs will just die out."
"Unfortunately, it isn't that simple." Morax-sensei continued with a sigh. "They're also pretty mysterious and evasive, so that makes them very popular among various groups." Almost sounded like the Calamity Cult if they actually tried to cause trouble.
"Luckily, they have nothing on the great and perfect Walter Park where Ronove resides and one day will be owned by Ronove himself, Ronove!" Gaako wished for Clara, if only to have a muzzle to use on this prick.
"I thought you guys would have ditched him by now in all honesty." Izuku muttered. So did she, but the guy was persistent, like Izuku claimed earlier.
"We tried, for devi's sake we tried." Azz sighed. "But his damn bloodline keeps our attention on him. It's like watching a horrible accident unfold in our eyes."
"Uggh, what's the point of having pillows here if I'm not sleeping." Angres probably didn't even notice the guy this entire time with all his drowsiness.
"You shouldn't even be sleeping at all at such a wonderful park. The problem is this ridiculous mask you wear, definitely not Ronove approved. Give it and let yourself shine like Ronove!" We get it, you like your name!
"Huh?" Angres barely registered what was happening as the second years ripped off the eye mask and-whoa, she didn't expect that. "What did you do that for?"
"His face..I would've never guessed!" Azz spoke in awe.
"He's oozing in brilliant beauty!" Sabnock shouted.
"What's with pretty people around here and sparkles?" Izuku looked less shocked and more confused. Damn it, be more impressed magic nerd!
She could feel blood dripping from her own nose just watching that. Nine rings, how was he so hot under an eye mask!? "What are you all staring at? It's just a face, get over it." That was way more than 'just a face', you beautiful idiot!
"Ronove does not approve of this blatant copycat of Ronove!" Ronove shoved a paper bag over Angres head, adding more to his crimes against demonity, right next to talking, breathing, and existing. "Ronove is clearly the superior Ronove!"
"But you do have to admit sir, the boy is strikingly beautiful." Waitoro called out, probably getting in his own hidden form of revenge.
"No! Ronove is sexy and beautiful, this boy is handsome and beautiful. There is a clear difference in culture! Clearly this boy needs to be taught real beauty!"
"No, he's doing fine on his own." Azz smirked.
"Yeah, he doesn't need any help. He's already a natural lady killer." Sabnock nodded.
"Amen to that." Gaako agreed.
"I would rather be around him twenty four seven than around you just for his face alone, and that was before you took off the mask." Izuku got in on the snark.
"I thought you were still hung up on the sparkles?" Balam-sensei asked.
"Oh I am, I'm just making sure to state the obvious before anything else."
"Wait, sleep!" The boy futilely shouted as he was dragged.
"Well your opinions of Ronove are young and irrelevant, so we're giving him the Ronove makeover!" The man vainly yelled as he dragged the man into the dress up area.
Wett watched the man he gave his report to leave, turning to see Sheeda approach. "How was your last day at Walter Park?"
"It...was fine. Nothing eventful." She quickly gave her answer in the usual slow speech, though it seemed much more hesitant, even by just a little.
"Oh really? Find any interesting target's before this all goes up in flames?" The girl had weird taste, but they were demons, where did morality fit with that picture?
"Yes … wish I … could have been … off job." She smiled. "A shame to … destroy him … but Amy's … first." At least the woman had her priorities straightened out.
"Who knows, maybe those guys will make it to the entrance, all you can do is hope and gamble with things like that." And that's what their current game was about, seeing how many lives they could take without even trying. Just put magic in some grown up beasts and watch any burning rubble once their job is done. Truly was the fun way to live things out.
"I doubt it...but...nice to hope." She looked at a picture he assumed was of her and the kid. Not that it would matter, no one would remember her or any of them once it was all said and done.
He checked the coms, secure magical communication that even the Border Patrol wouldn't be able to pick up under their noses. "Everyone else ready and in place?"
"Me and Maki are ready for rivalry, sir." Hyudarin spoke in that eternally pleasant tone.
"Egg is prepared and ready to bloom into something amazing." Ah, Maki did have a soft spot for destructors rather than destruction herself.
"Maeoro and I are ready to get rolling!" Atori spoke in a chill demoner made it sound like he was ready for a trip to the beach. "I almost feel bad. It actually was fun playing the part out for so long. I can see why Amy's so fond of this tactic."
"You can thank him once we set him free." Wetoto held on to his magical egg. "You're right, it was truly fun, but we're the Six Fingers, we sow chaos where we are." He dropped the egg from the roof that he stood on. "And thus, we'll make sure to obliterate Walter Park with the utmost care."
