Chapter 1: Suns v Moons
"All right, all right, all right! Let's get this party started!" Present Mic spun his chair inside the broadcast booth. His blond hair stood, spiked in its usual gravity-defying style; streaks of grey hovered above his temples.
In addition to the loudest voice known to man, his friend had an unbelievable gift– No, make that an insatiable drive, to gab. Which meant, in cases like these - as far as the world of pro heroes was concerned, Mic was the most natural commentator ever born.
'How do I always let him talk me into these things?' Shouta Aizawa picked up his microphone, and added his much less interesting words, in his much less interesting voice: "This 'party' started almost two hours ago."
"Those of you joining us from our TV timeout, you've missed a surprising game so far. But! I'm sure with this group - the surprises are far from overrrrrrrr!" Present Mic bellowed into the loudspeaker. He threw his arms wide - as if anyone could see his ridiculous poses in the plain white room.
"With me, is the pro hero and fellow UA High teacher: EraserHead." He turned and threw a smug look at Aizawa.
The pro hero who'd managed to stay in the background for most of his career, Eraser felt his chest tighten; lumps formed in his stomach. 'Ugh.'
"You once taught a number of the pro heroes participating in today's amped up softball matchup. What do you think we're in for with these last couple of innings?"
"If there's anything I've learned to expect from this group, it's that they manage to pull off the unexpected." Dark features peered at him from the glass of the announcer's box. Long, black hair; his reflection's fingers scratched at the scruff scrawled across his jaw. 'And that's putting it mildly.'
A brief silence caught his attention. Mic's lips twisted, and one light-colored eyebrow lifted. "Not very telling. But! They are a group that can be hard to anticipate. Let's talk about what we've seen in the first seven innings."
Eraser sighed. 'Oh good, another recap.'
A flip of the showman's hand towards the glass: "Team Jeanist!"
"The Tokyo Suns."
"Right." He covered his microphone and mouthed: "Do you want to do this?"
Aizawa rolled his eyes. "The Suns have dominated. So far."
"They have indeed! With the Lord of Explosions, that bad boy hero: DynaMight, screaming around the bases like his own one-man scoring machine." Mic gave a signal with one hand. The external feed with the Bakugou highlight reel launched on screen.
The Pro Hero Association rented the nearby minor league stadium for the event. True to its name, the announcer's 'box' was a deep, but narrow, rectangular space. Triangle pennants of hawks and jaguars plastered the walls. A long span of windows faced the field; the glass let in the afternoon sun - baking the occupants in their seats.
'I'm pretty sure the air is starting to sweat in this heat.' He sipped at his third bottle of water. A futile box fan whirred in the corner of the room.
"He's accounted for five out of the six runs the Suns scored against the Nagoya Moons."
"Yes, Team Endeavor has struggled to shut down the unstoppable force that has always been DynaMight. Although, if there's any group that can counter him," the thought made him want to chuckle, "it's his former UA classmates."
"And that's a perfect segue into a quick recap of the players and the event, yo!"
"Do I have to?" Eraser grumbled.
"It'd be nice for you to offer some insight into your former class. Otherwise, I'll have to monopolize the conversation."
Aizawa met his own gaze in the glass. Dark eyes with heavy-looking bags stared back. "You do, anyway."
"If you're just joining us, we are coming at ya live from the annual Pro Hero Sporting Tournament and Gala. This year's theme is 'The Sun and Moon', and our favorite pro heroes are raising money for the Ise Shrine and associated Toyuke National Food Pantry."
"It's a worthy cause." Eraser offered; his reflection nodded - as if anyone could see. 'Ugh, I'm so bad at this.'
"Yes, every year, the Ise Shrine and Toyuke Food Pantry provides assistance and essential supplies to thousands of homeless children - and their families."
The video screen displayed the Pro Hero Association's (PHA) commercial for the charity; Cementoss leading the construction on the shrine. Ms. Joke working alongside the charity organizers.
"The PHA is grateful for the support of their fans in sponsoring this year's charity."
"Yes. The Tournament is a great way to raise awareness. And the gala this year - as opposed to prior years - is an opportunity for the participants to meet some of the families receiving aid. Which means it's closed to the useless paparazzi."
Mic held out his hands and bared his teeth. Aizawa shrugged. 'I called them what they are.'
"It's an amazing way to give back. But, there's still lots of awesome opportunities tonight - to see some of our favorite pros in their formal attire. And, of course, get a peek at who may be dating who."
"Whom. I thought you were an English teacher."
Mic made a rude gesture at his friend. "Just introduce the Endeavor team line up, ya smart ass."
"Gladly. On the pitcher's mound: Cellophane."
Sero Hanta's pre-recorded player card flipped up on screen. Dark hair, a sly smirk, and sporting his trademark cylinder-shaped, tape-dispending elbows. The moving 'card' stayed on screen for a few seconds, then spun around to reveal the next one.
"First base: Deku." Aizawa's original problem child - with freckles, a mile-wide grin, and a messy shock of green hair. He effected his hero 'power pose' in a tribute to his mentor: All Might.
"Second: Creati." Momo Yaoyorozu tugged at her ballcap and leaned on her softball bat - no doubt one she'd just created. The dead giveaway was it had "Creati" emblazoned along the side in bright red ink. Some "woops" sounded and a sea of red and white flags waved in the stands.
"Oh mama, Creati has a lot of fans ya dig? I mean look at how—"
"Third: Battle Fist." Aizawa cut off his friend before he said anything else embarrassing.
On screen, Kendo flipped her hair and held up her gigantic fist.
The cards continued spinning around, pausing on the hero in the order Aizawa announced them - thanks to a seven second broadcast delay.
"Short Stop: Real Steel." Eraser breathed and sipped at his water.
"He's the real deal, yo! Hard as steel!"
"In the Outfield, you've got: Shouto in Centerfield." The fire and ice hero with the red and silver hair hunkered down in a batting stance. A chorus of cheers erupted from the stands.
Mic took a breath and opened his mouth.
"LeMillion in Right; Nejire Chan in Left."
"It's a shame they split up the former Big Three like that."
Eraser cleared his throat. "Behind the plate: Tentacole is catching." The giant of a man with the branching arms stared over the top of his face mask - and held up his glove.
On…one of his many, many hands.
"Man, I'm super bummed. So far, we've seen no sign that fan favorite: Uravity will take the field before it's over." The grown man had the nerve to pout.
"Just introduce the Suns."
"She could be the key to a comeback!" Mic raised both fists in the air. "Endeavor's got to do something if he wants to make up those two runs! Six to four is close, but DynaMight gets up to bat this inning, and so far - the Moons have had no answer for that guy."
"He's a force of nature. And you're right, Uravity has a lot to offer. I don't think Endeavor will miss the opportunity."
"Man," Mic said with a loud, exaggerated sigh. "I hope not."
"Team Jeanist, the Tokyo Suns. Pitching: Suneater."
"The final member of the Big Three; he's been tearin' it up, and rarin' it up!"
Eraser mouthed: "raring?"
Mic crossed his arms with a huff.
"Yes. First base: Airbender; Second: Pinky; Short Stop: Red Riot." Kirishima's infectious grin replaced Ashido performing a dancer's move.
"And rounding out the infield at third base is DynaMight."
"That's Lord Explosion Murder–"
"No. It isn't."
The explosive Bakugou Katsuki grinned from the monitor. Red eyes glowed. His blond hair spiked in all directions - as if he started each day being zapped with a few hundred volts.
The powerful kid with a weaponized quirk, his persona had always been just as volatile as his capabilities. 'And no matter how he tries to hide it, he has a heart of gold.' Aizawa sat back in his seat.
'These kids. They've grown so much, but still have their whole careers ahead of them. And I can't wait to see how bright they shine.'
"And we are back after a random TV time out that leaves these announcers asking the question: would it kill you guys and gals to give us a heads up?"
Eraser ran a hand over his face.
"In the outfield! Jeanist's got another fan favorite: Froppy, in right field. Isn't she delightful?"
"Yeah."
"Ingenium was an obvious choice for Center Field. He can rev those leg engines lightning fast! And playing left field is Jet Black - with Dark Shadow. It's a good thing that doesn't count as two players."
"That's because Dark Shadow doesn't have a corporeal form."
"And finally, behind the plate at catcher: Phantom Thief."
The blond-haired Monoma had actually donned baseball attire and looked like a normal player - instead of wearing the suit and tie foolishness. 'Maybe he's finally found his stride. His 'copy' quirk has come in handy on rescue efforts.'
The player cards finished their run - just in time for the live feed to kick back in.
"And our two teams are retaking the field! Uh-oh, Creati has lost part of her uniform. A telltale sign the shrewd strategist is up to something."
"She creates non-living things out of the lipids in her skin. So, yeah, there's a high likelihood she's been creating something." Aizawa scanned the field, but he didn't see anything unusual.
"Oh man, this game became so much more exciting when quirks were allowed to be part of the contest!"
"Yes, but they had to make some critical rule adjustments to accommodate the differences in play."
"Insightful commentary as usual, EraserHead."
Aizawa grumbled. Mic smirked and tucked his arms behind his head.
"It's the bottom of the order up first - for Team Jeanist."
"We've got Red Riot heading to the plate. Phantom Thief is on deck. And then we work around to the top of the order."
"No matter what else happens, DynaMight will get another turn at bat this inning." His ghostly reflection smiled. 'They've got a plan."
"Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Aizawa winced as his friend's voice stabbed his ears. "I'm deaf, now."
Present Mic leaned forward - studying the different views of the camera feed. "Cellophane's back swing isn't as crisp as when we started. Here's the down swing, and release! Oh, nice curve ball. Strike one." He spun to look at his friend.
"What do you think, Eraser? Will your former student make it through all nine innings?"
"No. That curve ball was well placed, but it's much too slow. DynaMight will make him regret a pitch like that."
Tentacole rose to his full height; he returned the ball to Cellophane.
Mic groaned. "I think he makes all pitchers regret their life choices."
"Correct."
"Strike TWO! Way to hang in there, Cellophane!" Mic pumped one fist into the air.
"Aren't you supposed to at least pretend to be unbiased?"
"Nah," the vocal hero waved a hand. "That's for amateurs."
"I thought biased commentary was for amateurs."
"Strike three! That's it for Red Riot; that last wild swing won him a one-way trip back to the dugout."
The video feed showed Kirishima kicking sand and dirt as he walked. A grim set to his features; he bumped fists with his longtime friend Bakugou. The spiky-haired redhead ducked into the Visitor's dugout.
"Up next and heading to the batter's box, already, is Phantom Thief."
'Monoma.' Eraser shook his head. 'In school, he was always antagonizing Bakugou, Shouto and the others in my class.'
"I wonder whose quirk he's copying for this."
"Good question."
"Cellophane moves into his standing stretch. The back swing! Those odd looking arms are a blur of motion. The release! And! Wait, what just happened? Where'd the ball go?"
A mess of red cord globbed on home plate.
"I'm guessing Phantom Thief borrowed Jeanist's quirk - and unwound the stitching on the softball."
"Bad move, mah brotha! That's bound to count as a strike."
"Yeah. Best Jeanist's quirk is too strong for Thief to wield effectively without practice," Aizawa said and shook his head.'
"We're waiting for a ruling on the-"
Three dark-suited umpires convened behind the plate. A breeze swirled; it stirred red dirt across the rubber base.
"Yeah, that's definitely! Oh, no! Mama's curveball! They're calling him out."
Aizawa nodded. "That's fair."
"Thief and DynaMight are protesting to the head umpire. Loudly."
The two blond-haired anger gremlins yelled and shook fists at the head umpire.
"Yo, did you ever think you'd see those two on the same side, of, well, anything?"
"No."
"Yeah. Not too loudly, guys, or you'll get thrown out of the game." Mic hissed into his speaker.
"DynaMight is showing remarkable restraint. Considering."
"Considering what? I thought you agreed with the call?"
Aizawa shrugged. "Considering he's DynaMight."
"Can't argue with that. Looks like the dust-up is over. DynaMight is heading to the plate. Will Cellophane do it this time? Will Endeavor's battling tape hero-"
"Doesn't look like it." He tapped the monitor focused on Center Field. "Look there?" And even the old curmudgeon, Aizawa, felt effervescent bubbles moving through his chest.
"The number one hero, Endeavor, has just stepped out of the dugout and is heading towards the pitcher's mound." Mic met his gaze. "With the way these teams were formed, do we even know who's in the bullpen?"
"There weren't a lot of spare players. Most of the others are competing in the Metal Gear Smackdown Obstacle Course."
"It's finally time for some drama!"
"Each side kept a couple of substitute players, but- "
"He's tapping two fingers against his right wrist." Mic gained his feet and peered down at the game below. "Wow. Such a professional move!"
"You're ridiculous."
"The bullpen door is opening. So, whomever it is has been warming up. And it looks like!" Mic pointed at the glass, a huge grin on his features. "YES! Wait? How is this possible?!"
The video feed provided a close up of the relief pitcher. Standard baseball uniform, with the top tucked into tight sliders. Her brown hair pulled into a ponytail, it stuck out of the hole in the back of her cap. The broadcast screen froze - so they could display Uraraka's player card.
"That's your favorite, there, Mic. The zero gravity hero, Uravity."
"Aw, she just warms my heart. And she looks so adorable in her baseball pants and ponytail."
Aizawa shot him a glare. "You're being disrespectful. She's a capable pro hero - same as you. And all the others on the ball field."
Mic stuck out his tongue. "Uravity is taking the mound - relieving Cellophane for what could be the last hitter in the top of the eighth inning. Endeavor wants her to pitch to DynaMight."
The crowd cheered as the petite pro hero punched a fist into her glove; she had a long walk from center field to the pitcher's mound. But, she wasn't waving or looking around.
The camera shot closed in on her features. 'I know that look,' Eraser felt those bubbles erupt and fill his chest with something lighter. 'She's always had a healthy amount of determination. And a competitive streak that rivals Bakugou's.'
He met Mic's gaze. "This just got interesting."
Ochako Uraraka had become a fan favorite rescue hero after she graduated from UA. Her bubbly personality was a sharp contrast to her grappling style of fighting.
On screen, her hazel eyes narrowed; light eyebrows dug severe lines into her forehead. Her entire posture leaned forward, like she was ready to strike as soon as she reached the mound. A dangerous snarl stretched her light pink lips.
"I can't believe it!" Present Mic grabbed the sides of his wild mane.
"OHHHHH MAN! WHAT A MATCHUP!"
