AN: I don't own My hero academia, or the characters form the other animes that will be appearing.
Last time… we went backwards for a bit looking into Izuku time training with Arata and his classmates. Now time to bounce forward and finally finish with this god damn exam
Hero license exam part 6: climax
She still gets nightmares about it. The man with the scary mask. The things he did to her. Take her apart, reassembled. Take apart. Reassembled. It was an unbelievably pain full process. The pain of her limbs being torn apart. Bones, flesh, blood everything torn then put back like nothing happened. A cruel and an unusual punishment for someone so young. She gave up early on that she deserved any sort of release from the pain. It all started when her quirk first emerged, and her daddy disappeared. It was a downward spiral from there. Her mother left her. Called her a demon. She was then given to her grandfather. A kind-hearted man from a not so kind-hearted background. Her life was calm with him until the storm hit once more. Her grandfather became ill and she was taken under the uncaring wing of the man with a mask. Others would look at the mask and bush it off as peculiar. She saw fear. The man would constantly tell her she was a cursed. She believed she was. No matter what she can never be saved. That's what she believed. That was until she met him.
It was during one of the times she tried to escape. It was a fruitless attempt in the end. Although she managed to make connect with a person they couldn't help. She had to go back to the scary man before she got someone hurt again. She had to go back with him. Or at least that's what she thought at the time…
"You wouldn't want anything to happen. Do you?" whispered the man with an unusual mask. The suit he wore beneath his over size, dull green jacket clashed heavily with a strange yet menacing style. It was hard to tell at first glance if he was someone of high class or just an average guy with a strange dress sense. Although that mask was the nail in the coffin. An elongated beak red that covered his mouth and was encrusted with golden rims. It was attached to his face with a lather strap. There was no mistake. This man was Kai Chisaki the young yakuza boss of Shie Hassaikai. "Let's go, Eri."
She was terribly young. Small with overgrown hair, dirty pale skin and deep red eyes. Her other notable features were a single horn on the side of her forehead. Such a meek child. There was no way for her to fight back. She knew what would happen if she did. Then there's the other person nearby. A muscular blonde in a strange suit. He had a red cape over his shoulders and a strange hard to read number across his chest. At least for someone like her. She knew one of them was a 1 and the rest were 0s. But she couldn't tell you what the whole number was. The boy did nothing but watched her with his beady blue eyes and a cheerful smile. If anything, he was the one in the most danger. It was easy to tell with how twitchy the young yakuza's gloved hands were. She had to go to him. Willingly. She had no choice.
So, she turned around and meekly walked to the young boss. "That's a good girl. Let's go home," he said calmly while extending his hand.
Once she was at arm's reach, she too extended her hand. She didn't want to. But she had to. Everything will be ok if she just goes back. No one else needs to get hurt because of her.
Seconds before the boss could take the girl, someone else took her from him. It happened unexpectedly. All the child knew was that she was being held by another man and sharp claws at her neck. Scared couldn't even begin to describe what she was feeling. However, her face didn't show it. She was quiet. Far too quiet for a child. She didn't even struggle.
The man that kept her captive should take pointers. His wolf like legs were shaking at the keens. He could barely get his arms steady as they shivered. "Not another step, freak. Or this kid gets it."
There was an echo of footsteps along with the brief silence. A long shadow was cast down the narrow alleyway. "Now, now, no need to bring civilians into this." That was the first time she saw him. The boy with green curls and gentle smile. He was short compared to the others around her. The most average looking among them. A simple school uniform was worn on his body and cap with a golden S tucked in some of his messy curls. Yet there was something odd. It was clear even to her and those around her, that the man that took her hostage was afraid of this boy. "Am just your humble every day detective doing his duty. Now how about you let the girl go," he phrased it like a question, but his tone said demand.
"Bullshit!" the villain cried out. "You're no average copper. Who the fuck are you?"
The boy chuckled still holing a smile on his lips. Challengingly, he took one step closer causing the villain to flinch further back. "No one interesting really," he answered back still holding on to that smile. "If you don't want to end up like your friends back there; let the girl go."
"Fuck you!'
With a sigh the dropped his arms and the raised them both up. He was unarmed. His hands prove so. So why was this villain acting strange? "Alright then how's about some introductions. My name is Izuku Midoriya. I'm a detective student at Shiketsu high. Frist year. Quirkless and I love katsudon."
"Don't pull my leg copper. No way a freak like you is quirkless. Me and my boys would have ripped you to shreds." The wolf villain snarled while foolishly loosening his arms around the child.
The boy chuckled mockingly. "Oh, you're flattering me too much. Really, I'm nothing special it was easy taking out your men. Even without a quirk. Your meathead boys always have the same problem."
The wold growled,"Oh yeah. And what would that be?"
Bam!
Unfortunately, the villain will never know. Not when his world became dark. The little girl felt the grip around her lessen as she watched the body fell beside her. She stared at the body near lifeless and still. He's not dead, is he? Right? She didn't do anything this time right? He didn't disappear. Although she tried to keep a calm demeanor the urge to scream almost overwhelmed her. Still no sound came out form her mouth. Only a weak squeak.
"Hey," The sudden voice knocked her senses back. She turned to meet deep green eyes. They shined so beautifully. Like gems. A small smile greeted her as well. It was different from the many smiles she was give before. It was gentle and kind like grandpa. "It's ok now your safe." She didn't know what to make of this boy. He seemed kind. He seemed sure. But she knew she wasn't safe. There's still that man with the bird mask. He'll hurt her again. "You know you were very brave. You were in a very scary situation, but you didn't cry a bit." That's because crying was pointless. She found that out a long time ago. Soon a soft head landed on her head. The sudden contact alarmed her, but it was so warm she couldn't tear away from it. "It's ok to cry now. The bad guy is gone."
She didn't know why but the tears suddenly started falling. Why? Why did she feel like crying all the sudden? The hand gesture soon become a full-on embrace. The kind warmth engulfed her small frame. That just make her want to cry more. She wailed letting this boy hold her. She didn't want it to end.
"Whatever you do don't chew. Swallow it whole."
The sudden demand caused her wails to stop in surprise. The boy let her go and patted her head again. He still smiled brightly at her, but it felt different. There was something off about it. Something fake. The some of the ones he wore a bit ago. "There now feel better." The girl nodded as she wiped the tears away. To her surprise the boy held out a small red marble to her. Curiously, she gazed at the object presented to her. Was it a gem she wondered? It was round and really shiny and almost see through. "Come on watch me. Ahhh" The boy grabbed her attention again while he held a near identical marble in his hand while opening his mouth wide. Then be popped it into his mouth and let the marble sit in his mouth. Then he made a swallowing motion. "See?"
Her eyes wondered back to the marble. Then she curiously matched the boy's motion and pop the marble in her mouth. A sudden rush of sweetness delighted her mouth. Her dull red eyes sparkled with a dim shine. "It's sweet," she whispers in delight.
"I'm glad you like it. My friend made them, and she'll be happy to know you like them. Oh, and don't forget to sallow," the boy said cheerful. The small girl gave him a nod and swallowed the rest of the sweet whole as instructed. "Good." The boy leaned closer and once again whispered in her ear, "It's ok. You'll be saved soon. I'll come after you if I have to."
Soon he was up on his feet smiling and all she could do was stare at him. Then the murderous intent of Overhaul washed over her. She was too careless. He'll hurt this boy. At least that's what she assumed would happen but that wasn't the case. The boy smiled at the yakuza villain. Unaware of the murderous intent that tried to scold him. Calmly, walked towards the man. "Wait no don't," the girl tried to warn him. Tried to stop him. But there was no stopping him. The lack of fear frightened her. Could he not feel it?
He must not have as he stuck a conversation with the man looking to kill him. A small greeting exchanged between them as the boy offered a sweet. The kill intent suddenly become confusion. In that confusion the man accepted the sweet. Then the boy apologised: "I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. If I acted more quickly, I would have never allowed this villain to escape. Then your daughter wouldn't have to go through something so horrible. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me," the sincerity in his voice was only doubled by his gestures as he bowed deeply.
Overhaul stared at the bowing boy before him. His hands stopped twitching as his eyes smiled. "No need for that. It all turned out fine in the end. I'm grateful for your assistance. My daughter is safe thanks to you." He then turned his attention towards the girl and beckoned to her to come. "Come along now. We have an appointment to get to."
She didn't want to go. She knew an appointment means pain. But if she didn't go this boy will die. Regrettably, she rushed towards his side without further distractions. She grabbed the man's hand and was dragged off deeper and deeper into the dark shadowed alley. She turned back to the lit opening. The kind boy was still standing there. Giving her a soft smile. Soon they turned corner and that smile was gone along with the light it gave.
"You like that boy, don't you?" Overhaul questioned. Panic was her immediate response. It brought a wicked idea to his mind. "I would hate to see anything bad happened to him." Without delay he flipped out a phone and made a horrifying demand. "Yeah it's me. I need to find information on a boy name Izuku Midoriya. Yeah. Something tells me he's going to be very useful."
That's how it started. Big brother was soon kidnapped to be my caretaker. They locked him up with me and I cried. I apologised so many times for putting him through this. Every time he patted my head telling me everything will be alright. I wanted to believe him, but it was scary. Nothing good happens for me. Yet he kept telling smile anyway. Then, Overhaul was gone. Someone came to save us. Someone came. I didn't know what would happen to me after. I was taken in by this tall man with glasses for a while. That blonde hair boy with the weird number on his chest was there too. They were nice, but I wanted to see him again. The green haired boy with the soft smile. I wanted to...and I did. It was like my life restarted again. He extended his arm to me one day. He told me he was going to me my big brother. I was confused. Happy. Cautious. The one thing I wasn't was afraid. When I saw his smile all those fears ran from its light.
"Don't worry Eri. Everything is going to be fine. I'll protect you now as your big brother. Believe me."
I took his hand that day because I believed and that's why.
Present day,
"Uh boss isn't this a little over the top. You know caging a child and guarding her like this. In a hidden area."
Grand Orca sighed at his sidekick's statement. Although he does agree with him. Having this Saiki hero join them was overkill to begin with. It was a last minute add on to the exam. The odd hero suddenly asked to join them. Brought along his own sidekick and this child. That was not part of the plan. He will admit to one thing: this exercise will test the young heroes to their limits. They'll need to work together and efficiently to solve this crisis. Still why did he had to bring this child? The orca turned to the caged girl behind him. She sat cross legged in her little cage. She was calm despite the whole dilemma. Worried, he crouched down to meet her eye level. "Are you ok, little one? I apologise if this situation is scary. I promise we aren't going to hurt you."
"I know," the child said far too calmly for a child her age. "Mr Arata told me he needed to bring me along. Besides my big brother will get me soon."
The orca tilted his massive head, "Big brother?"
Happily, the girl nodded and showed off her small, precious smile. It's not as bright as her precious brother but it still had its charming innocent glow. At least she can smile now. "Yes. Big brother promised to protect me. So, I know he'll come for me."
Bang! Bang!
"What! Who turned off the lights?"
"More importantly where did those gun shots come from?"
"Eri, I'm here just stay still. Big brother's coming." Called a form the dark.
Gang Orca knew that was not one of his sidekicks. He had to act fast, but he couldn't see anything in the dark. He could try and use if sonar radar but it's not as effective on land as it would be in water. He could also affect his own team in the process. He had no choice but to go in blind. Before he could make a proper move, something was crawling in his arm morphing its shape. He felt this before, and he doesn't like it. He could stop it… then again this might not be so bad. He was getting a little tired anyway.
Eri was calm in the darkness. She did as tell and smiled all the while. There is no need to worry. Big brother is here to save her. She doesn't need to be afraid. Calmly she closed her eyes. The noises her heard were alarming. There was screaming, bad words here said, slamming, people falling, roaring, gun firing all so alarming, but it will be ok. She'll be ok. It's just big brother. He knows what he's doing. He always knows what to do. So, she'll just stay here and wait.
"RARWWW"
"Dark shadow!"
"I got you tokoyaki."
"What the hell is that thing."
"Boss what do we do?"
"Agage."
"This time you'll stand down."
... minutes pass. The world finally went quiet.
"Miko. Give me some light."
The girl kept her eyes close with her small smile. The gentle light breaking the darkness she was in moments ago. Opening her eyes, she was greeted with a sight she adored so much. Her big brother reaching out to her with a smile. She saw nothing else. She didn't need to see anything else. Her brother. Her hero was her to save her again. That's all she could ever ask for. Without out letting him say another word, the child by passed his hand and latched onto his torso. Happily, she rubbed her face in his uniform. "I knew you'd come."
Izuku laughed, "Of course. I promised, didn't I?"
"So boss, what do we do about them?" His classmate pointed at the pile of meat deformed villains. The wiggled and squirmed but overall harmless.
Lifting his little sister up, Izuku briefly glanced at the meatball villains. With a hum he turned his back and began his march out. "Leave them. If you get injured, they'll turn back to normal. If we bring them with us, they'll only cause us more trouble if that happens. At least if we leave them down here it will take time for them to regroup and get to us," he stated objectively. "Takako, we're done here. Guide us back out."
Without question the small team walked behind the green haired detective. Their mission ended quicker than expected. All they really did was had Takako guide them from above and launched an attack. Suppose the main reason for this surprisingly effect rescue was due to those involved. Takako being their eyes to navigate through the twisted maze of tunnels as well as guide them through a sightless fight. Izuku on point and guiding their next action swiftly and efficiently. Seiji as their main source of capture to render their opponents useless. Tokoyami as their spear use dark shadow's overwhelming strength to pin down the enemy with little effort. Bonus it was pitch black making dark shadow stronger. Lastly, there was Mikoyasha who was close by the U.A student. Her flames passive calming effect and light kept him calm enough to control dark shadow might in pure darkness.
Tokoyami saw this. He understood. This boy they follow was smart. Perceive. He was able to have the foresight to bring Mikoyasha with them. Originally, he thought he brought her to be their healer. Just in case anyone got hurt by Gang Orca…or even dark shadow. No. He brought her there for his sake. Her quirk helped him control dark shadow without completely immobilising him with bright light. He could still feel her gentle hand pressed on his back now. Her quirk's calming force dimly lighting her hand. It felt warm. The kind of warmth of being held by the arms of a loved one. He quirked his bird head at the girl behind him. He was greeted with the same expression he'd seen on her on this entire trip. A warm smile. There was something motherly about it. From beneath his cloak he extended his hand. The girl's mouth formed an O at the sudden gesture. "Your arm must be tired from constantly being pressed at my back. A fair maiden such as yourself should rest your hand in mine. The battle is done with after all. I will most likely not be using dark shadow to fight so you need not continue to hide behind me."
Mikoyasha's smile appeared once more and she accepted the hand. "Thank you, but don't tell Yuu about this. He gets jealous easily."
Tokoyami nodded as they continued their way to the light beyond.
"Well that was quick. We didn't even do anything." Kirishima sighed as the group emerged from the tunnel. He was there to greet them along with Sato and Takako. Seems like they had an easier time than them. No other villains showed up to challenge them. Perhaps most of them were taken care off and only a couple of true threats remain. "What do we do now? We got the girl so we should all head back, right?"
"Right," the detective agreed while handing his little sister to the redhead much to his surprise. The duo blinked at each other. Young Eri even tried to reach out for her brother. Her eyes were begging. Politely smiling, Izuku rejected her advancements. "You need to get Eri out of here with the rest of the civilians. The sooner you do that the faster we end this exam." Gently, he patted the little girl's head. Her eyes slightly wet as she touched her brother's wrist. She didn't want to let go. "It's ok Eri, big brother will be with you soon. So please be a good girl and go with the nice heroes. Big brother deals with his stupid, mean sensei."
With a small nod, the girl reluctantly leaned into the redhead's chest. Kirishima understood as well and tightened his hold on her. "Don't worry about her man. Leave it to me and Sato." The muscle teen saluted in agreement.
"Thank you." The detective then turned to the others. He asked how they were holding up. Although that question was more directed to Mikoyasha who seemed to be the most worn out of the lot. Admittedly, she was nearing her limit. She had been using her quirk none stop since the second half of the exam started. Safe to say any further use now would be too draining. "I see. In that case go with Kirishima, Sato and Eri. They should give you two enough protection and we could still use you in the med bay. The rest of you continue the rescue. Get all the civilians out as quickly as possible."
"What about you sir?" Seiji asked.
"I'll be dealing with Arata sensei. He'll get out at any minute and it will be easier for you all to get the civilians out if I face him. I'm only being hopeful that Inasa and the others would be a good distraction but here's a high percentage that they won't be good enough."
"But sir!"
Izuku interjected with a violent finger poke to the forehead. Seiji scrammed at the sudden contact and withdrew rubbing the mark on his head. "Ah ah ah. No buts. If we want to end this swiftly, we need all hands-on deck on rescue. So, go. That's an order."
BOOM!
The sound of explosions echoed through the battlefield. Form the distance the group could see the dust clouds and sparks of fires. Izuku hummed at the sight. It could only mean thing. He's awake. "It looks like it's showtime." He turned back to the group with cold sharp eyes. "I'm being deadly serious you guys. Whatever you do. Do not go after me. Focus on the civilians. Get them out of here as quickly as possible."
The group took quick glances at each other. Then solemnly agreed.
Yuko and Iida, rushed in search for their two comrades as well their opponent Shiketsu assistant teacher Hiro Oten. It wasn't that hard to find them. Hiro has a very distinct voice. "He's over there," Yuko stared blankly and she dragged the armoured boy with her. She just moved a little too fast for him. And that's saying a bit when he's fast himself. He kept asking her to slow down and stop pulling his arm off, but she couldn't be bothered to listen. At a certain point she stopped in her tracks and dragged the boy with her behind a rubble pile. Not to faraway was the man they were looking for as well as their other two teammates. It wasn't a very happy sight.
With a wicked laugh, Hiro slammed his foot between the two fallen heroes. "Is that all you got? Ha! I will give you two credit. You lasted longer than the Taisho's did. You two do work well together form what I seen. Too bad you're third member isn't here to join you. If she was perhaps you would have stood a better chance," the man spat.
"You should know by now she's always late without us with her. Gets herself lost all the damn time." Karma joked with a weak almost desperate laugh.
"But she always comes," Nagisa added weakly as he tried to move his body. "Eventually…"
The other two young heroes watched form the safety of rubble. It was hard to stomach down for the smaller of the two. She nearly rushed out if it wasn't for Iida pulling her back. She glanced back at him with an unspoken expression. Although that very little the flame in her blank eyes were enough of a tell. A part of Iida felt guilty for stopping her, but the other part knew it was necessary. He understood the urge to run ahead to save her fellow students he also knows that they needed a plan. "Please we need to think before rushing out or will end up like them. He's you're teacher. You have any ideas who to deal with him?"
Yuko's gaze was unblinking. Then her eyes fixed on the ground. She paused. Swiftly, she swung the guitar case she carried around on her back down and placed it down. Then she opened it up to reveal…a void. It was like a bottomless pit or that's what it seemed to be. She reached out into the void and pulled out: 2 rifle guns with a strap, some rope, two pairs of roller blades, some heavy-handed scissors, an iron blacksmith mask and a mini blowtorch. Casually, she handed the rope, roller blades and scissors to the very confused Iida. "Tie this rope to yourself and my case. Then cut the soles of the roller blades. We need the wheels," she ordered while pulling on the black smith mask. She then wordless began loading the two guns with the items Izuku previously gave her. A bag of sweet, chemical marbles in one and the de-paralysis antidote in the other.
"Excuse me what?" poor Iida was even more confused.
"Just do it," she responded as she clicked her gun into place. "We don't have much time. Once I shoot, he'll notice then we need to move as fast as possible. You are fast, aren't you?"
Iida just looked at her still confused. "At least tell me the plan."
Finishing loading one gun, Yuko fling the strap over her and positioned it to fire. "We rush in relentlessly." She said as a matter of fact.
Iida was still confused.
Up in the stands:"So let's recap here: Izuku a quirkless detective student was forced into this exam, this hero Saiki is currently trapped inside a frozen metal box, his assistant is fighting your son and Kuwabara's nephew and the rest of the students are on their marry adventures rescuing the other civilians." Yusuke rambled while he tried to keep up with everything happening right before their eyes. Honestly, it's hard. It was like a battlefield out there. So many moving parts. So many students to keep track of. Heck he even lost the one student he cared about. His own daughter. He just hoped the examiners are keeping up with them because he sure can't.
The redhead hummed while his eyes were fixated on one part of the battlefield. "You might want to update yourself, my friend. It seems like my son and young Nagisa have been taken down." The two boys have been fending of their enemy well for the most part. Karma being their mind range attacking while Nagisa strike quick and doge. It was a decent enough strategy to keep their enemy at bay. However, their teacher was clearly experienced and eventually found openings for both. leaving them in the sorry state the boys found themselves now. "A paralysis type quirk. A tricky one to get out of. Seems like those boys are down for the count. How disappointing."
Bang! Bang!
The elder lady that sat by the two hummed at the sound of gun shots. "Seems like both of you need to update yourself."
Just then something dashed into the scene in a dust cloud. It was too thick to exactly see what it was. Hiro was caught off guard for a split second and that's all they needed. Thin tendrils found themselves wrapped around the fallen duos' torsos. The villain didn't have enough time to react before the two were dragged away beyond his reach. Eventually the dust cloud faded to reveal a young Iida running at top speed. A rope was wrapped tightly around his shoulders and torso. Attached to said rope was a certain guitar case with an added addition of wheels it's under belly. On top was little Yuko with two rifles hanging across both her shoulders. One hand on a trigger she was ready to shoot at any time. Her other hand was occupied. Her usual claws have extended and thinned out to wire like sting that wrapped themselves on her currently fallen comrades. They were being dragged around with her carrying a dusk trail behind them.
"You mind slowing down? It isn't exactly comfortable to be dragged around in the dirt," Karma hissed as he tried to move his stiff body. Nagisa being dragged alongside him did the same and wriggled the best he could.
Yuko ignored him as she readied her shot. The villain was getting closer and they can't have that happen. One shot. He dodged effortlessly. Two shots. Another dodge. Three shots. Dodged again. She groaned at her lack of precision. It wasn't easy shooting a moving opponent when you too are moving, and you can only use one arm. "Iida, evasive maneuver."
The boy nodded and increased his speed. He attempted to run in a zig zag like pattern. Although he wasn't really made for such maneuver, he was going to try. Especially when a villain is hot on their tail. Their make sift carriage swayed behind him making each turn that more difficult. The added weight wasn't much help either. With a quick glace back, he could tell it wasn't really working. Hiro was easily gaining on them despite his efforts and superior natural speed. He attempted to force his legs to go further to distance them as far as possible.
Still it wasn't going to be enough. He will sooner strain his legs if he goes any further. Yuko could see that. So, she acted. Forming her claws on her free hand, she cut the rope that tied them together.
"What are you doing?" Iida yelled in shock as his body tried to U turn back for her. The girl's answer was a yell back to keep running while she readied her gun again.
Bang!
Instead of dodging, Hiro sliced through the rainbowed coloured ammo. As he did, they release a cloud sweet confectionery dust that blind sighted him. He waved his arms around to thin out the dust cloud. Taking extra precautions not to breath in. Who knows what would happen to him if he did? Then he saw a shadow through the rainbow cloud and crossed blades with it. His sharp red eyes met the soulless dull greens of his students as his blade pushed against her claws. At some point she seemed to have jumped above him, having her whole body cashing down on top. He pushed against her while he while her body weight threatened to tip him over. Luckily for him, he won out against gravity and pushed her back.
Yuko tumbled onto the ground and rolled into a ball till her feet were back on flat ground. She in a starting run position and stared at the villain huffing. Her expression never fell. He stared back at her while tightening his grip on his blades. Then Yuko came rushing at him meeting him blow for blow. Her claws met his blades with every strike. Her fighting style was unnatural but so was his. Along with being dual weapon users they both have an embedded style of martial arts. Kicks were exchanged here and there. Each were met with a guard of a blade or an arm. It was easy to see they were both had combat battle experience.
Eventually, Hiro saw an opening and tried to take it before it closed but he was stopped by a good kick to the shoulder blade. Then girl was taken away from his sight. He growled at the sudden pain and glanced back at his opponents. Yuko was being pulled back by a set of vines carrying her back to her redhead classmate now fully recovered. Incidentally, Nagisa has also recovered and somehow ended up in the arms of young Iida. That kid. He spat in his mind.
"Thanks a lot for the save, Iida. I wasn't so sure if Oten sensei would get me again." Nagisa jumped out of his arms and stretched his limbs. He may have gotten out of his sensei's paralysis, but his body still felt a little stiff.
Iida gave him a small nod. "It was a risky move to rush after him like that, but you did land a good kick at him."
"Consider it returning the flavour for coming after us."
Hiro watched the students interact briefly. This is the group the young detective put together to confront him. He understood for the most part. Nagisa, Karma and Yuko are a jack of all traits type of team. All three are decent at hand to hand combat and both Yuko and Karma have long range attacks methods. Not to mention these three have the strongest teamwork chemistry in the class. Especially in combat. They knew how to integrate their fight styles with each other seamlessly thanks to the previous experiences. They were a prime team to face him. What he doesn't understand is this…U.A student. This boy who dares walk the hero path. Why bring him along? Wouldn't it be better if it was another Shiketsu student? This inclusion was so…strange. Hiro clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Hey you. U.A kid."
Iida looked up questionably. He assumed he meant him. Hiro's crooked his head up cockily. His eyes had such distaste. It made Iida's skin crawl. He felt like he seen those eyes somewhere before, but he wasn't sure where.
"You're that Ingenium kid, right? The one mixed up with the whole stain indecent."
The boy gulped. "I think you're mistaken me for my older brother."
"Oh really? Nah I'm sure I'm thinking about you. So thirsty for revenge. So blind sighted. Is that you're conviction? Is that why you fight?" the man hissed as he pointed his blade to the child accusingly. "Disgraceful."
Rage fuelled the young hero's blood but there was also something else. Shame. He knew it was wrong, but he couldn't sit there and do nothing while his brother was hospitalised. While that villain ran free. He had to do something. He was just too stupid to think that the only thing could do was to find and fight the hero killer himself. He almost died in the process. If it wasn't for…suddenly in came to him. Before the hero killer deadly the final blow, someone pushed him aside and shielded him. He was delirious form exhaustion and passed out before getting a good look at them. All he could remember was a gentle smile and kind green eyes. Was that? Iida froze as his mind wandered deeper into that memory. According to what he was told Endeavour saved him that day but there was someone else too. He was sure of it.
Hiro got sick of the boy's silence. "Nothing else to say kid. Humph. What about you three?" He pointed his blade at his students looking like they are ready to rush him at any given moment. "You three. Trained in the art of assassination so I heard."
Playfully, Karma shrugged his shoulders. "Hey, it's not our fault are old junior high teacher kicked the bucket and asked one of the world's top assassin to teach us. His teaching methods were unorthodox sure, but they worked. We turned out just fine right? Not like we'll actually kill someone."
Again, Hiro clicked his tongue. "That coming from a villain's son."
That hit a cord. Karma's eyes darken as he glared at his sensei. It's not like it's anything new to him. He's been treated like a villain kid for most of life. Really the main reason he took this path was to shove it into those jerks faces. Prove those words won't define him. Although there was one point in his life, he really wanted to snap into what they wanted him to be. Yet here he stood. He made it this far and he made a promise to go further. "Low blow, sensei Oten. Especially coming from you. You can't stop me. I won't let you. I have to keep my end of the deal."
He paid no mind to his student's threatening glare and moved on to the next. "Nagisa, you never intended to be a hero. They say you want to be a teacher. So why are you here?"
"It's personal," the small boy spat. "Like I said I have a promise to keep." Yes, his end goal was to be a teacher. A teacher like him. Someone anyone that can teach that no matter where you came from. No matter who you are. No matter what you have you can be something amazing. Instead of being trample by the cruelty of the world's judgment. You can rise above. That's what he showed them, and he plans to continue that. "I'll become a great teacher."
Then finally he turned to the girl. "And what about you? You don't talk that much, and I don't think I ever asked. Why are you here? What is your conviction?"
Silently, Yuko stared at the villain who held his blade at her. Her silence was far too long. Still he waited while she stared. He had more patience towards his students. He at least wanted to her them out once. Her facial features never faltering. Never could get a good read on the girl. "My father," she answered at a matter of fact. "He is my reason."
It was impossible to hold in his groan of disappointment, "that's it? Another legacy thing? I was hoping more from you since you took so god damn long."
"I don't want him to cry anymore." She suddenly continued giving Hiro pause. "He cried a lot because of the things I've done. I don't like it when my father cries. I don't like it when anyone cries. So, for his sake I will live. For all their sakes," the energy flowing through her claws glowed brighter and longer. They spiked with a feeling the girl cannot describe. She points them at her sensei steady and composed. "I fight to protect their smiles. So, none of them will ever need to cry. That is what I want and my promise to him."
***Flash back***
It was late when they entered his room. The sun was starting to set letting out is last burning colours for the day. They spilled inside form the widows. Drowning the room with their fire light. He stared out at the sun with the smile. He wanted to savoury it's beauty since very soon it might be his last. He sat on the bed given. Blankets loosely covered his bottom half. His back against the wall with only a thin pillow severing as a comfortable barrier. Still he wanted to savour this mild bit of comfort. Commit it all to memory. Especially the voices of those three. "Karma, Nagisa, Yuko, you three are the last batch I will see today. Let's have a fun conversation," he tried to sound cheerful, but he couldn't shake off the sombre aura the young ones had around them. Nagisa refused to meet his eyes. Opting to look down, hiding his eyes in his bangs while biting his lip. Karma was similar but his eyes were gazing at something at the far corner. He didn't meet his eyes either. Then there was the smallest of the three. Her blank gaze stared right at him, yet her fists were clenched tight. Still he smiled. "Now, now, you three. No need for this tension. All I want is to hear your plans going forward. As a teacher I am very curious. Karma, why don't you go first?"
The redhead's golden eyes stared back at his teacher. He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't really have a clear plan in mind. Whatever I end up doing I want to rub it into all those assholes faces who thought I'll go villain. Maybe become a lawyer. Have their fates in my hands. Or a CEO and have them grovel at my feet not to fire them." His signature dastardly grin he wore lost a bit of its lustre. His teacher could tell he was trying to brighten the mood.
"I see. Nagisa, what about you?"
The small boy flinched at his name. His head snapped up to meet his teacher's eyes as his fingers fiddled with themselves. "Oh uh. Well I've been thinking. Everyone wants to become like the person they idolize. That and since taking up part time tutoring, I want to be like you. A teacher that can help any type of kid. Help them achieve whatever they want," he answered honestly as his blue eyes shined. "That's ok, right?"
"Of course. But what about you, Yuko?"
The girl straighten herself up and nodded once. "I will most likely follow my father's lead and join him on the field of pro heroes."
"I see. But why?" The girl froze at her teacher's simple question. She didn't know what to say and her teacher picked it up easily. "Is there any reason why you want to be a hero?" She opened her mouth to respond, but her teacher stopped her by raising a finger. "No, no. A reason that isn't your father." The girl was still confused. What more could he want? He hummed at the girl's continued confusion and scratched his chin. "Let me rephrase. Is there anything you want to do? That becoming a hero will help you achieve that? Or perhaps a better question. Is there something you want to protect?"
Pondering she paused, was there? Something she wanted to achieve. To protect. Her mind wandered into an endless stream of nothing. Searching for an answer. Then it hit her. It was so clear. Why did it took so long to think? "I want him…I want all of them to keep smiling. A villain took away my father's smile and he cried for a long time. Other villains can do it again or take their smiles. I want to prevent that from happening. Therefore, becoming a hero is the only logical option."
Smiling happily her teacher nodded. "Yes, that does seem quite logical although it would be tough to go it alone. As the saying goes two heads are better than one or perhaps 3 heads." It was the boys turned to look confused. Was he suggesting what they think he was suggesting? "You three have the strongest battle chemistry I've seen in a long time. It would be a crime to break it apart. Karma, you said you wanted to be something great that would completely go against society's expectations towards you. Why not become the opposite of a villain by going down the hero's route?"
Karma nodded along with his teacher, humming after every sentence. A wicked smile of delight perked up on his lips. "I like it. I like it. Not only is it a middle finger to all those posers but would also put their lives in my hands. Just imagine them begging me to save them. Ahh such sweet music."
Their teacher chuckled lightly at his student's less than heroic logic. Honestly, at this point he found it quite charming…he'll miss it. Then he faced the other boy still looking confused. "Nagisa, I know you want to be a teacher. By all means, chase after that dream if that's what you really want. What I am saying is merely a suggestion," he clarified. He didn't want to force anything onto his students. He would be perfectly happy if they made their own choice and follow whatever path they may choose. But it is his duty as a teacher to guide his students and show them every possible door. This was merely one of those doors. "You worked so hard perfecting you're quirk it would be a shame to let all that training go to waste. You just have a talent that I feel would work well in the hero industry. And along the line you could teach the next generation of heroes and bring out their full potential. Again, you don't have to, but I feel like it's worth thinking about."
"Alright, I'll think about it," Nagisa said softly before solemnly turning his head downwards.
Silence came between them once again. It was a sad and conformable silence. Even their usual upbeat teacher was starting to succumb to the gloomy atmosphere. The smile he wore this whole time faded to a frown. This was the first time in a while did he truly had no idea what to say next. It was hard for him to keep up the cheer at this moment.
Yuko continued to stare at her teacher and glanced back to her fellow students. The frowns they wore unsettled her. This is not what she wanted. She stepped forward with a proposal in mind. "Sensei, how about we make a deal?" He looked at her surprised. What kind of deal did she had in mind? Silently she lifted her small hand up while extending her pinkie to him. "I promise I will become a hero that can protect everyone's smiles. All you have to do is live. Live until our graduation. That's what I want and what everyone else want as well."
The request was a surprise for all involved. The three males stared at the little girl with mouths slightly opened. Soon Karma's mouth turned into a smirk as he extended his own pinkie. "You know what? I want in on this action. I promise I will become a hero and never go on the villain's path. I'll destroy everyone's expectations. You just got to survive till all of us graduate. Sounds like a fair deal to me, teach."
Nagisa was quick to follow his friends' example. "Yeah. Please keep fighting this till graduation. We all really want you to be there at least. You're the reason why anyone of us can hold our heads high. I know you want to see it too. In return I'll be the best teacher I can be or maybe even a hero teacher."
Each of them swore an oath that day one that touched their teacher's ill heart so much. To say he was emotional was an understatement. Smiling, he wiped away the oncoming tears. Then three tentacle-like limits extended from his body. Each of them wrapped themselves around his student's pinkies and shook them. "Very well. It's a promise."
***end***
A rare smile curled onto Yuko's lips. "Don't take light on our conviction." Then she dashed forward ready to take on her sensei head on. His blades met her glowing claws. They sparked from the friction. The look on her face excited him.
Of course, she wasn't the only one in for the charge. Using his quirk to conceal himself, Nagisa managed to sneak up on his sensei and landed a blow to the leg. The moment of confusion also gave way to Karma grabbing one of the villain's blades with a plant whip and yanked it far from his reach. The redhead laughed wickedly, "you're skilled, teach. We'll give you that but you're not very good at handling multiple opponents. Especially in an open area like this. So, we have the advantage." Again, he whipped at Hiro only this time the villain managed to doge and created some much need distance between him and his students.
Most of his energy has been depleted but that doesn't mean he'll give up yet. His muscles were screaming but so were theirs if not more. The young heroes have been at this a lot longer than he has. Still they stand. Still they fight. Their convictions are strong and willed them to continue much like his. He liked it. He liked it a lot. Could he say pride was filling his heart? A much more fulling battle than the last but not completely. He almost forgotten there's an added member to this group. A foreign one. Bitterness soon filled his mouth as his eyes met with the young U.A hero pathetically on his knees while he watched his students fight in a blank daze. From the way the other stood it was clear they were protecting him. Or at the very least allowing him to cower behind them. It was distasteful. This boy hasn't change at all. "Hey. U.A you going to fight or what?"
Snapping out of his trance, Iida looked up. He was so absorbed by his own thoughts he forgotten where he was.
The boy's confused look just rubbed Hiro the wrong way more. "Seriously, is that all you can do. You better give up then. Hero society doesn't need a revenge fill child like you who can't fight back when they're called out."
That struck a chord with Iida. He bared his teeth at the villain and marched in front of the group. "I admit what I did that night was unheroic and foolish. Yes, I wanted to take revenge for my brother. He meant the world to me. He was my hero!" he yelled with passion in his heart. "To see him fall. Hurt beyond repair. He doesn't deserve that. Now he can never return to his pro hero duties because of what that villain has done. I still hate him for that but the way I tried to deal with that was wrong. I know that, and I'm lucky to still be alive to realise that. I know what I must do now." His engine legs roared while heaps of smoke puffed out of them. He buried his heels slightly in the dirt. Eyes sharpened, dead on target. "Since he can't do it, I'll take on his mantel. I will continue were he left off and continue to save people in his place. I won't let my brother's legacy end with him."
Zoom
A cloud of dust once again filled the area covering everything from sight. Once it faded there stood the young hero and villain. The hero tried to kick on of his legs at the villain. However, the villain blocked him using his arm and blade to soften the impact. Both weren't completely enough since the blade cracked in half soon after. Hiro could feel his arm swelling up. Maybe a broken bone too. Then there was the boy's expression. It was different from the one he saw before. What were once eyes burning with blind sighted revenge were eyes bight with determination to prove something. It was a delight to see. "You've grown up a bit, kid. But did you grow enough?" Before Hiro had a chance to counter and land his own kick on the boy, he was swiftly saved by his own students. The adrenaline and pride were kicking in greatly. "Not bad at all. Now come at me young heroes. Show me how far you'll go!"
While the battle raged on the pro heroes and companions watched with dead face expressions. "Those three have always worked well together. I can see them replacing you and your team of fools in the future," Genkai mercilessly commented making her old student laugh. Still they can see it. Most likely when they're old and grey like her these kids will be the next generation. Seeing their progress unfold they can tell the future is in good hands.
"The rest of them aren't doing so bad either," commented one of the teachers. Weather it was U.A, Shiketsu or other hero students they all were working hard to get the civilians out of this disaster zone. It's easier now too. Gang Orca was nowhere too be seen. Hiro was too distracted to attack anyone else but the group challenging him. And Arata was currently out of com...
Bang!
Bang!
The sound of clashing metal rang throughout the zones. It caused both heroes, in training or not, and even civilians to pause. They turned their heads to the colossal ice prison that held Arata. Cracks began to show. "Hum...well that doesn't look good."
"Fucking hell why are we just standing around here doing nothing!"
"Love the enthusiasm but you need to calm down. Arata sensei could break out at any moment. We need to come up with a plan."
"And I'm telling you that's impossible. We knocked him out, put him in a titanium box lined with Mineta's sticky balls and I froze him in there. He's not coming out."
"You don't know Arata sensei as much as I do. He's going to get out of there."
"Who fucking cares if he does! I'll just beat his ass."
"Not if we don't come up with a plan!"
Just after the young detective left them, the three hero students wasted no time to butt heads. Each of them had opposing viewpoints. Of course, being the hot head that he is, Bakugo was aggravated and antsy. He wanted to hit something. Anything. Being told to stand still was insulting. Especially since he was told by a quirkless loser. He just wanted this Arata fucker out so he could fight. Heck he'll happily blast him out of their himself if it wasn't for this bald asshole.
Inasa was dragging the explosive teen back. Hooking his arms under their armpits. He knew they had to work together but that's hard to do when this team he was chosen to be apart of was so uncooperative. If he was teamed up with any of his other classmates, he would have been fine. At least they know what they'll be dealing with when it comes to their sensei.
On the bright side, Todoroki wasn't as uncooperative. He wasn't helping by any means. Although he was more so confused. While he did listen to the other boy's warning he couldn't fully get involve. The man was trapped. Sealed up tight. There's nothing left for them to do. What they should be doing is helping the others with evacuation or take down any loose villains. That's what he believed.
With no ending of this argument in sight the three of them continued to argue allowing the time to waste past them.
That's when the banging happened
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The fighting stopped for a moment as the three boys looked up at the glacier.
Crack!
Then ice shattered into shards. Its pieces fell and crushing everything beneath it. The young trio of heroes had to think fast. Todoroki raised an ice barrier to protect himself while both Bakugo and Inasa flew between the gaps. Once all the pieces laid to rest only one thing remained. The titanium coffin that confined the villain levitated over head with a blue glow. The banging continued. It grew more aggressive. Like a caged beast wanting its freedom. The heroes tensed, knowing soon they will have to face that beast. Soon...the metal teared. It creaked like a dying machine as the box ripped. It peeled itself open cracking with every inch. In the darkness of the case were a pair of blood shot blue eyes. "ha ha...ha ha..." cackled the voice from within. It projected itself eerily like something from a horror movie. "My, my, that was quite a lovely nap. Although the bed you provided me was subpar. I seem to have a little trouble getting up. Mind helping me out?" As he spoke the box peeled more and more exposing the beast's body. Soon he'll be free.
Bakugo was excited was an understatement. His blood was roaring with adrenaline. Finally, something to do. To crush under the heat of his explosions. Screw the civilians let the extras handle them. He wants a bite of the big fish. "You want some help. Sure, thing you freak!" His hands blew up and he flew right at the beast with a murder happy grin. His body spun in the air like a tornado inferno. He'll destroy him. "Howitzer Impact!" the boy howled as he made...zero impact. His body completely frozen mid-air while a blue aura trapped him. "The fuck."
"Hahaha..." the beast chuckled with a crazed grin. "Didn't my precious student warn you? Don't get in my line of sight." Bakugo's body constricted by an invisible rope. Forcefully he was dragged into the beast lair. Their deep-sea eyes hollowed a hole through his head. With a smile on his lips the beast taunted, "you should have listened, foolish child." Without remorse he flung the young hero down to the earth with all his power. The impact formed a perfectly shaped hole around the boy's very much broken body. Blood spat form his mouth. With such an impact he was knocked out cold. The other young heroes watched on in horror as the beast shifted and changed. "Aahaha... you thought you got me? Didn't you little ones? No. It will take a lot more than that to end me fools." There the beast stood in plated armour. The prison of titanium now ripped apart and curled around his limbs and torso for messy armour. The only think truly uncovered was his head. Glued form the back was Mineta's sticky balls and a plate of titanium. That's what they could see at the back. The front was a different story. What they saw was the face of a mad man.
"How is he even moving with all that," Todoroki cursed under his breath. It should be impossible right? He bent the metal into shape like it was card bord. Not only that but he was moving in it like nothing. Is he that flexible with his quirk? That's insane. Even he doesn't have that type of control and he's been using his ice quirk since he was a child. The amount of control he needs to make sure he doesn't break his body under that armour was simply amazing.
Inasa was shivering. Frantically, he looked around for something. Bakugo was down so it's up to him and Todoroki to keep his sensei at bay. But he knows first-hand that's easily said than done. Still he had to do something. He maximised his wind output as best he could allowing the surrounding debris to circle around him. Stay out of sight, he repeated to himself. He carefully ensured he was always being blocked by something. Hopefully, the mayhem of things flying around him would be enough of a cover. He doesn't want to end up like Bakugo. "Take this!"
The rock storm went flying surrounding the armoured man in a tornado. There was a clang here and there but not as much as Inasa would hope. He tried to quicken his pace, but the clanging only got quieter and quieter. The only thing left was his howling winds. Feeling that something was off he dropped his quirk. They expected the clutter to drop but they didn't. They remained suspended with that dreaded blue aura. The beast chuckled wickedly, "a good attempt, Inasa. But not good enough I'm afraid." He was quick to counter strike with the exact same debris that was used against him.
Thinking fast, Inasa tried to dodge. Not like there was anything else he could do. The first few pieces were easier, but the latter potion was difficult. They become more clumped together; the gabs between them thinning. By no means was Inasa a small guy. His board body was soon squeezed by the floating rubble. He couldn't struggle free as his body was only crushed further. He had no other choice but to submit and blacked out form the pressure.
It was all on Todoroki now, but he was hesitant. What was he supposed to do against this best of a man? If he tried to use his ice it would be broken in a matter of seconds. His fire is the next best option. There's a possibility Arata couldn't use his quirk against his flames since they're not physical object like his ice. That and the makeshift armour he has is metal so is he overheats it enough he could make the beast pass out. However, it might not be enough. If he let it all out the others too would get caught in the crossfire. That and… it's his father's quirk. He never wanted to use it. especially at this pivotal moment. If he used it for the hero license exams it's like saying he couldn't be a hero without his father. All those years of defiance for not…but it's not his father's quirk. This was his own. Once again, he realised the young detective's words were right. He can't limit himself like this. This is his quirk and he's going to use it.
If only he acted on it sooner.
Before Todoroki even had a chance, Arata found himself behind the boy. He strikes him with his blunt armoured arms. That one good heavy hit was more than enough to knock the child out. The teen fell flat, barely amounting to anything.
Disappointed was the biggest understatement of Arata's life. He looked down at each of the fallen heroes. He was expecting more of a fight. The team was crafted by his precious student, right? Yet they were defeated by a mere swat of his hand. Using his quirk, he gathered the three fallen heroes' bodies and lined them up on the dirt. He glared at the with a cold expression. How dare they be this disappointing. "Really now you could have at least worked together. Instead, you all came at me one at the time. Not the brightest decision. You lot better be listening. I'm not going to repeat myself." The boys lay still. Most likely unable to hear the man's words in the state they're in. That doesn't mean they're going to escape this lecture. "Just to be sure you are I'll repeat what I say telepathically. I'm more than happy to interrupt you're adventures in dreamland if it means you'll hear this. Now then, other than your first mistake of attacking separately, there's also how you attacked. Bakugo, I'm more than certain Izuku warned you about my line of sight. My quirk can only attach itself accurately if I can see where I'm aiming. Yet you attacked me headfirst. It was a simple task to capture you."
Bakugo groaned in his sleep while baring his teeth like a mad dog. Seems like he's getting through to them.
Good. "Inasa, my student, you know this, yet you let him go. A shame really. You had the most knowledge of my capabilities, yet you didn't form a solid plan with your comrades. I could hear you three fighting form inside my prison. It was a very rude awaking to say the least. I will give you credit, you have gotten better control of your quirk. I can tell by the way you concealed yourself. You avoided the same fate as Bakugo did not had the foresight to realise I could stop your attacks with a look. You were right in front of me."
Inasa's head dropped at his sensei words.
Arata huffed at the sight and moved on to the last child. "Young Todoroki, you had the foolishness to hesitate. If you just acted, you might have done some damage. Are you still fapping about having your father's quirk?" The boy didn't need to say anything to confirm. The twitching shame on his sleeping face was enough of a tell. "Young child, you are such a fool. Your quirk can't define you as a person. It is merely an add on to the body. An accessory. Something only you can use. Not your father. Next time do not hesitate. And if you're so worried that your flames would go out of control just practice simple as that."
Done with his lecture, Arata unravelled his makeshift suit of Armor. The thick metal creaked and sparked as its sides grind against each other. It unfolded into a mess of connected pieces poking out from the back like spider likes. He then began to remove his coat. Luckily, his long coat tail prevented him from getting stuck to the back of his coffin. Those balls that grape student had were incredibly sticky. Unfortunately, he had to sacrifice his shoes that were stuck in place along with his gloves and top hat. He even had to sacrifice a good portion of his golden locks since they were so tightly stuck in place. Once he got out of his shoes, coat and gloves he carefully lifted the metal husk away for him as far as he could without tearing out half his head. Then using the only sword, he had that wasn't stuck to some balls he cut himself free. He turned the hulk around to a clean surface of the metal. His refection stared back at unpleased. He looked like he got mugged only having pants, a button top on. Don't get him stared with his hair. It was hacked slated with his left side being shorter than his right. It wasn't even a clean cut. Still wasn't something he couldn't fix. He then levitated the three boys up and placed them with the backs facing each other. Using the mangled metal sheet that was once his prisoned, he placed the boys at the centre and wrapped them up like they were a burrito filling. Satisfied he gently dropped the three of them patting his hands together for a job well done.
"Well now that's over and done with what should I do now?" Arata pondered to himself. There was only one option. Create more mayhem for his students. Rejuvenated with a bright smile on his face, he started to march towards a random direction.
Bang!
The sound of a gun shot forced him to turn. In that instant his smile dropped as his eyes locked on to the bullet forcing it in place. It was a very familiar bullet. A small capsule with a needle poking at one end. The familiarity filled him with glee. In an instant the bullet was crushed by the pressure of his power a allowing the clear liquid sealed inside to trickled free. "My, my, so you did show up greet me. My dear little Izuku."
Izuku wasn't standing that far way. hidden behind some rumble with a pistol in hand. The boy tossed the pistol thinking it would be no use and he casually walked into view. No tricks. No back up.
Arata pondered at the sight. "Are you alone my boy. That isn't very like you. What are you planning?"
The boy beamed brightly at the question. "Nothing at all. I just wanted to fight you one on one."
"Is that so?" Arata checked the boy's mind. It seemed to be. All he was thinking of was to fight him alone. It wasn't a solid strategy. In fact, it was an unusual one for his precious student. It was simple. To the point. It unnerved him somewhat. "How interesting. Have you lost your touch my boy? The team you sent to deal with me weren't…well I think you can see for yourself."
Sighing, the boy nodded. In glanced disappointingly at the fallen trio trapped by the same prison that trapped his sensei. It was sad. Just sad. "To be honest I didn't think they would stand much of a chance to beat you. I thought they could at least distract you for a while before I had to get involved. That and they needed not lose more points than they already have. I guess it was pointless since I'm pretty sure the missed the mark with their poor performance previously. The again it's better than them losing more points and giving a harder time for everyone else. So, letting them deal with you was for the best."
Arata clapped his hands and nodded, "Ah I see now. So that's why you sent them to me. How considerate for you even though it was for not."
"Yeah." Izuku strolled up to his sensei with his usual grin. Like a hawk eyeing another predator, Arata watched the boy closely but did not move. His curiosity got the best of him as he allowed his students to venture closer. He knew what he wanted but he couldn't figure out why. "So, sensei, how's about that fight? Me and you."
He knew it was true. His mind said as much. Still there must be an angle he's not seeing. This was too simple for his student.
As if he read his mind, Izuku held his arms playfully up in defence. "No, I assure you there's nothing else. I just want a nice, clean quirkless fight for you, sensei."
Ah there's that angle. A quirkless fight. Does he really think he was going give him that? No true villain would. Since he was playing the part of the villain this time, he had to be accurate as possible. He almost laughed at the unreasonable request if it wasn't for the next line that smoothly came out of the detective's mouth.
"You know your quite the hypocrite, sensei."
Arata's smile instantly cracked as his eyes sent daggers to his student.
The boy simply smiled at in return. "I'm just saying, sensei. You always talk about how you don't want us to rely on our quirks too much. Real strength comes when you do things yourself. Yet you always use your quirk don't you, sensei," the patronising tone of his voice sent shivered down the man's spine. Was he provoking him? "I really respect you and all but you're not setting a good example for your students. So, why not put your money where your mouth is and fight me fair and square. Unless you don't have the confidence to defeat me fair and square." Izuku noticed the man physically flinched at the accusation. His smile curled into a smirk. He's got him now. "That's fine, sensei. You've always be put in unfavourable situations. I'm am truly quirkless now after all. Now that I think about it, you're the one that put me into those unfavourable situations. It's like you're trying to kill me or something."
That little joke was enough to push Arata off the edge. He immediately clenched his only useable blade and dashed forward. Izuku was clearly ready for it as he swiped out the blade he carried on his person. The two collided with a loud clang as the blades pushed against each other. Deep blues eyes pieced through forest green ones. Each of them grinning at the other. They pushed against each other trying to gain dominance over the other. The look of happy determinations on his student's face gave Arata glee, "Perhaps you're right, my boy. I haven't given the best of examples as of late. I'll amend that by giving you what you want: a good quirkless one v one. And for the record," Arata's cheerful tone suddenly dropped. His high pitched voiced deepened considerably. "I would rather die than have you on death's row."
Even Izuku's smile faltered slightly. "I see. Well let's have a good fight then."
The two of them had a classical sword duel. One blade in hand while another arm was extended away from the crossing blades. The circle around each other in a casual pace much like a waltz. Parry, block, strike. Neither of them gave way to an opening as they firmly blocked the other. Their eyes never left their opponents along with their smiles. Parry, block, strike. The cycle continued as the two become more aggressive towards each other. Sending the other unusual moves like kick or a jump lunge. Eventually the duo found themselves among the shattered building rubble. A perfect place for Izuku to shake the battle up.
Izuku leaped on to the rubble like steps. He paced higher and higher to the next one and the next creating a distance between the two of them. Hesitant, Arata looked up at his student at his unstable vantage point. He could have easily reached him if he just used his quirk to fly but he was a man of his word. He had to follow suit. Thanks to the loss of his shoes (no thanks to you Mineta) it was hard to leap on top of the rumble patches. The feeling of the rough, cold stone on his bare feet was uncomfortable but not unbearable. Gradually, he made it up to Izuku's platform.
The boy chuckled a bit, "you're not very athletic are you, sensei?"
"Oh, I'm plenty athletic. My stamina is top notch you know," he chuckled back. "I just don't have the same flexibility as you or the luxury of shoes at the moment."
Izuku laughed while Arata wiggled his free toes. It wasn't the most ideal thing, but he got to give his sensei pros for keeping up with him. Now it's time to see how long he could take it. Causally he hopped of the platform falling form sight. In a panic, Arata rushed towards the edge hoping to see his student safely landed on the platform below. What he didn't exact was the shoes to his face. Before he fell, Izuku gripped on to a slightly lower ledge with his arms and kicked his body with as much upper body strength he could muster. He felt his foot crash into his sensei. Then he dropped his legs back down and climbed on top of the lower edge. It was a simple task to hop back up to the original platform. There he saw his sensei, eyes scrunched up in pain while one hand held his bloodied nose. Great now strike. He fixed his blade in his hands and lunged at the man.
Noticing such, Arata messily blocked nearly losing his grip on the blade. He still managed to recover and counter strike with a graceful turn swipe. Well as graceful as he could while holding a slightly bloody nose. He parried his student masterfully forcing him back.
Izuku hopped back with every thrust aimed at him. Once he was on the edge again, he jumped off only this time he continued his descent.
Arata cautiously followed the boy, not wanting another kick to the face. He found himself giving chase while, the boy effortlessly leaped through the rubble mess he created. He was starting to regret his earlier destructive attitude. Some of the platforms he was forced to use were unstable. It was balancing act most of the time while simultaneously trying to keep up with is student.
Speaking of his student, the boy was like a fish in water. The uneven terrain phased him little. With springs for legs and impressive upper body strength the boy navigated through the rubble with ease. No doubt it his mind this was the result of Hiro's training and perhaps some of his other students. His assistant was scarily flexible and quick on his feet. Enclosed areas were his specialty. He had the stamina and skill to jump form wall to wall and leap over roof tops like nothing. Most likely, he would be effective in terrain like this. Then there's him. While it's true he had above average fitness his natural body just wasn't made for this. Maybe his student had a point. He relied on his quirk too much for moving around. Some parkour lessons from his assistant could be a good investment in the future.
Slash!
Taken but surprise, Arata's footing slipped off his current platform. He landed back first on solid ground. In hindsight accepting his student's challenge probably wasn't the best of ideas. Said student soon went falling off the platform and aimed his blade right at his sensei. Arata rolled to doge then blocked the incoming attack straight after. Once again, the two of them entered a traditional duel. This time Izuku was the main aggressor while Arata played defence. Parry, block, strike. How long have they been at this? Parry, block, strike. He completely lost the track of time. He was thrown back into the early days. Back when this boy could barely hold a blade. So many face plants, the faces he made when he got up again for another round and sand between their clothing. They were found memories. He treasured them dearly. Parry, block, strike. That's why he forgot. Forgot the reason why he was here to being with. He only focused on Izuku. His precious little Izuku.
His one true weakness.
One that Izuku himself exploited masterfully. Finally, there was a call in his earpiece. The smile he wore grew winder. His job was over. He didn't bother to run, or attack anymore and even loosened his grip on his blade.
Arata still burning with the flames of battle dashed forward. He easily silenced the boy's blade it held. The broken half twirled up and cashed into the rubble with a clang. The teacher's blade met the edge of his student's neck. He barely grazed the young boy. A second later and he would have cut him. Yet his student still smiled. Satisfied. Puzzled, Arata tilted his head with a hum. "Why? Do you give up? Your blade wouldn't have broken that easily if you haven't."
"I won't say I've given up," Izuku replied. The fire of determination once again burned in his eyes. His blade glowed a mint green light. The piece that was once broken floated up. It then returned to its home rearranging itself-back into place. The crack where it snapped was gone. He blade was whole. To prove such Izuku crashed against the blade at his neck. Distancing himself with the deadly weapon. He laughed, "we already won after all."
A loud air horn screeched across the arena.
"This is an announcement to inform all the civilians have been successfully evacuated. So, the provisional license exam if finally… finally over. All participants are to get some rest well we tally your results. Then we can all take nap. Seriously, I didn't think this thing would have taken this long. Good job anyway."
The announcement ended with a beep. Realization grew on the hero's face as he turned to his student smiling in victory. "I see. You were a distraction this entire time."
Happily, Izuku nodded, "yep. I knew if I came alone you would eventually get fixated with only me forgetting the exam entirely. So long as your focus was on me, I just need to drag out fight as long as possible. Giving everyone else ample amount of time for the rescue. Beating you was unnecessary and pretty much impossible. So, this was the best option."
Still stun, Arata dropped the arm that held his bade allowing it to swing at his side. He stared at his precious student's cheerful smug expression. He played him like a fiddle. Pride swelled up in his chest as a chuckle escaped his lips. "Well played my boy. Well played." He then extended his free had ruffled his soft green curls.
Izuku happily accepted the affection and even place his hands on his sensei's keeping it a little longer.
The sight delighted him more. Still he could stay there long. "Well I need to go report on my take of all this. I am partly an examiner as well." He then glanced over to the still unconscious trio still wrapped in metal. "I suppose I should get those three free now that the exam is over. I'll dropped them off with the others. I assume you can make your way back to the stands."
Nodding, Izuku assuring his sensei he could leave him now. The two of them said their temporary farewells and Arata floated him with the trio not fair behind him. The boy watched his sensei fly off wave as the distance grew. Soon he could no longer see his sensei. Good he didn't want him to see this. The exhaustion hit him once the adrenaline faded. His legs buckled and gave way as he fell backwards into the hard rubble. His entire body ached. He forced it to work so much. While fighting his sensei, he tried everything to keep him from noticing. Smiling while all his muscles were screaming. Begging him stop. Still he kept going. He had to otherwise this wouldn't have ended. Arata would mess with the evacuation prolonging the exam more if he didn't step in.
It's finally over thank god.
There Izuku laid still allowing his body to finally rest. He gazed at the open sky. The blue fading with firefly colours of the sunset spilling over. It looked so clear. So familiar. He couldn't help but chuckle. It's been well over a year since he saw a sky like this. In a position like this. Laying down. Looking up. Reaching for the sky. So much as happen in that year. So much has changed. Before then he was a frantic quirkless boy the world seemed to hate. Rejected by his classmates and childhood friend. Rejected by his... it was a dark time for him. It felt like he was always alone or should be alone. Now he has friends who like him. Respect him even. He could never imagine he would end up like this. Strong enough to fight back, to stand tall, to show everyone he's more than a useless quirkless boy. Hard to imagine he almost through it away. That day.
One year ago...
This was the lowest day of his life. Not only did he got ridiculed by his class, Kacchan semi attacked him, told him to kill himself and threw his precious notebook out the window. He was also attacked by a villain and almost died in the process, saved by the number one hero, was told by him he can never be a hero and then to add salt to injury he let that sludge villain escape. That villain attacked Kacchan and he tried to save him only to have the number one hero save him. Again! And don't get him even started with the lectured he got form the other heroes. Overall this day was just...sigh.
Izuku didn't know where he was going. After all that happened, he just wanted this day to end. So, he walked aimlessly. Unsure of how long or how far. He did recognise the area he ended up in. It was a beach cliff face. People would constantly throw their trash here and then the currents would carry them to the beach below. There they lay abandon and broken. A mountain of trash. The place looked more like a junk yard than a beach. Was it strange that he felt oddly at home there? Probably since he felt like complete trash. He was trash. That's what everyone seemed to see. A waste of space. Useless. He looked down at the waves. They crashed onto the rock face time and time again. Clawing at the rock, climbing higher and higher as if they were trying to reach him. Take him away so he could join the rest of the trash. It was tempting to let them.
He wondered if he falls now it could end. Everything could finally end. Maybe he could get an amazing quirk if he just falls. Just fall. He feet were edged closer to the edge. It was so tempting. Then he shook his head and laughed. No that was pointless. Why is he having these thoughts again. They keep coming back. It was coming harder to fight back. He still...he still wanted to try despite everything. He wanted to at least try. If he fails, the U.A exams then...he'll think of where to go after. Right now, all he wanted to do was go home.
Forcing a smile, he spun his body around. Home that's where he belonged right now. He just wanted to go home for now. It should have been simple. All he needed to do was walk away like nothing happened. Like he wasn't thinking of...None of that happened. Home. That's all for now. He took one step forward. That's all he did.
Crack.
For whatever reason the world hated him today more the usual. He just wanted to go home. The world is telling him no. The thin ledge platform he stood on snapped. And he fell. Just like Kacchan told him. He fell. He wanted to wait a little longer. Try a little more. But the world told him no. Gravity dragged him down to the waves. To be taken with the other trash...maybe this was for the best. Not like his useless self can do anything to stop it. He had no power and there was little doubt that anyone could save him. He stared at the open sky. Clouds floated pass the sunset colours. He reached out to the sky as a vague attempt to do something. Reach out and grab some sort or of invisible hand or rope. Something. There was nothing. Did he have regrets of course. In the end he couldn't do anything. Maybe next time he could. With nothing left to do, he closed his eyes and dreams to be a hero.
PAIN!
Then there was nothing but numbing darkness.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"Hey."
.
.
.
There was this tightness around his arm.
.
.
"Time to wake up."
.
"Please."
AN: that's it. I give up. I can't rewrite this chapter anymore. This is good enough. This stupid exam is finally done, and I can move on to something else. THE END IS NEAR! I CAN SEE IT. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH…
In all seriousness this little thing is coming to an end. Or at least this small part of a bigger story that I may or may not be able to do. I'm going to suffer and try anyway knowing me. Anyway, there should only be 3 or 4 chapters before I call this done. Also has it really been over a year since I last written anything for this. Wow that's bad even for me. Guess the main reason other than this chapter for whatever reason going through multiple rewrites is that 2019 hated me. It was just one bad thing after another, and I barely had the willpower or time to make progress of any of my stories. I could only apologies for the wait. It really has been way too long. Now enough of my excuses and horrible pass year. Let me finally move on with the reviews.
bearfan23 – Dear god no he's not. Although Arata does hold the father/mentor like figure for Izuku. Replacing All Might in this story, but I assure you Arata is not the father. Speaking of Izuku's dad, Hisashi Midoriya, he is a thing and will most likely be referenced next time. If I were to describe my version of Hisashi for this fic it would be: 'great man but subpar father.' Also: 'JUST ANSWER THE GOD DAMN PHONE!'
phoenixknight19 – hummmm. I will give you this much. No. The one I have in mind to pair Izuku with isn't from Shiketsu. In the beginning when I was still constructing this fic in my head anyone for the original crew was fair game. My version of Camie, Nagamasa, Inasa and especially Seiji. He would have been the winner, but I wasn't completely sold and continued to play with possibilities. Especially the main ones like Tododeku and Bakudeku. I was also thinking of just keeping Deku single. If this person didn't entre my field of vision Deku would have either end up with Seiji or single. Then this character came into existence and a scene came into my mind. I fell in love with that scene so much I had to make them my end goal pair. I will most likely vaguely reference this character at some point but will most likely not be revealed till very later. Not even in this work. Good luck figuring it out though.
Rychan6 – (deep breath) Takako didn't like Izuku in the class in gradual. A long with a couple of others. This will most likely be touched upon in the upcoming flashback arc. I don't know how detailed I'll be going back but I'll say this much: Takako is very traditional being the chosen heir to her family. So, she may come off as jerky during this mini arc.
LittleSweetGirl – Steven Universe has great songs. do it for her was a really good source of inspiration. And here's the next chapter. I'm so sorry it took too long.
ThundahV – Allow me to continue this list you started burh (I'm so sorry). There also Yu Yu hakusho… actually that's it. I see you figured out assassination classroom is also slightly apart of this for the next comment down so…
ThundahV part 2 - … wait a second…did you figure it out. After last chapter I'll be surprised no one has. I couldn't have made it more obvious. So far no one else as mentioned it well mostly. Either way I'll drag this thing along even though I'm sure many has figured it out by now. If you haven't yet…you really haven't been paying much attention.
Colourfuldarkness116 – awe. Thanks, and I'm so sorry for the long wait. 2019 became…something. Any who complex is not exactly what I'd say. Well at least not for all of them. Some cases are convoluted like the whole Taisho family dynamic with the cheating and half sibling debacle. But I'm going with it anyway. And I think/ hope I nailed Izuku's personality too. Especially in last chapter flash back. Current Izuku is kind of different but you'll get so see how now. For some reason I wanted to tell this story a little backwards. So, I am.
Ichigo Oga – hummm… probably not. I will be the annoying forth wall breaker in this story why because I can. I have committed to this role and drive the characters mad. At this point they choose to deal. Of course, I won't do it all the time. Heck I don't even appear in this chapter. Actually, I don't know if I'll forth wall break in the flashback mini arc, since quite a few characters will end up in the background me included. Maybe a light one. Humm. Guess I'll see how it goes.
Bladetri – Thank you
OmegaTakuTachi – I have read the manga. I am up to date with the manga. At the time of this creation I thought real Camie was killed by Toga. So, I had to create my own Camie and how I thought she'd be and gave her a quirk of my choosing. They even have different last names because her last name wasn't revealed at the time. So, they are no longer same character and this Camie is now an OC. Although I would love to use real Camie at some point. As a joke or something. Although a part of me thinks you'll never see this or have read pass and found the AN section where I openly explained this after real Camie shown in the manga… I'm saying it anyway.
AN Side note: I've never really noticed that reply thing until very deep into my time on this site. I had no idea it existed for the longest time. Also, I'm so use to this style of replying now so I just roll with it. I know some others do a similar style so when I started, I just copied that. That and I don't get that many comments to begin with, so this is fine for me. If anyone wants an answered to something you can try my Inbox for a quicker ish reply. That is if I don't disappear again. Still I'll most likely answer it faster than making the next chapter. I know a couple of you have already I'm just putting that out there.
cookietacocatunicorn – I don't know that that said. I think it's great, but I don't know.
Devilslayer – I know that's his name. I don't know why you're bring him up though. I have no I clue at out (precedes to whistle badly)
Lisha Night – Well you're going to get your wish as we finally. Finally get to move on pass the license exam. I didn't think it would be this long. How did it become this long? Sigh…well I'm glad you liked it so far and I hope will stick with me until this will reach it timely end. Since I can finally see the end in sight.
Anyway, that's all. Next time we see Izuku's journey to how he ended up in Shiketsu high and eventually at some point Seiji's case. Although that case will probably be another chapter. Time to be a proper detective Izuku.
