A/N: Thanks for all of the wonderful reviews, and especially to Ari (Guest) and Constipated Genius. Your words about how much you appreciate my story and writing, especially in this fandom, were really touching. Also, special mention to Ash the Aura Guardian. Got a great idea for later chapters (and a couple mentions here) thanks to your review.

I have been posting a new story over the past couple weeks called Helen Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It's a Harry Potter/Percy Jackson crossover, so if you like both series, please pop over and leave a review!

Chapter 23

Izuku fought back a yawn as he joined his classmates on an early morning shortly after summer vacation began. Some lounged in a pile, some were busy catching up on some sleep, and the rest were softly talking. Katsuki, to his surprise, was among the last group, though his arms were crossed and his expression was between a pout and a frown. As much as things change, some don't, huh Kacchan? He considered joining them for a moment, but instead, he drifted towards Iida, Ochako, and Shouto. It felt odd referring to the Half-and-Half user by his name, but the boy had insisted upon the change in the aftermath of the Hero Killer incident. The feeling of trust that came about from the change had warmed Izuku, a warmth that his recent encounter with the leader of the League of Villains couldn't shake.

"Good morning," Izuku said, nodding to them.

"Morning," Ochako and Shouto said, though the latter forced it through a yawn. Iida nodded with a smile.

"I wonder where they're taking us," Iida said. "The supply list was vague, advising for us to bring both our swimsuits and bug spray. I think it's a forested region, maybe a mountain."

"I'm hoping for the beach," Ochako said, grinning. "How about you, Deku?"

At some point after the final exam, the class had come to a unanimous—and seemingly unspoken—agreement to call him Deku and only Deku. Izuku had grimaced after even Aoyama had called him Deku, but it was becoming easier to go along with the nickname. The media and online forums had adopted the name, letting Green Might die a forgotten death.

Kacchan was unnecessarily smug about it and even Shouto smiled.

"I think we're heading to the mountains." He glanced at the huge bags everyone had lugged with them. "If we were going to the beach, would they have us bring so much?"

Ochako frowned. "That could be to make us think we're not going to the beach. After the USJ attack, U.A. has been tighter on security than ever before."

"Your recent encounter with the leader of the League of Villains didn't help matters either," Iida added, focused on Izuku. "U.A. probably scrapped whatever they originally had planned after that incident." He nodded, agreeable with the suggestion that they were delayed a day due to his encounter at the Kiyashi Ward Shopping Center. Both he and Katsuki had to give full reports to the police and he was certain that telling them the leader of the League had been interested in the Hero Killer was in part responsible. The police had certainly been disturbed when he told them

"I can't imagine getting caught up in something like that," Ochako said with a shiver. "It was one thing when you fought the Hero Killer, Deku, but being alone with that madman? I don't think I could've remained calm."

"I wasn't," Izuku said, looking away.

"You don't need to be so humble," said Shouto, staring up into the morning sky. The dawn shades of red and gold were fading, giving way to the common blue of the day. "You weren't when we fought."

Izuku groaned. "I don't need to be reminded of that…" Just that morning, he had checked the hero popularity charts and saw that, even though he was a student, he was in the top 750, listed as 'Deku, the Green Might.' It was embarrassing, though he suspected he was the only student hero to ever make the list before their third year. Each member of U.A.'s Big Three was listed, with the highest in the low 300s. They'd likely shoot up once they had their official debut as a pro hero, but seeing that people who had been in his shoes only a couple years ago succeeding as a hero was inspiring.

"Good morning," announced Aizawa-sensei in a tone that made it clear that, by his reckoning, there was nothing good about that morning. "Please board the bus. Your luggage will be loaded for you."

The class grumbled but followed the instructions all the same. Izuku followed Shouto onto the bus, Ochako, and Iida right behind them. Fifteen minutes later, the bus shifted and departed from U.A. to their mysterious summer camp. While most of the class talked, excited and curious and ready to begin working on their quirks, Izuku found his eyelids heavy and was asleep before they had departed the city.

It was the bus suddenly stopping that finally woke Izuku. He flew forward, smacked his forehead into the seat before him, and leaned back while pressing a hand against the sore part of his head. He bit back words he knew would concern his friends if they came out of his mouth and looked around. The bus had stopped at an overlook in the mountains. There was a great forest, stretching as far as he could see, to one side, and cliffs along the other.

"You alright?" Shouto asked. The scarred boy was frowning. Izuku found the fact the other boy was so worried, well, nice. Strange, but nice.

"Yeah," Izuku said, rubbing his head. He then sighed, eyes closing. "I just feel like there's something I'm forgetting. Something about my dream…" His words fell off and a recent conversation with All Might came to mind.

"Could you tell me about the other vessels?" Izuku had asked. They stood on the beach where everything had truly begun for him.

Toshinori—he preferred to remain out of his muscular persona when they met—kept his eyes focused on the horizon. "I don't know much about them. My mentor never got a chance to tell me the stories she knew, though I know that we're the only ones who didn't have a previous quirk."

"Huh," Izuku said. And then he frowned, rubbing his chin. "What's the likelihood that their quirks transfer with One for All? You told me that it allows the strength of previous vessels to compound and grow as it moves from person to person—"

"It…is possible," Toshinori said. There was something about his expression that made Izuku want to press for more answers, but his mentor quickly changed the conversation.

"Uh, never mind," said Izuku, standing. Their class disembarked, standing around in their school uniforms while Aizawa-sensei spoke to someone via a shockingly old cell phone.

"Gotcha," Aizawa said, flipping it closed. He turned to his students and said, "Gather around." They did so, though a few were warier about the order than others. Izuku, for one, glanced back at the quiet bus. "We are close to where your summer training camp is. I just received a call from the organizers and they have already have a task for all of you."

A ripple of grumbling spread through Class 1-A. "They gave the same to 1-B, so don't think this is something special for all of you."

That's new, Izuku thought. He had spoken with Kendo about the training camp and she had told him that they were apparently going to another location. Something has changed since then.

"And what's the task?" Kaminari asked.

"It's more of a challenge," Aizawa-sensei said. That got everyone to stand a little straighter. He pointed through the forest before them at a small compound, just visible. "Your training camp is right over there. Lunch is in a couple of hours. They don't believe you can arrive on time for the meal.

"But I do. Prove me right, especially since the sooner you arrive, the sooner your training begins."

Izuku felt the excitement among his classmates turn to determination and he was right along with them. He was excited to begin training with their mysterious hosts—there had to be more than one, especially with Class B now attending. But then he watched an amused smirk pass across Aizawa-sensei's face and it chilled him. Their teacher knew something…something about the…

There was a reason he called it a task, Izuku realized. Getting there isn't the full challenge. We'll have to get through obstacles on the way there—maybe even figure out who is hosting us. Maybe a hero team? They would be used to working together and, beyond the heroes teaching at hero schools, the best equipped to help us grow and strengthen our quirks.

"Well, when you're ready to go, head off," Aizawa-sensei said. He made his way back to the bus and climbed aboard. The door shut, the engine turned on, and they watched the bus depart in silence.

"Did he really just…" Mineta said, emulating their thoughts.

"WELL FUCK THIS," bellowed Bakugou. He blasted away, soaring through the sky, and descended into the forest. Alone.

There was a mad rush to follow him after that. Izuku fell in behind Shouto and Iida, who used their quirks to first carve a path through the forest and then ensure its safety for the rest. There were a variety of sounds behind them, crackling thunder, sizzling, acid, and shouts of pain. Even still, Class 1-A pressed forward, almost entirely as a group. Bakugou remained ahead of them, a fact they were consistently reminded of seeing the broken and blasted remnants of the inanimate creatures attacking them. Some of them were so burnt and destroyed one could think they had personally insulted the explosive hero-to-be.

The disheveled class reached the compound not in time for lunch, but closer to dinnertime. The sun had begun to set, stretching long and gold in the sky. Katsuki squatted near where they came to a stop, struggling to not collapse from the effort to arrive.

"Took ya long enough," he grumbled, standing to join them. He focused on Shouto and Izuku. "I thought you two coulda drove the B-listers to move faster."

"Well at least his insults are nicer," Kaminari stage whispered to Jirou. She nodded and a few other classmates grinned.

"Well, now that everyone's here," Aizawa-sensei said, emerging from wherever he had been hiding. "Let me introduce your training camp instructors."

They watched as four pro heroes—three women and a man—appeared forming into a group pose that brought a grin to Izuku's face.

"Rock on with these sparkling gazes!" declared Pixie Bob.

"We've come to lend a paw and help!" added Mandalay.

"We have come from…somewhere…" said Ragdoll, slipping with her lines.

"Stingily cute and catlike!" said Tiger. (It seemed odd having those words come from such a large man, yet Izuku wouldn't deny he pulled it off in a fashion only All Might could top.)

And together—"Wild…Wild…Pussycats!""

The Pussycats were one of the most popular pro hero teams to ever emerge. Between their theme, a decade plus of experience, and emphasis on mountain rescue—the third most common type after urban and water—had made them easy to market and quick to become beloved. Izuku was curious how the four would play out as trainers for their quirks.

"Good to see all of your smiling faces," said Pixie Bob, grinning. There was a loud snort from nearby and everyone glanced at a young boy, who glared at them and then turned away to wander off on his own. "Don't worry about him. Your fellow students are inside, freshening up after their training today. I'd suggest you all get cleaned up real quick, for dinner is pretty soon."

Their class grumbled but went along anyway. Izuku felt as if he was in a daze, washing clean and then pulling on robes set aside for them. They were all seemingly dead on their feet. Or at least it seemed so until massive platters of food were put before them. The entire class came to life and Izuku saw several of his fellows—and even some from Class B—stuffing their mouths as fast as they could.

"You guys took your time," said Kendou as she sat down across from Izuku. She snatched the last piece of shrimp tempura, leading to groans from those around them. "We got our first session in with the Wildcats today. Tomorrow will be rough, and probably even rougher for all of you."

"Really?" asked Kirishima, leaning in. "You know what they put metal head through?"

"Metal head?" Kendou repeated. She looked over her shoulder and called out, "Oi Tetsu! You hear what Kirishima called you?"

Tetsutetsu half stood, resting on a knee. "What?"

"You're nothing but a metal head!" Kirishima shouted.

Tetsutetsu grinned, sharp teeth glinting from light. "Damn right I am!"

They then proceeded to begin an arm wrestling tournament between the two classes. Izuku watched on, amused as he stuffed himself on katsudon, until the seventh challenge he received. Tired of the challenges, he rolled his eyes and accepted it. And then went on to crush several others, including both Tetsutetsu and Kirishima, before being declared, "the First Year Arm Wrestling Champion."

"Okay everyone," Kendou shouted, standing. "There's still time until lights out, so I'm thinking to hit the baths. They're warm and outdoors."

Everyone nodded, pleased with the idea of relaxing. Even Izuku thought lying in the baths was an excellent way to end the first day of camp, even if they hadn't done much.

"Oh, I just can't stand it anymore!" Mineta shouted, staring at the fifteen-meter wall separating the boys from the girls—the ones they could all hear, gossiping and giggling, even if every word was intelligible. They had all been soaking for several minutes and while the boys of Class B watched in confusion, those of Class A sighed. Izuku groaned, rolling his eyes. I should speak with Aizawa-sensei about his behavior. It was obnoxious to start, and it looks bad for U.A.

He wouldn't need to, at least at the moment, do anything, for while Mineta almost scaled the wall; he was stopped before he could achieve his goal. For, waiting in-between at the top was the boy they had seen when arriving. He scowled down, his hat with two horns, tipping a little over his face.

"Thanks!" one of the girls shouted. "I knew asking you to man the wall was a great idea!" The boy turned to respond, but after a moment, tipped over the wall and fell. Izuku did not think. He moved, One for All pulsing through him. He caught the boy, who was oddly light in his arms.

"I'll take him inside," he told the others. They all nodded and as Izuku made his way out of the bath, heading to dress and then get medical care for the boy. In five or so minutes, he entered the small medical ward the Wildcats had set up. To his relief, Pixie Bob was inside, stocking supplies. She turned around and her eyes soon fell upon the boy in his arms.

"What happened?" she asked, taking him from Izuku.

"The girls asked him to guard the wall between the bath sections," Izuku said. "One of the boys in our class has a…perverted personality. He tried to scale the wall but was stopped. The girls thanked him and after he looked towards them, he uh, stumbled and fell. And I caught him."

Pixie Bob nodded. "Thanks for bringing him in." She laid a cool towel on the boy's forehead. Izuku hadn't noticed, but at some point, the horned hat had fallen away. "Kota's been…difficult these past few years." She noticed Izuku's concerned frown and continued. "Mandalay is his aunt and has been living with her for a couple years now. When I first met him, he was like most boys his age and loved Pro Heroes."

"He doesn't seem to anymore," Izuku commented. "He seems to keep things close to his chest, though I noticed how he glared at us earlier."

"Yes, well…" Pixie Bob pursed her lips and after several seconds, sighed. "Not exactly my story to tell, but I think you might be able to help him out. I've heard about your exploits." She shot Izuku a smile. "I think you'll be something special, kid. Anyways, Kota's parents were the Pro Heroes Water Hose."

Izuku gasped. He knew exactly who Water Hose were. While pro hero deaths were uncommon, having a husband and wife team die in the same fight was fortunately rare. He had always wondered what became of the child mentioned in the news reports after the case. Now I know.

"How can I help?" Izuku asked, staring down at Kota's unconscious form.

Pixie Bob glanced back at him and sighed. "Focus on your training for now. Though if you get a chance, speak with him. I think hearing from someone like you could change his mind."

Izuku nodded, lips pursed. It seemed almost as if he was giving up, yet he knew she was right about his training. That was why he was here in the first place, yet… Yet I want to save people. Does that include saving them from themselves?

"I understand, Pixie Bob. Good night."

She nodded and he left the ward. He made his way to the room where the boys would be sleeping, lost in thought. Do I even have the tools to help Kota? He just seems so angry, as if we're all an insult against him. I can understand that he was traumatized by the death of his parents, but it's almost as if he hates heroes. Or is it just quirks? He sighed, puffing his cheeks. If I keep thinking about this, I'll end up drowning in my thoughts and worries. I need to focus on training tomorrow.

"Good morning!" Tiger bellowed as Classes A and B arrived for training. The sun was low on the horizon and several yawned. It is technically dawn, Izuku realized, holding his own yawn in. They must have something planned for tonight if we're awake so early to begin training. "I hope you all slept well last night because this is going to be exhausting. You will be pushing your quirks to their limits and then working past those."

There were slow nods all around. Izuku glanced at his peers from Class B and saw a mix of excitement and dread upon their faces. What were they subjected to yesterday? They didn't seem as tired as we were, but we did have to fight our way across several hundred meters worth of enemies and distractions.

"You will be separated based upon the type of quirk you have. We've devised specialized plans for all of you, so you don't need to worry about doing something similar to anyone else." He paused, eyes falling onto Tetsutetsu and Kirishima. "Except you two, but you probably already knew that." Their eyes met, grinning. Izuku wasn't sure when the two had become close friends, but it was a good sign. He had been, at least in part, worried that their similar quirks and the natural rivalry between hero classes would make them bitter rivals. They would likely always be rivals in some manner, but it would never be the worst-case scenario Izuku had thought up.

"Now for the rest of you," Tiger continued. "Do I need to introduce the quirks of my team, or are all of you familiar with them?"

Everyone nodded.

What proceeded from that moment until the evening was a grueling marathon of light and shadow, a dozen elements, and a wide variety of strange and odd quirks. Izuku collapsed when Mandalay telepathically told them to finish up. He felt burnt out from using One for All so much and there was something else buzzing under his skin. His limbs were numb and bruised, his mind somehow rung out, and his eyelids heavy. As someone came to check up on him, he let his eyelids slide close.

And a voice, one his mind did not know but his heart did, whispered, "It is time we speak."