Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia
The end of their first year had finally arrived. It was a year of growth for most, some taking longer strides then others. All the students, especially those of class 1-A, spent the better part of the past year overcoming impossible odds, hurtles which would unnerve even some of the more seasoned Pro heroes Yet the students not only persevered but rose to meet each challenge head-on.
That is why in the middle of the night most of class 1-A now found themselves congregated together within the common area of their shared dormitory, deep within the throes of competition. The name of the game was Super Smash Bros Ultimate and yes, they took it VERY seriously. Nestled closely together along the cushy, beige upholstery of the oversized sofa sat Ochako, Izuku, Tsu, and Jiro. Ashido, Kaminari, and Kirishima were squished together on the matching love seat adjacent to them.
Most of the students already left campus to go home for the summer. Those that remained would need to have their belongings packed and heartfelt goodbyes taken care of so the dormitory would be empty and ready for the cleaning crew the following evening. It was Kirishima's idea for everyone to come together for their final night. He wanted everyone to partake in some friendly competition and perhaps a movie or two afterwards.
Each player selected his or her preferred fighter, the students had the entire list unlocked at this point, so the choices were boundless. They were relaxed as they ruthlessly attempted to murder each other on screen, each overly confident within their own skills and abilities. Izuku was in the middle of raining down arrows upon Denki's Pikachu when Ashido's pink bubblegum ball, aka Kirby, comes barreling forward. He effortlessly sucks Izuku's Link into his mouth and transforms.
"Hahahaha! I got you now tiny arrow man!" Ashido cackled maniacally as her Kirby shot arrows at the wounded Link. Izuku did his best to counter the empowered bubblegum ball but was quickly taken out by one of Kirby's flashy aerial moves. Izuku worried his bottom lip with his teeth while attempting to save the situation, pressing the jump button in quick succession as he tried to get Link back on solid ground. He pouted as he watched his fighter fall to his doom, ending the game for him.
"Heh, guess I'm out. I'll have to practice more so I can beat you next time Ashido!" Izuku smiled sheepishly as he carded his scarred hand through thick, green locks.
"Its okay. Not everyone can withstand the adorable might of Kirby after all." She continued to smash buttons quickly, fending off the few remaining characters.
Meanwhile, Iida stood stiffly to the side, watching the scene unfold in front of him. He was exhausted from a long year of watching over his fellow classmates. He managed okay with the one except of when his brother was seriously injured, and he wrongfully took it upon himself to seek his own version of justice. He nodded his head resolutely, determined to overcome his petty flaws for next year.
Yes! I will be nothing but the most prestigious class representative next year. I will be an exemplary role model! I will keep our two problem children out of trouble! I will train hard and become stronger so I can one day fill my brother's shoes! I will-
"Oi, Four Eyes! I think the shitty nerd is rubbing off on you. You're fucking mumbling. Keep that shit to yourself" Katsuki growled as he stormed past the distracted hero, grabbing the controller from Round Face before taking a seat on the floor.
Hands karate chopped furiously through the air; a pink blush spread over the engine hero's face as he frantically tried to offset his embarrassment. "I was not mumbling. Your class rep does not mumble! It's getting late and I cannot condone future heroes depriving themselves of much needed sleep. Off to bed everyone!" More karate chops followed in the direction of the hallway.
"Tch, first I need to destroy these extras and Deku." Katsuki was quickly scrolling through the available fighters before noticing his preferred option was taken. "I can win with any one of these characters." He mumble/yelled, while smashing the buttons harder than necessary.
"Um Bakugo? Could you maybe not break my switch controller? I don't think I can afford to-"
"Shut up Round Face. I'm not gonna break it." Uraraka flinched at Katsuki's sharp words as she nervously twiddled her fingers together. She opened her mouth to say something, but quickly closed it again.
"It's okay Uraraka. Bakubro would buy you a new one if he broke yours because that's the manly thing to do. Isn't that right?" Kirishima smiled encouragingly at the flustered girl, pearly shark teeth gleaming unsettlingly as he did. He was likely the only student of the group who could resolve issues with Bakugo without ending up on the receiving end of a high-powered blast.
"Tch, whatever. Let's get this going. Deku, you better do your best, or I'll fucking kill you. No holding back, got it?"
"I'll try my best, Kacchan." Izuku smiled indulgently at his rival as he prepared himself.
"You know we're here too, right?" Jiro looked over to the class hothead, eyebrow quirked questioningly. They were all used to the bubble that surrounded Bakugo and Izuku when a challenge was declared. It was like they were lost in their own little world, everything else paled in comparison.
"Doesn't fucking matter if you extras are playing or not. I'll wreck all of you!"
"I'm thinking these so called 'extras' are going to kick your ass, dude!" Sero hollered while focusing on the screen. He chose to play as Snake this time. It was something different from his usual.
Meanwhile, Iida was still stiffly motioning for everyone to make their way to their dorms. As class rep it was his job to encourage positive behavior, he was willing to do this all night if need be. Suddenly, mob of white and red hair strolled past him, coming from the dorms.
"I don't think they're going to listen to you. Give it a rest, you're just stressing yourself out." Todoroki spoke in his usual, uninterested and monotone voice. He did care about his classmates; it was just exhausting to physically display that warmth in any manner.
A chorus of cackles and jeers sounded from their living space, signaling the game had begun. Iida, finally ceasing his karate chops, watched the ongoing battle between his classmates as Shoto made his way to stand just behind the large couch, resting his hands lightly on the microfiber upholstery. It didn't take long for the round to near its end, with Bakugo successfully delivering a finishing blow to Izuku's Link and winning the game.
"Deku, you shitty nerd. I told you not to hold back. I demand a rematch!"
"But I didn't hold back. You won fair and square."
"Bullshit" Katsuki was now up on his feet, facing the nerd while threatening the younger hero with Ochaco's controller.
"I didn't realize someone could be a sore winner before meeting you, Katsuki. Settle down." Momo spoke as she approached the group with a large glass bowl of popcorn in hand.
"Shut it, ponytail. C'mon Deku, we're going again!"
"Okay Kacchan!" Izuku welcomed a second opportunity to claim victory over his prideful friend.
Suddenly, a short stack popped up out of the blue, his eyes reflecting the sin that was no doubt dancing within his tiny skull. "Wait a second. I want a turn. Midoriya, why don't you have a seat on the floor and give someone else a turn on the couch next to the hot babes. I want to feel their soft skin pressed up against me. Don't be greedy, friends share with friends!" Mineta had a faraway look on his face and was practically drooling.
Only now realizing his awkward proximity to Ochaco and Tsu, Izuku blushed madly while stuttering incoherently as he nervously glanced between the two. Feeling as though he may combust at any moment, he popped up from the sunken cushion and sat next to Bakugo on the floor, still mumbling under his breath.
Before Mineta could make his way to the prized opening on the couch, Momo pushed her way through and snatched it just in time. "I don't think so, Mineta. Go sit somewhere else you little pervert."
Tsu reached over to the bowl in Momo's lap, grabbing a handful of the buttery, popped kernels. "Saved by Momo. Ribbit." The girls giggled with relief while a dejected Mineta sat with a huff next to Izuku while muttering something about skin to skin contact.
"Enough stalling, it's time for me to murder you all!" Patience was never Katsuki's strong suit and he had even less of it when competition was involved. He glared at his fellow classmates before zeroing in on Todoroki who had just joined them. "Oi, half-n-half bastard. Get your ass over here and tap in. I'll wipe the floor with you too."
"I'd rather not."
"No isn't an option you fucking candy cane. Get over-" Suddenly the beginning battle music played, signaling someone had started the match. "Getting a head start won't save you" he grumbled while focusing his attention back to the screen.
Just as things were escalating on screen, the air around them went stale at the same time the electricity shut off. Darkness blanketed over the students; the room was silent save for the few surprised gasps and nervous chatter amongst the teens.
Iida was the first to speak up. "Don't worry everyone, I'm sure the breaker just tripped or something. I'll go check it out." He turned to head to the breaker box but stopped short. "Its really dark, I can barely see where I'm going."
"Here Iida, I'll make you a flashlight." Iida's entire face heated to the point he was surprised his glasses didn't steam up and he averted his gaze as Momo unbuttoned her pink flannel pajama shirt to pull her creation from her chest. She handed the tool over to the class rep, mildly amused by his embarrassment.
"Ahem, uh thank you Momo. I'll just go now…" He swung his arms stiffly through the air as he motioned in the direction of the circuit breaker.
The rest of the students watched his retreating form with Ashido unable to hold back a snicker at his stiff and robotic movements, before turning back to each other. It was quiet again as they waited in the darkened room, wondering what might have caused the lights to go out suddenly.
"Maybe Iida needs some help finding the box" Deku suggested as he shifted uncomfortably on his feet. It's been a few minutes and they all thought the lights would be back on by now.
"I'm sure he's fine. Breakers aren't usually labeled well so he's probably just struggling to find the correct one." Todoroki shrugged as he spoke, not a spec of concern in his voice.
Light slowly poured back into the common area, signaling Iida's return. The fact that the only illumination in the building was coming from Iida's little flashlight did not go unnoticed by the rest of the students and they all spoke at once, questioning what was happening.
"Weren't you able to find the box?"
"Izuku, I told you he probably just couldn't find the right breaker. That's the problem, right Iida?"
"Why is it still dark?"
"What's going on? I hate the dark, its-"
At this point Iida waved his hands in front of himself, hoping his classmates would quiet down so he could speak. They continued their mindless chatter and questions anyway, slowly increasing in volume even. The engine hero sighed as he centered his blue, silken nightcap that was sliding too far to the right. "Will you all please stop talking so I can get a word in." He had to shout over them, which was not appropriate behavior for a class rep, but desperate times called for desperate measures!
Thankfully, everyone stopped talking and waited for him expectantly. "It appears we have an actual problem. None of the breakers have switched off so something else is causing our electric issue. I attempted to use my cell phone to notify school officials, but I don't have any signal." Upon hearing this the rest of the class grabbed their cell phones to check for a signal. A chorus of disapproving grumbles filled the air as they realized they were cut off from the rest of the world. Some took the news harder than others, feeling as though their very lifelines had been severed.
Ashido was the first to speak. "Oh my god! How am I going to keep up on all the latest gossip? And my reality shows?! This can't be happening. You!" She pointed a trembling, pink digit in Kaminari's direction. "You need to fix this! Give the wires a surge or something!"
"You hear that Pikachu? You're finally good for something other than just charging phones." A cocky smile spread over Katsuki's face as he taunted his classmate.
Kaminari huffed indignantly. Kirishima walked over to him and gently pat him on the back, his usual smile fixed over his features. "Bro, you and I both know you are more then a phone charger. Go show them what you're made of!"
A sigh followed an exaggerated eyeroll as Kaminari stalked over to the nearest outlet. He looked over to Momo, about to ask for a screwdriver so he could remove the outlet cover but she was one step ahead of him, hand reaching out with the little yellow handled tool. He nodded his head in thanks as he took it and went to remove the white plastic cover, effectively exposing the load and ground wires.
With a little spark emitting from his fingertips he gently touched the wires, surging them with a powerful shock. The lights around them began to flicker, and a distant click could be heard as the air conditioning units resumed cooling the building. Kaminari released the wires to do a little victory fist pump in the air. "Yeah! What would you guys do without m-" before he could finish his prideful declaration the lights turned off, leaving the students in darkness once again.
"You were saying?" Sero asked with a chuckle.
"Aw, what the hell?" Why'd they turn off again?" The electric hero stared at the exposed outlet, confused.
"Like I said, phone charger."
"Kacchan, you're not being very helpful right now."
"Shut up nerd!"
Momo cleared her throat. "If I may," she began. "I think the problem is more urgent then just resurging the power. I think you'll have to maintain contact with the wires if you want to keep the lights on until the actual problem is addressed."
Kaminari's eyes widened in disbelief. "I don't wanna do that! Besides, I'll only be able to keep it going for a half an hour tops."
"I believe in you. You can do it Denki!" Tsu patted his back encouragingly. She could tell he was becoming distressed from the demands of their classmates.
Another sigh, and Kaminari once again touched the wires to return electricity to the building. He didn't want to be stuck to the outlet, but he knew it was the right thing to do until they could get their bearings. He sat on the floor with his legs crossed, getting comfortable since he was likely in it for the long haul. He smoothed his free hand over the soft cotton of his black pajama pants as he watched his fellow classmates decide what to do next.
"D-d-do you think this is… a v-villain attack?" Mineta was visible shaking, the uncertainty of their situation causing him to stutter.
"We have no reason to believe that. Let's not go right to Zebras." Iida tried to sound soothing, but it was obvious he was also on edge.
"Zebras?" Tsu asked, confused.
"I think he's saying if we hear hooves we should expect horses or in this case a normal cause instead of Zebras which in our case would be the villains." Momo supplied as she made extra flashlights for everyone.
"Exactly! Now then, we should make good use of the electricity while we have it. Obviously, we still won't be able to use our phones since that issue is not connected to the electricity. Now would be a good time to plug your phone in if it's almost dead though-" He ignored the gleeful chuckle he heard coming from Sero, "-Maybe we should head outside to see if there are any downed power lines. I am going to change first and then check it out."
The students checked the current charge on their phones, some moving to place their devices in the universal docking stations which were scattered throughout the common area. Everyone then made their way back to the dorms so they could quickly change into their day clothes before heading out to investigate.
Ten minutes later everyone except for Mineta, who chose to stay behind and keep Denki company, was crowded around the front door. With Iida taking the lead, they pushed the double doors open and stepped outside, expecting to be met with the familiarity of the school grounds. Quiet gasps sounded through the warm, night air as the class of 1-A came face to face with a terrifying reality. Eyes darted every which way, taking in the foreign scenery before blinking and rubbing their eyes in disbelief.
The entire landscape was canvased in darkness with only the eerie red glow cast from a massive blood red moon offering any semblance of visibility. Somehow, they were in the middle of a forest- a jungle really- with a wall of huge, crooked trees, thick vines, and unknown flora surrounding them. Dark green moss dusted over patches of the ground just beyond their stairway and was accompanied by fallen leaves, sticks, and giant roots from the trees. The forest itself felt alive with myriads of sounds; the low hum of insects, the leaves rustling together as the breeze blew through, and the faraway growls and hisses from God only knows what kind of animals. The air smelled earthy and was heavy with moisture.
An earsplitting shriek reverberated above them. Eleven heads snapped back reflexively, mouths gaping open as their eyes landed on an impossibly huge creature flying through the crimson sky. The animal's charcoal grey wingspan easily had to have reached over a hundred feet. Its body was round like a boulder and littered in grey feathers. Two scaly, thin legs were tucked under its mass as it flew gracefully overhead. The bird like monster opened its beak to release yet another painfully loud screech as it continued along the linear path forward.
It appeared that without even trying, they have gotten themselves into trouble yet again, or rather trouble seemed to have found them.