"They actually did it." said Amanda, arms crossed with an impressed reaction.
"But at what cost." sighed Diana, noting all the destruction the three had caused.
"Yeah, how the heck are heroes supposed to be the new magic when all they do is destroy?" added Hannah.
"Witches and Wizards would never be so reckless." agreed Barbara.
"Well, I'm not so certain about that last part." muttered Diana, glaring at Akko and her friends, but not in a condescending way like her entourage.
With the last of the demons gone back to Inferno, Bakugou, Deku and Todoroki stood in front of the witches, panting and seemingly oblivious to the magical elements around them.
Right when the three thought they were finally safe for having defeated their opponents, they each took a deep breath and finally took a clear look around them. With all the commotion going on around, they had forgotten whose territory they were on.
A couple dozen of witches on their broomsticks or on the ground were pointing their wands at the trio. Those witches were teachers who wouldn't normally be allowed to hurt a kid, but they had a responsibility to their students first.
The ever stern Professor Finnelan was clearly the leader of the task force as she stood closest to the three young heroes, sneering quite heavily.
"Don't even think about trying anything funny! You three young men are in more trouble than you can ever imagine." warned Finnelan.
Deku laughed sheepishly and raised his hands in a surrender pose, realizing that the entire thing was a major misunderstanding of some kind. Drops of sweat immediately began trickling down his forehead and Akko swear she saw some tears forming.
Todoroki did the same, showing a tiny bit of panic instead of his usual stoicism that was displayed on the news or social media.
Bakugou on the other hand merely gritted his teeth and raised his fist, not taking kindly to being asked to surrender.
Deku and Todoroki both dropped their raised hands and quickly pulled back on Bakugou, begging him to stop.
"Kaachan! We can't fight these people!" pleaded Deku, still in Japanese. He began looking around at the damage the three caused while fighting and realized the full extent of their actions.
"Back off asshole! Like some stupid witches and their sticks scare me!" growled Bakugou.
Akko sighed and was thankful nobody seemed to understand Japanese as that sentence would have immediately gotten those three entrapped by a barrage of spells.
While everyone looked on with amusement or disdain, Lotte innocently frowned at the rather colorful displays of the hero trio.
"Seriously, what's with these guys? It's like one of my Japanese animes." mused Lotte.
Akko was about to comment on her remark when she was interrupted by Bakugou, speaking English for the first time with a rather aggressive and vicious tone.
"And you all look like a bunch of British sitcom rejects!" he yelled, making sure to direct his rage at Lotte. His burst caused Deku to cry out in terror as the witches around them began charging up their spells, but still putting them on hold.
"Oh, so you can understand us." teased Sucy.
"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry!" cried Deku in high pitched English, bowing down to the ground rapidly to beg for forgiveness.
Such an anticlimactic action after such massive displays against the demons caused a lot of mouths to drop. Even some of the professors closest to him lowered their wands upon realizing he was harmless in most situations.
"Well, he went from hero to zero quick." snickered Amanda.
While most of the professors remained in place. Finnelan rolled her eyes and stepped forward with her wand pointing at them, reminded that she was just dealing with misbehaved students all over again.
"YOU THREE! Explain yourselves right now!" demanded Finnelan.
Todoroki walked passed the raging Bakugou and cowering Deku to explain the situation calmly. "There's been a misunderstanding. The three of us are students from UA High in Japan training to be heroes. We think we may have taken a wrong turn."
"Some heroes they are." sneered Diana, as did a few other witches.
Those from established magical families really didn't like heroes from what Akko knew. Once exclusive and unique magical clans had to deal with the rise of superhero families who began to slowly usurp their place in society. Todoroki's hero family was perhaps one of the most famous in Japan, and his father was relatively well known around the world too.
"What business do three heroes in training from Japan have to end up in our academy?" inquired Finnelan, who looked like she was moments away from charging up a powerful spell.
At this point, Bakugou himself looked like he was just a flick of his arms away from causing a crater, had Deku not seen through him and use his quirk to keep Bakugou restrained.
Deku was too nervous to speak and every extra step of security the professors took just angered Bakugou more and more. This left Todoroki the only one in a position to explain everything, and even he was distracted by Bakugou's hair-trigger tempered actions.
"Everyone!" cried Ursla. "There is no need for any of this violence to continue."
Her words rang hollow as even a few students began drawing their wands in retaliation to Bakugou's anger. After what everyone just saw, no one wanted to take risks getting blasted, frozen, burned or obliterated with a punch.
Todoroki took a deep breath. "Look, my name is Shoto…"
"I know who you are Mr. Todoroki." called a voice that caused all witches to snap to attention. It was as if all the tension in the area suddenly snapped in two.
Making her way through the crowd was the one who had the best chance of getting everyone to reason. It was none other than Headmistress Mirana Holbrooke, who seemed to be more bemused than angry. Finnelan clenched her teeth, knowing that Holbrooke wasn't likely to deliver the punishment she wanted.
Holbrooke had appeared out of nowhere, and after her little quip, whispered a few things in Ursula's ear before she made her way to the three boys.
As Holbrooke walked passed Akko, it was then that the three heroes noticed her for the first time, glancing at her from interest even though one couldn't really tell from looks alone that someone was Japanese. Before they could dwell on it, their attention turned back to the Headmistress.
Holbrooke glanced at the three boys like she was inspecting a new outfit and nodded her head, much to their, and quite frankly everyone's, confusion.
"You are Shoto Todoroki, Katsuki Bakugou, and Izuki Midoriya, three star students from Japan's UA High Hero Course." said Holbrooke, like she was mildly curious instead of furious.
"Um, yeah." nodded Deku.
"How the hell do you know who we are?" muttered Bakugou, who seemed too weirded out at the rather sudden display of calmness instead of anger.
"Oh please, I keep up with the Hero World too you know," laughed Holbrooke. "Especially since some funny people have a funny idea that quirks are going to replace magic forever."
That statement caused some witches, especially Diana, to pout with annoyance. This sensitive subject was not something one would bring up lightly to wizards or witches concerned about the decline of magic. Even Akko found such a notion distasteful as she longed to show the world the greatness of magic once more.
Bakugou scoffed. "Honestly I'm surprised you're all..."
"HEY!" Bakugou scowled as Todoroki and Deku elbowed him on his shoulders to get him to shut up, but even a twit knew what Bakugou was going to say.
"Yes, well we witches have been around for a lot longer than you heroes and your quirks have," grinned Holbrooke. "And we'll be here for as long as time lasts."
Deku finally managed to string some words together, still clearly nervous however as he tried to fix his hair. "Um, we're really sorry about what happened, it's just that…"
Holbrooke interrupted once more and closed her eyes as she spoke. "Yes yes. You three were supposed to take part in a special activity with the Special Air Service in Hereford base, but you all quite clearly didn't para-drop like you were supposed to."
As Holbrooke chuckled, the three heroes and the rest of the witches seemed to have calmed down. Akko was relieved, but even she knew there would be a punishment coming, especially for her given her role in all this.
"It's amazing," continued Holbrooke. "Heroes working in the confines of special forces operators? Why that sounds like a great way to combine two disciplines isn't it? Even us magic users still have ties our elite forces to this day, but other than Professor Nelson serving in the air force with her broom, I can't say anything more than that. It's classified you know. I am afraid however, you three won't be going through with your original plans anymore."
"We're not?" frowned Todoroki.
Holbrooke sighed. "Yes, you see three should have realized from the moment you saw us that you had para-dropped to the wrong location after a spell from one of our own disrupted your plane. I mean really, I know our British special forces operators are strange lunatics, but they're not tiny girls dressing up for Halloween levels of lunatic."
Deku sheepishly grinned. "I'm sorry, it's just that we were so focused on the whole flying demons attacking us thing that we didn't really pay attention to where we were. That and the army told us we had a test to complete when we landed so..so.."
"You can probably guess why we started attacking those demons," finished Todoroki. "It honestly seemed like something the SAS would throw at us."
"That is fair, and the situation was indeed dire, but top students in any setting should be more aware than that. The witches should have been obvious even amid the scary demons." noted Holbrooke.
"And while measures have to be taken, it won't be too severe since we do share some of the blame for why you're all here." assured Ursula.
"Okay lady, just tell us when you're sending us back to Japan." facepalmed Bakugou, wanting to get straight to the point.
"Oh that's not what's going to be happening." smirked Holbrooke.
"It's not?" cried out everyone at the same time.
Holbrooke paced back and forth with a finger on her lip. "Yes, because you three boys have disrupted magic, you must now aid magic. In order to make up for the damages you caused and ignoring orders to stand down, you three will be spending the time you would have spent with the SAS here at Luna Nova Academy."
"What!" yelled Diana, Finnelan and the other witches sans Ursula who looked intrigued at the idea.
Deku's eyes widened. "You mean we're at THE Luna Nova Academy? That's the greatest academy for training witches in the whole world. Oh man, if we heroes have UA high, then this place is what every witch wants to go to. Even with the decline of magic you still produce the greatest witches known to the world and the world's most powerful magical artifacts can be traced back here!"
Deku proceeded to go on and on, weirding out everyone sans Holbrooke about the basic, but surprising things he knew. Akko grinned, it seemed Deku, a star young hero, had an interest in magic.
"Yes yes," shook Holbrooke to cut off the rambling Deku. "And now you can help up un-decline by taking part in the world's first ever cross hero and magical training session!"
Diana approached Holbrooke. "Madame, with all due respect I highly suggest you reconsider."
Hannah popped up behind Diana. "Yeah these guys are dangerous freaks!"
Barbara jumped up behind Hannah in turn. "Like hell would they even gonna agree to any of this!"
"I'll agree with you all on the first and last part." smirked Bakugou to the trio.
"Well, if it's a fair punishment," muttered Todoroki. "I guess we'll have to go through it."
"WHAT!" yelled Bakugou, grabbing Todoroki by the shirt.
"C'mon Kaachan this could be really fun." smiled Deku, ignoring that practically everyone else thought otherwise.
"Indeed, the achievements and discoveries in the world's first cross magic and hero training sessions will be remarkable," nodded Holbrooke. "And to think we already broke new records by admitting Akko here as the first witch from a nonmagical background."
Akko's eyes widened as Holbrooke pointed towards her. Her name being called out renewed the interest the three heroes had in her, confirming their suspicions of a shared background.
Sucy placed a finger on her chin. "Well, I've never tried out heroes for test subjects before."
Lotte flinched. "I don't think you'll wanna get on the blonde one's bad side."
Diana sighed in defeat. "I'll trust your judgment, but you saw those three in battle. Heroes are limited in what they can do but it's easier for them to use their powers. The strongest quirk always outweighs its magical counterpart and these are especially walking weapons of mass destru…."
Diana noticed the three heroes and Akko frowning at her.
"Please don't finish that sentence." requested Todoroki.
"Too far, I'll admit." shook Diana, recalling the infamous and sensitive episode in history.
"And if I may," spoke up Finnelan. "These three each have a quirk which with the slightest intention to kill, can easily do so. They demonstrated that quite clearly with the demons who would normally need a powerful spell to be vanquished or even hurt."
"That really doesn't make it better." whispered Amanda audibly.
"But the fact that they didn't burn, freeze, punch or blow one of us to smithereens despite the opportunity means we're more than capable of restraining them with even the slightest outburst." added Ursula to better assure everyone else.
"Hey you got lucky on that part and.." Bakugou was cut off by Todoroki placing his hand on Bakugou's mouth and gluing it with ice.
"I wouldn't be sure about that," teased Ursula. "You might have the power to kill, but I don't think such young heroes would be capable of taking the life of another human. A robot or demon is a much easier pill to swallow and lose yourself in."
Bakugou was too busy melting the ice on his face that Todoroki slapped on to respond.
"And don't worry I'll make sure that you can keep an eye on them." smirked Holbrooke, staring specifically at Diana.
"Huh?" frowned Diana in disbelief.
"Well, if you can handle the mischief of some of our students you'll be able to keep these three delinquents in line." said Finnelan sternly, finally giving into Holbrooke's plan.
Finnelan glanced at Akko. "However, we must be reminded that these three boys are not the only ones guilty here."
Sucy and Lotte lightly stepped away from Akko, for once able to avoid all punishment for wrongdoing that fell squarely on Akko, much to her annoyance.
Finnelan took a deep breath. "Akko, it is ultimately your fault that the tear in reality to Hell appeared and summoned those demons that sent those boys into a panic. You should have IMMEDIATELY handed over your wand to Ursula the moment it was backed up."
Holbrooke's smile dropped. "And the reason why I didn't come in sooner is that the army contacted me about accidentally dropping three hero students here when the beacon on their plane's radar got disrupted. Not surprisingly it happened right after the moment Akko would have cast her spell into the air."
Akko put her hands behind her back and lightly tapped her foot in an attempt to look innocent. Most witches were not surprised by what she had done as she had a knack for trouble, accidental or not.
The three heroes meanwhile had mixed expressions. Bakugou had an 'I'll kill you face' as it burned with rage, Todoroki was biting his lip as he looked lost in thought and Deku had a more empathetic 'sorry this had to happen' face.
"Well, I would have had her guide these three anyway, what with her being a Japanese student in Britain too," shrugged Holbrooke. "Besides, if her actions in that little parade were anything to go by last month, she can redeem herself in an instant."
"And Amanda!" barked Finnelan.
"What did I do?" pouted Amanda.
"It takes a troublemaker to know a troublemaker so for the sake of having three of our students keeping the three of them in line, you are to aid Akko and Diana in keeping a watch on our new guests." instructed Finnelan.
"Three for three, I like that" smiled Holbrooke. "And if things run smoothly, you and Diana will get extra credit on any class of your choosing. We are talking big numbers here by the way."
"Done!" beamed Amanda, easily sold on the idea now.
Akko was grateful that was all she needed to do, even if it technically was going to be a long task. She had an interest in the three young heroes anyway and while she wished they could meet on better terms, this was her chance to get close with them and make amends to the Academy. Again.
Diana meanwhile didn't care for the extra credit as she was the last person who needed it, but she was clearly contemplating whether or not she could use the opportunity to make a greater statement on the nature of magic to the heroes.
Bakugou gritted his teeth. "If you really think we're gonna go through all of this.."
"Oh you will!" ginned Holbrooke. "We'll be informing your SAS contacts and your school about the situation and I'm sure they'll see it both as a suitable punishment and an exciting opportunity."
"This is gonna be really cool." chirped Deku.
"I guess it could be worse." admitted Todoroki.
"Now, you see the reason why I'm also being so nice to you is that the damage you three caused can easily be fixed or replaced by our magic over night. The damage is mostly just exterior and decor," informed Holbrooke. "So your guides shall give you a good tour of the place while we draw up the lesson plans for the next few weeks."
Ursula waved her wand and levitated the luggage to the feet of the three boys. "You may also want to unpack and settle in the guest room."
Amanda grunted. "You three are lucky. Since you're not witches, you get to use all the wifi and tech you want."
Akko glanced over to Constanze who was clearly jealous by the lack of privlege. What that little witch would do for greater tech use in the academy.
"And while we're together please don't do anything stupid," requested Diana. "You heroes are in completely unfamiliar territory here."
Amanda made her way forward. "Yeah, and I want those extra marks too."
Akko struggled to put her words together but stood firm. "It was a little weird for me the first day here too, so don't worry, we'll see you settled."
"Good! Dismissed!" announced Holbrooke, who started walking back to the academy as if the previous few minutes didn't transpire.
Most of the witches remained in place as they watched the three heroes sort out their luggage. Half of them were more intrigued by them than suspicious, while the other half felt the opposite. For the most part, witches and wizards were driven to less and less prominence over time while the age of heroes grew. Once special people now had to deal with most of the planet having some sort of quirk with their own customs and practices, while magical elements were now seen as relics of the past.
Bakugou, Deku and Todoroki represented what was effectively the new status quo. They were the top students in a top high school for heroes in training, and yet they felt so out of place in this academy. What would transpire in the new joint hero and witch training courses would either be a futile or successful attempt at reconciling two eras of superhumans.
The boys got ahold of their bags and silently followed Ursula with Diana, Akko and her friends curiously trailing behind them.
"I know we just fought its legions, but this is gonna be the real Hell." muttered Bakugou.