Chapter 12: Game Start
"This it. Today's the day." Deku breathed as the others prepped themselves for battle just two days after his UA infiltration. Tomura had opted for a larger creep factor by attaching more hands to himself, something he did only when anticipating a fight; Deku suspected the other pairs of hands belonged to Tomura's family given what little he knew about his past. He was well past being creeped out by his foster brother though the sight was still off putting. Meanwhile Dabi looked just about the same except for his jacket having a high collar and metal cuffs on its elbow length sleeves, better showing off the extent of his scarring. Kurogiri only possessed his metal collar, forgoing his iconic apparel and appearing simply as a humanoid shaped black mist.
"Ieee! I get to make new friends!" Toga squealed, just about bouncing off the furniture. She rocked excitedly on her heels, clearly recovered from her illness two days ago. Presently she was sporting a school styled sailor uniform while two green cylinders were attached to her back thanks to a matching utility belt, tubes connecting from the cylinders to three syringes on both shoulders. Her grin presently matched the one printed on her dark scarf, "This is going to be so much fun! So many choices to play with!"
"Be careful, we don't know everyone's Quirks. Some might have natural counters to your abilities." Deku warned, earning an excited giggle from Toga who gave a wave at him as if embarrassed by his apparent concern. He paused, debating if he should relay what he knew, what Kacchan's Quirk was. This was his plan of attack after all, his strategy with Tomura at the helm to lead and execute it while he hung back.
"Watch out for the half-and-half kid, the whelp's Endeavor's son. He's got at least his old man's fire power." Dabi informed, checking his cuffs lazily as his tone was even. "Probably got in with recommendations so he's a force to be reckoned with. Safe to assume he's got more experience than all the others combined given he's the Number Two Hero's son."
"Ooo, sounds like a challenge!" Toga twirled before lightly tapping Dabi on the shoulder. "Also, sounds like someone is calling dibs~ Fight fire with fire!"
"Whatever. Goal is to put All Might in the ground, anyone else is just a distraction." Dabi glared at Toga with hooded turquoise eyes that glinted dangerously. This only earned a smile from the eager girl who patted him on the back lightly twice before twirling away.
"Focus. All Might's supposed to be weaker and with the Doc's creation it should be enough to end the so-called Symbol of Peace." Tomura growled, anticipation rolling off of him. "Been grinding and leveling up for this moment, to avenge Sensei's humiliation and show the League is not to be taken lightly. We're not a bunch of one time bosses!"
"Once All Might is out of the picture Sensei will return. And with his return the Heroes' days are numbered with upholding their broken society. Those who cast us out."
"Ahhh~, I'll get to meet Skull Mask-chan!" Toga looked as if she were in heaven, clutching the sides of her face as she blushed deeply. "I can't wait! I've got goosebumps!"
"One of them has an explosion Quirk." Deku suddenly broken in, latching onto the opening Dabi had made in regards to the Todoroki heir, "The spiky blond haired guy. Mainly a close rage attack, but watch out. If they have equipment that means the students' abilities will be amplified, even if they lack proper training."
"Oh! That guy! He looked like fun!" Toga put a finger to her chin thoughtfully, recalling the roster Deku had copied. She turned toward him, "You're really not coming to the party? But you've trained so hard, Dekkun! You have the scars to prove it!"
Deku's gaze immediately went to the ground as his mouth went dry. He felt the urge to tug his sleeves down but resisted, avoiding looking at the various scars that marred both his arms. Training with the others has increased over the years as Deku told them not to hold back as he tried to master his Quirk; any scars he received whether from his sparring or his Quirk backfiring was minor compared to what he could inflict.
Finally he had a grip on his Quirk, a near stranglehold to ensure it didn't go wild as he kept it always activated as a means of training. "You can have fun for me instead. Field combat isn't really my thing. I'm sitting this one out."
"Aw, maybe one day you'll join us! The world is missing out on your Quirk! You can just watch on the sidelines!"
As Deku gave a wordless shrug to deflect he felt the curious look of Tomura who was silent. Was he wondering how he knew about that one Quirk and not the others? What about Dabi? Then again the flame user might simply have it out for other fire Quirks, especially if affiliated with the troublesome Number Two Hero who was hardly personable; maybe his son was the same.
"Having you two tagalong for some action along with Kurogiri better be a worthy party. Plus we've got to pick up out trump card as well as our NPC wave fodder. Kurogiri, you check the responses to your little ad for our campaign?"
"Of course, Tomura Shigaraki. All worthy applicants to our short notice ad are awaiting in one location to be transported when we are ready. I shall check on them and once the appointed time comes I will commence teleportation."
"Any word from the Doc? I want a look at this bio weapon of his beforehand. Who's to say it's not an oversized pile of crap?"
"Patience I will double check." Kurogiri proceeded to check behind the counter where he had evidently stored his phone as he currently lacked pockets. "Once I gave confirmation it will be in our hands shortly after."
"Ah I'm so hyped!" Toga bounced her arms up and down as she twirled one of her knives she had taken from one of her hip holsters. "I can't wait to see their faces! Think they'll be mad if I carve a smile in a few? It's just a little blood~"
"Just stay out of my way if you don't want to be BBQ Barbie." Dabi warned, any hint of anticipation completely hidden by his ever present deadpan. "Not my fault if you get in the crossfire."
"Aw, Dabi-kun! You don't have to be so shy I know you worry." She giggled, blushing brighter at him only to earn a low energy eyeroll.
"You know what this means if we succeed." Deku spoke in a hushed tone as Tomura lurked next to him, waiting for Kurogiri's response. "No All Might, Sensei can get out and I..." He swallowed at the thought, glancing at Tomura to see his reaction.
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Besides, you've been here this long, why change things?" He rasped lowly, cocking his head at the younger teen. "Conditions or not, you really want to shake up our system? Not that I care what you do as long as you don't betray Sensei."
A wry smile formed on Deku's face, biting back the urge to laugh at that notion let alone Tomura's apparent indifference; as if he could ever even if he wanted to. He glance at the palm of his right hand at a memory but blinked it away. Any regrets would have to be lived with whether big or small mistakes, in the end they were his to bear.
"Though I do wonder why you and Dabi know about two specific students." Tomura commented drily in a low voice so the others wouldn't hear. "A kid of a Pro makes sense. But this intense NPC..." His head cocked slightly with thought, clearly watching the impending reaction for more answers.
Deku tried not to let his muscles lock up with tension as he slowly turned toward his inquiring foster brother, his smile gone for a neutral expression instead. His voice was level if not forcibly casual, almost detached, "Came across him before, his temper matches his Quirk. Sensei didn't need it."
A reasonable excuse, easy to believe. He had after all helped scout some Quirks that Sensei had an interest in. Mainly however a majority of them had been to aid in his mentor's recovery. On the other hand, if Sensei was intrigued by a Quirk or the concept of one it was Deku's homework, his job, to analyze and report his findings. He tried to scope out only known criminals but at times Sensei's interest honed on some everyday person and he could only do so much to dissuade the living cryptid who seemed to at times borderline between a fine arts collector and a kleptomaniac.
"Hm, too bad. His expression alone looks like good villain material." Tomura shrugged, not betraying if he had a haunch or not about just who Katsuki Bakugou was to Deku. "Guess I'll have to see for myself. Do some newb crushing."
"Tomura." Deku's voice caught, whether in part from lying about how he knew the unnamed Kacchan or nerves about the mission or both he wasn't certain. He didn't bother to add on the honorific as his voice closed around the name, having to swallow. "Be careful. Last time we saw All Might, he..."
"Had the jump on us, the cheater. But we have it this time plus our maxed out Tank. Also Sensei believed in your strategies, it would be stupid to disregard them." Tomura cut him off, his voice almost a growl. "Your brains, my strength, we'll make Sensei proud."
Deku could only nod while at that moment Kurogiri decided to cut in, "The package is waiting for pick up. Or would you rather delivery?"
"Ooo! Let's go, let's go!" Toga squealed, shaking Dabi's arm, grabbing his sleeve and tugging wildly while he looked long suffering. "I wanna see our new friends!"
"Really? He'd let us set foot in his lair? He's so secretive maybe we finally unlocked his bonus area." Tomura replied, his attention on Kurogiri. "Tell that crackpot to send our Tank here five minutes. No sense sending it off ahead while no one to supervise. It is voice commanded right?"
"Yes, Tomura Shigaraki."
Deku shifted in his seat, attempting to hide any discomfort by acting interested despite his detached gaze. He had only met the Doc a few times, namely always with Sensei but the man still unsettled him when he wasn't providing medical care, instead dabbling in scientific experiments. Also he knew for a fact the mustached man's true identity was Dr. Tsubasa, aka childhood tormentor Tsubasa's grandfather and the man who had carelessly crushed preschooler Izuku's dreams as well as thrown him under the bus with his Quirk evaluation, the label forever marking him for the Quirk gifted wolves.
The man seemed to faintly recall him but said nothing of his former life and Deku did the same, only referring him by his profession not by name. Both silently agreed not to out each other to other members, Sensei seemingly the only one who knew of their pasts. What made him nervous was what he had caught glimpses of inside tanks years ago, wondering if in fact one of those abominations was about to grace him with its presence, adding fuel to his nightmares despite the apathetic front he put on.
"Is this thing going to be gift wrapped or something? Given all this hoopla." Dabi droned, managing to free his sleeve from the bouncing Toga.The scarred man turned his hooded eyes toward the two leads, as if probing silently for them to hurry up as Toga looked ready to self-destruct from giddiness.
"Your faces will be known after this, you guys sure you're fine? You've been on the down low so far." Deku asked instead, turning the conversation away from the likely abomination that would soon appear. "Even if just a mask?"
"My face is kinda hard to forget, whether I'm a wanted man or not. You should see the looks I get on the street." Dabi informed dryly, not betraying a hint of annoyance or exasperation. "Besides, I'm not one to hide. Just bide my time."
"Aw, Dekkun's so thoughtful!" Toga grinned, poking her face with both hands. "Kurogiri-kun got me the perfect mask! It's kinda like Skull Mask-chan's! Besides, I'm Cheshire, remember~?" Grinning she pulled up the toothy smile scarf around her neck over her mouth, her expression seemingly mirrored and magnified. "I only tell my name to friends!"
"If it really is a concern we can always leave no witnesses... then again we need at least one to confirm our claim of being the ones to bring their precious All Might to his knees." Tomura reasoned, lightly scratching his neck though not with the usual savagery. "Hmm... maybe his head on a platter would do nicely."
"But he is the main target, the students are just distractions. For us and him. The hired muscle should be enough to keep them busy while you focus on the target. Play it smart, don't get hurt." Deku reminded, hoping somehow everyone not the main target would make it out alive. This fight was with All Might alone but collateral damage was a likelihood. However it shouldn't be his concern, not with what was on the line and what his duty called for. "Beware Eraserhead, as far as I can tell, can erase Quirks within a certain radius but it's limited; most likely it's vision related. Hopefully though his abilities will be tied up."
"No promises." Dabi admitted, shrugging lazily. "Though if that's a request I'll try not to incarnate everyone."
"I'm just going to play around for a bit! Make new friends! Get some blood~ Tomura-kun can have Muscle Man to himself!"
"How thoughtful." Tomura growled at Toga's response, not enjoying the thought of having to watch out for his teammates, or rather because of them. "Kurogiri can make sure you're both far away. There's enough zones to go around to farm for EXP."
"I'm gonna head out." Deku began to peel himself away from the bar, the seconds ticking down in his head. He rolled down his sleeves as he did so, covering his numerous scars. From the countertop he grabbed a newsboy styled hat and a medical mask, placing the hat firmly on his head to hide his green curls and hooking the mask behind his ears. Kurogiri wordlessly produced a black jacket from a Warp Gate and handed it over, earning a low "thanks."
"Aw, not sending us off?" Toga pouted as she watched Deku don his disguise.
"Wouldn't want to jinx it. Besides I'll see you after." Regardless of the outcome, he added silently as his heart skipped a beat despite his casual demeanor. He fixed his jacket and looked up at the others. "Though I guess wishing you good luck wouldn't hurt. Don't break any limbs."
"Ours or others'?" Dabi asked mock innocently though he gave a lazy two finger salute to signal his compliance.
"Go have fun on your solo mission or whatever you're up to. Just be back in time for prime time, we're going to be the breaking story. We'll own this boss battle in one hour tops." Tomura gave a little wave, showing he was unbothered by the younger teen's resolution to venture out on his own. His raspy voice was low, a near whisper as he pressed closer to Deku for a moment, the vibrations of his voice tickling the younger's ear, "Don't get caught, again."
A chill went up Deku's spine though he gave a shrug to hide it, glancing at his foster brother with a lazy smile, "Same to you, senpai."
Tomura seemed to give him the evil eye from beneath his mask before elbowing him, huffing. Deku grimaced slightly and rubbed his arm but his attention as well as everyone's attention suddenly went to the black blob forming in the middle of the room. Instantly the green haired boy stiffened, feeling his Quirk prickle under his skin as the hair on the back of his neck stood up.
"I do believe the package is being delivered." Kurogiri noted as the blob expanded and what looked like a black forearm appeared through it, followed by a barefoot.
Deku found himself holding his breath as the rest of the figure appeared, bearing a shirtless muscular chest and sporting knee length pants with skull shaped shinguards. What made his stomach turn was its clearly exposed brain while empty eyes stared forward, the large dark humanoid creature sporting a sharp tooth grin seemingly unconsciously from its beak like mouth. The monstrosity was easily taller than All Might and bore many scars over its muscular body, proof it had been through various scenarios to ensure it could hold up against the Symbol of Peace.
"So this is the Doctor's Anti-Symbol of Peace." Tomura took a step forward, examining the specimen who seemed rooted on the spot, unfazed by the grotesque appearance while Deku fought the urge to barf, swallowing and breathing through his nose to fight the notion. "Does it come with instructions? Or I snap my fingers and it does as it's told? I'd say it looks brainless except for the fact I can see it."
"It is called Noumu. It should be programmed to respond to you, Tomura Shigaraki. The Doctor said to simply identify yourself and give it an order."
"Fitting." Tomura sounded amused, cocking his head as he examined it more closely. "Alright, Noumu. I'm Tomura Shigaraki and you listen to me. These are my comrades, they are under your protection along with me." He gestured at the four others in the room, Deku taking a gulp and lowering his medical mask so the monstrosity could better register his face. "You're our Tank DPS, when I tell you to move you do it. All Might is your foe, your reason for existing. You are his personal doomsday incarnate. Got it?"
The Noumu stood there quietly, staring blankly forward. There was no hint of it registering anything that had been said to it.
"You sure this thing isn't any empty cartridge?" Tomura pointed accusingly at the giant, disgust tinging his tone. "Doc's giving us blank data!"
"Try a simple command to test it out. Make sure it actually works. Weapons check, y'know." Dabi suggested, apparently unperturbed by the monstrosity as if it wasn't the worst thing he'd seen.
"Noumu, come here." Tomura instructed in a firm tone like one would use on a dog or misbehaving child. Instantly the hulking humanoid complied, taking a few large steps to stand next to Tomura, uttering no sound. As Deku stared at the Noumu, noting its intelligence to understand but seemingly lacking communication, perhaps that like an animal, he swore an eye focused on him momentarily though when he blinked it was hard to tell given the creature's seemingly thousand yard stare. "Good it works."
"Ooo, so ugly." Toga giggled almost nervously, her grin nearly matching the humanoid. "It has a nice smile! It's going to give everyone the chills! Nightmare fuel, yeppers!"
Deku had to agree with that though he remained silent, hard beating rapidly. This really was it. This was their ultimate weapon against All Might, what the Doctor had been working on for years under Sensei's instruction. And now they were using Sensei's asset with Deku's plan and Tomura's manpower to stop All Might once and for all. A pit formed in his stomach at the notion but ignored it as guilt couldn't stop him now, not after everything these past few years.
"Alright, let's go see the cannon fodder. We're paying them after all, they better be worth it." Tomura instructed, waving at the others lazily to fall in line while Kurogiri took the signal to create a Warp Gate. "You, T.D. Noumu. C'mere. You're with me. Can't have you show up my entrance, even with the Party AIs."
The Noumu complied wordlessly, maintaining the unfocused look. Dabi and Toga joined on either side of Tomura, Dabi pointedly disinterested in the Noumu while Toga glanced up at the hulking creature with a giggle, perhaps entertaining the thought of sampling some of its blood.
"Catch you on the flip side." Tomura directed at Deku as the quintet disappeared into the Warp Gate, the black mist swallowing them hungrily before vanishing.
"Be careful." Deku breathed, left in the empty bar Kurogiri had lay claim to in Kamino as a between point to safe houses. Warping back to the present safe house was not an option so he was left to his own devices, left to trust his companions to carry out the plan successfully.
Maybe he was selfish to bow out of the dirty work, to not witness what he had helped devise but that wasn't part of his agreement, his duties. He was merely a cog in a machine and didn't need to see the outcome up close; whatever ignorance he could afford was bliss for the crushing weight he bore already. Naturally he couldn't deny responsibility to a degree but haunting details could be omitted.
Still it did nothing for the pricks of guilt he felt. Someone always got hurt, even if the degrees varied. The fallout of All Might's demise would cause shockwaves but there were many Heroes to pick up the pieces and Endeavor, the Number 2 Hero, wasn't exactly shy about his drive to be the Top Hero, at least according to the billboard rankings. "It's fine. Vengeance against All Might will be successful, Sensei will be pleased the feud is over."
The age old conflict would end as All Might had clearly not selected a successor yet, perhaps hoping Sensei would just die in Tartarus. They had to take him out before One For All found a new host, though Tomura had no idea of the Quirk feud; Deku had been tempted to tell him but the fact All Might was the source of Sensei's suffering was enough motivation. Besides, Sensei had said he would tell Tomura in time, that it wasn't Deku's place and it was a secret between them so Deku could plan accordingly.
That was his job, what he had agreed to, even proposed in the beginning. He was worth his information and analysis abilities, he wasn't expected to be involved directly.
He swallowed the bile in his throat as he thought of the Noumu once more; the Doctor's ultimate bioengineered weapon whose origins were murky. It certainly looked like a god slayer in a sense, a true Hero killer but something about it unnerved him. It was unnatural yet any wandering curiosity as to the specifics of its creation made his conscience scream at him to stop and he complied, not daring to analyze the creature that was to be All Might's end.
He shook his head to clear away the thoughts pinning him to the spot. "Just walk it off, clear your head. Plenty of time to kill and more after." He pulled the medical mask over his face and headed toward the door, his skin pricking as his Quirk begged for some action.
It would all be over in just a short while. He just had to be patient.
There was nothing left to lose.
The streets were busy despite it being a weekday, which made it easier for him to blend in with the dense crowd. With his features covered no one could guess his age, assuming he was a college student if he spoke or simply a youthful looking young man. Still, he felt his heart pounding with anticipation. Sitting around waiting was the most agonizing thing to do—a chance for some fresh air was a good time to distract himself.
"They'll be fine." He mumbled to himself as he sidestepped around some people. "They have enough backup for a diversion and if the hirers get caught they don't know enough to spill, plus they'll be off the street. One less job to worry about. I just want to relax for a while before everything changes again."
Throwing someone under the bus never brought Deku joy though knowing potentially dangerous people could take the fall was a relief. The League wanted quality over quantity though Sensei had never been shy about accepting members who wished to pledge their loyalty to him, no matter what they brought to the table. He was a true business man who sniffed out a deal even if no one else could see it, even allowing IOUs that were sure to be collected with such ferocity if evaded that all the loan sharks in the world would cry and soil their pants.
While Sensei seemed to have vast room for patience, he was after all a living relic, once that was tried nothing could stop the mighty All For One; Deku feared and respected that aspect of his mentor fiercely. However despite his admiration for Sensei he wasn't him, lacking that ruthless bone it seemed despite being able to put on a tough apathetic front and be intense when he truly was upset about something. Tomura was more like Sensei in that regard, that intensity and lack of hesitation to dole out punishment, which fit him as the current head.
However for the sake of his Quirk Deku couldn't fly off the handle like Tomura, who could be like clockwork. It took calm and patience, though he'd proven in a few sparring matches even if he got emotional he could keep his Quirk in line though the aura did intensify. He was like a bomb ready to go off if he didn't keep himself in check; that had been proven already, the memory stinging him every waking moment.
"Guess I'll be saying multiple goodbyes." Deku smiled bitterly, part of him not wanting to let go while the other waited in anticipation to let out a sigh of relief. Some of the burden would be gone, he would be done and under no more obligations. Though before that the next step would be to get to Sensei, surely they had some connection to someone on the inside. Toga could impersonate a guard and—
"Oh!" A voice said next to him as he felt himself bump into someone. The sound was one of surprise rather than indigence. "Sorry!"
"Oh no, it's okay." He automatically replied before he realized he must have elbowed someone while lost in his train of thought, suspecting he must have been muttering. He took a step forward as he turned toward the person, truly apologetic. "Actually that was my-"
"No, no it's alright. Completely my fault, sorry."
Deku felt himself freeze on the spot as if some force had suddenly grabbed him, his heart in his throat as its beat thundered in his ears. An icy wave washed over him, feeling numb save his pounding heart that rang in his ears.
In front of him, looking at him with an apologetic expression, was a woman who looked tired but friendly. She seemed to be wearing some kind of uniform, a name tag pinned to her chest as she shouldered a purse. However her features were what sent a shock through Deku's body, feeling electrified and cold all at once as if he were lost at sea during a raging thunderstorm.
A woman with green hair up in a familiar half up hairdo and green eyes that reflected warmth and a lifelong apology with no hint of recognition.
"E-excuse me." He hastily excused himself and hurried away, leaving Inko Midoriya slightly confused at the sudden departure but not alarmed. He didn't dare look back, tugging his cap over his head harder as his heart thundered and his legs seemed to move on their own as he tried not to bump into more people and draw attention.
As soon as he saw a corner he ducked around it, pressing himself against the wall as raw breaths scratched at his lungs. His heart felt as if it would burst from his chest as tears stung his eyes, his mind whirling.
Mom. That was Mom.
She was so close, why was she here in Kamino? Was that a work uniform? Did she realize it was him after he bolted? Was she still looking for him? Did she care? Why did she still look so worn? Why hadn't he checked on her the past few years? Why now?
A torrent of questions came rushing at him, flooding his mind. However he couldn't focus on any of them as he braced against the wall, his shoulders shaking as his hands began to tremble; he stuffed them back in his pockets to control himself as well as smother any Dark Aura that might burst forth.
"I'm sorry." He breathed, the tears stinging fiercely like angry bees as he fought to breathe, his chest squeezing his lungs in a relentless grip. He gasped for air as the tears feel, his voice breaking to a pathetic whisper, "I'm s-so sorry.""I'm s-so sorry."
He wasn't certain how long he stood around the corner crying once the tears managed to escape. They seemed to keep falling as the floodgates were opened for the first time in years, a shudder wracking his body as he tried to suppress a sob. It felt anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours as guilt and shame hammered at him, berating him for the longing he still clearly felt. He acted like he was past that but just the sight of her sent him spiraling as memories came rushing back.
First time he had seen his mom in years, touched her, and it was a literal brushing of elbows.
He was selfish, hopeful, to think that she would still care. It'd been all for her after all, but he had hurt her with his disappearance more than likely if she did. For years he longed to see her which then turned to fear of running into her before his job was complete, surely causing complications. But now, as the end neared, she had looked at him and saw nothing of her son. He had become invisible like he wanted, even motherly instinct stood no match.
"I'm so stupid. I only end up hurting those I care about. I'm cursed, Quirk or no Quirk." Deku scrubbed his eyes, the waterworks stopping for now was he fought to regain control, slipping back into his collected low-key persona to kill his emotions through sheer willpower and shame towards himself. "Maybe I don't deserve to go back, why would she want me after everything? I'm not her little Izuku anymore, I'm the tainted Deku."
He stepped away from the wall, eyes stinging slightly as he pulled his mask up once more. "I'm stupid to think anything can go back to how it was. Maybe Tomura was right, I should-"
He paused for a moment as the name sparked a thought despite his melancholy. "What time is it?" He felt around in his pocket for his phone only to realize he'd absently left it back at the hideout. There was a flutter of panic as he patted himself down to doubly make sure that was the case.
Was the raid already over?
"Stupid move, Deku." He admonished himself as he rounded the corner, looking around for a sign of an outdoor clock. Where, where-
Just as he was about to ask someone what time it was someone rushed past him, clearly in a flurry. They grabbed another person by the arm and began tugging them along. Despite his state Deku was immediately on guard, scrutinizing the scene as his skin tingled while he grew suspicious. For now however he tried to remain discreet, not looking overly interested their way to avoid tipping them off as he strained to listen while scanning for the time.
Observe, don't leap to conclusions.
"Hey come on I just got a message from my boss! We gotta go!"
"What? Why? We're on break."
The excited woman grabbed the other's elbow and pulled her in close, saying in a loud whisper full of excitement, "There's been an attack on U.A! Villains infiltrated the training grounds! My boss heard it over the police scanner and wants me there ASAP to be first press on the scene!"
"What?!" The other exclaimed, earning a hush as the other pulled her along. "Ugh, what I wouldn't kill for a teleportation Quirk to not run in these heels!"
Deku had almost exclaimed in unison with the less enthusiastic woman, his heart thundering. The attack, was it still ongoing? Were they done already? What about All Might? Was he...
Not daring to think further, Deku took off as well, hurrying back to the bar. His heart pounded in his ears as the thought burned in the back of his mind, the question on his lips as his feet hammered the pavement, his Quirk humming to be set loose.
Just what had happened at USJ? What was the aftermath of his plan?
Everything had to be alright.
It had to be.
Some time before….
Everything was better than alright. It was near perfect in fact. The numbers were heavily in their favor as well as the brute strength. They practically had it in the bag with how underwhelming the opposition was. Their raid party was a force to be reckoned with. Except for one detail.
All Might wasn't here.
Tomura had let out an irritated sound and scratched at his neck compulsively, his skin pricking in response to his frustration. Before the League was twenty students and one teacher, the Pro Hero Deku had warned him about: Eraserhead, the class's apparent homeroom teacher. The other listed teacher, some shameless Hero named Midnight was nowhere to be seen, apparently running late or ditching all together.
"He's not here, he's supposed to be here." He growled, scanning around to make sure he hadn't missed him. "This isn't some timed special boss event, where the hell is All Might?"
"Maybe Dekkun got the wrong info?" Toga suggested, her mask hiding her more than likely smile underneath. "Or they decided to play a different game! Ooo, surprises! I love surprises, especially when I get to do them!"
"No!" Tomura snapped almost savagely at the girl who jumped back in surprise as well as caution as if he would literally bite. "The squirt's info is never wrong; as irritating as that statistic is it's in our favor. It looks like these NPCs don't want to play by their own guidebook."
"So is this a yes, no, maybe so?" Dabi inquired nonchalantly, gesturing forward and back as the Noumu waited patiently next to them as it had exited the Warp Gate a few seconds behind.
"Tomura Shigaraki, how do you wish to proceed?" Kurogiri inquired tactfully, eying the still startled students and their teacher who was evaluating the situation as he was the only adult as well as Hero between the villains and the Hero trainees.
"We improvise, adapt and overcome." Tomura informed, a tight smile heard in his voice as he glared around "Father's" fingers over his face. "After all, we went through the trouble to bring so many special mission players it would be a waste. What do you think All Might will do if a few of his precious fledglings met their demises? This is just the small fry first wave after all, draw out the boss."
"Understood." Kurogiri nodded while Toga bounced excitedly and Dabi dared to grin ever so slightly. The mist man then proceeded to Warp up to where the U.A. members stood, Eraserhead clearly trying usher the children under his care toward the exit, his gaze distracted. "Nice to meet you, we are the League of Villains. I do apologize for the intrusion; I know it's presumptuous to invite ourselves but we are here for All Might who seems to be unaccounted for presently. Perhaps you could cooperate, it would be most appreciated. Otherwise, please die."
"Everyone, get to the exit!" Eraserhead barked, planting himself between the kids and the mist man. "Kaminari, keep trying to use your Quirk! I'll hold them back." Instantly some of the students began to protest despite their clear fear but he silenced them with another sharp order to get help.
"Leave it to a Hero to play up the heroics. I hate Pros." Tomura droned from below, sneering behind his mask as he left it to the others to be his vanguard, the Noumu on standby while Toga was jumping up and down in anticipation. "Though I'm curious to see this one in action."
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to do that." Kurogiri informed up above without a hint of remorse in his deep voice as his misty form towered before the Pro, now a wall of mist with yellow eyes, "After all, I have my part I must play."
"And I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed." Eraserhead responded in an almost deadpan except for the hint of an edge. He pulled his goggles up over his eyes, clearly glaring at the villain in front of him. "You'll have to go through me."
"I respect your duty to your charges but I think not."
"Go, now!" Eraserhead barked to the students as he grabbed at the wrappings around his neck, Kurogiri's gaze unreadable.
"My apologies, from one caregiver to another." Kurogiri's remark made Eraserhead ponder for half a second as he moved to lunge at the mist man only to be met with another opponent.
"Can't erase mutations, right?" Dabi grinned as he burst out from behind Kurogiri's massive form where the mist man had warped him only moments after himself, obscuring Eraserhead's line of sight. The Hero must have blinked due to the surprise for a spark of blue flames suddenly escaped Dabi's hand and blinded him with a bright burst of light. He proceeded to grab Eraserhead's arm and pull him towards him, before swinging him around and throwing him toward the stairs where the other villains awaited below.
The Hero grabbed onto the scarred young man to take him along but Dabi quickly unleashed flames up his arm, causing Eraserhead to pull back barely in time to avoid having his arm engulfed in searing blue flames though they sputtered out almost instantly as the Hero's gaze fixated on him. "Now, Kurogiri!"
As Eraserhead's vision switched to Kurogiri to stop whatever he was doing, reaching for his wrappings once more, his vision was met with a wall of blue flames that abruptly cut him off from the entrance way. "If you can't see them, your Quirk doesn't work!"
Eraserhead threw his Capturing Weapon at Dabi only to have the scarred man disappear into a black mist portal, Kurogiri sending one after where he'd last seen his comrade, warping him back next to Tomura. The Hero let out a curse as he whirled around, suddenly faced with a sea of villains while at his back were his students with a high flaming barrier separating them.
It was not good.
"Now children, it's time to play." Kurogiri informed as he turned his attention back to the students now that their assigned protector was out of the way.
"You sure do love to talk. What's that supposed to mean?" A boy with purple hair that stood straight up and bags under his eyes demanded as he took a step toward Kurogiri. A black mask hung around his neck as well as wrappings similar to his instructor, causing Kurogiri to be weary if this child had a non-physical Quirk as well. Eraserhead's Quirk relied on his sight, did this tired yet scrutinizing child's Quirk as well? Or was it another sense like touch, smell or hearing?
There was an explosion that cut off the mist man just as he began the low tones of a reply, barely uttering a sound. Smoke plumed up, covering the area and obscuring the class and Kurogiri further from watching eyes below, the smell of fire and smoke filling the training facility.
A spiky ash-blond boy had leapt at him with an intense expression, thrusting a gloved hand forward as sparks escaped his palm, signaling the explosion that caused the smokescreen as he blasted Kurogiri at near point blank range. He grinned intensely, red eyes full of excitement through the smoke. "Shut up, Misty Fart! More like it's time you died! We'll beat your sorry asses! We're the Hero Course!"
This must be the one Young Deku had mentioned. Rather pugnacious for a Hero trainee.
Even the youth's classmate with the purple hair seemed to be glaring at him with tired resignation and disgust, mouthing what looked like a less than fond nickname for the blond. A spiky red headed boy with sharp teeth was suddenly beside the aggressive youth, grinning, possessing what looked liked jagged hands, "All Might or not, you didn't even consider you'd get beaten by us, huh?"
As the smoke cleared the looks of confidence of the duo faltered as Kurogiri reformed himself with ease. "My, the Hero Course is full of ruffians. That was close. Even as students you are indeed worthy and that is dangerous."
"Bakugou-san! Kirishima-kun!" A brown haired girl with a round face exclaimed with worry as Kurogiri's yellow eyes narrowed. That seemed to send a jolt through the two boys though the mist man did not hesitate any further, expanding his form into one of a giant wall-like phantom, tendrils of mist shooting out.
"Without further ado, scatter and suffer! Blame All Might for your fates."
"Look out!" One of the students shouted as Kurogiri's black mist suddenly covered the group like a massive dome. A handful of them managed to get outside of the mist dome's range but it hardly mattered as within seconds everyone caught inside found themselves suddenly in a new part of USJ surrounded by squads of villains.
Down below Eraserhead continued to fight the swarm of villains before him, the Hero clearly trying to appear composed. Dabi let out a sharp whistle and instantly a misty portal was before him, allowing him to step into it and Warp away.
Toga let out a squeal and waved her arm, chanting, "Me, me, me next, Kurogiri-kun! Bring me up there with you~ I wanna play!" Within seconds one appeared before her as well and she jumped in with a skip as Kurogiri released the dome, facing down the remaining students as Toga appeared next to him, ecstatic.
Tomura grinned at the scene before him, Noumu the only one left as his flank. He looked on with amusement despite the focal point of his revenge being absent. He could still hurt All Might like he'd hurt him all those years ago, taking away someone he cared about, for hurting Sensei. He would make sure the Hero also felt a direct blow once they crossed paths, the Noumu at the ready. It was only a matter of time now, things were just beginning.
"Game start."