It's here! It's finally here! And with it the end of the Road Trip Arc! Finally, would you believe that in my original plan this arc would have ended 9 months ago. Wow, I am so bad at planning out how long it will actually take me to write one chapter. Sheesh. Like for real I wanted us to be past the Overhaul Arc by now. But hey hindsight is 20-20 ya know? Anyway, it's here! It's finally here!

***ARTWORK*** Here's a shout out to "Weeldx" for making some more awesome artwork! Thank you so much, you and your work are awesome. If you want to see his fanart then please visit him on Deviant Art. Username being "Weeld1" and his artwork of "Truly a Freak." I love it! Or if you like please visit this story on Archive of Our Own (AO3) where you can find his fanart located at the bottom of this same chapter.

*Speaking of Artwork, I am looking for more fanart submissions from you guys. My awesome and FAN-tastic readers! You see I finally figure out how to post images on AO3 and I would love to show off more of what you guys make. Do whatever you like: draw your favorite scene, scenes of what you think might happen, character interactions, characters, whatever. I want to see your imaginations and creativity on full display! Just be sure to DM me, thank you!

***IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT WARNING*** I have some news for you guys, but more on that at the end of the chapter.

*There is a side story that is canon to this story and it is called "Heroes Never Die; It's Hero Time, Anytime." You will find an assortment of one shots that take place in the canon of this main story. And I provide updates about the main chapter whenever I post an Omake.

*This story has a TV Tropes page so feel free to check it out.*


The night is dark and quiet as the Rustbucket slides to a gentle stop underneath the light of a flickering light post, while the moon shines ominously overhead.

Parking the RV, a concerned Hisashi Midoriya looks over towards his passenger who hasn't been talking much since the incident just a few days ago. "How you feeling, Champ?"

"I'm fine." Izuku Midoriya admits rather timidly while sipping from a water bottle, but his grip slips and the bottle spills to the floor. "I guess I'm still a bit shaken though."

Hisashi pats him on the shoulder reassuringly. "Just relax, okay? There's nothing to be afraid of here." He tries to reassure him with a cheery smile. "The only thing to have here is fun."

"What kind of fun?"

Hisashi smiles leaning back so Izuku can get a view from the window of their final stop. "The festival kind."

Behind Hisashi is the rest of the car field parking lot that leads to the entrance of an ideal summer festival. The entire place is aglow with lanterns and warm lights, illuminated like the sun in the midst of the dark forest surrounding it. Rows and rows of colorful stands, games, and vendors line every stretch of the place while various rides, stages, and events stand amongst them. Crowds of people of all shapes, sizes, and mutations gather inside milling about and enjoying their time with friends and family. Each of them is here to have a wonderful wholesome time.

Hisashi smiles, gesturing towards the inviting festival entrance. "I thought that it would have made for a good send off for the end of our father and son road trip."

Izuku nods excitedly, he's actually looking forward to some festival fun but then he realizes that Hisashi said something odd. "Would have? Is this not the last stop?"

Hisashi shrugs. "It was gonna be but there's been a change in plans." He lovingly pats Izuku on the head, ruffling his already messy hair. "But don't sweat about that right now, just focus on the here and now. We're here to have some nice wholesome fun. Where the only excitement will be from the rides and games."

Izuku smiles as he hops out of the RV and shuts the door behind him.

"Woah woo!" Chopper wheels in with Kraab perched on his head. "For once I'm actually up for some mindless fun. What about you C1-10P?"

^Wa wop bz!^

Hisashi feins a smile. "I'm glad to hear you say that. Because there's Jenga, Scrabble, and other games under the seat there. Have fun."

He hurries out of the RV shutting the door as the two droids shout in protest.

"Wait!-"

Izuku watches on, feeling somewhat bad for the droids. "T-that wasn't very nice."

Hishasi smiles guiltily as he hurries them both though the car-filled parking lot. "Hey no offense to them but if they come Kraab will be mistaken for a piece of trash and Chopper a trash can. And besides this is father and son time."

Izuku's smile widens, excited to get going, he runs ahead.

Hisashi grins glad to see Izuku warming up to the idea. But as he hurries over to catch up something catches his eye.

Wedged and hidden between the parking lot is a pink Elantra which really stands out amongst the sea of soft or dark colored cars. But what really catches his eye are the bumper stickers. One simply states where the car was purchased from, some dealer in Musutafu called Bigman's Cars. But the other is what gives him pause as it reads "My Child Is A Hero Student."


Cannon Busters Opening - Showdown

(Beginning Instrumentals)

An open road, a bright sun illuminating the beautiful summer day, and the rush of wind in one's ears as the Rustbucket cruises by moving across the road like a sports car before zooming past with grace.

We got places to go, things to do, people to see, and we got to get it done right away.

Izuku adjusts his hoodie, tugging it down over his body. All before gripping the dial of the Omnitrix and giving it a shine with his fingers.

So if you on the crew, guess we a team. Thicker than thieves and we all tryna help find a way

Hisashi buttons up his Hawaiian short, before grabbing his respirator and dawning it over his maw. He then snatches up a few loose tickets and pamphlets before tucking them away.

If you know the destination, we making conversation. Time is ticking, sun is setting, we got no time for waiting

Chopper latches his leg to his body, readjusting it. Before his arms pop out and flex about making sure they're working properly.

Might be the showdown, Looks like it's 'bout to go down

Bust through with the cannon, at the hoedown

(Instrumentals)

Izuku slams down on the Omnitrix! In a flash of green the screen scrolls down to reveal his aliens: Feedback, XLR8, Grey Matter, Four Arms, Ditto, Ripjaws, Terraspin, Water Hazard, Lodestar, Buzzshock, Diamondhead, Big Chill, Heatblast, Stinkfly, and Wildmutt.

Transition into title sequence: HEROES NEVER DIE; IT'S HERO TIME

So, we won't fall, until gravity is gone

Izuku grins falling through the air alongside Rath, Wildvine, Bullfrag, Cannonbolt, Upchuck, and Ghostfreak! As the glow of the sunrise illuminates U.A. in the background!

We've been on this road too long, so long

Hisashi and Izuku stand back-to-back looking away from each other as the scene rotates around them.

The scenes flip in rapid succession with characters standing back-to-back!

(Instrumentals)

To Thirteen and Ochaco!

To Ochaco and All Might!

To All Might and Gran Torino!

And to Gran Torino and Hisashi!

And I can't stop, we can't stop

I'm so far away from home

We've been on this road too long, too long

A legion of villains have their backs to the camera but as the camera slides through their lineup, each of them turn to acknowledge the audience.

Kraab's claw flexes and clamps nearly clipping the camera.

Rojo folds their arms together and smirks as the camera rolls past.

Sunder raises his axe at the ready.

A Techadon stands tall and proud, towering over the camera.

Nue bares a sharp tooth grin, his eyes gleaming with malice before the camera zooms away and up into to the forbidding sky, through the void of space, through the walls of the command ship, before halting before an all observing Vilgax.

Playing with fire (Fire!)

Take me higher

From up in the air Cinder releases a cloud of flames down upon Rojo below! Rojo cuts through the flames before rocketing up and clashing with the hero in midair!

We're on our way, we're on our way

Undivided (-Vided!)

Gran Torino zooms past, his grin wide, as he slams his feet into the Techadon! The Techadon crashes into the ground, kicking up smoke, but it rises again, unharmed.

And ignited

We're on our way, we're on our way, yeah!

From the smoke cloud, Ochaco leaps back in a spin as Sunder soars after her. Sunder his axe at her but she counters it with a Ryou Sphere!

On our way, we're going

Nue grins madly as he stares down Deku who grins back just as determined and manically.

And no mistakes while we're rolling around town

We just came back round

The Rustbucket bursts forth zooming down the highlighted highway, gracefully zooming past Bakugou, Kirishima, Tsuyu, Hatsume, Kaminari, Jiro, Tokoyami, Shoto, Mina, Hagakure, and Ochaco!

You don't wanna show out

Close up of a smiling Hisashi.

Cut to a closeup of Chopper.

Cut to a closeup of Kraab.

Finally, a close up to a grinning Deku!

Might be a showdown

Deku's hand slams down on the Omnitrix, the alien green light swallows the screen!

Woo!

Freeze on the image of Deku, Cinder, Chopper, and Kraab posing before the setting sun, their shadows casted far off over the ground towards the camera.

(Illustrated by CreateGunner1209)


Ch.61 Freak Show

The festival is alive with action, cheers, music, and laughs fill the air like a chorus while people of all shapes, sizes, and Quirks. Ranging from your hidden Emitter Types to your clear and obvious Mutant types. And there are a lot of them with such uncanny and seemingly beastly Quirks and appearances. But they are not at all out of place in such a colorful and lively setting.

Izuku smiles watching the crowd mill about between the colorful festival stalls, he himself gets swept up in the music and the smell of freshly fried food. "Quite the crowd."

"It sure is." Hisashi smiles before spotting one of the nearby carnival rides. "Hey, wanna go for a ride?" He points over towards the Tidal Wave ride, a pirate ship themed ride that swings back and forth like a pendulum.

Izuku happily agrees and they go.

It was a short but fun ride. Then again it wasn't really much compared to how fast they've gone in Hisashi's own Razor Crest. But still they can finally say that they went on a carnival ride together. But now needing something closer to an actual thrill they hop around between several other rides, trying to fill the niche. They tried a Drop Tower but that didn't last long. They tried a Twister ride which was fun but was almost like they were settling at that point.

Eventually they hopped over to try some Bumper Cars…but they got kicked out. Somehow Hisashi, accidentally, found a way to flip over a Bumper Car just by hitting it.

And so they spent the next few minutes walking from stall to stall, window shopping at all the little souvenirs and trinkets for sale. And after a while Hisashi goes ahead and buys them each their own festival mask.

He gets Izuku, a traditional white Kitsune Mask with a round face, red ears and a sun imprint running down the left ear.

He then got himself a red Oni Mask with little black horns and large white fangs.

And of course, they both put them on, and try them out. And admittedly Hisashi's Oni Mask fits ironically well with his Hawaiian shirt and white pants. While Izuku's Kitsune Mask is a nice contrast to his black and green hoodie.

"EEEEEeeekkk!"

"Waah!" Izuku jumps, grateful that the mask has hidden his scared face before he blushes with embarrassment when he notices the massive Haunted House looming near the edge of the festival grounds.

The Haunted House is huge, nearly the size of a circus tent with a gothic design but on the cheap end with grey tarps and cardboard walls painted to look gothic. Posted at the entrance of the haunted house are three of the Haunted House's staff, each of them dressed as a classic Universal Monster: a hulking Frankenstein with fake bolts and makeup, a feminine Mummy who is probably just wrapped in toilet paper, and a raggedy Werewolf who's costume definitely got eaten by moths.

"EEEEEeeekkk!" Another high-pitched scream echoes out from inside the Haunted House causing Izuku to flinch.

"Lots of screams coming from in there."

"Must be one heck of a Haunted House. Wanna check it out?" Hisashi suggests.

"No thanks. I've had enough scares as it is." He's seen enough fangs and claws in the Null Void to last him a lifetime.

Hisashi doesn't push it after that, he's still feeling rather guilty about the whole thing anyway. Scanning the festival, he gets an idea that'll get Izuku' mind off of things. "Hey, Champ, how about a wager?"

Izuku is rightfully suspicious, raising an eyebrow under his Kitsune mask. "A wager? What kind of wager?"

"Relax, it's nothing serious. But how about you and I compete to see who can win the most games." Hisashi grins teasingly from under his Oni mask. "And the loser buys the winner dinner! What do you say?"

Hisashi can almost see the smirk from underneath Izuku's mask.

"Sure, but don't feel bad when I smoke you, old man."

"Old man?!" Hisashi feigns being offended. "I'm only 42! That's it, I think it's time your old man finally put you in your place. Here comes some old-fashioned humble pie."

"Hahaha!" Izuku laughs, getting into the competitive spirit as they head off for the first game.

As they turn away from the haunted house the guy in the raggedy werewolf costume spots the ball of messy green hair wandering away. The guy pauses, his mismatched eyes lingering on the masked greenette. 'Was that…?'


Shining shurikens whiz through the air and pierce into their targets: an array of colorful balloons taped to a wall.

*POP!*

*POP!*

*POP!*

*POP!*

*DING!*

The carny nods and declares. "40 points you can feel free to pick a prize off the wall here."

Lodestar smirks, as he takes a stuffed blue bunny that's stitched to a yellow ducky. He does not feel an ounce of guilt from using his alien powers to win. "Top that."

Hisashi smirks from underneath his mask but no one would know based on his casual and laid-back posture.

Unlike Lodestar he takes all five shurikens in one hand and tosses them all at once at the balloons.

*POP! POP! POP! POP! POP!*

A row of five balloons all burst apart all at once with each shuriken perfectly impeded into the plywood wall.

"WINNER!" The carny joyously shouts. "50 points! Please, take any prize from the top shield!"

He gestures up to the massive stuffed Pokémon toys sitting on the shelf above.

Hisashi smiles, choosing the four-foot Blaziken doll.

Lodestar glares at him while holding onto his Ducky and Bunny. "Dang it!"


Next up is a game of Yo-Yo Tsuri where water balloons float inside a filled-up kiddy pool and patrons have to use special hooks to grab their rubber bands and pull them out without losing them.

And Hisashi did pretty well for himself, having gotten two balloons out of three attempts. "How'd you do, Champ-?"

He gasps in surprise as Wildvine holds up three unpoped water balloons. Looking closer one could see just the tiniest strings of vines running down the hook and rubber bands.

"Cheater! I raised you better than that."

"You were never around to raise me!"


Next up is some good old-fashioned bowling. Well sort of more like you take a giant rubber exercise ball and roll down a lane that has pit falls, obstacles, and pillars but cutsified like a miniature golf course.

Four Arms goes first, taking the massive ball and simply throwing it with all he's got, smashing the pins apart, getting himself a split with only two pins still standing.

Feeling confident he smirks, folding his arms together as he watches Hisashi go next.

Hisashi takes the ball and actually rolls it, giving it a spin allowing it to curve and swirl around the obstacles before landing him a strike!

Four Arms' jaw drops as Hisashi smirks back and says. "It's all in the wrist."


Next up is your classic Water Gun game where you shoot the target to get the little plastic seahorse to rise up first and win the race.

And so Hisashi lines up with two other players while Izuku hangs back and messes with the Omnitrix.

"GO!" The carny shouts and they all aim their water guns and fire.

But in a flash of green Water Hazard steps forward and launches a powerful stream of water into the target causing his seahorse to shoot up and win in record time.

"WINNER!"

Hisashi puts down the water gun and glares at Izuku from behind his Oni mask.

Water Hazard grins back at him. "Hahaha, guess you can say you're washed up."

"Funny. But there's only one game left. Are you ready?"

"Pft. I got this."

"Well get ready because this next game will test your precision, skill, and patience."

Water Hazard confidently crosses his arms. "So, it's on easy mode?"

Hisashi smirks from underneath his Oni mask.


"Gaaahhh!" Ditto (1) screams out in agony as he breaks another one of his candy cards.

A crowd of Dittos are all chipping away at a game of Katanuki where they all have to use a toothpick to chip away and cut out an image of an umbrella, flower, or hammer indented on a candy mold.

Ditto (2) is shaking after breaking another of the molds. "I think I'm getting addicted to this. This is already attempt number 15 for me."

Ditto (3) frowns becoming very concerned. "Do-do we have a gambling problem?"

As he asks this Ditto (4) is repeatedly banging his head against the table after breaking his own mold.

And the rest of the Dittos aren't having any luck either.

"Why is this so hard?!"

"It's a scam! A scam I tell you!"

"I give up! I-I can't do this…"

"You said it yourself, kido." Hisashi smiles, lifting up the mask so he can chew on one of his twenty perfectly cut out molds. "This was on easy mode."

Some of the Dittos break into years while others grumble and spit back.

"Disown me!"

"You know I'm starting to expect that he played me from the start."

"Wow, geez what gave you that impression?"


Hisashi smiles on, pulling the Oni mask back down as he and Izuku continue towards the food stands. "Oh, come on you're not upset, are you? That was fun, wasn't it?"

"No, I'm not upset." Izuku admits with a soft smile, pulling back down his Kitsune mask after taking another bite from some broken candy molds. "And yeah, it was fun. I'm just trying to think of ways to get you back."

"Hahahaha!" Hisashi laughs as they arrive at their chosen food stand.

There Izuku makes two orders and hands over a plate of steaming Takoyaki. "Well, here you are, you're prize."

"Ah, why thank you." Hisashi smiles while taking his plate. "Aw, Takoyaki, it always tastes so much better when someone else is paying."

"I'm sure." Izuku sweatdrops, feeling the sting of defeat as he takes his own plate and marches off for the picnic area.

But thanks to the mask and the fact that he's not paying attention to where he's going he accidentally bumps into someone in a dark kimono decorated with flowers and a gold ribbon.

"Waah!" The two gasps as Izuku takes a tumble, spilling his Takoyaki across the ground.

"Oh, my gosh I'm so sorry!" The girl around his age apologizes.

Izuku peers up only to find a cutesy Okame mask staring down at him.

"N-no! I-it was my-my fault!" Izuku apologizes, blushing behind his Kitsune mask. "I-I should have been w-watching where I was going."

"No, it's my bad, really." The girl digs into her money purse. "Here let me get you a new plate."

"No, no really, it's okay you don't owe me anything."

"Are you sure?"

"Y-yeah."

"Um, well okay then. I-I'll see you around I guess." The girl pauses when her eyes are drawn to Izuku's messy hair. "Nice hair style." She then points to her own which is exactly the same but a completely different shade.

Izuku smiles. "Thanks, I like yours too."

It soon becomes awkward and so the girl waves him away. "So, um, enjoy the festival then."

"Yeah, you too."

And they both go their separate ways, the girl to her mother who looks dressed for a wintery hike while Izuku meets back up with his Oni masked dad.

But then the two teens freeze, halting to a stop as their brains finally click. And they both simultaneously spin around and shout! "Hey, wait a minute!"

Izuku rips off his Kitsune mask as the girl rips her Okame mask too. "Ashido?!/Midoriya?!"


"Crazy running into you guys here." Mina Ashido greets them after they all found themselves a secluded picnic table to sit down and talk.

Izuku smiles, tucking the mask to the side of his head. "Yeah, same I didn't think I'd see anyone I knew here."

"I did." Hisashi admits.

"You did?!" Izuku gasps.

"Well, I had a hunch." Hisashi then turns to the disguised Eirene. "I saw your car's bumper sticker. But I wasn't sure if it was from U.A. or one of the other hundreds of hero schools in the country."

"Yes~." Eirene Ashido's voice sings-songs from behind her winter scarf and fleece. "I had thought I recognized your emotional wavelength~. But I wasn't quite sure due to so many other beings present here~."

Izuku's ears perk up. "You can detect what?"

"Emotional wavelengths~. It's like a signature or a fingerprint of an individual's normal and most influential emotions~." Her long elegant antennas wave and curl from underneath her winter hat as she senses Izuku's own wavelength. "For example, you are a mix of curiosity and excitability as well as sheepishness~."

"T-that's not true!"

Everyone gives him a look.

"N-never mind."

Hisashi chuckles. "I never get tired of seeing your powers at work." he then looks over towards Mina. "And what about you young lady? Have your powers been developing since?"

"Oh, yeah!" Izuku definitely wants to hear more. "Have you gotten better with your Emote power yet?"

Mina sheepishly rubs her neck. "Well, Mom's been trying to get me to learn. And I've been doing alright."

"Mina please don't be shy~." Eirene gently insists before explaining her progress herself. "She's been struggling but she is making progress albeit at a steady pace~."

"Mom!" Mina gasps embarrassed while the Midoriya's laugh at her expense.

She glares at them "What about you guys? What have you been up to this summer?"

"Well we-" Izuku pauses, sharing a concerned look with his Dad. "Um, we, uh, did a lot of traveling, you know? In my Dad's RV."

"That's neat what you do?"

"Well, um, I made a new friend, I think. Um, what else, oh we dealt with a fungus problem when we went camping and-"

Hisashi cuts in. "We hooked a real monster of a fish at Lake Nal Hutta."

"Yeah! Oh, we also made a pitstop when the RV broke down and we met up with some old friends over in Tokyo!"

Mina eyes them critically while her antennas twitch and pick up on their nervousness. "I'm not totally convinced but I have the feeling you two are holding back a lot of details."

The Midoriya's justifyingly don't comment, looking like they don't want to share right now.

Figuring she won't get anything out of them Mina tries to move things along before they become too awkward. "I'd love to continue this conversation, but I'd really like to make up for ruining your meal first." She shoves herself off the bench.

Izuku instantly shoots up trying to stop her. "Oh, no, really Ashido it's fine."

She frowns at him, glaring into his emerald eyes. "Just allow me to do this, Midoriya."

He backs off. "F-fine but I'm coming with."

"Fine, let's go."

And they hurry off leaving the adults alone in an awkward silence which Hisashi quickly tries to break by asking about her human husband. "So, how's Buuyu?"


"So, your Emote powers." Izuku starts, his curiosity getting the better of him. "What kind of training has your mom been having you do?"

Mina shrugs, acting like it's nothing special. "Oh, well it's been a little bit of this and that. But mainly I've been stuck inside all summer thanks to her!"

"What? Really?"

"Yeah, she gave me this alien toy that reacts to my emotions, kinda works like a mood ring. And then she had me watch a whole bunch of movies, mainly horror and thrillers."

The idea was that it would help her control her own emotions and influence the emotions that device detected. And she was able to do it right…sometimes.

"That still sounds fun." Although not for Izuku, he's not really big into horror movies. "Did you at least go on a trip this summer?"

"Well, I did, Yaomomo invited a bunch of us to go see what was an underwater resort."

"An underwater resort? That sounds cool!"

"Not really, it sunk…"

He's gonna assume that she means that figuratively. "Yeah, I can relate. I-I just took an impromptu trip myself recently."

"And how was that?"

"Honestly, it was…hell."

Mina is just about to ask him to elaborate but they arrive at a stall that's selling an assortment of snacks and treats. "So, what do you want?"

"Let me see." Izuku has a look around while the elderly man working the stall has his back turned to them while he fixes up some loose boxes into a neat stack.

"Excuse me!" Mina cheerfully calls. "We wanna buy something!"

"Sure, be right with you. Huh?"

Izuku gasps as well, staring right back at the just as baffled Mr. Baumann.

"IT'S YOU!" They both jump back while pointing an accusing finger at each other and shouting out simultaneously. "What are you doing here?!"

Mina blinks while witnessing their reactions. "Woah, you two are like on the same wavelength."

Mr. Baumann pouts, folding his arms in annoyance. "Why wouldn't I be here? Festivals and gatherings like this one are the best ways for me to reach out to other members of our…" He quickly peers around to make sure no one's listening in before whispering. "alien community."

"Huh?" The teens act confused, unsure what he means.

Mr. Baumann frowns at their lack of knowledge. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed yet?"

Izuku tilts his head in confusion. "Noticed what?"

"Look around kids, take a good look at everybody here."

They do, watching as all the normal and nonnormal humans mill about in kimonos and other festive attire.

"Do you really think everyone here is a Mutant or wearing a costume?"

"Wait, so is everyone here an alien?" Mina gasps.

"No, of course not." Mr. Baumann confirms. "I'd say that every one out of three people you see here is an alien."

Izuku frowns. "How'd you come to that conclusion?"

"Well, I'm human, you're human, and she's half-alien… You do the math."

Izuku has to admit it, but his logic seems sound.

Mina peers around watching as a teen couple with overly enlarged brains passes by. "There's so many. But I thought the alien community in Japan was small."

"It is." Mr. Baumann explains. "And because of that there's not a lot of places they can stretch their arms or other limbs because of it. The only real places they can do that are my store, the Tavern of High Charity, and some other holes in the wall type places. And festivals are the perfect excuse to come out and be themselves."

Mina cups her chin in thought. "So, like what about people at like Comic Cons?"

"Aliens. Most of them are aliens." Mr. Baumann confirms. "I mean do you really think someone's skilled enough to make such realistic and complex cosplay?"

Actually, yes a lot of humans can make such great costumes but admittedly some of them look way too real.

Izuku thinks, offering up another suggestion. "Halloween?"

Mr. Baumann chuckles. "Funny enough some of the more classic monsters we have are actually based on aliens."

Mina offers up another suggestion. "Furry Conventions?"

Mr. Baumann quickly shakes his head in disgust. "Oh god no, you'd never catch an alien in one of those. Even they stay away from that." He means no offense but since those costumes usually have distinct designs they usually stay away. "But what do I know? Aliens are like the rest of us, they want to express themselves and have a good time."

"EEEEEeeekkk!" Terrified screams echo from inside the Haunted House, startling Izuku, Mina, and Mr. Baumann.

Mr. Baumann takes a napkin and wipes his forehead after being startled so badly. "No matter how they like to go about it. Who am I to judge?"

Izuku sheepishly chuckles in response. "Hehehe…"

Becoming annoyed Mr. Baumann quickly jabs a finger at Izuku's face. "But that doesn't give you the excuse to do whatever you want!"

"M-me?!"

"Yes, you!" Suddenly Mr. Baumann summons a broom from thin air and swings it at Izuku's head. "I don't want you anywhere near my stand!"

Izuku ducks, avoiding the broom. "Why would I?!"

"Because you have a pension for the destruction of my property! Now get before you attract any trouble."

Suddenly down the row of stands the ground shakes and rumbles as something massive crashes through several stands instantly causing a chorus of screams and panic.

Mr. Baumann sighs before throwing Izuku a nasty glare. "Too late."

Izuku throws his hands up in defense as people begin stampeding by in a panic. "H-how's it my fault?!"

"What's going on?!" Mina shouts over the screaming crowd.

"RAAAGGHH!" Out from the dust cloud, towering over the stands is a red behemoth.

The red behemoth looks like a Red Hulk combined with a Rancor. With muscular leather skin, long arms that stretch to its feet and four-foot long razor sharp claws. It roars displaying the rows of white fangs as its white eyes dart across the festival in a frenzy.

"RAAAGGHH!"

Mina covers her ears as the monster's roar pierces her eardrums. "What is that thing?! Got to be an alien, right!?"

"It is!" Hisashi calls out running up behind them along with a disguised Eirene. "What the hell is he doing?! Is he insane? This could risk exposing the other aliens in attendance!

Mr. Baumann tries to offer up a reason. "Maybe he drank too much."

"I hope that's all it is. I'm going in. And kids…" Hisashi turns to the teens and says. "I'd really appreciate the help."

Mina looks over at Eirene. "Mom?"

"Go~. This will be good practice for you~."

Mina grins, grateful that she has permission to help.

"Don't worry I just need her on crowd control." Hisashi explains. "Now let's go!"

Mina quickly follows while shouting out. "I'll be safe, promise!"

Izuku gets ready to chase after them. "I'm right behind you-Yah?!'

He's yanked back by his own hood by Mr. Baumann. "You are staying right here."

"But-"

"No buts! If you want to help you can do it without transforming, got it? Last thing I need is for you to destroy my stand."

"But what if he destroys your stand?!" Izuku points up at the rampaging red behemoth.

But Mr. Baumann just gives him a glare, shutting him up.

"N-never mind…"

Meanwhile, the red behemoth continues its rampage marching through the festival and causing a panic with every swing of its claws. "RAAAGGHH!"

Hisashi rushes over, intercepting the behemoth's path. "Sir! I need you to settle down and explain yourself, immediately!"

"RAAAGGHH!" The red behemoth roars, swinging its massive claw down at the Plumber.

Hisashi dives out of the way, allowing the massive claws to smash into the ground. "Sir, please, let's use our words not our claws!" From a nearby stall serving grilled squid, he spots several grills still burning with open flames. "I'd hate for things to get heated!"

Putting his face near the grill Hisashi inhales, spins around and exhales releasing a massive wall of flames into the air.

"RAAAGGHH!" The red behemoth backs away from the roaring flames.

Meanwhile, staying at a safe distance, Mina is shepherding people away from the scene and towards the parking lot.

"This way! And hurry but don't run!"

But everyone both human and alien have been whipped into a frenzy, pushing, shoving, and screaming to get to safety.

"Don't push!" Mina shouts trying to keep them in order, but she just ends up getting shoved around even more. "Stop, please! Everybody, you need to stay calm! Stay calm!"

"Mina darling, if you wish for them to be calm you must express that~." Eirene comments from the sidelines, staying clear of the rushing crowd.

"I am!"

"No, I mean through Emote~."

"I'm trying, Mom!" Mina shouts, finally pulling herself free of the stampede. "It's not as easy as it looks!"

Eirene frowns, standing back and making a point to watch her closely. "Mina, how do you feel right now~?"

"Annoyed!"

"No, not you~. But what is everyone else feeling~?"

Mina calms down, closing her eyes as she tries to focus her Emote. Her antennas shake and bob picking up on the surrounding emotions. "They're worried. Scared. Fearful. Of him." She gestures to the rampaging behemoth.

"Yes, but what else~?"

"Huh?"

"Listen~. Listen and tell me what he's feeling~." Eirene gestures up towards the beast.

Mina closes her eyes again, trying to focus in and lock into the monster's emotional wavelength. "He's…he's… Ahhh!" She gasps as her face turns pale white and she begins to hyperventilate, she even collapses to her knees as a wave of fear and panic crashes into her like a wrecking ball. "He's-he's terrified."

Eirene sadly nods her head, confirming Mina's conclusion.

Shakily Mina turns to watch the behemoth continue its rampage. 'He's…scared? Scared of what though?'


"Mr. Baumann, please I have to help them!" Izuku begs trying to pull away from Mr. Baumann's grip.

"No way!" Mr. Baumann barks while pulling on Izuku's hood. "The moment you get involved you'll only make things worse!"

"But Mr. Baumann-"

"No!"

"But-"

"I said no!"

"O-okay…" Izuku gives up, slumping down like a rejected puppy on a tight collar and leah.

"Good." Mr. Baumann finally lets him go while giving him a scrutinizing look.

Izuku shrinks away while rubbing his neck. His eyes drift towards the back of Mr. Baumann's stall before he gasps with horror. "Oh my gosh, that guy's stealing your merch!"

"What?! Who?!" Mr. Baumann spins around, his broom at the ready. "Wait there's nobody there." He begins to turn around. "Are you sure you-Hey!"

He pokes his head out from his stall just in time to see Izuku making a dash for it. "IZUKU!"

'Sorry, Mr. Baumann! But you'll see! This was the right thing to do!' Izuku thinks as he rushes towards the fight.

He can see Hisashi doing his best to keep the monster's attention on him, he's trying his best to minimize the damage but really he's only buying time until this gets too far out of hand.

Izuku skids to a stop as he grips the Omnitrix. "He's big but the bigger they are the harder they fall! And no one knocks them down like Cannonbolt!"

His hand slams down on the Omnitrix, beginning the transformation sequence.

But this time feels off, it feels stranger, colder, sending a shiver down his spine. He can feel his bones and flesh turning into vapor cueing his heart to race until it stops beating.

"Strangeee. I feel…strangeee." This transformation feels off both physically and mentally, almost like wearing a glove that's too big yet restrictive. "This alien, this alien feels…offfff."

It even sounds off with a faint whispery echo to his voice.

The transformed Izuku looks around for a mirror until he spots a kiddie pool containing a school of goldfish. Peering over he finds a phantom, a grey skinned phantom with black veins that run across his incorporeal body and a single purple eye staring back at him in his reflection.

"Ahhh! A ghosttt! Wait, that's meee?" He looks closer, taking in his own ghastly reflection. "Am I…deaddd? No, I'm clearly aliveee. So, then what am Iii? And more importantly what can he dooo?"

Meanwhile, Hisashi is rolling and dodging the incoming claws using nearby flames to lead the behemoth back.

With every step backwards the behemoth takes two forward in its frenzy. "Dammit! I'm getting nowhere like this!"

"Then how about letting me give it a tryyy?" The ghost questions as he appears out of thin air.

Hisahsi jumps. "Izuku?! Is that you?"

"I think sooo."

"RAAAGGHH!" While they're distracted the behemoth swings its claws down at the two.

Without missing a beat the ghost shoves Hisashi out of the way as the claws come crashing down upon him.

"Izuku!" Hisashi screams, his heart stopping as he witnesses the ghost's death.

"I'm okayyy." The ghost phases through the monster's claws. "I thinkkk."

"RAAAGGHH!"

"Woah, easy big guyyy!" The ghost flies up, his body remaining semi-transparent and allowing the claws to pass harmlessly through. "Now what's got you so worked uppp?"

"RAAAGGHH!" The monster just continues to swing away at the ghost, trying to swat it out of the air like a fly.

"I hope you at least feel baddd." The ghost chastises as he backs away and vanishes from sight, turning invisible.

The monster backs away as its eyes dart around, trying desperately to pinpoint him.

"We're all here having a good time and here you are causing a ruckus. Not coolll." The ghost's voice echoes out from beyond the grave, still invisible to the naked eye.

"RAAAGGHH!" The behemoth lets out an earthshaking roar of frustration that shakes the entire festival, causing a few stands to topple over and collapse.

"No need to shout!" The ghost reappears, gliding in close to the monster's skull, and going in for a punch. "Gahhh!" His fist smacks into the monster's nose but it is nothing more than a boop on the nose to the behemoth, if anything it hurts the ghost more than it did the red alien.

Speaking of which, it glares up at him in anger.

"Ehehehe, uh, sorryyy."

"RAAAGGHH!"

"Izuku! Take cover now!"

Before he can attempt to move a wall of bright flames cuts between the ghost and the behemoth, separating them both.

"RAAAGGHH!" The behemoth roars in fear, backing away from the flames, before turning to Hisashi's direction and charging.

With the monster distracted the ghost vanishes into the night, retreating for now.

As he slips away, Mina slips in, skating across the ground with her acid. "Hey! Mr. M! Mr. M!" She calls trying to catch up to Hisashi. "There's something wrong with him!"

"I knowww! The guy's insaneee."

"No!" Mina slides to a stop. "He's scared! Wait, who said that?"

"I diddd." The ghost answers as he materializes before her.

"Waahh!" Mina jumps back in freight. "M-Midoriya? Since when could you turn into a ghost boy?"

"How should I knowww? Not like this thing came with instructionsss." As he says this he points to the Omnitrix.

"RAAAGGHH!" The monster roars as he's blinded by a plume of smoke.

Mina gasps as the monster continues its rampage. "Nothing we do works!"

"Ashido!" Hisahsi calls out, dashing towards them while the monster's distracted by the smoke. "Can you use Emote to calm him down? Maybe then we can put a stop to this."

"I-I don't know. I don't know if I can do it." She fidgets, her antenna drooping down due to her lack of confidence.

Sympathizing for her, Hisashi leans down to eye level and tries his best to consult her. "Hey. Are you at least willing to try?"

Mina hesitates before nodding. "I am."

"Good, that's all I need." He gets up before gesturing to the ghost who he assumes is his son. "We'll give you an opening."

"But how?" The transformed Izuku asks.

Hisashi looks him up and down, a part of him wants to question where the new form came from but he puts it on the back burner for now and instead explains. "You're going to possess it."

"Possess ittt?" His one purple eye peers up at the roaring behemoth. "Yeah, right, good one, Popsss."

"I'm not joking. You're an Ectonurite, you should have the ability to possess living beings."

"Possessss? I'm not sure I'm totally comfortable with thattt."

"It's fine, just think of it like controlling the strings of a puppet."

"But the puppet's aliveee!"

"And you're not, sort of! But please if you have a better idea then let us know now."

When he can't think of one the ghost bows his head dejectedly. "I guess I'll give is a shottt." he floats up towards the monster as it continues through its blind rage and panic.

"RAAAGGHH!" The monster bellows and takes a swipe at the ghost only for his claws to harmlessly pass right through.

The ghost shivers with disgust before becoming shy and off put. "Sorry, afraid this is my first timeee. So hold still, pleaseee." He floats closer, phasing through the monster's claws. "I'm going innn."

The ghostly alien phases his way into the monster's body. Not really sure what he's supposed to do he does his best to let the alien's natural instincts take over but it's strange. He tries and tries but it doesn't seem to click like the others and after a moment of working his way to the behemoth's brain and nervous system he thinks he gets it. Almost feels like slipping into a tight skinsuit.

And the moment he takes control his mind erupts with flashes, images, visions of a towering demonic being with flames surrounding him from all sides. While a surge of the behemoth's panic and fear pumps into his system, slamming into him like a wave, and giving him a massive headache in the process.

"RAAAGGHHhh!" The possessed behemoth let's out an ear piercing screech as Izuku too begins to shake and panic, grabbing at his aching head."RAAAGGHHhh!"

He stumbles closer, nearly stomping on Mina who shouts out in worry. "Midoriya! Midoriya what's the matter?!"

"Izuku!" Hisashi calls, but they only receive a booming roar in response.

The possessed behemoth stumbles and flails about before tripping over a pile of exercise balls used by the mini-bowling course.

"RAAAGGHHhh!" They roar out as they come crashing down into the nearby trees boarding the festival.

Like being thrown off a mechanical bull, the ghost tumbles out and crashes into a pile of leaves.

"Now's our chance!" Hisahsi shouts, signaling for Mina to rush in.

'Okay, Mina you got this. Just stay calm. Stay calm. Calm.' She breaths, closing her eyes and places her hands against the monster's arm.

And the monet she does the behemoths own fears overpower her own emotions causing a shock to her system. "EEEEEeeekkk!"

Mina screams out in pure absolute terror.

Her scream jolts the beast awake causing it to panic and swings its claw down at her. "RAAAGGHH!"

"Ashido!" Hisashi shouts, rushing in and grabbing her.

But it's too late as the claw comes down at them, and so Hisahsi holds her close and covers her with his own body in order to shield her from the blow.

But it never comes but instead the claw slowly slumps down beside them, dragging across the ground almost lazily.

The two peer back around to see the behemoth swaying back and forth. It takes a deep breath, almost choking as it does, and falls over to its side into a deep slumber. Upon being put to sleep the behemoth begins to shrink like a balloon losing its air, shrinking as it does, and while also getting turned inside out. Eventually the behemoth is gone having been shrunk down to a pale balloon-like alien with a wrinkly face and fancy attire.

Everyone stares down at the sleeping alien before peering up to see Eirene Ashido in her full glory and without her disguise, standing beside the one-time beast. "My apologies~. But I wished for Mina to gain confidence in her own abilities~. Thankfully I remained nearby just in case~."

Everyone lets out a sigh of relief as the ghost floats back onto the scene. "What did I missss? Where'd that monster gooo? Did he get awayyy?"

As they catch him up to speed and the sound of police sirens begin to come into range, they fail to notice the three pairs of lingering eyes watching them from the shadows.

The costumed Frankenstein, mummy, and werewolf all watch, but their eyes are instantly drawn to the Omnitrix symbol displayed on the ghost's form.

The cheap-costumed werewolf smirks. "The boss is gonna wanna hear about this."

And with that the trio sneak away into the haunting forest.


After the rampaging alien settled down the cops soon appeared on the scene, but they were quickly intercepted by Hisashi who was quick to get on damage control, trying to reign in their suspicions and investigation.

And good thing too because it allowed the teens and Mrs. Ashido to sneak away along with the now calm alien.

"You have my sincerest apologies. But I really have no clue what came over me." The balloon shaped alien apologies while his body is still trembling from the experience.

Eirene tries to have him relax, by sitting down. "It's alright~. Please, relax and breath~."

"I'll try. Ugh." He groans, shivering as he holds his aching head.

Eirene places a gentle hand to his head, her antennae waving above her head as she massages his emotional state. "Something is off I'm afraid~. Such intense fear~. Something must have triggered such an outburst~."

"I'm trying to remember, but I'm afraid this headache won't go away. And everything's a blur, I don't quite recall what happened."

The ghostly alien sheepishly rubs the back of his head. "Sorry, that's probably my faulttt."

Mina isn't so sure. "You caused the headache, maybe. But you didn't trigger him. So, what did?"

The alien doesn't have a clue. "All I can recall is that I entered the Haunted House. But everything after that's too much. Ugh." His headaches with pain as he begins to temple and shake.

Eirene invokes her calming Emote allowing the alien to relax, at least for now. "I'm afraid he is still recovering~. He will need time before he can properly recall what happened~."

"That's fine because I just bought us time." Hisashi calls out as he rejoins the group. "Thankfully the cops are looking for a red giant and not a diminutive balloon."

"What about the festivalll?" questions the ghost. "Is it canceleddd?"

"Well, there's the other good news." Hisashi smiles. "Luckily, that little outburst didn't actually cause a lot of damage, and nobody got hurt either. And I may have pushed the idea that the red guy may have drank too much so it wasn't even a villain attack. That said they will be sticking around just in case. I did what I could. Any more involvement might make me look too suspicious."

"I guess the question is what do we do nowww?"

Mina slides up and elbows the ghastly alien. "How about we figure out what you are?"

The ghost agrees and Mina watches with disgust as the alien's purple eye travels along the black vein covering its skin until it locks onto Hisashi.

"What did you call me earlierrr?" He asks Hisashi.

Hisashi goes ahead and clarifies. "An Ectonurite. An ectoplasmic lifeform who's atomic make up is spread out far more than other beings granting them the abilities of flight, density shifting, and more."

Ina whistles impressed by the Plumber's knowledge. "Have you dealt with an Ectonurite before?"

"No, this is actually my first time seeing one." Hisashi sheepishly smirks as he admits a small truth. "The only reason I heard about them is cause even aliens like a good ghost story."

"Well what I would like is a name for this guyyy. Now what would be a good oneee? Deadmannn? Gentleman Ghosttt? Spectreee? Dark Soulll? Dusclopsss?"

"How about Deku Phantom?"

"Not bad, I actually like it, but it sounds like something I'd see in some crossover fanfictionnn. Also I don't think it's really fits this guyyy." As the ghost says this he pats his chest only for his fingers to slip between the folds of his malleable grey skin.

Curious he rubs his hand over the fold until the skin peels back like a seal.

Mina watches with disgust. "What are you doing?"

"I just realized this, but I think this alien's skin is covering somethinggg." The ghost answers while stretching the malleable membrane apart, revealing a dark empty void inside.

"Covering what?"

"I don't knowww." He opens it just wide enough for him to peek inside. "Just gonna have myself a peek hereee." He pokes his eye close to the opening, gazing into his own body before lurching back and tightly sealing the opening closed out of freight.

Mina's instantly intrigued. "What? What did you see?"

"N-nothinggg!"

"Oh, come on. What are you shy?" Mina teases.

"N-no! I-I mean y-yesss! J-just trust me on thisss." He makes sure the seal is closed, patting it just to make sure. "It's best if I keep this to myselfff."

"Excuse me!" Mr. Baumann barks as he makes a sudden appearance from between the rows of stalls and stands.

"Eeeppp!" The unnamed ghost alien jumps, fearfully tucking himself away behind Mina. Upon his arrival, Hisashi makes a point to greet him properly this time. "Hello Mr. Baumann. Sorry I couldn't properly say hello from before."

Mr. Baumann happily greets him with a smile. "It's fine, you had bigger things to deal with. And I do apologize if this is a bad time, but I wanted to ask if it was okay if I borrowed those two for a second?" He throws his thumb towards the teens.

Hisashi shrugs. "I don't see why not."

As Mr. Baumann approaches the two, the ghost shrinks back behind Mina, using her as a shield between him and the possibly grouchy old man. "N-now Mr. B-Baumann before you start y-yelling at me I just want to point out that nothing happened to your stallll." He pauses not actually sure if that's even correct. "R-righttt?"

"Relax, this isn't about me and you." Mr. Baumann clarifies while folding his arms and addressing the kids directly. "I wanted to ask you kids to do me a favor."

Mina gives him a weird look. "What kind of favor?"

"If it's not too much trouble I'd like you two to go around and start having fun around the festival."

The two teens give him perplexed looks. "Huh?"

"Look I'd really appreciate it if you kids played some games, eat some candy, whatever, do whatever you like as long as you're having fun."

"Whyyy?" The ghost flinches as Mr. Baumann gazes up at him. "Not that I don't want to, but why are you askinggg?"

Mr. Baumann gestures towards the entrance of the festival where cautious and frightened festival goers are crowded around, too nervous to rejoin the continuing summer festival. "After what just occurred everyone's too spooked to get back into the swing of things. Everyone's too shaken to really enjoy themselves anymore. But if they see a pair of kids enjoying themselves without a care then maybe it'll encourage everyone else to join in."

"I guess you can say we'll be raising their spiritsss. Ehehehe-Owww!" The ghost rubs his aching side as Mina withdraws her elbow.

She glares up at him. "Sorry, but that joke was dead on arrival." She smirks knowing he won't do anything back.

The ghost rolls his one eye. "Oh hardy-har-harrr."

"What do you say kids? Will you help?" Mr. Baumann pleads.

Mina nods, giving him a cheery smile. "Of course."

The ghastly alien nods his head in agreement. "But first thing's firsttt. I still haven't eaten anything yettt. Look at me I'm nothing but skin and bonesss. I'm starvinggg!"


"I'm starving…!" A hushed nasally whisper echoes through the dark dust filled void. "I need more. I need more!" The shouter slams his fists against his chair's arm rests, acting like a kid demanding more sustenance. "Bring me more! I need to feed! Now!"

The trio of costumed monsters approach from within the shadows, each of them grinning greedily with anticipation.

The lug of a Frankenstein greets the man with a grin. "Boss, we got something even better for ya."

The feminine mummy smirks. "Yeah, it'll make everything taste like an appetizer in comparison."

"What?!" Their boss barks. "What have you brought me?!"

The Frankenstein shakes his head. "We don't have it yet, boss."

The horribly costumed werewolf smirks. "Yeah, but don't worry. He'll soon be served to you on a silver platter. Hehehehe."

Soon the tenure trio of freaks break into laughter and all the while their boss remains seated on his throne while a wide crooked tooth grin stretches across his pale face.


*POP!*

Another one of the duck-shaped targets goes down as it's pelted by a single BB pellet.

While holding the toy gun out with one arm, Izuku smirks before pulling it down to his side.

Mina whistles, impressed. "Nice shootin' there, Tex."

"Thanks."

"Say, did you ever take those extra lessons from Mr. Snipe? Cause you're surprisingly good with a gun."

"Oh, I did. And my Dad thought so too that's why he gave me one."

"HE WHAT!?" Mina screams, covering her mouth afterwards.

Izuku hurries to explain. "Well, it's not a real gun! It's actually a blaster!

That's still a shock to her. "A blaster?! Can I see it?! Can I try it?!" She begs, praying he says yes.

"I don't have it on me! It's back in the RV, okay." He draws up the toy gun. "Besides I don't think showing it off is a good idea and besides I don't honestly think I'm that good with it." He aims and shoots, getting another bullseye.

Mina raises an eyebrow, giving him a skeptical look. "Right, and I don't look good in a Kimono either." She brushes her side, drawing attention to her dark-colored kimono..

"But you do." Izuku catches himself too late, his face turning red with embarrassment.

Mina smirks, finding his reaction oh so entertaining. "Oh, now this is gonna be fun."


"Hahaha! This is so much fun!" Mina laughs as she scoops up another goldfish.

Behind her a few people line the stalls, some even watching the teens have their fun, causing them to consider if it's okay to join in.

"Oh come on!" Izuku growls with frustration as another goldfish slips away.

Mina smirks, laughing at his expense. "Huh, guess we found something you're not good at."

Izuku tries again and again and again but the fish always slips away until his paper scoop finally gives out.

"Want me to show you how it's done?"

"No, thanks." Izuku drops the scoop and instead reaches for the Omnitrix. "I'll figure it out my own way." He transforms instantly before continuing. "And my way is Ripjaws' way."

Ripjaws immediately throws his head into the kiddie pool, scooping up all the goldfish into his jaws. "Haha!" he laughs with his mouth full. "I got the catch of the day!"

Mina goes quiet as she looks over towards the guy running the game.

Ripjaws turns around to find the carny glaring daggers at him. "Uhh, do you want them back?"


"Ehehe-...Ehehehe." There's a creepy air around Mina, she's acting rather disturbingly as she greedily sorts through rows and rows of loose strings like it's her obsession. "Which…is it…?"

Izuku watches from the side, worriedly. 'And I thought I might have been developing a gambling problem…'

But their problem right now is the game known as the Thousand Line Lottery.

The Thousand Line Lottery is a game where you must pull a line attached to a prize, it's that simple.

And it's made even simpler when the person managing the stand is a frail old granny. Sitting there with a far-off look, her entire body shaking it's so frail, she looks so weak in fact that she might fall over during the next gust of wind.

But that's not what has Izuku so worried about, rather it's Mina's creepy expression that does.

"Of course, aiming for the grand prize." Mina grins, drooling over said grand prize, a brand-new gaming system hidden away inside with the rest of the prizes.

She continues to sort through the rows of string, but her keen eyes are focused on the string attached to the prize. 'This string is more worn out than the others! The grand prize is…the string the one most worn out among all of them!'

She sorts through the strings in her hands and finds the one that's the most worn out! "This one!" She cheers and pulls.

However, she only ends up pulling up a pack of pocket tissues.

"Aaaaaaaaaah!" Mina breaks down, clinging to Izuku like a fallen soldier. "Midroiya-kun, avenge me! I'll pay for your turn…!"

"Eh…" He gives, going up for a turn. "I don't have any choice…"

The frail granny cheers him on albeit weakly. "Please go ahead."

Izuku begins sorting through the rows of strings. "Which one should I choose?"

He grabs one and the moment he does the frail granny gasps in freight and she begins to shake harder thanks to her nervousness. .

Izuku drops the string, and she immediately calms down, turning back to normal.

He frowns and tests her poker face again by grabbing the same string.

Sure enough, she looks like she's on the verge of panicking.

"Let's go for this one!"

He pulls but like Mina he gets nothing but pocket tissues.

"Aaaaaaaaaah!" Mina cries falling to her knees in despair.

Izuku frowns and sneaks off for a moment while she agonizes.

"Granny, is the winning string even there?!" She wails.

The frail granny shakily nods her head. "Of course it is."

Mina pulls at her hair in frustration. "But I have no one else I can count on!"

"Are you sure about that?"

Mina and the weakly granny turn to find someone strutting their way towards them.

The guy status, walking with purpose while trying to flex his muscles. His entire posture and stance just radiates an epic cool energy as he approaches the challenge.

Or it would be epic and even cool if it weren't for the fact that's Grey Matter trying to pull it off.

The frail granny gives him the go ahead. "Go…the grand prize string is there."

Grey Matter status his way forward, acting cool and suave before he examines the strings.

The old granny sits to the side, seemingly oblivious to Izuku's ruse. But when in fact she's been playing these kids the whole time.

'It's a business after all.' She thinks to herself. 'We work fair and square. But…' Suddenly her aura changes, her entire demeanor intensifying and becoming alive with a blazing ego. 'There is something called tactics, youngsters! At first look, the string attached to the game station looks all worn out. But this is a fake! It's attached to a string in better shape!' It's all a shame, a game in itself. And she is winning it!

'Next, my expression for those who can't decide on a string!' She internally gloats, striking a pose while her hand is to her face like she's some kind of genius tactician. 'And my lack of expression is also for fooling you! It's futile, futile, FUTILE! There's numerous other techniques! The more you think about it, the less certain you are! That's the way to do it-!"

Grey Matter pulls on a string, claiming the grand prize.

"Aaaaaaaaaah!" The granny audibly screams in agony.

After gaining their prize, they leave, leaving the con of a granny to sulk in her own shame and misery.

"Yay!" Mina cheers, holding her prize wheel Grey after rides on her shoulder. "Say, Midoriya?"

Grey Matter doesn't respond but instead continues to look around, ignoring her.

Rolling her eyes, she sighs. "Grey Matter?"

That gets his attention. "Yes?"

"How did you know which string to pull?"

"Oh, it was quite simple to figure out… I didn't."

"You what?!"

"Yeah, after becoming a Galvian I realized that the best way to win these games…" he breaks into a sheepish grin. "Was by not thinking about it at all. Hahahaha!"


"Welcome to our annual Eating Competition!" An Announcer calls out over the cheers of the excited crowd. "To win, our contestants have to eat their way through mountains of Katsudon!"

The cheers become roars of applause and excitement, happy to see the competition back on after being postponed due to the earlier rampage.

All the contestants vary in size from the skinny to the large, some normal humans, some humans with Mutant Quirks, but there is one alien among them.

Upchuck licks his lips in anticipation. "Oh, boy I can't wait! I haven't had a meal like this since we left home."

"Alright contestants on the count of three." The announcer cheers. "One. Two. Three! EAT!"

As the others begin to chew away at their food, Upchuck opens his mouth wide and pulls in the mountain of food in one gulp.

He happily chews away, savoring the taste but then stops as a look of disgust crosses his already green face. "PHEWWW!"

He spits out the fried pork and rice back onto the table, disgusting everybody watching. "Oh great, I'm a bottomless pit and I can't digest the good stuff!"

What a rip off!


The festival is back in full swing now with people all happily enjoying their summer fun as if the earlier rampage was nothing but a short late-night nightmare. And for Izuku it's a relief to see, it's something he can feel good about. And good thing too as his stomach growls and rumbles reminding him of just how hungry he is.

"Here you are." Mina cheers, handing him a Choco Banana on a stick. "Eat up."

Izuku sheepishly takes it. "This feels like a constellation prize."

"That's because it is a constellation prize." Mina laughs before taking a bite form her own Choco Banana.

They eat their Choco Bananas in silence, but instead listen and enjoy the sounds of the festival from its music, games, and people's happy chatter.

But after finishing her treat Mina eyes Izuku's Omnitrix curiously and asks. "So, tell me. Exactly how many new aliens do you have now?"

"Not a lot." Izuku admits with a shrug, swallowing the last of his snack. "I mean you the ghost guy and Upchuck. Then there's Wildvine, Bullfrag, and um, oh, Cannonbolt he's great."

Mina gives him an odd look. "You call that not a lot? You got like five new powers in the span of a few weeks!"

"A few weeks? Huh, it kinda feels like months have passed by already." Crazy, it kinda felt like this summer's been dragging on for a year now. Weird.

"Anyway, do you mind if I check out these new aliens? I wanna see what they're about."

"Sure, but maybe after the festival." As he says this, he nearly bumps into someone wearing a raggedy werewolf costume. "Oh! Excuse us."

The werewolf just stares, making Izuku very uncomfortable.

When the guy doesn't respond he and Mina try to go around him but then a large guy dressed as Frankenstein cuts them off. At the same time a woman wrapped in toilet paper shows up behind them, cutting off their last chance to leave.

"Uh, c-can we help you?" Izuku asks nervously.

The werewolf smirks, leaning in so close that Izuku gets a face full of his foul breath. "Yeah, you can. You see kids, the police came to talk to us, and we explained that yeah we caused that guy to lose it earlier."

The teens steady themselves, feeling rather cautious about all this. "You did?"

The Frankenstein speaks up, his voice deep and slow. "Yeah, but we're real sorry about what happened."

The feminine mummy smirks, her long wrapped up hair slithering behind her like snakes. "We put a lot of effort into our Haunted House, but we did too good of a job. Guess we just went too far is all."

The werewolf snickers. "Yeah, some people can have some bad reactions when they're scared. Hehehe"

The teens wince as the guy's foul breath wafts into their faces.

"But listen kids we really didn't mean to spoil the fun, that's why we built this thing." The costumed werewolf gestures to their Haunted House. "We put a lot of hard work into it, and it'd be a real shame if we had to close up shop."

Mina frowns. "Yeah, I guess it would."

The mummy flicks back her hair in a show of confidence. "Listen, would you mind doing us the favor and going in? We promise you'll have a good time. It'll really help us out, what do you say?"

Izuku tries to back away. "I, uh, don't know-"

"Sure! Why not?" Mina cuts in sounding a little too excited.

"A-Ashido?!"

She grabs by the shoulder and spins him around before whispering into his ear. "Trust me. This is perfect. This way we can investigate the Haunted House ourselves, and from the inside."

"That's true." Izuku considers.

It would be the perfect chance to see if this place is responsible for earlier. If it is they can deal with it, and if it's not then they can say for sure that it's not. He'll just need to keep his eyes open and make sure there's nothing fishy going on.

Seeing the expression on his face, Mina gives the trio the go ahead. "Alright, give us all you got. I wanna feel like I'm in a horror movie, got it?"

The werewolf smirks, flashing the teens his grotesque teeth. "That I can promise."

The smirking mummy's hair grabs the curtains of the entrance and holds them open. "Step right in."

Izuku hesitates as Mina leads him in by the arm. "Ashido?"

"Man up, Midoriya. I'll be counting on you to protect me." She teases, laughing at his increasingly embarrassed and nervous expression.

She drags him inside and the trio of costumed monsters grin maniacally as they close the curtain behind them.


The inside of the Haunted House is dark, hot, and humid. The air is filled with fog and the smell of sweat from previous visitors. The hallways are narrow and dimly lit by rows of blacklights, or no lights at all making it all feel that much more claustrophobic.

"Wow, this palace is…really cheap." Mina deadpans, swatting away a fake rubber bat that's hanging off the ceiling by an obvious string.

And the rubber bats are probably the scariest thing in there as everything else looks like it was bought after Halloween, when stores want to get rid of everything but all they have left are the cheap things no one wanted. Nailed to the walls are white sheets with faces painted on the. Cartoonish plastic skulls and bones in the floors while glow in the dark bugs are taped onto the floor and ceiling. All in all, it looks like the bare minimum was put in for this haunted house. The only things really adding any atmosphere are the obvious fog machines and the blacklights causing everything to glow.

But it doesn't matter because Mina's not at all impressed by what she's seeing. "I wonder if the true terror in this place is actually how much they spent on the decorations?"

"Yeah, maybe-AHHH!" Izuku jumps back as from out of the wall a rubbery clown mask pops out like a Jack-in-the-box.

Mina immediately breaks into laughter upon his reaction. "Hahaha! What?! Are you scared of clowns or something?"

"N-no!" Izuku defends while a blush creeps on his face. "I-I just had a bad experience with one."

"Really?" Mina laughs, not at all believing him.

"Y-yes." He shys away, not wanting to bring it up and not wanting to be made fun of anymore.

They continue on through the Haunted House, strolling past more fake costumes, cheap decorations, and walls. Lots and lots of walls causing them to turn this way and that through narrow hallways.

Mina frowns, tapping the wall where cartoonish skeletons have been painted and a blacklight hangs over them causing them to glow. "Man, if that alien got freaked out by this I'd hate to see how he'd react to something that's actually scary." She hangs back, scoffing at the decorations.

Izuku frowns from the front, stopping and waiting for her to catch up. "Do you think we're overthinking it?"

"Maybe." Mina shrugs. "But there was something off about those guys, though. They just felt weird to me."

"Yeah…same."

Suddenly without warning the hanging blacklights begin to flicker like crazy, they're flickering so fast it actually makes Izuku feel a little dizzy.

"Hey!" Mina gasps. "What's going on?"

"Must be part of the experience, right?"

And that experience goes completely dark on them as the lights suddenly shut off, throwing them both into complete and utter darkness and silence.

Even in the darkness Izuku's head continues to spin but he soon snaps out of it just as the lights turn back on.

"Okay, before you say anything I wasn't scared." Izuku folds his arms, frowning at the still lights before spinning around towards Mina. "Also, can we please get out of here already? I don't think this place-Huh?" He's stunned, startled to see that Mina's disappeared. "Ashido? Ashido?!"

He calls out but there's no answer, she's gone. Leaving the hallway empty as if she was never there to begin with.

"Did-...did she ditch me?" That upsets him a little as he calls out again. "This isn't funny, Ashido! Come on out! Please…!"

But there's no answer. There's no Mina. There's nothing but him and glowing painted skeletons on the wall that look like they're there just to laugh at his expense.

Izuku peers around and hobbles forward slowly worried that she might have ditched him in this maze of bad props and cheap gimmicks. After a while he eventually spots an emergency exit, clearly labeled just across the hallway.

Still feeling like she's messing with him, Izuku calls back out into the maze. "Fine, Ashido! You win! You can come on out now!"

But she doesn't come out. There's nothing.

Izuku scowls, upset, thinking that she might have actually ditched him! Well then fine she can stay here for all he cares; she'll be fine.

And so Izuku makes his way to the exit, shoving it open and throwing himself out. "Finally!"

The moment he's out he immediately takes a breath of clean cool night air, glad to get out of that stuffy Haunted House. "Well, I guess no crime was committed here. Except this place is a crime in of itself!" Izuku scowls, throwing the Haunted House an annoyed look. "But whatever, at least I'm out of there now." He turns away, heading back around the back of the building to get back to the festival. "Maybe some ice cream will cheer me up?"

As he rounds the corner of the Haunted House, expecting to see the lively summer festival with all its warm lights, food, music, and people. But instead, what greets him is something straight out of a disaster movie. As stalls lie empty or torn down on the ground, all the lights have been torn down and smashed casting the entire place into darkness. The only things providing any light for the scattered fires engulfing the abandoned tents and stalls.

But worst of all the place is completely void of life, there are no signs of anyone human or otherwise. No Dad, no Mrs. Ashido, and not even a grouchy Mr. Baumann is there to greet him. Nothing but the chilling night air and the soft glowing moon.

"Hello…? Hello…?!"

But no one answers, not a soul.

Withering with worry, Izuku begins running through the abandoned festival, desperate to find anyone, anyone alive or around. "Ashido?! Dad?! Mrs. Ashido?! Mr. Baumann?!" He slides to a stop and screams out at the top of his lungs. "WHERE ARE YOU!?"

But once again he's greeted by nothing but crackling fires and the unforgiving chill of the night wind.

Worried and scared that something might have happened, Izuku rushes away without looking where he's going. Only to immediately bump into someone large and muscular.

"Oh, another person. Please, sir! Where is everybody?!"

The muscular figure straightens up, turning around to face him.

The moment it does Izuku's entire expression falls, his face turning pale with fear as he backs away from the, unfortunately, familiar monster.

The crab-armored Nomu from the U.S.J. unleashes that monstrous roar, the very same one Izuku hears in his nightmares. Its massive claws and pincers clashing together like cymbals. It white soulless eyes glare down at Izuku in vengeful recognition.

"You?!" Izuku gasps with unbridled fear, backing away from the monstrosity. "There's no way! You're supposed to be in prison!"

As he backs away, he bumps into something else, spinning around his heart stops as it comes face to face with rows of needle-like teeth accompanied by giant leathery wings.

"How?!" Izuku screams, his mind flashing back to the Drake's demise at Stain's hands. "Y-you-you died! I-I saw it!"

The Drake Nomu lets out a reptilian shriek as its thin lizard-like tail whips and cracks behind him.

Its shrieks are a signal to the others as the other Nomus of the Hosu Incident appear from the wreckage. The Shellshock Nomu's body cracks with electricity as the Squirlanoid Nomu crawls ups its shell, hissing and snapping its fangs down at the terrified boy.

"No! No! No! No! No! NO!" Amongst his own terror IZUKU takes off running, the Nomus hissing and shrieking at him as he runs.

But he doesn't look back, he just run and runs through the never-ending maze of empty stalls and fires. But then from within the fire and smoke arise Dr. Animo's mutant animals, from his mutant shadow vipers to massive monster frogs. They all appear snapping and hissing, swatting their bloodied fangs and claws at the boy.

Izuku panics, terrified not for his life but for the innocents. What of the people? What of his Dad? The Ashidos? Mr. Baumann? Everyone?! What have the League of Villains done?! Did they wipe everyone out?! What?! WHAT?!

The Drake comes crashing down in front of him, blocking his path.

"Aaaaaahhh!" Izuku screams, falling backwards and scrambling away.

The Nomus and mutant animals creep closer, surrounding him from all sides.

"No! No! No! No! No! NO! NOOOO!" Despite the fear, despite the tears and terror Izuku summons all the courage he can to stand, to stand and fight back against these monsters!

He transforms, blinding the Nomus and mutant animals before letting out a beastly roar of his own. "No more! Rath won't let you get away with this! Never! RAAAWR!"


"Ah, Mina darling~. Has the festival been to your liking so far~." Eirene greets the annoyed looking Mina with a soft cheery smile as the alien who caused the ruckus from before sleeps off his killer headache on a bench not too far away.

"It was until Midoriya ditched me." Mina responds with an annoyed pout.

Hisashi perks up from his funnel cake. "He ditched you?"

"Yeah, while we were inside the Haunted House! One second, he was there and the next thing I knew he was gone! That jerk." She outta let him have it next time she sees him, probably thinks he was slick too. Well, she'll show him.

Hisashi, however, finds that way out of character for his son. "Ditched you? That doesn't sound like Izuku?"

Mr. Baumann scoffs from inside his stall. "Oh, believe me it does." After all, the kid pulled that very thing just an hour ago.

Hisashi still isn't convinced, maybe they just got separated inside the Haunted House. Speaking of which… "How was the Haunted House? Do you think they have anything to do with our friend's earlier outburst?"

"It was lame." Mina deadpans, no signs of sarcasm or teasing can be heard. "There's no way that place caused this guy to freak out. Had to be something else."

From within the depths of the festival a tiger's roar can be heard followed by the sound of a stall being torn apart and then followed up by a chorus of terrified screams.

"Did you hear that?!" Hisashi immediately shoots up from his seat, already grabbing his respirator and Amenonuhoko which he retrieved from the RV while Mina and Izuku toured the festival.

Mina frowns as terrified people both human and alien begin to run by. "Don't tell me someone else's gone insane!"

"Let's go!"

Hisashi heads off with Mina following close behind him.

Eirene gets up to follow as well but Mr. Baumann cuts her off with a gentle hand. "Sorry my dear but I think it'd be best to let them handle this one."

"But what of Mina~?"

"Don't worry I'll make sure she's okay."

Eirene can sit comfortably with that, staying back as Mr. Baumann follows the heroes into the panic.

It doesn't take him long to catch up as the others get hung back by the stampede of people who are all screaming and shouting out some variation of the threat.

"It's a villain!"

"A monster!"

"He's gonna kill us!"

"He's an animal! An animal!"

Mina shivers as her antennas pickup on everyone's fear. "Sounds like someone's really trying to attack the festival."

Hisashi pulls on his respirator and shielding the angry scowl underneath. "Then they must be real stupid if they think we won't have anything to say about it!"

Hisashi and Mina rush forward with Mr. Baumann following behind but keeping his distance since he's here more as support than anything else.

They make it to what they assume is the area where this villain is attacking but they don't see anything but a few smashed stalls and one very angry Rath standing amongst the wreckage. His back is turned towards them and he's breathing heavily almost like he's in a rage.

"Hey, it's Rath!" Mina happily announces before rushing up towards the Appoplexian. "Yo where's the fight at?!"

But Rath doesn't respond, almost as if he never even heard her.

"Um, Rath?" Mina reaches up, grabbing his shoulder.

The moment she does she gasps and pulse her hand away as if it was stung; her antenna having been hit by a mixture of fear and anger.

The sting must have stung Rath awake too as he spins around, letting out a horrified gasp when he spots Mina. "You!" He roars in shock and disgust before his scowl turns furious and vengeful.

Mina backs away with her hands up. "Um, yeah it's me-Waaahh!"

She leaps away as Rath throws a punch right at her.

He misses and his fist smashes into the ground, his claw piercing the dirt and leaving a nasty gash in the rubble.

"What are you doing?!" Mina screams.

"RAAAWWR!" A beastly roar is Rath's only response as he charges right at her.

However, he never makes it to her as a wall of flames cuts him off causing him to slide to a stop and back away.

Positioning himself before Mina, Hisashi cuts off the flames with a whip of his head.

As he does, Mr. Baumann shouts out from the background. "Izuku?! Just what do you think you're doing?!"

As the flames die down Rath is finally able to get a good look at them, only to let out another horrified gasp. He even backs away like a lone predator that's facing a powerful pack.

"Champ? Are you okay?"

He's not as he draws his claws and lunges himself at them. "RAAAWR!"

Hisashi grabs Mina and manages to toss them both out of the way as Rath comes crashing down just barely missing them.

As the slide to a stop Mina's antennae are shaking like crazy from the vibes Rath is giving off. "Something's-something's wrong with him!"

"Yeah, clearly but what?" Hisashi comments while drawing his spear, making a point to not light it on fire this time. "Whatever it is, it's causing him to go berserk!

That's only the half of it, as Rath spins around and begins shouting at them. "Let me tell ya somethin League of Villains, Rath doesn't know what you're after but Rath is gonna go Plus Ultra on all your heinies!"

"League of Villains?!" Mina gasps looking around for the villains. "But they're not here!" She turns back only to finally notice that Rath is looking right at her as he says this. "Oh, god…"

It's finally all clicking together like a really disgusting joke: Rath SEES them as the League of Villains!


Yes, from Rath's perspective he is facing off against Tomura Shigaraki himself!

The leader of the league is down, cowering behind the Hero Killer of all people.

Stain's long tongue lashes out, dancing along like whips of a flame as he brandishes two of his rusty blood-stain swords.

"Rath ain't scared of you! Rath will never be scared of someone who took makeup advice from Voldemort! RAAAWR!" Rash charges, swinging his claws in an attempt to rip Stain apart.

Using his blades Stain blocks and parries each slash of Rath's claws before shoving the alien back.

Rath growls, becoming increasingly angry and worried by the second. "Let me tell ya somethin Hero Killer Stain! Rath is gonna take those swords and slice you up with them, and then Rath will put you back together with gorilla glue just so Rath can slice you up again!"

But Stain doesn't entertain the beast with banter as he instead turns to the down Shigaraki and says something incoherent, at least to Rath. Shigaraki responds back but once again Rath can't make out what he's saying.

Shigaraki gets up, looks to Rath and raises his hands in surrender before cautiously approaching him while saying something else incoherently.

Rath hesitates, unsure what the villain could be doing before he spots Shigaraki's fingers flexing.

Assuming he'll go in with his Decay Quirk Rath jumps away out from Shigaraki's reach and clings onto a nearby light post. "Naw uh! Rath doesn't like being touched. Rath likes to do the touching! Raawr!"

He drops down, ready to slam Shigaraki with a piledriver!

Shigaraki lets out an incoherent scream before diving out of the way.

Rath roars angry and chases after him but then a wave of shadow black flames cut him off and he comes face to face with an annoyed looking Kurogiri.

The shadowy Kurogiri immediately begins speaking gibberish at a rapid harsh pace while his arms make all sorts of gestures towards the wreckage and the terrified Shigaraki. And even though Rath can't make out a word the villain's saying, he knows when he's being scolded.

"Those are a lot of gestures, but Rath only understands one gesture! And it's a Fist!" Rath charges at the portaler but then Stain rushes in and tackles him, knocking them both away and sending them both crashing into a stall.

Stain quickly gets the upper hand, pressing the blunt side of his blades down on Rath's chest in an attempt to hold him down.

Rath glares up at Stain's blood lusting eyes and growls. "No one, I mean no one pins down Rath!" With a mighty howl Rath muscles himself back to his feet while pushing against Stain's blades with his bare hands.

Once up he shoves Stain away but once he does a sudden swirl of flames circle around him unnaturally.

Rath backs away from the flames, becoming panicked and confused while wondering when the villains got themselves a pyrokinetic on their side.

He gazes out through the flames to the League of Villains just lurking on the other side. Around them the entire festival lies in ruins as smoke and flames fill the air and blood…innocent blood paints the ground.

With his heart racing and his fears amounting, Rath unleashes an agonizing roar. "RAAAWR!"


From everyone else's point of view, they all flinch back at Rath's piercing gaze.

"Midoriya! Midoriya it's us! Stop it!" Mina shouts, desperate for Rath to stop.

"RAAAWR!" Rath lets out a beastly roar from behind the swirling flames.

Mr. Baumann shakes his head in disbelief. "He's lost it! He's lost his marbles!"

"Lost them? More like he replaced them for crazy pills!"

"Something's wrong. Very wrong." Hisashi comments, never taking his eyes off Rath who's acting like a caged animal. "He can't seem to understand us. Someone must be manipulating him."

Mina gasps. "Manipulating?! Is he brainwashed?!"

"Maybe, it's too hard to tell."

Well, he better figure it out quick as Rath tosses himself through the flames, breaking free and immediately rushing at them.

Hisashi prepares his Amenonuhoko. "Either way he's too freak out right now! We need to get him to settle down first!"

"Oh, I'll settle him down." Mr. Baumann steps forward with an annoyed scowl.

"Mr. Baumann!" Mina gasps as Rath charges right at the elderly shopkeeper.

"Raagh!" Rath charges in right for Mr. Baumann aiming to tackle and maul him to the ground.

However, Mr. Baumann doesn't panic, nor does he flinch but instead he reaches his hand out to the side of him. There his hand seemingly disappears within an invisible waving veil before remerging with a spray bottle in his grip.

Mr. Baumann immediately takes the spray bottle and squirts it at Rath's face. "No! I said no!"

Rath hurriedly slides to a stop, flinching at each spritz to his face. "Wah! Gah! Rath doesn't do water! Ragh!" He swats at the spray bottle, but Mr. Baumann pulls it back and continues spray. "Ragh! No! No water!" Rath swats his hand at the water while hissing like a feral cat. "Rath hates water!" He hisses again with his back arched and hairs standing on end.

Mina watches on with a disbelieving stare. "Are you serious right now? He's acting more like a misbehaving house cat than a feral tiger. Also, where'd Mr. B get that spray bottle?!"

Hisashi snickers watching as Mr. Baumann expertly handles the Appoplexian. "Well, he doesn't talk about it a lot but that's part of his Quirk."

"Quirk? Oh, yeah, what is Mr. B's Quirk?"

"It's called Janitor's Closet. Mr. Baumann can access his own personal dimensional pocket but for some reason he can only store cleaning supplies inside of it. Not very useful for combat since the portals are only big enough for his arm to slip inside but it's still pretty nifty for cleaning up messes. Although he does actually have to put said cleaning items inside it first."

"Huh, I guess that explains how he's always pulling out brooms and mops from out of thin air. It's because he's doing exactly that!"

And hopefully he can pull another trick from out of thin air as Rath finally manages to swat away the bottle, sending it flying.

"And we're out of time!" Hisashi leaps in and manages to parry Rath's claw, saving Mr. Baumann in the process.

Rath leaps back and away from who he thinks is Stain.

With room to breathe, Hisashi calls over to Mina. "Ashido! You need to settle him down!"

Mina shakes her head. "But-but what if I can't! I couldn't before!"

"Try!"

She hesitates, looking over at the raging Rath who looks absolutely exhausted and terrified despite his rageful expression. His hair is standing on end, he's breathing erratically and it's clear he's being gaslit. He's suffering and he needs her, he needs her now! "O-okay!"

From Rath's point of view, a menacing Shigaraki swiftly races right towards him with his hand stretched out in front of him.

Rath quickly leaps away before Decay could take ahold. "Ha! You can't touch this!"

"Nooo!" Mina gasps as Rath leaps away.

Rath lands and immediately begins to rant. "Let me tell ya something, Tomura Shigaraki leader of the League of Villains and someone Rath will never sympathize with! No one, and I mean no one can sneak up on Rath!"

*WHACK!*

A broom bonks him over the head and he immediately goes down.

Mr. Baumann scoffs at Rath while leaning the broom over his shoulder. "How would Izuku put it? I really know how to…clean up." He snickers admittedly, taking some joy from the groan worthy joke.

"Nice swing Mr. B!" Mina cheers as Rath goes down. "And I think I get why Midoriya's so afraid of that broom now."

He smirks at that, not at all ashamed to admit that this probably isn't the first time he's hit Izuku with that very same broom.

Although Hisashi is a little concerned with Mr. Baumann's actions.

"Ugh…"

All three of them jump as Rath groans and begins to stir.

"Ow! Which one of you no good palookas whack me over the head?! Huh?" Rath blinks up at them in confusion. "Hisashi Midoriya? Mina Ashido? Mr. Baumann?"

Hisashi hesitantly leans over him. "I-Izuku?"

"Hisashi Midoriya!" Rath cheers, springing up and crushing his Dad in a tight bear hug. "Where were you? Rath thought you all kicked the bucket or something! Wait!" He gasps, dropping Hisashi and looking around in a panic. "Where are they?! Where is the stinking no good League of Villains! Rath still has to rip out their throats and shove them back down their throats!"

Mina claps her hands, grabbing Rath's attention. "Midoriya! The League of Villains aren't here!"

"What?! They escaped?!"

Mr. Baumann shakes his head. "No, boy! They were never here to begin with."

"Impossible! Rath saw them! Rath also saw the Nomus and the freaky freakazoid animals!"

"They weren't real!" Mina explains. "I-I think someone messed with your head!"

"What?!" He rubs his head, trying to confirm Mina's suspicions. "Ugh, Rath's head does hurt. Maybe Rath got jumped from behind!"

"No, that was me." Mr. Baumann clarifies as he tucks the broom away back through his invisible portal dimension. "You're welcome by the way."

"But then why did Rath see all those Nomus and villains?! The festival was empty too!"

"So, you were seeing things?" Hisashi frowns, considering all the facts. "Looks like whatever spell you were under was broken when you took that hit to the head. That's probably what snapped you off of it."

"But what caused him to go crazy like that?!" Mina looks to Rath for answers. "Do you remember what happened?"

"Rath only remembers trying to kick Nomu butt!" Now looking back on that he's relieved that he never actually caught any of those Nomu; otherwise, who knows what would have happened? "Oh, but Rath does remember getting ditched by Mina Ashido!"

"What?!" Mina scowls, hurt by Rath's accusation. "I didn't ditch you! You ditched me!"

"Na uh! Mina Ashido ditched Rath!"

"Hang on!" Hisashi puts a pause on their argument. "Did this happen back inside the Haunted House?"

"Yeah!" Rath confirms before it finally dawns on him. "Oh…" As realization dawns on him he starts to become angry and vengeful. "That lame excuse of a Spirit Store did this!"

"All signs point to it." Hisashi confirms, thinking they finally need to investigate this personally. "Mr. Baumann, do you mind leading the police over there? Depending on how this goes we may require assistance."

Mr. Bauman gives him a nod. "Of course."

"Yeah, call the police!" Rath roars. "Because this is gonna be a murder scene once Rath is through with them!"

They all stare at him giving him very concerned looks.

"Rath doesn't actually mean that. Hisashi Midoriya and Mina Ashido should know that Rath is mostly talk!"

Mina's somewhat doubtful about that. "After what I just saw, I doubt it."

"Come on you two let's hurry." Hisashi waves leading them away towards the Haunted House.

They hurry off moving quickly through the empty rows of stalls. Much to Rath's own guilt since he was the one that chased them all away. But either way they arrive at their destination in record time, but those costumed employees don't seem to be anywhere in sight.

"Where are those costumed freaks? I have a few words for them." Mina shouts out, looking around trying to see if she can spot them.

"Yeah! Rath has words for them too. Like payback!"

"This way." Hisashi walks over to the entrance and pulls back the curtains, holding them open for them to enter.

They step inside, finding themselves once again surrounded by cheap decorations and bad props.

Mina frowns, eyeing the narrow hallway warily. "How should we do this? Go all super spy stealthy like?"

"Raagh!" Rath's fist and claw smashes apart the nearby wall, creating a massive hole for them to walk through. "Rath chooses to go guns blazing! Raagh! Hahaha!" he bellows with laughter leaping headfirst into the unknown.

The others watch him run off with a roll of their eyes. But they soon hurry after him, not wanting to be separated.

They catch up quick just as Rath slides to a stop and shouts out into the dark backstage portion of the Haunted House. "Listen up you mistimed Halloween cosplayers! Rath will only give ya a light beating if you come out now. But if Rath has to find you then Rath is gonna make sure you won't ever Trick or Treat again! RAAWR!"" He's out a beastly roar before continuing to shout. "So, come on out and face Rath!"

*BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! *

Rath times out, leaving Izuku standing there feeling mighty awkward and embarrassed. He shrinks back, turning all feeble and cowardly. "O-or you can just st-stay where you are and don't come out for like, f-five minutes…please!"

Mina slaps herself in the face, embarrassed for Izuku's sake.

Hisashi however presses on, taking the lead. "We need to keep moving."

But the backstage of the Haunted House doesn't make it easy. The place is messy, making it more of a maze than the actual Haunted House. There are crates and constructs of wood all over, holding up the walls of the Haunted House as chains and ropes dangle from the ceiling and wooden pillars. Cobwebs litter the place and dust hangs in the air like a nasty fog. And there's little to no lighting back there with only one hanging lamp providing the smallest amount of light.

The trio make it to the hanging lamp, standing under its light like a spotlight. But as they look around the backstage they can't tell exactly where to go thanks to how dark the rest of the place is.

"Which way do we go?" Mina wonders aloud, trying to peer through the darkness.

Izuku frowns as he scans the dark horizon. "Go? Go where? I can't even see two feet in front of me in this light."

Speaking of the light, it begins to flicker rapidly as the lamp itself begins to shake as if going through an unfelt earthquake.

Mina gasps as her face vanishes in and out of the flickering light. "The light?! What's happening?!"

"Hang on!" Izuku fearfully scans for the source of the disturbance. "This happened last time! It's just like before-"

Everything falls silent as the flickering light goes completely dark, casting the three of them into total absolute darkness.

After a few suffocating moments the light snaps back on, casting light over a lone Hisashi Midoriya.

And immediately something's wrong as the kids have all but vanished from sight. "Izuku? Champ?! Ashido?! Kids?!" No answer, no sign nothing but silent darkness.

He begins to worry, wondering if they had been snatched up but then his worry become absolute terror as Izuku's voice cries out through the darkness.

"Daaaddd…!"

"Izuku?!"

"Daaaddd…! Aaaaaaahhh…! Help meee…!"

Hisashi spins around towards the sound of the painful screams and finds a narrow hallway that he somehow didn't notice until now.

"Hang in there! I'm coming! I'm coming!" Izuku blindly rushes down the twisting narrow hallway, he stumbles, bumping into the walls, as everything starts to spin, giving him vertigo.

And just when his balance is all but gone a trap door gives in from underneath him, sending him plummeting into the dark void below. "Aaaahhh!-"


"I can't believe they ditched me. Again!" Mina shouts as she breaks into an upset pout while wandering through the maze that is the backstage. "Now hang on a minute maybe, maybe this is just like before?"

She eyes the nearby wall before pressing her hands against it, feeling for some sort of switch or pressure point. "There weren't any visible hallways before, but maybe there was." That would explain how she and Izuku got separated the first time. "I mean, these kinds of places always have trapped doors and secret passages so maybe-"

As he slides her hand against the wall a panel slides open, and Mina stumbles inside before the panel shuts itself behind her.

"Bingo!"

Mina smiles but it soon vanishes as she takes in her odd surroundings.

It appears the panel has led her into a giant space that resembles that of a little girl's bedroom only it's ten times the size and meant for a giant like Mt. Lady.

"H-hello?!"

But of course, there's no response, nothing but the gentle sway of the curtains can be heard while the soft glow of the moon shines through the giant-sized window.

But even though there's no response, Mina has the strange feeling that she's being watched. That there's a pair of eyes watching her, somewhere inside the bedroom.

There's a soft thump against the carpet floor, and Mina spins around looking for her potential attacker. But instead, she finds a stuffed toy bunny seated on the floor beside her.

The bunny is blue in color with a red nose, and long, hanging rainbow striped ears. It has large soulless black eyes that just stare up at Mina while its fluffy white tail is pressed against the carpet. The bunny also has disturbingly prominent eyelashes, and it's wearing a yellow bow on the top of its head.

Actually, the entire room seems to be filled with similar plushies from large bears, to pigs, dogs, and cats. All of them so adorable but kinda creepy in such low light.

"Phew, for a second there I thought it was actually something threatening. Ha!" Mina shrugs it off and continues on, looking for another way out.

As she strolls away, the bunny's head slowly twitches in place before its entire head rotates, its massive black eyes watching Mina walk away.


"How'd I end up back here?" Izuku frowns, swatting away the plastic bat after finding himself back inside the main part of the Haunted House.

There's a thundering crash from behind him, spinning around Izuku is horrified to find the crab-armored U.S.J. Nomu.

Izuku's initial reaction is to run and scream but he stands his ground after a quick assumption. "Wait, it's not real! It's just my vision playing tricks on me again. Right?"

"Raaaaagh!" The Nomu releases a blood curdling roar before it slams the back of its claw against the kid's stomach, sending him flying backwards.

"Waah!" Izuku hits the floor hard, moaning and groaning while clutching his stomach. "Ugh. Nope! It's real, it's real!

"Aaahhh!" He scrambles to his feet and takes off while desperately gripping the charging Omnitrix, praying it'll work.

But it does not as the Nomu's hot breath can be felt on his neck as he runs. "Raaaaagh!"


Mina searches and searches but she can't even find the panel she entered from. And she really really hopes she can find it again because those feelings of being watched are so unsettling.

Giving up on that side of the wall she turns around to continue the search. "Ahh!" She yelps with shock as she finds the bunny seated right behind her again.

"You again?" She frowns, eyeing the bunny, wondering how it could move on its own before realizing how ridiculous that would be. "What do you want? A cuddle?" She laughs.

"Tehehe. Nope."

Mina's blood runs cold as the cuddly blue bunny twitches and grins up at her.

"I want you to give me a scream. Tehehehe."

"Eeekk!"

The not-so cuddly bunny gets up, its body bending and squishing on its cottony self. "Tehehehe! Oopsie, someone's a wittle scaredy baby. Hooray! That means more screams for me. Tehehehe!"

After taking a moment to process the talking plushy, Mina is quick to retort. "You want a scream? How about I make you scream?!" She throws her hand out, tossing a spray of Acid at the bunny.

The bunny hops and spins away, moving much faster than it has any right to be. "Oh, no no no. If you wanna rough house, then I'm gonna invite all me wittle fwends to pway too."

"Friends?"

On que the other plush animals begin to stir and twitch as they all become animated. Their dark soulless eyes gleam in the shimmering moonlight like nightmare fiends.

"Now." The bunny grins maliciously as its friends gather and hover around it. "Let's hear those screams! Tehehehe!"


Hisashi's eyes blink open and as they do, he winces as all the blood rushes to his head. It feels like he's upside down and upon his vision clearing up he finds that he is indeed hanging upside down in a large glass tank. He tries to move but his arms are restrained inside a tight fitting straitjacket and his respirator has been taken and been replaced by a muzzle.

Not sure what's going on or how he got there he tries to peer through the glass for any clues.

A bright light shines in followed by the slim silhouette of a carny stepping aboard the stage alongside the tank.

The carny twirls his hat as the lights turn on all across the stage, illuminating the audience as well.

The stereotypical carny stands with his back to the tank as he makes wild gestures and calls attention to the supposed act. "Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up and witness the Amazing Cinder's Great Escape!" He taps his cane against the glass. "This glass is completely bulletproof, and those restraints can even withhold someone of All Might's caliber! Yes, those are impossible odds! But then better the show, am I right folks?"

The crowd cheers and claps, enthusiastic and bloodthirsty for Hisashi's unwilling act.

"But of course, what's a good show without some level of tension?!" With a snap of the carny's fingers water begins to bubble up from the bottom of the tank, rising steadily towards Hisashi's head much to the excitement of the crowd.

Hisashi tries to plead, looking out toward the crowd for anyone to help, to see that he is in need of help! And there in the stands he sees the familiar yet off putting faces of Izuku and Mina.

They clap and laugh along with the rest of the faceless audience, acting just as enthusiastic as they are.

'Izuku! Ashido! What's-what's wrong with you?!' Hisashi pleads for them to snap out of their trances.

"Hahahahahaha!" Hisashi, recognizing that more feminine laugh, peers out and is shocked to find his own wife, Inko Midoriya, creepily grinning face laughing back at him alongside their son.

She laughs and jeers along with the rest of the crowd just as the water begins to splash against Hisashi's messy hair.

"Come and bear witness! Will he escape or will he face…-" The carny turns back at Hisashi revealing his faceless head, yet a narrow grin is stretched across his face, filled with rows and rows of needle-like teeth. "-a most dreadful demise?! Hahahahaha!"


"St-stay back! I don't want to be part of a Five Nights at Freddy's spinoff!" Mina screams, leaping away as the creepy plushies claw and swat her.

They float in the air or walk around, all grinning evilly as their commander laughs her little cotton head off.

"Tehehehe! And why not?" Asks the plushy blue bunny. "Do you think whittle old us are scary?!"

"No! Eeek!" Mina jumps back as a plushy lizard lashes its tongue at her. "Just creepy! Aaahh!"

The life-sized bear plush rams into Mina knocking her down.

The blue bunny gasps. "Oopsie, you knocked her down, Bearo! Help her up, pwease."

Bearo gives her a chuckle. "He-yuck! Sure thang Mrs. Cuddles." The overgrown teddy bear bends down and grabs Mina by the shoulders before throwing her against the giant wooden bedframe.

"Tehehehe." Mrs. Cuddles gleefully giggles as she approaches the groaning Mina. "It's nappy time!"

Mina scowls up at the blue bunny. "Good night!"

She springs to her feet, swinging her hand up and spraying out a splash of acid.

Caught by surprise, Mrs. Cuddles still manages to dive out of the way but Bearo isn't so lucky as he gets completely drenched in the acidic Acid.

Bearo cries out in pain as his body burns and button eyes and nose melt apart. "Wah! Wah! I'm melting! I'm melting! Oh, what a world! What a world-...!"

There's a long drawn-out silence as all the puppets and plushies stare in shock and mourning at the burning puddle of their friend lying on the ground.

"You killed Bearo…" Mrs. Cuddles' head and eyes twitch with rage, shaking with disturbing anger as she turns to face Mina. "You crossed a line missy! Teehee-hahahaha!"

The toys cry out as they all lash out and lunge at the girl but many of them meet the same fate as their all doused in burning Acid.

But no matter how many of them Mina manages to get rid of, each one gets replaced just as quickly with a new rabid plushy.

"Creepy little shits!" Mina yells as she kicks a plush penguin away. "Leave. Me. Alone!" She screams out letting her emotions get the better of her!

As she opens up her antennas twitch and flex as they pick up on other nearby emotions.

And much to her surprise there only seems to be a few sources, and only one, just one of joy and malicious pleasure is in the very same room as her.

Mina tries to think as she continues to defend herself against the rabid horde. 'Where are those emotions coming from? They can't be from the toys, can they? No, there was only one source, not a hundred, so then… Hang on a second?! Rath…Rath said he saw Nomus and the League of Villains, but they weren't really there.' She frowns, considering the fact that he did know where to attack though. 'But we were there. He saw us as the villains. Kinda like he was looking at everything through a filter.'

Eyeing the army of animated plushies Mina goes for broke and swings her hand out, making sure to send acid flying in all directions of the room and not just at the toys.

Despite not being hit Mrs. Cuddles squeaks with pain before scowling up at Mina. "What are you doing?! You're making a big messy mess!"

Mina smirks with confidence. "No, I'm cleaning up!"

Bringing her hands together, she swings them up spraying gallons of acid up and over Mrs. Cuddles.

And acid splashes across the floor behind the plushy bunny and despite not getting doused Mrs. Cuddles still screams out in agonizing pain. "Waaaaaaaahhh!" Her scream goes from squeaky and high pitched to low and feminine as the giant bedroom begins to phase and shift out from existence.

The bedroom vanishes revealing the real world to Mina. As it turns out she's still very much in the backstage area of the Haunted House. With pillars and two-by-fours holding up the ceiling above her.

"You little bitch!"

Mina looks and finds a woman with long tentacle-like hair, black makeup, and black spandex. Her hair and skin is covered with burns while melted and burned plushy are held up by the ends of her tenacle hair strands.

"I knew it!" Mina grins, feeling somewhat proud of herself. "I knew it was fake."

Frightwig glares over at Mina. "Congrats, you're smarter than you look." She hisses, tossing aside the useless toys. "But now you're gonna have to face reality, kid. Haaa!"

Frightwig's tendrils lash out, cracking like a whip as they race towards the pink-skinned girl.

Mina takes off running, running around the pillars as fast as she can.

Frightwig's tentacles lash and chase after her, smashing their way through the pillars even to get to her. But each time is a miss or Mina fends her off with a splash of searing acid. Her acid even eats away at a few of the pillars before one of her tentacles manage to trip her up.

"Waah!" Mina cries out, falling over and onto the cold hard floor.

Frightwig smirks, proud of her catch. "You should have just been a good little girl and taken your dose of nightmare!"

"If anyone needs anything, you need to fix up those split ends."

Frightwig's anger rises and explodes. "I'm gonna make you scream!" Her tentacle-hair slither upward like snakes preparing to strike.

However, despite this Mina still manages to crack a smile while giving the villainess a little wave.

Frightwig frowns in confusion, not sure if it's a trick or not. "Why are you waving?!"

"Just waving goodbye."

"Huh?!"

On que the damaged pillars give out, collapsing in on themselves before causing the ceiling to cave-in and come crashing down atop the villain.

"Aaaahh!" Frightwig cries out before being buried alive underneath the falling rubble.

She falls silent, unconscious, and lying still under the piles of wood and nails.

Mina smiles, proud of herself for actually paying attention during the practical portions of Hero Studies. Especially when Midoriya, Yaoyorozu, and even Bakugou were up cause they knew how to think on their feet the best.

'Now what about the others? How do I find them?' She tries to come up with something, and thankfully she does. 'I know!'

She tries to calm down and focus, quieting her mind while her antennas twitch and jerk trying to sense nearby emotional wavelength.

And like a bullet she's shot with a dose of fear and tension!

"There!" She leaps into action, rushing over to the nearby wall and melting a way through with her Acid.

Jumping through the hole she lets out a gasp at what she finds.

Inside a large mostly empty room is Mr. Midoriya! But he's all tied up while being hung upside in a tank completely full of water! Thankfully he's moving, so he's alive, but for how much longer she has no clue!

Not only that but some creepy guy with pale green skin and withering frame stands before the tank, laughing and jeering at the pro hero inside.

Mina scowls, jumping into the room and shouting. "Step away from the box!"

Acid Breath jumps while being startled. "How'd you escape?! Where's Frightwig?"

"Where I left her." Mina answers with a confident smirk. "Beaten and humiliated."

Acid Breath scowls. "Like I'll leave you. Blah!" He spits, releasing a spray of green oozing acid at the girl.

Mina throws up a splash of Acid of her own, and the pink and green acids collide midair, counteracting each other and condensing before spilling to the ground.

Acid Breath scowls. "A fellow acid spitter. A part of me feels some comradery." He spits to the side in disgust. "But the other half feels disgusted."

Mina stands at the ready with Acid already dripping from her fingertips. "Oh, trust me I feel totally disgusted."

"Then may the best acid sprayer win." Acid Breath spits, releasing another stream of rancid green acid.

Mina slips out of the way with droplets of green acid just barely grazing her dress. As she does, she swings her hand up and tosses up a ball of her own Acid.

The glob misses Acid Breath completely, flying off somewhere behind him.

"Hahaha! You missed!"

Mina smirks up at the villain. "No, I didn't."

Within seconds the sound of cracking glass causes Acid Breath's heart to stop.

Spinning around he's horrified to find the acid burning away at the glass, causing it to crack and break and then the floodgates come crashing open and gallons upon gallons of water pour down onto the villain, washing him away and knocking him to the ground like he was slammed by a powerful wake.

The water soon settles, washing away, leaving the villain on the ground, coughing up water and rancid spit.

Mina smirks down at him, proud of her handy work. "You're all washed up." She pauses, frowning, feeling disappointed in herself. "Shit! I think Midoriya's been rubbing off on me."

Meanwhile, Acid Breath growls up at her in contempt. "You little bi-GAh!"

He goes down after getting kicked in the back of the head by Hisashi. Who's breathing heavily behind him after ripping the soaked straight jacket and muzzle off.

"Poozer." Hisashi spits while tossing the straight jacket aside.

"Oh my gosh, are you okay?!" Mina gasps worried that he might pass out.

"I'm okay." Hisashi confirms, settling her worries. "I could have held my breath for another five minutes or so."

"Woah, really?"

"Yeah." He spots his respirator and folded up spear nearby and goes to snatch them up. "My Quirk does rely on my lungs, so I did a lot of training at school to build them up." He pauses before renting a fun little story. "I once even broke a lung capacity machine when I was in school, it made this really funny sound when I blew into it." And it exploded because of it.

"Cool! Wait, hang on. I think Midor-er, um, the younger Midoriya-Deku needs our help!"

Hisashi frowns as he pulls his respirator over his mouth. "Any ideas where he is?"

"Aaaahh!"

They jump at the sound of Izuku's terrified shriek as it's followed up by loud crashing and the sound of wood snapping.

Mina frowns, worriedly, looking off towards the nearby exit. "I'd wager that way."

Hisashi gestures for her to go first. "After you."

She quickly takes the lead, listening carefully for the sound of Izuku's shrill screams.

"Aaaahhh!"

"Hahaha!"

Mina and Hisashi burst into the main part of the Haunted House, looking around the place is totally trashed with the walls all smashed in and toppled over like dominos.

And then there's Izuku, running away with tears in his eyes as he's chased by a laughing massive lug with a giant fingernail growing out of his forehead.

"Hahaha!" Thumbskull bellows with laughter as he continues to chase Izuku through the wreckage. "What's the matter kid?! Scared?! Hahaha!"

"Aaah!" Izuku screams while gripping and flailing with the recharging Omnitrix. "Work, dammit! Work! Aaah!"

While he fiddles with the watch Thumbskull lunges after him. "Ragh! Hahaha-!"

Hisashi jets in and tackles Thumbskull completely out of the way and away from the defenseless Izuku.

Izuku spins around, blinking and from his perspective he is stunned to find Stain taking down the crab-armored Nomu with a single blow to the head.

"Aaaaahh!"

Suddenly Shigaraki rushes up to Izuku with his mouth moving but all the words are incoherent.

"Aaah!" Izuku screams before recalling that the villains weren't actually there before. "W-wait! A-are you fake or-or real?!"

Shigaraki frowns, giving him a deadpan stare, before raising his hand up and slapping the freckled teen across the face.

"Ow!" Izuku whines, rubbing his cheek. "That hurt! Wait." He pauses, noting that although it hurts, he's not Decaying into nothing. He peers up at the presumably fake Shigaraki and asks, "A-Ashido?"

Upon figuring it out, his vision seems to fade in and out before he finds a relieved Mina standing before him.

Looking around, Izuku looks over and finds Hisashi standing over an unconscious muscular dude who he assumes was the fake Nomu he was seeing.

Lowering his head in shame, Izuku asks. "It happened again, didn't it?"

Mina slowly nods her head. "Yup."

"You can thank this one for that." Hisashi comments, gesturing down towards the unconscious muscle head.

Izuku cautiously walks over, eyeing the unconscious Thumbskull warily. He doesn't quite recognize the villain at first but after a moment it hits him like a bad stomachache. "Hey, wait. I remember him!"

Hisashi's head jerks up at Izuku in surprise. "You know him?"

"Yeah, this guy and his friends were using a circus to help coverup their crimes!" As he says this the other details of that day rush back to him like a bad memory. "Uh oh."

Mina doesn't like the sound of dread in his voice. "Uh oh? Why uh oh?"

"The Circus Freaks. The illusions. The traps. It all makes sense! I know who's behind this!"

"Who?!"

"It's-"

It all goes dark, all but a single spotlight shining down just meters away. Carnival music plays on a scratching record player from somewhere in the darkness.

And Izuku turns towards the light, backing away in fear as he whispers. "It's-...Zombozo."

"That's right!" In a brilliant explosion of confetti and smoke, the clown of the hour appears. With his black and white, Beetlejuice inspired suit, over exaggerated top heat, and wild red hair. A creepy crooked tooth grin stretches across his face as he greets the teen heroes. "I'm so glad you remembered me. Because I remember you, little jokester! Mwehehehehe!" He lets out a haunting laugh that wheezes and coughs with every breath.

Hisashi doesn't like this, making a point to stand in his son's defense. "Izuku, who is this clown? And how do you know each other?!"

Izuku begins to explain. "Zombozo. He's a psychotic sociopath who-" He jolts up as the realization hits him like a truck. "Who can create mirages! Ah, I should have figured it out sooner!"

"But you didn't! Ehehehe!" Zombozo laughs. "And now I can have myself a laugh. Mwehehehehe!"

As he lets out a wheezing laugh, he vanishes in another poof of confetti. And as he vanished from view the darkness gives way revealing that they were inside a massive circus tent with dark and gothic aesthetics.

The trio find themselves at center stage while surrounded by a cheering bloodthirsty audience of ghouls and monsters.

"Now doesn't this bring back fond memories?" Zombozo calls out, reappearing high above on the tightrope, unfazed and unscared of falling down.

"Not really." Izuku responds, not liking this one bit.

"Well, it does for me." Zombozo swoons, admiring the circus layout. "Oh, what memories. But look at me now. Once a great and fantastical ringleader! Now nothing but a humble carny… Oh woe is me."

Izuku rolls his eyes. "Get over it, I did."

Rather than becoming angry or offended, Zombozo actually breaks out into a grin almost like he's glad he'll have another chance to break the kid.

Hisashi scowls back up at Zombozo, not at all feeling comfortable with that look in his eye. "The jig is up, Zombozo! There's no point in resisting!"

"Yeah!" Mina shouts. "Just give up already!"

"Give up? Tsks tsk tsk." Zombozo wags his finger and shakes his head. "Such rotten audience members. Well, do you know what we do with audience members like yourselves? We give them the boot!"

With a snap of his fingers a giant-sized boot about the size of a punch buggy appears in midair and begins to plummet down to the earth.

Mina shakes but stands her ground as the boot falls ever closer. "It-it's just an illusion! I'll be fine!"

"NO!" Izuku screams, throwing himself at her and shoving them both out of the way as the boot comes crashing down, smashing into the ground hard, causing it to shake and crack.

Mina screams out in terror. "WHAT THE HELL!? But I thought-"

"You thought right." Izuku springs to his feet before helping her up. "He creates illusions! That's why I was seeing the League of Villains! But just because what we see is a mirage doesn't mean there isn't something there that can't hurt us. I'm willing to bet that he's got all sorts of weapons, traps, and tools hidden all over but he's hiding them just out of view with his illusions. If anything, when he casts them into darkness, he's preparing the next set of tricks.

"Ah, there you go!" Zombozo poofs down in front of them. "Spoiling the magic behind my tricks!" With a wave of his hand two large cages poof into existence at his sides. "But let's see how you fare against their tricks. Ehehehe."

The cages open and out comes a pair of roaring rabid tigers, their fangs dripping with saliva and blood as they hungrily eye the trio of heroes.

Mina backs away from the hungry felines. "So, what? Are they real or not?!"

The tigers roar, making her shake and tremble.

Hisashi gets ready to defend the kids. "I'm not gonna bother guessing!"

Mina looks over to Izuku and says. "Rath would be really fitting about now?"

"Yeah, he would." With perfect timing the Omnitrix completes its recharge cycle, announcing it to all with a delightful chime.

Dialing up for Rath, Izuku raises his hand and slams it down while shouting. "It's hero time!"

He vanishes in the familiar ray of light before it settles down revealing a thin being with wavy limbs and pale grey complexion.

The transformed Izuku sighs. "I'm not even surprised anymoreee." He drawls, accepting that he'll have to make do with this new ghost transformation.

Upon witnessing Izuku's newest form, Zombozo chuckles and jeers. "I heard of knocking them dead! But usually, they don't come back when I do it. Ehehehehe"

Upon his command the tiger's leap forward, roaring and charging right towards the trio,

Hisashi and Mina split off leaving the Ghost to deal with the cats himself. And he does so by phasing out and allowing the cat's sharp claws to pass through him harmlessly, as if they were swatting at nothing but air. "You kittys should really be declaweddd. You're gonna scratch someone's eye outtt. Well, except for mine of courseee." As the tigers claw and bite at his translucent form the ghost slams his fist into their skulls only for the tigers to instantly vanish out of existence.

"Geeze, kid, have you no heart for the poor defenseless animals?" Zombozo teases, sarcastically acting as if he had an ounce of sympathy.

"I'll show you defenseless!" Hisashi shouts unleashes a jet of flames but once again Zombozo vanishes in a puff of smoke and colorful paper trims.

Only to reappear upon the trapeze that's swinging high above their heads.

The phantom alien's one eye glares up at the clown. "Why don't you do your own dirty work for once and stop relying on cheap tricksss?!"

"But I love my tricks!" Zombozo laughs before letting go of the trapeze and landing back on the high-pitched roost. "But this is also personal for me." A creepy grin stretches across his lips, like a hungry predator. "And I'm gonna take my time toying with you. Mwehehehehe!"

As he howls with laughter the dark circus from hell all but vanishes, replaced with a massive school room meant for towering giants. And in this preschool setting massive toddlers with creepy grins and faces stand before the trio giving them some real Attack On Titan vibes.

"Play time!" Zombozo calls and the giant feral titans go on screaming rampage. "You're all on timeout, kids! Mwehehehehehe!"

They stomp and swing their long-overstretched arms at the trio who dive and roll out of their way. Although the ghost simply phases through them before turning invisible, vanishing from sight completely.

Too bad neither Hisashi or Mina can do the same as they unleash veils of flames and acid in attempts to repeal the freaky man-eating giants.

As the last titan falls to a melting leg and vanishes, the specter that is Izuku floats down behind Mina while berating himself. "Gahhh! I can't believe he tricked me like he did! I should have realized it soonerrr!" He slaps his forehead complete ashamed that he let Zombozo's PsyClown Quirk to get a hold of him like it did. "Gah, I'm such an idiottt!"

"Oh, no. You're no idiot sonny boy." Zombozo hauntly calls through the encroaching darkness. "Because if you were an idiot what would that make me?"

"A clown?" Mina spits back.

"HA! She's funny. Gotta say I think I like this one better than the last one, kid."

The transformed Izuku's never been happier for the lights to go out as it disguises his maddening blush. But then the surrounding illusion changes again turning into a romantic pond side view with all of them standing atop an arched bridge.

"You're a real lady-killer, kid." They all turn to find Zombozo standing before them on the bridge while wearing a torn up and moth-eaten tux. "Then again, so am I. Mwehehehehehe!" He wields a bloody ax in his hands and charges, taking a swing at Mina's head.

Mina jumps back allowing the ax to chop into the floorboards. And while it's stuck, she swings her hand up, spraying it with Acid and causing it to melt.

But despite losing his weapon, Zombozo remains undeterred as he grins up at the girl. "For you my dear." From thin air he presents her a bouquet of withering flowers.

Before she can understand what's happening, the flowers release a spray of noxious fumes right into her face.

"Aaah!" Ashido yelps with searing pain as the tear gas gets at her eyes and nostrils.

"Mwehehehehe!" Zombozo bellows with laughter as he back hands her, knocking her to the ground.

"Ashidooo!" The ghostly alien flies in, shoving Zombozo back. "Keep your hands off of herrr!"

"What about you?!" Zombozo grin and lashes out, grabbing the ghost by the arm and zapping him with an overly powerful joy buzzer.

"Aaaaaaaahhhh!" The ghost withers and shrieks in pain before getting zapped away and tossed aside by a powerful blast of electricity.

"Ehehehe. I bet that was a shock."

"You're a real joker, you know that?" Hisashi growls while brandishing his spear.

Spinning around, Zombozo eyes him curiously. "I don't think we've been introduced?"

"I'm his father."

"Father?! Oh, so you're Mr. Midoriya. And here I thought you had left to get some smoke and never came back."

On que the scenery changes again this time to a stormy night hanging over an abandoned gas station.

"Because you're nothing but smoke, pal! Ehehehe!"

Hisashi doesn't laugh as he unleashes a stream of flames through his respirator.

Zombozo squats down and jumps away, his legs turning into springs as he goes. "Easy pal! You need to learn to relax." he lands, spinning around with a giant seltzer bottle in his hands. "Here, have a drink on me!"

He pulls the trigger and releases a powerful jet of water as Hisashi. The water slams into his skull, pushing him back and causing him pain as it feels like he's getting doused by a powerful fire hose.

While Hisashi's drowning in water, the ghost sneaks up from the side trying to get a hit on the killer clown.

But Zombozo sees him coming and everything goes completely dark, causing the ghost to completely lose sight of him.

Looking around, he finally gets fed up and calls out into the darkness. "What's going on here, Zombozooo?! How in the world did you even escape prisonnn?!"

Zombozo's haunting voice echoes throughout the pitch-black darkness. "I got out for good behavior, that's how. Mwehehehehe!"

The three peer around, trying to pinpoint his location. But it's no good so far so the specter tries to keep him talking.

"This isn't your usual gimmickkk! What happened to all the laughsss? The jokesss? The cliche comedy bitsss?! This isn't youuu! Whattt? Have you started taking lessons from Pennywiseee?"

Suddenly the ghost and his friend find themselves standing in the rain while in a seemingly normal suburban neighborhood. Mina is even suddenly wearing a yellow raincoat and boots just to match the scene.

From out of the nearby drainage from off to the side of the curb, Zombozo's head appears from inside the sewer, his usual make up and get up replaced to resemble Pennywise himself. "Lessons?" He scoffs. "Naw, I've taken his act and made it my own. Ehehehehe!"

Thunder booms in the background and everything goes dark once again.

Peering around, the transformed Izuku tries to keep him talking. "What happened to feeding off positive emotionsss? You still on that stuffff? Or does your doctors have you on some new medsss?"

"Don't bring them up!" Zombozo booms with anger and outrage. "They don't know what they're talking about! I'm perfectly healthy!" he calms down, and resorts back to his usual creepy but happy self. "In fact my new diet has been making me feel stronger than ever!"

"I can see thattt. What, did you decide to go vegannn?"

"HA! Your banter's gotten better, kid. But no, I found something even more powerful than laughter."

"Like whattt?"

Mina frowns, thinking about all the emotions she's felt throughout the day and which ones stood out to her as the most disturbing. And as she realizes the answer, she can't help but to whisper it out. "Fear…"

Suddenly the scene changes again, and the three heroes find themselves on stage for a typical game show. With light and cheers ringing from all over while a bell rings ding, ding, ding!

"We have a winner!" Zombozo exclaims, while holding a mic in one hand. "Congrats you just won one full explanation and a free trip to the River Sticks! Please, anything you'd like to say to the audience?" He holds out the mic towards Mina.

"Eat shit, clown!"

"No thanks, it wouldn't agree with me. Mwehehehehe!"

Mina tries to punch but once again he vanishes into a void of surrounding darkness.

Hisashi shouts out into the void. "What are you doing here? What do you hope to gain?!"

"What am I doing here?" Zombozo's voice echoes out. "Feeding, of course. Where else can you get such savory, fattening treats than at a festival?!

"B-but I thought you ate people's positive emotionsss?!"

"I did but my pallet's far more refined now. I've come to realize that fear is far tastier and more powerful than laughter! After all, it gets more of a reaction out of people! People will do so many things when they're scared! They'll hurt their loved ones! Betray each other! Give in and surrender! And all out of fear and nothing else!" He squeezes, losing himself to all the savory nightmare fuel. "The screams, they're so tantalizing!"

Mina scowls, disgusted by the creep's actions. "And nutritious I bet."

"You bet right! Ehehehe! And when my Circus Freaks saw you, by chance, wondering about the same festival as us. Well, we just couldn't pass up the chance to not only feast on your fears but to also savor the sweet taste of finger licking revenge!"

The ghost shivers, feeling like something's breathing down his neck. "C-can't we just forget about all this and go homeee?"

"Forget? How could I forget?!" Zombozo ponders aloud, offended by the ghost for even suggesting such a thing. "I've thought of you for every. Single. Day! When I was in prison. Hell, even my therapist knows you! He said it was an obsession…"

The ghost backs away, totally and utterly creeped out by the clown. "You're insaneee."

"My therapist said the same thing. And I told him that he was losing his head. And he did. Mwehehehehe!"

None of them want to even think that there's a chance if he meant that literally.

Hisashi shakes his head in disgust. "You said we won a full explanation. So, how exactly did you escape prison?!"

"It wasn't that hard. After causing some intense fears for my prison mates I was able to fake my death pretty easily. All it took was to implant a few illusions in some key figures to trick em. Much like I'm doing to all of you. Heck, it worked so well they even delivered me to the morgue!"

Upon his will, his PsyClown Quirk once again causes the environment to change. And keeping with his theme it transforms into a bloodied underground morgue.

The morgue is small and narrow, making it feel claustrophobic while rows and rows of refrigerated bodies line the walls, and several tarped bloody corpses lie ever still on the rows of tables.

Zombozo rises up from behind the tables, wearing a surgical mask and doctor's getup. "The doctor is ready so see you now. Mwehehehehe!"

As he cackles with laughter, he rips off the tarps and reveals the dead corpses of their classmates and friends lying underneath.

Their mangled bloodied bodies are almost unrecognizable as if they've been thrown into an augur.

Hisashi's unable to look while Mina vomits off to the side and even the ghost somehow turns a paler shade than he was before.

"Mwehehehehe!" Zombozo cackles with haunting laughter as he pulls up and starts up a rusty electrical bone saw. "Hold still, there might be some mild discomfort. Mwehehehehe!"

He leaps past the tables, knocking over a few of their friends' corpses before swinging the spinning bone blade at their heads.

Hisashi sprints forward and using his spear he manages to block the spinning blade which sparks and grins against the metallic spear while Zombozo laughs and spits into Hisashi's face.

"Mwehehehehe!"

As they struggle to overpower the other, the phantom alien phased through Hisashi, swinging his fist forward as he does and solidifying and his fist actually connects, slamming into Zombozo's oversized clown nose.

"Gah!" The clown reels back in pain before vanishing again into the darkness.

"This is getting us nowhere!" Mina cries out in frustration as she feels around her surroundings.

"The only way we can hit him is if he comes to usss." And like that the transformed Izuku has a plan.

Quickly he vanishes out of sight much to his friend's and father's ire.

"M-Midoriya-" Mina pauses as she feels something or rather someone whispering into her ear.

Soon the whispering leans away and Hisashi jumps as the invisible phantom whispers into his ear.

Mina leans down and closes her eyes as she begins to focus, her antennas twitching over her head slowly as she tries to search for Zombozo's emotional wavelength. 'Alright, Mina. This is your moment. You need to focus and be calm. Zen. Relax.' She inhales and exhales slowly, calming her own heart rate despite the never-ending black void.

And there amongst the darkness she can sense the emotions of delight and maliciousness shine through like a beacon. "There!" She points up at a 45-degree angle

"He's mineee!" The ghost reappears and quickly glides up towards that direction.

"Ah, ah, ah where do you think you're going?" Zombozo's voice calls out and the scene quickly changes to a grey grassy field while a raging tornado rages through it.

"Aaaaahhh!" The ghost is blown away by the powerful winds, being tossed and turned all around them before being launched right back at his friends.

He crashes into them, and they all get knocked down as the tornado passes right over them. "Aaaaahhh!"

"Mwehehehehe!" Zombozo cackles with glee as he wipes away the tornado.

And much to his delight he finds both Mina and Hisashi lying face down on the ground, seemingly unconscious.

He grins, floating down to their position. "Oh, don't tell me you're all tuckered out?"

They don't respond, and instead continue to lie face down onto the dirt and grass.

"Hello? Up and at em!"

Still there is no response.

Frowning, Zombozo lowers himself down all the way to the ground and walks over to check if they're really unconscious or not. "Hey, you still alive or did you all kick the bucket?"

He leans in to check for a pulse when Mina moves ever so slightly.

Grinning, he grabs her by the shoulder and spins her around, causing her to let out a painful groan. "Ugh…"

"Mwehehehe! Aw, was that all too much for ya?"

She's unable to answer or answer, that last hit definitely leaving some damage on her.

Looking around, Zombozo tries to spot the ghost but he's nowhere to be seen. "Oh, Midoriya! Or I guess you go by Deku, now. Come out and play! I'm not done with you yet!"

There's no sign or sound of the kid, not even a clue of where he could have gone.

The clown breaks into a wide grin as he peers down at the defeated hero student. "Looks like he decided to cut his losses and leave you here to die."

"Ugh…" Mina lets out a groan, keeping her left eye closed as she does.

"Too bad, it looks like he won't be your hero today. Ehehehehe."

While lying there and keeping her one eye closed Mina tries to say something but it's too incoherent and mumbly for the clown to make it out.

"What was that?"

She mumbles it again but once again he doesn't catch it.

"I'm sorry, speak a little louder, please." Zombozo fake pleased, leaning in with his ear open.

She tries but she's unable to speak any louder.

"Out with it!" Zombozo barks and finally loses his temper.

He grabs Man by the collar and hoists her up to eye level and shouts. "Talk!"

Mina takes a shaky breath before repeating. "Listen…" She opens her left eye revealing its bright purple hue. "I said-"

Suddenly the ghost unposseses Mina and pops out from her chest while yelling. "Trick-or-Treat, freakkk!"

Before he can even react, the phantom alien enters the clown, taking him over and possessing him. "AAAAaaaaahhhh!" The possessed Zombozo lets out an agonizing scream as the rookie ghost messes with his head.

The darkness glitches in and out as the clown loses his focus over his PsyClown Quirk, grabbing onto his head in pain while the ghost calls out. "A-ashi-Minaaa! Hurryyy! I-I don't know how long I c-can hold himmm!"

Springing to her feet after faking that pain per the ghost's plan, she races forward while chanting to herself to focus. She focuses and focuses, doing her best to keep her own emotions calm and cool. Keeping them calm and relaxed, thinking soothing thoughts and letting that feeling wash over her to the point she almost feels drowsy. And then just as she reaches the withering clown she reaches out and spasm her hand against his side and shouts. "SLEEP!"

And like that the possessed Zombozo freezes in place, visibly relaxing as his eyelids become heavy. He even lets out a yawn before he keels over and passes out.

As he falls asleep the ghost releases the position allowing the killer clown to sleep soundly.

As the clown snoozes away, Hisashi takes it easy as he pulls himself off the ground. Looking around he smiles as every illusion vanishes and they find themselves back inside the backstage area of the Haunted House. Only there appears to be more lights than before, undoubtedly hidden by the earlier illusions. While all sorts of junk, crates, rope, and heavy objects litter the floor double what they felt when punching or getting hit by his illusions.

Hisashi smiles over at Mina, giving her a small nod of approval. "See?! I knew you had it in you!"

"T-thanks." Mina smiles, staring down at her hands and feeling like she has just unlocked a bigger part of herself. "And I think so too."


It's not long after that when Mr. Baumann appears alongside the police. And soon the trio find themselves back outside, watching on as the police quarter off the Haunted House while the festival continues on in the background.

"I sure do love a happy endinggg." The ghost alien comments as they watch the police at work.

"Yeah, same." Hisashi nods after promising to give the police a full report later. Hisashi

As they watch the police do their jobs, the Ashidos are off to the side having their own family moment.

"Mina darling, I'm so proud of you~." Eirene singsongs while holding her daughter. "You've taken another step towards mastering your Emote abilities~."

Mina pulls out from the hug all embarrassed. "T-thanks, Mom. But it was just luck that I was able to pull it off."

"No, it wasn't." Hisashi cuts in, not approving of her doubts. "You managed to use Emote effectively all on your own. No one else can claim that they did it for you."

Mina blushes, embarrassed but grateful for the kind praise.

Mr. Baumann lets out a hearty chuckle. "Well, I'm just glad no one got hurt. And best of all my stand hasn't been touched!"

"Seeee!" The ghost chimes in. "I don't mean to be destructiveee! It just happensss!"

"No. You're still too destructive for your own good."

"Whattt?! What kind of destruction have I doneee?"

Mr. Baumann's eyes trail over the unrepaired stands Rath knocked over.

"Oh, righttt… But, um, that was Zombozo's fault not mineee."

"It was still you though."

The ghost pouts, or at least does his version of a pout, feeling dejected and disrespected by Mr. Baumann.

But he's soon pulled out of his self-pity as a trio of voices cry out in anger and outrage.

"Hey, wait! Let me go!

"He made me do it, honest! He-he used an illusion on me too!"

"Yeah, same!"

Looking over they see the Circus Freak Trio with handcuffs slapped around their wrists as they're being led away by a squad of officers. Handcuffed alongside them and actually standing at the front of the line is Zombozo who looks more pissed off than ever before.

Mr. Baumann folds his arms as he watches them get carted away. "Good riddance, we're finally rid of those bad apples."

"More like rotten applesss."

Meanwhile, as they laugh at the villains' expense, Thumbskull leans over Zombozo's shoulder and wonders aloud. "What are we gonna do now, boss?"

Zombozo composes himself before grinning back up at the giant lug. "Not to worry I always make sure that I have at least one last trick up my sleeve."

"Like what?"

Zombozo's grin widens as he stops and quickly shoves Thumbskull back. The giant muscle head falls over stumbling back into Acid Breath and Frightwig as well as the officers taking up the rear of the group.

"Hey!" The officers that were leading them, draw their guns.

Zombozo spins around and activates his PsyClown Quirk, creating an illusion where his head morphs into a set of massive flesh jaws filled with syringe-like teeth.

"Waah!" The officers tumble back out of freight, giving Zombozo the perfect chance to slip away.

"Mwehehehehe!" He cackles taking off towards the thick woods.

Hisashi scowls, getting ready to chase after him. "Is he seriously trying to escape?"

"I'll handle himmm." The specter floats forward, catching up to the clown quickly and cutting off his escape. "Where do you think you're going, misterrr?"

Zombozo back pedals a bit before scowling up with a comeback. "With a beautiful night like this I thought I'd go for a little stroll."

"Yeah, I bettt. Now be a good little clown and let's put this act to resttt."

"Act? Mwehehe! Is this an act?!" With one last illusion Zombozo transforms his body twisting and enlarging in on itself to monstrous proportions, until he's something straight out of a Tim Burton fever dream.

"MWEHEHEHEHEHE!" The monstrosity of a clown howls into a fit of booming laughter as he smiles down at the disgusted ghost. "NOW GET OUT OF MY WAY, FREAK!"

"Freakkk? No I'm not a freakkk…" The ghost grips his malleable skin and declares. "I'm a Ghostfreakkk!"

He rips open his chest and upon doing so a mess of black and white tentacles burst out, slithering about in a tangled slimy mess.

And to any onlookers it would seem like that's all there is to it, but it's not as the monstrous clown withers in fear as he witnesses the true horror hidden within Ghostfreak.

"Waaah! WAAAAHHH!" The illusion breaks, shrinking him back to his normal size.

He screams and shrinks away, turning paler and paler the longer he stares into the nightmarish sight, unable to look away due to just how disturbing and vile it is. "Waaaaah! AAAAAAAAHHHH!"

It's not long after that when the police hurry over and pull the quivering and unresponsive Zombozo away. He doesn't put up a fight as he babbles incoherently, his eyes filled with pure terror and despair.

Ghostfreak floats back to the others as Zombozo gets tossed into the police cruiser alongside his betrayed cronies. "Ehehehe, now that's funnyyy."

Mina frowns up at Ghostfreak curiously. "What exactly did he see?"

Ghostfreak takes a second to think of a good answer. "Something that was truly frighteninggg."

Mina gives him a look that both finds his cryptic answer amusing yet annoying all at the same time.

But before she can even think of asking him to show her, Ghostfreak times out, leaving behind a smiling Izuku.

Everyone smiles, happy in the fact that the nightmare is over. And to cooperate the moment the festival signals its end with an array of beautiful fireworks that explode into a dancing display of lights into the night sky.

Hisashi smiles up at the fireworks as their warm lights and colors shine down upon them. "Now this is the way to end a festival."

Mr. Baumann and Eirene couldn't agree more as they too take a moment to enjoy the show.

Meanwhile, Mina playfully elbows Izuku and asks. "So, how you liking the new alien, um, Ghostfreak?"

Izuku wags his head from side to side as he tries to come up with a good explanation. "It's still kinda weird. I mean it kinda feels like I'm out of sync with him. Kinda like using a lagging controller but that's probably because I'm not used to him yet." He then smiles down at the Omnitrix, the very device storing the Ectonurite DNA. "But in the end, I'm sure we're gonna get along just fine."

Mina can smile to that and they both go back to enjoying the show.

As they do their shadows are highlighted behind them, stretched across the ground. Mina's shadow is obvious with the outline of her messy wild hair and hooked-antennas. But Izuku's is off, it is missing that familiar messy head and instead his shadow has a much sleeker frame to it, with spindly arms and seemingly no legs. And if one were to look closely one could almost see the faintest hint of a silhouette appearing in the head of the shadow, one of a single teardrop eye.


So, you probably noticed that there's no Preview this time. Sorry but since we've finally reached the end of the Road Trip Arc so too did, we reach the end of the Previews. Why? Because from now we begin what I am referring to as the "Three Heroes Arc." And with it the story is back on the main series' timeline. So, no real point in previewing what's next. BUT if you feel differently and want the Previews to continue then please let me know.

***IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*** So, there's some good news and bad news. Good news is we are moving onto the "Three Heroes Arc!" Bad news, it's gonna take me 2-3 months to write. Maybe… Sorry but I want to write out the entire events of this arc and split the entire arc into separate chapters (somewhere between 3-4) and then post them one at a time. This way I can buy myself some time afterwards to get ahead in future chapters. So, by the time I post the last chapter of the "Three Heroes Arc" the next chapter or two will already be done and ready to post.

I will also try to post Omakes and maybe even an OVA on the side story during this time. Those will also serve to give you guys updates on the arc's progress.

And if you are feeling nervous, don't be. In fact I have had the events of this arc all planned out and written in a detailed outline for nearly a year now so writing it might actually be a lot easier than it has been. So, it'd be a good idea to check in on the Omakes cause my 2–3 month timeframe might change for the better.

*References: There were some good ones here. There was a Toy Story 4 cameo/reference in here. And then you had a Pokémon cameo. I tried to hint that some Talosian people from Star Trek were at the festival but I don't know if the reference was that obvious. What else? Oh, there was a Demon Slayer reference in this chapter with Izuku's Kitsune Mask. You had the IT scene. Oh, and my favorite part was that I had 2 "Komi-San Can't Communicate" scenes. And one of them was also a Jojo's Bizarre Adventure reference in of itself, so double the references!

Also, this one is sort of important, the red behemoth/balloon alien the heroes fought was the same alien species as the "Preserver" from "Superman the Animated Series." If you know you know. Also Mrs. Cuddles was a villain from the "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" show. Although the 2012 version is my favorite, this newer version of TMNT is still a lot of fun. And finally, Mina and Ghostfreak's victory was inspired by how John Constantine and Deadman defeated Dr. Destiny in the animated movie, "Justice League Dark." And it's one of my favorite scenes from that movie.

*Mr. Baumann's Quirk is called Janitor's Closet. It is a pocket dimension that only he can access but he can only store cleaning supplies inside of it. However, the cleaning supplies does not magically replenish itself inside the dimension. He has to go out of his way to stock up and store it inside the dimensional space. I did not think of this Quirk until now, and I think it suits him well and helps explain why he just randomly has a mop or broom in his hand when it wasn't there before.

***ARTWORK*** Here's a shout out to Weeldx for making some more awesome artwork! Thank you so much, you and your work are awesome. If you want to see his fanart then please visit him on Deviant Art. Username being "Weeld1" and his artwork of "Truly a Freak." I love it! Or if you like please visit this story on Archive of Our Own (AO3) where you can find his fanart located at the bottom of this same chapter.

*There is a side story that is canon to this story and it is called "Heroes Never Die; It's Hero Time, Anytime." You will find an assortment of one shots that take place in the canon of this main story. And I provide updates about the main chapter whenever I post an Omake.

*Speaking of Artwork I am looking for more fanart submissions from you guys. My awesome and FAN-tastic readers! You see I finally figure out how to post images on AO3 and I would love to show off more of what you guys make. Do whatever you like: draw your favorite scene, scenes of what you think might happen, character interactions, characters, whatever. I want to see your imaginations and creativity on full display! Just be sure to DM me, thank you!

*This story has a TV Tropes page so feel free to check it out.*


Responses for "Guest" reviewers from Ch.60:

Atom king: All I have to say about this chapter is that it blew away my expectations with team up action between izuku and nue really love the flashbacks about their own misadventures dealing with tracksuit mob it kinda reminded me of omniverse still love the tombstone appearance plus the fact it's origin story of Fistrick is really good I can't wait for him to return maybe he can show up during the overhaul arc.

Vilgax is assembling his team here's hoping that izuku is ready for it.

CreateGunner1209: It is so awesome to hear that you enjoyed the chapter so much. I knew the wait would be worth it. And yeah I still have to settle on when exactly Fistrick will reappear but he for sure will.


Guest: Ghostfreak next chapter debut let's go! Also this is just speculation, but I really feel like the I-Island arc is going to be where Nanomech and/or Upgrade will make their debut.

Looking forward to Ghos- I mean the next chapter.

CreateGunner1209: So, how was Ghostfreak's debut? Hope it was worth the long wait. And as mentioned in the Author's Note above you will have to wait a bit to find out what exactly waits for you in the "Three Heroes Arc."


Matrix: Maybe you can imply the rape but never say it.

And for prisoner 775 perhaps would be at the wrong place at the wrong time which leads to tezuka Arresting him and it's eventually revealed that most of her arrests were innocent aliens that were in the wrong place at the wrong time which when she learns she is absolutely horrified by it and feels even more guilty when prisoner 775 beats the living crap out of tokoyami, after wards she brings up this information to her boss who demotes which she accepts while aging character development.

And I have an idea after aliens are revealed to the public izuku and uraraka decide to create the alien force which consist of.

1. Izuku midoriya

2. Ochaco uraraka

3. Mina ashido

4. Katsuki bakugo

5. Eijiro kirishima

6. Tsuyu asui

7 fumikage tokoyama

8. Shoto todoroki

9. Tomura shigaraki

And your probably wondering Why shigaraki is apart of the lineup. I imagine all for one abandoning his plan to posses shigaraki and decide to posses vilgax instead while leaving shigaraki for dead which leads him to join alien force out of spite making him the Kevin of the group.

And perhaps you can have jasper from Steven universe be in vilgaxs gang and be bakugos rival when she nearly killed him.

CreateGunner1209: No, you don't get it. I am not comfortable with even implying that subject. So please stop trying to make it a thing.

And honestly I'm not gonna do the 775 prisoner thing. And I'm not trying to be mean, in fact I'm glad you're so passionate about these ideas. I just have other ideas and wants.

And no Jasper won't be part of Vilgax's gang. Sorry but there's a reason Vilgax said he's only looking for 1 more member and trust me it'll be fun


Dogman: There was a small error near the beginning of the chapter. When Vilgax is lecturing Nue he mentioned his aliens powers are at 1/10 capacity. But wouldn't it be 1/11 since Nue has the powers of 11 aliens; Izuku's original 9 plus Buzzshock and Diamondhead.

CreateGunner1209: My bad, but to be honest it doesn't really bother me that much. Either way the point still stands. And if you want you can think it in terms that he has a 120% power level if you'd like.


Guest: Alright ghostfreak time baby

CreateGunner1209: Yup, how was it?


Guest: IS THERE GOING TO BE A NEGATIVE 9 LIKE YHE NEGATIVE 10. IM GUESSING THAT THE FOREVER KNIGHTS WILL HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT

CreateGunner1209: Yes there is a Negative 9 hence why Vilgax made a point to call out the 8 of them and that he's gonna recruit 1 more, hence 9. But no the Forever Knights won't be part of it


Guest: What a great way of introducing Fistrick! He was always a great villain in my opinion. Im getting real excited

CreateGunner1209: Thanks, Fistrick was a villain I didn;t really like at first but he grew on me


DeadCool14: That was amazing, just amazing, I love how you wrote their relationship; really makes their split more heartbreaking, also for Deku to acknowledge that he wasn't such a great friend in the first place

Loved this introduction to Fistrick. I think it would be great if he was like a sorta-big brother figure to Deku, but he's still a criminal, like he has a lot of respect for him due to he beat him and Tombstone and how much he's grown since then; I would've loved it if they did something like that in Omniverse after Break Point. It would be like this: "Max hyping Cole up (The Babysitter & Killer Queen)"

Also would he and his crew be dealing support items before they find out about aliens or would they already know about aliens and they're dealing alien tech?

OMG I can't wait for Three Heroes!

Huh, wonder what alien we're gonna get, eh, probably nothing too interesting

I know you said you wouldn't change the aliens' powers but could you at least change the powers of Fasttrack and the other electric aliens when they show up? To give them more diversity since they're all basically the same

Here are some space related JoJo references you could use: Kars, the meteor that landed in Greenland and Mikitaka Hazekura. Here's info on all of them, heads up they are very spoilery, so watch at your own risk:

"JoJo's bizarre Adventure Kars Death" by Alibabos Yorozuya

"Jojo Golden Wind: The Story of Arrows' Appearance [HD]"

"The Beauty of Mikitaka Hazekura"

Oh and could you throw in some Kid Cosmic references? It's a cartoon on Netflix, it's really good. It was made by Craig McCraken the guy that made Foster's Home, PPG and Wonder Over Yonder. It's very sci-fi and it has a lot of heart. It has three seasons but they're not that long, you could watch the whole thing in a day

Would Deku give Uraraka artist gloves so that she doesn't activate her quirk on accident?

Are you gonna show Way Big's predator? It's been confirmed that it would look like a virus, y'know the knows with the big crystal head and crab legs, and it would be the smallest alien in the Nemetrix

What do you think about this idea for taydenite: Taydenite originally could only be found in Petropia, but when Petropia was destroyed, chunks of taydenite flew across space until some landed in planets, moons or asteroids, all in different quantities and sizes. Eventually they slowly merged with the soil and grew and spread to the surrounding areas. I got this idea from the episode Kevin's Big Score in which Vulkanus called taydenite a 'living gem' which led to me to turn them into a sort-of plant that could regenerate like how Petrosapiens do and grow in different grounds, of course mostly rocky or crystal like, which would explain how it appears on caves. And yes I know Petropia and Taydenite aren't related in canon but I think they should

Are you gonna do Brooklyn 99 OVAs with a young Hisashi and Endeavor as Jake and Terry?

Also speaking of which can you have Mina say Gina lines? Cuz honestly I think they fit pretty well

Fun Fact: When Ben got the Anur transformations in the classic series, he didn't collect their DNA to add them to the Omnitrix, the samples were already in there and the scan mode only unlocked them

Can you have Ripjaws do the "I'm a fish… with legs" scene from Gumball?

Can you have the Lizard Doggo from Satisfactory show up?

Another JoJo idea: Uraraka could use Echoes ACT 3's ability 3Freeze

Did Hisashi once date the Pussycats? I know I keep bringing up that he dated other people but honestly I can totally see him being a punk and a ladies man before meeting Inko, like he had a new girlfriend once every few weeks, it's really for no other reason aside from comedic purposes. I would imagine that he dated every member of the Pussycats, including Tiger, when they were in UA, or if that's too much then probably just one of them. Again, no other reason that for comedic purposes; and Deku's reactions

Could you add this scene at some point? "[BNHA Comic Dub] Deku is RIPPED" the voice acting isn't very good but the comic is funny

Can you do that scene from Grudge Match with Kevin and Grey Matter?

"A monkey could've done what you did"

"So why didn't you?"

Maybe with Billy?

CreateGunner1209: Sorry and please don't read this as me being angry, cause I'm not, I just find it humorous that you always ask the questions that would in some way give away or hint to bigger spoilers so please be forgiving if I don;t answer some questions. If I don't answer them it cause I don't feel that comfortable to, either because of spoilers or don't have a good answer for you.

Anyway thank you for taking the time to write, it's always great to see your thoughts.

So I'm not sure if I will change Fasttrack or other electric aliens' powers yet. I get it, I feel the same way about most of the electric guys and I will think about it. As for Fastrack on the wiki it says that although he's not as fast as XLR8 he is actually physically stronger than XLR8 and can lift far more than him, so I might lean into that. And I have something in mind for Brainstorm too.

I have to watch those video suggestions still, been far too busy these last few weeks. Heck for three days I didn't have internet connection so yeah…

And I know about Kid Cosmic, I've been meaning to watch it but I keep putting it off.

Deku give Uraraka gloves? Eh, I haven't brought it up as a problem in the story so probability not.

I had no idea Way Big had a canon predator, I was gonna use an OC version of the Zilo Beast from Star Wars the Clone Wars.

Taydenite? Well I already implied that it's part of Diamondhead so I guess I agree with your points. Hence Momo's crystal sword.

Yes I will have more Brooklyn 99 Omakes BUT if one already exists on youtube that is the same scenario and characters that i would use then I won't. Why? Because the actual animation is better.

I can try to add that line for Ripjaws.

Lizard Doggo from Satisfactory? I can try at some point, remind me after the Kamino Ward stuff please.

Another JoJo question, I really need to keep up with that series. I started it and fell off of it. Also did you catch the sort-of JoJo reference in this chapter?

Dude, stop bringing up the dating thing. All of the answers at this point will be no.

And yeah I've seen the "Deku is Ripped" video. And I might be able to but that won't be till the dorms are a thing

Maybe I can add the Grudge Match scene too. I can't promise cause I sometimes (usually) forget smaller suggestions like this, sorry but when I am in the middle of writing a chapter things like small suggestions tend to slip out of my mind. I need to get better at rereading old reviews to remind myself of that stuff


Guest: I really love this chapter especially the flashback sequences and that watch belong to to All for One. I just want to give some suggestions for your story'

One is Kaina Tsutsumi, a former pro hero and assassin for the Hero Public Safety Commission. She killed both villains and corrupt heroes for the Hero Public Safety Commission until she she killed her boss after she couldn't take it anymore. I like to see Izuku meet her and see how corrupt hero society is. Which lead him to give up on being a hero and fully joining the Plumbers. It will put Izuku in a dilemma make him question his goals and shatter his idealism. Hisashi could be one of her former targets and ends up failing but Hisashi saving her. This can add to his backstory and adds another reason for Kaina killing her boss and quitting being a pro hero. Hell Izuku and Hisashi can help her find new life.

Second is the relationship of Izuku and Vilgax. In this chapter, Henzu sees how both Izuku and Vilgax give similar advice. I like to see a relationship that revolves around them being to sides of the same coin. Henzu did say that Izuku can be crazier than him. Plus their both genius in strategy and tactical planning. Knowing how to use the resources they have to win the fight. Most importantly, their own lust for power. Izuku always wanted a quirk so he could be hero But in this fanfic, it seems he wanted a quirk to show society that he wasn't useless. It make him selfish and add more to his character. I also love how he receives the best advice and lessons not from his heroes but villains he fights. I want to see Vilgax having a similar backstory to that while drawing parallels to Izuku thus making him a warning what Izuku might become if he goes bad.

Final one is in the third MHA movie, there's this group called Humarise. I wonder if you're going to make them sub-faction in the Forever Knights, a group being controlled by FK, or a group that broke off from them. It's interesting what you are going to do.

Thanks for reading this and I hope you have a nice day.

CreateGunner1209: You bring up some really good ideas and points that I should consider and think about in full. Episodically on your points on Vilgax. In fact I do have something in mind to give both him and Izuku some more similarities and connections which I plan to reveal when I decide it's time to go into Vilgax's own backstory. That won't be anytime soon mind you but I have parallels and other connections planned already. Also yeah to be honest before Humarise I was gonna make the Forever Knights hate Quirks too and then the movie came out and beat me to the punch. So I'm just gonna combine Humarise into the Forever Knights or something, make them a faction of them maybe.

Anyway thank you again for taking the time to write, you gave me a lot to think about


Guest: Since you added a Tombstone expy, do you think you could add Kimblee Fullmetal Alchemist. That way he could lecture Izuku about his choices and realize being a Plumber means you have to make tough choices like killing.

CreateGunner1209: Not bad but to be honest IF I do go that route I rather it be someone who's actually from MHA or Ben Ten instead


Loaderbot: I really like this chapter I love how you introduce the tracksuit Mafia tombstone and fish trick I can't wait for the next track to see the new alien I like the character development with henzu and I like how the the watch they stole had the same all for one and one for all can't wait for the next chapter please keep writing

CreateGunner1209: It's absolutely great to know you liked everything about the chapter! Curious, did you notice the Dodge Charger?


Arsenal: This last one was great.

The flashbacks were well done. Spaced apart evenly but not breaking the pace. I admit I figured out this was setup for fistrick as soon as I heard one of them say bro, but to others who may not remember him as well from omniverse or may not have seen OV, it was still a good build up. And to those who do remember him, we know he usually did put up a good fight against Ben even after all his experience at that point.

Tombstone was a good final boss for that sequence, as a threat way above their weight class, but also someone they could feasibly take down through strategy. Man I miss Spectacular Spider-Man.

My first thought for the dark mist when I heard it was that it was the Alpha Nanite, as is tended to stay in a misty form when not inhabiting a host or on a surplus of nanites. After the AN though I looked back and remembered that alpha was red, not purple. I didn't expect ghost freak because his debut wasn't from the null void but it is still a good choice to bring him in through that. I am mildly salty as the chapter count has more than doubled what it was at the time you said Ghostfreak would show up "pretty soon", but that's not really relevant.

Overall, very satisfying, and I wonder how All for one will react to finding one of his underlings is one of the punk kids who stole his watch.

CreateGunner1209: Thanks, and I knew Fistrick might be obvious for some but it still surprised people. And yeah I miss Spectacular Spider-Man too. Disney, bring it back and renew it!

But anyway yeah I decided to bring in Ghostfreak through the Null Void instead. Also when I said "pretty soon" my thought at the time was that each chapter for the Road Trip arc would take a week or two each to make and not months to a year to make! That was a horrible misjudgement of my own skills and timing. Also I need to tell you guys something whenever you guys asked "When is Ghostfreak gonna appear?" type questions

But anyway glad you enjoyed the chapter overall


Guest: IM GUESSING THAT THE CIRCUS FREAKS ARE BACK NOW

CreateGunner1209: You guessed right


Guest: Buenas dónde se hace la encuesta de los ship

CreateGunner1209: Ship survey? I don't have one up, sorry


Guest: I really liked this chapter and how it sowed the seed of what could be the redemption of henzu.

If henzu turned back to normal, would he lose all of his alien powers or would he be able to use and combine them like he could in the beginning before he transformed? I really liked it when he could do that and would have liked to see more of the combinations henzu could to do. It is more of a personal taste but if it becomes one of the good ones I would like it to be with the alien powers and creating epic combinations, also it would serve to keep the first 10 aliens a little more present since as izuku expands his arsenal these will be seen less and less, although I don't know if that makes sense narratively, but hey, after all, it's your story and you handle it as you see fit.

CreateGunner1209: Thanks, that chapter really did set up a lot. And I won't say for sure that it will happen but if he did revert back to human he would lose all alien DNA powers completely


Guest: nue can use ditto's cloning ability somehow?

CreateGunner1209: He can but I'm gonna show off how he uses it later


Guest: Have u considered letting Inko go with them to I-Island its a Gala so it could double as a date for her and Hisashi as well as a family vacation

CreateGunner1209: Yeah, that's not happening, I did consider it but I'm already dealign with sooooo many characters that there'd be no point in adding her. Actually in an earlier draft I was gonna have her show up during the events in this chapter, Ch.61 but I went with Mina instead.


26skaramaga: Hey, I was wondering if the upgrade introduction you mentioned was actually going to be happening in three heroes. It would make sense, and you did say you were going to give him a really cool introduction. Also, you are very good at making this story so keep it up. Also just so you know I was that guy who wrote that Ghostfreak comment in ch 60 so yeah.

CreateGunner1209: Thanks for the review. And as for Upgrade, yes I have something awesome in mind for him, but you'll have to wait as see when and where his introduction will be


Metal Lizard: Since Vilgax and All For One are work together they must have Ideas to get what they want and something that I thought of since Dr. Animo is working for All For One and he mix's Animal DNA with the Nomu and if Vilgax or All For One had some Alien DNA from the Omnitrix Animo could use the DNA to make Nomu with the Alien DNA they would be under the command of All For One and use them against the Hero's.

CreateGunner1209: You're on the right track, that's for sure. More details about their deal will be explained further in future chapters


Guest: Forever Knights Reference! YAAAAAAASSSSSS

CreateGunner1209: Yeah, but it's just a reference. Sorry but the Forever Knights won't be a thing for a little while


501awesome: Don't you dare ruin the potential fun of the Ghostfreak arc with a Naruto reference.

CreateGunner1209: Relax I got my own plans for Ghostfreak


Dinobot: Could there be a Team-Up with Izuku and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

CreateGunner1209: Maybe, I certainly would love to. But maybe as an OvA instead one day? Actually did you notice the TMNT cameo in this chapter, Ch. 61?


Guest: I would like to see deku turn into ghost freak and possessed monoma like how Ben possessed Michael morningstar

He'll be saying 1A is awesome can call hus class 1B trash having his classmates chase after him

CreateGunner1209: That would be fun


Guest: If deku do meet the canon version of his classmates and his alternate universe self their gonna bombard him with questions about his universe about the everything

I know one for all deku will be happy about all the the achievements his other self did

CreateGunner1209: Perhaps but that won't happen till I finally start the spin-off as mentioned in "Special Announcements" chapter.


26skaramaga: Based on your clue in the omake can I assume that you are planning to bring back Billy Billions as the villain?

Also I am really excided to see Ghostfreak in action. With him in the story that means we have 9 out of 10 of the classic transformaions

CreateGunner1209: Sorry but no as you can tell it wasn't Billy Billions, it was Mina. Sorry. But hey we did get Ghostfreak, how was he?


Guest: Hey, do you think that when Vilgax descends the earth, he does this when he kills 5 heroes without names, that is, imbedded and without relevance and they send a whole squad of policemen with 5 sis laser rays from the eyes

I don't agree if he already feared them from the beginning or he got them in alien force but let's say he always has them, I mean something like Darkseid with the brados on his back and the rays of him chasing his bitimas until he kills them

another thing that would be great if you ask him is that it be mei who stays with shit the dog mechamorph

one thing i don't know is that i feel like in this arc izuku behaves more like ben because i remember that he denied that hishasi was his father izuku conon wouldn't aria that's not something gabre just something curious for me

I wonder if. always if they used the bacio to banish vilgax if that's the case I wonder if all for one would also be banished there

CreateGunner1209: Are you talking about Darkeid's Omega Beams? Cause yeah Vilgax had that same power in Alien Force/Ultimate Alien. And yes I think they're cool too. Also it's hard to tell what you're saying with so many typos. Sorry