*Sorry for the wait especially since this is a very short chapter. Sorry but I took my time with this one; been trying to enjoy the last bits of summer that I can so I lost out on two weekends to work on this. But hey it needed to be done and I had a great time. And so, with no further distractions let's get right to it.
*Public Service Announcement* Please do not post spoilers for the manga in a review. And if you do, please don't do it directly try to be somewhat subtle. I want this story to be accessible to everyone whether they read the manga or not so please respect that. And if you do need to talk about spoilers then PM me personally about it. But please ask to make sure I am caught up first. People have spoiled major things to me before I had the chance to read myself and I know it ruined it for others because they did it as a review. So, please be mindful about what you post.
*There is a small ANNOUNCEMENT at the end of the chapter.
Ch.65 My Sweet Summer is Gone
I-Island's hospital. It's a grand structure that houses the latest in medicine and technology. Often used to test the newest of medicinal practices. Hence doctors and scientists from across the globe gather here to witness such miracles. Giving the place a life of its own.
But today the hospital lies quietly, void of nearly all visitors.
Hospital rooms lie silent and empty. Lights are dim or have been shut off casting heavy shadows across its barren silent halls. Not a soul is in sight nor is an eavesdropping ear in range as hushed gasps of shock and horror echo from within the only room with any occupants.
But even though the room is filled with people, not a one speaks a word as they all lost their breath, having been told a mind-blowing truth.
Each of them from Momo to Iida and from Tokoyami to Tsuyu are in shock even Shoto is surprised as he stands towards the back, just behind the rest of his classmates.
Mina solemnly stands to the side beside a pair of beds which are both occupied by the other two Plumber cadets. Both downtrodden and sullen as they hang their heads low, unable to meet their classmates' eyes.
Not that it matters since all eyes are on the red-cladded Plumber himself.
"I know this is quite the shock." Hisashi Midoriya solemnly assures. "But I need you all to understand what this all means."
That's asking a lot, it's a hard pill to swallow.
The news is so heavy that even Tsuyu Asui has to take a seat, falling back into the nearest chair. "There's-...there's no way."
"Impossible…" Tenya Iida breathes, his mind still piecing it all together.
Shoto tries to remain as stoic as possible but there's no denying his suspicious gaze.
"Did you know about this?!" Kyoka Jiro shouts over to Ochaco and Izuku who start before they shrink away into their hospital sheets.
Mina nervously hovers to the side, not sure what to do.
"You're-you're lying right?" Eijiro Kirishima dares to ask. "This has to be a joke, right?"
It's not, especially not to Hisashi. "I swear…it's the truth. The whole truth."
"It's bullshit is what it is." Bakugou spits, clearly more pissed over the news than confused.
"There's no way…" Hanta Sero can't believe it, it's almost too ridiculous to believe.
Sato nods in agreement as does Shoji.
"For real?" Minoru Mineta gaps.
Tokoyami remains stoic as ever as he calmly states. "Often or not, reality can be quite cruel."
"Is that really how it is?" Momo Yaoyorozu can't help but question.
Hisashi gives a solemn nod of his head. "It is. I'm sorry but that's the way things are."
"I just can't believe it." Hagakure comments.
"Yeah…" Denki sighs, his brain still processing it all before all his thoughts and emotions explode out all at once! "A GAG ORDER!? THAT'S SUCH BULL!"
The hospital room is instantly thrown into an uproar as everyone bad mouths and comments just how stupid it all is.
Embarrassed and red faced, Momo admits that she messed up too. "Even I failed to read the fine print." She should have read the terms and agreements more thoroughly before accepting the invitation to I-island.
"Hey, those forms were like 3 inches thick. It was as thick as a textbook!" Jiro defends, but really, she's admitting that none of them read through it.
But according to the agreement they all signed to visit none of them are allowed to leak or speak a word about what happened here. Specially "they are not allowed to share or converse about terrorist/villain assaults and incursions that occur during visitations to I-island." And if they do happen to say anything well then, the entire international government and their lawyers will be after them.
"No fair! Stupid lawyers!" Mineta whines. "Do you have any idea how epic it would have been if we could tell everyone about this!"
"Yeah!" Sero shouts in agreement.
"Is there seriously nothing we can do?" Tsuyu ponders aloud. "Shouldn't everyone have the right to know what happened here?"
"Listen, I'll face down any villain no matter how terrifying." Hisashi suddenly turns cowardly, shaking in his boots, like actually shaking so bad his knees are buckling, as he whimpers. "But I will not mess with lawyers, they're a whole other level of t-terrifying."
Also, it makes sense when you really sit down and think about it. I-island was created with the full backing of world governments. And all of them only agreed to creating such a foundation because of overwhelming public support. If that support is lost due to bad presses, especially a villain insurgence, then it could spell potential doom for the entire manmade island.
But that's not even half of it, there's more bad news.
So bad that even Iida wants to cry out in frustration. "And to top it all off. The I-EXPO has been canceled."
"Sorry guys this is all my fault." Izuku sulks in his bed as a tear sliding down his face and onto the bed. "If I hadn't messed with the tower like I did none of this would have happened."
Apparently, there were a lot of secret government projects, inventions, and labs inside the Central Tower. And Izuku demolished, reworked, and damaged almost every single one of them. So yeah, a gag order is probably the most forgiving punishment he could be given.
"Gosh, this sucks." Jiro slouches in defeat. "Can you at least tell us what happened to the bad guys?"
"Well none of them are gonna be a problem any time soon." answers Hisashi. "Wolfram's Quirk was completely drained out of him. Like it was so overused it broke and shattered in on itself. Not to mention it resulted in a terrible strain on his body. Like he's not gonna be moving around on his own type of bad. He can't even speak because his vocal cords were burned off by his own Quirk." Well, his secondary Quirk that is: that burning muscle augmentation. Speaking of, how does a Metal Manipulator have access to a Quirk like that? Hisashi can't help but wonder. When he dove into Wolfram's info there was no mention of a second Quirk.
"Ha! Served the bastard right." Bakugou laughs taking satisfaction that they fucked up the villain real good.
"Bakugou." Shoto warns sternly.
"What?! The guy was threatening the entire island! What?! Should I have held back or something?!"
Shoto doesn't bother arguing, after all his logic is sound.
Denki meanwhile brings up another question. "And what about all his cronies?"
"Ah, right, them. I forgot." Hisashi goes ahead and tells them. "And as for his minions, well most of them are in one piece." He admits with a nonchalant shrug.
'Just what exactly does that mean?!' They all think but don't dare to ask aloud.
"The whole thing was still so insane." Jiro comments thinking about their crazy climb up the tower.
"I know, right?" Hagakure chimes in. "They had these nerd robots come after us! With lasers. Real lasers!"
"That's nothing!" Mineta shouts. "Those villains tried to take us on themselves!"
"Yeah, but we handled them." Kirishima laughs.
"Did you?" Shoji asks.
"Yeah! You should have seen it. These guys were so manly!" Kirishima gestures over to Shoto, Bakugou, and Izuku. "Those dudes were on fire! Literally!"
"Yeah, I was pretty great." Bakugou smirks leaning back against his seat.
"But we all defeated them." Shoto comments with his same indifferent oblivious attitude.
"Shut it Icy-Hot!"
"I didn't think we'd get through it to be honest." Mina laughs while chatting away with some others.
Tokoyami folds his arms in thought. "It's understandable to have doubts. But we made it through."
Iida smiles in agreement. "Yes, but it wasn't easy."
"It might not have been easy, sure!" Denki cuts in with a wide grin. "But it was totally insane! I mean, Midoriya, that mecha was amazing!" His eyes sparkle with excitement as he turns to the greenette. "I mean I love the new transformation! Not gonna lie, I think it's my new favorite!"
Izuku sheepishly takes the compliment. "T-thanks but I wouldn't expect anything like the Deku Ex-Machina again Or at least not at that scale. Sorry but without that Helix-thing to power me up there's no way I can pull that off again."
"Awww, man. That sucks." Denki whines.
Tsuyu frowns and gives Izuku a critical look. "Also, Deku Ex-Machina? Really?"
"What?! I thought it was clever." Izuku admits, offended that she's offended.
"It was super lame, you nerd!" Bakugou barks, startling the greenette.
"Gah!"
"Hahahahahaha!" In good spirits everyone lets out a good laugh, maybe because they finally allow the sensation of surviving the ordeal to set in.
But even so, some, like Momo, cut the humor short. "I still have my concerns. If the villains had taken us seriously from the start, who knows if we would have succeeded."
That is food for thought. There were so many ways they and the villains could have done things differently. And any one of those choices could have led to their victory or to their grizzly defeat.
"What about the other one?" Iida quietly speaks up. "The one that…caused all this?"
Izuku and Ochaco pause, becoming worried, they've been fearing this part of the conversation. "You mean…Malware?"
Hisashi knew the conversation would get here eventually, the best thing to do is to answer as confidently as he can. "As of now there isn't any official information. The authorities will be conducting a full investigation into the villain but as of now they're coming up empty."
That's a lie and Izuku knows it. He knows that his Dad has already contacted Principal Nezu. How does he know that? Because Hisashi told him himself before gathering the rest of his class here. And according to him Nezu didn't seem to be troubled by the news at all saying something along the lines that he finally gets to use the blackmail he's had on hand for years now. So yeah, I-island isn't gonna be finding or at least reporting anything about Malware.
Wondering what kind of blackmail Nezu has sends a shiver down Izuku's spine. But that's nothing compared to the cold chill at the thought that his classmates were only minutes away from finding out the real truth. The real truths in fact about Malware, the Omnitrix, and aliens. If any of them made it to the vault at the same time or soon after they would have heard everything. From David Shield being part of the Plumbers, the Omnitrix's true function, everything. They were only minutes behind.
If there's anything to take from this is that he can't take this secret lightly. It's getting harder and harder as more aliens stir up trouble, especially when they have a pension for murder and destruction. He has to be more careful from now on.
Meanwhile, Hisashi continues to address the teens about the state of things. "So, in any case I'd expect some suits and tie types are gonna wanna speak with all of you. Just give them your honest answers and there shouldn't be any trouble. Understood?"
The teens respond all at once. "Yes, sir."
Hisashi glances over to Izuku and they both share a critical look. One of which Izuku immedialty understands: when he talks to the investigators, he better not mention anything about aliens or the Omnitrix. Better yet it'll be safer to keep the details about the encounter to a minimum.
Shoto is quiet, contemplating the whole thing. "It's strange, isn't it?"
Everyone stops talking and turns to him, allowing him to speak.
"What is?" Hagakure asks.
"How is it that," Shoto turns to Izuku who's staring back at him in confusion. "you were able to gain an ability similar to the villains?"
Izuku's heart stops as does Ochaco's and Mina's.
"The way you both took over the tower. And even the circuitry patterns on the robots were almost identical to each other, albeit a color swap." Shoto scowls, his eyes narrowing suspiciously over the boy. "Why is that?"
Izuku is immediately a stuttering mess as he scrambles for a response "I-I, uh, d-don't know…?"
Not his best answer and it shows as everyone has a look of suspicion and confusion.
He turns to Ochaco and even Mina, praying that they have an answer or can help him. But they got nothing.
"That's right. We just don't know." Hisashi answers with confidence, faking honesty so expertly even Plumber Cadets would believe him.
Everyone's attention is now on the older Midoriya who goes ahead and explains what he can.
"Unlike most of you Izuku and I came here for professional help."
"Professional help?" Tsuyu asks, sounding worried wondering if it's' something serious.
But the answer rings in Ochaco's head. "Professor Shield!"
"That's right." That was the exact answer he was looking for. "Did you kids know that it was Professor Shield that developed Izuku's Omnitrix for him?"
The class gasps in surprise, they had no idea.
"He did?!"
"That's really one of his inventions?!"
"Why does he always get the good stuff?"
"Y-yeah, it is…" Izuku answers, recalling the same lie from before. In fact, Professor Shield said it himself to help throw All Might off.
With their attention diverted and suspicions evaded, Hisashi continues with the facade. "Professor Shield is one of the greatest minds out there and he's an expert when it comes to Quirks. As you've all witnessed first-hand. Initially, using my own connections, I was able to get into contact with the man and he invented the Omnitrix as a means to help Izuku control his Quirk, One Man Army."
The official story being the Omnitrix helps Izuku sort through the transformations already in his system by injecting him with a shot of external energy and power in order to activate his quote-unquote Quirk.
"Do you all know what Quirk Mutations are?"
On que several of the teens like Shoji and Tsuyu gesture to themselves.
"No, not the Mutation type of Quirks. Quirk Mutations are rare and aren't fully understood. Hell, they're so rare that most professionals in the field of Quirk Studies have never encountered such a case. Now normally a child would have one parent's Quirk or a mix of the two. Quirk Mutations don't do this. Instead, those individuals' Quirks evolve and become something almost completely unrelated to their parents' own Quirks."
"So instead of having a fire-based Quirk like you Midori-err I-Izuku has One Man Army?" Jiro asks for clarification.
"Exactly." Hisashi's glad they understand. "I'm not surprised that you're skeptical. It almost sounds impossible but trust me it's real. It's rare but there are plenty of instances out there where this is the case for people. And Izuku is one of those instances. So, we've been trying all we can to find out more about it to help him control it."
Shoto's begging to understand. "So, the gaining of new transformations?"
Hisashi gives him a sheepish smile and a shrug. "Is still an overall mystery to us." Okay that's an easy co-out answer but if it works then it works.
Momo, however, takes a step further by offering a theory of her own. "Perhaps it's a combination of factors."
Ochaco frowns from her bed. "What do you mean, Yaomomo?"
"From what I can tell, One Man Army usually grants you a new ability when you're in highly stressful situations. Think about it: the U.S.J., the Sports Festival, our internships, and right now. They're all similar in that way."
She does have a point so much, so the others buy it too like Sero. "I get it, so a high tense situation equals a new transformation."
"Yes. Or at least I think that's how it is. If anything, perhaps One Man Army works like Monoma's Quirk and it seemingly copies a version of the Quirks around it."
Izuku considers the theory. On some level that actually makes sense and might hold true for the Omnitrix. It does seem to have a flare for the dramatic and last-minute saves. But then again how do you explain the likes of Buzzshock, Diamondhead, Wildmutt, Upgrade? Did the Omnitrix grant them because those aliens were nearby or because of stress? Mostly likely he got them because the aliens made direct contact with the Omnitrix itself. But is that really that case? And if so did it gather the DNA, then and there or was it always there and was just unlocked? God there's still so much he doesn't understand about this strange device. Just what other secrets is it hiding from him?
Either way, going back to the conversation Hisashi's still playing along. "That's an interesting theory but I'm afraid investigation into it will be put on hold for now with the professor under arrest and all that." He growls in frustration. "Not to mention the data he had on it is long gone so we won't be getting those answers any time soon."
But that also means something for Izuku. "Which means I probably won't have Master Control for a while." Man, the thought is so sad he's gonna cry again.
But the others are in shock, they didn't even realize that he lost it.
"How in the hell did you lose something like that?!" Bakugou is seething, annoyed and perplexed all at once.
"Dude, Did you like leave it in the bathroom or something?" Denki asks with full seriousness.
"That's not what I meant when I said I lost it!" Izuku shouts, offended by the idea.
However, not everyone is clued in as the ones that went off for the Cutoff Protocol are comply lost.
"Master Control?" Mina questions aloud.
"What's that?" Tsuyu wonders too.
Ochaco gasps. "Oh, right you guys missed it."
Mineta cuts in and shouts out what it was. "It was this insane thing where Midoriya could transform from one thing to another without waiting! It was crazy!"
"Yes!" Iida adds in, confirming Mineta's claim. "He didn't require a recharge time and could transform from one form to another on a whim."
"WHAT!?" Mina and the others cry out in shock.
"That's so OP!" Hagakure screams.
"That's what I said!" Denki joins in on their shouting.
Tokoyami sweats as he tries to comprehend it all. "And just when I thought you couldn't surprise me any longer."
Sato can't believe it either. "For real."
"I know." Tears comedically well up in Izuku's eyes. "I miss it already."
"Well, what happened to it?" There goes Jiro going in for the big question.
"Uhhh, well, Malware deleted it. Like completely. He removed the function altogether with one move." Izuku no longer holds back the tears as they stream down in face, "And it was so much fun too. It's not fair." He grumbles.
Hisashi gives him a pity-pat on the shoulder. "Sorry but like I've been saying without the professor there isn't exactly any way we can fix that. Guess you'll have to get used to being normal again."
Tsuyu frowns in thought. "Midoriya being normal? Was that a thing?"
Izuku's not sure if he should cry or laugh at her statement.
Momo, however, still has her concerns. "Malware. A villain like him could have easily turned the tide against us."
Everyone freezes at the thought and the harsh reality of it.
"If he and the others had taken us seriously from the beginning there's no guarantee we would have succeeded."
Shoji frowns with worry. "Yeah, maybe but I would like to know where a villain like him even came from?"
Hagakure shivers at the next thought. "Do you-do you think the League of Villains sent him?"
Everyone stops to look at her, eyes wide, taken back by what she just said.
She suddenly shys away when all eyes turn to her. "W-well I mean, what if he's working with them or something. I mean could you imagine if he had Nomus with him or something."
"That's not a bad theory." Hisashi admits with full seriousness. "But we can't be sure."
Just then, Sero decides to chime in too. "Do you think All Might would know?"
Ochaco's head snaps up. "Where is All Might by the way?"
Izuku also brings up a good point too. "And how's Professor Shield doing?"
"Don't you worry yourselves about them." Hisashi reassures them with a kind thoughtful smile. "They all just need a moment to themselves."
In another part of the hospital security guards line the hallways, on guard for any signs of trouble. But even though they're supposed to be on the job none of them are exactly standing at attention but instead they all seem calm and relaxed. Some are even giddy with excitement, after all All Might is there and what trouble could there be with All Might around?"
A lot in fact. But this situation works out perfectly for the Number One Hero as it gives him the perfect opportunity to talk to David alone and without worrying about prying ears.
A bandaged covered Toshinori Yagi slouches in his chair, a pained and sad expression is stretched across his sullen features. He wheezes coughing up blood as he does.
David Shield worriedly reaches to help but the handcuff around his wrist is keeping him locked to the hospital bed.
And so he falls back and sits in sullen silence as Toshinori calms down from his coughing fit.
But when he does settle down it is him who airs his concerns. "How are you?"
"Oh, you know like I was shot." David tries to play off a laugh but it comes off as pathetic if anything. "But that's nothing compared to how I feel." He admits with a shameful bow of his head. "I really made a mess of things. Here I was getting so hung up on the past. Thinking I could hang on to it forever." God he could just laugh at how stupid, him a genius among geniuses, was. "What I should have been focusing in on was the future. I should have done all I could to make sure it's a bright one. By giving the next generation the proper tools, they'll need to surpass us."
That is certainly something Toshinori can sympathize with. "That is a lesson we both had to learn the hard way."
To hear him say that is a surprise to David. "Toshi…?"
"You're not the only one that's made mistakes. I too got so wrapped up in the past that it blinded my judgment. And as a result, I betrayed the trust and admiration of someone that I should have been inspiring from the start."
David doesn't know what to say. It's honestly hard for him to think that All Might made a mistake. No, it shouldn't be a surprise. He's not a god. He's a man. He's human.
"It's gonna be hard. We can sulk and feel sorry for ourselves but that's not gonna do anyone any good. We both need to do better for all of them." That is a promise.
That's right. David has to remember that he's human too. For all his tech, knowledge, and inventiveness he can't control everything. Especially not the future. And certainly not the world.
*KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.*
With a knock at the door Toshinori immediately vanishes in a puff of steam and smoke and thus leaving a wounded but grinning All Might in his place and just in time as the door slides open.
Blond locks with glasses poke their head inside. "Um, hello. Papa? Uncle Might?"
"Melissa?" David is taken back, delighted but surprised…he wasn't exactly confident that she'd show.
Assuming there's no problem, Melissa shyly enters the room. Head hung low and her eyes to her shoes as she shys away under their watchful gazes.
With an awkward cough All Might gets up from his seat and makes for the door. "I'LL GIVE YOU TWO A MINUTE." He takes his leave but stops at the door before throwing back a word of caution. "DAVE."
David understands, All Might's just making sure he keeps in mind what they just discussed.
And after giving All Might a quirk nod the pro hero leaves the Shields alone to talk.
Unfortunately, they both kind of needed him here to help mediate or to at least break the ice. Because neither are able to start speaking to the other, they're not even able to meet each other's gazes as both are overtaken by either shame or worry.
But it becomes too much this wall between them, David can't take it, and so he's the first to reach out. "Melissa I-"
He's immediately cut off as Melissa throws herself into her father's arms, tears streaming down her face, staging his shirt as she holds him like her life depended on it. "Papa! I was so scared! I-I thought I was never gonna see you again!"
"Melissa…" He's hesitant but after a moment of listening to her weeping he gives in and embraces her back. "I'm sorry. I'm so sss-so s-sorry." Tears well up in his eyes until he's unable to hold them back. "I never meant for any of this to happen. I was a fool I-I thought what I was doing was for the greater good. But I see now that I was just scared. I was terrified about the idea of a world without a Symbol of Peace."
"Papa…"
They don't exchange words after that but instead they both hold onto each other. Taking comfort in each other's company.
"I…I understand."
David's head snaps up in surprise.
"Uncle Might is…wonderful. He's amazing. And deserves that title more than anyone. However, after what happened I know we'll be in good hands." Melissa truly believes that. She knows it to be true. "Uravity, Deku, and all of their friends were unbelievable. No matter how bad or crazy things got they kept fighting and giving it their all! And it was amazing! Their spirits, their tenacity. They never wavered, not even for a second." She's beaming, gone are the tears and weeping and now out comes her bright hopeful smile. "And because of that I know they'll all become amazing heroes."
Her smile, her hope, is contagious. "That they will. That they will." But honestly David is happy knowing that his daughter hasn't lost her spark. She can still make herself a future that he can be proud of.
But…but what does the future have in store for either of them now?
That is the question at the forefront of their minds one rolls in and casts a dark storm cloud over their reunion.
Melissa's almost too scared to ask but it's something they must discuss. "What's…what's gonna happen now?"
David understands her worry, but there's no point in beating around the bush, might as well answer honestly. She deserves that much. "I committed a crime. It's only right that I face the consequences with some dignity. So, I probably have quite a bit of jail time ahead of me."
Melissa figured but that still doesn't make the news any better. "And what about…the Plumbers?"
"They've already contacted me."
"They have?!" Melissa gasps in shock.
"Yes, and as of now I have been suspended."
"Suspended?! Is that really it?" That almost sounds too light of a punishment.
David seems to think so too. "I'm sure they would like to have me serve some other punishment. From my understanding I'm only getting off light because I am under Earth's custody. So, trying to retrieve me would be too much of a hassle for them."
"Oh, I see." He's an inconvenience.
Despite the situation a sly smile creeps up on David's face. "Although a gracious agent of the Plumbers was generous enough to speak with the Plumbers beforehand. With any luck, after I serve my time, I'll be back to work."
Well to be more precise, according to Hisashi Midoriya, letting someone as useful and integral as David Shield slip away would be a waste of resources, intellect, and development. The Plumbers would be better off with him on their side than to be casted out.
But when David asked for more answers, specifically on why Hisashi would go out his way for him, the only response he was given was this: "I don't want to see another family ripped apart because of Plumber HQ's decisions."
David didn't ask anymore after that but even so words cannot describe how grateful he is for Hisashi's intervention.
And neither can Melissa. "That's wonderful!" She cheers with tears of relief in her sapphire eyes.
"Yes. Although I'll have to leave I-island behind since they'll most likely want me to work for them full time." I.E. work for free and call it donating his time to the Plumbers as a means to serve out his punishment. But hey this way he can still do what he loves and what he does best. "It's kind of exciting, it's like I'm starting a new chapter. And although it's gonna be rough I know that as long as you are okay and that you still believe in our dream then I know that I'll be alright."
"I'll never give up on our dream." Melissa vows with all her heart, to which grants a smile to her father's face and a warm fire to his heart.
But as she makes her promise Melissa pauses and steals herself, taking a breath before nervously bringing up her next point. "And Papa."
"Yes?" He pauses wondering what else there is to discuss.
"This is a new chapter for both of us." She states a confident yet nervous smile.
David smiles back but hesitates. "Melissa?"
"Papa. There's something else I'd like to talk to you about."
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to either of them, Hisashi is listening in and he's relieved to hear that everything's gonna work out for them. "A new chapter indeed."
However, he's so busy listening that he fails to notice the person coming up behind him. "MR. MIDORIYA."
"Yes?"
"I'D LIKE A WORD, IF IT WOULDN'T BE TOO MUCH TROUBLE?"
Izuku and Ochaco are the only ones left in the hospital room. Everyone else left a while ago for one reason or another, like going to go get some food cause they were hungry, back to their hotels to take a nap or for a change of clothes. And thus, leaving the two to talk about whatever they wish to.
"Upgrade, huh? I like it. It's the perfect name." Ochaco comments after hearing all about Upgrade, Malware, and Cyberspace from Izuku. "And I bet it's gonna be the new ringer. I mean if you can take any machine and turn it into a giant mecha I don't think anyone can stop you!"
Izuku chuckles sheepishly at that. "Well to be honest I don't think I'll be using the Deku Ex-Machina as often as you think."
"HUH!? Why not?!"
"Well, I was kinda cheating when I used that thing. I mean I was using that Helix machine Professor Shield made for Malware to power myself and give Upgrade a major power boost. And without it I can't exactly pull off anything that big any time soon."
"Ah, man! It would have been so cool if you could."
"Hahaha! Yeah, I guess it would have been. Hahaha!"
*KNOCK!*
After a single knock the door to the room is flung open along with a cheery shout.
"Hey guys!" Mina is elated to see them with bags of snacks in each hand, just enough for all three of them to share.
"Mina!" Ochaco smiles in greeting.
"Hey! Guess who I ran into along the way." Pointing back at the door, Mina steps aside allowing the two bots to roll in.
"That's right folk he lives!" Kraab happily cheers from atop the newly repaired Chopper's head.
There's not a dent or scratch on him, in fact he almost looks as good as new. A far cry from how he was after the ordeal.
"Chopper!" Izuku leans over his bed in order to pat the droid on the head. "I heard you got pretty beaten up."
^Wo wap wa!^
"Yeah, you can't even tell."
Mina giggles at their interaction, she still has no clue what the bot said though. "It's great, isn't it? Melissa fixed him up as good as new!"
"Hey! I helped!" Kraab barks.
"Yeah. yeah."
"Hahahaha!" They all laugh just glad to have everyone safe and sound, honestly, it's a huge relief.
But hang on, did Hisashi go to check on Chopper's repairs?
"Where's my Dad? I thought he was gonna help with the repairs too."
"He did." Mina replies. "I was actually on my way here with the food when I ran into him and these two."
"Then where is he?" Ochaco asks.
"He said he wanted to check on the Professor one more time Guess he got hung up."
He did get hung up by All Might of all people. After crossing paths All Might led Hisashi here to an empty conference room far away from prying eyes and ears. A point that Hisashi picked up on immediately, this place is perfect for discussing sensitive topics. But All Might was the one to call him here. So, what matter of importance did he summon him here?
Well to begin, All Might politely bows his head. "TH-THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HUMOR MY REQUEST."
"Of course." Hisashi smiles back. "Who am I to deny a favor from the Number One hero?"
Despite Hisashi's attempt at being good natured, All Might isn't smiling. Instead, a serious and sullen frown is stretched across his face like he's carrying a heavy weight on his shoulders. No, like an iron lance has been pierced through his very conscience.
"YOUR BOY, HE REALLY IS SOMETHING ISN'T HE?"
Hisashi doesn't bother to hide the smirk on his face. "He is and I couldn't be prouder."
All Might nods and tries to smile but he's too hesitant, nervous, almost afraid. It's like he's expecting something to happen. Not an attack but rather…consequences.
And Hisashi is picking up on all of it. Becoming more and more concerned wondering if this has anything to do with Izuku or something else.
"TELL ME HAS YOUR BOY MENTIONED ANYTHING ABOUT…HIS SCHOOLING?"
That's an odd question. "You're gonna need to be more specific."
"HAS HE SPOKEN TO YOU ABOUT HIS EXAM?"
And like that Hisashi turns fully serious, listening closely with the intent to take in every word. "No. He hasn't. Why? Did something happen?"
"Y-YES." All Might breathes with the pain of gilt as if he was ripping an arrow out from his back. "AND IT WAS MY FAULT."
With his attention fully grabbed Hisashi sits down, figuring it's gonna be a long explanation. "I'm listening."
And so, All Might deluges it all. He explains every detail he can from how he and young Midoriya crossed paths over a year ago. And how well that turned out. He didn't skim on the details he told Hisashi about Izuku's very question and how he declared himself as Quirkless. And so, it was quite the shock for All Might to see the same boy suddenly have an entire arsenal of Quirks under his influence. And so, he allowed his suspicions and unchecked paranoia get the better of him, causing him to overlook and misjudge the boy's intentions and needs. And thus, when it came to the exam it all finally boiled over and blew up in his face. Literally.
"HE REALLY LET ME HAVE IT. RIGHTFULLY SO. AFTERALL IT WAS ALL MY FAULT."
Throughout the entire explanation Hisashi hasn't said a word nor has he given any indication to how he feels about all this. Sitting there soaking in every little detail with a look of calm serious ness.
And honestly, it's freaking All Might out he expects the parent to begin berating and yelling at him. As he should, god knows he deserves it. "I THOUGHT I SHOULD TELL YOU MYSELF. IN AN ATTEMPT TO HELP MAKE AMENDS AND TO ASK FOR YOUR FORGIVENESS."
Still more tortuous silence follows before Hisashi finally decides to break it. But rather than shouting he speaks calmly, hauntingly so. So, calm in fact All Might's almost tempted to think that he cares very little about all this. "Has Izuku forgiven you?"
"WE'VE TALKED IT OUT BUT…NO HE HASN'T. I HAVEN'T EARNED IT YET." He pauses waiting for Hisashi to speak but when he doesn't, he goes ahead and spills his regrets. "AS A HERO-...TEACHER-AS HIS TEACHER I SHOULD HAVE BEEN FAR MORE SUPPORTIVE AND ATTENTIVE WITH HIM." He bows his head in shame, his body shaking from the frustration he feels over his own actions. "I FAILED HIM."
"Yes. You have." Hisashi scolds coldly with an air of danger about him that makes even All Might, the Number One Hero, The Symbol of Peace, tremble. "You should have been guiding him. As a teacher should. You should have been supportive of him. You should have kept an eye on him. You failed him! You should have been his hero!"
All Might knows that. He knows. But every reminder is like a burning knife jammed into his chest. But he takes it, wincing with every word, because he knows this has been a long time coming.
"And you know what else?! I should have done the same…"
And like that All Might's head snaps up in shock and bewilderment. Upon peering up he is met not with disdain or anger but one of regret and empathy.
The dangerous air around Hisashi is gone as is his cold fury. And now he stands before All Might, ready to spill out his own heart in return.
"I should have done all those things too. I should have been here guiding him along. Teaching him about the world. Supporting and inspiring him."
He oh so wishes he can redo it all. Sometimes he wishes he could rewind the clock and fight harder to stay where he was truly needed. Maybe then so much would have been different. Izuku could have been more confident. Maybe they would have moved into a real house. Perhaps he could have trained him to become a Quirkless Hero. Maybe things would have been better. But that's not how it happened, that's not how things played out. This is the reality of it. He was never there and so Izuku had to turn to someone else. Someone who could, in a way, be a constant presence and inspiration in his lift.
"I couldn't be his hero, so he turned to you. And you…"
He can't even bring himself to say it, but All Might knows; he blew it.
"The truth is…we both failed him."
This was far from what All Might expected to hear. Sure, he already knew of Mr. Midoriya's absence but to hear from the man himself about his own regrets puts things into perspective. "WHAT…WHAT NOW?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Hisashi ponders with a knowing look on his face. "We do better. I've been trying and I know you have been to. Otherwise, why would you be here talking to me? We have to do all we can to make it right and to ensure that he knows we're with him."
"WE… WE HAVE TO LET HIM KNOW JUST HOW MUCH POTENTIAL HE HAS."
"Exactly." Hisashi confirms.
Let him know. Show him that they're on his side. It will take time, but they will earn his reverence again. But first they need to show their reverence for him. In order to really do that they must prove it with their actions. Words will never be enough, but action might just be.
"All Might."
All Might turns his gaze back towards the older Midoriya who now stands before him with his hand out to him.
"Promise me you'll earn the right to be his hero again."
All Might stares at the hand unsure if he can promise such a thing.
"I don't mean to save him. But to be his inspiration. We have to set the bar for him and make sure he becomes even greater than either of us. In the words of Isaac Newton "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." Yes. They must be the foundation for Izuku, the hero known as Deku, to stand upon and to rise up and shine his light across not just the world but the sky as well. His light needs to shine throughout the night sky for all walks of life, for all beings to see.
"Let's make sure we're the giants, that we can allow now just Izuku but all those future heroes to go further than we ever could."
All Might doesn't need long to consider but instead he rises up from his seat and with a look of strong determination he grabs Hisashi's hand with a firm grip, and they shake. "I PROMISE."
And if not then Hisashi will hold him to it.
That is a weight off All Might's chest. It went far better than he had been predicting and it was far more productive and insightful than he ever imagined. It truly gives him hope that he-...they can fix this. "TH-THANK YOU."
"Thanks, isn't necessary nor appropriate." Hisashi states with full seriousness. "But there is something I'd like you to clarify."
"OF COURSE."
"I only partly understand your suspicions so tell me." He stops and gives All Might a suspicious look. "Why would the sudden appearance of a Quirk alarm you?"
All Might's breath hitches. He had done his best to avoid that topic for most of his explanation, but he should have known that Cinder would have pointed out the missing details.
But now the question is how much should he deluge? Tell him nothing? The bare minimum? Everything?
That wouldn't be right. If he wants to earn his trust and eventually Izuku's as well then, he needs to put more faith into others. Cinder has already proven himself a capable and trustworthy ally. Risking his life for others. He's a true hero. He deserves to know, at least the bare minimum.
"PERHAPS I HAVE ONE MORE TRUTH TO INFORM YOU ABOUT." All Might admits with a shaky yet heavy breath. Like he's bracing himself for the inevitable backlash and confusion that is to come. "YOU'VE EARNED IT ESPECIALLY AFTER ALL YOU'VE DONE TO MAKE SURE MY STUDENTS WERE SAFE."
Now it is Hisashi's turn to be confused and bewildered. Truth be told he was trying to fish out any suspicions All Might had about the Omnitrix; did he find out about aliens? That doesn't seem to be the case. No, something else is troubling him. But what could it be?
"PLEASE, TELL ME. WHAT DO YOU KNOW OF THE MASTERMIND BEHIND THE LEAGUE OF VILLAINS?"
Meanwhile, back in the hospital room empty wrappers and soda cans litter the beds as Izuku, Ochaco, Mina, Kraab, and Chopper all chat away, talking about their summers and especially about the events the previous day. Telling the others about how scary yet exciting it all was.
But the fun is interrupted as a blonde pokes their head into the room. "Aw, good. I'm so glad you're both alright." Melissa enters with a smile, relieved to see both Izuku and Ochaco up and at em.
"Oh, Melissa there you are." Ochaco greets.
^Wa-op!^ Chopper wheels over to her and expresses his gratitude with serval bows of his tin-can body. ^Wa-op!^
"You're very welcome." She leans down, patting the droid on the head as if he were a dog.
Kraab waves from the foot of Izuku's bed. "You're looking good, kid. Glad to see you're handling your old man's imprisonment and trashed reputation well."
"Kraab!" Izuku scolds, grabbing him and latching his hand over the cyborg's mouth parts.
"It's okay." Melissa reassures while not giving any hints to actually being offended. "Yeah, it's sad but honestly I think it's all gonna work out in the end."
They're all happy to hear that. Honestly, it's comforting to see that she's not letting any of this drag her spirits down. If anything, she seems more hopeful than ever. Strange but a welcomed sight.
However, before she can get comfortable Melissa turns her curious attention to the pink-skinned girl. "I'm sorry but um I don't think we've been introduced yet. You're one of their friends that activated the Cutoff switches, correct?"
Mina instantly lights up, holding her chin to the air with pride. "You betcha! The name's Mina Ashido!"
"It's a pleasure." After being introduced Melissa goes ahead and has a look around the room noting the lack of hero students there are. "Do mind me asking where everyone else went?"
"Oh well, um, Kaminari and Mineta had to go back to the cafe." Izuku shrugs, not really having bought the excuse himself. "Apparently a villain attack doesn't mean you get a day off from work."
Ochaco nods in confirmation before explaining where everybody else went to. "And everybody else either went to get some food or to help with the cleanup."
"Clean up?" Melissa asks.
"Yeah, you know, like they're helping the heroes clean up the mess Midoriya left behind." Mina answers while throwing an accusing thumb over at said teen who is a wee bit offended.
"Hey, you make it sound like I cause a lot of unnecessary damage on purpose!"
Everybody, all three teens and two droids, give Izuku a critical look that makes him stutter and shrink back in shame.
"I mean…I-I don't mean to. But still!"
"I wonder how long it'll take to clean up that mecha?" Ochaco wonders aloud.
Melissa actually happens to know. "Actually, it's probably gonna be there for a while. After all, with so much technology mixed together in random ways the whole thing has to be reverse engineered and taken apart piece by piece. So, yeah, I'd expect that machine to be standing there for a few years maybe. It all depends on how fast they can get past all the red tape involved with each project."
Izuku sinks in his bed, shrinking in on himself with an apologetic bow of his head. "I'm sorry. I just didn't know what else to do. Malware was so strong and powerful. I had to fight back somehow. Heck, he's probably the most powerful alien I've fought yet."
Mina is instantly alarmed, jolting up in alarm at the open mention of aliens. "Uh, guys…"
"He was so unnaturally strong, especially for a Galvanic Mechamorph." Melissa adds, while they all miss Mina's call. "Honestly when he got his hands on the Omnitrix I thought-I thought it was all over."
Izuku shivers at the thought. "Now that would have been a nightmare."
"Hey, guys."
"But at least you got a new alien out of it." Ochaco adds in, trying to lift the mood. "I wonder if touching the Omnitrix unlocks or gathers the alien DNA into it."
"I was thinking that too. I mean it's happened before with Wildmutt and stuff."
"GUYS!" Mina explodes, startling all of them. "You-you just-! She's-! She heard!"
Izuku instantly realizes their mistake, they forgot to clue Mina in. "Oooh, wait. We didn't get a chance to tell you yet."
"Tell me what?"
With a giggle and a skip, Melissa steps before Mina again but this time she properly introduces herself. "Let me officially introduce myself. I'm Melissa Shield. I'm a student here on I-island and I'm a part-time Plumber Cadet."
"Plumber Cadet?!" Mina gasps. "Does that mean-"
"Yes, my Papa's a Plumber at least in their Engineering Department."
Mina quickly spins around to call out the other two. "Why didn't you guys tell me?!"
"We literally found out for ourselves yesterday." Ochaco defends.
Izuku slides in with an added comment. "Not to mention, when would it have been a good time to bring it up?"
"Not the point!" Mina barks back.
"Hehehe." Melissa can't help but laugh, their interactions are just so funny. "Sorry we didn't say anything before, believe me I've been wanting to meet you too."
"You have?"
"Yes, we don't have that many half-human half-aliens running around you now. You're special."
Well, that seems to be enough to get Melissa on Mina's good side because she's absolutely beaming with pride. "I like her!"
Kraab chuckles. "Yeah, we do too."
They all share a good, humored laugh, it's boisterous and loud and oh so joyful. But as they calm down the laughing fades and soon looming questions hang over their heads, putting a damper on their fun.
Melissa is especially affected, her gaze finally dropping away out of guilt. "I'm…I'm sorry about everything."
Izuku doesn't blame her, but he too can't help but feel like this is partly his fault. After all the villains were after the Omnitrix…again. "Yeah…me too."
"What's gonna happen now?" Ochaco asks directly while silently praying that it all worked out somehow.
"Everything's going to be different." Melissa admits with a nervous yet thrilled expression. "For starters…I'm leaving I-island."
"YOU'RE WHAT!?" They all explode into a stunned outroar.
"They're kicking you out?!" Ochaco can't even wrap her head around at how unfair and unjust that is.
"They can't do that! None of this was your fault!" Izuku's outraged, a rare sight, but not one unexpected in this case.
"Yeah!" Mina screams. "It's not fair!"
"You misunderstand!" Melissa shouts over them, trying to calm them down before they go charging the head dean. "I'm not getting kicked out of I-island!" Taking a breath, she calms herself as much as she can before telling them. "I'm choosing to leave."
"You are?" Izuku's stunned, he never thought someone would willingly leave I-island's program. "But-but what about your dream? What about helping humanity reach the Intergalactic community?"
"I never said I was giving up on my dream." Melissa confirms with an air of determination and drive. "I still want to create and build so many great things. I want to make all sorts of items and gear and inventions that will help heroes and people, human or otherwise, live safe and peaceful lives."
And that should be enough of a goal in of itself. But it's not, she desires more. She doesn't just want to help but to help in the most effective ways possible. But how is she supposed to so that? Well, this experience has given her a clue.
"But this experience, being around you all, has taught me so much. I got to witness it firsthand and see just what it takes to be a hero. The kind of conviction and heart it takes to put your life on the line and pour your entire heart into what you believe in. It's inspiring."
So inspiring that it made her decision all the easier to make.
"And it made me realize something. I still have so much more to learn, so much more to experience and see. I need to expand my horizons. That's why-" She takes a breath and steels her nerves before telling them. "I'm going to be transferring to the Plumber Academy."
"You're going to the Plumber Academy?!" Ochaco's shocked, she never even considered that an option.
"Are-are you sure?" Izuku can't help but question. "I mean, I bet Principal Nezu wouldn't mind bring you to U.A."
"Thanks, but it's okay I've already spoken to him and Mr. Cinder. And he already contacted the Academy for me and got me all registered. I leave at the end of the month."
Although they just met, even Mina can sense how nervous she really is deep down. "You'll be so far from home."
"I know but I'll be fine. I won't be able to see Papa for a while anyway. But when he gets out, he'll be working full time with the Plumbers again."
"Really? That's great!" Izuku grins, happy to hear the news.
"In order to be of greater help in the future I need to educate myself more on alien technology and I need to have the ability to meet new people that can teach me even more. So, that way I'll know exactly how to help everyone. I can create the most perfect inventions and gear to assist any hero and help every person they save!"
They're taken back, not out of disbelief but at how determined she is to see this through. This could not have been an easy choice. For all they know this might be her way of coping with recent events. It's a lot to take in: villain uprising, father guilty of crimes, her uncle nearly killed. It's a lot to deal with but it seems that they won't have much to worry about. It looks like their own actions have inspired her enough to keep striving forward. And whatever she chooses to do, they'll support her.
"Whatever you decide, we're with you." Izuku promises, speaking on all their behaves. "And besides it's not a goodbye it's a see ya later."
"Yeah!" Ochaco happily agrees. "We can still make calls. They got phones up in space, right?"
Kraab shrugs, waving his claw from side to side in a skeptical way. "Well, they're not really phones but yeah, same difference."
^Wop wa.^ Chopper comments.
But Kraab waves him off. "Yeah, yeah I know. But still."
Ignoring them, Izuku moves on and restates their claims. "Just remember if you need anything or start missing home, we'll be just a call away. We'll even go up there and meet ya if we have to."
"You're all so kind." Melissa is truly touched, that means so much coming from them. And it is such a weight off her shoulders as well. Part of her was afraid they wouldn't take too fondly of the news, but clearly her fears were unfounded. "But before I go, is there anything I can help you all with?"
"Huh?" Ochaco pauses, gaping when Melissa turns to her.
"Uravity, would you like me to make another pair of Full Gauntlets for you? It wouldn't be a bother; I'm sure."
Ochaco stops to think about it but after a minute she has her answer. "Thanks, but I'm okay."
That is honestly a surprise to Melissa, she thought for sure she'd say yes.
"Don't get me wrong, the Full Gauntlet was amazing! And I totally loved it! But…I need to better myself and relying on a tool like that will just restrict my own growth." It's like using a trampoline to jump higher; it works but the moment the trampoline is gone she'll never reach that height if she doesn't train to do it herself. "It's like you said, I have a lot to learn too."
"We all do." Mina comments, her antenna wiggling over her head.
"That we do." Izuku sits up straight as he calls out the group directly. "So, let's make a promise. The next time we meet we'll show each other exactly how much we learned."
They all smile in agreement. Especially Melissa who comes to stand before the hero in training with a fiery drive in her eyes. "I'll hold you to that, Deku."
"As will I, Melissa." He smiles back. "Until we meet again."
With every encounter of new friends must come the inevitable parting. Each must go their own way. But with every parting there will inevitably be a reunion as paths cross once again.
As is the case here within the walls of a seemingly abandoned warehouse in the middle of the haunting woods. Bare and stripped of parts, holes line the roof as thorny vines entangle the entire foundation. Creatures of the night such as silent mice and chirping insects populate the walls of the warehouse. But they're all silent as a single light source shines over them. But then they all scurry away as a swirl of shadows forms within the warehouse's center.
Out from the shadowy vortex steps forth an equally shadowy Kurogiri and at his side is an eerily violet-shaded container that hovers just two feet off the ground.
Kurogiri is met with a blinding light, forcing him to squint and shield his eyes before the light is turned away from his face and he is met with the sight of the Young Master.
"Kurogiri. Do you have it?" Tomura Shigaraki growls from atop a stack of rotting two-by-fours.
Kurogiri places a hand on the container; it is of a strange metallic substance with a viewing port at the head allowing anyone who comes near a peek inside. "It was at the drop-off location as promised along with an added bonus."
On his que two more figures of varying sizes emerge; one carries himself with a light agile step while the other stomps forward moving in a way that indicates that he'll crush anything that dares to step before him.
And upon seeing Shigaraki's hand-covered face, Nue can't help the mocking smirk from stretching across his face. "What's up, Handjob? Did you miss me?"
Shigaraki waves a hand in front of his nose. "Ah, great and we just cleaned out the stank too."
"Ehehehe, real funny." Nue smirks, he bares his fangs as he brings his face before Shigaraki's. "But the only thing that stinks around here is your rotting breath. And boy I sure didn't miss that."
Shigaraki leans in closer and glares back.
And Nue dies the same albeit with a cocky smirk, satisfied he got a rise out of the creep.
But their staring competition is interrupted by an indifferent yet impatient tone. "If you two kiss I'm gonna burn my eyes out."
Peering over Nue finds Dabi hanging out near the back along with several others.
"Hehehe! Don't be mean!" Himiko Toga gleefully laughs, her face flush with red. "They haven't seen each other all summer long! It's not fair! I'm sure they just wanna play!"
"Yeah, play, sure." Charmcaster rolls her eyes as she leans back from atop her perch upon stacks of plywood. "But let's be real here, none of us are here to play around."
Kurogiri concurs. "Too true. We have a lot of work to do and much to accomplish."
On that note Shigaraki takes a moment to examine the container even further. Upon further expectation the container is more like a high-tech cassette if anything else. It has an eerie purple hue about it while a strange blue-liquid drips out from one of the seams.
"Is that the package?"
The other figure that arrived with Nue answers. "Yhe! Htacw hawt uoy allc a ckaagep, alp!"
Everyone stares at SevenSeven with absolute loss before they all turn to Nue in the hope that he'll translate somehow.
With a sigh Nue translates on the bounty hunter's behalf. "Yeah, it is."
"Kurogiri, let me see."
"Of course." The shadowy bartender steps aside allowing Shigaraki to look.
The villain leans over the cassette, sliding two fingers across its sugar as he makes his way to the portal window. There he peers in and reels at the sight.
"Nasty." He gags but doesn't turn away, seemingly fascinated by the horror inside. "You are one ugly motherfucker." he growls as if the contents could respond.
SevenSeven suddenly shouts out in excitement. "Ah! I etg ti! Ttas'h a Datorpre eeeerrfnc. Odg i ovle ttah veiom!"
Ignoring him Nue goes ahead and gives the container a tap. "So, are you sending this off to that rejected zookeeper? He's gonna have a field day."
"No." Kurogiri responds. "This one is going to a different facility."
And with a wave of his hand, he directs his portal to slide over and swallow up the container before it and the portal vanish away to nothing.
SevenSeven nods his head at the sight, seemingly impressed. "Ee'wr otn nnaog ese ttah fofayp ofr a liehw."
Shigaraki watches the portal vanish with a bit of curiosity and irritation but doesn't say a word but instead turns his attention back to his leveled-up alley. "So, are you all trained or whatever now? You were off in the Training Arena for a while. What? Did you get your ass kicked every other minute?"
He laughs and his fingers twitch. Honestly, he's expecting Nue to lash out and throw a fit. He even expects the freak to take a swipe at him. But it never comes; instead Nue, almost humbly, admits to it.
"Yeah, I did. But guess what, now it's my turn to whoop some ass." He leans in and growls in Shigaraki's face. "Just point me at the punks that deserve it."
To say that Shigaraki is stunned wouldn't be wrong as he's taken back by Nue's admittance. "You're different."
"Naw, I just see the bigger picture now."
"As you should." Kurogiri cuts in ensuring that things won't escalate. "Because with your return we are ready to begin."
"You got that right." With a wave of his arms to his sides Shigaraki walks backwards towards the single light only stopping just before it. "Our little team MMORPG is about to begin."
With a snap of his fingers a number of figures step out from the depths of the warehouse, making their own ominous presence known.
With a flourish and a bit of excitement Shigaraki addresses their little vanguard of villains. "Now who's ready to invade the enemy camp? Ehehehe!"
*And that was Ch.65 My Sweet Summer is Gone. See I told you it was short. And again, sorry I couldn't post sooner but I had a lot of fun things to attend to these last few weekends, so it is what it is. But hey guess what? Now it is finally time for the FOREST TRAINING CAMP! I have so much planned you don't even know! Well, I guess you guys know to a point but still! We'll get right into that next time!
*Also, I know people are gonna be disappointed that Melissa didn't join the main storyline. Sorry but this is what I chose. We already have an engineering character in Mei Hatsume plus I will eventually be bringing in Blukic and Driba. So, having Melissa around would be redundant. That said this is far from the last time we will see her. In fact, some eagle-eyed readers already saw the hint I gave on how I will be bringing her back.
*Also, I wanna point out that All Might does not tell Hisashi about One For All. Just thought I'd make that clear.
*Reminder* Please check out my side story/spin-off of this story. It is a collection of Omakes/OVAs that take place between chapters or within chapters. I also use that story to post updates about this story. So, please go check it out, it's all in good fun.
*ANNOUNCEMENT* Oh by the way I may change my Profile Name on this site and maybe AO3's as well rather soon. So, if you suddenly see this story with a different author name next to it. Please relax, just know that I changed my Profile Name. Thank you.
*Public Service Announcement* Please do not post spoilers for the manga in a review. And if you do, please don't do it directly try to be somewhat subtle. I want this story to be accessible to everyone whether they read the manga or not so please respect that. And if you do need to talk about spoilers then PM me personally about it. But please ask to make sure I am caught up first. People have spoiled major things to me before I had the chance to read myself and I know it ruined it for others because they did it as a review. So, please be mindful about what you post.
Responses for "Guest" reviewers from Ch.64:
Guest: Awesome! I feel like David Shield get punished and arrested by Plumbers for his crimes
CreateGunner1209: Well not exactly as you probably read already. Sorry if it feels like a co-out but this what made sense to me. Plus, it leaves it open for me to bring him back into the mix whenever I want
Atom king: I just love this chapter with everything in it from the Daleks to the appearance of malware to just everything, I really love the giant robot fight with the DEKU EX-MACHINA I really hope that comes back in the later chapters, maybe with different UA students, the fight really reminded me of power rangers, especially with everyone doing their part to fight Apex malware, though it looks like vilgax has plans of his own for malware I wonder will he create the malware armor ?
CreateGunner1209: So, assuming you read the chapter already. Yes, I would absolutely love to bring the Deku Ex-Machina back into the mix here and there. Hence why I left it open for that to happen. Plus I could do other (smaller) versions of it for later too.
O'KevinsKar: I actually got goosebumps reading the Mecha scene, it actually felt like a epic movie anime moment. It really goes best with that String soundtrack from Omniverse: /FX8ihyuYnZE this one I mean. Does anyone know the actual name? Nvrmind it's great! I am screaming my head off that they are fighting Apex from Pacific Rim Black. Not a cameo but physically appearance wise its the Kaiju Jaeger. Thanks author! Can't wait for the epilogue!
CreateGunner1209: I am so happy you enjoyed it that much! That is exactly what i was going for: an epic anime mecha fight! And the Kaiju Jaeger was just the perfect design that it would have been a waste not to use it.
BlasphemySix: EPIC! EPIC! EPIC! From the references tot he quotes to the "It's Hero Time!" Moment it's just, i'm about to cry...This has been a an amazing experience. Although I have to admit my all favourite parts are just whenever Izuku and Malware are present. The Uravity Deku vs Malware Wolfram Combo fight, the Matrix fight in cyberspace, and of course the Deku-Ex Mechina. The Sub level fights are eh to be honest, and some parts of the Uravity and All Might combo fights are just different enough from the actual movie to keep me interested but not as much as the main epic battles. I'm also really glad that although Malware is down he isn't out and that he is a trove of info regarding the Omnitrix Lore and a catalyst for future events (Nemetrix and Malgax?) Looking forward to the Epilogue to wrap things up and for the future of the newly assembled established Negative Nine.
Vilgax: Negative Nine Assemble!
Deku: W-wha...
Uravity: D-De-Deku...
Vilgax: Kneel Izuku Midoriya...and hand over the Omnitrix to your new lords and Masters!
CreateGunner1209: I knew the chapter would pay off. I got a lot of complaints about my first two parts being somewhat the same but I knew, I knew once we got to Part 3 everyone's tunes would change. And they did! I loved all those scenes too. They were so much fun to write and think about from how Malware discusses his past, their combo fighting, and the mecha. In fact, that mecha fight has been planned for since the beginning of this story. So yeah it was a long time coming.
And yes Malware's appearance was a set up for future events/plot threads.
Also despite Nue and SevenSeven regrouping with the League they are still part of Vilgax's Negative Nine. They're just on loan for now.
Lord Razor: also, just made another notice (god I hate you cant edit reviews).
Malware is also a parallel to Tomura shigaraki too. considered as outcasts and failures by society, their powers used as destruction by mere touch of other things and people, abandoned and feelings of their fathers failing them, created a cabal of villains to reach their goals in destruction of society that promotes the strongest above all, and wanting the power that they feel is rightfully theirs OFA/the ominitrix.
CreateGunner1209: I hate that you can't edit reviews either. Although I;m sure you would need an account to do so.
Anyway, yes Malware has a lot of parallels to characters, including Izuku since he was scorned by All Might much like Malware was by Azimuth.
Drifter: This Chapter was so freaking awesome! It put a much needed smile on my face, because two days ago, the 27th, my dog had passed away, this chapter had given me some much needed cheering up, so thanks for all your hard work making this badassery and humor of a fanfic. I truly enjoy this.
CreateGunner1209: I'm so sorry. My dog passed away about 4 years ago and we still miss him at home. And before that we had two other dogs so now we're a dogless house. Sad but life goes on but we still have plenty of memories of them all
Shark: An epic finale to this arc. Starlight action which I enjoyed. Indo worker how the training camp arc will go since Bakugou didn't act like raging animal. Meaning the LOV will not be targeting
My comment accident cutoff. I meant so does that mean the LOV won't be targeting Bakugou?
CreateGunner1209: You will have to wait and see what happens. But trust me, it's gonna be good
nova: Feedback:I feel like I almost died
Now, if you do this line as an upgrade, it'll be perfect.
UG:(Strengthen someone's item)
Anyone:ehat was that?
UG:nano tech,you'd like it?
It would be awesome if there was a scene where atomix landed in Iron Man's position and shouted, "BRING ME VILGAX!"
CreateGunner1209: That would be pretty epic. Although I feel like a lightning related alien would work better: Feedback, Buzzshock, Shocksquatch, Ampfibian, etc. But Atomix is a good fit to. I need to think about this
Guest: When will more of 1-A find out about aliens because I really want to see there reaction. Personally I think you should have Deku captured at the training camp and when Mina and Ochako head to the plumber base the rescue team follows them there. I think this would be a great way to approach it.
CreateGunner1209: You will have to wait and see what happens. I have it all planned out already like for two years so it's gonna happen eventually
Guest: I have a suggestion for the story. I think Vilgax should win the war arc so that Deku and !-A need to leave earth to get help from where ever they can. Kinda like a mix of mass effect 3 and the Incursion occupation of earth.
CreateGunner1209: I get that. But to be honest I don't know if the war arc will play out in anyway it does in the manga. I will most likely go off canon by then.
Guest: I know you said alien x wouldn't appear until the end but it took Ben a long time to master alien x(2 and a half series) so I think Midoriya should get him earlier but not have control until the end.
CreateGunner1209: I get that but I still rather he receives Alien X closer to the end versus halfway through. Also let's be real Izuku is a better mediator then Ben was so he'd probably figure that out sooner
Dreadbot: This part of the ark was really awesome I loved how you introduced malware he is one of my personal favorite Ben 10 villains that was introduced in Omniverse and I like how you introduced them and I can't wait to see what you do with him next I also liked how you included the daleks can't wait to see what you do next please keep writing
CreateGunner1209: Trust me I got plans for Malware hence why he's not in his final form yet
Guest: Soy el único que desea ver una interacción entre Malware con Dabi o Shoto Todoroki debido a sus "problemas paternales"?
Qué raro...verdad?
CreateGunner1209: That would be kinda fun
26skaramaga: I guess we have all of the original Ben 10 transformations, along with Cannonbolt, Wildvine, Upchuck, and Ditto. I'm glad you finally have Upgrade. Congratulations CreateGunner, you have come so far. I'm excited for the next chapter, and the training camp. Good luck.
CreateGunner1209: Thank you. 69/70 chapters. Wow
DeadCool14: This was so goddamn COOL! I LOVED IT! Can't believe you changed the final battle to a goddamn mecha fight, you are amazing. Can't wait for what's next; and I should've known Malware was the last member; gotta say, pretty damn cool choice of characters for the Negative Ten. And I love how you had the other characters do something as well; they just kinda showed them to acknowledge that they're there in the movie. This is top tier.
Also don't worry it's alright, the fact that you managed to post this despite all of that is incredible
My God you have an obsession with references, you know that? XD. I loved the Promare reference the most
What do you think of Primus? Will you add it to the story?
Kinda wish you had more parallels with Deku and Malware since they are pretty similar in their upbringings; unless you're saving that for later
I meant when Vilgax turned into a Kraken at the end of Alien Force
References like Eri taking the place of Anya from Spy x Family, it's a really good anime, she's the cause of a lot of memes
Check out ZebraKnight1 on Instagram, they got some good Ben 10 art there
What did you think of my idea for the Echo Echo and Ditto problem?
I LOVED the Rottmnt OVA, it was absolutely amazing. *Pacha meme*
CreateGunner1209: I know, right?! I've had that mecha fight up my sleeve for like 2 years now and I finally got to use it! Hell yeah!
And yeah I made a decision early on to make sure to use the other MHA characters somehow. Sure it was a lot of work to add them in bu I totally think it was worth it.
As for Primus? I'm not sure yet. I know people, myself included, have their gripes about the concept. It's not terrible but I think it needs to serve a different purpose. So if I use Primus it will only somewhat resemble what we saw in the show and I will most likely readapt its purpose. But there is still a chance I won't use it at all.
Saving the upbringing stuff for later.
I think I won't be changing anything about Ditto or Echo Echo at all. And if I do I have to do what feels right for me.
BlueRanger-Lyric: WOW, that was the most epic chapter yet, I mean wow, the reveal of Malware, Deku getting Upgrade, the Daleks, the Giant Mecha fight, this chapter was far beyond anything I could have imagined for this chapter, god damn, I still can't believe you were able to make a chapter so epic like that, and it looks like Malware will be joining Vilgax's League, as if his group wasn't dangerous enough, now they have Malware thrown in the mix, now I'm actually worried how the heroes or even the main characters will deal with them, considering how powerful and dangerous each of them were when alone, but all together, that isn't sure to be a nightmare, 9 times over (Pun Intended) so let's see where things go from there, especially when we get to the "Training Camp Arc"
Genuinely wondering, at what point in this fanfic will the story start going in a direction completely different from the main canon, especially with all the potential directors the story could go with all that's been introduced and changed so far?
Something occurred to me when thinking about Sir Nighteye in this story, and something keeps telling that he knows about aliens already, I could think of two ways he would find out about the existence of Aliens, he ether catches an Alien or Plumber that he thinks is a villain and uses his quirk "Foresight" on them to get answers, only for him to find out about aliens and the plumbers maybe, or he tries to use his quirk on an alien and it doesn't work, which would no doubt disturb him, leading him to run a very deep investigation on that individual, so much so it draws the attention of the Plumbers who try to hinder his investigation, which would force him to dig deeper them as well, and then seeing that he's not gonna stop, ether the Plumbers try and deal with him directly or Nezu let's him in on the secret so he can help keep it a secret from the rest of the world, the heroes and All Might, but what do you think about that?
CreateGunner1209: So it will still be some time before I diverge away. A lot of things are planned out but not everything. Eventually I will be going on a temporary hiatus. As in I won't post for a while because during that time I want to rewrite my plans/outline for this story. I will give more info on that later though
Also I will say this now. Sir Nighteye doesn't know about aliens. And I already know how I'm gonna integrate everyone I need into the Overhaul Arc. Thanks though and it is somewhat similar to what you predicted though but different
Guest: Amigo, te superaste a ti mismo, mis respetos, pero solo tengo dos preguntas:
1. Volveremos a ver a Melissa en la historia o ya no?
2. Perdón por la ignorancia pero Malware es un ser vivo o una máquina? Siempre tuve esa duda...
CreateGunner1209: 1. Yes
2. Malware is a living being made of liquid nano-machines. Think Transformer rules. Machines that are alive so they are living beings
LiquidusSnake: Apart the whole bullshit between izuku and all might i really like this story.
CreateGunner1209: Thanks I guess
MoarCheese: WOOOOO! I may be late to review but that was some finale for the summer arc. Malware becoming Kaiju size was something I WAS NOT expecting this soon, you almost have me a heartattck with Feedback there for a minute but I'm looking forward to the real deal soon. Ugh, that's gonna be heartbreaking. Wolfram being a husky skeleton is a logical plot reason on why he no longer shows up for the rest of the fic so good on yah mate!
Can't fookin wait for the new chapter that's gonna vr the epilogue, crossing my fingers we see Vilgax finally meeting Malware even though it was already implied this chap. Me still wants to see him making his moves though, looking forward to your version of "Secrets" and Kamino Arc! Can't think off a better way to close off the summer arc than have finally have all the OG Main 10 playlist gang all together!
Love your story mate!
CreateGunner1209: I knew the Feedback bit would give readers a scare. But no I won't be doing that. But then again…?
Also the skeletal Wolfram wasn't my idea that actually happens in the movie but it's very brief.
Drag0n5on: Sooo this is a side note idea that I came up with during more than meets the eye. So my prediction is that Izuku will intern with Hisahi or Ryuku. If he goes witch his dad there wouldn't be a reason for them to be involved with Eri. But what if instead of Mirio and Ochakon(assuming she interns with nighteye) it's Hisashi and Izuku(assuming he interns with his dad) that runs into Eri. And instead of letting her go back Hisashi takes Eri. This of course forces Nighteye to reach out to them and having worked with Fatgum is immediately suspicious of Hisashi. Unfortunately he can't get rid of then as Eri immediately attaches herself to the two. Just some tension to be added to the situation as well as drama. That or even bigger twist HENZU takes her but he doesn't take her to the league as he's not that cruel and takes her to Izuku which leads to more suspicion on Izuku and Hisashi although honestly the thought of Izuku and Henzu fighting Overhaul together just appeals to me
Also hey been awhile how ya been
CreateGunner1209: Damn, your predictions are sooo very close to what I actually have planned for that entire arc. Shit, like for real it's almost dead on. Ah, man now I feel like I gotta change some things. But then again…there are some elements that I think will be a pleasant surprise for you all still.
JustTaGuest: I like Drag0n5on's idea for the Overhaul Arcs, hope the author does something like that. Would make good drama between Tezuki, Hisashi and every other pro hero that has their suspicions about him as well as roping Izuku into it
CreateGunner1209: It is a good idea. How do I know? Because that's almost exactly what i have planned but I still have a few twists here and there
Guest: I thought mecha deku ex will me like that power rangers movie 2017 or at least Gundam shape
CreateGunner1209: Um I never got into Power Rangers. Also no offense the 2017 movie wasn't anything special. But the Gundam is spot on
Guest: I miss the master control
CreateGunner1209: Sorry
Guest: I was hoping to see way big in this battle
CreateGunner1209: Sorry again
Guest: I wonder what their retest is going to be
CreateGunner1209: it's gonna be fun (At least for me)
Spiderman616: Will the omnitrix recalibrate as an alien force?
CreateGunner1209: Eventually, please be patient
Jakesurfboy: Ok so I was a few chapters behind but all I have to say is this was not how I expected the movie to go but it was definitely worth it for Chapter 67 it was reference central and I absolutely loved every reference I can see it especially the Doofinshmirtz one that was a good one and I loved Izuku getting master control but I knew he would lose it but it was nice while he had it. Chapter 68 was an awesome way to show Kraabs new body and was just a great start to the fights but the highlight was probably the Solar Flare Bombardment move Izuku, Bakugo and Todoroki did where all three of them gave their all in terms of fire power (literally) and that was just great. As for this chapter I was expecting Upgrade to be unlocked but never did I expect the Deku ex Machina to be an actual thing in this story but it was amazing you did an excellent job with that and making sure everyone in the mech had a role to play and I loved it. My only complaint and this is a small one is that Ojiro, Koda and Aoyama weren't in this fight at all but like I said it's minor and I get that having so many characters at once would be difficult to manage so I don't blame you but other than that this whole movie arc was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to get into the Forest training arc and I can't wait to see what happens next
CreateGunner1209: I'm so glad you loved it all so much. That means a lot with all the hard work I put into it. Seriously, some stuff like the mecha fight I've been wanting to do for two years now!
Also why would Ojiro, Koda, or Aoyama be in the fight? They were never on the island, not even in the movie version.
Guest: Three heroes arc is so amazing and awesome it makes so worth the wait. You so earn a long vacation after this. My favorite part of the arc is Izuku has mater control. I know some people don't like how he act in part 1, but everything bad happen in summer vacation I said he earn have fun with it. Beside if I have an omnitrix and unlock master control I done the same thing and let be honest here you and everybody have fun with it too if you have an omnitrix. After he lost it, I understand why he feel sad about to lose it, but it's also show he does not ready to have master control not yet. In the future he will. I like it even after the big lost, you have to keep going to win no matter the odds. Also, giant mech fight is so totally rock. Best part is Malware. He is the best villain to make the story better of the movie. I like he the reason to case Izuku lose master control it makes sure. Now vilgax have a new the most powerful and the most dangerous member of his team. I so hype the introduce of Bioids. Why? Because it makes sense to have an army with blank DNA to use the omnitrix really smart and most terrorized. Its truth Vilgax want power of omnitrix but also, he never needs it he knew that, but his army does. I think him has a good reason why he does that. Vilgax know how the omnitrix work. He may have some knowledge of it like make the user turn back but even he does not have fulling knowledgeof the omnitirx or how to build a new one. He also knew himself can't use because the omnitrix has security systems to prevent everybody (and in theory someone have a quirk because the omnitrix think quirk some form infection) to use by shut down or kill switch if not belong the host or he/she family DNA. Only reason Nue has 11 different aliens' ability because DNA take a form of energy that he can absorb but only take 11 at the time because his quirk can't take or handle more of it. That why bioids will work because it has blank DNA using the host DNA to trick omnitrix thinking it the same user and boom you have an army of omnitrix wearer to counter everything of the universe throws at you. I doubt All for One knows about Vilgax plans for omnitrix. But he fine out about bioids, he wants to destroy the omnitrix because not even his can's beat an army like that. I can't wait to read it in the future. IT's going to be epic.
CreateGunner1209: Done. Trust me I used these last few weekends to have a lot of fun. Nerdy fun but still a ton of fun. But I am back and ready to go! Also THANK YOU! The point of the master control scene was just to have fun with it. And I don't regret it at all. Yes, I understand the complaints but come on. Aren't I allowed to have some fun with my writing every now and again?
And yeah, this arc and others like it have set up a lot for the future. And I hope it'll all be as epic as this
Guest: I have a question? If some people like class 1a (mostly Bakugou and Ochako) going call Albedo at Anti-Deku because opposite color, looks alike, and similarly personality but also different mindset (all the smart but zero humility). It going to be really funny to see how Albedo going to react with that nickname. I think he is going to hate calling by that.
CreateGunner1209: Oh he is for sure gonna hate it
