6 weeks. Sorry guys this chapter would have been done sooner but, of course, I got busy. Also doesn't help that my computer broke and I was without one for two weeks. Then when it arrived, I couldn't use it right away because I was gone all weekend. And then I had to set it all up, get used to it, and so on. So yeah, sorry guys but at this point we should almost expect one update a month. Sorry but I will keep trying to get them out sooner but I can no longer promise anything. If you're expecting weekly updates then I'm sorry to say but I think those days are over. Sorry again but thank you for understanding.
*BR-FACT* (By Ray Ethan) Shocksquatch's name in the BR dub is the exact same. However, "Electricyeti" instead translates to "Yeti-Electro."
*NEW pieces of Artwork from the budding artist, Smoking-Gun-275 on Deviant-Art. Please go check their stuff out! They've already created 3 whole pieces of art for this story alone! I seriously love any and all artwork that comes my way or that's inspired by this story. It's truly great to know that it can inspire others to create something themselves too. smoking-gun-275
*This story has a TV Tropes page so feel free to check it out. /Fanfic/HeroesNeverDieItsHeroTime
*Disclaimer I do not own the rights to Ben 10 or MHA.
*CLICK. CLICK. CLICK.*
["Welcome back once again to NHN. You're just in time to hear about our top story which has got to be the attack on U.A.'s Training Camp!"] A square chinned American remarks with cold yet precise declaration. His red tie popping out even while tucked into his well-tailored suit. He pushes back his thin square glasses with its temple tips brushing into his graying brown hair.
He continues promulgating forth with the spirit of Paul Revere. ["This strike was coordinated by the infamous League of Villains. Which if that name doesn't sound familiar, then it should! This is now the second - that's right - second, attack on U.A. with the exact. Same. Students. That were involved in the U.S.J. Attack! This time, both of U.A.'s freshmen classes have been the unfortunate victims of U.A.'s negligence and blatant overconfidence."] He shakes his head in cold disappointment, like that of a parent not surprised by a tempered child's behavior.
A panel slides onto the screen over the man's shoulder, showing footage of aircrafts extinguishing azure flames while ambulances and police cars arrive onto the scene of the WWPC's Lodge.
["Now thankfully emergency services were able to respond quickly after a group of students managed to contact the outside world for help. And thankfully the fires were contained while ambulances arrived on the scene and the police quartered off the entire area."]
The announcer claps his hands hard together before shrugging away like the applause meant nothing at all. ["But help came too late! Listen to this. 41 students went to this camp with high hopes and the expectation that they'd be in a safe learning environment, while enjoying the serenity of nature. HA! But instead, a quarter of them are now unconscious and under constant surveillance in the nearby hospital! Oh, but what about the other students? Surely the heroes were able to save them? Well, you would think. But in truth, I'd argue they're worse off! Nearly every student that didn't get knocked out by the initial attack now have varying degrees of injuries and trauma inflicted by the hands of the villains."]
The panel changes showing the likes of an unconscious Kyoka Jiro and Toru Hagakure being carted off by EMTs. ["And just when you think it couldn't have gone worse…it does!"]
The panel changes showing two images: one of a teen with ash-blonde hair and a permanent scowl, and the other of a plain-faced boy with freckles and green-hair. ["Not one but two, TWO, students were taken right under the heroes noses! Speaking of which one of these heroes is in critical condition after a severe blow to the head. And another is missing. Just missing. With little to go on! Now the villains did take a hit as well."]
The images blink away this time doubling as the images of the defeated villains appear. The first of a broken Muscular being hauled away in massive binds, his form completely battered and covered in bits of earth. The next image is of a spiritually broken Mustard. The third is of a missing-toothed Moonfish. And finally, the last image is that of a massive vat filled with swirling orange goop. ["Thanks to the efforts of the brave heroes we now have at least some villains in custody. Hm?"]
The anchorman stops, looking somewhere off screen as some imaginary character tells him something.
["Oh, what's that? … The heroes didn't capture them? THE CHILDREN DID!?"] He shouts, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ["Yes, folks. You heard me! The heroes, your supposed protectors, did not defeat a single villain, no, instead these budding heroes were thrown into the front lines with no training or experience. Talk about negligence! And there's the issue here; negligence. How could U.A. and its heroes, our heroes, allow a group of ragtag, untrained, murderous villains the ability to coordinate an entire assault on CHILDREN!? If they cannot even protect the next vanguards against evil, then can they really protect us?!] He pauses as if waiting for the viewer to answer. ["Or will we be the meat shields to which our "heroes" can hide behind? Or-]"
*BZ-shhhhhh.*
The TV shuts down with a click of the remote, going silent and dark and revealing nothing but the downtrodden expression of a poor girl dressed in a hospital gown with one arm in a massive cast and so is her leg, while the rest of her body is layered with more bandages like that of a mummy.
Sullenly Ochaco Uraraka turns away from the dark screen, her head sliding along the stiff pillow as she does. Her mind still clouded in a haze of deliriousness and exhaustion added to the fact she can barely move in this state, she can't help but let out a choked sob as she recalls Shigaraki's words from the Kiyashi Ward Shopping Mall.
[FLASHBACK]
"Why?" Ochaco chokes, gripping her now free neck as Big Chill hovers protectively between her and the villain. "Why do you hate heroes so much? Why do you hate…this world?" This world of heroes?
Shigaraki pauses, stopping within the bustling oblivious crowd, pondering the question. His hand flexes towards his pocket as a wave of haunting memories flood his mind as he peers back at her, his eyes piercing into Uraraka's very soul.
Ochaco gasps at the sight, for a brief second she saw a flash in his eyes, a flash of pain and fear.
"Because this society is a lie."
Ochaco's lips tighten, her mind plagued by his meaning.
Big Chill too takes a moment to pause.
Shigaraki turns away. "But here's a little word of advice, friends. Be careful. The next time we meet," His gaze drifts from Uraraka up to the transformed Midoriya. "I'll likely have to kill you."
And with that threat proxying a goodbye, Shigaraki disappears from within the bustling crowd like a stone lost to a churning stream.
[End of FLASHBACK]
Laying there in defeat, the blankets and casts feeling like a sleep paralysis demon has her pinned and is now dragging her down into despair.
A single, painful, tear runs down her once rosy cheek before more water pools down her face.
The Summer Training Camp they'd all be looking forward to, couldn't have been more of a disaster…
[PLAY "My Hero Academia Season 3 - Opening | ODD FUTURE"]
I Keep My Ideals; Sorezore
Izuku Midoriya and Henzu Uuichi are standing back-to-back facing away from each other as their story of transformation from friends to enemy's flashes between them.
No Tenmei Wo Ooo
The camera P.O.V. zooms upward, traveling through space at light speed.
What's going through? (Instrumental)
The Omnitrix glows green, floating between a pair of Galvin's hands.
Subete Wa Mi Kara Deta Sabi
Izuku runs out of Mr. Baumann's store before jumping on his hoverboard with the man chasing after him angrily.
Haburi Yoku Fuyashita Kuro Rekishi
He begins laughing as Megawatts swarm around him and into the bright sky.
Arito Arayuru Mono Wo Sutetari
One of the Megawatts glides past Ochaco Uraraka who lets out a cheer as she leads Class A around a running course.
Mi Ni Oboe No Nai Unmei Ni
Katsuki Bakugou begins shouting as he tries to overtake her, but she just runs faster, earning his angrier.
Korosare Kaketa Koto Mo Attashi
Principal Nezu walks in front of the U.A. staff along with the WWPC before passing by a pillar. Leaving just him along with Thirteen, One-One, and Gran Torino before passing another pillar.
Shinda Me Wo Shite Ikita Jiki Soredemo Kyou Mo Ikasareteru
The pillar moves to reveal Nue standing in front of Vilgax's Legion with the League of Villains standing behind him.
Tte Koto Wa
SevenSeven appears in front of the camera P.O.V. and shoots the screen.
What's going on? Mada Sou Yari Nokoshiten Darou
Ochaco Uraraka and Tomura Shigaraki stand back-to-back as their respective mentors look down at them before the two begin to walk away from each other.
Syuusei No Shiyou No Nai Hibi No Naka Demo
Izuku looks on at a photo of him, Inko, and a faded-out figure before closing his eyes as All Might appears behind him. All Might fades out leaving Hisashi in his place. Hisashi turns and let's loose a torrent of flames.
What's going on?
Xylene leaps from the flames, her eyes aglow with Telekinesis as she launches multiple boulders forward.
Hito Towa Chigau To
Tetrax stands firm, a wave of diamonds swallow up the nearby flames as he glares into the camera with a stoic look.
Mitometa Ue De
The diamonds melt together to reveal Lucy Mann smiling as she jumps forward to deliver a flying kick through the flaming air.
Kanousei No Rutsubo Hiraku, Ah
The fire forms a circle to reveal Cinder smirking up at a snarling Vilgax; the two glare each other down.
Dreaming
The two enemies clash creating a shockwave destroying everything around them.
Ishi Gyakusou Shikakui Sora
Civilian's runaway in panic as animalized Nomus terrorize the city all the while All for One looks on from his tower.
Kokoro No Sukima Umenu
Suddenly Pro Heroes from across Japan appear and fight the beasts head on.
Akenu Yoru Kara
All for One looks on before looking up to see something coming at him at high speed.
Nukeyou~
All Might roars as he lets loose a furious punch at his nemesis.
Mirai
The opposing powers clash creating a giant explosion of power!
No Kaizou Do Sage Bokura Wa
Zooming out it's revealed that the explosion is a clash between orange and azure flames courtesy of an enraged Shoto Todoroki and a deranged Dabi.
Me Wo Sorashite Wa Naritai
All around them Class A & B fight the League of Villains' Vanguard Action Squad head on.
Bakugou uses a Howitzer Impact against Moonfish.
Iida Recipro Bursts past SevenSeven.
Tsuyu hopes over a knife wielding Toga.
Mono Nante Naito Uso Buita Hibi Wo
A pink glowing Ochaco races towards a grinning Charmcaster. As massive violet-runed tendrils curl and spiral around her form.
I Keep My Ideals; Sorezore No Jinsei
A red hued Nue and green highlighted Izuku charge at each other as chaos ensues around them.
Ai Mo Yume Mo Kiken Na Hodo Kantan Ni Hi Ga Tsuichau Nosa
The two opposing colors spark and clash like thunder and lightning across the battlefield, with Izuku transforming between Shocksquatch, Humungousaur, and more.
The two back away from each other before charging once again this time both of them in their human forms as their foreheads clash with each other.
Gongu Nari Sorezore No Tenmei
HEROES NEVER DIE; IT'S HERO TIME
Silhouettes of past Izuku and Henzu are walking with each other, with Henzu's arm flung over Izuku's shoulders.
Wo ~
All highlighted with neon green Deku, Uravity, Ground Zero, Pinky, Kraab, Tetrax, Cinder, and All Might stand in a line before the all red highlighted Nue, Ragnarok, Sunder, Rojo, SevenSeven, Techadon, Malware, and an imposing Vilgax towering over them all.
(Illustrated by Drag0n5on)
Ch.76 Stolen Treasures
It's a hot summer day with clear blue skies without a cloud in sight to hinder the bright sun. The sound of cicadas and birds fill the air as do the soft rustle of leaves. It's almost the most perfect summer day…and yet it's not a joyous one as an uproar of demands and a chorus of questions explode before U.A.'s fortified gate.
"When are you going to open the gates?!"
"We hear your silence! Why can't we expect an official statement from U.A.'s Administration?!"
"Has anyone been in contact with the families of the children you allowed to be endangered?!"
Swarms of news outlets and reporters have flocked to the school, demanding answers and explanations. And yet not a single one dares to cross the sealed gate in fear of the school retributions. And yet they are determined to be heard and answered.
"You owe the country an answer!"
"What are you doing to ensure the rescue of your students?!"
"Where's All Might?!"
And yet not a single one of their grievances reaches a teacher's ear. In fact, not a word of their uproar can even reach the main school. Like a sanctum of solitude the U.A. towers stand firm and silent, with no signs of life or noise or students within its halls, or stairwells, or even classrooms.
And yet much is being said, much is being discussed within a single confined room, the Conference Room.
"That training camp was meant to prepare students to handle villain attacks. The irony is shameful." Principal Nezu states, not sugar coating the topic and affirming that what is to be discussed is of the utmost importance. "We knew the League would resurface, but we lacked a fundamental understanding of their plans… They aim to destroy hero society. And they've already started their war." He pauses, looking out before those gathered at the appropriately U-shaped table: to his left sits Midnight and Toshinori, and to his right are Snipe, Present Mic, and Thirteen.
Out of this collection of trusted staff and friends, it's Midnight who speaks first. "Even if we had understood, could we really have avoided this attack? They're moving pieces we didn't even know they possessed. Besides, All Might put an end to most organized crime. We're all rusty."
"We've definitely gotten complacent during peaceful times without realizing it." Present Mic confirms while leaning back in his seat guiltily. "I guess deep down all of us thought we'd be riding the sweet life for good."
And if he didn't feel guilty before then Toshinori Yagi feels especially more guilty after their recent comments. "I will never forgive myself for such cowardly ignorance." He grumbles, depressed, with his head hanging low over the table. "While our students were fighting desperately for their lives, I was just…having a relaxing soak in the bath."
"We shouldn't have had the Sports Festival right after the U.S.J. attack." Snipe admits while leaning his cowboy hat over his masked face. "We wanted to show we were still strong. To have not one but two students kidnapped is our greatest failure as teachers. They've taken Bakugou and Midoriya, AND society's faith in heroes away from us."
All true points, so much so that not even the illustrious Principal Nezu can deny it. "I agree. Every news outlet is currently condemning U.A. High." Having prepared for this meeting, the little white chimera presents a tablet and a newspaper, both with current articles about the recent villain attack and kidnapping, specifically with photos of Bakugou during his time in the Sports Festival. "If Bakugou was one of the main targets it's likely because the villains noticed his violent tendencies during the Sports Festival broadcast. If he ends up joining the side of villains…that will be the end of U.A as a school."
"And what of Midoriya?" Thirteen finally chimes in, their worry finally getting the best of them. "Why take him? He's hardly the destructive type." Silently, they're dreading that maybe they took him for another reason but…they won't bring it up in front of them, not here.
But going off their last statement, everyone sinks down in their seats, especially Toshinori who looks even more guilty and devastated as they all silently remember just how destructive Midoriya was during the Final Exam.
Realizing that they might not have had put up the best case, Thirteen sinks back down in defeat.
And yet Midnight decides to chime in anyway. "That is a good question. Objectively speaking Midoriya is probably…no, he is the most powerful first year. Everyone knows that everyone has seen that, especially the villains on more than one or two occasions. Perhaps this was personal, a vendetta, take him out while also destroying people's trust in us."
"While we're on the topic of trust, there's something that has to be voiced now." Present Mic cuts in looking serious and tense all at once almost like he doesn't want to say what he has to but knows that he has a duty to do so. "At this point we can't deny it anymore, can we? There's a traitor at…this school."
The others all flinch back in response to Mic's statement, disbelief yet truth written all over their faces. Except for Thirteen and Principal Nezu who stay composed yet silent as they both share a knowing glance between each other.
"Only the teachers and the Pussy Cats knew where the training camp would be." Present Mic continues, shooting out of seat in defiance. "Don't you think that's a little suspicious?! I guess a kid could have used a phone to message the villain but-"
"Stop this Mic." Midnight chides, not willing to hear this.
"What's the problem?! We have to find who the leak is!"
"Could be you for all we know." Snipe interrupts, throwing the argument right back at his face. "You got any proof that you're 100% innocent? Can we know that any one of us in this room is an ally?"
His logic seems to work as Present Mic plops back down while throwing a nasty glare back at his co-worker.
Ignoring his glares, Snipe continues. "If we start doubting each other we'll just destroy ourselves from the inside. Accusing a traitor isn't something we should take lightly."
Thirteen couldn't agree more, especially since there's a good chance…that there isn't a spy to begin with.
[FLASHBACK]
"How? How could they have found the camp?! How could they have found Izuku?!" Hisashi Midoriya slams his hand against the platinum-white table, located deep inside Plumber Base; he can let loose all he likes without anyone overhearing. He clearly needs to blow off steam, his hair's a mess and he's already forgotten to shave as the hints of stubble have already creeped in. The bags under his eyes are a clear indication that he's lost a lot of sleep and the faintest whiff of cigarettes in his breath is a clear hint that he's started smoking again.
"Someone answer me!" Hisashi snaps.
Despite his frustrations, Magister Nezu remains composed and calm, extending his sympathy to the Midoriya family. "How indeed…? This was a severe oversight on our part…" His gaze stretches across the room where he, Hisashi, Thirteen, and their two droid companions surround a single device: a purple communication-jammer device which lies dormant on the table. "It's clear that the League of Villains have somehow managed to align themselves with a new terrifying ally. One that's not concerned with Intergalactic law and regulations."
Thirteen shrinks in their seat, spine going tense. "You mean…?"
"Yes. I'm afraid I do… the League of Villains are working with Vilgax."
"RAAAAGHH!" Hisashi loses it, grabbing his chair and chucking it at the wall, thankfully the chair is sturdy enough it bounces right off with a dent. the room. "How could this have happened?! HOW!? We scrambled all bio-signals and frequencies! They couldn't have known where the Omnitrix was!"
"Perhaps we've overlooked something…?" Nezu turns around his seat, looking at the giant sets of computer monitors and control panels. "Months ago…right before you returned to us. An intruder managed to infiltrate this very base, at the time we had thought we caught them before they could hinder our operations. But perhaps we caught them just after…?"
Hisashi's eyes grow wide as he comes to terms with the implications. "Chopper! Run a thorough scan on the system, and I mean thorough. Check every program, file, and every single text of code, leave no stone unturned!"
^Wa-wa!^ Chopper gives his master a salute before wheeling off, taking the initiative and not daring to whine about it.
^Not to worry Mr. Cinder!^ One-One chimes in. ^I shall personally post myself on monitoring duty. The moment Mr. Deku uses the Omnitrix we will know exactly where he is.^
^It's a lost cause…^ Sad-One comments before the two scurry away for said monitor.
"Best to hurry." Nezu comments. "We have to meet with the rest of my staff and discuss future steps and ramifications. After which we will have to conduct a public statement." Despite his intellect and wisdom, he cannot see a single way that this broadcast and interviews will result in any goodwill. "In the meantime, you should return home. You are needed there."
A look of guilt flashes on Hisashi's face before he silently nods in obedience.
"Get some rest…if you can. You'll most likely be called upon for the students' rescue."
"I'll go too!" Thirteen immediately interrupts. "I'd be happy to provide my expertise and skills for this mission."
"I admire your determination. But no. You are to remain on standby. We don't know what the League or Vilgax are planning. And if he is making a move then the residences of Earth, both alien and human, will need our aid. If we can do some matter of damage control then we will be relying on you as well."
"I…understand." Thirteen solemnly lowers their head, sympathetic to Nezu's reasons but still frustrated that they themselves cannot help a little more directly.
"It's a delicate situation. One that we have to treat carefully or risk the worst possible outcome."
They all fall silent, considering for a moment what the worst outcome would in fact be? The reveal of their operations? Destruction of Hero Society? The loss of two innocent lives? They all sound like the worst-case scenario…
Hisashi, however, comes to one conclusion: desperate times call for desperate measures. And this is certainly one of those times. "Magister Nezu. I'd like to make a request."
They all stare up at him in anticipation, wondering what he could need.
"I'd like to request the withdrawal of item C60-NV."
[End of FLASHBACK]
Principal Nezu gives a sad smile in response, he would like to dash the idea of a traitor here and now, but that would lead to some unfavorable discussions and perhaps make even more distrust. No, he will have to play along with this scenario for now, at least until C1-10P and One-One have completed their diagnostic of the Plumber System. "At the very least I trust everyone sitting at this table. Though there's no way to prove to all of you that I am innocent. For the moment, what we must do as a school is to concentrate on guaranteeing the safety of the student body. This is a good time to implement something I've wanted to put in place for a while. You see I-"
*A PHONE CALL IS HERE! A PHONE CALL IS-!*
An embarrassed Toshinori shoots up and scrambles to shut off his phone. "Scuse me everyone, I have to take this."
"We're in a meeting. At least set it to vibrate." Present Mic hisses under his breath.
A sweatdrop forms over Midnight's brow. 'He's his own ringtone?'
Toshinori makes sure to close the door softly, entering the dark and empty hallway of the ominous empty school. And without any prying eyes he can't help but all for a moment of weakness, to allow himself to wallow in his own regret. 'What Symbol of Peace can't even keep his students safe from harm? And Young Midoriya…Why do I keep failing you?' His fist tightens at his side as he thinks of how much he's failed that poor boy… it's been far too many times.
He stands there for a moment, soaking in the silence before finally bringing the phone to his ear.
"Sorry. What is it, Tsukauchi?"
Naomasa Tsukauchi smiles into his phone, glad to be delivering some good news for once. Behind him sitting in the police station's debriefing room is Officer Sansa along with Aizawa, and Vlad King who are patiently waiting at the desk behind him.
"We've finally finished taking comprehensive statements from Aizawa and Vlad King. And I think we found something."
["It's possible we have a lead on where the League of Villains is hiding."
"Really?" Toshinori perks up, albeit hesitantly. "Are you serious?!"
["Yeah. About two weeks ago, I sent an officer around to gather information. A bystander pointed out that he'd seen a man with a patchwork face entering a building that was supposed to be vacant. The man looked to be in his twenties, but we didn't find any plausible matches when we checked criminal records. We spoke with the owner of the building though and found that there's some sort of hidden bar there. My man thought it was unrelated to our kidnapping case and didn't investigate further. But remember the description of that villain from the attack? He had a patchwork face."]
He can almost feel it… is this really a chance?
["Given the profile of this crime, we'll move as soon as we get the green light. This is top secret. I'm only telling you because it's you. We plan to ask for the cooperation from many pro heroes for this rescue and inevitable cleanup mission. All Might…we need your power."]
Toshinori goes silent, wallowing in the emptiness of the hall as his friend's words echo in his head.
He must have been quiet for too long since Tsukauchi started getting worried. ["All Might are you still there?"]
"Tsukauchi, you're a WONDERFUL FRIEND." His muscles begin to bulge and stretch against his suit as steam pours off his skin. "AND I KNOW JUST WHAT I'LL SAY WHEN I FIND THEM." All Might's grin beams with resolution as he states. "I AM HERE. TO MAKE YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE."
["It would appear that the principal offenders behind the U.A. High Training Camp Attack call themselves the League of Villains Vanguard Action Squad. The League was previously involved in the U.S.J. Attack and the Hosu Incident."]
*CLICK.*
["The youngest victim in the training camp attack is reportedly the son of pro heroes, Water Hose, who were killed by Muscular in a tragic-"]
*CLICK.*
["Disaster strikes U.A. again! AGAIN! I'm telling ya this is-"]
*CLICK.*
['I'm not sure who to blame? The teachers? The heroes? Or the hall monitor! *Hahahaha!*]
*CLICK.*
["If my child wanted to be a hero there's NO WAY I'm letting them enroll into U.A."]
*CLICK.*
[Welcome back once again to NHN. Continuing off from before break, we were discussing U.A.'s clear lack of proper management and preventive action! I mean what kind of school, or more precisely a HERO school, allows a ragtag group of killers and criminals to straight up walk in and have the run of the place?! Take what they want? And then just leave?! Just what were these "heroes" doing?! What if it was you?! What if some villains decided to attack your child's school? Or your place of work? Are you expected to fight them off yourselves? Or will the heroes rise to the challenge? … Or will they stand aside and allow these horrible atrocities to occur? We need answers! Which is why I will personally see to it that we get those an-"
*BZ-shhhhhh.*
The TV shuts down with a click of the remote, going silent and dark and revealing nothing but the almost elated expression of a pale young man, hidden behind a severed hand for a mask. His scraggly gray-blue hair dangling over his head as he leans over the well-polished bar counter.
"Ehehehe." Tomura Shigaraki turns away from the screen, looking past his collection of villains known as the Vanguard Action Squad.
Members of which include the indifferent Dabi who's standing off to the side with Spinner and Twice. Across from them Himiko Toga is also seated at the bar, playfully leaning over it like a cat while Kurogiri busies himself with a dirty glass. Off to the side stands Mr. Compress and Magne, both doing their best to ignore SevenSeven who's been rambling on incoherently for some time now in a mix of low shrieks and inapprehensible growls. And, finally, lurking in the back is the ever-monstrous Nue, silently and patiently awaiting his handler's orders.
"I'm so grateful to the media for all the free publicity lately." Shigaraki continues, looking past them all to one of the few individuals that truly has his interest. "Right? Isn't it nice? Katsuki Bakugou?"
Katsuki Bakugou glares right back, the weight of the chains around his wrists shake and clang against his heavy seat. His fingers clench and dig into himself, unable to do anything from inside the thick iron shackles encasing his entire hands and wrists. They so desperately want to be let loose, to release a cacophony of Explosions and fire.
Unfortunately, he'll have to bid his time, he'll have to play his limit cards right otherwise he's gambling both his…and Deku's life.
Just to his left, locked into a seat of his own is Izuku Midoriya. But…he's not moving and even from this angle, Bakugou can tell that he's not in good shape. Now with proper lighting and the calm of the moment, Bakugou can finally see how truly busted Deku is. In short, he's a mess and it was truly a miracle he didn't pass out earlier during all the chaos.
His left arm looks mangled, a nasty shade of purple with stained blood, probably his own, and clearly broken. The arm is dangling uselessly at his side, weighed down by a high-tech shackle, provided by the purple creep, that's keeping Deku's stupid watch locked away.
Covered in dirt, bruises, and dried blood Deku looks like he's been through a war zone and lost. Sweat and dirt drench his face and judging by the light paleness of his face and his labored breathing there's a good chance he's running a fever too. And his hoodie, that stupid yet signature hoodie, is all frayed and stained with mud and blood, but somehow it still has its usual robust colors of green and black.
And now here he is, having never woken up since his freakout. Even the villains don't see him as a threat, especially with his watch locked up, they just plopped him in the chair next to him without any more chains or shackles.
"Heha ha ha Hahahaha! HAHAHAHAHA!" Nue breaks into a cackle, almost like he's realized what Bakugou's realized.
They're prisoners, and there isn't shit they can do about it.
She couldn't do anything. That's the thought that's been haunting Ochaco ever since she woke up in the hospital. Her arms and legs are numb, mummified in bandages after having her casts removed just a few hours ago.
All things considered it's a big improvement from how she was when she first woke up 3 days ago. When she awoke she was delirious with fever and suffered seizures. At some point Recovery Girl showed up to heal her and fix her up but it clearly happened when she was passed out. The cops and Mr. Tsukauchi arrived later apparently but she can't remember how that conversation went. She knows he apologized for what happened and that they're doing all they can to help but after that…it's all a blur of mumbling and feeling guilty for what happened.
Speaking of guilt…turning over in her hospital bed, she spots a little plate sitting on the counter nearby. Sliced apples with colorful toothpicks lie in wait for her to eat along with a little note that reads: "When you wake up, please eat this and call us. With All the Love in the World, Mom and Dad."
Another pang of guilt, she can only imagine how they must feel. How worried they must be.
But…then again. Imagine just what Mr. and Mrs. Midoriya are going through…
*KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.*
The door slides open gently and quietly before revealing a rather solemn looking Denki Kaminari who immediately lights up upon seeing Ochaco's eyes open and awake. "Uraraka! Good, you're finally awake!"
He enters revealing that he was just the first of an entire precision of visitors. It's fifteen in all with Denki of course leading the way before being joined by Hitoshi Shinso, Hanto Sero. Behind them it's Tenya Iida with Koji Koda, Rikido Sato, and Minoura Mineta who's carrying around a nice clean melon. Next is Tsuyu Asui who immediately goes to Ochaco's side as Yuga Ayoama and Mashirio Ojiro fill in. Next a stoic faced yet relieved Shoto Todoroki enters along with a beaming Eijiro Kirishima, and practically latched on to his back is a timid looking Mina Ashido, who looks so relieved to see that Ochaco's okay but yet she cannot meet her gaze out of pure guilt. And finally, Fumikage Tokoyami holds and closes the door for Mezo Shoji since his arms are wrapped in layers upon layers of bandages and casts which only remind Ochaco of just how badly they were all hurt.
"Did you see the news?" Denki immediately asks. "Reporters are all over the school right now."
"It's worse than last time." Rikido Sato comments, thinking back to when the reporters invaded the school right before the U.S.J. Attack.
"I brought a present!" Mineta announces while presenting her with the melon. "We'll actually it's from all of us. It's a melon!"
Sero throws him a look. "What are you talking about? That old shopkeeper with the sweet muscle car gave it to us for free. Remember?"
"I'm…happy to see you all." Ochaco greets, not realizing till now just how hoarse and weak her voice really is. Has her throat always been this dry? "Did everyone from Class A come to visit?"
"No." Iida sadly admits. "Jiro and Hagakure are still out. They were knocked unconscious by that villain's poisonous gas. And Yaoyorozu was pretty shaken up by the Nomu. She's hospitalized here although I just found out that she's back on her feet yesterday." Apparently she was pitted against a Nomu of all things and was forced to use her technique, the Zircon Blade, in defense. "So, it's just us. Though obviously we wish the whole class could be here…" Even just implying it brings not just sorrow and regret to him but the entire group as all their smiles and relief shimmers fade away.
Tokoyami takes it upon himself to continue and spare Iida the heartache. "Only 15 of us made it."
"Because Midoriya and Bakugou are gone." Shoto finishes sounded as indifferent and stoic as always been, even so it's clear to them all that he's just as if not more so bothered by that fact.
As he states this, Mina tucks herself away further behind Kirishima and towards the back of their group as silent tears begin to leak out from her eyes.
Ochaco shrinks in on herself, her mind flashing back to those last moments. 'Dabi hangs back with Izuku as others escape, he looks over towards the forest and through the dancing shadows casted by the nearby flames he can see the kids watching helplessly from a distance. Exhausted and broken they cannot hope to recover their friends now. "Nice try, heroes. But it looks like-" For the first time tonight his indifference falls away for a split second of twisted glee and mirth. "you just weren't good enough."'
At her side, even though all the numbing pain and bandages restraining her arm, her fist clenches in frustration.
Still tucked away behind Kirishima, Mina shrinks back and gives a weak little whimper. "I'm…I'm…" She breaks down, cracking at the seams, covering her face in a vain attempt to hide her tears. " It's my fault…" She sobs, thinking how her diversion of Fun Gus' attention consequently played a part in the kidnappings. "I-I'm sorry…!" She sobs, crying and sniffing.
Tsuyu hurries to her side, holding her and comforting her much like she would for her own siblings when they're sad or upset.
Ochaco sits there, silent, unsure of what she means…she wants to ask but now doesn't feel right… It does, however, get her thinking, how each of them were forced to stand up and fight back. To survive. They had to do whatever they could to save each other. But yet…was their best really not good enough…
"All Might told me that there will always be people beyond our reach…" Ochaco finally speaks, her voice coarse and dry yet somber and heavy. "That we can't protect. Even though we want to… Which is why we have to save the people we can reach."
And with that, a single tear runs down her pale cheek, and like a dam breaking she cracks. "But I couldn't reach them…!" She chokes, her throat burning from her raised voice. "I couldn't do anything! Mina…if you want to blame anyone then blame me! I was there! I could have done something different!" She could have done so much, anything but then…her body gave out. It wouldn't move anymore, and all she could do was lie there and watch. And now…they're gone. "I was…I was useless." She admits while staring down at her mummified limbs, the very same ones that would often glow with the power and might of One For All… "Why should I have this Quirk if I can't even save my own friends…?"
Everyone's thrown back and simultaneously putdown, Mina sobs harder and leans into Tsuyu, as the others hang their heads low in shame and regret. Afterall, they have Quirks too and yet…they failed.
However, there is one of them that's refusing to let that weigh him down. But instead, a determined Kirishima marches through the crowd, putting himself right before the weeping brunette and announcing his intentions without any reservations. "Alright, then let's go get them."
Everyone, especially Ochaco, is stunned. All except Shoto who seems to have expected Kirishima's intentions, almost as if he already knew about it.
"I was here yesterday too." Kirishima clarifies before going into more detail. "And so was Todoroki."
[FLASHBACK]
Having just entered the hospital, Kirishima was more than surprised to find a certain someone already there. "Why are you at the hospital?!"
"I could ask you that." Shoto responds, not defensively.
"Well…I…couldn't just sit at home. So, I figured I would…come here."
Shoto pauses and then… "Me too. I felt the same."
And so coming to a rather somber understanding they both make their way through the massive medical facility and right for Uraraka's room. However, as they wander the halls a familiar muscle-bound figure with blonde hair shaped in a V instantly catches their eyes.
Down the hall they can clearly see All Might in citizen clothes beside a Police Officer in a brown trench coat and hat. Both of them having just entered Yaoyorozu's hospital room.
Curious, the two quickly saunter over and peek in to find All Might and the detective conversing with Momo who's still bedridden yet now clearly recovered with her Zircon Blade sitting at the foot of her bed along with a still inanimate orange-disc that looks almost metallic with strange wires and gears sticking out of it.
It appears that they had just asked Momo some questions as she goes on to explain the events of that night. "With the assistance of Awase of Class B, I attached a tracking device to the Nomu that attacked us." From her hand she holds up a little radio-like device. "This is the Creation that will receive that signal. I hope it helps your search."
All Might takes the device gratefully, holding it firm yet gently like it's the last piece of hope they have. And he couldn't be more proud or grateful for it. "PREVIOUSLY, AIZAWA SAID YOU LACKED THE SELF-CONFIDENCE AND JUDGMENT NEED TO MAKE QUICK DECISIONS. WELL LOOK HOW MUCH YOU'VE GROWN. YOU HAVE OUR THANKS YOUNG YAOYOROZU."
"But the classmates are still endangered… It's frustrating that I can't help you more than this… I hate it"
"THAT PAINFUL FEELING IS PROOF YOU'RE WORTHY OF BEING A HERO."
Momo's head snaps up in astonishment and uncertainty.
"PLEASE DON'T WORRY. YOU CAN LEAVE THE REST TO US."
[End of FLASHBACK]
Upon hearing their story, Iida quickly comes to the decision that this is far from appropriate or reasonable. "This means you're going to have Yaoyorozu make another receiver for you, doesn't it?"
Neither Shoto nor Kirishima respond, not that they need too.
But even so Shoto can't help but bite back. "What if it does?"
Iida's frustration grows, fists clenching as his mind thinks back to Manual's words after the Hosu Incident.
[FLASHBACK]
Manual sheepishly smiles in the background, his eyes welling up with tears. "Either way, we'll need to take responsibility for being negligent as supervisors…"
[End of FLASHBACK]
"You should listen to what All Might said!" Iida shouts, frightening everyone as he does. "We have to leave this to the professionals! It's not the right time for us to get involved! IDIOTS!"
"MAYBE BUT ALL I KNOW…" Kirishima snaps back before quieting himself with his hand painfully clutching at his chest. "That at camp I couldn't do anything!" All he did was swat a few pests out of the air and nothing more. They weren't even able to rescue a single person, everyone else was left laying helpless in that damned forest. And then, Mandalay's call went out… "I heard my friend was targeted and I couldn't get to him. Helpless! So, if I standby and do nothing now, how am I supposed to call myself a hero or a man?!"
Denki hurries to silence him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Kirishima calm down. We're in a hospital. There's a better time and place for this, dude."
"Yeah, and what Iida said was true." Tsuyu gently adds and yet it does nothing to calm Kirishima who's shaking with frustration.
"All of you…just listen to me for a minute. I know what you're saying is right, but STILL!" Kirishima turns back to Ochaco who's now sitting up, propped up against her pillows. "Come on, Uraraka. They're still within your reach!"
Everyone goes tense, reeling back in shock at the implication. Each of them, minus Shoto, are staring at the red head in disbelief. Well, all except Ochaco who is certainly listening.
"We can save Bakugou and Midoriya." And that statement's no fairytale wishing either, he means it, it's a promise.
And yet not everyone can bring themselves to believe it, what he's implying…it's so…
"So, let me get this straight." Mina timidly breathes while wiping away the tears. "You're going to get Momo to make you another receiver, track a bad guy, and then try to save Midoriya and Bakugou all by yourselves?"
Slowly, yet firmly, Kirishima nods. "Yeah."
"The villains who attacked the camp planned to kill some of us." Shoto explains, taking over for his red-haired classmate. "But they ended up taking Bakugou alive. What we don't know is how long they'll let him live. Same goes for Midoriya… They said that they came to the camp for him. But why? That's why we're going after them. The longer we standby the more likely…that neither of them will ever come back."
"HAVE THE TWO OF YOU LOST YOUR MINDS!" Iida finally snaps, his entire body shaking in anger and frustration.
"Hey. Calm down." Shoji steps in, placing his bandaged arms between Iida and the others. Upon seeing his injured arms, Iida backs off allowing Shoji to intervene. "I get how frustrated Kirishima is. And how Todoroki feels. I'm upset too. But we can't let out emotions get the best of us. Right?"
Mina flinches at that before looking away guiltily. "I…I don't… don't think we should do anything reckless… I mean, Midoriya told us, during training, that if we don't…if we don't have the big picture then we should only focus on what we can do… I listened and…" She chokes back a sob, she really did try to take his advice to heart. And she did, she took action and did what she thought was right…but if she did have the big picture then maybe…she could have handled it differently and both Midoriya and Bakugou would still be here. "I'm sorry, but maybe this time, all we can do is…-" Her voice trails off, unable to bear the fact that she wants to give up.
Tsuyu holds her tighter as even Shinso both extends a comforting hand to her shoulder.
"Um, we should just leave this to All Might." Aoyama timidly suggests. "Mr. Aizawa only gave us permission to fight and use Quirks at the training camp."
"Aoyama is correct." Tokoyami confirms with a stoic yet regretful bow of his head. "Though I'm part of the reason we failed. So, I can't talk."
Despite his admittance it does nothing to comfort Mina.
Shinso takes a breath and adds. "We need to think about this rationally. We have to make the right judgments."
Kirishima can't believe this, well he knew but he had certainly hoped that some of them would be more onboard. "You guys…!"
"Listen." Tsuyu interjects, hoping to stop them from doing anything reckless. "We're all shocked that Midoriya and Bakugou were taken from us. But we have to be rational. It doesn't matter how noble your intentions, if you go out there trying to find the bad guys, knowing you're breaking the rules then you're acting like villains. Not heroes."
That gives everyone pause, they're heroes and yet they have to follow the rules and regulations before they can act… Because if they do act, if they do go after their friends without approval… Then are they really like the villains in some sense? Willing to bend and break the law for their own…benefit? It sounds almost hypocritical and yet…
*KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.*
They all jump, startled by the unexpected knocking of a doctor just poking their head in. "Sorry for interrupting you guys but I need a moment alone with Uraraka."
They all fall silent, nervous as if afraid they might have heard what they were walking about.
But trying to make things look normal, Sero goes ahead and gets everyone moving again. "Sure. Let's bolt. I wanna see how Jiro and Hagakure are doing."
"Good idea." Ojiro agrees while nodding towards Shinso.
Shinso nods back before getting the quiet pression moving.
Ochaco tries to wave them goodbye before stopping against the weight of the cast and bandages. "Th-thanks for coming by…everyone."
As everyone files out, Kirishima uses the moment to approach Ochaco's bedside. "We talked to Yaoyorozu yesterday, if we're doing this…it's tonight."
As he takes his leave, Iida slows down, his ears burning as his teeth grind together in silent resentment.
Grabbing the back of his neck in guilt, Kirishima hesitates to continue before deciding to go ahead with it. "Look I know you got some pretty hardcore injuries. So, I don't know if you can go. But I wanted to invite you since you probably feel the worst."
She hangs head away, confirming his assumption.
"We'll meet in front of the hospital after dark."
And that's the last Kirishima has to say before he's forced to leave. And the Doctor with the messy brown hair and permanently tired and deadpan expression that could rival Mr. Aizawa's goes ahead and leads Ochaco off for the Orthopedic surgery room.
And one surgical removal later and the cast is gone, leaving Ochaco's arm exposed to the fresh air as her other bandages are removed by the nurse so that they can be replaced with new ones. Now with her arm free Ochaco can finally see the lasting damage left behind by Charmcaster's assault on her body. A massive scar is gauged across her elbow and stretches halfway down her forearm and part way up her upper arm. And then there's the long narrow scar on her thigh, left by Toga's knife. It's already healed up thanks to earlier stitching and Recovery Girl's efforts but it's still pretty noticeable as it runs down her leg. In all they're nasty looking, permanent reminders of her failure, and thus the sight of them brings her back down further into the horrible pit feeling in her stomach.
But the Doctor doesn't seem to pay her mental troubles any mind as he reads off his report. "Recovery Girl performed some pretty strong healing of your arms and leg while you were unconscious so you should be able to move them around fairly well. But don't take this lightly you were seriously pushing past your Quirk Limiters which could have led to permanent damage."
Ochaco snaps away from staring at her new scars, blinking up at the Doctor, unsure what she heard. "I'm sorry, but what do you mean?"
He's not fazed by the question, instead he seems to have anticipated as he quickly goes into a nice lecture. "Usually, a person's body has Quirk Limiters to keep them from using 80% of its power at any given point. But given in a crisis situation it's possible for those limiters to fall away, allowing someone to use 100%. We call it Hysterical Strength. The reason we have those limiters in the first place is because our bodies can't handle that type of strain."
"And…I had this Hysterical Strength?"
"No. But it came close, probably because your leg was so injured and thus you subconsciously held back since your mobility was severely limited. Honestly it's a miracle you or any of your classmates didn't reach that point, especially you."
Ochaco pauses at that, her head tilting to the side as she tries to make sense of his report.
The Doctor picks up a little clipboard and begins flipping through it. "I took a peak at your charts, courtesy of Recovery Girl, and you undergo some strain after extended use of your Quirk. Reportedly it's mild but you have the added effect of getting nauseous as well. However, that is because of your body's natural limiters keeping you in check. And it's a good thing they are so attuned because if you were to ever reach the point of Hysterical Strength your body will, simply put, shatter."
It feels like a shatter of lightning has just struck her, as pure bewilderment takes her.
Seeing her stunned expression, the Doc figures that he should explain a bit further. "If your body overcharges for an extended period, especially with such a powerful and destructive Quirk like yours, it not only could lead to you rupturing your muscles and bones, but also your ligaments. And damage to those can't be fixed, not by the best medicines or abilities like Recovery Girl's. Basically, judging on how you use your Quirk, if you ever reach Hysterical Strength or even recklessly extend the use of your Quirk there's a real risk that you'll lose all function across your entire body."
If it felt like lightning had struck her earlier, then now comes the storm of horror and trepidation.
He checks the files again. "You've been very lucky so far. Judging on how you use your Quirk, if your limiters hadn't been functioning or present since starting U.A. I would say that by now your arms and legs would either be close to or past the point of disrepair."
'Past the point…' Ochaco stares down at her new scars, now not just reminders of her failure but now warnings of what could have been. As she dwells on it her mind recalls how All Might had first warned her that the power of One For All would shoot off her limbs if her body was unprepared. 'I guess…the risk never went away. My body could still fail me…'
The Doctor drops her charts onto the nearby table, which snaps Ochaco out from her thoughts. "For now, focus on rehabilitation. Use them a lot, even if it hurts. We'll leave the rest to U.A. I'll discharge you today so you can go home and take it easy. Take this seriously."
Ochaco's can't meet his gaze, feeling like a small child who's just been scolded. "Right… Th-thank you…"
The Doctor…actually returns her with a kind sympathetic smile, not one of pity but one of genuine care and respect. "Recovery Girl's fed up with you, but, hey, I get the impression that's nothing new especially when it comes to any U.A. student. She said it herself, "you kids are reckless and stubborn…but it's best you learn your limits now this way you know exactly how to be the best heroes you can."" His smile softens, becoming gentle yet sorrowful. "I know you lost your friends. And I am sorry. But just hearing about how you and your classmates stepped up in a seemingly hopeless situation tells me exactly the kind of heroes you will be."
Ochaco stares up at him in shock-in-awe, not exactly sure how to take his words.
"Healing begins in the mind, try not to worry, stay positive." The Doctor waves, taking his leave so the nurse can reapply some new bandages. "And try not to believe everything the media spouts. They just love poking the hornet's nest as it were." And with that the Doctor exits leaving Ochaco to her thoughts as the nurse re-bandages her arms.
Once the new bandages are wrapped around her limbs and forehead, the nurse sees Ochaco back to her room and lets her know that she can roam around for a while, while they sort-out her release forms.
And so, tired of being in a hospital gown, Ochaco changes into the clothes left behind by her parents. It's a set of simple clothes, a red T-shirt with a tiny gold star over the chest. And a pair of brown denim shorts. After tying her hair back, thirdly, she throws on the plain gray hoodie, leaving it unzipped since it's not exactly that cold out yet. Before slipping on her dark-pink sneakers with white soles.
But her body moves on autopilot as she slowly throws everything on. Moving like a lagging robot but even then she finds herself all too quickly back in the unbearable silence and loneliness of her hospital room.
And so, not wanting to feel entirely alone to stew in her thoughts, Ochaco leaves to wander the hospital in the hopes of finding some sort of distraction.
She wanders aimlessly going from the lobby to random stretches of hallways. But no matter where she goes or what she does, the day's events and revelations all eventually begin to swirl in her mind. From Kirishima and Shoto's admittedly stupid yet tempting plan. To the Doctor's severe warnings. But also, everyone's kind words and concern for her…
Through it all she still can't help but wonder…what if? What if she had done just one thing differently? Maybe if she had run away from Charmcaster sooner she would have been in better condition to fight later? Or maybe she should have kept a better eye out for Toga? Maybe she should have kept an eye on Bakugou? Or…or maybe she should push herself even further…? Maybe…maybe she should have pushed past her limits…? Would the risk have been worth it? Is losing the function of an arm or a leg worth it…? Would she have been able to reach them? To…save them. Should…should she go and try again, despite her injuries…? Or…or will she be a hypocrite? Will she be just like…the villain? She's just not sure. She's not sure of anything anymore…
'What…what would you do, Deku?'
*SOB. SOB. Sniff… HICCUP! SOB…*
Ochaco freezes, her ears buzzing as they catch the faintest sound of crying mixed with choked hiccups. She's heard this kind of crying before. It's one ML-E does when she's upset. A child is crying!
Ochaco's head snaps up and she quickly realizes that she's somehow found herself just before the stairwell leading to the roof. Without much thought she slowly climbs the steps and approaches the door and listens, sure enough she can hear more sobbing just on the other side. And so she gently shoves it open so as to not scare off the poor child.
But the hospital's roof is empty, bare of all life. There are some chairs and tables to the side along with a tall fence surrounding the entire perimeter. The sun has already begun to set too as the sky is just barely begging to turn into a beautiful shade of orange. Honestly the view from atop here is beautiful and yet there's no one in sight.
*HICCUP!*
Wait, that was from behind her!
Ochaco spins around and quickly spots the source, tucked away against the side entrance of the rooftop entrance she spots a small boy, curled in on himself with a tear-stained face. So much so he hasn't even noticed her yet.
He looks to be no older than ML-E is but maybe a little bit taller. With matted spiky dark hair, tucked away under a signature red hat with a pair of sewn-on horns.
Ochaco gently squats down, holding her knees up and together as she tries to get eye level with the crying boy. "You're…Kota right?"
Kota Izumi sniffs and then starts in fright when he finally sees Ochaco. And quickly realizing he's been caught he scrambles to wipe away the snot and tears, but it's all in vain as his sour tears keep flowing…
Not wanting to upset him, Ochaco hesitates to poke him for answers and yet a child alone is still a concerning thing to find. "What are you doing up here?"
He stares up at her in non-recognition, and then turns away in defiance but whether it was out of embarrassment or shyness, Ochaco can't tell.
"My name's Ochaco…Ochaco Uraraka." She officially introduces, trying not to scare him while also clearing things up. "I'm one of the hero students that… Are you here with your aunt, Ms. Mandalay?"
Kota just glares into the distance but after a moment she can see the hints of it softening and he gives the tiniest of nods in confirmation.
"How…how are you? You weren't hurt were you?"
He shakes his head slowly before folding himself even more, doing his best to shrink away from the world.
"That's good. That's good. I'm glad you weren't hurt."
He stays folded in on himself, but before long Ochaco can see his lower lip trembling before his entire body begins to shake like he's fighting some painful urge… And then he breaks, breaking back down into full on sobs and pained chokes as he cries into himself.
"Hey, it's okay." Ochaco quickly hurries to his side, sitting down and pulling him in towards her. To which he surprisingly accepts as he tucks himself away into her hoodie, trying to hide his tear-stained face. "You're okay. You're safe now." Ochaco coos, petting his hair gently as she lets him cry his heart out. "I know it was scary but…it's all over now."
He chokes hard for a second and he continues to sob for a good minute before he finally starts to calm down enough to respond. But it comes out as more of a mumble and it's so quiet that she almost misses his response.
"No *SNIFF* it's not…"
Ochaco's heart drops, taken back by his honest response.
"They took him…" Kota sobs, squeezing himself harder against her side. "Mr. Teacher said that he'd be safe *SNIFF.* That he'd come back. But he didn't… Just like THEM!" He angrily pulls her hoodie as he cries out. "Where is he?! Why'd they steal him away?!"
Ochaco goes quiet with the words clogging in her throat.
"It's not FAIR! Why does everyone get taken away?! Why do they have to LEAVE?!"
Ochaco's not sure what to do. What to say? So, so, she tries. She tries to comfort him, to reassure the hurting child. "The heroes… The heroes are going to bring Deku back… I know it." For some reason…she can't bring herself to believe her own words.
"But what if *SNIFF* what if they can't *SOB*?!"
And once again the words get caught in her throat. Almost like her own conscience can't bring herself to lie and just tell him that she's an adult and knows what she's talking about. That wouldn't be right and it's certainly NOT what he needs to hear…
"I was so mean to him." Kota chokes between sobs and streaming tears in an attempt for his young fragile mind to make sense of it all. "I-I hit him, and he-he saved me from the evil man! But no one saved him! I-I never even got a chance to apologize!" From his pocket he grips something hard before ripping it out. "But they said I could!" he slams his fist against her leg and clutched between his little fingers is a single piece of crumpled paper. "Mr. Tiger said that he's going to help other heroes get Ragdoll and Deku back. He even told me to write everything I wanna say in a letter so I couldn't forget… But-but what if he never gets the chance to read it?! What if they all fail again? What if the adults are wrong? What if they're lying?!" Lying about how things will work out. Or how things are okay?! Or like how they lie and say that they'll be home, that they're coming back… "Adults are LIARS! None of them are coming back! They always leave me behind-"
In a split second he's cut short as Ochaco swiftly embraces him, holding him tight as she fights back her own tears.
Kota's unsure of what to do. Thrown off by the sudden show of empathy that he doesn't know how to respond.
But Ochaco never let's go, almost as if she lets go then she's going to allow his last bits of hope escape through him. "You've been through so much haven't you?"
He stays quiet but slowly sinks into her embrace, hiding his gaze under the rim of his favorite cap.
"The truth is…adults always lie. But I think you know that already."
He does although he also didn't want it to be confirmed…
"They lie. And they keep secrets." Like the Plumbers do about their operations and responsibilities. Or All Might and One for All. Even Deku…has become prone to lying. And yet…it's never out of malice.
"But that's because they don't want anyone to worry. Especially you. They don't want to see you scared. So they tell you what you want to hear. They want to keep you smiling." However,… "But heroes never lie."
Kota's sobs halt at that and he takes a moment to stare up at her, confused yet…hopeful.
"Heroes always keep their word. And…they'll push past their limits to keep them." They'll risk life and limb to save others, to do the right thing, to make people smile… "If a hero makes a promise to save people then they'll do everything and anything they can to do it." she pauses as she thinks on how hard Deku fought to protect them. How hard everyone fought to protect the lodge. To fight the villains. All because they made a silent vow, one they may not have known about, but it was to make sure they could all walk away, alive. "We'll give everything we can to keep our promises." She pauses, pulling herself back so she can look Kota directly in the eye without ever truly leaving their embrace. "Deku promised to keep you safe didn't he?"
Kota doesn't have an answer, not truly remembering if or when Deku ever said the word "promise" itself.
"Even if he didn't say it out loud I know that he did. And so did everyone else… Everyone promised to keep each other safe. To fight back so that we could all go home. We, everybody, gave it their all, because we all wanted to keep smiling, with our friends and families…" But right now there are two families that can't have that right now… "Just because a hero fails doesn't mean they're liars. They never lied; they've always meant to keep their promise. But sometimes…sometimes bad people want to make us break them. But we can't let them, because it means that others will be sad."
For some reason, Kota thinks back to his parents and the day they…left. They had promised to come home, to see him but…did they promise that everyone that day would go home too. Did…were they trying to keep everyone happy? Did…did they always want to come home? They-they did promise…
"Kota."
Startled, he stares up to find a pair of hazel eyes gleaming down at him, the rays of the setting sun reflecting off them giving them the visage of an awe-inspiring painting.
"I'm going to make you a promise." She gently pulls back his fingers, freeing them and allowing Kota to hold up his little letter. "I promise you; Deku is going to read that letter. And I'm going to make sure of it…"
"Hey, Boss!" Burnin' calls out, hurrying to Endeavor's desk with an office phone in hand. "Got some Detective on the phone. Said he's gotta talk to ya!"
Without a single word the flaming hero, Endeavor, takes the phone and holds it to his ear before turning his gaze towards the glass walls of his deluxe office. "I'm listening."
Detective Tsukauchi's voice rings out from the other end with a very simple request. ["We would like to request your assistance, sir."]
And thus began Tsukauchi's recruitment of heroes, summoning those he deemed the most suitable and most capable. Reaching out far and wide…
From the bustling cities…
"I've received an emergency summons. I must leave this place in your hands. Be strong as heavyweight denim without me. Smart as tailored suits." Best Jeanist [No.4 Hero] parts back his stylish hair with a polished flourish as he addresses his legion of well-dressed sidekicks. "Keep the fabric of society safe."
His sidekicks cry out in unison. "You got it, Best Jeanist!"
A similar air of determination stretches across the cityscape. As a hero with an affinity towards ninja and martial arts makes their way across the rooftops. As the Ninja Hero, Edgeshot [No.5 Hero] leaps from building to building with graceful agility.
And even those of less grace yet full of worthy experience are called. Such as Gran Torino, who despite his years, holds himself like a proud veteran. Showing no fear or hesitation as he takes to the street. Clearly, ready for a war.
To the raging seas…
"An invasive species has disturbed our reef." Growls the Killer Whale Hero, Gang Orca [No. 10 Hero], his ebony cape billowing behind him as he exits the Ushimitsudoki Aquarium. "The villains have taken a precious treasure from us. We will not let this stand."
"Ehehehe! I can't wait to chew 'em out." A walking sharkman cackles from behind his boss. A bit of drool already salivating from his shark-toothed maw. "It's going to be a bloodbath. A real feeding frenzy. Ehehehehe!"
"Behave yourself Fuka." His fellow sidekick, Dholak warns with his crustacean-like appearance giving him an intimidating glare. "Remember recovering the kids is our top priority." Almost like an ambush predator anticipating a meal, Sholak's long crab-like limbs extend out like a pair of powerful lances. "But we'll make sure the villains get our point."
"Ehehehe. When you mess with the fish you get the school."
And the resting mountains…
They're not the only ones out for blood.. Tiger is on a warpath. Marching away his head high, leaving the hospital behind as a concerned Mandalay hovers over a nervous Kota. Both silently wishing him and the other heroes the best of luck.
All of them converging to a single point…
And finally rounding out the heroes there's Kamui Woods and Mt. Lady arrived at the police headquarters in the same car. Both hoping out and hurrying inside.
All the while they are being watched, observed from atop the headquarters by a single hero clad in slim red armor. The hero has bags under his eyes, his mop of dark hair grazing across his head with the wind, as a rare cigarette is locked between his lips.
Soon the rest will be here, at least the ones that have answered the call to action. These champions of Japan will have to prepare themselves, the air is thick, the sky is pale, and there is no wind like the retreat of the atmosphere before leading in a crashing storm. It's going to be one hell of a night.
But unbeknownst to the heroes, their future replacements have begun to gather as well. Converging before the hospital, Kirishima and Shoto wait anxiously for the others' answers. But most importantly they're waiting for Momo's, because without her cooperation they have nothing…
[FLASHBACK]
A still bedridden Momo stares up at the two of them in disbelief, unsure of what to make of their plan. "You want me…to make a new receiver?"
Kirishima gives her a slow but firm nod. "Yes, please."
Shoto is standing behind him, having come as well to explain. "You must know what we're planning."
Momo turns away in consideration. "I do. Let me think about it…"
[End of FLASHBACK]
Well, she's had time to think about it so all they need now is her answer.
"I wonder what Yaoyorozu decided." Kirishima comments, trying to mask his nerves.
To which Shoto fully understands. Because without Yaoyorozu's consent their little rescue attempt won't even make it through the hospital doors. "No matter how much we wanna go after him. It's her choice."
On cue the hospital entrance doors slide open with a ding, drawing their attention.
"She's here." Kirishima instantly brightens up upon seeing Yaoyorozu at the door, with a special guest right behind her.
"Uraraka?" Shoto blinks, he knew she'd feel the need to join but he honestly thought that her injuries would have helped influence her decision. As he reels back his eyes lock onto the long narrow scar on the outside of her thigh, and he winces upon seeing it his hand going to his own scar he stares at her, and her many bandages still wrapped around her arms.
And yet she looks determined in her. Holding her head high despite the bandage around her forward and the white cloths wrapped around her arms. She looks like she's on a mission, one that she's refusing to back down from.
But she's not the one they're relying on. "So, how 'bout it? You decide?" Kirishima asks, his attention solely on Momo.
Momo hesitant, rubbing her dree pocket, the one carrying the shrunken Zircon Blade inside. "I think that…-"
"Hold on."
They freeze, turning towards the main courtyard entrance to the hospital where they find their Class Rep. approaching them with an angry scowl on his face.
Kirishima takes a step back in surprise. "Iida…"
Ochaco shrinks down but holds her determined gaze. "Why are you here?"
"You…" Iida grits teeth, looking between Ochaco and Shoto. "Why'd it have to be you two of all people? The ones who stopped me when I acted recklessly. Who received amnesty with me after Hosu. Why are you trying to make the same stupid mistakes I made?! Didn't you learn?!"
Kirishima's taken back, not understanding what he's saying at all. "What are you talking about?"
But Shoto grabs his shoulder and stops him, silently telling him that now is not the time to ask.
"We're still just students, and U.A.'s in a bad position as it is." Iida continues, his voice low and clearly frustrated. "Anything we do will reflect on our school. Don't you get that?!"
"Of course, we do!" Ochaco defends, snapping back while one of her hands goes towards her back pocket where she rubs a little piece of paper. "But we can't just lie down and wait forever! It's frustrating! Don't you get that?!"
"I'm frustrated too! And concerned, obviously! I'm the Class Rep., dammit! I'm worried about all my classmates!" Iida roars before breaking down, holding his head in despair. "When I saw your injuries, all I could think of was my brother in the hospital. What if your bodies end up unrepairable just like his?! Because I didn't step in?!" He chokes back a sob, startling the others, but he rants on. "Have you not stopped and think about where I'm coming from?!" He begs, grabbing her shoulders as he falls to despair once again. "Or are you saying…that you don't care how I feel?"
"Of course, we care, Iida." Ochaco breathes, wrapping her arms around him in comfort. "We don't want to worry you… That was never our intention."
"Iida." Shoto interjects, offering some clarification. "You've got it wrong. We don't expect to face them head on and win."
Iida stops and stares back, confused and alarmed all at once.
"We'll get them back without fighting." Shoto explains although it does little to reassure.
"Yeah, we'll be stealthy." Kirishima adds. "I'm talking covert Ops here. We can rescue them without breaking the rules."
Momo holds hand to chest, trying her hand to reassure their shaken classmate. "I'm trusting Todoroki's judgment but…still things could always go wrong. So, I'll join you as backup. I'll stand behind my classmates."
Iida can only stare back at them in shock, he's in other disbelief. "You can't be serious?"
Kirishima's reaction, however, is the complete opposite after hearing Momo's official answer. "You're the best."
"I know I'm hurt…but I'm not ready to give up yet." Ochaco pulls away, looking down at her clenched fist, that holds a special piece of paper. "All I want to do, is be there to help…if I can."
Iida shuts his eyes, taking their answers in, for a second they think he's going to explode again but instead he stays alarmingly calm for a moment. "I'll never agree… So, I'm going to come with you."
Everyone lets out a gasp of surprise. And rightfully so. They almost had the suspicion that he'd run off and snitch on them. But this is both a pleasant yet disturbing surprise.
"Are…are you sure about this Iida?" Ochaco hesitantly asks.
"No. Not at all. But what I am sure of is that I can't stop you. So, at the very least I can try to keep you out of as much trouble as I can."
Shoto blinks in surprise but ultimately accepts the conditions. "Iida."
Momo looks between the two before turning to the others for their reactions. "We're really doing this then?"
"Yeah, we are." Kirishima grins, just happy that they'll get the chance to go.
But Ochaco, not wanting to leave room for doubt, wishes to confirm with them all. "Then let's make a promise." She sticks her hand out, waiting for them to add theirs. "We're all in then. We'll do what we can but…within reason. If we can help we help and if not then we leave it to the pros."
"I can swear to that." Kirishima excitedly throws his hand over hers.
"Yes. That sounds fair." Momo nods, gently adding her hand to the stack.
"As long as we don't act rashly there shouldn't be any issues." Shoto comments as he steps up and adds his hand and dedication in too.
But it's not their dedication that's in question, but Iida's.
Seeing their expecting faces, Iida sighs giving into their whims. "Remember I only wish to ensure your own safety." Still feeling some hesitation, he approaches before slowly adding his own hand to the team. "And if this can guarantee it, then so be it."
Ochaco nods, a swirl of hope and gratefulness as she enjoys the company of her friends. "We're in this together everyone."
They each stare down at their stacked hands as if making a silent vow to each other to keep each other safe and to do the best they can. But as they're about to break, a fifth appendage adds itself into the mix, a thin orange pincer stretches over their hands and adds itself to the mix.
"This is a terrible idea, and it's going to blow up in our faces. But what the hell. Let's do it! Hahaha!"
Everyone stops and stares down at the metallic crustacean perched on Momo's outstretched arm, each of them letting out a dumbfounded gasp. "Huh…?!"
"Tada! I've been here the whole time, bitches?! Hahaha!"
"WHERE'D YOU EVEN COME FROM!?" Iida screams as Kraab continues to laugh at their expressions.
"Finally, made it." Toshinori breathes a sigh of relief as he steps out of his car and stares up at the Police headquarters building.
"Toshi! Good you made it." Naomasa Tsukauchi Greets him, waving him over from the side-entrance.
"My apologies, the meeting went on longer than expected."
"It's fine, just hurry and get into "costume," everyone else is here."
Toshinori hurries inside, moving swiftly past the conference room just as Gang Orca and two of his fishy sidekicks enter. He has no time to greet them however as he quickly makes his way for the changing room.
However, as he hurries along and nears his destination he passes by a glass door that leads outside into the side courtyard where he quickly spots someone cladded in red.
Toshinori stops and looks back, and sure enough there's someone standing outside, hunched over the railing and looking out over the grassy courtyard with a cigarette between their teeth.
It's Hisashi Midoriya, and although their interactions have been limited up to now, Toshinori can seriously say that he's looked better. He's clearly lacking sleep and probably a shower or two, and a shave for that matter. And yet he looks eerily calm yet far off, like this isn't the first time he's dealt with something like this.
Toshinori can't help but wonder if something similar to this occurred shortly after he had to leave his family the first time…
Summoning his courage, the weak stated All Might hesitantly approaches the exit and gently opens the door, giving a soft yet almost delicate greeting. "H-hello,,,"
Hisashi looks back, and after seeing a skeletal stranger there, he turns back around not really giving a care.
After a minute of no response, Toshinori almost expected him to tell him to scram or to buzz off but instead the ragged hero offers him a box of cigarettes.
"You need a smoke, friend?"
He blinks back, caught off guard by the technically kind gesture. "Ah, no. I don't smoke."
"Neither do I…usually."
"…Bad habit?"
"Unfortunately, so. One I thought I shook off years ago…"
"Bad habits die hard…"
"…They sure do." Hisashi goes quiet again as he enjoys his cigarette, but his eyes, his eyes are in a daze, staring far off, not into the courtyard, but towards the sky, almost as if the clouds themselves were his enemy.
An sullen silence falls over them, both standing there with Hisashi over the railing and Toshinori standing stiffly against the wall, fidgeting in place as he summons up what to say. "Um, Mr. Midoriya."
Hisashi turns back to look at him, giving him an incredulous look as he does.
"I'm sorry." The weakened stated All Might didn't even think to say it, the apology having slipped out without warning. But it doesn't offer much comfort as Hisashi just stares back in confusion at the skeletal man's sudden sympathies.
Bowing his head lower, Toshinro hurries to correct the confusion. "My name's Toshinori Yagi, I'm All Might's secretary."
"Secretary? Then what are you doing here, can't the Big Man take his own notes?"
Toshinro chuckles at that. "He can. But on the side I'm also a consultant for the police. I'm also here on behalf of U.A. as to scribe the meeting for my dear friend, Principal Nezu."
Hisashi straightens up slightly yet keeps an eye on this man who looks like he might fall over at any second. "You're a man of many talents, and of unique company."
"Thank you… … … Mr. Midoriya. I'm-I'm so sorry about what happened." But for what exactly, he wonders As Toshinori's mind flares with memories displaying his negligence and failures to properly look out for the boy. "I'm so sorry about everything. You and your family have my sincerest apologies…"
"I…appreciate the gesture. But why are you apologizing, it's not your fault."
'Isn't it though?' Toshinori can't help but think and throw back at himself. "Thanks to my position as All Might's secretary, I've had the privilege of attending some of U.A.'s lectures and exercises. And I've had the greatest of honors in meeting and talking with your boy, Young Mido-er Izuku."
Yes it truly is a privilege to know the boy. To have the opportunity to teach him. A privilege he does not feel like he should have the right too, all things considered.
"He's…a very spirited boy. Full of such youth and initiative. I've seen what he can do in the field firsthand and might I just say that he's quite the brilliant young man." Brilliant. Resourceful. Driven. And with such potential… Too bad he couldn't be the same for his sake… "In truth, he's amazing and the thought of him being taken away, well, frankly makes my blood boil." It's not just that he was taken, but that he was hurt not just by the villains, but by his own shortcomings to protect and guide him… Perhaps it's time to finally make amends. "His spirit is like a roaring flame, one that must not…will not be extinguished." Toshinori pauses, looking Hisashi directly in the eyes, the same emerald eyes he gifted to his son. "I promise you, sir, I will ensure that he gets home to you in one piece."
Hisashi…is in a loss for words. Not at all expecting such a frail yet lengthy man to approach him and talk about his boy in such an admirable way. There's something about this man…? "That's a lot to promise, Mr. Yagi. Are you sure you want to commit to it?"
Toshinori straightens up, his focus never wavering as he gives his answer without a hint of hesitation or trepidation. "With all my heart."
Hisashi can only stare back in wonder and bewilderment at this stranger. There's just something about him despite his skeletal frame and definitely weak constitution. In truth it looks like a cat could beat him in a fight. And yet there's this unnatural confidence and sincerity in his words that's both reassuring and comforting. Like a warm comfortable flame in a cold winter night. Just like how a hero's presence can shine a light and provide a sense of safety even in the most chaotic of times…
"Mr. Yagi I-"
"There you are!"
Toshinori jumps as the glass door is slammed open, the door nearly swinging into him before it hits the wall and a Police Detective, that bears quite the resemblance to one of his own students, barrels her way into the courtyard.
"What are you doing out here?! The meeting's about to start!" Inspector Tezuka chides, her black beak clicking in disapproval as she waves Hisashi to get inside.
Hisashi turns back away, leaning over the railing with about half his cigarette left to smoke. "I was just on my way."
Inspector Tezuka pauses, staring at him like he's just grown a second head. "Are…are you smoking again?"
He doesn't answer, causing her to shake her head in disappointment and exasperation.
It's then that she finally notices the startled Toshinori, quivering on the side. "Who are you?"
"Oh, I'm-'
"Doesn't matter. Get inside, now."
"Yes, mam'!" Toshinro immediately zips away back through the door, but as it closes he stops and looks back one last time at Hisashi's back. 'I swear to you, I will make things right.'
And he's gone, leaving to change into "costume.'
Meanwhile, Tezuka hangs back, waiting for Hisashi to finish his cigarette in silence. But she's clearly allowing her irritation to get the best of her as her eyes drill holes into the back of his skull.
"You shouldn't be here." it's supposed to be a reprimand and yet it comes out weak and more…sympathetic than it probably was meant to.
Hisashi doesn't even turn around to give his response. "He's my son."
Tezuka looks about ready to say something snappy but she leans back and softens. "I know… But regulations say that a relative of the victim cannot take part in their case. You know that…" Although a part of her wishes it wasn't the case… "We can't risk personal feelings that might jeopardize the mission's success…or everyone else's safety."
"I'm a liability then?"
"You are…" She pauses before continuing in full determination. "But only if I let you."
He finally turns back to look at her, as if seeing her for the first time as a fellow parent. As someone who understands.
"I'll take it upon myself to make sure you don't do anything too reckless out there. The last thing we need is for you to put yourself in danger too."
"You're babysitting me then?"
"No. I'm just looking out for you…"
"Looking out for me?" Hisashi actually cracks a smile for the first time in what feels like months now. "That's a new one. Could have sworn that was my line to some rookie cop back in the day."
"What can I say? Kids change you." Despite her beak and raven-like facial features, she cracks the smallest hints of an understanding smile.
Hisashi smiles in return, pulling the cigarette from his lips. "That they do." And with a flick he tosses the unfinished cigarette into the nearby cigarette receptacle before leaning down and pickup a large almost bulky briefcase that's silver in color and completely covered in a number of high-tech lock combinations. "I'm ready."
She holds the door for him, allowing him to lead the way back to the conference room.
Upon their entering they can finally see the colorful collection of heroes Tsukauchi managed to recruit. One of them being Endeavor.
Hisashi and Endeavor pause, both locking eyes with each other as a look of disdain flashers across their faces for the briefest of milliseconds. And yet the knowing that they have a responsibility as heroes reigns them in, allowing them both to do nothing more than to ignore each other.
And so Hisashi, or rather Cinder, takes his place along the cast line-up as Endeavor holds himself higher. More out of pride if anything, as if silently saying that he will not fail, not because of sentimental or some feeling of sympathy, but because he is indeed a hero. And a powerful one at that. It's all fine to Cinder, if it means Izuku's safe return then he'll team up with anybody.
On cue, Tsukauchi renters to room with a lineup of detectives and police authorities seated before the heroes. "We've gathered some of our finest heroes here today."
He pauses, taking them all in from the rookie heroes of Kamui Woods and Mt. Lady, the rugged Tiger, the cool collected Best Jeanist and Edgeshot, the furious Gang Orca and his underlings, to the veteran hero, Gran Torino, followed by the Number 2 Hero Endeavor, to the victim's own father, Cinder, and finally the one and only All Might. Who looks eager to get going thanks to his ever-present grin.
The detective smiles, grateful to all of them for coming. "Now let's talk strategy."
"I'll ask you one more time, Katsuki Bakugou, aspiring hero. Will you join the League of Villains?" Shigaraki asks once again, leaning back against the bar counter as he and the rest of the League of Villains await his answer. "Or will you throw away your potential?"
Bakugou pulls against his shackles, but the heavyweight prevents him from moving them, but despite the hindrance he still has some fight left in him. "Go throw yourself into traffic."
"HAHAHAHA!" Nue immediately bursts into a fit of laughter, hitting the backwall with his fist as he does. "You'll never change! HA! Oh, you've always been a riot." Nue's mutated eyes narrow as he leers at the imprisoned ash blond. "Eh, Blasty?"
"And you can go choke on a cock!"
"Ehehehe." Nue chuckles while baring his Ripjaws-like fangs. "Careful what you say. Maybe I'll rip off your balls while I'm at it."
Bakugou glares right back, but still unable to do anything.
"Kinky." Charmcaster jokes, earning a giggle from Toga.
Twice exaggeratedly shakes his head. "No, it's not! Make sure to delete your search history."
Bakugou raises an eyebrow at Twice's odd…reaction. "So, this is the League of Villains, huh?" he looks around eyeing each and every one of them like he's trying to calculate which of them is the weakest link. "You guys were just some circus clowns before. But look at you now, got yourself a real line up for the freak show, don't ya?"
"Such defiance." Mr. Compress comments, taking offense to his remark. "It's unbefitting of your position, I'll have you know."
"Relax. The kid's all smoke anyway." Dabi assures not really giving a damn.
Too bad Bakugou does. "You would know, right, Scarface?"
A flash of anger crosses Dabi's turquoise eyes. "Careful, brat. Or you'll end up matching me." He raises his palm just as the faintest hints of smoke begin to rise from it.
"Enough." Shigaraki commands while still trying to hold onto a facade of friendliness. "We're here to show him that there are other prospects in life other than being a hero. Let's not start making threats…yet." He chuckles lightly before turning back to the prospective recruit in question. "Think of this as an interview. We discuss. We talk. We ask questions."
"Then answer me this." Bakugou growls back, his eyes briefly drifting towards his fellow prisoner. "What in the hell did you fucks do to Deku?"
"We didn't do anything!" Toga gasps as if she's offended by his accusation. "And besides he looks way better like this~. So cute~!"
Bakugou blinks back, a look of disgust crossing his face. "Next question. What the hell's wrong with her?"
Spinner sweat drops at that. "Honestly…we're not exactly sure."
Standing beside him, SevenSeven gives a shrug in response. "Ew own't nwok ofr ures ntilu ew etg ot Nsseao Vefi!"
Bakugou visibly shows his confusion, starting at SevenSeven in complete bewilderment. "Scratch that, what's wrong with him?" And he throws an imaginary finger at the bounty hunter.
"Hyw ouy ttille itsh?!" SevenSeven snaps, obviously angry, and rushes forward to strike the kid.
A hand from Mr. Compress holds him back. "Easy friend. Please behave yourself."
"Yeah." Magne chimes in. "Remember, you're only a subcontractor after all."
Charmcaster watches as SevenSeven backs off, but she can't help but wonder the same thing. 'Seriously though, what is that guy even?'
Shigaraki, seeing that this course isn't going anywhere, tries to bring attention back onto himself and the matter at hand. "Let's back peddle a bit. You asked what's wrong with your friend here. It's simple really, we don't exactly have a convenient healer on hand and to be honest I'm not exactly okay patching up a monster like him."
"A monster?" Bakugou scoffs at the idea, sure Deku's a pain in the ass. But a monster? Yeah, when pigs fucking fly. "Take a look around dumbass, you're literally hanging out with monsters right now. Ain't that right, Uuichi?"
Nue throws him a disdainful glare but instead of lashing out he seemingly goes quiet and…somber? "If only you knew…"
"Huh?! You got something to say?!"
"He doesn't. But I do." Shigaraki answers, his eyes never peeling away from Bakugou's, like that of someone who wishes to reveal a most horrible truth.
Not bothering to wait for his prisoner's reaction, Shigaraki signals Nue forward. "Nue, why don't you give your old friend a little wakeup call?"
Nue grins as his four sets of claws and fingers flex at the thought.
"Keep it within reason." Kurogiri warns, finally speaking up from behind the bar. "We need him alive."
"I know. I know." One of his back tendrils slowly snakes around his body, the Feedback-like cable tip sparks with electricity and with a poke he stabs Izuku's side.
"AAAAAHHH!" Izuku wakes with a jolt, screaming out as he's suddenly thrown back into the world of the living, kicking and screaming.
Even though it was just a quick shock, it was enough to have him winded and gasping for breath, swaying in his chair as he does. After a moment he blinks up, exhausted and hurt, but conscious and at least aware enough to tell that something's off.
"Deku!" Bakugou calls out a weird mix of anger at the villains and genuine concern.
"Bak-...Kacchan…?" He tries to raise his arms to wipe the sleep from his eyes, but they barely move, the strain and injuries are still too great. And so with a shake of his head the blur in his visions fades away. "Is…is that you? Where are we?"
He finally has a look around and nearly jumps out of skin when he finds himself face to face with eager eyes of the League of Villains.
Dabi goes silent, folding his arms and leaning against the wall while watching Izuku closely as if examining him for the first time. Almost like he's contemplating something…
There's Toga, blushing away and waving at him with a Cheshire grin.
There's that alarming SixSix look-alike, SevenSeven, who stands back alongside Dabi.
And of course there's his ex-friend, Henzu Uuichi, glaring down at him with hate yet amusement while his tendrils and tail swish behind him like serpents.
And then there's him…
"Glad you can join us, Izuku Midoriya." Even behind the severed hand, he can see a genuine smile creeping across Tomura Shigaraki's face, looking like someone who just won the fricking lottery. "We have a lot to discuss."
"Soooo, let me get this straight." Kirishima starts, rubbing the back of his neck as they all start their trek away from the hospital. "You "snuck" into Midoriya's bag because you felt left out and you wanted to go camping too?"
"Uh, yeah, that's r-r-right." From in Momo's grasp, Kraab grimaces at his own response. But that was the cover story he was supposed to stick to if found so he has to go with it.
"Why do you sound so unsure?" Shoto ponders, looking down at the failure bot from the I-Island incident. "Also isn't that considered disobeying orders? How can a robot express that kind of thought processes and personality?"
"Chalk it up to some good damn programming. When they made me, they broke the mold."
Ochaco snickers at that. 'I bet.'
"In any case, we wouldn't have been able to call for help without Kraab's help." Momo explains, carrying Kraab along as they walk. "He had as much of a role to play as any of us. After everything happened he asked me to keep his presence a secret, so I told the police he was a makeshift drone I created to help scout out the forest for the jamming device."
"I see…" Iida nods in understanding, staying relatively quiet as they walk.
"Well, I'm just glad we got more help." Kirishima remarks with a smile.
However, Momo's more focused on Iida's sullen form and response. "I have some concerns, Iida. What exactly is your justification for changing your mind and joining us?"
Iida stops, thus foreign everyone to stop and await his answer because they'd be lying if they didn't want to know too. "To be clear, I'm coming because I don't condone your behavior. It's as simple as that." He looks away, almost awkwardly, but still tries to hold onto some form of professionalism as he pushes up his glasses. "If there's even a hint that physical combat might break out, I'll make you retreat immediately. So in other words," He jams his finger right at Ochaco's face and forcibly announces. "I'm your Watchmen!"
Ochaco's cheeks puff out in a pout but she doesn't argue.
Shoto. However, acts like he accepted that kind of answer. "Exactly what we needed."
"The same goes for me." Momo adds. "Rescuing Bakugou and Midoriya is the job of the pros. Objectively speaking there's no reason to go after them. However," From her pocket she fishes out a second radio transceiver device. "I understand how each of you feels so I'm compromising. Don't forget that."
Shoto nods back in response. "Right."
As does Kirishima. "Understood."
"She has a point." Kraab chimes in with a knowing tone. "If things go bad, I'm not gonna hesitate to contact the authorities." The authorities being anyone of the Plumbers.
But despite not knowing that, the teens all nod in response before continuing on their way.
As they go Momo stays back, holding Kraab, and watching the Reckless Four head off on their own. 'A rescue without us fighting… It's not plausible. The others are so driven by frustration that they're blinded. But…once they see the situation firsthand and realize how difficult it will be they should understand that their plan is completely unrealistic.'
"You have your blade, right?"
"Huh?" She stares down at Kraab, having not heard him properly the first time.
"Your diamond sword." he explains. "You have it right?"
"Of-of course I do."
"Good. It's best to be prepared."
She almost doesn't want to ask. "Prepared for what exactly?"
But Kraab doesn't respond right away, instead he stares out at the forms of the other teens. "Those looks in their eyes. Afraid to say it but I've seen it too many times on Deku, too. They're not gonna back down. Not one of them." he turns back and looks up at the poor taken-back girl. "So be prepared for what you have to do."
She has no words in response, her bit of hope for a peaceful resolution now on a thread. But even so she will hold tight to that thread and follow behind, wishing for the best. As they all make their way to the train station.
They arrive at the station in record time, and even get a chase to grab some snacks and food for the road. Mainly some candy, rice balls, and a serving of cold soba for Shoto. It all goes quickly, and they manage to get a train car all to themselves thanks to the already late hour.
As they wait for the train to reach their destination, Momo goes ahead and checks the transceiver once again. "The coordinates indicate Kamino Ward, Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture. Our travel time will be about two hours from here. We should arrive around 10 tonight."
Ochaco nods before leaning back in her seat which is right across from Shoto and Kirishima, with Iida and Momo across the aisle.
As she sits there, watching Shoto eat, she can't help but wonder about their other classmates. "Hey, does everyone else know what we're up to?"
"Yes." Shoto responds, almost too quickly. "And they tried their best to talk us out of it."
Kirishima can confirm this as well. "Yeah, even Mina tried to talk us out of it."
[FLASHBACK]
"I-I don't know about this, guys…?" Mina whimpers with tears still staining her face even after leaving Uraraka's hospital room. "What if you're not seeing the bigger picture? What if you just make things even worse?"
[End of FLASHBACK
Ochaco can sympathize, she herself has been wondering the same thing but a quick tap of her pocket reminds her why she's here. "I wonder how Deku or Bakugou would feel if they knew what we were doing…?" Would they be grateful? Angry? Sad? A bit of each? Knowing Izuku he might feel guilty and blame himself for them risking their lives to save him. And Bakugou, well, he might be the same but maybe more out of pride if anything else… But then again, wouldn't they do the same if their roles were flipped? Maybe.
Shoto speaks up, pulling her away from her thoughts. "Just to make sure. You do know we're completely going against everyone's wishes and being completely selfish by doing this. We can call this off if you want to."
Kirishima quickly barks back. "Does it look like I wanna turn back?! Bakugou wouldn't think twice about going after the villains if he were here."
Having his answer, Shoto turns to the brunette for hers. "What about you, Uraraka?"
"They're…my friends." She admits while thinking about All Might's words: "'Meddling where you don't technically have to is the essence of being a hero."'
Remembering that she stares down at her fresh scars in deep thought. 'All Might gave me this Quirk. It's mine to wield it for the sole purpose of saving others. To reach them. I'll push past any limits before me.' She knows her answer. "I refuse to turn back. I made a promise."
"I see. Alright then." Shoto is satisfied with that and resumes to enjoy his meal.
As he does, Momo quietly looks down at Kraab who's seated right across from her.
He immediately knows what she's thinking. "You see it too, don't you?"
She does.
And thus they all fall into silence, all of them mentally preparing themselves for the night ahead, with only the wind of the speeding train filling the silent void.
2 HOURS LATER…
"Welcome to Kamino Ward, supposed home of the League. I guess." Ochaco warily announces as if they'll just jump out from the nearest alleyway.
But it's unlikely considering just how bustling with life this city is, despite the time of day. The sun has long set and yet there are bright lights everywhere from the neon signs and buildings showcasing the city's nightlife. From the restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, and more with people wondering about everywhere they look.
"So crowded." Shoto comments after they're nearly trampled by a giggle party of bachelorettes.
However, Kirishima's more focused on the darker parts of the city. "Those villains are hiding somewhere in this city… Just tell me where to GO!" He immediately takes off running, like a bull not knowing where its going.
"WAIT A SECOND!" Momo snaps, already taking up the role of group mom. "From now on we're going to have to be extremely careful. These criminals already know what we look like, remember? We have to consider that we can be attacked at any moment."
Ochaco lets out a sharp gasp before getting very excited and giddy. "Oh! So we have to like go into Stealth Mode, right?! Kraab, can you do something like that?! Make a hologram or something to keep us hidden?!"
The little cyborg throws her a credulous look. "Listen I'm good but covering up a disaster like that will take a miracle."
Ochaco, Shoto, and Kirishima all blink in response while cluelessly tilting their heads to the side. "What do you mean?"
Iida frowns, cupping his chin as he thinks. "We won't be able to scout effectively if we're recognizable."
"Okay, so what should we do?" asks Kirishima.
However, Momo already has an idea if the light blush on her face and shy fidgeting is any clue. "I have an idea, though it is a bit old school." She points behind her to a bright giant sign displaying a nearby thrift store called, Dirt-Cheap Donki Oote.
To which Ochaco's excitement explodes.
And soon they're off grabbing whatever they can off the rack before throwing it on to make some kind of last-minute disguise in this impromptu fashion show.
Ochaco goes first, going in and out of the changing room in a flash. Now wearing a flashy fake-fur white coat along with denim black pants and leggings. Along with a large yet narrow framed set of sunglasses with a black trim and white lenes, kinda giving her a domino-mask like look.
"Who's ready to light it up?!" She lowers her voice, her best impersonation to get into some semi-character, like she's some drunk college girl.
Next is Shoto who's forced to put on what Ochaco and Momo specifically picked out for him. Which is a white dress shirt with a black vest, and a gold necklace. But seeing that his hair clashes and stands out with it they throw him a jet-black wig just for good measure.
"This is me, incognito." He deadpans, not understanding how handsome he really looks.
Momo and Ochaco, however, couldn't be happier, acting like they were in bliss as trickles of blood drip from their noses.
Momo's next and she goes with a simple maroon dress, flashy necklace, and simple sunglasses. As well fluffing up her hair and tying it up into a giant wavy ponytail. "Now we'll blend in perfectly."
Then there's Iida who looks like he just jumped off an 80's commercial with his tucked in dress shirt, rainbow collared suspenders, and ridiculous bowtie. Somehow the girls even managed to convince him to slick back his hair and throw on a fake pencil mustache.
"I feel so ridiculous." He admits while pulling on the ends of the bowtie.
Yeah but he looks so hilarious.
And finally, it's Kirishima's turn and in all honesty he probably has the simplest yet coolest one yet. A simple burgundy jacket, white shirt, black pants, and to help seal that it's not him they just threw on some fake flimsy-looking horns.
"I don't know, I kinda dig it." he grins, happy with his disguise.
Now they're ready to take on the night, slowly walking their way out of the store while trying to hold character.
"Wooo! Let's have a good time!" Ochaco cheers, pretending that they're going to some rager.
But Kirishima doesn't buy it and chides her. "No! You gotta be more selfish than that! Think that it's all about you."
"Who's ready to get wasted?! I know I am! Hahahahaha!"
"That's it!"
Iida, who's always one to get lost in his roles, goes off the rails too. "We're just some scoundrels cruising for some hot girls!"
"Close enough." Kirishima gives him a thumbs up as a participation award.
Momo for one is very happy that they decided to do this. Smiling along with a very satisfied expression. "Great disguises. We'd stand out in this district, dressed like kids."
"You are kids." Kraab corrects, having just been slung around her shoulder with a spare strap so he can look like some metallic hand purse.
Shoto, however, still can't really see the point in it though. "Yaoyorozu, couldn't you have used your Quirk for this to save money?"
She immediately gets all embarrassed and defensive while scrambling to defend herself. "Well technically but that's against the rules! If I started making everything, think of the impact on the economy! We must ensure the flow of commerce!" She says it's like it's some big responsibility and honor. "That's right! It's our civic duty! As citizens!"
"Sure."
Kirishima, however, sees right through it. 'So, the rich girl just wants to go shopping. Huh?'
Kraab throws the girl a skeptical look. "You're very proud of yourself aren't ya?"
Ignoring him, Momo hurries them along. "Everyone, our destination is this way."
"WOAH, it's U.A. High!"
Momo freezes, jumping up while growling in frustration. Have they been made already?! They just got here!
Thinking the same thing, Ochaco hurries to salvage the situation by playing along and acting dumb.
"Woah, really? Where?!" She looks around, pretending to look for some random U.A. kids too but then she spots what the bystander was really referring to and it makes her blood run cold.
There on a giant screen overlooking the street, is Principal Nezu, Mr. Aizawa and Vlad King all dressed in their best suits with their heads bowed before the many cameras stuffed into a conference hall. With the bottom text reading "U.A. High School Emergency Press Conference."
Along with an anchorman's voice confirming as much. ["Let's return to a short clip from the U.A. high School press Conference that just wrapped up."]
The squad moves closer, weaving through the already gathering crowd that are also curious to listen.
"It's Mr. Aizawa." Ochaco gasps.
"Vlad King and the Principal too." adds Momo.
Aizawa looks clean and actually handsome, he really does clean up well, but the sullen atmosphere takes away from all of it as he speaks directly into the camera. ["We are here to apologize. A recent incident allowed harm to come to 28 first year heroes. We staff members were ill-prepared. We take full responsibility for any trauma caused by our negligence. It's our duty to train heroes."] On that cue all three of the U.A. teachers bow their heads low. ["But also to protect heroes in training."] In the background, hundreds of camera shutters and flashes go off, a clear sign that it's a packed conference hall.
Kirishima can't believe what he's seeing, Eraserhead on TV? "This is crazy. He hates being on TV."
["I'll take the first question."] Some rando reporter announces before diving right into it. ["Since the beginning of the year, U.A. students have had four encounters with villains. This time there were students who were gravely injured. How did you explain this to their families? And what are some of the specific steps you're taking to ensure their safety in the future?"]
Ochaco's taken back. 'What…what do they mean? Everyone knows U.A.'s stance, don't they? So why ask?'
For once, Principal Nezu is without a kind smile on his face but instead a serious somber frown as he answers the rude reporter. ["We will increase patrols around the school grounds. And review security measures within the school. The safety of U.A. students are our main priority, make no mistake about it."]
Oh there's no mistaking it, everyone around them understands it perfectly, or at least they think they do.
"Ugh, what are these dudes thinkin'?" Some punk jokes.
"They're gonna get those kids killed." Another laughs.
And others join in from there until the entire crowd is bustling with whispers and criticisms.
"They should be ashamed."
"Increase patrols? Give me a break."
"What about the rest of us?!"
"Those poor kids!"
The four teens stay stock still, for some reason feeling like they've just found themselves in a witch hunt. They're not sure what it is but they can sense the shift in the air, the change of the tide. They can feel that…people are turning on heroes. And that this is only the start of the incoming storm.
Shigaraki mutes the TV, leaving Mr. Aizawa to speak silently into the camera, unknowing that his students are even watching. "Isn't that strange? The heroes are becoming the bad guys. Seems that they're not dealing with this very well at all."
'They're not.' Izuku hates himself for agreeing but even he can tell that the conference probability didn't do much to calm the rest of Japan. 'Those reporters, they know U.A. stance since they didn't cancel the Sports Festival. They're…they're treating them like villains!'
"So much criticism." Shigaraki continues, very much enjoying the results of their recent excursion. "But everyone makes a mistake or two, right? It's not like they're supposed to be perfect. Modern day heroes sure have it rough. Don't you think, Bakugou? Or how about you, Midoriya?"
The two captives glare back, one in anger and the other in defiance.
Spinner adds in his two cents, trying in his own way to convince them over. "Once a hero receives payment to protect people, they aren't a real hero anymore. That's what Stain's actions taught us."
Izuku winces at the name and for the first time takes a real good look at Spinner; noting the on-brand Stain cosplay he has going on.
"A hero in this current system only cares about money and glory." Shigaraki continues, still trying to weave together some brilliant story, while rolling right off of Spinner's thoughts. "And since society buys into those idiotic rules, anyone deemed a loser is shoved aside. We can all relate to that on some level." He gestures to his fellow misfits and criminals as his ruby eyes lock onto the emerald pair before him. "And from what Nue's told me, you can certainly relate to that, right, Izuku Midoriya?"
Izuku's blood runs cold and even Bakugou's facade cracks for a split millisecond.
"Afterall your main tormenter is sitting right next to you."
Bakugou grits his teeth and glares back.
And Izuku, well he tries to keep his eyes from drifting over to him, but instead he throws a nasty look Nue's way. "You…you've gotten real talkative, Nue."
Nue grins back, maliciously. "Unlike you, I ain't got no secrets."
"Like what?" Bakugou scoffs at Nue.
Unbeknownst to him, Izuku flinches and shrinks back nervously at his question.
"Secrets… What kind of secrets? Now that's a question." Shigaraki nods, acting like it's some big philosophical mystery. "We want to propose some questions, too. What is a hero? What is justice? Is this society truly fair? Soon everyone will be asking. That's when we'll know that we've won." A cruel smile stretches across his hidden face once again as he turns his gaze back towards the Mad Bomber. "And you like winning, don't you?"
Bakugou oh so wishes he can slug the guy with a punch, but with the weights and shackles on, he can't even stand up.
"Dabi. Let him go."
The pyromaniac stares back at his boss questioningly. "You know he'll just fight."
"It's fine. We're recruiting him so we'll treat him as an equal. Besides he's smart enough to know he can't take us all, especially with an injured friend nearby. Afterall, U.A. students are so clever." Especially these two.
Knowing this will go wrong, Dabi's quick to delegate the task. "Hey, Twice. You do it."
"Sure thing! No way." Twice shakes his head, not wanting anything to do with it.
"Do it."
"Aw, man." And like that he gives into Dabi's whims. Poor guy really needs to stand up for himself.
As Twice gets to unlocking Bakugou's shackles, Mr. Compress politely speaks up from the back. "I do apologize for such forceful methods, but please understand that we're not some kind of unruly mob committing crimes without a third act in mind. We didn't kidnap you by accident."
Feeling some unknown sense of guilt and fear, Izuku quietly speaks up in a whisper. "How though…?"
"Hm?"
"How'd you find us…?" He looks to Shigaraki specifically. "How'd you do it? We…we were so close…"
"You don't remember?" Mr. Compress takes a mental note of that. "Why my dear boy you're the sole reason we succeed in the first place. That was quite the rampage you displayed. A truly ghastly display. Are you sure you don't want to be a villain, you have quite the flare for it."
"What…?" That can't be right, sure things were going bad, but Ghostfreak should have been enough… Ghostfreak. "Bakugou, what's he… What did I do?"
As Twice pulls the last of the shackles away, Bakugou stays quiet before his eyes drift away, not wanting to meet Izuku's.
Shigaraki chuckles at the sight. "Even though our backgrounds are different, everyone here has suffered."
Dabi makes a poignant look towards Izuku as Shigaraki says this.
"Because of people."
Toga blushes, giggling all the while behind the bar.
"Rules."
Spinner scowls and narrows his eyes.
"And heroes who try to hold us back."
Charmcaster's hands flare with pixie-dust as she caresses her freaky little component bag.
Shigaraki approaches the now freed Bakugou as the kid grips and stretches his wrists. "I'm sure you're the same."
The moment he's in arms reach, however, before he can extend a hand to the potential recruit a thundering BOOM fills the room along with a flash of heat and a cloud of smoke as Bakugou, without any hesitation, unleashes an Explosion right into Shigaraki's face.
Although it doesn't knock the villain back, it does knock off the severed hand that was clinging to his face.
"BAKUGOU!" Izuku screeches in shock and horror.
As does Twice. "Shigaraki!"
"I'm done with your endless talking." Bakugou growls, acting like a tiger that's just been freed from his cage. "Can you not get to the point or do you just like your own voice? Basically, what you're saying is that you wanna cause trouble and you want us to join you. "Well screw you!"
[FLASHBACK]
"Did you see what he just did?!" A tiny Katsuki cheers excitedly, peering through the window to the electronic store. He and his friends had just gotten out of school and went off to play when they spotted the TV through the window playing a new clip of All Might fighting against a foursome of evil monsters and villains.
"Man, it doesn't get any cooler than All Might! "That's why he's the greatest! No matter how much trouble he's in he's always the winner!"
[End of FLASHBACK]
This time, a malicious grin stretches across Bakugou's face instead. "I like to win, I wanna win just like All Might. No matter what you have to offer. That will never change, do you understand?!"
'Kacchan…' Izuku's eyes shimmer, for once admiring Bakugou's defiance and unshakable spirit for the first time in what feels like forever.
Shigaraki, however, isn't listening, instead he seems to be in a daze, his gaze locked not on the kids but on the severed hand thrown across the floor.
'Father…' A blinding fury begins to rage from inside of him as his fingers clench and stretch.
Izuku shrinks back, expecting the worst, he tries to move but it comes off more of a sway if anything.
But nothing ever comes their way as Shigaraki lets his anger roll off his back like water over a stone. "Sorry but I think you're the one that doesn't understand." he locks back onto the Mad Bomber and tells him straight up. "I only wanted you to join us."
Bakugou pauses, perplexed by the statement. "What?"
"Truth be told, you were just a bonus prize we managed to scoop up. The real trophy was him." he gestures to Izuku who's broken into a cold, nervous sweat. "Or rather what's on his wrist."
His heart stops beating for a split second, his blood running cold, and it feels like the entire world has just zoomed in on him with baited breath.
A fang-filled grin stretches across Nue's face while the other villains all look to each other confused and alarmed, like they're just getting the news themselves.
Shigaraki almost breaks into laughter himself at the sight of their bewildered looks. "You said you'll win just like All Might. But tell me, what if All Might was up against someone who wasn't even human? Could you win against something so inhuman, so unnatural that you couldn't even explain its existence? Could you still win then?"
It's clear, it's so clear to him now what he's up to. He's not here just to recruit but to tear Izuku down. It feels like a thunderstorm of agony is swirling within Izuku. His heart thumping like thunder with every word Shigaraki speaks. Tears threaten to spill out like rain as bolts of fear and dread course through his system shouting for him to move! To stop Shigaraki! To stop everyone from knowing the truth!
"Tell me Katsuki Bakugou. Can you win against an…alien?"
6 weeks. I really hope the wait and bad luck was worth going through for this chapter. I think it sets up some things nicely. Also, I have a really funny Omake I wanna do that'll take place during this chapter so expect to see that soon on "Heroes Never Die; it's Hero Time, Anytime."
Also just wanna reiterate that let's lower our expectations and say I'll get one update a month. I know it's not ideal and trust me I wish I could do more, but this is more realistic and reasonable.
Responses for "Guest" reviewers from Ch.75:
Atom king: Another incredible chapter with the big twist that the villains were after Izuku all this, but also it looks like secrets are to be revealed as we see that eraserhead wonder about Mina and what she did fun gus, than there's Izuku Dad showing up too late but something tells there's going to be hell on earth for the villains there's saying with heroes once the villains hurt the heroes love ones the heroes hit back hard so the villains better be ready for an father's rage especially one with alien tech that could destroy an entire city just to save his son
Guardian-Sigil: Glad you loved the twists and turns, I hope this was a good follow up. Shows how everyone's going in the aftermath yet right before things get really crazy.
Grimm: Incredible and spectacular are words that fall short to describe this episode and how you managed the tension and drama, in addition to being excited about what they would manage to escape and on top of that, you shocked me with the fact that Midoriya was captured at the end, now I look forward to the next one with much more anticipation chapter keep it up
ps: yes, but it still doesn't take away the fact that he was going to insinuate himself by committing suicide to midoriya
Guardian-Sigil: That's makes me really really really happy to hear. Lets see if this chapter held up to the same level or fell short, either way we'll keep moving forward. There are many more twists and surprises to come.
Guest: Great chapter! What's your favorite ben 10 art style?
Guardian-Sigil: Omniverse. No contest. I love the other two styles of course but Omniverse was the most creative and colorful.
Guest: This chapter was totally worth the wait. You are still one of the best authors on this site.
Guardian-Sigil: Thank you. That's too much but it's really appreciated
DeadCool14: Do you think Dabi slightly based his look on Hisashi? Like, besides being the opposite of his white hair that's why he dyed it black, and besides holding up his remaining flesh, he wears piercings because Hisashi did at somepoint? It would also be yet another way to jab at his dad; looking less like his son and more like his uncle whom Endeavor hates but Dabi looked up to the most?
You said you don't watch The Flash, but if you want some good ideas for Eon, I recommend you watch the season with Savitar
How acquainted were Rei and Inko with each other? Did they actually talk once or twice before Hisashi and Endeavor cut ties?
In OV, Way Big had a Japanese accent. Will you do something like that? But instead he's speaking a broken Japanese?
What did you think of Thirteen's anime reveal?
Will Shinsou pick a hero name at somepoint? And if he does, will Deku suggest the name Mealymouth? That's the name of an alien created by Tom Perkins. Check out his wiki page; his powers are like the exact same as Shinsou's
How tough is Four Arms in this? Because in canon he's fire proof
Would you something like having a chapter for just the moms? Like Inko, Mitsuki, Rei and maybe other moms just hanging out?
What is Inko's job?
Would Deku go on walks as Ripjaws when it's raining?
Why did you change Charmcaster's name? Did you forget she had an actual name in canon?
Damn that was depressing, I at least thought that Deku would be taken instead of Bakugou but this is far worse
Which alien do you think should have a Muttley laugh? Wildmutt or Blitzwolfer?
What about when Deku gets Eye Guy, he and Shoji learn morse code and communicate by blinking?
Will we see Deku versions of all the Ben 10,000s? Like Classic, Ultimate Ben and Ben 10k?
Can you watch the Rise of the TMNT Movie trailer? There is a joke from Donnie that I can see Deku as Grey Matter doing
Hey, wanna know something funny? I was looking up Ben 10's Technology Levels and saw that Nuclear Fusion Grenades are Level 4 tech, and I also remember that sometime ago there was a breakthrough on nuclear fusion. So not only was you making Earth a Level 4 tech planet accurate, you also predicted it XD
Has Vilgax conquered ten worlds yet? Or nine in this case? Because that was his whole thing in AF he had the powers of ten worlds to parallel Ben, so would he also do that for Deku? Not get the powers, just the nine worlds thing
Will Deku name his own aliens again? Because lately it's been other people who name them. Like with important aliens like Swampfire he should name those. Also, please when he gets Swampfire can you have people not believe he named him because it's actually a really good name?
Would Eye Guy be able to regenerate his eyes? If so, I would imagine that they would pop out and grow again
Would Mr Smoothie have a Katsudon Flavored Smoothie? If so I can imagine a good joke if Uraraka calls Deku out on that:
Would you be saying that if they had a Mochi Flavored Smoothie?
But they don't! ...
I mean- I mean do they? Wh- T-that is an unrealistic, unfair question!
I like how Feedback is more important to Deku than he is with Ben. Because with Ben his personality doesn't change but with Deku it's his real personality coming out, the one that's he's kept buried because of his years of bullying
In the MHA fanfiction "The Future Briefing Island" Chapter 30 there is a very interesting conversation about Uraraka's Quirk that may interest you, if you wanna check it out
Would you give names to the Circus Freaks and the Road Crew? Just because; it would make them feel more complete
Would Deku help Hagakure figure out her light manipulation powers? Because when he gets Chromastone I can see him accidentally nullifying her powers, for yet another comedic accidental flashing scene, and to give him a better understanding on how her powers work, because she's not just invisible, she can manipulate light, and her body is just naturally manipulating the light around her to make her look invisible
Guardian-Sigil: 1. That is a theory. I guess we'll find out in time. But I never pictured Hisashi earring piercings though
2. I already have a great idea for Eon. Also i did watch the Flash but only up tooo season 4 maybe? Whichever season had Cicada in it, although I only made it halfway through that season before quitting.
3. Not sure. They've definitely met
4. Um…no.
5. Not much I mean I already knew what they looked like thanks to manga. But it was nice to see the color scheme
6. Yes and I already have several ideas for it
7. Four Arms can take a hit, but if he went against Heatblast he'll definitely be hurt
8. Maybe as an OVA/Omake
9. IDK. I figured she's a stay at home mom.
10. Yes, for sure
11. I forgot
12. Yup they were both taken
13. Both I assume
14. Perhaps if there's a need for it to come up
15. Yes/No. I wanna do a spin off for the time travel stuff later so maybe
16. See it. I know what you're talking about. Also it was a great movie. And series, highly recommended for anyone looking to have a good time. Also, Donnie if best turtle, no contest
17. I did try to sort of follow the scale as best as I could
18. I was gonna get into that a little later
19. He'll still name his own, don't worry. Also what's wrong with Swampfire? I've always thought it was a cool name
20. IDK
21. It's Mr. Smoothie's they got to have em all
22. Exactly! And that kinda rule goes a little bit for each alien: Ditto's silliness, Rath's anger, Big Chill's calmness, etc.
23. I'll try to when I get the chance
24. Not sure, if I can fit it in maybe
25. I rather she'd figure it out but Deku might help. We'll see, that wouldn't be for a while anyway
Guest: Wowow, what a chapter. Personally, it was kinda obvious the target was Izuku all along if you remember the chapter where AFO and Co learns about aliens. But I would be lying if I wasn't a little convinced that they were also planning to kidnap Bakugou and Uraraka as well, even if it doesn't make much sense.
Looking forward to the next chapter
Guardian-Sigil: I think it was one of those things where people thought I was going to follow the cannon to a T. And forgot that I could change things whenever I want. But as Shigaraki said here, Bakugou was a bonus prize.
Grimm (again): ask, will we see a dabi vs heatblat?, since if heatblast is more powerful than endeavor I imagine that although dabi has no interest in midoriya, he considers it a challenge to fight heatblast to see if he is more powerful than his father
Guardian-Sigil: Probably at some point they'll at least meet but we'll see. I do have some cold interaction ideas and scenarios for the future but we'll see how things play out
Quethe: This is so good totally worth the wait.
Guardian-Sigil: I sure hope so
Guest: So many twists and turns this chapter! Great job! What are your thoughts on Bloxx?
Guardian-Sigil: I…hated Bloxx's design, especially at first but it was a design I accepted and got used to. His power, in concept, is cool. Make constructs like Green Lantern or Creati. BUT I could so without the lego gorilla design. Kinda always felt lazy to me
I'm Hellboy: So if there's a chance that charaters from Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss will make a appearance there are some that can apper or be motioned
Husk who can own a bar and serve's people like Eraserhead who complains about his students.
Verosika Mayday is a famous singer but Jiro's mom probably wouldn't let her in the Summer Sonic Festivel because her music can be a little to seductive.
Striker is a hitman who takes jobs to assassinate people who's he's paid to kill Striker is an arrogant, prideful, violent, ruthless, and sadistic individual. He views himself as superior to most others and Stiker also hates Flame Hero: Endeavor because they have a histroy with each other.
Sir Pentious is bombastic, flamboyant, short-tempered, temperamental, and persistent, his personality appearing to take cues from classic 'mustache-twirling' stock villains. he also claims to be the enemie of Cinder because he humiliated Pentious and onerthorw his plans but cinder doesn't even remember him which leave Sir Pentious mad that Cinder would not even remember him because he remembers Cinder.
Guardian-Sigil: I definitely like striker. But there are already soooo many characters already introduced and those yet to be that any of these suggestions will have to be background cameos. But you never know
BlueRanger-Lyric: Wow, that was a really great chapter there, and on man… this is a big defeat for Ochako, not only did she lose to Charmcaster, but now she watched as her friends be taken away right in front of her as she was powerless to stop them and save Bakugo and (Her future love interest) Izuku, especially when she was use to winning, and judging by how well she took that lost, that will surely effect her confidence in winning in the long run, something I'm sure she'll get a lecture from one of her mentors that you won't always win fights, and that strength isn't just about winning, but also how you handle defeat and lose, a lesson Ochako had to learn the hard way, and then taking both Izuku and Bakugo is interesting to see, I imagine the League of Villains will ether try to convince him to join them, or maybe ether Shigaraki or Henzu/Kevin tries to break his trust in Deku by telling him that Izuku is keeping secrets from him and that the secrets has to do with his watch, because I can imagine them trying to test his trust by telling him things that'll make him have doubts about Deku, and speaking of which, I imagine Izuku will have a similar interest as Ben did with Vilgax when he is held prisoner in his ship and when he tries to remove the Omnitrix from him, but overall, this is quite the mess the heroes are in, and I'm curious to how they'll handle this when they learn about what happened in the next chapter, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens for myself when it comes out
Guardian-Sigil: Yup. No longer a Mary Sue I hope. She lost. Period. Technically she lost twice in the same night. In any case you're right on the money for the most part, Shigaraki is definitely gonna shake Izuku's world (pun intended)
Guest: Just in case it wasn't clear, I was trying to send the wiki page of the 5YL Way Bad so you had that in addition to all the official ones too
Guardian-Sigil: It's all good, next time just tell me the title of what to Google Search
Dreadbot: I really like this chapter I liked all the fight scenes in it I liked how Nina Mitchell wore away fun gus by using Emote I liked the end part where ghost freak went crazy and started attacking everybody I can't wait to see where it goes next please keep writing
Guardian-Sigil: I loved it too. Got to bring Fun Gus back. Mina showed off Emote. And so much more that'll lead into future story events and chapters.
Metal Lizard: OK since that there won't be any magic than there can be charaters with magic that can be their quirks
Alastor-Hazbin Hotel
Zatanna-DC
Darius Deamonne- The Owl House
Guardian-Sigil: Potentially but I wouldn't get your hopes up. Again most of these will probability end up being background easter eggs or cameos.
UA Alumni: Id you end up reading the rest of the manga My Hero Academia: Vigilantes? I recall that you had caught up but had fell off since he update schedule was atrocious. But now that the manga has been completed for a while I was wondering if you had the chance to finish reading it?
Guardian-Sigil: No. Not yet. Believe it or not I am busy and might be a little behind on the regular series as it were. Not by much but still.
DragonBoost: Can you please refresh my memory? What are all the alien transformations that Izuku currently has access to?
Guardian-Sigil: I'm not gonna list them. Instead I suggest looking up this story's TV Tropes Page. There you will find an entire list of characters, plot points, aliens, artwork, and more for this fanfic.
If you can't find it on google, then head over to this story on AO3. There is a link for the TV Tropes site located on this chapter on AO3
KnightKing: Random question, did you ever end up ready the Ink Tank's 5YL? I remember you saying before that you watch And Beyond but that you haven't read the comic yet. Just wanted to see if you ever gave it a read.
Guardian-Sigil: No like i said to UA Alumni, I've been so busy that i am behind on reading.
Thunder Dragon: Than you for responding. Now I do hope we do see some recreations of Ben 10. Maybe Izuku vs Daigon? Also I hope we do see the good guys go to Space one day.
Guardian-Sigil: You're welcome. And I do have some Ben Ten recreations coming. But not all. For example, there will not be a Izuku vs. Daigon arc or fight. I already have so much to juggle from events and plot from both series, characters, events, etc that some things have to be left on the drawing room table. And that was one of them. I do plan, however, to add the Forever Knights but they'll play a somewhat different role. And yes one day the good guys will go to space
Empty Hand: If you were thinking of giving izuku a ship, how about the Bowie from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
Guardian-Sigil: I love the Bowie. But I like Mando's new Naboo ship. Or Millenium Falcon, The Ghost. The Malano. Or even the Rustbucket II. My point is though that I will consider giving Izuku a ship one day. And I mean a far off day from now so I;m not really gonna consider it that hard for some time
Guest: The pros should be frightened when deku becomes pro he's going to put them all out of business
Guardian-Sigil: I think by then they'll have some other concerns too but yes
Guest: They haven't seen hugemungasaur I can't wait to see the there mouth drop when he grows 60ft tall
Guardian-Sigil: Nope. But it'll happen
Guest: Yours is better then pixels story of deku 10 I like the harem but he's has too many bashing and made bakugo more more villainous he doesn't care about his redemption
Guardian-Sigil: I try not to think of writing as a competition but the sentiment is appreciated. Every writer has their way and know i have my own fair share of critics especially when my story first started
People wrote in just to tell me that they or their friends have sworn off my story for one reason or another. Oh, well
Guest: So when will Uauraka us gravity the ancient force of evil nature on rath
Guardian-Sigil: Oooh, not sure. But it's gotta happen. Right?
Guest: Are you going to have deku learn how to fight without his gear
Guardian-Sigil: He…already knows how to. There are Omakes and chapters showing as much. He can use his hoverboard, taking time to learn it with One-One. Used his shield against Stain. Learned to shoot with Snipe and then did some training and a live simulation while at Mt. Fuji. So yeah
Guest: Something tells me some more members of 1-A are going to learn the truth in the next arc.
Guardian-Sigil: What gave it away?
Guest: I can tell you this next chapter is the hero's are planing to find both luzku and Bakugo and rescue them but little they know only one of them will not be there and luzku is going to face to face with vilgax and luzku dad will know that league of villains are working with vilgax once ochako tell him 77 was there, will he and other plumbers member manage do it alone rescue luzku or will they tell some hero for help and tell them the whole truth about what's really going on can't wait!
Guardian-Sigil: Well you definitely guessed it right. The heroes are coming together to save Deku. But the Plumbers have to play their hands carefully or risk a massive revelation.
Zack: Are there any other Ex-Plumbers that turned bad and Heros to? there are some that I think that could be in this that they would have knowledge about how other plumbers work like Ragnarok
Mysterio-Marvel
James Ironwood-RWBY
Felix-Red vs Blue
Guardian-Sigil: Mysterio doesn't seem like a Plumber type to me. I know nothing about RWBY. Etc. As of now I have no plans to introduce other Ex-Plumbers and such
DeadCool14: Also Thirteen's name was finally revealed, it's Anan Kurose, are you gonna keep the one you made or change it? If the name you gave her hasn't been said yet
Guardian-Sigil: I don't ever remember giving her a name…
Guest: This an incredible story I can't stop reading it please make more chapters!
Guardian-Sigil: Thank you. And trust me I'm trying…I really am
Atom king: t's me again I reread the chapter and an thought came to me, that this is it this where the story diverge from the main story where the truth about aliens is revealed to the world or at least to Izuku classmates, especially towards the group that is going to rescue Izuku, and with vilgax involved than the group is going to need some help this is where Izuku Dad comes he cann take kids with him and since he's an pro he can give permission to use their powers maybe give them some plumber tech to help them that would be awesome, other thing when aliens are revealed to the world I can see become the exactly like the X-Men comics with the humans become scared and paranoid where they would attack at anyone that looks different like any mutant quark users thinking that their aliens I can see the wrong kind of people take full advantage of this like an version of the X-Men villain groups the friends of humanity, Purifiers and Church of Humanity appearing heck I can see endeavor forming groups like that and what's to stop the my hero academia corrupt government taking advantage of this too just so they can get their hands on alien tech, now I'm seeing the Sentinels coming out this scenario can you imagine alien tech power Sentinels out in the world that would terrifying.
Guardian-Sigil: That is a great theory and prediction. I guess we'll have to wait and see exactly how things play out
But don't give me too much credit. I just someone who likes to write, having fun, and is just trying their best
BlueRanger-Lyric (again): I'm curious about something, given the recent chapters in the manga with Gigantomachia, will they have an influence on the future of your story with him in your fanfic and how you'll write his character arc when you deviate from the Canon story?
Guardian-Sigil: Potentially that is something I have to think more in depth about. After Kamino Ward I plan to take a break from updating to do just that
