Chapter 15
Living in a world where magical portal containing monsters is something the people of Musutafu are familiar with. Civilians are taught to call the police and local heroes to handle any sudden Gates so they'll just contact the proper authority and stay a good few kilometers away as extra measures.
Hence the nearby heroes who'd answered the call felt stumped on what to do. Upon arrival, they found several Myrmidons-the blue type to be exact-scrounging through the burnt remains of an apartment complex. They had just arrived two minutes after the call was made and wasn't expecting something like this.
"S-should we do something? I don't wanna fix my cape up again. " Minoru whispered to his friend, tensing up when the insect warriors turned towards them only to went back on their task. It felt like a massive burden was lifted off the young purple hero's back.
Knowing the monsters actually belonged to the hero-in-training had them ease up, having seen them evacuating civilians. And yet, they couldn't help but wonder why two are going through the rubble. Tokoyami had went to asked them
"I believe it is best for us to simply observe cautiously as possible. Even though they aided us before, I do not believe they would maintain such disposition if provoked." Tokoyami spoke solemnly, flexing the clawed gauntlets on him.
"Ugh, just my luck. Today I gotta go on a date with my girl. We're supposed to go to this five star hotel. My treat as well." Minoru snapped, bouncing one of the hair balls in hand. A part of the avian-themed hero still couldn't help but feel shocked hearing the purple-haired fellow's words.
"Didn't you mention it'll be during night time?" A firm nod was given and Tokoyami continued, slightly annoyed. "Then you've got nothing to worry about."
"I know but I'm afraid of falling asleep again. Gates been popping up left and right for the past few days and I couldn't even get to the fun part with my girl because of patrol. We'd even have to coem all the way here because the heroes in this freaking prefecture is occupied. Think about that man!" Minoru bemoaned.
The avian hero kept quiet, knowing full how factual his words are. For the last couple of months, there had been an increase in appearance of Gates across the country and from what he'd seen on the news, countries across the world are suffering similar plight. Of course, thisIn addition, the two of them were in charge
"True but we're heroes. It's our duty to protect the people."
"I know that. I'm just saying it'll be better if the monsters stop showing out of the blue!" Minoru yelled out the last part, purposefully aimed at the monsters. A smirk crossed the dwarf of a man when the monsters paid him no heed.
"I suggest you stop that lest they come charging. Also, how's Yaoyorozu been doing for the last couple of weeks?" Tokoyami stated. "Actually, I'm surprised she's dating you at all given how you've acted in the past."
Tokoyami's sentiment wasn't without merit as he'd recalled how clingy the shorter man was towards the female populace. Growls escaped his shadows confirming Tokoyami's Quirk was even in agreement. Then again, it never went beyond harmless question and the leery looks imposed on the female. Of course, he very much prefer to gaze them from afar but that's not the point.
"Agh, it's fine. I know I didn't gave off the best impression back when we were still in-training but...I guess I kinda matured. Besides, Momo's a bombshell so I got nothing to lose." Minoru laughed to which Tokoyami shook his own in mild exasperation. Working with Minoru for the past three years was an experience on its own. Certainly, knowing that he has culled some of his less than stellar traits is nice but it would be great if he could wipe it out entirely.
"Am I intruding on something?" Both heroes turned toward the source of the voice, revealing Shouko Todoroki. Walking towards them whilst decked out in a combat uniform favouring speed, a set of rings decorating the woman's slender finger.
"Nothing worth mentioning. Just some empty talk between friends." Minoru replied, slightly taken aback by the woman.
"Correct. So far, the monsters doesn't seem to do anything else. Nothing that harms civillian but we cannot be too certain hence why we're standing guard." Tokoyami replied, eyeing one of the creatures warily. Dark Shadow's strength isn't on par against a Blue Myrmidon but he could handle a few of them. Including Minoru's help would make the odds more favourable for them.
"They're under the control of that green-haired hero-in-training, Izuku Midoriya, the one who fought against that unknown monster. If they would rampage, they probably would've done so by now." Shouko spoke. "Besides, I suggest you two get back to your patrols, I'll take it from here."
"Izuku Midoriya? Wasn't that the guy who fought against the giant monster from earlier?"
"Yes, he is the one." Shouko answered.
"Wowie-zowie. Really now? I'd never expected someone was able to command so many familiars. Reckon what type are they? Earth? Never seen Earth Elementals resembling Blue Myrmidons and I doubt Myrmidons are a type of familiar." Minoru wondered aloud.
"Perhaps he wielded the power of darkness to consume the Myrmidons, shackling them to him? They don't look like Myrmidons or the ones that I've seen. They're not supposed to look like Dark Shadow here." Suggested Tokoyami.
"Ew, that's like slavery but with extra steps."
"I disagree. How can you compare magic with heinous act I have no idea."
"I think Katsuki knew him." Shouko's words drew the two males attention and simultaneously stopped their arguments. "He often mumbled about a 'green-haired nobody' to himself while training."
"Did he now?" Tokoyami asked, surprised and intrigued by the revelation.
"That guy has friends?!" Minoru questioned."I thought only Denki and the Kirishima are his friends. Even then all he ever gave them were grunts or blunt answer."
"Can we go back to how you believe Bakugou-san knew of this Izuku Midoriya?" Tokoyami asked.
"I...I don't know much really. Whenever our spar ended or when he was training, he often muttered about this 'Deku' or 'green-haired Quirkless nobody'." Shouko answered. Katsuki had often kept to himself but the few times she had interacted with her, she heard him mumble those words. And from what she remember, it wasn't in a friendly tone.
"Hmm, I always knew something was off about him. Maybe he's in a closet?" Minoru suggested.
"I doubt that." Tokoyami replied, fighting back the urge to guffaw.
"Eh who knows. Could be just his ego. The idea of a guy capable of summoning and controlling familiars is pretty terrifying. Magic or Quirk doesn't really matter since he can control two of them. He might be like Koda." Minoru whistled at the thought, chuckling all the while
The same thought crossed the woman's mind as well. If Midoriya was such a powerful mage or Quirk was enhanced to this level, he could've easily entered not just Yuei but any hero academy. Money wasn't an issue so long they can pay off the student's debt once they landed a job at any hero agency and the government wouldn't turn a blind eye over such promising candidate. Though there is also a chance Midoriya simply gained his power through a Reawakening process and quite recently as well.
"Anyway, why exactly are you here? I highly doubt it is for small talk." Tokoyami ask.
"There's a Gate stated might appear at the local hospital in about 30 more minutes. A B-rank Gate. Why don't you two head over there and take care of that for me? I'll handle these ones for you."
Shouko's words caused the duo to share a confused glance before turning back to her.
"Are you certain? These doesn't look like your stereotypical Myrmidons, there's a chance they have a different powerset." Tokoyami cautioned. The Todoroki gal merely gave a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry about me."
"Come on, you heard the lady. Lets' get outta here." Minoru waved, already taking leave as he plucked one of the ball-shaped lumps on his head. Hurling it to the air, the lump sticking to the building's walls. Leaping towards the building and grabbing onto the ball for support only to repeat the action with another ball.
'Reminds me of Hanta-kun,' Thought the young Hunter as she watched the man leapt away.
"Well, I thank you for your help. And please be careful." Tokoyami bowed to which she simply waved off. Unlike his partner, Tokoyami's method of movement was far more simple where he ran after him. Of course he then leapt up into the air, using Dark Shadow as a springboard as he leapt across the air.
Once the two were out of sight, she focused on the two monsters. Neither one had given attention to her then and even now. Intrigued by the sight, Shouko leaned backward and watched as they worked. Several nearby on-lookers were also looking, fearful and equally curious. Shouko gestured towards them to move on and seeing no reason to deny her, they complied; leaving the monsters to their work.
"Are you guys searching for something?" Two of them turned towards her, confused and uncertain. Shouko knew from the countless times of her father's and two older brothers constant drilling that she should always remain cautious against these monsters but watching them scrounging through the debris looked positively adorable.
She had no idea why but they do.
Chitters were exchanged between the two monsters and seemingly decided on their next course of action, their attention went back to the rubbles underneath them. Or at least appear given how their pace had doubled. Digging through the rubble, one of them shoved it aside before holding up a black box no bigger than a fist. It looked positively miniscule as an ivory imagery of a dragon-the western variation-displayed produly at the top. Before she could pry for information on what is the importance, they bolted off. Shockwaves left behind their wakes as the concrete's underneath cracked under the weight. With her enhanced senses, she could detect the magical beings already leaving.
Briefly she wondered if she should follow them. The only reason why she'd gotten involved with the fight against the being called Keras was she'd been near the area.
"Well, I already took a paid leave so why not I guess. Dad did told me to go out and enjoy life." Shouko recalled her father's words. Decided on what to do, she leapt after them but made sure they didn't noticed.
(XxX)
"Careful, you shouldn't hold it like that. You'll cut your hands."
Izuku nodded, repositioning his hands on the radish per her instructions. As he slowly slice the vegetables, the greenette's turned towards the older woman. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Bellion listening intently to her words. For a being capable of decimating powerful monster, the warrior angel looked positively servile. Nods of understanding as Inko told him about the proper method. The entire scene look outlandish and yet it is occurring before his very eyes.
Once finished, they focused on their respective task with Inko doing the same. The wonderful aroma of the meal had him positively salivating but the greenette restrained himself, working on the meal. Black blade belonging to Bellion came down onto the vegetables in a manner far more gentler than he did to any of their enemies.
"So, mom," Izuku yelled over the sound of sizzling fish.
"What's so special about this box you wanted me to fetch?"
"It was...your father's gift to me. Actually, it was what's inside that mattered. He said he wants you to have it once you hit seventeen." Hearing Inko's words had the young man paused. His father left it for her. Blinking as he digested this new information. His father, someone he barely remembered, had left a gift for him.
"...Dad left it for me?" Izuku repeated. After all this time, his father left something
"Yes." Inko answered, barely a whisper. The young man's stomach dropped when he saw his mother's body shook a little before she quickly recompose herself. Watching her act reminded the aspiring Hero how she'd never truly moved on from his passing.
"It was two days before that red dragon appeared. He stated there's a chance he may not return so that box was left for you." Inko answered, one free hand gesturing at Izuku. Understanding what she wanted, Izuku picked up a bottle of soy sauce. Popping it open, she poured some of it into the frying wok and gave it back, with Izuku taking it out of her hand before placing it near the table.
"Apparently it contained a ring of some sort. I recalled him having a monster he slew-a wyvern-to make it." Inko stating, flipping the fried fish over as she begun cooking the other side. Ignoring the sizzling sound and succulent aroma, Izuku's mind went to the item at mind. Entertaining the possibility that the item is an item designed to help a Hero. A wyvern is no easy monster, capable of flight and elemental breath much like their far powerful cousins, the dragons.
A soft but loud ringing sound echoed across the kitchen, notifying Izuku and the rest. Knowing who it was, Izuku made a beeline for the living room and quickly informed his mother who it might be. By the time he opened the door, the two Myrmidons he'd sent out earlier had returned as expected. The unexpected part was how the two were unaccompanied by a woman with a red and white hair and the apartment owner.
"May I come into my own home?" Saiko asked, a mirthful smile on the face as she walking past Izuku before he could answer. Covered in monster's blood and sweat, each step left by the young prodigy had their foulness tainting the pristine white floor. They didn't stayed long when a small goomba-like machine came out and started cleaning it up as it followed after the owner.
"Forgive me for intruding." Shouko bowed politely, following after the pale-haired intellectual.
"Not at all actually. It's not my house to begin with." Izuku called back. The two summons he'd ordered presented themselves before Izuku. Ignoring how they were on one knee, Izuku ordered them to show him the item.
At once, the two Myrmidon presented the item in question. Taking it before giving a brief inspection, Izuku attempted to ask them questions only to remember they're completely mute. Seeing no reason to keep them around, he brushed them to leave and the two insect warriors sunk into his shadow.
"So, uh, hi." Izuku greeted, blushing slightly at the sight of Shouko. In the world of the internet, Kacchan was nicknamed the A-rank Endeavor by the various people across the world for his similarity to the second strongest Japanese S-rank. The one whom his childhood friend played second fiddle to is the same dual-colored haired woman inside Intelli-san's house right now, admiring the paintings decorating the walls. The very same who had aided him in his battle against one of the Monarch.
"Yes, hello there. I didn't knew you're friends with her, nice to meet you." Shouko's greeted, offering a hand to shake.
'Isn't your reactions a little too late?' Was what crossed the young greenette's mind but he made no mention of it, not wishing to be rude and returned the gesture properly.
"So, I...see," Izuku stuttered, finding himself distracted by the woman's chromatic eyes. Athe way they contrast one another coupled by the the young superhuman's innocent but slightly intrigued expression was just so... attractive. Then again, the only woman he ever hung out with was his mother and Saiko.
"I was wondering if you mind telling me why you're here?" Izuku asked.
"Oh, that's easy. I noticed your summons were scrounging through the debris of the destroyed apartment. Seeing as I have a day off, I decided to follow them for the sake of it." Shouko answered plainly had the young man opposite to her slack-jawed in genuine shock. Who in their right mind decides to follow two magical beast out of a whim? Does she lack common sense or a sense of self preservation from being a powerful Awakened? What is this? Like who is this person he's looking at right now?
"You decided to follow those two because you have a day off And Saiko decides to just let you in?" Izuku's question received a solemn nod, causing the young Midoriya to sigh in defeat.
"Why yes. Saiko was my Cantrip tutors and private tutor during my younger years. Is it because you had " Shouko replied.
"Tutor? Like when? When you were in middle school? " Izuku asked, curious at this piece of information.
"No, when I was five years old. And she mentioned how she wanted my help with something hence why I'm here." Shouko's answer had him paused. Truthfully, he should've seen that coming given how much accolades she actually has. He kept forgetting just how smart Saiko is actually. But the last part was the one that had him baffled.
Rubbing the temples as he tried to gather his thoughts, Shouko spoke up.
"Are you related to Hizashi Midoriya? Former number one hero of Japan, Orochi?" Her question drew his attention.
"...yes, my dad." Izuku answered, seeing no reason to deny her. "Please don't tell anyone else."
"Oh no worry, I wouldn't. If you don't mind me asking, how did you gain your summons? Most Mages can only contract one, two at most and so far, only India's strongest Pro Hero remains the exception."
'Then I came along,' Izuku finished her sentence, knowing full well the implication. And yet what is he supposed to say. He doesn't have anything to go by so far.
"I just got lucky I guess. Reawakening," Elaborated the greenette, hoping it is acceptable.
"I see." Shouko nodded, fully understanding the reasoning. Silence settled in as the two no longer had no topic to focus on. Izuku kept sparing several tentative glances at her, wanting to ask the young S-rank Hero questions but found himself tongue-tied. Several minutes passed by and the silence was broken up by Shouko.
"My brother's passing was not your fault."
"H-huh? Oh right, Natsuo Todoroki was your... brother," Izuku spoke, eyes lighting up as he remembered the government agent.
"How is he doing?"
"He didn't came back from the portal." Shouko answered. "There's a chance he's no longer alive."
Izuku's stomach dropped hearing her words. Head swirling and nauseating feeling came in as a terrible, horrible possibility made itself known in the man's mind. He doesn't want it to be real but at the same time all clues point to that singular conclusion.
"...There's a chance he's alive. He is strong." Weakly Izuku reasoned. Shouko's simply shook her head at his words.
"Dinner's ready and do tell your friend to- oh my," Inko paused, catching her son talking to another person as she entered the living room. Following behind her was Bellion, wearing a pristine white apron fitting for a chef and a matching hat. An undignified chortle escaped Shouko before she quickly regained her composure.
"Kaa-san, meet Shouko Todoroki. Todoroki-san, meet my mom." Izuku introduce the two.
"Hello there, Todoroki-san, would you like to have dinner with us? Saiko-chan says you're her friend, so if you like you can join us." Inko offer had the two Awakened sharing brief glances.
"That would be lovely, thank you Midoriya-san. I haven't eaten at all." Shouko stated, getting out of the sofa and heading towards the dining room. Tempted the greenette was but the young man paused in his steps as memories of his last battle against Keras and Yogumunt were fresh. Keras had proven what he's capable which heavily implies that Yogumunt's scope of ability isn't far off.
He can't let that happen to her or anyone else for that matter.
"Oh, sorry mom but I just remembered something, I need to do something." Izuku stated, offering a reassuring smile as he headed for the exit.
"You're not gonna go into another Dungeon again are you?" Inko asked. Hearing her voice cracking slightly tore the young man's heart but this is something he had to do. Despite the lack of building tears, the greenette of an Awakened knew his mother is at the brink of tears. Doesn't help that they're having a guest over right now.
"Kaa-san,w-what no. Of course not, it's just-'" Pausing to gather his thoughts, Izuku continued. "It's just you seen what happened today. There's...bad people that's out there trying to hurt others. One of them try to hurt you and I don't want you to go through that again."
A pregnant silent settled between the two of them. The young Todoroki gal had wisely retreated back to the dining room whilst Bellion glanced at the two before taking off the apron as he made his way toward his lord, slinking back into the shadow as he did so. Judging by the quivering lip and shaking hands, Izuku knew she's reaching her breaking point.
"B-but don't worry, mom, I'll leave Phobos and Deimos with you. They'll take good care of you." Izuku offered, secretly ordering the two named Salamanders to come out. Complying, the two car-sized lizard monster slipped out, circling around Inko like dogs sniffing new people. Inko watched with mild fascination and reached out, gently touching Phobos by the snout before both slipped into her shadows.
"I...I guess. I'll keep your meal warm then. Just...try not to hurt yourself okay?" Inko pleaded.
"Of course." Answered the young Midoriya, offering a reassuring smile to the older lady. She in turn smiled as well but it didn't reached her eyes before returning around and heading to the kitchen. Before long, Izuku quickly headed out of the condominium and into the hallway. Opening the inventory, he drew out the map and unfurled it to check on any new Gates.
"I'll become stronger. I must become stronger." Muttered Izuku to himself.
(Linebreak)
Walking down the streets, Izuku ensured he didn't bumped into anybody as he used the map as reference. Knowing that whatever he is doing aids Yogumunt's set the young Awakened at unease but at the same time he frankly doesn't care. Much like how Yogumunt is using him to retake these...Constructs he'll use that old monster to get stronger. An army of undead at his command, ready to do whatever he says.
'I do wonder if Bellion was affiliated with Yogumunt.'
Izuku's shadow shifted and he saw Bellion's head popping out, shaking in a negative fashion. Surprised by the action, Izuku muttered a brief apology and watched the angelic warrior sunk back in.
'Noted,' thought the greenette as he continued walking. Noticing the surrounding looks familiar, Izuku wound up stumbling upon a local fast food joint. Although there is a blue portal floating seeveral feet away from the entrance. Standing near it were a dozen or so Pro Heroes and three familiar figures. Denki and Katsuki were exchanging words with each other whilst Cole was just chomping down on food he'd bought. Or at least Izuku assumed he'd bought. That seems like the most plausible reasons.
"Kacchan?" Izuku tentatively called out to one of them. Happiness flooded the greenette as the figure turned and sure enough, it really is him. Judging by the texture and colouration, the breastplate and gauntlets were made out of an Ifrit.
"What are you doing here?" Asked Katsuki, incredulous to see his childhood friend.
"Remember the magic map that shows me which Gate will likely turn red? That gate is one of those portals." Izuku sheepishly said, watching Katsuki's expression morph from confusion to surprise and...excitement. Which baffled the green-haired adolescent considering
"Really?" Receiving an affirmative nod from the green-haired man had the blonde took a deep breath and exhale.
"Alright, alright, I assume you're gonna join then?"
"Yes." Izuku answered.
"Fine, but I gotta go and tell Denki about this first. See what he thinks. Is that cool?"
Izuku nodded and Katsuki turned away, trudging back to the electric user the two exchanged words under hushed tones. The two argued back and forth and while he couldn't catch what they were exactly saying, Izuku could hazard a guess judging by their expression. As the intensity grew, their other members took notice but before it could exploded into something severe, the debate seems to have come to an end.
Denki nodded but looked slightly uneased, pausing to glance at the green-haired necromancer before heading towards the Gate. The greenette noticed the ninja-themed hero sparing a brief glance but quickly cut it off. Just as Denki begun to made an announcement, Katsuki was already heading back towards him.
"Right, you can tag along but...you'll have to promise to try and help as much as possible if things go south." Katsuki answered. "We're training some new recruits hence why-"
"You're training others?" Izuku asked, flummoxed by what he'd heard. His heart sank
"Yeah, yeah, not a big deal. Anyway, you'll need to help us. Understand?"
"Of course." Izuku replied, nodding numbly. Katsuki looked at him before sneering, walking away whilst shaking his head. Anger simmered within the greenette's chest, fist clenching as he glared daggers at the retreating back of the blonde Pro Hero.
"No, enough of this.' Izuku thought, having formulated a plan to give him a piece of his mind. Marching towards the Gate, Izuku brushed past the new recruits in favour of Katsuki, grabbing him by the hand. The action surprised the blonde brawler but Izuku, using every fiber of his strength pulled him into the Gate. By the time he'd entered, surprised voices came from two different people behind him and another came from the System.
[User: Izuku Midoriya has entered the Frozen Plains]
Author's Note: Hey, hey, hey people. Dragon Bone Z here and bringing you guys with another chapter. This is the last chapter I'll be posting because I'm working on college and wanting to rework the story as a whole. Coupled with the fact that I don't got many views, I don't think it's a no-brainer.