Author's Note: Hola amigos! It's time for some recommendations!

#1 is a fic by Guardian-Sigil with the title of Heroes Never Die It's Hero Time. This is a great story with multiple chapters well into the 80s. It's fun, chaotic and all around a great read. If you haven't checked it out, give this story a try, it'll be worth it.

#2 is from The Incredible Muffin titled My Alien Academia. This is one hell of a crossover story that deals with a lot of characters and it works for this story. Guys, this story will pull at your heart, and have you chomping at the bit for more.

#3 Pixel's Fanbook's The Alien Hero: Deku 10. This one is one of the most entertaining on the list, and one of the wackiest. I'm only gonna say this for a spoiler, Chopper the Astromech makes an appearance in this fic, and it makes the story that much better, but takes nothing away from it. Nothing about this story makes my dis-list.

#4 is a straight-fic that is one of the best I've read from ClemPrime13 under the title The New Normal. It deals with the core of the MHA story with some fun twists and turns that always keep me coming back for more.

If ya'll have the time, give these four stories some love. Now on with the show!


14: Deadshot (2)


It was well past midnight when the Midoriya household finally quieted down. Izuku had volunteered to drive Mina and the others home, but Shinso had decided to walk home to get some much needed air, and Kinoko had joined him as their homes were, coincidently, in the same direction. The Bakugos had driven off only minutes ago with their promise of help if his family needed it.

Mina was already sitting in the car waiting for him. [This feels like a set up,] Izuku thought idly as the boy got in the DX Mark 10.

The girl was on the phone with her parents when he got settled and fastened his seatbelt. "Yeah, Dad, we're just about to leave, and - no!" She suddenly looked panicked as Izuku gave her a concerned look, "It's fine, really!" She yelped, "I can handle myself, you know that, and he's not that kind'a guy!"

[Ah,] Izuku bumped his head against the steering wheel, [He's afraid I'm some kind'a creep.]

"Yes, he has a license!" Mina groaned, "Dad, come on! It's gonna be fine! No! You don't need to come out and meet him! Gawd! I'm on my way back, now. Good-bye!" She took the phone away from her ear, and palmed her face, "Ugh, I'm so sorry about that Midoriya!" She said, heavily embarrassed by whatever her father had said. "I love my dad to death, but he can be so - Ugh!" She groaned again and leaned back in the seat. Then she cast a small smile in his direction, "Sorry...it's not like you need anymore drama in your life right now, is it?"

Izuku shook his head before starting the car up, "Nah, it's fine," the boy smiled timidly, "H-H-Honestly, with Himiko and Mei around, I'm u-u-used to a little d-d-drama."

Mina sighed as she fastened her seatbelt, tightening it around her waist, "Uh, I know I said that you had a license an all, but..." she gave a nervous little squeak as the boy put the car in gear and pulled out onto the street. She was surprised at how easy he made it seem. Driver's Education had been a bit of a roller coaster for her. Not that she didn't enjoy driving...but her teacher at the time had suggested an alternate means of transportation for her. "Um, wow, you really do know how to drive!" She said with delight as the night lights of the city began to speed by the window.

Izuku chuckled, "W-well, I kind'a learned on the fly," he admitted, "When I built this thing, Mei took it for a spin and..." he looked away for a moment, but she didn't miss the hint of sadness in his tone, "Well, with the way she drives, I know exactly what not to do." He laughed while she smiled in his direction.

"You guys seem really close," she muttered, thinking back to the scene from earlier: how Izuku had been right there when Mei needed him. A spike of jealousy suddenly drove its way into her chest. She shook herself, "Uh, but so do you and Shinso!" She said hurriedly, wondering where that stupid feeling had come from, and why exactly.

Izuku smiled then, "Yeah, after I got my..." he hesitated for a moment, then lifted his right wrist off the wheel for a moment, "After I got the Support Gear to let me access my Quirk, Mei was one of my first friends." He said as the girl gave him a curious smile, "Honestly, after meeting her and Shinso, everything in my life seemed to get better." He said, "I mean, my mom finally got divorced and now she's dating again. I got a really great sister and I met a really nice gir - Ulp!" He almost swallowed his tongue as he nearly said the word girl right next to the person he already admitted that he was in love with.

Mina, however, didn't miss his slip, but chose not to tease him. "Oh." She sat back in the car seat, her hands folded in her lap. She leaned her head against the window, watching the city lights going by. "Sounds like everything is...was perfect for you guys...and now all this happened." She was starting to feel pretty rotten since that small fit of jealousy had hit her.

Mei had just found out that her father had been murdered and here she was selfishly wishing she knew if the girl was interested in this sweet boy she had started to like, or not.

Across from her, though he didn't know how, Izuku knew that he'd said something to upset her. "Listen," he bit his lip as they pulled up to a stop light that had just turned red, "I'm sorry you got dragged into this," he sighed, "I know we just met, and were starting to get along, but I - " He felt something warm reach out and touch his hand. Something warm...and incredibly soft.

He looked over and saw her hand grasping his own gently. He jerked his attention over to the girl herself as she was leaning over for his hand. [Oh, god,] His heart thudded against his ribs as his eyes met hers, dilated from the dark cab, yet a soft golden glow came from them akin to molten flame. Then his eyes drifted down to lips, drawn out into a thin line, her bottom lip sucked in between her teeth in a sort of pout. [Shit!]

Mina was of a similar mindset.

When she had leaned over to take his hand, it had been meant as a comforting gesture. But it had not ended in that way because as her fingers touched the edge of his calloused palms, a familiar feeling washed over her. That was when she made the mistake of looking up at his face, and saw the surprise in those beautiful green eyes of his that made her forget the encouraging words she had wanted to say to him. She recognized the look in his eyes, yet there was something foreign. Something she hadn't seen when other boys looked at her like that. Because when he looked at her in such away, it made her feel weak. As though she was about to fall...

A movement, his hand which she was still holding, startled her as he moved his hand from the wheel. [What the hell am I doing?] Izuku asked himself as he gently took hold of her fingers, and raised her hand to his lips. A small gasp escaped her when she felt his lips on the back of her knuckles, the sound sending a tremor through his chest. How could such an innocent sound be so enticing?

She didn't seem to hate it, though, because when he released her hand, she reached up to his face, cupping his cheek. [We shouldn't be doing this.] Was the thought unknowingly shared between them as the two leaned toward one another. Yet they were completely entranced by each other and completely unwilling to turn away as their lips came closer...

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP

The two jumped apart as the loud blare of a car horn sounded behind them. Izuku yelped as he saw that the light had turned green before almost stomping on the gas. His face felt like it was next to a furnace with how hot he felt. [I can't believe it!] The boy thought wildly, keeping his eyes locked on the road in front of him.

Mina was also finding the window very interesting, her face flushed a deep lavender. [We almost kissed!] The girl thought with embarrassment, [Gawd, what is wrong with me?!] Her heart was beating unbearably fast after the near kiss, so much so that it was hard to breathe. "Uh, hey, you mind if I crack open the window?" She asked, hating how high her voice sounded as she spoke.

"No!" Izuku squeaked, "Not at all!" His voice sounded almost as high-pitched as hers.

Mina felt somewhat relieved that she wasn't the only one feeling flustered. As she opened the window, the cool night air seemed to help clear her mind. Her conscience seemed to be playing havoc with her, though, because she seeing two little versions of herself sitting on the edge of the window, one with angel wings and a halo and the other with devil wings, a tail, and horns...wait a minute, they both had horns, that part was normal!

[You should be ashamed of yourself,] Angel Mina huffed, [Taking advantage of him like that!]

Devil Mina only grinned at her twin impishly, [Take advantage, are you kidding me?!] Devil Mina asked, [It's obvious he wanted it]

Mina groaned internally, [You guys aren't really giving any good advice right now.]

Devil Mina giggled at her, [Advice? You want advice?] She asked and pointed over toward Izuku, [I say get over there and suck the hell outta that boy's face!]

[You'll do no such thing!] Angel Mina snapped. Mina silently groaned and swiped a hand through the nonexistent beings.

[This really sucks,] the girl thought, her mind wandering to a different situation. One where there hadn't been a car pulling up behind them honking their horn. [It...it was just the heat of the moment,] she thought with a shake of her head, [Besides...he wouldn't want a girl that looks like me for a girlfriend, anyway.] She could've sworn she hear both side of her conscience groaning.

"Uh-oh," she heard Izuku mutter as he pulled the car to a stop. She looked up and saw the road was blocked off by caution tape, and that there were police officers milling around the area. "Must've been a Villain attack sometime today."

The girl moaned, "Ah, great," she sighed, "Well, my house is only a couple of blocks from here, so I can just - " She trailed off as Izuku pulled the car over and parked. He then got out and walked over to her side, "Uh, you don't really need to walk me home, if that's what you're doing?" She said, though she felt her heart melting at the gesture.

"I know," Izuku muttered, then reached out his hand, "But I want to."

Mina felt her heart swell slightly as she reached out. His hand was just as rough as always, but there was something else. [He's shaking,] she noticed as his fingers closed around hers. [Is he...scared of me...?] For a moment, that horrible thought dominated her mind, convincing her that he as repulsed by her unique features as some of her classmates had been. [No,] she realized as she remembered that only minutes ago, they had almost kissed. [He's not scared...he's as nervous as I am.] The thought brought a tentative smile to her face as she allowed herself to be helped out of the car.

"Such a gentlemen," she commented, her mischievous side coming back to her somewhat. She then looked back at the car, "But aren't you worried about someone driving off with your car?"

Izuku shook his head, "I built it so that it only recognizes authorized drivers like me, my mom, and...," he shivered, "Nope, never letting Mei drive again!"

She giggled as she laced her fingers through his, "Okay, then," she brought her other arm up and wrapped it around his bicep, which reminded her just how delightfully firm and muscular he was. "Shall we?"

Izuku nodded nervously, "Ah, I should probably let go of you," he raised their joined hands, his face darkening with another blush, "M-My hands can get pretty s-sweaty."

"I don't mind," she said, "Besides, your hand is really warm, and it's kind'a cold out tonight." In truth, she was freezing. During the day, it had been unseasonably warm, but once the sun had gone down, the winter chill returned in full force.

Izuku thought for a moment before stepping away, much to her disappointment, but she was surprised to see him shrugging out of his green jacket, "H-Here," he draped it across her shoulders, "I-I'd hate it if you caught a cold because of me."

Mina giggled as she pushed her arms through the sleeves, "As long as you don't mind," she sighed as the lingering warmth from his body spread from the jacket into her, "Mmm, that's better," she smiled as she reached over and retook his hand, "But you're not getting away from me that easily!" She giggled while she clung to him, almost making him stumble.

He laughed then: a real, genuine laugh, not the nervous titters he'd been giving off the entire night. "Even if I could, I wouldn't want to." He said without even realizing it until a moment later when his face absolutely burned. "I-I mean I - "

"Nope," Mina said, cutting him off, "I like that answer." She then leaned her head on his shoulder, careful not to poke him with her horns. "Now, please walk me home, Mister Gallant Hero?"

Swallowing back his nerves, Izuku nodded and took that all-important first step down the street.


僕ぼくのヒーローアカデミア


"Are you certain that you don't want me to stay a bit longer?" Toshinori asked as Inko saw him to the parking lot, "It wouldn't be a bother to me, you know?"

Inko smiled at the man's willingness to help them, "I'm sure, Dear," she said, "You've already done so much for us today, even if it doesn't seem like it," she gave him a gentle push toward his little truck, "You also look like you could use a good night's rest, and you won't get that sleeping on our couch."

Toshinori chuckled, "I doubt that I'll be sleeping at all tonight, my dear," he said before leaning in and kissing the woman's cheek. Inko gave out a pleased sigh at the affection, missing it almost immediately as he straightened, "Besides, I need to arrange a few things with the wardens at Tartarus." He frowned as he thought about what was to come, "I still wonder if we're doing the right thing in considering allowing them to meet?"

Inko's face dropped, "Toshi, she's her mother," she reminded him gently, "It's only right that we gain her permission to look after Mei while she goes through school." She worried her lip for a moment, "Besides, I think it would be good for Mei if she knew that she wasn't alone."

Toshinori gave the woman a warm smile, "Inko, she's not alone now," he chuckled, "If I had a vote, you'd win Mother of the Year, and beyond." Inko giggled at him, "Seriously, Inko, I've never met a woman that care so much about others."

She gave a small shrug, "It comes with the territory of being a mother, and a nurse on top of that," she said, giving the man a small look of worry, "Speaking of nursing, Toshi, are you feeling alright?" She asked while the man gave a small jolt, "You barely ate anything at dinner," she sighed, looking away for a moment, "Though I can't say that that's surprising given today's circumstances."

"Believe me, my dear, it had nothing to do with your cooking," he said, waving away her concerns, "This whole situation has me on edge, especially because of what I've been told of Ms. Tsutsumi's incarceration."

Inko nodded, "You didn't say too much about that," she prodded lightly, "Is there a reason?"

"Most certainly," he sighed, "I don't want the children to lose faith in our governing systems, for one thing, and another would simply be because I'd be setting things up for Mei to become the next Lady Nagant." The man sighed, "And I don't mean the Hero."

She reached out and took hold of his sleeve, "Don't think like that, Toshi," she shook her head, "Mei's too sweet of a girl to go through something like that. She could never - "

"The Lady Nagant I knew twenty years ago was just as sweet and as caring as Mei, Inko," he sighed, "But underneath all of that, she was the HPSC's assassin." He frowned as he thought of the implications behind Mei's Quirk, "If the current president saw the same thing in Mei that her predecessor did in Kaina, then I doubt that she'd hesitate to scoop her up, and poison her into becoming a more efficient killer than her mother ever was, and they'd most likely take precautions to insure that the conflicted that caused her mother to turn on her handlers never comes up with Mei."

Inko paled, but gave a determined nod, "Alright, then, what do we do?" She asked, "How do we keep her safe?"

Toshinori's eyes held that same pressure she had felt in the conference room of U.A. all those months ago. The aura of a very dangerous man was rolling off of him in waves, "You leave that to me," the man said, placing his hand over hers on his sleeve, "None of these children will ever be the government's pawns: I'll swear to that."

Inko shook her head with a teary smile, "I have to wonder what you used to do if you have sway with the government," she said as the man just rubbed the back of his long neck, "It's really frightening when I think about it."

"I promise that I'm just a really old ex-pro Hero," he said, "The only reason that I have any sway is because I work closely with All Might on a near daily basis when he's not saving the day, or being mobbed by the press and - yeech - slobbering fangirls." He shivered as he remembered the more adamant fans. That was one thing he never got used to in his time as a Hero: being mobbed by dozens of women of various ages that wanted a piece of him. The look of disgust on his face must have looked funny to his companion, because she burst into giggles.

"I could almost feel sorry for any pro Hero for having to go through that," she giggled, the sound bringing a warm feeling to his chest, "But they do bring a lot of that on themselves. What with wearing those skin-tight costumes and all."

Toshinori chuckled, "I suppose that they do," he smiled before stepping away, "I had better get going if I'm going to get any semblance of rest tonight." He raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her knuckles, "Goodnight, Inko."

Deciding to be a little more forward, the woman stretched up and pecked his cheek, the man blushing brightly, "See you soon." She whispered as the man drew away, and got in his truck. As he pulled away, she gave a small wave in his direction, a small sigh escaping her. She looked back up at their little apartment, "Why, when things were going so well, did this have to happen?"

She shivered slightly when a cold breeze ghosted by. She decided it was time to go back inside and check on the children, and perhaps, text her son, asking why he seemed to be taking so long, until she remembered who he was with.

When she returned to the apartment, it was to find Himiko just coming out of Mei's room. "Mom?" The girl blinked as the woman came in. Inko smiled at her, loving the feeling of the girl calling her 'mom'. "Is Izuku back, yet?"

She shook her head, "Not yet, Sweetie," she said as the girl yawned, "How's Mei doing?"

"Still asleep," Himiko sighed, "I guess that's the best thing right now, though, all things considered?"

"I agree," she said, "But she'll have to face it sooner or later." It saddened her to think that the normally smiling and boisterous girl could be so silent. "I'm sorry, Dear, you must be hungry after keeping Mei company for so long?"

But the girl shook her head, "Not so much hungry as I am thirsty," she patted her stomach, "I...think the pills that Nezu gave me aren't working like they should." She bit her lip nervously. "I've been craving real blood more and more, lately."

Inko smiled at her, "There's no need to worry about that," she said as she moved toward the kitchen, "We have plenty of blood bags left, and I'll speak with Nezu and Miss Chiyo about a solution for your growing appetite."

Himiko looked uncertain of that. Sure, bagged blood did help her thirst more so than the pills she took, but even that was starting to lose its effectiveness. When she had been with Mei a few moments ago, there was a moment when she had been tempted to bite her in order to taste fresh blood, even a tiny drop. "Maybe...there isn't a solution...?"

Inko halted, giving the girl a small worried look, "Himiko, everything has a solution, Sweetheart," she saw the girl's lips trembling, and opened her arms, "Come here." Himiko went without hesitation, finding the warmth of her foster mother's arms comforting. Inko stroked her hair, "Even if you need fresh blood, we'll find a way to help you." She smiled and kissed her head just above her ear, "So don't you worry about anything, okay?"

"I'm...scared, Mom...what if I am a monster...just like Papa said?"

Inko shook her head, "You're no more a monster than I am, Baby," she said, patting her back gently, "And we will figure this out...without hurting you, or anyone else." She drew back with a smile at that girl, "Now let's warm you up a bag, then you need to get some rest, Sweetie." She reminded her, "Tomorrow's going to be a big day for you and the others."

"But we're just helping Mei get her stuff, right?" Himiko asked.

Inko shook her head, "Not quite, Dear," she smiled, "Remember, I've been looking for a new house for all of us. Well, I spoke with the realtor a few hours ago while you were taking care of Mei," she said, "I made a down payment, and he said we're all set to move right in."


僕ぼくのヒーローアカデミア


"Visitation?" Officer Shishikura asked over the phone, sounding shocked, "You want to arrange a visitation with Tsutsumi?!"

Toshinori sighed as he drove along, "That is what I said, yes," the man said patiently, "I realize that this request comes as quite a surprise, given the prisoner's sentencing, and her risk level, but this is a matter of great importance."

"Well, Sir, this may take some time to set up," the man said, "If you realize just what kind of threat she is, then you'll know that it's going to take a fair amount of paperwork before we can draw up a timetable, and schedule the visitation. Unless you have immediate family, then - "

"It involves immediate family," Toshinori said in his deepest All Might voice, "It concerns her daughter, and who will take over her care since Ms. Tsutsumi is unable to do so at the moment." He said.

The line was quiet for a long time after Toshinori informed the warden of the prison, "I...I was unaware that she had any children?"

"That is how she wanted it, Officer," the man growled dangerously, "In fact, her current situation is a direct result of the former president of the HPSC threatening that same little girl if her mother didn't keep following their orders." The warden gasped from the other end of the line, "So you see why this is an important matter, do you not?"

"Y-yes, Sir," the man said, "We'll take care of everything on our side of things," he said, "I'll call back when everything is ready."

Toshinori growled, "It had better be soon." He warned him before he hung up the phone, "Now then...I need to have a long chat with our current president." He frowned as he dialed in the number. "She's in for a rude awakening."

The line picked up with a sleepy voice on the other end, "Yagi? Do you have any idea what time it is?" She asked, sounding annoyed, "What has you calling me at...1:30 AM in the morning?"

"Something of extreme importance," the man said through grit teeth, "And I believe you will know exactly what I'm talking about after I mention a name: Kaina Tsutsumi." He heard the woman gasp on the other end, "I see I have your attention."

"What do you know?" She demanded, "A better question: how do you know?!"

"How and what are irrelevant," Toshinori sounded sufficiently angry, "The point is that I know enough to want to march into your headquarters and tear it down brick by brick." He snarled, his body beginning to steam, "I have just enough power left in me to do just that after all that I've learned today!"

The president sounded as if she were having a panic attack, "N-Now, see here, Toshinori, I have enough on you to -"

"To what?" Toshinori's voice sounded deceptively calm as he spoke, "I'm ready to reveal all of my secrets to the world, Madam President," he said, and it was true. He was tired. Tired of always hiding behind his fake smile. Tired of lying to the woman he loved. And above all else, he was tired of being the governments trained monkey.

The line was quiet after his declaration before the woman sighed, "What is it you want?"

"The truth, Madam," he snapped, "And the exoneration of Kaina Tsutsumi so that she can become a teacher at Ultimate Alliance Academy."

"Are you insane?!" The President snapped immediately, "Do you know what she's done?! What she's been trained to do by us?!"

Toshinori chuckled, "I know you tried to turn a human being into an emotionless killer to do your bidding, but when your predecessor threatened her child, she turned on you all." He laughed when he heard the woman's strangled voice on the other end, "And I'd be willing to bet that she's more than willing to spill a few beans on just how many Heroes you ordered her to murder?"

"...I never took you to have a penchant for blackmail," she said before giving out a tired sigh, "Alright...but this will take time, Yagi." She said with defeat, "I can't just waltz in there and take her out of Tartarus."

Toshinori chuckled, "But that is exactly what you're going to do," he said, "What do you think is going to happen once I let it be known that the HPSC not only take children off the street to turn into their own personal assassins, but their 'Shining Pillar of Peace' is on his last legs as a Hero?"

"You wouldn't!" The woman shouted frantically, "You'd sent this Japan into a country-wide riot! Villains from all over the world would come for a chance at killing you!"

Toshinori laughed, "Oh, I don't have to announce that I'm weak, Madam," he said, "I am retiring from active Hero duty," her gasp was music to his ears, "I am totally devoted to raising the next great Hero, Madam President, and being on active duty would only hinder me. It'll be up to others to handle the fallout."

"All of this for an assassin?!" The president snapped, "That can't be the issue, Yagi! Tell me, why are you doing this?"

Toshinori huffed, "I honestly don't think you'd understand, Madam," he said, "It's a little thing called love." He heard a questioning sound from the woman on the other end, "I've met the little girl you forced Kaina to leave behind, and I love her like she was my own." He said with a cold rage boiling inside what remained of his stomach, "But she's not, and she needs her mother."

"She murdered the former president, Yagi," the woman reminded him, "And she voluntarily gave up her child! She - !"

Toshinori suddenly bulked up to his muscle form, the cab of his truck screeching in protest, "She's only guilty of being a mother and defending her child from a tyrant that threatened her life!" All Might roared, "You have my terms, Madam President, Lady Nagant goes free and becomes a teacher at U.A. Or else you'll find out just how dangerous I am when I cut lose." He hung up the phone, and shrunk back down.

He frowned at the damage he'd done to his truck, "Ugh, how am I going to explain this?"


僕ぼくのヒーローアカデミア


"Mr. Mera I wouldn't be calling you so early in the morning if this wasn't an emergency," President Erina Gasai said as she spoke to the man over the phone, "I don't know how, or why, but All Might has uncovered the details of the Nagant debacle."

"I see, and what is you want me to do about it?" Yokumiru Mera asked over the phone, "We're talking about All Might, here, Madam President, if there's anyone in the world that's untouchable, it's him."

The woman pinched her brow in exasperation, "Yes, I know that very well, Mr. Mera," she groaned, "What I need you to do is find out how this happened. In the meantime, I have to draw up a mountain of paperwork to write up in order to meet his demands of her release!"

"Release?!" Mera shouted, "Are you kidding? She probably has a vendetta against the HPSC!"

"Don't you think I've thought of that?" Erina snapped, "There's an angle here to exploit, but we need to find that angle." She frowned, deep in thought for a moment, "Mera, Nagant has a daughter, maybe we can use that?"

"Oh, no, not this time," Mera said, "You remember why she's in prison right now, don't you?" He reminded her as she placed her head in her hand, "If we're going to work any sort of angle here, then we need to walk on eggshells here." He said, "All Might is getting ready to retire, that much is a given with how much his old injury is taking its toll on him. We need him at U.A. to train a replacement. Nagant back on the streets could actually help if we can get her to play ball in our court. But putting any sort of heat on her kid is going to be out of the question."

"Alright, I take the point," the woman frowned, "All Might mentioned something strange as well. Something about love...find out if he's found someone to settle down with, that could be something we can use."

"...Madam, that's like walking around with a grenade that doesn't have the pin," Mera said, "I can get the information, but I don't recommend doing anything with it." He sighed, "I've had our golden boy looking in on him from time to time over the last few months, and I've been told that he's been seen with several children the age of U.A.'s first years...he may have found a successor already. I've even heard that David Shield was sighted in the Mustafar area."

Erina sighed, "All we need now is for him to start talking to Nighteye again," she said and heard a strangled sound from the other end, "You can't be serious?"

"They've been seen at U.A. together," Mera said, making the woman groan once more, "Look, Madam President, for now, we should just do as the man wants, and hope that things work out for us."

Erina frowned, "I don't like this, Mera. All Might has the HSPC by the throat, and there's nothing we can do about it."

"Maybe we don't have to," Mera said, "All Might isn't perfect, we both know that." He chuckled on the other end of the phone, "I have it on good authority that an old...acquaintance of his is still running things in the underworld."

Erina's eyes widened, "Are you saying that he's still alive?"

"I'm saying that he may very well be alive," Mera said, "And if he is, then it's only a matter of time before they face each other again." He chuckled, "And then we just sit back, and watch them tear each other apart."

"And have our agents clean up the mess," the woman said, "This is a dangerous game you want to play, Mera. Are you sure we can win?"

"No," Mera said, "But it's the best chance we have."


僕ぼくのヒーローアカデミア


Mei awoke to find herself feeling oddly cold. [Was that a dream?] She wondered to herself as she sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes. [No...it wasn't a dream...] she sighed as she remembered Izuku catching her when she fainted. She looked down at herself and found herself in the spare set of pajamas that she kept at the Midoriya house. [I wonder who dressed me?] She thought idly. She pulled the blankets off of herself and swung her legs off of the bed. [Doesn't matter now, does it?] She sighed as she stood up and stumbled over to her desk.

The desk consisted of some of the designs that Izuku had given to her from his mentor, whoever that was, and some of them were her own. "Dad's gone now," the girl muttered to herself, "Will I get sent to a home?" She asked herself as she took up a new piece of paper and a pencil to start working absently on a new design, "If so, will I still get to go to U.A.?"

She started drawing out a design, her mind not even on what it would be, "Will I still see my friends...Izuku...?" Her hand paused with the pencil just barely above the paper. Something wet dropped onto the page. She reached up and touched her cheek, drawing back moist fingers. "Tears...I'm...crying...?"

"Mei?" Inko's voice called out softly as the door to the room came open slowly, "I'm sorry if I'm bothering you, but - ?" She gasped as she poked her head and saw Mei turning around toward her with tears streaming down her face. "Oh, Sweetie!" She rushed into the room, her arms wide open. Mei didn't even know that she'd moved until she collided with the woman. "It's okay, Sweetie, everything's going to be okay!"

Mei could barely hear her because there was someone else making a strange wailing sound that she had never heard before. [Wait...is that me...?] She thought with sudden realization. It was true. Mei Hatsume, who had never cried a day in her life, was bawling her eyes out with her face buried in Inko's shoulder while the woman held her close.

Another pair of arms wrapped around her. Himiko had joined them, holding her around her waist. "We're right here, Mei." The girl sobbed. "We're here for you."

"You're not alone, Baby," Inko told her as she rubbed gentle circles on her back. "You're never going to be alone."


僕ぼくのヒーローアカデミア


Author's Note: Lot's goin' on with this chapter. Next chapter we introduce Lady Nagant.

Wanna see what happens, ya'll know what to do!

Adios and vaya con dios!