Lessons Learned
Mina looked over to the empty desk of Kaminari. She hadn't heard anything on his situation since the USJ attack, and it was beginning to eat at her mind. "You doing OK, Mina?", asked Kirishima. "I'm worried about Kaminari", said Mina. "Me too", said Kirishima. "I have a good feeling Jamming Yay is going to be fine", said Kyoka, "He's stronger than we give him credit for". "True, though he needs to find a way to keep his brain from getting fried", said Shoji. "Psh, as if he could be stronger than me", snorted Bakugo, "Maybe he deserved what happened". Everyone glared at Bakugo, but before anyone could cuss him out, a mummy appeared. "Hey, look Host Body, it's Mum-Ra, the Ever Living", said Monkey. 'No, it's still Aizawa Sensei", thought Izuku. "Quiet, all of you", said Aizawa, "If you thought you had the worst of it at the USJ, you're wrong. Your greatest challenge is almost upon you". All of the students, even Bakugo, shuddered. "The Sports Festival is coming up soon", said Aizawa, "This event will either make or break your careers as Heroes. So don't fail". With that, Aizawa haphazardly zipped up his yellow sleeping bag and went to sleep as the bell rang.
"Heh, lazy ass bitch", said Monkey. "I won't even dignify that with a response", said Izuku. "OUT OF THE WAY, EXTRAS", Bakugo screamed as a crowd formed around Class 1-A. "Bakugo, that is no way to talk to your fellow classmates!", Iida exclaimed as he chopped his arm robotically. "Better let me do the talking from here", said Monkey as Izuku's face transformed, "Knowing Bakugo, things could get ugly". 'I'll be here if you need me', thought Izuku. "Is everyone in the Hero Course this arrogant?", asked a voice belonging to a kid with lilac hair, bags under his tired eyes, and pale skin. "No, it's just him", said Monkey, "Some of us would just like to get to our next class." "I would've thought the class with the most media attention would be better than you lot", said the tired boy, "Some of us couldn't make the cut at the Entrance Exams, so we're stuck with General Education. But if we make a good showing at the Sports Festival, one of you will have to leave the Hero Course to make room for one of us. Consider this a declaration of war".
Monkey looked less than impressed as he leaned forward. "Listen, uh…what's your name?", asked Monkey. "Hitoshi Shinso". "Listen, Shinso? You have the right mindset, but you just declared war on eighteen students who could bench press a bus. Hell, Host Body could drag two refrigerators with only his two arms". "Well, we can't all be blessed with strong Quirks", said Shinso. "You're absolutely right", said Monkey, "So it makes it more impressive that he aced the exam without my help once". Shinso went pale. "What?" "It's true", said Izuku as his face turned back, "Didn't use my strength until the last moment". "Just who are you?", asked Shinso. "I'm Izuku Midoriya", said Izuku, "That other guy talking was Monkey, my brother, and we're running late". Just then, a boy with silver hair and sharp teeth ran in. "Hey punks", he shouted, "I'm from Class 1-B! I wanted to see what you're made of, but all I see are a loudmouth jerk and a couple of cowards following him. Don't go thinking you're better than us just because you fought some punk villains". "SHUT UP!", screamed Mina, fury evident in her eyes, "KAMINARI IS IN THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE OF THEM, YOU BASTARD!"
CRACK!
Everyone turned their attention to Midnight, who had seen everything. She pointed her whip at the boy with silver hair. "Ashido, get the rest of your class in my office, calmly", she said, not taking her eyes off of the 1-B student or Shinso. Mina glared at both of them as the class moved on. "You two", Midnight snarled, "What possessed you to confront them like that?" "W...well, they're taking attention away from our class", said the boy with silver hair. "Tetsutetsu, you and Shinso have no right to be taking you anger out on the victims of a terrorist attack", Midnight said, clutching her whip and tightening it in her grasp, "You're lucky Kaminari is only in the hospital at the moment. If he had died…" Tetsutetsu looked to the floor in shame. "And you", said Midnight as she turned her glare to Shinso, "Having your class mob them and insulting them are actions unworthy of the Hero Course. Actions like yours will make it difficult, if not impossible, to join the Hero Course, especially on my watch". "But…", objected Tetsutetsu, only to be silenced by Midnight's glare. "You both disgust me", Midnight said, "Both of you are serving detention with me after school. Be lucky I'm not having you disqualified from the Sports Festival entirely". "Yes, ma'am", said Shinso and Tetsutetsu sheepishly. "Now get to class, before I decide you boys need to be punished further", said Midnight, tightening her whip. The remaining students scurried away.
Mina was sulking, pissed beyond belief at Tetsutetsu's words from earlier. She shook with rage as she took a seat, struggling to fight back hurt tears. Izuku crouched down next to her. "You OK?", he asked. "Fine", said Mina as she put her head on the desk, "I shouldn't say it. I really shouldn't". "But?", asked Izuku. "But I just want to melt every one of those bullies", said Mina, finally letting the tears roll down her face, "Kaminari could be dead a...and they wouldn't even care". Before she could start sobbing, Mina felt Izuku wrap his arms around her in a big hug. Just then, Midnight entered the classroom. "To your seat, Midoriya", she said gently, "If anyone here is still upset over what happened, Hound Dog has said his door is always open. Of course, given seeing him is required of everyone here, it would have to be". Momo sighed as she planted her face on the desk. Midnight chuckled before pulling out an overhead projector. "Anyway, today we'll being going over your costumes and how we can improve the safety of them", said Midnight, "Should your costumes not be up to snuff, we'll see the Support Department. Let's get this show started".
Hagakure's "costume" was first. "Just gloves and boots?", asked Midnight, "Wouldn't you want something more warm and satisfying?" "I tried asking Aizawa Sensei about DNA encoded outfits, but he said it was a waste of time and would take the entire school year to make", said Hagakure. "Now that is some bullshit", said Midnight, "Power Loader can whip up something like what Togata uses in a day or two. I'll personally cover any expenses for all of you if you so need it. That's a promise". She handed a note to Hagakure before continuing. "Asui, your outfit is aesthetically perfect for the water missions you'll no doubt take on", she said, "Just be sure to add Kevlar layers around the heart and arteries". "Will do", said Tsuyu. Midnight looked over Kirishima's outfit.. "I don't care how manly it is, you need to add a Kevlar vest to your costume, Kirishima", Midnight said sternly before turning to Mineta, "You look like you're wearing a diaper, and your reason for it is weak. Heroes suffer groin attacks all the time, and unless you get kicked by a steel boot, I'm certain no permanent damage will be sustained." "But it also makes me look more appealing to the ladies", said Mineta. "It really doesn't", said Kyoka.
"Funny enough, Kyoka', said Midnight as she changed the slide, "I can't help but notice that your Hero costume is just street clothes". "Not a lot to...emphasize", said Kyoka. "Fair enough", said Midnight, "Not much to add aside from some minor armor plating and other sound equipment". Midnight then changed the slide to Mina's costume. "Interesting color pallette", said Midnight, "It'll have the baddies seeing stars when you show up. Hmm, but the neckline is too low. Add some straps and any Support gear you deem necessary". "Yes, ma'am", said Mina. The slide changed to Izuku's costume. "You can skip this one", said Izuku, "Monkey and I are already drafting ideas for the new one". "Proactive as always, Midoriya", said Midnight as she changed slides to Momo's costume, "Could be better". "I've tried making it with my Quirk in mind", said Momo, "You and I both know DNA-encoded outfits have failed me in the past". "Too true", said Midnight, "But there's still room for improvement. Midoriya, close your eyes for this part". Izuku covered his eyes with his hands as Midnight changed slides to Momo's belt and a photo of the Green Gorilla slamming Shigaraki onto his knee. "Given the design for your bookshelf belt, this what could happen if you fall on your back", said Midnight as she pointed to the Green Gorilla's photo, "I'd change it to a sack to carry the book around. Also, loose the heels. That goes triple for every girl in class". Ochako was about to point out how Midnight was wearing heels with her Hero costume, but was instantly silenced by one sharp look from her teacher.
"Any other ways I could improve the costume?", Momo asked. "Have you tried using zippers?", asked Izuku, "With zippers, you could cover up the use of your power before using whatever you created. In addition, a back flap could help you make bigger things without...sorry, I was mumbling again." "No no, go on", said Midnight, "Yaoyorozu could use insight like that more often". Indeed, Momo had jotted down the ideas already mentioned into a journal. "Yeah right", said Bakugo, "Creepy Deku couldn't think of anything useful like that". "Funny you should say that, Bakugo", said Midnight, "Let's talk about this abomination of a costume". She put on the slide featuring Bakugo's outfit. "What's wrong with it?", Bakugo huffed. "What's right with it?", asked Midnight, "These things on the sides of your head only give an enemy something to grab onto before giving you a knee to the face. That's without getting into these gauntlets. Anything with the firing capacity of these things needs to be kept out of student hands. Honestly, it makes Lady Nagant look positively fashionable". Bakugo snarled, earning only a chuckle from Midnight. Bakugo wasn't fooled in the slightest. He could feel the disgust ripple through the room. No doubt she had heard what happened during the Battle Trial. Just then, the bell rang. "That's enough for today", said Midnight, "Don't forget to see Power Loader after you're done with Hound Dog".
Bakugo grumbled to himself as Izuku chatted with Momo. As he was about to enter Hound Dog's office, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Not this one, Hound Dog", said Aizawa, "I wish to speak to him first". "Sure thing, Aizawa", said Hound Dog as he ushered Hagakure into his office. When the two of them were alone, Aizawa turned his eyes down on Bakugo. "Why do you want to be a Hero, Bakugo?", asked Aizawa. "I want to be the best there is, even better than All Might.", said Bakugo. "How's that working out?", asked Aizawa. "It's goddamn awful, that's how it's working out", said Bakugo, "Deku has been upstaging me at every turn!" "I know how you feel", said Aizawa, "Midoriya took the glory I deserved for slaying that beast. But I think I have a way to, as you say, put him in his place. That is, if you're interested". "Tell me", said Bakugo. "Win the Sports Festival", said Aizawa, "Do that, and all the country will speak of is you. You'll have money, fame, even women if that's what you want". "Hell yeah, I'm going to win that shit", said Bakugo with a smile.
Aizawa chuckled as he left, only to find Midnight waiting for him in the teacher's lounge. "What the hell are you thinking, Aizawa?", she asked. "Bakugo needs to learn to work with others", said Aizawa, "Should he win the Sports Festival, he may be more receptive to outside help, given the teamwork aspect of the second quarter". "And should he lose?", asked Nezu. "Then he'll learn the hard way that no man is an island", said Aizawa. "It's a dangerous thing to put such ideas in the heads of young men with such grand delusions as Bakugo's", said Nezu. "On a semi-related note", said Present Mic, "He said yes". "Perfect", said Nezu, "Have him meet with All Might as soon as possible". "Who's coming?", asked Aizawa. "Well, after your expulsion stunt last year, you're still under court order to not commentate on the Sports Festival", said Midnight, "Look at it as no big loss. You always did hate working up there". Aizawa glared, but said nothing as he saw his moment of glory slip through his bandaged fingers.
Elsewhere at lunch, Ochako was feeling very excited. "Izuku, let's crush the Sports Festival!", she cried. "Sounds good to me", said Izuku, "If either one of us wins, we could intern with some of the best Heroes in the business". "Quite right", said Momo, "I in particular want to see if I can get the new costume ready before then". She held up a preliminary sketch of her new costume, a red leather jacket and dark pants with rectangular holes on the sides of thighs and calves. "Mirko herself would be jealous", said Mina, "Maybe she'll be there when we get on the podium". "Plus Ultra", said Izuku. "Hell yeah", said Ochako, "I'm one step closer to my ultimate goal". "And what is that?", asked Momo. Ochako looked downcast as she averted her eyes. "You guys promise not to look down on me for this?", she asked. "Uraraka, this is a judgment free zone", said Mina, "Obviously, we won't look down on you". "I want to be a Hero for the money", said Ochako timidly. "That's new", said Monkey before Izuku shushed him. "Why do you want the money?", asked Momo. "To help my family", said Ochako, "They've worked to hard not enjoy themselves. They're losing jobs left and right in construction, and I just want to give back to them". "A most noble goal, Uraraka", said Iida. "How long have you been there?", Mina asked. "All day", said Iida with a shrug.
"What do you hope to do as a Hero, Iida?", asked Momo. "I just want to make my brother, Tensei, proud", said Iida, "Anything else is to help out around the Iidaten offices". "Wait", said Monkey as Izuku's face change, "Your brother is Ingenium?" "Yes", said Iida. "OK, just checking", said Monkey as he crossed something off a list, "Yaomomo, you still on for after school training". "I have already received Mother's approval", said Momo. "Perfect", said Izuku as his face changed back. "Indeed", said Iida, "A good training regime will improve our chances of winning". "Then I guess I should get started", said Ochako. "I'll train with you", said Mina, "I have some ideas I want to try out." Just then, the bell rang. "We can discuss more of this tomorrow", said Momo, "I'll see you all soon".
With that, everyone took off, with Mina following Ochako. "Soooooo, I couldn't help noticing the way you were looking at Midori", said Mina. "I wasn't looking at him in any way", said Ochako defensively. "Oh good", smiled Mina, "Then you won't mind if I ask him out after the Sports Festival". Ochako stopped dead in her tracks, bloodshot eyes staring at Mina. "I mean, you have to admit, he does give off a certain nervous charm", said Mina. "But you can't ask him out", protested Ochako, "I'm doing that myself! He saved my life, and I want to be by his side more than anything!" "But?", asked Mina as she wagged her eyebrows. "But I don't want to ruin our friendship over it if goes bad", said Ochako. "Midori is a sweetheart", said Mina, "He would absolutely understand". "But how do I get him to notice me when he's surrounded by beauties like you and Yaomomo?", asked Ochako, who then realized what she had just said as she turned beet red and covered her mouth. "Well now", smiled Mina, "Am I mistaken or did that sound...somewhat similar to you saying I'm pretty?" Ochako was so embarrassed, she didn't realize that she used all of her fingers to activate her Quirk until she floated up to the ceiling. Ectoplasm looked up and sighed. "I'll get the ladder", he said.
Later, after classes were finished Tetsutetsu and Shinso slumped into their desks, ready for the torture Midnight was going to put them through. "Take notes, boys", said Midnight, "You can pull out as soon as this is done". She put some statistics up on the white board. "What's the average death rate for Heroes?", she asked, "Any answers?" Shinso and Tetsutetsu looked to each other, confused. "It's not low", said Midnight, "In fact, as many as 10% of Heroes die in the field. At least 25% of that are as young as you and Class 1-A. Now imagine you're in the shoes of the 90% that survive. Imagine you were there when they were in mortal danger and had the same attitudes from earlier today. Your assignment is a simple one. Tell me why you let them die". "I…", began Tetsutetsu, before being silenced by Midnight's glare. "You're not just telling me, your telling their families", said Midnight, "Even Heroes have parents. Tell them why their sons or daughters won't be coming home". Shinso opened his mouth, but closed it as a blank look washed over him. "Being a Hero is about getting money, or attention", said Midnight, "It's about being empathetic. Since you were anything but empathetic, you have no business calling yourselves Heroes". "Isn't that a little?.." "No, Tetsutetsu. I nearly had to see my only child die. You don't get to ask me that. Both of you, research Hero mortality rates and deliver a five page essay on them to my desk before the Sports Festival". "Yes ma'am", said Shinso and Tetsutetsu.
Cue Song: A Million Miles Away from Belle (2021)
After school, Midnight sulked her way home. Momo had told her earlier that she would be late for dinner that night on account of training with Midoriya, so she had time to process. Midnight got into the shower, ignoring the thumping in her chest as she began to really think about what happened at the USJ. She threw a towel on and looked around her bedroom, staring aimlessly at photos of her family, especially one of her and a five year old Momo. Midnight traced her fingertips over Momo's smiling face, joy overflowing as she held up a matryoshka doll she had just created. Reality settled into Midnight as she thought about how her shining light, her Peaches, was narrowly snuffed out. Midnight dropped the photo, trying to hold in her emotions as she fell face first onto her bed. But intrusive thoughts of Momo asleep in a hospital, barely clinging to life, broke through. When Ishiro arrived home, he found Midnight weeping. As soon as she realized he was there, Midnight embraced him and said: "I don't want to lose my baby".
