Mischief Squad
NoobMaster69: Uh, Midoriya? You there?
NoobMaster69: Hello? You lose your internet and get booted or something?
NoobMaster69: You were gonna tell us how filming that stream with Gentle Hero went
NoobMaster69; C'mon! Feels like it's been a week since you answered!
Mr. Trickster: Sorry!
Mr. Trickster: I'm here, I promise!
Mr. Trickster: I got caught up trying to see if my knife could break one of Gentle's air membranes
Hot Pocket: And your findings?
Mr. Trickster: That my dagger can bounce around a room more times than I thought
Mr. Trickster: It's alright, my arm stopped it
Mochiroid: Excuse me, your WHAT stopped it?!
Yellow Raijin: HA. Not so fun being stabbed is it?
NoobMaster69: You should've gone outside
Dat Girl: Why are you boys like this
Mr. Trickster: It's not a big deal. My dad's done way worse to me in training
Hot Pocket: Mood
NoobMaster69: Guardian for me but mood
Yellow Raijin: Huh, my dad never did anything like that
Yellow Raijin: He's more of a people learn best by doing kind of guy
Yellow Raijin: That's what he told me right before he kicked me off a cliff for flight training! :D
Mochiroid:
Mochiroid: Do I need to say anything, Tsu?
Dat Girl: You do not
Dat Girl: I'll get Tokage after the internships so we can all have a nice long talk… ribbit
NoobMaster69: Why do I hear boss music?
Mr. Trickster: I can't get cold and even I just shivered
Yellow Raijin: Nah, I don't think it'll be that bad
Yellow Raijin: You know
Yellow Raijin: We're gonna be fine
Yellow Raijin: Totally fine
Hot Pocket: What will we be discussing?
Mr. Trickster: Anyway!
Mr. Trickster: Can't type that much while La Brava wraps me up
Mr. Trickster: Anyone else wanna go before me?
Mochiroid: So, you're okay?
Mr. Trickster: Yup! Didn't hurt that much and my regen is already working
NoobMaster69: You are so busted
Mochiroid: Ok, then I'll go
Feeling her jitters start to get to her, Ochako hops up and down a few times, bending her knees. "We know where he is, why can't we go after him?"
Gunhead chuckles from where he stands next to her, arms crossed. "You kids are always about getting things done quickly. Patience, Uravity. The other heroes are leading him directly to us. If we charge down this alley too soon, the villain will see us coming and change tactics."
Ochako nods, making it seem like she is content with the answer. And don't get her wrong, she is! It makes sense as they move to stand on either side of an alleyway exit, hidden behind their respective walls. The man they're after shouldn't see them coming.
But it had less to do with the common sense of the plan, and more with Ochako still not used to hearing an actual pro use her hero name while on patrol. Talk about feeling like you're floating. And if there's someone who can talk about that, it's her!
"Here he comes," Gunhead grabs her attention. "Observe." Just as her mentor says, Ochako can hear the rapid patting of feet, followed by the shouts of the police officers chasing the man.
Gunhead looks up, and though his face is hidden, Ochako can guess he's concentrating. With a tiny nod to himself, the hero turns around the corner at the exact right time to clothesline the man being chased.
Not wanting to seem unprofessional, Ochako swallows her giggle as the criminal does a comical flip in the air and lands face-first on the cement. He doesn't even seem to have realized what happened before Gunhead has him in cuffs.
"I know style and flash may be good for popularity polls, but most of the time, it's good to keep things simple," Gunhead explains, lifting the man to his feet as the police officers catch up. "I didn't need to use a special takedown, so I didn't."
"So how do you know when to use and not to use your techniques?" Ochako questions.
"Great question!" The gravity user blinks as it wasn't Gunhead who had answered, but the criminal in his arms. "Why don't you let me go, give me a head start, and you can show her?"
"Of course!" Gunhead claps the man on his shoulder. "What a wonderful idea!"
"Wait, really?"
"No," Gunhead laughs, handing the man over to the officers. "But we have jokes too."
After helping the police fill out their reports, something Ochako dreaded being taught later, Gunhead ended their patrol and brought her back to the dojo. "Not bad for a first day, perhaps tomorrow, I'll let you be the one to stop the criminal." The hero accepts a paper from a sidekick that he looks over for a moment, before putting it to the side.
"I won't let you down!" Ochako replies fiercely, clenching her fist. She didn't want the hero to doubt her for a second.
"Such passion! You continue to impress!"
'So cute!'
"In a few minutes, I'll have you join in on one of my classes," Gunhead continues, leading her back into his room of artifacts. "But until then, I read the design of your costume. It's done well, but I noticed your lack of support items. Is there a reason for that?"
"Not really…" Ochako scratches the back of her head. Truth be told, she had always seen support items as an extra, or to be more clear, as something that would cost money. It wasn't until much later in life that she found out that UA could provide her items free of charge from their own support department, but by then, she had been set on her path.
That is, using her quirk to the best of her abilities and focusing on what she could accomplish by herself. Something that was made easier these days by the very generous contract Mr. Howlett had given her family, letting Ochako no longer worry if her parents were eating or able to get rent that month. She hopes she can thank Howlett's nephew one day for recommending them.
But to make a long story short, no, she hasn't ever really put any thought into support items. Something she relays to Gunhead out loud.
"That's alright," he reassures her, spinning around in the middle of the room. "If you're planning on more fighting in the future, it may do you good to at least start thinking about it. Every item in this room has been used to help fighters throughout history. Maybe one of them could give you inspiration?"
"Everything in here?" Ochako's eyes travel from the various weapons back to the small wooden box that lay alone on a pedestal. "How were these support items?" she asks, opening it.
"Looks can be deceiving, I thought you'd know with the magician boy in your class." Gunhead walks over and carefully picks up the box. "But I understand your skepticism. Many people are when it comes to the Ten Rings."
"Why?"
"To put it simply, no one knows what they are," the hero shakes his head in humorous disbelief, eyeing the ten bracelet-sized rings. "Some say they're technology from an alien race, and others say they're magic. And that's if you're willing to believe either in the first place!"
"I've uh-" Ochako looks away, not sure what to do with her hands. "I have an open mind…"
"Nothing wrong with that." Gunhead laughs softly, picking up one of the rings. "It's said that the rings grant their user enhanced strength, that they can be fired as projectiles or controlled telepathically, and even fire energy blasts."
"They could do that much?" Ochako's nervousness about the line of questioning was long gone.
"And much more." Gunhead replaces the ring back in the box. "Other rumored abilities include doing the opposite of your quirk and applying gravity to a person to immobilize them, or even making illusions like your friend, among other things."
"So wouldn't it be easy to test if they really did all those things?"
That gets a full laugh out of the hero. "Believe me, many, including yours truly, have tried. The story goes that each ring holds the soul of a legendary cosmic warrior, and only when they decide if you're worthy can you use their power."
Ochako speaks without thinking. "Seems like an easy way to hide that they don't do anything." The brunette's eyes go wide. "Wait! I didn't mean it like that! And I meant no disrespect! I- you see-"
She's cut off by Gunhead's chortles as the man pats her shoulder, leading Ochako back out to the main room of the dojo, still holding the box. "It's okay! I know you meant nothing about it. I have a hard time believing it myself. Or maybe that's just a way to make myself feel better."
Why did he have to sound so sad and look so down when he said that?! Now all Ochako wants to do is hug him!
"Supposedly, there was a Chinese fellow who used them back in the day. Wore them as actual rings on his fingers," Gunhead presses on. "But it's hard to find any information on him. But enough about legends and myths for now." He places the box in a bag next to him.
"It's almost time for class, so let's see what you can do against the other students. Are you ready?"
"Yes, sir!"
Mischief Squad
Mr. Trickster: Have you just been throwing people around the last two days?!
Mochiroid: Yup! And learning new ways to dodge and pivot
Mochiroid: I told you, you're going down after internships
Yellow Raijin: oooooooh
NoobMaster69: oooooooh
Dat Girl: Ribbit
NoobMaster69: Tsu says
NoobMaster69: oooooooh
Hot Pocket: Are we discussing rematches with Midoriya?
Hot Pocket: If so, I would like one as well
Mr. Trickster: Maybe another time, Todoroki…
Dat Girl: You seem to have a real problem with fire, Midoriya
Mr. Trickster: Whyyyyyyyy
Dat Girl: You should be fighting Todoroki as much as you can to figure out how to beat it
Mr. Trickster: Don't you have the same anatomy as a frog?
Mr. Trickster: You should fight me to help with your weakness to the cold
Dat Girl: Sure
Dat Girl: We should team up during exercises as well. Ribbit
Dat Girl: Because my siblings call me the garbage girl. I'm used to carrying trash
Mr. Trickster:
Mr. Trickster:
Mr. Trickster: Tenko!!
Mr. Trickster: You sent her that one, didn't you?!
NoobMaster69: Hahahahahaha
NoobMaster69: A little forced but great job Tsu!
NoobMaster69: I got more, hang on
Hot Pocket: That's not very efficient
Hot Pocket: I can fight you both at the same time. Fire for Midoriya and ice for Tsu.
Yellow Raijin: I'd watch that lol
Mr. Trickster: If we're talking rematches then get over here, Denki!
Mochiroid: No way! If anyone gets a shot at Kaminari because of the Sports Festival, it's me!
NoobMaster69: Hold on! I lost to him too! Where's my piece of him?!
Yellow Raijin: Hehe
Yellow Raijin: I'm in danger
NoobMaster69: Speaking of rematches, we need to get Iida back on here
NoobMaster69: I'm sure he wouldn't mind a round two with me
Mochiroid: I hope his internship is going well
Tenya winces when he feels a crack as his foot connects with the villain's rib. The man with the crocodile mutation yells in pain, and he's sent careening so hard into the wall outside of the antique shop that it cracks. He's unconscious before he hits the ground.
Dammit. It sours him deep down how glad he was when he and Manual got the call of an Antique shop being robbed. Tenya will never admit he was hoping to work out some of his built-up anger and frustration on the villains here. But it hadn't worked at all!
If anything, he is now more upset! Both at the villains for not alleviating his anger and at himself for trying to use them that way in the first place. What he-
"Iida!"
Tenya whips behind him but has no time as the villain barrels down on him, sharp pointed teeth and green smoke erupting from her hands. But before she can complete her attack, a third villain collides with her, knocking them both out.
The younger Iida exhales in relief and looks over to Manual, who had sent the man flying, saving him. "Are you alright?" the hero asks, jogging over to check on him.
"Yes, thank you!" Tenya bows stiffly. "I apologize for my loss of focus! I will strive to make sure it doesn't happen again!"
Manual smiles, lifting Tenya from his bow. "It's fine. Better that it happens here on an internship than when you're by yourself. C'mon, help me with this." It takes a few minutes to tie the five villains together and for the police to arrive.
When they do, Manual grabs the dropped merchandise off the ground and inspects it. "Doesn't look like too much damage; that's good. Let's return it." Tenya nods as the two step into the dimly lit and very clustered shop.
"Ma'am?" Manual calls out. "The robbers were apprehended and we have what they took."
"Oh, wonderful! Wonderful! Please, come in!"
It's difficult, to say the least, to maneuver through the space, especially with his bulky armor, but Tenya manages, taking care not to knock anything over.
"Oh my goodness! I can't thank you enough!" The pair finally make it to the back cash register where a short old woman with curly white hair sits, beckoning them over. "I thought I'd never see these again, oh thank you! Thank you so much!"
Manual deposits the merchandise on the counter carefully. "Just doing our duty."
"Oh, you heroes and your modesty! Thank you, Manual." Tenya's mentor looks taken aback for a moment that she knows who he is but gives her a smile in return. "Now who do we have here?"
"This is my intern, Tenya Iida. No hero name yet, but I got a hunch on what he'll eventually choose." Tenya grimaces from under his helmet.
The woman smiles kindly at him. "Well, thank you very much for your help today, Iida. And hey, I may be old, but what girl hasn't dreamed of being saved by a knight in shining armor?"
She cackles at her own joke before continuing. "Sorry, I know I'm old-fashioned. But I was so sad to hear about what happened to your brother." Tenya stiffens. "I've met the older Iida several times and your armor is very similar. I have to say, you're holding up much better than I would be in your situation."
The shop owner sighs, while Tenya has never been more glad to wear a helmet. "I know it's not heroic, but if I were you," she begins, "I'd want payback on the man responsible. And I'd do anything to make sure that happened. Family is family. And no one should be allowed to come in between that."
Truth be told, after assisting the woman and seeing how happy she was, Tenya had started to feel the pressure against his chest lighten a little, but she is right. He had promised not to lose focus and he won't. Not on what's important. Not on Stain.
"We've taken enough of your time," Manual says quickly, bowing to the woman. "A couple of police officers will be in shortly to gather your insurance information."
"Look at me, talking your ears off and taking up your valuable time! My apologies! But before you go…" she leans down, grabbing something from under the counter. "A present for your good deed, sir knight!"
"I assure you that is not necessary," Tenya tries to stop her, but her hand comes back up, waving him off.
"Nonsense! Besides, what is a knight…" she stands back up. "Without his sword?" And true to her word, the woman held in her hand a sword in a black sheath with a handle that was laced with black and gold colors. "Please, I insist."
"I could never-"
"I have no one left." The woman sniffles, looking down while her eyes begin to water. "My family is all gone, and I have no one left to share my collection with. Please? I believe it would serve you better than collecting dust in my shop."
Tenya glances quickly at Manual, who merely shrugs. Not wanting to argue further, Tenya says, "If you insist so greatly, then I will accept." The woman nods excitedly and holds the sword out, which Tenya takes.
And as soon as he touches it, he wonders why he didn't take it in the first place. What was he so worried about- well about anything! He did help the woman, so who is he to deny her wanting to reward him?
Not just that, but it's like all of the doubts about going after Stain were suddenly pushed from his mind as well. Tensei is his brother and a good man. A good man who didn't deserve what happened to him. And Tenya will make sure the Hero Killer receives true Justice for his crimes.
"Thank you," Tenya says sincerely, tying the sword to his side, not realizing the woman had been watching him closely.
"I hope you have a splendid rest of your day," Manual wishes the owner before the two make their way to the front of the store. Before they can exit, however, the owner grabs their attention one last time.
"Be careful out there boys! And make sure all those nasty villains know…" She smiles wide, tilting her head to the side slightly. "The devil always gets what's due."
Mischief Squad
Yellow Raijin: Yeah, I hope Iida's internship is going alright too
Yellow Raijin: Anything to take his mind off his brother
Yellow Raijin: Does anyone know how he's doing with that btw?
Mochiroid: Deku and I tried talking to him before we all left for internships and as usual, he insisted he was fine but…
Mr. Trickster: It's obvious he's not
Hot Pocket: I observed this interaction and can confirm what they said.
Dat Girl: Who did he end up interning with? Ribbit.
NoobMaster69: Heard from Gran that it's some hero named Manual
Mr. Trickster: Oh I know him!
Mochiroid: Here we go :)
Mr. Trickster: He's the number 222 hero and people call him the ordinary hero and some people use that to insult him but what's wrong with that? People try these super complicated ways of doing things and Manual is really clever in simplifying it! And he's a lot smarter than most people give him credit for! And that's all on top of being such a nice hero and role model for anyone with or without a quirk. His agency is based in
NoobMaster69: Midoriya?
Yellow Raijin: You don't need to take a breath in text man lol
Mr. Trickster: His agency is based in Hosu
Dat Girl: Ribbit
Dat Girl: That's where his brother was attacked
Mochiroid: You guys don't think he'd try anything dumb right?
Yellow Raijin: Nah, Iida's always been the smart one
Dat Girl: Emotions can do a lot to a person
Mr. Trickster: Yeaaaa let me try to call him a few more times, just to check in
NoobMaster69; While he does that, you guys wanna know what else I heard about internships through Gran?
Yellow Raijin: What?
"Keep your feet moving," Shota drawls without looking up from his phone. A large thud on the grass and a groan tells him that his 'intern' was not successful. Not that he expected him to be.
"That's enough." Eraserhead dares to look up and finds exactly what he expected: Hitoshi Shinso on all fours, panting, while Eri looks down at him concerned.
"'Zawa! Did I hit him too hard?" Eri asks. Shinso clenches the grass harder.
"No, I think he has the point." Shota walks over, giving Eri a rewarding head rub and he fucking dared anyone to give him a look. "Do you understand the point of this lesson?"
"Is this…" Shinso catches his breath and gets to his knees. "What is this? Some sort of hero course hazing?"
"You believe your spot in the hero course is guaranteed because the HPSC noticed you?" Shota questions dangerously. He thought it illogical to not tell Shinso why he was being considered for the hero course and thankfully for his sanity, Nezu agreed.
After the Sports Festival, the commission had asked Nezu if they were considering anyone for the hero course, and when the rodent came to him, Shota had said that Shinso's potential wasn't zero.
Evidently, this had been what they were hoping to hear and 'asked' Nezu to move up his transfer to the hero course. And by ask, Shota means the government branch put pressure on UA's financial backers and institutions who in turn put pressure on Nezu.
Basically, a bunch of political bullshit that Shota wouldn't get anywhere near if he can help it.
But Nezu's paws are tied at the moment, which means it's Shota getting the end of the shaft. But he doesn't give a damn what the commission says; he's not gonna allow anyone into his class who he thinks won't cut it, and Shinso is dangerously close already.
"No." Shinso stands back up, being careful not to fall on his wobbly legs. "I don't think my spot is guaranteed." The kid looks back up at him. "But I know I'm not gonna stop until I'm admitted."
"A nice sentiment, but that's all it is. Anyone can claim anything they'd like, but that doesn't make it true," Shota counters.
"I will make it true," Shinso replies with the most absolute certainty a teenager can muster. "I will prove a quirk like mine can be used by a hero."
"Sounds personal." Shota taps the files on his phone, fully knowing the answer. "Brainwashing can easily be seen as a villain's quirk all on its own, but to be the descendant of a well known villain I'm sure didn't help either."
Shinso's face falls. "You know about that?" he asks in a whisper.
"UA is very thorough." Nezu was the thorough one, but Shinso doesn't need to know that. "Here it is, according to genealogy reports, you are descended from Kevin Thompson, otherwise known as the Purple Man, or better, Kilgrave." He clicks through the phone. "And since you have no other villains, or heroes now that I check, in the family, I have to assume he is the one of focus."
"So, you know. Fine!" Shinso is quick to anger, Shota notes. Especially with issues to do with his quirk and family. "Then you have to understand why I'm not going to give up."
Shota crosses his arms. "I understand that the thing pushing you is also the same thing dragging you down."
When all Shinso can offer him is a confused look, Shota presses on. "What was the point of this lesson?"
The brainwasher shrugs dramatically. "I don't know? To make me feel humiliated by getting beat up by a little girl?"
"Everyone can stand to be knocked down a few pegs." Shinso's mouth drops. "But that wasn't it. The point was to show you that you rely on your quirk too much."
Tugging on his scarf for emphasis, Shota says, "you developed tunnel vision. In trying to prove your quirk can be used for heroics, you've neglected all of the other parts of being a good hero. Training your body, mind, looking for good support equipment and an assortment of other things."
Shinso stares at him like he's grown a second head, so Shota finishes with, "because if you don't do those things, anyone can take you out." He gestures to Eri.
"If you don't like it, you can train with me." Shota holds back a sigh as Logan strolls over from where his own intern trains. "He seems to be enjoying it."
The group looks over just in time to see Laura land a flying kick on Monoma's face, sending the student sprawling onto the ground. "I win again, shithead." Shota doesn't understand Spanish, but he knows enough.
"And what lesson is Monoma learning in particular?" He's almost afraid to ask.
"Never judge a book by its cover," Logan answers almost immediately. Excuse Shota if he's not entirely convinced. "But if you boys don't like fighting the girls, I bet that bub over there wouldn't mind having a round with you."
Monoma sits up, so both he and Shinso can turn around to look at the Nomu silently watching them. The creature chirps, tilting its head and giving a small wave.
"I'm good."
"Yeah, me too."
"We have to celebrate!" Shota doesn't bother holding his sigh when he sees Nemuri, dressed in casual clothing, pulling Rasputin across the yard with her. "This doesn't happen every day!"
They're both so happy and full of energy and Shota doesn't want them anywhere near them. He doesn't need that in his life right now. Maybe he'll get lucky and they'll just pass them by- no, they're headed this way. Dammit.
"Tell them!" Nemuri says happily to an embarrassed Rasputin.
"Darling, it's not that big of a deal-"
"He sold one of his art pieces!" Nemuri cuts him off with a smile. "It was to an anonymous buyer overseas, but someone bought it! And it went for millions! This is a big deal you lug!" She shoves the X-Man playfully. "Stop being so modest! Right guys?!" Her eyes narrow as she whips her head toward them.
Shota doesn't care but he has to see Nemuri every day. "Congratulations," he says simply.
"I'm expecting top-shelf whiskey the next time we go out drinking," Logan smirks, which Rasputin chuckles at.
"Thank you so much," Rasputin puts his hand up. "But I must insist-"
"C'mon! I'm taking you out to eat!"
Nemuri's words make Colossus straighten. "Now I'm afraid I can't allow that. This should be my treat! And furthermore-" he stops when Nemuri kisses his cheek.
"I knew that would get a rise out of you," she giggles before pushing him down the path. "Let's get going!" After he takes a few steps, she leans back to the pair of men. "Hopefully later, I can get a rise out of something else." She smirks at Shota's facepalm and Logan's eye roll and runs after her boyfriend.
Shota uncovers his face and leans slightly over, doing everything he can to not attract either Rasputin's or Nemuri's attention. "How did they even meet?"
Logan shrugs. "Fuck if I know. Think it had something to do with an otter."
As good of an explanation as any for Shota. Relationships are something he'll never understand nor ever want to be in. No matter how hard a certain green-haired hero tries.
Mischief Squad
Yellow Raijin: Shinso is with Aizawa for internships?
Yellow Raijin: Dude
Mochiroid: He will be missed
Dat Girl: Many ribbits to his great sacrifice
Hot Pocket: Do his parents need the funeral paid for?
NoobMaster69: Haha! That was a good joke Todoroki
Mr. Trickster: Ok, I'm back!
Hot Pocket: Joke?
Mr. Trickster: No luck with Iida
Mochiroid: That's too bad
Mr. Trickster: He may still be out on patrol? It's not dark yet
NoobMaster69: Speaking of dark, hurry up and tell us about making the video with Gentle!
NoobMaster69: Getting on the train with Gran to Shibuya. Not much time left
Mr. Trickster: Well since you asked so nicely…
"Dear viewers, another grand adventure of a team of extraordinary talents is starting." Gentle bows with flair to the camera, the high-altitude winds rustling through his hero suit. Right now, everyone stood on Majestic's platforms high up in the air with La Brava filming Gentle, the only one in the camera shot.
He straightens. "I, the gentleman hero who will save the world one video at a time, have come with a special surprise! Behold! As you witness the premier of the career of a soon to be great hero! I present to you, my intern! Mischief!"
Majestic moves the platform into view of the camera, and Izuku smiles and waves. La Brava checks her phone. "They love his hair," she snickers, causing Izuku to start to check his hair but stop.
"My companion here specializes in tricks and pranks," Gentle explains. "So much so…" A green glow surrounds Gentle, and when it fades, the real Izuku stands in his place. "That I decided the best way to introduce myself was to prank you guys! How'd I do?"
La Brava laughs. "They love it! A lot are claiming they saw it coming, but they still like it!"
"Excellent job, young man!" The second Izuku congratulates in Gentle's voice before being turned back into the hero. "Being remembered is very important!" He turns back to the camera. "As I am sure today will be as well! The lovely La Brava has discovered treachery afoot!"
Gentle gestures below them, where a warehouse with a large window on the roof sits. "If you were to scan the legal documents of the building below us, they would tell you the warehouse is owned by the Merovech Investment Group for storage. However, that would be deceit, my viewers! After some-"
"Perfectly legal!" La Brava interjects.
"Yes, of course." Gentle takes it in stride. "After some perfectly legal investigation by my partner, we have uncovered that the Merovech Investment Group is nothing but a sham! Put in place to cover up the illicit doings of the Creature Rejection Clan! My boy, care to explain for those who may not know."
"They're a cult that hates anyone with physical abnormalities, or anyone with mutant-type quirks," Izuku informs, his blood already getting riled up thinking about them.
"They're losers!!" Majestic helpfully points out from behind the camera.
"Two differing statements but both equally correct!" Gentle slams his fist into his other palm. "And now, with police on the way having confirmed our suspicions, it is our job now to overcome these foes and bring swift justice upon them!"
The platforms move, bringing them down toward the warehouse and when they're close, Majestic uses an empty platform to crash through the glass and get them inside.
Gentle was right. Instead of being full of a random assortment of materials, the warehouse is filled with people in robes and skeleton masks, yelling in surprise. Izuku is quick to make copies of all the heroes to confuse any possible ranged quirks and sees Gentle making an air membrane next to him.
"After you, young man!"
"Don't mind if I do!" Izuku jumps off his platform and plants both feet on the membrane, before bouncing off toward the ground in a rush of adrenaline and excitement. He hits the ground, slicing the thighs of two different CRC members before rolling and kicking a third.
Quickly conjuring a few jugs of water, Izuku cuts them open, letting the water spill on the ground. "Freeze! You're all under arrest!" He stomps the ground and freezes half a dozen cult members to the ground. "Get it? Freeze. Because of…" he gestures to the ground. "You know."
"Viewers are saying you're lucky you're cute!" La Brava tells him, causing Izuku to pout.
Just then, a larger member tries to grab Izuku's head, but he yells in surprise when his hand goes through a decoy and the real Izuku is above him, both his fists covered in thick ice as he brings them down on the man's head, knocking him out instantly.
Gentle is a blur around the warehouse at this point. Izuku hopes La Brava's camera has some sort of slow motion feature as the man bounces around the room, knocking out villains before they even realize he's coming.
He wants to try that!
Taking a second to somewhat memorize where each membrane is, Izuku jumps and launches himself around the room, before hitting another membrane and bouncing again.
"This is so much fun! It's almost like flyi- oof!" Izuku misses the next membrane and instead hits a few cult members head-on, literally. He takes the opportunity to freeze them to the ground. "I think I need a little more practice."
"And why not begin now?" Gentle lands on the ground, placing his hand on it. "Gently trampoline!"
"I never knew I wanted a villain fight to be on a trampoline!" Izuku jumps high in the air as CRC members scream, having been caught off-guard. He freezes the water below to make a copy of his Uncle's hammer and throws it ahead, knocking the cult members up against walls.
Izuku flips mid-air, seeing another one of the bigger members trying to bounce and go after La Brava, he turns into a kangaroo and kicks off the wall hard. The man has no idea it's coming before Izuku's kick sends him careening away.
"So unprofessional to go after the crew." La Brava shakes her head. Turning back into himself, Izuku is grateful when a platform appears underneath him so he can land. "People want to know if your hair is as fluffy as it looks!"
"What?!" Izuku asks incredulously. "I don't know!" He backflips off the platform, throwing a knife as he does and being very satisfied when it ricochets off a few membranes and hits his target.
"They take that as a yes! Next question! Are you single?"
Somehow, Izuku stumbles mid-air as he bounces back up after kicking a cultist. "Why is that one of the top questions?!"
La Brava squeals. "Someone named Yellow Raijin says you're not!"
"Denki! Your death will be violent and painful!"
"Is that so, young man?!" Izuku asks why this is happening when Gently flies by, a CRC member in a chokehold in his arms. "Let me know should you require any assistance in planning a night out with your partner!"
La Brava sighs dreamily. "Gentle can be so romantic…"
Majestic's sigh is much louder and tired. "I hate when you two get like this…"
A cultist tries to punch Izuku, but he hits an ice clone instead, freezing himself and allowing Izuku to stab him from behind.
"They're trying to figure out who you're with from the Sports Festival!" La Brava announces, much to Izuku's dread. "Most of them think it's the blond boy with explosions or Endeavor's son, are they right?"
When later confronted about whether he was wasting time in a relationship or not, Shoto would not confirm or deny anything to his father, enjoying the man's frustration very much and believing he's starting to get a hang of the pranks Midoriya always talks about.
"No!!" Izuku immediately denies, trying his hand again at bouncing around on the membranes.
"I mean this from a place of care," Gentle tells him, well, gently, while the hero matches his bouncing. "The blond boy was very not gentlemen-like, and I believe you can do better."
"Thank you, sir…"
"Wow, they're arguing a lot about who you should be with." Izuku rolls his eyes, grabbing a cult member and bouncing them both to the ceiling, and slamming the man against it. "Oh, Gentle! We may not be the OTP of our viewers anymore!"
"Alas! How could they grow stale of our love so quickly!" Gentle covers his eyes with his arms, seemingly upset, but still able to send the nearest villain flying. "How quickly the public can turn on you is truly unfathomable!"
"No, wait! Comments are coming in! They still love us!"
"Huzzah!"
Izuku can't help but laugh as the two pass each other in the air, continuing to bounce around and baffle their enemies.
"Hey! The viewers want to know, since you can turn into girls, do you identify as genderfluid?"
Nodding at each other, Gentle sends the last of the CRC members flying in the air and creates air membranes below them, which Izuku covers in ice.
Remembering something his dad told him a long time ago and sort of on an adrenaline high from being able to work with Gentle Hero and use his quirk to fly around, Izuku turns to La Brava. "I don't identify as genderfluid, I am genderfluid."
The cultists fall back down to earth, their heads hitting the ice-covered membranes on the way down, knocking themselves out.
Izuku shrugs. "I identify as a bitch."
La Brava squeals could match Mina and Toru's. "Ohhhhhh they love it! We need you for all of our videos!"
"And it rings as true." Izuku spins around to see Tsukauchi walking in, flanked by police officers, who were quickly spreading out through the area to handcuff the cult members. "Hello, Midoriya."
Izuku waves sheepishly. "Detective! What brings you here?" In a moment of comedic timing and not at all because Izuku unfroze the ice, a cultist that was frozen to a wall falls.
One of Majestic's platforms lift Izuku next to Gentle, who gives a bow to the camera. "I must thank you all for tuning in once again as your favorite do-gooders exposed these scoundrels for what they really are! Stay tuned, because you never know what our next broadcast may entail!"
Mischief Squad
Mochiroid: That was amazing, Deku!
Mochiroid: You have to send me the video later!
Mr. Trickster: Okay!
Hot Pocket: I am aware I said so already but well done Midoriya
Dat Girl: I would also like the video of you and Gentle Hero beating up a bunch of members of the CRC
Dat Girl: I believe I would enjoy it very much
Yellow Raijin: So I don't know if you guys ever need someone else on camera with you but…
Yellow Raijin: You know who you can ask
Mr. Trickster: Don't worry, I know I can ask Todoroki whenever I need :D
Hot Pocket: :D
Yellow Raijin: Boo
NoobMaster69: Man fuck the CRC
NoobMaster69: Going after people just because they don't look like their definition of normal
NoobMaster69: Stupid asshole cock goblins
NoobMaster69: Wish that I could've been there to take a few out
NoobMaster69: Bet they'll drop common loot when they kick the bucket
Dat Girl:
Dat Girl: Ribbit…
Yellow Raijin: What did that one mean, Tenko?
NoobMaster69: Uh…
NoobMaster69: Nevermind, pretty sure I'm wrong
Mr. Trickster: One second guys
Izuku looks up from his phone from where he relaxes in Gentle's office, rolling one of his blue marbles in his free hand. The hero himself had stopped his teacup halfway to his mouth which, even though he hadn't known the man long, Izuku knows is strange.
"Gentle? Sir?" Izuku hesitantly asks. It was a little harder to see him since the sun had gone down a few minutes ago, but Gentle looks frozen, his hand rising to his ear. Izuku looks to La Brava, but she seems stunned too, eyes wide.
To answer his question, she quickly shoves an earpiece to the HeroNet into his hands and Izuku puts it in his ear to listen to the message. After a few seconds, the marble drops to the ground.
He inhales…and exhales. He inhales again…and exhales. One more time. In…and out. Oh, how good he feels. Tonight was going to be one to remember, and it is just about ready to get started.
Gorr can feel his symbiote pulsing in excitement as it wraps its master in a cloak, waiting for a command. The alien looks back up at the sunset, a perfect view from the building he stands on top of. He genuinely hopes some of the humans take a second look at the sun before it goes down completely. Many will not see it again.
"When the sun sets, and Terra is blanketed in darkness, my berserkers will begin their assault. And when they do, the heroes will be easy pickings for you." Gorr turns his head to where Stain stands behind him.
"You kept your end of the deal."
"I am many things, Hero Killer," Gorr wags his finger at him. "Including one who keeps his word." He grins. "Surely, out of all nights, this can be one for you to be happy! Tonight is a joyous occasion!"
Stain's scowl does not leave his face. "My mission isn't about my happiness. It's about what's right."
"And should that not make you happy?!" The god butcher laughs a little. "For tonight, vengeance will be served! Heroes and gods alike will fall to our blades and feel our wrath."
He spreads his arms out. "And not just ours! But the wrath of every soul they have failed in their miserable existence!" Gorr's laugh slowly turns more manic as he speaks. "There will be no time for them to repent! The devil should keep the gates of hell open tonight, for he will be getting so much more company!"
Gorr turns back around, the last few rays of sunshine hitting his laughing face. "How can you not drown in the ecstasy of knowing what we are allowed to accomplish?! It's not every day you are allowed to say you brought the universe closer to peace!
"Gods and heroes? Tonight, there is no difference! For on this night, they will all take the privilege of feeling what it is like to be butchered!" The last of the sun's light disappears over the horizon, leaving Japan in darkness as Gorr continues to laugh.
"My daughter used to love to play hide and seek, so it is only fitting that my shadow creatures enjoy it as well!" Gorr waves his hand, already feeling the onslaught of power flowing out of him as he feels every Berserker beginning to emerge from every dark corner of the city. "Ready or not, here we come!!"
Screams and roars begin to pierce the air, filling Gorr's ears with the lovely sounds. "It truly will be a unique night, Hero Killer, a night for so many to know what true equality is. For both the gods and their loved ones will share one important trait in common…"
"This is a level one alert! I repeat! Level one! We need every available hero in Hosu immediately! The city is under attack by…by…monsters! Casualties are already being reported! I repeat, we need any and all heroes to the city NOW!"
Izuku can't believe his ears.
"You will do what I say, when I say it, and follow my instructions to the letter, is that understood?!"
Denki and Mirio nod, focus on their faces. "Yes, sir!"
Gunhead grabs the bag off his dojo floor, preparing to leave, and looks back at his sidekicks and in particular, Ochako. "The bravery that everyone in this room is showing me tonight is inspiring. Don't let it fail you!"
Tenko stands, his Nintendo Switch long forgotten while he gapes through the windows as they pass through Hosu. Even Gran, for the first time that Tenko has ever known him, is stunned. "Holy shit."
"SHOT- Hm?" Endeavor stops his instructions, listening in his ear. After a few seconds, he looks down at Shoto. "Get to the car, now."
Tenya steels his resolve, looking out at the city from Manual's agency, his grip increasing on the handle of his new sword. Even with these creatures in the city, if his opportunity to bring Justice to Stain is given, he will not miss it.
"They will all be dead!"
Gorr laughs so much, he falls to his knees, unable to control himself. "And at the same time, I eliminate competition for you Stain! The berserkers, and frankly I, do not care for their arbitrary terms of heroes and villains. They will all meet the same fate!"
"Kid, look out!"
Hirona grunts as Nagant tackles her out of the way of the attack, some form of yellow spiraling energy. Yeah, thanks a lot Sensei. Go to Hosu and try to find the Hero Killer since he could be a good ally, while he takes Kurogiri for something. She had no desire to recruit Stain, but since when did her opinion matter anyway?
The villain stands and looks up, nodding at Nagant's instructions to always be aware of her surroundings. Up in the sky is a girl her age with long periwinkle hair in a royal blue bodysuit and pale green markings down the middle. The pale green is nearly the same color as Hirona's own bodysuit.
"This is Nejire Chan!" she says into her earpiece. "I have located-" she cuts herself off, listening. That's when Hirona hears it, terrified screams, and when she looks to her side, monsters that look like they walked straight out of a horror movie begin to appear from nowhere.
"Wh-what is this?! What are you up to?!" Nejire yells at her from above, but Hirona can't tear her eyes from the beasts in front of her.
"This isn't…this isn't me."
"This better be important," Loki growls, making his way to a solitary part of the spaceship, before throwing his communicator on the ground. A hologram of the HPSC presidents appears. "What?" he demands.
"Unless this is you, we have a serious problem." She switches the hologram over and his glower fades as he observes the Japanese city start to be attacked. "Please tell me this is your doing."
Loki can only stare. "This isn't part of my plan…"
Doctors and nurses scream at each other in panic as they all run down the hospital hall, trying to get patients moved and secured while simultaneously preparing to receive many more tonight.
All except one doctor. Akama Reiwaru whistles a joyful tune as he walks the opposite way to everyone else's running. He sticks his hands in his pockets and idly moves out of the way of others passing him as he makes his way to Tensei Iida's room.
"Father?"
Gorr turns his head to find a little girl looking up at him, her eyes watering. Something his own quickly began to mirror. "My girl…my baby girl…how I've missed you." He reaches forward and lets out a wet sob when he feels her hair against his hand. "I've missed you so much."
"I miss you too." Tears openly run down the girl's face. "Why can't we be together, Father? Why did they have to take me from you? I don't understand."
"I know sweetheart, I know." Gorr consoles his daughter, pulling her into a tight hug and letting anguish wrack throughout his body. "The gods failed us. They were supposed to protect you, keep your light shining in this world."
He sniffles. "But instead you're-" Gorr opens his eyes and only feels despair when he sees his arms empty. With no other recourse, the god butcher lets out an anguished cry that is drowned out by the sounds of battle below.
Izuku hangs on tight as Majestic's platforms bring them to Hosu with great speed. "La Brava! Stop the camera for nothing!" Gentle commands. The sidekick nods in determination. "Mischief." Izuku looks at the hero. "There seems to be nothing like the brutes who lay waste to Hosu, are you ready?"
If Izuku is being honest, he doesn't think it matters if he's ready. The world will throw things at him no matter what. But he wants to be a hero who can make others laugh even in the worst times. And tonight seems like it'll be a real test for him.
He conjures a dagger and smirks at Gentle. "There's nothing like them, huh? Well, they're gonna find out there's nothing like me either!"
AN: Heyo! Chapters will be normal again going forward, the chatfic stuff was just a way for me to frame the internships a bit differently and have the characters interact when they're all separated. Onto Hosu!