Bearticguy7: He's gonna be Ulric's...accomplice? Kind of?
Kyeo307: It's official, Shadow Moth is just evil Okuyasu.
FinchFlyingAce: In my story, the theory is actually bullshit. It really is just the MHA equivalent of the Flat Earth theory.
Euphoria: I've written most of the story's main villains to be unlikeable assholes, with the exception of Valentine and Santana. I wanted to change that by writing a villain who could still be intimidating...but is also a genuinely nice guy.
Also, I am definitely using that stand for this arc.
Kosaku Valentine: Thank you for your kind words, as always! It's good to hear that my work is appreciated, and I will continue to try and write a story that will live up to your expectations!
Jpx0999: That's a pretty good idea!
Guest: ...Are you secretly a private investigator or something? How are your theories always right?!
Also, that stand is actually pretty funny.
dumpstertrashfire123: The Boom Boom family will be making an appearance, but it might not be Johnny and Gyro that fights them.
boy returns 2: Heavy, Team Fortress 2. How could I not recognize such beautiful poetry?
Also, are you referring to Shadow Moth, or Mothman?
"What do you believe in?"
Those five words continued to buzz around Momo's head as she climbed the steps of the Yaoyorozu mansion. Ulric's question had depth and meaning behind it, and Momo could feel the true intent behind it...
He was helping her.
Her enemy, someone that she was determined to take down, and someone who wasn't going to let her get in his way, was also trying to help her find herself.
Just today, she found a letter in the library, along with a different "librarian" at the front desk. This time of course, she thanked him by using his real name, earning a dry chuckle from the disguised doctor.
-:-
Yaoyorozu,
I'm afraid I've made another error that could effect you, and I wanted to warn you in advance this time. As you know, I am acquainted with your parents...
I may have accidentally let it slip that you are currently struggling to find your ideals, and it seems they took it to mean that you were having second thoughts about your career path. I know this isn't true...you have a natural drive to aid those in need, not unlike myself, so I know that you really couldn't be anything other than a hero.
I will be there tomorrow for a cup of tea, and I encourage you to be there as well. Perhaps we can solve this problem together, so it doesn't cause more of a mess than necessary. They were talking about pulling you from UA, and I couldn't let you be unaware of what they were planning.
I would also encourage you to think on your ideals on the way up, even if you come up with something entirely fabricated, it should be okay as long as it convinces them.
Once again, I apologize.
With only respect,
The Doctor.
-:-
Momo knew her parents had her interests at heart, and that they raised her to be kind, and to value the honor and respect before wealth...
But they were busy people, no matter how much they loved her. Even if it was unintentional, she did feel kind of neglected by them...
They had left her to become independent, and while she could appreciate the lesson behind it, she was also bitter. They were loving, but distant...and it hurt.
Not to mention she never really had proper friends until high school, thanks in part to her parents insisting she was homeschooled if she was to follow in their footsteps.
She often thought about how she was at the beginning of the year, spouting off quotes and flaunting her intelligence. It wasn't due to ego of course, she just wanted to make a good impression on her classmates...
Momo cringed at the memory. She was incredibly lucky no one took it the wrong way, and that a certain musician was able to see past her social ineptitude.
The ravenette glanced up at her family home, frowning at the thought of what the conversation could turn into when she went inside.
Momo slowly opened the door to the mansion, nodding towards one of the butlers with a smile, and began the long trek to the dining room.
If they think they have any influence on my career now, they are mistaken. I love them...and I know that they love me, and they are far from bad parents...but even if I am not sure exactly why I'm a hero...
I am one.
In the dining room, she found her parents sitting with Ulric. Her antagonist's intense brown eyes met hers, and he gave her a nod of confirmation.
Akari Yaoyorozu smiled upon seeing her daughter. "Momo...we didn't know you were visiting."
"Hello Mother, Father, Dr. Stewart."
"Momo! What're you doing here?!" Her father, Riku said with a grin, running over and crushing his daughter in a hug.
"Was...in...town..." Momo choked out.
The happy father let his daughter go, and motioned for her to sit.
"Dr. Stewart was telling us that you two sometimes have tea together, it's nice that the two of you are getting along!" Riku said as his daughter sat down.
Yes...getting along...definitely not on a warpath towards each other.
I mean...to be fair, things are quite cordial between us. Enemies that have taken a liking towards each other...
This situation is really weird.
"Well, your daughter is quite the intellectual. I find our conversations fascinating." Ulric replied, taking a sip of his tea. "You should be quite proud of her."
"We are...and also a little concerned." Akari admitted, and leaned forward. "Momo, you know that we love you very much, and that we want nothing but the best for you...but we can't help but feel as though we may have pressured you into a career that may not be...right for you."
"It is." Momo responded abruptly, and Akari raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"I want to help people."
"Momo...you know how your mother and I used to be heroes ourselves. We want to make sure that this is what you want...there are other jobs that can help people, just look at Dr. Stewart, he's saved just as many lives as a hero can."
"I would not have the opportunity to do so without law enforcement and emergency services, both things that a hero provides." Ulric responded.
It was really strange...the same man who she was at odds with was now having her back.
"I know that...but Momo...we don't want you to do this for us, we want you to live your life for you. Which...is why your mother and I are going to pull you away from UA, not permanently, but just enough so you can think about this." Riku said.
Momo's mouth fell open.
"You...already decided on this?"
"It's not permanent, you can always go back if being a hero is what you want to do-"
"Hold it."
Momo's parents both turned in surprise as Ulric stood up, and they were surprised to find a look of anger on his face.
"Dr. Stewart?"
"You cannot just make that decision for her! You need to consult her first, let her know that you're considering it! I understand you are only looking out for her, but going behind her back like that is wrong! I told you that information so that you could help her, not hinder her further!" The doctor snapped.
"Akari and I wouldn't have done that if we didn't believe it was the right decision." Riku responded, taken aback by Ulric's outburst.
"Momo, do you know why you want to be a hero? If you can tell us that, then we can call and withdraw the paperwork we sent." Akari said to her daughter.
"You...already sent...you..."
Momo was about to cry, something that her parents immediately noticed.
"Momo-"
The ravenette slowly pulled out her phone, and began dialing a number, and put it up to her ear.
"Hello? Mr. Aizawa? T-there's some paperwork h-heading Principal Nezu's way...can you burn it? Th-thank you...n-no, I'm not okay...I-I'll be th-there shortly."
Momo put her phone down, her back to the other three people in the room. Her parents were standing still, shocked.
"You have no right to make decisions like that..." Momo said quietly. "Dr. Stewart...thank you for standing up for me, but they don't have any control over this."
"Momo, wha-"
"My teachers are my friends too, I have connections all over the school...I'm telling you that you don't have the authority to do something like that..."
Akari's eyes were wider than saucers. Her daughter had shut their idea down in an instant, as if their input didn't matter in the slightest.
This was the first time their daughter had ever rebelled against them, and Momo had actually won.
"Momo...we...we're your parents, you can't just-"
"You want control over my life? Maybe you should've been more present in it." Momo said quietly, her fists clenched tight enough for her fingernails to draw blood from her palm. Her voice was shaky, clearly she was holding back tears. "I can't believe it...I just..."
The ravenette began walking as brisk as possible, heading towards the door and flinging it open. Momo glanced back. "How could you...?"
Then she slammed it shut.
Ulric sat back down with a scowl on his face, deep in thought.
That could've gone better...to think, I'm getting upset on behalf of my enemy, but I cannot simply sit back and watch as she is done an injustice, even if her parents had the best of intentions.
This...is my fault, I never should have brought it up to them.
Both of the Yaoyorozus looked stunned, and Akari fumbled to find the proper words to say.
"We'll...we'll give...her...time to process. She's a teenager after all, so we'll give her some time to cool off..."
"Yeah, I have to admit, for a second there I almost bought that her teacher had burned the papers...but what responsible member of the school faculty-"
"He did, as he should."
"Dr. Stewart, I know it may break her heart...wait, you really believe the bluff she just pulled?" Risky asked.
"Shota Aizawa is in your daughter's corner, as is Dr. Jotaro Kujo. It wouldn't even surprise me if Principal Nezu had decided to destroy the papers himself, you know why? Because they aren't fools." Ulric said, a cross expression on his face.
Riku stood up. "Dr. Stewart, you have the wrong ide-"
"I brought her problem up because she was struggling with why she is a hero, but she is one. To be a hero is a trait, not a profession! She is a hero, she helps people purely out of the goodness of her heart, she just hasn't come to terms with the why yet. Your daughter needed guidance, not an intervention!"
Ulric was legitimately angry, but composed himself. Riku seemed to take his words to heart, judging by the man's expression. "Oh my God...you're right...we-"
"No Riku, he's not. Momo needs time to think on if this is really what she wants to do, and when those papers go through, which they will, she will have plenty." Akari reminded her husband.
"Her friends?! She has friends at school Akari!"
Akari winced, remembering that her daughter had called her classmates "lifelong friends."
Had she ever referred to someone else in such a manner? They couldn't be all she had, right?
"W-we already made the decision, we thought this out. She has to trust our judgement."
Ulric simply got up, his disgust clear on his face, and walked out. Both of the Yaoyorozus fell silent.
Trust your judgement? No, not when you go behind her back like that...I don't care how much you love her, that was wrong. You also completely ignored the fact that she insinuated that she felt neglected by you...and you stuck by your thoughtless decision, refusing to believe that you no longer have any power over your daughter.
She's growing up, and thanks to your mistakes, it's going to happen without you. I...I will make sure of that.
We may be enemies, Momo Yaoyorozu...but at the same time we are also friendly with one another, in some weird unexplainable way. You remind me of her...I guess...
I will try to seize One For All from you regardless, but while we are matching wits...I will help you find yourself. As of now...consider me both your enemy...and your teacher.
"Maybe he's building a Metal Gear." Kaminari suggested.
Kyoka gave her friend a blank look. "Really?"
"Yeah, I mean, think about it!"
"The Doctor doesn't have a reason to build a Metal Gear...I think."
"But what if he does? What if it's part of his master plan? A conspiracy-"
"You play video games too much, Kami."
"I'm calling it, that thing underwater? Totally a Metal Gear."
Kyoka fought back a snicker, amused by Kaminari's crackpot theory. "Okay, so what would a devout Christian who's been alive since the Bubonic Plague, with the goal of putting all of humanity into a utopian pocket dimension, need with a Metal Gear?"
The two of them were currently hanging out outside the dorms, eating lunch and discussing the current situation. Honestly, ever since the whole 'kissing Kyoka' fiasco, it was pretty nice for the two of them to just sit down and be friends.
Ironically, upon repairing their friendship after the incident, it became stronger.
"I don't know, but he was building something pretty big." Kaminari responded, biting into his sandwich. "By the way...you've been eating Italian food more often ever since you came back from there..."
Kyoka paused mid-bite and looked down at her meal, which was a plastic container filled with beef ravioli, and smirked. "When you hang around Gyro Zeppeli for too long, it happens. Besides, pasta is rich in carbs, and with all the physical activity we do it's good to load up on those."
Kaminari nodded. "So...did you guys really go to Italy for a vacation, or was it another secret mission?"
"...it was a real vacation, I promise. We weren't in any danger there."
"But you have been on more secret missions than just the Necromancer, haven't you?" Kaminari asked. "Your whole group has...after I helped Jolyne defeat D'arby, I kind of put two and two together..."
"Something tells me Todoroki and Kirishima did as well?"
"The three of us were talking about it...and...well, Uraraka's kidnapping made us realize that she must've been in the loop...what's really happening Jiro? What is that group really here for? I'm asking you because..."
"I get it." Kyoka said, wearing a deep frown. "Look...it's not that we don't trust you guys, we do, really. We trust most of the class..."
"Most?"
"Well...there is the issue of Tombstone's traitor theory. We'd be idiots if we took that for granted."
"I...I really don't want to think about something like that. I like all of our classmates...but...you're right."
"Whenever someone is brought into the loop, fully...a target is put on their backs. While we'd trust most of the class with it...we'd be putting the whole class in danger if we started letting everyone in. It isn't like a 'you can't sit with us' kind of thing."
"Of course not! You aren't like that, none of you are! So...this is all a secret to protect us?" Kaminari asked, his eyebrows connecting. "That makes so much sense..."
Kyoka nodded, and hugged her knees to her chest. "All of our classmates, except whoever this hypothetical traitor is, have nothing but heroism in their hearts. If any one of them found out the truth behind the group...they would want to help, and there would be no talking them down...like...you probably want to already."
"You got me there."
"And you know why I don't want that."
"Can I just...point something out?"
Kyoka sighed. "Don't tell me you're going to have a sudden stroke of genius and convince me to tell you everything based on pure logic and reason."
"Well...the others and I helped take down D'arby and the League of Bad Life Decisions in your group's place, and we guarded the eye. So, in a way, we've already been involved. Wouldn't there already be a target on our backs?" Kaminari asked. "Uraraka did mention that Nine was associated with D'arby...couldn't he have spread the word before we took him down?"
Kyoka pursed her lips, a look of concern on her face. "You're right...you...might already be a target...I guess I probably should've known that the moment Ochako told me about your battle with...SHIT! DIO WAS THERE! SHIT!"
"Yeah...and he saw all of our faces. He's a poltergeist, right? He could just tell any of your enemies that we were involved."
The blond and the purplette sat in silence, one to emphasize the point made, and the other to process it.
"Why are you only smart when people don't expect it?" Kyoka finally said.
"It only happens when it counts." Kaminari got up and stood in front of his friend to look her in the eye. "You're right Jiro, I feel like I need to be involved...but I already have been. If anything...the three of us would be safer, knowing our enemies, knowing why we are in this mess."
"Alright...you've convinced me, but this decision isn't mine to make. The others and I will have to put it to a vote." Kyoka said, her face serious. "I...never wanted to put any of you in danger, none of us did..."
"We're heroes Jiro, it's what we do."
"Yeah..." The musician smirked, pride for her friend overtaking her worry. "That's true...you are a hero."
The electric quirk user grinned, and Kyoka put a hand over her eyes.
Too bright!
SNAP!
Kyoka's eyes immediately shifted away from Kaminari and towards the sound her jacks picked up, her instincts kicking in.
"Jiro?"
"Kami...we could be being watched..."
Hiro Hideki watched the two heroes in training from the shadows, noticing how the girl with the ears was alerted to his presence.
What a useful quirk...a pity she will die before she can achieve it's full potential. They both will...
After all, how could two kids that were only training to be heroes fight back against a pro?
Pro Hero: The Human Twizzler vs. a couple of kids playing heroes? This would be a cakewalk.
There was a reason a pro hero was trying to assassinate children, of course. He owed Dr. Ulric Stewart his life, and he would do anything to protect that man, even killing a few kids.
Years ago, Hideki had become a hero because his quirk was perfect for it. He would earn fame and glory, and he would be king of the popularity billboards...
That is, until he had run into Stain, The Hero Killer.
He was lucky to escape alive, his quirk had been powerful enough to repel the serial killer/vigilante...but he had gotten injured, severely. His tendons were cut, his muscles had been permanently damaged in his left arm.
"You're nothing but a fake! A creature who uses the title of hero for monetary gain, and foolish pride! You are everything that is wrong with this society!" He remembered the noseless vigilante's words clearly, and gritted his teeth with hatred.
That was it, his success stunted, and his main source of income stolen away from him by a katana-wielding madman who didn't even understand the concept of celebrities in the slightest.
You can't afford to believe such mundane and naive things such as 'true heroes.' This is a job, nothing more, nothing less. I'm a hero because my quirk is useful for it, and I'd be able to live a luxurious lifestyle with all the money I make.
Of course, someone as insane as Stain wouldn't care about a guy making a quick buck.
Then...just when all hope for recovery was lost...he met a certain plague doctor.
Ulric treated him with kindness and respect, and even replaced his damaged arm with a robotic one, an arm that only strengthened his usage of his quirk. That man saved his career, his lifestyle...
So, to hear that a group of a few idiotic kids were actually causing that man some real trouble, he wanted to make sure that Ulric had as little trouble as possible.
Besides, he believed in Elysium too.
A world with no more villains to fight, no more whiny civilians to save, a world where he could live a calm and peaceful life, all the while rolling in the dough from his celebrity status.
He would kill all of them to make that happen, even if Ulric didn't want him to.
That lady that runs the dam told me everything. I will kill you both, Kyoka Jiro and Denki Kaminari...you don't stand a chance against a pro.
For the Doctor...for my popularity!
"Yaoyorozu."
"I'm...I'm not in the mood."
Aizawa sighed, getting out of his sleeping bag and going over to his student, who was currently recovering from a ten minute long sob. He removed his sunglasses so he could look her in the eye.
"Look at me."
"*sniff* What's the point? I'm a failure..."
"No, you are not. Look at me."
Momo turned her head to her homeroom teacher, her onyx eyes red and puffy. They widened slightly upon seeing him. "They're open..."
"I'm still blind in one. It was permanently damaged, and it's too late to heal it. I suppose I could ask Giorno to poke this one out and create a new one...but...I don't really mind." Sure enough, one of his eyes was foggy, but the other was perfectly healthy, and trained on her. "I can fully use my quirk again, thanks to my Hamon training."
"I-I'm glad, but-"
"I overcame my limits. You, as of now, cannot harm stands directly. That can change, but you need to experiment, find new ways to use it. If I could overcome an injury that would've left me quirkless, you can overcome this."
"I...just don't know if I have the motivation anymore...not even my parents believe in me..." Momo choked out.
"I do, that's why those papers are ashes. Your friends and classmates do. You have been one of the most responsible and capable students I have ever had, and possibly the best vice rep in all of my classes, and you know I don't sugarcoat my words. Who cares what your parents think?"
"I DO!" Momo was crying again. "I do...because I love them...and it...it hurts so much..."
"You're searching for a reason as to why you're a hero, right?" Aizawa asked, putting a hand on Momo's shoulder. "Look at yourself, where your life is heading...your parents got you into this school on reccomendation, why?"
"I...wanted to be a hero like them..."
"Why did you look up to them? It is often the people around us, the people we care for...they shape us. I...had a friend...a best friend...named Shirakumo, he was my inspiration. He died fighting a powerful villain...but his death shaped me, gave me purpose..."
"They're...they're always helping people. Even though they are rich, they aren't egotistical and snobby, they genuinely wanted to make a..."
"Make a what?"
"A difference...they wanted to make a difference...and..." Momo's eyes widened. "I do too..."
"Seems like a set of ideals, doesn't it?"
"Yes...One For All, the group...I got involved with all of that because of that." Momo realized. "I wanted to help my friends, to lighten the burden they were carrying...so I could change the power struggle. I want to make a difference, I want to make the world a better place...but..."
"But what?"
"That's the same thing Dr. Stewart wants...I have the same set of ideals that he does...that's our connection, that's why we get along so well!" Momo sat up, her teary face frozen in shock. "I...I agree with my enemy!"
Aizawa hummed. "Well...he isn't exactly your typical villain...it feels disrespectful to call him a villain at all, with all the good he's done. If it weren't for him, All For One would've killed All Might long before Problem Child could've gotten the quirk."
"He's more of a...fallen hero." Momo agreed. "Still, to believe the same thing as your enemy...as if this hasn't gotten complicated enough..."
"You want to make a difference, but not in the same way. After the ideals comes the method of achieving them, that's the difference. Yaoyorozu...you have a motive, now you just need to chase it. Use the confrontation with your parents, let the anger and betrayal you feel fuel your progress...you are strong, don't let this bring you down." Aizawa coached.
Momo turned to face her teacher, staring into his eyes. One eye, damaged...the other, good as new.
A symbol of someone beating the odds.
If her teacher could do it, why couldn't she?
He helped me find the reason I fight...I want to make a better world, a difference...I have a direction to go! I have a reason to keep on fighting! For my friends! To show my parents how wrong they are!
To save Dr. Stewart from himself, to stop him from using our shared ideals in a manner that is harmful!
It's time to fight for what I believe in.
Momo wiped the tears from her eyes and pulled out her encyclopedia, and began rifling through the pages. Aizawa felt his lips curl upwards upon seeing her go back into 'Detective Mode.'
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to execute my plan with Valentine, get Uraraka back, and then I'm going to stop Dr. Stewart. First...it's time to push my quirk to the limit. I'm going to find a way to harm stands!"
Aizawa nodded. "Good answer, I was afraid I was going to have to expel you."
"Says the man who just burned the papers that were going to remove me from the school."
"I guess...now that I know about One For All...Yagi isn't the only one playing favorites anymore." Aizawa said with a shrug. "Don't forget your homework, I'm not gonna change the due date-"
"Already done, Mr. Aizawa."
"...I can't even be strict anymore..."
"Are you sure?" Kaminari asked, concerned.
"Yeah, a sound from over there...and there's this slime." Kyoka poked at a puddle of goo with a stick. "We're being stalked by something."
A soft crackling filled the air as Kaminari activated his quirk, ready to fight.
A rustle in the bushes...
A cracking sound coming from the woods.
Two enemies?!
Kyoka and Kaminari went back to back, when a shape suddenly darted from the trees, heading straight towards Kyoka with it's arms outstretched.
*CRACK!*
"RIBBIT!"
Tsuyu Asui came out of nowhere and kicked out with both feet, knocking their attacker aside before he could attack Kyoka.
"TSU?!" Kaminari yelled, shocked.
"Of course...the slime is her mucus, and the noise I heard was her." Kyoka realized. "I never heard our attacker, only Tsu...while she was camouflaged."
"Does that mean you were spying on us?!"
Tsu turned to her classmates. "I never thought I would have to...but Ochako would've told me if she was going undercover...I knew the cover-up was fake the moment I heard it, ribbit."
"Tsu-"
"I already heard the explanation, Kyoka, I understand why you hid this." Tsuyu said, turning to face their opponent. "It hurts, but after hearing that you didn't want to put anyone else in danger, I can accept it."
"Dammit, you stupid toad-looking bitch!" A man dressed in a costume that utilized red spirals stood up, cracking his back. "That hurt!"
"Wait...I know you! That's Hiro Hideki the Human Twizzler, a C-tier pro hero! Why are you attacking us?!" Kaminari asked.
"Kami...how the hell do you know who this guy is? He's a nobody." Kyoka asked.
"As if someone with that lame of a quirk is gonna be somebody." Human Twizzler fired back.
"Oh no...my self esteem has been shattered. It's not like there is now a mountain of evidence to prove that my jacks are powerful or anything..." Kyoka said, sarcastically.
"You're a pro hero, why are you attacking my friends?!" Tsuyu demanded. "Unless you're a crooked hero associated with their enemies, ribbit."
"You aren't going to ruin the Doctor's plans anymore! I don't care if you're kids, or if I'm technically committing a crime-"
"Technically? Even if you fail this is assault."
The Human Twizzler sneered. "It isn't a crime if they can't find the bodies, let's be honest, in terms of experience you little shits are years behind me. The Doctor is the sole reason I can continue to live my wealthy lifestyle, so I'm not gonna hesitate."
"Oh buddy, you have no idea what we've been through." Kyoka stated, cracking her knuckles. "After we're done with you, you're gonna be famous...as the fake hero who couldn't even be a good villain."
"Come on then, if you really believe you can beat a pro, I'd like to see you tr-"
A tongue shot towards him in the middle of his monologue, and he twisted his body to avoid the attack, spinning around and morphing his body to a 'U' shape to avoid the attack. "Amateur!"
"He's called the Human Twizzler for a reason...he can bend and twist his body any way he wants." Kyoka noted, analyzing their opponent.
"My quirk: Contortion, can do a bit more than that!" The Human Twizzler yelled, before spinning his fist until it resembled a loaded spring. "My bones turn to rubber whenever it's active, meaning there's no breaks! Sticks and stones can't break my bones!"
Then words can definitely hurt you. I smell a big ego on you.
"Man, with a quirk like that, I don't think we stand much of a chance." Kyoka said, putting her hands on her hips. "I think it's best if we just sit down and accept defeat."
"Wait...what?! What are you talking about?! That isn't like you at all!" Kaminari said, before catching the glint in Kyoka's eye, one he knew all too well. "Ohhhh, I see..."
"She knows how hopeless your situation is. I have more experience than you could ever have, I've been in the field for much longer. I've even fought the Hero Killer!"
Yeah...but some of our classmates beat the Hero Killer, anyway...it's best to just let him talk. Kyoka thought to herself, glaring daggers at the corrupt "hero."
"It doesn't matter how young we are, we're better heroes than you'll ever be!" Tsuyu said, and while her face remained blank as usual, her voice came out angry. "Even if they've been keeping secrets from me...I will protect my friends!"
Tsu always says whatever comes to mind, she won't be able to bullshit this guy. She's going to tell him exactly how she feels.
"I don't think so Tsu...you heard him...he's a pro..." Kyoka dropped her voice to a lower octave, and put on her best sad face. "We don't stand a chance..."
"Kyoka, you've fough-" Tsuyu covered her own mouth.
The Human Twizzler lept forward, spinning his hand like a drill towards their froggy classmate. Kyoka pushed Tsuyu aside and took the hit immediately.
*SNAP!*
Kyoka felt her arm break from the impact, and bit her lip to keep from screaming. Then, she pivoted her feet and flung him to the side using her jacks.
Directly into Kaminari.
Sizzling sounds filled the air as Kaminari unleashed his quirk upon their opponent without question.
"Electricity causes muscle spasms, meaning your bones would have to solidify in order to prevent your body from turning into goo." Kyoka said with a grin. "I was just feeding your ego so you'd underestimate us!"
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" The Human Twizzler screamed in agony as he began to melt, and he was forced to deactivate his quirk. In that instant, Kaminari threw the villain away from himself and towards Tsuyu, who kicked him into a tree.
"Pro my ass...for once, I agree with Stain. You're nothing but a lousy fake!" Kyoka taunted. "Trying to murder high schoolers? Failing? You're a fake hero and a fake professional!"
"I'M NOT DONE YET!" Twizzler shouted, getting back up. He was seething in a feral rage. "YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT! IS THAT HOW YOU SPEAK TO AN ADULT?!"
Kyoka paused, and Twizzler took a step back. The purplette's demeanor had suddenly turned a lot more serious, her eyes indicating a whole new level of hostility.
"That's the same thing Susan Cummings said to me when we first met. She was pretty fake too...she pretended to be a loving mother to the public, and tortured the boy who is now the love of my life behind the scenes. Even now, long after that bitch is dead, she's still causing damage...you remind me of her."
"I-I uh..."
"Someone who claims to be a hero, someone who swore to protect the innocent...resorting to murdering real heroes to protect his fucking money. You make me sick." Kyoka spat.
"O-oh yeah?! What're you gonna do little girl?! I'm still the adult-"
"You ain't acting like one!" Kyoka fired back.
Tsuyu, meanwhile, was staring at Kyoka with as much disbelief as her face would allow. In all the time she had known the musican, Kyoka had always been the good natured, witty, and supportive introvert.
Making jokes at Kaminari's expense.
Singing to herself in the locker room, or to her classmates should they ask.
Always going out of her way to help, no matter the situation, all of these things made Tsuyu think very highly of her friend, and those traits were never going away.
But now...she was seeing a different side to her, a darker one. Just as Kyoka had told Kaminari earlier, she was involved with something larger than anyone outside of the know could've ever guessed.
She had just called Johnny Kujo the love of her life.
She had insinuated that there was more to do with the Joestar's evil mother than she had initially let on...in fact, how did Kyoka get hurt so bad during the Yakuza Raid?
And the intensity coming off the purplette was something Tsuyu had never seen before.
Her friend had been through so much, and she never had any idea.
I eavesdropped on them because I knew she had to know at least something about Ochako...she works with Mr. Higashikata for her hero work studies. I knew she was hiding something from the class...
But what I found is much bigger than I could've realized. That friend group is some sort of secret hero team! And they've been fighting since the beginning of the year!
But why?! Why are my friends putting themselves in danger like this?! What are they protecting?!
Tsuyu had been searching for a friend, and instead she had found a conspiracy.
"Hey, Momo..."
"I'm better, Gyro." Momo cut her boyfriend off, and pressed her lips together. "I'm sorry...that seemed a bit dismissive..."
"Are you really?" Gyro asked, knowingly. The Italian took off his hat and set it beside her desk. "I ran into Paradise City on my way, and he told me everything...take it from someone who had to struggle to get his father's approval...that stuff cuts you deep."
"They supported me...I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for them...but...they just went behind my back and tried to rip me away from what I want to do..." Momo felt the tears start to come back, and Gyro's finger came and wiped them away. "It's like they didn't care about how it felt...I feel betrayed..."
"...in a way you were. Your parents are worried about your future, so much that they forgot about your present."
"My future is as a hero. They should've consulted me before making that decision, because it was a pointless one."
"I agree...you aren't okay Momo, please don't lie about stuff like this." Gyro said, and Momo pressed her lips together to avoid bursting into tears all over again.!
"I'm not...it hurts."
"...I love you, you know that? You're so unique, smart, and you're...angelic...you're also more than willing to put up with me."
"Kyoka would call all of that sappy."
"And you?"
"Sweet."
"The Zeppeli charm strikes again! Nyo ho!"
Momo couldn't help but giggle. "Even after the game ended, you're still trying to seduce me."
"Stop making me want to."
"Thank you for checking on me..." Momo stood up and wrapped her arms around the back of Gyro's neck. "I can get through any hardship with a man like you supporting me, no matter how painful it is...I love you Gyro."
"I love you more."
"Oh no, don't start that, you won't win."
"I won the game."
"You cheated."
"Because I love you more."
"Lies."
Gyro leaned over and kissed her passionately. "Was that a lie?"
"No, it was a desperate and unsuccessful attempt at victory...that I enjoyed..."
"Then how was it unsuccessful?"
Momo shook her head, smiling, and sat back down. "Fair...Gyro, you're an expert on human anatomy...if I found a way to constantly create something...and I needed to constantly replenish my lipids, would it have a negative effect on my health?"
"Constant creation? Why would you want to do that?"
Momo opened her book and pointed at the drawing she just made. "I want to make a suit of armor that is constantly falling apart, so I can use my quirk without pause. That way, if my quirk is constantly connected to the armor, theoretically...I can touch stands with it on."
"You can only harm stands with quirks, and since you're constantly using your quirk to replenish the armor...you just might be able to. But...you'd need a steady intake of food, otherwise you might seriously hurt yourself...the last thing I would ever want is for you to suffer from malnutrition."
"Then I need easy access to food." Momo replied, deep in thought. "Aizawa gave me a pep talk today...I need to overcome my limits. If I'm going to save Uraraka and put a stop to Dr. Stewart's plan, I can't hold myself back anymore."
"Did the incident earlier today have anything to do with this?"
"Everything and nothing. It's safe to say I'm not talking to my parents for a while...but I'll grow regardless. I don't need them to be a hero, and by saving Uraraka and Dr. Stewart, I'm going to prove it!"
"And I'll support you, we all will. We're the Musketeers!"
"I didn't think we were actually going with that name for our group."
"It's funny! One For All, All For One...Musketeers! It's a joke!"
"...knowing you and how often your ideas tend to stick...we're probably going to be stuck with that name."
Twizzler formed his entire body into a spiral, and kicked off with his feet, rocketing towards the heroes and unraveling at the speed of a drill.
All three got out of the way of the attack, and Kaminari slid backwards. "I don't have my support gear, so I can't electrocute him again without hurting you guys too! At least not without getting close!"
"What have you gotten yourselves into?!" Tsuyu exclaimed. "I wanted to find Ochako, but this is crazy! A pro hero trying to kill you?!"
"It's a very long story Tsu...I'm so sorry you had to be thrown into it like this..." Kyoka replied, nursing her broken arm. "This is why we kept it all a secret..."
Tsuyu was clearly upset, everything her friends had ever dealt with was thrown in her face in a matter of minutes. However, it was clear that she also understood why it was kept from her, even if it hurt.
Twizzler charged them, twisting up his leg to deliver a devastating kick, but Tsuyu lept forward and plan timed both feet on his chest, kicking out and sending the fake hero flying once more. Kyoka began fiddling with a spiked braclet on her broken arm, and inserted a jack into it.
"I carry my support items with me now. This isn't a fashion statement, it's a backup speaker." Kyoka stated, and switched the backup amplifier to her good arm. "Let's see him attack us when he's got no ground to stand on."
Kyoka put the bracket over her knuckles and punched the ground, sending a shockwave through the sidewalk and cracking it. The Human Twizzler stumbled as the ground below him crumbled away, desperately trying to regain his footing.
Which was the perfect opportunity for Tsuyu to grab him with her tongue.
Tsuyu slammed the human ragdoll on the ground, knocking the wind out of him, allowing Kaminari to close the distance.
Kaminari reached for their opponent, but the Human Twizzler twisted out of Tsuyu's tongue and out of Kaminari's reach. "I can twist myself out of any grip! You won't be able to use that electric attack on me again!"
"You sure about that?" Kyoka asked. "Tsu...hold onto him with everything you've got...Kaminari, I want you to come over to me."
Tsuyu lept onto the Human Twizzler just before he could escape her tongue, trapping him in a bear hug, while Kaminari ran over to Kyoka. "What's the plan?!"
"Hug me."
"Hug...you?" Kaminari asked with a faint blush.
"Yes, from behind...and then electrocute me."
"WHAT?! JIRO, I DO-"
"DO IT!"
"YOU HAVE A BROKEN ARM!"
"I can take it. Tsu's gonna release him, and that's when I need you to give me a zap. I may have an attack that'll be too fast for him to dodge, and it should disable him..."
"...are you sure? I don't want to hurt you..."
"No pain, no gain. I'm asking you to trust me."
"You already know I do."
Kaminari got behind Kyoka and wrapped his arms around her torso. Tsuyu reluctantly let the Human Twizzler go, and Kaminari winced as he activated his quirk...
Kyoka screamed, both in pain and anger as electricity traveled throughout her body, and she shot her jacks out, hitting Human Two asked in the chest.
She had turned herself into a human taser.
Once more, Human Twizzler was forced to deactivate his quirk, but sound was being pumped into him at the same time. All he could do was scream as his insides were rattled, and his body spasmed. Tsuyu whacked the fake hero in the head, ending his misery.
Kyoka detached her jacks, and fell to the ground, coughing.
"JIRO! ARE YOU OKAY?! DID I KILL YOU?!" Kaminari yelled, taking her by the shoulders and shaking her.
"I wIlL bE iN A MomEnT! CAlm DoWn!"
"That was really brave of you Kyoka." Tsuyu said, helping her smoking friend up. "I'm sorry I spied on you...I...still have no idea what all of this is, ribbit."
Kyoka lifted a shaky arm up, and put it on her friend's shoulder. "Tsu...I'm sorry..."
"You kept it from us for our safety...whatever it is. Ochako is involved with whatever this is...I just don't like that I had no idea something bigger was happening." Tsuyu hung her head in shame. "With how hurt you were in the Yakuza Raid, and all the stand fights you guys seem to get into...I should've known, I should've been trying to help a lot sooner."
"Well...I feel the same way." Kaminari said. "Jiro, you're my friend...everyone in that group is my friend...I care about all of you, so it hurt when I found out about the Necromancer, and even then I'm only scratching the surface. I'm not going to force you to tell me, because I know you care too...but I would really like to be in the know."
Kyoka sighed, spitting out a bit of blood. She had bitten her tongue when she was being electrocuted.
"I'll talk it over with the others...I promise."
"You always got to find a way to get me to worry about you, don't you?"
Kyoka snorted. "That's my line."
Johnny sat down beside her, followed by Izuku. They were currently in the middle of Recovery Girl's office, after Kyoka had gotten her arm treated.
"So...a crooked hero..." Izuku said, frowning. "That's just so disheartening, to know that people in our profession value the fame over helping people. Are you okay?"
"Yeah! Fine...Tsu's aware of the situation now..."
"I know, she mentioned it when we were coming in." Johnny said, taking Kyoka's hand. "What do you want to do about it?"
"...Kaminari actually made a pretty good point, before the attack."
Kyoka proceeded to explain the conversation leading up to the fight, and the other two listened in.
"How is he only smart when no one expects it?" Johnny asked.
"That is literally what I said...but...he's right. They're essentially already targets...but telling them everything..."
"Having the team get too big could be detrimental...with more people comes more differing opinions, and more danger. We'd also be considered an even bigger threat due to numbers." Johnny said, frowning. "I think the 'Musketeers' (I'm going to fight that name) should remain small...for now."
"They'd be in danger regardless, and you know damn well they're the type to try and butt into our business the next time there's a crisis. They'd try to help even when we tell them not to."
"That's the essence of being a hero." Izuku said with a smile. "I may have an idea...Todoroki, Kaminari, Kirishima, and Tsu...we trust all four of them, right?"
"Yes." The couple both responded.
"What if we just have two teams?"
"...okay...why?" Johnny asked.
"If there are two separate groups protecting One For All and fighting off attacks, wouldn't it be even more effective than one? We could help them set up their own base and everything, it's like two hero agencies working towards one goal." Izuku explained. "Two is better than one, why do you think the Avengers have separate branches in the comics?"
"Of course you had to find a way to be a geek...but that's actually not a bad idea. We could have strength in numbers, but we'd all be separate." Johnny nodded. "I like it, it's a nice compromise."
"Izuku the negotiator, and to think he began the year stuttering and being terrible at social interaction." Kyoka said with a grin.
"I'm still pretty bad at social interaction...just not with you guys." Izuku replied, rubbing the back of his head.
"You need to work on that if you're gonna be doing interviews."
"He can just do his All Might impression."
"Stuttering the whole time."
"I-I A-AM H-HERE! ABOUT TO P-PISS MYSSSSSSSELF!"
"You two just can't resist picking on me, can you?" Izuku asked, his eyebrow twitching.
"We do it out of love."
"Doctor, are you okay?" The dam curator asked.
The sightless gaze of a plague doctor's mask turned towards her, Ulric's proud posture had been slumped as he was working, a clear sign he was depressed.
"I...fear...that I might be causing more damage than I intend to. Yaoyorozu is dealing with much more than just me, thanks to my actions."
"Stop feeling bad for her, she's trying to destroy you!" The dam curator snapped. "This is a good thing, we should be crushing her for what she's doin-"
"NO! GOD DAMN IT! NO!" Ulric screamed, cutting her off. "There are some lines I will not cross! I don't care if she's my enemy! It is not the way I do things, I don't ruin lives, I save them."
The dam curator did not agree. You are one of, if not the most smartest people I know. If it weren't for your damn sympathy, she wouldn't be a threat. If you had a little more backbone, she'd be begging you for mercy, the Yaoyorozu fortune in tatters, and her future shattered.
You're too nice for your own good, Doctor. That's why I contacted the Human Twizzler and a few more people behind your back...to eliminate this threat while you won't.
He's a pro hero, so there's no way they could stand a cha-
"Breaking News: Pro Hero- The Human Twizzler, aka Hiro Hideki, was arrested today following an attack on a group of UA students. Upon further investigation into this attack, it seems as though he was the textbook definition of a crooked hero, taking bribes, threatening people into silence, all the while pretending to be a boy scout in the public eye.
However, he was soundly beaten by these students, and one of them is a familiar face: Earphone Jack, the same student behind the recapture of Hot Shot, was instrumental in the defeat and arrest of Hideki, alongside her classmates Chargebolt and Froppy.
Her mentor, Morioh's protector Josuke Higashikata, had this to say:"
Ulric was watching the televison, his mask hiding his expression. The dam creator's face turned into a snarl.
They beat a pro hero that easily?!
WHO THE HELL ARE THESE KIDS?!
"She's grown up so much since she started her internships with me...she's going to be a great hero one day, and I'm looking forward to see her grow even further..." The Josuke on the screen began tearing up. "I'm...*sniff*...I'm just so proud."
"I remember Hideki." Ulric said, watching Josuke bawl on live television. "A man down on his luck, suffering from an attack from the Hero Killer. Shame...he turned out to be such a crook. Looks like he'll be reuniting with Stain...on the other side of Tartarus's walls."
"Indeed, Doctor."
"All the people I help...and some of them just don't deserve it. Sometimes, I wish I could only treat the good ones, but then I wouldn't be much of a doctor. I can only hope that they change for the better."
"You're a good man."
"Thank you...that group, they are young, and yet they seem to overcome the odds. You know what? If they can do it, so can I!" Ulric tightened a bolt on his creation. "To be inspired by your enemies..."
"..."
"I think I'll ask Yaoyorozu to tea tomorrow, see how she's doing." Ulric took a step back, admiring his work. "I may have caused some unintentional harm, but I can fix it."
"...I'm sure you can, Doctor."
"And...we'll be sure to avoid any unnecessary harm in the future."
The dam curator froze at Ulric's tone.
Does...does he know? About the assassins?
That sounded like a warning.
Knowing Ulric...the man was really telling her to back off.
I'm sorry...but if the plan to take the population of Mustafu fails...my mother will die...she's all I've got left.
I'm killing those brats, so that you may continue your work unhindered. Feel grateful, Dr. Stewart...this is my greatest gift to you.
They will all die.
