You quickly spring into action. Never have you been more confident in your abilities, and it's time to put them to the test. These people need you, and you're not about to disappoint them when they need guidance. But there are still your friends to deal with first.
"Everyone should split up," you recommend. "We're not all going to agree on what to do, and frankly, our skill sets are suited to different things. Divide and conquer is the best strategy."
Gary nods, understanding your reasoning. "Then what is everyone doing?"
"Himiko and Pony are worried about the juniors," you point out. "And as much as I would like to go find Horie, I can do the most good here, getting the civilians to safety."
You can see Rae smirk in approval from the corner of your eye.
"Are you sure, Kazuha?" Pony questions. "But…."
"If this is what Kaz wants, then I say let her do it," Himiko interrupts. "Don't worry, she'll be fine. Leading the sheep is, like, what she was born to do."
"Sheep?"
"Bah! Bah!" Himiko says, attempting to make her point. "We're sheep, and she's a lion."
"Isn't the term Sheppard?" Melissa raises an eyebrow.
"Probably, but lions are cuter."
"The actual phrase is lions don't concern themselves with the opinion of sheep," you correct.
"I've never heard that," Mark raises an eyebrow.
"Enough with the bullshit! This isn't the time for joking around," Jason complains. "We need to take care of these punks, and now."
"Are you still suggesting fighting them?" Pony asks incredulously.
"Obviously," he scoffs. "Someone's gotta be the decoy while Kazuha rallies the troops. Anyone want to lend me their fists?"
"You're really that stupid, aren't you?" Rae bluntly questions.
"It's not stupid to stop villains. If there's no heroes around, we'll just have to do."
"Fine," she relents. "But considering your quirkless, you'll need someone to watch over you."
"You think I'm not competent?"
"Oh, you're competent. But the Knights have something you don't."
Jason's fury is evident. "What that might be?"
Rae points behind Jason.
"Guns."
Turning around, Jason notices how heavily armed his opponents are.
"If this were a fair fight, you'd smoke them. But a real fight isn't like the ring. You have no ranged attacks, enhanced durability, or speed. You're an incredible martial artist, but you don't bring a knife, let alone only your fists, to a gunfight, especially when those knights could have quirks."
"But if you want to turn yourself into a bloodbath, go ahead," Himiko mocks. "I bet it will be as pretty as fireworks."
Despite it coming across to you as a poor attempt by Himiko to make a joke about her quirk, it clearly unnerves Jason, causing the cocky senior to shrink back.
"Himiko's weird preferences aside," you interrupt. "Look, if you're gonna do your own thing, at least be smart about it."
"That's why I'm going with Jason," Rae volunteers.
"I thought you wanted to help with corralling the sheep? I mean, civilians," you add, trying to add humor to such a tense situation.
"I'll leave it in your capable hands," Rae defers.
"You should stay with Kazuha," Gary implores Melissa.
Melissa doesn't seem too surprised. "But why?"
"We don't know what The Midsummer Knight's Dream is after," Gary clarifies. "And they could use you to get to your dad. You're smart, Melissa, but you don't have a quirk or experience in a fight like Jason. You're… good at many things, but this isn't your specialty."
"I'd hold you back," Melissa bluntly states. "I get it."
"Yeah," Gary admits. "I don't mean to make it sound like you're dead weight."
"It makes sense to me," you concur. "Because being my assistant is something you can do."
"Alright then," Melissa agrees.
"So, are you coming with us, Gary?" Pony questions the boy.
"Thanks, but no thanks," he answers. "I'm invincible. Since the Knights can't harm me, I should be able to move independently. Besides, we'll cover more ground that way."
"I think everyone's course of action is decided," you announce. "I wish everyone luck."
Himiko gives you a quick hug and a kiss. "Stay safe."
"Ditto. And if anyone is in trouble, give 'em hell."
"You know it," Himiko bears her fangs.
Jason, impatient, cracks his knuckles. "Alright, everyone. Move out."
Under Jason's order, everyone scatters; Melissa is right on your tail… almost literally, giving you very little personal space due to the panicking crowd.
I hope my charisma is genuinely up to the task.
As you quickly discover, your persuasion abilities are more than enough to organize the civilians, with your intelligence and Melissa's understanding of I-Island's layouts doing wonders to help you navigate the maze of cities.
You rapidly assemble the people without needing to activate your quirk. For the most part, the Knights leave you alone, especially when you purposefully keep the citizens out of their way.
You have no way to exactly count it, but several hundred people are in your flock, if not a thousand, by the time you reach the port of I-Island, which has been retaken by the New York heroes; better late than never.
And at the front of the visiting troops is an incredibly familiar face. You've never had the pleasure of meeting her in person, but you'd recognize her anyway. The woman was tall and muscular in a way that only All Might could think to match. Like him, her hair was blonde, broken into eight distinct tufts that once again mirrored All Might's own. Frankly, if not for her custom, a bodysuit emboldened in the colors of the United States flag, it would be easy to mistake her for an All-Might whose sex was swapped by a villain's quirk.
Especially with the way Star and Stripe always wore a smile, even in the face of danger.
And yet, there was no time to chat. America's #1 Hero was gone in the blink of an eye, and just because you got your first group back didn't mean there weren't more people needing a leader.
While most of New York's finest were out confronting the Midsummer Knights' Dream, you were rounding up the people of I-Island. Since we weren't using any of your quirks, and there are no laws against being a good citizen, nobody dared to stop you, some of the heroes even being visibly grateful for your contributions.
You don't know how much time has passed since the invasion began, but peace soon returns to I-Island, and the heroes stabilize the situation.
As the reports come in, you are in a position to overhear them due to your assistance. You can't help but find yourself baffled by the communications.
True to their word, the Midsummer Knight's Dream kept the damage minimal. According to the early interrogations of those arrested, all the crimes committed were almost exclusively done by independent actors. In fact, the Knights themselves had been responsible for capturing multiple criminals. You're not sure how much you believe those interviews, and you highly doubt the pros aren't also suspicious.
Still, dealing with the Midsummer Knight's Dream was the least of your priority. The only thing that mattered to you was updates on your friends and classmates.
Much to your relief, Horie and the rest of the juniors kept themselves out of trouble… for the most part. Apparently, some of the more impulsive members of your class, such as the boy with the turtle quirk, Ralphie Michelona, had confronted some of the knights, dragging Lee Davidson, Marianne Adrestian, and Manny Shade into the conflict. Luckily, the four hadn't been too heavily injured, but that's where Horie's quirk came in handy. Without any question, this was a true test of Horie's healing abilities. You've heard that she's utterly exhausted, but the fact she's safe is enough. Unfortunately, one of Horie's other friends, Devin S. Evan, has gone missing, so you're hoping he turns up soon, especially considering his reputation for getting in trouble.
In comparison, Mark had little luck finding either Miles or Julius. At first, you can't help yourself from feeling worried, but that goes away after you hear from Melissa that Miles has shown up at the evacuation zone. Julius wasn't too far behind; apparently, he had little choice but to bunker down with some civilians due to the Knights' control over the business section of I-Island, where his meeting was hosted. You're just relieved he's okay, minus an asthma attack.
While Melissa was by your side almost the entire time, you've luckily received word that David Shield is alive but got into some sort of pickle with the leader of the Midsummer Knight's Dream. You're not sure what exactly that means for him or his research, but you can't help but sigh in relief on Melissa's behalf upon receiving the news. You're just hoping he's unharmed and that the reports that Naught got away, along with most of his forces, are false.
The ones you're the most worried about at this point are Jason and Rae. Injuries aren't why you're concerned; Rae and Arachnid alone are easily enough to deal with a few Knights, even with Rae needing to babysit Jason. No, the fretting is Rae's use of her quirk. While most of the juniors' quirk use was in self-defense, Rae violated the vigilantism laws. It doesn't help her case being seen assisting one of New York's most infamous vigilantes, one that the police have been after for months.
Damn it, Jason. You might've just blown Rae's chance at becoming a hero. There's no question one or both of them have killed their shot. No hero school is taking Rae with a mark on her record, and I assume the same goes for the Morphers if Jason takes the fall for Rae. And that's if they both don't get busted.
The problem is you're in no position to testify in Rae's defense. And why is that?
"Thank you for a brief moment of your time," the newscaster bows. "This has been Danica Cardinal of Channel 5 News, coming to you directly from I-Island with Kazuha Chiba-Shuzenji, a true example of how anyone can be a hero."
My friends might've ruined their lives for using their quirks to protect the civilians, and I'm praised for protecting them without using my quirks. It's honestly pathetic. I hate to admit it, but I can see why people like Arachnid turned to vigilantism. I'm not saying that heroes and quirks shouldn't have any regulations, but that the rules are flawed.
Still, you can't deny the publicity will be a massive boost to your future career as a hero, and the ability to see the power of words in action has allowed you to better understand their usefulness.
I'll be even more prepared whenever I get my license or the next time I'm in a situation like this. I might've made some dumb mistakes here or there, and this experience has shown me those holes to patch. I'm sure I'll be ready.
[+.5 Boost To Kazuha's Charisma Stat!]
As you begin hydrating, your throat dry from all the yelling you've had to do, you notice someone looming over you.
It's Star and Stripe.
"You did good, kid," she praises, patting you on the back. "So you're the rat's brat?"
"Figures you'd know my dad," you chuckle. "What gave it away? He let you know about me?"
"Naw. It's your last name. All Might went to Yuuei Academy, and he's supposedly been offered a teaching gig there sometime next year."
"Really? I had no idea," you admit. "Must be a big fan of All Might to know that, though."
"Cat's out of the bag," Star and Stripe smiles. "But what are you doing on I-Island?"
"I've been studying abroad in the States," you explain. "And my school was able to organize this field trip."
"Talk about awful timing," the blonde hero jokes. "Field trips are supposed to be fun."
"You're telling me," you smirk. "But I can't deny it's been an incredible learning experience."
"I don't doubt it. So you're heading back at the end of the semester?"
"No," you correct. "I'll be going to Central Park Hero Camp."
"Now that's interesting," Star and Stripe muses. "I've got fond memories of that place."
"You attended it?"
"You bet," Star and Stripe grins. "Without that place, I wouldn't be anywhere near as good as the hero I've become today."
"Wow," you breathe. "That's incredible. I seriously can't wait to go now."
"You shouldn't say that," she scolds.
"Huh?"
"If you're always looking ahead at the next best thing, you'll be unable to enjoy the day-to-day moments. And it's those moments that sometimes are the most special of all. Live your life down to the second; don't let it pass you by, especially as a hero and military. I've lost many friends over my lifetime, friends I'd give anything to talk to once more. You can't live for tomorrow in a job where you don't know if you'll get another day. At least, that's the way I look at things."
"I see," you say, accepting her words and attempting to process them. "Thank you for your wisdom. I hope I can live up to your expectations."
Star and Stripe cackles. "Well, you certainly set a strong first impression."
"I mean no offense, but why is the #1 Hero, uh, wasting her time talking to me?"
The woman's smile turns to a slight frown, her relaxed posture stiffening. "Right," she sighs. "Well, I want to congratulate you on a job well done, but…."
"You have another reason for being here?" you deduce.
"You catch on quickly."
"I am daddy's little girl, after all."
"Ah, yes," she realizes. "I guess Mr. Principal does have a reputation for being quite cunning."
"So, what is this really about?" you press.
"Are you familiar with Jason Thomas and Rae Robbins?"
"Yeah. They're my friends."
"What about Ralphie Michelona, Marianne Adrestian, Lee Davidson, Manny Shade, and Horie Koume-Shuzenji?"
"My classmates and sister, respectively."
"I'll be blunt. They've all been taken in for questioning."
"Why?" you question, playing naive.
"For vigilantism."
You stifle back a groan of frustration. "I see."
"Mr. Thomas and Ms. Robbins, in particular, are facing heat from the authorities due to them apparently conversing with the New York vigilante named Arachnid, but all of them are potentially facing charges."
You don't say anything anything, allowing Star and Stripe to continue.
"I just find it very interesting that so many of your classmates and friends have found themselves in hot water, but you got away clean."
"Are you accusing me of something?"
"Not at all," Star and Stripe denies. "I would just be curious to hear your perspective on their decisions. As head of the operation, I have a lot of sway over whether the charges will be dropped."
"Is this a test?"
"I'm merely asking your opinion, especially considering you also contributed to I-Island surviving this hostile takeover in one piece."
So, it's definitely a test. But why? For what reason would Star and Stripe care about the opinion of a high school girl?
Whatever the case, I can't lie to her. She might not be in her element with words, and it is pretty easy to read her emotions, but she's an excellent bullshit detector.
How I answer will set the tone of my relationship with Star and Stripe moving forward. I'm not sure how influential my opinion will be in protecting the ones I care about, but if she's asking, there's a chance that Star and Stripe will consider dismissing the charges or at least lowering the punishment. I have to be careful, though. I mean, as much as I have qualms with the laws concerning quirk use, they still technically broke the law. If I don't have a valid reason for believing that a particular person should go free, Star and Stripe might see me as an outright supporter of vigilante justice… unless that's how I want to be seen?
Then again, the fact that Star and Stripe is even coming to me for my testimony could indicate that she sympathizes with their plight. If that's the case, I could be reading the situation wrong. But is it worth the risk if I'm wrong and she does support a crackdown on vigilante justice?
There are a lot of factors going into my answer. I just have to find the right one. I could also choose not to answer and deflect the question.
DECISION POINT #1A: How Many Ways Should Kazuha Answer Star and Stripe's Question?
A - One
B - Two
C - Three
D - Four
E - Five
DECISION POINT #1B: How Should Kazuha Respond to Star and Stripe?
A - "They All Broke The Law; They All Deserve To Be Punished Accordingly."
B - "Horie's Quirk, Lay on Hands, Cannot Be Used To Harm, Only Heal. Are The Red Cross Vigilantes? Therefore, She Shouldn't Be Punished."
C - "Jason Doesn't Have a Quirk. How Can He Be A Vigilante Without A Quirk?"
D - "To My Understanding, Ralphie and Jason Started The Fights. Everyone Else Simply Helped And Protected Their Friends. They Wouldn't Have Intervened If Not For The Instigators."
E - "They All Did The Right Thing. I Don't Think Any of Them Deserve To Be Punished For That."
F - "If You're Going To Convict Them, Then You Should Also Convict Me. This Distinction Is Utterly Ridiculous."
G - "I Don't Think It's Fair For You To Ask That Of Me."
H - Custom (Must Be Approved By Me First. Voting For One Custom Does Not Mean Voting For Another.)
