Lighters

by Fezzgator

Out on a job for the mayor, Michiru is pulled away from her world and dumped in one that, at least on the surface, is paradise. Along with a cranky chimera who hates monsters, a girl who barely talks and a group of misfits displaced from across time and space Michiru will try to find her place. Plus crossovers with Slayers!, Xenogears, Final Fantasy 6, Escaflowne and more!

23. Chapter 23

It took a lot of convincing but eventually, Zelgadis agreed not to immediately fly back to the lighter dorms, wake everyone up and charge out into the night. Instead, the foursome made their way on foot to find Katsuki, to make sure he was alright and see to it they all made it back to the dorms without any more trouble.

The group slowly made their way down the empty streets of Testing Ground Beta. Michiru had deliberately set their pace at a crawl in the hopes that the extra time would allow her blue-skinned friend time to cool off. The fact that he had his hood up as he stiffly but purposely marched ahead likely meant it wasn't really working.

Izuku, meantime, had had a lot dumped in his lap in the last twenty minutes. At first, he continued to stay quiet, a mix of shellshock and processing what had just transpired. As a result, the freckled boy missed the heavy air that hung over the other three he was with when he asked, innocently "So…does being from different worlds make you aliens?"

Zelgadis didn't react at all while Michiru and Emeralda stared at each other. Emeralda's expression seemed to say "Yeah, no, I'm not touching this one" to which Michiru finally rolled her eyes with a put-upon frown on her furry features. "I don't really know, Midoriya. I come from Earth, just like you do, but Emmy and Zel don't. Plus, neither Zel nor I are strictly human either…"

For what felt like the thousandth time that night, Izuku looked totally shocked as he breathlessly replied "Re, really? Then what are you, Kagemori?"

Michiru then launched into what, at this point, was becoming a practiced explanation of beastmen were and their place in her own world. Izuku's expression looked pained as she talked about her own experiences and when she was finished, the boy said "I guess that explains your reaction during the exam to those heteromorphic students and the CRC, huh?" But then Izuku remembered when they had spoken at the beach, about not appearing human when she could and that raised more questions.

Izuku was about to ask when he caught Emeralda looking at him with a knowing expression. As he opened his mouth, the other green-haired provisional hero shook her head and the freckled boy got the message.

Michiru, entirely unaware of the exchange, replied regretfully "Yeah, I was pretty angry with those guys…well lets just say they pushed the wrong buttons when I was in a pretty dark place and leave it at that, ok?"

Izuku nodded. Then, having avoided one land mine, proceeded to step on another "And what about you, Zelgadis?"

When no answer came from the chimera, Izuku tried one more time as the two female lighters watched on, hopeful their friend would say something, anything. "Uh…Zelgadis?"

When Izuku was met with silence again, Michiru glanced at the sorcerer, who had taken to the front of the group so no one could see his face. His hands were tightly clenched and that was all the tanuki girl needed to see to change the subject "So…Midoriya, um, how long have you had All Might's quirk?"

Izuku picked up on what the tanuki girl was doing and let his gaze linger on the taciturn chimera a moment longer as well before answering "Oh, um, its like I said at the beach…not long. Basically, since the school year started. I…still have a long way to go to master it."

"You can say that again. Seems like it nearly breaks you!" Michiru rather tactlessly replied before she added "Hey…shouldn't we have come across Bakugo by now?"

"You are right Michiru. We should have seen him by now if he were still unconscious" agreed Emeralda.

"You think he went back to the dorms?" Izuku offered.

"Oh shit! Everyone dodge! Zel!" Michiru called as she dove for the chimera, who had been stalking forward, trying to ignore the conversation.

Michiru was able to push Zelgadis down and out of the way just as a blonde ball of fiery rage smashed into the ground behind them "You extras think you're the only ones who can sneak attack! And Deku, what the hell are you doing revealing your secret to these losers!"

Emeralda and Izuku had each managed to fall back and maintain defensive postures as Katsuki rose up from his landing, his eyes alight with the rush of battle and his hands crackling. Izuku called out in response "They overheard you when you attacked me earlier, Kachan! You need to calm down, I already told you, I'm not going to fight you!"

"Like hell, I will!" Katsuki spat, "You lighter trash can stand by and watch while I settle things with Al Might's favorite, since you all know now!"

"You need to shut the hell up."

Spinning to the source of the offending voice, Kasuki brought a hand up, letting loose a small explosion as he barked "What was that?!"

Zelgadis stood there coolly, arms crossed with Michiru watching on worriedly. The chimera glared down at the shorter boy, his face affixed with an icy calm. It was, however, very obvious to everyone else that the sorcerer-swordsmen was holding back a damn of rage when he spoke again "You're nothing but a little puppy, yapping his mouth off trying to act tougher than he is."

Katsuki took a challenging step forward "Oh yeah! You want to see if this dog can bite! I'll show you, rocks!"

Zelgadis narrowed his eyes and replied in a deathly low voice "No. I'm done dealing with children. Diem Wind." A sudden gust of air suddenly fell up the group, making it hard to move. Katsuki tied to move his legs, then tried to propel himself with his explosions to no avail when Zelgadis spoke again "Dug Haut." Before slamming his hand into the ground. Large spikes began shooting out of the earth in a straight line heading right for the blonde bomber. Katsuki found he was unable to evade the attack and moments later felt burning pain in his legs as each leg was impaled with spikes.

"FUCK! I'll goddamn kill you, blue man!" Katsuki wailed as he stood locked in place as blood ran down his legs from the wounds that kept him from even kneeling.

In response, Zelgadis slowly walked toward his captive. Michiru watched on, stunned as Zelgadis spoke again, "You will do no such thing. You couldn't even pass that exam today. Why? Because you're so damn caught up in your own legend and in being strong that you couldn't even be bothered to save a single person. Your pathetic."

Those last words were delivered as he reared back to punch the pinned aspiring hero. Katsuki set an explosion off in Zelgadis' face but found it did nothing at all as the chimera connected with a rock-hardened fist that knocked the blonde out cold.

Zelgadis dispelled the spikes as Katsuki collapsed, Izuku rushing over to catch him. "That was too far! What if he can't walk again?" Izuku chided, Michiru and Emeralda glaring at their friend as well.

Unfazed by the others disapproval, Zelgadis calmly replied "Then he shouldn't have attacked us, now don't you think? He assaulted us for no reason. I defended myself and you."

Emeralda was caught by the chimera's logic and relaxed her expression. Michiru, though, wasn't letting it go "But look at him, he's bleeding pretty bad from those wounds, he needs medical attention!"

"And we will get it to him. You can call for help with your phone, can't you? In the meantime, Terra has some healing magic that will help until he is treated." Zelgadis countered.

"W-wait, did you say magic?!" Izuku blurted out as he was ripping the arm of his t-shirt to make a bandage.

Before any of the lighters could answer, a familiar voice spoke from beyond the cone of illumination the street light above them provided. "Yes, was that magic you just said Greywards-san? I don't believe that was something we agreed could be discussed outside of class."

Everyone conscious turned to see their silver-haired mentor and the former symbol of peace step into the light, neither looking partially pleased "Young Midoriya, care to tell me what has happened here?"

"It's…kind of a long story" Izuku answered, looking between his mentor and his wounded friend.

"Humor us." Jun said, noting how Zelgadis was refusing to make eye contact.

The sorcerer crossed his arms and looked away as he muttered "Self-defense."

When the former rescue hero cocked an eyebrow, Emeralda spoke up "First Izuku and later all of us were attacked by Katsuki Bakugo. The three of us fended him off while he attacked Midoriya but this time Zelgadis…defended us, resulting in what you see before you."

Toshinori frowned. He knew Young Bakugo was aggressive and highly competitive but to attack classmates at night? Something was missing here. At the moment though, it was Jun who drove the questioning as he asked "And what of referencing magic in front of Midoriya-san here? Is there something I should know?"

"You could say that." Michiru offered meekly.

"Well, you can fill us in while we wait for the medical bots I've just summoned." Jun said as he put his phone back in his pocket.

Michiru sighed and after getting nods from Izuku and Emeralda, told the two teachers what had happened with Xellos just a short while ago.

To say the two of them were shocked was an understatement but it gave Jun the chance to tell them it was very likely Xellos who had caused the prison break their first night in this world. When Zelgadis tried to get either of them to share what had happened when they talked with All for One, Jun only answered that it had been trying and nothing new was gained from the talk.

The medical bots arrived and took Katsuki away with Toshinori leaving as well to accompany him. Katsuki would be treated by Recovery Girl whom Jun had also alerted and had come in to see to the blonde bombers wounds. That left Jun to take the lighters and Izuku back to their dorms.

The walk back had been mostly silent, each one of them heavy with everything that had happened that evening. Izuku, though, was desperate for answers. He had had his whole world view shattered and he had no one to really talk to about it since the others already knew most of what he had just learned and were clearly dealing with things he only barely understood. Still, in the hopes of lightening the mood and satiate his curiosity at the same time, the freckled boy thought he could at least ask something he thought was innocent enough. Coming to walk beside Michiru, Izuku tentatively asked "So, um, Kagemori…is it true that magic is…real?"

Despite herself, Michiru smiled as she turned to her teacher "Sanada-sensei?"

Jun sighed as he took a moment to consider the request then sagged his shoulders abit and replied "I suppose he already knows and given he has kept One for All mostly secret, I suppose you can share some details. Unless you'd like to do it, Greywards-san?"

A low grunt from the brooding chimera ahead of them was all the confirmation Michiru needed to know it was her question to answer. "I can't use it myself Midoriya but from what I understand, there are worlds where it does exist and those of us from such worlds can use magic."

"That's crazy…" Izuku whispered before he glanced at Zelgadis before asking "Who can use it then?"

"Well, Zel over there is a sorcerer in his world. Uses something he calls shamanistic magic."

Izuku couldn't contain himself, blurting out like an excited fanboy "Really Greywards?! You're a sorcerer! That's so cool!"

When he got no response once again, Izuku calmed abit, allowing Michiru to continue, "Then there's Sadou, he's supposed to be able to cast magic though I've never seen it. Celty is an actual dullahan so I think her powers are magic? Might be a grey area but Terra, she can too."

"Branford-san, huh? Then that crazy thing she did at the shopping mall I saw on the news was…" Izuku couldn't help but ask.

"She says that's her esper form, which awakened when…Xellos arrived in this world." Michiru answered, reluctant to bring up the mazuku again in Zelgadis' presence.

"Why would that matter? I mean, wouldn't he be a sorcerer like Greywards is?" Izuku said, looking a bit confused.

Looking over one more time to her hooded friend for any reaction at all, Michiru replied when nothing was forthcoming "I don't completely understand it myself but apparently Xellos is different, he's some sort of magical demon that kind of…produces magic?"

"O, oh. I see. I guess that's why you all held back on attacking him then, if he's that strong…" Izuku said.

"I, too, could use magic." Emeralda stated rather matter-of-factly.

Now it was Michiru who looked surprised as she twisted her head comically fast to stare at her friend "What?! When? Why didn't you tell me Emmy? That's so cool!"

Izuku cringed slightly, for once on the other side of watching someone else geek out as he wondered if this was what everyone else felt like when he did it. Jun couldn't help but smirk himself at the sudden reversal.

Despite having been around Michiru just about every day for a month now, Emeralda was still taken aback by her furry friend's enthusiasm. Fighting back the flustered look on her face, the greenette quickly replied "Ba, back home. From the time I awoke until we defeated Deus, I could cast various elemental spells, like Zelgadis. After that though, everyone lost their ability to use such powers so it wasn't really worth mentioning." Then Emeralda added under her breath "or so I thought, anyway…"

Michiru's enhanced hearing picked up on it though and she felt the need to poke some more "Huh? That so? Makes me wonder what else you've been holding out on me, Emmy. What about all those pictures of your friends back home? Some of them were real lookers, is there something else you're not telling me? Hmmm?"

The tan girl's face grew redder but instead of embarrassment to accompany it, Emeralda's face set into a deep frown. With Zelgadis firmly disengaged from the conversation, it was left to either Izuku or Jun to keep Michiru in check and neither choose to take up the mantle. Instead, Emeralda, very much aware that they had only reconciled earlier in the day, caught herself and answered as calmly as she could "Michiru, please. Its still hard to talk about them."

With Emeralda's plea, Jun felt he could step in, "Michiru, you know how hard it is to be away from loved ones just as much as Kasim-san does. Best leave it be if you could."

"Ok, fair enough. Sorry Emmy. I didn't hear a no though!" Michiru finished with a mischievous grin.

By then, the group had made it back to the dorms, Izuku going back to the 1-A building with a reminder that tomorrow was the opening ceremony and to get to bed quickly. Jun said the same to Michiru and Emeralda. Zelgadis, though, was barred from attending and under confinement for what Jun deemed excessive force on Katsuki, which didn't seem to bother the chimera to much even if Michiru protested.

When they entered the dorm, only Celty was still up, being used to working at night as an underground hero. She had been going over various reports, looking for connections to All for One's organization when the group arrived. The headless hero stood up to greet them "How'd it…go" The dullahan trailed off seeing Zelgadis' scowl.

Michiru moved to answer but Jun held his hand up to stop her, saying instead "It seems the evening wasn't without incident. These three should be off to bed. I'll fill you in. There is much to discuss."

Without a head to nod, Celty said simply "Gotcha. Well then, good night you three."

Zelgadis just turned and walked away but Michiru and Emeralda waved and offered thanks as they, too left for their rooms.

It would be quite some time before Jun was able to leave that night as the two talked.

(X)

Already exhausted before their meeting with Izuku and later Xellos, Michiru had felt a new level of tiredness when she had finally collapsed on her bed. Unfortunately, the morning came all too soon and it was extremely difficult to drag herself out of bed for a quick shower before getting into UA's female uniform and it's annoying skirt.

The tanuki girl felt partly vindicated when she got downstairs to see the rare sight of a blurry-eyed Emeralda sitting at the table slouched forward with a cup of coffee. The girl's pale green hair, naturally full, was a mess, partly covering the tan girl's eyes as she starred into her cup. All of the lighters currently enrolled at UA were there but others like Ranma, Sadou and Celty were all missing.

"You guys look like hell." Shinra tactlessly pointed out as he ate a piece of toast.

"Yeah, fighting off a bully and running into a demon will do that." Michiru dryly answered as she, too, sought a cup of coffee.

"A…a bully?" Mobb nervously asked.

"Wait, a demon?" Terra asked immediately after Mob.

After a long pause for her to get some of that bitter, yet wonderful warm liquid down her throat, Michiru replied "Yeah, Bakugo was attacking Izuku when we got there."

"Bakugo? That arrogant first year prick? Damn, I wish I'd been there, I'd love to take that guy down a peg!" Shinra replied before he dusted the breadcrumbs off his uniform.

"I think you're missing the bigger point here, fire-feet." Hina drawled.

"Yes, don't tell me it was…"

"Xellos." Emeralda finished as she finally sat upright, the light returning to her eyes.

There was a silence in the room as that sank in before Terra offered "Perhaps that's why the others left so early. Hitomi had arrived well before sunrise, just as I woke up and was talking to Brooklyn, Ranma and Sadou along with Celty."

"Sounds like something's going on." Hina suggested. "By the way, where is that rock-covered jackass? Shouldn't he be here with us?"

"He is being punished for impaling Bakugo's legs last evening and won't be joining us." Emeralda plainly stated as she got out of her chair, unaware of the stares she was getting from most of the other lighters.

"He's…been in a bad place because of something Xellos said. Here, I'll tell you on the way to opening ceremony." Michiru offered as she tried to quickly finish off her cup. With nods from the others, the group was soon off to join the rest of the UA student body for opening remarks from Principal Nezu.

(X)

It wasn't a long trek to the large open field between the dorms and the main UA building where a stage had been set up and the various classes gathered in organized blocks to stand and listen to remarks from the faculty. The lighters were given the option to stand with the classes they had trained with, that is Michiru and Emeralda with 1-A, Terra with 1-B, Mob with 3-G but with the party last night and with the whole experience with Xellos, they opted to stand together as a group. The six of them represented the largest number of lighters at UA at one time and administration felt it was fine.

Nezu opened his speech talking about how his coat had lost some of its luster, likely a result of lack of sleep. As much of a non sequitur as that seemed, the indeterminate mammal soon dovetailed into the events of the summer, culminating in the retirement of All Might. This meant students, especially hero course students, would need to be extra diligent now that the world was likely to change greatly soon.

Michiru had mixed feelings about all of this. She had been so relieved to be in a world she had perceived as understanding of differences such as hers. Now though, knowing more about it, she wasn't sure the change that Nezu was warning about was necessarily all bad. Then again, if she were lucky, she wouldn't be around long enough to see them.

After Nezu finished with comments about how they would all inherit this world, Hound Dog, who was apparently the extra-curricular guidance teacher, spoke. At least, that's what Michiru supposed he was trying to do because after only a couple of words, the muzzle-wearing hero broke down into a snarling mess of incoherent growls and barks. Michiru assumed he was talking about their fights last night based on the few words she could comprehend but she wasn't sure. When she glanced over at Emeralda, the tan girl looked just about as confused. Further inspection told the tanuki girl that most everyone in attendance seemed to feel the same way.

Vlad King, who was serving as MC for the ceremony, came up once Hound Dog was finished and spoke as if his fellow teacher had just spoken entirely normally, un-nerving many in the crowd. Michiru's suspicions were confirmed when Vlad re-stated that students had been fighting the previous night and that everyone needed to remember to be more respectful going forward.

After that, the students were dismissed to head back to their classes. Hina and Mob joined their general studies and business classes while Terra and Shinra were to report to 2-A to talk about their work studies. Michiru and Emeralda were told the night before to join 1-A for the day since Shota had something to tell them. Plus, it would give them a chance to see what it was like in a regular class.

That's exactly where the two of them were headed when an all too familiar six-armed girl with ant-like features came bounding toward the two of them. Michiru groaned and tried to shield her face with her hand to hide, as if her fur and tail wouldn't give her away. "Hey, little racoon! Heard ya passed the licensing exam! Welcome to being a real hero, like me! You're welcome for all the help I gave you in Aizawa-sensei's little test. I think you owe me!"

Not afraid to show just how over she was with the day already, Michiru sagged her shoulders as she tiredly replied "Hello, Yoshimura-san. Its, uh, nice to see you again." Then the other girl's words sank in as her eye's widened, "Wait, what? We owe you? Didn't Aizawa order you to do it since your work study was suspended?"

"Aww, you can call me Sakon! We're buds, aren't we?" Michiru cocked an eyebrow. "Ok, ok, sorry, I won't call you animal names anymore, ok?" The tanuki continued to look unconvinced. "…and I never should have in the first place…"

"There, that's better." Michiru said, letting her guard down and offering a smile to the brash ant-girl. "So, what did you have in mind for this favor of yours?"

Sakon beamed, her compound irises lighting up with excitement "Thank you Michiru! I actually had a couple things I wanted to ask you. If you know any heroes looking for a work study sidekick, could you…put in a good word for me? I've kinda…burned some bridges if ya know what I mean…"

Michiru looked contemplative for a moment. She was going to be working with Celty looking for clues to that Nomu from what she understood so she wasn't really sure she'd even get the chance. Still, it couldn't hurt, right? "Yeah, sure, I can do that Sakon. No promises anyone will say yes though. And the other thing?"

"And the other thing is, I challenge you to a one-on-one in basketball!" Sakon declared, pointing her two right arms at the tanuki girl dramatically.

Michiru's smile grew into a confident smirk "Oh? You think you can take me, huh? Sure, you're on!" The two heteromorphic girls bumped fists to make it official before Michiru turned to call over her shoulder "You hear that Emmy? You want to watch me wipe the floor with this ant?"

"She's not paying attention." Sakon offered.

"What?" Michiru said, whirling around.

"Yeah, I think she's being hit on by, ugh, one of my classmates." The ant girl responded, a hint of disgust in her voice.

Sure enough, Michiru saw a tall, solidly built familiar blonde guy talking to Emeralda. The tan nanomachine girl definitely looked uncomfortable to Michiru but once she focused on what the boy was saying, it became clear to the tanuki girl that if LeMillion was flirting, he was doing a terrible job of it.

"…So I heard a rumor you were one of the students fighting last night! Is that true?" Mirio jovially asked.

Emeralda nodded in the affirmative, her expression that of one wondering why she was being forced to endure such torture.

Mirio beamed, "Wow! I knew you were strong but to be so bold as to fight on school grounds, you lighters are something else, huh?"

Emeralda looked away as she replied nervously "We didn't intend to fight anyone. We only did what needed to be done."

"Like true heroes! Gotta say, I'm impressed! If you weren't new to the school, you three would probably take our spots as the Big Three!" the scarred blonde said as he laughed.

Michiru was about to step forward and rescue her friend from the overbearing, if well-meaning top student when Mirio said something that brought her up short "But enough about that! My bud here has something to say to you!"

Taking a half step back revealed a very nervous and awkward-looking indigo-haired guy that Mirio then slapped in the back to push him forward and closer to Emeralda "You got this, Tamaki!"

Michiru instantly realized what was going on and part of her wanted to save her friend but the part of her that won out wanted to see it play out. This would be good for the shy greenette.

With one arm hanging down while the other crossed his body to hold the limp one's bicep, Tamaki looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there as he stuttered out "Uh, h, h, hi, Kasim-san."

Emeralda at first looked confused but when she saw the red on the boy's face and his inability to look her straight in the eye, a look of recognition washed over her features and she seemed to brace herself.

The nervous boy continued, "E, ever since we, uh, fought in that exam I, uh, I've been thinking about you a lot and…" Tamaki cringed and looked over to Mirio, who offered a sparkling smile and thumbs up before the nervous wreck of a boy finished "…and I was wondering if-if you'd, you know…go on a d, d, date with me?"

Emeralda did not answer, instead she seemed to shrink, an almost haunted look on her face. Not the reaction that Michiru had been expecting. Finally, just when Tamaki looked like he was about to break down and run away, the tan girl spoke, softly and with a hint of shame "I…am sorry, Amajiki-san. I…I don't think I-I'm ready for such things, nor…nor am I worthy. I am sorry."

Tamaki clenched his eyes shut as he turned away, choking out "O, oh., I…see. I'm sorry to have bothered you Kasim-san."

Mirio threw his arm around his friend and tried to cheer him up "Hey! I'm proud of you for finally asking! At least now you know, right? Now we can move on." Then the blonde turned his head to address Emeralda, saying "Sorry to bother you miss! I still look forward to a rematch sometime! See you!"

The tan girl didn't respond, instead she just stood there, starring after the two boys as if she had just escaped from some terrible monster. "Ya see that! Think they're so great they can just hit up anybody!" Sakon exclaimed, glaring after her classmates.

Michiru, though had a worried expression on her face as she came up to her amber-eyed friend "Emmy…you ok? You look more than a little spooked."

Taking a deep breath, Emeralda's composure quickly returned as her more familiar stoic expression came back on her face. Michiru knew her friend was shy and far less experienced with people than she ever thought possible but this…

"I…I'm fine Michiru. That just brought back some unpleasant memories is all. No need to worry." Emeralda tried to reassure her friend.

Michiru wasn't buying it but she was learning it wasn't always best to press these things, especially since she didn't like it when others pressed her about things she didn't want to talk about. Slapping on a big smile, Michiru turned to Sakon and chided "Quit it, will you! Those two didn't do anything wrong! Take care Sakon, we're headed to class."

"Wait, give me your number, I'm not chasing you down again if I want to get a hold of you!" the ant girl excitedly said as she fumbled to get her phone out.

The two exchanged numbers and said their goodbyes before going to their respective classes. As Michiru and Emeralda made their way, watching Emeralda get asked out made the tanuki girl wonder. Having seen all the lighters together and having listened to them talk about themselves, it occurred to her that not one of them seemed to have formed a romantic relationship with anyone in this world. Even the ones who had been here for years. Michiru had no intention of staying here any longer than she had to but she had to wonder how she would feel if she had to be here for so long. It wasn't a pleasant thought.

(X)

"Zelgadis, you there? Its Hitomi."

Hitomi had been talking with Jun while the UA lighters went off to opening ceremonies about what had happened the night before. Beyond the disturbing revelation that Xellos intended to strand them all here forever was the behavior not just of Katsuki Bakugo but the change in attitude of Zelgadis. The two agreed that she needed to address them sooner rather than later given how important becoming human again appeared to be to young man.

Now, Hitomi stood outside the sorcerer's door, having knocked once and announced herself, she heard nothing. Memories of when she had tried to see Michiru and found her missing flooded her mind when the counselor got no response. Again, she knocked and said, a hint of concern in her voice "Zelgadis, could you at least let me know you're in there?"

Finally, a very annoyed but deep voice replied "I'm not going to pull a Michiru if that's what you're worried about. Now I'm trying to study, could you please leave me alone."

"Zelgadis…I really think we should talk. You think you'd be up for that?" Hitomi gently ventured.

The brunette cringed alittle when a suddenly enraged voice boomed through the door "I HAVE NOTHING TO TALK ABOUT! Could you please leave!"

There was a long period of silence where Hitomi could only imagine the chimera was berating himself for the uncontrolled outburst. After giving Zelgadis a bit more time to consider his clear demonstration of a need for the very think he had just denied, Hitomi tried again, "I know how important returning to normal is to you, Zelgadis but…this isn't like you. You won't get anywhere with so much pent-up anger. Could we please talk?"

"No." came the blunt and harsh reply.

Hitomi sighed. She hated having to resort to this but given how rational the sorcerer typically was, this was likely the only option left to her. With a touch of forced confidence in her voice, the counselor said "Zelgadis. You'll get your chance to look for the girl. Celty is already in contact with a hero who was already investigating the Shie Hassaikai. But…unless you talk to me, unless you go through an evaluation with me, you won't be allowed out in the field."

The sound of a chair sliding back as Zelgadis got up could be heard and Hitomi celebrated internally as she heard footsteps approach the door. The sense of accomplishment melted away however when the rock-encrusted swordsmen opened the door. Zelgadis seemed to loom over her, an icy glare barring down on her as he stood there, clearly displeased. Not wasting any time, Zelgadis snapped "I didn't see you force Michiru to talk to you when she had her little fit."

It had been spoken as a statement, but Hitomi quickly noted the implied question and answered "Michiru's problem was an interpersonal one. I felt once Emeralda was able to open up to her then things could start to mend and from what I'm told, I was right. Besides, taking an exam and going into the field are different things entirely. Michiru will be given the same ultimatum if she refuses as well."

"Hmph" Zelgadis huffed as he crossed his arms. "So you think there's something wrong with me then? Pretty arrogant of you to think that. Tell me, counselor, what's keeping me from flying through that window right now and tracking down that little girl myself?"

"You tell me, Zelgadis." Hitomi answered back immediately, rising to the challenge and surprising the chimera. "If you were going to do that, you would have already. You're a rational person Zelgadis. I think you know you've already tried striking out and it didn't go very well. You need us and you know it."

Zelgadis looked away, his frown deepening. It was true. Much as he desperately wanted to just rush out and shake down every lowlife he could find to get answers, he knew that in this world, that taking things into your own hands invited …complications.

Zelgadis was pulled from his thoughts when Hitomi spoke again "And by the way, each and every one of us has problems. Its how we deal with those problems that can affect yourself and others. I never said there was anything wrong with you. What I am saying is that your problem is with yourself. What I'm doing is offering to help you with it."

"Tch, offering isn't exactly the word I'd use." Zelgadis dryly replied, "More like coercing me into letting you help me…"

Hitomi offered a saccharine smile as she sweetly said "Some people need a little push sometimes, that's all. It's not my fault some are more stubborn than others."

"Your unbelievable. Fine, if it'll satisfy you, ask your damn questions as long as you promise you won't bother me again." Zelgadis finally relented, shifting to the side to let the older brunette into his room.

(X)

The students of 1-A, minus Katsuki, sat in their seats, at once glad to have returned to the familiar and safe environs of their classroom and yet burdened with the overbearing presence that was their homeroom teacher. Shota had at first taken the time to remind them that even though most of them now had their licenses, classes were only going to get more intense from there. Things dragged on a bit for the dower underground hero when many in the class wanted to know about the work studies Nezo had mentioned during the opening ceremonies.

While it annoyed him to keep others waiting, Shota still felt it was worth explaining and it signaled to him he should get his students involved if possible. With that out of the way, Tenya, ever one to notice something out of the natural order, asked "Teacher! If I may ask, why are there two empty seats at the back of the class! As class representative, was there a change I failed to notice?"

Shota waved the overly enthusiastic young man off "I was just getting to that Iida. Sanada-sensei asked if I could allow a few of his students to observe classes today to see if they are interested in joining instead of being taught by him exclusively. This isn't out of the ordinary since the other four lighters on campus did the same thing. Come on in."

With the go ahead given, Michiru and Emeralda slid the notably large door open and walked in to stand beside the messy-haired eraser hero. "I'm sure Kagemori and Kasim need no introduction."

A hand raised from one of the more soft-spoken members of the class, drawing everyone's attention "Is Greywards not going to be joining us then?" Fumikage asked.

Shota's eyes narrowed slightly, the barest hint of a frown briefly passed his features as he replied "As with Bakugo, Greywards is under house arrest for events stemming from last night's incident. That's all I have to say on the matter. Treat Kagemori and Kasim as you have been and there won't be any problems. Take your seats you two. That is all. Mic, they're all yours."

The boisterous blonde hero announced his arrival to teacher English as Michiru and Emeralda went to their seats in the back of the glass as they were greeted by their friends. Izuku, though, was notably subdued as he watched them take their seats. Michiru looked a bit awkward without a desk while Emeralda looked completely content to sit ramrod straight looking forward. It was going to be an interesting day indeed.

(X)

"Alright, so how is this happening?" Zelgadis asked incredulously.

Outwardly unfazed by the sorcerer's sour attitude, Hitomi smiled patiently as she pointed to the bed "You go ahead and take a seat on the bed, I'll pull up the chair beside you and we can talk."

"Fine" Zelgadis drawled, as he sat down heavily, his arms crossed.

Pulling up the desk chair, Hitomi sat, continuing to smile but inwardly wishing she could have brought her note pad. She suspected, however, that her patient would view any notes with suspicion. Instead, she'd just have to do her best to remember once it was over.

"Alright, Zelgadis. I want to start at the beginning, if that's alright? Tell me alittle about yourself?" Hitomi began.

Zelgadis' frown deepened "Is that really necessary? I've already told you all about myself before, including…" pausing to listen for footsteps from a certain telekinetic. He continued when he heard nothing, "…at that stupid party last night."

"I suppose that's fair, though what you said last night could hardly be more than a summary, which makes me wonder, is there a reason you don't want to talk about yourself?" Hitomi probed gently.

"No, its just a waste of time to repeat myself is all. If this is all we're doing, we can just end right now." Zelgadis, annoyed, answered back.

"Well, you've talked about your world, that you traveled across it, that you were changed into you're current form and that you're an accomplished sorcerer and swordsmen. I even recall you saying you've saved your world a time or two, that right?" Hitomi inquired, impressing Zelgadis with having remembered all of that.

One detail needed correcting though "I helped save the world. It would be grossly inaccurate to say I saved anything." Zelgadis said, the edge in his voice softening slightly.

"I'm glad you said that, Zelgadis. You've mentioned your traveling companions before but you've never really gone into any great detail about them. Would you…mind sharing a bit more? I'm curious."

"If you insist, I guess I don't see the harm in it." Zelgadis replied, wondering if he'd just been led by the counselor exactly where she wanted to go.

"If it's easier, I can use my power to allow you to share with me directly about your friends." Hitomi ventured, inwardly hoping the chimera had softened enough to let her in.

"You mean like what happened with Emeralda when you touched her pendant? Yeah, no, that's not happening." Zelgadis quickly declared.

Hitomi wasn't ready to quit yet though "It's true I involuntarily used my power that time. Emeralda herself has moved past it though. She allowed me to use my power when we talked after her fight with Michiru and…I think it helped a lot. I will only see what you let me. I promise. Just guide me to whatever you want me to see, ok?"

Zelgadis' lips twitched slightly as he looked into the brunette's green eyes, looking for any hint of malice as he considered his options. The pause was starting to become uncomfortable and Hitomi was dreading that she hadn't convinced him when he broke eye contact and looked away, quietly answering "…fine. But! It ends the second I say so! Got it, counselor?"

If Hitomi was excited about getting permission to use her power, she didn't show it. Years of listening to others express their concerns had allowed Hitomi to hone her self-control about such things. She was, however, very relieved.

Pulling her necklace up from underneath the collar of her shirt to reveal the jewel dangling from the base of it, Hitomi said "Thank you Zelgadis. I'm going to put my hand on your shoulder and you'll feel a brief sense of disorientation. After that, we'll go and see whatever comes to your mind. Ready?"

Even though he had agreed to it, the chimera couldn't help but frown as he sighed. "No, but let's go anyway. Not sure I'll ever be ready. Just do it."

"Ok then, here was go." said the counselor as she reached out. The moment her hand touched the chimera, there was a flash of light that emanated from the pendant that seemed to envelope Zelgadis' senses and just as he had be warned, he lost all sense of where he was.

As the light faded into darkness, Zelgadis looked about and saw nothing as he seemed to float in a void of nothingness. After a moment, Hitomi's voice seemed to come from all around. Instead of being overwhelming, the counselor's voice was comforting, like being wrapped in a blanket "Well done Zelgadis. Now, just like we talked about, think about your friends."

The sorcerer did just that as he closed his eyes, thoughts of his companions filling his mind. Then, the sound of loud eating began to penetrate his senses, causing Zelgadis to open his eyes again. There he was, sitting at a table as his three friends gorged themselves on literally everything on the menu the inn they were staying in had to offer.

Instantly, he knew where he was and the memory began to play out as Zelgadis said "I thought I told you that I am on a journey to find the Claire Bible. I made it clear this is my own personal problem." As he spoke, Zelgadis grew more irritated, his frustration building until he finished with "But even so, would you please stop following and criticizing me?" before he shot up, hands slammed on the table "Are you even listening to me!?"

The two girls at the table, mouths filled to the brim, each tried to retort, only muffled sounds coming out. Zelgadis' voice grew icy as he replied "Either eat or talk."

The other three occupants of the table paused for a moment to consider the ultimatum. It only took them each a moment to jump right back into stuffing their faces, though with renewed gusto.

Defeated, Zelgadis plopped back down in his seat, head resting on his hand as he muttered "My fault. Would you please stop eating and talk?"

Finally, the leader of their group, a petite girl with long red hair, pink top with yellow across the chest, pink pants and large black shoulder guards that held her black cape stopped eating and took a long gulp of water. Slamming the container down on the table hard as she shot up from her seat, Lina Inverse, Magical Genius, grabbed command of the conversation with her dominating tone as she leaned in hard, causing the chimera to shrink back as she said "What I said was, just because you say 'don't follow us' doesn't mean we're just going to say 'sure, whatever' like we're strangers!"

The other girl, her hair raven and shorter that flared out to either side in the back like her father and wearing a white outfit with pink highlights and white cape added "You're being so distant, Mr. Zelgadis. And after we're finally all reunited like this too!" Then standing up as well, her shining blue eyes alight with passion, added "We'll do whatever we can to help!" as she leaned forward, pointing empathically at the chimera, as was the way of Amelia Wil Tesla Seyruun, princess of the kingdom of Seyrunn.

Zelgadis wasn't buying it, who at this point was spun in his seat to face to the side, his legs crossed as he replied, a bit bitterly "You all just consider me your personal sideshow freak."

Lina waved the gloomy chimera off as she said "Aww, its not like that Zel…" then, side-eying the black-haired princess, added coyly "…right Amelia?"

Completely missing the hint, Amelia clasped her hands together as she tried to re-enforce the point "Uh, yeah! Right, of course not!"

Convinced, if barely as he rested his hand in front of his mouth, Zelgadis said "Very well. I just ask that you stay out of my way. Please understand that I'm risking everything to find the Claire Bible, a mysterious book said to contain the deepest secrets of sorcery and mazuku."

Enthralled if confused, Amelia asked "Oh…and just what exactly do you want to do with this book?"

That caused both Zelgadis and Lina to almost comically plant their faces on the table, confusing the young princess even more. As he pulled himself up, the chimera muttered "Oh brother…"

Lina didn't even bother to lift up her head, opting to just look over at Amelia as she began to explain, more than a little condescension in her voice "Now listen, Zel wants to use the spells in the Claire Bible to turn himself from a chimera back to a normal human!"

Absolutely surprised, Amelia stood up again "HUH? You still want to do that? But you look so cool now!"

Zelgadis leaned forward to hide abit as he almost growled "Well, I don't like it!"

Finally standing again, Lina held her finger up as if explaining to a class "Look, if he says he hates it, then he hates it."

Amelia still wasn't convinced, insisting on asking again "But why, Mr. Zelgadis?" Then launching into a dramatic display with her hands, something that was almost compulsive with the princess, Amelia added "Even if you do look like a freak, our friendship is eternal!" Then meekly adding as she pulled her hands in held tight in front of her "I think…"

Zelgadis slumped his shoulders as he deadpanned "With friends like these…"

Lina chimed in with an admonishing tone "Amelia! Saying right to his face that he has skin like rock and hair like wire is not exactly the height of subtlety."

Zelgadis couldn't believe what he was hearing, and again faceplanted into the table, though this time, as if to illustrate Lina's point, his hair embedded itself into the wooden table.

Amelia immediately defended herself "I never said that much! Besides, you should never judge a book by its cover!" conveniently forgetting her own reaction the first time the two met.

Finally freeing himself from the table, a number of hairs left behind in the wood, Zelgadis had had enough, as he declared "Enough!...I'm going to bed." Then getting up, the now thoroughly humiliated sorcerer-swordsmen stumbled on his way up the stairs.

Finally, the tall other guy of the group, with long blonde hair, blue shirt and pants with black chest and shoulder armor finally spoke up "..nice going guys."

As the three of them watched Zelgadis stumble up the stairs, Lina looked at her shorter royal friend and asked, "You think we teased him a little too much?"

"Huh? I didn't know we were teasing him!" Amelia innocently replied as she turned and looked back at the hair left behind.

Zelgadis made his way to his room and sat on his bed, just as he was in the waking world when an ethereal visage of Hitomi appeared floating before him and spoke "They seem like a lively bunch."

A smile spread across the chimera's face as a wistful look played on his rocky features. "They are. I remember how annoyed I was after that but deep down, I was so happy to see them again."

"Yes, I could tell they really care for you. Lina even calls you Zel, just like Michiru does. And don't think I didn't notice how they didn't care how you looked." Hitomi noted with a sly smile.

"Yeah, well, they are all pretty weird themselves. I hope you're not implying that either of them liked me. Lina definitely had eyes for Gourry and Amelia…I think she misplaced her pity for affection, honestly. She always felt sorry for me and that may have grown to something more but the last thing I would ever want is pity." Zelgadis replied.

"I can guess based on the fact that you're still a chimera but…did you ever find the Claire Bible?" Hitomi ventured, both to add context and because she was now very curious.

A light frown made it's way on the Zelgadis' face as he answered "In a manner of speaking, yes, we did. It turned out the Claire Bible was the remaining knowledge of the Water Dragon King, safe guarded by the last bits of the shinzuku's essence. It was…destroyed before I could study it fully."

The inn room suddenly shifted to a vast desert-like valley, seemingly countless massive tablets lining the landscape. Hitomi and Zelgadis now floated over the site as Zelgadis explained "Looking back on it, even if I have been granted complete access to the bible, it may of taken me years to find what I was looking for. I…may have died trying, if I'm being honest."

That thought was left to linger for a moment before Hitomi decided to seize on something the princess had said "Zelgadis, Amelia seemed pretty surprised you were still looking for a cure. Why would she think that?"

"Probably because we'd smashed 'evil' together as I am and the thought of changing that confused her." Zelgadis speculated, refusing to consider any other possibility.

"Does…being like this convey any advantages? Besides the extra durability of being made of rock, I mean? Hitomi probed.

"My magic. As a human I was very poor at it. A real embarrassment to the family, honestly." Zelgadis answered, anger creeping into his voice.

"Your family…you've said before that you're an orphan, right?" Hitomi asked, sure she was getting closer to the heart of what drove this man's obsession.

"My family has been known as sorcerers and sorceresses for generations." Zelgadis explained as the space around them began to change again. Instead of seeing his parents as Hitomi hoped, a statue began to appear, in a town square, looming over them.

Hitomi had barely gotten the chance to wonder who it was when Zelgadis continued "But really, our claim to fame was our relation to Rezo, the Red Priest." The name was spoken with deep resentment as the chimera continued, "One of the three great sages, he was renowned across the land for his healing miracles. Everyone loved and revered him. Even me, for a time."

"Until he transformed you, right?" Hitomi gentled ventured.

The brunette counselor was surprised to hear Zelgadis say "No. For a time after he did it, I continued to look up to him. He had, after all, done what I said I wanted." Zelgadis finished, bitter regret dripping off his every last word.

Suddenly, the stone visage of the great sage seemed to come to life as the scene changed. Rezo's soft, round features and hair similar in shape though purple to Zelgadis really sold the family resemblance. The great sage walked forward, cloaked in a massive red cloak and double layered shoulder guards that hid his form save for his arm, which was held out as he carried an simple metal staff the tip of which was in the shape of a hexagon, rings dangling from either side. As he walked, the rings clanged, giving the figure a sense of foreboding as he approached. It was also of note that his eyes were completely closed as well.

Hitomi turned to see a younger and very human Zelgadis, his hair shorter in back, his ears rounded and his skin pale as he swung a sword. His eyes carried an innocence to them, reflected in the light grey tunic and pants he wore. Hitomi had been around swordsmen before and knew the sight of one training well. It would be nostalgic if not for the approaching figure adding to a sense of dread she felt.

"Stronger! I want to be stronger! It's the only way to get results in this world!" Zelgadis repeated like a mantra as he hacked away at the tree trunk he stood by.

From behind, Rezo spoke before Zelgadis could even become aware of his presence, "Then I shall grant your wish!" Black tendrils shot forth from behind the sagely man, wrapping Zelgadis' body tight and rising him off the ground.

Zelgadis' face twisted in agony, his eyes wide as he screamed. Hitomi wanted to turn away from the terrible sight but knew that this moment, more than any other, defined Zelgadis and she felt obligated to watch. Within moments, the rocks that was his signature forced their way above his now blue skin as his hair hardened. Like that, it was over, the tendrils releasing him, Zelgadis collapsed to the soft grass in a heap.

As he lay there, once again a chimera, Zelgadis looked up to see the ghostly visage of Hitomi, who had a look of great pity on her face. That angered and embarrassed the chimera and he put his face in the dirt again to avoid it.

"Thank you…for showing me Zelgadis. I know it was very difficult to go through that again. I know it's still hard but this pain, I think you'll find it better if its shared." Hitomi offered as she got on her knees to try and speak closer to his level.

"You don't have to thank me for anything. It happened. That's clear anytime someone looks at me. Showing you how doesn't change anything." Zelgadis muttered, still not willing to look the counselor in the eye.

Hitomi wholeheartedly disagreed with that point of view but knew better than to argue now. No, the best path forward was to keep Zelgadis focused on facts, that would be the best way to what lay beneath. "Maybe so. Maybe not. For now though, If this Rezo was seen as such a great man, why would he even do this to you?"

Glancing back up and seeing the curiosity in her eyes, Zelgadis sat up and asked "You saw his eyes didn't you?

"Well, no, they were closed, actually." Hitomi answered.

"Exactly. Rezo was born blind. It turned out all the miracles, all the healing he did to help people, it was all in service of trying to cure that blindness. It seems one of the many ways he sought to cure himself was to see if a chimera body would allow him that gift. And since I was so closely related to him…"

"You were the perfect guinea pig." Hitomi finished, horrified.

Eventually, I found out what he was doing, that what he had me and my comrades doing, was all in service of his goal. Me and two others left when we discovered he was willing to resurrect the dark lord to get his eyesight."

"What…happened?" Hitomi hesitantly asked.

The wooded training area shifted to the inside of a castle, Rezo, his eyes now open, cackled madly as his body began to twist and transform into a massive, horrifying form. "It turned out the whole reason Rezo couldn't see was because a part of the demon lord had been sealed in them. When he managed to open his eyes, he broke the seal, and Shabranigdo was reborn into the world.

The scene shifted again to an open field, Zelgadis, Lina and Gourry alone standing against the great demon lord. "The three of us threw everything we had against him but it was only when Lina used her trump card, a spell that drew on the power from the god of chaos herself were we able to win. I had had my revenge. With the man who had done this to me dead, I could only channel my rage into undoing what he had cursed me with."

Zelgadis all of the sudden looked very tired, his shoulders slumped, fatigue clear on his face as the surroundings shifted several times to scenes of Zelgadis and his friends' fighting threats to the world before fading to darkness once more. "There have been so many distractions along the way and some near misses but as you can see, I'm still at it. I will make it right."

That had been the most important thing Hitomi wanted to see. That Zelgadis' drive to find a cure wouldn't cause him to stray from doing what's right. For now, anyway. Just like with Emeralda, there was still much work to do with this tortured soul but that would come in time. Zelgadis was clearly exhausted. With his head down, Zelgadis missed Hitomi placing a gentle hand on his cheek. The gesture caused light to again flash in the chimera's vision and when he blinked again, he was back in his room, Hitomi still sitting beside him.

"How are you feeling, Zelgadis?" Hitomi ventured.

"Drained." Zelgadis mumbled. "Is it like that every time you use that power of yours?"

"No, usually only when you relive trauma. I hope it helped you at least a little?" Hitomi replied.

Inwardly, Zelgadis was actually very happy to get to see his friends again, even if the memory was a bit embarrassing. And reliving his transformation again, well it wasn't the best but he reasoned if Hitomi could see it, she'd at least not ask him about it later. After another moment's pause, the chimera answered, "It could have been worse."

"You'd be willing to talk again?" Hitomi dared to ask, her eyes hopeful.

"Hey, don't press your luck, lady. Am I back on for field work or not?" Zelgadis shot back.

"Yes, we did talk and I have deemed you fit for the field. But like with Emeralda, I think it would do you a lot of good to spend so more time with me." Hitomi said as she stood up and moved the chair back.

"Maybe" was all the chimera said, though his softer tone gave Hitomi the impression that there was a good chance that could be a yes next time she asked. Not ideal but much better than it could have gone.

"Thank you again for letting me speak to you Zelgadis. I feel like I know you a bit better now." Hitomi said as she bowed.

Waving her off, Zelgadis stood and offered her a bow as well. "I only did what needed to be done is all."

Hitomi smirked, knowing better as she turned to leave. Before she could step through the door, however, Zelgadis called after her "I think…she may say she's better but if you get the chance, see if Michiru will do this, will you?"

The smirk on the counselor's face spread to a wide, warm smile as she looked over her shoulder "Maybe." She said with a wink. With a smirk of his own, Zelgadis watched the older brunette shut the door behind her.

As well as that had went, Hitomi knew her next patient would be far less cooperative. Yes, Katsuki Bakugo would likely prove to be one of the, if not the hardest person to help of any that she has attempted in all her years.

(X)

The day of classes was surprising therapeutic for Michiru. She hadn't realized just how much she had missed the sheer normalcy of simply being in class. Sure, she had a tail and was covered in fur, stuck sitting in the back with no desk but point stood. Each teacher had encouraged but not required the two guest students to participate which was appreciated, especially since her and Emeralda each had their own strengths.

For Michiru, having been going into her senior year before her transformation and subsequent year of hiding, it was almost like cheating in English and literature. It was earie just how similar the curriculum was across time and space. On the other hand, Emeralda excelled in math, a subject that Michiru was always only just passing.

Lunch had also been interesting. All the girls took turns trying out pitches to convince the two lighters to stay on as permanent members of the class. Everyone also wanted to know just what had happened the night before since Izuku was being so tight-lipped about it. Michiru was willing to indulge her audience some, leaving out everything with Xellos. Emeralda even added a detail or two, the whole story delighting everyone. It seemed that just about everyone enjoyed hearing about the fiery blonde getting taken down a peg.

Everyone except Izuku. The inheritor of One-for-All had chosen to sit by himself, largely ignoring all the attention his otherworldly temporary classmates were garnering. There was just…so much weighing on him that it had been very difficult to focus in class and the reprieve granted by lunch had freed him to be left to his thoughts. Several classmates had noticed, of course, Ochaco and Tenya being first to try and see what was bothering him. He'd waved them off, saying he was just still tired from last night's excitement. Luckily, when he had texted All Might, his idol had replied back that he was free to talk after classes and Izuku just hoped he'd get some answers. The thought that he might have even more questions was entirely unacceptable and he pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind.

Izuku was brought out of his deep thought by the sound of someone sitting down at his table. Several feet away sat Emeralda, who didn't react when he nervously looked over to observe her. The tan girl had a cup she was drinking from, that looked to be a smoothie of some sort. After a few minutes past in silence, the freckled boy felt compelled to say something, the quiet and his curiosity getting the better of his high nerves, "Is… is there something I can help you with, Kasim-san?"

Without looking over, the soft-spoken, mysterious girl said matter-of-factly "It looked quiet over here so I decided to move. I am sorry if I am bothering you."

Slightly flustered, Izuku waved his hands as he stuttered out "N, n, no! I was thinking is all, and if you want quiet then this is the place to be!"

"Hm" was all the response the nanomachine girl offered as she returned to her smoothie.

It was easy enough to say but not only was the girl sitting with him very attractive but as a lighter, was very much one of the subjects of his musings. It quickly became very difficult to bring himself to focus on his thoughts as he had before. After a few minutes of trying, and failing to refocus himself, Izuku gave up, unable to bring himself to ask the girl to leave, he decided to try and strike up a conversation. "So…you just wanted to get a break from your friends, Kasim-san?"

The question surprised Emeralda. Her friends? Michiru was definitely her friend but the others? Emeralda had always kind of considered herself the tag-along. In her mind, if Michiru wasn't there, she assumed that the rest wouldn't really care that she was there. But hearing Izuku ask the question, she remembered back to the girl's night they had had together. She had kind of pushed it to the back of her mind because of how it ended but thinking on it now, they had set it up for her. They were having fun with her. An almost imperceivable smile graced the girl's lips before she turned her head to answer the boy "I have found that I am not very good at interacting with others."

Izuku kind of expected the tan girl to say something more harmless, a polite affirmation or the like. He hadn't been prepared for something so calmly self-deprecating. This lead the provisional hero to ask "O-oh? Even if that's true, I'm not sure I see why that would cause you to join me."

"I…don't like doing anything I'm not good at. My father would tell me how I was going to be the light that led humanity forward. I feel so…ashamed when I can't do what is expected of me. I could fight, I could paint or draw but talking to people…that has been…beyond my grasp." Emeralda answered before turning away again.

This was definitely not what Izuku had bargained for when he started this conversation but he was in it now and he felt he needed to say…something. He had no idea what, of course, so he looked around and when he saw the raven-headed Fumikage sitting quietly amongst several of the other 1-A boys, Izuku took a stab in the dark "I-I'm sorry to hear that, Kasim-san. Plenty of people are shy. I'm not exactly the best communicator myself with my mumbling but you're not alone! Tokoyami over there is usually pretty quiet and he's going to be a great hero!"

Emeralda glanced over at Fumikage, who, at that very moment began speaking in response something neither she nor Izuku could hear. "There is a difference. Tokoyami does not speak often but he is confident when he does. I am never sure what I am going to say is the right thing. I think…over time I will be better but at the moment, I know I am lacking. You know I haven't been…" then she paused to look around to see if anyone was listening. Satisfied, Emeralda continued "…active for very long. Is it not like with your quirk, having not had it very long?"

Smiling despite himself, Izuku thought he was starting to understand what she was trying to say. She just needed practice, just like he needed with his quirk. It was just harder for her to practice because she didn't like being bad at it and it embarrassed her. Made sense. "I guess it kind of is, though it doesn't look like you break anything when you practice talking! Heh, heh!" Izuku awkwardly answered, which earned a scowl from the girl, for reasons Izuku didn't understand.

Then another thought occurred to the freckled boy that caused him to debate whether he should even ask. In the end, courage won out over any fear it wasn't appropriate. "Kasim-san…why tell me all this? This kind of feels like this is something you would talk with Kagemori about."

Emeralda signed, looking over at Michiru, laughing about something Mina had just said. "Michiru and Zelgadis have much that plagues them. I…don't want to bother them with my own problems. I may be doing that to you and if I am, I am sorry. It's just that you…know. You know what I am so you could understand a bit better than most anyone else I may wish to talk to."

"But what about Sanada-sensei or Kanzaki-san?" Izuku asked.

"With all the time spent with 1-A lately, I've been around you more than them. I guess…I've gotten the impression you would listen is all." The nanomachine girl explained, still looking away.

Izuku was stunned. Someone as distant and calm as Emeralda seemed, someone who hadn't even been alive for very long, had decided he was worth sharing her thoughts and fears with. He wasn't sure if that was flattering or evidence of woefully ignorant judgement. Regardless of which it was, Izuku silently pledged he would help wherever he could.

Before the freckled boy could open his mouth to thank her though, Emeralda spoke again as she again turned her amber orbs upon him. "I also hope I have succeeded in getting your mind off of what is troubling you."

There was a playfulness in those eyes that Izuku had never seen before from the girl and for a moment he couldn't bring himself to speak. She had…been trying to distract him? Cheer him up? Well, Izuku was definitely not thinking about all that had weighed on him a few minutes ago, that was for sure. Finally, blushing, Izuku turned away as he said softly "Ye, yeah, you did. Thank you, Kasim-san. You're…better at talking than you think you are, by the way."

"I disagree, but thank you as well, Midoriya-san. I will see you back in class." Emeralda replied as she got up. If Izuku's compliment made her feel any better about her communication skills, she didn't show it, her face neutral as always.

(X)

Toshinori had been a hero for a very long time and in his many years of saving civilians, fighting villains and recovering survivors, many days had been hard, exhausting experiences. Now that One for All had truly left him, leaving him an almost literal husk of a man, the blonde former number one hero lamented at how watching over even two teenagers could be so exhausting. One, highly ambitious and competitive, had through his arrogance failed the licensing exam and that same night attacked several other students, earning him a trip to the infirmary.

Katsuki had been treated right away and he had been left to sleep and recover his stamina with the understanding he was barred from leaving until further notice. That is where he sat now, on a cot, his head down, brooding as Toshinori watched him from a window in Recovery Girl's office. After talking with Principal Nezu earlier, it had been decided Katsuki would be under house arrest for five days and he was to speak to a counselor. That was who Toshinori was waiting on as he and Kanzaki would be trying to get to the bottom of whatever caused the boy to act this way.

In the meantime, though, the other problem child was due any minute. Izuku was caring and intelligent but also reckless and self-sacrificing. Traits in the right balance could make for an amazing hero. Getting him there could be a handful, however. Even so, Izuku was making great strides. After Torhinori had begged Izuku's mother to allow him to come back to school, the former symbol of peace swore he would be the best mentor he could be to the lad. To that end, when Izuku called wanting to talk, Toshinori made time for his successor.

When there was a knock on the office door, Toshinori pulled the curtain over the office window before he moved to greet his protégé. "Hello Young Midoriya, please, have a seat. What was it you wanted to talk to me about?"

Izuku stepped in the room, a serious expression on his face. After thanking his idol for seeing him and taking the offered seat, the freckled boy glanced at the window, fully aware his childhood friend was in the room beyond.

Toshinori caught where Izuku was looking and offered "Young Bakugo is fully recovered. He and I…will be having a chat of our own later. Is he why you wanted to talk to me?"

Izuku took a long deep breath as he gathered his thoughts. In truth, he had so many questions that he wasn't even sure where to start. Flashing back to his conversation with Emeralda earlier, he decided to start at the beginning. "All Might…how long have you know about the lighters?"

Toshinori's beady eyes widened as he slumped back in his chair, somehow looking even more tired and feeble than he was. Part of him had been expecting this but with everything going on with Bakugo, he hadn't really had the time to think on it as much as he wanted to. Now, the skeletal blonde was left to be blunt. Resting his elbows on his knees as he again sat forward, Toshinori spoke, his words heavy with responsibility "Yes, Young Midoriya. I didn't just know, its my fault that they are even here in the first place."

That shocked the young man, his own wide eyes growing larger as he blurted out a stunned "What do you mean?! How is that even possible?"

Toshinori waved his hand to let Izuku know to keep his voice down as he replied "I knew Sanada-san, no, Luminaire was walking into a trap all those years ago. I think he did too but when he insisted he go alone, I respected his wishes because he thought if he did as All for One told him, he'd get his family back. By the time I came to my senses and moved to help, it was too late. His quirk was gone and his family murdered." Toshinori paused, overcome with emotion as his fragile hands clenched into shaking fists, "If I had acted sooner, I could of defeated my greatest nemesis years earlier, saved Luminaire and his family and all of the lighters would still be in their home worlds, among their friends and family!"

Izuku sat there, speechless as his mentor and hero sat there, doing all he could to hold back tears of shame at what the old man considered to be his greatest failure. But still, it meant that the great symbol of peace had been an active party to a massive coverup. Once Toshinori had calmed down and recovered his composure, even apologizing for having lost it, Izuku voiced his concerns "But…All Might, doesn't this mean that you, this school and the Hero Commission have been lying to the public for a decade? I just, I never thought you were capable of that All Might."

Seeing his crestfallen successor, Toshinori pursed his thin lips as he thought how he was going to explain this. Finally, slowly, he started "Midoriya…Izuku." The seriousness of Toshinori's tone caused Izuku to look back up as the blonde continued "You're no longer a child. You know the world isn't just black and white. Sometimes, its ok to lie. You've been keeping the secret of your power from your classmates since you met them, have you not? Why?"

His attention fixed at the boney man sitting across from him, Izuku answered with no small among of trepidation "B, because…if word got out that quirks could be passed on, and One for All specifically, people would…come after it."

"Exactly, Young Midoriya. At first, we didn't even know poor Kanzaki-san was from another world. You know what happened to her when she first got here?" Izuku shook his head, his attention rapped, "She was arrested. She didn't have ID, there was no record of her. They thought she was working with All for One."

"What? Counselor Kanzaki is a lighter? And they thought she was a villain?!" Izuku nearly cried, catching himself as he spoke, lowering his voice.

"Once I found out the truth, from Luminaire, I lobbied with every bit of sway I had to do something for her, them by that point, to allow lighters to live here because of my mistake. So you see, Young Midoriya, not only is the truth kept hidden to keep the public from losing themselves if they learned of other worlds but because we wanted those kidnapped from their homes to have the chance to live the best way they could, unburdened from public scrutiny."

Looking down, his features scrunched as he considered All Might's words, Izuku managed to mutter "That…makes sense." And yet, the newest holder of One for All couldn't now help but wonder what else his idol was keeping pent up and away from the world. All of a sudden, Izuku saw Toshinori in a whole new light. The shrunken blonde looked a whole lot more human than he did just minutes earlier. A bitter pit was forming in the freckled boy's stomach, one that emboldened him to ask another question that he had hoped for answers on.

"I have another question, All Might." Izuku asked.

"Shoot, Young Midoriya." Toshinori replied, very aware of the sullen tone his protégé had taken.

"Back when I thought Kagemori was from our world, she talked about being hunted and attacked for being what she was. At the time, that meant having a heteromorphic quirk to me so when I was looking up the town she said she was from, I made some…discoveries." Izuku explained, hints of anger seeping into his speech at the end.

Toshinori frowned, knowing exactly where this was going and said so "You discovered the CRC, didn't you Young Midoriya."

Izuku nodded before replying, his voice raised as high as he thought he could "But that wasn't all, All Might. Online, there are plenty of people who agree with them! All Might, I can't believe there are people like this out there! How is this possible?"

Again, Toshinori took on an apologetic tone "It was a long time ago now, Young Midoriya. The group use to be much larger, and all over Japan. After I had made a name for myself here, it was something I was dead set on rooting out. Groups like the yakuza and the CRC are easily manipulated by those trying to maintain power by dividing us. All for One relished in cultivating such underground organizations and I did all I could to destroy them."

"But, they're still out there All Might! Can…can you really say anything has changed if such people are still spreading such hate?" Izuku argued/pleaded.

"You could say the same about crime itself, Young Midoriya. Despite all I've done, people still rob and murder. In the same vein, there are still those who hate others simply for how they look. I am just one man, I can't be everywhere all the time. That's why being a symbol is so important. I stopped as much as I could but the real change has to come from society. Society can only be sustained if the people who make it up support it. That's why the CRC hides in the far reaches of the country and the yakuza are on the brink of extinction. As long as people stand up, both by becoming heroes themselves and by making their will known, then in time, these groups will die."

"I, in other words, in place of being everywhere all the time, you make up for it by being your best to inspire others and cause others to think twice…" Izuku spoke as though he were the only person in the room. He'd known what Toshinori was saying intelligently, All Might was called the Symbol of Peace after all but the true depth of what that meant was only now sinking in. Izuku supposed that it only really made sense when you began to realize what the problem truly was.

"That's right, Young Midoriya. You and Young Bakugo are living proof of what I'm saying. You two were inspired by me, were you not? Now I've given that torch to you and everyone who is coming after me to do the same. I just ask you do the same when your time comes to pass that torch." Toshinori said, his voice heavy.

Looking back at Toshinori, his eyes ablaze with passion and his previous concerns burned away, Izuku answered "I will! I won't let you or anyone else down All Might!"

Toshinori offered a contented smile, once again feeling both his age and his fragility as he replied "I know you will. Thank you…Izuku."

The freckled boy blushed heavily as he stood up, rubbing the back of his head "No, thank you All Might. You entrusted me with this power, this responsibility and I'm sorry it's taken me this long to really realize what that actually meant. Thanks for letting me talk, good luck with Kachan!"

"Take care, Young Midoriya." Toshinori said with a wave.

Just as Izuku was opening the door, he nearly bumped into Hitomi. When their eyes met, Izuku froze, and stared at the brunette as if he'd see a ghost "Oh, um, hello Kanzaki-san. So-sorry to keep you waiting!"

Oblivious to the talk that had just transpired but noticing the odd look, Hitomi nonetheless offered a kind smile as she waved Izuku off "Oh, I just got here Midoriya, nothing to apologize for."

"R-right! Well, g-good luck with Kachan!" Izuku nervously answered back as he darted off.

"What was that about? Hitomi asked as she entered the room.

"Young Midoriya was just made aware you're a lighter. Knowing what that truly means, I think he wasn't ready to face you yet, that's all." Toshinori explained.

"Ah." Hitomi replied as she sat down in the chair Izuku had just vacated "Makes sense, it's a lot to take in. How did the talk go?"

"Very well. Though I fear I may have just burdened Young Midoriya with even more responsibility." The blonde former hero replied.

"I see. Something to keep an eye on going forward then. Can't have the next symbol of peace get crushed under the weight of expectations, now, can we?" Hitomi said, trying to inject some mirth.

Toshinori didn't bite, his response serious "That's why we need as many new heroes as possible to understand what Midoriya now does. Especially Young Bakugo…"

(X)

When Michiru and Emeralda returned to the lighter dorm, they were greeted with a fuller house than they had been expecting. Waiting for them were Jun, Celty, Zelgadis, Terra and a very annoyed looking Shinra. Michiru didn't waste time wondering why, asking straight away "Is everything ok? Why is everyone here?"

Though the group looked serious, Jun offered a reassuring smile as he replied "Yes, Michiru, everything is fine. It's just that after what happened last night, some things have changed, and I think we're going to modify our plans a bit."

"It what way?" Emeralda inquired, unperturbed.

"I originally planned to have you three continue to spend time with 1-A so you could decide where you wanted to study, but after talking things over, Celty and I want you three to start your work study early." Jun said, gesturing to the headless hero.

"Wait, does that mean?" Michiru eagerly began to ask.

"It means I need your help, kid." Celty said.

"Why do they get to help, they just got here!" Shinra blurted out in a pout.

"We need to honor our commitments, Shinra." Jun offered as he spoke firmly. "You caught the eye of the new number one hero and I have no doubt he and his agency will have a role to play sooner or later. You'll get your chance."

"Chance to do what? I still don't understand." Michiru cut in; her excitement turned to confusion.

"Something needs to be done about Xellos." Jun answered.

Michiru noted how quiet Zelgadis was being, a sign that he was still very much upset but instead of asking how he was she focused on more clarification "What can we do? He's kinda unstoppable, isn't he?"

"From what Zelgadis has told us, he is extremely powerful but he isn't omniscient. There has to be a reason he has teamed up with the Shie Hassaikai." Celty explained.

"Information." Emeralda said simply.

"Exactly!" Celty said, impressed, her mist briefly and vaguely looking like a thumbs up, earning a light chuckle from the tanuki girl.

"If Xellos means to trap us all here, he must be using the yakuza to try and find out where the Nomu is." Jun reasoned.

"And so I reached out to an agency that was already keeping tabs on the Shie Hassaikai." said Celty.

"So, what are we going to be doing?" Michiru asked, finally understanding the broad goal of their job.

"For the time being, it's a stake-out. We're going to be gathering intel for a possible raid." The dullahan answered before gesturing to Terra and adding "Terra will be working with the dragon hero Ryuko who has been contacted as well to be ready for just such a raid so she'll be apart of this as well." Terra offered a determined nod that Michiru and Emeralda returned.

Jun then stepped forward and reached his hand out, a small rectangular object in his hand "All of this is to say, since I didn't say it yesterday, congratulations on passing. You are now provisional heroes and with it, you're no longer confined to UA. This phone is for you, Emeralda. Its both a gift and a reward for coming so far with learning written Japanese. You will likely need it in the coming days."

"Hey! What about Zel! Doesn't he get one?" Michiru immediately called out as Emeralda took the phone with a nod.

Said chimera, whom had been standing with his arms crossed, raised his eyebrows slightly at having been addressed before pulling one of his arms out to reveal a cell phone of his own.

"Oh…" Michiru weakly muttered before quickly changing the subject "And what about me? I already have a cell phone, so what do I get?"

"An appointment." Jun dryly replied.

"An appointment?! For what?" Michiru replied, incensed.

"Michiru." Celty started, her artificial voice carrying a comforting inflection, "I know it can be hard but very one of us needs to be at least evaluated before going out into the field. And at this point, you're the only one who hasn't."

Her cheeks puffed in anger and her arms crossed, Michiru's eyes suddenly went wide "Wait… that means…" Michiru's eyes again landed on Zelgadis.

When their eyes met, the chimera frowned and looked away. It wasn't confirmation but it wasn't a denial either. what Celty had just said, Michiru had all she needed to know that it was true. She didn't like this, not one bit. It was like she was being cornered into doing something she didn't want to do. Yet the two quieter members of their trio had now spoken with the counselor. Talking to Hitomi had even seemed to help Emmy, though Zel seemed as grumpy and cantankerous as ever. Looking at it like that, Michiru supposed at worst she'd break even. "Alright, I'll do it if I have to. Where is she?"

Jun visibly cringed, a rare sight indeed "She is…seeing another patient at the moment. I will talk to her and get you two together tomorrow."

"Geez, Sanada-sensei, who is she seeing, anyway?" Michiru couldn't help but ask with a reaction like that.

"That arrogant asshole, Bakugo." Shinra sneered.

At that, everyone present, even the kind-hearted Terra and stoic Emeralda cringed. Jun then added "Working with Celty and Brooklyn means you three won't get to take classes with 1-A though, just remember that."

"What, why? Don't other students at UA have work studies?" the tanuki girl inquired.

"We'll be working at night so you three better get use to sleeping during the day." Came Celty's response.

Michiru slumped forward, her face sagging at the thought "Ah, damnit."

(X)

Deep in the underground of the Shie Hassaikai mansion, one displaced mazuku considered by many in his home world to be one of the most powerful and dangerous beings to live had just finished tucking a young girl into bed. The poor girl had stayed up far too late the night before so she was more than ready to go to bed tonight, which suited Xellos just fine. There was always more work to do for the tireless demon.

The very fact that he was in charge of the sweet and innocent child had come as a surprise to the purple-haired mazuku. Xellos had quickly become popular with the rank-and-file in the group and it wasn't long before stories of the former leader reached his ears. Apparently the former boss, Kai Chisaki's adapted father and Eri's grandfather, had done all he could to keep the family together as yakuza families all around them fell to All Might and his ilk. The former boss was still alive apparently but incapacitated, and more than a few of the old-timers in the group suspected foul play in Kai's ascension. The mask-wearing leader's right turn in the group's direction from survival to a gambit to bring the family back to glory through the downfall of society was proof enough for many.

Xellos thought he was going to have to spend much more time gaining Kai's trust before he's be allowed to the lower sanctum of the compound to see this former chivalrous leader and the granddaughter that was apparently tortured often as Kai researched her quirk. Then, one day Kai had come to him and ordered him to become the girl's new caretaker. Apparently Eri had grown more and more despondent and the previous man in charge of her had been…disposed of.

Xellos strongly suspected that either Kai or one of his inner circle had taken notice of how popular he had become among the rank-and-file. Kai was benefiting far too much from his information network and uncanny ability to raise money to just dispose of Xellos so shuffling him off on a difficult and mostly out of the way task likely looked very enticing to the Shie Hassaikai boss.

The germophobic madman couldn't know that this was exactly the kind of in that Xellos had been waiting for. Oh, interacting with the little peach was fun and seeing the life come back into her eyes was rewarding but taking care of Eri also opened many more doors to him.

Now Xellos knew where everything and everyone was. He knew exactly what Kai was doing and why. The last thing you ever wanted was for an agent of chaos to know all your plans.

The smile perpetually plastered on Xellos' face had a much more sinister aspect to it as he turned from Eri's door to find Kai himself coming down the corridor with his assistant, Chronostasis. "Xellos, how is Eri? Isn't it alittle early for her to be going to bed?"

"Yes, Chisaki-sama. Eri was saying she felt especially tired after today's…treatments and I didn't see the harm in letting her get some extra rest. I hope you don't mind." Xellos explained with a bow.

"As long as she is healthy and able to continue with the extractions, I don't care. I will say, Metallium, that Eri has been more willing since you took over. Don't think I haven't noticed." Kai said coolly as he motioned for Xellos to walk with him and his assistant.

"You, are too kind, Chisaki-sama. Though if I might be so bold, I think she would be even more willing if she spent more time with you? She was saying how embarrassed she feels when people see her bandages. May I suggest some time in the coming days you take her shopping?" Xellos said deferentially.

"You forget your place, thief!" Chronostasis snapped before Kai waved his lieutenant off.

Kai then said, "I think Metallium's results speak for themselves. I will take it under advisement. Still, Eri isn't what I want to talk to you about now."

Xellos continued to demure, keeping his head down slightly as he walked behind and to the side of his master. "Oh? And how else can I be of service?"

Kai's tone went from his usual neutral inflection to a more serious one as he replied "Someone from the league finally made contact today, just like you said they would."

At that bit of news, Xellos' eyes opened slightly, revealing his purple irises as his smile grew, both facts going un-noticed by the other two men. Xellos' reply also didn't give away this shift as he said "I see…and what did he or she want?"

"He wanted a meeting with his boss. Wore a black body suit and a mask that was bisected black below and grey above." Kai described in the hopes that his newest subordinate would know more. His hopes were rewarded.

"Ah, yes, that would be Twice. He can make copies of anyone, including himself from what I understand. His quirk has left him…of two minds though. He is harmless from what I understand. I stand by my suggestion that we accept any offer to meet if we want to capitalize on their notoriety." Said the purple-suited mazuku.

"And you, Chrono?" Kai asked his right-hand man.

"There…is some merit to what Metallium says. I still think its too risky, though." Came the cloaked and beak-masked lieutenant.

"I'm honesty curious to see what this little league has to offer. Twice left the address of a safe house for us to contact him, I think we should pay One for All's little follower a visit." Kai decided, allowing himself a smirk from behind his long ornate beak mask.

(X)

I swear, this was supposed to be a nice shorter chapter where everyone (including myself) got a chance to breathe. Instead, I was gifted some extra time this month and the more I thought about what I wanted to include, I realized it wouldn't fit a average chapter length and that if anyone else was editing this story, they'd likely trim half of this out. Instead, completely by accident we have the longest chapter to date in the story.

You may be inclined to think not a lot actually happened here and certainly from an action stand-point, that is true but I still feel a lot of ground was covered. We got our second (intentional) dive into a character, giving hints at what is truly eating at Zelgadis but make no mistake, holes have been plugged but the dam is still cracking.

Also, I can't remember if I've mentioned it earlier but I really, really don't like Bakugo and I suspect that comes out in the writing. I…just don't know how he made it through the first semester without being kicked out. Don't get me wrong, I understand why people like him and like to write him. He's very fun to write for but I still find him insufferable as a person. I never intended to write his session with All Might and Hitomi but if anyone really wants to see it, let me know and I'll consider it. Otherwise, I'll just leave you with it severing the same purpose as All Might talking to him after the fight with Izuku in canon, with a bonus that'll get a mention later.

I do have a review to respond to this month courtesy of Eliphas-Chaos, one of this story's biggest fans:

Okay, this chapter didn't go as I expected, I agree with Zelgadis about the party, though seeing the Lighters together was nice, even if I don't know most of them, and of course they (Michru, Zelgadis and Emeralda) would reveal to the rest of them that the 3 had revealed it to Midoriya. And of course the end part with Xellos, that was a total surprise especially since he seems to be close to Eri, and the fact he doesn't want to return to his original world simply so that he can cause chaos here. I hope Zelgadis is going to be able to keep his cool in the coming arc. Not much to say with the prison scene its very similar to canon. I look forward to next month's chapter.

I'm going to take that the chapter didn't go as expected as a compliment and hope I can continue to defy your expectations. There are many aspects of the main lighter trio that I identify with/aspire to (otherwise they wouldn't likely be my main characters, I suppose) and Zelgadis' general dislike of being around people is certainly one of them. It is, of course, ironic then that I have a job that has me interacting with hundreds and sometimes thousands of people a week.

I'm glad you liked having all the lighters together like that. Its been quite awhile both in the story and in reality since many of them have been mentioned and, among other reasons, I felt I should re-introduce them to everyone. I'm trying to walk a fine line with Xellos. In canon he's often assisting the heroes with a betrayal or two along the way but on the whole, he's a loveable jerk. He's outside his comfort zone here and I'm trying to explore where he would go with that. Eri is desperate for any escape she can find from the horrors she's subjected to, even if that's in a literal monster unaccountable to anyone.

As for Zelgadis keeping his cool, I am reminded of his reaction in Slayers 5th season (our Zelgadis arrives after the third season) in which he is told by Rezo that there is, in fact, no cure. He takes it very poorly. Outside of getting entangled with saving the world from time to time, he spends his life looking for a way to change back. Now that he's been presented a way...well, lets just say he's got some growing to do on that front.

The prison scene was framed the same way, its true but there were subtle differences that will see pay off later, I assure you, so if you can, don't forget what's said in the cell.

Ok, that's it for this month. Get ready for the final setting of the stage before we get into the raid. I clearly have no read on how long a chapter is going to be anymore so just look forward to more from (at least my) favorite displaced heroes! Take care and I'll see you next month!