Chapter 9: A Young Hero's Sore Throat
Uzai Tamago, Freelance Reporter
Weeks prior
The clink of glass and the murmur of hushed conversations filled the dimly lit dive bar, a haunt for those who operated in the shadows of society. I was there again, a freelance reporter, my elbows planted on the sticky counter, a half-empty beer before me. A notebook lay concealed beneath my arm, its pages littered with scribbles and names, each a potential lead to the story that would catapult me out of my rut.
My recent days had been spent chasing ghosts, always a step behind the action, arriving just in time to see the police tape being strung across crime scenes. The big break I so desperately needed remained elusive, a mirage shimmering on the horizon of my journalistic dreams.
Tonight, though, I felt the undercurrents of the underworld pulsing stronger than usual. I nursed my drink, ears tuned to the coded language of the patrons, eyes scanning for the telltale signs of opportunity. It was a risky game I played, but desperation had long since eroded the caution my once harbored.
"Hey," he ventured, leaning toward a figure swathed in darkness at the end of the bar. "Heard anything about the new players in town? Big moves being made?"
The figure stiffened, and the air suddenly felt charged with electricity. Words hung unspoken, the silence oppressive. Eyes that were too sharp, too knowing, flicked over to appraise him. There was a shift, an imperceptible signal, and in the next instant, danger bloomed like a dark flower.
"Who sent you, huh?" The voice was edged with venom, the accusation clear: they thought I was a mole.
Panic clawed at my throat. My mind raced for an escape as bulky silhouettes closed in around me.
I made a grave mistake.
This was it, the end of the line—
"Enough," a voice cut through the tension, commanding and cold. A teal haired college student emerged from the shadows, his disheveled appearance belied by the unmistakable authority he wielded. His hand, dangerous and decayed, reached out to halt the advancing threat.
My heart hammered against my ribcage, relief mingled with disbelief. The young adult turned his gaze upon me, eyes piercing as they peered into my very soul.
"Come with me," He ordered, his voice devoid of warmth. "I've got a job for you—a scoop that will make your career."
Stunned into obedience, I followed the man-villain?- out of the bar and into the cool night air. The promise of a story that could change everything overshadowed the fear that crept up his spine. This was my chance, the moment I had been waiting for, delivered by the most unlikely of saviors.
The Villain led me through a labyrinth of alleys, our footsteps echoing off the walls until we stopped at a nondescript location, a random street corner near downtown.
"Stand here in three days," He instructed, a twisted smile playing on his lips. "Bring your recording equipment, and make sure you don't miss a single detail. You will be witnessing history."
Days later I readied my equipment, my fingers trembling with anticipation and dread, I realized that I was no longer chasing shadows—I'm about to be engulfed by them.
I knew there was a villain attack of some sort happening today- and I didn't tell anyone…
The crosswalk light blinked a steady red, urging pedestrians to halt. I stood there, feigning patience, ignoring how some people gave me side eyes as I never left the corner despite the crosswalk blinking "go" many times. I clutched the recording device, its weight a comforting reminder of what was at stake. My gaze flickered to the time on my phone; it matched the one the teal villain had given me. Any second now...
A sudden lurch —the world twisted. Skyscrapers whirled in a disorienting dance as I was yanked from the street. When my vision cleared, I found myself perched atop a nearby rooftop, the crosswalk below now a tableau of unsuspecting targets.
I steadied my breathing and raised the camera, its lens peering over the edge like a hawk surveying prey. Below, I captured criminals slithered out of buildings, their movements calculated, viper-quick. They weren't fleeing; they were orchestrating an evacuation, clearing the stage for something monstrous.
Buzzing at my side caused me to thumb the police scanner's switch on my side, a not-so-legal trinket that now sang with urgency. Crackles of static gave way to frantic voices—dispatchers overwhelmed by a torrential flood of emergency calls. Reports cascaded through the airwaves, painting a picture of coordinated crimes rippling through the nearby prefectures.
"Multiple break-ins confirmed in Saitama..." "Arsonists sighted in Kanagawa..." "Hostage situation unfolding in Chiba..."
I swallowed hard, the enormity of the moment sinking in. This wasn't just a story; it was a declaration of war against peace itself. The villains' machinations spread far beyond this rooftop, and I was the sole witness, the recorder of this dark symphony…
Perfect!
From my elevated vantage point, I captured every detail, the red recording light blinking. This was my ticket out of mediocrity, out of the endless nights chasing leads in seedy bars. I couldn't help but feel a thrill. This footage would shake society to its core, and I would be the one to deliver the news.
The teal haired Villain had promised me a scoop of a lifetime, and the more I watched the more I was sure that the promise was being fulfilled.
I watched as a bus lurched into the intersection, its grey bulk almost blending in with the concrete jungle. Camera in hand, I zoomed in, capturing the chaos that unfolded like a grotesque ballet—villains rushing off the road and into the buildings around the stalled vehicle.
A teacher and two students emerged from the bus, before it was sucked into a portal. One of them, a short blonde girl, being dragged around by her companion, a green haired boy with a strength quirk, ready to fight any threat. Their teacher, sprang forward with calculated ferocity, engaging the assailants with practiced ease. His movements were fluid—a dance honed by countless battles; each strike a testament to his resolve.
The boy surged forward assisting his teacher and joining in the battle as the girl chased after…no cowered behind her boyfriend.
It looked like they were gaining the upper hand when with an ominous thud, a new terror descended. A huge villain landed amidst the fray, a man of nightmares whose mere presence commanded dread. It was a juggernaut, an aberration of nature, its eyes devoid of mercy or reason.
The teacher, undeterred, met the beast head-on, his valor shining like a beacon in the gathering gloom. But the hulk was an unstoppable force, overpowered the teacher with sheer speed and strength. The once controlled choreography of combat turned desperate, the teacher's form collapsing under the monster's relentless assault.
The students, their faces a mix of fear and defiance, stood frozen for a breath, the threat before them a stark reminder of their mortality. Yet, they did not flee. Instead, they regrouped, their stances setting with renewed determination, even as the Hulk loomed over them, its hulking figure casting long shadows of intimidation.
Sure, I was romanticizing the brutality a bit, but this was perfect news! The only thing that would make this better would be if that girl's head was crushed into pulp!
I clenched my camera, anticipation building as I recorded this pivotal moment. This was the heart of my story—the courage of the young heroes in the face of overwhelming darkness, faltering as they died!
"Damnit, this is the real deal! Kill them already!"
I steadied my hands, ensuring not a single detail was lost. History was unfolding before my lens, and I would capture it all—the courage, the fear, the raw humanity of the battle for justice.
The air crackled with tension, the unmistakable resonance of impending heroics vibrating through the concrete jungle. All eyes turned skyward as a familiar cry cut through the tense silence, "I am here!"
All Might descended like an avenging deity, fists clenched with the fury of justice. His eyes blazed with unyielding determination, a stark contrast to the chaos erupting around him. With a battle cry that shook the foundations of the buildings, he lunged at the hulk, delivering a barrage of blows that seemed to momentarily stagger the beast.
My heart pounded in his chest, and adrenaline surged through my veins. Any disappointment for missing out on a tragedy was immediately replaced with the idea of me witnessing the number one hero at work on camera! All Might, the paragon of valor, engage the monstrosity in a ferocious dance of power and speed. Each move was precise, calculated—a masterclass in heroism that I knew would make great news!
I'm tapping the snap button in a rhythmic cadence, desperate to capture every frame of All Might's resplendent might. All Might at full speed makes for notoriously blurred videos, however my camera was able to capture high-definition stills easily enough.
The students, previously frozen by fear, seized the distraction provided by their homeroom teacher's arrival. One dashed towards safety, dragging the downed teacher with her, while the other stood on the sidelines while All Might fought.
All Might, sensing the tide turning, unleashed his full might. A gale-force punch sent the hulk reeling off into the distance, the impact echoing off the surrounding structures. The camera in my hands cracked with the full powered smash- thankfully my phone's camera was unbroken- I swapped as quickly as I could.
But before All Might could secure the victory the boy was taken hostage, quickly followed by the girl, and then her death rattling scream. The smoke villain shuddered, before screaming in turn- Portals began to tear open the fabric of the cityscape.
My gaze darted from one developing scene of terror to another, my mind racing to keep pace with the unfolding catastrophe. I refocused on All Might, the symbol of peace, who stood as the last bastion against the encroaching darkness.
Then, amid the bedlam, it happened.
All Might, seemed to ripple through the very air. His iconic form shuddered, his outline flickering like a flame in a tempestuous wind. And then, just as quickly as he had appeared, All Might vanished. In his place stood a skeletal man, his sunken eyes and gaunt features a grotesque mockery of the hero's once imposing stature. The transformation was as swift as it was shocking, leaving the reporter—and indeed, the world—reeling from the revelation.
"Impossible," Yet the undeniable truth played out before his camera's unwavering gaze—the invincible All Might reduced to a mere mortal, his true form exposed for all to see. My mind reeled at the thought.
The grainy image of the skeletal blonde man filled the screen. This was the scoop I had been waiting for, the story that would change everything. But there was no time for self-congratulation; survival was the sole priority.
I ducked behind the rooftop's ledge as portals continued to tear up the surroundings. My breaths came in ragged gasps, the weight of the situation bearing down.
I need to get out of here!
Sirens blared in the distance, their wails a grim soundtrack to the anarchy. And amidst the cacophony, I plotted my next move. I needed to get this footage out—this revelation could not be stifled, no matter the cost.
"Focus," No longer was I simply a freelance reporter chasing whispers in seedy bars. I held in my hands a truth that demanded to be shared, a story that could catapult me from obscurity into the glaring spotlight of notoriety.
I somehow made it off that building- the fire escape being on the far side of the building from the chaos.
My heart pounded in my chest, a staccato rhythm that matched the chaos unfurling around me. Clutching the Shield brand smartphone like a lifeline, I sprinted down the alleyway. The adrenaline coursing through my veins was not just from the danger nipping at my heels but also from the knowledge that my fortunes were about to change.
I skidded to a halt at the mouth of the alley, peering out to ensure the coast was clear. Mere hours ago, I had been another nameless face in the crowd, a freelance reporter reduced to foraging for scraps of stories. Now, with a single recording, I was poised on the brink of something monumental. While running I removed the memory form my camera and transferred it to my phone.
With a note I sent the data to my contact at Juzo News, 'Breaking News- Not a joke- I need a Live slot, you'll see why! Get online- 20 Minutes!'
"The end of an era," I whispered to myself, a wry smile tugging at my lips.
I moved swiftly, my eyes scanning for the nearest internet café. My contact at Juzo News was waiting, eager for any scoop that could send ratings through the roof. This...this would be a seismic eruption.
As I jogged, my mind spun with visions of the future. A steady paycheck, the respect of my peers, and the vindication of my relentless pursuit of truth—all within grasp. I could almost hear the hum of studio lights, feel the weight of headphones settling around my ears as I prepared to go live on air.
"From rags to riches," my pace quickened into another sprint.
I reached a crosswalk, pausing as the pedestrian signal blinked a stark white figure. Across the street, the glowing sign of the café, and my future beckoned.
Tanya Yamada, Hero Student, 1-A Seat # 6
The sudden sensation of fire searing my throat and neck jolted me awake, my eyes snapping open to the sterile white ceiling above. I tried to swallow, but pain lanced through my throat with every attempt. It felt like I had swallowed a molten blade. Was this some new form of torture? I reached for my neck feeling a cloth.
"Ah, you're awake," said a nurse as she entered the room, her voice tight with concern. "Don't try to speak just yet, dear. Your body seems to have... adapted to the anesthesia we were using." She didn't say more than that, but I overheard her whispering to another nurse outside the door - they'd had to give up on keeping me unconscious if they didn't want to risk an overdose. Damn Being X.
As the nurses busied themselves around me, my thoughts drifted back to my conversation with Being X, that… Thing. He'd called his meddling a test, but what kind of test? And what did he hope to gain from it all? Just put me in more pain?
I clenched my fists beneath the thin hospital sheets, struggling to contain my frustration. Being X was playing games with me, as usual, and I was determined not to fall prey to his whims. Despite my current state, I would not allow myself to be manipulated any further. I had to find a way to pass this so-called 'test' and prove that I had control over my own destiny, better yet, I'll take this 'test' and shove it up-
I had to cover my eyes as the nurse opened blinds to let in some light from outside. I cursed the fact that I was stuck here needing to fight the 'Whims' of some bored egotistical specter. I Need to fight some plan I want no part in. The faint sound of rain against glass filled my ears as the doctor entered the room, yet there was no water on the glass and I immediately recognized it as a quirk at work. The soft pitter-patter was strangely soothing, washing away some of the tension that had been building up within me. I watched with cautious curiosity as he approached my bedside, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"Good day, Yamada-chan," he greeted me like an old friend, his voice carrying the same gentle cadence as the raindrops echoing around us. "I'm here to assess your current condition and help you on your road to recovery."
"Thank you, Doctor," I replied, finding myself unconsciously mimicking his melodic tone. It seemed that being in his presence had a calming effect on me, which was both unnerving and oddly comforting.
"Let's start with a medical assessment, shall we?" He began examining my throat and neck, his hands moving deftly as he checked for any lingering damage from my recent ordeal. "Your body has adapted quite well to the anesthesia, but we need to make sure there are no hidden complications."
As he continued his examination, checking my reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and sensory perception. His fingers tapped lightly against various parts of my body, the gentle rhythm syncing with the rain-like sounds that still filled the room.
"Everything seems to be in order physically," he concluded, his eyes meeting mine with a reassuring gaze. "Of course, we'll need to monitor your progress closely over the coming weeks, but I'm confident that you'll make a full recovery."
I nodded, silently grateful for the positive prognosis. My thoughts, however, were still consumed by Being X and the mysterious test I supposedly needed to pass. How could I focus on my recovery when my mind was constantly clouded with questions and doubts?
"Doctor," I hesitated, unsure if I should voice my concerns. "Do you think... there could be any lasting effects from what happened to me? Something that might interfere with my ability to become a hero?"
He regarded me thoughtfully for a moment before responding. "Currently, your quirk seems to be working fine: I can see the light shining, and you are able to control your voice, but it's impossible to say for certain, Yamada-chan. However, I believe that with determination and hard work, you can overcome any obstacle that stands in your way."
His words were undeniably inspiring, but they did little to assuage my fears. If only he knew the true nature of the challenges I faced, perhaps he would understand just how daunting this so-called 'test' truly was.
"Thank you," I murmured, forcing a small smile. "I'll do my best."
"Your rehabilitation history is quite impressive," the doctor continued with the same gentle cadence I found myself mirroring. "Given your throat's condition, however, you may need to undergo speech therapy once you're fully recovered, which would take up much of your time… You might have to take leave from school, but that is only in the worst case I don't think we will have to go that far."
I tensed up at the thought of being pulled from the hero course. "I understand," I replied, trying to sound as confident and determined as possible. "I'll do whatever it takes to get back into fighting shape."
"Good," he said, nodding approvingly. "Now, let's talk about pain management and your psychological well-being. It's important to address these aspects of recovery as well."
We went on to discuss various methods for managing the pain in my neck and throat, as well as techniques to cope with any emotional or psychological distress that might arise from the ordeal. I assured him that I was no stranger to adversity or physical therapy.
"Doctor? I have to ask. How will I be able to afford all of this?" I felt a pang of anxiety, fearing what this might entail. He must have seen the face I made and waved away my concerns, "Don't worry. UA will be shouldering the cost of your medical expenses," he reassured me, much to my relief. "You're lucky to be alive. We had to take extraordinary measures to save your life."
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible. The gravity of what I'd been through setting in.
"Your school and the authorities have been notified," he continued. "They'll likely want to speak with you about your involvement in the attack."
With a nod, I braced myself for the inevitable questions and scrutiny that awaited me. Whatever the future held, I'd face it head-on, just like I always had. But first, I had to ensure my place in the hero course remained secure.
"Thank you, Doctor," I said, my voice stronger now. "I'll be ready for them."
"Take your time and focus on your recovery," he advised with a warm smile before leaving the room.
As the door closed behind him, I took a deep breath and listened as the soft raindrops slowly dissipated in the room, the source of the sound walking further away. Soon the sound was a distant memory as the rhythm of the heart monitor took centerstage in my mind.
Silence led to thinking and as I lay in the sterile hospital bed, my mind raced with potential strategies for escaping the hero course. I considered exaggerating my symptoms, perhaps convincing the doctors that my recovery would take longer than expected. That way, UA might be forced to reconsider my enrollment in the program. And if things went well, maybe I could sue the school for negligence, using the settlement money to start a new life outside of Japan, away from All Might's influence.
"Germany," I mused, "That could work." The thought of living under the radar, free from the constant pressure of being a hero, was undeniably appealing. But first, I needed to get in touch with a lawyer. Glancing around the room, I frowned when I realized I didn't have any of my things – including my phone.
"Guess I'll have to make that call later," I muttered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
Before long, the door to my room opened, and in walked a police officer accompanied by Nedzu, the principal of UA. I steeled myself for the questions that were bound to come, determined to recount the attack as accurately as possible.
"Miss Yamada," the cop began, his tone serious, "We are here to discuss the incident from two weeks ago. You were scheduled for a hero course practical at the U.S.J Unforeseen Simulation Joint with your instructors All Might and Thirteen? Could you please tell us everything you remember about the incident?"
"Of course, Where do I start?" I sighed, remembering the chaos that unfolded. "The bus's automatic driver stopped working at a stoplight. Aizawa stepped off to investigate when a figure blocked our path." She frowned, recalling the sudden fear gripping her heart. "My classmate Izuku Midoriya pushed me off the bus with himself, and then Mr. Aizawa and Izuku engaged the villains."
"Go on," the officer urged, taking notes.
"The bus disappeared and then a massive man appeared - Nomu they called him. He took down Mr. Aizawa," I continued, my voice shaking slightly due to my throat burning, "Before and even after Nomu arrived, the villains weren't targeting the children. Then All Might appeared, trying to save the day, but he couldn't go all out because Izuku interfered in the fight."
The memory of saving Izuku flashed before me, followed by the sensation of being captured. "I managed to save Izuku, but they got me instead. Everything went black after that," I finished.
As I finished speaking, the officer nodded solemnly. "Do you have any more details you wish to share?"
I furrowed my brow at his question. I felt I was concise and gave all other pertinent details. What more could he want? The officer just shook his head.
"Your account checks out with everyone else's reports," the officer said, making a note on his clipboard. I could feel my heartbeat slow down, relieved that they believed me.
"Can you tell me what happened after I passed out?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. The cop glanced at Nedzu before he replied.
"Unfortunately, we can't share all the details," he said cautiously, "but after you used your quirk and lost consciousness, something strange happened with the warp villain. He began opening portals and closing them all around the area."
My brow furrowed as I considered this information. What could have caused the warp villain to act so erratically, and why didn't they want to share more about it? I forced myself to focus on the present, knowing that asking too many questions might arouse suspicion.
"Thank you for telling me," I said, doing my best to sound grateful and not overly curious. "I know you're all trying to piece together what happened and keep us safe."
"Of course, Miss Yamada. Our priority is the safety of everyone involved, with that said…" the officer said, "Before he escaped, the lead villain's arm was severed while he was holding you," the officer continued, his voice steady. "All Might had to jump away to avoid being caught in one of the warp villain's portals. Another hero arrived on the scene shortly after, but there was no trace of the villains. We did, however, find the severed arm and are currently running tests to identify its owner."
A chill ran down my spine at the reminder of how close I came to mortal danger. The phantom feeling of the hand clenching my neck, the burning followed my the dust- rope constricting- My mind couldn't help but wonder who the leader of these villains was, and if they would seek revenge for their lost limb. Distracted by my own train of thought, I barely noticed Nedzu's piercing gaze upon me.
"Miss Yamada, what do you think will happen to you and young Midoriya since you used your quirks without a license?" Nedzu asked, interrupting my thoughts. His question caught me off guard, and my eyes widened with fear.
"Um, we'd be expelled and barred from entering any hero course in the state," I answered quickly, my voice shaky. "Using a quirk in self-defense after a hero is on scene is only allowed if it wouldn't cause harm to anyone involved, and only to escape."
I could feel the weight of their stares as I awaited their response, dreading the potential outcome.
Nedzu's expression softened as he nodded, the tension in my chest momentarily eased. "A good guess, Miss Yamada, but no. That won't be happening." I blinked in confusion, my heart pounding with anticipation.
The cop took over, his tone serious yet measured. "While normally you both would be in trouble - Midoriya possibly facing jail time - due to the nature of the attack and the limited damages done, we've decided to let you off with a warning." Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but think that All Might's influence must have played a part in our favorable outcome.
"However," the cop continued, his gaze stern, "this will be your only warning. You are now under the custody of U.A. If they hadn't accepted you, you would have been blacklisted instead. Keep in mind, U.A. has the final say in your life moving forward. If you're expelled for any reason, you'll face charges for lethal unauthorized quirk use."
My mind raced with the implications of his words. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon me; one misstep could lead to catastrophic consequences. There was no room for error in this world where heroes were held to such high standards.
"Understood, sir," I managed to reply, my voice barely audible. Though the fear threatened to overwhelm me, I knew there was no turning back. This was my reality now, and I had to face it head-on. The cop nodded before turning out of the room.
The door clicked shut behind the cop, leaving Principal Nedzu and me alone in the sterile hospital room. I forced myself to meet his gaze, my heart pounding in my chest as uncertainty clouded my thoughts.
"Miss Yamada," he began, folding his small paws together. "I'm curious about your plans now that you've heard the situation. Will you remain in the hero course or do you wish to leave?"
His tone was casual, but there was a subtle undercurrent of urgency beneath his words. It was as if he knew the weight of my decision would impact more than just my own life. The thought of the villains seeking revenge for the harm I'd caused them sent a shiver down my spine – an unmistakable reminder of Being X's hand in all of this.
"I have to stay," I declared, my voice shaking slightly. "There is no other option."
"Are you certain?" Nedzu asked, his beady eyes scrutinizing me. "Despite what Mr Juno has said, I can assure you that U.A. will do everything in our power to prevent you from being tried as a criminal. It is only because of you that our… Beloved Aizawa is still with us." He waited a moment before continuing, "You must understand that staying means putting yourself at risk. These villains won't take kindly to what you've done."
"Trust me, I know," I replied, clenching my fists at my sides. "But I can't back down now. If they come after me, then I'll face them head-on." I have no doubts that they would return after all.
"Very well," Nedzu said with a nod. "In that case, you should prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. You've made powerful enemies, Miss Yamada, and they won't hesitate to exploit any weakness they find."
"Understood," my determination solidified within me. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect myself and those around me. I won't let anyone down."
"Good," he said simply, his eyes never leaving mine. "You will have to prove yourself to everyone," he said, his whiskers twitching ever so slightly.
The stakes were higher than ever, but one thing was certain: I would not back down in the face of adversity. For better or worse, my fate was now intertwined with that of U.A., and I would do everything in my power to rise to the occasion.
I agreed, knowing that there was no turning back now. "I'll do whatever it takes."
"Good," Nedzu replied, his eyes glinting with a hint of something I couldn't quite place, "The Sports Festival would be the best place to do so."
My mind raced at the mention of the annual event, memories of previous festivals flooding back. I had always planned to fail, to use those moments as a stepping stone out of the hero course and away from the path that Being X had forced upon me. But now, that plan had to change.
"Winning the Sports Festival..." I muttered, my voice barely audible even to myself. "Can I really do that?" Can I somehow use my quirk to beat students like Izuku Midoriya and Shoto Todoroki?
"Believe in yourself, Miss Yamada," Nedzu said, seemingly reading my thoughts. "Your power might be unusual, but it is not without potential. Learn to harness it, and you may find that it can take you further than you ever imagined." His black eyes seemed to glint in amusement as he tilted his head up, "Why the strongest student in 3-A used to only be able to use his quirk to drop his clothes off his body."
I think I remember seeing that a few years ago…
Determination and anger flared up as I considered what he was saying. If I could master my quirk, if I could turn this pathetically unsuitable quirk into a weapon, and if not who cares! I've fought tougher odds before with only a shovel!
I will come out on top.
"Alright," I said, "I'll do it. I'll win the Sports Festival and show everyone that I belong here, nothing will stop me."
"Excellent," Nedzu replied, his grin widening. "I look forward to seeing what you can achieve. Please note that there have been some changes in your absence, but I will let your caretaker and your friends get you up to speed when you recover."
Before I could voice any questions to that he left the room, I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, my thoughts swirling like a tornado. Winning the Sports Festival wouldn't be easy, but with everything that had happened, there was no other option. I would prove myself to my classmates, to my teachers, and to the world.
"Watch out, U.A.," I whispered, my voice filled with determination. "I'm coming for you."
And with that, I started planning, my mind racing as I contemplated strategies and scenarios. It was time to show everyone what Tanya Yamada was truly capable of, and no one - not even Being X - would stand in my way.
I sat in the sterile hospital room, the beeping of the heart monitor providing an oddly comforting rhythm as my thoughts raced.
I could use my quirk to amplify my physical abilities as normal. Or perhaps find a way to manipulate sound so precisely that I could confuse or incapacitate my opponents? The more I thought about it I really only used the simplest methods of my quirk. Now the possibilities seemed endless, but with each new idea came a nagging doubt that gnawed at the edges of my mind like a ravenous beast.
Izuku and Shoto. One had the strength to rival All Might, and the other could just drop a glacier on my head.
One would think I'm being pessimistic, thinking I would have to fight them alone. However all Sports Festivals end in a one verses one tournament… and there is no way the sons of the first and second heroes make it to the end of the festival.
Best case, they fight first, and Izuku breaks all his bones taking out Shoto allowing me to win by default.
"Stop doubting yourself," I scolded myself, clenching my fists tightly. "You've faced tougher challenges before. You can do this."
As I continued to ponder my options, the pain in my throat and neck intensified, reminding me that I had been talking far too much for someone in my condition. It was as if my body was telling me to slow down, to rest and recover before tackling the monumental task ahead.
"Fine," I sighed, relenting to the insistent throbbing. "A little sleep couldn't hurt."
I lay back against the pillows, my body sinking into their soft embrace as the world around me began to fade. As my eyelids grew heavy and my thoughts started to blur together, one final idea floated to the surface of my consciousness.
Being X may have brought me here.
But it's up to me to rise above and conquer.
And with that, I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, only accomplishing it when I thought back to the soothing tune of the doctor's quirk. my throat feeling better with the sound of rain drops echoing in my ears...
Sometime during the night my clothes were dropped off in the room with my things- I was alerted to this fact by the constant- "Buzz. Buzz. Buzz." The incessant buzzing of my phone pulled me once again from the depths of slumber. I groggily reached for the device, squinting at the bright screen as I unlocked it.
"Maybe I should just throw it away," I pondered, feeling overwhelmed by the deluge of notifications and unread messages. But deep down, I knew I couldn't afford to ignore them any longer.
"Alright, no time like the present," I muttered. As I scrolled through the group chat, I noticed my classmates were spamming about something… Why did someone impose Aizawa's head on a sloth?
Taking a deep breath, I typed out a short message, hesitating only briefly before hitting send.
"Hey, guys. It's Tanya. I'm awake. Delete Sloth-zawa please."
For a few moments, the chat continued as if nothing had happened, but then, suddenly, it stilled. I wondered if they had missed my message entirely, so I began to type another one. That's when it happened – my inbox was flooded with an avalanche of replies.
Invisifist was the first to spam, "OMG! Tanya, you're awake!" Followed quickly by Uravity's, "Welcome back!"
Froppy's "We've missed you!" was almost drowned out by the rapid firing questions by Tengenium and the boys, "Are you okay?" "How are you feeling?" "What are you doing?" "Where are you?" and various messages.
Deku activated the slowdown feature right before Dynamite's message went through, "Guys, give her some space. She probably needs time to rest. AND YOUR SPAMMING MY PHONE!"
"Speak for yourself, Bakugou! We all want to know how she's doing!" Leave it to Acid Pop to start a fight with the explosive boy.
"Enough!" I wanted to shout, but I kept my thoughts to myself, knowing that they meant well. Instead, I sent another message, addressing their concerns as best as I could in such a limited format.
"Thank you, everyone. I'm still recovering, but I'm getting better. Let's focus on the present."
My fingers danced across the screen, a smile spreading across my face as I responded to my friends' messages. Their enthusiasm and concern were palpable, even through the digital barrier, and it warmed my heart to know that they still cared despite everything that had happened.
"Hey, have you guys heard about any changes at UA?" I typed, eager to dive into the conversation and catch up on everything I had missed during my time in the hospital.
"OMG yes!" Toru replied almost instantly. "They're moving all of us hero students into new dorms on campus! It's supposed to help with security and stuff."
"Good," Bakugou chimed in with his usual gruffness. "They should've done this from the start."
"Actually, there are more changes than just the dorms," Tenya added. "The school has expanded its staff to include assistants for each of the teachers. That way there will be more heroes on hand in case of an emergency."
"Did anyone sign up for those counseling services they're offering?" Mina asked the group. "I'm kind of curious about them..."
"Ha! As if!" Bakugou scoffed. "What a waste of time."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his response. He would be the one to say that.
"Come on, Bakugou," Kirishima said, trying to lighten the mood. "It might not be such a bad idea for some of us. We've all been through a lot lately."
"Speak for yourself," Bakugou retorted, but I could tell he wasn't going to push the issue further.
As the conversation continued, I found myself lost in thought about the recent changes at UA. While part of me was relieved that the school was taking our safety seriously, another part couldn't help but wonder if these measures would be enough. With an unpredictable enemy like Being X lurking in the shadows, could anything truly keep us safe?
One step at a time.
For now, I would concentrate on my recovery and reacquainting myself with my friends. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I would face them head-on, just as I always had.
"By the way," I typed into the chat, my determination clear even through the impersonal medium of text, "I'll see you all at the new dorms soon. I can't wait to check them out and get back in the swing of things."
"Can't wait to have you back, Tanya!" Toru replied, her enthusiasm contagious.
"Same here," Kyoka agreed. "We've missed you."
"Again, welcome back, Manly President" Kirishima added.
Setting my phone aside, relief mingled with trepidation washed over me. My friends' support was reassuring, yet I knew everything was only starting. Being X's showing up once again in my life only means that I had to overcome more obstacles.
No force - divine or otherwise - would stand in my way.
With renewed resolve, I focused on my recovery, knowing that the true battle had only just begun.
Days passed by quickly after that, I was released from the hospital and found myself smothered at home by the caretaker. Mita acted much more like a mother hen, forcing me to stay in bed and making sure no one bothered me. Thankfully I was due to return to school by the start of the week and I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of excitement and trepidation as Mita drove me to UA. The familiar landscape passed by in a blur, my thoughts occupied with the upcoming move into the new dorms. It marked a new chapter for all of us at UA, and I was determined to make the most of it.
"Are you nervous, Tanya?" Mita asked softly, her eyes flicking over to me from the road, she seemed to have a cold today her eyes slightly red and sniffing ever so often.
"Maybe a little," I admitted, giving her a small smile. "But I've got to face this head on, right?"
"That's the spirit," she encouraged, reaching over to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. "You'll be a great hero; I just know it."
She was really grabby today while we were packing my things, I just resolved to put up with it.
As we pulled up to the campus, I saw Shota Aizawa waiting for me outside the dorm building. He looked as stern and unapproachable as ever, but something in his demeanor seemed… different. Almost like he was concerned for me, which was an odd thought.
"Welcome back, Yamada," Aizawa said gruffly as I approached. "I trust you're ready to dive back into your studies?"
"Of course, sir," I replied, trying to sound confident. "I won't let you or anyone else down."
"Good," he nodded, his piercing gaze never leaving mine. "We need to discuss your preparation for the school sports festival. You've missed quite a bit of training, so you'll have to work hard to catch up."
"Understood, sir," I said, mentally bracing myself for the challenge ahead. Aizawa's eyes flicked to the woman beside me and turned, "Grab your things and follow quickly." as he walked slowly away- with a slight limp I said my goodbyes to the caretaker, as I turned to Mita I was pulled weakly into a hug.
A stray thought entered my head.
With living on the campus dorm, I don't think I will be seeing her or the others much anymore.
As I realized this, I could only awkwardly return the tearful hug that the woman who raised me gave me.
Aizawa cleared his throat behind us, and I almost laughed when the Mita just hugged me tighter and told 'Mophead.' to shut up and give her a minute. Surprisingly he complied.
"Before we go inside," Aizawa spoke to me when Mita finally drove off, his tone becoming slightly strained, "I want you to know that the only reason I haven't pushed for your transfer into general education is because All Might and Nedzu overruled me while I was in the hospital."
I blinked, momentarily taken aback by his sudden honesty. In my mind, I couldn't help but think, 'That's more like him'. But I knew better than to say that out loud.
"Thank you for telling me, sir," I replied instead, my voice steady. "I promise I won't let this second chance go to waste."
Aizawa simply nodded, and together, we walked towards the dorm building.
When we entered, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. The quiet atmosphere seemed almost too peaceful, and my heightened senses detected the faint vibrations of movement hidden around corners and behind furniture. My instincts screamed at me that something was about to happen, and my heart raced in anticipation.
"Surprise!" "Welcome back!" "We missed you!" Shouts rang out from every direction as my classmates sprang from their hiding places, surrounding me with an explosion of noise and color. I couldn't suppress a grin as I took in their enthusiastic faces, all beaming with genuine happiness at my return. It was a stark contrast to the end of my last life, where camaraderie had been a rare luxury.
"Alright, alright," Aizawa said, raising his hands for silence. "Let's not scare her away. I'll leave you all to your celebration." With that, he turned and left the room, leaving me at the mercy of my overexcited peers.
"Okay, Tanya," Mina declared, taking charge as usual. "Since you're finally back, we've decided to have another dorm presentation contest! And you get to be the judge!"
"Wait, we already did that," Kaminari protested weakly, only to be met with a chorus of rebuttals from the girls.
"Too bad, it's happening again!" Ashido insisted, grabbing my arm and pulling me along as the other girls followed suit. I left my bag in the entrance as I allowed myself to be led through the dorms, deciding it would be a good way to familiarize myself with the building's layout and spend some much-needed time with my friends.
Upon entering Izuku's room, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the sight that greeted me. The walls were practically covered in All Might collectibles, from posters to action figures, creating a shrine-like atmosphere. "Wow, Izuku, you really are a die-hard fan of your father," I commented with a slight smirk.
"Uh, yeah- wait what?" He stammered next to me.
Right! He is trying to keep it a secret, "I mean All Might." I looked around, and it doesn't look like any of the others caught on to what I said, except for Todoroki who looked like something just made sense.
Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, sheepishly, "Uh. yeah. He has always been a big part of my life."
Next on the list was Fumikage's room, and Mina and Toru barged in without hesitation. The room itself seemed to absorb all light, with its dark wallpaper and heavy curtains drawn shut. Fumikage sat in a corner, glaring at the intrusion. "I don't recall inviting any of you in," he grumbled, clearly annoyed.
"Lighten up, Tokoyami!" Mina chimed. "We're just trying to get to know each other better!"
I grabbed Mina's collar and dragged her back out leaving the Goth boy to his lonesome.
Yuga's room stood in stark contrast to Fumikage's – it was bright, flashy, and filled with mirrors, reflecting Yuga's flamboyant nature. As we continued our tour, the girls hesitated outside Minoru's door, exchanging uneasy glances.
"Come on, it can't be that bad," I encouraged them, pushing the door open. To our surprise, Minoru's room was spotless and quite normal, save for the female hero posters by his bed. The boy who was nervously standing near the door with his hands behind his back looked relieved as we left without incident.
Tenya's room was neat and orderly, while Eijiro's had a distinct 'manly' vibe to it. Mezo's room was almost completely empty, and Hanta's Asian-style dorm was tastefully decorated. The girls, however, were most excited to show me Shoto's room.
"Prepare to be amazed, Tanya," Mina grinned, flinging the door open. I stepped inside and found myself in a completely different world – the traditional tatami flooring, sliding doors, and minimalist decor created a peaceful, calming atmosphere. Something… about it was familiar…
Oh well.
"I had to replace the flooring," Todoroki explained, while his tone was flat, he still looked slightly embarrassed, "I just couldn't get comfortable on the original one."
"You really went all out," I remarked, genuinely impressed, "This could not have been easy."
Our room tour concluded with Rikido's room, which was mostly unremarkable, save for a few extra cooking appliances tucked into a corner. I frowned slightly, wondering if that was even allowed, but decided not to dwell on it.
"Alright, time for the girls' rooms!" Mina declared, clapping her hands and leading us down another hallway. As we approached Kyoka's room, Yuga and Denki made some snide comments about expecting a less "ladylike" space. Kyoka bristled at their words, preparing to give them a piece of her mind.
"Actually," I interjected before she could unleash her wrath, "the musical instruments and equipment are totally on-brand for Kyoka. It's cute in its own way." My words seemed to catch her off-guard, and I could tell that maybe I had managed to make embarrass her, if her reddening face was any indication.
"Come on, let's check out the next room!" I said, diverting everyone's attention as we moved on. We entered Toru and Mina's rooms, which were both very girly with bright colors and cute decorations. Following that, Tsuyu's room was a pleasant surprise – it had a serene green color scheme and a pond theme that perfectly suited her frog-like quirk, the aquarium in the corner really brought it all together.
"Your room is so soothing, Tsuyu," I murmured, feeling my anxiety about the sports festival momentarily ebb away. "What's that noise though?"
"Thank you, ribbit," Tsuyu replied with a warm smile. "They are my singing frogs. They are super small though so i don't think you will see them right away. They are in the Aquarium if you want to look."
"I'll take a rain check for now cause I need to finish judging the room competition but I really like your room."
"Thank you, Tanya," she replied with a slight bow. "Please call me Tsu."
I nodded as the group moved onto the final room, we entered Yaoyorozu's cramped room. It was packed to the brim with large, ornate furniture pieces, clearly taken from her family mansion. The sheer amount of stuff crammed into the small dorm room left me in awe.
"Uh, Momo... how did you even manage to fit all of this in here?" I wondered aloud.
"Y-You see, I just... kind of... brought everything with me," Momo stammered, looking a bit embarrassed by the excessive display of wealth.
"Wow, talk about resourceful," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "But I hope you left some space for studying and sleeping in here too."
"Of course," Momo assured me with a small laugh, clearly grateful for my attempt to defuse the situation.
As we gathered back in the common area after completing our room tours, the anticipation was palpable as my classmates waited for me to announce the winner of the Room King title. My mind quickly sorted through all the various rooms we had visited, but one stood out from the rest.
"Alright, Tanya, it's decision time," Mina announced once we had visited the last room. "Who do you think should be crowned the new 'Room King'?"
I glanced around at everyone, seeing the eagerness in their eyes as they awaited my judgment. After a moment's consideration, I declared, "I think Todoroki's room is the most unique. The effort he put into redesigning it really stands out."
Todoroki as impassive as every just nodded slightly at the praise, while Kaminari and Mineta grumbled good-naturedly about their defeat. The contest over, we continued our impromptu celebration, laughing and chatting late into the evening. I allowed myself to relax and enjoy the company of my friends, the stress of my recent ordeal fading into the background. However, as the celebration continued and the sun began to set, I couldn't help but notice that Izuku was keeping himself apart from the rest of the class, joining in on conversations, but keeping to the edges of the groups. My concern grew, and I decided to talk to him privately.
"Hey, Izuku," I called out, gesturing for him to follow me outside. He hesitated for a moment before nodding and trailing after me. Despite trying to be stealthy, I could hear the unique sounds of Toru, Kyoka, and a few other girls deciding to stealthily follow us.
Once we were alone outside, I just turned to the boy and waited. Izuku took a deep breath before blurting out, "Tanya, I'm so sorry about what happened – When I went to save All Might even though you and Aizawa-sensei warned me not to."
His words hung heavy in the air, and I could see the guilt etched onto his face. In response, I tried to keep my tone light despite the heaviness in my chest. "Well… you're a hero-in-training, aren't you? It's in your nature to want to help."
"But I put you and Aizawa else in danger," he insisted, his gaze fixed on the ground. "I should have listened to you both."
"Maybe," I admitted, thinking back to the events that led us here. Honestly, I was feeling a little out of my element here. But I couldn't just stand here awkwardly when I could hear the girls around the corner listening in...
The fluorescent lights above cast an unflattering glow on Izuku's tear-streaked face as he sniffled, his shoulders shaking with every sob. I stood there, unsure of how to deal with the weeping boy in front of me.
"Hey, it's alright," I said stiffly, placing a hand on his shoulder. The action felt awkward and foreign to me, but it seemed to be the right thing to do. "You don't need to apologize to me."
"I-I'm sorry, Tanya," Izuku stammered between sobs. "I didn't mean to cause you any trouble." His green eyes were filled with sincere remorse, making me inwardly sigh. This kid wore his heart on his sleeve, a trait I found both endearing and exasperating.
"Look, Izuku," I began, trying to maintain a calm and collected tone. "We all make mistakes. It's part of being human, or in our case, heroes-in-training. Apologizing won't always fix things, but recognizing your errors and learning from them will help you grow."
"Really?" Izuku asked, his voice wavering. "You think I can still become a great hero, even after all the mistakes I've made?"
"Of course," I replied, forcing a small smile. "You have a strong quirk and a determined spirit. That's more than enough to become a top pro-hero." It's not like the son of All Might won't one day make a name for himself.
"Thank you, Tanya," Izuku said, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. I could see a glimmer of hope returning to his expression. "I'll do my best to learn from this and become an even better hero."
"Good," I nodded, finally releasing my grip on his shoulder. "Now, let's get back inside before we are missed."
"Right!" Izuku agreed, sniffing one last time before standing up straighter. His newfound determination was admirable, but I couldn't help feeling a pang of envy.
Why couldn't I, too, possess such an optimistic outlook on life?
AN: Mark: Well, there are about 20k more words on the document that need editing, but that will happen later. This chapter was a wall, but get ready for some U.A. Shenanigans and more slice-of-life before the sports festival! Also you might think everything is all Sunshines and rainbows after last chapter- :P
I hope to see all your reviews and more of you in my Discord, beating me up to write more. The invite is here: 5hwtG5CjsP
And shilling for the sake of shilling: TheMarkofArtemis on that Pat site.
Artemis: Where is the action? Are we almost there? YES! For it is I the Great and Powerful Artemis leading us to greatness and discovery! And Edits…..So so many Edits.