Something completely different!
A peculiar idea came to me some time ago: perhaps I could combine the world of My Hero Academia with the world of Total Drama. The world and lore of MHA have grown immensely during the past years and it's full of possibilities for exploration. MHA has the world, TD has a vast library of characters. This story is supposed to be a crossover where I put characters based on their Total Drama counterparts into MHA Universe, hence the name of the story, and shall go from there, exploring quirk-filled society from a different perspective.
This is a story which is still on my planning table, though I already have general ideas what I would like to achieve with it. Bear that in your mind as you proceed to read. I feel excited about this idea and wanted to get something written down as an attempt to get my creative juices going and flowing. That's why I bring you here the first part of prologue of sorts to the story of some TD characters ultimately enrolling into hero academy in Canada in the world of My Hero Academia.
I really hope you enjoy.
Ends and Beginnings
"It is a sad day today for Canada. Thousands and thousands of people have gathered here in Medicine Hat, Alberta to mourn the passing of nation's beloved hero and follow his funeral procession. No doubt more people across the country have gathered to follow the proceedings through whatever means. And you, dear viewers, who are following this broadcast, we welcome you."
"That's right! I'm Blaineley Stacey Andrews O'Halloran and I'm right here in Medicine Hat with Josh Gladstone. It's our solemn honor to accompany you as your commentators during this event of unseen proportions. Never has a single Canadian received such a gigantic and majestic send-off. The legacy this beloved hero left behind cannot be put into words. But we are here! To convey you, dear viewers, all that's happening."
"Yes! Benjamin Gaskill, Iron Mountain, dedicated over seventy years of his life to the service of Canadian people in one form or another as a professional hero saving, protecting and helping others. It is only fitting that a man of his magnitude receives only the best which Canada has ever mustered as we now come together to bury him and honor his life and works."
"Say what you want about who's the greatest hero of them all, but for Canadians out there there's no one but one man. Iron Mountain, legend already while alive, man destined to become a myth now when he has passed. Over seventy years in service as a hero. And fifty-two of them as our country's Number One no less! It's a world record to hold the spot of any country's number one hero position for such a length. And even if Iron Mountain stayed retired from his hero duties the last six years of his life, truly, his loss has been felt heavily across the country and even worldwide."
"Indeed. Iron Mountain was a man of unparalleled virtue and even if Canada's not that showy on world stage, there hardly was a person who hadn't at least heard his name. He was a man whose name shall and should be remembered alongside of other great names of history and of his time, say Japan's All Might for example or USA's Star and Stripe. "
"Funny you should mention their names, Josh. Do you think we'll be seeing those heroes at the funeral attendance today?"
"You tell me, Blaineley. You're the one whose been itching for weeks to have an opportunity to ambush some poor pro hero and get the exclusive interview of your lifetime. Surely you can tell better than me which pro heroes should we expect to see here in person attending Iron Mountain's obsequies."
"Don't you dare do me like that, Josh. We all know you'd be the one who would faint if Warlock would say just a word to you. And speaking of the hero, yes, I happen to know that he's confirmed that he will be present here today."
"Eeeee!"
"In fact, all the current top dogs and some still living previous pros from Iron Mountain's younger years have received invitations to be here. So it's not only our legend's funeral but also one of the very rare occasions when we have an opportunity to see Canada's top tier come together. Not everyone has confirmed their participation but Warlock's among those who have informed how he will show up. Other names to announce their participation include such names like current number four hero Danseur de Glace. And hopefully this gathering is rounded up with some appearances of foreign heroes."
"Not to diminish the serious atmosphere of the occasion by any means but I think it's for the best if we all acknowledge that yes, for some people today's not only about Iron Mountain. Hero spotting is gonna be a real thing but we, as your hosts, shall do everything in our power to focus on the legend himself and his legacy. Yet we aim to also note who shows up as their roles in society definitely are parts of Iron Mountain's monumental legacy. It's a historical moment in many ways. Our duty shall be to keep you informed and up to speed the best way possible about everything what's taking place."
"Definitely. Well said, Josh. Funeral guests are currently arriving to the church and first ones are getting seated so let's move to follow what's happening and who's gonna show up!"
The slow and heavy ringing of church bells echoed over the land signaling for the midday and people that church doors were now open and those with invitations could move forward and go inside.
A teenager Jeremy Aldridge sat wobbly on the shoulders of his friend Bart Carroll and tried to scout the front of the church through binoculars.
"You see any pros, dude?" another friend Jude Lizowski asked Jeremy and jumped a bit up and down trying a catch a glimpse himself over the heads of the insanely big crowd which had gathered and circled the church where previous number one hero Iron Mountain's funeral was about to take place.
"Not yet. Or I don't just recognize any faces", told Jeremy. Civilians had been fenced a good distance away from the church due to security measures. Even if Jeremy and his friends where not too much away from the front considering how much behind them the sea of people spread, it would have been greatly difficult to discern the identities of the individuals moving in the church so that was the reasoning for the sight-enhancing equipment. Three boys had also considered the prospect that heroes would not show up in their hero costumes which would have been understandable considering the nature of the event so that made recognizing arrivals even more difficult.
"Dammit, you're heavy. Switch with me!" Bart groaned and adjusted Jeremy's position on his shoulders with a grunt.
"No chance! I'm way lighter than you", Jeremy disputed the claim and attempted to regain his own balance.
"Dude, just lift the ground a smidge so we don't need to go through all these hoops", Jude suggested to Jeremy even though he probably could anticipate the coming answer.
"Heck no!" it was actually Bart who retorted. "Bro would kill me if we get into any trouble if we use traits. And it's illegal."
"Well, it's not like he cares to care enough to actually supervise us like he's supposed to. It's on him if we get into any trouble now", Jude protested.
"Dude, no!" Bart was not bending.
"HEY! Zip it! Holy cow! Is that All Might?" Jeremy stopped the debate once he recognized the person stepping out of the black SUV which had come and parked in front of the church's steps.
"What? Where?"
Large man with well-defined physique was towering easily over seven-feet in height and was wearing crisp-looking form-fitting black suit and black tie. Even outside his hero costume, there was no mistaking the man with his chiseled features and short blond hair with yellowish hues and two distinct tufts of hair sticking up.
"All Might?"
"Wait, really?"
"He came? Nice!"
"Japan's number one here?"
"All Might! Look here!"
"All Might?"
"All Might!"
Atmosphere around the crowd was getting electrified when word started to spread that Symbol of Peace had arrived to pay his respects to Standard of Man. Whispering and shouts rose from the crowd and hundreds if not even thousands of cameras and phones went up and tried to capture the moment. Hero might have been active on the other side of the world but his reputation definitely proceeded him wherever he went.
First All Might did not acknowledge or even faced the commotion he was causing by just being there. Jeremy could see how he stopped shortly at the bottom of the stairs to likely adjust his tie as was evident from his hand positioning. After he was acceptably presentable, he started to climb the stairs. As he went, back facing the crowds, he lifted to ninety degree angle his left arm and hand closed in fist. That was his remark that he acknowledge the crowds, and people went wild cheering. Then he opened his hand and brought it down in way to signal universally understandably that he wished them to calm down. It was to be an hour of mourning. Certain level of sensationalism could not be avoided whenever there were pro heroes involved and especially in this scale but everyone should have demonstrated certain level of restrain and reverence suitable for the occasion.
It was minor but powerful act from Symbol of Peace.
"Dude! That's it! We're moving closer! Jeremy! Bart! Let's go!" Jude was ticked off because he missed to see All Might. He slapped Bart's back to signal him to lower Jeremy so they could start squeezing forward closer to the fences where there would be more likely chances to get better glimpses at pro heroes.
His throat felt surprisingly parched that day. He took a bottle of sparkling water from the car's side compartment, opened it up and took a big swig.
"Sir, it would appear that All Might have arrived ahead of us to the church", told his assistant sitting at shotgun seat.
He swallowed the swig and furrowed his brows.
"Really?" he asked while simultaneously closing the bottle.
"Yes, sir!"
He let the breath come out of his mouth heavily. "Well, I guess it's understandable. Iron Mountain was a name with big N after all so it would have been a bit weird if he didn't show up at his funeral. I don't know what I was exactly expecting."
Neither his assistant nor driver had anything to say to him to that. They both know better than giving their boss any reason to indulge in his own mumblings. Boss had always had a habit to carry several worries on his shoulders even if he did not need to but after the death of Iron Mountain it had seemed that he was especially susceptible to fall into low moods.
"We shall arrive in two minutes, sir", assistant told him to get boss' thoughts somewhere else than All Might.
"Or as soon as these freaking cars get to drop their guests first and police clears civilians from the roads. Darn it! What's taking so long?" driver was not happy how bad places they had landed at the queue waiting to stop in front of the church and how many civilians seemed to wander among the traffic despite of pre-organized traffic control.
"Language, Graham", boss admonished. "It's Iron Mountain's funeral. We shall all act and behave accordingly."
Driver did not say anything at first. He felt bad that he got chastened by the boss but he swallowed his pride and apologized after short silence.
"Sorry, boss. Not gonna happen again."
"Great. Just get us there safely", he answered and let the thing be.
He sank into his thoughts and stared through the tinted window. Fleeting anonymity given by those car windows felt refreshingly great and he tried to savor every second of it since it was inevitable that just in a moment all of it would be gone and he would need to step outside and face the world. Symbol of Peace would be there at Canada's previous Number One hero's funeral to definitely take some attention away from him but he still felt that most eyes would be on him. And this day with Iron Mountain's burial would make it feel all the more final that from this point forward he had to be the one to carry sorrows, worries and torch of his nation forward.
It had already been sixteen years since he toppled Iron Mountain's throne at the peak of maple leaf country and he had gotten used to his place at the top. It had been controversial and it had sent ripples through the nation but at the same time just the remaining presence and support of the legend in the industry had been enough to keep him sane and grounded that not everything needed to be taken care of by himself. Iron Mountain had been loved and he knew he had managed to garner his own wide and faithful fanbase. In a sense, even if Iron Mountain had not stayed officially Number One till the end of his career, for the past sixteen years there had been two first place heroes in Canada.
An now there was to be only one. And somehow it frightened him
He had felt confident that he was ready for the day when Iron Mountain would pass away. After all, old man was not getting any younger and especially during the last decade of old man's life it had been painfully obvious that man was nearing the end of the road, no matter how brave smile he put on and how straight he stood whenever he made public appearances. But now the one who remained did not feel so sure anymore if he was ready to bid last farewells. It was not that he did not trust his own skills and abilities to protect people. It was the expectations which he truly dreaded. He had always fought to rise above the shadows which were cast upon him by greater and more loved figures. Now that Iron Mountain was not there anymore to diminish his shining within the other big nation of North America, thought had come to him: could he measure up to expectations which people were about to cast at him since Iron Mountain's last mantle now truly and fully finally rested upon him.
Assistant stayed true to his words with his promise that they would reach the church in about two minutes. As Graham brought the car to halt, it was the last opportunity for silent contemplation, for getting a look at the masses gathered around the area and take a deep breath.
"Thanks, boys. I'll see you once the procession march has ended", he thanked. Then he opened the door and stepped outside, back straight and eyes held high.
"Warlock!"
"It's Warlock!"
"It's him!"
"There! Right there!"
"He just stepped outside the car!"
"Warlock! I love you!"
If the crowds had gone wild when All Might arrived, they went absolutely ballistic when country's own top boy appeared. No matter how big of an international hero Symbol of Peace was, local name was still the name over anyone else.
When his car drove away and granted him a better look on the sea of humans and camera lenses, he smiled a little and raised his hand to shortly greet the people. Now if ever was the time to take care of appearances. It was hard to say when the exact moment was when the mantle left behind by Iron Mountain at last would be fully moved onto him. Personally, he thought it would be the moment when he emerged from the church when the procession towards Calgary was about to begin. That waving of hand then was in a sense his last public act before he would become unrefuted Number One hero of Canada.
A weird sense of premonition washed through him as he quickly ran his gaze over the masses. It could have been nothing since, after all, weird vibes constantly kept coming to him. Especially when he was in the field. What really weirded him was the fact that out of all the possible moments, he got that tingling feeling right now and it was surprisingly stronger than normally. He tried to figure out what was drawing his attention but he did not have sufficient time to conclude his thoughts since rationale reminded him to keep moving and show brave face. Whatever it was, it should have been ignored right then since he had to show to the world how he was ready to stand tall alone at the top of hero hierarchy in Canada.
He could hear ripples of conversations and see camera flashes go off behind him as he climbed the stairs to church building. He tried to pay no mind to any of it but there was no mistaking it that at some point portion of populace started chanting his name.
Warlock! Warlock! Standard of Man! Standard of Man!
Those shouts shook him. Iron Mountain was not even put to final rest, yet some people were rushing to bestow old man's epithet on him. Epithet which old man had carried throughout his meritorious career and lifetime of service. It sickened him to think that people paid so little respect to old man's memory during the hour which should have been all about him, his memory and his legacy. Yet he could not bring himself to think ill about his fellow people. People he had dedicated his life to protect and serve.
Security and attendants at the doorstep checked all the guests when they arrived. Warlock felt that they might have rushed his check-up a little bit compared to any other guest who were arriving about on the same steps as him. Perhaps they felt it was unnecessary to check him since they definitely recognized him and could not think any reason why he would not have been invited. Or perhaps they waved him in out of courtesy so he could get out of sight of the people quicker. Either way, he was thankful for it when he got inside and could take in a big breath of cool, air-conditioned air of old church. Thick walls muffled well the sounds of crowd outside and atmosphere felt much more reverent.
Warlock changed pleasantries with other guests who recognized him in the front hall and smiled tepidly to those who greeted him. Some pro heroes, some politicians, some other societal big names, some Iron Mountain's family members and old friends. He with certainty recognized at least two old man's grandchildren.
He stopped close to the mahogany doors leading up to the chapel. Pulling out phone from his jacket pocket, he decided to mute it before he would step in.
"Aah! Don, mon ami."
Warlock lifted his eyes and turned his head to the person speaking to him. He recognized that rather distinct voice and accent. Even if he was not in mood to deal with that particular person right that moment, he knew he could not avoid small talk.
"Jacques", Warlock greeted the man back. A man of about same height as him and with pronounced chin, big upper torso and sleek blond hair came next to him and lowered his hand on Warlock's shoulder.
"How great it is to see you here. I came right behind you. Sad day this is, but it's shame our fans don't seem to take it as such."
Warlock raised his right eyebrow.
"Since you're saying that, I take it that you heard the chanting. Is that the reason I have this honor to converse with you?"
Some guests passed them and changed pleasantries to them when they recognized professional heroes. It seemed that few of them would have wanted to stop and talk longer with them but Jacques gestured he was having a private word with Warlock so he would have appreciated it if he could first get that done. That wordless request was honored.
"No. Why would you think so little of me? No. Since we meet first time in person after Benjamin's passing, I just wanted to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to you as well. After all, you lost a dear companion in efforts to protect this great country."
"Really? That's weirdly thoughtful of you. But I guess I never was that close with him to justify this nice gesture."
"Don, that if anything is nonsense. That Benjamin's passing doesn't affect you, I mean. People out there just prove it. They already look up to you in a way they never have done before", Jacques answered and gestured generally with his arm to the direction of doors outside.
"Jacques. I'll be honest with you. I'm really not in a mood to think about that right now. Today's all about Mountain and I want to keep it that way. At least until the end of formalities."
"It's rough, I know. You've been doing this stuff for what, around twenty years now. If you feel burdened, just let us help. Or take a break. You're not alone. Step aside and let us guide and help people if you need time for yourself after all this time."
That hit Warlock's nerve in a way he could not believe was possible. If not for the situation, he would have had probably smacked Jacques. Man had come to him with sympathies and he had masterfully honeyed the words to suit the occasion, but knowing him, Warlock could sense this might have very well been another attempt to get under his skin and vocalize his beef with him. It rubbed Jacques wrong way – very wrong way – that he had been stuck at number four place on hero charts for three years straight now, no matter how much effort he seemed to put forward to progress beyond that. And for reasons unknown to Warlock previous pro athlete targeted his frustrations especially towards him instead of Number Three or Number Two. If anyone from top three decided to step down, by default Jacques would have climbed a spot forward. But to even humor such an idea and at Iron Mountain's funeral no less during time when industry really needed to prove their worth in the eyes of public? Unforgivable!
"Jacques", Warlock forced himself to remain calm and now it was his turn to put his hand on conversation partner's shoulder. "I appreciate your concern but let me assure you. This is time when we all pro heroes need to stand united and together win people's hearts and trust. I cannot stand back now. Neither can you."
It was hard to tell what exactly seemed to flash in Jacques' eyes when Warlock said that last part. Was it contempt? Did he feel that Number One somehow insulted his previous efforts? Was it frustration?"
"Wise words, Warlock, as always from you."
Warlock and Jacques turned to look how man of about Warlock's age with broad shoulders, thick hair dark as moonless night and constant stern look had managed to sneak at them.
"Minister. You here as well", Jacques greeted the man, Rutger Willmott, minister of hero affairs. It was like a switch had been turned hundred and eighty degree with his spirit from what it had been just a second ago when Warlock and his eyes had met.
"What can you expect. Kind of required in my position", minister Willmott told and gave slight, saddish smirk.
"You came alone?" Warlock asked out of formality.
"Oh, definitely no. I asked my wife to go ahead I see our seats while I came to change a word with you. And there's definitely few fellow politicians here if you want to group me with them. Though I wouldn't mind avoiding them today", minister Willmott answered. He reached his hand so he could share handshakes with both men. He had firm shake.
"You might have chosen wrong person to talk with then", Warlock joked a bit. "I bet you're not the only bigwig who will feel the need to approach me before day is over."
"Nah, honestly, I feel I'm good if I do this now. Others too busy to have an exchange with All Might first, I feel. Such names don't visit Canada too often", minister Willmott said, shaking his head lightly.
"Shame in itself", admitted Jacques. "Considering States right across the border have rather much traffic on that front."
"Indeed. But we have our own great names here in Canada! I'm glad to see both of you could make it", minister Willmott thanked them.
"Wouldn't want to be anywhere else today. Granted, I must say it's rather… exotic place to have the funeral", told Jacques.
It was true. It was unconventional that man of such high status as Iron Mountain got his burial ceremony happening in rather insignificant city near the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan. And it was state funeral no less. Honor which not too many could claim to have received. But in the end they were honoring old hero's last wishes. Since Iron Mountain had not wanted to be cremated, his gravesite was bound to raise some questions concerning security. To avoid vandalism, grave robberies, site from becoming a place of pilgrimage and whatnot, hero had had no choice but to have his place of rest being dictated to him. He was to be buried in Calgary in somewhat undisclosed location, but his wish had been that at least he wanted to go on his last journey from his hometown Medicine Hat.
Country and visitors around the world had flocked therefore in that city. City was nearing its breaking point if it could handle such masses of visitors and tourists even when government had poured resources in to help facilitate all the people who wished to be there.
"Let's grant old man his last wish", said Warlock. "There's also something poetic in this. He came from humble beginnings and after all these years he didn't forget it. He wanted to come home one last time."
"Indeed. And it's a lovely city. I know back in the day criminality rate used to be especially high around here, but maybe just Mountain's name being associated to here have helped it to drop down significantly", said minister Willmott. "By the way, Warlock. Can I have a quick word with you specifically?"
"Sure, I think. Is something amiss?" Warlock answered and asked. He could not turn down minister of hero affairs. He had expected many people wanting to have "private words" with him but whenever minister of hero affairs approached him he got especially concerned if it had anything to do with serious matters.
"Danseur de Glace, could you give us a moment? It's wonderful to see you here", minister Willmott said to Jacques.
Hero nodded politely and smiled, though he probably did not like the thing how he was asked to leave so Number One and minister could whisper silently secrets between them.
"Of course, sir, and likewise. Tell your lovely wife I say hi if I fail to meet her myself", Jacques said and with that he moved inside the chapel.
When Warlock was sure Jacques could not hear them, he turned to look minister and met his eyes.
"So, you had a problem, sir?" he asked expectantly.
"No, Warlock. I don't always bring you just problems to handle. But I had two things", minister said sounding slightly disappointed that Warlock had assumed him to be once again harbinger of woes. "First, I'm looking forward to having our meeting next week, but just so you know: Staples gonna be there as well."
"Really? Why" asked Warlock. That surprised him. It was not like he did not have to have meetings every now and then with minister of defense but it rarely occurred that he met both him and minister of hero affairs at the same time.
"You'll see. It suffices that you know he'll be there", minister Willmott did not go into details. "Second, just so I get this out of my conscience and I can say that I delivered the message. Prince is asking if there's any chance that you could have a second meeting already tonight. More private and off the public records."
Warlock sighed. "Sir, I already have that official appointment with royals tomorrow. My assistants made it clear to them weeks ago that I'm booked. Severely booked for the next days. If I want to get any actual hero work done during it, I have to make every spare minute count."
"Like I said, I'm just delivering the message. Maybe they thought my title could bear some leverage to persuade you to reconsider", minister spread his arms somewhat apologetically.
Warlock sighed again. "Well, thanks for delivering it but my answer is still no."
"I understand. But, Warlock…", minister took a pause for second in order to catch Warlock's attention better and force him to seriously take the next words in heart. "Retired Mountain might have been the one to really take care of the diplomatic affairs but now we're about to bury him. He's gone. We need you to step up and lead us. We'll need your contribution now more than ever."
"Of course, sir", Warlock answered in serious tone. "Why would you have any doubts about my dedication to the cause?"
"I don't", noted minister. "But I want you to remember that you are our Number One hero. Have been for the past sixteen years. There's a reason why and how you toppled Mountain. You should not think that you've ever been in his shadow."
Warlock took those words in and tried to decipher the meaning of them.
"Well, that's what I had for you. I guess I should go look where my wife went and get seated", minister ended the conversation. He bid goodbyes to Warlock and moved to the chapel where people had constantly went in during the time when two of them had conversed few steps aside from it.
Warlock let him go on his own. After a moment he followed everyone inside as well. Funeral was highly choreographed event down to seating order when it came to "guests of honor" so young usherette in an unassuming manner showed him where he should sit down. Personally he would have enjoyed more private spot but as luck would have it and as his status mandated, he had to sit on the second row of the nave and on the right side when looking from the front. First rows where reserved for the closest family members and associates, highest-ranking politicians such as prime minister and some visiting heads of state, and members of Britain's royal family who would attend.
As Warlock looked to his right when he was sitting down, he could see All Might, hero all the way from Japan, sitting on the same row but in other aisle. Man was so huge that he took two seats. Symbol of Peace sat there arms crossed and stare to the front fixed. He had that trademark wide teeth-revealing smile plastered on his face but tensions on his face muscles revealed how that smile was just for the looks while in actuality he felt saddened.
There was bound to be that small noise of conversation going around the chapel accompanied by slow, melancholic organ music. However, some people were gawking at All Might and noises from guests seemed to rise when Warlock showed up and sat down as now there where two different Number One heroes so close to each other.
Warlock deduced that it was better not to acknowledge All Might's presence further in an attempt to not kindle the fire more. This was day about Iron Mountain and he should maintain appropriate reverence. He would probably change few words with All Might later on but not right then.
Iron Mountain's casket was at the front altar, buried in a sea of thousands of flowers and ribbons. Colors of those floral arrangements comprised white and different hues of red as was befitting considering they were the colors of flag but there was also lot of black and azure to be seen since those were also the colors closely associated with Iron Mountain. Late hero had had a reputation of having love-hate relationship with extravagant spending so he probably would have squirmed in his casket had he known how much people were paying in this funeral and in flowers for example. Knowing that detail in old man's personality, Warlock had ordered two small and modest floral arrangements in colors of white, black and azure to be added in the bed of plants. First was in the name of his hero association. Second in his personal name. It was impossible to say where in there those two farewell gifts were but Warlock liked to think that old man would have appreciated his two modest bouquets alone much more than any humongous floral arrangement with long ribbons filled with sentimental pieces of poetry and quotations.
"It would appear that prime minister has arrived. Therefore, it's safe to assume that royals and visiting heads of state aren't much behind and we're about to start with burial ceremonies."
"That's right. Canada hasn't seen in a while such drastic security measures taking place and as leaders of countries require certain protocols to be followed which make sure of their security in this trait-ridden world, they shall arrive last with extra security. Once they are seated, there will be small interval after which archbishop shall commence with the ceremonies."
"While we wait last guests to arrive, in the meantime, let's have a quick fashion police moment. We simply cannot ignore the fact that number one hero of Japan, All Might, also a legend like Iron Mountain while still alive, showed up. What would you say, Blaineley, about his choice of wardrobe?"
"Well, Josh, if we noticed something other than he just being here, it was definitely the fact how he's wearing crisp black suit. You don't even need to follow media to know that outside his hero costume All Might prefers to rock full yellow suits. It's been his go-to color in one form or another for decades. It's definitely noteworthy that he should show up in classic suit in a public event of this level. But I would say it was wise and considerate move from him, no matter what we might think if the color suits him."
"Care to elaborate?"
"You see, every hero has his or her own style and color palette. While yellow gets especially strongly associated with All Might these days, it definitely wasn't part of Iron Mountain's color palette. His main colors were azure, black and white. While black is classically color to wear at funerals, it's not that uncommon these days that some pros prefer to make certain fashion statements no matter where they appear. It goes hand in hand with the product they must constantly sell and be aware of. That product being their professional hero persona. Say for example while we have learnt that Warlock doesn't boast with colors and is quite moderate in his fashion, rocking basically anything he wears, All Might on the other hand really doesn't have that same level of freedom. But him - Number One hero to show up at the funeral of national hero - choosing to wear black lets us focus on Iron Mountain – and by extension to his colors. Wearing black, All Might is not here as a 'number one hero' but as a yet another mourning fellow who wants to pay his respects to late great figure. It's a respectful gesture to Iron Mountain's memory to not arrive in trademark colors."
"So what you're saying is that instead of saying that 'HE IS HERE', he wants to communicate that 'HE IS NOT HERE!"
"Josh… Just no… That was bad."
They sat in a tree.
After attempting to move to the fences boys had soon discovered that there was no way they could get close enough through tightly packed crowds. Then Jude by sheer luck had detected that there was one of his skateboard community buddy hanging around some lindens with his full extended family. Boys had squeezed their way there so Jude could call his friend for a favor and after some sweet-talking to siblings, aunts, uncles, parents and grandparents two of friend's older cousins had helped them to climb high up on trees. It was risky for sure and law enforcement and park keepers probably did not appreciate people climbing on anything which was not explicitly meant for climbing. But there was nothing to actually stop them or no one to rebuke them for that; thousands if not tens of thousands tightly packed humans were impenetrable wall to get through. Only someone with flying enabling trait patrolling the area could have reached them but then again even that patrol person's biggest concern at the moment was probably just to handle the masses.
Jeremy, Jude and Bart got chance to get few good pictures of arriving guests as they sat in the tree. Around half past midday those guests stopped arriving and church doors were closed so the ceremony could start.
Friend's grandmother called boys and cousins occupying the tree to descend and have some beef enchiladas with everyone.
Boys took the offer for lunch and came down though one cousin stayed in tree to make sure nobody from immediate vicinity stepped forward to claim linden as theirs.
As enchiladas got shared, electronic devices got whipped out and streams and broadcasts were open so people could follow through internet what was happening inside. Jeremy and Bart sat down to lean against their climbing tree and have their food while watching funeral streams all the while Jude as their contact to the group humored his friend's grandparents with anecdotes from skate parks and shared some embarrassing stories about friend's blunders. Those stories seemed to amuse grandparents greatly.
In all, it was a wonderful moment and day was beautiful. Spring had come rather early that year so trees were already in full green bloom, day was warm and there were no clouds in the sky save few stray ones.
"By the way", Jeremy turned his head to speak to Bart. "You're brother knows we're gonna walk with the march? Or at least attempt."
"I mean, I told him. I don't know if he actually cared enough to remember it", Bart answered after swallowing bite of enchilada in his mouth.
"Okay. So we're good to claim innocence if something happens because he definitely was informed?"
"Yeah. And we'll meet him at the Aurora Centre's lower food court after everything's over. To me remember that part seemed to be the only part he cared about."
Neither Jeremy nor Jude's folks were around for Iron Mountain's funeral so after exhausting negotiations with parents they had been given a permission to join the crowd outside the church under the supervision of Bart's seventeen-years-old big brother and his cousin. Brother however could not really be bothered to take his duty seriously. Because brother and the cousin wanted to hang out with their own mates rather than babysit little brother and two friends of his, trio had been let go free under the condition that it would be tightly kept secret between them and they would meet afterwards and go home claiming everything went smoothly and without a hitch. Jeremy had no problem with that. Frankly, he was glad he could spend the day with two of his friends rather than stick around with older teenagers and be subject to their judgment where they should do hero spotting.
Sometimes Medicine Hat could feel like a small city where nothing of interest happened so to have the funeral of city's own boy taking place there was (as sad as the passing of great hero was) the greatest and most exciting thing to happen there during Jeremy's lifetime. Though he had struggles to handle the amount of people and ruckus around him, he tried to think positively and not focus on his discomfort. Pros definitely outweighed the cons. It was a great day.
There! With that, first Total Drama characters gets introduced in the world of this crossover fanfiction. Blaineley and Josh are still media personas. Jude is a character who appears in Dramarama so he counts as well but he's teenager now. And All Might from MHA appears! Then the big ones: yes, current Number One of Canada is Don and current Number Four is Jacques. Since this is a world and story where their roles from Ridonculous Race as a television show host and television show contestant respectively are irrelevant, they get new roles assigned to them. With plan being that I ultimately introduce TD's youngsters as aspiring professional heroes, Canada's hero scene requires already existing professionals, Don and Jacques being there to fill two spots as Warlock and Danseur de Glace (I hope I got that translation of Ice Dancer correct first try; adjustment possible if I learn otherwise). Jeremy is an OC from my "Total Drama Island - Extended & Revamped" fanfic and I decided to go with him as one of my main characters because there's a certain easiness to work with OC's when writing fanfiction compared to picking one pre-existing character and focusing on him/her as your main character.
By the way, yes: I didn't use the word "quirk" to describe the powers and features which people have but instead the word used was "trait". It was an intentional choice. Idea of "quirk" being used worldwide as an established and accepted word to describe these things doesn't sit well with me.
And that concludes the first part of the prologue! Old pillar of Canada is dead and getting buried. Warlock feels the pressure of rising responsibilities heavy on his shoulders as the nation is about enter new era. Three teenagers are there to enjoy some quality hero spotting time and have something happening in their home city.
I really hope you enjoyed.