The battle trials continued, with each team steadily trying to improve on the others' tactics. All-Might was happy to see them taking notes, talking with their teammates, and sharing ideas around the room.
Himiko and Sato took the field second after Kyoka and Izuku. They used Sato's strength bursts to move past clearings as quickly as possible, using the elements of surprise to get them in position to go for the bomb. They deployed a similar tactic as the first team, but Sato was able to run with the dumpster as a shield, with Himiko hiding inside, to get them in place to score a victory, with both of them "alive" at the end.
Mina and Ejiro surprised people by not going the same route, but instead, Mina used her acid to cut through buildings, keeping them from having to take unnecessary risks by exposing themselves; the problem is that the process took time and drained Mina pretty bad by the time they had to make a break for the bomb. Also, Professor Shokan changed location, giving them a better view of the final approach. A bit of levity was added when Mina "dove" heroically in front of Ejiro, allowing him to secure the victory. All-Might even allowed Mina to give her death speech before falling dramatically dead, and Ejiro screamed to the sky.
Itsuka and Tenya took straight down Main Street using sheer speed and strength. It was a wicked, full-on assault that saw them achieve victory by Itsuka ripping car doors free for them to use as shields. They won with the fastest time.
When Fumikage and Ochaco took to the field, it was clever use of Dark Shadow and Ochaco's gravity negation that saw them initially take to the roofs, forcing the professor to change location again and then drop to the streets. They made excellent use of elevation changes and Dark Shadow, making them extremely difficult to pinpoint. Ultimately, they won, with Ochaco only having been hit once, when using her quirk made her unleash the rainbow.
Denki was the sacrificial lamb in their assault; he did all he could to give Tsu time to use her mobility to claim victory, including shorting out the power to the testing facility for 20 minutes. In his disoriented state, he was taken out of the match.
Mezo and Yuga were interesting in that they used Yuga to play counter-sniper. Mezo would relay their opponent's position, and he would come out and fire his navel laser; his need to "sparkle" came in handy as his movements were not initially predictable, allowing him to avoid a few shots. In the end, the professor was a better shot, ending the French man's assault and nearly taking out Mezo.
Shoto protected them with a wall of ice, and Koji swarmed their professor with rodents. They easily cruised to victory. Professor Shokan voiced their displeasure rather vehemently. Toru made it back just in time for her to join Momo.
"Did it work?" Momo asked Toru.
"It is just a pair of bicycle shorts right now and a sports bra," Toru said excitedly. "Hold on a moment. All-Might?"
"Yes, young Hagakure," he was surprised when she ran over and hugged him briefly.
"Thank you so much," Toru said quickly. "I can't tell you how much it means to me to…"
"Think nothing of it, young Hagakure," All-Might said softly. "As I said, it is my job to ensure that not only do I try to teach you how to be the best heroes you can be but that you are also adequately protected. Now take the field."
Momo created some shields, but instead of handing one to Toru, she rigged them up on a pole so it looked like they were moving together. Toru crept straight down the middle, securing the victory.
Mineta sighed as he was about to run alone when Izuku volunteered to go again.
"Why?' Mineta asked as they walked out to the field.
"You came in clutch with that video in the locker room," Izuku said. "When we told the class, you understood what we did to protect Eri."
"Family matters," Mineta said. "Did they make you guys…" Izuku nodded. "Fuck, that sucks; no offense, how are you both not homicidal psychopaths?"
"Love is a mother fucker, yo," Izuku said with a smile and shrug, making Mineta laugh. "Hey, could we use your obs to climb the buildings?" Mineta nodded. "Ok, I saw we go airborne till we get close, then dashed from both sides and see if we live."
"That is chaotic and wild," Mineta smiled. "Let's do it,"
Once again, Izuku fell on the battlefield.
Once they finished the scenario, they moved on to hand-to-hand with Professor Kwannon. The boys and some of the girls froze when she emerged. She wore a purple one-piece purplish black bikini wrapped around her chest and neck, matching thigh-high boots, gloves, and a red sash around her slender waist.
"If I can get some of her blood," Himiko whispered to Izuku, who nodded foolishly.
"Welcome, my dear heroes, to hand-to-hand training," she smirked. Today, we will have some light sparing so I can see where some of you are and develop a lesson plan from there. I am also skilled in weapons and can provide you with training in that as well. I am not here to force my style on you but to help you find and develop your style. Itsuka and Izuku your up first."
Itsuka smiled as they stepped into the ring, and so did Izuku. His excitement was building. "No quirks, take your marks and begin!"
Izuku pushed off, coming in fast; Itsuka deflected his right hook, attempting to deliver a spinning kick to his midsection. She marveled as he spun back away from the kick, and with a spinning back fist, she was able to block, making her take a step back. The class watched as a devilish smile spread across both their faces. They raced in, ready to combat, only for their bodies to freeze up, and they fell to the floor. "Light Spar!" Kwannon called out, and they could move again.
They both apologized sheepishly and began again. Once they were started, the professor got others going with some light sparing and others practicing striking.
They were all battered when they moved on to quirk training with Professor Shealonis; everyone in the class was astonished when he moved effortlessly between them. He seemingly understood their quirks and had plans for them to work on strengthening them. Himiko and Izuku were shocked that he could even address their blood quirks. By the time he was done, the students were exhausted as they made their way to the showers.
Toru & Himiko
Most girls had already slipped into the showers when Toru approached Himiko and got her attention. "Himi?" she said hesitantly. Himiko turned to the floating towel.
"Everything all right, Toru?" Himi replied as she wrapped herself in a towel.
"Today, getting clothes so I didn't have to run around naked…it was something I had to come to terms with when I decided to become a hero. It wasn't the ideal situation. But today, when All-Might sent me to get those clothes before the trial," Toru paused, struggling for a moment. "I didn't realize how much it bothered me until I had them on."
"Just because we make peace with something doesn't mean it doesn't bother us," Himiko said, placing her hand on Toru's shoulder. "What can I do to help?"
"You don't get people's quirks when you transform into them," Himi nodded. Will you…could you use it to transform into me?" Himi could feel her shoulder tense. I want to see myself. I haven't seen myself since I was 5. If you don't…"
Himiko's heart broke some, "Toru, I would love to help you out." She wrapped her arms around Toru. "I can't imagine what this must have done to you."
"But you have gone through so much worse…" Toru tried to complain as she returned the hug, some tears escaping.
"Just because we haven't gone through the same trauma, it doesn't minimize yours," Himiko said. "Therapy has taught me that we all have our crosses to bear, and that doesn't make what you are going through any less traumatic for you. And if I can help you out…"
"Thank you, Himi," Toru whispered.
Himiko paused. "I copy whatever you are wearing now, so I will just be in a towel. If you put on your uniform, we can even do a school photo for you, something nice you can send your parents."
"I want to see myself…all of myself," Toru blushed. "Maybe we can do a school photo this weekend."
"Understandable," Himi smiled. "I don't have my syringes right now, so I will have to take it the old-fashioned way; I can make a small cut or bite you."
"Is there a way you prefer?"
"This is about what you are comfortable with," Himi responded. "Biting is intimate for some people; how about we do a small cut? I promise it will be all right; I am extremely good with a knife."
"You can bite me," Toru said after a pause. "You have shared so much with me, and knives scare me. You are also about to see me naked so that a little intimacy wouldn't bother me. Have you ever done that with Izuku? I mean, transform in the bedroom."
Himiko laughed. "No, we joke about it, but that would be a massive invasion of privacy…now if they were in the bedroom with us, that would be a different story."
"Then that means you could turn into Izuku…." Toru froze as the thought ran through her mind, and her whole body heated up.
"Naughty girl," Himi teased as they both laughed, their moods lightening. Now, let's shower together," she grabbed Toru's hand and led her into the shower.
Himiko brought Toru's wrist to her mouth and slowly sank her fangs in. Toru was trembling slightly; when Himi's fangs sank in, there was a prick of pain, and then it just felt numb, but as Himiko drank, it sent a shudder through Toru. Himiko's eyes were lidded, and she seemed to be in pleasure; hearing this deep throaty moan escape Himiko's throat as she held Toru's wrist did ignite some exciting thoughts in Toru's mind, as this was the most intimate act she had ever experienced it was a bit of surprise at how much it turned Toru on. When Himiko broke away, Toru marveled that her wrist was sore.
"Did you like that?" Himiko teased as she licked Toru's blood off her lips. Toru froze seeing the act, the sensual way that Himiko spoke, the way her tongue dragged seductively over her lips.
"I think I have a vampire fetish," Toru whispered, immediately clasping her hands over her mouth.
Himiko laughed, "Izuku is good at it as well; I just wish he had fangs like me."
Toru nearly fell over at that part, but she managed to maintain control. Then, she watched as Himiko's skin began to morph and change. A short girl with long, messy, wavy chartreuse hair, pink specks, bushy eyelashes, and big round eyes appeared in place of Himiko. Her pupils were teal on the outside and yellow on the inside. Himiko disappeared quickly, and the new girl took her place.
Toru was stunned as the towel fell; she just stared at her naked body, her eyes drinking in every detail; she reached out and touched Himi, her hands lightly tracing over her doppelganger's arms and sides. Himiko giggled, and a sensual moan escaped her lips as Toru's hand passed over her breasts. Toru was in a trance, staring at herself; she gently tugged Himiko's arm to get a complete look. Himiko sat with her back to Toru, looking over her shoulder at the invisible girl.
When Himiko heard Toru begin to cry, she wrapped her in a tight embrace as they sank to the cool floor of the shower stall. "Thank you, Himiko," Toru managed between the tears. Thank you so much."
"Anytime, Toru," Himiko said as she stroked Toru's head. Once Toru had composed herself, Himiko put the towel back on, "I am going to go shower now. Are you good?"
"Yes, thank you again," Toru said as her friend stepped out.
Izuku & Shoto
Izuku had stepped out to pick up Eri from daycare, and he was surprised when Shoto asked if he could join him.
"Everything ok, Shoto?" Izuku asked.
"Yes, Izuku, things are going well," Shoto responded. "I was hoping to invite you to dinner tonight in the dorms; I am sure you must be exhausted. Fuyumi and my mother are preparing a feast to foster some goodwill between the class."
"It sounds good," Izuku responded with a smile. "I am tired after today. Thankfully, except for Ida, most of the class is accepting."
"Those who are not don't understand the situation you have come from," Shoto said. Most would look at Fuyumi and myself and see that we are children of Endeavor and assume that our home life was ideal, with us being afforded every opportunity to explore our quirks."
"That was not the case," Izuku said.
"Exactly; when you are in those moments, you feel alone, never thinking nor daring to dream that someone would dare to stand by your side," Shoto stopped walking, causing Izuku to do so as well. "I want you to understand how much that day meant to me and my family. Whatever happens, know we are with you wherever you find yourself." He extended his hand, "I will always come when you call."
Izuku took Shoto by the forearm, "I appreciate that, Shoto; I want you and your sister never to hesitate to call on Himiko or me. Maybe we can all go do something this weekend."
"I was about to suggest the aquarium," Shoto said unexpectedly. "I have never been. It was one of the things I longed for, a sense of normalcy in my childhood."
"Eri and I have never been to an aquarium; maybe Himi has," Izuku paused, hand to his chin. But we have never been together. I would love to share that memory with you."
"Then please allow us to pay for the tickets," Shoto said before Izuku could protest. "This is what friends do, is it not."
Izuku knew he was defeated, "Then we will pay for lunch." Shoto smiled as they broke apart and continued to pick up Eri.
Eri leaped into her father's arms, turned, and looked at Shoto. "Have you come to admit that pancakes are superior to Waffles?"
"Quite the contrary," Shoto smirked. Not only are waffles superior, but I will contend that French Toast is also superior to pancakes."
"How can you be so wrong?" Eri said. "Pancakes are amazing and work better with all kinds of fruit. They are a staple all over the world. Not only that, but some restaurants serve only pancakes. I dare you to find a waffle-only restaurant."
Shoto smirked and pulled out his phone, "I thought you would say such a thing; I present the Waffle Castle. They have five locations just in Tokyo alone and 18 across Japan. They are opening one here next month."
"I expected as such," Eri crossed her arms and smirked. "Father, phone." Eri took Izuku's phone, a quick search later. "I give you the International House of Pancakes, in business for over 350 years, with 89,000 locations and a menu sporting over 187 pancakes."
Shoto smiled. "I see that you swayed Fuyumi to your side."
"She has come to her senses as soon as your mother," Eri said, sounding like an adult. Izuku made a note to pay more attention to her television programming.
"We shall see, Eri. This battle is not yet over!" Shoto smiled. Izuku just enjoyed hearing them keep going back and forth as they headed back to the dorms.
Bakugo
"Why Katsuki?" Mitsuki demanded. "What in the world made you attack someone in the locker room? And why would you attack Izuku of all people?"
Katsuki clicked his tongue and looked away. "No, Katsuki, you don't get to answer me!" she said as the volume of her voice increased. "You are lucky you are not in jail. Do you know how much your tuition is? Are you aware that it is non-refundable?"
"WHO FUCKING CARES YOU DAMN HAG?" Katsuki bellowed, getting to his feet. "DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THE MORE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT HE IS STILL THERE THAT DAMN VILLAIN IS STILL IN THE HERO COURSE!"
"How is Izuku a villain? What has he done?" she retorted.
"HE AND THAT DAMN WHORE BOTH HAVE A BLOOD QUIRK! YOU CAN'T TRUST THOSE PEOPLE!" he stomped his foot. "WHY CAN'T ANYONE ELSE SEE IT?"
Mitsuki stopped, "Is that why?" her tone was no longer angry. It was rife with disbelief. "You are saying your hatred for Izuku is because he has a blood quirk?"
"NOT JUST ANY BLOOD QUIRK? HE STEALS OTHER PEOPLES STRENGTH! HE FEEDS ON THEM LIKE SOME VAMPIRE!" Katsuki started to pace. "DOESN'T ANYONE GET IT!"
Mitsuki turned, stunned to her husband Masaru, who had been silent this entire time. "Katsuki," he said, his voice calm; Katsuki stopped pacing and stared. "You have chosen to attack another student based on their quirk?"
"YOU DON'T…" Masaru held up his hand to cut him off.
"Yes or no,"
"Yes," Katsuki answered.
"Is there any evidence that when he uses his quirk, he weakens someone either at the time of usage or in some permanent manner afterward," Masaru said, his tone still calm and even.
"NO…" he saw Masaru raise an eyebrow. "No, but I know it! Deep in my soul, I know he and that girl are in trouble. He is a villain, a killer, and a dangerous man."
"Katsuki, I don't know if a single word out of your mouth is true, but I will make an inquiry," Masaru said. "But do you, instead of bringing this to the staff, choose to act violently and have been expelled from U.A. Now tell me, what hero school is going to take you?"
"ARE YOU NUTS? WITH MY QUIRK…"
"You attacked another hero course student because of the nature of their quirk!" Masaru walked forward. "NO ONE IS GOING TO CARE ABOUT YOUR DAMN QUIRK, YOU IDIOT! YOU ARE A QUIRKEST! YOU IDIOT, YOUR DREAM OF BEING A HERO IS FOR ALL INTENSE AND PURPOSES OVER!" Masaru grabbed Katsuki by his shirt. "I AM DISGUSTED WITH YOU."
Katsuki went to grab his father's hands, but when those words struck him as if he had been slapped. "YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HE HAS BEEN THROUGH! AND JUST BECAUSE HE HAS A BLOOD QUIRK, YOU DECIDE TO SIT IN JUDGMENT! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?"
"I…"
"YOU ARE SOME DUMB KID WHO HEAD WAS FILLED WITH THIS NONSENSE THAT SOMEHOW YOU ARE SUPERIOR TO OTHERS DUE TO YOUR QUIRK," Masaru's grip tightened and he lifted Katsuki off the ground. "I don't know who filled your head with this nonsense, I don't fucking care." He dropped Katsuki, who fell to the ground. "Get your shit unpacked and start filling out applications for a late enrollment. You will not leave this house without my or your mother's permission."
Katsuki scrambled to his feet and started moving towards Masaru, who stopped and spread his arms. "You better take your best shot and pray you put me down with it." Katsuki froze; he had never heard his father speak like that. Katsuki didn't move, and Masaru stepped out of the room.
"Your father," Mitsuki said. He wasn't always the same man you have known all your life. He changed when he found out I was pregnant with you. I don't know who filled your head with this nonsense, but I know I failed you." Katsuki looked at his mother, stunned, not only by her words but also by her tone and the hurt he heard. "I am sorry, Katsuki," she said as she left the room.
Katsuki sat on his bed and stared at the boxes in the corner.
Fuyumi
She sat proudly as all the students in the dorm sat down to eat. She had prepared a menu of spaghetti with meatballs, salad, and bread. She watched as everyone passed the bowels around, and then they all turned and looked at her and Rei, waiting for them to serve themselves. Rei giggled as she had been distracted by Eri sitting between Rei and Himiko.
Once they were served, Sato stood up. "I would like to thank Ms. Fuyumi and Ms. Rei for preparing dinner for us tonight," he paused as the students all said their thanks. "I would also like to say that I am happy that we all have a chance to sit together and eat. I hope that we can all do this again." He took his seat as everyone gave thanks for the meal, and they all began to eat.
Despite the fatigue from the day, Fuyumi watched as most of the students smiled and laughed about their day and battle trial. She noticed her brother smiling and laughing as he talked with Izuku. She was excited when Shoto came home and told her about the trip to the aquarium, but he asked their mother if she would join them. Rei couldn't contain her happiness or excitement at the opportunity, especially when they heard Natsuo would also be there with the possibility of him bringing his mystery girlfriend along.
Everything had not been perfect; there was a fight between Izuku and Tenya, who was absent from the dinner due to a family obligation. Then, there was the incident with Bakugo in the boy's locker room. She had been informed of his expulsion and had to watch as his parents came to pack up the boy's room this afternoon. It was a solemn affair. They didn't ask her many questions. All his mother asked was if any of the other students had been hurt. There was an energy coming off the boy's father, an energy that Fuyumi recognized; a storm raged underneath the surface. There was a fury there; at first, Fuyumi feared for Katsuki.
But the more she studied Masaru Bakugo, the more she could feel the raging storm pass with every object he packed, with every box he carried to the elevator. She saw the storm of rage dissipate into disappointment with a hint of regret. As she watched, Masaru packed his boy's room, pausing and looking for every item as he packed it, questioning how everything had come to this. When they left, they thanked Fuyumi. She watched them talk with Aizawa and Midnight briefly before they left.
Fuyumi shook the thought of the day away and focused on the dinner. When it was over, she was happy that some of the boys took to the dishes before the students had to break to tackle their homework. She watched as they crowded around the table, pulling out their notebooks; Rei took Eri to the common room to color and watch cartoons. She saw the class pulling around Himiko and Izuku, helping them with their homework; she had almost forgotten that they were behind academically compared to the rest of the class. Himiko and Izuku smiled as the class lent them aid; Momo sat between them. Momo was the number one student in the class and seemed adept at teaching them. Soon, the raven-haired girl was floating around the table, offering her expertise to anyone who needed it.
Fuyumi was watching the beginning of friendships blossom, the foundation of which would hold them for the rest of their lives.
Tenya's Family Engagement
Tenya sat in his brother Tensei's office. It was easy to see that the two were related, as they looked remarkably similar, except that Tensei's hair was cut short and spiked.
"Do you understand what you have done?" Tensei said as he paced the floor, the anger apparent in his voice. "I told you that information so you would be aware and to keep an eye on the situation, not to go running your mouth."
"Tensei, I was telling them that they didn't belong in the U.A. and hoping that they would withdraw on their merit," Tenya said in an attempt to defend themselves.
"And I told you to keep it yourself!" Tensei said. "I told you just so you were aware. The principal of U.A. gave them this deal Do you not understand what your fever had done."
"No brother," Tenya said.
Tensei grabbed a paper off his desk and shoved it toward Tenya; he took it and began reading. As he started reading, the color drained from his face. Due to his actions, Tensei received an official sanction from the Hero Commission; every member of the Ingenium Agency would have to undergo training about handling classified information. The final thing that caught his attention was the Three Million Yen Fine that had to be paid to the Midoriyas.
Tensei, once his brother had finished reading the letter, then explained to Tenya that because of this official reprimand against not only him, he was going to remove him from the ability to participate in higher profile cases for the next five years. Tenya's carelessness had hurt the agency's growth, the ability to hire new sidekicks, and even take on interns. Tensei, aka Ingenium, was known for the number of sidekicks he employed, numbered in the sixties.
Tenya knew his brother took pride in taking on sidekicks and finding their roles within the agency. If you had a speed quirk, you knew you would find a spot at the Ingenium agency. Tensei was proud of the four heroes who had started with him and had moved on to begin their agencies; they would call for advice or assistance. Tensei was there for them.
"Do you understand now that your inability to keep your mouth shut has done," Tensei said as he slammed the paper on his desk.
"But brother, he killed that man while he was in custody!" Tenya said, getting to his feet.
"I was there, Tenya," Tensie barked. I helped take him into custody. I am the one who told you about what he did. I told you that so you could watch him and ensure they behaved. Did I ask you to do anything other than that?"
"No," Tenya said as he hung his head.
"Do you know why?" Tenya shook his head. "Because they gave me the file afterward, they read me in on what had happened and what had been done. Now, because of your actions, this." He snatched the paper off the desk.
"Brother..." Tenya protested, stepping forward.
"Get out, Tenya, get out and keep your mouth shut before you cause any more harm," Tensei said, not turning around. Tenya hung his head as he walked out, heading downstairs to the waiting car that would take him back to U.A.