Lean On Me
The next morning, the heavy air of the conference room was penetrated by the sound of Thomas Azure slamming a book onto the table in front of each UA teacher, one after another. "Read this, study this, memorize it until you start seeing the words floating in mid-air", said Thomas, his usual cheer replaced by sheer dread. "What in tarnation is we looking at?", asked Snipe. "The Grimm Beastiary ", said Thomas, "It is THE book you need to read on the matter". "I don't know, Mr. Azure", said Nezu, "Isn't this a little much?" "A little much can go a long way, especially with lives at stake", said Thomas. "Oh, you're being ridiculous", said Aizawa, "These Grimm are no more than mere animals. Even the Problem Children of my class could beat them". Thomas leveled a cold glare towards Aizawa's direction, and at that moment, the homeroom teacher knew he had made a mistake. "No more than mere animals, you say?", Thomas snarled, "It is because of those animals that my hometown is a wasteland, and Beacon Academy? It took years to get rid of them because they kept multiplying. So do me a favor, just a small favor: Make like a crab and clam up".
"I've never seen him like this before", said Present Mic. "The Grimm are a personal button to him", said Midnight, "Aizawa should've known better than to push it". "What about your daughter?", asked Present Mic, "Is she doing alright?" "After what happened, I'd be surprised if she was", said Midnight, "Her arm is healing up just fine. It's the scars in her psyche I wish I could fix". "Those are the ones we have the hardest time healing", said All Might. "Well said", said Cementoss. "Guys, I know the condition of Miss Yaoyorozu is important, but we're in a meeting right now", grunted Thomas, "Speaking of which, the Grimm. What are we doing about them?" "I can increase the defenses of the school, but without HPSC approval, I can't make any changes too soon", said Cementoss. "That reminds me, have we found the identity of the leak?", asked Midnight. "Not yet", said Thomas, "My team was looking into it, along with some other things, when the incident in Hosu happened. Something afterward demanded my attention, but my team has been on top of it from the day we found out about it".
"I think that should conclude our meeting for today", said Nezu, "We'll take the rest of the day off and come back after the weekend is up. Remember to look over the Grimm Beastiary during that time, especially you Aizawa. These small threats, I've noticed, tend to grow." As the teachers left the room, Thomas shut the door behind them. "Why do we still have Aizawa on payroll?", he asked, "Especially considering his reputation?" "I know you and him have opposing minds, but his logic and quick thinking prevented multiple people from losing their lives at the USJ", said Nezu. "What of the people he expelled?", asked Thomas, "Specifically the ones with no where else to go but an early grave?" "I won't argue with that", sighed Nezu, "It is always tragic when good people have their potential cut short. However, Aizawa's always been...committed to his ideals. I fear for his health if he were let loose too soon". "I think we have worse issues to worry about than his health", said Thomas, "I know he's been championing Katsuki Bakugo as prime hero material, but everything I've seen of the kid worries me, especially his Battle Trial performance". "Indeed", said Nezu, "I was hoping to prevent another Villain creation, but his performance at the Sports Festival has shaken me. Hopefully, Uwabami has taught him some level of restraint."
"Here's hoping", sighed Thomas, "One other thing. I had the presence of mind to look into your other problem and Steph and I found this at the crime scene last night". He then took a plastic bag filled with purple hair from his suit pocket. "This was that thing that demanded my attention last night", explained Thomas as Nezu looked at the bag, "Stephanie and Bertram are already analyzing the rest of that sample." "I expected nothing less from the great Team THBS", said Nezu, "But keep this quiet. At the moment, your team, the faculty, and I are the only ones who know and I fear for what the students would do if they were to find out too soon". "Too soon?", asked Thomas. "I suspect Midoriya knows, considering he had a brush with her bullet last night", said Nezu, "Should he wish to know more, let me explain everything". "Sure thing, boss", said Thomas.
Elsewhere, Mina had gotten off the bus from her Internship and stretched her arms, popping one of her shoulders. "Much better", she said as she hopped down the street. Right in her sight was Ochako, who was finished for the day after her Internship with Gunhead. "Yo, Ochako", said Mina, "Did they let you go early too?" "Yeah", said Ochako, "I was told there was an incident in Hosu involving Izuku punching out the Hero Killer and a Grimm attack on top of that". "A what attack?", asked Mina. "The Grimm", said Ochako, "Beasts made of darkness that are attracted to negative emotions". "Oh, them", said Mina, "I'm not worried about them. I have real problems to deal with. Speaking of which, how's Yaomomo doing? I heard she got hurt on patrol". "Izuku told me she was doing better, but feeling sad about what happened", said Ochako. "Well, it's settled then", said Mina, "We're going to help her out". "Wait, we?", asked Ochako. "Yes, we", said Mina, "Yaomomo has been sad since the cheerleader prank at the Sports Festival. It's our job as heroes to help a friend smile. That's my mission statement as Guardian of Love, so what do you say, Star Goddess. Ready to make Yaomomo's world a better place to live?" "Yeah, sure, count me in", said Ochako, "You know where to find her?" "I thought you knew", said Mina.
Elsewhere, Izuku sat on a bench next to Eri and Diana. "So, what happens after this?", he asked. "The WHA has some questions about the Grimm attack", said Diana, "Jin and I have been called in to report to our superiors in New York. Hopefully, it should only take a week, maybe five business days if Cathleen isn't there". "Who?", asked Eri. "Big lady", said Diana, "Very important. Fortunately, I'm staying out of trouble despite the raid. All evidence was turned in this morning, including the fact that you had a day license, so you're off the hook. However, in the case of young Eri here, I still have my worries". "Is it because of my curse?", asked Eri sadly. "Not a bit", said Diana as she got down in front of the young girl, "Listen here, child. Anyone who said you're cursed is wrong. This is not a curse; it's a gift, one that can help a great deal of people. Look at Izuku. His gift turns him into a giant gorilla, something that frightens people, but he uses his power to save people". "Pretty much", said Izuku.
Just then, Inko arrived. "It's done!", she announced. "It is? Woo-hoo!", cried Izuku. "What's happening?", asked Eri shyly. "You're coming home with us", said Izuku excitedly. Eri tilted her head in confusion. "What he means is that I've adopted you", explained Inko as she knelt down beside the child, "That horrible man isn't going to hurt you anymore. You're a part of our family now". "Which means I now have a twin brother and a little sister", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed. "Monkey?", asked Eri. "That's me, Short Stuff", said Monkey, "Guess Host Body told you to expect me, huh?" "I guess so", said Eri. "Protect her at all costs", said Diana, "She's too cute to be alone in the world". "You have my word of honor, Doc", said Monkey, "So long as Izuku and I are alive, nothing is hurting this child".
On the other side of town, Bakugo walked down an alley, looking for someone. "You're late", said Oboro as he stood above him on a fire escape, dressed casually in a black Hawaiian shirt with blue flowers and long khakis. "I had to say good riddance to that Snake Whore and her entourage", growled Bakugo, "Damn near took me an hour". "Well, in any case", said Oboro as he slide down the ladder, "I am going to teach you techniques you could never learn in hero school. When we are done, you will have learned more than even All Might could teach you". "You better watch your mouth", snarled Bakugo. "Apologies", said Oboro, "I forget how strong All Might is. Such strength is to be admired, but alas, some people will drag down those that are strong to prioritize the weak. Wouldn't you agree?" "Yeah", said Bakugo, unhappy memories of his Internship filling his head. "Well then, let's get started", said Oboro, "You see that trash can?" "Yeah", said Bakugo. "Can you destroy it with your Quirk without making noise?", asked Oboro. "Let's find out", said Bakugo as he thrust his hand forward, a loud pop filling the air as the force put a dent in the trash can. "That was good, but let's do better", said Oboro, "Can you do that, but with your AP Shot, and without warning?" Bakugo stepped forward and waved his arm as he let off an explosion, cutting the trash can in half! "Incredible!", exclaimed Oboro, "A new Super Move in under a minute! Imagine what you could be doing if UA or Uwabami nurtured your talents". Pride swelled up in Bakugo's heart.
Back at the bus stop, Mina was texting furiously as Ochako walked alongside her. "OK" said Mina, "She's meeting us right about…there! Come on!" She grabbed Ochako by the wrist and dragged her along as she ran toward a black limo that had stopped by the local mall. Inside the limo, Ishiro sat next to his daughter as she shook nervously. "Is this really the right idea?", asked Momo, "Should I even be happy at a time like this?" "Yes, absolutely", said Ishiro bluntly. "B...but Father', protested Momo. "No buts", said Ishiro, "Momo darling, everyone needs a chance to be happy after tragedy. Without that chance, we may lose ourselves to despair. For now, just take the weight of the world off of your shoulders until that arm is healed. You help no one when you're getting crushed by the pressure". "OK", said Momo softly, "Thank you, Father". "Anytime, kiddo", said Ishiro as he embraced his daughter.
Momo got out of the limo just as Mina and Ochako arrived. "Yaomomo!", exclaimed Mina as she raced over to side-hug her friend. "Hello, Mina", said Momo softly. "Here", said Ochako, "I brought some pens when I found out what happened. Mind if we sign your cast?" "Sure", said Momo. Mina took the pink pen and enthusiastically signed her name over Momo's wrist, with the taller girl watching solemnly. Ochako then signed her name over Momo's forearm. "There", said Mina, "Now, until that cast comes off, you have a piece of us on you at all times". "Are you certain that's strictly necessary?", asked Momo. "Everyone needs someone they can rely on", said Ochako, "Take Izuku and Monkey. Their Quirk only works when they work together". "That's right, now come on!", whined Mina, "The food court is about to open!"
So, that was how Momo found herself, sitting with her two...best friends? 'I suppose I can call them that', she thought as she stuck a fork into a chicken tender, though her left hand twitched slightly, 'At least I'm not writing anything down.' "You need a hand there, Yaomomo?", asked Ochako. "I'm alright, thanks", said Momo as she took a bite, "Hmm. Most delicious." "I know, right?", said Mina as she chowed down on a hamburger, "This area has some of he best food you'll ever eat". "Well, I can't say I disagree, because I don't", said Momo. "So, what do we do when we're done eating?", asked Ochako. "Well, we could go and check out the arcade", said Mina. "Don't you need two hands for some of those games?", asked Momo, gesturing with her broken arm. "Don't worry about it", said Mina, "I got you covered, see?" "I suppose", said Momo.
They soon found themselves in an arcade playing the video game classic, Space Invaders. "OK, steady", said Momo as her left hand gripped the controller steadily, "Now, Mina". "Right", said Mina as she tapped the button, shooting down several aliens at once. "Great work, team", said Ochako, "Ah, rats. Out of quarters!" "Well, it's getting late", said Momo, "Perhaps it's time to return home." "Yeah, I feel that", yawned Ochako, "Thanks, Mina. This was fun". "Aw, don't mention it', said Mina, "It's always great to forget minor rivalries and just enjoy life's little moments with friends". "Hmm, how elegant your words are", chuckled Momo.
"Well, you know", said Mina as she blushed hard, almost turning red, "Romance novels, am I right?" "I suppose so", said Momo with a shrug. "You guys wouldn't mind loaning those, would ya?", asked Ochako. "Making a move already, Ochako?", smiled Mina. "No", said Ochako, "It's just...I'm worried that I might not actually be in love with Izuku". "How so?", asked Mina. "I just follow him around and listen", said Ochako, "I genuinely don't know if we have anything in common." "That's not true", said Mina, "I know for a fact you're both selfless people who prioritize rescuing people". "Well, that and you're both rather humble", said Momo. "Aw, shucks", said Ochako blushing. "Know what?", said Mina, "We'll help you out. We're going to show Midori how great you are". "But isn't Momo dating him?", asked Ochako. "Some things came up, so we had to cancel", said Momo with a distant look in her eyes, "Just think of it as a new opportunity to find true love". "Oh, OK", said Ochako with a smile, "I know I'm not letting this chance slip by".
Soon enough, Ochako said her good-byes and took a bus home, leaving Mina and Momo to sit alone together waiting for the limo to come and take Momo home. "So", said Mina, "I know I'm a bit of a love freak, but why did you just give up your opportunity to chase your man?" "It's...a bit of a long story", sighed Momo. "I've got time", said Mina. "Well', began Momo, "During a patrol, I lost my temper dealing with a villain. I thought she had killed my mentor and, in the stress of fighting those creatures, I narrowly killed her". "But she's not dead, is she?", asked Mina. "No", said Momo after taking a breath, "We got her to the hospital, but the point is that Izuku shouldn't have to deal with me because I let the worst of my emotions take over. He deserves...someone, anyone other than me." "Believe it or not, I know exactly how you feel", said Mina. "About what?", asked Momo, "Could you clarify?" "Well, in addition to having a Quirk that can melt people if I don't control it carefully", said Mina, "I know what it's like to not be loved". "You? Not loved?", asked Momo in shock. "Hey", said Mina with a distant look in her eyes, "Some people got it, some don't, and I just don't". "B...but that's preposterous", protested Momo, "You play matchmaker with everyone in class". "Just because I'm not meant to find love doesn't mean I shouldn't help others find it", said Mina. "What about Izuku? I thought you loved him too", said Momo. "I do", said Mina, "But let's be real, he probably wants to be with someone more...conventional. Trust me, I'm not capable of being loved".
"That's not true!", protested Momo, "You're beautiful, strong, confident. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend and something more". "Maybe", said Mina, "But…" "No buts!", said Momo, "I know for a fact that if you put your heart to it, Izuku would love you back?" "For real?", asked Mina forlornly. "Without a doubt", said Momo. Just then, a limo arrived. "This is my ride", said Momo, "Today was fun, Mina. Let's endeavor to do it again". "Hey, Yaomomo", said Mina. "Yes?" "Thank you", said Mina, "I really needed that". "You're most welcome", smiled Momo.
On the other side of town, Lady Nagant lied on her bed above the bar, thankfully alone, with only her thoughts to keep her company. Only her anger to keep her awake. She looked at her hand, an appendage that concealed a deadly weapon; the only thing that gave her any value according to her former overlords at the HPSC. How fitting it was that they would soon be on the other side of it. Just then, there was a knock at the door. Before she could answer it, a portal appeared and out stepped Kurogiri. "You could've waited for me to get it", said Lady Nagant. "Time is of the essence", said Kurogiri, "I have precious little of it to waste opening a door while you're in the middle of self-reflection." "Is there a point to this?", asked Lady Nagant. "Indeed", said Kurogiri, "Bakugo's rage and disappointment with how he was treated has made his mind weak, and a weak mind is a malleable mind. One that can be reforged and shaped to suit our ideals". "Is it really wise to focus our attention on one angry boy?", asked Lady Nagant. "Allow me to answer your question with a question", said Kurogiri, "What is the best way to break a potential Hero?" "A head-shot between the eyes?", asked Lady Nagant sarcastically. "Yes, but I prefer a more psychological approach", said Kurogiri, "I prefer to show them that their methods and ideals are worthless, that there's little they can do to truly stop society's rot. What better way to do that than by using the one powerful child they rejected against them?"
"And what of the Green Gorilla?", asked Lady Nagant, "He's half the reason our plan with stain failed". "You're not seeing the bigger picture", said Kurogiri, "Yes, the loss of Stain is a blow to our operations, but look at the people we've recruited just by our association with him. We have Spinner, a Faunus with little else to lose, Dabi, an arsonist with a chip on his shoulder, and a few others. Each one another blade chipping away at the tree of Heroic prosperity. As for our...Green Gorilla, as you put it, you need not worry. Dr. Merlot is already hard at work, analyzing the samples you took. Soon enough, we shall know the great ape's secret, but in the meantime, when we are ready, I need you to hunt him like your life depends on it". "Don't need to tell me twice", said Lady Nagant. "Good", said Kurogiri, "Now, I must attend to some things. The next phase of my plan is about to begin"…
To Be Continued...