Fallout

Izuku sat in metal stool as Diana walked over. "Had enough excitement?", she asked, leaning against the wall. "One more of these and I should be fine", said Izuku as he carefully took a sip from his water bottle, "How's Eri? Is she OK?" "Fast asleep, and safe, thanks to you", said Diana, "Although, I have a feeling you weren't planning for either the Hero Killer or a Grimm uprising". "Where did those things come from?", asked Izuku. "The Creatures of Grimm are an anomaly", said Diana, "Their last master was killed after a long, long battle with Team RWBY some years ago, and they killed the only other expert with first-hand experience on Grimm before even that". "So we know nothing, then", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed. "I didn't say that", said Diana, "We lost first-hand accounts, but experts still persist, mainly in the heroes who have beaten the Grimm before". "That Thomas Azure guy from school might know about them", said Monkey, "We'll just have to ask him". "What about your friends?", asked Diana. "They're holding up OK", said Izuku as his face changed back, "Mostly deep cuts and some burns. A doctor is already running tests on Iida". Just then, a police officer arrived. "Izuku Midoriya, we're ready for you", he said. "I'll be right there", said Izuku. "Remember that license I gave you", said Diana as she placed a hand over Izuku's shoulder, "and don't worry about your friends. I already have someone on the way over".

Izuku was lead into a room, where Todoroki and Iida were placed in hospital beds. A beagle Faunus in a dark, blue suit was standing near the door. "Ah, Izuku Midoriya", he said, "I am Detective Kenji Tsuragamae." "Nice to meet you", said Izuku with a bow. "I'll cut right to the chase", said Tsuragamae, "While we appreciate your contributions, woof, you're all in violation of the various Public Quirk Laws". "You dirty mutt", snarled Todoroki, "Did you really expect us not to step in when people were in danger?" "No one is saying that was wrong", said Tsuragamae, "But if we let you get away with flouting those laws, well, then other people will too. It's a dangerous precedent using a Quirk without a license". "Actually", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed, "I think my brother here has that covered". Izuku's face returned to normal as he pulled out the WHA day license and handed it to Tsuragamae. "I was told this would temporarily deputize me", explained Izuku. "Hmm, yes", said Tsuragamae, "But why would you be given this?" "I spent my Internship working on a rescue mission", said Izuku, "Stain just happened to get in the way of that".

"Alright", said Tsuragamae as he handed the card back, "I will let you off with a warning about Public Quirk Usage so long as you have your license the next time this happens. But you two are still in trouble, especially you Iida. While I understand your feelings on the matter, you should've let Manuel know what was happening". "So, what happens now?", asked Iida dejectedly. "Well, we will obviously inform your parents", said Tsuragamae, "Then, to avoid any public fallout, we'll try to cover up the events of tonight". "Not gonna work", said voice. Suddenly, a shark Faunus with a black mustache and a brown suit with a black bow tie burst into the room. "I'm sorry, who are you?", asked Tsuragamae. "Judd Lawson, Attorney at Law", said the shark, "And I am outraged, OUTRAGED, to see my clients being interrogated without their lawyer present, which I am". "Oh, brother", sighed Todoroki. "That's right", said Judd, "Your scheme is doomed to fail. Behold…" He took the remote and turned on the TV, revealing news footage of Izuku, Iida, and Todoroki fighting Stain and winning. "That footage has been shown on every news outlet for the last hour", said Judd, "Not even an hour has passed and already people are questioning how the Hero Killer got past you". "That's not exactly fair", said Tsuragamae, "Woof, we had patrols in every part of Hosu". "No one is saying that you didn't", said Judd, "All I'm saying is that the media has all eyes on everyone who got involved, as well as those who weren't".

Tsuragamae glared at the shark, but even he knew the media vultures would be onto his forces sooner rather than later. "What do you propose we do?", he asked. "Simple", said Judd, "You publicly thank these brave young men for helping to apprehend a dangerous criminal, and send a massive fine to Manual for losing sight of Iida." "But didn't do anything", protested Iida. "My thoughts exactly", said Judd. "You should consider yourself lucky your foolhardy scheme didn't end up the way you hope", said Tsuragamae, "Attempted murder is a serious charge, one you've just barely dodged. We won't be so benign the next time it happens". Iida stammered, then slumped in the hospital bed. "You know the rules, kid", said Judd, "I can't help you if you keep going down the narrow path towards death". "What about Todoroki?", asked Izuku. "Father and Azure Sensei vouched for me", said Todoroki, "I'd be somewhat more worried for yourself". "He's right", said Judd, "While the media will eventually forget this whole affair in a week, tops, people are definitely going to recognize the Sports Festival winner who defeated the Hero Killer with one hit. Take this old shark's advice and keep your head low for the time being". "Woof, my sympathies, Midoriya", said Tsuragamae, "Not many people are ready to face the consequences of fame". "We'll keep in touch", said Judd, , "My card". "Lotta cards this week", said Monkey from within Izuku's mind, "Maybe we should get back into Yu-Gi-Oh". "As for the lawyer's plan", said Tsuragamae, "My police forces will humbly accept your course of action". "Let us shake on it", said Judd, and he and the canine detective shook hands as Izuku was dismissed from the room.

As Izuku left the room, he noticed Momo in a hospital bed across from him. "Yaomomo, what happened?", he asked. "I...it hasn't been a good night", Momo sighed, "Tore my arm in half. Nearly...nearly killed…" At those words, Momo began to weep, her left hand covering her eyes. Izuku walked to the other side of the bed and sat down to hold onto her hand. "None of those tears, zygote", said a voice. Izuku's eyes widened as Gran Torino walked over. Were it not for her current depressive state, Momo would've found Izuku's enthusiasm infectious. "It's never a good thing to kill, but every hero I know has done it at least once", said Gran Torino, "What matters is you knew to pull back and you did you best to stop it". "I should've never let it got to that point", sighed Momo. "We can't help that", said Gran Torino, "What matters is that you learn from this experience. On another point, who's the zygote holding hands with yah?" "I'm Izuku Midoriya, sir", said Izuku.

"Oh, the monkey fella", said Gran Torino as he reached behind his back, "I know just how to speak your language". He pulled out a banana and waved it in front of Izuku's face. "Sensei, please", sighed Momo, "I don't think...Izuku!" "What?", asked Izuku between bites of the banana, "I've been running around all night. I gotta eat something". Just then, the doctor walked over. "Well", he said, "it's a good thing you didn't tear any ligaments, but I would advise being careful with any Super Attacks in the near future. As for the arm, give it about two to three days to fully heal and don't put any pressure on it". "Wait, so down, doc", said Gran Torino, "Only two to three days?" "I know, I had to run at least twelve tests in the hour you've been here", said the doctor, "Looks like whatever happened during your fight with the Villain activated a Quirk Awakening. Here, take a look at these X rays". He placed some X ray photos on a whiteboard. "These tendrils", said the doctor, "are pulling the ruptured bones back into place. So long as we don't aggravate the process, these tendrils will fix up your arm, Miss Yaoyorozu. We've already informed your parents and they will be here in due time". "What about Iida? How's he holding up?", asked Monkey as Izuku's face changed. "I'm not at liberty to divulge that information", said the doctor, "You'll have to ask at Iida's discretion. Excuse me".

Elsewhere, Kurogiri finished polishing a glass when Ojiro walked over. "We've lost Stain", he said. "Obviously", said Kurogiri as he put the glass away, "He served his purpose. Now, the Heroes know we have Salem's Children, and as such, will run around in a panic like chickens without heads. Plenty of time to figure out what makes our beast tick". As if on cue, Lady Nagant entered the room. "Do you have it?", asked Kurogiri. "I asked you to portal me close to the battle to get them, of course I have it", said Lady Nagant as she placed a plastic bag with some green hairs inside on the bar. "Perfection", said Kurogiri as he picked up the bag to examine it. "That's it?", asked Ojiro. "What did you expect?", growled Lady Nagant, "I could only swipe him from the side. I only managed to get those hairs before the Nevermore could get back up". "Regardless", said Kurogiri, "you have done well, Lady Nagant. DNA analysis will show how this beast's Quirk works". "Uh, the same as everyone else?", asked Ojiro. "Master Shigaraki claims to have seen...Eraserhead's Quirk fail to work on the ape", said Kurogiri, "He tasked me with finding out his secret. The bigger issue is whether or not the Heroes present could find you". "I was the best at what I did because I couldn't be found", said Lady Nagant, "You'd have to know what to look for in order to trace me".

Over in the Hosu alleyway, Thomas Azure stepped under the yellow Caution tape to look around for clues. He put on a pair of sunglasses and pushed a button, making the lenses glow blue. "OK, talk to me, Steph", he said. "You've been scoping for trouble again, haven't you?", asked Stephanie Mulberry over the line. "Not on purpose", protested Thomas, "I just wanted to make sure Endeavor wasn't taking his anger out on the kid. By the way, what's the situation with his wife?" "Inconclusive", said Stephanie, "I'm still translating some of the court documents. But the better question is what you're using the thermal goggles for". "I caught sight of the bogie while the kid and the Nevermore were fighting", said Thomas, "I want to track her down personally. A-ha!" "What? What is it?", asked Stephanie. "Someone left a half empty bottle of Pepsi out here", said Thomas, "And, more importantly, I've got a bullet, or, well, some hairs from a bullet". "You do?", asked Stephanie. "You can see through the glasses", said Thomas, "Notice what my tweezers are putting in the evidence bag?" "Remind me again, why do I still work for your sarcastic ass?", asked Stephanie. "Because I managed to bring back the Oracle Protocol", said Thomas as he took the glasses off, "On that note, the HPSC doesn't know we're looking into this. Best to keep it that way." "I have a feeling they have an inkling about it, considering that we're the ones who found out about the whole bribery thing", said Stephanie. "There's one thing those god-forsaken beasts are good for", said Thomas, "They won't know we're onto them with the Grimm about. Speaking of which, is my order complete?" "The text books and teacher's guides will be here by sunrise", said Stephanie, "Thank all the Gods for delivery drones".

Back at the hospital, Inko arrived and was in the middle of squeezing Izuku like her life depended on it. "I was so worried", she wept. "I know, Mom", said Izuku, "I'm sorry". "As am I", said Diana, "We haven't met formally, I'm Dr. Diana Cavendish". "Inko Midoriya", said Inko as she let go of Izuku and shook hands with the witch. "Your son has provided a great service", said Diana, "Were it not for his actions, that girl there would be in...dire straits". "So, what happens to Eri now?", asked Izuku as he looked over the sleeping girl. "Good question", said Diana, "She has no records, no place in the foster system, and no home left to go to. Not that she really had a home." "Well, we can't just leave her here", said Izuku. "So we'll adopt her", said Inko. "Just like that?", asked Monkey as Izuku's face changed. "Well, I still need to file the paperwork", said Inko, "But I think it's important that she's safe from whatever did that to her, and besides, you both could benefit from having a sister to look after". "Well, Mom has us there", said Izuku as his face changed back. "This means you have to be a good influence now, Monkey", said Inko. "Oh, the horror", sighed Monkey from within Izuku's mind.

Meanwhile, Midnight and All Might had arrived to check on Momo as Gran Torino explained the situation. "Sweetie, I'm so sorry that happened", said Midnight. "Hound Dog is going to have his work cut out for him", said All Might, "Do we know the status of the Villain that attacked you both?" "Out cold", said Gran Torino, "That vampire stalker got the wind taken out of her lungs by those weird tendrils. Zygote couldn't control them". "Yeah, you said that", said All Might. "Say, why aren't you with that Midoriya kid?", asked Gran Torino. "Yes, isn't he your protege?", asked Midnight. "Well, his mother is here to help him", said All Might with a shudder, "Let's hope she doesn't know I'm here right now". Momo couldn't be sure, but the way he shook with fright was similar to how he described his old teacher. When she saw Izuku at school again, that was something she needed to ask about. "Well", said Midnight, "does our vampire stalker have a name?"

"She does indeed", said Tsuragamae, "We did a quick check of our records and Miss Yaoyorozu's stalker is one Himiko Toga, a former student who attacked a student at her middle school before disappearing". "So we've found a missing person?", asked Momo softly. "Not exactly", said Tsuragamae, "She was never formally registered as a missing person by her parents, and we only knew about her because of said attack. Her parents are being brought in for questioning". "And what about Young Toga?", asked All Might. "That's the hard part", said Tsuragamae, "Right now, we're working under the theory that she hasn't had any proper Quirk counseling since her initial attack. We'll know what do when we're finished with our investigation, though I doubt she'll be stalking anyone from now on". Somehow, that didn't make Momo feel any better. "Thank you, Detective", said Midnight, "Momo, as soon as the doctors give the OK, we're going straight home. Between Midoriya fighting Stain and the Grimm attacking, I think this night is eventful enough". "Remember, zygote, that killing is something we as Heroes can't avoid forever", said Gran Torino, "That don't mean you have to like it, though". "Perhaps not", sighed Momo, cradling her broken arm. 'At the very least', she thought, 'Izuku and I seem to be having the worst night. There's not a single person having a worse night than us'.

Bakugo was officially having the worst night of his entire life. Uwabami was already being her usual, bitchy self, but then, two models she was supposed to film a hair spray commercial called in sick at the last minute. "It's alright", she said into her phone, "I'll find someone else. Just get better soon, OK?" 'The nerve of this hoe', Bakugo thought, 'Pretending like she cares when all she does is hog the limelight'. "Bakugo", called Uwabami, "Give this hair spray a try. I have an idea". "If it's making me star in a commercial, forget it", said Bakugo. "Come on, big fella", said Uwabami, "When people see you use this, then they'll want to use it too. Besides, you have to admit, it's a better image than being chained to a post, right?" Bakugo grumbled as he took the bottle.

"No matter how damaged it is, our new formula is sure to penetrate each strand", announced Uwabami, "Such shine, such volume, all from one spritz". Bakugo forced himself to smile, not an easy task when the hair spray made his normally spiky hair a mop of golden curls atop his head. "Cut!", said the director, a blonde American man with black eyes who wore a black, leather jacket, "Uwabami, can you get your Intern to smile more naturally? I mean, Great Poseidon, he looks like he's in pain". "You would be too if you had to wear this, you dickless moron", snarled Bakugo. "Maybe we should film a soap commercial instead", said the boom mic operator, "It'd be like, 'Uwabami brand soap. Guaranteed to clean the curses out of your mouth'". The boom mic operator, director, and even Uwabami cackled at this joke. "But he's right though", said Uwabami, wiping away a tear, "Think about what makes you happy. Just for this one shot". Bakugo gave his most natural smile, which was easy considering he was thinking about giving Uwabami a black eye.

Just then, one of Uwabami's assistants ran in. "Turn on the TV", she cried. The director grabbed the remote and clicked on the local news, which showed the earlier attack by the Grimm. "Hot damn", said the director. "It's a good thing we're not going out there", said Uwabami, "Cecilia, block the doors until it's safe to leave". "Yes ma'am", said the assistant. "What are you doing?", asked Bakugo, "If we go out there, we can beat those things". "Kid, listen to me", said Uwabami, "Image may be everything, but so is knowing what battles you can't win. Believe me, fighting the Grimm head-on, even with a Quirk like yours, is a losing battle, you understand?" "Perfectly", said Bakugo. Uwabami didn't notice him clenching his fist. 'A Quirk like mine', he thought, 'One I didn't even use during this whole stupid thing. How dare this...this whore call herself a Hero. What kind of Hero uses someone like me to sell hair products?' The more Bakugo thought about it, the more he thought about what Oboro had said. She had the fame of a Hero, but none of the skill. None of the strength. She just wanted him to be weak, like herself. Suddenly, Bakugo noticed something at his feet. It was a business card with Oboro's name and phone number. 'Better keep this on me', he thought, 'Just in case that bitch decides to do more commercials'.

To be Continued...