Two week break time! I need to finish up my classes. Gemstones will release on a regular schedule, though.
Also, ahhhh! 100 chapters! I didn't expect to get here this fast! It took a few years for Gems to get there
Anyways, here's your chapter. Here's the Discord: /cgFmXz3qJ5
Izuku was exhausted. What felt like an hour had gone by and, at her own request, he'd shown Kathleen every super move he currently had in his arsenal. And the top pro of the US had barely flinched. At one point, Star even brushed off some of the dust one of the super moves left on her costume. It wasn't supposed to be in a mocking manner, but it still kinda felt that way.
"Is that it?" Star asked, arms still folded.
"That...that's everything...I got," Izuku huffed.
"Ok. Good form on all those! Really! Pretty creative on all of them, but, no offense...the hits were pretty much finger flicks to me," the top American Pro rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
"Some of the super moves WERE finger flicks! That's what I do!"
Star laughed. "You got guts, kid. Nothing compared to what I did on Ryloth Island to Crimson King. I'm shocked he lived."
"Oh, that's right. That news fell by the wayside with everything going on with me..." All Might said. "How're your injuries healing?"
Kathleen pulled up her shirt, to reveal a nasty wound to her side. "Look- we match."
Izuku squinted. "Actually, All Might's injury has a lot more lines around it and has a deeper fleshier color to it..."
"...wow. You really ARE a mega fan." Kathleen smirked.
"W-well I...I mean...o-ok, fine," Izuku surrendered there.
"Nothing to be ashamed of, kid. Super fans make the best sorts of heroes." Kathleen said. "We got the same idea with basing Smash attacks off the original."
"Where DID that come from?" Izuku asked.
"Oh, well...the shelter I grew up in had a bunch of old, old comics...and I remember really liking this green guy. He smashed stuff. A lot." All Might recalled. "Course, he was sort of dumb. But still. Smash rolls off the tongue."
"Fair enough." Star nodded, before turning to the door. "Now, come on. I bet Ben's talk their ears off about one of his feats."
"One or more. Wouldn't surprise me if he went with an Animo story," All Might joked.
"And then, he just REANIMATES the dinosaur." Ben described. "From a display. And that's weird, right? Those bones are probably fake! Only 32 adult T. rex have been discovered as fossils! And sure, Washington seems like a good place to have it, but it's near the politicians. And I don't trust those guys."
Each of the students had a different reaction to the story; Ochako had heard this story before, so she was checked out. Iida nodded along, patiently waiting for his turn to speak. Todoroki was just staring ahead, not really listening but still registering it. And Momo was ready to correct Ben about certain scientific details.
"Animo really had green skin way back when, too. Gross." Ruby said, looking down at Senna. "Right, sweetie? Yuck yuck yuck!" Senna just stared at her mom, her little beady eyes sort of getting the gist of it. She stuck her tongue out.
"Worst part was that I was still dealing with the mammoth he decided to resurrect," Ben recounted, "I mean yeah, I was Four Arms but mammoths, even when they're zombies, pack a heck of a punch."
"I feel like I've heard this story be told a MILLION times, Ben." Yang teased. "I feel like I could easily insert myself in it."
"It's a classic!" Ben insisted.
"You're not wrong, but still! Mix it up, tell a story you haven't before! Like uh...the time we fought Cthulu."
"Dagon. And...I mean yeah, I could, but there's all the backstory to him, the Charmcaster twist..." Ben listed off.
All Might, Star and Izuku walked back into the dinning room. "Sorry, sorry! Kath wanted to see Midoriya go all out."
"Fair enough. Just don't wreck the training hall." Ben laughed. "He needs it for next week. Heard he's gonna give my sidekicks one hell of a workout."
"Typical him." All Might said.
"Typical who?" Ochako asked.
"You'll see soon." Weiss said.
"Given your aliens, I feel like Izuku's Quirk wouldn't do that much damage to your equipment, Mr. Tennyson. You have plenty of aliens that can be much stronger physically," Momo explained.
"Not as strong One for-" Ben began, pausing in the middle of his sentence as he realized what he just said. All Might, Izuku, Ruby, and Kathleen all shot a glance to Ben, the sound of shattering glass practically ringing out in the room.
"One for...what?" Todoroki asked.
Ochako made a face, and covered it with her hands. Through her fingers, she glared at Ben, who was still holding that "for" out. Ruby was giving him an annoyed look.
"...I don't even think you can save this." Ruby huffed.
"One for..." Momo said. "Is that somehow related to All for One?"
This is how the secret gets out?! Because Ben slipped up while telling a story?! Izuku panicked.
"I...uh...well...you see. Um, Ruby, any time you wanna lend a hand here," Ben said.
"Like I said, I don't think you can save it," Ruby shook her head.
Ben looked to Weiss. "Nuh uh. I just paid for UA's smoothie shop. I don't owe you a thing."
"Uhhh..." Ben turned to Blake and Yang, who shook their heads. With one last glance, his eyes shot to Kathleen. She gave an exasperated sigh.
"Just tear of the bandage, dude. It's weird that everyone else knows about it except the kids." Kathleen said. "If they're fine with Ochako having an Omnitrix, then they should be fine with Izuku and One for All."
"One for All?" Iida asked.
"So...should I tell them or should he?" Izuku spoke up.
"Only because Ben goofed." All Might sighed, taking a seat at the table. "I will now field any questions pertaining to One for All. Shoot."
"Wait, why would we ask you about Izuku's Quirk? Did you help him unlock it?" Iida asked.
"More. I gave it to him."
That news hit the UA students like a brick. Todoroki raised his hand next.
"Yes."
"...is Izuku your illegitimate son?"
Snickers had to be stiffled. Izuku froze up again, despite him already hearing THIS accusation. All Might looked lost for words.
"WHY ARE YOU OF ALL PEOPLE ASKING THAT!?" Ochako yelled.
"...n-no! He is not." All Might said. "All for One is passed down through ingestion of genetic materials. So, for me, I had to swallow some skin flakes. And for Midoriya, he ate a strand of hair."
Todoroki looked a bit disappointed. He so wanted that crackpot "Izuku is All Might's son" theory to be REAL.
"That's...disgusting," Momo said.
"I know, I know. Anything else?" All Might questioned.
"How does One for All work?" Iida asked.
"Yes, I feel like I have a grasp on it, but I'd still like some gaps fulled in." Momo added.
"That...its full capabilities are still something of a mystery to me. That night in Kamino...that was new for me," All Might admitted.
"New...like the Blackwhip ability Midoriya is now displaying." Momo said. "But it's basics are-"
"Stockpiling strength. Multiple generations of power reside in our bodies...well, now HIS body." All Might explained. "But now we have multiple quirks to really uncover."
"Yayyyy..." Izuku mumbled, face still beet red from Todoroki's comment.
"Okay...next question." Momo asked, turning to Ochako. "How long has SHE known?"
"Um...hey Iida? Remember that time we met the Galactic Enforcers?" Ochako asked.
"...nooooo," Iida gasped.
"Oh no it was...way before that, actually."
"What."
"Around the time you fought Potential, actually. I guessed that she was the vigilante in the costume-" Izuku mumbled.
"So, then he revealed that, so we had SOME connection and a confidant relationship ensued-" Ochako rambled, and before you knew it, two sides of the table were murmuring like crazy.
Blake leaned over to Yang. "They're perfect for each other."
"Oh yeah. Think they know it yet?" Yang whispered.
"How long did it take us to figure that out?"
"Touche."
"That...that long. Really?" Todoroki asked.
"Yep. L-look, I always intended to tell people. Maybe not...everyone at once, but-" Izuku started.
"One at a time! Then groups! Let people process everything, y'know?" Ochako finished.
"God, I remember when that was us." Ruby joked. "So many questions. Let them spill out!"
Iida took a moment to think. "...when did Midoriya become your successor?"
"I chose to train him after the Sludge Villain incident." All Might explained. "Kid ran in, quirkless but still did more than any of those heroes on the scene-"
"Quirkless?" Iida repeated.
"Um...y-yeah. Before I met All Might...I didn't have a Quirk," Izuku fully admitted, "Learned the news when I was still pretty young."
The students went silent. They shared a look, and nodded.
"Alright." Iida said. "...now, what's for dinner?"
Izuku blinked. "Wait, that's...that's it?" Izuku asked. "No big reaction? You guys just found out this big secret I've been holding onto since-"
"Midoriya, we're going to be honest." Momo made a face. "...you and All Might are not the greatest secret holders."
"We all assumed something was up when you had lunch with him, then he asked you in a pretty loud whisper to see him after class." Iida said. "Then, there was I-Island. We all sort of thought, 'why did Izuku come with All Might?'"
"The leading theory was you were his 'surrogate son'." Todoroki explained. "Not as good as secret child, but...close enough. There was also the fact that you told Ochako about it, as we just learned...that really shouldn't come naturally. Unless you BOTH had something to hide."
"And...because you all learned I had the Omnitrix..." Ochako added.
"That just lent credence to the idea," Momo nodded.
"Hearing Izuku was the first person who figured it out just...clicked." Todoroki said.
"Now that we have the FULL story," Iida said. "I think I speak on behalf of all of us. If All Might chose you to carry on this torch of his...then I see no issue with it. You have proven time and time again that you are truly deserving of this, not by pure power, but by your heart and instincts. I can't equate me taking up the mantle of Ingenium to your situation...but, whatever comes your way, just know."
Iida smiled. "You have our full support, Midoriya."
Izuku had to admit, they were taking the secret a lot better than he thought. Was he expecting them to just suddenly turn away from him like some stories, no, not really. They were his friends and classmates, so he expected the secret to at least affect the relationship a little. Nice to be wrong every now and again though.
"Thanks, Iida, all of you," Izuku smiled, relieved that it seemed nothing had changed.
"Though I must say," Iida continued. And there was the fear.
"It seems we'll need to set up a different training course for you, one with Blackwhip in mind. I don't suppose there's an alien that can create something for, well I guess parkour would be the best way to describe it?"
"I don't...know if I have one unlocked," Ochako wondered, "I could use Big Chill for that."
"I mean, plenty of different aliens that could work. Wildvine, Bloxx..." Ben listed off.
Ruby nudged him. "Did you do the thing?"
"The thing? What thi-" Ben paused. "Oooooh. That thing! No, not yet."
Ochako raised an eyebrow. "What thing?"
"Well, since Ben spoiled ONE thing...I might spoil the other." Ruby grinned.
"Yeah, I kinda walked into that one..." Ben sighed.
"Only kinda?"
"Ok, entirely."
Ochako raised an eyebrow as Ben cleared his throat. "So, a while back, I sat down with some of the people in this room to discuss something." Ben said. "You've had the watch for a few months, and you know the basic ins and outs of your aliens. That's pretty good- even if one of them wasn't exactly...planned."
"Yeah..." Ochako shuddered. "Any chance I can trade her in?"
Ben laughed. "Nah, she might be handy for later. Anyways, when I first got the Omnitrix, by the time my summer vacation was over, I had over 20 aliens at that point."
"That's a lot." Ochako noted. "How long were you ACTUALLY 'Ben 10'?"
"Two playlists worth, yep. So, we talked it over...and you're getting a second playlist too."
Ochako's eyes widened. She looked around for a moment, totally lost. "When you say, sat down and discussed...what did you mean?" Todoroki asked.
"Admittedly, Ochako's first playlist was designed off my first list. With a few added swaps." Ben explained. "Traded in Ghostfreak for Big Chill. I wanna make sure the DNA doesn't have any 'kinks' in it."
"So, for the second playlist, we wanted some...outsider opinion on it." Ruby said. "It was sort of like a draft league."
"Whatever those are." Weiss shrugged.
"It's a sports thing," All Might and Star said simultaneously.
"Was never really a fan."
"A lot of people were involved- some of them aren't even this room. And there's one surprise guest in that mix." Ben explained.
"Who?" Ochako asked.
"Eh, you'll learn soon enough." Ben said. "And no, it's not the guy who's taking over."
Ochako had to wonder who it was. (Elsewhere, Aizawa sneezed so loud it scared his cat.)
"Who'd she get then? For the playlist, I mean?" Izuku asked.
"As a certain professor would say, spoilers." All Might said. "I was involved- and I managed to flag you a good one."
"I look forward to it?" Ochako said, tilting her head.
"You should!" All Might beamed, giving the successor to the Omnitrix a big thumbs up. Though, now she was curious. Who did All Might suggest?
"Tried to get you some higher tier aliens, but Ben said you weren't ready." Yang said. "...says the guy who unlocked God when he was 15."
"Hey, don't talk about Alien X. He's weird." Ben frowned.
"Alien WHO?" Izuku asked.
"And that's why."
"Back to the aliens...so, 10 extra aliens?" Ochako asked. "Were there any...priorities?"
"Mainly aliens we knew you could get a hang of fast." Blake explained. "Ben got some complex ones a bit too early...he didn't really scratch the surface of their powers until he was 16. And...some fun ones."
"We also skipped out on some of the…admittedly lamer ones." Weiss said. "Aliens like Surge, Bullfrag, Toepick, RGB…"
"Who's RGB?" Momo asked.
"Really Good Brush."
[Author's Note! Named that alien for my buddy insane-mane. Check out that alien on his Deviantart.]
"Still doesn't answer who made the pick." Ochako hoped she'd get an answer. Instead of answering with words, Ben got up and moved over to her. Without needing to be told, the Omnitrix's successor held out her watch and let Ben tinker with it. He pushed down on the dial as if he was selecting an alien for Ochako, but instead of slamming down the dial, it was like he was putting in some sort of code.
"Took me a bit to figure this out. Azmuth gave me the jist and then I figured the rest out as Grey Matter. Simplified it down for easier understanding," Ben explained as he input the last bit of the code, "Aaaaaand there."
"Code accepted," the Omnitrix spoke, with Ochako's voice no less, "Playlist 2 created and loaded. Forms unlocked."
Ochako's eyes widened. "Cool."
"I'm curious on how you made that watch, actually." Momo said. "Were the materials the same in both devices?"
"Ehhhh, give or take." Ben said. "Ochako's is just a lot more streamlined."
"He even pulled a Ceres while working on it. Galvans don't need that much sleep so when he was Grey Matter putting it together-" Ruby recalled.
"All nighter...and I'm never doing that again. Sleep schedule was ruined for three days when I turned back."
"I'm assuming you cut some of the more superfluous details." Iida said. "The Omnitrix is a powerful device...but does it really NEED a genderswap mode?"
"A what?" Ochako asked.
Ben held up his hands. "Hey, those are the weirdos online saying that."
"Clearly you're biology lessons are still lacking. Not every species in the galaxy has only two genders. Sometimes there are more, sometimes there are less. Even some species of lizards on your own planet have a single gender to them," an elderly voice called out, shockingly close to Ochako. The poor girl almost jumped out of her seat when she heard it.
"To be precise, he means the New Mexico Whiptail," an upbeat and cheery girl added. Ruby's eyes immediately lit up upon hearing it.
"Penny!" Ruby beamed.
Standing next to Ochako, seemingly having appeared out of thin air, was a redheaded girl wearing a white dress with a single black stripe going the middle, only interrupted by a green power symbol on her chest, black boots and matching fingerless gloves. The only other bit of color on her person was a pink bow in her hair. She had green eyes that locked onto Ruby with almost mechanical precision as she smiled brightly herself. Standing on her shoulder was a smaller individual, a more elderly looking Grey Matter, a beard made of tendrils instead of facial hair and sporting a green tunic with a black stripe going down the chest, like his assistant.
"Salutations friends!" Penny greeted.
Izuku's eyes widened. "No way- is that!?"
"Please, PLEASE, do not even bother with the 'fanboying'. I've been there a million times. I find I don't live up to people's expectations." The Galvan said.
"Who's the Grey Matter?" Ochako asked.
"The Grey Mat-Tennyson! Did you not even tell her the proper names of the aliens she's turning into?" the Galvan questioned, "And she's supposed to be your successor."
"She's got enough biology to worry about right now. Don't want to overload her," Ben defended.
"Human minds," the Galvan sighed, "This 'Grey Matter' ,as you so elegantly put it, is the original creator of the watch currently on your wrist."
"Say hello to my boss and the greatest mind in five galaxies! The First Thinker of Galvan Prime! Azmuth!" Penny introduced.
"Three galaxies, Penny. I haven't boasted for five in years."
"The creator of the Omnitrix!?" Ochako gasped. "O-oh, my gosh! Sir, I'm so sorry! I didn't-"
Azmuth glared at her, studying her up and down. Ochako felt a bit weirded out, but it didn't last long. Azmuth frowned. "So, you must be the Terran Tennyson chose..."
"I-i am, sir. I didn't know you were-!" Ochako panicked a little.
"It was an unplanned visit. Penny heard and wanted to see the baby. Congratulations are in order from me, as well, Tennyson," Azmuth said.
"I'm so happy for both of you!" Penny said, running over to the new parents after setting Azmuth down on the table.
Ben laughed. "I didn't expect for you to meet Senna until around New Years- this is a VERY welcome surprise!"
"Senna, say hi to your auntie Penny!" Ruby said, holding up her daughter. Senna's eyes seemed to light up as she saw Penny's beaming face.
"Auntie?" Penny gasped, "Awww, hello little Senna!"
"I'm shocked you tagged along, Azmuth. Usually I only see you when the world's about to end." Ben said.
"Can I not celebrate the miracle of life?" Azmuth scoffed, offended. "I didn't know your successor was going to be here. This just kills two Omnivoracious with one stone."
"Don't say 'kill' around the kid, please-" Ruby sighed.
"She's not that old, she probably doesn't understand what that word even means."
"Azmuth? As your assistant and with the utmost respect for you...you are terrible with children," Penny said before she booped Senna on the nose.
Azmuth scrunged his face up. "You're terribly honest too, Polendina." His attention turned back to Ochako. "Now, where was I...right. I'm Azmuth, creator of the Omnitrix."
"Scolder of children." Yang joked.
"Explainer of lore." Weiss added.
"Grump of gloom." Blake smirked.
Azmuth sighed. "Must you?"
"You've known us for a while, first thinker." Yang joked. "Get used to it already."
"Have some respect..." All Might sighed, walking over to Azmuth. "He helped saved my life, y'know. He and Ari's collabs are the reason I can still eat."
"Toshinori...you're looking more haggard than usual." Azmuth hummed. "Are you doing well?"
"...oh, right. You don't know." All Might said.
"What happened?" Azmuth asked, almost exasperated at the idea of someone he saved the life of putting themselves back in the line of fire.
"...he did. The same person who put me on your operating table in the first place."
For once, Azmuth seemed taken aback by the news. All for One...was back.
"I...I see," Azmuth muttered, "Is that why you decided to-"
"Actually, no. I didn't know about him getting back in the game until recently as well," Ben answered.
"He's alive. Got a gross...hole in his head. Techadon tech." Ruby said.
"Grotesque." Azmuth frowned. "But fitting. You always described him as someone prepared to do any gambit. I assume your last battle ended your hero career."
"And THEY just found out about One for All." All Might said, pointing at the confused UA kids. "And my successor."
Azmuth turned to the successor. "Congrats- truly, you deserved to continue the legacy."
Kathleen blinked. "Um. Wrong person, Az."
"...alright, which one of the children?" Azmuth sighed.
Izuku awkwardly waved, and Azmuth stared at him. He took a deep breath, and rubbed his eyes. "...Toshinori, that boy looks ready to fall over at any point."
Izuku nearly fell over after hearing that, but he didn't want to prove Azmuth's point.
"I saw myself in him." All Might said. "That...and he's a curious case."
"Define 'curious'."
All Might glanced up at Izuku. "Show him the new trick."
"Oh! Right!" Izuku said, holding out his hand and focusing on the new Quirk. He did manage to summon up some of Blackwhip, a small and weak looking strand of it. The black energy that made up the tendril flickered in and out of existence before fading entirely.
"...was that supposed to be impressive?" Azmuth asked.
"It's..a work in progress. I only just figured out I even had a second power."
"A second power..." Azmuth mused. "Interesting, interesting."
"And more to come." Ben said.
"Hmm...and you know this for a fact?"
"Yes. Young Midoriya is currently the ninth hero to wield One for All. So by that logic," All Might began.
"The possibility of eight more Quirks...hmm," Azmuth hummed.
"Well, seven, really. Beyond Toshinori not having a quirk." Kathleen added.
"He what?" Iida asked, but that question would fall to the wayside.
"I see. Something to monitor then," Azmuth nodded. While the First Thinker was not what one would call an expert on Quirks, they are a relatively new evolution to humanity after all, but this did interest him. He hadn't really gotten the chance to fully examine Quirks in all their forms, and this just piqued his scientific curiosity even more.
While Azmuth was going over the scientific repercussions, Penny was far too busy getting to know her niece. Little Senna loved Penny, smiling and happily babbling as the Galvan's assistant held her in her arms.
"Awww, her eyes are silver!" Penny said, booping Senna on the nose again.
"Yeah. Something we'll need to teach her about down the line." Ruby sighed. "The Grimm aren't a big deal nowadays with heroes at every corner, but…still. We live in troubled times."
"That...that we do," Penny said with a sad smile.
"Still…" Ruby said, as Senna's tiny little hands tried to grab for Penny's finger. "It is nice to have another bright light in my life."
"It must be," Penny said, letting the baby grab hold of her finger, "She's adorable."
"Takes after her mom." Yang smirked. "It was hard to keep the secret that she was born. But Ben insisted to play it safe following the I-Island incident."
"And he was right to do so." Weiss said. "Especially with her pulling…that awful and despicable move."
"I do not say this often, even about our enemies, but I would disintegrate Cassandra for that," Penny huffed.
"Stain's reach had more range than we previously thought." Blake frowned. "All of this is because of that murderer…"
"The kindling was there, he just provided the spark," Yang added, "But even with some fuel...every fire can be put out."
Ruby looked at the next generation of heroes- the UA students. They hadn't faced the horrors, or had the scars of what they went through when they were their age. She hoped they never would. The kids of today were supposed to learn from the mistakes of the adults...
Ruby looked down at her child, and smiled.
"I hope you can learn from them, one day." Ruby said.
Learning is the path that guides all, and a genius could be considered as the metaphorical 'end of the path'. But to Azmuth, genius was not a destination, but a continuous journey of learning and discovery. With his standards, Ochako didn't really look the part. Ben at least looked more like it when he was older, but Ochako looked like she'd just declared her goal.
And that was true, somewhat.
"So, you attend UA. Tell me, how do you like it?" Azmuth asked.
"How do we...like it?" Ochako asked.
"Yes. Must I repeat it?"
"Well...no, I'm just trying to figure out why you're...interested in that."
"Am I not allowed to be simply curious?"
"UA's an excellent academy." Iida declared. "We are proud to be representatives of it for such a figure of cosmic importance."
"'Cosmic importance'- bah! I'm just a footnote. Tennyson and his friends are bloating my ego." Azmuth said. "You're still rookies- I can see it in your eyes." Azmuth's eyes scanned their bodies, stopping on Ochako's nasty arm wound. "But I can tell you've been...through many battles."
"This one came from not too long ago." Ochako said, covering up the wound. "Chainsawed when I was Fourarms."
"Wounds make good teachers." Azmuth said.
"Ah, I see. They're reminders of our past failures, telling us how to grow?" Iida guessed.
"I was...going to use different wording, but yes, you got the gist of it. Surprisingly insightful for a student, aren't you?"
"Iida's our class president. And I'm the vice president." Momo said.
Azmuth rubbed his chin. "You have...a spark about you. Are you versed in the arcane, like Tennyson's cousin?"
"Y-yes, actually." Momo said.
"Hmm...I sense you'll reach your full potential in no time." the elder Galvan nodded.
Momo blinked. "Um...alright." Cryptic.
Azmuth looked over at Todoroki next. "...Enji's boy?"
Todoroki nodded. "How do you know my father?"
"Had the misfortune of working with him when Vilgax last attacked. Coordinated an attack with him...the audacity of the man. Such a scrupulous spirit." Azmuth scoffed. "Temperament of an Appoplexian, too..."
"You're preaching to the choir." Todoroki nodded.
"Am I right to assume not much has changed with him these past few years?"
"Aside from the fact he's now the Number 1 Pro in the country."
"...oh," Azmuth muttered.
"Wish me luck." Todoroki sighed. Azmuth nodded, before looking back to Midoriya...and walking past him.
"Despite you being a 'hatchlings' to your powers...these vestiges Toshinori mentioned are impressed with you somehow. I trust the next time we meet you'll have a better grasp of your quirk...or quirks." Azmuth said.
"R-right!" Izuku nodded.
And then back to Ochako.
"...walk with me fo a moment, will you?"
"O-oh! Uh, of course, sir!" Ochako said.
"Please. Just Azmuth," the First Thinker nodded, "Sir is far too formal."
"R-right." Ochako nodded, as Azmuth jumped off the table.
"When I first met Ben, the child accidentally triggered the Omnitrix self destruct mode. But yet, in spite of the fact he could blow up the entire universe, he was going to go down fighting." Azmuth said. "I don't think YOU'RE that foolish to set off the device, mind you...but Ben was at least set with what he would do with the device. Why did you become a hero?"
"At first, it was to help my parents with money. But, now they're...more stable than we've ever been, thanks to the work Mr. Tennyson commissioned them for." Ochako explained. "Now...I want to help heroes as much as I want to help civilians."
"Helping heroes and civilians, you say?" Azmuth mused. "An admirable goal, but it's also quite broad. What drives you to help them? What compels you to put your life on the line?"
Ochako thought for a moment before answering, her gaze distant as if reflecting on her own journey so far. "I guess it's about making a difference, you know? After Kamino, after everything I saw at the Summer Camp, I realized Ben wasn't kidding about not being able to do it alone. I don't think anyone really could."
"A fair assessment, if still looking through newly jaded eyes." Azmuth said.
"I wouldn't call myself jaded." Ochako frowned.
Azmuth chuckled softly. "Perhaps 'experienced' would be a better word then. When you witness the challenges and complexities that come with being a hero, it can reshape your perspective."
"Ben describes the Omnitrix like a bridge." Ochako said, looking down at the watch. "This link between worlds. It's up to me how I use it. It's a gadget- but it's also a symbol, like All Might. A symbol of responsibility and opportunity."
Azmuth nodded in approval. "You're perceptive."
"Trust me, my grades would be a lot better if I didn't have test anxiety." Ochako said.
"I created the Omnitrix to help all the beings of the universe grow closer together. I valued the connections the wielder would ultimately make before I even considered it a tool of mass destruction." Azmuth said. "You clearly take after Tennyson, with your 'ragtag' group of friends over there..."
Ochako smiled at Azmuth's words. "Yeah, they're like my second family. I...I'm really happy I met them."
"As it should be. Growth is not a solitary journey," Azmuth affirmed. "Even a genius like myself did not achieve anything alone. I stood on the shoulders of those who came before me, and I learned from my mistakes as much as my successes...could you see yourself being as successful if Ben wasn't around to guide you at the start?"
"I don't think I'd have this watch without Ben." Ochako said. "Even if I got the original watch, I'd be totally lost- maybe even still struggling to use it. But...I'd do my best. And that's enough, right?"
"Your determination and willingness to learn that will define your success." Azmuth said.
"...very open ended." Ochako said.
"I tend to be." Azmuth said. "Unless I'm scolding you. But, I don't think you'd be irresponsible like Ben."
"Yeah, if he gave it to Mei?" Ochako shivered. "You should be on high alert. Think the universe would be in for a wild ride if that ever happened."
"I'll have to ask Paradox if there's a universe with this character. A small part of me is sickeningly fascinated by the description..." Azmuth frowned.
"Paradox? Who's-?"
"I'm sure you'll meet him one day. He tends to show up when heroes need some assistance...or he does. Granted the crises he handles are much grander in scale, beyond a single city or country," Azmuth explained.
"Oh. So in other words, he either shows up for a friendly chat...or because...I dunno, reality's at risk?" Ochako guessed.
"More so the very fabric of time, but yes," Azmuth politely corrected before reaching into his robes and taking out a small, futuristic timepiece, the Galvan version of a pocket watch really, "That time already, hm?"
"Are you...leaving now?" Ochako asked.
"I am a very busy person, despite my age." Azmuth sighed. "And my newest project is proving much more taxing than I thought."
"Can't say it, right? I assume you have NDAs in space." Ochako joked.
"We do. Though this is less of an NDA and more simply something of a more classified nature," Azmuth said.
"Fair enough." Ochako looked back to 'party'. "Should I tell them that you're leaving, or-" But when she looked back, Azmuth was gone. She was now alone.
She frowned. "Rude."
"So, how long will you be staying?" Ruby asked, as the farewell party started winding down.
"Quite some time actually! Consider it a rare example of downtime granted by the First Thinker himself," Penny beamed.
"You're always free to stay with us. I'm sure you'd wanna spend some time with Senna, right?" Ruby grinned.
"Ooh! That does sound fun." Penny grinned.
"Good thing we have a guest room," Ben added.
All Might approached the duo, and sighed. "Well, I'd honestly love to stay and chat some more, but I gotta get these kids back to UA. Aizawa's gonna have fit if we're not back before 11."
"Typical stickler…but I get it." Ruby huffed, handing Senna to Penny. She wrapped Toshinori in a warm hug. "Take care of yourself, Toshi. Seriously. I want you around for Senna's graduation…"
"Believe me, so do I," Toshinori smirked, hugging Ruby back.
Ben walked over, and put a hand on All Might's shoulder. "And keep watch over those kids with Blake, Yang and the others, okay? I like them. A lot. Might even spoil them around Christmas."
"Something I'm sure Aizawa will love." All Might laughed.
"Heh, who's gonna be more spoiled though? Them or Senna?" Ben smirked.
"Wha-? Oh, like you need to ask that," Ruby chuckled, rolling her eyes at the remark.
Ben turned to the UA students. "Alright, you four- you got a LONG road ahead of yourselves. Remember, you're still only really capable of effortlessly taking down D-rank villains. Even with your power ups, tools or whatever else, you gotta play it safe. Got it?"
"Got it!" the group of students all nodded. Admittedly though, there was still a spark of pride that ignited in the group. They could take down villains. Not exactly the highest ranked ones in the game, but hey, not everyone burst onto the hero scene with the power to take on the likes of Stain or Toxic Chainsaw.
Ben smirked. "And please...keep an eye on yourselves. Your body's a temple- curate it."
"Yes, sir." Momo said. "Oh, and...question. Do you know when Gwen would be free to...maybe chat?"
Ben laughed. "I have a hard time already. She's president- she's gonna be VERY busy."
Momo sighed. "Fair enough..."
"But...if I get a chance, I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you," Momo smiled. Better than an outright no and that was alright with her.
All Might waved the kids over, motioning for them to come to car. Iida turned back to Ben, and bowed. "Thank you again, Mr. Tennyson- for everything. Please enjoy your sabbatical!"
"I'm gonna miss that prim and proper act." Ben chuckled. "Say hey to your bro when you get the chance."
"Of course!" Iida nodded. Ben's attention next to Todoroki.
"Don't think of the test as a setback, okay?" Ben said. "Sometimes we all need an extra lesson."
"I'll try." Todoroki said. He offered a handshake, which Ben returned. Then, he turned to Izuku.
"Trust me- been there with extra powers." Ben said. "You'll get the hang of it in no time with your friends. Just don't go rushing into it, okay? Don't break any new bones, either."
"That's gonna be my only claim to fame, isn't it?" Izuku sighed.
"Better than being known as 'smoothie boy'." Ben joked, "And...watch after Toshi."
"That I can do for sure." Izuku said.
And finally...Ben turned to Ochako.
"...hey, can you kids give me a moment with my student?" Ben said. Looked like he had a lot to say.
"Of course," Izuku said before turning to Ochako and giving her a reassuring nod. The Omnitrix's successor gave a nervous smile back before turning back to her predecessor. It felt weird referring to him like that, even just mentally.
Ochako and Ben stared at each other for a few moments, in silence. Ben took a deep breath.
"Y'know... I always thought I wasn't good enough for my Omnitrix. There were periods in my life where I hated the Omnitrix, and wanted to rip it off. But, I wouldn't be able to sleep well knowing I turned a blind eye to all of that. Just because I wasn't the best." Ben said, looking down at his own watch.
"What? But...all the good you've done-?" Ochako blurted out, not really thinking about what she was saying.
"Not every hero can have a flawless success rate. Not just something that means prepping for a 'round 2' with a villain, but...outright failure. Been through more than one of those and each one was...heavy. But if I just gave up there, then that would just be letting so many others down."
"...did you ever give up? After...Atlas?" Ochako asked.
"...once. But never again." Ben said, looking back at Ruby. Ruby gave a small smile. "Having the Omnitrix does not mean you're automatically the greatest of all time. You will not win every fight, and you will not overcome everything on your first try. You knew that you were fighting an uphill battle against Bakugou, right? Despite this, you tried your damndest to get a lead. And you lost. You beat yourself up about it. You tried, and you failed. But you got back up. Just like I did. Unlike someone like Bakugou, Mineta, or Endeavor, you can see the Omnitrix for exactly what it is. A gadget to help people. I didn't even know this thing was to help save civilizations until I was a little over your age. I just saw it as a way to help."
Ochako felt Ben's hand on her shoulder. "What I'm trying to say is…If I could overcome that same crippling doubt, then so could you."
"If you can...then I can," Ochako quietly repeated to herself. She didn't know it yet, but this little speech would be sticking with her for a long time to come now.
Ben smiled. "That's what I want to hear, kid." Ben said. Ruby walked over, and wrapped Ochako in a warm hug.
"Good luck with your second semester. Hope it's filled with more peace than chaos." Ruby sincerely hoped.
"Same here," Ochako wished, returning the hug with no hesitation.
"We'll keep in touch when we can, alright? Even let Senna sit in on the calls," Ruby smiled.
"I'll keep Bakugou out of the room, then. Don't want Senna's first word to be a swear." Ochako joked.
Ruby made a face. "Probably for the best."
Ben smiled warmly. "And hey- if you want me to give you vague pointers on how to use your aliens-"
"Nah." Ochako said, looking back at her friends. "We'll figure it out."
"Alright, if you say so," Ben chuckled.
Ochako gave a warm smile back. "Thank you, again. For just...all of this. I don't really...feel all that scared for what comes next. Is that weird?"
"With everything that's happened so far? That's the most normal part of the situation." Ben said, opening his arms for a hug. Ochako happily hugged him tight, before releasing.
"Well...see you guys later." Ochako said.
"Aren't you forgetting to say goodbye to someone?" Ruby said, holding Senna.
"Oh! How could I forget?" Ochako gasped, "See you later, too, Senna."
The newest member of the Tennyson-Rose cooed a little bit, reaching out to Ochako as if she was asking for a hug.
Ochako laughed. "Jeez, you guys are huggers." Ochako took Senna from Ruby, and hugge-
BARRRRRRRRRRRRF.
Ochako suddenly felt something run down her back. Ben and Ruby made a face.
"...did she just-" Ochako turned pale, as Senna coughed a bit.
"Ooooooh my god-" Ben immediately apologized. "Ooooh my god, I am so sorry-"
"And we were having such a NICE moment!" Ruby gasped, looking around frantically. Momo immediately got out of the car, with a new shirt for Ochako.
Ochako awkwardly handed Senna back to Ruby, and stared at the duo.
"...I need to go change." Ochako quietly said, as Momo handed her the shirt.
"Yes, yes. Please DO." Ben said, leading her back inside. "And then we'll...do this again."
"Without the barf." Ruby apologized.
Ochako made a face. The moment was ruined but it was cute that they were so apologetic about it….