Eri's eyes widened, her ruby irises twinkling with awe as the plane lifted off the runway. She pressed her face against the cool glass of the window, her small hands gripping the armrests tightly. Below, the sprawling cityscape of Musutafu gradually shrank, transforming into a patchwork of miniature buildings and winding roads.
"It is amazing, is it not?" Ochaco asked, smiling at the child's excitement.
Eri nodded vigorously, her gaze never leaving the window. As they ascended through a layer of fluffy clouds, she let out a tiny gasp of delight.
Across the aisle, ALL MIGHT in his small form leaned over, his permanently smiling face somehow radiating even more warmth as he observed the scene. His blue eyes glinted with pride and joy at witnessing Eri's first flight.
Izuku, seated next to Ochaco, leaned forward to catch a better glimpse of Eri's awestruck expression. "Pretty cool, right?" he said, his voice soft but full of warmth. "Wait until we're higher. It only gets better." Seeing Eri light up like this made him feel a surge of pride, and he reached over, gently squeezing Ochaco's hand. He wanted to remember this moment, the quiet joy of sharing something new with their little family.
As the flight settled into a steady rhythm, Ochaco's thoughts drifted to the purpose of their journey. The I-Expo loomed ahead - a grand convention of scientists, researchers, inventors, and heroes, where the latest technological advancements would be unveiled. An event of such magnitude was bound to attract attention... including that of villains and other nefarious elements.
She glanced at Izuku, noting the determined set of his jaw. They were both acutely aware of the potential dangers, but they had responsibilities to fulfill. Ochaco was scheduled to meet with scientists she'd hired to investigate the increasingly popular Quirk Doomsday Theory, particularly its connection to anti-Quirk cults like Humarise. The mere thought of such extremist groups sent a chill down her spine.
Izuku, on the other hand, was set to meet ALL MIGHT's niece to run some tests and answer her questions. It was a fortunate coincidence that ALL MIGHT was also reuniting with his old friend - the girl's father - during this trip.
And Eri...well, there was no way they could leave her alone at UA for days. This trip had become an impromptu family vacation, a chance for the little girl to experience new wonders.
Hours later, as their plane touched down on I-Island, Izuku braced himself for the inevitable media frenzy. Sure enough, the moment they stepped into the terminal, they were swarmed by reporters and flashing cameras.
"ALL MIGHT! Mr. Midoriya! Can we get a statement?"
"Mr. Midoriya, there were recent reports accusing you of playing with women's hearts. What would you like to say to them?"
"Ms. Pendragon, who's the child with you?"
"Are you here for the I-Expo?"
The barrage of questions was overwhelming. Izuku felt Eri shrink against him, her small form trembling slightly at the sudden onslaught of noise and attention.
Izuku raised a hand, his voice calm but commanding. "We're here to enjoy the I-Expo and spend time as a family. Please give us some space, especially for Eri's sake," he said, flashing a polite but firm smile. His calm presence immediately drew the reporters' attention, quieting the crowd.
"Yes, now, if you will excuse us, we would like to enjoy our time," Ochaco continued.
The reporters backed off, letting the couple through.
As the reporters surrounded them, Ochaco reached out and held Eri's hand. "Come on, sweetie, let us go with Papa," she coaxed the child gently.
Eri nodded, gripping Ochaco's hand tightly as she moved closer to the older girl.
Izuku bent down slightly, keeping his voice low and gentle. "Eri, it's a lot, isn't it? Stick close to us, and we'll get through this together, okay?" He shot Ochaco a reassuring smile, letting her know he was in control. "We've got her."
Eri buried her face in the crook of his neck, clutching him tightly.
Ochaco nodded with a soft smile, her tone soothing. "See, Eri? We're right here. Just stay with us, and you'll be okay."
They walked through the crowd, making their way towards the waiting car.
Before they got inside, they heard a woman call out, "Uncle Might!"
ALL MIGHT turned and saw Melissa Shield, his niece, approaching, the blonde girl running up and wrapping her arms around the no. 1 hero, who chuckled softly and returned the hug.
"Oh, my, look how big you've gotten! It's been a while, hasn't it?" he asked, his voice warm and fond.
"You're one to talk," she quipped, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "And who's he? He looks cool!"
"Ah, yes, this is my apprentice, Midoriya Izuku. And these are his companions, Ochaco Pendragon and their daughter, Eri," ALL MIGHT introduced, gesturing at each in turn.
"It's great to finally meet you, Melissa," Izuku said warmly, offering his hand with a genuine smile. "ALL MIGHT's told me a lot about you. All good things, I promise."
"I am glad to finally meet you, Uncle Might's favorite protégé," she replied, shaking his hand.
"It is nice to meet you, Melissa. Please take care of us," Ochaco spoke, her smile polite.
"Hello!" Eri greeted, waving a hand shyly.
"It is nice to see you too, Ms. Pendragon. Hello there, young Eri. What a cute little angel," Melissa greeted back, her gaze warm and affectionate.
"You can call me Ochaco, Ms. Shield. We will be in your care."
"Please, call me Melissa," the blonde woman responded.
"I think we'll get along, Ochaco," she then turned her gaze to Izuku, who was watching the exchange with a small smile. Then she remembered what Mei told her. "Oh my gosh! It slipped my mind. Are you perhaps the 'Midoriya' Mei talked about?"
Izuku let out a small chuckle and said, "Unless she's talking about my mom, then I would think so."
"She told me you want her to develop a ba-I mean, tech for you," she said, catching herself.
"Yeah, she told me you had questions for me. Why don't we talk about it after we drop off Eri? She's a little tired from the trip."
Eri, rubbing her eyes as she let out a small yawn, "Nnot yet sleepy, Papa."
Izuku chuckled and gave her a small pat on her head. "Of course not, sweetie. You're a big girl now."
Ochaco giggled at the sight, her smile soft and fond. "We will drop Eri off, and then you can ask your questions," she agreed.
"Okay, Uncle Might. Let's get going," Melissa urged.
They climbed into the limousine, where the chauffeur awaited. "Welcome, sir, madam," The driver greeted politely. "The hotel is about an hour away. I trust the journey was not too exhausting."
"We're fine. Thank you," Izuku replied, taking his seat next to Ochaco, still carrying Eri.
The driver bowed his head and shut the door, before returning to the front. He started the engine and pulled out, the car smoothly entering the flow of traffic.
As the car drove through the streets, Melissa spoke, her voice eager and enthusiastic. "So, Mr. Midoriya, I want to know about your Quirk."
"Energy Manipulation," Izuku replied with a casual shrug. "I can generate ice, fire, electricity, kinetic energy—pretty versatile. I can also channel it to boost my physical abilities when I need to." He glanced out the window. "Though, I'm still working on the finer control. For now, I'm using a...support item as a weapon to compensate."
"Oh? What's your weapon?"
"This," he said, drawing the hilt of the sword, a few sparks of lightning dancing on the blade.
"Oh my, that's...unusual," Melissa commented, her eyes widening slightly at the sight. "May I touch it?"
Izuku shrugged. "Sure."
She gently ran her fingers over the blade, tracing the patterns engraved into its surface. Her expression was one of wonder and fascination.
"It's beautiful," she murmured, admiring the craftsmanship.
"Thank you," he responded, a hint of pride in his tone.
"Another girl that appreciates my glorious self. I'm pretty popular these days, huh?" X telepathically told Izuku.
"Don't let it get to your head, X," he muttered under his breath, too low for the others to hear.
"I ain't got any!"
Before long, they arrived at the hotel. They exited the limo, followed by the driver, who carried their luggage. "Here are your keys. Do enjoy your stay."
"Thank you," Melissa said, accepting the keys. "If you'll excuse us, Uncle, we'll be on our way. I have so many things to ask Midoriya."
"Of course, dear. Go ahead," he said with a chuckle, patting her head. "I'm going to visit my old friend."
"I shall go ahead and put Eri to bed. Go enjoy your interview, My Heart," she told Izuku.
"Don't you need to meet someone too?"
"The researcher I am meeting will not arrive for a few more hours. She told me her flight got delayed."
"Okay, if I finish before then, how about we go out for a bit?" He said as he carefully handed over Eri.
"Without Eri?" she asked, her tone laced with worry.
"She's had a long day, Ochaco," Izuku said softly, brushing a hand over Eri's hair, who's already nodding off. "She'll be out cold for hours. I promise we won't be gone long." His steady gaze met hers, his voice calm. "Trust me, we'll be back before she even stirs."
"All right," she agreed, though her voice still carried a hint of hesitation. "I will hold you onto that. I do not want her to think we abandoned her."
"Of course. I promise," he said before giving her a hug and a kiss.
"Okay," she said, her cheeks tinged pink.
He released her, turning his attention back to Melissa, his smile friendly. "Alright, lead the way, Melissa."
"Right this way, Mr. Midoriya," she replied, her smile wide and enthusiastic.
The pair made their way to a nearby facility, a large building that housed several different research labs.
"We'll use the lab I usually use for my projects," Melissa told him as they walked.
Izuku could tell that the young inventor was excited to speak with him. Her steps were quick, her eyes bright, and her gestures animated.
"This is the lab," she said, pausing in front of a set of double doors. She entered a code on the keypad, unlocking the doors, and stepped inside, motioning for him to follow.
The lab was a large room, filled with various pieces of equipment and machinery. There were tables covered in schematics and notes, and shelves full of books and files. In the center of the room, there was a large workbench, littered with tools and scraps of metal.
Melissa led him over to a table, where a small prototype sat.
"So, this is my little project," she explained, picking up the device and handing it to him.
It was a small piece of metal, about the size of his thumb, shaped like a triangle. It had a hole in the center and a button on one side.
"What does it do?" he asked curiously, examining the device.
"Press the button and hold it down," she instructed with a hint of excitement in her tone.
Izuku complied, pressing the button and holding it down. Immediately, a green energy field appeared around him, a small bubble that extended about a foot out from his body.
"It's a personal shield," she explained, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "The field can absorb a certain amount of kinetic energy, before releasing it back as heat and light."
"Cool. What's the power source?"
"Solar. So, during the day, it can store up energy for use at night. I'm working on ways to increase its power and efficiency, but it's a work in progress."
"That's very impressive, Melissa," he remarked, his voice sincere. "Do you have any other ideas you're working on?"
She smiled, a hint of pride in her expression. "I'm currently working on a portable teleportation device. But it's a very ambitious project, and I'm not sure how well it will work."
"Sounds like you're keeping busy. How did you get into inventing, anyway?"
"My dad's the one who taught me. I was always tinkering with things as a kid, and he encouraged me to pursue it."
"Well, you have a talent for it," he said, handing the shield back to her.
"Thank you," she replied, placing the device on the table.
"You have questions about my Quirk?"
Her expression hardened as she looked directly into Izuku's eye. "Yes. Sorry if I'm wrong, but when Mei described the effects of the place you told her, and when I got the data you helped her get, I got very curious about it and asked my father," she let out a deep breath before continuing. "It sounded like you're talking about this place called 'Elsewhere.'"
"Yep," Izuku confirmed, thinking there was no use keeping it a secret from her, of all people. "I guess I should've expected this when Mei mentioned you being ALL MIGHT's niece, on top of his previous side-kick's daughter. The place is called Elsewhere, yeah. And I'm what you'd call a Mage."
"Specifically, an Evoker, yes?" she said with a hint of surprise. "Based on what you said your 'Quirk' was."
"I'm surprised you knew so much," he replied, a note of admiration in his tone.
"You're not going to say you're gonna have to silence me, are you?" she joked, though there was some nervousness to her tone.
"Nah, I planned on telling Mei later on anyway. It wouldn't make a difference if you knew. Don't go telling it to other people though. They likely won't be as laid-back about this as I am," he told her, a hint of caution in his tone.
She nodded, her expression serious. "Of course. I wouldn't want to get anyone into trouble."
"Alright, now what are your questions?"
"Well, what exactly is Elsewhere? And how does it work? From the name alone, it seems to be a different world, right?"
"In simple terms, yeah. It's a different dimension from the one we're in right now. It's where Mages, gods, and other creatures usually live."
"And you want tech that you can use there?"
"Yeah, most modern tech just fizzles or blows up the second it enters it. Chaos causing quantum tunneling galore, making anything digital impossible and whatnot. I don't really understand it myself."
"And you're an Evoker. Can you describe the powers you have?"
"Sure, an Evoker is a Magic user that can generate energies through my Spark, which is, for the sake of this discussion, pretty much my Soul."
"Souls? Really?"
"Yep. The Spark is what makes us Mages. We can tap into the magic of our bloodlines through it."
Melissa found herself drawn in by Izuku's passionate explanation. His eyes lit up as he spoke, and she caught herself noticing the determined set of his jaw. She shook her head slightly, refocusing on his words about Elsewhere.
"Wow...Why do you need tech, then? Can't you just...use magic?"
"I don't need them. I need them for other people, like the Normies. I want them to be able to defend themselves. Especially from the things that come from Elsewhere, like daemons."
"Daemons? As in, demons?"
"More or less, yeah. They're a bit different, but the idea's the same."
"That's...kind of scary," she said, her expression thoughtful.
"But still...it's amazing how much you're thinking ahead," she said, impressed. "Most heroes are focused only on their powers, but you're trying to make a difference for everyone."
Izuku shrugged, smiling. "I want to help people where I can. It's what makes a hero, no?"
Melissa couldn't help but feel inspired by his words. He's the quintessential hero, in the flesh. He talks about rather ambitious things, but she couldn't help but feel with absolute certainty that it would happen. "Oh, sorry. We got too sidetracked, haven't we?" She said, quickly changing the subject.
"Yeah, no problem. So, you think you could make one?"
"I...need to go to this Elsewhere," she said.
"Well, I'm pretty sure there are some circles in America, but I don't recommend going there, especially if you don't have a Mage with you."
"Why not?"
"From what I learned, the worship of their gods turned their Elsewhere into a nightmare realm," he told her, remembering Sarah's lecture.
"That sounds terrifying," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of concern. "How about Japan, then?"
"Yeah, there are some there. You wanna go? I'll escort you."
"Please," she responded, a determined glint in her eyes.
"Alright, just let me know when you're around. We'll go then. And make sure to keep it quiet. The fewer people know, the better."
"Alright, Mr. Midoriya. Thank you," she said with a smile.
"Anytime," he said. "Also, just Izuku is fine."
"Izuku. Thank you again." Izuku stiffened, his eyes widening as Melissa's arms suddenly encircled him, her head resting against his chest. "Sorry! I got a little carried away," Melissa apologized, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Izuku chuckled, giving her a reassuring nod. "It's fine. Happens to the best of us." He flashed her a friendly smile. "Now, let's head back before the others start wondering where we are."
She pulled away, a hint of embarrassment in her tone. "Well, you should get back to the hotel, Uncle Might will be expecting you. I still have things to look up before I could go," she said. "By the way, would you be able to swing by tomorrow morning? I would really like to check some things about your magic."
"Of course," he said. "By the way, before I forget, let me give you my contacts. That way, you can call me if you need help. Or if you need someone to talk to."
Melissa giggled, a faint flush is visible on her cheeks, "Alright, I will."
"See you tomorrow, Melissa."
He exited the building and began to walk toward the hotel. As Izuku entered his room with Ochaco and Eri, he was greeted by his lover, who was sitting on the bed, reading a book.
"Hello, My Love," Ochaco greeted, setting her book aside and standing up. "How was your discussion with Melissa?"
"It was good," he answered, sitting down next to her. "She's quite passionate about her work."
Ochaco nodded, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Another heart stolen by my perv," she teased.
"I don't think it's like that. Besides, I have you with me right now," he countered, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her.
She smiled, her gaze warm and affectionate. "Of course, My Heart," she said. "Did you ask her about the device you wanted to make?"
"She said she needs to visit Elsewhere first. I offered to guide her when she visits Japan. Might be a good time to introduce Mei to it as well," he told her before standing up. "So, ready to go?"
"Yes," she responded, standing up as well.
The two made sure that Eri was asleep before leaving the room, her small, steady breathing serving as the indication they needed.
"So, where are we going?" she asked as they exited the hotel.
"How about some food? Then we could walk around and see the sights," he suggested.
"That sounds nice," she said. "We can grab something from the cafe we passed by earlier."
"Sounds good," he agreed.
They walked to the cafe, the sun hanging low in the sky. The streets were bustling with activity, the sound of chatter and footsteps echoing through the air.
"Here we are," Ochaco announced, stopping in front of a small building.
The cafe was quaint, with a homey feel. The walls were decorated with vintage posters, and the furniture was mismatched and worn.
The pair walked in, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filling their noses. They took a seat at a table near the window, enjoying the view of the city below.
"Here you go." The waiter placed coffee and tea for Izuku and Ochaco, respectively. Looking up, they realized it was none other than Denki.
"Hey, man. Didn't know you're here!" Izuku greeted.
"Heh heh. Mineta and I are working here part-time during the break!" He told them as he pointed to the short man driving drinks to a busty redheaded lady.
"Looks like he's enjoying himself," Izuku commented, watching the grape-haired teen flirt with the woman, surprising the three as she handed him over a piece of paper after writing something on it.
Minoru ran up to his friends and whispered, "Look at what she gave me!" as he held the paper.
On it was the woman's phone number.
"Congrats, buddy. She seems nice," Denki commented.
"She's more than nice. I'm taking her out later. Wish me luck, guys!" He then ran back, giving her a thumbs up.
Ochaco's serene smile faltered for just a moment, her gaze narrowing slightly as she observed the woman. Upon recognition, a bead of sweat rolled down her cheek as she thought, 'Oh no...poor guy.'
"By the way, what are your orders?" Denki asked, taking out a notepad and pen.
"I shall have an order of mochi," Ochaco ordered. "For the drinks, I see there is a special promotion for couples ordering green tea," she gestured to the poster on the wall.
"Yes! There's a raffle for special front row seats to the Expo," he pitched before lowering his voice. "The waiter also gets a bonus if you won, so I'd really appreciate the favor."
"Why not?" she turned to Izuku "My Love, would that be fine?"
"Yeah. Sounds good. And one MIGHT dessert for me, please," Izuku added.
"Alright! You two are the best," Denki said, putting his notepad away and heading back to the kitchen.
A voice called out from behind. "Oh, you two are here?" It came from Kyouka. She was with Momo, Tsuyu, and Toru.
"I heard you guys were going to the I-Expo, ribbit. Looks like you're enjoying yourself."
"I'm looking forward to attending the expo," Momo added.
"Yeah, we are. It's been fun," he told them, smiling.
"What are you four doing here?" Ochaco asked, sipping her tea.
"Toru's parents were asked to run the cafe, kero," Tsuyu explained. "We're just visiting."
"How has your trip been so far?" Momo asked, her gaze warm and curious.
"It's been good," Izuku responded. "We haven't seen much of the island yet, but it's nice here."
"You haven't seen much yet?" Tsuyu questioned, tilting her head.
"We just got in this afternoon," Ochaco explained. "We are planning to explore more later."
"Well, make sure to check out the park," Momo suggested. "It's a beautiful place, and there are plenty of attractions."
"We'll make sure to do that," Izuku said, nodding.
A few minutes later, their order arrived, with Denki and Minoru being surprised to see them. The couple started their meal as they watched the interesting exchange between them and Toru.
After eating, the couple enjoyed their time together, exploring the streets and enjoying the sights. They took in the view of the cityscape, the bright lights illuminating the night sky.
"It is so beautiful," Ochaco whispered, her eyes wide as she took in the glittering lights and sleek architecture.
Izuku nodded, tightening his arm around her waist. "It is," he agreed, his voice soft. "Almost as beautiful as you."
Ochaco's cheeks flushed pink at the compliment, and she leaned into his embrace. For a moment, they simply stood there, basking in each other's presence and the city's ethereal glow.
Their peaceful reverie was shattered by an explosion in the distance. Izuku tensed, hero instincts kicking in even as a familiar voice rang out over the commotion.
"DIE!" The shout was followed by another blast, and Izuku couldn't help but chuckle.
"Sounds like Kacchan found a competition," he said, guiding Ochaco toward the source of the noise.
As they rounded a corner, they were met with a spectacle. A massive hill rose before them, dotted with obstacles and combat robots. At its base, a crowd had gathered, cheering wildly as a familiar figure with spiky blonde hair unleashed explosion after explosion, carving a path up the slope.
"WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WE'VE GOT A NEW CHAMPION!" A woman at the foot of the hill announced.
Katsuki stood atop the hill, chest heaving and a wild grin on his face. "HELL YEAH!" he roared, raising his fist triumphantly. "BAKUGOU FUCKING KATSUKI! REMEMBER THAT NAME! I'LL SOON BE THE NUMBER ONE HERO!"
The audience cheered and clapped upon seeing the impressive display.
"Are you not participating, My Heart?" Ochaco asked Izuku.
Izuku shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nah, that'd be kind of mean. Let him have his moment."
"It would be humiliating to eclipse him right after what he just declared," she commented, nodding.
"Though it looks like someone wanted to, anyway," he said, gesturing towards Shoto.
Shoto was standing near the registration table, a look of boredom on his face.
"Hey, Half and Half. You joining the contest or what?" Katsuki called out.
"All right," he curtly replied.
Izuku couldn't help but chuckle as he shook his head.
Shoto stepped up to the registration table and signed his name on the form. He then walked over to the starting line and waited for the signal to begin.
"ON YOUR MARK, GET SET..." the woman announced, "GO!"
Shoto immediately encased the entire hill in ice, freezing all the obstacles and robots in place. He then calmly walked through the frozen landscape, making his way to the top of the hill.
"UNBELIEVABLE! WE HAVE A NEW RECORD! I REPEAT! WE HAVE A NEW RECORD! IN A MERE 22.4 SECONDS, SHOTO TODOROKI HAS COMPLETED THE CHALLENGE! THIS DAY IS SO CRAZY!" the announcer exclaimed.
"It's not that impressive," he murmured.
The audience surged with excitement, their cheers reverberating through the air as they waved signs emblazoned with Shoto's name.
'Since when did Todoroki-kun have such a fanbase here?' Izuku blinked in confusion, until he spotted Mina in the crowd, handing out posters with Shoto's face. 'Ah, that explains it,' he thought, before noticing the price tag. 'Uwaa, so expensive!'
"DAMN YOU, HALF-AND-HALF!" Katsuki shouted, his explosions blasting through the ice.
"Bakugou-kun, please behave yourself!" Tenya called out, his voice stern and authoritative.
"SHUT UP, EXTRAS! I'LL BEAT HIM AND BE NUMBER ONE!"
Tenya sighed, shaking his head in resignation.
"Looks like they are having fun," Ochaco noted, her gaze fond and amused.
"Yeah, they are," Izuku agreed.
The couple stood together and watched as the two heroes-in-training competed for the title of number one.
"Daddy!" Mina yelled, surprising Izuku and latching to his side. "You should participate too!"
Izuku chuckled, shaking his head. "No way, Mina. I don't want to ruin their fun." But it was too late; aside from Shoto, who had just broken a record, Mina's enthusiastic promotion had become the focus of the crowd.
With a flourish, Mina pulled out a sign that read "Force Majeure," adorned with an illustration of Izuku's face drawn in a shoujo manga style. At first, the crowd remained fixated on Shoto's ice performance, but as eyes flickered toward Mina's sign, a murmur spread through the spectators.
"Wait, is that Midoriya?" someone shouted, and like wildfire, the crowd's attention shifted toward him. Excitement buzzed in the air as they realized who was about to step up.
"IT'S IZUKU MIDORIYA!"
"SERIOUSLY?! Who's Force Majeure?"
"Maybe that's his hero name? 'Superior Strength,' it really fits him!"
"Ah~! I wanna marry him!"
Seeing the crowd's reaction, Izuku turned to Mina with a raised eyebrow. "Is this just you wanting me to show off, or is this an instruction from The Voices?"
"Like, honestly? Both! I want Daddy to show off a little, and The Voices—they keep telling me your name needs to be known."
He thought for a moment and sighed. 'I guess if I'm thinking of gathering heroes and civilians in the future, it makes sense to be a bit showy,' he thought. "Alright, Mina. Let's give them a show," Izuku said, ruffling her hair affectionately as the crowd buzzed around them. He didn't want to rain Katsuki's parade but since Shoto already did so, he didn't feel guilty about it.
Mina beamed, bouncing on her feet. "That's the spirit! Go show them what you're made of, Daddy!"
He turned to Ochaco with a wry smile. "I'll make this quick."
"Go, My Love. Show them your might," she encouraged, her eyes sparkling with pride.
He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss before stepping up to the registration table. "I'd like to sign up, please."
"Of course, Mr. Midoriya," the woman at the table said, starstruck by his presence.
"Thank you," he replied, smiling politely.
Izuku stepped up to the starting line, his posture relaxed but commanding. His sharp eyes scanned the course ahead, taking it all in with quiet confidence. The air felt charged with anticipation, the crowd holding their breath as he planted his feet, ready to move.
"ON YOUR MARK, GET READY," the announcer's voice quivered with anticipation. "GO!"
In that instant, Izuku tapped into his Magic and Quirk. The world around him slowed to a crawl as he analyzed everything, mapping the best route in his mind. With Two Pairs of Force wrapped around his feet, combined with his Quirk, he weaved through the obstacles with ease, each movement precise and purposeful. The robots, designed to challenge even the most skilled heroes, fell before him like paper dolls, cleaved in two by his lightning-fast strikes.
To the crowd, it was as if Izuku had simply vanished from the starting line and reappeared at the summit. The timer froze: 0m00.0000s. For a moment, silence reigned as the spectators tried to process what they had just witnessed.
Then, chaos erupted.
"UNBELIEVABLE!" the announcer screamed, her voice cracking with excitement. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION! IZUKU MIDORIYA HAS COMPLETED THE COURSE IN...IN NO TIME AT ALL!"
A roar of disbelief swept through the crowd, hands shooting up as they tossed signs into the sky, their joy palpable in every shout.
Izuku stood at the top, grinning as he looked down at his friends. He waved at Mina. "Happy now?" he called, his tone light, though there was a glint of pride in his eyes.
"You know it! That's my Daddy!" Mina squealed, her eyes wide with excitement.
Looking at his friend, Katsuki's face was a study of shock and fury, his mouth hanging open as he struggled to comprehend what he'd just seen. Shoto, ever composed, merely nodded as a glimmer of respect in his heterochromatic eyes.
As Izuku made his way back down the hill, he caught Ochaco's gaze. Her eyes shone with pride and love, and he felt a warmth spread through his chest that had nothing to do with his recent exertion.
"My Love," she said as he reached her, her voice soft but filled with emotion. "You were magnificent."
"Not bad, right?" Izuku said with a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck as he caught her gaze.
Ochaco laughed softly, stepping closer. "Not bad? That was incredible." She reached out and squeezed his arm. "And you know it, My Love."
Meanwhile, as the crowd cheered for Izuku, Melissa, who just finished her work at the lab, couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as she gazed at him. There was something about the way he moved, the way he commanded the space around him, that made people naturally gravitate toward him. 'He's going to change things,' she thought to herself, watching as the crowd hung on his every move.
As the cheers died down, Ochaco checked on her watch and sighed softly. She looked up at Izuku, her expression soft but determined. "My Heart," she began, "I need to head over to the meeting soon."
Izuku gave her a warm, understanding smile. "You'll do great, Ochaco," he said, his voice filled with affection. "I'll head back to the hotel to check on Eri."
Ochaco stepped closer, brushing her hand against his arm before leaning in to kiss him. "I shall call you when I am done. Just...take care, okay?"
Mina chimed in with a teasing smile, her pink hair bouncing slightly as she moved. "Don't worry, princess. I'll keep him out of trouble. We wouldn't want our big hero getting distracted, would we?" She winked at Ochaco.
"Yes, I leave him in your care, Mina," Ochaco agreed, nodding. "Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go."
"Of course, princess," Mina said, waving.
"Be careful," Izuku cautioned, his tone gentle but firm.
Ochaco smiled, her expression tender. "I will, My Heart. I shall see you later."
As soon as she was out of sight, Mina's grin widened, and she wasted no time in sliding in front of him, playfully poking his chest.
"So, Daddy," she said, her voice lowering to a flirtatious tone. "Now that the princess is off handling business, what should we do? A walk around the city? Or maybe..." She took a step closer, her body lightly brushing against his as she leaned into him, her lips close to his ear. "Maybe we could make a little time for ourselves."
Izuku raised an eyebrow, keeping his charm and composure. "Oh? And what did you have in mind?" His tone was smooth, but his eyes sparkled with the same playful energy she was throwing his way.
"Oh, I'm sure we can find something to entertain ourselves with," she teased, running her finger along his jawline. "After all, there's so much we could do together. So many places we could go. And," she paused, biting her lip, "so many ways we could...enjoy ourselves."
"Hmm, you've certainly given this some thought," he remarked, smirking. "But no. I'm going back to check on Eri. You can come with me, but no funny business."
"Awww," Mina pouted, sticking out her bottom lip. "You're no fun, Daddy. But fine, let's go."
Izuku couldn't help the snicker that escaped him at her response. He shook his head in amusement as they heard a familiar voice call out.
"Midori-Bro!" Eijirou shouted, rushing towards them with Tenya and the others following closely behind.
"Hey guys," Izuku greeted, flashing a friendly smile.
"It is good to see you again, Midoriya-kun," Tenya greeted. "I hope you have been enjoying the island," he continued, adjusting his glasses.
"Oh yeah, it's been a lot of fun. Lots to do here," Izuku responded, his tone relaxed.
"Where are you two going?" Eijirou inquired, eyeing the pair.
"I'm going back to the hotel to check on Eri," he informed, before turning his gaze to Mina. "Why don't you guys tag along?"
Katsuki's phone rang with the theme of a certain frog companion in a classic game that involved time travel. He looked at it with a huge grin on his face. "Gotta take this," he said before walking off.
Izuku noticed Mina grinning from ear to ear. "What's up, Mina?"
"I'm gonna have Tsuyu-chan tell me all about it later. And if she doesn't spill, Kyouka-chan and Toru-chan will! It's like watching a romance unfold right in front of us—so exciting!" she whispered, her tone giddy.
"You mean about him and Tsuyu-chan?" he asked, gesturing to the spiky-haired blonde.
"Yeah! I think it's nice to hear from some other couples too. And it's a love triangle too! It's no harem like yours, but it's something!" she responded, her enthusiasm unwavering.
Izuku couldn't help but chuckle as her energetic personality was contagious. 'Mina, always so cheerful and bubbly,' he thought.
Izuku wrapped his arm around Mina's waist and squeezed her, enjoying her closeness. He could feel her body pressing against his, her warmth radiating through the thin fabric of his shirt.
"Gotta go, guys. See ya later!" he said to his classmates before turning back to Mina. "Come on, let's go," he whispered to her ears as they headed back to the hotel.
Once inside, the two found Eri still fast asleep, her small frame curled up in the center of the bed. She looked so peaceful and innocent, her long eyelashes fluttering as she dreamed.
"She's adorable," Mina commented, her gaze warm and affectionate.
"Yeah, she is," Izuku agreed, his voice soft and tender.
Izuku grabbed a chair and placed it beside the bed then pulled Mina to sit down his lap. She giggled and leaned back into his chest, enjoying his warmth and proximity.
"You're the one who said no funny business, Daddy," Mina chided, though her tone was playful and teasing.
"Relax, this isn't funny business," he responded, his tone equally light. "I'm just getting comfortable. Besides," he added, his gaze flickering to Eri's sleeping form, "she's sleeping."
"Right, of course," Mina teased, winking at him.
For a few moments, they sat in silence, simply enjoying each other's presence.
As the two were enjoying each other's company, they heard a knock from the door, soft enough not to make Eri stir but loud enough for them to hear.
"I'll get it," Mina offered, standing up.
"Thanks," Izuku said, smiling warmly.
Mina walked to the door and opened it, revealing ALL MIGHT in his smaller form.
"Hello there, Young Ashido. May I come in?" the man asked, his voice low and polite.
"Of course," she answered, gesturing for him to enter.
"Good evening, Young Midoriya," Toshinori greeted, his tone cordial.
"ALL MIGHT, you're here. Is everything alright?" he asked, standing up from his seat and walking towards his former mentor.
"Everything is fine, young Midoriya," the Symbol of Peace assured, a smile on his face. "I wasn't sure if you or Miss Pendragon had returned yet. I was going to check on Eri if neither of you were back. I'm glad to see that you are." He glanced around, noticing Mina standing nearby with a playful grin on her face. "And Young Ashido is here as well. Looks like Eri is in safe hands."
Mina waved, giving ALL MIGHT her usual playful smile. "You bet! We've got it all under control."
Izuku gestured for ALL MIGHT to take a seat before asking "How did the meeting with David go?"
ALL MIGHT sat down with a thoughtful expression. "It went well. David is making incredible strides with his research. He's optimistic about the future, especially with all the advancements coming out of I-Island." He paused, his smile softening. "And how did your meeting with Melissa go?"
Izuku nodded, leaning back in his seat. "Melissa's passionate about what she's doing. It's inspiring to see. We talked a bit about the project Mei's working on, and she seemed interested. I think she'll be a great asset moving forward."
ALL MIGHT's smile grew, his pride evident. "That's good to hear, Young Midoriya. Melissa has always been driven to make the world better through science, much like her father. And I'm glad you were able to connect with her."
ALL MIGHT's smile faltered for a moment and he cleared his throat. "I actually had something else I wanted to discuss with you," he began, his tone serious.
"Oh?" Izuku responded, curious.
He took a deep breath, "It's about your project with Melissa and Young Hatsume. I'm glad to know that you're taking initiative for this. And as my successor, I trust you implicitly," his voice was stern, but his eyes shone with pride as his gaze shifted toward his successor.
"I know, sir," Izuku said, his tone respectful and deferential.
"But," his teacher's sharp blue eyes locked onto his. "I want to know if you are certain about involving them in matters of Elsewhere. It's one thing for both of them to develop support items for regular heroes, but if they dabble in magic as well, it'll make them a target by forces most heroes aren't able to defend against."
Izuku paused, weighing his mentor's words. After a few moments, he spoke, his voice confident and sure. "I understand your concern, ALL MIGHT, and I'm grateful for your guidance. But," he paused, his gaze hardening, "this is a chance to make a difference, and I can't pass it up."
ALL MIGHT sighed, massaging his temples, "I get that. It's just that," he paused, choosing his next words carefully, "I'm worried about them, Young Midoriya. Especially Melissa. Unlike Japan, there are no Hunters, Mages, or friendly magical creatures near this island. If something strong decides to harm her, she'll have no one to defend her once we return to Japan."
Izuku's smile faded slightly, replaced by a thoughtful, serious expression. He knew ALL MIGHT was right. Melissa was strong, but not in the way that would protect her from the dangers he was dealing with.
"I know, ALL MIGHT," Izuku began, his voice steady but quieter now. "And I won't lie to you. She's not ready for what could be coming. Not yet." ALL MIGHT's eyes narrowed slightly as he nodded, waiting for him to continue.
Izuku leaned forward, his expression determined. "That's why we're doing this, ALL MIGHT. Things will come to a head and I expect those who already have established reputations to already be monitored by the enemies of Mankind," he said, a slight shudder ran down his spine. "But that's exactly why I think they're the right people for this project—right now. Melissa and Mei, they're unknown. No one's watching them. They're talented, but they don't have the kind of reputations that would draw attention just yet. It gives us a chance to work without being immediately targeted," his gaze sharpened, his voice filled with conviction.
"It won't stay that way for long," ALL MIGHT stated. "Especially if they succeed."
"I'll do everything I can to protect them, but I know I won't always be there. Melissa and Mei are smart, and I trust them to rise to the challenge. But if things get too dangerous, I'll pull the plug and drop whatever I'm doing to protect them. I won't let them be harmed because of this."
ALL MIGHT studied Izuku's expression for a long moment before he sighed. "You've thought this through. And you're right. Keeping them in the shadows for now might buy you some time. Just...be careful, Young Midoriya. Once the wrong people start noticing what you're doing, things will get dangerous fast."
Izuku met All Might's gaze, his expression firm but respectful. "I know, ALL MIGHT. But for now, it's too important not to pursue it. We need this technology, and we need people we can trust. I trust Melissa and Mei."
The hero's gaze softened, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "You're planning ahead, thinking like a leader. You're already a better hero than me."
Izuku blinked, surprised by the statement. "I don't know about that, ALL MIGHT..."
ALL MIGHT, amused by this reaction said, "Just don't forget, even leaders need to protect themselves and those who follow them."
"I won't forget," Izuku replied, his voice filled with quiet determination. "Thank you, ALL MIGHT. Your support means everything."
Just then, a small groan came from the bed, prompting everyone to look at the young girl waking up.
Eri blinked sleepily, her small hand reaching out. "Papa..." she murmured, her voice soft and filled with trust
Izuku immediately knelt beside her, brushing her hair back gently. "Hey, Eri. I'm right here," he said softly, his tone full of warmth. "You hungry, little Snowball?"
Eri sat up and rubbed her eyes before looking around. "Where's Mama? Is she back yet?"
"No, sweetie, but don't worry. She'll be back soon."
"O-Okay."
ALL MIGHT looked at the little girl, a soft smile forming on his face. He stood up and said, "Young Midoriya, please call me if you need anything."
"Of course, ALL MIGHT. Thank you again."
The two watched as the retired Hero left the room. The room fell quiet for a moment before Mina's voice broke the silence. "Alright, let's get some food!" she declared, her energy immediately lightening the mood.
"Nothing too heavy or it'll ruin her dinner, alright?"
As they were walking to the door, they heard another set of knocks.
"You wait here, I'll get it," Mina insisted, walking towards the door.
"Thanks," he said, sitting back down beside Eri.
"Hi there, Yaomomo. Everyone. Did you need something?"
"We wanted to see Eri-chan and Midoriya and brought some snacks," the familiar voice of Kyouka answered.
"Eri-chan! We are here!" Toru exclaimed, jumping onto Izuku.
"Why did you jump to me?" he asked, catching her in mid-air.
"Cause I missed you and it's nice to be in your arms," Toru answered playfully.
Eri sagely nodded her head in agreement and said, "Papa's arms are very comfortable."
"She's not wrong," Kyouka commented, her cheeks flushing pink.
"I second that," Mina said, smirking and winking at the pair.
Kyouka cleared her throat and gestured for the other girls to join her and sit on the couch. She glanced around the room, taking in the lavish decorations and high-end furnishings.
"This place is amazing," she said, her voice awed and impressed.
"Right?" Mina replied, bouncing excitedly on the couch. "It's so fancy! As expected of the Princess, always setting the standards."
"It'd be nice if we can have a sleepover," Toru added.
"Stop it. There's no way Pendragon will agree to that," Kyouka countered.
"Yeah, I don't think that would fly," Izuku added, his tone gentle but firm.
It would've been one thing if the room's just for her, but Ochaco wouldn't agree letting anyone else sleep in hers and Izuku's room. She wished for Izuku to focus on her when they're together and he intended to respect that.
"Aww, man," Toru groaned. "Well, that's too bad. Still, we'll probably end up spending a lot of time together during this trip, so it's not all bad."
"You're right," Kyouka agreed, smiling softly.
Just then, a small growl was heard coming from Eri's stomach, prompting the others to chuckle.
"Looks like someone's hungry," Kyouka said, a smile tugging at her lips. She grabbed the bag with snacks in it and opened it, revealing a wide array of tasty treats. "Here you go, Eri-chan. Take your pick," she said, holding the bag out.
Eri's eyes lit up with excitement as she saw the assortment of goodies. "Wow, so many options," she remarked.
"Don't eat too much or you'll ruin your dinner," Momo reminded her, poking the girl's cheek.
Eri grinned, reaching into the bag and grabbing a pastry. She took a bite and hummed happily as the sweet flavor filled her mouth.
"Is it good, Eri-chan?" Toru asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"Mhm," the young girl responded, nodding enthusiastically.
"By the way, where's Tsuyu-chan?" Mina asked.
"She went somewhere with Bakugou-san and Tokoyami-san. It looks like they are currently shopping for souvenirs for her siblings," Momo said, casually using her Sight to look at her friend's location.
"Wait, both of them?"
"You should've seen Bakugou's face when Tokoyami arrived," Kyouka smirked. "It's hilarious."
Eri observed the scene as she ate her snack. This heartwarming scene continued on, and Eri couldn't help but be enamored by their company. She enjoyed the time they had spent together, playing games and chatting about whatever came to mind.
'It feels so nice, being surrounded by smiles,' she thought.
As if reading her mind, she felt a large hand patting her head. She looked up to see her Papa wearing the largest smile she'd seen.
Happiness. Pure unbridled happiness. If only her Mama is here too, she'd be the happiest girl on Earth.
Then the sound of the door opening broke the atmosphere, causing all eyes to look at the door.
"I am back, My Heart."
Eri immediately jumped from her seat and rushed to her Mama, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Mama!"
"Eri-chan," the brown-haired princess greeted, bending down to her height.
The sight warmed Izuku's heart as his beloved hugged their daughter. Within his heart, he swore to protect this no matter what.
Thanks for reading the chapter!
Rather than mostly sightseeing, I focused addressing a few issues and also showcasing a bit of character interactions. That means no Gojira-san, unfortunately.
For Izuku's speed, it's not instant. The timer just didn't have enough decimal places.
Let me know if you have questions or feedback.
Next up: I-Island (Part 2)
