Here it is, the 149th full chapter of Miraculous Quirks released on time as always. Deku's revelation wasn't the only one that his departure had as Marinette and Adrien finally revealed their own secrets to the class. However, that's been accepted and put to the back burner as the main thing right now is dealing with Deku. They need to find him and aid him but how? There may be a way and Class 1-A will do whatever the can to find their friend and bring him back but will it be too late? That is all the administrative stuff that I have for you, however, and there are no guest reviews to respond to or questions to answer so I will end this note here. Do keep the reviews coming as I enjoy hearing from y'all. That is all I have for this pre chapter note so that means that it is time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the 149th full chapter of Miraculous Quirks.
Disclaimer: I do not own either of these great works of fiction.
Chapter 149: To Aid Deku
It had been about a week or so as time had started to blur a little what with all that had been going on since the members of Class 1-A had gotten Midoriya's letters regarding his Quirk and reason for leaving U.A. In addition to this there had been revelations that Marinette and Adrien had dropped on them to process which were just as intense, if not more so.
Therefore, with all that had happened they were still reeling from the bombshells of both Midoriya's Quirk and the true nature of Marinette and Adrien's past, their own Quirks as they weren't naturally born with them, and, well, the fact that magic was real and so to were ancient deities apparently. It was a lot to take in and they'd discussed it all at length over that time, so much so that Marinette's Quirk awakening had only been glossed over as having happened and being the reason why she'd been unconscious for a few days. There was bigger stuff going on so there was no time to discuss that.
However, they had all accepted the new situation that had been thrust upon them and held nothing against Midoriya, Marinette, or Adrien, for the secrets they had to hide. Nor did they hold ill will to Bakugo, Momo, or Toru for being in the know to varying degrees depending on the secrets.
After all that had happened to them as a class they were united on this and were there for their French friends when they needed it. The also all wanted to be there for Midoriya too in the wake of what he was going through and his decision to leave. In fact, so much had been going on that Adrien and Marinette hadn't had time to tell Class B about their past as well but with Midoriya gone they had to prioritize what was going on with him.
As such that revelation would have to wait though. For now their class had been processing everything and trying to figure out what to do about Midoriya because they all wanted to find him and either bring him back or at least aid him in his goal to find All for One and Shigaraki before they could attack again.
They understood why he was doing what he was doing, his mere presence at the school was a legitimate risk as All for One was after his Quirk but they didn't care about the danger or risk involved in being by his side. He was their friend after all, and one of the ones in the class who held the most respect, a classmate's who's sheer determination and will rose the others up alongside him with only Bakugo and Marinette able to match Midoriya in that regard so they wanted to be by his side in his time of greatest need.
Alas the problem was that none of them knew where he was or how to find him. There had been rumors of course, whispers of a dark and unknown hero covered in mud and blood, his clothes reportedly ragged and his mask and overall appearance almost demonic, who was out there clearing up the worst of the worst that had escaped but that was it.
Naturally they all assumed it was Midoriya but there were no pictures, the person allegedly had multiple Quirks and one created a large amount of smoke so they couldn't confirm it. However, the reports of high profile Tartarus escapees like Muscular, Overhaul, and even the dangerous sniper and fallen hero Lady Nagant being recaptured seemed to back this up because who else could capture villains like those but him.
These were just reports though and they had been forced to do their own work to try and figure out where Midoriya was, around being on standby just in case. That, along with the revelations regarding Marinette and Adrien, had been what had taken up their waking hours since the day Midoriya left U.A. and finally there seemed to be a lead as Ida had called a class meeting on the behest of Todoroki.
As such the entire class was in the common room and on the sofas with the exceptions of Todoroki, Bakugo, and Tokoyami who were standing with one of the sofas moved so that the whole class could see the trio. While they did rain fell outside the dorm, the sky dark and overcast a true reflection of the mood in the room and the country as a whole in the wake of the Paranormal Liberation War.
"Thank you all for gathering here." Todoroki said in his usual tone though like all of them he was deeply affected by Midoriya's departure especially for everything that the boy had done for him and had had some long chats with Adrien about it and Adrien's past to try and understand everything that was going on but that wasn't relevant now as he was sure that he, Bakugo and Tokoyami were onto something. "Bakugo, Tokoyami and I were comparing notes and we've got an idea as to how to possibly find Midoriya."
"Possibly?" Adrien asked from where he was sitting Plagg now openly out and floating over his shoulder as there was no need to hide though only he, Tikki, and Kaalki hung out with the students the other kwamis were still a little too shy for that and currently none of them wanted to be involved in the human situation going on until they learned more about it at least. "How? We've got nothing but reports and with his Quirks, Midoriya can flee before anyone confirms it. If what we suspect is true one of the other powers he has access too is some kind of smokescreen ability so it's no wonder there's been no confirmation on that front."
"True but there may be a way to get to him that doesn't involve tracking the reports of actions we think he's taking." Todoroki said. "But rather using those who are currently helping him from behind the scenes."
"Really?" Ochaco said looking up from the letter Deku had written her, which she'd read several times now and still held as she sat on a sofa with Tsu and Marinette on either side making sure she was ok as of all of them she was the most affected by Deku's decision though only a few knew that at least part of it was because of her own deep love for Deku and her desire to save him from the pain he was in, to make him smile once again. "You think so? You think that there are people who are helping him?"
"It's just a guess but I brought up something to Tokoyami yesterday and he had noticed the same thing in his own research so we went to Bakugo about it and it was the same result." Todoroki said. "So it is likely that this is the case. Plus, if there's anyone who'd understand Midoriya best, it's Bakugo."
"It's obvious that Deku is with Endeavor and the other top heroes so that's the angle we have to take to find him." Bakugo said his voice calmer than normal as he held up the letter that Deku had given him before he began to rip it up in front of them as he spoke. "Damn nerd, I'm going to kill him for this. He could have at least taken me with him, I was there for that fight with Shigaraki after all."
"You're guessing that he's with them?" Ida asked as Bakugo continued to rip up the note. "Didn't any of you try to contact them for confirmation of this? They are your mentors after all so surely you have ways of reaching them that are more likely to work than other avenues."
"That does explain why you three are the ones presenting this to us." Marinette said realizing it as she looked at the trio of boys who'd either interned and done works studies with, or at least interned with, the current top 3 heroes. "And you made a connection between the three of them I take it."
"We did, both contact them and make a connection." Tokoyami said with a nod. "I have called Hawks multiple times and while he was absent during my second work study with him that time it was understandable given his situation with the Meta Liberation Army infiltration, this time there is no such reason for his absence. As of right now he hasn't answered any of my calls that I placed since learning of Midoriya's departure."
"It's the same with Denim Face." Bakugo said scowling at that. "He comes back from being missing and then after telling me to do a work study with him, he's now ignoring me, bastard."
"Likewise it is the same with my father." Todoroki said completing the set. "I get that with the current situation they're busy but this is still strange behavior from all of them, especially Endeavor after everything our family has been through. Given this lack of communication with us, it's not a leap to assume that they're hiding something from us. If the top three can't be reached then something has to be at play."
"I still don't get why we can't use Mage." Mineta said from the footstool that he was on looking to Marinette and Adrien. "That guy has magic and is immortal, can't he help us find Midoriya? Seems like the easiest path."
"As we explained when we told you our backstories and the truth of Mage, he's bound by archaic and ancient oaths we can't even begin to fathom so he can't help at all." Adrien said. "Regardless, we've tried to reach out but we can't actually contact him either. Seems like he's either gone dark or been forced to cut contact for a bit in the wake of everything. My guess it's a mix of both given the restrictions as to how much he can do given his actual nature."
"The situation with the Guardians is complicated." Momo said. "I've known longer than the rest of you other than Adrien and Marinette and I still don't get what they can and can't do to interfere with human society but this is purely a human thing from what I've gathered and unless Japan falls into utter chaos, which it might, Mage cannot act so he's out."
"Fei and her network might have been able to help but they're not involved in whatever it is that Midoriya is up to." Marinette added. "I spoke with her after our reveal, she'd been briefed on One for All by then it turned out, and asked if she could help track down Midoriya but she said she couldn't as she had another mission to deal with. Her ability to turn into 8 animals is too valuable to aid Midoriya, rather she's being used to gather other intel from where she can which means looking into other groups affiliated with All for One and the various prison escapees. She said she'd let me know if she got word on Midoriya but so far I've heard nothing from her."
"Besides." Adrien said. "We shouldn't rely on them for this, this is something we must do as a class. The top pros are one thing, the Guardians are something else entirely and I know that Mage would want us to make our own choices on this."
"That is true." Ida said thinking on it all. "As useful as it would be, and as confusing as it is still to process that the ancient deities are real and the Guardian Agency is really a cover for some order of immortals tasked with protecting the world from chaos and who embody certain elements, we must find Midoriya on our own. That is how Class 1-A is and we will find him so that we can aid him. What Todoroki, Bakugo and Tokoyami just pointed out is a compelling point and a strong avenue to follow up on. If all three are radio silent then something has to be up."
"It's not just them." Jiro said as she twiddled her left ear jack in her fingers. "All Might's missing as well as he never came back to campus from what I can tell."
"You're right." Ojiro said. "I didn't realize that what with everything else but that just adds to it."
"With classes suspended and the lack of promotion to the next grade, along with all this shit, we've been too distracted to notice until now." Bakugo said getting their attention again. "To add to it, we as Hero Course students have been told to secure the area or be on standby which means we have to stay here so we've not had the time to hunt for any real intel."
"That has been the biggest hinderance." Adrien said and several members of the class nodded. "If we could at least secure the area we could try to get better reports. I'm sure there is at least one civilian who's been brought to U.A. who encountered Midoriya before he or she got here. That could at least give us a description as to what to look for."
"That would help." Ida said. "But it's like we're being prevented somehow."
"I wouldn't put it past them." Bakugo said. "And I know for a fact that Denim Face and Feather Head both visited Deku when he was in the hospital after battle and All Might was with them as well. In addition I know that Endeavor heard the term One for All during Shigaraki's attack. Deku even told Endeavor that Shigaraki was after him so there's no way that Endeavor didn't put it together. That's likely how those three got involved."
Bakugo paused for a moment as he looked around the class, the torn up shreds of his letter on the ground, to see if anyone had anything to say. When they didn't he continued with his current theory that he was sure was right on the money for what was going on with Deku.
"Then there were the letters that Deku left us." Bakugo said holding the last few shreds of letter he still had in his fingers. "If Deku didn't want to get close to campus when he got out of hospital, which he likely didn't meaning he went straight into this mission the moment he was discharged, then who put these under our doors in the middle of the night? The only one it could be was All Might, he was doing Deku's dirty work. There is no way that those idiots aren't working together."
"But if he is with the adult heroes, then we can assume that they're the ones who are protecting him." Aoyama said his voice soft and lacking any of the usual pep it had but as that was normal for most of the class no one paid it any heed. "Oui? Surely they're out there with him if this is the case."
"All the news has said is that the top three heroes had teamed up to try and restore order in the wake of the Paranormal Liberation War." Kaminari pointed out from next to Aoyama. "There wasn't anyone else mentioned in the report."
"Why would they mention anyone else if they know the truth of Midoriya's Quirk." Adrien pointed out. "They need to protect him so they're going to still keep that from the public. We live in an age of censorship for our own safety, it was like that in my time as well, at least in Europe, but now it's at unprecedented levels compared to back then. Even with the new attempts at transparency that have been forced on hero society by the fallout of the war and what Dabi revealed there are going to be things that they have to keep quiet or lie about."
"We know they did." Marinette said. "I watched that press conference a few days ago to catch up on what I missed while I was out and Endeavor was asked about One for All and he lied. They have to do so in order to protect Midoriya and what their true mission is, while also trying to stabilize the country which Midoriya is no doubt helping with."
"Shut it, all of you." Bakugo said stopping anymore chatter as he clenched his fist before looking at it and once more getting all their attention. "I may not know Endeavor well beyond what I could gleam from my work study with him, but I know Deku better than anyone else and I've got a good read on All Might too. Based on that, what is going on right now is by far the worst case scenario for everyone involved."
"In that case it's now even more imperative that we find a way to contact Midoriya and help him out." Kirishima said getting fired up at Bakugo's words. "We were here for Dupain-Cheng and Agreste when they told us how they ended up in Japan and how they're not of this era, it's time to be there for Midoriya and stand by his side in this. Let's go!"
This caused the class to devolve into murmurings about this as they tried to discuss how to use it to their advantage to find Midoriya and do just that. It was what they wanted but now things were even more imperative that they do so. That said they also addressed the fact that they'd have to likely stop Midoriya with force if need be so they had to be ready for that as well.
As they discussed, Ochaco was thinking about how to do that like she'd been since learning of Deku's departure but she'd been quiet since the start and what she'd heard from Todoroki, Bakugo, and Tokoyami had made sense. There was no way that Deku wasn't with those three and that was the key that she'd been missing to find him so as the class discussed she pondered it and an idea came to mind.
It was a bit of a long shot but it might just work though it would take getting one person in particular on their side but she was sure that they could manage it. With that solidly in her mind, Ochaco got up surprising the rest of the class as she began to speak.
"If I recall, both Endeavor and Best Jeanist graduated from U.A., right?" Ochaco asked the class at large though she looked to Todoroki as she spoke as he'd be able to confirm his father's enrollment at least. "I recall reading that they were notable alumni before coming here and right now Endeavor is the one in charge as far as I can tell.
"That's right." Todoroki said looking at Uraraka. "My father was a student here over 20 years ago."
"Good." Ochaco said as she began to walk to the door and then turned to look at the class her expression serious as she addressed them. "Then let's use that to our advantage and force the issue to get some answers. It's going to take some time but I have an idea for how to do this."
"How?" Marinette asked as she rose and turned to face her friend her blue eyes meeting Ochaco's brown ones and seeing the determination in them, a determination she'd never seen before and knew that if any of them could pull this off it would be Ochaco. "We'll follow your lead on this Ochaco, what's the plan?"
Marinette's vote of confidence went a long way in the class and by showing it right now with Ochaco the others were already on board. It also helped that Ochaco was second only to Bakugo on the Deku front, at this point most were certain she had feelings for him even is she wouldn't confirm it, so if she had an idea they'd follow it.
"We need to see the Principal." Ochaco said and with that she turned and walked to the door as the rain continued to fall outside ready to leave the dorm and confront Nezu about this and get his aid, the rest of the class rising to join her.
It took another week or so, and a few meetings with Principal Nezu, but finally they got him on board with at least letting them talk to Endeavor about the situation. That said over the course of the week there had been certain developments that had led Nezu to be on their side as there had been new developments on the Midoriya front that had to happen that meant that it was for the best for his classmates to get him.
All that had ensured that Nezu would set up the desired meeting and now it was time for said meeting as he entirety of Class 1-A stood in his office in their school uniforms as more rain fell outside while a shocked Endeavor stared back at them his eyes wide. They'd needed Nezu's aid in setting up this meeting to confront Endeavor and finally find a way to track Midoriya so that they could go to him and lend him their aid.
For his part Endeavor had come here because Nezu had requested the meeting under the guise of their overall plans regarding Midoriya and the overall situation in Japan. This meeting was actually needed and why Endeavor had come to U.A. for it because in the wake of the info from Lady Nagant turning out to be a trap that she didn't know about as All for One had feared she may reveal it and Midoriya separating from All Might things weren't going well on that front.
As such a meeting was necessary to decide what to do going forward. It was also one that Nezu had foreseen as potential possibility when he'd heard of the plans that Midoriya had, but it had also served as a ruse for Class 1-A to confront Endeavor.
"What is going on here?" Endeavor asked before he turned around and addressed Nezu the displeasure clear in his voice. "You set me up, Principal."
"I merely heard a request from my students and decided that this group discussion with you about everything would be worthwhile given all that's recently transpired." Nezu said. "When you're in education, lessons have to remain fresh after all. This is a good time for such a lesson as it is time for a different perspective."
"I see." Endeavor said. "I take it you predicted that this may come to pass using High Specs?"
"It was but one of the many potential routes I calculated as likely in the wake of Midoriya's decision." Nezu said his paws folded together on the desk in front of him. "And as I got more variables to the equation I was able to narrow it down and rule out some of the routes. When the information he retrieved from Lady Nagant failed to play out as we'd hoped I knew that the current outcome was inevitable and as such it is time for a different approach hence why I approved of setting this meeting up. Please, Endeavor, listen to them and what they have to say."
"I'll start this off, father." Todoroki said stepping forward from the group. "I don't get why you've been ignoring me these past few weeks. Back in the hospital we talked about how we'd deal with Toya as a family and then right away you suddenly ignore me. Why?"
"Shoto, I am able to still fight because you're willing to stand by my side when it comes to Toya." Endeavor said turning to his son and his son's classmates. "I…"
"That's not doing us any good if I'm stuck here while you're out there doing whatever it is you're doing to sort the nation out." Todoroki interrupted. "If you want to help the tell us where Midoriya is? We know that he's with you so why haven't you brought him back?"
Endeavor didn't answer but his silence spoke enough and Adrien stepped forward deducing what was going on. He needed to confirm it though hence why he'd stepped forward.
"I think I've got a good guess at why he hasn't." Adrien said looking at Endeavor. "You've got Deku and All Might out there looking after each other, that's why you've not brought him back. You're aiding where you can but you're leaving it to them to sort out while cleaning up in their wake whenever Deku takes down a big name villain like Muscular or that Lady Nagant woman."
"You're Cat Noir, right?" Endeavor asked looking at the blond boy the formal, unaccented Japanese he spoke showing that it wasn't his native tongue and deducing who he was quickly. "You were there in Jaku."
"I was, I was supposed to look over you and Deku but I failed, almost died for it as well." Adrien said calmly. "Don't regret that though as I did have to protect Deku."
"You did die." Marinette whispered in French but she kept that to herself. "I saved you my love."
"And that doesn't answer the question I posed." Adrien said continuing. "You've got the former and current holders of One for All looking after each other."
"He doesn't need to answer it, his deflection is enough proof that they're doing that." Bakugo said stepping forward himself and pushing between Adrien and Todoroki to get closer to approach the number 1 hero. "I knew that this would be the case and perhaps if it was anyone else it would have been a good idea. However, you didn't factor in something because you don't know Deku. If you did you'd realize that he can't be trusted out there."
"What do you mean?" Endeavor asked.
"That damned nerd never considers his own wellbeing, he never has." Bakugo said as he stopped in front of Endeavor. "He'll just say he's fine and leave it at that. It's the same mentality that made All Might the Symbol of Peace and no doubt why All Might chose Deku to pass on One for All to but it's also why he can't be trusted to stop Deku because he won't be able to. He won't understand that Deku won't think of his own wellbeing."
"That's true." Todoroki said. "Remember how Deku fought me in the Sports Festival, how he was injured in the training camp, his arms, the wounds he took in Jaku, it's all clear that he'll stop at nothing to protect others, to break through their walls and save them even if they don't want, or think they need, saving no matter the cost to himself."
"It's what makes Midoriya a great hero and a future number 1." Adrien added. "But right now, in his current state, in the current climate, and without a proper support system, it's not going to work."
"Those two are right so listen to me." Bakugo said. "If you let Deku and All Might do this alone then something terrible will happen. They are too similar in their thinking to stop when needed, to seek aid or take a rest because they will shoulder this burden alone when they shouldn't."
"I'm afraid the first step to that potential situation has already happened." Nezu said with a sigh his tone sad. "Midoriya has split from All Might, he's on his own now."
"Wait what?" Adrien asked as Endeavor thought for a moment and recalled the news of the split himself when Hawks and Best Jeanist had told him though thankfully they still had a way to track Deku. "That's even worse."
"It's true that after some recent setbacks Midoriya is on his own." Endeavor said pulling out a small hand held device that was how he tracked Midoriya. "It was an unforeseen occurrence."
"Wait, that device, is it tracking Deku?" Sero asked causing Endeavor to gasp which was reaction enough for the class. "It is!"
At that Bakugo, who was closest, quickly slapped the device out of Endeavor's hand. The moment he did Sero, Mineta, and Toru lunged for it but they were all behind Marinette who'd reacted fastest and used her enhances constitution to leap at it, she was back to full strength now but hadn't yet seen how the cure was working as she'd only recently been cleared for full field work, to secure the device. She grabbed it in her left hand and twisted in the air to chuck it to Sero who was still leaping for it himself before back flipping and landing in a crouch on the ground. Given the size of the office it was an impressive display.
"It is good to see that you are back to your normal self, Miss Dupain-Cheng." Nezu said idly as Sero grabbed the device and crashed to the floor with Mineta and Toru on top of him while Koda hurried over to make sure that they were alright. "Excellent reaction speed there. Looks like you can start working on that awakened power now."
"Thank you sir." Marinette said. "I will but first we have to go and aid Deku. He was one of the first to really welcome Adrien and me after everything, to show us that our new lives here were possible and I know a thing or two about burdens so I want to help him."
"Yeah I'm going to borrow this." Sero said though Endeavor didn't seem angry at the situation, he was actually almost expressionless at it though he hadn't yet accepted that the students would go after Midoriya just yet. "I know that I just randomly ended up in Deku's class but I've seen how good he is, how much work he puts in for others and it makes me want to help him and be better myself. I only advanced to the second round of the Provisional License Exam because of him after all, it was his plan that ensure he, Uraraka, and myself advanced."
"Same, I've been able to become a better and more confident hero because of the impact people like Midoriya have had on the class." Koda said as he reached the others on the ground and got to his knees to help Mineta up. "After everything we've been through this year how can we not be there to help our classmate when he needs us the most."
"It's the same for me." Mineta said.
"Ditto." Toru added.
"After everything, I can't believe that Midoriya didn't confide in me about One for All and his worries surrounding it." Todoroki said. "But I'm more surprised that he believed that his letter would be enough to persuade us to let him run away and take this on alone. He of all people in this class, perhaps second only to Adrien, should have known better."
"I did once speak to him about secrets and how we all have them to protect others though what we'd been discussing was something else." Adrien said. "I told him that people are stronger and can handle things but it seems like he chose this path instead. However, we have a choice as well which is why we're going to go after him now."
"Class 1-A sticks together, no matter what." Ida said. "We'll use that device to track his location and then we'll stand by his side the way he's stood by ours this year. Each of us have seen that first hand, for me it was what Midoriya did for me in Hosu, now we will repay the favor we owe our friend. One for All has burdened him with a terrible responsibility especially in the wake of the recent war but that doesn't negate the fact that he's our friend and has helped us out more times than we can count. Knowing that someone we all care about is walking such a treacherous path all alone means that we can't look to a future with a smile until we are there with him to make that better future possible."
"I understand your devotion and commitment to your friend but right now the streets are too dangerous for students." Endeavor said. "Since Jaku they've been brimming with crime and with all the hero retirements we can't make more than a dent into it. It's no place for those who've not yet graduated from a Hero Course."
"And yet Deku's out there and he's a student." Marinette said rising to her full height and glaring up at Endeavor. "We're the same as him, are we not? He may be more powerful with One for All, though I wouldn't put it past my Quirk to be able to at least hold out against it right now, and sure he's All for One and Shigaraki's target but we've trained for this, some of us longer than others. This may not be what it was like for Adrien and me before we came to Japan but we know hero work and I know that Class 1-A can handle it."
"Dupain-Cheng is right." Todoroki said. "We may be students but we've done more than any other class in history. The USJ, Hosu for those of us who stood with Midoriya and latter Adrien there, the training camp, Kamino, our work studies, and the recent battle. How many other classes have experienced all of that in a single year?"
"Since becoming the number 1 hero, I've seen how much you've matured and grown into the role, Todoroki." Nezu said addressing Endeavor and causing him to look at the Principal. "When this plan was first proposed I agreed to let Midoriya team up with you and the others because I knew that he didn't want to come back to U.A. as he wanted to avoid the risk of it being targeted by villains because of his presence here. As any noble hero he was worried but he no longer needs to be, he can come back because everything is in place, the school will be just fine if it is attacked."
This got a gasp from several of the students. They had persuaded Nezu to sort out this meeting but now they were realizing that he was truly on their side in this matter as he looked up and smiled at the members of Class 1-A.
"Ever since we accepted Midoriya, he's been under the protection of the school just as every student here is." Nezu continued as the words really struck Ochaco as she recalled her own acceptance into U.A. and she realized that this was their Hero Academy and Deku belonged here with them, at least to recover before they could all go out together. "That hasn't changed despite his decision to leave after he was discharged from the hospital."
"Principal, there are the evacuees to consider." Endeavor said fully turning to Nezu. "Deku left because of the risk hos presence posed to the school and if he returns they'll be at risk as well. This is not what he wanted. To add to it they're furious at us so brining Deku back when it's already getting out that Shigaraki and All for One are looking for him, or at least the reports of his multiple Quirks which is something only Nomus, All for One, and Shigaraki have, could stoke that fire of hatred they have."
"Do not worry, I'll find a way to make them understand." Nezu said though already Ochaco had an idea of what might be needed but she was going to keep that close to the vest for the moment and only use it if need be. "And even so, it's not our large campus that is the reason why I approved our status as an emergency shelter. It's because while we were preparing for the last School Festival we reinforced the U.A. barrier after everything that had already happened before then just to be safe. We didn't need the extra security back then but now we can truly test it out along with all the other changes that I've made to ensure that there is truly no safer place than U.A."
"Principal…" Endeavor began but Nezu cut him off.
"Do not forget that All Might also grew up in this school and we survived his presence here." Nezu said. "And that was before he became the Symbol of Peace. Go ahead students, bring your classmate back."
That was all the permission they needed and no words were needed as the class nodded and turned to leave. They had to act quick, things were clearly going wrong for Midoriya so they needed to get to him right away and show him that they didn't care about the danger, they would stand by his side through it. It may take some convincing but all of them had things to say to Midoriya, well almost all of them, and so they made sure that they knew what to say just in case it came to that as they headed back to the dorm and got changed into their hero costumes that they kept there while on standby.
It didn't take long for the class to change and regroup in the common room where Sero had the device from Endeavor and activated it. Almost instantly he got a location for Midoriya though what exactly was being tracked was beyond them.
"The GPS says he's in some square of sorts." Sero said. "Let's see it's in…"
"Sero, does that have a precise coordinate for his location?" Momo asked before he could finish as Kaalki floated over her shoulder her glasses on. "If so, it doesn't matter where it is as I can get us right to him."
"Oh right, that, er, kwami." Sero said looking over to Marinette and Adrien who nodded that that was the correct term for the creature with Momo. "Can she help?"
"She is here so ask her." Kaalki said slightly indignantly. "And yes I will help Momo take her classmates to her friend and if possible I will lend my strength to her should she need it, and bring you back as well, but the rest is up to you lot."
"Might be best not to do that." Momo said. "That power of yours would put people on edge, Kaalki. It's magic, not a Quirk, so there's no way the barrier can stop it and we're going to have to bring Midoriya back normally as I'm not the most precise with Voyage."
"I see, very well." Kaalki said with a nod. "I'll get you to your friend and that is all."
"The other kwamis aren't willing to help, at least not yet." Marinette said. "But right now we don't want to overwhelm Midoriya with them, though he has met Plagg before thanks to a team-up request so he does know of them. However, Kaalki's aid in getting us to him is the best strategy as we need to prioritize speed and no one's going to get us there faster than she will."
"We need to get to Deku right away." Ochaco said as Kaalki nodded in agreement. "We shouldn't delay anymore."
"Right." Sero said. "So the coordinates are…"
He rattled them off and Momo pulled out her phone to key them in and saw that it was a square so plenty of room to arrive in as she memorized them and then put it away. She'd take them right to it and hopefully the confrontation wouldn't be too bad.
"Kaalki, Full Gallop!" Momo said and instantly Kaalki was sucked into her glasses and she transformed before their eyes into the costume they'd seen either in the field or the other day when she confirmed Marinette and Adrien's story though several were still confused about why her hair changed color as part of the transformation. "Voyage!"
Momo held out her arm as she spoke and a circular portal appeared before them and the whole class looked through to see the back of a lone figure in tattered green and black with a yellow cape with several teal edged black tendrils coming from his back as many civilians approached him with stiff gaits as if forced to do so and given their expressions they couldn't stop themselves. They couldn't see what was causing it but the way the people were moving and clearly trying to resist it as they closed in on Midoriya, because the figure was clearly him, was enough for Momo to deduce who was behind it.
"That has to be Dictator's Quirk, Despot." Momo said. "We need to move, now!"
"Dictator?" Marinette asked.
"Villain from a few years back, 5 I think." Kirishima said as the people reached Midoriya and began to pull him down, they were civilians so he wouldn't harm them which made them perfect human shields to take him down and given that he'd not moved he had to be too exhausted to do so. "Crust defeated him in the Bloodless Surrender Case. Last I heard he was sent to Tartarus until the escape which listed him as one of the escapees so he's going to be tough."
"He's using the people as human shields so we need to get in from above." Adrien said. "Marinette and I..."
"Bastard!" Bakugo roared as he suddenly blasted off and through the portal still yelling as he charged into battle.
"Or we could just let Bakugo sort it out." Adrien said before looking around. "Go everyone, Voyage won't last long."
"Bakugo will take care of knocking out Dictator." Momo said as the class moved out and ran through the portal. "Then Todoroki and I will detain him and contact Endeavor to pick him up as the civilians flee. Once that's done we can confront Midoriya."
It was a solid plan and all were on board with it as the leapt through the portal and into the square just as it looked like Midoriya would be overwhelmed by the people Dictator. However, as Momo was the last through with the portal closing behind her before deactivating her Miraculous and chucking an apple piece to Kaalki to recharge just in case, she followed her classmates in running towards the villain but around the civilians he was controlling. Thankfully Bakugo was already in position above Dictator his left hand curled on his right palm for the precise ultimate move he was about to use.
"AP Shot!" Bakugo roared as he blasted down an intense and precise explosion right onto Dictator's head knocking him out and freeing the civilians he was controlling like puppets with the strings from his body though it would take them a moment to realize that. "That will do it. Deku's here!"
This had been what Deku needed, the third user had said as much when his vestige had agreed to help, but he was still amazed as he looked up through the now free people to see Kacchan over him. He had no idea what had happened but he'd been saved as Dictator had attack him when he was exhausted and he couldn't fight back without harming the civilians. He'd been trying to find the moment to do so but hadn't before Kacchan had saved him.
The moment that Dictator went down Todoroki created a wall of ice that captured the unconscious villain as the members of Class A ran to stand around Bakugo as he landed on the ground facing Midoriya. Momo was a moment behind Todoroki already creating restraints from the exposed part of her chest as rain fell down on them and wrapping them around Dictator to ensure that he was captured for good.
All this as Izuku, his hood and mask having been removed by the civilians showing his tired, haggard, face, sat on the ground wide eyed at the sudden rescue. This was far from what he'd wanted, it was the opposite in fact as he'd left to save his friends from the risk his presence posed but they'd come here anyway and he had no idea how they'd even found him.
"Dictator is secured." Momo called out as she went into full hero mode now that they were in the field. "Red Riot, Can't Stop Twinkling, Invisible Girl, contact Endeavor and stay with the villain until he arrives. That should do it, we're in the clear Bakugo."
"It's Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight!" Bakugo yelled angrily as he turned and glared at Ponytail. "Get it right!"
"Sorry, I forgot." Momo said a little embarrassed at that but then again it was an unwieldy and uncouth name.
As she did the civilians, who'd been shocked by the sudden arrival of Class 1-A, finally realized that they were free and got up to run away so that in moment it was only Class 1-A and Izuku there as he continued to sit on the ground and look to his former classmates as they all faced him across the square. They were all here, all in costume, and all determined to make their point to him though given his current state things were a lot worse than they expected.
It was clear that Izuku was at the end of his ropes, his hair was matted, bags under his eyes, and his costume was ragged to the point that it was more villainous than heroic with Gran Torino's cape around his next and red bracers on his arms. Still, there was a dim spark left in him and he could speak as he looked at his classmates.
"I don't get this, why are you here?" Izuku asked his voice as tired as he looked. "How are you here?"
"We'll explain the how in time as there are some things your little running away stunt caused you to miss." Marinette said. "But that isn't important right now. What is is why we're here."
"It's because we're worried about you, Deku." Ochaco said her voice soft and understanding that this was no longer a mission to aid Deku, it was one to save him and bring him back to U.A. "We tracked you down to lend you our aid but it is clear you need more."
"That's nice of you, but I swear that I'm fine." Izuku said not looking at Uraraka as he picked up his hood and mask and put it on showing just how demonic it looked along with his gloves and the Blackwhip tendrils behand him gave him a really a dark look that didn't suit him at all but did suit the situation and his mission. "There is no need for you to be concerned for me. Please, leave me alone. I left U.A. to avoid this, let me do what I have to to end this before more lives are lost. I can't put you in danger as well, I can't protect you out here and I don't want to see you suffer because of me."
"Great speech there, really inspiring stuff." Bakugo said with a fake smile on his face as he applauded Izuku's words. "That's just what we needed to hear from the successor to One for All, the next All Might, the great Deku."
"Get real Dynamight." Adrien said.
"Shut it cat." Bakugo growled but he did do just that. "I was getting there but fine I'll do that. Hey, Deku, can you smile at the moment? Just like how All Might did no matter the situation, can you? Go on, show us that big smile that will reassure us all that you are here, that we are safe."
There was a pause as the rain fell and they all looked at Midoriya as he sat before them. It was clear that he couldn't, that he was at the end of his rope, exhausted and near ruin. That was how he'd ended up in this situation to begin with, how he'd almost lost to Dictator and no doubt been brought to All for One had it not been for the intervention of his friends and classmates. However, despite that he still had his mission to do and he had to do it alone so he was going to answer Kacchan even if it was something that the others wouldn't like.
"In order to smile, in order for everyone to live in peace like before, I have to go and finish this alone." Izuku said as he rose and stood before them, his clothes even more ragged than they'd realized and the tendrils of Blackwhip flowing down beside him as he activate One for All and the green electricity they all knew as his activation crackled around him. "I'm sorry but I can't let you help me and put you in the same danger that I am in. Please, I won't fight you but I won't let you stop so get out of my way."
"You're going to have to make us." Bakugo said with a grin. "All of us. Can you do that you busted up wannabe All Might?"
"We had a feeling that you were going to try and stop us from helping." Ida said. "That you wouldn't let us aid you but we won't back down."
"Do you really think you can get through all of us?" Marinette asked. "With our training and powers and your state? We're here to help and stand by your side Deku, let us. Trust me, this isn't how the top hero acts, I should know as I was once the top hero in France and no matter how bad the situation was I would never have allowed myself to get to this stage."
"I can't." Deku said not really processing Dupain-Cheng's words as he was focused on his own goals. "I have to do this on my own no matter what, I have to end this before more people suffer because of All for One's desire for One for All."
"This isn't about aiding him anymore." Ochaco said. "This is about saving him. This is what heroes do even if it's for one of their own."
"Uravity's right." Ida said. "So let's do this class. It's time to bring Midoriya back."
The whole class nodded at that as they faced off with a sparking Midoriya. What had started as a mission to aid Deku had become one to save him from himself and now it was time to do just that as the battle between Deku and Class 1-A began.
Ah a nice little cliffhanger to leave things one before the next, climactic, chapter because at long last it is time for Deke v. Class 1-A and of course that will mean seeing how Marinette and Adrien feature in it. For now, though, they've at least reached him and seen the state he's in so what was an aiding mission has become a rescue one as Class 1-A stands together to bring one of their own back and be there for him in his time of greatest need. That is all that I have for this chapter, however, so I will leave it off here. As always, if you like it or have any questions please let me know in reviews or PMs, I will try to answer them as best I could and post any questions asked between uploads at the start of the next chapter and do follow and favorite this, so you are alerted to future uploads. Do keep the reviews coming as I like hearing from y'all as you enjoy my work, it motivates me to keep producing the best work I can for y'all to enjoy. Until next time.
Stringdog
