Oh, What a Birthday

The next day, Izuku groggily awoke and went to the hotel balcony to watch the sun rise over I-Island, a spectacular sight that brought a smile to his face. He looked back into the hotel room to see Eri still asleep and chewing on her pillow, mumbling about eating tacos. "We should probably wake her up before she eats the rest of the room", said Monkey from within Izuku's mind. "After this", said Izuku, "Let's just...take this in for a minute. It's all I really have to celebrate today". "Keep telling yourself that", said Monkey. "Eh, whatever", said Izuku as opened a bottle of orange juice, "It's not like anyone aside from you or Eri remembered my birthday".

In another room in that same hotel, Momo tossed and turned in her bed, another dream of her wearing Midnight's costume filling her head. It was bad enough to be laughed at by the entirety of the UA Sports Festival audience again, but it was even worse to have Bakugo on the winning stage spitting in her face. As she tried to cover up and take a step back, Momo found herself bumping into the Green Gorilla, who was blocking the exit. "You're forgetting", the Green Gorilla snarled in a low voice, "You weren't supposed to forget". Before Momo could back away, Mina caught her by the shoulders. "Come on, Yaomomo, tell the nice gorilla what you forgot", she said with a wide grin, "I'm sure he won't eat you". Momo couldn't exactly think with people laughing at her wearing her mother's Hero costume and the implied threat of being smashed like a cake...wait, hold the phone. Cake? Cake!

Momo's eyes snapped open and she shot up in her bed. "It's his birthday!", she gasped, before throwing the blanket off. As she rushed to get dressed, Momo looked into her suitcase. "Good, it's still here", she sighed in relief. "What is?", yawned Kyoka as she walked into the room, wearing her pink bathrobe and bunny slippers. "Izuku's gift is still here", said Momo, "I just need to get it to him before…" "Yaomomo, it's six in the morning", said Kyoka, "I get you're head over heels, but try to have some coffee before you start losing your mind". "Wha...I'm not head over heels!", protested Momo as a huge, red blush enveloped her face. "We can all see it", said Kyoka as she grabbed a mug, "Now please, keep the noise down while I cook some coffee and drink some waffles". Momo didn't know how to respond to that last one, but she did have a feeling about who to ask about the first part of that sentence.

Mina was channel surfing, somehow finding at least ten channels that were 24-hour ads for the hotel and surrounding businesses. Naturally, she settled on a crappy romance movie. "Oh, Randall", said one of the movie characters, "How can I ever repay you for putting a stop to the insidious plans of my mother?" "How's about you take off those skimpy clothes and get busy", said the other character. "This sucks", said Mina as she switched off the TV, "OK, let's Midori his birthday gift". She threw on a blue sundress and grabbed a box. "Oh boy, oh boy" said Mina excitedly, "When Midori sees what I got him, he'll confess his love to me for sure!"

Mina flung open the hotel room door, only to find Momo standing outside her room. "Everyone knows", she said. "Nobody knows that was me", said Mina, "Just relax". "No, not that, about our feelings for Izuku", said Momo, "It's so embarrassing! What if Mother finds out? She won't let me hear the end of it". "You think your mom would make fun of you for falling in love?", asked Mina, "No offense, but that sort of runs counter to her whole life philosophy". "This is Mother we're talking about", said Momo, "If she's not teasing me, she would most likely strangle Izuku when she finds out".

"I don't think you're giving your mother enough credit here, Yaomomo", said Mina, "Sure, she's not called the R-Rated Heroine for nothing, but she's always gentle around you and the others". "I suppose so", said Momo, who still wasn't convinced. "Besides, you're mom isn't gonna tease you", said Mina, "Because I'm dating him first". With that, Mina took the box and rushed out the door, leaving an irritated Momo.

Mina raced to the door of Izuku's room and knocked three times. She turned and gave a grin to Momo who rushed over in a huff. "Watch and learn, Yaomomo", said Mina before the door opened, revealing Ochako. "Hey guys", she said, "You're just in time to see me win the grand prize." "How did you get here so fast?", asked Mina. "Melissa and I wanted to check in with Eri to see if she was doing OK", said Ochako as she moved out of the way to let the girls in, "Izuku only told me a little of what happened,but…" Ochako trailed off, fear evident in her voice. Mina and Momo looked over to see Eri, still not smiling, watching as Melissa's small robots walked around.

"Poor thing", said Mina sympathetically. "Oh, hey guys", said Izuku as he walked into the room wearing his green robe and holding a bowl filled with cereal. "Happy Birthday!", the girls all said at once. "Aw, thanks guys", said Izuku as he received hugs from each of them. "I told you so", said Monkey from within Izuku's mind. 'Shut it', thought Izuku. "We brought you something", said Ochako. "We all did", said Mina, "Yaomomo, you go first." "Oh? Alright", smiled Momo warmly as she handed him something wrapped in red paper. Izuku opened it and gasped.

"Momo, you shouldn't have!", he said happily as he held up a notebook filled with the signatures of every Hero appearing at the Expo, from Cow Girl to Godzillo, "How'd you manage to do this on such short notice?" "I asked Father for help in such matters", said Momo, "I shudder to think of the hoops he needed to jump through in order for me to obtain these for you". "It's perfect", said Izuku. "My turn, my turn", said Mina excitedly as he thrusted her gift into Izuku's hands, "Open it, Midori!" "OK, OK, let's see what we've got", he said as he unwrapped the present, "Wow! A rare blue suit Star and Stripe! How did you get this?" "Internet", shrugged Mina. "Guess it's my turn", said Ochako as she handed over a paper bag with something in it.

"Very nice", said Izuku as he looked into the bag. "Thanks", smiled Ochako, "I know how much you love your rectangle candy". "You mean chocolate?", asked Mina. "I said what I said", Ochako grimaced. "It's wonderful", said Izuku as he blinked away tears, "You gals are the best bunch of friends a guy could have". They all hugged it out as Melissa walked in. "Hey guys", she said, "You excited for the Expo tonight?" "Just a bit", said Momo. "By the way, where's All Might?", asked Izuku, "He said he would be here today". "I'll bet he's handling things with Papa", said Melissa, "It should be fine".

At that same time, All Might was laying on a medical table, his horrid scar on full display with its red and purple veins and sunken skin visible to the robots and a man above with curly, brown hair, glasses, and simple attire consisting of a white shirt and khakis. " I appreciate this a lot, David, but I'm ready to get up now", said All Might as he sat up. "How you keep going with a wound like that is a miracle", said David Shield, All Might's chief scientist on I-Island, "You should be lucky that the other scientists here haven't decided to figure that mystery out". " It's no mystery, David", said All Might, " I'm just going through the motions". "Well, hopefully you'll keep yourself together long enough for the Expo tonight", said David. " You know it", said All Might as he slipped on his white T-shirt, " My protege will be in attendance as well. It's his birthday today." "Yes, you've told me already", said David as he wiped his glasses, "I sent my daughter with the Full Gauntlet prototype to him earlier, though I doubt he may need it, what with his...augmentation". " My other protege would likely appreciate it", chuckled All Might.

David sighed as he looked out at I-Island. "This takes me back", he said, "Remember when you used that pocket radar to help that family in the van?" " I do", said All Might, " Young Cathleen would be happy to see my in attendance tonight. By the way, where is she?" "In space, fighting White Martians with the other guys", said David, "She sends you her regards, though". " Hm, that's too bad", said All Might, "Still, I have to get ready for the party tonight. It was good to catch up, David". "Likewise, Toshi", said David, "I'll see you at the party".

As All Might left the lab, Sam Abraham, a fat man with thinning blonde hair and sunken eyes, arrived to speak with David. "Call for you, sir", he said handing David a phone. "Yes?", he asked. "We're almost in place", said Wolfram over the phone, "We should be ready for the party tonight. All that's needed is the last piece that will pull it all together". "Good", said David, "Do it". "Right away, boss", said Wolfram.

At that same time, Izuku and his friends had managed to pick up the rest of the I-Island tour promised by Melissa. Upon catching up with Kyoka and the 1-B girls, the group found themselves at the nearby stadium, where two familiar faces were competing in the challenge within. "Ugh, there's Bakugo", snorted Setsuna. "Yeah", grunted Mina as the explosive boy blew away five robots at once, though he seemed frustrated. Well, more frustrated than usual. Evidently, Todoroki had also been there, as evidenced by the melting ice in the corner as Bakugo marched up to the bleachers. "Great, just who I wanted to see", he grunted. "Nice to see you too", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed. "Hi, Mr. Sparky", said Eri meekly. Bakugo's face twisted with rage, only to be called off by the arrival of Todoroki. "I didn't know you were in attendance for the Expo, Todoroki", said Momo. "My Father is dealing with a computer issue", said Todoroki, "He sent me in his stead. By the way, I heard it was your birthday, Midoriya. Congratulations". "Thanks, I guess", said Izuku, "What did you do down there?"

"The challenge is to beat the robots in as little moves as possible", explained Todoroki, "Bakugo has tried and failed to beat my current time of eight seconds. I am interested in seeing how you would handle it, Midoriya". Bakugo snorted angrily. "Deku couldn't get half of my time", he spat, "I'd be surprised if he could beat even on robot". "How about a sparing session?", growled Kendo as her fist started growing. "No need, Kendo", said Izuku, "I'm sure I can handle this". "Oh, this I got to see", said Setsuna. As Izuku made his way into the arena, Eri's stomach rumbled. "Uh oh", she sighed, "Potty time". "OK, Eri, I show you where the bathroom is", said Ochako, "We'll be right back". "Stay safe", said Kendo.

"OK robots, show us what you've got", said Monkey from with in Izuku's head. "Shouldn't we be showing what we've got?", asked Izuku. "That's the plan", said Monkey, "Now's as good a time to use those Special Moves you mapped out". "Right", said Izuku, "We'll start with the tornado". At the sound of the bell, eleven deadly robots leaped forward! As they rushed towards him, Izuku became the Green Gorilla, spinning around and swinging his long arms, shattering the robots in one go! "Five seconds! A new record!", cried the announcer. "Alright, Midori!" shouted Mina as she gave thumbs up. Bakugo simply glared.

Unbeknownst to our heroes, Wolfram was relaxing in the stadium bleachers some distance away. He watched as the Green Gorilla returned to his normal, human form and return to his friends. "That's who they're afraid of?", he chuckled, "I almost feel sorry for the kid". Just then, he felt his phone buzz and he answered. "Did you get him, Nobu?", he asked, "Good. Have him ready for battle ASAP. I think the boss will enjoy seeing him thrash the ape"…

Later on, Momo had found herself, along with Yui and Melissa, at a strange machine. It looked like a box with an arm sticking out. "Hmm, this is odd", said Yui, "What is it?" "It's a strength tester", said Melissa, "Dad put this up in the museum for people to try out. Give it a whirl". Yui grabbed the arm and pushed, causing the machine to flash a message that said: "Ouch! You're strong".

"I hurt it. Goodie", said Yui as she walked off to rejoin her friends. "Come on, Yaomomo, give it a try", said Melissa. "I'm not so sure", said Momo, "I'm not certain my strength is enough". "Yeah, Uncle Might told me about it", said Melissa as she pulled something out of her purse. She placed it onto Momo's wrist and it expanded onto her hand, now resembling a red cast. "This is the Full Gauntlet", said Melissa, "It should allow you to use all of your strength without drawbacks. Give it a shot". "Oh, OK", said Momo as she grabbed the arm. The machine then flashed a message that said: "I is died. Why you bury me in cold, cold ground?"

"Marvelous", said Momo, "I look forward to testing it in the heat of battle". "Well, keep in mind that it is a prototype", said Melissa, "The structural integrity might not be up to snuff. My ball park estimate is that it could potentially withstand...maybe three punches". "I'll make them count", smiled Momo. "Oh, look at the time", said Melissa when she saw her watch, "We should go get ready".

An hour later, Izuku threw the black blazer over his suit, sans tie. "You really should consider the tie", said Monkey from within his mind, "You have three girls thirsting over you like vampires. The least you can do is look nice". "You know I have tie troubles", said Izuku, "I'm more worried about how our little princess will handle things". Indeed, Eri was dressed very fancily, with a black dress and shoes with a white bow on her waist. "You ready for the ball, Eri?", asked Izuku. "I think so", said Eri, "Will it be like Sleeping Beauty?" "Sure it will", said Izuku, "Just like the fairy tales". "Guess that makes you the thrice-charming prince", said Monkey, causing Izuku to chuckle. He held out his hand and smiled when she hers closed over his.

The two walked into the lobby, where Kyoka, Melissa, Mina, Setsuna, Kendo, Yui, and Momo were waiting. While Kyoka had opted to wear a tuxedo with a pink bow tie, Kendo had opted to wear a Chinese quipo-style dress similar to her Hero Costume, only it was purple instead of teal. Yui wore a single-shoulder dress, which was red with white tiger stripes. Mina wore a dark, blue dress with purple splotches on it, while Setsuna and Melissa wore strapless dresses that were dark green and light blue respectively. Finally, Momo was wearing a long, light green dress with the Full Gauntlet still on her right arm. "Hey guys", said Izuku, "How's everyone tonight?" "I'll be a lot better after making the birthday boy feel special", smiled Setsuna wickedly. "Yeah, I think I'm good", chuckled Izuku nervously. "By the way, what's with the power clashing going on there, Momo?", asked Setsuna. "I couldn't get it off", glared Momo.

Just then, Ochako ran in, wearing a black and pink dress with a matching bow tie. "Sorry I'm late", she huffed, exhausted from her run down the stairs, "Elevator trouble, you know?" "Yeah", said Izuku, starstruck. "Come on, guys", said Kendo, "If we don't hurry, we'll miss the party!" "Alright, let's go", cheered Setsuna as she raced out the door. "Oh, boy, we're in trouble", said Momo. "Come on, Momo", said Mina as she took her by the hand. Momo froze at her touch as Mina pulled her along, being reminded of her mother once more. But these thoughts were compounded by the feelings of enjoyment at holding Mina's hand. 'Why must I be so similar to Mother in the field of romance?', Momo wondered in her thoughts.

At that same moment, the pieces were falling into place. Nobu, a mantis Faunus with blonde hair with the roots dyed green, ran alongside Wolfram and Dr. Merlot. "The target is moving into the venue, sir", he said. "Good", said Wolfram as he put on his mask, which resembled a mass of bandages made of steel, "Doctor, can you crack the system once Swordkill and I get inside?" "It will be mere child's play", laughed Dr. Merlot. "Then let's get to work", smiled Wolfram. As he tapped the doors to the control room, he then ripped them off with the wave of his hand! He then pulled out his gun and shot the three workers within as Swordkill stabbed another. Dr. Merlot pushed a dead body aside and began typing at the computer terminal. "Remember our goals", said Wolfram, "Find Professor Shield, get the device, and isolate the ape". "With pleasure", said Dr. Merlot as he activated the island's defense systems, "Let the games begin!"

To Be Continued…

Author's note: Happy One Year Anniversary, people! Thank you so much for the many views and favorites you've given to this wonderful journey so far.