What's In a Name?
Two days after the Sports Festival, Momo shot up in her bed, having awoken from another nightmare. This time, her sleeping mind had conjured up images of Stain, bloodstained sword in hand, chasing her through a hallway as people jeered and mocked her for wearing a cheerleader outfit. She took a few moments to breathe, letting out a weak sob. "Is everything OK in there?", asked her father. "I'm alright, Father", said Momo shakily, "I'll be but a moment". "Alright, dear", said her father, "I'll be back in a bit".
Ishiro Yaoyorozu walked downstairs, where Midnight was waiting. "Another nightmare", sighed Ishiro ruefully. "I think between what happened at the USJ and the Sports Festival, these things are going to linger for a while", said Midnight as she sipped her coffee, "UA needs to hire another therapist. Hound Dog has so many patients to care for and not enough time for all of them". Just then, Momo came down the stairs. "You alright, Peaches?", asked Midnight. "I can't say that I am", sighed Momo, "Maybe we shouldn't do the Internships". "I wish I could agree", said Midnight, "But the school board is insisting". "Have you found the leak from the Sports Festival yet?", asked Ishiro. "Unfortunately, no", said Midnight, "I'm still working out a case Midoriya brought to my attention." "Oh, Izuku? What did he do?", asked Momo. "He didn't do anything wrong", said Midnight, "He simply brought something to my attention. I got Nezu involved and he had a WHA official looking into it". "You don't seem happy about that", said Ishiro. "It's Thomas Azure", said Midnight, "You'd be unhappy, too. The least they could do is send in Star and Stripe." "To be fair, from what Izuku has told me, he has the best record for investigations", said Momo, "Not to mention, his work with Team RWBY helped with setting up reforms in countries ravaged by war and disease". "All true, but he is still a cheeky, arrogant young man", said Midnight, "I'll see you later, Peaches. I need to get to the school. Make sure you're eating enough". "I'll see you soon, Mother", said Momo as she walked into the dining room.
Later on, Midnight arrived at UA and entered the meeting hall, where Principal Nezu and all of the other teachers were waiting. "Thank you for meeting here this early", said Nezu, "A lot has happened as of late and it's important that we deal with it as best we can. Firstly, the matter of Stain". "He's not likely to come here, is he?", asked Ectoplasm. "It doesn't fit his profile", said Aizawa, "Stain has never tried to attack hero schools before". "He's also never live-streamed his murders before", said Vlad King, "Something has changed his behavior, but what?" "We can rule out money", said Hound Dog, "He's made it clear in the past what he thinks of Heroes and brand deals. We can also rule out a desire for petty killings, as he very clearly wants to make sweeping changes". So the only thing that's changed about Stain is how he's spreading that message", said Midnight, "What about how he got into our network?" "Unfortunately, I was unable to find the source code for his stream", said Power Loader, "Although, I did find something interesting. When I checked the feedback on one of our systems, it looked like the stream was being split apart across multiple networks and scattered through the mainframe." "Thus showing the stream across not only the arena screen, but other parts of the city, too", said Cementoss. "The HPSC threw a fit when they found out", said Power Loader, "From what little I've gathered, they've become paranoid as of late, though no one seems to know why".
"Which brings me to my next point", said Nezu, "If none of you are aware, I'll bring you up to speed. Last week, during an electrical failure, Lady Nagant, the notorious assassin, escaped from Tartarus. The doors weren't open, no alarms were triggered, and the guards saw nothing. Yet somehow, news of her escape was already leaked to the public. Curious." "It's more than likely that Kurogiri got her out", said Vlad King, "But why would he just leave Shigaraki in Tartarus?" "I think the League no longer has a use for him", said Hound Dog, "Not when they have Kurogiri, Lady Nagant, and Stain". "You think Stain is working with those thugs?", Aizawa asked. "Who else would have the resources to help him?", asked Hound Dog, "If they could disrupt power at the strongest prison in the country, it stands to reason that they could make the streams public anywhere".
"At this point, the HPSC will seek out any investigator to find them", said Aizawa. "Funny you mention it, Aizawa, because I took the liberty to hire some new people", said Nezu, "Firstly, I would like to introduce your assistant in teaching, Yagi. I'm sure you know him by now". Aizawa looked over to the opening doors and buried his face in his hand. "Good morning, esteemed educators of UA", said Thomas Azure as he adjusted his black tie, which paired nicely with his blue suit. "Is there any reason Cowboy Bebop is working here now?", asked an annoyed Vlad King. "Mr. Azure's investigative record speaks for itself", said Nezu, "When he noticed we were short-staffed, he offered the services of his team to help out with the other new hires". "Oh, and for the record, his name is Spike Speigel, not Cowboy Bebop", said Thomas. "Not important", said Nezu, "In any case, Mr. Azure's colleague, Mr. Forrest, will be helping you, Hound Dog. You always did say two therapists were better than one". "Indeed", said Hound Dog, "When will he be starting". "I got this one, chief", said Thomas, "Henry's busy looking over the student files. He should be ready in two days". "Sounds good", said Hound Dog. "Now, look", said Thomas, "I know we've gotten off on the wrong foot before, but I want to assure everyone, no matter what, I'll always put the students first".
"Which brings us to our last point: the transfers", said Nezu, "You were right, Kayama. Many parents have pulled their children out of UA". "I don't blame them, not after that", said Thomas. "I've already lost one student as a result of the transfers", said Vlad King, "Tsubaraba informed me he would be going to Shiketsu Academy. He was a good kid, but we both agreed that Shiketsu would host a better structure for him to learn how to use his Quirk". "I noticed you singled out what school he's going to", said Thomas, "I take it someone from Shiketsu is taking his place?" "Indeed", said Vlad King, "She definitely has some trouble parsing her lingo, but I think she'll make a great fit here". Thomas picked up the file and looked it over before chuckling and handing it over to Midnight. "If UA teachers were allowed to take on interns, she'd be a perfect choice for you", he said. "What about 1-A?", asked All Might, "Any transfers?" "Like you need to know", mumbled Aizawa. "So I take it that the answer is no", said Thomas, "Perfect. Well, All Might and I can help out with picking internships". "My students need no help from the likes of you", snarled Aizawa. "The school didn't need a lawsuit, but you served that like the blue plate special at Golden Corral", said Thomas. "Enough, Thomas", said Nezu, "He may be out of line, Aizawa, but he is, in fact, right. All Might, you and Thomas take all the time you need. Unless there are any other interruptions, I think we can call this meeting adjourned."
As everyone cleared out, Thomas and All Might walked together. "Couldn't help but notice how quiet you were back there", said Thomas, "Something you and Nezu aren't telling me?" "I have an inkling of something, but I can't be too sure of anything at the moment", said All Might. "You think it might have something to do with Shigaraki, don't you?", asked Thomas. All Might stopped and sighed. "I should have been there for the boy", said All Might, "Abuse and his Quirk Awakening have twisted an innocent boy into a monster. I could have saved so many people by saving him sooner". "I understand", said Thomas, "I remember thinking similar thoughts when I looked into the origins of Cinder Fall and others I had to fight with my mentors. How if I had gotten to them first, we could've avoided a lot of heartache. Alas, I was but a child at the time, but I still wonder. But don't lose heart. You're still the Number 1 Hero, and that means everything around here". "You know, if you lead with speeches like that, it would do wonders for your popularity", chuckled All Might.
"Come on, chief, where's the fun in that?", said Thomas, "Now, walk me through these files. We need to come up with the best matches for internships based on student psych profiles". "Why that way?", asked All Might. "Think about it", said Thomas, "If someone like Yaoyorozu is paired up with someone like Best Jeanist, she might not reach her full potential. The opposite is true for someone like Bakugo. Gods, imagine if he worked with Endeavor. No, thank you". "I see", said All Might, "Let's get a better look in my office". "Sure thing", said Thomas, "Say, when's Nezu giving me my own office? The closet is getting a little cramped."
Later on, Iida slowly trudged his way down the hall on the way to class. All weekend, he heard the news of Stain's newest stream, showing the psychotic snake killing another "False Hero". People like Slugger, Slidn' Go, Pop * Step; all good people, killed on video, viewed by millions. How could he do that to them? How could he keep getting away with this? Iida didn't even notice his own fist clenching as he neared the homeroom class. Just then, he felt an invisible embrace. "I'm sorry about what happened to your brother, Iida", said Toru gently. "It's fine", said Iida as he roughly shrugged her off and went to his seat. "If you need anything, we'll be there for you, bro", said Kirishima. "I said it's fine", said Iida as he glumly stared at the floor.
Elsewhere, Momo silently made her way to class, her eyes not leaving the floor. She passed by some Gen Ed students, who snickered behind Momo's back. "Some hero she turned out to be", said one of the boys, "Maybe she'll make her hero costume that slutty cheerleader get-up". Momo kept her head down, only to hear a bump. "Back off!", growled Mina, "She doesn't need to hear that from you!" "No, but she does need the protection of a filthy Faunus", said one of the boys. "You take that back", said Momo, not even looking the students in the eye. "What you going to about it, whore?", asked a student. "Nothing he won't do", said Momo. Just then, Present Mic walked up behind the bullies. "Ashido, Yaoyorozu, get to your homeroom class", he said calmly, "I'll deal with these three". The bullies gulped as Mina and Momo left.
As soon as they were inside, Momo slumped into her seat and shook with anger. "I should be better at this by now", she said. "You can't let them get to you like that", said Mina, "Besides, I've heard worse from other people". "You shouldn't have to hear it at all", sighed Momo. Mina couldn't find it in herself to argue with that. After all, her mother had said those exact words before. Just then, Izuku and Ochako ran in. "You guys OK?", asked Ochako, "We heard what happened and…" "We're fine", said Momo.
Just then, the bell rang and Aizawa walked in. "I would suggest getting to your seats", he said, glaring at his students as they did just that, "We have a lot ahead of us, and I only just got the bandages removed". Aizawa then slumped into his seat and pulled out his yellow sleeping bag. "Today, you're going to be choosing your Hero Names", he said, "Take care to put some consideration into them"… "Or there'll be Hell to pay!", declared Midnight as she sauntered in, wearing a big, festive sombrero. "Why are you wearing that?", groaned Momo as she buried her face into her hands in embarrassment. "It's a sombrero kind of day", said Midnight as Aizawa zipped up his sleeping bag and began to snore, "Usually, I'd do this later, but the new TA offered to help 1-B with their Hero Names".
"I'm not sure about Rocketti", said Thomas, "It sounds like a bad New York Italian restaurant. Think, Pony, what sounds suitably heroic to you?" "How about the True Grit Heroine, Union?", suggested Pony. "Love it", said Thomas, "Now onto you, Reiko. What's the significance of the name Emily?"
"I'm sure they're fine", said Midnight as she reclined behind the desk, "When you have some idea of what you wish to call yourself, write it down on the slate on your desk and present it behind the podium". "Oh, this'll be a cinch", said Monkey from within Izuku's mind. "Cinch?", asked Izuku aloud. "No time for that", said Monkey, "Work with me here. What's a good Hero Name".
"I Cannot ah Stop ah Twinkling", declared Aoyama as he held up the slate. "Not that", said Monkey. "That's...a bit of a mouthful", winced Midnight, "Maybe something shorter?" "Like Stardust?", asked Aoyama. "Yeah, that'll do it", said Midnight. "OK, what about Ape Might?", asked Izuku. "Not happening", said Monkey. "My turn!", said Mina as she ran up to the podium, "I shall call myself the Ridley Hero: Alien Queen!" "Like those disgusting monsters?", asked Midnight, "I don't think so? That is also, of course, not getting into Faunus hate groups using such a name against you". "Well, what is she expected to call herself?", Momo grumbled, "Pinkerella or Pinkasaurus Rex?" "Hey, that last one isn't too bad", said Mina, "Can I use call myself the Guardian of Love: Pinkasaurus Rex?" "I'll allow it", said Midnight. Momo groaned as she slumped at her desk, having just now realized why her mother chose to wear a sombrero. "How about Forrest Grump?", asked Monkey. "No", said Izuku, "Besides, you're always saying to be the jungle, so Jungle Hero is a good jumping-off point." "Fine, fine", said Monkey, "What about Emerald Ape?" "I think we can do better", said Izuku.
"I've had this one in mind for a while", said Tsuyu, "Rainy Season Hero: Froppy". "Oh, that's adorable", squealed Midnight in delight. "My turn!", said Kirishima as he strode up to the podium, "I'm calling myself Red Riot!" "Ah, a Crimson Riot fan, I see", said Midnight, "Approved". Just then, Kaminari ran up the podium. "I am the Electric Hero: Chargebolt", he declared. "Approved, now get out of my sight", said Midnight, not even looking at him as he left. Mineta was next. "Grape Juice!", he proclaimed. "Come back with something better", grunted Midnight. Ochako was next. "I combined this name I had in mind from elementary school with something Mina suggested", said Ochako, "I wish to call myself the Star Goddess Heroine: Uravity". "I love that", said Midnight as Mina squealed with delight. Koda silently presented his name, Animan, which also swiftly got Midnight's approval.
Just then, Bakugo stormed up to the podium and slammed his slate onto it. "All you worthless bitches had a good laugh at the Sports Festival", he roared, "Well no longer. Those names are awful, just like you! Now, bow in supplication to the next Number One Hero, King...Explosion...Murder!" "I'm gonna say that's a little too violent", deadpanned Midnight. "Huh, what do mean!?", cried Bakugo. "Why don't you be Explosion Boy?", suggested Kirishima. "Shit up, Shitty Hair!", growled Bakugo before Midnight got between him and Kirishima. "Come back with another name, and no fighting", she said sternly. Bakugo went back to his seat, grumbling and cursing under his breath. Iida went next. "Ingenium", he said curtly. "Are you sure?", asked Midnight, "I understand that such a name carries a bit of weight". "So I should be the one to carry it", said Iida as he returned to his seat. "OK, then", said Midnight, "Anyone else?"
"The Symphonic Heroine: Nightwish", said Kyoka. "It 'sounds' good to me", said Midnight, eliciting a groan from Momo. "Why don't you show off your Hero Name, Grumpy Peach", smiled Midnight. Momo composed herself and walked up the podium. "I intend to call myself the Genesis Hero: Kizuna". "It fits", said Midnight, "You wear the name quite well already". "Thank you", said Momo, who blushed slightly as she walked back to her desk. "Shoto", said Todoroki. "Just your first name?", asked Midnight. "Yes", he said bluntly. "Oh, alright", said Midnight. "Maybe we should go with Mighty Joe", said Monkey. "Nah, it's taken", said Izuku. "Konga?", asked Monkey. "Also taken", said Izuku. He noticed Fumikage make his way to the podium. "Dark Hawk", he said proudly. "Approved", said Midnight. "Maybe we should go back to the Jungle Hero thing for a second", said Monkey as Midnight approved the names of Cellophane and Spooky(the latter of which had Fumikage cursing under his breath). "What about it?", asked Izuku. "Why not do the Hero Name first and add Hero of the Jungle?", suggested Monkey. "We still need a Hero Name", said Izuku, "Think. We turn into a gorilla with green fur...wait, that's it". Izuku wrote down something and raced up to the podium.
"After much deliberation, my brother and I have come up with something you'll all really enjoy", said Izuku, "You know why that is?" "Why?", asked Ochako. "Because together, we are… the Green Gorilla, Hero of the Jungle!", declared Izuku. "Marvelous", said Midnight, "A name like that tells people exactly what to expect." As Izuku went back to his desk, a slight blush on his cheeks as he noticed Mina, Momo, and Ochako all smiling at him. Bakugo returned to the podium. "That name is stupid and so are you, Deku!", roared Bakugo, "Now get ready to bow to Lord Explosion MURDER!" "Still no", said Midnight.
To Be Continued…
Author's note: For those wondering about the Hero Names, let me explain. Nightwish is a symphonic metal band from Finland that I highly recommend if you haven't heard of them until now. Stardust is a reference to David Bowie. Kizuna is a name that means "creator" in Japanese. It was originally going to be Kyushin, combining the Japanese words for nine and god, but Changing Gears on AO3 got to it first. Finally, the Green Gorilla is called that because that's the name of the fanfic.