Gentle Hands
"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU FOOLS DID THAT! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!?", roared Midnight as Monoma shook with fear in his seat, while Todoroki just sat beside him, looking bored. "W...we didn't think it would destroy the whole cafeteria", stammered Monoma. "You fired both flames and a blizzard at each other", scowled Midnight, "Frankly, you both should've known that a tornado would be made with such an attack, but you were both so callous as to ignore that Midoriya and Kendo could have both been seriously hurt if Uraraka and Tokage hadn't stepped in to save them". "To say nothing about the state of Lunch Rush's feelings", muttered Vlad King.
Indeed, just outside the office sat Lunch Rush, crying in misery as Eri gave him a hug. "It's OK, Mr. Lunch Rush", she said as Izuku beamed proudly.
"You both should consider yourselves lucky we aren't expelling you", said Midnight, "Instead, Principal Nezu has authorized me to punish you both myself. In exchange for cleaning the cafeteria, you both will have to replace the food destroyed on my dime". "That's not so bad", said Monoma as he sighed in relief. "Handcuffed to each other", smiled Midnight sadistically as she took her broken cuffs off and affixed them to the student's wrists.
"How is this supposed to work?", asked Monoma, "We're not even attached to each other". Midnight then grabbed their arms and waved them together three times, magically binding the handcuffs together. "Oh", said Monoma. "I always did love that magic trick", chuckled Vlad King. "Come on, Vlad Sensei", whined Monoma, "Can't you convince her to punish me without leaving me alone with a member of Class A?" "My hands are tied, sorry", said Vlad King. "He's right", said Midnight, "You took your rivalries too far today, so you're both being punished". "But what if some villain attacks me while trying to get him?", asked Monoma as he pointed at Todoroki, who looked more bored than anything. "Then you'll use these", said Vlad King as he handed them both black capsules with red buttons, "Honestly, we should've had these sooner, but these are panic buttons. If you're ever in trouble, just push the red button. It will alert a teacher who will come and help you". "Don't worry", smirked Midnight, "If I happen to be there, you and the Villains will fall to pieces". "God, I hope not", muttered Vlad King, only for Midnight to bonk him on the head with a rolling pin. "Now, get going", said Midnight as she thrusted a list into Todoroki's hands, "Those groceries won't get themselves".
So, that was how Monoma and Todoroki found themselves inside the grocery store, struggling to move in one direction. "Quit yanking my arm", snapped Monoma. "Sure", said Todoroki as he was dragged along into the produce section. "Can't believe my luck", grumbled Monoma, "Not only am I grocery shopping with the enemy, but I can't sneak off due to these stupid handcuffs". "Well, it is a punishment", said Todoroki emotionlessly as he put some leaks into his basket.
"Yeah, yeah", muttered Monoma as he took some lettuce off the shelf, "Might as well make this trip interesting. You see anything entertaining?" "What are you talking about?", asked Todoroki as he placed some bananas into his basket. "You know, like I-Spy?", said Monoma. "We shouldn't be idling while we're doing this", said Todoroki. "We sHoUlDn'T bE IdIlInG wHiLe wE'rE DoInG tHiS", Monoma mocked, "Fine, I'll just entertain myself. I don't need another fuddy-duddy from Class A making me look bad".
Just then, Monoma felt a pain in his leg. "So sorry", said a meek voice from below. Monoma angrily looked down upon a short woman with her red hair tied in twin pigtails. "Watch where you're going, Shorty", snarled Monoma. "Sh...shorty?", the woman asked meekly. "Yeah, Short Stuff", growled Monoma, "Now get lost, before my short patience gets shorter". The woman ran off, leaving Todoroki and Monoma. "That wasn't nice", said Todoroki. "So go offer an apology", said Monoma. Todoroki tried to run after the woman, only to remember that he was still handcuffed to Monoma. "That's gonna come back to us, for sure", he sighed under his breath. "It will if you don't make with the groceries", said Monoma, "Now, hurry up before Midnight comes up with something worse for us".
Back at UA, Bakugo was sizing up his quarry. He knew that stupid Deku was taking some time to talk with All Might and Principal Nezu, leaving Eri to wait patiently on the bench outside of the office. Of course Shitty Deku was hiding a sister from him, just like how he had hidden a Quirk from him. Bakugo chuckled as a plan formed in his wicked mind. He took out his phone and walked over. "You must be Deku's sister", he said, his face contorting into a smile, "I'm Bakugo". "I don't know a Deku", said Eri as she scooted away, "My only brothers are Izuku and Monkey". "Yeah, sure", said Bakugo, "As it just so happens, I know a secret about your brother". "You do?", asked Eri. "I do", said Bakugo, "Your brother is, in fact, a monster!" He held up his phone, showing the young girl a photo of the Green Gorilla holding him down. His mom thought it was so funny, so Bakugo thought he could make the best of it. Unfortunately, Eri didn't show any fear. Actually, she didn't show much emotion other than curiosity.
"Monkey", she said. "What? No!", said Bakugo, "That's a monster!" "Monkey", said Eri blankly. "No, no, no!", said Bakugo, "Listen to the words emerging from my face. Mo…" "Mo", repeated Eri. "Ns", said Bakugo. "Ns", repeated Eri. "Ter", said Bakugo. "Ter", said Eri. "Now what sound does that make?" "Monkey", said Eri. Bakugo barely contained his rage as Mina walked over. "There you are, Eri", she said as she picked the girl up, "Some very nice people would like a word with you". "What about Ba...Baka-Go?" "Oh, you shouldn't talk to him", said Mina as they walked off, "Sparky's a very mean fella, you know". Nobody noticed Bakugo scream and kick the bench, only to jump around and hold his foot in pain.
Back on the streets, Monoma and Todoroki awkwardly shuffled out of the grocery store with their much needed supplies. "Well, that was unpleasant", said Monoma. "Likewise", said Todoroki. Just then, a drone flew in and used its robotic arms to snatch away the groceries. "After that drone, quickly", said Monoma as he ran after it, dragging Todoroki along. They chased the drone into an alleyway, where it gently set down the groceries. "I knew it wouldn't try anything rash", said Monoma as he confidently ran forward. "Monoma, wait", said Todoroki, but it was too late. A large net had flown through the air and trapped them against the alley wall! "Well, that certainly happened", said Monoma. "Hey, jerk, remember me?", asked a familiar voice. It was Shorty, who was now with a tall, distinguished gentleman with gray, slicked back hair that matched his short beard.
"Excellent work, La Brava", said the gentleman. "Aw, thanks, Gentle", said La Brava. "What is this? Some kind of soap opera?", asked Monoma. "Correction, young man, you are now the stars of the newest film by me, Gentle Criminal", said the gentleman with a dramatic flourish. "No thanks", said Todoroki as he froze the net. "So long, suckers!", said Monoma as he and Todoroki rushed toward the other side of the alley, only to be bounced back! "What the hell!?", cried Monoma. "Not so easy to escape from an arch-villain like myself, is it?", laughed Gentle Criminal. "Of course", said Monoma as Todoroki fished for something in his pocket. "Believe me, this is going to be fun", smiled La Brava as four drones flew forward!
Back at UA, Eri shook nervously as Izuku placed her onto the operating bed. "I know your scared, but if you let Recovery Girl do her thing, it'll be over before you know it", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed. "Are you certain this is safe?", asked All Might. "The young dear is in dire need of a medical exam", huffed Recovery Girl, "Now let's get her prepped for these vaccines". Mina noticed Midnight rolling up the sleeves on her trenchcoat. "What are you doing that for, Midnight Sensei?", she asked. "Just in case", said Midnight, "I want to be on the safe side while Recovery Girl does her work". "Good idea", said Ochako. "OK, let's get started, deary", said Recovery Girl. She rolled over a flat cart with some syringes as Eri shuddered. "Hey, Monkey and I are still here", said Izuku as the first needle went into Eri's arm.
Suddenly, Eri's horn started shooting sparks as Recovery Girl fell over! "Eri, your horn", cried Izuku. "I...i can't stop it", wept Eri as Recovery Girl's body started to become a blur. "Out of the way", said Midnight as she tore off one of her sleeves and pushed Izuku aside, filling the room with purple gas. Eri's eyes fluttered for a bit as the sparks stopped and she fell asleep. Just then, vents in the ceiling sucked in the gas, making the room safe to enter again. Izuku immediately ran over to Eri, looking her over for any injuries.
"Is she alright?", asked All Might. "Her breathing is stable", said Midnight, "Midoriya, check her pulse". Izuku put two fingers on Eri's wrist. "It's good", said Izuku, "What about Recovery Girl? Is she OK?" Midnight knelt down and saw that Recovery Girl was looking different. Now, she looked like a tall woman with black hair that had shades of gray in the roots. "Shit, man", said Mina, "Eri just made her younger". "We need Nezu to look into this", said All Might. At that moment, Thomas entered the room. "Hey, guys, Monoma and Todoroki are in trouble", he said, "Midoriya, I need to borrow you". "I'll watch over Eri", said Ochako, "You've got this". "Alright", said Steph, "Is he coming?" "That we are", said All Might, "I figured that if you need the Green Gorilla, you might need me". "Good call", said Thomas, "We're taking my car. Come on!"
Back in the alleyway, Monoma ducked out of the way of a flying drone, accidentally dragging Todoroki down with him! "Dodge this, big mouth", said La Brava as the drones fired small bursts of electricity! Todoroki shot a wave of fire that destroyed the drones, only to get hit in the back! "I abhor violence", said Gentle Criminal, "Luckily, your taunts have earned you both a harmless electrical shock and grand footage for my channel". Monoma looked to Todoroki and nodded, though the icy boy had no idea what his arrogant partner had in mind. "Who the hell uses a word like taunt? What even is that?", asked Monoma. "Taunts, insults, name-calling", said Gentle Criminal, "It matters not. All that matters is that you hurt the feelings of the most precious creature I know, and you dragged along an innocent bystander. As a gentleman, it pains me to hurt you, but as a lover and an arch-villain, it brings my great joy".
"That's your stupid motive?", asked Monoma as he tapped Todoroki's hand, "You're a Villain because I called your short girlfriend short!? Talk about your icy reception!" In that moment, Todoroki got it. "You dare presume that I am not a grand Villain?", asked Gentle Criminal. "I dare suggest that you leave Short Stuff in the kitchen and fight us like a man!", said Monoma. "Gentle, don't fall for it", warned La Brava, but it was too late! Gentle Criminal used his Quirk to bounce forward, readying his cane to deliver a wicked blow. In that moment, Monoma and Todoroki each fired their fire and ice, creating a tornado that threw Gentle Criminal into La Brava!
In a car driving down the street, Izuku was fretting. "I should go back", he said, "Our sister needs us". "I agree, but you and All Might are the only deterrents we have to make any potential Villain surrender", said Steph, "If it's the League of Villains again, then we need you both to keep each other safe". "So where are Monoma and Todoroki?", asked Thomas. Just then, Izuku noticed a tornado form three blocks away. "Found 'em", he said.
As Gentle Criminal groaned in pain, Monoma let out a cheer. "We did it!", he cried, "Give me some". He held out his hand, which Todoroki awkwardly petted. "OK, we'll work on it", said Monoma. "This isn't over yet", said La Brava, "You hurt my Gentle!" All of a sudden, pink energy enveloped Gentle Criminal, who sprung up with a wicked grin! "That blow almost winded me", he declared, "Let's see how you do when I know to anticipate…" Just then, a small van drove into the alleyway and slammed into Gentle Criminal, sending him flying back! "Do not fear", said All Might he stepped out of the vehicle, "For I am…" Just then, Gentle Criminal bounced off the wall ahead and slammed into All Might, laying him out with a single punch! "What's this?", asked the arch-villain, "The Symbol of Peace has come to tangle with the might of Gentle Criminal! La Brava, my dear, leave him and his friends to me". "With pleasure, Gentle", said La Brava as she sent the drones to attack Todoroki and Monoma, only for them to be shattered as Stephanie used her bo staff to whack them out of the air while teleporting between the drones and their targets!
All Might threw some punches toward Gentle Criminal, only for the very air to block them before the gentleman leaped up and kicked him against the alley wall! Then, the Hero began to leak steam. "No, not here! Not now!", he panicked. Before Gentle Criminal could get closer, the Green Gorilla leaped over and blocked his path to the Symbol of Peace!
"Well, well, well", laughed Gentle Criminal, "If it isn't the gregarious Green Gorilla. Take that, and that!" He started hitting the Green Gorilla in the face with his cane, hoping to send the ape flying with his Quirk. It took exactly twenty hits for him to realize that hitting a giant gorilla with what amounts to a stick was probably not a good idea.
DOINK!
With the flick of his fingers, the Green Gorilla sent Gentle Criminal flying into a dumpster. "What strength", he exclaimed as the Green Gorilla roared and stomped closer. "Gentle", cried La Brava, and she ordered the drones to fire upon the beast! Suddenly, a wave of kinetic energy sliced through the air, blowing the drones up! "Don't count out Ol' Tom Blue", said Thomas with the wave of his scimitar. Gentle Criminal rushed forward, thrusting his cane at Thomas, only for it to be deflected by his sword! "Gentle Criminal, we meet at last", said Thomas as he blocked several blows with his sword. "Thomas Azure, the pleasure is mine and the pain is yours!", said Gentle Criminal as he whacked Thomas on the knee! But then, as he fell to the ground, Thomas punched the arch-villain in the groin!
As he swatted flaming drones away, the Green Gorilla noticed La Brava directing them through a device on her wrist. The ape surged forward and swiped La Brava off her feet as he lifted her into the air! "Eek", she cried, "Put me down, you damned ugly fool!" The Green Gorilla instead climbed onto a ledge and hooted while beating his chest with one hand! "Ready to surrender, you short bitch?", called Monoma. Thomas blocked a hit from Gentle Criminal, only for the gentleman to roundhouse kick him away! He slid under Stephanie's bo staff and used his Quirk to bounce into the air, soaring past and grabbing La Brava's hand, yanking her free from the Green Gorilla's grasp!
Gentle Criminal landed atop a nearby roof, holding La Brava in a bridal carry. "This venture is no longer profitable", he declared, "Congratulations, heroes, you have once again won the day. But this isn't over. Far from it, especially for you, the less than worthy Phantom Thief of the UA Sports Festival. You may not remember me, but I will remember you. As for you, the gargantuan Green Gorilla, your strength is formidable, and I look forward to testing it in my next adventure. Mark my words, ape: we...will meet again". Then, he threw a smoke bomb and disappeared with La Brava. "And you wonder why we don't do the whole class rivalry thing", said Stephanie as she ushered Todoroki and Monoma into the van.
Later on, after he and Todoroki had delivered the groceries to Lunch Rush and got freed from the handcuffs, Monoma wandered the halls, rubbing his wrist. He passed by Komori, who glared at him from behind her bangs. Monoma was then whacked on the head by Kendo. "Ow! Kendo, what the Hell?", asked Monoma. "What did you tell Pony to say when she was talking to members of Class A?", asked Kendo as she folded her arms over her chest. "Why do you ask?", inquired Monoma.
Monoma then found himself forced to stare into Class 1-B, where Setsuna was hugging a crying Pony. "She has been crying since lunch ended", said Kendo. "I didn't think…", stammered Monoma. "That's right, you didn't", said Kendo, "You only reacted to Class A being popular and your eyes turned green. Because of your prank, Kirishima and Kaminari probably think Pony is a violent, American thug, and why? Because you're jealous? News flash, pal, not all of us want to be class rivals. You are the only one pushing for this kind of thing, so tell me, where does it end? Because you're the exact type of person to take a class rivalry out of the school and put that venom into random people, and that person is no hero".
Kendo left in a huff, going back into the classroom to help comfort Pony. Monoma, on the other hand, sat on a bench just outside the classroom and reflected on the day's events. He thought about what he had said to La Brava and how Gentle Criminal told him off for dragging Todoroki into the fight. He also thought about how he wouldn't still be here if it wasn't for Todoroki being willing to save him when he deserved it the least. Needless to say, Monoma spent the rest of the day thinking such things.
At that same moment, Izuku and All Might went to check up on Eri, who was now awake. "Is she OK?", asked Izuku. "She's fine, just shaken is all", said Midnight. Izuku picked up some tissues and dabbed underneath Eri's eyes. "Why are you crying?", he asked. "My curse", said Eri sadly, "I hurt the nice lady with my curse". Izuku then gently grasped Eri's hand. "Eri, listen to me", he said, "Your Quirk isn't a curse, it's a gift. Believe it or not, you actually helped Recovery Girl". "I...I did?", asked Eri. "Yeah, you did", said Izuku, "Because of you, Recovery Girl is stronger than ever before". "Now, she won't need to retire", chuckled All Might. "Don't bet on it, sonny", said Recovery Girl as he knelt down beside Eri, "This young one only erased the fatigue on my body, not my mind. I still have enough in my pension fund to retire fully if I wanted". She then turned to Eri. "Your brother is right", said Recovery Girl, "You have an incredible gift. You only need to learn how to control it". "OK", said Eri, "How do I do that?"
"I think I have some ideas I'd like to test out", said All Might. "Thanks, All Might", said Izuku with a tearful smile. "Don't thank me yet", said All Might, "We still need to figure out which ones to start with". Just then, the air was filled with the sound of: "A phone call is here! A phone call is here!" Midnight glared at All Might, who chuckled sheepishly as he picked up his cell phone. "Yes?", he answered, "What? She's here already? I'll be out to meet her in a bit. OK, thanks for calling, David." All Might then hung up and put his phone away. "Quickly, kids, follow me!", he declared before jumping through the door and running out into the hallway. "I just got that door fixed", sighed Recovery Girl. "OK, Eri, on my back", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed, "We're going for a ride". Eri climbed onto Monkey's back as he wrapped his arms behind him and walked after All Might.
They walked down to the school courtyard, where a blonde girl with glasses and a red vest with a yellow tie was leaping up to hug All Might. "I'm so happy to see you, Uncle Might", the girl said. "Uncle?", asked Monkey, "Host Body, you didn't tell me All Might had siblings". "I didn't know", said Izuku as his face changed back while he put Eri back on the ground. "Izuku, Monkey, and Eri, meet Melissa Shield of I-Island", said All Might with a grin as he gestured to the girl. "Nice to meet you all", said Melissa with a smile. "You're pretty", said Eri softly. "Oh, thank you", Melissa said cheerfully.
"So, Young Melissa, what brings you to UA?", asked All Might. "I've come on behalf of my father to invite you to the I-Island Expo", explained Melissa. "Isn't that the thing you won, Izuku?", asked Eri. "That it is", said Izuku. "You know, I could upgrade those tickets to let you take a ride on the private jet", said Melissa, "Well, you and three others. Is there anyone you'd like to bring along?" Izuku looked to Eri and smiled. "I think I have some people in mind", he said.
To Be Continued…
Gorilla Fact: The strongest muscles in the gorilla's body are the jaw muscles. They are anchored by the sagittal crest atop their skulls and are used to crush the various types of vegetation gorillas eat like bamboo, banana leaves, thistles, and tree bark.