Well, I'll Be A Monkey's Father
"Thanks for getting us seats on this private jet, Midori", said Mina as she downed her fifth glass of dry champagne. "Hey, thank Melissa, she's the one who offered", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed. He looked to Eri, who sat wide-eyed near the window as she beheld the ocean speeding beneath her. "Guys, guys, it's the least I can do", laughed Melissa. "I kind of wish Yaomomo was here with us", said Ochako, "It doesn't feel right to enjoy ourselves without her". "Ochako, as I have explained a hundred times since take-off, she is meeting us at the air base", said Mina, "Now help me organize the pages in my autograph book. I heard a bunch of celebrities were going to be there".
As the pink and gravity girl playfully bickered, Izuku turned to Eri. "Hey, you doing OK?", he asked. "I am", said Eri softly. "You're not scared on your first flight?", asked Izuku. "No, were you?", asked Eri. "Well…", said Izuku as he remembered how he squeezed his mother's hand in terror, despite the fact that the plane hadn't even taxied onto the runway. Even so, Izuku couldn't help but feel a sense of sorrow as he noticed that not even flying had made Eri smile. "Whatever Overhaul did to her has marked her in a way we can't imagine", Monkey sadly said from within Izuku's mind. "Hey guys, we have four more hours of this five hour flight", said Melissa, "Is there any movie you'd like to watch?" "I have just the one", smiled Monkey as Izuku's face changed.
Three hours later, instead of smiling after seeing the romantic adventure film, Eri was weeping. "They killed the nice monkey", she wept as Mina hugged her. "Last time we use any of your ideas", thought Izuku. "How was I supposed to know he dies at the end?", protested Monkey from within Izuku's mind. Just then, Izuku felt his phone ping and pulled it out of his pocket. His eyes went wide when he saw who sent the message. "Eri, look at this", he cried. "What is it?", asked Ochako. "My Dad's going to I-Island too", said Izuku excitedly.
"But I thought All Might was our Dad", said Eri. "Don't let him hear you say that", laughed Izuku, "He'd become green with envy". "Is his hair green too?", asked Eri. "No, I get that from Mom", said Izuku, "Dad has red hair, 'all natural', he'd say." "Is your father going to be joining us for the I-Expo?", asked Melissa. "Unfortunately, his text was that he would be on a two hour layover on his flight back to Japan", sighed Izuku, "But he wants to meet Eri and Monkey before his flight leaves, so I'm setting up a time to meet up with him.". "That's wonderful, Midori", said Mina, "Did your dad say anything about staying in Japan?" "He said he wanted to talk about that in person", said Izuku. "How about that, Eri", smiled Melissa, "You get to meet your Papa". "Eri nodded, but Izuku noticed how she shook nervously.
It didn't surprise him, sadly. Diana had sent him some notes about Eri's past before she came to the Midoriya household. From what her magic could gather, some of Eri's trauma began with the death of her father, something Overhaul constantly reminded her of. While his mentor wasn't sure how her father died, given her Quirk and lack of control over it, it made sense that she accidentally rewound him too far. Izuku repressed a shudder at the thought. It was...an pleasant way to go out, to say the least.
On another plane nearing the end of its flight, Momo cradled her arm as she looked out the window. Every so often, she'd try to unlock the strange, black tendrils. The very things that nearly made her a killer. The nightmares now included them ripping through Himiko, Bakugo, Mineta, the people who casually spread their hatred for her and any Faunus that looked her, and even her own mother. The very thought of it made Momo sick in her stomach. The tendrils were throwing themselves upon those she hated with all of her heart. Did Momo really, truly hate her own mother?
"Something on your mind?", asked Kyoka. "It's nothing", said Momo. "Is it though?", asked Kyoka, "I know when the people around me are unhappy. Call it an unlucky guess". Momo sighed. "You really know me that well?" "I saw you naked", said Kyoka, "I would hope I know you as well as I think. Come on, tell me what's on your mind". "Do you ever...feel angry at your parents?", asked Momo, "Like deep, hateful anger radiating from the soul?"
"I can't say that I do", said Kyoka, "Is this because being Midnight's daughter made it hard to make friends?" "It is", said Momo, "And I hate that I feel this way about Mother. I hate how people see me like her". "This sounds like something you need to tell Hound Dog", said Kyoka. "I've tried to make appointments, but he's swamped", said Momo, "Too many scared students after the Grimm attack in Hosu." "What about the new guy?", asked Kyoka. "What new guy?", asked Momo. "Henry Forest", said Kyoka, "I heard he was brought on to ease the workload". Momo considered it, she really did. Too many nightmares involving her Mother kept her awake, the anxiety almost suffocating her. But Kyoka noticed something other than melancholy behind her eyes: fear. The anger in her soul and opening up about it scared Momo to her core. "Tell you what", said Kyoka, "Once we're done having fun on I-Island, I'll go see him with you". "You'd do that for me?", Momo asked. "We're best friends", said Kyoka, "I'd do a lot for less". "That reminds me", said Momo, "When we get to I-Island, there's something I need your help with…"
Two hours later, the planes all landed at the I-Island airport, which was located outside of the massive steel ring that made up the landmass. The interior was a wide space colored silver and blue, which made Eri gasp in awe. "Yaomomo should be around here somewhere", said Mina as she looked around. "Is that her?", asked Eri as she pointed to someone. "No, that's Kodai from Class B", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed. "Hi", said Yui as she stoically looked over the edge of the balcony. "What up, my peeps?", asked Camie as she slipped over. "We're waiting on Yaomomo", said Izuku as his face changed back. "I am here", said Momo as she awkwardly shuffled over, "I had trouble finding you guys". "Oh, so this is Yaomomo?", asked Melissa. "Yes, Momo Yaoyorozu, at your service", said Momo with a bow. "I'm Melissa Shield, nice to meet you", said Melissa, "Who are all of your other friends here?" "I'm Camie", introduced Camie, "That's Yui…" "Hi" "The redhead is Kendo, and this is the reason we're here, Setsuna Tokage." "Wassup, my bitches", cheered Setsuna. "Setsuna, language!", objected Momo as she covered Eri's ears. "Sorry", said Setsuna as she rubbed the back of her her head. "Well, the Expo doesn't start the day after tomorrow", said Melissa, "Why don't I show you around?" "Sounds good to me", said Mina. "I'm up for it", said Izuku.
What none of the Hero students knew was that certain agitators had arrived on I-Island. One of them, a tall redhead with a long, brown scar extending from his right eye to his lower jaw, a black combat vest, and a long, white trenchcoat, was waiting in the shadows, watching as the Shield girl left with some new friends. "It's rude to stare, you know", said Dr. Merlot as he looked up from his newspaper. "It's all a part of the plan", said Wolfram, the man in the coat, "As long as she's not around, the boys can scope out the joint. What about the device?" Dr. Merlot nodded towards his briefcase. "Still safe", he said, "You should thank Kurogiri for getting it through customs". "I still don't know why we can't dispatch the animal with Daigo", said Wolfram. "As the Beautiful Lady Nagant has said, the beast is stronger than our crew can handle", said Dr. Merlot, "Your Daigo would be outmatched in single combat with him and he has beaten at least one of my Grimm so far. No, it can only be this way. Beast versus beast. Monster against monster..."
After a quick stop at the hotel to change into their Hero costumes(or, in Izuku's case, a red Hawaiian shirt with yellow flowers and khakis), the group followed Melissa around, taking in the sights of I-Island. "Look", said Melissa, "That's the main pavilion". Indeed, the group wandered into a massive, circular area surrounded by entertainment venues and a sports bar. "We can grab lunch here", said Melissa, "A lot of Heroes swing by this joint daily, like Cow Lady and…" "LOOK!", shouted Setsuna as she pointed to a massive, fifteen foot dinosaur Faunus wearing a white coat and pants with red, hot-rod style flames, "It's Godzillo! Ohmygodohmygodohmygod!" Izuku snapped a photo with the camera hanging around his neck. "Momo, pen!", cried Setsuna, "Must! Get! Autograph!" Momo sighed and handed her cousin a pen and watched her run at lightspeed towards the big Hero. "That's her one endearing trait", said Momo as she watched Godzillo gently sign Setsuna's manga of himself, "Her love of dinosaurs is infectious". "I'll say", said Mina. "Ochako, what's a dinosaur?", asked Eri. "Big reptiles from millions of years ago", said Ochako, "Godzillo is the closest we'll see in the flesh".
"I wouldn't say that", said Melissa as she pulled a flat, metal bar from her pocket, "Watch this, Eri". With the push of a single button, the bar folded and split before turning into a small, metal velociraptor. "Neat, huh?", asked Melissa. "Cool", said Eri, wide-eyed at the sight of it. "What is that?", asked Kyoka. "It's a prototype for a spy drone", said Melissa, "I chose a velociraptor to test if it could walk on two legs". All at once, the small robot took a step and fell on its side before folding back into a bar. "It's...a work in progress", said Melissa as she put the bar in her pocket. Soon after, everyone sat down at the outdoor patio of the sports bar. "So, what kind of things did you do after the Sports Festival?", asked Melissa.
"Well, before our Internships had to be halted, we tried to learn how to fight more effectively alongside Gunhead", said Kendo, "You should've seen Uraraka during training. I think she could kick a guy's head off". "I'm not that good", said Ochako, "All's I hope is that if I ever have to fight Bakugo again, I won't lose". "What about you guys?", asked Melissa as she turned to Yui, Momo, Setsuna, Mina, Camie, and Kyoka. "I'd...rather not say", said Momo after some thought. "I worked with a dragon", said Yui bluntly, "And then I helped Camie adjust to a new school". "It's true", said Camie, "Yui is totes bussin, y'all". Yui grunted in agreement.
Before Setsuna and Mina could say anything, their waiter arrived. The good news was that food was now within reach...the bad news was the fact that the waiter was Mineta. "Hello, ladies, can I get you started…", Mineta began before he saw Melissa, "Oh my Gods, I think I'm in love!" IT was the fifth time this happened on the job. Just then, Iida, who was also a waiter, arrived. "Mineta, quit fraternizing with the customers and take their orders", he demanded loudly, "The orders will be backed up if you don't return to work right this instant". "Yeah, yeah", said Mineta, "Can I start everyone off with drinks?" "Sure, but only if Iida is the one to deliver them", said Kyoka. "Why him?", asked Mineta. All of the UA girls glared down at the short boy. "OK", said Mineta as he sighed with defeat.
"Not a big fan of our waiter?", asked Melissa after the food had arrived. "He knows what he did", snarled Mina as she bit down onto a giant turkey leg. "Yeah, it would be best if you didn't go picking that wound", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed. "I'm just as lost, girlfriend", said Camie, "Everyone hates the short purple guy, his brother is also him, it's like...whew". "It's a lot to take in, but you'll get used to it", said Setsuna, "I still think it was an injustice that we didn't have a proper death duel at the Sports Festival". "Well, maybe next time", said Izuku as his face changed back. "Here's hoping", said Setsuna, "You've taken down the strongest students in your class and helped stop the Hero Killer. Whether you know it or not, you're the last man standing in my journey to the top".
Momo couldn't help it. She really couldn't, but Setsuna was talking like Endeavor. The way she desired the highest position in life eerily mirrored that of the Flame Hero, whose speeches affirming his goal of surpassing All Might she remembered all too well. "You OK there, Yaomomo?", asked Melissa. "Peachy", said Momo as she sipped her tea. "I guess she's still angry at her cousin", Mina whispered to Eri, "Can you say family rivalry"? Just then, Izuku got a text message. "Looks like we'll have to postpone the rest of the tour for the time being", he said, "Eri and I are going to visit with Dad before his flight leaves. Can we pick up again some time tomorrow?" "Sure thing", said Melissa. "Wait, what about my tip?", asked Mineta as he walked over. "Uh...learn to read the emotions of women better", said Izuku as he took Eri and left some cash on his table. "Not that kind of tip", protested Mineta.
As Izuku and Eri followed his phone's map to the meeting place, his thoughts drifted back to Iida, whose left hand didn't move an inch as he was working. Must have been from his injuries during the battle with Stain. Actually, what Izuku found more surprising that Iida was working with Mineta and Kaminari(yes, he was there, too) as a waiter. He guessed it wasn't all that surprising that he would go to the I-Island Expo, but working as a waiter? Izuku sorted out one thing: Iida was being punished for his seeking of revenge by working on what was supposed to be a vacation. Monkey privately thought he deserved it.
They continued to walk until they reached their destination, a street-side park that overlooked the ocean. That's when Izuku saw him: Hisashi Akatani, his father in the flesh. His red hair flowed in the wind as he watched the sun shining onto the ocean through dark, circular shades. "Dad!", said Izuku excitedly. "It's been a long time, my boy", said Hisashi in his deep, booming voice, "I believe it goes without saying, but I have missed you". He smiled warmly as he hugged his son. Then, Hisashi caught sight of Eri, who was meekly standing off to the side. "You must be Eri", Hisashi said as he knelt down, "I guess that makes me your new daddy". "Hello", said Eri as she bowed. "Now, what's this I hear about you unlocking a new personality?", asked Hisashi. "That'd be me", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed and he shook Hisashi's hand, "Call me Monkey". "Because of the face, right?", asked Hisashi, "When Inko told me you and All Might dabbled in black witchcraft, I thought she was exaggerating somewhat. Then I saw the Sports Festival, which, by the way, not easy to stream in the U.S, but you boys did well".
"Thanks", smiled Monkey. "Don't mention it kid", said Hisashi, "Truthfully, finding out about you was more shocking to me than...you know, the thing". "What thing?", asked Eri. "She doesn't know about the thing?", asked Hisashi. "She's been with us for only a week so far, and Mom doesn't really talk about the thing", said Monkey. "Right, I knew this conversation was coming", said Hisashi as he knelt down to Eri's level, "Eri, I want you to listen to me very carefully. Sometimes, when you're away from the people you love like I am, whether you realize it or not, you begin to drift away from them. It's no one's fault, things like that can just happen. That doesn't mean we have to happy about it, you understand?"
"I guess so", said Eri, "Does that mean you stop loving?" "Well, nobody ever really stops loving", said Hisashi, "Not people like me anyway. What happened was that work took up to much of my life. Your mother was being hurt by my absence, so I had to make a sacrifice to make her happy again. Happily, we both realized that we...were better off as friends. It broke my heart to have to sign those papers upon that realization, but Inko's happiness makes me happy." "What if you find someone else to make you happy?", asked Eri. "Well, then I have to work to make my potential paramour happy as well", said Hisashi, "Remember, my children, that no relationship is either all give or all take. But as it is, our time together is limited. Why not discuss something lighter?" So, for the next two hours before his flight, Hisashi, Izuku, Eri, and Monkey discussed a wide range of topics, like school life at UA, how to tell if sliced apples had any bruises, and the finer points of working as an Intern under Dr. Fate herself. None were aware of the dark events about to be set in motion.
Back on the mainland, Kurogiri closed his laptop, satisfied with the results shared to him by Dr. Merlot. "It surprises me that you don't send the Grimm to I-Island", said Dabi, lurking in a corner, "To think of what might happen if the great city of science were to fall". "The best way to annihilate the fragile society of Heroes is to turn their greatest tool against them", said Kurogiri, "Hope is a powerful thing, and one must wait for the right time to relieve the people of it. Sensei was wise in choosing Wolfram, but Wolfram was wiser for coming up with the plan. I look forward to sitting back and watching it play out"…
Author's note: Man, isn't it nice to read a story where Izuku's dad isn't human garbage? For once, he has a realistic explanation as to why he and Inko aren't together and doesn't hate his only birth child. As for how I plan to write him, my headcanon voice for Hisashi is Keith David(I've been watching Pluto on Netflix recently) and, while not exactly a cast mainstay, this won't be the last we see of him.