Hey, guys. BD is back with another chapter of 'A Schnee Holiday.' In this chapter, Izuku resorts to an old friend for assistance. Meanwhile, All Might and Sansa need to find Izuku, or else a certain figurehead will make sure they will find him for him. Misadventures and mishaps will occur. Enjoy!
Izuku instructed the taxi driver to drop him off near the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. On the surface, the driver would probably think that Izuku was heading to a comic book convention. As the car went to a complete stop, the taxi driver glared at the mirror at the cosplaying Izuku.
After leaving All Might's apartment, Izuku fled to a back alley where there was a basement sex shop that Minoru frequented. He recalled the perverted dwarf telling him that it was a place of refuge for runaway teens. With limited options, he took Mineta's suggestion and went to the sex shop.
It was to his surprise that the owner was none other than Reiko's cousin. It gave the teen a peace of mind that the Astolfo-looking boy was going to look after him. After explaining to him his situation, Reiko's cousin insisted on helping him. Providing him with a costume, a wig, and applied makeup to hide his freckles, Izuku was now in his disguise.
"Didn't think Comic-Con operated this early, sonny." The taxi driver said as he put the car in park. "Normally, I would get a notification for potential customers. You guys bring in the cash."
Dressed as 9S from NieR, the disguise-wearing teen ran his finger through his white hair as he nervously chuckled to the livery driver. The last thing he wanted to do was give him no depiction that he was on the run. "It's more of a private affair. A meet-and-greet of sorts."
"Gotcha! Keep forgetting these things still occur nowadays. Now be careful, sonny. Don't want you to walk into a setup. A doll like yourself can attract some strange bedfellows."
He nervously chuckled again, questioning whether the warning was a euphemism or statement of facts. Either way, he was at his destination. He reached into his pocket and handed the taxi driver his fare. He even added an additional tip into his rough hands. "Thanks for the drop-off. I do have a question though."
"Sure."
"If you see four beautiful, silver-haired gaijins and they ask who your recent fare is, what would you say?"
"The truth, sonny." The driver said, smiling. "A beautiful otokonoko dressed like a schoolboy on his way to a gravure shoot."
He was taken aback by the comment, nevertheless, he knew his identity wouldn't be blown. The cab driver smiled and winked at the teen before putting the car in drive and drove back into traffic.
What Izuku didn't want to say, in case of prying ears, Endeavor's agency was just a ruse.
Endeavor's agency was a no-way zone. If he knew Auntie Willow like he did, she or someone she has paid would have set up shop there and confirmed his whereabouts. Also, what she didn't think he knew was that Enji and Jacques have a productive relationship when it comes to dust and weaponry.
Jacques, as much as the professional he portrayed himself to be, was also vain and a bragger. In the conversation post-intercourse with Jacques' family, the proud man admitted the plans to establish ties with Enji and his agency. With the SDC supplying the agency with dust, Izuku knew that Enji would have easily given away Izuku for nothing.
Sporting his 9S getup, the disguise was necessary. In case there were prying eyes and ears, they would be in search of a freckled-face, emerald-haired teen and not a white-haired, blue-eyed teen in a costume.
There was a dive bar situated in the former catacombs of the Aoyama district in Downtown Musutafu. Surprisingly, the club was named Secrets. The host club was restricted and limited to those with a black club. On the surface, it seemed to be a regular top-of-the-mill, corrugated pachinko club. No one would question it — especially when there are two six-foot security guards that represent Nigeria and the Polynesian islands guarding the joint.
Upon entering, Izuku knew he was in good hands. After pressing his fingerprints to the scanner, showcasing his black card, and saying the secret password, he was among the room of the elite.
Pro Heroes, businessmen, doctors, lawyers, professors, entertainers, and the like filled in the speakeasy each and every night. Whatever their hearts and their dollars desire, they name it, they got it.
He approached the bar where he was met with a bartender wearing a bowtie, cat ears and nothing more.
"How can I help you, pudding?" The voluptuous bartender asked Izuku.
"A glass of lemon water and peanuts," responded the teen.
"Coming right up," she said.
Feeling confident that nobody of the Midoriya household would see him, he removed his blindfold as he sat at the bar.
"Lemon water and peanuts." The bartender slid to the table. "Anything else?"
"You're fine. Thanks." Izuku slipped her a tip on the table.
The bartender smiled as she took the tip from him. "If you're looking for some company, my break is in an hour." She winked, shaking her naked, curvy ass as she walked away to serve another customer.
Izuku ignored her advances and took a swig of his drink. Appreciative of the gesture, this was business. If things didn't get handled accordingly, it was his literal ass on the table being served with sushi and sashimi.
Being here wasn't a social call. At the same time, it wasn't exactly business. It was more of a favor. In a way, Endeavor indirectly played a role in this. There was a contact who served as an intern for the agency. It was a miracle that the number was kept on his phone. With Weiss and Winter deleting much of his female contact, it was a blessing, if not the luck of the draw, that they didn't delete this contact.
"A glass of brandy, hold the ice." He kept his face forward. He was familiar with this particular voice. Izuku tapped the table, requesting another shot of lemon. He tapped the table again to alert the bartender. "What she is ordering is on my tab."
He grabbed a handful of peanuts before placing them in his mouth.
"I wouldn't think I would ever hear from you again, Izuku Midoriya." The woman in question said. The blonde girl reached in her purse for her Mevius cigarettes. As she was looking for a lighter, Izuku slid a lighter to the side.
"Thanks, Izuku." The woman chuckled as she lit her cigarette. She took a few puffs before blowing it into the air. "Amazing you can still recall my idiosyncrasies, lighter and all."
Izuku nodded at her as he took a few sips of his lemon water. "You know me, smart as a rabbit…"
"And inquisitive as a cat." The blonde responded as she took another puff of her cigarette. Her blue eyes widened when glaring at the teen. Izuku knew that she was reading him. She always did that whenever she interacted with someone, taking the temperature, really determining to see their intentions.
The teen relaxed his body as he grabbed a handful of peanuts. He tapped the table for the bartender. The voluptuous brunette's amber eyes glared at the teen with a candid smile.
"You know what. I'll take a glass of brandy…with ice."
"Charmed." The woman purred. "However, I would like to see some ID."
The blonde reached into her pocket to show the bartender. "He's with me. And put it on Rumi's tab. I think you're familiar with that crazy rabbit."
The bartender licked her lips, looking pleased at being teased. She continued keeping her eyes on him until she had to turn away to make him his drink. The long-haired blonde looked annoyed. It made Izuku smile as he knew it often irked her whenever older women would prey on teenagers like him.
That was typical Joan Arc, a protector of those who she cared for.
"You…need my help." She said, keeping her face forward.
"What made you guess?"
"We've not spoken in a while. You're no longer on the server for League of Legends or Genshin Impact." She shifted her body to face him. She crossed her legs as she straightened out herself. She was sporting a bleached Nirvana skirt with a plaid skirt that gave him Catholic schoolgirl vibes. It was safe to say that she was definitely off duty.
"And Reiko's cousin gave me the tap so it also meant that you didn't have my number," responded Joan. "Don't tell me. Changed phones? Got a new number? Delete it by accident?"
It was a slow burn and he deserved it. He could feel the arrows penetrating his chest. He thanked the bartender as he took a swig of his liquor. He shuddered as he felt the burn shooting through his chest. He wasn't exactly a drinker but a bit of liquid courage was needed.
He put the drink down and shifted his chair to face Joan. "I haven't been a good friend for you, Joan. I know that." He sighed through his nose. "Things were…a bit complicated."
"How complicated?" She retorted. "Complicated as in: you didn't have the guts to tell me that you didn't like me or leaving me alone at the park that day until evening looking like a complete idiot?"
"It wasn't like that."
"How was it, you idiot? You know how I feel about you. What I've said and what you did felt like stomping on my heart."
He took another swig of liquid courage. He knew what he would face when he stepped into the dive bar. The huntress turned Pro Heroine-prospect was crafty, intelligent, savvy — anything that didn't correlate with stupid. She and Izuku have a history. A history that wasn't certainly forgotten by the blonde woman.
"Listen, Joan, I had a lot to digest at the time," he interjected. "I had no intentions to hurt you." He dropped his head. "I know there isn't much of anything to convince you to believe me but guaranteed that I had my reasons."
"So after six months of ghosting me, you just want to waltz back into my life and ask for help?"
"In so many words, yes."
"Fine~!" She shut her eyes, taking a breath and allowing the nicotine to kick in. "Reiko's cousin owes me a solid anyway. And you're gonna make it up to me by doing whatever I ask. Wakarimasu ka~!?"
"Wakarimasu ne! I swear on my pride as the son of the House of Midoriya, I can and will do so."
Joan blew a raspberry, and at the same time she rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't swear on something you can't promise, particularly if the house wants to cash you in." She grabbed the glass and took a sip. "But I believe you."
They clinked their glasses and swallowed the rest of the drink before slamming it on the table.
"C'mon, we need to get going." Joan laid a few dollars down on the table.
"Where are we going?"
"Rumi's place."
"Nani?!'
"Listen…if you're going to prepare for battle, we're going to need reinforcements," said Joan. "And I am also her roommate so…"
"Do you think it's wise to meet there? Considering…."
Joan chuckled at the teen. "Mirko is in the top five of Pro Heroes. You think Endeavor is the only one with hideaways and bungalows around the city?" She extended her hand and flicked his forehead. "Plus a change of clothes would be nice before seeing her. Mirko doesn't discriminate for age when it comes to getting a good laid either, teen or adults, if they are single, have a good dick and can scratch her itch she will go for it, most times resulting in gangbangs!"
Izuku started to sweat and his face turned red at the prospect of coming face to face with the infamous and fierce #5 Rabbit Heroine herself. He gulped nervously. "As long as the intent is to help me."
"We're going to need as much help, especially since you want to take down the Schnee family," said Joan. "They have a lot of pull here to the point that even the Yaoyorozu family can't even touch them and they practically own the city."
"I am just thankful that you are going to help me. I owe you."
"Oh, yes you do. Big time! But we'll discuss that later."
Meanwhile….
Toshinori heard the knock at the door. He rushed, looked at the peephole, and saw that it was Sansa.
"Hey, Sansa. Come on in." All Might said as he let his good friend into the apartment, attempting to mask the unease in his voice.. As the cat-headed officer entered the apartment, the former symbol of peace knew that he was a nervous wreck. He could tell that his mind was going at eight million directions at once.
"We're screwed."
"I assume you got my message about Izuku?"
Sansa nodded gravely. "Yes, I did. This is a problem, Toshinori," he replied, using All Might's real name. "Considering the involvement of the Schnee family, this could escalate quickly. Willow is not one to be trifled with."
All Might's shoulders slumped, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "I never expected Izuku to run away like this. I thought he would trust me enough to stay."
"Could you blame him? Considering that his own mentor was plotting to set him up?"
He covered his face, hiding his embarrassment and shame. "Please don't say that, Sansa. I had no intention of doing Midoriya-shounen like that. He's like a son to me."
"Toshinori please. You covet Inko more than anything else."
"Please, Sansa. Stop it!"
"Why keep the wool in your eyes." Sansa sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Midoriya was just a mere accessory, part of a package deal. Inko was your main prize."
The two exchanged a troubled glance, both aware of the potential fallout. All Might had hoped to protect Izuku, but the events had spiraled out of control. The Schnee family's influence was vast, and their pursuit of Izuku posed a threat not only to him but to those who had been trying to shield him.
"Why did you tell me that you were part of White Fang?" Toshinori said, showing the dread on his face. "I know we're best friends and I love you for it, but how did you get tangled up in this?"
"Don't point fingers at my side activities. That is like the pot calling the kettle black," he retorted. "What I do with my spare time is my business just as you do with your spare time, Mr. Voyager!"
"..." All Might was speechless.
"You thought I was kidding? Willow initially wanted me to throw you under the bus but I persuaded her that you could be handled," responded Sansa. "Willow has photos of me interacting with various people that are politicians, lawyers, policemen. If they knew that she knew and this gets blown, then it is my ass in a sling."
All Might had to take a seat. This was becoming too much for him.
"Like I said, Willow wanted me to sell you out if you weren't so useful," said Sansa. "She has photos of you spying on Inko, photos that displayed Inko's private moments. Moments that are meant to be shared with a loved one. A loved one that isn't you but Hisashi."
"Hisashi should be put down. If it wasn't for Hisashi, then Inko wouldn't be in this mess."
"What does her personal life have to do with the fact that you can face scrutiny for being a stalker?"
"..."
Sansa watched All Might closely, gauging his reaction. "Willow has evidence of your surveillance on Inko," he stated bluntly. "Photos that could expose your actions to the public, tarnishing your image as the Symbol of Peace."
All Might's jaw tightened, and he ran a hand through his hair, a deep furrow forming on his forehead. "I was trying to protect her. I didn't mean for it to come to this," he muttered, the guilt evident in his voice.
"Protection doesn't mean spilling your seed to the ground," retorted Sansa. "Get real, man. You covet Inko and you're willing to sell out her own son to save your neck. Quit lying to yourself."
"..."
"Willow is not someone we can reason with easily. She's given us an ultimatum: help her capture Izuku, and she'll keep the photos from reaching other Pro Heroes and the public."
A heavy silence hung in the air as All Might processed the difficult choice before him. The consequences of his actions were catching up, and the price for protecting his reputation seemed higher than ever.
"What do you propose?" All Might asked.
"We need to find Izuku and give him to Willow. If we do that, then Willow let sleeping dogs lie," responded Sansa.
"What do we get out of this?"
"Our freedom!" Sansa barked. "Internal Affairs and the Ministry won't be on my ass and you won't have to walk the streets as being the perverted hero as you are."
The alliance he had formed with Officer Sansa now felt more like a fragile truce, with the fate of both Izuku and All Might hanging in the balance.
"All Might, we need to make a decision quickly. Time is not on our side," Sansa urged, breaking the silence. "What's it gonna be?"
All Might's hands trembled as he clutched the photo of happier times—him, Izuku, and Inko, smiling in front of UA High School after the sports festival. The image served as a painful reminder of the trust that had once bound them together. Tears welled in the hero's eyes, tracing the contours of his worn cheeks.
"Izuku, my boy," he whispered, the weight of his decision pressing on him. The choice to betray his protege, to give in to Willow's demands, felt like a betrayal of the ideals he had sworn to uphold. "I'm so, so sorry!"
Sansa watched All Might's struggle, empathy in his eyes but determination in his voice. "Toshinori, I know this isn't easy for you. But we need to act swiftly to minimize the damage. Willow won't wait, and the longer this drags on, the worse it'll be for all of us."
Nodding reluctantly, All Might wiped away his tears, his resolve strengthening. "I understand, Sansa. I'll help you find Izuku. We can't let Willow expose everything."
A few minutes later….
The dimly lit parking garage echoed with the soft hum of distant engines as Sansa and All Might made their way to the unmarked squad car. The air was thick with tension, the weight of their decisions hanging heavily in the atmosphere.
"If I know Izuku like I know him, we won't see him at his frequent spots. That would be too easy," said Toshinori.
"Think hard, Toshinori. Midoriya is a popular kid. His friendships give more connections than the subway line," responded Sansa. "Is there a girlfriend, best friend, anyone you think he can trust?"
"Bakugo is out of the question as he would give him up for nothing. Izuku is as single as a dollar bill. And the close friends he does have are at practice. So, we could stop by Endeavor's hero agency."
"Think he'll be there."
"Wouldn't hurt to try. We were on our way there before you-know-what happened."
"For our sake, I hope you're right."
Sansa unlocked the car, and they both slid into the front seats.
As Sansa adjusted his rearview mirror, his eyes widened in shock at the unexpected sight that greeted him.
His sharp, ice-blue eyes carried a piercing intensity, capable of assessing and dissecting any situation with unnerving precision. A well-groomed salt-and-pepper beard adorned his face, framing a mouth that seemed permanently set in a thin, disapproving line.
Dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, he exuded an aura of authority and refinement. His posture was rigid, and his presence commanded attention, befitting a man accustomed to wielding power and influence. A silver, intricately designed tie clip secured his tie in place, adding a touch of sophistication to his otherwise stern appearance.
Despite the apparent calm on the surface, there was an underlying tension in the way he held himself—an indication that he was not one to be underestimated. His silver hair, neatly combed, added to the air of authority that surrounded him, as if every strand spoke of his control over the intricate threads of his family's legacy.
The cold aura surrounding him sent shivers down their spines.
"Jacques?!"
"What is the meaning of this, Salai?" Jacques Schnee's voice was calm, but the underlying authority made it clear that he held the upper hand.
Sansa exchanged a glance with All Might, both realizing that their plans were unraveling faster than they could control. "Jacques, this isn't what we agreed upon. We were on our way to locate Izuku, as we discussed," Sansa explained, attempting to maintain a semblance of composure.
Jacques leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Plans change, Belladonna. I have my ways of ensuring that my interests are protected. It seems you've underestimated the situation. And for the record, Faunus, only my friends call me Jacques."
Sansa's jaw clenched, the guilt and frustration simmering beneath the surface. "What do you want? We're following your orders from your wife."
He chuckled, a humorless sound that sent a chill down their spines. "Lest we forget, Salai, that I am the one that runs this operation." He sighed as he gripped the headrest behind Sansa.
"I find it quite inconvenient that I had to come out myself," Jacques remarked, his tone sharp and authoritative. "I expected a simple request to locate my son would be handled efficiently. Instead, I'm here to ensure that you both understand the gravity of the situation."
The confines of the car seemed to shrink further, the weight of Jacques' expectations pressing down on Sansa and All Might. The patriarch's piercing gaze held a challenge, as if daring them to defy his wishes or question his authority.
"You will find Izuku Midoriya swiftly, and you will ensure that he is brought to me without further complications," Jacques continued, his words leaving no room for negotiation. "I won't tolerate any more delays or mistakes. This matter is of great importance to me, and I expect you both to carry out your duties with the utmost diligence."
Sansa and All Might exchanged a wary glance, understanding the gravity of the figurehead's instructions. The atmosphere within the car remained tense as Sansa nodded in acknowledgment, gripping the steering wheel with a firm resolve.
"Very well, Mr. Schnee. We will ensure that your expectations are met," Sansa replied, his voice steady despite the underlying tension.
"Good because I'm only going to say this once." His piercing blue eyes stared at the cat-headed officer. "Put the car in gear and drive, we're heading to see Enji. There is a meeting we're attending."
"Mr. Schnee, why are we going to Endeavor's agency? What meeting are you referring to?" All Might asked, his voice firm but edged with curiosity
Jacques fixed All Might with a cold stare, his response laced with authority. "That is on a need-to-know basis, All Might. Focus on the task at hand, and refrain from asking unnecessary questions. Unless there is something you want to share with Hisashi about his Inko."
The car continued its journey through the city, the tension inside escalating with every passing block. All Might clenched his jaw, his frustration evident, but he acquiesced to Jacques' demand for silence. The secrets surrounding Izuku, the Schnee family, and the mysterious meeting at Endeavor's agency unfolded like a dark tapestry, leaving both heroes uncertain about the path that lay ahead.
As the car approached its destination, the looming presence of Endeavor's agency stood as a backdrop to the shadows of uncertainty that had enveloped them. The meeting awaited, and with it, the promise of revelations that would shape the course of their intertwined destinies.
Sometime later….
The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels echoed in the narrow compartment as Joan and Izuku sat in silence, their destination a closely guarded secret. Mirko, a hero who had taken an interest in their plight, had offered them refuge in her hidden apartment. The journey felt like an eternity for Izuku, anxiety coiling in his stomach like a serpent.
His mind was a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. The recent revelation about the Schnee family's intentions had shaken him to the core. The idea of being handed over to them like a commodity was terrifying, yet the fear of becoming their slave loomed even larger.
Joan, glancing out of the window, noticed Izuku's unease. "Hey, Izuku, everything's gonna be okay. We're in this together," she reassured, placing a comforting hand on Izuku's shoulder.
Izuku offered a shaky smile in return, grateful for her support. "I know, Joan, but the Schnee family... I can't shake the feeling that they know what we're doing. What if they find out where I am?"
She sighed, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Izuku, we can't let fear control us. We're taking steps to protect you, and Mirko is someone we can trust. She'll help us figure things out. Besides, Hawks is meeting us at the subway station to guide us the rest of the way. We're not alone in this."
As the train slowed down, Joan and Izuku gathered their belongings, preparing to disembark. The subway station loomed ahead, its dimly lit platforms adding an air of mystery to their clandestine journey. Joan cast a reassuring glance at Izuku, leading the way as they stepped onto the platform.
Sure enough, a familiar figure was waiting for them in the shadows – Hawks, the skilled hero known for his agility and sharp senses. He wore a casual disguise, blending into the bustling crowd as he approached them.
"Hey, kids. Ready for the next leg of the journey?" Hawks greeted them with a casual smirk.
Joan nodded, her expression determined. "Absolutely. We need to get Izuku to Mirko's place without any trouble. He's being hunted by the Schnee family."
Hawks's demeanor shifted to a more serious tone. "I've got your back. We'll make sure you reach Mirko's apartment safely. Once you're there, she'll fill you in on the plan to keep you hidden and deal with the Schnees."
Izuku, despite his nervousness, felt a renewed sense of hope. With Joan and Hawks by his side, he believed they could navigate the dangers ahead. As they made their way through the labyrinthine subway passages, Izuku clung to the idea that Mirko's hidden sanctuary might offer him the refuge he so desperately needed.
At least for a short while.
To be continued….