Sometime around Midnight
Tensei Ida, aka the pro hero Ingenium, awoke in the darkness of his hospital room, blurry-eyed from the pain; he noticed a faint sweet perfume in the air. A scent he knew very well.
"Nemi," Tensei croaked out.
"Shh," Nemuri, aka Midnight, replied. "Don't talk, Ten, I am right here."
Nemuri came into view; she was sitting at the side of his bedandgently took his hand. Tensei, ever the hero, squeezed her hand and tried to smile for her. "Oh, Ten," Nemuri said, rubbing his hand against her cheek. "I just had to see you."
"I miss you," Tensei said slowly. "Coming back?"
"It isn't over," Nemi said, holding back her tears. "I told you I am no good for you, not to wait for me. Besides, your mother hates me."
"Don't care," Tensei said, looking into her eyes. "You are worth it."
"Silly man," Nemuri said. She leaned over and kissed him lightly. "Sleep."
"Okay," Tensei said as Nemuri released a bit of her gas, putting him back to sleep.
Nemuri stood there looking over him for a minute; she hastily wiped her tears and walked out of the room, pulling out her phone. "Prodigy, get the team up, and to Hosu, we will hunt down Stain!"
"Yes, ma'am," Prodigy's voice rang out in response.
Izuku
The group talked far into the night; each had a slightly different perspective on Veronica and her "awakening," as they started to call it. Surprisingly, Mei and Melissa were both very excited about the prospect but could still express their worries over what the whole situation meant, the birth of anew life form, and how that life form would be treated going forward. It would be hard for people to recognize it as a new life form and not just a complex piece of machinery, which it was, but it wasn't. They would be the ones responsible for the introduction and integration of Veronica into their little world. A rapidly expanding little world.
As the hour drew well past midnight, the girls, too exhausted to continue, adjourned to their beds. Izuku walked Momo to her room, andhe turned to leave when she caught his hand. Momo didn't say anything. With a gentle tug, he followed her into the room; they stripped their clothing and tumbled into bed. Momo laid her head on his chest in the crook of his arm, slowly adjustingandmaking herself comfortable. He lightly scratched her back as she rested her hand on his chest. No words passed between them as her breathing slowed and steadied as she fell asleep. It took a bit longer for Izuku; as he lay there in the dark, he realized it was barely the weekend, and the 3rd-year sports festival was wrapped up. So much had happened over the past three days, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Izuku reached out and checked on the girls. Mina was asleep peacefully, as was Kyoka, and everyone in the dorms seemed to be at peace tonight. Izuku closed his eyes, thinking of the far-off planets, Reiko and her search for things that go bump in the night, Thirteen and her love of space, Kyoka and her kiss, Mina's confession, his father's arrival, andthe revelation of his sister.
There was one more part, a part he had not shared with the girls. His mother, his mother was a member of the same organization as his father; by their teachings, she should have either killed him or just given him up for adoption. Yet she stuck around trying to get him to accept his fate, move to a quirkless village, and fade away. It was a sick and twisted love, if he could even call it that. He had read her mind; nothing she felt was remorse or sorrow for her actions or what she had done or not done regarding him. Instead, he had found self-pity for the power he displayed, Momo and Melissa by his side. The self-pity for the lost opportunity his power would have given them, nothing about what he had gone through or been put through. Then, seething hatred when it was announced Melissa was quirkless; how was the organization going to hate that they had squandered bringing Izuku into the fold, and now a quirkless girl was all over the news and screens of the U.A. Sports Festival?
Part of Izuku had held out hope that there was love there, and he had somehow driven her away. He had, but it had been because he was quirkless and did not want to conform to her beliefs. Izuku knew that the bare minimum of not killing him or giving him up for adoption was not enough. Hisashi had abandoned him, not them and Izukufelt responsible for his father abandoning them. He knew that Hisashi had left because he was quirkless, and he was right. But Inko had stood with him, which made the difference, but it was due to this bare minimum, not out ofunconditional love. When he was twelve, they visited one of the quirkless communities; if he had wanted to stay, she would have walked away without glancing back. Could that have been called love?
Yet, he remembered her holding him when he had a nightmare, kissing the skinned knee, washing his hair, reading him stories, or just holding him on the couch. Moments of kindness? Or were they moments of love? Again, all he could think was that it was a sick and twisted kind of love. It was not hard to see Hisashi as the monster and huge asshole that he was; since that day, he had a more challenging time seeing Inko in thesame negative way. He felt what had happened between them was their fault, a bit more her than him, but he thought he had a part to play in it all. Even his therapy sessions with Jean had not alleviated that nagging thought that came to him in those moments when everything was quiet that he was still to blame.
Izuku was not to blame; he knew that now. He could have found out sooner, but he had to admit he was afraid to find out. Either way, the situation wasthe answer he was not ready to find out till now; even now, he wasn't ready. Like a child, some may say he held out hope, a hope, and faith in his mother for something good. Izuku realized he had been holding out an unrealistic hope for Inko; since she had stayed for so long, he had hoped that beneath it all was love.
But, Izuku didn't find what he was hoping for; he wanted to chastise himself for being so damn selfish. What he had to admit was an abnormal number of women who were in love with him, somehow willing to be with him, and understand his role as the Phoenix. He looked down at Momo so peacefully asleep; how beautiful she looked, her nude body pressed against him. Using his empathy, he could feel love, peace, andcontentment. Other emotions were swirling, but there was no anger or disgust; he felt her stir, grabbed him tighter, sighed, and fell back into her deep slumber.
Despite everything here, Izuku was in the arms of a gorgeous woman loved by more beautiful women and ready to keep moving forward to change the world. Tomorrow, he would reach out to Nezu. Maybe even go on a picnic, which sounded rather nice; he had recently discovered this beautiful hilltop withperfect star-gazing and even a picnic.
Morning found Momo and him in the same position they had fallen asleep in. Momo smiled before her hand slipped between his legs, finding him hard and ready for her; she was happy to oblige his wants as she had woken with an intense ache between her legs that only he could satisfy. They showered before the call of breakfast called them from their room. Despite the late night, it was relatively early, only 8 am, when they came down.
They found Ochaco on the phone, with Denki and Sato standing there with intense looks on their faces.
"Okay, Tenya, I understand," Ochaco said. "If you need anything, please let us know. Okay. See you Monday." Ochaco looked to the duo. "He says they are processing everything, that his brother has been injured but is alive, and wouldn't go into more details."
"That massively sucks," Denki said.
"We have to respect his wishes, but to be returning on Monday?" Sato added. "He should take more time."
"What is going on?" Momo asked, walking towards the group.
"Oh, you didn't hear?" Ochaco said. Denki turned his phone towards Momo so she could see the headline.
Ingenium attacked by Hero Killer Stain left in critical condition.
"Oh, my goodness," Momo said, her hand coming to her mouth. "Did it happen during the sports festival?"
Ochaco nodded, "That was why he left early. I texted him as soon as I read the headline. I called him this morning to follow up, but you heard the conversation." Ochaco nibbled on her bottom lip, "I just hope his brother will be okay."
"He is a well-respected pro hero. I am sure he is receiving the best medical care," Sato said, touching her shoulder.
Ochaco just let loose a heavy sigh. As more of the class came downstairs, the more the topic was about Tenya and the attack on his brother, andword of Ochaco's conversation with Tenya got around quickly. Momo composed a text in the group chat from the class wishing Tenya's brother well and that they were all there for him if/when he needed them. Slowly, they began to go about their weekend plans, enjoying the long rest from the festival.
Nezu & Izuku
Nezu was surprised when Izuku reached out requesting a meeting, but he was happy to accept and try to repair what he had put wrong. Nezu was on campus reviewing reports from the Sports Festival, so he told Izuku that he was available anytime. Izuku told him he would be there momentarily.
Before Izuku arrived, Nezu's brow furrowed as he read a report from the security office that Hisashi Midoriya had checked in to see Izuku the day after the sports festival and that, per request, the officer had notified All-Might. Nezu thumbed through the reports and was surprised to see a report from All-Might on the meeting. Nezu read over the report, his eyes widening at the detail All-Might had provided andthe report's content.
So Izuku's parents were members of the Mutant Liberation Front, abandoned their son, andonly came back to try and manipulate him into their good graces, aside from the lunacy of Izuku Midoriya killing his father, bringing him back to life and that nonsense about the erection it all seemed very real. This would explain the lack of emergency contact in Izuku's file aside from Ms. Yaoyorozu.
Nezu reread the report before Izuku arrived; after some polite greetings, Izuku took a seat. "I am surprised to hear from you, Mr. Midoriya. How can I be of assistance?"
"The root of my question is, what are the possible arrangements that can be provided to allow me to take in my sister?" Izuku asked.
"I was unaware that you had a sister until I read a report All-Might filed just after I spoke with you about this meeting?" Nezu replied.
"What report?" Izuku immediately activated his empathy to see if Nezu was lying.
"After we spoke, I went over different reports and read a report from the security office that your father had come to visit," Nezu said. "In that report, it was stated that they contacted All-Might." Nezu could tell this statement made Izuku bristle. "I have not had the opportunity to speak with All-Might about why this protocol was in place, but I assume it stems from the conflict between you and him. In that report, he made contact with our your father…" Nezu noticed how Izuku reacted to that word. "He made contact with Hisashi Midoriya, who then told All-Might of his and Inko Midoriya's connection with the Mutant Liberation Movement, his abandonment, etc, and his attempt to manipulate you to his side with the news that you had a sister."
"Is that all it said?" Izuku asked.
"There was some nonsense Hisashi Midoriya said about death and being brought back and erectile dysfunction," Nezu said.
"Yes, nonsense," Izuku said, the manner though, itsent a shiver through Nezu. "I do not wish to leave my sister in their custody for reasons you can understand, and I will attempt to become her legal guardian. I wanted you to see what kind of accommodations there are for young families or single fathers. I cannot imagine that a student has not become pregnant during their time here at U.A."
"I would have to question how you would care for the girl?" Nezu said. "You are but a student yourself and not financially flush. You are now on a scholarship, but that scholarship does not cover such an increase in housing costs."
"Then there is something in place," Izuku said with a smile. "Regarding the financial aspect, I would like to see the increase, and then I can adjust accordingly. If I can secure guardianship for my sister, would I look into hiring a full-time caretaker to assist in her care? That is my financial burden to undertake and my responsibility."
"That is correct," Nezu said; he knew that Izuku was not telling him something, but he was in abit of aplace to demand such answers from the young man. "Facilities are available; you would no longer be living in the dorms with your classmates. They have not been used in a few years, but I can have Cementos look them over and ensure they are sound."
Nezu paused and rubbed his chin, "There may be some other options regarding housing; let me look into it and get back to you. Till then, I will send you the information about the standard accommodations for a three-bedroom for you to review."
"I would appreciate that," Izuku said.
"Before you leave, I want to inform you that I still have not seen your complaint form against Mr. Togata. We need that filled out to take further action," Nezu said.
"I understand; it will be sent by nightfall," Izuku stood up and bowed politely to each other.
Promise Kept
Izuku did not return to the dorms; he filled in Momo, Mei, and Melissa about the results of his meeting andthe suggestion of a picnic with all of them had been meeting with enthusiasm. Mina and Kyoka were happy to join in, and it would be good tohelp buildthe bond between them all.
Izuku walked towards the General Studies dorms much larger than the hero course dorms. He liked how they all faced each other in a large central courtyard with what looked to be some permanentfood or drink stands and plenty of outdoor tables. It seemed to promote more comradery than the hero course dorms, which were all separated.
He located the first-year dorms and saw who he was looking for sitting off to the side of the building, reading a book.
"Hello, Tim," Izuku said.
Tim jolted hearing his name; he turned and looked at Izuku, his eyes wide. "You remembered."
"I did," Izuku said. "I would have come by earlier, but things got a bit hectic; I had some free time, so I wanted to come by and say hello."
"Thank you, that means a lot," Tim said with a smile. "I don't know what to do?"
"What have you always wanted to do?" Izuku responded.
"Go to the movies, but I am sure you have plans. Do youwant to play some video games?" Tim said, getting to his feet.
"How about we go to the movies next weekend? Let's play some games," Izuku responded as he followed Tim inside the dorms. Izuku noticed how graceful Tim was in slipping past other students; a lifetime of not being seen had given him adifferent talent for moving past people. Toru could learn things from Tim; he would have to look into introducing them. It would require some engineering on his part to make sure Toru remembered Tim; he was sure that Tim would appreciate it.
Izuku saw some looks as he walked up the stairs; he wasn't a member of their class; he saw the boy with purple orbs for hair glaring at him as he entered, but Izuku paid it no mind. As they reached the third floor, he saw a girl with Blue-Black hair, a redhead, and a girl with snow-white hair; they stopped, stunned, seeing Izuku in their dorm. They were all dressed rather nicely; it was obvious that they were going out for the day.
"Oh, hello," Izuku said with a smile. " Suijin Yamada, Pamela Ivey and Miu Nakumura, right?"
"You know our names?" Suijin said with a bit of blush; Izuku smiled. "Not to be rude, but what are you doing in our dorms?"
"I made a promise to visit Tim," Izuku saw the confusion across their faces.
"Hello!" Tim said they all jumped.
"Holy cow, Tim, when did you get here?" Miu said, her hand over her pounding heart.
Izuku saw the look dance through Tim's eyes, "I have been here the whole time; Izuku remembers me, so he came to hang out for a bit."
"Oh, that is cool," Pamela said. "I guess have fun."
"You three as well," Izuku said. "You all look very nice today. Be safe out there." Izuku said, stepping past them with Tim. He didn't notice the girls looking at each other with a faint blush.
Izuku entered Tim's room; it was very eclectic, withdifferent types of posters or pictures hung everywhere anda black velvet painting of Midnight hung on the wall. Neon stars on the ceiling had a strange theme of just fun. Everything was interesting; only the peculiar rug and bedding seemed to tie everything together; it would all glow under a black light. Tim was nervous, andIzuku just smiled.
"I have to see it under the black light," Izuku said. Tim quickly shut the blinds and grabbed a remote as the room lit up; Izuku saw that thepaint on the wallsglowed vibrant purple and green under the light. "Damn cool."
"Thanks," Tim said, then powered up the game system and handed Izuku a controller. "I have to ask, how do you remember me?"
"I am a telepath," Izuku said. "I have a very keen awareness of things around me, but it wasn't until I saw you on top of the castle that I noticed you. One I did, I used my telepathy to make it so I wouldn't forget."
"Telepath and Telekinetic?" Tim said in wonder; Izuku just nodded.
"I could do the same for your friends; I could plant a small telepathic suggestion to help them remember you. I would want to get their permission first," Izuku said as Infinite Beyond Omega Smash Brawlers loaded up.
"You would do that for me?" Tim said; Izuku nodded as he selected Omega Master for their brawl. "Why?"
"To help you," Izuku said. "I will be honest. Your quirk is pretty amazing. I mean, you bypassed electronic sensors and my telepathic field; you could be the greatest underground hero ever, the ultimate stealth essentially," Izuku said. "That drawback, though, is something I can't imagine. I was a late bloomer and anincredibly late bloomer. I felt invisible or forgettable, but that was just a feeling, not reality."
"It sucks!" Tim said. "No one noticed, everyone forgetting. I remember sending birthday invites and people responding, butthey forgot. You can make friends or talk to girls. There was one benefit."
"What was that?" Izuku said, curious as the stage came tolife and the buttons began to be mashed.
"If I bombed talking to agirl, all I had to do was walk out the door and back in," Tim laughed. "One time, I biffed it during sports day, tore my shorts, and no one saw but my mom."
"I guess in those circumstances," Izuku replied, dodging an attack. "There is a girl with an Invisibility quirk in my class; she can't turn it off, so you can see her clothes, but youcan't see her. No facial cues or other tells that you would normally use. I think she would understand what you are going through the best, but even then."
"People may not see her, but they remember her. With me, they don't see me or remember me even if I get their attention; it is only fleeting," Tim said as one of the 8 CPU opponents went flying off-screen. "I would like it if they could remember me; I am tired of being alone. I was losing hope; I entered the sports festival just hoping…" Tim's voice trailed off. "I wanted to do something and be remembered; maybe someone watching television would remember mebesides my mom. You saw me and remembered, just knowing that…Sorry, I didn't mean to dump this on you."
"Don't be Tim, we all need someone we can talk to," Izuku said. "I found that out the other night; I get so angry sometimes due to some bullshit in my life that it blinds me to things. It nearly cost me someone very special, and I can't handle that alone. By chance, I met someone and was able to talk. Being able to share your burden with another sometimes helps. If just remembering you helps, then I am gladI can."
"It did; I mean, it did," Tim said, not looking at Izuku. "If you can help me with some of the others in class, that would mean the world to me."
"Let's talk to them next weekend. Are those three on the stairs? Some of them are. Miu and Suijin, anda few others from the event, I would like it if you could helpwith my family. My dad, sister, shit, my dog," Tim said. "I know it is asking a lot."
"Don't you worry about that, Tim," Izuku said. "Let us start with your family, and then we will talk to the others."
"Thank you, Izuku," Tim said, focusing back on the game.
"You're welcome, Tim."
Picnic
The picnic with all the girls was so much like a dream that he had to pinch himself; the concept of it all left him stunned. There was a bit of a nervous air about it as they sought to find their footing as a group. But good food and stories were enough to break the ice and allow them to open up and share. Izuku needed this; he hadn't realized it until they laughed, and a sense of peace and joysettled over him. All the negatives of the past few days and even the night before, with his thoughts of Inko drifting away for those hours, they enjoyed the picnic.
Of course, Kyoka and Mina had questions about the Phoenix and Izuku's plans. It was a good chance for them to discuss different things they saw wrong and what theythought was the best way to address them. Izuku had to explain that it wasn't certain milestones that would ensure anything and that with the Phoenix, it was a sense of knowing. He had his ideas of where they needed to go or things to be addressed, but he explained that Jean had taught him that he would see if he was moving in the right direction. As of now, he believed they were moving in the right direction.
Questions of his power and abilities came into play duringthe healing at the USJ. The connection they had all felt that it was the power of the Phoenix Force touching them.
"So the Phoenix Force is this cosmic being, and Izuku is its host?" Mina said.
"But he hasn't been the only host," Kyoka said. "Jean was a host for the Phoenix Force, but since Izuku said she had kids and grandkids, it is obvious that she isn't from any of the worlds that burned."
"I believe that is correct," Melissa added. "I believe that the Phoenix Force is a multiverse entity, and Jean was its host from one of those Universes where she succeeded in what the Phoenix Force asked of her."
"I agree with Melissa," Mei said. "The energy signature of the Phoenix leaves behind Cosmic radiation. Its power is on such a different scale that itleaves an imprint, like a mark. I think that whomever Melissa's dad is not aware of the Phoenix but of the imprint it leaves behind."
"I think it is a different Cosmic Being," Momo said after a moment. "The Phoenix is not the only one, Jean told me as much. If the Phoenix touched down, the world would be burned and reset; anyone on the planet would be dead, so there would be no one around to record that imprint."
"Who or what that being was is unknown?" Mina asked, looking at Izuku, who shrugged. "But they share an energy signature with the Phoenix, which means there has been a cosmic visitor in the past."
"What did they do?" Kyoka wondered aloud.
"Maybe Quirks?" Izuku said. "No one knows how or why the first quirks came into existence. According to history, it wasn't like they were treated wellso that you couldn't have a massive breeding program, and quirks just started popping up in different areas with no discernable connection. A random mutation appearing in different parts of the globe at random intervals sounds like someone messing around with something."
"They were kickstarting something," Mei said, leaning back her hands on the grass, her eyes closed as the sun beamed down on her.
"And quirks are different than what Jean called Mutations?" Mina asked Izuku.
"Yes and no," Izuku said. "Both are mutations, but they didn't have things like quirk factors or such. Honestly, their mutations are much more powerful than mostquirks. They would talk of Omega Level Mutants, powerful powers that could affect things globally. One of Jean's best friends could control the weather. Not just the weather on Earth butany planet she was on. Reality Warping that was on planetary scales, Telepathy that just didn't sense thoughts but was communication, mind reading, mental bolts, capable of shutting down someone's mind with a mere thought. Magnetism could flip the magnetic poles on a whim. Some terrifying stuff."
"Were they all super powerful?" Mina said in shock.
"No, but their powers were much more powerful than most quirks. Some weren't, but they had much more going on than just quirks," Izuku said. "Science, aliens, technological, lab accidents, the list is rather long. That doesn't even count the supernatural things as well." Izuku paused, "They were so powerful that people believed they were gods; they thought they were gods from different religions, like Thor or Odin. Hell, they had to deal with a guy who all he did was roam the stars and eat freaking planets!"
The girl's eyes went wide, "Yeah, they had some bananas shit going on in her world."
"Is that something out there right now?" Kyoka said staring at Izuku.
"I don't know," Izuku responded. "I haven't gone looking for it. It and the Phoenix don't have any problems with each other; they are just part of the same cosmic balance. Jean explained that cosmic entities have jobsandserve a purpose, which is their sole existence; they don't care what others are doing; all they do is their purpose. They know that what the others are doing is part of the order of the universe."
"But if it is out there and showed up?" Kyoka said.
"Then I get to fight it," Izuku smiled. "I am not about to let the world be destroyed, just as I have no plans of letting it burn."
"So what is going to happen now?" Melissa said.
"Internships," Momo replied. "Monday, we will receive our internship offers and truly taste what hero work is like."
"I wonder what kind of offers I will get?" Melissa said. A sentiment echoed by the rest of the group. "I wonder if we will get to choose hero names before we head out into the field?"
"I can't wait!" Mina said. "Alien Queen!"
"Creati," Momo smirked.
"Decibel," Kyoka said looking at Izuku.
"Phoenix, of course," Izuku said as they all looked at Melissa.
"I have no idea," Melissa said with a heavy sigh. "I dreamed of being a hero when I was little, but then I had resigned myself to support. So the only names I had were little kid names like Mighty Girl, Little Might, andthings like that when I used to look up to All-Might. But now I don't know what I want."
"You don't have to have one," Mei said. "You can just be Melissa Shield. The quirkless hero: Melissa Shield. Your name is out there; there is no taking it back now. Why hide behind anything if you stand for all the other quirkless people and those with minor quirks."
"Can I?" Melissa looked at the others.
"You can do anything you want!" Mina said suddenly, hugging Melissa. "You decided to make some freaking mini robots and enter the sports festival; I know you didn't ask anyone for permission to do that."
"You're right. I didn't," Melissa said, returning the friendly hug.
"I mean, your name kinda already sounds like a superhero name anyway," Kyoka said, smirking. "Melissa Shield!" Kyoka made her voice deep.
"The Quirkless Hero: Kitsune?" Izuku offered. "Or The Fox Tailed Hero: Kitsune."
"I like some of those," Melissa said as she thought. What name should I choose? Melissa thought. She wanted to choose something that had meaningand somethingspecial to her.
"Well, you have a few days to figure it out," Mina said, releasing her hold on Mel. "Now I made some little tarts for dessert."
"How about Athena?" Melissa said, nibbling on her tart. "It was my mother's name."
"A goddess of war but also a goddess of wisdom," Momo said, taking Melissa's hand.
"It has such a good meaning just from the Goddess standpoint," Kyoka said. "But with the extra meaning of it being your mother's name. That makes it special."
"I think I am going to go with Athena," Melissa said, smiling.
Back to Class
The remainder of the weekend was spent in the company of his girls, with many make-out sessions and a night spent with Mei and Melissa that left Izuku reeling and in theworld of fantasy that permeated his waking hours on Monday. As they walked into class, they were surprised to see Tenya already there; Ochaco, who was with them, stepped towards him andthen stopped.
"Good Morning," Tenya said as Ochaco approached him. "I am sorry if I worried you, Ochaco, but there is no need to be concerned; my brother will be fine."
"Okay," Ochaco responded. "Glad to hear that."
The class finished filing in, and as the bell rang, Mr. Aizawa came in andlooked at the empty seat. "Good morning. I hope you all enjoyed your time off. First order of business: I would like to welcome the newest member of the hero course. Ms. Shield, please enter."
Melissa took a deep breath; she had been in the faculty office signing her paperwork; today was just the beginning, she thought.
Miro Togata
Miro awoke; the entire week had been a mess since the First Years Sports Festival; as part of his unjust punishment, he had been barred from competing in his final sports festival before graduation. Robbed of his opportunity to stand before the world and declare, "I AM HERE." He was ready to deliver a speech to put things into perspective for not only the school but the whole world after that bullshit that Izuku Midoriya had muttered into existence.
That opportunity had been stolen from him; Mirio had always had faith in Nezu. Nezu was part of a small circle that knew the truth behind One for All. The support Nezu initially showed Mirio when he was chosen to become the Ninth Inheritor of One for All, handpicked to carry on the legacy of the greatest hero the world had ever known, was a comfort. Nezu helped clear Mirio to take extra sessions with All-Might andextended training with Sir, andhe felt that Nezu understood. When the problem that is/was Izuku Midoriya reared its ugly head, Nezu helpedput the puzzle pieces together.
Nezu was on their side; he understood that Izuku Midoriya was a dangerous problem; after all, he had approved the second practical exam. When Nezu accepted Midoriya into the school, it set Mirio on edge; they had no reason to deny him entry, and this would allow them to keep a closer eye on him. It seemed that Nezu understood the gravity of the situation, but everything changed after the USJ. Suddenly Nezu was sucking up to Midoriya, putting him on scholarship, then Nezu allowed him to make that opening speech, and the damn Chimera just didn't understand anymore. They were questioning All-Might, suspending the greatest hero for two weeks, putting All-Might's successor on clean-up duty, barring him from the sports festival, anddenying him the opportunity to put right what had been put wrong. Sir Nighteye understood at least, after a late night conversation, Sir had agreed to put the word that Midoriya were questions about Midoriya.
Steps had to be taken; everyone knew that All-Might, Sir Nighteye, Gran Torino, and Detective Tsukauchihad all their investigations into Izuku Midoriya become empty. If that didn't scream villain, then what else could or would? Mirio felt like the Greek prophet Cassandra screaming out only for the world to ignore his warnings. It was becoming more apparent that drastic measures would have to be taken; he would not let Izuku Midoriya poison the world and lead it into the dark ages of quirks again.
An alert roused him from his thoughts as he was immediately summoned to Nezu's office. He vainly hoped that Nezu had come to his senses, but he doubted he was that lucky. As Mirio made his way across campus, he passed the faculty room and saw Melissa Shield stepping out with Mr. Aizawa. Mirio smiled at how joyful the young woman looked with the small lapel pin signifying her as part of the hero course. It was such a tragedy that such a snake had duped her; he reminded himself that he would also have to see about saving her from Midoriya. Mirio was confident that once they learned how to shake Midoriya's hold on Melissa, it would allow them to free Nejire and those poor others who had fallen for his villainy. Mirio didn't have time to handle that todaybutadded it to his list.
Miro swore he heard someone call his name. He turned and thought he saw someone out of the corner of his eye, but when he looked, he sawthey were gone. As he got closer to Nezu's office, he felt this headache coming on,like he was being watched or followed. But there was nothing.
After a quick knock, he was invited in; Nezu was at his desk, andMirio bowed slightly. "You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes, Mr. Togata," Nezu responded. "I have summoned you here to discuss that ever-growing situation between you and Mr. Midoriya. As a formal complaint has been filed, an investigation into the situation has been opened. After reviewing the data, I must apologize as I may have had a paw in this conflict."
Miro felt hope rise in his chest. "When the puzzle of Mr. Midoriya was brought to me by All-Might, I was drawn to the mystery and failed to acknowledge or consider the person. In my error, I put up barriers before Mr. Midoriya entered theU.A. There was increased difficulty in the written exam and the second practical exam. All this was, in truth, an error on my part."
"But sir," Mirio said, only for Nezu to fix him with a look that stopped his protest.
"There is a mystery to Mr. Midoriya, but demanding an answer was not the way to proceed," Nezu continued. "Allowing All-Might to do so was an even larger error."
"Sir, you have to bekidding!" Mirio interjected. "Answers are needed! The disrespect and danger that Midoriya continues to put forth must be apparent. I don't know what happened, but allowinghim to make that address at the sports festival andcontinue attending the university is a grave oversight. He is a danger not only to his class but to others, and you gave him a platform where he was allowed to spew such ignorance and dangerous ideals to the world."
Nezu raised an eyebrow, and Mirio, feeling emboldened, continued. "When approached by All-Might and I, he resorted to violence instead of just answering the questions that were put forth. I will not deny that he is powerful, but that power in his hands is dangerous."
"Great power in the hands of anyone is dangerous," Nezu said. "Including bestowing power on one as ignorant as yourself. Mr. Togata, What has Mr. Midoriya done that screams that he is dangerous? Before you mention his speech, what about that? Is itdangerous? His call for other heroes to work harder and challenge All-Might? To become better heroes that the public trusts and leans on. You and I both know that All-Might is slowing down and why. You would not be sitting here otherwise, or would it have been his words about quirks thatshould be celebrated, not berated? Quirks that left a young man naked on the stage of the Sports Festival his first year. A quirk that you said that others laughed and put you down for."
"A quirk that you instead honed into a formidable weapon that earned you a spot as a member of the Big Three before you inherited One for All!" Nezu said, leaning forward. "Calling for more innovation for the betterment of society, not just thehero community. Did you know that 1-B was jealous of what 1-A had suffered at the USJ? Did he lie when he said that it wasn't All-Might who saved them, but it was themselves? The trauma they suffered and fought through is more than some heroes will experience in their entire lives, and it is more than you have experienced in your work studies. This all happened in their first week!"
"I know; it was him calling for people to be more active, to stand up and not cower to villains," Nezu said as he clapped his paws together. "Nowhere in his speech did he declare that hewas the strongest or the best, that his vision was the only one. He called for the society to work together to advance and grow."
"He is encouraging citizens to take the law into their own hands!" Mirio said. "He is questioning All-Might!"
"Why is that wrong?" Nezu countered. "All-Might is a great hero, a legendary one-of-a-kind type of hero. But he is not the smartest man on the planet; he is not a master tactician. Why have just one All-Might when you can have 100s working to be the best and to hold up society? Or do you want heroes not striving to be better, to be the best, to focus on the people and not the fame or the glory? Should people just sit back and do nothing, waiting for All-Might or his successor to show up and save them when they can save themselves? Or another hero could have stepped in and done it. Since inheriting One for All, can you be everywhere at once? If so,you should have told me. Why wouldn't you want to know that if you are busy saving lives in one part of the country, there aren't more heroes in other partsthat can also do the job."
"He is manipulating those in his class and those outside of it as well," Mirio said, his mind whirling. "Some sort of mind control!"
"If he could control minds, why are we having this conversation?" Nezu chuckled. "If you are referring to Ms. Hado, that was due to your decision not to tell her why you distanced yourself from her."
"You have to be joking," Mirio said in disbelief. "You know why I couldn't tell her what was happening."
"Oh, why was that?" Nezu responded quizzically.
"One for All," Mirio said. "It is too dangerous for her to know."
"Why?"
"It would make her target," Mirio said, slightly stunned.
"Oh," Nezu said. "I forgot that Nejire Hado is ahelpless little girl." Mirio started to talk, but Nezu cut him off. "She wasn't a member of the Big 3ordidn't fight you in the finals last year. I forgot she was just a damsel in distress. Neither you nor All-Might knew that All for One was alive when you inherited One for All. Or when Mr. Midoriya transformed orwhenyou decided to push Ms. Hado away. All-Might chose that life; he chose to be alone due to having to hunt down All For One and the threat that it would All for One was to those he cared about. What is your excuse?"
"But All For One is alive, that Nomu from the USJ, Midoriya transformation!"
"Something you didn't know at the time of your decisions," Nezu said flatly. "But let's entertain this for a moment. When you go to fight All For One, will you be alone? Will there not be other heroes there? With the evidence of the Nomu and this League of Villains, do you plan to walk in alone to fight an army? Or will others be by your side, ready to fight and die for this country? Or are Ms. Hado and Mr. Amajiki just so weak they couldn't possibly aid you?"
"I never said…" Mirio replied.
"Yes, you did," Nezu cut him off again. "It is too dangerous for Ms. Hado; her knowing about One For All is too dangerous for her. All for One did not give Mr. Midoriya his abilities. he is too powerful for that even to be remotely true. The truth of One for All is not for All-Might, Sir Nighteye, or myself to decide how it is handled or who is brought in. That is your decision, Mr. Togata. If you wanted to screamat a news conference, I could not stop you. If you truly cared about Ms. Hado, you could have sat down and told her the truth, and nothing would have stopped you. If you want to go this alone, that is your decision; if you choose, like All-Might, to have a handful that knows the truth, that is your decision. Others do not have to like your decisions or just sit silently. Your actions lead to your break-up with Ms. Hado. All-might decisions lead to his strife with Mr. Midoriya and Ms. Shield. Your continued actions have led you to continue that strife with Mr. Midoriya, and to this moment, you are here today."
"Mr. Togata, you are confined to campus for the next two weeks, and all work-study programs are suspended until then. A permanent note of discipline will be placed in your file for your actions and attack on Mr. Midoriya during the Sports Festival. You will continue to work with the janitorial staff during this period. After this period, you will be allowed to resume your work studies but must return to campus during your days off, where you will be confined to quarters. Should you decide to come into contact with Mr. Midoriya again, you will be subject to possible removal from the hero course. You will also find your provisional license suspended for 3 yearsand another mark placed on your permanent record. As you know, accumulating these marks will limit where you take an internship or sign as a sidekick. I suggest you consider your future actions and ponder your past actions," Nezu said, leaving Mirio fuming. "You are also stripped of your title as the Class 3-A president and will not be allowed to participate in mentorship programs until you graduate or are removed from this institution. Do you have any questions?"
"No," Mirio said as he left the office.
Class 1-A
"Now, as you can see, there is some discrepancy in internship offers," Aizawa said as the screen came to life.
Izuku Midoriya -5254
Melissa Shield - 4385
Shoto Todoroki – 4220
Ochaco Uraraka – 3339
Momo Yaoyorozu – 2508
Katsuki Bakugo - 1127
Fumikage Tokoyami - 109
Mina Ashido - 78
Tenya Ida - 73
Ejiro Kirishima - 35
Itsuka Kendo - 32
Rikido Sato - 16
Denki Kaminari – 12
"Do not be discouraged; all of you will be participating in an internship even if you do not receive an offer," Aizawa said. "Those of you with multiple offers, I suggest you take your time and research who you will intern with. An internship is considered a hero's soft debut, so you must choose hero names. I suggest you think hard about the name you choose as this could be the name that follows you for the rest of your careers."
The door opened, and Present Mic walked in. "Oh yeah, you don't want to get saddled with something just because you wanted to get the whole thing over with!" The class laughed a bit as it was evident thatMic was talking about Mr. Aizawa. "Now, little listeners, before you dive into your internship offers, let's get some hero names on the record. I am going to have you all write your names on these boards and come present them before the class."
The nervous anticipation ran through the class as they all took their boards and began to write down the names they had dreamed of since they were kids. Of course, some people's dream names were highly questionable; Bakugo's choice of King Murder Explosion was a prime example. Unsurprisingly, he was sent back to his seat to try again.
Shoto and Tenya chose to just use their names for now, as everyone else came up and presented their names. Mina got some slight pushback on her name, Alien Queen, but in the end, she got what she wanted, to her delight: Bakugo Explosion Murder God name was rejected. After seven more rejections, Present Mic sighed, took the board from Bakugo, and wrote King Explosion. "Fine," Bakugo said, taking his seat.
"It Is your turn, Ms. Shield," Mic said.
Melissa took a deep breath as she presented her name—the quirkless Hero: Athena.