The ray of sunshine hit Izuku's eyes, rousing him awake. He felt the space beside him and found it empty. 'Ochaco must have woken up early and took Eri to train. I wonder how they're doing.'
He checked his phone and his eyes widened. "Ten?! What?!" He quickly sat up and jumped out of bed, running to the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face. After getting ready, he hurriedly put on his clothes and shoes before leaving his room.
As he exited the hotel, he was greeted by the pleasant morning air. It was early, and the streets were quiet, save for the distant hum of early traffic and the chirping of birds. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby cafe, making his stomach rumble.
"Good morning, My Love. Did you have a good rest?"
Izuku turned to see his girlfriend approaching, a radiant smile on her face. Beside her is the little Snowball. "Ochaco! Eri! Good morning, and yes. I did have a good sleep."
"Good morning, Papa!" the young girl exclaimed, hugging her father's leg.
Izuku ruffled her hair affectionately. "So, what's this training regimen?"
"Well," Ochaco began, her voice thoughtful. "A swordsman's skills, much like a blade, must be polished consistently; otherwise, they risk becoming dull and ineffective."
"You're really gonna make a swordswoman out of her, aren't you?" he teased.
"Not to that much extent. But enough that she could defend herself once we stay in Elsewhere. All manners of beings live there and most will not hesitate to hurt a child. And without magic, she will be vulnerable."
"Yeah, I get it," he agreed. He wished he could simply say he'll protect her, but he knows he can't be there all the time. It's not like he could keep her in some tower defended by a dragon somewhere nor did he intend to. 'Ochaco's right. The most responsible thing is to give her the tools to protect herself.'
"Papa," the young girl's voice chimed in.
"What is it, Eri?"
"I can show you how well I've learned," she said, her tone hopeful.
"Oh? Then come, show us."
Izuku stepped back and watched as Ochaco led Eri into position, her hands gently adjusting their daughter's stance.
Eri carefully positioned her feet, mimicking Ochaco's stance. She lifted the wooden practice sword, her grip a little too tight, but her posture steady. "Remember, light on your feet," Ochaco reminded, adjusting Eri's stance gently. "You need to be able to move quickly, especially if something tries to catch you off guard."
"Like this, Mama?" the young girl asked, her expression focused.
"Yes, exactly like that. Now, show us what you've learned," Ochaco encouraged, stepping back to give the girl space.
Eri took a deep breath and began to move through a series of basic forms. Her movements were slow but deliberate, each swing of the practice sword accompanied by careful footwork. Ochaco nodded approvingly as Eri executed a simple parry and counter-attack sequence they had been practicing.
Watching Eri move through the motions, Izuku felt a swell of pride. It was incredible to see how far she'd come from the frightened child he'd first run into. But there was always a flicker of worry. She was still so young, and the thought of her needing these skills made him anxious about the future.
"That's it, Eri. You are doing great," Ochaco praised, her voice gentle but encouraging. "Remember, it is not about being perfect right now. It's about getting better every day." Eri nodded, her expression set in determined concentration, and Ochaco felt a swell of pride, determined to become the best mother and teacher she could be.
As the training session progressed, the morning sun had fully risen, its rays warming the cool air. The streets were gradually filling with people, their voices rising in a cacophony of sounds.
A few minutes had passed and the young girl was starting to get tired. Sweat dripped down her brow, her movements becoming less fluid and more sluggish.
"All right, that is enough, Eri," Ochaco called, walking over to her.
"But, Mama," the young girl panted, her expression crestfallen. "I can still keep going."
"We can do more tomorrow. Besides, we are going to have breakfast and spend the day out with our friends."
The young girl's face lit up. "Really, Mama?"
"Really. Now let us get cleaned up," Ochaco smiled, taking Eri's hand. She glanced at Izuku. "How was it, My Love?"
"She did well, Ochaco. You're a good teacher."
"Thank you, My Heart. Come, we can talk more once we are at the dining area."
Izuku followed the pair as they made their way back to the hotel. He noticed that Eri's eyes kept glancing around, taking in the sights of the building. She would sometimes pause and point at things, asking questions about what they were.
He smiled as he watched the interaction between mother and daughter, enjoying the simple joy of seeing his family happy.
They entered the hotel and headed straight for the dining area. The room was bustling with activity, the low hum of conversations and the clinking of dishes filling the air. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon wafted through the room, making their mouths water.
Eri looked around the filled dining area, her eyes wide with wonder.
Ochaco, noticing her expression. "The food is delicious here, so there are a lot of people. And the place is big, so it could accommodate a lot of guests."
Izuku led the two ladies to a table and pulled out the chair for them. "Here, ladies. Please take a seat."
Ochaco smiled. "Why thank you, My Love," she said, sitting down.
"Thank you, Papa," Eri echoed, sitting next to her mother.
"You're welcome," he replied, taking the seat opposite the pair.
"You know," Izuku said, his hand holding Ochaco's, "you're even more beautiful when you're teaching. I could watch you all day."
She smiled, feeling her heart flutter at the compliment, "Oh really? And here I thought you were watching Eri," she teased back.
"I was, but I have to admit, you're a bit distracting."
"Well, then I guess I should be careful not to distract you too much, My Love."
"Well, I don't mind a distraction or two."
The sight of two were sickeningly sweet. Any other kid would be gagging at the sight of their parents acting this way. But not Eri. To her, her parents are the perfect image of the Princess and the Knight in shining armor she knew from the story books and movies. Quite literally. She watched them with a small, content smile on her face, her eyes shining with admiration.
Once the two calmed down, they all looked at the menu. Eri's gaze lingered on the vibrant pastries, her eyes wide with curiosity. She looked up at Izuku, her voice soft. "Can I try one?"
"Sure, Eri. These ones are called macaroons," he explained, pointing to the picture.
"Macaroons," she repeated, testing the new word on her tongue.
As they were deciding on their orders, a waiter approached their table. "Good morning! I hope you're enjoying your stay with us. Can I get you started with some drinks?"
Izuku smiled warmly at the waiter. "Good morning. Yes, we're having a wonderful time, thank you. I'll have a coffee, please."
"I will have the same," Ochaco added.
"And for the little miss?" the waiter asked, smiling kindly at Eri.
Eri hesitated for a moment, then said in a small but clear voice, "May I have apple juice, please?"
"Certainly! I'll be right back with your drinks," the waiter said, giving Eri an encouraging nod before heading off. Izuku and Ochaco exchanged proud glances at Eri's polite interaction. It was another small but significant sign of her growing recovery.
They ordered their breakfast, including Eri's macaroons, and chatted idly as they waited for their food.
Izuku watched Eri as she pointed at the different dishes on the menu. It was incredible to see her like this. She had come so far, but he knew there was still a long way to go.
"So," Ochaco began, "What is on your agenda today?"
"I'm meeting Melissa later at her lab," Izuku said after a pause. "She wants to talk about my magic, and I thought it'd be fun if we made a family trip of it. We could also ask her about Eri's Quirk. What do you think?"
"Sure, I am free. Eri-chan, would you like to go with Papa?"
The young girl nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can we really go, Papa?"
Izuku chuckled. "Yep. I'm sure Melissa will have plenty of cool things to show us. And who knows? Maybe she can help us understand more about your special power too."
Their breakfast arrived and they ate in comfortable silence, occasionally commenting on the delicious food or discussing their plans for the day. After finishing their meal, the trio paid for their meal and left the restaurant.
"Alright, ladies. Let's head out," he said, leading the way to the lab.
"Right, Papa."
As they exited the hotel, a warm breeze brushed against their skin, ruffling their hair. The sun shone brightly overhead, bathing the city in a golden glow. People milled about, chatting and laughing as they went about their day.
They chatted as they walked along the busy streets, their voices blending in with the din of the city. They enjoyed the scenery and the pleasant atmosphere, their hearts filled with joy and contentment.
The trio approached the entrance to the research center, and the guards immediately recognized the young man and bowed. "Midoriya-sama, good morning. What brings you here?"
"Good morning. We are here to see Melissa."
"Oh? Is that right? She is in a different lab than yesterday, but not much farther. You can take the elevator at the end of the hallway directly there," the guard said, opening the door.
"Thanks," Izuku replied, giving him a polite nod.
Izuku, Eri and Ochaco entered the building and made their way to the elevator. They pressed the button for the lab and rode the elevator to the top floor. When the doors opened, they were greeted by a familiar face.
"Melissa!"
"Mr. Midoriya, Eri, Ochaco," she greeted, waving at them. "So glad you're all here. Please, follow me."
The four walked down a corridor and stopped at a large door. Melissa swiped her card, unlocking the door.
"Please, come in."
"Wow," Eri murmured, her eyes wide as she gazed at the high-tech lab.
"Pretty amazing, isn't it?" Izuku said, his tone soft and impressed.
"Mhm," she nodded, her eyes sparkling as she scanned the area.
"Well, since everyone's here, let's get started."
"Sounds good," Izuku agreed.
Melissa led them further into the lab and showed them a variety of impressive prototypes, explaining their purpose and design. She answered their questions patiently, and her passion was evident in her voice.
As Melissa talked, Eri's eyes were drawn to the corner of the room where an intricate machine stood. Her eyes widened as she realized what it was.
"Are those...robots?" she asked, her voice hinting an edge of excitement.
"Yep! Those are my robots," Melissa answered, grinning proudly.
"Can I touch them?" she said, though she's already making her way to it.
"Sure, but be careful," she cautioned.
Eri carefully touched one, her fingers running over the smooth metal surface. She examined the robot, her eyes wide with fascination.
"These are amazing, Melissa," Izuku said, impressed.
"Thanks," the blonde girl replied, a small blush tinting her cheeks. "I've been working on them for a while, and I'm really proud of how they turned out."
Eri was in her own little world, poking and prodding the robots, her expression full of wonder and curiosity.
"This is a huge achievement," Ochaco added.
"It sure is," Melissa agreed, her voice filled with pride.
"Do they have any combat capabilities?"
"Yes, actually. I've tested them and they're fully functional. Though, their performance is still limited by the software but I'm trying to work on it, before scaling the size up."
Meanwhile, Eri can be seen trying to put a piece of red iron in the shape of 'S' on its chest, reminiscent of one of the movies she once watched when she's with Toru. She remembered crying near the end of the movie when the robot sacrificed itself to protect the town and its friends but was cheered up by everyone.
Melissa, turning back her attention to Izuku, said, "If it's not a problem, I would like to test some things about your magic."
"Sure. What do you need me to do?"
"You mentioned about being able to generate elements, right? What's the hottest flame were you able to produce?"
"I haven't really tried taking the temperature of it, but I've never really had problem vaporizing non-magical objects," he answered, recalling the fireball during Mina's date.
"Let's try measuring them, then. It may provide some insights at how 'Elsewhere' was affecting technology," she remarked.
Izuku took a deep breath and summoned his cards, playing STRAIGHT FLUSH and holding it on his hand, condensing its size to that of a softball. Melissa took the measuring device and pointed it at the orange flame. It displayed an error, displaying "≥10e7 °C."
Melissa almost felt lightheaded upon looking at the unbelievable reading. "If I hadn't seen it myself, I'd say it's impossible. A flame this hot should be disintegrating everything for miles just from its thermal radiation. Furthermore, the flames' color shouldn't be orange. It shouldn't have a 'color' at all. What it should emit won't even be in the visible spectrum. Maybe in ultraviolet, if not X-ray. It's like...it's both real and unreal at the same time."
Ochaco smiled gently. "It is a little of both. Magic blurs those lines," she explained.
Melissa sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing into a smile. "I think I'm going to need to redefine my worldview after this. It's like trying to catch lightning in a bottle, but I can't help wanting to understand it better."
Melissa watched as Izuku's flame danced on his palm, her mind racing. How could something so powerful, so destructive, be contained so effortlessly? And why did it make her feel like she was witnessing something...sacred?
The test continued, with Izuku demonstrating each element and its intensity. They then tested his physical strength, speed, and durability, which were all off the charts. The only one they weren't able to test were his capability to induce Poison, for obvious reasons, and regeneration for the ability he got from X, mostly because they can't damage him enough to measure his healing.
"Wow. Are all Mages this powerful?" Melissa asked Ochaco.
Ochaco shook her head. "No, they are not. An Evoker's Spark grants them strong physicality and magic compared to other Sparks types thanks to their bloodlines. But even then, most Evokers are not at the level of Izuku right here."
Melissa let out an astonished breath. "Incredible. Your boyfriend is truly amazing."
"Oh, yes. He is."
"Papa's so strong!" Eri remarked while sitting on the robot's shoulder, her eyes shining with admiration.
After all the testing is done, Izuku said, "You think you got enough?"
Gathering all data, Melissa said, "I'm going to need some time to process all of this."
"Just take your time," he replied. "And it's Izuku."
"Right. Izuku."
"Oh, would you mind doing us a favor? Do you have any tech that can help us find out Eri's Quirk?"
"Oh? You didn't know her Quirk?"
Ochaco shook her head, "We asked people at U.A., but they cannot seem to figure out her Quirk."
Melissa thought for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Hmm, well, I could try scanning her DNA and see if anything comes up. That's about the only thing I can think of."
"That'd be great. Thank you, Melissa," he said, giving her a grateful smile.
"I'm happy to help," she replied, smiling warmly. "It'll probably take a few days, though. I'll have to run some tests and analyze the results. But don't worry, I'll let you know as soon as I have something."
"That's fine. Just take your time. We'll likely fly back tomorrow, but you know already know how to reach me," Izuku said. "You're part of this team now, Melissa. We take care of each other"
"That's a relief. Thank you, Izuku. And don't worry, I'll let you know as soon as possible," she said, tucking the paper safely in her pocket.
"Or if you ever need help," he reminded her, giving her a reassuring smile.
She chuckled, shaking her head fondly. "I promise to call if I'm in danger. But, for now, I'll focus on researching her Quirk."
"Thanks, Melissa," he replied, his expression warm and grateful.
"Bye. Mr. Robot." She gave the robot one last pat, her fingers lingering as if saying goodbye to a newfound friend. The innocence of her gesture tugged at Melissa's heart. There was something precious about protecting the gentle and curious.
Melissa chuckled. "I might visit Japan soon, so you'll be able to see Mr. Robot again."
"Really?!" Eri exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Mhm. And maybe, you two could play. It's not yet ready, but you should be able to run around with him when we meet at Japan. Do you want that?"
Eri nodded enthusiastically. "I want to."
"So would I," Melissa agreed, giving her an encouraging smile. "Well, you three better go. I'll let you know as soon as the test results are in."
"Thanks, Melissa," he replied, giving her a grateful smile.
"Of course. Now, shoo, I have research to do," she teased, her voice playful.
"Right, we'll leave you to it. Come on, ladies. Let's head out."
As the three left the lab, Melissa felt a warmth blooming in her chest. It was a strange feeling, one she hadn't felt before. She shook her head, trying to clear the thought from her mind. There were more important things to focus on right now, and she couldn't afford any distractions.
The three are walking out of the lab, "Mina's going to lose her mind," Izuku whispered to his girlfriend, looking at their daughter. 'She barely knew Melissa, yet she's found her way into Eri's heart so easily. Poor Mina.'
"Mina is a bit...eccentric at times," Ochaco added, amused. "But, I am sure she will understand."
"Papa, where are we going next?" Eri asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"There is a party this evening. We should shop for some clothes," Ochaco suggested with a bright smile.
"Good idea. Let's go," Izuku replied, leading the two ladies with enthusiasm.
They arrived at a bustling shopping mall and began to explore various stores. Ochaco strolled over to a display and returned to Izuku, her arms laden with an assortment of men's suits. "Here, Izuku. You should try these on!" she said, handing them over eagerly.
"What's this?" he asked, surprised.
"Just try them on," she insisted with a playful grin.
Izuku chuckled as he accepted the suits. Examining them, he noted their stylish design. "Are you sure I need to look this sharp? It's not like I'm accepting an award or anything. We're just guests."
Ochaco flashed him a sly smile. "Heroes can have style too, you know. Besides, you never know who might be watching."
Izuku winked as he headed into the dressing room. "You've got a point. Can't hurt to make a good impression."
When he stepped back out, Eri's eyes widened in awe. "Wow! Papa, you look amazing!"
"Hmm, maybe. I'm not a big fan of the color. Still, this fits like it was tailor-made for me. How'd you know my exact size?"
Ochaco smirked playfully. "You forget that I am an Enchanter. Once I have seen something, I do not forget it. That includes...every inch of you."
"You're always so thorough, aren't you?" he teased.
"Of course. It comes in handy when shopping for handsome princes," she quipped, handing him another outfit. "Here, Izuku. Try these on."
Izuku raised an eyebrow, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "We doing a fashion show now?"
"Yes!" Ochaco replied, beaming. "And you are the main attraction."
"Well, how can I say no to that?" he chuckled as he retreated to the dressing room again.
After several outfit changes, Izuku emerged wearing a royal blue jacket paired with a dark red tie over a crisp white shirt. A matching blue pocket square with a red edge peeked out from his jacket pocket.
As he stepped out, Ochaco felt her heart skip a beat. He looked regal and sophisticated—every inch a king.
"It's good, right, Mama?" Eri asked, tugging at her mother's sleeve.
Ochaco stood frozen for a moment, her gaze lingering on him longer than intended. "Yes. Yes, it is."
"You really like this one, don't you, Ochaco?" Izuku teased.
She snapped out of her daze and cleared her throat. "Ahem. It suits you, My Heart."
"Yeah. This is nice."
"Papa, you look handsome!" Eri exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration.
"He does, does he not?" Ochaco agreed softly, her tone warm and affectionate.
Izuku gave them a wry smile. "Guess I'm wearing this then."
"That would be wonderful, My Love. Now, let us get this to the counter so we could get ready. Eri-chan, do you want anything?"
"Um..." Eri hesitated for a moment.
"Go on, it is alright. Get whatever you want," Ochaco encouraged her.
"Really? Thank you, Mama," Eri exclaimed before darting off toward the music section.
"What about you, Ochaco? Don't you want to try a dress?" Izuku asked playfully.
"I have already selected one, My Heart," she replied with a wink. " I took the liberty to pick some clothes for me and Eri while you were changing." She gestured to several bags behind her.
"Wait, what about my show?" Izuku teased dramatically.
Ochaco giggled. "Poor Izuku. Do not fret, My Love. I will make it up to you. I have also bought some...clothes...that are for your eyes only."
"Oh, I like the sound of that," he replied flirtatiously.
"Yes. Yes, you will," she said, giving him a mischievous grin.
Eri soon came back with a set of guitar strings, "Papa, Mama, I want these."
"Of course. Let's go," Izuku said warmly, his expression tender and loving.
"Yes. Let us," Ochaco agreed joyfully as they made their way toward the counter together.
Hand in hand, the family made their way back to the hotel. In their room, Ochaco helped Eri change first.
A few minutes later, Eri emerged from the bedroom, radiating joy. She wore a white blouse with a yellow-trimmed collar, adorned with a purple bow that added a playful touch. Her deep red skirt matched Izuku's tie perfectly, while a sky-blue sash cinched her waist, accentuating her small frame. Eri's silver hair was styled in twin tails, each tied with purple ribbons that fluttered as she twirled. On her feet, she wore sparkling silver shoes that added a magical touch to her appearance.
"What do you think, Papa?" Eri asked, spinning around to show off her outfit.
"I think you look beautiful, Eri," he told her, his voice filled with pride and love.
"Do you really mean it, Papa?" she fidgeted while twirling her fingers.
"I do," he said, his eyes softening. "I'm so lucky to have a daughter as wonderful as you."
While they waited for Ochaco, Izuku and Eri chatted excitedly about the upcoming party. It was almost two hours later when Ochaco finally entered the living room. Izuku felt as if the world stood still.
Ochaco's brown hair was styled in an elegant braided ponytail. She wore a stunning purple off-shoulder dress that flowed gracefully, accentuating her figure. Golden accents adorned the dress, adding a regal touch befitting her status as the Princess of Camelot. The rich color complemented her warm brown hair and rosy cheeks, creating a striking contrast to Izuku's blue suit while tying in with Eri's purple accents.
"Well, how do I look, My Love?" she asked, her voice playful.
Izuku gave her a dashing smile. "The most beautiful woman that has ever graced the Earth in all the Worlds."
She chuckled and rolled her eyes, a light blush tinting her cheeks. For a fleeting moment, a look of curiosity flashed in her eyes at his choice of words, but it quickly gave way to warmth. "Ever the flatterer."
"I'm not," Izuku replied softly, stepping closer to her. "I'm simply telling the truth. You look...incredible." He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. His voice dropped to a whisper. "I almost feel jealous others will get to see you."
She laughed gently, leaning into him, her hands resting on his chest. "Oh, you have nothing to worry about, My Love. I only have eyes for you," she murmured, her lips brushing against his as she spoke.
He smiled against her lips, savoring the soft warmth and the way her body fit perfectly against his. For a brief moment, the world outside disappeared. It was just them, wrapped in each other's presence, the hum of the bustling world fading as if they had all the time in the universe.
"Mama, Papa, come on! We're going to be late!" Eri's voice cut through the haze, filled with childlike urgency.
They pulled apart, both flushed and laughing, sharing one last lingering look before following Eri. As they walked hand in hand to the car, Izuku's heart swelled with love for his little family.
The ride was a short one, and they soon arrived at their destination. The party was held in the I-Tower. A towering glass and steel structure standing more than 200 floors above that reflected the city lights below. As they stood a few yards away from the entrance, the quiet around them provided a small bubble of privacy amidst the buzzing excitement of the event just beyond.
"Papa, look! It's so big!" Eri exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she gazed up at the tower.
Izuku chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "It sure is, sweetheart. Wait until you see what's inside—"
"Izuku-kun! Ochaco-chan! Eri-chan! Over here!" A cheerful voice cut through the quiet night. They turned to see Toru in a familiar pastel pink dress, waving enthusiastically.
"Toru-chan!" Ochaco called back, waving. "Is that—?"
Izuku's eyes widened in recognition. "Wait, isn't that your hero costume?"
Toru twirled, the dress shimmering under the lights. "The one and only! I figured, why not be comfortable and stylish? Plus, it fits the dress code better than some of the other hero costumes here."
Eri broke away from her parents, rushing to hug Toru. "Toru-nee! You look so pretty!"
Whether it is because of the new flashy environment giving her a boost in confidence or something else, Izuku thought to keep it in his mind for their next visit to Hound Dog.
Toru laughed, hugging Eri back. "Thanks, Eri-chan! You look absolutely adorable. Did your Mama pick that out?"
Eri nodded proudly. "It matches Papa's tie and Mama's dress!"
"Well, your Mama has great taste," Toru winked at Ochaco, who laughed softly.
As they approached the entrance, they spotted more familiar faces from Class 1-A. Mina's vibrant presence was impossible to miss as they approached the entrance.
"Daddy! Princess!" Mina called out, waving enthusiastically. She sauntered over in a form-fitting, fuchsia cocktail dress that complemented her pink skin perfectly paired with acid-green stilettos. She was also wearing a black choker with a golden locket in the shape of a snow crystal, representing Izuku. At least to those who knew.
"Mina-nee!" Eri called out. Mina knelt, letting Eri jump into her arms.
"Wow, Mina. You look great," Izuku remarked, running his eyes from her head to her toe, enjoying the sight of her in that dress.
"Why, thank you, Daddy," she purred, her voice teasing. Mina's breath caught as she took in Izuku's tailored suit. A playful smile danced on her lips, and she leaned slightly closer, her fingers brushing against the delicate chain of her collar as she fought to keep her composure. The warmth creeping up her neck was hard to ignore, and she bit her lip, trying to focus on Eri's excited chatter instead. 'He looks sooo good tonight.' The link between them where she felt the Izuku's feelings as he stared at her didn't help her calm down either.
"Even if you muffled the sounds, I could see you just fine, Kyouka," Izuku called out. The rest looked in his direction and sure enough, Kyouka was trying to sneak behind him.
"No way, how?!"
"The walls in this place is quite shiny," he said, pointing at the reflective walls before turning around, but he kept an eye on Ochaco out of the corner of his vision. He didn't want to overstep, especially when she was standing so close by. "By the way, a mix of traditional style and a punk girl aesthetic, huh? It suits you."
She was wearing black cropped jacket with buttons, worn open over a purple bustier-style top. The top has a sweetheart neckline with pink ruffled trim. A vibrant pink skirt that flares out, giving it a full appearance. Over this was a purple ribbon around the waist.
"Y-yeah. Thanks, I guess," she blushed, turning her head sideways to avoid his gaze as she twirled her jacks around her finger. "I like yours too." She wanted to smack her face and bury herself to the ground for being so awkward around him after that day at the Lake. She had pushed herself to show her feelings, to make him notice. But now that he knew, every word felt like it carried too much weight, making her second-guess even the simplest compliment.
"Thanks." he said, quickly turned his attention back to the others.
"Izuku," Momo called, "It is good to see you."
Momo was wearing a beautiful dress, exuding elegance in a sophisticated green dress that flowed gracefully with her every movement. The fitted bodice highlighted her figure, while the skirt billowed slightly, giving her an air of refinement.
"Good evening, Yaoyorozu," he greeted. "You look gorgeous."
Momo's fingers grazed the fabric of her dress, her heart fluttering as her eyes briefly met Izuku's. "Good evening, Izuku," she greeted again, trying to maintain her composure. "You look...really good tonight." She felt her face heat up and her heart flutter when she saw Izuku, especially in that outfit. Maybe it was simply his general attractiveness, or that she was drawn to their fates together, or simply the fact that she could barely See his future made him more mysterious than he actually is. Quite frankly, the man is so open, yet she found herself wanting to know more about him whenever she's alone.
Momo's fingers smoothed the fabric of her dress as she forced a calm smile. 'Stay composed. You're better than this,' she reminded herself, though her heart had other ideas.
"Izuku! Ochaco! Eri-chan!" someone called out. A woman wearing a dark blue strapless top with a sweetheart neckline. The skirt features a black waistband adorned with a white rose embellishment. Complementing the outfit is a black choker around her neck and simple gold hoop earrings. Her blonde hair is styled in loose waves, accented by a red headband.
"Melissa! I didn't know you'd be here too," Izuku remarked, surprised.
"It's a surprise," she said, winking at him.
"Ms. Robot!" Eri called out.
"Hello, Eri-chan. Good to see you," Melissa greeted, smiling warmly.
"Will your father be presenting for tonight's event?" Ochaco asked.
"He should be," Melissa answered, glancing at the entrance. "I'm guessing he'll also be introducing the Heroes who are in attendance."
"Oi! Everyone!" Denki called out, walking out of the elevator by himself. "You guys are all-" he was cut off when he saw Melissa and the rest, his jaw dropping as his eyes fell on the blonde, his heart skipping a beat. 'Wow.'
"A goddess has descended!" Denki exclaimed.
"Thank you," she told him.
Denki's heart pounded faster at her answer, a goofy grin plastered on his face. "What's your name, fair maiden?"
"Melissa Shield. And you?"
"Denki Kaminari," he replied, bowing politely.
"You don't need to be so formal," Melissa chuckled at Denki's antics, but her eyes naturally gravitated to where Izuku was standing. There was something about him that pulled her gaze longer than she intended. She quickly glanced away, realizing she was staring. Izuku, meanwhile, continued his conversation with the others, unaware of her brief curiosity
"Ah, right. Sorry," Denki said, scratching his head sheepishly before joining the others. "Glad to see you all made it."
"Thanks, Kaminari," Izuku answered. "You know where the others are?" he asked.
"Yeah. I ran into them a while ago. Bakugou, Todoroki, and Kirishima went for something Bakugou forgot. They told me we could go ahead, if they take too long. Tsu-chan and Tokoyami said they can't attend," Kyouka responded.
"Well, that's too bad. What about Mineta-kun?" he turned to Denki who shrugged.
"He told me he can't come. Didn't tell me why, but maybe he got another date with the girl from yesterday. Lucky guy," he snapped his finger.
"Oh, good for him. Anyway, let us enjoy the party," he suggested, holding Eri's hand on his right, while the other arm was held by Ochaco.
"Yes, let's. I can't wait," Toru agreed, bouncing excitedly on her heels.
"Come on, Papa. Let's get some food," Eri said, tugging his hand.
Izuku smiled and followed the little girl. "Okay, okay. Lead the way, sweetheart."
"Hey, you," Ochaco said, looking up at him with a playful grin.
"Yes, my princess?"
She giggled, a light blush dusting her cheeks. "You're getting too comfortable with that title, aren't you, My Heart?"
"I could never be too comfortable with you," he replied, a soft smile gracing his features.
The two were once again lost in their own world. The rest of the girls were having mixed feelings. They knew from the start what they were getting into, but seeing the man they have feelings for forget the world around him with another woman isn't the most pleasant feeling either. Well, the girls except for Mina and Melissa, for two different reasons.
"They're quite the lovebirds, aren't they?" Melissa remarked.
"Oh, yeah. Like, Daddy without Ochaco isn't Daddy at all."
Melissa did a double-take at what she heard. "You call him 'Daddy'?" she confirmed.
"Hehe. I'll tell you all about it-" she stopped for a moment, before her expression turned into worry. Izuku felt his left ear ringing before Mina called out, "Daddy! There are villains in the event!"
His expression turned serious. Seeing that it's not obvious this close, it must've been pretty organized. "And going by your tone, they weren't immediately apprehended by ALL MIGHT, or the dozens of heroes over there," he surmised. Mina shook her head, confirming his words.
"I believe it is safe to assume that they have some sort of leverage against them," Ochaco added, her expression calm and focused. "Perhaps hostages outside the venue or something else."
As Izuku was thinking of what to do next, Kyouka picked up the whirring of machines as a bunch of security bots started flooding the streets and told everyone to stay inside. That normally wouldn't have been much of an issue, especially considering the villain problem, until they stopped for a moment and started shooting at Izuku and the rest. Izuku caught bullets, using his palms to absorb the impact and not letting them to ricochet and harm someone.
Eri clung to Ochaco's hand, her wide eyes watching as the bots closed in. She wasn't afraid, not with her Mama and Papa nearby, but the memory of past dangers flickered in her mind. Izuku glanced down at her, his expression softening for a moment. "Don't worry, little Snowball. We'll keep you safe."
Izuku's fingers itched to summon his cards, a spark of his magic already crackling in the air. But then, his eyes caught the blinking lights of the security cameras embedded in the bots.
Izuku's eyes scanned the area, calculating the risks. 'These bots are tied into I-Island's security system. If whoever's controlling them realizes they've been neutralized...' He clenched his fists. 'They could trigger a full-scale lockdown, trapping innocent people inside or worse—activating deadlier defenses.'
The rest were about to start taking down the bots in retaliation before Izuku stopped them. "Go hide somewhere! I'll find you all later," he commanded, before turning his attention to the bots. 'I want to stay close to Ochaco and Eri, but this situation is too volatile. I need to trust them to stay safe for now.'
All except for Ochaco and Mina wore worried expressions. "If this is how they are trying to take over the island, then this would not be a threat to Izuku. Let us go," Ochaco assured them.
They won't be a threat to her either so she wanted to stay as well to help Izuku. But they weren't alone. And none of them are particularly equipped to take on hundreds of bullets right now. Sure, she could cast a Shield spell to everyone, but it would be draining to suddenly cast it to protect more than half a dozen others on top of herself. Melissa and Eri also won't have a way to protect themselves either. 'If only I had my armour,' she thought, regretting about letting her guard down. 'Or at the very least, I could have engraved a spell to this dress, but there is no point in crying over spilt milk.'
She shook her head, pushing the urge to still help Izuku aside. 'Not yet. Keep them safe.'
As for Mina, she could've walked with ease towards the bots, bathe them in acid and not a single bullet would hit her, but that would also draw too much magic from Izuku. There was no need to waste power like that, so she regrettably agreed with Ochaco. Mere bullets wouldn't so much as scratch him anyway, though she still felt a little uneasy and she didn't understand why.
Melissa watched as Izuku easily handled the situation, his calm and confidence radiating in every move. There was something compelling about him, the incredible presence, perhaps. She shook the thought away, reminding herself there was a crisis to focus on.
Before leaving, Ochaco's eyes met Izuku's, and for a moment, they communicated without words. She gave him a small nod, her gaze filled with trust. He smiled softly, knowing she would keep everyone safe.
Izuku watched as the rest of them ran towards the tower. He waited until they are out of sight and he'll be relieved they would be safe. Once they were, he had X freeze time for them to think. The world fell silent, bullets hanging motionless in mid-air.
X spoke up, his tone casual. "So, what's the plan here? You can't exactly smash 'em without making things obvious to the camera."
Izuku's eyes darted over the machines. "I wouldn't be surprised if they got sensors everywhere as well. If they all suddenly go offline in the open, whoever's controlling them will know something's up. We can't afford that."
"Okay, so...any clever ideas brewing in that brain of yours?"
Izuku frowned, considering the possibilities. "If only I'd thought to ask Melissa. She'd probably know their weak points."
X chuckled. "Well, too late for that. We'll have to improvise."
Izuku sighed, feeling the weight of his oversight. "I was too focused on getting everyone safe. But I should've asked."
"Hey, cut yourself some slack. Ochaco's the one who made the call for them to leave."
"Still. Now we need a workaround. Something that won't trip any alarms."
X perked up. "Maybe an 'accident'? Like...collapsing a building on them?"
Izuku's eyes lit up as the idea took shape. "Exactly. If I can lure the bots into an abandoned building and make it collapse, it'll seem like it was their own gunfire or some environmental fault. That way, no one suspects I had anything to do with it. And maybe, they'll dial back their aggression, thinking they're being too trigger-happy."
"That could work if they only checked the location of the bots. But what if they're competent enough to review the footage?"
Izuku gave a smirk. "There are hundreds of these bots active right now. I doubt whoever's behind them is watching each one at this moment. Or if they are, I doubt they're too competent."
"Why is that?"
"They're trying to use regular bullets against me. Honestly, I'd feel insulted if they are."
X snorted. "Getting cocky, are we?"
"Cockiness is overconfidence. I'm just stating facts."
X let out a low whistle. "Alright, Mr. Humble. Let's just make sure there's no one around first."
"Good point." Izuku looked over the frozen city. "Scan the area for civilians."
"We're good."
X released the time stop, allowing the chaos to resume. The bots fired in a volley, bullets streaking toward him, but he caught each one easily, absorbing the impact without letting them ricochet. Moving carefully, he began to back toward the edge of the street, leading the swarm of bots deeper into the city.
"You've definitely got their attention," X remarked. "Nice job playing bait."
Izuku grinned. "Just keeping them entertained."
Izuku scanned the area as he moved, noting the bots' behavior patterns. They maintained precise distances from each other; likely networked to coordinate their movements. Their sensors swept in overlapping patterns, leaving no blind spots.
"Three main options," he muttered under his breath. "The construction site would give me cover, but too many cameras. The parking garage has better angles, but the support structure's too new. Wouldn't look natural if it collapsed. This old building though..."
He studied the crumbling structure. It stands out a lot from the regular buildings in I-Island. Ancient support beams, worn foundations, years of water damage. More importantly, minimal security coverage due to its condemned status. If it came down, no one would question why.
"Perfect," he decided. "One precise hit to the southeast corner should trigger a cascade failure. The bots' own gunfire will mask any evidence of my involvement."
The sounds of gunfire echoed around him as bullets bounced harmlessly off his skin.
Izuku activated One for All, feeling the familiar surge of power course through his legs. He concentrated, applying the exact force needed to destabilize the building without obliterating it entirely. A delicate balance.
With a swift, controlled stomp, the ground shook beneath his feet. The tremor ran through the building's foundation, and immediately, the walls began to crack. The support beams groaned as they buckled under the sudden shift.
The building shuddered violently, dust raining from the ceiling. The bots continued to fire blindly, completely unaware that their surroundings were crumbling around them.
The first floor collapsed with a deafening crash, taking the machines with it. Izuku leaped backward, exiting through a broken window as the entire structure came down. The roar of collapsing steel and concrete filled the air, clouds of debris billowing outward as the building folded in on itself. The bots' gunfire sputtered and died beneath the weight of the rubble.
Izuku watched from a distance as the dust settled. Metal screeched against stone, and the ground beneath him trembled with the final collapse. For a moment, he just stood there, scanning the wreckage.
"You think it worked?" X asked.
Izuku surveyed the ruins, listening for any signs of movement. There was nothing but silence. The bots were crushed, buried deep within the debris.
"Yeah," Izuku replied, his voice steady. "That should keep them off my back for now. Whoever's controlling them will just think the building collapsed because of stray fire."
He turned away from the wreckage, heading back toward the main part of the city. His work wasn't done yet, but for now, the bots were no longer an issue. The real threat still loomed ahead, but at least this part of the plan had worked.
While Izuku engaged with the threats outside, Ochaco floated silently through the stairwell of the I-Tower, her arms wrapped protectively around Eri. The little girl's fingers gripped tightly onto her jacket, her wide eyes flicking between the shadowy walls, then to Ochaco. Every time they floated up another floor, she felt her grip tighten, as if holding onto Ochaco would keep the fear at bay. The dim glow from the emergency lights flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls as they ascended floor by floor.
Below them, Denki, Melissa, Mina, Toru, Kyouka, and Momo floated up with them, carried by Ochaco's quirk. The air in the stairwell was stuffy and hot, with the smell of metal and dust lingering, remnants of the earlier chaos that had torn through the island. Momo closed her eyes in concentration as her Seer's vision revealed flashes of possible futures, her expression tense. Kyouka's earjacks listened for anything out of place. They were close to the control room, but the tension in the air was palpable—each of them felt it.
Melissa frowned, her mind racing. "If they gain control of the systems in that room...they could do more than just shut down the island. We can't let them access it."
"You are correct. We're making good time, but keep your guard up," Ochaco whispered, her voice low but firm.
They weren't able to simply stand by and let the villains complete their plan. There wasn't any reason to think that they would quietly leave the island once they got what they wanted; it's a perfect opportunity to leave one last "gift" that could sink the entire island. It was exactly what she would do if she were them, and that thought terrified her. They were the only ones around that can move about, which means they're the only ones who could prevent the possible worst-case scenario.
"This is faster than climbing the stairs," Mina commented, her tone focused but calm.
"Keep your guard up, though. I can't See everything perfectly," Momo cautioned under her breath, her Seer's vision gave glimpses of potential danger ahead. "But...I sense we're getting close to something important."
"I'm not hearing any immediate threats nearby," Kyouka added, her jacks listening in the walls in-between between floors.
Denki frowned, glancing around as he scratched his head. "Yaomomo's talking about 'seeing' things, but I'm not getting any of this."
Mina smirked at him, whispering, "You'll catch up eventually, Kaminari."
"Catch up to what?!" Denki asked, clearly bewildered.
Ochaco smiled slightly at Denki's confusion but kept her focus. "We shall explain later, Kaminari-kun. For now, just stay alert."
"Oh! Oh! I can check ahead!" Toru piped up with her usual enthusiasm, though keeping her voice down. "Nobody'll see me coming!" Without waiting for a response, she disappeared from view, leaving only the faintest shimmer in the air.
"Toru, please wait," Ochaco called quietly. "Momo, could you create some communication devices for us?"
Momo nodded, quickly producing two pairs of earpieces.
"What exactly are you Seeing, Yaomomo?" Mina asked, her voice hushed but urgent. Her brow furrowed, her usual confidence shaken by the quiet. The Voices, too, had been ominously quiet.
"Multiple possibilities," Momo replied, her expression troubled. "Some paths are blocked by darkness. There's danger ahead, but its nature is...unclear."
Denki blinked at her words. "Hold up. You can see the future?!"
Momo gave him a patient smile. "A gift I'm born with. It's a little more complicated than just seeing the future, but yes."
Denki shook his head, clearly baffled. "Why am I just learning about this now?!"
"You might want to ask Daddy about the details later," Mina replied with a soft chuckle. "Like, this whole revealing magic business is more his thing."
"Magic!? I've been working on electricity blasts! You guys are working on...on seeing the future and whatnot?! What is this, some kind of secret club?"
Kyouka grinned, "You'll get used to it, Kaminari. Just keep up."
Denki's eyes darted from one girl to another, his mind spinning. 'Holy crap...They're all amazing! But...does that make me the eighth wheel?' He silently cursed to himself, trying to shake off the insecurity gnawing at his stomach. The thought nags at him: 'I've got to step up. I'm also aiming to be a hero, aren't I?'
The silence was suddenly broken by Toru's voice, crackling softly through the earpiece. "Five Guards up ahead! They're armed, but totally haven't spotted us yet!"
"Should we avoid them?" Denki asked, already crackling with nervous energy.
Momo shook her head, her eyes still showing glimpses of possible futures. "If we avoid them now, they will only grow stronger in numbers. We must deal with them quickly."
Ochaco glanced at Eri, concern etched across her face. She hated the idea of having to fight while Eri was with them, but leaving her behind was even more dangerous. "All right, here is what we will do. I shall shield us if it gets too dangerous. We need to stay together, but if Toru can get the drop on them first, we might be able to take them out quickly with minimal risks."
"Got it!" Toru whispered. "Just give me a minute with them."
Ochaco then turned to Denki, "Kaminari-kun, I want you to make sure and prevent them from calling backup."
Denki nodded, though the nervous energy crackling around him betrayed his calm exterior. "Y-Yes, Ma'am."
Melissa nodded, stepping closer to Ochaco and Eri. "Stay close to me, little one. We'll keep you safe."
Eri's eyes flicked to Ochaco and Mina, who both gave her an encouraging smile. "Okay," she whispered to Melissa, her voice small but steady.
Toru turned invisible again, slipping ahead to ambush the guards. The rest of the group remained hovering near the ceiling, silent and waiting for Toru's signal.
"Any details on your vision, Momo?" Ochaco asked.
"Not yet, but...we're getting close," Momo replied, her voice tense. "Be ready."
Denki, still visibly perplexed, whispered, "This whole 'seeing the future' thing is really messing with me. How do you guys stay so calm about all this?"
"When you're around Midoriya long enough, this kind of craziness becomes...weirdly normal," Kyouka quipped, though her eyes stayed sharp, focused on the path ahead.
Suddenly, Toru's voice whispered through their earpieces. "Now. They're distracted."
"Let us go," Ochaco breathed, hurriedly floated towards the guards.
As they floated towards the guards, Kyouka's heartbeat pulsed in her ears, amplifying the soft thuds of their own hearts. She listened carefully to the guards' movements—there were no sudden shifts, no signs they were aware of the impending attack. Yet.
Suddenly, the sharp crack of a guard crumpling mid-conversation echoed through their earpieces as Toru struck. The faint shimmer of her form moved quickly between them, dispatching one before the others could even turn around.
Another saw Ochaco approaching, but she was way too fast, her body cutting through the air with grace. Her enchanted strength surged through her muscles as she delivered a swift elbow to the solar plexus of the nearest guard. He folded with a soft grunt, collapsing against the wall with a muted thud.
The third guard fumbled for his radio, panic flashing in his eyes, but before he could reach it, a bright crackle of electricity sizzled through the air. Denki grinned as the radio shorted out in the man's hand.
"Sorry, buddy," Denki muttered under his breath as Mina swept the man's legs out from under him. The impact of his chin meeting the ground echoed faintly through the stairwell, the sound dull yet satisfying.
Another guard raised his weapon, but Kyouka's amplified heartbeat sent a soundwave through the air, disorienting him long enough for Momo to strike. She created a long metal pole, thrusting it into the man's windpipe with precision, sending him crumpling to the floor.
The final guard, his face pale with fear, dropped his weapon and raised his hands. His wide, trembling eyes flicked from one unconscious comrade to the next, then to Ochaco, who stood poised and ready to strike again. "I...I surrender."
Even without prompting, the guard began to spill information, stammering out that his boss was after some high-tech device near the top of the tower, though he didn't know the full details of the plan.
They could have easily just knocked him out and be done with it, but Ochaco believed being fair would be more beneficial. And rewarding good behavior is part of that. It won't do anything now, but if word spread and future conflicts could occasionally have a few goons less to worry about, it'll be worth it.
But of course, she would never let her generosity be taken advantage of either.
Ochaco had Momo create a strong thick tape and restrained the man with the last one was specially made with engravings embedded on it. She took a clear synthetic gem she made from her pocket and taped it together with the man's mouth. A faint shimmer can be seen coming from the gem as it lit up the engraving.
"As a reward for being smart..." Ochaco started, keeping her body angled to partially shield Eri from the scene. The little girl pressed closer to her, more concerned with the shadowy stairwell than the guard's fate. "...you can take that gem and sell it somewhere to earn enough money to laze around for years," she told the man. Confused by the sudden generosity, he wondered if there was a catch. "But," she paused. "Only I can take it off without triggering the gem. Otherwise, your tongue will get cut off. Stay here, and I shall return once this incident is over."
Her words hung in the air, each syllable sinking like a stone into the silence. A shiver ran down the man's spine, the weight of her terms settling heavily on him. He gulped, torn between relief and dread, suddenly uncertain if he'd made the right choice.
"Good work, everyone," Ochaco breathed as she turned around to the rest, keeping her voice steady.
Denki shifted uncomfortably, casting a glance back at the guard. "Uh, you sure about that? That was a little...extreme, wasn't it?"
"He just demonstrated he sings like a canary," Ochaco replied coolly. "We cannot take chances of him contacting his comrades and warning them about us."
"The control room should be just a few more floors up," Melissa added quietly, her hands clenched tight. Even without magic or combat training, she knew that room better than any of them...and what damage the villains could do if they gained full control of its systems.
"Let's not waste any more time, then," Kyouka added, her voice tense. "We've dealt with these guys—now we need to finish this."
As they floated up to the next floor, Ochaco's eyes flicked towards Izuku's direction, her heart pounding. 'Please be okay, Izuku...' she thought to herself, keeping her worries hidden from the others.
Elsewhere on the island, the silver glow of the moon bathed the beach in ethereal light. Fumikage and Tsuyu walked close - not quite touching, but near enough that each could feel the other's warmth. The endless stretch of ocean whispered secrets to the shore. Small waves lapped at their feet, gentle and constant.
Fumikage stole glances at Tsuyu between steps. The moonlight caught the delicate shine in her eyes, turned her skin to pearl. His heart thundered against his ribs. The moment felt fragile, precious...
"Asui Tsu..." His voice came out rough. He cleared his throat, tried again. "There's something I've been meaning to—"
The air died.
There was no other way to describe it. One moment, they breathed in the salt-sweet breeze of summer. The next, the wind simply...stopped. The warmth leached from the world like blood from a corpse. Darkness crept across the moon's face, but wrong - too fast, too complete.
Then came the smell.
It hit them like a wave—sickeningly thick and overpowering, the smell of rot and decay so foul it clawed at their throats. Tsuyu gagged, barely managing to keep herself from vomiting, while Fumikage's stomach churned violently. It was the smell of death. Not the kind found on a battlefield, but something far worse—like a charnel house that had been left to fester for centuries, the smell of burning flesh mixed with stagnant, soured blood.
From the unnatural shadows, it emerged. It was tall. Its skin—or what remained of it—hung in putrid, decaying strips. Bones jutted out at unnatural angles, giving the appearance of a creature that had long since abandoned the living world. Its eyes—deep, hollow pits—glowed with a sickly green light, as if staring into the souls of its prey.
"Well, well..." it rasped, its voice like grinding tombstones. "A bird and a frog. How...quaint."
The grin widened. Strips of rotted flesh clung to black teeth. "Delicate creatures, frail things..." it tilted its skull-like head. "How long before your limits give way?"
Fumikage barely had time to summon Dark Shadow before the Lich struck. Dark energy lashed out, tearing through the air with terrifying speed. The shadowy guardian surged forward to protect its master, but the moment the Lich's power touched it, sickly green miasma seeped into its form. Dark Shadow let out a guttural scream - a sound Fumikage had never heard from it before - as the corruption spread through its shadowy mass.
The miasma didn't stop at Dark Shadow. It seeped into Fumikage himself, burning through his veins like liquid fire. He flew backward, as if slapped by an invisible hand, his body carving a trench through pristine sand as each nerve screamed in agony.
Tsuyu leaped forward, trying to reach Fumikage, but the Lich moved faster than thought. Skeletal fingers clamped around her leg, bone-deep cold shooting through her limb. Its grip tightened, and she felt things inside her leg shift, crack. Her scream tore through the night.
"Such soft flesh," the Lich hissed, twisting its claws deeper into her leg, savoring her cries of pain. "I wonder how much you can scream before your throat gives out."
Tsuyu's eyes widened, her mind racing through the pain. 'Too strong. We need help.' She had to stay calm, had to think—
Fumikage, hearing Tsuyu's scream, forced himself up despite the burning corruption in his veins. "Don't touch her!" Dark Shadow, weakened but reformed, surged forward again, massive as a house and wreathed in protective rage. Its fists crashed against the Lich with all their remaining might.
The creature didn't even flinch. "Pathetic," it sneered, catching Dark Shadow with its free hand. More miasma poured from its touch, and Dark Shadow dissipated into smoke, leaving Fumikage defenseless.
Fumikage collapsed, his body wracked with whatever foul energy had destroyed his other half. Every nerve now felt like it was being pulled apart.
"Does it hurt, little bird?" The Lich's voice dripped false concern. "The corruption runs deep, doesn't it? Don't worry. The pain has barely begun."
With a casual flick of its wrist, Fumikage was sent flying with an invisible Force. But before his body could hit the sand, Tsuyu fought through her own pain and caught him. Immediately, she turned and ran, each step sending jolts of agony through her injured leg.
'I can't stop or we die. Dark Shadow did nothing to it so I don't see how the two of us could win,' she thought, her heart pounding. She swallowed hard, trying to force down rising panic. 'Maybe if I can distract it and give Tokoyami-chan time to recover...'
She fumbled for her phone with shaking hands. Her first instinct was to call Izuku, but a grim voice in her mind warned they might not have enough time.
Before she could make the call, the Lich appeared before her, its impossible speed reminiscent of Izuku. Those hollow, sickly eyes bore into hers, as if staring directly into her soul.
It raised its hand, dark energy gathering in its palm.
But before it could strike, a shockwave ripped through the air. A loud, familiar voice boomed. "GET AWAY FROM HER, YOU DISGUSTING PILE OF BONES!" Katsuki erupted onto the battlefield, his palms roaring with power, the heat of his explosions searing the air between him and the Lich. Yet the Lich smiled, its eyes gleaming with sadistic delight.
Katsuki didn't let up. He charged forward, his hands roaring with power, explosions blasting at full force. But no matter how hard he hit, the Lich didn't move. The creature simply absorbed the blows, not even a scratch could be seen from it.
His mind was confused at the sight. Despite his ego, he's not arrogant enough to say he'll win against anyone. Izuku saw through that. But that's the thing. He never saw anyone but Izuku shrug off his explosions like this thing did. He pushed back the growing panic within his mind. 'There's no way this thing is as tough as the nerd,' he denied. So he could move. So he could fight. Because otherwise, he'll be swallowed up by despair.
Eijirou rushed to Tsuyu and Fumikage's side, helping Fumikage back onto his feet. "Are you guys okay?"
"Far from it," Fumikage rasped, the corruption still burning through his body. "That thing...it's—"
"It's getting sent back to its grave, is what it is," Katsuki interrupted. "We're ending it, right here!"
The Lich straightened, its hollow gaze settling on the newcomers. It seemed to smile, a grotesque curve of its lips, as it regarded the group. "I sense something...familiar."
It tilted its head, as if sniffing the air, and then it laughed—a cold, echoing sound that sent shivers down their spines. "Where is the King? Surely he would not send his little soldiers to die in his place?"
Katsuki moved back, his face twisted in confusion and rage. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"The King...the one you follow, the one with power beyond your comprehension. Where is he?"
Katsuki snarled. He doesn't get it, but when it comes to 'power beyond your comprehension,' only one person comes to mind. "If you mean Izuku, he's not here—and we don't need him to crush you."
The Lich didn't say anything back but its grin widened.
Katsuki could feel his irritation growing as he lunged forward once again, explosions roaring from his palms.
"You think you can hurt me, little insect?" the Lich hissed. It moved faster than Katsuki could react, its bony fist slamming into Katsuki's gut with crushing force. Katsuki doubled over, gasping for air, but before he could recover, the Lich lifted him by the hair and silently stared at him, as if a butcher thinking of ways to cut up the meat on its chopping board.
"Bakugou!" Shoto called out, sending pillars of ice towards the creature. But with a sickening crack, it slammed Katsuki's face into it, shattering it on impact. The force sent a jagged web of cracks spreading across the frozen surface, blood mixing with the shards as Katsuki's skull collided with the hard ground and felt something cold lodge itself into his left eye.
Amused by the outcome, the Lich cackled. "Now, that's what I call brain freeze." Blood filled his mouth, but Katsuki refused to scream. Even as the world swam around him, he fought against the pull of unconsciousness, willing his limbs to respond. This thing might break his bones, but it wouldn't break his spirit.
He heard Kirishima shouting and saw his hardened fists clenched as he barreled toward the Lich. "I won't let you—!"
He swung with all his strength, his fists slamming into the Lich's skeletal form. But the creature barely flinched. It caught Eijirou's punch mid-swing, and with a sickening crack, it twisted his wrist, snapping the bones in his hand like twigs. Eijirou's scream echoed across the beach as his fingers bent at unnatural angles, blood pouring from the mangled mess that was his hand.
"Your hardening is admirable," the Lich mused. "I will shatter both it and your hopes with glee."
Before Eijirou could react, the Lich backhanded him across the beach, sending his body skidding across the sand like a discarded toy. His broken hand dangled uselessly at his side, blood staining the ground beneath him.
Shoto watched the carnage unfold, his heart pounding in his chest. 'It's overwhelming,' he thought, his mind racing as he calculated their odds. Ice wasn't working. He could try fire, but knowing its brutality, he didn't want to find out what it would do if he attacked recklessly.
He focused, sending out waves of freezing air to surround the Lich, creating a thick barrier of frost that grew with each breath. His left side glowed with fire as he prepared to release a simultaneous burst of flame, hoping to trap the Lich in a cycle of extremes: freezing, then burning, again and again. If he could just weaken it, maybe they'd have a chance—
But the Lich wasn't waiting for him to finish. With a pulse of magic, it shattered the ice that Shoto had painstakingly built, sending shards flying like glass. The Lich shot forward, closing the gap between them in the blink of an eye. Before Shoto could react, it lashed out with a skeletal fist, aiming for his midsection.
Shoto raised his arm in a desperate attempt to block, his skin coated in a layer of protective ice. But it wasn't enough. The Lich's fist connected with his side, shattering the ice and driving into his ribs with such force that Shoto felt them crack beneath the blow. The pain shot through him like fire, knocking the air from his lungs.
"Your tricks are useless," the Lich growled, a cruel smile playing on its lipless mouth. "Fire and ice? Mere parlor tricks for children."
Shoto fell to one knee, clutching his side as he struggled to breathe. He could feel his ribs shifting with every movement, the pain threatening to overwhelm him. He glanced at Katsuki, who was barely conscious, and at Eijirou, whose hand was a mangled mess. The reality of the situation hit him like a ton of bricks. 'We can't win this.'
The Lich loomed over him, its cold, dead eyes gleaming with malicious glee. "You are nothing," it whispered, its voice barely a rasp. "I will break every one of you, piece by piece, and enjoy watching you fall."
The Lich raised its hand, burning in purple fire, malevolent and heavy with death. "Where is your hope now? None of you will leave here ali—"
Before it could complete its taunt, there was a flash—a blinding green light that split the darkness like a lightning strike. The next moment, the side of the Lich's head was crushed by a single punch—the impact of the blow was so powerful that the Lich's body disappeared from view in an instant, thrown miles away and straight into the ocean with an earth-shattering crash.
The ocean itself reacted violently to the force. A colossal wave that reached the skies erupted from where the Lich had been flung as the ocean split in two from the sheer force of the impact. It was as if a god had slammed its fist into the sea, parting the waves and exposing the ocean floor in a monstrous crevice.
Everything was silent for a heartbeat.
And then they saw him.
Izuku stood at the edge of the split ocean, his fist still clenched and smoking from the force of his punch. The royal blue suit he was wearing on fire. His expression was cold, a silent fury radiating from his very being. The presence he exuded filled the air like a storm about to break, crackling with energy that none of them had ever felt before.
He didn't say a word as he slowly turned to face the others, his gaze sweeping over their broken, battered forms. Tsuyu, her rational mind always finding some semblance of calm, stared at him with a mixture of awe and dread. 'Is this really Midoriya-chan?'
Eijirou, who had always admired strength, found himself unable to move. His mouth opened to say something, but no words came out. Shoto, who had pushed through every ounce of pain, felt an overwhelming sense of relief, but even that was tinged with something else—fear.
Katsuki, despite his injuries, growled as he staggered to his feet, wiping the blood from his mouth with a trembling hand. "You bastard..." His voice was rough, filled with both anger and something he wasn't used to admitting—helplessness. "Always...showing up like this..."
A monstrous roar then echoed from the ocean. The water trembled, and from the split sea, the Lich emerged, dragging itself up from the ocean floor. Its skull-like face was half-crushed, black ichor dripping from the wound where Izuku had struck it.
And yet, it smiled.
"You..." it hissed, its voice filled with malevolent glee. "There you are. The King."
Thanks for reading this chapter!
Originally, I considered having Ochaco and the others intercepted by Overhaul as part of a plot where villains with knowledge of magic (under AFO's guidance) made a big move before Izuku receives the Mantle. But with the team under-equipped to face the bird-man right now, I decided against it. The idea's still on the table for later, though.
Izuku vs. the Lich, Round 2 is coming up—this time solo, and without Ochaco's Bless to even the odds. And we'll have Ochaco and her team facing off against Wolfram.
Next chapter brings us to the climax of the I-Island arc. After that, it's either straight to training camp or a set of back-to-back lemon chapters featuring Midnight, Nana, Kyouka, and Toru. The first threesome lemon might make its debut too, so we'll see!
On another note, I've been debating whether Eri should eventually be in the line of succession for Camelot's throne. This could really impact how she's treated there—something we're getting closer to exploring. On one hand, she's Izuku and Ochaco's daughter, so in principle, she should be in the line. But it also risks binding her to royal duties and putting a bigger target on her back, which could be a lot for her to handle. I'll keep weighing the pros and cons for her future.
As always, if you have questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to let me know!
Next up: I-Island (Climax)