A/N: Check out this chapter on Wattpad version of the story to see what Optimus' Hero Costume looks like.
I do not own Transformers or My Hero Academia.
Battle Trials
School began in earnest the next day. The classes that followed were English, Literature, Modern Hero Art History, Mathmathetics, Lunch, and then Heroics class at the end. However, for some reason, the teacher on the last one was blank.
Present Mic, the hero who led the Entrance Exam, taught English. He was incredibly enthusiastic the whole class. Too bad the students didn't match his enthusiasm. Optimus did well in the class, given that English was the first language he spoke when he came to Earth. Momo was just as good as him.
Cementoss, a Hero that looked like a walking block of cement with a man bun, taught Modern Literature, a subject Optimus struggled greatly with. While he was a former librarian, he was more familiar with Cybertron's texts than he was with Earth's, even less an alternate reality of Earth. Thankfully, Momo helped him a lot.
Modern Hero Art History was taught by the R-rated hero known as Midnight. She taught a good lesson, but she struck these strange and random poses as if to show off. Optimus was greatly confused by these actions and even found them detrimental to the lesson since two of his classmates, a blonde with a light streak in his hair and a purple-haired midget, seemed to pay less attention to the lesson and more the the teacher herself.
Mathematics was taught by Ectroplasm. Given his people's advanced society, simple problems like calculus, trig, Quadratic Equations, and geometry were easy for him, even if he wasn't as well-versed in math as his friend Perceptor.
Lunch came around and Optimus dug into his food. This had to be his favorite aspect of being human, eating delicious food such as this. The food was cooked by a hero known as Lunch Rush. Izuku tried to get the hero's autograph as they all dug into their food.
And finally, it was time for the Heroics class. Optimus was curious as to who the teacher could be since they left it blank. He soon got his answer as the door opened and, the one who came bursting into the class was none other than...
?: I AM HERE... COMING THROUGH THE DOOR LIKE A NORMAL PERSON!
...All Might?!
Immediately, the entire class was in awe. Many couldn't believe he was here, teaching them. Some even noticed the costume he was wearing, calling it his silver age, whatever the scrap that meant.
Optimus himself was in awe that All Might was here as well. He hasn't seen him since the incident with the Sludge Villain but has done a ton of research on the man since. He was known as the world's Symbol of Peace and the undisputed Number One Hero, the one everyone aspires to be. Optimus had to admit, that while he did see flaws in the hero society, he couldn't deny that All Might was the epitome of what a hero should be.
But if this man was the Number One Hero, why was he here at school? Was this part of Nezu's plan to help reinvent the hero society starting with the youth, having All Might as a teacher to help teach true heroic values?
He was also confused at his entrance.
Optimus: "Is that really how normal humans enter a room?"
Perhaps he needs to rethink how he enters a room from now on if he wants to appear human.
All Might walked up to the podium and addressed the class.
All Might: WELCOME TO THE MOST IMPORTANT CLASS AT U.A. HIGH. THINK OF IT AS 'HERO-ING 101'. HERE YOU WILL LEARN THE BASICS OF BECOMING A PRO. AND WHAT IT MEANS TO FIGHT IN THE NAME OF GOOD! LET'S GET INTO IT. TODAY'S LESSON WILL PULL NO PUNCHES!
He then pulled this card from out of nowhere that read 'BATTLE' on it.
Katsuki: Fight training.
Izuku: Real Combat?
Optimus: So soon?
Katsuki sounded excited, Izuku nervous, and Optimus confused. Was it so wise to have a battle practice so early into the school year? But he then shrugged to himself. This was a school for heroes, makes sense that they would do things differently.
All Might: BUT ONE OF THE KEYS OF BEING A HERO IS... LOOKING GOOD!
All Might pointed dramatically to the wall and it opened up to reveal 21 cases with the numbers 1-21 on them.
All Might: THESE WERE DESIGNED FOR YOU BASED ON YOUR QUIRK REGISTRATION FORMS AND THE REQUESTS YOU SENT IN BEFORE SCHOOL STARTED.
The class erupted into gasps and cheers.
All Might: GET YOURSELVES SUITED UP, AND THEN MEET ME AT GROUND BETA!
Everyone: YES, SIR!
A short while later, the class arrived at Ground Beta, all dressed in their hero costumes, save for a few who had yet to arrive. Most of the costumes were practical, allowing the hero students to be able to use their Quirks more effectively. A lot of them were flashy, intending to attract others' attention while others were more low-key.
All Might: THEY SAY THAT CLOTHES MAKE THE PROS YOUNG LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, AND BEHOLD, YOU ARE PROOF! TAKE THIS TO HEART. FROM NOW ON, YOU ARE ALL HEROES IN TRAINING. THIS IS GETTING ME ALL REVED UP! YOU ALL LOOK SO COOL! NOW SHALL WE GET STARTED, YOU BUNCHA NEWBIES?
Everyone was eager to begin class. However, two people have been absent from the gathering of students. And lo and behold, one was joining them right now!
Izuku stepped out from the tunnel, dressed in a green uniform. A mask with long bunny ears and a mouth guard shaped like a certain someone's icon grin with his signature red boots.
Izuku: "This is it! My hero costume!"
Ochaco: Oh! Hey Deku!
Izuku: Hey Uraraka.
He greeted her but flinched when he saw her in costume. It was meant to look like an astronaut, fitting since her Quirk was Zero Gravity. The problem was that it was so skin-tight. It left Izuku into a blushing mess.
Ochaco: Love your costume! Not too flashy, ya know? I should have been more specific about what I wanted. This body suit is skin-tight. Not really my style.
As Izuku was shaking in nervousness about being around such a pretty girl, a purple-haired midget with balls on his head dressed in a purple suit with a large diaper (for no apparent reason) looked at Ochaco before turning to the readers.
?: I love this school.
Izuku was shocked but the 4th wall was broken.
All Might seemed to immediately pick up on the similarities between him and Izuku's costume. From the ears to the grin-shaped mouthpiece. He was shaking as he was trying to keep himself from bursting out laughing.
All Might: "You're so obvious."
He managed to calm himself down and soon addressed the class.
All Might: I NOTICE NOW THAT WE'RE MISSING SOMEONE. WHERE'S YOUNG PRIME?
Izuku: Oh! He said he needed to check over a couple of things with his costume before coming
Optimus: I'm here!
Everyone turned back to the tunnel and saw Optimus walk out, and were surprised at his hero costume.
Most of his classmates were in awe of his costume.
?: So manly!
?: Such a cool and unique design.
?: He is the near epitome of elegance. Only behind Moi.
For Optimus himself, he was happy with the design of his costume. The reason he stayed behind was because he didn't want the other boys to be unnerved because of his scars. He had to admit when he first heard he needed to submit an idea, he didn't see the appeal for it, but Nezu had informed him he had to do it or make a homemade costume. So, not wanting to be the only one without a costume, Optimus submitted his requests.
He went for practicality over looking cool. The plates were separated, which allowed him a full range of movement. Nothing too bulky or it would slow him down. He was pleased to see the Support Course honored his requests.
He had to admit, when he first put the costume on, he felt like himself again. Like he was a Cybertronian once again. It brought a smile to his face.
Ochaco: Looking good Optimus!
The Prime turned to see Ochaco and Izuku walking toward him, the latter writing away in his notebook of Optimus' design.
Izuku: Yeah, your costume looks so cool
Optimus smiled.
Optimus: Thank you. Your costumes look good as well.
Ochaco: Really? Because mine is super skintight.
Optimus: That is good.
Both Ochaco and Izuku froze.
Both: ...Huh?
Optimus: With it being tight, it wouldn't allow you to be caught on anything that could trap you in place. The tighter and closer it is to your body, the less chance someone has of using how loose it is against you.
Oh, so that's what he meant. Both of them let out a sigh of relief.
Optimus: Though Izuku, I must ask... what is the purpose of those large ears?
Izuku blushed in embarrassment. He didn't want to appear any more of a fanboy than he already appeared to be.
Izuku: O-Oh, well... you see–
All Might: NOW THAT EVERYONE'S HERE, GATHER AROUND!
Izuku: Oh! Let's go see All Might! "Saved by All Might once again!"
Izuku jumped on the opportunity and moved to join the others. Optimus and Ochaco looked at each other before the latter shrugged and moved to join Izuku, the former following.
All Might: NOW THAT YOU'RE READY, IT'S TIME FOR COMBAT TRAINING.
Tenya, dressed in a suit of armor resembling that of a knight raised his hand.
Tenya: Sir! This is the fake city from our Entrance Exam. Does that mean we'll be conducting urban battles again?
All Might: NOT QUITE. I'M GOING TO BE MOVING YOU TWO STEPS AHEAD. MOST OF THE VILLAIN FIGHTS YOU SEE ON THE NEWS TAKE PLACE OUTSIDE. HOWEVER, STATICALLY SPEAKING, RUN-INS WITH THE MOST DASTARDLY EVILDOERS TAKE PLACE INDOORS. THINK ABOUT IT. BACKROOM DEALS, HOME INVASIONS, SECRET UNDERGROUND LAIRS. TRULY INTELLIGENT CRIMINALS STAY HIDDEN IN THE SHADOWS.
Optimus had to agree with All Might. Decepticons such as Soundwave, Shockwave, and Airachnid, who were considered some of the most dangerous Decepticons did most of their dark deeds in the shadows. Even Megatron, who preferred the open battlefield, knew when it was best to strike from the shadows.
All Might: FOR THIS TRAINING EXERCISE YOU'LL BE SPLIT INTO TEAMS OF GOOD GUYS AND BAD GUYS AND FIGHT TWO-ON-TWO INDOOR BATTLES.
?: Isn't this a little advanced
Asked a frog-like girl tilting her head to the side in worry. This was Tsuyu Asui, and her Quirk was Frog, explaining the frog-like qualities.
Optimus had to agree with her. This felt like a little too much for just the first day of class.
All Might: THE BEST TRAINING IS WHAT YOU GET ON THE BATTLEFIELD!
Optimus grimaced at that statement. Loathe as he was to admit it, All Might was right. The best kind of training he got was during the war. The endless battles and constantly being on guard are what honed his reflexes and sharpened his senses into what they are today.
All Might: BUT REMEMBER, YOU CAN'T JUST PUNCH A ROBOT THIS TIME. YOU'RE DEALING WITH ACTUAL PEOPLE THIS TIME.
That was probably a reminder that doesn't need to be said, but Optimus was grateful for it. He needed to make sure he held back to not harm or even kill his classmates. Though, he was left with one question as he noticed a glaring problem only an idiot wouldn't have noticed.
Momo: Sir, will you be the one deciding who wins?
Katsuki: How much can we hurt the other team?
Ochaco: Do we need to worry about the losers getting expelled like last time?
Tenya: Will you be splitting us up based on chance or comparative skill?
Yuga: Isn't this cape marvelous?
Optimus: There's 21 of us here sir, how will we be split up into teams of two?
All Might was quickly overwhelmed by all the questions sent his way as his throat choked. They were all good and reasonable questions, except the one about the cape (of course it was marvelous, no need for him to say it!) He tried to clear his throat.
All Might: I WASN'T FINISHED TALKING!
Man, teaching was a lot harder than it looked. He honestly thought that after all his years being the Number One hero, teaching these kids would be easy. Boy was he proven wrong. Now he began to feel guilty for how he made his teachers feel back when he was in high school. Not to worry though! He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his secret weapon.
Optimus: "Is that a script?"
Optimus was dumbfounded. While he found it acceptable for teachers to use notes to help, for All Might to have to rely on a script to teach was beyond careless on the Number One Hero's part. He should have prepared better for this class.
All Might then explained the training exercise. Two villains had a nuclear bomb and hidden it in the building. The heroes needed to either find the weapon and touch it to disarm it or defeat both villains in under 15 minutes to win. If the timer ran over 15 minutes or both heroes were captured the villains would win.
It sounded to Optimus like one of those 'classic action movie setups' Jack, Miko, and Raf talked about. And after all, he's been through many situations like this before. A threat with little time to resolve and barely any information to go off of.
All Might: TIME'S LIMITED, AND WE'LL CHOOSE TEAMS BY DRAWING LOTS!
Tenya: Isn't there a better way?
Izuku: Think about it! Pros often have to team up with heroes from other agencies on the spot, so maybe that's the reason we're seeing that here.
Optimus saw the logic in Izuku's statement. It made sense, after all, he didn't always have the luxury to bring whoever he wanted with him on his missions nor had the opportunity to work with those he got along best with. A perfect example is when he and Wheeljack had to save Bulkhead from Dreadwing. Optimus didn't have anything against the Wrecker, but he wouldn't be eager to travel in the Jackdaw again anytime soon, Primus was his ship cramped.
Tenya: Yes, I see. Life is a random series of events. Excuse my rudeness.
All Might: NO SWEAT. NOW LETS DRAW!
Team A: Izuku Midoriya & Ochaco Ururaka
Team B: Shoto Todoroki & Mezo Shoji
Team C: Momo Yaoyororozu & Minoru Mineta
Team D: Katsuki Baukgou & Tenya Iida
Team E: Yuga Aoyama & Mina Ashido
Team F: Rikido Sato & Koji Koda
Team G: Denki Kaminari & Kyoka Jiro
Team H: Fumikage Tokoyami & Tsuyu Asui
Team I: Mashiro Ojiro & Toru Hagakure
Team J: Eijiro Kirishima & Hanta Sero
Team K: Optimus Prime
Soon, ten teams of two were formed and one team of one.
This is what Optimus was worried about. Given the odd number of their classmates, it would leave one student by themselves, and as the humans would say, he drew the short straw.
Optimus: All Might, sir?
All Might: YES YOUNG PRIME? WHERE IS YOUR PARTNER? DO WE HAVE ANOTHER PERSON WITH AN INVISIBLITY QUIRK IN THE CLASS?
Optimus: I have no partner All Might. There were 21 of us in the class, meaning one was going to be left alone. Did you plan for this to happen?
All Might began to sweat nervously. He didn't plan for this to happen. Crap! He's gotta do something to salvage the situation!
All Might: NOT TO WORRY YOUNG PRIME! SOON ENOUGH, I'LL EXPLAIN WHAT WE'LL DO TO ACOMIDATE YOU. WHEN WE GET THERE! NOT A MOMENT SOONER!
All Might then walked away before he could let it slip anymore.
All Might: "Perfect! This way he won't suspect a thing!"
Optimus frowned as he watched the retreating hero. Seems being the Number One Hero didn't translate to being a good teacher. Optimus then looked towards his classmates. Some seemed excited to be paired with their partners, others annoyed, and most indifferent.
Ochaco: Wow, what are the chances?! We're a team!
Ochaco cheered as Izuku looked nervous.
All Might digged his hands into two separate boxes, labeled 'Villain' and 'Hero'.
All Might: I DECLARE THAT THE FIRST TEAMS TO FIGHT WILL BE... THESE GUYS!
In his hands, from the hero box, he drew the letter 'A' while from the villains he drew 'D'.
All Might: TEAM 'A' WILL BE THE HEROES. TEAM 'D' WILL BE THE VILLAINS.
That would mean Izuku would be fighting Katsuki head-to-head, and that worried Optimus. He may know little of them, but he could already tell that both boys had some history with each other, and it wasn't pleasant. Whatever Izuku did, or what Katsuki thought he did, was enough to send the blond bomber into a rage and try to attack Izuku yesterday if Optimus and Aizawa hadn't stepped in. But now without an instructor or Optimus present, and this being a real fight, how far would Bakugou go?
Optimus only prayed to Primus it didn't go too far.
All Might: EVERYONE CAN GO TO THE MONITORING ROOM TO WATCH!
Everyone: Yes, sir!
As everyone else made their way to the monitor room, Izuku stood in place, sweating nervously. He turned to see Katsuki glaring at him causing him to feel even more nervous. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked to see Optimus. He gave Izuku a calming smile.
Optimus: Do your best, Izuku.
That was all he said before he walked away. And that was all he needed to say. Izuku felt a surge of confidence swell within him as he turned to glare at Bakugou. The blond was surprised by the act of defiance and gnashed his teeth.
Denki: Who do you think is gonna win this?
Eijiro: I'm gonna go with the Villains. Bakugou looks super strong and his Quirk is really powerful. Practically made for combat like this. Also, Iida is no slouch, with those engines in his legs, his kicks must hurt a lot.
Tsuyu: To be honest it doesn't look like that good of a matchup. The heroes don't seem to have much combat ability compared to the villains. Uraraka's Quirk seems more towards support, while Midoriya's breaks his bones. I don't see a clear way how the heroes can win this.
Rikido: Yeah the villains, got power, mobility, and an advantage in time limit. The heroes are definitely at a disadvantage.
Optimus: Power is not everything in a battle.
Everyone looked at Optimus who was staring at the screen since they arrived in the monitoring room.
Mina: Watch'a mean OP?
Optimus: I mean that power isn't–Wait, OP?
Mina: Yeah! It's your nickname!OptimusPrime, O, P! OP! Like overpowered, cause you're at the top of the class! You don't like it?
Shoto seemed to narrow his eyes at the Prime while Momo had a contemplative expression on her face.
Optimus was surprised at the nickname. It's been a long time since anyone's called. The nostalgia caused him to smile.
Optimus: No, I do not mind. You may call me that if you wish Mina. As for what I was saying, power isn't everything in a battle. Quick thinking, adaptability, and an unyielding desire to push through despite the impossibility of succeeding are what decide a battle, not some mere illusion of strength.
Many of the students looked in awe at the Prime's words. It sounded so different from what they'd heard of all their life. They were told that only those with strong Quirks would be able to make it far in life, but here was someone who claimed that such things were unneeded.
Momo frowned at Optimus' words. What he said about quick thinking and adaptability being key factors in deciding a battle, was something she struggled with. Given the nature of her Quirk, she needed to think through her plans so she wouldn't waste any of her lipids. So to hear Optimus call out her weaknesses, if though unintentionally, made her feel a pit in her stomach.
All Might: WISE WORDS YOUNG PRIME!
Everyone looked to see All Might had returned from his meetings with Team A and D.
All Might: A HERO SHOULDN'T GIVE UP JUST BECAUSE THE ODDS ARE AGAINST THEM. WE FACE THE IMPOSSIBLE EVERY DAY AS PROS AND IT IS OUR DUTY, NAY, OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PUSH AGAINST THAT TIDE. UNDERSTAND?
Everyone: Yes, sir!
All Might's permanent grin only widened as he moved to begin the battle trial, but before he did Optimus stopped him.
Optimus: All Might sir, I have a concern.
All Might: IF IT'S ABOUT YOUR SITUATION, REMEMBER I SAID I WOULD TELL YOU WHEN THE TIME WAS RIGHT.
Optimus: It's not about that, it is about this match-up of team A vs. team D. Or more accurately, Izuku vs. Katsuki.
All Might looked for Optimus to continue.
Optimus: As I'm sure you saw from your spying on us yesterday during the Quirk Assessment Test–
All Might: "He noticed me?!"
Optimus:–you saw Katsuki attempt to attack Izuku after he had thrown his ball. Me and Aizawa stopped him, but it was clear he was aiming to seriously hurt Izuku.
All Might, who was sweating guiltily from being caught, asked Optimus.
All Might: WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY, YOUNG PRIME?
Optimus: It is clear that there is some sort of animosity that Katsuki holds for Izuku. And now that they are in this battle trial, I fear Katsuki will use this as an excuse to hurt Izuku far more than is allowed.
All Might: WHAT DO YOU EXPECT ME TO DO THEN YOUNG PRIME? CALL OFF THE EXERCISE AND DRAW TWO NEW TEAMS? THE HEROES AND VILLAINS ARE ALREADY SET UP! WE'LL BE BURNING DAYLIGHT IF WE DON'T START SOON. WE ONLY HAVE A LIMITED TIME IN CLASS AFTER ALL.
Optimus: Does class time matter when someone's life is on the line?
That question caused All Might to freeze. To be honest, he agreed with Optimus. He was also worried about Young Midoriya and Young Bakugou fighting each other. He knew from Izuku that they had some sort of history, but he never went beyond saying they used to be childhood friends. He guessed they may have had some sort of fallout, but how bad was it for Katsuki to attack him? He also thought about redrawing when he drew the teams.
But he just couldn't do it. The class wasn't the only thing on a time limit. He was too. He only had a little less than three hours in his muscle form, and it wouldn't be good to transform into a walking skeleton in the middle of class.
Plus, if he drew again just to keep Young Midoriya safe from Bakugou, it would be seen as favoritism, and as a teacher, he couldn't play favorites, at least so blatantly out in the open. Even though Young Midoriya was his successor.
Finally, he knew Izuku needed to do this. He needed to face what was once his childhood bully. It was an important step into becoming the hero All Might knew he could become. He needed to conquer his demons.
All Might: I UNDERSTAND YOU'RE CONCERN YOUNG PRIME. IT WARMS MY HEART TO SEE SUCH COMPASSION FOR YOUR CLASSMATE.
It did. All Might was glad Izuku was able to find a friend in the likes of Optimus. Someone who was strong and was not afraid to stand up for him.
All Might: BUT BEING A HERO IS ABOUT FACING ADVERSITY, NOT RUNNING AWAY FROM IT. SOONER OR LATER, YOUNG MIDORIYA AND YOUNG BAKUGOU WILL COME TO BLOWS. SINCE THAT IS INEVITABLE, WOULDN'T IT BE BEST TO DO IT IN A CLASSROOM SETTING WHERE WE CAN STOP IT BEFORE IT GETS OUT OF HAND?
Optimus had to admit that All Might has a point. If things got out of control, at least All Might was nearby to stop it. Plus, maybe a newfound respect could grow between them if Izuku emerges victorious. But that didn't stop Optimus from worrying.
Optimus: Very well. I'll trust you're judgment, sir.
All Might's smile widened.
All Might: THANK YOU YOUNG PRIME. NOW LET'S BEGIN THE EXERCISE!
As the battle trial began, Optimus couldn't help but think:
Optimus: "I have a bad feeling about this."
As it turns out, that bad feeling was correct.
The battle trials had been brutal and devastating. From the beginning, Katsuki had gunned straight for Izuku, blowing through walls to get to him. While the greenette had managed to get the upper hand on the blonde due to his knowledge of Katsuki's fighting style, the bomber soon turned the tables and began brutalizing the teen.
While the others thought he was just playing his role as a villain well, Optimus could tell the hate and killing intent towards Izuku was genuine. He almost killed him with a massive explosion from his gauntlets that nearly destroyed the building.
At that point, Optimus thought All Might would step in, but to his surprise and disappointment, All Might only left Katsuki with a warning. The Prime couldn't believe it?! All Might said he would step in if things got too far, which they have! But he's doing nothing! All Might argued that despite the explosion, Katsuki moved his arm to make sure he wouldn't kill Izuku. That may have been true, but his actions could have caused the building to collapse, killing all four of them.
The battle soon reached its end when Izuku used his Quirk and sent a massive blast of air upwards toward the room where the bomb was. Ochaco capitalized on this moment as she used her Quirk to send a meteor shower of debris toward Tenya, who was guarding the bomb. She used that distraction to grab the weapon, winning the match for the heroes.
Denki: What a weird way for this to end. The losers are practically untouched and the winners are both on the ground.
Tokoyami: How does the old saying go? They may have lost the battle, but they won the war.
Tsuyu: This class is intense.
As the others were talking amongst themselves, Optimus was looking down, his hair covering his eyes. He clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to calm his raging heart.
He looked at the screen and saw that Izuku was being carried away by robots, most likely to Recovery Girl's office. At that moment, he didn't see Izuku passed out from his injuries and exhaustion. Instead, he saw Raf, who was slowly dying due to being exposed to Dark Energon.
Once again, he failed to protect a friend.
He then turned and moved to leave.
Hanta: Hey, where are you going?
Optimus: To check on Izuku.
Mashiro: I don't think you need to worry, those robots have it handled.
Tsuyu: Besides, you could get in trouble for leaving class.
Optimus: I do not care. Make sure to tell All Might of my absence.
And without another word, Optimus left the room.
Everyone was silent for a long moment before someone spoke.
Eijiro: Not looking back or freezing at the fear of punishment, but pushing forward. Man, that exit was manly as heck!
In the nurse's office, Optimus arrived just in time to see Recovery Girl give Izuku a kiss that healed most of his injuries. She turned at the sound of the door opening to see Optimus enter.
Recovery Girl: Hello Optimus.
Optimus: Hello Recovery Girl. How is Izuku?
He asked as he looked over Izuku. He looked for the most part healed aside from some remaining burns and bruises.
Recovery Girl: He was exhausted when he came in. As you know my Quirk only works best when the person is awake and conscious, as it requires a lot of the person's stamina. I can't do much outside of normal treatment when the person is asleep.
Optimus: I see.
The two stayed silent for a long time looking over Izuku.
Recovery Girl: Shouldn't you be in class right now?
Optimus: I'd rather be here checking on Izuku.
Recovery Girl: Hmph, never took you for the rebellious type.
Optimus chuckled.
Optimus: You have no idea.
He was the supreme commander of the rebel Autobots against the Decepticons after all.
Recovery Girl: Are you alright?
Optimus: I am fine.
Recovery Girl: Bull crap.
Optimus looked at the doctor in shock.
Recovery Girl: You've been clenching and unclenching your fists since you've got here. And the way you're looking at Izuku seems like you're a million miles away. My eyesight may not be what it used to be, but I can recognize the look of shame and guilt on a person's face.
Optimus sighed. Was there nothing he could hide from this woman?
Optimus: This is all my fault.
Recovery Girl: No it isn't.
CRASH
The doctor was shocked when Optimus punched the wall in anger, cracking it.
Optimus: Yes it is! I knew something was wrong with Izuku and Katsuki! I knew something needed to be done! But I did nothing but stand aside and expect someone else to handle it! And now Izuku is lying there because of my carelessness! Just like Raf nearly died from–
He cut himself off as he realized the slip-up he made. Something Recovery Girl caught.
Recovery Girl: Who's Raf?
Optimus: A friend of mine. One who nearly died because of me.
He then shared with Recovery Girl how Raf nearly died due to poisoning from a dangerous substance given to him by someone Optimus refused to stop multiple times throughout his life. Of course that someone was Megatron and the substance was Dark Energon, but Optimus didn't tell her that.
When he was finished, Recovery Girl gave him a flat stare.
Recovery Girl: You're an even bigger idiot than I thought.
He wasn't expecting that.
Optimus: I don't under–
Recovery Girl: None of that was your fault! You didn't ask this person to hurt your friend! Taking the blame for something you didn't do isn't noble, it's selfish.
Optimus: But–
Recovery Girl: And this isn't your fault either! It's this boy's, the blonde bomber, and that big oaf! Midoriya could have forefitted but he was too stubborn to do so! That Bakugou kid should've held back but was too prideful to lose! All Might should've stopped the match, but even he got too absorbed in the fight to stop it! So stop blaming yourself! Save that guilt and shame for things that are your fault.
Optimus was silent. She was right. He should save his guilt for when something is his fault. She was just like Ratchet in that way, who would at times try to talk him out of his self-loathing. He then smiled.
Optimus: Thank you, Recovery Girl.
Recovery Girl: No thanks necessary, healing the sick and talking sense into morons is what I do best.
Optimus chuckled as he moved to leave.
Optimus: I'll try and pay you back for the damage I caused your room. But if you'll excuse me, I should be getting back to class.
Recovery Girl: Go on. You wouldn't want to get into any more trouble than you already are.
Optimus then opened the door but Recovery Girl called out to him.
Recovery Girl: Go easy on those kids though. I would hate to have any more patients on the first day.
Optimus chuckled as he shut the door.
Optimus arrived back in the monitor room as soon as the 5th battle ended. Everyone's eyes were on him, except Bakugou who looked lost in thought. Tenya and Ochaco ran up to him.
Ochaco: Is Deku okay?!
Optimus: He is fine, but it seems he will be resting for the rest of the school day. He was so exhausted Recovery Girl's Quirk couldn't heal him completely.
Ochaco sighed in relief.
Ochaco: That's a relief.
Tenya: I am glad to hear Midoriya is well. However, that does not excuse your actions Prime! Leaving in the middle of class, and without a teacher's approval, is strictly against the rules!
He admonished the Prime while chopping his hands like a robot.
All Might: HE'S RIGHT YOUNG PRIME.
The trio turned to look at All Might. He still had a smile, but there was a tint of disappointment in his expression.
All Might: WHILE I AM GLAD TO SEE YOU CARE FOR YOUR CLASSMATE, YOU STILL LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF A CLASS WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. I ALREADY SAW WHAT YOU TRIED WITH AIZAWA YESTERDAY. PLEASE TRY TO NOT MAKE THIS A HABIT.
Optimus was silent before he responded.
Optimus: Yes, sir.
All Might nodded and moved back to the front of the class with the three students following him.
Kyoka: You were lucky you weren't here for the second match.
Optimus: Why? What happened?
Mina: It was crazy OP! Todoroki just touched the wall and the whole building was covered in ice in less than a minute! The cold even got to the monitor room! Seriously it was freezing, even All Might was shaking!
Optimus' eyes widened. One person had that kind of power?!
Toru: Yeah! It was so cold! I was so glad I had my costume made from the fabric of my hair instead of going naked as Kohei Horikoshi, the author of the manga made me.
Mashiro: But you're invisible. Nobody would even see anything.
Toru: It's the principle of it!
Optimus took the moment to look over at Shoto, the boy glared back at him. He did see Shoto using his ice power during the assessment test yesterday, but it was small things like ramps, making the ground ice to slide on, etc. But to think he could freeze an entire building, and not end up killing anyone. He would become a powerful hero with that level of control.
But Optimus could tell from the look in his eyes there was something wrong with the boy. He was broken in some way. Sad, angry, resentful, some it towards himself, some of it towards another. What could cause such emotions in someone so young?
All Might: ALRIGHT CLASS, WERE NOW AT THE FINAL BATTLE FOR TODAY! FOR THIS LAST ROUND IT WILL BE TEAM K VS... ANY VOLUNTEERS!
It was clear from the way All Might was nervously sweating that he just pulled this out of the air. Optimus sighed in disappointment. It seems he hasn't come up with a good enough plan for Optimus after all.
Both Shoto and Katsuki perked up, the latter coming out of his depressed state for a moment. This was it, a chance to fight against, from what the Quirk Assessment Test showed, the strongest student in class. A chance for each of them to achieve their goals.
Shoto: "If I beat him, I get closer to my goal, proving I don't need his Quirk."
Katsuki: "I'll show this extra he's just another stepping stone to becoming Number One, and make up for my pathetic loss against Deku!"
Both teens moved to raise their hands, but someone beat them to it.
Momo: We will!
Everyone looked at Momo and Minoru in surprise. The two had managed to win their battle against Team G with ease.
Minoru seemed shocked at his partner for volunteering them but before he could voice anything against it, All Might spoke.
All Might: PERFECT! TEAM K WILL BE THE HERO, AND TEAM C WILL BE THE VILLAINS! THEN MOVE ALONG TO THE DESIGNATED! CHOP, CHOP NEWBIES!
Optimus and Team C complied as they moved to exit the room.
Minoru: So back here again.
Minoru commented as he looked at the fake bomb, knocking on it. Off to the side, Momo was in deep thought. After a moment of silence, Minoru spoke.
Minoru: So anyway, not that I don't mind the chance to be alone with such a hot girl, but why did you volunteer us for this fight?
Momo didn't answer him.
Minoru growled. He hated it when a beautiful girl ignored him (which was all the time).
Minoru: Hey!
Momo seemed to snap awake as she turned to her partner.
Momo: Sorry, what did you say?
Minoru: I asked why you volunteered us for this.
Momo: Oh, well...
Minoru: I mean, if you wanted an easy win then I can understand.
Momo: It won't be an easy win.
Minoru was surprised by the level of seriousness that entered Momo's voice. Her eyes were hardened and her face determined.
Minoru: What do you mean? I mean sure the guy is the strongest in class, being first in practical exam and on Mr. Aizawa's test, but after the show Todoroki did, I'm sure that belief's been shattered. And there's two of us and one of him. Besides, we have the better Quirks. My balls can be super sticky to whatever they touch and you can create anything with that rockin' body of yours! All he can do is transform parts of his body into a robot. We got this in the bag babe!
Momo sent a glare that made the purple pervert stand upright before sighing. She just had to be paired with the pervert. Not that she wasn't used to it, many young men lusted after her, but none were like Minoru Mineta. If she didn't need him for the exercise, she might as well have tied him to a real nuclear bomb.
But she also couldn't deny his points. On a surface level, they had a clear advantage over the Heroes, or just Hero in this case. They outnumbered him. Knew the layout of the building better than he did. Already done the exercise. Plus, he had no idea the extent of either of their Quirks since he was absent for their battle. It should be an easy win.
Momo: "So why do I feel so nervous?"
Indeed, despite the reassurance that they had the advantage, she just wasn't sure they had a chance of winning. She didn't even feel this nervous when going up against Team G, and they had more advantages than Optimus.
She knew why. Because she had underestimated him before and paid dearly for it. When she first met him, she thought he was a simple, timid boy who didn't have enough money to pay for a meal. Someone to be pitied. But she was surprised when she saw him in U.A. almost a year later. She figured then he must've had some skills, but that first impression of him was still in her mind, especially after she saw he didn't know how to tie a necktie.
Then was the revelation that he scored first on the entrance exam and got first in the Quirk Assessment, that and standing up to Aizawa finally shattered the image she initially had of him in her mind. He was strong, no doubt about it, if not physically then certainly in spirit. His eyes carried a willpower she'd never seen before.
That's why she was nervous, but also the reason why she wanted to fight him. Her underestimating him led to her second placement in the test yesterday. She wanted to face him again, knowing what he was capable of.
She would beat him.
And then an idea came to her. It was time to turn a weakness into a strength.
Momo: Mineta!
The pervert stood at attention.
Momo: Here's the plan.
Standing outside the building of the mock battle, Optimus sat on the ground crossed-legged. He was meditating, clearing his mind from any distractions or unpleasant thoughts so that he could focus. Recovery Girl suggested he try it to help clear his mind at times.
He was going up against Momo and Minoru. Momo would create any non-living thing with her Quirk, so she could create any number of items against him. He would need to be ready. Minoru was a bit of an unknown to Optimus. He saw him use those purple balls on his head to jump around in the sidesteps during the assessment, so he knew he could have enhanced mobility thanks to it, but there was more to him than meets the eye, he could feel it.
However, since it was just him against two, All Might gave the handicaps that all he had to do to achieve victory was touch the bomb. He even took away the villain's comm devices so they wouldn't be able to communicate. But with someone like Momo, he figured such an action would be useless.
Regardless of the challenge, he would push forward, as he always did. And then the bell rang!
All Might: BATTLE START!
Optimus opened his eyes and his iconic faceplate shut around his mouth. Time to show his classmates what he's made of.
Moments Earlier
Back in the monitor room, the students began to gossip among themselves.
Hanta: Who do you think is going to win?
Rikido: It's gotta be Team C. Team K is just one person.
Denki: Yeah, and remember he left after the first match, so he doesn't know what their Quirks are.
Kyoka: He almost missed you making a complete fool out of yourself and me.
Denki grumbled in embarrassment at her statement. He tried to surprise Team C by releasing a power shock, but Momo had created an insulation sheet to keep them safe. The attack left Kyoka dazed and Denki dumb, costing them the match.
Mina: I don't know. I mean OP was the one who got first in the entrance exam and apprehension test. If anyone could solo this match it'd be him. Or Todoroki.
The ice and fire user said nothing as he stared at the screen, watching Optimus sitting outside.
Katsuki: Robo-Boy is gonna win.
Everyone turned to look at Katsuki in shock since that was the first time he'd spoken since his defeat, and he was doing it in praise of someone else.
Eijiro: What makes you say that Bakugou?
Katsuki tsked at the extra so casually chatting with him but didn't lash out. His mind flashed back to the sludge villain and apprehension test from yesterday. Robo-Boy had managed to save (man he hated using that word regarding himself, he wasn't weak!) him while the other pros stood on the side, cutting with the right amount of force and precision to free him. He also managed to pull him to the ground and keep him there with one.
But more so, it was the look in his eyes. They had a fire in them. Not a raging burning inferno, but a tempered flame, honed by years of experience. Experience that could only be gained through one method for one so young.
Robo-Boy had been through Hell and came out stronger from it. He'd been through more than the average youth could even imagine and was all the stronger for it.
No way any of these extras would be able to beat him, except for maybe Icy Hot and himself.
Both Tenya and Ochaco found themselves agreeing with Katsuki, not that they would admit it out loud. They were with Optimus during the entrance exam and saw that he was a force to be reckoned with. But that was against robots. How would he fair against living people?
All Might himself even had a strong belief the Prime would win. He was there during the sludge villain and saw him heroically charge in after Young Midoriya and helped protect both boys as he bulked up. He also saw his performance on the entrance exam and Quirk test Aizawa had them do. He was without a doubt, incredible.
All Might: "Time to see what you can do, Young Prime." BATTLE START!
Before Optimus entered the mock building, he hung outside and drew his Ion Blaster. He then peaked inside, looking for any sign of movement. He even picked up a rock and threw it inside, seeing if the sound would cause any disturbance. There was none. He then leaped into the room and whipped his blaster around, looking for anyone who may have been trying to sneak up on him.
He surveyed the area around him, looking for any sign of someone being there before him, and found none.
Optimus: "No sign of any movement down here. Which means the bomb must be on a higher floor."
Optimus then proceeded to the second floor, hugging the walls and keeping his blaster charged and ready. He entered several rooms and quickly looked inside, keeping his blaster leveled. Nothing so far.
Denki: What's he doing?
All Might: HE CHECKING THE ROOMS, WHILE KEEPING HIS WEAPON READY SHOULD ANYONE SEEK TO SURPRISE HIM.
It was strange to All Might though. The way he was checking the rooms and keeping himself out of sight, wasn't how any normal hero student would do it. Rather it was as if he was a seasoned soldier who had done this countless times.
All Might: "Interesting."
Optimus had just finished checking the last room.
Optimus: "Not down here either. Higher then."
He moved to the stairs, keeping his blaster up and his body calm. Which was a lot harder than it seemed. This silence, this tense feeling in the air, reminded him much of the battles on Cybertron, one such instance being when he and his fellow had to sneak through the Kaon Prison Complex to rescue Zeta Prime.
He shook his head, trying to clear the memory from his mind. Guess his meditation didn't help much after all. Seems he'll need to work on it more.
As he was ascending the stairs he saw something thrown towards him. He quickly aimed his blaster and fired. The objects were destroyed.
Minoru: Aw man! I was sure I had you!
Optimus pointed his blaster at the source of the voice. Minrou flinched as the blaster was pointed in his direction but soon gulped and began to assume his villain persona.
Minoru: I mean, welcome to my lair hero! You were foolish to come here alone! You stand no chance of stopping the villainous Grape Fruit and his harem of Femme Fatels! I would suggest rolling over and dying now to save yourself the embarrassing defeat.
Optimus... was at a complete loss. He didn't know Minoru well, but he was sure he wasn't normally like this. And what in the name of Primus a 'harem' or 'femme fatels'?
More Earth phrases he would need to research later.
He then recalled that All Might said that to win this exercise, the students needed to immerse themselves in the role of both heroes and villains. It seems Minoru was doing exactly that. Then Optimus should do the same. But he was going to do it his way.
He then put away his blaster.
Optimus: Must we do battle Grape Fruit?
Minoru: Huh?
Minoru certainly wasn't expecting that sort of question. Why didn't he want to fight? Was he a coward?
Optimus: I do not know what it was that led you down this path of villainy, but I do know that every being possesses the capacity for change. And I believe that you can too. I know you must have suffered much in your life, but there must be better ways than by endangering innocent people. Please stand down, tell me where the bomb along with your partner is, and let us find a way to move forward. Together.
Eijiro: Why is he just standing there?
Mina: Yeah come on OP! Flatten that little pervert!
Tsuyu: Why did he put away his weapon? That doesn't seem smart.
Toru: Looks like they're talking. What are they saying what are they saying?
Kyoka: I don't know.
All Might, who was able to listen to their conversation thanks to his earpiece, was astonished by what he saw. Never before had he heard of a hero trying to end conflict in this training exercise by asking the villain to stand down. But the more he thought about it, the idea itself was brilliant. Perhaps he should have that be a hidden condition in future classes.
Minoru looked at Optimus in confusion. Was this guy so afraid to fight real people that he covered that with the excuse of not wanting to help him?
Minoru had to admit though, that if that was his strategy, it was working. He was brought up to not want to fight. To stand down and go along with Optimus' ideas. Suddenly, playing the villain didn't feel right anymore.
But then he remembered his reasons for wanting to fight this guy and shook his head. He needed to beat Optimus Prime! If he did, then he would claim the status of Class 1-A's top dog! All the ladies would fawn all over him after that, especially Yaoyorozu.
He wasn't blind. He could see the real reason why she wanted to fight this stud. She had the hots for him! It made him hate the Prime even more. Barely two days into the school year and he's already got the hottest girl wrapped around his metal fingers!
Minoru: Nice try Hero! But I won't fall for your self-righteous act! I will never surrender, especially not to a coward like you!
Optimus seemed to look regretful. Even though this was an exercise, he hoped his plea would be able to reach Minoru enough for him to stand down so no one, mainly Minoru, would get hurt. But it seems he was too fixed in his 'villainous ways'. He then looked at Minoru with a determined expression that made the midget flinch.
Optimus: So be it. I gave you a choice to end this peacefully, and you refused. Now live with the consequences.
He then redrew his Ion Blaster and opened fire. Minoru was surprised and barely dodged all the blaster bolts.
Denki: Whoa he's shooting him! Is he trying to kill him?!
All Might: NOT TO WORRY! YOUNG PRIME'S WEAPONS ARE STRICTLY NON-LETHAL! AT WORST, YOUNG MINETA WILL SIMPLY GET A CONCUSSION FOR A BOLT. "I hope."
Minoru was scrambling to dodge the blaster fire. His small size helped and using his balls as a springboard helped him to bounce around the hallway. Optimus' blaster stopped to cool down and that's when Minoru took his chance.
Minoru: Take this!Grape Rush!
He then began throwing multiple sticky balls at the Prime who moved into the other room to dodge. He held his now cooled-down blaster and waited for the barrage to stop. When there was a pause he leaned out and opened fire. Minoru dodged and continued to throw the balls on the ground.
Optimus then stepped out completely from the room into the hallway and opened fire. His blaster hit the ground next to Minoru, and the impact sent him flying back, ceasing his assault.
Optimus moved to check on him but found he was stuck. He looked down at his feet and saw they were stuck to the balls Minoru threw to the floor. It was then that he realized Minoru's plan.
Minoru: HAHA! You fell right into my trap hero! I'm sure you didn't know this but my balls can stick to any surface. But I don't stick to them, I just bounce off them. I wouldn't even dream of breaking free. It's impossible to do so! No one has ever managed to escape my sticky grape trap! It's over Hero! "I did it! I beat the stud! Hot ladies, here I come!"
He began walking to the hero, pulling out his capture tape.
Optimus tried to lift his feet, but the balls held him in place. He had to admit, Minoru had him, a well-thought-out plan on the fake villain's part. But Optimus had a way out of this. He fired into the ground and caused the ground to give way and he fell through the floor.
Minoru was surprised and ran to check on the Prime. The hole dropped Prime to the second floor, but the dust from the debris clouded Minoru's vision.
He felt his heart beating faster as he moved to step away when a hand shot out from the floor and grabbed his leg.
Minoru screamed in terror as he was pulled down the hole. He used his Quirk and stuck the balls to the floor before he fell completely through the hole. He felt his body almost torn in two as he held onto his lifeline with a death grip.
After a few tense seconds of struggling, the floor the balls were sticking to was torn up and Minoru fell through the hole with a scream of terror.
He landed on the floor with a hard thud and a boot stomped on top of him. He looked up and saw Optimus aiming an Ion Blaster down at him. Minoru gulped as the blaster was aimed at him.
Optimus: This did not need to end in violence, but you forced my hand. Now tell me: Where is Momo and the bomb?
Minoru was terrified of the person standing over him but managed to gulp the lump down his throat.
Minoru: I-I-I won't t-tell you a-anything, h-hero!
Optimus' gaze only narrowed as his blaster charged up.
Minoru: 5th floor! Norwest corner of the building! Across the hall from the room with a window! Please don't kill me!
Minoru whined, the tears falling from his face. He stopped as he then felt the sound of tape and felt it wrapping around his leg. He looked at the appendage and saw the Prime wrapping capture tape around his leg.
All Might: MINORU MINETA FROM TEAM 'C' HAS BEEN CAPTURED!
He looked at Optimus and saw that he had a grateful, if regretful expression on his face.
Optimus: Thank you Minoru. I am sorry it had to come to this.
Optimus then got up and walked away.
Minoru: Yaoyorozu's waiting for you! She has the whole floor rigged with traps No way you can beat what she has planned for you.
Optimus stopped. Minoru had a point. From what he gathered due to his interactions with Momo, she seemed to be a calculating person who tried to prepare for every expected outcome. So the only way to beat her was to do the unexpected. He looked out the window and got an idea.
Momo wiped the sweat off her brow as she finished the last line of her defenses against Optimus. It wasn't that long since her perverted partner was eliminated, so she got to work on finishing the traps she had for him.
The stairs leading up to the fifth floor were filled with trip wires that when tripped, her signature matryoshka dolls would explode. Not in a flaming explosion but with either glue or any other adhesive to trap Optimus in place.
If he made it up the stairs, he would need to contend with two automatic tennis canons, shooting tennis balls at 110 miles per hour. Nothing lethal, but it would certainly leave a mark.
She then had each of the rooms rigged with different traps in place should he try and search them.
The final touch was a canon directly in front of the door to where she and the bomb were, triggered to fire a soccer ball the second the door creaks open.
And, even if he managed to make it through all that, he would need to get past her and her trump card before he got to the fake bomb.
She then looked at the timer she made when the countdown started. Less than 5 minutes remaining. She had a feeling all those traps wouldn't be able to stop him, but they would at the very least slow him down. Hopefully, until the timer runs out.
It was a foolproof plan. She took every possible entrance into account, even choosing one of the windowless rooms. No way would he be able to sneak past her and her traps.
She pulled out a high-calorie protein bar to eat to help replenish her lipids just in case when she heard something. A sort of rumbling. And it was coming from the ceiling.
CRASH!
The roof caved in, forcing Momo to move back at Optimus dropped from the ceiling and landed on the ground. He stood up, tall and proud as he gazed at her.
Momo was speechless as stared at him.
Momo: H-How did you get around all my traps?
Optimus: I knew you were expecting me to come from either the stairs or even a window, which was why you chose this room. So I chose to attack from someplace you wouldn't expect me.
He then pointed upwards.
Momo: From above? But how did you get up there?
Optimus: I climbed.
It's the truth. Optimus had exited the building and used his Energon hooks to help scale up the building. He then moved over to where he believed the room would be and broke through the roof.
Momo narrowed her eyes. Once again, she underestimated him. All her hard work, all the energy and time she spent creating those traps, wasted. It made her blood boil.
Optimus: We do not need to fight Momo. Simply stand down and let us resolve things peacefully before more innocent lives are lost in this madness.
She was a bit surprised at his words but figured he was just playing his role as the hero, trying to get her to lower her guard. She narrowed her eyes. She wouldn't surrender, even if all her hard work amounted to nothing, she wouldn't just give up. Using her Quirk, she created a metal staff and got into a Bojutsu stance.
Optimus realized her intentions and sighed. Soon though his gaze got serious and he transformed his right arm into a sword and got into a stance.
Optimus: Very well. Let's end this.
The two combatants stared at each other for a long moment before Optimus made the first move. He lunged at her, swinging his sword horizontally for her to block with her bo staff. She shoved the blade away, striking at his head, but he blocked her attack.
The two stared into each other's eyes, at that moment acknowledging each other as warriors, and then the duel began in earnest.
If only it could be called that.
Since her first creation, Momo had been hard at work learning how to use the items she created to the best of her abilities, which included weapons. She practiced with swords, nunchucks, and sai, learning several techniques with each of them, but the one she spent the most time with was the bo staff. Since making her choice, she was then tutored by the best teachers money could buy, and she had a lot of money. They had all taught her so much, and after all these years of training and finding her style of fighting with Bojutsu, she could confidently say no one here at U.A. could hope to match her when it came to wielding a weapon.
Until now that is.
She could tell from Optimus' stance that it wasn't his first time wielding his sword. On his first strike, he knew how to swing, on his second he knew how to defend, and on the third, he knew how to fight. Better than her.
This was less of a duel and more a dance, a dance he was leading with Momo struggling to follow along with. It was ironic, that the high-class young lady was being led around by a normal commoner in a dance. Oh, some of her father's friends would faint if they saw her.
But it was the truth, from the beginning Optimus had complete control of the fight, directing it to wherever he wanted it. Controlling the pace of their strikes, the moments where they could breathe. Everything was under his control, and Momo was struggling to keep up as she felt the pace increase. It wasn't helped that she was exhausted from using her Quirk so much just before this dance.
For Optimus, he was surprised. With Quirks and how powerful they were, he wasn't expecting someone to take the time to learn how to use and fight with a weapon unless it was required of them. But Momo had proven him wrong on both accounts.
When he saw her create that staff, he thought she was just hoping to take him off guard and try to buy herself a few seconds while she created something. But he was surprised when she reacted fast enough to block his opening strike, and quickly move to counter. He could tell from just those two strikes, and the look in her eyes, that she knew how to use her staff. So, acknowledging her unspoken request, Optimus decided to cut loose a bit and the two engaged in a duel.
Optimus started slow, for him at least. He wanted to get a feel for where Momo was in her skill. She was no beginner, maybe even close to a master. But she was tired, he could tell from how much her arms were straining from his strikes and how heavily she was breathing. He did recall she uses her lipids for her Quirk and she mentioned traps, so she must've been exhausted from all that. But Optimus wouldn't do her a disservice by going too easy on her.
Deciding to test her adaptability, Optimus swung his blade up with all his strength, his Cypertronian blade slicing her metal staff in half, much to her shock. He then delivered a spartan kick that sent her rolling backward and hitting the wall. He jumped and moved to stab her in the face but she moved her head just in time as his blade stabbed through the wall.
She recovered as she created a handheld taser moved moved to strike him. He grabbed her hand with his free hand and disarmed her with ease. He then dragged his sword through the wall to strike but she rolled under the blade as it passed overhead. The moment he took his sword from the wall, she had finished making another metal staff, this one being made from stronger metals.
Optimus: "If I take any longer, then the bomb will go off. Time to end this."
And for that brief moment, he stopped holding back.
He was a whirlwind of speed and grace. His blade struck with laser-focused precision. Momo barely lasted five seconds before she was so overwhelmed by his swordsmanship that her staff was knocked from her hand. She began to create another one but stopped when his blade was at her throat. His blue eyes, which were usually so kind, were staring directly at her as if daring her to make a move.
Optimus: This has gone on long enough. Stand down, now.
Momo had to admit, he beat her, and she admired him for that. But if she was going to go down, she was going to go down fighting.
She had enough lipids for maybe two more creations, which was enough. She created a flashbang, pulled the pin, and threw it directly at the Prime, forcing him to cover his eyes, she had already made the mask to cover his face from the blinding white light.
While Optimus was blinded she grabbed her fallen bo staff. She then moved to strike the back of his head. If she used enough strength the attack could either stun him or incapacitate him.
He then grabbed the staff before it could hit him. At first, she was surprised he recovered from the flashbang so quickly but saw that his eyes were still shut.
Momo: "He predicted where I would strike."
Her astonishment was short-lived as he gripped the pole with both hands, lifted her over his head, and slammed her down to the ground. Momo groaned as she had landed on her side, thankfully not on her back. Optimus threw the staff away and looked down at her, his eyes now recovered from the blinding light.
Optimus: This duel is over. You have lost.
Momo tried to stand back up, but she was too weak to do so. Her lipids were exhausted and even if they weren't, she couldn't think of anything to use to surprise him. He had completely defeated her. Now all that was left was to wrap the capture tape around her and he would win.
Only he didn't. Momo saw that he was walking away from her and moving to the bomb.
Momo: What are you doing?
Optimus: Defusing the bomb.
Momo: What's the point? You already beat me. Just wrap the capture tape around me and you'll win.
Optimus: Perhaps in this exercise, but not if this was real. Simply defeating the villains will not result in the bomb's deactivation. Stopping the villains should be secondary to ending the more immediate threat to people's lives. Besides, that was the condition All Might had given me to win.
Momo's eyes widened. What he said made sense. But that was for it he couldn't take down both of them, which he did. But if his goal was the bomb then...
Optimus moved to touch the bomb when he noticed something. The bomb was covered with a thick metal sheet that prevented one from touching it directly. He noticed purple balls sticking the metal to the bomb. He looked back at Momo with wide eyes.
Optimus: What have you done?
Momo couldn't help the prideful smile on her lips.
Momo: "So that's what you look like when you're shocked." I knew that because of your disadvantage of being alone, you would maybe aim to touch the bomb to win. So to keep that from happening, I created the metal sheets and had Mineta use his Quirk to keep them sticking to the bomb, so even if you sneaked past us, you wouldn't be able to touch the bomb. And since that's your condition to win, it seems you lose, hero.
Optimus was impressed. Momo was extraordinary, being able to come up with a backup plan like this, to turn a handicap into a way to achieve victory. That took true innovative thinking. However, he wasn't just gonna sit back and lose.
Optimus: Very clever Momo. However, I will not just stand here and give up. Not when so many lives are on the line.
Momo was in slight awe at the level of conviction in his voice.
Optimus then grabbed the metal sheet and pulled it. The metal creaked but wouldn't budge, after several seconds of trying, Optimus pulled back and took several deep breaths.
Momo: I told you, it's no use. You have less than a minute. You've lost this battle hero.
Optimus didn't pay her any mind as he looked at his hands. He had less than An idea soon came to him.
Optimus: "Haven't practiced this move as much, but what better time than the present to try it out." Energon Surge!
The Energon in his blood began to glow bright, making his veins appear blue and his dark blue hair grew brighter. Momo was surprised by the powerup, finding it beautiful even. Optimus then moved back to the bomb. Using his Energon-enhanced strength, he ripped the sheets from the bomb.
Optimus then places his hand on the bomb just before the timer is zero.
All Might: HERO TEAM WINS!
Inside the monitoring room, everyone was in awe of Optimus' victory.
Eijiro: He took on two people and managed to pry that steel from the bomb! So manly!
Rikido: I can't believe he won the exercise all by himself. I mean someone like Todoroki I can see winning solo, but Prime?
Kyoka: Well he did score first place on the Assessment test yesterday.
Denki: Man I'm glad I wasn't the one going against him.
Mashiro: His skill with a sword is incredible. Even Yaoyorozu's Bojutsu was incredible.
Mina: It was like they were dancing. With OP leading.
Tenya: As expected of Prime. I knew he would triumph despite the odds placed against him.
Ochaco: Way to go Optimus! And you too Yaoyorozu and Mineta!
All Might was giving the Prime a silent congratulations. But his mind was focused on one moment specifically. The moment he pried off the doors, All Might saw the veins on his arm glowing blue, much like how Young Midoriya would glow red with One For All. He began to wonder if there was a connection.
Shoto himself was in awe of the battle. Optimus Prime fought with incredible skill, intelligence, and power. He was a force to be reckoned with. And Shoto needed to beat him. If he did that, then he would prove he could be a hero with just his ice.
Katsuki's expression was unable to read as his hair covered his eyes. He clenched his fist in frustration.
Momo was speechless. That was her trump card. The last desperate move she could pull to stop him. And with nothing but his raw strength, he forced it aside. It was incredible! And it made Momo feel like a failure.
Momo now hung her head in defeat. She tried her hardest. Used everything she had to try and beat him, yet it wasn't enough. Was she really that weak? Was she that usel–
Optimus: Are you okay?
Here negative thoughts immediately ceased as she looked up and saw Optimus' hand outstretched to her. She stared at his hand and then up to his face to see a concerned expression on his face. She took his hand and he helped pull her to his feet.
Momo: Yes, I'm fine. Thank y–
She didn't as her legs suddenly gave out and she would have fallen had Optimus not grabbed her.
Optimus: Momo?! Are you okay?! Do you need a doctor?! I can take you to Recovery Girl immediately!
Momo: "How can he go from trying to destroy me to showing such concern for me?"
Momo thought with a blush.
Momo: N-No need for that Optimus! I'm fine! Truly! Just lost the strength in my legs. Also, I used all my lipids so I'm very weak at the moment from lack of food.
Optimus breathed a sigh of relief.
Optimus: I'm glad you're okay. Will you be able to walk?
Momo took a tentative step forward but was barely able to move before gravity took her, with Optimus catching her. She blushed in embarrassment.
Momo: Not likely. Guess I'll need to wait for the Med bots to carry me back. You can go on ahead.
Optimus didn't feel comfortable leaving Momo here alone, even if it was safe. Then he got an idea. Something he saw once in an Earth movie.
Optimus: I believe I have a solution.
Momo: A solution? What is–W-Wait?! What are you doing?!
Momo suddenly screamed as her whole face burned red.
Optimus: I am carrying you. Is there a problem?
Momo: N-No. Not exactly a problem per se. Aren't I a little... heavy though?
Optimus: Not at all.
Optimus had decided an easy way to get her back to the monitor room was to carry her himself. It would save time, plus he was strong enough to lift her without any difficulty. Plus he had worked enough with Ratchet to know how best to hold someone who was injured or exhausted. It made sense and was logical.
The only problem, or at least for Momo, was that he was doing the famous Princess Carry!
To be carried like a Princess was a fantasy every young girl wished for, and Momo was no exception. As she got older, that wish soon devolved into a silly childhood fantasy. But now it was happening for real and all Momo could do was blush and look embarrassed.
At that moment, Momo couldn't help but feel how strong his arms were as he held her with them. Nor notice how broad and sturdy his chest seemed as he held her close to him. A small smile found its way onto her face.
Momo: "I guess it isn't so bad to live out silly childhood fantasies."
Optimus himself started to feel his heart rate accelerate for some reason, but Optimus paid it no real mind.
Optimus: "Perhaps my body is still calming down from the use of the Energon in my blood."
As they were walking back, Minoru couldn't help but bite his lip in frustration as he watched Prime carry off Yaoyorozu like a Princess.
Minoru: "I'm gonna kill you Optimus Prime! This I swear!"
After Teams C and K returned All Might had concluded the class, rushing off to who knows where. The students changed out of their hero costumes and hung out in the classroom.
Save one explosive bomber.
Katsuki: "Finally the day's over."
Today had not gone the way Katsuki Bakugou had envisioned. He was sure he would establish his status as the top dog in the school, put Deku in his place, and wow everyone with his Quirk as he did throughout elementary and Middle School.
But nothing had gone according to plan. First, he lost the first mock battle of the school year, to Deku of all people.
Then he got a front-row witness to both IcyHot's and Robo-Boy's power, and that further dampened his mood. It was a real eye-opener. He thought with his Quirk and the amount of effort he put into mastering it, he would have no competition like always. But those two. Icyhot had a power that could counteract his own Quirk while Robo-Boy's skill far surpassed anyone in class, even his own. They were the real deal.
But what irked him the most was that Deku, that lying piece of crap, didn't even need to use his Quirk, at least directly against Katsuki, to win. Just one use and he managed to help his team win the whole match.
Katsuki: "Just go home Katsuki. Just go home, murder a bunch of germs in your teeth, and don't think about–"
Izuku: Kacchan! Wait up!
Katsuki: "Are you kidding me?!" What?
While he was fuming on the inside, his vocal words sounded unnaturally calm, which unnerved Izuku, who had his arm in a sling. Izuku's lip was trembling, wondering if he should even be saying this.
Izuku: "I haven't told anyone this secret. Not even my mom." I have to tell you something. Maybe then, you'll understand what's been going on. I wasn't hiding my Quirk from you. It was given to me by someone else. Recently.
Katsuki perked up at that. A Quirk was given to Deku?
Izuku: But I can't tell you who it is, so don't ask! Sounds crazy, I know. It's like something out of a manga or comic book. Only it's real. The thing is, I don't really have any control over this power yet. I haven't figured out how to make it my own, but I'm trying. That's why I didn't want to use it against you in the exercise. But in the end, it was the only way that I had a chance of winning. I've still got a lot to learn. I know that. That's why I'm here. You'll see. I'll work until I have full control of this narrowed Quirk. And I'll finally beat you with my own power!
Throughout his whole explanation, Katsuki was shaking in unbelievable rage, it only growing with Izuku's every word. Izuku seemed to realize that he trailed off from what was his original meaning of chasing after him, to clear up the misunderstanding that Izuku was tricking him.
Katsuki: How dumb do you think I am?
His question caused Izuku to gasp.
Katsuki: 'Borrowed power'? Don't talk to me like I'm an idiot. You already made a fool outta me in that training exercise. So? Did you come here to rub it in? I lost. And to make matters worse it was to you. I already lost once when I came second in the exam to Robo-Boy, but that's not enough. When I was watching that ice guy, and when I saw Robo-Boy take down two people on his own, I realized I couldn't beat either of them in a head-to-head fight. Crap! I even agreed with what that girl said about launching a full-scale attack indoors. My attack was so stupid! Dang it! Dang it! Dang it! Dang it! Enjoy that win, Deku. You won't get another! I'm just getting started! Got that?! I'm gonna end up the Number One Hero, no matter what!
Katsuki had tears in his eyes as he laid bare all his insecurities since coming to U.A. But this loss managed to light a fire in him. He would get better! He wouldn't fall behind his classmates! He'd become the greatest hero ever!
Izuku seemed to acknowledge Katsuki's determination and nodded. The blonde glared at Izuku for a moment before walking away.
Katsuki: You'll never beat me again you loser. Don't even try.
?: Yes he will.
Both Izuku and Katsuki turned to see Optimus standing at the entrance, a stoic look in his blue eyes.
Izuku: O-Optimus?
How much did he hear? Did he hear the part about his Quirk being given to him?
Katsuki: You got something to say Robo-Boy?
Optimus: My name is Optimus Prime, try and remember that, along with the rest of your classmates Katsuki Bakugou. As for what I said, Izuku will surely beat you next time.
Katsuki: What makes you think that loser stands a chance against me?
Optimus looked toward Izuku and smiled.
Optimus: Because he fights for others. He risks his body, his health, and his very life, to protect others. Fighting for others, especially those dear to you, can give you the strength to do the impossible. I've seen it done many times throughout my life.
Izuku was in awe of Optimus' words. The Prime then turned to Katsuki and frowned.
Optimus: But you. You fight for nothing but your own delusions of grandeur. That is why you will never win against Izuku, or anyone else with a desire to protect others.
Katsuki glared at the Prime who stood unflinching at his gaze.
Katsuki: Whatever. I'll beat you to Robo-Boy. Just watch as I'll make you eat your own words.
He then continued on his way. Izuku let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding.
All Might: THERE YOU ARE!
Both Izuku and Optimus were blown to the side as All Might came bursting through and placed his hands on Katsuki's shoulders.
All Might: BAKUGOU! I FOUND YOU! JUST SO YOU KNOW, PRIDE IS AN IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE TO HAVE. BUT WHILE YOU CERTAINLY HAVE THE ABILITIES OF A PRO HERO, THERE'S STILL PLENTY YOU HAVE TO LEARN!
Katsuki: Let go of me, All Might. Right now.
All Might was confused at the rejection as he looked down at Katsuki who covered his eyes. The blonde looked at the hero, tears lingering in his eyes.
Katsuki: Save your speeches. I'll be more famous than even you, and I'll do it without your help.
All Might didn't exactly know what to say. Usually, when something like this happened, he would say just a few encouraging words and everyone would feel better. Guess that didn't help much compared to teaching.
Optimus: All Might, sir?
The Number One Hero turned to see both Optimus and Izuku there.
All Might: AH! YOUNG MIDORIYA AND YOUNG PRIME! SORRY, I DIDN'T SEE YOU THERE.
Izuku: No worries! Were both okay.
All Might: THAT'S GOOD. WHILE I HAVE YOU TWO I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR SOME FEEDBACK. WHAT DID YOU THINK OF CLASS TODAY?
Izuku: It was amazing! Minus the pain in all. But being able to be taught by the Number One Hero was such a blessing I'll cherish for a long time.
All Might expected such a response from Izuku, given that he was a hero fanboy. But he really wanted to know Optimus' opinion, since he would give him an unbiased one.
All Might: GLAD TO HEAR IT YOUNG MIDORIYA! AND YOU YOUNG PRIME. WHAT DID YOU THINK OF YOUR FIRST HEROICS CLASS? DID I LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS?
Optimus was silent for a long moment as he pondered his answer.
Optimus: I have to be honest. For a class on heroics taught by the Number One Hero... I am very disappointed.
Both Izuku and All Might flinched at his statement. He was disappointed in a class taught by the Symbol of Peace.
All Might: W-WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUNG PRIME?
Optimus: You came to class almost completely unprepared to teach, having to rely on a script to answer everyone's questions. I know sometimes teachers will need notes to work off of, but that you shouldn't need to rely wholly on a script to teach a class, else it isn't you teaching the class, but a piece of paper.
He got him there. He did mean to study the lesson plans Nezu sent him, but he was so busy training Midoriya to receive One For All that he had no time. He'd thought it'd be okay if he just copied the lessons onto a script to not appear completely lost.
Optimus: Then there was how you were planning to organize the team battles, specifically with me. You assured me that you would have a plan for how to handle there being a team of only one. But you put off thinking about the problem till the last minute and scrambled to find a solution when it was time for me to fight.
He was right. All Might was so used to following the lesson plan for 20 students, that he never thought about what to do if he had 21. So he just went with whatever popped into his head when the moment called for it.
Optimus: Third, there was how you handled the matter with Izuku and Katsuki. You knew that Katsuki held extreme animosity towards Izuku and tried multiple times to attack him. Yet knowing that, you still pitted them against each other. I understand not wanting to show favoritism to any of the students, but you disregard the safety of everyone in that exercise. Especially when Katsuki unleashed his attack. Instead of stopping the exercise, you let him off with a mere warning, when his actions, in a real-life scenario, could kill innocent civilians.
All Might was sweating now. He knew he should've stopped the exercise after Katsuki's attack, but he wanted to give Young Midoriya the chance to face and defeat his childhood bully.
Optimus: And finally, is your favoritism for Izuku.
Both users of One For All flinched at Optimus' statement. All Might tried to wave him off with a laugh.
All Might: HAHAHA! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUNG PRIME? I DON'T HAVE ANY FAVORTISM FOR YOUNG MIDORIYA. HE'S JUST MY STUDENT. SAME AS YOU ARE.
Optimus: All Might.
His tone caused the Number One Hero to freeze.
Optimus: I know you may have more experience being a hero in this world than me. But don't think of me as an idiot. I can see you have some sort of relationship with Izuku. A strong, personal one at that.
Izuku tried to stop Prime's train of thought.
Izuku: Now wait! We really don't have a–
Optimus cut him off by raising his hand.
Optimus: I do not care what the truth of your relationship is. Whether you two are master and apprentice, father and son, or even just a hero and his fan, it's none of my business.
Both Izuku and All Might sighed in relief.
Optimus: However, remember this All Might. Izuku is not your only student. You have an entire class, and entire school of young men and women who all look up to you, and want to learn from you. Don't focus so much on Izuku that you end up neglecting them.
All Might... had no words to say. Optimus Prime was able to easily pick apart all his flaws as a teacher after only one day of class. It was both impressive and scary.
Optimus then bowed.
Optimus: I apologize if my words were blunt and offensive. But I wanted to give you my honest opinion since you asked. I hope you take these words to heart and work to improve yourself, All Might. I know you have a lot to teach us.
And with that Optimus moved to turn in the direction of the dorms. Izuku and All Might watched him leave. Izuku then turned to his mentor.
Izuku: All Might. Don't let what Optimus said get you down too much. It's only your first day after all.
All Might held his hand up to stop his protege.
All Might: DON'T YOUNG MIDORIYA. PLEASE DON'T DISCOUNT WHAT HE SAID. EVERYTHING HE SAID WAS RIGHT AFTER ALL.
Izuku was shocked by All Might's admittance to criticism as the Pro bowed his head and had a depressing chuckle.
All Might: HEH. I THOUGHT MY FOUR DECADES OF EXPERIENCE BEING A HERO AND OUR TEN MONTHS OF TRAINING YOU WOULD HAVE PREPARED ME FOR TEACHING A CLASS HOW TO BE HEROES. BOY WAS I WRONG. I JUST FUMBLED THROUGH THE LESSONS AND REACTED TO ANY PROBLEMS THAT CAME MY WAY LIKE A HERO. BUT THAT ISN'T HOW A TEACHER IS SUPPOSED TO ACT. THEY SHOULD ALREADY HAVE A PLAN IN CASE THINGS GET OUT OF HAND LIKE TODAY. AND I SHOULDN'T FOCUS ALL MY ATTENTION ON YOU YOUNG MIDORIYA. IF I DO THAT, I'M FAILING 20 OTHER STUDENTS WHO ARE DEPENDING ON ME TO TEACH THEM EVERYTHING I KNOW.
Izuku: All Might...
However, the Number One Hero soon clenched his fist and flashed a brilliant smile full of determination on his face.
All Might: WHICH IS WHY I MAKE THIS PROMISE, HERE AND NOW! FROM THIS DAY FORWARD, I WILL STRIVE NOT ONLY TO CONTINUE BEING THE NUMBER ONE HERO IN THE WORLD BUT ALSO WORK TO BE THE NUMBER ONE TEACHER IN THE WORLD! I WILL TEACH NOT JUST YOU YOUNG MIDORIYA, BUT EVERYONE IN U.A. HERO COURSE HOW TO BECOME THE BEST HEROES IN THE WORLD! I PROMISE YOU!
Izuku began to tear up at his hero's words. Glad to hear that he's trying to become even better than before.
Off to the side, unbeknownst to the two, Nezu had a pleased expression on his face.
Nezu: "You even managed to get All Might to work harder than he already does. Well done."
He then looked off in the direction of the dorms.
Nezu: "I look forward to seeing what other changes you will bring to our school, Optimus Prime."