Dread of the Dead
Kurogiri sat in front of the television, watching with bated breath as the Green Gorilla, All Might, some girl who lost the Sports Festival, and Godzillo defeated Wolfram. It was an expected victory for the Heroes, but what worried him was the girl. The Sports Festival made it seem like she had some kind of Quirk that hid objects in her skin, but here she was, performing feats of great strength and using several thrashing tentacles. 'Shit, maybe I should have swayed her to my cause', Kurogiri thought silently. Of course, when he heard the beeping from his watch, he knew it was time to address this with the devil himself. He threw his arm to the left and stepped through the open portal to bow before All for One himself.
"Kurogiri, you saw what that girl did", the ogre snarled, "Have you the slightest idea what this implicates?" "I do not, Sensei", said Kurogiri. "It means the inevitable has at last occurred", All for One stated, "All Might has passed One for All onto a new persona. His time is running out, his injuries are finally catching up. If he has indeed passed on One for All, All Might has unknowingly weakened himself. If the girl processes One for All, she could either by the savior of my great nation of evil, or its perdition". "Yes, Sensei", said Kurogiri, eyes still staring down at the ground, "What of Tomura Shigaraki?" "Oh, yes, him", said All for One, "His failure must still be punished, but you may liberate him at the earliest convenience". "Yes, Sensei", said Kurogiri. "That, of course, leads us to the ape in the room", said All for One as he rose up from his throne, his life-support tubes trailing behind him as he walked towards Kurogiri, "Your heart races at the thought of killing the Green Gorilla". "Perhaps I am a bit eager", said Kurogiri.
"Rise", the devil said, and Kurogiri stood up. "This beast", the ogre continued, "is as powerful as All Might was in his youth, maybe even stronger. A mindless beast, controlled by a mere child. Should I obtain such a Quirk, it will, in conjunction with One for All, make me unstoppable. When the time is nigh, find them both. Bring them to face me, Kurogiri, and do not fail me in this regard like you failed to get the Quirk Amplifier". "I can assure you, Sensei, they will bend to you", said Kurogiri.
Some time later, a rattled Kurogiri stepped into the lab of Dr. Merlot. "Doctor, we have very little time", he said, "Did you isolate the Quirk Factor from the collected DNA?" "I'm not quite sure how to tell you this", said Dr. Merlot as he handed some files over to Kurogiri, "I hope this should suffice". Kurogiri furiously flipped through each of the papers before dropping them in shock. "Doctor", said Kurogiri, "What exactly do you mean the DNA had no Quirk Factor?" "Exactly as I have stated in those papers on the ground", said Dr. Merlot as he picked up a containment jar with the Green Gorilla's hairs inside, "Whatever power the boy is calling upon, unlike you or I, he wasn't born unto it". Kurogiri's rapid breathing started slowing down. "Yes, I remember now", he said calmly, "Eraserhead was unable to stop him from using this power. If it is what I think it is, it will provide a great deal of power". "I start some more tests right away", said Dr. Merlot. "No", said Kurogiri, "Research any folklore, mythology, or innuendo you have, but find out what sort of sorcery we're dealing with. Should it be too much of a hassle, I'll have the lovely Lady Nagant turn the ape into a nice fur rug".
Some time later, Izuku stepped into Class 1-A. While he was going to miss the luxury and comfort of I-Island, he felt glad to be back. His mother had been worried for him, which was expected. It wasn't everyday your son had to fight a mind-controlled, radioactive dinosaur and multiple terrorists as the world watched. Inko spent most of the day before spending as much time with Izuku and Eri as humanly possible, and when he left for school that morning, Izuku noticed that his mother was on the verge of tears. There was no two ways about it, Izuku would have to live with the idea that his heroism might one day be the end of him.
As it was, Aizawa had looked like he was angrier than usual. "Alright, class, today is going to be slightly different", he snorted out, "We're going to be doing an inter-school Hero exercise with Isamu High School." While Aizawa's evident boredom and hostility were no surprise, Izuku noticed Tsuyu's eyes widen at the news. "Oh, this is gonna be fun", said Monkey from within Izuku's head, "What do you thin Tsu and Isamu High have in common?"
"I will introduce them right now", yawned Aizawa as he opened the door for four of Isamu High's students. One of them was a tall boy with light blue hair and a wicked grin, another was a girl with glasses and white hair braided to the left side of her head, one more was a boy with curled, blond hair, and the last one was a red-headed girl whose head was that of a python with bright yellow eyes. The snake girl and Tsuyu locked eyes almost immediately. "Habuko/Tsuyu!", they both cried out as they embraced. "You think there's something going on between those two?", asked Sero, earning him a glare from Kyoka.
"I see you two have met already", said Aizawa, "Everyone else, these are Romero Fujimi, Kashiko Sekigai, Dadan Tadan, and Habuko Mongoose. As these are but a few of Isamu High's representatives, I expect that you would afford them the same respect you would show your representatives here. Midoriya, Yaoyorozu, take a look at the forms I have set aside for you today. They will detail exactly what the schools expect from your class". "Yes, sir", the class representatives both said. "Good", said Aizawa, "Socialize among yourselves in a quiet manner. I'm going to sleep now". He then zipped himself up in his sleeping bag and promptly dozed off. The Isamu students were quite put off by the brazen display of sloth. "Does he do this often?", asked Kashiko. "Almost everyday", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed, "Anyway, I'm Monkey and my host body is Izuku Midoriya, 1-A Class Representative".
"Pleased to meet ya", said Kashiko as she shook hands with Izuku, whose face returned to normal, "What's with the little girl in the back?" Izuku looked back to see Tsuyu introducing Eri to Habuko. "That's Eri, my sister", he explained, "She was rescued from an abusive home and sticks close to me now. The principal allows her to attend classes with me until she is deemed fit to attend a school of her own". Izuku held back tears as he saw Eri's continued smile, a beautiful gift to the world made possible by Kyoka's musical talent. Just then, Romero pushed past Kashiko and Izuku.
"Well", he said, "I, frankly, am unimpressed with the caliber of students here. Especially that one". He pointed towards an offended Bakugo. "Listen here, you little shi…", before he could finish that sentence, Mina clapped her hand over his mouth. "Sorry about him", she chuckled, "He forgot there was a child in the room". "Get off", snarled Bakugo as he batted her hand away, "And you, I would be getting on my knees to apologize if I were you!" "Or what, you gonna explode me?", asked Romero, "I seem to remember your friends being responsible for I-Island's liberation from the terrorist scum that attacked it". No one, save Eri and Izuku, noticed Momo freeze at that statement, as everyone was distracted by the sparking from Bakugo's palms. "Come on, not here, Baku-Bro", said Kirishima, "Save it for the exercise". "I look forward to your meaningless challenge, Sweaty", smirked Romero. "OK, that's not nice", said Habuko, "We only just met the class". "Yeah, save that energy for the exercise, like the red-headed kid said", Dadan mentioned. "Very well", Romero said dissmissively as he pulled out his phone, "I have to take this".
Romero stepped into the hall and checked to make sure the coast was clear before answering his phone. "Hey, sorry, you caught me at a bad time", he said. "I would hope so, considering you're supposed to be in UA", replied the voice of Kurogiri. "Yeah, I'm in", said Romero, "Saw the other guy. Not impressed". "I am disinterested in your opinions", said Kurogiri, "Your parents speak very highly of you to Sensei. I, however, am unconvinced. So consider this a test. You want in, right?" "Yes, sir, I do", stammered Romero. "Good", said Kurogiri, "If you wish to join in the rescue of Tomura Shigaraki, you need only do one thing for me. To prove your worth, bring me Momo Yaoyorozu, alive if you must. She is too dangerous to be allowed to walk within the halls of UA". Romero nervously looked back at Momo as the forlorn girl was getting to know his classmates. "It shall be done, my Lord", he said.
At that same moment, Momo was taking a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. Even though everyone, including All Might, had said it was the right thing to do given the circumstances, Momo couldn't help but regret showing her full power at I-Island. She thought the scrutiny she had been receiving as of late as too much to bear. Walking through the store was now more awkward, as she could feel the confusion and terror from the other customers. Momo could handle that well enough, it was the leering that put her off.
Ever since she had returned to UA, Momo had began to notice several of the students there giving her looks that practically telegraphed their desire. It wasn't the type of staring she was used to by now, that of the potential paramour seeking her love...or other things. Definitely other things, though some girls she could name weren't safe from that accusation either. No, their lust was not just directed towards her body this time, it was aimed at her raw power. No other student exemplified that aspect better than Katsuki Bakugo. The beast had made his desire for her apparent during his trash talk at the Sports Festival, and now he felt himself worthy of her presence. Despite the doubt in her own ability, Momo had enough of her shattered confidence within herself to refuse Bakugo's advances if push ever did come to shove.
"You OK, Yaomomo?", Mina asked, "You seem distracted". "What? Oh, I'm fine, I just, had a lot on my mind", said Momo. "I can imagine", said Mina, "You sure you don't want to sit this one out and let me and Midori handle this?" "Certainly not", said Momo, "It's my duty as Vice-Representative to handle this sort of work". "OK, but if you get tired, let me know", said Mina, "If we lose you, I don't what I'll do". Momo blushed and turned away when she heard those words. Just then, Izuku walked over. "OK", he said, "Romero's done with his phone call and caught up with our assignment. What about you?.." "Already done", said Momo, "It would appear that some of our other teachers will be having us form groups of four to take on the Isamu Invaders. Their words, not mine". "Nice name, though", said Mina. "I just wonder who will be the teacher in charge", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed. "I have a feeling I know who", smiled Mina.
"I am here!", declared All Might. "Called it", said Mina. Izuku cursed under his breath as he forked over the desired cash into Mina's waiting grasp. "As I am most certain you are aware of, today is going to be a team exercise", said All Might, "But seeing as how you all knew that, I will now endeavor to explain the parameters of this assignment." "Oh, Gods, I should have never lent him that thesaurus", said Snipe. "Each of you will be placed in groups of four", said All Might, "While the Isamu class is your top priority, that doesn't mean UA teams are safe. The end goal is to clear away as many of the enemy teams as possible while trying to keep a cohesive team together. You are all required to work together, however, should enough teams be whittled down, you may have to work with the surviving teams. Now, please take a number. Everyone with a matching number is a part of that team."
"Not you two", said Snipe as he pointed toward Kaminari and Mineta, "No less than Midnight herself requested that I give you personal training in my neck of the woods. Something about drilling discipline into y'alls sorry butts or somethin'. She'd do it personal like, but she's off dealing with a young lass in the hospital". That last part was what perplexed Momo. Midnight made it no secret that she was a personable woman, the type who made sure to memorize the names of every single butler and maid working under her, so it would make sense that she would make time to help ease their ailments. However, to Momo's knowledge, none of the house staff were in need of a hospital visit. Idle chatter broke her train of thought, and Momo looked over to see Tsuyu and Habuko deep into a conversation.
"How long has it been?", asked Tsuyu. "Three months, I think", said Habuko, "Kashiko and Dadan are nice, but I still missed you". "I missed you too", said Tsuyu, "When the USJ attack happened, the only people on my mind were my friends here, my family,...and you". If a snake could blush, it might look like how Habuko did when she turned her shining yellow eyes away, nearly turning the same shade of red as her hair, which contrasted greatly with the scaly blue bodysuit and yellow sash she wore as her Hero Costume. "I...uh, thought of you greatly, as well", said Habuko. "Oh, yeah", said Mina as she nudged Ochako, "Something is definitely going on there".
Perhaps it was inevitable, but Izuku shuddered upon picking up a card with the number 4 on it. "What's the issue?", Monkey asked from within his head, "It's just a number". "I don't know, I've been on edge a lot since that whole thing about being dragged underwater", said Izuku, "I don't normally believe in this sort of thing, but I just have a bad feeling about how things are going to go down today". "Oh hey, Midori, we've got matching numbers", smiled Mina. "That we do", Izuku chuckled. "Smooth", said Monkey from within Izuku's mind, "Now, Casanova, this is the best time to go for it. Compliment her, now!" But then, Ochako arrived. "Hey guys", she said, "Watcha' talking about?" "Aw, nuts, I forgot all three of them are willing to fight for your hand in marriage", said Monkey. 'OK, that's going a little far', Izuku thought. "We have matching numbers", said Mina, "The angels see us and sing". Ochako smirked as she held up her card, which also had a number 4 on it. "Touche", sighed Mina. "Are you two done fighting over Midoriya, or what?", asked Tsuyu, "We still have an exercise to complete".
"Right", said Izuku, "Knowing our opponents, I think we should stick together. I can just feel that they're going to try to divide us". "Why not just go gorilla and let them try to attack you?", asked Mina. "Probably because a giant gorilla is a massive target and we could become collateral damage in the process", said Tsuyu. "I would say so", said Izuku, "I've been meaning to practice my stealth skills". "Right, so last resort?", asked Ochako. "Last resort", confirmed Izuku as he gave her a fist bump.
At the same time, Momo had begun forming a team with Toru, Aoyama, and Shoji. Naturally, she felt somewhat nervous, considering her previous failures. "I have a good feeling about today", smiled Aoyama in his usual flamboyant way. "By the way, how's the new suit?", asked Shoji. "It's warmer than my old one, I'll give it that", said Toru. Despite her nerves, Momo giggled. But unknown to the newly formed team was being leered upon by Bakugo. Ever since seeing the news footage of Momo absolutely devastating Wolfram, he had been developing...feelings, if you could call them that, for the Vice Representative. Of course, she had other attributes that many guys(and a few girls) admired. She was, after all, a work of pure beauty as well as a potential powerhouse. To have her by his side would be the ultimate coup, proof positive that not only was Bakugo the undisputed king of Heroes, but also that no woman could ever want Deku.
"You done staring?", asked Kyoka. Bakugo growled, because of course she would show up to burst his bubble specifically. "I'd give up while you still can", continued Kyoka. "Knowing Yaomomo, she'll not only reject you, she'll do it in a way that will hopefully break that ego of yours. Though to be honest, I thought not beating that villain on I-Island already did that. Well, best of luck, Bakugo. If you fail this one, maybe Uwabami will still take you". Now, Bakugo was pissed. That bitch not only had the audacity to look down on him like Deku did, she even suggested going through working with Uwabami again. He clenched his fist, small sparks slipping through his knuckles as he gnashed his teeth in rage.
"So, what's the plan, Baku-Bro?", asked Kirishima. Bakugo turned to his team of Kirishima, Iida, and Sero. "I can already tell", said Sero, "He's gonna say we should go after the strongest students to show how much better we are, right?" "Wrong", snarled Bakugo. "Wait, what?", asked Kirishima. "We're taking out the weak ones first", said Bakugo, "Cut the fat and get to the real meat of this exercise". "This is a surprise, to be sure", said Iida as he chopped his arm robotically, "One would think you'd go after Midoriya". "Not yet", said Bakugo, "Deku is only one guy. We just need to separate him from the rest and take him down". Unfortunately, what Bakugo didn't tell them was he had picked his first target.
Elsewhere, Romero had fitted himself with his black trenchcoat and transparent purple mask. He adjusted his gas dispensers and looked out at the swampy forest from the top of the hill he and his team had perched upon. While he would have loved to have a go at his probable replacement, Romero knew what was at stake. When All for One gave the word, he alone answered. One way or another, dead or alive, Momo Yaoyorozu would be his for the taking.
To Be Continued...