A/N: I do not own Transformers of MHA.
Interships
The train ride to Hiroshima was not pleasant. Many people kept bombarding him with question after question, which kept getting more and more personal.
Optimus politely answered any questions he could, but he refused to give them anything they could use and kept his mouth shut. Never before had he wished he could transform back into a truck and drive himself to his destination. But so far full body transformation was out of his reach. Maybe he couldn't even do such a thing as a human.
Thank the All Spark when the train finally arrived at his stop. He grabbed the case containing his hero costume and walked off the train, ignoring the questions of his newfound fans. He released a haggard sigh.
Optimus: "Primus. How does All Might deal with these fans?"
He'd have to ask him for advice the next time he saw him.
As he walked over to his given address, Optimus recalled what he knew of this hero. Or more accurately, what Izuku told him in one of his famous muttering storms.
This hero was famous for being a loner. They never take on sidekicks, and there are fewer than a handful of accounts of teaming up with other Pros. They operate all around Urban Japan despite having their headquarters in Hiroshima. What impressed Optimus the most about this hero is that despite their simple Quirk, they could do so much with it, ways Optimus was sure he'd never do if he had a similar power. That was a major reason why he wanted to intern with them.
He also wanted to see if he could change their mindset. By interning with them now, he could show them the value of teamwork and inspire them to change their ways. This is just one small step in his efforts to change this hero society.
He put such thoughts aside as he arrived at his destination. He entered the agency building and met with the receptionist.
Receptionist: Welcome. Could you please provide your name and the purpose of your visit?
Optimus: I am Optimus Prime. I'm here for my internship.
The receptionist looked at him, baffled momentarily before realization dawned on her.
Receptionist: Oh so you're the hero intern she finally decided to take in! Let me tell you when the boss lady told me she decided to finally take on an intern, I thought she was kidding around. But since it's you, I can see why she finally did, given your performance at the Sports Festival. You'll find her right through those doors.
Optimus: Thank you, ma'am.
He flashed her a warm smile which caused her to blush. But he missed her reaction as he followed her instructions and opened the door the hero he was interning with was behind.
And came to a dead stop at the sight that greeted him.
The white-haired heroine with rabbit ears, Mirko stood before him, squatting what looked to be around 500 pounds without a spotter. She completely a few more reps before it seemed like she noticed him, set the bar back on the rack, and walked over to him, wiping off beads of sweat from her brow.
Mirko: Oh, you're here! Finally! Was starting to think you chickened out! But then again, after seeing my muscles, you might as well.
She then flexed her muscles right in his face.
Mirko: Go on! Feel them!
Optimus just stared down at the woman before him. Yes, stared down. In all the videos and pictures he's seen of her for research, the news crew portrayed her as this towering woman standing on equal height to All Might. He figured it may have been an exaggeration, but not to this degree.
Mirko: 'She's shorter than I thought.' That's what you're thinking, right?
Optimus blinked and looked away embarrassed, a touch of red dusting his cheeks. He then bowed.
Optimus: Please forgive me for my rudeness just now ma'am.
Mirko stared at him momentarily, before suddenly bursting out in laughter.
Mirko: You don't have to go that far, kid! Everybody thought that when they first met me. Some people even have the balls to say it straight to my face. Which quickly earns them a clock over the head. So you're alright.
Optimus breathed a sigh of relief.
Mirko: However, if I ever catch you looking down on me, or anyone else, for their size, then I send you straight through a wall.
Optimus had a strong feeling she wasn't exaggerating.
Optimus: There is no need to worry about that ma'am. I have long since known never to underestimate someone just because of their size.
Time and time again he's seen humans defy the odds and surpass him and his Autobots in ways he's never dreamed of. Not to mention minicons and scraplets.
Mirko: You know, if it was anyone else, I might've called a bull. But you, I can tell from the look in your eyes you know what you're talking about. Also, don't call me ma'am, makes me feel old. I'm only 26.
Optimus: Very well, Ms. Usagiyama.
Mirko: [gagging] Ugh. Don't call me that, either. That's my mom. Call me Rumi or Mirko. especially Mirko if we're out on the job.
Optimus: Okay, Mirko.
The two of them stood in awkward silence for a long moment. Eventually, Mirko broke the silence and spoke.
Mirko: Okay kid, I'm gonna be honest with you. I have no clue what I'm doing.
Optimus raised a brow.
Mirko: Sending you that offer, that was honestly more of a decision someone makes when they're drunk. Not saying I was drunk when I sent you that offer, but I might as well have been, given how out of character that was for me.
Optimus: Then why did you?
Mirko: I... Well, I guess you could say I was curious.
Optimus tilted his head to the side.
Mirko: I've seen a lot of brats go through hero school. Heck, I was one of them not so long ago. They all got this naive look in their eyes that they're gonna be the next All Might or something or other. They all have dreams of being the next Number 1 hero! All of them... except you.
She then narrowed her red eyes on him.
Mirko: I could tell the moment I saw your face that you were different from the others. You don't want to be the best, and you don't want the fame and glory that comes from being Number 1. You'd rather help people become the best instead. That intrigued me. Because what snot-nosed brat who's busy going through puberty doesn't want to be the next All Might?
Optimus: So you sent me an offer, the first one you've made since becoming a pro because you were curious?
Mirko: Yep!
She said it with almost no shame.
Mirko: But don't get me wrong. Don't think now that I've met you that my curiosity is satisfied. I'm gonna work you to the bone, grind you until there's nothing left but dust. I wanna see if you're really all you're cracked up to be.
She was challenging him. Thankfully, the last prime had a knack for rising to whatever challenge he was presented with.
Optimus: Then I will do my best to not disappoint you.
The Pro smirked.
Mirko: Good! Because your internship starts–
She threw a high kick that, despite her short size compared to him, nearly reached his height. Optimus, having met many people like her, expected the attack and jumped back to dodge. He then put the case with his costume down and got into his stance.
Mirko smirked. Most people, never hero students, would be able to see that surprise attack coming. It was good to see he wasn't just strong. He could read people, but it was time to see what else he was capable of.
Mirko: –NOW!
She jumped at him, launching a spin kick that Optimus ducked under. She landed on the other wall and jumped off, cracking it with the level of force. She then spread her legs out to the side and performed a cartwheel.
Mirko: Luna Ring!
The rabbit heroine called out her ultimate move, bringing her powerful legs down on the last Prime. Optimus barely dodged the attack, his eyes widened in shock at the strength this hero had.
He transformed his hand into his ion cannon and opened fire. Mirko jumped out of the blast and bounced around the room randomly. Optimus tried to discern a pattern to her movements but could find none. Was all this random, or just some instinct from her animal side?
He thought cost him as Mirko then hit him with a devastating drop kick that sent him flying, crashing into the wall. The impact would cause serious injury, thankfully Optimus thought fast enough as he transformed his back, taking the brunt of the damage.
Still hurt like a glitch though.
Mirko: Alright, that's enough for now. I think I have a good idea of where we can start.
Optimus groaned as he pulled himself out of the wall.
Optimus: Where do we begin, Ma'am?
Mirko slapped him in the back of the head.
Mirko: I told you to call me Mirko or Rumi!
Optimus rubbed the back of his head.
Mirko: To answer your question, I'm just gonna be blunt: You don't know how to fight.
Optimus looked at the Rabbit hero with a raised eyebrow, as if asking 'Are you serious?'
Mirko: Okay, let me rephrase that. You know how to swing a sword, as I saw during your fight with Endeavor's kid. And you know how to throw a punch, a good strong one, but beyond that, it doesn't seem like you know how to fight with just your hands, at least, as well as your swordsmanship anyway. I guess you grew up as one of the strongest kids on the block of where you lived. This is good, but a problem with that is that heroes with super strength barely take the time to learn how to fight with their fists beyond throwing a punch.
Optimus had to concede her point. On Cybertron during the war, few could match his physical strength, and those that did, he mostly engaged in sword fighting with them, like Megatron and Dreadwing.
Mirko: Now I will say you are better than most people with Super Strength Quirks because I saw a few moves during the festival, but I see room for improvement. Especially in your lower body. But I'm gonna warn you, I'm not a softie. I will work you to the bone and then some. I've never taught someone else before, so there will be a lot of trial and error. I will push you beyond what you can handle. If you can't handle that, the door's right behind you.
Optimus looked at Mirko with surprise. When he decided on an internship, he had thought he wouldn't get the chance to learn much, since he believed he didn't have much more to learn. But if Mirko could teach him how to better fight with just his hands and legs, it could open a whole new world of possibilities for him. Possibilities that didn't involve him using his blades and accidentally killing someone. How could he refuse?
Besides, Optimus Prime did always enjoy rising to a challenge.
Optimus: I will accept the challenge, with all that I am. I will not disappoint you, Mirko.
Mirko had a toothy smirk.
Mirko: That's what I like to hear! Now let's get started!
Inside the shady bar that acted as the headquarters for the League of Villains, a meeting took place between two of its leading figures and the elusive Hero Killer Stain.
Stain was an intimidating, muscular man who walked with a distinct hunch and had a flat, somewhat triangular face without a nose (which he removed himself to spare him the stink that was the current hero society). He had long, messy black hair and small red eyes, with tiny irises. He sported a dark combat suit, plated with metal armor across his body to holster his weapons, mainly knives and swords. The torso was sleeveless, so he wrapped his arms in yellow bandages from just below his shoulders to his wrists. He also wore long black wristbands and a watch on his left arm, and his knees were protected with metal pads; black boots with steel armor and spikes completed the costume. And to top it off was the iconic blood-red scarf.
Stain: So you want me to be part of your crumbling little league? But you won't accomplish anything if you don't have conviction and desire. Without those you'll always be an aimless weakling, achieving nothing. That's how you got here.
Well, a meeting might have been too nice a word as Stain was currently standing atop Tomura Shigaraki, one of his knives stabbed in the villain's shoulder and another close to his face.
Tomura: Hey now. You're being a little rough, aren't you? Kurogiri, take this guy back.
Kurogiri stood behind the bar with a cut on his upper arm. He refused to move from his spot, or couldn't.
Kurogiri: I'm sorry. I can't move. It must be the Hero Killer's Quirk at work.
Stain: The word 'hero' has lost all meaning in this society. The world is overrun by fakes and criminals like you who chase petty dreams. They must all be purged. All, except Optimus Prime.
That caused Tomura's annoyance to be replaced with shock. Even Kurogiri was surprised.
Tomura: What? Why him?
Stain: Because he is the only true hero left in this world besides All Might. And the one true hope this world has of fixing this broken society.
Tomura: But you're a 'Hero Killer'? You kill heroes. And this brat is as heroic as it gets.
Stain: Wrong. I only kill fakes who pass themselves off as heroes. I let the worthy live. Unfortunately, no one in this world can hope you fit the standard. I had thought all hope for the future was lost... until that day.
His mind then returned to when he first saw Optimus Prime, around a year ago now. He was starting to doubt the path he had chosen for himself. Despite killing several heroes, no one was paying attention to him or his message. He began to wonder if he really did have any hope of changing society if anyone would listen to his words.
That's when he saw him.
It was a YouTube video about the aftermath of All Might saving three boys from a sludge villain. But that wasn't what was getting the attention. It was the speech one of the boys gave the heroes after he was saved. How he tore into the heroes for standing on the sidelines when the hostages were close to death. Stain was immediately captured by the voice of the young man. The level of conviction, the strength in his voice, it was awe-inspiring.
They tried to take the video down, but people kept posting it. As he watched the video over and over again, he couldn't help but feel empowered by the words. Feeling a renewed sense of purpose, Stain redoubled his efforts and continued his mission to wipe the fakes from the Earth, if one so the true heroes born from the seeds of Optimus Prime could grow without the taint of this society.
He tried his best to follow Optimus Prime, but there was so little information about him that he heard nothing of him for so long. Then came U.A.'s sports festival, and he was not disappointed when he saw Optimus Prime standing tall and proud before the world and speaking plainly about what a hero is meant to be.
He understood what it meant to be a hero and had the strength of will to follow through on it. He knew this when he saw his scars be revealed. The boy knew suffering, pain, and the sacrifice that came with being a hero. He was the perfect person to live up to All Might's image.
And this child sought to eliminate him? He couldn't allow that.
He moved his knife to slit Tomura's throat, but the villain grabbed the Knife with his good hand.
Tomura: What do you think you're doing? If you touch this palm... I'll kill you.
Stain gulped as he saw his knife begin to crack and decay in the villain's hand.
Tomura: You sure talk a lot 'Hero Killer'. Conviction? Maybe I don't have anything as loaded as that. If I had to choose a desire, though... Yeah, it be killing All Might. If this world wants to worship trash like him, I'll destroy their beloved Symbol of Peace, and then crush them while they're in shock.
After years of training and countless fights, Stain had developed a sixth sense that allowed him to sense whether or not a hero was more trouble than they were worth. And right now, it was screaming at him to leave.
He leaped back to avoid the hand swipe. Tomura stood up.
Tomura: The last of my injuries had just finished healing, and now this. You should learn not to play with knives. That boy scout you're so fond of didn't get the memo it seems.
He gestured to his disabled hand, which he used to scratch his neck.
Tomura: We don't have a healer in our party, you know.
Stain: I see your nature. It seems our goals fundamentally oppose each other. However, this wasn't in vain. We agree that we need to destroy the present.
Tomura was done with this nutjob. First, he insults him, then attacks him, then claims he won't kill the most heroic brat out there despite being a hero killer, now he says some BS about being the same.
Tomura: I'm over this. Leave. Drop dead. I'm the kind of person you hate the most, right?
Stain: I was testing your motives. People always show their true colors when on the verge of death. It's abnormal, but there is desire, a warped sprout of conviction, inside of you. How will it bloom in the end, I wonder. Maybe I'll let you grow. If you don't turn out well, I'll take care of you later, if Optimus Prime doesn't get you first.
Stain had to admit, he was curious now. He wondered what would happen should a fully realized Tomura Shigaraki face off against Optimus Prime. He did not doubt that the true hero would triumph, only furthering his goal.
Tomura: You think you or that Prime brat could take care of me?
To the side, Kurogiri started to move, free from whatever paralysis held him.
Kurogiri: I'm free.
Tomura: Kurogiri. Someone as crazy as this would be nothing but a problem for the League of Villains.
Kurogiri: Please reconsider. This man would be a great asset if he joined us. I'd say this was a success.
Tomura: No way. If he isn't willing to kill one brat because he likes the sound of his voice, then he's of no use to us.
Stain: My business here is done. Now, you will return me to Hosu.
He licked his lips in excitement.
Stain: There are still several false heroes I must attend to there.
Within the Manual agency in Hosu, Tenya was taking off his costume after a long day of patrol. Normally he would be going over any notes he took in his head on how to be a better hero, but that wasn't the case this time. The only thing that filled his mind was the Hero Killer.
While reading up on the villain, he noticed he followed a pattern where he would injure at least four heroes in a city before moving on to the next. His brother Tensei was the first in Hosu, so it was more than likely he was still here.
Tenya: "And when I find you, I'll crush you with my bare hands."
He was pulled out of his dark thoughts when he saw his phone vibrating. He opened it and saw various messages from his classmates, all asking him how he was doing. He sent quick one-word replies saying he was fine. He was about to close the phone when he saw one name that made him stop.
Prime - No new messages
Tenya's anger was soon replaced with shame. If he wasn't feeling the burning desire for revenge, it was the immense guilt he felt for hitting Prime and saying such harsh words to him. Whenever it came up, he instinctively pulled out his phone and was about to either call or text his apology, but stopped himself.
While he felt guilt for what he had done, he knew that if he reached out to Optimus in any way, the Class Rep would do his hardest to convince Tenya away from the path he was on. And he couldn't allow that to happen.
Besides, this would be much easier for both of them. He wouldn't want to make amends, only to break their friendship again so soon after.
Two days have passed since the internship began. And in that time, Optimus had learned a lot more than he thought under Mirko. Despite her saying she wasn't a good teacher, she proved far better than what she claimed she was.
Though granted Optimus wasn't most people.
He learned a lot more techniques when it came to hand-to-hand, most of it focusing on the lower body, which was Mirko's area of expertise. Granted he wasn't anywhere close to her level of skill, enhanced thanks to her Quirk, but he was much better than when he first started.
Mirko herself was surprised. She wasn't sure anyone would be able to keep up with her in a one-on-one fight, outside of others in the top 10, but this Prime kid just kept surprising her. He also proved to be a quick learner. She wondered if all hero students were like this kid. She doubted that though.
Today though, she decided to test him. It was time for patrol.
And on patrol, she found out he had a glaring weakness.
Mirko: You need to work on your traversal skills.
She said after waiting over a minute for him to catch up to her. She had used her bunny legs to help traverse across the buildings with ease, leaping over two at a time with little difficulty, but Optimus had to jump across each building. While he did make it, it took a lot more effort on his part, evident as he was breathing heavily when he reached her.
Optimus: Not all of us... have legs that can... allow us... to sore through the skies.
He said in between deep breaths.
Mirko: Excuses.
She scoffed. She then looked him up and down, noticing his transformed legs.
Mirko: How come when you use your Quirk, your body parts resemble a truck?
Optimus looked back at her in shock. No one, since he arrived in this world, had noticed the similarity in his transformations to his preferred vehicle mode. Or if they had, they outright didn't ask him about it.
Optimus: How did you notice that?
Mirko shrugged.
Mirko: I dated this one guy who was a bit of a car freak. He went on and on about different cars, engines, and the type of tires they used. I noticed the wheels on your legs, while being smaller, are most similar to semi-trucks. Plus those exhaust pipes on your shoulders. So why do you transform your body to look like a truck?
Optimus took a moment to think about his answer. After some time, he answered her.
Optimus: I guess I just found myself relating more to a truck than any other vehicle.
Mirko raised her eyebrows, so he explained.
Optimus: Trucks are usually responsible for carrying heavy loads. Growing up, I had a lot of responsibility forced upon me, and many times it felt impossible to bear. So, I started imagining myself almost like a truck. Thinking of myself as something reliable and strong, a vehicle capable of handling heavy burdens, allowed me to push through those days when it felt like the weight would crush me.
Mirko rolled her eyes at his sappyness. Teenagers.
Mirko: That's a nice sentiment. Too bad sentiment doesn't help much with practicality. Have you ever tried thinking of yourself as a jet, or some other kind of vehicle? Maybe something to help you get around easier.
Optimus blinked. He honestly didn't think of that. Since coming to this world, he hasn't once tried to take on aspects of any other vehicle. Could he even do that?
Optimus: How would you suggest I do that?
Mirko shrugged.
Mirko: I don't know. I'm not an expert on transformation quirks, especially something as unique as yours. Maybe my BFF Ryuko would know, but I really don't want to ask her.
Optimus: May I ask why?
Mirko sighed.
Mirko: You ever had that one friend that kept telling you over and over to do something you didn't want to do? And when you finally do it, they hold it over your head whenever you meet.
Optimus: Yes.
He did indeed have several friends who were like that. While he was sometimes grateful for their advice, they didn't have to keep telling him how right they were.
Mirko: Yeah. My advice, though, is to just repeat whatever you did to get your transformations to resemble trucks, and you'll eventually get it. Now come on. Break time's over!
She then jumped off the building and continued her patrol. Optimus followed after her as best he could, keeping her words in mind.
Hours passed and the sun had set, marking the end of their patrol for the day. They took down a few robbers, or more like Mirko took down a few robbers while Optimus was busy playing catchup.
They decided to stop by a diner to get some dinner before heading back to the agency. Mirko had ordered some good ole carrot soup while Optimus had a burger.
They ate in silence, but that allowed Optimus to pick up on the looks the others in the diner were throwing him. A lot of people not only recognized Mirko but him as well. Mostly from his final fight in the Sports Festival. He noticed the wary glances customers shot at him, most likely remembering the scars that were revealed at the end of the festival. Such a sight caused Optimus to frown.
Mirko: Don't bother worrying about it.
Optimus blinked when Mirko spoke for the first time since sitting down. He looked across the table at his mentor.
Optimus: Excuse me?
Mirko: You shouldn't concern yourself with what other people think about you. It's only hold you down. Just ignore them.
Optimus looked down at his burger dejectedly. He knew she was right. And he knew never to let what other people thought of him get in the way of his duty and goals. He didn't care so much if people hated him, loved him, or worshiped him, he didn't mind those emotions so long as they never got out of control.
But he never wanted people to be afraid of him.
He knew that wasn't an emotion he couldn't control, especially when he was a Cybertronian. This was one of the main reasons he stressed to the Autobots the importance of being Robots in Disguise. He hated the idea of someone feeling terror in his presence as if he was the reason why they lost their happiness.
He thought he wouldn't have to worry about causing such fear now that he was human, but it appears he was wrong.
He then stood up, leaving his half-eaten burger unfinished.
Optimus: I need some air.
Mirko looked ready to say something but Optimus didn't listen to her as he exited the diner. He took a deep breath of the night air. Hopefully, those people can now finish their meals in peace.
?: RAGH!
Optimus's eyes looked toward an alley where a girl's scream could be heard, as well as something being knocked over. Fearing the worst, Optimus' battle mask shut around his face and he spirited into in alley. He jumped into and drew out his blaster, swinging it around for any threats.
Optimus: Nobody moves!
The only occupant in the alley was a young girl, dressed in what looked to be a middle schooler's uniform. A garbage can was kicked over, a dent in the shape of a shoe in its side. The girl stared at him with wide, frightful eyes, like she'd just been caught doing something bad.
Only after the fear and concern washed away, did Optimus realize what had happened. This young girl must've been angry about something and kicked over the trash can in anger. He immediately withdrew his blaster, opened his faceplate, and held his hands up in a non-threatening manner.
Optimus: I am sorry for startling you. I thought you were in danger.
The girl stared at him for a long moment. The silence soon became very uncomfortable before the girl suddenly had a lustful grin on her face as she shot right in front of him.
?: No. Way! Your Optimus Prime! The runner-up in the Sports Festival! I saw your scars! They were so hot! I wonder how many times you bleed! I'm Toga! Himiko Toga! You wanna be friends?! Let's be best friends! Can I have some of your blood?! Best Friends share blood, right?!
Optimus cut the girl, Himiko, off by placing his hands on her shoulders and pushing her away. The firmness of his hands seemed to snap Himiko out of her rant.
Optimus: Ms. Toga, if you would please calm down.
Himiko nodded, captivated by his voice, and took a deep breath.
Optimus: Can you explain to me what you are doing out here?
Himiko: Oh nothing, just taking a stroll around town.
Optimus: But it's getting late, I'm sure your parents must be worried about you.
Himiko: Oh! Those deadbeats won't care if I'm alive or dead!
The cheery tone in which she said that caused alarm bells to ring in Optimus' head.
Optimus: Why is that?
Himiko scoffed.
Himiko: 'Cause of my Quirk! And not just them, but all the other school kids and teachers too. All of them avoid me because of my Quirk. I mean what's so bad about needing a little blood to use my Quirk? But no! Everybody avoids me because of my Quirk and how 'scary' it is! I mean they're right too–
Optimus: No, they are not.
Optimus' interruption and his statement caused Himiko to look at him as if he'd grown a second head.
Himiko: Huh?
Optimus: You had no choice in what your Quirk was. Or how it functions. And no one, no matter who they are, should be judged for the power they have. Or don't have it in the case of those who are Quirkless.
Himiko would normally make some insulting comment about the Quirkless, but she was too stunned to speak. No one had ever said that to her before.
Optimus: In some ways, I'm the same as you. People are also afraid of me.
Himiko: How can anyone be afraid of you?! You're like, super nice! And incredibly hot!
Optimus: "What does one's body temperature have to do with how people feel about them?" Many people fear me because of the scars you saw at the Sports Festival.
Himiko: But why? Those scars are the G.O.A.T.!
Optimus raised an eyebrow. What did an animal have to do with his scars? Must be some Earth expression he'd yet to learn about. He placed a hand on his side, rubbing the scar that sat underneath the clothing. One of the many.
Optimus: Perhaps to you and a few. But many people are afraid of these scars, and what they may represent. For all they know, I could be a dangerous psychopath who enjoys hurting himself.
He missed the way her eyes lit up at his words.
Optimus: I do not like it, but I also cannot change it. They are allowed to feel however they want about me. However, I should strive to never let it affect me. So that in time, I can prove to people who I really am. Not through my appearance or my power, but through my actions.
Speaking to this stranger, Optimus felt a little bit better about himself now. While he still felt slightly down about scaring others, he felt his resolve to do better be strengthed after sharing advice with another who understood his plight.
Himiko was staring at Optimus in awe. Subconsciously, she reached out her hand to him. She wanted... she wanted–
BOOM!
Both of them were jolted out of their thoughts when they heard the explosion go off. Optimus looked at the alley's exit and saw people running, some screaming fire. Optimus looked up and saw smoke and the orange glow of flames.
His expression became serious as his faceplate shut around his mouth. He spared a glance back at Himiko.
Optimus: I need to go, people are in trouble.
He didn't wait for her reply as he dashed out of the alley, Himiko's arm outstretched after him, as if it was a settling sun disappearing over the horizon, leaving her once again in darkness. She brought her hand close to her heart, feeling the fast-paced beating in her chest. A crazy, lustful smile was on her face
Himiko: Optimus Prime... I wonder what his blood tastes like.
Optimus arrived on the scene to see an apartment building on fire. Dozens of citizens had gathered around and watched as the building burned. He could hear the faint cries of people coming from the building.
Seeing the burning building brought back memories. Memories of a world on fire, consumed by war, a war he failed to stop.
Mirko: There you are?!
Optimus was pulled from the memories as he turned to see Mirko jump down to meet him. A scowl on her face.
Mirko: Do you know how worried I was about you?! You can't just go off on your own like that!
Optimus: I–
Mirko: Save it! We have more important things to worry about!
She turned her attention to the burning building.
Mirko: You stay out here and keep any civilians from rushing inside. I'm gonna get everyone out.
Optimus: Can you do that by yourself?
Mirko looked back at him with a confident smirk.
Mirko: We're heroes, beating the odds is what we do best. Especially when lives are on the line.
With that, she bent her knees and made a powerful leap that propelled her to the third floor, smashing through a window.
While Mirko was busy rescuing people from the burning building, Optimus was working to keep everyone calm outside it. He calmed down worried mothers and pacified anxious fathers, however some were easier than others to manage. He had to get physical with one who tried to rush into the building to save his daughter. He was able to stop the man and a bunch of other people helped keep him restrained. Now and then, Mirko would jump out of the flaming building holding a civilian, looking worse for wear every time she jumped out, but she plunged fearlessly back into the flames.
Soon, a fire truck arrived and the firefighters quickly got to work, but it wouldn't be enough. Optimus walked up to the regular everyday heroes.
Optimus: Is there any more help coming?
Firefighter: Not for a while. We were the closest unit available. It'll be about 10 minutes before another unit arrives.
Optimus cursed in his native language. By then, it would be too late, and Mirko still hasn't evacuated even half the building. If only they had another firetruck.
He looked at the emergency vehicle, when suddenly an idea came to mind, remembering Mirko saying something earlier that day.
Mirko: (Flashback) Have you ever tried thinking of yourself as a jet, or some other kind of vehicle?
He wasn't sure if this was what she meant, but it was worth a try, and he was sure she wouldn't be complaining if it worked.
Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and concentrated on actions he would take if he was scanning a new vehicle mode. When he opened his eyes, they flashed light blue, and a beam of light shot out and hit the truck, shocking both the firefighters and civilians.
Firefighter: What in the devil?!
Optimus didn't answer them as he panned across the vehicle, scanning every inch of it. When he finished, the light disappeared and he stumbled back, a hand to his head, feeling a massive headache due to the overload of information in his human brain. He also felt a warm liquid running down his nose. Blood.
He shook off his dizziness; he had a job to do. He looked down at his arm and concentrated, calling upon the new blueprint now ingrained in his mind. Soon, his arm transformed, looking very similar to normal but slimmer, too. He aimed at the burning building, and a nozzle popped out of his forearm. Soon, foam shot out and impacted the burning building, getting to work and putting out fires.
A lot of the firefighters looked surprised.
Firefighter: I don't know what you did kid, but I'm not complaining!
Optimus only nodded and transformed his other arm and shot foam out of that arm as well to help with the fire.
Mirko kept jumping out with more civilians. She noticed Optimus's new trick and nodded in approval before jumping back into the ire.
Several tense minutes passed as the building burned. Mirko continued to bring people out as Optimus and the firefighters tried to slow down the building's collapse as best they could.
Mirko: This *cough* should be *cough* *cough* the last.
Mirko said, handing off the elderly man to the paramedics who arrived shortly, breathing heavily. She was sweating profusely and her costume was covered in soot and parts were burned off. Even her bunny ears and tail were blacking by the smoke.
Optimus: Mirko! Are you alright?!
She looked up at him and gave a tired smile.
Mirko: Who me? *cough* I'm peachy.
Girl: My dolly!
Both heroes turned to a panicked little girl looking around frantically.
Girl: I dropped my dolly!
Mother: Honey, it will be okay. I'll buy you a new one.
Girl: But that was the dolly daddy gave me! I want that dolly!
Mother: Sweetie–
Mirko: Where is it?
Both mother and daughter looked to see Mirko and Optimus walk up to them. As Optimus approached them, he recognized the duo from the restaurant, the mother and daughter who looked at him in fear.
Girl: It's up in my room on the fourth floor!
She pointed to a specific window on the fourth floor. Mirko nodded and knelt to pat her head, giving the girl a gentle smile.
Mirko: Don't worry, kid. I'll go save your dolly.
Girl: Really?
Mirko: Of course! Heroes save everyone! Even dolls!
Mirko then moved to stand but nearly fell trying to do so as a wave of dizziness overcame her.
Optimus: Are you alright, Mirko?
Mirko: I'm good, just need a second.
Paramedic: No you're not.
Both turned to see a paramedic walk up to them.
Paramedic: You inhaled a lot of smoke already, and you're experiencing severe dehydration. Any more and you may have some serious health problems.
Mirko: Yeah, yeah, tell me something I don't know.
She waved off the warnings and tried to stand, but the paramedic was more stubborn than she thought. She got in front of the violent heroine and gave a hard stare-down.
Paramedic: I can't allow that. As a doctor, I can't let someone recklessly endanger themselves, even if they are a hero.
Mirko growled, both annoyed and impressed this doc had the guts to stand up to her. Not many people did.
Civilian: Is that kid crazy?!
Both Mirko and the paramedic broke their staring contest and looked to see Optimus Prime, battle mask on, rush into the building.
Mirko: Kid, wait!
Mirko shouted as she pushed the paramedic out of the way and tried to follow after him. However, the moment he was through the main entrance, the entryway collapsed. Mirko tried to put strength into her legs for a jump, but she was indeed too weak due to the smoke she inhaled and the dehydration.
She looked at the burning building with a worried expression.
Mirko: "You better survive kid so that I can kill you myself!"
The heat was unbearable. If Optimus was a Cybertronian, these flames and smoke would do nothing against his metal skin. He did manage to survive being hit by a massive heat laser the Decepticons used. Thankfully his face plate acted as a filter to keep the smoke from entering his lungs, but it still affected his eyes, making him blink rapidly.
A blaze erupted in front of him, and he soon extinguished it with his new foam cannons. He looked around, trying to find a way to the upper floors. He arrived at a ruined stairwell, seeing that the steps were destroyed in the flames. He looked for an alternative and saw the entrance to an elevator. Transforming his arms, he easily pried open the door.
Flaming debris fell from the higher floors. He looked up and saw the ruined elevator cart, suspended precariously a few levels higher than his target floor. He needed to get up there, and he didn't have time to free-climb it. He then got an idea as he looked back at his arms, if he recalled, it wasn't just foam cannons he scanned from the fire truck.
He then aimed his arm up, and another nozzle popped out. Instead of foam, a grapple line shot out and latched onto the bottom of the elevator before it began to pull him up.
However, his added weight proved to be the last straw. The elevator cart broke from its restraints and began to fall.
Optimus: Scrap!
Activating fast, Optimus gathered his momentum and swung out his soon-transformed legs at the doors to his desired floor. The doors collapsed under the strength as he released the hook, causing the line to return to him, missing the falling elevator by a hair. He looked down to see it crash to the floor below.
Optimus: That was close.
He then got to his feet and continued walking. This floor was even worse than the ground floor, it was a wonder Mirko was able to save any trapped civilians with little more than damage to her costume.
He walked began walking over to the room the girl pointed to. As he walked, he noticed the dead bodies of people who were too late to escape the fire. While he internally mourned for them, he couldn't let the dead distract him from his duty. He pushed on and found himself in front of the door.
He kicked the door down and walked into the room. He heard a loud creaking sound above him and saw the roof was coming down. He quickly rolled out of the way of the debris, but the debris ended up blocking the exit from which he came. He noticed a door to a child's room was open.
Entering the room, he quickly looked around for any sign of a doll. It wasn't until he checked under the bed that he found it. He pulled it out and got a quick look at it. It was worn and looked to be burned slightly, but otherwise, intact.
Optimus had a small smile as he stared at the doll.
Optimus: Hello dolly. It's nice to meet you. I am Optimus Prime.
His conversation with the inanimate object was put on hold when he heard more creaking. Realizing he was out of time, Optimus moved to leave but soon recalled the debris blocking the door to the apartment. He needed another way out.
Looking around for possible exit strategies, he saw a window and suddenly got a really stupid idea.
Optimus: "I've spent too much time with Eijiro and Mirko."
Was all he thought before rushing to the window and jumping out. His action caught the attention of everyone outside as they all pointed at him. Transforming his legs, Optimus braced himself as he landed with a hard thud, the ground cracking beneath him.
He stayed kneeling for a long moment before he rose to his full height. He looked around and saw the girl and mother looking at him in awe. He walked over to them and held out the damaged doll in his hand, a gentle smile on his face.
Optimus: Hello little one. I believe this belongs to you.
The girl's eyes sparkled as she grabbed the doll from his hands and held in a tight hug. She soon wrapped her arms around Optimus's neck.
Girl: Thank you so much!
The Prime was surprised at the gesture but soon smiled as he placed a comforting hand on her head. He looked up and saw the mother looking at him, a grateful expression on her face.
Mother: Thank you.
Optimus only nodded as he pulled away from the girl and stood up, just in time to get whacked in the head by Mirko.
Mirko: You idiot! Why in the name of All Might did you run into that building like that?! You could've died!
Optimus was rubbing the back of his head as he answered.
Optimus: I was just following your example.
Mirko tilted your head.
Optimus: 'Heroes save everyone. Even dolls.' That was what you said.
Mirko's eyes widened as she soon smirked.
Mirko: Well, well. You do listen to me after all?
Optimus: Of course I do. You're my mentor for this week. And besides, if not for your comments about my vehicle preference, I would not have unlocked a new ability. So thank you for your help, Mirko.
Her smile only widened as he puffed out her chest in pride.
Mirko: Ha! You hear that world, I can be a good mentor! Oh, wait till I tell that flying chicken about this!
Optimus shook his head in amusement at her antics.
After a good night's rest, Optimus and Mirko were back on patrol the next day, bright and early. Only this time, it wasn't nearly as difficult for Optimus to keep up today. Thanks to the new grapple hook he picked up from the fire truck scan, he was now able to keep up with Mirko much easier. Using the grapple to pull him across great distances and reach taller heights. He would have tried swinging like Sero, but he wasn't as practiced as he would like.
The grapple also proved to be a valuable weapon in combat. His favorite use of it would be to quick-fire a line, pull the villain to him, strike his face so hard that it caused his feet to leave the ground, then slam down on his stomach to bring him to the floor.
Mirko asked him if he played any old video games after seeing the move, to which he shook his head.
It was in the middle of the day when Mirko got a call. It looked serious as she soon had an expression he'd never before seen on her. She hung up the call and looked at him somewhat regretfully before sighing.
Mirko: Alright kid, I'm gonna be straight with you. I just got a call from the HPSC. They want me to hunt a very dangerous individual, despite having an intern with me. I told them such, but they didn't believe me, since I never take on interns. I won't lie to you. This guy they want to be taken down, he's no amateur. He's already killed over a dozen heroes and crippled more than twice that many. I know you have experience fighting dangerous villains from that USJ disaster, but this guy ois n a whole other level compared to what you've faced. If you don't want to come, there's no shame in just staying at the agency while I go take this guy down. I think you have a better chance at taking this guy down yourself than most Pros. But I'll leave it up to you.
Optimus already had a clear idea of who she was talking about. And if he was correct, this may be his one chance to keep history from repeating itself. So he looked her dead in the eyes and gave a firm nod.
She smirked in approval, proud of her first intern. She cracked her knuckles in excitement.
Mirko: Then it's off to Hosu! We have a Stain to wipe off!
A/N: Yes Toga is here. I apologize if I didn't do her character justice, it's just, she was never my favorite. I found her super creepy and distributing, so I tended to avoid scenes with her.