A/N: I do not own Transformers or My hero Academia.
Back to School
Mirko: Alright! Let's call it here. I wouldn't want to send you back to the U.A. in a body bag now, would I?
Optimus: That would not be my preferred method of arriving.
Mirko smirked as Optimus moved to change out of his costume as they ended their spar. She looked around the room and saw many small craters and cracks on the wall, a testament to their training, in her eyes.
She had to admit, the kid had come a long way in just a week. Initially, all he could do was punch and dodge some of her attacks, being too slow to respond to her movements. But now, he had expanded his arsenal to include martial arts. While he was not a master, he was better than the average beginner and a fast learner. Mirko had no doubt that should he continue to practice, he would quickly master these movements.
She has to admit, taking on an intern wasn't as terrible as she thought. As soon as she sent the request to U.A., she immediately thought she would regret her decision. She thought she'd get a whiny baby who constantly complained that she was going too hard on him. But Optimus Prime never complained once. Despite the training, how hard she pushed him, and no matter how many times she knocked him down in training, he never complained. Only got back and got back to work with an even more intense expression.
It was kinda scary, seeing such determination on a teenager.
Despite being a loner, she had to admit it was... nice, to have an intern. Someone she could trust to watch her back in a fight. Maybe she should seriously consider taking on a sidekick. But only if they were as good as Optimus Prime. But since this kid was quite literally one of a kind, she doubted she would find another quite like him.
Soon, Optimus finished gathering his things and prepared to leave. He had to admit he wasn't expecting such a lively time during his internship, nor did he expect to learn as much as he did. Now that he had more options in combat, it would increase his effectiveness and keep him from using lethal measures.
He was still conflicted about how the incident with Stain had ended. He wasn't sure if he should have taken the opportunity to end Stain's life or if it was the right thing to spare him. Normally, he would never consider taking the life of a human, especially since now he's had nearly a year of experience walking a mile in their shoes. But Stain... he reminded him so much of Megatron, and it terrified him.
Whenever he thought about his brother/archenemy, he got tunnel vision. Ever since coming to this Earth, he had encountered several individuals that reminded him of Megatron: Katsuki, Tenya, and Stain. And he was certain they wouldn't be the last. What happens next when he meets another soul who reminds him of Megatron.
Would he finally cross that line and take the life of a human?
Such a thought scared Optimus. The last thing he wanted was to break his vow of never taking human lives. However, given his emotional state regarding Megatron, that may not be within his control. He needed some way to resolve these feelings about Megatron. But how, they had no chance to speak after he was freed from Unicron's control and disbanded the Decepticons before sentencing himself to exile.
He had all these unresolved feelings that needed to be addressed, lest he make a mistake. But how?
Mirko: Hey, you okay?
Optimus snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Mirko, who was staring at him in concern. He looked around and didn't even realize they reached the train station for the train to take him back to U.A.
Pushing thoughts of Megatron aside for now, he answered his mentor.
Optimus: I'm fine, Mirko. Just thinking about all that has happened this past week.
Mirko: Yeah, I get that. This must've been the craziest week of your life.
Optimus: You'd be surprised.
He's had one hour that was 100 times more intense than this week, multiple times in his life, which was much more concerning when he considered it. He then shook his head to rid himself of morbid thoughts. He turned to Mirko and bowed to her.
Optimus: Thank you for all you've taught me this past week. Rest assured, I won't forget it for as long as I live and will strive to build upon what I've learned.
Mirko waved him off.
Mirko: No biggie. It's my job to teach you, even if I'm not the best at it.
Optimus: I assure you, Mirko, you were an amazing, if inexperienced, mentor. You can continue growing and improving if you choose to take on another student.
Mirko: That depends on whether any of them are as good as you are, kid. I won't settle for anything but the best! But, if you have some suggestions on who you think deserves a chance to learn under the Queen of butt kicking, let me know, and I'll keep an eye on them for next years internship or work studies.
Optimus: I will be sure to do that. Here's who I think can benefit under you...
He gave her the names of several of his classmates and students outside of 1-A. She nodded at their names and promised to keep an eye on them. Soon, his train arrived, and Optimsu boarded, ready to return to U.A.
The Next Day
Eijiro and Hanta burst out laughing at a hilarious sight, one no one ever thought they would ever see.
Both: Holy crap! What the heck, Bakugou?!
What they were laughing at was Katsuki's hairstyle, usually wild and untamed like a beast, was neatly combed into a style you would see mostly on well-mannered gentlemen, something Katsuki most assuredly wasn't.
Katsuki: Stop laughing! My hair's gotten used to this and I can't get it back the right way.
He was shaking in rage. He clearly hated the new haircut and everyone's reaction to it. But Eijiro and Hanta kept laughing.
Katsuki: Did you not hear me? I'll kill you both!
Hanta: I'd like to see you try, pretty boy.
That did it as Katsuki's hair suddenly returned to his preferred style.
Katsuki: What'd you call me?!
Both: Hey there it goes!
Mina: Awesome! You got to face actual villains. I'm super jealous!
Kyoka just twirled one of her earphone jacks around in her hand.
Kyoka: Well I didn't fight. All I did was help people evacuate and provide logistical support.
Mina: But it still sounds like so much fun.
Tsuyu: I spent the whole time training and cleaning the ship deck, though one day, we caught a bunch of drug smugglers.
Both Kyoka and Mina looked at her with awed and jealous expressions.
Both: Okay, that's cool!
Tsuyu then turned to the girl closest to them.
Tsuyu: What about you, Ocahco? How was your week?
Ochaco let out a breath as her entire body was enveloped in a menacing aura as she threw a few punches.
Ochaco: I'd say it was very enlightening.
The girls were kinda creeped out.
Tsuyu: I'd think she's found her fighting spirit.
Kyoka: Yeah that battle hero must've been something else.
Denki: After a week she's like a different person.
Minoru: Different? Don't be fooled Kaminari.
His face then became terrified, more so than when Optimus scared them.
Minoru: All women are demons at heart. They hide their true personalities behind pretty faces.
Optimus could not find it in himself to counteract Minoru's words. He recalled Ochaco's intense expression leading up to the Sports Festival, Momo's phone call to the hospital, and Recovery Girl's attitude towards him and Izuku. And then there were cybertronians like Elita, Arcee, and Airachnid. Primus, females were terrifying, regardless of species.
Denki: Man, what did Mt. Lady do to you? Everyone at my internship loved me. It was actually kinda great. Now if you want to talk about the ones who changed, it would have to be those four.
Suddenly, everyone turned to the Optimus, Izuku, Tenya, and Shoto.
Hanta: Oh yeah! The Hero Killer!
Eijiro: Glad you made it back alive. Seriously.
Momo: I was worried about all of you too. "And angry. Very angry"
Rikkido: You guys were lucky Optimus showed up when he did.
Toru: So amazing! He even saved Endeavor, the Number Two Hero! But that's Optimus Prime for you.
Mashirao: I'm still surprised that Optimus managed to take him down alone.
Mina: Are you kidding?! This is OP we're talking about! The dude sent that bird monster flying at the USJ when All Might struggled. The Hero Killer's got nothing on him!
Optimus: I would not be so quick to dismiss Stain, Mina.
Everyone turned to him.
Optimus: While it is true that Stain doesn't measure up against someone of the Nomu's power, he was still a fearsome opponent. Both in his skills and his convictions.
Shoto: But still, you saved us. All of us.
He saved some of them from their darkest places, not just from the Hero Killer. Shoto, stuck in his way, opened his eyes. Tenya, from going down a path of revenge. And Izuku, from his own self-loathing. Sure, he may not want the credit, but at least this way, the three can feel like they're giving something back to the one who helped them most.
Tsuyu: Mind if I ask how you managed to beat him alone? Ribbit.
Optimus: Well...
He trailed off as he looked at his friends who were there with him in Hosu. While he desperately wanted to give them the credit they deserved, he didn't want it to cost them their futures. But he didn't have to claim it was solely because of him.
Optimus: I must thank Mirko for all she's taught me. The things she taught me became invaluable in the fight. Not to mention the support equipment Mei created for me.
The use of some unknown girl's name caused several eyebrows to raise.
Momo: Mei? Whose Mei?
Izuku: Oh! Do you mean Hatsume? From the support course?
Optimus: Indeed. She made a special support item for me in the time leading up to the internship. It certainly came in handy when I fought against the Hero Killer.
Ochaco remembered the hyperactive inventor and how she had no concept of personal space. Tenya also shivered as he remembered the girl who humiliated him at the Sports Festival by tricking him into testing her inventions.
Mezo: What'd she make you?
Optimus: A rocket axe.
Eijiro: A rocket axe?! That sounds so manly!
Mashirao: I didn't know you knew how to use an axe, Optimus.
Optimus: I admit, it has been some time since I last held one, but it certainly felt nostalgic wielding one again, even if I was a tad rusty.
Minoru: Man, you can shoot guns, wield swords and axes, is there nothing you can't fight with?!
Optimus: I've never been good at fighting with a staff or lance. And my hand-to-hand skills aren't very sophisticated, which was one thing Mirko wanted to focus on during our training. Despite what she's taught me, I still need work.
Mashirao: I can teach you some martial arts, if you don't mind.
Tenya: And if you ever want better pointers on using your legs, you can always come to me!
Optimus smiled in the support his classmates gave him. With their help, he would become a master at hand-to-hand combat.
Mina: Man, I thought you couldn't get any better here.
Fumikage: It seems not even the sky can keep you from reaching your full potential, Optimus Prime.
Hearing his classmates praise Optimus Prime and how he continued to get even stronger irked Katsuki. He didn't learn anything useful at that internship with Best Jeanist, except how to groom, which was such a useless skill. He was falling behind.
Mashirao: Did you guys hear about the Hero Killer? Everyone says he was somehow connected to the League of Villains. Can you imagine how frightening it would be if that creep was with them when they attacked the USJ?
Optimus knew better than anyone that Stain and the League's only relationship was a hostile one. But he figured, despite the good amount of fame he earned, that no one would believe him if he said otherwise now, so he kept his mouth shut for argument's sake.
Denki: He's scary, yeah. But did you see him in that weird video? It's all over the internet.
Mashirao: I didn't even know there was a video of him.
Denki: Yeah. Stain's a pretty evil villain, but, like super tenacious. He's almost kinda cool, don't you guys think?
Izuku: Kaminari!
Optimus: Denki.
Izuku sounded shocked he would say such a thing in Tenya's presence while Optimus shook his head in disappointment. The electric Quirk user seemed to realize his folly and tried to apologize.
Denki: Uh - Oh! Dude I...
He trailed off when Tenya stopped him.
Tenya: No, it's okay. You're fine. He's indeed quite a tenacious villain. I understand why people might think he was cool.
He goes quiet, gripping his shoulder. He can feel the scar lying underneath his shirt, a permanent reminder of his regrettable actions. Shoto, Izuku, and Optimus listen on, unsure whether Iida will fall back into despair for a moment.
Tenya: But instead of helping the world, his beliefs led him to cold-blooded murder. No matter his motives, killing cannot be condoned. To keep anyone else from suffering like me, I promise I will strive to be the perfect hero!
The others all smiled, as Tenya seemed to be back to his super-strict self. Optimus placed a hand on his shoulder.
Optimus: I couldn't have said it any better myself, Tenya. Even though I would admit that the Hero Killer made good points, especially when we fought, his method of bringing about such change was wrong. No change to society could justify the death of innocent people, no matter how unworthy they appeared in Stain's.
Tenya looked to Optimus and smiled, glad to know he still had Optimus's support after everything. He then began to call for everyone to take their seat, causing everyone to bemoan that their strict, by-the-book Class Secretary was back.
The day went on, and soon, everyone had changed into their hero costumes and arrived at one of the many off-campus training facilities. The one teaching the class was All Might himself, standing in front of the gate to the field and addressing the class.
All Might: I AM HERE! HOPE YOU'RE READY TO RETURN TO OUR LESSONS. TODAY IT'S HERO BASIC TRAINING! FEELS LIKE I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN AWHILE. WELCOME BACK. NOW THEN. LISTEN CAREFULLY TO WHAT'S IN STORE. WE'RE GOING TO BE CONDUCTING A LITTLE RACE. TAKE EVERYTHING YOU'VE LEARNED FROM YOUR INTERNSHIPS AND APPLY IT TO THIS RESCUE TRAININGS.
Tenya, currently the only one without his costume since it was still being repaired, raised his bandaged hand.
Tenya: If it's rescue training, then shouldn't we be at the USJ instead?
All Might: AH, THAT FACILITY SPECIALIZES IN DISASTERS. AS I SAID EARLIER THIS IS A RACE, SO PREPARE! YOU'RE ABOUT TO STEP INTO FIELD GAMMA!
Field Gamma is an industrial site composed of many factories forming a labyrinth. The labyrinth contains tons of heavy machinery, including cranes and pipelines.
All Might: INSIDE IS AN AREA FULL OF FACTORIES THAT FORM AN INTRICATE LABYRINTH, SO GOOD LUCK FINDING YOUR WAY. YOU'LL BE COMPETING IN GROUPS OF FIVE, THE FIRST ONE WILL BE SIX, GIVEN THE ODD PERSON STARTS FROM A DIFFERENT LOCATION ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE MODEL CITY. I'LL SEND A DISTRESS SIGNAL, AND YOU DO WHAT YOU MUST TO GET TO ME. WHOEVER GRABS ME FIRST WINS! BUT TRY TO KEEP THE PROPERTY AND BODILY DAMAGE TO A BARE MINIMUM, PLEASE.
He finished pointing to a certain mad bomber.
Katsuki: Why are you pointing at me?
Everyone snickers while Optimus looks at Katsuki confused.
Optimus: "Does he not understand why?"
The first group consisted of Izuku, Tenya, Mina, Mashirao, Hanta, and Optimus.
The others were outside the labyrinth observing things from a control center on a large screen.
Denki: Iida hasn't completely recovered yet. He should sit this one out.
Eijiro: Everyone in this group's got really good mobility.
Momo: I'd say Midoriya is at a disadvantage compared to those five.
Kyoka: Yeah, that's what I think. Moving around quickly isn't one of his strong points.
Momo: And whenever he uses his powers, he gets badly injured.
Tsuyu: He's not the only one at a disadvantage. Optimus is too.
Toru: Really, how'd you figure?
They all remembered the Sports Festival Obstacle Course, and how Optimus dominated the scene, despite coming from so far in the back, only to give up the win right at the end with that stunt he pulled. Shoto and Katsuki remembered it well.
Tsuyu: The mobility aspect of his Quirk seems to work best when he's on flat ground, especially in a straight line. Given the nature of this obstacle course, it will be hard for him to maneuver around it quickly.
Rikiddo: I guess you have a point.
Eijiro: Who do you think's gonna win? My money's on Sero.
Denki: Oh yeah? Then I'll be on Ojiro.
Minoru: I bet Ashido. Cause she's got a super athletic body.
That was surprising, it was the least perverted thing he said about one of his female classmates.
Katsuki: I know Deku will be last.
Ochaco: He may be injured but I think Iida's got this.
Toru: What about you Yaomomo?! Who do you think's gonna win?
Everyone turned their heads to their resident genius. Judging their abilities, she looked at all the others before her eyes settled on the screen with Optimus, who had a powerful, quiet, determined look as he was undoubtedly thinking about how to traverse the metal maze before him.
Momo: While I refrain from betting, I will say Optimus will win the race.
Everyone: "No surprise there."
By this point, everyone in the class, except for a few, could tell of the massive crush their Vice Rep had on their Class Rep. It was pretty obvious. What was baffling was how Optimus missed it, especially when he was so intelligent and aware.
All Might stood atop a furnace tower, trigger button to begin the exercise in hand.
All Might: IS EVERYONE READY? BEGIN!
He pressed the button and a loud siren went out throughout the field.
Immediately, Hanta took the sky with his tape, gaining a quick advantage over the others with the high ground.
Everyone watched as Hanta's name appeared first.
Eijiro: Look at him go! It makes sense to be above everything else in a maze like this.
Mezo: So that means Sero's at an advantage because he can take to the sky.
Hanta: It's like this course was built with me in mind!
However, he spoke too soon as a green blur of energy suddenly passed him.
To everyone's shock and amazement, Izuku utilized his newly learned full cowling to give him an extra boost to leap across pipes. He had a massive grin on his face.
Izuku: With my new training, I can win!
All Might's already massive grin grew bigger.
Many of his classmates gasped in shock as they saw him leaping from pipe to pipe.
All: Whoa! Midoriya?!
Denki: Since when can he do that?!
Hanta: What?! No way!
As Shoto watched him leaping into the air, he noticed something familiar about how he moved.
Shoto: "The way he's propelling himself through the air..."
Ochaco saw it too, having witnessed this movement pattern up close before.
Ochaco: Crazy. Those jumps-! He looks just like...
Katsuki: "Those are my moves!"
Indeed, the way Izuku leaps through the air is very similar to Katsuki's use of his explosions to fly. And that irritated the blonde.
Katsuki: "While I wasted my time getting groomed at that worthless internship, he... look at him. Dang it!"
As everyone was shocked by how much Izuku had improved, Momo noticed someone's progress hadn't been shown yet.
Momo: "Where's Optimus?"
Izuku continued traversing through the field at amazing speed, shocking his competitors.
Mina: Midoriya? Are you kidding me?
She was currently using her acid to help her get handholds in the wall.
Mashirao: Shouldn't he be breaking a bunch of bones?
He had used his tail to help secure himself on a pipe.
Izuku landed in a roll as he continued running across the field, focusing on controlling the rate of his power.
Izuku: "Focus. I can do this. Don't go above five percent! I just gotta stay calm and alert."
However, he focused too much on maintaining his power level, so his foot slipped when he landed on a thin pipe.
Izuku: Huh?
Everyone watching the feed covered their eyes.
All: "I can't watch."
All except Katsuki who had a vindictive grin.
Katsuki: "Serves that bastard right for trying to copy me!"
Izuku screamed as he began falling with no way to slow his descent. He closed his eyes and braced for impact.
However, he felt someone grab onto him from the back of his belt and brought him into his arms.
?: Gotcha!
He opened his eyes at the familiar voice and saw that Optimus had saved him. A grapple line shot from his left arm as he held Izuku by the waist with his right.
Izuku: Optimus?!
Everyone sighed in relief that Izuku had been caught, and they all looked in amazement at Optimus's new skill.
Eijiro: Whoa! Since when did he get a grapple?!
Denki: I don't know! Did he always have one?!
Mezo: Not that I can recall.
Toru: Who cares?! That move he did to save Midoriya looked so heroic!
Kyoka: Yeah, pretty iconic looking.
Ochaco sighed in relief that Izuku was safe while Momo looked in awe of her crush's feat.
Katsuki gritted his teeth. Deku was saved from such an embarrassing fail, and Prime now had even more tricks up his sleeve. Dang it!
Optimus: Looks like I'm just in time, my friend! You'll need to work more on your new power!
Izuku: But what about the race?!
Optimus: You should know me better by now, Izuku. I don't care for such trivial things. However...
In a move that surprised even himself, he gave Izuku a challenging smirk.
Optimus: That doesn't mean I'll make it easy for you to achieve victory!
He then threw Izuku onto a nearby platform.
Optimus: See you at the finish line!
Izuku looked on in awe before he gave a smirk and nodded.
Izuku: Right!
He then reactivated Full Cowling and continued across the field.
Optimus had to admit that this obstacle race provided the perfect opportunity for him to train his new abilities. While he had gotten much practice following Mirko on patrols, this would only further help him travel. He was in no way as good as Hanta is with his tape, but he was getting better, using the line to help him run across walls and to zip to a location faster. Having a cape to help him glide across the field after taking to the air might be better. But if Earth media had taught him one thing, it was no capes!
While swinging around, he came across a section densely filled with pipes. He could not use his grapple to navigate through it, and it would take too long to go around or above. Thankfully, he had a plan to help him go right through it.
Optimus: "Time to apply this idea in real life settings."
He then reached deep within himself, to the Matrix to access a portion of its power. Slowly, he touched upon the power of the first beast transformers, Onyx Prime. He wouldn't exhaust himself so quickly if he concentrated on only one Prime's power. When he managed to get it under control, his body was enveloped in a blue-white aura, though it wasn't glowing as brightly as it would if he was using all the Primes' powers.
Taking a breath to steady himself, he leapt into the maze of pipes. He jumped from pipe to pipe, soaring through the air gracefully and quickly. As he moved, he was slightly amazed at how his instincts drove his body, knowing exactly when and where to swing. It was... primal.
Everyone watched him traverse with amazement, and some level of confusion.
Denki: Uhh, since when did Optimus move around like a monkey?
Koji: Actually, he's moving around more like a gorilla. The way he's grabbing the pipes and leaping around is more similar to that of a gorilla than a monkey, who mostly swings. Also, he has a much broader chest so...
He trailed off as everyone looked at Koji in surprise, given that this was the most he talked about all school. Koji retreated into himself at all the stares. He knew it was out of character for him to talk so much, but he couldn't help it. Gorillas are scary, but were some of his favorite animals.
All Might: AND IT'S OVER! THANKS HERO! AND CONGRATULATIONS!
The race quickly ended with Optimus as the winner. Izuku came in second, with Hanta in third. To reward him, All Might handed Optimus a large sash. He felt awkward accepting a reward, but did so as he put on the sash.
Mina complained about how she lost, as did Hanta, who felt he had this thing in the bag. Izuku was internally criticizing himself over his near blunder if not for Optimus.
All Might: YOUNG PRIME MAY HAVE COME IN FIRST, BUT COMPARED TO THE START OF THE YEAR, YOU ALL SHOWED ME SOME INCREDIBLE IMPROVEMENTS. KEEP WORKING AND PREPARING FOR YOUR UPCOMING FINAL EXAMS!
All: Sir!
All Might: GROUP ONE, MOVE OUT. GROUP TWO, STEP UP.
As the members of Group One began to leave, All Might got next to both Optimus and Izuku.
All Might: YOU SURPRISED ME OUT THERE. THAT WAS INCREDIBLE. FIND ME AFTER CLASS. THAT GOES FOR YOU TOO YOUNG PRIME. WE ALL NEED TO TALK.
Izuku: Um... Yes, sir.
Izuku was curious about what All Might wanted to talk about, even more so now that they were including Optimus in their discussions.
Optimus picked up on the seriousness in All Might's voice. Whatever he had to say to both of them, it was something that scared the Number One Hero.
All Might: THE TIME HAS COME FOR ME TO TELL YOU BOTH THE WHOLE TRUTH. ABOUT ME. AND ONE FOR ALL.
Izuku and Optimus's eyes widened at his words. The truth? What could it possibly be?
After the day's exercises finished, the boys—all except Optimus — were changing out of their hero uniforms in their locker rooms.
Rikiddo: Man, that was some tough training today, huh?
Yugo: It's the first class in a while that had me glistening.
Eijiro: Man, I got to work on my mobility.
Fumikage: You could also compensate by improving other skills.
Denki: Still wish I could use my Quirk for speed. I'm jealous of guys like you and Sero.
As Izuku took his shirt off, he recalled All Might's voice when asked to meet him and Optimus. He sounded so intense and never wanted to include others in their talks.
Izuku: "Wonder what he wants? And why does he want to include Optimus?"
For a terrifyingly small moment, he was worried that he would propose Izuku give One For All to Optimus, before he shook his head. No! All Might wouldn't ask him of that, especially after being impressed with what he's done today.
Speaking of Optimus...
Izuku: Hey, where's Optimus?
Tenya: I believe he left the field early to get a head start on changing. He should be back in class by now.
Denki: Seriously, he's still doing that? We've all known each other for months now. We should be used to being shirtless around each other by now.
Fumikage: Kaminari, you should know now why our Class Rep has decided to distance himself from us.
Denki looked confused for a moment before his eyes widened in realization. He then scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.
Denki: Oh yeah, that.
Of course, he was referring to Optimus's scars. When Optimus's habit of avoiding changing with them began, they all thought that maybe he was just super shy and antisocial, and some even believed he was gay. But after the Sports Festival, they now understood why he went to great lengths not to be seen by others.
Katsuki's head was down as he thought back to that final match. The sight of all those scars on Prime's body. It stirred something inside of him that he had never felt before or hadn't felt in a very long time. Seeing the kind of scars he had, Katsuki couldn't help but wonder what happened to him.
Eijiro: What do you guys think could've caused such scars?
Rikiddo: I don't know. If it was one or two, I could say some accident when he was a kid. But to have so many...
Hanta: Has anyone noticed that some of those scars look like bullet holes?
Mashirao: And many of them look like they were gained years before Optimus started here in U.A., which means that what he went through was what he went through as a kid?
Fumikage: One can only imagine the horrors that could inflict such terrible scars at a young age.
Tenya: Enough!
Everyone looked at the furious face of their Class Secretary as he glared at all of them.
Tenya: What's the matter with you all?! We shouldn't be gossiping about our Class Rep like this! Whatever happened to him is his business, and it wouldn't be right for us to dig our noses into it.
Everyone had a guilty expression. Tenya was right. They shouldn't be gossiping about Optimus like this. Unknown to them, Tenya knew the history of at least one scar, and he still felt sorrow for his friend when he thought back on it.
Izuku, too, knew the story of one scar, having listened in on them. It caused him to look at his own scarred hand. This was the price he had to pay to get a better understanding of his Quirk. What kind of price did Optimus pay to get as strong as he was now?
Minoru: Hey, Midoriya!
Izuku's attention turned to Minoru, who beckoned for him to come.
Minoru: You won't believe what I've just found. The jackpot!
He then gestured to a hole in the side of the wall, hidden by a poster.
Minoru: Someone Shawshanked a hole in the wall! A previous generation has given us a gift. You know what's next door right? This looks into the girl's locker room!
The revelation shocked all the other boys in the room. Tenya began chopping his hand in the air.
Tenya: Don't even think about it! Peeping on them would be criminal.
Denki: Yeah Mineta, that's not a good idea. "Because you-know-who would kill us if he found out!"
Minoru: Then you're gonna have to throw me in solitary confinement, 'cause you can't stop me!
He ripped away the poster and was about to peak inside, fantasizing about the girls bodies when–
Creak
–the door to the locker room opened.
Everyone froze as they all turned their attention to see who entered.
Izuku: O-Optimus?! What are you doing back here?!
Optimus raised a confused eyebrow at the level of volume Izuku was speaking.
Optimus: I left one of my books behind and came to grab it.
He then noticed the tense atmosphere in the locker room.
Optimus: What is going on here?
He then spotted Minoru standing beside a hole in a wall, preparing to look into it. He walked over to the short lad, all the other boys parting the way for him. He stood before Minoru, his body towering over the short young man, covering him in his shadow.
Optimus: What were you doing with this hole that led to the girl's locker room, Minoru?
Everyone took a deep gulp at the tone in Optimus's voice. While he sounded normal, this feeling of danger flowed from him, all directed at Minoru. He wished he hadn't changed out of his hero costume, as his diaper would certainly be wanted right now.
Minoru: Oh, you know me, OP! I'm just making sure the chastity of our female classmates is protected! I found this hole and knew it was my sacred duty as a hero, no, as a human being, to protect their sanctity!
He then used his Quirk to plunge up the hole in the wall! He looked at Optimus with a smile, seeming innocent while sweating buckets. Optimus just stared at him for a long moment before his hand moved.
Minoru closed his eyes and prayed to every deity he knew for salvation. But he stopped his prayers when he felt a comforting hand on his shoulder. He opened his eyes and saw Optimus holding a proud smile.
Optimus: Well done, Minoru. I'm proud of the progress you've been making. When you've finished changing, we should head to Mr. Aizawa and inform him of the hole, that way we can ensure a permanent solution.
Minoru did nothing but nod, feeling his soul leave his body in relief. Optimus then moved to leave, shutting the door behind him.
Everyone just stared at the door, frozen for a long moment.
Shoto: Wait, did he grab that book he came looking for?
Soon, the last bell for the day rang, and everyone began to leave for home—all except two students.
Optimus and Izuku stood outside the teacher's lounge. Izuku knocked on the door.
Izuku: It's us All Might.
He then slid open the door. Izuku flinched as he saw All Might sitting in his yellow suit, looking so serious, it was really scary. All Might turned to face them.
All Might: Come have a seat.
Izuku gulped at the seriousness in All Might's tone, and Optimus frowned in concern.
Izuku: "He seems... different."
Optimus: "What is wrong, All Might?"
Both boys pulled up a stool and sat across from the Symbol of Peace as he began to talk.
All Might: You both went through a lot recently. I'm sorry I wasn't around to help out.
Izuku: Oh, no. You don't need to apologize for that. More importantly... You mentioned One For All earlier. And why do you want Optimus here?
All Might: I thought since young Prime knows the truth, it would be best for him to be informed, for his protection.
Optimus raised his brow.
All Might: I heard that the Hero Killer swallowed your blood in the attack.
He said, emphasising by licking his finger.
Izuku: Oh, yeah. His Quirk made him able to paralyze someone after tasting their blood. Is that what this is about?
All Might: Do you remember what I did when I gave my power to you? What I said to you that day?
Optimus wondered how One For All could be transferred from user to user. He looked to Izuku for the answer.
Who somehow perfectly formed his face to resemble All Might!
Izuku: 'Eat this.'
Optimus: By the All Spark?!
All Might: No, not that! I said the key was in my DNA. That's why you had to swallow the hair.
Izuku looked horrified as he jumped up from his seat.
Izuku: Holy crap! Does that mean the Hero Killer has One For All now?!
All Might: No, he doesn't. I just thought you might be worried about that, but... I see, it didn't cross your mind.
Optimus: If I may ask, how can Izuku gain your power by consuming your hair, but Stain could not take it from Izuku after drinking his blood?
All Might: One For All can only be given if you, the bearer, intend to pass it along. It's not something that could just be taken by force. Although it can be transferred by force. Kinda like this...
An image bubble suddenly appeared of a girl forcing chocolates into the hands of an All Might in a middle school uniform.
Izuku: What kinda of example is that?!
Optimus: And how did we see such a thing?
All Might: Your Quirk is unique, and you should know its origin.
All Might's tone then became serious as Optimus and Izuku listened intently.
All Might: One For All was derived from another odd Quirk, a very old power.
Izuku: It used to be something different?
All Might: That name of that Quirk is 'All For One'.
As soon as All Might said that name, something inside Optimus stirred, causing him to place a hand over his chest.
Optimus: "The Matrix is reacting to that name? But why?"
All Might ignored Optimus and continued explaining.
All Might allowed its users to take Quirks from others. The user could keep the Quirk for himself or give it to someone else.
Izuku: What, you mean he could... steal powers?
Optimus: I didn't think such a thing was possible? But considering One For All, I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
All Might: This was back when Quirks were starting to show up. Before society had figured out how to deal with the newly powered among them. When Quirks first appeared, suddenly, it was impossible to say what it meant to be a 'normal' person. Laws and human rights were hotly debated. Civilization's progress stalled. Society, decayed.
Optimus remembered reading about this in the books he studied when he first arrived in this world.
Optimus: 'If superpowers hadn't appeared, then humans would be taking interstellar holidays by this point.' I remember reading that quote from someone famous.
All Might: Right. During that chaotic period of change, one person rallied many people together. He went by the name of his power, All For One. He stole Quirks from others. And then, with his overwhelming abilities, he spread his influence across the country. He manipulated people to serve his purposes and committed evil acts with little resistance. In the blink of an eye, he became the leader of villains and ruled over Japan.
Izuku: But...those are just rumors, aren't they? It's not even in our textbooks.
Optimus: Most of the time, Izuku, the truth can get lost in history.
All Might: Indeed Young Prime, it's the kind of shameful history people would rather ignore. When people gain true power, they enjoy showing it off to others.
Izuku: But...what about One For All?
Optimus knew.
Optimus: It came from All For One.
The skeleton man could only nod.
All Might: I said that All For One could give Quirks to others, remember? He made people trust or submit to his will by altering their abilities. But apparently, many poor souls couldn't bear the burden of the Quirks they were given. They became like mindless living dolls, incapable of speaking. Just like the Nomus are.
Izuku gasps, stunned, while Optimus clenched his fist in anger. How despicable could one man be to render someone a mindless monster?
All Might: Meanwhile, some Quirks evolved as they were passed on. Some even combined with other power sets. This evil man had a Quirkless younger brother. He was small and sickly but had a strong sense of justice. They couldn't have been more different. Seeing All For One's deeds pained the brother, so he resisted him. And then, All For One transferred a Quirk to his sibling, one that would allow him to stockpile power. We don't know if it was a gift, he was giving his brother, or if he just wanted to force him to submit.
It's starting to click together for both boys.
All Might: Even though everyone thought he was Quirkless, it turns out that the brother did have a Quirk. Though even he hadn't realized this to be the case. He had a useless power that only allowed him to pass on Quirks. And so, the stockpiling ability merged with the younger brother's power, which is how One For All came to be.
Izuku was at a complete loss for words, losing his breath. Optimus just looked solemn.
All Might: I've always found it ironic, but justice so often spawns from evil.
Optimus: "More often than not, that is the case, All Might. But so too is the opposite."
He knew well when someone's obsession with justice led them down a dark path.
Izuku: Wait, hold on! I understand how One For All came about now, but this bad guy must be dead by now. So why are you bringing him up?
Optimus had a theory though.
Optimus: One who steals Quirks has no limits. Anything is possible, meaning he must've found some way to prolong his life.
All Might couldn't only nod in regret.
All Might: Indeed, there are some Quirks that halt aging. He probably has something like that. The Symbol of Evil seemed pretty much Immortal. With the state of the world at the time and the huge difference in their combat abilities, the younger brother decided to entrust this new Quirk to future generations. Even though he couldn't defeat All For One, he hoped One For All would continue to grow in power, until it was strong enough to stop the older brother. Eventually it was my turn, and I defeated All For One. Or at least, that's what I thought. But he survived and is somehow back in action as the brain behind the League of Villains.
All Might then stood up and looked outside at the setting sun.
All Might: So now you know. The entire purpose of One For All is to defeat All For One. As its holder, you may one day have to fight against this great evil yourself. Because I failed. I know you didn't expect this but–
Izuku: I'll do my best!
Izuku's sudden declaration caught both All Might and Optimus off guard.
Izuku: I'll do whatever you ask. No matter what it might take. As long as you're with me, I can do anything! Even more with Optimus at my side! I know both of you will have my back!
While All Might looked touched by such conviction from his successor, he also felt shame and guilt, something Optimus picked up on.
All Might: "Come on, tell him. He needs to know."
He had to tell him the truth, about him. He deserved to know so he could be prepared. But he couldn't do it. It would have been like admitting to the truth he'd been running from for five years if he had told his successor.
All Might: "That's not how it will happen. Our futures are- He won't understand, he's too young."
So instead, All Might tried to put on his best pokerface.
All Might: Thank you.
Optimus picked up on the change of atmosphere from All Might, but didn't comment on it since it seemed like it was something Izuku shouldn't hear. So instead, he looked at his friend with concern.
Optimus: Izuku... do you know what it truly is? What is All Might asking you to do?
Izuku turned to his best friend in confusion.
Izuku: What do you mean? He wants me to stop All For One.
Optimus: Yes. But what do you think stopping him will entail?
Izuku: Well... I would...
He trailed off uncertainly.
Optimus: You're starting to realize it, aren't you? The only way you'll be able to keep someone like All For One from hurting others... is by killing him.
Izuku flinched back. In the back of his mind, that was the same conclusion he came to, but he ignored it due to his determination. But Optimus bluntly telling him what he had to do brought it back to the forefront. Could he do it? Could he kill someone? Even someone as evil as All For One?
Optimus turned to address All Might.
Optimus: I assume that's what you thought happened?
All Might could only nod.
All Might: Yes. I thought I killed him in that encounter when I defeated All For One. I bashed his skull in. But I underestimated his healing Quirk abilities, or maybe even those who support him from the shadows. No doubt he's still suffering from multiple injuries, but still, I should've made sure to finish the job.
Optimus frowned and narrowed his eyes in disappointment as he looked at All Might.
Optimus: And then you shoulder the responsibility to end a life in the hands of an innocent child like Izuku? Because you couldn't finish the job?
Izuku was shocked at the anger in Optimus's voice while All Might looked away in shame.
All Might: It wasn't like that! When I gave Young Midoriya One For All, I assumed that he could live without the responsibility of facing that monster. But I was wrong. I acknowledge that. But I can't just leave Young Midoriya blind to the dangers he's facing.
Optimus: But you are asking him to bear the burden of taking a life?
Izuku: O-Optimus! It's okay! Really! I do whatever it takes to take down All For One!
Optimus looked at his friend, causing him to flinch from the intensity of his gaze.
Optimus: Do you know what it means to take the life of another Izuku? You are not only robbing them of their lives, but also of their future, their dreams, their goals, their potential. You are robbing their loved ones of their presence as well.
Izuku's eyes widened increasingly with the implications of what Optimus was saying.
Optimus: While I do not deny that a monster such as All For One deserves such a fate after all he's done to this point, and even the unknown evil he's done, the life of another, even one with such a blacken heart as him, is too much a burden for a young man like you to bear.
Izuku looked down in depression, feeling like a failure of a successor, until he felt a comforting hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Optimus staring at him with a determined expression.
Optimus: Which is why, when the time comes, and you have defeated All For One, I will be the one to deliver the killing blow.
His statement shocked the other two in the room.
Izuku: Nonono! You can't Optimus! I can't ask that of you! It's my burden to bear! Not yours!
Optimus: This will not be up for debate, Izuku. My duty, as Class Rep and someone who knows about One For All, is to help you however I can. This is the best way I know how to help you.
Izuku: But what about you?! You'll be forced to carry that impossible burden in place if you decide to kill him! It shouldn't have to fall to you!
Optimus: There is no need to worry my friend.
Optimus was silent momentarily, before looking to the side, as if staring off into the distant past.
Optimus: I am used to carrying such impossible burdens.
Izuku looked shocked at what he said. Was he implying that he...
He stopped that train of thought as he felt hands clamp on both their shoulders. They turned to see All Might.
All Might: I think it's time we called it a night. I dumped a lot on the two of you, and it's best for you all to rest tonight and let what I revealed sink in.
Izuku and Optimus looked at All Might, then each other, then back at All Might before nodding.
As he caught sight of Izuku leaving campus from the lounge window, All Might felt a sense of shame and guilt wallow up within him. Not just at the burden he had unknowingly forced on Young Midoriya but also because he could not tell him the full truth.
All Might: "I'm sorry, Young Midoriya. When you face him, I won't be by your side anymore. I can only hope Young Prime would be able to do his best to assist you in my place."
As soon as he thought that, the door to the teacher's lounge opened and someone stepped inside.
All Might let out a sigh.
All Might: I knew you would come back.
He turned back to face Optimus Prime, looking at him with a determined expression.
Optimus: All Might, what else are you hiding from me and Izuku? When he mentioned how you would stand by him, you hesitated, and looked like you wanted to say something else. What frightens you that you cannot share it with Izuku?
All Might thought of lying, or deflecting, but that wouldn't work. Not with Optimus Prime.
All Might: I should've guessed a being as old as you would see through me.
All Might sighed.
All Might: The truth is, I may not live to see Young Midoriya finally face off against All For One.
Optimus eyes widened in surprise.
Optimus: All Might, are you sick?
All Might shook his head.
All Might: Not like that, but my days are indeed numbered. I should tell you the full story for you to understand.
All Might then looked back at the horizon as Optimus moved to stand behind him.
All Might: I used to have a sidekick, Sir Nighteye. I'm not sure if you knew.
Optimus remembered that name from one of his thousands of internship offers. But he didn't know the hero was a sidekick of All Might's.
All Might: His Quirk, Foresight, could allow him to look at the life of any person he looked at once a day, even into the future.
Optimus was surprised at the ability of clairvoyance among humans. He knew of several Cybertronians in ancient history who had the same ability.
All Might: He too knew about One For All. We were an unstoppable team together. With him able to predict dangers by looking at the right people, I responded before something terrible happened. We saved so many lives together. Those were the days.
He smiled nostalgically as he remembered his time with Mirai. The kid worshiped him the same way Young Midoriya did. But that smile soon turned to a frown.
All Might: But everything changed after my fight with All For One. While I respected Nighteye's concern for me, I had one rule: Never to use his Foresight on me. Unfortunately, after the battle with All For One, that left me in this injured state, he ended up using it on me. In that moment, he saw my death, six years from then. He tried to convince me to stop being a hero now that All For One was defeated, but I couldn't. We said some very harsh words to each other that day. Things I know I regret. We haven't spoken since.
Optimus was silent as he absorbed All Might's tale.
Optimus: Your fight with All For One was over 5 years ago, correct?
All Might nodded.
Optimus: How long do you have?
All Might was silent.
Optimus: Toshinori, how long?
All Might sighed.
All Might: Till sometime next Spring.
Optimus: Is there any way to avoid such a fate?
All Might shook his head.
All Might: Nighteye's Foresight has never been wrong before.
Optimus: Who else knows?
All Might: Recovery Girl, Nezu, and Gran Torino. And now you.
Optimus: Why did you not tell Izuku?
All Might: I wanted to. I know I should've. But I couldn't dump anymore burdens on him. Not when he looked at me with so much confidence when he believed I would be by his side. I couldn't destroy his faith in himself. Because if he lost that, he would never master One For All.
Optimus knew where All Might was coming from. Their confidence in themselves played a huge role in allowing them to achieve goals. Optimus, too, had enough confidence in himself to be able to find hope when it seemed to be hopeless. But he also knew when to have confidence in others.
Optimus: I do not believe you give Izuku enough credit. His will is strong, All Might. One of the strongest in humans I've ever met, maybe even the strongest. This will not break him, should he learn the truth.
All Might: Maybe, but I still don't want to burden him with such knowledge so soon. I must ask that you do not reveal what we've spoken about to him. Please.
Optimus was silent for a moment before sighing.
Optimus: I still disapprove of this All Might, but I understand. I'll keep your secret for now, but you should tell him soon.
All Might: Thank you, Optimus. And I hate that I've now burdened you with even more secrets to bear.
He hated how he added more secrets on the pile Optimus already had to carry. His true nature, One For All, his true form, and now All Might's impending mortality. It was unfair to force so many burdens on a child, no matter if he was a 9 million year old robot from another dimension.
Which made what he was about to do so much harder.
All Might: I know I have no right to ask this of you, Optimus, but I can think of no one better.
All Might enabled his muscle form as he finally turned to face Optimus, and in a surprising action, bent to his knees and bowed his head to the floor.
All Might: I BEG YOU! PLEASE, CONTINUE TO LOOK AFTER YOUNG MIDORIYA! CONTINUE TO TEACH HIM. GUIDE HIM. PROTECT HIM AS YOU'VE DONE SINCE YOU FIRST CAME TO THIS WORLD IN MY PLACE SHOULD MY END COME. HE NEEDS SOMEONE LIKE YOU THERE BY HIS SIDE, TO STAND WITH HIM WHEN HE FACES ALL FOR ONE. I KNOW THIS IS SELFISH OF ME TO ASK AFTER ALL YOU'VE DONE, BUT I BEG YOU! PLEASE, DON'T EVER LEAVE YOUNG MIDORIYA ALONE!
All Might's muscle form disappeared in a cloud of steam and he was back to being a skeleton.
Optimus stared at All Might in awe of what he was asking him. However, his expression became determined.
Optimus: Raise your head, All Might.
All Might did so, only to look in awe as a hand was outstretched to him. Optimus smiled as he held out his hand for the Number One Hero to take.
Optimus: You will never have to worry about such a thing happening my friend. I will do my best to stand by Izuku's side as he encounters the challenges that come with life, One For All or otherwise. But do not think that means I'll abandon you to your supposed fate. Because you are my friend, as much as Izuku is, and you always will be, and I never give up on my friends.
All Might looked at the boy in awe. The setting sun seemed to give Optimus a bright glow, as if he were an angel here to deliver salvation.
All Might: "Maybe that's what he is? A miracle."
He reached out and took the hand offered as Optimus pulled the Number One Hero to his feet.
All Might: Right! Let's ensure that Young Midoriya–nay, all the students here at U.A. grow up to be the greatest heroes this world has ever seen!
Optimus gave a firm nod with a smile of his own.
And in that teacher's lounge, an unbreakable bond was forged between two champions of justice and freedom.
That night as Optimus lay awake in bed, he thought back to the day's events. The revelations: All For One, the origins of One For All, All Might's mortality. It was a lot to process
But something was bugging him. How he felt that Matrix ping at the mention of All For One. What did a superpowered human from this dimension do with the Matrix?
The only ones who would know would be the Primes, but they've spoken much to him since they unlocked the Matrix's power.
He needed to speak with them, but he didn't know how. He thought back to the times he's spoken to them, how he was either unconscious after exhausting himself when he first arrived, or when he was near death at he hands of the Nomu.
While he was desperate to speak to the Primes, that didn't mean he wanted to come close to dying. So what should he do?
Maybe meditation would help. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
It was hard to sleep after becoming human, more often than not, he would be assaulted with memories of the war and the people he had failed. It made it difficult to sleep peacefully at night. He was getting better at handling the dreams, but that didn't mean they were going away.
But still, he was determined to speak to his predecessors, so he pushed through the uncomfortable memories. Putting them out of his mind as he tried to find his balance.
"Save me, Optimus!"
"You need to move out of my way, before I move you myself."
"You're soft!"
"Orion... I... I lo... love... y... o..."
?: Well, look who finally decided to show up!
Optimus's eyes opened at the voice that sounded different from a memory. He looked around and saw he was in the Realm of the Primes. And the other Primes were with him.
Amalgamous: 'Bout time you showed up! Micronus owes me twenty bucks!
Micronus: Hey, we never shook on that bet!
Alchemist: What even are bucks?
He asked Nexus. The first combiner could only shrug in a 'I don't know' manner.
Liege Maximo: What would you even spend that money on? You dead. And do you see a shopping center around here?
Amalgamous: Hey, it's a the principle of it!
Solus: Boys! Can you please stop arguing, we have a guest!
The Primes who had spoken offered a nervous 'Yes Ma'am!' before going silent.
Optimus couldn't only sweat drop at the Primes' banter. Seeing such ancient and legendary figures act like children was weird. But, he guessed that's how it was with people who've known each other for countless eons.
Alpha Trion: Now, back to the main topic, it's good to see you once again, Optimus.
He gave his student a warm smile, one Optimus returned.
Optimus: You as well, Alpha Trion, as is seeing the rest of you.
Amalgamous: He was looking at me.
Onyx: Quiet.
The trickster shut up at the beast Prime's insistence.
Optimus: May I ask how I was able to appear now of all times? Did I somehow discover the method to communicate with you all alone?
Liege Maximo scoffed.
Liege Maximo: Not a chance sparkling. You're still far from mastering the Matrix to communicate with us.
Vector: But you are making progress. Your idea to focus on only one of our powers instead of all of us was a big step forward. We thought it would take you a year to develop that idea.
Optimus: My friend Izuku gave me the idea.
Many of the Primes smiled, especially Alpha Trion. This is what he wanted for Optimus. By forging bonds with others, he made himself stronger.
Which meant that he would be ready to learn the truth.
Prima: You've made great strides in your progress, Optimus Prime. And as such, we now believe it to be the time to tell you the other reason why you were sent to this world.
Optimus's attention snapped to focus at the first Prime's words. He recalled the feelings he got from the Matrix during All Might's talk.
Optimus: It has to do with All For One, right?
Quintus scoffed.
Quintus: Please, that parasite? The inhabitants of this world could despatch him all on their own.
Nexus: Quintus means that while this All For One, vile as he is, was not the reason we sent you here, he is a part of it. The one who is the true threat, is the one who controls him.
Optimus's eyes widened. There was even someone behind the mastermind of the League. And they were dangerous enough to warrant them to send Optimus here.
Optimus: Who is this person?
The Primes looked at each other, varying levels of shame placed on their face.
Alpha Trion: He is our greatest mistake. Our greatest failure. And the one who may have been responsible for the events that set about Cyberton's downfall.
Liege Maximo then stepped up, looking at Optimus with a serious expression.
Liege Maximo: Did you ever hear the Tragedy of Nova Prime the Unworthy?
A/N: And there you have it. The main villain will be none other than Nova Prime. Now, as for who he is, I'll explain that in the next chapter.