Chapter 24: A Season for Encounters: Part 2
"Hey. I've got a question for you!" Some girl yelled out to me as I tilted my head upward to look at her. She has blonde hair like me, but it didn't even reach her shoulders. So, it was not nearly as long as mine. Her 'cronies' for lack of a better term, had brown hair that was tied into pigtails, the other one had hair that was about as long as mine, the color of which, I hadn't seen before. (She was definitely trying to stick out and be original even though it's making her look like a tryhard.) I had no idea what their names were and couldn't care less. But what I did know…
… Was that they were here to do the same thing that others have done to me countless times in the past for the fun of it. Harass me.
"What?" I replied with what was surely a slightly agitated look on my face as I made my annoyance crystal clear to them. They might want to harass me but I'm not going to take it. I've already dealt with that far too much in the past. So, like hell I'm going to just let them have their way. Screw that. But I knew for better or for worse (Mostly for worse) That they weren't going to give up so easily.
"You pushed Rika earlier. I know this because she told me everything. She's, my friend. So, I don't take kindly to someone pushing her around." The same girl who spoke earlier replied to me with such a bogus accusation that I felt like chuckling in response, but I held it in. Because that would only make things worse.
"Rika? Never heard of her before. So, you've got the wrong girl. Now if you'll excuse me, I have much better things to do than talk with you." I replied but the girls didn't move an inch. But I expected as much.
"She's a girl with glasses from C-Class. She does her hair in buns. You really don't know her?" The girl continued as she was starting to annoy me.
"Nope. Like I said, you've got the wrong girl!" I snapped back as I was quickly losing my cool. But could you blame me!? Just how many times do I repeat myself with this bitch?! And her accusation is such bullshit it makes me want to scream!
"But like I said, she told us who it was! A 'A-Class girl with a ponytail' pushed me." The girl declared as if her words were nothing but the truth. What bullshit.
"You don't remember?! If it was you, we'd like an apology!" The girl with the brown hair tied into pigtails chimed in. Of course, you'd like that wouldn't you? (Even though I haven't done shit.)
"No, I don't. You expect me to remember someone just because she did her hair in buns? That's ridiculous! And even if I did push her, which I didn't, why would I apologize to you people? You may be her friends but you're not her. So, what right do you have to demand an apology from me?" I replied as the girls' glared daggers at me after hearing me finish.
"Why you little- The girl with the odd hair color snapped back but was cut off before she could finish by the girl in front, who lifted her arm in front of the former and maintained her cool before things could escalate further.
"Fine. Perhaps it is as you say, and we were wrong. But I want to make sure. So, you mind if I take your picture and have Rika check it?" The girl in front asked as she already grabbed out her phone and was most certainly using her camera to take a picture of me. But my eyes went wide after hearing that, and I remembered something that I wished to keep buried deep inside of me-
'Hahaha! You look so pathetic now, Karuizawa-San! How about I take a picture of you so that I can always remember it! Think of this as a memento of sorts, because I won't be forgetting the look on your face right now anytime soon! Hahaha!' Such a cruel memory that I had not wanted to remember in a million years resurfaced as I gritted my teeth before standing up.
"Don't you dare take my picture!" I snapped back before slapping the girl in front's phone right out of her hands as it unceremoniously landed on the ground. The floor below was carpet, so I doubt it broke. But the look on her face was one of sheer surprise as she didn't see that coming. She probably thought I was someone weak. Someone that could be bullied into submission. Well, newsflash! I'm not that girl anymore and NEVER EVER will be again! But seeing the look on her face kind of took me off guard.
"W-What's with you? What's the big deal?" I asked with a dumbfounded look on my face as I began questioning myself. Was what they were saying the truth? Could they have just been looking out for their friend? Was I the one in the wrong? Thoughts such as those were all that I could think of as I realized maybe I was being the bully. Except this wasn't the case. I was just being gaslighted into believing that I was being a bitch. And I fell for it. Hook, line, and sinker.
"If it wasn't you, then why are you being so pissy about it? Just let me take your picture." The girl in front replied as she must have grabbed her phone off the ground while I was being fooled and was about to take a picture of me once more. But even if I was wrong, I didn't want that! I didn't want…
… 'That' to happen again.
"I said no!" I snapped back while covering my face with my arms so that they wouldn't be able to see the look on my face right now and laugh at me later, just like 'they' most certainly did. But even though I said no, they didn't stop.
"I'll hold her, you take the picture, Manabe!" One of the girls said as they grabbed one of my arms and pulled it down with excessive force to the point that I couldn't resist. The other girl did the same thing as my face was no longer hidden and the girl in front aimed her phone's camera at me. It was then that I noticed the wicked smile on her face. All three of them had the same sinister smile I had seen countless times before when I was bullied in the past. But just as I realized I was being gaslight, the girl named Manabe muttered 'Say cheese.'
"Cut it out!" I snapped back once more knowing full well I was completely cornered. But in spite of that I resisted. I couldn't help myself. I couldn't let my past repeat itself. Not again. Not ever again. I would do ANYTHING to make sure that it doesn't repeat! That's why I asked Yosuke to be my boyfriend! But what good is that right now?! He's not here to protect me! Why isn't he here when I need him most?! Isn't there anyone, ANYONE AT ALL who will something about this before it's too late? But just after that-
"That's enough." The voice of someone familiar to me said as his hand blocked the camera's view just as the picture was taken. The result being that only his palm was visible within the picture's frame. As for 'him' I couldn't believe it. Why of all people was he here? That person… Izuku Midoriya.
"Midoriya?" I muttered with what was certainly a dumbfounded look on my face. Of all the people I expected to show up, he was the last person I ever expected. I thought for sure that no one was going to come to my rescue. And if anyone did, I expected a laundry list of people to show up instead of him. I genuinely couldn't understand this turn of events in the slightest. But before I could say another word-
"And who are you supposed to be, her boyfriend?" Manabe asked as my eyes went wide at the utter suggestion that he of all people was my boyfriend. But before I could respond, Midoriya beat me to the punch.
"You have the wrong idea. In fact, Karuizawa made it clear to me that she would never date me. 'Not in a million years with those scars, horrible haircut and that I looked liken I got hit by a truck.' Her words not mine." Midoriya replied with a smile as one of the girls gasped and another one said, 'How mean!' All three of them were caught off guard by such a blunt response. I especially was surprised by this and couldn't help but wonder why he was doing this. But then…
"T-Then why even involve yourself with someone like her?! You do realize that you've only further proved my point! This girl who enjoys pushing the people she views as 'below her!' I'm sure of it now that she definitely pushed Rika!" Manabe declared as she continued to accuse me even with Midoriya standing in front of me. I didn't know why Midoriya of all people showed up until now. Could the reason be that he wanted to prove that I was someone who deserved to be harassed?! And the reason he reiterated all of that stuff I said about him to further prove this notion?! I don't want to admit it…
… But that's what's going on, isn't it? In the end, nothing changed even after I came to this school. No, that's wrong… maybe I never had any intention of changing. For better or worse, it's always been the same for me. After all, I understand myself better than anyone else. But just as I realized what I thought without a shadow of a doubt the truth-
"Because she's, my classmate. That's why I believe that she did nothing wrong. You're all friends of Rika, correct? If so, then we both believe in our classmates. And the only way to prove who's right, is for you all to bring Rika here and let her confirm whether or not Karuizawa pushed her. Don't you agree?" Midoriya asked as the girls went silent. They struggled to find a way to respond to that. The looks on their faces explained everything. But in this aspect, I was the same as those girls because I couldn't find any words to say to what Midoriya just said. A few second of silence passed by until-
"Unless… you were all making it up. If so, I'm in my right to report this. But I won't. IF you all just walk away now." Midoriya declared while the girls had no choice but to do what he said. In the midst of them walking away, one of them said 'Should we ask Rika again?' and another of them said 'A picture would be faster.' In response. But while this was going on I heard Manabe clicking her tongue and soon after that all three of them left the cafeteria. But even with them gone, I was flabbergasted at this turn of events. So, I couldn't help but stand in place behind Midoriya.
However, I then soon realized something. My suspicions of Midoriya were inaccurate. That much was proven by how he defended me. But then what's his angle? I tired thinking of why Midoriya would do such a thing, so I recalled some of things he said to me in the past that stuck out.
'Because I told you what was going to happen! And do you know what you all said in response?! We 'PROMISE' to study! That's why I expected you to at least look over the notes a few times! If you didn't want the notes, you could have just said it to my face! But no! You made me believe that you would all put in some effort to get at bare minimum a passing grade! But you couldn't even achieve that much! Even though it wasn't even that hard! In fact, I thought it was easy! I'm not even expecting you all to put in the amount of effort I put into studying! But you couldn't even mimic a fraction of what I put into studying for it!' Here, he ranted his frustrations to the class. I cried crocodile tears so that Yosuke and others would feel bad for me.
But while that was a calculated move on my part to make Midoriya stop his ranting, this isn't what I was looking for. Perhaps something a bit more recent?
'Because you all chose me. That's why I'm going to be the best leader I can be! So, just trust me, okay?' Here… what exactly was he trying to do? If he meant to show off and act like he was capable then it was pointless. He totally blew it earlier when he shouted 'Everyone! To the waterfall!' Like an idiot. He had no reason to say such a thing.
But then why? Why even say something like that in the first place? Again, this wasn't what I was looking for. I need to look for something that happened a bit later.
'That may be true but it's better than her dying! If I can do something ANYTHING to make sure she gets to survive then I'll gladly do it! Even if it means sacrificing myself! Because you see, Sudo, that's where you're wrong! I'm not scared of some bear! No one bit! That's why I'm going to save her even if it kills me!' Here, I couldn't help but think he was insane. Why else would he say something so absurd as sacrificing yourself to save someone else? I would never do something so stupid. Much less say it out loud for everyone to hear. Wait a minute…
… Now that I think about it, all three of these responses had something in common. He was looking out for others. When he made those notes for us that I didn't bother to look at. When he knew that I didn't trust his skills (Or lack thereof) Of being a capable leader, he reassured me. Even when he foolishly went the opposite direction of where the cruise ship was at, he said that he was trying to protect Horikita. Could it be…
… That's he genuinely a nice guy? No. Of course not. No one is that nice. That's when I realized the truth-
"Midoriya, thanks." I said while he turned around to look at me. In that exact moment, I smiled at him. But not in the regular way that I would be if talking to the other girls in my class. Instead, I purposefully chose an affectionate smile that made it look like I had interest in him. And Midoriya's eyes twitching in response, was what confirmed my suspicions.
"Um, your welcome, Karuizawa." Midoriya replied to me a bit awkwardly. But I expected as much. Because the truth is that he simply 'wants' me. I'm after all a girl with above average looks and an impeccable fashion sense. In fact, I catch guys looking at me all the time and just like Midoriya I can tell exactly what they are thinking. They just want to get in my pants. They want to satisfy their desires because I fit what they want in a woman. Now, everything makes perfect sense.
'… D-D-DATING ALREADY?! HASN'T CLASS ONLY STARTED FOR A WEEK?! HOW COULD YOU TWO ALREADY BE DATING?!' If so, why else would he have said something like this? I knew he was jealous but even though that was obvious, I still couldn't view the full picture until now. The puzzle pieces all fit perfectly as they paint the picture that Izuku Midoriya has a crush on me. But he's right in the sense that I would never date him. He just reiterated that to sound cool, to 'impress me.' Well, I got to say that I'm impressed…
… Because now I can use him to my own advantages. If those girls try to harass me again now, I have a second shield that I can call upon at any time I so desire too. I can work with this.
"I'll see you later, okay?" I asked while maintaining my affectionate smile as Midoriya nodded. So, for now I'll act like I'm the slightest bit interested in him. Midoriya, you might be the smartest person in the class, but even you can't see that I'm deceiving you. But it's better that way. This way I can ensure 'that' never happens again. I then went on my merry way knowing full well that Midoriya was staring at me while I left the cafeteria. In the end, all guys are the same. I'm sure even Yosuke is using me and will discard me the second he finds someone better than me.
But if that happens, perhaps I'll consider dating Midoriya until I find someone more suitable to replace him with.
'She thanked me?' I thought internally with a look of utmost surprise as I couldn't help but stare at Karuizawa while she was walking away. Not only that but she smiled at me. That is the first time she's ever done that! I thought Karuizawa didn't like me but maybe Hirata was right! Perhaps I can work with her after all! But just as I was thinking such things someone tapped me on the shoulder to get my attention. I looked over to see that it was Horikita.
"What's up?" I asked with a smile on my face as I closed my eyes. Not expecting in the slightest what Horikita would say next.
"Karuizawa… she's using you; you know that?" Suzune asked as my eyes went wide out of shock. 'Using me?' I don't understand. She thanked me. She even smiled at me. What part of that qualifies as me being 'used?' But Horikita noticed the confused look on my face and read my thoughts like a book as per usual.
"The way she smiled at you. It wasn't how she usually smiles at other people. I might not communicate with others all that much. But I observe them. And my observations tell me the way she smiled at you was the exact same way she smiles at Hirata." Suzune explained while I took her words in. But wait a second! If she smiled at me the same way she did with Hirata then-
"Does that mean that, Karuizawa… is a tsundere?" I asked while maintaining the confused look on my face as Kushida's reasoning from earlier was the only possible explanation for this. But if so, I thought she didn't like me! This… this is really confusing! But Horikita noticed this.
"No. Not in the slightest. Like I said, she's 'using' you. You may have defended her in front of those girls. But now Karuizawa sees you as someone with 'benefits.' So, the next time those girls come back to harass her, she'll call upon you to defend her. So, don't think she likes you all of a sudden. In the end, she's just benefiting from you without reciprocating in the slightest. In that aspect, she's akin to a parasite." Suzune further explained but I maintained my smile even if what she said was the truth. Because-
"Thanks for looking out of for me, Horikita. But I don't mind that." I replied but Horikita's eyes went wide in response.
"What do you mean by that?" Horikita asked with a confused look on her face. She didn't understand. So, I'll explain it to her.
"You see, the reason why I stepped in was so that Karuizawa wouldn't have to face that harassment anymore. The truth is… I've been bullied in the past. So, I know how it feels when it seems like other people won't ever stop harassing you just because they found something that they don't like about you. That's why I helped her out. I didn't want her to suffer. So, if she wants to use me then she can do so if it means the harassment can be stopped. After all…" I explained before stopping for a second until-
"… I want to help out Karuizawa anyway I can. And if that means being used by her then so be it." I admitted with a smile on my face. But Horikita couldn't help but look at me with sheer surprise emanating from her face. It took a few seconds for her to register my words. And then…
"You really are good natured to a fault." Suzune replied with what seemed like a melancholic look on her face. I couldn't tell what she was thinking because I wasn't her. But she was being reminded of her father who passed away some time ago. That guy always enjoyed helping others even if it didn't benefit him in the slightest. He may not have been betrayed by anyone. (As far as she knows) But even still…
… She didn't want something akin to a betrayal to happen to me.
There were still a few hours left until I was supposed to meet up with Karuizawa and the rest of the group. So, in the meantime, I passed the time by checking out the cruise's library. (Yes, this ship actually has enough space to put a library in it.) Before we went to the island, I found myself going there. Not just because I was impressed that they managed to fit a library in this ship, (Though I certainly was) But because it allowed me to catch up on this world's history. And it was there that I learned several things that made this world different from my old one.
For starters, this world had two massive wars between several countries called 'World War 1' and 'World War 2.' Neither of these 'World Wars' happened back in my old world. The closest we got to them were the two wars against the villains that I partook in along with the friends that I cherished and several Pro Heroes. Not only that but there were several other wars where other countries fought against each other. (For the most part, it seemed like it was usually America vs another country.)
Speaking of the United States of America, this is where those heroes from the movie I watched the other day with Sakura (The Dawn of the Seven) came from. The Seven seem to operate exclusively in America and rarely venture out to other countries. Not only that, but it seems like America holds a monopoly over this world's superheroes. In fact, I haven't found anything that detailed superheroes being around in Japan or anywhere else.
This is very strange, because this is the complete opposite of how it was in the world I grew up in. I even met several other heroes from other countries on the 'World Heroes Mission.' But here, that is not the case. Throughout the time I spent in the ship's library, I learned that The Seven work for an American corporation called Vought International. But there is nothing 'International' about it. I've been doing some investigating into Vought and learned that they were originally named Vought-American.
This is where things get even stranger, Vought-American came into the picture around the time World War 2 was going on in this world's timeline. It was then that a superhero named Soldier Boy made his grand debut and fought for America and against several countries that included Japan. But then Soldier Boy is killed forty years later by the Russians. However, during this time, Soldier Boy didn't look like he aged a day since the 1940s. Did he have access to something similar to the Quirk that stopped Doctor Garaki from aging past a certain point?
On the topic of Quirks, this world certainly does not have them. If that was the case, then superheroes (Or at least superhumans would have popped up all over the world by now) But that didn't happen. This leads me to believe that it was Vought that gave Soldier Boy, The Seven, and everyone else who were considered to be superheroes in America their powers. How they did it remains a mystery to me. It seems like Vought doesn't want their 'secret' leaking out to the public. I guess they don't want their 'monopoly' over superheroes being ruined.
Delving even deeper into Vought makes 'The Dawn of the Seven' make more sense in retrospect. That movie was utterly soulless and seemed like nothing more than a money-making cash grab. In fact, all of Vought's marketing screams this. To be fair, my world's heroes were also marketed in the sense that goods featuring several Pro Heroes were sold. But even then, each of those products had heart put into them. And that's exactly what's missing from Vought, the 'heart.' I wonder if any of The Seven think the same way. I would like to meet one of them one day and discuss this topic with them at length. But even as I thought that…
… I couldn't help but have the suspicion that these 'heroes' were far worse than the ones that the Hero Killer: Stain attempted to warn the people of my old world about. But just as I was in deep thought-
"Uh, um." I heard someone's voice mumble something near me. I stopped reading and looked over to the source of the noises. It was then that I noticed waving at me with a nervous smile on her face. It seemed like she felt bad about interrupting my reading, so I gave her a reassuring smile. But just shortly after that, I noticed that she looked incredibly familiar. No, I was one hundred percent sure that I had seen this girl before. Hmm… that silver hair tied with black ribbons… AH!
"You're from Ryuuen's class. I saw you the other day on the island. Is there something you need help with… sorry. What's your name?" I asked while maintaining my reassuring smile and at the same time I noticed this girl's nervousness vanish without a trace. She then stuck out her hand toward me before saying-
"Hiyori Shiina. It's a pleasure to meet you, Deku, right?" Shiina asked while maintaining her smile. My eyes went wide upon her mentioning my other name.
"Um, w-who told you that? Not that you're wrong, you can call me Deku if you want to. Or Midoriya works too." I replied while becoming a bit nervous over the fact that Shiina somehow learned my name without me ever having told her in the first place. Shiina noticed this.
"Ryuuen said something about 'I have got to get my revenge against Deku for standing in my way yet again!' By the way, that's the clean version, I took out the swears. I assumed you were Deku because Ryuuen said something similar about 'some kid from Class A almost broke my hand.' Again, his words, not mine. That led me to believe that these two people were the same and that you were Deku." Shiina explained herself in a very easy to understand way. But even then, I was impressed!
"Wow, Shiina. You're really smart." I replied as I noticed her cheeks go bright red the instant, I complimented her.
"Huh? Oh, um, not really! I-I just really like mystery novels that's all! In fact, there's one over there, I'm too short and can't reach it. If you want, would you mind grabbing it for me? If you don't, that's fine too!" Shiina said as she slightly raised her voice and since this was a library the librarian came in and shushed at her. Incurring a 'I'm sorry!' From Shiina. Just watching this unfold made me think one thing.
'She's pretty cute.' I thought internally while looking at Shiina's embarrassed face and mannerisms for a moment before standing up from the seat I was sitting in and walking over to the part of the library where she was pointing at. I noticed Shiina following behind me, while she was still blushing as red as a tomato. It didn't take long for us to reach our destination as I extended my hand to the shelf where the book Shiina was pointing at was. I then grabbed it and showed it to her.
"This one, right?" I asked as she nodded. I then handed her the book as her smile returned to her face.
"Thanks, Deku. Hey, do you by any chance like reading?" Shiina asked while I nodded in approval.
"Very much so. But while I do read from time to time, I have a friend who is almost always reading something, whether it's the notes for the next class lecture or just for the fun of it. Her name is Suzune Horikita. I think the both of you would get along since you seem like an avid reader yourself." I replied while maintaining my smile. But I then noticed Shiina's blush return. And then…
"Um, that would be nice. But actually, I was hoping that you and me could, um… g-go out sometime? To like a café, perhaps? Just… the two of us?" Shiina asked as her blush only grew redder with the passing of each second. It might have been a strange request, but I didn't mind.
"Sure. I'd love to get to know you some more, Shiina." I replied while closing my eyes with a bright smile on my face. Since my eyes were closed, I didn't see the look on Shiina's face which was somehow blushing even redder than it was before. She then replied with a 'Thank you.' Before vanishing from my line of sight the second I opened my eyes.
'Huh? Where did she run off too?' I thought internally with what was surely a confused look on my face. I then attempted to look around for her, but I couldn't seem to find her. That lasted for a little while until I thought that I noticed a girl who looked like Shiina from her back.
"Hey- Except the moment I called out to her I realized my mistake. The girl with her back turned to me wasn't Shiina. I mistook her for Hiyori since the girl didn't have her beret on. I honestly didn't recognize her as Arisu Sakayanagi without it. But upon hearing my voice, she instantly recognized me as Izuku Midoriya.
"… Midoriya." Sakayanagi muttered with a weak sounding voice that was unlike every other time she spoke to me. It made me feel bad for her. Combined with the fact that so many bad things happened to her one after the other. Her father confessed his grievances with her needing a cane to walk and collapsing soon after. Not long after that, my class became the new Class A while her class was reduced to Class D. That hierarchy that she coveted was lost to her. And now it looks like Katsuragi betrayed her as well since it seems like he's working for Ryuuen now. Even after everything she did, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. I was about to apologize to her but before I could she tried to stand up without her cane.
"Sakayanagi!" I yelled out as I instinctively rushed over to her and caught her before she could fall. But just as I did-
"Don't you dare touch me." Sakayanagi whispered as she glared daggers at me. It was then that I realized that she resents me after everything that happened to her. I couldn't necessarily blame her since she's lost so much. So, I averted my eyes from her and helped her stand back up with her cane. All the while she didn't stop glaring at me, even for a second. After that, I was about to leave since words alone weren't enough to end the grudge that she certainly has with me. But before I could-
"Izuku Midoriya… this isn't over yet. You may have enjoyed knocking me off my pedestal. But know this. I WILL have my revenge. I will make you suffer just as much as I have. That feeling of betrayal, where everyone who was once so nice to you, only for them to take back their kindness and treat you like garbage. Mark my words, I will make you experience that feeling just as I have." Sakayanagi declared as she slowly approached me. I couldn't help but feel a shiver down my spine at the weight of her words. But a thought then ran across my mind that I had to ask her about it.
"Is your father al- I said but I was cut off before I could finish speaking by Sakayanagi.
"Dead. He showed no signs of ever waking up and was declared brain dead about a week ago. So, they pulled the plug. I couldn't really blame them because it felt to me that day where you ruined everything for me and him that he had died on the spot. My father. My prestige. Even my friends. I lost everything…" Sakayanagi replied before pausing for a few second as my eyes shot wide open upon seeing her tear-stained eyes. But before I could say a word, she beat me to the punch-
"… And so will you too." Sakayanagi finished before slowly walking away from me. My mouth remained shut and I couldn't move a muscle. I might as well have been frozen solid. I couldn't say anything to Sakayanagi because I knew the moment I apologized to her she would only lash out at me. A 'Sorry' couldn't fix this. And including Ryuuen, I now had two people who swore revenge against me. But it wouldn't be much longer…
… Until Sakayanagi's words came true.
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: Izuku Midoriya and Kei Karuizawa: Part 1
Go Beyond!
Plus Ultra!