Gonna be honest, this arc is kinda lackluster. At least to me. I hope it's exciting to you guys.
Anyways, here's your chapter. Here's the Discord: /cgFmXz3qJ5
After hearing about how Izuku's own Quirk often led to some negative backlash, like breaking his fingers on multiple occasions, Melissa knew exactly what she needed to. She'd made the device awhile ago, one of her earliest creations really, and now seemed like a good as time any to bring it back
After some of the group had taken their runs on the takedown course, no one even coming close to beating out Izuku's or Todoroki's times, the group had spent the whole day enjoying the island's sights and various other attractions. Well, most of them. Sero and Kaminari had to get back to work and, by the time the sun got ready to set, the two were beat.
"The expo's...not even open to the public yet," Kaminari panted, absolutely exhausted.
"I. Hate. Customers." Sero stated, smiling waning. "I got scolded for so many problems I couldn't control, like not being able to put the ice on the bottom or not having spaghetti- I'm sorry a COFFEE SHOP doesn't have that!"
"Don't...don't get me started on that," Kaminari groaned.
"...you guys sound terrible," Jirou's familiar voice interjected.
"Oh thank god, it's Jirou," Sero sighed in relief, "Someone who won't yell at us for 'messing up something as simple as ice cubes.'"
"That...that desperately needs context."
"And we will happily give it later!"
"Well, that makes my joke in poor taste," Jirou rubbed the back of her head nervously.
"...what joke?" Kaminari asked.
"I believe Jirou wanted to poke fun at the fact that you're getting these!" Iida said, holding two tickets out to the exhausted duo.
"Tickets?" Sero asked.
"Invites to tonight's expo party," Uraraka corrected.
"I had a few extras," Melissa admitted.
"Was gonna say Melissa took pity on you, but...yeah, no, you guys deserve a break," Jirou added.
Sero and Kaminari shared a look, before tearing up a bit. "This is the best tip a man could get," Kaminari said, wiping the tears away.
"Dude, stop being overdramatic." Sero frowned.
"Now, I heard that there will be quite a few Pro-Heroes attending the event as well. As such, we cannot afford to damage UA's reputation. We'll change into something more formal and meet back up in Lobby 7 at 6:30 PM sharp. Don't even think about being late!" Iida said, accompanied by his usual dramatic arm-waves, " I'll contact Bakugou and Kirishima and share this with them as well. You're dismissed!" With that, Iida turned and was about to make a mad dash for his hotel room when Tokoyami just jumped onto Iida's back without question.
"Uh, Tokoyami...what are you doing?" Jirou asked.
"Hitching a ride." Tokoyami said. Then, he and Iida ran off together. The group stared in confusion.
"Well, I guess it's one way to get around." Uraraka shrugged.
"Guess so," Izuku chuckled a bit.
"We'll meet back up with you at the lobby, then. Jirou and I have to go change." Momo said.
"See you in a bit," Jirou waved, as she and Momo walked off.
"Oh, that reminds me! Izuku," Melissa said, "Before you get ready for tonight, would you mind if I showed you something?"
"Oh, uh, sure," Izuku said, taken a bit off guard by the request.
Uraraka tilted her head. "It might be cutting it close, honestly. It's 5:00 right now."
"I know a shortcut." Melissa grinned. "It'll be quick."
"It should be fine," Izuku reassured his classmate, "I think."
"Great! Trust me, it's worth it. This way," Melissa said, leading Izuku off towards, of all places, the island's resident high school, I-Academy. It was very similar to UA in terms of size, but definitely aimed at more scientific pursuits than training people up for new Pro Hero careers.
"I spend most of my time on campus," Melissa began as she took the UA student through the halls and leading him somewhere specific, "And this! Is my own personal research lab." She grinned before opening the door to a small, if functional, lab. A few shelves lined both walls, some stocked with books while others held precious samples of material. There was even a towering computer here, situated right next to a table with a robotic arm attached to it.
"Sorry it's such a mess," Melissa apologized.
"I was gonna say it looks so professional," Izuku said in earnest, "I can't believe you just get to study in a place like this."
Izuku looked around the room, and noticed a shelf filled with trophies. All of them looked incredibly fancy and prestigious.
"That's a lot of trophies. You must be really talented." Izuku smiled.
"Actually, not long ago, I was getting some terrible grades." Melissa explained, as she walked into a storage closet. "Honestly not a lot of people approach me unless it's for their own personal gain. When they don't, it's because they see me as some sort of…weird elite gal? I don't even know."
Izuku made a face. "Wow. That's awful."
"That's why I've been studying so hard. I've gotta be a good student if I wanna be a hero."
"You mean like a pro?" Izuku asked, surprised by that.
"Hm? Oh, no, I gave up on that dream awhile ago. I mean, I'm Quirkless after," Melissa replied, searching through a few boxes to find what she was looking for.
That revelation hit Izuku like a hammer to the stomach.
"You...don't have a Quirk?"
"Nope!" Melissa confirmed, "I got taken to a hospital when I was five, since I hadn't manifested one by then. The doctors said I was in the minority of people who would never develop a power."
Just like me, Izuku said, flashbacking to the day after he got the news that he was Quirkless, how devastating the news was to his younger self.
"I'm...I'm sorry," Izuku muttered to himself, "I...know it must be hard."
"Hm? What do you mean?" Melissa asked, finally emerging from the storage closet with a small grey box.
"To be told that you don't have something that everyone else has...that must be really rough." Izuku said.
"Well, I was in shock for a litle bit." Melissa said. "But, then I decided to focus on my other goal- to help people like Papa does."
"Does he not have a Quirk either?" Izuku asked.
"Not one that'd let him be a hero. So instead, he supports Uncle Might and other heroes with the power of science. He's still fighting for peace, just indirectly now." Melissa turned to look at the shelf under the trophies and saw all the photos of her and her father, ranging from her childhood to a Halloween night to even one of her working on one of her earliest projects.
"And you wanna be just like that."
"Mhm," Melissa nodded, "That's how I'll make a real difference. At least, that's what I'm hoping."
Melissa opened the box, to reveal a red wristband. Izuku cocked his head. "I got inspired by Uncle Might's brute strength, but worried he could hurt himself. Just from a single look at your powers, your association with Uncle Might, and that scar on your hand, I could tell that your powers were similar to his." Melissa said, as Izuku removed his glove. She equipped it onto him. Izuku held it up.
It's like my own Omnitrix, Izuku joked.
"Press the button the back." Melissa instructed. Izuku did so- in a bright flash, the wristband expanded into a full size gauntlet that covered up his hand and forearm.
"Woah..." Izuku said, moving his arm around a bit, testing out the weight of the gauntlet. Honestly, it felt like it wasn't even there.
"As far as names go, I was thinking 'Full Gauntlet,'" Melissa admitted.
"It's a good name." Izuku smiled.
"The gauntlet stabilizes extreme power output. I figure the gauntlet is good for a few full power punches from you." Melissa said.
"For real? Full power?" Izuku asked in surprise.
"Yep. And please, take it with you," Melissa beamed.
"Huh? But, I can't! Not when it's so important to you!"
"That's exactly why I want you to take it. Just promise me something. Promise me you'll be a true hero someday, that you'll never stop helping people in need."
Izuku pressed the gauntlet again, and compressed it back to its usual size. "Yeah. I promise. That's what being a hero is all about, isn't it?"
Melissa smiled. Uncle Might really picked someone kindhearted to be his protégé.
The nice moment was interrupted when Izuku's phone began to ring. He quickly brought the cell out and answered it.
"Yeah, hello?" Izuku answered.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING MIDORIYA?! IT'S WAY PAST WHEN YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!" Iida's voice yelled from the other side. Izuku's face just dropped. He scrambled and immediately checked the time on his phone.
"What?! Already?!" Izuku gasped.
"YES ALREADY!"
"...I need to go," Izuku said, running off.
"Meet you at the lobby!" Melissa called out, as she sighed. "Well, I should get changed. And, just in case..." Melissa went to her desk drawer, and pulled out two bracelets. "I'll wear you two as well."
Uraraka looked at the fancy dress Momo had lent to her. This was...a lot. "I've never owned something so fancy." Uraraka said, holding up the frilly pink dress.
Ship was napping on the hotel bed that Uraraka couldn't wait to sleep on. Uraraka smiled. "Lucky you, not having to go the party. I feel exhausted after everything today.
Ship lazily raised his head, as if he heard Uraraka mention him.
"Shiiiiiip," the little Mechamorph said, before falling back asleep.
"Rest up, okay? And if hotel services comes, merge with a lamp or something." Uraraka said.
"Ship, shiiiiip," Ship groaned to reassure her, rolling onto his back and enjoying his sleep.
Uraraka put on the dress, and looked at herself in the mirror. "I look weird in this. I miss pants." Uraraka frowned.
Uraraka exited her room, and saw Todoroki leaving his room as well. "Oh, Todoroki!" Uraraka called out. The boy turned to see Uraraka in her nice pink dress.
"Oh, Uraraka." Todoroki said. He was wearing a nice white suit with a blue shirt and red tie. "Nice outfit."
"Oh, uh, thanks!" Uraraka smiled nervously since really it still felt weird to wear, "You too."
"Thank you. Have you seen Izuku or Kirishima at all?"
"Huh? Not yet, no. But, Kirishima's probably still trying to convince Bakugou...which is gonna be like trying to convince Mineta to not say something that'll make Jirou jab him in the eye with one of her jacks."
"In other words, incredibly difficult," Todoroki joked.
"Eh. Don't be shocked if they're late." Uraraka said, fixing the flower in her hair. "This is just so weird."
"Dressing up for an event? Honestly, I'm used to it because of UA's dress code-" Todoroki said.
"No, I mean...the fact that I'm here." Uraraka said.
"I'm...afraid I don't follow," Todoroki said, as the two of them began to walk towards the lobby.
"A year ago, I was training for UA and working a job to support my parents. Now that I have a taste of a life like this, it kinda feels...undeserved for some reason." Uraraka said. "I dunno why. I should be happy, but I'm not."
"Undeserved?" Todoroki repeated. Suffice to say, he was taken off guard by that comment, because to him, well it just didn't make sense. Their whole class worked themselves to the bone several times over for studies, to say nothing of Uraraka's own achievements. Fighting Bakugou and almost winning, holding her own during the USJ Incident, going one-on-one with Ben 10K? That last one stuck out immensely, because acting or not, she still held her own against someone who's powers ranged from the simple yet effective to the downright intimidating.
"Uraraka? May I be honest with you?" Todoroki asked, after a few seconds of silent thought.
"Uh, sure?" Uraraka answered.
"Good. We all have doubts. I doubt if I can truly escape my father's shadow, Midoriya doubts if he can become keep up with the rest of us at times, Momo doubts her own abilities as a leader and strategist, and I'm sure the others hold doubts as well. But doubts aren't permanent. Momo overcame her doubts during the Midterms against Aizawa and, while they resurface every now and again, they never stay."
Uraraka stopped in her tracks at the surprise pep-talk.
"Did...I say something wrong?" Todoroki asked, stopping as well and looking back, "I'm sorry if I did."
"No, just...wow. That kinda helps, but...I dunno. Being here while my parents are off probably crunching at this hour...it makes me feel a little selfish." Uraraka said.
"Then, when you can, why not simply make it up to them? Bring them along on a repeat trip," Todoroki suggested.
"I dunno if I have the money for it..." Uraraka said. "But, I will one day. Probably."
"One day certainly," Todoroki corrected, wanting to bring more hope the statement.
Soon later, Uraraka and Todoroki arrived in the elevator lobby; a few other faces were present. Iida was dressed in a fancy blue suit and wearing contacts, Tokoyami in a gothic black suit (of course), Momo in a fancy green dress, and Jirou was dressed similarly to Uraraka, but in a purple dress with a black jacket.
"Woah, nice get ups!" Uraraka said, giving an enthusiastic thumbs up.
"Of course! We represent UA," Iida said. "We have to be in our best."
"It's weird to see you without glasses, Iida." Todoroki said. "It looks so off."
"I decided to change up my appearance a bit. It's no big deal." Iida brushed aside. (edited)
"No word from Kirishima yet huh?" Uraraka asked.
"Only a reassurance that he would bring Bakugou here, even if he had drag him. Izuku, on the other hand-!" Iida began, before a familiar voice cut him off.
"Sorry I'm late, Iida!" Izuku called out, holding the door open.
"Huh. Perfect timing," Iida hummed.
Izuku was wearing a red suit and yellow undershirt, with a black bowtie. "Sorry. Melissa was showing me this thing, and-"
"It's alright. For now, my ire is more towards Sero and Kaminari. Wherever they are." Iida said, looking around.
"I think they fell asleep after their shift." Jirou smirked.
"Hey! We did not," Sero said, as he and Kaminari just pulled the same thing Izuku did.
"...ok that's two for two. Now we just need Kirishima to show up when we mention him and-"
"Um...Kaminari?" Momo began, "Why...are you two wearing your work uniforms? Save the apron?"
"Huh? Oh, saves us the time of changing out of these things," Kaminari answered like it was no big deal.
"...oh!" Uraraka said, stepping away. "Gross, guys."
"Well, we put on a fresh coat of deodorant." Kaminari frowned.
"Still weird!" Uraraka frowned.
"Sorry I'm late!" Melissa called out next, though, taking a few steps away from the duo of Kaminari and Sero. Her dress was maybe the most elaborate out of everyone's. She wore strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline with the upper half being a deep blue and the knee-length skirt a more pale hue. Separating the two segments is A black cloth belt, which matched the ruffles on the bottom of her skirt, separated the two-toned color scheme neatly and it was adorned with a large white rose that sits slightly to the left. The rose itself covered up where the material was tied.
"...woah," Kaminari said in a much more respectful way.
"Oh wow..." Momo gasped, in awe as well.
"Melissa, you are gonna turn SO many heads." Uraraka said. "The girls are gonna drop at your feet."
"Oh, come on! I just took off my glasses." Melissa said, trying to be modest. "It's not that big a deal."
"Love the bracelets, really frames the look." Momo complimented.
"Hm? Oh these! Thank you," Melissa beamed.
"Well, considering that it seems Kirishima will be late, not his fault granted but still, it seems we'll have to carry on without him!" Iida said.
(haha he said the name of the story)
"Hopefully they'll meet with us later. I could care less if Bakugou joins us." Kaminari scoffed. "That dude knows how to kill the mood."
The party was in full swing by now. Guests of all types were busy socializing or enjoying the impressive catering that I-Island had rolled out for the event. Several Pro heroes were present as well, including the Sweet Hero Waspiquen, Mr. Plastic, Pankration, and many more. David was off talking to one of his coworkers, while Ben and All Might were catching eachother up on the progress their respective successors had made.
"You brought out the Zs'skayr act?" All Might asked, "Really?"
"Yep. Think I nailed him too. Evil, raspy cackling, hating the name Ghostfreak, the works," Ben confirmed.
"Ladies and gentlemen," an older announcer said over the microphone, "Welcome to I-Expo's Opening Night Reception. We here are I-Island hope you enjoy yourself on our selfmade little paradise. Now, I wonder if we can get All Might, the Number One Pro Hero, to come up to the stage and say a few words. He's visiting all the way from Japan and we're honored to have him!"
"Ohhh, boy." All Might slapped his head a few times. "Okay, Toshi! You got this no big deal."
"Hey, no need to stress. Just follow my methods, and whatever the hell Brainstorm scribbled down for you." Ben said.
"Did you even read it?" All Might frowned.
"No, it's fine. Probably." Ben shrugged.
"Right...probably," All Might sighed, but kept up his trademark grin.
Unseen to everyone else in the room, a camera silently swiveled to center on All Might as he started making his way up to the stage, unseen by practically everyone else in the room. Unexpected, but not a massive obstacle. The usual security was a bit preoccupied at the moment, hanging from the ceiling, so they couldn't watch the chaos that was about to unfold. Taking their place behind the cameras, a fully armored figure sat with his hands slightly above the control panel, two cables extending out from his palms and into the machinery. Behind him, with her arms crossed and her eyes on the screens, was a hooded figure who watched all the civilians going about their nighttime plans on this man-made paradise.
She'd enjoy throwing a wrench the size of a greyhound bus into those plans. She held a hand up to her earpiece as her attention shifted to one screen in particular, showing a large group of people making their way to the main event hall, some in costume, others in tactical vests and armed with MP5 submachine guns. They weren't the strongest weapons on the market, but they were the smallest they could smuggle in without too much hassle, even with their assurances.
"We have you on the cameras now," the hooded woman said, "No one suspects a thing."
"Good. Wait till the 'Symbol of Peace' starts yammering before you start the show," her boss said over the earpiece as he and his men marched on.
"Any particular reason?"
"Let's just say, I'm in a dramatic mood tonight," the man smirked as he pulled a pistol from a side-holster on his belt.
Back in the event hall, All Might made his way up to the mic as the crowd cheered him on. He gave a wave to the crowd before picking up the microphone. Admittedly, he hadn't exactly prepped a speech for the occasion, he was just here to see an old friend of his afterall, but he figured he could handle it. Here's hoping he didn't fumble the opening. Well…there was always one way he could open it, but shouting "I AM HERE!" to the crowd might come off as a bit pretentious.
"Nice to see you all tonight!" All Might said with his usual enthusiasm, but before he could utter another syllable, the massive vid-screen behind him flashed red with a warning. But it wasn't just the one in the event hall. Every screen across the entire island was flashing a curfew warning. Not only that, but the loudspeakers turned on as well, adding legitimacy to the claim.
Even though nobody in the event hall bought it.
"Attention, attention, emergency curfew is in effect," the robotic female voice droned, "All visitors please make your way to your residences immediately. Security robots have been dispatched to ensure your cooperation. Please, for your own safety, do not resist them."
"What the hell…?" David muttered to himself.
"In addition, the main tower and all other main venue buildings will be going on lockdown. We apologize for the inconvenience."
Izuku, Uraraka, and the others were all present in the foyer of the main tower when the announcement came through. All Might's successor's concern began to rise when he saw heavy metal shutters descend over the windows to the outside world.
"Crap! The door!" Kaminari called out, making a break for it along with Todoroki, thinking that maybe it was some kind of malfunction that could be fixed from the outside. Two massive blast doors slammed shut before either of them could reach the exit, cutting off the only other exit to the rest of the island.
All Might looked to David in the crowd with a look that just screamed, "What's going on?" Judging by the confused and, somewhat worried, expression the top pro's old friend was sporting, he hadn't the slightest clue.
While the other gathered guests murmured and whispered in concern, the mastermind behind this display gave the signal. Simultaneously, the fancy double doors on both sides of the hall were flung open, one poor soul being slammed in the face by the door. The barrels of several guns emerged from the doorway, all aimed at the civilians. The Pro Heroes present, All Might included, prepared to leap into action, especially when they noticed the costumed bosses among the general thugs. Right before they could, the main door to the hall was kicked in and another group of thugs walked in, all flanking one man.
He was a truly imposing figure, tall and rather bulky, with intimidating yellow eyes that scanned the room from behind the mangle of iron scrap he used as a mask. The only other part of his head that was visible from the front was his mess of dark red hair. He wore a large, white coat with gray cuffs and trimmings, over the same combat gear that the Quirkless shooters wore including combat boots, dark pants, and a combat vest. One of his glove-clad hands was holding a pistol, ready to fire at a moment's notice, but he wasn't even aiming at any of the heroes in the room.
"Well, this is a fine welcoming committee, isn't it?" the leader smirked.
"Whoever the hell you are," one of the other Pro Heroes, specifically Mr. Plastic, shouted, "you just walked into the lion's den!"
"Look at the bravado on this one!" one of the costumed bosses smirked.
"See, walking into a lion's den is fine," the villain leader said, "because even a lion can fall if you the numbers…and the smarts."
Right as the last word left his mouth, tiles on the floor opened up, taking up the entire length of the hall's floor, revealing small devices. They hummed to life and fired out strings of glowing blue energy tape, for lack of a better word, at all the Pros in the room. Mr. Plastic was among the first to be ensnared, but soon, all of them found themselves bound. Even All Might was captured.
"Ladies and gentlemen of I-Island, I'm afraid there's been a change in plans for tonight's festivities. My name is Wolfram, and I will be your new host for the evening. You are going to follow my every word to the letter an-"
"And that won't be lasting for long!" All Might yelled as it looked like he was actually about to break free from the bonds. The guests in the venue felt a small spark of hope return to them, but before the Symbol of Peace could break free, three gunshots rang out and had everyone duck out of fear.
"When I said you're gonna do exactly what I said, that includes you…All Might," Wolfram sneered, "You might be able to break out of there…but I'll still have gunned down three or four people before you reach me."
"Not to mention the hostess of the evening!" The same lieutenant from before spoke as she made her way over to David, "I have it on good authority that you and Mr. Shields here have a bit of history! Wouldn't it be a shame to watch it all go out with the tide?" The woman grabbed David by the collar and, with her free hand, she snapped her fingers. One of the champagne bottles in the room began to shake before exploding, the liquid rushing toward the woman. She then held her hand out to David and the champagne formed a bubble around his head.
"How long do you think the good doctor can hold his breath for? World record's twenty-four minutes, but without training, the most the average person can manage is ninety seconds. I forgot my stopwatch at home so, sadly, I can't time it myself. Oh well!"
The hooded member of the villain group pinched the bridge of her nose as she watched the whole display her teammate put on.
"You idiot, Elizabeth," she hissed, "All because 'guns are too brutish for a refined lady like you.'"
The helmeted tech-expert…beeped back at her.
"...you're lucky I understand binary."
"...okay, fine. I won't try anything." Ben said, putting up his hands. "You win. Let David go, and I won't try anything."
"Good boy," The man grinned.
"Really? No fight? Well that's disappointing," the girl known as Elizabeth said and snapped her fingers. The bubble of champagne popped and splattered on the ground. David sputtered as he was able to breathe again, as Wolfram made his way up to the stage.
"Oh and because I'm not one for half-measures," Wolfram grinned as he placed a hand to his ear, "Anonymous. Hit it."
"Huh?" Ben asked, looking around. Anonymous? Was that one of his associates?
"Right on, boss." Anonymous muttered into the ear piece.
The massive futuristic screen behind Wolfram whirred to life, showing various shots of I-Island. People were making their way back to their homes or apartments, when the security system increased in severity. Several small, cylindrical robots awakened and began racing out throughout the streets of the island, rounding up civilians as they went. There was a veritable army of these red-eyed machines now seemingly under the control of Anonymous.
"Thank you, tech support," Wolfram joked, "Now this whole goddamned ISLAND is my hostage!"
Ben's pupils shrank in horror. He took control of all the drones! If we try anything, he'll have those robots register those civilians as villains and open fire.
Ben put his hands up. "Omnitrix! Deactivate Master Control. Code 041508, override 10-10-90-10."
The Omnitrix whirred a few times, as Wolfram smirked. "Thank you, Mr. Tennyson. And to make sure..." Wolfram whacked Ben in the face with a metal fist, knocking him out.
Wolfram shook his fist after Ben hit the ground, smirking a little.
"You went down easy, 10K. Almost insulted. If we ever pay a visit to Mrs. Tennyson, I hope she's more of a fighter. Alright. Photo, True, you're up. Time for Phase 2," the villain leader said.
"Of course. We'll get that set up as soon as possible." True Edge said.
"And the rest of you...make sure we don't have any party crashers." Wolfram said, grabbing David. "We're getting what we came for."
The kids in the elevator lobby were a bit freaked by the alarms, and were trying to contact others.
"I'm not getting any signal," Todoroki announced, much to the chagrin of everyone else. "Looks like my service is blocked."
"The elevators aren't working either." Jirou confirmed, repeatedly pressing the buttons in the hopes it would work.
"The heck is going on!?" Kaminari yelled. "I just wanted to unwind..."
Melissa put her hand to her chin. "It's strange that the security system would go on high alert. That's not the security protocol at all."
Uraraka had a horrible feeling in her stomach. "...then, let's go to that party and see what's up." Uraraka said.
"For what reason?" Iida asked.
"All Might's here." Uraraka said. "Pure coincidence. There's a big chance he's at the party."
"Whew!" Kaminari said. "Then I'm not worried anymore."
"Melissa, know of any way we can get down there without the elevator?" Izuku asked.
Melissa nodded. "There's a set of emergency stairs that leads somewhere CLOSE to the banquet room. Follow my lead."
The group nodded, as Melissa led them to the door.
All Might looked at Ben's knocked out body, the trapped heroes and the scared people. He was cursing himself mentally right now.
Damn it. I have to subdue these villains and get the proper security system back online! All Might thought, before coughing. Crap, how much power do I even have left? If I transform here, then they'll probably take advantage of my weakened form...
All Might grunted. I have to find a way! Because I am here! The symbol of peace-!
Something flashed out of the corner of All Might's eye. All Might looked up, to see Uraraka and Izuku on the floor above. There was a giant glass window overhead, and it gave a nice overlook of the banquet hall.
Izuku was flashing the light on his phone, in morse code.
"How do you know morse code, Midoryia?" Jirou asked.
"I learned after I heard All Might knew it. I decided to learn it because...well, if I ever needed saving..." Izuku explained.
Jirou shrugged. "Fair enough. My jack's in place."
"And he knows we're here." Izuku said, noticing All Might's face.
You can talk to us. We're listening. Izuku flashed.
"Hope you can hear me..." All Might muttered. "Villains took the tower. They knocked out Ben, and took David hostage. They have control of the security system, too-!"
Jirou relayed the message back to the group. "Not good..." Jirou huffed.
"It's dangerous...get away as soon as you can." All Might warned.
Uraraka focused on Ben's knocked out body. She gripped the railings hard. "...I don't think I can walk away right now."
"..me neither." Izuku said, as they walked off. All Might gave a sigh of relief.
That's one less thing to worry about for now, he thought.
But he was very, very wrong.
"We've received All Might's instructions. I suggest we follow our teacher's suggestion and escape this place while we can. Otherwise, we would simply be acting against his will," Iida said.
"As much as I hate to say it...I agree with Iida. We're still only students without licenses after all," Momo agreed.
"We'll just need to get out of here, then." Kaminari said. "Contact some heroes outside."
"Bad idea," Jirou said. "Villains have control over the entire security system."
"And the security here is on par with Tartarus." Melissa pointed out. "You know, the place that holds the most dangerous criminals?"
"Then...I guess the only thing we can do is sit and wait," Kaminari said, almost like he was giving up.
"Are you really ok with that?" Uraraka spoke up, catching Kaminari's attention.
"What choice do we have, Uraraka?" Kaminari frowned. "With Ben 10k knocked out and All Might captured, we don't really have back up."
Uraraka took a deep breath. "...I'm back up."
"Huh?"
Izuku, Iida, Momo and Todoroki perked up. Everyone else looked confused.
"You heard me, I'm back up." Uraraka said. "If you think we can't do this without an Omnitrix, tell me now."
"You're going somewhere with this, I can tell," Jirou said with a grin.
"Uh...ok, guess I'll be the one to say it. I don't think we can do this without an Omnitrix," Sero said, taking the proverbial bait.
Uraraka tapped her wrist, revealing the Omnitrix. Jirou's eyes widened.
"...Okay, NOT the direction I expected this to go." Jirou admitted.
"Y-you just HAVE ONE!?" Sero yelled.
"How long HAVE YOU HAD ONE!?" Kaminari said.
"She was first approached about it after the Sports Festival," Iida answered.
"Wait, you knew?!" Sero gasped.
"He's...not the only one," Momo rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
"Ok, bad time, but can...can we just see if that's the real-?" Kaminari asked. As if she knew that question would be asked, Uraraka dialed up a form and pressed down on the dial. In a flash of pink, the speedy form of XLR8 replaced Uraraka's usual self.
"See?" Uraraka grinned. "I can do the quick change stuff, I can turn into a few of his aliens, my heaviest hitter is a tie between Gravattack and Shock Rock."
"Wait, Shock Rock?" Izuku asked, "I don't remember you having that one."
"Oh, I never said? During the whole 'Evil Ben' thing, I found out he gave me an eleventh alien," Uraraka said.
"...well, if that's the case, I don't think we'll need back up." Melissa said. "I think we may be I-Island's only hope here."
"We are. This is what we've been training for, isn't it? I know we don't have our licenses, but the villains won't care about that," Uraraka said.
"She's right." Izuku said. "They'll be prepared for any of the heroes here. But they're not gonna be prepared for a bunch of new faces."
"Midoryia, we can't just go all 'gung ho' with this." Iida said. "Even with Uraraka's added fire power, we''re still out matched."
Todoroki looked down at his hand. "...Aren't we trying to be pros ourselves?"
"But we're not allowed to work as heroes. You know that," Momo scolded.
"Does that mean its right to do nothing at all, then?" Tokoyami asked. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
"W-well, it's complicated." Momo said.
The group sat in silence for a few moments, trying to figure out what to do. Melissa was the one to speak up.
"...I want to help." Melissa said.
The group perked up when she said that. "Melissa?" Uraraka asked, reverting back to normal.
"I'm the only person right now who can shut down all the drones and restore the security back into the hands of the heroes." Melissa said, eyes focused. "We don't need to fight all of the villains- we just need a way to save everyone at the party."
"You say that like its easy." Sero frowned.
"I know...but I still want to try!" Melissa said.
"I'm with Melissa," Izuku nodded. "We can figure out the best plan of action and keep the villains from winning. We can save everyone!"
"Are you seriously sure about that?" Jirou asked.
"I am." Uraraka said. "I trust Deku."
"As do I. Plus, I know where the security system is." Melissa said.
"That's good." Kaminari said.
"It's on the top floor." Melissa said.
"...nevermind." Kaminari frowned.
"If these criminals have taken over the building, then all needs for credentials aren't necessary anymore." Melissae explained. "Our biggest worry is keeping out of the villain's radar. We do that, then the whole island is safe again."
Iida hummed. "So. It IS possible."
"Sure, but how do we keep low for that long?" Tokoyami asked.
"The security system hasn't discovered us yet." Melissa pointed out. "That means the villains don't know how it works."
"Avoid fighting, and get the place back to normal." Todoroki repeated quietly. "Sounds like a plan."
"It could work." Momo said, running logistics through her head.
"Better than doing nothing, I suppose." Iida said.
"...well, fuck it. We ball." Kaminari said, standing back up.
"What beautifully apt wording." Tokoyami said, rolling his eyes.
"It's a legit mantra." Kaminari frowned.
"What about if there's people on the top floor?" Sero asked. "That could cause some issues."
"If we're fast about the security system, the other heroes will be released." Uraraka said. "Then, Ben, All Might and the other heroes spring into action. Our work will be done from there."
Iida took a deep breath. "...okay, then. Who's in for this? Hands up."
All hands in the stairway went up.
Iida grinned. "Good. But! If we go too far with this, we stop."
"Agreed." Izuku nodded.
Melissa beamed at the comradrie of the students. They'd known each other for a short amount of time, but yet they were so trusting.
"And I'm coming with you as well." Melissa said.
"Melissa, we don't want you getting hurt." Uraraka said.
"Yeah, you don't have a quirk." Izuku pointed out. "How are you-"
"Uraraka's not the only one with an ace in the hole." Melissa pointed out. "Plus, no one else here knows how to work the security system."
Uraraka was honestly going to use Grey Matter to hack into the island's security on the top floor, but Melissa's confidence in herself made her think otherwise.
"I know I might just get in your way, but I want to help!" Melissa insisted. "Papa's in danger too!"
Izuku and Uraraka shared a look, and nodded. "..okay then. So it's settled."
"Then let's get moving!" Iida said.
"And while we're at it..." Uraraka pressed her Omnitrix, and connected to Ben's Omnitrix comm link. She remembered that Ben's body was close to All Might's body.
"Izuku." She muttered, covering up the faceplate. "We need morse code again."
All Might noticed the Omnitrix activating immediately. At first, he thought Ben had come to. But the tapping sound from the other side made him realize that it was Uraraka on the comm link.
"Is...that morse code?" All Might muttered. All Might got the message quickly.
Stay still. We're going to the top. You'll know what to do then. The message relayed. All Might's eyes widened.
Cough if you can see this message. The message continued.
All Might couldn't do anything to stop them right now. He'd scold them if he could, but that was useless. Those kids may be the key to victory...
All Might reluctantly coughed.
See you soon. The Omnitrix tapped.
And then it shut off again.
All Might should have been furious that the group was ignoring his wishes, but acting against orders was what he and Ben did when they were younger.
All Might smirked. "Fight on. I'm counting on you, fletching heroes!" He muttered.
Wolfram had handed off the professor to one of his other other subordinates, one of the masked gun-wielding mercenaries. The man poked David in the back and ushered the scientist onward. Soon, the mercenary and his hostage were joined by one of the other villain lieutenants, a girl wearing an outfit that seemed styled after Valkyries of legend, with a few creative liberties taken in the form of decoration. Using a shortsword, she ushered forward another man. He was shorter and a bit heavier than David and clad in the first thing you'd think when you heard "business attire."
"Samuel?!" David yelled.
"David! Thank god, you're alright. What in the hell is happen-" Samuel panicked, before the sword user slightly jabbed him in the back.
"Keep moving. We're not here to talk," the sword villainess ordered.
David frowned. "Fine, fine. I'm moving." David put his hands up. "So, what do you need me for?"
"We know about your recent project, Mr. Shield." The sword villainess said. "Quite an interesting read..."
"What? How do you-?" David asked.
"Doesn't matter," she said, ushering them forward. The two scientists were soon brought to the security room, and brought face to face with the ones now in charge of the security systems. One of them seemed more machine than human, maybe some kind of sophisticated android hooked up to the security console.
"The men of the hour arrive," the hooded woman villain said, noticing the door slide open, "Open the vault."
"Last I checked, your name wasn't 'Wolfram,'" the sword villainess said, "But...she's right. Dr. Shields, get to work if you'd like to keep your head. I'd so hate to stain my blade..."
"Which one? You got dozens of them." The hooded woman said, as David began to enter the complicated code.
I don't know their quirks, but they seem incredibly powerful. I got so used to living on paradise, I never consider the possibility of villains attacking. David frowned. If I get out of this- no, when I get out of this, I'll start carrying around something to defend myself.
"S-sure...I'll begin right away," David acquiesced.
"Good. Then get to work," the hooded villain said, "Anon."
The robotic individual beeped in binary before disconnecting briefly and letting David take over.
This was the start of the invasion.