Justice Across Space and Time: Year 2
Chapter 23
I really wish they would figure out the email problem on FFN. I can't know who's reviewing or emailing, if their system never works! Annoyance aside, I'm going to get on with the next little arc here. One where it's going to be about Izuku and Justice trying to get along again. Mostly thanks to Ochaco forcing them together. Speaking of, there will be something of a special arc for her coming up.
And I'm not sure if you guys enjoyed or felt it fit last chapter with Enji suffering alone after his family moved out, but I thought it fit for the situation I set him up in. Especially after the last chapter with him and Touya. I'm wanting to set up him bettering himself before his fall once more. Anyhow, on with the show.
(No POV)
"Do we really have to do this?" Izuku asked with a vaguely hidden disgruntled gaze. They had just finished another week of training courses and now were off to meet with Uwabami for her Team Up Mission. John had a disgruntled look next to him as they were walking to the pro hero's agency. Itsuka wasn't too far behind him in that mentality as she had been pulled in as well.
Ochaco sighed before grabbing Izuku's arm and pulling him more. "Yes, we do. She put in the request, and we accepted. Or I guess I accepted, but that's not the point. She asked for us, so we'll do the mission. Even if it might….. involve some silly ad appearances," the pink cheeked heroine said with a little blue shade over her eyes.
Itsuka grumbled before asking, "how is it that Sahiraah got out of this whole thing?" John groaned before saying, "Nezu's got her working with all the magic users this weekend. Something about doing a practical with a few new students to magic and what not."
"So, she gets to avoid this headache by taking up a completely different headache altogether. I suppose that's fair." Itsuka retorts with a little snort. John is surprised and smiles slightly before saying, "yeah. It's a whole new curse she's trapped under. One kind of her own making by teaching more about magic."
The pair shared a little laugh before Itsuka realized what she was doing. Quickly blushing and clamming up once she realized she was getting along with John. 'Like we used to….' Itsuka thought before shaking her head. John sighed and tried to restart the conversation, but she wasn't really answering him.
Izuku, Ochaco, and Melissa felt a little uncomfortable at the somewhat awkward silence between the two behind them. "Man, she is not letting this go. Then again, you aren't much better." Melissa said with a raised eyebrow to her boyfriend. Who grunted in acknowledgement but didn't elaborate.
The two outsiders to the complicated feelings let out sighs of annoyance and slight acceptance. "Look, you three will have to work with each other at some point. Especially during the mission ahead. So how about you table your issues for the time being?" Ochaco said with a slight glare.
Izuku and Itsuka pouted a little but did agree. John sweat dropped a little though and said, "I uh…. Don't really know what to say to some of that. But back on point, do you really think it will all be about modeling or whatever? Or is this Uwabami actually going to go out on patrols?"
The orange haired martial artist decided to respond first. Saying, "she will go on patrols and check in on her home area. But I'm really afraid we're mostly going to be doing little more that be part of her entourage or like assistants again."
"Great. I'm dreading that as well now." Izuku said while adjusting his sunglasses. "Oh, you all have little to worry about in that regard. I have very different plans for all of you," the teens hear from a café. Sitting down in front of the establishment, was Uwabami. Sipping coffee and in something of a disguise. Namely a hat to cover up her snakes, sunglasses, and an unassuming ensemble of blue and white.
The teens all face faulted a little before being invited by the woman to join her at the table. While slightly hesitant, the young heroes didn't see a reason not to. Especially as Ochaco's eyes lit up at the sight of a number of pretty expensive treats on the menu. And the look she shot Izuku made his own will crumple and he agreed. 'She's too much like a little puppy or other small animal when she pulls that out!' not just Izuku, but Melissa thinks as well. Each taking seats next to the other.
Itsuka and John share a sigh before sitting down as well. Though the former was quietly grumbling about how close the two of them were. "You shouldn't show so much frustration dear. It could ruin your complexion." Uwabami said with a teasing look directed Itsuka's way. Causing the girl to blush and turn away from the hero.
Uwabami tittered before getting down to some of the business. "I do want you to do something of a modeling show. Not to mention maybe a commercial. But it's not only for what you may be thinking. The truth is, things have gotten….. tense in various circles. And it has quite a bit to do with four of the five gathered here."
Her face was more severe than most of the teenagers had been expecting. As their drinks (and Ochaco's dessert) arrived Uwabami elaborated. Noting that the multiple awakenings of true metas had thrown many preconceived notions out the window and caused a number of uproars. "To say nothing of Saphentite-chan and her whole genie and magic matters. And I hear that is getting worse in various cities and countries. There have even been rumors that some people have started trying to copy your….. magic hands or whatever that is Kendo-chan."
"It's ki. And you can't just learn it by observing and copying my stances. There are a few philosophical things needed to break through the boundaries we set on ourselves. Something John had to explain in excess honestly." Itsuka said while closing her eyes and before taking a sip of coffee. "Uh that's my hot chocolate." John said with a raised eyebrow.
Which just gets him covered in said drink when she spit takes. While he was drying off and Itsuka was recovering, Izuku continued some of what Uwabami's thoughts. "So, you want us, some of the major challengers to the status quo, to show off? Or rather show that we aren't some threatening monsters or whatever. Right?" he asked while trying not to laugh at Itsuka and John's situation.
"That's right. While I stand by the fact that you all do make great models, four of you have caused major uproars. Which while it may have been your intention to help others, it has had greater reaching effects," the woman explained while looking at John.
Who groaned a little before explaining that it wasn't supposed to go quite that far. "But I guess that was kind of naive of me to think it wouldn't. I just wanted to show more people about the potential that was buried by the obsessions with quirks." John says before taking a sip from his cup again. Causing Itsuka to blush again while she thought, 'wait why am I getting flustered about that? We've gone….. way beyond kissing. Indirect or not!'
Uwabami nodded and acknowledged that it was more necessary than she would have admitted. "I, like most, tended to ignore or just brush off the issues of those who are quirkless. And now I worry at times if there could be one who awakens to power that feels an urge to rampage. Or that there may be some who want to remove them to make sure they can't awaken. So, I want to show that they are good people and just as worthy of respect."
"You know, I must admit; I'm surprised. I assumed that this would just be about looks and the like. But you actually have been thinking more about this than just the surface. Much more compared to that Shroud lady." Itsuka says while thinking back on the true meta speedster and some of the statements she'd looked up that she had made.
The Serpentress user nodded and could understand what her former intern was getting at. She then noted that Melissa and Itsuka were others she wanted to support. "You young lady made quite the impression with that wearable technology you demonstrated at the School Festival. I'd love to pick your brain on various designs. Not just in terms of appearance, but also functionality." Uwabami said while pointing to Melissa.
Who blushed and admitted she'd just copied some of the designs that Sahiraah had shown her for her one suit. "I'm not sure I could do similar things for a number of people," the girl said while trying to wave off Uwabami's flattery.
The hero then looked to Itsuka again and said, "you I already knew had a beauty all your own. One that has only really begun to shine. And it's not just because of those powers or ki you can use. Compared to young Yaoyorozu, you have truly made a name for yourself. Standing up to those who have told you to stop. Facing down nigh impossible challenges. Show possibilities that we never would have believed in. And that is something that needs to be shown as well."
Itsuka blush was almost thermonuclear from all of the compliments that Uwabami threw her way. While also quietly celebrating because she had somewhat fulfilled a goal she had. 'To show that martial arts really do have a presence in hero work. Let alone showing that you don't need a quirk as an absolute to become a hero,' she thought before somewhat accepting that this mission might not be as bad as she had expected.
Ochaco meanwhile felt a little out of place with the group given all the praise that Uwabami had been heaping on them. Questioning why she was part of this group other than to be the "normal" member of the group. 'Huh. Weird. I guess I never thought of it that way, but really, they are the more unique ones. While I'm…. I'm not really that special.' Ochaco thought before looking down sadly.
Once they had all had their drinks and desserts, Uwabami paid for the ticket and escorted them to her agency. Once there, the teens were quickly swarmed and directed to specific sections of the agency. "My, my. Quite the pair of specimens the boss picked up today. It will be so much fun dressing you two~!" a somewhat effeminate man with a winged cap on said. Snapping to call in a few people to take their measurements.
John tried to oppose, but he was quickly swept along to trying on a few suits and other pieces to show off his build and muscles. Including some work out wear. Izuku isn't in a much better position as he's taken to try on a few uniforms, clothes, and even forced into a sailor uniform. Both male and female.
"Not cool!" Izuku shouted before breaking out and tearing off the unwanted article of clothing. The man clapped slightly before saying, "he's correct! None of that unless there is someone who truly wishes to dress that way. Now let's move on and get these boy's ready~!"
On the girls' side, the woman who was in charge of them was a bit bigger in build but still quite fashionable. Her hair was metal-like and seemed to be styled like a helmet around her head. While wearing special accessories that she had made herself and using her previously cut hair.
"Quite a lovely set of ladies to be working with~. And if the images of the boys are right, my partner should have a bit of fun with the others. Now then," the woman says while getting up close to Itsuka. Who gulps before trying to put on a fiercer visage. Thinking, 'don't flinch. Don't look nervous. This is nothing compared to dealing with villains.'
The woman though sighs before leaning on her hand slightly. "My dear you shouldn't scowl so much. And just let me handle the next stage to transform you~," the woman says before quickly moving the girls into get changed.
A mixture of styles is used for the girls, from a tight pair of shorts, white short sleeved shirt and red leather jacket and boots on Ochaco. To a red pleated skirt and black peasant blouse with a scarf for Melissa etc.
Itsuka though got a bigger mix of styles. From putting on a butler suit, then maid uniform. To trying on string bikinis and even some silly costumes. "Alright! Are you just wanting to mess with me!? Make me look like a fool or like some model for perverts to ogle!?" she finally shouted while tearing up and blushing brightly.
The large woman chuckled before kneeling down to address the girl as she was trying to cover up from the very exposed state she was in. Smiling before putting a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder. "Feel better now that you got that out?"
This makes Itsuka stop and look up at the woman slightly while she was still crying a little bit. Said woman gently handed the girl a handkerchief to wipe her eyes before saying, "you can't keep bottling things up or letting matters such as your current state bog you down. Be that the clothes you are wearing….. or the fact you no longer have your quirk. And must deal with people looking down on you."
The martial artist's eyes widen hearing that and she looks to the woman with confusion. Who smiles back at her before saying, "it is often a problem many deal with. And often try to cover up while in the presence of others. Especially those who possess quirks. My love often deals with this matter himself."
"How does he… how do both of you deal with that?" she asks while standing to be pulled and put something new on. The woman smiles before looking down and saying, "by knowing when to let out the feelings you are holding in. Rather than perhaps letting them explode. You cannot grow together if you are not willing to truly talk with one another. Even if in some of those cases, it means you must separate. And hope to find new love."
Itsuka's eyes widen again before thinking on the matter. The idea of maybe never being together with Jotaro…. John period. Letting the feelings that had been growing burn out because of one matter, she wouldn't let go. Gripping her fist as she thought about him and Sahiraah alone. 'And how long they've been at this. They're still together, either despite or because of how old they both are.'
She sighed and sniffled slightly before thanking the woman. Not noticing that the stylists had put her in a crisp white suit and scarf combination. Quite liking the look and appreciating the fact the skirt could be adjusted to allow her to kick and fight.
"Oooh. Nice look Itsuka!" Ochaco said before coming over in her outfit. A pink skirt with light blue frills underneath it. And for her top, she had a black halter blouse that accentuated her curves. For her feet she had trendy short, heeled sandals on.
Melissa nods and says, "quite the professional look. Do you think it has to do with some theme for the shoot?" She was wearing a light blue green dress with a black jacket over it and short black boots on her feet. Her hair was pulled back and gave her something of a tomboyish look, even with her glasses on.
Before Itsuka could comment on her cohorts appearances, they were quickly rushed to the studio to meet with Uwabami again and the boys. "Well, well. Well done as usual Mari. Now let us see what Mikhail has for us~." Uwabami says with a pat to the woman's arm.
Who nods before looking towards the other dressing room. And when the man comes out he makes a dramatic statement of waving and presenting the two young men. Izuku was wearing a suspenders and sport coat combination with his hair swept back slightly. Though it couldn't remove all of the curls and poofiness that was normal for him.
John meanwhile had something of a biker look to him with a brown jacket over a dark blue shirt. Though on closer inspection it could be seen that it was a button up shirt. With a pair of worn jeans that hugged his legs quite well. And boots to round out the look.
"Okay, so…. while I don't mind the style, what is the point to this shoot or whatever?" John finally asked. Hoping the answer would be acceptable. Uwabami gives him a coy smirk before saying, "the shoot is quite simple actually."
With a gesture, the backgrounds are shown for the photos to be taken. "The temptation of the bad side~. Melissa and Midoriya for example could be the bad tempting the sweetheart that is Uraraka. Tough with a little adjustment, the boy could be either. And of course we had the big bad boy Jotaro here and the hard working boss Itsuka. Tempted by the wild side of him she can't show others~."
Faces are somewhat flat at hearing that and John facepalms so hard it causes a little shockwave. Grumbling about how ridiculous the set up and situation were. Though he felt less annoyed when the hero mentioned they would be switching things eventually. "This is just the first day and shoot after all~!" she said with a smile.
While this was happening, a group of troublesome people were planning to make a splash at Uwabami's shoots and unveilings. "The good tempted by the bad hm? Well I know something about that," a man wearing a mask that covered half of his face said. Before looking over to the woman with white hair and red eyes in a black uniform who stood at attention. Before quickly cleaning after he tossed some paper away.
"Yeah. Not sure how comfortable I am given what you've mentioned about that lady," a young man with green hair said with a cocked eyebrow. The villain shrugged before his new associate's allies and his friend arrived.
The latter being a large bear like man, snarling and cracking his knuckles before checking how sharp his claws were. While the allies were a group of people carrying various items in. "So, we have a bunch of new beasts to add to our Wild Menagerie. This should be fun," the masked man said while leaning forward as his new allies transformed into various beasts and creatures.
Hope you guys still like the idea of pulling from semi canon sources. Because I'll keep doing that for a while. In the meantime, I'm setting up a few fires and possible explosions for later down the road. If you notice them, I hope you'll enjoy the payoffs down the line. Please review!