A/N: Would have gotten this out much faster, but I've been dealing with birthdays, returning to school and stuff like that. Shorter chapter this time.
I do not own Transformers or My Hero Academia.
Encounter
In Class 1-A, the mood was slightly melancholy as five students felt their dreams had been crushed after failing the practical exam.
Mina: E-Everyone... I'm looking forward to hearing all your stories of how fun camp was.
Izuku: Maybe they'll end up letting you go! There might be a last-minute twist or something.
Optimus: Knowing our teacher, I wouldn't put it past him.
Optimus's body, despite being on death's door just a couple of days ago, looked right as rain. That was thanks to a combination of his accelerated healing, Recovery Girl's Quirk, and Quintus Prime's ability.
Hanta put a hand on both their shoulders.
Hanta: Stop, Midoriya, Optimus. You're just jinxing them.
Denki: They said whoever failed the exams would have to skip the training camp and spend it in summer school hell. We didn't pass the practicals, so we're doomed. Don't you understand, Midoriya, Optimus? Or did All Might knock the brains out of you? Did blood loss cause you to lose your memory, Prime?
As he poked Izuku in the eyes with his finger, Optimus caught his other hand before it could make contact with his face.
Hanta: Ease up, Kaminari. I might not even get a chance to go either. Our team only passed because of Mineta. Given how our team scored, I might've flunked.
Minoru was just eating up the praise.
Optimus: Ah, yes. I heard about that. Well done, Minoru. I have to admit, you surprised me. I didn't think you had it in you to pass, especially against Midnight.
Minoru nodded, happy the resident badass praised him. With that, the ladies would surely flock over to him. But then the second half of his statement caught up to him.
Minoru: Hey, what's that supposed to mean?! I can be a badass at times!
Denki: At least bring us back a lot of camp souvenirs, please?
Optimus: Like what? A rock, or maybe a fancy-looking stick?
Optimus had never gotten souvenirs before, so he wasn't sure what was appropriate to buy or not. Plus, would there even be gift shops at the camp?
The door to the classroom slid open, and Aizawa appeared.
Aizawa: Once the bell rings, you should all be in your seats.
Everyone complied and quickly sat down.
Aizawa: Morning. Unfortunately, a few of you did not pass your final exams. So when it comes to the training camp in the woods...
Eijiro, Mina, Rikkido, and Denki all look downcast.
Aizawa: ...Everyone is going!
Aizawa had a creepy smile, enjoying the torture his students were going through. It was the best part of the job and his reason for waking up in the morning, sue him!
Group: "It's a last-minute twist?!"
Optimus: "I thought so."
Eijiro: We really get to go to camp?
Mina: Seriously?
The girl had tears in her eyes.
Aizawa: Yeah. The good news is, no one bombed the written exam. Five failed the practical badly. Two teams, and then Sero failed as well.
Hanta slapped a hand over his head as he groaned.
Hanta: Ah! I knew it! I should have expected it, given that Mineta did all the work.
Aizawa: Allow me to explain. For the practical battles, the teachers allowed a way for the students to win. Otherwise, you never would've stood a chance. We were interested in observing how you would each work together and approach the task at hand.
Mashario: But didn't you promise that the teachers wouldn't be holding back?
Aizawa: That was just to get you on edge. Besides, the camp will focus on building your strength. Those who failed need those lessons the most. We were never going to separate you. It was a logical deception!
He said with a big ol' smile. Man, he loved this part of his job!
Group: "A logical deception?!"
Optimus: "Does he really find so much joy in pulling these pranks?"
Tenya himself felt like a fool for not realizing it sooner.
Tenya: He tricked us all. I should have expected this. Mr. Aizawa, this is the second time you've lied to us. Aren't you afraid we'll lose faith in you?
Ochaco: Ah, a little blunt there, Iida.
Aizawa: That's a good point. I'll consider it. But I wasn't lying to you about everything. Failure is failure. We've prepared extra lessons for the five of you. Frankly, they'll be far tougher than what you face at summer school.
The mood dropped instantly for the five who were all excited to go to camp, quickly dreading what they were about to face.
Shoto: Mr. Aizawa?
Shoto raised his hand.
Aizawa: Yes, Todoroki?
Shoto: I understand why those five failed to pass. But I'm curious? Did Optimus pass the exams?
At that, everyone in the class turned to the back to eye the Class Rep. Many of them could still remember the state he was in after the finals, how close to death he was. The fact that he was already standing was a miracle; that he may have passed was incredible.
Toru: Yeah, what happened, Optimus?
Tsuyu: How did you end up like that? Ribbit.
Katsuki: What bastard left you in that miserable state?
Izuku: Are you sure it's okay to continue classes?
Question after question came at the Prime, who was unable to answer them all. Finally, a loud bang was heard from the front of the class, and everyone turned their attention to Aizawa.
Aizawa: Everyone, calm down! Stop hounding your class rep like a pair of hyenas! I can't go into the details, given that the person who fought Prime in the exams has asked to remain anonymous. But, after reviewing the security footage, as well as Prime's performance throughout the exam, and that he did manage to defeat his mystery foe, I've passed him. Barely.
He then narrowed his eyes at the Prime.
Aizawa: Keep in mind, I'm only passing you because we happened to have Recovery Girl on staff. If we didn't, I would have immediately failed you and banned you from the training camp. Don't take her for granted, understand?
Optimus nodded solemnly.
Optimus: Yes, sir.
Aizawa nodded back. But inside, he was feeling conflicted.
Aizawa: "Feels weird to have a 9 million year old alien robot calling me sir?"
He then thought back to the night after the final exams in the medical room.
Flashback
Currently, Aizawa, Optimus, Nezu, Recovery Girl, Toshinori in his skeleton form, and Detective Tsukauchi sat in the school infirmary. The police officer was called in to help to support Optimus's story.
Aizawa: So let me get this straight: You're a nine-million-year-old alien robot general from a planet called Cybertron, which is from another reality, and you came here after flying into your planet's core, which is the God of Creation for your species, and suddenly became a human being? Oh, and the person you fought in the exams is supposedly you're former best friend who became your archnemesis, who's so dangerous he even destroyed your entire planet and nearly the Earth of your reality? And he came here, to a place full of students and children, because you thought it would be a good idea to ask thirteen dead gods residing inside of you to bring him over because you needed therapy?
Optimus: Yes.
Aizawa: ...
Nezu: ...
Optimus: ...
Recovery Girl: ...
Toshinori: ...
Tsukauchi: ...
Aizawa: ...I'm not getting paid enough for this.
He then sat in the lounge chair and rubbed his hands across his tired eyes.
Nezu: I know this must be incredibly difficult for you to believe, Aizawa. But I assure you, what he and I have shared with you is the truth, and nothing but the truth.
Tsukauchi: It's true. I already used my Quirk on him to find out the truth. He's being completely honest.
Toshinori: I believe him as well.
Recovery Girl: I can also show you the blood samples. Even an idiot can tell you something not human is in there.
Aizawa: It's okay, I believe you.
His statement caught Optimus and Nezu off guard.
Optimus: You... do?
Aizawa: There's no way even the rat can come up with such an awful lie. So it has to be true. Plus, this does explain a few things about you, Prime?
Optimus: Like what?
Aizawa: For one, you're too good for a hero student. I always knew there was something off about you since first laying eyes on you. You looked too experienced, too familiar with high-pressure situations. I suspected you might have had some intense training, or even been a genetically enhanced child soldier that Nezu got his hands on. But even he's not that crazy.
Nezu: "Oh, my dear sweet Aizawa, if only you knew."
Aizawa: Second, you're very naive about a lot of things that are common knowledge in today's world. You scored some of the lowest grades in the history section of the entrance exam, missed questions that even elementary school students could answer with no problem. You've done well to catch up, but that ignorance about the world is still there.
Optimus looked away. He thought he did better at hiding how ignorant he was about the world with all the studying he'd done.
Aizawa: Thirdly, it was how you interacted with the other students. You did well socializing with them, I'll admit. I may have missed it if I wasn't paying close attention to you. You keep a wall between yourself and the students, the same kind of wall that animals form between different species. It allows you to interact with them, but you never act like one of them, even though you look like a human teenager. Though I will admit that it has changed over the past couple of weeks.
He'd have to credit it to certain classmates of his.
Aizawa: Still, despite all that, I would have never guessed you were an alien from another reality. I would have suspected a child soldier or something similar.
The room soon became silent.
Recovery Girl: So I guess the question is, what do we do now?
No one provided an immediate answer. But then, Optimus spoke up.
Optimus: Mr. Aizawa.
The underground hero/teacher turned his head to his nine-million-year-old student.
Optimus: If you feel as if you cannot trust me anymore because of my deception, then I understand. Expel me if you wish; I will not oppose you.
The others in the room looked at him in disbelief.
Toshinori: O-Optimus! You don't need to go that far!
Recovery Girl: What did we talk about you playing the martyr?! This won't help anyone!
Optimus shook his head.
Optimus: Be that as it may, I lied to my teacher. And this lie not only affected me, but also everyone in my class, and even the whole school. Mr. Aizawa knows his students best, and I know, despite how he holds himself, he deeply cares for all of them. If he thinks it's best for me to leave to ensure their safety, then I will accept his decision.
Aizawa just looked at his student in surprise. Once again, Optimus Prime just kept doing things that both surprised him and annoyed him because of how self-sacrificial it was. He let out a tired sigh.
Aizawa: I'm not gonna expel you, Prime.
His answer surprised the bot that had become human.
Aizawa: Not only would I get a lot of grief from both your classmates and Nezu, but I also would be breaking my promise to you.
Optimus: Promise?
Aizawa: I swore I would do whatever I could as your teacher to help you. That I would always have your back, 100%. And I intend to keep that promise, no matter what. Even if I learned the truth about you. I don't abandon my students, not for anything, understand.
He gave his student a rare, genuine smile, one that shocked Recovery Girl, Toshinori, and Tsukauchi. Optimus returned it with a smile of his own. Nezu was beaming.
Aizawa then frowned as he glared down at Nezu.
Aizawa: However, I want compensation.
He was dead serious.
Nezu: For what?
Aizawa: For lying to me about the nature of one of my students for so long.
Nezu only sighed. Aizawa had a point.
Nezu: What do you want?
Aizawa: Three things: First, I want a pay raise. I'm already teaching 21 students, more than the usual number, so I should have gotten a pay raise anyway. But having to teach an alien robot should grant me a huge bonus.
Toshinori: I knew about him before you. Why didn't I get a pay raise?
Recovery Girl: I knew as long as Nezu, so where's my big fat bonus?!
Nezu: You, my dear doctor, already have the highest salary of anyone working at this school, even more than I; you don't need any more. And you, Toshinori, already have billions saved as the Number One Hero.
Toshinori: It would still be nice to get a raise.
He grumbled under his breath. A teacher's salary wasn't that great.
Aizawa: Second, the coffee in the teacher's lounge needs to be replaced.
Toshinori: What's wrong with the coffee?
Aizawa: It tastes like crap. I can barely stomach it down to help keep me awake, and with the chaos I deal with, I need it. I have a friend who's an absolute genius at making coffee. Allocate some of the school budget to order some from his restaurant.
Tsukauchi: All that for a cup of coffee?
Aizawa: Trust me, when you have some of Sojiro Sakura's coffee and curry, you won't be able to go back. The whole staff would benefit from his services, Principal. "But mostly me."
Nezu thought about it for a moment. He was more of a tea drinker, but he had some coffee from the lounge, and even he could agree it takes like the poop from all the animals he was made out of combined.
Don't ask how he knows that if you want to live.
Nezu: And the third?
Aizawa: Give me some of that premium-grade pet food I know you love to snack on. My cat loves that stuff.
Everyone else raised an eyebrow as they looked at Nezu in a new light, who looked away, all embarrassed.
Nezu: Oh, don't look at me like that! I'm also part animal! Sometimes I like to snack on a little treat. And if you tell anyone, I'll cut your paychecks by 50%! Even you, Tsukauchi, I have my ways, mark my word!
Everyone: Yes, sir!
Flashback End
Classes ended for the day, and it was evening. Class 1-A had received their camp pamphlets with all the necessary information and items to bring and were reviewing them.
Mashiaro: This is gonna be great. I'm so glad we're all going together.
Tenya: Looks like we'll be at the training camp for a full week.
Izuku: I'd better find a bigger suitcase.
Denki: Yeah, I don't even have a bathing suit. Guess I need to buy some stuff.
Minoru: Like night vision goggles!
Optimus: For what purpose?
Minrou gulped.
Minoru: Oh, nothing! Just in case I need to use the bathroom late at night and can't turn on any lights!
Toru: Guys, since we're off tomorrow, and we finally finished exams, I have the best idea! Why doesn't Class 1-A go shopping together?!
That seemed to brighten everyone's spirits.
Denki: Hey, yeah! We never hung out as a class before.
Optimus: A fine idea, Toru.
Eijiro: Bakugou. See you there, right?
Katsuki: I can't think of anything more annoying.
Izuku: Will you come, Todoroki?
Shoto: On days off, I visit my mother.
Optimus: I see, please tell her I hope she's doing well.
Shoto: Sure thing, Optimus.
Minrou: You party poopers! Don't you ever get tired of being serious?
Momo then cast her gaze at Optimus, an evil smile spreading across her face.
Momo: "Now I can put my punishment plan into action."
Optimus felt a shiver up his spine.
Optimus: "Why did I suddenly feel a sense of doom approaching?"
The weekend soon came, and Class 1-A arrived at the Kiyoshi Ward Shopping Mall.
Mina: Oh, man, do I love this place. It's got a ton of different stores to shop at, and they're all super cool and hip. The Kiyoshi Ward Shopping Mall!
They were all dressed in casual clothes. Optimus was dressed in his red and gray jacket, a black undershirt, gray pants, and blue-gray boots. The same outfit he arrived in.
Izuku then went into his usual muttering as he looked at all the different stores and commented on them in a super detailed way.
Fumikage: You're going to scare the children. Stop.
Optimus would have stopped his green-haired best friend, but he was too busy marveling at the size and scope of this place. It was incredible. He never really visited the shopping centers in Iacon growing up, except for a couple of times when Ironhide and Jazz dragged him, and that one time Elita brought him with her to pick out a new chrome.
Someone in the crowd of citizens recognized them and pointed them out.
Man 1: Whoa! Aren't those U.A. students?
Man 2: 1-A!
Man 3: I saw them on TV!
All Three: The Sports Festival was awesome!
Ochaco laughed nervously at their excitment, still finding the thought of being so famous pretty strange.
Ochaco: Oh, wow, I can't believe people are still talking about it.
Soon, a crowd of girls surrounded Optimus, all looking at him with hearts in their eyes.
"You're Optimus Prime!"
"Wow! You're so much hotter in person!"
"You're so cool for taking down the Hero Killer!"
"Lift up that shirt a little so we can see your abs, we don't even mind all the scars!"
Optimus: Uhh...
Optimus was only getting more and more confused as sweat appeared on his brow. He had no idea what to do in this situation.
His classmates looked at him with sympathy, but did nothing to help him.
Rikkido: Man, he sure is popular.
Mezo: The price of fame, I guess.
Fumikage: Indeed, and a heavy burden to bear.
Mashirao: Guess that's the consequence of being the one to take down the Hero Killer.
Izuku and Tenya, who knew the reason he got all the credit, looked away, trying to look innocent.
Denki and Minoru stared at Optimus, tears of frustration in their eyes.
Denki & Minoru: "Everytime!"
Thankfully, salvation came to Optimus as someone stepped in between him and the girls.
Girls: Hey! What's your probl–
They shut up as they came face-to-face with an unholy demon, causing the fear of God to envelop them all.
Momo: You're causing my friend and classmates to feel uncomfortable. I would suggest you back away now. "If you value your lives."
The girls understood the unspoken message and took off, quickly realizing the object of their affections was taken. They would need to inform the fan club of this development and be on the lookout.
Optimus let out a sigh of relief.
Optimus: Thank you for your assistance, Momo.
She turned to him, and her jealous aura evaporated instantly, leaving only sunshine and rainbows.
Momo: No need to thank me. I'm just keeping pests away.
Optimus: "Calling them pests seems to be a bit harsh."
Everyone in Class 1-A just shook their heads.
Everyone: "So oblivious."
Kyoka: I want to get a new duffle bag to bring to the training camp with me.
Tsuyu: I'd love to help you find it, ribbit.
Minoru: Let's see, where can I find a lockpicking kit and a small drill?
Optimus sweat-dropped.
Optimus: "Someone should keep an eye on him."
Denki: Guess I should probably buy some outdoorsy shoes for this, huh?
Toru: That sounds great, maybe I should too?
Tenya: The guide says your shoes should already be broken in. But, wait. Perhaps it's a mistake not to factor utility into the equation.
Eijiro: So why don't we all split up and look around?
Optimus: A good idea, Eijiro. Everyone, spend the time to search for what you need to buy. Travel in pairs if you can, so you don't get lost. Meet back here at around 1500 hours. Understood?
Class 1-A: Yes, sir. "There he is, the class dad."
Optimus then looked at the pamphlet that outlined all the things he needed to buy for the trip, then at a map of the mall. He needed all of these things, and thankfully, Nezu gave him enough money to buy all of them. The problem would be navigating this shopping mall. He's never been here before, so he wouldn't know the best stores.
He then felt a hand placed on his shoulder and looked to see it was Momo.
Momo: If you need help finding anything, I'd be happy to guide you.
Optimus: Oh, there's no need for that, Momo. Focus on your own list. I'll be able to find everything on my own. "Somehow."
He then moved to study the map again when he felt the grip on his shoulder get tighter. He looked back at Momo to see a serious, dark aura forming around her.
Momo: I said, I'd be happy to guide you. Besides, don't you remember what you promised after taking the exams?
Optimus's eyes widened as he recalled what happened in the infirmary after he fell asleep a second time.
After waking up all flustered, they were holding hands. Momo quickly tore him apart with her lecture that made him want to crawl into a hole and die. To try to appease her, Optimus offered to help with anything she wanted, and he wouldn't complain. That managed to pacify Momo. She told him she would think about it and get back to him. Looks like this is what she came up with.
She then grabbed him by the arm and pulled him along roughly.
Momo: Let's go! I'm not letting you out of my sight for a second!"Else you'll just get beaten near death or surrounded by fangirls again!"
As they watched both Rep and Vice Rep walk away, all the girls had amused smiles while the guys had pitying looks.
Optimus was about to ask Momo to slow down, but stopped when she looked back at him with a bright smile that caused his human heart to leap.
And soon, Optimus found himself smiling as he let himself get pulled along.
[Play LISA Datte Atashi no Hero (Instrumental)]
They traveled all around the mall, visiting all the shops that Optimus needed to buy everything for the trip, as well as what every Momo needed in addition. After grabbing all they needed, Optimus thought they were done. Unfortunately, Momo was far from done with him.
She also decisively went on a huge shopping spree. Checking out all the latest fashion trends and forcing Optimus to carry all the bags. It was very comedic to see him struggle with it all.
Many girls and guys looked at the pair with envy. The girls glared that Momo was going out with such a hunk, while the guys were jealous that Optimus was hanging with a grade-A babe.
They visited so many stores, Momo flashing her wealth and buying all manner of clothes, not only for herself but for Optimus. However, what impressed the last Prime was that she never let her wealth get to her; she was never arrogant to the store employees or other customers, and polite to anyone who rudely commented on her wealth. She even used her money to buy a child a sweet treat.
All of these actions greatly impressed Optimus, causing him to look at Momo in an even greater light. His previous beliefs that she was a kind person were only reinforced.
Momo herself was having a great time. Having Optimus be with her and carry all her bags made it feel like they were a couple on a date. She screaming in delight internally.
They spent over two hours walking around before finally taking a break.
Momo: Do you mind waiting here for a bit? I need to use the restroom.
Optimus: Of course, go ahead.
Momo then went off to the restrooms while Optimus sat down on a nearby bench. Letting out a sigh of exhaustion. But there was a smile on his face.
Despite being used to carrying so many bags, a lot of them filled with shoes, Optimus didn't mind. He was having a lot of fun, more so than he would have a few weeks ago. He couldn't explain it well, but after his final fight with Megatron, he started to see the world in a whole new light. It was like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, allowing him to see more of the world around him than he did before. And, despite its flaws, it was beautiful.
Especially her.
?: Ohh, I recognize that look.
Optimus blinked as he looked to the side to see a woman dressed completely in black, despite the hot weather. But who was he to judge? Humans were strange. A large hat obscured her face, though he did catch a look at her lips, covered in purple lipstick.
Optimus: Pardon?
Woman in Black: Oh, don't play coy, young man~! That was a look of someone in love. Shopping with your girlfriend?
Optimus blushed under the implications.
Optimus: Oh, no! You have it all wrong, ma'am!
Woman in Black: Oh?
Optimus: We were just out shopping for the school trip. I don't have the necessary equipment for the trip, and my friend offered to help me.
Woman in Black: Oh? And what about all the bags filled with shoes and dresses?
Optimus looked sheepish at that.
Optimus: That is my own fault.
Woman in Black: Come again?
Optimus: I did something that caused her some trouble, and in return, I agreed to help her out with her shopping.
The woman in black looked disgusted.
Woman in Black: So she blackmails you into being her servant and flaunts her wealth in front of others. Typical stuck-up rich girl.
Optimus: You're wrong.
The woman was surprised by the force in Optimus's voice, and even more so by the sharp look in his eyes.
Optimus: Momo is nothing like that. Sure, Momo may sometimes be inconsiderate with how much wealth she has, thinking it's no big deal, and it may come across as humble bragging. But I know that she has nothing but kindness and charity in her heart.
He recalled the stories he had heard from the girls about how Momo would always be willing to help pay for anyone's meals who were coming up short, and even provide a generous tip to the waiters for their exemplary service. After a shopping trip, she would sometimes stop by a local charity and donate some of her newly bought clothes to help those in need and make them feel beautiful. And of course, he remembered when he first met her on his first day in this new world. She offered to pay for his, a stranger's, first meal when he was so lost. He never once forgot her kindness, and wouldn't for the rest of his days.
Optimus: Momo has never been someone who has used her status or wealth to lord over others. Rather, she uses them to help those in need, like me, when we first met. She cares for the others, and that shows with both her words and her actions. She is an admirable role model for people of status and wealth everywhere, a young hero in training to follow closely behind, as well as a loyal friend I'm lucky to have.
As he said this, he hadn't noticed his own smile becoming softer and softer, his gaze lingering on where Momo went off to. But the woman did, and when she saw his expression, she clenched her fist in rage. She almost let out her killing intent, but managed to rein it in before Optimus could notice. Now wouldn't be the time to expose herself, especially with that manchild still around. So she pushed down her rage and plastered on a fake smile
Woman in Black: I see. Well, forgive me for my harsh words.
Optimus waved it off.
Optimus: There's no need. I take it you've had some bad experiences with the rich and powerful?
Woman in Black: I've met more bad apples than good.
Optimus: Well, if I may offer some advice. Do not lump everyone into categories to be judged before you've gotten the chance to meet them. That only creates barriers that are almost impossible to bring down. Take some time to get to know the person, and you may see that there's more to them than meets the eye.
The woman flinched at that phrase, having heard it so many times. She shook her head to clear her mind.
Woman in Black: That sounds mighty wise of you, boy. You sound much older than you look.
Optimus: I get that a lot.
The woman chuckled before standing.
Woman in Black: Well, as fun and as enlightening as this conversation has been, I really should go. I'm babysitting my nephew and needed to take a break from his antics. Now I've seemed to lose track of him.
Optimus: Do you need help finding him? I'd be happy to assist.
Woman in Black: That's very kind of you, but he's a bit shy around strangers; you would only scare him off. Besides, you have your own babysitter to worry about.
She pointed in the direction where Momo was returning, waving to Optimus with a large smile on her face. Optimus waved back with a smile of his own. The woman shook her head.
Woman in Black: I should leave you two love birds alone.
Her comment caused Optimus to blush.
But what she said next struck him to his very core.
Woman in Black: See you around... Orion.
And just like that, everything around Optimus Prime disappeared as his whole world was covered in darkness. The other shoppers, the brightness of the sun, the sounds of adults arguing and children playing, even Momo, whose current countenance could outshine the sun, were enveloped in the darkness.
All that remained was Optimus and the Woman in Black in this small, dark space. Optimus had never before been more aware of his body. His heart was beating faster and faster, his breath was becoming erratic, his pupils were shaking, and his whole body trembled. He looked up at the woman to see her calm with a sick smirk on her purple lips.
Optimus: "S-She knows..."
She knows. She knows! She knows who he is! How?! Why?! Is she from Cybertron?! How did she get here?! Is she even a she?! How does she know that name?!
Optimus's eyes then narrowed, fist clenched so tight they turned white. Just barely stopped himself from exploding in anger at the mysterious woman. He didn't know what she was capable of, and innocents surrounded them; he wouldn't put them in danger to satisfy his curiosity. And the woman knew that.
Optimus: Who are you?
The woman only smirked.
Woman in Black: You want to know? Let's have a bet. If you can catch me, I'll tell you. However, I think you have more important things to worry about.
Optimus: Like what? "What could be more important than this?"
Woman in Black: Like making sure that green-haired friend of yours lives through a talk with my 'nephew'.
Optimus's eyes widened. Izuku?!
Woman in Black: He does tend to act like a manchild at times. So much so that he throws a tantrum when things don't go his way, even going as far as turning the toys he has into dust.
Optimus understood. Tomura Shigaraki was here!
Without another word, Optimus rose from his seat and bolted through the mall, desperately searching for his friend.
Momo saw him hastily leave and looked on with confusion and worry.
Momo: What was that about?
Woman in Black: Oh, he just remembered something important and had to leave.
Momo jumped as the woman Optimus was talking to, suddenly appeared in front of her. The heiress and hero-in-training looked up at the woman. There was something about her eyes and her smile that sent a chill down Momo's spine, even greater than her fear during the USJ.
The woman had a creepy smile as she ran a finger delicately across Momo's face.
Woman in Black: Well, aren't you a pretty little thing? I can see how you managed to get a hold of Orion.
Momo: Orion?
When she said that name in confusion, the woman's smile widened in glee.
Woman in Black: Guess he isn't as honest as he appears. Looks like you don't mean as much to him as I thought.
Momo's eyes narrowed at that comment.
Momo: What are you implying?
Woman in Black: Oh, nothing~. Just that I know more about the 'great Optimus Prime' than you ever could. So here's a little friendly advice. Girl to girl.
She then placed a hand on the young woman's shoulder that was anything but friendly. Momo almost felt like she would be swallowed up in the intensity of her gaze.
Woman in Black: Stay away from him. You'll live longer if you do. Take it from someone who's devoted their whole life to him, only to lose it because of his cowardice. Ta ta~!
She then let go and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Momo standing there, completely baffled by all the information she had just learned. She then looked in the direction where Optimus ran off and placed a hand over her heart. Part of her wanted to believe the lady was lying, trying to rile her up for her own amusement. But she had a lot of experience telling the truth from a lie due to her family's reputation and dealing with greedy heirs. That woman was being honest.
Momo: "What are you hiding from me, Optimus? And why can't you share your burden with me?"
He looked everywhere.
Checking every store, every attraction in the mall, and nearly every bathroom. He ran into several of his classmates and asked where Izuku was, but they had no idea, so he ran again.
Where was he?! He had to find him! There's no telling what Shigaraki would do to him!
He then thought of the last place he had seen him, which was in the area where they had all split up. It's a long shot, but it was his only lead.
He quickly returned to where they all split up, and lo and behold, he found Izuku, along with a hooded figure, wrapping his right hand around his neck, one finger away from a full grip. Tomura Shigaraki. And even worse, Ochaco was there as well.
Wasting no time, he jumped over the second-floor railing to the shock of those watching and landed on the ground, leaving a small crater. His actions shocked the three in the tense situation. Tomura let go of Izuku's neck and then began clapping, the green-haired teen coughing.
Tomura: Whoo~! Superhero landing! I'd have to give you an 8 out of 10!
Optimus didn't look amused as he walked over to Tomura, Ochaco pulling Izuku away. Optimus stopped as he stood in front of the villain. He looked into the young man's eyes and saw that something was different about him. Something that wasn't in there before. Something that made him all the more dangerous.
Conviction.
Optimus couldn't let him leave. He transformed his hand and drew a sword from it, holding it up to Shigaraki's face.
Optimus: Give me one good reason to let you out of here?
Tomura didn't look afraid; in fact, he even smiled.
Tomura: Just one? I can think of several reasons, but I'll give you one. You're a hero, right?
Optimus raised his brow. What did that have to do with anything?
Tomura: So, of course, you wouldn't want anything to happen to all these innocent people, right?
Optimus: I could easily take off another one of your fingers from your other hand and render you incapable of harming another.
The mention of his fingers caused Tomura to flinch as he hid them away in his jacket. Despite that, he still smiled.
Tomura: I'm sure you could, but could you keep my dear sweet 'Aunty' from hurting others?
He hated having to use that word for the Nomu designated to babysit him.
Optimus's eyes widened. Worrying about Izuku, he ended up leaving Momo and the others with that woman who knew his secret. Stupid, stupid, stupid! How could he make such a careless mistake?!
Tomura seemed to realize he caught the Prime in a bind, and used the ring and pink finger of his left hand, the only ones still flesh, and moved the sword out of his face.
Tomua: So if you don't want to have any deaths hanging over your conscience, hero, you'll put that sword down, and let me walk out of here.
Optimus was fuming, and it was showing on his face, causing Tomura to smile in glee. He got him right where he wanted him. With great reluctance, Optimus transformed his hand back to flesh and stepped to the side.
Tomura: Good boy.
He then began walking, but Izuku called out to him.
Izuku: Hold on, Shigaraki!
Ochaco seemed surprise. Seems she didn't know who the person was.
Ochaco: Shigaraki?
Tomura stopped.
Izuku: I have a question, too. What is All For One after?
Tomura seemed to take a moment to think about it before answering.
Tomura: Who knows, really. But here's a little word of advice, friend. Be careful, the next time we meet, I'll likely have to kill you. As for you, Optimus Prime.
He then turned his gaze to the Prime.
Tomura: Next time we meet, I'll be taking your arm.
And with that, he disappeared into the crowd.
Optimus kept watch on where he disappeared before moving to help Izuku.
Tomura quickly fled the scene, his whole countenance changed because of one simple conversation. It was so obvious! How could he have missed it all this time?! It was All Might's fault! He was the reason everyone was smiling without a care in the world, no matter what he did.
Now that he knew the cause, he had one goal and one conviction in mind. To create a world without All Might, and show these fools how fragile the safety they take for granted is.
He was so absorbed that he almost jumped when someone spoke to him.
?: You're in a good mood.
He turned and moved to attack, only for something to shoot out of the dark and stick his only working hand to the wall. Closer inspections reveal a purple-colored spider web trapped his hand. He then looked to the shadows to see his 'Aunty' emerge.
Tomura: Oh, it's you.
He spat out. He didn't know why Sensei had this new Nomu shadow him, he didn't need to be looked after, he was a grown man. But when he asked, not expecting an answer, the Nomu surprised him by talking and saying she had her own reasons.
Woman in Black: Yeah, me. But again, you look to be happy. Did something good happen?
Tomura disintegrated the spider web and rubbed his hand, his smile returning quickly.
Tomura: You could say that. Nothing's really changed. I just know what it is I'm working towards.
The woman, Nomu, just looked at his eyes. She could tell just from a simple glance that, despite what he said, everything had changed, for him at least. He was either lying or trying to convince himself of something else to save himself some pride.
Woman in Black: Well, good for you. Come on, we need to head back to the bar.
Tomura: What about you? You look kinda pissed. What happened to you?
The woman stopped as she looked up at the sky. She thought back to her conversation with Optimus. Seeing the warm and peaceful smile on his face, especially with that girl.
She clenched her fist.
Woman in Black: Nothing. I now have no regrets about the path I'm about to embark on. All is for the sake of my master. The one true Prime.
The Next Day - Heights Alliance
Optimus let out a sigh as he tried to relax in his dorm room. He was still thinking about it. He couldn't get that woman out of his head, or what she said.
She knew his name, his old name, the one he threw away long ago when he became Optimus Prime. He only ever told two people in the world his name: Detective Tsukauchi and Nezu, and he was sure they never told anyone else, at least not that detail of his past.
Besides, he could tell this woman was from Cybertron. He wasn't sure how she was here, or why. He would ask the Primes, but he hasn't been able to get into contact with them since his final fight with Megatron.
Given that she was allied with Tomura Shigaraki, it stands to reason that she works with the League of Villains, and therefore, Nova Prime. So he must've had a hand in this. But how? He was supposed to be trapped in the Dead Universe. How could he send someone from Cybertron to this reality? And if he could do it to someone else, what about himself?
He shook his head. He was going down the rabbit hole, as humans call it. He couldn't allow himself to spiral, else he would become obsessed with this over summer break. He needed a distraction.
~You got the Touch!~ You got the power~! YEAH!
Optimus picked up his phone and saw it was Izuku calling him. He quickly answered it.
Optimus: Hello Izuku.
Izuku: Hey, Optimus. How are you?
Optimus: I should be asking you that, my friend. Are you alright after yesterday?
After Shigaraki left the area, Ochaco called the police, and the mall quickly closed. Optimus stayed with Izuku the whole time, refusing to leave his friend's side. Momo came by and dropped off the equipment they bought for the camp, as well as the clothes he and her bought for him. She had a downcast expression, refusing to look Optimus in the eyes. Perhaps she was upset that he left her alone with such a dangerous individual. He felt guilty about that and wanted to apologize, but she quickly left before he got a chance.
Optimus wanted to chase after her and apologize, but he decided to stay with Izuku and keep him company. DetectiveTsukauchi praised Izuku for remaining calm, as well as Optimus's judgment in letting the villain go in case he had backup, but neither boy felt particularly uplifted by the compliment. They both felt an extreme sense of guilt: Izuku, that he may have inadvertently inspired Shigaraki and made him more dangerous, and Optimus, that he didn't do anything to stop the threat.
All Might, as Toshinori, soon came and was relieved to see both boys okay. Izuku then asked if there were people All Might wasn't able to save, to which he replied yes. Optimus himself knew that pain well. There were many people in his life he was unable to save, and it was a bitter fact he always struggled to accept, no matter how much he knew it to be true through experience.
Izuku's mother, Inko, then came running and quickly hugged her son. Optimus smiled at the maternal love Izuku had. Inko surprised him, though, by turning to him and giving him a once-over as well, making sure he was okay. She then offered him the choice to come and stay the night at their place, but Optimus politely refused. He needed time to be alone. He needed to think.
Izuku: I'm fine. Still a little rattled, I guess.
Optimus: There is no shame in that, my friend. Even the mightiest of warriors can find themselves caught off guard by the most unexpected actions.
He had enough experience with that.
Izuku: Anyway, that's not what I called to talk about.
Optimus: What did you wish to speak about?
Izuku: Did you ever get an envelope after the Sports Festival? One sent by the school?
Optimus: An envelope? Hold on a minute.
He then began to search through some of the mail he had put away. A lot of it was either fan mail or requests for interviews. He then found a bright yellow one, and he looked at the sender's identity to see that the school had indeed sent it.
Optimus: Found it.
Izuku: Okay, open it up and see what's inside.
Optimus did so and caught sight of a congratulatory message, along with a plane ticket to fly on a specific date in the summer.
Optimus: I found a message inside as well as a plane ticket.
Izuku: Alright! So All Might was right after all!
Optimus's eyebrows rose.
Optimus: Explain, please.
Izuku: Okay, so that ticket is a plane ride to a manmade island called I-Island. There's an Expo taking place around that date. All Might invited me to go with him, and he mentioned you may have also gotten a ticket because of your second place in the Sports Festival. So I was wondering, would you like to fly on the plane with me and All Might? Of course, you don't have to! I just thought it would be more fun to travel with a friend than alone. You don't have to if you don't want to! We can always meet each other on the island itself if you decide to go. I–
Optimus: Izuku.
Izuku stopped his muttering.
Optimus had a warm and grateful smile on his face.
Optimus: I would love to travel with you and All Might. Please let him know I will join you two.
He could feel Izuku brightening from the other end.
Izuku: All right! I'll see you then! Bye Optimus!
Optimus: Bye, Izuku.
They both hung up.
Optimus then decided it was a good idea to do some research on this I-Island before they left. It wouldn't be good for him to remain ignorant.
After researching for about an hour, he found himself grinning in excitement. How long has it been since he took a vacation? Now that he thought about it, did he ever take a vacation? Probably not.
Still, he was looking forward to this. This was exactly what he needed. What could possibly go wrong?
A/N: And with that, the Two Heroes Arc will be started in the next chapter!