Chapter 34: Midoriya Fights a Tree
Mina didn't like the fact that her eyes were opening. She didn't like the fact that her alarm was going off. She didn't like the fact that it was daylight. A groan escaped her lips as she sat up, scrunching up the blanket, before swinging her legs free. "I couldn't…" Her palms dug against her eyes; rid herself of the lingering crust of sleep. "Ugh!" She arched her back as she shook her head. "I can't believe, 'Is this what Midoriya smells like?' was my first thought…!?" Her face was flushed, turning her pink skin red. "AAHHH!"
She froze stiff when she heard a wrapping of knocks against the door. "Hey…" It was Midoriya because of course it was. "I… uh… don't really know what your morning routine is, but um…" Her legs slowly slid out from under her as she safely fell to the ground. "Small apartment – thin walls. Y-You really can't be that loud, so… We really… um, have to be mindful about that." Her hands slowly covered her face as she hunched over. "So, yeah…" She shook her head. "G-Good talk – um… breakfast will be ready soon." She heard his footsteps cautiously and awkwardly walk away from his old bedroom door.
"I wanna die…" she thought. "I want a hole to open underneath me and swallow me whole…!" Another, quieter groan escaped her lips before shaking her head. "God…" Her palms smacked against her cheeks once or twice. "I gotta get it together…" She pushed herself onto her feet. "It's just… It's just Midoriya and Ms. Midoriya – Ms. Inko."
Mina pushed herself through her actual morning routine, getting dressed in the bare bones of her Shiketsu uniform. She stepped down the hall and spotted the folded futon in the corner of the living room. A turn of her body faced her towards the kitchen and dining table. All that high-strung anxiety that bubbled in her veins quickly quieted as she saw Inko leave the kitchen, setting the table.
"Good morning!" beamed Inko as she stepped out of her son's way as he placed drinks upon the table. "Did you have a good night's rest?"
"Yep! I slept like a baby," she lied through her teeth.
"That's great!" Inko pulled out the chair for her. "Come! We should all get breakfast down before…" She giggled, "Well, I guess we all have to go to work, don't we?"
Mina nodded, "Y-Yeah, I guess we do." She took her seat as Inko moved to sit across from her and Midoriya sat next to her. "W-What about you, Midoriya?" She nudged his shoulder, "I hope the floor wasn't too rough."
"Eh, it's good for your back," he said as he shrugged in his seat.
Her face contorted, "Is it?"
"No…" he whispered, subtly shaking his head.
Which earned a chuckle from Mina as she turned to Inko who opened her mouth to speak.
-X-
Mina turned back around as Midoriya closed the door behind them. In uniform, the pair made their way down the staircase and onto the sidewalk. "They seem like clockwork… Ms. Inko cooks breakfast, they eat, she leaves, and he makes sure everything's off in the apartment before he locks up…" She scratched her cheek. "Now that I actually think about it… That seems pretty normal…" She teetered her head. "Maybe I'm the abnormal one… Are most moms and dads gone before dawn…?" Her flat gaze widened for a moment, blinking, "Huh… They didn't have a lot of pictures hanging around the place… The few that I remember just had Ms. Inko and Midoriya in them…"
"He said it wasn't a sore spot, but then he got up and left pretty quickly afterwards…" She gave a subtle glance to Midoriya as they walked towards the train station. "Well, if it isn't one, I could ask him about it… If it is one, I'd have to apologize profusely after…" Her mind recalled the day they all properly met: that study session in Kaminari's room. "We all said we'd go see the fireworks display together… Hm…" Another detail from that day hitched onto her train of thought before she pondered, "Did Midori have a lot of friends growing up here?"
"Hm…" As Midoriya hummed, Mina's eyes widened as she realized that she said her thought aloud. "Not really," he answered with a forlorn smile. "No one like you guys."
Mina smiled at that. She was almost about to nudge him and tease over being so sappy, but then, she recalled why she had invaded his home in the first place. "No one like Kaminari?"
"…" He let out a breath from his nostrils, almost a sigh.
"What happened?" she asked. "You two have been avoiding each other and… I just…"
"I don't think there's anything you can do about it, Ashido." Midoriya's pace moved him ahead of her as he started upon the stairs towards the elevated station. "I told Kaminari that he'd get to decide to tell you guys – when or if at all."
Mina nearly chased him up the steps before stopping at the mid-way landing. "Are you… both still friends at least?"
He paused, looking over the railing to his right. "I don't know…" He shook his head. "I'm sorry. I know that really isn't an answer, but that's how I feel."
Her face contorted, a mix of her budding guilt and frustration. "You… You could've talked to us. Both of you."
"I know…" He chuckled as he stepped onto the station's platform. "Seems like we're both pretty stubborn."
She rolled her eyes, following after. "No kidding." She shook her head, crossing her arms. "I gotta be honest I didn't expect you to be."
"Yeah, I… didn't expect myself to be either." He waited on the yellow line for the train, crossing his arms. "But, there are times where you just… can't back down."
Mina stepped up next to him, cocking a brow. "Are you trying to sound cool?"
Midoriya turned to her, blinking, "No." He smiled, "Do I?"
"No," she said.
"Aw," he went.
Mina's mind wandered as they waited. "Shinso's probably right, though… The why…" Her head teetered, ignoring the bell chiming as a the train neared. "I was really hoping to figure out a way to fix all of this, but… I don't think I can…" Internally, she sighed, "If that's the case… Maybe I should text Ms. Inko and cancel this week-long stay… Probably have to call my Mom or Dad while I'm at it…" Her lips tightened for a moment before murmuring, "You know… I still feel like I don't know much about you…"
"Hm?" Midoriya raised a brow. "I guess?"
Her hands gripped the strap of her bag tightly. "Sports Festival… Seeing him in the hospital…" A feeling had bubbled as a pit in her stomach. She took a breath. "Your favorite food is still a pork-cutlet bowl, right?"
"Yeah?" His face contorted, "Where—" They both had to quickly grip their caps as the train blazed into the station, hissing to a halt.
The topic shifted as they boarded. "When's your birthday?" asked Mina.
"July 15th."
"Woah!" She clarified after seeing his surprised, confused face. "There are so many people in my class who were born in July!" She gestured to herself. "Including moi~."
"Really?"
She listed her fingers. "There's you now, me, Rin, Sero, and Shinso."
"I guess you can add my Mom to that list." Midoriya added, "The 4th."
Mina smiled, "We should all get together and have a little shindig for all of our birthdays."
Midoriya leveled a flat look. "Wow, a party of six people, one being my Mom. You really know how to plan 'em, don't ya?"
She noticed the upturn of his lips before acting offended and punching his shoulder. "You jerk!" She wagged her finger. "You've been spending too much time with Shinso and Jirou!" She pouted and crossed her arms. "It's turned you cynical and gave you a smart mouth!"
"Really?" he said with a great deal of sarcasm. She laughed and punched his shoulder again as he chuckled in turn before the train doors slid shut.
-XXX-
The elevator dinged as the doors slid open as Izuku stepped into Mount-Lady's office floor. His eyes landed on said Heroine who sat on the lounge's couch. She was in full costume, but was also adorned with a letterman-like jacket dyed in her colors with an assortment of branded logos here and there. "Kid," she greeted. "How's the arm?"
"She probably wouldn't believe me if I told I was completely healed… I don't really want to explain the whole Stain situation – especially if he shows up… Don't want her to think I'm a risk…" He faked a wince as he left the arm, rolling his shoulder. "I put some aloe lotion over it, so it should be all good to go."
"Okay." Mount-Lady jerked her thumb towards the restroom door. "Go get geared up, and then we'll head out on patrol."
"Oh, what's the plan?" he asked.
However, she dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "I'll tell you when you're dressed. Get going."
Izuku slowly nodded, "Okay…"
"Case's right there, kid," said Ichimoku, gesturing from his desk to the metal case on a random chair. His attention swiftly left Izuku's person and instead, went to his phone in hand. "No, it is not a fan meet-up. I need your guys far away from the route, and…" He sighed, giving a downtrodden look to his assistants as they all lowered their gazes. "Look, I'm willing to sweeten the pot and wet your mouths, okay? A real… scandal, alright?"
"What're they going on about…?" thought Midoriya as he walked into the restroom. "Are they talking to the press…? Trying to avoid getting swamped when she's out on patrol…?" He popped open the case and started to slip into his costume. "That doesn't really help me…" After his bodysuit was zipped up, his armor whirled into place and took his helmet into his hands. "How do I get his attention…? How do I even get him here…? How do I…" His thumb rubbed against the new emblem that was hitched into place upon the forehead-area – one that matched Shiketsu's. "Need to endear myself to Mount-Lady, first… Need to make a scenario where they listen…" His helmet slid over his hair and head. "I need to know what she needs…"
He stared at himself in the mirror, gear and all. "Oh, the pathetic nerd, thinks he can be some fucking mastermind…" His thumb hit the button under his ear, bringing the LED eyes to life. They blinked as he did. "How fucked in the head, are you, huh…? Gonna turn a Hero into bait…" His mind wandered, recalling a blond-haired, red-eyed boy and his sneer. "What happens if you fuck up…? Get her killed…? Said you'd never be much of a fucking Hero…!"
Izuku reached up; poked at the emblem above his visor. "What am I doing…? What am I thinking…?" He shook his head before turning to leave; pushing open the door. "I'm… I'm just going out on patrol… That's all…"
-XXX-
Yu stood, biting back a sigh, as her intern stepped out of the restroom. Her eyes widened for a moment as she looked him up and down. He was clad in a jumpsuit and armor. "Not quite Hero-looking… But… I guess he kinda looks a bit like a Tokusatsu Hero…" Her face contorted as her head teetered. "Actually, it's a bit too muted and toned down… Kinda looks militaristic, if I squint real hard…" Her eyes then met the visor's green orbs. "Then, there's the face…"
He blinked, "Is something wrong?"
"Not a terrible looking suit, kid," offered Ichimoku as he walked over. "Got a real practical look going for you. Not very flashy, though – you're not gonna have a lot of media presence."
Midoriya looked at himself, "Oh… you think?"
"What Support Company made it?" asked Yu as she walked over.
He shrugged, "I did."
Ichimoku's eyes widened. "You?!"
"Seriously?" questioned Yu.
Midoriya looked between them, almost shaking his head. "I can't tell if these are good looks…"
"Now, it makes sense. It does kinda scream 'I'm unique'…" As Midoriya stared on, Ichimoku chuckled awkwardly. "In, uh, multiple senses…"
The intern turned to Yu. "Does he mean that in a bad way?" His tone was akin to a toddler who was genuinely confused about what he did wrong. It didn't help that the orbs gave him a cartoon-like sad puppy look. "Man… first, my gag shirts; now, this…" It was super effective; Ichimoku was hit with a waft of guilt while Yu nearly stumbled back at the sudden level of… what she dared thought was cuteness.
Yu waved her hand, "No, no! It's fine. You look kinda cool!"
"You don't have to lie to me; it's fine." He was pretty dejected.
"No, seriously. Ichimoku's just being stupid," she said, smacking the man's shoulder.
Which queued him to say, "I'm actually colorblind! This could actually look cooler than I think."
'No, you're not,' she mouthed.
Ichimoku silently shushed her by putting his finger to his lips.
Yu shook her head, patting Midoriya's shoulder. "Let's… just go on patrol." She lightly pushed the intern towards the elevator to leave.
Ichimoku mouthed, 'I'm sorry'.
She shook her head and waved her hand as a way to say, 'It's fine'. The doors slid shut behind her and Midoriya as they descended to the ground floor before leaving for the streets.
"Okay, listen up. I got a few ground rules," she explained as she placed her hand atop of his head, pulling him ahead of her. "You're walking in front of me. As long as you're my responsibility, I'm not risking something happening to you when I'm not looking." He stumbled into his spot before they started down the rather empty sidewalk. "I got a route. We're gonna walk it. Half of it will take about an hour at a strolling pace." She waved her hand in a circle. "We get lunch. Then one more route for another hour and then back to the agency."
Yu zipped up her jacket before shoving her hands into her pockets. "It's early morning so there aren't gonna be a lot of people since most are at school or work. The most difficult thing for us to deal with would be some stupid kids skipping school. There's a junior high not too far from here, so it's to be expected." She peeked her head over his shoulder, poking the side of his head. "I'll let you handle them." She shrugged, "This is as softball as this is going to get. Either this or community work."
"Sounds like you got all of this planned out," said Midoriya.
Yu smirked and rolled her eyes. "This is nothing. I'm a professional – a Pro-Hero, and don't you forget it."
"Yes, ma'am."
She gagged. "Do. Not. Call me that. Just… call me Takeyama – none of that 'Ms' stuff either."
"O-Okay… T… T-Takeyama…" He did his best.
"You must be friends with one girl." She shook her head. "It can't be that weird to say my name normally."
"You're a Pro-Hero – it's kinda weird to… well, treat you normally." He scratched his cheek, or rather, his helmet. "You deserve respect."
She blew raspberries. "Then, respect me enough to address me as I ask."
Midoriya hummed, "Hm…" He teetered his head. "That… That makes sense…"
"I make a lot of that, actually." As they walked along the sidewalk, she lifted her chin, grinning. "Aren't you glad you joined up with me for your internship?"
-XXX-
As early morning slowly shifted to noon, Hitoshi and Ashido walked after Kamui Woods. They were in their Hero costumes with their Shiketsu caps atop of their heads. The group had long left his agency and started on this patrol. "I was really hoping to put this Maneuver Belt through its paces, but… I guess he doesn't quite trust our mobility yet…" After adjusting the mask on his face, he hooked his thumbs on his belt. "We're interns, but we're still fresh blood… Can't take too many risks with us…"
"So, we'll be making a slight detour from our patrol to investigate a possible disturbance in an abandoned apartment building," explained Kamui. "Well, it's more like a condo." He shrugged, "All in all, it shouldn't be a difficult patrol today."
Ashido raised her hand. "Are we going to be patrolling all day?"
"No. We'll only be doing this for about an hour or so, and then I'm going to show you what else Heroes do." He put his hands on his hips. "It isn't just about walking, waving, shaking hands, and taking down the bad guys. It's about the community too. You'll see."
"At least, we're getting a rounded experience, I guess…" thought Hitoshi.
"Now, work and school will keep most people inside and out of the streets. Makes things quiet, especially in a town like this." "It makes a basic patrol, but… sometimes, when there's less people in the streets, certain individuals get bold." "Keep an ear out for abnormal noises."
"Like glass breaking?" offered Hitoshi.
Ashido raised a brow. "Dogs barking?"
"Yes, Shinso. Maybe, Ashido." Kamui lectured, "Some people say that committing crime in broad daylight isn't likely or just plain stupid. And that's what makes some think it's a good idea." He gestured to the sky above. "Daylight means safety – a clear blue sky means a good day." His hand fell. "So you don't guard yourself. You plug both headphones into your ears. You don't hold tight to your pepper-spray or your bag. You leave your door unlocked because you forgot something and you'd only be a second." He sighed, looking over his shoulder. "Truth is: a crime can happen at any time."
"Patrols are best when they're slow and methodical. Shinso, you and I could swing between these buildings. Ashido, you could skate down this sidewalk with your acid as fast as a skier down a mountain. But if a bad guy spots you before you spot them, they hide, you sail past, and then… the bad things happen."
Hitoshi let out a breath as he meddled with his cap.
Ashido frowned, rubbing her arm.
Kamui stopped, turning around. "It's a heavy thing to teach you both on your second day, I know." He put his hands on his hips. "I'm saying all of this because it is the time to make these mistakes." Hitoshi and Ashido shared a look before Kamui continued, "You're kids. You won't be acting out on your own any time soon. Whether it be me or anyone else who takes you on, we have your back. We will fix your mistakes and probably admonish you for making them. Take them as an opportunity to learn; to understand the importance of what you'll do and the responsibility you'll bear." He stepped forward and put his hands on either shoulder of the pair. "You don't have to be good at this right now. You have time – make the most of it."
Hitoshi nodded, "Yes, sir."
"Yeah… right," said Ashido as she slowly, resolutely nodded.
Kamui nodded in turn before he continued to lead his interns. "Take our time… I feel like that's a first…" Hitoshi scratched his cheek. "I don't really want to make… thosemistakes… And I'm sure that not all Heroes would be happy about their intern making a bunch of them…" He crossed his arms. "I guess this is his way of asking us to trust or… follow him…?" He teetered side-to-side. "I still feel stressed, but… kinda… relaxed at the same time…" He chuckled internally. "Talk about an oxymoron…"
-XXX-
Yu was annoyed by his face/visor thing; the half-orbs made his neutral tone seem to be complete sarcasm. "You offered to save a cat while being deathly allergic to them?"
Her hand smacked Midoriya's head – which hurt her way more than him, but that was neither here nor there. "Could you say it louder, please!?" She scoffed, "And I didn't say, 'I'; I said 'we'."
The action didn't seem to bother him. "True." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Do you have like an epipen or anything?"
"No." Her head teetered, putting her hands on her hips. "We'll stop by a pharmacy later."
He nodded, "Yeah, uh… The cat might jump down. You should take a few steps back."
Yu blinked before nodding and stepping away. "Oh, yeah, definitely." Once she was safely away, Midoriya started up the lofty tree.
Mount-Lady's patrol took them on a minor detour through a nearby park. "What's the name of this place anyway…?" She looked around and found an almost picturesque trail of hills and greenery. There were even a few bridges that crossed over the nearby… body of water. "Is it a pond or a lake…? It's in the middle of a concrete town, so it's probably man-made…" Her hands landed on a nearby gazebo which held the distressed girl.
She was in her college years, working as a cat sitter for money on the side. "I know you have to take dogs out for walks, but… a cat's kinda weird… But money's money, I guess…" Her name was… "It wasn't Kaguya – that's Ichimoku's assistant…"
Yu jumped as she heard a yowl from above. The green-clad boy let out a yelp as a ginger cat in a blue harness leapt to the ground. "Oh! Kenji!" cried the girl as she swiftly chased after the cat, snagging its leash from the ground. The cat was not pleased by this turn of events, but it seemed like he was going to learn to live with it. "Come on, come on! Let's get you home before Miss. Shimada does!" Once Kenji felt the tug of its leash, it flopped over which allowed the girl to pick him up and carry him away.
Yu looked up as Midoriya plunged a hook into the tree before descending with his line. "Good job."
"Thanks…" He tugged on his line and it grew taut. "Aw, crap…"
"What is it?"
Midoriya began to pull, trying to free the hook from the treetop. "Don't worry, it's just—" His metal heels dragged on the paved path. "It's a bit stuck." The orbs narrowed as he spoke through gritted teeth, straining. "I got it! I totally got it!"
Yu shook her head as she watched the boy, "Park's are touch and go for places to look out for…", before catching a familiar voice. She turned to see a wood-covered man walking down the path with a purple-haired boy and a pink-skinned girl in tow.
The purple one said, "Because people think that no thief would run here since they'd be completely out in the open."
"So, they'd try to play into that by pretending to be a civilian and acting completely calm to mislead everyone," added the pink one.
Kamui Woods chuckled, nodding, "You're both catching on. Well done. Ah—" He stopped in his tracks when he looked ahead and spotted her. "Mount-Lady, this is a surprise."
She couldn't help but grin. "Woods!" She forced a chuckle. "It is so weird that you just keep showing up after me, huh?"
"I was there before you!"
Yu cooed, covering her mouth with one hand. "Gross~." She tilted her head. "Touch a nerve~? Can't believe you'd act like that in front of your sidekicks~."
Kamui froze stiff for a moment. "Ah…" He turned to his sidekicks. "Sorry, Shinso, Ashido. I…" He took in a breath and let out a long sigh. "We have… a bit of history."
Ashido gasped with sparkles in her hips, bouncing on her heels. "Seriously!? Did you two date or something!?"
Yu chortled, "I haven't even seen his face – how could that ever happen?"
"You having a problem there, Midoriya?" asked Shinso.
Midoriya grunted, pulling harder. "Oh, I'm fine – totally, all good! No bad things!" He panted, letting the line droop before letting the coil in his belt spin as he stepped further away. "Ugh… It's—it's the angle I know it." Now, he stood in the grass and pulled taut again, leaning into a 45-degree angle. "I got it! I'll be home free! Pork-cutlet, here I come!"
"You have a sidekick?" asked Kamui.
Yu shrugged, waving her hand. "Intern – Field Support Agent or something."
"Sidekicks before sidekicks," commented Shinso.
Ashido pumped her fist. "You got this, Midori!"
"They know each other…?" Her eyes trailed to the caps on their heads and the shiny 'S' upon them. "Ah… Shiketsu students…"
"Ah!" Midoriya face-planted against the ground as the line came free. "I got it!"
Ashido giggled, clapping, "Woo!"
"You showed that hook who's boss!" laughed Shinso.
Kamui stepped over to Yu. "It's only his second day?"
"Yeah?" She raised a questioning brow.
His head teetered. "As they… seem to be friends, perhaps we should… merge our patrols."
"What? Like partner up – us, seriously?"
Kamui took in a big breath. "As much as they're supposed to be learning, they're also children and should be allowed to be kids… relaxed…" He shrugged, "I'll still be giving them my two-cents and you can give them yours. All in all, I think it would be a nice experience for them. I mean, I assume you're doing this now for the same reasons I did. It's not like there'd be much action today. Let's just wrap up our patrol, I have a minor detour planned, then we'll have lunch, and go our separate ways."
Yu tapped her chin. "Hm… Okay… If…" She smirked, "If you pay for lunch… for all of us."
"W-What? Are you serious?"
"Yep."
Kamui looked at the trio for a moment before rolling his eyes. "Ugh… Fine, whatever, I'll pay for lunch."
She extended her hand, "Deal!", and he begrudgingly shook it. "Score~…!"
Chapter 35: Hold Onto Something
Yu didn't bother to hide the look of disgust that she aimed at the dilapidated building. It was definitely an apartment building once upon time – couldn't house more than six occupants. It had a small lot surrounding it meant for vehicles and a waist-high, brick fence that clearly defined its perimeter. All in which were not gracefully experiencing the test of time. The paint had chipped here and there; wood endured festering rot while the concrete and asphalt cracked, allowing buds of green to peek through.
Yu pushed her hands into her jacket's pockets. "We're in the middle of suburbia… Why the hell is a place like this still standing…?"
"We're going to check out this building," announced Kamui. "There was a complaint filed with the local police last night. About random people going in and out of the place." He produced a key from his pocket and unlocked the gate in the brick fence. "This building is owned by the History Preservation Society – it's a look and don't touch."
"Preservation?" echoed Ashido. "Sorry, Mr. Woods, but this place is falling apart."
Midoriya stepped forward, hooking his thumbs in his belt straps. "They're making a statement."
"About what?"
Shinso knocked a knuckle against a plaque that was nailed into the brick fence. "It's a Quirk-Containment Complex."
Midoriya stepped through the gate, following Kamui. "Those heavy-duty shutters are a dead giveaway."
Ashido recoiled a bit as Shinso stepped through. "Oh my god…" She then followed suit. "So, what? They're keeping it to rot?"
"The old ideas rot away before our very eyes," said Kamui. "We've left the 'out of sight; out of mind' mentality, and traded it in for a more accepting society."
"Is it even safe to go inside?" asked Yu as she swung the gate shut behind her.
"For normal people? No." Kamui wasn't focused on her, but the interns before him, lecturing on and on. "Which is why people like us need to make sure they don't get themselves hurt. A rule, however: don't wonder off and stay close together."
Yu waved her hand as she leaned against the brick fence. "I'll stand guard out here." She shrugged, "Lot's about big enough for me to stand and grow; if we need to scare some children." She let slip a mocking tone towards the end of her sentence.
Kamui was definitely fighting back a sigh. "That'll be fine. A group of four is more than enough to look around a place like this."
"I don't know how I feel about keeping a place like this around…" muttered Ashido.
Midoriya shrugged, "At least, it's a glorified museum piece. A few of these complexes are actually still in use."
"Seriously?"
Shinso nodded, "Yeah, back when I was living with my Dad, the ads make out the shutter thing as 'high-end' security."
Midoriya recoiled, "That's… awful…"
"It's pretty gross," said Ashido.
"And stupid from a business standpoint." One orb on his visor flattened while the other widened into a large circle. "It's the same line they spat to get people to move into these places. That and record-low rent."
Kamui chuckled, "It's so nice to see that all of you are so educated."
Yu smirked, crying out from the fence. "That's an old person's line!" She pointed at him like she was a toddler on a playground. "You sound old!"
It was his turn to recoil now; everyone gets one. "No, it isn't." He looked around at the interns. "I'm not!"
"I didn't say anything," stated Shinso.
"You're the youngest Hero I know!" claimed Ashido.
"You're not that old!" cried Midoriya.
"That… old…?" echoed Kamui.
A little too loud, Midoriya muttered, "I've said too much."
Yu chuckled to herself as her intern vehemently tried to correct his mistake as Kamui entered denial. "I totally thought this whole thing was going to be a complete pain, but… this is pretty entertaining…"
-XXX-
"Not the greatest impression…" Izuku pulled out Masai from his back. "Would probably be way worse if he recognized me…" Shinso pulled out his electrified escrima sticks. "This helmet was a great idea – glad I went with the blacked-out visor…" Ashido pulled out her grenade launcher with a bit of giddiness.
Kamui chuckled, "That might be a bit overkill, Ashido. Let's pack it away for now."
She deflated, "Aw…"
"Before we move forward, I should ask, Midoriya, what's your Quirk?" asked Kamui. "It'll help me strategize the best formation for us to search in."
Izuku's heart skipped a beat, causing him to fumble. "Oh! Uh… um…" He forced a chuckle while meddling with the chin of his helmet. "I… Actually…"
Ashido skipped in front of him, raising a hand and waving it. "He's super smart!" She chuckled awkwardly, "But not like… 'super' super, but definitely above average."
"It doesn't sound like much, but well, he made his suit and gear," said Shinso. "Even my suit and our Maneuver-Belts."
Kamui nodded, "Oh! I see." He stepped toward Izuku, patting his shoulder. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. We all come in different shapes and sizes; all that matters is how you use it."
"Pfft," let out Takeyama.
A glare was immediately shot her way by Kamui. "Shut up."
"It's way grosser when you're touching his shoulder," added Takeyama.
Kamui's hand left Izuku, spitting, "You're such a child!"
"And you lack self-awareness," she stated.
Kamui's palm met his masked face, "I'll take point. Shinso, Midoriya, take either side of the door." He pointed to his other intern. "Ashido, take up the rear—shut up." His pointing finger immediately swiveled to the other Pro.
"I didn't say anything!" cried Takeyama.
His eyes narrowed, "You thought it, though." He shook his head before turning back to his intern. "You said you can make non-acidic slush, yes?" Ashido nodded. "If anyone gets past us, it makes running difficult for them."
"Gets past us…? Kamui Woods is the Hero when it comes to capturing villains… There's no way anyone gets past him…" His head swiveled as he looked over Shinso and Ashido. "They lied for me… Even Mount-Lady isn't saying anything and she has my file…"
Shinso chuckled, whispering while nudging Izuku's shoulder. "Did your heart grow three-sizes or something?"
"W-What? N-No! Shut up," stuttered out Izuku. "H-How'd you know that?"
Another laugh. "You don't have to take it personally. Last thing I want to find out is that one of my favorite Heroes is an asshole."
Ashido brought her hands together, winking and whispering, "Plus, it'd be really awkward for the rest of the week." Her fists landed on her hips. "But, once we prove ourselves, he won't be able to argue! I mean it's just a little, white lie. Can't be that big of a deal, right? Right."
Kamui called out, "Hey, everyone form up."
"Aye, sir!" cried Ashido, pumping her fist.
"Come on, let's go be 'urban explorers'," said Shinso, nudging his friend.
There were three apartments on the ground floor with three more on the second. Kamui started with the center-most on the ground floor. Awkwardly, Izuku and Shinso posted up on either side of the door. Both had seen plenty of action movies where the good guys stack on the door before breaching. However, what was in the movies was different from reality. "I actually can't see jack from this angle… Judging by how Shinso's looking, he can't see much either…"
Kamui instructed, "I'll enter first. Shinso, keep your gaze fixed on the left side of the room as you enter. Midoriya, same for the right side. Each room will have a bathroom, a restroom, and a closet. All perfect hiding places. Follow along the wall, and open any door you come across. If it is a small enclosure, do a quick search and then close it. If it leads to a larger room, do not enter, we will return to that once we secure the main room." He looked over his shoulder. "Ashido and Mount-Lady will maintain the perimeter until called upon."
Ashido seemed to deflate a little bit more. "Oh…" She coughed before straightening her back. "Uh, I mean—you got it, Boss!"
"Now…" The Pro took a breath before knocking his knuckles against the front door. "This is Kamui Woods! Is anyone—" His eyes widened when the, supposedly, locked door creaked open. Grips tightened on their weapons as they looked at either side. "Stay focused, and remember your instructions."
As directed, Kamui entered before Izuku and Shinso followed swiftly behind. The word 'preservation' in the Society's name gave them all a certain impression. The material may be rotting, in a controlled manner, but they all expected the inside of the apartment to be a partial facsimile of what was. However, it was anything but…
The walls that were meant to separate the three apartments were gone. Evidently, each was knocked down, leaving only the support beams to hold up the ceiling and floor above. Bundles of wires were pulled from multiple gaps, reattached together in seemingly random assortments. Remnants of wood and drywall decorated the rotting floorboards. Two doors remained on the far sides of the enclosure, but not old and rickety ones like the entryways. Instead, these doors were made from a strange weaving of plastic-like tubes.
"It's not… supposed to be like this, right?" asked Shinso.
Kamui shook his head. "No, it is not." He called out, "Ashido! Come in here."
"Yes, sir!" Ashido jogged in before skidding to a stop. "Woah! What the…"
He pointed, "Those doors. They're made in a fashion that is way too organic. I'm betting they were made by a Quirk – could be traps." He directed her. "Melt them, I don't want to risk it. Midoriya, back her up."
"After you," offered Izuku.
She chuckled, cocking a brow. "Thanks." She pumped her fists. "Let's melt some doors."
They walked towards the door, and… it was almost imperceptible, at first. With one step forward, the way that the light peaked through the windows seemed to hit it in a different way. Another step; another way. It was when they were only a meter away that they could clearly see that the plastic tubes were writhing in their presence. Frantically moving as if the mass was trying to get away from them.
Ashido nudged Izuku's shoulder. "Uh… Let's not get any closer, big guy." She lifted her right arm, pulling one of the bulbs attached to the outside of it. "That's what these babies are for." She clicked the top of it before softly lobbing the bulb at the lintel above the door. Little mechanical legs immediately extended from the device before spewing a wave of grey, blue-ish slosh below. The tubes waggled and flung themselves as they melted and fell apart. "Top button triggers 'Spider-Mode' which leads to…" She wiggled her fingers at the display of acid. "Acid Rain~!"
The slosh rolled towards their feet, causing Izuku to step back. She eeped before tapping her gauntlet and pulling a cylinder from her waist and tossing it into the slop. The bulb clicked shut as the metal of the cylinder sizzled against the acid, but didn't melt. It's top half popped open before a spew of powder caked the bubbling acid, causing it to quiet and soon be inert.
The orbs on Izuku's visor upturned into crescents. "Woah, that's awesome!"
Ashido grinned. "I know, right?"
Izuku crouched, observing how the acid turned into a simple, slime-like material. "I really gotta do a study on how your acid works…" He chuckled, shaking his head. "This is just piquing my curiosity." He rubbed his chin. "Capable of melting a basic material like plastic, but neutralized easily by something like… Baking soda…?"
"Hey! Got it in one!" She patted his head. "You really are smart."
The orbs narrowed as he tilted his head. "Thanks?"
Ashido tapped another button on her gauntlet and the bulb released its grip from the wall, landing in the slush. "Oh, crud…" She tiptoed through and picked it up, brushing off the sludge. "Let's get through the other door."
She jogged over to Shinso while Kamui walked up. "Midoriya, keep your distance. I'll search through it." He stepped towards what was clearly a closet. "Fresh clothes… They've actually been ironed…" He rummaged through it. "Clothing is an assortment of streetwear, a few uniforms, and…" He crouched, picking up something from the ground. "Clothes fit for a toddler…"
Izuku peeked past Kamui's shoulder. "Aldera uniform?"
"You can tell?" asked Kamui over his shoulder. He stood, looking over the outfit. "You're right. That's a school in the nearby area…"
"So, what? A runaway family moved in?" offered Shinso as acid rained on the other writhing door..
Kamui wrangled through the hanging clothes, "Yes, with a man who works at a convenience store, as an electrician, a mechanic… office-worker… this one even has a teacher's lanyard attached to it…"
"Wait… Are these like disguises?" pondered Ashido as she tossed another cylinder over.
"I can't deny that it seems that way," said Kamui.
Ashido peered through the entryway. "Well, it looks like it's just a restroom over here."
"A weirdly clean one," noted Shinso. "You'd expect mold or something, but nothing." He stepped into the room, disappearing from sight. Soon, it was followed by the noise of a running faucet. "The plumbing works!"
Izuku blinked before looking at the wall near one of the doors. He walked over and flicked up a switch, bringing light upon a third of the large room. "Looks like whoever was here got this place back on the grid."
"Okay, so…" Ashido shook her head. "There's no way someone's been living here, right? I mean, the plumbing and the electricity's working, sure, but there's no place to even lay down."
After exiting the restroom, Shinso crossed his arms. "Not to mention, this 'renovation' got rid of three kitchens, two bathrooms, and three bedrooms. If anyone was trying to live here, they made their lives even harder. And we're in a Quirk Containment building. These walls weren't just wood and drywall; they were heavy-duty metal underneath that."
"So, the real question is… what would they need all this room for?" asked Kamui.
Something fell on the floor above, causing a waft of dust and powder to fall.
"Maybe… this might be our chance to ask?" offered Izuku.
-XXX-
Hitoshi was about as huffy as Ashido was when Kamui had them wait in the front, parking lot with Mount-Lady. "We're interns, I know… I was hoping for a real case or something…" His arms were crossed as Midoriya's thumbs found his belt strap while Ashido blew raspberries and kicked her feet. Midoriya was still the closest to the building, pacing near the staircase that led to the second floor. Ashido and Hitoshi were about midway across the lot while Mount-Lady was leaning against the brick fence.
"Think there's anyone actually up there?" asked Ashido.
Hitoshi shrugged, "Maybe – could just be a raccoon or something…"
"I am Kamui Woods! Is anyone in there?!" he shouted. "This building is no longer suitable to be lived in. It is also the private property of the HPS and you are not allowed t—"
An explosion of dust, splinters, glass, and metal erupted from the second floor. The shockwave threw Hitoshi and Ashido back and to the ground while Mount-Lady was thrown onto the sidewalk. Windows on the ground floor were cracked while the entire building quaked. A form sailed over all of them and across the street, crashing against the far building. Kamui landed on the far sidewalk with a thud.
Hitoshi shook his head as he sat up. Thrown downward instead of away; Midoriya was already pushing himself onto his feet, trying to pick up Masai from the ground. Though, his stance was short lived as a large, muscular man leapt from the cloud of debris. His fists slammed on Midoriya's head, bending him forward, before a hit from the villain's knee straightened his back. A large hand wrapped around Midoriya's throat before blue light sparked from his knuckles. Blue electricity raked Midoriya's body, bringing Hitoshi, Ashido, and Mount-Lady to their feet.
The man pulled Midoriya's limp body close as two others stood out on the balcony as the debris settled. One was a woman with white, segmented skin – her hair was akin to plastic tubing. The other was a brunet: almost entirely normal-looking if not for his arm which had expanded into a strange amalgamation of bone and flesh in the shape of a 'cannon'.
Hitoshi's eyes looked over the three. "Plastic-Woman over there's probably responsible for those doors… Mr. Arm-Burst there just rocked us… and… Electrocutioner has…"
"No one moves!" demanded Electrocutioner. "Or I'll fry this boy so hard that his eyes will burst from his damn helmet!" He gestured to the two above and waved the dangling boy. "The four of us are gonna be leaving… and you lot aren't budging from those spots…"
"L-Let's just calm down, okay?" offered Shinso, raising his open palms. "No one needs to get hurt—anymore."
Electrocutioner's face contorted for a moment before he shook his head. "Look, I don't want to hurt anyone, k—" His blue eyes clouded over as his jaw hung open.
Hitoshi chuckled before saying, "Let him go now."
"You're not in the position to make demands!" shouted Arm-Burst, aiming his arm below.
Plastic-Woman's eyes widened as she watched Electrocutioner release Midoriya. "Hey! What the hell are you doing!?"
Hitoshi began to run forward as Ashido quickly followed. Mount-Lady's shadow quickly engulfed all of them as she grew taller and taller. His eyes followed his falling friend, but instead of collapsing against the ground, Midoriya dropped into a roll, spinning once on his feet. A hook launched his belt and ran through Arm-Burst's shoulder before he threw his whole body into yanking him downward.
The Plastic-Woman lunged for Mount-Lady who swiftly swatted the villain into the nearby building, through grass and crashing within.
Arm-Burst's 'cannon' arm shifted into a normal one before he pulled at the hook. "You bastard! You were faking it!?"
"It tickled," mocked Midoriya before he reeled the hook whilst lunging for the man.
Arm-Burst was pulled towards Midoriya, but, with one hand pulling on the hook, his other arm restructured into the 'cannon'. His elbow bloated like a frog's throat before a torrent of wind fired into Midoriya's gut. The force shot the teen backwards; the momentum helped Arm-Burst rip the wire free from his shoulder. Midoriya collided with the Electrocutioner and they both crashed into the first-floor apartment.
Hitoshi shouted, "Midoriya!"
The Plastic-Woman leapt from the window she crashed through, lunging for Mount-Lady. The Hero tried to catch the villain but her plastic-like hair exploded from her scalp, wrapping around the giant swinging hand. The tubes began to crawl up Hero's arms, trying to shake the villain off. The tubes detached from the woman's scalp as she used the momentum to fling herself closer to Mount-Lady's head. Another set of tubes roared from the woman's scalp, wrapping around the Hero's throat.
Mount-Lady fell back as she tried to shake off the crawling villain, crashing against the building behind her and raining glass upon Kamui Woods. Who coughed awake underneath her shuffling feet.
"Mount-Lady!?" cried Kamui as he looked up. He spotted the Plastic-Woman before shooting wood from his hands and using gripping roots to pull himself up the building's surface. As he soared over the roof, he shot an extension of wood from his arm, latching onto one of Mount-Lady's horns, and swung himself at the villain, tackling the woman and throwing them both off the giant woman. He then used the villain as a crash-mat as they skidded across the asphalt. When he raised his head, he noticed that the plastic tubing was still constricting around Mount-Lady's throat and hands. "Ashido!" he called out. Tubes shot up from the fallen villain, wrapping around the wooden Hero and lifting him into the air. Wood expanded from his body, forcing the tubes away. "Help Mount-Lady!"
"You two, aren't going anywhere!" spat Arm-Burst, aiming two 'cannons' at the pair. "You made Akuma just do what you wanted." He smirked and chuckled, "Boss would've loved your Quirk."
"Oh yeah?" Hitoshi spoke with the utmost seriousness. "Apple-feet."
Arm-Burst's face contorted, "What the f—"
Hitoshi pointed at the villain. "Now, stay." He rushed towards the giant woman. "Come on, Ashido!"
"O-Okay!" shouted Ashido, following after. "Are you gonna get me up there?" Her gauntlet filled up another bulb before she removed it and loaded it into the launcher.
"Yep!"
"Can you do that?" she asked.
"We'll find out!" said Hitoshi before Ashido clung to him as he fired off a line from his belt. A burst of air roared from the back of his belt as they both lurched into the air. She let out a cry as they soared upwards. "Fuck… she's throwing off my trajectory…!" Their flight began to dip more and more towards the building rather than Mount-Lady. "Dammit…!" He gripped the back of her top as he retracted his line. "Sorry, Ashido, but you got this!"
The momentum of the returning line and a burst of air helped him spin them both through the air. "What're you—" His palm pushed against her back, throwing her rightward and aligning her with Mount-Lady. "Shinso!" She gritted her teeth as she had let Hitoshi fall before taking aim with her launcher.
With a burst of gas, the gun fired the grenade at the bundle of plastic wrapping around the Heroine's hands and throat. Using the recoil of her launcher, she was spun through the air which allowed her to swiftly toss another cylinder from belt towards the same spot.
The acid ate through the plastic and hissed against Mount-Lady's skin and costume. Which allowed her to rip her hands free and extend her fingers before the cylinder landed and exploded into powder. As acid turned to harmless sludge, Mount-Lady moved to catch Hitoshi in her palm before taking a giant step to catch Ashido in the other.
Once Hitoshi and Ashido were placed on even ground, Mount-Lady dug her fingers against her arms and neck, removing whatever specs of plastic remained. She then turned her gaze upon the Plastic-Woman as she threw a car at a flying Kamui Woods. The Hero just barely managed to dodge the vehicle which allowed the Heroine to easily catch it.
Kamui landed on a streetlight, nodding to Mount-Lady, before looking down upon the villain. "Give it up!" Mount-Lady placed the car down. "It's just you now! This doesn't have to escalate any further."
Hitoshi blinked when Ashido broke into a sprint back towards the building. "Where are you going?"
"Midoriya!" she cried.
"Oh shit…" muttered Hitoshi before sprinting after her. "Electrocutioner was in a trance, but Midoriya slammed into him… With that much impact, there's no way he stayed under…!" He shook his head. "Crap…! Can't believe we left him alone with that g—"
The sound of broken glass cut his thought off as they came to a stop in the lot. The Electrocutioner was out cold underneath a broken window, and his face looked like he had gone ten rounds in a boxing ring. Both his and Ashido's gaze snapped towards the form that fell against the front door's frame.
"Midoriya!" shouted Ashido, rushing over.
Midoriya almost fell against her, but was just barely able to keep his balance. "Ashido, Shinso! Are you guys okay? What's happening?"
"Us?!" she laughed incredulously. "We're fine!" She shook her head. "Are you hurt?"
He was panting, "Bruised, but… I'll be fine…" He shook his head. "I'm… more tired than anything else…"
"How? You got flung into a building!" questioned Hitoshi.
Midoriya jerked his chin towards Electrocutioner. "It helps that he took the brunt of it all." A shrug followed, "Pretty sure he's cracked more bones than I have."
"We're sorry we didn't come to help you sooner," said Ashido.
"You had your own problems to worry about, I'm sure," offered Midoriya. His head turned towards Arm-Burst who still stood stiffly in the lot. "What's up with that guy?"
"In a trance—my Quirk."
Midoriya straightened his back, causing a few pops along his spine. "Oh, neat. Think its my first time seeing that."
"TITAN'S RISING!" cried Mount-Lady.
The three looked over to see Mount-Lady grow to her maximum height, throwing her fist skyward. The Plastic-Woman slipped off the giant woman's knuckles, falling limply towards the ground. Only to be swiftly caught by Kamui Woods.
"Oh, thank god… It's over… That was way too much on our second day…" said Ashido, deflating.
Hitoshi nodded, "I was hoping for a little action, but yeah… that was… really unexpected."
Midoriya nodded for a moment. "…" Which was before he asked, "Think we're still getting lunch? I could go for a pork-cutlet bowl…" Hitoshi and Ashido's heads slowly swiveled to look at him. "What?" He caved and became defensive. "I'm hungry, okay? That was exhausting! And I was told we were having lunch."
Chapter 36: The Aftermath
"Kid!" cried Yu as she rushed over to Midoriya. Her hands landed on his shoulder, shaking and turning around him. A giant sigh of relief rolled out as she laxed. "Oh thank god, you're alive!" Her eyes stared at the asphalt as a dark shadow rolled over her face. "Shiketsu would not have been happy about that."
"We did it?" Ashido pumped her fists into the air. "Woo! All the bad guys are down and we're all okay!" Her eyes darted over to Midoriya. "Probably—are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," said Midoriya, waving his hand.
"You better be…" she muttered. "I need that paycheck in full…" She then stepped back, letting Ashido talk Midoriya's ear off, and her gaze fell upon herself. That acid saved her life, no doubt of that, but it also sizzled her flesh and put a lovely, lovely hole in her costume. "I liked that bra too…" Not to mention, that deactivated acid was now a semi-liquid that was spreading to places that she would greatly prefer it didn't.
She instinctively grasped the sides of her jacket to pull the top closed—only to find that the zipper had… melted. "Of course, it did… All my damned luck…" Despair covered her face as she peeled it off. "No… There were only two of these ever made…" She felt a weight slap upon her shoulders as a bubbling started underneath her skin. "Lose one in the move and the other in this mess… Was supposed to be an easy day… No muss; no fuss… Free lunch…"
"Ms. Takeyama?" she heard from Midoriya before hearing…
Kamui's head turned as sirens grew louder—closer and closer. "The police are on their way."
"They're not the only ones…" muttered Shinso as people began to peek through the shattered windows and piled out the ground-floor doors.
Yu groaned, "Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" She let out a laugh as her arms crossed across "Great time for a photo-op! Lovely—fantastic! Of course!"
Ashido's face contorted, "Ooh, uh…"
Midoriya yanked on a cord underneath his left arm, causing three hisses to escape his back. "Shinso, help!" The metal plates of his vest drooped as he bent forward.
"Help with—huh? Oh, I get it!" Shinso rushed over and began to pull on the top of Midoriya's vest.
Metal clinked against metal as a plate met his helmet. "Ow!"
"Sorry!" grunted Shinso as he pulled the vest free.
Ashido pulled her sash from her waist before skipping over to swipe Yu's jacket from her hand. "Yoink."
Yu almost tried to snatch it back. "What're you—"
"Arms up, Miss!" Shinso dashed up to her, lifting the vest overhead.
"Wha—" Yu stepped back, but he was already upon her. "Ah! Watch the horns!"
Shinso's face contorted, "Sorry! I gotta let you handle that. I'm doing my best to not… uh, look…"
"Right—boy, teenager…" Yu tilted her head to fit her horned head through the neck-hole before slipping her arms in. "Ugh, fine…" The plates were still sagging, but it was basically on her – it was actually, surprisingly, heavy.
"Uh… Midoriya?"
"Yep-yep!" Her intern stepped in and pulled a hidden cord underneath her right arm, causing a set of hisses upon her back. The plates were pulled taut, forming the vest to her body. It didn't do anything to the weight of the thing, but made it, at least, presentable. Well, as best as it could be. The vest was clearly meant for someone of a wider stature than hers. The plates were pulled almost too tight to compensate. It didn't make it too difficult to move, but definitely made her worry about doing so.
Ashido ushered the boys back as she swung in with sash and jacket in tow. The girl's sash became a sort of makeshift loincloth before Yu's jacket was tied over it, covering the adult's hips and backside. Now, the most prominent areas of the liquid seepage were hidden with the only remaining ones being faint enough to be unnoticeable.
The interns stepped away from Yu, almost admiring their work. However, when Yu turned herself to see her own reflection upon a non-shattered window, she couldn't help but think, "I look ridiculous…" Teal didn't mix well with tan and orange – and the dramatic amount of green definitely didn't. Though, she still said, "Thanks…" She rolled her shoulders, adjusting to the weight. "Better to look ridiculous than deal with some jackass stuffing a camera into my chest…"
She looked around and noticed that Kamui Woods had left their little party, leaving the task to the teenagers. Instead, he focused on forming multiple barriers along the road and sidewalks. Now, the civilians and would-be photographers couldn't close in on the interns, villains, and Heroine. Though, those gawking people quickly recognized the two Pros, starting as excited gasps before erupting into squeals and cries.
Soon, sirens and the local authorities began to drown them out and parted the crowd, soon organizing it.
-XXX-
Hitoshi nodded to Arm-Burst. "Follow the officer's directions to the letter." He clapped his hands together before gesturing to the female officer. "Alright, he's all yours."
The bird-faced woman tilted her head. "Just like that?" She offered a command. "Arms behind your back." It was followed, and caused her to chuckle. "Nice."
She pulled out a pair of regular handcuffs before Hitoshi interjected, "I'd recommend the heavy-duty ones – his arms expand."
She blinked before nodding, "Gotcha, thanks, kid." She tucked her cuffs away before pulling a pack from her back. Said pack split into two and expanded into two rectangular prisms with arm-sized holes.
Hitoshi smiled underneath his mask. "You're welcome."
His attention shifted when he heard the grunt of three. Electrocutioner was loaded on a complicated-looking stretcher. The bedding seemed to shine akin to a rubber-like material while heavy-duty clamps were strapped over his arms and legs. "Hey, we got this from here," said one of the paramedics to the other. "Prep the ambulance for an electric Quirk."
"Aye, aye."
Hitoshi walked over, overhearing Midoriya ask, "Is he… Is he gonna be okay?"
"Yeah, he's gonna be fine," said the medic. "We'll get the swelling down. Other than the probable concussion and messed up teeth, he'll be right as rain."
Midoriya nodded, "That's good to hear."
The returning paramedic called out, "Ambulance's ready!"
"Let's get 'em rolling then." Both medics nodded to Midoriya. "Thanks for your help."
"No problem," was offered in return as they rolled the villain away. "It was my own mess anyway." Hitoshi placed his hand on his hips, looking at Midoriya. "What?" he said.
Hitoshi shrugged as he walked over. "It doesn't look as good without the vest."
"Yeah, I realized," said Midoriya, looking over himself. "Having a bunch of armor on without something covering the chest is a weird look."
"Not as weird of a look as that one." Hitoshi jerked his chin towards the distant heroine. "Poor Mount-Lady. It's a hell of a hodgepodge on her." He knew that was mean to say, but since the police showed up, he would be so distracted that he'd occasionally forget what she was wearing. "She looks like one of those little kids in a marshmallow vest that's too big for them…" Every time he'd turn to look at her, he'd have to bite back a chuckle.
It caused her to glare at him a few times. "I can hear you! Ya brat!" She has remarkably good hearing.
He shook his head. "Poor, poor Mount-Lady."
"Are you seriously egging on a Pro?" asked Midoriya as he stepped forward.
Hitoshi shrugged, gesturing over. "Hey, I got Kamui to chuckle."
Mount-Lady noticed that and pointed at the Hero herself. "Traitor!"
"What's with the armor, Mount-Lady!?" cried a voice from the crowd.
"Did you get hurt!?" questioned another.
"And why is it that ugly green color!?"
Midoriya flinched, "Ugly?" He deflated, "What's—uh… what's wrong with it?"
"Nothing! Nothing is wrong with it," said Hitoshi.
"It's a mix between forest and marine green. It's a nice color."
He nodded, "It is, it is."
"Goes good with the red."
"It does." He blew raspberries and waved his hand. "Color theory – just lost on them."
Midoriya looked down. "I know you're trying to make me feel better, but you just… sound perpetually sarcastic."
"No, I don't. That's Jirou; not me," defended Hitoshi.
Ashido walked over to them. "Nope."
"Nope?" he echoed.
She waved her hand. "Nah, Jirou's sassy. You're sarcastic."
"Oh, please," said Hitoshi. "I'm the sassy one."
Ashido pointed at him while looking over at Midoriya. "See?" She "Anyway, Shinso's mean personality aside—"
Hitoshi leveled a glare at her. "Oi."
"Police are taking all of our statements. Mr. Woods wants us to be a part of it," said Ashido. She giggled, "It feels so official. It's like our first interview as sidekicks!"
As she led them back to the Pros, Midoriya cringed, "Oh, please, don't call it an interview that sounds terrifying."
"Scarier than taking on a guy trying to kill you?" questioned Hitoshi.
Midoriya sounded incredulous. "Yeah? Like ten times scarier!"
The three melded with the two Pros as they gave a clear summary of the last hour to the officer in charge. "There was one last thing… These villains talked like they were a part of a larger group. Shinso mentioned that 'Arm-Burst' commented something about a boss. And that Plastic-Woman said 'that failure was worse than death'."
"Woods mentioned that you guys were stretched thin. Is there some gang activity going on?" asked Mount-Lady.
"Gang activity?" echoed Midoriya.
The officer raised his palms. "I… I cannot confirm or deny."
"C-Can you hint at anything?" asked Midoriya.
"Midoriya." He softly scolded, "That's not an appropriate question to ask at this time."
"L-Look, I'm sorry, but…" Midoriya started to ramble, "But, I live in Shiketsu and my mom lives here, alone, so—" However, under a continuing gaze, he quickly lost his fervor. "I… I'm sorry…"
The officer let out a chuckle. "Don't be too harsh. I'd be sweatin' bullets if I heard my mom's suffering under some gang." He adjusted his cap. "And he's a sidekick, right? They'll all be getting these types of talks soon enough." He looked around to make sure no one slipped through the wooden barriers before speaking. "We're keeping low to avoid drumming up a panic, so, as long as you guys keep this to your chests, it should be fine to mention details."
He cleared his throat before speaking with a low voice. "There's been a string of robberies across a bunch of cities that we've started to believe are connected in some way. It started in Kamino Ward, skipped over to Hosu, took a pit stop in the Domed-City, and managed to find its way into our neighborhood. Almost always three locations, but the time between them varies. They've hit a few vets, but they've been mainly targeting pharmacies."
"That can't be a lot of cash," commented Hitoshi.
"They're not after the cash. They've been after the drugs," explained the officer. "Undercover boys haven't mentioned anything about upticks in 'supply', so… they've been stealing them to… hoard them." He shrugged, "We don't really know anymore than that. All in all, there's been two caught, but today, we're hauling in three." He smirked, "Maybe, if we're lucky and these guys are connected to the whole shebang, then maybe one will be willing to squeal a little bit."
"If they are connected though, doesn't that mean that they'll, well, leave?" offered Ashido.
Kamui rubbed his chin. "It depends. They may leave, or go to ground, or accelerate their time-table."
"Is there anything we can do?" asked Midoriya.
The officer chuckled, "For now? You've done plenty, kiddo." He tilted the cap. "Thank y'all for your service."
"Always Officer Masami," said Kamui, shaking the man's hand.
"You know, I overheard the captain was trying to organize an op to do something about these guys. Hopefully, put a stop to this mess here." He raised a brow. "Think you two are interested in throwing your names as potential powerhouses?"
"Like 'On-Call' situation or…?" pondered Mount-Lady.
Masami shrugged, "Probably a full operation. If you're interested in the paycheck."
She smiled, offering her hand. "You guys have my number."
"That we do, ma'am."
"If they weren't offering pay, was she not gonna help…?" thought Hitoshi. His face contorted slightly at the thought, and after a quick glance, he noticed that Ashido and Midoriya had similar looks.
"Count me in," offered Kamui. "And perhaps, you should contact Death-Arms. I'm sure he'd be happy to assist." He looked over at Mount-Lady. "I stayed in contact after the U.A. Sports Festival."
"Okay," she said, obviously not sure what to do with that information.
Masami laughed, "Great!" He nodded, "Always a pleasure." He started to step away from them. "Y'all are good to continue your patrols."
"Thank you, officer." Kamui turned to the Heroine. "Will you still be joining us?"
Mount-Lady pulled out her phone. "Yeah, sure, but I gotta arrange for a quick-change."
"Quick-change?" echoed Ashido.
"Right, the van…" muttered Midoriya.
Kamui turned, looking over at the crowds. "We should get away from the crowd then…"
"Kamui Woods! You look awesome, dude!" cried a teen.
"Look here! Look over here! I wanna see those steel-blue eyes!" squealed a woman.
"Hey! Mount-Lady!" A long-haired man aimed his phone at the group. "Pleasure to make your ass-quaintance!" Pulling his phone to his ear, he snorted, "Ha-ha! Dude, I said it to her!"
"What's with all the extra layers!? Have a wardrobe malfunction?" laughed another at Mount-Lady.
"Who're those guys?" questioned another.
"Are those your sidekicks?!"
"Why're you two patrolling together!?"
Another gasped, "Are you together-together?!"
Mount-Lady grumbled, rolling her eyes and tapping faster on her phone. "Yeah, no kidding…"
"Wow, thought the whole crowd thing would be exciting…" muttered Ashido.
"Yeah… it's a bit… overwhelming…?" said Hitoshi.
"Ten times scarier…" murmured Midoriya.
-XXX-
Izuku sat on an abandoned wood pallet in a wide alleyway, raking a napkin against the inside of his vest. To his side, Shinso was leaning up against the brick-wall behind them. In the center of the alley, there was the QCV driven here by Kaguya. Mount-Lady was currently occupying the back while Kamui sat in one of the front seats. Which was due to the fact that Kamui was equally famous to Mount-Lady, and if spotted, would bring a fresh, new crowd. So, the sidekicks were left to keep an eye out for any nosy individuals.
"So, Woods can't see into the back of the van?" asked Ashido, peering around the back of the van.
Izuku shrugged, "There's like a two-centimeter wall welded in to keep them separated."
"How do they see what's behind them?" asked Shinso.
Izuku began to pull the vest over his head, ignoring the clink it made against his helmet. "The rear-view mirror's a screen to a dash-cam recorder – they got a camera installed above the backdoor."
Ashido stared upwards at the little lens. "So, Mr. Woods could see me right now…?"
One orb flattened while the other grew tall. "Yeah?"
"What're you gonna tell your mom?"
"Officer Masami wanted us to keep this whole thing quiet…" Izuku teetered his head. "If I tell my mom, she wouldn't be able to stand the idea that her co-workers or friends would get hurt if she didn't say anything." He let out a chuckle. "But… I have a feeling she already knows."
Ashido unhooked her fingers from the corners of her mouths, looking away from the camera overhead. "What makes you say that?"
"For the last couple of years, my mom's been working at a clinic. She's partly a nurse, but she's more like a… receptionist, I guess. I really don't know the title of the job. Point is: the doctor doesn't dole out the prescriptions, but he does write them. And my mom being my mom has a bunch of pharmacies on speed dial so she'd give them a ring and see what they have in stock for a patient."
"Meaning she must've heard about the robberies. At least, the ones in Musutafu," said Shinso.
"Why didn't she say anything?" asked Ashido, slowly shifting back towards the camera.
Izuku let out a sigh, shaking his head. "The same reason I'm not telling her about what happened today."
"You don't want her to worry," said Shinso. "And she didn't want to worry you."
"Sounds about right…" muttered Izuku.
"Ashido, stop making weird faces!" said Kamui from his seat. "It stopped being funny by the third face."
"You say that like I'm trying to make you laugh," she murmured before pushing up her nose and making a weird oink-like noise. Which earned a chortle from both Izuku and Shinso.
There was a soft knock on the door before Takeyama pushed it slightly open. "Scoot, Pinky."
"You know my Hero name?" asked Ashido as she stepped away.
In a fresh costume, Takeyama blinked as she stepped out. "That's your Hero name?" She looked the girl up and down before shrugging. "I guess it works." She closed the van doors before knocking against the side of the vehicle. "Thanks for the run, Kaguya!"
Kaguya stuck her head out of the driver-side window. "Thank y—err, you're welcome!"
"So, next up is lunch and then I guess we'll wrap up our little adventure for the day," said Kamui as he stepped out of the passenger-side door.
"I guess," replied Takeyama, shrugging. She nodded towards Ashido. "It's a cute name, by the way."
"Thanks!"
-XXX-
Under the setting sun, following Kamui Woods, Mina walked with Shinso and Midoriya as Mount-Lady took up the rear. Mina peeked over her shoulder to see the Heroine sifting through her phone. She was so focused on it that she didn't notice Mina staring. "What is she reading…?" The angle Mount-Lady held the phone made the screen completely obscured. She shook her head before shifting her gaze forward; washing over Shinso and Midoriya. "Midoriya…" She crossed her arms. "Why didn't Ms. Inko mention the robberies…? She knows that we're working with Heroes… But… I guess having us ask about it could've made the internship awkward… She probably considered that…" She tilted her head. "And Midori doesn't plan on telling her about anything that happened today, either… The paramedics said he was fine… So, the Pros probably feel like they don't have to call and tell her… Then I guess telling her would just make her worry… And that's pointless if everything's fine…"
Her eyes landed on Midoriya again, noticing that his head was swiveling about. She couldn't help but look around to try and catch whatever he was looking at. "It's just like any other street…" Though, because she was positioned closest to the street, she did notice that the brick wall they were walking along was the perimeter to a school. "There's so many trees I can't see what the place actually looks like…" Focusing on Midoriya again, she noticed that he had stopped. Instead, he lightly brushed his fingertips against the coarse wall as he walked on. After retracting his hand, he took it into his other before kneading one thumb into the opposite palm. His chest moved slowly, taking in deep breaths.
Kamui coughed as they rounded a corner. "I'm sure we're all very tired after that fight and a hardy meal, but there's one last thing I wanted to mention about patrols." As they stepped in front of the shut front gate, he announced, "A place a Hero should always keep an eye on are the many schools that dot our cities."
Shinso stepped forward, reading the hanging plaque. "Aldera Junior High… Gross…"
Kamui chuckled, "While we may not have fond memories of our past, these places contain the future, so they deserve the extra attention."
To almost no one's notice, Mount-Lady muttered, "Yeah, great… Extra attention is exactly what I need…" Before she stepped closer to the brick wall, obscuring herself from any potential eyes from the school.
Mina shifted her attention to Midoriya as he crossed his arms. His fingers dug into his arms while shoulders seemed to tense. Her gaze shifted from the school to him as the pieces clicked, turning obvious. "You went here?" she muttered… aloud.
"Uh…" A chuckle stumbled into the air as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I… I did." He crossed his arms; tighter this time. "You'd think it'd feel like a lifetime ago, but standing right in front of it…" He laughed, "Makes it feel just like yesterday…" His laugh tumbled, trailing off. It was so forced that everyone could, judging by the way they were looking at him.
Midoriya coughed, turning to Mount-Lady. "You actually, uh… debuted near here, right?"
"Yeah," she replied curtly.
"Yeah, you saved his butt," he said before turning to Kamui. "I mean, you really needed it."
Mount-Lady snorted.
The man flinched before clearing his throat. "I really didn't."
The woman laughed, "Oh, yeah, you did." She lifted her chin. "He was helpless without me."
"Totally," said Midoriya, stepping back slightly.
"I… wasn't." Kamui hesitated for a moment. "You know, we're both Heroes… It's fine… No one got hurt, that's what matters…"
"Yeah, the most, right?" offered Shinso.
Mount-Lady nodded, putting her hands on her hips. "Of course, yeah…" Her voice went high as she let out, "But~…"
"I… Ooh… How you… Hm…" Kamui was struggling.
Mount-Lady stepped closer, smirking, as she leaned forward. "Hm? Hm, hm? What was that? What were you gonna say, huh?"
"The longer I spend time with you; the more my composure turns to tatters," he grumbled.
She chuckled, "Good. You could stand to loosen up a bit." She shrugged, "You take yourself way too seriously."
Kamui rolled his eyes. "And you don't take yourself seriously enough." He finally bit back and it caused something to wash over her face.
Clearly, something was struck, but Mount-Lady only leaned back and shrugged, "Hm… Touche…" She put her hands on her hips. "Thanks for getting your sidekicks to save me back there…"
"You're… welcome?"
Mount-Lady nodded at Mina and Shinso. "Thanks for saving me."
"Uh, no problem," said Shinso.
Mina blinked, "Y-Yeah, no biggie."
Mount-Lady stretched, "Well! It's been a long day!" She let out a sigh. "Let's call it, yeah?"
"Sure… We can call it here," said Kamui.
She clapped her hands. "Grand!" She nudged her intern before turning around. "Come on, Rook. Let's get outta here."
Midoriya had been standing near the curb, staring at the ground with his arms crossed. Once nudged, he finally looked up, nodding to his friends. "See you guys around." He bowed his head at Kamui. "It's been a pleasure. Always been a fan."
"Thanks…" murmured Kamui as the Heroine and intern left.
Once they both disappeared around the corner, Mina rubbed her arm. "Um… That was awkward…"
"Yes…" Kamui rubbed the back of his neck. "I suppose it's become a rather off day for her…"
Shinso shrugged, "Yeah, I guess getting strangled by plastic might do that to you."
Kamui shook his head. "It's a good lesson to impart." He elaborated, "Being a Hero has similarities to many common jobs – mainly in that, there are good days and worse days. So, don't ever see taking a step—away from things as weakness. It may save your life, in more ways than one."