Chapter 43: Mirror Girl
"Thanks for the help," Agent Ice said as he finished binding the Hero Killer's hands. "I must admit, I was a little worried about if you'd be able to stop him in time."
All Might laughed awkwardly. "Believe me, in my forty years I've encountered all types of villains and scenarios. You learn to prepare for everything." He watched as Agent Ice propped the Hero Killer up against a wall.
"After tonight, I can believe that." Agent Ice stood and rubbed his gloves together. "It's easy to forget when the news only shows your biggest cases."
"It's for the best," All Might said softly.
Agent Ice turned to look at All Might when suddenly they heard many footsteps running toward them, and a familiar voice calling out to him.
"All Might!" Izuku yelled as he waved his hand in the air. "We need to talk to you!"
Agent Ice looked at All Might questioningly. He knew the hero claimed to have brought the students under some UA-sponsored observation program, but they were supposed to stay away from the active scene and simply watch from a safe distance.
All Might simply smiled and turned toward his charges. "What's going on Young- err… students?"
Izuku skidded to a halt in front of All Might. "We um." He looked over and saw the unconscious form of Stain slumped against the wall. "We have something to show you!"
"Yeah! Something weird happened!" Aika said, bobbing her head furiously.
"Oh? And what's that?"
"Here!" Jiro thrust out her hand, shoving a fistful of photographs in All Might's direction.
All Might took the photos and began flipping through them, his brows furrowing as he saw their contents. Without turning, he offered the photos to Agent Ice. "Where did you get these?"
"Um…" Jiro started tapping her ear jacks together nervously as she looked to her friends for help.
"We probably should talk about that later," Ochako said softly, her eyes seemingly searching for something around the alleyway.
"All Might." Agent Ice looked up from the photos. "If these are true, this is really concerning." He looked at the kids. "Are you sure we can trust them?"
"Yes, I'm sure," All Might replied. "They may be students, but they had to be thoroughly vetted before they were even allowed to accompany me."
"But what about the photos themselves? I'm sorry, but they're just kids. They could have been given these photos to try and throw us off-"
"There's more," Ochako interrupted. She swallowed the lump in her throat when the two heroes looked at her. "She- the person who gave the photos to us said that there's a shipment moving through the docks tonight. And if you move fast you can catch her in the act!"
"Tonight?!" Agent Ice's brows narrowed as he looked at Ochako and then back to All Might. "This is-"
"I understand," All Might said, giving the hero cover. Even though he trusted the teens in front of him, this was still an active, and dangerous, investigation. "You go do what you have to do. Call me when you're done, and we can talk."
"Don't you want to help? After all-"
All Might shook his head and placed his hand on Agent Ice's shoulder. "My job was to deal with the Hero Killer. You have a different, more important job - keeping your city safe. While the Hero Killer is a national problem, what is going on with this hero is a local problem. And it would be best for everyone if it was solved by local heroes, not by the Symbol of Peace."
Agent Ice gave All Might a long look before nodding once. "I understand." His eyes drifted over to the teens. "I want a full explanation about everything here when we're done though. Don't you dare leave Tipoca before then!"
All Might chuckled. "I promise to tell you what I can."
Seemingly satisfied, Agent Ice folded up the photos and placed them in a pouch on his belt before pulling out an earpiece. Slipping it into his ear, he called someone as he began taking off down the alleyway. "It's me. I can't use the hero network right now but I need you to…"
All Might watched as the hero left before turning toward the teens with a heavy sigh. "That was close! You were supposed to simply watch from the rooftops!"
"We didn't mean to cause a problem!" Izuku waved his hands defensively. "But it was important!"
"What really happened?"
"Kyo- ow!" Aika started speaking, only to have an ear jack stab her in the ear.
Kyoka glared at her friend before turning toward All Might. "We watched you swoop in, but then, I heard someone on an adjacent rooftop." Using her ear jacks, she began gesturing wildly toward one of the buildings. All Might seemingly understood her message as she saw his eyes look away from her toward one of the buildings. "Of course, those two decided to investigate." Using her hand, she gestured toward Izuku and Ochako.
"We were worried!" Izuku said.
"Who did you find up there?" All Might asked.
"I think we should talk about that elsewhere," Ochako said quickly.
"I see," All Might said before going silent. In the distance, he began to pick up the faint sound of sirens. "And it sounds like the police will be here soon. You should go enjoy yourselves, and I'll meet up with you later."
Stay someplace public and visible went unsaid, but the kids picked up the meaning behind his words.
"Alright!" Ochako said loudly. "I think I saw a department store a few blocks down, and I'm hungry! Who wants food?"
"That sounds great!" Aika agreed.
"You always want food though," Himiko countered.
"Yeah, so what? You've seen my exercise routine!"
Himiko snorted. "Of course! That still doesn't explain how you eat so much more than us!"
"I have a fast metabolism!" Aika announced proudly, placing her hands on her hips and puffing out her chest. "And I am taking full advantage of that!"
"Don't remind us," Kyoka deadpanned. "But I could use a snack as well."
"Enjoy yourselves!" All Might said in a comically fake tone. "While I help the police process this villain!"
"We will, All Might!" Izuku said.
On a different rooftop several blocks away, Kaina listened as the teenagers said their goodbyes to All Might before she cut the transmitter.
"Those kids are full of surprises," she mused to herself. "Too bad I couldn't get any good pictures of them." She looked off in their general direction. "It's too risky with All Might in the area."
Standing up, she pulled the hood of her sweatshirt over her head and pulled it tight. "Sorry Mirror Girl, but tonight's not your lucky night."
Kaina walked over to the fire escape and quickly descended to the street, disappearing in the maze of back alleys.
As the five teens walked out of the alleyway, Izuku silently sought out Ochako's hand and wove his fingers between hers before he turned to Kyoka.
"Any luck with the mystery woman?"
"No." Kyoka shook her head. "She took off the second we hit the ground."
Izuku didn't even realize his grip had tensed up until he felt the pad of Ochako's thumb rubbing soothing circles in the back of his hand. His eyes met hers, and he felt his tension begin to melt away.
We're safe.
"I'm surprised it's so… empty," Aika said as she looked around. "It's almost spooky!"
"That's because it's the perfect place for an ambush," Ochako explained.
Izuku nodded in agreement before continuing. "The Hero Killer doesn't like operating in public areas. While his quirk can paralyze multiple people, he still has to draw their blood to use it. It's much safer to strike when people aren't around. Then he can kill without fear of interruption."
"It's a shame," Himiko began, her voice laced with sadness. "I- his quirk could have been so useful for heroics! Imagine just being able to paralyze people like that! He could end fights so quickly!" Her voice dropped. "He could have shown people that blood quirks aren't creepy…"
"Hey now." Aika grabbed Himiko's arm. "Don't think that way!"
"Yeah," Jiro agreed. "You'll just have to show the world instead!"
"You're right." Himiko forced herself to smile. "I'll just have to be so popular that people forget about people like him!"
"That's the spirit!"
The five continued in silence, letting Kyoka work to ensure that the Mystery Woman or any of her associates weren't following her. Fortunately, it didn't take long for them to emerge into the shopping district and release a collective sigh of relief as they found themselves surrounded by people again.
"So where's this department store?" Aika asked, breaking the silence.
Himiko laughed as she felt her tension being released. "I can't believe you sometimes."
"It's that way." Jiro pointed as she looked up from her phone.
"Well, what are we waiting for?"
As Izuku and Ochako watched their friends take off toward the store, they both felt themselves relaxing.
"Looks like we may have survived this one?"
"And you don't even need to go to the hospital!" Ochako replied cheerily.
Izuku felt his face heating up as he rubbed the back of his head. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"
Ochako's face softened as she looked at him. "Eventually, maybe." She bumped her shoulder into his. "I just don't like worrying about you, you know?"
"I know." Izuku looked at his partner. "I feel the same way."
"Well," Ochako giggled, "let's hope more missions turn out like this one in the future then."
"Yeah." Izuku turned away. "I'm still trying to figure out who that lady was though. Something about her…"
"I'm sure you'll figure it out," Ochako assured him. "But for now, let's just celebrate a successful mission."
Izuku smiled as he felt Ochako's grip tighten around his hand. "Yeah, let's go."
After she was sure that nobody was following her, Kaina returned to her hideout. After she prepared her instant ramen, she pulled up a local news stream on her computer and sat down at the table to watch.
"...where, mere moments ago, Agent Ice led a team of heroes in what is the largest Trigger bust in recent memory. Numerous criminals and smugglers were arrested. But the most shocking arrest was one of our very own heroes: Mirror Girl."
She watched as the image of the hero appeared on the screen along with her name and the name of her quirk, while the news anchor remained stoic about the news. The reporters continued to talk about the attack as Kaina paid more attention to her meal, savoring it while listening to see how the initial reports paint the image of the fallen hero.
Kaina frowned as she finished the ramen, looking at her computer screen in disappointment.
"Even with the evidence right in front of you, you're still afraid to tell the world the truth." She sighed. "I'm starting to see why Stain did what he did. The system is so frustrating."
Standing up, she walked over to another makeshift desk and looked at the photos and evidence she had collected on her own. "That's what I get for following Stain. I could have had a wonderful scandal with this and forced the heroes to clean up their mess. But the news is already downplaying it, and that's before the damned HPSC gets involved." Sighing, she threw the portfolio across the room, where it landed in the garbage can. "I guess if I want to open people's eyes, I have to do it myself."
She walked back to the computer just in time to see the feed change to a reporter standing next to Agent Ice. Curious, she sat back down.
"Tell me, Agent Ice, how did you learn about these smugglers?"
"Well," Agent Ice began. "My fellow heroes and I have been working on an undercover sting operation for months now, trying to get close to the criminals so that we could discover how Trigger was moving through the city. It was just as much of a surprise to us as it was to you when we discovered Mirror Girl was also working with these criminals."
Kaina snorted. "I've got to applaud your acting skills, at least."
"You said fellow heroes were working with you, are you able to divulge any names?"
"Of course," Agent Ice suddenly looked very sad. "I was working with my good friends Catalyst and Alakazam."
"Catalyst and Alakazam?" The news reporter looked surprised. "The same two heroes who were attacked before they died of Trigger overdoses?"
"The very same," Agent Ice said, grim-faced. "It turns out the rumors of the legendary Hero Killer were true, and he had mistaken our undercover operation for actual corruption. Fortunately, All Might tracked him down in time. Otherwise, he may have ruined our whole operation and let Mirror Girl escape justice."
Kaina frowned. "And this is how the Hero Killer's reputation dies."
"I'm sorry to hear about your loss. You must be thankful All Might was on hand to stop him."
"I am," Agent Ice replied. "And I intend to thank him personally and ensure that the Hero Killer is brought to justice, for the sake of my friends. I also won't stop until our ports are secure and the Trigger smuggling is completely cut off. While tonight was a large step, it wasn't the only one. In honor of Catalyst and Alakazam, I vow to stop at nothing to ensure Tipoca's safety."
"Well, there you have it, folks," the Reporter turned back to the screen. "Agent Ice is a true hero trying to keep our city safe."
Kaina punched the key to stop the feed with more force than necessary. "Tch. The Hero Killer could have done great things with his influence, but he had to go and squander it." With a heavy sigh, she leaned back in the chair. "I wonder if it's even worth taking the mantle of Hero Killer now."
Pulling the laptop closer, she brought up a map of Japan before she retrieved a well-worn notebook. She was done with both Tipoca and the Hero Killer. She needed to decide on her next destination to begin her plan.
Even if she had to do it alone.
After delivering the Hero Killer to the police, Toshinori returned to Agent Ice's agency. Letting himself in, he quickly changed into more casual clothes before he sat at a guest desk.
While he normally let his staff fill out the police report, this time he felt the need to do it personally.
He had hoped that the dull tedium of the paperwork would help relax him after the battle with the Hero Killer, but it didn't. He kept replaying the conversation over and over in his head.
Toshinori was no stranger to villains targeting heroes. The entire reason he chose to become the Symbol of Peace all those decades ago was because of how dangerous Japan was, after all. However, something about this one was different.
Perhaps it was the fact that he was the standard by which Stain measured all other heroes that bothered him. After all, his successors served as a constant reminder that even he couldn't measure up to the image Japan had of him. Or perhaps it was the fact that Stain had a point, but his conclusions and methods were completely wrong.
No matter what the case may be, Toshinori was happy that the man was now behind bars, his crusade cut short. It gave him time to think about other issues.
Like that mysterious lady who had given his charges those photographs and had tipped them off about the docks. Who was she? And why was she watching the same alleyway as they were?
What was her role in all of this?
It made him uneasy.
As he neared the end of the report, he heard the door to the agency opening up. Looking up, he saw Agent Ice entering the room and began to rise.
"Well, wherever those kids got their information, it was accurate."
"I know," Toshinori said. "I saw the Hero Network explode as the raid began."
With a heavy sigh, Agent Ice stood in front of the desk Toshinori was working at and leaned on it. "All Might. I know you have access to resources that a hero like me can only dream of. But can you please explain what happened tonight?"
Toshinori sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "I am trying to figure that out myself," he admitted.
"Well, can you at least tell me who those kids are? I know you claim they are students under some special program, but they were significantly more competent than I was expecting - they can't be older than first years."
Toshinori turned away from the hero. "How old are you?"
Agent Ice was taken back. "I- I'm 26, and have been a hero for eight years."
"That means I was a hero for almost fifteen years before you were even born." Toshinori turned toward the hero and locked eyes with him. "I know it's hard to imagine, but someday I'll be forced to retire. It may seem like I will go on forever, but I can't." He let out a weary sigh. "Those children - all of the students attending the hero schools throughout the country. Even heroes such as yourself. Some day, I won't be able to be the unshakable pillar holding up Japan. And when that day comes, we need young heroes such as them to step up."
"All Might-" Agent Ice paled. "You can't mean to tell me-"
Toshinori held up a hand to cut him off. "Of course, I hope to live a long and healthy life! And I intend to serve Japan for as long as possible. But alas, I don't have an immortality quirk! It is high time that I began to prepare students for that eventuality."
"The raid tonight-" Agent Ice's eyes lit up in recognition. "That's why you didn't want to go."
"Exactly!" Toshinori grinned at the hero. "It is a good reminder that even though All Might was here in Tipoca on business, that doesn't mean the city's heroes were taking the night off."
A silence settled over the agency as Agent Ice appeared deep in thought, while Toshinori simply stood there and waited patiently. Eventually, the hero spoke up. "Is there anything else I can do?"
"There is a hero school here in Tipoca, isn't there?"
"Yes, Citadel Academy. It isn't particularly well-renowned because the students mostly go on to protect Japan's coasts and waterways. Those jobs are important but not particularly glamorous."
Toshinori reached out and placed a hand on the other hero's shoulder. "If you wish to make a difference, find the best and brightest at the academy and mentor them. You, and all of the other heroes of Tipoca. Teach them to stand on their own, so that when the time comes, they will be ready to fill in the void I leave behind."
"Those are big shoes to fill," Agent Ice confessed.
"Indeed. If one person tried to fill the gap, they would surely be crushed under the weight." Toshinori wiped away the sad look on his face and forced himself to smile. "However, if ten, a hundred, a thousand heroes are ready to step up and fill the void? Why then, even the lowliest of heroes will be able to help!"
Agent Ice's face filled with resolve as he gave Toshinori a single nod. "I understand. I'll see what I can do!"
"Thank you."
As the two separated, Toshinori sat back down while Agent Ice walked over to his desk to begin his report. Before sitting down, he looked across the room to the number one hero. "Those kids must be very special to gather your attention. If they're the type of student in our schools right now, I think Japan's going to be in good hands once you retire."
Toshinori looked up. "Indeed, they are."
Chapter 44: Future Heroes
After several hours of hanging out in the food court, enjoying dinner and trying to act like they didn't just have a standoff on a darkened rooftop, Izuku received a message from Toshinori. He typed out a quick reply before he glanced at the others.
"Mr. Yagi will be picking us up soon." He focused on Kyoka. "Any guests we should worry about?"
Kyoka shook her head. "Nope, just a nice chill evening." She leaned back in her chair and sighed in relief. "Wish I could've relaxed as much as some of us though."
Everyone looked over where Aika was hunched over the table, her arms cradling her head as she napped.
"At least we didn't land in the hospital this time?" Izuku said hopefully as he looked at Ochako.
Ochako rolled her eyes and smacked his shoulder. "Now you know what it feels like to actually walk away from a successful mission."
As Izuku looked at Ochako sheepishly, he felt his phone buzz in his hand. Thankful for the distraction, he opened up the message. "Mr. Yagi says he'll be here in fifteen minutes. Guess we should get going!" he said a little too loudly.
Kyoka smirked at Izuku before she poked her friend with her ear jack. "Wake up sleepy, it's time to go."
"Five more minutes!" Aika said as she tried to swat away the offending appendage.
"It's not even that late!" Kyoka snorted. "How are you gonna survive as a hero if you need to work past your bedtime?"
"That's future me's problem!" Aika exclaimed. Despite her protests, she stood up and stretched with a yawn. "I'm going to grab snacks for the ride back. Anyone else want something?"
"Yes!" Himiko eagerly agreed as she jumped out of her seat. "Let's get stuff for everyone!"
As the two walked off to find snacks for the trip home, Jiro turned toward the others. "Is it ok for us to be this casual?" She glanced toward the exit of the food court. "To go from that to this just feels surreal, you know?"
"This is actually pretty nice," Ochako said softly. "Normally we'd be filling out paperwork right about now."
"Right." Kyoka's jacks clicked together, betraying her nervousness. "I'm just worried about Aika, you know? Since this is all so… new to you guys. I just - I don't want anything to happen to her, you know?"
"I think she'll be fine," Izuku said confidently. "Himi too. Both of them- things are different now."
"Mhm." Ochako nodded. "For all of us. I know we've been keeping you in the dark, but we didn't exactly have a normal experience either, before well-"
"I guess normal's pretty subjective when you're a hero, huh?" Kyoka asked rhetorically. "You think you could share a little more with us now?"
"After tonight…" Ochako's eyes darted to Izuku, asking him a silent question before she nodded. "Yes. Not here though."
Izuku bobbed his head in agreement. "Let's wait until we're on the way home." Pushing his chair back, he stood up. "How about we get some snacks as well? I know Ocha was eyeing their mochi earlier."
Ochako crossed her arms and gave Izuku an exaggerated pout. "Of course you saw that."
Despite her protests, Ochako quickly stood up, followed by Jiro, and the trio re-entered the department store in search of their friends.
Twenty minutes later, the kids had paid for their treats and were climbing into the waiting van. Izuku sat in the passenger's seat, while the four girls climbed into the back and arranged themselves before they opened the bags and began distributing their goodies.
"Do you want anything All Might?" Izuku asked as he offered him a bag.
"No thanks," Toshinori replied with a shake of his head. "Agent Ice had food delivered while we were doing paperwork," he chuckled softly. "I may have taken the opportunity to indulge myself."
Izuku grinned at the hero, reminded of mealtime whenever he visited. Without another word, he retrieved something from the bag before passing the remaining contents to Ochako.
With a smile, Toshinori pulled out of the parking lot and started navigating through the quiet city streets in silence. He watched as the bright lights of the city passed by, observing as the civilians of Tipoca went about their nightly routines, in stark contrast to the students under his care.
It only was once he had pulled onto the highway to depart from the city that he decided to speak.
"Young Midoriya, Young Uraraka, what really happened on that rooftop?" Toshinori asked curiously.
"We met someone. A woman in a tracksuit… she claimed she was merely observing your fight, the same as we were-" Izuku began.
"But she had a rifle quirk. And despite our attempts to sneak up on her, she had a gun pointed at Izu before we could do anything," Ochako finished.
Toshinori frowned. "A rifle quirk?"
"Y-yeah," Izuku stuttered. "Her right elbow - she could transform it into a rifle."
"Hmm." Toshinori's brows furrowed, deep in thought. "Can you tell me anything else?"
"It was dark, and due to the shadows, we couldn't see her face clearly." Izuku frowned. "But her hair was rather unique! Like it was two colors. Maybe she dyed it as a disguise?"
"Two-toned hair," Toshinori mused. "However, that would be a strange choice for a disguise…" Thinking it over, the description reminded him of someone… an old case, perhaps? When he returned to Might Tower, he'd have to look further into it. "And this woman threatened you from the moment you stepped onto the roof?"
"Threatened is too strong of a word," Izuku said hesitantly. "I never got the sense she would actually attack. At least, not without one of us attacking first."
"It felt like a standoff," Ochako agreed. "She didn't seem like she wanted to hurt us. But it was also clear that she would've shot Izu without any hesitation if we tried anything."
"I see," Toshinori remarked. "Well, in that case I'm proud of you—all of you—for not provoking her. That situation sounded like it would have ended poorly for all of you."
"It was intense!" Jiro spoke up. "I'm surprised Mido remained so calm despite having a freaking gun pointed at him."
"Is this-" Himiko asked quietly, "-what it's like to be a hero for real?"
"It is, young Himiko," Toshinori explained softly. "As a hero you're expected to face down dangerous villains and situations, and people will expect you to smile in the face of adversity." He gave a sideways glance toward Izuku. "Unfortunately, most villains aren't so easily negotiated with."
"Do you think she was a villain?" Himiko asked.
"And does that mean we shouldn't have let her go?" Aika jumped in, much to Himiko's annoyance.
Toshinori sighed. "From what you described, it's difficult to say if she was a villain or simply a vigilante. What we do know is that she was clearly a skilled and resourceful individual. Knowing that, I think letting her go was the correct choice. A difficult choice, to be certain - and the first of many such choices you'll be forced to make during your career."
"We-" Ochako looked toward Izuku. "Even with the five of us, you don't think we could have taken her down, do you?"
The silence was deafening as Toshinori mulled over the question. "No, young Uraraka. I do not. Despite everything the two of you have been through, there are still foes beyond you."
"At least she was helpful!" Izuku offered. "The pictures and tip she gave us lead to an arrest and drug bust, after all! She… she didn't need to do that."
From her position, Himiko couldn't help but look at the two One For All holders. Even in the dim light of the van, she could tell that they were both frustrated and trying to convince themselves that they had made the right choice. It was a stark reminder of the lives those two have lived. She wrapped her arms around herself and shrank into the seat. "I see."
Toshinori saw the student's reaction in the mirror and frowned.
This wouldn't do at all!
"I'd call it a huge success, if I do say so myself," Toshinori spoke up and was pleased to see several shocked faces in his rearview mirror. "Nobody got hurt, and the information you provided was invaluable in helping the heroes of Tipoca out. The fact that you accomplished that despite the inherent disadvantage you had in that situation-" He broke out into a wide smile. "-tells me that you're all destined for great things."
"Even us?" Jiro asked.
"Especially you three," Toshinori assured her. "Unlike Young Midoriya and Uraraka, this was your first taste of heroics, after all!"
"And it went much better, then our first villain encounter, too," Ochako pointed out.
"Really?" Aika asked.
"Yeah," Izuku said. "We didn't have any experience either when we had our first villain encounter."
Jiro leaned forward, her earjacks betraying her anticipation. "You said you'd tell us about it once we're in the car. We're in the car, so spill."
"Well, for starters it was on our third day of school," Ochako explained.
The other three in the car gasped.
"Wait, really?" Jiro asked in disbelief.
"Both of you?" Aika exclaimed.
"Yeah," Izuku said softly. "We both had villains attack us on the same day, even if the details were different."
"Well, we've got time," Jiro leaned back in her seat. "We've still got an hour til we're back in Mustafu."
"Yeah! Story time!"
"I'd like to hear it too," Himiko admitted.
"So who wants to go first?"
Izuku looked at Ochako questioningly, and she nodded. Taking a deep breath, she turned toward the others. "We were going to the USJ - the Unforeseen Simulation Joint - for our first lesson in rescue training. I was super excited because the class is run by Thirteen! However, once we got inside the USJ, we knew something was wrong - there was some sort of static charge in the air. The next thing we knew, all the power in the facility went out, and all outgoing signals were blocked."
She wore a distant look in her eyes as she recalled the details. "The next thing we knew, portals appeared all around the plaza, and dozens of villains poured out of them. They were all small-time villains, and could have been easily taken down, except for one problem. They were led by Homura Shigaraki."
"Who's that?" Himiko asked.
"She-" Ochako glanced at Izuku. "-was someone groomed by All For One to hate heroes. She acted as sort of a field commander for him, leading what was practically a small army of villains against us. Her quirk - she could cause anyone she touched to speed up, moving faster than they normally would. And when she used it on that monstrous Nomu she had brought with her…" Ochako shuddered.
"A Nomu is a monster in the shape of a person," Izuku explained. "An animated corpse that possessed multiple quirks. They were genetically engineered to be biological tanks, able to absorb lethal blows as if they were nothing." He glanced at Toshinori. "This one in particular, was designed to fight All Might head-on."
"But everyone survived, right?" Kyoka asked, hoping for reassurance.
"Of course!" Ochako blurted out. "We- only two people were hurt: me and another student - Inasa Yoarashi. I was forced to use the full power of One For All to keep everyone safe. Once Homura had used her quirk on the Nomu, I didn't have any other choice. And Inasa - despite his massive gusts of wind trapping most of the villains, the Nomu was able to push through and reach him. He- even getting hurt he refused to let the villains go."
"And then I arrived," Toshinori explained. "Well, not me exactly, but you understand."
"Yeah." Ochako smiled at the hero. "It- it really set the tone for my first year at UA."
"How did I take it?" Kyoka asked nervously.
"You were shaken up," Ochako admitted, turning to her friend. "We all were. UA was supposed to be safe! And we weren't even in school for a week yet!"
"But we pulled together," Izuku added. "It was the first of many events that caused us to grow together as a class."
"You went through the same thing?" Aika asked.
"Of course," Izuku said. "Even though the details are different, we-" Izuku looked at Ochako. "-were actually surprised at how similar our experiences were."
"What happened to you?" Himiko asked.
"It was the same for us: we arrived at the USJ only to become trapped inside. But instead of Homura, we encountered someone named Tomura Shigaraki instead." Izuku's eyes glanced over at Toshinori. He knew that Tomura's fate was something of a sore spot for him. "And he engaged Aizawa directly. He also-" Izuku swallowed. "-almost killed one of our classmates."
"That's-" Kyoka said.
"-intense!" Aika finished.
"Mhm." Izuku nodded somberly. "For me, I was the only student injured-"
"Of course!" Himiko interrupted.
Izuku laughed nervously. "-But Aizawa was severely injured, and his quirk was weakened from the damage as well."
"That sounds scary!" Aika said, visibly shuddering. "No wonder you two were so calm tonight!"
"Yeah, you get used to it," Izuku confirmed softly.
"Do you ever feel that way when you're All Might?" Kyoka asked.
"All the time," Toshinori confirmed. "Which is why I continue smiling. I don't want those around me to feel the same fear I'm experiencing."
"I never knew that!"
"Of course you didn't." Kyoka smirked as she jabbed her friend in the shoulder. "If everyone knew All Might was smiling even when he was scared, he wouldn't be nearly as inspiring as he is."
"Do you think we'll be able to inspire people like that?" Aika asked before suddenly getting an idea. "Like with my singing! I'll have to actually think about the songs I use when fighting bad guys."
"That'll be more thought than you've put into anything," Kyoka laughed before she got a thoughtful expression on her face. "I'm not really sure I've got the right aesthetic for something like that."
"I'm sure you'll figure something out, young Jiro," Toshinori assured her. "After all, Japan needs all types of heroes - not everyone needs to be All Might."
"Everyone needs someone to look up to," Himiko said softly as she looked out the window. "If someone can look at me and realize that drinking blood doesn't make them a bad person…"
"Exactly!" Toshinori agreed. "Don't be discouraged, young Jiro. I'm sure you'll find some way to inspire others in your own way."
Kyoka folded her arms and leaned back in her chair. "How to inspire others huh…"
The topic turned to lighter conversation after that, and before they knew it, the group had returned to Mustafu. After dropping everyone else off, Toshinori pulled up to the Midoriya's apartment.
"Are you sure you don't want to come in?" Izuku asked.
"I'm sure mom would love to see you!" Himiko added.
Toshinori chuckled. "As much as I'd enjoy Inko's company, I need to return to Roppongi. Not only do I want to look into this mysterious lady, but I have to finish my homework for class tomorrow!"
Himiko seemed to be almost disappointed by that as the two got out of the van before Toshinori called after them. "Give Inko my regards! And tell her I can't wait for our meetup later this week."
"We will!" Himiko called out, giving a playful smile to Izuku. "Still not used to it?"
"I'm- no," Izuku confessed. "It's still weird!"
Himiko giggled and grabbed her brother's shoulder. "That's our family."
"You're right." Izuku smiled at her. "I'm just glad mom's happy."
"Me too!" Himiko agreed as the two went inside.
After a long conversation with Inko, Izuku finally sat in his room, his stack of hero notebooks next to him. Something about that woman's quirk was familiar to him, and he suspected the answer was hidden away in one of them. Looking at the clock, he grabbed the oldest notebook, volume one, and flipped through.
The notes were simplistic and the drawings cartoonish, but Izuku couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as he flipped through the notes. They represented a simpler time - his mom had suggested that since he was quirkless, maybe he could research other people's quirks instead? He suspected it was to try and subtly divert him away from his desire to become a hero, but the plan backfired and grew into his obsession with quirks.
He smiled at the memory as he reached the end of the notebook then closed it.
"What're you happy about?" Himiko asked from the doorway, having changed into a loose-fitting shirt and a pair of boy's shorts as her nightwear.
"Just remembering how this started." Izuku held up the notebook and waved it in front of him. "It's mom's fault."
"Of course it is." Himiko laughed lightly as she flopped unceremoniously onto his bed. "Find anything so far?"
Izuku shook his head. "Not yet, but I've only gone through one notebook so far."
With a sigh, Himiko reached out and grabbed one off the stack. "I guess I'll help,"—she opened the notebook and giggled—"even if your drawings sucked back then."
"Hey! I've gotten better!"
Izuku grabbed the next notebook, and the two started flipping through the pages in silence. Izuku was about halfway through his notebook when he heard Himiko gasp.
"Izu! It's her!"
"Really?"
Himiko nodded and held out the notebook, which Izuku quickly snatched out of her hands.
Lady Nagant
Quirk: Rifle
Sure enough, despite the crude drawing the woman's quirk, it was unmistakable. The image had her right arm folded back with a similar-looking rifle extending out of her elbow. He even noticed her hair was supposed to be multiple colors, judging by his crude pencil sketches.
As he read through the entry, he felt Himiko's head press against his shoulder as she leaned over him to read it as well. The information was pretty simplistic but got the point across. Her quirk was a mutation-type quirk: she could transform a part of her arm into a rifle and create a variety of bullets out of her hair to use as ammo. As a hero, she frequently shot a variation of rubber bullet, only shooting to disable foes. This implied a high level of skill and reaction time with her quirk.
Izuku would think about the implications later, but the small note at the bottom made his stomach drop.
xx/xx/xxxx - Classified as a villain.
"Izu…"
"I see, Himi." Izuku turned around to stare at the girl. "We- she's a villain after all."
Chapter 45: Their Resolve
The next morning, Izuku crawled out of bed and quietly padded into the living room to discover Himiko still sprawled out on the couch, fast asleep. Smiling at his sister, he grabbed the fallen blanket from the floor and gently laid it back on her.
"Morning Izu," Himiko mumbled out.
"How'd you know it's me?"
Himiko sat up and stretched. "You and mom put the blanket on differently." Blinking to clear her eyes, she checked the clock and groaned. "Too early."
"When did you get to bed?"
"Not early enough," Himiko complained. "Maybe around 2 AM?"
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be,"—Himiko looked at her brother—"this is my life now. I just–" She let out a loud groan. "This is your fault!"
"What's my fault?"
"You! Just- being you!" Himiko picked up a pillow and threw it at Izuku. "Nagant. I can't help thinking about her and… I want to know more about her. What happened that night that she attacked two heroes? Why did she do it? And what's she doing now?"
"I'm sure she'll be back." Izuku sat down beside his sister. "I get the feeling that we'll see her again."
"Just like you kept running into me?" Himiko asked with a fanged grin.
Izuku felt his cheeks heating up. "Y-yeah. Villains like her– they have a tendency to keep coming back."
"I want to talk to her," Himiko admitted. "Is that bad?"
"You're wondering if she can be saved?"
"It worked for me, didn't it?" Himiko asked hopefully.
"Mhm." Izuku reached out and touched his sister's arm. "For what it's worth, I don't think this is a dumb idea."
"Izu, when we first met, you decided letting me bite you so Kayama could gas both of us was a good idea."
"H-hey! It worked!"
"It did," Himiko sighed. "I just don't want to end up on the wrong side of Nagant's quirk."
"Himi, if you think she's a good person, then I'm sure she won't shoot you."
Himiko looked into Izuku's eyes, seeing the same absolute determination she found that fateful evening when she attacked him. Smiling, she wrapped her arms around her brother, pulling him into a hug. "Thanks, Izu."
Ochako stared at her phone and sighed as she stood at the park entrance. It appeared that Aika had overslept; so, she and Kyoka missed their train and would be almost half an hour late.
"That's just like her," Ochako remarked, shaking her head in exasperation. Not that she could blame either of them. Yesterday had been a big day for their friends, with what was supposed to be a simple observation mission turning into so much more.
Without anything better to do, Ochako entered the park and walked along the path until she found an empty clearing. Smiling at the peacefulness, she found a tree and sat underneath it, adjusting herself until she was comfortable.
Pulling out her phone, she sent a message to Kyoka telling the other girl roughly where she was, trusting that her friends will be able to do the rest. Satisfied, Ochako set her phone on the ground and leaned back, staring up at the leaves of the tree shading her from the morning sunlight.
She found it hard to imagine that last night she was staring down a hero killer and a wanted villain, desperately worried that she would use her quirk to shoot Izuku.
Ochako closed her eyes and sighed. She thought she was finally over her sense of loss - that she had convinced herself that Izuku would always be there for her. Hell, they managed to face down Overhaul together! Sure they didn't win, but they held their own and escaped without casualties this time!
But all of that shattered on the rooftop last night.
She didn't want to admit it, but seeing Izuku standing there on the rooftop, rifle quirk aimed squarely at him - it scared her.
Relief filled her when they left the rooftop. Izuku's safety filled her with comfort as they reunited with All Might and later sat in a department store enjoying food like a normal group of teenagers. By the time they got home, she almost convinced herself that she was worrying for nothing. That Izuku wouldn't suddenly be taken away from her.
That false relief was shattered once Izuku joined her in the vestige realm and told her the truth about who they were fighting - a former hero called Lady Nagant, who was on the run for killing two heroes in a disagreement.
Once she found out, Ochako held onto Izuku and refused to let go for hours. She needed the reminder that he was safe. That he wasn't literal heartbeats away from death. From leaving her the same way All Might left her.
Ochako knew she had grown complacent around Izuku. He was a constant presence in her life - both awake and in her dreams, and she had grown comfortable with that fact. And in doing so, she had begun to make the same mistake she had with Analyst.
Opening her eyes, she once again looked skyward and vowed to tell Izuku how she felt about him.
He deserved to know how she felt. And he deserved to know how scared she was last night - how important he was to her.
How scared she was of him dying, leaving her all alone.
Just like she was back then.
The weeks after All Might's death at Kamino were a living hell to her. It felt like everything had gone wrong - like everything was falling apart. It felt as if the very foundation of Japan had been damaged by his death, and it felt like everyone was looking to her to fix the damage.
Damage made worse by Stendhal.
Ochako balled her fist and slammed it into the ground, feeling the dirt crack under the force of her blow. They - All Might in particular - had worked so hard to track down the Hero Killer and remove him from the picture, only for the timeline to frustrate both of them with the sudden appearance of Lady Nagant.
Someone with enough knowledge and resources to be extremely dangerous, seeing as how she had information that both the heroes and the Hero Killer had completely overlooked.
They needed to stop her - to prevent her from becoming the next Hero Killer.
But how?
Ochako was torn on the answer. A part of her wanted to lock Nagant up and throw away the key, to keep her from ever having the chance to follow in Stendhal's footsteps. But something about their conversation resonated with her. This Lady Nagant - she was someone who had seen her share of horrors. Ochako could see it in her pose and hear it in her voice.
She wanted to make a difference, but she was going about it in entirely the wrong way. Just like the Hero Killer.
Ochako closed her eyes and took another breath.
It felt like a lifetime ago, but this was exactly the kind of person she would want to help. To reach out to.
For a time, she had forgotten that.
Ochako opened her eyes and looked at the cracked earth under her fist. Lifting her hand, she watched the dust particles fall to earth as she slowly unclenched her fist and examined it.
Heroes are supposed to save others. Even those people who don't want saving.
Nagant showed her last night that she wasn't too far gone. That she could be talked to - reasoned with. She must have a reason for why she's fighting. Just like Himiko.
Was it possible that Nagant was the same? Just waiting for someone to reach out and take her hand?
Ochako nodded to herself as she came to a decision.
She was going to stop Nagant.
She was going to save her.
"Yo Uraraka!" Jiro called out with a small wave.
"Hey!" Ochako called back as she pushed herself to her feet.
"Why are you so happy?" Aika asked.
"I just figured some things out," Ochako replied. "Did Izu tell you what he found out about our mystery woman?"
"Nope!"
"Nah, he said you'd tell us in person." Jiro crossed her arms. "One of those things that's too important to talk about over text."
"How'd you two even have time to talk this morning?" Aika asked.
"Some of us woke up early," Jiro said, poking her friend in the shoulder with her ear jack.
"We jog every morning together, remember?" Ochako pointed out, omitting the important detail that, in reality, they spend their nights together in the vestige realm. Their friends didn't need to know that part.
"How though?! I was drained when I got home!"
"We're just used to it," Ochako said with a shrug. "I should be the one asking you two how you're doing."
"I'm… better," Jiro said as she uncrossed her arms. "When I got home I sat down with a guitar and just played for about an hour to unwind before bed. Slept better than I thought I would."
"I barely slept at all," Aika admitted. "I kept dreaming about the rooftop. Except she… used her quirk."
"I'm sorry," Ochako apologized.
"It's ok!" Aika closed her eyes and gave Ochako a bright smile.
"Dude, you don't have to put on a false front. It's just Uraraka," Jiro said.
"You're right." Aika opened her eyes and sighed. "I just feel like my image of what heroes do is wrong after last night." She began to toe the ground with her shoe, carving a hole in the dirt. "I- even knowing what happened to you! It's always so dramatic on television! Where the heroes beat up the bad guys and save the day!"
Nodding in understanding, Ochako closed the gap and pulled her into a hug, Aika letting out a surprised squeak. "It's just the way things are. They don't want to put any ugly fights on television, where you see the heroes getting hurt or civilian casualties."
"Or scary encounters with mysterious ladies on rooftops," Jiro added.
"Those too," Ochako agreed. "Let's sit down and we can talk about it."
"Okay," Aika said with uncharacteristic quietness.
Ochako guided the two back to the tree she had been relaxing under and reclaimed her spot at the base of it, while the other two girls sat across from her.
"Does it get easier?" Aika asked.
"Yeah," Ochako said softly. "Our first fight - the one I told you about last night? That was the hardest. My internship was pretty rough, having to deal with a Nomu attack in Tokyo-"
"I'm sorry, but it's hard to imagine you having a hard time fighting villains," Jiro interrupted.
Ochako snorted. "That's what I'm saying! I- we told you we had a rough year. And look at us now." She got a faraway look on her face. "Whether we like it or not, you get used to it."
"I'm not sure I want to get used to it," Aika said softly.
Jiro's eyes went wide. "Don't tell me you're thinking of quitting?"
"That's not what I mean!" Aika waved her hands in front of her defensively. "I still want to be a hero! I just-" She let out a frustrated sigh as she ran her hands through her hair. "-Is it a good thing that Uraraka is so calm after what happened?"
"Who said I was calm?" Ochako demanded.
"I mean–" Aika deflated. "-just look at you."
To everyone's surprise, Ochako threw her head back and laughed. "I was terrified last night," she confessed. "And I'm still kind of nervous, especially now! But the first lesson All Might ever taught me was that it's ok to be scared. Even he is scared when he goes up against dangerous villains!"
"But he's always smiling! And he always looks so badass! Like he's invincible! How could he be scared?"
"Dude, don't you remember his injury?" Kyoka glared at her friend. "He spent years fighting despite that, and we didn't notice the difference."
"Exactly!" Ochako bobbed her head vigorously. "Being a hero isn't just about saving lives. You have to save hearts too." Ochako looked down at her own hands. "Just like I'm doing right now."
Aika blinked, her brain slowly processing the words she just heard. "Wait, you…"
"Mhm." Ochako smiled at the girl. "I'm terrified of what I learned from Izu. But you know what? I'm not going to let that stop me." She made a fist and punched her palm. "Because right now I need to be strong for you."
"Woah," Jiro exclaimed. "So all that fighting - it just taught you how to hide your fear better?"
"Yep!" Ochako smiled brightly. "Of course, it helped that I grew more confident in my quirk and myself; normal villains don't scare me as much anymore. But I won't let anyone tell the difference! Because when you do that-" She turned to Aika. "-the people who need help lose faith in heroes, and society starts to fall apart."
"That's heavy," Jiro whispered.
"Sorry about that," Ochako rubbed the back of her head. "It's an important lesson for Izu and I because well– you know."
"It's important for us too!" Aika jumped to her feet. "Just because we don't have On- just because our quirks aren't as cool as yours, doesn't mean we can't become symbols ourselves! Yagi told us that! He already told me I can become a symbol through my music!" She turned toward Jiro. "Right?"
Jiro laughed at her friend. "That was quick, even for you."
"Ehehe." Aika rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry, but that's what I'm supposed to do right?" Aika turned to look at Ochako sitting on the ground. "I'm supposed to pretend everything's ok no matter what?"
Ochako giggled. "Yes, just like that. But you don't have to do it all the time! It's ok to lower your guard around friends and let them know how you feel." She looked down at her phone to see the All Might Netsuke hanging off of it. "Having people to support you is also important."
"Like Kyoka!" Aika dive-tackled her very surprised friend, causing the two to roll away. "We'll help each other, right?"
"At this rate you're gonna be on your own," Kyoka insisted as she jabbed her friend with her earjacks while she tried to crawl out from under her.
Ochako laughed as she pushed herself up. Shouldering her bag, she walked over to where the other two girls were picking themselves up off the ground. "I'm glad you're feeling better."
"Me too!" Aika said.
"Thanks for the help," Jiro said. "She was absolutely miserable this morning."
"How about you?" Ochako asked, turning toward Jiro.
"I'll be ok," Jiro assured, looking at her friend. "Besides, Aika's been a good distraction. She's been helping me keep my mind off of things."
"That's what friends are for!"
Jiro rolled her eyes playfully. "Sure, we'll go with that." She turned back to Ochako. "So now that that's done, what did Mido find out about our mystery lady?"
"You're not gonna like this," Ochako sourly said with an awkward smile on her face as she began explaining what she knew to her friends.
"Izuku!"
Izuku didn't even have time to fully orient himself inside the vestige realm before he was tackled by his grandmother, the two crashing into the ground in a pile of limbs.
"H-hi grandma!"
"I tried to stop her," Ochako called out from the doorway deeper into the observatory.
"I saw you two last night!" Nana responded. "You two were a mess."
"We got better!" Ochako insisted.
"That still won't stop me from worrying," Nana said as she used her quirk to float off of Izuku, giving him a chance to stand up. "I want to know how everyone's holding up!"
"Better," Izuku replied as he looked over at his partner. "Mom was worried sick, and Toshinori spent most of dinner apologizing to her for putting me and Himi in danger."
"Good on him!" Nana said.
"Himi's doing better today. I think Stain having a blood-based quirk really got to her - she was off most of yesterday. But something about Nagant felt personal for her - she wants to meet her again."
Ochako gasped. "She does?"
"Mhm." Izuku looked at his partner. "Something about the way that the media portrayed her, where she just snapped and killed? It felt uncomfortably close to Himiko's own situation."
"Oh," Ochako said softly.
"What's wrong?"
"I wanted to talk to her too," Ochako admitted. "I kept thinking about what happened on the roof and I… feel the same way. We need to stop her! But if we can do it without fighting…"
"Then you should do it!" Nana chimed in.
Ochako smiled at the seventh holder of One For All. "Yeah! I guess I just… was expecting to have to do it myself?"
"Ocha-" Izuku stepped forward. "You know that's not true! I would have helped you."
"Of course you would've." Ochako gave Izuku a serene smile. "And you'd probably find a way to break your bones in the process."
Nana broke out in laughter as Izuku's face turned bright red, and Ochako couldn't help but laugh.
"Not fair!"
"I'm kidding!" Ochako said as she pressed a hand to her chest and regained her breath.
"Will you be ok - working with Himi, I mean?"
Ochako took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah. I think so."
"Well that's two down, what about the rest of you?" Nana asked, looking at Izuku.
"Ocha actually spent the day with Jiro and Shizu," Izuku said while gesturing to the gravity girl.
"They're both feeling better," Ochako explained. "They were a little freaked out by the information on Nagant, but they learned a lot. They'll be back to their normal selves by the time school starts next week."
"I'm glad," Izuku said.
"Izu, you're avoiding the question," Nana cut in, an annoyed tone in her voice. "You keep missing someone important."
Izuku felt his face heating up. "I um…"
"Come on." Ochako grabbed the green-haired boy by the arm. "Let's go to a conference room. I'd like to at least be comfortable before you yell at your grandson."
"Ocha!" Izuku whined as he was dragged further into the observatory by the girl.
Chapter 46: Paradigm Shift
"I'm glad our friends are ok," Izuku said as he leaned back on the couch, staring up at the stars.
"Yeah, me too," Ochako replied as she sat down next to Izuku and leaned into him.
Izuku couldn't help but feel his face heat up at Ochako's proximity. While they two have always been close, something about Ochako's behavior felt different tonight. He couldn't quite place his finger on it, but whatever the change was, he felt more aware of the girl's presence as they closed out the evening as they always did. The awareness didn't feel uncomfortable. Quite the opposite, Izuku thought as he stared at his arm wrapped around her shoulder. It felt more like a reminder. That he and Ochako were in this together.
As they sat there, he tried to determine the cause of the shift. Tonight wasn't much different from other nights - except for Nana being a little extra doting in light of the Nagant encounter. Was it something in Ochako's behavior? Her words?
The answer frustrated him, the answer a thread just out of reach, always slipping through his fingers.
After a few minutes of this, his desire for answers led him to ask the source of his current dilemma.
"Hey Ocha–" Izuku tilted his head to look at her.
"Hmm?" Ochako barely tilted her head up to meet his gaze, her brown eyes filled with warmth.
"Did something happen today?"
"Of course something did," Ochako giggled. "I told you all about it!"
"No, I mean–" Izuku paused, trying to find the right words. "You seem different tonight."
"Oh."
"So I was worried that maybe–"
"It's nothing bad!" Ochako shook her head before she rested it against Izuku's shoulder again. "Just realized a couple important things today."
"Like what?"
Ochako groaned. "Not now, sleepy. Nana wouldn't let us go."
Izuku rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah… she's just trying to make up for lost time, and she's worried about us!"
"Sometimes I wish she'd worry a little less," Ochako complained as she closed her eyes. "I bet she's watching us right now, even."
Izuku felt his face heating up as he looked toward the door to the observatory. Currently it was closed with a chair propped under the handles - something Ochako had started doing when Nana had been particularly fussy one evening - but Izuku knew that wouldn't stop the vestige if she was really determined.
"I think we're safe."
"Good." Ochako adjusted herself. "Maybe we can talk after we babysit Eri tomorrow?"
"Yeah." Izuku smiled at the girl. "Sounds like a plan."
"Great," Ochako breathed out. "Goodnight, Izu."
Izuku wrapped his arm around the girl's shoulder, pulling her close as he closed his own eyes. "Goodnight, Ocha."
As he sat there with his eyes closed, he realized he could feel Ochako's heartbeat, and let the rhythm of her heart carry him out of the vestige realm and back to reality.
Izuku saw Ochako's face light up as they approached the meeting spot, only to morph into a brief flash of disappointment when she spotted Himiko. She quickly hid her disappointment, but the damage was already done - Izuku had noticed it.
"Hey Izu! Hey Himi!" Ochako called out as she waved.
"Morning Ocha!" Himiko called out. "Emily's being stupid, so I'm coming with you."
"What happened?" Ochako asked.
"She's so wound up about school!" Himiko complained. "And she doesn't want to hang out. But it's the last days of summer! We should be making the most of it!"
"What does this have to do with watching Eri?"
"Emily always agrees to come with me when I'm babysitting Eri!" Himiko said, looking entirely too satisfied with herself. "She'll meet us there, and afterward I can hang out with her!"
"I'm not sure it works like that," Izuku said softly.
"Of course it does!" Himiko replied.
"You know how Himi is," Ochako said, resignation clear in her voice. "I don't know how Song puts up with you."
"Hey!" Himiko glared at the brunette. "She loves spending time with me!"
"And you still haven't gotten her to watch anime yet," Izuku teased.
"Nobody's perfect! But I'm working on it."
As the three strolled toward the train station, Izuku's hand found Ochako's. "Sorry about Himi - she wouldn't take no for an answer."
"It's ok Izu." She gave him a soft smile. "I'm sure Eri will enjoy spending time with her big sister."
As the three approached the apartment building, they saw the familiar form of Emily Song standing there on the sidewalk, looking annoyed.
When she spotted Emily, a grin split Himiko's face as she waved. "Hey Emily, thanks for helping us babysit!"
"I can't believe you asked me!" Emily huffed. "The three of you could take care of Eri by yourselves!"
"And you're still here." Himiko wore a satisfied look on her face as she stared at the other girl.
"I–" A blush began forming on Emily's cheeks, matching the permanent blush on Himiko's face. "-shut up!"
Himiko burst out laughing. "You know you don't need an excuse to hang out with me!"
"I'm trying to get ready for school! You know that starts up on Monday!"
"All the more reason to hang out now!"
"That's easy for you to say." Emily crossed her arms. "Some of us have studying to do."
Himiko rolled her eyes as she stopped in front of the other girl and pulled her into a hug. Despite Emily's protests, she returned it and leaned into the shorter girl.
"I still can't get over seeing her like this," Ochako whispered to Izuku.
"You never thought she'd find someone that isn't…" Izuku trailed off.
"Mhm." Ochako nodded, already knowing what he meant.
"I'm happy for her. She deserves it."
"Just as much as we do."
"Huh?" Izuku blinked and turned to look at Ochako, whose blush was spreading.
"N-nothing!" Ochako stuttered. "Let's go tell Aizawa we're here."
Izuku watched Ochako take off toward the lobby and followed after her, catching up as she pulled the door open. Himiko and Emily weren't far behind, and soon the four were standing at the front door of Emi and Shota's shared apartment.
Ochako pressed the buzzer, and moments later, the door opened, revealing the smiling face and sea-green hair of Emi. "Hi! What's the occasion?"
"I just wanted to see Eri!" Himiko said with a fanged smile. "When school starts we won't be able to visit her as much!"
From behind Emi, the curious voice of Eri called out, "Is that big sister?"
"Yep!"
Emi pulled open the door and stepped out of the way, revealing Eri. The little girl sat cross-legged on the floor in front of a coffee table, her colored pencils scattered across it. She had been drawing in her sketchbook, but her attention was now on the four teenagers entering the apartment.
"Hi, Eri!" Ochako greeted as she entered the room. "How're you doing?"
"Good," Eri replied as she gestured to her sketchbook. "I was trying to work on my picture of mom."
"I was posing for her before you arrived," Emi explained, flexing her arms. "Since I was already in my costume and all."
"Oh, let me see!" Emily said as she dropped her bag and crossed the room before kneeling beside the girl.
Himiko laughed at Emily's enthusiasm and knelt on the other side of Eri. "Your drawing's improving!"
"Thanks!" Eri looked up at Himiko with a wobbly smile. "I'm glad."
"You'll be a great artist someday." Himiko pulled Eri into a side-hug.
"I just want to make mom and dad proud."
"You know we're proud of you kiddo," Emi said as she picked up a few stray pencils that had fallen onto the ground. "Now c'mere, Mama wants a hug for good luck."
"Ok!"
Himiko released Eri from her grip: Eri stood up, ran over to the hero and hugged her. Emi held the girl close, the serene look on her face a stark contrast to her heroic persona. "There's ice cream in the freezer, and they'll let you have some for dessert tonight if you're good!"
"I promise I'll be good!" Eri said, looking up at her mom.
"I'll make sure to keep Himiko in line too!" Emily shouted from her position on the floor. "So she doesn't corrupt your daughter!"
Emi burst out laughing. "I don't think she'd do anything I wouldn't do."
Emily let out a strangled sound as Himiko gave her an all-too-satisfied smile. "See! They know I'm the best big sister for Eri!"
"But we're all your favorite big brothers and big sisters, aren't we?" Izuku asked.
"Yep!" Eri smiled up at Izuku as she let go of Emi. "But big sister is my extra-favorite!"
"That's new." Ochako suspiciously eyed Himiko on the floor.
Himiko, meanwhile, looked all too pleased with herself. "Sorry not sorry."
Eri let out a small giggle. Her laugh sounded stilted and broken as she relearned how to make the sound, but to the five occupants in the room, it was the sweetest sound ever.
"See? Midoriya gets it," Emi said with a grin.
"How does Aizawa feel about that?" Emily asked cautiously.
"Don't care!" Emi threw her head back and laughed, a soft look appearing on her face. "Sho may not show it, but he's really happy with how far Eri's come. And he knows how much y'all are helping."
"I'm glad," Izuku said.
"Alright, enough sappy talk! Mama's gotta go keep the city safe."
"Okay!" Eri looked up at her mom. "But don't forget the most important person to keep safe!"
Emi chuckled, "Of course, I'll stay safe. Just like I promised."
After Emi said her goodbyes and left, the four teenagers turned their attention to Eri.
"Do you want to finish your sketch?" Himiko asked.
"Yeah!"
"Then go sit down," Ochako instructed, "while you still have a clear picture of Ms. Joke in your head."
"Mhm!"
Without another word, Eri returned to the table and sat down between the girls. While she hugged her adopted mother, Emily and Himiko cleaned up the table, organizing the colored pencils so they were all in easy reach. Himiko scooted back as Eri gave her a questioning look, and with a small smile, the little girl sat in Himiko's lap, the added height giving her greater reach over the table."
"So what color do you want next?" Emily asked.
"Green, like mama's hair."
With a nod, Emily handed the pencil to Eri, who leaned forward to continue her sketch. Himiko helped by holding the sketchpad steady, and the three found a comfortable rhythm as the two teens helped the little girl work on her drawing.
"I guess our work here is done?" Ochako said playfully.
"For now," Izuku replied. "Once they're done, I'm sure we'll play a game."
"Yeah…" Ochako looked at the three sitting on the ground wistfully before turning to Izuku. "Why don't we decide on dinner?"
"Good idea!"
The two made their way over to the kitchen, set off to the side with a thin wall separating it from the main living room. While Ochako had graduated from 'terrible cook' to 'ok cook' over the past year, whenever partnered with Izuku, she let him take the lead on making dinner for Eri. After all, he had inherited Inko's amazing cooking skills, and she was more than happy to enjoy one of his meals than whatever meager offering she could whip up.
After looking through the pantry and cupboards, Izuku began pulling out the dry ingredients and handing them to Ochako, who carefully arranged them on the counter.
"Are you ok Ocha?" Izuku asked as he offered her a carton of Panko crumbs.
"Huh?" Ochako exclaimed, her honed reflexes the only thing saving the carton from falling onto the floor.
"You've been off all day," Izuku clarified, offering her a warm smile. "I just want to make sure you're ok."
Ochako stared in awe at Izuku before she shook her head and forced a smile to her face. "It's nothing- really!" She let out a frustrated sigh. "I just never realized how little time we get to spend together. Just the two of us, I mean!"
Izuku paused, examining Ochako's face. Despite her constant presence in his life, she was right - at night, most of the vestiges were content to leave them alone, but Nana changed that as she tried to catch up on forty years of memories that she had missed out on. And during the day, when they weren't training, they often spent time in a group. Even if they weren't hanging out with all of their friends, Himiko often tagged along, eager to spend time with the two of them.
Even though he enjoyed their company, he had to admit that he also missed the times when it was just them.
"Nevermind, it's silly," Ochako brushed off his concern. "I know we're all busy - between taking care of Eri, training, and trying to change things-"
"It's not silly," Izuku assured her. "You're right. I'm sorry I didn't notice."
"It's okay Izu." Ochako smiled hopefully at him. "Maybe we can start making more time for ourselves? Just the two of us?"
"Yeah! That sounds great!" Izuku returned her smile.
Ochako put the forgotten Panko on the counter. "Can we start tonight?"
"Do you mean after we're done or…"
"The latter." Ochako fidgeted nervously. "We haven't had a whole night to ourselves for a while."
"Okay, let's do it!"
With large smiles, the two stood there gazing at each other until the moment was broken by Himiko's voice calling out to them.
"Hey, are you two done in there? Eri wants to play a game."
Izuku rubbed the back of his head. "I think I see why you're frustrated now."
Ochako chuckled. "Yeah. I'm glad Himi's on our side, but in some ways, it's so much worse now."
At Eri's insistence, they spent the next several hours playing board games. Because most games were only designed for four players, Eri agreed to team up with one of the teenagers, and so they had to play four different board games to make sure that everyone teamed up with her.
As the last game wrapped up, Eri's stomach gave a loud rumble.
"I guess it's time for dinner," Himiko remarked.
"Yeah…" Eri softly agreed, her face bright red.
"It's ok. I'm getting hungry too!" Ochako insisted as she stood up, offering her hand to Izuku. "We'll start dinner!"
"And we'll help clean up out here!" Emily said.
"Okay!" Eri's face slowly returned to its normal color.
Returning to the kitchen, Izuku opened the fridge and pulled out the chicken while Ochako finished gathering the dry ingredients. With a practiced ease that came from months of training together, they worked in harmony to prepare the meal. While Izuku cut up the chicken, Ochako mixed ingredients to make the katsu breading. Once done, she went over to the rice cooker and began filling it with ingredients as Izuku began heating the oil to cook the chicken.
Twenty minutes later, the pair carried five plates of chicken katsu out to the living room, where Himiko, Emily, and Eri had cleaned the table and set out napkins and drinks for everyone.
"That smells so good Izu!" Eri exclaimed as they approached.
"Thanks." Izuku smiled warmly as he placed a plate of food in front of the girl. "It's my mom's recipe."
"That's how you know it's good," Himiko said. "Mom's cooking is the best!"
Setting down the last plate, Izuku and Ochako took their places at the table and grabbed their own chopsticks.
"Itadakimasu!"
After saying their goodbyes to Aizawa, the four exited the apartment and stopped in the parking lot.
"Tell mom I'm going to be home late," Himiko said as she turned toward Emily. "I promised to show Emily the shopping district."
"Wha- no you didn't!" Emily protested.
"You said you wanted to shop for accessories for your uniform," Himiko responded, "and I said that sounds great."
"I didn't mean tonight!"
"Why not? You keep insisting school starts next week and you don't have time for anything else." Himiko gave the girl a predatory glare, just daring her to argue.
"I-" Emily's cheeks heated up under Himiko's stare. "Fine! Let's go to the department store."
"Great!" Himiko grabbed Emily's arm before looking at Izuku. "I'll see you when I get home!"
Without another word, Himiko took off running with Emily easily matching her pace as they ran down the street.
"And there they go," Ochako said, her voice laced with amusement.
"At least it gives us a few minutes of privacy?"
"I guess it does." Slipping her hand into his, she swung their joined arms lightly. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah." Izuku smiled at her before they began walking.
As they walked in comfortable silence, Izuku couldn't help but notice Ochako more. Much like their time in the vestige realm this morning, he noticed a subtle shift in her demeanor. The glint in her eyes. The faint whispers she mutters to herself that he failed to catch… She claimed it was due to her decisions about Nagant yesterday, but it felt like there was something else there.
Before he knew it, they reached the intersection where their paths normally diverge. Stopping, the two lingered with their hands still entwined.
"Well, I should probably get home," Ochako reluctantly said, but she made no move to separate from Izuku.
"Actually…" Izuku bashfully rubbed the back of his head. "Do you mind if I walked you home?"
"Izu…" Ochako's face started heating up as she gazed at him.
"O-only if you want me to!" Izuku pulled his hand free as he waved his hands defensively. Ochako immediately noticed the missing warmth of her now-empty hand.
"I'd love it!" Ochako said a little too loudly. "I'm just surprised is all!"
"Well you said you wanted to spend more time together. I know it's not much but it is just a few more minutes with you so…"
"I get it." Ochako grabbed his still outstretched hand. "Thank you."
Time seemed to stretch on as the two walked in silence to Ochako's apartment complex. To others, the silence may have been suffocating, but to them, it brought comfort. They've learned so much about each other that a simple glimpse, gesture, or even shift of weight was all that was needed to convey their message.
It was moments like these where the two could forget about the burdens placed upon their shoulders, both as the shared holders of One For All, and as visitors from the future. For a few brief moments they could be free from all of that and bask in the simple joy of being Izuku and Ochako around each other.
Unfortunately, the moment felt like it was over too quickly as they entered the parking lot.
"Well, I should get going," Ochako said. She noticed Izuku's smile dip a little, so she gave his hand one final squeeze before letting go. "Unless you plan on staying the night."
Izuku's face burned. "No I-"
Ochako burst out laughing. "I'm kidding! Thank you though. It meant a lot to me."
"Anytime Ocha."
"I'll see you later tonight?"
"Yeah, see you then!"
"I'm looking forward to it!" With one last smile, Ochako turned and entered her apartment, leaving Izuku standing alone.
With a wide grin on his face, Izuku began his journey home.
Whatever had changed with Ochako, he couldn't get enough of it.