Chapter 10: Warning
All Might the symbol of peace and justice heroically jumped from one building to another as he made his way to UA. The smiling man dressed in a professional but on brand yellow suit was thrilled that he would be one of the teachers for today's hero training. Although his thrill was greatly drowned out as he could feel his body already beginning to protest.
Beneath his clothes the badly healed wound on his abdomen sent pain shooting through his body. It had become a constant reminder of his time limit. Not only in the short term as he was unable to hold his muscular heroic form for long. But as the symbol of peace, he knew he didn't have long before his time in the spotlight, of being able to fight came to an abrupt end.
The once roaring fire that was One For All was now but a small flame within him. But All Might couldn't stop now, he refused to slow down, not when the world needed him. Not when his protege needed him.
So when he heard a cry for help he didn't hesitate to change his trajectory. He leaped and soared through the sky before striking down the villain who had been holding a family of three hostage.
Within moments the fight that had been ongoing and had left the other heroes at the scene tired, gasping for breath was resolved.
The crowds of onlookers cheered as he struck another heroic pose as his iconic smile grew. "Never fear, dear citizens! I'm here to keep you safe. Even on my morning commute!"
But before All Might could continue on his way. Over the chants and cheers of the crowd he heard yet another cry for help off in the distance.
'I shouldn't be late for school' he told himself. But he refused to ignore someone in need. So once again he took yet another detour from his original path as he once again leaped in the direction of the scream.
Line Break -
"Today's training will be a little different. You'll have three instructors. Me, All Might, and another faculty member will be keeping tabs on you." Aizawa monotonously stated to the class as he stood in front of the podium.
The various students lightly mumbled at the information regarding their upcoming training. Danny, who was relaxing back in his seat as he listened, lightly frowned to himself. As he suspected the extra instructors could have something to do with yesterday's events.
As after yesterday afternoon he had been unable to shake the sinking feeling of the uncertain. The feeling that something bad was lurking just on the horizon.
But he was at least glad to see that the school also recognized the potential threat. But the halfa snapped out of his speculations as Sero raised his hand and spoke.
"Sir, what kinda training is this?"
Aizawa in a fluid motion raised up a card towards the class. That in big bold letters had the word 'RESCUE' on it.
"Today you'll be dealing with natural disasters, shipwrecks, stuff like that." Aizawa easily explained.
The energy in the room rose as the excitement and anticipation seemed to flow from each student. Even Danny was not immune as he couldn't help but feel the buzz at the prospect of rescue training.
"Disasters, huh?" Kaminari said amongst the light mumbling of the other excited students. "Sounds like we're in for a big workout." he finished while looking over at the smiling Ashido.
"Totally!" The pink girl loudly agreed.
Kirishima slightly leaned forward on his desk as he happily joined in on the conversation. "Real hero stuff. This is what separates the men from the boys." He looked down at his clenched fists "I'm shaking with excitement."
Danny looked back at the red head who was raring to go and couldn't help but smile.
But after a moment the halfa turned his head from watching and listening to his various conversing classmates. As he heard the tired voice of Aizawa who was obviously annoyed from the interruptions.
"Guys, I'm not finished."
Of course the man's intimidating aura was almost instantly effective as the whole class simmered down.
And after a moment Aizawa continued "What you wear in this exercise is up to you. I know you're excited about costumes…" The hero proceeded to press a button on a small remote which seamlessly activated the wall's storage contaminants. That held the different numbered cases for each student.
"But keep in mind that you haven't gotten used to them yet, and they might limit your abilities. This special training's at an off-campus facility, so we'll be taking a bus to get there. That's all, start getting ready." Aizawa finally finished before taking his leave without sparing a single glance back.
As the students all got up to grab their suitcases to go and change. As it seemed that they all were making the choice to use their costumes. Danny on the other hand remained seated as he rested his head in his hand and closed his eyes momentarily.
He still didn't have a costume so the choice of what he would be wearing for the upcoming training was already decided. And his gym uniform was a lot easier to change into than the various multi-piece costumes, so he had time to spare.
Which he was beyond grateful for. As recently any moment of mental relaxation was greatly appreciated. Because, while his new environment, as a student at UA in this dimension did allow him the space to physically relax. As he was no longer having to constantly fight ghosts that came after him. Which he was honestly still getting used to. He now felt like he was struggling on another front.
As over the last few days and since he fell through that portal one mental hurdle after another had been thrown at him. He felt like someone had given him a puzzle with half the pieces missing and expected him to solve it.
But after one last final exhale he opened his eyes and stretched as he finally got up. He looked around at the now empty, quiet classroom. The slightly pushed back chairs and still atmosphere was peacefully somber. A complete contrast to the previously boisterous ambience that came from having the classroom filled with his classmates.
Perhaps he would've remained longer to take in the unusual scene. But sadly for the young halfa the peaceful quietness and the faint mumbling of students in the other classrooms and down the halls. After some time only served to quicken his rampaging thoughts and worries. So without further hesitation he turned and left the stillness to follow after his classmates to change and head to the bus.
Changing didn't take long and before Danny knew it he was outside in his gym uniform. His various classmates were scattered around, some chatting amongst themselves. While others stood peacefully waiting to be told they could board the bus.
As Danny scanned the crowd he was happy to see that everyone was accounted for. But as he looked around he couldn't help but stop. As he noticed Midoriya who surprisingly was also sporting his gym uniform. Although he did have gloves and braces on, which made the brightly colored workout attire slightly more fitting for the challenge ahead.
After a moment of thought the halfa figured the boy's green costume must still be damaged from their previous combat training. As he remembered just how badly it had been scorched. And his speculation was proven correct as he watched Uraraka go up to the boy.
"Deku? Why are you wearing your gym clothes? Where's your costume at?"
Midoriya who had been silently thinking about the task that lay ahead, his next step to becoming the kind of hero All Might was. Was jostled out of his thoughts as he turned to look at the brown haired girl who had suddenly struck up a conversation with him.
"Oh well, you saw it after the combat training. It was kinda trashed. I'm still waiting on the support company to fix it up." he nervously explained.
"I see. Well at least you're not the only one without a costume." Uraraka said after a moment as she pointed towards Danny who quickly looked away to make it seem like he hadn't been snooping.
Midoriya looked towards the direction Uraraka had pointed and saw Fenton also in his gym uniform. The green haired boy was only slightly surprised though since he quickly recalled his past conversation with the teen about his lack of gear.
"Although I suppose with his other form he'll be fine." Uraraka proceeded to add. Which made Midoriya quickly turn to look at her.
"Wait, you saw his transformation?" he asked.
Uraraka slightly raised her eyebrow before remembering that Midoriya hadn't seen their classmates' previous battle. "Oh, right you weren't there. During the combat training he transformed. It was really cool there was this bright light and rings and after he had white hair and this really cool costume. Ah, I wish you could've seen it, you would have loved it!" She finished excitedly as she recalled the epic battle while pumping her fist up and down.
Midoriya could feel his regret growing even more from further learning about how he had missed seeing his top classmates' mysterious quirk in action. "That does sound so cool." He said with barely disguised disappointment.
Uraraka suddenly frowned as she realized she was rubbing salt in the wound of her quirk loving friend. "Hey but I'm sure we'll get to see his quirk again. In fact there's probably a good chance we'll see it today." She said in an attempt to uplift the disappointed green haired boy who after a moment smiled as he eagerly nodded.
From afar Danny who had still been listening wanted to bury his head in his hands. As he felt his embarrassment rise from hearing other people talk about his powers. But suddenly amidst his distraction and hoping that nobody noticed his slightly flustered state. He felt a light tap on his shoulder.
"Fenton, can I have a moment of your time?" Iida asked as he tapped the halfa's shoulder in order to get the boy's attention.
Although to his surprise, Fenton seemed to slightly startle as he quickly whipped around in surprise.
"Oh Iida!" Danny quickly said as his brain processed what just happened as he looked over the boy who was wearing his shiny armor excluding the helmet.
"Ah ha sorry about that I was sorta lost in thought." He awkwardly said after a moment. He hadn't realized how jumpy he had become since yesterday. He just hoped that the cool blush he was now feeling on the back of his neck wasn't visible.
Iida nodded as he replied, "I apologize I shouldn't have snuck up on you like that."
At this point Danny wanted to just smack himself but instead simply smiled as he lightly shook his head. "Nah, don't worry about it. Now what's up?" he said, in the hope of quickly getting his previous embarrassing reaction overlooked.
Luckily it worked as Iida quickly continued, "Well as class rep I was hoping to get your permission. If you allow me, I would be honored to direct our classmates." He studiously said while suddenly pulling out a whistle.
Danny couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the guy and at the small dangling metal instrument. "Is that a whistle?" he couldn't help but rhetorically ask.
But Iida did not seem to pick up on the halfa's astonishment as he proudly nodded. "Yes, you see after yesterday. I realized how important it is to have a way of getting everyone's attention."
The halfa instantly began running through many different ways to respond. But as he looked at the blue haired boy's determined face and proud smile he decided to just roll with it. "Alright then, you have my permission, go nuts."
Iida's smile grew tenfold as he eagerly nodded "Thank you! You won't regret putting your trust in me!"
Danny slightly nodded as his own smile also grew. "I don't doubt it." he said mainly to himself. As the blue haired boy had already turned and begun proudly blowing his whistle. Which effectively drew every student's attention.
"Gather around, Class 1A! Using your student numbers form two neat lines so we can load the bus efficiently."
Danny lightly laughed as he watched the humorous scene and the rather priceless expressions. Of his classmates who also seemed just as surprised by Iida's sudden instructions.
From there the class quickly boarded the bus but to Iida's dismay his well thought out plan to lead the class turned out to be a flop. As the rather spacious bus had an open lay out. With half the seats being up against the opposing walls rather than in rows. It was only at the back of the bus that there was actual row seating. Which meant that in the end his instructions were scrapped as the class took it upon themselves to simply find their own seats.
So as Iida sat sulking at his failure, Danny looked at the boy who had his head in his hands.
"The bus's open layout ruined my boarding strategy." Iida said in frustration.
Danny was really having a hard time taking the guy seriously. But he managed to keep himself mostly together as he lightly patted the guy on the shoulder to hopefully provide some level of support. But he did have to turn his head slightly as he couldn't fully stop his amused smile from growing.
But not everyone was as subtle about their opinions on the boys' exasperated reactions as Ashido spoke up. "Iida, you really need to chill." Which made many of the other students lightly laugh in agreement.
But after the laughter quickly died down another decided to speak up.
"You know if we're pointing out the obvious, then there's something I wanna say." Asui suddenly added before turning to look at Midoriya who sat beside her. "About you Midoriya, actually."
Danny perked up at the sudden conversation turn as he watched Midoriya turn to look at the frog like girl.
"About me? What is it, Asui?" Midoriya nervously asked.
"You know you can call me Tsu. But that power of yours. Isn't it a lot like All Might's?" The girl questioned as she slightly tilted her head.
Danny's eyes widened, his previous amusements halted as he looked at the girl and at Midoriya who seemed to be just as shocked. The halfa instantly wondered how the boy would play off the question. But to his dismay it was like watching a guilty criminal rat himself out. As the green haired boy became extremely frazzled as he looked off to the side while quickly rambling off.
"What? Really? You think so, huh? I-uh never really thought about that but uh…" he then proceeded to start nervously laughing as he frantically moved his hands around. As it was clear he was trying to think of what to say.
Danny furrowed his eyebrows, he needed to think of a way to turn the conversation away from the boy's secret. "I don't know, I think their two quirks are pretty different." He finally said after a moment. Which effectively made the various students turn from looking at the mumbling mess of a boy and to him.
"I mean if you really think about it, any strength based quirk could be comparable to All Might's. But seeing as he doesn't hurt himself when he uses his quirk. I would say they're not all that similar." He knew that his logic wasn't completely sound but he hoped it would at least do the trick.
After a moment of thought amongst the students Kaminari luckily broke the silent contemplation. "I guess you're right. But if we're talking about quirks then shouldn't we bring up yours."
"Mine?" He questioned in between a now rather forced smile. As he could already tell this conversation was now heading in an even worse direction.
"I mean your quirk is like a cheat code. It's totally unfair!" Kaminari loudly complained.
"I say it's totally pro hero material though." Kirishima added with a wide smile.
Asui nodded before speaking up. "It definitely is but I've been wondering something, Fenton. You're American right?"
Danny was honestly slightly surprised by the question but simply nodded. Cause despite himself he was honestly curious to see where the very observant girl was going with this train of questioning.
"Your Japanese is really good, did you perhaps come to Japan when you were young?"
'Crap' he thought, as he realized that if this conversation continued and if certain questions were asked then he would have to explain how his quirk also allowed him to speak the language. As he wouldn't be able to lie with Aizawa at the front of the bus.
"Actually, I kinda only came to Japan recently." he eventually said, as his eyebrows slightly knit together. As he really hoped that would be enough and that his classmates would instead talk about something else.
Midoriya who had breathed a sigh of relief at no longer being the center of attention and that his secret was no longer at risk. Couldn't help but speak up as he slightly leaned forward while staring at the boy across from him. "Wow Fenton! How'd you learn Japanese so well? I honestly thought it was your first language!"
Danny couldn't stop himself as he very lightly glared at the green haired teen. As the boy who he had just saved was now basically helping to only further interrogate him.
At the front of the bus Aizawa also listened in while not turning around. Because the question of how the foreign boy fluently spoke Japanese had been a question he himself had been wondering.
After a moment Danny couldn't help but sigh as he decided to just be honest and hope that his explanation wouldn't make his powers seem even more odd and raise even more questions. "Well actually it's sorta a part of my quirk."
"It's a part of your quirk?" Many of the students all said in unison at the unexpected reply.
"Wait, are you saying your quirk also lets you also speak Japanese?!" Kaminari wildly asked.
Danny awkwardly laughed as he further explained. "Yea it actually lets me speak and understand any language. Pretty convenient huh? "
The halfa watched as many of his classmates looked at him with wide eyes and a few even had their mouths slightly open in surprise.
"What an amazing ability!" Midoriya finally breathed out with his wide eyes still locked on the halfa. But after a few more moments of thought spoke up once again as he tilted his head. "Wait but how does that apply to your quirk 'Ghost'?"
'Ding, ding, ding' Danny thought in tired exaggeration. As the question he was most worried about was asked. Because in all honesty he was at a complete loss for how to answer that question in a way that would actually make sense. Without actually giving away the secret of his ghostly biology. But surprisingly he was saved by the last person he would've expected.
As Bakugo, who had been silent throughout the whole trip finally gruffly spoke up while still staring out a window. "What does it matter what the freaks' powers are? He's still just a worthless extra!"
Danny and the other students looked at the loud, angry blond and the halfa couldn't believe how grateful he felt from hearing the guy's insults. Which thankfully seemed to turn the attention away from.
"You know you also definitely have a pro hero quirk Bakugo." Kirishima said to the boy who finally turned from looking out the window.
"Ya, but Bakugo's always angry, so he'll never be popular." Asui casually added, which seemed to further piss off the blond. Who had already been in a bad mood from having to listen to everyone gawk over the damn nerds and freaks' quirks.
"What'd you say! I'll kick your ass!" Bakugo yelled as it looked like he was about to jump the green haired girl. Who surprisingly didn't look that concerned about making an enemy out of the explosive teen.
Kaminari also decided to join in with a smirk. "Y'know, we basically just met you. So it's kinda telling that we all know your personality is flaming crap mixed with garbage."
"You're gonna regret the day you applied to this school you loser! I'll kill you!" Bakugo aggressively yelled.
Danny who had quietly sighed to himself in relief while finally relaxing his previously tense shoulders. Mused at the now comedic, well deserved antagonizing. He would've also joined in but decided to play it safe and stay quiet. In fear that his classmates who fully seemed to have looked over his previous lack of an answer. Would once again zero in on his not so well constructed quirk explanation.
Plus he already felt drained as he closed his eyes and relaxed back as he hoped the rest of the day would go smoothly.
But at the front of the bus Aizawa who was still passively listening to the back and forth conversations as he watched out the window as he could see their destination getting closer. Unlike the various rowdy and easily distracted teens. Didn't move past Fenton's explanation or lack of one. As he mentally added yet another seemingly nonsensical addition to the already long list of powers for the boy.
But the hero couldn't think much further on the matter as the bus came to a stop. And after a moment he finally turned around to face his still chattering students.
"We're here, stop messing around."
In response to the blunt statement almost all the students gave a resounding "Yes sir". As they all momentarily quieted down inorder to file out of the bus after their instructor.
As Danny stepped off the bus and joined his group of classmates. His eyebrows raised as he instantly spotted a person dressed in what almost looked to be a space suit.
"Hello everyone, I've been waiting for you!" the unknown person happily said with a wave.
Danny watched as his classmates and especially Midoriya, who he now stood beside gasped in amazement at the person who Danny guessed was a hero.
But the halfa didn't even have to ask the boy who the hero was before the green haired teen quickly began rambling. Something that was honestly becoming very handy as it meant Danny never really had to seem even more strange for not knowing certain things.
"Oh my gosh, it's the Space hero, Thirteen! The chivalrous pro who's rescued a ton of people from disasters across the world!"
"Woo hoo Thirteen is one of my favorite heroes!" Uraraka added with a squeal. A sentiment that was reciprocated amongst the various eager students.
'Space hero?' the halfa thought as he couldn't stop his own sudden excitement from growing at the mention of space. As he already began trying to think about what the hero's hopefully space themed quirk could be. But that wasn't the only thing the halfa focused on. As he finally looked past the pro and to the giant dome shaped building behind her. Its pure scale was honestly ridiculous in his opinion as he once again questioned where UA got the funding to build such huge training grounds.
"I can't wait to show you what's inside!" Thirteen said while gesturing to the facility behind her.
The excited class then followed after the Space hero as they were led into the dome.
During which Danny couldn't stop his eyes from growing big and darting from one thing to the next as he looked around the wide open place once he was in the imposing structure.
There seemed to be multiple different sectioned off zones, he noticed. With what appeared to be a mountain range, a collapsed city, a body of water which even had a ship in it, and two other smaller domes one that was red which appeared to have a flames pattern on it and one that was blue. And straight ahead on the walkway they were on, down a bunch of stairs was a fountain.
"Wow this place is incredible" he couldn't stop himself from uttering out as he tried to take in everything.
Kirishima who stood beside him nodded. As he too was captivated by the training ground. "No kidding this place looks like some kind of amusement park!"
Thirteen who stood before the stunned class stretched out her arms as she proudly spoke. "A shipwreck, a landslide, a fire, a windstorm, et cetera! I created this training facility to prepare you to deal with different types of disasters. I call it the Unforeseen Simulation Joint. But you can call it, USJ!"
Aizawa, who had followed behind the class, walked up to his colleague as he asked in a low voice. "Hey, shouldn't All Might be here already? Lemme guess, he booked an interview instead."
The previously boisterous Thirteen took a step closer to the tired man as she too lowered her voice, "Actually, it's something else. Apparently he did too much hero work on the way to school this morning and used up all his power. He's resting in the teacher's lounge."
Danny, who had easily heard the quiet conversation, frowned. But quickly reasoned that even without the smiling hero here that everything should be just fine.
Aizawa also came to the same conclusion as he sighed out, "That man is the height of irresponsibility." Before turning back to the class while slightly raising his voice. "All right the clock's ticking. We should get started." With that the scarfed hero walked to the side as a signal for Thirteen to once again take over.
"Excellent. Before we begin, let me just say one thing. Well maybe two things. Possibly three, four, or five…"
"We get it" almost the whole class eventually said in unison to the hero. Which quickly snapped Thirteen out of her rambling as she lifted her hand and truly began explaining.
"Listen carefully. I'm sure you're all aware that I have a powerful quirk…"
'No, not really', Danny momentarily thought but kept his inner monologue to himself.
"It's called 'Black Hole'. I can use it to suck up anything and turn it into dust." Thirteen proceeded to explain.
Danny's eyes slightly widened at the explanation. As he thought about just how dangerous that quirk sounded.
"Yeah, you've used 'Black Hole' to save people from all kinds of disasters before, haven't you?" Midoriya happily asked with glee as he was still fanboying from being in the presence of such a cool hero and at being able to learn more about their quirk.
"That's true. But my quirk could also very easily be used to kill."
The hero's reply instantly brought an unsettling air to the previously joyful and excited students. As many of the once smiling teens including Midoriya, lightly gasped.
"Some of you also have powers that can be dangerous. You see In our superhuman society all quirks are certified and strictly regulated, so we often overlook how unsafe they can actually be. Please don't forget that if you lose focus or make the wrong move your powers can be deadly."
Danny looked at his classmates' somber expressions. The hero's speech seemed to be a wake up call for many of them. A harsh reality check that was hard to come to terms with. That being a hero was not some glamorous, easy walk in the park.
But he couldn't fault any of them for seeming so shocked. He too had had to learn the hard way that at the end of the day people's lives were on the line every time you fought. That just as easily as you could make a situation better, you could also make it worse.
The halfa looked down at the ground and at his own hands as he thought of his own past experiences and countless mistakes. But he lightly shook his head as he looked back up to the still speaking hero.
"Thanks to Aizawa's fitness tests, you have a solid idea of your quirk's potential. And because of All Might's combat training, you likely experienced how dangerous your powers can be when used against other people. Carry those lessons over to this class. Because today, you're going to learn how to use your quirks to save people's lives. You won't be using your powers to attack enemies or each other, only to help. After all, that's what being a hero is all about. Ensuring the safety of others." With that the hero bowed, "That's all I have to say. Thank you so much for listening."
Danny smiled to himself as he listened to the pro and to his classmates. Whose nerves seem to have dissipated as once again their excitement returned as they lightly cheered for the bowing hero.
"Right. Now that that's over…" Aizawa began to say. But before he could continue, almost the whole class gasped as they watched the lights around the dome flicker. And Danny furrowed his brows as he momentarily noticed the water from the fountain down below sputtered for a few seconds.
He tensed and instinctively went on high alert. But as he narrowed his eyes he instantly felt the pit in his stomach drop. As he felt and watched as an all too familiar yet somehow foreign waft of cold air left his mouth. He could feel every nerve in his body flare as he gasped from the unexpected warning.
Midoriya and the other students of class 1A watched in confusion as the overhead lights flickered. Although none of them thought much of it. But just as Midoriya was about to ask if this was a part of the training. He heard a gasp to his side and was shocked to see Fenton's expression.
His normally relaxed classmate looked tense. His eyes were sharp and focused and every line in the boy's body looked rigid. But before he could say anything to his classmate the teen moved. Midoriya's eyes quickly followed as Fenton unexpectedly sped past Aizawa and Thirteen. Who also followed the boy's sudden movement.
But when the class and instructors finally looked past where the black-haired boy now stood staring off towards the fountain. They all saw what had seemingly caused the teen's sudden reaction. As a strange dark purple swirling void had appeared and begun quickly growing. Aizawa's breath left his lungs as from the void a man stepped out.
Chapter 11: Keep Them Safe
Just as Aizawa was about to shout orders as he quickly came to the realization that they were under attack. A bright light came from where Fenton stood, his back facing the hero and the still confused class.
They all squinted as the bright rings traveled along the boy's body and within moments the teen's hair and clothes had changed. He was no longer wearing the UA gym uniform. Instead it was now the black and white fitted suit.
From behind the halfa he could hear the light gasping of his classmates who must've been surprised by his sudden show of power. But he paid it no mind as he tried to pinpoint what he was feeling. His ghost sense had gone off and he could feel the ectoplasm radiate from down below. But it wasn't what he was used to. In fact if he didn't know better it almost felt like the same feeling he got when around another half ghost but even that wasn't right.
But before he could do anything, he felt a hand grab his shoulder and momentarily took his eyes off the threats to look at Aizawa.
"Fenton get back!", the man commanded, as he took a step past Danny who remained locked in place despite what he had just been told.
"All of you stay together and don't move! Thirteen, protect the students and Fenton…" The man turned his head slightly to make eye contact with the halfa. "Don't do anything rash! Stay with the class."
With that the pro pulled out his yellow armored goggles from under his scarf like capture weapon and put them on.
Danny could feel his knuckles go white as he realized the man planned to go down there by himself. But the already high stakes situation proceeded to quickly escalate even more. As Aizawa and Fenton watched as multiple people began coming out of the now enlarged void.
But that wasn't all as Danny felt yet another surge in his ghost sense. As what the halfa could only describe to be a very large, mutated beast with half its brain exposed stepped out of the portal. To stand behind the hand-covered man who appeared to be the leader.
'Shit' Aizawa thought to himself.
Within the confused crowd of students they too watched in slight worry. But none of them truly seemed to understand the severity of the situation that was unraveling before them. As Kirishima finally spoke up, "Woah who are those people? I thought we were rescuing people today? Has the training already started?"
"No, this is real. Those are villains." The scarfed man bit out.
That seemed to do the trick as the majority of the students gasped as their confusion quickly turned into fear. Midoriya could already feel his hands begin to shake as his nerves shot through the roof as he could tell this wasn't a joke.
From down below Shigaraki menacingly stood as he watched his armada of villains spread out. And behind him the Nomu now stood waiting for his command. The villain could already feel his simmering joy rise as he watched his plan start to perfectly unfold. But there was one thing that he quickly realized as he spoke up in a grading voice. "Kurogiri, where's All Might? I went through the trouble of bringing so many friends who are so eager to meet him. So where is he?"
"The only real heroes I see are Thirteen and Eraser Head. Perplexing, according to the schedule we retrieved from UA, All Might should be here as well." The swirling void replied.
From where the halfa stood, not having taken his eyes off the growing threat for more than a second. Further grimaced as his enhanced hearing picked up what the apparently sentient portal said. 'So they're after All Might?' he questioned.
From slightly in front of and to the side of the halfa, Aizawa spoke up to himself in a low rasp. "So these scumbags are the ones who snuck onto campus."
The man's hypothesis made sense to the halfa but he didn't dwell long on the how. As he further did his best to listen to the dry, crackling voice of the man covered in wrinkled hands.
"So he's not here. Well that's too bad but maybe if I kill a few kids, he'll come out to play." Shigaraki said, as he subconsciously began using four fingers to scratch at his neck.
Danny could feel his anger rise as he listened to the man's sickening statement. But he couldn't think much on his various emotions as he heard Kaminari speak up.
"What real villains!? No way. How could so many of them get into a UA facility this secure?"
"Yeah, Thirteen, why aren't the alarms going off?" Yaoyorozu further pressed, but before the hero could respond another spoke.
"Is the entire campus under attack? Or is this their only target?" Todoroki said, as he took a step forward as the usually quiet boy analyzed the threat down below. "Either way, if the alarms aren't being triggered, then one of these villains must have a quirk that's masking their presence here. But seeing as they choose this isolated facility as an entry point at a time when a class was being taught. It's clear that they've thought this out. Whatever their plan is, they must have a concrete objective in mind. But what is it?"
"They're here for All Might." Danny answered in a low voice as he finally took his eyes off the threat to turn and face his classmates.
The students' eyes widened as they looked at their class rep and took in the teens's jarring statement.
From behind the white haired boy Aizawa paused as he too took in the alarming information. Briefly wondering how the boy knew it, but he didn't have time to fully question it as he needed to stay on track. "Thirteen, get them out of here and alert the main campus. Actually if they're blocking our sensors they might be jamming our regular communication, too. Kaminari…"
The yellow haired teen looked to the hero from where his eyes had still been locked onto Fenton.
"Try using your quirk and gear to contact the school." The boy nodded after a moment as he began fiddling with his head set.
"Aizawa you can't fight this alone! Let me help you."
Aizawa who was just about to finally move and leap towards the villains down below paused as he met the teen's unyielding gaze through his eye wear.
The boy's voice no longer had its usual joking underlying tone and his body language reminded the tired man of when they first met. Of when he couldn't help but think the boy, despite his age resembled a pro. But even with those observations the hero already knew his answer, but before he could reply another spoke up.
"Sir, Fenton's right! There's too many of them. Even if you nullify their quirks, your fighting style is not suited for this!" Midoriya added, despite his own growing fears at learning about the villain's objective.
"No. All of you need to leave!" The scarfed hero didn't hesitate to answer the two, in a tone that left no room for debate. "Besides, you can't be a pro if you only have one trick."
That statement seemed to ease the worry amongst many of the students. Even for Midoriya who finally exhaled the breath he had unconsciously been holding. As the tension in his shoulders ever so slightly lessened. It felt as if nothing would stop the man, a silent pledge that everything would be alright.
But Danny only further scowled as he looked at the pro's side profile. He was no fool, he knew the man was smart enough to realize that he had no hope of fighting off such large forces single handedly, even with his quirk. That it would be a losing battle for the pro, no matter how skilled he was. That despite his air of confidence and calm nature, the man's true goal was to simply buy the class time to escape.
But the halfa was unable to further press the issue and argue with the man about how stupid a sacrificing play would be, even if it was heroic. That the hero knew perfectly damn well that he could help.
As the man beat him to it as he gave one last final yell, "Thirteen I leave it to you!" Before leaping off the ledge of the stairs and into the crowd of villains below.
'Damn it!' the halfa almost screamed out in frustration as he felt his fists and jaw only further tighten. It felt like with every passing second a new challenge was added to the situation. But as he watched the now ensuing fight down below he was momentarily relieved as he saw the skilled man quickly take down the first wave of villains. But how long would that last? He questioned, as he looked back to the main threats. Two of which who had somehow activated his ghost sense.
"Alright class, there's no time to waste!" Thirteen yelled, as she quickly began herding the students to the exit.
Danny took one last moment of consideration before he reluctantly turned. He knew that he needed to stay with his classmates for now and make sure that they got to safety. Before he could go aid in the battle.
As he turned to leave to follow after the class he noticed Midoriya. Who was still locked on to the fight down below.
"Midoriya, we have to move! Let's go!"
The green haired boy who had been captivated by Eraser Head's fighting style snapped out of his trance. As he turned to his class rep whose intense burning eyes instantly got him in gear as he stiffly nodded and began running with Fenton following closely behind.
But, as the two quickly caught up to the class. As if in slow motion the halfa felt as one of the radiating sources of ecto-energy moved from being behind him to somehow being in front of him and his classmates.
"Everyone stop!"
The crowd of fleeing students and Thirteen all halted at the sudden echoey shout. And not a moment later, before anyone could even turn to question the sudden command. On the ground a few yards away a dark, menacing, swirling void appeared.
And after a few seconds the familiar looking void grew as its mass rose off the ground and almost completely blocked their path forward.
Danny readied himself and didn't hesitate to move through the crowd of his now frozen peers to stand beside the Space hero.
"There is no escape for you," The oddly smooth and polite male voice came from the mass of dark purple smog which now had yellow gleaming eyes. "It's a pleasure to meet you. We are the League of Villains. I know it's rather impolite, but we decided to invite ourselves into this haven of justice to say hello…"
But before the now talking void could continue in its introduction. Danny spoke up, "League of Villains? Ha, how original. Listen here Smokey, I don't give a damn who you or your band of crazies are. Cause there's no way I'm letting any of your plans succeed!"
So perhaps he did care who they were, a lot actually. Especially this thing and the giant beast which was currently where Aizawa was fighting. Because there was no mistaking it, they both had trances of ectoplasm even if it did feel strange. But it was almost second nature for him to retort back when facing an enemy.
"How impolite, it is very rude to interrupt," Came the void's reply before the entity seemed to lightly sigh before continuing. "Although I suppose I should expect nothing less from children."
Danny kept himself still, posed and ready to fight. As the yellow gleaming eyes seemed to finally lock on to him. It was clear he was being examined. And after a moment the purple smoke continued in an almost inquisitive tone.
"Hmm, how interesting…" The smoke seemed to think, about to add to its thought as it further glared down at the white haired boy. Who honestly wanted to hear what the thing would say. But instead of getting what he wanted the yellow eyes moved after a moment. As it appeared to move past analyzing him and instead to looking at the whole class and Thirteen. Which honestly pissed him off, as it seemed it didn't consider him a threat.
"Ah, I suppose it doesn't matter. Besides, I still have a role to play."
Danny further prepared himself as he watched the smog further stretch out. As arm-like masses from the main body of dark smoke spread up and out like wings. To his side he could tell Thirteen also readied herself as in his peripheral he saw as she held out her hand and a small cap on one of her fingers clicked off.
But just as the mass of smoke was about to advance towards them. To Danny's and Thirteen's surprise from the crowd of students behind where the two stood, two yells were heard.
The halfa's scrunched up eyebrows raised in disbelief as his mouth slightly fell open. As both Bakugo and Kirishima quickly rushed past where he and Thirteen had positioned themselves as a wall against the threat.
"Wait you two!" Thirteen yelled out.
"You gotta be kidding me." The halfa breathed out in frayed frustration.
As at the same time as the two willingly rushed towards the danger he began automatically raising his hand and focusing on his ecto-energy. In an effort to create an ecto-shield between his two classmates and the void which had also begun moving to meet the two in the middle.
But just as Danny was mere moments away from having the shield expand as his hand already began to glow. The blond created a giant explosion behind himself which sent him propelling even faster and past the place Danny was about to make the wall.
This change would've been fine as he could've simply made the shield further in front of the explosive teen. But from the explosion a large plume of gray smoke erupted out.
Danny couldn't believe it, as within less then a few moments the control he had over this already crappy situation disappeared. Just like his vision of his two classmates and the threat in front of him as smoke clouded around him.
He could hear his other classmates who were still thankfully behind him gasp and even a few coughs.
But he didn't spare a single thought to that. As he squinted in order to both limit the smoke from getting in his eyes and in frustration. As he instantly ditched his previous plan as his foot quickly pushed off the ground as he began to run after both his classmates. In order to hopefully catch up before the enemies previous threats of killing a couple of students came to pass. Because he would sooner let himself become a full ghost then allow that to happen.
But as he bolted through the cloud of smoke which was beginning to disperse he heard Kirishima's voice and yet another explosion.
"What, you think we were just gonna stand around and let you tear this place to shreds?"
By the time Kirishima finished his rhetorical question. Danny was able to finally get through the second wave of soot and finally reach the two. Who appeared to be standing before the villain only four or five meters aways, which was too close for comfort in the halfa's opinion.
But it was hard to fully tell the distance as the void of a man was almost fully clouded over. Which the halfa assumed meant that the previous explosion was from Bakugo attempting to attack it.
"Are you two crazy!" He basically yelled as he finally stood beside the two. Sparing a momentary glare to check both of them over to ensure that they weren't hurt and was relieved to see that they both looked physically fine. As for their heads, Danny was starting to think they had even worse survival instincts then he did.
But before he could say anything more to alleviate his stress. Neither he nor Bakugo, who also looked to be about to give his own probably angry reply back, were not given the chance.
As from the gray smoke came the villain's menacing voice. "You certainly live up to your school's reputation…"
Soon after in a wisp Danny, Kirishima, and Bakugo, as well as the rest of the distraught class and Thirteen. Who were behind the three watched and felt as the smoke was wafted away enough to finally reveal the dark purple incorporeal man who appeared unharmed as the void which made up its body began to slightly change shape.
From the halfa's peripheral view and the light, almost inaudible gasps that came from the two teens who stood to his side. He could tell that they were both shocked that their attempts at attacking and challenging the villain had failed. But Danny expected nothing less.
"But you should be more careful, children. Otherwise someone might get hurt." As it finished it's clear threat. Danny watched as the now visible yellow gleaming eyes once again appeared from the void which was now slightly more head shaped and resembled a flame dancing.
But Fenton wasn't the only one who took in the villain's slightly altered form. As Midoriya, who couldn't help but cough a few times to clear his lungs, looked through his arms. Which he had raised to shield his face just moments ago. And through his squinted eyes stared in fear laced amazement at his three classmates' backs and at the villain who towered in front of them.
But the green haired boy's observations came to a screeching halt as the void began rapidly expanding out towards the three. "Now I'll scatter you across this facility to meet my comrades and your deaths!"
"You three get out of the way right now!" Thirteen yelled.
As if in slow motion while Danny's breath left his lungs he turned his head as his attention split. Watching as on one side the dark abyss expanded closer, a fraction of a second away from enveloping him, Kirishima, and Bakugo who were both still turning in response to the hero.
On the other side the halfa quickly understood why the hero had shouted her command. As it was clear from her outstretched hand and the finger which had previously lost its covering. That the pro wanted to use her quirk.
From where Midoryia stood frozen, his eyes taking in everything faster than his brain could truly register. He watched as just as his three classmates were about to vanish within the tendrils of dark purple, the void reaching out towards them. Fenton moved, his body going at lightning speed. As in one fluid motion he turned and lunged while stretching out his arms towards Kacchan and Kirishima. Bodying them out of the way.
The three hit the ground hard, as the halfa was unable to fully modulate his strength in such a short amount of time. But they were out of the way, far to the side of where they had previously been.
Danny landed on his stomach, his face momentarily kissing the walkway as his body skidded to a harsh stop. But just as quickly as he landed did he press his gloved hands to the ground as he looked back up, his chin just a few centimeters from the floor.
From slightly behind the teen he could hear the agitated groans and the sucking in of air from Kirishima and Bakugo. Who definitely had gotten their breaths knocked out of them from hitting and subsequently rolling on impact. But the halfa didn't spare a single glance, there was no time.
Because the void spreading out towards the class hadn't stopped. Only now Danny was no longer in a position to actively act as a wall of defense for his classmates. But to his core's slight relief Thirteen's previous actions allowed her to instantly activate her own quirk with a shout, "Black Hole!".
The students of class 1A, whether behind the hero or on the ground watched in amazement. As large quantities of the dark purple void got sucked into the pro's suit via the stretched out finger.
But the extremely momentary relief quickly began to dull as many of the students. Especially the halfa who had managed to raise himself further off the ground and onto his hands and knees. Could tell that despite Thirteen's quirk, there was just no end to the continuous purple smog. In fact its quantity flowing out from its source seemed to be both never ending and even increasing by the millisecond.
And within no time it was simply too much. As large portions got past the defense and like water rushing was just about to surround the class. Whose fear stricken faces as they watched what could very well be their doom get closer and closer, made Danny feel sick to his stomach.
But the same saving grace which had just allowed him to save Bakugo and Kirishima just moments ago. His beyond superior reaction time and reflexes which were now only further heightened from his adrenaline and fear once again took hold. Allowing him to not simply be subjected to watch in horror. As he instead reached out his hand which instantly became enveloped in burning green as he shouted, "No!".
From within the group of terrified teens, Midoriya, Uraraka, and Aoyama stood with quaking hands and panic-stricken eyes. Todoroki, Tokoyami, Yaoyorozu, Sero, and Asui doing their best to stand their ground. Jiro, Mineta, Kaminari, and Ashido turning and scrunching up their eyes to brace for impact. Sato, Ojiro, and Shoji looking towards their fellow classmates in fear. Thirteen who had been forced to stop her quirk stood in horror.
And finally Iida who despite lacking heightened reflexes had his body and brain seemingly become one as his quirk began to automatically activate. In a reflexive attempt to beat the clock. But the blue haired boy knew there wouldn't be enough time.
But in an instant just as the void was about to hit the first few students and Thirteen. A bright burning dome enveloped and surrounded the class.
It was as if a firework exploded to Iida as all previous thoughts and actions halted as his mouth fell open in a breath. As he stared at the glowing dome that was now all around him.
"Oh my… this is…" the quiet whisper of half spoken astonishment was made to Iida's side. And without turning as his eyes felt completely transfixed to the green glow. His brain supplemented that it was Uraraka's voice.
Midoriya on the other hand did turn to look from where he stood stunned, having taken a stumbling step back. He looked around first to Uraraka whose open mouth was being slightly covered by her hands, her eyes looking up reflecting the neon green. Then to his other classmates who were all being illuminated by the light. He could tell that they were all sharing in the intensity of experiencing so many emotions in rapid succession, from having their fear so quickly washed over.
But their fear wasn't truly gone, far from it. Simply masked over and strangled but after a few passing moments of deafening silence a new brand of worry began to rise. As their strange new enclosure did not seem to be going down.
Outside the burning green dome of ecto-energy the dark smog rapidly streamed past as instead of meeting its intended targets it rippled off and around the newly formed glowing surface.
"What an interesting quirk," Kurogiri's smooth voice echoed out.
Danny with his arm stretched out, eyes burning finally got to his feet as he diverted his attention back to the main mass of smog.
"But while it's certainly a valiant attempt at saving your classmates it is ultimately futile. Especially when you should be more focused on saving yourself!"
The wisps that circulated around the dome attempting to penetrate through disappeared. But just as quickly as they vanished did he understand what the villain meant as the void once again shot out towards him instead.
The halfa's raised glowing hand quickly moved from being solely directed at keeping the dome in place to the incoming threat. As the flow of energy that clung to his fingertips changed as the icy energy that was harbored within his chest shot forth. Changing the green of his eyes and hand to a stinging glacier blue.
Ice shot from the ground in an attempt to once again block the incoming tendrils. But at this point despite how fraid the halfa's mind was from having things get so out of hand so quickly he didn't simply stop at defense. As deadly stalagmites made of ice came from the ground past where the initial ice wall formed.
But the almost reflexive attack did not give the white haired teen the sense of control that he was desperately trying to get back. As the wall of ice only served to block his vision of the villain. While not even stopping the dark wave for more than a few moments.
It was hollowing for the halfa, a vice to his senses as he watched the darkness rush closer. Had he failed? Was this really it?
But just as he was about to finally be enveloped in the voids ensuing wave he heard Kirishima shout and an explosion.
"Wait Bakugo!" and not a moment later a hand grabbed his shoulder.
"Move it extra!"
Danny's eyes widened as in slow motion he felt himself start to get pulled back as Bakugo, who was supposed to be behind him, started to rocket past him. All while having his teeth bared, red eyes locked on the void.
As the halfa watched the blond fly further and further away, centimeter by centimeter. While he began to fall back as the hand that had been the cause of his sudden loss of balance finally left his shoulder. His body almost instantly reacted as he stretched out his arm as far as it would go, his hand reaching out, in an attempt to grab his classmate's wrist and pull him back.
But his attempt failed, so close yet so far it seemed. And just like that the halfa watched as the blond met what was supposed to be his fate.
Bakugo let out an explosion right as his other hand was about to finally make contact with the void. An attempt to attack the incoming threat. But it was no use as even the explosion was enveloped without pause. And within a moment the blond was gone and once again despite having taken a stumbling step back, given a few extra milliseconds of time by none other than Bakugo. Danny was back to where he was a moment ago.
Watching as the dark void came closer and closer about to do whatever it had just done to Bakugo to him. Only now the question of if he had failed was answered. But the emotions which caught in his throat sobered his mind as he clenched his teeth. Enough to do what his previously grasping, frayed thoughts had overlooked. As he activated his intangibility. Because this wasn't it, he told himself, he wouldn't let it be.
His vision darkened as the void finally passed over him, but the buzz under his skin from his ecto-energy remained. As he could feel his powers working without fault, even if divided. But he couldn't tell if his intangibility had truly saved him.
But before the worry that his last ditch effort was worthless or the fear that it wouldn't work at all against this somehow ghostly threat even had a chance to grow. He heard a disgruntled gasp from behind him, 'Kirishima!' his mind screamed in recognition as he quickly pivoted on his foot. Turning behind him, to where the voice had come from. But he couldn't see anything and just as quickly as he heard his friend's voice did it abruptly cut off.
He kept himself from calling out to Kirishima as despite what he wanted to believe he already knew what had happened to the red head. A thought that only further twisted his gut.
But once again the halfa was given no time to truly think. As the rapid flow of dark purple began to quickly lesson until the tendrils that remained simply disappeared.
Once freed, his vision restored, Danny didn't hesitate long before shooting off the ground. High enough to finally meet the villain's large gleaming eyes once again.
"Aah, It seems you are more persistent than I gave you credit for…"
In the halfa's peripheral vision as he listened to the smooth voice he quickly took in the ecto-dome which still stood, encasing his classmates and instructor. And although he knew it would be, as he had continuously allowed the flow of energy to leave him over the past minute or so, it was still a relief to see.
A reminder that he still had some level of control over the situation, that not everything was lost. Something that he forced himself to focus on. Rather than the fact that he had allowed two of his classmates to be taken, all because he got overwhelmed. A mistake he thought he had left far in the past.
"Although it seems your classmates were not so lucky." the void of a man continued in an almost taunting tone.
Danny didn't reply, no quip, no snarky retort, nothing. Instead his response came from grinding his teeth together as his eyes burned with the anger that began to course through his veins. An anger that quickly traveled to his hands and before the villain could say anything else the halfa sent out a burning green blast.
But despite the relatively unrestrained power put behind the fury fueled shot the wisps that made up the incorporeal man a moment before impact easily moved. As the main mass gilded back and the parts that did get hit only sputtered for a second.
As it fully seemed that to the same extent that Danny was immune to all physical attacks while intangible, this entity which seemed to lack any physical body was also immune to all damage. But what wasn't immune was the pathway which caved in and broke apart on impact.
Danny stared down at the smoking crater, the only real thing to come out of his rage filled assault.
"Tell me, do you still believe you have the ability to stop us? To stop me?"
"Shut it!" the halfa barked out in an echoing voice. His fists that were now to his side clenching to a whitening grip as ecto-energy continued to pool around them.
"Why? Because you have no argument, no defense? You are just a child after all. Nothing but a lamb to the slaughter. Caught up in the world of heroes and false ideals. Trying to play the part of savior in the face of your instructor's incompetence. A true waste of potential. But perhaps there is a way for you to live to see tomorrow."
Danny was sick and tired of listening to him speak, mocking him. A conversation he's heard time and time again, back in his own dimension. Only this time it stung more than usual. But it was because of his experiences, that strange sense of familiarity that the villain's degrading words brought, that he didn't hesitate to respond without skipping a beat. "'Caught up in a world of heroes and false ideals'? Ha, what a load of crap. Especially coming from the guy whose only way of getting his message across is by attacking a bunch of kids. So I would say you and your group of crazies are the last people I should listen to."
"Very well, you've made your choice. Now live with the consequences!" With that the void that comprised the villain quickly swirled in on itself, completely vanishing before Danny's eyes.
Danny turned in the air, head and eyes quickly scanning over everything. Trying to think of where the villain had gone. But not only did he quickly realize where it had disappeared to but he could feel it, the pull of that strange ecto-energy. As his eyes locked onto the dome still protecting his classmates.
"No!" the halfa shouted as with a swipe of his hand the dome went down.
Showing both his classmates and the villain before them.