Chapter 12: What Are You?
Within the dome of ecto-energy, the initial stunned silence that the students of class 1A shared quickly diminished as their encasement became prolonged.
"Students, is everyone okay?" Thirteen asked, as she scanned over everyone. Many of which nodded in response.
"I'm okay, but what's happening?" Ashido asked, worry lacing her voice.
"Yeah I thought that villain was going to get us," Hagakure added.
"I'm not completely sure but I'm glad to see everyone's alright," Thirteen replied.
Yaoyorozu from where she stood analyzing the dome, turned to the hero. "Thirteen, I believe this is Fenton's power."
"You're right, this is no doubt Fenton's doing," Iida added, trying his best to not let the adrenaline that still coursed through his veins leak into his voice. As he took a few steps and put his hand against the glowing surface. "He must've put this up to save us."
An air of momentary silence passed over the teens as they looked to their deputy class rep. Taking in what he had said, the knowledge that they had been saved by Fenton. Before Jiro spoke up, her eyebrows knitted together in thought, "Yeah I think I heard him shout before it happened."
"But then why hasn't he put it down yet?! Do you think he's planning to keep us in here?" Mineta said, as he began to freak out.
"No, I'm sure there's a reason he hasn't taken it down yet," Thirteen calmly said to reassure the purple haired boy and the other teens. "From the report I read your class rep is clear headed and knows how to use his quirk efficiently. But we do need to know what's happening out there, Jiro, Shoji. Could you two use your quirks to tell me what's happening out there?"
The two called upon students nodded after a moment before moving, Jiro crouching down closer to the ground. As her earphone jacks stuck into the walkway. While Shoji walked to stand beside Iida, close to the wall as he allowed his quirk to further manifest, as multiple ears grew out from his many limbs.
"I'm not getting much," Shoji admitted in defeat after a few drawn out moments.
"He's right, I'm not hearing much either. Not even footsteps." Jiro added.
"Fenton must be flying then," Yaoyorozu reasoned with a hand to her chin.
"But what about Bakugo and Kirashima? They are also out there." Uraraka wondered as she began to worry for her classmates.
"I don't know, I'm not hearing them," Jiro strained, doing her best to focus.
"They could be standing still," Ashido said, trying to ignore the other possibilities.
"I don't know, Bakugo's not really the type who would just stay still," Kaminari slowly said in response to the pink girl.
"You can't possibly be suggesting that the villain got them!" Ashido nearly shouted, her fists clenching in anger.
Kaminari brought his hands up as if surrendering, "Hey I'm just saying. You saw how he and Kirishima rushed towards the villain."
"So what? They're both super strong… plus Fenton's out there." She further pressed, not relenting even if her voice slowly got quieter as she went. As if she was trying to reassure herself more than anything.
"I know that but-"
"Guys enough!" Iida finally snapped before he could fully restrain himself, cutting off Kaminari. Effectively shutting down the two's bickering. But just as quickly as his frustration got the best of him. Did he let out a sigh as he did his best to collect himself again, "We're getting off track. We need to stay focused."
But the tension in the air was only increasing, quickly rising, and threatening to spread to the other students. But before it could truly escalate the sound of two hands clapping together brought the light buzz that hung heavy in the air and in each teens body to a stand still as they all looked towards the hero.
"Iida's right," Thirteen said in a steady tone. "In high tense situations it's easy to get side tracked and have your emotions get the best of you. It's important to remain calm and clear headed, especially since we don't have all the information. Now Jiro, can you hear anything else?"
Jiro, who had been momentarily focused on the back and forth, squeezed her eyelids shut as she strained her quirk. Focusing on every minute vibration, mapping out the world around just by sound. But as she listened, trying to find anything of significance a load boom vibrated through the ground and straight into her head.
"Ahh!" she screamed out in pain as she instinctively pulled her head back, her earphone jacks clicking off from the ground as she quickly stood. As her hands shot up to cover her ears and to hold her head.
"Jiro, are you okay?" Asui quickly asked, as she moved over to her side before putting a light, supporting hand on Jiro's shoulder.
"What was that just now? The ground shook?" Mineta trembled out, visibly shaking with fear once again.
But despite the questions asked Jiro only continued to hold her head in her hands. Her eyes squeezed shut in pain.
"I think I know," The masked Shoji said after a second, making the class and hero look to him instead. "I think an explosion happened, even I could hear it."
"Then Bakugo is fine?" Tokoyami questioned with slight relief in his stoic voice.
But before Shoji could reply Jiro finally opened her eyes as she shook her head, "I don't think it was Bakugo," Effectively drawing the class's attention, "It didn't sound like one of his explosions."
"Then what did it sound like?" Asui asked as she slightly tilted her head.
"It's hard to describe… but it was like a blast hitting the ground. It sounded pretty big too."
"A blast? Then it was probably Fenton." Todoroki, who had been silently listening, finally spoke up as he recalled his fight with the class rep. Remembering how he had blasted away his ice.
"I see, then that probably means that he's fighting…" The pro said, doing her best to keep her own growing worries out of her voice. As she knew she needed to stay clear headed for the class's sake. Hoping that the report she read on the boy was truly accurate. "If that's the case then we'll have to wait and trust in him."
As the hero and various students continued to talk, discussing their situation. Uraraka couldn't help but look around after some time, a way to keep herself focused.
But as she went, looking from the dome to one classmate after another. She stopped as her gaze fell to Midoriya. As she not only realized how quiet the boy had been throughout the discussion but as she took in his expression. He looked distraught, an expression that at face value matched almost everyone else's but there was something more to it. From the way he stared down at his own hands, brows crinkled in frustration, she just couldn't help but have her worries grow for her friend.
After a moment of consideration she decided to investigate but instead of going straight to the green haired teen who seemed to almost be in his own world. She instead began to walk towards Iida. Hoping that the teen who always seemed to have a good understanding of things could aid her in possibly comforting Midoriya.
But just as she got to his side after only a few steps she was unable to say anything. As to her and the whole class's horror the swirling void once again appeared and quickly grew. Across the dome from where Uraraka and Iida stood. Only now they knew what it meant, that the villain was once again attacking. Except now they had nowhere to run.
But as the villain began to take shape from the initial dark menacing swirl. To the class's relief the dome that had quickly become their prison went down all around them. Allowing them to once again see the world around them, to take in what had happened in the last few minutes. But even though they could, they weren't given the chance.
The void shot out at the class and hero, there was truly no time to react for the teens closest. As Ojiro, Sero, and Tokoyami were engulfed. Then Yaoyorozu, Jiro, and Kaminari disappeared as they too were overtaken by the smog. Todoroki followed shortly after. Before Aoyama, Sato, Asui, and Mineta were enveloped.
But not everyone suffered the same fate. Amidst the fear and chaos Iida turned away from the ensuing wave as once again his engines began to activate. He reached out, grabbing hold of the two people who stood closest to him.
As Uraraka watched the first few wisps begin surrounding and passing over her. Her eyes once again caught onto Midoriya only to quickly lose vision of the teen. As he too was lost to the darkness. But not even a moment later, so quick that she couldn't even look down. She felt something wrap around her abdomen. Before everything around her moved, the villain's main mass getting farther and farther away in an instant. Until the void which had blocked out most of the light mere moments ago was meters away.
It was only after she felt her whole body come to a sudden stop that she was truly able to start piecing together what happened. As she looked to the side and saw both Iida who after letting go didn't waste a second before turning around. Directing his attention back to the villain that was now a viewing distance away. Then to Shoji who seemed to also be trying to make sense of his situation. As it seemed he too had been saved by the blue haired teen.
But the three students were not the only ones pardoned.
Back when the dome had initially gone down the halfa also did not stay still within the air. He too had reacted, flying at a breakneck speed towards the first people he had locked onto. Not even truly taking in who they were. Managing to only make it in time to turn himself and the two who he had barely managed to touch by his fingertips intangible. Just before once again watching as everything went dark as once again the dark void went over him.
But this time he didn't stop to wait to regain his vision, as he kept moving. As his initial touch turned into him grabbing hold of the two arms with either hand, until he had two firm grips that promised those he had grabbed security.
Before he pushed off the ground, flying up, bringing the two with him. During which he could hear a disgruntled yelp but ignored it. As he rose higher until he finally broke free from the void. Rising above the darkness.
Once free, able to see once again he looked down first to those he had managed to save. Taking in both the slightly translucent appearance of Thirteen, who had her head tilted up. Then to Ashido who, unlike the hero, was not seemingly looking up at him. Instead her head was hung low and he was unable to truly take in the girl's expression. But he didn't need to see her face to know she was scared.
But he couldn't dwell on either one's actions. As he began to scan around, turning his head to look past where the villain had stopped expanding.
He needed to find a safe place to land, to put the two down. The only two who he had not failed yet.
But as he quickly looked around to his shock his eyes landed on Uraraka, Iida, and Shoji all standing together back down the pathway, a ways away.
'How?' he questioned, as he felt the smallest bit of relief leave him in a breath. But it didn't take the halfa long to piece together what had happened. As he quickly noticed the smoke coming from Iida's calves.
Once his initial shocked questioning vanished he didn't hesitate to fly to the three. Halfway there he watched as the blue haired teen followed by Shoji and lastly Uraraka also finally seemed to notice him. As the same emotions that had just passed through him seemed to pass over them.
"Fenton!" Iida urgently said, taking a step forward as he watched the white haired teen get closer. He was beyond relieved to not only see his class rep but also Thirteen and Ashido.
Danny gave the boy and the others a small strained smile that hopefully looked somewhat reassuring. As he finally set Ashido and Thirteen down. Only letting go when he knew the two were steady enough on their feet before also landing.
"Are you guys okay?" He asked all four of his classmates. He knew it was a cheap question given the circumstances. One that he already knew the answer to. How could any of them be truly okay after watching everyone else be taken by the villain, or having to save themselves due to his mistakes, he thought. But he didn't know where else to begin, maybe an apology? The cruel part of his brain answered before he swallowed it down.
"I'm okay, all things considered, but… everyone else… they…" The blue haired boy's voice slightly choked up. It was clear that his attempt at maintaining his composer was beginning to finally falter. Furthering the sting the halfa felt as he couldn't help but look down in shame, as his fists to his side clenched.
But luckily neither the two boys or the other fretting teenagers were left to sit in silence for long. As Thirteen took a step and put a light hand on the halfa's shoulder and the other on Iida's. As the pro took on the burden of continuing the conversation.
"It's okay you two, you've both done amazing," This reassurance made both the teens look up to the hero from where their gazes had fallen. "All of you have, and what's important is that you're safe."
The pro's words felt bitter sweet to Danny. On one hand he knew what the hero was trying to get at, that she was trying to comfort them. Doing her job as both their instructor and as a hero even during this little bit of time. But so what if he was safe? What did it matter?
"But Thirteen, what about everyone else?" the previously quiet Ashido asked.
"Yeah, the villain got them… what if… they are…" Uraraka, who was looking to the ground, began to say her voice dropping lower with each word.
But she wasn't given the chance to finish her thought as Shoji spoke, "I don't think they are."
That got everyone, even those who had been struggling to hold themselves together to quickly look at the masked teen. Especially the halfa whose eyes silently conveyed his desire for the teen to further elaborate.
"I can hear them. They're scattered around but from what I can tell they're all still within the USJ" As Shoji explained, Danny took in multiple ears that had sprouted from the teen's arms.
"So he really did mean it when he said he'd scatter us," Uraraka nearly whispered to herself in contemplation as she recalled the villain's past threat.
Thirteen though who had let her arms fall to her side continued on with another point. "That's a relief to hear. And it only adds to what I'm about to say…" The hero turned towards the villain who was beginning to once again collapse in on itself and would no doubt be a problem again in just a matter of moments. "As the ones who still have a chance of getting help and contacting the outside. We have a responsibility to your classmates, Eraser Head, and to ourselves. So we can't give up, so please help me ensure everyone's safety."
Her words were a wake up call for the halfa, like being doused in cold water. A reminder that this wasn't the time or place to let himself be controlled by his emotions. No more rage filled assaults that landed him nowhere, no more split second decisions, and no more self pity party. Not now, not when people were still counting on him. Instead he needed to stay calm and collected, he needed a plan.
And as he stared down the incorporeal enemy who was once again together in a single main mass of flickering dark smog. Large yellow eyes once again appearing to look at them, an idea began to form.
"What is this? A final volley? How touching and I see you have still managed to evade me, how impressive." The villain's eyes once again locked onto Danny who met the gaze without fault. "But by now I am sure your classmates who were not so lucky are already being introduced to their dooms. Although I'm sure the first two you failed to protect have already succumbed to their fates."
Danny could tell he was trying to get under his skin again. To rile him back up and it annoyed him that it was so close to working. But he wouldn't let it happen, not again. Instead he let out a breath as he forced his body to relax, his fists unclenching.
But even with the halfa's new level of control it didn't fully stop the weight of the villain's words from bearing down on him.
"Class rep," Thirteen unexpectedly said before the void of a man could continue. Causing the halfa to briefly glance at the hero. "I have a job for you. Fly to the main campus and get help. From what I know you're fast and you seem to be unaffected by the villain. So go, use your quirk to save others while we hold him off."
Danny was momentarily stuck with what to stay. How to respond to the hero's sudden command.
"Yeah! Go get the other heroes. You can do it," Uraraka added, doing her best to sound encouraging
"Yes, do what we can't Fenton." Iida further urged, masking his own disappointment from not being the one called upon. But he wouldn't let it get to him, not when he also knew Fenton was the smarter choice.
"And if possible try to get All Might… okay?" Ashido said, her voice still riddled with the worry she couldn't hide.
Danny's eyebrows knit together, teeth grinding in thought. But he didn't need even a second before replying, his voice steady, "No. I can't be the one who goes."
"What?! What do you mean you can't be the one to go?" Uraraka hurriedly asked, voicing the confusion all five of them shared.
"Fenton, I understand you might be apprehensive but you're the only one who can do this." Thirteen pressed.
"No, no I'm not."
This time at the boy's continued refusal Thirteen and the four teens couldn't help but look at him. But he didn't wait for the ensuing questions.
"Iida," he turned to meet his classmate's eyeline. Whose eyes widened in response. "You, need to be the one to go."
"What?! But… but I can't…"
"Yes you can. I know you can."
"Fenton," Thirteen called, cutting what he was going to say to Iida short.
The halfa looked to the pro, "Thirteen, it's like you said I'm the only one unaffected. Meaning I'm the only one who stands a chance against this guy. So I need to stay here."
The hero seemed to contemplate the teens words for a moment. But whether it was his rather short reasoning or the fact that she could tell he wouldn't bend on his resolve after less than a second she reluctantly nodded.
Even though the momentary debate seemed to be over between the two. Iida couldn't help but fumble as he rapidly looked from his class rep to the hero and then back again. Trying to understand what just happened. But before he could even try saying anything, to perhaps protest or at the very least question the logic behind the decision. The group's limited time came to an end. As the villain's smooth, menacing voice once again sounded out.
"How amusing. But is it really such a good idea to share your plans right in front of your enemy?" The incorporeal man who had been watching the quick exchange in idle intrigue rhetorically asked.
"Oh, trust me that won't matter," Danny retorted back, gaining back his usual humor as he stared down the villain, which blended smoothly with the bite that still held strong.
"Ah how auspicious, but tell me how will he get past?" The gleaming eyes momentarily locking onto Iida. "Perhaps you could get him to the door. But I assure you that I will not miss everyone else again."
"Don't worry you'll understand in a sec," Was all the halfa gave as a response. Before directing what he was saying back without taking his eyes off the void. "Iida on my signal go, okay?"
"Signal?!" Iida loudly questioned. His eyes locked onto the white haired teen who was facing away.
But the boy seemed to decide to forgo providing the answer Iida desperately wanted. Instead, the teen's voice dropped an octave as he carried on in a different direction, "Iida…"
"Yes?" The teen in question automatically fumbled out.
Danny turned as his eyes met his classmate's with a steady gaze. The previous rush in his voice slowing down, "Remember you were made for speed. You can do this."
The sudden and unexpected encouragement caught the blue haired boy by complete surprise, as his already widened eyelids somehow further opened. As he worked to process Fenton's words and tone which seemed to leave no room for doubt. His previous train of thought came to a screeching halt. As his multitude of questions and concerns, his own turbulent thoughts froze.
But even if he did manage to formulate something to say in response. The time to do so vanished in an instant as just as quickly as the halfa had directed his attention back to Iida did he turn back.
As Danny looked back to the mass of darkness. Haven given what he hoped was reassurance to Iida. The same variety that had helped fuel his own new found composer. He didn't hesitate as he took his first step forward. Within three quick steps his walk became a determined sprint.
"Wait Fenton, what's your plan?!" Thirteen hurried out, as the pro also took a step forward as she watched the teen willingly rush towards the villain. Before she could stop him.
"Well, while this thing might not have a body!..." He yelled, as he stopped at the halfway point. Not needing to take another step as the villain had also taken the initiative to quickly come at him, seeming determined to take him down. And just as the large wave of darkness that made up the villain's body was once again going to crash into him. He focused on the ecto-energy that loudly hummed just beneath his skin, the green glow of his eyes intensifying, "It definitely has a mind."
The three students and Thirteen watched Fenton disappear, the teens' words being lost on each of them.
Iida's eyes were wide, his mouth open as he tried to process what just happened, was that supposed to be the signal? He questioned, in disbelief as he stared at the villain as yellow eyes returned to look at them.
"What a spectacular plan. But there is no such thing as a noble sacrifi-" The smooth voice unexpectedly cut off. The void of a man suddenly going dead silent.
"What's happening?" Uraraka almost whispered to herself.
"I don't know but I don't like it," Ashido replied.
After a few more seconds of eerie silence, Thirteen spoke, "Shoji, tell me do you hear Fenton anywhere?"
But before the masked boy could answer the steady flowing wisps changed. Becoming more agitated and erratic, shooting off in different directions. Almost as if the villain was fighting itself. But just as suddenly as the outburst hard started did it abruptly stop. As if nothing had even happened. Only now there was one very apparent and clear difference.
"They're… green," Iida breathed out in disbelief, as he stared at the incorporeal man's eyes.
Danny felt strange, to be fair he always did when it came to using overshadowing. Like playing the strangest game of tug of war. With the added bonus of having to quickly adapt to the body he was taking over, like learning the controls of a new video game.
In the past, the few times when he had resorted to using the ability it had always been fairly easy to overcome the mind he was forcefully pushing back. Besides the notable exception of his father, of course. But considering his lack of practice with the power, with his ghostly wail being the only less used ability in his arsenal. He thought he was fairly good at it.
But this, this felt different.
Not only was the silent fight more intense and persistent. With the expected surrender after the initial and quick push back never happening. It was almost as if the strange entity's mind was trying to consume him, drown him out. To take over his mind just like he was trying to take its body.
But he didn't let it, between his still relatively vast pool of energy and his own mind. He didn't let himself slip, to be dragged into the unknown of this creature's mind. As he finally, successfully gained a semblance of control.
Allowing him to feel through it, even if he wasn't so sure it counted as feeling per say. With the wisps not acting as extra appendages or skin and instead simply existing all around him, making him up. But he also couldn't say he felt nothing, at least not to the same extent as when he went intangible. For as he focused he could've sworn he felt something around where he presumed the villain's neck would be.
But he didn't have any time to think about the odd sensations, not when every second counted. So he instead focused on his newly acquired sight.
With the first thing he locked onto being Thirteen, Ashido, Shoji, Uraraka and lastly Iida. They were staring at him. Varying levels of confusion and fear mixing on his classmates' faces.
But he needed to get the blue haired boy going, before he lost his grip on his already slipping control. So in a voice that wasn't his own, quickly spoke.
"Iida! Now's your chance. Go!"
Iida blinked, his brows furrowing. Not only did the villain just say his name. But he was also telling him to go?
But between the villain's now rather familiar looking green eyes and the sudden change in speech pattern. Something began to click, even if it only made him more confused.
"Fenton, is that you?!" he yelled. The question alone sounding out of this world and utterly crazy, even to his ears.
"Yes!... Now… GO!" There was a certain strain to the voice. That wasn't even there a second ago. Which along with the pure, intense command got the teen to finally react. His engines finally revving to life. But he still hesitated to take off.
"Iida," Uraraka's voice unexpectedly sounded out from behind the teen. Causing him to look at her. She had an awkward, obviously forced smile on her face. "Listen to him. We'll be okay, so go."
"She's right, now's your chance. Be a hero," Thirteen added.
He glanced at his other classmates, but to his surprise. Shoji gave him a reassuring nod. While Ashido also did her best to give him a confident smile, even if he could tell that they too were still scared. But if they had the strength to fight through their fear to show their belief in him. Then he too could fight through his own paralyzing emotions and do this. Not just as their deputy class rep, but as a hero. Just like his brother.
So without further hesitation he turned. Smoke rapidly pouring out from each of his engines and not even a second later he took off at a blazing speed.
Covering the distance between the group's position and the villain's or rather Fenton's, in a moment. Passing around the still mound of dark smog, not even taking a second to look back as his eyes remained locked on the door. Even if it felt wrong to turn his back to the threat. But he trusted his class rep.
He avoided the massive crater that was to one side of the pathway. And before he knew it he finally managed to get to the door, not having faced any more resistance along the way. He considered turning one last time to look at his classmates. But he stopped himself, forcing himself to stay focused as he finally left, determination coursing through his veins.
Danny watched as Iida made his escape. Relieved to see something finally work out right. But it didn't last long, for since he had told the teen to leave and had him run past. The fight to keep control and not be overtaken by the villain's mind had only intensified. To the point where he could feel its raw desire to stop Iida, like a snarling animal trying to break out of its cage.
And before the halfa knew it his control, his mental supremacy ceased to exist all at once. As his mind was finally dragged down into the depths of the entity's mind before he could stop it.
It was like falling into deep, dark water. Never ending it seemed as he kept being pulled further and further away from the surface. His senses becoming muddled and blurry as he went. Before his very sense of self began to almost fade and he could feel a will that wasn't his own. Like the strange desire to obey.
What was it trying to do to him? He frantically thought, as he tried to pull away. But the answer to that question quickly became more apparent, it was trying to make him a part of itself.
But how was that possible? He'd never experienced anything like this before. Every other time he'd ever used overshadowing he simply took control of the beings body, that's it. It never came with the added risk of being conjoined to the one he was taking over, or even the ability to feel its emotions, its mind.
It felt awful. Invading in the worst ways and it left him terrified.
But he wouldn't let himself be overtaken, not when he still had the ability to fight it. So with every bit of resistance he could muster he pulled himself back up.
But not before he felt something, someone. The instant before he reached the point of no return. It was almost as if the singular gnawing, all consuming mind became two. And while he could still feel that strange need to obey, to follow the command of an unknown man from the first. The second was completely different. It felt like a husk with the entrails of so many different emotions, from hope to dread, joy to fear, and most notably the desire to resist.
But it was only for a microscopic amount of time he felt it, saw it, was it. Before he finally freed himself.
Danny landed on his butt as he fell away from the void. Finally just himself again. He looked up at it as it towered right in front of him, casting a large shadow over him from his new place on the ground.
His eyes were wide open, mouth open, his core felt like it was in his throat. And as he once again looked into the gleaming eyes he couldn't stop himself as he bit out, in a whisper the question that now consumed his every thought.
"What are you?"
But to his surprise no response came. Nor did it try to attack him in his frazzled, rather defenseless state. As in an instant it vanished before him. But even after it had disappeared he didn't move, only now looking down to the ground. As he finally let out a few rapid breaths as he tried to make sense of what just happened.
He tried to think, but there was just too much. And before he knew it he heard Thirteen shout from behind him and quick footsteps getting closer.
"Fenton! Are you okay?"
But it took a few extra seconds before he forced himself to snap out of his stupor. With a small shake of his head as he squeezed his eyes shut, he could think about everything else later, he told himself. Right now he still had people he needed to protect.
So by the time he could tell the hero and his three classmates were now standing behind him. He forced the plague of emotions to finally leave his face and body, as his shoulders relaxed. And he turned his head to look at them, ensuring that he conveyed none of the terror and confusion he'd just experienced.
The halfa nodded with a small smile, "I'm okay, just got the wind knocked out of my sail is all."
"I see, I'm glad you're alright but I have quite a few questions for you," The hero paused for a moment before sighing, "But I suppose they'll have to wait."
"Wait what? We're just gonna move past what just happened!?" Ashido loudly questioned, from beside the hero. Before the pro could continue.
"Yeah, I think we need some sort of explanation." Uraraka added.
Danny watched the exchange from his place still on the ground. But while the hero put her gloved hands up to try and ease the tension so she could respond. Shoji walked around the halfa, who quickly followed his movements. Once the masked teen stood in front of him he extended his conjoined arm offering his first hand.
Danny blinked before wordlessly taking the silent offer as he allowed his classmate to pull him up, finally getting back on his feet.
"Listen, we can't spend time interrogating each other. Not when our classmates are still out there. There'll be a time to ask questions and for Fenton to explain what just happened, but not right now." Shoji calmly said, as he released his grip once the white haired teen was fully up.
Ashido and Uraraka seemed to process the teens' words before nodding. Danny let out a silent breath at being spared from having to fully explain himself for now, something he honestly didn't have the mental capacity to do right now. Beyond grateful to Shoji.
"You're right. But even if we wanted to, how can we help everyone else? Iida already left, and the villain disappeared." Uraraka asked.
"Honestly, not much," Thirteen said, "But remember what I told you before, we can't let our emotions get the best of us. Let's stay clear headed and think of what we can do for now."
It was clear that the hero was simply trying to keep them distracted in a way. Keep them focused, instead of letting them spiral with thinking about the Mount Everest sized challenges that still existed. But Danny didn't need it, not when he already knew what his next move needed to be. Even if it did sound daunting, even in his mind.
"I'm going to go make sure they're safe and help Aizawa," He didn't hesitate to say.
The four turned to look at him again, his classmates eyebrows lowered with surprise.
"What?! What do you mean you're going to go?" Uraraka said.
"And how are you going to make sure they're safe and help Aizawa?" Shoji couldn't help but add.
But before he could respond Thirteen spoke, "Fenton…"
Causing him to meet the white eyes from within the hero's suit.
"At this point, I don't doubt that you have a plan. But remember what Aizawa told you, and right now the best thing you can do is stay here where it's safe."
The halfa didn't waver as his voice took on a more somber tone, "Thirteen, I'm the reason they're out there right now and I have the power to help. I know I do. So tell me, should I really just stay here and wait?"
Thirteen took a moment, perhaps evaluating him. But just like before when he refused to be the one to go get help, after a moment she reluctantly sighed. "Alright, you can go. But be careful."
Danny nodded, he hadn't fully expected the hero to agree. Not planning to of listened had she said no. But hearing her put her faith in him felt nice.
"Aren't I always?" He joked, with a renewed smile. But he didn't wait for a response as he rose off his feet, floating just a few centimeters off the ground and a bit away from the hero and his classmates. As he focused on his ecto-energy once again, dividing it in half.
The students' mouths fell open as in an instant their class rep literally split in two, doubling from one to two.
The two Danny's spared a glance to them. Visibly seeing even more questions grace their faces. Like how was he able to make a copy of himself? Or even perhaps wondering why he hadn't done this sooner, but there was a reason he had waited.
For duplication while it had its time and place. It also wasn't a power he could get carried away with. For every time he made a copy his energy became divided between them. Subsequently limiting his other powers, but that explanation just like all the rest had to wait.
As he didn't have anymore time to waste as without further hesitation both halfa's took off. One towards where he knew both Aizawa, the lead villain and the two major concerns he could still feel were. And the other to the closest training area in search of his missing classmates.
Line Break -
Back at UA's campus, in the teachers lounge All Might sat in defeat. Hands balled into fists as he stared down at himself. His yellow suit loosely hung from his frail body instead of fitting how it should.
'I shouldn't be here', he told himself repeatedly. His only way to truly vent, a way of reprimanding himself for making such a rookie mistake of over using his quirk. That even if he had the excuse of not being used to having such a smaller threshold for what he could do in one sitting he still should've known better. That he should've kept his priorities straight no matter how much he wanted to help. But instead here he was, sitting on his butt instead of fulfilling his new responsibilities.
Finally though after some time the man let out a sigh, breaking the silence and after a moment pulled his phone out. Quickly dialing Aizawa, but the automatic ring he expected never came. As it instead went straight to voicemail.
But the man didn't think much of it as he simply went back to his contacts until he saw Thirteen's number. Once again hitting the call button with anticipation of hearing the dial up sound followed by his co-workers voice. But no such thing happened as yet again the call went directly to voicemail.
'Strange' he thought, as he unconsciously clenched his hands ever so slightly tighter as his brows wrinkled together in thought.
He knew that he was just being paranoid, that his two currently working colleagues not answering was not strange or unexpected. That logically speaking it only made sense that they would have their phones turned off while teaching.
But he couldn't help it, something just felt off to the pro. As if there were little voices in the back of his head urging him to investigate. And after so long in the field of learning to trust his gut he easily made up his mind. As he decided to air on the side of caution.
He stood up, ignoring the pain that shot through his body as he transformed in a poof of steam, back into his muscular form.
He would go to the USJ and make an appearance, inspiring the students while subsequently checking to make sure everything was okay, a win win for everyone.
Yet even with that goal in mind it didn't even take his body a full ten seconds before he began to taste blood in his mouth.
But he swallowed it back down, he could… no would do this, he told himself. But before he could follow through the door suddenly slid open as a chipper voice sounded out, "Hold your horses."
"Oh uh, hello Nezu, sir!", the man couldn't help but slightly stumble over his own words. As he almost felt like he had been caught doing something he shouldn't. Which may or may not be the case, a small part of his mind that he chose to actively ignore said.
"That's me!" The furry white animal of a man said with a smile as he shut the door behind himself.
After a moment, All Might despite the sweat that was beginning to form on his brow decided to completely forgo mentioning what he was doing. As he took another approach to the sudden conversation. "Your fur looks especially well groomed and glossy today, sir."
"The secret is keratin. I'm not sure that humans can get this kind of lustrous shine. But we can talk about grooming later. As I believe we should instead talk about the news."
At that All Might's smile almost unnoticeable faltered. As he already knew where the conversation was heading and that he was in no position to stop it.
"From what I saw it said you resolved three incidents in just one hour?" Although phrased like a question no real answer was actually needed. Not when the principal got all the information he needed from the hero's body language.
Nezu sighed, "Not to fret. The fault mainly belongs to the ruffians who are still causing trouble in this city despite you being here. But you also need to learn not to react every time you hear of an incident. I did agree to hire you as an instructor because of your unique circumstances."
The smiling, fluffy man turned as he began walking to the couch. "With your injury you simply must trust that the other capable pros will handle things in your stead."
As All Might listened, his grip on maintaining his heroic form began to slip, just like the steam that began to rapidly leave his body.
"Oh dear, you're smoking that can't be good." The principal said, cutting his lecture short as before he had even begun climbing onto the couch he watched as in a plume of smoke All Might deflated.
Once changed the last bit of the man's facade came down as he let out a deep sigh, "Ya, I know you're right," He looked down at his own now shriveled body "It's just hard for me to sit back now."
"You have always been proactive," Nezu agreed, as he finally crawled up onto the couch and sat, patting the spot beside him.
All Might wordlessly took the offer as he went to sit beside the small principal.
"The burden you bare has always been quite the feat. From being the number one hero to taking on the role of Symbol of Peace. You have been expected to do and be quiet alot. You have helped to truly foster a new age of peace and even now with your injury you stand as the focal point of all hero society."
"Thank you sir, but I don't really get the point you're trying to make?" All Might questioned after a moment of thought. Because although the praise was nice, he just didn't understand the point the highly intelligent animal like man was trying to make.
The furry smiling man finally turned his head to look at the hero to his side, "I'm saying would it truly be so bad to fully take a step back? Now that there is peace and allow others to carry on your mantle. Especially now as you train One for All's successor. "
"Sir…" All Might looked down to his hands, purposefully avoiding the man's gaze. This wasn't his first time having this type of conversation, regarding his retirement. But it always felt uncomfortable, perhaps because so few knew his most closely guarded secret, his weakness.
"I don't mean permanently but I really do wish you'd prioritize the students. They deserve it after all."
All Might nodded at that as he let out a sigh. "I know they do and I know you're right… it's just…" He stumbled slightly as he tried to figure out how to properly convey what he wanted to say.
But he didn't need to as the principal picked up where he left off. "It's just you're not so sure peace is actually here?"
All Might quickly looked to the animal man who perfectly completed his thoughts.
Nezu sighed, "I understand what you're worried about. I too share similar concerns."
All Might was about to say something but before he could Nezu continued.
"But we shouldn't let that purely dictate our decisions. Peace will never truly be here if we don't allow it to be."
The hero took it the man's words, the truth behind them. As he went back to looking down at his lap. But it felt bitter sweet, was the peace he's spent his whole life fighting for truly here? He wasn't so sure anymore.
And although he would never admit it, not even to himself he was scared. Scared of a future he wouldn't have the power to protect. Scared of the burden he was leaving in the hands of Young Midoriya. And worst of all, scared of who he would be if not the Symbol of Peace.
"Maybe you're right Nezu sir… maybe I should take a step back, for now at least."
"I'm glad to hear you say that, now since it's clear you're in no condition to go anywhere, stay in the lounge and relax a little while longer. The other teachers will understand."
All Might nodded, only slightly hesitant as the worry for the class from earlier still lingered. But he pushed it down, shushing all the little voices.
The principal who always seemed somewhat chipper perked up even more at his reply, "Excellent! Now then, how should we pass the time? Perhaps I should go over combat pedagogy as viewed through the lens of ethical quirk use?".
All Might's head shot up at the man's offer, he had kinda thought the man would take his leave now. Rather than start up on another kind of lecture that he knew would take a long time to end. "Oh there's really no need sir. I'm sure you're really busy." He hurriedly said as he lifted his hand, hoping to stop him before it was too late
"Nonsense, it is rather important to stay up to date on these things after all," The animal like man happily said, his usual perspective nature seeming to vanish.
The hero was fumbling with what to say. He needed to say something that would at least keep the seemingly inevitable conversation in a slightly more interesting direction. So without a second thought he said the first thing that came to mind, "Sir! Can I ask you something?"
"Certainly," Nezu cheerfully answered.
Of course now the hero actually had to ask something. But there was something that had been on his mind for the past few days. Something besides his retirement, his responsibilities, and his protege that he had been unable to shake, although it did strangely relate to those three things or at least the last one.
"It regards one of the first year students…"
"Really? Which one?" Nezu asked, his fuzzy head tilting ever so slightly.
"Young Fenton,"
"Ah yes, the top scorer on the entrance exam, what about him?"
He contemplated how best to word what he wanted to say for a moment, "During my lesson the other day his quirk was rather… interesting. He seemed to have multiple different abilities that didn't really correlate and the way he acted," The image of the boy unapologetically staring him down in anger during the first match and of his rather frightening appearance during the second briefly flashing in his mind. Causing him to further clench his fists that were locked together in his lap. "It just didn't add up."
The hero knew what he just said wasn't exactly a question but rather a poorly worded string of thoughts. But he also knew from experience that the animal like man didn't need much to understand what he was trying to get at.
Nezu hummed for a second, "Well his quirk is no doubt powerful. But from what I've gathered he also seems to be quite the leader. Who has a rather advanced understanding of the tribulations behind being a hero. Although to that same extent I'm sure he also has plenty of room to grow."
All Might couldn't help but feel rather exasperated by the man's response. Which once again seemed to no doubt intentionally go around providing the answers and information he actually wanted.
"Sir, that's pretty vague don't you think?" The hero couldn't help but tiredly say.
The principal's smile seemed to grow slightly, "Sadly, I don't think I'm the one who can truly provide you the answers you're looking for." Nezu put his paw on the hero's shoulder. "But he's certainly a very promising young student with a bright future ahead of him, wouldn't you say? And while there are quite a few mysteries surrounding his past and his quirk. I don't believe we should hold that against him, not when we have no cause to suspect anything. But do know I'm not trying to disregard your concerns. I will keep what you've said in mind."
All Might nodded, he could tell he wouldn't get anything else out of his furry boss. Even if he could tell the man was holding out on the full extent of his knowledge regarding the teen. But Nezu was right, he shouldn't presume anything so cynical about the boy, especially as one of his teachers. And if he really did want to learn more about him than he should take another approach. Like actually making sure he can participate and spectate on the hero lessons, instead of sitting around waiting to recuperate like today.
"Alright, now that we got that out of the way shall we get back to discussing combat pedagogy?"
That got All Might to snap out of his thoughts regarding the mysterious teen as he quickly looked to Nezu. Who didn't wait for an answer before beginning on what would no doubt be a very long and very educational lecture.