“Your strikes lack discipline. You are merely tapping them with your hands.” A low, gravely women’s voice hissed within the halls. “If you are to triumph in the coming battles, you must hit with intent!”

The hall here was largely the same as the other areas held by the Church of New Darkness, ornate, with the columns and walls adorned with the snarling visages and face of the Klyntar upon them, the surrounding parts of the buildings resembling the flowing, shimmering form of the Symbiotes themselves, giving even this training area a strangely organic, surrealist look to it.

Within the halls were numerous young ones, some no younger then ten, some as old Izuku and his classmates, a few a little older. They were position in front of punching bags, targets and other things, most dressed in practical training outfits, black and red, as the figure approached down from the platform overlooking it all, her feet carefully stepping down and hitting each step as she made her way down. Her toes were not the normal human ones, rather being cruel, curved black claws, attached to dark green scales, the first toe of each a large, wicked blade, twitching slightly with every step. The rest of this stranger was hidden under the heavy black cloak of the other Church members, shimmering with the star-like pattern against the inky blackness, her hands carefully hidden within the long sleeves.

She made her way down, claws clicking against the cold, hard floors. She pulled her hood back, revealing a scaled face the same as her toe claws, dark green, and serpentine, her face broad, and neck long and thin, reptilian yellow eyes flickering from one student to the other.

“Your strikes are with the arms, not the core!” She hissed, gesturing to her abdomen with a clawed hand. “Your arms can be weak, the core supplies the power, throwing your whole strength into it.”

Above, on the platform, overlooking this, was Kitab and one of the other Prophets, the strangely tall and lanky Charles Whately, and a figure dressed simpler, in a heavy set of brown robes and hood.

“The training of our Adepts is welcome, Brother, but why call us here so out of the blue?” Charles asked, as Kitab merely watched, engrossed in the show. “Is this because of the Heroes, the Izuku Midoriya, correct? He is among them?”

“Matron Kibotsume’s scouts have tracked them, and report they have been a training program reserved for their second and third years.” The Serpent-like being reported, before looking back at the younger members of the Church. “She has taken to training our youngest Pack members harder as well.”

Kitab looked up slowly, his face half hidden in the shadows of his cloak, his visible eye narrowed. “They have already begun?”

“Yes, Supreme Prophet.” The Serpent responded, bowing his head slightly.

He seemed deep in thought, nodding slightly to himself, as though conversing in private with Zzzxx as the two waited, before turning back. “This is an unexpected move for Aizawa. It’s too aggressive.”

“You see why our training for our young hatchlings has intensified?” The Snake-Human asked, with another slightly bow of the head. “The next move, sir?”

“Your scouts, tell them to be mindful, cautious. If they are caught, let the heroes make the first move.” Kitab ordered, pointing a crocked finger at the Raptor. “The rest of your Clan, continue your operations in private. Remember, we remain hidden in the shadows until the right moment.”

“As you wish, Supreme Prophet.” The Serpent member replied, bowing to both, deeper then before, and leaving silently.

Whately turned to Kitab, as the being left, lowering himself slightly. “Kitab, I am worried, are our Prophecies accelerating too quickly? Tomura, Knull’s Hand, I don’t think is...”

“Tomura is not even there, and his gang of allies will survive, trouble yourself no longer.” The Supreme Prophet said, shaking his head. “We both know a full confrontation is not due for many months. We have time. Let Shigaraki and his League sharpen their teeth, as Izuku and his class furthers their power. Our visions are never wrong.”

“But they can mislead. How disasters almost ruined us before we could reach this day?” Charles questioned.

“Our allies in The Scale Clan are readying us. Our Quirks are strong, our faith stronger.” Kitab declared, shaking his head to the tall man. “We watch and observe. Our part has yet to come.”

“If you are certain, Supreme Prophet.” Charles replied.

Kitab nodded with a satisfied smile upon his face. “Yes, everything is proceeding as we have foreseen.”\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\Class-1B had been dragged from their sleep early in the morning. It wasn’t like they had much choice afterall, and had to follow their teacher, the red and black clothed Vlad King. He lead them along, his thunderous steps leading them along like a thundering drum to set the tone, as the students staggered along.

“We’re improving the Quirks themselves this morning!” Vlad King declared to his class, focused ahead. “Class A has already started.”

Vlad King grunted to himself, bringing a hand to his chin, as he began to think aloud to himself. “This Semester was Class A’s time to shine, but Second Semester will all in favor of Class B!”

All of Class B looked disappointed and disheartened with themselves, but Tetsutetsu felt tears run down his face, holding up a fist in despair. “We’re sorry teacher, we won’t disappoint you going forward.”

Vlad thought it odd to say for a student, but energy and hormones made kids pumped up and crazy to please their teachers and all. Setsuna took a deep breath, trying to focus through the fog of grogginess over her head. “What do you mean by ‘Strengthen your Quirks?’ exactly?”

“You work a muscle, the fibers snap, and then reknit themselves thicker and stronger.” Vlad King explained carefully, taking his time so each student could understand. “A Quirk is the same way. By working your body, we force the Quirk to strengthen itself at a faster rate.”

Bakugou’s scream probably would’ve interrupted any further words exchanged, as he unleashed an explosion from the cold water he was dunking his hands into, before unleashing a powerful blast into the skies right after. Mineta was on the ground yanking off ball after ball from his hair, blood running down his scalp, as Momo and Seto jammed as much cake and treats in their mouths to fuel their Quirks.

Iida ran along the perimeter, the engines in his legs burning white hot, as Sero and Denki screamed, one hooked to a car battery as electricity ran through his body, and the other set tape in a never ending stream down the side of a mountain.

“This looks like hell.” One of Class B muttered as he watched the scene in horror, the others silently agreeing in ramp shock.

“Normally, your bodies would adapt as you grow and fight, but we can’t wait that long.” Vlad interjected, trying to get his students’ minds off the scene before them. It wasn’t much, but he alteast wanted them to have a positive attitude going forward.

“We’ll be watching and advising Class B. Get to it.” Aizawa added with his usual deadpan delivery.

“The two of you, to, what, 40 of us?” Kendo asked, trying to guess just how many students there were through the early morning fog.

“A logical response. So that’s why these four heroes have agree to help us.” Aizawa replied with a knowing nod, before turning to the four behind him.

The four eagerly took up their poses and shouted out their catch phrases, the one of the newcomers, Rag-Doll, looked largely like she belonged in the group of female super heroes who relied on a cat theme to their gear and equipment, and despite her almost childish facial expressions, obviously was a great hero if she was in this group. The one behind them, however, was completely at odds with the rest. A massive titan of a man, as tall and as ruggedly built as All Might or Endeavor, and at odds with the cutesy skirt and vest outfit near identical to his female counterparts, despite his stature and musculature.

Izuku had heard the Pussycats wore all identical outfits, with some color variance, but he was still thrown out by the sight of a grown, burly man strong enough to bend iron with his bare hands would dress like that. Venom didn’t flinch at the sight however. He had seen plenty of strange dress styles of his various host species, Shi’ar, Ssi-Ruuk, Turian and a countless other number of species across the universe. How people dressed was irrelevant to him, only their strength and usefulness to his host and himself.

What made Izuku and Venom fearful of the man, was when Aizawa assigned them to Tiger’s training regime. It didn’t seem like much a problem at first, though Aizawa had whispered something in the larger man’s ear before the start, until they got to working. Izuku’s endurance and all was above most others, even if his training was limited compared to Shoto’s Spartan-like method, or Bakugou’s pushing himself in everything for the sake of pushing, but Tiger would not accept that lightly.

As the Pussycats explained each of their Quirks and how they would function, Tiger was the last to explaine his. “You students with strength and related enhancement Quirks will be with me.”

As Izuku was put through the intense stretches, muscle exercises and other workouts, he, at the same time, was using Venom to lash out with his tentacles and grab random objects scattered around in the trees, with the idea of pushing Venom’s “Quirk” abilities by forcing him to extend his range even further. Venom did share that his tendrils could, when “Hidden” within his host, could extend his tentacles out for several feet, even yards away from himself. However, Izuku was working over time, and not wanting to push their body any further already, decided to simply play along and pretend this was really overextending his powers.

As his tentacles lashed out and hit the targets hanging from the trees, Tiger marched back over to them, looming over Izuku, his eyes glaring down intensely. “Now, you little Hero wannabe, come at me!”

Izuku snapped to ready position, Venom instantly coating his fist as he lash out with a battle cry, eager to impress. Tiger’s body merely bent and twisted around the fist, before aiming a perfect right hook into Izuku’s face, knocking him to the dirt. “Pathetic! Those muscles haven’t been ripped up hard enough! And that goo isn’t tired out yet either! Keep working!”

“Yes sir!” Izuku managed through the pain, struggling to get to his knees, before Venom spoke in his mind, sounding as excited as a puppy. “This is good training, I’m almost feeling it!”

“I can’t hear you!” Tiger barked out once more.

“Yes sir!!” Izuku yelled louder, getting to his feet, Venom giving yet more unhelpful advice. “Give me enough time, and I’ll land a punch on him!”

‘That’s...not the point.’ Izuku thought with a heavy breath in, as Tiger stood over him, holding a fist before him.

“Your motto is Plus Ultra, show it to me!” He declared.

“Come on Izuku, this is fun!” Venom hissed with delight, as Izuku grunted. ‘For you maybe.’

Izuku didn’t really think this would help him much. They thought Venom was his Quirk, all fine and good, but he wasn’t sure Quirk training would help much. Venom had millions of years of experience with fighting and harnessing his abilities to their fullest. Izuku wasn’t exactly sure what this training would accomplish.

“Think Deku, I’ve stayed with you, even if you are a loser. You’ve got the heart, and body, to be a great hero.” Venom whispered to him. “All you need to to prove it, earn it.”

Izuku nodded, wiping the sweat from his forehead, as he stood up once more, roaring to the skies, determined as ever. Tiger grinned at the display, gesturing for him to keep going, and keep pushing himself, as the automated targets re-positioned and moved all around him once more. Aizawa watched Izuku continue his training.

Truth be told, he wasn’t exactly sure how to do most of the stuff with Venom. For one, he had used his Ersaure twice throughout the year on Izuku when he was unaware, and both times nothing had happened. Venom had still remained active. Much of this was formality. If Venom wasn’t a Quirk, he wasn’t sure how Quirk-Strengthening exercises could improve anything, but Izuku needed to be trained just like everyone else while he was here.

Back at UA, he had discussed his plans with Nezu, leaning against the wall of his office, looking off into the distance out the window. “I still don’t know what to make of this kid.”

“If it’s not Quirk, what could it be?” Nezu asked, filling through the paperwork of the school, mostly setting things up for the Summer training camp for Aizawa.

“That’s what I wanted to ask you. I’ve never heard of anyone developing an ability without a Quirk.” Aizawa said in disbelief, still unable to truly come to terms with the idea, even as he said it aloud.

Nezu put down the papers and thought over it carefully, tapping his paw against the table for a moment. “The hero Godzillo took an interest in him early on, and his DNA tends to get used to create all sorts of strange new creatures.”

“It’s what I thought, but those still have Quirks, based on Toho, and mutated, but Quirks all the same.” Aizawa remarked, rubbing his chin in thought. “This could be anything.”

“I’d wager a bio-weapon of some kind. Izuku could’ve found the thing in a lab accident of some kind, and he doesn’t want to reveal the truth.” Nezu wagered. “Hence, the Men in Black showing up.”

Aizawa nodded slightly, partially accepting the idea, but it just seemed so strange to him. Nezu seemed to sense his dissatisfaction, and to be fair, was only going off a guess at this point. “You have full control over the class, would you like to transfer him or…?”

“No.” Aizawa said quickly and resolutely. “I don’t know what to make of it, but I want to watch him. I think he can still be a Hero, as long as he keeps Venom from eating anyone.”

“What if he turns out to be Jet Black, then?” Nezu asked pointedly. They both knew what that would mean. Turning him in.

“I’ll ask him when I get the chance.” Aizawa replied simply, his expression cold and distant, making the whole thing even more cryptic.

Nezu simply shrugged, as he returned to his work. As always, he hoped Aizawa would stick to the rules, if not the letter, then the spirit of them, and not do anything to rash.

Back in the present, at the Camp, Aizawa merely watched the students continue to work, partially hoping Bakugou would throw out his voice from how much he kept screaming at the top of his lungs. He had to give him one thing, when Katsuki set his mind to something, he completed it with 100% of his energy, and all the bloodlust he could manage. He carefully jogged a few steps forward, allowing Iida to pass by in his laps, as he watched the others at work.

It was at 4:00 when they finally finished their training workout. Even Izuku, with Venom enhancing his body and endurance, was run ragged by the whole thing, and just about everyone had stumbled their way in, bruised and battered all over, and barely able to stay on their feet. The darkened skies and high moon was a clear and present reminder of how long they had been at their grueling work.

Pixie-Bob and Rag-doll merely laughed lightly at their predicament. “Like we said yesterday, your pampering ends from here on out.”

“If you’re gonna eat, you gotta make it yourself! Today’s ingredients are curry!” Rag-Doll said, her face beaming in a broad smile.

“Yes ma’am.” The Trainees intoned, as Venom zeroed in on the ingredients, ignore to start making food, even if said food wasn’t living meat like he preferred.

Rag-doll giggled loudly to herself, buzzing along excitedly, like nothing could contain her. “You all look like you’re ready to drop. That’s why this meal’s gonna be special.”

“Hmm, of course, that makes sense! As heroes, we have to win the hearts and minds of people in need and who will be traumatized!” Iida said aloud, before turning to the two classes. “1A, 1B! Let’s pour our resources together into making the greatest curry for our school!”

Everyone cheered, more likely at the prospect of getting food then actually having a teachable moment, but it worked all the same. Aizawa breathed a small sigh of relief. ‘Iida helps makes somethings a lot easier.’

As such, it did not take long for both classes to pool their resources and remaining energy together to whip together the curry, or whatever their ingredients produced. As long as they could eat it without getting sick, most of the students would be fine with whatever came out. As the others prepared the pots to boil the ingredients, Deku was dividing up said ingredients so they would be perfectly prepared and balanced for cooking, as the others started fires under said pots.

“Bakugou, you can’t start fires with your explosions.” Sero muttered, watching him desperately fire off explosion after explosion under the pot, and only burning the underside of the pot severely.

“Just watch me damn it!!”

“Todoroki can we get some fire over here?” Mina asked, pointing to the pots in front of her, as she carefully handled the meat with the tongs.

“Guys, you can’t rely on him for everything. You’ll never learn to start a fire yourself.” Momo admonished as she produced a Torch lighter from her wrist.

Jioru gave an unbelieving look for a moment, looking to the other classmates for a moment, as Momo started the fire.

Todoroki approached with his left hand outwards, shrugging slightly. “No, no, it’s fine.”

Tongues of fire lightly danced off his finger tips and palm, starting an easy but strong flame, as Ochako danced up and down excitedly.

“Burn, burn, burn!” Mina chanted in excitement, pumping her fists in rhythm. “Burn it all!”

“No good if it’s all burned.” Shoto replied calmly, as Deku carefully poured everything into the pots.

Tokoyami watched closely, as Izuku prepared everything, slightly astonished by the whole thing. “You’re surprisingly adept at preparing food, Midoriya.”

“Yeah, part of having Venom, because he enhances my body, I have a higher metabolism.” Izuku explained with a shrug, with the practiced precision of having to explain in the past why he could pack in so much food. “I learned to be a good cook. That and mom was always at work, so I had to be self sufficient.”

“A heightened metabolism, hmmm?” Tokoyami remarked, as Izuku poured it in. “I guess all Quirks have their upsides and downsides.”

“Right.” Izuku said, as Venom chanted hungrily within his mind, almost never stopping his demand for food as the he prepared the last of the expertly made pots for food. “Hungry! Hungry!”

‘Yeah, I know, give it time.’ Izuku ordered nervously. He knew how Venom would act if he didn’t get the food he needed. He didn’t want him going wild, with his classmates.

“Relax, I like flesh, but I’ve held off since you insisted on chocolate.” Venom remarked with a dark chuckle. “Unless you count the USJ Nomu, I haven’t touched a pinch of human flesh. I can wait.”

Midoriya nodded for a moment, before pouring the last bit into the last pot, and standing back to look over his work for a moment, satisfied. ‘I get it Venom. I’m just scared of the Agency finding us, and anyone here getting hurt.’

“I have always tried to protect the innocent, ever since we bonded.” Venom replied softly. “It’s been a dream of mine since I first spawned.”

Izuku was surprised. Everything he had said had lead him to believe Venom had always been a soldier within his Empire, a mere grunt who looked to inflict pain on those that got in his way. Going after criminals was just a way to ameliorate Izuku’s conscious when he attacked others. It caused a million questions to go through his mind for a moment, but Izuku decided not to ask. It felt like prying, trying to get at Venom’s past, first with his past dreams, and then with this “grandchild” of his, this ‘Toxin’.

That alone caused a lot of questions too. Venom seemed wistful, almost nostalgic for his offspring. Venom talked about children and parents at odds, destroying each other for power and strength. How much of this was his actual beliefs then?\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\Izuku would chew over these questions later, the meal readied and cooked to perfection under his (and Venom’s) careful tending and prepared at the moment of perfection. Even with Izuku’s help, this wasn’t five star quality, but it was delicious, especially to a class that hadn’t eaten anything in several hours. Table manners were second to greedily scarfing it down with gusto, and Yaomomo, the usual epitome of Lady-like manners, was shoveling in curry as fast as she could.

“Man, Momo, you and Midoriya can pack it away like nothing.” Sero remarked through his own meal.

“It’s all about the lipids in food that I convert to create new objects.” She explained calmly, in between mouthfuls of food.

“I just get big and punch things hard.” Izuku explained simply, again, practiced in the art of playing Venom off as his Quirk.

It was after going for his third and final plate, while everyone had satisfied themselves on two, that Izuku noticed Kota walking off into the night on his own, making sure none of the adults noticed as he vanished into the night. Izuku, however, would not be so easily alluded, and carefully followed him, keeping a fair amount of distance and staying quiet.

Venom growled in agitation. “Must we get involved?”

“He needs help, obviously we have to help.” Izuku replied softly, as he began to make his way up one of the smaller mountains in the middle of the forest, not far from the central encampment.

“Losing parents, I don’t know exactly what that’s like, mine was evil and rotted to the core,” Venom remarked, as they followed him up. “But I do know that losing Toxin hurt. It still hurts. I would not want a stranger poking around in my past to try and make things better.”

Izuku was silent for a moment, not used to the Symbiote sharing such an emotional side to itself, as Venom made a sighing sound. “Step carefully. Help if you want. I’m just here for the ride.”

Izuku continued upwards, carefully following behind his footprints, making his way up the mountain to the very top. The place was high above the trees, but just low enough to be safe. Because of this vantage point, Izuku could see out across the trees and beautiful landscapes as far as the eye could see. Above, the stars twinkled in the sky above like white and blue jewels, the moon not quite full, but casting a stunning, lambent white glow upon everything.

A loud grumble sounded from the plateau, as Izuku stepped upwards, spotting Kota glaring out over the landscape, his mind seemingly elsewhere. He cleared his throat first to announce his pressence, before speaking.

“Hey uh, you seem kinda hungry still.” Izuku said awkwardly. “I usually go for thirds, Quirk and all, but I saved you a plate.”

“What are you doing here!? I don’t need your charity!” Kota yelled, springing to his feet in anger.

“Sorry, I followed your foot prints here and all, Ven’s real good at following people.” Izuku explained, as Venom rumbled within his chest, not liking this one bit. “You haven’t eaten anything, so I figured...”

“I’m fine, just scram. This is my secret base!” Kota interjected, narrowing his eyes angrily.

Izuku lingered for a moment, contemplating whether to leave, or to continue, before swallowing heavily. “Your parents, were the two heroes, the Water Hoses right?”

Kota turned, clenching his small fists like he was ready to fight Izuku right there. “Did Mandalay tell you?!”

“No, I figured it out.” Izuku replied calmly, as Venom hissed into his ear. “Tread. Carefully.”

“It was a real tragedy.” Izuku continued, his voice low and quiet. “It was all over the country.”

“Screw you.” Kota mumbled angrily.

Suddenly, without warning, Venom overtook Izuku’s body, before the host could even protest to his Other, as Kota turned slightly, looking slightly surprised and fearful for a moment, before Venom spoke, his voice a low boom, like thunder in the distance. “I...you’ll have to forgive my host. He’s quite stupid for a smart person sometimes.”

“Whatever.” Kota muttered again, shaking his head as he sat down, pulling his knees to his chest, before glaring at Venom. “You’re all real stupid. Stretching and pushing your Quirks. It’s all gross and stupid.”

“Understandable, I don’t much care for the training much either, to be honest.” Venom remarked, as he approached, laying the plate of food a few feet behind Kota. “May we sit and watch the stars. We rarely get to see them, and we’ll only have a few minutes.”

“Do whatever you want.” Kota remarked. He didn’t care for this weird Quirk Izuku had, but at least it had the sense to not want to talk.

Venom sat by, looking over the landscapes and night skies before him. He found it easy to forget that this world was not so ugly, being stuck in the big cities. He found them disagreeable, mostly because the Imperium was more lassie-fare about things. Since every Symbiote knew where their kin where at all times, they could be called from anywhere at the moment they would be needed, and be there in the time they were needed. The fact humans needed to be packed in for even their jobs reminded Venom how very lonely it could be to be a human.

After several minutes in silence, in which Kota seemed to calm down, if only slightly, Venom stood from his position, taking a deep breath through his knife-like fangs, before turning to Kota. “I can’t share too much, but I am not exactly a Quirk. I’m not a normal power to this world.”

Kota looked at him in confusion and agitation. “Then why the heck are you in Quirk training. You’re just talking crap.”

“Consider it a cover.” Venom remarked with a small shrug. “I don’t think my host knows what it’s like to lose family, but I do, let’s just say that the pain is like a dagger in your heart and mind. Being able to find some place quiet and get away from everyone’s empty platitudes is the best reprieve.”

“Whatever, just scram, alright?” Kota remarked quietly, his voice filled with poison. “Crazy freaking Quirk.”

“Apologies. We’ll leave you to your Secret Base, and tell no one.” Venom replied with a nod, turning and bound off into the forest. He left Kota with the meal of Curry, and on the other side of the rocks, the shattered cliff face, still wet from someone smashing water into it.

Venom was quick to move and get back to camp, and even his senses could not detect Aizawa hanging from the closest training, listening in to both of their conversations, his baggy eyes narrowed. He himself would have to return soon to see to the Remedial class, and Mineta. But this confirmed at least one thing to him that he long had guessed at.

“Not exactly a Quirk?” Aizawa muttered with narrowed eyes, tapping his finger on the tree branch he perched upon. “Midoriya, what have you gotten into?”\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\Back in the city, all was mostly quiet in the small diner in Hosu, no one really caring about the strangely dressed man stepping in, his long white coat billowing behind him, his orange-red eyes scanning the area before him, before settling on the emaciated, pale skeletal man seated in one corner, reading a Newspaper and sipping some coffee, but eating nothing. That was Toshinori, All Might’s agent. Godzillo moved with the sheer-footed, steel-focus of a predator, standing over the table for a moment patiently.

“Ah, Mister Nakajima, good to see you.” Toshinori remarked, folding and putting away his paper, and standing up to shake his hand, the Monster Hero taking it carefully, worried he might break the man’s hand. “I was hoping we’d discuss Midoriya.”

“Good to be seen.” He remarked, carefully folding his overcoat behind him and sitting down, the table groaning slightly. “So, what is it you want to know about?”

“Where to start? What was he like when you worked with Izuku, what are his strengths, his weaknesses?” Toshinori asked, as the waitress refilled his coffee, and Nakajima placed a quick order of his own.

He considered Toshinori’s questions carefully, trying to pick the best answer going forward. “He’s… a little timid and over-zealous at the same time. He often overthinks and hesitates. Venom is aggressive and fiery. Almost uncontrolled, but the two are strongest together.”

“You almost talk about them like they’re two separate people.” Toshinori remarked to himself. “But what about his Hero work with you, did he listen, how was he with people?”

“Heh. He went off on his own and disobeyed orders to save people in Hosu.” Nakajima remarked with a small smile. “Don’t let this leak, but it wasn’t Endeavor and me who stopped Stain. Those claws and burns were from Midoriya and his pals.”

“I see.” Toshinori remarked with a small, nervous smile.

“He’s more heart then brain sometimes.” Nakajima remarked finally, as the waitress brought his coffee, and without adding any creamers, immediately began drinking it. “I feel like if All Might wants him as a student, they’ll pair well together.”

He smiled for a moment, before taking another sip, and looking back at Toshinori. “Why is All Might focused on him? All the kids got potential? Why just Midoriya?”

“The fight with the Nomu, and I guess the Hosu incident got All Might’s attention,” Toshinori explained coolly, practiced in referring to his Hero name as a different person entirely. “He wants to take him as a student and maybe successor.”

“Successor?” Nakajima asked, tapping fingertips on the table. “I guess All Might’s gonna have to retire someday. Midoriya will probably ready be then, I guess.”

“Indeed.” Yagi replied with a nod, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

The two continued their discussion for much of the night, both about Midoirya, and then the League of Villains, and hopefully, that all of this would turn out alright.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\In one of the high mountains overlooking the camp, stood the five figures from before, the newest members of the League of Villains, one still covering his body in his cloak, the others dressed in the casual cloths and jackets.

The girl, Toga, fiddled with the mask over her face, attached to a number of tanks and specialized syringes, and knife sheaths all along her sides, thighs and shoulders. “Errgh, this is so not cute!”

“They were designed on the Black Market to specialize in assisting our Quirks. They’re for function, not style.” Mustard remarked relaxed and as cold as ever, his voice muffled slightly and given a slight robotic tone by the specialized gasmask and WW1-style helmet and gear over his face and mouth.

“Couldn’t they make it cuter is all I’m asking!” Toga pouted, throwing her hands up in frustration.

X grunted slightly, refitting his new, more armored mask over his face and mouth. Other then some fitted shoulder and knee pads, he had very little new “Christmas gifts”. “Yeah, at least you guys got something, I was first to join, why am I stuck looking like an edgy 90’s Comic book character.”

“Probably because you always did.” Dabi muttered quietly to himself, rolling his eyes.

“Tomura said something about budget constraints.” Mustard remarked.

“He can genetically modify those Nomu freaks but stuff for me is out of the question?” X demanded in annoyance, shaking his head in disgust.

“Who cares about fashion and all that, I’m too pumped to sit here,” The brute growled through his own mask, lifting up a hand as his fingers cracked and flexed. “Just cut us loose.”

“Shut your mouths, all of you crazy bastards, you’re all too loud.” Dabi commanded, glaring back at them in irritation. “We wait. We still need all 11 of us together to pull this off.”

As he spoke, the next three showed up to join them. Magne was the first to speak, carrying a gigantic, pillar-like magnet across her broad shoulder. “Sorry we’re late darlings.”

Spinner carefully folded back his Stain-style mask and hair, while checking all his knives and blades to make sure they were secure, as the third hobbled beside them, dressed and bound within a black suit with numerous straps and spiked belts binding his arms to his body, only his mouth visible from the mask, lips pulled back by his bindings.

He muttered to himself, jabbering away as he walked, drool dripping form his teeth. “Job….Job...Job….”

“And that makes Eight of us. Three more before we strike.” Dabi remarked, before turning back to the site of the camp, it’s few lights gleaming in the dark. “The League made a mistake going after USJ with a bunch of random punks. Better a small group of elites.”

“First to go, will be their sense of peace.” Dabi continued with a manic grin, the wind picking up around them. “They have to realize that their lives rest completely at our mercy.”\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\Training continued as always, the class being pushed to their absolute limits once more to complete their work-outs. Most were throwing their all into it, as always, except the ones stuck in remedial, and Mineta. They were barely standing, utterly exhausted and looking half dead. By time their classes had finished, they had to go on 5 hours of sleep.

“Remedials, keep working!” Aizawa commanded in annoyance, part of his scarf lashing out and wrapping around Kirishima’s forehead, yanking back to get him awake. “We’re not done here yet.”

“Just a little...sleepy...” Mina managed eyes half closed, even as she stood and tried to push herself onwards.

“I warned all of you this wouldn’t be pretty.” Aizawa remarked with a huff. “You all need to keep pushing your limits if you don’t want a repeat of this.”

“Why am I here?” Mineta mumbled, stumbling for a moment, before Aizawa’s scarf lashed out and yanked back on his head as well.

“Because you need to learn self-control and reigning in that lust,” Aizawa barked, narrowing his eyes in disgust. “This is serious work and needs focus, being ready to face life and death, not for you to be a sexual harassment lawsuit in the making.”

He glared down at all of them, eyes red and terrifying, completely focused on them as he continued chewing them out. “Worst of all, you were all exposed during the final exams. As you train, think about why you’re so much more tired then everyone else.”

As he spoke, Ochako walked by, carefully a large boulder by her hands, keeping it close to her grasp, but not quite holding, learning not only to float larger objects without getting sick, but learning to control how far off the ground she could get certain things. Aoyama, meanwhile, stumbled out of one of the portable bathrooms, holding his stomach and green all over his face.

“Aoyama, Ochako, don’t you give up either!” Aizawa yelled, turning his icy glare upon them. “You didn’t fail, but you came damn close. 30 was the minimum, and you squeaked by with 35.”

Ochako looked stricken for a moment, as Aoyama groaned, holding back the urge to vomit on the ground right then and there.

Izuku had kept up his physical training, essentially boiling down to a boxing match between himself in Venom form and Tiger, trying to land a number of hits on him, only for him to stretch and bend out of the way of his strikes, before having to tank every hit and not stumble from it. Tiger was no All Might or Nomu, but Venom could still feel every hit, stumble ever so slightly from every punch.

Venom was actually enjoying this. Not just because it felt like a real fight for him, but he was experimenting with modifications to his biomass in the heat of battle. As Tiger drove forward, ready to deliver another hook into Venom’s face, he held up his hand and crafted a shield of blackened, oil-like mass, blocking the blow completely. Tiger gave a small, impressed smile for a moment, before continuing his attack.

It was surprising, but Izuku was not completely taken aback by his Symbiote’s new defensive abilities. Venom had grown a lot since they were on their own, and without Riot or other Symbiotes from the Imperium to lord over him, it made sense Venom would start to branch out on his own and find new things he could do.

“As you train, remember your fundamental drive, what lead you here, why you’re training.” Aizawa stated, as Izuku and Venom held off another assault. “Why am I here? Why is he riding me so hard? Only you have that answer.”

‘Drive’ The Thought had burned into the forefront of each student’s mind, as they burned the area around them, created further and further explosions, or popped out more and more items while eating.

Izuku almost felt the desire forming to ask Aizawa something important, before refocusing on his training with Venom. He could ask it later.

“What is it you wish to ask him.” Venom asked mentally, remaining focused on the attacking Tiger.

“Well, where is All Might for one?” Izuku wondered aloud.

Venom thought it over for a moment, before crafting another large shield from his hand, resembling something like a Pavise or a Roman Legionary’s shield, and blocking blows from Tiger. He nodded to himself as he finally came up with an answer. “This is secret right? So All Might showing up anywhere is bound to get attention.”

“I guess...” Izuku muttered to himself.

Venom did not bother asking why, refocusing his attentions on Tiger in their short brawl, but he could guess. Even without the connection the two shared, Venom could see easily why Izuku was so intent on All Might. He wanted to help Kota come to terms with his apprehension towards Quirks and society. Venom for his part was largely apathetic. Kota was bound to come around and change. Trying to force things would just hurt more then anything.

“Let’s jump subjects. Tonight, if you all do your training, you get an interclass test of courage!” Pixie-Bob declared excitedly. “If you work hard, you get to play hard, get it?”

Murmurs broke out among the class, many wondering what exactly a ‘test of courage’ entailed. Monoma, of course, was more interested in the interclass part then anything else.

“A revelry in the dark.” Tokoyami remarked, Ochako giving him a weird, sideways glance.

Vlad King, sensing the classes were about to lose their focus, decided to get everything back in order. “Alright, if you want to enjoy tonight, get to work!”

“Yes sir!” Both classes declared, refocusing their efforts.

From further away, out of sight of the others, were two reptilian, raptor-like figures seated among the tree tops, watching the class with yellow-green eyes. They wore simple cloths for the outdoors, one red with plums along his head, the other orange.

The second, the orange one, turned to Red. “Children’s games, this is how they train?”

“If it gets results, who cares?” The other remarked, readjusting his hand and foot claws to stay on the branch. “We won’t be here for long anyway.”

“I don’t like this. We should be earning our place in Knull’s glory, not waiting for others to do our work.” The Second grumbled.

“Calm yourself. To reveal ourselves too early, would bring ruin to the Church and others of Knull’s flock.” The first replied, clicking his fangs together. “We have tracked them, monitored them, and even leaked the information to the League’s master. Then, we leave them to bleed each other.”\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\The hours burned away quickly, the class getting another meal prepared for the end of the day, before their big tests of courage. Perhaps after two days of hard work and being worked to the bone by their teachers and the extra heroes, they were getting used to having to wait awhile to get their meals after their exercise.

Bakugou was at the cutting board, slicing up carrots and other vegetables with the precision skill of an expert, chopping through them in seconds, each and every piece largely the same size and cleanly cut. Ochako walked by with some of her own ingredients, eyes bugging out of her head in shock.

“Wow, when did you get so good at cutting food Bakugou?” She said with surprise.

“What do you mean, when did I get good?! Why are you people so bad at everything?!” He yelled in rage, turning to her with an expression of pure rage, even as he continued cutting the vegetables with practiced precision.

“At least he’s not blowing things up.” Denki remarked, as Kirishima sighed to himself.

“I’m too tired for any of this.”

Izuku, meanwhile, was preparing the pots and coals this time for the cooking, gloves carefully placed over his burned-scared hand and the fully healed one. Venom chanted within his brain. “Food, food, food!”

As he worked, Shoto was walking behind him, his own kiln-made pot in tow. Izuku turned slightly, before clearing his throat. “Todoroki, can I ask you something?”

“Hmm, what about?” Shoto replied, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s about Kota. That kid.”

“The one that hit you in the balls?” Shoto asked bluntly, before his eyes drifted around the room. “Where is he by the way.”

“He disappears a lot.” Izuku stated. “But he seems to dislike heroes. A lot. Just Quirks in general. I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s a bit mean to say, but perhaps you shouldn’t say anything at all.” Shoto remarked. “If words meant anything, he wouldn’t hate heroes, cause someone else would’ve given him a big speech before.”

Izuku slightly quietly as Shoto spoke further. “If you want to convince him, actions might work better then words.”

“I guess I get what you mean. It would pretentious for someone to just give big speeches to him.” Izuku remarked as Venom grumbled within his head. “Told you.”

“you might also want to be careful. I don’t know why you have an interest in this kid, but you have a habit for poking into delicate business.” Shoto remarked, eye narrowing slightly. “Not everyone is going to appreciate that.”

Before Izuku could reply, Iida was barking orders at them from afar. “You two, stop talking and get back to work! Our Vegetable and Beef stew must be the best possible!”

After a hardy meal of excited eating, everyone was able to get on their feet and ready for the test of courage.

“After a good meal, we’re ready for our reward!” Mina declared, pumping her fist in anticipation. The others in the Remedial group began to cheer, before Aizawa cut in.

“Sorry to interrupt, and it pains me to say it, but the Remedial class will be spending extra time with me.” Aizawa cut in, the remedials stopping right where they stood. “I wasn’t satisfied with your performance today, so I now I cut into your play time.”

Mina did not react at first, merely looking at him with a slightly daze, slightly unbelieving expression, before she melted into an expression of total panic and horror at what he had just said. “YOU’VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!”

Aizawa’s capture scarf lashed out, the teacher perhaps sensing his students would on some level try to make a break for it. Mineta tried to escape, even as the others cried out for their chance at fun and a reward. Izuku and others shuddered at the sight, as they were dragged back to the central facility.

“I didn’t even fail!” Mineta cried out in horror as Aizawa dragged them away.

As they left, the Pussycats went into their explanation of things, going over the rules and rolls, such as who would be scaring who, the drawing of straws, and the card in the middle to show they had actually done their rout and weren’t just cheating.

“A revelry in the dark.” Tokoyami muttered to himself.

“He keeps saying that.” Ochako muttered to Izuku, trying to hold back a laugh.

“The goal with this is to use any Quirk abilities you have to scare the other team til they piss their pants!” Tiger roared with excitement, as Pixie-Bob and Rag-doll jumped up and down excitedly. Mandalay merely looked at the three in deadpan silence at their interruption of her instructions.

“Ew. Please don’t say that.” Jirou muttered, shaking her head.

Once the teams were drawn, Izuku was put with Ojiro, as team six, right behind Tsuyu and Ochako, Venom was rather surprisingly supportive of the idea. “He’s a good one. If forgettable. Once we get in there, we’ll scare the shits outta them though!”

‘Why am I not surprised you were already planning scare them?’ Izuku thought with a defeated shake of the head.

“Hey, at least when we go in, we’ll scare them better then anyone.” Ojiro suggested with a nervous laugh. “No offense, but your Quirk...”

“Yeah, he was planning that himself.” Izuku said with a bemused smile. Venom chuckled darkly to himself. Since it was competition, he’d go all out, even if it was scaring children.

Bakugou was stuck with Todoroki, already disgusted at the idea, and trying to pawn off their partnership to anyone else. “Will anyone trade with me damnit!”

“No trades and no givies-backies!” Rag-doll declared, somersaulting behind him, as Bakugou straightened in rage, stiff as a board as his eyes went bloodshot.

He said nothing, perhaps accepting his fate to be stuck with Shoto at this point, who seemed largely apathetic about the whole thing. Izuku was simply glade he wasn’t isolated again by the whole thing. The teams went in, one after the other, before coming to Uraraka and Tsuyu.

Pixie-Bob motioned them in with an easy smile. “So, these are the fifths, Froggy-Kitty and Uraraka-Kitty.”

The two went in, Tsuyu generally relaxed even as the screams of panic and fright filled the forest. Uraraka, meanwhile was visibly terrified over the idea of being here, as she and Tsuyu walked the dirt path before them.

“I’m so scared Tsu. There’s so much screaming.” Uraraka said, looking around in fright.

“Understandable. That would be Kyouka and Hagakure,” Tsuyu explained calmly, before holding up her hand. “I don’t scare easily. Would you like to hold my hand as we go through.”

Ochako did so, as they continued along. With night falling over them, everything was darkened and near-pitch black over them. As the two headed on their way, the Students of Class B, several yards ahead, lay in wait, congratulating themselves on their ability to scare others.

Honenuki poked his head out of the bushes, his silver hair and exposed teeth, with few lips or gums, practically making him look like Venom’s love child, stood in start contrast with the more average appearances of his classmates Yui and Kendo.

“Kodai! You did amazing. Everyone crapped the pants because of you!” He remarked, giving a wide grin.

“That was great work.” Kendo said, giving a thumbs-up.

“Thank you.” The dark-haired girl replied simply.

“Bakugou and Todoroki were hilarious.” He stated with a laugh.

As they talked back and forth, Honenuki stopped, sniffing the air. “By the way, you notice that smell? Smells like burning.”

“Now that you mention it, I’m seeing smoke or something.” Kendo remarked, as a strange dark purple, musty smoke began to slowly roll in from beyond the forest. She gave it a strange look. Bakugou nor Todoroki produced smoke like that.

“Maybe Bakugou or someone got so scared, they fired off their Quir...” He began before the smoke went into his nostrils and mouth, and he immediately fell on his face.

Kendo looked on in shock, before quickly clamping her mouth shut and expanding her hand to a gigantic size and wrapping it around Yui. “Don’t breath this in, it’s poison!”

Little did she realize, the gas was shooting out across the forests, the thick, purple fog hanging thick over the forests, as those in the rest of the group looked up to the skies in confusion.

Izuku was tipped off before he knew what was going on, Venom coldly reporting to him. “Deku. We have to get out of here. A fire and poison gas have been unleashed. We must leave.”

“Wha…?” He began, before he noticed the Pussycats were looking up in the forests. In the far distance, a blue glow rose above the trees, thick pillars of smoke rising with it.

“Smoke, what the hell is going on?” Tiger remarked, as the group remained focused on it.

In the epicenter of this smoke, surrounded by blue fires and conflagration all around, was Dabi, his left firmly pressed against the bark of a tree, fire burning off the side of it, as he smiled to himself. “Let the games begin. Let’s go wild, Vanguard Action Squad.”

As Toga and Tsuyu continued on, only slightly aware of what was going on, Toga watched them from the forests and underbrush, a mask fitted over her face, as she carefully checked out her two targets, making sure to know their every move and reaction so she knew how best to take them apart.

In the path leading to the main building, a figure dressed in black and with white bone-like spurs and growths jutting from his face and hands, his skin peeling and breaking off as bone claws shot form hsi fingers, waiting with narrowed eyes in the dark, while in the clearing itself, Hikishi shouldered her massive pillar-like magnet, like a rocket launcher.

“Little Kitty cat is being such an annoyance. Let’s change that.” She remarked, before a pink glow surrounded Pixie-Bob, who hardly noticing the strange pulling sensation, until she was torn form the ground, and slammed head-first into the pillar.

“What...what the hell? There are villains here?” Ojiro shouted in shock, as Magne stood over Pixie-Bob’s unconscious body, the magnet pressed threateningly against her skull.

Another, a smaller, wiry figure, dressed almost exactly like Stain, with various swords and blades sheathed across him, stepped over Pixie-Bob, throwing his hands out dramatically beside him, giving a small grin to the gathered heroes.

It was with that Izuku realized that, if they were under attack, that meant Kota was alone, out in the mountain, with no one around. At that mountain, the massive, cloaked figure stepped into the shadows, watching him with a grin beneath him mask.

Venom squirmed in annoyance. “We have to move now. These two chucklefucks aren’t alone. Fires, gas, blood and a man whose more bone then muscle, and a man more muscle than bone. I can sense much hostile intent.”

“I had a feeling that was the case.” Izuku muttered, as Tiger and Mandalay squared off with the two. He bit his lip slightly, as Venom began to coat his legs.

This was about to get deadly.


27 always heard that Mondays were supposed to be the worst day of the week. He’s never fully understood  the concept  until now.

After Midnight left the apartment on Friday, Eraser told him that he’ll be going with them to their work on Monday. At first he found the prospect of going to UA a relief. Not only would it get him out of the apartment, he’d be able to stay within earshot of Eraser. Being with him for the majority of the day would make getting information for Miasma easier. The excitement dwindled away and dread started to replace it on Saturday when he realized who he would meet at UA.

Interacting with the students wouldn’t be an issue for him. After the initial confrontation that is bound to happen when the students who recognize him, they should all forget about him sooner or later. If he can keep his head down and become as part as the background as possible, they’d leave him alone. What made him dread coming on Monday was realizing that Toshinori works there. He  was going to see Toshinori frequently if his schedule was anywhere similar to Erasers or Mics. He’d have to see the person he put on Miasma’s radar every day.

He already felt the guilt start to eat at him as soon as he wrote the letter and it has only grown stronger since. Initially he thought the feeling was because he was nervous that Miasma wouldn’t be able to find the pen, that they would say he never made a report. However, when he looked out the window the following morning, the pen was no longer laying there in the dirty alley. Despite knowing that Miasma more than likely retrieved the pen, the feeling stayed.

Throughout the weekend he started to feel worse about what he did, no matter how hard he tried to reason with himself that it was for the best, it wouldn’t go away. He felt like an exposed nerve, any sound set him on high alert. He doesn’t know what he expected to happen. Maybe Miasma barging into the apartment saying that what he gave wasn’t enough and just get rid of him or Toshinori himself to storming in and accuse him of betrayal.

 The smell or the sight of food turned his stomach and he was unable to keep anything down for long. Eraser seemed to pick up on it after a couple of meals.  He didn’t seem to concern that he was only eating a couple of bites of food at first, then he saw the concern grow on his face as the pattern didn’t stop. He started to taste test every item of food that was on the plate, not just one item like he’d used to do. When that didn’t work, Eraser offered to let him eat some cookies in exchange of the meal he prepared. He was able to take one bite before he remembered who he made them with. It quickly turned into ash in his mouth and he quickly excused himself from the room.

He couldn’t get his mind to stop replying what he’s done and the potential consequences of his actions. Toshinori started to haunt his dreams when he could sleep. Asking why he did it, if it was worth it, begging for his life.

The last time he slept was when he was taking a nap Saturday evening and dreamt that Toshinori was in front of him in the red room asking him why. He tried to explain, but Toshinori’s whispered why’s continued to grow in volume until he was screaming at him. He felt the spit spray his face as he got yelled at by the slowly approaching man.  He woke up in cold sweat when Bug started to laugh in the background and maggots started to crawl over Toshinori’s already bony arms as he reached out to him in blood covered hands.

Avoiding sleep after that was simple. Eraser and Mic seemed to be fine with him sitting in his room for as long as he liked.  He learned that they wouldn’t bother him unless it was for food or if he looked like he was already preoccupied. If he was just sitting thinking, Mic would start encouraging him to talk to him about what he was pondering, which he quickly turned down.  Thereafter, any time they did check on him, he’d pretend he was sleeping and they would leave. During the day, he would take the notepad and colored pencils that Midnight had given him and let himself mindlessly draw.

He could tell they tried their hardest to include him with stuff they were doing. Asking if he’d want to watch a movie with them, if he wanted to help cook, if he would like to draw on the table while they graded papers. He turned every invite down,it was becoming too much effort to keep up with them and settled to keep by himself to try and reign his thoughts in.

Sunday came and went uneventful. Mic finally went to the station for work and him and Eraser listened to his show while  they ate dinner.  And then it was Monday. Mondays were normally just another day in the week for him. But this one? He wished it never came.

27 felt his pulse race as he stood in front of the UA entrance next to Mic and Eraser.  Mic was chattering excitedly about a lesson he had for his students, something about translating an English song while Eraser merely hummed in acknowledgement.

“Let’s go over it one more time.” Eraser said shooting him a look from the corner of his eye. “You’re going to stay with me.  If you need something, let me know and I’ll help as best as I can. However, if it can wait, make sure you ask during an appropriate time, I do still need to teach.”

He resisted sending back a glare as Eraser relied what his orders were again but merely nodded.Eraser had already told him the plans for his attendance at UA six times, he would have been offended, if not for the fact it looked to be more for Eraser’s benefit than his.

 He knew his job, it was the only thing that he was confident about today. He’s going to shadow him, like he’s done with some of his past clients, a simple protection detail.  Keep quiet, stay to the sides, be the buffer, and not be a inconvenience.

Eraser seemed satisfied with his response and they entered the building. They soon parted ways with Mic as he went to go to a meeting with the head of departments, and he was left alone with Eraser.

27 tried to do his job as best he could like any other client but Eraser simultaneously made it easier and harder. Eraser would walk right down the center of the hall. It was impressive that the students parted like the red sea as Eraser walked, but it also caused some issues.  It made it easier to for him to spot it, but it also made it easier for any enemies to spot him. It also left him wide opened and it made it difficult to provide adequate protection when there were multiple angles an attacker can attack from.

 It also didn’t help the fact that when they avoided him, it left not only Eraser exposed but it also left him exposed.  It ruined his cover and his plan to go by unnoticed. He wasn’t blending into the shadows like he wanted, but seemed like he had a giant neon sign pointing directly at him. , He felt the hair on the back of his neck raise as he felt multiple sets of eyes on him that only seemed to grow as he went. With the amount of whispering that they had left in their wake, at this rate the whole school knows he was there.

“You ready?”

27 gave him the most  exasperated look he could manage. Eraser raised an eyebrow back at him, his hand still holding the door handle.

He had half a mind that Eraser was making his job harder on purpose. Not only did he leave his back exposed to the hall, which he quickly blocked, but he kept asking if he was ready and alerting the people inside the room of their presence. He had already said yes when he ask him if he was ready to meet his homeroom class down the hall, a few minutes weren’t going to change that.

Just as he was going to open the door himself, Eraser stopped looking him over and opened the door with little flourish.

“Everyone sit down.” Eraser ordered as he entered the room. He strode confidently in, ignoring the the confused looks his way as he set down his work bag. Eraser was digging around in said bag as he addressed him. “You can sit in the empty seat over there.”

27 nodded and went to the free chair that Eraser indicated with a jerk of his head. He felt the once relaxed atmosphere shift to something more intense as he went to the free desk. Resisting his training, he kept his head low, avoiding looking at the sure to be inquisitive looks that was sure to be sent his way.

The whole room was still, it was quiet enough he was sure you could hear a pin drop. He bit his tongue as he resisted looking up once he sat down, all his senses screaming at him to see who’s around him.  Literally and figuratively he needed to keep his head down, he was sure if he made eye contact with one of the students, he would learn to regret it.

He didn’t want to compare his situation to a lamb inside a lion's den, but that's what it felt like. He was confident in the training he has received but they have all received training also. If they decided to all do something at once, he would undoubtedly lose.  He was used to fighting smaller groups and one on one, but this class wasn’t just larger, they all must have strong quirks to make it into the hero course. No amount of training would prepare him to fight nineteen kids with strong physical quirks.

“All right, so for today’s lesson-”

“Sensei!” a voice yelled out from across the classroom. “Who’s that?”

The feeling of eyes on him seemed to triple at the question. He wanted to look up at Eraser but the heard the kid in front of him turn in his seat to look at him, so he settled at looking out the window that was next to him.

“Is that really how you want to spend your time Ashido?” Eraser sighed. “It’s unimportant right now.”

Multiple started to shout out at once. He was silently grateful that that the people closest to him had remained quiet, he doesn’t know if he would be able to handle someone yelling that close to him.

 The lack of sleep and food quickly caught up with him as the rush from the morning left his body. His head was pounding from lack of sleep and his hands shook slightly, which he covered by pulling his sleeves to cover them.

“Sensei perhaps it’s wise to introduce him? I’m sure everyone would calm down once he’s been introduced.”

27 couldn’t resist the urge to look over when he recognized the voice.  Iida was standing up at his desk two seats away. He looked better than he last saw him, no longer sounding as nasally as he last had and his nose and cheeks were no longer flushed.  He furrowed his eyebrows as he watched Iida fix his glasses on his face and started to talk about the importance of knowing every student in the class.  He couldn't help but seem slightly shocked that Iida was still there, he must be stronger than he initially thought.

“Fine, only if you get to work as soon as introductions done.” Eraser said duly which he earned him a few reluctant agreements.

Just as Eraser turned to look at him, he was interrupted by the door slamming open and a shout of someone announcing themselves.

“I AM HERE!”

27 couldn’t help but freeze in his seat and stare wide eyed at the number one hero as he waved to the classroom. He was just as intimidating as he remembered, he was so tall he was leaning over Eraser and had a massive frame to match, but no longer had his face in a determined scowl but his iconic smile. Eraser looked like a toothpick next to All Might but still glared him down.

“All Might,” Eraser grumbled roughly. “What are you doing here?”

“I-uh..” All Might said, his face reddening as he looked away from the glare. “I need you.”

27 jumped in his seat when the pink girl across the classroom let out a sharp ‘I knew it!’ and then started cooing in the silent classroom before quickly covering her mouth with a eep when Eraser turned his glare onto her.

“You need me?”

“Well, I need your quirk.” All Might rubbed the back of his neck nervously and gave Eraser a slanted smile.  “I was covering for homeroom for the Gen 2 kids. I thought it would be a great opportunity to have them try a hero course activity.”

“And?” Eraser prompted when All Might voice trailed off and remained silent.

“Well, one of the students kinda lost control of their quirk and they got stuck. We were hoping if you used erasure on them, it would unstick them.”

Eraser pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a long exhale before nodding. “Alright, everyone while I’m dealing with this, do some homework or something until I get back. Iida is in charge.”

27 got to his feet to follow, but Eraser raised his hand and told him to wait here, that he’d be right back. He wishes he ignored the ordered and followed, so he didn’t have nineteen pairs of eyes trained on him as soon as the door closed.

They all seemed to think he’ll say something if they stared long and hard at him enough. They could do it as long as they like, that tactic never worked on him, he’s fine with with the silence. Even if it was a waiting game, he could out wait them. If he didn’t say anything, hopefully they wouldn’t either. He only had to out wait until Eraser came back, after that he’ll be in the clear.

Leaning back in his seat while keeping his face as blank as he could he turned to look back out the window.

“I can’t take it anymore!” a voice said dramatically somewhere in front of him. “Aizawa was going to introduce you, but since he’s gone, why don’t you do it?”

He was set in ignoring her, but multiple voices started to join in with hers. The increasing volume reminded him of the headache that was slowly forming into a migraine.

“Alright.” he sighed turning his head back to address the class.  “Im twe- Shinsou Hitoshi.”

 Shivers went down his spine as the room suddenly became quiet as they started to analyze him. He saw multiple eyebrows furrow as they looked him over and tried to connect the face to the name.

 He himself recognized a couple of the students from his previous job. Both girls that he had interacted with were squinting at him from across the room, and the red haired boy was giving him a big smile from where he sat a couple of seats down. He did feel sweat drip down his back when he noticed the green idiot who tried to take on the Nomu was sitting in front of him as he started to mumble, while the guy who landed at hit on him was sitting behind him with eyes narrowed dangerously.

“What’s your quirk?”  A waving uniform said in one of the front seats.

He couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows as he saw her. Invisibility wasn’t an extremely rare quirk, but normally is only activated for a couple of minutes tops. He knew one person who could remain invisible as long as he held his breath, but she looked to be continuously invisible. Just as he thought that her quirk would make a great Number, he quickly shook it out of his brain.

“It’s above your pay grade.”

“What?”

“I’m not going to give away that information for free.” He shrugged. If it was in his power, he would prevent them from ever learning, but if he was going to spend a lot of time with them, he knew it would slip sooner or later. It doesn’t mean he wasn’t going to make them work for it.

“What if we tell you our names and quirks? Then it’d be even.” The pink girl shouted. Before he could agree or disagree, people started to introduce themselves and their quirk at a rapid pace.

He tried to remember them all, quickly filing away the information for later. He knew the Miasma didn’t have this information. If they did have it,they would have sold it to The League of Villains and perhaps their last mission would have turned out better.

Just as the last person reluctantly grumbled out their name and quirk they all looked at him expectantly.  “I never agreed that I’d tell you my quirk.”

The collective groan in response was almost worth being here alone. Almost.

“Hey Iida?” The green haired kid in front of him asked. Midoriya if he remembers correctly. “Is this the guy that beat you in hand to hand?”

“N-No! What makes you think that?” Iida spluttered out while waving an arm.  27 clasped his hands together tightly to stop himself from face palming at the blatant lie.

“Well, you said you were with your brother at his friend’s house when it happened. You’re brother is a pro hero, so the odds are high that it was another pro hero. You said he was our age and I can’t imagine anyone not in a hero course beating you.” Midoriya rambled. He leaned forward onto his desk and  made eye contact. 27 straightened his back as the Izuku started to really look him over. “Is that why you’re here? Did Aizawa transfer you to UA to be in the Hero course?”

“Sure.” He replied instantly. He doesn’t know what Eraser wanted him to tell his students why he was here, they never covered his cover story fully. But this one didn’t seem like a bad one to go with.

“I know you from somewhere.”  The blonde haired kid in front of him said. His eyes were pinpoints as he glared at him.

“No you don’t.” he replied. He couldn't help but feel slightly smug as the kid seemed to grow more frustrated.

“Fuck yes I do.”

“Sure you do Combustible.” He said rolling his eyes.

“What the fuck did you call me?” Bakugou growled dangerously, small explosions were let out as he slammed his hands onto Midoriya’s desk as he stood up.

“Maybe you should calm down Blasty, it’s not cool to scare the new guy.” a voice said calmly.

“Blasty?” 27 couldn't stop the smirk that started to form on his face as the blond seemed to visibly simmer at the name. He knew he shouldn’t push it, especially with this guy landing a hit on him the last time they met, but this was too easy. “Fulmination, why didn’t you tell me your name was already so interesting?”

He pulled the neck of his sweater over his to cover his mouth to try to hide his expression better, which he immediately regretted when recognition flashed in Bakugou’s eyes.  His old mask did leave half of his face exposed so he knew they’d would recognize him sooner or later, but he was hoping for later.  It unwittingly pushed it too far by mimicking his mask with jacket.

One moment Bakugou was in his seat and the next he was reaching for him with his right hand. 27 gripped the wrist and twisted it away from him, letting the oncoming explosion onto his desk and not his face. The other hand came and grabbed at his shirt. Just as he felt the heat bubble  up, he hooked his right arm and pressed it against the inside of Bakugou’s elbow then slid his arm underneath, dislodging the hand as he yanked the arm to the side. He slid out the knife that he kept in his sleeve and  held it against the wrist that he now holding against the table. When Bakugou went to counter, he pressed the knife harder letting it draw up a small line of blood.

“Don’t move Boom Baby. I can cut off your hand before you even lay a finger on me.” 27 growled out when he felt the hand in his twitch. He was slightly lying, he’d be able to do severe damage, but knife isn't sharp enough to cut it off. He was hoping that the importance of the use of his hands for his quirk would be what stops Bakugou from calling his bluff. “I don’t care if I hurt you, consequences mean shit to me. Nothing they or you could do would ruin me.  You however? If you hurt me, in front of an audience this large, it would be a completely different story. Potential hero attacks new student in homeroom class out of anger would be a wonderful title for the school paper, maybe even the actual press. What would that say about your chances of becoming a hero? Do you think that the top hero school would keep you after that? I could land on my feet no matter how this turns out, but what about you?”

The class was silent as they stared at each other. 27 can hear Bakugou grind his teeth as he glared at him, his lips curled back in a snarl.

It was a matter of pride at this point. He was at an uncomfortable crouch, hovering over his seat, as he held onto Bakugou. However, he wasn’t going to let go. He wasn’t going to be the first to cave in this small standoff. He doesn’t know what he’s waiting for Bakugou to do but he can wait.

“You were at USJ.” Bakugou snapped at him,breaking the silence.

“Yes I was.” He said  dryly.. He heard a couple of sounds of recognition from the class, but most of them was covered by people yelling for explanations of what Bakugou was talking about.

“He’s the one that did something to shitty hair and round face.”

“Don’t forget to mention yourself Detonation. This is what this is all about right? Can’t admit that you lost to me the last time we met? Is that what made you decide to do a on the spot rematch.”

Bakugou growled at him as the class started to erupt around them, yelling and shouting echoing around. He could make out some trying to reason with him to let go of the blond, some asking why there was a villain in the classroom, while some were yelling out how they now recognized him and started to recall some events to the people surrounding them.

“What the hell is going on here?”

He could hear his heartbeat in his ears as he heard the anger coloring Erasers voice. The room abruptly went quiet, but he still didn’t look away from the red eyes in front of him to see what’s going on. He was slightly concerned that his bluff wouldn’t work, and if he looked away, the last thing he’d see were those red eyes.  He was relieved that Eraser was back, no longer have to make his own cover story even though it got ruined, no longer without direction on what to do. He could live with whatever consequences Eraser gives him for his actions as long as he could get him out of this situation.

27 kept his eyes on the now red faces Bakugou as he heard Iida quickly gave shorthand version of the what happened to Eraser.

“I leave for fifteen minutes.” Eraser mumbled from the front of the classroom.  “Shinsou, didn’t we agree to keep the knife at home?”

“We did.” he replied dryly, keeping his grip tight.

“Then why did you bring it here?”

“I did leave that knife at the apartment. This is a different one.”

“Where did you get that one?”

“The box of knives.”

Shinsou heard the Midoriya mutter if all underground heroes have boxes of knives laying around and if it was a requirement, he then started to wonder why they’ve never seen Eraser use a knife.

“We’ll talk more about this later,” Eraser proposed when Bakugou’s hands started to spark up in irritation. “Let him go.”

He pulled the knife back before Eraser even finished his sentence. Bakugou snatched his hand back and looked like he was about to say something, but was quickly cut off by Eraser.

“Shinsou give me the knife and since All Might owes me,  you can stay with him for a couple of minutes while I explain.”

Only at the mention of his name, did 27 notice All Might standing in the doorway. He odd combination of emotions running across  his face. He looked slightly shocked, nervous, and confused before it was replaced with his signature smile when he saw him looking.  He gave him that same smile after he handed Eraser the knife and followed All Might into the hallway.

This was his chance to make it big with Miasma, solidify his spot as a Number, no longer be useless, no longer have to worry about what happens next. If he could get the smallest bit of information on this guy, directly from the source, he could be safe.

“So Entire Maybe,” 27 said as soon as the door closed.

“Oh! Is this your names? Mic told me about that. But might is more like power or strength or force!” All Might boomed as he flexed one of his arms. 27 felt his body vibrate at the power behind his voice. He wouldn’t doubt that it echoed across the campus.

“Sure thing Completely Perchance, but I was wondering.”

“Yes?”

The words suddenly died on his tongue as he looked up at the smiling hero. He couldn’t do it. He knew All Might would probably survive anything that any of the Miasma’s clients may throw at him, but he couldn’t help but have images of the Nomu pop into his head.

It was surprisingly a close call for the hero, the Nomu had almost defeated him. Sure All Might ended up defeating him, but the monster could be improved upon. The League of Villains saw first hand and know the potential of those things. They did make them after all and who’s to say they have stopped making them? Their next batch would be stronger than the last. If it was stronger, it could actually accomplish what the other didn't, kill All Might.

Having the guilt of telling Miasma about Toshinori was still slowly wearing him down, he doesn’t think he can take on more for today. He knows the potential information he gets from All Might could be worth a lot, but it wouldn't change Toshinori’s position. He’d still be in the same predicament. All Might’s information would be worth a lot more than Toshinori’s and It would be cheaper for clients to take what they want from Toshinori than buy Miasma’s information on All Might.

Miasma probably already let it known they have some information about All Might, so they couldn’t take back what they know about Toshinori or risk their credibility. No matter what, he screwed Toshinori over.  He hasn’t been able to handle the guilt with Toshinori, he doesn't think he can handle handing in over All Might also.

“Never mind.” He mumbled out, shifting his weight from one foot to another as All Might’s grin seemed to grow.

“All right, why don’t I take you to the teachers lounge? I have to go back to teaching, but I can drop you off along the way.”

“Sure.”

“Hm, I think someone is in there right now. I can’t remember who, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind watching you until Eraserhead is done. Maybe you can find something fun to do while you wait.”

“Lets hope.” he mumbled sarcastically as he followed the towering hero down the hall.


We reached the boat ramp at the lake and as I got ready to back the boat into the water Sally climbed on board. “How long will it take you to get there?” she asked as I put the plug in the back of the boat.

“At least an hour and a half. “I said as I looked up at her standing by the wheel. The way the sun was shining on her I could make out her dark nipples through the material of her halter-top as I smiled up at her. You sure you want to take the boat up and not the truck?”

“Yes! I hate driving with the trailer bouncing all over back there. Besides it will only take me about 20 minutes to get there and I can drink a cold beer while I wait for you!”

“Ok then give me a kiss and I will see you in a while!” I stepped up to the side of the 26’ day curser as she bent over the side and kissed me. “I love you baby!”

We kissed and I got in the truck and backed it and the boat into the water. Sally fired up the 350 Chevy and I watched as she backed the boat slowly off the trailer. She waved to me as she backed out and then turned up out giving the big boat the gas and was soon around a point of land and out of sight. I pulled back onto the highway and in a couple of spots got a glimpse of her speeding up the lake until the road turned away from the shoreline.

An hour and forty-five minutes later I pulled off of the highway and down onto what was basically a cow path the led to an old rusted gate. Sally and I had bought the land 10 years earlier and had hopes of putting a house up on it some day but for now it was just where we went camping. It was still a mile down to the water from the gate and the old road was so rough it took another 15 minutes to get down to where I found Sally setting down an ice chest under a shade canopy she had set up!

I parked and then walked over to her. Sally was sweating lightly giving her soft skin a slight shine as she pulled 2 beers from the ice chest and plopped her butt down on it. “Dam next time I’m driving the truck! I didn’t realize what all you had to do to set things up before I would get here!” she smiled as she ran the cold beer can between her breasts as she looked at me. “If you get the tent set up I will set up the stove and then we will be ready for dinner right after we take a swim!”

We went about or work and in no time I was picking up a towel and walking to the cool water. I stopped by the boat where Sally had beached it and pulled off my sweaty T-shirt and threw it onto the bow. “You going to put on your suit?” I called to Sally as I turned to watch her walking to me.

“Nope, I wasn’t going to. Do I need to.” She smiled at me knowing I wanted to see what she had bought. “You’ll see it soon enough but for now I’m going to show you another kind of suit! MY BIRTHDAY SUIT!”

I watched as she untied her top pulling it off as she waded out into the water. She stopped as it reached her knees and pulled off her Daisy Dukes and rinsed them both out in the water. I must have been standing with my mouth open as I watched her breasts hanging and swaying back and forth and how her nipples stiffened as she splashed water on her self! “What? You look like you have never seen me with out cloths on before!”

My dick was getting stiff as I pulled off my own shorts and tossed them with my shirt. “I tried for years to get you to go skinny dipping and you wouldn’t even do it at night! Now here you are standing right out in broad daylight as naked as you can be! Fuck Sally! YOU LOOK HOT!”

She smiled at me splashing water at me. “No kids!” She said and turned diving in the cool water and swam out the few yards to a floating dock I had built for the kids to swim around and play on. She pulled her self out of the water and stood there nude smiling at me. “Well are you coming?” she called.

“All most!” I yelled back at her as I dove in and swam out to her.

I climbed up the ladder to find her lying on her back letting the after noon sun shine on her, in my eyes, perfect body! We sat there talking softly to each other until we could hear a bass boat coming across the lake. I thought Sally would slip into the water but instead she just waved at the 2 guys on it as they whooped going by!

We had lain there long enough to dry out and sense neither of us had any sunscreen on spots that had never seen the light of day before I said. “Come on. I am hungry and we both need to put some cream on or we will be in trouble!”

Sally stood up laughing. “Yes we don’t want to burn that pecker do we?”

“Oh hell no!” I said as she dove into the water with me right behind her.

Neither of us put any thing on enjoying the freedom and each other as after noon turned into evening and then night. We roasted marshmallows and ate them like kids and really for the first time in years found out that we not only love each other we liked one another!

“You know I love my kids but I think I like not having them around.” She said with a smile as she stuck a gob of half burnt marshmallow into her mouth and shook her tits at me in the fire light.

“Yea, it’s almost to bad Mark and Tina are coming up.” I ran my hand over her shoulder enjoying the softness of her skin. “I would like to spend the whole weekend like this!”

“Well, most of what I brought to wear is a little more reveling than you might think and Tina knows about it because she was with me when I went shopping.” She stood up stretching, pushing her breasts out as she did. “And I think you will be happy with what she bought as well! Now come to bed with me and rub some cream into my back!”

We went into the ten and I picked up the cream as Sally lay on her tummy. I began working the cream into her skin starting on her shoulders and working down to her bare bottom. “Does she know about our new found fun?” I worked more cream into my palms and then worked from the small of her back down over her ass cheeks puling them open and letting my thumbs slip into her crease! “Yes, a little. Umm baby easy!” I worked down in between her thighs and with a soft sigh Sally opened her legs giving me complete access to her woman hood! I worked my fingers into her slowly opening her, spreading her vagina lips as I let my thumb bump into her now exposed clit.

“Are you hard baby?”

“Oh yes!” I said

“Do you want to be in me?”

“Yes!”

“Now?”

“Yes!”

“Lay down.”

I did as she asked and felt her set up in the darkness of the tent.

“Here!” Sally took my dick in her hand. “Let’s put it in!” she let it slip into her wet hole as she guided it in sinking slowly down on me. She leaned forward letting her clit grind into my pubic mound as she kissed me. “Is this what you wanted?” She pinched my nipples as she began to mike me with her pussy muscles. “Did you want me to fuck you?”

Sally had never talked much in sex and had never been the aggressor before and I suddenly found I was very close to coming! “Yes, yes I like it very much!” I whispered to her as she bit and nibbled on my neck!

Do you want to cum in me?”

I pushed up into her as she moved on me for the first time. “Oh god baby! Oh!” was all I could say.

“That’s it give me what I want! I’m ready Sammy cum in me!” I let out a groan as the first shot of milky hot liquid shot out of me and in to her! “That’s it baby fill me up with it! Oh yes I want it in me Sam!” I rolled her onto her back and began to pound into her as I shot the last of me seed deep into her belly!

Suddenly as fast as it came it was gone and I felt like she had ripped my guts out! All I could do was lay trembling on her as she stroked my face and hair. “That’s it baby I feel you in me! I feel how hot you are and how hot your cum is in me!” I started to move but she pulled me back tight to her breasts. “No! Stay here! Let me enjoy feeling you Sam!”

We lay like that until I went soft and slipped out of my wife. My dick was sticky with cum as I move to the side kissing her. “What about you? Let me do it for you!”

She pulled my face to hers kissing me softly. No just hold me! You gave me what I wanted this time! “You can make me cum next time.” She kissed me again. “Now go to sleep my love!” and I did holding her close to me!


Chapter Three

She couldn’t seem to relax.  Her father and Ray were talking about the house, about the business and the island, but Felicity was aware of only one thing.

She could see him at the edge of their property, an ax cutting through the air every few minutes with a solid thwack, split logs falling to the ground after every swing.  She watched the swing of his arms and tried not to marvel at the smoothness of the action.  The muscles of his back rippled beneath his skin with each movement.

“It really is beautiful here.  The view… it’s spectacular.”

Her father smirked, “Most beautiful place on earth, if you ask me.  And the house, well, we’re proud of what we have here.  The girls, when they were young, liked to tell everyone we lived in a castle.  With the turret, of course, it resembles one.  Laurel’s room was up there and I cannot begin to tell you how many fights I had to break up because those two couldn’t agree who got to be the princess.”

“Princess Felicity, huh?” Ray teased, the smile on his face genuine.

It seemed that he and her father got along well enough and being around her dad had eased some of the tension between them.

“Laurel was the oldest so she seemed to think it was her birthright to be the princess all the time,” she explained, “She always wanted me to be the evil queen.”

Ray and her dad laughed and she found herself relaxing ever so slightly.  When her mom stepped outside with a tray of muffins, Felicity reached for one to distract herself.

“Mom’s muffins are famous,” Felicity explained, peeling back the wrapper, “Everyone on the island orders baskets of them for bridal showers and baby showers and any other occasion they can use as an excuse.  You’ve got to try the banana – no nuts, of course- they’re my favorite.”

She took a bite and fought to hold back the moan of appreciation that wanted to leave her lips.  It had been a long time since she’d had one of her mom’s famous muffins.

“I myself happen to be partial to the carrot, Ray,” her dad told him, “But they’re all great.  Donna is a wonderful baker.  One of the many reasons why I married her.”

As they ate their breakfast, Felicity’s eyes traveled around the porch.  It was easy to spot the simple changes that had been made, the balustrades that she and Laurel had broken when they were young had been replaced and the chipped paint was no longer chipped but fresh and new.  Several floorboards that had once been loose were as steady as ever and the steps leading into the freshly mowed yard had been completely replaced.  It seemed that Oliver had done well for the money her parents were paying him.

“There are still a few things that we’d like to see finished before winter rears her ugly head but it’s getting there,” her father was telling Ray, “A few of the upstairs windows need replaced but Ollie can’t manage it all by himself.  Unfortunately, I just don’t have time the time to help him out.”

She didn’t hear Ray’s reply.  She stood and took a cup of coffee from the tray her mother had set on the table, ambling down the steps and into the yard.

The wooded area behind her family home was a vibrant painting of red and gold, the leaves turning as autumn was quickly fading into winter.  It had always been her favorite time on the island, the short few weeks before the trees became bear and snow threatened.

“Are you alright?”

The sound of his voice jumpstarted her heart and Felicity clapped her hand over her breast.  Oliver stood behind her, a respectable distance between them, but she felt the heat of him as if he were actually touching her.  She hadn’t meant to wander so close to where he’d been cutting wood but her feet had carried her to him of their own accord.  She found herself unable to remove her eyes from his.

“I’m fine.”

His face was still that same cold mask that he had greeted her with previously but his eyes had warmed and she saw a bit of her Oliver there.

He looked away, lifting the ax still in his hands, and swung.

Felicity moved to step away from him but as her eyes took him in one last time, she caught sight of the swirling black ink etched on his ribcage.  It wasn’t his only tattoo, he had several including a crude dragon on his left shoulder blade, but this one was different.  She reached for him without thought, catching his arm with her fingers tight on his elbow.  He lowered the ax, setting it aside, and angled himself to face her fully.

“What is it, Felicity?”

She felt a series of emotions pass through her, warring for dominance, but her heart couldn’t settle on one.

“Lift up your arm.”

His eyes widened and there was a hint of warning in his tone.

“Felicity.”

She grasped his elbow more tightly and drew him forward.  He didn’t resist her, lifting his arm over his head to grant her the access that she’d requested.

Her breath caught as her hand rose to drift across the intricate script.  She was trembling.  She recognized the word for what it was, a name only Oliver had ever dared to call her.

Flick.

Felicity released his arm as if she’d been burned and stumbled away.  She half expected him to come after her, to stop her retreat and tell her that it would be okay, that they would be okay.  But his voice, when it came, was hollow and broken.

“Felicity, don’t.”

She shook her head, her damp eyes stinging, and retreated another step.

“Felicity, please, please don’t cry,” he pleaded.

She felt something inside of her shattering.  Every instinct told her to run toward him, to draw him into her arms and to allow him to do the same to her.  Ten years worth of pain had been bottled up inside of her so deep that if uncorked, she knew she would explode.  It was buried in her bones, hidden in their depths, and seeing him there before her brought it rushing to the surface.  She couldn’t control the tear filled sob that escaped her.  But she was able to stop the next from coming.

“Why?  Why would you stay away, Oliver?  Why didn’t you want me to know that you were here?  That you –“

The hurt in his eyes cut her.  The pain he so obviously wanted to hide couldn’t stay hidden forever.

“Felicity.”

She shook her head, “Why?  Answer the question, Oliver, please.  Why?”

For a moment she thought that he would explain.  Instead, he retrieved the ax from where it had been discarded and left her standing there alone.  Tears dampened her cheeks.

When she moved this time, it wasn’t to return to where she’d left Ray with her father on the porch.  Felicity rounded the house instead, bypassing a confrontation that would undoubtedly leave her in pieces, and entered through the front door.  She dropped onto the sofa in the sitting room and closed her eyes, clutching her head in her hands.

“Oh, baby, I’m sorry.”

Her mother’s arms wrapped around her and Felicity leaned into the warmth.  Tears continued to trek down her cheeks.  They had been on Star Island for less than six hours and everything she had thought she’d buried deep was being dragged to the surface.  If she had only known what she was coming home to, she never would’ve returned.  Certainly not with Ray in tow.

Wiping her face on her sleeve, she leveled her mother with an accusatory glare.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

Her mom sighed, “Sweetheart, Oliver asked us not to.  And before you go and tell me that, as your mother, I should’ve told you anyway, I couldn’t do that to him.  We don’t know what he’s been through.  He’s been gone for a very long time and I think that this is a lot harder for him than any of us can imagine.”

“Has he told you anything?  Where has he been?  Do you or Daddy know what happened to him?”

“As far as I know, he hasn’t really been open with anyone.  For the better part of six years, Moira has been begging for information about him.  She just needed someone to tell her if he was dead or alive and when word finally came that he’d been declared missing in action, that was the end of it.  I haven’t spoken to her much since… since you left the island but they continued searching for him even after the ruling came down,” Donna explained, “We all thought that he was gone.  But he turned up on Moira’s doorstep a couple of months ago and –“

“Months?”

Felicity’s surprised gasp cut her mother off.  Those familiar blue eyes were full of sympathy, empathy, and even a bit of contrition.  He had been home for months and no one had bothered to tell her.

The screen door bounced roughly off of its frame as someone stepped inside and Felicity’s head turned at the sound.  Ray stood there, the tension in his shoulders evident again, as he watched her with her mom.

“I’ll leave you two to talk.”

She watched her mother exit the room and a moment later, Ray took the spot beside her that had been vacated.

“Felicity, what’s going on?  I’ve never seen you like this.  Crying and… and withdrawn.  This isn’t the girl that I know.”

She couldn’t respond.  He was right.  This wasn’t her.  At least, as far as Ray knew, she wasn’t this girl.  Vulnerable and weak and a walking disaster.  The woman that Ray had known for the duration of their relationship was headstrong and witty and brilliant and dedicated.  She was a mask that Felicity had donned in the face of tragedy.  She had walked away from everyone and everything and she had become someone else in order to survive.

Ray deserved to hear the truth.  He was trying to be patient, to be understanding, but the fact that she had done a complete one eighty in such a short period of time clearly had him worried.

She took a slow, even breath and willed away the pain that encompassed her heart.

“God, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to turn into this emotional mess the minute we got here.  Obviously being back on the island is bringing up some stuff that I’d thought I’d let go.  Apparently not, if the waterworks are any indication, but look, I’m good now.  Promise.  I’m fine.”

His eyes on her were challenging her to show him that her words were a lie but she held her ground, affixing a plastic smile on her face and forcing her shoulders to relax.

“Okay,” he sighed, “But if it gets to be too much, just remember that we can leave whenever we want.  There’s a car waiting at the port that will take us back to Coast City.  Just say the word.”

Felicity stood and held out her hand to him.  He took it without hesitation.

“Let’s get out of here for a little while,” she urged, “We can go for a ride.  I can show you the island.”

He grinned down at her, his free hand brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“You can ride a bike?” he teased, “I’ve seen you trip over your own two feet more times than I can count.  Are you sure it’s safe?”

She snorted, “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Palmer.  And I’ll have you know, I used to ride my bike everywhere.  I mean, I didn’t even learn to drive until I went away to college.  I didn’t need to.”

They left through the front door and Felicity led him to the shed at the side of the house where her father had always kept the spare bicycles that guests of the inn could use freely.  Mounting the bikes, they rode away from the house, up Murray Hill and along the bluff overlooking Star Harbor.

“The old saying really is true,” she called to Ray where he rode a few yards ahead of her, “You know, about never forgetting how to ride a bike?  I haven’t done this in years!”

His laugh carried back to her on the wind.  It felt good to do something normal, something that had been a part of her life for as long as she could remember, and as the wind stung her cheeks, the plastic smile she’d put on for Ray gave way to a real one.

When they paused to rest a few minutes later, she was breathing hard and her face hurt from laughing.

“I can’t believe you’ve stayed away this long, Felicity,” Ray said again, “This place is …”

He shook his head and the smile he gave her was full of wonder.  She felt a small fluttering in her chest.  He was an attractive man, truly, with rich dark hair and a beautiful smile.  She had been drawn to his charm and intellect.  He understood her, understood the work that she did and the way that her mind worked.  They made sense together, she and Ray, but just because they worked on paper, didn’t mean that they could love one another.  It didn’t mean that she could love him.

Felicity cleared her throat and looked away, uncomfortable with where her thoughts had suddenly wandered.

The moment she realized where they had ended up, her heart jumped in her throat.

“Ray, this is… this is the Queen house.  This is Queen Manor.”

Unlike her parents’ home, the house where Oliver had grown up really did resemble a castle.  It’s gothic architecture and stone walls made the home seem dark and cold and even though the inside wasn’t as harsh, Felicity had never felt comfortable there.

“Is that his mother?  Oliver’s, I mean.”

She saw Moira Queen too late, realizing that the other woman had seen her as well and that she couldn’t leave without speaking to her.

“It is.  Look, I – I really should say hello.  I’ll be just a minute if you want to wait.”

Ray caught her hand, squeezing her fingers, and glanced over at Oliver’s mother.

“It’s okay.  I’ll head back to the inn.  Why don’t you meet me there when you’re done?”

She nodded, “I won’t be long.”

The moment he’d descended the crest of Murray Hill, she turned her attention to the home where her best friend had grown up.  A home she had visited many times over.  Moira Queen was expecting her.