][ Previously: Mob fainted while running, leading to a fight between Shoto and Bakugo. All Might taught Mob how to punch, and Reigen got a crush on a local hero. ][

     "Mob, are you going out running again?" Shoto approached the youngest classmate by the door. Everyone else was scurrying around, switching from their school attire to their hero attire in their dorms and frantically running around for whatever else they may have missed. Meanwhile Mob was like the eye of the storm, completely calm and even a little slow at putting his running shoes on.

     "Mhm." Mob nodded.

     "Without any help?"

     "Well, everyone is really busy, and I don't want to bother anyone so-"

     "-I'll go with you." He offered sternly, as if there was no convincing him out of it.

     "You will??" Mob was kind of confused, maybe even a little worried, since he didn't want to be pushy or anything.

     "Yeah, our after school training doesn't start in another thirty minutes."

     "But.. but-but-"

     "I've been looking for an excuse to build up my stamina anyways. Now just wait here while I get changed." Something was...off about him. Though Mob hadn't been here very long, he knew Shoto was more of the passive, avoiding other people's space, type. But, it didn't really seem like the older boy was giving him a choice either, so he waited a while longer.

     Not long after, everyone was gone and the place was suddenly very quiet.

     "--Well what are you doing standing around like an NPC?" Bakugo strode in, still tending to a the bruise on his cheek he had received during training today.

     "Ju-just waiting for Shoto." Mob's body stiffened.

     "Huh?? What the h### does he want with you?"

     "-We're going jogging." That's when the "Icyhot b######" himself showed up in a plain white t-shirt and black shorts. Mob couldn't remember the last time he'd seen him wear anything so casual. Bakugo's brows creased, confusion taking over.

     "WHA?! Why are you--what!?"

     "Because I want to."

     "WHAT KIND OF A RESPONSE IS THAT?"

     The two quieter individuals decided to ignore Bakugo and step outside. They did some basic stretches first, turned on the video call with his old buddies, introduced them to Shoto, and then Mob led the other, following his flying phone, down the same path he had jogged before.

     They were almost completely out of sight of the dorm when a rumbling was heard from behind. Mob and Shoto both turned their heads. It was the angry out of his mind Bakugo of course. "I'LL SHOW YOU PLEBS SOME REAL SPEED! AHAHAHA!" He zoomed past them so fast they were nearly blown off course. Spiky hair used explosions to make himself go even faster than sprinting at top speed. The two joggers just watched, unamused. That wasn't exactly the point.. It wasn't long before Bakugo completely ran out of sight and the two happily forgot about him. The sounds of Mob's running buddies' chants now hanging around in the background.

     "..So why are you so chill around Bakugo now? Weren't you two just fighting the other day?" Mob asked through short breaths.

     Todoroki's gaze was dead-set on the trail ahead, a very intense look in his eyes. "...When you grow up only hearing people admire your father; even call you lucky for being his son..it is easy to feel like you just live in a completely different world than everyone else... It may have been a small thing, but it was nice to hear him call Endeavor out for being the monster that he is... I don't really know why, but, I respect him for it. Simple as that."

     "...Hm. If all Bakugo said about your dad was true, then I agree... But why would such a bad man do such good things like saving people?"

     "Beats me... Probably for the money and fame, though."

     "Mm, that makes sense I guess." Shigeo started to pant roughly, his legs under him beginning to weaken.

     "Let's take a little break. Here." Shoto stopped and formed a crystal of ice in his hand. Mob took it and placed it on his head. Instant relief.

     "Ooh... Thank you, Shoto."

     "No problem. It's still really hot out here, so it wouldn't be fair to just let you suffer alone."

     Shigeo smiled. "That's really nice of you." Shoto found himself smiling faintly as well.

     "I just wouldn't feel right letting you pass out again."

     "Well, guess we better catch up." Mob gestured to the fleeting camera.

     "Hmh.. Alright then." The two took off again, jogging at a steady pace.

     Bakugo ended up getting lost and late for the after hours class again.

----------

     Reigen stood impatiently at the UA gate, tapping his foot and checking his watch constantly. Serizawa fidgeted at his side, holding an umbrella that blocked him from the intense summer sun...and his anxiety.

     Finally, Mob arrived through the gate. "Hello, Reigen."

     "MOB!" Reigen smiled and embraced the kid. "Gosh does it feel like ages since we last talked!"

     "Heh, no kidding."

     "So anyways!" Jumping up. "I have a quick exorcism to get done. Want to have some ramen afterward??"

     "Wow, you have customers already?"

     "Yep! I was a little worried at first since this place isn't necessarily known for being superstitious, but the population density makes up for it!"

     "Hey, Mob? You know how to break curses, right?" Serizawa leaned to the side from behind his boss. Mob's eyes widened a little bit.

     "Huh? Oh no. What happened?"

     "It's nothing, Mob, I-"

     "H-he's in denial about it now, but I think he's been enchanted with a love curse." The brunette's eyes dashed around as if this were really sensitive information.

     "I'M NOT CURSED!" Reigen retorted. "That was ONE comment! I'm fine!" ... "Whew, don't listen to him, Mob. We all just have a bit of the heebie jeebies today. Nothing to worry about." Mob relaxed. If Reigen was so sure about it, then it shouldn't be that big of a deal.

     The two Espers followed the fraud down the road and stopped at an abandoned construction site where the clients waited. Good thing there were no real spirits. Reigen just threw some salt around and assured the couple that all was well. And when it was getting dark, everyone headed to a nearby ramen shop.

     "Hm, not as good as the stuff back home, but it'll do." Reigen commented between slurps of ramen. Mob couldn't tell the difference. It all tasted the same to him. "So, Mobster, got any cool stories from the new school. Any girls that catch your eye~?" He wiggled his brows for the soul purpose of teasing his student. Mob blushed.

     "N-no. I've made some friends, but all the girls are a year older than me... That's just awkward."

     "Yeah, I guess it would be for someone your age..." Reigen leaned back in his chair, hands holding each other behind his neck and stared up at the ceiling. Serizawa leaned over the table closer to Mob with a very concerned look.

     "See what I mean? He's been spacing out like that ever since the woman showed up." He whispered. Mob studied his master for whatever he was talking about. "And he keeps bringing up love and such too, asking me what my tastes are."

     "...What are you two talking about?" Reigen returned to how he was before, faint smile and all. Serizawa panicked.

     "N-nothing!"

     "Huh. Alright..." He returned to his noodles, again deep in thought. Mob continued to eat. Maybe...his master had a crush? That was a funny thought. He never talked about girls before now. At least not unless it was to make fun of his younger self for how awkward he used to be around them in order to make Mob feel better.

     "Heyy, well if it isn't the con man himself!" A hero in her outfit plus a black leather jacket sauntered up to their table behind Serizawa. Reigen spat noodles from his mouth and nose onto the table, immediately after hiding his face with a napkin. "Surprised to even see you out and about. And who's this? Your son?"

     "My- no-no! This is Mob, my apprentice!" Reigen's face flushed bright red behind the napkin. "You-you caught me at a bad time!"

     "Hm, sure looks like it." She smirked and turned around. "I'd get the salmon dish if I were you. Best on the menu." The lady wandered further into the restaurant and chatted with the other people inside. Seemed she knew just about everyone in here.

     Reigen shook. "Alright... It's been decided... We're never coming here again..."

     Mob was entertained beyond measure. His master really was bad around girls.

----------

     Mob was on his way to the gate to get to Reigen's new office when a hand was placed on his shoulder. It was his teacher. "If you don't mind, we'll be leaving campus for an important meeting." Mr. Aizawa was even more serious than usual. Mob instantly wished he could curl into a ball under the man's gaze, but nodded in the end.

     He texted Reigen that he wouldn't be able to go and entered a car with Tsuyu, Ochako, Kirishima, and Izuku. Whatever this was about was sure to be important. At least it wasn't all about him... Whew.

     The drive was so quiet. None of the other kids seemed to know what was going on either. They were brought to a large building full of other heroes. The walls were so spotlessly white. The atmosphere so eerie. Everyone was a little on edge. There, the big three met up with the first years. Everyone was led into a meeting room with a large, long table where all the heroes sat. Some tall and lean hero with glasses stood before a projector and gave everyone a rundown on the situation after everyone had been seated.

     This was, indeed, a very important mission. Apparently Deku and Mirio had run into a little girl who is believed to be the source of a new kind of drug used in bullets that can eliminate quirks. Everyone was shocked by this revelation, Mob silently so.

     Something that can erase quirks, huh..?

     A lot of information was dumped in that meeting, most of which was forgotten by our main protagonist, Shigeo Kageyama. All he remembered were the basics, and the fact that Izuku and Mirio were really invested in this mission. After things had calmed down enough and the heroes began to disperse, Mob was left sitting stupidly at the table alone.

     Something that can erase quirks, huh..?

     He was staring down at his own hands when Aizawa snapped him out of it. "Come on, Kageyama. We need to discuss your role in all of this real quick." Mob did just that, standing from his chair to meet with Aizawa and Nighteye.

     "You still don't have your hero license, correct?" The even more intimidating man glared down at Mob. The boy nodded rapidly. "A shame. I heard you are really powerful." Mob shrugged. "But, we can make it work." ... "Your mission is simple. Each of your classmates involved in this mission will be given a device. If they feel as though they are in critical danger and cannot fight any longer, they will press it. Your task from that point will be to get them out as quickly as possible. Understood?" Mob nodded again.

     "And remember. No getting involved in the conflict unless it is absolutely necessary." Aizawa reminded sternly. The boy hummed a simple response. Not like he wanted to attack anyone anyways.

     "Alright. That was easy enough." Nighteye somehow stood even taller than before. "Now, you will be on standby until we find the perfect opening, so I would suggest you train in the meantime."

     "U-understood." The weight of the situation really fell onto his shoulders then. He hadn't expected to have to fulfil his role as the class bodyguard so early on. So he really would have to train more intensely if he didn't want to let anyone down.

     Luckily, he knew just the mentor for the job.

----------

     "Wait, so you're not coming to work at all this week?!" Reigen squabbled over the phone.

    "Sorry, I can't. Something's come up. I have to train really hard if I don't want to disappoint anyone."

     "...Well, alright then.." The blonde sighed. "Will you be needing anything? Like some takeout or, I dunno, nunchucks?"

     "No, I don't think so. Thanks, though... Bye-"

     "-Hey, Mob"

     "Hm?"

     "...Be careful out there... I know that school can get pretty intense, and hero training is no joke, but just remember that you're only a kid... I know that a lot of people have been hyping you up to do so many big things..." Reigen stood in front of his window, one hand placed on his hip as he watched the outside world through the blinders. "But remember that it's okay to back out of something that's making you feel uncomfortable. You have control of your own life, after all!"

     "...Thanks." Mob was staring out of one of the many windows in the lounging room as the calm wind played with the grass and trees outside. "Okay, bye now." He hung up.

     Reigen, though he was saying what he knew best, wasn't right in this situation. Mob felt uncomfortable, yes, but that was only because there were lives at stake.

     Sometimes there were things that just needed to be done, despite one's own level of comfort. And even if he would be forced to live a day as an adult, pro hero, it was just something he needed to do... Simple as that.

     He took training to heart the following weeks, even tutoring under All Might in the evenings. He was a slow learner, but by the time the day had come...

     ...He could do a backflip...

----------

     His feet were sore already from standing on hard pavement, and he had only been awake for a few hours now. Everyone was gathered outside the villains' headquarters, mere moments from invading.

     It was an eerie kind of quiet. Though there were many heroes standing around, only a small handful did so much as murmur back and forth. Mob pushed through the crowd and tapped on his classmates' shoulders. "Good luck in there." Izuku was clearly bottling up a lot of anxiety. Kirishima was trying to hype himself up, and the girls were more-or-less charging up mentally.

     "Thanks." They all murmured back. No one spoke a word until given the signal. Then, it was on. The parade of battle-ready heroes charged, those at the door screaming about their rights. It wasn't long before a fight broke out. Mob scurried away and hid behind some of the bushes in a neighbor's yard. He pulled out a monitor attached to his wrist. There were four pictures -- those of his friends -- none lighting up or buzzing just yet.

     His heart rate really began to quicken when a man was thrown over him, the stranger's back slamming into the wall not far away. "Are you okay??" Mob rushed over to the man... It was a villain.

     "What are you doing hiding back here?!"

     "I-I'm just making sure my friends are alright.." Mob stammered.

     "Tch, same. Those guys came out of nowhere! I-I don't even know what we did wrong!"

     The boy's eyes widened. "You're a villain, aren't you??"

     "Well technically, yeah!" The man groaned while rubbing the back of his bleeding head. "More specifically I'm a part of the Yakuza. Ever heard about us??" Mob shook his head. "Heh... Figures. You look like the innocent type who knows nothing about the world.." The man pulled his hand from the back of his head and scowled at the sheer amount of blood sticking to it.

     "L-let me help you! There are ambulances just over there!" Mob began to approach.

     "Not a chance, kid! Those are for the people invading! They'd just end up arresting me anyways." This troubled the teen, since that injury looked like a pretty big deal.

     "Surely your life is more important than prison, right?!" Mob stood and extended his hand to the criminal. The older man returned it with a stern look.

     "Thanks, but I'm fine. Honestly.." He protested and pushed himself to his feet. Immediately, he swayed, lost his balance, and toppled over back onto the grass. Mob huffed and picked the guy up with his telepathy and began carrying him to the ambulances. All the while, the man protested bitterly, cussing up a storm by the time he was handed off to the emergency crew.

     Mob then retreated into the bushes once more, paying even closer attention to his monitor now. Still, no one had called for help, even as rumbling from underneath continued to shake the ground.

     Then there was silence. A terrifying moment of calm for all to hold their breath.

BOOM!

     The dragon lady shoved another massive villain into the earth, the two falling into the secret underground world. Mob peered over the bushes just in time to watch the roaring beasts get dragged under. After a little bit, two different beings rocketed out of there. One had mounds of flesh circling around him, turning him into a terrifying monster, while the other had a very similar aura as Deku. Wait-

     The two larger than life beings fought in the sky, Deku able to go all out so high up with no limitations. It wasn't very long that the massive monster was shot down to the earth. It landed on the street right in front of Mob, tearing up the bushes he hid behind and and knocking him back into the same wall that villain had hit not too long ago. He nearly lost consciousness right there. Something that scared him more than anything else, because only he knew what might happen were he to pass out while his adrenaline was so high.

83%

      The teen emerged from the bushy remains, blood dripping down his shadow-cast forehead. His aura tossed about the air, streaks of darkness wrapping around his body. He hadn't completely lost control, but he was on the verge of it.

      Cracks formed in the ground under each step as he appeared from behind the fallen villain. His hazy eyes scanned over his surroundings for anyone he should help. Deku looked to be in a precarious position. A little girl tied to his back and gripping him for dear life was slowly destroying him. Though Shigeo didn't know what was going on, he knew he could help. The boy approached and extended his arm, absorbing the girl's overflowing energy. She was even more terrified than his classmate. He could feel the raw fear and sadness mixed in with her energy. It was so strong he could hardly keep in the tears himself.

     Shigeo stepped closer and closer until his hand was on the girl's shoulder. Nearly done... Nearly done. "N-no, please! I don't want to hurt you too!" The young girl lashed out, grabbing his wrist with the intention to pull it off of her.

     A strange sensation rippled through Mob's body. Only an instant later, he had shrunk to half his original size before the girl let go. Still he drew the energy from her until she was near-harmless. Aizawa behind him was the one to officially end it. The girl's quirk ceased working in that moment and she fainted not long after. Deku too fell down. "Hey, Izuku, get up." Mob called, pressing the grenette's bloody shoulder. But there was something odd about his voice... It was higher pitched. His classmate was hardly functioning. Shigeo calmed down a little, so his hair was no longer floating, and offered Deku some extra energy to make him feel better hopefully.

     "Mob..?" Tsu asked from behind. Mob turned around and looked up at the girl who was usually several inches shorter than him.

     "Yes?" The frog girl's eyes widened. Behind her, Uraraka stuck beside Sir Nighteye, who was probably the most injured out of everyone else here. Mirio was carried to a stretcher. As were Mr. Aizawa, Kirishima and the quietest of the big three. Everyone was so brutally beaten up, it made Mob's heart ache.

     Why wasn't he allowed to fight? They all knew he was capable! He could have probably taken on the entire mission himself and claimed an easy victory! Not like he wanted to, but he clearly could!

     He wondered how many were now suffering for the only reason that he didn't have this all-mighty hero license...

     Tsu crouched down and pat Mob on the head. "It'll be alright, Mobbie. The heroes are taking care of everything now." She threw in the kind of ignorant optimism that annoyed him, in a tone that annoyed him even more.

     "What do you mean? I know what's going on, Tsu!"

     "Oh, well I was just worried you had forgotten your memories or something." She said with a derpy expression. Mob stared down at his smooth little hands. Maybe he'd done more than just shrunk... His clothes were now too big for him. That's for sure!

     The massive fallen beast around them suddenly began to shrink, condensing some parts of his body and completely leaving behind other pars. Following the shrinking, Mob's eyes landed on the villain's head, which was human with short brown hair and a torn up bird mask. Standing next to the reshaping monster was... Oh no...

     The man teleported away from the monster of a villain and directly in front of Mob. "Well isn't this a cute little surprise?" The blind Esper put one hand on his hip and smiled deviously down at the shrunken Mob. "Hurry up over there!" He shouted back to the other villain, who was terribly delirious, gasping and hissing under all the pain he was putting himself through, and barely even conscious. When he had shrunk down enough, appearing as a completely normal person now, Ryo teleported over to and laid a hand on him. The both of them vanished, only Ryo returning a few seconds later.

     Froppy was prepared this time. She sprung his way, her tongue ready to catch him. He didn't even let the disgusting thing touch him, teleporting out of the way and roundhouse kicking her in the gut! Tsu was flung away by several meters, breath completely zapped from her. Many heads were turned toward the commotion, but pretty much everyone was already too injured to interfere.

     When Mob turned around to Ryo again, a red misty cloud was sprayed into his face. "Sleeep~" The villain chuckled. He caught the little Mob mid-fall and picked him up with ease. He pulled the unconscious boy to his chest, Mob's chin resting on his shoulder, and rubbed his back soothingly. "Hmf. Too easy." He chuckled. Several heroes rushed his way on injured legs, gasping with broken ribs. Ryo only smiled and waved...before completely vanishing from sight.