Chapter 15.5: Students in disguise

The scene takes place a couple days after the summer camp incident. Word got out about the League of Villains and Magneto's group attack, and immediately the press were camping outside of UA's gates to get word about the situation. 

As a result of the attack, the school was closed for the day, and a few of the teachers were in the meeting room. The current few were Principal Nezu, All Might, Cynthia, Midnight, Present Mic, and Snipe. And Shadow was in the group as well. 

Nezu: That training camp was meant to prepare students to handle villain attacks. The irony is shameful. We knew the League would resurface. But we lacked a fundamental understanding of their plans. They aim to destroy hero society. And they've already started their war.

Midnight: Even if we had understood, could we really have avoid this attack? They're moving pieces we didn't even know they possessed. Besides, All Might put an end to most organized crime. We're all rusty.

Present Mic: We've definitely gotten complacent during peaceful times without realizing it. I guess deep down all of us thought that we'd be riding the sweet life for good.

All Might: (depressed) I will never forgive myself for such cowardly ignorance. While our students were fighting desperately for their lives, I was just having a relaxing soak in the bath.

Cynthia: Cut the depression, All Might. None of us knew this would happen.

Snipe: We shouldn't've had the sports festival right after the USJ attack. We wanted to show we were still strong. To have two students kidnapped is our greatest failure as teachers. They've taken Maximoff, Bakugo, and society's faith in heroes away from us.

Nezu: I agree. Every news outlet is currently condemning UA High. If Maximoff and Bakugo were one of the main targets, it's likely because the villains noticed Bakugo's violent tendencies during the sports festival broadcast, and Maximoff's display of power. What's more concerning is that Magneto was the one who took Maximoff.

Cynthia: I was afraid that was the case.

Midnight: But why would Magneto want Wanda?

Cynthia: Because Magneto is Wanda's biological father.

The other teachers except for Shadow, Nezu and All Might were shocked by this.

Cynthia: You see, years ago, Wanda's birth mother had put her and her twin brother, Pietro, into the foster care system to get them away from Magneto. They were very young, so neither would know about him being their father. But during a civil war, the family that took them in was killed, leaving Wanda the only survivor. Richard and Claire got word about her and took her in. And when they learned who Wanda's father was, they agreed that she shouldn't know that her birth father is a supervillain. If Magneto found her, that means he wants to try and shape her into following his twisted ideals.

Nezu: Regarless of the reason, if she or Bakugo end up joining the side of villains, that will be the end of UA as a school.

Present Mic: Since we're on the topic of trust, there's something I think has to be voiced now. At this point, we can't deny it anymore, can we? There's a traitor at this school. Only the teachers and the Pussycats knew where the training camp would be. (stands up) Don't you think that's a little suspicious? I guess a kid could've used their phone to message a villain, but—

Midnight: Stop this, Mic.

Present Mic: What's the problem? We have to find who the leak is!

Snipe: Could be you for all we know. You got any proof that you're 100% innocent? Can we know that everyone in this room is an ally?

Present Mic growls as he has a point and sits down.

Cynthia: Snipe's right. If we start doubting each other, we'll destroy ourselves from the inside. That's exactly what the League wants.

Shadow: There is another thing to be concerned about. 

Midnight: Something got your attention, Shadow? 

Shadow: Ever since this Legion villain showed up, things are starting to get off. He freed not only the Nomu that attacked the USJ, but also the Hero Killer Stain. Then there's the recent attacks on both heroes and villains as well as Shou's death. 

Cynthia: You think there's a connection regarding of that villain? 

Shadow: Possibly. What's more strange as the heroes and villains that were attacked seem to have lost their quirks. This may be a guess, but... 

what if Legion is someone like All For One, who has the power to take other peoples quirks? 

Cynthia: If that's true, then it can only he has found his successor to wield his power. 

All Might: (thoughts) Just like I picked Young Midoriya as my successor for One For All. 

Nezu: At the very least, I trust everyone sitting at this table. Though, there's also no way for me to prove to all of you that I am innocent. For the moment, what we must do as a school is concentrate on guaranteeing the safety of our student body. This is a good time to implement something I've wanted to put in place for a while. You see, I—

All the sudden, All Might's phone begins to ring. Seeing who the caller was, All Might exits the room and goes to answer the phone. He was having regrets of the whole situation and was hoping his friend could help him.

All Might: What is it, Tsukauchi?

Tsukauchi: We've finally finished taking comprehensive statements from Aizawa and Vlad King. And I think we've found something. It's possible we have a lead on where the League of Villains and the members of Magneto's group are hiding.

The detective explained that two weeks ago, he had sent one of his officers to get information, and a bystander said he saw a man with a patchwork face entering a building that was supposed to be vacant. They didn't know it at the time, but when the teachers gave a description on Dabi, they found it matched what the bystander saw. And when they spoke to the building manager, they learned there's a hidden bar in there.

At the moment, they can't make moves until they're green lit. It's top secret, but he's telling All Might this because it's him. They were also going to ask some pro heroes to help out in this.

Tsukauchi: All Might. We need your power.

All Might: ...

Tsukauchi: All Might, you still there?

All Might: (activates buff form) Tsukauchi. You're a wonderful friend. And I know just what to say when I find them. "I am here to make you pay for what you've done."

(with Arcturus) 

Arcturus: (narrator) After the villains attacked camp incident, the paramedics brought us to a hospital near the training camp, where I had slipped in and out of consciousness for two days. I suffered from seizures, and when I woke up, I was delirious with fever. At some point, Recovery Girl came to heal me as best she could. The cops showed up, too, apparently. Though, I don't remember any of that.

Arc was lying on a hospital bed with bandages wrapped around his arms and legs. Izuku was in the room as well with his arms wrapped in casts. Neither say anything as Arc was looking up at the ceiling, his thoughts still having regret over the attack.

Arcturus: (thoughts:)I wasn't fast enough... 

(flashback)

Arcturus: Wanda, no!

Wanda: (looks back sadly) Sorry, Arc...

Arcturus: (desperately) WANDA!!!! 

(flashback ended) Arcturus: (thoughts) I wasn't fast enough to save my sister.

Knocking was heard and the door opens to show nearly all of Class A was there.

Kaminari: Hey! Farron, Midoriya, good, you're finally awake! Did you see the news? Reporters are all over the school right now.

Sato: It's worse than last time.

Mineta: (holds up a melon) I brought a present. I mean, it's from all of is. It's a melon.

Tokoyami: I caused you both trouble.

Izuku: No, please. I did this to myself.

Arcturus: ...

Izuku: Did everyone from Class A come to visit?

Iida: No. Shuri, Jiro, and Hagakure are still out. They were knocked unconscious from that villain's poisonous gas. And Yaoyorozu took a pretty bad hit to the head. She's hospitalized here. Though I just found out she finally woke up yesterday. So it's just us, though obviously we wish the whole class could be here.

Ochaco: Only 20 of us. 

Shoto: Because Bakugo and Maximoff are gone.

Mina: (panicked) They know, Todoroki.

The boys recalled the last moment both of their friends were taken.

Izuku: All Might told us there'd always be people beyond our reach. That we can't protect even though we want to. Which is why we have to save the people we can reach. I... was so close to being able to save them. I needed to save them. Had to. That's the entire reason I have my quirk. It's exactly like Mr. Aizawa said to me. (starts crying)

Arcturus: I'm no better... It's an older brother's job to protect his younger sister, even if his body's broken. But even with all this power I have, I'm still not fast enough. I couldn't save someone who was right in front of me. And now both of them are either being tortured, held for ransom, or worst of all, killed just to spite the heroes.

The others could tell both the boys weren't taking this well. Then, Kirishima steps up.

Kirishima: All right, then let's go get them.

This gets everyone's attention. He explained that he came by yesterday with Shoto to visit the boys, and on their way to their room, they passed by Momo's room where she told All Might that on the night of the attack, she managed to place a tracking device on the Nomu and made a receiver that can pinpoint the location on where the Nomu might be. And hopefully, where Wanda and Katsuki might be. Iida then realized what Kirishima was suggesting.

Iida: This means you're going to have Yaoyorozu make another receiver for you, doesn't it? 

Kirishima: ... 

Shoto: What if it does?

Iida grist his teeth as he recalls when he went after Stain.

Iida: You should listen to what All Might said! We have to leave this to the professionals! It's not the right time for us to get involved.

Iida: You should listen to what All Might said! We have to leave this to the professionals! It's not the right time for us to get involved.

Kirishima: Maybe, but all I know...is that at camps, I couldn't do anything. I heard my friends were targeted, and I just stood by. Helpless. So, if I stand by and do nothing now, how'm I s'posed to call myself a hero or a man?

Hitomi: Kirishima... 

Kaminari: Kirishima, calm down! We're in a hospital. There's a better time and place for this, dude.

Tsuyu: Yeah, and what Iida said is true.

Kirishima: All of you. Just listen to me for a minute. I know what you're saying is right. (turns to the boys) 

But still! C'mon, Farron, Midoriya. They're still within your reach! We can save Maximoff and Bakugo!

Neither of the boys respond as they take in their friend's words.

Mina: So, let me get this straight. You're going to get Momo to make you another receiver, track a bad guy, then try to save Wanda and Bakugo all by yourselves?

Kirishima: Yeah. 

Shoto: The villains who attacked the camp planned to kill some of us. But they took Bakugo and Maximoff alive. What we don't know is how long they'll let them live. That's why we're going after them.

Iida: Have the two of you lost your minds?!

Shoji: Hey. Calm down. I get how frustrated Kirishima is. And how Todoroki feels since he couldn't grab Bakugo. I'm upset, too. But... We can't let our emotions get the best of us. Right?

Aoyama: Um. We should just leave this to All Might. Mr. Aizawa only gave us permission to fight and use quirks at the training camp.

Tokoyami: Aoyama is correct. Though, I'm part of the reason we failed. So, I can't talk.

Robbie: I don't like this either, but there's still a lot to think about.

Kirishima: You guys!

Hitomi: I'll go with you. 

Iida: Kanetsukabe, not you as well. Please be reasonable and understanding about the situation!

Tsuyu: Listen. We're all shocked that Wanda and Bakugo were taken from us. But we have to be rational. It doesn't matter how noble your intentions. If you go out there trying to find the bad guys, knowing you're breaking the rules, then you're acting like villains, not heroes.

Silence then falls on the group. Many of them were overall conflicted by this as none of them are happy with the way things are, but many don't want to get in trouble. The silence was broken by Arc.

Arcturus: When are you going?

Everyone's eyes widen by that.

Iida: Farron, you can't—!

Before he could lecture Arc, knocking was heard and the door opens to show a doctor. He requested that the students leave so that he can tend to the boys and cover over their injuries. They agreed and left, but not before Kirishima told them their mission's happening tonight, and they'll meet in front of the hospital after dark.

(timeskip)

The examination went as good as one would expect when your bones were damaged beyond the human capabilities. 

For Arc, his arms had scars that were left over from second degree burns and frostbite, his legs had near-torn muscles from all the constant running he had, enough to the point where they actually started bleeding, and his chest had some scars from where Laura was forced to stab him. Thankfully, she barely missed his heart, but any closer, and the results would be fatal.

With Izuku, the damage to his arms was worse, especially in the right, as in his fight with Muscular, he had a moment of hysterical strength that pushed his body's limiters to the point where they were severely damaged, bringing a lot of strain to his body. As a result, he needs to be careful when he throws punches (especially in his right arm), otherwise it could result in loosing all feeling in his arms if he has another injury two or three times.

Both the boys were instructed that the best thing they could do would be to get physical therapy, and that they would be discharged today so they could head home. Before leaving, the doctor pulls out a folded paper and hands it to Izuku, reminding them that they did save someone. It was a letter from Kota, which was both an apology to Izuku and a thank you for saving his life.

By nighttime, the boys had given their moms a call to let them know they're okay and that they had something to do, so they wouldn't be home until tomorrow.

Arcturus: You sure you're up for this?

Izuku: I am. Wanda's important to me, and so is Kacchan. If there's a chance to save them, I have to take it.

Arcturus: Then it's settled.

They leave their room and saw Momo near the entrance.

Arcturus: Yaoyorozu?

Momo: Farron, Midoriya, I figured you'd both be up.

Arcturus: We heard you got a bad hit in the head. Are you okay?

Momo: I might have a concussion and there could be some scarring, but other than that, I'm alright. What about you two?

Izuku: We both got some pretty bad injuries, but we're still standing, so that's good.

Arcturus: Hey, did Todoroki, Hitomi, and Kirishima tell you what they're up to?

Momo: They have.

Arcturus: And?

Momo: Follow me. It'll be easier to explain it all outside.

They follow her out where they saw the boys waiting for them. Kirishima knew Arc wanted to come, but was a bit surprised that Izuku joined since his injuries were pretty bad.

Kirishima: (to Momo) So, how 'bout it? You decide?

Momo: (after a moment) I think that—

???: Hold on! The five look over and see Iida approaching them

Kirishima: Iida...

Izuku: Why are you here?

Iida: You... Why did it have to be you three of all people? The ones who stopped me when I acted recklessly. Who received amnesty with me after Hosu. Why are you trying to make the same stupid mistakes I made? Didn't you learn?

Kirishima: What are you talking about? 

Shoto places a hand on his shoulder, stopping him from pressing more into that.

Iida: We're still just students. And UA's in a bad position as it is. Anything we do will reflect on our school! Don't you get that?

Arcturus: (walks forward) Iida. We have to. I know you don't like anyone breaking rules, but—

All the sudden, he's nearly punched in the face before catching the fist. The action still shocks everyone.

Iida: I'm frustrated, too! And concerned. Obviously! I'm the class rep, dammit. I'm worried about all my class,ages. Not just Bakugo and your sister. (remembers Tensei in the hospital) When I saw you and Midoriya injured, all I could think of was my brother in the hospital. What if your bodies end up irreparable, just like his, because I didn't step in. Have you not stopped to think about where I'm coming from? (grabs his shoulders) Or are you saying that you don't care how I feel?

There was a moment of silence before Arc speaks.

Arcturus: Of course I do. But the difference is I'm not looking for revenge or to fight anyone. I already lost one sibling, I won't lose another again. 

Shoto: Iida. You've got it wrong. We don't expect to face them head-on and win. We'll get them back without fighting.

Kirishima: Yeah, we'll be stealthy. I'm talking covert ops here. We can rescue them without breaking the rules.

Izuku: And we'll make sure to do it without getting injured.

Momo: I trust in Todoroki's judgment, but... Still. Things could always go wrong. Especially if one of the villains is Magneto. So I'll join you as backup. I'll stand by my classmates.

Iida: You can't be serious!

Kirishima: You're the best.

Hitomi: The reason I decided to is because... I know exactly how Kirishima feels. This isn't... this isn't the first time I've felt so useless before. A long time ago, I couldn't save someone that was right in front of me. I promised that person I would never let it happen to her or anyone else ever again, and I failed to keep that promise. It may be selfish of me to do this in order to absolve my own feelings, but unlike before... I can actually do something this time. (thoughts) Also, I need to make this, for Y/N's sake. 

Izuku: (steps forward to Iida) We know Arc and I are hurt. But if we can still move at all, then neither of us can just sit still.

Arcturus: Especially if we can help. 'Cause all I can think about is saving them. Throw me in jail, cut me in half. As along as I can still crawl, I will save them.

Iida didn't like it, but knew no matter what he could say, Arc was going to try and save them, especially Wanda. It's just his nature. And he could understand since he did something similar when his older brother was attacked. So, he makes his choice.

Iida: We'll never agree. So I'm going to come with you.

The group was shocked by that. He explained that he going along because he doesn't condone their behavior, and that if there's so much as a hint they'll get into a fight, he'll take them to retreat immediately. Momo says the same thing as she knows rescuing their friends is a mission for the pros.

Momo: (thoughts) A rescue without fighting... it's not plausible. The others are so driven by frustration that they're blinded, especially Arc. But... Once they see the situation first-hand and realize how difficult it will be, they should understand their plan is completely unrealistic.

Unfortunately, once again, she was underestimating Arc's drive to reach his goal.

(time-skip) 

The group arrived to Camino Ward where Momo said the tracker was located.

Izuku: So this is Camino Ward. 

Shoto: It's so crowded.

Kirishima: Those villains are hiding somewhere in this city. (starts running) Just tell me where to go!

Arcturus: (grabs his shirt) Hold on! We can't just run blindly head on.

Momo: Arc's right. From now on, we're going to need to be extremely careful. These criminals already know what we look like, remember? We have to consider that we could be attacked at any moment.

Izuku: Yeah, you're right! (crosses his arms) 

Stealth mode. 

Shoto: You're standing out even more, Midoriya. 

 Arcturus: We're gonna need to blend in if we wanna avoid getting caught.

Iida: We won't be able to scout effectively if we're recognizable.

Kirishima: 'Kay, so what should we do?

Momo: (blushes a bit and points to a store) I have an idea. Though it is a bit old school.

They go into the store and put on ridiculous costumes to blend in with the crowd.

Izuku was first and stepped out wearing a suit and t-shirt with a gold chain, he wore sunglasses and combed his hair to try to get the bangs off of his face.

Izuku: Yo, fool. What cha lookin' at?

Arc, Kirishima, Shoto, Momo, and Iida came out with their disguises. 

Hitomi pulled back the fitting room curtain, revealing herself dressed in a frilly baby blue dress, bows sewn into the neckline along with a large ribbon wrapped around the waist, tied in a large bow at the front of the dress. Along with black tights, the outfit was completed a surgical mask to cover the bottom half of her face. Hitomi's long hair was tied up in a bun, two locks of hair left to frame her face.

Hitomi: (pulled down her mask) Is this really necessary? It seems a little overboard...

Kirishima gave her a thumbs up as they all left the store. 

Kirishima: Looking great, Hitomi!

Hitomi sighed, pulling the mask back over her face. Kirishima was helping Izuku with maintaining a believable persona.

Izuku: Watch it, you punks. Get lost.

Kirishima: That's all wrong, you gotta stick your chin out more.

Izuku: You talking to me?!

Kirishima: That's it!

Iida: We're just a few scoundrels crusing for hot girls.

Kirishima: Close enough.

Momo: Great disguises. We'd stand out in this district dressed like kids. 

Shoto: Yaoyorozu? Couldn't you have used your quirk for this to save money?

Momo: Well, technically, but that's against the rules. If I started making everything, think of the impact on the economy. We must ensure the flow of commerce! That's right! It's our civic duty. As citizens!

Arcturus: (deadpanned) Sounds more like an excuse to go shopping. (sighs) Well, it's probably best to save your energy just in case you'll have to use your quirk.

Hitomi sweatdropped as she agreed.

They began to head out, but on the broadcasting board, they saw a clip of the UA High School press conference that just wrapped up. It was of Principal Nezu, Mr. Aizawa, and Mr. Vlad King sharing information about the current situation. 

They apologized for failing as both heroes and teachers. Reporters began to ask questions, starting off with how UA's already had four villain attacks at the start of the year, but this one resulting in students getting seriously injured. They wanted to know how they stood, even though they already know their standing since the festival.

Izuku: They're treating them like... villains.

Arcturus: No surprise since media always likes drama.

Nezu explains that they'll increase the patrols around the school and review the security measures within the school. While he stated the students' safety was their top priority, people in the crowd were starting to doubt him. The group was now worried at what they were saying.

Arcturus: (narrator) The mood was changing. You could feel it in the air. People were turning against heroes. And if we didn't do something, it was just going to get worse.

Chapter 15.5 ended. 

Pretty funny scene with the costumes, right? Let me know what you guys think at the comments below, peace out and enjoy.

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