***********************

The villains and Nomus left the campus as fast as they had arrived, but the damage was already done and news were only getting worse. Eri was not the only one who had disappeared without a trace: Ojiro, Shinso and David Shield were nowhere to be found. The heroes spent the rest of the day trying to locate both their friends and their captors, but all they were able to do was to capture some of the remaining Nomus. Himiko Toga was the only member of the League who was arrested.

Bakugou and Endeavor were found and moved to Recovery Girl's Office, which in the past had to become bigger and filled with more beds since Deku and his promotion spent years getting in and out from there.

The security measures of the UA's entrance had been severely damaged and help from Mei Hatsume, Power Loader and other professionals would be required to repair the door while Mayor Nezu, Present Mic, Midnight, and most of the teachers did their best to contain the anxious press..

***********************

Two days later...

July 10th, 11:30.

Press conference.

"I know the population is shocked after the events that took place two days ago at the UA" Nezu stoically declared from behind the table, with Principal Aizawa on his right and All Might on his left. "The UA teachers are consternated too. But I'm giving you my word that none of us will rest until the villains responsible are found and the missing people are rescued".

"Principal Aizawa!" one of the reporters raised the voice. It wasn't easy to know which, since the three people were facing a legion of hungry reporters armed with blocks and cameras. "This incident took place inside the UA itself. An Academy that has always set an example of security for its students. However, a huge number of killing creatures managed to be introduced and practically destroy the campus, while the very same heroes who once studied there were unable to prevent it. How is this going to affect to the UA's reputation?"

All Might slightly looked at Eraser, who remained self-controlled in the face of pressure despite being considerably harder than usual. The three of them would always be linked to anything that involved the UA, but as the Principal he was definitely going to take the worst part of the public reaction, specially from parents. And the press was not going to be easy on him at all.

"Even if it was a wedding what was to be performed that day, the security measures were strictly kept like it was a normal day at school" Aizawa was prepared to deal with tricky questions. "The League of Villains obviously had planned this act with care and anticipation, and knew exactly what they were looking for. Like you said, it was impossible to any of the present heroes to guess that the League would have such specific objectives, that they would have the means to carry out that devastating attack and that they would choose the day where two Pro Heroes were getting married..."

"In other words... you underestimated a criminal organization that existed even before the golden age of All Might?" the reporters would show no mercy. But this time it wasn't Aizawa who answered.

"The League of Villains terrified the country before I was even born" All Might stated. He wasn't the astounding Hero Number One whose smiley and confident face still decorated millions of kids' bedrooms any more. But he had been a UA's teacher for years and wouldn't tolerate any discredit towards his colleagues and students. "When I fought his founder for the first time he already had more than a hundred years of experience as a criminal mind and killer of heroes. These UA's former students had their fair share of pain and loss at the hands of villains that acted in the same circles All For One did when they were hardly more than children. As teachers before and as more experienced Pro Heroes now we are still giving our best effort to guide these promises of the profession and make them the best generation ever."

The voice of the former Symbol of Peace managed to make the press less noisy. After all, no reporter, old or young, forgot who was the man talking to them.

"We know the League of Villains better than anyone" All Might continued, in a darker tone. "We have suffered their evil in our own flesh and souls and we are conscious that the young heroes we helped to raise are going to step into dark territory and face a new generation of these villains. No, sir, I can guarantee not me, the Principal, or any UA's teacher underestimates the League".

"That been said..." Aizawa nodded, internally glad he didn't have to answer those questions alone. He was never a man of many words. "... I will make no excuses and take the responsibility my charge implies: our priority will be finding the people the League abducted during this unfortunate episode".

"About that..." another reporter asked. "Do you have any idea on how and why the League would have abducted Professor David Shield?"

All Might had come knowing they would have to answer that question sooner or later. The news of David Shield being disappeared after the attack travelled in a matter of hours. It was a tragedy what had happened to Ojiro, Shinsho and Eri, but David was not only one of his best friends. He was also Melissa's father.

"There was a member of the League infiltrated among the guests. Her Quirk allowed her to take the appearance of the person whose blood she ingested". Aizawa interfered. "During the beginning of the ceremony, her Quirk allowed her to get unnoticed while she sat next to Camie Utsushimi, wearing the skin of the hero Neito Monoma. At a certain moment, Professor Shield got up to go to the toilet, and this person, who had taken the appearance of one of the Academy's former students, inadvertently went after him. Once they were there, she would reduce him, take some of his blood and, with the help of the villain known as Kurogiri teleported the Professor away from there. Then she used Shield's blood to return with that new appearance. Since the real Monoma was there, nobody suspected nothing when they saw Professor Shield coming back safe from the toilet".

It was actually thanks to Melissa that they discovered the imposter. Her father had come to the wedding wearing a watch from their company, an invention that included the possibility to guard digital documents, and when "he" returned Melissa informed All Might and the just arrived Aizawa about that detail. She knew her father very well and knew that there was no way he could have forgotten it elsewhere, so when Aizawa used his Quirk, Himiko Toga was unmasked and arrested... this time against her will. That was the closest thing to a victory they achieved that day.

"She's back in prison, in an isolation cell while she's interrogated" the Principal concluded.

"Fortunately, Deku has made his own research about the last moves of the League of Villains" Nezu said. "We can't know for sure what they are up to, but if there is a trace that can be followed, we'll find it".

"If you excuse me, Mr Mayor..." another man with a tape recorder raised his hand. "It is known that Endeavor himself was severely injured after the battle. Is it true that he was beaten by a single opponent? And if it is... do you think, after that happened, that the heroes under the UA's wing are capacitated to go toe to toe with these villains?"

All Might contained a sigh. How they were supposed to calm the population if they kept been asked so many malicious questions?

"The identity of the foe Endeavor fought remains a mystery" Nezu answered. "I have access to all the collected and filed information about villains who operate in Japan and I can tell this one had never been seen in action here. Nevertheless, the hero commando led by Creati arrested the earlier mentioned member of the League in Mexico, and now we believe the crimes committed there are more than related with this unknown villain, and for that reason, with the League".

"Do you think Professor Shield could have something to do with American mobs?"

"That's it" All Might thought, as he raised on his feet. It was hard enough that David was being held prisoner by his nemesis' followers and he wouldn't have those kind of insinuations. "Professor David Shield is a close friend of mine and a brilliant mind to whom the world hero community has a lot to thank for" he stated, with a forcefully calmed tone but tightly gripping the mic. "And the same goes for his daughter, who at this moment is having the hardest time. Whatever is these villains' plan, the Shields, who have always worked shoulder to shoulder with me and countless other Pros, are not a part of it".

"As for the two missing heroes..." there came the worst part for Principal Aizawa. He had been a teacher for both Ojiro and Shinsho. "I want to address to their families and remember them that they are UA's heroes at their best. We know how the League operates and I can assure that if they wanted them dead, they would have killed them two days ago in a fight. I ignore the reason why they would want more prisoners, but as willing to kill as they are, they wouldn't have taken them alive if they had no interest. I will personally join the research until they are safe back at home".

"Now you have mentioned the other prisoners... the media thinks there is a fourth one. A Secondary School girl who happens to be a future UA student, where she spent her childhood after she was rescued from the Yakuza at age six..."

The reporters had a job to do, but it was like they had left the most gut-wrenching part for the last. There was no person in UA who wasn't heartbroken after no trace of Eri was found once the villains left.

"The girl, named Eri, has a Quirk that rewinds living beings to previous states. Years ago, the Yakuza used that power to create a weapon able to delete Quirks. Could it be that the League of Villains is searching exactly the same?"

"This girl you are talking about is someone dear to any UA's student or teacher who in the past came close to her" Aizawa was once again the one who answered, but he was starting to get sick of such sensationalism. "She endured indescribable pain and trauma at a very young age and yet she has become a girl who is kind and compassionate to any person that meets her eye. She wants to study at UA to become a hero like the ones who saved her back then, and I know nobody who deserves it more than her. No matter what the League wants from her or what we heroes have to do to rescue her: she will return home and fulfill her dream".

All Might, Aizawa and Nezu looked at each other and silently agreed they had talked for long enough with the media and that their efforts and time should be invested in better places. But the press wouldn't give up without at least one more annoying question:

"WAIT! Mayor Nezu! Now an innocent girl has been kidnapped from the inside of the Academy you directed for years and still publicly support... how is this going to affect to your campaign of re-election?"

They had reached the exit prepared for them next to the table, but they stopped right there for a moment without turning. The two teachers looked at the current Mayor of the city: he was silent and his furry face looked as affable as usual, but for a second his tiny eyes looked unusually dark, as if that low blow of a question had made him remember all the experiments humans made on him in the past. All Might put a hand on the shoulder of his little friend and tried to find the words to tell them it wasn't worth to answer, but Nezu kindly removed and headed back to the table for a moment:

"All the reporters here have proven to be well informed before coming, but I'll give you a little summary of the situation" Nezu announced, keeping it as cool as it was possible. "A bunch of our best heroes, including our Number One, were injured two days ago while we were just celebrating a wedding, we have just discovered that the League of Villains has acquired enough power and resources to escape from prison and create armies of Nomus to attack a fortified school, and a notorious American scientist specialized in hero equipment, two of my former students and a child who has no guilt on this war have been abducted in front of our eyes".

All the reporters in the room stayed silent at the considerably more severe use of words the Mayor was making.

"I ask you to believe me when I say, right now, there is nothing in the world I care less about than my campaign of re-election".

As soon as he said that, Nezu left the table again and reunited with All Might and Aizawa so they could leave and do something more useful for the rest of the day.

July 10th, 12:00.

Mayor Nezu's limo.

Once they got into the Mayor's limo and left the press behind, they were able to catch a deep breath while the chauffeur drove them away from there. Nezu told them he had a meeting with Hawks, Best Jeanist and the rest of the veteran heroes who would lead the investigation. Aizawa would go to the hospital to check the heroes in recovery, from where most of the old Class 1A had hardly moved since some of their friends were been attended there. Unfortunately, Recovery Girl was getting too old and her Quirk didn't work as fast as it used to. They were strong and determined heroes on their own, but now they would need encouragement from an old mentor.

As for All Might...

"Inko!" he answered his phone when it rang and saw Deku's mother's name on the screen. "I was about to call you. He hasn't returned home yet? Never mind, I'm going to check you too."

That woman was devastated too. Eri was not only dear to her son. She had lived with the Midoriyas for some years and it only took a few seconds in Eri's company to absolutely love her. And Inko Midoriya was a particularly loving woman who had helped to raise Eri like she was Deku's sibling. All Might wondered if even in his golden years he would have been able to flash his legendary smile in such circumstances to cheer all those people up.

Later, he would meet his pupil and Melissa at the hospital. The situation was terrible for everyone, but there was no time for crying now. When he put his phone back in his pocket, he reached another thing he had been keeping there. It was a piece of paper he had totally forgotten Deku had asked him to keep until the moment arrived. All Might read it on his way to the Midoriya's home:

"Ochako Uraraka:

You are known as Uravity to the rest of the world. That's the hero name you chose when we were 1st year students in UA. Back then, I used to call you Uraraka... but you already knew me as Deku.

At this point everybody knows the story behind that name, and they usually think it is cute how you changed the meaning of it. However, only I understand what you actually gave me... and what you truly have been to me since then.

When we met for the first time you were already preventing me from falling (literally) and showed me a kindness that just came naturally from you. Nothing has changed from that moment on. You were the first friend I had in UA and someone I could always trust. You were a girl who wanted to be a hero to give her family an easier life and to make the rest of the people feel safer and happier. A girl who, in the middle of all her problems and the pressure, never failed to keep smiling and believing in me. It's still a bit unfair that I am known as the hero who saves everyone with a smile when you were the one saving me with a smile so much before I became a Pro. A smile that always felt like fresh water over my tired soul.

Even after I was admitted here, I didn't even dare to dream on being interested in a girl, let alone a girl being interested in me, but now I could be all day telling the best about you and all the reasons why you are the woman I want to hold for the rest of my life. I know the step we are taking today will bring us to a life in common that won't be easy at all, and I also know how much we wondered in the past if our heroes' lives would be compatible with this relationship. But if there is any conclusion I have reached, it shall be this: relationships are never perfect, since they are composed by people who aren't perfect either. We are not perfect and God knows it, but it's been almost a decade since I met you... and I'm still trying to find something I don't love about you.

I love you exactly the way you are, Ochako, and all the fights, conflicts and villains in the world will change none of these words."

All Might could only sigh in sorrow as he read that paper. Those were the vows that day Deku hadn't been able to tell to his bride. The wedding they totally deserved was torn to pieces in a matter of minutes and that wasn't even the worst part of day.

"And when I reached the hospital, the first thing I'm going to ask them is if they're OK..." he felt stupid when he thought it.

Meanwhile, in the hospital...

DREAM SEQUENCE

There is a place in the furthest end of the Northwest coast of Galicia, Spain, known as Cape Finisterre. Back when the Peninsula was occupied by Romans and America had yet to be discovered, it was thought that the Earth was flat and nothing but a precipice full of dangers and scary monsters, where imprudent sailors would meet their demise, existed beyond the sea that extends in front of this cape...

"... and that's the meaning of the Latin name" said Todoroki, as Momo and her held hands along a path over a steep cliff where the sea was relatively calmed. "Finisterre: the end of the Earth".

"Yep" Momo nodded with a smile. They had just reached one year of relationship and, to celebrate it, they had gone on a trip through the European country that would conclude in that location. The fact of being the girl who always seemed to know the answer to the teachers' questions usually made her felt a little uncomfortable as a child, but even before that year of relationship Todoroki had always made her feel confident and loved. "And after that huge piece of land was discovered on the other side of the sea, the Spaniards decided to give up superstitions and change their motto to... Plus Ultra".

"Really?" asked her boy in surprise. "That's the origin of the catchphrase? I didn't know that part!"

"Well, yes... you can still read it in the shield of the flag..." he had always respected and admired Todoroki, but as brilliant as a student and a hero he was, he always managed to find a way to prove her she was her equal. Sure, the other girls always supported and relied on her as a team leader, but there was only one boy who could made her feel that way anytime.

"Look at that" Todoroki said when they reached the lighting at the end of the cliff. The Sun was setting and he couldn't imagine any better person to be there with. Todoroki surrounded his girlfriend with his right arm as the couple marveled at the sight of the beautiful landscape. "Wow, this trip has been amazing. Such a shame we have to return tomorrow..."

"I agree" Momo answered as she replied the hold. Saving people was what they did for living, but even heroes needed some time for themselves. "Shoto..." she began, in a more concerned tone. "Now we talk about it... I wanted to ask..."

"Yes?"

"How is your family taking the fact that we are together?" by the time they started dating Momo was well concerned of his tragic childhood and the issues with his father, but she knew he didn't like to talk about it.

"Hey" Todoroki whispered, gently cupping her face. "Endeavor knows about us and he can take it however he wants. I don't care. We are heroes on our own and he has no power over me anymore. The rest of my family, and more importantly, I, love you for the wonder of a girl you are and that's all that matters".

Momo's black eyes shined with affection and she closed them as their lips met. When they separated they sincerely smiled at each other and Momo created a camera so they could have the best possible photo to remember that priceless moment.

"I love you too, Shoto" she told him as they made their way back to the hotel from there. "I mean it, I wish I could tell you how important you've been to me these years".

"Well, you kind of just did" Todoroki showed her the smirk he only seemed to reserve for her. "After all... you've come with me 'til the end of world, haven't you?"

She had time to laugh a bit before they kissed again.

END OF THE DREAM SEQUENCE

Momo woke up in her bed to the hospital. It had been great to dream about that wonderful vacation they had on the past, but having the real Todoroki sitting next to her bed wasn't bad either. Then she remembered all the terrible news of those last days, but especially how worried Todoroki had been when he was told she had fainted in the middle of the battle and his father and Bakugou had been seriously beaten by the unknown villain he had helped them fight earlier.

"Good morning, sunshine" Todoroki kissed her forehead. He looked like he didn't have much sleep and Momo could see the general concern for the hard situation in his eyes, but he would always try to give her a smile to confort her. "How do you feel?"

"Hi" Momo sweetly replied as she stretched a bit. "I feel much better. How is your father? And the rest?"

Todoroki bitterly chuckled.

"The old man is stable, but weak and embittered after losing a clean fight. He is not for a lot of talking, which is great since I can spend more time with you. The last time I checked Bakugou he was sleeping. I'm glad he's recovering positively, but I know for sure he won't want a lot of company right now either".

"And what about Ochako and Midoriya?"

"They're together on the rooftop" Todoroki answered with sadness. "They need a bit of time. You know how close they are to Eri..."

Momo was also sad when she remembered. Abducting heroes and scientists may be part of a villain's work, but doing the same thing to such a nice and innocent girl, who had suffered more than enough at their hands... had no name.

"We're back, Momo" the door opened and Tsuyu, Mina, Jirou and Toru entered to check their friend.

"Hello everyone" Todoroki greeted. It was strange, but even as invisible as Toru's face was, they all noticed how sad she was after Ojiro became the League's prisoner. "I'll go check the others" he told Momo, as he caressed her cheek. "I'll be back later. I leave her in your hands, girls".

"Don't worry, we'll take care" Mina assured. Todoroki's expression evidenced that he still didn't know about what Jirou had told them while Momo was senseless two days ago.

"Hello, girls!" Momo smiled. "Did the doctor tell you anything n..." her head went dizzy and she instantly carried a hand to her mouth. The other four girls stood there holding their breath, knowing the reason behind that nausea and what they were about to tell to their dear friend.

"Yes" Toru started. "As a matter of fact, we just met the doctor... and he confirmed something about your state we already knew..."

"Huh?" Momo asked through her mouth. She started to get out of the bed, but Jirou stopped her.

"About the reason why you fainted during the wedding... we have something to tell you. And trust me, you don't want to be on your feet when we do..."

End of chapter 20.

FINALLY! I KNOW MOST OF US ARE LOCKED AT HOME DUE TO THE VIRUS, AND HAVE TO PROTECT MY READERS FROM BOREDOM! HONEST FICTION TO THE RESCUE!!!

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I haven't told too many new things since the structure has turned a bit tricky to develop, but I promised more fluff for this chapter and I am a man who keeps his word!

Sorry for the delay, I took some time to check some of my followers and readers' work. I thank you all for keeping me entertained during this hellish quarantine. I'm supposed to be locked for two more weeks!!🥺🥺🥺

Honest Fiction hopes you have enjoyed and is happy to be back after all these weeks. The last TodoMomo part may have been a bit strange, but Cape Finisterre is real (I was there years ago XD) and I thought the meaning would be kind of cute for this underrated shipping. And since most of my readers are Americans, I thought someone may found funny the fact my ancestors believed that the world ended there, with all that America is today.

Oh, and that fact about the quote PLUS ULTRA... it is true too. You can still read these words written in the shield of the current Spanish flag. I don't know if the author of the manga knew about that part of History and took inspiration or the UA's motto was a coincidence, but either way I found it funny when I learned!😂😂😂

Well, no more boring you with history lessons! Try to have fun at home and stay calmed until danger has passed, Watties! I love you all and I want you to stay healthy for many years!

See you soon! And remember... PLUS ULTRA!!