Chapter Text
Recommended Music: Shadow Overture: Shadow of the Tomb Raider OST
Lara Croft looked over at the person who wished to talk with her. He had long, deep purple hair, his left eye poking out from the strong fibers. He had a crooked smile, thin build, but was shorter than her by at least a head.
"Who are you?" She asked in English. It was the language he addressed her, so she asked back in kind.
Glancing around, the young man stated, "How about we get some dinner, first? I saw you come out of the jungle close to death. That's gotta make you a little hungry, right?"
Seeing a way to conserve the few Sol she had... Lara had little reason to refuse. Following the man across the road, he ordered a couple of local beers. Pilsen Callaos. The waitress returned with them and he paid her directly, giving a confident smile... before turning back to Lara.
"To surviving." Raising the bottle he took a deep sip. Not taking one yet, she continued to study this man. He was strange. Clearly an outsider. Natural curiosity could be one thing, but trusting him was not on the table yet.
"So, I see that doc was able to heal you quite well."
Lara struggled to find the words for it. "Yeah... her... grace... was certainly something."
He nodded, "Yeah, her quirk's interesting." Quirk? What does that mean... wait... grace was her... supernatural power... is quirk another term for such a thing? He then answered her internal question with the response. "Being able to change water into a healing substance with a touch... sorry, you wanted my name. I'm Minrou Mineta." He offered his hand, and she accepted, respectfully.
Hesitating, the brunette introduced herself, stating her name, expecting to be recognized. Especially by someone who actively sought her out. "I'm Lara Croft."
"Lara... Croft... nope, doesn't ring a bell, sorry." He shrugged, to which she was mildly surprised. At least in archaeology circles she was renowned. But... this was really a good thing, in the long run. She couldn't trust anyone yet, not until she knows more of the world. Well, more about why the supernatural seemed to take precedent here. His next words sharpened her focus. "So... what do you think of Pendulum?"
"Pendulum..." Frowning, she thought about what had happened. They operated just like Trinity did... and this Dr. Midoriya left her alive, just like Dominguez had, multiple times. He also helped out this village, but Dominguez did the same, until he had no further use for them. All in all, a mixed bag of emotions. "I'm not sure, yet..."
He nodded, "I see..." Taking another sip, he stated, "Well, Dr. Midoriya certainly put money into the area, all to get access to the ruins near here. I'm not sure why, if I'm being honest. Seems like a lot of pre-quirk mumbo-jumbo. But... he's the one with the power."
Remaining silent, Mineta flagged a waitress and ordered ceviche for the two of them. Remembering how it was the last time she was at this village, she hoped that it was at least a bit as good as then.
"So... what do you think of Dr. Midoriya?" He seemed to hate the name, if the way he said Dr. was any indication.
"I don't know..." She started. "I see that he's donated to these people a lot of time and resources... but... his forces hunted me down...."
Now that, was what this Mineta wanted to hear. "I see. Well, it seems he's been the bane of both of us. So, I have a proposition for you. I am..." He paused as the food was delivered, one plate for him, and one for her. Smiling at her until she left, he turned back to Lara. "I am in the Meta Liberation Army, a group dedicated for liberty against those who'd oppress us with outdated laws and regulations, all of which is currently spearheaded by Midoriya. I can get us back to HQ, and we can help you fight him off. While we are the underdogs, we're not inept, and look for talent, no matter what forms it takes."
"Meta Liberation Army?" She repeated the words... it reminded her of the Remnant, a people dedicated against tyranny. At least on the surface. Considering the magnitude of what she was potentially fighting against already, it would be good to have more assistance on her side. The underdogs she had worked with before all had righteous causes. This one should too... should being the key word. But, for right now, it was the only option that had merit. "Alright."
Inside, Mineta was beaming. The whole makeover he got courtesy of the MLA… it worked wonders. He’d learnt charisma on his own, but nobody would listen just because of his appearance. Well, she did.
“If I may ask…” Lara began, looking at him with some level of suspicion. “In what way did he… go against you?” A legitimate question, coming from her perspective. She had to survive in the jungle, while he looked just peachy. Well, might as well tell the truth… from a certain point of view.
“Well… he’s my age, understand. We met in UA, the best high school in all Japan. I was in the pro-hero track…” Seeing the confusion on her face at that remark, he explained briefly, “I was going to be a public servant, equal to a cop. UA’s requirements were basically that 1 in 500 get accepted. I was against 20,000 other students. I earned my place. And I wasn’t as handsome or fit as I am now. Well, Midoriya didn’t get into UA through the normal means. Not even on the general track or anything similar… instead, he was brought in to be a teacher.”
Noting her immediate shock and confusion, she asked, “Why?”
“Nezu, the principal, decided that we needed to be taught about pre-quirk history. Anyways, he’s brought in, and has the power to expel people. Something about the fact nobody will take him seriously… well, that should’ve been my first clue.” Pausing, he continued to eat, taking in the more… refined way in which his guest did the same, before continuing, “Well, there was a confrontation with the sister class, and one of them was expelled. Now, the sports festival just finished, and the results impact whether you stay in heroics, as a sort of grand test. That other guy who was expelled, he somehow got back in! But they had to get rid of someone from my class, because class B’s slot was filled in by another.” He took a moment to take a swig of beer, before persevering onwards. “So, they came up with a trap. A flagrant breaking of the code of conduct, and I was the poor sap who got caught up in it. It was so damning that I was expelled and arrested. I served some time, but could never get another job… that is, until the MLA reached out to me. They were sympathetic, and gave me a chance. I wouldn’t be anything without them.”
Lara took in his words carefully. They were chosen deliberately, but spoken with sincerity. A true testament to his past, yet it felt like there were gaps. Things he didn’t want to speak of. Fair enough, everyone has secrets. As he finished his plate, he glanced at Lara’s half finished one.
“Enough about me. We’ll depart tonight. Rest easy, and meet me at… the river docks at 7.”
“Alright.” She nodded, after which he left the money on the table, paying for everything, before getting up and leaving, bottle of beer in hand. Well, he’s certainly generous…
Looking down, and finally able to collect her thoughts, she was now able to put the pieces together. Ever since a young boy, he’s been given power, a position of status. He taught at the most prestigious school in Japan as a history teacher, having been seen as an expert. This Midoriya… it’s as if he’s spoiled, but extremely intelligent. Or was before. He’s cunning enough to build a whole empire in the shadows… but why…?
Then it clicked. All of the pieces into place, based on the information she had. The suit he wears. Based on its design… I’d guess it’s older than he is… probably the reason why he changed tracks to history. He knows the power of older artifacts! If this world is just like mine… then many that Trinity tracked down still exist. I have to stop him from getting any of them.
Glancing around, Lara finished her meal at a reasonable pace, before thanking the server and leaving the money generously gifted behind for them.
Looking around, she found a place to rest for the meantime, out of sight, and out of mind, for most. There was a bustle of activity, but she paid it no mind. At least, not until a very distinctive sound chopped its way through the air. That being the sound of a helicopter. Hiding in the nearby brush, she watched as it landed… and Midoriya himself jumped out. Walking towards the pier, she could hear that he was on the phone with someone. Carefully, Lara decided to follow. Her eavesdropping revealed that he was on the phone with his partner.
“Yes, I understand, dear. I miss you greatly. Glad to hear that its going smoothly… How is Mom? And Aunty Cathleen?” The greenette listened to the voice on the phone, before positively beaming. “Good to hear… I know, I know… What? Tenko and Himiko are on their anniversary tonight? Well, give them my congratulations.” After another moment, he stated, “I will be home by tomorrow at the latest. Yes, I know. Can’t wait. Love you…” After the call ended, he placed his phone inside his jacket, probably into an internal pocket. Walking to the ferryman, he asked, “How much for a ticket to Iquitos?”
The man, still surprised to be asked about this, replied, "It's half a day's journey, señor Midoriya... it'll cost 470 Sol."
Without hesitation, Midoriya stated, "Done. I need to get there as fast as possible, please."
"Yes, señor..." He immediately prepared to leave, and the young man turned to look at the small village. Smiling warmly, he embarked onto the vessel, and the brunette swore that he looked at her, but didn't see her. Still, he kept watching as the boat departed, following the river south as it headed back to full civilization...