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Ochako didn’t need to hear Rock Lock’s explanation to put the pieces together. She felt like she was going to be sick. How could someone do that? To their own kid, too! She couldn’t miss the way Himiko’s gaze turned from concerned to murderous. She opened her mouth to say something, before snapping it shut. Himiko's scowl remained for the rest of the meeting.
“I’ll kill him!” Himiko declared once they were back at UA. “Just one cut—”
Himiko’s threat was cut-off by the appearance of Iida, who quickly let them into the dorm. “Toga, Uraraka! Welcome back! I hope your travels were safe.”
Ochako pretended not to be bothered. She hated how she couldn’t say anything when all she could think about was that poor girl, all alone. She tried to make sure her feelings didn’t show as she answered. “Yeah, it was fine. I just need to go sit down.”
Iida nodded. “Understandable. Work studies can be quite exhausting. And what about you, Toga—”
“I’m not in the mood, Iida,” Himiko snapped, quickly walking over to the hall without a look back.
“Was it something I said?” Iida wondered aloud. Ochako patted his shoulder sympathetically.
“It’s not your fault Iida, it’s just… It’s been a long day.”
Himiko didn’t sleep well that night. Not that she ever really slept well, but with what she’d heard at the meeting, her sleep had been especially restless.
Still, if she wanted to do something about it, she couldn’t afford to slip. Not for Eri’s sake. She could tell Izuku and Tohgata thought the same, though probably with less ideas about where to stab the monster that was Eri’s father.
She didn’t think he really deserved to be called a father though. If hers didn’t count, then Overhaul sure as hell didn’t.
She finished packing her bag and slung it over her shoulder before pushing open the door. She had to pretend everything was okay for who knew how long. Luckily she had practice.
Ochako met her in the dorm where they met up with Izuku. He was nervous, she could tell, but he wasn’t muttering. He’d almost start, and then stop with a pained look.
Himiko couldn’t sleep.
She’d woken up at least half an hour ago and still hadn’t fallen back to sleep. It was already six in the morning — may as well go do something productive. Like brooding in the dorm.
She had just started the coffee machine when Ochako walked into the room. She rubbed her eyes sleepily before opening them fully.
“Eri?”
Himiko nodded.
Ochako sighed before sitting down on one of the chairs sitting in the kitchen. “I wonder when we’ll be able to do something,” she wondered aloud. “I just— I can’t stop thinking about her, all alone. No one to help her…”
‘I swear I’ll stab that bastard!’ Himiko thought, clenching her fist. ‘Not pretty though — enough to make him pay.’
Ochako’s face went wide, and Himiko realized she had said that out loud. Only she didn’t look upset — she almost looked like she… agreed?
“‘Gunhead martial arts,’” she said, mimicking the takedown she had used on Bakugou during the Sports Festival. Himiko liked how she grinned at the idea. Then her grin fell. “Izuku probably wouldn’t think like that though…”
Himiko laughed. “Are we talking about Midoriya ‘I will use all my fingers to get through to the Ice Prince’ Izuku?”
“I guess you’re right,” Ochako agreed with a laugh. “Mr. Aizawa would kill us though.”
“What are you talking about?” a familiar voice asked. Tsu walked into the room with a frown.
The loud ‘ding’ of a message from Mr. Aizawa stirred Tsu from her rest. She blinked twice before reading the message, which was short but to the point. She liked that about Mr. Aizawa.
‘The shie hassaikai base has been located. come meet me at the gates. you’ll all be coming with me to the meet-up location’
‘ok. we’ll be there’ she answered before slipping out of bed and quickly changing into some casual clothes.. She didn’t put much thought into it — she’d all be changing into her costume soon enough anyways.
After cleaning herself up, Tsu quickly walked down the hall. She was only beaten by Ochako and Toga, who were grabbing some energy bars from the shared kitchen. Izuku offered a couple to her, which she took with a nod.
“Well, we should probably go meet Mr. Aizawa,” Midoriya said. Tsu nodded. “We don’t want to waste any time.”
“Yeah, I’m ready to kick Overhaul’s ass!” Toga agreed. Tsu didn’t like her tone — it was the same one she’d used right before going with Midoriya and a few of Tsu’s other classmates to rescue Bakugou.
Mr. Aizawa had not been pleased with that.
“The point is to rescue Eri, remember?”
“And what better way than by cutting Overhaul a little?”
“That’s not—”
Tsu was cut off by Izuku and Kirishima appearance. The two were quickly handed a pair of energy bars before the group left the dorms. The first rays of sunlight were starting to illuminate the area as they met Mr. Aizawa at the gates.
Today was the day. They were really doing this. Still, Tsu had a bad feeling about this. She was worried Toga might do something… unwise.
Himiko watched impatiently as the police chief went to use the intercom, when the gate flew open. A huge man rushed through, and Izuku quickly zipped forward to pull one of the officers out of the way while Mr. Aizawa used his scarf to pull back two others.
“What are you people doing? It’s too early for visitors…” the man said, now standing up in the open space he’d made in front of the gate. He stretched before chuckling. “That’s better. Now I’m waking up a little!”
“Get back!” Himiko heard Ryukyu call, before being buffeted by wind and she activated her dragon form. When the dust cleared, Ryukyu was holding back a punch from the man.
“Listen up,” Ryukyu said loudly, her voice a low rumble. “You all go ahead — the Ryukyu agency will handle these villains!”
“That’s our cue, Toga,” Mr. Aizawa said before running toward the gate. Himiko was right behind him, ducking out of the way of a man who was shooting… leaves? She didn’t have time to think about it as she followed Mr. Aizawa to the door. The police chief was shouting something as they made their way to the door — she didn’t really listen — she wanted to save that girl.
Himiko, Izuku, Mr. Aizawa, and the other heroes had been going through the tunnels for what felt like ages when the walls suddenly started warping again. Rock Lock quickly used that move of his to lock them down and they kept moving.
Suddenly Izuku pushed Himiko to the side and a huge wall came crashing down where she’d been standing.
“My hero,” she said with a smirk.
“I don’t think we’re safe yet…” Izuku said. As if waiting for him to say that, the wall opened up to reveal a familiar-looking guy wearing a mask over his head.
“Prepare yourselves — the Yakuza will show no mercy! What the hell is wrong with Irinaka? He wants me to fight kids?”
“Y-you’re from the League of Villains, aren’t you?” Izuku asked.
“Yes!” the man declared before immediately cutting himself off. “I will never tell!” He ran toward Himiko, snapping out his tape measure. Himiko knew how sharp it was, remembering the scar Bakugou had gotten from the man while fighting the League. She jumped again to avoid it — she knew a member of the League wouldn’t be dumb enough to try fighting with a normal tape measure.
“Just give up, and it will all be— Hell no, we need to fight like warriors!” Twice said, twisting away from Himiko’s knife. She couldn’t help but admit he was pretty good at dodging too.
“Sorry, Mr. Twice, but I can’t do that,” she replied. Any second now...
There was a sudden crash and Izuku’s boot crashed through the wall. “—SMASH!”
“Phrasing!” Himiko said with a giggle. Izuku didn’t even seem to notice as he skidded to a stop, looking around for a moment before smiling a bit when he saw Sir Night-dude.”
“Now’s your time, big bro Rappa. It’s just a boring desk-jockey,” the villain exclaimed. Suddenly the wall opened up and a huge man walked in. Suddenly things looked a lot worse.
“Awesome! I’ve been dying for a good fight!” The man rushed toward Night-dude, swinging his arms like crazy. There was no way that Night-dude would—
Suddenly the huge villain was flying backward. Three paperweights suddenly hit him and slammed him into the wall. Was- was he out cold?!
“Impressive. He managed to graze my costume,” Night-dude said before focusing on Twice. “I’m surprised — I didn’t think that The League would actually work with the Yakuza.”
“Look, I’m gonna have to go now. I don’t wanna die, you understand,” Twice said before running out toward the hall. Night-dude threw one of his paperweight things at him but only managed to rip a bit of shirt.
Himiko took her chance and leapt after him, barely making it through before another wall came crashing down. She gave chase, rushing after him. The tunnels twisted and curved, and she started to lose sight of Twice. She pushed harder, managing to catch up for a just a few seconds before falling behind and losing him completely.
Himiko had been creeping silently along the halls when suddenly she heard voices. Unfortunately neither of them sounded like Twice, but still, this might be important.
“S-so we just *hic* gotta slow down any of those… those heroes for… for Overhaul?”
“Yes, that’s all. Just keep your distance Sakaki— from me — not the heroes. We are the last line between him and the heroes. I will not let you mess this up.”
So these two were special, huh?
How close could she get as one of them?
Sure, they were further away… But they’d probably come if they thought someone was snooping around.
She might get caught… But if she didn’t, she’d be able to get closer to her target.
Overhaul had turned the corner when the stupud kid who should be dead rocketed up through the floor behind him. He twisted to the side to avoid the surprise attack. That kid was stronger than he thought to have gotten past Nemoto.
He realized too late that he wasn’t the true target of the attack — Eri was. Lemillion’s left arm phased through Chisaki and he twisted, bringing his right leg up and swinging it through Kurono, knocking him to the ground with a kick before grabbing Eri.
“L-let me go. Hurry! He’ll hurt you!”
“She’s right you know,” Overhaul said, wiping the spot where Lemillion had touched him before tucking away the wipe. “She’s cursed.”
Midoriya stopped suddenly at the corner of one of the tunnels. Shouta was instantly on the defensive, tightening his grip on his capture weapon as he turned the corner and realized why. Between the splatter of blood on the ground, and the bullet holes pockmarking the walls and floor, it was little wonder that Midoriya would stop. But then it got worse.
Midoriya silently handed him what could only be likened to a combination of a baby food jar and a syringe. One of Toga’s support items.
“S-she hadn’t even used it…” Izuku said worriedly. “D-do you think—”
“Midoriya, we can’t stop.”
It pained him to say it — to not stop and at least try to figure out what had happened, but they were up against a time limit when it came to Overhaul. They couldn’t stop now.
“I’ll see what I can find,” Rock Lock said, coming up behind him. “I’ll be right behind you.”
“Are you sure—”
Overhaul scowled and pressed his hand to the floor once more. Spikes shot up in an attempt to impale the brat, but Lemillion was trained well. He avoided Overhaul’s attack with his quirk before dashing toward Overhaul once more.
“You almost killed her with that attack!” Lemillion exclaimed. Overhaul shrugged.
“I can revive her if that happens. You’re the only one who can lose here, Lemillion. The longer you keep this up, the more likely she gets hurt. Because of you.”
Lemillion scowled.
Overhaul tried to block Lemillion’s attack, but it was too late. He sent Chrono flying, who crumpled to the ground while the gun and case of quirk erasure bullets went flying to separate corners of the room.
Lemillion was back, almost catching Overhaul in the face with a punch. Overhaul dodged the attack, only to realize that Lemillion had expected that. He kicked Overhaul in the shin before delivering a series of punches to his arms and chest. If Overhaul kept fighting like this, he might lose.
He wasn’t going to lose. Not to some wannabe hero brat who decided to swoop in here just when Overhaul had everything worked out. Not now — not ever!
Overhaul Looked around for a breif second when he saw his chance. Nemoto had miraculously woken, and was crawling across the floor out of the corner of his eye.
He still had his gun.
Thinking fast, Overhaul grabbed the case of bullets and tossed it toward Nemoto. He turned his focus back to Lemillion.
Bang! The sound of Nemoto’s shot echoed within the arena Overhaul had created. This was it — there was no way Nemoto had missed—
Chisaki’s arm burned.
He blinked, taking a moment to put together what he felt, and what that meant. He reached to the ground to launch an attack, but felt nothing. Not even so much as a pebble moved
Nemoto had shot him. Overhaul turned to Nemoto in dismay, only to be confused when Nemoto tore off his mask and scowled.
“I really hate guys like you.”
What- how- It wasn’t possible! He’d… betrayed him? He’d been one of Overhaul’s most loyal followers — there was no way—
Lemillion’s fist smashed into his face and everything went black.
“SMASH!” Izuku broke through the wall with a kick that sent concrete flying. They’d all heard the noise over here — this had to be where Overhaul was. He immediatly readied himself for a tough fight. He was ready!
But then he saw Tohgata with Eri and a third person he didn’t recognize. A moment later he managed to spot Chisaki lying on the ground, unconscious.
“Mirio, are you both alright?” Sir Nighteye asked, taking only a few seconds to survey the area before speaking.
“Yep! Toga and I managed to take Overhaul down — he shouldn’t be a problem anymore, Sir!”
Wait, Toga? She was… she was okay?
The third figure turned. They were wearing a coat, and a beak-shaped mask was lying on the ground next to them, but Izuku knew it was Toga the moment the figure spoke.
“Izuku!”
Izuku and the rest of them quickly ran over to Himiko. “I- I thought you were- we saw blood and-”
Himiko held a hand and stopped him. Then she explained to him and the rest of the heroes what had happened.
Himiko grabbed one of her empty syringes and tossed it before ducking back around the corner.
“Did you hear that?”
“Hyea- heart what?” the second one asked.
The first voice huffed in annoyance. “Of course you didn’t. Ugh, just stay here and I’ll see what it was.”
“Shouuuldn’t I come—”
“No, you might just get in the way. I can handle myself.”
Himiko grabbed one of her syringes when she heard the sound of footsteps start getting closer. Suddenly, she heard the man speak up, and that’s when things went wrong.
“Is someone there?”
She answered automatically — it was like she wasn’t even the one choosing to say it.
“Yes!”
The sound of footsteps quickened and Himiko leapt out. She had barely a minute to take in the man before being forced to dodge a bullet. Her ears rang from the sudden noise, but she managed to avoid the man’s second attack.
“A shame you’re too blind to join us,” the man said, checking his gun for a moment before continuing.
He didn’t think she was a threat.
Himiko could work with that.
“Most heroes only dodge once.”
Himiko jumped back, the third shot sending bits of concrete into the air, some grazing her arms.
He couldn’t have many shots left now. She just needed an opportunity—
She jumped to the side so quickly that she hit the wall. Her arm felt pretty bad, but she’d managed to avoid the man’s charge.
“You can’t win this, you know. I’m Overhaul’s right hand man — you’re just a foolish teenager!”
Himiko pulled her knife out of its hiding place and swung out toward the man with it. He jumped back in time to avoid getting cut, but there was a cut on his shirt that revealed bare skin. One more cut in the right place and—
Bang!
Himiko cried out as the bullet grazed her shoulder. She did her best to push past the pain that was burning through her arm. That was four bullets already. Only two more, right?
She dodged another bullet, but then it happened.
She tripped.
She had tried to jump forward again in an attempt to break the stalemate, but her footing was off, and she fell face-first. She quickly started to get up, only to hear a click overhead. She tried getting to her feet only for a boot to collide with the side of her torso.
“No. You’ve lost.”
The man pulled the trigger.
Only a click. No bang.
He tried to fire again. But Himiko already knew what that meant. He was out of bullets.
Without the gun to worry about, She leapt straight toward the man. He swung around with the gun in an attempt to club her with it, but Himiko was faster. She swung her arm out toward him, her knife cutting a clean line down his arm. He screamed, dropping the gun to clutch at the fresh wound — just the distraction she needed. Himiko grabbed the gun, and used it like a makeshift club, hitting him on the side of his head just like Mr. Aizawa showed her. The man slumped over, out cold.
Himiko didn’t waste time before sticking her syringe into his arm. She quickly drank the result and activated her quirk. In less than a minute she looked just like the man — clothes and all. She shoved him into a room that opened up off the tunnel and shut the door before walking down the hallway. Taking out the other guy would be a cinch when he would never see it coming.
“I- Wow, you did it, Himiko!”
Then Himiko felt a familiar hand on her shoulder. “I’m not sure whether to congratulate you, or expell you for doing something so foolhardy.”
“I wanted to save her.”
“Once this is all over, we’ll figure out your punishment. I won’t tolerate two Midoriyas in my class.”
“Yes, sir. I… I understand.”
“Good,” Mr. Aizawa responded, his voice taking on a lighter tone. “I know how you felt — just don’t let that feeling get in the way of your judgement.”
Ochako, Tsu, and Himiko all sat in Ochako’s room. Himiko had gotten back from talking with Mr. Aizawa. There were several minutes of quiet before Himiko broke the silence.
“Mr. Aizawa doesn’t like ‘how reckless I was,’” she grumbled.
“Isn’t that a good thing? Kero. He just doesn’t want you to get hurt.”
“Overhaul is crazy. He deserved it and more!”
“I heard you got him with one of those quirk bullets. Isn’t that worse for him?” Tsu countered.
“No, I still want to stab him. You should have heard him going on about Eri. It was awful!”
“You have a visitor!”
“Tohgata? What is it—”
“Just trust me!”
“Okay, come in…”
At first, Himiko could only see Tohgata, who was grinning widely. She then noticed a figure hiding behind him. Could it be…
“C’mon Eri, it’s okay,” Tohgata said, trying to coax Eri out from her hiding place behind him. He slowly walked up to Himiko. “This is Toga, she’s the one who helped me save you at the end there!”
Eri cautiously peeked out from behind Tohgata. “H-hi. I’m Eri…”