Work Text:
HELP
Sent 4:00 am
Eraser
Why
Purrfection
Why not
I’m babey
GASP
It’s time
Insomnicat
What
Detective
Why did you name the chat that
Stop scaring me
Purrfection
Ehe :3c
Ya’ll are about to do tons of unpaid labor
Let’s go boys
Insomnicat
What
I’m babey
LET’S GO!!!!
Eraser
I am a working adult
Detective
Ah
This is the festival stuff, right?
Purrfection
FUCK YEAH
I’m babey
Yeah :DDD
Insomnicat
Ah that
Purrfection
Obviously detective and eraser are excused
They are working adults after all
Eraser
What the fuck
I just said that
Purrfection
Sure sure
Detective
Why are we even here then?
I’m babey
Why not?
Insomnicat
And why am i here?
Im not gonna do shit
Purrfection
Idk man autopilot i guess
It was automatic
I’m babey
And moral support!!!!
Eraser
Or adult supervision
I’m babey
Hey
Purrfection
I mean he’s got a point
Insomnicat
That doesn’t answer my fucking question
Purrfection
Yeah it does
Moral support dude
And u get to hang out w cats so i dont see what the big deal is here
Detective
Ok am i the only one feeling it?
Something’s off w nanako
Insomnicat
Hm
Yeah you right wait a min
I’m babey
Now that you mention it…
Eraser
She’s definitely low energy
Maybe she needs a nap
Detective
Stop projecting eraser
Eraser
Oh shut up
Purrfection
I’m fine guys
I’m babey
Press x to doubt
Spill now y r u so sad >:(
Purrfection
I’m being serious this time tho???
Detective
Hm
Ok you never readily admit you’re serious
Something’s wrong
Eraser
Like i said: tired
Purrfection
Wait no now i’m curious
If all of you guys think something’s off
There is definitely something going on But what????
I’m babey
Maybe you’re burnt out?
Purrfection
Been there done that next
Also pot meet kettle
I’m babey
That was uncalled for :((
Insomnicat
Cat withdrawal?
Purrfection
Stop projecting i live in a cat café Next
Eraser
Exhaustion, like i said before
Purrfection
Again, stop projecting
Next
Detective
I’m honestly scared to offer something
I don’t feel like being attacked today
Purrfection
Cowardice, not my thing
Next
Oh wait that was everyone
Hmmmmm
Detective
:((((
Insomnicat
Well ow wtf
Purrfection
I
Oh
OH
I’m babey
Did you figure it out???
Purrfection
Nope
Well let’s get back to festival planning
Any of you coming besides izu
Insomnicat
Im coming for the cats
Im not helping
Purrfection
Fair
I guess that’s it bc we have WoRkInG aDuLtS
Detective
You figured it out didn’t you?
I’m babey
Yay!!!!!
We get to hang out :DD
Purrfection
Besties let’s gooooo
Eraser
Nanako
Don’t misdirect
Detective
You’ve barely used any emojis
Your energy level is way too low
Something is up
Purrfection
Fine >:(
Stop using your detective skills on me >:((((
Detective
That is literally my job
Eraser
So?
Purrfection
Hmmmm
Ok let’s see how i can concisely say this
I’m very mentally stressed bc a lot of things happened around this time :D
Festival, some representative stuff, some personal stuff, etc etc
I’m babey
Hmmmm
I don’t trust you (^ - ^)
Purrfection
What???
That is,,,, part of it,,,
Eraser
Akimoto Nanako.
Purrfection
I had to talk to my aunt last week 👉👈
I’m babey
NACHAN
WHAT
Insomnicat
I thought you were dumb but wow
Have you ever tried real therapy?
Detective
Why didn’t you tell us?
Purrfection
Exhibit a: i’m busy
Exhibit dos: as u can see i literally blocked it outta my mind lmao
Eraser
You should have heard how loud i sighed
Are you safe?
Purrfection
Yeah
This happens every year
Detective
It what?
Purrfection
It’s fine it’s fine
Let’s just worry about current stuff
Insomnicat
I wish i could kick your ass but you’re too far away
So i will kick your ass when i get to ur place
Purrfection
Bet
Gasp wait
Can i fight boom boom boy
At the festival
I’m babey
Didn’t u already do that when they visited?
Purrfection
Nah that was Shuno
It’s my turn this time >:3
Eraser
No it’s not
I’m not dealing with the aftermath
Purrfection
What if i set up a tournament event
I’m babey
Don’t your moms forbid fighting?
Purrfection
Fuck
Eraser
That’s what you get
Anyways isn’t it tomorrow?
Have you guys even started anything?
I’m babey
Nope!
Purrfection
Hey
We’ve started some stuff
Detective
You guys should probably go do that
Purrfection
Meh it ends up working out every time
It’ll be fine
Probably
Insomnicat
Not very convincing
But hey we got the whole week off so im not complaining lmao
Purrfection
Thank nedzu for that
I only asked for two days
Oh shit wait i gotta do something brb
Eraser
Please don’t come back
1-A Chat
Sent 8:00 am
Technicat
Friendly reminder that there is a festival happening in Sabetsu tomorrow!
Be sure to arrive by 10:00 am!
Insomnicat
Why must you do this to me
Broccoli Boi
I think it’s funny!
Technicat
Fuck off i sent this to all chats not just here
It’s turned into a schoolwide event i hate it here
Sonic
Thank you for the reminder, Nanako!
Insomnicat
Damn nedzu is making use of your abilities lmao
Pikachu
Ughhhh that’s so earlyyyyyyy
Alien Queen
Aw c’mon kami
It’ll be fun!!!!
The earlier the more fun we’ll have!!!!!
Insomnicat
You can always just not go you know
Pikachu
But the extra credit, man
The extra credit!!!!!
Technicat
Make sure to remind all of your friends!
I’m sure it’s gonna be a blast ;))
Broccoli Boi
As much as i want to see it happen
You are not fighting kacchan
Boom Boom Boy
FUCK OFF
I WILL BEAT HER ASS
Technicat
Sorry boomer but we can’t
Against the rules
Boom Boom Boy
And when has that fucking stopped you???
Technicat
U dont know the power of my moms
Ugh im getting shivers just thinking abt it
Never again
The Rock™
I get you bro
I get you
Technicat
Anyways that was all see u guys there :D
No one would describe Sabetsu as a lively town, but it currently looked as lively as it could get despite all of the crumbling, abandoned buildings and lack of upkeep of the streets. Banners were strung across functioning buildings, stands lined the main area of where the festival was going to be held, and people were rushing back and forth to finish the final touches for the big event. Although their initial planning was for a day, Izuku felt lucky that Principal Nedzu gave them the entire week. With the news of UA attending the festival, the locals went into a fervor and went above and beyond, making their stalls more extravagant than necessary. Plus, Nachan was dealing with her own problems on top of facilitating the whole event. She had a lot on her plate, and he couldn’t imagine the amount of stress she would be under if she only had a couple days to plan and execute the entire thing. (There was also that thing with her aunt that they were definitely going to talk about later, whether she wants to or not.) Maybe Principal Nedzu planned all of this?
Izuku wove that train of thought away. It doesn’t really matter, and he doesn’t want to think too hard about it.
To be honest, Izuku wasn’t that experienced with these festivals. With his work as Hermes and having to attend school, he couldn’t make time to attend. But last year, Nanako somehow convinced his mom, who was happy to let her son do something that would get him out of his room (not that she knew about the… vigilante thing), and his school, which was very concerningly easy to bribe, to let him “volunteer in an event to help promote awareness and develop community”.
Well, one of those things definitely happened.
WIth Sabetsu’s reputation, not many people knew of their traditions, yet they had a very tight-knit community with the city’s small population. It wasn’t something that Nachan really advertised either because it was an event that she wanted to keep local; inviting too many people might make them lose sight of the original goal: showing people that they aren’t their label. They are not useless. They are not villainous. They are not the scum of society everyone thinks they are.
They are human.
Izuku’s first experience being involved in the festival blew his mind. Despite how much Nachan described the event to him, he just thought of it as any ol’ festival that was celebrated on holidays. But Sabetsu’s festival was so much more. It was a place of community, a place of comfort, a place of safety. He’s never felt anything like this. Back home, quirks were the key to your place in society. Strong, heroic quirks were idolized, and weak, villainous quirks were discriminated against. Plus, that doesn’t even include the quirkless, which was a whole other level of rock bottom. Getting to know all of the citizens of Sabetsu was a kind of relief Izuku never knew existed. Everyone was discriminated against in some way; he wasn’t alone. He wasn’t the only one who had to give up on his dreams, had to suffer from the actions of bullies, had to find a will to move on and just live.
He was grateful he had met Nachan all those years ago.
Izuku had made plenty of friends at UA. He wasn’t really reaching out to people, but his classmates just had a way of drawing him into their social circles. It was the most friends he has ever had in his entire life.
Wow. That was a little depressing.
Nevertheless, he was excited for his two worlds to finally collide. Nachan, despite her seemingly social personality, is only truly open in places that she’s comfortable in. She didn’t really start opening up to Eraser and Detective Tsukauchi until they visited the café for the first time. Even then, it took a while for her to open up fully, and they have all known each other for years. On the other hand, his classmates have never really met Nachan as a fellow teenager. She was always the chat supervisor or Hermes’s partner-in-crime. Never just… Akimoto Nanako.
Akimoto Nanako was an enigma to most people. She was timid, loved cats, and could probably kick your ass if she wanted to. To the people of Sabetsu, she was outgoing, loved cats, and would definitely kick your ass if she needed to. To Izuku, she was his most trusted confidante, loved cats, and kicked ass with him. (She really, really loved cats. And kicking ass, apparently.) Yet despite all of this, Nachan cared for others above herself. That’s why she kept to herself: to protect those around her. But now, she had people to rely on, and Izuku was grateful she knew that.
Nanako was excited for this year’s festival. Not only was Izu helping again, but her other friends outside of Sabetsu were going to be there as well. She was excited for them to experience something so dear to herself.
Izuku’s friends were also coming! She hasn’t really met them outside of school, so she was interested in getting to know them better. These are people that Izuku trust, and she s glad that he finally found more people to rely on. Nanako knew that it wasn’t healthy to only have a small network of people to rely on. (She knew this from experience. Someone like Izu needed more people than herself to lean on.) Eraser and Detective were a nice start, but that’s only a connection made through a mask. Hermes was a façade Izu built to help others like them. The people who lost their will to live.
The people who wanted an out. The people who were rejected by society.
Like him.
Like herself.
Hermes was created to deliver a message. First, to deliver a message to the detectives to keep them out of Sabetsu. Then, to deliver justice to those the police overlooked. They didn’t plan for Hermes to become as big as he became, but Nanako knew that Izu always wanted to be a hero. Because of society and his quirklessness, he would never be able to fulfill that. So, she let him live his dream through the mask. She gave him all of her support because no one else would. She aided him in information gathering and training because she saw too many like him, and it never ended well.
At least this time it did.
HELP
Sent 2:58 am
Purrfection
Good luck :)
Insomnicat
What
The fuck
Eraser
What do you mean this time
Purrfection is offline!
I’m babey
Ah
It has begun
Insomnicat
What has begun????
Guys?
Detective
Go to sleep.
Now.
I’m babey
Yes sir
1-A Chat
Sent 5:00 am
Technicat
Good luck :)
Insomnicat
WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN
NANAKO
Broccoli Boi
You’ll find out uwu
Boom boom boy
GO THE FUCK TO SLEEP
Broccoli Boi
Oh you're awake?
Technicat is offline!
Pikachu
Should i be worried?
Insomnicat
Probably
I sure am
Hitoshi should have known something was off the moment Nanako sent those cryptic texts. Izuku seemed to know something as well, but he wasn’t budging at all. Not even the bribes of hero merch budged the ex-vigilante. The second sign that should have caught his attention was the insistence of taking the subway to Sabetsu. There were a lot of UA students going to the festival for the extra credit, so there’s no way in hell that the subway would be able to accommodate everyone. But Nanako insisted everyone take the subway for the “experience”. He’s walked to Nanako’s place before from UA; it’s much faster by foot because of all the stops the subway needed to make before. Even Nanako has said that using the streets was the faster (and better) option.
It wasn’t until after they got off the subway that Hitoshi finally became wary. They got off at the stop right in the heart of Sabetsu, which was the one stop that Nanako told him to never get use. It was apparently broken down from years of no maintenance. Everything was corroded, and the path to get out was dangerous and not straightforward.
All in all, it was not a good way to introduce Sabetsu to newcomers.
Yet here they were, exiting the subway train into the decrepit station. The very moment he stepped out of the train, he spotted a familiar tuft of green hair, maneuvering his way towards his friend.
“Oh! Hitoshi!” Izuku waved energetically.
He pulled Izuku into a headlock, his voice coming out as a whisper. “Why are we here?”
His friend just smiled, patting his back. “You’ll find out, you’ll find out…”
“What do you-”
All of a sudden, a shadow emerged from the darkness, its steps echoed throughout the area. The heroes and hero students got into a defense stance, wary of the new player in the room. “Well, well, well…” You could hear the smirk from their voice. “Look what we have here.”
Footsteps echoed in the vast space, the figure slowly leaving the darkness. “A bunch of lost heroes. What are you fools doing in a place like this?”
Aizawa-sensei glared at the mysterious person. “You know why we’re here, Takai.”
The other teachers turned to him in surprise. Did he know this unknown? Was it safe?
“Boo.~” The figure sighed and finally stepped into the light. Hitoshi let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. If Nanako wanted to send someone to pick them up, couldn’t she have done it in a less scary way? “Way to ruin the fun, Eraser. I thought this would totally fit your MO.”
The man in question just looked away, hiding behind his scarf. Hitoshi agreed with Takai.
“Anyways, let’s go!” Takai twirled and started walking the way he came from. “Nanako sent me as your guide. You better not lose me!”
“Through hell?” A random student muttered under their breath. “Cause it sure as hell looks like it.”
Another student scoffed. “Why do we have to walk through this dirty ass place anyways? I thought we were going to some dumb festival.”
More and more students started voicing their thoughts, mostly grumbling and complaining about their current location. Out of the corner of his eye, Hitoshi saw Takai shrug and smirk.
That was never a good sign.
Just as he expected, Takai took off, using the rubble around him to make his way up. Hitoshi swore under his breath as he followed Izuku, who started moving the moment their guide did. Aizawa-sensei was close behind them, and it didn’t seem any of the other people noticed.
“H- Hey!” A voice exclaimed, a little softer than expected because of their increasing distance with the people that came with them. “Where did that guy go?”
Takai just laughed and shouted loud enough so the lost students and faculty could hear him. “I told you not to lose me!”
Hitoshi was too concentrated on keeping up with the ex-vigilante and pro-hero to focus on the screams of despair coming from behind him. He knew how Nanako worked; it appeared her brother acted the same way. If his classmates weren’t at least a little on guard after Nanako’s creepy texts, that was on them. Hitoshi, on the other hand, was paranoid as fuck, and it seemed that he was right to be like that. Dodging falling pipes, parkouring across crumbling pieces of rubble, and even the occasional gang fights they just ran right through. The moment they reached Sabetsu, Hitoshi was going to kill Nanako. No hesitation.
It would be immediate death on sight.
“Welcome to-”
Nanako screamed as Hitoshi tackled her, sending both of them to the ground. “Say your last words, pussy.”
“Wait- Hitoshi-”
“You have five seconds before I kill you.”
“I warned you guys! He didn’t even do anything that bad this time!”
All of a sudden, someone hoisted the boy off of her. “This wasn’t as bad as last year Hitochan, so don’t kill her, okay?”
Hitoshi just hissed at Nanko from Izu’s hold, glaring at the traitor. “An actual warning would have been better.”
“Calm down, children. I know you guys are excited for the festival, but I don’t want anyone getting injured yet.”
Nanako nervously chuckled and got up off the floor, dusting herself off so Mom wouldn’t yell at her to get changed for the guests. “Sorry, mom. Just had a little too much fun with the newbies.”
It took a while for the rest of the UA students and faculty to get out of the maze that was the Sabetsu station. It broke down many years ago, and no one dared to come fix it up. The train still made its stop there, but no one ever got off. The people of Sabetsu didn’t mind the lack of newcomers, so they just never fixed it despite their capability to do so. Less people to worry about, Nanako guesses. Eraser must have stayed behind to help everyone navigate the decrepit jungle of wires and debris, which explains how they even made it to the city in the first place. Takai had arrived a long time ago and went to go find his boyfriend. Shortly after, Izu and Hitoshi arrived, causing the scene that just occurred.
“Yo, Eraser!” Nanako saluted to the exhausted hero with two fingers. “Glad you guys could make it!”
“I am going to kill you.”
She just laughed. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! You should have noticed my text.”
“Please ignore her, Eraserhead.” Mom patted her on the shoulder, a signal to stop messing around. “I’m glad you guys could make it safely.”
Nanako pointedly looked away. It wasn’t her fault Takai liked to mess with people as much as she did. It wasn’t even her fault! Her brother came like that!
“You guys should really get that fixed!” Present Mic shuddered. “So many bugs.”
Mom chuckled. “Most people know to get off at the stop before. Think of this as a sort of hazing from our resident troublemakers.”
“The trials of the Feeble Ruins must be undertaken by all newcomers.” A new figure made his way towards the group along with Takai. “Only the strong shall reap the benefits.”
“And the weak shall perish,” Nanako and Takai finished in tandem, nodding in agreement.
The crowd was silent. Was this… actually dangerous? Were they going to be able to survive?
“Now, welcome to Sabetsu!” Nanako announced once they made it to the entrance of Sabetsu. She threw her hands up in the air as she turned to face the crowd. “Home of the Discriminated, Land of the Villainous, you take your pick!”
“And this…” She paused for dramatics. “...is our yearly reach out festival! Anyone can come; we don’t discriminate against anything or anyone here!”
Crows cawed in the distance, filling the silence. Wow, weren’t these city kids rude? “You’ll have your normal festival activities, as well as some few local specialties. There’s just one rule.”
Her eyes closed as she smiled. “No personal questions unless prompted. If you do…”
She mimed cutting her throat with her hand. Everyone else shivered at the death threat. Nanako didn’t like killing, but sometimes death threats kept people in order. It was the most efficient and effective way to deal with those that fully trusted in society’s standards.
“And no fighting if you can help it, please.” Mom smiled similar to the way Nanako currently was. “We want to keep injuries to a minimum this year. Especially since we have so many guests.”
Everyone present nodded, even Nanako. Geez, Mom was way too scary. Maybe she would ask her to welcome the newbies next year…
Nanako cleared her throat. Focus, focus. She had a festival to lead. “Once you enter, there are maps you can pick up to your right. There are also plenty of maps posted around the area, so feel free to consult those if you’re lost. Other than that…”
The crowd gulped. What else was there?
“Have fun! Just a reminder, all proceeds go towards this city!”
With that, Nanako sprinted away. She glanced back at the dumbstruck heroes.
Oh, this was going to be fun.
Sleep is for the weak
Sent 4:00 pm
Purrfection
Y'all having fun?
Insomnicat
Well you’re obviously having a lot of fun
Purrfection
Ehe :3c
Detective
Yes I am, Nanako
I’m surprised more people haven’t heard of this before
I’m babey
Right????
Eraser
Oh we’re back here
I’m babey
But u guys know how discrimination is :((((((((
Purrfection
You would think advertising on my twt would be good enough 🤔
Eraser
Excuse me your what
Dabi
Damn y’all still haven’t found that out yet huh
Purrfection
AH
JUMPSCARE
Where have you been????
Dabi
dw bout it
Detective
He’s been helping me with some cases
I’m babey
Omg character development
I feel like a proud dad 😌
Insomnicat
What
Why
Dabi
I was bored
Detective
He actually came with me here
We can drop by the café and say hi
Purrfection
Uh
Hm
Yeah u know what sure
Eraser
Oh god what is it now
Purrfection
Nothing!
I’m just
Hanging out with shouto rn?
Haha
Dabi
Oh
Insomnicat
Oof
I’m babey
Ah
Purrfection
Maybe we can go on a walk?
Mom and mother won’t mind
I’ll just explain this to them
Eraser
No
You have work to do
That’s why ur in the café
Purrfection
Ugh ok dad
I’m babey
I can take him if you want!
Dabi
No no it’s fine
He probably won’t recognize me anyways
Purrfection
Um
About that
Dabi
No
Nanako stop
Purrfection
Now that his daddy issues are slowly being dealt with
He’s kinda mentioned his older brother?
And how he’s worried about him?
And maybe
Just maybe
That he thought my friend dabi looked familiar when i showed him the video of u cursing out endeavor when u were sleeping
Haha
:)
Dabi
Nanako
What
The
Fuck
Eraser
Wait i wanna see that
Purrfection
FUendeavor.mp3
Eraser
Do you just have that on hand
Why
Purrfection
Its funny
I’m babey
Wait dial it back for a bit?
So shouto actually remembers touya?
Insomnicat
I am going to go lie down in a pile of cats
U guys can figure this out
Peace
Insomnicat is offline!
Detective
Nanako
Purrfection
Okay hold the fucking horses
This just happened like last week
And i had festival stuff to do
I was gonn tell u guys after i wasn’t drowning under my work
*gonna
I’m babey
I mean that makes sense
Eraser
I know
And i don’t like it
Dabi
Can we please go back to the twitter thing
Purrfection
Oh right
No
Detective
So we can just meet up somewhere else, right?
I’m sure you can take a small break
How long have you been working
Purrfection
Uh
Let’s go back to the twt thing
Eraser
Akimoto Nanako
I’m babey
Nachan?
Purrfection
Mn
Don’t like this ~~~
Dabi
Hey
Don’t use me as a diversion
Answer the fucking question
Purrfection
Sigh
Like sixtyish hours
Maybe?
Detective
You are taking a break
Now
Purrfection
Maybe more
Oh ok
I’m babey
More????
Nachan why do u do this to urself
Purrfection
Well
Actually i’ll just kill two birds w one stone
Eraser
What the fuck does ur twt have to do w this
Purrfection
So basically
I was doing festival stuff
But also a new line of merch is coming up
So i had to finish some designs for that so uncle had something to show
Yeah
Ehe pls don’t kill me <3
I’m babey
GASP
YES
Detective
Wait
So when you said you got merch from your uncle…
Eraser
You’re actually working with your uncle
At the same company
And is the one who’s making the stuff
Purrfection
The designs at least
Uncle handles everything else
Dabi
Yeah her art twt basically brought me out of depression lol
She posts a lot about quirk discrimination
Detective
Wait so when your mom told me this festival was sponsored by that company
She’s basically saying you’re contributing your own funds to this?
Purrfection
I mean i would have to either way
The gvt doesn’t send us any funds at all
I just so happen to make a fuck ton of money
And i can give my uncle’s company a better rep now sabetsu’s getting more coverage
I normally wouldn’t advertise myself but…
Eraser
Nedzu introduced u as sabetsu’s rep and sabetsu’s becoming more known to the world
Got it
Everything’s clicking together now
Purrfection
Got it in one!
So we all chill now?
Detective
Nope
Are you taking your mandatory break yet?
Purrfection
Huh
Detective
I asked your mom
She gave me the go ahead to do whatever it takes to get you out of your room
Eraser
Anything?
Purrfection
Uh oh
IM GOING
HAHA WOW WHAT NICE WEATHER WE’RE HAVING
I’m babey
We can go hang out with my classmates!
Eraser
Take hitoshi with you
Purrfection
Roger that!
Oh wait i thought we were meeting up w detective and emo kid
Dabi
Fuck you?
I’m babey
Oh yeah!
We can do that first and then go!
Purrfection
What abt shouto
I kinda dragged him out here with me
Eraser
Wait
Were you with shouto the whole time?
Purrfection
Ye
We were talking about his conspiracy theories again lmao
Eraser
How the fuck-
I’m babey
You just learn not to question it eraser
It’s for ur sanity
Trust me
Purrfection
Honestly idk either
Im just good at multitasking i guess
Detective
So where do you guys want to meet up?
Purrfection
The ring
>:)
I’m babey
Vetoed >:(
Eraser
How about outside of the café
Since most of us are here anyways
Dabi
But what about shouto
Eraser
Right
We can send him to his classmates
Tell him we have some stuff to deal with
Purrfection
Hmmmm
I think i can do that
Sorry in advance
Eraser
What
No nevermind let’s come up with a different plan
Purrfection
Too late <3
Make ur way over detective
Detective
…
Sorry eraser but i’m glad that it’s not me
Eraser
Fuck you all
Despite being in the same place, Nanako was outside much faster than her friends. Eraser was too busy sulking over whatever possible thing she said to make Shouto go back to his classmates, and Izuku was trying to drag Hitoshi out of his cat haven. They were so slow that Detective and Dabi reached their meeting place faster than them. How sad.
“So,” Dabi leaned on her, an elbow resting on her shoulder. “What’d you tell Shouto?”
“Oh, just that I’d tell him about Eraser’s son tomorrow if he went back to his class.” Nanako smiled smugly. “I told him I needed to deal with some vigilante stuff, but I wanted to do something to make up for this. We were gonna hang out the whole day because he felt intimidated by the festival.”
He let out a laugh, slapping her on the back. “Good on you! I’ll make sure Eraser doesn’t kill you so hard this time!”
“What am I killing her for this time?” Eraser finally exited the building, a glare sent their way.
Detective just sighed and shook his head. “You’ll probably find out tomorrow. Let’s leave the manslaughter for another time, alright?”
“Aw!” Nanako pouted. “First no fighting, and now no manslaughter? You’re really softening on us, Detective.”
“I would have never allowed murder, Artemis.”
“Sure, sure, Naomasa.”
He wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Okay, don’t ever do that again. That was weird.”
“Eh?” She wiggled her eyebrow, facing Eraser. “Is it really, Shouta? I don’t think anything weird is happening.”
Everyone shuddered at that. “Do not ever call me by name like that again. That was too fucking weird.”
“Yeah, that was a little too weird for me too. I’ll stop.”
The door behind them burst open, Izu carrying Hitoshi by his armpits. “I finally got him! Let’s go!”
Hitoshi just groaned and let himself be dragged out of the cat sanctuary. Nanako chuckled and went to help his best friend, grabbing Hitoshi’s legs so they could move faster. “C’mon. I gotta do something in, like, three hours. Let’s enjoy this festival while we still can!”
Detective just raised his eyebrows at her. “I thought we agreed to no more work, Nanako.”
She waved his hand in dismissal. “It’s just a part of the festival; it’s fine. I’ve already done the preparation for it so I’m not actually doing any work.”
“As Sabetsu’s representative, she gives a speech during the middle of the festival!” Izu chimed in. “She’s already written it out, so it should be fine!”
“What do you mean ‘while we still can’?” Dabi questioned.
“Oh, that…” She just shrugged. There really wasn’t much to it. “The festival changes every year. Since everyone knows everyone here, they like to spice things up every year. This year’s a lot more civilized because they knew we were getting a lot of guests. Just don’t expect anything as organized as this if you ever come again.”
“This…” Hitoshi grumbled, finally standing on his own two feet. “...is organized? How bad does it get?”
Flashes of the past cross her vision. Gang wars, way-to-intense competitions, and lots and lots of fights.
There’s a reason why fighting is banned from festivals now.
Nanako’s eyes glazed over as she was hit with nostalgia. Izu pat her shoulder as she continued down memory lane. “Don’t question it, Hitochan. Don’t question it.”
Hitoshi didn’t want to admit it, but he was actually having a lot of fun. They visited a bunch of stands that Nanako recommended, and they were actually good. He was starting to get suspicious, but he decided to put it in the back of his mind and trust Nanako. For now. He knew something was up with Todoroki, but that was a problem for another day.
Hopefully never, but knowing Nanako it would be brought up eventually.
Eventually, Nanako left them to their own devices so she could get ready for whatever big speech thing she had to do soon. He could tell that she was nervous, but she was trying to play it off and seem normal.
Another thing to go to the back of his mind and figure out later.
Part of the reason why he was enjoying this so much, Hitoshi thinks, is that the games and activities were fair for everyone. He doesn’t know how they did it, but somehow quirks were rendered useless. Most games were luck based, and more permanent quirks, like mutation ones, were accounted for when calculating the final score. In the same way, the opposite was true. Everyone was accommodating of any type of quirk, whether it be physical or mental. No one was left out. Not even Dabi’s appearance could affect the natives.
It was nice to be treated as normal in a public place for once.
Another plus was that the traveling group he was with was acknowledged as “Nanako’s posse”. They got discounts, friendly waves, and oddly good luck in some games. They even got good recommendations of where to go next even after Nanako left. It was like the world’s oddest scavenger hunt because despite how good Nanako was at leading them, the natives decided to be as cryptic as possible when giving their directions to the next best booth.
Maybe it was a Sabetsu thing. That would make sense, considering everyone he knew from Sabestu was some sort of cryptid lurking in the shadows and acting as mysterious as possible at all times.
Once it hit three o’clock, everyone was ushered to the center of the event: a dilapidated fountain that probably should never be used again. In front of it, a simple wooden platform stood, surrounded by speakers and wires. This must be where Nanako was going to give her speech. She walked on stage, the crowd silencing as she made her way towards the mic at the center of the stage.
She hit it once, twice, three times before taking a deep breath, closing her eyes.
“According to statistics, studies have shown that about 20% of the world’s population is quirkless. If we assume the same of our country, that would mean Japan’s quirkless population would fall just over 525 million people.”
Hitoshi glanced at Izu, who was also looking at him. He just shrugged, so Hitoshi assumed the math was correct. It probably was if Nanako left it in.
“The real value is probably much lower than that, so let’s say our estimate is about… 500,000? Let’s use that as an example.”
The crowd booed, most angered over the misinformation. It couldn’t possibly be that low, could it?
“Taking into account Japan’s population proportionately to the global population, 500,000 is a high estimate. Even then, reality makes it seem even less. This city, my home, houses many quirkless people, and it seems like this is the only place you can find people of your kind. It feels like all 20% of the population is here, but that’s not possible. With a city population of approximately 500, our people don’t even scratch the surface.”
She took the mic off the stand and started to pace around the platform. “In a world so large, Sabetsu is one of the only safe havens for those discriminated against, and I haven’t even started on the other types of quirk discrimination. Yet, where are they? Where’s the rest of that 20%?”
“That brings me to this festival,” Nanako chuckles to herself. “‘Why are you bringing up the festival, Nanako? What does that have to do with discrimination?’ You’re probably thinking that, right? Fair, fair. It seems like there’s no connection to these two things. At least, until I explain the origins of this event.”
“You’ve probably heard of quirkless statistics. If you haven’t, look it up later. I’ll give you a quick rundown for now.” Another deep breath. Her hand is visibly shaky. “One in every three quirkless people have attempted to commit suicide, with 87% succeeding, according to my own research. If you’ve met a quirkless person before, there’s a very high chance they’re thinking about suicide. If not, then they’re severely depressed. That’s not even accounting for those with villainous quirks. As a way to distract these people from their inner thoughts, my parents, the previous representatives of this city, created this festival. They wanted to try and flatten the curve, even if only slightly. I’m not going to say the original name they gave this event because it’s stupid and dumb and no one else who knows it will speak of its name. You’ll be blocked if you do.”
A couple people chuckled at the joke. It was a nice attempt to lift the heavy atmosphere, but it barely made a dent. “I called this a reach out festival because, in a way, it is. People who have never heard of Sabetsu before this year are here, and now I get to shove my anti-quirkist ideals down your throats and ruin the festive mood for everyone. Yay!”
More people started to laugh as she ended that statement with jazz hands. Even Hitoshi let out a huff of amusement. “But more importantly, I- we want to spread awareness of what goes on under the blanket. That’s the reason why Takai leads you through the station no one uses anymore. That’s why everything here today was guided by luck instead of skill. That’s why no fighting was allowed so everyone could feel what it would be like to be in a world with no quirks.” Nanako paused and put a finger on her chin, just under her lips. “Okay, maybe not that last part. That was a lie. Fighting is banned for reasons that will never be brought up again. Or you can just ask Shuno. Tell him I gave you permission.
“But most importantly, it’s the best way to subtly spread the news of a shelter for those who need it. Yes, this is a reach out festival to educate people on the horrors society tries to hide from you. But it’s also a double-edged sword: people who relate to our message can finally find a place they belong."
Another deep breath and a shaky smile. Hitoshi was starting to get worried for his friend. “I know this isn’t the type of speech you were expecting me to make. The crackhead, happy-go-lucky Nanako you know is being serious? What happened to all of the memes and the self-deprecating jokes?”
Okay, Hitoshi had to at least acknowledge that with a snort. She really knew how to control the mood. “I know, I know. You guys didn’t come here for this. You probably came here for, like, extra credit. Understandable. So I’ll wrap this up with one thing I want to leave you guys with today.”
The pause felt like an eternity, everyone curious as to what the girl on stage was about to say. After her entire spiel, what else was there to say?
“Thank you.” Hitoshi blinked slowly in disbelief. What? “Thank you for attending this and listening to my speech. As Sabetsu’s representative, thank you for taking the time to learn more about us and our struggles.”
The crowd was stunned speechless. After all of that gloomy information, that heartfelt declaration… All of that to end with a simple sentence of gratitude? Hitoshi felt numb. There was way too much whiplash in the past fifteen or so minutes. What was he supposed to feel?
Relatable, because he experienced many of the symptoms she described?
Guilty, because he had a better life than those ended too soon?
Relief, because something was being done to help those in need?
But he knew Nanako, and he let his instincts take control. Joy, because a much needed message was being delivered. It didn’t matter what her words meant or what people interpreted it as. As long as something stuck, as long as something was learned in this place today, that was all Nanako cared about.
And with the abrupt ending to her speech, the anti-climatic end to a long climb, it worked. Everyone was so focused on what was to come next that it stumped them, causing them to think back to the rest of the speech. Why was she so grateful? What did they do that garnered such sincere thanks?
Izuku was right when he said Nanako was good with words. Even Hitoshi was feeling moved at the end of her monologue.
Nanako gave the same speech every year, but it didn’t really mean anything because no one new ever came. The first time Izu heard it, he tackled her at the end, bawling his eyes out like the crybaby he was. She didn’t think it was her best work, but everyone else digressed.
Apparently, it was the “best fucking thing to ever grace his ears” according to Dabi when she practiced with him. If even Dabi was moved, she counted that as a win.
For what, she didn’t know.
Maybe she was immune to her own words. If people saw the workings inside of her mind, others would also become numb to her words as well. At first, she was nervous. She liked talking, yes, but in front of such a huge crowd? It was, surprisingly, a first for her. She always worked in small groups, usually one-on-ones. Big groups were too intimidating for her typical clients, and Nanako wanted to make them feel as comfortable as possible. She didn’t want to undo any progress she makes in their makeshift therapy sessions.
At the end of the speech, the crowd was speechless. A new experience for her. Normally, the crowd would erupt into applaud, as they’ve heard it multiple times already. It would make sense, ending a long spiel with gratitude. She just spent a long time lecturing them about quirk discrimination and the history of the festival; it only made sense to thank them for their time. She didn’t like bringing down the mood, but this was a necessary evil so what came next would have a greater impact.
“And now,” Nanako continued, grabbing the attention of everyone present. “Let’s end this thing with a bang, yeah?”
Sleep is for the weak
Sent 7:43 pm
Dabi
Hey what the actual fuck
I’m babey
Fireworks!!!!
Last year was a water fight :D
Purrfection
Hehe >:3c
Insomnicat
I hate you
Eraser
Are the cats ok
Purrfection
Yeah
They knew what was gonna happen already
Mother is also watching over them
Detective
What a nice surprise, nanako
Does this happen every year?
Purrfection
Basically
We like to end things on a fun note
I was able to work w nedzu for this year though
So even BIGGER HAHA >:)))))))
Eraser
Ah
That makes a lot of sense
Insomnicat
Are we done
Can i go back to the cats
Purrfection
Ye
Go for it
Dabi
I should have expected something weird was gonna happen
That speech was a little too normal
Insomnicat
Normal?
You call that normal??????
Dabi
You know what
Fair
Eraser
You wanna lecture at UA
Purrfection
No
Dont u fucking dare
Detective
How about mini lectures at my station?
Purrfection
No
Denied
U bring them here next year and that’s all u get
Im a busy busy person
I’m babey
Gasp right
New merch on who
Purrfection
Hm
>:3c
I’m babey
NO
TELL ME PLS
Insomnicat
Right
This is a thing
Detective
New merch?
Purrfection
New designs equals new hero
I always tell izu to see if he wants some
But this time i keep it mystery 🙃
Eraser
It’s not me is it
Purrfection
Nope
U guys will never guess it
Dabi
[REDACTED]
Huh
Wow
I’m babey
Asdklfjas’f
TOUYA
TELL ME
US
I MEANT US
Insomnicat
U gUyS wIlL nEvEr GeT iT
Purrfection
Oh fuck off
Dabi
I saw her designing it lmao
Purrfection
TRAITOR
I knew something was off
U shouldn’t have gotten it so fast
Detective
So?
Who is it?
Eraser
I don’t think we’ll find out until it releases
Purrfection
Sigh
I want it to be surprise
A;lsdfkjasdlkg
Sorry
Didn’t mean to do that
Detective
Are you okay?
Purrfection
Mn
Tired
Sleebyyyyyyy
Eraser
Go the fuck to sleep
Purrfection
But cleanup
Insomnicat
I can’t believe i’m saying this
But go to sleep
You can’t even type properly
Purrfection
I don do thatt
Evr
I’m babey
>:(
Go!!!!!!
We can take care of everything!
Dabi
Your brother is reading over my shoulder
He said to listen to everyone and go the fuck to sleep
And i agree
Purrfection
Mrp
Fine
If u need anything ask takai or shuno
Or mom
Mother too busy
Or izu
He probably knows enough
I’m babey
Go! To! Sleep!
We got this covered!!!
Purrfection
I wilakdhfa;lskdhfsld;a
This is eraser
She’s in bed now
Detective
Ah
I was wondering where you went
Insomnicat
Welp
Gonna focus entirely on cats now that the nanako situation is done
Bye
Detective
Let’s just all go focus on the festival now, alright?
I’m babey
👍
I’ll be w my classmates!
Lmk if u need any help :)
Dabi
Sure
I’ll go to the café and chill i guess
Insomnicat is offline!
Detective is offline!
I’m babey is offline!
Dabi is offline!
Eraser is offline!
Sent 11:53 pm
Purrfection
Thanks guys
For everything
I…
I’ll be gone for a while
Sorry
I don’t even know why I’m telling you guys this
You probably won’t even see this until later because of cleanup
My aunt came to pick me up
I’ll be fine this happens every year
Sorry
I need to do this alone
Purrfection is offline!