Chapter 7: I'll Take You All On!
Tomura: Where is he? I went through the trouble of bringing so many friends who were eager to meet him. They want All Might. The great Symbol of Peace. I can't believe he's not here.
Tomura Shigaraki was annoyed. The intel they recovered said All Might would be here today, yet the big oaf was nowhere in sight. This was the worst! It's just like a raid in Destiny where after getting all the pawns for your fire team and fighting through mob after mob of enemies, the game suddenly glitches and you can't face the final boss.
But then, he suddenly got a great idea.
Tomura: Maybe if I kill a few kids, he'll come out to play.
As the army of villains walked from the portal, several were quickly picked off by blue plasma shots. Tomura looked at the source and saw a student wearing an admittedly cool costume, that kinda reminded him of All Might shooting at the villains with some cool-looking blasters.
Tomura: Such a cool-looking Quirk. And not hesitating to fire on the enemy. This kid's got balls.
Who was this kid?
From his position near the entrance, Optimus continued to fire on the Villains with his Ion Blasters. He managed to hit half a dozen before they wised up and started avoiding his shots.
Aizawa: Prime stop! You're only provoking them!
Optimus looked back at his teacher, who had pulled his yellow goggles over his eyes and had his scarf waving through the air. Optimus complied with the command and changed his hands back to normal.
Eijiro: Real villains? No way. How could so many of them show up here in a facility so secure?
Momo: Yeah, Thirteen. Why aren't the alarms going off?
Thirteen looked back at the students from her shoulder.
Thirteen: Good question. I'm not sure.
Optimus: If I had to guess, it may be they have either someone with a Quirk to disable the alarms or that they cut off the alarms before the attack.
Shoto: Is the entire campus under attack? Or is it just this facility? They chose to attack this isolated facility at an ideal time while class was starting. They're fools for starting this attack, but they've thought this out. Whatever their plan they must have a concrete objective in mind. But what is it?
Optimus: Agreed.
Optimus was impressed with Shoto's deductive abilities. He'd make a fine commanding officer.
All the other students gasped in fear at both Optimus and Shoto's words. Aizawa walked up to Thirteen.
Aizawa: Thirteen, get them out of here. And alert the main campus.
Optimus: I do not believe that would work, Mr. Aizawa. If they can block our sensors, they might be jamming our regular communications, too. Denki, see if you can use your Quirk to contact the school.
Denki was surprised by the order from his class rep but found no reason to argue as he got to work.
Aizawa was impressed by Optimus Prime once again. While the others were panicking about what to do, the Prime stayed calm and focused, thinking about the best way to handle the situation and who would be best for it. Like he knew how to handle situations like this.
Aizawa: "Has he been in situations like this before?"
Aizawa shook his head. He could figure all that out later. Right now he had even bigger problems to deal with as he looked out to the villains approaching.
Izuku: What are you going to do? You can't fight them on your own! There are too many of them. Even if you can nullify their Quirks, you're fighting style is not suited for this. Your power works best in stealth and one-on-one fights. That's not gonna help with a group.
Aizawa looked toward his student.
Aizawa: You can't be a pro if you only have one trick.
Optimus: And he is not alone.
Optimus declared as he transformed both his hands into blades. However, Aizawa held out his hand to stop the Prime in his steps.
Aizawa: Absolutely not! This is too dangerous for a student! Even one that's as skilled as you are! Don't get cocky just because you're the top student among the freshman!
Optimus: But sir, I can help!
Aizawa: I know, which is why I need you to look after your classmates. You're the Class Rep, they're your responsibility. Thirteen is strictly a rescue hero so she doesn't have much combat experience. Together, you two should be enough to protect them. Don't abandon them just to try and help me.
Optimus' mind flashed back to the early days of the war before he was made a Prime. When he had to leave a commanding officer behind to complete a mission or help a fellow soldier. and that usually resulted in their death, like Alpha Trion and Zeta Prime. But Aizawa was right. He was the class representative. He had a duty to see his classmates to safety. He only prayed to Primus that history didn't repeat itself today.
Optimus: Very well.
Aizawa nodded in thanks as he looked at Thirteen.
Aizawa: I'll leave it to you, Thirteen.
Aizawa then jumped into the fray and began to quickly dismantle multiple villains with a masterful combination of his own Quirk, his scarf, and martial arts. Optimus was greatly impressed with the man's skill. Seems this man did live up to the hype of a pro hero.
Izuku: Whoa. He's holding them off. I guess I shouldn't have underestimated him.
Optimus: Indeed. He truly is a pro-hero.
Tenya: This is no time to be analyzing you two. We have to go!
Both nodded and moved to rejoin the others as they made their way to the exit. Their way was soon blocked when the warp villain, Kurogiri appeared before them.
Kurogiri: There is no escape for you. It's a pleasure to meet you. We are the League of Villains. I know it's impolite, but we've decided to invite ourselves into this haven of justice to say hello. And besides, isn't this a fitting place for All Might, to take his last breath?
Many of the students gasped at his words. Was that this group's objective? To kill All Might? Such an idea seemed outright crazy to them.
Kurogiri: I believe he was supposed to be here today, and yet I see no sign of him. There must've been some sort of change in plans we could have not foreseen. Ah, well, in the end, I suppose it doesn't matter. I still have a role to–
PEW
He was cut off when a blue plasma shot hit him in his metal bracer, leaving a dent. Kurogiri's yellow eyes widened in shock. That bracer was made of some of the strongest metal on Earth, and one shot managed to dent it. He looked and saw the student who was shooting at Villains earlier.
During Kurogiri's monologue, Optimus spent the time analyzing his foe. He seemed to be a being completely made out of mist, making it hard to land a physical strike on his body. But as he was staring, his enhanced eyesight managed to pick up on a metal bracer around his body, hidden in the mist. As soon as he was done revealing everything Optimus could learn, he fired on the villain, striking true.
Optimus: I do not care who you are, or why you and your so-called League of Villains are here. But know this, since you threatened my classmates and teachers, expect no mercy from me.
Kurogiri's eyes narrowed at the student. This one had to be the most dangerous out of all the students, if not for his Quirk then for his reaction time. He wasn't acting scared like a majority of these children. He was acting like an experienced pro. He would need to get rid of him.
Kurogiri: You'll pay for your arrogance boy.
Thirteen was about to use her Quirk but Katsuki and Eijiro jumped in and used their Quirks to attack the villain, the former letting out an explosion that covered the area in smoke.
Eijiro: Did you think we were just gonna stand around and let you tear this place to shreds?
There was no response, but soon a voice spoke from the smoke.
Kurogiri: You truly live up to your school's reputation. But you should be more careful, children. Or else someone might get hurt.
Thirteen: You two get out of the way right now!
Kurogiri: I'll scatter you across this facility to meet my comrades and your death!
Optimus' eyes widened as he realized what the villain's plan was.
Optimus: Everyone sticks together and don't let go! No matter what!
But they were all too slow to act as Kurogiri enveloped them all within his mist. Optimus tried grabbing the closest person to him, but he was just a hair short of reaching them before things went black.
When the light returned, Optimus saw that he was in the air. He quickly braced himself and rolled on the ground as he landed. He took stock of his surroundings and saw that he was in the USJ's Forest area, alone.
Optimus: The others must be scattered around the facility. I need to find them quickly!
?: Worry about yourself brat!
Optimus turned and saw that he was surrounded by villains, all coming out of the trees into the clearing. by his count, there were more than a dozen here.
Villain 1: Just one? Given how many of us are here, I thought we'd have more.
Villain 2: Why's it gotta be a guy? Why couldn't have been a chick?!
Villain 3: I don't know what's so bad about that. He looks a bit handsome, for a hero student that is.
Villain 4: Who cares how he looks or if it's just one?! We have a job to do! So let's kill him!
This was bad. He was alone, up against at least a dozen hostiles, all with Quirks he didn't know how powerful they were. The situation looked dire, but Optimus had faced worse odds.
Optimus: Before we get started, let me ask you. Are you all sure you want to do this?
The villains all looked confused.
Optimus: You are already in a lot of trouble for breaking into a school facility. If you harm a student, you'll only face even harsher punishment from the authorities. Please stand down, for your own good.
That last comment seemed to anger the villains.
Villain 5: 'Our own good'?! Are you looking down on us brat?!
Villain 6: What'd you expect from a U.A. Hero student? They think they're better than everyone else.
Villain 7: I'll show him who's the better one!
Optimus sighed. Well, he tried to be diplomatic.
Optimus: Very well, just remember, I gave you the choice.
Villain 8: Enough talk! Let's just kill him and move on already.
Optimus turned to see a villain come from the trees to tackle him to the ground. The two rolled around before getting to their feet. Optimus struck the villain's face before the villain tackled him to the ground again. Optimus used the momentum however and flipped the villain over him, sending him into a tree, knocking him out.
Optimus: "One." Weak!
Optimus turned to see another villain advancing on him. He looked and saw a large, fallen, tree branch as thick as a log. He lifted the massive piece of bark up, it being no problem to carry thanks to his strength and slammed it down on the villain charging him, knocking him out.
Optimus: "Two." Puny!
He parried a punch to the head, striking the other villain's back, causing them to cry out in pain. He ducked under the counter before decking them in the head, knocking them out.
Optimus: "Three." Waste of flesh!
One threw a punch at Optimus, but the Prime grabbed his hand, transformed his hand into a sword, and stabbed him in the shoulder. The villain cried out in pain as Optimus removed the blade and elbowed him in the face, hard enough to break his nose and knock him out.
Optimus: "Four." Junkyard filth!
By this point, after seeing how one hero student managed to brutally take down four of the villains in less than a minute, the remaining villains decided it was time to jump in.
Villain 9: Come on guys! It's just a kid! We can take him!
Villain 10: Yeah! Let's kill him!
One villain, starting to regret coming here, tried to escape, but Optimus tackled him to the ground from the side.
He tried to deliver a backkick to free himself but Optimus caught his leg and then brought his elbow down on the knee, breaking his leg.
The villain cried out in pain before Optimus kneed him in the face, knocking him out. He then caught a villain who tried sneaking up on him. He punched them in the face before turning them around into a reverse headlock. He then delivered a kick to the face of another villain sneaking behind him before lifting the villain in his hands up and kicking them in the face, dislocating their jaw and knowing them out.
Optimus: "Six."
Villain 11: That's it! Rush him all at once!
Optimus, with his sword drawn, slashed at the chest of a villain, sending them flying. But a villain punched him in the face, sending him into the grasp of another. He elbowed the villain in the face, but the villain hand's sparkled with electricity, shocking Optimus' side before the Prime broke free.
Stunned by the electricity, the Prime was unable to defend himself from a Chainsawman as he slashed at Optimus several times with his chainsaw hands. A villain then came from behind and suplexed Optimus over them. As he was recovered, a villain delivered a spin kick to his face, which shattered his battle mask.
Optimus tried to get his bearings but was overwhelmed by several villains pelting him with projectiles. A villain then charged up a fireball and shot Optimus point-blank, sending him flying several meters away and crashing on the ground.
He propped himself up with his blade and spit out some blood.
Villain 12: Hero students like you make me sick.
Villain 13: Do you not know how hard it is for people like us to live normal lives thanks to this farce of society?
Villain 14: Isn't the promise of a better world not worth a single life?
Optimus took several deep breaths as he took note of his condition. His body was covered in dirt, ash, and blood (some of it his and most of it not), his costume had multiple cuts and tears, and blood was bleeding from his scalp. But he couldn't give up. Not now.
It was time he stopped holding back.
Optimus: You'll never stop at one.
He channeled the Energon in his blood throughout his body, causing his veins to glow blue momentarily before his eyes shined brighter. He then drew his second sword.
Optimus: I'LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!
Optimus went on the attack. For the next minute, he did not stop moving. Using Energon to enhance his speed and reflexes, Optimus weaved his way around the remaining villains, slashing and stabbing them. They all tried to rush him again, but he wouldn't allow himself to be overwhelmed as he fought back with all he had. He would throw villains into each other and use them to shield himself from their attacks before countering with his own.
It was then that the villains stopped facing a hero student, but instead, a warrior with eons of experience and skill under his belt.
He was careful not to kill any of them, but many of them were left with sword cuts and stab wounds. He didn't know how many he had taken down till he managed to come out of his adrenaline high, but he saw that there were four villains left.
He stabbed one in the leg, cut at their chest, then went for a stab in the shoulder. The villain hit back, but Optimus shrugged it off, soon sending them flying.
He then broke the arm of another so hard that if it was metal, he would have broken it clean of their body and used it as a clubbing weapon. But for now, he settles for using his fists to finish the job.
He then jumped up the shoulders of a large villain and held him in a sleeper hold. He tried to break free but Optimus held firm. Eventually, the villain drifted off and fell unconscious.
The last villain, a gecko man, was standing still, frozen in fear as he looked at all the bodies on the ground. They were alive, but that made it all the more scarier.
Who, or what, was this kid?! The boss never said anything about some crazy kid who was able to take on 20 villains at once! How the heck was he able to do that?!
Optimus: I will give you two choices. Either answer my questions truthfully or join your fellow villains on the ground.
The gecko man gulped as the student started at him with those bright blue eyes that sent shivers down his spine.
Gecko Villain: T-the boss! Shigaraki! He just recruited us all off the street! Said he had some plan to take out All Might! Most of us didn't believe him, but we just checked it out for fun. Then when he should us that bird head thing, Nomu, he called it, and said that it had multiple Quirks–
Optimus: 'Multiple Quirks'?
Optimus repeated, skeptical. As far as his research into Quirks showed, it was impossible that a person could have more than one Quirk. Sure there were those with a hybrid of their parents' Quirks, but that was just one combined Quirk, not two separate Quirks in one body. Could it be possible for someone to hold more than one Quirk? Also if you looked at him, he technically had two Quirks, be he wasn't a normal human either.
Gecko Villain: Yeah, I thought it was crazy too. But the guy said it was the real deal. What made it even more enticing was that he had it all planned out. Knew the schedule for when the students, how to get around the defense, all of it.
Optimus: How?
Gecko Villain: I don't know.
He flinched as Optimus' eyes narrowed.
Gecko Villain: Really man, I don't know?! He never told any of us the details! Just said we all needed to play our part and 'have a little fun with the brats' as he called it. Said we would be getting paid as soon as the job was finished.
Optimus: Is that why you are here? Harming innocent children and aiding in the death of a hero? All for profit?
Optimus asked with disgust evident in his tone. One of the kindof people he hated most in life were the ones who committed horrendous acts of death and destruction all just to satisfy their greed. It made him sick of how far people fall just to satisfy their lust for money.
And the gecko villain seemed to pick up on his anger.
Gecko Villain: H-Hey man it's hard for people like me to make ends meet. People shun those like me away because of what I look like! Something I had no control over. But I swear it's not about the money. I am just so sick of this society!
Optimus' eyes widen.
Gecko Villain: This society presents those with flashy powerful Quirks as infallible and worships them! But for folks like me, they look at us and see a group of freaks. Were just trying to live out our lives! Why should we have to suffer because of something we can't control?! It's not fair!
The Gecko Villain looked down, tears gathering in his eyes as he remembered all the unfairness he suffered throughout his life, all for something he was born with. He expected some disagreement from the hero student, but what he said surprised him.
Optimus: You're right, it isn't fair.
The Gecko Villain looked up in shock, surprised that a Hero student would agree with him.
Optimus: You, and many others in this world, have suffered many injustices for something you had no control over. No matter the circumstances, no one should be punished simply for who they are.
The villain was surprised to see someone sympathize with him, and a hero student at that. It was a first for the villain.
Optimus: However, that doesn't give you the right to attack innocent children. Regardless of the circumstances and how much you've been wronged, these children have done nothing to deserve harm. By attacking us and seeking to kill All Might, you prove all those people were right about you.
The Gecko looked down in thought at his words. He was right. He tried so hard not to be seen as a villain all his life, yet here he was, acting like one.
Before either could say anything, they both saw a bright burst of electricity coming from the mountain area.
Optimus: "Electrcity? Must be Denki's doing. If he is alone, then a burst of that much power will leave him vulnerable."
Optimus then began to move to head to the mountain area, but the Gecko Villain called out to him.
Gecko Villain: H-Hey! Where are you going?!
Optimus: To help my classmates.
Gecko Villain: Y-You're just going leave me here?! Isn't this supposed to be the part where you knock me out after interrogating me?! I've played the Arkham games! I know how these things go!
Optimus looked back to the Gecko Villain with an unreadable expression.
Optimus: I have no idea what these Arkham games that you speak of are, but why would I knock you out? You answered my questions honestly. And so far you haven't attacked me or my fellow students at all. Therefore the only crime you have is breaking into this building, and I see it as you were more coerced into coming along. And besides, I have lived long and seen enough to tell when someone is truly evil, and you are not.
The Gecko Villain was shocked. He couldn't tell if this hero student was that optimistic or that naive.
Optimus: However.
The Gecko flinched as he felt an ominous aura coming from the student. The pressure he was feeling from this student was unlike any he'd felt before.
Optimus: Should you ever lay your hands on the innocent will ill intent ever again, you will live long enough to regret it. Is that clear?
The Gecko stood at salute.
Gecko Villain: C-Crystal, sir!
Optimus nodded before he transformed his feet and used the wheels to get to the mountains faster. A minute after he left, the gecko, Shuichi Iguchi, let out a sigh.
Shuichi: Man, I thought he was gonna kill me. These hero students keep getting crazier and crazier. Well, I better bail before things get worse.
Momo Yaoyorozu was careless.
She had thought that by having Denki use his 1.3 Million Volts attack, she would be able to protect both herself and Kyoka with an insulated blanket while his attack knocked out all the villains. And it had worked spectacularly!
But she failed to account for the possibility that one of the villains had their own electricity Quirk, making them immune to Denki's attack. And so when their guard was down, the villain, Tesla, sprung, capturing Denki and putting both herself and Kyoka in a bind.
Kyoka was currently trying to distract Tesla so she could create something, but the villain quickly called the rocker's bluff, putting his hands closer to the blonde's head threateningly. Momo was beginning to panic. She needed to come up with a plan or else Denki was going to die!
?: Enough!
Everyone stopped and looked up to see someone standing up on the mountaintop behind the girls, the sun was shadowing his features, but it soon subsided and revealed the newcomer, causing the three hero students' hearts to flutter, none more so than Momo's.
Momo: Optimus?!
Indeed, Optimus Prime himself was here, looking down at the three from his vantage point. He soon jumped down and skidded along the wall of the mountain and landed in between the two girls. He looked at both of them with concern.
Optimus: Are you two alright?
Kyoka: We're good Prime.
Momo: Y-Yes, all good with us.
Optimus: I'm glad to hear it.
He said with a relieved smile before turning serious as he faced the villain holding Denki hostage.
Optimus: Stay back you two. I will handle things from here.
Momo: Wait! We need to think this through! One wrong move and Kaminari will–
Optimus held up a hand to cut her off.
Optimus: You have done well Momo, as have you Kyoka. Now rest, and leave everything to me.
His words succeeded in calming her down and she nodded, trusting her Class Rep.
Optimus then walked forward towards Tesla and Denki. Tesla then held to Denki tighter as his hands sparked threateningly with electricity.
Tesla: Don't take another step forward, or I fry this kid's brain.
Optimus did as was asked and stopped 10 meters away from the villain.
Optimus: Denki, are you alright?
The blonde, who had recovered from his dumb state a bit before Optimus arrived answered.
Denki: Yeah, I'm just peachy Prime. Just great having my life threatened by a guy holding me hostage! How are you?!
Optimus: I am fine, thank you for asking my friend.
If Denki could move, he would have faced fault. Did their class rep not understand sarcasm?
Tesla: Hey, why are you two having a conversation when I'm holding this brat here as a hostage?!
Optimus turned his gaze to the villain and Tesla flinched at his gaze. His bloodied costume, and broken-up mask, along with his piercing blue eyes, sent shivers down the villain's spine.
Optimus: What is your name?
Tesla: Huh?
Optimus: I asked what is your name?
The villain hesitated for a moment before answering.
Tesla: I'm Tesla.
Optimus: I see. Then please Tesla, let my classmate go and surrender peacefully.
Everyone seemed shocked by the proposal. The girls were wide-eyed. Did their Class Rep seriously expect a villain to let their classmate go and surrender just because he asked nicely? Denki had an 'I'm doomed' face. Tesla just threw his head back and laughed.
Tesla: Y-You hero course students sure are funny! Y-you think I'll throw away my only bargaining chip just because you asked?!
Optimus: I wasn't asking.
Optimus' eyes narrowed.
Optimus: Let Denki go. Now.
Tesla gritted his teeth.
Tesla: You must be misreading this whole situation here you brat! I hold all the cards! You brats can't do anything else I hurt your friend! And in a few moments, my pals will wake up and you'll be surrounded again, this time without this little sparkling to do anything to save you! Face it brats! I won!
Optimus: You would do your best not to underestimate 'sparklings'. There is more to them than meets the eye. And your eyes are completely blind it seems.
Tesla: Huh?
Optimus: Did you not realize that in being so hasty with your actions, you ended up capturing the one hostage that serves no benefit to you?
Tesla: What's that supposed to mean?
Optimus: If you truly were smart, you would have grabbed either Momo or Kyoka. But instead, you grabbed the one person here who is immune to your Quirk.
Tesla seemed to freeze at that.
Tesla: W-What do you mean?
Optimus: You were able to resist Denki's attack because you have an electric Quirk, the same as him. So it stands to reason that he too will resist your attacks. Isn't that right, Denki?
Denki's eyes widened. It was true that he could use his Quirk to absorb Electricity, but he'd never tried it with another's Quirk before. But Tesla didn't know that, so he put on a cocky smirk as he looked back at the villain holding him.
Denki: You goofed up real bad here, buddy, taking me. You put the great name Tesla to shame with how stupid you are.
Kyoka: You both do.
Kyoka said that under her breath.
Tesla: Shut it brat! And you! Don't think I can't see what you're doing! You're bluffing!
Optimus: Am I?
The tension in the mountain became so thick you would need the Star Saber to cut through it. Tesla began trembling as sweat began to go down his brow. He stared at the student, hoping to see any sigh of a bluff, but Optimus' expression was stone cold and unmovable, much like a statue.
Tesla: I may have goofed up taking this kid... but I can make up for it by frying you, brat!
He then threw Denki to the side and fired an arc of lightning at the Prime. Optimus simply dodged it by tilting his body to the side and bringing up his Ion Blaster, fired. The blue bolt of Energon flew in the air, hitting Tesla in the head, and knocking him out.
Now that the immediate threat was over, the girls let out a sigh of relief while Denki shot his hands in the air while cheering.
Denki: WHOO! That was awesome! Just like in one of those old American movies called Westerns. Man Prime, how do you keep getting more and more awesome?!
Optimus: It was not my intention to appear awesome Denki. I was merely trying to do my best to help you out.
Denki: Heh, whatever you say big guy. "Just hearing you act all humble makes you appear even more awesome."
Momo: Still, I must admit, that was impressive. You handled the situation perfectly, like many of our other scenarios.
Optimus: I am used to such situations and know how best to act to save Denki without injuring anyone.
His classmates looked at him in shock. How the heck would a kid their age be in enough hostage situations to know how to act?
Kyoka: Ignoring that comment briefly, how are you doing Prime? You don't look so good yourself.
It was true, now that things had calmed down the three took notice of Optimus' damaged costume, as well as the blood on him, some of which wasn't his own.
Optimus: I ended up in the forest area when that villain transported us all around the U.S.J. There I ran and had to contend with several villains alone.
Denki: Really? How many did you fight? Two, three, four?
Optimus: To be honest, I lost count after the dozenth.
The three were shocked. They all knew Optimus was strong, Momo especially, but to hear he took on more than a dozen villains by himself was amazing!
Optimus: But that's enough about me. What's the situation here? Are any of our comrades here as well?
The three were taken aback by Optimus' shift in tone. The way he was talking, was almost like a general commanding his troops. But Momo recovered enough to recap.
Momo: We three arrived here after we were separated at the entrance. It was just us. We encountered a group of around twenty villains. We held them off for as long as we could but seeing as we were about to be overwhelmed, I proposed a risky plan. I created an insulated blanket to protect both myself and Jiro while Kaminari used his widespread discharge attack to knock all the villains out. It worked. However, I failed to account for a villain having an electric Quirk, thus being immune to Kaminari's electricity. We let our guard down and he took Kaminari hostage. We remained in a stalemate before you showed up.
Momo then tilted her head down in disappointment at her failure. However, she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Optimus looking at her with such gentle eyes.
Optimus: You have done well Momo. Despite the odds being against you, you found a way to eliminate a majority of the threats without incurring harm to yourself or your classmates. That is the mark of a hero. Do not let your failures overshadow your victories. Instead, use them as a learning experience. And that goes for you two as well.
Kyoka and Denki straightened up when he addressed them.
Optimus: Always be on your guard around an enemy, even one who has surrendered or is incapacitated.
The three then nodded in understanding.
Optimus: Good. Now, let's see what is going on in the rest of the U.S.J. Momo, can you please make me a pair of binoculars? Then with Kyoka and Denki, tie up the villains so that when they awake?
Momo: Understood.
Momo quickly created the binoculars and handed them to him before moving with Denki and Kyoka to tie up the villains. Optimus then brought the binoculars to his eyes and looked throughout the U.S.J. for his classmates. He spotted a large, recently created, ice field over at the landslide zone with villains trapped inside the ice. Must be Shoto's work, good to know he's okay.
He then checked the shipwreck zone and saw a massive whirlpool suddenly dragging all the villains in. He also caught said of what appeared to be three siloutes flying through the air. Given the power behind that Whirlpool and the jump they must've made, Optimus suspected it must be Izuku and Tsuyu, along with someone else but given the size and shape of the silhouette, he guessed it was Minoru.
He couldn't see any other signs of his classmates who may have been scattered, so he checked the entrance and saw much to his relief that Tenya managed to escape, but it looked to be that Thirteen was badly injured. That's wasn't good. Thankfully Mezo, Rikido, Hanta, Mina, and Ochaco were checking up on her. The warp villain who separated them, Kurogiri, also disappeared, believing since he failed to keep a student from escaping, he had no place here. He must be heading back to the ring leader.
Optimus then looked down at the plaza where Eraserhead was fighting off villains. He was holding his own, but Optimus was able to see he was beginning to slow down. He must be getting tired. He saw that the ringleader, Tomura Shigaraki, was just standing off to the side with that creature, Nomu that Gecko villain called it, standing by. It must be waiting for orders to attack. If what that Gecko said about that thing being made to kill All Might and having multiple Quirks was true, then Eraserhead wouldn't stand a chance alone. It was then Optimus knew what he had to do.
Momo: Optimus. We managed to tie all the remaining villains up, we even used non-conductive material and reinforced the bonds with titanium to keep them from breaking easily should the villains wake up.
Optimus: Good thinking Momo. Gather around, I will explain the situation around the U.S.J.
The other two arrived and the four got together.
Optimus: I have found that two groups of our classmates have separated like us. Shoto, it seems, was sent to the Landslide zone by himself, but he managed to neutralize all the villains there. Izuku, Tsuyu, and Minoru ended up in the shipwreck zone and just managed to escape the villains. I was unable to find any trace of Katsuki, Eijiro, Mashiro, Fumikage, Koji, or Toru, though given that last one, I doubt anyone would be able to find her. I also saw that Tenya managed to escape the U.S.J.
That last bit of news caused the three to sigh in relief.
Denki: That's a relief. Now all we have to do is wait for the teachers and Pros to show up and everything will be alright.
Optimus: I fear it is not that simple Denki.
That caused the other three to tense again.
Optimus: Thirteen appears to be heavily injured. Plus given the state I saw Mr. Aizawa in, it seems he won't last long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Plus, there is that creature, the Nomu.
Kyoka: Nomu? What the heck is a Nomu?
Optimus: I interrogated one of the villains who attacked me. He told me the plan was to come here to kill All Might. And they were going to use that creature, the Nomu, to do it.
Denki scoffed dismissively.
Denki: Yeah, good luck with that! He's All Might for crying out loud! No way some birdhead brute is gonna be able to take him down!
Kyoka: I can't believe I'm saying this but I agree with the idiot. No way they stood a chance of winning if they came to kill All Might.
Optimus: I would not be certain of such a claim Kyoka.
Momo: Are you saying All Might would lose to this... Nomu?
Such a thought, All Might losing to a villain, it was as terrifying as it was unbelievable. He was the Number 1 Hero. To think he could lose to a villain was just, unthinkable.
Optimus: I am not certain. What I do know is that no one is invincible. And that these villains, despite being bold and reckless in attacking us in this facility, are no fools. They planned this out well and only experienced a setback since All Might isn't here at the moment. Plus what that villain said about the Nomu concerns me.
Denki: What'd he say?
Optimus: He said the Nomu had multiple Quirks.
The three looked shocked and confused at such an idea.
Kyoka: Multiple Quirks? How is that possible?
Momo: It shouldn't be. No one person can hold more than one Quirk. Even those like Todoroki, who seems to have two Quirks of fire and ice, its just two halves of a whole Quirk. No person could hold any more than one Quirk.
Optimus: That's what I believed as well, but this villain seemed convinced of such an idea. And if it is indeed true, then it stands to reason this villain could have been given Quirks specifically designed to combat All Might.
Kyoka: Then that means... if All Might went against that... thing... he might... lose?
Optimus: It is possible, yes.
The three soon felt a pit form in their stomachs. Their society's Symbol of Peace. The Number 1 Hero who saves everyone with a smile on his face, could die if he goes up against that creature.
Optimus: This leaves us with only one option.
He then turned to the three and declared with absolute confidence.
Optimus: The Nomu must be destroyed!
The three balked in shock at his statement.
Denki: Are you insane?! Did you hit your head in all that fighting, Prime?! You just told us how even All Might might die against that thing?! And you want us to fight it?! You got a death wish or something?!
Optimus: While it is true that a task may seem impossible, there is something that can guarantee our victory.
Kyoka: What? Praying?!
Momo's eyes widened in understanding as she gasped. Everyone looked at her.
Momo: If what you said about the Nomu being made to counter All Might's abilities is true, then that creature was made to specifically fight someone of All Might's capabilities. Meaning that if it engages against someone other than All Might, it finds itself at a disadvantage.
Optimus: Exactly! In being made a weapon to fight All Might, the villains turned the Nomu's greatest strength into its greatest weakness. Against someone who is not All Might, it will have less chance of victory.
Denki: So you want us to go down there and take on that giant behemoth that looks like it can snap me in half with just its pinky finger?!
Optimus: No.
His answer surprised the three.
Optimus: I would never ask you three to risk your lives unnecessarily, especially after going through a harrowing experience like this. I will deal with the Nomu.
Momo: No you can't!
Momo shouted in distress.
Momo: You're already injured from your fights! You must be exhausted as well after fighting so many villains. Plus, if that Nomu does have multiple Quirks, you have no way of knowing what those Quirks are, and if they can counter your abilities. It would be suicide!
Optimus: Perhaps. However, I cannot stand by when someone else walks into a trap and I did nothing to try and help them.
The three looked at him in awe of his words.
Momo: Then let us help you!
Both Denki and Kyoka looked at Momo as if she was crazy for volunteering them for this suicide mission.
Momo: We may not be able to help much in a physical sense but we can provide support. Kaminari with his electricity, Jiro with her sonic attacks, and I'm sure I can–
Optimus: No.
She looked shocked he would deny her help.
Momo: What?! Why?! You need all the help you can get!
Optimus: Most of our classmates are still scattered across the U.S.J. I want you three to rendevous with the ones at the entrance and work to locate the missing students and guide them back to the entrance safely. Kyoka can help look for others with her Earphone Jacks. Denki can use his Quirk to protect everyone should a villain get too close. And Momo, they need a leader there to guide them, and since you are the Vice Rep, they will look to you.
Momo looked away. He made good, logical points, but still. To leave him alone while he faces a monster that's capable of killing All Might.
He then placed a hand on her shoulder and she looked into his eyes.
Optimus: I'll be fine Momo. I ask this of you because I trust you. I trust you two as well. So please, trust me.
Momo looked into his eyes. She could see the confidence and reassurance in those two blue orbs.
Momo: Okay. But you better come back alive. I don't want to lead this class alone.
Optimus: I will. I promise.
Optimus then turned and ran towards the plaza. Momo took a few moments watching him leave, a hand over her heart in a silent prayer.
Momo: "Please be safe."
She then looked over to Denki and Kyoka, her expression one of determination.
Momo: Let's go.
Izuku Midoriya had never been so terrified in his life.
Sure he's been scared plenty of times, mostly by Katsuki's threats of blowing him to bits, but he knew his former childhood friend would never go that far. He was also scared of the robots, and when those villains attacked him, Tsuyu, and Minoru in the shipwreck zone, they managed to get out with no big problems.
But now, seeing his teacher, Mt. Aizawa, the Pro Hero Eraserhead, being held to the ground by such a monster, having his skin decay that it showed muscle was terrifying to watch. Seeing someone so strong like Eraserhead suffer at the hands of a villain sent a cold shiver down his and his friend's spines from their hiding place in the water. This was the cold reality of hero work.
Eventually, the warp villain Kurogiri appeared and mentioned that one of the students managed to escape. The three sighed in relief. That meant help would be coming soon. The villains even talked about leaving. But then, the leader, Tomura Shiaragki stopped.
Tomura: Oh, before we leave, let's make sure the Symbol of Peace is broken.
He then turned their way and stared at them.
Tomura: Let's wreck his pride.
He moved in the blink of an eye, suddenly in front of Tsuyu, hand outstretched and centimeters away from touching her face.
Tomura: Let's make this hurt.
Izuku felt helpless, he was standing right there, right next to her, and he could do nothing as death approached her. His fingers touched her face...
...And nothing happened.
Tomura: You really are so cool... Eraserhead.
Indeed, despite being held down by the Nomu, Eraserhead managed to bring his head up and use his Quirk to erase Tomrua's abilities. The Nomu then smashed his head into the ground, deactivating his Quirk.
Izuku moved instantly as he jumped from the water and moved to punch Tomura.
Izuku: "Crapcrapcrapcrapcrap! This guy's clearly different from the ones we fought before! I gotta get him away from Asui and get us out of here!" Get away from her! Now! SMASH!
He threw his hand, charged with the full power of One For All. The Smash connected and sent a shockwave throughout the U.S.J. sending nearby villains flying. Izuku then looked at his hand and saw that unlike before, it wasn't broken.
Izuku: "It isn't broken. No way, after all that training, I finally managed to use One For All without hurting myself. All right!"
As the smoke cleared, Izuku froze in horror as he saw it wasn't Tomura he struck, but the Nomu, he didn't even look damaged. It was at that moment that Izuku remembered Tsuyu saying that the villains had a way of killing All Might. Was this what they were planning on using?
Tomura: You're pretty powerful. This 'smash' of yours... Are you one of All Might's disciples? Doesn't matter. I'm done with you now. Nomu.
Nomu filled his command and held Izuku in his arms while Tomura moved to place his hands over Tsuyu and Minoru's faces. The Nomu began to bring the hand on Izuku's face to crush him.
Is this how it ends? After all the hard work he put into getting into U.A.? Training to master One For All? This is how it ends? With him unable to save his friends? How much more of a failure could he be?
PEW! PEW!
The sound of blaster fire shocked everyone as Tomura moved away from both Tsuyu and Minoru as blue plasma beams rained from the sky. Izuku looked up to see air to see Optimus in the air with his blaster drawn.
Izuku: Optimus!
Optimus then shot a blast at the Nomu's hand, causing him to drop Izuku. Izuku moved to scramble away from the villain, the same with Tsuyu and Minoru. Optimus then landed between the three of them and the villains, standing protectively in front of them.
Optimus: Izuku, Tsuyu, Minoru, are you all alright?
Izuku blinked several times before he was able to answer.
Izuku: Y-Yeah.
Minoru: Nice timing OP! That was like an action movie entrance!
Tomura: Who the heck is this loser?
The four students looked at Tomura glaring daggers at Optimus, angered at being interrupted from killing the students.
Tomura: You must have balls of steel along with those metal hands. You got in the way of my fun.
Optimus: You should be relieved I only desired to keep you away from my classmates. If you weren't human, I would have aimed for the head. And I wouldn't miss it.
Tomura's eyes narrowed with hatred. This brat was different from the others. While the three cowered in his presence like they should, this kid didn't even flinch. His eyes and body language don't even show a hint of fear. And that pissed him off!
Tomura: Change of plans. Nomu! Bring me this brat's head!
Nomu complied, charging Optimus. The Prime pushed Izuku and the others out of the way, bringing his arms up in an 'X' and transforming them to their Cybertronian form to block.
The Nomu's hit connected and Optimus felt his whole body shaking from the impact as he was thrown back, his feet tearing apart the ground before coming to a stop. He looked at his arms and his eyes widened as they saw the metal was significantly dented! A Cybertronian's metal skin was some of the hardest known material in the universe, so for this creature to be able to dent it so badly was shocking to the Prime. Thankfully they didn't break.
Izuku: Optimus, look out!
Optimus looked up and saw the Nomu was on him again. Not willing to risk his arms breaking by blocking another attack, Optimus barely managed to dodge a punch to his face. The graze caused a cut on his cheek. He punched the Nomu in the stomach, but the beast didn't flinch. He ducked a swipe to the head and slashed with his sword.
Optimus was about to stab the Nomu but stopped when he noticed something about the blood on his blade. No normal person could pick it up, but with Optimus' enhanced eyes, he saw it.
Energon.
The Nomu had Energon in its blood!
Before Optimus could ponder that any further, he brought up his sword to block the punch from the Nomu. The Nomu's fist shattered the Energon Sword and struck Optimus in the face, sending him flying back. He rolled and tumbled before stabbing the remains of his sword into the ground to stop himself.
Tomura: You're still alive?!
Tomura asked with disbelief before he raged.
Tomura: How can you still be alive?! The Nomu was specifically created to kill All Might! So how are you still alive?!
Optimus spit out some blood from his mouth. He took note of several phrases, such as 'specifically created'. That confirmed that the Nomu must've been artificially created, and Energon was used in the process. But how? And who?
Optimus: You just answered your question. The Nomu was specifically designed to fight against All Might. However, I am not All Might.
Tomura's eyes narrowed at the Prime.
Tomura: And who do you think you are, you brat?
Optimus stood up straight, his body posture expressing confidence and strength as he declared his next words.
Optimus: I am Optimus Prime. First-Year Student at U.A. High School. Class 1-A's Representative. And if you wish to harm my fellow students and teachers...
He then formed a new sword as he got into a stance.
Optimus: ...You'll have to go through me, first.
Tomura was impressed. This kid really did have balls of steel. He was going to enjoy watching him squeal.
Tomura: Nomu! Kill!
The Nomu roared a fearsome roar, the ground trembling because of the noise, but Optimus stood firm, his expression confident as he prepared to fight this monstrosity.
BOOM
The loud noise caused the Nomu to cease its shouting as it, along with everyone else in the U.S.J., looked toward the entrance.
Smoke had covered the broken-down door as a large silhouette entered through the frame. The students at the Entrance all soon broke out into wide grins as they realized who it was that had come.
All Might: HAVE NO FEAR STUDENTS. I AM HERE.
All Might, the Number 1 Hero, the Symbol of Peace himself, was indeed here, dressed in a white shirt and tie, along with khaki pants. And he wasn't smiling.
Minoru: Look! We're saved!
The purple midget cried with sheer relief.
Tsuyu looked dumbfounded.
Tsuyu: Ribbit.
Izuku himself was in awe. He almost couldn't believe it was real. That he was here right now. But he was. This was real.
Izuku: He's here... All Might...
Optimus himself was surprised by the hero's appearance. But soon he smiled as well.
Optimus: Excellent timing, sir!
Tomura Shiagaraki was excited. Finally, the final boss had arrived.
Tomura: Ah, looks like the game can continue.