Chapter 51: Stars and Shields
Ochako's quiet giggles carried over the soft splashing of water as the small log boat rocked in the dark sawmill ride tunnel. Izuku's fingers brushed against her tummy, tickling her like feathers. Wanting a firmer touch, Ochako moved her hand over his so that both were under her shirt. Ochako's giggles lowered into a heated moan as she used her hand and guided Izuku's hand up towards her—
Beep!
Beep!
Beep!
Ochako didn't smash her clock as she rolled and silenced the alarm, but she was damned close. No, it got a reprieve since the dream hadn't gotten too steamy. Rolling out of bed, Ochako went about getting herself ready since her ride was going to be showing up any minute now. Throwing on her summer uniform, Ochako looked herself over, before she pressed a hand over her stomach, trying to quiet the jitters and butterflies she had been dealing with since last night.
Because she was going to be picked up by All Might to swing by Izuku's house—the boy she was head over heels in love with—so that they could get on a plane, fly out to an island that probably fit better in a science fiction movie than real life, that Izuku—again, the boy she was maddeningly in love with—wanted to take her on a date at. Her first date was going to be on a faraway island, staying in a private hotel, so she could go to an amusement park being held at an expo that people from around the world were going to attend. Topped off with a fancy reception and dinner that was going to give her another chance to get dressed up. And during this whole thing, she was expecting Izuku to confess to her.
So yeah, she was just a little nervous.
What if he wants to kiss too?
Ochako scrambled over to her patchwork suitcase and started checking the side pockets, sighing when she found the mint gum she had stashed inside. "Okay… Okay, I remembered…"
The last time the two had been dressed up, Ochako had let slip a chance to finally get to feel Izuku's lips against hers. She was not going to let that happen a second time.
"Alright. This is happening." Ochako's face started heating up. "This is actually… happening. I'm… on the ceiling again…" Ochako grumbled as for what seemed like the hundredth time, she had accidentally floated herself due to her own embarrassment and nervousness. With her back softly bouncing off the ceiling, Ochako rubbed her brow, wondering if there was anyone else in the world more scatterbrained than her right now.
"AHHHHH! WHERE IS IT?!"
Said 'more scatterbrained' Izuku was running around the Midoriya apartment like a chicken with its head cut off, desperately trying to make sure he had everything packed, by unpacking everything he had packed up last night and redoing it. But since said unpacking meant he was throwing things all over the place, stuff ended up getting lost.
While this comedy of errors was going on, Eri was drinking her morning apple juice and Inko was sipping on her coffee as she walked around and magically found all the things Izuku was sure had disappeared into a black void.
"Oh no, oh no I can't find my costume suitcase! Oh, I'm going to get expelled!"
Eri let out a giggle as the sofa she was sitting on was lifted up in the air when Izuku crouched down to see if the case had somehow slipped underneath.
"Izuku," Inko said, trying her hardest not to laugh, "isn't All Might bringing that when he picks you up?"
"…Oh, right." Sheepishly, Izuku put the couch back down and took a second to take a breath and collect himself. "I guess I'm a little nervous."
"A little?" Inko teased before putting down her cup and walking over to Izuku and putting her hands on his shoulders. "Stop worrying so much. Everything is going to be fine."
"I just…" Izuku rubbed his arms. "I just want to make sure everything goes perfectly. And that can't happen if I end up forgetting something here."
"Izuku, the two of you are going to an island together. You're whisking her off to a whole different world. Forgetting to pack socks isn't going to mess that up, alright?" Inko smiled as she reassured Izuku. "Now, let's get everything put back away. I'm sure All Might and Ochako will be here any moment."
As Izuku started to calm down, Eri pulled herself to the edge of the couch and looked down. "Where are your shoes, Izuku?"
Izuku blinked, looked down at his sock covered feet, and went right back into panic mode. Inko turned to look at Eri with disapproval. Eri didn't seem to mind as she had her entertainment back.
It wasn't much longer before there was a knock on the door and Inko went to answer. All Might and Ochako smiled brightly as they were let in. "So, is Young Midoriya ready to go?"
"That's… debatable," Inko said with a soft huff.
Ochako frowned. "Why? Is everything alright?"
Inko waited for a second, then pointed back down the hall. Eri's giggling voice carried out, "You put your shirt on backwards."
"Ahhh!"
Izuku came tumbling into the hallway as he was pulling at the buttons of his summer uniform shirt to turn it around, only to see that Eri had been teasing him. "Eri!" He stormed back into the living room only to pop back out chasing Eri into their room.
"Ah. Well this should put your mind at ease, Young Uraraka. You weren't the only one having issues this morning."
Ochako looked absolutely flabbergasted at the accusation. "I was the picture of calm and collected."
"You were on the ceiling."
"I was calmly on the ceiling."
"Uh huh," All Might then held up a metal suitcase. "Would you mind giving this to Young Midoriya so he can pack it away with the rest of his belongings?"
Inko took the case with a smile. "Thank you. He's asked for this so many times. Completely forgetting you were bringing it."
All Might laughed. "Well, I'll go wait down at the car. Young Uraraka, make sure you two don't take too long now. We have a plane to catch."
Ochako thought about pointing out that the plane belonged to him and wasn't going to be leaving without them. But as she watched him walk away she was more curious as to why he was leaving. "All Might?"
"I'm just going to let you two do your thing."
Ochako wasn't sure if she should be happy All Might was giving her and Izuku some space, or worried that he thought they needed some immediately on the morning of the trip. It wasn't like she was going to jump him in the freaking hall.
Inko for her part smiled and let Ochako know she'd go make sure Izuku was packed and ready. Walking away she did say that she might take a peek inside the case. She hadn't had a chance to see Izuku's new costume yet after all.
So Ochako was left to wait in the hall, trying her best not to revert to the mess she had been during the ride to the apartment. She just needed to calm down.
I'm calm. I'm calm. I'm not going to freak out here. There's nothing to freak out about.
"Oh my, I didn't realize how much protection you had."
Inko's comment drifted down the hall and crawled right into Ochako's ear. Her eyes snapped open and her heart just about burst out of her chest. PROTECTION?!
"Come on mom, you didn't think I was going out with nothing, right?" Came Izuku's nonchalant response.
Ochako could feel the blush spreading over her face and down her neck. Oh my god. Oh my god. Deku's got condoms.
How?! How did Deku of all people manage that? The little voice that sounded like Himiko that lived in the back of Ochako's head asked. He should spontaneously combust just looking at the health aisle you'd buy them from!
I know! I thought I was going to have to be the one that… Nevermind.
… You thought what exactly?
You're me, shut up and—
"Oh, but these seem so small? I can't imagine it's comfortable having to squeeze into that."
Ochako's breaths were coming out as puffs of steam, her eyes glazed over and spiraling as she lost her mind.
Oooookay, it sounds like Deku bought the wrong size. That's either hilarious or you might want to start getting your stretches in now.
Shut up shut up shut up!
"I mean, it should be, right? That way nothing slips off when I'm really going at it."
Ochako died. She died right then and there.
Wow, sounds like Deku is getting ready to give you a Virgin Islands smashing.
The corpse formerly known as Ochako hated everything about that. Hated the ugly pun, hated that it made her blush just spread everywhere and hated that even if her horny thoughts sounded like Himiko, it was still her damned subconscious that was coming up with it.
"Well I suppose that makes sense. I suppose Hatsume knows what she's doing with these leg guards. I just expected them to be stretchier."
…Leg guards? …Mrs. Midoriya is looking at Deku's costume isn't she?
I mean, yeah? That makes way more sense then the whole condom thing.
Ochako wished so much she could strangle that damn voice in her head. I hate you so much.
Izuku, carrying all of his luggage, walked out into the hall and smiled at Ochako. "Hey! You ready?"
Ochako, desperate not to get caught looking like she just had an internal argument over condoms, straightened up and flashed Izuku a smile. "Yup I'm really looking forward to the trip."
"Same. I can't wait." Izuku, ready to get going, turned and waved at Inko. "I'll see you later, mom."
"And you're sure you have everything you'll need?" Inko teased as she walked after Izuku while he moved to leave with Ochako and meet All Might who was waiting outside in the parking lot.
"Yes mom. I'm all packed up." Izuku had both his duffel bag and hero costume case in hand. "It's only for a few days. Don't worry," he said like he hadn't been a mess just a few minutes ago over making sure he hadn't forgotten anything.
"Oh, but did you pack enough underwear?"
"MOM!" Izuku screeched as his face went scarlet. "Could you not!"
Ochako doubled over, holding her sides as she laughed. Izuku glared at her. "Hey! Cut that out!"
Ochako just kept laughing and Izuku, cheeks puffing out in annoyance, snapped, "Well, what about you, huh?!"
Ochako wiped a tear from her eyes and just looked at Izuku expectantly. "'What about me' what?" Ochako crossed her arms. "You got something you wanna say about my underwear?" The 'come on, let's hear what you got' look on Ochako's face spoke volumes. When Izuku didn't immediately reply, she arched an eyebrow.
Izuku turned and knelt down, giving Eri a little hug. "Now you be a good girl while I'm gone, okay."
"I will," Eri said with a smile.
Izuku smiled and ruffled Eri's hair when he stood up. "That's my little unicorn princess."
With one last wave to Inko from Izuku and Ochako, the two were out the door. Ochako, once they were far enough away from the door, smirked and gave Izuku a playful shove. "Coward," Ochako snickered as the two walked down the stairs to the parking lot.
Izuku eyed Ochako carefully before he just shrugged her off, waving his hand dismissively. "Sorry, but I just couldn't think of anything funny to say about the decade old bed sheets you picked up at the thrift store to cut up to hide your shame."
All Might down at the parking lot had many questions for why Izuku was suddenly thrown off the stairs down towards the pavement below. But when Ochako leapt off the same stairs to chase him down and whale on him as they both floated to the ground, he wisely decided not to ask.
The drive and plane ride had been relaxing. While both teens had a lot on their minds, being near each other seemed to put them at ease. They exchanged small talk, talking about the place they were going. All in all, a very normal start to their trip. Once the island was in sight and the two had spent an appropriate amount of time gawking at it through the private jet's windows, All Might suggested it was time for the pair to change into their hero costumes. Izuku changed first with Ochako right behind him.
Ochako walked out of the changing room and back into the main lounge of the jet. Putting her change of clothes back into her personal carry on, she wasn't doing anything to draw anyone's attention. Regardless, Izuku found himself just watching her in a light daze. Maybe the fact that he was going to an island to take her on a date and confess his feelings had something to do with how he was acting. Why he was noticing just how knee weakening incredible the fabric stretched and wrinkled over her body was. It certainly would explain why when she sat down across from him he let slip, "You look really good in your hero costume."
Ochako, who had been reaching over to grab another small bag of airplane mixed-nuts, froze with a little squeak, turning her head to look at Izuku, her eyes wide at the sudden and surprising compliment. "I… Thank you."
Izuku's daze vanished as he realized what had just leaked out. Panic set in and Izuku started flailing about as he hurriedly tried to course correct. "Oh! Wait, um… Sorry, that was probably super inappropriate! I didn't mean that! Well I did mean it, I just didn't mean to say it! … Wait, that doesn't sound right either!"
Ochako in the meantime was, one, flustered that Izuku had just openly complimented her, and two, also trying to make sure he didn't take the compliment back because he was freaking out over saying it. Cause darn it, she liked that Izuku liked how she looked. "It's okay, Deku! I think you look amazing in your hero costume too!"
There was a pause before both teens just sort of shorted out and sat in their chairs, heads down and blushing from ear to ear.
All Might from the other side of the jet lounge buried his face into his hands as he felt the weight of second hand embarrassment threaten to crush him. "Good lord, this is going to be them for the next month at least. Trying to figure this out while I and everyone around them suffers."
There was a soft ping as the automated pilot came on through the plane's intercom. "This plane will soon begin its descent to I-Island. Touchdown will be in a few minutes."
All Might sighed. He had been fortunate that his agency had a private jet with an autopilot to get him to places around the world. "But now it's going to get exhausting." All Might's body bulked up as he tossed aside his civilian clothes so that he was left in his hero costume.
The change got the attention of both Izuku and Ochako. "All Might? Are you sure you want to change now?"
"It's best to make sure I'm already in my muscle form even while landing. Best not to risk anyone getting a camera shot through the windows and seeing me all shriveled up." All Might, now at full height, had to bend and squat down to make sure he fit inside the cabin. "Hopefully things will go nice and smooth when we land. Immigration wont take too long, it's all automated. And neither I nor my agency sent out any press release that I was to be arriving today. So It should be smooth sailing to get to our hotel."
At first things seemed to go as planned. Like All Might had said, immigration wasn't a problem at all. Their private jet landed and while their luggage was carted away to their rooms the jetway took them directly into immigration processing. Which was just getting on a moving walkway and getting scanned a few times by automated machines, during which Izuku had a chance to dive deep into his knowledge of the island.
It was created as a place for all the world's scientists to gather and research Quirks. This research soon also developed into the research and development of support items for both civilians and heroes. To help prevent the research and scientists from the threat of villains, the island was turned into a mobile floating fortress, with security measures that were the rival of some of the world's most hardened facilities, such as Japan's Tartarus. To date, there had never been a crime committed by a villain on its shores.
By the end of Izuku's little mutter spree, All Might was laughing at what he had started and Ochako was shaking her head, wondering how this was the boy she was letting take her on a date. Fortunately the scans were over quickly, so the move so far had been simple and best of all, private. However, upon exiting immigration, the trio were out in the open, so the smart thing to do would be to quickly and quietly get to their hotel.
This of course didn't happen. But it wasn't really anyone's fault. At least not Izuku or Ochako's. Stepping out and getting their first look at the wonders of I-Island, and the many extravagant wonders, marvelous machines, fantastic rides, outrageous pavilions and the jaw dropping reality that all these incredible things were out there waiting to be experienced at the I-Expo, of course the pair would be frozen in shock and awe.
"Deku," Ochako whispered, finally able to get her mouth to work. "Thank you."
Izuku pulled his eyes away from the sci-fi amusement wonderland, and looked over at her and was mesmerized. Ochako was still looking out at the city turned Disney World with rapt awe, and the sheer joy on her face made his heart thunder in his chest. His hand twitched, as he started to reach out for Ochako's hand, but he stopped just before his fingers brushed against hers. Swallowing a lump in his throat, Izuku worked out, "I'm… glad you're here. It makes this all the more wonderful."
"Ahem," All Might cleared his throat. "Are you two going to even make it to your date? Or are you just going to get all mushy right now?" All Might scratched his head with a grin when the pair gave a little start.
The two took a few small side steps to separate, Izuku laughing nervously. "Maybe we should get going to the hotel. We can get unpacked and settled in before taking a look around."
"Sounds like a plan, Deku," Ochako nodded in agreement. So the three started their walk down the main avenue entrance to I-Island and the expo itself. But they didn't get far.
One of several expo cast members walking the giant entrance walkway smiled up at them as she approached. "Hello there. Welcome to…" She paused as her eyes widened with astonished recognition. "ALL MIGHT?!"
The three winced, because as soon as the cast member screamed that, word spread fast. It was like throwing gasoline onto a fire. It spread everywhere. Guests, cast members and reporters, along with anything in between converged and began to crowd around them. All Might laughed loudly, waving to the people as they pushed to get a better look at the number one hero. "Ha ha ha ha! Thank you for such a warm welcome!"
So much for a quiet entrance, Izuku winced as he was getting pushed around by the people. Ochako wasn't doing much better.
The reporters were getting their cameras set up and rolling as fast as they could, broadcasting to the island and world that All Might was on I-Island for the expo. Soon, All Might's face was getting plastered on jumbo screens all over, many of which you could see easily from the main entrance. In a matter of seconds, the whole of I-Island knew exactly where All Might was.
"Now let's not be rowdy! I'm more than happy to sign some autographs if everyone wants to line up for them."
The crowd cheered, and hurried to assemble in some kind of orderly fashion. At the very least, it gave Izuku and Ochako a chance to breathe. "Well… I just got flashbacks to trying to sneak past the reporters at school," Izuku said while making sure he had all his hero gear still on him.
"Really? I felt like I was back in that stampede at school," Ochako countered.
"Yeah well, at least things shouldn't get any—" Suddenly the intercoms across the I-Island entrance along with the broadcasted voices of the reporters, were cut off, leaving just static to play over the crowd and a good section of the island. "—craizer?" Izuku wondered if he hadn't just jinxed something.
Then, like a low rumble from a great distance, the roar of a jet engine, no, several jet engines were heard. Not so uncommon so close to the I-Island airport, but soon that roar started to get louder. And closer. Everyone turned, looking up towards the upper edge of the giant wall that surrounded I-Island as the roar got closer and closer. Then the static coming over the intercoms and screens went silent.
There was a beat of silence before a guitar riff rocked the soundwaves just as several flying black wing jets screeched over the wall and out into the open sky above the crowd. Though with the rock and roll blaring out of every speaker around them, you almost couldn't even hear the jets. The screens flickered, and soon red white and blue banners waved on the screens with stars glittering in a digital breeze.
Then came the fireworks. As the planes circled overhead, fireworks began exploding all around them, dazzling enough to be seen even in the bright noon sky. Cameras panned upward with people shouting at the spectacle. Reporters were desperately trying to relay and update their audiences as to the cause of the commotion.
It was chaos.
Just as any star spangled entrance should be.
Ochako, with her hands over her ears, screamed over the noise, "What the heck is going on?!"
All Might was watching the jets circle around when he spotted something and laughed. "Ha! Looks like America wants to make an entrance."
Ochako made a face. "America? What does that even—"
"THERE! LOOK!" Izuku shouted suddenly, pointing up towards one of the jets overhead. "Is that… Is there?!"
All Might smirked. "Oh, I'd say it's a safe bet, Young Midoriya."
Ochako was left looking up at the sky, trying to see what Izuku was pointing at. "What's a safe bet? What are you pointing at Deku… Wait… IS SOMEONE RIDING ON THAT JET?!"
As the cameras all focused on the lead jet, screens flickered to show the island that someone was indeed riding on the back of it. Dressed in patriotic red white and blue, and trimmed with gold, stood a giant figure that rivaled even the mighty All Might himself, standing tall even as the jet corkscrewed around, firing off more fireworks and smoke trails, their cape and hair the only thing blowing in the jetstream.
"It's America's number one hero!" A reporter screamed into their mic as more and more people confirmed who was at the head of the sudden dramatic entrance.
"The reports have been confirmed! Number one hero Star and Stripe is on I-Island!"
"We have two countries number ones here folks!"
"This might be the first recorded meeting between the two!"
Izuku's eyes kept switching from the jet show overhead then towards the nearest giant screen which had Star and Stripe projected for all to see. "Oh wow! The heroes forums talk about her a lot. She rocketed to the number one spot after her debut, stopping an armed robbery. Her rise is even faster than Hawks. And his rise to the top ten was already considered too fast." There was a sparkle in Izuku's eyes that made Ochako's eyes twitch.
I'm not jealous. I'm not jealous. I'm. Not. Jealous of the freaking blonde amazon giant… Why'd she have to be blonde?!
"You seem to know a lot about her even though she's a hero from another country, Young Midoriya," All Might observed while never taking his eyes off the show.
"I mean, I might not know them as well as the heroes in Japan, but I know some of them. Like Salaam, Clair Voyance, Captain Celebrity before he retired and The Crawler took over his agency. There's also Pankration, Nyikang and Big Red Dot." Izuku listed off the heroes on his fingers. All Might and Ochako both just stared at him blankly, thinking the exact same thing. Not all of them he says.
"But Star and Stripe has gotten a lot of attention worldwide, especially in Japan too," Izuku continued on. "There are a lot of parallels between you two. Her flamboyant flair for one."
"Oh, come on now. I'm much more subtle."
Ochako looked at All Might aghast. "You literally walk into rooms screaming your head off." All Might laughed nervously while scratching his nose.
"She's always smiling, her overall demeanor and how she fights crime and villains is pretty much one to one with you. Her hairstyle is also clearly inspired by yours. Though I'd love to know why she went with eight hair tufts instead of the two." Ochako and All Might were counting the tufts quickly on the screen. "Plus, no one knows what her Quirk is. She's always coy about it. A lot of forums think she's a clone of you, but during the process the US government damaged the Y chromosome of your DNA, so they just copied the X chromosome twice." That sent All Might reeling into a laughing fit.
Suddenly, as the jet made a low pass directly over the crowd, the American giant simply separated from the jet, and began a free fall straight down. The crowd gasped in shock as she plummeted head first for the ground. Then, as she fell, she began to spin herself around, stretching out her hands. Faster and faster she spun, corkscrewing down, while around her, more fireworks exploded and sparkled. The little dancing lights began to twist around her, creating a vortex of color and light. Then a few hundred yards above the crowd, Star and Stripe slammed her hands together and the sparkling lights exploded out in a shockwave. Everyone clapped and shouted, absolutely enjoying the show. But as Star and Stripe got closer and closer to the ground and all the black jets had peeled off and were flying away, a question was raised.
What was going to happen when she hit the ground? The two most obvious answers were either splat, or boom. And no one really wanted to be near either of those outcomes. However, as she got closer to the ground, she flipped so she was coming in feet first, then her rapid descent slowed to a crawl. Star and Stripe, fist on her hips in a classic hero pose, just floated the last few yards and touched the ground as soft as a feather. Feet now firmly on the ground, the rock and roll music faded along with the roar of the jets. Video and audio was returned to normal and collectively the crowd held their breath.
Star and Stripe then raised her hands up and out and spoke with a voice that boomed like thunder, "Hello I-Island! The number one hero is here!"
And the crowd went wild. Screaming and jostling to get a better look at the woman.
At the same time Ochako crossed her arms and nodded to herself. "Okay… I get how people think she's All Might's clone."
"Some rumors also say she's his illegitimate daughter."
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Do they now? That's hilarious!"
All Might's laugh seemed to draw the attention of the other hero. She turned to face All Night and their eyes locked. "So there he is. The one some damn fools think is the best."
The gathered crowd pushed back, giving the newly arrived living giant room to walk towards the living legend himself. There was an almost feral smile on Star and Stripe's face as she stormed across the distance. Her footsteps sent small shockwaves through the street with every step. At the same time, All Might squared his shoulders and stomped towards Star and Stripe. His smile widening with every step as the distance between the two closed. "Star and Stripe."
The crowd wasn't sure if they should be taking pictures or fleeing for their lives. It was like watching two bolderes hurtling towards each other with explosive force. A great photo opp, but equally great chance of dying from the explosive debris that was certain to come rocketing your way.
The two giants were in arms reach and Star and Stripe's arm stretched out first. "You son of a bitch."
All Might's arm rocketed out and with a thunderous clash, their hands clasped together in an epic handshake. A few of the crowd took a chance to breathe, thinking that whatever confrontation might have been coming was past, but others noted they were still in the danger zone. Because All Might and Star and Stripe hadn't shook hands like regular people. Their clasped hands were high and their elbows down, like they were pressed into an invisible table. Soon everyone saw the heroes bulging arm muscles and intense smiles the two were sharing. Tight and unyielding, like the grips they had.
Eye to eye, the pair's arms began to shake as the two number one heroes engaged in a fierce in-air arm-wrestling contest. Their handshake had become a battleground between two heroes shouldering their countries pride and honor.
Also ego. So much ego.
Star and Stripe griminced brightly as her biceps threatened to rip through her costume's sleeve. "What's wrong old man? U.A. got you pushing too many pencils?"
All Might snarled back, his smile never wavering while the ground under his feet started to tremor. "Sorry, am I leaning too much on you, schoolgirl?"
In this mighty test of will and strength, when something was going to give, it was going to give violently. Fortunately for the pair, it wasn't either of their arms snapping from the ungodly amount of force they were pushing against each other. Unfortunately for them, it was the concrete underneath their feet that cracked and shattered, throwing the two off their balance and tumbling to the ground in a cloud of dust.
The crowd of reporters and onlookers all leaned forward, with the same twisted curiosity of people that slow down to gawk at a car crash, trying to peer through the cloud. But even before it had settled, twin peals of laughter roared out. Thunderous joyful laughs that rose up towards the sky and echoed throughout the island.
Dusting themselves off, the two heroes got back on their feet, and were all smiles. Those smiles faded a little when an I-Island security bot rolled through the crowd and presented itself in front of the two. With a chirp a small slip of paper was ejected from a slot. All Might took it with a raised eyebrow. Star and Stripe leaned over to see what it was.
"Quirk usage resulting in property damage has been recorded for visiting heroes All Might and Star and Stripe. Citation must be paid before passports are released. Please visit any I-Island government terminal to pay the fine." All Might read aloud. Star and Stripe facepalmed while All Might laughed nervously. "I mean… it's not that bad, right?"
The silence from the crowd was his answer.
After the two gave an impromptu PSA on the importance of being careful with your Quirk, even in a place you were allowed to use them freely, All Might and Star and Stripe returned to the excited crowd, signing autographs and answering reporters' questions.
"All Might! All Might! Do you have any comment on the number of records that Star and Stripe has broken during her career?! Many of those previously held by and set by you during your time in the United States!"
All Might scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Comment as someone happy to see the States in the hands of such a committed protector, or as a fellow pro hero who is very competitive?"
The crowd laughed.
"Star and Stripe! You've spoken highly of All Might in several interviews but this is your first time meeting him. Anything to comment on this?"
Star and Stripe smirked. "First official meeting sure."
That got some buzz from the crowd, many reporters asking for clarification on what that meant. Had they met before? Star and Stripe just winked at the cameras. "If I told you, then what would all the late night talk show hosts have to chew on?"
All Might covered his mouth and snickered.
"All Might! Star and Stripe was scheduled to be here, representing the United States, but you weren't. There aren't any records of a planned trip from Japan' Hero Public Safety Commission or your agency."
Star and Stripe nodded at that. "He's got a point. I only learned about it when your private jet got its flight plan all set."
All Might puffed out his chest and pointed to himself with his thumb. "As you may or may not be aware, I am now a teacher at the prestigious U.A. Japan's finest hero school. As a responsible teacher," someone snorted, "when I learned one of my students had won an all expenses paid trip to attend the I-Expo with a friend, I felt that it was my responsibility to chaperone them."
Ochako crossed her arms and tried oh so hard to keep a smiling face. "You really didn't have to."
All Might just laughed. "Oh, it's no trouble at all, Young Uraraka." All Might paused and considered that maybe that wasn't what Ochako had meant.
I'm sorry Young Uraraka but you'd destroy the poor boy if I wasn't here to protect him.
Star and Stripe looked over towards Ochako, then at Izuku. Her eyes lingered before recognition began to set in. "That's the boy that won U.A.'s sports festival for first years?"
Izuku gulped under the intense gaze of the hero.
"Correct! Young Midoriya performed excellently. More than earning that first place." All Might beamed with pride. Something the crowd and especially Star and Stripe noticed. More than a few cameras were now turned towards Izuku, with some in the crowd murmuring and working to get a good look at the boy who was getting such open praise from All Might.
"Didn't you also offer him an internship?" Star and Stripe asked All Might as she walked past him and started making her way over towards Izuku. "As far as I'm aware, you've only taken one other person under your wing. Though he wasn't anywhere near this young."
All Might cleared his throat. "Ah, well… I suppose Sir Nighteye came to me. This time it's the other way around."
Boy, did that get some surprised looks. More cameras were now focused on Izuku who was sweating under the cameras.
"You sought him out, huh?" Star and Stripe was now standing in front of Izuku. "So, he's your disciple then?"
All Might laughed. "Disciple might be a bit much there. But, I suppose Young Midoriya has shown me something that reminds me of myself when I was his age."
Star and Stripe cocked her head to the side, an eyebrow popped up. "Oh?" Then she took her attention off All Might and looked down.
Izuku went suddenly stiff as the blonde giant shifted her gaze back down to him. Those aqua eyes seemed to glow as she looked down at him intently. Getting such an up close look at the American hero, Izuku could see some scary intelligence behind those eyes. Star and Stripe wasn't just some charismatic bruiser. She was sizing Izuku up, and it was fucking terrifying.
"H-h-h-hello ma'am!"
There seemed to be a physical pause as Izuku, Ochako, All Might, and all the sea of reporters waited to see what happened next. No one expected what came next.
Star and Stripe suddenly reached down and picked Izuku up from under his arms and smiled brightly at him as she lifted him up into the air. "He's adorable!"
"Eh?!" Izuku gasped dumbly as he was swung around like an infant while Star and Stripe gushed over him.
"I watched you in your sports festival. Holy hell kid, how is someone that nuts at your age? That Delaware Smash move of yours was the bomb!"
Izuku's face flushed at the unexpected praise. "I! It was?!"
"Hell yeah! Just throw a huge wall of rock at a person. Badass!" Star and Stripe started to spin Izuku around excitedly. "Course, I hear that's not all you do now. Got something spicy on top of those psychic powers right?"
Izuku, his embarrassment at the onslaught of praise making his cheek redden and smoke puff out his nose, squeaked out, "I! Fire! I breathe fire. My Boric Pyre."
"Ah! Does boric mean it's green?!"
"Yes! Exactly!"
"Cool Quirks gotta have cool names!"
"I know right!" Izuku was beyond elated to find someone that saw things his way at long last.
While Star and Stripe twirled Izuku around, singing his praises, much to the boy's embarrassment but also strangely giving him a nice confidence boost as well, she could feel a dark gaze on her, so she looked back down towards All Might's feet to find Ochako, cheeks puffed out and glaring up at her like an angry little kirby. She blinked, looked back over at Izuku, then towards her. "Oh… is this yours?"
"Yes!" Ochako confirmed immediately.
All Might laughed along with Star and Stripe. "You may want to put Young Midoriya down. Young Uraraka can be a little territorial when it comes to the young man."All Might's laugh trailed off into a cough when he realized that Ochako was glaring at him now.
Star and Stripe nodded in agreement as she put Izuku back onto the ground. "I saw her matches too. I don't want any of that smoke."
Instead of immediately standing back up though, with Ochako giving All Might the Kirby-glare, Star and Stripe took the opportunity and lifted the suddenly yelping girl up just like she had with Izuku. "But how do you get such adorable students like this?"
"Oi! Hey, I'm not a little kid!" Ochako struggled vainly while Star and Stripe just looked amused, going on about how she was like a vicious little bunny, all soft but with nasty, big, pointy teeth. When Ochako reached up to grab the woman's arms to try and wretch herself free, she was a little thrown off at just how solid she was.
Holy are American women built differently…Okay so maybe it makes a little sense for Deku to get flustered with madam amazon here holding him. I mean he likes my muscles so… Wait what was my point?
"A-All Might. Deku. Could one of you help me ouuuu… Deku." Ochako had looked around for some help, since she doubted she was getting away from the American hero by herself. When she did, she saw that Izuku had his phone out. Taking pictures. "YOU! You delete everything you have right now!"
Izuku shook his head. "Nope."
"Dead! You are dead when I get down!"
"Worth it."
"Young Uraraka has the makings of a great hero I feel. Both she and Young Midoriya are already making plans of opening their own agency right out of school. Rare to find kids so eager to hit the ground running." Now cameras were on Ochako as she gulped. The crowd was impressed by the drive All Might was selling about them.
If this was them being genuinely impressed that a couple of first years were aiming to be on their own after graduation or just impressed because All Might was impressed was impossible to tell.
Star and Stripe at least was giving her and Izuku a sized up look. "Okay, I want them. How about you two come to the States with me after the I-Expo is over?"
All Might burst out laughing at that. "You'd have to fight me."
All Might and Star and Stripe spent a little more time signing autographs and answering some more questions, but eventually he was able to pry himself away from the crowd, under the pretense that he should really be acting like a propper chaperone and get his students to their hotel. However he did promise to give another interview later.
Star and Stripe also had an excuse to get away, stating she needed to check with air traffic control about her jets' low flyover above the crowd. She was 90% sure everything was in order. When pressed about that other 10%, Star and Stripe laughed loudly, before suddenly leaping over the crowd so that she sailed away and was out of sight.
"Definitely a clone," Ochako muttered.
But now the trio were free, and collecting themselves at a nice flower garden off from the main entrance road down a hill.
"Well that was something," Ochako grunted as she leaned against a bench. "Maybe we should have put you in a hat and trench coat. At least then we could pretend we were trying to be subtle."
"How are you doing All Might?" Izuku asked concernedly. They had spent a lot longer with the crowd than he thought any of them had been prepared for. Fortunately All Might flashed him a thumbs up.
"We still got time. Not a whole lot, but plenty to make it to our hotel."
"Uncle Might!"
The random call startled the trio. Izuku glanced around, wondering where it had come from. Also, Uncle Might was a strange thing to say. As he looked around, his eyes went up the stone stairs of the hill, and he blinked. While the angle wasn't great, he thought he saw someone bouncing.
"Uncle Might, it is you!"
Yup, they were bouncing. Literally. A young woman, with blonde hair and glasses was bouncing, abnormally high, down the path towards the edge of the hill.
"Is she… bouncing on a pogo stick or—"
Izuku's question was cut off when the young woman bounced off the hill and began falling down to the ground.
All Might stepped forward and easily caught her, holding her at the waist while the red pogo stick-like device landed on the ground gracefully behind her. "Melissa!"
"Uncle Might! It's so good to see you!" The young woman beamed happily. "When I saw you on the TV I rushed right over!"
"Ha ha! Look at you. I can believe how much bigger you are. It hasn't been that long has it?"
Izuku and Ochako looked between the two. Seeing All Might so openly holding the young woman was a little strange to say the least. They clearly were familiar with each other. Very familiar, Ochako added. When All Might finally put her down, Izuku and Ochako still had to strain their necks to look up at her. She wasn't as tall as All Might, but she sure as heck was taller than the pair.
She wore a white short-sleeved dress shirt that had plaid cuffs. A large plaid bow hung around her neck, and she had a dark raspberry pink waistcoat. Stretched over her hips were pale gray Capri pants, under which were some plaid pink socks and a pair of heeled brown boots. Her oval-framed glasses gave her face an innocent and young look. She was cute.
Ochako felt her brow twitch.
"Ahem, Young Midoriya, Young Uraraka. Allow me to introduce Melissa Shield. She's the daughter of a very dear friend of mine, David Shield."
Melissa smiled and waved. "It's a pleasure to meet you… Oh! Wait, I recognize you two! You both were at the sports festival, right?!" Neither Izuku or Ochako were prepared as Melissa ran up to them with a sparkle in her aqua eyes. "Oh, you two really are Midoriya and Uraraka! I remember you two winning the first event, flying together. That was so cool. Then those tournament fights. That was crazy!" Melissa quickly grabbed both of their hands, shaking them excitedly. "I can't believe I get to meet my Uncle's prized students! He talks about you two a lot, you know!"
Izuku and Ochako were trying to catch up to the conversation and had only just figured out that apparently Melissa was a bit of a fan of theirs thanks to All Might and their showing at the festival. But as soon as that clicked for them, Melissa was already moving on. Now, leaning in close and encircling them, Melissa was giving Izuku war flashbacks from his visits with Mei. Ochako might have objected to Izuku's personal space getting suddenly invaded if she wasn't also on the receiving end.
Melissa was going around, poking and picking at their costumes, mumbling to herself the whole while, noting the designs, but paying particular attention to any support items she could see, not only finding them even if they were hidden in with the design but also, given that she seemed familiar with their Quirks, guessing at their functions.
All Might coughed into his hand to get her attention. "Melissa. There'll be time for that later."
Melissa shot up and gasped. "Oh! I'm sorry. I got a bit distracted."
Izuku smiled and waved off her worry. "It's fine, really."
Melissa looked nervous. "Really? I know I can be a little off putting with my fascination with support items."
Ochako laughed. "You don't need to worry about that. Hatsume who designed and made Deku's suit and support gear is like a billion times worse."
Melissa blinked. "Oh, you know your suits' designer? And they made both the gear and items? I thought students get their stuff sent off to corporations?"
Izuku shook his head. "Mine was designed by a friend in U.A.'s Department of Support. Her name is Hatsume and the teacher of the class gave her the assignment because he said she had a lot of potential."
"Really? And she's in the same year as both of you… Wait… Wait, Hatsume… Was that the girl that took over the systems in the sports festival and used all those gadgets?"
"Melissa," All Might cut in again, knowing she was about to go on another tangent.
"Sorry!" Melissa turned, walked over to her pogo stick and picked it up. "Why don't you come with me? Papa is still in his lab right now, but with I-Expo, everyone else has gone home for the break. I know he'll be over the moon to see you."
Izuku was about to cut in that they were going to need to find their hotel rooms first, trying to be polite since he didn't think All Might had the time to make the trip, but a discrete hand wave from All Might got Izuku to pause.
"You know what, that sounds like an excellent idea. Though, last I heard he was working on some super secret project. You sure he won't mind the surprise?"
"He said it was on hold for a few days, so there shouldn't be any issues. Plus even if that wasn't the case, I know he'd drop everything to welcome you." Melissa reassured him.
"And your mother? Is Zuri around too or…?"
"Oh Mom's off the island right now for work."
"Bachelors night it is then!" All Might said with a flex.
"… You're not going to blow up a building this time, are you?"
"That was not my fault! And I did not blow up a building!"
All Might really didn't like the looks he was getting.
"Uncle Might, either Papa got drunk and built a bomb or you got drunk and threw a punch. End of the day, a building was gone."
"It was marked for demolition so no harm no foul! And it was a small building!" All Might added for clarification. "Like a small dry cleaners!"
While Melissa rolled her eyes and made her pogo stick disappear into a compressed ribbon around her wrist, a display of tech that would have fascinated Izuku to no end if he wasn't too busy trying to get a discrete answer from All Might as the three followed after Melissa. "All Might? Is this okay? Your time limit is getting close."
Leaning over, All Might whispered, "It's okay. David is… aware of my condition. So if he's alone like Melissa said, there won't be any issues."
"But isn't this the friend that you told me about? The one you didn't… you know… tell?"
All Might coughed. "That's right. He… doesn't know about that, no. But he is aware of my injury and who caused it. So his lab should be fine. In fact, I was planning on visiting him as soon as I could today anyway. Knowing his co-workers are on break means visiting now is best for me."
Izuku nodded. "Okay. That makes sense." At least why All Might would change the plans to go see his friend right away. Not the other thing that was on Izuku's mind now. If David knew about All for One, why hadn't All Might told him about One for All? But now wasn't the time to be asking this. "Oh. Does she know?" Izuku pointed up towards Melissa who was chatting away with Ochako.
All Might frowned deeply. "No. She doesn't. About my injury or anything. Young Midoriya I… would very much like to keep it that way."
When the door to David's office opened, All Might wasn't able to contain himself and burst through immediately. "I am here! Shaking with emotion from our reunion!"
When Izuku and Ochako peaked their heads through the door, they found All Might had already yanked the man they assumed was David up into the air into a giant bear hug. Melissa smirked as she walked into the room after the hero. "I was right. You've been cooped up in this lab for so long you had no idea that Uncle Might landed on the island today." Melisa gave the other man in the room a playful glare. "As his assistant, aren't you supposed to make sure Papa gets out once in a while, Mr. Abraham?"
David's assistant, Sam, an older heavy set man, smiled nervously. "You know how your father is, Miss. You are just like him after all."
Melissa shrugged, not denying that. "At least when my projects are put on hold I go outside."
All Might put David back on the ground and the much smaller man rubbed his arms trying to get some feeling back into them. "All Might, I can't believe you're here. I had no idea, you could have sent word ahead of time, you know."
"Ha ha ha! And ruin seeing your surprised face? Not a chance! Not after how long it's been since we've seen each other"
David smirked and tapped a fist into All Might's side. "Oh, don't remind me about how old I am now. Or else I'll have to point out which of us got the big five in front of our age first."
"Oof, that's dirty." All Might throwed his head back with a laugh, which David soon followed with one of his own. When he had calmed down, All Might put a hand on David's shoulder. "It is good to see you again, Dave."
"It's good to see you too, All Might," David replied with a happy smile.
Izuku from at the door was shocked at the open display he was witnessing. There was a joy in All Might that Izuku wasn't sure he had seen before. David was truly a friend of All Might's. Oh sure, he had heard about him, any All Might fanboy knew who David Shield was. But Izuku was more focused now on the apparent bond the two men shared. Watching them greet each other, Izuku felt a twinge of sadness in his heart. Because even though it was obvious these two were friends, there was still the shadow of One for All in the room. A secret All Might had chosen to keep from his friend. A decision that, more and more, Izuku was beginning to have serious doubts about.
"Young Midoriya, Young Uraraka. Come in and let me introduce you to one of my best friends!"
"—was All Might's partner when he lived in America and was responsible for creating all of All Might's hero costumes. He's the genius inventor who made the 'Young Age', 'Bronze Age', 'Silver Age!' and the most recent 'Golden Age!'"
David laughed nervously at the sudden onslaught of praise. It wasn't often he got his accolades called out so enthusiastically.
"He's also the inventor of the iconic Allmobile!"
Ochako, who had decided that the ceiling was more interesting than paying attention to Izuku go full otaku fanboy, had to do a double take. "All…mobile?"
All Might smirked and flashed a thumbs up. "You like? I came up with the name myself!"
"…Yeah, that tracks."
David chuckled. "Fortunately All Might let me name his new car. Hercules has a good ring to it, I think."
The happy scene was interrupted when All Might discreetly coughed into his hand. Something that was immediately noticed by a few people in the room. David glanced at his friend, his smile falling just a tad, though he was quick to cover it up. "You know, it's been a long time since I saw All Might. Do you think I could have a chance to talk to my friend alone for a bit?"
"Melissa, do you think you could show Young Midoriya and Young Uraraka around the island? Maybe take them to their hotel rooms as well?"
Melissa nodded. "Sure, leave everything to me. You and Papa catch up."
"Sam," David glanced over at his assistant. "You can take the rest of the day off too."
"O-oh. If you're sure?" A firm nod from David made it clear he was.
"All Might?" Izuku and Ochako glanced up at the hero, but he offered them a reassuring smile.
"You two will be just fine with Melissa. Don't worry about me and go have some fun."
As everyone left, and just before the door closed, Izuku glanced back. He saw the beginning whiffs of white steam start to come off All Might's body, signaling he was at his limit. At the very least, Izuku was glad he had someone here he could relax around.
"Um, Shield?"
Melissa giggled and waved Izuku off. "Please, Melissa is just fine."
"Oh! Um, Melissa, if you don't mind me asking, are you an inventor like your father?"
Melissa beamed. "Yup. My dream is to be just like my Papa."
"I guess that explains why you were so fascinated with our costumes," Ochako added.
Melissa laughed nervously. "Yeah… sorry about that. But I grew up watching my father invent things that went on to be used by heroes the world over. He's a hero to me, just like Uncle Might. So I can get a little carried away when talking tech."
"I still can't believe All Might has a niece," Izuku admitted, "what was it like growing up with him around?"
"Even though we aren't blood related he's been there for me ever since I was born. He was always there for holidays and my birthdays. Sometimes he'd just visit for no reason at all, just to come see me. And if he heard I had had a bad day, he was on his jet flying out to comfort me in person. For the longest time I thought I was going to grow up to be a hero just like him." Melissa sighed a little wistfully.
Izuku picked up on the slight change. "Why'd you stop?"
"Quirkless. Same as Mama and Papa. So, kinda put a damper on that idea." Izuku winced and Ochako looked up at Melissa apologetically but Melissa just smiled at the pair. "Aw, don't look like that. I got the news when I was five. I might've been sad back then, but when Uncle Might heard I was upset and beelined it back to the States to visit me. You know what he said to me?"
Izuku and Ochako shook their heads.
"He told me that my Papa was his hero," Melissa smiled at that memory, "and that inspired me to become an inventor and scientist just like him. To become the kind of hero that Uncle Might looks up to. And as I grew up, and worked to get better at making things… I learned that there is more to a person than just their Quirk."
When Melissa looked down again, she was startled to see Izuku openly crying at her little story. Even Ochako was getting a little misty eyed. "Ah! Wait! Please, it's not something to cry about!"
"But it's so motivating!" Izuku choked out between heavy sobs.
It took a while before Izuku was able to compose himself. Melissa was shocked that he hadn't flooded the street behind him with the waterfalls pouring out of his eyes.
Ochako decided to move the topic on. "So you mentioned in your dad's lab you had a bunch of projects on hold? What kind of stuff are you working on?"
Melissa sighed. "They're supposed to be on hold, but I got so many freshman projects that even with classes closed for the expo, I still like to visit the lab. Guess I picked up my Papa's unhealthy work habits."
"Freshman?" Izuku looked up from his notes, head turned to the side. "What do you mean?"
Melissa smiled. "Oh, I mean I just started my first semester here on I-Island."
"She means she just started going to university, Deku," Ochako filled in. Though she could understand his confusion. She had assumed Melissa was a graduate for sure. So she was surprisingly younger than—
"My first semester of high school." Melissa corrected with a chuckle. "I-Island Academy is an amazing place. I impressed my professors enough with some of my inventions that I was even given a personal lab. Normally you have to be a Junior or Senior to get a private lab. Though I wouldn't be surprised if Papa and Uncle Might pulled some strings. I really wish they wouldn't do… Hmm?" Melissa soon realized that Izuku and Ochako were just openly gawking at her. "Is… something wrong?"
"Y-you're a first year like us?!" Izuku gasped in shock.
"Yeah? I turn 16 this fall… Why?"
Ochako's eyes went over Melissa again, starting at her feet then working her way up, taking in everything with this new information, until she was looking up at the blonde. "What do they feed Americans?! And where can I get some?"
"…Uraraka… I don't think anything's gonna help you with getting tall like— ACK!" Izuku dropped to his knees after Ochako's elbow found that soft spot under his ribs.
Melissa smiled sweetly at the pair. "I have been told I look a little older than I actually am. But, it's not like I'm that much taller than everyone."
"H-how much?" Izuku gasped out while rubbing his side.
"I'm only a hundred and ninety-five centimeters."
The blank stares she got from the pair made her fidget nervously. Ochako crossed her arms. "It's not fair."
"Wait… that's as tall as Endeavor!" Izuku exclaimed in shock.
Ochako's blank stare shifted over to Izuku, joined by Melissa. "Isn't that the fire hero that's always in a sour mood in Japan?"
Izuku nodded in affirmative. Melissa's face scrunched up, not liking the comparison.
"Deku."
"Hmm?" Izuku replied innocently.
"How do you just… know that?"
Izuku blinked up at her. "I mean… it's common knowledge."
Ochako threw her hands up in exasperation. "This is the boy I let ask me out! What is wrong with me?!"
"I mean, I'm adorable?"
Ochako pointed down at him. "And walking on thin ice!"
"…" Izuku pushed himself back up to his feet, and dusted himself off. "You really should appreciate me more."
Ochako's forehead twitched as she looked at him with the mother of all side eyes. "Oh? How so?"
"I mean, not many awesome boys like me would want to date short girls."
Melissa spent the next few minutes watching Ochako throw Izuku around like a rag doll. She was pretty sure his body left some craters in the concrete.