5,568"Alright everyone…" groaned Shouta as he walked into the classroom, still in his sleeping bag. He had spent the night in his office, and was keen to take a nap as soon as he had gotten the day's schedule laid out. His baggy eyes gazed blearily over the classroom; seeing, to his relief, that everyone was seated and quiet.
"Good," the black-haired man murmured, tossing the sleeping bag to his special corner before rolling his neck. "Your week in the Work Studies program has been very fruitful, I've gotten nothing but positive comments from the Hero Agencies. Well done everyone. Aoyama, Kaminari, how have the Make-Up Exams been?"
"Tiring…" Kaminari replied. "Had to go dumb a couple of times to calm down a bunch of rowdy kids."
"They did like my twinkling." Aoyama added, grimacing. "Sadly, my stomach didn't." He turned to the other side of the class, where Midoriya, Parker, and Yaoyorozu were sitting, and his face seemed to melt in relief. "But…a reprieve is always good."
He looked almost grateful, as if some weight had been lifted from his soul.
"Consider it a part of Quirk training, your abilities are like muscles after all" Shouta said. "Keep at it, and you'll do fine. Now…" He took a deep breath. His bandaged leg was no longer broken, but it still ached. "This past week has been quite eventful, especially for a select few students here."
His eyes fell on the heroes of the hour, celebrated and praised by the media. The Kawasaki Quintet: Spider Man, Deku, Shoto, Red Riot, and Creati. The five flinched at his gaze, and it was an understandable reaction. The media didn't know the whole story, not even half of it.
"Parker, Midoriya, Yaoyorozu, Kirishima, Todoroki. After homeroom, I'd like to have a small conversation with you all."
"Yes sensei," Parker replied. The others did likewise.
"Bakugo." Shouta turned to the much-bandaged blonde. "I got the medical report. No practical Hero Course work for you, given the state of your arms." The boy's red eyes narrowed, and he looked away with a scowl. "Go to Recovery Girl and spend the day there today. By tomorrow you should be able to do some light work. And only light work. Understood?"
"…" Bakugo sighed through his nose. "Got it."
Bakugo's deeds hadn't drawn the same level of fame as his five classmates, but they were no less valorous for it. Fighting a dangerous serial killer like Muscular, who had murdered Pro Heroes and escaped every time, was no mean feat.
"Alright. Now, it's time we get to the matter at hand. This is important, so I won't repeat myself." Shouta scowled, as the students stared expectantly up at him.
"It's time for the School Culture Festival."
A wave of cheering hit him like a gale-force wind.
"FINALLY NORMAL SCHOOL STUFF!" The class roared, making Shouta's ears ache and suddenly gave the sleep-deprived teacher a desire to add ear plugs to his next shopping list.
"What are we going to do for it?!" Ashido chimed, eyes alight.
"Oh oh, let's make a stall that sells cute cookies and onigiri!" suggested Hagakure.
"No way, it's gotta be protein shakes!" insisted Kirishima.
"Doesn't have to be food-related, we could make arts and crafts," Shoji mused.
"Pffft, who'd be into that?" Kaminari leered playfully.
"Sensei?" A hand rose, and Shouta's itching, bloodshot eyes settled on Asui. "With all the crazy stuff that's happened recently, is it really smart to have a School Festival right now?"
Ever vigilant, ever observant. Even now.
Why couldn't all of them be like that?
"I can see your view on this, but this is a yearly event for UA," Shouta replied. He saw Parker raise his own hand, and nodded in turn.
"Ummm… Sensei. I've never been to a Japanese School Festival before, what's it like?"
Shouta regarded Parker for a moment, eyes glazed like normal as he struggled to stay awake.
"Ohhhh, this is your first one, Parker?" asked Ashido, beaming.
"It'll be a blast! I bet it's better than what you Americans have back home with those ferris wheels and pig fairs!" Kaminari chuckled.
"Those are county fairs, not School Festivals Kaminari-kun," Aoyama cut in, rolling his eyes. "And I'm pretty sure those are limited to specific states. None of which are New York."
"Well, at my old school we had some tech expos," Parker replied. "It was a…Junior Trade School, before I went into heroics. There was the occasional dance and field trip."
Shouta remembered. Midtown Tech High School in Queens, New York. It was still standing; a prestigious Support Tech Academy, one of America's finest.
"UA's festival is a bit different compared to most schools," he explained. "Just as the Sports Festival is meant to showcase the Hero Course, the Culture Festival gives the other departments: Business Studies, General Studies, and Support their time to shine."
Shouta pulled out his eye drops and applied them.
"With recent events like the Jionoshi-Kawasaki Incident and the USJ Crisis before that," he went on. "This festival is a sign to the public that we're not fazed or faltering. It's also a chance to let the students enjoy themselves and the fruits of the student body's labor."
He took a deep breath. No putting it off any longer.
"Now, every class can put on an exhibit or event or food stall of their choice. The big events being the Tech Expo for the Support Department, and the Hero Agency Convention for the Business Course students. For Class 1-A, it's up to you."
He clambered into his sleeping bag. "Vote on it, and decide by Homeroom if you can. If you want it simple, just don't make it stupid."
He nestled in and leant over as the class began their debate. Iida was leading the way as usual, with Yaoyorozu and Parker backing him up.
It was about twenty minutes before he opened one eye, and found the class waiting expectantly as he was told of their choice.
"An American Diner?"
"I tried to talk them down," Parker admitted bashfully.
"Yeah! It's Parker's first school festival, so why not bring some taste from home here?" declared Kaminari. "I've always wanted to try out those American hot dogs coated in chili."
"I wouldn't mind trying my hand at baking Funnel Cakes. Those sound neat," Sato mused.
"I never took ya for a baker, Sato-kun!" Hagakure exclaimed. The muscular boy shrugged.
"Didn't ask."
The bell rang.
"All right," he nodded. "Go on to your next class. Parker, Midoriya, Yaoyorozu, Todoroki, Kirishima, a word?"
The rest of the class filed out, talking excitedly among themselves. Soon, only he and the five remained.
"Is there an issue, sensei?" Todoroki asked as Shouta walked forward, took a chair, and sat down in front of them.
"How are you five doing?" he asked. "And don't lie. I know you saw someone die in front of your eyes."
They all clammed up. Midoriya paled, Parker's fists clenched, and Yaoyorozu bit her lip. Kirishima averted his gaze, his eyes guilty, while Todoroki looked down.
They had indeed seen death. Too soon. Far too soon. Just like he had been.
He was their teacher now. He had to be there for them, as he had vowed to Shirakumo.
"Listen. Some of you have seen death first hand." His eyes went to Parker and Yaoyorozu. "For other's, this was your first time. I know what its like. If you need to talk to me about what happened, I'm an open door." Shouta said, his voice softer than usual. "Don't be afraid to talk to me."
There were nods all around. "Got it Sensei…" Kirishima added.
"Alright then," Shouta said, looking around. They all shook their heads, and he nodded. "Head to your next class. I'll give Midnight a heads-up that I kept you."
"Thanks sensei" They all said, nodding at him as they stood up and filed out. Parker made to follow them, then paused.
"Aizawa-sensei."
"Hmm?"
"If I've been a headache this semester, I just wanna apologize and-"
"Don't." And he meant it. "Students will always give their teachers headaches. What matters is that they learn and grow, becoming more than when they started. And everyone here in Class 1-A has." Shouta looked Parker in the eyes. "Even you Peter. Just… be you. Always growing, always changing."
"Right." He turned to go to the door.
"Parker." The boy stopped as Shouta looked back.
"If they were here," Shouta went on. "I bet they would be proud of you. Your Aunt. Stark. Everyone."
Peter blinked before he took a quiet breath and smiled. "Thanks, Sensei."
"You have class. Get to it."
Peter gave a mock salute and departed, leaving the shaggy-haired man alone.
(X)
Tomura awoke with a sharp intake of breath, sitting up in his chair as he looked around.
Good…still in the train car. He felt hands around his neck, needles inside him… yet despite how painful it felt for the briefest moment, he felt content somehow.
Weird. Was that…the fourth time he's felt that sensation in the last week whenever he dozed off? The hell did it mean?
He looked out of the window. The train was passing through a forest, but he could see wide clearings with big lakes and what looked like ruined buildings.
This place was a shithole. So were most of the places the League hid out in.
If he remembered his history right, Korea had been two states, once long ago. Then quirks appeared and the Dark Age happened, causing the two states to go all-out. Missiles, poison gas, suicide squads, metas; some said even nukes were deployed. Both sides had been trashed, and the old border region was completely depopulated. The shell holes had filled with water and become lakes, and what remained of the forests had grown and spread, slowly reclaiming the land.
Not that Tomura cared. History was just the same story over and over again; people doing the same old dumb crap to one-another again and again, and never learning a damn thing.
Worse still, this ride was boring. He missed the sensation of father's hands on his face. He'd had to settle for a normal breath mask, causing anyone who saw him to assume he was ill and give him a wide berth.
"I'm back~" chimed a familiar voice. "Hungry?"
Tomura's red eyes turned to see Geppetto walk in, beaming. Blink was napping on the other side of the compartment while Kurogiri was resting in a giant guitar case that had been stowed up on the luggage rack.
That had worked out well. The Warp user was pretty malleable given that his body was made out of misty darkness. His Quirk's range was only so far, and going from Tokyo to Busan had worn him out.
Geppetto set down a plate of snacks, and Tomura's stomach growled. He pulled down his mask and grabbed some chips, something to take the edge off his hunger.
"Thanks," he muttered as the puppeteer took his seat next to the blue-haired Chinese girl. "You blend in great here."
"I'm from Korea, what can I say?" Geppetto mused as he leaned back. "Helps that the boss knew the right guy to get the tickets, not to mention our fancy passports."
To think that Teacher foresaw this… he was smart.
Tomura rubbed his neck as he kept on munching. "Let's run by what Kurogiri said before he lost consciousness." He looked up at the case where the Warp user slept.
"Yeah. We landed in Busan and near one of All for One's benefactors. He gave us passports and tickets for two train rides. Busan to Shenyang, then Shenyang to Erenhot, just outside of Mongolia." Geppetto took some pocky, fiddling with it in his mouth. Trust the fruit to have an oral fixation.
"And then we go into Mongolia to find the Doctor, who would have relocated in the event of Teacher's defeat… or death" Tomura finished. He growled as he scratched at his neck, the nails digging deep. "We lost…again."
"But we lived and got away." Geppetto smirked. "Counts for something. Plus that benefactor, Jun-woo, mentioned that the Doctor will have his backup facilities, plenty more Noumu, and friends there, big and small."
"He mentioned someone strong enough to level mountains… he's gonna be there too right?" Tomura asked.
"That's what Jun-Woo said, Gigantowhatever he's called, and best of all, it'll be in the heart of warring territories; right where those Heroes can't get us."
Korea was a functioning state, kind-of, sort-of, but it still had a lot of problems. They were having trouble getting a Hero system running. China was even worse off by being riddled with villains, getting wracked with battles daily. They never had an All Might of their own, let alone Heroes on Endeavour or Edgeshot's level.
And Mongolia wasn't even a state.
The perfect place to hide out while they recovered and gathered their strength.
Tomura narrowed his eyes. "Warring territories…Mongolia's just a wilderness now and Teacher wants us to go there?"
"Exactly, a wilderness," Geppetto oiled, running his hand through his dark brown hair. "Dare I say a wasteland. Aside from a handful of villain-infested cities, it's just a vast empty steppe; just like in Genghis Khan's time. Interpol has basically no presence there, and the WHA avoids it like the plague. The perfect place to hide." He paused, as if in thought. "You really like video games, right?"
"Yeah, what of it?" The itch of not playing League of Legends was getting to him.
"Well, think of it as a great big DLC for you to conquer. Bring it to heel, like your boss did. Why…" Geppetto smirked dangerously. "Methinks you'd be a natural to replace him. Out with the old, in with the new, as they say. Plus, I bet the good Doctor can hit you up for quests~"
"Seriously," Tomura deadpanned. "I like video games but I'm not retarded."
"Just giving my two Yen in the best analogy I can for ya, sweetpea." Geppetto smirked. "And I mean… with so many people, villains, vagabonds, and quirks there…"
The teal-haired man leaned forward, and it began to click.
"I can rebuild my Nomu army."
"Bigger, meaner, and stronger than ever~" Geppetto finished his pocky, and Tomura smiled.
"Heh, this is gonna be fun." He looked up, red eyes looking into red.
"That's the spirit Shiggy~. We lost yeah, but you know what they say. What doesn't kill ya…"
Tomura finished his food, resting back in his seat. Outside, the train rolled on through the war-ravaged wasteland.
"Hey, Geppetto."
"Yes Shiggy?"
He paused. Geppetto and Blink didn't have to stay with him and Kurogiri. They could have just left, what with Blink being from Hong Kong.
"Why are you sticking around? I mean, you had your fun against the heroes and people in making all those Noumu. Don't you have better things to do?"
"Sweetie. I'm sticking around because you're fun," Geppetto oiled. "And you don't judge Blinky here too." He purred, petting Blink's head as she leaned into him, purring like a contented cat. "People like us, people who society spat on, well, we gotta ride or die. They wanna trample us, so why not trample them first? One person, house, block at a time."
Tomura took a deep breath, and looked out the window again.
He felt… at ease.
"Thanks," he uttered softly.
"Don't mention it sweetpea," Geppetto replied. He closed his eyes and put in some earbuds. Tomura could hear the sounds of swing music playing.
He put his breath mask back on, and looked out at the world again. There were people outside now, though he couldn't quite tell what they were doing. They were just people, faces in the distance. They had names he would never know, living lives he would never see.
Worthless, all of them. Not like the ones in this compartment with him.
He laid back, allowing his mind to wander. He couldn't do much right now, not as he was. But he had these few with him, and soon enough he would have the Doctor too, and his Teacher's creations.
He would erupt from that wasteland, just like Genghis Khan had; a conqueror, a monster, a symbol. And then it would all start falling down. Crumbling into dust.
First the people…
…and then everything around that damn house.
(X)
"You're going on a date with him."
"Yes. We have something planned for Saturday" Momo replied, then sipped some tea. "After the Culture Festival."
"Hmm." Maiya nodded. "I suppose it was only a matter of time. You've fancied him for long enough." She sipped her coffee, her eyes on her laptop.
"Has he improved his chopstick etiquette yet?"
"A little." Momo smiled, and the chestnut-haired matriarch's eyes settled on her.
"Better than nothing. Has he decided where to take you?" Momo sighed.
"Mother, it's a date on a Saturday near school. We aren't going to a top of the line restaurant."
Maiya said nothing and she sighed. "Nothing."
Momo tilted her head in confusion, and Maiya turned her laptop around.
"I did some digging for you regarding that drone blueprint you gave me. I've talked to many of my contacts, but so far this… Stark Industries doesn't exist."
Momo's eyes widened as she saw the email correspondence.
"Talked to your PMC friends?"
"I can still pull a few favors."
So where did the Drone Karen gave her come from?
"Thank you mother."
"Where did you get this company name anyway?" Maiya asked, as she turned the laptop back. "I must say I've never seen such a unique blueprint before."
"Just…talking with friends."
Maiya gave her a deadpan look and Momo did her best not to wince. Even for her that was a lame excuse.
"I see."
Momo was surprised. She had expected an interrogation, or at least some searching questions. Instead her normally stern and driven mother seemed only mildly curious.
"Enjoying the digging?" Momo asked, smiling softly.
"It's given me something to do. If I hadn't gone into the military contractor business I would have followed my father into detective work." Maiya sipped from her coffee.
"You wanted to be a detective?" For a brief moment Momo's mind pictured her mother in a trenchcoat and fedora like one of those old Noir films.
"Yes. We all evolve and change as we grow, Momo," Maiya surmised.
"You won't press this… friend of yours regarding this Stark Drone?"
"I trust them." Momo smiled. "Maybe it's the name of an I-Island tech student blueprint. Or maybe it's something else. Thanks for indulging my curiosity at the very least."
Maiya was quiet, looking down at her coffee. "Fair enough."
She would ask him later. Or maybe just wait. When Peter felt ready, he would tell them of his past.
And this Stark; whoever or whatever that was.
(X)
One week later
"Come one, come all to the All American Diner!" cheered Mina. She was dressed in a cheerleader uniform.
"Want some carnival-style Funnel Cakes? We got 'em!" declared Kaminari. He was wearing a brightly-colored suit and top hat while also twirling a cane. Behind him, Sado held up his arms, plates of sugar-covered funnel cakes balanced along them.
"Chicago Oven-Fired Pizza? In spades!" Mina gestured to a giant stone oven, into which Shoto was sending gouts of flame. At the same time, he was dropping ice into a Shaved Ice machine. "With Shaved Ice in all flavors!"
"We also got Tex-Mex!" Hagakure chimed. The invisible girl was also in a cheerleader outfit, but waving macarenas. "And bonafide New York Deli Sandwiches!"
"Say it loud and proud Hagakure!" proclaimed Kaminari. "Yo Parker, this is the best idea you've ever had!"
"It was just a suggestion," laughed Parker bashfully. "I'm surprised you all ran with it."
"Well we are Class A, and we go that extra mile because that's what UA does!"
"You look like a circus act," Jirou added. Kaminari pouted, then remembered himself and grinned.
"How about some Coney Island Chili Dogs, straight from the Big Apple itself!" He gestured with his cane towards Tokoyami who was wearing a Big Apple costume, and looking like he'd swallowed a very large, freshly-peeled lemon.
"It'll be fine Tokoyami-chan. This is kind of fun," Asui cut in. She too was wearing a cheerleader uniform.
"Yo Bakugo! Need more of those onions!" Sero called out.
"I'M BEING BURIED IN THIS SHIT!" Bakugo yelled back. In his hands, two kitchen knives were blurring, sending a constant stream of freshly-sliced onions into a pile beside him.
"Guess I could do a better job at onions than you then," Kaminari quipped. The blonde gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing.
"I-It's okay Bakugo, let's just… take our time," pleaded Koji. Bakugo huffed and returned to his chopping.
Shoto watched him work. He had to admit, Bakugo had the makings of a master chef.
He sipped on some water and looked around the diner. His classmates were working hard; as waiters, busboys, or at the cashier table. Uraraka, Ashido, Asui, and…Aoyama were on roller skates taking orders, while Parker and Yaoyorozu were manning the registers. Iida was excelling as floor manager, and he had seen Midoriya helping out in the back.
It was all so…surreal for Class 1-A to be hosting a miniature restaurant like this. But it had been Parker's idea, and he assured everyone it was authentic; apparently it was based on a place called Ruby's, or somesuch. Yaoyorozu had provided the ovens, pots, pans, stovetops, oil grillers, and the various uniforms.
The food couldn't beat a nice bowl of cold soba, but it smelt good all the same. What was more, it was bringing in the crowds. Plenty of students and their families were stopping by, lured by the smell of actual, contemporary American cooking that wasn't hamburgers or fried chicken. For a Japanese clientele, it was fairly novel.
He still preferred cold soba.
"KAHAHAHAHAHA! LOOK AT THEM!" cackled an all-too-familiar voice. "CLASS 1-A HAS BECOME A BUNCH OF WAGE SLAVE FAST FOOD WORKERS! OH HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FAL-EEEEEEEEEEGH!"
Shoto leant out of the kitchen window, just in time to see Monoma slump to the ground, a steaming hoofprint on the back of his head
"Sorry about that!" called out Pony Tsunotori as she set her leg down; she and her fellow students stepped around the blithering Monoma who was holding his crotch in agony. "But we smelt somethin' good! Like a taste a'home!"
"Yo Pony! Come on in! We got plenty of tables open!" exclaimed Parker, beckoning them in. The blonde's eyes softened, and she nodded.
"Thanks Pete!" She looked at the menu. "If your Tex-Mex is bad you won't hear the end of it!"
She smirked as Parker grinned.
"Well, I'll do my best not to disappoint! Besides, bomb-head is working on the cooking."
"You mean Bakugo?" Pony chuckled. "Well, I won't be disappointed then!" Peter perked up.
"You tasted his cooking?"
"Yeah, we interned under Gang Orca together. He cooked pretty well, so if he's learning how to make Tex-Mex he's going to do great."
They seemed like good friends. Parker and Pony. Pony and Bakugo. Strange. But then again, stranger things had happened.
"Right then!" Parker looked dubious, but kept on smiling. "I'll put in your order! Anybody else?"
"I hope there is something holistic and fulfilling…" Shiozaki murmured.
Shoto then noticed Kendo Itsuka standing there, glaring down at Monoma. Then she looked up, met his gaze, and strode towards him.
"No customers in the kitchen please!" Iida declared, his hand chopping rapidly.
"It's fine, I'm not that hungry anyway," Kendo replied, then turned back to Shoto. "Hey."
"Hi."
"Do you… have a minute?" Shoto blinked, and glanced at the oven to see Shoji slide in some more pizzas. He heated it up with a gout of flame, then got up.
"Yeah. What is it?"
"Did you talk to your dad about… me getting an internship?" she asked. Shoto blinked.
"My dad?"
"Yeah, who else?" Kendo put a hand on her hip, looking at him inquisitively. Then Shoto remembered.
"I did talk to him after the Provisional License Exam. I told him that your not passing wasn't fair; that you deserved it." Kendo crossed her arms.
"That's all you said?"
"I told him he could go to Hell too." Shoto shrugged, and the redhead's eyes widened.
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"Okay then." Kendo looked away, fidgeting. "Wasn't expecting that."
"So my father invited you to intern at his agency?"
"Yeah, going in for an interview in two days. Just got the notice in the mail too. My folks and I couldn't believe it."
"Are you going to take his offer?"
"Of course I am! He's the Number Two Hero!" exclaimed Kendo. "It's just… I didn't want to get this chance for…well…pity. But from what you said, you only grilled him for influencing the exams."
"People will always have their own biases and judgements," said Shoto. "To me it's unfair, and I was taught that Heroes should fight unfairness, but…" He looked down. "It's easier said than done."
"Yeah…especially for unimpressive quirks like mine." Kendo smiled softly yet sadly.
"I told him you deserved to pass, and I meant it." Shoto looked her in the eyes. "I'm sorry for messing up during the exams too. It just goes to show, I have a long way to go before I can call myself a Hero; let alone follow All Might's path."
"It's in the past, what's done is done," insisted Kendo. "You're gonna be working for him, right?" Shoto nodded. "Well in that case, I'll be in your care. You'll show me the ropes, right?"
"Of course. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer."
Kendo smiled lightly.
"Thanks. For speaking up."
"I only did what I thought was right."
Kendo turned, as if to join her classmates; she paused, and looked back at him.
"You know, despite the background and what people say… you're simpler than I imagined you'd be, Todoroki."
"Simpler?" Shoto tilted his head. The redhead giggled.
"It's nothing. I'm going to order one of those… Root Beer Floats or something. Try that."
She strolled off, a spring in their step. Shoto watched her go, wondering what she had meant.
He suddenly felt like he was being watched and turned to see Sero, Parker, Midoriya, and Sato all staring at him.
"What?" he demanded, unsettled.
"They grow up so fast," Sero sighed wistfully. "Todoroki… has a girl interested in him!"
"That's so cool Todoroki…" Midoriya added.
"Nice." Parker grinned, and gave him a thumbs-up.
Shoto was thoroughly confused.
(X)
"You seem to be enjoying yourself."
Peter looked up, mouth still full of beef and onions, and saw a familiar face. He swallowed and stood up.
"Hey Mirko! Miss Shizune." He bowed lightly. Mirko grinned back, ignoring the onlookers as they stared in awe or took photos. She was in her costume with a flight jacket over her shoulders.
And there was a little face peering out from behind her leg.
"And hey Eri! How's it going?" Peter greeted her with a big smile.
"H-Hello…" Eri murmured, looking around nervously.
"Principal Nezu wanted us to be on patrol for the day soooo, figured I'd bring along Shizune and Eri. They get to enjoy the Festival, I help keep the peace." She sniffed the air. "Cooking something good back there, yeah?"
"Yeah, my classmates are all busy helping run this diner we set up for the festival."
"Must have taken quite a bit of work. How did you get the ingredients and props?" asked the Tanuki lady, who was only a head taller than Eri.
"Momo mostly, she was the MVP with making all the costumes and props, not to mention buying the ingredients." Peter stretched his arms. "Just enjoying my break and a cheesesteak." He yawned.
"Well that's good. Yo Shizune, anything on the menu Eri would like?" Mirko asked.
"Why don't we go check it together okay?" suggested Shizune. Eri took her hand, and they headed for the menu. Then Eri stopped suddenly.
"Ummm, Parker-san?" she asked, turning to face Peter. "T-Thank you again, for saving me and Rumi back then."
She bobbed an awkward bow. Peter smiled, and gently ruffled her hair.
"You're welcome," he said. The girl nodded before she went off with Shizune.
"Has she smiled yet?"
"We're getting there, bit by bit," answered Mirko. Peter nodded, and his phone buzzed.
"We got the appointment. Tuesday at 5," Karen said lightly in his ear.
So it worked. The therapist found time.
"Hey, Mirko."
"Hmm?" The bronze-skinned woman's eyes slid from left to right, no doubt searching for ne'er-do-wells.
"I'm… going to see someone, to help me with my issues," Peter said. Mirko looked straight at him, clearly surprised. "I'll be going as long as I can and, well… I want to be better. A better hero."
"This means you're doing therapy right? Cool, go for it." Peter perked up.
"You're not against it?"
"Not really. Besides, I was going to ask you to, like, sign up for something online."
"Huh?"
"You wanna work under me again?"
Peter's eyes widened.
"You're… offering me a job?" Mirko shrugged, but she smirked.
"I need someone to keep up with me. With Eri all but living with me, I need someone who can match my pace when out and about, and someone who can rush back home to Endo just in case. You're a speedy guy." Mirko grabbed a carrot from her pocket and munched on it. "Up to you though. I heard Edgeshot's taken an interest in ya, so I won't fault ya if you choose him. More house-sitting for this hen right here."
"Hey!" Shizune pouted as Mirko cackled.
"That was only for the Hassaikai mission, so I'm a free agent at the moment." Peter took a breath. "So…I'd be happy to take up a temp position with you. I'd like to…make amends."
Mirko smirked and gave Peter a soft punch to the arm. "You be my sidekick, you better hit that therapy hard alright?"
Peter nodded. "Thanks for… being understanding. I was nervous you'd be put off since well, therapy is looked down on here."
"It is, though it really shouldn't," Mirko mused. "Little secret," she whispered, leaning closer. "I went and saw someone too. When I was your age."
"What for?" Peter asked, blinking.
Mirko's shoulder slumped. "Let's just say I failed to save someone… close to me."
Peter's eyes softened. For a few moments, they looked up at the blue sky, as the festival carried on around them.
"We can never save everyone in our line of work, can we?" said Peter, wistfully.
"Doesn't mean we can't try, and we owe it to the fallen to be better, and to save as many as we can. We owe it to'em," Mirko added, then sighed. "Don't mind me though. You go take care of yourself." She said with a pat on his shoulder.
"Mirko Mirko Mirko!" The two looked up and saw Eri trotting up with a candied apple in hand, Shizune beside her. "This is so yummy!"
And Peter saw it as she dug into the candied fruit. Her first ever smile.
Mirko's face lit up like the sun, and she ruffled the horned girl's hair. The horn was just a little nub, so small that Peter hadn't noticed it at first.
She was smiling, and her eyes were bright. She had found some small and simple joy in this world; a world that had, until she met Mirko, offered her only pain and shame.
It had been worth it. It had all been worth it.
Peter watched as Mirko gave him a wave, and headed off with Shizune and Eri. He glanced back to the diner, and saw his classmates working hard.
Time to get back to work.
(X)
"Phew… break time…" Izuku slumped in his chair. Being a fry cook was tedious. He couldn't imagine fast food workers doing this every day. Thankfully technology had made oil grilling safer, but it was still so hot! And it wasn't just potatoes being fried. There was even a special secret menu item for Ice Cream being fried!
Ice Cream of all things! How did Americans think to do such a thing?
"Ahhh man!" yelled Kirishima in dismay. "I can't believe I forgot about the play!"
"What play?" Shoji asked.
"Class 1-B was going to do some kind of play for their presentation. And we missed it." The red head slumped in his seat. "Tetsutetsu said he had a really radical role in it too."
"What was it called?" Asui asked.
"Romeo, Juliet and the Prisoner of Azkaban: The Return of the Kings.. Gah it sounded so coooool!" Kirishima wailed.
"Romeo and what now?" Peter asked.
"Romeo, Juliet and the Prisoner of Azkaban: The Return of the Kings."
Izuku saw Peter's face contort and start to twitch.
"… I actually would have wanted to see that…"
"You'd be interested in what that jerk Monoma was 'directing'?" Jirou inquired.
"I mean… it could have been either entertaining or super cringe; in which case it's entertaining on its own. Plus I wanna see how Pony and Shiozaki do," Peter replied. Jirou blinked, then nodded.
"Yeah. It may very well be a train wreck."
"With a title like that, probably the latter." Peter muttered, recognizing the various movie names crammed together.
Kirishima went to his phone, typing really fast. "Gonna ask a friend of mine to see if they got a video of it…"
"A friend? You think Tetsutetsu got someone to record the thing?" Izuku asked as Peter brought his cola to his lips.
"Him? No, I'm asking Karen."
Peter paused for a second, meeting eyes.
"Relax Ace, I'm sure she was there!"
"She? You're seeing a girl, Kirishima?! That's awesome!" Kaminari replied as Peter blanched.
"Y-Yeah, I introduced them earlier in fact," Peter replied. "She's a transfer student like me and… a bit sickly so she doesn't get out much." He strode over to Kirishima and wrapped an arm around him, smiling too much. Kirishima looked down at his phone, then up at Peter before the penny dropped.
"Uhhh, yeah," he added "She made it here and she got a video so I'll share it!"
"PARDON ME~!" bellowed a familiar boisterous voice that made Izuku perk up with glee. "For I am Here!" It was All Might in his yellow pinstripe suit. "To taste the cuisine of Class 1-A's American Diner Stall!"
"Whoa, hey All Might!" exclaimed Sero as Izuku saw his mentor; right beside him was Melissa!
The scientist student looked like a small child next to the towering superhero, but she seemed right at home close to him.
"Forgive my absence today! I was delayed with paperwork, but I couldn't not attend! To say nothing of Class 1-B's magnificent play!" proclaimed the man-titan.
"So how was Class 1-B's play?"
All Might gave a laugh. "They certainly gave it their all! So, where is the menu?"
"Right over here!" Iida gestured. "Quickly everyone! We must cook up a meal worthy of All Might!"
Izuku got right back up and Melissa waved. "Heya Izu!" she said, trotting over.
Kaminari and Sero froze, heads turning to the green-haired boy.
"H-Hey Melissa. How's it going?" Izuku asked.
"Doing great." Melissa beamed. "Just finished some coursework and Uncle Might invited me along! Sorry for not getting here fast enough; there was a ton of stuff to do."
"I-It's fine. Really!" Izuku replied bashfully.
"Is Midoriya…" Sero uttered.
"Talking with that absolute babe?!" Kaminari finished.
"An American babe!"
"Oh lay off, why don't you," grumbled Jiro.
"That means you're going back home to I-Island soon?" Peter asked as he joined them. Melissa's eyes darkened just a little before she nodded.
"Yeah… I'll be heading back home to complete my graduation… then I'll be looking for work within the Shield Foundation."
She looked sad, and Izuku's shoulders slumped.
"I wish I could have stayed longer," she went on. "But I'm the heir to the Foundation, so I need to keep tabs on things."
"We'll… keep in touch at least?" Izuku asked. Melissa's face blossomed into a smile…and she hugged him!
A girl was hugging him. A girl was hugging him! Oh gosh oh goooooosh~!
"If you have any ideas for Support Gear let me know, and I'll invent it for ya."
"Y-Y-Yeah…Sure!" Izuku's face turned utterly crimson and he struggled to stay on his feet.
"We should have a last dinner together. Get your favorite Chicken Katsu too!"
If not for All Might's presence, Izuku would have been light-headed.
No, he was already light-headed. He just would have fainted on the spot.
Kaminari and Sero were flustered while Uraraka looked on with a stoic expression.
"If you need any help or input, I'd be happy to bounce ideas," Peter suggested. Melissa nodded.
"Peter?" The voice was familiar, but unexpected. Peter turned, and so did Izuku. He had expected the voice's source to wear overalls, but instead she was wearing the standard girls' uniform, with her hair neatly done and signature goggles absent.
It was Hatsume Mei.
"Hey Mei" Peter responded as the girl walked forward. "Did you… wanna order something?"
"Not hungry I… just wanted to know how you're feeling," Mei replied, her hands held in front. Peter's shoulders slumped.
"How's the General Course? It's okay, right?" he asked. Mei looked up, and the look on her face was enough to answer the American boy's question.
"Is something the matter?" Melissa asked.
"I got… suspended out of the Support Course for the semester," Mei replied. "And I doubt I will have the same inventing privileges I had before." Peter held out a seat for her, but she shook her head. "I was on the way home anyway after leaving the Support Course Showcase."
Izuku frowned. That would have been an excellent event for Mei to show what she could do.
"Why did you get suspended?" demanded Melissa, eyes wrought with concern. "You're a genius!"
"I was punished for trying to help. Back during the Kawasaki-Jionoshi Incident. "
"That's not right," declared Melissa. "No one should be punished for doing the right thing.?"
Mei was silent, looking to the side. Melissa took a deep breath, her eyes resolute.
"You wanna apply to I-Academy?"
"Eh?" Mei perked up
"Melissa?" Peter asked, stunned.
"Why not? " declared Melissa. "If UA wants to stand on some stupid precedent, let them. Besides," she brightened, "I could use a roommate to help me brush up on my Japanese."
Mei was shaking, too stunned to speak. Peter looked overjoyed.
"Mei, do it. Take it!" He said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I know you'll do great."
Mei's eyes shimmered, and then she flung herself at Peter, hugging him tight. Peter smiled at Melissa over her shoulder, and Melissa smiled back. Izuku sighed with relief.
"Sorry I…!" Mei pulled back, wiping at her eyes with her sleeve. "It's just been a rough week or so and this is all… Can you really do that, Melissa-san?"
"Yep! Plus Uncle Might will put in a good word for ya too." Melissa waved. "Ain't that right Uncle Might?"
"Hmmm?" All Might looked up from the enormous burger he was munching on. "Of course Melissa!" He waved back.
'I guess he'll be filled in later…' Izuku mused to himself mentally.
"Let's swap numbers, and I can talk to your parents directly. Besides, you helped us at I-Island too. I won't leave a friend out in the cold."
The pinkette's shoulders sagged in relief.
"Thank you so much Melissa," Peter said. "I don't know what to say."
"Don't mention a thing. Now, I need to try me some Tex-Mex here. I never got the chance back home or in the US, so now's the time!"
(X)
The School Culture Festival had come and gone. Class 1-B's play had gone viral, if only for how over-the-top silly it was, and every other class had shown its best.
Peter couldn't help but be grateful. It had all turned out perfectly. That was when he saw her, standing across the street under a great tree. Her hair wasn't in its usual pony-tail, but hanging down; soft and flowing.
"Hey" he called out as he crossed the street towards her. She saw him, and put away her phone.
"Hey," Momo replied, smiling lightly.
"So, what are you feeling hungry for at the moment?" Peter asked.
"Weren't we just going to talk over coffee?"
"Well, doesn't have to be coffee, and it is lunch. Plus you worked hard making those howitzers to take out those robots," Peter surmised as the two began walking, mingling with the rest of the crowd.
"I did. And I am feeling peckish. You've eaten more authentic Japanese right?"
"I have, here and there."
"Here and there?" Momo cocked an eyebrow, smirking.
"You know how Yu is," Peter replied, making the girl blink. "Mt. Lady."
"Oh right." She perked up. "Well, I know a place nearby that has just the kind of food you'll like. And it'll help you improve."
"Improve on what?"
"Chopsticks." Momo smirked again.
"Oh. Well, okay." Peter laughed. "Guess I'm being quizzed today. Did your mother put you up to this?"
Momo looked to the side. "Maybe."
He couldn't tell if it was Momo or her mother being a troll. That was a first.
"Well… guess I better do my best so she doesn't grill me. Or is she the kind to always critique you at every step?"
"The latter," Momo admitted. "Then again, it shows she cares."
All over chopstick technique. Peter chuckled.
"Something funny?"
"Nah, just… happy, for now," Peter mused, looking on ahead.
He saw it, the park on a hill, and the tree at the top. His memorial.
He stopped, smiling up at it a little.
"We've been here before when we went out with Jirou and Midoriya and the others, right?" Momo asked. "It's been a while since then…"
"Yeah, it has." Peter replied as he looked back to her, and she looked along the array of shops and restaurants. "So, your pick. My treat." Momo curled an eyebrow before smiling.
"Peter, I can treat myself."
"Let me treat you, at least this once." Momo brushed a lock of black hair from her face, looking away with a light blush.
"Well, if you insist… let's go with that one. You like sushi?"
"I do." Peter grinned, and they walked across the small side streets towards the hole in the wall of a sushi bar. They got inside, and found a table to sit at across from each other.
"Finals are across the corner… think Aizawa will come up with something tough?" Peter asked.
"Who knows what to expect? Then again, if we have more Hero Work as sidekicks, I imagine he'll be lenient and we'll just focus on normal school work," Momo replied as a waitress came by with cups and tea. Peter took one, sipping the hot brew before wincing a bit and smacking his lips.
"Still getting used to it?" Momo asked.
"It's an acquired taste," Peter replied. Momo smirked as she sipped.
"I'd be happy to share some of my various tea flavors with you. Care to try them?"
"Sure. Why not." Peter shrugged and laughed. "I'm always open to trying new things. Just don't expect me to like all of them."
The girl nodded, and the two were silent.
"Peter…" Momo muttered as she looked at her cup. "Thank you again… for everything."
"You're… welcome?"
"No, I mean it. I… When we first met, you've always had my corner and supported me. I admit I… I doubt I'd have advanced so far without learning how to make your web fluid. Speaking of…." She looked at him quizzically. "Did you get that patented?"
"Yes, I have." Peter smiled wryly. "Just gotta find the right people and I can start making some money! Found the right attorney, just gotta set up a meeting. In person or video call, or whichever."
"Well, you're making an effort at least, that's good," Momo replied. "But again… you've done so much here at UA. You've… you've honestly made everyone better. You pushed everyone to do their best, me included." She chuckled, Peter biting his lip and rubbing the back of his head.
"And… you took a bullet for me… a dangerous quirk eraser at that too and… you saved me." Momo looked back up. "There. I… just wanted to say thank you, for saving me."
Peter felt a stone in his throat, taking a deep breath as he looked back at those beautiful black eyes.
"Well… yeah. I'd do it again, and ummm, I'd know you'd do it too. You're awesome that way Momo. I mean that. Seriously."
Momo bit her lip and looked away, her cheeks pink.
"And… you deserve someone who is awesome and… better."
"Is this about you going to therapy?" Momo asked, looking back at him. Peter winced, leaning back in his seat. Memories of the joy and disappointment on Liz's face flashed before his eyes. Of the growing amusement and attraction Michelle had.
He could see that in Momo now. Growing more than they ever did.
He took a deep breath.
"You deserve… someone who would give you everything you want and… isn't… damaged. You deserve someone who's at their best." He replied. "And I'm…" He didn't want to finish it.
Way to go Peter, way to bungle a nice date.
He felt a soft delicate hand settle on his own. He opened his eyes, and he saw those warm obsidian pearls, looking straight into his soul.
"Peter… I don't mind. And I can wait."
Peter felt his jaw drop.
"I will support you, every step of your journey to healing. I know you, everyone, and All Might helped me after the USJ. You take on so much, but you need someone to support you. You have Mt. Lady. I'd…" She smiled brightly.
"I'd like to be that other pillar for you. If you'd let me."
Peter swallowed, and felt his heart speed like a racecar.
"I… I've never been to therapy but I heard it… takes time and-"
"I'm patient. Don't worry," Momo replied as Peter felt his hand turn over… and clasp her's. "Everyone has their pace. Go at the one you're comfortable with. You're worth waiting for."
A pace he was comfortable with. Mr. Stark taught him that back home a long time ago.
Peter smiled, and he felt Momo's hand tighten on his. They stared at one another, words unspoken as the waitress returned to take their order.
Peter remembered telling Mr. Stark and the others he had gotten better at chopsticks that night.
All it took was a hand reaching out.
(X)
Izuku felt himself… oddly wistful.
He sat on the roof of UA, watching the start to set. He could see the construction sites, imagine the workers had at work, rebuilding those parts of the city destroyed not a week ago.
It was going quickly, but that was only right. No matter what Villains did, how much they destroyed, people would pull together and rebuild.
It was a nice feeling; that they could stand strong, no matter how bad things got.
"Reminiscing on the year, young Midoriya?"
Despite the training, despite his own sense of calm, Izuku still jumped in shock. All Might laughed at the reaction, and again when Izuku saw what he was wearing.
It was a small, close-fitting suit that actually fit him. It wasn't baggy, like he was about to transform into All Might. It was a suit for someone who wore suits; a normal man with a normal physique.
At his shoulder was Melissa, giggling as she waved.
"Yeah, not the stuff I normally wear," All Might admitted, pulling at his breast pocket. "But I can get used to it. Certainly brings down the laundry bill."
"But-" Izuku started.
"Oh don't worry about it, Young Midoriya," All Might dismissed his words with a wave as he approached, "This is a happy occasion. Your festival is a success, All For One is gone and his empire is in ruins; not to mention saving young Eri. You should be proud that you were able to accomplish so much and at such a young age."
"Yeah but… what now?" he asked. The blonde man shrugged.
"Plenty to do, I need to announce my retirement, and Melissa here has to return to I-Island."
"Got to graduate," Melissa added, smiling.
"And you," All Might said, pointing a demanding finger, "You must get back to your training!"
"Already!?"
"No time like the present," the hero declared. "After my announcement, villains are bound to get rowdy. But it's a perfect moment after your showing with young Parker to state that I AM HERE!...once I'm gone."
The older man took a seat at the edge, finally seeming to relax. His shoulders sagged and his posture slumped gently, as if he was letting out a breath that he'd been holding in for years. His smile was wistful and proud.
"And you'll be fine," he said. "All for One is gone… and now you can grow at your own pace, without having to worry about his shadow over your shoulder. First as a student, and then as a true Pro Hero."
"But I'll certainly miss you," Melissa said, sitting down on Izuku's other side. The green-haired boy smiled.
"Well we can always talk, I can send you a text or call, whatever works for you, when you're not working of course and-"
She patted him on the back.
"You need to work on your mumbles," she said easily. "But they are cute."
She giggled, and winked at him.
Izuku… had no words.
All Might though?
He laughed louder than Izuku had ever heard him, even in his muscular form.
(X)
November had arrived.
So far, school had been going well. Mainly for finals preparations. And a new Work Study would take place during Winter Break after Final Exams.
Peter wasn't amused, but he could roll with it.
He looked down at his phone, a new home screen on it. Him, Izuku, Eijiro, and Momo at the festival, with Shoto peeking his head in with a quizzical glance. The redhead was happy and proud, and Izuku looked confident and firm while Momo looked as pleasant as a spring day.
It made him smile.
"You ready?" Karen asked in his ear.. He looked out of the bus window, the leaves in the autumn colors as he rode into a pleasant suburb in Tokyo.
Taisan Ward.
"Yeah," he replied. The response had become automatic, with Yu wishing him good luck that morning. He trawled through social media, and noticed a unique phrase trending.
TV FIGHT
"Hmm." Peter opened it up, and was gifted to the sight of a talk show going on.
"And that's why we need to ensure that we have foreign schools for foreign students!" decried some short plump man, his head balding with some sticky stuff atop, and a toothbrush moustache. "No thanks to Badgerine of Ketsubutus and that darn Spider-Man, our Hero Schools have gotten an influx of immigrant students coming abroad and taking spots for OUR Children!"
"Yeah dad!" The camera panned over to some short kid with purple balls in his head yelling from the crowd. And by his side, an overwhelmed and exhausted looking woman with a head filled with fruit, likely his mom, pulling a flask from her purse to drink. "Tell me! Send 'em home!"
"I think this is going beyond the pale, don't you think Mineta-san?"
"No! As the Head of the Musutafu Tribune I know first-hand the issues those migrant students cause! I lost my camera to that UA hooligan back when the school year began! We need to slow down these menaces to our schools to keep them for OUR students, our sons and daughters of Japan!"
"Now you're just being a blowhard!" yelled a rail-skinny man, likely another talk-show host.
"Oh yeah, tell that to every son and daughter who came home a weeping mess knowing their spot has been taken by some punk who couldn't be a hero in his own country! And they woo and seduce your children!"
"Now you're being a lying racist!" the skinny man declared as the mediator began to wave his hand at his neck, trying to cut to break. Unfortunately, the video was being recorded from the audience.
"I'm speaking the truth, or my name isn't Mineta Makoto Manjiro!" the glue-head man declared.
Then the skinny guy threw a coffee mug that narrowly missed. He threw himself at the other host, his son cheering him on as security men hurried in to break up the fight. Peter couldn't help but chuckle at the circus-like display.
"Guy really needs a chill pill." Peter mused as he stopped the video, and his new screensaver popped him. It was him and Yu, the blonde giving him a big hug, him beaming back.
The bus came to a stop, and he got out, staring up at the simple condo complex before him.
This was the place in the card.
He walked to the gate, taking a deep breath before he walked up to the door and knocked. He saw some makeshift plushies in the window, in varying shapes and sizes.
"Coming!" called a voice, and the door soon opened.
Tyla Taira stood before him. She was a tall lady, taller than Yu, with long shaggy brown hair, large glasses settled atop of her nose…and a prosthetic on her left arm. Folded up behind her shoulders were a pair of butterfly wings, and Peter noticed two antennae on her forehead.
And she looked Caucasian too.
"Umm, hello," Peter said in Japanese. "This is Tyla Taira, right?"
"I am," she replied in English. "You must be Peter Parker, right?" she asked as Peter caught a glimpse of numerous plushies.
"Yeah. You got Yu's message, right?"
"I did." The look in Tyla's eyes softened as she smiled wryly. "Forgive my hobby, it's a nice little front for my true profession. Please," She stepped aside, gesturing Peter to come inside.
"So you really are a therapist." Peter surmised.
"Graduated Stanford, moved here with my husband who is a cruise ship captain," Tyla replied as Peter followed her inside. He saw a plump and lazy-looking cat lounging atop a cat tower, its eyes following his every move.
"Follow me." She smiled, leading the way into a side room. Peter can see a workbench and plastic tubs of fluff and various color sheets, likely to make the plushies. There was also a couch and chair, with pots of incense and a video speaker.
"Would you like to have a seat?" she asked as Peter took off his coat and set it on a rack.
"Thanks I…" Peter mused, sitting down on the couch. "So… do people know what you do?"
"A select few. You're not the first hero to come in here, and not the last" Tyla said. "This country may look down on therapy for heroes, but that doesn't mean heroes don't need it."
"So you do it under the guise of a plushie maker, to protect yourself?"
"And my patients. Your teacher, Shouta Aizawa?" She got a clipboard and began to brew some tea to the side. "He was one of my first patients."
Peter sat at attention. "I guess… something bad happened, didn't it."
"Can't really say due to patient confidentiality." Tyla shrugged. But she didn't deny it either. "Would you like any incense? Tea? Any soft music?"
"No uhh… I guess we can just… start as normal." Tyla nodded at his request, and sat down in the chair while holding a clipboard.
"Alright then Peter." Tyla clicked on her pen. "Why don't we begin with you… telling me about yourself. And don't feel pressured, you can say whatever you want; this is your time."
Peter was silent. How to begin? He had come here, losing everything. And now he'd gained so much; and they're supporting him, with every step. His best friends. His new family.
This would be his first swing into a brand new day. A chance to heal from his loss.
He took a deep breath. He would do this. One step at time, over this new starting line.
He closed his eyes and heard the click of her pen.
From the top.
"Well… my name is Peter Parker. I was born in Queens, New York. I'm a foreign exchange student at UA High. And I… am Spider-Man."
Once again, a big thanks from the team. IKnowNothing as Co-Writer. Ld1449 as Lead Editor. And fellow betas and editors in WildJoker000 , Buried In Ash and Vandenbz for their help. Also thanks to my good friend Wr1teAn0n for their first look through.
And for my long time compatriot and frequent collaborator, Juubi-K for his polish in this final chapter.
And thus ends the story of Friendly Foreing Exchange Student Spider-Man. What began as a plot bunny while I typed away at subpoena files in a Law Office as a lowly legal grunt, ends with me finishing it as a General Manager of the Family Business.
This story began from a place of love, but as the MCU degraded over time it did sap my enjoyment writing this. But I nevertheless felt compelled to press on. I thought I was going to write some new factors such as a MHA-variant of Latveria and Kristoff Von Doom to become Peter's nemesis, but this sin't that story. Not the typical Spider-Man story where he has to do a final swing or get fired and screwed over left and right(as most Spider-man Writers in the comics bizz, or fans in general, like those clones Browntable and HiTop Films). But one of healing.
It was thanks to LD he guided me from a simple crossover power wank fest to one of Peter in dire need of healing for his failure to save the Universe from Thanos. To rebuild his mental psyche one brick at a time as he hid it behind a facade. And more importantly, he found a home. A family. And true everlasting friends. And perhaps something more with Momo. But now he can finally heal and go on that road to therapy to find peace. He began with opening his eyes here after his brush with death, it ends with him closing it in thoughtful contemplation. Shoutout 1918 as one of my favorite war movies for that nice ending scene too.
Momo has always been my favorite girl in MHA, she's just my type and so darn beautiful. That said, if I could go back in time and whisper to my younger self, I would have likely leaned for Mina but I'm sure there will be more Spidey writers to take on that mantle.
There are things that were sloppy in the beginning, on the account of my overeagerness and IKN's greenness back then, but thanks to LD we righted the ship and he made us better. He corrected us and guided us on the right path, saving this story from myself. If only Rian Johnson or JJ have had men like LD things may be different.
There will be a fun credits chapter next, likely after the NEw YEar Break, and then a short epilogue of where the sequel will come next. That one will be written by myself and Wr1teAn0n , with IKnowNothing in the editor's seat this time around. But if you want to hop off, considering this a one-off, by all means go ahead. This can work as a open and shut story in of itself. But I have had interesting ideas for the sequel too, but I likely won't get started writing on that until Brief's Divine Comedy is finished at the least. Or we do some chapters here and there, depending on my mood.
Hope you all enjoyed this. This nearly 6 year old fic is coming to a close. Hope you all enjoy, and I'll see you in the next one.