Hey, gang. I am about to do something a bit different now: notes BEFORE the story. Doing this in advance so I don't forget later. I have plans for touching on heavier stuff, like the trauma that the villain attacks might leave behind. As such, while I don't want to be too heavy handed, I may need content warnings in the future.

That's why I want to start putting notes at the beginning. Also, no beta-reader on this chapter, so it might not be as good as the last one. However, I wanted to get it out soon so you folks had something to read. That and I have another project to finish up and getting this uploaded means I can focus up more.

There was a lot of retreating of canon events here, with key differences of course. I did get input from one of my beta readers on where to end this chapter and I think she is right. While there is still technically USJ stuff this chapter, that arc is officially done. I will proceed to the fallout and some fillery stuff in the lead up to the next arc.

I also have plans to check in on Bakugou and Class B, as well as their reactions, so stay tuned for that. Anyway, hope you enjoy! Take care, lovelies!

All-Might stood tall, his trademark smile nowhere to be seen. It was a smile that could put all hearts at ease. And yet now, there was only a scowl, a simmering rage within.

"My apologies, children. I was speaking with the Principal, but I had a bad feeling in my gut, So I headed here as fast as I could. I ran into Iida on the way and he filled me in. What I heard made my blood boil. You kids must have been terrified, thrown into an unexpected situation before you were ready, while my colleagues lay battered and bloodied. Do not fear, though…"

The statuesque hero clenched his fist as he tore his tie off. This was too much, just to get to him. There would be a reckoning and he was here to deliver it to anyone foolhardy to threaten children.

"For I am here!"

The remaining villains hesitated, intimidated by the huge presence of the number one hero. Nevertheless, they prepared to attack.

Unfortunately for them, however, he dealt with them in an instant as he scooped up Aizawa's broken body.

Izuku watched the whole thing intently, distraught at how severe things were. Not even All Might was smiling. He looked at Mina, who looked back at him in concern.

Seconds later, they were swept up by All Might as he whisked the four students and their homeroom teacher away in his beefy arms. As he did so, he knocked the hand off of the lead villain's face.

"Everyone to the entrance...Now! They wanted me, now they have me. I will take it from here," All Might spoke to his students in a firm yet reassuring tone.

"You're fast...very fast...but not as fast as expected. So the rumors are true, Mr. 'Symbol of Peace'...You're weaker now, aren't you," he uttered with a creepy smile beneath his hand-mask.

All-Might rushed forward, winding up a Carolina Smash on both Shigaraki and the Nomu. However, the Nomu leapt forward and took the attack head-on. It had no effect on the massive brute.

"It's no good, hero. Your attacks have no effect on Nomu because he has a shock absorption quirk. The only way to get around that is to tear him apart piece by piece, but he won't give you that opportunity."

"Thank you for the information. I appreciate it. No sweat!" All Might professed as he suplexed the Nomu into the ground with a mighty explosion.

Unfortunately, as the season's pro drove his opponent into the ground, it opened up and swallowed both combatants, in an inky void. The Nomu dug its nails into All-Might's side, specifically the one with his injury from his last major battle.

"I see. You tried embedding him into the concrete. That won't work on an opponent that's as strong as you are.

"I can't say I am fond of the thought of blood and gore within my gate. However if they are yours, I can happily oblige," Kurogiri said in a polite yet menacing tone as his portal closed around All-Might. "You see, if I close my gate around you, then I can guarantee you'll be half the man you are now. It's Nomu's job to keep you put.

In the distance, Ochako called out. "Hey! Mina is safe, and she got to Izuku! They're both safe! I see Tsu and Mineta too!"

Mina waved back and smiled. Izuku, however, looked at the scene unfolding, hands trembling as he watched his mentor and idol clash with a seemingly unbeatable foe. He felt a hand wrap around his and looked over to see Mina. She gazed into his eyes with concern, wanting to smile brightly and reassure her boyfriend. She couldn't though. All she could do was look into his eyes.

"I can't just stand here and do nothing. He was weaker from his injury before me. Now he is even weaker after giving me One-for-All. This is…"

"Not your fault, Izu. You're safe now. We all are. All-Might's got it...right?"

Izuku was shaky and on the verge of tears, with Mina offering a less shaky smile. She was just as nervous as he was, but he needed courage and reassurance. "Thanks but...I'm not so sure. Only we know his secret, besides the faculty. There is so much he has yet to teach me…"

"What do you want to do?" Mina asked, looking away. She was nervous. She and Izuku managed to take out some of the minor villains but these three were bigger threats than they could handle.

If All-Might himself was having trouble, what could they do? Mina had her answer in an instant. It wasn't what she could do, it's what she couldn't do, and she could stand idly by and let Izuku watch his hero die. "Nevermind, I think I got it. And by it, I mean your back." Mina poked her boyfriend's cheeks.

It was shaky, but a smile crept onto his face. He turned to their mutual froggy friends

"Tsu...could you take Aizawa to the entrance please?"

"Sure but why? What are you…"

Before the frog-girl could finish her thought, both Izuku and Mina ran ahead towards All Might. They were terrified, out of their depth, and there was every chance that they would help nothing and possibly die. They had to take whatever chance they had.

As the curly couple made a mad dash for their mento, a sudden but an odd rustling sound filled their ears. Vines closed in around the villain called Kurogiri in the shape of a globe, accompanied by a familiar voice.

"Leave them be, demon. I have returned for more." Ibara stepped in, sending out thorny green tendrils to keep the mist villain contained. "Unhand our teacher at once!"

"Shiozaki, can you detach your vines? I"m about to strengthen the barrier," Todoroki shouted before he shot through with a wall of ice.

Kurogiri writhed inside his prison and managed to escape before being encased in ice as Ibara ran for it towards her classmates. "Right. I am on my way."

Kirishima lunged out with a hardened punch to Shigaraki's face, which the villain unfortunately dodged.

"Dang. Almost had him."

Ibara, Todoroki, and Kirishima stood side by side, aiding Izuku and Mina in releasing All Might from Kurogiri's hold. Todoroki himself spoke up as his ice extended to the Nomu's side. It permeated the monsters cells and rotted his flesh. "We may only be kids but we cannot allow you to kill the Symbol of Peace, as if scum like you ever could."

Mina and Izuku smiled as their mentor crawled out of the black mist portal and stood up.

"Looks like Todoroki. Frosty...That kid is tough. Only a student but his control is so great that he didn't hit me. Thanks to that…"

All Might thought as he slipped away from the Nomu and leapt away."His grip has loosened".

Ibara wrapped vines around Kurogiri again, binding him in place. "It seems there is indeed a body in that mist. You can teleport yours and others, but you still have a physical form. You can be contained." The robed girl glared as she did her best to keep Kurogiri from helping his allies.

"How bothersome," Shigaraki sighed in frustration, scratching away at his neck. "Kids these days are something, huh? Nomu. Take out the vine brat. Her preachy attitude is tiresome and we need our exit strategy.

Freeing its body from the portal, the Nomu righted itself and stepped forward, frozen chunks shattering and breaking off.

However, its form soon regenerated as limbs returned in grotesque fashion.

"I said it had a shock absorption quirk. I never said that's all it could do. This is hyper regeneration. Nomu is a superpowered living sandbag, created to withstand anything you've got." Shigaraki spouted confidently as the lumbering beast lunged for Ibara.

Her eyes widened as she tried to defend herself. In a flash, she was thrown back towards her classmates. Standing in front of her was All Might, holding a bruised, bloody arm up.

"This guy doesn't hold back," the old pro smiled.

Shigaraki scratched at his neck again, thinking on what he had just witnessed. "He took one for the kid…"

"Anything to Save a comrade right? Violence for the 'greater good'? Just like that kid over there...the plain one. Or the horned girl next to him. See, that's what pisses me off, All Might. Heroes...villains...we both commit violent acts but we're still categorized. Good and evil. That's how it is. You're called a 'Symbol of Peace' but all you are is a tool of destruction and violence. I'll break that cycle and wake the world by killing you."

"Son, that is the biggest load of phoney I have heard. You were literally willing to hold children hostage and even murder them, just to get to me. Your words are hollow and meaningless. Idealistic villains have a fire in their eyes and a conviction that can chill the air. You just want to cause mayhem. You're doing this for fun, liar"

Shigaraki smiled beneath the hand on his face, chuckling softly. "Well damn. You called my bluff. Nothing gets past you."

Mina placed a hand on Izuku's shoulder and looked at him, then at her classmates.

"These guys are pretty spooky. I feel like my legs might turn into jelly. But we've got them outnumbered, right?"

"6 on 3. Those are good odds. Plus we all have pretty strong quirks," Todoroki observed

Izuku offered a shaky smile. His stomach was in knots still, but the tides seemed to be turning. "You're both right. And Shiozaki showed that the mist villain has a weakness."

"So did Ochako. She managed to sniff out that he had a neck, so we were able to get him away from Iida." Mina offered a thumbs up as she glanced over her shoulder towards the entrance.

"These are some brutal dudes we're facing, but with the 5 of us backing up All Might, we can take 'em on." Kirishima cracked his knuckles. Mina and Izuku nodded, ready to back up their teacher alongside their close friend and 2 of their most powerful classmates.

All Might had other plans, however. "No. I forbid it. To the entrance, now! I will handle this!"

"You would have been done for if I hadn't stepped in," Todoroki deadpanned.

"B-Besides, you're bleeding. That thing hit you pretty hard. Plus I think your ti-" Izuku caught himself just as All Might clenched his fist.

"Right you are, Todoroki. Indefinitely owe you for that. As for your concerns, Midoriya, fear not. Just sit back and let a pro show you how it's done!"

Shigaraki stared his prey down in frustration. This was not going as planned. Still, there was one last shot at victory. "Nomu, Kurogiri, kill him. I'll take care of the children. Let's clear this level and go home." The hand-faced villain ran for the 6 students nearby as his cohorts rushed All-Might.

"Heads up, everyone. Looks like we're fighting afterall," Kirishima stated to his comrades.

"The kid is right though. I barely have a minute left. Here I am warning him to keep One for All a secret and I'm about to blow my cover and my shot at saving everyone. I am weakening faster than expected but I have no other choice… because I am...the world's symbol of PEACE AND JUSTICE!"

The #1 hero clashed with the Nomu, pummeling it with everything he could muster. Every blow was a spectacle, shockwaves knocking anyone in the vicinity off their feet, physically and mentally.

"Weren't you listening? One of Nomu's powers is shock absorption!" Shigaraki hissed as he was blown back.

"So what?" All Might roared, the force of the blows between him And the Nomu being so massive that it blew everyone back. The hero addressed his sparring partner.

"He said your quirk was only shock absorption and not nullification, right? That means there's a limit to what you can take, huh, big guy!?"

A few punches landed in the #1's weak spot, blood spreading out in his white dress shirt. He winced in pain but persisted with unstoppable force.

"You were really made to fight me, right, and you can really withstand 100% of my power, then I'll just have to go beyond that AND FORCE YOU TO SURRENDER!"

Hurricane force winds whipped around as the battle tore through the landscape. Nobody could get close, hero nor villain.

Izuku stood back in shock, shaken to his core. "He's really going all out, even with his injuries. Each punch is targeted, not a single random punch...and every one is more than 100% of his power."

The young boy looked to his side as Mina helped him up and carried him towards their other classmates.

"You do know how to pick em, huh? All Might is scary strong. Guess that's why he's the best."

"Now for a lesson. You might have heard these words before, so let me show you what they really mean! Go beyond! PLUS ULTRAAAAAAA!" All-Might screamed with overwhelming vigor as he launched the Nomu out of the USJ dome, into the horizon with an enormous explosion that shook the very foundation.

The students observed with awe and excitement. Things had looked grim, but now they were in safe hands. Those who had not yet made it to the entrance or the scene if the fight could feel the very earth move. "That's All-Might for you. He really is the most amazing hero ever!" Mineta cried out with pride before looking at his own hands in shame.

"Geez! It's like the finishing move in a video game...or like a splash page in a comic! He beat the shock absorption right outta that guy! I've never seen brute strength like that!" Kirishima stated in disbelief.

"So this is what a top professional is capable of? It's like a miracle in real time...that power…" Ibara trembled, hands folded as she tried to process everything. "It's truly inspiring and terrifying all at once."I

"Yep...I am definitely slowing down alright. In my prime, it would have only taken 5 hits to send that guy packing. However, just now…" All Might stood steadfast with a clenched fist and his hair a mess. "It took 300 mighty blows."

All-Might turned to face the remaining villains as steam and dust rose off him. "Well, villain? Let's say we finish this up. Didn't you want to 'clear this level'?"

Shigaraki quakes with fear and anger as his plans turned to dust. Time was ticking and he was about to fail miserably. "You...cheated! You're supposed to be weaker...they lied to me. You're not weak at dare you do that to my Nomu!"

"Well? Not going to clear the game? Come on, lad. I'm right here. Bring it on." All-Might growled confidently. However Izuku could see otherwise. It was a bluff. The #1 Hero only had moments before he reverted to his true form, revealing his secret to everyone and becoming an easy target.

X

Landslide Zone...

"So I'm going to be honest...I feel frustrated with this gig. I was told I could have a piece of All Might. That's the Holy trail for guys like me; getting to play a big role in ending the man who made my business he'll.

But here I am, on the fringes of an army, led by some punk kid, his butler, and their science experiment. I am not anyone's goon and if I wanted to mess around with school children, I would have just visited my daughter. So I want to make you children an offer."

"M-Monsieur, we will not comply with anything scum like you have to say." Aoyama shaking delivered, adjusting his visor. The large green man only shook his head and flashed a sharp smile.

"Don't try to play brave, kiddo. I see your legs shaking. I don't know if it's fear or overexertion of your quirk. Maybe both. However, you clearly aren't up to fighting me. So let me go. I'll slip back into the shadows, I'll even go back to my comfortable cell of my own accord. In return, I'll give you information."

"Why should we trust you?" Tooru flailed in frustration. "You're one of the villains that attacked.

"A.) I haven't attacked you...yet. B.) I am nothing like those jokers. Besides, I'm a father of a hero student too. I just wanted a piece of the #1 Hero. I have no interest in random destruction. This plan pales in comparison to what I do."

The earth quaked and the sound of intense combat rang out in the distance.

"What the heck is that?,

"That, kids, is the sound of this whole operation going belly up. I'll see myself out."

Tooru and Aoyama stepped forward, nervous yet resolute. The green man scoffed, however. "Come on, kids. What are you really going to do? Frenchy here looks like he needs a bathroom break and you? Not much you can do without the element of surprise."

"Yeah? Well you have no exit. That gate guy is over where that big kaboom came from and you can't just walk through the front gate. So nyeh!" Tooru teased, sticking out her to fue for emphasis, as if anybody would know.

The villain sighed. "I don't need this today. Move it, blunder twins. Can't miss my cab. Otherwise, I'll be getting a lift with the coppers."

Tooru reached out and tried to stop the burly brute, but he merely leapt with a surprising amount of grace and ran for the source of the shockwaves. The two hero students were left behind.

"Poop! C'mon, Aoyama! Let's give chase! Maybe we can meet up with the rest of the class!" the invisible girl gestured with her right pointer finger in an animated fashion.

Groaning behind her, the class' resident sparkly boy grimaced. "Understood. I appreciate your vigor, Mon ami~ … but please do me a favor?"

"Mmm?" Tooru looked his way in confusion.

"Please don't say that word!" Aoyama slumped to the ground, clutching his stomach.

Mountain zone...

Momo and Kyouka had stopped in their tracks. They were so close. All they had to do was get to the entrance and they would be home safe. They had no idea what had happened to their teachers and had assumed the worst, but if they could take Denki and reunite with their classmates, they might stand a better chance.

And yet one villain had managed to shrug off their strategy. He was built, wearing an elongated skull-like mask. What's more, he had managed to grab Denki and hold him hostage

"Hands up, girlys. No funny business or your friend here is done for. I don't want to kill a fellow electric type, but sometimes you do what you gotta do," the man menaced as he held the brainfried UA student. "Besides, it just means I know how to end him."

Momo thought to herself as she stared at the ground. "He must have laid low when we took out all the other villains. I imagine he has a higher resistance to electric attacks. Could he be the signal jammer?"

Kyouka looked towards Momo and gestured with her eyes before looking to the villain before them. "I didn't admit it to him, but I always thought Kaminari...really all electricity quirks...they're pretty cool. Those with them are natural born winners…"

Momo was confused as to what was going on until she saw one of Kyouka's ear jacks slide towards the back of her boots. Unfortunately, a bolt of lightning shot towards her feet, breaking her concentration.

"Nice try. Do you think I am gullible like your friend? I'm not going to fall for some stupid kid's trick. You heroes in training should take this as a serious lesson in hostage situations. I'll let this blockhead go if you comply. So what will it be? His life or yours?"

Before either girl could make a decision, shots rang out and the masked villain flinched as he fell to the ground, losing his grip on Kaminari.

Slowly, coming to his senses, Kaminari shook his head and looked up. "What the-"

Momo and Kyouka followed his line of sight after rushing to his aid. What they saw filled their hearts with joy.

The cavalry had arrived.

X

Mina and Izuku ran forward just as the villains were about to attack. Mina didn't want her boyfriend to act recklessly but couldn't stop him, nor did she want to. All Might was the number one hero. So many people looked up to and relied on him. He was a teacher and mentor and one of the most important people in her boyfriends' life.

If anything happened to All Might, society would shudder. If anything happened to Izuku, her world would collapse. He was just one kid. The world might mourn him for a bit but it wouldn't stop in its tracks. For her? His smile and his laughter would cease. She couldn't stand there and not back him up. The young couple cried out in succession.

"Detroit…"

"SPLASH!"

Both teens worked in unison, as if they were so in sync in that moment that their bodies finished each other's sentences. Unfortunately Izuku's one leg gave out, the strain of his quirk being too much. Still he persevered and went for a punch on Kurogiri's real body. It had to be somewhere near the neck brace.

"Izuku!" Mina cried out in concern before focusing up and splashing acid towards the metal costume piece. A hand came out of the portal. It was Shigaraki's. Everything was happening too fast.

A bullet flew into the hand, causing it to recoil in pain. All eyes turned towards the entrance. Sure enough, Iida stood triumphantly in front of the UA teaching staff. They had arrived as backup to help clean things up. They cleaned up any villains still standing and drove the ringleaders onto the back foot.

"Damn! It really is game over, Kurogiri. Guess we should try again some GURK!"

Shigaraki was cut off by a hail of bullets from Snipe. They were non-lethal but still hurt like all hell. The young villain fell to the ground. Before Kurogiri could quickly get him to safety, they were sucked in by a strong force.

Thirteen had willed themself back up and was using their quirk to try and capture the two. Kurogiri pushed himself to his limit and used his gate to teleport both him and his young master. The large green gentleman from before ran franticly for his comrades and tackled them just as they disappeared. Thirteen tried to wrangle the three in but it was too late.

As the villains disappeared, Shigaraki spat out words filled with venom. "You may have one here, Symbol of Peace, but Mark my words...When we next meet, you're a dead man!" And in a wisp of smoke, they were gone

"What in tarnation?" Snipe uttered as a female hero in bondage gear walked up beside him.

"Right? They just left an infamous villain behind with all these goons. And after such a dramatic entrance too" the heroine known as Midnight sighed.

The young hero students reconvened and were treated by their teachers. They had gotten a taste of what pros dealt with every day, before they were even ready. Izuku limped towards All-Might, who was on the cusp of turning back into his true form.

"Sorry I couldn't help. I was-" Izuku was cut off before All-Might could even speak.

"No. Stop that. You were amazing. Scary and you almost gave me a heart attack but you risked your life and managed to buy him time...please don't make that a habit by the way. I only have one of you." Mina punched Izuku in the arm before hugging him tightly. Tears streamed down both their faces as they embraced.

"Thanks, Mina...Sorry for worrying you. I almost got you into danger too."

"Pffft. I go where you go. We're a team, Midorkia."

"Ahem. Sorry to cut this short but I am just about out of time. Ashido's right though, kid. You saved my life again. If you and your girlfriend here hadn't bought me those extra seconds, I would have fallen here today, just like those guys planned. Pat yourself on the back, kid. You did good. But agreed. Please don't get too reckless." All-Might smiled, in a limbo between skeletal and muscular forms. He looked almost like Frankenstein's monster.

"I'm so glad...you're both ok…"

Izuku cried even harder as Mina held him, stroking his hair and weeping alongside him.

They had survived the day.

Unfortunately, it was only the beginning of things to come.