Theo paced around the room he was told to wait in. Today was the big I-Expo, and he’s in the building where companies showed off their new and upcoming inventions and devices in a big stadium-sized convention center.
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Why and how is he here? Well, it seems like his teacher had bigger connections than he thought. Didn’t think he could get Theo to speak on behalf of Genosis Tech though.
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Normally these big support manufacturing companies have a CEO or head scientist present whatever the newest thing is. However, Geonosis was different and much more humble in that regard.
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Since they are presenting some tech and designs Theo created, his teacher convinced them to allow him to present.
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It’s a great honor, but it also makes it supremely hard to ‘borrow’ other companies’ devices. It also sucks because he has to do some public speaking.
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Theo: ‘At least if I do this and do well, I may have a chance to gain favor with the company. Maybe they’d even let me get an office. Another great source of funding and resources.’
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With the company's resources, the Infinity Gauntlet would be completed sooner. He could also hack the systems of their building and create a secret hidden code in his work computers that hid his real projects. All he had to do was keep the scientists and big wigs happy with some new technological marvel or support item, and they would be none the wiser.
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But for now, he was here waiting in one of the back lounges of the convention center. His nerves wouldn’t calm down due to never having to speak in front of large crowds before. The irony was not lost on Theo, though. The fact that he could commit such villainous acts without fear, yet he was shivering from stage fright.
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He needs some air and time to reapply his fake persona.
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Soma: “Excuse me?”
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He turned to the company representative sitting in the room with him.
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Soma: “I need some air. Can I step out for a bit?”
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“Just be back in half an hour; the panel will start soon.”
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Soma thanked her and left the room to walk around the convention, maybe get a drink to settle the butterflies in his stomach.
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As he wandered the random booths, his eyes passed apathetically over the independent inventors. None of them had made anything remotely impressive, at least compared to what he created.
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Theo: ‘I guess they weren’t worth taking anyway.’
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“I recognize that logo!”
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Theo looked around, wondering who was yelling when he spotted a girl with odd pink hair and yellow eyes waving her arm and looking at him. He glanced around to make sure she wasn't looking at someone behind him.
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“Yeah, you!”
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Soma: “Me?”
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He mouthed the words while pointing a thumb at himself in confusion. In a matter of seconds the girl moved to stand beside him with an excited gleam in her eyes.
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“That logo, you work for Genosis!”
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She smiled at him while pointing at the tag on the front of his dark green suit that had the company’s logo next to his name.
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Soma: “Sorry, no. I’m more of an intern or guest. I created some of the designs they’re presenting today, and my teacher managed to convince them to let me present.”
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He corrected with a nervous chuckle. This girl's over-the-top attitude and enthusiasm took Theo off guard for a moment.
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“Really? I tried to get an internship with them, but they're so picky. And I thought my display at the sports festival would have been enough to get me in."
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It was then that Theo finally recognized her and smiled. Mei Hatsume of the U.A support department class. She went up against Tenya Iida and used him to show off her gear.
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Theo: ‘I wonder, are the others here as well?’
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Soma: “I remember you now, Mei Hatsume, right? You did well…right until you surrendered.”
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Mei: “Huh?”
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Theo: “I mean, you had Ida at your mercy, but you played it too safe and quit while you were ahead. If you won and then went on to battle one of the stronger students, like that boy Bakugou for example, you could have shown off your inventions against a strong opponent using improvised tactics. You played it safe with Ida, and the whole fight felt staged, so the companies probably weren't that impressed since they didn't get to see a real battle. They didn't get to see any real firepower from you either, so I would advise working on that.”
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Mei: “Wow! I never got such detailed feedback; thank you!”
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Soma: “You took that better than I thought you would.”
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Mei: "Of course! I appreciate any constructive criticism. As long as you don’t overly insult my babies, I’m happy."
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Soma: “That’s… mature of you.”
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Mei: “Thanks. So, Soma Kageyama, what's it like working with Genosis Tech? How big are their workshops? Have you worked with research and development?"
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Each question brought her surprisingly cute face closer to his.
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Soma: “Sorry to say, I don't know how big all their workshops are, as I just design things and the engineers build them."
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Mei: “Oooh, a fellow inventor. What do you design?"
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Soma: “Mostly support devices, not just for heroes, but police as well.”
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Mei: "Like what?"
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Soma: "If you want to find out, why not attend the panel?"
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Mei: "I wish I could. I was invited thanks to one of the winners of the school festival and to help with the Engine Project for a student who lost a leg. The ticket only gets me here; it doesn’t mean I can attend every panel, especially not these.”
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Soma: “I see. Well, how about we make a deal? I’ll get you in if you introduce me to those who brought you and let me in on the Engine Project. I would love to watch you work and maybe help.”
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Mei: “Really!? With someone who managed to impress Genosis Tech with me, I’m sure we can create some amazing babies together!”
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She says while grabbing his hands and looking straight into his eyes. The boy can’t help but blush at her enthusiasm.
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Theo: ‘Thank goodness I know what she means by babies. I’m not old enough to raise a kid.’
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Soma: “Great, follow me.”
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He took her hand and brought Mei to the entrance of the convention center's largest auditorium, where Geonosis was hosting their panel.
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Soma: “Pardon me.”
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He walked up to the security and showed him his I.D badge.
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Soma: “This is Mei Hatsume; she's a guest of mine.”
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Without further questions, they let them both into the auditorium. Once there, Theo led Mei down to the stage.
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Soma: “Wait here.”
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He left the girl standing by the stage and went around behind the curtain. He never did come back; instead, five minutes later, a woman in a suit walked out and gave her a spectator's I.D badge with her name on it.
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“This way, please.”
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The woman then led Mei, to her surprise, to a front row seat. The pink-haired girl could barely contain her excitement. Not only did her new acquaintance get her into the panel, but he also somehow pulled some strings and got her a front-row seat to the whole event.
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"Please have a seat; the presentation will begin in three minutes."
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A voice over the speakers announced. A few moments later everyone in the large theater was quietly sitting, and the lights dimmed out. The curtains opened, revealing a big black metallic stage with several trapdoors on the floor and one big door in the center.
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"Presenting for Geonosis Tech's new line of prototypes a rising star student, Soma Kageyama.”
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Soma: "Good afternoon and welcome."
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He said into the microphone attached to his ear while a few cameras flashed. He was able to work up some proper courage by pretending that he was not speaking to a large crowd but instead to his fellow inventor whom he spotted in the front row.
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Soma: "I did have a whole boring opening speech prepared, but let's just skip that and get to the stuff you want to see.”
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The next few minutes were spent showcasing various weapons, capture items, and miscellaneous equipment. Thanks to keeping his eye on Mei, Theo was able to present everything in a professional manner.
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The fact was not lost on Mei since they kept eye contact throughout the whole event. Like they were the only two that mattered. For once, Mei decides she wants to remember someone’s name.
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The last item in the showcase was one Theo was pretty proud of. He only drafted and sent the designs, but Genosis Tech managed to get close to his vision.
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They even created, unbeknownst to them, a secret backdoor for him to tap into for future use.
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Soma: “Now for the finale. Imagine all these wonderful devices in a single machine.”
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Mei leaned forward in anticipation.
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Soma: “I'm talking about a robot. A big walking, moving Swiss Army knife, containing all the best support and combat devices. A mechanical sidekick for heroes and police.”
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As he spoke, the largest floor panel opened up behind Izuku, and the very robot he was talking about was elevated onto the stage where everyone could see it.
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Soma: “This mechanized soldier was designed and built to combat a variety of different quirk users.”
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The audience stared in awe at this marvel. A big, bulky chrome robot, with a large chassis, heavy arms that were clearly loaded with capture weapons, and massive hydraulic legs. The thing stood nearly ten feet tall, its red eyes lighting up, signaling activation.
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Soma: “Observe.”
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He stood safely off to the side as more automated mannequins emerged. The robot turned, made a noise similar to a watery growl, and lifted its arms. From its right arm it fired the trap foam at the targets, and from its right it launched the Mag-Net balls. The robot fired nets, tethers, and every kind of capture device imaginable to incapacitate the mannequins.
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Soma: “These robots are also designed for rescue missions as well.”
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The robot launched a mechanical hose that attached to one of the hydrants on stage. Flaming targets then appeared on the back of the stage, only for the robot to put them out with a blast of water.
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Soma: “Infrared sensors, motion detectors, long-range scanners, and a complex problem-solving digital brain built to assess the situation and make decisions in the effort of saving human lives. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the future of law enforcement and hero support. The True Hero Robot, Titan!”
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The now named Titan robot lifted its arm and saluted the crowd. The entire audience went into an uproar of applause, more than impressed by the company's latest and possibly greatest invention. Some, like Mei Hatsume, even gave a standing ovation.
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Soma: “This version of the Titan is merely the prototype, but at Geonosis tech we are hoping to eventually build a more compact, better version in the future. Now let's open up the panel to some questions.”
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There were several questions after that, and Theo answered them all to the best of his ability. It was grating on his underused vocal cords, but he managed to get through it.
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Soma: “Thank you all for coming.”
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He waved and stepped back as the curtains closed in front of him. Mei stood up to follow the crowd out but stopped when she heard someone trying to get her attention.
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Soma: “Psst! Come here.”
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Mei followed him only to gasp with delight when she saw the robot still there waiting.
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Soma: “Want to take a closer look before we find your group?”
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Mei: “Yes!”
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Theo smiled again and led her to Titan. Immediately, Mei began running around the Titan, poking and prodding all the parts and pieces.
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Mei: “How much weight can it lift?”
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She questioned while touching the gears and hydraulics.
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Soma: “Well, I designed it to support a building for about ten minutes. In case of a collapse, it can stall for time until everyone evacuates."
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Mei: “Amazing! This is far beyond what I’m able to make, currently anyway.”
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Soma: “Currently, you say?”
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Mei: “Yep! I’m already getting so many ideas to work on when I get back to Japan. One day, it will be one of my babies on the stage.”
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Theo softly laughed, not out of disbelief, but out of respect. He never met someone who loved creating things as much as him. Heck, she liked it more.
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Despite his respect and desire to geek out, Theo has work to do.
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Soma: “I’m looking forward to it. But first, I’d like to know more about this Engine Project and who you’ll be working with.”
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It took some time but he finally got to meet Izuku Midoriya face-to-face. Theo did have to listen to Mei talk about her babies throughout the journey, but he didn’t mind.
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What he did mind was Izuku’s questioning look while shaking his hand. Just in case, Theo came prepared mentally. Fully locked into his persona, Theo acted out his part.
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Soma: “Mei told me a lot about you and this Engine Project.”
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The other girls look at Mei like she grew a second head.
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Momo: “You told him?”
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Mei: “Yeah, and I think he can help too.”
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Izuku: “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
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Mei: “Why? He even impressed Genosis Tech with his designs.”
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Melissa: “Really?”
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Soma: “Just got done presenting their latest line of products.”
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Momo: “But you’re so young.”
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Kiri: “My size.”
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Soma: “Hey, I’m not that small.”
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Mei: “All the more reason to let him help. Come on, let’s go! I’m eager to start on the new baby.”
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The choice has been made: Soma was on the Engine Project. Mei dragged Soma away to wherever Ida’s leg was going to be created.
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Melissa: “I have to admit, I’m a bit excited too.”
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Izuku: “Is presenting for Genosis Tech that big of a deal?”
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Melissa: “For someone his age, yes, very. Well, I’ll see you later, Midoriya.”
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Izuku watched her leave with Mei and Soma. But he still couldn’t shake this feeling…
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Izuku: “Keep an eye on him.”
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Momo: “You feel something from him?”
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Kiri: “Jealous of the attention?”
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Izuku: “N-No! Come on, I have you two already!”
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The two girls look at each other and then at him.
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Momo & Kiri: “Both of us?”
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Izuku: “I-I-I mean… to choose from… I guess. Can we change the subject, please?”
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Momo: “… Right. I’ll be sure to keep an eye on things. Later, you two.”
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Momo leaves Kiri and Izuku alone while what the boy said echoes in their heads.
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Izuku: “So… what should we do before the Expo Reception Party tonight?”
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Kiri grins before taking Izuku’s hand.
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Kiri: “I have a few ideas.”
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It didn’t take long for something to blow up.
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Soma: “Seriously!?”
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Mei: “My bad!”
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Melissa: “Hahaha… ”
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Momo watches the three bona fide geniuses work in Melissa’s personal lab within her school. Most of what they’re saying is way over her head, and right now she’s a glorified 3D printer.
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Still, it gave her a nice view over the whole area. It also allows her to sit beside Ida. Tsuyu went to hang out with everyone else and prepare for the party. Something she doesn’t think she’ll be able to make.
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Momo: ‘And I had a great outfit planned. At this rate, Kiri is going to get ahead of me.”
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She says while lightly biting her finger.
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Ida: “You don’t have to be here if you don’t want to be.”
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Momo: “No, no, I want to help you, Ida.”
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Ida: “… Thank you. But I… don’t want to be a burden.”
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Momo: “You’re not. Look at me, Ida.”
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He does so, though it takes some strength.
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Momo: “You might think you’re practically quirkless, but that doesn’t mean you’re a burden. You’re our friend, and we care about you.”
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Ida: “Yaoyorozu… ”
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Melissa: “Yeah, she’s right. I’m quirkless, and look at me.”
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Suddenly, everyone but Mei freezes and looks at Melissa.
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Soma: “You’re… quirkless too?”
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Melissa: “Oh, you are too?”
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Soma: “… Yeah.”
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Melissa: “So you can back me on this one.”
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She turns to Ida once more to make her case.
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Melissa: “Just because we’re quirkless doesn’t mean we’re some burden on society or our friends.”
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Soma: “… But you’re not a hero or trying to be.”
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Ida: “He’s right… and I… have to be a hero… otherwise… ”
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Melissa: “You’re right, I gave up on that dream long ago.”
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Ida was about to give in to deeper despair, but Melissa wasn’t done.
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Melissa: “But it’s not hopeless for you. You still have a quirk; you just need some help using it again. That’s the kind of hero I want to be. A hero that helps heroes. Just like my father.”
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Soma and the others look at the various photos of Melissa and her father, David Shields.
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Melissa: “Papa didn’t have a quirk that would help him become a hero, but he supports Uncle Might and other heroes with the power of science. He’s still fighting for peace, just indirectly.”
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She turns to Soma, who seems the most affected by her words.
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Melissa: “You’re doing the same too, right? That’s why you design support gear, to help heroes and the police. To help people.”
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His hands lightly shake as sweat accumulates in his palms.
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Soma: “I-”
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Mei: “Done!”
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Saved by the bell, they all turn to see Mei holding up a finished prosthetic for Ida. It’s a slightly bulkier version of the leg part of his hero suit.
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Mei: “Engine V1, my newest baby!”
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Soma: “Our baby, you mean.”
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Mei: “Right, that’s what I said!”
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Melissa: “Let me see.”
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The duo check over Mei’s finishing touches and nod at each other.
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Melissa: “Looks good for a test run.”
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Soma: “Right.”
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Melissa took the leg and went to Ida.
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Melissa: “Don’t worry, Ida. Even if this version doesn’t work out, we’ll try again. Trust us, you will become a hero.”
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Ida hesitates to grab onto hope, one that may be false. But in the end, he takes it and decides to give it a chance. For not only himself, but also for his family’s legacy.
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It’s near night now, and the streets are almost empty. There is a long stretch of pavement for him to run. If he can run.
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Momo helped him outside after Melissa helped him equip the new leg. It felt strange but also familiar.
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Momo: “Ready?”
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Ida: “… I think so.”
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She steps back, and Ida places his hands on the arms of the chair. Slowly, he pushes up and stands.
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He wobbles and tilts, but he takes a step forward. Powered by fear of failure and the hope of a second chance, he takes another step.
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Then another.
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And another.
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The wobbling lessens, and he no longer tilts.
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Before long, Ida takes longer strides and speeds up. As the wind passes him by, he can feel the new leg responding to his quirk activating.
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The old and new engines ignite, pushing him even further. Ida smiles and laughs as he rediscovers a childhood feeling.
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When he first used his quirk and felt the world blur past, he remembered feeling a certain sense of peace. The wind against his face and the flow that comes with it.
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Again, he feels that sensation, and it fills his chest with warmth.
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He hasn’t failed yet.
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He can do it.
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This is the first step.
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The rebirth of Ingenium is now.
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Ida: ‘Everyone… thank you.’
ns216.73.217.15da2
and then Add to home screen.