Chapter 33
Sunday night I stayed up late jotting down much of what I could remember of the Protectorate Tactical Manual. After the Temple attack, when first introducing the idea of Weaver as my spirit coach, I had mentioned writing down some of "her" ideas to share with my fellow students. Kan-sensei had shown a particular interest in reading it.
Going over the attack at the train, I remembered I had used PRT power classifications to Gran Torino and he hadn't understood me. I wanted to introduce them – without hinting at the existence of the PRT or the Protectorate. I thought the classifications useful combat shortcuts to describing the effect and strength of powers and attaching those to preplanned response options. I wanted to build Weaver as a believable source. As part of that effort, I decided not to tie her to any historical setting, so she was harder to disprove.
At Emily's urging, I also wrote a formal letter of apology to Kan-sensei, the Principal, and the Chief of the Hosu City Police for my actions in Hosu City. While I didn't think I was in the wrong, it cost me very little self-respect to meet their cultural expectations in order to secure my place at the school. I made sure I didn't admit to anything legally actionable, while offering regret for how my actions may have reflected badly on the honorable institutions of the school and the city. I copied Hound Dog on the message, thanking him for helping me think more clearly about the effects my actions had on those around me.
As I slept, the sheet stroked my back again. It felt nice.
In the morning, my regular path to the bus stop took me by the corner of a large park near the center of the district. There were several boys in their late teens loitering around the arched entrance to the park. I ignored the punks' rude comments as I passed, but I could see them harassing every female between puberty and menopause that walked by. Most ladies crossed the street to avoid the unwanted advances.
While the sorry state of the neighborhood was taking up most of my attention, one of my shadows noticed a man in a dark coat on a nearby roof tracking me with a camera. I directed a full team of wisps, shadows, and geists to examine the man. Unfortunately, the only thing of interest I noticed was he had a pistol in a shoulder holster and three knives secreted about his body. He also had what I thought was a hotel card key in his pocket, but I couldn't read the hotel name without lifting it out of his pocket. He was too far out of my ten-yard range for that. A dim wisp floating a hundred yards above me could see he kept the camera pointed at me until I got on the bus.
When I got to school, I found a printed note in my shoe locker.
Li Bing of the Zheng He Treasure Ship has hired assassins to punish you for Inoue's death. This is not sanctioned by Myriad.
It was signed with a coiled serpent with nine heads in a circle. I assumed that was the symbol for the Nine Head Dragon Triad. If this is to be believed, there is dissention in the organization over how to deal with me. I'll have to show this to Ando and ask him about the connection to Inoue. Would that old bastard haunt me forever? Putting the note in my locker also showed that Myriad, or one of her agents, could get through the school's security. Should I show this to the Principal as well? Probably.
"Good morning, Yanagi-chan." Kodai greeted me. I thought I detected a hint of excitement through her flat affect. "How was your detention?"
"Not fun. How was the USJ exercise? I didn't see anything in the news, so I assume there wasn't another attack."
"But there was. Haven't you heard? A large man in a hooded costume broke in and attacked the two classes."
"What?" I barked. Maybe I was right, and this school wasn't safe enough for anyone.
"We were doing coordinated rescue operating in the urban area of the USJ, working in teams mixing students from both classes. I was working with Uraraka, Sero, Shishida, and Kaibara. As we were looking for wounded people under the rubble, a giant man with a spiked and horned costume appeared from under the debris. He was carrying Monoma unconscious on his shoulder. Something had happened to the teachers, so they were too wounded to fight. They told us all to run."
"And did you?" I interrupted. Something was sounding off about this. A single villain taking down three teachers and facing almost forty super powered students?
"We started to, but the villain managed to block off all escape with a single foot stomp that knocked us all off our feet. Then Bakugo attacked. He told the rest of us to run – calling everyone weaklings. Kamakiri and Tetsutetsu attacked right after that and the rest of us just followed along. The man gave a good fight. But in the end we captured him."
"And?" I asked as she didn't seem ready to continue.
"And it was All Might-sensei in disguise all along." Kodai almost smiled, she was so excited.
Pony, who had been quivering to join in, added, "And Monoma had faked being captured. A lot of the 1-A students got really angry at All Might and were beating on him and yelling at him for playing on their bad experience last time they were in the USJ. I thought it was scary, but really exciting too. We beat All Might!"
"Come on, we have to get to class," Juzo reminded us. He gave me a friendly nod.
The bell was about to ring. I thought about the note in my pocket. Actual assassins hunting me was something new. Back home the Empire or the ABB would have come after me themselves if they wanted me dead. Some random guy I'd never heard of sending in contract killers was unsettling. I assumed the armed watcher was one of them.
My first reaction was to hunt them down before they could attack me. Instead, I decided it was worth the time to alert the people most likely to be affected. I used my phone to send a picture of the note to Ando, Jin, Spinner, and Rin. I'd decide about informing the school later
In class, Kan-sensei had news for us. "You may have heard of a recent addition to the UA first year curriculum – the Community Service Project. Each of the past two years the first-year classes, except the hero course students, have selected a project to undertake in a community in the area that benefits the community in some long-term, wide-reaching manner. Two years ago, the students worked with the Green City Project to plant urban community gardens in Fuchu City. Last year they undertook a city-wide recycling drive in Chofu City."
They used to try these sorts of things in Brockton Bay. Only Arcadia ever really got one going. I was told that when Winslow tried, it turned from a bake sale for 'community causes' into a minor gang war, I told Emily.
In Kesuru-machi any 'community projects' seemed to benefit the Company directly or take over some benefit they should have been paying. Emily grumbled.
"This year, I have been reminded that our hero course students are too often isolated from their year mates. So, I decided that Class 1-B will be participating in the Project this year. It is important that heroes be able to remember that they are more than protectors. They are part of their community and they have to be able to interact with the people around them – not just other heroes and villains, but everyone." The teacher looked over the class. "Any questions?"
Monoma leapt to his feet. "Are you saying that the famous Class 1-A is not taking part in this worthy endeavor?"
"That is correct. Their teacher has decided their time is better used preparing for the Final Exams. I trust that you will take the necessary time to ensure your success on the exams while still participating in this project. Setting priorities between numerous demands and managing your time to meet those priorities are both essential skills for a pro hero's career."
"This is another example of the arrogance of the prima donnas in Class 1-A …"
I sent a sphere of shadow fire rushing towards his face. He cut off in mid-rant to duck, throwing his arms up to protect himself. The shadow passed through him harmlessly. The class laughed at his antics. He spun to look at me, his eyes accusing.
"It's easier than chopping you on your head," I said quietly, nodding to Kendo. She nodded back from across the room. Monoma looked at me like a kicked puppy.
I had realized late last week that he had gained a simple version of spirit sense, perhaps just the ability to pierce the veil, when he copied my powers. He was reacting to things no one else could see but me. He had also come to school on Friday with a winter spirit perched on his head. It stayed there all day. I wished I had the Twins' ability to ask it why, and what it was doing in Tokyo in May. What I really wanted was to gather a bunch more of them to give myself another tactical option.
"Enough," Kan-sensei growled. "Each class will send a representative to the Project Committee. Do we have any volunteers?"
I decided that the chance of my being selected, given my unknown status with the Principal, was so low I didn't even consider if this was something I wanted to get involved in. Ibara was the first with her hand up, followed by Kosei, Komori, and Juzo.
"Thank you. Rather than taking the time for an election I am going to appoint Ibara-san. Thank you all for your willingness to help out. The Project work will be this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning with a family celebration on Saturday afternoon. Now this afternoon Snipe and I will be working with you on fighting enemies at long range ..."
During the break, I debated whether or not to report the possible security breach represented by the note in my locker to the administration. I wasn't happy with them and more importantly I didn't trust them.
This could be the precursor to a breach that endangers the whole student body, Emily argued. Surely you would not willingly endanger so many because of a grudge against the Principal.
It's not a grudge. This is ammunition for his belief I'm a danger to the school. Another reason for him to consider expelling me.
For your own safety, not even that – your convenience – you would allow a chink in the protections to go unreported and unrepaired.
Realistically it was probably just some random student tricked into putting the note in my locker. That would be hard to protect against. Slightly more concerning is the possibility that one of the students or staff is compromised. The least likely is that some Triad member came on campus themselves.
But you …
You're right. You're right. No need to continue arguing when you've won. And for your information, I would have come to the same conclusion without being called a coward.
I … I apologize. I do not think you are a coward. I ... I sometimes get carried away. It can be hard to not be able to act, only advise you – badger you really, I suppose. I am only beginning to realize profound limitations that are the consequences of my precipitous actions.
It's alright. I think the last few weeks have been enlightening for both of us. I am slowly coming to realize my first instinct is not always the right answer. I am trying to think about things before making a decision, when I have time.
Deciding to follow the chain of command this time, I brought the note to Kan-sensei.
"Thank you. I'll let the Principal know." He turned to me. "How was your weekend?"
"Enlightening," I replied then headed back to class. I was wondering what Hound Dog would report and wasn't interested in sharing my perspective.
That afternoon I saw Agoyamato and his friend Chikuchi talking on the bus. I sat down next to them.
"What's wrong with doing something for Mosuaizuri?" the grumpy looking girl argued.
"Because no one cares about that place, unless they live there or know someone that does." The big guy sounded both angry and resigned. I knew she lived in the district, while he got off a few stops before, just ahead of Kodai. She wasn't on the bus today.
"All the more reason to do this project. Everyone and their family would see the issues there and maybe someone could do something about it." Chikuchi's frustration was palpable.
"Is this about the Community Service Project?" I asked.
"Hey Yanagi," the girl greeted. We weren't close, but as the only UA students in Mosuaizuri, we were friendly. Chikuchi was a first-year general education student who wanted to be a social worker or therapist after she graduated. She lived alone with her mother after her father's mysterious disappearance ten years ago. She had an IR Vision quirk that somehow let her sense emotions – sometimes, a little. "I want to propose a project. Taka-chan and I are both on the Committee."
"A project in Mosuaizuri?" I asked. I could see a lot of problems with security and active opposition, but I liked her idea of raising awareness of the problems in the area. Giran would probably hate the idea, from what Ando had said. Myriad might not be happy either. But with the UA faculty, maybe including All Might, involved they would be hard pressed to do anything - except intimidation, protests, sabotage, kidnapping, and ...
Come to think of it, there was a lot they might do. I wondered how the Principal would handle security for something like this. We were talking about two hundred students and, on the last day, their families.
"Yes. You know that park near the Center?" she asked, getting excited.
"Ferusia Koen? I pass it most days. It's a bit of a mess."
"Yes, but it wasn't always. When I was little, we'd go there as a family for picnics. I'd play with my friends in the playscape. My mom used to take me to the community center for afterschool activities while she worked. It was great, one of the best in the city my father used to say. He worked there."
"And she wants to propose that we clean it up and restore the community center as a project." Agoyamato said.
"Sounds like it would be good for the community. Not just as a place to relax, but the community center might provide services to people, maybe even jobs. And getting the drug dealers out of there, and the gangs, could be good for the neighborhood. I like it." I decided.
"But that costs money," Agoyamato pointed out.
"Kan-sensei said something about the students two years ago partnering with some community organization. Maybe we can find someone like that, or a government office that has money or can give grants to help get things started." I suggested.
"So how do we convince the committee?" Chikuchi wondered.
"I would suggest taking some pictures of the park now and contrasting them to old pictures from when the park was new and in use. Maybe get examples of old calendars from the community center to show the sorts of services and programs it offered. Ask your Mom if she has any pictures of you there as a little girl or your father working there. Don't be afraid to use personal stories to build sympathy and interest." They were looking excited as I spoke.
"If you want to go further you could see if you can find the old budget figures for the park's maintenance and the center's offerings. Where did that money go? Why isn't the park being maintained now? How much would it cost in the future and where might that money come from?"
I think you are starting to frighten them, Emily warned.
I looked at the two and saw they were staring at me with big eyes. "Or you can leave that part to the business students. It's more in their line anyway," I finished.
"I've got my phone. Can we take those pictures now?" the slightly less grumpy girl asked. Her face seemed to naturally fall into a frown, and her life in the slum gave her few reasons to smile.
"I'm okay with that." I looked at the big guy.
"Do you think I should come too?" he asked. He was looking at me.
"If you have time, I think it'd be a good thing. You can support her proposal in the committee better if you can offer a second, more objective, opinion from personal experience," I replied. Looking at both of them seriously, I added. "If there's any trouble, we'll leave the park and head for the bus stop. That seems to be neutral territory, for the most part. The important thing is we stick together, right?"
They both nodded.
The park was much as I remembered it. At one time, it must have been a lovely place. You could still see the planning that had gone into the planting of trees and the stream that wound through the park to a small lake. On the edge of the water was what had once been a community center – now abandoned and occupied by a gang of older teens. Like many urban parks, this one was no longer safe for most of the neighborhood families. It had become one of the prime drug markets for the district. I wondered where the kids in the neighborhood played. I could see the playscape in the park had once been impressive, but now was in ruins.
In the late afternoon, the gangbangers were mostly elsewhere. We wandered through the park, taking pictures of the scattered trash and broken benches, the ruined playground and clogged stream. I could see the soul of the park was still there, buried and crying out for help. I wondered if I was being poetic, or if there was some spirit or spirits calling to me.
I let myself get distracted communing with the woods when a gasp from Chikuchi reclaimed my attention.
There were five boys and one girl standing in a loose ring around us. They were dressed in the current mode for young gangsters, variations on the traditional black school uniform with the jacket several sizes too big and worn open hanging to their knees over a t-shirt or tank top and baggy black pants. Most were decorated with dangling chains and colorful bandanas. I heard someone describe it as a Zoot suit meets Prussian schoolboy – whatever that meant. The girl wore the same thing on top with a short black skirt and long socks scrunched down to the tops of her combat boots. Her bright pink hair was in dreadlocks and she had pink bat wings on her back. The boys all showed some sort of mutation – horns, feathers, mechanical parts, and fur were all present.
"You're in the wrong place little heroes," the girl said. She was looking at Chikuchi, who looked the most normal of the three of us.
"We were just leaving," I said.
"You were snooping around our park," the bat girl replied, looking at me now. "That's gonna cost you your phones." She held out her hand, fully expecting our cooperation as her companions all made menacing movements – cracking knuckles, stomping hooves, rattling chains, etc.
Chikuchi grabbed Agoyamato's arm. I wasn't sure if it was for comfort or to hold him back. I stepped in front of them, placing myself between them and the girl. I looked her in the eye. My poltergeist started moving the air, creating a breeze that ruffled my hair, then blew it up out of my face. My eyepatch folded up and a blood-red wisp pulsed dully in the socket.
"I said we were leaving." I packed my glare with the sort of dominance I used to have to use with Rachel and her dogs. The staring contest with the winged girl ended when she almost immediately backed up, pushing the boys behind her back. They had frozen, caught in the edge of my glare.
With several geists on each of my companions' shoulders I gently led them as we stepped forward. The gangsters stepped back. The boys behind us started moving to grab us. I turned my glare on them. They stepped back.
Within seconds we were out of their ring and a minute later out of the park. I noticed the local hero, Slidin' Go, watching us as we turned the corner.
"I think security is going to have to be a serious consideration," I said. We went to Chikuchi's apartment to work on the proposal. I made sure the big guy made it onto the bus at the end of the evening, though I did not tell him I was watching.
Tuesday the Project Committee met during lunch. I sat in the audience as they discussed the ideas brought forward. After homeroom, I had spoken to Ibara, selling her on the idea of restoring a park and providing access to nature to a destitute urban wasteland. That meant we started the meeting with three votes out of ten. They only needed three more for a majority.
The two teachers in charge of the project were Ito-sensei, the Health teacher with the flowered hair that led Class 1-B off campus during the Gigantomachia attack, and Kamihara -sensei, a young man around thirty who taught History and Civics. I had been told that he was well-connected politically, actually having worked on the staff of a senator in the national legislature (a Councillor in the Diet, Emily reminded me), and had been the driving force behind the Community Project idea when he started teaching at UA four years ago. He would be a good ally in this effort, if I could figure out how to get him on our side.
Chikuchi made a good impression. She personalized the issue with her family photos, while Agoyamato offered statistics on the population and socio-economic needs of the district. They even mentioned three possible partners or sources for external funding to sustain the effort after the project was finished. By the end of their presentation Kamihara-sensei was nodding along and jotting notes furiously. The other two proposals – a blood drive and a combination food drive/bake sale/fun fair for charity – were significantly less polished or detailed. They also seemed like easier and safer options.
As expected, security was the sticking point with the Ferusia Koen proposal.
"I think the idea is wonderful and has the potential to be of great help to the community," Ito-sensei said. "I'm just concerned about the safety of the students. Mosuaizuri has a terrible reputation for a reason."
Chikuchi started to cloud up. I imagine she had heard her home put down far too often.
I raised my hand. There had been some audience input throughout the debate, so I did not stand out. When recognized by the chair – Ibara, which showed that the admiration of the hero students was not just from outside the school – I began.
"Is UA only willing to support 'nice' communities? Think of the difference we can make. Mosuaizuri, where I also live, is home to hundreds of thousands of good, honest people that are stuck in a bad situation. If we refuse to help them because it's a 'bad neighborhood' I think we are doing a disservice to the students of UA by protecting them from the realities of the world like they were children. I also think we are doing a disservice to the nation because we, the premiere high school in Japan, are not abiding by our school motto. 'Plus Ultra' is not just for hero students."
"Hear, hear!" Kamihara-sensei said. "We cannot let the predators preying on these people stop us from helping them. We have All Might, for goodness sake. Surely the faculty and students of UA can withstand the intimidation of a few hoodlums and petty villains."
"During school hours, the teachers who would normally be teaching us could be providing security," I agreed with the teacher. "I bet we could convince the older students, who already have their licenses, to provide any necessary security after school hours. I don't think this is beyond the capabilities of UA High School."
Everyone around the table was nodding. Ibara called for the vote and it passed unanimously.