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aspiring-writer-hidden-voice · 1 year

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Virtual Embodiment

Your quirk allows you to enter the virtual world no matter what device (console, tablet, phone, computer).

The idle lunch chatter filled the air as you took a vacant seat, preparing to dig into a lunch you’d been looking forward to when several shadows fell across your own. Several classmates stood on the opposite end of the table, each with their gazes locked upon your own, as you nervously looked to each in turn; a fiery blonde, red head, one freckled, and beak for a mouth. “Is there something I can help you all with?”

Katsuki Bakugo was the first to answer, his open palm meeting the table’s surface with a loud impact that made the cafeteria fall silent. “How long did you think you could hide it, huh?!”

Your brows furrowed. “Sorry?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, stupid extra, I bet you secretly laughed at us the whole time!”

Now you were thoroughly confused. “Trust me, I’d never laugh at any of you no matter the reason.” You looked to Eijiro Kirishima for translation or explanation of the blonde’s meaning but only received a curious yet excited smile showcasing his sharp teeth. A glance to Izuku Midoriya revealed a similar expression, though his was a bit more eccentric as he was busy scribbling within the notebook he always kept handy, and then there was Fumikage Tokoyami who met your gaze calmest. It was rare to see this type of a group and even more so that they were talking to you of all people. You were in a different class, after all, so it was odd that they knew you existed in the first place since you didn’t deem yourself anything special. “I’m still kind of lost, senpais. Can someone please explain to me what’s going on?”

“Apologies, (L/n), but I believe my fellow classmate was referring to events that transpired last evening.” Tokoyami bowed his head. “Forgive his rudeness and blunt disregard that he has interrupted your lunch. This is not a matter of great importance so with your permission we could always return at a later time to properly discuss this topic.”

Silverware fell to lay flat on the table as you sighed. “Thanks for the offer, but my appetite has pretty much disappeared thanks to the raging Pomeranian there. Might as well get this conversation over now so that I can go about my day like a regular person should.” Taking a deep breath, you turned your full attention upon Kirishima who was in the process of attempting to calm down Bakugo who had not appreciated your comment. “I haven’t got all day now.”

“Right, sorry.” He sheepishly smiled while forcing the blonde into a chair with ease before taking the one directly across from you, “You see, in our free time we like to play video games from PC to console to VR. It’s not very often that we get on but there’s this player that seems to be on the servers quite a bit whenever we are. Midoriya here,” one of his hands gestured to the freckled teen who slowly sank to sit within another chair, “found the IP address and tracked it to find traces of a student who goes to UA.”

A lump in your throat rose but it was swallowed down. This wouldn’t be the first time people had tracked your online profile, certainly wouldn’t be the last despite your best efforts, but you didn’t recognize other players as classmates. There had been no hints dropped from you or opposite parties of what outside life was like. Crossing your arms, you fixed a bored expression upon the blonde. “So you decided to jump to conclusions all on your own just because a few things happened to line up?” With a sigh, you made to stand when Dark Shadow appeared from behind that prevented your chair from shifting backwards. Anger began to bubble within your veins. “Okay, what is this, some sort of interrogation? You can’t seriously think you can keep me here.”

“We don’t intend to, we just need to know if you’re who we think you are.” Tokoyami said slowly.

“Then hurry up and tell me!”

“(Insert Gamer Tag of Choice),” they all chorused, “and we know about your ‘Virtual Embodiment’ quirk that allows you to fully immerse yourself into the virtual world.”

All blood within your body grew cold.

Katsuki Bakugo

A sense of fulfillment came over him as you grew pale. So his hunch had been right on the money. You were always within the computer labs or being asked technical troubleshoot questions out of everyone in the school, even the class responsible for creating supportive accessories for the Hero’s Course had gone to you for advice on things! He’d seen you around a few times lingering around the school after hours when only the teachers were left and if that wasn’t suspicious he didn’t know what was. “I knew it,” he growled lowly while leaning into your personal space, “you’re the only one in the entire school who has a quirk that allows you to enter the virtual world without complicated equipment.”

Your gaze wanted to look anywhere else but they were ensnared by the blazing infernos that were his eyes which bore into yours. The lump returned, threatening to choke you, as words attempted to form. “L-look, if I bothered you in some way, I’m sorry—”

“I want to know how you did it!” His shout nearly rendered you deaf, several other students casting weary glances at the table; all knew of his temper and did not envy your current position. He must have felt their questioning looks and instantly took hold of your wrist. “Let’s take this outside.”

Powerless, you limply allowed him to lead you from the crowded space meant for people to eat within until coming to a stop just outside the set of doors that was towards the school’s east exit where he released you with a huff. Surprisingly his hold hadn’t been as tight as you’d imagined it to be, if anything he’d been oddly gentle, and his expression of anger was beginning to give way to one of hesitation. All you could do was blink up at him while waiting patiently for him to voice the reason to his actions.

“That sniper shot you took from the back of Breakneck Bay…how’d you pull a stunt like that off?”

And that was when you were hit with reality. So he had been one of the online teammates that you’d played with recently. “It all makes sense now.” The shadow of your hair fell to obscure your eyes. “You probably think I’m a cheater or hacker but I’m not. I just want to play the game my own way like everybody else.”

“I know your quirk let’s you full body dive into the virtual world, dumbass, so cut the crap. If it’s something that only you can do then fine, I’ll accept it, but I wanna know if I can do it next time I take on Shitty Hair or dumb Deku.” Pink tinged the tips of his ears when your widened gaze met his own in shock, earning a grunt. “Oi, what’s that look for?!”

A laugh slipped from between your lips before it could be stopped, earning a pout from the blonde, and you hurried to apologize for it by taking out your phone. “I don’t know if anyone can but I’m happy to try and show you how. What’s your number and maybe I’ll shoot you a call when I can get on next?”

To say he lit up was an understatement as his own phone instantly appeared inches from your face.

“Then again, maybe I should just message you online, ‘LordExplosionMurderer’.”

His face turned beet red at your remembering his gamer tag. “Got a problem with it?!”

You smiled. “Not at all. Actually I kinda like it and find it suiting since you use a lot of rocket launchers despite your close combat style. Makes it entertaining to watch the opposing teammates fly off into the distance.”

A smirk raised his lips. “Damn right it is.”

Eijiro Kirishima

He instantly picked up on your discomfort and offered you his hand. “Here, let’s go someplace a little more quieter.” Completely ignoring the rants of a certain blonde, he gathered your forgotten food to be consumed later and helped you escape the gazes of a full cafeteria. A sheepish smile raised his lips while coming to a stop near the fridges that students could use to keep leftovers cool. “Sorry about my friend back there…and all that. I realize that we must have come off pretty bad coming at you like we did. If you’d like, I can make up for it by asking you out.”

The initial shock suddenly gave way to embarrassment that manifested itself deep within your cheeks, making them bright red. “W-w-what?!”

It took a moment for his own words be comprehended by their speaker, judging from the sudden blush that spread across the bridge of his nose. “Oh, wow, that totally sounded like I just asked you out on a date, huh? Not that I would mind since you’re cute and really cool and seem to be a pretty good person—” His hand rose to scratch the back of his neck. “—I’m getting way off topic here so I’ll just cut to the chase. I know you play online RPGs like Summoners Art Online and wondered if you’d like to form a party! You made taking down that level eighty boss look like a cake walk and your armor is super cool looking too! I’ve honestly been stuck on this one dungeon, the one with King Lich of Rowanwood, and could use some help.” A bow of his head brought it smack against the open locker that a student had left open, making you flinch at the impact which left the door bent. “Please! I’ll give you whatever loot that drops! I’ve tried everything from special potions to expensive shop items and nothing has worked!”

Sympathy filled you at his words. “Yeah, that’s a tough one alright. What level are you?”

Instantly he was upright with eyes practically glowing with hope. “Twenty-seven.”

“Well, that’s your first problem,” you chuckled, “he’s a level ninety.”

His jaw dropped. “Seriously?! Why would they have it that high when it’s so close to one of the safety zones?!”

“Because it was part of an update recently to allow players to challenge themselves solo or with a party based upon their level.” Your brows furrowed. “I didn’t recognize your avatar, Kirishima-senpai, mind if I ask what to keep an eye out for?”

“No problem! I’m the big shark-humanoid walking around with Giant Forged Armor!”

Your brows rose. “That’s impressive since Giant Forged Armor was a special event SS drop item that had less than a six-percent drop rate.”

The grin raising his lips widened. “Trust me, it took way longer than a lot of those other pro gamers predicted.”

A sense of comradeship filled you with each second that passed in similar conversation. It wasn’t a popular game that many played by any means yet here was a classmate at your school who seemed to love playing it as much as you did. And he had more than proved how much of an avid gamer he was. Now that you thought about it, you’d seen a player lumbering about during raids that fit his description. The flesh of your bottom lip became caught in your teeth. “Who would’ve thought that Kirishima-senpai was ‘BigBadDaddyShark’.” Your tease earned a whole hearted laugh from the red head. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad forming a party with someone for a change. He blinked when you accepted the food then placed it upon a shelf to be gathered after class, earning a tilt of his head when you faced him fully. “You sure you’re okay with playing with someone like me? Lots of people call me a ‘cheater’ or ‘hacker’ because I can fully immerse myself into a game platform.”

His head shook vigorously. “I’m not like other players, honest, I think it’s super cool that your quirk lets you full dive without an Oculus or VR headset.”

Your lips lifted into a small smile as he commended the skill he’d seen during a dungeon boss battle. “If you’d like, I can take you to some of my favorite weapon shops that have great weekend deals. They might help you out with getting proper gear and stuff.” Both of your hands rose, heat tingling within your cheeks. “Not that what you have already is inadequate since I’m sure you worked hard for everything in your inventory—”

“I’d like that a lot, (L/n), thanks in advance!” He grinned as the bell signaling the end of the lunch hour sounded, turning to head back to class but stopping for a moment for his gaze to meet yours. “Seven o’clock work for you?” Another grin earned you a flash of his teeth as he began walking backwards. “Great! I can’t wait to learn from you, (L/n)-senpai!”

The students who had heard his call turned their curious and angered gazes upon you.

Fumikage Tokoyami

“I’m curious to know how your quirk works, (L/n), but I can be patient until you are more comfortable. Come. Let us converse in private.”

You swallowed thickly, glancing around at the suddenly quiet cafeteria who watched with interest as Dark Shadow quite literally picked you up from the chair. “I-I can walk on my own, thanks.”

“Don’t want you running away so soon!” The apparition crowed loudly while leading the way out the nearby exit with Tokoyami close behind.

Sure enough he carried you the entire way until coming to a stop just outside your classroom. Every person who had been passed wore cautious expressions intermixed with curiosity. For you to be seen with anyone was a rarity but Fumikage Tokoyami to be your companion was odd indeed. Your hands hurried to smooth the wrinkles within your uniform once allowed to stand alone, bristling slightly when Dark Shadow “helped” by removing some stray lint from your hair.

“I assume this is more to your liking.”

It wasn’t a question but you nodded to answer nonetheless, earning a smile from the apparition who looked ready to pop. “You can’t tell, but he’s super stoked to finally meet you in person! I told him that he should’ve approached you ages ago but noooo he didn’t want you to be put off by his knowing you hold the top ‘Paranormal Hunter’ on SageSmoke.com! You’ve held that spot for almost an entire year now!”

Heat flared within your cheeks at Dark Shadow’s words when Tokoyami pointedly glared at his shadow. “Uh, yeah, I guess it has been about that long, huh?” You jumped when the apparition suddenly appeared inches from your face asking about which type was your favorite. “I wouldn’t say I have one but the Oni’s have always intrigued me, I guess.”

It was hard to tell but there was a glint of excitement within his vermillion eyes at your words. “Those are the spirits who respond when a flame is extinguished, yes?”

“Close, but that’s an Onryo. Oni’s react most when people are nearby and love to scare their intended victims before attacking. Points for getting the first two letters right.” Embarrassment made to make you shy away from his gaze but there was no judgement to be found within, only fascination. “Sorry, it’s not something a lot of people seem knowledgable in so it’s hard to know who shares in that field of interest.”

His head shook. “Do not apologize, for I too have noticed such things as well. It’s rare to come across another who shares interests such as this, (L/n), so please feel free to tell me if you’d rather not discuss—”

“Please stay and talk with me for at least a little longer!”

The sudden outburst earned you nods from both Dark Shadow and Tokoyami. “We’d be happy to.”

This time shyness did make you avert your gaze to the floor but it rose again when his hand gently lifted your chin to find his gaze calm and full of understanding. “The Oni…can you tell me a bit more about them?”

Blinking, you slowly came out from the protective shell that you’d built to help contain your enthusiasm for horror and ghost encounter games, occasionally answering voiced questions from the pair who intently listened as you spoke. How long the three of you spoke was a mystery until a teacher happened to walk past with a curious yet stern expression as they reprimanded the missing of important class attendance. It was as they were about to turn away that your hand lightly brushed against his own, earning a blink. “Um, I’m sorry to ask, but I’m planning on logging in tonight after school in case you wanted to play a little bit.” You retracted the extended limb in favor of using it to toy with the cross choker you wore. “If you’re feeling dangerous there’s the abandoned monastery that I was going to go check out tonight. I’d read somewhere that several reports have said sightings were increasing lately because of the stars’ alignment shifting towards Mars.”

“Will there be sage?”

“Of course.”

“What about crucifix?”

A breath slipped from between your lips in a soft sigh. “I’m not an amateur, thank you very much, and I even have a rosary blessed by the Father of Saint Joseph’s Church and nearly a gallon of holy oil that I brought back with me from Israel.” You felt a sense of pride well up when their gazes became filled with admiration. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the Dark Web too. I know things that would make the saints themselves turn over in their graves.”

Dark Shadow laughed suddenly, nearly making you question his sanity. “You had him the moment ‘abandoned monastery’ left your mouth, (L/n)! Then you went on and on about the stars and the more you talked the more his heart started to race! I’ve never seen him this excited!”

You wouldn’t have believed the apparition’s words if not for the excitement glittering within those vermillion eyes that bore into your own. A smile lifted the corners of your mouth. “It’s not virtual reality so there’s no save points or respawning if something happens. Are you sure you’re up for it? Living on the line between life and the world beyond is not for everyone.”

“If I had a mouth, I would kiss you this moment.” Even Dark Shadow seemed impressed by Tokoyami’s words as the pro hero in training hurried to scribble his phone number upon a space piece of paper before handing it to you. The honestly within his gaze was shocking to say the least as the paper was neatly slipped into your hand. “Be sure to message me what time for our excursion. I anxiously await our next meeting.” And with the subtlest of taps of his beak against your cheek, he disappeared down the hallway past the teacher whose jaw was nearly hanging open.

A blush filled your cheeks while walking through the door to your classroom, paying no mind to the questions from classmates of why you’d been out there for so long talking to Tokoyami of all people, and fondly traced the glass bead within the cross’s center that supposedly held the feather of a fallen angel. It was when the teacher had turned to face the board that your phone appeared from its pocket for the tip of a finger to dart across its screen. Not two seconds later the sponge of a ghost emoji came.

Izuku Midoriya

His gaze rose from the notebook as silence hung in the air after they’d chorused your gamer tag. Understanding filled his emerald gaze when finding your expression one of uncertainty and took hold of your hand. Without a word to his classmates, he drew you to stand and made for the nearby exit, ignoring the calls of his classmates if it meant you were spared from the confrontation. The forest haired teen didn’t stop until the two of you had reached the courtyard between the main building entrance and grounds gate where he helped you to sit beneath one of the trees. “Sorry about that,” he bowed deeply with sincerity in his voice, “you were minding your own business when we all kinda ganged up on you like that. Please forgive us!”

Still winded from running, you could barely manage to ask him how he’d found out who you were and what your quirk was in the first place.

“Oh, um, well, I play this game called Saber Slice and was playing online the other night when I noticed someone in the lobby that made me think of you. I don’t know you very well but I’ve seen you around enough that it was easy to recognize certain motions that you do.” His freckled nearly disappeared in a blush when you gaped up at him. “Not that I’m watching you like a stalker or anything, it’s just that I’ve seen you in a few extracurricular courses coaching some on fluid movements such as dodging or helping with the drama department with choreography!”

Now you were blatantly embarrassed. How had you not noticed that Izuku Midoriya from class 1A was paying special attention to someone the likes of yourself?! “I guess I should feel flattered but honestly I’m not quite sure what to think right now.”

“I’m sure you’re overwhelmed right now but I promise none of it was in malicious intent, only fascination and admiration!” His eyes began to shine brighter than stars as he sat beside you, showcasing several notes and rough sketches of several familiar motions. “You move so gracefully that it’s like watching water dance, its so amazing to watch and I can understand why you have one of the highest scoring profiles in the world on the Oculus.” Both of his hands rose. “And I don’t think of you as a cheat because of your quirk or anything, I bet its more challenging because of all the distractions you can see that no one else can once you’re in game. That must also mean your reaction time has to be pretty on point, huh?”

Blinking, you could only meet his gaze with surprised silence until finding your voice once realizing he’d asked a question. “Y-yeah, it actually is. Things are much bigger for me than for others when I’m playing and its harder to aim since they get so close.”

Sympathy filled his gaze when you mentioned suffering from motion sickness once deactivating your quirk. “I bet it gets pretty bad when you really get on a role and quit for the night. Have you tried medication to help?”

“Sure, but why go out of my way to get expensive stuff like that when ginger ale has the same affect?”

“That’s genius! I never would’ve guessed that would have similar—” he sheepishly smiled, “sorry, I get excited really easily.”

Your lips lifted into a smile. “Don’t be. It means your honest about your feelings and expressing them should never be taken for granted.” A thought occurred to you, making both of your brows slowly rise. “Wait, are you ‘ClumsyGroot217’?”

That blush returned as he nervously picked at a blade of grass. “Yeah, that’s me alright.”

“I have to say, it’s not easy earning that ‘Longest Journey’ badge. You must’ve worked really hard to get to level…”

“Twelve.” From between his lips came a laugh that made the sunlight coming through the tree’s canopy seem dull when you bit back a chuckle. “It’s okay, you can laugh, everyone in my class says that I have two left feet so it’s a bit harder for me to do the lower combos.”

A part of you wondered if he was being serious, since you’d seen him do impressive footwork whenever the news covered the pro hero course events, but you believed him fully when seeing his hesitation when you mentioned playing again with him tonight. “If you’d like, I can help you. I’m sure you’re busy with school work and such so why don’t you message me when getting online and I can join you? It’ll be a bit strange on your end but you’ll get used to it quickly as if I’m not even there. You could think of me as your own personal AI giving you tips.”

He lit up brighter than a holiday tree during the winter. “Wow, really? You’d do that for me? Thanks so much!”

You accepted the pen that was passed and quickly jotted down your number within his notebook’s cover as the bell sounded. “Guess class is starting back up and we don’t want to get in trouble with our class presidents. We should get going.”

Emerald blinked as you offered him your hand once standing. He accepted it with a smile, grunting under his breath once straightening fully, giving your hand a brief squeeze before releasing it. “I look forward to your lessons, senpai!”

“Don’t call me that,” you deadpanned with a laugh before taking the lead back inside the school building, “anything would be better than that.”

“Then how about ‘Clippy’?”

This time a laugh did sound from your lips. “Oh, my gosh, I’d almost forgotten about that little paper clip guy!”

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