MHA Fantasy Quest for the SOL

Part 11: On our Way

Ochaco listened to their story with more patience than it really warranted since the group interrupted each other constantly, but finally, when they finished and it came to the point, Deku felt a little bit awkward about just asking her to accompany them. It was one thing when he was alone, but certainly he didn't look as desperate anymore. 

But, he hesitantly asked her "So, would you be interested in being our mage?"

Ochaco blinked. "You want me to be you mage? On a real quest?"

"Yeah!" Deku said.

"Wait, why does that sound like you've never been on quest?" Kyoka said suspiciously.

"I haven't been," Ochaco made a fist, "but that doesn't mean I'm not raring to try! I know I can do it! But, I do have one little question first."

"What?" Momo asked.

"Is there any money in this?" Ochaco asked a little sheepishly. "I don't work for free."

"There's three different royals on this quest, and you're asking for payment?" Ei said. 

"It seems reasonable," Ochaco said.

Momo put her hand up. "I would be happy to compensate you, if you join us and prove your worth as a mage. It will be dangerous though, are you willing to go into the Dark Lands."

Ochaco furrowed her brows. "Just how much are you willing to pay me?"

"How much do you want?" Shoto frowned.

"500 gold pieces." Ochaco said. Deku and Denki and Ei all almost choked.

"500 pieces!"

"How freaking good do you think you are!?" Bakugo raged.
Ochaco winced. "Well you seem pretty desperate for a mage, and this is a quest to go through the Dark Lands, plus I can leave today...but, maybe you're right, I guess I can come up with the rest myself.. How about 300?" 

"That's still a lot," Kyoka frowned.

Momo considered. "I'd be willing to pay it, if she proves as useful as we hope. It's worth it to ensure our safety."

Shoto considered. "I'll tell you what if you save our lives with your magic, I'll add the other 200 pieces to the balance. I just want us to make it to the 8th."

"Ha!" Bakugo said, "if this wench saved even one of your useless lives, I'd pay 50 pieces on the spot! She doesn't look like much to me."

"Hey! You haven't even seen me in action yet!" Ochaco cried.

"You work at a run down dump like this," Bakugo said. "And you've never been on a quest, pretty much says it all if you ask me. We don't need her! We've got plenty of power ourselves, in fact, I don't need any of you, once we get out of this village, I'm going off on my own!"

 Ochaco frowned. "Does this loudmouth speak for all of you?"

"No," Shoto said annoyed. "He doesn't. What do you think Deku?"

Deku was thinking that Ochaco was actually pretty cute, but he didn't like to say that, so he said,
"I want to give her a chance. Where else are we going to find a mage with the free time and the courage to just go with us to the Dark Lands?"

"Courage?" Ochaco blushed.

 "Or stupidity," Bakguo muttered.

"What's the difference?" Denki asked.

"It's settled then," Shoto sounded relieved. "We should go, how soon can you be ready?"

"Oh, I'll just grab my spare clothes and take my name off the availability list!" Ochaco said.