Forgotten Invitation (UA Civil War game)

The Briefing

The waiting room they stuck me in? Bland. Just a couple of chairs, a table, and a clock that ticked way too loudly. It was quiet, though—not a sound from the rest of the school. I suppose that was intentional. They didn't want their precious students running into me before the games started. Understandable. If I were them, I wouldn't want me around either.

Nezu sat across from me, perched on his chair like he had all the time in the world. His eyes, though? Those little black orbs? They were watching me, always thinking, always plotting. I had to hand it to him, he's got nerves of steel.

Nezu: I wanted to go over a few things before the games begin, Midoriya.

Me: Oh? You mean the part where you tell me not to break anything too important?

He doesn't rise to the bait, just taps his little paws on the table, thoughtful as ever.

Nezu: As I mentioned earlier, you're free to engage with the students during the games. However, there are rules. You can hurt them, use any tactics you like, but no killing. No permanent damage. No breaking them to the core.

I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. Oh, this was going to be good.

Me: No breaking them to the core? Come on, Nezu. Where's the fun in that?

I can tell he's already considered that. He meets my gaze, calm, collected.

Nezu: We want them pushed to their limits, yes. But I won't allow irreversible damage. These are students, not targets.

Me: Students, targets... kinda the same thing, really. But fine. No killing, no life-ruining trauma. Got it.

I wave a hand dismissively, but my mind's already spinning with ideas. The difference between "hurt" and "broken" is a thin line, and I'm pretty good at dancing on it. Nezu knows this too, which is probably why he hasn't dismissed me outright. He wants the students tested, just not completely destroyed.

Me: What about psychological warfare? I mean, it's all in the head, right?

Nezu: You can mess with them psychologically, but again, no breaking them permanently. They should be able to recover after the games.

Me: So... you're saying I can give them a good scare? A little existential crisis, maybe?

Nezu nods slowly, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

Nezu: Within reason.

Me: You're really giving me a lot of leeway here, Nezu. I could do some nasty things with "within reason."

Nezu: I trust you'll know where the line is.

I chuckle, low and dark. Oh, I know exactly where the line is. And just how far I can push it before I step over.

Me: You really want me to play the villain, huh?

Nezu: I want you to play the role you were invited for. A villain, yes. But remember, this is a test for the students, not a massacre.

I grin. Nezu's walking a fine line here, trying to balance giving me free rein with keeping his students intact. Honestly, I admire the guts it takes to let someone like me loose and still expect control.

Me: Alright, I'll play by your rules. No killing, no breaking them for good. But... you're letting me be the villain, right? I can go a little overboard.

Nezu: Within reason.

The way he says that... it's like he's daring me to push it, to see how far I'll go. And honestly? I'm not one to back down from a challenge.

Me: Alright then. I'll be your perfect villain, Nezu. But I'm gonna make sure they remember me for a long, long time.

Nezu doesn't blink, doesn't flinch. Just nods, like he expected nothing less.

Nezu: That's all we ask. Now, about your weapons...

I lean forward a little, interested.

Me: Oh? Gonna let me have my toys back?

Nezu: After a thorough inspection by the staff, you'll receive your items before the games begin. You can use any tactics, but again, no lethal force.

Me: So no bombs, then?

Nezu: You know the limits.

Me: Yeah, yeah. Non-lethal. I get it.

Honestly, the fact that they're even considering giving me my weapons back is hilarious. Either they're confident in their students, or they're way too trusting. Then again, Nezu's not dumb. He knows exactly what he's doing.

Nezu: We've also made sure the environment will be suited to a variety of tactics. You'll find plenty of opportunities to... express yourself.

Me: Express myself, huh? You make it sound like I'm going to an art show.

Nezu: In a way, you are.

I laugh. Oh, I'm going to have a field day with this. The students think they're just walking into some training exercise, some glorified game. They have no idea what's coming for them.

Me: Alright, Nezu. You've got yourself a deal. I'll play by the rules, and I'll make sure your students get the lesson of a lifetime.

Nezu: I'm sure they will.

The silence stretches for a moment, and I can't help but smile. Nezu's given me just enough rope to hang myself with. The thing is, I don't plan on hanging. I plan on swinging.

Me: I'll make sure it's a show worth watching.

Nezu nods, satisfied.

Nezu: The games begin tomorrow. Prepare yourself.

Me: Oh, I'm ready.

I stand up, stretching a little, feeling the weight of the tracker around my neck. It's almost like a badge of honor at this point, a reminder of the challenge ahead. UA's students think they've trained for this, that they're ready for anything.

They're not ready for me.