an ODST among Heroes.

S3-3

Izuku and Monika arrived at her cozy apartment after a long day. Monika looked visibly drained, her posture slouched as she fumbled with her keys. The technical manual for her new Yggdrasil suit had been a monumental challenge—though written in Japanese, the dense jargon and intricate start-up sequences were enough to wear anyone down.

“Make yourself at home, Halsey,” Monika said wearily, slipping off her shoes by the door. Her tone was friendly but tinged with exhaustion. “I’m going to take a quick shower.”

Izuku nodded. “Take your time. I’ll tidy up out here.”

As Monika made her way to the bathroom, she peeled off her day’s worries along with her clothing. The warm water cascading down her back offered a temporary reprieve from the mental strain. But the combination of fatigue and the day’s events proved too much. Halfway through her shower, a wave of exhaustion hit her like a tidal force, and her vision blurred. The world tilted, and she collapsed.

---

Hours later, Monika awoke in her bed, disoriented but comfortable. The faint scent of lavender soap clung to her skin, and a soft blanket had been pulled over her. As awareness returned, so did a rush of embarrassment. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she peeked beneath the sheets, and finding she was still disrobed. A quick self-check confirmed what her heart already suspected: she was untouched.

Her breath steadied as she sank back into her pillow. Of course he wouldn’t… she thought, a wave of relief washing over her. Then, a new blush crept across her face for an entirely different reason. “He’s such a gentleman,” she murmured to herself.

A savory aroma drifted into her room, pulling her from her thoughts. Her stomach growled in response, and curiosity got the better of her. Pulling on a comfortable sweater and pants, she stepped into the living room. The sight that greeted her melted her heart.

Izuku stood in her small kitchen, his back turned to her as he worked over the stove. His movements were precise, practiced, and filled with care. The clatter of utensils and the sizzle of food created a comforting rhythm. Monika paused in the doorway, watching him in silence for a moment. The sight was endearing in a way she hadn’t expected.

Such a sweetheart too, she thought with a small smile, leaning against the doorframe.

Izuku turned, sensing her presence. “You’re awake,” he said, his voice calm but laced with concern. “How are you feeling?”

“Better, thanks to you,” Monika replied, stepping forward. “You didn’t have to do all this…”

Izuku shrugged, a faint smile on his face. “You needed the rest. I figured cooking was the least I could do. Sit down—I’ll bring it to you.”

Monika did as he said, settling into a chair at her dining table. As he placed a steaming plate of food in front of her, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of gratitude. The man who had endured so much still found it in himself to care for others in the smallest, most meaningful ways.

“Thank you, Halsey,” she said softly, meeting his gaze.

He simply nodded, his smile warm but humble. “Anytime.”

-----

The next day, Monika stepped into the training facility, her Yggdrasil Mark II clanking as it adjusted to her movements. Despite its immense weight, the suit felt surprisingly natural—like an extension of her own body. She flexed her fingers, feeling the responsive armor shift with her motions. The powerful frame felt like a second skin, and Monika couldn’t help but smile at the perfect integration of tech and power. But before she could test any further, a call came through.

Naomasa’s voice crackled through the comms. "Halsey, with me."

Izuku, standing beside her, glanced at Monika. “I think it’ll be faster if Kaniyashiki and I handle this,” he suggested, eyes sharp with intent.

Monika nodded, determination settling into her posture. "Let’s go."

With that, Izuku and Monika were off, their Yggdrasils powered up and ready. As they left the building, Izuku shouldered his shotgun, his mind focused on the task ahead. The two of them made a powerful team, and their synchronization had only improved since their first missions together.

---

The journey to Hosu City was a blur of movement. The sound of their armored feet hitting the ground echoed as they moved swiftly, arriving just as the chaos erupted. As they entered the city, they found themselves in the midst of a battle with several Nomu. The superhuman abominations lunged at them, but Izuku and Monika were quick to respond. Their training and the precision of the Yggdrasil suits made short work of the creatures, dismantling them with practiced ease.

Monika launched into action with a flurry of well-placed strikes, her powerful kicks and punches sending Nomu crashing into buildings or crumpling to the ground. Izuku’s shotgun barked with sharp, controlled shots, the force of each round taking down one of the creatures in a single blast. They were a well-oiled machine.

As the last Nomu fell, the two paused to survey the damage. It wasn’t long before Izuku’s eyes landed on Tenya Iida—lying on the ground, blood staining his hero costume. His breath was shallow, his injuries severe. And there, standing above him, was the Hero Killer—Chizome Akaguro, the infamous villain known as Stain. The man had Native in his grip, poised to deliver the final blow.

Izuku’s instincts kicked in, his mind working faster than his feet. “No!” he shouted, firing a warning shot that sent a blast through the air. The shot rang out like thunder, forcing Stain to pause and look up, his bloodshot eyes narrowing as he saw the two armored figures.

“This is the police!” Monika shouted, her voice commanding, as she raised her weapon to aim directly at Stain. “Stand down. You are under arrest!”

Stain froze, his eyes locking onto the two armored figures. For a moment, there was silence—an almost eerie stillness before his lips curled into a predatory smile. He lunged forward, aiming to strike them down with the speed and precision he was known for.

But he underestimated them.

In a blur, Monika moved to intercept, her foot slamming into Stain’s chest with brutal force. The villain was knocked into a nearby wall with an audible crash, his head hitting the concrete with a sickening thud.

Before Stain could recover, Izuku was already on him, unleashing a barrage of beanbag rounds from his shotgun. Each shot was a well-placed strike, slamming into Stain’s body with the force of a battering ram. The final shot hit him in the head, and Stain crumpled to the ground, unconscious and incapacitated.

Monika wasted no time. She moved forward and cuffed Stain, ensuring he would be detained before any more chaos could unfold. Meanwhile, Izuku was already on the comms, calling for an ambulance.

“Get that ambulance here now!” Izuku ordered, his voice steady but urgent.

As he finished the call, he turned to Tenya, who was still struggling to get to his feet, his body trembling with exhaustion and guilt.

“I thought you knew better than this, Tenya,” Izuku said, his tone firm but not unkind.

Tenya looked up at him, his face a mix of sorrow and shame. “I... I’m sorry, Sir. It’s just that... my brother...”

Izuku sighed, his eyes softening. "I understand, but putting yourself in danger like this won’t help anyone—not your brother, not yourself. There's an ambulance on the way. You need to rest and let the professionals handle this next time."

Tenya nodded, looking down at the bloodstains on his hands. “Yes, sir. I... I won’t do it again.”

Izuku gave him a nod, his gaze lingering for a moment. He didn’t need to say more. Tenya understood.

As the sound of sirens grew closer, Izuku and Monika stood by, waiting for the authorities to take control of the scene. They had done what they could—stopped the villain, saved lives—but there was still more work to be done. And for Izuku, it was another reminder of why they fought. They weren’t just fighting villains—they were fighting for the future, for the people who needed saving.

And no matter what, they would keep fighting.

---