My Hero Academia: The Assimilation

We Know

Aeon's thoughts scattered in his mind as he stared at Ben. He looked exactly like all the other waiters, with groomed hair and the classic server uniform. His yellow eyes showed a false exterior, with an interior of malice and ill intent. 

"Sir, your order?" asked Ben, showing no signs of recognizing Aeon. He had never seemed intimidating to Aeon, with his slim figure and average height, but this time it was different. This time, Aeon saw how little of a threat he was to Ben, as he had the nerve to show up in a public place and disguise himself. 

"I'll have the...the," stuttered Aeon, feeling his fingers shiver a bit on his utensils. Ben peered down at his hand, still keeping his slightly sinister smile. 

"Something wrong?" he asked innocently, his smile growing wider with the knowledge that Aeon was indeed frightened. 

"No, no. I'll have the Age-Gyoza," replied Aeon, keeping his fear in check. He knew Ben wouldn't attack in the restaurant, as he seemed to be smart enough to lead his own army, not recklessly start a brawl. Aeon also knew that Ben still needed him for the security codes, which meant that he couldn't hurt Aeon in any way. 

"And for the lady?" questioned Ben, looking like he could burst out in maniacal laughter at any minute. Mina gave him her order, prompting him to leave. A napkin then floated across the restaurant, seemingly moving by itself. It glided into Aeon's lap, landing on his knee. 

Aeon felt his leg afterward to find a slip of paper placed inside. It read: "Say that the water is unexpectedly good." 

He was utterly confused by this message, but decided to comply, as there wasn't any specific reason not to. 

"Wow, this water is unexpectedly good," commented Aeon. Mina stared at him like he was insane for a second, before changing her expression to one of discomfort. 

"Hey, I have to go to the bathroom," she responded, rushing out of her seat. It was almost like this chain of events was planned in advance. He then sensed a hand on his shoulder, before Ben began to whisper in his ear. 

"Strange, isn't it? Why would one comment about the taste of water cause that to happen? Many people have triggers, which are sentences that spark a response in their brain to then act on that spark. One word could start a chain reaction, which could lead to a devastating event, or bring everlasting joy." 

Aeon was sweating now, as the villain's voice naturally made him submerged in anxiety and terror. 

"Do you want an example? The word death could bring someone to slaughter someone dear to them, and make them act on a thought that had been in their head for years. That person could have been the owner of a company, which would then be out of business because of the owner's absence. That company could have been one of three that controlled a nuclear power plant, which without their support could collapse, causing a radiation outbreak. That outbreak could spread throughout the city, then the country, then the continent, and then the world." 

Ben then took his hand off of Aeon's shoulder, trusting him not to move in any way. 

"Isn't it fantastic what one little word can do? Now, I assume you don't believe me, It's too spectacular to be true. Well, allow me to devastate you with the truth. We know about your little scheme, what you've been planning all this time. Young man, you didn't expect us to be that naive, did you? Look around." 

Aeon looked around to see a man at one of the barstools, peering back at him. He wore a large brimmed hat that mostly disguised his face, but Aeon only needed to see the bottom to know. The absence of a mouth gave it away. At a table beside Todoroki and Tokoyami's sat Mr. Friendly, also staring at Aeon with a menacing smirk.