Dinner that evening brought the entire available team together for the first time since the battle. Stark had finally emerged from his lab, Banner had set aside his research, and Romanoff and Rogers had arranged a spread of food that accounted for various preferences and appetites.
"Thor sends his regards," Stark announced as they settled around the large table. "Apparently, Asgardian justice moves even slower than ours. He's still dealing with Loki and the Tesseract situation."
"Did he mention any progress on researching our... situation?" Midoriya asked hopefully.
Stark shook his head. "Nothing specific yet. But royal libraries take time to search, especially when you're looking for information that might not exist in the first place."
Midoriya nodded, trying not to show his disappointment. He'd known finding a way home wouldn't be immediate, but each day in this world made their displacement more real, more potentially permanent.
"We've made progress on our end," Banner offered encouragingly. "Tony and I have been mapping the quantum signatures from your energy patterns. And Midoriya's observations about the villain's abilities have provided valuable insights."
"Such as?" Todoroki inquired, serving himself from the various dishes with precise movements.
"We think you three weren't just transported—you were used as catalysts for the dimensional bridge itself," Stark explained, gesturing with his fork for emphasis. "Your specific energy signatures, combined in the right configuration, created the pathway between dimensions."
Bakugo's eyes narrowed. "So we were part of the quirk's mechanism? Not just targets?"
"Essentially, yes," Banner confirmed. "Which complicates sending you back, but also gives us a clearer direction for research."
"How long?" Bakugo asked bluntly, the question they all wanted answered.
The scientists exchanged glances, neither willing to commit to a timeline.
"We don't know," Banner finally admitted. "This is entirely new territory, even with our experience with the Tesseract. We're talking about identifying and accessing a specific alternate universe among potentially infinite realities."
"But it's possible," Midoriya pressed, needing that confirmation even if the timeframe remained uncertain.
"It's possible," Stark affirmed confidently. "Challenging, yes. Unprecedented, absolutely. But impossible? I don't believe in impossible."
The assertion, delivered with such casual certainty, lifted some of the weight from Midoriya's shoulders. If anyone could figure out interdimensional travel through sheer determination and genius, Tony Stark seemed like a reasonable candidate.
"In the meantime," Rogers interjected, steering the conversation toward more immediate concerns, "Natasha has been reporting good progress with your cultural integration. And I understand training has been productive as well."
Bakugo grunted what might have been agreement, focusing intently on his food. Midoriya noticed with interest that Romanoff gave him an approving nod, suggesting some significant development during their training session.
"We're adapting," Todoroki confirmed in his characteristically measured way. "Though there's still much to learn about this world."
"And much we could learn from yours," Banner commented. "Your society's integration of abilities into everyday life, the educational and regulatory systems you've described—it's fascinating from both scientific and sociological perspectives."
"A world where superpowers are normal rather than exceptional," Stark mused. "Changes everything from architecture to legal systems."
"It wasn't always smooth," Midoriya noted, recalling his history lessons. "The emergence of quirks caused tremendous upheaval initially. Society had to completely restructure to accommodate people with such diverse abilities."
"Like any evolutionary leap," Banner nodded understanding. "Periods of chaos before new equilibrium is established."
"We're still in that chaos period here," Rogers observed thoughtfully. "Enhanced individuals are emerging more frequently, but our systems haven't adapted yet."
"They will," Romanoff stated with pragmatic certainty. "Either thoughtfully or reactively, but change is inevitable now that the public knows about Thor, Hulk, and others."
The conversation continued along these lines, comparing the societal structures of their respective worlds and speculating on how this Earth might evolve in response to the growing presence of enhanced individuals.
**********
In the darkness of his temporary room, Bakugo stared at the ceiling, sleep eluding him despite the physical exhaustion of training. His mind kept cycling through the day's revelations, particularly the theory that they had been integral to the dimensional displacement rather than merely its targets.
If true, it suggested a level of calculation on the villain's part that was disturbing. They hadn't been random victims of a quirk gone wrong—they had been specifically selected for their energy signatures, for how their quirks could interact to create a bridge between worlds.
But why? What purpose did sending three U.A. students to another dimension serve? And why them specifically?
Bakugo turned the questions over in his mind, finding no satisfactory answers. Without knowing the villain's motivations, they were operating with incomplete information—a tactical disadvantage that rankled his strategic sensibilities.
A soft knock at his door interrupted his thoughts.
"What?" he called, not bothering to mask his irritation at the disturbance.
The door opened slightly to reveal Midoriya, still fully dressed despite the late hour. "Sorry to bother you, Kacchan. I saw the light under your door and thought you might still be awake."
Bakugo scowled but sat up, switching on the bedside lamp. "What do you want, Deku?"
Midoriya entered hesitantly, closing the door behind him. "I've been thinking about what Stark and Banner said at dinner. About us being catalysts for the dimensional bridge."
"Yeah, what about it?" Bakugo prompted when Midoriya paused, though with less hostility than he might have shown weeks ago.
"It made me wonder if our specific quirks were chosen deliberately," Midoriya continued, his analytical expression familiar to Bakugo from years of watching him dissect hero abilities. "Your explosions, Todoroki's thermal manipulation, my energy enhancement—they're very different power types that could potentially create the kind of energy matrix needed for dimensional travel."
Bakugo nodded slowly. He'd been considering similar angles himself. "So the villain selected us specifically. But why send us here? What's the endgame?"
"I don't know," Midoriya admitted, frustration evident in his voice. "But I keep thinking there must be a reason. Villains like that—with power and precision enough to create interdimensional portals—they don't act randomly."
Bakugo leaned back against the headboard, arms crossed over his chest. "Could be reconnaissance. Sending us as test subjects to see if travel between dimensions is possible before attempting it themselves."
"Maybe," Midoriya nodded, sitting on the edge of the desk chair. "Or maybe we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and they used whatever catalysts were available."
"Bullshit," Bakugo dismissed immediately. "You heard Stark. Our specific energy signatures were needed. The villain called us 'perfect catalysts.' That's not opportunistic—that's planned."
Midoriya's eyes widened slightly at Bakugo's recall of the villain's exact words—a detail he himself had forgotten to mention to Stark. "You're right," he acknowledged. "They did say that. Which means they knew our quirks well enough to identify us as suitable energy sources."
"Meaning they've been watching us," Bakugo concluded, his expression darkening. "Studying our abilities, waiting for the right moment."
If the villain had been monitoring them for some time, had perhaps even engineered the encounter during their internship with Endeavor, it suggested a level of calculation far beyond a random attack.
"I should tell Stark and Banner," Midoriya said after a moment. "This detail about being 'perfect catalysts'—it might help their research."
"Tomorrow," Bakugo agreed. "But there's something else we need to consider."
"What's that?"
"If we were sent here deliberately, it might not have been a one-way trip," Bakugo said, voicing the concern that had kept him awake. "Maybe we're not just stranded. Maybe we're phase one of whatever they're planning."
Midoriya frowned, considering this disturbing possibility. "You think the villain might follow us here? Or... send others?"
"I think we need to consider it," Bakugo replied, uncharacteristically measured in his assessment. "Best case, we were disposable test subjects. Worst case, we're unknowing advance scouts for something bigger."
The strategic thinking impressed Midoriya, though he would never say so aloud. Beneath Bakugo's aggressive exterior had always been a tactical mind, but recent experiences seemed to be bringing that aspect of his personality more to the forefront.
"We should share these concerns with the team," Midoriya suggested. "They have more experience with... well, with invasion scenarios."
Bakugo snorted. "Yeah, aliens. Interdimensional travelers. Just another Tuesday for them, apparently."
Despite the gravity of their discussion, Midoriya found himself smiling slightly at Bakugo's sardonic observation. "It is kind of amazing, isn't it? How they've adapted to such extraordinary circumstances."
"They're professionals," Bakugo acknowledged with reluctant respect. "Not typical pros like in our world, but... they know what they're doing."
Coming from Bakugo, this was high praise indeed. Midoriya took it as a positive sign that his normally hyper-critical classmate was beginning to respect their temporary mentors.
"Romanoff showed you some moves today, didn't she?" Midoriya asked, changing the subject slightly. "I noticed you both seemed... different at dinner."
Bakugo's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing bad," Midoriya assured him quickly. "Just... there seemed to be some mutual respect there. Like you'd connected through training."
After a brief hesitation, Bakugo nodded curtly. "She's good. Really good. No quirk, just skill and intelligence." He paused, then added with unusual thoughtfulness, "Makes me realize how much I've been relying on raw power rather than technique."
The admission, small as it was, represented significant self-reflection from someone who typically acknowledged no weaknesses. Midoriya knew better than to comment directly on this growth, instead simply nodding his understanding.
"Rogers has been helping Todoroki too," he observed. "I think they've found some common ground."
"Half-and-Half and Captain America," Bakugo snorted, though without real malice. "Makes sense. Both too serious for their own good."
Midoriya smiled slightly. "And Stark's been working with me on analyzing our situation. He's... not what I expected. Brilliant, obviously, but also really observant about people."
"So we've all found our babysitters," Bakugo summarized dismissively, though something in his tone suggested he didn't entirely object to the arrangement. "Great."
"Not babysitters," Midoriya corrected gently. "Mentors, maybe. Or just... allies."
Bakugo didn't argue the point, which Midoriya took as tacit agreement. They sat in surprisingly comfortable silence for a moment, united in contemplation of their unusual circumstances.
"We should sleep," Bakugo finally said, breaking the quiet. "Early training tomorrow."
Midoriya nodded, recognizing the dismissal but not taking offense. "Right. Goodnight, Kacchan."
As he headed for the door, Bakugo's voice stopped him. "Deku."
Midoriya turned, surprised by the serious tone. "Yes?"
"We're going to get home," Bakugo stated, the words landing somewhere between a promise and a command. "Whatever it takes."
The simple declaration carried unexpected weight, reaffirming their shared purpose despite their complicated history. Midoriya nodded, equally serious.
"Whatever it takes," he agreed.
**********
The following morning brought new developments. As the three U.A. students gathered for their now-established training routine, JARVIS interrupted with an announcement.
"Mr. Stark requests everyone's presence in the communal area. He indicates it is a matter of some importance."
Exchanging curious glances, they redirected to the elevator, speculation building about what might warrant such a summons. They found not just Stark waiting for them, but the entire available team gathered around the large holographic display in the center of the room.
"Ah, our dimensional visitors have arrived," Stark announced, gesturing them forward. "Perfect timing. We were just about to review some interesting findings."
"What kind of findings?" Midoriya asked, immediately alert to the unusual energy in the room.
Banner adjusted his glasses, looking simultaneously excited and concerned. "We've been analyzing the energy readings from your arrival point—the location where you first appeared during the Chitauri invasion."
"And?" Bakugo prompted impatiently.
"And we've detected residual quantum fluctuations," Stark continued, manipulating the holographic display to show complex waveform patterns. "Tiny ripples in spacetime that match your dimensional frequency."
"Is that significant?" Todoroki asked, studying the display with calm focus.
"Potentially very," Banner confirmed. "These fluctuations suggest the pathway between dimensions wasn't completely severed when you came through. There's a... a residual connection, like a scar in the fabric of reality."
Midoriya's eyes widened as he grasped the implications. "You're saying there's still a link to our world? Even now?"
"Not an active portal," Stark clarified quickly. "More like... dimensional scar tissue. Evidence of previous trauma to the spacetime continuum that hasn't fully healed."
"Which means," Rogers interjected, clearly having been briefed earlier, "there might be a way to reopen that connection under controlled conditions."
The possibility hung in the air, electrifying in its potential. Midoriya felt his heart rate increase, hope surging despite his attempt to remain measured.
"How soon could we attempt this?" Todoroki asked, his calm voice betraying only the slightest hint of urgency.
Banner and Stark exchanged glances, the silent communication of scientists weighing risk against potential.
"It's not that simple," Banner finally explained. "These fluctuations aren't stable or predictable. They appear randomly, lasting only seconds before subsiding. We'd need to predict when and where the next one will occur, then have technology in place to amplify and stabilize it."
"Which we're working on," Stark added confidently. "But it's going to take time. And resources."
"How much time?" Bakugo demanded, ever direct.
Again, the scientists exchanged glances. "Weeks, at minimum," Stark admitted. "Possibly months."
The timeline was sobering, though not unexpected. Midoriya nodded slowly, processing the information with as much objectivity as he could muster despite the emotional implications.
"There's something else," Romanoff spoke up from where she'd been observing quietly. "Something you should all be aware of."
She moved to the holographic display, taking control from Stark to bring up a series of satellite images. "These were taken yesterday, approximately 300 miles north of the city."
The images showed what appeared to be a brief distortion in the air above a forested area—similar to what they had witnessed when the villain's quirk had activated back in their world.
"Another dimensional fluctuation?" Midoriya asked, leaning forward to study the images more closely.
"We believe so," Rogers confirmed grimly. "Smaller and shorter-lived than what brought you here, but definitely similar in energy signature."
Bakugo's eyes narrowed as he exchanged a significant look with Midoriya, their late-night conversation suddenly relevant. "We were just discussing this possibility," he stated, addressing the room. "That our arrival might not be an isolated incident."
"What do you mean?" Rogers asked, immediately alert to the serious tone.
Midoriya stepped forward, feeling it was time to share their concerns. "Last night, Kacchan reminded me of something the villain said right before we were transported. They called us 'perfect catalysts' for the dimensional bridge."
"Suggesting you were specifically chosen," Romanoff concluded, immediately grasping the significance.
"Exactly," Midoriya nodded. "Which made us wonder—what if sending us here wasn't the end goal, but just the first step in something larger?"
"A test run," Stark muttered, running a hand through his hair as he processed this new information. "Using you three to establish the viability of interdimensional travel before..."
"Before sending something or someone else," Banner finished.
Rogers straightened, his expression shifting to what Midoriya was beginning to recognize as his tactical assessment mode. "If that's true, we need to prepare for possible additional incursions. Especially if whoever sent you has hostile intentions."
"We don't know that they do," Midoriya cautioned, reluctant to assume the worst without evidence. "But given that they used a villain's quirk rather than official channels, it doesn't seem like a sanctioned experiment."
"Either way," Stark concluded, "these new fluctuations support your theory. Something is still happening between our dimensions, and we need to understand what—before it escalates beyond our control."
The atmosphere in the room had shifted palpably, the exciting possibility of finding a way home now tempered by the potential threat of further dimensional breaches. Midoriya found himself torn between hope and concern—eager for a connection to their world but wary of what else might utilize that pathway.
"What do we do now?" Todoroki asked, practical as always.
"We accelerate our research," Stark decided firmly. "And we prepare for contingencies. If more visitors arrive from your dimension, we need to be ready—whether they're friendly or not."
"And we need to be included in both efforts," Bakugo insisted, his tone making it clear this wasn't a request. "We know more about quirks and villains from our world than anyone here."
Rogers nodded his agreement. "You three are our best resource for understanding what we might be facing. From now on, you're full consultants on this situation."
The validation of their expertise, the acknowledgment of their value beyond mere displaced teenagers, resonated deeply with all three students. Midoriya stood a little straighter, Todoroki's expression showed quiet approval, and even Bakugo seemed satisfied with the arrangement.
"In that case," Midoriya said, his mind already racing with possibilities, "we should start by creating comprehensive profiles of major villain organizations from our world. Anyone who might have the resources and motivation to attempt interdimensional travel."
"Good," Romanoff nodded approvingly. "And we should establish monitoring protocols for these fluctuations, create an early warning system."
"I can recalibrate the tower's sensors to detect the specific energy signature," Stark offered. "And deploy remote units to cover a wider area."
As the team launched into planning mode, the three U.A. students found themselves fully integrated into the process—their knowledge valued, their insights respected. Whatever was happening between dimensions, whatever might be coming, they would face it together with their new allies.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Midoriya felt they weren't just visitors waiting to return home—they were active participants in understanding and addressing a potentially significant threat. The responsibility was daunting but also familiar, resonating with the hero training that had shaped their young lives.
Different world, different team, but the same core purpose: protect people from danger, whatever form it might take.