"Uh Todoroki, I know the theme of our dance is 1930s electro swing, but does security really need to be at extremes that would make the Nazis and Soviets think we're crazy?" whimpered Deku, staring at all the armed uniformed men in the vicinity.

"Why wouldn't it?" muttered Todoroki. He wanted every possible gun, quirk and magic pointed at Cynthia or Rotha or whatever the hell she was going to be called tonight. Witness upon witness was necessary.

"Isn't it just a little oppressive?" whimpered Akko.

"Eh, quite whining. It's not like you'll notice them once you square in on your date." shrugged Amanda.

On the top floors of the dance hall, multiple private security troopers observed the dancers and VIPs, waiting for something fishy as they were instructed. Their rifles gave them the ability to attack from afar, and while no one's quirks or magical abilities were obvious, Todoroki was certain a lot of them had long ranged powers.

On the lower floor where everybody else was, they were hardly noticeable, and seemed to blend into the shadows quite well.

Practically everybody who walked in would be startled by the excess security, but once the rocking noise of the electro swing music kicked, the couples forgot about their troubles with dancing and snacks.

Given how Bakugou and Diana just skipped straight to dancing the moment they got in, they were the exception to the rule.

As his eyes darted around, Todoroki had to admit, the American influenced interior design was impressive. Art deco designs dominated, appropriate for the theme of the dance, and likewise quite a few folks were dressed like party goers from centuries ago. With how joyous it was, he didn't remember why that period was called the Great Depression in the United States, but his thoughts moved onto Amanda.

He hoped to God this wouldn't be the last night they'd be together. To finally find someone he truly cared for in this twisted world of quirks and magic, only to possibly have it ripped apart by the most elusive villain he ever had to face.

Amanda too had the same thoughts. Her angel fell from the sky and graced her with his presence only to come under threat by someone that wanted to use him for some ridiculous scheme.

She grabbed Todoroki's arm to both get his attention and not look suspicious. "Feeling alright?"

"For the most part," nodded Todoroki. "On one hand I want to make our move now. On the other hand, I'd rather wait until we know it's safe to move in. Everyone should be gathered up here once the couples dance kicks in."

"And then we'll take her to the side and take her down?" checked Amanda.

"Exactly." confirmed Todoroki.

Amanda placed a finger on her chin. "So what do we do till then?"

Todoroki tightened his grip on her hand. He wished he never had to let it go, because at that moment it was as if everybody else in the dance hall had vanished except for the two of them. "How about we just enjoy each other?"

Amanda smiled, as if her troubles suddenly vanished and her green eyes started to sparkle. "Yeah….I guess we can."

The two crept into the dance floor where all of their friends had already entered. Not too far at the edge of the crowd where they'd stand out to observers or too close to the center where it'd be harder to move without making a fuss. Their angle also needed to provide a good visual of Rotha, or Cynthia, whilst also not making it look obvious that they were observing her. Furthermore, it was going to get a lot more crowded once all the couples showed up, so they had to be able to move with ease.

Finding a comfortable location with her in sight, Todoroki and Amanda silently agreed on their spots and without much further to do, began to dance.

The two looked into each other's eyes, admiring their lover's beauty, and shot each other a small romantic grin. They wished deep down that there was nothing else they had to do that night but enjoy each other's presence, but alas, they were cursed with a life full of perilous adventure and threats.

It would be irresponsible of them to just abandon their fellows to whatever fate Cynthia had in store for them, especially after they had concocted their plan. They would never be able to forgive themselves.

Regardless, the two held each other tight as they danced to the booming swing music, moving a little too slow for such a fast paced genre of music, but they didn't have to exactly dance like their ancestors did in the old parties of the early 20th century. What was important before their confrontation was being able to enjoy each other to the fullest.

And oh boy did they ever. Amanda nuzzled Todoroki's cheek before moving into a kiss. As she held the embrace, she began rubbing her chest on his toned build, knowing that he certainly loved the feeling of her certain pair.

They both desperately wanted to say that they loved each other, but for now only focused on dancing and silent displays of affection. It wouldn't have been an exaggeration to say that they didn't want to jinx the situation by stating their love as well, losing their significant other moments after their declaration like in a tragedy movie.

As the minutes passed and time approached closer to when they'd have to make their move, Todoroki and Amanda both took a good look around them, reminded of what they were fighting for.

Akko and Deku just danced as cutely and awkwardly as possible with each other. Todoroki could tell that Bakugou and Diana deep down were a little uneasy on the inside even if they presented themselves with poise and elegance. It was their first intimate dance, and neither of the two had fully adjusted to that type of mentality yet.

Jasminka and Constanze danced with each other, although Todoroki couldn't tell if there was anything serious between them or if they were just doing it for fun. He forgot to ask Amanda about it and would question her later about it. Sucy all the while danced with a Luna Nova girl he didnt recognize with blue hair and dark skin. She sported a little gothic look that complimented Sucy's so at least there was that sort of unity between them.

Wangari was off dancing with that Thomas child he had only seen at the town weeks ago, and it seemed the former was asking the latter question after question about his time in Appleton and since Thomas looked like a freshman or sophomore, the poor soul wasn't initiated or Wangari's habits.

As for the other Appleton boys, Lotte and Frank looked like they were in the middle of a fairy tale story with the way they looked at each other, eyes full of love and passion. Even their movements appeared to be flawless, like they had practiced their dance a thousand times compared to the more roboting motions him and Amanda were doing.

Andrew and Louis danced with Hannah and Barbara, and with both couples in Amanda's view, she couldn't help but giggle at their displays. Louis and Barbara were clearly trying to steer attention from the dancing couples nearby, but competing with Andrew was pointless. Already the number one hunk of Appleton, even his dance with Amanda that was clearly a chore for him, though heaven for her, was enough to get the surrounding couples to slow down their movements to observe their magnificent presence.

With any luck, maybe all attention would focus on Andrew while she and Todoroki apprehended their villain.

All the while Ursula looked at the couples with a little bit of envy, wishing that she had someone around for a dance, but alas she had other duties, especially involving keeping everyone safe. Still, she'd give anything to feel like a teenager again, dancing with some Appleton boys and showing off the moves she would later use as Shiny Chariot.

But all that was in the past. Now, she had to focus on her role as a teacher and the main form of defense from Luna Nova in case something awful happened.

The idea of changing time did make her think however. The Dance with the Witches was one of the few nights for generations where Appleton and Luna Nova students would pretend to have never hated each other. Although, even with her bias she felt most of the hate was one sided on the part of Appleton's suspicious attitude to magic and now, quirks. Regardless, with both schools desegregating by the end of the decade, Ursula thought about Appleton boys eventually no longer seeking out witches for dates or even attending this very dance, especially since there would be wizards around to date the witches and annoy the Appleton boys. The same way there'd be non magical girls to annoy the witches and have the Appleton boys for dates.

Ursula shook her head and drove those thoughts out of her head. The very fact that this dance featured three star hero students from Japan was proof to her that all barriers between the various types of societies in the human world would be overcome.

Time moved on and on as more couples entered the dance floor. The music became slower and more intimate, and before anyone knew it, all couples were too busy focusing on each other to pay attention to the details that surrounded them.

A few times, Todoroki and Amanda would break to grab a snack or drink, both because they needed one, but also to not look suspicious when they did inevitably part from the crowd. In any case, it wouldn't be too much of a surprise to everyone around them if they did split, as neither exactly had a previous reputation for being into dances.

Before they knew it however, it was time to make their move. The conditions were too perfect to let go of their plan to apprehend Cynthia or Rotha or whatever they were going to call her.

And yet, the two of them continued to dance and focus on each other, delaying the inevitable. They didn't really want to break off this romantic night to dive head first in a mess that would either result in the capture of a villain or be a blunder that would land both of them in trouble.

Amanda brought her face to Todoroki's ear to whisper. "We have to move now."

Todoroki took a deep breath, still dancing as he pulled her close, and nodded. "I figured."

"Come on cutie, we'll handle this just fine. Trust me." encouraged Amanda, giving him a full kiss on the lips. She almost wanted to shed a tear over the fear of possibly losing him, but her braver side kicked in and held back.

Once the kiss broke off, the two parted from the crowd and made their way to Cynthia, which was what they were going to call her for the moment.

She was talking to Nora, with Oswald off on the side talking to men he believed were Andrew's and Louis' father. A Lord and Minister of Defense in the same place spelled recipe for disaster if Cynthia had control over their memories, and he wouldn't be surprised if she hadn't already messed with them at some point to cover her tracks.

Holding hands tight, but otherwise giving off the appearance of being relaxed, the couple finally called out Cynthia and began the first phase of their plan.

"Ms. Cynthia?" said Todoroki, trying to speak over the music to grab her attention.

Instantly she turned around, facing Amanda and Todoroki with a look of surprise, but nothing indicating sinister beliefs.

In fact, once Cynthia spoke, she was rather ecstatic. "My Lord, if it isn't the new Hero and Witch couple? How are you enjoying the dance so far."

Amanda took her turn to speak. "It's actually not half as lame as I thought it would be. Who woulda thunk?"

Nora broke a small grin. "Yes, you two didn't seem like the type that would show up. No offense, but I took you Todoroki, for the brooding type. And you Amanda, for some delinquent type."

"None taken," replied Todoroki. "But Ms. Cynthia, can I pull you aside for a second? It's regarding something related to business my dad may want to conduct with you."

Cynthia's eyes widened. "Seriously? You want to do business with me? Right after that highly publicized deal between your father and Oswald?"

Todoroki pointed his finger to the other side, looking over at Oswald, still lost in his chat with the aristocrats. "I think this conversation is best taken away from anyone else, especially from him. I'll fill you in on the details. Ms. Nora, promise not to snitch?"

Nora and Cynthia looked at each other rather confused. Todoroki and Amanda prayed that their plan didn't fall apart right before they were even a quarter way through.

Luckily, Nora merely gave a playful pat on Cynthia's back. "Hey, if I were you I'd take the opportunity to do business with Japan's Number One Hero. Don't screw this up."

Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "Um, I won't. But this is rather new and sudden."

Todoroki pointed to the side once again and Cynthia complied.

"Alright, lead the way Mr. Todoroki." muttered Cynthia, while Nora helped herself to some wine.

Todoroki and Amanda lead Cynthia away from the dancers and patrons, managing to avoid any suspicion. The security guards he hired did take notice of his movements, but were instructed not to intervene unless things went south or something looked too out of place.

Cynthia yelled to them over the music. "There's a small break room we talk in if you want everything to be private!"

Todoroki and Amanda intended to lead her to a janitor or maintenance closet, but that worked for them too. They silently agreed and signalled her to lead them to the location.

Like Cynthia said, a door was connected to the dance hall which lead to a room, a considerable distance away from the dancing and music, but still within its vicinity. What did catch them off guard was the fact that four of the hired mercs were guarding the entrance to the break room, which made sense given that nobody would have any real reason to explore the facility further other than suspicious reasons.

Todoroki stepped forward and hoped they would comply with his orders. "We need to speak with Ms. Cynthia privately. I trust we can enter?"

The Mercs glanced at Todoroki, Amanda and finally Cynthia, contemplating something behind their masks and eyewear.

After that brief pause, one of them reached for the door handle to open it. "Be quick. This facility is huge so don't venture beyond the break room if you want us to be able to protect you properly."

"That's all we need." assured Amanda.

The three entered the Break Room, the guards not closing the door like Todoroki had hoped, but reasoned it was a security concern if they did. Regardless they had to follow his lead for what was about to come, even if it would take an awkward minute to explain the whole situation to bunch of gun toting mercs.

Cynthia reached for the lights of the room, which gave Todoroki and Amanda the moment to stand side by side while facing her, the perfect position they needed to execute the next phase of their plan.

The room illuminated and Cynthiastudied them for a second before shooting them a smile. "Why is she with us Mr. Todoroki?"

Todoroki clenched Amanda's hand tight. "Well, if Amanda and I are gonna have a future, I need her to know how the family business runs."

"And my folks want Todoroki to be invested in my family's business in Ireland and America," added Amanda. "But that's for later."

"Ah, I see a big merger in your futures in that case." joked Cynthia, causing the two to blush at the pun.

"But let's get serious for a second. Is there a reason you're now considering my forces over Oswald all of a sudden?" inquired Cynthia.

"Let's be real," muttered Amanda. "Don't you think Oswald's had enough?"

"Pardon?" frowned Cynthia.

"He's been buying everything. Like everything! Everywhere we go in Britain we're seeing his logos plastered everywhere. It was cute at first but the guy has too much control. Soon I get the feeling he's gonna start buying things that shouldn't be bought." ranted Amadna, which was an honest rant on her part and not part of the plan.

Cynthia shrugged. "Well, he has the money and capital to do so and grow his business, so why should he stop? It's the natural endgame of a successful businessman."

"Are you sure there shouldn't be a limit?" deadpanned Todoroki.

Cynthia placed a finger on her chin, giving it a moment of thought. "I suppose one private conglomerate having control over everything, especially one where its CEO is too involved in managing everything, isn't too different from the state nationalizing everything which would be disastrous for the economy….AHHHHH!"

That moment of distraction was all Todoroki needed to activate his ice quick, a trail of it skirting on the ground and engulfing Cynthia from the foot to the neck in a frozen prison.

Before Cynthia could scream, a blast of nullification magic hit her square on the forehead, just in case she could have uttered any wandless spells or even a wordless one.

Amanda smugly kept her wand up, both to show off how she had snuck it in and to keep Cynthia on her toes.

Before she could really get angry, Cynthia's eyes were caught by Amanda's wand, which she just had to point out. "How did you sneak that weapon in!"

Amanda gave her wand a twirl as she shot her a smirk. "It was glued on my leg with magic. Invisible of course. I, Ms. Show Off Legs, am not known for wearing long skirts aren't I? If I did, there'd be reason to believe I was hiding a weapon."

Cynthia closed her eyes, breathing heavily, desperate to move. "Fair...fair...NOW GET ME OUT OF HERE YOU FREAKS."

Todoroki shook his head. "Ain't gonna happen Cynthia….or should I say Rotha?"