Chapter 64: Looking forward
Shota stood on the far corner of UA's rooftop, looking out over the campus. The police and assisting heroes had long since left to process the villains, and the students had been dismissed for the day. A double handful of upperclassmen had come together and volunteered to escort the students of 1-A home, but he still noticed a handful of students remaining on campus.
He idly observed the students until he heard the door to the stairwell open. Spinning around, he saw Nemuri and Hizashi approaching him.
"Sho," Nemuri started, noticing the subtle change in his demeanor immediately. "What happened today?"
"It's not like you to mess up like that," Hizashi agreed.
"Oboro," Shota answered, as if the name would explain everything.
"What do you mean Oboro?!" Hizashi demanded. "There's no way he'd become a villain!"
"Not willingly," Nemuri retorted, only keeping her composure slightly better than Hizashi was. "You saw him, didn't you?"
"Yes," Shota confirmed. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and continued. "The villain Kurogiri - our primary objective. All Might succeeded in blowing away his concealing smoke so that I could Erase his quirk but-"
"How?!" Hizashi asked. "He- Oboro died!"
"I know!" Shota yelled. "That's why I screwed up. I- I hesitated and two kids are in the hospital because of me. We should have ended this, damn it! But-"
"You didn't know," Nemuri said softly. "How could you?"
"I-"
"Look, if those kids didn't come back in time then we wouldn't be better off," Hizashi pointed out. "Better to learn sooner rather than later, right?"
"Zashi's right - we can't even know if you knew back then," Nemuri added.
"Thanks," Aizawa said quietly. While he had doubts about his own ignorance in the matter, he appreciated their encouragement. Oboro's death was felt by all of them, so if anyone understood how he felt right now, it would be them.
"So what're you gonna do?" Hizashi asked.
"What do you mean?" Shota lied.
"Oh come on." Nemuri folded her arms. "You can't tell me you are going to just let Oboro go. You know damn well that Zashi and I aren't going to either."
"You're right." The ghost of a smile formed on Shota's lips. "I don't know when we're going to get another chance, but the next time Oboro shows up, I won't let him go."
"You mean we won't let him go," Hizashi corrected.
"We'll help you capture Kurogiri, and then we'll see about getting Oboro back," Kayama promised.
"Sounds like a plan," Aizawa agreed.
After they were let out for the day, Kyoka quickly made her way home to find her worried parents waiting for her. Which was fine by her - despite her demeanor, she was shaken by the experience and appreciated their hugs and reassurance. After promising her parents that she was okay and finally changing out of her hero costume (which was thankfully more practical than most of her classmates), she was ready to head back out.
Because unlike her, Aika never made it home. And she sure as hell wasn't gonna let her best friend be stuck in the hospital alone.
Pulling out her phone, she smiled when she saw the message from Nezu. The principal took sympathy on her and had passed along her room number along with the assurance that she was in stable condition.
Not wasting any more time, she took off toward Mustafu General Hospital. It didn't take long for her to arrive, and soon, she stood in front of her friend's room. Taking a deep breath, Kyoka put her hand on the handle and opened the door.
She was greeted by the sound of a heart rate monitor, its steady beeping the only sound in the room as she entered. Seconds later, she saw her friend lying on the bed. Her costume had been replaced by a hospital gown and she appeared to be sleeping peacefully. If it wasn't for the numerous IVs hooked up to her arm, Kyoka could have sworn it was just like one of their sleepovers where her friend overslept (like she always did).
"Hey Aika," Kyoka said, giving a timid wave with her hand, but her jacks clicking together told a different story. "I hope you don't mind me dropping in."
She dragged the provided chair next to the bed and plopped down into it. Once again, her jacks betrayed her as they hovered over her friend, assuring her that her heart was steady and that she was breathing. Aika's breath was a little shallow but not dangerously so.
"This is the longest I think you've ever been quiet." Kyoka smirked. "And I'm counting when we're in class too. It's weird - I don't like it."
The girl let out a loud sigh as she stood up and grabbed a clipboard with her charts. "I know you're quirk's supposed to make you invincible, but I guess even that's got its limits. Quirk Exhaustion, Internal bleeding… I swear if any of this forces you to give up your dream…" She hung the chart back up with more force than necessary. "We promised to be heroes together. All of that training Mido and Raka gave us, the trust they placed in us. I just- why'd you do it?"
"Kyo…ka."
Kyoka gasped as her eyes shot up. Aika's eyes were partially open, and she was staring right at her.
"Aika!" In an instant, she was next to her friend's side. "You're awake!"
"Did we win?" Aika asked slowly.
"Hmph. Of course you'd ask that." Kyoka closed her eyes as she smiled at her friend. "Yeah, we did. Most of us got out pretty unscathed too." She decided to omit the part about Katsuki for now.
"I'm glad." Aika gave up on trying to keep her eyes open, but she turned her head toward her friend to let her know she was still paying attention. "Too bright."
"That's rich coming from you." Kyoka hesitated as she looked at her friend. "Do you remember what happened?"
"Yeah. That girl. Her music was so sad. So I- did what Uraraka told us-"
"And then she tried to explode you," Kyoka said darkly.
"It's okay. I survived."
Kyoka placed her hand on her friend's shoulder, steadying her. Aika was too weak to try laughing, but her brain supplied the sound anyway. "You didn't deserve that."
"She- I want to talk to her again."
"And what if she tries to hurt you a second time?"
"Then I'll… get stronger…"
"Aika-"
"Don't- mad. My- choice."
"Damn it." Kyoka hung her head. "Why are you like this?"
"You- love me," Aika said, and when Kyoka looked she saw a crooked grin on her face.
"You got me," Kyoka admitted. "Someone's gotta keep you out of trouble."
"Appreciate… you," Aika said. She weakly held up a hand, and Kyoka took it, threading their fingers together.
"Get some rest Aika," Kyoka said. "You want me to play some music for you?"
"Yes… nice."
Kyoka used her jacks to fish her phone out of her bag. Dropping it into her free hand, she unlocked it and pulled up the j-pop playlist. The one she created with Aika, and she would die before she admitted she listened to it. Turning the playlist on, she set the phone down and told Aika everything she knew about the attack until the other girl fell back asleep.
She waited a bit longer, until her stomach reminded her that it was long past dinnertime. With an annoyed huff, Kyoka extracted her hand and retrieved her phone. "I'm going to get out of here. I hope you feel better soon. I'll be back tomorrow. With Mido and Raka - they owe you some answers."
Feeling better, she left the hospital. Stepping out into the evening sky, she raised her head and sighed.
"Even with our training, being a hero's a lot harder than I thought. I'm jealous of how easy this is for you, Aika."
After a long afternoon making sure their classmates were taken care of followed by a meeting with the heroes and teachers, Izuku and Ochako finally found themselves alone. Not giving Izuku any chance to escape, Ochako made her move.
"Izu," Ochako said, noticing his subtle tensing as he anticipated what she was about to ask. "What's wrong?"
"I'm not getting out of this, am I?" Izuku asked.
"Nope!" Ochako said brightly. "You know me too well."
Izuku couldn't help but smile at his girlfriend. "I guess you're right. It's just - a lot."
"Izu-" Ochako closed the distance between them and took his hands in hers. "You don't have to shoulder the burden alone. Let me help you."
"You're right," Izuku admitted. "It's just - it feels like this is all my fault. They're-"
"They're your family," Ochako said firmly. "But that's not your fault! This - this is all an attempt to get back at All Might. Not you. Otherwise- otherwise I wouldn't even be here!"
"Ocha-" Izuku gasped.
"Tell me I'm wrong," Ochako said.
"You're… not," Izuku admitted as his face fell.
"And it would be really awkward if I was!" Ochako giggled far-too loudly.
That earned a small chuckle out of Izuku. "It really would." He looked fondly at his girlfriend and leaned in for a quick kiss, which she happily reciprocated. "Thanks Ocha."
"Oh I'm not done yet," Ochako warned him. "Where do you want to go so we can talk more?"
"Hmm," Izuku pondered. "How about we go to the lake?"
"Sounds great!" Ochako agreed, letting one of Izuku's hands go. "Lead the way!"
Their trip was almost surreal. The attack on the USJ had already made the news, and as they walked, they were painfully aware of their UA uniforms and the attention it gave them. It wasn't much, but they caught more than a few glances and whispered questions.
Thankfully, nobody dared to follow them and soon enough they reached the quiet lake that was their destination. Since most people were still at work or in school, the nearby cafe was still empty, and the benches that dotted the lakeside were all but abandoned, save for the few birds looking for an easy meal. Fortunately, they didn't care about the day's events and left the two alone as they found a bench far away from the road and sat down. Looking at Izuku curiously, Ochako offered her arm and Izuku accepted, leaning into his girlfriend's side.
"Are you okay?" Izuku asked.
"Mostly," Ochako confessed before she gave him a sideways glance. "Are you trying to shift the focus off of you?"
"No," Izuku said softly. "But it's your turn. We're a team, right?"
"Way to throw my words back at me," Ochako grumbled before sighing. "I'm angry at Bakugo. But I'm also angry at myself. I wasn't fast enough to save him."
"That's not your fault," Izuku insisted.
"I just- after all this time, all this training, and I'm left feeling like I'm not good enough," Ochako admitted, her fist clenching. "If I can't save someone right in front of me-"
"Ocha." Izuku sat up and before she knew what was happening he was sitting in her lap. "Remember all of my dark moments, when I thought I'd never be good enough?"
"Of course," Ochako said, knowing where this was going.
"Well." Izuku traced a finger along his girlfriend's cheek, slowly circling one of her blush marks. "Someone very important to me made sure I knew that I was good enough. Because no matter how many times I failed. I always got back up again - and that's more important."
"Izu." Ochako cupped his hand with her own as she closed her eyes. "You're right. I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Izuku smiled at her. "You're allowed to feel bad. Today was worse than we both expected - in more ways than one."
"You can say that again." Ochako frowned. "I was hoping for a normal school year this time!"
"Me too," Izuku said. He gave her a crooked smile before his face turned serious again. "Now though - we have no idea what Hana's going to do."
"You said she was angry, didn't you?" Ochako asked. "She never was that way in my timeline. She was always cold and calculating. Much like a watchmaker."
"That's not how she was today," Izuku replied. "I guess her brother's presence had an effect on her."
"And her presence probably affected Tom- Tenko," Ochako agreed.
"I'm sure we'll find out soon. I want to talk to him."
"Of course you do." Ochako smiled warmly at her boyfriend. "Do you want me there?"
"I think I'd like that, yeah. Hopefully we can learn more about Hana from him."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"I need to talk to grandma first."
"You know what she's going to say," Ochako pointed out.
"I know. But-" Izuku looked down at his fist. "You saw how Blackwhip was acting. I was angry." His cheeks turned pink. "But I couldn't hurt him."
"Of course you couldn't." Ochako gave him a serene smile. "If you did you wouldn't be you."
"I don't want to give up on him. I know we promised Nana but-"
"But we saved Himiko."
"Exactly!" Izuku said. "I know their situation isn't the same and he's been under All For One's influence for fifteen years but- I think there's a chance to reach him."
As he spoke, Izuku thought back to their final conversation when Tenko asked where the heroes were fifteen years ago. Those words were angry, but something about the way he spoke bothered him. Like a part of him was still waiting for a hero.
"What about Hana?"
"If we can reach Tenko - if we can find Hana before All For One performs surgery on her… maybe we can reach both of them," Izuku explained.
"Why did I have a feeling you were going to say that," Ochako said warmly.
"Because you're thinking the same thing."
"Guilty." Ochako giggled. "We're both weirdos, aren't we?"
"But then would we be who we are?"
"I guess you're right." Ochako leaned forward, their foreheads bumping together before their lips found each other. "Feeling any better?"
"Yeah." The light slowly found its way back to Izuku's eyes as he stared into Ochako's mocha eyes. "How about you?"
"Yeah." Ochako smiled softly at him. "This isn't any worse than what I've had to deal with before. We'll figure it out."
"You're right," Izuku said as he slowly slid off of his girlfriend's lap and stood up. Stretching, he offered her a hand. "I think I'm ready to face Mom and Himi. How about you?"
"My parents will be there as well." Ochako's smile wobbled as she took his hand and pulled herself upright. "At least we'll be facing them together?"
"Yep!" Izuku leaned in to kiss his girlfriend one final time before they began the journey back to his apartment.
"Seriously, HOW do you get in this much trouble?" Emily asked her girlfriend as they walked through the streets of Mustafu.
She knew something was up when the teacher started the day with a self-study exercise for their Heroics lesson. A few minutes later, the teacher received a notification on their phone and left without explanation, saying there was an emergency.
Ten minutes later, she heard the announcement about the USJ. The same USJ that Himiko was visiting for class today.
"You've met Izu and Ocha, haven't you?" Himiko replied.
"But why do you keep getting dragged into all of that?" Emily insisted. "I-"
"You what?" Himiko asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Nevermind!" Emily turned away.
"Nope!" Himiko squeezed her girlfriend's hand and jumped in front of her. "Now I'm curious!"
"I was worried about you," Emily admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Himiko gasped and felt her own cheeks heating up. "Emmy…"
"It's one thing to go out and fight villains; that's just our job. But for them to attack our school," Emily huffed. "I'll be angry at the villains later, but it was hell not knowing what was going on. You don't know how relieved I was to find out you were okay!"
Himiko felt a mixture of warmth and guilt as she looked at her girlfriend. She wanted to tell her that they knew about the attack, and that the heroes had a plan. But… that would mean telling her about Izuku and Ochako - and the truth about her. She'd spent the last three months quietly ignoring that detail and hoping that Izuku would tell her it's okay to let her know. After all, she knew about One For All! Why not tell her everything?
She'd have to bring it up again tonight.
In the meantime, she stared at the girl in front of her who looked uncharacteristically vulnerable. Stepping forward, she wrapped her arms around Emily. "You know it's gonna take more than that to get rid of me."
"I hope so," Emily said. "Who's gonna keep me in line if you land in the hospital - or worse!"
Himiko snorted. "You say that like you wouldn't be making it the hospital's problem."
"You would too!" Emily insisted.
"Maybe." Himiko gave her girlfriend a lidded glare. "Good thing for them I know you're too damned stubborn to ever land in a hospital."
She felt Emily relaxing in her arms, her muscles untensing. "Well the attack couldn't have been that bad if you're already making jokes like that."
"For now," Himiko admitted. "I don't know if I can sleep tonight."
"You know I'll stay up all night with you," Emily said as her grip on Himiko tightened. "I'm sure we can think of plenty of distractions to keep us busy."
Himiko gave her girlfriend a fanged smile before she leaned up and kissed her. "I knew I could count on you!" Letting her go, she took her hand again. "Let's go get your stuff!"
Dinner went easier than expected, and after staying up far later than he had originally planned, Izuku walked Ochako home. Returning home, he quietly snuck through the living room where Himiko and Emily were currently engrossed in an anime and made it to his own bedroom undetected. Changing into his pajamas, he grabbed his phone and crawled into bed.
He wasn't ready to sleep just yet so Ochako kept him company. The two chatted for almost an hour before exhaustion from the day's events finally caught up with him. With a loud yawn, he wished Ochako goodnight, and she promised to see him soon.
Placing his phone down, Izuku settled down underneath the blankets and closed his eyes, ready to talk to Nana about the day's events.
Chapter 65: Allies renewed
Even though he knew it was coming, Izuku was still shocked by the force of the impact as he awoke in the vestige realm.
"Izu I'm so sorry," Nana sobbed, tears already threatening to spill. "I saw everything!"
"Wha?!" Izuku squeaked out.
"It's true kid," Second said. He was leaning against a pillar on the other side of the atrium. "Maybe it was because of all the power you and Uraraka were channeling, but partway through that battle Ol' Yoichi discovered we can start watching what's going on out there."
"Wait, you can do that?" Izuku said.
"Sure can." Second pulled himself away from the wall. "We can project ourselves to be near one of you two so that we can experience all that's going on."
"But we didn't see you?"
"And wouldn't others be able to see you?" Ochako asked, announcing her presence.
"Nope!" Second had a lopsided grin on his face.
"Eventually Yoichi said we can choose to manifest, but even then the only people who'd be able to see us are the two of you…"
"...or All For One," Nana said grimly. "Maybe if someone else had a quirk powerful enough to sustain a vestige realm they'd be able to see us as well, but we haven't met anyone like that yet."
"I see," Izuku said awkwardly as he looked at Ochako, noticing the distinct blush on the back of her neck. "You- you won't use this to spy on us, will you?"
"Of course not!" Nana insisted.
"We've already agreed to only use it when you're in battle," Second said. "Nana here was actually the loudest voice in arguing for that arrangement."
"Really?" Ochako asked in surprise.
"I know I can be a lot," Nana admitted, an uncharacteristic blush coloring her cheeks, "but I know there are limits. Besides…" She offered Izuku a coy smile. "That gives me a reason to talk to my grandson in the evenings."
"Ehe." Izuku gave her an awkward smile, heat rising up the back of his neck. He desperately looked toward Ochako for help, only to see her blush spreading beyond the permanent marks on her cheeks. Noticing his gaze, she responded by mouthing the words 'sorry' back to him. Returning his attention to his grandmother, he continued. "That's a fair compromise."
"Yeah!" Ochako quickly agreed, thankful that the vestiges wouldn't see their more private moments together.
"I thought so too," she replied. "But enough about us. How are the two of you doing?"
"We're about as good as we can be," Izuku admitted.
"Izu and I talked about it," Ochako added, "and you were right. Now we're flying blind but…"
"But instead of finally breaking the cycle, we've got a different threat than what we were expecting. And… Homura."
"My granddaughter," Nana said sadly.
"I'm sorry." Ochako hung her head. "If I had known…"
"It's not your fault." Nana rushed over to hug the girl. "I know you wouldn't keep something like that from us."
"Thanks." Ochako smiled at the woman as she leaned into her embrace. "I still feel bad though."
"Well-" Nana gave the girl one final squeeze before releasing her from her grip. "Why don't we go somewhere more comfortable and you two can tell me all about it?"
"I see," Nana said, leaning back in her chair. She had dragged the two to a conference room where they were joined by Second, Yoichi, and Ichirou to hear their story.
"So it seems there are ripples we never accounted for," Ichirou mused as he turned toward Second.
"Hey, I never expected my quirk to fuse two different timelines to begin with," the vestige defended himself. "We thought it just picked from one or the other in a way that made sense."
"But this is an unknown variable," Yoichi said. "We'll have to think this over, especially how it affected our brother…"
"Do you think he could have been affected by a similar merge?" Izuku asked.
"Hopefully not," Nana said before letting out a resigned sigh. "I wish we could talk to Toshi directly…"
"Do you think he could see you? If you manifest, I mean?" Ochako asked curiously.
"We doubt it," Ichirou said. "But we can always try once we have the strength to do so."
"It's worth an attempt," Yoichi agreed.
"Enough about us," Second said as he turned his attention to Izuku and Ochako. "What'll you two be doing now?"
"We're not sure," Izuku said as he looked at Ochako. "We're still figuring things out."
"Probably talk to our friends first," Ochako added.
"What are you going to tell them?"
"I don't know," Ochako replied softly.
"I think you should tell them everything," Nana said.
"What?"
"They already know most of it, don't they?" Nana asked. "Why didn't you bring them in on your plans?"
"We said Nezu thought there was a spy–"
"And do you believe any of your friends could possibly be that spy?"
"No," both replied simultaneously.
"Well there you go," Nana said smugly. "I thought you two were all about a whole system of pillars. So why are you acting like it's just the two of you?"
Izuku and Ochako looked at each other awkwardly before turning toward Nana.
"Force of habit," Ochako admitted. "Before the reset…"
"Same," Izuku said shamefully. "Toshinori insisted on secrecy…"
"And look at where that got you," Nana said, folding her arms. "I'm glad you two have each other, but you certainly painted your friends in a noble light earlier."
"You're right," Izuku said.
"They know almost everything already…" Ochako mused. "It wouldn't be a big jump to bring them into the planning."
"Especially since we have no idea what's coming next," Second pointed out. "We're effectively in a new future now."
"I know Himi hates being out of the loop," Izuku admitted.
"And Jiro's still mad at us," Ochako pointed out. "Maybe this will help…"
"Mhm." Izuku nodded and smiled at Ochako. "I guess we'll talk to them soon."
"Yeah!" Ochako gently pumped her fist in the air.
"There's the two of you I wanted to see," Nana chuckled. "I'm glad you're feeling better."
"I'm still nervous," Izuku confessed.
"Me too."
"Of course you're nervous!" Nana said. "I'd be worried if you're not. But hopefully with your friends in on things, you'll be a little less nervous." She smiled as she watched their tense shoulders loosen up. "And I know the two of you will figure things out."
"What about you?" Ochako asked.
"I'll be here cheering you on. And waiting for you to save my other grandkids."
"We'll try our best," Izuku assured her.
"I know you will."
After wishing Ochako a good morning with a kiss, Izuku closed his eyes and drifted back to the physical world. He sat up and stretched before silently padding out of the hallway and toward the bathroom. As he approached, he heard the sound of the shower running. With a quiet sigh, he turned around, ready to go to their other bathroom–
–only to run right into his sister.
"We need to talk," Himiko said in a low voice, her arms crossed as she looked up at him.
"Can I at least go to the bathroom first?" Izuku asked awkwardly.
Himiko weighed her options in her head before she relented, uncrossing her arms. "Fine, but we need to make it quick!"
Himiko's eyes darted to the shower and Izuku realized what she was referring to. Nodding in understanding, he hurried to the other restroom before returning to his own room. Himiko sat on his bed, a plush scientist in her hands being over-worked by nervous fingers.
"What's up Himi?" Izuku asked as he quietly closed the door.
"It's Emmy– I want her to know," Himiko began. "About you and Ochako. I know that means…" She swallowed nervously. "She finds out about me too. But yesterday, after everything…"
"That was a lot worse than we expected," Izuku realized with a shaky sigh.
"Yep," Himiko agreed without her usual bright tone. "Emmy was worried about me, and I didn't like having to lie to her."
"I understand." Izuku sat down on the bed. Himiko leaned into his side. "Ocha and I we… were wrong. We thought we could end things once and for all and then we wouldn't have to worry anymore."
"Just like with me?" Himiko asked.
"Something like that," Izuku replied. "And then… you saw what happened."
"So now what?" Himiko asked.
Izuku threw an arm over Himiko's shoulder. "We'll tell Song. And then… we'll talk to Jiro and Shizu."
"Thanks Izu." Himiko curled into his side more fully. "I'm not looking forward to this."
"I think you'll be okay," Izuku assured her. "Song loves you."
"Yeah she does," Himiko said in a tone that caused Izuku's face to heat up. Noticing the change, she barked out a laugh before sobering up. "But it's still scary."
"Did you have a nightmare last night?"
"Mhm," Himiko admitted. "I was… one of the people attacking the USJ and Emmy was one of the students."
"I'm sorry." Izuku held his sister tighter.
For a few minutes, the two sat in silence until they heard the door slam open revealing Emily. Her hair was tied off in a ponytail; she wore a tee shirt and shorts she borrowed from Himiko, the normally loose clothing snug on her. She looked like she was about to speak until she saw the worried look on Himiko's face.
"What's going on?" Emily asked, her voice uncharacteristically quiet.
Untangling herself from her brother, Himiko stood up and pulled her girlfriend into the room before slamming the door behind them. "Remember how we told you about One For All?"
"Of course!" Emily said as her eyes darted between the two.
"That's not the only thing Izu's been hiding."
Emily's eyes went wide, ready to shout before Himiko shut her up by crashing her lips into her girlfriend's. Izuku rolled his eyes at his scene and turned away until they were done.
"Ok rude," Emily said as she glared at her girlfriend, "but I'll allow it because you're cute. So what else is there?"
Slowly turning around, Izuku took a deep breath. "Ocha and I knew about the attack yesterday."
"What? How?!"
Izuku and Himiko spent the next twenty minutes filling Emily in with the details. Or more specifically Izuku did most of the talking. When he and Emily got going, Himiko found it hard to keep up despite her best efforts, and usually she resigned herself to finding out the most important details after the fact. Despite that, she tried her hardest to contribute when she could. Emily already knew about her incident with Saito and attacking Izuku, but she didn't know about the breakdown that happened when she learned the truth - or about the nightmares she's been visited by ever since then.
Once they were done, the three sat silently, Izuku and Himiko waiting for Emily's response.
"I know it's a lot," Izuku said awkwardly as he tried to fill the air with noise. "But I hope you understand why we did it."
"Of course I understand!" Emily snapped before softening and raising her hand. "It weirdly makes sense though. Finding Himi. The extra training. Your whole I-Island thing, One For All, All Might." She ticked off the reasons one by one until she had a closed fist before sighing. "It felt like something was going on. Like your mom was secretly working with the Shields or something."
"Sometimes I wish it was that simple," Izuku admitted.
Himiko felt an uncharacteristic nervousness as she looked at her girlfriend. Taking a deep breath, she asked the question she want- no, needed to know the answer to.
"Are we okay?"
Emily responded by kissing her girlfriend. "Of course we are! You're my Himi, trying to become a hero! You're not the same girl that those two had to face. And if you do decide you'd rather be a villain…" Her face steeled as light flared from her palms. "I'll kick your ass and drag you back myself."
"Good," Himiko said, but the tears threatening to spill let Emily know how grateful she really was. She wrapped her arms around her girlfriend's shoulders and pressed her face on Emily's neck, savoring her warmth. "Thank you."
Holding Himiko close, Emily turned her attention back to Izuku. "So what next?"
"J-just like that?"
"How long have you known me? Once things calm down I've got Questions, but those can wait."
"Good point," Izuku conceded. "For now we have to wait on the heroes, but once they find a lead for the League…"
"Great. I'm in."
As the morning made way to the afternoon, the three students finally left their apartment. Kissing her girlfriend goodbye, Emily left for home, leaving Izuku and Himiko alone.
"Ready to talk to Jiro?" Himiko asked her brother.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Izuku replied.
The two made their way to their normal meetup spot where Ochako was already waiting for them. Taking her hand in his, Izuku quietly informed her that Emily knew everything. The two had a quiet conversation while walking, and Ochako's mind was put at ease as they made their way to the hospital. As they walked through the sliding doors into the main lobby, they saw Kyoka waiting for them, her arms crossed as she looked them over.
"There you are!"
"We promised we'd come," Ochako pointed out.
"I know," Kyoka sighed. "I just wish you made it harder so I could have gotten some frustration out."
"I know how that feels," Himiko admitted, earning a look of betrayal from her brother. "But these two aren't the problem, are they?"
"No," Kyoka sighed, "they're not." She balled her fists at her side. "I just hate feeling so helpless."
"Us too," Izuku assured her.
"That's why we're here," Ochako said as she gently touched Kyoka's arm. "We screwed up, and now we're gonna make things right."
Kyoka's eyes drifted down to Ochako's hand and back up to her friend's waiting gaze. She responded by giving the two a lopsided smile. "Let's go then. Aika's awake, even if she's not feeling chatty."
"That's a weird sentence," Himiko said.
"Believe me, I know," Kyoka agreed. "But she'll bounce back soon. I know it."
The three followed Kyoka further into the hospital as she led them to Aika's room. Slowing down as she approached, the punk girl rapped her knuckles against the door before turning the handle.
"Hey Aika, they're here."
As the four entered the room, they noticed Aika lying in bed, covered in far more bruises and bandages than they remembered. Despite that, they saw a weak light in her eyes that refused to go out.
"Hi guys," she wheezed.
"Hey Shizu," Ochako said as she moved around the bed to make room for the others.
"How're you feeling?" Izuku asked.
"Tired. Guess I've gotta train my quirk more huh?" Aika gave them a sheepish look.
Kyoka plugged a jack into a nearby wall and closed her eyes while everyone watched. A minute later, she opened them and gave a thumb's up. "All clear for now."
Ochako nodded as she turned toward Aika. "We're sorry we didn't tell you about the attack."
"Huh?" Aika blinked in confusion.
"All of our training and prep work… was to fix everything at the USJ," Izuku explained. "We were supposed to capture all of the villains and disrupt well… everything that came after."
"It would have given us a normal school year," Ochako added. "But something went wrong."
"Oh." Aika closed her eyes. "That's okay."
"Aika," Kyoka said in exasperation.
"Without Mido and Raka, I wouldn't even be at UA," Aika pointed out. "I wouldn't be able to reach out my hand…" She held her free hand up and opened her eyes, staring through her fingers. "It's not your fault the villains didn't behave."
"We still don't know why that is…"
"And that's why we're here," Ochako said. "It's time to do what we should have done from the beginning."
"Hmm?" Aika blinked in confusion.
"You believed in us," Izuku said. "But it wasn't enough. We weren't enough. But maybe if we had a little more help…" Izuku gestured to indicate the others.
"We can't do this alone," Ochako elaborated. "Especially not now. More importantly, we don't want to do this alone. It'll be dangerous but…"
"I survived a grenade." Aika gave a pained smile. "Danger doesn't scare me."
"What about you?" Izuku turned toward Kyoka. "Are you okay with us?"
"I still… need time," Kyoka admitted as she gave a sideways glance at her friend. "But it'd be dumb of me to be angry at you when there's still bad guys out there. Besides-" She used a jack to point at the girl on the bed. "-someone's gotta look out for her."
"I don't need you to watch out for me," Aika protested weakly.
"Who's the one who took a grenade again?"
"You're never going to let me live that down, will you?"
"Nope!" Kyoka gave her a lazy smile. "It's hell of a debut story."
"Oh," Aika's eyes momentarily lit up. "I didn't think of that."
"See?" Kyoka crossed her arms. "Reminding you is just a bonus."
"Hey," Aika protested weakly. "Just you wait, sometime I'll have something to hold over you."
"I hope not," Kyoka closed her eyes and shuddered. Opening them, she turned her attention toward Izuku and Ochako. "Alright, so what's next?"
After filling in the remaining blanks, exhaustion caught up to Aika. She wanted to fight her sleep, but the others insisted that she rest. After wrangling promises to continue later, the wounded girl finally relented and closed her eyes to nap, while the others quietly left.
Stepping out into the hallway, Izuku finally noticed the name card on the next room.
K. Bakugo
"Ocha–" Izuku swallowed as he turned toward his girlfriend.
"Hmm?" Ochako asked before her gaze followed the direction of his finger. "Oh."
"Why do you want to talk to him?" Kyoka asked.
"They've got a lot of unfinished business," Ochako explained.
Frowning, Himiko placed her hand on her brother's arm. "You don't owe him anything. He's made his choices."
"I know." Izuku turned toward his sister. "But I want to talk to him anyway."
Himiko wanted to argue, but she bit down on her lip instead, her fang piercing the thin skin and drawing blood. She knew she was the last person who could get annoyed by what Izuku was about to do, but she still didn't like it. Relenting, she let out a pained sigh. "Of course you do. Just… don't get hurt."
"I won't," Izuku promised his sister.
"Good!" Himiko chirped. "Otherwise I'll have to stab him the next time we spar… well stab him more than usual, that is." She giggled. "I'm gonna call Emmy, see you tonight!"
With a wave, Himiko took off down the hallway. Taking her cue, Kyoka looked at the couple. "I'm gonna spend some more time with Aika. Spirits knows she wouldn't be able to sit still without me." She turned around to look at the pair over her shoulder. "And thanks, we won't let you down."
"We know," Ochako assured her. She watched as the girl opened the door and re-entered the room, leaving her alone with her boyfriend in the hallway. "Do you want me to go with you or…"
"I think it'd be better if I go alone," Izuku answered. "Wait for me out here?"
"Of course." Ochako reached out and squeezed Izuku's arm. "I'll be here."
"Thanks." He gave her a warm smile.
Taking a deep breath, Izuku walked to the door and knocked. A moment later, he heard Bakugo's raspy voice calling from behind it.
"Come in."
Chapter 66: Personal closure
As Izuku entered the room, he saw his old friend turned bully turned rival lying on the bed. Bandages covered his torso with both his right arm and leg wrapped in casts.
It was a sight he never thought he'd see.
"Deku." Bakugo's eyes narrowed as he hissed out his old nickname. "What the fuck do you think you're doing here?"
"I was visiting Shizu and noticed you were here," Izuku explained as he closed the door behind him. "I… thought it was time we talked."
"What is there to talk about?" Bakugo scoffed.
"A lot has happened between us Kacchan."
"Don't call me that," Bakugo growled.
"Fine." Izuku sighed and closed his eyes. "It doesn't feel right calling you that anymore, either."
"You're damned right." Izuku swore he saw something flash across his eyes.
An awkward silence filled the room as the two stared at each other. Izuku stared at the explosive blond who was refusing to back down. Despite his glare, however, Izuku couldn't help but notice how defeated Bakugo looked.
"When?"
"When what?" Bakugo asked back.
Izuku blinked in surprise, having not realized he had even spoken. "When… when did everything change?"
"The bridge," Bakugo replied, as if he immediately knew what Izuku was talking about. "When you reminded me of All Might."
Izuku winced. "H-how is that bad?"
"Because you were quirkless!" Bakugo snapped. "You were weak and pathetic, a loser in every sense of the word. You were supposed to join the other quirkless kids, just fading into background noise, being extras."
"But I didn't," Izuku retorted.
"No, you didn't." As Izuku watched, he saw a flash of an emotion he never thought he'd find in Bakugo's eyes: fear. "And then you disappeared for fifteen months."
"Mom found out how little Aldera cared about a quirkless kid like me," Izuku confirmed.
"You're not quirkless now," Katsuki pointed out.
"I'm not." Izuku sighed. "You know what a late bloomer is, don't you?"
"Of fucking course I do. After Aizawa came to Aldera last year, the principal nearly shit a brick when he found out."
"I wasn't hiding anything," Izuku said adamantly.
"Of course you weren't." Katsuki blinked first and broke his gaze with Izuku, covering it up by leaning back in his bed to get more comfortable. "You can't hide anything for shit."
"T-thanks," Izuku said, relieved that Bakugo bought the explanation so easily.
"Why are you really here?" Bakugo asked.
"I wanted to see how you were doing," Izuku replied softly.
"How do you think I'm doing?" Bakugo growled. "You disappeared for over a year and then you and Round Face destroyed the entrance exam. The one I spent ten months training for! And then you made everything look so effortless while I'm stuck dealing with that extra, Shizu–"
"Shizu's not an extra!" Izuku balled his fist. "She tries her hardest every day, wanting to make people's lives better. That's… that's what it means to be a hero."
"What happened at Montross, Deku?" Bakugo asked. "You've changed. It's almost like you're a different person."
Izuku swallowed the lump in his throat, lowering his hand and opening it. "I found friends, Bakugo. Real friends. And I met the most amazing girl. And you know what we did? We lifted each other up. We didn't need to tear everyone else down. With Ocha… I feel like I can do anything."
"Tch," Bakugo scoffed. "Spare me that weak bullshit."
"It's not bullshit," Izuku said. "You said it yourself. I'm not the weak Deku you knew, and it's because of the people around me."
It's because of the friends I made in 1-A, back then, and now.
"All Might didn't need friends to reach the top," Katsuki retorted.
Izuku stiffened, remembering Toshinori's words. "Do you think that made him happy?"
"What does it matter?" Katsuki scoffed. "He's the best hero Japan has ever seen. I didn't think I'd need to explain it to you of all people."
"You don't," Izuku agreed. "He's the best hero. But what did he give up to reach the top? We… never asked that question."
"Huh?"
"What do you think All Might gave up to reach his position?"
"Everything. And if that's what it takes to be Japan's number one, then I'll do it too!"
Izuku felt a flash of anger come over him.
I know what it's like to give up everything. He wanted to yell.
Instead, he took a deep breath and shook his head. "That's sad, isn't it? Not having any friends, any confidants?"
Katsuki's eyes went wide for a moment before his facade slammed back into place. "Who cares about a bunch of extras anyways?"
"I do," Izuku admitted.
"Tch, figures. You're just proving you don't have what it takes to be number one."
"You're wrong," Izuku said, fire burning in his eyes. "I'm stronger for having my friends– for having Ocha in my life."
"Spare me that power of friendship bullshit." Katsuki closed his eyes. "I guess I was worried for nothing. You're still the same Deku after all."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Izuku said with a faint smile. "And you're still the Bakugo I remembered."
"Of course I am. And I'm gonna prove it by becoming the number one hero, no matter how strong your late blooming quirk is."
"But who will you celebrate with?" Izuku asked, turning toward the door. "And who will visit you in the hospital when you get hurt?"
"Huh?" Bakugo's eyes snapped open, only to see Izuku's back.
"Nobody should be lonely, not even Japan's top hero," Izuku elaborated. "And I think All Might would agree."
"Deku what–" Bakugo started, but Izuku opened the door and left, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
Ochako noticed the sad look on Izuku's face the instant he stepped through the door. Detaching herself from the wall, she closed the distance between them.
"What happened?" she asked quietly.
"He didn't want to listen," Izuku said.
"I'm sorry Izu," Ochako said softly as her hand found his.
"I guess… after earlier I was a little too hopeful," he said sheepishly.
"That's so you though." Ochako squeezed his hand for emphasis. "It's not your fault that he's so… him."
"You don't have to hold back on my account."
"No, but I will anyway."
"Thanks." Izuku gave his girlfriend a soft smile. "I just hope someone makes it through to him."
"He's still got time," Ochako assured her boyfriend. "You've done all you can, now we just have to trust others to finish the job."
"You're right," Izuku admitted. He glanced down at their enjoined hands and then back up to his girlfriend's face. "Can we go somewhere quiet? I think I'm done for today."
"Me too," Ochako agreed.
Tugging her boyfriend's hand, the two left the hospital, having done all they could for now.
"Thanks for visiting Kiri," Aika said weakly with a smile on her face.
"Anytime, Shizu," Eijiro replied, giving the girl a toothy smile.
Stepping out of the room, Kirishima stretched only to notice the nameplate on the next door.
"Bakugo's here too huh?" Eijro mused. "Guess that makes sense."
He had intended to just leave. But something gave him pause.
As he stood there slowly lowering his arms, he remembered Shizu's words and actions at the USJ.
"Even if she got hurt, Shizu still wants to reach out to that villain," Eijiro reminded himself. "I dunno if I'm that manly yet, but if she can do that, I can give a classmate a second chance, can't I?"
"Of course you can!" Eijiro said, balling his fist in front of him. "I dunno what his problem is, but there's only one way to find out."
Nodding to himself, he walked the short distance to the door and knocked on it. "Bakugo?"
"Who's there?" a voice called from inside.
"It's Kirishima."
The time seemed to stretch on as Eijrio waited. He was almost ready to give up when he finally heard his answer.
"Come in."
Slowly turning the handle, Eijiro stepped inside to see his classmate laying there, his arm and leg wrapped in a cast. He couldn't help but wince at the sight.
"I heard you got injured, but I didn't know it was this bad."
"This is nothing," Bakugo insisted. "I'll be back on my feet in a week."
Eijiro's eyes went wide. "You're gonna push yourself that fast?"
"Of course." Bakugo gave him what Eijiro assumed was a smirk, but it was crooked and weak. "I can't let an injury like this slow me down."
"Why?" Bakugo responded by glaring at him, but Eijiro was undeterred. "Why are you pushing yourself so hard? I get that UA is super competitive but–"
"But nothing!" Bakugo spat. "If I want to be the number one hero, I can't let something like this stop me!"
As if to demonstrate Bakugo tried to wave his cast around, but Eijiro noticed as he bit his lip in response to the pain.
"That ambition's great and all, but what good's it gonna do if you permanently injure yourself the first week of high school?"
"What do you know?"
Eijiro sighed as he gestured towards a chair. "Mind if I sit?"
Much to his surprise, after a short deliberation Katsuki nodded yes. Taking the opportunity he was given, he grabbed a chair and spun it around, sitting on it backwards. Leaning on the back, he continued.
"Look, I may not know a whole lot about battlefield injuries, but I've seen enough weight training injuries at the gym. People who insist on going further and pushing themselves past their body's limit. Sometimes it works, but all it takes is one mistake, and they're permanently injured."
"Weaklings," Katsuki scoffed. "I'm better than that."
"That's what they always said too."
Katsuki sat there glaring at Eijiro, but it was obvious there was no bite behind his gaze. "Why do you care anyway?"
"Because you're my classmate," Eijiro pointed out. "Why wouldn't I care?"
"That's not how the world works." Bakugo frowned. "When we graduate, we'll all be competing for rankings."
"Some of us don't care about the rankings," Eijiro retorted.
"Tch." Bakugo looked out the window. "Why bother if you're not striving to be the best."
"In middle school, I froze up when some of my classmates were in trouble." Sitting upright, he slammed his fist into his open palm. "I don't want to do anything like that ever again. I want to learn to be a courageous hero and protect people from danger. And…" He recalled Aika's actions. "I want to become courageous enough to help those who need it, no matter who they are." He rose to his feet as he saw Katsuki turn his attention to him. "If that means I'm lower in the rankings as a result, then that's fine by me!"
"Hmph," Bakugo replied.
"I'm just sayin'." Eijiro sat back down. "What's the point of being number one if you throw everything away to get it?"
Bakugo's eyes went wide before they narrowed as he laser-focused on Eijiro. "Did Deku put you up to this?"
"Deku?" Eijiro blinked.
"Fuck– Midoriya."
"No! Why would he?"
"Nevermind." Bakugo sighed and turned away. "I must be a sap magnet," he mumbled to himself.
Eijiro looked at Bakugo, but it seemed like the other student wasn't interested in talking further. With a weary sigh, he stood up. "For what it's worth, I'm glad you're okay. I'll see you when you get back to class."
"Hmph." Bakugo closed his eyes. Eijiro wondered if he'd even reply, only to be shocked when he spoke next. "Thank you."
Eijiro gasped before a wide grin appeared on his face. "Mind if I come back again?"
"Only if you leave the sentimental stuff at the door. I don't think I can take any more of that."
Eijiro laughed. "Sure thing."
As he opened the door to leave, he stopped when he heard Katsuki speak again.
"When classes start back up tomorrow, I've got a message for everyone. Tell them that they'd better not be slacking, 'cause even with this head start, I'm still gonna blow them out of the water."
Eijiro turned his head and saw Bakugo staring at him, a fire starting to return to his eyes. "I'll let them know." He then exited the room, closed the door, and leaned against it. "I guess he's not a lost cause after all." He turned his head to look down the hall where Aika's room was located. "Thanks, Shizu."
After finishing his second day of paperwork, Toshinori made his way to the Midoriya household for dinner. Now that his stomach was back, he had learned to appreciate food a lot more than he did before his battle. And while he may be biased, his girlfriend's cooking was some of the best he had ever tasted.
Gently opening the door to the apartment, Toshinori tried to sneak in…
…only to have Inko leaping at him.
"Good evening Toshi!" she called out as she flew through the air, her arms wide.
"Good evening Inko," Toshinori replied as he caught the woman, their arms wrapping around each other as she buried her head in his shoulder. "Did you have a good day?"
"Mhm," Inko said. "Work was quiet, and the kids were out, so I just let music fill the apartment."
"That sounds better than my day," Toshinori admitted. "I swear every day the pile of paperwork I need to do for the USJ attack gets even larger."
"Can't you have anyone else do it?"
"Normally yes, however the information surrounding this particular attack is very sensitive… and it involves young– your son and Uraraka."
"I knew that part," Inko admitted as she leaned up to kiss her boyfriend on the cheek before lowering herself to the floor. "Izu was telling Himi about it the night before but was being evasive." She let out a sad sigh.
"And with good reason," Toshinori said. "Did he tell you anything specific?"
"No." Inko shook her head. "Just that they were expecting to be attacked and that I shouldn't worry. That it was all an elaborate trap to capture the villains and fix things." She gave Toshinori a sad smile. "Of course things didn't play out that way, did they?"
"Of course not," Toshinori sighed. "And did he tell you about who we arrested from the incident?"
Inko shook her head. "Was he supposed to?"
"We never discussed it properly," Toshinori admitted sheepishly. "But I believe it's best that you know."
"Why?" Inko felt worry creeping up her spine.
"Let's go sit down first."
Worrying at her lip with her teeth, Inko nodded silently and led Toshinori to her living room, where they sat down on the couch. Once they had gotten comfortable, she turned toward the hero.
"Who did you arrest?"
"Thanks to your son, we arrested Tomura Shigaraki. However, that name is an alias. His real name… is Tenko Shimura."
Inko gasped. Her eyes went wide, filled with horror as she raised her hands to cover her mouth. "Shimura…"
"Yes, he is your nephew."
"And Izu knew this?"
"Of course." Toshinori had a sad look on his face.
"I thought that my brother's family was all…"
"Due to the nature of time travel, we were not sure if anyone from his family survived until two days ago," Toshinori admitted. "That is why we didn't tell you."
"Because it was someone else in Chako's timeline."
"Precisely." Toshinori nodded gravely. "However we were mistaken, and it turns out that the woman Ochako faced was another of Nana's grandchildren. And in this timeline, both have survived."
"My brother had two children… and they're villains…"
"I wish it were different." Toshinori looked broken and vulnerable as he spoke. "But in his attempt to hurt me, my greatest nemesis has unfortunately gotten your family involved in one way or another."
"That's…"
"Monstrous."
"What are you going to do?" Inko asked, her eyes begging Toshinori for positive news.
"Fortunately, other than this attack, neither of them have any major crimes against them. However-" Toshinori grimaced. "-young Tenko had been fed lies for fifteen years and taught to hate me. And Young Hana is still free and roaming Japan."
"You're going to try helping him, right?"
"Of course." Toshinori closed his eyes. "Those children wouldn't have it any other way."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Inko asked.
"You–" Toshinori blinked in surprise. "But you're just a civilian."
"Need I remind you that this 'civilian' opened her home to a little girl and gave her a family." Inko crossed her arms as she stared down Japan's number one hero. "And now she's enrolled in UA training to become a hero instead of a future villain," she finished proudly.
"You are right," Toshinori conceded as he bowed his head. "I'm sorry."
"I know I can't do much," Inko continued, "but it sounds like Tenko might not listen to you. Not if he's been indoctrinated like you claim."
"And you think you can do better?"
"I don't know," Inko admitted. "But maybe he would be more receptive talking to his civilian aunt instead of a hero?"
"Perhaps." Toshinori smiled at his girlfriend. "You really are an amazing woman, Inko."
Smiling, Inko stood up and closed the gap between them before she sat herself in Toshinori's lap. "I try. Someone has to set a good example for Izu and Himi."
Toshinori sputtered at that, causing Inko to laugh. "You–"
"Think of it as revenge for leaving me out of this," Inko said as she leaned back into her boyfriend's chest, closing her eyes as she felt his arms wrap around her.
"I deserve it," Toshinori agreed. "I had hoped to end everything at the USJ, for their sake."
"Nothing is ever simple when they're involved," Inko chuckled softly.
"No, it isn't," Toshinori agreed.
With plenty of time before dinner, the two continued talking, shifting to lighter topics to brighten their mood for the evening. Tomorrow, Toshinori would face young Tenko, but for now, spending time with Inko made him feel like everything would turn out alright.
Chapter 67: Inko Shimura
"So this is where Tenko's being held?" Inko asked as they pulled into the police station.
"For now," Toshinori confirmed. "Once the investigation is concluded, he is slated to go to prison and await trial."
"Will they send him to Tartarus?"
"His quirk is dangerous enough…" Toshinori mused as he turned towards his girlfriend. Even though he was in his All Might persona, she could see the apologetic look in his eyes. "Let's hope we can reach him."
"I'll… do my best then," Inko said as she steeled herself.
The driver pulled the car to the entrance of the station, where Naomasa stood outside with a pair of other police officers. Placing her hand hesitantly on the handle, Inko looked toward her boyfriend, waiting for him to nod his head in confirmation before she opened the door and stepped out.
"All Might," Naomasa greeted the hero politely before he turned toward Inko. "Is this the special 'guest' you told us about this morning?"
"Indeed she is," All Might confirmed. "After we have confirmed Tomura Shigaraki was merely an alias, we began to research his history. History which has largely been concealed. It was practically a miracle that we found a lead and a living relative."
It was all a lie, of course. But considering Naomasa helped lay the groundwork for this meeting this morning, he wasn't about to call out his old friend on that fact.
"I see," Naomasa said. Finally he turned towards Inko, treating her like a perfect stranger. "And what is your name, Miss…"
"Inko." She bowed politely. "Inko Shimura."
"Shimura huh," Naomasa mused as he turned to his old friend. "You never told me your old mentor had one child, let alone multiple."
"It was a surprise to me as well," All Might admitted. "After Nana lost her husband, she became much more guarded about her personal life. It is truly unfortunate. Had I known I may have been able to help young Tenko before… all of this."
"Is he really that far gone?" Inko asked Naomasa. She knew All Might's opinion, but she wanted the opinion of a detective.
"It's hard to say, but right now it's not looking likely," Naomasa admitted. "He's been very uncooperative so far. While there's room for negotiating his charges and sentence, that would require more cooperation on him, particularly in the matter of apprehending his sister and the organization behind the attack on UA."
"I understand," Inko grimaced. "Very well then. What can I do to help?"
Following the detective, Inko was led into an observation room behind a two-way mirror. There she saw several other officers sitting there, notepads at the ready as they prepared for All Might to talk to the villain.
But her attention wasn't on them.
At the sight of her nephew, Inko gasped before she slowly approached the glass.
"What have you been doing to him?" she demanded as she spun around to face Naomasa.
"If you're referring to his appearance, I assure you that isn't our fault Miss Shimura," Naomasa replied. He gestured at the young man through the glass. "He sustained some bruises from the fight where he was captured, but this was how he appeared when he attacked UA."
Bruises from fighting Izuku. Inko reminded herself. Closing her eyes, she shuddered at the thought of her son fighting his cousin.
If I get my hands on whoever did this… Inko silently swore.
Opening her eyes, she returned her attention to the detective. "My apologies then. I didn't know what to expect so I wasn't prepared for him to look so rough."
"It's understandable," Naomasa assured her. "Don't worry, we'll continue to care for him while he's under our authority."
"Thank you." Inko turned her attention back to her nephew.
He seemed content to sit there, partially hunched over the table as he studied the restraints covering his hands. Both were currently covered in large metallic orbs. From Toshinori's explanation, his hands were partially covered with a half-glove, similar to an artist's glove, before being inserted into a globe which was then filled with a gel-like substance. This multi-layered approach was used to prevent him from activating his quirk, even if one of the preventative measures failed.
Of course, if that wasn't enough, she knew the police were also ready to open fire on him if he somehow managed to regain the use of his quirk and break out.
With nothing to do but wait, she was content to study his features, trying to pick out any clues about him that she could find. He wasn't talking, his chest simply rising and falling to the cadence of his breath, but she could tell he was holding back. The occasional twitch at the corner of his eye, the way his lip would curl downward. They told Inko that there was more going on beneath the surface.
"Are you in there, Tenko?" Inko whispered. "Or are you simply Tomura now?"
Toshinori gave the officers guarding the door his signature smile as he approached the room. "How is young Tenko doing?"
"All Might," one of the officers straightened. "He hasn't caused us any trouble but he hasn't exactly been cooperative either."
"That's better than many criminals and villains," Toshinori replied. "Let's see if he'll listen to me."
"I hope so." The guard turned toward the door and scanned a badge. Toshinori heard the distinctive sound of a lock coming undone as he pulled the door open.
Giving the officer a thumb's up, he stepped into the room. While he hasn't done this often - normally such interrogations were beneath his pay grade - he was no stranger to the procedure. After all, for particularly dangerous villains, or those tied to All For One, sometimes direct intervention was necessary.
And for young Shimura, both applied.
Toshinori heard the door close behind him, sealing him in with young Tenko. The young man looked up at him, and he could see the anger and hatred behind his eyes. If it weren't for his decades of experience and training, it might have been enough to make him flinch. Instead he stared back, his bright blue eyes searching gray, seeking out the young man behind the villain.
"Tenko Shimura, I am here."
"Don't call me that," Tenko spat out venomously. "You don't get to call me that."
"And why not? That is your name, isn't it?"
"Tenko Shimura is dead. He died fifteen years ago in a back alley. I'm now Tomura Shigaraki."
"Shigaraki…" All Might mused as he rubbed his chin.
Stepping forward, he grabbed the empty chair on the other side of the table from the prisoner. While he knew most police would drag it along the floor, allowing the sound of metal-on-concrete to subtly intimidate the person being questioned, that wasn't his style. Lifting the chair up, he silently pulled it away from the table and placed it down before he took a seat.
"Tell me, who gave you that name?"
"Why should I?"
Toshinori frowned inwardly. While he could tell Tenko about All For One, he was playing a dangerous game by announcing it during an interview. Time to come at it from a different angle. "It simply reminded me of someone. But no matter. Why do you say Tenko Shimura is dead? You are very clearly still alive and sitting here in front of me."
"Because you killed him!" As if to emphasize his point, he slammed the metallic gauntlets into the table, causing a loud bang to ring out. "You and every other hero! It's your fault! Nobody cared about two injured kids crying for help!"
"Two injured–" Toshinori began. "What happened to you?"
"Oh now you care." Tenko rolled his eyes. "Well it's too late. Homura and I saw the truth about this so-called 'heroic society'." He spit on the table. "And it's your fault, All Might! You– If you didn't make everyone feel safe, feel complacent. Maybe they wouldn't depend on heroes as much as they do! Maybe someone would have stopped in that alleyway, instead of simply saying 'oh, I'm sure a hero will take care of it'." He leveled a fierce glare at Japan's top hero. "Maybe we wouldn't have had to wait for a villain to find us."
"And what was your plan?" Toshinori asked. "What did you seek to gain by attacking those children?"
"They were simply collateral, pointless NPCs guarding the real boss. You," Tenko spoke with a detachment as if lives were little more than characters on the screen of a video game. "If we killed you… everyone would see you for the fraud that you are, perpetuating the lie that is this society."
Despite all his training, all his resolve, Toshinori blinked. What young Tenko was saying was true - it was very similar to the very things young Midoriya and Uraraka told him. But unlike those two…
"And then everyone would sit by as we burned this heroic system to the ground."
"You're wrong," Toshinori said adamantly. "Heroes are more than just me. Those children – society is more than just me. If you managed to kill me, then others would step up to take my place. What happened to you was a tragedy, but–"
"Then why don't you just die then?!" Tenko screamed, once again slamming his restraints into the table.
Toshinori let out a sigh as he looked at the murderous intent in the young man's eyes. "I'm sorry nobody reached out to help you. You're right that I'm responsible. Even if I wasn't there, it was my fault that happened. Being the symbol of peace, the pillar of society requires that I take on that burden."
"Good, at least you know," Tenko said with far too much satisfaction.
"However," Toshinori continued, "even now, there are those who are seeking to change society."
"Why should I believe you?"
"You won't."
"You're making my dialogue choices easy here," Tenko giggled maniacally. "I'm disappointed."
"There has been too much anger and hatred over the last two hundred years," Toshinori admitted. "What good is it to stoke your anger needlessly?"
"Tch." Tenko looked away from him towards the two-way mirror. While he stared at his own reflection, he spoke to the people behind it. "I don't know what you hoped to get out of me, but you're wasting your time. I'm not going to give up my sister. Even if I'm in jail, she'll carry on with our plans – and succeed."
"You are right, I'm not the person who can reach out to you," Toshinori agreed as he looked toward the mirror, knowing Inko was behind it. Turning his attention back toward Tenko, he continued. "And my work is not done. But I cannot do it alone. It will take my successors – the very students you attacked today, and hundreds like them throughout the country. Where I failed you, I know they will succeed."
"Fancy words coming from you." Tenko returned his attention to Toshinori with a glare. "Why should I believe anything you say?"
"You can choose to believe it or not," Toshinori admitted. "But perhaps from the comfort of your cell you can continue to watch my actions. I will prove to you, and to everyone, that my words aren't hollow."
"I can't wait to see you fail."
Toshinori didn't bother replying to the barb. Instead he simply closed his eyes and stood up, returning to the door. He rapped his knuckles against the door twice, the loud knock punctuating the silence in the room. Moments later, he heard the lock disengage as the door began to open.
"Thank you," Toshinori said to the guard as he stepped out.
"Our pleasure," the guard replied as they once again sealed the room, the sound much quieter on the outside. "Are you done with him?"
"No." Toshinori shook his head as his gaze drifted down the hallway. "I believe there is someone else who should speak with him."
"Are you sure you're up for this?" Toshinori asked as he escorted Inko toward the interrogation room. "After you saw what happened?"
"I'd be lying if I wasn't nervous," Inko admitted. "But yes. I'm certain."
"You are such a strong woman," Toshinori tenderly said, placing a hand on her shoulder. To the outside world it would have looked like Japan's top hero was merely comforting a civilian, offering her strength before she entered the lion's den. But Inko felt the subtle squeeze of Toshinori's hand and took it for what really was - a compliment from her boyfriend.
"Thank you." Inko gave Toshinori a warm smile in return.
As they neared the two guards, Inko took several deep breaths and tried to fill herself with resolve. This is just like Himi. She reminded herself. The only difference this time is he's your nephew, not a stranger.
"This is who you were talking about?" one of the guards asked.
"Isn't she just a civilian?" the other continued.
"She is a civilian, yes. However she is also Tenko's aunt. Since he isn't inclined to speak to heroes or police, we have decided to ask for outside assistance."
"Isn't this unusual?" the second guard asked.
"It is," Toshinori agreed. "However, this case is extremely sensitive, and UA's principal has requested that Detective Naomasa and myself use any means necessary to break through to him."
The first guard whistled. "I guess this is the kind of thing that separates you from the rest, huh?"
Toshinori lightly chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "You give me too much credit."
"Do you want one of us inside with you?" the second officer asked Inko.
She couldn't hide her response, looking like she bit a lemon as she shook her head. "No, I believe that won't be necessary. If the restraints held while he was talking to All Might, that is good enough for me."
"Very well then," the officer said with a faint shrug before turning toward the door and swiping a key to unlock it.
Inko watched as the door opened to reveal Tenko. The man raised his head at the sound, only to give her a confused glance when he saw her. Taking a deep breath, Inko crossed the threshold. There she stood silently until she heard the door slam shut behind her, the sound of the lock clicking into place echoing around them.
"They're so desperate to get me to talk they're sending in random NPCs now?"
"I'm not some 'random NPC,'" Inko began. Closing her eyes, she steeled herself before opening them, locking eyes with her nephew. "I'm Inko… Shimura. I'm your aunt."
"You're lying to me," Tenko spat, his eyes narrowing.
"I'm not lying. My mother was Nana Shimura. And my brother was…"
"Dad never told us he had a sister!"
"I know." Inko's face fell. "And I never knew my brother had children." She gestured towards the chair. "Mind if I sit?"
"Tch, it doesn't matter what I say," Tomura said.
"It matters to me."
"Are you serious? Fine, whatever." Tenko attempted to wave his arms as best he could despite the handcuffs.
Walking forward slowly, Inko gripped the back of her chair and pulled it out, replicating Toshinori's action to prevent it from making a loud noise. She didn't succeed nearly as well as he did, but she tried her best to keep the noise down as she pulled it out before she sat down. Folding her hands in her lap, she looked at her nephew.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For letting me sit. I'm not as young as I used to be," Inko chuckled. "So it is nice to get off my feet."
"You–" Tenko stared at the woman in front of him. "Are you seriously related to me?"
"Yes," Inko said. "Mom was… I never knew her." She got a faraway look on her face. "Shortly after I was born, I was given to Aunt… your Great Aunt Ayaka. Mom died less than a year later, and Aunt Ayaka raised me as if I were her own daughter."
"Must be nice," Tenko grumbled. "Of course you got the golden ending, while Dad turned out to be a bastard."
"He– what happened to him?"
"I killed him," Tenko said proudly. "When my quirk came in."
"You… killed him?" Inko said slowly, raising her hands to her mouth.
"Yes. Does that bother you?" Tenko asked with a too-wide smile.
"Can you– can you tell me what happened?" Inko asked, her hands suspended in midair.
"Not like it matters." Tenko's eyes shifted between Inko and the two-way mirror. "He was a rat bastard. He was strict and angry and beat up me and Homura for daring to ask about our family or heroes." He paused, his eyes going wide as if he was suddenly hit with revelation. "Actually, no. I can totally believe Dad would never tell us that he had a sister."
"He… beat you up?" Inko asked, her hands snapping to her mouth to hide her shock.
"Yeah." Tomura nodded grimly. "He hated his parents for putting him into the foster system. And he hated heroes especially – blaming his mom for choosing to become a hero over raising her son. Tch– I'm surprised you don't hate her for that either."
"Mom she… There was important work to be done. Work only she could do," Inko said. It was a cold lie that she repeated to herself many times in her childhood. When Izuku reconnected with Nana through One For All… she cried when she discovered that what her aunt told her was true this entire time.
"You act like you believe that."
"I do." Inko lowered her hands and refocused on her nephew, and she noticed him subtly flinch from the attention. "She was an important woman. So important that she was killed for her actions."
"No wonder Dad never told us about you, he must have hated you," Tenko said with a sneer.
"He did," Inko said. "All of our phone calls ended in an argument."
"Good for you," Tenko said, seemingly impressed by that fact.
"How bad was it?" Inko asked softly.
Tenko's eyes narrowed, searching for any hidden or malicious intent behind the woman's question. Sensing none, he decided to continue. "When my quirk came in, I accidentally used it on Homura's arm. Thanks to some quick thinking on her part, she entered a state of suspended animation, telling me to find a way to stop my quirk. In a panic, I rushed into the house, destroying everything as I went. Me, a panicked five year old kid whose quirk was coming in. And you know what he did?"
Inko shook her head. She was terrified of the answer, but she knew he wanted her to ask the question, so she did. "What did he do?"
"He tried to attack me with a pair of hedge clippers!"
Inko gasped, bolting upright and sending the chair clattering to the floor. Tomura winced from the sudden sound, but before he could recover, he felt a strange sensation coming over him.
Warmth.
"I'm so sorry Tenko," Inko said as she wrapped herself around her nephew, embracing him in a warm hug as tears fell freely.
"Hey–!" Tenko squirmed to try and free himself from Inko's grasp. "Get off of me!"
"Sorry!" Inko released her nephew from her grip and jumped back. "I just– I should have been there. Pushed harder against my brother– discovered he had children–"
Tenko stared at the woman. "You're really my aunt, aren't you?"
Inko looked at him with a watery smile. "Are you saying you finally believe me?"
Tenko glared at the mirror on the wall. "Did they put you up to this? Of all the no-good–"
"No," Inko cut off her nephew. "When I was contacted, I was just as shocked as you are now. I didn't even know you were alive until yesterday when a hero came to my door. A formality, they said, since I was your closest living relative. I asked them if I could speak with you."
"You–" Tenko's head whipped around to look at his aunt. "-willingly came here to– talk to me?"
"I last spoke to my brother eighteen years ago, and the next time I tried to contact him I found out he and his entire family was dead," Inko explained as she crossed her arm. "The next time I hear anything it's because my nephew's been arrested for attacking a school. Of course, I'm going to come here to talk to you."
"And are you happy you did?" Tenko asked sarcastically.
"Yes, I am," Inko said definitively. "Are you happy to find out you have an aunt?"
She watched as Tenko's emotions waged war with each other. "Tenko Shimura is dead! I'm Tomura Shigaraki!"
"And I changed my name when I got married," Inko said. "That doesn't change anything."
Tenko opened and closed his mouth, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Why are these dialogue options so hard?!"
"Dialogue options?" Inko asked.
"Yes! This was supposed to be easy."
"Family never is," Inko said as she uncrossed her arms and moved back to her chair. "It is messy and complicated." She picked it up and sat it upright on the ground. "And sometimes we get it wrong." She sat down and looked at her nephew. "I failed my brother. I don't want to fail you the same way."
"I can't believe this," Tenko exclaimed. "Nobody is this nice."
"If you can't believe in kindness, then let's call it revenge," Inko laughed as if she made a private joke. "Since Kotaro and I never saw eye-to-eye, what better way to stick it to him than to show his son the love his father never gave him?"
Tenko blinked before he broke out in laughter. While he didn't understand love and kindness, he could easily understand that motivation. Getting his emotions under control, he gave his aunt a feral grin. "So you're not weak after all. Good."
"People often mistake compassion for weakness," Inko explained. "Just because I care about you doesn't make me weak."
"Even if I'm a villain? What if I use that compassion to take you hostage so that I can escape?"
"You could," Inko agreed. "I'd like to believe you're better than that."
Tenko opened his mouth, only to snap it shut. He wanted to tell her that he'd kill her without a second thought and wouldn't feel a thing.
But the words wouldn't come.
No matter how much she reminded him of his sister, she wasn't Homura. He reminded himself. She's working with heroes! They're enemies!
And she embraced him without a second though.
"I don't think I am," Tenko finally said in reply. When he saw the disappointment in his aunt's eyes, he continued. "Did you seriously expect one meeting would change everything? This isn't that kind of game."
"Of course I didn't," Inko assured him. "It will take time."
"Do you really think the heroes will let you visit me again?" Tenko threw a sideways glance at the mirror.
Inko turned toward the mirror as well, and her nephew couldn't help but note the fond smile that danced across her lips. "I do. If you'll agree to it, that is."
"Tch." Tenko scowled. "What a waste of time."
"I won't force you," Inko said, partially rising from her seat. "If you'd prefer I leave…"
Tenko blinked as he realized what was going on. All those years ago, Hana cradling her damaged arm as they huddled together for warmth in an alleyway, desperate for someone to reach out and help them.
And now he saw his aunt's hand, waiting patiently.
"No!" Tenko said a little too quickly. "Please stay."
With a faint smile, Inko sat down and folded her hands in her lap. "Thank you Tenko."
This time he didn't correct her.
"Do you know about my grandmother?" Tenko asked cautiously.
"I do," Inko said with a fond light in her eyes.
"Can you tell me about her?"
"Gladly," Inko said.
She spent the next twenty minutes telling Tenko everything she knew about Nana. She left out the parts about One For All and her shadow war with All For One, but she did her best to paint her mother in a heroic light. Despite his insistence that he didn't care, he appeared downright eager to learn about the woman, and she was more than happy to oblige him.
Unfortunately their time was limited, and both were startled as a loud knock rang out from the doorway. Both turning toward the door with matching glares, they watched as the door was unlocked and slowly opened to reveal one of the guards.
"Sorry Miss, but your time is up. This is an interrogation, not a family reunion."
"An interrogation for you, perhaps," Inko said with a sigh. Turning toward her nephew, she gave him an apologetic look. "I guess we'll have to continue some other time."
"If they'll give you another time," Tenko grumbled.
"I think they will," Inko said knowingly.
"I'll believe it when I see it," Tenko scoffed.
Inko pushed herself upright, before hovering over her nephew. "May I hug you?"
"You–" Tenko sputtered as he looked at the woman. "Fine."
This time he wasn't startled as he felt his aunt lean over and wrap her arms around him, pulling him into a warm hug. It brought back faint memories of when he and Homura used to hug, assuring each other that it'll be ok no matter what their Dad did.
The flashback was over all too soon as Inko pulled away, giving him a warm smile. "And I hope you don't mind, but I have one last question for you."
"What's that?" Tenko grumbled.
"You keep calling your sister Homura. But that's not her name is it? What…" Inko paused, debating how to continue. "...was her name before she became Homura Shigaraki?"
Tenko stared at her, weighing his options. Her old name was harmless, wasn't it? If the heroes already knew his real name, it wouldn't be hard for them to find out Homura's. Turning his attention back to his cuffs, he spoke, his voice barely a whisper.
"Hana."
He felt his aunt's hand on his shoulder. "Someday, I hope I can meet Hana too."
Inko finally released her nephew and turned toward the door, walking toward the guards. Tenko's head slowly lifted as he watched his aunt's retreating form until she once again crossed the threshold, exiting the room. Turning around, he saw her smile at him one last time.
"I'll see you soon, Tenko."
She waved goodbye before she departed, her form disappearing from view.
But Tenko knew that she'd be back.