I'm really glad ya'll are liking this "what if" fic. There's going to be quite a few dark moments for Bakugo in this one, so be prepared. And again, the events that take place are gonna make him different than he is in the manga/anime due to what he endures. Enjoy this chapter, it's a lead up to the huge moment to come!

Chapter 4: The Plan

Song: Breath by Breaking Benjamin

Bakugo didn't know how long he was out for, all he remembered was Buki using his quirk to make a whip. He remembered being strung up by his wrists in the air, trying to put all the pressure on his non-broken foot. His mind was groggy, not sure how long he was out for. He noticed that he was still tied up the same way, the chill of the freezer stinging his new scars on his back.

At the familiar sound of the door opening, Bakugo tensed immediately, gripping the shackles tightly. His body was shaking even more now, he clenched his eyes shut not knowing which brother was entering.

Buki Fuzen

His quirk, Weapons.

Buki is able to make any sort of weapons he pleases as long as he has that same weapon tattooed on his body, making it easier to replicate and use.

His older brother, Kontorōru Fuzen.

His quirk: Mind Possession.

By touching his opponents forehead, he could alter their current reality for as long as as he has his hand on their head.

It was either those two, or Tomura himself, but that hadn't been too often Bakugo noticed. It was hard for the teen to stay awake sometimes, but the unknown of which brother is entering the room set his teeth on edge. He heard running footsteps, a trait most used by the younger brother. Bakugo's breath started to hitch as the steps rapidly came closer, and he went into a full blown panic went he felt two hands cup his cheeks.

"Stop!" Bakugo yelled out. He tried sounding threatening, but his voice revealed the truth. He was terrified. He tried pulling away, until he heard the familiar whimper.

"Kachaan."

Bakugo's eyes flashed wide open when he heard the crack in his childhood friends voice. His crimson eyes slowly looked up in shock seeing Izuku standing right in front of him. His green eyes were watery as he struggled to remain calm. His rescue training struggling to be used seeing Bakugo in such a state.

"What have they done to you?" Izuku whimpered. Bakugo felt his stomach swell up. He gritted his teeth, trying to recall the anger he felt towards his childhood friend. But it's been months, and instead of feeling that anger and frustration, it even surprised himself the relief of seeing him.

"D-deku-"

"Don't talk Kachaan," Izuku said worriedly as he snapped back into professional mode; though his emotions were still showing. "I'll get you down now, just hang on." Izuku went straight to work on the first hold on Bakugos right hand. Using one for all, Izuku snapped the chain off. Even though the cuffs were still around his wrist, Bakugo was in fact free. His body was exhausted, Izuku put his arm under him to support him while getting the other cuff broken.

"Deku," Bakugo stammered out, trying to catch his breath. Izuku was fully supporting his body. "It's a trap. It has to be, Shigaraki-"

"Already on it Kachaan," Izuku assured as the two made their way up the ramp. "The pro's are here. I just had to make sure that we got you out."

"N-no!" Bakugo forced out, pushing himself out of Izuku's hold. He stumbled backwards and fell onto the floor, the green haired boy tried rushing over to help him.

"Kachaan-"

"Stay away from me!" Bakugo snapped, inching away from Izuku. "How do I know you're actually fucking here!"

"Kachaan it's me!" Izuku pleaded, but the boy couldn't stop his eyes from watering seeing Bakugo in this state. "You're going to be all right I promise! I am here!"

Bakugo winced at the words. He could see that Izuku had been training, his never give up attitude shining through. Bakugo could feel his emotions creeping out, but he couldn't break here. He has to be strong, the explosive teen everyone knew. But he was also exhausted. His eyes welled up as he meet Izuku's green ones. Izuku hesitated as he moved closer to Bakugo, reaching out his hand. Out of pure instinct alone, Bakugo slapped it away, but Izuku felt no power behind it. He tried once more, his eyes pleading as tears streamed down his face. Bakugo gulped, barely moving an inch forward to which Izuku noticed and smiled.

A dark blade pierced Izuku from behind. The boys eyes went blank, as the crimson red ones watching widened in horror. The body fell to the floor, and Bakugo began to tremble hearing the familiar dark laughter echo in the room. His eyes closed, then reopened to find that he never left his chains he was tied to. Bakugo felt his eyes well up as his throat burned; he let out a huge scream realizing it was all a lie.

"Aww," The sinister voice tensed immediately upon hearing the voice. "Too much for you?"

"Don't-" Bakugo whimpered, but immediately regretted. During his months with the two torture brothers, he'd been conditioned to listen to them, much to his initial hatred and refusal in the beginning weeks. But Kontororu already heard the word escape his lips. The oldest brother finally stepped in front of the teen. Grabbing a fistful of his hair, Kontororu pulled his head back, smirking as Bakugo refused to meet his eyes.

"Did you just talk back to me?" He snarled. Bakugo refused to open his eyes, but that just pissed off the villain even more.

"Look at me," The dark raven haired man said calmly. But Bakugo knew that wasn't good sign. The teen forced himself to look up, the man's piercing golden eyes. Bakugo gulped back the fear that creeped up, his hands grabbing at the chains that dangled him from above. The villain leaned forward, making Bakugo wince at the action. "Looks like I need to keep teaching you obedience."

"He wanted to shout insults. Hell, his first two weeks, he felt brave enough to do just that. But the beatings, the endless torture, Bakugo figured keeping quiet was a better option as long as he held out. But new emotions of fear and feeling small were more common than his ferocity that used to be there. And right now, he couldn't stop himself from shaking. The teen recognized the sinister look in the man's eyes.

"Say yes, Rat." The man said calmly. Bakugo held his breath. Kontororu reached forward, his other hand on his head now. This part of the mind manipulation quirk had such an unpleasant feeling whenever Bakugo was put under it. When he can't see Kontororu place his hand on Bakugo's forehead, it's hard to be able to tell what's reality and what's not.

But this was Kontororu's favorite spot to take Bakugo to, and the teen began to hyperventilate seeing the dark room. It had chains on every wall, and the floor was just a giant mat all on the floor. Look wise, it wasn't as horrible as the torture room Bakugo was always stuck in. Bakugo wanted to throw up, he felt so small when suddenly, Kontororu pushed him onto his back. The chains automatically wrapping around his wrists and ankles. Bakugo gasped when he saw Kontororu hovering over him again.

"Say yes, Rat."

In the normal world, all anyone saw was Bakugo, still strung up by his wrists in the basement. Konotroru had his eyes closed, his hands still on the teen's forehead. But the events that played out in Bakugos mind, thanks to the villains quirk…

...All you saw on the outside world was tears streaming down Bakugos face, until the screams started ripping from his throat.

***Elsewhere***

Izuku, according to everyone, was acting extremely strange. To class 1-A, it was actually really uncomfortable seeing him try to act chipper like his normal self. By the next day, everyone was fully aware of how the police wanted to call off searching for Bakugo. They all were worried about Izuku, so seeing him act happy was off putting.

Aizawa ended class, and hurried out the door. Most of the students assumed to try and stop the police from calling of the search for Bakugo; but the pro didn't say anything to the class specifically. Aizawa asked Uraraka and Iida not to say anything, but it couldn't be helped that it got out due to Uraraka crying and the girls trying to console her last night. Still, Aizawa refused to say anything until the matter was certain, and he wasn't going to give up on Bakugo. He has a duty as his teacher to do right by him.

Kirishima hurried over to Izuku to try and do more research as routinely done so, being cautious on Izuku's feelings. He glanced up to see that Todoroki once again walked out of class without a glance back towards Izuku. The spiky red-head frowned, looking over to Kaminari who just nodded in reassurance. Class 1-A spoke quietly amongst each other, but all tried to listen in to Kirishima's words.

"Still no talking with Todoroki?" He asked cautiously. Izuku shook his head as Kirishima tried to reassure him. Izuku could vividly hear last nights argument with Todoroki. "He probably needs more time, he'll come around."

"I have to do this! For Kachaan!" Izuku said defeated.

"Midoriya, there's always another way!" Todoroki tried to plead. "We can let the pros know and they can go to the hideout in your place-"

"I agreed to go alone! If they suspect I'm not alone, they could kill him-"

"They could kill you!" Todoroki snapped. Izuku winced, meeting Todoroki's eyes. Both teens were at a loss for words. Shoto scoffed trying to recollect his thoughts. "There's another way we could do this-"

"This is the only lead I have to find Kachaan," Izuku pleaded as his eyes welled up. "It's been four months. I can't give up this chance to save him. You saw how he was, he's hurt. I can't live with myself knowing he's suffering and I had a chance to save him from it."

"We will find a way-"

"I can't know!" Izuku turned away from Todoroki, the tears escaping him freely now. "It's too big of a risk. There's no way, I can't jeopardize this chance. I'm sorry."

"How are you feeling buddy?" Kirishima asked with a smile. Izuku just nodded enthusiastically, snapping out of his thoughts. The green haired boy pulled out his notebook, writing down random information that they both already knew.

"I think I could be onto something," Izuku muttered, trying to not throw off anything or cause suspicion. "If only there was more information on the side villains, but it's hard to come by with the police not releasing a lot of info publicly." Izuku tried his best to do what he did for the past four months, all the while not trying to give any suspicion that he was to leave tonight…

...to trade himself for Bakugo.

Kirishima sighed as he got silent nods to push a it harder on the sensitive topic.

"Midoriya," Kirishima sighed. "We all know what the police said yesterday. And while I don't think the teachers will jus allow the police to just make the case cold...maybe we should...I don't know...help fight to keep the case open instead of, looking for clues on where Bakugo might be for now." Izuku stopped writing, lowering his head. It was hard for him to act defeated when he knows of how to save Bakugo in the long run.

"I can't give up on Kachaan," Izuku stammered. "What if I miss something if I stop now? Plus, we could kill two birds with one stone. You could help get information to help keep the case open, I'll look into more files on possible locations to where Kachaan would be!" He was hopeful, Kirishima thought too hopeful given the circumstances of what was said yesterday. He lowered his head, not knowing Izuku's truth, just nodding at his words.

"Whatever you say Midoriya," He said with a sad smile. "It's real manly of you. Not giving up."

They went on the rest of the afternoon how they normally would until they parted ways leaving the school to walk towards the dorms. Uraraka waited til Izuku was in the hallway to pull him aside.

"Deku, wait!" Uraraka called out. Izuku hesitated, not sure if he could lie to the brown haired girl. Still, he turned on his heel and faced her. Her eyes were pink; due to her crying all of yesterday. Uraraka clenched her fist and met Izuku's eyes.

"I know you're hiding something." She said calmly. Izuku went rigid, his palms beginning to sweat that she knew what he was going to do.

"W-what are you talking about-"

"Don't lie to me Deku," She pleaded. "We're friends right? You know that it's okay to tell me right?" Izuku didn't know what to do. He felt horrible lying to her. All he could do was look down. He didn't know if after today, he would ever see her again. He's giving up his life essentially for Bakugo's. Of course, he's going to try and escape with Bakugo, but the odds are slim on his part of not knowing which villains are still with Bakugo and if more are there still. He gulped back those thoughts and stared only at her.

"I can't lie to you, Uraraka." Izuku said meekly. He finally turned to her, telling her the half truth. "The truth is...I'm devastated. I'm trying to be positive, but...I don't know if Kachaan really is-"

His muttering was interrupted by a hug from the gravity girl. Izuku's cheeks burned as Uraraka held onto him tight. He hesitated before holding onto her as well, his tears flowing freely. She had a hand on the back of his head and the other clutching onto his back. Izuku started questioning if this really was going to be the last time he was going to see her. But he knew he couldn't do anything that suggested something was going to be off. Her own eyes watered when they parted, Izuku taking a few steps back away from her.

"Thank you, Uraraka." Izuku smiled, the girl just nodded. Izuku simply turned on his heel and hurried off towards the counseling center to meet with All Might, as routine. Uraraka watched with a sad smile, before hurrying off as well. Izuku made it just as All Might finished making the tea.

"Young Midoriya," All Might said as cheerful as he could. "I also have some lunch packed for us as well. I'd thought we could eat real quick."

"O-oh," Izuku said surprised. He sat down taking a sip of his tea as All Might watched, worried about his mental state.

"I don't mean to keep you All Might," Izuku hesitated. "I-I know you have that meeting tonight."

"Look kid," All Might tried assuring Izuku. "Nothings set in stone yet. We will get this cleared and we will keep the case open. I promise." The two sat across from each other, and All Might felt bad that Izuku seemed so down. But Izuku, had to keep up the act. If All Might even suspects anything wrong, he won't be able to leave. Not without All Might trying to stop him. He knew he was being reckless, but he hoped that his plan would pan out.

"Thank you All Might." Izuku said with a sad smile.

Thankfully, he couldn't stay too long since All Might had his meeting with the rest of the heroes and police. Izuku walked calmly to the dorms and went silently to his room. He took this time to get changed into some athletic pants and a t-shirt. He couldn't just leave in his hero outfit, he'd draw way too much attention. Izuku paced around the room until 9pm finally came. He wasn't as nervous as before, but when the facetime call appeared, Izuku began to fear the worst for Bakugo.

"Hello Izuku," Tomura slurred, his face the only thing in frame. Izuku grimaced as his frustration began to get the better of him. "Good to see you again-"

"Where do I have to meet you?" Izuku snapped. "And I need to see Kachaan-"

"A deal's a deal, Izuku Midoriya," Tomura sighed uninterested. "I have to say, you were pretty convincing to your other classmates that you were 'oh so broken' over Bakugo here." Izuku grimaced at his words. He was wondering if Tomura had taken precautions to see if he was being watched after the call last night.

But now knowing that he was being watched all day, proved that there really must be a mole in UA working for the villains. Izuku shook off his thoughts and leaned closer to the screen.

"Show me Kachaan!" He ordered again with a whisper. Tomura made a tsk sound, growing irritated at Izuku.

"So impatient." He snarled as the camera showed Bakugo now pinned onto a board on the floor of the room. Izuku saw a shirtless, blue haired man create a whip coming off of his tattoo. He gulped back hearing that same man laugh, staring right at the phone.

"A live audience?" He cackled as Izuku fought back the sickness in his stomach. Bakugo was more slumped down, and Izuku began to panic seeing he wasn't conscious. He also saw clearer that his hair was longer, and that he looked greasy and dirty. "This is going to be great!"

"Hey!" Izuku snapped, though he sounded more worried than anything. "I'm not leaving until I know he's alive!" The youngest brother Buki just laughed.

"You want proof?" He laughed once more. Buki raised up his arm and slashed at Bakugo's back with it. Izuku gasped bringing a hand to his mouth seeing Bakugo flinch at the impact. Buki began to scream.

"RAT!" He said playfully. "Show our audience you're alive dammit!" He slashed at his back again, this time with a much greater force. Bakugo woke up to the stinging sensation of being whipped the first time. His crimson eyes were puffy due to what he endured from the older brother earlier. At the next impact, he was fully awake as a yelp escaped his lips. He tugged against his restraints instinctively as another slash hit his back.

"Keep at it until our guest arrives." Tomura said calmly as the camera turned away from the scene. Izuku's eyes had been watering the whole time while hearing Bakugos cries.

"You said you wouldn't hurt him-"

"I said I'd trade his life for yours,"Tomura snapped. "Why deny my friends their fun until their favorite play toy leaves them forever."

"You're sick-"

"Then you better get here soon. Warehouse district, Matsubo city… and you better be alone. Or else, he dies."

At the ending of the call, Izuku raced out of his room, only stopping to calm himself in the elevator. Thankfully no one was present on his floor, but seeing Kaminari and Mineta in the common room Izuku walked painfully slow to his taste. The two didn't say anything, since usually Izuku went out to train at this time. Once outside and a good feet away from the buildings, Izuku took off towards a full blown sprint, leaving the UA campus. He knew what he was doing was wrong...but it was Bakugo. He hoped his plan would work, and that the two of them could escape the villains safely. But as he traveled on by train, he accepted that his odds weren't great.

***A few hours earlier***

All Might peaked from around the corner, watching Izuku sprint towards the 1-A dorms. He sighed, pulling out his phone to call Aizawa at the station.

"He's heading to the common rooms now."

"He'll be leaving campus around 9 after the phone call," Aizawa informed the former #1 hero. "I'll make sure he gets back in one piece."

"Make sure they both do." All Might said softly before hanging up on the pro. Back at the police station, the pro's Edge shot, Endeavor, Gran Torino, Gang Orca, Kamui Woods, and Aizawa stood with policemen over their new last minute tactical strategy.

"This mission will require stealth," Detective Tsukauchi announced. "One false indication of our presence, and the students will pay the price for it. The plan is simple; police squads 1 and two will be in charge of perimeter. Squads 3 and four of pro heros will be in charge of the villains...and squad five...standby until we get a location on Bakugo. You are not to enter until we get a clear sighting. Am I clear?"

"Absolutely!" Kirishima said determinedly.

"I felt so horrible lying to Deku," Uraraka sighed. " Putting the tracker in his hair. Pretending to not know what he was going to run away and save Bakugo-"

"We had to, otherwise we could've put him at risk too." Iida countered.

"It's a good thing we did," Yaoyorozu sighed, holding her tracker that she made. "We have to make sure this rescue mission is done right. Plus, I made sure the tracker was small enough not to be detected and that it won't come off unless someone cuts off his hair."

"It's a good thing you didn't put it accidentally on his skin! And that we all earned our provisional hero licenses," Kirishima nodded, trying to make light on the situation. But also anxious to get going. "And you're three month program just ended too Todoroki."

"Indeed," he said calmly. Though truth be told, he was on edge.

"I can't know! It's too big of a risk. There's no way, I can't jeopardize this chance. I'm sorry."

Todoroki hoped that's what Izuku meant, and that he didn't read too much into his words. Still, he was glad that he went to Aizawa that same night as well as getting Uraraka and Yaoyorozu to help get a small tracker on Izuku to help locate Bakugo.

"You all did well playing your parts," Aizawa noted, coming up to their group. "You five are the only students who know what's going on tonight. It have been too obvious if the whole class was aware."

"We do our jobs right tonight, then this will all be over." Kamui Woods announced.

"On my signal," Aizawa spoke up determinedly. "Once Midoriya is in route...we move out!"

Hope y'all enjoyed. Things are going to be heating up. The rescue attempt will happen...and the repercussions that follow will be intense. Let me know what you all think! Next update should be around 9/30/18!