[Forests of Beasts – Central Undergrowth – 10:04 PM Friday]

"Riley?" a familiar voice shook him. He didn't answer but instead held his look back at the portal through which the villain had disappeared. He'd been so close to him, seen so much of his horror. It still hadn't quite registered in his mind how he had almost been taken, how he had even ended up where he was right now. Everything was still so blurred from the nothingness he'd been in moments before. "Riley!" Kirishima redoubled his effort but his eyes were preoccupied with the silver bits of wire still tangled around his arm. They were so fine, so strong and more like silk than metal.

Smack, a firm palm touched him across the back of his head. The pain was enough to make him snap out of it. "W-what?" was the first thing he said. He hadn't taken in anything around him, none of the carnage, his mind was still too busy. He looked at Kirishima, then at Midoriya and then it came back to him. "Bakugou. He's gone," he stated it as a fact. A fact that brought hopelessness. He'd failed to do anything useful, he'd only gotten in the way. It was his fault they'd succeeded. "I should have-have, ha-" he began only to stutter.

"You better not blame yourself. It's no one's fault except those shitty villains," Kirishima answered. The words sounded like something Bakugou would say, not him. Before he could say something back to that his friend pulled him to his feet by his forearm, to avoid touching his broken hand and his bloodied fingers.

The vertigo and dizziness didn't stop his speech long, "Bakugou is with that man."

"Yeah," his friend said. "I know," the cheer that was commonplace on his face had drained. He wore only a shadow of his usual self, one trying to stop his upset from showing through.

"Mezou," Todoroki said. "Take Midoriya back to the lodge, he needs urgent medical attention. We also need to let Aizawa and the instructors know what happened."

"You're right," Mezou nodded and picked up the unconscious boy. "We'll only be at risk staying out here."

Kirishima shook his arm before slinging it over his shoulder, "Come on, we gotta get you back too," he said.

"I'm okay. I can walk on my own," he answered but he wasn't sure. All he could keep seeing was that face. It had faded with time but now the worst version of it, the broken mess of miscreation, sat even when he had his eyes wide open.

"You're not okay," he began pulling him forward with him. He didn't bother resisting, Kirishima was right. All his actions, they had been exactly what Janus desired, they had all led to this point. If he hadn't decked him it would have been over. They had only walked two feet together before a soft voice came from up ahead. It was Uraraka and behind her three more, Tsuyu, Tiger and Mandalay.

"Deku!" she yelled as she came up to them.

Todoroki shook his head in response, "He's out cold."

"Deku," she mumbled with slivers of worry. She had every right to be.

"Where did the villains go?" Tiger asked. The man had purple welts all over his body, as if he had been beaten by a baseball bat without mercy. Even as nasty as they looked he didn't seem to notice them.

"Gone," Mezou said. "They used a warp quirk to escape."

Mandalay rubbed her palm across her forehead, the claw of her costume was no longer attached to it, "What a mess. We've only been able to account for about half of you, at the very least you six are okay."

"Merci, however…" Aoyama said.

Before he could finish there was a groan, from Mezou's back where Midoriya had passed out. "Mrs, p-please. They took Kacchan. They took him right out from under us. We need to save him," he said and then collapsed once more into unconsciousness.

"We will," she said. It was pointless though, he couldn't have heard her answer. Her face had grown still and sad, "Paramedics are on their way, some have already arrived at the lodge. Getting all the remaining students back there is our priority now."

Hmm, Todoroki answered, "I'm uninjured. I'll head out and search with you."

"We'll go too. Ribbit." Tsuyu croaked and Uraraka nodded.

"As shall I," Aoyama said.

Kirishima shrugged with him on his shoulder, "I'll bring Riley back to the lodge and see who else I can recruit to help look."

"That's the best plan we've got for now then, get to it," Mandalay said. "I won't let any kids die on my watch," she shook her head before setting off from where the six of them had come, back toward the lingering tils of purple. Those she had recruited followed her and soon they were alone again, four without the addition of Todoroki.

The walk was slow but it wasn't far. In fact it was almost a joke how close they had been to the forest lodge, how close they had been to safety. As the lodge began to peek through the trees his anxiety drained away but dread still lingered. It felt like someone had run him through with a spear, his mind kept going back to what they had done to him. What Janus had done to him and what he was going to do to Bakugou. The idea of it became too much to bare as they finally reached the grove of cleared wood in which the building lay.

"The villains, they attacked because of me and Bakugou, didn't they?"

His friend waited a second before nodding, "Yeah. It looks that way."

"Do… do you think the reason they targeted him is because of what happened in the Sports Festival?" he asked. It was too coincidental, the fact they'd gone after the one who had shut him down, who was equal to that thing.

"I don't know."

"That's what Dabi said, not in those words but."

Kirishima's pace slowed as he said it, "Dabi?" he asked.

"The villain with the black hair and the fire quirk," he answered. Had Kirishima been too late to even see him? His friends walk stopped completely now, Mezou who hadn't said a word kept going ahead of them.

"Listen, we're going to get you help. All this, it can wait until everyone's fixed up yeah? Speculation isn't going to help us right now."

He looked at Kirishima. There was more than upset now but anger, lots of it. "Sorry," he said. He hadn't meant to do that. Their walk began again.

Kirishima gave a short breath then his face turned back to normal, "Its fine. I'm not angry at you, it's myself I'm angry at," he said as he pushed the door leading into the mess hall open. Inside the chairs and benches had all retreated against the wall and in the center canvases had spread wide. A temporary abode flooded with bodies.

"Kirishima, Torenagi," Pixie-Bob said as she spotted them, Blood King was next to her. Behind them on the ground was Kaminari, who was asleep with a large gauze on his neck. "That makes two more accounted for and one missing completely," she said as they walked up.

"Mrs, is there any bandages or any-"

Thwip, Blood Kings fist went as he cuffed Kirishima in the side of the head. "Idiot," he said. "What gave you the idea to run off on your own like that?"

Kirishima rubbed the wound, he looked remorseful but more so like he'd expected it, "Sorry Sir. It's just-"

"Disobeying was a stupid thing to do but," the teacher's face softened. "Can't say I'm not glad you did after what Mandalay told us."

"They got Bakugou."

"We know, there isn't much we can do until backup gets here. The matter is out of our hands right now."

"But Sir."

"No arguments. I'm cutting you slack for what you did and that's it. The next part is the job of the pros, not yours," the man shook his head.

Kirishima looked down at his feet before looking to the right at him, "Right. Sorry Sir."

"Now, let's get those hands looked at," Pixie-Bob said and pointed to one of the chairs at the side. Next to it were boxes, dozens of them pilfered of medical supplies. "After that kid over there I'm glad your wounds aren't as serious," she looked over in the corner where the only two paramedics that had arrived were fussing over one student, Midoriya. Iida stood next to him, stone-like in his expression. The few others that had escaped harm were also crowded and otherwise shellshocked.

Kirishima put him down in the chair and he felt the relief in his knee, "I should have done more," he said.

"You got away without dying. That's what matters, yeah?" Kirishima said. "I'm going to head back out there, there's still people in the forest."

"I'll go too," Blood King said, "Eraserhead is busy dealing with the police, but I'm sure he can handle it. There's more help arriving soon to get everyone to a real hospital. We can't do much here."

"Mr. Aizawa," Kirishima repeated with almost alarm, as if he'd forgotten about the man completely.

"He's fine, a few scrapes and burns. He's seen worse."

"There we go," Pixie-Bob said and cut the bandage. She'd wrapped his left arm up to the elbow and his right across the palm. There wasn't much she could do for the knee. "Sit tight until we can get you to Recovery Girl, okay?"

"Yeah," he answered. Not like he had much choice, he thought as he watched her go back to the other more dire students. Most of them were pale and lifeless but the pin that made it worst of all was the shallow breathing of Jirou. Momo was sitting over her with a respirator that she must have made herself. He should have done more, yet all he'd done was pursue his revenge.

"I'll meet you outside in five minutes and then we'll head off," Blood King said as he turned away.

"Got it, Sir," Kirishima answered and looked down at him. "Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."

"I want to help," he said and tried to stand, though crippled as he was it didn't looked very impressive.

"You're in shock, so listen to Pixie-Bob and sit still, man."

"I don't want to be protected. All I could do was watch. He was right there and I didn't help at all," he spat and clenched his hands on his knee, only his right allowed him to, the other offered only pain. "Janus," he said the name but didn't finish the thought, instead all he could do was grimace.

His friend frowned and then fell back down in the chair next to his, "What exactly happened between you and him in the forest?"

"I killed him," he answered.

"You killed him?"

"It doesn't sound very convincing does it? I crushed him with everything I had, he just… came back. Like those Noumu."

He leaned forward, "Then what happened?"

"He had me. He pushed me into a corner… I let that thing happen again. I let it take over and," he paused.

"And?"

"I shouldn't have done it. I shouldn't have, I think it's exactly what he wanted. Everything I did played straight into his hands…"

Hmm, Kirishima answered.

He looked up, "If you hadn't come and if Aoyama hadn't come…" he gave his broken fingers a frail touch as he spoke. "He would have gotten me again. It's that easy. I really… am just his plaything. I'd rather he took me instead of Bakugou, then at least-"

Thwack, the hand drew across his face, causing a drop of blood in his mouth as the fingers struck tooth to lip. He drew his hand to the stinging flesh and held it in pain as he looked at Kirishima. The anger on his face was palpable.

"Don't," he said. "Don't you ever say that again."

He stopped and gave his friend a blank stare. Then he dropped his fingers as he realized what he was doing. Pitying himself, trying to be some kind of shitty martyr. That wasn't helping and he knew he was being stupid and childish and downplaying what Bakugou had already done for him. "Sorry," he said as he spat the tiny bit of blood away. What they needed were words of action, not regret. "I can't let Janus do whatever he wants. We need to find a way to bring Bakugou back. I refuse to let the same thing happen to him."

"Well," Kirishima said, "We're heroes aren't we?" he asked in a tone that downturned any challenge.

"Yeah," he answered.

"Then we'll do whatever it takes. No matter how dumb," his answer was almost a chuckle. "It's that simple, so for now count on the rest of us for a change, alright man?"

"Yeah," he repeated and sat up straight. His reassurance was enough, he could rely on him and the others to find everyone else. They were all capable, far more capable than he was in his current state. "Thanks," he added and rubbed his lip again. It felt raw and made him feel more awake.

"I think you're the only guy who'd thank me for punching him," Kirishima gave a cheeky grin.

He allowed himself a bittersweet smile at that. There was no way he was letting history repeat itself. As he watched Kirishima leave he stood and walked over to Jirou, at the very least he could keep Momo and her company until help arrived.

[Kuwasaga Southern Hospital – Room 8G – 8:27 AM Saturday]

"You don't have to treat me, it can wait," he said as the woman caused him to wince with each touch. She had insisted on looking at them now, no matter his protest and despite someone far more injured laying less than six feet from him.

"If your arm heals back the wrong way you'll be living with it for the rest of your life you stupid boy. Now hold still," Recovery Girl said as she flattened the fingers out and tugged them into the form she wanted them to take.

"But," he said but stopped himself as he looked over at Midoriya. He'd been twisting and turning in fever all night.

She frowned as she noticed his glances, "I've done all I can for him and for the others, you're actually the last one I came to."

"I am?" he asked, then he realised, he might have sooner had he looked closer. Her lips sat cracked and how her form hung tired. Even her voice came out ragged. She must have been at it all night bringing other students back from the brink of death. It could only have been that way, considering he'd caught her rushing in and out of his room during flits of sleep that he was unsure how he had gotten.

The woman didn't answer, instead she pressed her quirk into his hand. It gave a glint and then shimmered as the bones of his fingers twisted into place. Then the skin reformed on his forearm and his right hand along with two of the nails that had split down the centre. Last of all he felt the strain in his knee disappear.

He held up the hand, the process still surprised him. It was foolish of him to try and reject such a simple solution to his injuries, he supposed. Still, it had left Recovery Girl only more strained, if she didn't rest soon then she might be the one who'd die.

"Thanks," he said. After they had gotten in the ambulance the night before his shock had left him. Kirishima and the others had succeeded in their endeavour but there had been no trace of Bakugou or any of the villains, they had all gone up in smoke.

"That boy," Recovery Girl walked over to Midoriya's bed. "He is lucky he even made it to the hospital. I've never seen anything like it, how could he be so reckless? To play with his mother's heart like that, that's not something I can stand seeing."

"Yeah…" Midoriya's mom had been the first here, though he had only seen her and not spoken. She had been removed from the room now so that Recovery Girl could work in peace but that had only been after a good hour of crying, through which he had remained silent and pretended to sleep. It made him feel dreadful, his own mom must have gone through something similar.

Midoriya hadn't been the only one in such dire condition. Jirou and Hagakure had caught the worst of the gas attack. Kaminari had lost significant amounts of blood but luckily he'd already awoken. In total around twenty of them remained admitted. Many remained critical and three in intensive service. The one who had been the cause of the gas attacks had been apprehended. That had been godsend, though it unnerved him to find out the culprit had been no more than a middle schooler. Nevertheless it had given the doctors a means to an antidote, something that had stopped the worst of the symptoms. He was going to visit Jirou as soon as he was released and that 1-B student too, Tsunotori. She hadn't gotten off light either, one of the villains named Spinner, had stabbed her. It was lucky her quirk made her sturdier than any normal person.

There had been no talk of Bakugou or if there was he hadn't been allowed to hear it except from Kirishima. Wherever their classmate was they didn't know. It made his mind reel to think about but he wasn't going to let to let that stop him. He knew one foolproof way to get Janus's attention, they would get Bakugou back. Kirishima was already on his way here to discuss exactly that, but he was hardly going to do that in front of Recovery Girl. One question kept creeping into his mind. If he had been able to actually kill Janus would that have prevented Bakugou's capture? Perhaps, he mused, perhaps not, he concluded. That possibility still didn't make it right, even if it did keep floating back to him throughout.

"I'm releasing you," Recovery Girl said as she finished looking over Midoriya.

"Really?" he answered. It didn't seem like her.

"With the gas attack we don't have the resources to spare. I'm glad at least some of you weren't caught in it. Don't do any rigorous activities for a few days and you should be relatively back to normal. If anything feels off then come back. Let the receptionist know when you leave, I'm sure you know the drill by now, boy."

"Got it. Thanks Ma'am," he said. That solves one problem, he thought. She left in a weird hurry then, though considering how many rooms they were spread across it wasn't unexpected. Now he could go and see Jirou and the rest. It'd be easier to talk with Kirishima too without the interruption by someone entering the room.

He pulled the curtain around and dressed himself as fast as he could. He hadn't been the one to retrieve his bags from the lodge but it had ended up in his room nonetheless. He was grateful for that, inside it he had something he wanted to give Jirou. He'd brought it by accident, thinking it was his mother's necklace. Turns out he'd already been wearing that and had mistaken the gift for that instead. Considering how close he'd come to being captured maybe it did bring some semblance of protection, though it wasn't like he actually believed that.

He stood and slung the two bags over his shoulder. They were heavy on him as the fatigue of recovery wore on him twice-so due to the woman's help. He adjusted the heavier one to sit across his shoulder and down his chest and dropped the one with the weights to his right, before he headed toward the door. He still felt covered in grime and dirt from the night before. If he hadn't been it might have felt like it had happened an eon ago. It was still hard to believe it had, though it shouldn't have been.

He went for the door after wiping his face down with a cloth that had been on his bedside. Next to it had been a card, presumably from Momo. Midoriya had the same and he was sure every student holed up here did too. Before he could drag the room open he saw someone else on the other side, in time for them to enter on him instead. It was Midoriya's mom again, it might have been less awkward if he had known her name.

"S-sorry," she mumbled and stood aside to let him pass. Her eyes were red and swollen by grief.

"Ah, no it was my fault," he answered. It wasn't but he wasn't sure what to say. After he went through he paused and looked after her as she walked up to her son. She must have noticed because she turned back to him and opened her mouth, closed it slightly then opened it again to ask what was on her mind.

"Did Recovery Girl say anything about Izuku's condition?" she was doing her best not to break out into tears again.

"No," he answered. "When he wakes up is all up to him now."

"Oh, oh I see," she eyed Midoriya again. "Sorry, I didn't mean to stop you."

"It's not a problem," he pulled himself back into the frame of the door. Now it felt wrong to leave it at that, "I'm sure he'll wake up soon. He's a tough guy, the toughest in our class," he tried to put on a brave smile.

"My Izuku?" she looked surprised. Then the look vanished, like she already knew that. "Yes. You're right," she smiled back before dropping any hint of attention on him and putting it back on her son. He shut the door as he left, even saying goodbye would have been rude. He was sure Midoriya would pull through, not by any real reasoning but by feeling alone.

He walked through the halls complacent in all but purpose. It was a good feeling being able to stand again, to be able to use his hand, to not have bleeding reminders of that villain. All he had once more were his old scars, nothing he could not live with now. He passed from the south of the hospital wing to the corner of the east, looking into each room along the way. Most were empty now which was a good sign, even Tsunotori's. He should text her, to make sure.

He pushed the buttons in and pressed send as he reached Jirou's door, the one she shared with Hagakure. It was different than the others as it housed only two instead of four. Midoriya's and his own room had been a similar affair, though it was probably because they needed space. He hesitated but then pushed the door open. It scratched on the frame like it didn't fit. Spots of rust sat at the hinges.

Light split the room in two blinding him for a brief instance. The first thing he noticed was Momo, sitting near the curtains drawn open. It was warm inside and the beep of machines overtook the sound of Jirou and Hagakure's breathing. Both were still unconscious, it was a painful sight, just as painful as it had been yesterday when he had stood over her until paramedics had arrived. Momo and him had only shared gazes then, not words and now the air strained in the same way.

"Hey…" she said without enthusiasm. She had a tired look like she had aged ten years in a single night. He doubted she had slept.

"Hey," he answered in turn as he stepped beside Jirou's bed and took a seat of his own.

"I'm glad you didn't get hurt," he shook his head. She muttered in response, maybe out of thanks but it was so quiet it might as well not have existed. He didn't mind, he understood. Jirou was filling him with regret every second he looked at her, it was… his fault too. Everyone that had gotten hurt had gotten hurt because they wanted him and Bakugou.

He swallowed the dry soot in his throat as he thought about the aftermath. The media were probably having a field day with it all. Another kidnapping not even five months after the first. That would make the school look bad, it could be bad enough to shut it down. He had wanted to talk to Aizawa but that luxury hadn't been his as he had been scooted away first chance the police and paramedics got. It must have been horrible for them too, to be so powerless to stop a villainous attack on a bunch of children. His questioning had been brief and dual, an officer had asked him every detail and he had given what sparse details sprung to mind. Mandalay had gotten to him after that, that had confirmed what he had already worked out. The idea of a clone quirk made him uneasy even now, a little paranoid.

Momo gave an uncomfortable squirm next to him, causing him to realise his stare must have been burning a hole in Jirou's bed. "Sorry," he said and shook his head and looked at her. "Did the doctors say when she would wake up?"

"No but she's not in critical condition," the girl answered. "It could be a day, it could be a week, I don't know. Okay?" the look she gave him was accusing and her tone defensive.

He nodded fast, he hadn't expected her to snap at him like that, "I'm not going to blame myself. She would kick my ass for that but," he clenched his fists. "I feel nothing short of useless. There's nothing we can do for her, for anyone," he resisted the urge to punch his knee in annoyance.

She gave a drawn out breath then she answered, "It's… it's better we just let the pros handle it all now. They'll know what to do."

"She didn't hesitate to come rescue me on that day. I owe her for that," he said as he looked down at the scars, as if only to get it off his chest. "Bakugou did the same, not being able to do anything for him when I know exactly what he must be going through is awful. I hate it. I hate the feeling of it, the idea of it. If there was anything I could do I would do it in a heartbeat. But there's really nothing, is there?" he looked at her again.

Momo didn't answer, she sat in silence as seconds turned into minutes. Then she fumbled and got up and almost dropped her bag doing so. "I need to be somewhere," she stuttered away from her calm and polite tone. "I'm sorry," she turned and left without even giving him a chance to say something.

"Oh," was all he uttered as the door shut. Then Jirou and him were alone, except for Hagakure. He didn't mind, it was kind of what he had been hoping for. "I must look pretty pathetic right now. Sorry," he said down to her. There was no change at the words, to expect something would have been silly. He pulled at his pocket where he had stashed the necklace he had bought. It was intended for a birthday that was still a month away. The emblem was a music note like Meina's. She had in fact told him where to get it. It was small and plated in fake silver. It was the kind of thing you could wear around your neck or on your wrist or even use as a room decoration.

"I'll think of something," he said as he rubbed the back of his head and stood. Then he put the necklace down on the nightstand. She wouldn't want him hanging around for nothing like this. The irony that she had done that for him was staggering but he would allow her that. It was the least he could do, he thought, as he turned to leave as well. It took him a bit to do so, he wasn't sure why, Jirou would be fine with or without him there.

The door shut and now he had no obligation to stay in the hospital. Though he guessed that wasn't wholly true, Kirishima wanted to meet him in the lobby in less than an hour. He should have texted him to tell him to come sooner but he hadn't expected to be released. He wasn't even sure what was going to happen next, especially with what he had in mind. Maybe he should go and see Kaminari while he had the chance.

He decided to do just that and turned back down the hall from which he had come. As he reached the corridor that bared his room again he took a sharp turn down a staircase. He trudged the steps and passed one or two people on the way. A female doctor who looked like she hadn't slept a wink and a man with a tray of vials following behind her. The hospital was still in chaos, one that was winding down but in a slow depressing manner. It made him feel weird that he wasn't still in a panic like everyone he went by seemed to be. There was a dull lack of feeling in his chest.

"Hey!" a voice called as he took the final step down the staircase. He realised it was directed at him. "Talk about convenient timing," Kirishima said.

"Yo," he answered as Kirishima made it to him and slammed his palm into his, pulling him in for half a second before letting him go. He wasn't alone; behind him was Todoroki of all people.

"You look good as new man," his friend looked at his arm and then at his knee. "I was beginning to think you enjoyed staying in hospitals."

"Hardly," he smirked. "I didn't even want to stay but Recovery Girl insisted."

"Does that mean Jirou's all good too? And Midoriya?"

He shook his head, "They're stable but still unconscious. It could take a couple of days for her and Hagakure since they collapsed right in the centre of the cloud. As for Midoriya, I have no idea."

"Damn," his friend answered.

"Didn't think you were bringing company," he looked back at Todoroki, who hadn't said a word.

"Ah, right," he said and turned over his shoulder. "I kinda ran into him by accident… and sorta spilled everything you told me," he rubbed the back of his head with an apologetic grin. "Sorry."

He groaned, typical. That was why Todoroki had been so quiet, he was determining exactly how much of an idiot he was for contemplating the idea. "So, you know everything?" he asked.

"Yes," Todoroki said. "And I want in."

"Huh?"

"I want in, on your plan to get Bakugou back. But I would like to suggest some changes too."

Hmm, he bit his lip. There wasn't much choice in it. This was for the best anyhow as he'd rather have Todoroki on his side than ratting him out, "What changes?"

"Instead of going at it alone we get the police involved directly. A trap like you proposed isn't going to be possible without some help. This way there'll also be less chance of something going wrong."

"I see," he answered and folded his arms. "I think convincing the police to help us would be pretty difficult."

"It's not that I want to but we have no means of tracking down the villains on our own. If that means using you as bait then there is no room for error."

Riley looked at him then shrugged, it did seem more plausible than his own plan. However, who would they approach? They didn't know any policemen and it wasn't like they could just chat one up.

"How are you so sure Janus will attempt to capture you anyway? It seems a bit foolish of them to come out of hiding again for that after they've already succeeded."

"He will, I know he will," he answered. "The first time… he let me go on purpose, back then. His attack in the forest was different, like he was desperate. You saw it too, didn't you?"

"Not a very promising train of thought," Todoroki scoffed.

"Well it's the only chance we have to get him back," Kirishima said. "I'm not gonna say it isn't a dumb plan because it is but…"

"I refuse to leave him with that man," he finished the sentence for his friend. He was sure the reason for hesitation was because he remembered exactly what happened last time.

Todoroki nodded without much of a pause, "Like I said, I'm in, stupid plan or not. Let's think of a way to propose it to someone who can actually act on it."

"Sounds good to me," Kirishima nodded. "Where were you headed anyway dude?"

"Kaminari's room."

"Well, that's as good as a place as any. We can talk on the way," he said and walked past him down the hall. Todoroki and him followed, though for a bit none of them said anything.

"Too bad you don't have your old phone," Kirishima said as they hit a corner at the far end.

"Huh, why?" he answered.

"It had all those messages on it. If you replied to one then wouldn't it get their attention? It'd be the perfect way to set a trap."

He shook his head, "I doubt it. Even if I had it why would they have kept the phone they used to send it? That kinda stuff could lead people right too them."

Kirishima shrugged, "I guess, it was just a thought."

"Messages?" Todoroki said.

Shit, he thought then dismissed it. It was hard to keep track of exactly what the rest of the class had been told about the incident in light of the time. "I was being blackmailed by the league of villains before USJ," he said. There was no point backtracking now.

"I see," Todoroki's face stayed neutral but it might have been one step away from a scowl. It was always hard to tell with him.

He shook his head. "I should have done more, I realise that. It was just, at the time-"

"There is no need to justify your actions. The villains would have made their move on All Might with or without that opportunity."

"Right," he was right. Same as Midnight. He had discarded his guilt for the most part, responsible he felt but guilt only served to slow him down.

"Maybe at this point it would be better if our entire class knew the real story," Kirishima said before he rested his hands behind his head. "The league is out to get us all now, the incident's proof of that. The more they know about the kinda lengths the villains would go to the better it would be, right?"

"That's up to Nedzu," he had given that thought a few turnovers but considering what Nedzu had sworn them not to say it was difficult.

"Yeah, you're right it's ju-" he stopped his reasoning midway and dropped his hands to his sides. A familiar voice was leaving the room ahead of them to which the door was a tad open. It was All Might's voice and what he said enough to cause them all caution and curiosity as they huddled toward the door in their three to eavesdrop.

"This. This, young Yaoyorozu, is incredible work."

"It'll work with this device," she held up a remote like thing that Riley could see through the glazed glass window. "If you wanted to track the villains back to where they headed then you could and then you could-" Her words trailed off into a murmur. "Please."

The hero touched the girl on the shoulder, "Thank you Yaoyorozu, you've really outdone yourself this time. Those feelings you have, hold onto them. They are a sign of a true hero. Leave the rest to me."

"Move it," Kirishima nudged him as they heard footsteps in the room, heading toward the door. They scattered fast as they had come and him with his mind on one facet of what they had heard.

"A tracking device. If we had that then," he said.

"Then we could find Bakugou ourselves," Kirishima said. "It's perfect."

"If we had it, that's a big if," Todoroki said.

He nodded, "Yeah, we won't get far trying to coax her into making us a copy without a good explanation."

"Then why not give her the truth?" Kirishima said.

"The truth?"

"If we're sincere about it she'll have to agree, right?"

"I suppose." He had his doubts they would even be entertained.

"He is right," Todoroki said. "Being upfront about it is our best chance."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Kirishima grinned.

"Tomorrow then, we won't have much chance to get to her when All Might is around. It'll be the best time since our entire class is coming to the hospital."

"Why do it when they're all there?" he asked.

"Because she'll be there and because if there's anyone I want to ask, it's Midoriya. This entire thing is about Bakugou and getting him back, nothing else matters but I think he, well, he definitely cares more about him than anyone."

He nodded, "Tomorrow it is." He could feel an inkling of hope growing then, washing away the helplessness that had taken residence in his bones. There was still a chance.

[Kuwasagawa Southern Hospital – Room 8G – 1:17 PM – Sunday]

Almost everyone had gathered in the small hospital room that was now Midoriya's alone. He had awoken, that was a stroke of luck for them and one sign that Riley figured meant Todoroki wasn't wrong. They would go and rescue Bakugou, and it would happen tonight. The sooner the better.

"We all caused you a lot of trouble, did we not, Midoriya," Tokoyami said.

"I should be the one saying that. After all I knew what was going to happen before anyone else," he looked meek lying in the hospital bed with his body wrapped from tip to toe and casts on his arms. "Is everyone from our class here?" he asked.

"No, Momo and a few others are still checked into their rooms due to injuries and Hagakure and Jirou, they are still-" Iida paused.

Riley tightened his fist. "Unconscious, they haven't woken up from the gas attack." He'd been trying to avoid thinking of it. They would wake up, he was sure but if he gave it thought all it brought was anger. This needed subtlety, restraint, not anger.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to."

"It's fine," he shook his head. "I would have asked too in your position."

"Still, that makes just sixteen of us. Since, um," Uraraka said before looking down and away from Midoriya's face.

"Since the villain's took Bakugou," Todoroki finished the sentence with a bitter tone.

Midoriya's face lay cut at the words, "Because I wasn't there in time, I wasn't able to reach him. I failed. We lost him because my quirk backfired and I couldn't do anything. I couldn't move my body at all." There were tears on his face, trailing down between bandages and pain.

Kirishima stepped forward and grabbed the edge of Midoriya's bed. "Then this time, let's save him," he said. It was more of a proclamation than a suggestion.

"What?" Midoriya choked.

"The truth is I was sick of sitting around at home. Todoroki and me came here yesterday to visit everyone and on the way to check up on Riley. Well, as it happens we overheard All Might talking to Yaoyorozu. She put a tracker on one of the villains, if we had access to a device like that we could find Bakugou and save him."

"A tracking device," Iida repeated the words but he didn't seem to believe what he was hearing. "Don't you understand this isn't a situation for us student to be meddling around?! We need to leave this to the professionals."

Kirishima turned on him, "Damn it I know that already man. But still! I couldn't do anything," he clasped the collar of his shirt, "Nothing at all. I was too late." He dropped his hand and unclenched his jaw, "We all heard it didn't we? I was so close when it happened, yet I didn't stop it. If I don't do something now how can I call myself a hero or a man? How can I look him in the eyes again if I didn't do everything in my power to get him back from those bastards and they fuck him up just like Riley?!"

Riley stifled the sick feeling in his stomach as Kaminari pushed between them to speak, "Kirishima, calm down dude. I know you're upset but this is still a hospital."

He grabbed Kaminari by the shoulder. "He's not the only one who feels that way. I was completely useless, all I did was cause more trouble by being captured again. If I hadn't panicked, if I had just pushed a little harder then maybe."

"This is wrong, you're all acting irrationally," Uraraka almost shouted.

"You're right, Iida is right too damn it," Kirishima shook his head. "But I just can't accept it, don't you see Midoriya? Your hands can still reach him!" the look caused Midoriya to peer down at the casts in silent contemplation.

"I can't believe you're seriously considering this, at a time when things are hardest for Yuuei. You and I both know who will shoulder the responsibility for your mistake," Iida said as he stepped closer.

"I understand Kirishima and Torenagi," Mezou said from the back of the crowd. "But this isn't a decision you can just make based on feelings. It's not enough and it isn't fair on the rest of us."

"Yes, Monsieurs. This matter is something best left to the heroes. We've already done all we can, have we not?"

"I agree with Aoyama," Tokoyami said before giving a sigh. "I know I can't say anything after having to be saved over and over but that's how I feel."

"I know you're still in shock Kirishima," Tsuyu croaked. "But be level-headed. If you engage in battle aren't you breaking the rules? Then your actions would be no different to those of the villains."

The words numbed him a bit but not enough to sway what they had decided. He wouldn't sink to Janus's level again, he wouldn't be coaxed into doing exactly what that man desired. It didn't mean they were justified in their actions. However, he knew if he didn't follow through he would feel ten times worse if something did happen to Bakugou. Like Kirishima had said, they wouldn't allow what happened to him to repeat once more.

Thunk, thunk, the door behind them went and a middle aged doctor stood there. A worn coat hung from his frame and the splotches on it suggested it had seen many an all-nighter and extended shift over the years. "I'm sorry for interrupting you all but I need to do Midoriya's check up, so if you could, please vacate the room," he said.

"Yes, Sir," Iida answered and shuffled out. Many followed, until it was only Midoriya, Kirishima and him who still stood by the bedside.

Kirishima leaned in to whisper, "Look Midoriya. I know that with your injuries you might not be able to move but the real reason we're inviting you is because out of all of us you're probably the most frustrated of all."

"We already spoke to Momo but we didn't get an answer," he said as his friend moved from the bedside. "It's really the only chance we've got. I've already made up my mind."

"We both have," Kirishima nodded. "If you feel the same way then I want you to know Momo is giving us her answer in front of the hospital tonight."

Midoriya didn't answer them as the doctor gave them one final ushering out of the room. As he left he could swear he saw the flicker of Iida's trembling body leaving down the corner of the hallway. He doubted it had been his imagination.

[Kuwasagawa Southern Hospital – Courtyard – 6:55 PM]

A meagre darkness cloaked the three of them as they stood outside the hospital's entrance. They had been waiting for thirty minutes already which had been enough time for the last of the sun to sink beyond the scope of the hospital. Dull street lamps were now the only vigils shedding parts of the night away with pale light. They did not aid in dispelling the beset cold that had come with it. It was in part because of the slow drizzle of rain upon their heads but also the feeling of anticipation that had built about what they were going to do.

"You think she'll come?" Kirishima asked.

"Yeah," he said as he beat away numbness by tapping his heel on concrete. "At the very least she'll tell us in person."

"Well, no matter what we do it is all up to her," Todoroki shook his head. There was frustration on his face, a sentiment he could share.

"Right," he nodded.

Clack, the hospital doors went as if on cue and the pounding of footsteps on pavement followed. "Oh, she came," Kirishima said as he watched Momo approach them. She had her hand on her arm and a box in her hand, at her side hung a bag with long straps.

"And Midoriya too," Todoroki watched as the boy walked out from behind the taller girl. He had his casts off but to say he looked any less broken would be a lie. Thick bandages tapered his arms and his brow and he walked with less speed than he should have. There was no way he was in a condition to be moving, let alone this.

"So, what's your answer Momo?" Kirishima said, he sounded nervous.

She stepped forward a few more paces. It was enough to cast a shadow from the light of the hospital entrance onto the floor in front of them. "Todoroki, Kirishima, Torenagi," she said as she stopped. "I-"

"Stop!" a voice yelled behind her, enough to make his limbs freeze. Iida stood there, with quivering rage in his body and in his fists. It was unkind, threatening, like when they had met stain.

"Why... why of all people, Todoroki and Midoriya, why you two?" he asked, his voice trembled. "Why are you making the same mistake I made before, pursuing the same recklessness that had me reprimanded. How can you do this? It's too much, we're still under the schools jurisdiction!"

Kirishima stepped forward, "What are you talking about man?" he asked. Riley remembered then that he could not have known and even though he did the whole thing wasn't directed at him. He had all reason to question their actions, far more than anyone else.

Todoroki placed his hand on Kirishima's shoulder to silence him, only for Midoriya to take his place to speak, "Iida you've got it all wrong. It's like it's okay for us to break-" Smack, Iida's fist collided with Midoriya's jaw, sending him down and to the left. It was almost enough to collapse his injured body.

"Don't you see I'm frustrated too?! I'm worried, I'm terrified, who wouldn't be? I'm the class president and it's not just Bakugou, it's all of you." He had lost control of his tone, each word came out shrill and harsh and filled with sorrow. "Seeing your injuries while you were laying in that bed, do you know how much you reminded me of my brother? How do you think I fucking feel," tears had begun taking the place of rage now, though he tried to hide them through shut eyes. "He can never go back to the way he was and by using the same rashness and putting yourself in the same situation you could end up the same way. If I let you go something were to happen to you, to any of you, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. Do my concerns mean nothing to you?!"

"Iida," Todoroki said. "I understand but you've got it all wrong. We're not going to confront the villains head on, not at all."

"What?"

"We're going to rescue Bakugou without combat. It'll be a covert mission where no one has to break the rules," Kirishima answered.

"Yeah," he nodded as well. "This is the only way we can make sure the school doesn't get into any more trouble because of us." It had been the only way to even have Momo consider what they'd offered.

"What they say is true," Momo said. "That's why I wanted to come, although I believe Todoroki. I'm acting as a fail safe to prevent combat by any means necessary."

"Even you agree with this Yaoyorozu?" Iida looked at her.

"I know it's foolish, beyond foolish. But with what is at stake, with what we know about the villains how can I refuse the chance to get our classmate back?"

Iida was growing more desperate now, it was like he had hit a wall in his reasoning. One he hated and one he couldn't pass, enough to cause him to turn on him as well. "You were there Torenagi, you saw what my revenge made me do and exactly what the consequences were," Iida looked down at his hands. "I couldn't even save you, I was too fixated."

"I have to do this, I," he answered before pausing. They deserved to know. "I can admit I hate these villains more than anyone but this isn't about revenge. You guys were never told this but what happened on that night where they got to me."

"You don't have to Riley," Kirishima said.

"I do," he shook his head. If Iida was sincere then he should be as well, no matter what Nedzu had told them. "It was never as simple as the three of them finding me in my apartment. The whole thing was a trap for the villains to test what they had done to me. I couldn't act or think on my own. I attacked Kirishima, Bakugou, Jirou and Mr. Aizawa as if I wanted to kill them. I would have killed them if I had been given the chance." He didn't let his gaze travel as he spoke but there was only silence except for him, "All of them stopped me. They stopped the villains quirk and saved me from going with him. That's why I have to do this, I need to help Bakugou, I can't stand around and let the same thing happen to him. If I do then I have no right to try and become a hero."

Iida shook his head in disbelief. "Torenagi."

"Yeah, I feel the same way," Kirishima grabbed him around the shoulder. "There's no way I can let them have him knowing what they are capable of."

"I don't understand it, or have as strong a reason but I've known Kacchan almost my whole life," Midoriya said. "Even with he way he is, with how he acts and all the things he does to me and to everyone it's not something I can watch. After having been told I can still reach him, that there is a chance to get him back from the villains then I have to take it. I can't help but feel the need to save him."

Iida's head hung longer after that. Eventually he let out a sigh, one laced with defeat and resignation, he righted himself one step at a time. "So you all have parallels to the situation, I see. In that case take me with you," he said as he wiped his hand behind his glasses before straightening them.

"Huh?" Kirishima blurted out, he had been close to doing the same. "Wait, are you sure?"

"I am. It is as Yaoyorozu said, this is the only way to save Bakugou and maintain our current position," he crossed his arms.

"I guess the Bakugou Rescue Squads all assembled then!" Kirishima nudged Iida in the side, causing him to blush a bit.

"Then let's not waste any more time, the signal has stopped moving," Momo said as she held up the device. There was a red blinking dot on it in a very detailed map, sitting far away from their current location. Yokohama City, that's where Bakugou was.

He rubbed his neck and felt the necklace he'd worn throughout the lodge trip. The silver pendant his mom had entrusted him. It fought any nerves he had as he began to walk into the darkness of the night which was eager to embrace them. They would save Bakugou no matter what.