I've returned with another chapter! Sooner than I thought I would, too, which is really nice. I was so excited to write this, so I certainly hope you all enjoy it!

I do not own My Hero Academia.

Midoriya Inko

Her hair whipped around her face at the sudden rush of air. Izuku and Hitoshi were gone in the blink of an eye. Wincing at the metallic clatter that followed a second later, her shoulders hunched up by her ears. Thankfully, the screams and onslaught of rising voices seemed to cover up the noise, or at least made it less noticeable. She looked back at the door next to the bank teller windows. Her heart pounded harder in her chest with each passing second. When the boys didn't emerge, and the guards remaining in the lobby made no move to follow them yet, her shoulders slowly relaxed. Biting her lip, she shifted her gaze to the injured villain.

He'd stumbled back toward the middle of the lobby, nearly tripping over his own feet until one of his comrades caught him. Both hands were clamped over his left eye. Her stomach churned at the blood slipping between his fingers. A couple of the other guards were trying to pry his hands away from his face, but he refused to let go.

"What the hell happened?"

"Are you okay? What's wrong with your eye? That's a lot of blood…."

"I guess it doesn't matter anymore. Just hang on. Detective Tsukauchi should be calling in a few minutes. It's all going to be over soon."

It's all going to be over soon…what's that supposed to mean?

Someone bumped into her, forcing her to shuffle a bit to the right. She looked to the young woman next to her. She was looking over her head and nodding to the man to her right before leaning down, lips right next to Inko's ear.

"Can you move a bit closer to him? It should take them some time to notice if we close up the space."

She didn't hesitate to take the last couple steps until she was standing next to the man, and the other hostages shifted a bit to conceal the empty space. The man next to her nudged the cuffs as quietly as he could, attempting to pile them together and hide them with his own body. It wasn't perfect, but it should buy the boys enough time as long as the villains remained occupied for the moment.

"Those two kids are incredibly brave," she whispered.

Inko couldn't stop the pride from surging through her chest. A small grin spread across her face.

"They really are. If anyone can get us help, I know they can."

She didn't say another word. None of them did. All they could do was sit and wait for the next phone call and pray the detective had some good news.

Aizawa Shouta

He fought the nausea plaguing him with every step his captor took. He swayed back and forth while he was carried through the tunnel. The constant movement had flooded agony through his body ever since Shusaku took him out of the bank; however, he refused to let it completely take over his mind.

The door was on the north wall. We made a slight right once we got down the staircase, and we've been heading east ever since.

Based on the pace Shusaku and his subordinate had been running, they had to have passed the end of the crowd above ground. Taking a shaky breath, he slightly turned his head. Shusaku carried a single flashlight in his hand, that being the only source of light with the exception of a couple of lanterns spaced out along the tunnel. The blond abruptly stopped, causing his subordinate to bump into him and nearly drop the hero in his arms. Shouta let out a quiet grunt at the impact and stars danced in his vision. He clenched his eyes shut.

"Shh…." He heard.

He mentally perked up. Footsteps clamored around above them. Muffled voices broke through the silence of the tunnel, and he fought to make out what they were saying. He could only catch bits and pieces.

"We haven't…yet…."

"Midnight's still…have to keep searching…."

Is that Hawks? There must be heroes and cops searching the surrounding buildings for a way into the bank.

"Do you think they'll find—" the man carrying him whispered.

"I figured they'd be trying to get inside the bank. Just be quiet and hurry."

The blond swiftly continued down the tunnel for a couple more minutes before veering left, his subordinate right on his heels.

We're heading north again…shit…how far have we gone?

He mentally kicked himself for not paying more attention. Although, given his state, he supposed it was logical he'd lose track at some point. The two villains picked up the pace. Despite his eyes being shut, another darkness was creeping up on him. He fought off the unconsciousness trying to claim him, but the agony coursing through him made giving in a tempting option.

No…I have to stay…awake….

He felt his entire body grow heavier by the second. The deadweight didn't deter the villain carrying him in the slightest. A hand patting his cheek finally got him to open his eyes.

"Sorry, Eraser," Shusaku apologized, looming over him. "We'll need you awake for a little while longer. You'll get to rest soon, though. That I can promise."

The second the blond moved, Shouta squinted at the bright light assaulting his vision. After blinking a couple times, he noticed that they had reached another staircase.

When did we…how…where the hell am I?

He must have lost consciousness at some point during their journey through the tunnel. Shusaku ascended to the top of the staircase and put his hand on the door knob. He rammed his shoulder against the door. It took a few attempts for the door to finally open. A crash echoed into the tunnel. The familiar dizziness washed over Shouta as he was carried up the rest of the stairs and through the door. Shusaku kicked a couple boxes out of the way, clearing a path for them to enter the building. Shouta looked around as best he could, trying to ignore the sharp pain shooting through his head.

There are several boxes. There are some styrofoam and tea cups on the counter. This has to be a tea shop. Now where….

He racked his brain for where they could be, and his heart sunk when he realized they'd made it approximately three kilometers northeast of the bank.

How long was I out for?

He mentally shook the thought from his mind. It wouldn't do him any good to dwell on it. His eyes widened when he saw a black car waiting outside of the shop. The villain holding him paused for a brief moment while Shusaku peered out the window before kicking the front door open. He motioned for his subordinate to follow. Shouta immediately scanned the street the second he was outside.

The street was completely abandoned.

Considering the crowd outside of the bank, this shouldn't be a surprise. It seems like Shusaku's whole spectacle attracted most of the city.

He jolted when he heard a car door opening. Shusaku slid into the back seat, but left the door open.

"We have two cars heading his way in less than a minute," came a voice from within the vehicle. "Mori said a bunch of cops are starting to search the area, too. Hurry up!"

Shouta looked back down the street. As if they'd heard the man's words, he could see two lone figures emerging from an intersection a few blocks away. If the area hadn't been so deserted, he probably never would've seen them. He couldn't stop the relief surging through his veins.

Hitoshi did it…Tsukauchi understands who he's actually dealing with. If he gets enough officers and heroes searching for him, there's a chance—

He bit down harder on the cloth in his mouth when another pair of hands latched onto him and yanked him inside. A muffled scream was ripped out of him when his injured foot banged against the side of the car. None of the villains seemed to care. That was made obvious when Shusaku's subordinate didn't hesitate to grab his ankles and practically throw his legs all the way inside before slamming the door shut and jumping into the front seat. He could only hope the two officers had heard him. The blond adjusted him so he was lying across the back seat and propped his back up against his chest. Even if he had the energy to squirm out of the villain's grasp, the cramped back seat wouldn't provide him much room. If he had the energy, he probably could've gotten the attention of the two officers, but he couldn't do anything as the car started down the street.

Kayama Nemuri

She looked around the closet one last time and crossed her arms.

We've searched the building that backs up to the bank. We've searched the two next to it. There's no way Shusaku wouldn't give himself a way out…but where the hell is it?

"I'm going next door," Keigo announced, popping his head into the room. "Make one last sweep if you feel the need."

She nodded, and he disappeared. She pinched the bridge of her nose.

We have to be missing something. I really wish you were here, Shouta. You'd know where to look. Hell, we'd probably already be in the bank right now.

She exited the closet and scanned around the cubicles. Making her way to the lobby, she paused at the door to the stairs.

The bank only has one floor. If there's a way out, it probably wouldn't lead up to the second story…but I guess there's no harm in checking.

An officer opened the door to the building.

"Midnight, is everything—"

"Wait here," she ordered.

She pushed the door open and sprinted up the stairs. Once on the second floor, she briefly stopped. Much like the first one, it had a bullpen layout. The silence was almost unnerving. She could almost imagine the people that must've been working before the hostage situation started and everyone was forced to evacuate. There was a window at the far right wall that had a green glow seeping through the blinds. She walked over to it and peeked outside.

She didn't have much of a view, just the corner of the bank. She turned and looked across the floor, noting another window on the left wall of the bullpen. Hurrying through the cubicles, she took another peek and could see the alley between this office building and the electronics store next door. Her eyebrows furrowed.

Do we even have anyone checking the alleys? I should probably call Hizashi. We need more officers to station in them just in case….

Her thoughts trailed off when something moved in the back of the alley. A manhole cover slightly lifted before slamming back down.

Is someone trying to get back above ground? It has to be one of Shusaku's men.

It moved again, this time completely lifting from its place and shifting away from the hole. Her heart leapt up into her throat when the person emerged. She bolted across the second floor and down the stairs. Paying no mind to the lone officer waiting for her in the lobby and trying to get her attention, she burst out of the building and sprinted around the corner into the alley. The boy whirled around, apparently having heard her footsteps. She could see the tension in his shoulders, but she didn't care.

She threw her arms around Hitoshi, nearly toppling over with the kid.

Shinsou Hitoshi

He trailed a hand against the wall to keep him steady while he walked down the stairs. He blinked, as if that would help him see any better in the darkness shrouding the tunnel. Nearly slipping on the last step, he mentally sighed when he realized he'd made it to level ground. Dust and grime had built up on his hand, and he wiped it off on his pants.

How long has it been since anyone's been down here?

He could hear Izuku right behind him. Only taking a couple steps forward, he caught a flicker in the corner of his eye. A ball of light glowed further down the tunnel to his right. He looked back straight ahead into the darkness. He started toward the light and could only hope that's where the villains took Shouta. Once he was close enough, he picked up the lantern, noting that there wasn't an actual fire inside. He gently shook it, and the flickering stopped.

This has to be electrical. If that flickering was any indication, it looks like it's about to go out….

"We should hurry," Izuku whispered, echoing his own thoughts.

He nodded, and the two continued down the tunnel. He had a hard time breathing, but he picked up the pace despite the way the tunnel narrowed and the darkness around them became even more suffocating. Izuku had actually pushed ahead of him.

"We're getting your mom out, Midoriya."

He could see the tension in the other student's back, but he didn't slow down.

"We will. We'll get everyone out."

Hitoshi wouldn't mention the shaking in his voice. They continued on, coming to a stop when they reached yet another split in the tunnel. Izuku peered around the corner to their left, immediately flinching.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?"

His heart dropped into his stomach.

We need to run…but where? Midoriya's quirk won't do us any good if we reach a dead end. And from the look on his face, this guy must be armed. We can't get ourselves trapped. Dammit, just think—

Footsteps echoed down the tunnel, rapidly approaching the two. Hitoshi grabbed Izuku away from the corner and shielded him.

"Don't say anything!" he hissed over his shoulder. He whipped his head back toward the opening at their left, noting a glow getting closer and closer to them. He backed down the way they came and forced Izuku to go with him. "I'm s-s-sorry. W-we heard th-the gunshots and tried t-to hide."

The man rounded the corner, and Hitoshi would be lying if he said he didn't pale at the pistol in his hand. He flinched and threw his hands up, cowering behind them.

"Pl-please…." He continued backing up. "Please d-don't…a-a-are you going to hurt us?"

"I—"

The man fell silent, and he focused all his attention on keeping control of the villain's mind. He could've sworn he heard Izuku gasp behind him. His heart still hammered in his chest, but he allowed himself to breathe.

"Put down your gun," he ordered. They watched as the man had no choice to do as he asked. "Lead us out of here."

He turned and started back down the tunnel to their left. The two boys were silent as they followed the villain. One glance at Izuku told him he was thinking the same thing.

We better not run into any more of them down here.

Izuku glanced back over his shoulder every few seconds, but he gave no warning of them being followed. The only footsteps they could hear were their own. The villain suddenly stopped, and Hitoshi had to catch Izuku before he could bump into the man. His eyebrows furrowed.

This doesn't look like an exit….

He looked around the walls.

I have to be missing something….

"Shinsou!" Midoriya whispered. Looking to the other student, he followed his gaze up to the top of the tunnel. A ring of light was visible right where the left wall met the ceiling. "Here!"

Izuku ran until he was just out of the glow of the lanterns and bent down. He returned instantly, dragging a ladder along the ground. He picked it up and leaned it against the wall. He nodded to Hitoshi, who didn't hesitate to start climbing it while Izuku held it steady. Reaching the top, he saw that it was a manhole cover. He pushed up, grateful it only took two attempts for him to lift it and completely move it over. Light flooded into the dark tunnel. Putting his hands on either side of the ground above him, he lifted himself up and out into the alley. He looked around.

Where the hell are we?

Another set of footsteps were running straight for him. He tensed and turned around, but all that tension melted away when he saw it was Nemuri running at him; however, he didn't expect her to throw her arms around him and nearly tackle him to the ground.

"You're okay," she breathed.

"Kayama, we—"

She pulled away and grabbed his shoulders.

"Shit, kid…."

He wasn't sure she realized she said that aloud. Her hand moved and hovered near his face, as if she were afraid he'd break if she actually touched him there. He'd forgotten about the dry blood that trailed from his broken nose. He batted her hand away.

"It's not as bad as it looks. Midoriya is still down there."

That snapped Nemuri into action. She knelt down and leaned over so she could see into the tunnel.

"Midnight-sensei?"

There was a hope to his tone that Hitoshi was relieved to hear. He joined Nemuri and held out a hand to the other student, the somnambulist following suit. Izuku carefully climbed the ladder and took hold of both of their hands. They easily lifted him out of the tunnel.

"Midnight, what's going on…."

The officer running down the alley slowed to a stop when he saw the two kids.

"These two managed to get out. It looks like there's a tunnel down here that leads to the bank. Let Hawks know and get your officers ready to go in."

Shit! If they arrest this guy already….

Without another word, the officer turned and ran out of the alley. Nemuri got up, but Hitoshi remained on the ground. He leaned back over the manhole.

"Shinsou, what are you—" the heroine started, but he paid her no mind.

"Climb up the ladder," he ordered.

Nemuri's eyes widened when she looked back down into the tunnel to see a man climbing up the ladder and toward the trio. She rolled up her sleeve, but he grabbed her arm.

"Don't."

"I can take care of him. I don't want you overusing your quirk—"

"Kayo left the bank." That got Nemuri to whip her gaze away from the villain. "He took Aizawa with him. He's the only one we ran into in the tunnel that might know where he is."

The color drained from Nemuri's face. She looked around the alley. Hitoshi saw her eyes lock on a door. She risked one more glance down the alley before rushing over to the door and kicking it open. Much to his relief, the villain had managed to climb up the ladder without it toppling over.

"Climb out of the tunnel," he ordered next. Once the villain was out, he started toward the newly opened door. "Follow me." He led the villain to the door, which must've been a side entrance for the office building on the right side of the alley. "Wait here."

Once the man was inside, Nemuri slammed the door shut. Hitoshi's shoulders sagged, especially when several officers rounded the corner and ran down the alley. Keigo swooped in over them. Izuku didn't hesitate to approach the group giving directions to the bank. Keigo jumped down first, then one by one, the officers followed suit. Once the last one had dropped down into the tunnel, Nemuri faced the two students.

"You two need to tell me what's going on, right now."

And there it is! Hitoshi and Izuku are officially in the clear…well…maybe. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I'm very much looking forward to the next one! Until then!