Hey, guys! This is GOTA. As we have been working on this story, it has grown bigger than what we have expected. We are contemplating making this an entity of its own. If so, we will amend it and make some changes. We have yet made a decision as it is based on the strength of the plot.

In this chapter, Shouto and the Dekusquad members set up camp for the evening. Meanwhile, Yui grows impatient about Izuku's whereabouts. Later, a secret is revealed to Izuku. Enjoy!

It was at Tenya's suggestion to set up camp. Since they were in the highly vegetated wooded area, it was best to stay off the grid until further notice. While they were walking, it was Toru who informed them about a creek near the ravine where they left their Uber driver. Realizing that their options were limited - without transportation, no source of communication, and fearing of being exposed in the open, the creekside would have to do for the time being.

Tenya and Tsuyu aided each other in gathering wood. Toru was a member of the Girl Scouts during her time in the United States, so she knew how to make a tent out of pine straw and moss. Shouto spotted some ginseng and bloodroot on the way to the creekside so he knew that it would have to be their dinner.

Meanwhile, Izuku's role was just to be an observer. The woods were eerily quiet as it was still early spring. The unlikely chance of seeing bears and wolves were slim, but he still didn't like those odds. Although they were far away from the road, they weren't as deep into the woods either. In a way, he still felt as though as if they were being watched.

Shouto used his quirk to burn the moss and branches he picked up as he waited on Tsu and Iida. It would serve as their guiding light until they return to use it for dinner. The white-redheaded teen gathered enough ginseng and bloodroot to make a tiny feast.

"This isn't the cafeteria food we have been served, but if anything my mother taught me, anything could be barbeque." Shouto blew into the smoke. Fortunately, he had the quirk to remove the fire for damage control. Izuku tried not to laugh at Shouto's macabre humor. He sat quietly on the ground as he watched Shouto create their fire pit in the center.

"Finished!" It was the cheery Toru that wiped her hands of any stickiness from the pine sap. "I knew my days in Chicago weren't just selling Samoas and ducking gunfire whenever we spot opps." She wouldn't call their tent her greatest creation, but it would do until they were more solution-oriented.

"Good! Now, we wait on Tsu and Iida with the firewood," he said as he looked at their menu. "Once we have that, we can eat."

"Kinda funny," said Toru as she accompanied the duo. She took a seat beside Izuku. "Never did I think I would find myself on the lam. The nearest action to camping was gathering flashlights and sleeping in a makeshift tent made out of our den mother's bedding and dining room furniture."

Shouto nodded in comprehension before placing the vegetables beside the campfire. "After today, anything is possible." He scratched under his arms. He could tell that a shower was needed, but decided against it. At some point, they needed to find a way to gather water for their drinking supply. "At least we are out of sight and out of mind."

"For now."

Shouto and Toru turned to Izuku. He was looking at the ground, gathering dirt and leaves.

"Midoriya, don't think like that," said Toru. "We have managed this far. We haven't faced serious danger."

He shook his head in disagreement. "Not yet. I just don't feel safe honestly. It is like we are being watched and they know that." He grabbed both ends of his arms. "It is like a knife swinging on a pendulum, ready to strike me at any moment."

Toru reached over and placed her hands around his shoulders. "You're overreacting, Midoriya." She patted the ground. "Come and let me give you a massage."

"You don't have to do that."

"No, I insist. You have been through a lot today." She waited while Izuku positioned himself toward her direction. "Hell, we have experienced quite a lot in the last twelve hours."

Shouto crossed his legs while gathering pebbles around him. "At least this was something UA prepared us. Even if Nezu didn't do a damn thing to stop this." His face became flattened. "That Chowder-looking hybrid could have done something."

"He is probably on Kodai's payroll," responded Izuku. "If she could fool my father, who knows who else can convince or turn." He sighed heavily. "Everybody has a price these days."

"Shh, relax," said Toru as she gripped her hands around his shoulder blades. "You're carrying too much stress, Izuku." She instructed him to lower his head as she dug deeper into the skin. "Don't forget that we have supported you thus far. What makes you think we would abandon you now?"

"I know. I'm thankful...but…"

"But...what," retorted Toru.

"Never mind," he concluded as he tried his best to relax from Toru's hands.

Ruffling leaves from the bushes interrupted the trio. As they turned their heads, they saw that it was Tsuyu and Tenya.

"Listen, Iida. I am not sure what Camp Buddy has taught you about the safeness of camaraderie and nature, but you are aware that that is nothing more than erotica, ribbit," said Tsuyu as she used her tongue to gather firewood. The ability to communicate and hold objects was a gift in itself. "Yet again, doesn't surprise me with today's sus activities."

Tenya narrowed his eyes. "Just so you know, Mistress Homophobic Wizard, Camp Buddy wasn't all about sex. I did learn a thing or two about nature and the camaraderie of friendship. Plus, I can look at something without getting turned on to it, all right."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Iida, ribbit!"

"Ok, Miss Yuru Yuri Under My Bed!"

It was Shouto that snapped his fingers. "Ladies, ladies! Did you gather enough firewood?"

Tsuyu placed the firewood in the center of the fire. "Enough for a night or two, just in case."

Shouto was thankful for the vice president and the frog girl. "Let's hope there won't be a second night. Actually, if we do make a second night, let's not be in the same place." Shouto has experienced enough through the days of his father that strategy was the key to survival. "If they are moving like chess, then we can't play like checkers."

Tenya placed his portion of the branches on top of Tsuyu's. "So, what is the end game then?"

Shouto was too focused to answer Iida's question as he was making a makeshift grill for the ginseng and bloodroot. Toru tried her best to enter Tenya's question. "Going to Aizawa's won't be any good. Yui know we would go there. Going to see Izuku's parents is definitely out of the question. His father will sell him out." She paused her massage momentarily. "No offense, Izuku!"

"None taken," he responded.

"We can't sit here like sitting ducks, ribbit," said Tsuyu. "We are now on the fourth hour. Half of Musutafu is probably looking for us by now."

Shouto was using torn pine straw to wrap the sticks in squares to make the grill stick. He took a momentary break. "Even so, strategy, persistence and vigilance is key."

"How do you mean," asked Tenya.

"Think like them," answered Shouto. "If you are going on the hunt with a large group of people, many are going to think mainstream - hotels, manga cafes, homes of relatives. Places like that." He spat on the ground. "I'm not saying hiding in the woods means we are exempt. I am saying that by us hiding here, we are buying more time. Plus, only one could get the reward." Once successfully making the makeshift grill, he placed it in the fire. He clicked his tongue to Tsuyu to assist him with poking the vegetables with the branches.

"Do you think people like Cinder, Gigantomachia, or Kotonoha would be searching for us," asked Iida.

"Them," retorted Shouto. "Hell, no! Those guys would do it for nothing. Plus, people like Sensei, Toga, and Gentle Criminal see this as a rat race. Why go through all the trouble to find kids like us when they can kick back and get a nice quiet slice of the action from the comfort of their own lair?"

"I don't get you," said Toru.

"Use our brains," said Shouto. "God, I can't believe I am sounding like my parents. Have you seen the movie, Rat Race?"

Each member looked at each other before shaking their heads to Shouto in disagreement.

"Figures," answered Shouto. "In the movie, Rat Race, a tycoon devises a game to entertain the high rollers who visit his Las Vegas casino. He arranges for six competitors to race the 563 miles to Silver City, New Mexico, where $2 million in cash is waiting to be claimed in a train station locker. Unbeknownst to the competitors, the tycoon's guests are observing the entire contest, placing bets on who will win." He poked a hole into the ginseng. "So, the villains are probably placing bets with each other to see which of the hunters would find us first."

"I don't like it when you say that, ribbit," said Tsuyu. "Sounds like we are prey."

"Hate to sound macabre, but it is true," said Shouto. He turned to see the worried expression from Izuku's face. "Throughout the film, many of the players either sabotaged each other or found trouble along the way." He stuck out his tongue. "If I have to make a prediction, the competition is heightened, which is going to cause a bit of trouble. So, with this amount of money involved, don't be surprised if we have to question those whose role is to protect and serve."

"Cold. Cold, but true," said Toru.

"Do you have a plan, Shouto," asked Tenya. "Thus far, you have been quite the leader on staying one step ahead of the manhunt."

Shouto was continuing to poke ginseng and bloodroot before looking at Tenya. "As of now, everything is up in the air." He looked up to the starry night sky. "Until then, we just have to keep a low profile."

"We're doomed," said Tenya under his breath.

It was met with a swat of Tsuyu's tongue to his face. "Negativity is inadmissible, ribbit!"

Tenya shut his eyes, only nodding in Tsuyu's compliance.

"We aren't exactly doomed." Shouto stuck out his tongue. Thinking numerically on how many to give to the group, he began placing the vegetables in the fire. He blew into the fire to gather more flame. "As I've mentioned earlier, we are wandering under a tiny microscope." He crossed his arms. "Figuratively speaking, of course." He, then, eyed Tenya. "The last thing we need to do is panic. It will question our judgment."

"Right," concurred Toru.

"And being emotional is the last thing we need to be," retorted Shouto. "We have done well in the last several hours. We looked after each other and held each other accountable - minus the tiny moments we were susing each other." He stood up as he presented himself in the center of the group. "These are the things that have prepared us as future Pro Heroes. Toru?"

"Yeah?"

"You demonstrated yourself by hiding in plain sight. No one can have that kind of agility and advantage like you."

The invisible teen blushed. "Thanks, Shouto!"

Shouto nodded in her compliance. He turned to Tsuyu. "Tsu! Your role being the comforter to Deku shows that you aren't willing to lose your cool. You were resourceful and helpful in finding our means to escape." He took a momentary pause as he sneezed. "Of course, it backfired, but charge it to the game."

"I appreciate that, ribbit," said Tsuyu.

"And Tenya?"

"Yeah?!"

Truthfully, he felt that Tenya was the least contributing member of the Dekusquad. He was a bit whiny, indecisive, and worrisome. However, he wouldn't dare say it to his face. "You showed us that support is definitely useful in this. As prospective heroes, having each other's back is essential if we are going to survive this."

"Thanks," replied Tenya.

Finally, he turned his head to Izuku. He extended his hand to the emerald-haired teen. "Deku is our objective, the main contender we will support and protect." Izuku didn't respond. However, his cheeks were a reddish tint, showcasing more of his freckles. "He is the reason why the Dekusquad is here today. Hopefully, someday when it is our turn for crazy, deranged, obsessed psycho chicks come after us, then he, too, can help us." He winked at them. "That is what a team does. We are all being team players."

Toru stood up. "Agreed, boss!"

Tenya followed suit. "Never truer a word spoken there, brother."

Tsuyu stood up. "That's right, ribbit." She, then, gave a sly look to Tenya. "Although for Tenya, replace the "ch" phonic sound in chicks with a more appropriate consonant for him."

Tenya's face flattened. "I got a certain consonant that can fit perfectly with a certain backended vowel."

Shouto clapped his hands, interrupting the bantering between Tsuyu and Tenya. "For Heaven's Gate, Tsu and Iida." He pointed at the woods. "Go over there if you want to make your own personal nature documentary."

"What's that supposed to mean," questioned the duo frustratingly.

A teardrop appeared from Shouto's forehead. "Never mind." He decided to switch back to topic when turning to Toru and Izuku. "We are all playing our role at this point in time. Ideas come to me when they can. I'm not a computer. Plus, I can barely pass Ectoplasm-sensei's class."

"You've done amazing thus far," said Toru. "We're happy with your leadership, Shouto." She walked toward him and pecked him on the cheek. Shouto was alarmed by the sudden kiss. "Don't look at this as I am wanting you." She began to blush. "It was a celebratory kiss. It doesn't count! It doesn't count!"

Shouto softly patted Toru's shoulder. "Thanks, Hagakure! I know you mean well." He heard the crackling of the fire, indicating that the food was nearly done. "Well, guys! As much as we want to continue saving the day, we have to eat." The teen rubbed his belly. "I'm not sure if this is edible or not, but fortunately, this is a story so we will be okay."

The group each held hands as they proceeded in saying grace.

God is good! So, He expects us to be good. And if you're not, He will come down here and bust your freaking skull! Amen!

"Itadakimasu," said the group as they began to partake in their makeshift meal.

Sometime earlier….

Yui was exhausted. As much as she wanted to retire to her quarters, she wasn't going to shut an eye without finding her husband lying beside her.

She was alone in the manager's office that once belonged to Reiko's cousin. The arcade was now Central Command for her operations in retrieving Izuku. Thanks to her Daddy Dearest, portions of I-Island have been perimetered by a private security consulting firm from Vale. Around-the-clock checks were mandatory. Anyone entering or leaving the island were met with checkpoints - car searches for any evidence or knowledge of Izuku's whereabouts.

She sat in her cushioned chair. Television screens were in the center. It has disheartened her that her signal from Izuku's collar was interrupted. The news media had spoken little about the incident. She hoped within the next few hours with her Daddy speaking with certain members of a well-known Valian organization, they could convince the media to report this travesty - the kidnapping of her husband, Izuku Midoriya.

She began scrolling on social media to pass the time. She clicked on pictures of her beloved. A sea of green covered her pupils as minute by minute, picture by picture, pixel by pixel, he was without a trace. She hit the table.

"Fucking bastards!" Yui gnashed her teeth. She paused when she almost caused her favorite matryoshka doll to fall from the table. A sign of relief was shown as she caught it in time. "See what those deviants made me do." She cradled her doll gently. "Sorry, Midori! No way would I take this out on you." She kissed the doll and gently placed it back on the desk. She, then, turned her eyes on the wall. Plastered on a bulletin board were the suspects. Each picture was circled in red, marked by a "x" on their eyes. Jagged, rusty knives and shurikens were carved into the pictures, showing a detest of hate and rage.

In the center was the image of Shouto, which she knew was the self-proclaimed leader of the operation.

She clicked her tongue. She told herself to take steady breaths. Aggression and frustration wasn't going to do her any good at this point in time.

Especially after leaving the doctor's office a few days prior. She gently touched her stomach. Flat for the time being, but knowing she and Izuku's creation was forming inside of her womb. New life was being formed as she spoke and to think that Izuku would dare deny and defy those responsibilities. She had told herself that Izuku's mind was corrupted. She thought that keeping him away from the girls would work. Guys could join him, but their time with him was limited. Guess she was wrong.

She was too kind, too lenient and now this Shouto was pulling Izuku away from her.

If there was a target she dearly wanted to acquire, it was Shouto Todoroki himself.

She heard a knock at the door. Turning over to the computer monitor, she saw that it was Ibara and Katsuki. She sighed as she pressed the button to allow them entry. The electric door slid open and entered the cohorts that have been accompanying and supporting her since the operation had begun.

A pleasing sigh was released from Katsuki's mouth. The teen proceeded in zipping up his pants. "Reiko's cousin is neutralized. I don't think he won't be doing any talking or walking for the night."

Ibara scoffed at Katsuki's heinous comment. "Hmpf! Sodomite!"

"It doesn't count if he looks like Astolfo," interjected Katsuki melodically.

Yui slammed her fists on the desk, deterring any bantering between her cohorts. "Bakugo, Shiozaki!"

"Yes, Mistress," asked Katsuki.

"Daughter of God," asked Ibara.

"Any word about my beloved?" Yui didn't have to turn around as she wagged her finger to know who she wanted at her sight.

Shiozaki nervously approached Kodai as she stepped beside her chair. "Searches are continuing throughout the night, my daughter of God. The garden district in Downtown, I-Island, Sophia Island, Musutafu International Airport thus far. Not a rock unturned. We are now in progress to venture into suburbs of the Tokyo Metropolis."

This wasn't the exact answer she was hoping, but it would do. She turned to Katsuki. "Bakugo?"

"Aizawa and Fukukado can not be located. The Asui family can't be found either," answered Katsuki. "Shouto's parents obviously have security and Iida's parents have lawyers."

"What about the Hagakure girl?"

"Her parents have since returned to Chicago. Parents are highly active with the urban community centers, particularly Auburn Gresham, Englewood and Woodlawn," answered Katsuki.

Yui raised her eyebrows. "Your point?"

"Let's say that quirks and semblances don't matter when man-made firepower is their own quirk and semblance," explained Katsuki. "In other words, Mistress, they are reckless, t'd up, and trained to go!"

Yui cursed under her breath. "I would have Daddy to see if he has any contacts in the Chicago Police Department. My husband and his captors could be anywhere. Not a stone unturned. Izuku will be in my bed before midnight or else dire measures will occur." She turned to Shiozaki. "Have technical support run another search on Aizawa and Fukukado. With Eri with them, they can't go that far. The same goes with the Asui family." She gripped the armchair. "I don't care what you have to do to get through Endeavor and Iida's family, I need results, not obstacles."

Ibara humbly bowed before Kodai. "Yes, my daughter of God!" She bowed once more before taking her leave, leaving the spiky-haired blond alone with Yui.

"Bakugo?"

Katsuki approached his mistress. Yui didn't immediately speak. Spotting a glass of her now lukewarm tea, she decided to quench her thirst. "Have you spoken with Izuku's father?"

"Yes, Mistress."

"He is still on board?"

"He works for you. Although that is his son, the allegiance remains for you and your father."

"Mphf!" She began sipping her tea. Katsuki waited patiently as the black-haired teen took large, yet loud sips from the teacup. "Monitor him for me, would you please? Absolute, undying loyalty to me is a must. Like this tea, lukewarmness is a no-no." She used her quirk to enlarge the teacup. Then, proceeded to toss it in the center of the bulletin board, causing it to shatter. Katsuki remained unmoved. He was actually pleased to see there were others who shared a maniacal side.

"Yes, mistress!"

"Thanks," she said calmly as she leaned her head against the seat. "Now, be dismissed!"

Katsuki sniggered when bowing at his mistress. He turned around and headed for the door. Yui kept an eye to the door before she was certain that she was alone. Izuku, Izuku, Izuku! Look what your love for me made me do. You just don't know the extent of what I would do to have you by my side. I would die for you. I would wash away your tears and drown your fears. I would pray for you, willing to sell my soul for something as sure as you. Japan is just an island, sweetheart. Somewhere in this valley, you are hiding. Tee-hee! It is just like you to play this game. You are just testing our love, aren't you?

Damn, you are so terribly sweet, my love. This chase, this dance is nothing more than a test. I know what you have told me earlier was an illusion - hypnotized by the jealousy and hatred by your so-called friends. This trial, this test, we will pass and we will conquer. You, me, and the little one growing in our belly. Time is wearing thin and so is my patience. Good God when I get you, you will just have to make up for lost time.

I am coming for you, Izuku Midoriya. Your wife, your mistress, your lover, your master needs her husband, her pet. Her loving, adorable pet! My pet! My pet, Izuku!

Later….

The group was at a consensus in praising Shouto's quick thinking of their dinner. Thanks to Shouto's quirk and Toru's membership of being a Girl Scout, a large ceramic pot was made to boil their creek water. Cups were even made for the group to consume their distilled water. The group spent time communing about their hopes, their dreams, their futures, and everything in between.

The Dekusquad were sitting around the campfire as they were chuckling with their tales of today's misadventures between Yui and her cohorts.

Izuku was chuckling while lying on Tsuyu's lap. "Okay, okay," he said as he grinned. "If you were to turn me in for the reward money, Iida, what would you do with it?"

Tenya took off his glasses as he pondered on Izuku's question. He snapped his fingers as he pondered on the question. "First, I would go to the podium in front of UA during morning assembly and tell everyone to 'suck my brother's one ball!'"

The group were bursting in laughter. Toru was slapping the floor. "No, you wouldn't, Iida!"

"Hand to God," retorted Iida. "I would tell them to gnaw on it till they numb it. Afterward, I will go to Nairobi, score some coke, and snort it on a girl's round ass." He paused. "Rumi Usagiyama's brown round, supple ass to be exact!"

Toru snorted loudly. "I knew you weren't all abouts books. I thought geeks didn't think like that."

"Fuck what you've heard," said Tenya while giggling.

Shouto wiped the tear from his eye. "Okay, okay, my turn. If I would turn in Izuku for the reward money." He paused momentarily so he could think of an answer. He snapped his fingers. "I know! I would have Yaoyorozu, Ragdoll from the Wild, Wild Pussycats and Weiss Schnee play with my tail while I'm playing NBA2K Live."

"God, why do guys think with their dicks," groaned Toru as she was rubbing Izuku's legs on her lap.

Izuku interjected. "We are just playing. I know we wouldn't actually do anything like this in real life."

"What we are saying are just scenarios," retorted Tenya. "We're kids! We're going to have dark, twisted fantasies."

Tsuyu giggled while fanning Izuku. "He's right, ribbit. Don't act like you don't have fantasies, Hagakure. You got the ability to do things we can't." She winked at the invisible girl, which caused her to blush.

"Okay, Asui, what would you do if you were to turn in Izuku," retorted Toru.

"Easy! Leave enough for my family and create a bonfire out of Legend of Korra DVDs, ribbit," answered Tsuyu.

The group raised their eyebrow when hearing Tsuyu's scenario.

"Put some respect on Mako's name, ribbit," said Tsuyu. "How are you going to honor the late, great Mako, only for him to get NTR'd in the end?" She spat on the ground. "Bitch!"

Izuku lifted his head before turning to Toru. "Okay, Hagakure. What would you do if you were to turn me in?"

"A full-on shopping spree at Akihabara." The invisible girl crossed her arms. "Simple as that!"

The group glared at each other before simultaneously turning to Toru. "Liar!"

The invisible teen was taken aback. "What," she groaned. "I would fill my room with so much kawaii stuff. Body Pillows, trinkets…."

"Hagakure, you are among friends," said Shouto.

"Yeah, I know you have at least one ridiculous fantasy, ribbit," said Tsuyu.

"Fine!" She flexed her fingers, slowly gathering her thoughts before addressing the group. "If I could, I would resurrect John Candy and Chris Farley from the grave to watch them fight to the death in a caged match." She lowered her head. "With Louie Anderson hosting and Kathy Bates in a bikini holding the signs of fight rounds."

Izuku removed himself from the girls. "I think Toru won the game," he said.

"Agreed," said Shouto.

"Wow, just wow, ribbit," said Tsuyu.

"Seems like Toru is definitely riding the white pony," said Tenya.

"Wait," interjected Toru. She turned her head to Izuku. "What about you?"

"What about me?"

"If you were to turn yourself in for the reward money, what would you do with it," asked Toru.

"Easy! Give my father dance lessons," answered Izuku.

"Dance lessons," questioned Toru.

"Because those checks he sent to those debt agencies can do a better job than him," answered Izuku. "They certainly knew how to bounce."

Roaring laughter filled the campsite. Shouto fell backward and tucked in his stomach. Tenya blew water from his nose. Tsuyu couldn't stop crying. Toru slapped the ground with her fist. "Let's say Deku and I tied," said Toru. The invisible teen stood up, stretching her arms and looking at the night sky. "Tenya, you have the time?"

Tenya looked at his wristwatch. "A quarter after nine."

Shouto stood to his feet. "Let's get some shut-eye. We need to be out of here before dawn. The earlier the better." He looked at Tenya. "Set the alarm for two in the morning."

"Got it," said Tenya. "Do you have a plan on where we should head next?"

"Oh ye, little faith, Tenya," retorted Shouto. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Do the birds worry when they get their next meal? Or when the lilies will grow? Of course, they don't. Let's worry about today because tomorrow has enough trouble of its own." He then looked at the creek overhead. "I am going to take a wash off if you want to know where I am. By the time I get back, shut this fire out."

"You got it, boss," said Toru.

Tenya clicked his tongue. "I am not that doubtful. Whatever, I am going to take a number one."

"Sure it isn't a number three," retorted Tsuyu slyly.

The class president scoffed at the frog girl. "Go to hell, Tsu! But before you do, I need you to come with me."

"For what, ribbit!"

"As a spotter. You never know who could be watching."

The frog girl loudly sighed. "Fine! Any homemade paste hits me, then I am hanging you with my tongue personally."

Izuku sat idly as Shouto walked to the creek and Tsuyu and Tenya left for the woods. Each told the other that they wouldn't be too far away. He wasn't ready to retire for bed, so he decided to lay out on the ground and stared at the starry sky.

Despite their ordeal in the last few hours, this was one of the best pleasant moments he have had in the last several weeks. No matter the obstacles they have encountered, they have stuck it through together. He couldn't even recall the last time he had laughed to the point that he was having stomach pains.

Who knew that Kodai made him forget that he could laugh and hang out freely with those he sincerely cared for.

"Not sleepy?"

It didn't take a genius to know it was Hagakure speaking. The invisible teen took off her gloves before lying beside Izuku. "Pretty skies tonight," she said.

"Yeah they are."

"I once heard that starlight gives you cancer. But what doesn't these days?"

It was met with a bit of chuckling between the two. Izuku crossed his legs and took steady breaths. For some reason, it felt weird to freely breathe. Under the confines of Yui, he felt suffocated. Didn't think something as breathing he would take for granted.

"I'm thankful that Shouto is guiding us," said Toru. "I really hope we can end this soon."

Izuku declined to respond as what he wanted to say wouldn't compare to her optimism. As long as Yui continues her reign, this wasn't going to end.

"Izuku?"

He turned his head to the invisible girl. "What's up?"

She didn't immediately reply. He could tell from the pregnant silence that she was reconsidering her question. "How was it with Yui Kodai?"

The billion-dollar question.

"I know the stories you gave us were damning," she said. "But, how was she in general?"

He looked back toward the sky. "On the surface, no one could ever tell the troubles that brewed in her mind. Did you know at her last school, a fan club was made in her honor?"

"Really?"

"Yeah! But she did not know a thing about it."

"Really?"

"Kodai has always had her own mind, her own way of thinking," he said as he began yawning. "That is what makes her mysterious."

"Quiet doesn't always mean silent."

Izuku nodded. "I remember you saying that to me. Actually, It was during the Sports Tournament that I had my encounter with Kodai. Prior to then, I didn't even know who she was. Well, with the exception of the talks from the rumor mill."

"Yeah!"

"One would look at Yui as the most resilient beauty they have ever seen," he said while chuckling. "Only if they knew what really moved her. On one hand, she is delicate, calm, tranquil. A woman of modesty. A woman of valor. Actually, a Sachiko-type woman anybody would love to have as their wife. But on the other hand - obsessive, possessive, and aggressive. Zealous and jealous. There is no leaving Yui Kodai when she has her eyes set on you.

This manhunt is only the tip of the iceberg. If Yui is willing to allow strangers to look for us, who knows how dangerous she really is. Once, in a drunken stupor, she said to me that we would always be together - either hand and hand or side by side on concrete slabs. Her love for me is that deep."

"My God," said Toru.

"Time is finite on the search for me and the others," said Izuku. "We can run as much as want, as long as we want, but at some point, it has to come to an end. Knowing if they want you, best believe they will find you."

"What do you think we should do," questioned Toru worriedly.

He pursed his lips, dusting off any dirt on his shirt. "Actually, Hagakure, that is something I wanted to ask you."

She pointed her finger at herself. "Me?"

Izuku nodded in compliance. He didn't look shocked or fearful. He continued looking at the sky.

"Hagakure, I know."

BD: No! No! Say it isn't so, GOTA!

GOTA: Yes! A traitor was actually in the mist.

BD: What about Izuku's father?

GOTA: I will reveal everything in the next chapter. Stay tuned!