Long-Term Thoughts

Above him once again, smiling, her full strength on display for him to be in awe, the terror of their situation drowned by the admiration. But there was one player missing. Their foe was never denied delivering their peril. As he watched, warmth fading away as quickly as it came, the girl's smooth skin, deep eyes, rosy cheeks, all dimmed and vanished into the visage of an ashen statue, all color gone, all life erased.

And then her figure broke apart, first as cracks that networked along her features, then as a cloud of horrific dust, rapidly coating her counterpart in a blanket of death, his eyes unable to blink despite the foreign particles. They could only stare upwards in all-consuming fear, seeing the vile grin that was hidden behind her, his nerves feeling the numbing sensation of her remains on his skin.

...

Izuku gasped, jolting up in bed. His hands instinctually grabbed at the sides of his face, his breathing irregular as fingers glided and patted over his cheeks and temple, subconscious mind clashing with the waking world to decide which reality was correct. Not convincing enough, as his hands moved down to rub his arms, neck, any exposed flesh. It was a full minute before he stopped shaking, his nervous system confirming fact to his upmost relief.

There was no dust, only sweat. A lot of it.

The young hero in training let out a steady breath, calming himself in the near pitch-black room. The only noticeable light came from the clock beside his bed, its digital lighting informing him it was only just past three in the morning. Sighing, Izuku repositioned and got to his feet, knowing that, on top of the unlikelihood of getting back to sleep that night, he couldn't even lay down comfortably with his body soaked in his own perspiration. After washing his face and changing into a fresh and loose t-shirt, he spent the rest of the hours before his jog time distracting himself with his hero notes.

It was back to the usual scene as Izuku entered the dorm past dawn. Several days had passed since the incident, with only the most observant noticing any differences in the students scurrying around inside, preparing for the school day. Of those, Izuku was the most prominent.

The rest of the girls were bunched closer around Uraraka than normal, feeling admiration towards her following the encounter with Shigaraki's clone, which he felt was perfectly deserved. Bakugo had been spotted rolling his eyes on several occasions during such times, having also noticed the extra attention, but not caring enough to act on it. A handful of the guys had asked her to be their training partner during quirk practice. Lastly, and most flustering of all, Izuku found himself acting different as well.

He'd feel a dumb smile widen on his face every time Ochaco grinned upon flipping Kaminari face-first into the floor, or be giving generous glances at her throughout the day, caught in that bubbly face and personality. The boy was certain he was worrying, thinking it was simply a trait of being a Midoriya, but it felt different. He put it aside in favor of focusing on studies, although this tactic seemed irrelevant during actual training. Izuku didn't want to be the one in danger every time, he wanted to be sure that he could cover anyone's back in a moment of need. He kept the image of Ochaco shielding him close to heart as he practiced over and over to manifest Blackwhip, pretending to swat away threats to his friend. It produced no results, as usual, but the One For All wielder felt inspired by this new change in mentality. Even as the greatest hero, he wouldn't be alone. He didn't want to be alone. He would have people around him, people he'd want to protect.

At last, the end of the day's lessons came, leaving the students of class 1-A to disperse out the door. As the classic trio of Izuku, Tenya, and Ochaco stepped out together, the boys were surprised to see their friend swing around to face them, a look of realization upon her face.

"Oh, that's right! I have to stop by Recovery Girl for some more treatment." Her companions nodded, offering to tag along, which she showed no objection to. In the days that followed the incident, the full effects of the damage to Ochaco were unveiled. Although she could still flip attackers with ease, the gravity heroine was clearly favoring her left arm during movements. An earlier visit to the school's resident healer confirmed that Ochaco had trouble lifting her right arm above her head without a tearing pain in her upper back. Accelerated or not, the healing would have to accommodate for her free range of movements that tugged at the scarred flesh next to her shoulder blade.

Fortunately, Recovery Girl had some ointment that would gradually loosen up the skin to adapt to stretching and pressure. It was also, according to Uraraka, very itchy, especially the more layers of clothing she had on. She couldn't apply the medicinal oil herself due to positioning, but the other girls were happy to assist whenever she needed it. A few times however, when none of them were around, Ochaco would nervously request a scratch or two, which usually led to her sighing contently as Izuku chuckled to himself.

The trio gave a knock upon reaching their destination's door, an elderly voice urging them to enter the infirmary. Recovery Girl smiled at the three as they entered, setting aside a clipboard of notes as Ochaco led the way to her.

"Here for some more ointment, I assume?" the woman asked knowingly. Uraraka gave a hearty nod.

"Yes please." The school nurse hummed thoughtfully, reaching over to a cabinet next to a curtained bedside before briefly rummaging around for the correct bottle amongst a dozen others.

"How is it progressing?" she asked. In response, Uraraka excitedly pumped her right fist into the air.

"Better! I can totally do this without immediately- uuurrrkkk…" Her enthusiasm quickly died in her throat as her arm trembled, dropped, then fidgeted awkwardly in response to the unpleasant sting on her back. Izuku and Iida looked concerned, but she waved to assure them she was fine. "Still a ways to go, I guess." Recovery Girl chuckled as she retrieved the medication.

"Well, it's an improvement. The first time we tried you flat-out screamed." Ochaco rubbed the back of her head, embarrassed, but graciously accepted her ointment nonetheless, thanking the Youthful Heroine for her provisions. Without missing a beat, Uraraka swung around to the exit and motioned for her friends to follow.

"Come on, guys, I didn't get enough for lunch, let's grab something, quick!" As she practically vanished into the hall, Iida rushed out as well, shouting about obeying the rules of the hallway and not running. Izuku just smiled, never tired of his two best friends' clashing yet endearing personalities.

"You were very lucky to come across friends like those." Izuku glanced over at Recovery Girl, who was diverting her attention back to the work previously in progress, flipping through pages of notes in her office chair. "Perhaps even luckier than being made All Might's successor." Midoriya couldn't argue with that, humming in agreement as he motioned to leave as well. "That responsibility makes them invaluable for your future, young man. Especially when we're not around any longer." That had Izuku pause, turning back to the nurse with a furrowed brow.

"What do you mean?" Recovery Girl stopped reading, placing the clipboard in her lap as she swiveled around to face the ninth wielder.

"The 'youthful' title is endearing and all, but anyone can tell I'm far from my prime, Midoriya. The same goes for your mentor, not to mention that windbag, Gran Torino." She gazed sadly at the floor, before focusing on Izuku. "With Nighteye gone, we're all that's left of those who know your quirk's true nature, of the responsibility that rests on your shoulders, and the burden it puts on you, both mentally and physically. Our time grows short, however." Izuku stood stunned, unable to absorb the sudden reality check.

"I… I never really thought of that." He backed up into the counter behind him, at a loss as the realization sunk in. "Kacchan will still be there, but then, he really just cares about being better than me. It's not like he'll sit down for a chat whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed." He thought back to earlier, about how he'd be able to rely on his friends. "Iida and Uraraka, they don't know. They shouldn't, for their safety." Recovery Girl said nothing as he practically talked to himself, but eventually seemed inclined enough to counter.

"Both All Might and his master trusted Gran Torino with the knowledge, in the same way All Might trusted his sidekick, as well as myself. Think of where that fool would be without us. One way or another, One For All will be your secret alone to do with as you will. If an old nurse like me can earn her keep of such knowledge, I see no reason not to surround yourself with some who do as well." She stood up from her seat and walked over to Izuku, giving his arm a comforting grip. "Think about it, Midoriya. Your friends are strong and loving, you've seen it firsthand many times."

Chiyo let go of his arm and backed off, giving the boy space to think. The successor's eyes were in deep conflict, up until he bowed and excused himself, finally leaving the elder alone with her work. That is, until her surprisingly sharp ears picked up movement behind the curtain at her back. "Feeling better?" she asked offhandedly as she began organizing other paperwork. A groan was heard, followed by a momentary silence.

"Did you know I was awake?" Toshinori inquired, stoic and firm despite his condition. Chiyo didn't even bother walking over to him as she continued the conversation.

"No, but at least now I don't have to repeat myself." She heard the curtain being pulled back, finally turning to acknowledge the retired Symbol of Peace. All Might sat up, rubbing the back of his neck.

"You truly think he should tell them?" Recovery Girl put her hands in her coat pockets, her expression somber.

"He'll need someone, Toshinori. Bakugo will undoubtedly push him to grow and reach his goal, but the boy will need emotional support just as much, something we can't expect from his rival." All Might pursed his lips, gazing down at the end of his bed.

"By the way, you didn't mention Nezu among those who- !" As he glanced over, he found the most severe deadpan look he'd ever known the old lady to make.

"I think we both know why I didn't bother." Toshinori sweatdropped.

"R-right." Chiyo resumed as the retired pro hung his head.

"No matter how much you do to keep yourself in shape you're missing several major organs. As well, Nighteye's prediction still hangs over your head. Imagine the devastation to Midoriya when you're gone. He'll need companions then more than ever, ones who can understand exactly how deep his pain goes."

Toshinori slowly swung his legs over to sit properly, though ended up hunching over. "Those three are close, no doubt about that. All three have shown tremendous growth, proving themselves." One For All's former bearer looked Chiyo in the eyes at last. "I'll discuss with young Midoriya soon. Should it come to it however, I'm leaving the final choice to him. The torch is rightfully his, and it may be time I truly pass on its burden to him, before it's too late." Recovery Girl considered the man for a moment, then turned away to return to her work.

"I believe it's for the best, for what it's worth." All Might smirked as she began organizing her desk.

"Your opinion has always been worth a lot to me."

Izuku caught up to his friends when they were halfway to the dorms, explaining his delay as Recovery Girl wishing to take a quick look at his arms. The three rejoined the rest of their classmates soon after, finishing homework, studying, or simply hanging out at the couch playing videogames. As afternoon stretched into evening, much of the group retreated to their separate rooms, with only a handful remaining downstairs for a while longer before heading to bed. Izuku was in the kitchen, getting in a cup of tea before retiring for the night.

He reached up and into an overhead cabinet for the teabags, noticing they'd been moved from their usual spot. Sighing, he fiddled around, swiping for the items. When they refused to be found, he retracted his hand and decided to just put it aside. Before putting away the ceramic teacup, he took a look at his searching limb, seeing it covered in a fair bit of dust. He unconsciously rubbed it between his fingers, feeling the chalky sensation. His face paled, a fading memory made fresh. He lost perception of time, his body stiff, eyes wide as imagery of that horrible fantasy played anew.

"Deku?"

He was pulled back up. Nearly gasping at the intrusion, Izuku turned to look at his new company, seeing the concerned expression of Ochaco as she stood nearby. "Uraraka." The girl took a step forward, still holding the worry in her eyes as she eyed her friend up and down. She seemed to come to a conclusion a moment later.

"Did you, have a nightmare too?" Izuku's wide eyes returned full force, both from her easily reading him, along with the implication of her words.

"I- you too?" Uraraka put on a hard look, then nodded.

"Yeah. The first night back from the hospital. I was back in the alley, when Shigaraki was about to grab you. Except I didn't make it in time. You reached out your hand, but by the time I grabbed it, it went right through, already turned to dust, and then the rest of you." She moved her arms up, hugging herself. "It's hard to forget the look on your face, like you couldn't believe I wasn't fast enough, that I failed." What Ochaco thought would be a sinking feeling was interrupted by Izuku's hands on her shoulders, surprising her as he gazed her firmly in the eyes.

"Never! Even in my nightmare, where it was you turning to dust because help didn't come fast enough, you never stopped giving me the feeling that I would still be safe, up until you couldn't." The pair stood still for a few more seconds, before Izuku seemed to realize his action and stepped back in a hurry, his gaze falling to the side. "I know you'll always do your best, for anyone." He managed to look her directly again. "I trust you with my life, Uraraka."

She just stared back at him, lips slightly parted in shock at how intense and earnest his face was, reinforcing his statement. Amidst this, Izuku finally smiled again, holding out his open hand. "Let's keep watching each other's backs, like we have been all year." Ochaco seemed frozen for a while, until she suddenly mirrored her companion's smile, firmly clasping her hand with his, affirming the vow.

"Right!" What seemed to be a quick action was somehow left on pause, as the two stood there, not letting go of each other's hand, simply gazing at one another in some suspended moment of time. Ochaco could feel nothing but vigor emanating from Izuku, a force she was doing her best to replicate to show her own level of dedication. Yet, eventually, something threw her off.

She didn't know when, or if she was just imagining it, but there was a subtle shift in the One For All holder's expression. He was still looking upon her in obvious admiration and happiness, however there was something more leaking through that caused Ochaco to feel her cheeks heating up. It was almost like he was fawning over her.

Before her heartbeat could catch on, she instinctually let go of their bond and jerked away, turning her back to Izuku in a flash, trying to calm her somewhat flushed face. "Uraraka, are you okay?!" her friend asked in a panic. Recognizing her overreaction, Ochaco did her best to recover and swung around to face him again, putting on a distracting grin.

"O-oh yeah! Sorry, I just felt a tingle from my back, that's all!" Izuku seemed to accept it, his worry faltering in place of understanding.

"Oh. Did you need a scratch to make it go away?" he offered, taking a step towards her. Ochaco responded by waving her hands in front of her.

"No, no, no, it's fine!" she insisted, buying time to find an out. "Let's just clean up and head to bed. It's getting close to curfew anyway." Again, her deflection seemed to pay off. The pair tidied up the kitchen for a few minutes, finishing off the dishes in the sink and put away anything that was unused or already dry in the rack. Just as they were about to call it done, a shout from the common room drew their attention.

"Holy crap!" Recognizing the source as Kaminari, who had stayed behind to settle a grudge match with Sero on the console, the two rushed over to see what the commotion was about. When they arrived by the TV, they found the two had evidently finished their squabble, the screen turned off and the guys crowding around Kaminari's phone, their faces set in astonishment.

"Kaminari, what's wrong?" Izuku asked, approaching the electrifying teen with concern. Denki just looked up at him in disbelief.

"Dude, did you not get the news alert?" Izuku paused, realizing he hadn't checked his phone in a while. Pulling it out, he indeed saw a notification for a breaking news update. All previous awkwardness forgotten, Ochaco leaned in close to watch the accompanying video broadcast. As it played out, the pair's faces matched those of their fellow students.

"This… this is…"

"Unreal!"

The statement was shared by the rest of those in attendance, all being members of either the Police Force or Heroes Public Safety Commission. The gathered dozen or so individuals stared at the baffling broadcast and accompanying data, the latter of which was only viewable to those within the room. The broadcast itself was being fed all the way from India, where an on-street reporter was currently interviewing several confused and frightened-looking individuals.

The man at the head of the meeting, standing beside the projection, shifted to give a better view of the information displayed next to the news. "This is only the first wave. Within the hour Japan will know about the rest." He tapped on the holographic monitor, which shifted to a display of the earth and its various countries. Everyone in the room tensed as more and more affected nations were plotted out on the map, accompanying news casts popping up beside each territory.

"Brazil. The States. Nigeria. United Kingdom. All experienced a massive power surge and accompanying blackout, in addition to a bizarre wave of energy that no one has been able to identify. In the aftermath there was no real damage to any infrastructure or personnel, but one thing was common in all these calamities: all quirks vanished."

The room's tension multiplied. Another member of the meeting couldn't help himself and stood up, visibly shaken. "This can't be a coincidence! With the global quirk manifestation drop, and now this? It's unnatural to the highest degree!" The room was briefly filled with chatter of agreement, until the foreman asked for silence.

"That connection has been drawn by the other global hero associations and law enforcement. The state of affairs around the world is chaotic at best, but the backlash has steered clear of violence thus far. In fact, there have been anomalies that only further the mystery." Before anyone could ask, another monitor came to life, displaying what appeared to be numerous police reports. "Several patrols across the affected countries have reported finding seemingly stray villains at their borders, apparently having thought to sneak in during the confusion."

"And pray on the defenseless no doubt," one of the police executives growled. The foreman nodded.

"However, they weren't encountered running amok. Instead, detained and/or incapacitated criminals have been discovered, beaten and, often times, terrified." The meeting attendees stiffened. "Those that were still conscious and interrogated kept babbling about a 'red cliff', as well as powerful assailants who utilized quirks on par with high-level pros." A commission member leaned forward in his seat.

"It sounds like an organized group of vigilantes, but this kind of scale… how is it even possible? Who's to say the world won't be deprived of its quirks by the end of the year?" The question flooded the room with unease, as well as prompted another of the Police Force to speak up.

"These fears, drastic as they may be, hold true. Just the other day we had investigated an anonymous tip on the League of Villains, apparently given the location of their latest position. What we found was a construction site with evidence of a battle. Not only was the location a mess, but first responders found a crater caused by an explosive device. Further examination discovered trace amounts of a substance produced by the quirk of Jin Bubiagawara, better known as Twice, as well as dust particles, the molecular makeup of which match remains of objects destroyed by Tomura Shigaraki." He paused, letting the information sink in. "Whoever these people are, they've likely already infiltrated our very own Japan; other heavily populated countries as well."

The door to the meeting room received several solid and urgent knocks as the group discussed these findings, with the foreman calling for the newcomer to enter. When a police officer entered, looking distraught, it caught the attention of all inside. "What is it, lieutenant?" The man approached his superior, handing over a report.

"Sir, it's been over 24 hours. Pro hero Death Arms has been declared missing." Several gasps echoed around the room, as the man leading the meeting stared in astonishment at the paper in his hands.

"Just what the hell is happening?"

I really want to be a bit more consistent with these, no longer than two weeks, but looks like I still have a ways to go. In the meantime, there's plenty of other stories out there that are awesome in their own ways.

Bottech: Very glad to hear that, I appreciate the encouragement.

patrickthenobleman: Ah, sorry to hear that. Happy to see all this speculation going on though, it really makes it more fun to keep developing the story.

Karlos1234ify: Much thanks!

Sentinel07: Eh, to be fair I did change the wording a bit.

The Keeper of Worlds: Two things that bring a smile to my face, thank you!

Hope you enjoyed and thanks for any comments/reviews!

next chapter: Top-Down