Hello Hello! Yes its another update, the next day! I was gonna wait till 1 week but sod it, we could all do with a bit of extra distraction, right? Not sure when I'll do the next one, but probably sooner than two weeks. Stay tuned! Enjoy!
As the school empties, I lean against the window outside the teachers lounge. I can go in, I know this. But instead I put my head on the glass and stare at the now emptying school grounds. The reporters have been shooed away and the mania of this lunchtime is a mere memory. Yet the pit in my stomach remains. Shigaraki. As the panic swelled in that corridor, my mind immediately snapped to him, assuming he had to be close. Why? It had been a long time since I'd escaped him, a long time since I thought about him more than a passing consideration. But in that corridor I felt the fear all over again. Like it was brand new. Why am I getting like this now? Is it the school? Or is it just the cameras? I bite my lip and hit my head off the glass, the thunder in my brain doing little against the other noise. All those cameras, catching snippets of me, glances. They don't need to report me as Shouta's kid in order to catch Shigaraki's attention. If he's still around. I smirk. Of course he is, shitheads like him don't have the decency to drop dead as we'd all hope. They linger.
But if that is why I'm scared, it's foolish. I've barely been in front of the cameras beyond side glances as we head into school or meander from class to class. The reporters are here for All Might, but we're potentially in the background. If Shigaraki sees me in any of those photos will he come for me? My heart picks up a notch. It was all too easy to imagine him waltzing up those stairs, wandering into the halls, grinning like always. Shit. I should tell Shouta, shouldn't I? Should I? He's got the whole class to think of, his work, his patrolling. And Shigaraki might not even be a real threat. It could just be me being a paranoid idiot. Then again it isn't like I don't have reason to be afraid–
A hand lands on my shoulder.
I scream and lurch away, a bubble around me immediately. But there's no pain, no skin peeling and acrid smell of rot. No. Instead, my long suffering guardian stands, hand hovering where I once was, tired eyes scanning me as his brow pinches in concern. Dammit. So much for keeping my cool.
Shouta lowers his hand. "Sorry for keeping you waiting and… apparently scaring you witless. Alex? What's got you so spooked?"
I straighten and drop the shield, smoothing myself down and failing to think of a good lie. Shit. Come on imagination, pull something out of my arse. Don't ladle his plate with potential nonsense.
Shouta steps forward and tucks some hair behind my ear. "I heard about your issue at lunch. Is that what this is about? You still feeling on edge after the alarm?"
"Who told you?" My face heats up despite this being a golden opportunity. Yes. That's all it is. I just got panicked by the mayhem, taken off guard. It shook me up. No lingering phantoms from my past and paranoia turning me into a crazy basket case.
"Iida is a concerned classmate. He mentioned your nerves in case it happened during class. Asked me to be discreet but hey… I'm an asshole like that." He winks and puts his arm round my shoulder. "So? The alarm got under your skin?"
"Yeah… I guess it was just the fact the school feels so safe, y'know?"
He nods and gives a gentle squeeze before letting go. We head for the car. He stays close, murmuring about how they're upping defences and that I have nothing to worry about. Just a random attack on the defences. Apparently every now and then some upstart villain gets it into their head to have a pop at the school. It's routine. Yet I don't feel comforted. There's an edge to his voice, and as I settle into my seat and do up my belt, a chill settles into my skin. I shiver and put my head against the car window, closing my eyes so that Shouta might assume I'm just tired.
Dammit Shigaraki, get out of my head.
Over the years of living with Shouta, he had of course spotted my extensive scarring. We only had the one bathroom. He caught me scurrying to my room in my towel once and asked his questions after spotting the marks peek into view. What happened? Who hurt you? How did it happen? My whole back is covered by the patchwork effect, some pale, some dark. I told him it was a few things. A fire gone bad, me being woken as it caught onto my jacket. Another mark was supposedly a car having hit me. Another being me falling from a moving vehicle. The glance he got was barely anything, I'm not sure he even knows they're vaguely handprint shaped. He seemed to buy it at the time though, the streets were messy.
The truth would only make him worry. I'd already given him enough of that, and until he needed to know, I'd save him that much.
The marks are barely distinguishable for what they originally were made by. Handprints don't stay very distinct when the effect bleeds out and the scabbing keeps getting ripped off by a cruel shithead. Shigaraki would always laugh and call me his little bird, spitting venom about his need to clip my wings. I scratch the small patch that reaches over my shoulder, the scarring smooth these days. Many years of decent medicine and some good exfoliants had helped. Shouta hates the marks. Hates to be reminded that there were some things he couldn't prevent and some people he simply couldn't protect.
I cook dinner and we eat in front of the TV, laughing at the god awful sitcom and then making popcorn for a movie. I let him pick, too busy snuggling into a blanket and cradling the warm snack in its usual bowl. Homework done, madness of the day left long behind. I hope the past might eventually stop nipping at my nerves as well.
I wake as I'm being carried through the apartment. I grumble and clutch my blanket closer.
Shouta chuckles and lays me down on my bed, pulling my duvet over. "I'm going out on a quick patrol. Just helping secure the suburban areas after the school thing today."
"Don't be long." I frown and purse my lips, I am not helping myself act normal.
He kneels. "You can talk to me, kid. That's still true, right?"
I peek, seeing the concern flaring in his eyes. I smile. "Of course."
"If you need to talk about the media, or the class stress or… I dunno, whatever it is that's knocked you sideways, just let me know. I'm here. Or… y'know… in a figurative sense sometimes. The patrol was bad timing." He rolls his eyes at himself and I laugh softly, nuzzling into my pillow more. "You gonna be okay?"
"I'll be passed out any minute. Go and concentrate on your work old man."
He smirks and nods, pulling his goggles down and heading out the door. I hear him for a couple more moments before the front door closes and the locks slide into place. Alone.
I close my eyes and try to sleep, but a chapped lip smile flashes into view. My eyes fly open. I stare at the pale light bleeding under my curtains, the neighbour's porch light for their back stair exit flickers every so often. Most nights I notice, it annoys me. Tonight, it's almost soothing. I take a deep breath and try again, closing my eyes and counting to ten. Red door. Rusted bed. Chapped grin. Shit. I'm sitting bolt upright, clinging to the duvet so hard my knuckles creak. I flick on my light and examine the room like a child checking for the boogie man. Dammit he's crawled under my skin.
I lay back and stare at the ceiling, wishing I could simply delete the memories. But I can't. That's not how these things work. No. But at the same time, I have to do something, I can't let these nerves win. No hero is gonna get anywhere jumping at her own shadow, her own past. It was so long ago. I escaped. I'm free.
I'll find you little Alex! I'll find you!
I grit my teeth and get up, pacing as I try and steady myself. But the circles only have me thinking back on the tiny room they kept me in, the tiny rusted bed and moldy mattress. The damp walls and locked doors. Nope, this isn't working, this is only going to lead to my power flaring and then I have to try and explain a crushed lamp or ruptured door. Maybe a hot shower would help.
I go to the bathroom, lock the door and set the water going. I step into the torrent and up the temperature as much as I dare. As though I can scald the scarring off. No chance. I put my head to the cold tiles and think back on all my training, all that I've learned since I escaped. I'm not that scared little girl anymore, I can fight. I'm not defenceless or at his mercy. My knees shake and I slide down, sitting on my knees, curling over till my head rests against the bottom of the bathtub.
Wiry laughter echoes in the back of my mind.
"Fuck you!" I scream at the memories of small rooms, locked doors and endless laughter. Of quirk tests and endurance courses. Blood coated my chin for days without sleep and sunshine became a word that meant little. I hug myself and rock, my ribs are less pronounced these days, the skin less waxen from lack of nutrition and care. Yet still the fear remains. My throat burns as my eyes itch with the tears, my teeth aching as I clench them harder and harder.
But the images remain.
The fear remains.
It stains deeper, creeping into the present.
I tug on my hair. "Fuck you!"
A knock sounds.
I jolt, going very still as I stare through the wet curtain of my hair. Had that knock really happened? I stare at the crack at the far end of the bathtub, counting my laboured breaths.
Another knock, followed by an awkward clearing of a throat.
"I hope that wasn't actually aimed at me, girl?" Hizashi's voice melts into the steam and the tension slumps from my shoulders. I bite my lip, body juddering in relieved though still unnerved sobs. Emotions spill all over my mind. I put a hand over my mouth, trying to avoid cackling or sobbing. Either right now would not be good.
Shouta must have wanted someone to come by to ensure I wasn't alone tonight. Of course he had, he'd obviously been worried before leaving on patrol. How stupid am I?
"I-I'm fine." I grit my teeth, I can lie better than this.
"I ain't one to usually bother a lady in the bathroom but…" Hizashi gives an awkward chuckle. "Alex you're screaming worse than me!"
"Just go Hiz. I'll be fine. Teenage stuff y'know, nothing to–"
"I get keeping Shouta in the dark cause' he's a class act worrier, but c'mon! It's me! Hizashi your fav' Uncle!"
I can't help the smile that pulls on my wobbling lips. It was true. Ever since becoming Shouta's kid, I'd had Hizashi and Nemuri as my family. Hizashi always knew how to make me smile, I reckon he knew the same for Shouta. As bad as each other, that was us. Hizashi has known me for long enough that I know I can't brush him aside, but he also knows I won't be pushed.
I scrape back my hair. "I'll be out in a minute."
"Hot chocolate time?"
"Only if we've got marshmallows."
"Who the hell would make it without?" He laughs, moving away from the door as he sings, letting me know I am back in my bubble of privacy, but not alone.
I turn off the water. Maybe I could get Hizashi's opinion, with some abstract and vague terms I might avoid worrying him too much. Or would that worry him more? I sigh and towel my hair. Either way, I need to say something to someone or my head is going to explode. That much is clear.
I get my robe from my room and go to the kitchen where two hot chocolates steam on the counter. Hizashi pops a couple extra marshmallows on top of mine.
He tilts his head and smiles, lowering those glasses down his pointed nose. "So, fancy a talk? Shouta mentioned you were outta sorts, but I dunno that he had the full picture, hm?"
"Sorry you had to hear that." I sit on the stool and hold the mug close, breathing in the sugar. "Didn't exactly expect company."
"Oh, you mean you don't like people knowing about your problems?" He went wide-eyed and put a hand to his chest, looking left and right and shaking his head. "I had no idea! What a revelation from the kid who refused to mention having a fever for two days, letting herself get so sick she went and flopped onto the carpet in front of us all. That being just one example, little lady."
"You're a sarcastic ass."
"And you're terrible at asking for help, girl!" He leans on the counter, head on upturned palms. "Lay it on me."
I grab a spoon and start making the marshmallows bob under the chocolatey surface. "It's… complicated."
Hizashi sighs and pulls up a stool. "I can keep it on the down-low if that's the problem."
"Y'mean it?"
"Yeah, but if I think it's something Shouta should know, I'm gonna pester you in that direction. Deal?" He holds a hand out and I clasp it tightly, his brow furrowing as he notes my shivering. "With all the steam that came rushin' out that bathroom, there's no way you should have a chill. What's going on, Alex?"
"Did Shouta mention my uh… my less than desirable reaction to the alarm?"
"You mean the panic attack?" Hizashi takes a sip, raising a brow as I wince. "Alex it's hardly something to be ashamed of. Things get under our skin, gonna happen to us all at some point. I did it live on air once, not pretty."
"I bet it usually happens if something's actually wrong though." I grumble, licking the spoon. He frowns but waits, he wants information and right now the story is brimming my tongue. I know I can depend on these people, I know they can help. Like I said, they're my family. But that's just it. I don't want to get them into the firing line either. "I started… I started wondering if a part of my past had come back to… to make good on its promises."
Hizashi sits up. "We talking an angry hobo or something a bit more intense?"
I try to laugh but it catches in my throat and tumbles into a spluttered choke. I clasp the mug tighter and focus on the heat. Details edged out; a villain named Shigaraki kidnapped me a long time ago, used me and studied my power, but I got away. He was little more than a bully, but one with a horrible power. With a touch, he can decay anything, turn metal to dust, crumble whole buildings, dissolve a person in seconds if he so wished.
By the time I'm done, the shivering has gotten worse and I'm basically convulsing in my seat. "B-But I didn't wanna tell Shouta because… Because it might not even matter. There's n-no real reason to think it's Shigaraki going for the school, I just hadn't really thought a-about the press and what it might mean till now. W-What it could lead to."
"You think he'll come for you if he realises where you are?"
"Maybe? One day?" I shrug and put my head on the countertop. "It's all so stupid. He has nothing to do with anything right now. Just the idea of him has me this rattled… It's so pathetic."
"Nah, it's called survival." Hizashi comes round and pulls me into a hug that I gladly accept. "Clearly the guy tormented you, so it's natural for someone as clever as you to be focusing on the tiny details. It's how you got away, right? I'm guessing it was your smarts that got you away from the shithead?"
I nod. "I swear there's no reason to think he was actually involved with the breach today though."
"Mm. Suppose not." He says, and something tells me there's a detail I'm missing, but then I just push the paranoia away. Hizashi's just thinking of how to proceed. Don't go and throw paranoia at everyone. They'll end up hating me if I do that. Do not become a burden, Alex.
"Don't tell Shouta. There's no–"
"You don't wanna mention it in case this guy's just a boogeyman from your past. Might not even be a problem now, right?"
I nod again.
Hizashi holds me away slightly, eyes scanning over me and lingering on the mark peeking out from under my robe.
His eyes tighten. "You said dissolve."
My lips purse into a thin line.
Hizashi's grip on my arms tightens. "C'mon, are those scars this Shigaraki's work?"
I nod, accepting another hug and keeping my eyes fixed on the ceiling. I don't need to close them to see it though. The dark room with chains holding me up. Punishment for disobeying, a means to hone my skill and sharpen my senses. Over and over the hand would press into my skin and I'd smell that acrid stench. Skin slops onto the ground in a wet pile and with it fresh blood. I belonged to Shigaraki. I was his play thing, and the key to the bigger plans. Whatever that meant.
Hizashi sets me back on the stool. "With any luck, the guy's dead. But I might ask around for–"
"No!" I lift the hot chocolate back into the spilled mug with my power. "Going looking is only gonna attract attention. Please. Just… Just leave it alone Hizashi. I told you in confidence, remember?"
He doesn't look sure, but he concedes and holds his hands up. "All right, all right. But if there's any sign of this Shigaraki guy turning up, I'm spilling the beans if you won't."
I nod. "If he does ever appear, I'll explain everything. I just don't see any reason to go and burden Shouta even more."
A marshmallow hits my head. "You're not a burden you dumbass."
I smile. "I keep trying to believe that."
SHOUTA POV
Perched atop a building as usual, he scans the streets as usual, but his mind is all over the place, which is definitely not usual. Balancing life between being teaching and hero work had never been a problem, but being a parent complicated things occasionally. He grit his teeth. His head was doing pointless circles that helped no one. It wasn't logical. It wasn't helpful. If anything it was going to start affecting every facet of his life. But he couldn't shift the worry, despite the fact she was fine. She was at home sleeping. Hizashi had made it to the apartment, so she wasn't even alone. She was fine. Yet his heart ached. He raised his goggles to rub his eyes. Thinking back on how she had lurched back with that strangled cry in the corridor, it made his whole body fizz. Like he was meant to be ready to fight back against something, but he didn't know what it was. Her face, pale and drawn, eyes wide and on the verge of watering. So full of fear, like he had burned her with his touch. What had she been thinking about? What had her so spooked that she suspected him of harming her? They had been in school, she should feel safe. Yet she had a panic attack after the alarm, to the point that Iida Tenya felt the need to inform a teacher. It must have been bad. That wasn't like her. She had always been so steady. Or had he simply not seen the signs before? He hoped that wasn't the case. That would be awful.
When Tenya mentioned Todoroki being involved in helping, Shouta asked Todoroki aside between classes. Thankfully Alex hadn't noticed. No doubt it would have only lead to her questioning Shouta and getting defensive. That also helped no one. Todoroki had been reserved, like he resented having his efforts thanked, or even noticed. His eyes remained downcast the entire time, hands in fists and jaw tight.
"Why is it you want to know, sir? I helped a classmate. Simple. She was upset, now she's not." It made sense on some level, perhaps Shouta was being a little too worried for just a teacher. But he had to know. He couldn't stand to think of Alex suffering alone. Not talking to him. So he lied like a goddamn coward, but in all fairness the lie was also to keep their connection hidden.
"I need to keep track in case she requires extra assistance for the curriculum, Todoroki."
"Oh…" The boy blinked. "You don't intend to scold her?"
"Why would I scold a student for being anxious?"
The uncertainty in the boy's eyes had been telling. Endeavour had always been a bastard to deal with as a colleague, but until that moment, Shouta had never really considered the man's home life. Clearly it was far from ideal. But one child's problems at a time.
Todoroki frowned. "She was struggling to breathe, seemed overheated and couldn't stop checking her surroundings. Like a constant twitch. I'm not sure she even knew what set it off, sir. Is that sufficient detail, sir?"
"Yes. Thank you, Todoroki."
On the way home she seemed so small in the car, and during dinner. Tiny noises had her flinching, and then she would seem angry at herself for reacting. Like she intended to keep it under wraps. As though she felt the need to hide. He hoped he was just reading too much into things. She was strong. He hated that she had to be, but it was the way things were. Her early years had required her to be forged that way; things lingered in her past like they lingered in his. Losses, fears, worries. The scars on her back would come into play at some point, even if only once she graduated and worked as a hero. Whenever it happened, whoever had done it to her, however it affected her, Shouta would be ready to be there to listen.
He sighs and looks at the hand she lunged back from. The fear in her eyes. That was more than being spooked by an alarm. His hand clenched. He hadn't lost the ability to read her, had he? They were awkward in the beginning, but over the past five years they had gotten so close. They laughed, they talked, they made fun of foolish heroes and their terrible costume choices. She made things that bit brighter. That hadn't changed without him noticing, had it?
All he wanted was to understand so that he could help.
But he knew all she wanted was to forget.
He put his goggles back on and took out his phone. {How's it going, Hiz?}
Loudmouth: [Grand. Having hot chocolate with ALL them marshmallooows. All good on patrol, man?]
Shouta frowns. Whenever Alex had a nightmare he would make her hot chocolate, staying close till she was ready to go back to sleep or talk. More often than not it was the former, but occasionally the latter applied. Sometimes it was just recalling dodgy hobos. Sometimes it was waking thinking someone was chasing her. Most of the time she just brushed it off as 'kids stuff' and he had to swallow it with a nod. There was no point pushing. But hot chocolate was their bridge, their way of getting her down from those panting hysterics and back to herself.
He tried not to imagine her waking with a broken shriek and it being Hizashi instead to come to her aid. Nemuri had been right. Shouta should have asked someone else to cover his patrol.
He sighs. He has to ask. {Hot chocolate? By yourself? Patrol is fine. Nothing is happening.}
Loudmouth: [Our girl heard me come in and fancied a sweet treat, that okay?]
Shouta breathes out slowly, hanging his head for a moment. No need to panic. If something bad had happened Hizashi would tell him, of course. Just because she happened to like hot chocolate after a nightmare or when she was ill, didn't mean that had to be the case. They were just having a hot chocolate together. Probably talking about some new film or shitty music. Perfectly innocent.
{Fine. Of course, sorry. Being paranoid.}
Loudmouth: [She's fine, man. Concentrate on your work, bud. We're good.]
Shouta put his phone away, he was being too clingy. She had to deal with things herself, and sometimes 'fine' meant that she was fine. It didn't need to mean she was hiding things. But worry gnaws at the pit of his gut. He got up and started making his way across some rooftops. Hopefully it was just paranoia.
ALEX POV
Special training in a specially made facility. This school really is fancy. I settle down next to Tsu and pick at my costume as the bus rumbles along. I like my costume more and more as I wear it. It gives me a kind of shield against the world: I can see them, but they can't really see me. Well, my expression at least. My eyes see so clearly through the silvered patches but all they see are silver eye shaped ovals sparkling back at them. I'm glad Shouta encouraged me to stick with my original design. It fits. It suits me. I trace the silvered patterns, designed in a manner similar to the constellations. I never got to see them much living on the streets, the city light pollution always got in the way. But Shouta had taken me out of the city a couple times during our time together, let me see them for real. It was amazing. It feels like I'm honouring the scope he's given my life. Then again, I also don't expect him to have picked up on that kinda detail.
The conversation rumbles around the bus and eventually ends up landing on Bakugo. It seems his attitude has already won him a couple people's disapproval. I almost feel sorry for the guy before he starts yelling right back and snarling. I sigh and shake my head, looking out the window as we enter a more spacious part of town. A large dome is in the distance. I assume that's the centre we're heading towards. I wonder what's inside.
We pile off the bus and get ready to go inside. I rock back on my heels and try to prepare myself for whatever the hell we're facing in there. Is it gonna be pure power training, or some theory thrown in as well? I'm deep in my thoughts when someone tugs on my hood. I jolt and flinch back from the strange sensation, surprised to find Bakugo slowly lowering his hand.
He shrugs. "Wanted to see if it was attached."
"You could have just asked y'know?" I snort, the hood aspect of my costume being totally attached to my mask, but made of the same material as the eye patches. They can't see in, but I can see out.
He nods and looks ahead again. "Guess so."
I clear my throat and knock on the side of his one gauntlet. "Only one today?"
"Couldn't be assed with both."
"Fair enough." I have no idea why he's initiated a conversation. We said our 'apologies' and otherwise we don't really socialise. For some reason though Kirishima is watching us closely. "Um… Bakugo, is there something you were wanting to–"
"You're pretty good with that power." He snaps, scuffing the ground with his boot.
"Thanks." I tilt my head. "Same to you."
And he's gone. He strode off with a grumble under his breath that I failed to catch. He goes to Kirishima, the redhead soon nudging him and seeming pleased about something. I'm not sure if this is me failing to understand my own age-group, boys, or people in general. But whatever it is, I am lost.
"Nervous?" Ura asks, nudging my shoulder and breaking me out of my confusion.
I nod. "A little. Not sure what to expect."
Todoroki steps closer to us. "I'd guess from the size of the facility at least something to do with our quirks, not to mention our costumes." His eyes run up and down me. "Yours is very mysterious Alex. Did you intend it to be?"
"I uh… I guess so?"
"Or is it so you can hide?" He tilts his head and I feel my face heat beneath the mask. Is he assuming I want to hide because of my stupid panic attack? Am I just a wimp to this guy now? He frowns and looks me over again. "Sorry, did I say something wrong?"
"What makes you think I wanna hide?"
He blinks. "Just the costume design. Why?"
I deflate. "Oh. Right."
His brow smoothes. "I wasn't meaning to insinuate anything due to your pani–"
"Okay!" I wave my hands. "Thank you for clarifying. Time to get on with things!" I dash off before the awkwardness of everything can swallow me whole. I practically run to the front of the group and wedge myself into the conversation that Midoryia and Iida are having. Anything to be rid of that confused stare. The guy is just a bit awkward I think, but he doesn't half make me feel small.
Rescue. Okay, I can handle that, that's easy enough. Unless I end up pushing too far. If I'm in the landslide area the weight of obstacles could be a problem. Maybe in the fire area I could help subdue flames by restricting oxygen. Hm. Lots of possibilities.
But of course, these things are never simple. These things are never easy.
The world didn't want us to have it easy.
Light surges around the arena, bulbs burst and only daylight peering in through the windows is left. The hairs on the back of my neck twinge. This doesn't feel like training. A purple shape bubbles into view and my stomach ices over, as figures begin to emerge. A portal. I stall on the stairs. Instinct is screaming at me to run up a fire escape or drain-pipe like the old days. Something isn't right, this isn't part of the training. Does that guy at the front have pale blue hair?
I grab Midoryia's sleeve and hold him still, stopping him from getting even an inch closer. This is wron–
Shouta confirms my fears. This isn't anything to do with the tests. This is real. Those are villains. Shit. Oh shit. The numbers pouring out of the portal have me retreating a few steps whilst my fellow students murmur nervously. I'd seen gangs before, but this was something new. A couple faces I recognise, but they usually flew solo. They were small time, not attacking a major school full of pro hero teachers. What the hell? I force myself to look at that lead figure again, denying my mind's want to run away from the truth. I've fallen into one of my nightmares. Shit. Please no.
Shigaraki.
This is real, I'm not going to be woken by a panicked Shouta who then holds me close and assures me it's all a dream. No. Not this time. There's no hot chocolate about to cancel out the bitter taste at the back of my throat. No. My imagination isn't getting away from me, it isn't just the panic speaking, this is real. He's here. Lanky as ever, pale blue hair shaggy as it covers his face where the weird hands don't. Shit. Shigaraki's right there. This is too close, he's too close to my friends, my new life, to Shouta.
Does he know I'm here, or is it a coincidence?
Only Shouta and Thirteen are here dammit, they can't take all these on. Shouta's fighting style isn't even suited to– Midoryia steals my line. Glad to know I'm not the only one thinking it. But Shouta isn't having any of it. He has a job to do. As a teacher and a hero, probably as a parent too. Don't you dare get killed for me Shouta. Don't you dare. He jumps into the fray. Nah, you don't only have one trick, but you do only have one life. Please don't leave me. I'm not ready to be alone yet. Not ever. I'm about to run down the stairs after him, to help him, when Thirteen grabs my wrist and heaves me back.
I struggle like an idiot. "Let me go!"
"I know what you want to do, but don't."
"But he's–"
"C'mon Alex, have a little faith." She pushes me to join the others and I do as I'm told.
She's right. I'd just get in the way. I'd fuck it up.
I join my classmates, hating it as much as they do. None of us want to stand by and watch–except maybe Mineta. But we don't get to watch for long. The air shifts behind us as the portal appears in front of the exit. Golden eyes peer out of the darkness as the villain looms, laughs, and threatens us. His voice rumbles in the pit of my stomach. Was he always with Shigaraki? Did I simply not meet him when I was younger? It's typical villain stuff the portal guy says but something about those glowing golden eyes makes me cold. This isn't a game, this isn't training, this is something most of my class have never faced before. The genuine intent to harm. They will genuinely hurt us. We have to do something. Anything.
"Hold me steady Midoryia."
His hand lands on the small of my back. "Okay, but why? What're you doing?"
"Probably something stupid."
The dark portal-like body fluctuates in the air, writhing like dark flames caught in an up-draught. Time to stop him moving, there has to be a physical body in there somewhere, or rather I blood hope there is. I take a deep breath. The edges of his wriggling mass grow still and start to get smaller. Bit by bit I contain him. He glares at the whole group, trying to figure out which kid it is. They don't know our powers, good to know. I just stay blank and look around like the others.
"A pesky little mouse thinks they can take me on?" He laughs loudly. "My, my, a bold class indeed. You live up to your school's reputation."
"Whoever's doin' that keep going!" Kirishima laughs, jumping into the fray with Bakugo instead of letting Thirteen take up position. Damn it.
I hold still, but the containment is already taking too long. The villain's strong. And his mass is so shakey, so fluid. It's like when I tried to hold back that snow storm two Christmases ago. No use. Warmth tickles my nose and despite trying to sniff it back, I know he's seen. Golden eyes narrow on me, and the darkness surges towards me, battling against my bubble in that one spot. It's like a corkscrew is trying to burrow into my mind.
Twist. Twist. Twist.
"Shit." I hiss, buckling against Midoryia who holds me up.
My power gives way. The strange dark flames rush forward and I shove Midoryia aside, letting them only wash over me as far as I know. Voices cry out. Ura, Midoryia, Tsu. They all scream. Are they all being affected? Movement washes me away. The air tumbles, my lungs ache as they are robbed of oxygen and my stomach churns with the endless tumbling. Land already. Land. I force my eyes open and watch my friends slip out of view. I close my eyes, unable to take the strange oily darkness pressed against my sight. Splashes. A thunderstorm. Lashing rain and crackling fire. I hear all sorts, but I keep swirling. I groan and try to grip onto something, with my hands or power, but nothing sticks.
"The fuck… nnggh…" I'm gonna be sick.
"He was so very upset when you ran away." The portal voice slithers into my ears and he chuckles as I grit my teeth. "He will be so thrilled to have you back."
"Not–Going… Back."
"We shall see. Perhaps he will be too bored of you and simply kill you instead..."
Finally I land, the hard ground punishing against my back. Ow. I stare up at a white ceiling, but it isn't a hospital and it isn't home either. It's still the USJ. Combat sounds nearby, I know that much at least. I try to sit up, but my body just stays still, reeling from the strange portal attack, limbs feeling full of water.
I need to move, I need to run, I need to get back to Thirteen.
"Oh good." All my nightmares come true at once as he kneels into view.
Shigaraki.
Dun dun duuuuun. Yeah I'm a bit mean cutting it off during the USJ haha, but hey... gotta keep that anticipation, eh? See you soon guys, hope the extra update helped, even if only a little.
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