Dun dun duuuuuun. Another week, another update! Enjoy!


SHOUTA POV (small jump back to the morning of the Kamino Ward Incident)

Shouta woke from Nemuri's quirk attack; calmer but still annoyed she had used her power. Yet he remained still as his body came back to the waking world. He couldn't blame her, eventually he would have to thank her–deep down he was glad they had stopped him. The worry, fear and inability to act had warped him into a reckless mess. It would have helped no one, least of all, Alex. The tingling in his arms and legs lessened. He sat up. A sandwich had been left beside him on the sofa, and he ate it slowly, watching the ticking clock, glad it was only the next morning. The evening would bring the conference and the raid. He set the empty plate down and hauled himself from the sofa. No sign of Nemuri or Hizashi yet. Time for a shower.

His jumpsuit hit the cold tiles and he toed off his socks. The ache in his shoulder throbbed, his body not liking sleeping anywhere but his bed those days. Alex would have told him off. He took a step towards the curtain, about to pull it back and step in, when he paused and looked back at the pile of clothing.

Don't just leave it lying around old man. I'm a real shitty maid, so unless you wanna smell like mildew, use the basket.

His sassy daughter didn't put up with his nonsense; hands on hips, brow raised, smirk on and dark eyes twinkling with mischief. A force to be reckoned with. She kept him right. He ignored how his lips wobbled and instead smiled softly, moving the garments to the laundry basket before stepping into the hot torrent and scrubbing himself clean.

Bubbles ran off his skin and he picked up the purple bottle that smelled like flowers.

It's called conditioner. Try it ya scarecrow.

He ran the product through his hair and put his head against the tiles, allowing the hot water to drum against his back, loosening his muscles and soothing the aches that had nothing to do with physical bruises.

"Please…" he muttered to nothing in particular, it had been a long time since he believed in anything 'god-like' if he ever had, but it was worth a try. At that point, anything was. His voice thickened. "Please let this work. Let… Let her come home."

A sharp knock sounded on the door. "Y'okay in there man? Didn't realise you woke up!"

Shouta swallowed hard. "Y-Yeah. Yeah I'm good."

"Want me to fire up the coffee machine, yo?"

"Sure." Shouta smiled and let his head hang back into the water, rinsing the conditioner. Muttering to the air wasn't going to accomplish anything. Getting into the day and into the plans, was. Time to get going. Time to get involved.

Reappearing in the kitchen, wearing his joggers, Shouta perched on a stool. Hizashi poured him a coffee and Nemuri made herself some toast. Her eyes stayed low. She had been fully justified in her actions, but Shouta knew she would feel guilty. It had been a last resort. It always was.

"C'mon Nem, look at me."

She chewed.

"I even had a shower. I'll shave my face later… No point doing it twice if the conference is tonight, right?"

She nearly dropped her toast. "You… You mean you'll do the conference?"

"If it helps bring her home, yeah." He took a long sip of his coffee. "I don't fucking like it, but I went and showed my hand last night. I'm not going to be of any use on the raid."

She smiled and went round to this side, red fingernails tracing the scar on his elbow from the USJ. She bit her lip. "I'm sorry I–"

"Thanks for keeping me here. And sorry you had to."

Nemuri and Hizashi look at each other, right before they swaddle him in crushing hugs. Alex would have laughed at them, sentimental old fools that they were. Normally he would have brushed them off, told them off for being so irrational, but not that morning. That morning he held them close and let himself appreciate who he still had close to hand.

Bit by bit he felt more like himself. More grounded. Panic remained, simmering under the surface, but he would let it out in the right way. In determination to bring Alex home, the right way. Despite blatant secondary motives, the Principal's plan had merit.

A knock sounded at the front door.

Was there news? Had they already found her? Maybe she escaped already and found her way home.

Hizashi held a hand out to Shouta as he rose from his stool, making Shouta sit back and try to calm himself. Yeah, the panic was right there, waiting to be unleashed. No. The police would have called. Or she would have simply come in. Perhaps 'grounded' had been too generous.

Hizashi opened the door to a withered looking Toshinori. The Number One stepped inside and Shouta gestured to the nearby empty stool. Fresh tea was made.

Toshinori looked between the other two and then Shouta. "So how're you feeling Aizawa?"

"They told you, huh?" Shouta stared at his own empty mug before Nemuri retrieved it and refilled it with fresh tea. "I'm fine."

"Pretty sure we all hate that word." Toshinori chuckled, thanking Nemuri for his own cup.

Shouta smirked. "Fair enough. I'm feeling… Human."

"Considering the circumstances, that's about as good as it's gonna get, right?"

"Probably." Shouta doubted Alex was feeling very human in that moment. He shook his head and stayed in the moment, in the apartment, amongst his friends. "How come you're here, Toshinori?"

Toshinori flinched. "I uh… Well I wanted to see how things were going. And to… offer my apologies."

Shouta sighed. "No need."

"No, Aizawa. I need to say–"

"Nothing. You need to say nothing." Shouta scraped his hair back and met the man's tired eyes, finding no trace of All Might. No, this wasn't the hero, this was the man. A man feeling guilt for something he had no control over. Perhaps they were all feeling very human that morning. "Alex wouldn't stand for it, neither will I. You weren't there, you didn't know. That isn't on you. And… Frankly we have no reason to think you're directly involved. The League of Villains has you as a target, but that clearly isn't their only intended action."

Toshinori blinked, eyes studying his tea.

Shouta continued. "Alex being taken, Bakugo being taken… It's some other ploy. Whatever it is, even if it is only to lure you out, it isn't your fault. I don't blame you, and I know Alex wouldn't either."

"Bakugo might." Toshinori smirked and Shouta joined him. But jokes aside, they all knew how much the fiery boy adored All Might. No. Blame didn't land anywhere but in the lap of the League.

"We'll get them back. Or we'll do our damn best to." Shouta added, voice pinching as he said it aloud.

The kitchen stilled. It was all well and good to pretend like 'nothing would get in their way' that 'they would not rest till the kids were safe'. But they knew nothing. They had no idea what was happening. They didn't even know if the kids were alive. That was the truth. The un-shiny truth lingering in the back alleys of their minds, waiting to be accepted. They could fight with everything they had… but that didn't mean everyone would survive.


SHO POV (Back to where we left off, the night of the Incident)

The city noise fell away as they reached the outskirts. A small suburban area almost, at least it seemed to mainly be housing. After so much movement in the main streets, the quiet crawled under their skins and had the group huddling closer. The tracker showed they were getting closer to the Nomu at least, but closer to what else? Shouto wasn't sure whether to actually hope to find Alex and Bakugo in the same place as Nomu or not. Yes, it would mean finding them, but in what state? How Shigaraki made those strange creatures remained unclear. Shouto kept his eyes fixed on the quiet lane ahead, not allowing his imagination time to consider possibilities. No. She would be fine. She had to be.

"We should check through a back window." He suggested quietly, not liking how Iida and the others seemed to be getting less sure about their situation. No, they weren't sure what they were looking at, but they couldn't leave yet. Not without a single trace being found.

You really care for this girl, don't you Shouto? His mother had worn a soft smile as she spoke, intelligent eyes studying him closely, never managing to linger on the scar for long. She reached and held his hands, her own so cold. I look forward to meeting her, she must be quiet something to merit such passion in you. I can see that blush you know. Is she pretty?

He hadn't managed to respond. He just hung his head and let her laugh at his embarrassment softly, knowing his answer from his bashful silence. But the words had stalled on his tongue. Of course she was pretty. Alex was amazing to him in so many ways, the words simply didn't work. And on top of that, saying it out loud made it real. It tempted Fate to take her away too soon. Like everything else his life touched. Lost too soon.

He grit his teeth as the argument continued. "C'mon guys, are we here to find them or not?"

"All right." Iida conceded with a deep sigh. "We go and look, but we leave the second there seems to be trouble."

Iida stared right at Shoto. Again Shoto's words stalled; lies were never easy, especially when looking at a friend.

Iida glared. "Right, Todoroki? I know you care about them but–"

"All right." One day he would make it up to Iida. Because the last thing Shoto intended, was leaving Alex behind if there was the smallest chance he could save her. Not only for himself, but for Mr Aizawa and the world. She would make a great Hero. That couldn't be lost.

They filed into the small gap between buildings and Kirishima clambered on top of Iida's shoulders, whilst Midoryia did the same to Shoto. Midoryia was surprisingly heavy. Shoto focused on the steps they were taking closer to reducing their friends, rather than the impending shake of his knees.

The two up top spoke carefully, peering through the window. Momo remained close, worrying her bottom lip and occasionally checking they hadn't been spotted from thes street.

Then Kirishima gasped.

Something was wrong.

"Th-There Midoryia, the back corner. A-And just beside it." Kirishima had never sounded so frightened, before that moment everything had seemed a new challenge to beat. But he sounded like a scared kid all of a sudden.

Shoto focused on holding Midoryia up, trying not to assume they had discovered a dead body inside the building. Alex; eyes staring up blankly, mouth ajar with final screams, skin pale and cold. Shoto grit his teeth. No. She wasn't dead. They had come to help, they had come to find her and Bakugo and get them home.

Midoryia shuddered. "Are those… Nomu? And… No. Is that Alex?"

Shoto was sure he was going to be sick.

Kirishima sighed. "I thought so too, she's kinda distorted behind her shield though. Must be a strong one. We gotta do something, she's being attacked by something."

"Or… Or someone…" Midoryia leaned forward so Shoto did the same, leaning against the wall. Alive. She was alive and fighting. But there was no way of knowing how long she had been trying to hold out. It could be her last few moments of strength left before giving in. They had to act.

Shouto grit his teeth. "We have to–"

"Shh!" Midoryia flinched. "I think I hear… something…"

BOOM.

Rubble and wind sent them all slamming back against the other wall. Midoryia and Kirishima tumbled to the ground, and all of them huddled in the aftermath. Voices rang out, familiar voices. Pro heroes. The whole group relaxed and Shoto dared to hope. The pros were there, Alex would be found and taken to safety quickly. Surely.

"Please…" he muttered. "Please…"


ALEX POV

Bit by bit, he's chipping away at my shield. I don't know if it's been an hour, ten hours, or ten minutes, but my body is on the brink. Not only is fear clouding every thought, but panic is seeping in. Much longer and the pressure behind my power was going to break my bones, as though I'd made no progress at all. Like I'm still just a kid. Dammit. Please. His attacks are scattered, random. Like Bakugo's explosions they test the limits of what I can hold up against. But unlike Bakugo's attacks that looked like blooming flowers over my shield, this villain's are brutal. It's like watching those bullets race towards me and Dad all over again. Or the last flash of light along a knife before someone took a swipe at me on the streets. Metallic, cold, deadly.

If the pros can't reach me in time, if this bastard's about to get my power… I know what I have to do. He can't get this power. I'll have to make the choice. I'll have to end it; snap my own neck. The last thing the world needs is this guy with Telekinesis. I can't let that happen. Not on my watch. Not when I can stop it. It might be the only thing I ever actually accomplish as a 'hero' but it's better than letting this villain loose with my quirk.

"You're holding up very well Miss Aizawa, I must admit that I'm astounded at your resilience. During your recent time on the streets, did you by chance practise this little shield of yours?"

I don't respond.

There's no way of knowing how his mind games work. He might even have a quirk similar to Hitoshi, right? Maybe. No, if he did, he'd legitimately be unstoppable. Okay. Mind control wasn't likely. But I still can't give into his baiting. Mind games didn't have to be quirk enhanced to be effective.

He continues. "I wonder how much this shield will endure once my vision expert turns up. He was having such fun with your mind when we first took you from the camp. He's learned all the little nuances of your mind. Your guilts. Your regrets. Your fears."

I curl into myself tighter. He's playing with me.

"You do remember him don't you? Oh yes, he's been working on you for a while. During the Sports Festival, then in the bar, over and over learning the patterns of your mind. Makes it easier you see. Allows us to plan ahead…"

Shut up. Stop it. Stop it!

"I am confident Miss Aizawa, but I am by no means arrogant. If we fail once, we can try again, but it will never be the same twice. Of that, I can assure you."

Don't listen. They'll be beaten. They won't get to try again. Just don't listen.

"He gave you such lovely visions of being beaten by Eraserhead and Present Mic, don't you recall? He put such work into that one. And the one about Shigaraki paying you a visit. Don't you want another go?"

Fuck. You.

But it's already started. My stamina, whilst recovered, wavers. Bruising crawls over my legs and up my arms; skin yellowing before growing purple, as though small flowers are blossoming. I focus on control, on keeping a lid on it and avoiding injury. But the panic is there. It's got my heart racing, my mind reeling. Any second that vision guy could arrive, he could start a vision. I'll be lost in that dreamlike world and won't know what's up and what's down. Dammit. How can I fight if I'm lost in a dream–

My ankle snaps. "Fuck!"

No. I can control this. Shouta taught me better than this, do him proud, make Dad proud. I breathe deep, focusing on control as well as maintaining the bubble as the villain continues to try and break through. He ups the attacks. Shit. He's just playing with me isn't he? Damn. Pressure builds in the bubble and my tears flow. I can't hold onto this much longer. I can't. I'm running out of time.

"That's it little girl. You're killing yourself, don't you realise?"

"Better that…" I grit my teeth. "Than letting you get my power. That's… not happening."

"Your parents always wanted me to have it."

What? I push the bubble further out.

BOOM.

Part of the building collapses in on itself, the shockwave sending me toppling back as my concentration lapses. Rubble rains down, I bring the bubble back as soon as I can, but a damn wall is trying to crush me, and I can't see where the villain went. Dammit. Where is he?

Stay calm. If it's the pros turning up then you'll be found and taken to safety, taken to Dad. Just breathe. It's so dark back here, but noise is all around, explosions too. Is it a rescue? I don't know. Pain throbs in me everywhere; between the Villain's teasing and the bleeding back at that bar, I'm already weary. A crack splinters along the wall.

I hear the pros talking about the woman from the corner, the one who already had her power stolen. Ragdoll, that was her name, one of the Pussy Cats. At least she had been found. That's something.

I want to call out, to crawl and beg for their help. But the Villain still hasn't revealed himself, I can't distract them yet. He wants an ambush. The wall shudders, parts breaking away and slamming onto my bubble. Ow. Fuck, just hold on a little longer, I can do this, I can make it out of this. I can go home.

Still no sign of him as the pros come closer, trying to investigate.

They're going to be blindsided.

I start to crawl, letting the wall fall away behind me, a dull ache brewing in the back of my skull. Come on. Call out. My throat pinches and I'm just a coughing mess, but I'm slowly crawling closer. I can help. I can–

"Now then, shall we begin?" The Villain's silken voice floats overhead, I don't know what he's planning, but it can't be good. He is so calm, so collected. Completely different to Shigaraki's strange mania, so chilling that I feel like I'm crawling through snow, about to plunge into an icy river.

A creaking noise.

It's Best Jeanist. The creaking sound is the fabric being held in place, the Villain's entire suit binding him where he floats. Initially I'm impressed, but then I'm just wishing I could have already warned the pros. It looks good, but there's no way that attack will keep this Villain subdued. No. He radiates power. This isn't going to end well.

But if the pros are here, what did that mean for the bar? Is Bakugo dead?

The image of that pale leg covered in sweat flashes into my mind, Ragdoll's faint panting before she went still. Oh gods. Please no. Please don't tell me they've done that to Bakugo. I stop myself and put my head in my hands. Don't be stupid, the Villain has been too busy taunting me to hurt Bakugo. Right? All the League will have been doing is trying to persuade Bakugo to join their ranks. Pointlessly, of course. It's fine. He'll be fine.

The Villain gives a sickening laugh as I reach the edge of the debris. I'm still a fair ways back from the area the pro heros are in, a couple metres at least, but I can see the power building in the Villain's frame. It's like he's inflating with power. What the hell is this guy?

The air fizzes. He looms. He strikes.

SLAM.

The power unleashes, and all I see before the rubble rains down onto me is a spray of blood. Did I just witness Best Jeanist die? I land in a heap, barely holding my shield over my form as the weight of the concrete tumbles. I'm being buried alive. They'll never find me. Oh god, I can't breathe, I can't think, the noise rages on beyond this broken darkness and I can't even call out for help.

I peer through the small gap I have, hoping to reach someone, anyone.

Black clouds of goop appear. My tongue tingles. The same stuff? Shit. Who was the villain bringing in now? Bakugo appears, Shigaraki, Dabi, the rest of the league. Reinforcements? My mind reels. Stop watching, start doing. C'mon, time to save yourself, idiot. I try to move, the rubble shifting and pressing harder as I seek escape. Come on. Think. Think you idiot.

"The hell have you done with Alex?" Bakugo snarls, looking all around.

"Oh me and Miss Aizawa were having a lovely chat. I believe she's partially buried under the rubble the rather large young woman created by haphazardly barging into my warehouse."

Black tendrils appear, digging through the rubble. Shit. It's so fast. How does he even know where I am? They snake into the rubble and slice through my partial shield, right into my back. I scream. He's through my shield. No! The noise rips out of me. Is he stealing my power?

"Forceful quirk activation. Come Miss Aizawa, join us."

My power fluctuates, removing the rubble and dragging me closer to the front of the area. The pressure. Shit. Stop. He can't control it properly, new bruises appear across my flesh, I think my pinky finger just broke. I hang by the tendrils, blood running from my nose, puddling beneath my dangling feet. He's activated my quirk but has no clue how to use it without tearing me apart. I try to look up, Bakugo doesn't look like he has any new wounds or bruising. A small victory. I grit my teeth, trying to pinpoint the tendrils. Get them out, get your shield back up. Move them. Come on you can do this.

Bakugo falters, eyes raking over me. "Shit… What's he been doin' Alex?"

I groan, getting hold of the tendrils and ripping them from me. As I cry out, my body crumples against the concrete once more and my shield reseals. The tendrils try again but they clang off my defence. Blood runs down my sides, pooling in the middle of my back. Shit, I hope he didn't hit anything vital.

I hold a thumbs up. "That's the only hit he's managed to land. He's done fuck all else."

Bakugo grins. "Damn right."

"Get the fuck out of here–"

A strike smashes against my shield, like a pin is being pushed into the top of my skull. Pushed by a truck. A truck filled with cement. My nails scrape against the ground, whole body curling in on itself. No. Don't let him in. Don't. I have no idea if I'd be able to repel him a second time if he gets through.

The villain sighs. "As you can see, she is being troublesome."

The pin digs deeper, harder, faster. On and on, like layers of skin are being peeled back, taking my strength with them. No.

Small explosions spark from Bakugo. "Stop it! I'll fuckin' kill you!"

"Just fucking run you moron!" I choke, bruising turning darker, like the colour of ripe plums. Stop this. Don't let the backlash get you. Stop it. Don't let your own power destroy you.

Bakugo snarls. "Not without you, ya dumbass!"

The villain sighs. "It's pointless Miss Aizawa, please just make this simple."

My bones ache. I cling to control, my nails snap, my skin starts to split and I scream in frustration. Just hold on you idiot. Hold on. Hair falls in front of my face. White hair. Shit, my body is falling apart. What else is it going to affect?

Never mind that. I can do this. I can hold… on...

"Very well," the Villain moves away but his attacks don't stop. "If you insist on being stubborn I have no other choice."

The hell is he planning?

I glare at him.

He gestures towards Bakugo. "I'll simply kill your friend instead."

I reach. "No!"

Panic swells. Focus fails. Something snaps. Something breaks.

Oh… Shit.

Ringing drowns my thoughts, filling my body with a strange fizzing numbness. Fuck. Fuck no, please. What did I do? What did I break? After the ringing, comes pain. It brims my mind. The world shrinks to my outstretched hand, reaching for Bakugo, trying to save him. I stare at it, shaking mid-air. What have I done to myself this time?

Except I already know.

I can't ignore it.

The one area no longer hurting, the numbness pressing far harder than any rubble or attack had or could. The truth sinks its teeth in and tears spill down my cheeks. I can't feel my legs. Nothing.

I slump and breathe deep, eyes staring ahead at the ground. It's not real, is it? I try wiggling my toes. Nothing. I try to crawl, to use my legs to push myself forward. Nothing.

Shit.

Suddenly, All Might's voice bellows across the field. "I'll have you return my students, All for One."

"Have you come to kill me a second time, All Might?"

The giants collide above us, but I just meet Bakugo's wide eyes. I have no idea who's more frightened. He takes a single, staggered step towards me, mouth moving but beyond my hearing. No, don't be stupid Bakugo. He needs to get away. He needs to–gah!

I'm thrown back into the shadowed rubble, back into the mess of the building.

"Alex!"

I land in a heap as the din of battle fades.

I swallow hard, the pressure returning as my panic rises. Am I paralysed? How do I get out of All Might's way if I am? What does this mean for being a hero? Will I always be dependent on Shouta and be in his way? A burden? Can Recovery Girl fix this? My heart pounds. My mind scatters.

The crushing returns.

Shit. No, no, no! No, stop panicking! You're fine, you're not a burden, you're not a rat, you're not in their way, Shigaraki wasn't right all along–I scream.

My pelvis is crushed. Blood flows. Shit. Shit this is bad. My focus shifts to stopping the bleeding rather than a shield. There's still no pain, but right now, that's more horrifying than helping. If I let that bleed go, I'm going to be drained dry in mere minutes. Or maybe it's closer to seconds? I don't know.

"You're fighting so valiantly All Might. Are you not wondering where young Miss Aizawa is?"

All Might. Of course, he arrived. I heard him through my panic. He's here.

The building above me has all but entirely collapsed. But the pros are here, more than just All Might, more back up, more chances to get out safely. Or… mainly. My pulse throbs in my mind. That can't be a good sign. So much noise. But all that aside, I can't let All Might be distracted by watching out for me. No doubt looking out for Bakugo has already complicated things. I will not be your pawn you Villain shithead. I still have my power, I still have my bubble. Yes, my legs are numb. Yes, I'm barely holding the bleeding at bay in my lower body. Sure, I'm fucking terrified. But I can hear them fighting–I'd know Bakugo's roar of defiance anywhere. I have to get out there. If any idiot is needing help, I'll be there. And if any other idiot is wasting time looking for me, the last thing they need is me hiding here in the rubble.

I drag myself, holding onto that damn focus on my bleeding but allowing the bubble to rest. No more broken bones. No more bruises. No more failure. Shit. This hurts; the stone and gravel scrapes at my arms and stomach, nipping and tearing as I go. But hey, at least I can feel them. Silver linings are important.

I pause and try to catch my breath, sweat rolling down my nose.

Is… Is this how I die?

It's not the first time I've had such thoughts. Not only in the USJ, but plenty times on the streets, when the winters got too cold, or I'd ended up on the wrong side of a shiv. But this time it's different. I'm not lying in an alley, totally sure that no one would miss me. I'm not aware that I have no more right to live than the guy threatening me. I don't look at my life like something waiting to land in a dumpster. No. Not anymore. Now, I'm not willing to accept death. No. Like on that damn fucking son-of-a-bitch roof, I refuse. And not just to win. To live. To fucking live. There's still so much I want to do. Please. I don't want this to be how it ends. I don't want that. I want to know if I can be a good hero, I want to know what it's like to go on patrol with Dad, I want to know what it's like to hug Sho for longer. I think I want to kiss him.

I want a lot of things, don't I?

Maybe I'm just greedy.

I'd already had so much. I'm lucky. I got the chance to belong somewhere, to really learn about my power and the world in which it existed. I got to plan a future, I got to be someone's daughter. Not just someone, Shouta's daughter. My awesome Dad. I made friends and connections, I laughed with them and played with no expectation beyond having fun. I survived. I thrived. I had a lot. Plenty to keep going for. This is no longer my fight, I'm not the target, I'm just on the sidelines. But this will not be where they find my body. No. I will not die.

The light's getting clearer. Nearly there.

All Might bellows. "What've you done with Young Alex?"

"She got scooped up by that weird goo earlier! She was in–" Bakugo yells before more blasts go off. He must be flying around the field. Dodging. Fighting. Being brilliant. I hope they didn't torment him too much. I hope–

"Damn you All for One!"

All for One? Wait… is that seriously the Villain's name? What kind of fucking name is that?

"No need to shout. She's right here." The silken voice chuckles and suddenly I'm dragged along. My bubble comes back partially, my focus spreads between it and the bleed. But even so blood spurts out my mouth as I struggle to breathe. How's h–the damn rubble. He's grabbed it with his black tendrils. Fuck this guy.

All for One chuckles. "And here she is."

The momentum of the rubble rolls me into clear view, still on the edge of the battlefield, but in view of All Might and the circling helicopters. Perfect. An audience, just what I wanted.

"Young Alex…"

In the light of the surrounding city I'm revealed. My legs lie there limply, probably at weird angles. My streaked white hair falls in front of my tear stained and rubble-dust-covered face. Blood is just everywhere. Like a kid who got too excited with finger paints has had free reign of my body. I give a small wave, but I don't think it helps.

"She is a very stubborn child, just as I recall." All for One scoffs, threading his shit into place. He knows me. There's history. My mind is so full of confusion. "I'm surprised you never told her about her parents though All Might. Not like you to be so withholding…"

What did the bastard say?

I groan and try to see straight. Think Alex, think. Get out of All Might's way.

All for One chuckles. "Just like them. Laying on a street, slowly dying."

"Do you ever shut the fuck up?" I choke, forcing myself up on my arms, like some demented yoga pose. I bare my teeth at that ventilator masked freak and see the worry in All Might's eyes. But dammit I will not be set aside as a victim. No. "I'm not dying. Not yet."

"Curious about your parents?"

I laugh and spit blood. "How is that important right now, fuck-face?"

"Astoundingly ignorant…" He sighs and a half-assed attack hits my bubble. Even so, pressure fills my chest and I vomit blood.

"Alex!" I don't know who's yelling. I barely know what's up or down.

All For One sounds closer. "You would do well to give in to me little girl. Clinging to foolish idealism is what got them ki–"

"Fuck you."

"Hell yeah!" Bakugo cheers.

I slump onto one elbow. "He ba-barely touched me, All Might. This… This d-damage is just my power and some c-co-collateral damage. Destroy this bastard. I can ha-handle myself."

"Right you are young Alex. Commendable as ever."

"Compliment me when he's dead." I gag.

All for One sighs. "That is quite enough of that. The young lady has no concept of manners, I sincerely hope your little protege Midoryia is more polite. Out the way for now little girl, I'll have that power eventually."

I grit my teeth as I'm flung back into the darkness. "Fuck you!"


SHOUTA POV

Shouta stared at the screens. His presence would have distracted everyone, especially Alex, but sitting and waiting was driving him mad. The footage was grainy and the smoke made it impossible to see much of anything. But slowly the field cleared. All Might stood opposite All for One, and the place was decimated. But still no clear sign of Alex. Where was she?

Shouta paced.

Bakugo fought well, staying out of All Might's way, and out of villain clutches. But he had to be retrieved somehow. Alex was yet to be found. She hadn't been in the bar that the pros initially attacked, and thus far not a single pro had mentioned seeing her on the field. The helicopter cameraman was about as shit as possible.

"Eraserhead, please try to–"

"Calling me by my pro name isn't going to make me act any more professionally, Principal." Shouta paced faster, eyes scanning the screens for a damn glimpse. The battle between the two giants continued for another five minutes.

Then he saw her. She seemed alert enough, talking maybe?

Shouta peered, but as soon as she appeared, she was almost gone as quickly. Tossed back into the rubble by All for One like she was a broken doll. Only a red smear remained in her place. So much blood. He hoped it wasn't all her own.

"C'mon… get out of there…" he stared at the building, as though it wouldn't dare topple whilst he watched it. Whilst his daughter remained inside.

Finally Bakugo was removed from the situation; albeit via questionable means. But he could scold the class later.

Another five minutes passed before she was spotted a second time.

She crawled out from under a partially collapsed part of the building. No. He jolted. She didn't crawl, she dragged herself, legs motionless behind. Dragged in blood. Shouta held himself up with the back of a chair, another appearing behind him before his knees gave out. The camera zoomed in. Her legs seemed to be totally useless, but they themselves didn't look damaged. So where was the blood coming from? Then he realised it wasn't a trick of the light, her hair had large streaks of white through it. The strain on her body must have been immense. How many bones were broken? How much more could she tak–

The villain fell.

All Might had won.

Despite the elation radiating from the crowds, the reporters, the world, Shouta could only stare at that small Alex-shaped dot on the screen. His daughter. Lying there, needing him and possibly dying. Please. Someone get in there and save her when he couldn't.

The Helicopter picture got clearer as they landed.

All Might wavered, only partially still maintaining his strong form. But then he stood that much taller, and Alex's head was against the ground behind him. Her shoulders trembled. She held him up. Shouta clasped his hands tightly, feeling both pride and absolute fear. If All for One had been attacking her the whole time the Pros searched, then the injuries could be due to her power backfiring. An injury from the backlash would normally appear in bruising, a broken bone or internal damage. The blood. Shouta swallowed hard, wondering if her legs were mainly unharmed, but her lower back had been damaged by her own backlash.

"Is Recovery Girl on route?" His voice barely came out above a whisper. The Principal nodded. "Good. Tell her to check Alex's lower back first. I'd guess she's ended up with injuries due to backlash from her own power. Could be…" He swallowed hard and his knuckles paled. "Could be damage… damage to her spine."

"You can tell that from here?" Vlad shook his head. "Your attention to detail is–"

"Alex isn't the type to take a fight lying down. She's not standing for a reason." Shouta hung his head, trying not to think about how much pain she must be in. "What hospital will she be taken to? I need to head there."

The Principal laid a hand on his arm. "Let's arrange your travel. She's still fighting Mr Aizawa, she's not the type of girl to give in. Not when victory is in sight. I'll ensure the transport has access to the reports as well."

"Thanks."

Keep going Alex. Keep fighting.


ALEX POV

The fight is done.

I gently let All Might rest onto his knees and allow my power to recede. My mind feels fractured as I lay my head down on the concrete, pain trickling like water between tiles on an old roof. The only thing I can focus on is that bleed. Everything else falls away. If rubble falls on me now, I can't do a damn thing. Not that I can see anything anyway, lying on my front, I can only see the pebbles in front of me and far off destruction.

I'm glad the others had appeared in time to get Bakugo out. He was safe. Well done Midoryia, Iida and Kirishima. You did amazing. As always. You were flying really high though, hope you know how to make a good landing. I wanna laugh, but my body's just not responding. It's like I'm sinking. The water's cold… the air's… thin…

The next thing I know red and white hair flashes into view. I give a vague smile from where I've laid my head. Hey Sho, you're here as well. Unless I'm imagining you because I want you here. That's a bit selfish, isn't it? I want you in a warzone because you make me feel better. Damn. Tut, tut, tut, Alex you selfish wench. Then again… Makes sense that you might be really here, you'd support Midoryia in anything, wouldn't you? You've become a real part of the class. I'm glad. I'm so glad. Kinda wish I'd had the courage though, that night on the porch at camp. But the courage to do what? What did I want? Oh yeah. I'm an idiot.

I jolt, pain throbbing through clearer as the adrenaline dips.

Oh, Momo's here too, she's just behind Sho. Her dark hair's all fluffy up. Fluffy up? No. No fluffied. Is that a… a word? Their mouths are moving. What're they saying? Red and blue flash against their worried faces which keep blurring and doubling. If they want me to understand they really need to stop dancing around like that.

Oh wait… the lights. That means help is here. Good.

I look to the battlefield again. Where's All Might? A stretcher rattles past. Oh good. Blood trickles from my mouth, pooling by my head. I continue to concentrate on keeping the bleeding in my pelvis to a minimum though, no point in creating a panic.

Paramedics appear, trying to assess what's wrong, but I can't even speak. I can't tell them.

Clicking approaches, dulled like it's on the bottom of a pool. Recovery Girl kneels down beside me, a hand on my shoulder. Oh dear. I'll get such a telling off. My body feels heavier but my mind clears. She healed me a bit, I think. Oh good, I can hear again. Fuck I'm so cold.

"You did well my girl. Now then, can you speak?"

I raise my brows, nothing but a rasp escaping. Guess it gave out after my last scream.

She pats my shoulder. "All right. Get the blood ready and get the operating theatre ready for when we arrive. Go on." She shoos the Paramedics after something is stuck into my arm. Not more IVs... "Todoroki, keep her warm please. That's it, gently. Anyway we can avoid shock right now."

A warm hand rests against my skin and I sigh. It's perfect, resting at the nape of my neck. He did that for the first time in the school corridors, only with cold instead. We were all so panicked over reporters, how silly of us. I chuckle, blood bubbling past my lips. Feels so long ago. Like remembering a dream.

Recovery Girl keeps examining. "Is it backlash that's caused most of this damage, Alex?"

I nod as best I can, but it's barely a twitch.

"I can only imagine what you had to defend against my dear, you kept yourself alive, that's what matters. Now then, you can't feel this can you?"

I frown. I have no idea what she's talking about.

She sighs. "All right, can you feel your legs at all? Blink twice if you can."

I blink once. The hand against my nape trembles.

"Are you withholding any bleeding from internal damage? Blink twice to confirm."

I do so.

She passes this along to the paramedics. My back is strapped into place with appropriate equipment before they turn me over, my tired eyes fail to take in any stars, only darkness above. Some coverings have been provided so Recovery Girl can get a better assessment on what's happened. My jeans are cut away. At least, that's what I assume the cutting noise is.

I don't miss the fact she has a shake to her hands. "My dear… Release the hold you have for a moment? One second and then hold it again."

I do so. Off then on.

The pain rips a whimper from me, my nails scrape against the stretcher I'm strapped to. A couple gasps go up. Sho is still holding a hand to my nape, still keeping me warm, and his thumb moves against my neck. It's sweet. My own quirk had done this. I'd done this. I'm such an idiot.

She pats my shoulder as I regain control. "You've done well. That's a bad bleed, and you'd likely be long gone without having held it. Well done. Will you hurry up with that ambulance! Now… As we head for the hospital, I'll use my power, but I can only do so much. You're spent."

She's leading to a choice. The tone of her voice is like a coin being tossed in the air. Ringing as it turns in the freezing air, waiting to land with a nice big and loud CLANG.

"From the looks of it you've crushed your pelvis. I can fix your spine and the major bleeds I think, but when we get to the hospital I need to know what to tell the doctors to focus on. It may come down to choosing to focus on the digestive or–"

"I…" I wheeze, coughing and wince as the stretcher is moved into the ambulance. I'm so glad Sho's still there keeping the warmth in place. I'm glad to know I'm not alone right now. "N-Never wanted kids."

Recovery Girl sighs. "Sharp as ever my dear. But you really need to thin–"

"Seriously." I whimper. "Never. Ask… Ask Mina, o-or my Dad. He knows. I-If that's the choice…" I groan, with consciousness came more pain. It's everywhere.

The old woman closes her eyes and nods, lips pursed. "Hopefully it doesn't come to that, but thank you for being so clear my dear. I shall tell them that. You're being so brave."

Least I can do after getting captured.

She brings one of my hands up and gently kisses it, starting to heal my spine. It drains me immediately. My eyes roll back into oblivion, the last glimpse I see are Sho's eyes. Mismatched and wide with fear.

I hate that look. I never want to see that look on his face again.

N-Never…


Kamino Ward Incident, boom.
Hope you guys enjoyed! Thank you to all that have faved, followed and taken the time to review, shoutouts below! I LOVE responding to comments, and they really do make my day, knowing you guys are enjoying etc. is so awesome.
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SHOUTOUTS:

hellocherryblossoms: At the moment I'm managing to do updates about once a week yeah, feels like a good pace for now. Hah yeah Dadzawa is getting put through the ringer, its why i wanted to give him some time in the update as well. To break up the fight, and to keep his take on things at the forefront. I hope you enjoyed his sections this time too! And yeah Shoto is just so fun to explore. I'm glad the exhaustion is satisfying haha! Thank you so much for the review, this made my week! I shall definitely keep uploading on here for those that prefer to download chapters and read that way ^-^ not gonna even think of not uploading here now! So don't worry. Thank you again, see you next time!

TheTardisIsTheFourthHallow: (lol I love your name by the way) thanks for reviewing! I'm glad the trajectory of the story is interesting to you ^-^ I have plenty more to come so don't worry! And I hope this update was as interesting as the others. See you soon and thank you so so much again!

zikashigaku: I love writing Alex and Bakugo together tbh, they bounce off each other really really well. Less of it this time I know, but there's plenty fic still to come! I hope you enjoyed my take on the battle etc. and look forward to your thoughts if you have the time! Plenty more to come and your continued support is wonderful, so thank you very very much! See you next time!

Dingiverse: You reviewed on Chpt 1, so I hope you eventually find this! Thanks for chiming in! Glad you were finding things interesting, and hope you have continued to do so!