Hiya. We got a big ol' chapter.
First, I have to respond to King of De Mops:
You must have not been reading my Author's Notes. I abhor sexual assault to the extent that I won't write it in a way that is supposed to be arousing or entertaining.
My use of that type of situation between Setsuna and Izuku is entirely to demonstrate how uncomfortable and damaging that can be. I won't be writing it again. I will be referring to it, yes, but I won't be writing it descriptively. Thank you.
'' = speech
' = thoughts
'' 'quote' '' = one character quoting another previous line
[][][] = little transition
{}{}{}= flashback begins/ends
Enjoy.
BY THE WAY. THIS IS GOING TO BE GORY AS FUCK. DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU.
''Kota!'' Tomoko Shiretoko called after the young boy. She was more of a mother to him than any of the other Pussycat's were. She enjoyed that. Without her quirk, she was able to do things she'd never thought she'd have done.
Eri could return the greenette's quirk to her whenever she wished, although the offer was getting further and further away in her mind. After all, having Rewind used on her would de-age her by two whole years.
Her services as a hero were no longer required by her teammates. Tiger and Pixie-Bob were plenty strong enough. Her quirk, Search, never gave her the ability to alter her strength regardless. She was still as keen and as stylish a combatant as she was a decade ago. Only now, she had a son to look after.
''Tomo! I wanna see the fight!'' Kota whined.
''We're supposed to stay at a safe distance, mister!'' She grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the group of heroes discussing their assault operation.
''But what about Izuku! I can't see him from all the way out here!''
''And that's a good thing! You can watch the fight from Seemore's vision anyway!'' Tomoko said sternly.
''That he can.'' Toshinori Yagi said as he stood alongside them. He was in costume, a rarity these days. ''We're the very, very emergency backup should anything go awry in there.''
Shiretoko looked along the line. Herself, Pixie-Bob, All Might, Koji Koda and Mezo Shoji were placed into this small, rag-tag group.
Eri rested on a small chair that had obviously been pulled away from a tea party set. She sat, kicking her legs, watching Mirio and Yuyu stretch.
''Let's hope those strapping young men and women don't need us!'' Ryuko threw her blonde hair over her shoulder. ''And your costume still fits nicely, Tomo.'' She… complimented? She seemed almost jealous.
''Gross!'' Kota looked Ragdoll up and down and wretched exasperatedly.
Luckily that was only met with laughs and not anger.
''Oh, Kota!'' Izuku smiled as he walked along the pier towards them.
''Deku!'' Kota ran towards him and held a hand up, expecting a high five. The next Number One didn't disappoint.
''Heya! Sorry to be taking Tiger off your hands.'' He stood back up and looked across the two ladies.
''No need for apologies, Midoriya.'' Ryuko said, her usual playful tone replaced by one that could only be described as 'stern.'
''We'll bring her back to you. I swear.'' Izuku nodded and waved them off.
''Bring who back?'' Kota asked innocently. Tomoko crouched down and placed her hands on his shoulders.
''Shino. She's coming back from her mission!'' Ragdoll faked enthusiasm. She felt awful.
''Yay!'' Kota replied excitedly. ''Where is she!?''
[][][]
''So, where is she?'' Endeavor asked. He had been given a brief break from his prison sentence to aid the heroes. After this, the other heroes would have to convince him to appeal his sentence.
He wouldn't. He was a firm believer that he needed punishment.
''Seemore.'' Best Jeanist turned to his intern. The large, central eye on the young man's head projected several small, moving images.
''These are the live feeds from Tartarus' security cameras.'' Jeanist began. ''Watch this one closely.''
The extraction group looked attentively to the bottom right feed. Two goons, dressed half-assedly in guard uniforms emerged from behind the fireplace in the warden's office.
''Bingo.'' Mount Lady said with a grin.
''Yes.'' Jeanist produced a floor plan of Tartarus. ''Based on the plans, this empty space between the holding levels is the only logical place that Mandalay and Tsukauchi could currently be holed up.''
''I notice that the detention level above is empty.'' Endeavor said dryly. ''Does this mean-''
''Yes, it does.'' Momo Yaoyorozu said confidently. ''Mount Lady will be smashing the walls of Tartarus down and we simply pull the two prisoners from the clutches of the enemy.''
''Yeah, but what 'enemy' are we even dealing with?'' Sero asked.
''We suspect a group of super criminals, potentially possessing quirks that allow for possession of the mind.'' Jeanist said softly. ''We must be careful. The assault team will be following behind you.''
''Even with Midoriya and Endeavor and Shoto, do we have enough firepower to see this through? We're talking an entire prison full of criminals.'' Hitoshi Shinso raised his hand.
''Yes, we are.'' Endeavor scowled inwardly at himself. ''We may have to result to lethal measures, Jeanist.''
''We've already been granted permission for that.'' The Extraction Team turned in unison to see Izuku striding towards them. ''Lethal force is an availability. I suggest we try to avoid killing though.''
''Midoriya; this is a briefing for the Extraction Team.'' Hakamada said through his denim mouth covering.
''I know. I'm simply listening in and providing input. Continue.''
Camie raised her eyebrows. Midoriya was focused today.
''Well we have only the single objective remaining.'' Tsunagu rolled his shoulders in his jean-singlet. ''Under no circumstances should prisoners be allowed to escape the facility. Kill or incapacitate any who dash for exits. Understood?''
The team nodded as a unit.
''Alright. Let's move out.''
[][][]
The team of 7 left the small bar by the pier. Across the water was Tartarus, the searchlights beaming into the early morning sky.
Takeyama waded into the water, her purple skin tight leggings swallowed by the water. The others stood directly behind her.
''Utsushimi. If you would.'' Jeanist suggested.
Camie took an insanely deep breath and breathed out a fine mist that covered the team.
''Takeyama, grow.''
''On it.'' Mount Lady followed the order and grew to her full height, the other members standing on her shoulders.
''Are you sure we can't be seen?'' Hitoshi asked.
''My illusions won't wear off for at least another 2 minutes. More than enough time for us to get across the water.'' Camie responded, hardening her features.
''Creati, create the jammer.'' Jeanist lasered in on the wall that the warden's office hid behind.
''Of course.'' Momo produced a signal and infrared jammer from her chest and clutched it tightly. ''We are off their radar. All of their methods of detection are swirling around us.'' She raised a thumb.
Mount Lady stood next to the wall they were to break through.
''Todoroki.''
''Yes, Jeanist?''
''Make an entrance.''
Enji smirked for the first time since his temporary release. He leapt from Yuu's enormous shoulder and fired Hellflame from his boots until he was directly above the prison complex.
''Yuu… Now!''
[][][]
Kota watched in awe as Endeavor appeared out of thin air and light burst from him like an exploding star. Tomoko was just as enthralled.
Camie's illusion was broken as Mount Lady kicked the entirety of the right wall into nothingness. From their distance, they could see the tiny figures of the extraction team running down Yuu's arm and into the facility.
''Good luck, heroes!'' All Might said, his trademark smile crossing his face.
[][][]
''HOLY-'' Shino Sosaki exclaimed as an enormous foot removed the roof of their cell and left them exposed to the elements. Though he was silent, Tsukauchi was clearly just as terrified.
''MANDALAY! TSUKAUCHI! STAND STILL!'' A voice bellowed down at them.
Tape cascaded down and wrapped around the detective's waist whilst fibres wrapped around the Pussycat. They were wrenched up into the waiting arms of Sero and Jeanist.
''Go, as we planned!'' Jeanist passed Sosaki along to Camie as Sero kept a hold of Tsukauchi. The Fibre hero, Creati, Glamour and Speakeasy rushed down the large hand that Takeyama placed into the cell.
As soon as their feet were planted, Mount Lady turned tail and ran back to the shore with Sosaki, Tsukauchi and Sero still on her shoulders.
Jeanist held a button on his earpiece. ''Hostages returning to shore! Assault Team converge!''
[][][]
Midoriya turned to face his team: Nejire, Ochako, Kacchan, Shoto, Jirou, Kaminari, Kirishima, Asui. And that was just from his U.A graduating class.
Kamui Woods, Death Arms, Miruko, Godzillo, Eraserhead and another two dozen pros were all waiting for the call too.
''Okay, we're moving in! Flyers and jumpers, grab a friend!'' Izuku bellowed back to them as they charged the bridge.
The guards, as expected, were not prepared. Many had moved back towards the prison proper when the explosion of light occurred. When 40 pro heroes were running towards the facility, they surely thought it was to join them in protecting and preserving.
They group leapt the walls; Kaminari, with a single flick of his finger, shorted out the entirety of the exterior defences to avoid them being caught up in minigun and taser fire.
Nejire had both Kendo and Kirishima hanging from an arm each. Uraraka had placed 5 fingers on as many people as possible to help them clear the wall in a single bound.
The enormous Assault Team planted down in Tartarus. All of them. Not a single hero had been left behind in the charge. Most of the prisoners were still trapped in their cells, terrified, but in no danger.
The cells by the right wall had been breached and about 30 prisoners were roaming around in search of an exit. Aizawa was floated by Uraraka and stared them all down, cancelling their quirks as the heroes on the ground moved in for quick and efficient takedowns.
''I-Izu-kun!?'' Midoriya heard a familiar voice cry out to him as he followed in the charge.
Toga, Dabi and Stain stood back to back to back, repelling their fellow prisoners. Izuku zipped towards the trio, laying a few on a plate for Stain to deliver crippling blows to spines and necks.
''Are you guys alright?'' He asked over the chaos.
''Yeah! We're good!'' Dabi just about exclaimed over a loud explosion as Endeavour flew downwards and dowsed the crowd of villains with Hellflame.
''Are you here to free us!?'' Himiko asked excitedly.
''Don't be silly! He's here to kill the warden!'' Chizome eyed a shiv on the ground, the prospect of tasting blood and steel tempting him.
''WHAT!?'' ''WHAT!?'' Touya and Himiko screeched.
''Was I the only one who knew he was a little odd?'' Stain mumbled.
''So that's why he poured hot water on me!?'' Spinner leapt down from some rubble. ''Fucker!''
''He's been torturing you!?'' Izuku said in disbelief.
''Has he?'' The trio of criminals looked to Spinner in equal confusion.
Spinner's eyes widened. ''You mean he didn't torture you guys!?'' He screeched. ''Motherfucker!''
''Where's Muscular?'' Izuku scanned the battlegrounds. He subconsciously searched for Nejire and Ochako. He found them stomping people into the dirt.
''We haven't seen him!'' Toga slowly slinked towards him. He studied her and a lightbulb went off above his head. He reached into his pouch where he kept his medical supplies. He produced a needle.
''Want some blood? I might need your guys' help. Can you do that for me? I can help lower your sentences in return.'' He smiled wryly.
''You didn't even need to negotiate, Midoriya.'' The Hero Killer smiled. ''We will help you curb these scum.''
''Just make sure my dear old dad gets back to his cell.'' Touya smirked as he watched Enji haymaker some poor schmuck.
''You didn't even have to ask me, Izu-kun!'' Himiko took the needle from his hands and spun it expertly in her fingers.
''Ahhhh, the sweet scent of blood.'' Stain reached for shards of glass and the shiv he had spotted earlier. ''How I missed you…''
Izuku reached for his earpiece. ''League of Villains are on our side. No one attacks them. They're helping us deal with the last stragglers.''
''Stragglers!? Huh!?'' Muscular's voice boomed as more villains, this time the ones disguised as guards, followed his lead in releasing the rest of the prisoners.
''No!'' Jeanist howled into his comms. ''We're outnumbered!''
''We have our gear! They don't!'' Jirou stuck her jacks into the ground and sent a Heartbeat Pulse that brought the new horde of prisoners to their knees.
Despite this, the villains were simply too high in number. The heroes weren't exactly losing, but they were pushed into corners and forced into two versus one situations on average. Endeavor bought the heroes time by surrounding them with a huge wall of fire that no prisoner dared risk the 3rd degree burns to rush through.
''Midoriya!'' Kirishima pointed through the fiery wall to the green haired hero, who was flanked by his squad of reformed villains.
''Deku! Will you be alright out there!?'' Ochako screeched into her comm.
''I'm fine! You have bigger worries!'' He returned at Goto Imasuji coated her body in thick, bulletproof muscle and charged through the defensive line, taking a few scratches and burns from Endeavor's hellflame.
He swung an arm and backhanded Tetsutetsu who used his quirk and dug his legs into the ground. Aizawa threw his goggles back on, only for a hydro villain to pierce the barrier and allow a handful of villains to jump him.
''Ibara! Contain!'' Jeanist yelled desperately.
''Yes!'' Shiozaki's vines stretched and flew through the air, grabbing as many evil-doers as possible and holding them in the flames just long enough to have them collapse from the pain of the scorches.
Nejire fired her waves at Muscular. Whilst he wasn't exactly in pain, he was thrown back just enough for Tetsutetsu to wriggle out from under his grip.
Endeavor let his barrier collapse and gripped Burnin' by the hand. The two funnelled their collective flames into a single beam that cut the charging villains down.
''Weak, little heroes! No hero has what it takes to kill me!'' Muscular roared into the facility. The weaker, less prevalent villains cheered in support. As long as Imasuji could be their battering ram, they had confidence.
''Luckily, I'm no hero.'' A soothing, calm voice from above Izuku said. A single bullet, several millimetres in thickness, erupted from the barrel of Nagant's elbow rifle and entered the blonde maniac's skull. His head burst in a visceral display; brains and blood showering the cowardly villains who hung too close to his hulking form.
Izuku looked up to Lady Nagant, who seemed to be having some kind of episode. Killing, especially a victim who was unaware of her presence, was incredibly tough on her.
''Redi!'' He shouted to her as he clambered up the rubble to her elevated position. ''Thank you!'' He placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled warmly at her.
''Shut it and fight, Midoriya.'' Nagant placed the barrel of her rifle on his shoulder and fired past his head, nailing a scorpion villain in the neck with a rubber bullet on the other side of the facility.
''Okay then!'' He leapt backwards and back into the fray.
The fight was short. The villains took their chances to land hits when they could; Nirengeki, Tsubaraba and Backdraft were out cold by the team the other heroes banded together.
Yuyu and Inasa used their quirks to gather the unconscious bodies and pile them against the back wall of the facility. Yosetsu Awase used his quirk, Weld, to keep the 60 or so villains trapped against the wall.
''Now what?'' Rin Hiryu said. ''We just wait for the cops?''
''A group of us should check on All for One's brain. To make sure it's still where it's supposed to be.'' Aizawa popped a crick in his neck.
Hitoshi, Camie and Jeanist, having already walked past the holding room earlier, volunteered. The trio of the Extraction team rushed to the shattered walls of the facility and disappeared out of sight down the steps.
''Well, too early for a celebration?'' Mina grinned as she surveyed the scene.
''Oh, you'd love that, wouldn't you?'' A slimy drawl came over the speakers that littered the walls. ''To revel in the hollow victory? To not realise that you have failed?''
The heroes, slowly but surely, all turned to the source in the observation deck. The shattered glass made him highly visible as he teetered on the edge.
Kanshi Ino, Tartarus' warden.
''Yes, I realise that my appearance may shock you.''
''You can say that again.'' Kaminari joked. It earned a few laughs from the crowd. The warden was a short, rotund man with small glasses. He looked about as physically intimidating as a chihuahua.
''Ah yes, the jokes. Heroes with your lack of intellect seem to rely on those to hide your ineptitude.''
''Inept!? You allowed this place to fall to its knees! We know that you were in on it, too!'' Kendo yelled.
''Pah, you really have no idea, do you?'' Ino retorted. ''How powerful I really am.''
''Warden Ino.'' Izuku strode to the front of the crowd of heroes. ''You're under arrest.''
The warden laughed uproariously. ''Oh, my goodness- that really is too funny!''
''We'll see who's laughing whe-'' Kamui Woods fell silent mid-sentence. In fact, the entirety of the crowd behind Izuku suddenly lacked a decibel. He spun to face them.
Their faces were terrified.
''Guys?''
No one uttered a word.
''Ochako?'' He looked to her. Tears cascaded down her face.
''What!?'' He began breathing very heavily.
A hand grabbed his wrist. He jumped and looked to Kirishima. He was in his Unbreakable form.
''You okay, Red-''
He had no time to finish. Kirishima swung his head forwards, hitting Izuku with a vicious headbutt.
The greenette stumbled backwards, feeling the clear facial fracture he had. He turned as a whooshing noise passed by his head. Momo swung a bo staff into the back of his neck, an awful cracking noise echoing across the roofless facility.
Ibara wrapped his leg in her vines and swung him into Tetsutetsu. Izuku collided rib-first into Real Steel, feeling something, if not several things, crack upon impact.
He finally woke up to the situation and activated Shoot Style.
Only for it to be cancelled.
He looked through blurry eyes to Aizawa, his dark flowing hair standing on end.
Dyna-Might planted a full scale explosion against his back. He was sent across the prison, only stopped from falling by Shiozaki's vines.
Himiko slashed his gut.
Iida used Recipro Burst to break his leg.
Kaminari sent millions of volts through him.
Jirou burst his eardrums.
He was limp in the spiky embrace of the vines at this point. And yet the hits still came. He was certain every single hero present had got their licks in by the time he was finally brought to a standstill.
Ibara suspended him by his arms. Surprisingly, he didn't feel significant damage to them. Woo hoo. If only the other 90% of his body had the same luck.
His feet were just about touching the ground. He was sucking in pained, shallow breaths. The hero crowd circled Ibara so they were all staring directly at him.
He barely managed to wrench his eyes open. Once they were, he couldn't close them again.
Crying. They were all crying. Or at the very least had shadowy expressions. They were mouthing at him. He couldn't hear a thing.
Had Jirou really deafened him permanently?
''Okay, that's enough toying with him.'' Ino said from up on his perch.
Clearly he was still audio sensitive.
Izuku just about raised his head to gaze up to him.
''Earworm.'' Ino turned to a man to his left, who snapped his fingers.
Instantly, he was swamped with sobs and screams of horror.
''Midoriya! Oh god I can't-''
''Please god-''
''We can't do this! We have to fight against-''
''Whadda we do, whadda we do-''
''Jesus christ Izuku I'm so sorry-''
''Izu-kun, please! Get up! Please!''
''I'm so sorry, so so sorry-''
''Deku! Oh please god, no! NO!''
He tilted his head slightly, the excruciating pain in his neck an afterthought as he met Ochako's eyes.
She was absolutely bawling. He'd never seen her cry so hard before. Nejire was a few rows back, sobbing and screaming the loudest of the crowd.
Tears rose in his own eyes.
''Alright, Earworm. Silence them again.''
The heroes fell silent. Izuku was grateful for it. Three football teams worth of people mourning your inevitable death could only be tolerated for a few seconds at most.
Ino, marched towards him, his classmates and the pros parting like the Red Sea to allow him and this 'Earworm' to stand before his beaten and bloody form.
''Ah, Mr Midoriya. The next 'Symbol of Peace.''' Ino rolled up his sleeve and twisted a dial on his watch. A waving, wobbling apparition faded, leaving-
''...!'' Izuku's eyes widened in shock.
''Aha! You do remember me!''
Izuku made to speak again, but simply couldn't.
''I suppose you're wondering; of all of All for One's assassins, you were the one to survive death and avoid prison?'' The hunched man was wearing a mask, though Izuku knew he'd be smiling underneath it.
Izuku scowled in silence.
''Hmm. Maybe it's better if you're quiet. Makes it easier to monologue…''
Izuku coughed, blood dribbling out of his mouth.
''Well, I'll start with my associate's quirk.'' He thumbed to Earworm. ''He can make any spoken sounds silent. He can even warp them completely. To change them to whatever he thinks.''
Izuku would've been overjoyed at such a cool quirk were he not a little tied up.
''Do you remember when you and your little blonde friend came here to move the League of Villains?'' The top-hatted villain began. ''Mandalay was begging you to set her free! But my colleague made sure you heard what we wanted you to.''
''Anyone I could control, he could warp. We could accomplish anything as long as we stayed inconspicuous. Out of sight. And where better to hide in a prison than in the warden's office!?''
''We killed the old warden months ago. Half the guards in the facility were under my employ.'' He walked to Himiko and stroked her cheek. The blonde, frozen in place, could only shudder.
''This was a setup from the very beginning, you imbecile. The visit to move the prisoners was simply to test your willingness to see a good job well done. You fell into our trap perfectly.''
''These fools who allowed themselves to be captured by you… they were very useful. Providing information on the weaknesses of your classmates and your friends.''
''When this is over…'' He closed the gap between himself and Izuku and grabbed his face. ''I'll use that knowledge to have all of them kill each other.''
''Be grateful you won't be here to see it. I think that it would be fitting for the final thoughts of Japan's 'finest' to be how they killed the 'great' Izuku Midoriya.''
He released his jaws and let his hand drop to his side. He studied the faces in the crowd.
''You.'' He raised a finger.
'No. No. NO.' Izuku whimpered at the choice involuntarily.
''Nejire-chan, was it?'' The Dictator motioned to Izuku and the bluenette walked against her will to her boyfriend. ''Awful lot of tears, you stupid cunt.''
Nejire placed a gauntlet under Izuku's chin. The mind-controlling villain placed a hand on her shoulder.
''Kill him.''
Nejire at Izuku's face. She could barely open her eyes as the tears flowed and flowed.
Her lip wobbled as she mouthed something that Earworm was too cruel to let him hear.
Izuku cried heavily himself.
Sorahiko's words echoed in his head.
'Smile.'
His lips curled up as he met Nejire's eyes.
''It… it'll… be okay. It'll be-''
Nejire's Waves fired.
Izuku's head burst like a watermelon.
''EARWORM!'' Dictator yelled. The mute man snapped his fingers.
''NO! OH MY GOD NO-''
''IZUKU!''
''I'LL FUCKIN' KILL YOU-''
''YOU MONSTER-''
''DEKU!''
Dictator kicked his legs and swung his arms like an excitable child.
''Yes! YES! Tell me how much you hate me! SCREAM IT!'' He twirled with his arms apart, giggling like a schoolgirl.
He released Nejire from his control. She immediately vomited, coating her legs in the result as she bawled uncontrollably. She fell to her knees and pounded the floor in rage and despair.
''Ah, a perfect execution position!'' Dictator yelled gleefully. ''You!''
Kamakiri, his blades sharpened, rushed to Nejire's front.
''Off with her head!'' The murderer ran a thumb across his throat.
''Not so fast, villainous scum!'' A booming voice announced from the wall of the prison.
The Dictator leapt in his own skin.
He twisted his head.
There, atop the tallest watchtower, was the greatest hero.
His cape flowed behind him, his arms placed upon his hips as if his victory was assured.
And the smile.
''A-All Might!?''
[][][]
''They sure are taking a long time. It's been quiet for a long time now, too.'' Ragdoll cradled Mandalay in her arms.
"I'll say!" Pixie-Bob huffed. "When the heck are the police rolling on in?"
"When the heroes inside give the word." Sero said, his helmet tucked under his arm.
"Say, Toshinori." Tsukauchi rested against a row boat that had been left on the peer.
"Yes, Naomasa?"
"You wouldn't have a secret quirk or a secret twin, would you?" The detective asked as his eyes widened.
"No? Where is this coming from?" The blonde man raised a brow.
The detective answered with a point.
Sure as day, there Yagi was. In his buffed up form, on the watchtower.
"My god." All Might trembled slightly.
He turned to Eri, who had wandered after him.
"Eri, sweetie, could you use you quirk on me?"
Eri Aizawa looked at him pensively.
"You can't seriously be thinking of jumping into the fray, Toshinori?" Tsukauchi stood on quaking legs.
"Something is wrong. I fear for my students."
"But Eri-"
"She doesn't have to de-age me with Rewind. I just need to be able to express the power I've saved in these old bones of mine in some smashes." Yagi grinned.
Eri smiled back. When Uncle Might smiled, she felt like smiling too.
Her hands began to glow and her horn twinkled.
She placed her hands upon Yagi.
And All Might had returned once more.
[][][]
"No! You can't be here!" Dictator screeched. "You'll ruin everything."
"Bah! Of course! You strike us down and expect pity!?" 'All Might' yelled as he leapt down into the crowd.
Earworm looked to his boss desperately, who looked him back in aggravation.
"I'm trying, you fool! I can't control him! His will is too strong!"
"Indeed it is, villain!" All Might charged forward. Earworm felt the full force of a punch that sent him soaring through the air and into the remains of a call.
"Save Nejire!" Ochako yelled. All Might complied, dashing between Kamakiri and the distraught heroine.
"Gah! You can't pierce that hide!" Dictator spat. He had Kamakiri drop his arms back to his sides to match the rest of the heroes.
"I'm counting on it…" All Might said sternly.
The hunched villain ran, clenching his head as he battled to keep the other heroes from breaking free of his control and setting upon him.
'All Might' gently pushed Kamakiri away and dashed after the criminal.
The Dictator, who was running backwards, huffed. "Far slower than your heyday, ay Symbol of Peace!?"
"Ha! Age may be my worst enemy! Not you, weakling!"
"'Weakling'?" Dictator said slowly, as he was putting puzzles together in his head.
He grabbed a stone from a pile of debris behind him and pitched it to the former Number 1.
The stone passed through the center of his chest. Within seconds, a fine mist dispersed from the figure, leaving Hitoshi and Jeanist, standing side by side.
Both of their bodies seized up, already under Dictator's control.
"Aha! Now that I'm not trying to pursue the mind of a cheap parlour trick, it's a much simpler job."
"What gave us away?" Hitoshi asked, his voice dripping with a venomous humour.
"All Might would-"
Dictator winced as he clutched his temple in pain. "I see." He looked Shinso in the eye. "Another brain jacker. You'll find your quirk won't work on me, boy."
"So answer my question." The purple haired boy clicked his tongue.
"All Might would never insult a villain he knew in such a manner." Dictator sighed. "You overplayed your part."
"Exactly. Our part." Jeanist said softly.
"Oh? Is your little brunette illusion friend your big saviour?" He said snidely.
"Nah!" Camie waltzed out from her hiding place. She too, was immediately under the Dictator's grasp.
"Y'see, the thing about fakes, is they totally tend to get the attention of what they're copying!" She said confidently.
As if on cue, Yagi dropped from the sky like a stone.
[][][]
Toshi was nervous as he allowed Sero to create the slingshot. The tape was strong enough to hold his fragile frame, that was for sure.
The trajectory was another thing entirely.
He had to drown it out. He gave Pixie-Bob a thumbs-up and she cut a strip, sending his flying through the air.
He tensed his glutes and his calves as tightly as possible. He braced himself for the…
BOOM.
Landing.
Dictator stood before him, quivering and mumbling something about how screwed he was.
Yagi smiled. Dictator was never a formidable foe. For some reason, he had never been able to gain control of his mind.
He estimated that it was due to the remnants of One for All; the spirits of those previous wielders in his head made his mind a tapestry of minds over a singular unit.
He turned to face the crowd of heroes who were standing dead still. Clearly, Dictator had immobilised them in order to make his escape.
Then All Might saw it.
Ibara was crying softly as her vines held it aloft.
Nejire was crying at the foot of it, covered in her own vomit.
His smile disappeared. His eyes hardened into a harsh, furious glare. His teeth grit.
He faced Dictator. His opposite number tumbled over as he tried to scramble away.
"You killed my boy."
He threw a hand in his foe's general direction, a strong thunderclap of energy tearing Dictator's leg off at the knee.
The maniac's hold on the heroes relinquished. Ochako stumbled forwards and wrapped her arms around Nejire, the pair wailing as they clung onto each other for dear life.
Dictator crawled away, blood trailing out of his stumpy leg as he cackled.
"How… how does it feel, hero, to know that a man you never considered could-"
All Might silenced him quickly. He brought his booted foot down on his forearm, powderizing his enemy's bones with a 50% One for All attack.
"I don't care for your words or aims, monster." He grabbed the crippled man by the throat.
He placed him on his one leg. The hunch was still very much a thing.
"Stand up straight, you crippled bastard!" Yagiswung a palm into the hopping man's back, forcing pieces of his spine out of his chest and abdomen. His top hat finally fell from his head.
Before the rest of him could fall, Yagi seized him by the throat once more.
"You will never harm a soul again." All Might squeezed slowly.
Dictator's mask crumbled, the pieces littering the ground. His eyes bulged out of his skull. His tongue lolled out of his mouth. The pressure of All for One gripping his neck popped just about every blood vessel it could.
Finally, after a handful of gags and splutters, Yagi's fingers touched his palm.
The corpse fell unceremoniously to the ground, the head toppling off of the tips of his fingers to land atop the slumping pile.
And with that, it was over.
The blonde, skeletal man looked to his pupils and admirers. Despite his heinous actions, none could blame him.
Izuku had been scooped up in Nejire's arms, the 38th ranked hero begging for forgiveness to a man who could not give her as such.
All Might fought back tears. How could he allow this to happen? How could it end like-
No.
Eri. She could Rewind this.
"HEROES!" He called forth. "Bring Eri! She may be able to help!"
Iida wiped his eyes with his sleeve and ran. He didn't think he'd ever run so fast.
He returned not 20 seconds later with Eri. Camie, thoughtfully, cast illusions on both the Dictator's corpse and Izuku's.
Eri would never be able to recover from the trauma if she saw him like that.
The small girl ran to Aizawa. All Might couldn't tell if his eyes were red from his quirk or his tears. Perhaps both.
Eri did as she was asked; she placed her hands on Izuku's chest.
Although few could see as to the process due to the illusion, Camie could see it all.
Katsuki wrapped his arms around her as pieces of Izuku's skull and brain matter came sailing back towards his neck stump to reform his head.
Eventually his facial features reformed and his wounds began to shrink and shrink. Camie snapped her fingers and the illusion dissolved to let everyone see.
Izuku was alive! He had a few major wounds left to heal before he was fixed but-
But.
"Eri!" Aizawa caught the girl as she passed out. She had overdone it. She had contributed all she could.
Izuku was breathing shakily. His face was clearly messed up and there was incredibly dark bruising around the back of his neck.
"She did it…" Bakugo broke the silence. Barely anyone had muttered a word since All Might had killed their nemesis.
"The first two attacks' damage is all that remains." Momo crouched to study her friend. Unfortunately, she realised that the neck trauma was due to her striking him with the bo staff she held in her hands at that very moment. "We must get him to Recovery Girl or her aides. He is stable for now, but he won't be much longer."
"Make him a neck brace, Momo." Shoto said sourly.
"And let's do something about the face…" Mina crouched down and secreted a very weak acid that sterilised the open wound that trailed from his hairline to the bridge of his nose.
Nejire's face was the perfect reflection of relief, although tears still flowed uncontrollably. Ochako still had her wrapped up in her arms.
"Well! What are we waiting for!?" Endeavor yelled, waking them all up. "Get the police and the paramedics in here! NOW!"
[][][]
Chiyo Shuzenji stared sadly at Izuku's comatose form. The boy had grown too accustomed to hospital beds. To that clinical, chemical smell that pervaded every room.
Toshinori stood at the foot of the bed, eyes closed. He was mouthing silently. Chiyo simply assumed he was talking to himself.
Eventually, Yagi stopped and his eyes flickered open again. A small blue glow in his pupils faded. Recovery Girl understood in that moment.
He had been talking to the holders of One for All.
"Yagi." A deep, gruff tone. Enji.
"Enji, you don't need to ask to enter." Toshinori said softly.
"I wanted to speak to you before I go back inside." The red haired man gripped the end of the bed. "And see the boy."
"He is stable. The process of healing him will take time. Were it not for my interns…" The Youthful Heroine trailed off.
Endeavor exhaled sharply. "I owe this young man a lot. My relationship with my family rested on his shoulders for a time."
"Enji, the Todoroki family has always been a strong one. And a loving one." Yagi smiled glumly.
"You wouldn't have believed that if you had seen the way I acted. Touya and Shoto… I was not a father to them."
The room went quiet. Midoriya's soft, rhythmic breathing was just about all that attempted to fill the void.
"Mr Compress has not been found under the rubble." Todoroki announced.
"Is All for One's brain-"
"Intact. Untouched. Jeanist saw to it." The Hellflame user sighed. "Were it not for our naivety, we could have easily overcome this. No injuries."
All Might tightened his fist. "The Warden was the one man we'd have least suspected."
"We knew a psychokinetic quirk user was amongst the villains. We were careless." Enji's eyelids squeezed shut. "We must be thankful that little Eri is so mature for a girl of her age."
"Aye." Yagi said weakly. "The burden of something as big as resurrection… I hate to rely on a child for such things."
"She will be an excellent hero. In my search for someone who could surpass you, we needed only to save children as we always did." Enji smirked slightly as he patted the bed frame and turned away.
"Give him my best when he awakens."
[][][]
"Young Hado."
Nejire raised her head from the couch. She was laying outside Izuku's room, waiting.
To feel ready.
Did she deserve to see him?
What would she even say to him if he woke up?
'Sorry I killed you?'
Her eyes were so puffy. She cried all she could. She'd become a raisin if she forced herself to tear up more, despite feeling as if she should.
"Y-Yes?" She replied, her throat scratchy and a bubbling mess.
"You may see him, if you wish. I take it you have been faking your sleep?"
"Yes." She said again.
All Might smiled. He offered her a hand which she took gratefully. She would have struggled to stand by herself.
"Young Uraraka is already by his bedside."
"Is his mom-?"
"Indeed. She doesn't know it was you that dealt the blow."
Nejire flinched. All Might noticed and squeezed her hand.
"No one blames you. No one. Izuku has little chance of remembering those moments. It is up to you to choose if you inform him."
"How… How can I look him in the eyes and not imagine it?" She said exasperatedly.
"Perhaps it is best that you do. It will be painful. It may serve as an important reminder of what we fight to protect." He placed a hand over his heart.
"That isn't very helpful. Sorry." Nejire said honestly.
"Maybe not right now. It will be." He offered as he made for the vending machine.
Nejire took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Inko sat on one side of Izuku, Ochako the other.
"Hello, Nejire." Inko said as she wiped her eyes with a tissue. "Thank you."
"For what?" Nejire ruffled Ochako's hair as she circled the bed to take a seat from the corner.
"For being here." Mother Midoriya patted the bedsheets near Izuku's arm. "I visited him alone far too often."
Nejire blinked away tears. She placed her chair next to Inko's and rested her hands on her knees.
Inko held Izuku's left hand. Ochako was running her index and middle fingers up Izuku's other palm.
She couldn't reach out to him.
It wasn't her hero costume stopping her; Ochako was equally dusty and grimy.
It wasn't the lack of a spare hand. She'd run a hand up his leg if she had to.
How could she bring herself to hold him- even touch him- when she'd done what she had?
She met Ochako's chocolate pupils with her own. Her girlfriend gave her a knowing look.
"Do you want to talk about what happened, Nejire?" The brunette probed.
"I don't know, Ocha. I'm not sure if Inko would want to hear about Izuku going through that." Nejire said. It sounded like an excuse. She meant it wholeheartedly.
"Please, dear." Inko reached to Nejire's hand with her free one. "I'd like to know. Don't be afraid."
Despite Hado being asked, Ochako relayed most of the operation. Nejire chipped in here and there, if only to explain who some of the people in the story were.
And then, came the moment Nejire had been dreading for some time. Ochako described how they lacked control of their bodies. Then how Izuku got his injuries.
The details were skipped. Inko wasn't upset; in fact, she looked quite angry. Not at them, the two girls hoped.
"And then-" Nejire finally took over, much to Inko's surprise. "He was how much I was crying… and he called me over to Izuku… and I… he- Oh god-"
Inko's brows raised stupidly high. It was as if they were trying to to escape her face.
Then her face fell.
And she wrapped her arms around Hado. The girl, despite her belief that she couldn't cry anymore, was once again sobbing.
"It's alright, sweetheart." Inko ran her hands through her periwinkle hair. "I won't blame you. He won't blame you. He loves you."
Nejire rested her head on Inko's shoulder, rocking slightly in her chair. She reached out, under Inko's arm, and rubbed along Izuku's chest softly.
'He loves me… he loves me…'
{}{}{} 15 MONTHS AGO {}{}{}
Izuku drank in the sunset. The dormitory's roof was a brilliant place to watch it. He kicked his legs against the side of the building as he dangled them from his perch.
He hoped Tokoyami wasn't in his room. He was probably quite annoyed with the soft bumping on the outside wall.
The huge expanse of land that the U.A campus lay before him. Now that the campus was capable of travelling, they'd seen many places across Japan. They never travelled too far at one time. He didn't mind.
The down time they had whilst the walls were being re-erected was the only time he could sit here without constant reminders of someone being able to pluck him from his spot.
He'd be off to war soon. And war was just about all you could call it. Since the age of quirks that covered the last 250 years, there'd been few exchanges you could call 'wars.' Skirmishes and easily won battles. All it took was a powerful quirk, after all.
Did he have what it takes? To fight? To win? He very much hoped so.
''Hello, Izuku!''
After the last 4 months under her tutelage, he knew the voice far too well.
''Hello, Hado-sensei.''
''Please, just call me Nejire.'' The bluenette hovered next to him.
''May I sit next to you?'' She asked optimistically.
''Sure.'' Izuku scooted slightly so she was right on the edge of the roof.
Not that it mattered. Nejire's 'sitting' was simply hovering with her butt an inch or two from what she was supposed to be seated on.
''You come up here a lot, don't you?'' She intertwined her fingers and rapped them against her belt.
''I do. It's calm.''
''Why would you say it's 'calm'?'' Nejire tilted her head.
''Because I can be alone… with my thoughts.'' He answered with a smile as he stared off into the distance.
''O-Oh. Would you like me to leave?'' Nejire sounded very dejected.
''No, no. Stay. Company, even if you aren't speaking, is welcome.'' He looked down sadly. ''And it helps take your mind off your thoughts if they ever get a little bit… depressing.''
''Okay, Izuku.'' Nejire emulated him. She gently rubbed the back of one hand with her thumb from the other and looked towards the setting sun.
The light wasn't harsh. In fact, it was just powerless enough to be able to look directly into but strong enough to illuminate the treeline below them.
She was struggling to sit still. She would occasionally nudge Izuku with an elbow without noticing.
After about 5 minutes of confused silence, Izuku opened his eyes and looked at her.
''You… want to talk about something? You seem a little uneasy there?'' He asked wishfully.
Nejire exhaled in relief. ''Thank you. I really struggle with silence.''
''How come?'' Izuku said with genuine interest, which didn't go unnoticed.
''I just… need to be active. Need to be doing something. I ask a lot of questions because I feel like-like I should. I bob up and down and I motion with my hands a lot and… yeah.'' She giggled nervously.
''Is that maybe your quirk? You have a lot of energy stored up inside you, right?''
''Hmm, maybe? I never went to the doctor or anything; people accept me just fine how I am. Although, people think I'm dumb because I ask a lot of dumb questions.''
''Dumb questions to fill the silence though, right?'' Izuku affirmed.
''Yup. You get it. You mumble, don't you?''
''I do, it's subconscious, kinda. Same with you?'' He looked to her for a confidant. She could react in kind.
''Mhmm. Guess we're both a little weird, huh?''
''Definitely. Kacchan's been telling me that for years.'' He laughed. She laughed along with him.
There was a content moment where they both met each other's eyes.
''Y-Y'know, Izuku… I really like you.''
He looked shocked for a moment before he relaxed into a look of simple confusion.
''I mean, you're a great student. Like, seriously, you're literally the quickest learner in the class.''
''Thank you.'' He said modestly. ''Although I'm not too sure about-''
''See.'' Nejire interrupted. ''You are so fast to think about others.''
''How did you-''
''You were obviously going to compare yourself to the other big, special guys and gals in 2-A. Don't even try and hide that.'' She smiled deviously. Izuku gave her a look that simply meant 'yeah, ya got me.'
''You're a very kind person, Izuku. A very thoughtful guy. I like that.''
''Thank you. After what happened with Setsuna… I-I needed to hear something like that.'' He said sternly.
''I'm glad you're getting better. Thank you for telling me, Izuku. I'm also glad about the fact you trust me so much.''
''Well, you're a teacher. I feel like you understood what I was feeling more than any of the other teachers could. Maybe Midnight, if she were still here…''
''Maybe it's an age thing?'' Nejire's eyes sparkled in the ever decreasing light. ''We're only 2 years apart, after all.''
''Maybe. I think it's just because you wear your heart on your sleeve. I admire that. I try to be open and honest as much as I can, too.'' He beamed at her. Her heart skipped a beat. 'Doki doki' as they say. She had never really considered such a phenomenon to be factual.
''Wow. Thanks, 'zuzu!''
'''Zuzu'?'' Midoriya recoiled.
''You don't like it?'' Nejire laughed off, though she was secretly a little hurt.
''No, I like it!'' He rubbed his head nervously.
''Good!'' She clapped her hands.
''Ahem.''
The pair spun.
''Oh, O-Ochako!'' Izuku stood sharply. Nejire slowly powered up her waves to go from a crouched hover to a standing hover.
''Debrief in the common room. Come on down when you're ready.'' The brunette did not seem best pleased.
''Sorry, Ochako. I know I shouldn't be on the roof.''
''It isn't that that annoys me.'' She said briskly. She disappeared back down the steps and out of sight.
''Sorry, Nejire. She just gets a little worried when I'm alone. Paranoid I might disappear on them again.''
''On her again.'' Nejire corrected. Then she suddenly perked up in realisation.
'OCHAKO LOVES IZUKU.'
She spurred back into life as Izuku hurried back inside. She slammed the roof door behind her.
The sunset was still in sight.
{}{}{} NOW {}{}{}
The golden beams penetrated the curtains, bathing Izuku's sprawled form in light.
''I'd like a second opinion, Dr Thompkins.'' Recovery Girl sat on her raised stool next to Izuku's bedside.
Dr Thompkins, an equally elderly woman of a far taller stature, held a hand over Izuku. Her hand glowed green and an exact anatomical model of Izuku hovered above his physical self.
''Two weeks.''
''In the deep sleep?'' Nejire asked, eyes wide.
''Oh, no no.'' Thompkins laughed. ''Two weeks to fully recover. He'll be awake in a few days. Maybe even less.''
She studied the green, translucent model of Izuku again. ''Actually, I'd say 36 hours. His spinal column is healing very nicely.''
She looked to Toshinori. ''What are you feeding this boy?''
''Hair.'' All Might deadpanned. Seconds before cracking up. Inko, Chiyo and Ochako laughed off their exhaustion for a brief moment. They were in the know, after all.
''Thank you, Leslie.'' Recovery Girl breathed out happily.
''My pleasure. Don't hesitate to stop me in the hall if he needs a check up.''
Inko was beaming. Izuku really was as strong as she knew he was.
''Excuse me?''
The group looked to the door.
''Hawks?'' Yagi rushed to him. ''How are you and the husband?''
''Good, thanks. I wish I could've been at Tartarus. Maybe I could've helped.'' The blonde man shook his head.
''Never mind that; you need me?'' All Might said, fully expecting to be called into action once more. ''I still have some fight in these old bones of mine.''
''Actually… I'm here to ask you all for permission. We believe Izuku would have said yes… but in his stead, we'll ask his nearest and dearest.''
''What could I possibly have a say in if it's the hero business?'' Inko clutched her cardigan tightly.
''Well-'' Hawks pulled up a chair and sat on it backwards, resting his arms on the back, very lackadaisical. ''With Izuku out of commission for the near future, we'll need someone- or someones to fill the gap.''
''You aren't considering-''
[][][]
''TOGA!'' The officer banged against the door of the transport. ''Get out here!''
''No! Not until you get me my blood bags!''
''We are literally doing that as we speak! You aren't even in trouble!''
Himiko's head poked through the doors. ''I'm not?''
''No! Just get out here and we'll get you into the embassy.'' He offered his hands for her to use for the step down. She took them and disembarked with the grace of a princess exiting a golden carriage.
''Embassy, huh? What country we being shipped to?'' She vocally jabbed.
''Hero embassy, girly.'' Spinner grumbled to her right. He was exiting a prisoner transport too. She quickly looked left. Three more.
Nagant.
Mr Stainy.
Dabi.
''Alright, you zygotes!'' All Might, in his Silver Age costume, called to them from the entrance. ''Follow me!''
The prisoners, in very relaxed shackling, were herded through the embassy's hallways and into a small office.
All Might and Nezu sat at one end, with 6 free seats along the rest of the oak furniture.
''Tea?'' Nezu said kindly as he pushed a tray full of mugs, a kettle and various teabags and sugar pots towards them.
''Ooh!'' Himiko jumped at the chance.
Stain helped himself, though he went without sugar.
When Himiko had no adverse reactions, the other 3 partook too.
''What's this all about?'' Nagant squinted. ''Being in a 'hero' building like this one doesn't exactly dredge up good memories.''
''We apologise.'' All Might said.
''You 5 would not have been called were this not of the utmost importance.'' Nezu steepled his hands.
''It's about Midoriya, isn't it?'' Dabi asked.
''Izu-kun!?'' Toga's golden eyes dilated as if she'd been drugged. ''Is he okay!? Can I see him!?''
''Relax, Young Toga.'' Yagi hadn't gone this long without a smile in what felt like eternity. ''Izuku is alright. He will live.''
Himiko exhaled shakily, very real fear leaving her.
''The issue, however-'' Nezu began. ''Is that we will be without him for some time. Well, not too long, but long enough in the hero world.''
''That's where you come into play.'' All Might nodded.
''No, no… you can't be serious!'' Touya Todoroki was perplexed. ''You want us to play hero for you!'' He pointed an accusatory finger.
''We do.'' Nezu said matter-of-factly. ''You have potential.''
''Pfft. After what we've done?'' Stain looked into his tea remorsefully. ''We seek redemption in our deaths, not in our lives.''
''Speak for yourself.'' Nagant growled. ''Though I can't say I'm keen on the idea of being sent on missions again.''
''Izuku saw potential in you all.'' All Might said softly. ''Heh, I say that as if he's gone. Regardless, he sees your true selves.''
''You've responded best of all the super criminals to our therapy and reintroduction programs.'' Nezu produced a presentation pointer from under the desk and referred them to a whiteboard displaying their personal accolades under the program. ''You will receive time off your sentences. And for whatever time you do serve, we can see your stay be made more comfortable.''
''Like 'up-to-date magazines' comfortable?'' Nagant leant forward.
''Hot off the press.'' Nezu rested an arm across the table confidently.
The promises came rolling in.
More sessions with Izuku and Ochako for Himiko.
Hero Philosophy lectures, presented by Stain to young recruits (supervised by All Might and Midnight).
Deliveries of Rei and Fuyumi's cooking for Touya. He loved his mother and sister's meals more than Lunch Rush.
Spinner requested only a TV and a games console. A simple man, simply made.
Nagant, as well as her fashion magazines, was to be given a sewing machine.
''Now, you have my word, as Principal of U.A-''
''And mine, as little as it now means-'' All Might followed up. Stain's blood vessels threatened to burst.
''We will treat you no differently than our heroes.''
''Hmm. Well played.'' Stain grinned.
''Now, there's a small matter of a team leader.'' Nezu smiled evilly. He stamped twice on his chair.
A man, dressed in gold and white, rose through the floor and came to rest perfectly atop the empty seat.
''Hello, everyone!'' He said cheerfully, his beady eyes gleaming.
''League, meet Lemillion.'' Nezu seemed to enjoy the bewildered looks on the face of his new task force.
''A pleasure to meet you all in a new setting! Let's make the most of this opportunity!'' Togata bowed deeply.
The League exchanged nervy looks.
Dabi laughed. ''Oh, fucking whatever.''
Hello hello. Well, this wasn't quite the longest chapter so far, but it's fairly close.
I apologise for the bait and switch with Izuku's death back there. I honestly don't believe that anything other than a temporary death could keep Izuku out of commission for very long. Hell, with all his quirks even that might not be enough.
Also, it will matter. Nejire and the other heroes will feel regret, as expected. The three person relationship will benefit and strengthen.
There's plenty of spiralling little stories to be told now. I told you I had plans for that big old snowball to unravel into little story boulders.
Anyway, enough about that. Tell me what you thought. I love feedback, even constructive criticism.
CONSTRUCTIVE. Don't be meanies :)
Until next time!