Enjoy.

The betrayal was more than she could take. She knew she wasn't exactly associating with the good guys, per se. Most of the time it didn't really bother her, but this time was different. This is Dabi they're talking about. He's one of the most respected members of the League. He's been Tomura's right hand for as long as she can remember.

It just doesn't sit right with her. Something more sinister has taken root in Tomura, and Eri's not sure she wants to stick around and wait for it to turn its attention on her. But where does an orphan go?

She doesn't have a criminal record, but she also doesn't have any kind of record. This is the dilemma she faces every time she tries to escape the darkness of the League. She has nothing and she's nobody. The League saved her from her mob background, but it didn't exactly give her an identity. It gave her anonymity, which she mostly appreciates except for times like these.

She sighs, sinking further into the park bench. The night is crisp and she stares at the large moon overhead. It's peaceful. She asks the question she always poses to herself in these moments, "Where do you go from here, Eri? What's the plan?"

Her red eyes shift to the dark grass in front of her. Her features become more strained as she tries to think about her options.

"I could go to the police and say I've been kidnapped and held hostage, but if they look deeper then they might connect missing persons to my quirk. I could try to get someone to give me an identity, but I have no money and nobody fears me enough to do what I ask without expecting something in return.. Or I could just live as a hermit, because apparently there's nothing I can do without needing help from the scummy government or scummy villains."

She shivers, leaning forward, "What to do…" She lays back again, staring at the sky and letting her mind wander.

"You have such a kind quirk."

She sighs again, closing her eyes to the memory. That detective had the utmost relief in his voice when she used her power on him, took away his wounds and all the pain with them. It was the first time anybody has ever made her think that her power might be able to do some good.

Tomura mostly had her erase people, heroes or villains. He said it was the only way to get her to learn how to use her ability and see what it could do. He said it'd be more humane if she did it rather than him. If he erased them then they'd be in excruciating pain, but if she does it then it'll be painless. It was Tomura's way of teaching her and also being merciful to his enemies.

She was accustomed to reverting damage after fights for the League, but Tomura also used her to expedite the torturing process.

That moment with the green haired detective replays in her mind.

"You have such a kind quirk." He leaned into her touch… Eri can't help the tears bubbling to the surface and quickly falling down her cold rosy cheeks. She sobs, "Would you help me, Detective-san?"

She sniffles, wiping her cheeks. "Maybe he would…" She ruminates on the option for a while. It couldn't hurt to check him out and see what Tomura is so obsessed with.

She stands with a purpose, albeit more dejected in expression though.

Ensuring to avoid the gaze of Tomura's spies, Eri is careful in how she goes about observing the detective. She dares not follow him on his cases, for fear it'd be much too easy for her to get pulled into the mayhem.

She does take an interest in those she sees him spending time with, the guy in the wheelchair in particular. A guy like that has every right to mope about, instead he's always upbeat whenever she sees him. She can only guess from afar that he's very self-assured.

After another day of detective watching, Eri finds herself tailing the wheelchair guy. She figures it's an office day for Detective Midoriya so she'll be waiting anyway. She's only following to pass the time.

She's across the street from him, pleasantly waiting for him to cross so she can meander about before following him back to the police station. Her plans are foiled when she frowns at a scream from the bank behind her target.

Her eyes narrow at a villain running out. He jumps into the sidewalk and the pavement rolls out from beneath him, catching the wheelchair guy in the waves. Then the villain takes off and her target is unwittingly thrown with a heavy thud into the street.

Eri doesn't have time to think as he struggles to get out of the way of a squealing car. Without really meaning to, her quirk activates as she grabs him to help him move. He collapses as the car finally halts past them.

Eri asks, "Are you alright?" She tries to maintain a natural expression, not like she's been tailing him for the past couple hours.

"Thanks for helping me." He smiles, "I think I owe you my life."

Eri can't help the smile materializing on her lips. She tells him, "Don't mention it, I was just in the right place at the right time."

"My hero," he teases.

Eri has to control the frown she almost made. The irony of calling a villain that. "Here, let me get your wheelchair… I hope it's not broken." She shouldn't stay out in the open for too long. Tomura's people might spot her.

"A little ding is okay," he calls after her. She hears him talk with the driver of the car that almost ran him over. Eri rolls the wheelchair over before moving to try to assist him in it. "It's alright, I can get myself up there, thanks."

Eri watches him maneuver himself into the chair. She takes a moment to appreciate his features. Sure, he's got scars all over his face and arms, maybe some disfigurements, but something about him makes all that so menial. Eri's own arms are covered in scars and areas where her skin is near paper thin thanks to all of Overhaul's cruel experiments. They're two peas in a pod in her eyes.

His addressing her takes her out of her head for a moment, "Thanks again, I'm Izumi Kouta by the way." He extends his hand to her.

She smiles, happy about finally being able to put a name to the face. She returns his handshake, deciding on an alias quickly, "Sato Emiko, but you can just call me Emi."

They walk back to the sidewalk, "Well Emi, I was actually running an errand for work, maybe I'll see you around?"

"Yeah, I'm glad you're alright." Eri will definitely be seeing Kouta, though he may not realize.

Eri has a slight skip in her step as she walks away from that encounter. She replays it in her head, whispering to herself, "Wait, did I use my quirk?" Her hand moves to stroke her horn. She counts the ridges, she started with eight this morning, and now she has seven. Frowning, she comes to a stop and turns around to stare at the building that Kouta must be inside now. "Fuck."

What did she rewind? Will he tie it to her? She shakes her head, "No, any reasonable person would assume it was a freak occurrence." There are still random reversals in medicine, quirks aren't to blame for everything yet… If he tells the detective about their encounter and they figure out her identity, then she'll officially be on the government's radar.

She can't risk it. She needs to be more mindful of her position. She sighs to herself, "This was a dumb idea, maybe I should just go back to the League?" She stalks off, intent on leaving the city.

She's a couple towns away, staying in a broken-into motel room on the outskirts of the city. Lying on the bed, in the dark, she mulls over her situation while staring at the ceiling.

Knock, knock.

They're very soft, she almost thinks she imagined them. Narrowing her eyes, she rises to investigate the door. She opens it to Masha, inviting her in with a smile, "Hi, what're you doing here?"

The panther woman steps inside, "I wanted to check on you. Tomura is content with leaving you be…"

Eri nods, "Yes, he usually is." She smiles at Masha's concern.

The two don't go back that far, but it's been a year since Masha joined the higher ranks of the League. She's more people-oriented, so she's made it a habit of checking in on Eri. The younger one has always appreciated it.

Masha strains a smile, "I think I have a solution for all your problems. I know someone who I think can help you."

"Really?" Eri is always a little skeptical whenever a villain tries to offer her help. It's usually not the best in her experience.

Masha nods, "I know a guy who can take care of you, get you situated."

"What's his price?"

"Nothing you have to worry about. Will you come meet him with me?"

"I guess, if you recommend him."

"I think he's the best option for you." Masha smiles, extending a clawed hand to stroke Eri's hair. "Let's go."

Masha's green eyes are inviting. She's not a small woman. Due to the nature of her quirk, she's larger, light black fur coating sleek muscle. She exudes kindness and care toward Eri, however, despite her intimidating features.

Eri takes a moment to peer into Masha's eyes, wondering what game she's playing at. She decides to see where they're headed.

This is the only way to save her. This is the only way to get her out of Tomura's dangerous and abusive hands. Masha just needs to do this one thing and if she dies, then at least the precious and young Eri will have been saved. Then Masha's life will continue to mean something.

Masha, whose real name is actually Otsuka Nakano, is an undercover agent. She's embedded with the League, feeding intel to her handler and then to the government. No one has gotten as far as she has. Colleagues that came before her died only because of the dangerous nature of working with the League, and not because they were actually discovered.

She sees Tomura's increasing volatility, and she worries that he'll lash out at her next. Dabi was the last member left from the beginning group. Toga disappeared a long time ago. It's only a matter of time. She sees his conflicting personalities continually clashing, a different and more sinister side has started to become more vocal. The things it says and the plans he has are something Nakano knows can never see the light of day.

Nakano knows that her work will be coming to a head eventually, and she at least needs to protect the one thing the League should've never gotten their hands on, Eri. She is young and she deserves a different life. Nakano feels for the seventeen year old. It's not easy when you start out with shit.

Nakano isn't sure this is the best plan, but it's the only plan she has to get Eri away from the League. It all rests on Detective Midoriya Izuku, though Eri won't know that.

Being in the League means making some dirty connections. This is one that might pay off. Nakano leads Eri to an apartment complex on a nicer side of the city. The women have to be stealthy, not much time for Eri to pry.

They reach the doorstep and Nakano nods at Eri to knock on the door, "He's expecting us," she whispers.

A young man opens the door to Eri, smiling pleasantly, "Ah, you must be Eri-chan, pleased to meet you."

Eri also smiles politely, extending her hand to shake his. As soon as their hands are in a full grip, Eri's red eyes are drawn to his empty irises. It's as if she's pulled inside.

Nakano is quick to catch Eri as she faints and the young man releases their hold. He smiles, "Masha-san, I have a double life to keep up now, please be on your way. Of course, you have my word that Tomura-san will not hear a word of this."

Masha rises with Eri in her arms, "Thank you, see you around." She leaps onto the rail and up to the roof before hustling to a kinder side of town and then their local shelter. As she walks up to it, she whispers, "You'll understand later why I did this to you, and you'll appreciate it. For now, you get a fresh start on life." She lays the teen in a spare cot and tucks her in. She slips a piece of paper into the teen's pocket before patting her head gently. "This way you won't come back to Tomura. Safe travels, dear."

It's like the panther woman was never there.

Kouta sat in rapt attention at the doctor's office, squeezing and releasing his hands in his lap. He's acutely aware of his heart beating in his chest as the doctor returns to the room.

His longtime physician, Dr. Han, takes a minute to stare at Kouta for a minute before shakily putting up some X-rays and an MRI scan onto an illuminator. He's overcome with some emotion as he explains to Kouta, "The deformation from the break in your spine that we believed was responsible for your paralysis has healed. It's all in normal alignment now. The nerves appear to be in order..."

Kouta breathes, "So… I-..." He keeps trailing off as Dr. Han faces him with a teary smile.

"We need to run some more tests, but you're going to be able to walk again."

Kouta feels tears falling down hot cheeks. He tries to keep them in, and to sound firm, but he ends up hiding his face in his hands. His shoulders wrack with emotion.

Dr. Han smiles, having wiped his own tears before handing a tissue to Kouta, "I don't know how this happened, but it has. You've still got a long road to recovery before you can walk again, but I can refer you to a physical therapist. Congratulations, Izumi-kun, I'll give you a moment. Take your time."

Kouta nods, still weeping into his hand. His tissue is already soaked. He takes shaky breaths before fumbling with his phone. The first person that he wants to call… He speed dials.

Izuku's voice fills his ear, "Hello, what's up?" It's unusual for Kouta to call him.

"Midoriya-san?"

Izuku perks up at Kouta's tone and his use of a formal address. "Is something wrong?" Kouta smiles as he hears Izuku vaguely order, "Give me a minute, back off!" Then he hears Izuku's full voice, "Kouta-kun, are you alright? Are you safe? Where are you? I'm on my way."

Kouta laughs dryly, "No, no, everything's fine. I'm okay, I'm- I'm at the doctor's office and I just got some news…" Hot tears silently continue to fall.

Izuku asks, "Oh? Good news or bad news?" He whispers, "Do I need to slip you some alcohol?"

Kouta chuckles, "It's up to you, I just wanted to share the news that my spine looks normal now. I got some feeling back in my legs and had the doctor check. It's healed."

Izuku smiles, "Is that right? This isn't something to joke about, Kouta. If you lie to me, I'm going to be very upset…"

Kouta grins, "I'm not lying, I'm in the doctor's office and just saw the scans. Dr. Han is going to refer me to a physical therapist. I'm gonna walk again."

"That's great! I'm at a crime scene right now, how about we celebrate? I'm sure your aunt is going to suggest that too. Is she there with you?"

"No, I'm gonna head over to their base next. I wanted to call you first."

Izuku smiles, "I'm very happy that you did. I'm sorry I have to get back to this, but text me the details and we'll celebrate, okay?"

"Most definitely, alright, bye."

"Bye." The two hang up.

Kouta grins, wiping his tears. The initial shock is leaving him and now he's just filled with joy. He's ready to leave the room and start his recovery. Maybe, just maybe, the world isn't just filled with suffering. Maybe good things do randomly happen, just like bad things. Whatever the case, he's ready to embrace his new reality. He gets to walk again!

"Excuse me… Excuse me, dear?"

Red eyes open to a weary but kind nun standing over.

"Yes?" The young woman is confused as she stares at the unfamiliar surroundings. She's in a cot in some sort of religious building.

"I'm sorry dear, but it's almost time for the church to open. You can come back tonight, but I want to make sure you get a chance to eat before you go. You're so thin."

The young woman blinks at her, "Where am I?"

The nun frowns at the confused features, "You don't know where you are?" She extends a hand to feel the younger's temperature. "You do feel warm. What's your name?"

"I don't remember."

"Well, let's think about this over some food. Come along now."

As the platinum haired woman follows, she ends up sticking her hands in her pockets only to find a small paper. She pulls it out to examine it and reads in bold letters 'FIND DETECTIVE MIDORIYA IZUKU'.

She speeds up to the woman, showing her the card, "Do you know him?"

"I've never met a detective by that name. You'll probably want to try the police station. I think the Father might want to get you checked out at a hospital though." The nun leads the woman to the kitchen and proceeds to give her a helping of porridge.

The younger politely takes it and begins to eat. She watches the nun head off to find her superior. After finishing her food, the amnesiac quietly escapes the church. Something in her bones is telling her that she doesn't want to stick around for a hospital visit. She stares at the writing on her little paper again.

It's her only clue. She eventually finds herself at a random police station, standing outside it. She's a safe distance away but she can't describe this fear in her stomach. There's some instinct telling her to get as far away from the police as possible. It doesn't make any sense though. Police are supposed to be the good guys right? As far as she knows, she has nothing to fear.

She just can't seem to bring herself to go up there and talk to the greeting officer.

After an hour of discreet indecision, she finally turns and walks away. There has to be another way. First, she'll search up his name on the internet. Should be a piece of cake, then she'll be able to avoid ever stepping into a police station..

She found her way to a library for free access to a computer. There were no hits on any Detective Midoriya Izuku. Does he even exist?

Is there really no other way?

She wanders for a little, struggling with indecision. A light rain begins to fall as she glances between the street in front of her and the police station beyond. There's no reason not to step into the law enforcement building. She needs help and they can help her.

As she mulls over her options, she notices the rain pouring more heavily and though she's soaked, she doesn't feel the droplets anymore. She looks over her head to an umbrella covering the space above her. Her gaze trails to a man standing quietly and peacefully beside her.

His green eyes briefly meet hers and he calmly averts his gaze again, "I also lose myself to thinking sometimes…"

She turns back to stare at the police station, nodding in agreement. She confides, "I woke up this morning in a church cot left for the homeless, and I have no memory of before then. I don't know why I can't cross the street and ask the police for help."

The man nods, "I understand where you're coming from. I've seen a lot of people stand right here and agonize over what they should do. All I can say to them and now to you is this: If you decide that you want our help, you can call me at this number and I'll help you in any way that I can. Until then, you don't have to wait here in the rain. You'll catch a cold."

The woman takes a little business card from an extended hand. She reads the name, "Detective Midoriya Izuku…" She smiles and turns to examine his kind features. Something warm flutters in her chest, relief.

A/N: Shorter chapter this go around. I technically have the next couple ready, but I probably won't update for a while again. I'll see how the chapter I'm currently working on flows. Thanks y'all, hope you enjoyed!