I certainly hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season! Here's the next chapter!

I do not own My Hero Academia.

Hitoshi jumped out of his seat the second the train rolled to a stop. Hizashi put a hand on his back and guided him off the train with Sekijirou on their heels. He glanced over his shoulder to see Nemuri helping Shouta stand up. A couple of officers were waiting for them on the platform and didn't waste any time, immediately falling into step next to the trio.

"There's a car outside to take Midnight and Eraserhead to the police station," one of them started. "I think we've got a license plate for Kaminari Akashi. A block lost power in the middle of downtown. We checked the security cameras of the surrounding buildings and caught some activity in an alley between Norinchukin Bank and Mizuho Financial Group."

He held a phone out to them. Hizashi held it amongst the three, never once breaking his stride. The footage was grainy, but there was no mistaking Denki running into the alley. A car pulled into view at the edge of the screen, and several men rushed toward him. Hitoshi's heart sunk when Denki got slammed into the wall and forced into the car. He could faintly hear Hizashi and Sekijrou speaking to the officers, but he couldn't take his eyes off the phone screen. He barely even registered the drop in temperature when they exited the train station.

Kaminari….

"Shinsou."

Hitoshi looked over his shoulder to see Shouta leaning against a police car while Nemuri spoke to another officer.

"I'll wait for you," Hizashi said, slowing to a stop and crossing his arms.

Hitoshi nodded and approached Shouta. It was impossible to miss the amount of effort it took for Shouta to lift his capture weapon over his head. He didn't hesitate to wind it around his student's shoulders. Hitoshi's eyes widened. He unconsciously gripped the material.

"Are you sure—"

"I've seen you in training. You're more than ready." He turned Hitoshi around gave him a gentle shove back toward Hizashi. "Don't do anything reckless. Go find your classmate."

Sparing one last glance at Shouta while he ran toward Hizashi, Hitoshi nodded. Hizashi matched his pace so they could catch up to Sekijirou. They'd just made it when several yells erupted a couple blocks ahead of them followed by screeching tires. One of the officers paled.

"What the hell?"

"Looks like your men found Akashi," Hizashi said, breaking out right back into a sprint.

Hitoshi was right on his heels but found himself falling quickly behind. He glanced up, his heart soaring when he saw the streetlights lining the road as far as he could see. Never breaking his stride, he threw the capture weapon toward one of the poles with practiced ease. He swung through the air, unraveling one end of the scarf before throwing it to the next streetlight. He flew right past Hizashi and thought he heard the hero swearing, but he couldn't get himself to care once he caught sight of the destroyed barricade and a lone car speeding down the street.

I don't have much time.

He forced himself to move faster, risking only brief glanced upward to make sure the capture weapon wrapped around his targets. His arms started to burn, but he was gaining on the car. With a couple more swings, he was close enough to see the back window was down.

"Kaminari!"

A blond head poked out of the car.

"What the hell are you doing?" Denki yelled. A hand grabbed the top of Denki's head and pulled him away. Hitoshi could only catch brief glimpses of a scuffle through the back window before Denki leaned back out. His chest was heaving. "You shouldn't be here!"

Hitoshi propelled himself even faster through the air. He swung further outward with every swing, getting him closer to the car.

"Grab my hand!" he ordered.

Denki looked behind him. He bit his lip and started to shake his head. Hitoshi clenched his teeth together.

Kaminari…what the hell is going on with you…did you really think we wouldn't help you?

He took a deep breath.

"CHARGEBOLT!"

Something flickered in Denki's eyes.

Yes. Come on, Kaminari!

Denki shook his head.

"Why…."

Hitoshi barely heard it over the wind rushing around him. Maintaining his rhythm, he swung further to the left and held out his hand. He smiled.

"Because you're totally a future hero!"

Denki's shoulders sagged, but his mouth set into a determined line.

"Don't you dare!" someone within the car yelled, but Denki paid the warning no mind.

Gripping the window, he pushed himself further out of the car and grabbed Hitoshi's hand. With all the strength he could summon, Hitoshi yanked Denki away from the car and wrapped both arms around him, practically crushing his friend against his chest. He barely maintained his hold on the capture weapon, but that didn't stop his hand from burning when the scarf suddenly pulled taut. He lost his grip. The two hurtled toward the side of a building.

Shit!

Hitoshi twisted just in time for his back to hit the wall.

Crack.

Fire spread throughout his ribs. He and Denki crashed to the ground.

"Shinsou!" Denki squirmed out of his hold and grabbed his face. His breathing picked up. "I'm s-so sorry! Dammit why did I…I-I shouldn't have—"

He suddenly pushed himself away and stood. Ignoring the agony, Hitoshi lurched forward and wrapped his arms around his legs.

"Don't even think about it."

"Kaminari!"

They both perked up at the voice. Denki's eyes widened.

"Mic-sensei?"

Hizashi sprinted toward them with his phone in his hand. He grabbed Denki's arm and held out his phone.

"I've got him here, Eraser."

Denki's legs stiffened in his grip.

"Kaminari?" Denki's breath hitched at Shouta's voice. "Please let us help you."

"But I—"

"I don't care. I know you didn't want to follow your dad's orders. I know you're not a villain, but I don't know everything. We can't help you if you don't let us. You deserve help, Kaminari."

The legs in Hitoshi's grip started to shake. Denki leaned in closer to Hizashi until he collapsed against the hero.

"Okay."

Hitoshi barely heard the voice. He looked up to see Hizashi clutching Denki against his chest, tears now streaming down his cheeks.

"I'm at the police station. Do you need me to come to you—"

"No!" Denki all but screamed. "Th-they know you're here. My dad was heading to Osaka and ordered his men to take you with us. P-please stay where you'll be safe."

Hizashi took the phone off speaker and pressed it to his ear. Hitoshi couldn't catch what he mumbled into the phone. His eyes widened when Sekijirou ran straight for them.

"We've got Akashi. He's unconscious, but we'll have a medic look over him as soon as he wakes up then we'll start questioning." The shaking in Denki's legs suddenly stopped. "Kaminari, I'm sorry but we need to take you to the police station."

Denki nodded, and Hizashi hung up the phone.

"I'll take him. We need as many officers and heroes that we can spare to get there. Akashi's associates are targeting Eraser. Take Shinsou to a medic. I saw that fall and he's probably got some broken ribs."

Hitoshi relinquished his hold on Denki's legs when Hizashi guided him along the sidewalk to the approaching officers. Sekijirou was kneeling at his side a second later, bracing an arm underneath his back to sit him up. He winced at the movement.

"Are you having trouble breathing?" Sekijrou asked.

Hitoshi shook his head.

"Just…hurts…." he managed to get out between clenched teeth.

Sekijrou took his hands and helped him to his feet.

"We'll have a medic check you out just to be safe, but Recovery Girl should be able to take care of you as soon as we get back to campus."

He wrapped an arm around his ribs, slightly leaning against the hero who didn't seem to mind. Blue and red lights flashed a few blocks ahead of them. He looked up to see Hizashi and Denki disappearing among the officers and cars.

"What's going to happen to him?"

Sekijrou sighed.

"I don't know. I'm almost certain Akashi was manipulating him, so he shouldn't be facing any sort of punishment. I guess we'll have to see how cooperative he is with the police before we make any decisions." He looked down to Hitoshi with a grin. "Although, from the looks of it, he was the one to knock Akashi out. You were right, Shinsou. I think you coming for him was the push he needed to accept our help."

Hitoshi shifted his gaze back down to the ground while he trudged along the sidewalk.

I really hope so….

*break*

Shouta hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair. Nemuri entered the room followed by a few officers that stopped just outside of the door. It only took one glance at him for her to move behind him and start rubbing his shoulders.

"Relax, Shouta. Kaminari will need you when he gets here. Besides, I doubt any of Akashi's associates would risk walking straight into a police station, especially if he'd just been caught by police."

That's not our biggest concern right now….

Nemuri didn't say another word. Shouta took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Hizashi's with Kaminari. They're on their way to the station. Kan said they caught Akashi. Maybe Kaminari can get the help he needs, and we can finally get some answers….

Shouta perked up and his eyebrows furrowed. Nemuri's hands stilled at the movement. Denki's words from the previous night echoed in his mind.

"I'm sorry, Aizawa-sensei, but it's bad enough you're here. No one else needs to get involved in my mess. I've done enough to you…my fr-the other students…my mom. A villain like me doesn't need help from heroes like you."

"Shouta?"

"Have you ever looked at Kaminari's file?" he asked.

Nemuri nodded.

"I know it says his mom passed away just over ten years ago and it's just been him and Akashi—"

"We need to get ahold of that autopsy report." Nemuri opened her mouth, but Shouta didn't pause for a second. "He implied that he did something to his mom. He called himself a villain who didn't deserve help from us."

Nemuri's eyes widened.

"He should've developed his quirk around that time…."

She covered her mouth and shook her head as she trailed off. Shouta held up a hand.

"I don't think it was an accident. I know Kaminari's quirk can be fatal when he generates enough electricity, but when he was a child? With a dad whose quirk is electricity negation?"

The hand still on his shoulder gripped him tighter, sharp nails digging into his skin.

"You don't think…."

Louder voices echoed in the hallway. Shouta immediately got up and peered out the door. His eyes widened when he saw Denki walking between two officers with Hizashi right behind him. Denki stopped, but the officers kept pushing him along.

"Let me talk to my student," he ordered as he stepped into the group's path.

"I'm afraid we can't do that, Eraserhead," one of the officers said, nudging him aside instantly. "He's got information that can't wait. Kaminari Akashi has several associates in Nagoya that we need to find immediately."

They continued down the hall toward the only room with an open door. Shouta sped up until he was right on their heels.

"Can't I—"

"No."

"At least let me be in the room with him—"

The door slammed shut in his face. Hizashi leaned against the wall and slid down to the floor. He curled his hand into a fist, but his friend grabbed it before he could raise it.

"They won't let us near him until they're done with the interrogation. Might as well get comfortable. Kaminari's been cooperative so far, but it's still going to be a while. From what I heard, their chief is already on the phone with Chief Tsuragamae. We should be able to take him back to Musutafu once they're done, but we'll have to take him directly to the police station for further questioning."

Shouta nodded. He took a seat against the wall opposite of Hizashi. Nemuri came to join them seconds later.

"Where's Shinsou?" he asked.

Hizashi winced, and Shouta narrowed his eyes. Hizashi swallowed but spoke, nonetheless.

"Kan took him to see a medic. He's probably got a couple broken ribs."

"What the hell happened?"

Hizashi raised his hands when Shouta's hair started to float.

"He used your capture weapon to get ahead of us and chase down Akashi's car. He pulled Kaminari out of the car and they flew into a building. It looked like he took the worst of the impact." Shouta took a deep breath, his hair settling back down on his shoulders. "Kan's getting him checked out just to be safe. He'll bring him back here if it's nothing too serious. Recovery Girl should be able to patch him up once we get back."

Shouta crossed his arms.

"I thought you two were supposed to watch him."

Hizashi shrugged. The corner of his lip pulled up into a smirk.

"The kid's fast. Besides, his friend was in trouble. I doubt Kan and I could've done anything to stop him, exactly like someone else I know."

"Shut up."

Nemuri snickered and plopped down next to Shouta. She didn't move a muscle when Shouta let his head fall against her shoulder. The trio sat in the hallway, not saying a single word while the officers buzzed around them. Shouta couldn't bother to look at his phone. He couldn't get himself to care how much time had passed. He could only stare at the door.

I know these officers don't know us like the Musutafu police do, but could they really not let me stay with him through the interrogation? Although, if he's already cooperating, I can understand that they might not want any more distractions….

Nemuri gently nudged him with her shoulder. She pointed down the hallway when he lifted his head up. Despite the officers occupying most of the hallway, he could make out Sekijirou and Hitoshi making their way around the corner. Hizashi stood and waved them over, and the two slowly swerved in and out of the officers. Sekijirou carried Shouta's capture weapon on one arm and kept the other around Hitoshi's back as he patiently guided him through the crowd. Nemuri jumped up and grabbed Shouta's arm to help him to his feet, but that didn't stop him from nearly falling over when the room spun around him. Hizashi was at his side in an instant to steady him.

"Maybe when Akashi wakes up, we can find out what the hell he gave you," he muttered. "I would've thought the effects from that drug would've worn off by now."

He grinned at the two as they approached. Sekijirou tightened his arm around Hitoshi, keeping his upper body as still as possible. Shouta raised an eyebrow.

"How are your ribs?" Hitoshi opened his mouth, but Shouta already put a hand up. "Don't even think about saying 'you're fine.'"

Hitoshi snapped his mouth shut and winced. Sekijirou shot him a brief glare before addressing his colleagues.

"We got a medic to check him over. He's got one cracked rib and two completely broken. He's not having any trouble breathing, so we got him some ice and barely got the pain medicine before he insisted on coming here. Considering he refused to wait in traffic and decided to walk here, he'll have to take it easy for the next couple days, even after Recovery Girl heals him."

Hitoshi shivered, so he dropped the ice packs he'd been clutching to his ribs. Shouta shrugged off the jacket Hizashi gave him, and Sekijrou moved just enough for him to drape it around Hitoshi's shoulders.

"Thanks." Hitoshi looked up to Sekijirou. "Sorry I…."

He trailed off when Sekijirou shook his head.

"Don't be. I can't say I blame you." He nodded to the closed door. "I assume they're already questioning him."

"They've been in there for a couple hours," Hizashi confirmed.

Shouta paled and checked his phone. He blinked when he saw the time.

Have we really been sitting here that long?

All eyes turned toward the door when it suddenly opened. One of the officers emerged.

"Kaminari's given us all the details we need about his dad's associates, at least everyone he had knowledge of. We have officers searching for the ones in Nagoya as we speak and we're calling around to the other cities the rest might be hiding in. Kaminari Akashi still hasn't woken up yet, so we can't question him or transfer him back to Musutafu; however, after talking with Chief Tsuragamae, he has agreed to have your student escorted back to the Musutafu police department whenever you all are ready. We have officers willing to drive him, or we can arrange for the next train to leave as scheduled, and you all could go with him. We'd ask that a few of our officers ride in the same car with you, though."

With a quick glance at his colleagues, Shouta nodded.

"We'd like to take him on the next train out of here."

The officer turned back into the room and motioned with his hand. He stepped aside so Denki could trudge out of the room. He stiffened at the sight of his teachers and Hitoshi. Shouta took a few steps closer and crouched just enough to be eye-level with him.

"You're coming with us back to Musutafu, Kaminari."

Denki's eyes widened.

"Are…a-are you sure—"

Shouta gripped his shoulders.

"I promised we would help you, and we will. We're not letting you go back to Musutafu alone."

Denki didn't say another word. Instead, his bottom trembled. His shoulders shook underneath Shouta's hands. Shouta barely caught a glimpse of the tear streaming down his cheek before he buried his face in his hands. Shouta didn't hesitate to pull him closer. He didn't say anything when Denki clutched Shouta's shirt. He didn't care when he could feel it dampening. Hizashi joined them and rubbed Denki's back. The other officer emerged from the room.

"We'll get everyone ready to escort you to the train station. You'll depart in just over an hour."

Sekijrou, Nemuri, and Hitoshi followed him down the hall, leaving the two heroes alone with Denki who turned his head just enough for him to talk.

"What about my dad?"

"He still hasn't woken up yet," Hizashi said with a frown. "Did you want to see him?"

"No!" The hands gripping Shouta's shirt clenched into fists. Denki's breathing picked up. "I…I don't want…."

He couldn't even finish and practically collapsed against Shouta. Hizashi helped keep them both upright. Shouta tilted his head down just enough to ensure Denki could hear him.

"You don't have to see him again if you don't want to. I'll personally make sure of that. He won't manipulate you anymore."

He barely heard the muffled "thank you" as the kid continued to cry.

*break*

It took every fiber in Hitoshi's being to remain in his seat. As much as he tried not to, he couldn't help but stare at the bench across from him. Shouta tried to stay awake as long as he could, but it only took a few minutes for him to drift off to sleep once the train started moving. His head fell on Hizashi's shoulder. Denki was sprawled out across the bench with his head resting on Hizashi's lap. The voice hero didn't seem to mind, absentmindedly running a hand through Denki's hair. Denki hadn't stirred one bit since falling asleep.

What the hell happened to him?

Nemuri started to lean forward but jolted awake. She rubbed her eyes and checked her phone. She shot him a grin.

"We'll be stopping any minute now."

Hitoshi nodded. He glanced around the train car. None of the officers had spoken a word to them since they'd gotten on the train. To be fair, none of the heroes or students still awake felt like talking much at all.

He's supposed to go straight to the police station when we get back, but what happens after that?

The train slowed and finally came to a stop. He could see Snipe and several officers already waiting for them on the platform. Nemuri slid an arm behind his back to help him to his feet; however, he couldn't stop a grimace at the movement. Sekijirou followed a couple of the Nagoya officers out of the car, Nemuri and Hitoshi not trailing too far behind. They'd just stepped off the train when Snipe approached them.

"Nezu wants me to bring you two and Eraser back to campus right away."

Nemuri glanced over her shoulder at the three getting out of their seats and chuckled under her breath.

"Good luck."

"Wait in the car," Snipe sighed, tossing her his keys. "I'll talk to him."

Nemuri guided him off the platform to the car. She opened the back door for him. He barely bit back a groan while he climbed into the back seat. She slid into the passenger seat a second later.

"What happens after the interrogations?" he asked.

Nemuri stiffened.

"I…I don't know," she admitted. "The only family Kaminari has is his dad. I would say he'd become a ward of Yuuei, but considering the circumstances, I honestly couldn't tell you what'll happen."

Hitoshi's stomach dropped. He let his head rest against the window. More people walked out of the train station. He perked up when he saw Sekijirou and Denki, but a couple officers directed them toward the police cars. Snipe headed to the car with Hizashi and Shouta on his heels, the latter two getting into the back seat. Once Shouta was settled in, he crossed his arms over his chest. Snipe jumped in and started the car. He glanced into the rearview mirror and shook his head.

"Eraser, you can see him after you've gotten some rest. Ectoplasm and All Might are covering your classes. The sooner you get back to campus and get rested up, the sooner Nezu will let you see him."

Shouta slumped further down into his seat. Hizashi checked his phone.

"Recovery Girl is already in the infirmary expecting Shinsou. She said to drag you there if I have to, Sho'. You'll be lucky if she doesn't lock you in there."

Hitoshi snorted and decided to ignore the glare Shouta sent his way. The car was quiet as Snipe drove through the streets. Hitoshi squinted a little when the sun started to rise. He rubbed his eyes and did his best to stifle a yawn.

It's been a long night…and we don't know what'll happen next…but we've at least got Kaminari back.