AN: Please, I'm warning you. I am WARNING YOU. THIS CHAPTER is going to get a bit dark, and there will be mentions of sexual Assault. So if you've experienced anything like this, please DO NOT CONTINUE as it may trigger past trauma.

My Hero Academia: Akio Takeyama

Chapter 26

I learned one major thing today. That Midnight and Kayama Nemuri were two different people. This should have been obvious, not to say some of her personality traits don't carry over but just that when her persona takes root, those traits are blown up a little more for show.

But how can you tell if you don't talk to the people behind the mask when they're not on the clock. Not that professional heroes aren't on the clock 24/7, just that you're speaking without the stress or need to keep up appearances.

Although It's not like I know what I'm talking about; instead, they're just assumptions bouncing around in my head.

Still, most of the public tolerates Endeavor, and I'm pretty sure most kids who look up to him don't mind he's an ass to anyone when it comes to anything other than his work. But somehow, people like that? I'm questioning it because I don't quite understand it fully myself since...I was an Endeavor fan as a kid.

It's not like it's common knowledge the things Endeavor has done. Nor is it common knowledge that Midnight and my mother were so intimately that she had fallen head over heels for her. Then have her heart shattered into a million pieces.

"Everyone has secrets. Most have their reasoning for the things they do. " Kayama's sky-blue eyes blinked down at her hands and then over to me. I felt a pang of guilt. That my existence could be the main reason, she decided it best to end the relationship. "Your mother kept everything about her family-herself a secret. I could see how uncomfortable Yu would become the moment anything about her family came up. "

"Perhaps I pushed her too hard."

"You didn't really," Kayama raised an eyebrow, and I was quick to elaborate. "I mean, at least I don't think you did."

Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. I mean, only my mother is the one who can tell us exactly why she decided that in the first place. Still, is it wrong that I want to give Kayama just a bit of reassurance and hope?

I exhale and look away at the bookshelf, "My...um," It's going to be a while before I can ever call her that, "Fear can be a potent force. I'm just saying we tend to run away from our problems."

There's a noticeable beat in the conversation as neither of us says anything.

Kayama chuckles slowly, "You could think of it like that. Fear can be a reason, too, after all." There was something in her eyes when her gaze lifted to meet my own.

"Do you believe yourself to be a problem, Akio?"

I stutter and fumble over my words in surprise. Why ask a question like that out of nowhere? I put a hand to my chest and squeezed out a smile. Despite the way Kayama frowned, I had to act a bit guarded.

"I don't-" I chuckle, "I don't understand what the point of that question was."

Kayama raises her hands in a surrendering gesture, "I apologize. That might have been a little too inappropriate considering this is the first time we're talking like this."

A shuddering chuckle leaves my lips, and I raise an eyebrow at her. "Might? Usually, you save questions like that until…" I shrug my shoulders, "y'know."

I rubbed my arm, the question bouncing around in the back of my mind. Where do I even begin to find an answer to that question? Analyze how I rationalized why my mother left me? Yeah, I took it pretty hard when I was a little boy. It began to hurt even more when each birthday passed without a word or message. It became too difficult to bear when it ate away at my mental state.

Am I the problem? Is something wrong with me? Does she hate me? Questions like that use to grip me at random and inconvenient times. At first, you ignore them, but they come back, and sooner or later, you will answer them.

"Did you not know?" I ask in an attempt to change the subject.

Kayama raises her eyebrow, "Did I not know what?"

"That I am her son?"

Here Kayama looks up, finger tapping at her chin, and brows scrunched together. "I can remember one time she brought this adorable small long sleeve shirt. It was the last one, limited edition, and Yu had this look in her eye that she just needed to have that shirt." Kayama's laughter fills the room, and it takes a moment for her to calm down.

"I thought it was weird she was buying so much Male clothing considering she never wore it." She giggled with a shake of her head before giving me a good stare. "Now, I know why."

This is the first time I've heard of this male clothing shopping spree. I'm internally shrieking at the top of my lungs. That must explain the piles of clothes Lia brings to me at the end of every year. I'll have to ask her about it, though.

Isn't that nice! I guess my mother is thinking about me. That was supposed to be sarcastic, but if I hadn't before, now I know that my mother's told me on that call wasn't just empty words.

It still doesn't change the fact that you couldn't bother to speak, not one word to me or see me yourself. With a deep breath, I bring myself back to the present. There's no need to dwell on it right now. At this point, I'm over my emotions going haywire just thinking about that one simple fact.

Yu Takeyama isn't a good mother.

"Um," I quickly drum my fingers against the armrest and quirk my lips. "To be honest, that's quite surprising."

Midnight raises an eyebrow, probably noticing the tone in my voice. "Well," She pauses to glance at the time, "I should probably finish telling the story before I got all sidetracked."

Midnight taps a finger against her chin as she recalls the rest of the event. "Right, she asked me if I would kiss her right then and there."

"Ew."

That gets a chuckle from her, "Oh please, if you think that's disgusting, well, let me tell you about this one time-"

"No." I chop a hand in the air at her, "Please stay on topic."

With a big laugh, I spend the rest of the period listening to the tale between the R-rated hero and Lady Mountain. Suffice to say, the story left a lasting impression.

Yu Takeyama may be a bad mother, but she's still human.

{x}

"Oh, sorry." Kara took a double-take as she entered Midnight's office.

Akio looked back at her, and the only indication that he was surprised by her presence was how his eyebrows rose ever so slightly.

Midnight smiled at her and waved a hand lazily. She was gesturing for Kara to stay-much to her displeasure. The atmosphere to her felt off, not that she had the words to describe it exactly, but that her presence came at the least opportune time. Kara knows that she interrupted a meaningful conversation.

She shuffled to the side, scratching her cheek as Midnight and Akio exchanged some words. It meant that she caught some info from them.

"Thank you. I-you really didn't have to tell me this, so I-" Akio couldn't finish as Midnight waved a hand dismissively.

"Please, there's no need." The kind smile displaying across Midnight's lips made Kara wonder what exactly they had been talking about. However, if he was here for counseling, that might be inappropriate even for her, not after what she did during the festival.

Akio stood a sheet of paper in his hand. Kara's surprise came when the blonde turned to her, a small smile spreading across his lips. Her brows furrowed, trying to understand the intention behind the uncharacteristic wink Akio gave her.

"Going behind my back to get stronger, huh?" His remark is teasing, and it took Kara more than two breathes to realize what he was alluding to. However, before she could form a response, Akio ran a hand back through his blonde hair, absolutely beaming smugness. "Too bad I'm still leagues ahead of you."

He turned, and Kara gave him the most scrutinizing glare she could muster. When did he-what? Akio chuckled and waved a hand, "Sorry-sorry that sounded weird, didn't it?" His snickering continued even as he fully turned and exited back out into the hallway. It didn't just sound weird to Kara; he is acting too different.

Kara crossed her arms, "Tsk, why is he acting so strange?" She turned and looked at midnight, sitting politely with her hands in her lap. There was a smile as she motioned to the seat across from her.

"I apologize, but," Midnight's smile was wicked calm. She noticed the look in her eye, no doubt. "He probably was trying to break the ice between you two. Try not to think too hard on it." Midnight wink this time had Kara pursing her lips.

Of course, here it comes.

"Unless-perhaps...maybe you had a little lapse from his handsome face." The tittering Midnight raised a hand to cover her mouth. Midnight knows what she's doing.

Kara's face burned straight from cheeks to ears with the most hardened blush. To mention something like that was inappropriate! But her reaction only made Midnight laugh harder than before.

Kara could only let out a groan falling back into her seat with a pout. "Y'know that's unfair, right?" The redhead grumpily told her.

Midnight drew in a breath, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please forgive me, Red-chan." She coughed into her fist and straightened in her seat, seemingly regaining her composure.

Kara rolls her eyes, "That was in the past." She spoke softly and slowly. That's how it should be. To her, there was no need for reminiscence on what they were to each other and what could've been for two dumb middle school kids.

Their time together in middle school. Just the two of them. It was fun.

She closed her eyes, "I know he has his eyes set on someone else now…I think they're a good fit for each other." Kara believed that wholeheartedly. She smiled at Midnight, who cupped her cheeks and sighed into the open air.

"Oh, if only I were a teenager again. Young love, am I right?"

Kara giggled, although her gruffer tone made it sound off, "Yeah, don't know about that one." She took a breath, giving Midnight a look, "Still quite weird, though."

Midnight raised an eyebrow, "Are you insinuating I did something?" Midnight chuckles with a shake of her head, "Then assume me talking as doing something."

Kara looked anywhere but at Midnight, an attempt to hide the smirk pulling at her lips. "No, more like telling perhaps, but I won't pry." Kara clapped, hands folding in her lap afterward as she tilted her head. Midnight gave her a good stare, lips still curling up into a small smile.

"Spill it. You promised a good story in return for mine."

Midnight sighed - she got her there - and leaned back in her seat, "Well, I'll tell you a story about the first person I've ever really loved. Listen closely because maybe you'll learn a little something."

{x}

Her befuddled expression made Midnight's stomach lurch. Even now, the woman she loved- still loves - is lying to her. Her jaw clenched and a fist balled, she fell into the seat across from Yu Takeyama.

Yu blinked, her expression slowly morphing. The blonde must have noticed - It wasn't like Kayama wasn't hiding her emotions - brows furrowing slightly, eyes closing, and a long sigh. The phone in her hands turned off with an audible click and setting it on the table a noticeable distance from her.

"Okay, obviously, there's something you want to say," Yu said, tone calm and collected. "So, go ahead."

Yu's eyes opened purple, immediately latching onto Kayama's sky blue. Kayama des[ite her anger and frustration found her thoughts crawling back to the first time they met.

"Your eyes haven't changed," Kayama whispered.

Yu's eyebrows rose with her eyes, "What?"

Kayama quickly shook her head, humming softly to herself. "Nothing." It was difficult; the first time they looked at each other eye to eye since that time when Yu had left her so confused and lost.

Kayama's knuckles had turned white from how hard she was balling her fist. What had she done wrong? What could she have done better? How could I have made you feel safer? How could I make you trust me more?

"Kayama…" Yu shakingly breathed out.

She could feel Yu's breath hit her face, the two of them mere inches from each other. Right here, everything was so close, every pore, the little blemishes in her skin, and those intoxicating purple orbs.

"Something I want to say," She whispered, throat bobbing up and down, "I love you."

There we go, nice and slow-get it all out. Kayama reassured herself that this was okay. That she should keep going while she had the self-composure to do so.

"I still love you." Kayama's breath shuddered, and she shook her head, fingers scraping across the wooden table. "And I know you still love me."

"Oh, Kayama, please…" Yu shut her eyes, her face scrunching up in discomfort.

"I know why you left," Kayama told her, consequences be damned. "I have an idea of honestly why you did what you did. I don't have the whole story, but I could care less. One day I want you to trust me enough to tell me what's going on. But I want to be there, and this time I won't allow you to push me away. You can't just tell me it's over. You can't just quit because you're afraid. You don't have to do everything by yourself! So please!"

Kayama hung her head, "Please, let me love you."

Kayama was exhausted, out of breath, and desperately trying to gulp in more air. "There...I said...what I...had to say." She spoke, shoulders sagging and face a bit red. Now, it was up to Yu to decide if the risk was worth it. Kayama prayed that this wasn't a waste of time, and she would accept her confession.

At first, the blond was rigid. Yu needed a moment to digest everything, so of course, there would be that moment of suffocating silence. Yu taking longer to answer meant everything is going good right?

Right.

"I don't know what to say," The words were slow leaving Yu's mouth. The blonde inclines her head and biting her bottom lip. "I-I...that's a lot to take in at once. Those are challenging requests to tackle for someone like me."

Kayama looked back up at her with an eyebrow raised. "Someone like you?" She blinked, staring in awe at the smile displayed across Yu's face.

It's real.

You did that, Nemuri Kayama. Yu is smiling genuinely because of you.

Yu's throat bobbed as she nodded, "I do love you, Nemuri. I do."

It was the first time in a while that she said her first name. Kayama was happy, satisfied, and quite exhausted. When was the last time she poured her heart out like that? It felt like her chest wasn't as heavy anymore.

Yu's expression contorted as she tried and failed to keep a straight face. Tears were rolling down her face as she quickly reached up to swipe at them. "I'm sorry," She chuckled, "It's just I thought you would want nothing to do with me. After leaving you high and dry like that."

"It hurt," Kayama wouldn't deny that, "but I would never give up on you. All this time, I could never get you off my mind, and I can't even fathom attempting to forget our time together even if I tried."

The blonde shook her head, "No, you should hate me." Yu said, tears falling faster than she could get rid of them, "I hurt you, so why?"

Kayama chuckled, "I could never hate you." She spoke with genuine sincerity - the thought never even crossed her mind - pulling down Yu's arm so she could see her face. She stood, pulling her up simultaneously, and the two of them rounded the table to be closer.

"I'm sorry," Yu's finger dug into the white fabric at the chest of her t-shirt. "I swear I didn't do it to hurt you. I'm a coward and weak. No one should love someone with as much baggage as me."

I know you're sorry. Kayama put their foreheads together, but she can't let the women she loves talking about herself like that. "I love everything about you. Your baggage is not going to change my mind." She reassured her. Yu turned away, not able to look her in the eyes.

"I'm still suffering from the scars." She trembled, struggling to get the words out as she sobbed, "Nemuri, that man-Akio's f-father still has his hands around my neck and-and I can't fathom what he would do to the people close to me. If he found out that he has a son." She visibly shook and trembled. Nemuri edged closer and cupped Yu's face. The blonde only shook her head, breathing becoming erratic and short.

It was becoming alarmingly apparent to Kayama that there was trauma. New information spouting from her lips made her anger and worries spike to new levels. She needed to calm her down before it got worse.

"Yu wait, you don't have to-" The blonde ignored her, ripping her hands-free from her hold and backing away.

"Don't you see? I can't be with you because he'll hurt you, Nemuri. H-H-He'll take Akio. He won't-He won't stop," Yu wheezed, arms wrapping around herself. "I was so small and young. I remember him over me and just pain. So much pain."

Kayama was stunned into complete silence. Those scars she has are from someone in the past? It was concerned her to hear the words slip from Yu's mouth. Pieces of the puzzle being given to her so that she could complete it. However, it's become increasingly apparent the truth behind this puzzle will be another slap of reality.

"Yu…" Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "How old are you?"

She had to know. It felt like something was grossly wrong. Her stomach was lurching in on itself, a sense that the world was flipping on itself.

Yu looked at her bottom lip, quivering, "Nemuri," Every second she didn't answer made it all the more apparent. That this was a moment, she would never forget.

"I'm 23."

And just like that, another slap in the face. Kayama covered her mouth, the tears no longer being held back.

How could they? Monsters, this world is filled with the most horrible and disgusting creatures on Earth. Yu was an unfortunate victim. Kayama hesitantly opened her arms, and Yu immediately leaped forward into the embrace.

Yu trembled in her arms, "I can't-I-" She fumbled about, not able to find the right words.

To tell someone something this sensitive from their past is one of the most challenging tasks for anyone with trauma.

Yu trembled and shook. Her arms wrapped so tightly around her back that she was holding onto Kayama for dear life. Kayama didn't pull away even when Yu's nails began to dig into her back.

"I feel him even when I don't want to." Yu was beginning to hyperventilate, the onset of a panic attack. She began sobbing uncontrollably into Kayama's shoulder, "It feels like I'm about to die, Nemuri. What do I do? Tell me, how can I get rid of him?"

Kayama kissed the top of Yu's head, hand rubbing circles into her back, "Your safe, Yu. I'm here, and you're safe." She repeated again and again. "He can't hurt you."

Yu cried until she couldn't cry anymore. Her sobs were replaced with shaky breaths as she leaned against Kayama, exhausted. They stood there for a while, maybe a couple of minutes, but it felt like an hour.

"Thank you," Yu stated after a while. Her fingers are still gripping hard at the back of Kayama's beige sweater. "I'm sorry you had to see me like that."

"Don't apologize," Kayama hissed out, lifting Yu's head so she could look at her in the eyes. They were swollen and red from crying, but they were looking at her with love and admiration. "Don't ever apologize for this. You don't have to hide it from me. You don't have to endure the pain by yourself."

"Even if you don't want a relationship in that way. It doesn't change the fact that I still love you. I'll be the friend-the one you can call and lean on for support." She says, her lips quirking up into a reassuring smile.

Yu stares for a bit and frowns. "When you say it like that...I don't like the idea of you only being my friend." Yu stretched on the ball of her feet. Kayama leaned down, eyes closing expectantly as their lips met. It was brief but sweet.

"Are you sure about me?" Yu's lips stretched across her face, lights dancing in her eyes despite how exhausted she looked. The kiss was just that special to both of them. "I'm-This is going to be difficult for both of us. Opening up to you about my troubles and leaning on you for the support, I'll have to get used to it."

Could she tell her intentions just by looking her In the eyes?

"I said it before. You don't have to deal with everything by yourself." Kayama pulled a hand back, gliding her knuckles and caressing her left cheek. Yu closed her eyes, leaning into the touch. Kayama missed this, being able to touch and be so close to her like this. The skin was so soft against her rigid knuckles and warm. "Please, promise me you'll try."

Yu's eyes opened half-lidded and possibly in a daze, "As long as you promise to be there when I need you most. Promise."

Kayama placed their foreheads together, "I would rather not get stomped by a giant lady. I promise. " She jokes with a goofy smirk.

Yu snorts, going into an uncontrollable fit of laughter, "Ha! I'll keep you to that." She whispered, pushing her head up to rub their noses together. "I promise to try my absolute best. I won't run away this time, I swear."

They both let out a shaky breath, pressing their bodies tightly together, "I love you." They said in unison, eliciting a short laugh from them both.

Yu leaned closer, warm breath hitting Kayama's lips, "Don't ever stop loving me, please."

"Never."

In the end, there was nothing else that needed to be said. But there is so much that needs to be done.

{x}

Akio - Class 1A Homeroom

Aizawa looked at the piece of paper in his hand with a dull look. I wanted nothing but to off myself right then and there. I mean, what was I thinking? There was no way he would let missing my last class slide with just a slip of paper.

Aizawa lowered the paper, eyeing me for a moment. Surely Aizawa understands and will give me a bit of slack. I took a deep breath looking down at my sleeve to fix a wrinkle in my uniform. His stare was scrutinizing, and it made me want to sink into the floor.

...My quirk could probably help with that.

Aizawa's grumble made me look back up at him.

"Make sure to get the notes you missed from one of your classmates. Get inside and try not to be late again." He moved to the side, allowing me space to enter. I immediately noticed that he took a second glance back down at the document. What's that about?

I put my hand to my sides and bowed, "Yes, Sensei." It looks like I dodged a bullet there. Whatever was in that late slip must've deterred Aizawa from laying into me. Got to make a mental note to thank Midnight the next time we talk. I calmly walk towards my seat with a breath of relief, sliding the paper towels Ashido told me to get for her.

"Thank you~" Ashido flashes a smile, and I give one back, taking my seat in front of Todoroki.

I got a few looks, but overall, everyone seemed to mind their own business or perhaps thought it wasn't an appropriate time to ask. I was gone for a whole period, after all. If anyone asks, I'll just tell them something wasn't settling right with my stomach, and they'll get the memo. Disgusting, but what can I do? Mineta and Kaminari would go bonkers if they found out I was 'alone' with Midnight sensei-so it would have to be done.

"Today, we'll be doing a mental exercise…" Aizawa's voice drew my gaze to the front of the room as the board behind him came to life. I blinked twice, and if I'm looking right, it was a map of USJ, the same one I caught glimpses of when the Villains first attacked. What exactly are we doing?

Aizawa shuffled a bit more to the side so we could see the map in its entirety. He pointed to the mountain range, the one Kaminari, Momo, and Jiro were stuck on, if I remember correctly. We went back to USJ and did rescue training, too, although my quirk made it a bit too easy, so Aizawa made me the person that needed to be rescued. I'm interested in what he has for us now.

He pointed to 3 blue dots at the base of the mountain, "Today, you'll be separated into groups of three based on my discretion," He said before sliding a finger up. His finger curved out a path straight up the mountain, "You'll have the rest of period to come up with a plan that includes all of you to fight, immobilize or capture, and rescue." His hand came to a stop where three reds are surrounding one green dot. I'm genuinely surprised that we would all be at USJ right now, but instead, we're asked to flex our brains. Though if I had to guess, this brain teaser has a catch.

"You'll get descriptions of the quirks each Villain uses in a minute." He lifted a paper from his desk and began reading it, "Midoriya, Tokoyami, and Ojiro." That's the catch. The first thought in reaction to a team like that is odd but makes sense. It went on like that for a while, and I could see how weird everyone was with their teams.

For example, we have Bakugou, Jiro, and Kaminari. Yaoyorozu, Sato, and Aoyama. Tsuyu, Koda, and Kirishima. Todoroki, Iida, and Mineta. Me, Toru, and Shoji. You might not see a pattern, but only about one person on a team has the quirk or the ability to quickly climb the mountain. But since this is a team/rescue training exercise, that means we're going to have to worry about getting everyone up there and somehow rescuing the hostage.

"This is going to be difficult," I muttered, seeing everyone look unsure. It seemed almost everyone had caught on. We don't even know what quirk the villains possess yet, which will make it even more of a challenge.

Aizawa tapped the bored, "Look here." Three boxes of text appear. When everyone reads what was on the three boxes, I could feel the atmosphere become tense. There was silence for a good minute before Izuku's words had sent everyone into a little frenzy.

"That...That's almost impossible." Izuku squeezed out in a short, low breath. But because of how silent it had been, everyone heard him. I could see Kaminari's eyes bug out of his skull. You can't blame him when you have villains whose quirks are, quote, "Quirk cancellation, earth proxy, and amplification." The descriptions explaining it in more detail just made it harder to swallow.

"Almost? That is impossible!" Kaminari yelled distraughtly.

"Good." Aizawa started with a bit of a sterner tone, "because I want a written and detailed explanation of how you will save the hostage by the end of the class. If you don't, you'll get a big fat zero for a grade. Good luck." My jaw dropped as he went to the corner of the room, got into his sleeping bag, and promptly fell asleep.

Everyone just stared at him in disbelief. Until everyone just looked at each other. "That's Aizawa sensei for you." We all said in unison.

"Get to work!"

I clapped my hands, getting up from my seat as everyone began to shuffle around, "Welp. Hagakure and Shoji, hopefully, we can come up with something reasonable."

...

It's impossible.

I hate to say it but Kaminari was right for once.

"Take-Kun, your hair is all messed up." Hagakure pointed, I think? She could probably tell how frustrated I am. I ran a hand back through my blonde locks, hopefully smoothing it out a bit.

"Sorry," I let out an irritated huff, "I can't figure out a way to get us all up there at once."

"It is quite difficult considering you're the only one who has a quirk suited for the task of climbing." Shoji chimed in one of his many mouths

"Goddammit, I said it wouldn't be fucking work, dunce's face!"

There goes Bakugo again. I winced before cupping my ears.

"Well, you're not coming up with any good ideas!"

An explosion went off, and commotion ensued as Kirishima jumped up to quell Bakugo's rage again. Not like anyone can agree on an actual plan, though.

Midoriya looks like he's exhausted every faculty of his brain. Momo looks highly concerned between her two sullen classmates, and Todoroki doesn't seem to be saying anything is letting Iida and Mineta argue.

Hagakure jumped up and raised her arm-hand? "Wait, wait! What if i-"

"Try to climb up the wall from a different angle while you or we distract them long enough for us to get up there?" I finish for her. "With his quirk earth proxy letting him control anything earth-based at a specific range, which also is being amplified. The moment you reach about halfway, they'll know something's up.

Hagakure puts a hand out on her hip. "Well, I know that, silly."

I flush and quickly apologize.

She giggles, "Scaling the mountain is nigh impossible, but I learned a new skill that might help." Now she had my interest piqued. I've been building a plan only based on my knowledge of their quirk. Still, it depends on how useful this new information will be to me.

"My body can refract light," She stretches up on one leg, "So you throw me up when we reach halfway, with them blinded for a short time, you sling yourself and Shoji up quickly where we beat up the bad guys and save the hostage!"

There's silence across the classroom at the sudden declaration. Shoji and I stare at each other before we both nod. Quickly I take my mechanical pencil to paper, putting the start of our plan into action.

"First, I'll use my new ability seismic sense to discern the exact locations of the villains. Then we'll scale the mountain halfway from whichever angle is closer to the canceled user—making some revisions to Hagakure's plan. Before we reach halfway -which is out of their detectable range - I'll throw both Shoji And Hagakureup to the top, where Hagakure will leap from his back using the sunlight to blind and momentarily stun the villains, where I'll advance and quickly immobilize the canceled user. After Hagakure is safely on the ground, we'll regroup before Shoji, and I begin to clash with the last two criminals. At the same time, Hagakure will sneak past and retrieve the hostage safely." I drop my mechanical pencil and let out a sigh of relief.

"And to think all we needed was your new ability to win against the villains." I chuckled and raised both my hands for a double high-five. "Great work!"

Hagakure laughs and gives me a double high-five. "Yeah!" And we both high five Shoji, who looks pleased with our efforts.

At this point, Midoriya suddenly shoots up, "That's it! What have you guys learned over the break!?" Tokoyami and Ojiro looked at each other as if all the answers had been revealed to them.

"Oooooooohhhhhhhhh." Most of the class went in unison.

It had been the Aizawa plan from the start. I facepalmed, of course, he would try to find out in such a roundabout way. Just ask us to write an essay about what we learned over the break next time.

…

By the end of class, everyone seemed to be satisfied with the plans they had. Everyone seemed to filter out of class to the familiar tune of the bell. Usually, it meant another class, but right now, it was time to get some grub—recess for all U.A students to talk and fill their stomachs for the rest of the grueling day.

Instead, I was standing in the front of the class watching Aizawa flip open a notebook as I patiently waited for him to speak. It must be important if he wanted me to stay behind after class, right?

Aizawa stops flipping through the pages in the book and slowly folds his hands in front of his face. Again there is another pause as the silence in the room becomes more noticeable. Ignoring the itch on the back of my neck, I reach up to fix my tie.

"Sensei?" My voice is controlled and calculated from where I stand.

"Akio," My name comes out in a low scraggly tone as he finally raises his head just enough to look up at me. "Have you had any contact with your father?"

My father? The question makes my heart beat a bit faster. It makes a million questions in return fire off in my head. If this conversation concerns my father, then he must have done something to catch their attention. I know he's a villain. I know this man has done horrible things if I'm recounting what Lia told me correctly. But after that, I hadn't been concerned or thought about that much, if at all.

"No. I haven't." I control the tone of my voice, and I roll my jaw words sitting on my tongue. Aizawa sits a little straighter in the chair, his eyes slowly narrowing at me. I stare into his eyes, hoping he could see that I was telling the truth.

"If you don't mind me asking," I blink twice and take a deep breath. Even if it's most likely that Aizawa-sensei won't answer, it won't hurt to ask. "Is there a reason for the question?"

Aizawa's eyes let up as he scratches under his right eye and shakes his head, "That is none of your concern." He sighs and stands up. "Although your aunt convinced me otherwise. As recent events have made things a bit complicated."

Aizawa doesn't look happy. His brows knit together as he looks up at me, "Explain your quirk again."

I quickly comply, although not without giving him a weird look. Shouldn't he already know that information? "Uh, solid growth. Any material with a solid composition like wood or concrete I can make grows in shape and size. This ability extends to objects. However, I can't make them smaller than their original size. I also have to be touching the object I want to use my quirk on." Aizawa crosses his arm and looks down at his notebook. I don't attempt to try and steal a glance. Instead, my focus is watching Aizawa closely to try and pick out any signals of the situation's severity. Aizawa raises his eyebrow, his eyes giving me a once-over. I'm confused as he opens a palm gesturing to me.

"So you can manipulate but not conjure?"

I pause and nod. "That seems about right."

Why is a simple question like that making alarms go off in my head? I hold out a hand and activate my quirk frost forming at the base of my palm before I make it solidify into a ball of ice.

"Although I can do something like this." I point out.

Aizawa schools his expression, making it harder for me to see his intention. His red eyes focusing on the ball of ice as he picks up his notebook and flips through it once more.

He rubs at his jaw and motions to me again, "Have you tried to summon any solid other than ice?" Aizawa's question makes me falter a bit, the ball of ice in my hand shrinking until I couldn't see it anymore.

That's a good question. I haven't attempted to do anything like that because It never occurred to me that was a possibility. After unlocking my quirk, I naively thought the ice was the only thing I could conjure and grow from my hands. Why wasn't it strange to me that I could manipulate other solids and only conjure one? I feel ignorant. All this time, did I have the ability to summon other solids besides ice?

My eyes drift down to my right hand. "I...don't know." I wriggle and stretch my fingers.

I'm inquisitive now. Can I do it? If it's true, then I've only still scratched the surface of what my quirk can do.

I hold out my palm one more time. This time there's can't be frost - that's easier said than done - as I focus on the material to appear in my hand—a cube of wood that's what I want. Small or large as my hand, it didn't matter as long as I conjured it. I could feel my muscles tense, and a low ache rises from my temple from focusing. Frost flickered in and out because of the struggle to turn it off but turn it on.

That didn't make any sense, but it was the best way for me to explain it. I've been conjuring ice and only ice for as long as I can remember. Attempting to use this power without summoning that will be demanding from the start.

My eyes widened when there was a dull red and orange glow emanating from my hand. A small brown ball, I could feel pricks and needles on my skin as it grew short strands similar to a ball of yarn wrapping around it. Adding to the small ball, and bit by bit, it conformed to the shape I wanted.

My breath shuddered, "W-what?" Suddenly the light was gone, and the small rough, and rigid ball fell on my hand. Since I hadn't finished, the object looked more like a spiked ball than a cube.

It can't b-no.

"It seems that you've underestimated your talent. Not that it changes the fact I will have to keep a closer eye on you now." Aizawa closes his notebook, reaching over to put a hand on my shoulder.

"Go join the rest of your classmates for lunch. I rather you not falling over from exhaustion when All Might comes to get you all next period." He swiftly turns me to the door as I open and close my mouth.

I want to say something, but right now isn't a good time, is it? I frown; still, I need to know. I don't turn back to look at him as the words fly from my mouth.

"If your newfound interest in my quirk has something to do with my father the-"

"I'm going to stop you right there." His warning tone makes me swallow the rest of my words. "We'll have that conversation when we have it. That's all you need to know."

I bow my head slightly in his direction, "I apologize, sensei."

Aizawa sighs, "No need to apologize. You have a right not to be kept in the dark about things," He paused, looking directly into my eyes, "Trust your teacher."

"What do you think, Tsuyu?"

Tsuyu turned to Ochacko and placed a finger on her chin. "I'm not sure, kero." She glanced back to the monitor where Akio was standing, looking a bit bored, maybe even a bit preoccupied. To Tsuyu, something was on his mind, but whatever it was shouldn't be of any concern.

Ochako hummed, "Akio was kind of weird this morning was he?" Tsuyu turned back to Ochako, who leaned forward, cupping the side of her mouth. "Did something happen between you two?"

Tsuyu blinked a few times and looked down at her feet. "...We had a conversation." She paused reluctantly to say anymore. Is it okay for her to talk about what had happened over the phone? She let her emotions spill out a bit. Akio felt a bit angry, and for a good reason, she suspected. Tsuyu tended to be blunt, and that extended to people she cares for.

"I see…" Uraraka trailed off, staring a bit. There was a flash of understanding in her brown eyes that made Tsuyu thankful she didn't quite have to give details.

"I understand your reason for criticizing me Tsuyu," Akio was schooling his tone to try and not come off as offended. But he was, and Tsuyu felt horrible. "I just wish you didn't feel the need to cross-analyze my feelings or actions every time."

There was a finality to his tone that Tsuyu could do nothing but accept. She made the mistake of getting ahead of herself. However, the awkwardness between them wouldn't last. Akio was mindful of her glances. They were inconspicuous but not enough that they wouldn't catch each other's gaze. It became very frequent during lunch. The only reason for that is because she was also attempting to steal glances at him.

"Woah, Akio's fast!"

"But Todoroki is on his tail, look!"

Tsuyu's gaze was brought back to the monitors by her classmates comments and ramblings. Todoroki and Akio seemed to be gliding across the center at a leisurely pace. Todoroki was surfing along the iron surfaces with ice he conjured in front of his feet. However, Akio used bursts of his quirk to launch himself from place to place.

Midoriya was the one who was the most intrigued, "He sharpened the soles under his boots and attached to the wall to keep from losing his balance!? Amazing." He looked down at his shoes and blinked, an idea bouncing around in his green eyes.

They were neck and neck, and right at the end, it looked Akio was having the time of his life. She wanted to see him smile more like that—a genuine smile just for her and no one else.

Suddenly Tsuyu found herself momentarily confused as everyone physically and vocally cringed. It was one of those - 'If you blink, you'll miss it' - moments as she only caught the aftermath.

Akio and Todoroki had collided with each other-that much were obvious. Although they were in the lead, you didn't win unless your feet touched the surface, and unfortunately for them - in this case - ascending was faster than descending. Yaoyorozu was just two seconds faster than the pair's descent, her feet claiming purchase on the ceiling when their bodies slammed right down in front of her.

Jiro whistled, twirling her ear jack, "What a twist, am I right?"

Most of them had a good laugh at that one.

"Tsu-chan?" Uraraka looked at her once more, a smile on her face as she places a hand on her shoulder. "If you ever need to talk…"

Tsuyu nodded, patting the top of her hand a small quirk of her lips. "I know." It was friends like these that don't make her regret applying to U.A. But for now, there is no need to concern friends with her worries. She had to look the part of the emotional pillar after all. But it seems with Akio Tsuyu's emotions get the better of her.

Why is it like that?

{x}

League of Villains Hideout - Unkown Location

"That's all you need to know."

"All I need to know?" There was raucous laughter as the slender man paced back and forth. Kurogiri stood by the bar, his fingers cleaning glass as he watched and studied the man before them warily. If by his masters twitching and increased breathing, this would probably turn violent in a moment.

He warped the bottle of whiskey from behind him and quickly poured a glass. Whoever he is, they had an uncharacteristic love for booze and the hard kind. The man stopped in front of the bar, his lips curling up into a smile at the sight of his favorite drink.

"Oh, come on now, you shouldn't have." He snatched the glass off the bar, turning and dropping into the seat. "If there is one thing I like about this hideout, it's the 'confiscated' booze."

He went into another round of laughter. Shigaraki was at his wit's end and probably will leap across the room any moment now to grab him by the neck. To him, It would be so much quieter and more comfortable if he could just get rid of him.

"I want nothing to do with you…" Shigaraki spoke, eyes fixated on the television where the channel was rerunning an interview with the symbol of peace.

Shigaraki's raspy and low tone made the man lean forward, a hand cupped to his ear. "Excuse me?" He said, feigning ignorance.

Shigaraki scratching stopped, his body went rigid, and ragged breathing got louder. Their guest heard him the first time but decided to poke fun at the league of villain's leader. This man is going to become a pile of dust Kurogiri would have to sweep up later. He should probably get the broom and pick it up right about now. But this man must be powerful if he is probing for an altercation with Shirgaraki of all people.

Shigaraki didn't turn and let out a low chuckle, "Did you not hear me? I said I want nothing to do with a rapist." His words were clear and concise, losing the scratchy tone it usually had. That wasn't good for anyone to hear, much to the increasing anxiety of Kurogiri.

It was a telltale sign that this 'conversation' come to blows. Kurogiri did care about them coming to blows as All for one would not take kindly to that news at all. But not showing restraint is difficult for Shigaraki, which didn't bode well for their special guest. Doesn't matter if they have the quirk t

This time their guest cackled, "Oh come on, you might as well add kidnapper and murderer to that." He ran a hand through his black hair, "Plus, I can't help it, let me tell you-"

"Fucking disgusting...makes me want to rip your head off for even attempting to make me listen to your psycho reasons for the things you do." Shigaraki gagged.

The league of villains leader rose from his seat, and instead of leaping across the table to attempt a grab for their guest neck, he stalked off. Kurogiri applauded himself mentally as his decision to give this man a drink had mellowed him out a bit. He was preventing another speel about why he does the...despicable and utterly vile actions as a criminal. It also stopped a retort waiting on the tip of their guest's tongue - he had seen this exact scene play out too many times in repeat since they began the operation.

He was a middle man between the true man pulling strings behind the scenes- the mentor to Shigaraki -All For One and them. An inspector of sorts that would report back to All For One about Shigaraki despite him taking a moment to drop in every now in then through video. According to him, despite knowing of Shigaraki's disdain, he's employing the help of this 'comrade' for some plan. Whatever plan that is, Kurogiri had no idea. It wasn't his job to know, and he will fall into place wherever it is needed as that is his job.

Nothing less and nothing more.

"This is good stuff," The man raised the glass, and Kurogiri could see their dark magenta orbs in the reflection of the glass. It was as if the man was staring right at him. "Makes miss back home. We had a personal cellar full of the stuff since my family was in the legit business of selling alcohol and whatnot."

He smiled, the glass levitating a few inches above in the air, "It was nice, but yakuza don't always get in the best dealings even with the government breathing down their neck, and that's when you have to get your hands dirty." His voice sounded oddly calm and flat.

To hear him talk like this unnerved Kurogiri. It was a time like these that there was more to appreciate about not having an actual body or face.

The glass floating in the air in front of him shrank to the size of a shot. With a sigh, the man turned around on the stool and set the shrunken glass on the bar in front of him. Kurogiri already had the bottle of vodka open. The man chuckled and gave Kurogiri a good look with his magenta eyes.

He adopted a faux expression of surprise. "Oh, crap! I never told you my name did I Kurogiri-san?"

Kurogiri, who had kept silent all this time, finally spoke up, "No. Not you directly." It was hard not to know this man's name, at least his villain name. Shigaraki had said it offhandedly multiple times, mostly to poke fun at it.

He threw back his third shot of vodka and shook his head. "My villain name." He said after a moment.

Right he did not know his proper name. "Yes." He confirmed, unconsciously filling the shot glass again.

Rising from the stool with a chuckle, their guest threw back his last shot before slamming it down on the bar. "Welp can't have that now, won't we? Since you've been so cordial, I guess I'll tell you-" He flourished with a spin and bowed, "Names Zankoku Chisaki."

When Zankoku stood tall, he held a brown tophat, which he promptly placed on his head. Kurogiri regarded him for a moment as the man spun on his heel, "It was a pleasure to see you again, but my next victim awaits."

He looked back at Kurogiri, a broad smile on his face.

…

The silence was palpable.

Zankoku cackled and began to walk towards the exit. "Don't worry. It's not what you think." He started but paused right at the entrance. "Although Shigaraki was right about me. Doing 'that' does sound instead...enticing." He was talking more to himself than directly towards Kurogiri.

With a salute, he vanished.

Shigaraki is right. They really shouldn't be working with a man such as that. But his services All For One acquired himself. That alone is proof enough that Zankoku isn't a villain, criminal, or psychopath to trifle with.

There is something else that concerns him, however. Why did he feel familiar? Like he's seen that face in passing.

"Is this that case of deja-vu I've heard about?"

END

Definitely not my best work. But tell me what you thought about this chapter. I should probably talk a bit as I usually don't.

In this chapter, my thought process was to get things rolling a little bit which is why all of this is most definitely rushed. Probably from my lack of writing ability and skill. But hopefully, you can see some of the work I put into the chapter. Mostly everything is original interactions that were floating around in my head before being typed up. By this point, if you read through this mess of a story you will understand who Zankoku is based on his dialogue and interaction with Kurogiri and Shigaraki.

Also, the interaction with Aizawa will make sense later on in this story especially with the addition of Zankoku.

If you think he's a vile disgusting character. Then I have done my job.

Yu's panic attack was my attempt at hopefully writing a realistic take on how trauma can affect people. I actually researched this because I want to make sure I did this scene right. Since Midnight is a hero I suspect she already went through training and understands how to deal with panic attacks which is why it wasn't that hard for her to jump from shock to professional in a heartbeat. You tell me if that scene was any good.

Yu and Akio's relationship is still strained. Akio may have said he loves her, and he is at least willing to put aside his hate. But I don't think he's ready for her to be directly involved in his life yet as mother and son. I'd like to remind you that Akio doesn't know the reason why his mother left. Although he can guess it's still cut and dry for him. He can guess why but that's all he can do with the information he has. In his eyes, she just upped and left. Now he's getting some reasons but it's too little too late. Especially knowing she was intentionally avoiding talking to him Akio will never forgive her for that.

Would you?

Despite that, the one thing in this chapter I struggled the most with is Yu and Midnight's relationship. I won't lie and say it wasn't a late addition to the story. It was between Midnight and Kamui Woods but I decided it would probably be best if they stayed good friends especially after what she went through. After changing the first chapter(Please go back and read it if you haven't already) I alluded to the fact they were in a relationship at one point but I didn't flesh it out too much. The next chapter will hold more information.

Let me respond to some Reviews:

steviepeel9:

First I want to say thank you for taking the time to come back to the story. Characters flip-flopping through emotions and doing random actions out of nowhere is my specialty! LOL but in all seriousness, I definitely need to stop doing exactly what you pointed out. This chapter is probably a good example of the characters flip-flopping like crazy but hopefully it isn't that bad to the point it's unreadable. I'll definitely try my best to improve and move away from those bad habits of mine. Again thank you for the review.

Vendicor:

I'm happy that you're interested in the story and development of the story. Hopefully, you'll like this chapter as well as the ones coming after this because we'll be focusing on Yu for a little bit more before I return to Akio. Thanks for the review!