Chapter 15

I spent the next four days with Mirko. It was the most fun I had ever had. We only caught small-time crooks when out patrolling, but still, I was gaining some more experience. I think I'm cut out for this hero thing. Besides, it took my mind off everything that had been going on, and I was grateful for that. She was my mentor but she was kind of like a big sister in a way. Something else that I've never had before. The longer things went on, the more I was starting to get attached to everyone here. I didn't want to admit it but I knew what that meant. Mirko and I had just returned to UA from patrolling. Aizawa had been waiting for us in the courtyard. As well as the man named Endeavor. I avoided his gaze. It was obvious that he had some sort of problem with me. I partially hid behind Mirko to hide from his stares. It didn't feel good to be looked at like that. Especially by someone who's known as the number one hero in all of Japan. Mirko notice and stepped in front of me.

"Endeavor," she said in a warning tone.

He finally looked away. "You two coddle her too much."

"You do not coddle anyone enough," Aizawa said. "But Yami, it's time."

My shoulders sank. Today was the day. We would have to go back to Hitozatohanareta. They needed answers and they needed them quickly. I was the only way to get them. I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry kid," Mirko said. "I'll be going with you. So, there's nothing to worry about. Plus Aizawa will be there too."

I instantly perked up giving her a smile.

I nodded. "Let's go then."

We had been in the helicopter for about two hours now. I could already see Hitozatohanareta off in the distance. I could feel the anxiety building up inside of me. The thought of seeing my grandmother and the other villagers again made my stomach churn. I was scared of how they would react once they saw me again. Would they be happy? Or scared? Or would they shun me? The closer we got to the island the worse I felt. I had spent so much time in my head worrying that I hadn't even realized that were we already here… the same clearing where I had found Dabi in.

How ironic.

We didn't need to venture into the village. Most of them had already come out to meet us. No doubt they had heard the helicopter coming. My grandmother was at the very front. They held these disdainful stares. I was right. They did hate me. I was an outsider now. In their eyes, I had betrayed them, for someone who was not one of us. Aizawa stepped forward.

He cleared his throat. "I am sorry for the intrusion-"

"Then leave. All of you." My grandmother said.

Aizawa sighed. "I am sorry but we cannot do that. You could possibly have the information that could be useful to us. Information about a man named All for one."

At the simple utterance of his name. Caused the villages to whisper. You could see the fear in their eyes and on their faces. I had never seen my grandmother so angry.

"Do not ever say that name again." she spat.

She looked at me. "So, you have met him then. The man that is your father."

I flinched at the way she had said the father. She was shunning me and she wanted me to know it.

"Hey knock it off!" Mirko yelled.

My grandmother glared at her. "I did not ask you to speak traitor."

Traitor!? Wait, that would mean…

I looked at Aizawa and Endeavor. Hey did not seem to be surprised. They must have already known. Why didn't anyone tell me?

Mirko folded her arms. "Listen here, old lady. My grandparents left this shitty island decades ago. So don't go calling me a traitor. I was never one of you, to begin with. I'm surprised you even recognize me."

She scoffed. "You are the spitting image of your mother. How could I not? Still, you all have no business being here. You need to leave." she'd said. She looked me in the eyes. "You have made your choice, now live by it."

The rest of the villagers had turned away. Disappearing into the forest. My grandmother took one last look at me, before turning her back to me.

"STOP!"

She had listened to me for once. I had never raised my voice at her like this before.

I took a step forward. "Tell me about them… my parents. You owe me that much. Tell me and you will never see my face again. No one will ever come here looking for you. I deserve to know." I said whispering the last part.

She turned around, walking towards me stopping halfway.

"Your mother was the light of my life. She was all I had left after her father had died. I raised her right in every single way that I possibly could. She was kind, and so giving. Too giving. She wanted to venture out into the world back when we were once free to do so. I was against it, but your mother was not someone who could be easily swayed. That's when he came, and she chose to stay. Not for her family, but for him. He was a monster and I could tell. Even by his unsightly getup, you could tell that he was not right. The way he spoke with that sly tongue. Everyone could see it, but not your mother. She saw past all of that for some reason. He manipulated her and used her kindness to get close to her. It was not long after that she fell pregnant. He stayed by her side those next few months of pregnancy. Until it was finally time for your mother to give birth. Twenty-three hours of grueling labor she endured to bring you into this world. He stayed by her side that entire time holding her hand. Whispering sweet nothings into her ear and she writhed in pain. Even then I still did not trust him. A mother knows these things you see. Your mother used every ounce of herself to bring you into this world. Saving just enough to give you your name. The moment you had taken your first breath and cried. He dropped her hand to the ground, whipping his hand onto his pant leg as if he had just touched garbage. She spent her last moments in pain and confusion. As she watched the man she looked up at the man she loved, as he scorned her. She was dying at his feet and he did not care. All he could do was stare at you as I held you in my arms. He said he would see you again one day and left. That is all there is about your parents. I do not know where that man came from or anything else about him. What I do know is your mother was blinded by loved Yami. In love with a man who she should not be. Just as you are now, and it too will cost you if you do not open your eyes. I just hope you make the right choice this time."

With that, she left. Leaving me to deal with my plethora of feelings.