Soul Marked

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Mall-catastrophe

IMPORTANT!

Hey guys I'm so sorry that it's taken me over three months to get this chapter out. I've honestly only had three chances to even work on this over the months. I've found it hard to juggle work, home life, errands, and my own hobbies and this kind of got pushed off to the side for a while. I don't do much of anything through the week except eat, sleep, and work, and on the weekends I'm trying to play catch up with everything I've put off, or just spending more time with my kid. So, I'm really sorry to announce that updates like this are probably going to be the norm for a while. Obviously I'll try to update more often when I can but I'm not making any promises other than to expect them to take about this long.

Onto happy news next chapter is starting to get into Season 3 and all the exciting plans I've been dying to show you guys! Only a few more chapters before a lot of great things happen. Then we can go onto season 4!

By the way I just binged five episodes of Boku No Hero Academia season 4 tonight and it was honestly the main reason this chapter even got finished. I'm super excited to start writing that season so I really need to kick my butt into gear! :D

Tried to make this a little longer than normal to make up for the long wait but had to end it where I did.

Izuka lay exhausted on the bed, Bakugo lying down in the one next to her still passed out. The spinning her head had eased but the aching in her body was only getting worse. Lying flat on her back she let her head fall to the side watching as All Might patted Bakugo's head before moving toward herself. His fingers skimmed through her hair comfortingly as he knelt over her.

"I am deeply sorry, Izu-chan," he whispered to her. Izuka opened her mouth ready to tell him not to worry but Recovery girl beat her to it.

"Do you know the meaning of 'restraint'?" she asked skeptically. Her hands rested on her hips making her look angrier than before. "If you had hit them just a little harder, then it would've become something there's no taking back!" One finger came up pointing accusingly at him. "And especially Midoriya's back, it was this close to breaking! As for Bakugo, he won't come to for a while. For the time being, I want you both to sleep in the beds within school grounds. I'm having Todoroki and Yaoyorozu rest there as well."

Izuka glanced back over to Bakugo taking in his dirt smeared form and she allowed herself the knowledge that she would be following him. A part of her wanted to stay to view everyone else fighting, but there was a greater part of her that wanted, no needed, to be there for Kacchan. Rolling off to the side she sat up letting her feet dangle from the bed as All Might scooped Bakugo's frail form into his arms.

"Come along, young Midoriya," he said briefly turning to gaze at her. Still feeling tired she pushed back the urge to just lay back as she hopped down. Following the hero from the room as fast as she could she settled in a comfortable speed at his side. Her eyes darted up to his face looking for the guilt that had darkened his features from earlier. Upon finding it Izuka lightly bumped his arm with her own, making sure it wasn't hard enough to jostle Bakugo.

"There's no need to feel guilty," she said nonchalantly. "I know it wasn't on purpose." Her eyes fixated on her hands beginning to feel frustrated. "It's something I need to overcome, It's a weakness. No villain is going to kindly refrain from such an action." All Might frowned as he watched the emotions flicker across her face. He shifted the boy in his arms before making sure he was still sleeping. He knew what was about to be said would be private, and though the boy was her bonded he would allow Izuka to make the decision for the kid to know.

"Izu," he began as he motioned for her to walk slower. "We haven't talked much about what happened at USJ and how it affected you. I know I offered to listen but watching you I believe you should talk to someone. Anyone. I know you briefly told young Todoroki about some of it, but perhaps you should talk in depth." Izuka bit her lip. "That reaction to my grabbing your neck was quite a violent one."

Her hand ghosted over her neck as she thought back to what had happened. It was something she needed to get a handle on, but the thought of talking to some therapist caused her to be uneasy.

"I worry about you," he said as he shifted Bakugo so he could reach out to the girl. His hand briefly touched her shoulder before moving back to the boy. Her throat tightened forming a knot at the words as she tried to swallow and make it disappear. She had hardly ever had anyone other than her mother worry about her. Katsuki did in his own way, but no one had ever said those words other than her mother.

"I'm going to be fine," she coughed out. Her words sounded strangled which didn't help him to believe her, but he didn't push the subject. Deciding that he would keep a closer eye on her All Might let the subject drop. Moments later they came to Recovery Girls' office where Todoroki and Momo were already waiting. Each were lying down in their own beds, but the room had seemed deafeningly quiet when they arrived. Izuka wondered instantly if they had walked in on an important conversation. Absentmindedly she followed All Might to the bed that he placed Bakugo in. Without much thought she took the bed beside him.

Todoroki and Momo waited for All Might to leave before either commented. "You look terrible," Momo said in concern as she stared at Izuka. Her eyes darted over to where Bakugo laid and mentally wondered what they had just went through. "Did your test go okay? We heard you passed." Izuka slowly nodded as she moved to lay down in her bed.

"It was challenging," she said after a moment of searching for words. "But we made it." She could feel Todoroki's eyes on her, his own questions going unspoken as they watched the girl fall quickly into a deep sleep.

Waking with a start Izuka could feel her heart pounding against her rib cage as she sat up. The memory was just beginning to fade away and she found that trying to focus on what it was, was like trying to grab vapor. It flowed through her fingers refusing to truly be captured. Groaning she leant back before a new feeling made itself known. Allowing her head to fall to the side she found Bakugo wide awake, his head facing forward, but his eyes staring at her. Looking to see if the other two were still around and finding that they had already left Izuka sighed. She honestly felt relief as she knew it was time to talk to Bakugo.

"How are you feeling?" she asked softly, staring up at the ceiling.

"Like I was plowed down by All Might," he grumbled as he stretched. His eyes burned into her side as she waited for him to ask his question. It hung heavily between them causing Izuka to fidget uneasily. His stare turned harsh as he threw his head back and covered his eyes with his arm. "Back there, what was that?" Her breathing hitched as the words hung in the air. Breathing deeply, she centered herself before moving to sit up. Pulling her knees up to her chest she leaned until her forehead was pressed into the material of her costume.

"I would probably call it PTSD?" she said unsure, having never been evaluated. "When All Might grabbed me by the neck, I flashed back to USJ." She took another shuddering breath as her eyes closed, thinking back to when it happened. Bakugo shifted in his bed moving to watch her easier. "I could clearly feel my flesh turning to ash again, I could see him standing over me." Her voice shook but she forced her forehead deeper into her knees knowing that she had to tell him this. "I have nightmares almost every night unless I'm just too tired to dream."

His brows furrowed as he listened to her. Automatically he sat up moving closer to her, needing to hear every word she said. Worry settled in as he saw her body shaking wondering if he should just tell her to stop talking. It was taking a lot out of her to tell him, but the more selfish part of him wanted her to continue. He needed to understand her, to know everything she had been keeping from him. He hadn't blinked knowing All Might knew about her problems, though it was strange, he figured it was because he was their teacher, and a hero. It was the fact that Todoroki knew more about her then he did that pissed him off.

"That day I woke you, when I said it was worse than normal." She paused steadying herself. "I had a dream about you." He blinked, shock and confusion covering his expression. He hadn't expected to hear that it had been about him. His curiosity only grew. "In it I was completely defenseless."

"Defenseless against what?" Bakugo asked quietly as he watched her tense.

Lifting it high, she could only watch in horror as the blade sliced through the air, glinting dangerously in the light. A scream tore from her lips.

Flinching away from her own thoughts she huddled closer into herself. From the bed beside her own she could hear Bakugo shift around as he waited for her to answer. "Against killing you."

"How can I break you today?" he said excitedly.

She whimpered against her knees barely holding back the tears she could feel forming. A sharp intake of breath sounded at her side alongside the shuffling of fabric. Before she could chicken out Izuka plowed forward ignoring the noises he was making next to her. "They constantly form around what he said to me when he held me captive. My dreams a twisted version of fear of my knowledge that I've become a goal for that man." Her breathing became more rapid but everything that she had told Todoroki began to spill from her lips. As she spoke, unknowingly to her, Bakugo had slipped from the bed moving toward her own. Lightly pushing her aside he sat down next to her. Their sides were pressed against one another, but he didn't make a move to be, or do anything else further.

"I won't let him take you," he said barely above a whisper. Her shaking, still present, wasn't quite as violent. "You're not going to kill me." They both sat in silence for several minutes. Izuka could feel herself calming rapidly with him next to her. "This is what you've been keeping from me?"

"Yes," she said. "I didn't want anyone to worry, or think I was weak. I just couldn't say it to you." His hand reached out grasping harshly onto her own. She jumped at the contact, but her fingers clasped over his hand without thought.

"You're not weak, stupid Koneko," he snapped. Izuka scoffed loudly before bumping her shoulder lightly against his own.

"I'm sorry, Kacchan," she said after another moment of silence. "I shouldn't have kept all that from you. It was stupid. I'm glad you know now." He squeezed her hand once.

"You'll tell me of any future nightmares," he demanded, not asked. "You won't keep things from me anymore."

"Yes," she said before silently thinking to the one other secret she couldn't yet tell him. Turning slightly so she could look at him properly she gripped his hand tighter. Izuka didn't want him to pull away, or think she was trying to keep secrets from him, so she had to say this. "There's something else, Kacchan. A secret that's not mine to tell. Not yet at least. I won't ever tell this to anyone, but there will come a time when I can tell you." She forced her eyes to meet his own. To seek how he was reacting. "I'm just waiting to be told I can. It's very important to myself but also to this other person even more so." She felt him stiffen beside her as she rushed through her explanation. He never let go of her hand but didn't comment again, and she took that as a positive.

子猫

Fingers gripped tightly on a picture of a green-haired girl. He grinded his teeth at how she constantly seemed to stay just out of his reach. Never alone, always untouchable, and that fact was starting to grate on his nerves. His plans were continuously being pushed back but he refused to give up on her. It was too poetic and she as too perfect.

"Shigaraki," came a voice from the entrance. With a frustrated groan Shigaraki slammed down the photo, his hand causing a bang to resound through the room.

"What is it?" he rasped as he slipped the photo into his pocket.

"You've been the talk of the town these last couple of days," the man said. He took a drag from his cigarette. "Everybody's buzzing over how something huge is about to begin." Shigaraki rolled his eyes turning in his seat to face the door.

"Who are they?" he asked while spinning his finger into the air. He wanted this to move along, he had more planning to do. The man moved back allowing two figures to enter the darkened bar. A man and a woman, if she could be called that. As he assessed the two, he couldn't believe her to be older than a schoolgirl.

"Seeing you in the flesh," began to boy of the two. His black hair spiked around his face, leaving scars on his face and the rest of his body completely open to the eye. His eyes bored into him lazily as he seemed unimpressed with what he was seeing. "You look creepy as hell." The girl next to him began to excitedly speak.

"Whoa, you're a buddy of the great Stainy, right, hand dude!" She gushed excitedly holding her hands up near her cheeks. "Tell me you are!" She grinned widely. "Let me join, too! Let me join the villain alliance!"

Shigaraki hunched forward in his seat. His mask kept the others from seeing the scowl that pulled at his features. The irritation that dug at his chest left him wanting to get rid of the two. His arm lifted, elbow resting on the bar, as he pointed at the new couple. For a second he just stared at them, but then his mouth opened releasing his irritation.

"Blackmist," he rasped. "Fling these fuckers off somewhere. It seems like the two types I hate most came as a goddamn set. A snot nosed little shit-." He moved his finger to the girl before swiping it at the boy. "And some asshole who doesn't understand respect." The girl's expression fell for half a second as the surprise registered from his words.

"Wait, what?" she said in disbelief. Blackmist from his place behind the bar tried to keep the peace as he spoke up.

"Now, now," he began is a smooth voice. "Our guests went through all the trouble of coming here, If nothing else, let us at least hear what they have to say, Shigaraki Tomura. Besides the brokers name carries weight and the folk he introduces should prove strategically advantageous." He stared pointedly at the younger man only to be interrupted by said broker clearing his throat. He flicked his finger sending ash from the tip of his cigarette falling to the ground.

"Yo, I don't care what you end up doing, Blackmist, just cough up the service charge, would ya?" he asked before taking a long drag causing the end of the stick to light up. Then in an afterthought said, "And you might as well listen to their introductions." He stuck the cigarette into his mouth, speaking around the thing as he pointed at the girl. "First up, this cute little high school girl. The media is keeping her name and face under thorough wraps as she's on the run as the suspect for serial-blood draining murders."

She took a step forward clasping her hands in front of her while a huge toothy grin covered her face. "My names Toga!" she announced loudly. "Toga Himiko! Life is hard! I'd like for a world what's easier to live in! I wanna become the great Stainy! I wanna kill Stainy!" Her voice dripped with bloodlust, and desire causing the occupants of the room to shiver lightly. Shigaraki eyed the girl with disdain only thinking she seemed crazy. "So c'mon! Let me join Tomura!"

His frown only deepened after her introduction. His eyes carefully watching her every movement. "I have no idea what you just said," he grimaced. "You a loon or what?" The broker was quick to jump in.

"Don't worry she can hold a conversation, more or less-." This last part was said in a whisper. "And She'll surely come in handy." Moving on from the girl as quickly as he could, he placed a hand on the guys shoulder. "Next up, this man here has committed no crimes that have stood out, but he's taken to the Hero Killer's ideals quite a bit." The man in question glanced skeptically at Shigaraki.

"I don't know about this," he said with a raised brow. "Does this group really follow a cause?" He then glanced over at the girl who he felt unsure about standing so close too. "You're not actually going to let this insane chick join, are you?" Scarlet eyes glared at him from, his hand coming up in a stop motion.

"Whoa, buddy," he ground out his voice incredulous. "Even the batshit crazy little shit over there managed to spit out her name. You're a proper adult, aren't you?" He glared at the disrespect the guy showed him. The feeling of turning him into dust built like an itch in-between his shoulder blades.

"Right now, I go by 'Dabi'," the man said, one hand sliding into his pocket. This only fueled Shigarakis' anger toward him as he shoved his finger in the general direction of the guy.

"I don't want what you go by," he snarled out. The man was grating on his already frayed nerves. "I want your real name." He leaned forward.

"I'll tell you when you need to know," Dabi said still relaxed, and seemingly bored. "In any case, I'll be the one to fulfill the Hero Killer's will."

His patience snapped with that one final sentence. Just the mention of Stain had his blood boiling. His chair clattered to the floor as Shigaraki shoved himself up onto his feet. His breathing heightened at the thought of finally getting rid of the two.

"There's no need to run your mouth about shit I never asked you," he snapped out. His hands came up to his sides, flexing his fingers, preparing. "Will anybody shut up about Stain already? Stain this, Stain that." From beside him Blackmist stiffened. His body began to turn feeling the need to stop him from what he was about to do.

"No, Shigaraki!" he called out. Shigaraki ignored him, beginning to move forward.

"I'm not feeling this," he snarked out, his muscles tensing. "No, not at all!" Killing intent began to pour off him in waves. Dabi blinked his eyes watching him carefully. Toga grew excited at the familiar essence filling the air. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips as she tensed, a smile spreading across her face. "You're no good!" Shigaraki darted forward, his hands held out in front of him, ready to activate his quirk against these annoying people. Dabi stepped forward, his own hand out to activate his flames. Toga next to him, the smile still lighting up her face brandished a knife slicing it through the air.

Between them a warp appeared engulfing each of their hands, causing them to reappear safely around them. Behind them the broker calmly took another drag as he watched the scene play out in front of him.

"Please calm yourself, Shigaraki Tomura," Kurogiri said calmly. "If you truly desire to carry out what you wish, then the expansion of our organization is indispensable." Using his quirk, he floated his head to wrap around Shigaraki as he whispered. "And, odd though it may seem, our opportunity is now. After all, now, all eyes are on us. Do not reject, out of hand, received them, Shigaraki Tomura. If you don't make use of them, then everything including everything he left to us, will-"

"Shut up," Tomura hissed as he pulled back his hand from the portal. Frustrated he stalked forward shoving through the small group of people. His hand shoved into his pocket gripping at the picture.

"Where're-," Toga began.

"Shut up," he said as he stalked toward the door. He had planning to do regardless of if he added them into the League of Villains. He needed to find a way to capture the girl once and for all, and there was another he wanted to recruit.

子猫

Izuka walked happily next to Kaminari as they made their way down the road. "It's awesome that the class is getting together outside of school," Kami started saying as he walked peacefully next to her. "It's a shame Todoroki and Bakugo decided not to come." Izuka hummed her agreement as she began to lead him in a direction away from the train. "Hey, where are we going? Our train is that way?" He gazed at her in confusion but rushed along with her.

"We've just gotta make a stop," she said calmly. "We won't miss it, I promise." He nodded but gazed curiously at the houses that they passed. Eventually Izuka led him up to a nice looking home and watched as she reached out to knock on the door.

"Hold on!" yelled a woman's voice from inside. Standing back Izuka waited absentmindedly smiling over at Kaminari just as the door swung open to reveal an ash blonde- haired woman, with familiar crimson colored eyes. Crimson eyes widened in surprise before a toothy grin covered the woman's face and her arms reached out to pull the young girl into her arms. Izuka gasped as the woman held her quite tightly as she gushed over the girl. "Izuka! I was worried that my son ran you off forever. It's been a while since I last saw you. You've gotta come around more often, have dinner with us one night." Blushing she nodded her head as she carefully extracted herself from the woman.

"Of course, Mitsuki," she said.

"Good kid," she said loudly as her eyes slid over to Kaminari. Sending him an appraising look. "Who's your friend, Izuka?"

"This is Kaminari," she said, motioning toward the darker blonde. "He's in our class." Still feeling confused even if this person looked familiar to Kaminari he continued to stay quiet letting Izuka take control of the conversation.

"Come in," Mitsuki said motioning for them to follow. "I didn't know you guys were talking again, but I'll go get my crazy son. Why he would ignore such a cute thing as you I'll never know." Pinching her cheeks Mitsuki left. Izuka began to blush hard at Mitsuki's words as she sat down on the couch and picked at her fingers. Kaminari settled next to her, a huge smile spreading across his face.

"That woman looks familiar," he said quietly. Izuka opened her mouth to tell him who they had come for but was interrupted by Mitsuki and Katsuki walking into the living room. Bakugo's eyes narrowed at the two his glare sharpening.

"What are you two doing here?" he barked. Kaminari's eyes widened as an even bigger smile than before spread across his face.

"Hey!" he said excitedly. "Bakugo, my man!" Izuka quickly got to your feet, a nervous smile on her face.

"I know you said you didn't want to go to the mall yesterday, but I came to ask you again." His glared wavered, rethinking over their talk, and how they were back on trying to be friends again. The scowl that covered his features only caused Izuka to smile widely as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

"You had to bring sparky with you?" Bakugo asked as he began to walk toward the front door, not bothering to tell them that he had agreed. Izuka had of course already figured that out. Smiling softly Midoriya grabbed onto Kaminari's hand and began to tug him behind the two.

"It was nice seeing you, Mitsuki!" she hollered out in a goodbye.

"Come by anytime, kid!" Kaminari waved in a goodbye as well but was then tugged out the door by Bakugo. He glared at the two as the front door slammed shut behind them.

"Are you wanting to miss the train?" he asked hotly. Not feeling bothered by Kacchan's mood Izuka began to head in the direction they had been meant to go in. Behind her both boys followed. Kaminari grinning at the fact that Bakugo had agreed and meeting his mother.

"Your mom seems nice," he said after a moment's hesitation.

"Shut up," Bakugo said pushing himself forward to walk next to Izuka. "Seriously you had to bring him to come get me?" Frowning she lightly hit Kacchan's arm.

"Don't be rude," she said as Kaminari moved to walk on her other side. "We had plans to ride the train together after our study session." Bakugo eyed them before nodding.

"Right, because you failed the practical," he said with a wide smirk on his face.

"Aw, man!" Kaminari whined. "You didn't have to bring that up! I didn't fail the written at least!"

"Yeah, cause I forced you to study," Izuka teased lightly. The rest of the way to the train was spent with Kaminari complaining about how unfair it was that he had lost, and only stopping once Bakugo had threatened bodily harm upon him.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the mall they found the rest of class 1-A had already arrived and was waiting for them, minus Todoroki. Kirishima quickly joined their small group as he laid eyes on Katsuki.

"Bakugo!" he called out as he made to slap happily at the boys back. "I didn't think you were coming!" Kaminari got a huge grin on his face as he opened his mouth.

"Izuka basically forced him to come," he said laughing. "Going to his house and asking in front of his mom." Izuka blushed and began to wave her arms around wildly.

"I didn't force him!" Her hands went up to cup at her cheeks as Kaminari laughed. Bakugo rolled his eyes but stepped forward and shot off a blast as he scowled.

"Be quiet, Sparky!" As the two began to bicker loudly the rest of the class began to make plans. Silently Izuka began to drift over to where Momo and Jirou were talking about getting a bigger bag. Momo smiled upon seeing her friend and quickly dragged her into the conversation.

"What do you need to get, Izu?" she asked kindly. Contemplating she began to think over what all she lacked for the experience.

"I guess just some new wrist weights, and some clothes," she said with a nod. "I could use some new summer clothes anyway." Both girls began to nod along in agreement as they began a new conversation about what type of clothes they would get. From over where Bakugo stood he went silent shortly after Izuka had left them. The sharpness of anger left his face as he began to search the stores that laid surrounding them. Sensing the change in his mood Kaminari quieted as well and Kirishima smiled curiously.

"What did you come for, Bakugo?" Kirishima asked. "I thought you said you had everything."

"I don't need anything for the damn lodge," he growled out in irritation at being disturbed.

"So, what are you getting?" Kaminari asked but was only met with silence.

"I need a gift," he said simply before beginning to walk off. Kami glanced over at where Izuka was and began to ask if maybe they should bring her. "She's with the damn princess, she'll be fine. Let's go." Both boys began to follow him trying to pry from him what he was shopping for.

Izuka watched him walk away in curiosity and slight disappointment at having been left behind. Around her people began to pair off letting each other know when they would be meeting back up again. Glancing around she realized where Momo and Jirou wanted to go was on the second floor while her own weights were on the first, she decided she would be going on her own.

"I'll meet up with you guys at the clothes store," Izuka called out to the two girls who had slowly began to walk away. Both stopped and frowned, concerned looks covering their faces.

"Are you sure?" Momo asked. "We can come with you." Izuka shook her head suddenly feeling the need to do this on her own. She hadn't been by herself in a long time, and a sense of needing some independency overcame her. After all it was just to go get some weights and she was surrounded by people.

"I'll be fine!" she said reassuredly. "It won't take me too long and besides it's completely out of the way of the other stores we are going too. No reason for all three of us to backtrack."

"Well, if your sure," Momo said with a nod. Jirou shrugged, not as close to the other girl as Momo was but knowing she could take care of herself.

"We'll see you there," Jirou said. "But text us when you're on your way so we can tell you which store we are in." Izuka nodded as she began to walk away from the last remaining of her class. Deciding to take her time she breathed in deeply taking in the scents of the mall food that packed the air around her. Absently she thought about where she would be eating later, as it had been a while since her last meal. The beeping of her phone caused her attention to divert to the small device. Kacchans name flashed across the screen. Quickly swiping it open she gazed down at the words.

"Had to find something, I'll meet up with you later."

Though he hadn't told her right away she still felt happier at the aspect that he still let her know. Coming to a stop in front of the store she had planned to go into she was overwhelmed by a strange feeling. It was familiar as of lately.

The hairs on the back of her neck rose as that feeling of being watched overtook her. Instantly the idea of going by herself was clouded with regret as her body stiffened. Her breathing sped up as her legs automatically began to turn to search for whoever it was that caused this feeling but was stopped by a voice.

"Whoa!" hollered out a male's voice, one that tugged at her memory but refused to resurface. "Look at that. What's the chance of me running into a Yuuei kid!" Before she could get completely turned around, she felt him right behind her. "Gimme your autograph!" Something tugged at her mind, but this voice was deeper than the one she thought she remembered. Her mouth opened to tell him she was busy as kindly as possible, the guy just made her uncomfortable, but didn't get the chance when his arm came around her shoulders.

This caused her to tense and made to move to shrug him off, but he was still talking. "You're the girl that got second place at the festival, right?" Her shoulders rolled trying to get the idea through to the guy as her legs moved forward, but he only dropped his arm heavier onto her as he took a step with Izu. By this point she was feeling alarms going off in the back of her mind, but it wasn't until he spoke again that it felt like ice had been poured over her head. "You're also the one who ran into Stain in the Hosu incident, too! So, cool!"

She made to move again as a frown tugged harshly at her lips. The sense of not being okay was now pounding away at her body. That shadow memory was beginning to warp inside her mind and the sound of scratching began to erupt loudly within her head. Her body shook.

"You seem to know a lot about me," she said, trying to sound calm. Jerking her shoulders, she dislodged his arm from around her as she took another step away from him.

"I can't believe it, to think that we would meet again in a place like this," he said as he reached out to tug her back into his side. His arm swinging around her shoulders like before but his hand coming up to grab at her neck. Seemingly harmless, and from an outsider's point of view it even seemed kind of like he was just embracing her. The mere action of touching her neck had every danger sense sparking to life as her breathing went into overdrive. The pounding in her ears making it hard to hear him but she heard the words. "I'm thinking this must be fate, or destiny… or something like it. Though I guess to you the last time we met was during the Yuuei invasion. Let's go have some tea, Midoriya Izuka."

Chocking she stumbled forward. Only his grip kept her upright as he began to drag her forward. "Calm down, Izuka, we're just here to have a little chat," he whispered into her ear. "Act natural, like we're a couple out for the day." His light blue hair brushed against her cheek causing a flash of a smile to be seen out of the corner of her eye. In front of her she could see older couples smile at them, a look of adoring cuteness lighting them up. She felt nauseous at the mere thought of anyone thinking they were a couple. "Breathe in. Now out."

She gagged again, not believing she was getting calming techniques from a villain. "What happens if you show the slightest odd behavior, you may ask? Simple, I'm sure you remember what my fingers can do to your neck." One of his fingers brushed lightly over on of the scars that littered her neck. "Perhaps this time I'll let it completely disintegrate you." Taking a deep breath, she tried pushing past the panic she was feeling. Her only saving grace was that there was no need for her nightmares to draw her into the past, he was already there.

"A hero, f-from the crowd will stop you," she whispered, her voice cracking and low. A laugh escaped his lips as he tugged her closer.

"You're probably right," he said with a nod as he began to drum his fingers against her skin. "But look. Even though any one of them could brandish their quirks like a weapon at any moment why do they gather? Why do they laugh?" Her eyes darted to the happy people, families that surrounded them. Worry beginning for them beginning to build inside of her gut. "The laws, the rules, they're all based upon people's individual morals. So, at heart they think, 'oh, there's no way anybody would do such a thing.' Y'know, I could kill twenty, no, maybe thirty people before getting captured…." Taking in a deep breath she forced the shaking to stop. One wrong move and she could sentence these people to their deaths. Exhaling slowly, she felt her legs begin to pick up pace with the man next to her. No longer trying to slow him down but allowing him to lead her. Vaguely she realized they were heading toward an exit, but it didn't completely register inside her mind.

"What do you want to talk about?" she asked softly trying to keep her voice even. Leaning into her he nodded approvingly.

"Ha! That's the spirit! Let's talk over here where we can be comfortable, relaxed." He led her to a seat that was closest to the exit. Her eyes jumped around not feeling comfortable at all. Especially when he leaned into her, his arm tightening around her neck as he placed his lips next to her ear. They looked like the perfect romantic young couple. "To tell you the truth coming here, bumping into you, it wasn't by accident. You see I've seemed to have formed quite a crush on you. An obsession, if you will. I can't seem to get you off my mind, and that's quite irritating for me. I've taken to following you, whenever convenient for me, and when you broke apart from your pack, I just knew I had to pounce. The opportunity was just too perfect, the first chance I've had in a long time. Do you understand the trouble you've caused me over the past few weeks, all the planning that just keeps being pushed back?"

Her breathing had begun to pick up once more at his words. "Obsessed?" she squeaked out, not being able to form the word, 'crush.'

"You remind me of someone," he said, for a second his eyes going hazy with the memory. "It's caused me to be fond of you. I'd really hate to have to kill you, not just for the plans I have, but because of that fondness I have. So, let's calm that breathing again, shall we? Breathe in, out." He lightly tapped at her chest forcing her to follow along with his command. Gasping out a few shaky breaths she was once again able to regain control, but it was on the edge of slipping. She couldn't wrap her head around what he was telling her and breathing exercises. "Good?"

"Y-yes," she said gritting her teeth as she took several deeper breaths.

"You remind me of her, but even if you didn't, I'd still want you. You're the perfect symbol for me. I don't handle not getting my way. It pisses me off." He tilted his head, his ruby eyes taking in her form, searching for any signs of another panic attack on the horizon. He didn't need anyone coming over to check if she was fine after all. "Actually, I hate most of everything but the number one thing that's pissing me off right now is the Hero Killer." Deciding to move in this new direction, not wanting to think about this man being fond of her, she quickly snatched onto it. Hoping that if she pretended, he didn't say it, he would stop feeling it.

"I thought he was with you guys?"

"I never agreed to him joining, but he's one of us according to society." His fingers dug into her skin before he soothed it over with the tip of his nail. The feeling caused her to shudder in horror as she imagined the scratching noise again. "And that's the problem. Near everybody seems to be gaga over the Hero Killer. The Yuuei invasion, the Nomus we released in Hosu…. All of it's been swallowed up by that bastard's fame. Why isn't anyone looking at me!" He smirked the action causing his lips to brush against her ear. "Between the two of us, what do you think is the difference? Izuka."

子猫

From up above a red head glanced down overlooking the crowd. His red gaze stopped on a familiar mop of green hair and began to smile as he turned to tell Bakugo he had found her. Only doing a double take his smile turned into a frown at the sight that she seemed to be sitting with someone, a guy he had never seen before. They looked cozy which only confused him more.

"Hey, Bakugo," he called out causing the boy in question to halt. Kaminari also pausing a few steps ahead. "I didn't realize Midoriya had a boyfriend. Did you know she was gonna meet him here?" Glaring harshly Bakugo began to growl at any mention of Midoriya being with someone else.

"What the fuck are you talking about?" he barked out causing Kirishima to flinch. "She doesn't have a boyfriend!" Laughing without humor Kirishima took a step back and rubbed the back of his head.

"Well she's down there with some guy," he said as he pointed. "They seem pretty close." Both Bakugo and Kaminari pushed forward to lead over the railing.

"Iz-chan wouldn't just be cuddling with some guy!" Kaminari yelled out in horror. Bakugo felt his palms explode as the anger he was feeling began to boil over. At first glance it did look like they were cuddling, and he felt the need to go figure out just what the hell was going on.

"Let's go see who this fucker is," he growled out. Stalking forward he left the other two behind him not bothering to check if they were following. Feeling uncomfortable Kirishima followed at a more sedate pace, not sure what was going to happen. Kaminari ran full throttle after Bakugo feeling concern for Izuka.

子猫

"I neither understand you, nor accept you... where for the Hero Killer I don't accept him either… but I do understand him," she said choosing her words wisely. She didn't want to say anything to set this guy off. As she answered him, she tried looking for some kind of escape as she knew from the way he was talking earlier that when he was finished talking, she wouldn't be leaving by herself. "For both of us we started out by watching All Might. Back then I was saved by him, at the very least he didn't destroy because he wanted too." Shigaraki's face became stern as he listened to her speak. Taking everything, she said in seriously.

"And he didn't give up so fickly." She couldn't help but take a jab at him. "His methods were wrong, but he tried to live according to an ideal… that's what I think." She gazed sideways at him, wondering if he would become angry at her words. Wondering if she would have to stand up and give her life to protect these people around her.

His gaze turned intense as he moved his whole body to face her. Excitement jolted through his body as realization came crashing down upon him. His free hand came up to bury itself within her hair. A manic smile crossed his lips as his excitement seemed to penetrate the air around them. Her breathing began to pick up again as she felt the sudden urge to run. To disappear. A heaviness shoved her down, like the air itself had become thicker within the last few seconds.

"Ah, my head feels clearer now. Like a bunch of dots finally formed a line. I feel like I get it now… why the Hero Killer pisses me off and why you're so important. It all connects to All Might. Of course, it all leads back to him in the end. Ah, what was I so bothered over!?"

"What?!" she asked in confusion. Sweat began to build at her brow. Tugging at her hair that was entangled in his hands she winced but got the hint not to speak.

"The reason all these people are spending their days laughing with shit-eating grins is because All Might is, too!" The hand in her hair tugged harshly in the next instant that his other hand tightened around her throat. Laughter bubbling from his lips as she began to chock. "It's because of him, they're always grinning like there was never anybody he couldn't save!" His excitement began to twist into something darker, bloodier, murderous. "Ah, I'm so glad we were able to chat! This is great! Thank you, Izuka! I was right all along!"

Struggling to breath Izuka began to claw at his hand, her own gripping everywhere but over the one finger that was keeping him from killing her. She couldn't breathe! Air was needed to survive but he refused to let go.

"Don't struggle now!" he hissed at her. "Do you wanna die?"

'I'm going to die without air!' she thought to herself as she locked her fingers around his own.

"You okay with all these people dying? How ironic, Hero Killer." He giggled to himself as he pulled her closer to himself. His new ideology forming inside his mind. Just as Izuka felt she couldn't take a second longer of no air a voice penetrated the air.

"Koneko!" came the angry growl she was familiar with. "Who the fuck is this?" He stopped short in surprise at the redness of her face, the look of pure fear that was written there. Her head was being held back as a hand was clamped tightly around her neck. "What the fuck! Let go of her!" Bakugo took a threatening step forward his hands in the air as explosions erupted heatedly from them.

The hand released only slightly from her throat as Shigaraki flashed the boys an annoyed glance. Izuka finally being able to breath took in the deepest one of her life before regaining her bearings. The threat reverberating through her mind.

"It's nothing!" she called out in a panic. "I'm fine! So, don't come closer, Kacchan!" Shifting to face the new arrivals Shigaraki let go of the girl his hands coming up into the air in a surrender motion. A fake smile plastered across his face as he easily hid the anger, he was feeling at losing her once more.

"Oh, so she had company!" he said with a laugh. "My bad, my bad! Right then, see yah." He stood up pushing his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. Once his back turned his smile sliding off his face revealing a scowl. "And you do know what'll happen if you try giving chase, don' you?" This last part whispered only for Izuka to hear. Trying to force more air into her lungs Izuka had one more thing she needed to get from him before he left.

"Wait!" she coughed out as she held onto her throat. "Shigaraki! What is All For One's ultimate goal?"

Shigaraki continued to walk sending her a shrug over his shoulder. "Dunno," he said. "Whatever. But you should focus on taking care of yourself. Because, when next we meet, it'll be because I decided to take you. I won't let you slip through my fingers again." He disappeared easily into the crowd, the many faces drowning him within their depths as he listened to the girl cough behind him.

His eyes burned as he shoved past the civilians. His mind on the memory of the Mark on her wrist he had caught sight of at USJ. They had looked like explosions and having caught sight once more of that boy's quirk, he began to make a connection. He was always there whenever she was in danger. Always the most worried, always around keeping her from being alone. That look of pure hatred on his face at the sight of him so close to the girl. Another chuckle slipped from his lips as he realized her weakness. He had figured out the missing piece of a puzzle he hadn't realized was incomplete.

She would be his. The boy would be the key.

Behind him Izuka was still trying to regain her breath, her body shaking horribly as all she could do was stare off in the direction Shigaraki had disappeared too. Only one thought running through her mind.

'It's all about All Might.'

Bakugo rushed to her side, Kirishima and Kaminari not too far behind. He gripped her elbows trying to help her stay upright.

"Call the police!" he directed toward Kirishima. "That was a villain." He turned his attention back to Izuka once he heard the other boy followed his order. "Koneko, what was he doing here?"

"He was here to talk," she said her voice hoarse sounding raspy. "Kacchan he's obsessed with me; he's been stalking me! His conviction to use me too kill All Might hasn't change, if anything after today it was just recemented." She gripped his arms tightly as fear wracked through her body. Now that she didn't have to be strong for the civilians she was crumbling. Without Katsuki there was nothing holding her up. Her legs had lost all feeling moments ago and could barely regain control to help Bakugo lead her back over to the bench. Slumping forward she leaned her head on his chest. Freezing Bakugo's hands hovered over her unsure of what he was supposed to do.

Kaminari taking a seat next to the girl had his own worry shining through his eyes. He reached out and began to pat her back in comfort. The darker blonde raised his eyebrows at Bakugo causing the other boy to scowl before wrapping his arms around the girl and pulling her farther away from Kaminari.

By the time the heroes and police had arrived she was breathing normally once again, and by the time the rest of her classmates arrived she was standing without assistance. Bakugo stood only a step away the entire time from her as she was questioned endlessly. He had been the only one allowed to stay after Kirishima and Kaminari had been questioned about what they saw.

"He's long gone," said a Hero as he walked up to Izuka, Bakugo, and Tsukauchi. The detective nodded as he turned back to the teenage girl.

"I'll need you to come down to the precinct with me, Midoriya-san," Tsukauchi said as he motioned for the young girl to follow him. "We'll call for your mother to meet us there and have an officer escort Bakugo home." Izuka froze at his words her hand moving without thought to latch onto Bakugo. Her fingers digging into his skin as a new wave of panic swept through her.

"I'm staying with her," Katsuki said aggressively as he yanked the girl behind him. The man frowned opening his mouth to rebuff but Izuka glanced around Bakugo her grip moving from his arm to the back of his jacket.

"Please," she said proving to be the more polite one. "I n-." Her cheeks darkened crimson as she caught herself saying that she needed him. "Please let him come." Tsukauchi froze his mind whirling as he gazed at her watching the emotions wash over her face. Sighing he nodded waving them to follow him toward a cruiser.

"Fine," he said. "Come along." Without thinking again, Izuka let go of Katsuki's jacket and grabbed his hand into her own. Tightening her grip, she tugged him along ignoring the scowl on his face but noticing the gentle squeeze of his own hand over hers.

子猫

Bakugo hadn't been allowed to follow her into the interview room and was forced to wait outside the door. Inside Midoriya explained in great detail everything that had happened. Once done Tsukauchi leaned back and sighed as he rubbed at his face.

"So, they are still aiming to take down All Might," he said. "Thank you, Midoriya." Forcing a small smile Izuka just nodded as she glanced down at the table. She had kept from him the obsession that Shigaraki had for her, and the plan he had for her to take down All Might. Izuka felt that she probably should have told him, but also knew that Toshi would have already mentioned the League of Villains plans for her, and if he hadn't then she probably shouldn't either. Either way the man knew or didn't.

"I just did what I knew I needed too," she said quietly. "There were other lives in danger."

"Spoken like a true Hero," the man said with a smile of his own. "Thank you again for all the new information. It will help." Standing up they both left the room. "I'll escort you two out." Bakugo eyed Izuka curiously as they began to walk out of the precinct.

"Midoriya, my girl!" Toshi said loudly. "Tsukauchi, my man!" He smiled in greeting at Bakugo as Izuka's eyes widened. Her gaze bounced over to Katsuki who was glaring at Toshi in suspicion.

"Ah, good timing," Tsukauchi said with a smile.

"Toshi!" she said slightly too loud. "What-?"

"I've got something personal to talk to you about," Tsukauchi said interrupting her. The thin man stopped in front of Izuka his hand coming out to rub at the top of her head affectionately. Leaning forward he wrapped her into a hug.

"I'm sorry I couldn't come save you," he whispered to her so Bakugo couldn't hear. The reminder that she had yet to have this talk with Bakugo rang loudly in her mind. Guilt began to tug at her stomach as she hated keeping anything from him.

"It's okay," she whispered back focusing on hugging him back. She couldn't think about what she couldn't change now. Toshi had promised she could tell him soon, she just needed to be patient.

"We will meet up later to talk," Toshi said, having seen the familiar shine of questions dancing in her eyes. She nodded pulling away from him and catching the sharp gaze of Bakugo. Katsuki opened his mouth ready to harshly bite out at the newcomer but was interrupted by a gasping sob. All eyes fell onto a similar mob of dark green hair belonging to Midoriya Inko. The middle-aged woman shuffled inside followed closely behind by a police officer. Tears ran harshly down her face as she sniffled, her green gaze falling onto her daughter.

"Izuka!" she yelled out seeing her daughter safe and sound. Taking several steps forward until she was standing in front of Izuka she collapsed to her knees. Her hands shot out to clutch desperately at her daughter's shirt pulling her forward. "I can't take it anymore, your mother's heart's going to break." Feeling guiltier than before with a new reason Izuka leant over softly touching her shoulder.

"I'm sorry mom," she whispered shuffling forward. "I'm okay though, nothing happened, so please don't cry. I'm sorry I worried you." She helped her mother to her feet wrapping her up into a hug.

Tsukauchi turned to a cat looking officer. "Please, find transportation for them to get home." The man nodded moving to assign someone as Tsukauchi turned to Toshi. "Yagi-san please come with me." Toshi nodded sending Midoriya a nod before beginning to walk away with the detective. Bakugo moved closer to Izuka as the same officer from before came out to usher them toward a vehicle. Inko clutched tightly at her daughter refusing to let go. Izuka kept a firm grip on her mother as Bakugo began to lead them forward with the officer.

The first one to be dropped off was Bakugo. Without saying a word, he pulled Izuka from the seat and closed the door for privacy. Wide eyed she allowed it to happen wondering what he needed. The front door of their house swung open to reveal Mitsuki, who didn't look very happy, but Izuka knew her enough to know she was worried.

"Kacchan?" she asked as her eyes danced back over to where his own mother was waiting impatiently. He shoved his hands into his pockets, his jaw jutting out as he stared right above her head.

"What you told me about that guy," he said after another moment of silence. "My promise still stands. I won't allow him to take you. From now on I'll be sticking close to you. He won't get the chance." A hard glint darkened his eyes as Midoriya stared at him wide eyed.

"K-kacchan-," Blinking he seemed to snap out of whatever dark mood had taken over him as he went to reach out toward her before dropping his hand.

"I'll be at your house to walk you to school tomorrow morning," he said. "If you're going on a run before let me know." Nodding she watched as he turned to walk into his home. The yells from Mitsuki fading as the door closed behind her. It didn't take too long before they had made it to their own home. Both mother and daughter quickly walking into the building and up to their apartment. The police car not leaving until they had made it safely inside the building.

A bing from her phone had her pausing in throwing her coat onto the hanger as she swiped it open to check who had messaged her. Surprised at the fact that Toshi wanted to see her tonight she turned to her mom knowing that after what happened tonight, she would more than likely have to beg to go outside, but she desperately needed to speak to him.

"Mom!" she called out already hearing her mother banging around in the kitchen. It was Inko's way of coping, either cleaning or cooking obsessively.

"Yes, dear?" she asked peaking her head out. Her voice was raspy from crying and Izuka could still see the faint tear tracks residing there.

"Toshi-san would like to see me," she said. "I need to speak to him. I won't leave his side and I'll stay just outside the building." Her mother froze, her eyes going glossy as she stared into the hopeful look of Izuka.

"Invite him up," she said. "He can stay for dinner. I c-can't have you going out right now." Izuka immediately nodded moving toward the door before her mom could change her mind. They had never had Toshi over before, even though he had been made a personalized meal by her mother during trainings in the past. Quickly running downstairs, she met him in the lobby, a tired look on his face, as he once again scanned her for injuries.

"I thought it best we talked tonight instead of waiting," he said before motioning her toward the door. Shuffling Midoriya didn't follow him, but instead cleared her throat.

"Actually, Toshi, mom invited you for dinner," she said softly. "She doesn't want me going out and would prefer if we talked inside. Just for tonight." Pausing his stride for the door Toshi slowly nodded. There was surprise on his face, but also a sense of unease. She got the feeling he didn't do this kind of thing ever.

"It has been a minute since I've had your mother's cooking," he said. "I had only wanted to talk, but that's extremely tempting." Izuka smiled as she waved him to follow her.

"Come on," she said as she began to walk toward the elevator. "You'll hurt her feelings otherwise." They made it up to her apartment and she called out a greeting toward her mother before leading him to her room. Her mother had no idea about One For All or who Toshi really was and they both wanted to keep it that way.

"Toshi," she said as he closed the door and she walked to sit on her bed. "Have you ever had times where you couldn't save everyone?" She glanced up to meet his gaze seeing how her loaded question affected him. He took a moment gathering his thoughts before he spoke.

"Yes, lots," he said as he moved to sit at her desk. "Even now somewhere out there in the world somebody might be getting injured or have collapsed. I have my regrets, but I, too am only human. I can't save anyone where my hands don't reach. Like today with you, but that's exactly why I smile. The Symbol of Peace exists for the people, heroes, and for bad guys lighting fires in their hearts without end." Izuka nodded taking in what he had said.

"I understand," she said faintly. Biting her cheek, she leaned forward knowing she needed to tell him what Shigaraki had said. "Toshi, I held something back from Tsukauchi earlier when we spoke. Shigaraki had said some things to me about what you and I talked about in the past. He still wants me to be his Anti-Symbol, and I've learned he's been following me. He said he is obsessed with me, that he doesn't just want me for his plan, but that I'm interesting. I remind him of someone he knew in the past! I don't think he's ever going to stop trying to get me." She had begun to shake again as she recounted what happened.

Reaching over Toshi laid a hand on her shoulder. "Izu-girl I may have failed to protect you in the past, but I will never allow that to happen. Whatever he feels toward you, whatever plans he may have, will never come to pass. Not only because you have people who will protect you but because you do not have the heart of a villain. This Symbol they wish to turn you into is not something you are deep inside. You are a hero. That is not something they can ever take away from you." Feeling better Izuka sent him a watery smile as relief began to flood through her system. The worry she felt about possibly becoming what Shigaraki wanted easing from her mind. "Now I believe that's your mother's cooking I can smell."

Izuka laughed as from within the apartment she could hear her mother calling them to eat. For that night she could believe everything was going to be okay. That future villain plans wouldn't come to pass.

Instead she focused on the fact that All Might was in her house about to have dinner with her, and that he believed in her.

So Shigaraki has shown a little more of what he's feeling for her! The plot is thickening guys! I've hoped that you enjoyed reading this and that you guys have stuck around for me!

I'd love to hear from all of you so send me a review!

Also sorry for no Bonus Chapter this time around! :(