I went home to Dad finally and refused to leave his side mostly as the trauma of what had happened with Shigaraki in the back room of the bar was catching up with me though I told no one but I knew sooner or later I'd have to tell Dad and maybe my uncle, Present Mic about being raped but I wasn't ready yet. I did however tell him most of what happened in the villain's bar besides me being raped so Dad told the authorities as well as Principal Nezu though thankfully it wouldn't be reported on the news. Though I was told that Dad would tell Best Jeanist who thankfully escaped death but he'd not be able to work as a hero for a while due to injuries. And I knew I'd have to tell Shoto myself eventually but I wasn't ready to yet as I was scared he'd leave me. Actually that's a big reason why I didn't tell anyone. I wasn't sure if Bakugo knew what happened to me or not but I figured he'd leave it alone probably.
Back at UA in Nezu's office Vlad King, All Might, Dad, and me standing next to Dad holding onto his arm, we all stand in front of Nezu's desk, Nezu says, "Thank you, All Might. You've saved thousands of people's lives over these many years, though it cost you your body and strength. As a citizen, a hero, and the principal, I cannot express how grateful we all are to you. However, given everything that's happened, there are many who do not believe you should continue as a teacher at UA. Some are pointing out that our troubles began when you started working here. They're worried the children will continue to be caught in the crossfire, and that you can't protect them anymore. It is a delicate situation. Nevertheless, I believe I know what we need to do to ease the concerns the public has expressed. We must strengthen the faith people have in the heroes we have left. It's true, the threat we face is still troubling. But we will protect and train with more focus and diligence than ever before. That is why we're going to implement a plan I've had in mind for a while." Nezu pushes a paper forward and says, "I'm counting on you to convince the students' families."
I read the paper and say quietly, "Dorms? This will be interesting."
I follow Dad and All Might to Jiro's house and after Dad explains that Principal Nezu wants to do dorms we end up in discussion.
Jiro's dad says, "I dunno. Sounds pretty outta tune to me. I get that you guys don't wanna keep talking about what happened, but movin' the kids into dorms isn't going to change the fact that my daughter was injured."
Dad says, "What you're saying is quite true, Mr. Jiro. However, I'd like to assure you that this is not a matter of UA's pride. We've thought long and hard on the issue, and believe this to be the best course of action." Dad looks at the floor and continues, "I hope that you'll give us the honor of continuing to teach Kyoka. I believe wholeheartedly that UA can help her grow into the best hero she can be."
Jiro enters and says, "Whoa. No need for you to be all formal, Mr. Aizawa. We decided what we were going to do right after we got the notice in the mail. I mean, you shoulda heard my old man during All Might's fight."
Jiro puts tea in front of us which has me jump a bit towards Dad.
Jiro continues, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure he was crying."
Jiro's dad says, "Kyoka, c'mon! I was tryin' to act all strict 'n stuff for these dudes."
Jiro just says, "Oh, chill, Dad."
Jiro's mom says, "Hey, cut it out, you two. Save the aggression for your music."
We leave Jiro's house in one of the school cars. Dad says, "You know, I thought the parents would come down on us a lot harder." Dad itches his neck and says, "I suppose...I owe you a drink."
All Might chuckles and says, "No thanks. I can't drink. Besides, it's not a contest. Plus, the next family...probably won't be so easy."
I chuckle and say, "You don't know the Bakugo family like I do..."
I earn weird looks from both Dad and All Might but I just smirk knowingly.
We arrive at Bakugo's house and I sit on the arm of the couch next to Dad and All Might on his other side. They explain about the dorm rooms.
Bakugo's mom smacks the back of Bakugo's head and says, "You kiddin'? Hell yeah, get this kid in a dorm room."
Bakugo explodes yelling, "You hag! Hit me again and I'll kill you!"
Bakugo's mom looks all sweet when looking at us but she has the same angry look towards Bakugo that Bakugo has and she smacks his head and says, "Oh, hush! If you hadn't been so damn weak, you never would've gotten caught and caused all that trouble."
Bakugo's dad says, "C'mon, you two. Please. No fighting. We don't wanna frighten your teachers, do we?"
Bakugo yells, "Shut it, you clown!"
Bakugo's mom says, "Yeah, you're the one who needs to butt out! Oh, don't you even think about using your Quirk, Katsuki."
All Might mutters, "Jeez, some family dynamic."
Dad leans forward a little and says, "So you're saying you give us your consent?"
Bakugo's mom goes to smack Bakugo again and says, "Hm? Oh, the dorm. Actually, we're grateful. Katsuki's fearless and good at everything he tries, especially since he got that stupid-awesome Quirk. People were always fawning over him whether he deserved it or not. Except your daughter that is and she was always beating him so I've always liked her. It's probably why he ended up like this. If more people had been like your daughter it would have been better." She sighs and continues, "That's why I liked what you said. At the press conference."
They remember how Dad said, "He's trying harder than anyone in his pursuit to become the top hero. Those villains will not change his mind. He'll continue on his path, I can guarantee you of that."
Bakugo's mom says, "See, that's when I understood that the school was watching him closely. I was worried about the kid, obviously, and didn't know what would happen. But he's back now, safe and sound, so it worked out. I'm sure UA will face harsh criticism from some people. We still trust you, though, so we'll leave him to you." She pushes Bakugo's head down looking at her husband and says, "Right?"
Bakugo's dad nods and says, "Mh-hm!"
They all bow and Bakugo's mom says, "He's a hot-tempered brat, and we know he's a pain, but please train him hard and make him a good hero."
All Might nudges Dad and puts up his hand and says quietly, "I owe you a drink for this one."
We head back to the car and Dad says, "Okay, let's see. Midoriya's house is close by, isn't it?"
Bakugo follows us and says, "All Might."
All Might turns back as Dad and I turn slightly and say, "Huh?"
Bakugo walks forward and says, "I gotta know. What exactly is Deku to you?"
All Might says, "He's my student. Just like you. A fledgling hero with bright prospects." All Might mutters to himself but I can still hear him, "I'm sorry, Young Bakugo, but I can't say any more than that."
Bakugo's mom yells from inside, "Dammit, Katsuki! The police said not to go wandering off by yourself!"
Bakugo turns back towards his house and says, "Yeah, sure. If you don't wanna tell me, that's fine. Oh, and thank you."
Bakugo's mom yells, "Katsuki!"
Bakugo yells back, "I heard you!"
We had gotten in the car and went to Izuku's apartment and only All Might gets out with me and Dad staying in the car and Dad asks through the open car window, "You're sure you'll be all right by yourself?"
All Might gives us a thumbs up and says, "Yeah. We need to sit down with everyone in Class A by day's end, right? So we'll divide and conquer. I'll take this place and you can move on to the next person we have to convince."
All Might goes up to Izuku's apartment and when they open the door Izuku's mom says, "Oh! Please come on inside. We're so honored."
Izuku and his mom turn rigid while All Might says, "Thank you."
Izuku's mom says, "I can't believe All Might is in our home!"
Izuku says, "Be cool, Mom. It's totally fine."
All Might chuckles seeing inside Izuku's room with all his All Might stuff and walks by it.
All Might says once seated, "You probably already know why I'm here. You received a notice that UA is moving our students to dormitories?"
Izuku's mom nods and says, "Yes, about that, I read the letter...and I won't allow it."
Izuku gasps looking at her and says, "Wait, what? But yesterday you said-"
Izuku's mom looks down and says, "I've thought about it since then, and I've changed my mind." She looks up at All Might and says, "Izuku has admired you for so long, even though he never developed a Quirk as a kid. And then, miraculously, one suddenly appeared. But ever since enrolling at UA, my child just keeps getting hurt. Look at his arms. He can't keep this up. One fight, one villain, and he might never use them again. I watched you on TV, and I saw what that mad did to you. As a regular citizen, I'm so thankful for your bravery. But, as a mother, I was terrified. Izuku wants to be just like you. But if he follows your path, his future will be filled with blood. So I'm sorry. But he's my son. Forgive me, Izuku. Back when you were Quirkless, you were always so happy just watching the heroes do their jobs. Maybe it was better that way. I don't know."
Izuku gasps and gets up saying, "That's not true!"
Izuku's mom says looking into the table, "Honey, I told you I'd support you, but that I wouldn't stop worrying. Do you remember that? And I know all you want is to keep going to UA, but...I can't take it anymore."
Izuku mutters, "I shouldn't have been surprised. I'd been ignoring my mother's feelings for so long."
Izuku's mom says, "I'll speak frankly, sir. As Izuku's mother, I don't have the nerves I'd need to entrust my son to UA. Not with everything that's happened at your school. It doesn't matter what a wonderful hero you are. When the villains attacked, every class had to be canceled. And you couldn't stop your students from getting seriously injured, almost killed. I won't put my son in danger. It's my duty as his mother to keep him safe."
All Might stands and says, "Ma'am-"
Izuku says, "It's not like that, Mom! It's my own fault that I kept getting hurt. The teachers warned me over and over again, but I didn't listen."
Izuku's mom without looking at him says, "So you're saying you didn't learn? Don't you think that means the school's responsible?"
All Might says, "Young man, sit down." All Might sits down as well.
Izuku's mom says, "I might be acting like an overprotective parent, but I'm at peace with that. And while I don't want to steal my son's dream away from him, he can always go to a different school. There are lots of other hero courses out there besides the one at UA."
Izuku growls and runs out of the room slamming the door behind him.
Izuku's mom stands up and calls, "Izuku!"
All Might mutters, "This must be heartbreaking. You looked up to me. Followed in my footsteps. I know what it means to you to study at my Alma Mater. And to give it all up after working so hard..."
Izuku's mom bows towards All Might and says, "I'm sorry. I'll go talk to him." Izuku's mom walks towards the door but Izuku opens the door before she gets there.
Izuku says, "Mom, it doesn't have to be UA! Here. Look at this. You, too, All Might. I got a letter at the hospital. It's from the boy I saved at the training camp. Kota, someone who hated heroes and Quirks, wrote to thank me for saving him. I know I'm hopeless and make you worry all the time. But still. When I read this note, even if it was just for a moment, it made me feel like a real hero. I was so happy."
All Might mutters, "I see."
Izuku crumples the letter a bit and says, "I know who I'm meant to be, and that's what I'll train for. At UA or not, I swear it!"
All Might mutters, "Young Midoriya." All Might goes in his muscle form causing Izuku and his mom to turn gasping at him. All Might mutters, "You are not just an aspiring hero following in my footsteps. You are on your own path toward greatness." All Might steps out of his slippers as he continues muttering, "As your teacher, I must walk beside you." All Might gets on his knees and bows with his forehead to the floor and says, "I'm afraid I haven't been upfront, ma'am. Please allow me to try again. I believe that Young Izuku is the right person to succeed me. That is, he is my choice to become the world's next Symbol of Peace."
Izuku gasps.
Izuku's mom says, "Huh? Hold on. What are you saying, "All Might? What is this?"
All Might still on the ground says, "It's an apology. As the one who held that title, I allowed myself to remain his hero rather than giving my all as his teacher." All Might starts steaming. All Might says, "I'm sorry." All Might deflates again causing Izuku and his mom to yelp. All Might says, "As a UA teacher, I implore you to forgive my past weakness. It's true that my path has been filled with blood, but that is what makes me the right person to help him find his own way. Free of the mistakes that I made as a young hero."
Izuku says, "Don't do this, All Might."
All Might continues, "The heroes at UA know that things can't continue as they've been. We're committed to ensuring the safety of our students from here on out. It's our top priority. Look not at the current UA, but toward the future. Will you allow me to devote myself to Young Izuku? Together, we will go beyond. I will lift him up. And I will protect your son, even if it costs me my life."
Izuku's mom falls to her knees with a gasp.
Izuku gasps and says, "Are you okay?"
Izuku's mom says, "I can't. I mean..." She adjust how she's sitting as she continues, "...You are Izuku's reason for living." All Might looks up at her. Izuku's mom continues, "It's not that I hate you or UA. It's just...I want Izuku to be safe and happy. All Might, don't give up your life. He needs you. To protect him. Raise him. If you can promise me you'll do that, then he can return to UA."
Izuku gasps behind her and says, "Oh, Mom!"
All Might puts his forehead back to the ground and says, "I promise."
They stay there for a few seconds and then Izuku's mom says, "Izuku. If you're going to go back to this school, you have to be so careful."
Izuku wipes his eyes crying and says, "Of course. I won't make you worry."
Izuku's mom says, "Mr. All Might. Please. Take good care of my boy." She mutters to herself, "That look on your face. You're so grown. While I wasn't looking, the hero you admire so much actually began to admire you. I'm proud of you, too, Izuku. My baby. I hope that knowing how whole-heartedly he respects you makes you happy, son."
