Coco: HEY YOU NEED TO READ THIS! It's just a quick note so no one is confused. This is a triple chapter update. HOWEVER, this is not the first chapter of this triple update, so not to be lost and confused, you need to go back a chapter. The last chapter I posted came out like "Chapter 59". However, that was actually Chapter 58. You see, the reason the numbers are a bit messed up is because Chapter 54 was just an announcement and not an actual chapter. That's why the numbers were one ahead of what the actual chapter was. However, I deleted the announcement that was Chapter 54 to right the numbers. So, while you've already read "Chapter 59" it's actually a new chapter. Sorry, if I threw you guys off, but if you haven't already, you need to go back one chapter to make sure you get to read all the new content before you proceed with this chapter! XD
Ayano gasped sitting up quickly. Though she immediately regretted it as her head started pounding.
"You're awake…that's good."
Ayano turned seeing Nighteye sitting next to her. She took in her surroundings seeing she was in a hospital room. She was even dressed in the usual hospital garb patients had to wear.
"Ayano," Nighteye spoke softly getting the girl to look back at him. "Do you remember what happened? Why you lost consciousness? Why you are here?"
Ayano blinked because things were a bit fuzzy for a second, but after that second was over, it all came flooding back. She began clutching her head as the aching became worse as all those memories came rushing in. The machines hooked up to her started to beep at a faster rate as her heart's beating increased in speed. So many thoughts were coming to her head.
'Where's Katsuki? And Izuku and the others?' she wondered. 'What happened to my father? And to All Might? What about All for One? Rina?'
The thoughts continued to swirl as the beeping increased even more from the machines. However, everything came to a stop when Nighteye reached out to put his arms around Ayano. He hushed her.
"It's alright," He said. "Take a deep breath. I will explain everything, but you have to calm down."
Ayano tried to do as she was told as she took a deep breath. Once her heart rate was back to normal, Nighteye pulled back.
"What happened?" She asked with her voice sounded a bit hoarse. "How long have I been here?"
"It's only the next day, so you haven't lost much time." Nighteye assured her. "As for what happened…All Might won against All for One, but at a price. He can no longer use One for All. He'll have to officially retire now. All for One has been imprisoned in Tartarus Prison, but the League managed to escape."
Yes, Ayano remembers them getting away, and with that strange Nomu. The one with…that odd quirk.
"Your friends, who foolishly came to save you, are all home safe and sound, so there's no need to be concerned with them." Nighteye continued. "As for Bakugo, he should be done with the police by now and at home or heading there. None of them received any injuries from last night. Only you."
Ayano frowned. She doesn't remember getting hurt. She doesn't even remember any of the villains getting their hands on her. Not last night anyway.
"You had a few fractured ribs, which I'm guessing is from your fight at the training camp." Nighteye explained. "But what was more concerning was the internal bleeding to your brain."
Ayano touched her head. She had no idea her head had been injured. She never felt any actual pain to it.
"I suspect the adrenaline kept you from realizing just what kind of damage you were doing to yourself." Nighteye said. "Using Hive as repeatedly as you did and as strongly as you did put too much strain on you."
Ayano flinched at the mention of Hive, but she wasn't surprised. She knew after she told Aizawa that the cat would be out of the bag. That All Might, Giichi, and Nighteye would learn that Hive has awakened.
"You're not ready for that kind of power yet, so until you train more, I want you to promise me that you won't use Hive." Nighteye said. "At least not as extensively. It's not just dangerous for you, but for those around you if you happen to lose control, understand?"
Ayano looked down at her lap as her hands clenched tightly into fists. She supposed this was going better than she thought. She thought they might try to take Hive or rather seal it away again, and that she'd have to fight them on. But this…this she could agree to.
"I promise." She said.
Nighteye stared at her a bit longer as if looking for any sign of a lie. When he saw none, he nodded.
"Now, I'm sure there's more you wish to know." Nighteye said. "And there are a few things I must tell you. Things that won't be easy to hear."
Ayano's brows furrowed at his words as she felt a tight ball of worry form in her stomach.
"Is it about my father…did he…is he?" Ayano couldn't even finish her words.
"He isn't dead, surprisingly." Nighteye told her. "Not even All for One could kill someone as stubborn as him. Though even with his body's higher than normal healing factor and Recovery Girl's help, he will have permanent wounds. They will stop him from fighting as he once did, and some normal functions will be hard for him as well. So, he's officially retired like All Might. I hear Nezu is trying to get him to come to U.A."
Ayano just couldn't picture her father as a teacher at U.A. if that was what Nezu was going for. She didn't know Giichi too well, but he partially reminded her of Katsuki. And she definitely couldn't see Katsuki as a teacher.
"Speaking of the U.A. staff, Doctorine is still missing." Nighteye continued. "Unlike Ragdoll who was being kept at the warehouse where the Nomu were, Doctorine was nowhere to be seen. Not even a trace of her, so there is still an open investigation to find her."
Ayano felt her heart sink at the information. Sure, Doctorine can be a sadist, but she did still take care of her and the others. She had even been gentle with Ayano when the girl had been unwell during the camp. Showing true concern over her wellbeing.
"With a quirk like hers, All for One probably took extra measures to ensure to keep her somewhere we couldn't find her." Nighteye said. "But this also leads us to belief, she still has her quirk intact unlike Ragdoll's quirk, which was stolen by him. However, this is concerning as we have to wonder just what he planned for her, and if someone else has her now. Like maybe the League or even a third party."
Ayano knew that could be true, and while it was good Doctorine might still have her quirk…it made Ayano wondered what the villains could possibly be making her do. Or have planned for her to do.
"There is also…another missing person the police are looking into." Nighteye said. "…your brother…during your time away at camp, someone broke into his room at this hospital and took him…They left no trace, so there are no current leads. Though we suspect with the timing that All for One and the League of Villains are involved."
After the words left his mouth, he watched Ayano carefully to gauge her reaction. At first nothing—no emotion whatsoever flickered across her face. Though her hands slowly curled into fists once more.
"There was…there was this Nomu that my father and All Might fought during the incident…" Ayano said as she looked back to her lap again. "He used a quirk…a quirk I've seen before. When I saw it use the quirk, I felt like something was wrong because that quirk…it belongs to Ko."
Nighteye's eyes widened partially when Ayano said this as the girl felt tears enter her eyes.
'This is my fault…' She thought as the tears started to spill. 'If I hadn't held on…If I had just let him go…this wouldn't have happened…why am I so weak?!'
She hasn't managed to protect or save anybody. All she's done is cause trouble and pain for those around her. Her father's body will never be the same, Rina is in the hands of those villains, her brother's quirk stolen and there's no telling what they did to his body afterwards…She hasn't helped anyone. She's nothing.
"Don't do that," Nighteye's words brought Ayano from her dark thoughts. "Don't give in to the despair. Regret and failure are an inevitable part of life. What's important is what you learn from them. Take all the pain and regret you are feeling and learn from them. Become stronger. Do not let them break you down. You are better than that, Ayano. You have shown me how strong and bright you are. Be the person you showed me during your internship. Don't let yourself fall here because there are people waiting for you. Waiting for you to return to their sides and waiting to see you become the hero we know you can be."
Ayano stared at Nighteye with wide eyes as he reached out to brush her tears off the right side of her cheek.
"Sir…" Ayano murmured as more tears fell, but for a different reason. "I…I want to become stronger…I want to protect and save people."
Nighteye nodded while pulling the crying girl into his embrace once more. He gently stroked her hair.
"And you will." He said. "For that I have no doubt."
Even with the vision he had seen of Ayano and the destruction she would bring, he would not believe it. He would change this future, and Ayano will be the hero that she dreams of being…the hero he knows she will be.
"Due to your brother's…disappearance and the possibility he will not be recovered, he has been officially deemed dead." Tsukauchi told Ayano gently.
After being discharged from the hospital, Ayano was brought here to the police station. She had been questioned thoroughly with Ayano giving as much as she could to the police. Even the part where Rina's memories had been manipulated by All for One and how she was led to believe their mother was trying to serve the man. She knew it might not save Rina from being locked away, but she wanted to try and save Rina in any way she could. But even if Rina did have to be sent to prison, Ayano planned to save her from the League of Villains.
"You've been living as an emancipated teenager since his hospitalization, but with the League of Villains taking an interest in you, it has been decided you can no longer live on your own," Tsukauchi continued. "Luckily the Bakugo Family has agreed to take you in. From what I understand they along with the Midoriya Family have been looking after you for some time."
Ayano nodded her head. Mitsuki, Masaru, and Inko have always been very good to her. Even before Ko was hospitalized, they were helping him care for her as he hadn't always known what to do. They've been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
"This also means that if the Bakugos deem U.A. unfit to continue teaching you, they do have the right to deny you from returning there." Tsukauchi told her. "I hear U.A. is trying to work something out to hopefully ease the minds of parents and keep you students safe, but the parents' consent is something all students must have."
"I'm not too worried," Ayano said with a small shrug. "Mitsuki-san and Masaru-san won't deny Katsuki and I of returning to U.A. for that much I am certain."
Tsukauchi smiled at the young girl while seeing that despite the terrible circumstances that she was doing alright. Well, as alright as to be expected. He could see the dark circles under her puffy, red eyes, but she still spoke clearly and was able to answer all his questions with the details they'd need to hopefully further their investigation.
"Well, I believe that's all we need from you today, Ishida-san," Tsukauchi said. "We'll release you to Sir Nighteye and his sidekicks, and they will take you to the Bakugos' residence."
Ayano nodded her head then stood up from the chair she had been sitting in across from Tsukauchi. One of his men opened the door to his office, so Ayano could step out. However, Ayano paused to look back at the young detective.
"I wish to thank you, Detective Tsukauchi." Ayano said. "Sir told me you and your men worked relentlessly to help save Katsuki and I. I appreciate your hard work, and I do apologize for the trouble."
She bowed deeply as she said this as she was grateful to those who had a hand in saving her and Katsuki. She wished to thank the heroes involved in the raid as well, but she supposed some of it might have to be done through letters. But at least she could thank Tsukauchi in person.
"There's no need to apologize," Tsukauchi assured her as she lifted her head. "What you and Bakugo Katsuki went through…it's not like you asked for it, and you two fought in your own ways. I'm sure it had to have been scary for you, but you two held strong. I hope you realize how much that actually helped."
Ayano just silently smiled before giving a small bow in farewell. She then left the office to be taken out to the main lobby where Nighteye was waiting with Bubble Girl and Centipeder. Though there were two others with them. One—a young woman—looked vaguely familiar. Though the man with her was not someone Ayano recognized. At the sight of her, the young woman teared up.
'Kazane…' Ayano realized.
Her eldest sister and the first born of Sebone Giichi and Etsudo. Despite the tears in her eyes, Kazane smiled at Ayano while stepping forward.
"Hello, Ayano," She spoke in a kind tone. "You probably don't know who I am, but—!"
"Kazane," Ayano interrupted. "Sebone Kazane—my elder sister."
Kazane's eyes widened in surprise for a moment, but she soon chuckled as she wiped away the tears from her gaze.
"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you do know who I am." Kazane said. "I know it must be weird to meet like this. Honestly, I never thought I would see you again. While I am happy to see you, I wish it were under better circumstances."
Ayano nodded in return before silence fell between the two sisters. It wasn't exactly awkward, but it wasn't exactly comfortable her. Not like the silences that Ayano shares with Katsuki or Izuku. Those are comfortable. Those are silences with people she cares about and trusts. Kazane was a stranger, however. Even if they share blood, Ayano felt rather indifferent to Kazane. She had more of a relationship built with Rina who tried to harm her and her friends than with Kazane. Of course, Rina and her have been inside each other's heads.
"I was going to put off our meeting until things had calmed down, but I was afraid I would lose my courage if I waited." Kazane explained then hesitantly held out a piece of paper to Ayano. "This has some contact information of mine. My phone number along with my home address and email that way you can call or write to me if you wish. I hope we can try to get to know each other…when you're ready."
Ayano stared at her older sister as Kazane was looking back uncertainly. Ayano didn't have to look inside her head to know what Kazane was thinking. Kazane was worried about introducing herself as Ayano's sister after Ayano lost her brother in a more permanent sense. Worrying that she might come off as a someone trying to replace what she just lost. It was terrible timing considering the situation. However, Ayano knew she couldn't really fault Kazane. She wasn't the one to do all of this.
"Thank you," Ayano finally said as she took the paper from Kazane. "I hope we can get to know each other as well."
Kazane beamed when hearing those words leave Ayano's mouth before she turned to the man with her when he cleared his throat.
"Sorry," He said with an accent Ayano couldn't quite place. "I just wanted to introduce myself before we have to go. It's nice to meet you, Ayano. I'm Armin. I'm engaged to Kazane, so I suppose we'll be family soon."
He stretched his hand out to Ayano and the young girl reached out to give his hand a shake.
"Yes, I suppose so." Ayano agreed. "Now, I do not wish to sound rude, but I am very tired and wish to return home."
"Of course," Kazane said quickly. "We understand."
Stiff farewells were given between the two parties before Ayano was led out of the police station by Sir Nighteye. Bubble Girl, who put a thin, long jacket around Ayano, and Centipeder walked on either side of Ayano like two guardians. It made Ayano feel safe and worried at the same time. To think she'd need protection like this…it wasn't something she liked.
'Which is why I have to become stronger,' Ayano told herself. 'Why we have to become stronger.'
Hive hummed in agreement within her mind as Ayano was showed to a car. After she got in with the pros with her, the car drove off taking her towards the Bakugos' home. She was ready to be somewhere safe. She was ready to feel safe. But more than anything she was ready to see Katsuki again because with him she always felt the safest.
Katsuki frowned as he stood back watching as his parents cocooned Ayano, who had just been brought home, into a tight hug.
"Thank you for bringing her back to us," Masaru thanked Nighteye and his sidekicks. "We appreciate you keeping her safe."
"Not at all," Nighteye said with a shake of his head. "We are just happy to be bringing her back home."
He looked to Ayano as he said this as she was practically nestling herself in Mitsuki's arms.
"We should be going," Nighteye said. "If there is anything else that is needed, please let us know. Ayano's quirk…has been stressed due to these recent events. If it flares dangerously or she shows any signs of bleeding from her nose or ears, please contact me immediately. I should be able to help."
He left his contact information with Masaru then left. His sidekicks followed him, but not before Bubble Girl told Ayano firmly to keep in touch. They were then gone leaving the Bakugo Family and Ayano alone.
"We're glad to have you home, Ayano." Masaru said patting the girl on the head.
"Yeah, you and that idiot son of ours had us worried." Mitsuki added.
Katsuki shot his mom a glare, but said nothing as Ayano apologized. After a few more moments of his parents coddling her, they left to go and make lunch for everyone. This left Ayano and Katsuki in silence. Katsuki stared at Ayano wordlessly as Ayano looked anywhere but at him. It irked him to be honest.
"Hey, stupid," He said to her as he stepped forward.
Even at him calling to her, she kept her eyes downward. Only pushing Katsuki more in his attempts to get her to look at him. He stepped forward until he had her backed up into the wall. He placed a hand beside her head while leaning in.
"Look at me, Aya," He said sternly.
Slowly but surely Ayano lifted her gaze to look at Katsuki. She knows she wanted to come here to come back to Katsuki, but after seeing him, she suddenly felt small and scared. Not of him, but of what he must think of her. She used a quirk not her own in front of him. He had to know something was up…the questions he had to have for her. She wasn't sure if she was ready to answer.
Katsuki stared down into her worried gaze. He wasn't the mind reader between the two, but he knew her well enough to know what she had to be thinking. What had her so worried. What made her look away from him. He sighed then surprised Ayano by taking her into his arms. He held her tightly against him where her head was tucked under his chin.
"It doesn't change anything," Katsuki said. "You're still Aya. The same stupid, always tries to keep me in line pain in my ass that I've been stuck with since we were kids."
Ayano felt her eyes tear up at his words, but pushed the tears back as she was tired of crying.
"If anyone is the pain in the ass in this relationship, Katsuki, it's you," She said with a small chuckle.
"Shut up," He grumbled though didn't let go of her.
In fact, he tightened his hold as if she might disappear at a moment's notice. That she might slip from his fingers. He never noticed before how small Ayano was. Not to mention how soft she was. Holding her like this made him realize how fragile her body really is. He didn't care if she was training to become a hero. Knowing that and seeing all what she can do didn't make the feeling of how breakable she felt to him go away.
'I will protect you next time,' Katsuki promised her. 'I won't lose to those League of Villain clowns ever again.'
'That's my line,' Ayano replied with a smile in her voice.
Ayano sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror. It's been about two days since she was allowed to come and stay at Katsuki and his family's home. Though she supposed it was her home now too. Her things were already brought over from the apartment she had been living in. Well, most of them anyway. At least the things she intended on keeping, but they remained in their boxes as on the day of their arrival, news came from U.A. as well.
'Dorms,' Ayano thought as she finished getting ready. 'It's odd to think we and our classmates will be living together soon.'
Well, she hoped so. She was worried some of her classmates might not be allowed to return to U.A. after everything that's happened. She shook those thoughts from her head. She had to remain positive. She would see her friends again and they will all continue on their paths to be heroes. Ayano then left the guest room that was now her room even if only for a little while longer. She went down the stairs and as she reached the bottom, she saw Masaru welcoming Aizawa and All Might into the house. At the sight of her, All Might, who was now publicly in his weaker form, smiled.
"Young Ishida, it's good to see you." He said.
"All Might-sensei, Aizawa-sensei, I'm happy to see you both." Ayano said as she walked forward. "I feel like it's been forever. Definitely missed your smiling face, Aizawa-sensei."
Aizawa resisted the urge to snort at his student's jest as Mitsuki and Katsuki came into the entry way as well. Katsuki, of course, had his usual scowl on his face as he regarded his teachers with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Welcome to our home," Mitsuki welcomed the two. "Ayano, would you mind making some tea as we show your teachers to the living room?"
Ayano nodded her head then left to do as she was asked. Katsuki followed her as his parents took Aizawa and All Might into the living room.
"Old hag acting all nice in front of the teachers," Katsuki grumbled as he and Ayano entered the kitchen.
Ayano shook her head at his grumbling as she quickly used her quirk to get the tea out of the cabinet as it was too high up for her.
"Idiot, you're not supposed to be straining your quirk," Katsuki reminded her. "You heard what your four-eyed master said."
Ayano, who was getting the stove ready to make the tea, shot Katsuki a look at what he called Nighteye.
"I don't think lifting a box of tea is going to strain anything, Katsuki." Ayano said. "Now, why don't you join everyone else in the living room? I'll be there shortly."
Katsuki didn't reply at first as he watched Ayano starting to prepare the tea for their guests. He moved over to her while wrapping his arms around her from behind. An action that had Ayano's entire face heating up. She wanted to turn and ask Katsuki what he was doing, but when he placed his chin on her shoulder, she deciding turning her head right then wouldn't be a good idea.
Since she was dropped off here after her time at the police station, she's noticed that Katsuki's been kind of touchy. If they were in a room together, he was touching her in some way. From just the backs of their hands brushing to full on hugs like now. She didn't mind exactly, but she wasn't sure how to take it either.
"We both know the old hag and old man are going to let us return to U.A." Katsuki told Ayano. "But before we go back, there's something we need to work out. I'm tired of putting it off. Something always gets in the damn way and makes me have to wait longer."
First the incident on I-Island. Then Ayano's odd mood. And most recently, the bullshit that happened with the League of Villains. He didn't want anything else to delay what he has to say. He couldn't keep these stupid feelings to himself forever.
"We'll talk about it later." Katsuki said as he finally pulled away from her. "Once Aizawa and All Might are gone."
He then left Ayano alone in the kitchen with the girl releasing the breath she had been holding. She stiffly continued preparing the tea, and once it was done, she carried it into the living room. She arrived just in time to see the entire Bakugo Family bowing to her teachers. Though Mitsuki did have Katsuki's head forced down. But he wasn't fighting her, so that had to count for something. At her arrival, everyone turned towards her. Mitsuki gave Ayano an reassuring look.
"As for Ayano, we left the decision in her hands." Mitsuki told Aizawa and All Might. "If she wishes to return to U.A., she, of course, can. However, we will not force her."
Aizawa nodded in understanding as All Might watched Ayano's expression closely. He would completely understand if Ayano didn't want to continue being a hero after everything that's happened to her recently.
"Well, Ishida?" Aizawa asked her. "Do you still trust us to guide you? To help you become a hero?"
Ayano, who sat down the tea in front of the two teachers, smiled at Aizawa as she took a seat on the other side of Mitsuki.
"Of course," Ayano said in a tone that suggested she thought Aizawa should have already known her answer. "I'm not ready to give up. It's true…Katsuki and I went through a lot, and it was scary…but through that incident I hope to become stronger. With that experience I want to turn it into power. So, as long as you are willing to teach us, I will continue down my path of being a hero. I will continue my hero academia."
Coco: Oooh? Looks, like Katsuki is ready to get those pesky feelings off of his chest? Does this mean a possible confess in the next chapter?