"Uraraka!"
Ochaco turned and smiled as Mina, Asui, Jirou, Yaoyorozu, and Todoroki approached her.
"Hey! Fancy meeting you here!" Ochaco chirped.
"We saw that the Infinity was docked here and wanted to see you," Asui said.
Ochaco gave each of them a hug. "It's good to see all of you! How have your assignments been going?"
"Shima and I are on the Treader of Dawn!" Mina exclaimed. "We've been helping explore new worlds for colonization!"
"That's super cool!" Ochaco replied.
Asui spoke next. "Tokoyami, Hagakure, Ojiro, and I are on the Excelsior. We've been mainly running security for diplomatic missions."
"Kaminari and I were transferred to the Excelsior." Jirou shrugged. "Something about us 'working well together' and all that stuff has us staying with each other."
Mina smirked. "Not that you are complaining, right?"
Jirou blushed. "Shut it."
Yaoyorozu smiled and interlaced her fingers with Todoroki. "Shoto and I are on the Defiant. We mostly work alongside the Arbiter, helping bring peace to outward settlements."
"Wait, they called you all in at the same time?" Ochaco asked.
"Not only us," Yaoyorozu replied. "They are calling in almost all of 1A.
"It's like a reunion!" Mina exclaimed.
"It will take a while. Some like Sato and Sero are on an extended mission fighting renegade colony, which could take a bit to get done.
Ochaco sighed. "Man, all of you have super cool assignments!"
"From what I've heard, your assignment has been quite the adventure," Todoroki said.
Mina gripped Ochaco's arm. "IS IT TRUE?! DID YOU GET TO SEE THE MASTER CHIEF?!"
Ochaco chuckled. "Yes, I did."
"Well, spill it." Jirou huffed, trying to hide just how excited she was.
"I would like to hear this as well," Todoroki said.
Ochaco's smile faltered. "He was amazing. Every story about him, they're all true."
"Why are you so down then girl?" Mina asked.
Ochaco's shoulders slumped. "He...He lost his A.I."
"What's the big deal?" Mina asked.
"The Master Chief's A.I. was like family to him," Yaoyorozu stated. "Remember the records? It was recorded on numerous occasions that he had a very close bond with it."
"Her." Ochaco corrected.
"That's got to be devastating," Asui muttered.
"Hey, where is he anyway?" Jirou asked.
Ochaco turned to where the Master Chief was last seen. "He went in there and shut the doors."
The doors then began to open, startling everyone.
"Is it him?!" Mina yelped.
The doors opened slowly, but all that was there were pieces of green armor littered on the floor.
The group approached, and Ochaco bent down and grabbed the helmet, staring into its visor.
"It looks like there is a rear exit," Todoroki stated.
"Probably wants to be alone," Asui said.
Jirou grabbed a piece of his armor. "This thing is heavier than ours."
"He ran around in this?" Mina asked as she inspected it.
"He's not a living legend for nothing," Todoroki stated.
Yaoyorozu went to the nearby console and entered some commands. "According to this, including his time in stasis, he wore this armor for twenty-five years straight."
"If you don't include the twenty years on ice, that means he didn't ever leave his armor for five whole years," Asui stated.
Mina shivered. "I couldn't imagine staying in my armor for that long."
"Where do you think he went?" Jirou asked.
Ochaco felt the locket glow in her gauntlet. She looked at it but decided against looking for him.
He needs time.
The largest statue in the UNSC was dedicated to the Master Chief. Standing in the center of the capital, it stood tall. It's image inspiring generations.
Except for one.
Sitting on a bench nearby was a man. He wore an All Might themed jacket and a baseball cap that hid his curly green hair. He stared at the statue, his eyes tired and weary.
He stood and examined the plaque at the base.
In honor of the greatest hero of all time.
"The greatest hero of all time. What a load of crap."
"I dunno, he's a pretty great hero."
The man froze at the voice and turned around slowly.
The man wore a traditional uniform of someone from high command, his hat nowhere to be found as his blonde hair stood out.
He was none other than the commander in chief.
Toshinori Yagi.
All Might.
"It's been a long time," Toshinori stated.
The Master Chief's eyes widened before he stood at attention. "Sir."
Toshinroi took a few strides and pulled the Chief into a hug.
"My boy…"
The Chief was stunned for a moment before he returned the hug. He shuddered as he felt the warmth of his mentor, his hero, and the man he viewed as his father.
Toshinori pulled back, a teary smile on his face. "It's good to see you, Izuku."
Izuku smiled. "It's good to see you, sir."
Toshinori chuckled. "I told you, you don't have to call me sir."
"Sorry, habit."
Toshinori placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry about Melissa."
Izuku tensed. "Thank you."
Toshinori's eyes narrowed. "Do you need to talk to someone?"
Izuku shook his head and forced a smile, "I'll manage."
Toshinori knew he was lying but decided to save that fight for another day. "Do you want to see her?"
Izuku's eyes widened. "Mom?"
Toshinori smiled. "She's at the apartment."
Izuku smiled genuinely. "I...I'd like that."
"Inko! I'm home!"
Inko smiled and brushed her fingers through her hair. "You're home early? Something happen?"
Toshinori chuckled. "Yeah, you could say that."
Inko entered the kitchen, not seeing who was with Toshinori. "Dinner won't be ready until later, but I have something...to...snack."
The words died in her throat as her jaw dropped.
"Hi, mom," Izuku whispered.
Inko hadn't changed much in appearance in the last twenty years. Her hair had little specks of grey in it, but everything else remained the same. Her thin form, just like the last remembered her, her kind face contorting as tears spilled over.
"Izuku!"
Inko launched herself at Izuku, gripping him in a fierce hug as she sobbed into him. Izuku smiled wearily as he returned his mother's tight embrace, his chin resting on her head.
"My boy! My sweet baby boy! I thought you died!" Inko wailed her tears a never-ending stream.
"I'm sorry, mom," Izuku said as he ran his hand up and down her back.
Inko kissed every inch of his face, Izuku laughing. She eventually stopped and cupped Izuku's cheeks.
"I've missed you so much."
Izuku smiled. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Mommy?"
The three froze as a new voice spoke up, the pitter-patter of little feet echoing into the room.
"Mommy?"
Standing in the door was a small girl, no older than five years old. She had long green hair, with a faint trace of gold peppered in individual strands. She looked at the adults, her eyes wide.
"Who is this, mommy?"
Izuku was stunned as he stared at the child.
"Saeko, this is your brother," Inko replied.
Saeko looked up at Izuku with wonder and apprehension.
"B-Brother?"
Izuku got down on his knees. "Hi."
Saeko slowly approached. "I-I didn't know I had a big brother…"
Izuku smiled softly. "I didn't know I had a little sister."
Izuku held out his hand. "My name is Izuku."
Saeko's eyes widened. "I-Izuku?!"
Saeko turned to Inko. "I-It's him?!"
Inko smiled. "Yes, sweetie."
Saeko launched herself at Izuku, wrapping him in a mighty hug. She cried into his chest while Izuku awkwardly wrapped his arms around her.
"M-M-Mommy a-and d-daddy told m-me stories about you. S-Said y-y-you were a h-hero. T-That you d-d-d-died to s-save us." She stuttered.
She pulled back and looked into Izuku's eyes. "I-I-I was s-sad that I n-never got to meet my b-big brother."
Izuku gently wiped away her tears. "Can I tell you a little secret?"
Saeko nodded vigorously, Izuku chuckling. "I always wanted a baby sister."
Saeko cried happy tears as she hugged him again. Izuku looked up at Inko and Toshinori. "She really is my sister." He chuckled as Saeko's tears flooded his shirt.
After dinner, the four sat in the living room, Saeko having a million questions for Izuku.
"So you fought in the war?! Did you get to go to a bunch of planets?!"
"Yes, I did."
"What about the moon?"
"Yes."
"Mars?"
"Yes."
"What about Saturn?"
Izuku chuckled. "I've been to probably every planet that you know about."
Saeko's eyes widened. "Wow! That sounds so cool!"
"Saeko, how about we wait until later to ask Izuku questions? He's had a long day." Toshinori said.
Saeko sighed. "Okay, Papa."
"And isn't it time for you to go to bed, young lady?" Inko asked.
"Nooo!" Saeko wailed. "I just got a big brother! How can you expect me to sleep?!"
Inko laughed. "He will still be here when you wake up."
Saeko slumped in her seat and groaned. "But moooooooom."
"No but's sweetie."
Saeko sighed. She hobbled over and gave Toshinori and Izuku a hug before walking with Inko to her room.
"She's a little ray of sunshine," Izuku said after they left the room.
Toshinori smiled. "Yes, she is."
Inko returned shortly and made some tea before sitting.
"How long have you two been married?" Izuku asked as he sipped his tea.
Inko smiled. "About 12 years."
Toshinori rubbed the back of his head. "I hope it doesn't bother you."
Izuku smiled. "Not in the slightest."
Inko reached over and took hold of Izuku's hands. Her face became soft, "Toshinori told me about Melissa."
Izuku's face tensed, and his knee bounced.
"Thank you…"
Toshinori placed a hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Please, let me know if you need anything."
Izuku's smile did not reach his eyes. "Thanks."
"What are your plans?" Inko asked.
Izuku sighed. "I have been given orders to meet with the Fleet Admiral in four days."
Inko's eyes widened. "They aren't giving you another assignment, are they?!"
"I don't know," Izuku replied.
"I do." Toshinori grimaced. "I can't say anything right now, but be prepared."
Izuku nodded. "I'd better get back to the Infinity; it's getting late."
Inko's hand gripped his tighter. "No sir. We have your room here."
Izuku stared at the determined face of his mother. "Are you sure that's okay? I don't want to impose."
Inko gave Izuku a firm yet loving look. "You are never an imposition on me, do you understand, young man?"
Izuku became sheepish. "Yes, ma'am."
Toshinori laughed. "Just like old times."
The three retired for the night, Izuku feeling weird sleeping in his old bed again. He turned the lights off and drifted to sleep.
"You could have saved me."
Fire raged around him, dead bodies strewn from corners as Izuku looked at the hellscape around him. He turned to the voice and saw the dead body of Melissa.
"But you were just too weak."
Izuku reached his hand out to grab her, only to have a familiar foe appear.
"So, this is it."
Izuku watched as the Didact appeared, his black armor imitating a worshiper of death.
"I can't imagine you ever getting over this, knowing just how much of a failure you are."
The Didact crushed Melissa, her scream echoing all around.
"Everyone you love will die; everyone you care about will suffer."
Izuku watched as the dead bodies of his mother, Toshinroi, Saeko, his friends from the academy all lay dead at his feet.
"If only you hadn't been chosen. Having wasted One for All on such a pathetic individual."
The dead bodies grabbed at Izuku and began to pull him down. He watched in horror as they began to speak.
"DISGRACE!" Toshinori yelled.
"Good for nothing!" Inko snarled.
"Failure!" Aizawa spat.
"PATHETIC DEKU!" A blonde-haired woman shouted.
Izuku was nearly pulled under when a voice yelled out.
"CHIEF!"
Izuku looked up and saw someone running at him.
She seemed familiar.
As she approached, she emanated light, burning away those who were sucking him into the ground.
"Are you alright?!" The voice asked.
"My, my. This is an interesting development, indeed. Time to wake up."
Izuku awoke with a gasp. He gripped onto the bed with such strength that it cracked the frame. He panted heavily, and sweat poured from his body in droves.
It took a few minutes, but he was eventually able to calm down. He placed his hands on his forehead as the events from his nightmare played over and over again.
Failure!
Good for nothing!
Pathetic!
Those thoughts played over and over again before Izuku decided he needed a shower.
What he did not realize was that he was not the only one who had that dream.
Ochaco awoke with a gasp. She fell from her bed and landed with a thud.
She stayed on the floor as she eventually calmed her breathing.
What was that?!
She stood and rubbed her eyes; her mind still buzzing over the nightmare as she came to a realization.
That was not my dream.
She laid down and decided to try and finish her sleep and find out what was happening tomorrow. What she was unaware of, was Melissa's locket glowing on her desk.
Five days later
"Hagakure!"
"Mina!"
The two giggled as they embraced. "Missed you girl!"
"You too!"
"Still missing some of our former classmates." Ojiro said.
An explosion shook everyone, before angry yelling appeared.
"WHERE IS ICY-HOT?! SHOW YOURSELF YOU B*STARD!"
"Wish he could've not showed up." Mina deadpanned.
A blonde man in Mjolnir armor stormed up. His face resembled an angry pomeranian.
"Baku-bro!" Kirishima chirped.
"Shut it Sh*ty hair!"
"Nice to see he still hasn't changed." Ojiro winced.
Mina fumed. "He'd better quit, or I'll melt his face off."
"Calm down babe!" Kirishima yelped.
"Nice to see you all again."
Everyone stood and saluted as Aizawa walked in.
"At ease."
"Sir, why are we here?" Ochaco asked.
"Yeah. I got called half a universe away; what gives?" Kaminari asked.
Aizawa sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Meet on the bridge in five minutes; all your questions will be answered there."
Ochaco approached Aizawa. "Sir?"
Aizawa sighed. "It seems high command is full of new ideas, all with the single purpose of giving me a migraine."
He motioned her to follow him. "Listen, no matter what, your rank does not change."
Ochaco's eyes widened. "S-Sir?"
"Let's get to the meeting."
The bridge crew cleared out as all of the former 1A entered the bridge. Aizawa walked to the console and imputed several commands. A hologram of Enji Todoroki appeared.
"Attention! Fleet Admiral!"
They all saluted.
"At ease."
He relaxed as he spoke. "I understand you may be concerned as to why you've been pulled from your assignments. There is a simple explanation for that; you are all being resigned."
A collective gasp broke through. "As of today, you are all resigned to Infinity. You are now a high-value strike squad. You are going to show the galaxy that humanity is done being the hunted. We are now the hunters. You are going to be the light that burns away the fears of humanity. You will report to Captain Aizawa, and your new squad leader. Do not mess this up."
The video call ended abruptly as a million questions started flying.
Aizawa held up his hand and silenced them. "I know not all of you are happy. I suggest calming down and making the most of this situation. There's not much else you can do."
"Hey, he said something about squad leader," Kirishima asked.
"Yeah!" Kaminari stated.
Bakugou snarled. "WHO THE F*CK DO THEY REALLY THINK IS GOOD ENOUGH TO LEAD ME?!"
Aizawa pressed a button on the console. "You can enter now."
A door opened and a figure walked in. The group turned and gasped.
"No way!"
"Seriously?!"
"F*CK YEAH!"
Ochaco felt her stomach sink. Oh no…
The Master Chief stood in front of them, his GEN3 Mark VI armor shining like the new armor it was.
"I am your squad leader."
A massive cheer broke through the bridge.
"SETTLE DOWN!" Aizawa yelled, his eyes glowing red.
Aizawa sighed. "Yes. The Master Chief will be your squad leader, but that is not the only person you answer to on this ship."
He motioned for Ochaco, who flushed red as she walked up.
"Commander Uraraka was stationed on the Infinity before this squad was created. As such, she will keep her positon, as well as whatever place she has on this squad. That means when you are on this ship, she is your superior."
"BULLS*IT! ROUNDFACE DOSEN'T GET TO TELL ME WHAT I CAN AND CAN'T F*CKING DO!" Bakugou roared.
Aizawa's eyes glowed red. "If you were smart, you'd shut up."
Bakugou growled and sat down. Aizawa sighed and deactivated his quirk. "We officially launch in a month. In the meantime, get adjusted. Your personal items have already been loaded into your new rooms. Check your messages for your room numbers. Dismissed."
"WAIT! What's our squad name?" Kirishima asked.
Aizawa hummed. "Name? Fine. 1A"
"C"MOOOON! THAT'S LAME!" Mina groaned.
"Then you come up with one. Go get moved in, and don't bug the Master Chief today. Wait until tomorrow."
A few whines went out before they exited the bridge, leaving only the Master Chief, Aizawa and Ochaco.
"How are you holding up?" Aizawa asked.
"I'll manage."
Aizawa sighed. "I've made sure your quarters are separate from them. Figured you could use some privacy."
"Thank you."
Ochaco spoke. "When did they tell you about this?"
Izuku sighed. "Yesterday."
The day before
Izuku walked through the lobby of the UNSC hub. He twitched his fingers and felt how his armor was looser than before. His helmet's visor had not been fixed, much to his annoyance.
"I have an appointment with Fleet Admiral Todoroki." He stated.
The receptionist stared at her computer screen. "Name?"
"Spartan, 117."
The receptionist's eyes bulged, and she turned to him. "M-M-Master C-Chief!"
"Yes."
"I will let him know right away, sir!"
Izuku waited for several moments before she spoke to him again.
"Admiral Todoroki will see you now."
Izuku nodded and entered the office.
"Fleet Admiral."
The office was massive, fitting the position. His eyes took notice of all the awards, nominations, and status symbols, and three pictures of what looked like his family on his desk.
The chair behind the desk spun around, and the man stood from it.
Enji Todoroki.
"Ah. Master Chief. Good to see you again"
Izuku saluted. "Sir."
"At ease."
Izuku relaxed. "What did you want to speak about?"
Todoroki placed his hands behind his back. "First, I heard about what happened with your A.I. I'm sorry."
"Thank you, sir."
Enji sat back down and looked over some paperwork. "I have your next assignment."
Izuku stared at Enji. "What?"
Enji looked at him. "Did you misunderstand me? I have your next assignment."
Izuku clenched his fist. "Sir, I -"
"Listen soldier, I understand you've been through a lot, but I need you to listen."
Enji turned his computer monitor and showed several news reports to Izuku.
"In the past five years, the Covenant have become bolder. Causing hostilities with our outer colonies and destabilizing several key sectors. While they are no longer the threat they once were, they still are a danger. Public morale has been lowering as of late, and the incident with the Didact certainly did not help."
Enji smirked. "That is until people saw that you returned."
The screen shifted and showed people throwing parades, celebrations and holidays, all around his statues.
"Your return has single-handedly done what all of the government could not do. You've given the people hope. People are becoming optimistic, and that is something we drastically need right now. And the best way to do that is to have you on the front lines, leading your squad."
Izuku's head shifted. "My squad?"
An image of class 1A appeared. "This is the most recent cadet graduation from U.A. They are some of the best and brightest we have ever produced. That being said, they are still green. We are making a push. To show everyone that the future is safe."
Enji stood. "And what better way to inspire hope in the next generation, than to have 'the Spartan' as their commanding officer?"
Izuku stood motionless as Enji's words cemented in his mind.
"You want me to lead a group of freshly graduated cadets, who are barely younger than myself, into missions?"
"Precisely. This is the opportunity we've been waiting for."
"Sir, I don't think that's a good idea."
Enji narrowed his eyes. "I don't care what you think. This is happening. You will all be stationed aboard the Infinity, I know that you are already acquainted with Captain Aizawa. Aizawa will be the overseer, but 1A is yours. You will assign them missions, with Captain Aizawa's approval, and execute them, with plenty of surveillance drones accompanying you for posterity. I don't care what kind of 'pain' or 'trauma" you are going through. Your duty is to the UNSC, and you will fulfill your order to the letter."
Enji moved around his desk and stood an inch away from Izuku, his height barely shorter than Izuku.
"Have I made myself clear, Master Chief?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Report to director Hatsume's science wing. Your new armor is ready. Dismissed."
The Master Chief left, his chest filled with many emotions.
Ochaco stared at Izuku. Her eyes filled with hurt and her stomach clenching at his recollection.
What gives him the right to talk to the Master Chief like that?! Just because he's the fleet admiral doesn't mean he can talk to him like that! Big jerk!
"The rest of 1A will be joining us in the next month. Right now, you can get to know them, test them to see their combat capabilities. Each of their files are in your room."
"Is there anyone I should be cautious of?"
Aizawa sighed. "The only real trouble maker is Bakugou."
Izuku tensed. "What?"
Aizawa's stance shifted, his posture betraying the tension. "Her son."
Izuku's hands twitched before he nodded. "Understood. May I make one request?"
"Name it."
Izuku shifted slightly. "It is my understanding that the Ark is still active?"
"Yes." Aizawa sighed.
"Why hasn't the facility been destroyed?"
"While the primary functions of most Halo arrays are as weapons against the Nomus, this one's primary function is for study and environmental examination."
"A nature preserve."
Aizawa nodded. "Correct. This ring houses many different technologies that we have never seen, and the top brass wants access to it."
Izuku shifted closer and examined the ring. "I would like to go there."
Aizawa wrinkled an eyebrow. "Why?"
Izuku shifted. "I need to say goodbye."
Aizawa and Ochaco's face shifted, both becoming somber.
"Of course. We can be there in two weeks."
"Thank you. If there's nothing else, I will take my leave."
Izuku turned and began to leave. Ochaco turned to Aizawa.
"Sir, are you sure this is a good idea. He's been through a lot, and they're...throwing him back in so quick!"
Aizawa's eyes softened. "I know. In some ways, he wants this. A chance to keep his mind off of what happened."
Ochaco went quiet as her thoughts drifted back to the nightmare a few days ago.
"Permission to return to quarters?"
"Granted."
Izuku walked slowly, his each step feeling heavier than the last.
"Sir?"
Izuku stopped and turned to see Ochaco running up to him.
"Commander."
Ochaco stopped when she got withing six feet of him. "Are you okay?."
Izuku tilted his head. "Yes."
Ochaco twiddled her fingers. "I uh...I wanted to tell you it is an honor to get to work with you. And...I know you don't know me all that well, but… if you need someone to talk to... "
Izuku felt that she was leaving something out, her body language, her inflections, something was off.
Why does she seem familiar?
"Actually, there is something I could use your help with."
Ochaco's eyes widened.
"Those kids, you were a part of their class?"
"Yes sir."
"After my business on the Ark is concluded, I would appreciate your help on going over each member. You have experience with them, you would be able to help me make the appropriate decisions on them."
Ochaco smiled. "Yes sir. Anything to help you sir."
Izuku nodded. "Thank you. If you'll excuse me, I am going to rest before we arrive."
"Yes sir."
Izuku turned and left, leaving a smiling Ochaco.
He asked for my help! The Master Chief asked for MY HELP!
Ochaco was giddy, before she felt a familiar sensation tug at her gut. She grabbed onto the railing and pulled out the locket.
It glowed blue, and she decided to test a theory. She pulled the locket up and pressed it against her forehead.
Loneliness.
Frustration.
Anger.
Resentment.
She gasped and pulled the locket away. She stared at it, the blue lights continuing their glow.
She looked around and saw no one was there. She quickly retreated to her room and locked the door. She sat on her bed and stared at the locket.
What are you?
She was hesitant, but she eventually placed the locket against her forehead.
She felt her entire being be pulled from her body as bright light enveloped her.
"Chief! We got to move!"
Ochaco's eyes snapped open.
"They're on our tail!"
Ochaco was standing still, her body glowing as she was no longer in her room.
What?
"I'M HURRYING!"
"Hurry faster!" Melissa yelled.
Ochaco turned and saw the Master Chief, running and gunning as he ran through the corridors. Behind him emerged something that chilled Ochaco to her very core.
They were deformed, each one looking like a different nightmare brought to life. They were different colors, some even having different anatomy.
But she knew what they were.
Nomu's!
She raised her hand to block, but the Nomu went through her.
Ochaco was in shock, she ran her hand across her face and went through it.
She watched wordlessly as dozens of Nomus crashed in, recognizing some of them having distinctly human features.
Installation 05!
She watched as the Master Chief engaged them in combat. Hacking, slashing and blasting them until their numbers were too great.
The Master Chief yelled. "IS IT READY?!"
"Almost, NOW!"
Massive laser guns activated and disintegrated the Nomu's.
"Cutting it real close there." Master Chief groaned.
"A little thanks would be appreciated!"
"Thanks."
Melissa chuckled. "You're a big dummy."
The Master Chief reloaded his weapon and advanced forward. "Are we nearly ready?"
"Yes. We need to get to the Pillar of Autumn; then we can end this nightmare."
Master Chief entered the hanger and found a banshee. He entered and piloted it away.
"Deku?"
The Master Chief tilted his head. "Yes?"
"Are you okay?"
"Of course."
"That's not what your heart rate is telling me."
The Master Chief was silent for a few moments.
"I… I knew some of them. I…"
He shuddered. "How am I supposed to sleep at night? Knowing what those things are, and who they were?"
Ochaco watched silently as his hand trembled.
"I know, Chief. Let's get this done, then we can heal."
The Master Chief nodded. "Right."
Ochaco felt herself being pulled again, watching as the two approached the Pillar of Autumn.
Ochaco awoke with a gasp.
She calmed her breathing and stared at the locket.
"What are you?"
Izuku dropped his cup.
He pressed his fingers against the side of his head as a flash of memories encompassed him.
After a few moments, they faded, leaving a confused Master Chief.
"What is going on?"
Two weeks later.
"Chief, we've arrived at the Ark."
"Thank you, Captain."
Izuku grabbed a small item and left for the hanger.
For the past two weeks, he had gotten settled in on the Infinity. He had been approached several times by different members of the crew, specifically 1A.
It was a struggle, having so many people who treated him like a super-hero.
He spent most of his time alone, everyone giving him space.
Except for one person.
Uraraka Ochaco.
When he arrived, he saw Ochaco standing there.
"Someone has to escort you, sir."
"I am fine on my own."
Ochaco smiled. "I know, sir, but the Captain ordered me."
Izuku sighed. "Very well."
The two boarded the transport and exited the Infinity.
Izuku watched as they approached the familiar installation, memories flashing in his mind.
They landed shortly after. Izuku and Ochaco exited the Pelican and boarded a Warthog. They drove for a while, no words spoken between the two for a bit.
"Over there."
Ochaco drove them to where he directed and stopped.
Izuku exited the vehicle and walked slowly to the command center.
They entered and went to the top pillar. Izuku reached into his helmet and pulled out a device.
Melissa's chip holder.
"You said this was the most beautiful spot you'd ever seen."
Izuku stared out, observing the wilderness.
"You could see each environment, each ecosystem, the beauty of life."
He pulled out a red box and placed the chip inside before setting the box on the base.
He folded his hands and looked down. "You were there for me; sometimes, you were the only one there for me."
He went silent as a small shudder ran through him.
"Even when you played that awful jazz music and jump scared me when we were younger, you were always there for me."
He stared at the sun. "I know where you are. You deserve it."
He looked back down at the box.
"Goodbye, Melissa."
Ochaco felt tears fall from her eyes as he placed his fingers against where his mouth would be and place them against the box.
Izuku stood and walked over to her.
"Thank you. We can leave now."
They exited the tower, no words spoken as they approached the Warthog. Ochaco felt the locket pulse as an idea entered her mind.
"Sir?"
Izuku turned to her. "Yes?"
"Could you show me the waterfall?" Ochaco asked timidly.
Izuku was quiet for a moment before nodding.
He directed her to the waterfall, and they sat on the edge of it.
They sat there for an hour, no words spoken as they let nature envelop them.
Ochaco closed her eyes and let the wind blow through her hair as the sounds of nature soothed her.
"It's so beautiful." She whispered.
Izuku was quiet as the sounds of nature echoed around him. He felt something stir in him, something foreign as he then spoke.
"This is the first time."
Ochaco turned to him. Sensing he was not done, she stayed quiet.
"Every Time I've been on any Halo, I've always had people trying to kill me, or I was too busy trying to stop galactic genocide."
He looked around, basking in the beauty of the world around him.
"She would always ask me if I knew what it was like to play in fresh snow. Teasing me when I'd never seen snow before coming to Halo. She laughed like crazy when I told her I had no idea what a snowball was."
Ochaco laughed as they talked for a good while. Their conversation shifted when he asked a loaded question.
"Is this what life is supposed to be like? Is this what a normal life is?"
The question caught Ochaco off guard before she answered. "I think that life is about fighting to protect moments like this. To protect the places where we find peace. Places like this, the people I love, they are why I fight."
Izuku turned and looked at her.
"You are wise."
Ochaco blushed. "T-Thank you, sir."
"Thank you."
Ochaco's eyes widened. "For what, sir?"
"For having me bring you here." He said as he ran his hand through the water. "I needed this. Peace. Even if just for a little bit."
Ochaco watched as his shoulders relaxed, his breathing becoming slower. The locket shifted in her gauntlet as emotions flooded her.
Contentment.
Peace.
Freedom.
She smiled as she realized whose emotions these were, and that she was the one who helped him have them. She stared up at the stars, remembering stargazing with her parents.
Her eyes widened. Stars?!
She checked her gauntlet and realized that they had been at the waterfall for several hours.
"We should return to the ship," Izuku said as he stood. "I am sure the Captain wants to get out of here."
He held a hand out to her. She took it and rose to her feet.
She stared into his visor, warmth enveloping her.
"Yes sir."