SUMMARY: The aftermath of the villain attack has serious repercussions on the three boys. And this is a turning point in their life. Two moving forward and one moving the opposite side.

THE PATH WE TAKE

Katsuki didn't get the privilege to return to the conscious realm in a slow, calm manner. Like when you wake up from a night of good night sleep. He woke up feeling lost, confused and terrified. The last thing he remembered was a big explosion and pain. He gasped as he sat up, hands popping with sparks. He flinched when a hand fell on his shoulder, "Shh, it's just me kiddo."

Katsuki blinked the tears from his eyes, "D-dad?"

Masaru gave him a tired smile, "Yeah. How are you feeling?"

Katsuki took a quick assessment of his body, "Achy… and so fucking thirsty."

His father chuckled lightly as he poured water into a glass. He gently brought it to his son's lips and Katsuki greedily drank the cool liquid. He let out a sigh and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, "W-what happened?"

Masaru frowned as his gaze lowered, "There was a villain attack at your training facility. A lot of people got hurt."

His son's eyes widened as he grasped his father's hand tightly, "Touya and Hawks! How are they?!"

Masaru placed his larger hand over his son's, "Hawks is fine. He got off with a few cuts and bruises. Nothing too serious. The other boy… I – I don't know what happened to him."

"Touya was badly hurt, dad! H-he was… it was bad! I need to see him!"

His father tried to calm his son down, "Katsuki, you're not allowed to leave this room."

The door clicked open and both Bakugou turned to the door as Mitsuki walked in with takeaway in her hand. Her eyes widened at the sight of her son awake. She marched toward the bed and raised her free hand. Katsuki flinched and shut his eyes, expecting a smack from his temperamental mother. He was shocked when she pulled him into a crushing hug against her chest, "You damn brat! You scared the shit out of me!"

Katsuki could feel his mother trembling with emotions. Guilt washed over him when he heard a quiet sob from her. He's never heard her cry before. He wrapped his smaller arms around her, fingers clutching at her cardigan as his own emotions overwhelmed him. He couldn't hold back the tears and let them go. He let out a choked sob as he buried his face into her shoulder, "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault, brat! It's just… it's just a shitty day. A fucking shitty day and you can't do anything about it," whispered his mother as she stroked his hair gently.

Masaru put a hand on his son's back and began rubbing in circles as the boy broke down in his wife's arms. He leaned forward and hugged the two people he loved most. Holding them close and thanking God that they're still together.

Hawks couldn't keep his knees still as they bounced anxiously. He looked up every time someone walked by. His clasped hands tightened as he worried his bottom lip. He couldn't stop his thoughts from going back and wondering what he could have done to prevent things from going bad. Yeah, he and Touya weren't in friendly terms, though it wasn't really his fault, he couldn't quell the anxiety eating at him at the thought of Touya not making it out alive. Because he was too slow to make a move in a crisis. Maybe if he had listened to the redhead, the could've gotten out with just a few scrapes and bruises. The memory of Katsuki lying on the ground unmoving still haunts him. He could've died because I didn't do anything. I was useless!

He pressed his mouth against his clasped hands and cursed himself. He's going to be a hero, damn it! He needed to get his emotions in check. He can't lose his cool. He jumped when a hand ruffled his hair. Kitamura and Ishikawa looked at him with concern in their eyes.

"Go home, kid. You look like shit," said Ishikawa. The man had gauze on his forehead and his glasses were cracked. He held his coat in his hand. Kitamura's right arm was in a sling, and there are a few cuts on his face.

"B-but Touya-"

"Is in good hands. They have the best doctors here. Doctors with strong healing quirks," Kitamura assured him.

Hawks nodded absent-mindedly. He let out a shuddering breath and stood up shakily. Kitamura frowned in worry, "Do you need a ride back, kid?"

Hawks shook his head, his hair falling over his eyes. He brushed his hair back with his hand, "I'm okay. I'll uhh, I'll stop by Katsuki's room first before I leave."

Kitamura nodded, "You know his room?"

Hawks nodded mutely as he kept his gaze on the floor. The man patted his shoulder, "Take care, kid. Call us if you need anything."

The winged teenager didn't really remember how he ends up standing in front of Katsuki's hospital room. He blinked and cursed; he shouldn't be spacing out! He slammed a fist on his tight, "Get it together!"

His hand trembled as he raised to knock on the door. He heard a muffled voice inside and opened the door. The Bakugou were all gathered around Katsuki's bed and he feels ashamed for intruding, "Oh, I'll come back later."

"Wait, Hawks!"

He froze and raised his gaze to meet Katsuki's red eyes. He felt a pang of guilt when he realized the kid had been crying if the red nose and blood shoot eyes were any indication. Katsuki whispered something to his parents. Masaru nodded and got up. He approached Hawks carefully, "Come on in, Hawks. Katsuki wants to talk with you."

Hawks fidgeted as he nervously shuffled into the room. He approached the bed and watched as Mitsuki left Katsuki's bed to give him room. Katsuki met his eyes and he was tempted to look away. He was anxious about what the boy was going to ask, "H-How are you?"

"I'm fine. Just a few scrapes and bruises. My back hurts more than anything but I'll live."

Katsuki's brows furrowed, "Your wings…"

The teenager rubbed his neck, "Don't worry, I'll have my feathers back in two days."

"That's good. A-any news about Touya? How is he?"

The teenager clenched his fists, his shoulders tensed, "I-I don't know. He's still in the OR."

He watched as the boy's face paled before he docked his head. He could hear the boy muttering as he dug his nails on his arms, "It's my fault! This is all my fault!"

"No!" said Hawks as he grabbed the boy's shoulders, "It's not your fault, Katsuki. If you wanna blame some, blame me! I have experience in battle. I should've been more useful!"

Masaru placed a hand on the teen's shoulder, "You're wrong. It's no one's fault. Not Katsuki and definitely not you, Hawks-kun."

Tears prickled his eyes and Hawks realized how much he needed to hear that. He blinked and whispered, "T-thank you."

Mitsuki sighed, "If it's anyone to blame it's the villain. You're just brats. Don't shoulder the world on your back. So… stop blaming yourself and move forward." She ruffled her son's spiky hair fondly as she gently said, "Be stronger so you can protect those you care and love."

Katsuki rubbed his face and frowned, "Stop being sappy you hag! It doesn't suit you!"

Mitsuki smirked, "Oh, does it make you feel uncomfortable?"

"It's weird! Quit it!"

Hawks relaxed at the lighter atmosphere, "I guess I'll take my leave."

"You're going?" Katsuki squeaked.

"Yeah, I…" he trailed off at the fear in his young friend's eyes.

Masaru stepped forward, "Katsuki told us you live alone. He's being discharged in a few hours if his test results are fine."

Hawks' eyes widened as he understood what the man was trying to tell him, "No, I can't! I mean it's nice of you to offer but I don't want to be a bother."

"You're not going to be a bother. We have a spare room at our place," said Mitsuki with a huff of annoyance.

"But-"

Masaru bowed at him slightly, "We insist!"

Hawks eyed the man warily. He stiffened when Mitsuki too bowed slightly as she said in a quiet voice, "It's the least we could do. As thanks for looking after our son."

Hawks stared at them, unsure of what to do. One pleading look from his friend was what finally broke him, "A-alright. I'll accept your offer." He bowed at them, lower, "Thank you."

Hawks lay awake on the bed. Masaru lent him a pair T-shirt and pyjama pants. They were a bit baggy but he didn't mind, they're kinda comfortable. He didn't know how long he has been staring at the ceiling. He's bone dead exhausted but he couldn't sleep. He kept worrying about the redhead. He brought his phone up and woke up the screen, nothing. He was hoping one of the agents would send updates to him. There was a quiet knock on his door and he pushed himself up on his elbows as the door cracked open. Katsuki stuck his head in, "Hawks?"

"Hey, Kats. What's wrong?"

The boy closed the door behind him and shuffled toward the bed. He avoided looking at the teenager as he mumbled, "Can't sleep."

"Yeah? Same here, kiddo," said Hawks as he flopped on his back. He scooted to the side and patted the space beside him, "C'mere."

Katsuki looked up at him, his eyes glowing in the dark with the help from the street light filtering through the window. Hawks gave him a reassuring smile, "Let's have a sleepover tonight."

Katsuki held back an amused grin, "This is my house. You're the one here for a sleepover."

The teenager chuckled as he watched the boy climbed onto the bed. Katsuki lay down on his side, facing his friend. Hawks turned to his side so he could have a more comfortable position to face the boy, "You okay?"

"I dunno," whispered the boy.

"Hey, it's okay if you're not feeling okay. Does that make sense?"

Katsuki snorted, "Yeah."

"Go to sleep, Katsuki."

The boy pouted, "What about you?"

"I'll sleep if you sleep."

He startled when the boy grabbed his hand. Katsuki closed his eyes and whispered, "So you don't run away."

Hawks grinned, "Didn't know you're so clingy."

"Shut up, you ass."

Hawks listened as the boy's breathing evened out. Quiet snores escaping the boy's parted lips. The teenager studied the boy's face, it's a rare sight after all, to see the boy looking so calm without a hint of annoyance or anger on his face. Hawks brushed Katsuki's bangs to the side, "You know? You're so amazing, Katsuki. You beat that villain single-handed, literally. I didn't do anything. I was so uncool."

The phone's receiver was returned to its place with a quiet click. Endeavour, no, Todoroki Enji let out a long shuddering sigh. He dragged a hand down his face, letting his hand rest on his chin as he processed the information he just received from the hospital.

"Dear? What's wrong?" asked Rei as she stood a few feet behind him.

"I-it's nothing. I'm going out. There's somewhere I need to go."

"But it's late! Can't it wait until morning?" asked his wife as she followed him to their room.

Endeavour shook his head, "No. This is very important. I… I'll tell you the details in the morning."

"What? Why? What do you mean by that?"

He cupped her face with one hand and her heart fluttered uncomfortably in her chest at the regretful look in his eyes. He lowered his gaze and whispered, "I'm sorry."

Rei's brow knitted in confusion at the slight tremble in his voice, "E-Enji?"

Her husband grabbed his suitcase and waked out of the room. Rei ran after him and stopped at the door, "Enji! Tell me what happened!"

Enji ignored her as he headed toward the front door. Rei was about to go after him but she stopped when she heard a yawn. She turned around to see her youngest walking toward her, rubbing at his eyes sleepily, "Mother? What's with all the noise?"

"Oh honey, I'm sorry I woke you up."

Shouto blinked and watched his father as the man left the house, "Where is father going?"

Rei patted his head, "Duty calls."

The boy nodded sleepily and let himself be led back to his room. His mother tucked him in and began stroking his hair as she hummed a lullaby. He yawned again and snuggled into the warmth of his blanket comfortably.

"He's being transferred to Musutafu General Hospital. They have better burn care experts and plastic surgeons there. He's stable right now. Our doctors managed to heal the life-threatening wounds. He'll need about a month of physiotherapy though and numerous healing sessions. His muscles were badly burnt and it'll be hard for him to move around freely for a while."

Ishikawa sighed heavily as he rubbed at his tired eyes, "Thank you for your hard work, doctor."

The doctor, a man in his early thirties, nodded, "You might have to sign him up for counselling. I can't imagine the trauma he's gone through."

"We already called up our counsellors. The trainees' mental health is our responsibility."

The doctor nodded again, "I have to attend to my other patients. I'll see you men around."

Ishikawa turned to his colleague, "I'm going to call his father."

Kitamura gave him a strained smile, "Good luck. I'll call Tachibana to escort the ambulance."

Both men parted ways. Kitamura sighed heavily as he fished out his phone. The screen was cracked in the corner but it still worked. He dialled up Tachibana and it took a few rings before the man picked up the call, "Yeah?"

"There're transferring Touya to Musutafu Generals, you okay to go as escort?"

"Yeah, leave it to me."

Kitamura turned around when he heard a door open followed by the sound of footsteps and squeaky wheels. He watched as Touya was wheeled toward the AE Department. He briskly followed them. The teenager was heavily covered in bandages, the few exposed skin he could see were reddish black. His stomach rolled at the sight and he had to control his breathing. There was a plastic dome over the teen's bed, probably to prevent infection caused by airborne germs. An IV was attached to his arm to get fluid into his system.

An ambulance pulled up by the entrance and a paramedic opened the door. The hospital staff worked together to load the bed into the vehicle and strapped it in. a doctor, a nurse and two paramedics got in the back. Kitamura saw a familiar black vehicle pulling up behind the ambulance. He nodded at Tachibana who was behind the wheels. The back doors slammed shut and the ambulance drove off, Tachibana following close behind.

"Endeavor said he'll wait for them at the hospital," said Ishikawa as he stood beside Kitamura.

"How did it go?"

"He didn't say much. He must be in shock."

"Well, Touya's his eldest son."

"I hope the kid pulls through."

"Don't worry, we've known him since he was six. He's a tough one, stubborn too. He won't go down easily."

Endeavour stood frozen, staring at the blazing blue flames. A low-rank hero who could summon water from her fingertips was helping the firefighters to control the raging flames that licked at the ambulance. A black vehicle not far behind was in a blaze too. It took a while but the fire was soon put out. He approached a firefighter and grabbed him by his sleeve, his hand trembling, "Tell me, did anyone survive?"

The firefighter looked up at the taller man, eyes wide in awe and fear, "I'm sorry, Endeavour. We didn't find any survivor!"

The hero growled and shoved him away, he stomped toward the burnt ambulance, eyes-catching at the hospital name on the ambulance, and looked through the opened back door. There were charred bodies inside. His eyes trained at the body on the bed, "T-Touya?"

"Endeavour! I'm sorry but you have to step back. Leave this to the fire department and the police to investigate," said a firefighter who had the captain mark on his uniform. He looked up at the still hero, "Endeavour?"

The man was surprised to see tears in the hero's eyes. He's never seen such a broken expression on the hero's face. The hero was well known for his fierce temperance and intense attitude. He has never shown weakness to anyone. The firefighter looked at the charred bodies in the back of the ambulance, "D-do you know the victims?"

"My s-son," it was whispered so quietly that the firefighter nearly missed it. He took a step back and lowered his gaze, "Oh… I – I'm sorry for your loss."

He turned around and motioned people to stay away from the hero to give him some space and privacy to grieve. He looked over his shoulder and felt pity for the man. He shook his head and asked his men to tape the area and put their supplies away. The wail of the police siren was heard in the distance. The smoke clearing off and the sun was rising for a new day.

"Kacchan?" asked Izuku as he gave the door a tentative knock.

"Go away, Deku," came the muffled reply.

Izuku ignored his friend's request and opened the door. There was a lump on the bed. It shifted, "Didn't you hear me, nerd? Leave me alone. I'm not in the mood."

"Your mom asked me to bring you some food," said Izuku as he placed the bowl of rice curry on the study desk.

"I'm not hungry."

"But it's way past noon! Your mom said you haven't come down all day, you have to be hungry since you missed breakfast!"

There was an unintelligible grumbling from under the blanket. Izuku braved himself as he grabbed the end of the blanket and lift it up over his head. Tired red eyes peered at him from under the blanket, "I'm not hungry."

Izuku frowned as he threw the blanket off his friend, "Kacchan. What's wrong?"

Katsuki rolled over and faced the wall, "Nothing's wrong."

"That's an obvious lie Kacchan. C'mon, you can talk to me," said Izuku as he climbed onto the bed, he tentatively put a hand on his friend's arm, "Did something happened? Does it have something to do with you being absent from school? Are you sick? Oh my god, is it bad?!"

Katsuki sat up with a growl, "Shut up, shitty nerd!"

Izuku's eyes widened in shock. Katsuki's stomach rolled with guilt. He swiped an arm over his eyes when he felt tears stinging his eyes. He flinched when Izuku put a hand on his knee, "Kacchan."

"Have you ever felt so helpless?"

"O-of course I do! I'm quirkless, after all."

"Shit, I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay, Kacchan."

Katsuki sniffed and pulled his knees close to his chest. He put his arms over his knees and buried his face in his arms, "I feel like a failure, Izuku."

Izuku's gasped at his name, his eyes widened as he stared at his friend in complete shock. His brain wracking for the reason that made his usually proud confident friend like this. A broken shell. Izuku wrapped his arms around his friend, "You're not a failure, Kacchan! You're an amazing person!"

"I don't feel like it though."

Izuku took a moment to think through the words he's going to say next, "My mom said some things are just beyond our control. It's normal to feel bad when we couldn't get things right. I remember feeling so devastated when I found out I'm quirkless but my mom was there to help me get through the pain. So, if you need someone to help you, you have me Kacchan. Your parents too! We're here for you."

He could feel his friend trembling in his arms, then he heard the first sob, followed by another. Izuku held his friend firmly, hoping it's enough to make Katsuki feel better, "It's going to be okay, Kacchan."

He wheezed when Katsuki suddenly pulled him into a tight hug. His face buried in his friend's chest. His tears soaking his shirt. Izuku felt tears stung his eyes, he cried for his friend as he whispered assurances that things will be alright.

When Inko came to collect her son later, Mitsuki had invited her to stay for tea. The woman telling her childhood friend about her son's condition, without revealing much about the villain attack or their involvement with HPSC. Inko's hear broke for her friend and her son. She put a gentle hand on Mitsuki's hand and said, "He'll get through this. Just be there for him."

"He just couldn't let it go. He keeps blaming himself!"

Inko stared at her friend sadly, "That's Katsuki-kun, you know? Always shouldering the responsibility like an adult."

Mitsuki slammed a fist on her knee, "He's just a kid! Why does he have these thoughts?!"

"He's always been such a serious child. He'd do anything to help his friends, though I only know my Izuku as his friend. He's always been so private too."

Mitsuki sighed heavily, "I'm sorry Inko-chan, I shouldn't be unloading my problems on you."

"Oh, it's alright Mitsuki-chan. I'm here if you need to talk."

"No. I've been holding you hostage for too long. You have to get home before it's dark."

Inko smiled sadly, "If you say so. Where are the boys?"

Mitsuki waved a hand casually, "Probably in the brat's room. Izuku volunteered to bring Katsuki's lunch up to him.

"I'll go get him," said Inko as she went for the stairs as Mitsuki gathered the cups to put away. She climbed the stairs quietly, straining to hear the boys. It was oddly quiet though. No laughter or loud discussions were heard from the blond boy's room. When she reached the doorway she sighed and smiled fondly at the boys sleeping in a tangled heap of limbs. She approached the bed and frowned slightly at how pale and gaunt Katsuki was. His eyes were swollen and baggy. There were dried tear stains on his face. Inko gently shook her son awake, "Izuku, honey?"

"Mom?"

"Hey sweetie, it's time to go home."

Izuku got up carefully and looked down at his friend. A frown adorned his face as he turned to his mother, "Katsuki was really sad, mom."

"I know dear, his mother told me."

"I don't like seeing him sad," said Izuku as he tenderly cupped his friend's cheek and rubbed a thumb over his cheek. Katsuki mumbled something and leaned toward his palm. Izuku sighed and carefully got off the bed, he pulled the blanket over his friend.

Inko placed a hand on her son's shoulder, "Let's go before he wakes up."

Izuku turned to her with a forced smile, "He'll be embarrassed and he'd try to blow us up."

Inko chuckled at the imagery. She led her son out and shut the door quietly behind her. She hoped the boy would return to his boisterous self, "I hope you'll feel better, Katsuki-kun."

"Are you sure about this, son?" asked Masaru carefully.

He watched his son clenched his fists on his knees. Katsuki met his eyes with determination, "I'm going to be the best hero in Japan."

Mitsuki doesn't know how to feel about this. There were mixed emotions rolling in her chest. Pride and fear being the strongest. She and Masaru had sat down with Katsuki and they asked him if he still wanted to train under HPSC or quit after the recent incident. The agency had asked them to discuss with their son and said they'd understand if he chose to quit. She met her husband's eyes and felt his hand enveloped hers. He nodded to her, "It's his decision. What do you think?"

"Well…" she trailed off to meet her son's determined gaze, "If that's what he wants."

Katsuki bowed at them, shocking his parents, "I promise. I'll work hard to be the strongest hero! Someone who will win any battle!"

Masaru sighed, "Katsuki, that's a little… too heavy for you, isn't it?"

"Like hell it is! Watch me! I'll be at the top!"

Both parents feel pride swell in their chest but they also feel a twinge of worry for their son. But he has made up his mind. Usually, when their son announced his plan, he never backed down. They hoped everything would go well for him. As his parents, they'll be there to give him the support he needs.

Hawks flexed his wings, he nodded in approval. He was kept off from missions for the time being and was assigned to do intensive training, as he had requested. Touya's death was a hard blow for him and Katsuki. They hadn't seen each other in days since he left the morning after that day. He was on his way back to his apartment when he received the text from Ishikawa. He had wandered aimlessly on the street for hours, ignoring texts and phone calls until his phone died in his pocket before he stumbled into his apartment. Ishikawa, his assigned guardian, was there waiting for him. He broke down in front of the man. Guilt and shame washing over him. There was a beep and he looked up at the speaker, "We're going to start soon."

The teenager nodded. He stood in a stance, eyes narrowed, I'm going be stronger and faster. I can't let anyone else get hurt! A hero must be able to protect and save everyone!

The countdown beeps started and then the buzzer rang. Hawks flew swiftly to destroy all the targets and catch the falling dummies with his feathers. His feathers buzzed as they sensed the air around him, trying to find both targets and victims. Ishikawa and Kitamura stared at the screen intently as they watched the teenager moved faster and faster to accomplish his task. Kitamura glanced at his colleague, "Have you talked to the kid?"

The man sighed, "He said he doesn't need a counsellor."

Kitamura sighed as he propped his chin up on one hand, "Keep an eye on him though."

"Of course. He's my charge. How's Bakugou? He made a decision yet?"

Kitamura looked at his phone when he received a text. He opened it and then showed it to the other man. Ishikawa's brows rose to his hairline, "This kid…"

"Looks like we got our hands full. I'll draft some training for Katsuki. I'll leave Hawks to you?"

Ishikawa adjusted his glasses, "Of course, the boy's my responsibility."

Kitamura smirked as he stared at the text he just received:

I'm going to be the greatest hero.

A figured staggered in the alleyway. The bandages on his arms were stained and stuck to his skin. His footsteps echoed around him as his barefoot smacked the ground. He wheezed slightly, his throat scratchy and dry. He tugged at the burnt hospital gown on his body, "Is it worth it? Is this freedom? Am I finally free?"

He gazed up to look at the sky. A manic laugh bubbling in his chest and reverberated off the walls. He stared at his hands as blue flames appeared, "There's no more pain."

He watched in fascination as the bandages were burnt off his arms. He vanished the flames and lowered his arms. He continued to walk stiffly, deeper into the intricate alleyway and further away from society. He doesn't belong there anyway, might as well just go deeper into the dark parts of the city. A reflected light caught his attention and he blinked. It was a cracked full body mirror, propped up against a wall near a dumpster. He approached it slowly then looked at his distorted reflection. His hands rising to touch at the charred skin of his face, it was unrecognizable! His shoulders trembled eyes widening at the reflection staring back at him, "Look at me! Look what you've made of me, DAD! A hideous MONSTER!"

He slammed both fists at the mirror and then fell on his knees. Hundreds of his reflection stared back at him and his body shook as he laughed, I can't cry! There are no tears! He thought. He clutched at his head and bowed down until his forehead touched the ground. A howl escaping his lips as he cursed his father's name.

A/N: How was it? Did you enjoy this chapter? I hope so!

OC Profile

Name: Ishikawa Ichiro
Age: 34 years old.
Quirk: Quirkless.
Character description: Ishikawa has shoulder-length silver hair that he often ties at the back of his head. He has green eyes. Ishikawa was hired by the Hero Commission because of his commendable work ethics and diligence. He used to be tasked to train young interns on how to be organized with their work and he earned a reputation for being an employee who demands perfection from everyone. He was assigned by the agency to be Hawks' temporary guardian. In the earlier years, he had a hard time with the winged child as he's not used to dealing with children, him being a single child. He may come off as serious and standoffish but he's actually a very caring man. He also tends to spoil Hawks with whatever the winged hero wants, something that stuck to him ever since it's something he did to keep the boy on his good side.