Hello and welcome to the next chapter!
InnocentxPsycho; Hmm, that's an interesting theory, maybe he could do that. I have thought about it before, but I've not thought of an interesting enough premise to do it.
Vizard Masky; I could see that being quite fitting. Yeah, he's not ashamed of them, he doesn't hate them, he sees them as the fact that he is strong, that he's taken all of this and is still going strong, allowing him to keep moving forward. Thanks for the suggestion! And thanks very much!
CPU-BLANC-WHITE HEART; Yeah, if he is, then that would be heart breaking for Keita, and who knows what he'd do.
Hazzaman; In the beginning, it did seem like that, but at the results, Izuku won out by a good few. Thanks! And thanks for the suggestion!
ThunderFang72; It is different to Kai's, they have a number of things they can do in common, but they each have something that makes them different. I'm sure they'd have interesting interactions~ And thank you! I hope you continue to enjoy them~
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks very much! Yeah, Keita knows what Kai is like, and what he could do, but he's trying his best to stop it. Yeah, how long before Kai tries something with Eri. Rappa is growing to care quite a bit about him, as we'll see in this chapter. Katsuki and Keita's relationship is growing strong~ Izuku and Keita's friendship will be displayed in a number of ways~ The Hero's are trying their hardest~ Keita's definitely going to have to move fast~
Guest 1; Black Clover, currently finishing episode 57.
Silver crow; Thanks very much! Yeah, Keita and Eri are gonna be getting closer. Yeah, I figured it was around this time Mirio came. He does still have an interest in Eri, but he's also got an interest in Keita's, so he's split on both of them. Maybe, we'll see who ends up going to rescue Keita. Yeah, he'll meet them very soon. He and Katsuki are becoming rather close~ Keita will always try his best to protect Eri. Shin respects Keita doesn't lie, but he also doesn't agree with Keita's mindset of how kind he is, so he's half and half on Keita. If Keita wanted, then that's what he'd do. Yup, he managed to take down the Villain, and help protect Izuku. Oh yeah, he's quite skilled in slipping in and out of the place. Yeah, those are his favourite Hero's~ Yeah, he has a few scars on him, but he doesn't let them define him. Haha, glad that you enjoyed it so much~ We'll see what happens between Keita and the sludge Villain. It will be like theirs, and yeah, Keita will show confidence. Haha, yeah if either got involved, then Kai and the Shie Hassaikai would be downed. But, you never know, Kai does seem confident that Keita and his powers combined can create a truly scary power that even All Might couldn't take down. If he's exaggerating or if he's speaking the truth, we'll soon see. Keita and Kai's relationship is complex, and we'll see how it evolves. Maybe it could have a moment like that~ If he's asked about it, he'll not deny it, but he's not going to tell people that he's just met. Keita will be showing his strengths under a few people, learning how to fight among other things. Keita will heal him if he needs it. I thought it would be cool if he could repair them like that. Aizawa and Keita will have an interesting relationship. He could do that by the time he's there. Kai might think his Quirk is like that. Yeah, it would be nice to have Robin gain some love like that, she deserves it. His mother could be like that yeah~ I like Rebecca and Viola quite a bit, they'd make pretty good crew members. Nojiko, I'd have to watch those episodes again, can't remember much about her. That would be pretty funny yeah~ Yeah, that would be cool with darkness magic. That would be cool. The magic's that have stood out to me, there's a good few that I thought wouldn't be that cool, but ended up being awesome, like Painting Magic, I didn't think that would be cool when I first heard of it, now it's a favourite of mine. I like Spacial Magic for its usage, and while Game Magic might seem difficult to pull off, I like the idea of it and wouldn't mind trying to see how that could work in different ways.
Guest 2; Those would be good, thanks for the suggestion!
guest; Keita's on his way yeah, we'll see more personal growth as we go forward. He will be taking care of Eri. Thanks for the suggestions! Izuku and Melissa did seem to have quite an interesting relationship.
rainfallMyth; Thanks very much!
Guest 3; Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 4; Thanks for the suggestions! And yeah, they don't get enough~
Andrew123456; Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest101; Yeah, he only speaks to them, so he'd want to try and speak in different ways to how they speak. Thanks for the suggestions! It would do yeah~ Eri will stay with Keita.
Guest 5; Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 6; Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 7; Thank you for the suggestion!
Guest 8; Thank you very much for the suggestion!
Guest 9; Thanks very much! They're rather interesting suggestions!
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, please check out the bottom of the chapter for some details about the story, and it's time to start the chapter, I hope you enjoy!
Chance Meetings part two!
Sometime before being captured, Katsuki was walking back towards the park, the place she first met Keita.
She had waited for Keita to come, but as time went on, it was clear that he wasn't going to be able to come.
So, she went to go and find him herself.
She didn't have his number, so she couldn't ring him. She was surprised that he didn't ring her.
She felt like something was off.
Something didn't feel right.
He seemed to be the type to check in if he was going to be late. She wondered if something had happened.
As she strolled down an alleyway, she heard the sound of rustling.
Glancing around, she couldn't see anything that could be bothering her.
"Heh, if you're strong enough, get your ass out here, now!"
Katsuki threatened.
She wasn't amused at all.
Whatever was near her, she wasn't going to take it.
When nothing came out, she furrowed her brows, and began to leave once more.
But then, as she made it halfway out of the alleyway, she heard another sound of movement.
It was louder this time, ringing in her ears was a creepy laughter that almost paralysed her.
It was disgusting, and caused her great annoyance.
"If you've got the creepy laugh down, then you must know that I'm gonna kick your ass! How about that asshole?!"
Yelling into the darkened alleyway…
The only response she got was something suddenly wrapping around her mouth, and pulled her backwards.
Gasping, she grabbed the thing wrapped around her, and tried to explode it off, but when she did, more and more fluid like substance wrapped around her body.
"What a Quirk. That explosive power. I also met another talented kid today. It seems that the kids of today truly do have the best Quirks."
"G-Get off you bastard!"
She snapped, trying to get out of the grasp of the newly revealed sludge Villain. But his grip and his body which could reform easily, she simply couldn't break free.
No matter what she did.
Even if she shot off explosions, even if she tried to tear the sludge off of her.
It simply wouldn't get off her, and in the end, she ended up becoming the puppet of the sludge Villain.
Izuku wasn't having the best day. First, he had been attacked by the sludge Villain, then while meeting his Hero was supposed to be the best thing that could have happened...he had the news that despite everything, he wouldn't be able to become a Hero.
All Might laid it out for him, about how without a Quirk, he'd not be able to shine, and do what he had always dreamed of doing. Fighting, and protecting the innocent...but, he simply couldn't do that.
The Hero's he had admired, he'd never be able to walk beside them.
Seeing people like Katsuki, and even Keita, who managed to use their Quirks in amazing ways…
They'd be able to become Hero's, but Izuku also remembered what Keita had said.
Strength doesn't make a Hero.
True Hero's stand up to what they believe.
Even then...he wasn't sure.
As he walked away with a dejected lowered head, Izuku heard the panic cries of someone.
He wasn't sure what was going on at first.
But as he got closer, explosions could be heard ringing out.
Upon making it towards the scene, he saw what was going on. Several Hero's, including Death Arms, the punching Hero, Kamui Woods, a Hero that had wood growing from him, were attempting to fight off a Villain.
Explosions were going off around the Villain, causing things to catch on fire, to break through walls, and to do other things as well.
A Villain that Izuku recognized.
"T-That's...That's the same one that Keita-san stopped...and the one that...All Might had...when we were in the air...did he...get dropped…? Is it...because I was there...if I didn't get caught up with All Might...he'd be in jail right about now...but because of me..."
Izuku, in a depressive state, blamed himself.
Already down about what All Might had told him, he still was down on himself for something that wasn't really his fault. But Izuku couldn't see that right away, he believed that it was his own fault, and while he was blaming himself, All Might himself came around the corner, but in a weakened state.
Seeing the sludge Villain, All Might grabbed his side, unable to think about what had happened earlier, now he had some job to do, he couldn't wait back, and relax, he had to do something...but he had wasted the power he had for that day, and now could only watch on.
Izuku himself, didn't believe anyone would need his help.
He didn't think he'd be able to help anyone…
But his doubts and insecurities stopped when he saw who was captured.
It was…
Katsuki.
The desperate look within her eyes, the suffocation that she was feeling...
"Kacchan!"
Throwing caution to the wind, Izuku rushed forward.
All Might, who had been watched was stunned by what he was seeing. Seeing Izuku running towards the fight ahead, even without any Quirk, even without a hope.
He was risking himself.
Putting himself on the line.
"Kid, what are you doing!?"
"Stop right now!"
"You're going to get killed!"
Hero's tried to stop Izuku, but he didn't stop.
He was too focused on saving Katsuki in that moment.
He didn't even know what he was doing.
He wasn't sure if he could do anything.
But it didn't mean he wasn't going to try his best to help out, even if he had no chance of winning.
Running closer and closer, Izuku saw the sludge Villain recognize him, and growled.
"Little bastard, where's your earth bender friend now, huh?!"
The Villain raised his sludge hand, and went to strike Izuku.
Questioning what to do...Izuku came up with an idea.
In his movements, simply took his bag off, and threw it at the Villain before him. A few school books flew out of his thrown bag, and one of the books jabbed the Villain right in the eye, causing enough pain for Izuku to get in close.
Grabbing the sludge, he desperately tried to pull it away from Katsuki's mouth.
"W-What are you doing nerd?!"
Katsuki snapped, but Izuku, with tears in his eyes, held a trembling smile, and said "Strength doesn't make a Hero...true Hero's stand up for what they believe in!" recalling what Keita had said.
Strength, maybe made a Hero strong, but it wasn't everything.
There were all sorts of Hero's out there, ones that did many different things.
All Might who was listening in, widened his eyes.
Hearing the strength behind Izuku's words, the way that he carried himself…
"Seriously kid! You threw your bag at me?! I'm going to destroy you for that!"
The sludge Villain raised his hand, and was willing to strike Izuku down.
But he didn't budge, he didn't even try to make an escape, all he did was try to free Katsuki, however the attempt was going to work, if that was in his favour or not. The Hero's were worried, and shot off towards Izuku to try and help him out.
All Might, looking on, couldn't believe the strength that Izuku had in him.
How he was fighting.
How he was trying his hardest against the odds.
It was inspiring for him.
When the sludge went to strike Izuku…
All Might saw the ground suddenly erupting upwards into a few pillars, smashing the sludge apart, destroying the hand of sludge, as another pillar caught Izuku's body, and directed his body towards the ground.
All Might gasped, looking left to right, but couldn't see anyone at first.
Izuku believed he recognized the earth attack, Katsuki also believed that she did.
Landing before Izuku, was Keita.
However, he was disguised, as best as he could anyway.
"So, who's this?"
The sludge Villain scoffed as Keita stood his ground.
"You've captured my angry kitten, I wont let you get away with that."
Katsuki, definitely knew who this was now.
There was only one person that called her an angry kitten.
The sludge Villain growled as Keita partially revealed his face only to the Villain.
"Remember me?"
When seeing his face, the Villain's eyes narrowed considerably as Keita put his mask back on.
"You bastard..." The sludge Villain growled, as he forcibly activated Katsuki's Quirk, sending off a large explosion towards both Keita and Izuku. "This time, you're going to end! Die you little bastard!"
The explosion swept across the area, and All Might thought it had caught the two up…
But what he saw was that the earth had come up, forming a wall, and stopped the powerful explosion from ever hitting. The scorch marks on the earth shield showed the power behind Katsuki's attack, but also showed that Keita had a quick handle on his power to do that from such a close range.
"Bakugo-san, I'm coming."
"S-Seriously...this damn kid!"
Keita then rushed forward as the sludge Villain tapped into Katsuki's Quirk, firing off a few explosive blasts.
Keita, using the training he had received from Rappa, managed to see the waves coming, so he dodged left for one, tapped the ground and formed an earth wall for another, and then shot that wall in a pillar way towards the Villain.
Said Villain continued to tap into Katsuki's Quirk, causing a huge explosion that broke down the earth before it could come near his body, at the same time, sent his fluid hand towards Keita's face in an attempt to grab him.
The moment it came close, the ground erupted upwards, and pierced the hand, causing the fluid to dispel upon impact.
"Y-You kid, don't think you can get in my way like this! I am powerful! Not even the Hero's here can fight me!"
"Perhaps, that's because their Quirks aren't compatible with your body, that's all. Don't think you're invincible...no one is invincible."
Keita retorted, as the sludge Villain felt his anger bubbling to the surface.
Seeing that his attacks weren't getting through, Keita furrowed his eyebrows.
"Her explosions are powerful, his fluid body is quite hard to get around, combining them together, I can see why he decided to capture Bakugo-san. I wont be able to trick him the second time into getting pulled back into the dome, and if I unleash a strong assault of the ground, then Bakugo-san could become hurt...so, I'll have to make a daring move, and get in close, grab Bakugo-san and disable the sludge Villain, she's suffocating, she doesn't have much time...alright, here we go."
Keita, pumping himself up for the fight ahead, rushed forward. The sludge Villain, confused, simply sent off a few explosions toward him. Keita touched the ground, creating several shields of ground to block off the powerful explosions, while also moving forward.
"Back off kid! Don't get in the way!"
He roared, sending his fist forward, and activated Katsuki's Quirk at the same time, sending the explosion through his fist, and struck the ground before Keita, causing it to erupt in a powerful wave of debris, sending Keita down to the ground with the intense shock wave.
Izuku noticed though that Keita didn't even flinch despite being caught up in that shock wave of explosive power, back flipping and landing on the ground, shooting forward again as if it wasn't a big deal at all.
"...Shit, there's something wrong with this kid...his eyes, hold no fear at all..."
The sludge Villain flinched, seeing Keita's resolve, so he grabbed some of the torn off ground, thanks to Katsuki's Quirk, launching them towards Keita's upper body.
Keita, using his quick movements, managed to dodge a few pieces of debris that was launched his way. Either by moving his body, or using the ground to erupt into a shield.
Except for the last one that came for his face after the sludge Villain used Katsuki's Quirk to explode his earth shield away.
Keita raised his hand to try and block the shot, when the sludge Villain smirked, causing a bit of sludge to hit Keita's eyes, blinding him for a few moments, which allowed the sludge Villain to grab the boys body, and slam him into a wall.
"Hah! Got you, you little bastard!"
The Hero's gasped.
All Might also gasped.
Some blood came out of Keita's mouth from the impact…
But to the shock of the sludge Villain, his eyes displayed calmness.
He wasn't scared.
But, he wasn't happy either.
"Hurting Bakugo-san like this...targeting innocent people..."
"Huh? Did you say something kid?"
Keita's eyes met with the sludge Villain's own.
His hand raised up, gripping the sludge that was before him, his eyes seeing that the ground was blocking the vision of the others, so he could use his Quirk to its full extent.
As he grabbed the sludge that was holding him, while the sludge Villain saw the eyes that Keita had on, he was ready to take action.
"There's something you should know about my Quirk."
Keita said to the sludge Villain, confusing said Villain.
"And what's that?"
Keita clutched the sludge, and as if every fibre of his being began to move, he watched as his arm began to bend, and twist into a shape that he didn't like. His strength weakened as his arm twirled around, dropping Keita down to the ground.
But not only that, he could feel it spreading through him, the power of Keita was running through him more and more as he gripped a hold of him. He tried to shake him off, but Keita's hand wouldn't let go of him.
"Thanks to your sludge like nature, it only makes it easier to shape, twist, bend and contort into anything I'd want it to be."
The sludge Villain began to panic.
Seeing how he was losing control of his arm, his body.
It was frightening for him.
"G-Get off me kid! Get off!"
"Sorry, but I can't let go. Because now, it's finished."
At that, Keita flicked his hand, causing the entire body of the sludge Villain to come apart. Shock came over the Hero's, seeing the sludge Villain simply erupting into pieces of sludge that splattered across the ground.
The binds around Katsuki, came undone, dropping her down to the ground, and as she did land on the ground, Keita caused the earth to bring her towards him, looking at her with worry. He looked over her to see if there was any injuries, fortunately he couldn't see any.
"Bakugo-san...are you okay?"
She coughed, trying to catch her breath.
"Bastard...honestly, sludge asshole..."
Keita was relieved that she seemed to be okay.
But he saw that the sludge was attempting to reform once more.
"It's time to be sealed once more. This is the end."
However, as he was reforming, Keita placed his hands onto the ground.
Breathing slowly, Keita released his power, allowing the earth to erupt up into large stone pillars, that were being connected by other earth, and rose into the sky. The earth that he had used to block the vision of the others, also came together and allowed the others to see what was going on.
The sludge Villain, in the middle of reforming, could only watch in horror as the earth dome clenched tightly shut once more, unable to allow him to leave the dome. Try as he might, he couldn't get through the dome.
Once he was sealed, Keita exhaled slowly, glad that he managed to subdue the sludge Villain.
Back at the Shie Hassaikai, Eri was watching the television, seeing the fight being broadcast, with Rappa looking on also. Watching from how he was being exploded, being attacked, Eri was worried about what could happen to him.
"Kei-chan..."
"Don't worry girl, Keita's not weak."
Eri turned towards Rappa curiously.
"Kei-chan...yes, Kei-chan is very strong."
"Indeed, just you watch. This boy is going to take down this sludge bas...guy."
He stopped himself from swearing, knowing that if he did...he did wonder what Keita would say about that.
As the fight continued, watching the blows being exchanged, seeing how Keita managed to fight, Rappa couldn't hide his happiness. He was quite thrilled that he didn't give up, that he was still able to fight as well as he was.
A small smirk appeared on his face, seeing Keita managing to take down the sludge Villain. Seeing how Keita managed to fight.
He was impressed.
"He did it...Kei-chan won..."
Rappa gave a bemused look towards the young girl.
He then turned back to Keita on screen.
Seeing his face covered, he thought it was rather smart for him to do that so he wouldn't be recognized.
"Well done kid, I knew you had some badass to you."
Rappa looked proud of Keita in that moment.
Seeing how he fought, and how he managed to win.
But, it also made him think about something else as well.
Being under Overhaul's thumb…
Something deep inside of him, didn't want Keita to have to be suppressed by Kai.
And that most of all, was what was truly surprising for him.
Back with Keita, and the others, clapping rang within Keita's ears from behind him as his eyes made sure the earth dome had no way for the sludge Villain to get out of it.
Turning towards the crowd, he saw many people clapping.
Cheering.
[Nice guy! Nice guy!]
Keita looked left and right through the crowd, seeing their cheering and their eyes solely focused on him.
"They're clapping for me...just for me, this is really..."
It was...overwhelming.
He hadn't ever really seen anyone clap for him like this before.
He wasn't sure on what to think about it.
"Something wrong?"
At Katsuki's question, Keita shook his head.
"No...they're really clapping for me..."
"Yeah, they're clapping for you. Is it odd that they would?"
"It's...just something I've never really...expected before...people cheering for...someone like me..."
"Someone like you…?" Keita smiled, shaking his head. Katsuki, brushing a hand over her face, went towards Keita, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Ignoring that, I'm not going to thank you for saving me. I didn't need it!"
Keita turned towards her, a slight teasing look in his eyes.
"My angry kitten, showing your claws again?" Katsuki scowled as he bent towards her. "Don't worry, your rep as tough exploding girl is in tact. I'm sure of that~"
"Hmph, damn straight. I would have gotten out of that...but, you did come and help me, so...I guess that I appreciate it...though did you see Deku...eeh, you don't know Deku, do you? Though you spoke his name as if you have..."
Keita nodded, waving his hand as he explained.
"Actually, we met today when the sludge guy attacked him."
"O-Oh...ugh, damn Deku, so that's why you didn't show up..."
"Ooh Kacchan...can I call you Kacchan?"
"That damn nerd called me that again...whatever, I don't mind if you call it me. Still, what happened before? I was waiting. Was it because that damn nerd was being attacked? It would make sense. He can't protect himself at all, and he wants to get into U.A, it's pretty funny if you ask me."
Keita furrowed his brows.
"I'm sorry for not coming before...you're right about Midoriya-kun, I had to help him, and then I was caught up with...something else that distracted me for a little while, and...I couldn't make it to a phone to give you a call either. So, can we go to our secret place? I...I need to tell you something in private."
"You seem serious. What's it about?"
Keita shook his head, overlooking the crowd.
"Please?"
"...Whatever, not like I have anything better to do anyway."
Keita thanked her, and they went to leave, when Izuku rushed closer, and grabbed Keita's hand to his bemusement.
"T-That was amazing Keita-san!"
"...I'm not Keita."
Keita said very unconvincingly, he couldn't exactly cover up what had just happened.
"Eh...b-but, you with the earth...a-and the dome..."
"I'm...erm, trying to stay...incognito, don't tell anyone it's me."
Izuku cocked his head, he wasn't exactly sure why Keita didn't want to be known.
But it seemed like he had his reasons, so he simply rolled with it.
"S-Sure...but still, that was amazing!"
"Thank you~ But Midoriya-kun, what you did was amazing as well. Rushing in...when it was so dangerous, especially if you don't have a Quirk...you still tried to save someone...I'm glad, you showed true courage today Midoriya-kun~ Maybe you'll become a Hero after all. Just like in your book~"
Izuku scratched his cheek sheepishly, as Keita smiled gently.
"T-Thank you...I remembered, what you said, about Hero's...I really like it Keita-san...maybe I don't have a power...but, I wont give up either. I'll become a...a Hero...I don't know how yet...but, I'll try my best, I'll keep working hard..."
"That's the spirit Midoriya-kun~ Don't give up on your dreams~"
Izuku smiled softly, as the Hero's came close.
With that, Keita bowed "I have to go, be safe~" and began to leave.
However, he heard "Wait young man!" being called through the crowd.
He didn't know who it was since he wasn't very familiar with All Might's voice, and why they were calling him from the way that his eyes were on Keita himself, but he didn't stick around and said to Katsuki quietly "I'll meet you in an hour." and took off running.
All Might, in his weaker form, tried to give chase.
He would bulk up, but with the amount of people around, he couldn't expose his secret, plus he was already drained of his energy for that day so it was going to be difficult.
As Keita rounded the corner, All Might wasn't far behind him.
All Might managed to get around the corner...and saw that he wasn't there.
"D-Damn...he's fast...where did he go…?"
All Might clutched his shirt, looking left and right but could only see a crowd of people.
He could be hiding within them.
This boy though, had a knack for being able to disappear.
Then he saw a manhole cover, and presumed that Keita could have slipped down there, so he grabbed it, and lifted it up, pulling it fully open and tossed it to the side.
"Young Keita! Are you down there?!"
He called, not realizing that Keita had scaled a tall building thanks to his Quirk helping him out.
Overlooking the city at large, Keita looked down towards the man, wondering who he was, and why he was trying to find him.
"I don't know who you are...but, I guess you've been sent by Sir Nighteye-san to track me down...Sir Nighteye-san...even now, you're trying to find me. Don't worry about me Sir Nighteye-san...Hero's...thank you very much for caring about me."
Bowing his body, Keita left the area, hoping that the Hero's didn't follow him.
Once being able to get away from All Might, even if he didn't know it was him, he went towards the place he and Katsuki had, once more.
The final time perhaps.
Walking up the stairs, and bypassing a few doors, he finally managed to scale the tower. Getting to the top, he saw Katsuki waiting for him, her legs dangling over the edge.
His kind eyes went towards her own, once he sat down beside her.
"Hey, Kacchan."
Katsuki's eyes went towards Keita's own.
"So, what was that about? Where did you go anyway?"
"Oh, I just had to take care of a few things. Sorry about suddenly leaving like that, kinda shy to the cameras and all~"
He hated it, he didn't want to lie to her.
But that's all he could do to keep her safe.
"I see...so, what did you want to talk about?"
Keita inhaled deeply.
This conversation, he didn't want to have.
But, he couldn't just disappear without a reason either.
"...I...I've been thinking about how to say this...how I'm going to explain about what's happening with me now...but, I can't do anything other than simply say it directly...Kacchan, I'm moving away."
Those words felt crushing for Katsuki.
"W-What!? Why?!"
"I am...My family, are moving to another part of Japan, it's gonna be far away...I don't know when...I'm going to be back..."
"B-But, you can't just go! I...we...I thought that..."
"I don't want to go...Kacchan. I don't want to leave...but, I don't have a choice...I have to go."
Katsuki tightened her hand, and punched the floor, surprising Keita.
"Damn it...you're really going..."
"Yes, I'm leaving..." His hand locked with hers, catching her off guard. "I'm sorry...but, I wanted to hold your hand...just a single time..."
Katsuki didn't say anything about it, and simply kept their hands together.
"...Whatever, I don't care...so, when are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning." Another blow came to her as he budged closer. "I only found out today. It seems...that my family...had a last minute offer, and they took up on it...they'd be making...a good deal...by going..."
"But...what about...us? I was...I was beginning to..."
Katsuki wasn't sure how to take it.
She never had come across anything like this before.
She never cared about anyone enough to feel the sting of them leaving like this.
"I don't know...Kacchan." He went into his shirt, and pulled out the necklace that had the plastic ring Katsuki gave to him on. "I'll remember you, no matter what happens. Whenever I look at this...I'll remember you Kacchan. You became my friend...you became something that I looked forward to seeing everyday...thank you, Kacchan."
Katsuki shook her head, she didn't want to accept it.
"Tell me who your damn parents are...I'll make them stop! I don't...you can stay here, come to my school. You'd be better company than other idiots! You could stay...with me..."
"I wish I could... I want to stay..."
"Leaving for a job...you have a life here, right? Your parents...they didn't even...care to tell you until today..."
Something just didn't feel right.
It felt like he was holding back a lot of the truth, and she wasn't sure why that was.
"That's...my family for you, they don't...they don't care what I want. I want to stay here, of course I do. I want to know even more about my angry kitten, I want to find out more about many things, I want to spend more time with you...I really liked spending time with you... But my family...they've already decided."
"That's not good enough!"
Keita knew she was right.
He wished that he had more time with her.
Because he truly was beginning to get a better feel for normal interactions.
He was truly liking being with her.
"Kacchan, I'll come back one day. I don't know when...and if you've...well, if you've forgotten me, then I would understand...we've only known one another for a little while..."
"Idiot...like I could forget you."
"Then...when I come back...maybe we could...maybe we could...do many things together. I'd still like to go to an amusement park...that looks like fun. I saw one on television once...I also would like to go to a swimming pool...I'd also like to go to school as well, to make more friends, we could do simple things like go to these arcades I've heard about...maybe we could hang out together..."
"...We'll go, when you come back. We'll do all of those things, together. So make sure...you come back."
Keita looked deeply into Katsuki's eyes, and smiled, holding back the sadness that he felt.
"Thank you, Kacchan."
Katsuki overlooked the city, trying to comprehend his leaving.
"You have my number...right?"
"Yes...I do."
"Then, ring me everyday. I don't care if you're far away...I finally found someone that doesn't piss me off. Seeing your abilities today, just makes me want to fight you, to get to know your powers...but, I also don't mind you either..."
Keita chortled, poking her cheek.
"My angry kitten, are you admitting you like me?"
Katsuki frowned, and tapped his head.
"Don't be stupid! You don't piss me off, that's all!"
"Hehe, you truly are adorable when you get defensive like that~ It's alright to admit you like someone, you know~? I like Kacchan, she's my first friend I've had...in such a long time. Thanks to you, I got to have happiness...even for a little while, it's been the best time, being with you."
Katsuki tried to deny it by looking away, but the light pink on her cheeks suggested otherwise.
"...Yeah, I've also enjoyed, being with you. So, don't forget to ring me everyday."
"Kacchan..."
He went to deny it, but he just couldn't in the end.
He didn't want to cause any pain to anyone, most of all her, the girl that allowed him to finally explore a relationship between people his own age again.
"...I'll try my best to ring everyday."
He didn't know if he could honour that promise…
But he didn't want to lose this connection either.
Even if it's just over the phone.
Even if it's only for a few minutes.
"When you get a damn mobile, text me as well."
"Okay...Kacchan."
She simply nodded, and stayed quiet for a few moments.
Then she turned towards him with a serious expression.
"...When do you have to go?"
"I can...stay here for a little while."
Katsuki's hand clenched his own, and kept it tightly held as he stared into her eyes.
"Then...stay here with me."
"In our spot, angry kitten."
"Heh...calling me angry kitten. You know, you're the only damn person who gets to call me that."
"That's because I know you've got a cute side too~"
Katsuki couldn't be bothered to refute him, she just wanted to remember this one more time.
Time passed, and they simply stared at one another, no words needed to be uttered.
Though neither wished for it, they eventually had to go.
Keita didn't want to go...he didn't want this to happen.
But he had to make sure that Eri was safe.
Even at the cost of his own happiness…as long as she was safe.
Walking back to the Shie Hassaikai, Keita looked at the sky, seeing the darkness setting in.
He didn't think that he'd be this long if he was honest with himself.
But, he didn't seem to care all that much.
He wasn't frightened of the dark.
However, this night...something was different.
He felt as if he had eyes on him.
He looked discreetly around, but couldn't see anything, or anyone following him.
He wondered if it was a Hero, and if they had managed to find him.
Though, he thought that if it was, they'd not be stalking him like this.
"Was it because I was out this late...? Did big brother send someone to find me...?"
He thought that it was a member of the Shie Hassaikai, someone that had found out that he had been out.
He was getting worried for Eri, he knew that Rappa would do his best in keeping her away from Kai, and that he'd also make sure that Kai wouldn't find out that Keita had been out as well.
As Keita went to turn a corner, he caught something moving out of the corner of his eye, so he pulled back, as a knife came swinging out.
The blade went by his face, nicking his face and drew a small amount of blood.
"Hehe, it seems that I've found someone cute to cut up."
A sweet yet scary voice rang out.
Instincts took over, tapping the ground, and caused the earth before him to erupt into a wall, blocking off a second strike with the blade, the blade being broke with the strong sturdy earth shattering it with its strength and the attackers own movements.
Keita slid around the wall, his hand touching it, and went to shoot off the earth from said wall when he saw who his attacker was.
It was a young girl.
Blonde hair that was tied up into two messy buns, wearing a school girl outfit.
"Blood…?" The girl murmured, placing a hand on her cheek. "Look at it, just running down your face..."
"Who the heck are you?"
Keita demanded as the girl giggled adorably scarily.
She pulled out another knife, and went to lunge forward when Keita's earth wall bent around him, blocking off her from getting close. But in a surprise twist, she used great acrobatic skills to flip up, and get around Keita's wall, taking her knife, and went to stab Keita in the back.
However, he managed to turn and bend out of the way, grabbing her wrist, and forced it towards the wall, to trap her in the earth.
But the girl continued to giggle, and simply said "I like to dance~" in a creepy manner, pulling out another knife with the intent to impale Keita's hand that was pulling her along.
Keita, seeing that he couldn't touch the ground in time, grabbed her knife, cutting into his flesh, and showed no reaction, to the surprise of the girl, watching as her knife twisted into an abnormal shape until it shattered completely, the pieces of broken metal dropped to the ground as Keita tossed her backwards, seeing that she was about to kick him.
Flipping in the air, she landed on the ground, a blush appearing on her face as she saw the blood coming out of his hand.
"So much blood...and no reaction? Even when I attacked, you didn't display fear...who are you?"
"Question should be, why are you attacking me? Who the heck are you?"
The girl withdrew her knife (Keita wondering how many she actually had) and pointed it at Keita himself.
"I'm Himiko! I want to see your blood please!"
"Himiko-san...see my blood...?"
"Himiko Toga~ And yes, to see your blood~"
She said with a peppy attitude, swaying her knife side to side.
"Right, and why do you want to see my blood?"
Keita wondered as she grinned ear to ear.
"Because I wanted to see it. The beauty of your blood. And your blood...along with that adorable expression on your face, your blood dripping from it...how cute. I've never seen someone look so cute with blood before. Looking at me with those golden eyes...that piercing stare right into my soul...that cute expression of wondering..."
Keita cocked his head side to side, seeing the young woman's cheeks burning red as she stared at the blood from his hand and his cheek as well.
"Never heard blood being called beautiful before, nor cute. But, to each their own."
Himiko was mildly surprised that he had said that.
"Eh…? Aren't you like grossed out or anything?"
"Why would I be grossed out? You remind me of a cat...but you seem to like blood, and you have like fangs...are you a Vampire cat by chance?"
Himiko's eyes became bewildered, taken aback by his words.
She then pulled forward, showcasing her large smile in full.
"Can we dance some more?! I want to see how you dance with blood! Don't worry, I wont kill you! I just want to see a bit more, and maybe have some too!"
Himiko dashed forward at a good speed. Keita made a stance low to the ground, flicking the earth and caused it to erupt in a pillar below her feet. Quickly seeing the ground moving, she flipped out of the way before she could be taken up.
But then she saw that the earth pillar was bending, heading right for her body.
Grimacing, she darted left, tossing a knife at Keita.
Reacting quickly, he dodged the knife which fell down to the ground, he then hit the ground, and brought the knife to him, using it to parry another knife that Himiko came at him with, the sparks going off between their blades.
"Ooh, you can fight with knives too?"
"I've learned quite a bit from the group I'm associated with!"
Himiko twirled her blade, coming from the right. Keita twisted the knife with his Quirk into an abnormal shape, but that allowed to block the blade, and wrap around said blade at the same time, taking control over it, and caused them both to shatter after twisting and twisting until they couldn't take it anymore.
"Wow, it seems your Quirk is quite twisty and bendy and beautiful...aah, as we fight, I think I'm falling in desire~"
"Falling in desire...awesome~"
Himiko showed a peppy smile, and came at him with a kick.
Using his knowledge of the human body (something he had to learn with the Shie Hassaikai) he saw how her kick left her slightly open, so using that, he managed to trip her up, and pin her down to the ground with his arms, and his legs.
Himiko struggled, looking up to the boy who had both wrists in his hands, and his thighs stopping her legs.
She then blushed with a huge smile on her face.
"I didn't think that we'd be moving this forward this quickly~"
Keita looked confused.
"Eh?"
Himiko's face continued to blush deeply, her eyes and his meeting in an entangled web of many emotions.
"Look at us, we're in a lovers position right now~"
"Lovers position…?" Keita looked down at them both, then back to Himiko's face, seeing that she was continuing to grin. "Oh no, you've got it wrong. This is just the best position for me to stop you."
"Maybe you could be a bad boy after all! Hehehe, tell me your name!"
"I really shouldn't..."
"No need to be shy, we can get to know one another even more than ever before~ But, I've got to wonder...do you have a crush on someone by chance?" Keita lightly flushed, his mind going to Katsuki. "Hehe, I can tell by your eyes. Is it me?"
"Our only interaction is of you trying to cut me, so I'd say probably not."
Himiko stuck out her tongue.
"Meanie, and I can see that even though you say that...this fight, you're still looking calm. There's no fear in your eyes. When you look at me...you see me as an opponent, not some kind of freak, it's so weird~"
"Well, I don't know you to make the judgement of if you're anything other than my opponent. I don't know the circumstances of why you're trying to cut me up. I simply don't know."
Himiko tilted her neck ever so slightly.
It was odd that someone would even say that.
She assumed that he'd assume the worst about her.
But…
He was seemingly questioning her motives, what she was truly trying to do.
It was something she hadn't come across before.
"So, why did you attack me exactly?"
"I said-"
"I know, you wanted to see blood. But you could kill people doing this."
"I wouldn't have killed you. This desire inside of me, it's burning. I can't help it...it's my normal."
Keita leaned down towards her, staring into her eyes.
For a few moments, neither said anything as Keita looked deeply into her.
"Her normal...it's her normal to want to see blood...I wonder why it is?" While she was being pinned down, she smiled, and leaned up towards him. "A-Are you going to kiss me?"
"Hmmm, maybe~"
Pursing her lips, Keita thought that she was going to kiss him, so he pulled his head back, raising his brows as she grinned, giving her enough room to move her neck to her breast pocket, pulling out what seemed to be a penknife, tossing it for Keita's hand.
The boy dodged it with moving his hand, but that gave Himiko the time to get out of his grasp, use her strength to push him off, forcing him down onto his back.
"Okay seriously, where do you keep getting the knives from?"
"Don't worry about that! Now it's my turn!"
She went to pounce, when she heard a rumbling sound.
Glancing, she saw an earth pillar heading right for her at close range, seeing that Keita's fingers were running across the ground, she had to wonder what his Quirk actually was doing, but she didn't have much time to think at all.
"Aah shit."
She couldn't dodge out of the way, so she was slammed in the upper body.
She winced at the pain, Keita however didn't use full force of the earth, he didn't want to seriously harm her with the earth, just enough to make her back away.
Skidding across the ground, she jumped to her feet, and placed a hand on her side.
"Tag, seems like I'm it. Now, come and chase me."
Keita overlooked her expressions, and he got that he was supposed to be creeped out…
But he wasn't.
He had seen many deranged or scary ones in the past.
Himiko's in his mind...were cute.
But, he also knew that he didn't have time to do what it was that they were doing.
"Look, Toga-san-"
"Call me Himiko!"
"Himiko-san...I have to go. I can't...erm whatever it is that we're doing here."
"We're dancing."
"Yeah, I can't dance right now. Sorry."
Himiko put on a cute pout.
"Come on...this is the most fun I've had in ages."
"Wonderful, but if I don't go, then I wont be able to have fun for a while."
"Ooh..." Himiko noticed during their struggle, his top had been ripped, and she could see a few scars on his arms. "...So, that's why you weren't afraid. You've been cut up before, haven't you? Is it from someone like me? Attacking you like this?"
Keita placed his hands to his arms shirt, and fixed it so it covered his arms.
"Those cuts aren't from someone I didn't know."
"So you knew the person who did that huh...those cuts, are you ashamed of them? You covered them up quickly."
"I'm not ashamed of anything, you just helped me remember that I'd have to look as clean as I could, that's all. Those scars are what remind me that I can be strong, no matter what life throws at me. Even if the odds aren't on my side, that I can push forward, because I'm able to survive. So that's your answer."
Himiko was enamored.
She hadn't really come across someone like this before.
It was...quite inspiring for her.
She wanted to know more.
Her mind couldn't stop racing.
Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest.
Keita showed the peace sign, and began running away.
"See you later! Try and not attack people, okay? I understand your need to see blood...but, think about the people you attack, and the families they'd leave behind! There's got to be a way where you can see blood, and not take people away from their families and loved ones."
Himiko was hit in the chest with that truth.
The victims she could leave behind, their families...
More and more intrigue came over her, she went to give chase to understand something.
However, a wall of the earth erupted between them, so she used her cat like reflexes to grab the top of the earth that was forming, pulling her to the top, staying out of sight of Keita, who believed that his skill worked.
Himiko scaled down the wall and followed Keita closely in the shadows, all the way back to the Shie Hassaikai. She could see that he was being very careful, and if she didn't have her level of ability for stealth, she knew he'd probably catch her.
But when she saw him going towards the Shie Hassaikai, more questions came within her mind, wondering what the building was, she couldn't see inside of it from her location.
All the while, the battle replayed in her mind over and over.
The blood.
The fight itself.
His words.
All of it blended in her mind, and she couldn't stop herself blushing.
She needed to know more.
She wanted to know what was truly happening inside of her.
What this feeling was.
Desire, or was it something more?
She hadn't come across anything like this.
More than affection, it felt odd
But at the same time, it felt nice, that someone looked at her, just as she was, not as some freak, or anything else.
Just as Himiko Toga…
However, as she was stationed outside, a hand suddenly laid itself on her shoulder.
Turning quickly, she saw that it was Chronostasis.
"Hehehe..."
"So, you're spying on us, are you? Overhaul-sama wont be pleased."
Himiko continued to grin, and took out a knife, but Chronostasis simply had someone grab her from behind, and suspend her in the air while he took out a gun, aiming for her head.
"Ooh...shit."
She murmured, not sure what the hell she was going to do to get out of this once.
Arriving back at the Shie Hassaikai, Keita quickly fixed the cuts he had from his brief battle with Himiko.
He wondered if Eri was waiting for him, he didn't think that he would have spent all this time out like this.
As he moved forward, he saw that Eri was running down the corridor towards him with Rappa trailing behind her.
"Kei-chan, I was worried."
Eri got towards Keita, and spread her arms open, so he bent down and embraced the small girl.
"It's alright, I'm here Eri-chan. No need to be worried."
"Kei-chan, I saw, it was amazing."
Keita simply smiled at the young girl as he lifted her up into his arms.
"Rappa-san, did big brother come around?"
"Can't tell, he's not said anything to me. So, did you do what you wanted to do?"
Keita slowly nodded, thinking back to his time with Katsuki, and how it had been one of the best experiences, now that was over…
"...I did yeah, I said goodbye."
"Kei-chan...you said goodbye…?"
He nodded at Eri.
"Yes, I said goodbye, because we're leaving tomorrow, remember?" Eri nodded cutely, but her face looked sad. "Now, don't look so sad Eri-chan. I'm alright."
"But Kei-chan, you look sad right now..."
"I am sad...but, I know that one day...we'll be together. I don't know when that will be...but, we will be." Keita, trying to appear happy, held Eri up in the air. "Besides, I have you Eri-chan~ To make sure that you're okay~"
Behind his smile, Rappa could see that right now, Keita's heart was hurting.
Rappa could barely stand it.
Before getting to know the boy, he wouldn't really care.
But now…
He just couldn't watch Keita be in a situation like this.
He wished that he could do something for the boy, but short of beating Overhaul, there wasn't much he could do.
He turned and began walking away.
"Rappa-san? Where are you going?"
"Just gotta take care of some business kid. Been babysitting kids today, got to have some time to train."
"Ah...well, thanks Rappa-san!"
"Heh, not a problem kid."
With that, Rappa disappeared while Keita looked down at Eri.
However, as he went to speak, Kai turned a corner, seeing Keita and Eri.
"Where have you been?"
Keita knew that Kai probably would be aware that he left.
He was gone for a while.
Even if he was going to be Overhauled, he was aware of the dangers, but he wanted to spend sometime with Katsuki, perhaps his last time.
"I was saying goodbye."
"Goodbye to what?"
Kai demanded, but Keita gave a defiant stare.
"Goodbye...to the park, and this place...it will be the last time that I'll get to see it. So I wanted to say goodbye." Keita turned to Eri, seeing that she was frightened of Kai, so turned her so she looked at him. "Come on Eri-chan, it's time to get some food in you then it's time for bed. It's a little late for you."
"Kei-chan...read me a bedtime story, okay?"
"Haha, of course~ You can pick one out, and I'll read it to you, kay?"
"Kay!"
Keita was glad.
Even if he couldn't have a normal life.
Even if he was hurting.
There was one thing that he could do, and that was protect Eri.
Keep this little girl safe.
Keep her happy.
Even if it was a small bit.
But Keita had to admit…
He was becoming tired.
Tired of what Kai was doing, tired of losing things he wanted.
He of course always wanted to protect Eri.
But as time went on…
He also wondered if maybe, he and Eri could have a life that was outside this place.
A place where they could be together, and live, normally.
Meanwhile, All Might after having two different situations happen. One with Keita, sort of, and one with Izuku. While he was satisfied with one of them, the other one he wasn't so happy about. Losing Keita was something that brought him shame.
Going into his office, he saw Sir Nighteye sat down with a serious look on his face.
"Keita Chisaki."
All Might blinked a single time.
"Excuse me?"
Sir Nighteye brought out the report, presenting it to All Might.
"Keita Chisaki, the boy we've been searching for. He's been missing for about ten years now." Sir Nighteye revealed to his shock. "Older brother, Kai Chisaki. It took a lot of digging, but eventually, I was able to find them. If I didn't have the name Keita...then I'm sure I'd not find this information. I've had to age them up of course, but their information is near identical, same hair colour, eye colour, and from their pictures, I could see those boys becoming the older versions we've seen."
All Might strolled forward, looking at the image of Keita, a five to six year old from the looks of it.
"...I see, so he doesn't have any family apart from this Kai Chisaki."
"It seems so. No parents or grandparents of any kind from what information I can gather. Though, I must admit that there are some missing records, for whatever reason, I can't find out certain people...but either way, this boy has been with his elder brother since the age of five at least..."
"I saw him today."
Sir Nighteye widened his eyes.
But couldn't see Keita around.
"...I take it he got away."
"...Twice, he got away twice. The first time, I hadn't even realized he was even there until Young Midoriya pointed it out. And the second time...I'm sure you've heard the news about a sludge Villain that took a girl hostage."
"I've heard some of it on the radio as I drove here. Did you defeat him?"
"No...he, that boy defeated him, I'm almost certain of it. His face was hidden, but the way he used his Quirk is how you described. Turning the earth into a weapon. The Villain also seemed to recognize him from when I guess the time that he had saved Young Midoriya earlier that day. And when I called out out to him, he took off pretty quickly...I'm sorry, I couldn't stop him in time. He's very fast. If I could have used my power...then I would have caught him...damn it..."
Seeing the pain, regret on his face, Sir Nighteye couldn't hold anything against him.
He knew how hard All Might had tried to find Keita, even pushing himself further than most.
"...You don't have to apologize, I can see that you've exhausted yourself already. You've been out there day and night for weeks trying to find this boy. Don't blame yourself."
"But still, I should have tried harder...his heroics today, they were quite extraordinary."
Hearing the praise of All Might, Sir Nighteye raised his head.
"I see...so you've acknowledged this boy as well-"
"You should know, that I also met another boy today."
Sir Nighteye became curious as to what that meant.
Though he did have a pretty good idea based on how All Might's face looked.
"And?"
"This boy...he also had it, the heart of a Hero. I've decided that I'm going to make his dreams come true, to become a Hero."
"Become a Hero...does he have a Quirk? Because he could do that anyway, even without your power-"
"No, he doesn't. He's like me, he was born Quirkless."
Sir Nighteye believed what All Might was thinking about now, and he wasn't happy if he was honest with himself.
"...You're going to give your power to him because he reminds you, of yourself?"
"I suppose in a sense. But I saw his heroic side this day...he dove in without a second thought, he risked his life when there wasn't a chance. It reminded me that I should also push forward, and do my best-"
"You also said that Keita-san did that. At least give it some thought. Mirio, Keita-san...either of those two boys would excel with the Quirk. I understand your mentality, but if either of those two had the power...then one would become the untouchable powerhouse, and the other, would be the self healing powerhouse."
He did understand where Sir Nighteye was coming from.
They did sound like pretty good deals.
"Maybe you're right. But I saw the spark. Even after I told him he couldn't become a Hero, he still did everything he could, even without any powers, he didn't back down at all. This boy was intent in saving others. He's dedicated his life to studying Hero's."
"There are people with the same amount of dedication. Mirio, Keita-san. Both of them have dedications. I can tell you about Mirio and his dedication, to make even his Quirk that others have said couldn't become a Hero's Quirk, to save many people...and then there's Keita-san. Suffering for...potentially nearly ten years, and he's still thinking about protecting others. He saved my life, I know without him, Kai Chisaki would have killed me that day."
All Might couldn't refute Sir Nighteye's words.
But he also had his own thoughts on the matter as well.
"I know Sir Nighteye...I didn't come to argue about it. I just came to tell you that I saw Young Keita, and that he saved people. His Quirk already is great, I'm sure if he chose to become a Hero, he'd be easily able to do that. Plus, a healing type ability is very rare, he could potentially replace Recovery Girl in the future, he could get a job at a hospital, there's many paths for this boy to take. Young Midoriya doesn't have a Quirk, and if I can be inspired by that boys bravery this day, then I can do the same back and inspire him once more."
"...Perhaps we should talk about this another time. For now, we have Keita-san to search for."
All Might could see that Sir Nighteye wasn't happy about the decision.
But he still thought about Keita, so they decided to shelve their feelings for the moment.
"Now that we have a name, Keita Chisaki and Kai Chisaki. It will be potentially easier for us to find them."
"That's the idea yes. Hopefully, we'll be able to find him. I'm sure that his name is known through the Underworld...or at least, some people have heard of him."
"Right! Then I'll-"
"Get some rest, All Might."
Sir Nighteye cut him off with those words.
All Might knew he probably should, but after failing to stop Keita running away today, he felt guilty.
"...I will do, when I've made up for my mistake of failing that boy."
All Might walked away, while Sir Nighteye looked at the picture of a young Keita.
Seeing the eyes of innocence, the childlike smile he had.
It only made him more determined to save Keita, no matter what else would happen.
Meanwhile, Keita was putting Eri to bed as he sat on her bed at her request, and she herself was curled up next to him, holding onto him as she presented a book towards him.
"Really? This one Eri-chan?"
"Yup, this one."
Keita looked at the cover, seeing the children's book.
Then he turned back to the small girl.
"Alright then. Goldilocks and the Three Bears~"
Keita then began reading the book to Eri.
Reading her a bedtime story, Keita could see that Eri seemed quite happy.
"Kei-chan...tell me, are the bears really mad at Goldilocks? Because...she's eaten their food...and messed up their beds..."
"Well...it's because she came into their home, while they weren't there, but she didn't mean anything bad by it. I'm sure that the bears will understand."
"I see..."
The young girl listened and listened until she couldn't anymore, and ended up falling asleep on his chest.
When realizing she was asleep, Keita placed her head on the pillow, and whispered "Goodnight Eri-chan." and then left the room.
But as he did, he got a jump seeing Kai stood there.
"Geez...don't do that."
"I was looking for you."
Keita raised an eyebrow.
"Just now? I've been here for half an hour."
"Well, wake up Eri. We're going now."
"Now…? It's like close to ten at night."
"We have to go. Someone's been spying on us, and the Hero's could be coming as we speak. Chrono is getting everything ready."
Keita furrowed his eyebrows.
"Who?"
"Follow me."
Keita did just that, and walked behind Kai.
Walking through the corridors, he could see that people were moving stuff out of the Shie Hassaikai. It was really true, they were leaving.
Keita had to wonder though...why this was happening.
When getting there, Kai opened the door, to reveal someone Keita didn't think he'd see again, especially this soon.
"Hehe! Hello there!" An excited Himiko jumped up and down, as much as she could given her tied up status, to Keita's shock and horror. "Looks like I'm tied up! Great, it's just what I needed~ Though, this rope just isn't cute at all...honestly, I couldn't even have a nice rope~"
Kai, not amused with Himiko, scowled.
"This girl, she was outside, looking and studying us. Chrono found her. God knows if she's contacted the Hero's, I've also convinced the Boss that leaving now would be for the best. This girl however, she needs to be disposed of. But, she claims she knows you, so I didn't kill her immediately."
"Yup! I know him glove guy!"
Keita began to think rapidly.
If Kai wanted, he'd kill Himiko.
She said that she knew him.
Maybe it was to save herself, and while they did know one another from their brief interaction, they weren't close.
Keita however couldn't allow her to die.
Even if she did try to kill him.
"Aah, there you are~"
Himiko's cheeks turned redder while Kai raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Do you know this girl?"
"Of course." Keita laid with a smooth smile, getting to the side of her. "I said that I was saying goodbye before, didn't I? I lied about who it was too, knowing you'd not approve of it. But, it was to her, this girl is my...special friend."
"Special friend…?"
Kai murmured, as Keita went towards Himiko, and embraced her, as he leaned towards her ear.
"Play along until I can get you out of here." He muttered so quietly that only Himiko could hear. "What are you doing here? I already said my goodbyes today..."
Himiko furrowed her eyebrows for a few moments, before lightly giggling.
"Sorry, but I had to see you one last time. To tell you, that I want to be with you!"
Keita didn't know if she was playing along, or she was being genuine.
"But...you can't, this place is too dangerous, and you're...it wouldn't be right to drag you into this..."
Himiko held back a laugh, and simply pushed forward as much as she could.
"Even then, the thought of you leaving nearly broke me! I came running sweetie~ Though I didn't plan to get kidnapped like...but still, I get to spend time with you~"
"We can't let her go now. She could reveal the location of this place, or she could attempt to follow us. We'll have to take her with us, and deal with her if she should become a problem-"
"She wont be." Keita quickly defended, using his Quirk to take off the ropes binding her. "There, now you can come with me-"
"Yippie!" Keita was embraced by Himiko who snuggled against him as he tried to smile, despite how awkward he felt. "Then lets go! Does that mean I'm apart of this group? I don't really get what's going on here, but if I'm with you, I'll be safe~"
Keita didn't say anything, and simply began walking out.
Himiko clung to his arm, and swayed happily side to side.
"Keita, get Eri, and your things packed, we're leaving as quick as we can."
"Okay..."
Himiko glanced back at Kai who gave her a cold look.
She simply smiled, and shrugged as they exited the room together.
Once out of the room, and far enough away, Keita turned towards Himiko.
"It's dangerous here, Himiko-san."
"That guy back there, totally weird. He was like super into keeping things clean."
"I know...but don't worry. I'll get you out of here. I'm sorry that you got involved at all..."
"Well, I did follow you so maybe this is kinda my fault~ Sorry about that~"
Keita was surprised that she could follow him without him noticing.
He was always careful, he could get around the Shie Hassaikai's most stealthy members, yet this girls ability to conceal herself was crazy good.
"But, you're acting as if you don't really mind. What about your family? Wont they miss you?"
Himiko lightly laughed, but Keita could see that it was more of a sadder laugh than anything.
"What family? Mine abandoned me a long time ago."
"Abandoned..."
"They never understood me, be the perfect girl you're supposed to be, don't do whatever you want, do it our way, blah blah blah. Never let me do anything I wanted, fit into society crap...so, I don't have anyone outside."
Keita felt terrible for her.
He didn't know the full circumstances, but not being understood, being told to be something that she wasn't, being forced to fit into a society that didn't necessary accept her kind of situation in the first place.
In a sense, he and she were similar.
While he wasn't ready to cut people up, he also was in a situation that wasn't kind to him, he had to force himself to fit into a role, he had to take care and make sure that he was the person that Kai wanted him to be, like her parents wanted her to be.
It made sense now why she did attack him.
This desire she had her entire life, was never developed properly, she had to resort to doing things that she might not have done if she wasn't suppressed by her family.
Maybe...he could help her, express her desires in more healthy ways, without suppressing her.
Allowing her to do as she liked, but not hurt innocent people.
He wondered, if he could truly help this girl. He knew he had some hope, from the way she spoke.
When he looked into her eyes, he didn't see total coldness like he did with Kai, so he wanted to help this girl, and make sure she didn't fall down the dark path. If he could do any good, then he wanted to at least try.
"I see...I'm sorry about that. No one should be suppressed like you were."
"Hehe, don't worry about that~ It's all good~ Now I get to do what I want~" She leaned in closer, and showed a grin. "For the record, I've never killed anyone. I have cut people...but that's when I had no choice, only just recently got into doing these things, you know?"
"I see." He said kindly, then became serious. "Please listen to me. My elder brother, he's not normal. He's...He's very cold, and if you get on his wrong side, he might even kill you. He doesn't tolerate anything that he deems unsuccessful. So that's why I said you're my special friend."
"Damn...he sounds scary. Maybe I should cut him."
"Trust me, as quick as you are, he'd be able to beat you if he touches the ground."
"So, he's got a Quirk that uses fingers or his hands huh. Just chop off his hands, and then he'll be done."
Keita wished it was that simple.
He then took her shoulders, offering her a kind smile, something Himiko was surprised at.
"I promise, I'll protect you until I can get you out of here. This place...you don't want to be here."
"...Then why are you?"
It was a simple question.
A question Keita had asked himself many times before.
Why he chose to stay.
More recently, he began questioning if he could continue doing this.
Especially after today.
His goodbyes to Katsuki…
To the life he knew he'd want.
"...Because, if I'm not, then who's going to stop my elder brother? He listens to me...if I wasn't there then...he would have killed you, I've seen him doing it before, and he'll do it again...I have to make sure that he's stopped. So please..."
"Don't worry~" Himiko giggled out, taking Keita's hands and began spinning with him. "I'll do what you say~"
"Thank you...now, come, we need to get ready to go. I promise to get you out of here..."
Keita wasn't sure how.
But he was going to try his hardest.
He went to leave with her, when Rappa walked closer.
"Hey kid, I've got something to talk about..." He glanced at Himiko who waved with a scary smile. "...I guess that's your choice in girls huh? She seems crazy, but good for you."
"What?" Keita glanced at Himiko who continued to smile wickedly. "W-Well, that's...Rappa-san, did big brother tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"I guess he didn't yet. We're leaving, now. I have to get Eri-chan, then pack as quick as I can so we can go tonight."
"Leaving...now? Honestly, that damn bastard!"
Keita was surprised he was getting agitated.
"What's wrong Rappa-san?"
Rappa shook his head.
"...It's nothing, I just hate moving during the night."
"You said you wanted to talk about...something?"
Rappa waved his hand.
"It's nothing. Go and get ready kid." Rappa turned, and his face turned angry. "Damn Chisaki, I could have spoken to the kid, maybe helped him do whatever he wanted for a change...sorry kid, but I promise, whatever you want to do, even escape from this place...you've got my support, I can't stand seeing you in pain anymore...damn it, you've made me care about you kid...I don't know how you did it...but, you did."
While Rappa thought that, Himiko turned to Keita.
"Who's Eri?"
"She's a girl under my care."
"A girl...under your care huh..."
"Yeah, a little girl who doesn't have a family either, besides her Grandfather. But he isn't in the best of health right now. So, I'm the one who makes sure she'd fed, educated, things like that. Now come, we need to go and get ready."
"Great! Then lets get going!"
Keita was then dragged away by the young blonde haired girl, going towards Eri to get her.
Keita had to admit that she was taking this rather well.
Keita thought that she either she didn't realize the gravity of the situation, or she did and simply didn't care.
Either way, he knew that he'd have to keep her safe now, along with Eri.
Sometime later, travelling in the back of a car, Himiko hugged Keita's arm as she rested her head on his shoulder, a complacent smile on her face. Eri was sleepily cuddled against Keita on his lap, while Keita himself looked out of the window of the moving car, seeing the city lights leaving his eyes and a more darkness natural setting came in.
Kai who was in the front of the car, with Chronostasis driving, looked back towards his little brother.
Eri, who was semi conscious, peered up towards Keita.
"Kei-chan..."
She spoke sleepily, Keita simply smiled down at her.
"It's alright, I'm here. You just sleep Eri-chan, okay?"
"Okay...Kei-chan...goodnight..."
"Yes, goodnight."
Eri groaned as she fell back asleep.
Kai raised an eyebrow, seeing Keita's mind being focused elsewhere, so he spoke to Chronostasis in a hushed voice.
"You didn't leave any of it behind, did you? It took me a long time to perfect that, and I'd prefer not to do it again so soon."
"Of course not. I did it as quickly as I could, I got the samples from your brother, all safe and intact, ready for your use."
"Good, because those samples will make us the strongest, no one will be able to stop us. Not All Might, or All For One, and combined with Eri's samples...we'll never have to fear anything." His eyes turned towards Keita, raising the volume of his voice. "Little brother, don't worry. Soon, you'll be settled into a new place, and you can take your girlfriend with you."
Himiko smiled as that was mentioned, something Keita noticed.
"...Yes. Big brother, what are we going to do now?"
"What are we going to do? It's natural what we're going to do, Keita. We're going to make the Yakuza great again. Together, there's nothing that will oppose us."
"I see..."
Kai chortled, and presented his hand to Keita.
"Remember Keita, only you and me."
Waiting for him to take it, Keita hesitated.
Looking at his hand, then towards Kai, he knew he'd have to take it.
But he couldn't help but think about what was happening now.
He couldn't let Eri get hurt, and now someone else was involved…
No, he just couldn't keep doing it.
As long as it was him, he knew he'd be able to take it.
But if either Eri or Himiko got hurt.
Granted, he didn't know Himiko, and she did attack him…
She didn't deserve to die by Kai.
Keita wondered now...how he'd be able to escape this situation?
Then he remembered about Sir Nighteye.
He wondered, if he had Sir Nighteye and the Hero's, would they be able to be saved?
Or would they die trying?
Or, that they'd come and arrest Kai, but some would die along the way.
He couldn't take others dying.
But also...he didn't know how much longer he could take being in the Shie Hassaikai.
He was worried for Eri, for Himiko.
When it was just him, he could take it...
But now it was these two...his mind kept going towards, how they'd escape.
He wondered...if he truly could pull that off.
End chapter!
So, we saw the fight with the sludge Villain using Katsuki's Quirk, Keita managing to overcome it with hard work and dedication, and thanks to Izuku who managed to give him the actual time to arrive there and help out.
He said his goodbye's to Katsuki for the moment, and while neither could fight they, they couldn't accept it either, and just had to go along with it.
Himiko arrived! It seemed that she was going to attack a random person, but it ended up being Keita. Seeing how he fended her off, how he was bleeding yet didn't seem to be bothered, how he seemed to want to understand her also, along with telling her something that seemed to hit her deep inside. However, her curiosity almost got her killed, and now she's also trapped within the Shie Hassaikai.
Rappa also saw that Keita was suffering too much, and having grown attached to him, seems like he wants to help him get away from Kai.
I'm sure a few people are wondering when Keita, Eri and now Himiko, are gonna be rescued from Overhaul, and I can say that next chapter is going to be a big turning point for Keita after the events of the first four chapters, and knowing what he needs to do, so expect the rescue to begin very soon.
Also, I've been getting a number of requests about Ochaco being with Keita. I have two thoughts about it. Originally, I was going to pair Izuku and Ochaco, but after seeing the number of people from both reviews and PM's about her being with Keita, I thought that I should do a vote about it to see which one comes out on top!
If Ochaco did end up with Keita, Izuku would still have a love interest, I was thinking Mei could be good due to how it's thanks to Mei that Izuku has his equipment and their interactions always seem to be quite interesting, or Melissa from the first My Hero Movie, I thought they had great chemistry due to their Quirkless natures and all.
So yes, please vote for which one you'd like! Harem suggestions are still open so you can keep voting! There's been a few Class 1B Girls, and I am considering which would be best with Keita, Pony I could see, and the same with Ibara working quite well, Setsuna would also be quite cool.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Keita; Katsuki (fem), Mirko, Momo, Himiko, Shoto (fem), Itsuka, Camie, Tsuyu, Nejire, Ryukyu,