Past & Present Pain

Terra had no idea how long she had been huddled in the corner of this room. She had no idea where she was. She had no idea where Bakugo was. She had no idea why they were staying in one place for so long and not causing destruction. All she knew was Bakugo was near. She recalled Adria telling her that at some point since she had been brought here. And she knew she had to tell him the truth.

The door creaked open.

"I want to see him," Terra said.

"So you're finally coherent," Thorn said. "I was beginning to wonder about you."

"I want to see him."

"What? You're acting like you're locked away in this room." Thorn knelt down in beside her. "You can come and go as you please from this room."

Terra flinched at his hand landing on her head. She trembled.

Thorn laughed. "I can't believe your afraid of me. It's only me, little sister. We're finally together again. Everything will be okay."

"I-I want to see him."

Thorn sighed. "Whatever. Adria, take her to the brat."

"Fine."

Terra waited for her brother's footsteps to fade before forcing herself to stand. Keeping distance between them she followed Adria out of the room and down the hall. Terra tried to focus on the things around her, tried to figure out where they were. It was impossible. All she could see was devastation, pain, darkness, and blood. So much blood.

"He's in here." Adria opened the door. "Do not remove his restraints but for the gag. I'll be out in the hall so I'll know if you do."

Terra stepped into the room. She forced her eyes up to Bakugo. He was chained and gagged. Her heart squeezed at the shock in his eyes. He didn't know she was here.

She waited for Adria to leave. The door clicked. She walked over to the boy and, with trembling hands, removed the gag from his mouth.

"What the shell are you doing here, Plant Face? Did they capture you too?"

Terra nodded. She licked her lips. "But it's not for the same reason they brought you here. I'm sure of that."

"Whatever. Just get me out of here. Then we'll blast our way out."

"It won't work." Terra dropped her eyes from him.

"What do you mean? Of course it will. I can handle this jerks. They only took me me by surprise before. There are plenty of them you can wrap up in your vines. We'll escape together."

"No. It won't." Terra wrapped her arms around her trembling body. "I... I can't help you."

"What are you talking about?"

"He can control me. Thorn, my brother." Tears formed in her eyes.

"What?!" Bakugo gasped.

"It first happened when I was only three," Terra said. "I don't remember it, but he always told me about it. He was so proud of himself. Then, when I was five, he used me to attack our hometown." She gritted her teeth. "Plants all over the place... they did what my brother wanted... through me. There was so much destruction. All I can still see it. Flames, crumbling buildings, blowing up cars, people screaming, bodies on the ground, blood, so much blood. I hurt them all." Tears poured freely down her cheeks. "I killed so many people that day. It's my fault."

"What kind of stupid talk is that?!" Bakugo snapped. "If what you're saying is true then it wasn't your fault! Where were your parents?! Why didn't they stop him?!"

"They didn't care about me. I don't even remember their faces. They left us one day. That's all I know." Terra sucked in a short, sharp breath. "If it wasn't for All Might and Endeavor I would have killed so many more people."

"Stop talking like that!" Bakugo growled. "It wasn't your fault!"

"It was! I killed so many people that day!" Terra screamed and shook her head. "It wasn't suppose to be like this! I never should have went to UA! I'm not a hero!"

"Will you shut up?! You're-"

The door swung open. A couple men walked in.

"Hey, you idiots! Let us go!" One put the gag back on Bakugo when he started yelling. He continued to struggled against his confinements.

"You too, girl," the man said. "Thorn wants you to hear this."

Terra followed them out. She stood beside Bakugo when he was placed in the room with several people. She half listened to them try to recruit Bakugo to their side. They even released him from his restraints.

It was pointless. She knew Bakugo wasn't the type to become a villain. But it didn't matter. They couldn't escape from here. Suddenly a hand grasped her arm.

Terra jumped, thinking it was her brother. But it was Bakugo. He had pulled her behind him. "Bakugo..."

"You are are beyond stupid if you think I'd ever join you! We're leaving this place!" Bakugo said. "Shape up, Terra! You're not weak!"

"But, Bakugo..." Terra eyes went to his shoulders. They were taught, ready for a fight. He was always ready for a fight. How can he be so strong in a situation like this? We're outnumbered. Thorn could take control of me at any point.

"You're out of your mind if you think you can take my little sister from me." Thorn formed a vine from his finger.

Terra stiffened as the vine shot towards her.

"Back off!" Bakugo grabbed the vine and blasted it. "I'm not let you torture her again!"

Terra gasped.

"What all can he do with this vines?" Bakugo asked.

Terra stared.

"Snap out of it! I need you to focus! Tell me what all he can do!"

Terra jolted. "He can only create thin ones from his fingers. They can reach about seven meters."

"That's it? No wonder he has to force you to be his puppet." Bakugo grinned. "You're much stronger than he is, Terra."

Terra's eyes widened. He said her name again instead of Plant Face.

"You stupid little punk!" Thorn snapped. "Look around you! Do you really think you can get away from us?! Adria!"

"Right." Adria began to sink into the shadows. A knock on the door stopped her.

"Kamino Pizza!"

The villains tensed. The confusion and tension on their faces told Terra no one had ordered a pizza.

Then that means...

The door busted open and pro heroes flooded in.

"All Might!" Terra ran to the man and threw her arms around him. Her cries mixed with the chaos around them. "All Might!"

"It's all right, Terra." All Might hugged her. "I am here now. I've got you."

Terra nodded, to upset and relieved that this nightmare was over to speak.

"Stay close to me," All Might ordered.

Terra did. But it wasn't enough. A horrid black murk flooded her mouth. She grasped at it, trying to pull it off. It wrapped her in darkness. She heard All Might crying out her name before everything went silent.

Slow seconds ticked by before light began to shine again. She gagged upon reappearing in another location. Terra looked around. All the of villains and Bakugo had also been transported.

"That was gross!" Toga said.

"This stuff stinks!" Twice said. "I love it!"

"I don't know what happened but I won't let you get away!" Thorn shot a vine out at Terra.

Terra froze. A blast flashed in front of her eyes.

"Back off!" Bakugo snapped.

Blinking the after lights away, Terra found Bakugo standing in front of her again.

"If you want her you'll have to get past me first!"

"Bakugo?"
"Stay behind me, Terra. I won't let him take over you again."

"But..." Terra looked over all the villains surrounding them until her eyes landed on one she hadn't seen before. Terror washed over her. This one was different from the others. And it wasn't because he didn't have a face and some sort of apparatus attached to his body. There was something extremely dangerous about him. As the villains spoke to each other she inched closer to Bakugo. She tugged on his shirt. "Don't fight. There are too many."

"I don't care," Bakugo said with forced control. "I'm not going to let them get away with it. Besides, All Might and the other pro heroes are here. They won't let us be taken again. Until they arrive I'm going to blast these morons to pieces."

Terra's head pounded. That wasn't going to work. Bakugo couldn't face all of them. She had to do something. But what? With Thorn so close she... She gritted her teeth. She really was useless. And helpless.

"Ah, there he is." The new villain looked up.

Terra followed his gaze and saw All Might flying towards them. He headed right to the new villain. And the dam broke. All Might focused on that one villain the rest of them merged on her and Bakugo.

Bakugo didn't hesitate and traded blasts with the villains in an attempt to not get caught again.

Terra's head spun. She knew she should help. But how could she? Her brother was right there. She couldn't fight against him. She couldn't not fight against him. She had to help Bakugo. She had to. But how? Her body was frozen in place.

Her eyes drifted to All Might. He's not putting his full strength into his attacks. It's because of us. Bakugo and myself are in the way. He's protecting us. Terra looked around the battlefield.Adria was doing her best to put Thorn into places that would give him the advantage over Bakugo. But it wasn't working. Bakugo was more focused on Thorn than the other villains. You idiot. Stop trying to protect me.

Suddenly, a coolness tickled her skin. "Sho-chan?"

A large ice ramp rose up into the air. Three people launched from the top of it. Terra blinked and noticed it was Kirishima, Midoriya, and Iida.

"Come on!" Kirishima held out his hand towards them.

Before Terra could move Bakugo pulled her to his chest.

"Hold on!"

Terra wrapped her arms around his neck. Her body jerked forward with his blast. Suppressing a scream she sprouted some vines to wrap the two of them together, closing her eyes tight.

"You idiots!" Bakugo said.

Terra peaked through one eye in time to see Mount Lady rise up from the ground. Something smashed in the pro's face. A couple villains fell through the air. If it hadn't been for Mount Lady the villains might have caught up to them.

"Guys, we're slowing down! Anyone have a plan on how we're to land without getting hurt?" Iida asked.

"Terra, can you use your vines?" Midoriya asked.

Terra nodded. Spiraling vines from the ground below she formed a net for them to land on. They bounced upon hitting it. She then lowered them the rest of the way to the ground.

"Are you okay?" Midoriya stepped in front of Terra.

"I guess," Terra said. No. I'm not okay. I'm pathetic.

"We should get moving," Iida said. "We're still fairly close to the fight."

The group moved on until they were blending in with the crowd as they evacuated.

Exhaustion crashed over Terra. All she wanted was to curl up in bed and sleep.

"Yeah, she's right here. Terra, Todoroki wants to talk to you." Midoriya handed her his phone.

"Sho-chan?"

"I'm so glad you're okay. Are you hurt?"
"No. I'm not hurt. Just tired. I want to go home." Fresh tears appeared in her eyes.

"I know. We're working on that. Right now we have to stay with the crowds. Stay with Midoriya and the others until we can unite again." A pause. "I'm so glad you're okay."

"Yeah." Terra brushed her tears away. They hung up and proceeded with the evacuation until All Might's fight appeared on the jumbo screen above everyone. They paused to watch it.

Something was wrong. Terra could tell by the way All Might was fighting. His punches weren't as strong nor as fast as they should have been. Then his body deflated. Murmurs rose up in the crowds about All Might's weakened form.

Terra's head swam. "No... All Might... you can't..."

With each blow All Might and this villain exchanged with each other the more she felt the world around her close in. The crowds' yelling faded from her mind as her heart pounded in her ears.

Then the world went black.

...

Terra hugged her knees to her chest. Her eyes were locked on the TV despite the fact her mom had turned it off long ago. The news was filled with talks of All Might. He was now retired from the hero life. She didn't want to believe it. She refused to. There was no way All Might could be retired.

She was waiting for him to come to see her.

Her eyes fell to Birdie. The device was perched on the coffee table. A light flashed to indicate missed calls and unread text messages. Almost all of her classmates had called her, but she hadn't spoke to a single one of them. She couldn't face them. The only one she could stand to be around is Todoroki. He remained by her side, rubbing her back and telling her that it was all going to be okay. Telling her nothing was her fault. That she had nothing to be sorry about.

She dropped her eyes into her knees. He was wrong. There was a lot that was her fault.

Minutes passed before a familiar warm arm wrapped around her shoulders. Todoroki stood from the couch. She didn't know where he went but she knew he was still there.

"Terra, sorry I couldn't come sooner."

"Is it true? Are you really retired from being a hero?"

"I am."

Terra gritted her teeth.

"But it's much more than that. There's something I feel I need to tell you now."

Terra forced her eyes up at him. She knitted her brow at the guilt in his eyes. "Uncle Toshi?"

"I'm so sorry for keeping this from you. Please, understand it was for the best. But this is how things really are..."

...

Terra stared at her uncle. She couldn't believe what Toshinori had told her. It couldn't be true. It was bad enough that he confirmed he was no longer a hero. But to learn that his quirk was given to him from someone else? There were no words to describe the hurt she felt inside. Her mouth bobbed up and down in an attempt to form words. Nothing came.

"I know this is hard for you to understand," Toshinori said. "And I am sorry I kept this from you for all these years. I only did it to protect you. I didn't want anyone to use you against me."

Her words finally came back to her. There was something she had to know. "And Midoriya... there was more to him than you said. I knew he was too similar to you." Terra let her hair fall over her eyes. "Why? Why have us become friends? What's the real reason? Was it because you really wanted us to be friends? Or because you passed your quirk to him?"

Toshinori sighed. "I truly believed you two would be good friends. But, yes, it was also because of me passing my quirk to Young Midoriya. I wanted to know you would still have people to care for you when I couldn't."

Terra gripped her fists. It was too much. Without a word she shot to her feet, ran to her room, and slammed the door behind her. Falling onto her bed she shoved her face into her pillow and cried.

...

Terra lay staring up at her ceiling. Beside her Todoroki was sleeping, the ever loyal friend keeping close as she worked through all her confusion and fears.

A few days had passed since All Might's last fight and the truth about his quirk was given to her. Her mind was still murky mess, cluttered with so many questions, worries, and guilt. All Might was no more. Midoriya had his quirk. Her brother was back.

And there was nothing she could do about any of it. She was weak. She was useless.

Standing she left her room for the first time since she'd ran into it and locked everyone else out.

The house was quiet but for the ghosts of past memories. She wasn't sure if her mom went back to work or if the woman was in bed. She wasn't going to check. Instead she headed up to street level and left the house.

A cool night breeze wrapped around her. Her mind told her this was a bad idea. She shouldn't be outside by herself with her brother so close.

Ignoring the voice telling her to go back inside, she headed down the sidewalk, not sure where she was going. All the while her mind kept going over everything that happened until she found herself standing on the beach.

Bakugo. He was amazing. He showed no fear even though they had been kidnapped and had several villains around them.

All she could do was cower. She was no hero. She shouldn't even be at UA. She wasn't going to go back.

"I'm such a coward." Terra shook her head. She had to go back to UA. She couldn't let this continue. But could she over come her fear of her brother?

"Terra!"

"Huh?" Terra turned to find Midoriya and Todoroki running over to her. "What are you two doing-"
"Don't even start with that!" Todoroki glared as his voice rose. "Are you insane?! You were kidnapped a few days ago! And you're out here walking around at night by yourself?! What were you thinking?! Do you have any idea how worried I was when I woke up and found you weren't in the house?!"

Terra opened her mouth but didn't get a chance to answer.

"No! I don't want to hear it! Clearly you weren't thinking!" Todoroki waved his hand, cutting her off.

"Todoroki called us when he woke up and found you weren't there. We all came out to look for you," Midoriya said.

"We all?" Terra asked.

"Yeah. Our entire class is out looking for you. I'll text them and let them know you're safe." Midoriya pulled out his phone.

Terra took a moment to watch him before turning to Todoroki. He was staring out at the horizon, his eyes filled with anger. She swallowed and braced herself to apologize to him. Before she could get a word out his lips landed on hers. Heat flooded her cheeks. Her heart hammered her chest.

Todoroki pulled away and hugged her. "You idiot. What were you thinking running off like that? Do you have any idea how scared I was? I thought you had been taken again. I thought I'd lost you again."

"They're on their way." Midoriya looked at the two. "Something wrong, Terra? You look a bit flushed."

"It's nothing." Todoroki pulled away from her. "She's fine."

"Anyway, we're meeting back up at Terra's house. Let's go." Midoriya stood beside Terra. "Let's walk with her between us."

"Right." Todoroki nodded.

Terra's mind reeled as her feet took her home. Todoroki had kissed her. But why? Sure they've shared kisses on the cheeks, foreheads, and temples. Never the lips. She never thought about the lips. Kissing on the lips was for boyfriend and girlfriend, husband and wife. Never friends. Never them.

She snuck a glance at him. His eyes were now focused on getting her back home unharmed.

...

"Terra!" Ojiro came rushing up to the trio with everyone else behind him, including Bakugo.

"We were so worried about you," Uraraka said.

"Why did you run off like that?" Asui asked.

"I'm sorry, everyone," Terra said. "I guess I needed to get out on my own and clear my head. There's been a lot going on lately."

"But why go outside by yourself after that attack with your brother?" Tokoyami asked.

"I'm not really sure why exactly I did it." Terra paused then continued. "But I think it was the right thing to do. I was able to come to a decision about something."

"Ribbit. It sounds important." Asui pressed her finger to her chin.

"It is. I've decided that I do want to be a hero." The wind picked up her hair. "I never wanted to be one from the beginning. All Might pulled strings and got me into UA."

"What? Are you serious?" Iida asked.

Terra nodded. "I am. I never wanted it. I didn't think I could do anything but hide underground. But after everything that happened..." She looked at Bakugo. In that moment she felt it. A bond had formed between them. He nodded as if to encourage her to continue. "I know now that I want to. And I know what kind of hero I want to be."

"And that would be?" Ashido asked.

"I want to be a hero that teaches kids like myself that just because their parents or a brother or sister do bad things they don't have to be a villain. That there is hope. That they can do positive things in this world. And for me to start on that path I want to show you all what my life has been like."

"Terra, are you sure?" Todoroki asked.

Terra glanced at him before looking away, hoping the night shadows covered her flushed cheeks. She nodded. "I am. Let's go back to my house. There's something I need to show you all."

"Your house? But we've already seen it," Ojiro said sharing a look with Asui.

"No." Terra shook her head. "That building is only a facade. My real home is under it."

Murmurs rolled through her class as Terra lead them inside and to the elevator.

"What the heck? Why do you have an elevator in your house? It's only one story!" Kaminari said.

"Shut up. She told us she'll show us." Jiro smacked the boy on his head.

One by one Terra entered them into the computer security system. More murmurs erupted once everyone was in her real home. "This is it. I've been living here since All Might and Endeavor rescued me from my brother when I was a kid."

"This is insane!" Kaminari said. "You have a pool!"

"And a ton of weight lifting equipment!" Kirishima added. "Is that a rock climbing wall?!"

"What is this madness?! Are you secretly rich too?!" Mineta asked.

"No, not really. I mean Mom does get plenty of money for all the security systems she creates. Some of her friends are the ones who actually built this place. She did the security system," Terra said. "I assume Sho-chan told you about my past?"

"He told us at the hospital when we were making plans to come after you and Ka-chan," Midoriya said.

"I can't believe what a jerk your brother is!" Uraraka cried.

"Total jerk!" Hagakure added.

Terra nodded. "Then I don't have to go over that again."

"You poor thing!" Ashido threw her arms around Terra and cried. "How awful!"

"It must have been really hard for you," Sato said.

"At least you're doing better now. And you can move into the dorms with us!" Uraraka said.

"It's not the same without you around," Sero said.

"Why don't we pack up your stuff now?" Kirishima looked around. "Where's your room?"
"Over here." Terra went to her room.

"What?! What's with all the frogs?!" Mineta asked.

"I really like them. I guess it comes from All Might give me this one." Terra pointed at the frog lying on her bed. "It was the first toy I ever got."

"It's so cute!" Ashido picked the plushie up and hugged it.

"We should get some boxes," Shoji said.

"We don't have to that night. It's kind of late," Terra said. "I'm sure you all are tired from looking for me."

"Then let's have a sleep over!" Hagakure said. The girls cheered.

"Huh?" Terra blinked.

"Why not? Your place is big enough." Ojiro smiled.

"It's fine with me." Everyone turned to find Terra's mom and Toshinori standing in the doorway.

"Mom?"

"You all can stay the night then pack Terra up for the dorms tomorrow," Tomoko said.

The class cheered again.

Terra huffed then locked eyes with her uncle. Guilt flooded her chest. He had told her the truth about himself and she shut him out. She rushed to him and threw her arms around his waist.

"I'll give you two a moment alone and help the others get settled in for the night." Tomoko walked away.

"I'm so sorry." Tears filled Terra's eyes.

"It's okay, Terra." Toshinori stroked her hair. "It's understandable. You were in shock."

"I still feel bad. It's partly my fault that you had to fight that villain. If you didn't then you would still be All Might."

"No." Toshinori pulled her away and gave her a stern look. "This isn't your fault. I told you I would lose my powers eventually. You and Bakugo being taken had nothing to do with it. Do you understand?"
"I guess. I still feel guilty. I shouldn't have let Bakugo fight all on his own. And you."

"It's fine. You never got the chance to work through all the trauma you went through as a kid. But you can overcome that now. If you want I can set you up with someone so you can talk to them. The school has plenty of connections."

"I guess... maybe that would be a good idea."

"Good." Toshinori patted her head. "I'll get it set up for you."

"Hey, Terra! We have popcorn! Let's watch some movies!" Kirishima called out.

"Go on. You deserve some good times with your friends." Toshinori gave her a shove.

"Okay." Terra nodded and joined her friends.

"Mind if I ask you something?" Asui asked.

"Sure." Terra sat down on the floor. Someone had moved the coffee table out of the way so they all could sleep in the same area of the living room.

"If your brother can control you with his vines does that mean someone else could do it too?"

Everyone paused and looked at Terra.

"I don't know. All Might and Mom wanted me to get tested. But I was so scared about everything and everyone because of what happened that it never happened. I think only my brother can do it. Possibly my biological parents too, assuming they have plant related quirks."

"Will you have that tested now?" Sato asked.

Terra hummed. "I don't know.

"She doesn't have to decide now," Todoroki said.

Terra jump at his voice.

"Right!" Uraraka nodded. "One step at a time! And we'll be there with you all of the way!"

"Thanks, guys." Terra smiled.

...

"She's going to be fine now," Tomoko said as she rejoined Toshinori and watched the teenagers.

Toshinori nodded. "Yeah. She's going to be just fine."