I used many switching pairs that day but this time I'd just use one. They were much larger though (maybe two meters across), but I hoped that'd lower the mortality risk.
I could see Muscular get restless.
"Look. Are you gonna attack or what?" I whined. "If you don't feel up to the task I'd gladly hit first. I just wanna see some blood!"
As he said that, I was finished with my regulating and held the state. I readied my quirk and started a countdown behind my back for Midoriya.
3
2
1
I switched the areas quickly and then braced for the explosion and implosion.
BOOM! SHHFOOM!
I watched as Muscular's body was pushed away from the wall and then back towards it; a consequence of the explosion pushing, the implosion pulling, and the explosion caused by the implosion pushing him. He flew into the cliff wall with a heavy thud with dust, dirt, and rocks flying everywhere.
When everything settled, we were all silent. There was Muscular lying in the rubble. He was out cold. He almost looked like the villain from ten years ago. Not quite. I didn't feel bad for Muscular. And there was less blood…
I turned around to face Midoriya. His mouth was agape and a surprised look adorned his features.
"Wow, Asuga." He nearly whispered. "You're so strong." If it had been any other time, I would've thought that was a flirtatious remark but I knew he was just honestly amazed. I wasn't going to brag about it. After all, I wasn't supposed to have one at all.
"Sure," I simply said, "but our fight is far from over."
"What could you two possibly do in your conditions?" Kota asked. He had been distressed the whole time.
"That villain was insanely strong." Midoriya said. "If all of the Villains are in his level, everyone's in trouble."
"They're after you students too." I added. "It's best to go find groups of students and create a safe zone with heroes."
Midoriya then gave me a suspicious look. It was too suspicious. "Asuga," He started and faced me with a sternly, "who exactly are you?" I was taken aback by the statement. I wondered if he had figured me out but I thought it best to be oblivious.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You know what I mean. No one lives here for miles."
"I walk far away from home to be honest."
"Muscular spoke to you like he knew you."
"The guy was crazy! I had introduced myself in front of both of you." I was getting desperate. My tone of voice made it obvious.
"You knew there were students and heroes."
"I heard the news about it in town!"
"And I never told you my name."
Crap. He never did.
"Uhhh... Midoriya, I-"
"STOP!" Midoriya stepped forward and prepared to fight. "Kirika Asuga, who are you?"
"I'm not who I said I was, yes. I lied, yeah. But I still wanna help." I said with a pleading look.
"That's not good enough." Midoriya said with an angry look on his face. A face that masked his fear.
"I was on the run, an orphan, since I was nine. Three years of that and I was given a choice. Keep running or, for one in my life, slow down. I think you can guess which one I chose, but that decision was given to me by the League and it was the worst one I've ever made. So, now, I'm going to make sure no one has to make that decision if I can help it. If you don't trust me, fine. That isn't going to stop me from helping the others."
"Okay." Midoriya stated bluntly. He then began to walk away. I was just standing there, taken aback. Kota stood between us and was just as—probably even more—confused as I was.
"Are you coming?" Midoriya looked back, still walking. "If I'm not stopping you then what's the point?" A smile touched my lips. Only for a moment.
That moment was the first time I had smiled in years.
~~~~~o~~~~~~~~~~o~~~~~
Short and sweet! I wanted to publish another chapter asap because there are more than 350 reads for this story! THAT'S CRAZY! THANK YOU SO MUCH! *bows excessively* If you aren't enjoying the story, please let me know why! Or, I mean, if you really like the story you can still tell me why... :3. My publishing schedule will still and might always be sporadic so you guys just have to be on your toes ;)
Peace!