Chapter 16: A Certain Kind of Luck

Deku braced himself as his previously downed opponent seemed to have gotten a second wind, ignoring his own bleeding arm. It was like being trapped in a large cage with a tiger who remembered you were the one to poked it with a sharp stick—the stick in this case being a possible concussion and an obvious broken nose. Unfortunately he wasn't the only one trapped in the cage and for that his heart raced.

"Damn whelp! Think you're something for taking out Artemis and Molten!?" The man with orange hair and aflame orange eyes let out an animalistic snarl as he pulled a thin black cylinder from a pocket and slammed it into the side of his neck. "The claws are out now!" Instantly he twitched, dropping the canister as his body spasmed more fiercely, veins bulging.

Was that-?

Tora let out a roar, displaying sharp cuspids that seemed to haven lengthen. His muscular hands flexed, his manifested claws seemingly longer as well. He seemed to even sport black stripes on his cheeks that weren't there before as orange fur exploded over him. His Quirk was out of control, seemingly enhanced to an unnatural degree. It didn't take Deku but a second to realize what the man had injected himself with.

Trigger.

Tora let out another roar that seemed completely enraged. A growl escaped him as he took a shaky step toward, his eyes wide and full of madness as he sported a wild, deranged expression. His attention however was not on Deku—it was on the small figure who was trembling a few feet away mutely. The toothy grin grew wider with sadistic glee as pure instincts seemed to take over, Tora licking his lips hungrily with anticipation.

It was predator verses prey.

"Eri-chan!" Fear slammed into Deku like a tsunami, washing away any regard for pain. Tora lunged at Eri, claws raised as he looked ready to maim with little regard for his mission objective. It was as if the man had entered a feral state, going primal from rage and pain boosted by the rush of the empowering drug.

She's too far!

Deku summoned his Quirk, power following through his body once more as he focused it to his legs, not caring at the twinge of his nerves at the strain. He leapt, propelling himself across the torn up ground where the gaping hole and still hot lava was.

I can't use Dark Aura. I can't chance it.

Not again.

Please not again.

He threw himself in the path of the rampaging man, right fist curled as he gathered his strength into it, not caring what might happen despite past fractured fingers and wrists. His bones creaked in protest despite the boosted endurance as he glared at the charging Tora, his back to Eri as he became her shield.

His skull exploded with pain as his vision was reduced on the left and his face stung with a burning sensation as Tora was nearly on top of him, grinning savagely. He could feel the man's hot breath but ignored the stabbing pain as he channeled his frustration and determination, "Stop with the catnaps!"

His fist connected with the man's diaphragm, earning a gasp. Deku glared with his unobscured right eye before promptly delivering a quick punch to the throat, drawing back power slightly so as not to collapse the trachea and cause suffocation. Tora wheezed and stumbled back, confused as his drugged animal instinct brain tried to process what had occurred, reaching for his throat. Deku promptly punched his exposed diaphragm again.

A feeble yet irritated growl escaped Tora and pain exploded in Deku's side as he heard a crack and felt pain as he involuntarily inhaled. Gritting his teeth he pulled back his injured left arm and promptly punched Tora squarely in the kidneys before delivering a hit to his face once more as the man doubled over. His ribs screamed at the action as his large opponent flew up and back from the force, landing flat on his back.

Silence fell as Deku held his breath in part anticipation and pain. He shook slightly as adrenaline coursed through his veins, his heart thundering in his ears and chest. His limited gaze remained glued on Tora, ready to fight again if the man rose up. However Tora remained still, out cold from the severity of his bell being rung.

"That could have gone better." He surveyed, left eye throbbing as his face felt sticky with blood. He swiped his right hand across to clear his vision but was met with more pain as he attempted to blink. Perplexed, he traced his face, feeling multiple deep cuts that stretched from his eyebrow to his jaw.

His heart thundered harder as realization hit him like a bucket full of ice. The throbbing in his skull pounded it further like a pile driver, each pulsing throb increasingly hammering out the truth of his body's state.

His mind however jumped to what he had fought for. He gingerly pressed his left hand over his left eye socket, obscuring the sure gore fest. His other injuries protested but he steeled himself, willing himself to not give in despite the assortment his body endured. He inhaled, feeling his ribs pinch before turning slowly toward Eri who thankfully hadn't run off.

"It's alright, it's over. You're safe." He calmly informed, offering a small smile. She was silent, hands curled up near her mouth as if she were going to bite her nails or suppress a horrified noise. Deku's expression softened as well as his voice, as he turned his face away. "Sorry, I probably look really scary right now. That was probably really terrifying too. Are you okay?"

Eri bobbed her head slowly, her gaze on the ground as she chewed her lip. Deku let out a sigh of relief, wincing as his broken rib or two reminded him that even breathing was a bad idea.

"That's all that matters." He smiled at her despite looking like a living corpse part of a massacre. "We'd best get out of here before more of these guys show up. I won't touch you if you don't want me to. Just shake or nod your head if talking is hard."

Eri gave a nod, seemingly mute once more as she clutched at her dress, apprehensive. He paused as he regarded her, nostalgia creeping up on him as well as a sense of guilt that threatened to cripple him if he humored it a moment longer. He stomped on it hard, his gut twisting but he focused on the child in need in front of him.

"Do you know any sign? Sign language?" He inquired, doing an easy gesture with his free right hand, drawing attention away from his face. "If you want I can teach you some so you can talk when your words won't work."

She shook her head and drew closer slowly. He took a step to the left as he turned, giving space for her on his right, signaling to stay on that side; the one not a bloody mess. Eri seemed to understand and complied, leaving an arm's-length between them.

Deku gave a nod before signing with his free hand as he spoke, "This way."

The two began their trek back the way he had come, Deku tentatively thanks to his protesting injuries as well as to not outpace the small seemingly frail girl. The progress was slower than he would like but it seemed there was no danger of running into anyone as they were preoccupied elsewhere.

"Does it hurt?" It took Deku a moment to register, her voice nearly a whisper.

He blinked, pushing away the fatigue creeping in despite his endurance boost, the blood loss refusing to be ignored like a minor scrape. He glanced at Eri, careful not to turn the bloodied half of his face in her direction. Her red eyes however were not on his face but on his free arm, seemingly focused on the various scars that marred it.

"My scars?" She gave a nod and he offered a wry smile at the fascination of his old wounds that Toga had once compared to a crime scene involving shattered glass. "No, they did at first but scars heal. They might remain but they don't hurt as much as when they first happen,"—Generally, he thought as he ignored the unseen scars and deep wounds that plagued him daily.

His thoughts drifted and he saw yellow rose burettes before the vision vanished, leaving him feeling disgusted and ashamed. "I treat them as a promise to be strong and not repeat mistakes. But, sometimes someone gets hurt…"

"Someone hurt you?"

"Mostly myself, my Quirk can be tricky. I had to train a lot to be able to use it properly but I'm still learning." Her words dug at him, his suspicion growing once more as he eyed her bandages. "Has someone hurt you, Eri-chan?"

Eri's face tightened and she looked at the ground once more, withdrawing into her shell of submissive preservation. He quickly tried to assure her, his voice calm, "You don't have to say anything. If you'd like, this is how to say 'yes' and this is 'no' with your hands if you don't want to nod." That got her attention as he signed the gestures to her.

She watched with timid interest before trying to copy. He repeated the signs slowly, trying to distract her from the present situation. No quakes rocked the building and no sounds of battle could be heard, leaving him to consider perhaps the skirmish was over or had merely evolved to other means further away.

"Nice job." He encouraged, ignoring the increased throbbing in his left eye socket and the stinging in his ribs with nearly each word he spoke. Eri, looking focused, practicing the gestures a few more times before giving a nod, signing a small "Yes," confirming his thoughts.

"Overhaul's not your father."

Eri shook her head, looking ashamed as tears pricking the corners of her eyes while she tried to sign "No." Once again Deku found himself wishing he could backpedal but the girl's vulnerable state flustered him.

"H-hey, sorry. It's okay to be sad but I didn't mean to make you feel that way, Eri-chan. Sometimes I talk more than I should, so just let me know if I say too much. Tomura gets mad at me sometimes for that, calls it an unskippable NPC monologue."

"Tomura?"

His mouth automatically snapped shut at the realization of the slip amidst his nervous rambling, calling his foster brother by his given name rather than his last when with unfamiliar company. He had developed the habit to use as a sign of respect and seniority while not betraying their true relationship. It could be dangerous to let others know about their closeness, in all its oddities—it would only paint a larger target on their backs as a means of blackmail.

Leverage was not a foreign concept to those wishing to deal a blow to the League; finding out who was close beyond mere camaraderie, to the point of bonded brotherhood, was something waiting to be exploited. Better to think them long time comrades rather than those forced to cohabit and develop a level of familial bond. However it was just another layer to the role Deku played, the role he had agreed to years ago and was bound to by conditions of his own making.

"He's like family." He decided to explain truthfully after a few moments, doubting anyone was eavesdropping and that Eri deserved some transparency. "In a way my brother but I don't think he'd admit it, let alone feels the same. Overhaul… I can understand he lied to protect his interests but it doesn't seem right."

"Overhaul says I need to be a good girl." Eri offered in a wobbly voice as she padded along, fiddling with her hair nervously. "It'll all be my fault if I don't listen. He said Mommy… he said Mommy went away because I was bad, that I was cursed. That Daddy disappeared because of me. Even Grandpa stopped coming to see me… he must be sick because of me too."

What kind of person tells a child they're cursed? A little kid?

All regard for any pain he felt went away as anger coiled inside him, his nerves tingling. Even if Overhaul was not Eri's real father he was a poor parental figure that should not be involved in the rearing of such a vulnerable and impressionable child. Eri was clearly thought of as more of a living tool that was to be shaped and controlled by those with power rather than a human being with rights beyond bare necessities.

He had been wary of Overhaul but now all he felt was contempt. Looking at the girl's behavior and clothing, it was clear it was not a reflection of her personality, her preferences. Rather, it was how her situation had modeled her, conditioning her to be a compliant doll with apparently no true free choice. Her shyness was the byproduct of low self esteem and fear of what may happen to her as the world of adults seemingly disappointed her.It made him furious.

"You're not cursed, Eri-chan. People say nasty things to make themselves feel better and have their way. People are selfish and don't mind hurting others if it means they win in their mind. That their way of thinking is the best, even if they mistreat people which isn't right." A memory prodded at him but its sting was barely felt despite its vividness, his buried past screaming to remember what drove him, what had pushed him all those years ago.

A bitter smile formed as he muttered quietly, "I'm the one who's cursed."

"But I-" Eri started to say, her tiny voice even smaller when a quake rocked the building once more, causing the duo to stagger. A yelp of surprise escaped her and she jumped closer to Deku, brushing against his right arm. The brief contact made them both flinch in surprise though Eri remained a hand's length away, respecting space but hovering closer than before.

"We really need to get out of here." Deku looked up, noting the cracks in the ceiling. Fatigue was clawing past his endurance, the feeling of floating and cold beginning to grip him more strongly. Not even his Quirk's enhancements could save him from ignoring his body's sorry state any longer, numbness creeping over him as he almost staggered.

I have to get above ground before I pass out. I don't know how much I've bled out already. I can't leave Eri to fend for herself in this war zone.

His thoughts were interrupted by a cracking sound and a shudder under his feet. He didn't need another moment to realize what was happening as the ground began to give way. As he instinctively leapt forward he remembered through the adrenaline his company was far less athletic.

"Eri-chan!" He grabbed at her just as the ground crumbled beneath her bare feet. Barely a sound escaped her as she disappeared downwards onto the giant sinkhole as it tried to swallow its small morsel up. He jumped sideways, landing on his right side painfully like a baseball player trying to make a low catch as his arm shot over the edge. He reached down, praying the ground under him remained in place long enough.

"Hold on, I've got you." He called, his arm taunt as he gripped onto her wrist, feeling her dangle. He gazed down in time to see her starting to look up at him and a wave of horror washed over him as he used his injured left arm to grip at the broken concrete to brace himself, leaving his gored left eye exposed. "D-don't look at me, just close your eyes and listen."

You can't see me like this, you'll be scarred. I can't give you more nightmares. I have to keep you safe.

His mind raced to recall the strategies he had read about online for dealing with stressful and intense situations. It was mind over matter, replacing thoughts with another, finding a safe place to take refuge in the midst of chaos and obtain a clear mind with a set task to hold onto to anchor oneself. It was about shifting focus through distraction and right now he needed one.

"Do you have a favorite toy? Think about how you feel when you hold it, how it makes you feel safe."

Eri complied immediately, eyes screwed shut, her lip quivering with fear as she gave a small nod.

He took a breath, feeling a sharp stab of pain in his chest from his ribs as he focused his Quirk to his arms, the enhanced strength flowing through his muscles as they flexed. Her weight became less while he minded his grip to not accidentally crush her small wrist. With a grunt he pulled her up, managing to get onto his knees to brace himself and provide better leverage.

"Almost…" He wheezed, willing himself to not pass out despite the stars that peppered his vision and cold that sent a shiver throughout his body. With a mighty pull as he pushed himself up with his injured left arm Eri reappeared at the edge.

He quickly retreated in an odd scoot, bringing her higher before he grabbed at her with his other arm, ignoring the screaming of his torn muscles from the knife wound. He wrapped his arm around Eri's waist and pulled her to his chest, releasing her wrist. He fell back, heart pounding as the small girl was no longer dangling dangerously.

She trembled in his arms, her own heart pounding rapidly against his chest. Thankfully her eyes were still tightly closed, allowing him time to press his left hand over his marred face once more. Her breaths were shaky though no other sounds escaped her, as if someone had used a mute Quirk. He propped himself up with his right hand as he untangled his legs, attempting to not jostle her.

"You're safe." Deku tried to soothe, not daring to touch Eri as she seemed to cling to him out of primal instant driven by fear rather than trust. He let his Quirk ease its strength away from his arms, sending it once more to his legs. "I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" Eri shook her head, still holding onto him for dear life. A sigh of relief escaped him though he had no time to spare, "Could you hold on for a bit? I need to move fast. I promise you can get down after."

He felt a faint nod and he gently wrapped his right arm around Eri, pressing her to his chest once more in an one armed embrace. He rose to his feet, staggering slightly as he felt lightheaded for a moment but planted himself as endurance was pushed to the maximum to keep him upright. In response Eri wrapped her legs around him like a baby monkey while looping her small arms around his neck, her face buried against his shoulder.

Feeling the hold firm, Deku bent his knees, his eye on the pathway ahead and leapt, clearing another hole in the ground in a single bound. As soon as his feet hit the pavement on the other side he felt it give way and jumped again, bouncing off of exposed blocks of concrete that seemed firmly attached. With each step he took his surely broken ribs prodded him harder like a knife to his conscious, demanding him cease such recklessness.

He continued his mad dash and springing off walls for some minutes, hoping he was getting closer to the level he originally fall from. As he landed on solid ground once more his head throbbed and his vision swam, cold sweeping through his veins like an icy river to replace the warm blood slowly draining from him.

Deku began to stand up straight when he heard a faint but clear crack and pain bloomed in his chest again, causing him to suck in a sharp breath out which only sent another resounding stab of pain. Stars danced before his eye and he stumbled into the tunnel's wall, knocking his left arm against it with a force that should have not felt like being tackled to the ground by a gorilla. He braced himself against the wall, lungs burning while he felt sluggish.

No, no, no. I have to get Eri out... I can't give up as long as I can move.

He took a step forward but felt his knees buckle. He immediately slammed his back against the wall to catch himself to avoid a faceplant. As his bones rattled cold realization creeped into his brain, adrenaline backing off in exhaustion.

I don't think I can make it. I... can't die in front of her... I need help. If I can find Twice, he can back me up.

"Eri-chan." He strained, throat dry as he licked his lips and swallowed, trying to summon strength back into his voice. He felt her tremble once more against him and he slumped down to the ground, relaxing his arm around her. "I need... I need to make sure it's clear up ahead. I don't want you to get hurt if there are more bad people."

Serves you right, trying to play the hero, a voice whispered from the dark corners of his mind. You're no good. Stop helping, you only make things worse. No amount of beating yourself up and sacrificing your body will ever be enough. Amends can't be made. You couldn't even fulfill your conditions before putting one foot in the grave. You'll never be better, you fake.

Liar.

Pretender.

Life taker.

He began pulling away from Eri as the thoughts hounded him, figuring she would relax her grip and detach herself from him. Instead she seemed to flinch and curl tighter against him like a baby animal seeking out warmth and comfort. A stab of guilt assaulted him but the increasing faintness and shiver of cold screamed at him to get moving before he became a battered corpse in front of the innocent child.

You want to ruin another life trying to be a do-gooder? Who are you kidding? You're only good for obsessing over Quirks and formulating plans. To make those who inflict suffering suffer. Stop being selfish for redemption.

"D-don't..." Eri's voice squeaked and he froze, hand hovering above her back as she clung to his shirt, her face buried against his chest. Another tremble shook her body but her grip tightened as her voice nearly broke. "Don't go. Please."

He hesitated for a moment, debating as he strained to think with his swimming thoughts, the dark voice hissing to not be ignored. Slowly he gently touched the back of her head with his gloved hand, feeling her tense but press against him harder. He felt wetness on his shirt, the material soaking up her tears but his sense of touch was sputtering as numbness took root.

Still her plea pushed the dark voice away and he grabbed onto it, focusing on fulfilling her desire with every fiber of his despicable being. It was her wish, not his. He had to do this for her, not himself. "I won't. I'm right here, I've got you, I won't let go."

Eri's only answer was a nod and clinging to him more desperately. He gently stroked her head, tilting his head back as it pounded as if it was about to split wide open, spots in his vision again.

"I... I just need to rest for a few minutes." He fought to keep the weariness out of his voice.

A wave of drowsiness washed over him, immediately beaten away as he breathed, his broken ribs refusing to grant him peace. A grimace was barely avoided and he spoke softly, his voice deafening in the presently quiet tunnel, "Hey, Eri-chan? Can you do me a favor and talk to me? Or just make sure I keep talking? I can't fall asleep."

She stiffened in his arms for a moment before giving a small nod. A wistful smile formed on his face as he suppressed the urge to keep his eye closed as he blinked, "Thanks. I can talk for the both of us, no worries. I've been known to ramble. Which I'm totally doing right now, aren't I?" His ribs gave their dutiful protest as he let out a dry chuckle but tapped into what percentage of his Quirk's endurance his battered body could still handle.

"Are you a Hero?" The question was unexpected and his eye snapped open as he was hit with momentary wakefulness like a sledgehammer. Eri's voice was timid but almost without a tremor as curiosity edged its way in.

"I'm... a friend. Have you met a Hero before?" He asked, fighting to remain conscious as his head spun, the blood loss getting to him as he tried to process. If it weren't thanks to his high pain tolerance he would probably be passed out long before now from the agony of his injuries alone. Still his body ached and his head throbbed in protest from the injury that caused his left side blindspot.

He had to keep awake. He had to get Eri to safety after he got a second wind.

"O-once... Overhaul was going to hurt them if I didn't listen... if I wasn't a good girl. One smiled a lot but the other had a scary face and was loud. I ran into him... Overhaul wasn't happy."

"Were... were you trying to run away?" Eri's head ducked at the question, her chin pressing into her chest as she gave a small nod. She trembled, fresh tears soaking into his shirt and he stroked her hair gently once more, trying to soothe her while fighting for a clear mind. "Is… Overhaul the one who hurt you?"

"He… makes me better after. He says it's the only thing my curse is good for and I shouldn't misbehave or… it's my fault. It's always my fault. I'm a bad girl."

"It's not, Eri-chan. None of it," Deku insisted, tensing from another a wave of pain but held her closer, summoning what energy he had left to keep awake as his vision blurred. "If I knew those people's intentions better I might have let them take you if it meant you were safe. But they're not Heroes and I don't know if Overhaul is worse than them. Some people are just bad and you're not."

"I'm… not?" "No, you're Eri-chan." He offered a small smile as she turned to look up at him. He shifted her slightly as he turned, looking at her almost birdlike with his good eye as he kept his other hand pressed to his facial wound. He braced his back against the wall and began to get up slowly, using his legs to push himself up despite shaking. "I need to get you out of here without Overhaul knowing it was me or there will be hell to pay, I'm sure. I have to think of something…"

He thought he was ready when entering the Yakuza's territory but now found himself unprepared in plenty of ways. Who expected the key for a rival organization's plan to fall into their lap? For said key to be a mistreated young girl who shouldn't be wrapped up in the dealings of the underworld, at the mercy of selfish, twisted adult's whims? A girl who needed to escape her captors?

It really did take a certain kind of luck to land him in the situations he faced. Which is why Tomura joked almost seriously that he wasn't allowed outside. Then again it perhaps was just karma and one last chance to do the right thing for where he failed once before.

This is all so wrong… I deserve every bad thing coming my way, but not Eri. Even if it's the last thing I do I have to keep her safe. Think. Think. Come on, Deku.

To try to abscond with Eri now was suicide. Overhaul would assume the League worked together with the Brigade to steal her away for their own plans and immediately retaliate, like what that one Brigadier had said. The League couldn't afford outright defiance while Overhaul had control over the Quirk-Killer Bullets. Plus Deku wasn't in the best shape to try, let alone able to squirrel her away from the premises as he tried to navigate the labyrinth he simply couldn't bust through as if cardboard.

But he couldn't leave Eri in the madman's clutches.

Yet even with the various safe houses, counting his own place to retreat to for his personal ambitions, there was no long term plan to protect Eri from the Yakuza's clutches. Overhaul had to be taken out of the picture first to ensure her safety as he surely wouldn't give up easily. If the man wasn't indisposed for the longterm by the Brigade's attack, Deku was going to end up with a raging bull out for blood. However it was clearly a snatch and grab job rather than an outright move to crush the Eight Precepts, despite turf war being declared by default.

Through his swimming vision and scattered thoughts he suddenly latched onto one thought as he pushed through the fatigue and pain to keep moving, holding onto Eri.

Right, the hideout… Well at least Kurogiri knows about it… I'm sure he'll figure out what to do if I don't make it back… I probably should have left instructions…

He tripped and stumbled, unsure if it was from his own feet or a piece of uneven ground. A grunt escaped him as he regained his footing, staggering as he slammed his shoulder into the wall again, fighting to keep upright as the world seemed off-kilter.

"Deku-san…?"

"Hold on, Eri-chan. I promise you'll get your freedom. No one will use you or hurt you anymore."

Even if it's the last thing I do. I'll die trying.

His body decided to test that statement by releasing a shudder and his vision went black for a moment. Next thing Deku knew his knees slammed against the pavement as his legs gave out, the pain sending a bolt of awareness through him for a moment but quickly died away. Gritting his teeth he started to get up again, lowering his left arm for a moment to brace against the wall, disregarding his gored eye.

"I-I'm so sorry."

He stilled at the quivering words, a sob nearly swallowing the apology. The feeling of faintness clawed at him harder but he fought back, furrowing his brow to concentrate. In a moment of clarity he remembered his state of being and hastily covered his left eye once more, bracing against the wall with his elbow at a skewed angle. "Eri-chan, I-"

"P-please, don't get hurt anymore. You've done enough." Eri's voice trembled as it squeaked out, tears welling up as she looked up at him, not afraid of him but for. Her red eyes swam with emotion as her face crumpled, "You're nice, Deku-san. You feel warm and gentle even though you're in pain because of me. People always get hurt because of me…"

"Eri-chan, I'm not hurt because of you. It was my own doing, my own choice. Don't blame yourself."

"I-"

"I'm sorry if I'm scaring you. Honest it's my fault, not yours. I'm not very good about minding my own business; it looks like it bit me real good this time." He tried to let out a lighthearted laugh but it came out tired, catching in his parched throat and his ribs aching in protest. He remained in a kneeling position, limbs shaking as his muscles were reacquainted with fatigue as energy to maintain his enhancement Quirks slipped away. "It's nothing less than I deserve."

"I don't want more people to die because of me!" She sobbed out loudly, tears rolling down her face as she pulled away, her hands pulled tight to her chest. "I-if I run away Overhaul will hurt you, like the others."

"Others…?"

"I wanted to get way! They weren't nice but Overhaul he… he…" Eri brought a bandaged arm to her face, wiping her tears as she scrubbed her eyes. Her voice continued to warble around her tears, "They were supposed to watch me."

Deku felt a new source of cold as realization managed to sink in despite his growing fatigue and fading consciousness. Overhaul had killed people in front of Eri. He had presumably wiped them from the face of the planet and then blamed Eri for what he had done. A little girl had been made responsible for the actions of an adult who wanted her twisted to his will, broken to be a compliant doll until her use was over.

"Leave me, Deku-san. You haven't done anything wrong, Overhaul… he'll heal you! If I'm a good girl he'll listen!"

"You're kind, Eri-chan. But I can't do that." He managed to smile, placing his right hand on top of her head, causing her to duck in uncertainty. She looked up at him with wide, confused eyes with tears staining her face. "You're crying. And I'll never forgive myself for turning my back on someone in need right in front of me. I used to be powerless but I was given power to help myself and others who are helpless. I want to do some good."

I can never atone enough.

"But my Quirk… it's why all those bad people are after me… why Overhaul needs me. To make the best of my curse…"

"Quirk or no Quirk, you're important just for being a person. And I think we both know Overhaul is not very nice, though he pretends to be. Eri-chan… I want to save you because that's the right thing. Is it okay I tried?"

A sniffle escaped as she nodded. More tears streamed down her face as her body trembled from a barely suppressed sob. Deku watched drowsily, the pounding in his skull urging him to sleep as black spots filled his vision like an epidemic.

Determined to stay awake he focused on the first thing that came to him as his spotty gaze fell on something he had noted upon their first meeting. "Your horn is cute… like a unicorn's."

"Unicorn?" The subject switch distracted her for a moment, Eri blinking at him in wonder through her tears.

"A mystical creature with healing abilities. They're kind and gentle too, like you Eri-chan. People would hurt them for their power sometimes, to use for themselves…" His head began to bob, his breath catching as a spasm wracked his chest. He leaned against the wall, pressing his head against it as he let his hand slip off her head, lightly resting against her back, his energy slipping away. "S-sorry, I promised not to let you go…"

The image of a stuffed bunny flashed in his mind.

"I'm so sorry." A tear slipped out as he felt his Quirk deactivate, his lone red eye now once again green as his stamina drained away with his blood as cold seeped into every fiber of his being, chasing away warmth. A shudder raked his body as he pressed the damaged side of his face against the wall, still trying to spare Eri. "I'm no Hero… if you meet Tomura—Shigaraki—tell him we're friends… he'll…"

His voice caught as he slumped against the wall, his eye nearly fully closed as it fluttered in vain to keep open, shock claiming his entire body.

"Overhaul'll make you better again!" Eri exclaimed, fresh tears in her eyes as she placed a hand against his right arm that had slipped limply next to him. Her fingers tightened and uncurled, her voice breaking, "Please, Deku-san! Hold on! H-here!" She began to unwind the bandages from her arm, revealing various scars Deku lacked the energy to analyze.

"This will help!" With shaking fingers she began to wrap the bandages around his bloody left arm, the previous bandages having been lost at some point, though it was rather clumsy. A desperate look was on her face as she attempted to administer what first aid she could mimic, earning a pang in his heart as he fought to remain awake a bit longer.

"E-Eri-chan. G-go… be safe… I-I can't… I failed to p-protect again."

I'm finally paying for what I did. For trying to play Hero when that is not my lot in this life.

"Deku-san!"

"I'm…" The words were a whisper that faded away as they barely left his patched mouth. A breath caught in his chest, choking him as his eye fluttered shut. His body shivered with what remaining energy it had as he felt the world fading away. He was left with the feeling of regret and shame though that was faint.

"You'll be okay! Like before!" Eri pleaded, hands balling up in her helplessness, her own body trembling as she fought back fresh tears. Her hands grasped at the hem of her dress as Deku's breath grew shallow, his chest barely moving. "I never wanted anyone to die!"

A warmth exploded through Deku's veins, his whole body tingling. One moment his thoughts were dim, his existence a fading winkle and the next his conscious was on alert, snapped wide awake as if he were dosed with a bucket of ice water and given a dose of adreniline. A gasp escaped him as he bolted upright, his lungs reacquainted with precious air that did not make them burn. Nor did his ribs creak and ache in protest, the metallic taste in his mouth gone.

"Am I…?" He blinked, trying to account for where he was. When no bright light or heavenly chorus or even a hellish landscape met him he was further confused. His bafflement magnified as he realized all pain was gone, including the stabbing in his skull. A moment later it registered that his vision was no longer obscured, his left eye miraculous restored. "Wha-?"

Eri sat nearby, her eyes wide as she pulled a hand away from him. Instantly her hands were clutched against her chest as if he might burn her—or vise versa. Her horn sparked for a moment and then the light died away.

"Eri-chan?" Deku stared, his mind trying to grasp what had happened as oxygen had gracefully been restored to allow him to cogitate. He looked from her down at himself, hands flexing as he felt like the day hadn't happened, strength and endurance restored. His shirt was still bloodied and torn but the knife wound was gone, as if it had been erased as he pulled away at the bandages to check; even his neck's skin was no longer broken and his back felt cold from the shirt rips but no wounds stung.

He pressed his hands against his chest to test reality, almost tempted to pinch himself as he looked back at the teary eyed girl, "You…?"

"I-I'm sorry." She apologized, her arms curled against her chest as if to restrain herself, cowering away. "I wanted to help. I-I don't know… I didn't mean to… Please don't be mad, Deku-san. Don't hate me." Tears slipped out and rolled down her face, pattering onto the ground. "I didn't want you to d-die."

"Your Quirk… it's not Erasure? The bullets…" The words were out before he could stop himself, his brain going into overdrive to pick apart what had happened; just what was Eri's Quirk to undo the damage rather than inhibit a Quirk's activation? He was certain he was nearly dead, seconds away; he'd felt his heart slow but suddenly it was as if all that had been wiped away.

He blinked as his Quirk nerves humming with vigor, his analysis halting as Eri's words sunk in. And he regretted opening his mouth. His expression grew gentle, his voice soft, "Eri-chan, I don't hate you. How could I? You saved me."

"Y-you're not mad?" Her voice was full of disbelief, her expression almost pleading. She relaxed slightly, still tensed in a semi protective ball. "My Quirk…"

"Not at all." He straightened himself, untangling his limbs as Eri sat across from him. Slowly he bowed to her, heart thundering at the fact he had cheated death thanks to the girl's miraculous ability. He had a second chance, whether or not he deserved it. "Thank you, Eri-chan. Your Quirk isn't a curse or a weapon. It's very kind. I'm not in pain anymore."

"I thought if you could get better, then you'd be okay. L-like when we met…"

"And you were right." He smiled gently, slowly extending a hand to her. "Thanks for not letting me get out of my promise so easily. I'll get you out of here, somehow."

"Okay…"

He paused for a moment, taking in her once again closed off demeanor, what little progress he had made seemingly gone. After a deep breath he looked at her, taking a gentle approach, "Do you know how to pinky promise?"

"Pinky promise?"

Deku curled his hand, showing his pinky to her, smiling gently. "You each take your pinky and wrap it around the other's and then you make a promise. But it'll be just me making it, this way I really can't get out of it and you know it's real. You'll make me keep my word."

After a few moments Eri tentatively held out her own hand and curled it, her pinky sticking out as she attempted the gesture. She looked at her slightly crooked finger, unsure before extending it toward Deku. He gave her a toothless smile, carefully wrapping his finger around hers.

He began moving their arms up and down as he spoke, "I pinky swear to get you your freedom, Eri-chan. That Overhaul won't be able to touch you ever again, that no one will use you any more. If I break my promise, I have to swallow a thousand needles. Pinky sworn."

As he released her pinky she looked bewildered if not afraid. "Won't that… hurt?"

"It's okay, it's just a saying. It's supposed to make sure the promiser keeps their word or else have bad luck. Though maybe I got something wrong, I haven't done it in years…" As he thought his mind wandered back to the capability of the little girl's Quirk, abandoning thoughts of childhood and latching onto an interesting Quirk to dissect and analyze out of compulsive habit.

Eri's ability went beyond suppression and Overhaul was keeping information close except that she was needed for his plan. The Quirk was something beyond healing, beyond purging the body of foreign substances and unwanted contaminants. The power seemingly came from her horn since it was glowing after apparent activation but as for application…

Considering the cryptic statement about her father and his own miraculous recovery after being touched there certainly was a part of her Quirk that could be directly applied. It was not a passive Quirk, reliant on her DNA being shared to be efficient; touch alone seemed to be enough, much like Tomura's Quirk.

It was almost as if she reverted things to a previous state of being. Almost like she could-

"The hell's going on?" A raspy voice demanded, causing Deku to tense at the intrusion of his thoughts as well as the abrupt familiarity of the tone.

Eri jumped and was in Deku's arms again, clinging as she buried her face into his shirt; instinctively he placed a hand around her to provide comfort as he whispered, "It's okay."

Further up the tunnel a figure stood, slightly hunched, hands hanging loosely at their sides. A moment later the newcomer took a step forward, red sneakers clapping against the pavement as they cocked their head at the scene. A hand twitched and went up to their neck, scratching as the figure took more steps forward and into the light, mystery gone.

"What the hell?" Tomura demanded, his raspy voice going up slightly in irritation. His gaze scanned over the green haired teenager, falling on Eri who clung to him in desperation as if she were about to be pried away. "Why the hell do you look like you survived a horror game, Deku? And that it took more than one life to get past the level?"

"To… Shigaraki?" Deku barely caught himself, surprised to see his foster brother in the flesh. His mind race, trying to figure out why Tomura would be at the Precept's hideout. Had he come rushing in when the attack began? How did he know? "Wha-?"

"Yo! You're alive! Thank god! Aw man, you're a mess! Shigaraki's going to kill me for sure!" Twice exclaimed as he came jogging up from behind Tomura, his movements erratic as he looked relieved as well as terrified, "HELL YEAH!"

"Wait." Deku looked at Tomura then back at Twice who seemed like he was having a crisis while juggling winding up for celebration. His eye roved over Tomura, trying to spot any telltale sign to confirm his growing suspicion for a logical explanation, "Then this is-"

"I knew something happened to my Dabi clone since I could suddenly make a second clone again. Boy did I think my goose was cooked. IT'S FINE! Given big bro Rappa was already stomping around I figured having Shigaraki from our side would be a good advantage! Say, who's the kid? Looks like a doll! I WANNA PINCH HER CHEEKS!"

"He summoned me to clear out NPCs." Clone-Tomura dryly informed, matching the enthusiasm of his original counterpart. His hands hung next to his sides once more as he stared down at the sitting duo, his eyes shifting to the clear blood smears on the wall next to Deku. "Now, if you don't mind: care to explain or do I have to guess? I doubt my other self will be pleased."

Explaining what had transpired not once but twice to Tomura was not something Deku was looking forward to. Given it was merely a double that would disintegrate once enough damage was dealt, he'd be wasting his breath and was not inclined to explain. However as he opened his mouth another pair of footsteps echoed down the hall. These were precise and hard, their owner clearly on a mission while maintaining the persona of a powerful person. There was an urgency to the steps but not erratic, a certain deliberateness behind them.

Eri stiffened in Deku's arms, her hands scrunching his shirt as she balled them into fists. Her face buried against his chest and he barely heard her words as she quivered, "It's him."

Around the corner came Overhaul, looking none the worse for wear except for a glint in his eye, his clothing spotless. Behind him Kurono followed, appearing uninjured as well but given the capabilities of Overhaul's Quirk it was hard to know if he hadn't used it to restore his assistant to complete health at some point. At the sight of the trio and Eri the masked leader stopped, evaluating the scene while Kurono hovered at his elbow.

"Yo, Overhaul! We found Deku!" Twice rapidly pointed with questionable vigor before performing jazz hands. "All in one piece!"

"Overhaul-san." Deku acknowledged politely, hurrying to stand up as Eri clung to him, refusing to let go. He felt the Yazuka boss glaring at him with a calculating gaze, his cold eyes taking in Deku's tattered and bloodied yet whole state of being and how Eri was practically burying herself into his shirt as if it could hide her. The suspicion was clearly mounting for Deku's involvement in the whole ordeal as well as the probable revelation of Eri's Quirk. He couldn't deny the likelihood of Overhaul disassembling all of them, only to reassemble and thus revive those who were essential assets.

He steeled himself despite feeling Eri's heart pounding against his chest, his own heart rate rising as the situation increasingly looked like he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. If Nemoto was summoned and he asked what Deku's intentions were, he would be doomed as they had changed. Still Deku was well practiced enough to play it cool, slipping into his calm, collected persona. "Glad to see you're alright. It's been hell down here."

"Deku." Overhaul's voice was level, controlled to not betray his true feelings. His gaze flicked to Eri before shifting back to Deku with a pointed look, his tone containing a hint of indignation barely registrable, "What happened?" Kurono twitched slightly next to him, as if waiting an order to attack and extract Eri if she had indeed fallen into enemy hands.

"We were attacked. I lost my escort and ran into some shady characters trying to run off with Eri-chan. They didn't seem right, clearly not in your corner, so I got her away from them and have been trying to get back above ground since. Eri-chan is fine though, see? Just a bit scared. We were just taking a breather."

Silence hung in the air for a few moments while both sides seemed to be debating what should come next. Twice and Clone-Tomura were at a lost as to what had occurred, looking back and forth from Deku to Overhaul as the standoff seemed to mount. Finally the tension broke with a single word.

"Eri."

She flinched at her name, a command in Overhaul's tone; her hand twisted Deku's shirt further. A barely audible whimper escaped her as she refused to look at her so called caretaker. As she did so Deku felt his own heart and gut twisting, frustrated at the predicament they were in. Even if she could act as a hostage Overhaul surely would attack indiscriminately thanks to the wonders of his Quirk, not worrying about her immediate safety if he could simply overhaul her.

Trying to appease Overhaul with mere words meant nothing without actions of compliancy, even if Eri was refusing. Deku tried to think of a way to defuse the situation as Overhaul was certainly boiling underneath his collected exterior.

"That's enough, Eri. Stop being a bother to Deku. Some delinquents were trying to stir up trouble but we've got it under control." Overhaul extended a gloved hand toward her, demanding her obedience. "Don't be a bad girl and listen to adults like I've told you."

"It's okay Eri-chan, your dad is here." Deku gave her a faint pat on the back, trying to ease her off with feigned lack of sympathy as he spoke loudly enough for all to hear. His lighthearted tone made her looked up, confused as she was seemingly betrayed. "I promised I'd get you back safely, right? Here you go!"

He looked down at her bewildered expression, hoping somehow she would understand his intent. As she met his gaze he gave a slight nod and smile, relaxing his grip on her as he squatted back down to release her.

"I pinky promised, remember? I'm just pretending. Please be patient," he whispered into her ear as he lowered her to the ground, setting her down gently, "you're so brave, no matter what he says."

He pulled away, his expression slipping back to indifference before the others caught a glimpse. Eri slowly untangled her hands from his shirt as she gave the tiniest nod, turning to face Overhaul. Her eyes remained glued to the ground as she made her way over to the masked man, looking defeated. Deku was wracked with guilt as he was throwing her back into the lion's den, into the awaiting arms of a monster many could not fathom.

"Enjoy being the center of attention?" Overhaul was dispassionate as he looked down at Eri who stood before him, cowed. "Kurono."

The masked man instantly scooped Eri into his arms, holding her against his shoulder like a prized possession as he rested her in the crook of his arm. Overhaul kept his gaze locked on the League trio, not showing signs of removing his gloves but not backing down either.

"Deku…" Clone-Tomura began in a low tone, growing on edge as even he could smell the hostility. Twice scooted closer to Deku, edging away from Overhaul as he clearly did not want to be caught by the man's Quirk as he put the clone between them as a buffer.

"Have you identified the perpetrators?" Deku asked crisply, his own hands at his sides. "It seems like you had a few that had been infiltrating for some time while their comrades caused a distraction on the outside. I managed to detain a couple of them for you to interrogate."

"Did you now?" Overhaul's voice betrayed a hint of interest and he took a step forward, gesturing. "I guess I can always have Nemoto interrogate for the truth if this is some ploy of yours; those miscreants will spill their guts soon enough. Though I think you're smart enough to know better than to try something on my turf."

"Thank you." Deku held back on the sarcasm, his tone cool though Clone-Tomura was clearly growing more irritable thanks to his projected personality. "I do believe we have a common enemy. They're no friends of yours or the League's, they made that pretty clear. A third party trying to get between us."

"Is that so? Then am I right to assume you have an inkling as to who was behind this intrusion?"

Deku kept his gaze level with Overhaul though out of the corner of his eye he saw Eri turn toward him slightly, watching him with one eye as she was pressed against her caregiver. He pretended not to see, staring down the head of the Eight Precepts, not willing to betray his inner most thoughts through subtle body language that Overhaul might pick up on with his hawkish gaze.

Hold on, Eri. I might have found ground for Overhaul to let me get closer.

He gave a half shrug before his expression grew serious, his voice carrying bite, "Ever heard of the Phoenix Brigade? And what can you tell me about them?"

Overhaul's gaze hardened and his fists curled as he growled, "What?"

"The Phoenix Brigade! Why the hell is the Mafia invading our country?" Deku tossed up his hands for emphasis with Tomura's theatrics in mind, seeing Overhaul bristle further at the thought. He pressed on, cutting to the chase with practiced surgical precision that would surely make Sensei proud, "This is a declaration of war. Here they attack your base and try to take me out as well just for being part of the League. They were trying to turn us one each other before we had a chance to establish our alliance; one of them even confirmed it. Who's to say they're not going to try something with the League next? I need to speak with Shigaraki right away."

"I think it's time for that interrogation. Kurono," Overhaul announced and Kurono pulled the radio out of his pocket once more. "Get Nemoto down here, now. And have everyone round up any still kicking hooligans. I want them all interrogated and made an example. We'll show what happens when someone tries to muscle in on our turf. When they try to sully our mediations."

"Hell yeah! Turf wars!" Twice pumped his fists as he decided he was most likely no longer a candidate for disassembly. "Ultimate team up! Does this mean our foe is a big chicken!?"

"You're all coming with me." Overhaul instructed as Kurono called over the radio, his eyes glued on Deku. "You were here as my guest and got wrapped in my organization's problems. You have my apologies and my invitation to watch the interrogation. In the meantime, perhaps you could share what you learned."

"How generous." Clone-Tomura snarked, not buying the apparent olive branch being offered, looking as if he expected a snake wrapped around it.

"I think it's only appropriate we level with one another about the Brigade and combine our forces to stop them."

Deku flashed his most charismatic smile, red eyes glittering, "Overhaul-san, I couldn't agree more."

Maybe he was granted a second chance he didn't deserve, that he was pushing his special brand of luck, but he was going to make the most of it. He had a promise to keep.

He wouldn't fail this time.