Chapter 20: Unfinished Business
Deku stared at the cell wall like it were a work of art, his mind elsewhere as his one window was small with one-way mirror glass near the door. His accommodations were bare minimum, being allowed the pleasures of only select reading materials. Journals were out of the question despite his lack of misbehavior, minus the sassing, as writing utensils were forbidden; it was understandable given the pen was just a mighty as a sword once its pointed abilities were turned on people rather than paper.
When petitioning for an outlet to combat boredom, noting loudly it was basically solitary confinement for a minor facing unlawful detainment, he had assured them markers worked just as well, hardly lethal given their soft tips—unless they were afraid he was going to sniff them all to death. The staff did not find it humorous and request was denied; instead he was given a dictionary and an old copy of some political drama that was notorious online and amongst reading clubs for being redundant and convoluted.
Touché.
But what did one expect when it came to the toughest and most secretive prison in Japan? It wasn't named after the mythological place of Hell for nothing. They didn't pull punches for "formidable" minors though apparently it was still a grey area they were twiddling their thumbs over for official incarceration—his admittance and affiliation was enough to give him an instant invitation to the penitentiary.
Meanwhile Overhaul and others would think the League was throwing its weight around a week following the attack on the Yakuza's hideout—and they had paid for it with Deku's capture. It had been a grand display that distracted Pros while any other rival groups surely saw their capability from Noumu alone, what they were messing with. The Noumu's invasion had served numerous purposes even if the plan did vary—which was why he had multiple for maximum success.
He blinked, trying to skirt his thoughts around the darkness that threatened to swallow him up amidst the dangerous boredom despite mentally going through his years of Quirk analysis to keep preoccupied. His thoughts as his only company was proving a dangerous companion far worse than usual. An idle mind and still body further tempted going stir crazy, weakening the mental walls he fought to keep up. He dared not let his facade slip as he knew the camera in his cell was always watching.
It had been at least two weeks since the incident with Overhaul, a week since the Noumu's convergence in the city. Actually, a least a week longer if he thought about it. Was it already three weeks? Was it four?
With no concrete way to know exact time passage Deku mentally noted his number of meals and the time between. In addition Tsukauchi had come for further questioning three times so far, Deku being allowed out of his cell for limited periods so he could be interrogated under careful watch while secured even though he hadn't been combative following his fight against Kacchan. Only then did Deku get a better grasp of how long he'd been in Tartarus, bidding time for the sign he was waiting for no matter how long it took. He was after all a special case that surely would be turned loose eventually, though he had to beat them to the punch or miss out on this chance.
There was a faint buzz that he knew well and he tilted his head slightly to eye the camera pointed at him. A disembodied voice entered the room through the small speaker that a more spiteful resident might sabotage.
"Keep away from the door. No sudden movements. Remain on the opposite side of your room and await instruction."
They really were watching themselves, calling his confines a room and not what it truly was. A cell meant for dangerous criminals. A cell constantly monitored to ensure if he showed the slightest sign of Quirk usage he'd be gassed to sleep—which they had so kindly informed him upon his arrival.
Deku remained where he was, already far from the door. He turned his interest toward it and within a few seconds a panel on the door slid open.
"Put your hands out, palm up and wrists together. No Quirk." A stiff voice instructed from the outside, Deku unable to see the owner thanks to the one-way mirror. He slowly got up and complied, walking nonchalantly toward the door, knowing the drill.
"Heads up." He responded, a wry smile on his face as he inserted his forearms through the panel. On the other side of the door he waved them, splaying them in mock jazz hands before complying. Instantly cuffs were snapped on and he felt his Quirk crawl under his skin, quieted and unable to be unleashed.
"Step back." A second voice ordered, this one's tone guarded as well yet with a tinge of raw emotion. They both sounded unfamiliar, yet another set of new guards to help prevent them from becoming sympathetic in prolonged time they spent interacting with him. That or they just took turns attending to him.
He withdrew his hands and did as instructed, minding the door as it swung open into the hall. The two Tartarus guards regarded him, ready to use their Quirks to suppress him if necessary.
"Come out, slowly." The shorter of the two instructed, a man with hair cropped close to his head beneath his uniform issued cap. The larger was a strong looking woman, her long hair in a bun nestled under her cap professionally. Both stood taller than Deku by a few inches and regarded him with caution while he stepped forward.
"Another interrogation already so early in the morning? Or is it technically night? What's the special occasion?" He quipped, as he stepped behind the male guard to be escorted.
The guards were silent, probably ordered not to engage in small talk. However he noticed the tension rolling off their shoulders, some burden pressing on them. The air around the man seemed slightly electric, perhaps from his Quirk as Deku's hair stood up slightly. He had a hunch and his stomach clenched in anticipation, his skin crawling with a mix of excitement, guilt and dread.
He was lead through the halls, notability a different direction like the other times to keep up the unfamiliarity. He was wordlessly lead past a few cells that hid their occupants with a privacy screen though he could hear the enraged noises from within.
Deku tilted his head as he filtered through the sounds, letting them distract the growing anticipation he felt. "You know Stain? He's here somewhere, right? Met him once; that was enough for me. Heard he lost an arm in Hosu."
"Keep moving and be quiet. Save your talking for when it's needed."
He gave a shrug, offering a wryful smile to the back of the electric man. Soon they were at a familiar door that the leading guard opened and ushered Deku inside with the second guard close behind. In the room was a single chair that Deku beelined to and plopped down with a masked expression as the guards positioned themselves on either side of him a few paces back.
In front of him was darkened glass that lit up after a few seconds. Instantly he recognized the figure behind the safety glass and offered a smirk, "Morning, Detective. Or is it evening? It's been a while, what a week? Feels longer."
"Hello, Deku-kun." Tsukauchi replied, his voice ever calm and professional. He looked well dressed though even from a distance Deku recognized the look of someone pretending, especially with someone so sincere as the detective. Something was clearly pressing down on him, wearing him thin though he offered a polite smile, offset by tired eyes, "You seem to be doing well."
"You mean I haven't gone insane? I suppose. Soundproof walls help drown out the screams of other crazed inmates." Deku gave a shrug, not offering disclosure to the sleepless nights as nightmares haunted him, when barely suppressed sounds clawed his throat as he fought to suppress them though one or two had escaped in the beginnings of his guilt fueled episodes. The staff knew, surely the detective as well.
"I have a few questions." The detective redirected, looking solemn though his voice remained even. "Part of it has to do with one Trigger supplier, one I believe you alluded to in our first interview."
Back at the police station. In that small room where an unforgettable presence had sat across from him.
Deku brushed the memory away, quirking an eyebrow, "Oh, I'm an informant now? Wonder what that will do for my case. Brownie points?"
"As I said previously, your case is unique and we're trying to figure out how to best to resolve it. We can't simply let you go but keeping you here-"
"You get to ask me everything yet I don't even get one question." Deku interrupted, face neutral as his narrowed eyes bore into the detective. "I'm a minor and I willingly denied counsel; though I'm sure even if I hadn't my rights would be conveniently suspended. I'm practically in solitary confinement for my confessed involvement yet there's been no official edict. Funny given solitary was declared an inhumane form of torture a century ago."
He tilted his head, stomach tightening further though he gave a stink eye to toward the camera recording the scene. "Sensei was right in saying the system is broken. Wonder what he'd have to say about all this."
That got multiple people's attention, knowing just who Sensei was to Deku. The most dangerous resident of Tartarus who was on track to reach the record for longest resident as release was unfathomable.
Tsukauchi paused over his mic, muting it as a prison official said something to him. The detective gave a nod and turned his attention toward Deku once more, "Fair enough. What is it?"
"He's gone, isn't he?"
The question seemed like a slap to everyone's face. He audibly heard the guards behind him tense in the abrupt silence, electricity crackling faintly like static shock. Tsukauchi seemed to be composing himself as if all the wind had been knocked from his unusually barely raised sails.
He had his answer even without words.
Deku sucked in his breath as he held back a sigh, tension gathering in his shoulders. He sat back in his chair, looking nonchalantly at his interrogators despite the storm brewing in his mind, his emotions beginning to be swept up in it if he didn't stamp them down.
"I don't think I can help you, Detective. If you're speaking about Overhaul, I suspect he's already in custody. You probably just interrogated him even, here in Tartarus. Stroke his ambition and he'll talk enough for you to connect the dots. The man's driven by his cause and is completely unethical."
Tsukauchi's eyes flashed with surprise and he glanced down at something. He looked back up again, hand on the mic as he opened his mouth but Deku beat him to it, pulling his arms closer since he could not fold them.
"I'm done here."
Tsukauchi seemed ready to say more but another voice cut over his, broadcasting, "Take him back. Session is over."
Deku was on his feet instantly as his guards waited near the door, their own expressions hard-pressed. He glanced back toward the window as they escorted him, his voice calm and without snark, "Nice seeing you again, Detective. And… I'm sorry. You seemed close."
And with that he was out of the room, but not before he caught a mixed expression from the detective. Bile rose and burned in his throat and he breathed through his nose to avoid the urge to expel it, letting it settle back down. He had to keep it together just a bit longer, he was so close.
He let himself be led in silence for a few minutes, feeling the disgust and tension radiating full force from the guards. He watched the back of the man, eying his hands as static brushed against his skin. He couldn't go back to his cell, not now.
He had a plan, he had to stick with it. He just had to improvise.
Nausea crawled back up his throat and he clamped his mouth shut, feeling the urge growing. Deku inhaled as they rounded a corner and promptly opened his mouth, throat burning and sides clenching.
"Geez!" The female guard uttered as Deku stopped and vomited onto the floor.
He let out a cough and proceeded to vomit more, staggering slightly from the force. His eyes watered and his lungs burned but his mind was latched onto his plan, determined. He continued to retch, now having the attention of both his guards who seemed at a loss at the sudden attack.
"Take it easy! Inazuma! Call-"
He brought his hands up over his head and slammed the cuffs into the female guard's face, connecting with her nose as her strong hands grabbed onto his arms to support and restrain him. A startled cry escaped her as there was an audible crack and tears stung her eyes from the unexpected pain. Her grip lessened and Deku jumped away, coughing as spit dribbled down his chin.
"Hey!" The other guard shouted and leapt at him, hands raised and crackling with electricity. Deku ducked and pivoted, grabbing the front of the man's uniform and throwing him forward, using the guard's momentum against him.
The man crashed into his comrade who let out a louder cry as his hands touched her, the two crashing to the ground with a clear zap sound. Instantly he recoiled, pulling his back as the air was charged with electricity. The other guard lay on the ground, unconscious with a bloody nose.
"Electricity conducted through your fingertips?" Deku inquired as he stood away from the two, eying the astonished Inazuma, noting how the man had been careful about touching, letting his colleague take charge. He flashed a smile, ignoring the ache in his ribs and foul taste in his mouth. "What? Never seen someone puke before? Must not have kids, though you seem like a workaholic."
Inazuma grit his teeth and charged at Deku, throwing one hand forward, the other grabbing at the radio on his waist. "Prisoner 0813! Cease and desist!"
He let his opponent get close enough before ducking and sidestepping. Inazuma threw his other hand out as he attempted to pivot and grab Deku. Deku responded by throwing his hands up, slamming his cuffs against the splayed hand, a jolt surging through the cuffs and buzzing his arms slightly.
"You don't seem immune. You avoid contact with your own body as you walk. A taser Quirk that won't turn off?" He observed as he grabbed the man's wrist and promptly twisted it back at an unnatural angle. Inazuma grabbed at something on his waist, disregarding the radio and Deku leapt forward, elbowing him in the face.
The man let out an enraged yell, earning muffled hoots and roars from nearby cells. Electricity crackled in irritation and the other hand flew blindly in Deku's direction. Deku thrust Inazuma's hand forward, shoving it with all his might and proceeded to slap the man with his own hand.
Inazuma received the self high five to the face full force, jerking as his body surged from the current. He twitched before collapsing, looking dazed as his open eyes held a far away look to them, his brain seemingly short-circuited.
Deku wrinkled his nose as the man landed in one pool of vomit, "Gross. Sorry about that." He looked down at his wrists and tugged them apart, the cuffs seemingly fried. The restraints opened easily and fell to the floor with a clang, leaving him with the feeling of his Quirk buzzing freely through his veins once more.
"You guys really aren't prepared for Quirkless countermeasures. Try cuffing someone's hands behind their back. Or maybe you just underestimated a minor."
He spared a glance toward where he knew a camera was but the angle of it told him he was still safe. The other inmates were still making noise, calling to be let out and cursing at the guards. He glanced back over at the female guard, strode over and snatched her cap, tugging it over his unruly hair. Trying to get the uniform jacket off her large sprawled body was out of the question, he had no time to spare for a more thorough disguise.
"Only a few minutes until they realize what's up." He flexed his hands, letting his Quirk spread through out his body before channeling most of the energy to his legs. "Let's see, I'm cellblock 08, Sensei is probably in the deepest part; I've got to go further in."
Deku crouched slightly as he positioned himself, sliding his feet into position. His nerves buzzed and his legs itched from the sensation.
Just have to move fast enough for the cameras to barely catch me. Have to get the jump on any patrolling guards.
He sped forward, feet barely touching the ground as he touched it just enough to propel himself at maximum speed. Cells and halls were blurs as he blazed on, catching glimpses of the large numbers indicating the cellblock he was in. When he came to a door barring his path he pulled his arm back, channeling his Quirk as Dark Aura sprang forth.
Dark Air Cannon.
He threw his arm forward, unleashing the force at the door, the air pressure and Dark Aura wrapped in it like a whirlwind missile slamming into it with a lesser degree of a tornado. His shoulder ached as he channeled the energy, his bones groaning slightly. The door blew away and its remains crashed into the opposite wall.
Nearby a guard stood ridged, stunned as they clutched a meal platter for some inmate, in shock over their brush with death via being pancaked. Instantly Deku launched at them, taking advantage of the shellshocked state as the door had missed them by a foot. His knee slammed into their chest and he had them pinned to the wall, Dark Aura expelling around him as he willed it away from his arms.
"Where's All For One?" He demanded, glaring as he felt an adrenaline high, his endurance enhancer working effortlessly.
The guard looked as if he was staring face to face with some eldritch horror, shocked and winded. "P-Prisoner 0641?" He babbled, brain not caught up with his mouth, "L-level 9. S-59."
"Thank you." Deku flashed a smile, Dark Aura pulsing around him with excitement. He was on Level 7 for interrogation—Sensei was just two levels down, he could make it.
The guard tensed, scales breaking out over his skin from anxiety as he stared wide eyed, beginning to hyperventilate. "P-please don't kill me!"
Deku's skin prickled and he cocked his head, giving a smug smile despite the weight that settled in his stomach. "Well, since you asked nicely." He brought his hand up in a blur and cuffed the side of the guard's head, pulling back some of his strength. Instantly the guard slumped and Deku released the unconscious form, letting it slid to the ground.
He eyed the guard before bending over and checking the uniform pockets, finding what he was searching for: a card key. The other guards didn't have any as they seemed to rely on codes or automatic doors on the same level each time he had been escorted. He'd lucked out with his looting.
More subtle than blowing doors off their hinges.
Once tugging his stolen cap down more firmly he grabbed the guard and sat him in the corner, hiding him from immediate view—really who made blind corners in a maximum security prison? He then quickly moved to remove the jacket. He slipped it over his prison uniform and hastily fastened the first few buttons to keep it on as it was slightly bigger though tight in the arms. Then he stepped out, his upper half now sporting a full Tartarus guard look.
Better. Now just to keep moving. Who knew when the now three downed guards would be discovered.
Just like that one video game of Tomura's. Go fast but incognito.
He took off once more, card in hand and cells whizzing by as he sped through the nine hells of Tartarus. Soon he was on the next level, waving the card through scanners to open doors. He evaded other guards by some fortitude and quick reflexes, bouncing off walls and over turned heads. Soon he was at Level 9, various signage declaring it as well as listing various prohibited items and reiterating regulations.
He sucked in his breath, heart pounding from the workout and anticipation. This was it, he was so close.
He waved the card but the thick door didn't budge, the light still a solid red.
"Access denied." An annoying computerized voice announced. "Restricted authorization only."
It had probably pinged in their security system. Along with the door he had blown off.
Well, so much for subtle.
Deku took a few steps back and threw his left arm forward as energy coiled inside it. The Dark Air Cannon slammed into the reinforced door, making a dent while dark aura slashed it, taking chunks out as he focused on the intensity. When the door didn't budge he threw his other arm, gritting his teeth as he released his hold on Dark Aura and poured all the strength into his arm, his bones aching at the newest move.
Dark Air Cannon: Piercing Strike.
The air pressure slammed into the door like a tornado, Dark Aura spinning and gaining momentum as it made contact. The sound of crumpling and shredding metal was grating and the door barely hung on its hinges as it swung open.
It was like a vault door. It had to be the right sector. It had to be, it was only a matter of time before all hell broke loose.
Deku steeled himself as he went onwards, eyeing the numbers all while time ticked down in his head. Two minutes, tops. Then he saw it, sliding to a stop as his heart slammed into his chest.
S-59.
A chill ran up his spine as he stared at the number, catching his breath. He was close. Finally, after so long.
He drew a deep breath and grabbed at the door, pulling it open with ease as he channeled his enhanced strength, it strangely less reinforced than the sector's vault like door. It opened to another smaller room that was empty except for a chair and a huge viewing window.
An observation room?
Deku strode forward, on alert as he neared the window. His breath caught as he gazed in, seeing a sight he had been without for five years.
On the other side of the thick glass Sensei sat restrained in a straight jacket, hooked up to an oxygen machine and IV drip. Various machine guns were pointed at him, perhaps linked to motion detectors while cameras lined the wall inside, trained on the man the government feared most as the enigma All For One.
The scarred man smiled widely under his oxygen mask, seemingly proud as he shifted his head slightly. "It's good to see you again after how long. How long has it been? You've grown, your Quirk too I see. What a display you've been putting on. Best watch your wrist strain and elbows; have to know your weak spots or else they can be exploited."
"Sensei." Deku breathed, his voice level as he regarded the man who had changed his life, the voice filtering in from a small speaker. The man he had grown up without yet was under his shadow by his own volition. His mouth pressed into a firm line despite his thundering heart, his red eyes regarding his mentor with mixed emotions.
Of course the Emperor of Villains was monitoring his escapade in Tartarus. Who knew what Quirks he had obtained after Deku last saw him moments before the legendary fight with All Might in their safe house in Kamino.
"No time it seems for chitchat, so let's get down to business." Sensei's smile persisted despite his situation, seemingly deprived of company and ripe with nostalgia. He continued his eyeless stare, studying his protégé with Infrared Ray as he spoke through his proud grin, "You're here to fulfill your conditions after all."
Katsuki had been awake for some time before his phone buzzed in the ungodly hours of the morning—especially for a Saturday. The sporadic sleeping he had been enduring for nearly the past month was sending him into a state of exhaustion that was spiraling into nervous anticipation that resulted in a mix of irritation and listlessness in daily life. Most nights resulted in minimal sleep that felt like a mere blink that catapulted him into the next day.
Tonight had been equally generous in granting him waking hours despite him being a responsible person and going to bed at a sensible time despite it being the weekend.
Then again yesterday had to be one of the worst days in Katsuki's life, though those were adding up lately. Surely it was one of the darkest days in all of history.
The world was still reeling from the devastating loss that shook Japan to its core and caused an upset amongst the Heroes. A gaping hole was obvious in the ranks, the sudden absence of the one the public had known for most of not all their lives leaving a sense of emptiness. Even with the position immediately filled weeks ago by the next candidate following sudden retirement, it was hardly comforting as hope seemed greatly diminished in many hearts.
It was too many slaps to the face and punches to the gut in so short a time.
His mind was going a mile a minute, mulling over everything that had happened over the past few weeks, spiraling into a whirlwind of confusion, shock, frustration and shame. The burden he felt on his shoulders pressed down, the secret he had accidentally caught part of demanding silence and humbleness all while his past whispered to him, reminding him he wasn't worthy no matter how tough he acted or tried; was he even a Hero in his own story or was he delusional? What was it all for?
Katsuki's gut twisted and his eyes burned at the tears threatening to spill out in privacy, his brow bunched together as he grit his teeth and pushed the emotion away with a frustrated yet tired growl.
Damn insomnia.
He grabbed at his phone to check as there was nothing else to do as he was alone with his thoughts, cursing the mutated adrenaline state he was in nearly twenty-four seven as of late. As he scrubbed his burning eyes, knowing how Aizawa must feel from chronic dry eye, he froze as he read the alert.
Heart pounding in anticipation he sprang up from his bed and grabbed at the tv remote on top of his dresser. The screen in his room flickered on, piercing the dark with a flash of light that assaulted Katsuki's tired eyes, causing a stabbing pain but he ignore it as he stared.
BREAKING NEWS! DANGEROUS VILLAIN "DEKU" ESCAPES CUSTODY!
On the screen was a mugshot of his once childhood friend, shirt half gone and his face smudged with soot and blood like Katsuki has last seen him nearly a month ago. His expression was placid, hooded red eyes focused on the camera with intense boredom as if he were casually gazing into the viewer's soul.
A chill went up Katsuki's spin and his grip on the remote tightened, the sound of his heartbeat pounding in his ears drowning out the newscasters. Instinctively he muted the broadcast, not wanting to wake his parents nor listen to what the media assholes were saying as if they were a neutral party while being bias with what info they had.
Of course the news was going to use the most brutal photo they could find. Never mind one of him not battered from being a war zone—like an actual mugshot from his booking at whatever prison they threw him into.
His phone buzzed on his bed and he glanced at it, numb as he felt ice form in his usually blazing hot veins as another alert followed the previous villain bulletin.
ALERT: MANHUNT IN EFFECT. ADVISORY TO REMAIN IN DOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Katsuki looked back at the tv screen, staring at the mugshot that made him clench his teeth with frustration and shame. In the next moment realization slapped him as he was dunked in cold dread.
She would get the text alert too. Was she up right now watching the broadcast? There were nights she couldn't sleep and just channel surfed...
"Shit." He swore, thinking of Inko Midoriya who didn't need yet another bout of bad news in her life. He turned off the tv and tossed the remote into his bed with disgust. Should he check in with her just in case? What if the whole thing was made worse because he did?
His phone pinged once again and he almost ignored it, but curiosity and worry won as necessity fueled them. He snatched it up to clear his notifications and shoot a welfare check text when he froze. Katsuki stared at the newest message, sent from an unknown number. His breath caught as he saw the first word and instantly knew who it is was from. A voice he couldn't forget said it in his head as he read it again almost numbly.
Kacchan.
"Ahhh! You're back!" Toga nearly tackled Deku, wrapping her arms around his neck and hanging off of him in iconic needy fashion. "We missed you, Dekkun!
"Yo, he has returned! What are you wearing?" Twice waved before giving a scrutinizing look as he took in the guard jacket and hat. "Thought you'd be in pinstripes or orange… YOU LOOK GOOD!"
"Long time no see." Dabi greeted, a small smile forming as he regarded Deku who was barely avoiding being mobbed by Twice and Toga mere seconds after emerging from the Warp Gate. "Would have busted you out but Shigaraki said you had it covered. Almost called it BS except for what you'd told us, Little Boss."
"Shut up, I told you it was his plan. He said he'd be back and he is." Tomura snapped as he lingered nearby as he cast an apprehensive glance at his foster brother. "The squirt can handle himself."
"Thanks you guys. I had to blend in before busting out. Don't think they're appreciating the hole I made." Deku gave a lopsided smile though there was no delight behind it. "Thanks, Kurogiri, for keeping an eye on the place and having a Warp Gate ready. Running all the way back to a safe house wouldn't have been fun."
"I've been watching for a week out of precaution. I was certain once the info would be made known to you in some way you'd be back with us." Kurogiri gave a bow, a deep satisfaction settling within as his charge was safe once more where he could keep his eyes on him.
"Hey! Did you see Overhaul in there? You should have seen his face when the Heroes busted in!" Twice looked eagerly at Deku, "He thought everything was going his way, that the League was finished without you! But we showed him! We still had your plan even with you locked up!"
"Hehe, that was fun." Toga giggled, winding her arms around Deku's arm as she hugged it. She grinned at him, tapping his nose playfully, "The Heroes were so confused how you were running around when you were supposed to be in Tartarus! Thanks for the blood, Dekkun~ They chased me right to the Yakuza since Twice had that tracer on him so he was easy peasy to find!"
"Shigaraki did a number on him when we intercepted the police transport." Dabi smirked, cocking his head in the pale haired man's direction. "A whole speech too with 'Hands off what doesn't belong to you. And just so you remember-' before decaying both his hands and chopping them off. A real sadist."
"I said that was for his negligence that nearly got my right hand killed and the other was for trying to crush Sensei's legacy!" Tomura bristled, glaring at Dabi who shrugged unapologetically. "If Deku had died I would have killed him but I wanted him to witness us snatch everything he worked for away."
"Thanks...? Sorry I missed it, and no I didn't see him." Deku offered a weary smile, touched by his foster brother's odd sense of protectiveness and justice. Had Overhaul been killed he wouldn't lose sleep over it, not after what the twisted man had inflicted on Eri; the man deserved a living nightmare for using her as a lab rat—death would have been too swift a punishment.
He swallowed at the thought of Eri, his voice level, "What about the girl?"
"Heroes got her after a huge fight with Overhaul. It was a mess! So much blood and I didn't get any souvenirs!" Toga pouted as she hung on his arm, peering up at him, "You sure we don't need her?"
"Leave it, she's just a kid. Besides she cost that jerk majorly for trying to refine his research. Too much hassle. The final product is more ideal. Plus she's out of reach of other competition as Deku pointed out when setting the plan; we don't have the Heroes and whoever else breathing down our necks for her. Pay attention, Toga." Tomura waved his hand, earning a raspberry.
"I was talking to Dekkun! A girl can ask!"
"Oh yeah, definitely missed this." Dabi dryly commented with a bemused smirk as the two glared each other down, Deku caught in the middle like usual.
"Let's not lose our heads, we held it together while Deku was gone! YEAH, LET'S FIGHT!" Twice cut in, trying to ease the spat before fanning the flames.
"Y-you guys..." Deku tried and suddenly his eyes stung. Hastily he scrubbed his hand across them, pushing away the tears that threatened to spring forth.
"Dekkun?" Toga tilted her head in concern, smile gone. Tomura was quiet as well, ignoring Twice's chants while Dabi appeared withdrawn once more. Kurogiri was silent as the grave behind the bar, ever watchful.
"I'm okay... I should get changed." Deku nodded in reassurance and Toga reluctantly let go of his arm. "Won't be long." He headed to his room, turning away to hide his misty eyes as he felt pangs in his heart while his gut twisted, prompting him to bite his lip to keep it together.
He shut his door behind him, taking in the room he'd called his own ever since the raid years ago—it was the same as he'd left it albeit maybe a bit cleaner, if that were possible. On the bed a fresh shirt and pants lay with a pair of gloves on top with his cell phone he had left behind, new shoes sitting together with precision on the floor nearby. He chuckled, a tear escaping in the privacy of his room.
"Thanks, Kurogiri."
He reemerged some time later after a quick shower, ignoring the smell of the burning guard attire in the bathroom's trash can as well as the various notebooks he'd tossed in as well. His eyes showed no signs of puffiness though the pit in his stomach did not lessen. He wore his usual business attire though he forwent the gloves, leaving his hands bare. His hair was slicked back on one side once more—it was a bit longer after weeks in Tartarus—making his ear cuff visible as his signature look was nearly complete.
"Well..." He called attention to himself, at a loss for words despite knowing this day was coming. What he'd practiced in his head simply sank like a heavy weight, refusing to be recalled.
"So this is goodbye then, huh? You willingly went to prison for Sensei… how is he?" Tomura was pointedly looking away, his voice more lifeless than usual. "Did he give any instructions?"
"He… he's fine. No, he didn't. I think he's biding his time. I doubt I could have broken him out even if I tried." Deku struggled, caught off guard by Tomura's directness. His hands curled and uncurled as anxiety started to mount once more, "And… yeah… I guess it is. Conditions are conditions, but you knew from the start."
"Wait, what?" Twice gestured wildly, looking at the two, bewildered.
"We didn't know until after our fun at USJ." Toga sat curled up against the bar, knees drawn to her chest. Her iconic smile was gone and her usual flushed cheeks looked dimmer. "He just got back after so long and now he's leaving again. Permanently… it's not fair, no fun."
Dabi lingered nearby, silent with his gaze pinned to the floor. Kurogiri had paused his almost compulsive need to be doing something with his hands.
"Yeah, I did. I knew it was only a matter of time after everything went down. Got to figure out our next move if we're waiting on Sensei." Tomura shrugged, feigning indifference as he continued to be standoffish.
"We'll all miss you, Young Deku." Kurogiri cut in, slipping out from behind the bar to approach his youngest charge. He placed a hand on his shoulder, his deep voice softening slightly, "I managed things for your 'guests' in your stead per your prior request. Stay safe and take care."
"Thanks for everything, Kurogiri-san." Deku smiled with gratitude at his guardian, feeling emotions starting to bubble up once more at the reserved man's subtle physical display of affection. "I'll try."
"Dekkun!" Toga exclaimed, throwing herself between the two, wrapping her arms around him once more as she hung on him like a overly attached koala. "It'll be so boring without you! Don't go!"
"You still have Dabi to help you torment Tomura, and Twice is here." Deku returned the hug, giving her a reassuring pat as if she were the younger one, smiling at the expense of Tomura who snorted at the jab. "You guys don't really need me, my part is over. You've got each other."
"Going all sappy on us?" Dabi lifted his head as he teased, his arms folding across his chest.
"Like that's a secret." Deku shrugged, Toga reluctantly peeling herself off of him and fidgeting next to Kurogiri who procured a handkerchief from somewhere. He approached the scarred man, eyes softening as he lowered his voice, "You know, not everyone has a second chance to return home. At least let them know you're alive."
"Man, sharp as ever. Figured it all out have we?" Dabi chuckled with a smile and shook his head as he ran a hand through his dyed black hair. "Since when?"
"Long enough. I had my hunches, though there is a resemblance."
"You make it sound to easy, Little Boss. I'll give it some thought." Dabi raised his arm, presenting his forearm and Deku bumped his against it.
"Stay cool."
"Oh, so now you're pulling out the sadistic jokes."
"Keep an eye on them for me, Twice." Deku offered a smirk as he turned toward the masked man who was still trying to make sense of the situation. Twice flew to attention, offering a salute while his voice tinged with emotion.
"Aye, aye sir!"
"Hey." Deku approached Tomura who cocked his head in his direction, still distant. He offered his hand to the shaggy haired man who despite everything was the closest thing he had to a brother. "Thanks, and good luck. Senpai." A smile quirked his lips, chancing one last tease as he felt his eyes burning and itching once more.
Tomura regarded the extended hand for a few moments before reaching up and removing "Father" from his face, revealing downcast eyes and a solemn expression. Tentatively he reached out and grasped Deku's hand, keeping his pinkie extended with much care. The two shook lightly, an unspoken bond between them as brothers and partners. "Once a smart-ass, always a smart-ass. Can't fool me. Good riddance."
Deku smiled despite himself, feeling his eyes grow misty. As he began to relax his grip however Tomura pulled him forward, wrapping his other arm around Deku's shoulders and pulling him down slightly as he leaned into the shorter boy.
"Don't get yourself killed or I'm going to come and kill you myself. One close call was enough." Tomura murmured near his ear as he held Deku in a loose headlock, the threat without any malice though it carried the tone of a promise. The underlying fondness and worry was subtle but after years of cohabitation it was noticeable; Deku fought back a smile at the muddled form of affection.
"Fair enough." He replied lightly and after a moment the hold was released, Tomura stepping back. Deku inhaled, calming himself before looking around at the individuals who had become his family. The group that was as flawed and complex as he was; those who didn't judge him for what he had done. Even if they all had their shortcomings and less than healthy ways in contrast to an ideal family.
Dysfunctional was still a type of functional after all.
"Don't get into too much trouble." He cast one last gaze at his found family, taking in all their faults, imperfections and pure humanity—they were simply people with extraordinary abilities and hard knocks. Despite their dark dealings and escapades, he cared for them all and wished them the best if not a better life if fate were kind enough; after all, villains have feelings too. They're only human.
But they all had to live with their choices and the consequences of their actions. Even him.
He gave a nod to Kurogiri who opened a Warp Gate to where he had requested nearly a month ago, having provided the coordinates for the mist man.
"Hey." Tomura called and Deku paused before the Warp Gate, looking back. "Later, squirt."
There were no real goodbyes, just parting of ways.
"Later."
Deku emerged on the other side of the mist to a rush of fresh air that swept his hair back and invoked a sense of nostalgia. As the coolness of the portal eased from his skin in the brisk early morning air he took in a deep breath, swallowing back more tears, wiping a few that escaped away.
It was something he had to do. No more running, no more fantasies.
He dug into his pocket and pulled out his cellphone. He opened the contacts and selected one, holding the phone up to his ear as it rang. On the second ring it picked up and he felt his heart quicken as he summoned his relaxed and polite business persona.
"Giran-san? It's Deku. I was hoping you have that info I asked you for weeks ago... yeah I've been a bit busy." He listened to the man chuckle and confirm he had the goods given payment was upfront. "Thank you. If you could text it to me." He paused as Giran dropped a question laced with teasing curiosity before replying in a detached voice, "I have some unfinished business to attend to."
Katsuki hurriedly slid on a fresh shirt as his phone sat nearby. On the screen was the name "Red Idiot" as a concerned voice came over the speaker.
"Bakubro, I know you have history with this guy but this is dangerous!" Kirishima had called barely a minute before, having seen the alert along with the news, to check on his friend, "I'm not going to stop you but let me come-"
"No, idiot. I'm only telling you in case something happens." Katsuki cut him off, tugging his tank top over his head. "I'm not stupid."
"But-"
"No!" He growled with a firm tug, slipping the shirt down. "Uraraka and Todoroki got caught up in it already once, not you too. This is between him and me."
It was now or never.
The line was quiet for a few moments before there was a resigned, "Be careful."
"Huh? You worried cuz of the tests? I'll be back to hammer more into that rock hard skull of yours so you pass, idiot! I ain't gonna die!" Katsuki declared and hung up with a huff before more could be said. He stared at the phone, part of him touched by the concern though he didn't let it show as anticipation grew and he became agitated. With a tap he pulled up the message that had rattled him a mere few minutes ago, reading over it again.
[Kacchan, meet me at our "bridge." 6am]
It was 5:45.
Katsuki pocketed his phone and slipped out of his room. The house was quiet except for distinct snores he knew came from his mother though she denied it. He rushed down the stairs, careful to not squeak any boards and slipped outside, ignoring the crisp morning air as he didn't nab a jacket.
He broke out into a sprint down the street, jaw clenched as he headed off in the direction he was certain of. They were going to go back after all these years.
Back to their childhood self-made playground.
Katsuki could have made it in under ten minutes but using his Quirk would have drawn attention; no one liked explosions in the morning. Even with his provisional Hero License using his Quirk would be called into question and raise alarm, even if he was hurrying to catch up with a known villain.
How did things get this bad?
He raced into the wooded area that had been the claim of the neighborhood kids when he was younger. Their own personal natural playground that had been accidentally discovered and instantly made a secret amongst the kids. The river was still flowing nearby, unmarred by litter and the trees seemed smaller now that he was grown. He slid to a stop, panting as he took in the sight, adrenaline pumping and sweat coating his body from the brisk run.
Across the way stood a familiar green haired figure, dressed in near identical attire as when last seen. The figure was half turned away, seemingly taking in the nostalgic sight, unafraid of showing his back. It was not the form of someone from his childhood, of someone who he thought of nearly every day for the past seven years.
It was Deku of the League of Villains.
"You came." Deku tilted his head toward Katsuki, giving a faint smile as his hooded red eyes regarded the blond. "Honestly I wasn't sure if you would or if you'd notify the Heroes instead. Then again, you always did like taking charge, Kacchan."
"You…" Katsuki panted, taking in the sight; for someone having been locked up in whatever prison for nearly a month the other teen looked fine. He was pelted with a barrage of questions that had been burning inside for weeks but one slipped out in a lapse of disbelief, "How… how did you get out?"
"Why, suddenly interested in what I do? Oh… they really are trying to keep a lid on things about the League even though you were there. Wow." Deku shrugged, his posture relaxed as the two stood apart, "I have my ways. Seemed like the right time given All Might's dead."
It was like Katsuki has been sucker punched in the gut at those words. The apathetic look on the other teen's face made it sting even more, his tone as it if merely stating the weather rather than acknowledge the tragedy that befell all of Japan, if not the world.
The Symbol of Peace was gone.
"You..." Katsuki's mind raced through muddled memories, hands clenching and unclenching as he felt nausea and guilt. He grit his teeth as a surge of anger and confusion rushed through him, shouting, "Was this the plan all along!? You've been with the League this whole time! That means at USJ... you were part of that!?"
The fateful incident over a year ago that was a blatant attack on the school. The attack meant to crush All Might but had failed by some miracle as the Hero had arrived late. The attack that nearly killed their teacher...
"Yes." Deku's expression was unreadable as he continued to watch.
"You planned All Might's death, didn't you!?" Katsuki felt sick and torn, hands now clenched as he smothered explosions. Even with Deku in prison surely things had been put in order, ready to be enforced once the time was right whether or not Deku was present. "The League was behind it all! Even that Overhaul asshole!"
Deku's mouth quirked slightly, "At least it seems we agree on one thing. Didn't care for that creep." His smile fell as he looked serious, weighing his words before speaking, "USJ's attack was my strategy… For the most part I merely found and presented weak spots, that itself isn't a crime—it's a matter of what's done with that information such as exploiting it. As for Overhaul, it really was a matter of circumstances aligning."
True that while giving such information to the wrong people made him despicable it wasn't enough to cause a conviction without proof—though the government would do whatever. If Deku had actually made the plan that lead to All Might's demise… there was no saving him. He'd be found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, of even being an accessory.
Deku's eyes were empty as his voice came out low, as if reading Katsuki's mind, "I didn't involve myself with killing. I'm more behind the scenes."
"Damn it!" Katsuki stomped his foot, frustration building as he felt the distance between them grow. His voice started to pitch and ended in a frustrated growl, "That kid... when we found her she asked if you'd sent us! She called you Deku! Were we just your tools to extract her!?"
The same little girl he had run into over a year ago when out with Togata for his second internship as a first year. He'd barely fully registered what had happened when she ran into him. He'd snapped to watch out of reflex while Togata beamed at her and apologized on his behalf, asking if she was lost before she dashed back the way she came as an approaching overly calm voice called for her, chiding.
His fists tightened at the memory, frustrated and ashamed. He'd let her go back to the asshole who kept her prisoner, a guinea pig, and whose operation caused multiple Heroes to... He stopped at the thought, the small pops in his hands dying.
Yet another person he'd sent into the arms of a villain.
Deku's gaze shifted for a moment, his lax posture sagging slightly from some genuine emotion. He looked back at Katsuki with a slightly less hardened gaze, "I know what I did is wrong. I want to make things easier the best I can. I just have something to do first, then I'll turn myself in."
"What?" Katsuki was bewildered at the changed though disgust and despair still bubbled up in his chest, ready to explode. "Like hell, dammit! Why'd you call me out here!?"
"At least you're still straightforward; I admired that." Deku shifted his posture, tilting his head as he regarded the blond, "All I need to do now is fight you until I hear the words I want to hear. We get to continue our fight uninterrupted."
Words, what words? Katsuki's mind raced for possibilities, recalling his apology. Did he want another to know it was genuine and not out of pity or to save face? Why couldn't he spit it out instead of beating around the bush!?
What the hell is he planning!?
"Shall we?" Deku smirked, any hint of vulnerability gone and Katsuki responded with a frustrated "Tch!"
The two tensed as they locked gazes, ready for the other to make the first move. Katsuki brought up his hands and Deku shifted forward.
An explosion blasted smoke across the area, the sound punctuating the quiet atmosphere and startling various wildlife. After that it was a blur as the two teenagers brawled in the forest's clearing. Deku retreated out of the smoke with his arms crossed in a blocking position, an intense grin on his face as scorch marks and scrapes now marred his arms. Katsuki glared as he pulled his smoking left hand back, readying his right with a bigger blast before launching after his opponent with a leap.
With a swift swing of his right arm as he kept his left up to block he punched Deku, holding back another explosion as he closed the gap. The punch landed, connecting solidly with Deku's arms. The force sent his opponent falling backwards, landing him in the nearby river with a loud splash.
Deku sat with the water nearly up to his elbows in the shallows while Katsuki stood ashore, one fist still clenched while the other was curled to focus an explosion.
"Like old times?" Deku gave a chilling smirk as he ran the back of his hand across his mouth, wiping away some blood from the earlier blast. "You never got tired of knocking me down any way you could, even after smarting up about using your Quirk; treating me like crap, giving me that demeaning nickname. Well, I made it my own."
Katsuki tensed at the words, a chill going up his spine as the crackling and popping in his hand ceased. A pang of regret rippled through him and he set his jaw, brow pinching together as he looked at the one he had branded as Deku.
The monster he had helped create through his thoughtless and cruel behavior.
Deku's smirk grew into a wild grin and Katsuki felt the back of his neck tingle, senses perking up in alarm.
Something's not right.
As Katsuki opened his mouth, still on guard, Deku disappeared in a blur. He snapped his head around, trying to catch sight of his opponent as he pivoted. He barely had time to sense Deku behind him, stealing a glimpse of a shape in his peripheral vision.
He's fast!
The thought barely formed as he swung his hand to defend himself. Pain exploded across his back, the sensation familiar to when they had last fought. Purple-black aura swiped up his back, lightly shredding his shirt while abrasions stung. Katsuki let out a grunt of surprise, stumbling forward from the force and unexpected pain.
"Tell me, Kacchan, you sleeping easy?"
Deku reappeared a few inches away, his face intense with an expressionless look that screamed focus and underlying emotion. Katsuki's eyes widened as he sucked in a breath to bite back the stinging pain though it wasn't terrible; it'd felt more like a slap than a proper attempt to maim. Just enough to get the message across who had power and speed—something Katsuki felt a prickle of nostalgia at.
Too fast! Did he get faster!?
He threw a hand out and Deku, expecting another punch or explosion, brought up an arm to defend, bits of the dark aura weaving around. Katsuki instead slammed his knee into Deku's diaphragm, earning a startled look as Deku was momentarily winded. He grabbed at the black tie and yanked it towards himself, pulling Deku like a human yo-yo, "Listen you-"
Deku seemed to regain his breath easily, his expression hardening again. He grabbed Katsuki's wrist while his other arm teemed with the abrasive aura. With a pivot he ducked closer to Katsuki, his hair brushing his face, before tossing the blond overhead in a modified shoulder throw, wrestling the grip off his tie.
Katsuki released explosions from both hands as he flew, flipping in midair to face Deku, not letting his back be exposed. As his feet hit the ground and he glared at the steely teenager he paused with realization at where he had landed. Nearby was a familiar fallen tree he had barely registered upon arrival, merely remembering the place instinctively. It seemed so much smaller now though it still was a sizable trunk, but in the eyes of a preschooler it was a dragon to be tamed.
The tree bridge.
"Remember? It's our ground zero. Fitting, right?" Katsuki's gaze snapped to Deku who was watching him with a placid expression that twisted slightly, "I can't believe back then I thought we could be friends despite everything—the ignorance of a child. But you couldn't stand a helping hand, especially from some weak Quirkless kid, huh? Not lone wolf Kacchan."
He faintly remembered falling, the splash into the river, being soaked and brushing it off as it was nothing. How the other boy had come over, becoming soaked himself, sporting a worried expression as he reached out. The stab of anger and irritation he had felt as he was looked down on—useless Izuku approaching him while their friends hung back. How humiliated he'd been at that offered hand, that concerned look as if he needed help, let alone from someone lacking power. After that Deku become a source of irritation, his mere presence an invitation for a put down so Katsuki could assert himself over him; to squash the threat to his pride and knock the notion Deku could ever be of help out of his head.
His gut twisted and his mouth felt dry, his heart quickening, "I-"
"Then again you wouldn't want anyone to know you have clammy hands thanks to your Quirk—how 'unheroic'." Deku cut him off with a mocking tone, waving his hand. "I'll never forget the look you gave me, what you said, and how from that day forth you made my life a living hell."
Katsuki wanted him to shut up, to just fight like he'd said, but stood frozen as each word hit him like a sucker punch. His silence prompted Deku to continue as he regarded the silent blond.
"You started it all, you know? The whole 'Deku' thing, the bullying. Your 'friends' would torment me when you weren't around too. They didn't need a ringleader all the time—not once you declared open season on me."
"What?" Katsuki wanted to deny it all and proclaim them lies but the feeling in his stomach grew worse and more memories came to the surface—older ones that where smothered by the more recent ones he was plagued with.
Memories of how some days Deku would appear at the park or school with more bruises and scrapes than Katsuki remembered putting there. How he would be sporting various bandages and how he grew more nervous though still dared to be within proximity of Katsuki, to be acknowledged…
"Oi! Deku! What happened to your face?" Katsuki demanded as six year old Deku entered his sights. The blond gave a sneer in his direction, curiosity far outweighing concern as he eyed the scrape like bruise near the bandage on the other boy's cheek.
"I-I tripped...," Deku stuttered, grasping at the front of his shirt as his gaze went to the ground while he stood some distance away. He'd started that irritating habit of stuttering when a question was directed at him, especially if it was Katsuki. "O-on the way here..."
"Huh?" Katsuki exclaimed, drawing out the word in a scoff. "Again? Man, you're really clumsy and stupid! A total Deku!" Behind him his friends, his cronies, laughed as Deku was silent as he stood alone from the rest of them, forced on the outskirts.
The only one who didn't know the truth on the playground that day was Katsuki.
And he didn't care.
"I didn't know..." Katsuki deflated, eyes on the ground. The disgust and guilt he felt smothered the part of him that itched for a fight, for a physical resolve as their rematch apparently was on hold. His hands hung by his sides, explosions the farthest thing from his mind.
"Isn't that always the excuse? But for them it was just sport, they didn't hate me like you." Deku's tone was level, any emotion gone. "You said you were sorry but they're just empty words without action. You're still stuck in the past but you haven't learned from it."
Katsuki's head whipped up, an argument on his tongue when something smashed into his jaw and his head snapped to the side. His jaw stung with pain as he saw stars, staggering.
Deku had a dark expression as he pulled back his fist, easily closing the gap between them before Katsuki sensed him. "I hope your pride was worth it."
Deku's cold eyes sent fresh chills down the blond's spine as he regained his footing. However he made no other move to hit Katsuki again despite the close proximity.
What the hell is he up to?
Deku let out a huff at Katsuki's apparent confusion, a smug smile forming before morphing into a scowl. "Who am I kidding? As if you'd care, that you'd change. It's always been about you."
"Are we going to talk or fight!?" Katsuki demanded, frustrated as the duel seemed more like a beatdown and lecture, a twisted vent fest. Had the other teenager cracked from years among those villains or was everything simply mounting at once? "You're the one who keeps changing things up! If you don't like what I have to say then let's get on with this!"
"Fair enough, though I already told you what I'm here for." Deku shrugged before launching himself at Katsuki. He grabbed at him, latching into the blond's tank top's strap. His free hand was pulled back, the dark aura pulsing around it before disappearing after a few moments.
Katsuki was ready this time, throwing his hand up into Deku's face. He caught glimpse of widening red eyes before he released an explosion, jerking his arm back while he felt the grip on him loosen as smoke enveloped Deku. He pulled back, uncertain of his opponent's position, rubbing at his neck as some of the aura had gotten him before Deku let go, apparently channeling to the opposite hand. A light abrasion marred his neck, earning mild tenderness though it could have been worse.
Deku was still toying with him; he wasn't fully unleashing his powers like the day the Noumu attacked in mass. He was holding back randomly though he seemed keen on a resolution, for Katsuki to say whatever he was waiting for.
The smoke dissipated as Deku waved his hand, a different smile on his scorched face. His hair was a mess, one side no longer slicked back and it fell naturally, like Katsuki remembered it from their childhood. His ears had to be ringing from such a close ranged blast, which seemed confirmed as he shouted, "There's the real Kacchan!"
"You don't know me!"
"Neither do you!"
The two clashed, locking hands as each tried to throw the other off balance. Katsuki grit his teeth, head-butting Deku with an audible smack that made his skull throb. Deku flinched, wincing slightly and Katsuki pulled one hand free to set off an explosion that sprayed water all over them. He then used the cover to hit Deku in the chest to stun him.
Deku retaliated with another punch to the jaw, connecting with the opposite side. Katsuki felt his teeth smash together, maybe a few chipped but miraculously not knocked out, and he threw a left hook that caught Deku in the jaw.
"You proud of yourself?" Katsuki shouted despite his own aching jaw. "Leaving your mom, making her think you're dead for all these years all so you could play villain? To live out some twisted fantasy? You might think I'm an asshole, and I am, but even I can see how much your mom loves you! I doubt mine would go to pieces over me like yours did! She blames herself!"
Deku unleashed a roundhouse kick, aiming for Katsuki's head only for it to be blocked. He pivoted, slamming his other leg against Katsuki's side with a precise round kick.
Katsuki felt his knees weaken as his body reverberated from the blow, snatching at the leg in hope to grab it and pull Deku off balance.
The other teenager was ready, pulling his leg back as he wiped his mouth, his gaze unrelenting. "So, from one asshole to another then? I didn't think you could care."
Katsuki sent up a fresh tidal wave as he concentrated a blast straight at the water. Deku drew his battered arms up to shield his face before launching forward, swinging at Katsuki once more, "I had my reasons. Not that I have to explain anything to you, not that I could if I wanted to."
Those particular words stuck out to Katsuki though he had no time to mull it over. He grasped Deku's incoming fist, halting the advance before slamming his knee into Deku's stomach.
Deku doubled over but swung his free hand at Katsuki's face, aura teeming from it once more. Katsuki pivoted and threw Deku face first into the water, panting as fatigued and adrenaline battled each other in his body. Deku coughed as he swallowed some of the water, bracing himself with his hands as he kneeled, his back exposed.
"Now—" Katsuki was cut off as his leg went out from under him, Deku performing an unexpected leg sweep as he twisted around in a blur.
"Damn it!" He swore as he crashed into the water, completely drenched. He should have been directing the fight away from the water—his only other natural foe besides cold weather. He let himself get cornered.
"Really, a Hero In-Training not making sure someone is down for the count or not? Having the high ground doesn't guarantee a win." Deku chided, standing tall and just out of reach, no hint of fatigue showing.
Katsuki threw his hand out, focusing a blast in a last ditch effort to catch Deku by surprise. If he could pin him it'd be over. No more games and Deku would spit it out, whatever it was. His hand let out faint crackles that sputtered to nothing, leaving him with dripping hands and no explosion.
"Water and nitroglycerin don't mix. But given your Quirk, you knew that. That's why you never used your Quirk during swimming or showed off after falling that day. You couldn't."
It hadn't been just a trip down memory lane.
It had been an obvious trap Katsuki let his emotions blind him to.
Heroes can't be one trick ponies.
Aizawa had hammered that into his class's kulls in their first year during the attack on USJ. Even without his Quirk Katsuki could fight, though at a disadvantage with the lack of firepower or equipment. He was basically powerless, though he still had his fight training—explosions simply gave an edge to his melee moves.
Katsuki splashed water once more to create a smokescreen, scrambling to his feet. He needed distance, close range was suicidal when his opponent was armed with both long and close ranged attacks.
Deku appeared behind him in a blur and grabbed his arm, twisting it behind his back as his other hand grasped the back of Katsuki's neck, his grip like a vice as he forced the blond to bend over. Katsuki sucked in a breath as his shoulder pulled backwards, twinging. He fell to his knees as Deku twisted his arm, pointing his wrist at a strained angle that earned jolts of pain in warning.
If I move he'll break my arm.
Katsuki had no doubt of that fact as he caught the emotionless expression from Deku as he fought to turn his head and look. The restraining hold was one he was familiar with, having done it on a few combative villains while interning—a hold that would prove painful if resistance continued.
Heroes never gave up. They couldn't, not with people depending on them to save the day and lend aid in areas they were helpless.
But a Hero knew when they were beat, when further fighting would only cause more damage. A Hero had to be smart.
A Hero had to acknowledge their faults.
"I-I give up." Katsuki admitted, his body going slack as he remembered the day of the raid on the Yakuza, of All Might who was the greatest Hero—the man who had been so vulnerable and broken. His voice was raw, exhausted as he knew he had been bested and was at the mercy of someone he had wronged repeatedly. "Do what-"
He did not expect to go face first into the water, Deku's grip suddenly gone. He popped up a second later, soaked once more and sputtering. "What the hell-!?" He demanded, unable to help himself despite his earlier resignation. His furious gaze froze as he looked up at Deku who stood back, hands loose by his sides as he had let Katsuki simply fall.
"That's all I needed to hear." The calm, tired expression and tone threw Katsuki even more as he stared.
Deku gave a tired smile, any malice in his mannerisms and face gone as if it had never existed—had it all been an act or merely an amplified part of the truth?
"I almost didn't think you were capable of admitting being beat, though I guess you have changed a bit." He offered a hand, his red eyes not narrowed in hatred or filled apathy but gentle if not tired, "We both have."
Katsuki was hit with a wave of nostalgia, the situation all too familiar as he sat in the river. He swallowed the lump in his throat and reached out a shaky hand, part of him wondering if it was yet another trap.
Deku clasped his hand, no aura blooming forth nor fighting spirit emanating from him as he locked eyes, "Before I turn myself in I have one more thing to do. I won't run away."
Katsuki could only nod as he let himself be helped up, a serene silence over the area as if the brawl had never taken place. After a moment he found his voice, "I… There's no excuse—I was a shitty kid, a real jackass. I know it isn't enough but I'm sorry for putting you through hell."
Deku took a deep breath before offering a small smile that sparked a faint light in his eyes, "Thank you. And yeah, you were—maybe a bit still."
Katsuki smiled in spite of himself and the awkward situation, of the guilt and self disgust still nestled in his chest, "I'm a work in progress."
A knock cut through the quiet sounds of the morning, out of place given the early hour.
"H-hold on, just a minute!" A flustered voice called from inside, clearly disrupted from the middle of the usual routine. "Who could it be at this time…?" The door swung open as footsteps neared and stopped, "Hello? May I-"
Inko Midoriya froze, her green eyes wide and tears formed instantly. A hand flew to her mouth as the torrent of tears began to well up as a sob burst forth. Part of her wondered if she was still asleep and this was yet another delirious dream of the reality she craved so much, the hope she held onto for all these years. The fantasies she had every time she heard a knock, the phone rang or the doorbell sounded until recently when her hope seemed nearly exhausted. But then her dream spoke, in a voice that was familiar but different.
"I-I'm home."
"Izuku!" Inko barley got out, throwing her arms around her son who was no longer a little boy like she had last seen him—the TV didn't count, not when she couldn't see or touch him for herself. He looked battered, less so than that horrid mugshot the news had shown, and she worried about the cause but her heart was so relieved to see him safe that questions escaped her. Through the tears she uttered, "My baby!"
"M-Mom." Her son struggled, tears streaming down his face as he collapsed with Inko, the two of them sitting in a heap in the doorway as they embraced. Both trembled as emotions spiked, neither wanting to let go nor breathe to chance the moment slipping away.
"This… this is real, isn't it?" Inko sobbed, pulling back after a minute and touching his face gently. She took in the freckles, wild untamable curly hair, the soft tone—despite the unfamiliar red eyes, which were tender, and the numerous scars on his arms, he was Izuku.
He was still her little boy, no matter what had happened, whatever he had been through. And for now that didn't matter to her so as long as she could look him in the eye and hold him one more time. Everything else would come after.
"Y-yeah, Mom." He managed with a weak smile, tears falling, placing a hand over hers as she rested it against his cheek. "It's me."
"Izuku!" She threw her arms around him once more, hugging his neck with no signs of letting go. "Oh, Izuku! I'm so sorry! Izuku!"
He relaxed into the hold, guilt hammering as he felt a mix of happiness and sadness. He released his Quirk, the red slipping away from his eyes and reverting to green, sealing it away behind the mental lock he had spent years perfecting. With trembling hands he hugged her tighter, taking in her warmth and smell he recalled in his dreams.
Izuku closed his eyes, pressing into his mother as his heart twisted, "I missed you. I'm sorry, Mom."
Deku's role was over.
However Izuku Midoriya still had a lot to answer for.