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Sitting low over the frozen ocean, a dense fog of dark magic and steam cast two figures clashing on the ice in darkness.

A drop of perspiration ran down Shouto's neck. The air was heavy from the constant heating and cooling of the atmosphere, and a thin sheen of sweat coated his body. He tightened his hold on Endeavor and charged forward.

"Release Yaoyorozu and call back the stymphalian, and I may be merciful," Shouto snarled.

His cold heterochromia eyes flashed. His sword darted up towards Overhaul's throat. But the god was prepared. His black blade clashed against Endeavor with a shrill shriek.

"Now, where would the fun in that be, son of Ares?" the god asked. His soft, nasally voice, slightly muffled by the black beaked mask, taunted Shouto. Above the mask, Overhaul's golden eyes gleamed with a faint hint of mirth. Then the god's expression grew hard. "Alas, you are not my main objective — just a pest that needs to be exterminated along with the rest."

"What do you mean?" Shouto gritted his teeth and twisted.

Endeavor shrieked as it slid over Overhaul's blade, deflecting the xiphos. The swords broke apart with a loud clang, forcing Overhaul back. Shouto didn't pause. He pivoted, calling on his magic.

Ice erupted like torrents towards the god of nightmares. Overhaul twisted, vaulted into the air, and landed out of reach.

"Of course, the half-human half-monster beasts you've been so diligently protecting," the god sneered as he slid back on the ice.

Shouto's eyes narrowed. His blood sizzled. Bright red flames erupted down his left arm.

"They're only children. What could they have possibly done to you?" Shouto snapped, releasing a torrent of fire towards Overhaul.

There was a harsh whistling sound. Black magic shot out of the ice, wrapping around the god, shielding him as flames cut across the ice.

Hot steam mushroomed off of the frozen sea, hissing as the water evaporated from the force of the blast. In the middle of the frozen ocean, a black orb stood unscathed.

Shouto tsked as he watched the magic expand and pop with a soundless explosion, leaving Overhaul standing unharmed. Long-range attacks weren't effective against the god. He was too fast. The only way to win was to bring the battle into close combat.

Shouto adjusted his stance. His breath was growing ragged, and there was a sharp pain in his shoulder from the knife wound he sustained earlier. But he pushed the pain to the back of his mind. He couldn't give up.

Yaoyorozu needed him.

The bottom of Shouto's chest seemed to twist and crack. Still, his heart shook with the fact. No matter the cost, Shouto was going to save her and defeat Overhaul.

He swore it.

Ice erupted under his feet. Shouto raised his head and charged forward. His sword flicked up towards Overhaul's throat, fire danced along the blade. But the god was quick. A blur of onyx flashed to his right, and Shouto turned just in time to parry Overhaul's black xiphos.

Their swords connected with a ringing clash; fire and darkness erupted from the steel. The frozen ocean trembled under the impact.

"Why are you so intent on protecting them? Can't you see?" The god hissed, eyes flashing. "Half breeds are a disease. An abomination upon this world. Neither mortal, nor beast. They are grotesque mistakes that need to be wiped out."

The pressure against Endeavor increased. Shouto's arms shook, and the wound in his shoulder flared in agony. Shouto bit back a hiss of pain. The tendons in his neck strained as the god bore down on him.

"I appealed to the almighty Zeus, but my pleas were ignored. The only one who understood — who was willing to help — was your elder brother. But then you left Troy earlier than anticipated, and dear Ares called on Dabi to watch over your journey, delaying our plans. If not for you, Shouto Todoroki, this operation would have already concluded. This is all your fault!"

"Bastard! You're insane," Shouto snapped. He tried to push the god away, but the weight boring down on him was too strong. He glared. "The children didn't decide who their parents would be. They didn't choose to be born as half monsters. They've done nothing wrong!"

Overhaul's golden eyes glowed with conviction as he met Shouto's gaze. "Their existence is a sin!" Overhaul hissed. "Monsters are disgusting, but there is purpose in their existence. They check the balance between humans and do the bidding of the gods. But these half breeds have no place in this world. They are mistakes of creation brought about by obscenity. If not for the rule that gods can not directly interfere in the lives of mortals, I would have wiped them out myself instead of using those stupid stymphalian."

The god's rage rolled off of him in waves. He leaned forward. His black bird beak, inching closer to Shouto's face. Shouto could smell the dark, decaying scent of Overhaul's magic growing stronger.

"The only condolence is that demi-gods are exempt. So, I'm going to make you suffer, Shouto Todoroki. You'll watch your woman drown in her fears, and then I'll destroy you, son of Ares. Tear you limb from limb until there is nothing left of you but scraps of blood and flesh."

Pain throbbed in Shouto's shoulder. And he was losing strength to hold the god back. He needed to get away.

He couldn't lose now.

Shouto needed to save Yaoyorozu.

His fists tightened on Endeavor until his knuckles turned white. Shouto twisted, trying to divert Overhaul's blade. But the god stepped forward, blocking Shouto from escaping.

Overhaul's calculating eyes flickered. They shone like golden beacons in the dense fog. "I think it's about time we drew this to a close."

Inky darkness rose off of the god's back. The dark magic twisted then struck out like a viper towards Shouto.

Shouto's stomach dropped. Endeavor was still locked with Overhaul's xiphos. He wouldn't be able to dodge.

He braced himself for the searing pain, but it didn't come. Shouto jerked his head up, and his breath caught in his throat.

The dark magic, stretching out towards him disintegrated into pieces of black ash. As if it were made of brittle dust, the pieces of magic floated up into the sky and disappeared into the fog.

Shouto's heart pounded; he stared stunned. He didn't understand what had happened.

Across from him, Overhaul coughed. There was a soft pattering noise like raindrops hitting the frozen ocean, and Shouto's attention darted down. His eyes widened at the silver liquid splattered across the ice.

Ichor — God's blood.

Something moved behind the god, and Shouto's gaze snapped up. His throat tightened; it felt as though a weight had been placed in the middle of his chest, pressing down on his lungs until he could barely breathe.

Behind the god, Yaoyorozu stood, panting hard. Her hands were covered in a mixture of silver and red blood as she pushed a dagger deeper into the god's back.

"Wha- How?" Overhaul's golden pupils shook in disbelief as he turned his head. There was a soft pattering as more droplets of ichor hit the ice.

"You should be dead. You shouldn't have been able to break my spell…" Overhaul rasped. The whites of his eyes were visible.

Yaoyorozu looked up. Her expression was twisted in a mixture of fear and anguish. Tears ran down her face. Then her expression hardened, and she gritted her teeth. Her obsidian eyes flashed in determination. "I won't let you decide my fate."

Then she twisted the knife in the god's back.

Overhaul screamed. His body glowed like a black beacon and began crumbling in cold black ash.

"I won't forget this, mortal!" His voice hissed.

Then he was gone.

The knife fell onto the ice with a sharp clatter. Yaoyorozu stumbled backwards, collapsing onto the ice.

"Yaoyorozu!"

Shouto rushed to her side, dropping onto his knees in front of her. "Yaoyorozu, are you alright?"

She didn't respond. Her hands trembled as she held them up in front of her and stared down at her palms covered in silver and red blood.

Shouto's heart was beating rapidly in his chest. He reached out with his free hand and touched her wrist. Yaoyorozu flinched at the contact and jerked her head up. The pupils of her dark onyx eyes shook as they met his gaze.

"To-Todoroki?" Her voice broke. Her eyes were glassy as she stared at him as if she was just now seeing him. "You're here?"

Shouto swallowed. His mouth was dry. "Of course, I'm here," he said firmly.

He reached up, hesitated for a moment, and when Yaoyorozu didn't pull away, he softly touched her cheek, caressing her tear-stained skin with the back of his hand. Yaoyorozu's skin was cold.

"I told you I would come for you. Did you think I wouldn't?"

Her breathing was ragged and uneven. Yaoyorozu's eyes searched his face. "I didn't- I wasn't sure. But the stymphalian and the noseless man…" She gasped and closed her eyes as more tears leaked down her face.

Shouto's jaw twitched. "It's fine. Everything is taken care of," he said, carefully pushing a strand of hair behind Yaoyorozu's ear. "You did well."

Yaoyorozu drew in a shaky breath. She slowly opened her eyes again and stared at him. Then abruptly, she reached out. Her fingers caught the front of his chiton and wrapped into the fabric tightly as if confirming he was real.

Shouto's chest felt like it was hollowing as he watched her. Yaoyorozu's lips quivered. She looked so lost and alone; all Shouto wanted was to bury her within himself and never let her go.

He released Endeavor. There was a soft clang as the sword hit the ice. Slowly, to give her enough time to pull away, Shouto wrapped both of his arms around her shoulders, drawing Yaoyorozu closer and holding her to him. She stiffened at the contact, then her body relaxed, and she pressed her face into his chest as her body trembled.

Her body was so cold. Shouto wasn't sure if her shaking was due to her tears or the temperature. He closed his eyes and imagined a temperate evening sun. Magic flowed through him, and his hands warmed.

Yaoyorozu gave a muffled sob into his chest. Her fingers tightened as if hanging onto him.

"It's fine. Everything's handled. You did well," he whispered, pressing his nose into her hair as he ran his hand in light circles along her back.

It was inappropriate, but Shouto felt a sense of elation rise in his heart as he held Yaoyorozu close. Her fingers gripping onto him like she wanted him. Like she was his. His heart pounded faster.

Shouto frowned into her hair. He had to stop these feelings. They weren't real.

And, even if Shouto did have a tiny attraction to Yaoyorozu, there was no way Yaoyorozu would ever really have any feelings for him. She was only looking for comfort, and he happened to be the only one here.

He swallowed forcibly and had to stop himself from tightening his hold on Yaoyorozu. It was Kaminari's arrow making him feel like his heart was twisting in his chest; that was making it hard to breathe, and that was making him feel like he didn't want to let her go. He didn't want to ever let her go again, but her place wasn't with him.

Shouto knew that. Overhaul may not have directly targeted him, but the life Shouto lived, there would always be a chance that another god would try to harm her. She would forever be in danger if she went with him. And more than that, Shouto wanted her to be happy. Yaoyorozu had suffered enough.

She deserved to be free.

Movement in his arms pulled Shouto from his darkening thoughts. Yaoyorozu drew back slightly to look up at him.

"I'm okay. Thank you," she whispered, her voice raw.

Shouto swallowed stiffly and gave her a short nod.

The corner of Yaoyorozu's lips moved up a bit, forming a smile. But her eyes were empty. With one hand, Yaoyorozu reached up and whipped her face with the back of her wrist. Then she turned her head to survey the ice stretching out over the ocean. "Your powers have returned?"

Shouto's hands twitched. "How long did you know?"

Yaoyorozu chuckled dryly without looking at him. "It was fairly obvious. You haven't been using your powers for the last month even when the stym -," Yaoyorozu broke off, pulling out of his arms quickly. Her eyes grew wide. "Oh gosh, the orphanage! We have to get back!"

Shouto grabbed her shoulders gently. Her gaze darted back to meet his eyes.

"It's fine. Everything is handled. Nejire returned with powerful reinforcements."

Yaoyorozu studied him, then her body seemed to collapse in relief. She let out a big breath and hunched over. "Thank the gods," she said softly, pressing her left hand against her chest.

Shouto frowned at the blood leaking over her fingers. "Let me see your hand."

Yaoyorozu raised her head to meet his eyes and gave him a thin smile. "I'm okay -"

"No, you aren't," Shouto said. He held out his hand expectantly. "Let me see."

Yaoyorozu pursed her lips. Shouto sat with his hand extended until she eventually sighed and slid her hand into his. Shouto drew her palm closer and inspected the cut.

A large gash cut across her palm. Blood trickled down her wrist. Shouto hissed between his teeth and let her go to sit back and tear a piece of clean fabric from his chiton. His clothes weren't the best to wrap a wound with, but it would be better than nothing.

He scooted closer and took her hand, wrapping it gently.

"I should be the one treating you," Yaoyorozu said absently, after a moment of watching him.

Shouto blinked and looked up. Yaoyorozu was staring at his injured shoulder. Her eyebrows knit together as she regarded the knife wound in his shoulder. He shrugged. "It's fine. There isn't much we can do about this."

"Still…"

"If you aren't satisfied, then think of this as payback for all the times that you didn't listen when I told you to get your wounds checked out," Shouto said, a small smirk pulling at his lips.

Yaoyorozu's face abruptly turned red, and she looked away.

A feeling of satisfaction filled him at Yaoyorozu's abashed expression. Something within him, something Shouto hadn't known existed, wanted to tease her more. He opened his mouth to poke fun at Yaoyorozu, but then another voice rang over the ice that had both of them looking up.

"Yaoyorozu!"

Yaoyorozu's head jerked up, and her eyes widened as she gazed across the ice at the figure approaching slowly. "Tokoyami?!"

Yaoyorozu's breath caught and she pushed herself up. She skidded towards Tokoyami as he limped closer and caught the demi-human as he stumbled on the frozen ocean. They collapsed back on the ice, hugging.

Shouto had to swallow back a sour taste in his mouth as he watched Yaoyorozu and Tokoyami. Slowly, he stood up and approached them.

Tokoyami pulled out of Yaoyorozu's arms slowly and bowed. "You have my humble gratitude for fulfilling my wish," he said, prostrating himself before Shouto.

Shouto looked away; his ears felt warm. "You didn't have to ask. I would have done it anyway. Besides, you were the one who helped me first."

Yaoyorozu looked between them. "What do you mean?"

Shouto looked down at her and met Yaoyorozu's curious gaze. "Tokoyami helped me against the Teppodama Hassaishu and then stayed behind to fight the Trojan so I could come for you."

Yaoyorozu's eyes widened. Then dropped her head. "I'm glad. I'm so glad. Thank you." Her words seemed deeper than mere gratitude.

Shouto looked away and cleared his throat, unexpectedly feeling embarrassed at her words. "We better get back," he said after a moment.

Tokoyami and Yaoyorozu nodded. Shouto stood up and brushed off his hands. Then he extended his hand to Yaoyorozu. "Let's go, god slayer."

Yaoyorozu's face turned bright red as Shouto pulled her up.

"God slayer?" Tokoyami asked, blinking as he looked between them.

Shouto smirked. "Yaoyorozu was the one who defeated Overhaul in the end."

"It wasn't- I wasn't…" Yaoyorozu stuttered, taking a step back. Her face was turning redder. "Todoroki is exaggerating!"

Tokoyami's eyes widened. His beak opened and closed a few times as he tried to process the news.

Shouto snorted and stuck out his hand to help Tokoyami to his feet. Tokoyami blinked and stared at Shouto's hand blankly for a few seconds before his expression cleared. He reached out and took Shouto's hand and Shouto pulled Tokoyami up. The bird demi-god stumbled, legs shaking and then sunk back onto his knees.

"Tokoyami!" Yaoyorozu gasped in worry.

"It's no worries," Tokoyami said, trying to stand again. "The darkness cannot be defeated so easily. It just seems I'm at my limit."

"I'll carry you," Shouto said, kneeling down so that Tokoyami could get onto his back.

Tokoyami hesitated. Shouto raised an eyebrow as he looked at Tokoyami over his shoulder. "Would you like me to carry you in my arms instead?"

"No!"

If Tokoyami had a human face, Shouto was positive it would be red. He smirked. "Then you better get on. We have to get back to the orphanage."

Tokoyami swallowed stiffly. Then he lowered his head. "It brings me much shame, but I will have to accept," he mumbled, crawling on Shouto's back.

Slowly, Shouto stood up, then glanced at Yaoyorozu watching them. "Let's go, god slayer."

The remaining stymphalian scattered with Overhaul's defeat. It was a victory for Aizawa and the orphanage, but it came with a heavy cost. The house was completely destroyed, walls crumbled and supplies meant for winter were damaged. And the number of deaths had increased. Fukukado lost another eight men in the attack, and many of her remaining pirates were seriously injured.

As Eri was still unconscious, Aizawa couldn't make any more healing potions. So Aizawa and Yaoyorozu had cleared out the foyer, which was the only room not completely destroyed, for the critically injured patients. The remaining injured were taken to the courtyard, where they were treated in turns by Shouto, Tokoyami, and Asui.

The demi-gods, Mirio and Tamaki, along with the Aurai, Hadao, had been put in charge of removing the dead and cleaning the debris. But Mirio kept trying to sing and at some point, was sent away by Aizawa to collect more medicine and food from the mainland.

Shouto sat by the makeshift bedside of Haimawari. The magicked fog of earlier had evaporated in the evening leaving a warm, cloudless night sky filled with the chirping sounds of cicadas and crickets.

Shouto dipped a spoon into a shallow dish of watered-down tomato soup and held it up. Haimawari sighed, then leaned forward and carefully slurped from the spoon. He cringed in pain as he struggled to swallow.

The smoke and heat had left third-degree burns on his hands and scorched his throat, making it hard for him or Rin to eat, not that the orphanage had much way besides watered-down soup.

Haimawari winced, swallowing the last bite. Then he looked at Shouto and gave him a lopsided smile. "If you had told me two weeks ago that I'd be lying in bed, taken care of by the great Spartan, Shouto Todoroki, I would have laughed," Haimawari chuckled hoarsely before cutting off as a fit of coughing overtook him.

Shouto reached out and lightly rubbed his back as the pirate dragged in a few ragged breaths. Haimawari waved Shouto's hand away. "Maybe this is actually your calling?"

Shouto snorted. "Feeding you?"

Haimawari smirked. "Always wondered what it would be like to be served. Pretty nice, if I do say so myself. I might open up a position for caretaker, and you're always welcome to apply."

Shouto snorted. "Do you need my left hand too?"

Haimawari laughed before starting to cough again.

Shouto watched him until the coughing subsided. Then he looked down at the bowl in his hands; his fingers twitched against the wood. "I'm actually going back to Sparta," he said slowly.

"Already?" Rin asked. "I thought you were going to stay here?"

Shouto shook his head. "I've already spoken to Emi and Aizawa. I'll be riding with you to the nearest port, and then I'll head back by land. It will be safer for everyone if I leave soon."

"What do you mean?" Haimawari asked. "Overhaul didn't attack because of you."

"Yeah. That's not your fault."

Shouto's lips twisted. "Perhaps, but now that both Dabi and Overhaul may be seeking vengeance, it will be better if I leave. Aizawa already has enough to worry about with rebuilding the orphanage. Besides, I have people waiting for me back in Sparta."

"Well, it makes sense. It will be good traveling with you," Haimawari said, smiling.

Shouto stared at him.

Haimawari raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Shouto opened his mouth and hesitated before asking a question.

"Aren't you mad?"

"What? Why?" Haimawari blinked.

"It was because of me that you both were abducted. If I had been paying better attention…Sorry," Shouto said. His hands tightened around the bowl.

Rin smiled kindly. "That wasn't your fault. We were the ones who told you we'd take care of it. If anything, you saved us."

"Yeah, we'd be skewers right now if not for you."

Shouto stared at them. Then his shoulders dropped as an invisible weight on his shoulders seemed to disappear. His lips pulled up into a small relieved smile. "I see."

Something flickered by the doorway, drawing Shouto's attention. His eyes narrowed slightly as the movement stopped. Slowly, Shouto stood up. "I'll be back."

Shouto walked towards the door. He looked around the corner. "Yaoyorozu?"

Yaoyorozu jumped, her face turning bright red. "I wasn't eavesdropping! I just happened to pass by and heard you. But I wasn't prying!" she said quickly.

Shouto breathed out a silent laugh. "It's fine," he said, watching Yaoyorozu fidget nervously with a rag she was holding.

If truth be told, Shouto liked this side of her. Yaoyorozu always tried to act so proper. It was nice to see her express her emotions more. And his chest warmed at the thought of her only letting him get to know this side of her making it feel like a secret between the two of them.

"So," Yaoyorzu started hesitantly. She looked up and met his eyes. Under the moonlight, it seemed like her dark eyes were infinite voids that he could get lost in. "Is it true? Will we be leaving soon?"

Shouto blinked. "Yeah, I'm going back to Sparta. It's been too long. Midoriya and Bakugo will be worried well...maybe not Bakugo — but I should still go back." Shouto said, reaching up to rub his shoulder. The ache from the knife was there.

Yaoyorozu nodded and then looked out over the courtyard where the pirates were lying. "I will kind of miss the orphanage."

"You can stay."

"What?" Yaoyorozu looked up sharply and met his eyes.

Shouto swallowed. "You've already repaid your debt. You are free to stay."

"But, I -"

"Feel free to think about it. I won't force you to decide now," Shouto said, cutting her off. Shouto clenched his fist behind his back. "Don't tell me now. Think about it. I know you are close with Tokoyami and don't want to leave him. So I'll let you decide. You can stay here. I won't force you to go with me. You have repaid your debt. You can do whatever will make you happy," Shouto said, turning away.

It almost felt like he was running, but he had to admit a part of him was scared to hear Yaoyorozu's answer. He was afraid he knew what it was already.

A few days after the attack, Eri woke up and Aizawa was able to start producing more medicine. And within a few uneventful weeks of fixing the orphanage and healing the wounded, the day of the pirate's departure arrived. And with them, Shouto's.

"Todoroki."

Shouto stopped in the hallway and turned back towards the deep voice.

"Tokoyami," Shouto said, nodding in greeting as Tokoyami moved closer.

Their rapport had dramatically improved since the battle against Overhaul. The tension and distrust that had characterized their relationship at first had given way to a silent understanding, and in a strange sense, Shouto almost felt a brotherly bond with the demi-human.

Tokoyami cleared his throat. "I wanted to say thank you, again, for rescuing Yaoyorozu. And that I misjudged you. For that, I am deeply regretful. Please accept my sincerest apologies," he said, bowing.

Shouto stepped back. His ears felt hot. "It's fine," he said. He reached up to rub his neck, looking away as Tokoyami straightened. "I would have done the same if I were in your position."

Tokoyami sighed. "You're a good man, Todoroki. Thank you."

Shouto looked back and met Tokoyami's yellow eyes. There was a softness in his expression that Shouto couldn't remember ever seeing before, almost as if he were smiling.

Tokoyami held out his hand. "If you ever find your way back up here and need assistance, I will answer your call."

A warmth filled Shouto's chest. He swallowed over a suddenly tight throat and took Tokoyami's outstretched hand. "You as well. If you ever find your way to the mainland and need assistance, I'll be there."

Tokoyami nodded, stepping back. "Well, take care on your way back to Sparta," he said, turning to leave.

Shouto's throat bobbed. He reached into his chiton and pulled out a drawstring bag. "Tokoyami!"

Tokoyami turned around, and Shouto tossed the pouch to him. The bag made a tinkling sound as Tokoyami caught it. He blinked then carefully he untied the bag and opened it. His yellow bird-like eyes widened, and he jerked his gaze up to meet Shouto's eyes. "This is-are you sure?" he stuttered. "Where did you even get so much coin? It's enough to live comfortably for a year."

Shouto nodded. "It's yours. Use it as you see fit. The orphanage suffered a lot of damage, so I'm sure Aizawa could use some help if you want, but feel free to use it however you wish."

"But what about your trip? How will you pay?"

Shouto touched the golden bands on his arm. "I still have two left."

Tokoyami's expression twisted, and he bowed low. "Thank you." His voice was thick with emotion.

Shouto nodded and bid him goodbye. Then he turned, walking outside to stare at the sea. The shimmering ocean glazed with the orange and reds of the setting sun.

From the cliffs, Shouto could see the pirates readying their boat. It was finally over. The last two months felt like a blur. And perhaps, after ten years of fighting, two months was an insignificant amount of time, but Shouto realized a part of him would miss the island. He'd miss the children and the quiet. And most of all, he'd miss Yaoyorozu. His fingers twitched, his throat felt closed.

There was a soft sound behind him. Shouto turned to see Yaoyorozu approaching. His heart stuttered, and the stuffiness in his throat felt thicker as the light of the setting sun cast her features in gold. She looked ethereal.

Yaoyorozu stopped a few steps behind him. She bit her lip and tucked her loose bangs behind her ear. "I've made my decision."

Shouto nodded. He curled his fingers into a fist behind his back so Yaoyorozu couldn't see as he prepared himself for her goodbye. His jaw tightened.

Yaoyorozu smiled softly. "I'm going to go with you back to Sparta."

Shouto froze. He looked at her and blinked, confused. He was unsure if he heard correctly. "You're going with me?"

"Yes." Yaoyorozu fidgeted with her fingers. "That is, if you allow it?"

"Of course. But what about Tokoyami? Are you sure you're okay going with me?"

Yaoyorozu hummed. "Hmm. I'm sure." She reached up and twirled a piece of hair around her finger. "I've thought a lot about it over the last few weeks and think this is the best for both Tokoyami and myself. I've -" Yaoyorozu said hesitantly. She chewed her lip for a moment, then her shoulders straightened, and she took a deep breath and continued. "I've always been so afraid of being alone that I clung to Tokoyami and was naively hoping that everything would stay the same between Tokoyami and me after the war, but things will never be the same.

"Tokoyami will always be important to me, but I realize now that it was the war that bound us together and my fear of being alone. And now that it's over, it's time for both of us to move on. I need to make my own decisions now. I can't be my old self anymore. I need to grow stronger."

Shouto stared at her.

Yaoyorozu took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. "It's not like it's the end of our friendship, just we are going in different directions. Besides," she said quickly, looking at him with a small smile, "what would you do about the gods if I said I wasn't coming?"

Shouto huffed. "I'd figure it out. I always do."

Yaoyorozu giggled. And Shouto realized it was the first time he had ever heard her laugh.

"Well, I hope you don't mind my company until you do." She hummed next to him and looked back out at the setting sun shimmering over the ocean. "And, if need be, I can be your protector from other gods."

Shouto breathed out a closed-mouthed laugh. "I'll need to keep you close then. There are quite a few gods I need protection from."

As the sun set in the west, Shouto realized it was the first time in a long time that he was happy.

WAHOO! Arc 2 is a wrap! One more arc to go and then I'll have finished my first (true) multi-chapter piece. Thank you everyone for all your support. I'd love to know your thoughts on arc 2. How did you like it? Did it meet your expectations? Was there anything not explained that you wish I had put more detail around? All feedback is welcome!

Notes:

Xiphos - Greek swords.

Teppodama Hassaishu - Overhaul's eight bullets from BNHA.

Koichi Haimawari "Crawler" - is from the spin-off Vigilante series of Boku no Hero. In this he's a pirate. I've actually never read Vigilantes so sorry if his personality is completely off.

Hiryu Rin - is from class 1-B. In this he's a pirate.

Golden bracelets - In chapter 1, Shouto picked up 3 golden bracelets in Troy. Later on, he gave Aizawa one of the three bracelets to pay for their stay on the island, but Aizawa gave him back coins as change.