AN: Thanks for reading and leaving a review, everyone!


"There has to be a reason, right?" Izuku mumbled to himself as his pen danced across the page, scratching down as much as he could remember about the last night. "Unless…" he shook his head and sighed. "But that wouldn't make any sense!"

He knew he was going in circles, but he found himself unable to stop. He found himself trapped in an endless cycle of discarded theories until he was saved by the sound of the front door opening.

"We're here!" Melissa announced from the doorway. "Sorry it took so long!"

"My parents may have interrogated Risa this morning," Ochako said sheepishly as she followed the older girl in and removed her shoes.

"How are you feeling?" Izuku asked as he stood up and crossed the living room.

"Better," Ochako said as she stepped into Izuku's outstretched arms and hugged him, lingering for as long as she thought she could get away with.

"I'm glad," Izuku said as he pulled away before he turned toward Melissa and hugged her.

"Nejire and I got a message this morning from Kan," Melissa said. "The girl's in his custody and her parents are already under investigation for neglect and abuse."

"That's great news!" Ochako exclaimed.

"I wish I could have seen it," Izuku admitted.

"It was nothing," Ochako insisted, her permanent blush spreading slightly. "I just did what was right."

"Don't sell yourself short Ochako," Melissa countered. "You were a hero yesterday."

"Thanks," Ochako said softly as she made her way to the living room. "Although after that, I'm ready for a day to just relax."

"Umm…" Izuku rubbed the back of his head nervously. "About that."

"Oh no."

"Seriously?"

"I was in the vestige realm last night," Izuku began. "At least I think that's where I was! But…" Izuku's brows furrowed. "I didn't find anyone. Not like you found Nana. And I think… I might have seen your vestige realm from mine?"

"You…" Melissa's brows furrowed. "That doesn't make sense! Unless it's one of those things that they're not talking about…" Looking toward an empty space, Melissa called out. "Uncle Toshi, are you there?"

The three waited with bated breath to see if the vestige would appear. While Melissa's eyes darted back and forth, Izuku and Ochako watched their friend for any indication of success. Time stretched on, but there was still no sign of the specter.

Melissa waited far longer than she normally did when she wanted to talk to her uncle. Closing her eyes, she sighed in frustration before turning toward her friends.

"Sorry I'm late," The ghostly form of Toshinori suddenly exclaimed as he rushed through the door to the apartment. "We needed to discuss what we heard."

"You could have told us," Melissa said, allowing her annoyance to bleed through as she turned toward her uncle. "What was there to discuss anyway?"

"This is as surprising to you as it is to us," Toshinori admitted sheepishly as he slowed down upon entering the living room. Taking pity on his niece, he stood in front of the television, so that she would have a clear view of him.

"I'm not surprised," Melissa said, her anger quickly fading. "This is the first time two copies of One For All have been in close contact, right?"

"Precisely," Toshinori said a little too quickly. "We had theories and speculation about how their vestige spaces could potentially come into contact with each other, much like…" He caught himself mid-thought. Shaking his head to clear it, he gave Melissa an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I can't go into details. Normally the quirks would be isolated - each space is more or less enclosed. A building, a ship, something like that. While there was evidence of someone entering another person's vestige realm, it was always intentional and forceful. From the way you describe it, this was neither."

After quickly summarizing Uncle Toshi's words, Melissa began rubbing her chin thoughtfully as she processed the implications.

"Could it be an illusion?" Izuku asked. "Like the stars in the sky - there can't actually be hundreds of stars shining light on us. Could I have just imagined a lighthouse in my dream?"

"That's possible," Ochako agreed. "Dreams, even vivid ones, are always fragments of our own thoughts and experience."

While her explanation was mostly to calm her nerves, she hoped that it would help the others.

"But the vestige realm isn't a dream, it's a physical– err… metaphysical? Space generated by our quirk factors." Melissa countered.

"Didn't you say each vestige realm is unique?" Izuku asked.

Melissa paused and looked at Toshinori, who bobbed his head in confirmation. "He is correct. Each vestige realm is shaped by the current wielder of the quirk. Even your space, Melissa, is different from that of your older self. In this way it reflects what is in the hearts and minds of their wielders."

"Uncle Toshi agrees, so you might be onto something," Melissa said. "But we still have to plan for the possibility that our vestige realms are somehow bleeding into each other."

"What does that mean?" Ochako asked fearfully. Her thoughts drifted to Izuku spending evenings alone with Melissa in their own private space, and if that were the case there would be no way he'd ever want to date her.

Not that she'd ever let herself get between them, she told herself.

"It means we have a bunch of half-formed theories," Melissa gave her friend a crooked smile. "And I think there's only one good way to test it," She said as she turned toward Toshinori.

"What do you think I can do?" All Might asked, already aware of where this was going.

"Can you bring me into the vestige realm tonight?" Melissa asked. "And… this sounds crazy but I want you to try bringing Izuku in as well." Melissa gave her uncle a lopsided grin. "You said you wanted to become more active in my life, right?"

"This wasn't what I had in mind," Toshinori said as he rubbed the back of his head before letting out a sigh. "Very well then. I can call you into the vestige realm tonight, but I have no idea if your plan will work."

"That's more than enough," Melissa pointed out. "If Izuku doesn't fall into the vestige realm despite me calling out to him… that tells us that whatever is going on is isolated to him."

"And if Izuku does end up in the vestige realm?" Ochako asked.

"Well," Melissa gave a resigned look to her Uncle Toshi. "I think we'll have a mystery to solve."


After coming up with a plan for the evening, the vestige form of Toshinori left to speak with the others, once again leaving the three students alone.

"Sorry about that," Izuku apologized. "I know we were supposed to have a relaxing day but…"

"You don't have to apologize," Ochako insisted from her place on the couch. "Look, it's not even lunchtime yet! We've got plenty of time! I just…" She let out a frustrated sigh. "I wish I could do something."

"It's okay!" Melissa agreed as she sat down next to the younger girl and pulled her into a sideways hug. "As for you, I'm surprised you want to get involved in all of this… whatever it is."

"You're my friends!" Ochako said as if it was the most obvious thing. "Why wouldn't I want to help?"

Melissa smiled as she gently squeezed the other girl's shoulder. "Honestly, just having you there to support us is more than enough."

"Yeah!" Izuku agreed as he sat down on the other side of Ochako. He snuck his arm around her back and squeezed her other shoulder. "It's actually kind of nice. Having someone who isn't well…"

"Tied to All Might," Melissa finished.

"Yeah…" Izuku added awkwardly, "that."

"I think I get it," Ochako giggled as she looked at her two friends. "Thanks."

"Besides, today's supposed to be making sure you take care of yourself and recover," Melissa said as she slid away and stood up. "There's nothing we can do until tonight, let's try and enjoy the day!"

"You're right," Izuku smiled up at the blonde-haired girl.

"Yeah!" Ochako jumped up as well. "Dibs on picking the first game!" She felt a bit lightheaded from the maneuver but pushed it away as she dashed over to where Melissa's console was stored.


It didn't take long for the concerns about the vestige realm to fade, allowing the three of them to enjoy their time together. Before they knew it, the fun part of their day was over and they reluctantly departed, Izuku escorting Ochako home while Melissa returned to her apartment.

As the three settled into their respective bedrooms for the evening they finally returned to their current mystery.

"I wish there was more I could do," Ochako sighed as she saw Izuku and Melissa planning in their group chat. She offered the occasional word of encouragement, but she knew that tonight she was going to simply have a normal dream while those two were attempting some grand experiment.

"At least Izuku'll call me if it fails," Ochako said wistfully as they finally wished each other goodnight. Placing her phone on its charger, she removed her glasses and carefully folded them before settling into bed.

"I just… don't want to get left behind…" Ochako said as she closed her eyes, her fingers curling tightly into the fabric of her mittens.


Ochako once again heard the sound of an ocean. Eyes snapping open, she sat up and looked around.

"It's this dream again."

Or was it?

After the excitement of Izuku discovering the vestige realm, Ochako had to wonder.

Pushing herself upright, she made her way out of the cave again, only to encounter the same dense fog. She knew if she went one way she'd encounter their cliffside retreat. But what if she went the other? Turning in the opposite direction, she placed a hand on the rocky wall and began walking.

Just like last time, after several hundred meters the scenery changed. The rocky surface slowly receded and made way for a sandy path leading away from the beach.

"I wonder if I can follow this to reach our cliff?"

She followed the path, looking for an easier way up the cliff. Despite the dense fog, she found what she was looking for. After about six meters, the path split. One way continued forward, the cliff here was low enough that Ochako could scramble up it.

Pulling herself upward, Ochako found herself on a grassy surface. It almost reminded her of the parks she used to visit back in the Mie prefecture. Trying her best to go off of memory, she very slowly (and carefully!) followed the cliffside back to her original destination.

She didn't know how long it took, but eventually she found her goal! Even with the limited visibility, there was no mistake - she had seared every detail of their special place into her memory.

"Izuku! Risa!" Ochako called out as she climbed the hill, trying to summon the dreamlike versions of her friends.

Much to her disappointment, when she reached the summit she was still alone. Neither of her friends were summoned at her request.

"I guess I don't have that much control over my dreams," Ochako grumbled.

However, she did notice that at her current height the fog appeared to be a little thinner. It wasn't much, but it was enough for her to see the patch of fog behind her, clinging to the ground of… wherever she was. As she turned out to the ocean, she began straining as she searched for anything in the distance.

There!

It was mostly shrouded in fog, but for a moment she saw something! A brief glimpse of light!

"What was that?" Ochako said to nobody in particular. Whipping her head around, she tried to find it again.

It took her a moment, but she was able to find it a second time. Wait… Was it moving? She swore it was in a different spot this time. And it seemed familiar somehow…

"Something's out there!" Ochako said to herself. "Or someone? I don't know…"

"-oo- -t -e"

"What was that?" Ochako whipped around as she searched for the source of the half-formed sounds.

"O–"

"Who's there!?" Ochako yelled, wondering what else this dream had in store for her. "Show yourself!"

"-ou -n't -re"

There! It was coming from the base of the hill. Honing in on the source of the sound, determination filled Ochako's features as she took off in search of the source.

"O–ko –way!"

At the next sound, Ochako started to hear the crunching of underbrush as someone - or something - began running away from her.

"Who are you!?" Ochako demanded as she chased the sound.

"You -dn't – -ere!"

"Please just… stop!" Ochako pleaded.

As she gave chase, she knew she must be getting close when she saw a beacon in the dark. Dim at first, but growing clearer with each step she took. An arm wreathed in a green glow.

A very familiar green glow.

"Izuku?" Ochako called. "Is that you? This isn't funny!"

"Ochako! Please… stay away!" The now-familiar voice called back.

"What's going on?" Ochako asked desperately.

Suddenly Ochako saw the green arm stop and turn around. She slowed down as she approached, the details slowly becoming clearer as the light cut away the dense fog to reveal Izuku.

Except he wasn't her Izuku. He was much older - at least in his forties, with his right arm encased in glowing green energy that was reminiscent of Izuku's Full Cowling.

"You shouldn't be here!" Izuku told her. "Please! Stay back!"

"Izuku–" Ochako reached her hand out.

"Don't touch me! We don't know what will happen!" Izuku stepped back and that was when Ochako realized he was standing on a cliffside. He took one look down before giving Ochako an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come here."

Ochako watched in horror as he wrapped himself in Full Cowling, the green light searing away the fog. She threw up her arms to shield her eyes, the force of him activating his quirk enough to make her take a step back. Lowering her arms, she watched as Izuku took another step backward–

-Right off the cliff.

"Izuku!" Ochako screamed in panic, charging forward with her hand outstretched. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw pink sparks dancing around the pads on her fingertips, but it was too late - he was already gone.

She fell to her knees as she let momentum carry her forward, hoping for a glimpse of his fate…


Melissa opened her eyes and found herself lying down on the now-familiar cliff. Pushing herself upright, she looked around to see if her Uncle Toshi was waiting for her.

"Guess not," She mumbled to herself when she didn't find the vestige. She turned her head skyward to glimpse the sea of stars waiting for her. "Thanks, Uncle Toshi. Now let's see if I can find Izuku."

Descending the path, she began to cross the island, seeking out the lighthouse.


Izuku smiled as he heard the sound of the ocean reach his ears. Standing up, he opened his eyes to the same familiar clearing that he awoke in the night before.

"I guess it worked," Izuku said, pressing his thumb to his chin. "Which means something is happening with our copies of One For All. Not that we've done anything to share DNA! It's not like I've had her hair or blood or–"

Izuku froze as a memory came to him.

"Here Izuku, try this!" Melissa said, a piece of American-style smoked beef between her chopsticks. Before Izuku had time to protest, she had stuffed the bite of food in his mouth, smiling as his expression changed from one of shock to excitement as he tasted it.

"You can have some of mine," Ochako offered her drink to Izuku. "I'm not very thirsty anyway."

"You didn't need to do that Shield," Izuku said as he offered his water bottle to Melissa.

"We've been sharing DNA this entire time!" Izuku exclaimed. "Not a lot, and we aren't taking the second step of willing One For All to the other, but… is it enough?"

Izuku sighed as he shook his head. "Well, that's a mystery for later. For now…" He turned his head down one of the paths. "Time to find the lighthouse."


Knocking on the door to the house, Melissa was surprised to find Uncle Toshi waiting for her as he opened the door.

"I was wondering where you were," Melissa exclaimed.

"Sorry," Toshinori rubbed the back of his head. "We've been trying to come up with our own theories."

"I understand," Melissa offered him a supportive look. "This has gotta be just as scary for you as it is for us, huh?"

"A little," Toshinori admitted. "If Young Midoriya can make it in here, who else can?"

"You're worried about this great evil, aren't you?" Melissa asked. "The one who caused Risa to travel back in the first place?"

"Among others, yes," Toshinori admitted. With a sad look, he placed a hand on Melissa's shoulder. "We aren't entirely defenseless, but this is something… unexpected."

"Well, let's go see if Izuku's here."

Stepping aside, Toshinori allowed Melissa to enter. Following his lead, the two walked through the building and entered the lighthouse. Inside they quickly ascended the spiral staircase up to the observation deck. As per their plan, whatever mysterious force that was operating the beacon had been extinguished, leaving the room dark. Crossing through the room, they exited onto the gallery.

"It's so foggy out there," Melissa observed as she stared out into the sea surrounding the island.

"Indeed," Toshinori nodded his head. "We had thought that it was simply the boundary of the vestige realm, and that was the limits of this space. But if there's something beyond that…

"We'll find it," Melissa said definitively. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and activated Overcharge, feeling One For All wrap her in its warmth as she began to emit a golden glow, a shining beacon in the darkness.


Izuku sat with his legs dangling off the cliffside, listening to the sounds of the ocean waves below him when he saw it.

While he remembered the vague location of the lighthouse from the night before out on the ocean, without the beacon he was unable to pick it out among the fog.

Until Melissa activated One For All.

As he watched, he saw the familiar golden glow, further enhanced by the light reflecting off the glass of the building.

"She's here!" Izuku exclaimed. "She's really here!"

Pulling his feet up, Izuku stood and waited. She would hold One For All for a full minute before stopping, and then she would wait five minutes before trying again, repeating until she made contact. Or if Izuku woke her up with a phone call.

When he watched the light wink out, Izuku quietly counted to ten. Closing his eyes, he activated Full Cowling.


"It's been almost an hour," Toshinori said.

"I know," Melissa replied as she dismissed Overcharge for the tenth time. "But I promised them I'd keep it up all night if I had to."

Just like the nine previous times, the two began searching the fog, looking for any sign from Izuku.

"There!" Toshinori exclaimed as he jabbed a finger out.

Melissa whipped around, her gaze following the direction indicated until she saw a bright green glow, standing out amongst the fog.

"It's Izuku!" She exclaimed, jumping up and down and clapping her hands together. "He's really here!"

"You seem far too pleased by that fact," Toshinori said coyly.

"I guess," Melissa said awkwardly, feeling heat creeping up her neck. "It's nice to know that our theory was right. Or partially right? But this is only part of it." Her gaze drifted over the expanse of ocean. "We still don't know how to cross the water."

"Don't we?" A voice came from behind them.

Whipping around, Melissa came face-to-face with Nana. She stood in the doorway and was looking out. "But your quirk - I can't use it here."

"You can't because it resides within me," She closed her eyes with a smug look on her face. "Guess that means that it's up to me."

Stepping onto the Gallery, she looked out and found the light. "It'll be a little slow carrying you, but I can make it." Kneeling, she turned her head to glance at Melissa. "Hop on."

Nodding, Melissa wrapped her arms around Nana's neck.


Izuku dismissed Full Cowling and waited. A few seconds later he got his response in the form of Melissa activating Overcharge again, except this time there was one significant difference. She was moving toward him.

"She found a way to cross the ocean!" Izuku smiled.

Closing his eyes he activated Full Cowling again, guiding her to his location.

He didn't know how long he stood there, but eventually his eyes snapped open to the sound of her voice.

"Izuku!"

"Melissa!" Izuku waved. As he looked up, he saw her riding on the back of a woman - it must be Nana.

"You're really here!" She called as the woman slowly lowered herself to the ground. Unhooking herself she turned toward Nana. "Thank you for the ride."

"It's nothing," Nana gave her a warm smile before she turned toward Izuku. "So you must be Izuku Midoriya huh?"

"Yeah," Izuku politely bowed. "Pleased to meet you."

"The pleasure's all mine."

As he straightened out he couldn't help but examine her face. Sure he'd seen the photo that Nighteye provided but seeing her in person was different. There was something familiar about her…

He opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Melissa. "What's that?"

The other two looked out over the ocean and saw what she was talking about. A green streak of light, one that looked oddly similar to Izuku's own Full Cowling. It was racing across the water, bouncing along like a stone skipping across a pond.

"Something's wrong," Nana said with a frown. She turned toward the two. "Sorry to cut your reunion short, but you've gotta get out of here."

Without waiting, she grabbed Melissa's shoulders and shoved her backward. Izuku was forced to watch as his friend had a startled look on her face as she dissolved into nothingness.

Nana then turned toward Izuku. "We'll look for your vestiges soon, I promise."

Izuku didn't have a chance to respond before her hands were on his shoulders and she promptly shoved him backward…

…only to wake up as he crashed to the floor of his bedroom.


Ochako's eyes snapped open as she felt bile building in the back of her throat like she was ready to vomit. She tried to hold it but her stomach was protesting much like when…

…like when…

…like when she used her quirk on herself!

It was then that Ochako noticed that she was floating weightless in her room.

Along with everything else she owned.


Thanks for all the input! I've got some ideas for Risa's journey now :D

And a shocking twist! But I'm too in love with this trope to not use it! ~SupportGrrl47