Hey everyone, how's it been? Hopefully, it's going well, but if not, keep your head up and trudge forward. I can only hope that you'll be better soon.

I just wanted to say to those of you who are keeping up with the story that I thank all of you for your support. Also to those who comment on the story, I thank you as well.

If you'll humor me, I would like to quickly discuss how I thought of this. Truthfully, this story took a different form before I wrote it out.

This story was going to originally have Wolverine (Logan) and Deadpool. I know major characters, but I decided against it due to not understanding how to write Deadpool (see with Great Powers and you'll notice I SUCK at writing him), and I didn't have the drive to write Logan. Not to mention I thought they would take away from the main relationship I was trying to write, which was the sisterhood of Laura and Eri. (I might do a one-shot story of all three rescuing Eri, but don't get your hopes up.) In the end, I thought it would be too much clutter and for the story I wanted to tell Logan and Wade didn't fit.

Also, the ship of Izuku and Laura wasn't planned! Laura wasn't going to be shipped at all, and I did have the idea that maybe one or a few of the boys would be crushing on her but no one became a thing with her per Laura's request. To add on, Laura and Eri were originally going to be living with Izuku and Inko and be paired as adoptive siblings. This idea was binned when I decided to ship Izuku and Laura, and that idea was spur of the moment.

As for Midnight becoming the parent, I wanted to diverge from using Aizawa because that's the common 'adoptive parent' for most fanfics when Eri is involved. I also wanted to use Midnight's rep against her when it came to raising kids given her raunchy persona.

That's all for now, I will indulge more info in later chapters, but let me close out with this: All Might will play a key role in the story, but his time will come soon enough. I'm exploring all the other relationships first before I bring him in so I don't have to force myself to write longer chapters than I need to or have less screen time for others.

Now, without further ado, enjoy.


Nemuri sat in the living room alone. Laura and Eri were outside in the backyard playing around with a soccer ball. She could hear the laughs and playful banter between the two girls as Laura would tease Eri about not getting the ball from her while Eri would complain that she had little legs. Such young fun, but Nemuri wasn't in a fun mood.

Nemuri was furious.

It has been a week since the talk with that principal, and Nemuri feels like an absolute fool. The past few weeks have been very stressful on her psyche with Laura's cold nature towards her and the pressure of taking care of two kids now weighing heavily on her mind each passing day.

Nemuri is making mistakes here and there but this should have been easy! It was textbook Heroism Investigation 101! Nemuri failed to properly question that darn principal on anything! She was scared of Laura being expelled after her first month of school because that would be the start of something bigger!

Adoption reversal!

The words made Nemuri shudder. Nemuri just got the kids but she was falling in love with them. Despite Laura's cruel nature they were finally starting to see eye-to-eye. Laura was slowly becoming more talkative and letting her guard down around Nemuri. And Eri? Oh, the sweet little angel was too pure for Nemuri. So innocent and curious. Eri's eyes sparkle with adventure and wonder about the world.

Both girls were just becoming a bigger part of Nemuri's everyday life, and for it to possibly be threatened already caused Nemuri to bury the problem as fast as possible. Yet that was no excuse to put Laura through the trauma of being labeled as the villain.

Nemuri placed her elbows on her knees and held her head in her hands. There had to be a way to correct this. To get the rightful justice Laura and Midoriya deserve. If what Laura is saying is true then Bakugo and his friends should be the ones getting punished for assaulting the two kids.

Nemuri growled in frustration as this was a different case. Normally Nemuri would have access to everything that happened but without official charges being pressed Nemuri could not investigate the situation. A school incident isn't the same as a public incident. Unless the school or an adult turns the incident into a legal dispute then neither the authorities nor the Hero Public Safety Commission can get involved.

What can Nemuri do to turn this in her favor? What would His Purple Highness, her mentor, do?

Nemuri closed her eyes and breathed to relax her mind. In a snap, Midnight was taking charge in her head.

"I can't barge my way inside and demand things. Technically, that would be abusing my power as a pro-hero. I also can't be the one pressing charges as I would be barred from investigating due to bias. Furthermore, this would not look good in my favor. The school has all the evidence and the picture of the wall being spliced by Laura's claws is damning. Not to mention with the government knowing Laura is a bit of a loose cannon by Detective Tsukauchi's paperwork findings they would see Laura as being too dangerous to be left alone. That only leaves one option left."

"I need to contact Izuku Midoriya's mother," Nemuri declared, opening her eyes and hearing the backdoor open.

"Um…Nemuri?" Came the soft yet sweet voice of Eri.

Nemuri turned to see Eri and Laura soaking wet with Laura somehow looking both amused and agitated.

"Got any extra towels?" Laura asked with Nemuri laughing lightly and motioning them to follow her.


If being feared was making Midoriya feel horrible then this was making him miserable. Everyone was now lashing out at him. Before they would insult or avoid him, but now it seemed like Midoriya's classmates were out for blood. The words they hurled were laced with spiteful venom, something that they never had before. Things were even thrown at him from paper to pencils to even books!

They even put their hands on Midoriya…

First class hasn't even begun and Midoriya's been pushed around, shoved into lockers, and even punched on the back of the head. All of this and Midoriya hasn't even seen Kacchan once!

They were everywhere! Everyone was screaming at him, pelting him with verbal insults, and physically abusing him! Midoirya had to get away! He needed to breathe before he broke apart!

Midoriya, to escape this nightmare, ran into a specific door that took him upstairs to the top of the building. Midoriya's taken this door before to escape everything but this is the first time he's used it in front of others. When Midoriya reached the top he listened for footsteps and heard none. Midoriya opened the final door that took him to the roof and closed the door behind him.

Midoriya heaved heavily and was on the verge of breaking down. Did Kayama make them that afraid? Where did all of this rage come from? Why did they hate him so much all of a sudden?! It's like Kayama's sudden absence sparked some kind of fury in his classmates! Was all of this Kayama's doing, or was Bakugo's influence stronger than Midoriya thought?

God, it hurts so much!

Midoriya clutched his head and seethed in anguish. Tears were slipping from his clamped eyes and his heart was heavy with a mix of emotions, despair being the main one.

Why was he hated?! Midoriya stood up for all of them at one point and they still hate him! No appreciation, no remorse, no sympathy! Midoriya took a blast to his face that scarred him, and they wanted to add more! Midoriya didn't do anything to them! Kayama just stood up for him and they made Midoriya out like a devil because they fear Bakugo more?!

It's like a hero being hated because a villain rules with fear- NO! No! No! No! Kacchan isn't evil! Kacchan isn't a villain! He's just misguided! Power corrupts but Kacchan is internally good! He's just mad with power! Kacchan doesn't mean any of this! They encourage him!

Yes, yes that's it! Kacchan is as much of a victim as Midoriya is! Kacchan has been twisted into a demon because everyone around him praises him! He can do no wrong in everyone's eyes! No one upholds Kacchan for his actions so how can Kacchan be expected to do better if the system that fails the less fortunate also fails the fortunate?

But that would make everyone here the bad guys? Everyone other than Kacchan, Kayama, and himself are the villains! That can't be right at all! That doesn't make sense!

None of this makes sense!

What is sensible in this forsaken school?!

"GRAAAAHHHH WHY WON'T THE PAIN JUST STOP?!"

With a roar of madness and fury, Midoriya ran towards a nearby AC unit and punched it hard enough to where it dented! The machine sputtered momentarily before shutting off.

Midoriya looked at the machine in shock. Did…did he just break the AC? Midoriya quickly examined the AC and tried to see if he could restart it. After a few useless attempts, Midoriya backed off.

"Oh, I just broke that AC unit! I better leave before I get into bigger trouble than I already am!" Midoriya rushed through the door and down the stairs as he could hear the first bell ringing through the staircase. "Ack! I'm missing homeroom!"


Knock! Knock! Knock!

Inko glanced at the door, setting her hot tea down on the table and getting up to answer the door. Opening the door stood Mitsuki and Masaru Bakugo. Instantly, both women smiled upon seeing each other as the duo embraced in a quick hug.

"It's good to see you, Mitsuki," Inko said to her longtime friend then turned to her attention Misuki's husband, and hugged him, "Same to you, Masaru."

"Likewise, Inko," Masaru spoke simply as the duo broke the hug.

"You make it seem like we haven't seen you in several weeks," Mitsuki snickered playfully as the three adults headed inside.

Inko lightly laughed as the trio stood by the table, "Would either of you like any Chamomile tea?" The Bakugos nodded as Inko set about prepping the duo tea cups of their own. Once the tea had been poured and placed in each individual's hands, the trio sat down.

Mitsuki didn't want to waste time; she wanted to cut right to it for all of their sake, "I am so sorry Katsuki hurt Izuku!" Mitsuki grimaced and looked down. Mitsuki knew her son wouldn't hurt Izuku in the way that he did, "I don't know what the hell was going on that made Katsuki feel threatened enough to put that much force into his explosion, but to hear that Izuku was injured in the chaos made my blood boil!" Mitsuki's state of guilt didn't last as anger took over her.

Masaru placed his hand on Mitsuki's shoulder as a signal for her to calm down. Mitsuki signed deeply and sipped her piping hot tea.

Inko took a sip as well before responding, "It's okay, Mitsuki. I know Katsuki didn't mean to harm Izuku. We both know that those two are the best of friends." Something about that statement rubbed Inko the wrong way but she proceeded, "That girl…whomever was the one attacking Katsuki. She must have been going wild for Katsuki to secrete that much sweat for his quirk." Inko laughed a little in pain, "How's Katsuki been?"

This time, Masaru spoke, "He's been acting weird, to be honest," Masaru glanced between the women, "Katsuki has been his usual, prideful self, but I can tell there's guilt. His words aren't as sharp as they used to be. I think he feels terrible over what happened." Masaru recalled the interactions between his wife and their son. The banter between the two was more aggressive yet Katsuki's choice of words wasn't as brutal.

"Sure as hell doesn't seem like it," Mitsuki rolled her eyes, "But yes, Masaru is right, Katsuki hasn't been acting the same. Believe it or not, he hasn't called me 'Old Hag' since that day. Instead, it's 'Old Woman.'"

"Old Woman?" Inko repeated as there was a sense of familiarity in that nickname.

Mitsuki nodded her head, "My old nickname back when he was about to enter that blasted school." Mistuki again sipped her tea, "It's little details like that that show, Masaru and I, Katsuki's real feelings. He never goes back to his old nicknames unless something is bothering him, and this incident with Izuku and the animal is getting to him."

Inko was put off by that crude comment Mitsuki made, "I know she hurt Izuku and Katsuki, but I don't think calling her an 'animal' is appropriate. She's a kid just like them. Maybe something was bothering her beforehand."

Mitsuki's brow furrowed, "You're going to defend the kid that was the reason your son was in the hospital, and in case you forgot, also almost led to my son getting torn to shreds. You saw the picture of that building, didn't you?"

Inko shot a quick glare at Mitsuki and nodded her head. The clean cut on the building showed how dangerous that child's claws were. One swipe on Katsuki would have led to something just as egregious, if not more, than Izuku's injury.

Signing, Inko glossed over the Bakugos, "Her name is Laura Kayama…and she's Izuku's friend." The Bakugos were stunned at the news but Inko kept going, "Izuku didn't tell me all the details but he told me that he willingly put himself in harm's way to protect her."

Mitsuki looked down in confusion and anger. This was not a detail Katsuki shared with them: That Izuku jumped in front of the explosion.

Masaru quickly picked up the conversation, "Wait…so Izuku put himself in harm's way? This was no accident, or at least in the way the principal made it out to be?"

"But why would he say that Izuku was a bystander?" Mitsuki pointed out, "Why would he make it sound like Izuku wasn't part of the conflict and was unlucky enough to be there?"

Masaru scowled lightly, "There's something fishy going on here. That principal was always a bit shady. I'd trust him as far as I could throw him."

"I feel the same," Inko said and drank the rest of her tea, "Which is why I invited you two over to discuss something." Inko folded her hands in front of her as the other two parents looked at their friend, "I don't think we're being told the whole story because a few things don't add up. What sparked the conflict? I have no idea why Kayama and Katsuki were fighting and what part Izuku played in it. Why was Kayama being kept a secret? Every time our kids get into trouble with another student we have always been told who but not this one. I only learned of her through Izuku."

"And were there any hidden disputes between Katsuki and Kayama?" Mitsuki added, "I know my son. He wouldn't put that much effort into his attacks unless he felt threatened enough."

"Or he was pushed over the edge by constant fighting," Masaru pipped in, "This whole problem centers around our kids, and we need everyone's story to figure this out."

"The only way for that to happen is if someone tries to press charges," Mitsuki said and looked to Inko, "And that someone is you!"

"Me?!" Inko shouted, "This was my talk! Who made you in charge?!" Inko was panicking at Mitsuki's boldness. She was no stranger to her friend's forward approach but it was always concerning.

Mitsuki rolled her eyes, "It only makes sense you'd do it after what happened to Izuku! Come on, Inko!" Mitsuki had her signature grin that her son adopted, "And who knows, maybe you could extract more money from that family!"

"Or we can just ask Izuku for Kayama's family number?" Masaru pointed out. The look on Mitsuki's face, as her plan was in ruins, was something Masaru found both comical and adorable.

Mitsuku grabbed at her husband's shoulders and shook him, "WHY DO YOU ALWAYS RUIN THE FUN?! YOU'RE SO BORING!"

Masaru laughed and placed his hands on Mitsuki's to stop her tantrum, "Because I'm the conscience for both you and Katsuki. You're both strong-headed people but sometimes forget that there is a simpler, easier, and less aggressive option."

Inko sighed a breath of relief. Thank goodness for Masaru's level-headedness. Inko knows in stressful situations Marasu is a master of keeping his cool considering the two people he puts up with daily.

Mistuki grumbled at her way of being pushed over for her husband's idea. "Fine, but if we can't contact her through Izuku, Inko is going to that attorney of ours ASAP!"

Masaru nodded his head knowing Mistuki would accept no less. Inko, meanwhile, was wondering when the Bakugos decided they were making all the calls without her.

Mitsuki let go of her idea being shelved for now and refocused on her longtime friend, "I guess we have a plan. Have Izuku ask Kayama to give us her parent's numbers so we can sort everything out." Mitsuki looked a bit disturbed suddenly, "I just hope everything works out. I believe with all my heart that my Katsuki did it by accident, but I love Izuku as a nephew. I want what is best for you two and knowing he was hospitalized over this doesn't sit well with me." Mitsuki smiled, "Had it been anyone else, I'd tell them to piss off. But for you two…"

Masaru finished the sentence for his wife, "We'd do anything. We're all family here."

Inko couldn't help but smile brightly and rub her watery eyes. It always brought her great joy knowing that despite how bleak life may seem, no matter how far she falls, she always has Masaru and Mitsuki to fall back on.

They are her only sign of family outside of Izuku and Hisashi, and nothing will ever change that.


Laura and Eri were in their room idling passing the time. Eri, sitting on the floor, was busy trying to figure out math equations on a kiddie laptop Nemuri bought for her to have fun and learn from while Laura was lying on the bed listening to music with a single earbud and playing Genshin Impact.

Eri placed a hand on her chin as she was faced with a question: 3x4+2=?

Eri leered at the screen and looked up at Laura.

"I'm not giving you the answer," Laura responded without looking at her little sister, "You have to figure it out."

"But I wanna see what Sun Wukong does next!" Eri bemoaned, "Why do I have to know math to know if he gives up the flute to the musician or keeps it for his adventure?"

"Because that is what the laptop is asking you," Laura replied, "If you want the story to continue, you have to do what it says."

"I hate math…" Eri grumbled and glared at the laptop, "Eri's getting angry!"

"Oh for the love of…" Laura, now agitated, locked her phone and paused her music to quickly sit next to Eri, "Okay fine, I'll help you. Quit being angry."

Eri looked at her older sister as the two had a brief staredown before Eri relented knowing she was outmatched, "Fine…" Eri looked back at the laptop.

"So the question is Three times Four plus Two. Okay, so what do you do first?" Laura began.

"PEM…PED….PAM…." Eri struggled before spewing out, "Panama City!"

"That's a city in the U.S., Eri!" Laura facepalmed, "You heard it one time in a video and you can't unhear it!"

"I don't know, I just remember it!" Eri replied in her defense, "I know it was PEM…PEM…"

"PEMDAS," Laura stated boredly.

"PEMDAS!" Eri said as if she figured it out. Laura sighed and hung her head. She could be doing anything else but this was important for Eri.

"What do you do with PEMDAS?" Laura placed her elbows on her legs and held up her head with her hands.

"….." Eri remained silent and did her best to recount her lessons, "Panama-"

"You finish that and I am not helping you," Laura stated as Eri giggled at Laura's situation.

Before the duo could continue, Nemuri knocked on the door as Laura said she could come in. Nemuri opened the door and immediately knew what was going on. Nemuri placed a hand on her hip, "Is Eri stuck on a question?"

"I'm learning Panama City!" Eri shouted happily knowing it'll get on Laura's nerves.

"PEMDAS!" Laura shouted over it, "IT IS, PEMDAS!" Eri simply laughed at Laura's dismay as the older sibling threw her hands in the air, "She hears it once in a video, and suddenly Eri's obsessed with it!" Laura dragged her hands against her face, "It doesn't even sound like PEMDAS! Panama City! PEMDAS! They sound nothing alike!"

Nemuri gazed at the bickering between the kids. It amazed Nemuri that despite everything they have been through, the two girls still act like siblings, never losing the more comedic side of it. Nemuri smiled warmly at the two as they continued to bicker with Eri laughing at Laura's fuming expression.

"Girls," Nemuri spoke as both kids looked to their adoptive mother, "I wanted to ask what you wanted to eat. It's almost noon."

"NIKUJAGA!" Eri and Laura answered simultaneously. Since Nemuri started cooking various dishes for the girls, they have simply fallen in love with the cooking. It was the best cooking they ever tasted. Granted, anything was better than what they were served back in that room, but there was something special about Nemuri's food. Other than how delicious and fresh the food was, there was an odd feeling about the food too, as if some secret ingredient was present that they couldn't taste but feel.

Nemuri moved her hand to her right cheek and thought about it. This would be the third time in almost a week they ate Nikujaga. It was a dish Nemuri herself enjoyed but these two girls couldn't get enough of it. The pork, vegetables, and various sauces made it an appealing lunch.

Nemuri gave up as her wish to be on their good side overcame her desires, "Okay fine, but this last time for a while. I'm running out of soy sauce." Nemuri smiled again when Eri cheered and Laura nodded her head in thanks. With that, Nemuri left to go prepare the food.

"While Nemuri does that, I'm going to be right back," Laura said as she got up and went over to grab her phone.

Eri, curious, followed Laura, "Where are you going?"

"To the school," Laura said and placed an earbud in her right ear, "I'm going to go check on Midoriya. And before you ask, no, you can't come. I'll take you to see him later today back at the beach."

Eri was about to protest but stopped when Laura gave her word to take Eri to see Midoriya again. "But what about Nemuri?" Eri asked concern, "What if she notices you are gone?"

"I'll tell her I'm going for a run," Laura snickered, "She'll believe me."

Eri shuffled her feet and tapped her index fingers together. Eri felt bad for Nemuri knowing Laura wasn't against using her trust to go do things behind her back. The night when the girls visited Midoriya for the first time Eri didn't feel bad about it until they came back. What if something happened to them? Nemuri would be so sad and hurt. The guilt weighed on Eri. Despite Nemuri's slip-up, she was overall kind and generous to the girls since she apologized. Not that Nemuri wasn't nice before the argument between Laura and Nemuri but it only furthered Eri's guilt.

Laura walked to the door and looked back to Eri with small concern, "What's wrong?" Laura asked, thinking Eri was getting upset over her leaving her behind.

"Why are you going to lie to Nemuri?" Eri lowered her head a little but not losing eye contact with Laura, "She's been so nice to us and said she was sorry for being wrong."

Laura frowned at the sentiment, "Because we're still in prison, Eri. Just because this is a nice one doesn't mean it's changed. We are here against our will and are forced to do things we don't want to do. Like me leaving you for school, for example."

"No one is forcing you to go now," Eri mumbled.

Laura felt a pang in her chest. Again, Eri had her number just like the argument with Midoriya! Laura trained Eri too well in wordplay and counterarguments. "You're right, I'll give you that, but I'm doing this for a good reason. To go check on Midoriya and make sure he is okay. He's like you, he needs help, and I want to know if he is okay. He won't pick up his phone or answer my…texts? Yes, texts, so I need to know if everything is alright."

Eri found it strange how Laura cared so deeply for Midoriya yet didn't seem to care for Nemuri. Both are nice, both are heroes, and both are helping them in any way they can so why does Laura care for Midoriya but not Nemuri despite that Nemuri has done much more for them than anyone else?

Laura didn't like what she was seeing. Eri was conflicted about the whole thing. The 'kindness' and 'compassion' Nemuri was giving them was rubbing on Eri and infecting her. Laura had moments of weakness but steeled herself to remember this was all a ploy. A setup. At some point, these people will demand things from Eri and herself that both girls will be unwilling but forced to do. Whatever terrible things they were, Laura didn't want to wait to find out.

"Look, Eri, it's like I said, we can't trust them. They'll sell us out the first chance we get. When they see what we are, Nemuri will get rid of us…" Laura's voice lowered but held the most venom.

"Do you…" Eri looked down with tears in her eyes, "Do you think she'll hate me for my…curse?" Eri asked on the verge of a complete breakdown.

Laura ran over to Eri, scooped her up in a hug, and held her with the younger sister clinging onto her. Eri's curse was always a subject that brought nothing but pain. It was the root of everything that ever happened to them, to how their lives were ruined. It's not Eri's fault; it's the world's fault.

Laura pecked Eri on the head and the cheek to try and calm her down, "Don't think about it. Don't let those thoughts get to you. They only bring pain, and right now, we're not in any pain. It's okay, Eri. We're okay." Laura muttered and comforted Eri for a few minutes before putting her back down.

Eri rubbed her eyes and became as calm as she'd be for a while. Laura's soothing nature usually worked with Eri, but whenever the curse came up, it would only do so much for Eri as memories would start to flood her head before she had to lock them in her mind again.

Laura looked at her phone and became increasingly concerned. It was almost lunch for Midoriya and he still hasn't answered back. Laura knew Midoriya would be in class, but he could have answered whenever he used the restroom. Her emotions were already running high with Eri's mention of her curse, and now without confirmation of Midoriya's safety, Laura was getting increasingly paranoid.

"I'll be back, Eri. I love you so much little sis," Laura said as she gave Eri one last hug and kiss on the forehead before quickly leaving.

"I love you just as much, big sis…" Eri said as Laura left. Eri looked around the room and rubbed her eyes to clear the tears away again, "Nemuri…Nemuri wouldn't hate me for being cursed…right?" Eri asked no one as she looked down at the laptop. Slowly, Eri walked over to the laptop and placed her hand on it. Eri felt her curse starting to come through but Eri stopped it before the laptop had a chance to disappear.

Eri looked back at the doorway and hung her head as the sound of Nemuri's voice echoed into her mind, "I hate being cursed…"


Midoriya, with bated breath, waited as the sounds of footsteps from the crowd just outside the janitor's door. Midoriya quickly hid himself in it when the bell rang for lunchtime to escape the mob. Midoriya couldn't wrap his head around it all day trying to figure out the mystery of why everyone was suddenly violent against him. Mockery and ignorance, Midoriya can handle that, but physicality and slurs, he cannot. At least not from everyone.

Midoriya could feel his heart booming in his chest as he hoped the janitor wouldn't come by to get his supplies and kick Midoriya out of the room. Midoriya wouldn't survive another wave of assaults from his classmates.

It was a living hell the whole day today.

People would throw things at him, whisper various cruel words to him, knock down his supplies, steal his bag and roll it across the room, and much more.

The worst part is that throughout all of this, Kacchan, who is present today, hasn't said a single word to him! Midoriya was being tormented by this because this wasn't Kacchan at all to ignore him for anything! What was Kacchan's game here?! There was no way Kacchan was going to let him be today when the whole school was finally on his side and doing things his way! Why was Kacchan ignoring him?!

"PICK UP THE PHONE BECAUSE I AM HERE!"

Midoriya jumped and scrambled to silence his phone! The ringtone was on full blast and someone could have heard it! Midoriya pulled his phone out of his pockets and before he could see who was calling him and silence it, the door swung open to reveal several of his classmates!

"I told you it was him! Who else has All Might as their ringtone?!" The classmate deduced. The student was rather large with an intimidating presence. He was an athlete and one of the main baseball players at the school. He towered over Midoriya by nearly half a foot. Midoriya didn't know his real name but only by his nickname, 'Pitch.'

Fear and dread overcame Midoriya as a horde of students suddenly flooded the doorway and stared daggers at him. Why?! Why were they doing this to him?!

In a flash, several arms and hands reached out and grabbed Midoriya in various places. Midoriya struggled to pull away but was forced out of the room and thrown onto the floor with numerous students shouting obscenities and threats of violence to him.

Midoriya groaned and rubbed his hand before realizing his phone wasn't on him. "My phone!" Midoriya cried out and scanned everywhere to find it.

"Looking for this?" Pitch taunted him, holding his phone as once again, the ringtone played out. Midoriya looked at the phone screen and saw it was Kayama trying to call him. Kayama had called and texted several times before, but Midoriya had his phone on mute and only saw the missed notifications when he left to use the restroom during class.

"Give it back!" Midoriya pleaded with a hint of frustration in his voice as he stood up to grab it but was held off by the student-athlete holding the phone above his head.

"Or what, you'll hit me?" Pitch mocked Midoriya with a grin on his face.

Midoriya looked around wildly and his breathing became rapid with his darting everywhere, "Why?! Why are you doing this to me?!" Midoriya begged all of them, "None of you ever did this to me! You mocked me and ignored me but you never hit me! Why are you hurting me?!"

The students simply laughed and degraded Midoriya with a series of mocking 'Why's' and 'Stop hurting me.' Midoriya internally was feeling his dread slowly bubbling into frustration. All Might would let this slip! People mocked him all the time but All Might never did anything about it because it wasn't okay to strike back! All Might would never say or do anything back because that would lower himself to their level. Not to mention people can be joking when they say terrible things!

…But Kayama would never allow this. Kayama would fight back because it was the only way to get people away. Ever since she fought Kacchan he stayed away along with everyone else.

"You wanna know why we're doing this?! Why we can't stand you anymore?!" Pitch angrily said, "It's because of that Kayama girl! Ever since you and she took control, guess who paid the price for all of Bakugo's rage?! All of us! And where were you to stop that, huh?!"

Midoriya's eyes widened and his mind raced. All of this was happening to him because Kacchan was hurting them when Midoriya couldn't see, and they were blaming him for it! They were blaming Midoriya for not saving them when they needed it!

"I'm sorry!" Midoriya, teary-eyed, apologized, "I didn't know! Had I known I would have tried to save all of you!"

"Save us?" The baseball player spat, "Save us?! No, you insufferable idiot! We just needed you to take the blows for us like the punching bag you are!"

Midoriya's head was pounding with his thoughts racing everywhere. This wasn't about him saving them or knowing that Kacchan was taking his anger out on them in secret. It was about Midoriya sacrificing himself to save them. To take the hits for them.

Pitch continued, "It was a simple deal and you broke it! Bakugo gets mad at us, you get blown up! Simple as that, but no, you had to be selfish and decided to become 'king' with Kayama being your mommy and protecting you like you're some kind of important figure!" Pitch lowered Midoriya's phone and clutched it in his hands, "You were never a hero to any of us, Deku! You are just a quirkless loser with one purpose: Take Bakugo's blows for us! What better purpose than that?! All of us are destined to be great in some kind of way, but you. You will never amount to anything!"

Midoriya's frustration levels were rising. With all the noise, the head trauma, the fight or flight instincts kicking in, everything was beating against Midoriya. This so-called 'scolding' by Pitch was making everything worse.

Midoriya slammed his hands against his ears to shut everything out. His body leaned over, his eyes squeezing shut trying to ignore everything. He wouldn't give in! He can't give in! It wouldn't be right!

"You're just trash! A punching bag!" Pitch leaped onto Midoriya's state to further try to break him, "And of course, you can't even do that correctly! You're just some stupid, second-rate person who's going to be extinct in a few years! The least you people can do is act as meat shields for us!" Pitch shoved Midoriya's shoulder as Midoriya stepped backward before being shoved to his left and then to his right. Midoriya's eyes opened as he tried to stop himself from being pushed around but couldn't find his footing.

Midoriya was pushed against the lockers as Pitch stared him down about two feet away from him. The phone, once more, pinged alive with a text. Pitch looked at the phone and laughed, "Awwww your mommy is trying to get ahold of you? Better not miss calls from your mommy!" Pitch reared his arm back and chucked the phone at Midoriya as hard as he could. Midoriya, just able to get his footing, dodged his phone but heard it slam against the locker and fall with a loud thud screen first.

Midoriya got onto the floor to grab his phone and read the latest message from Kayama.

"PICK UP THE PHONE, MIDORIYA! PLEASE! I NEED TO KNOW YOU'RE OKAY! PL…"

Midoriya stared at the phone in horror as he read the message. Something was wrong with Kayama. The message sounded desperate. He had to answer her! Midoriya ran a finger across the screen but nothing happened. He did it again but the screen wouldn't work with his finger. Midoriya kept trying until his mind finally caught up with reality. The screen was cracked terribly and the top left portion of it was blacked out.

"No…No! No!" Midoriya kept trying to answer Kayama's pleas as another message came through.

"PLEASE MIDORIYA! I CAN'T ENTER THE SCHOOL BUT I WILL IF I HAVE TO!"

"Aww, what's the matter? Can't text your mommy?" Pitch mocked Midoriya as Midoriya looked up at him.

The constant noise around Midoriya suddenly faded away. No matter how many times Midoriya saved them, they didn't care. They saw it as something normal for him to do. Something Midoriya needed to do for being quirkless. That won't change. Midoriya will never regret a second of it; he will never compromise his beliefs. Even after everything that just transpired, Midoriya will always save them when they can. That will never change.

Midoriya's phone pinged one last time as he looked down to read the text.

"Why are you ignoring me?! I need to know Midoriya, PLEASE! FOR FU…"

The baseball student clicked his tongue, "Tch, tell that bitch to just shut the hell up already." Pitch spat before muttering, "I swear Bakugo should have killed that freak."

The silence in Midoriya's head was interrupted, but not by his classmates, no, but by a snap in his head. Midoriya will never, ever regret his heroic actions. He will never forsake the teachings of All Might. However, that doesn't mean Midoriya will allow them to stand in between him and the people he cares about. Kayama needs him! The one time Kayama needs Midoriya and now he is unable to save her! Kayama needs Midoriya but this jerk broke his only way of telling Kayama he's okay! That Midoriya is alright and that she can be assured everything is going alright!

And he dares to say to his face that Bakugo should have killed her?!

Kayama would be ashamed of Midoriya if he took that lying down!

"Take that back…" Midoriya whispered loudly with his hand clenching tightly into a fist.

Pitch looked down to Midoriya bemused, "It's true. She's just an animal that needs to be put down like the bit-"

With sudden speed unseen by anyone, Midoriya quickly got up, ran at Pitch, lifted him from his feet by his midsection, and tackled him to the other side of the wall. With both of his hands now on the shirt of Pitch, Midoriya, as angry as he could ever be, lashed out, "Don't you dare insult my friend!"

Pitch was shocked and somewhat afraid of Midoriya's actions. The entire crowd was now in a state of shock as Midoriya had done something no one expected him to.

Fight back.

Pitch's shocked state passed as he grabbed Midoriya's hands and used his quirk to forcibly curve Midoriya's fingers open, which is what Pitch uses for his signature curveball technique.

Midoriya, sensing and knowing the weakness of Pitch's quirk without a second thought, released Pitch before slamming his boot into Pitch's chest and crushing it against the locker. Midoriya waited for Pitch to try and grab at Midoriya's boot before Midoriya leaned forward, grabbed at both wrists, lowered his foot, leaned in, and slammed Pitch's wrists against the locker. Midoriya looked up to Pitch and although Pitch was taller, Midoriya was the alpha.

Pitch, never involved in an actual fight, relented heavily as Midoriya was outclassing him, "Okay dude! Chill! Chill!"

"Take back what you said about Kayama!" Midoriya demanded as he released one of Pitch's hands, balling up his hand into a fist, and slamming it against the locker near Pitch's head, denting the locker in the process.

"Okay! I'm sorry!" Pitch yielded, his fear overcoming him, "She's not an animal! I'm sorry for everything I said and for breaking your phone! Just don't hurt me!"

"I would never hurt you," Midoriya said truthfully, his voice back to its normal tone, "At least not in a way that wasn't hero-like. This was a subdued action, not a fight." Midoriya released Pitch as Pitch fell onto his bum looking up terrified of Midoriya.

Now that the rage Pitch felt was long gone, he got a better look at Midoriya's face. That scar…The one Bakugo put on. It made a smile that was making Midoriya even more unnerving to him.

Midoriya scanned the room as his classmates felt a wave of fear overcoming them. There was something about the aura Midoriya was now producing. It was intimidating. Never had any of them seen Midoriya fight back, and now that he did, they all saw that his actions were not wild but calculated. Midoriya knew what Pitch was going to do, and not to mention that Midoriya overpowered him.

As Midoriya looked at his classmates, each of them saw what Pitch saw. The smile scar was adding a new element of fear to everyone. Each of them had lost their nerve when Midoriya subdued Pitch and with their minds now cleared they all had a clear sight of Midoriya's new look.

And it was disturbing.

Midoriya, meanwhile, felt…great. He felt proud of himself. He was feeling jubilant! Midoriya didn't go against his hero code; he didn't attack nor fight Pitch, but he did disarm him! Pitch wasn't a villain, he was an angry person, someone who wasn't a real threat. There was no need to treat Pitch like a villain and fight him like one.

Midoriya, with a new sense of pride, recollected his phone and walked through the crowd towards the location of the tree he and Kayama hung out at. The phone screen wouldn't work, but if Midoriya had to guess, Kayama was most likely nearby. She is a bold person after all.

Not a moment later after Midoriya rounded the corner, an all too familiar fiery voice boomed that put everyone on notice.

"Oh, this is just rich!" Bakugo balked at everyone having witnessed everything go down, "First, you mock him to hell, then you try to bully him, and finally, you try to fight him! You nobodies are pathetic!" Bakugo yelled at them, "You shitheads couldn't even make Deku fear you! There are about a hundred of you and not one of you could make that loser feel intimidated! Goes to show how useless you all are! All of you are talking about how each of you is going to become someone when every single one of you got shown up by an obsolete human being!"

Bakugo pushed his way towards Pitch and glared down at him, "Are you trying to be me? Do you think you can be me?"

Pitch, unable to talk back due to fear paralyzing him, could only cower into a ball as Bakugo grew angry, "ANSWER ME YOU WORTHLESS PIECE OF CRAP!"

"NO!" Pitch cried, "No, Bakugo! I wasn't-"

"Oh yes, you were!" Bakugo lifted Pitch onto his feet and held him up against the locker, "Yes you were! You thought you were me by attacking that damn nerd but you will never be me! You couldn't lace my shoes let alone fight Deku correctly! Instead, I saw you give up the second he fought back! I never thought anyone could be lesser than Deku, but I guess it takes a real bitch to prove me wrong!" Bakugo threw Pitch to the ground and lashed out at everyone.

"Listen up you nobodies! Not a single one of you gets to mention what Deku did to Pitch! I wanna see for myself what Deku is made of now! He never fights back, but he does now and I want to break him myself!" Bakugo grinned evilly, "And if I found out any of you says a damn thing to anyone in charge, well, let this be your warning." Bakugo latched a hand onto Pitch's face and discharged an explosion. It wasn't powerful enough to cause any real damage, but it would leave a red mark that'll sting painfully for a long while.

Ignoring Pitch's wails of pain, Bakugo walked back to where he came from. He couldn't wait to get his hands on Deku again without that damn animal in the way.


Midoriya waited by the tree knowing that Kayama would be there soon enough. His phone was busted, but not the microphone. Thank goodness for AI as Midoriya was able to send a message to Kayama and inform her that he is okay and that she should go to the tree they hang out at. The tree was very specific as it was away from the school, and at the right angle, cameras nor windows could see what was happening.

Midoriya looked at his hands and clenched his fingers together. Midoriya was having trouble finding solace in his lashing out against Pitch. It was the first time he ever went on the offensive as Midoriya normally would be defensive when in a fight. Sure, Midoriya didn't harm Pitch as much as he could have but he still did some minor damage. Midoriya wasn't worked up about the pain he may have caused; it was the fear that he saw in Pitch's eyes. The same fear that they held for Kacchan and Kayama.

Midoriya didn't want to be feared. Hell, he didn't want to be loved or admired either to an extent. All Midoriya wanted was respect because respect comes from every direction. Love or hate, respect can come from all forms of emotion. All Might put fear into villains, but a majority of those villains respect him for his heroics and bravery.

Respect is a weird concept that has no allegiance but is the most sought-after form of praise because it helps establish one's self-importance. The more respect you receive the better your self-respect is…

"Midoriya!" Midoriya turned his focus to the voice that called out to him. Jumping over the fence, Kayama ran over to Midoriya and stopped just before they collided but did connect a well-timed jab to Midoriya's arm.

"THAT WAS FOR SCARING ME YOU IDIOT!" Kayama shouted to get at least some of her emotions out.

Midoriya took the jab as his body moved through the momentum but quickly readjusted to his normal stance.

Kayama eyed Midoriya and was confused and concerned. Normally Midoriya would have an immediate reaction to any physical pain yet did not flinch at her jab.

Kayama and Midoriya had a brief staredown before Midoriya broke the awkwardness by showing his phone, "And that's why I couldn't text back." Midoriya sighed heavily and put the phone back in his pocket. "Mom's not gonna like this…"

"How did it break?" Kayama asked, her head turning in all directions to examine the area to see if anyone would interrupt them. Everyone was ignoring them whether it be because they didn't notice them or they knew well enough to stay clear of Kayama's presence.

"Some classmate of ours threw it at a locker, and when it fell, it landed screen-first on the floor. Probably broke when it was thrown at the locker but it doesn't matter. The result is still the same," Midoriya's body language, tone, and wordplay was off to Kayama. Something was bothering him.

Kayama leaned closer to Midoriya with her arms over her chest, "You seem off, Midoriya. From what you tell me, this kind of stuff doesn't get to you but today it did. Are you okay?"

Midoriya looked at Kayama with a slight change in facial expression. Midoriya's neutral expression lightly faded to a more somber one with his mouth forming a thin frown. Midoriya sat down against the tree as Kayama sat next to him.

"They hate me, Kayama," Midoriya stated. Kayama didn't understand what that meant. From what Kayama knew from Midoriya's stories, everyone seemed to dislike or outright despise Midoriya so what difference did that make?

Midoriya looked up to the leaves on the tree as he continued, "Today has been horrible. Everyone is out to get me. On top of all the verbal insults, they have been shoving me, throwing stuff at me from small items to textbooks, making damning accusations, and even trying to fight me." Midoriya pulled his legs up to his chest, "I didn't understand why until about five minutes ago when I fought Pitch, the guy who broke my phone."

Kayama had no clue who Pitch was but already wanted to get a crack at him.

Midoriya kept on, "He said that I broke the 'code' or 'contract' as he put it. That with you around, I was untouchable because if Kacchan couldn't beat you then who could? Because of that, Kacchan was taking his frustrations out on everyone else and everyone was a target."

"What is this 'contract' you are talking about?" Kayama asked, "And how does it relate to you and me?"

Midoriya extended his right leg and placed his left hand on his left, upright knee, "Well…everything. Due to Kacchan taking his anger out on everyone, our classmates started to resent me because I was normally taking the fall. I was the one getting blasted and because of you beating up Kacchan, and because I was hanging out with you, again, I was untouchable."

Kayama gawked at what she was hearing, "So let me see if I understand this. Because I beat up Bakugo and we hung out, that wannabe tough guy targeted everyone else and now they hate you because you aren't getting hit anymore?!"

Midoriya threw his right hand up and it fell on his right thigh, "Yeah. The contract was they get in trouble, I take the fall." Midoriya looked down to hide his shame, "According to Pitch, it's all I am good for being quirkless…"

Kayama was already in a sour mood at home and this was pissing her off. Kayama was about to stand up but stopped when Midoriya pulled on her arm.

"Don't bother," Midoriya said, "I handled it already. Regrettably." Midoriya winced. "I…fought Pitch."

Kayama tilted her head and motioned her hand in a circle, "Did you win?"

"…Yeah, I guess," Midoriya mumbled and looked down to his left.

"You take victories like a real champ," Kayama jested and sat back down next to Midoriya, "Why are you so bummed out? The bastard calls you a walking punching bag, breaks your phone, and claims your purpose in life is to be a tool for everyone else's benefit. Yet you're upset that you won the fight!" Kayama raised her voice! She couldn't believe Midoriya defended his pride and honor and yet that wasn't 'right' in his eyes!

"You don't get it, Kayama," Midoriya rolled his head over to look at his friend, "I never wanted to fight. I didn't want to actually fight anyone that isn't a villain. A real villain. Everything they do can be excused because-"

"Oh shut the hell up," Kayama scowled angrily, "So because they are not real villains they have a right to get a pass. Because they are not real villains they are given leeway for saying such cruel words. Because they are not real villains doesn't mean Kharma shouldn't bite them in the ass! You are sad because you finally defended yourself?! Grow up, Midoriya!"

Midoriya averted his eyes upwards to Kayama, "I've been growing up since I was four, Kayama. The day I learned not everyone is created equal is the day I took my first steps into the grown-up world." Midoriya's eyes hardened, "I broke a promise I made to myself, Kayama. A promise I made to keep myself in line; to ensure myself I wasn't going to let petty vengeance take over my mind. It felt good to fight back but was it worth it? Did I win anything by making Pitch look at me with fear and putting everyone else on notice that I can fight back?"

Kayama flopped her arms to her side, "So high and mighty you are, Midoriya. You don't even realize how narcissistic you sound. You've been growing up since you were four? Okay, then answer me this, Mr. Midoriya. Do you think you're better than me?"

Midoriya froze up at the question. That question only ever came from Kacchan's mouth. Where was this question going?

Kayama glared at Midoriya, "I was getting my ass kicked by Bakugo while you were being held down by those bubs he calls friends! Then I see you getting pummeled by Bakugo, and I snap because I defended you and myself! I took action to stop Bakugo from harming you any further than he could, but you took an unnecessary blow for me and ended up getting that!" Kayama pointed to Midoriya's scar, "And do I have to remind you that YOU were charging at Bakugo?! Were you going to hug him to stop or were you going to punch him?!"

Kayama took her finger and pressed it against her chest, "From day one I started here I did everything I could to protect you! I owe you that much for saving Eri's life! My life! I never started those fights! Not! Once! Bakugo pushed me on top of you! He started it! Bakugo ambushed us! He started it! I fought back both times to protect you, and you're indirectly telling me that what I did wasn't worth it because 'they aren't real villains?!'"

Midoriya scrambled to get his words and thoughts together, "Kayama, that is not what I meant!"

"No! It is!" Kayama jabbed her finger into Midoriya's chest, "I fought back for you! I fought to protect you! Now you're telling me that those fights I had to protect you make me lesser than you?! Because they aren't real villains?! Are you going to argue and say fighting back wasn't worth it because it makes you some petty revenge seeker?! If that is the case, then what does that make a person like me?! Someone who has done nothing but try to be your guard because you were being harassed, bullied, assaulted, and instead of thanks I get a slap to the face from you?! So I ask again, do you think you're better than me?!"

"I'm better than no one!" Midoriya shouted back with the vigor of a decade of pent-up rage, "I'm not good enough to be better! No matter what I do, I am never good enough! You don't think I appreciate you?! Do you think I see myself as better than you?! I admire you! I admire your strength, your passion, and your will to fight to protect those you care for! I could only dream of being half the person you are!" Midoriya jumped onto his feet and began to pace around, "I never felt good enough since I discovered I was quirkless! The first time I ever felt good enough was when I was going to die by the slime villain! At least then I died doing something worthwhile instead of living on to get beaten up again and being told I am a waste of a human being! You get to feel all great inside every day knowing you can win fights, that you can outclass anyone, that you can shrug off everything thrown at you! You even have someone who'll always believe in you, Eri! I have no one! Not even my mother! I'm not even good enough for her!"

Without a second thought, Midoriya ran to the tree and punched it as hard as he could, causing resting birds to fly away and leaves to scatter to the floor. Kayama, meanwhile, stood up, regretfully. Maybe she pushed Midoriya too far.

Midoriya hung his head low and punched the tree again, "My mom doesn't even tell me I am good enough. All I get is 'I'm sorry' or 'You need to be careful' or some other excuse. Why won't she just rip the bandage off and say I am not good enough to be a hero because I am quirkless?! For almost my whole life, all I ever wanted was All Might to tell me I was good enough! Then I met my hero! I met the greatest hero to ever live! My idol! My moral compass! My reason to keep going! And he tells me that I am good enough! That I can be a hero! That I will achieve my dreams and yet…!" Midoriya snapped his head to Kayama. Midoriya was crying pure, hard emotion. Grief, depression, anger, but above all else, exhaustion. "It didn't fix anything! I still feel like a worthless Deku!"

Kayama could feel her spine run cold. Kayam pushed Midoriya way too far and he was unloading everything on her. Kayama didn't mean to hurt Midoriya this way! She just wanted him to feel proud of himself for standing up for himself!

"I'm tired, Kayama," Midoriya cried out, "I'm tired of feeling so worthless! Like a waste of space! I'm tired of thinking of Bakugo's advice and taking that damn swan dive! I'm tired of living! I'm so tired, Kayama…I'm sorry if I made you feel lesser than me because you aren't. How could anyone be lesser than me? I'm just a stupid, worthless, and now narcissistic, Deku!"

Kayama pulled Midoriya into a tight hug, "Shut up! Just shut up! You are invaluable! You are worth it, Midoriya! I'm sorry! Okay, I'm sorry I pushed you too far and said you were narcissistic! I see that you aren't! I said that because I just wanted you to feel proud of yourself because you deserve to be proud! You stood up for yourself! You stood your ground and fought back because you are defending your honor and pride! Midoriya, I don't know you. I still have a long way to go to understand you as much as I want to, but…damn it look at me."

Kayama pulled back, placed her hands on Midoriya's cheeks, and turned his head to face her, "I know that pain. That unending pain. That empty feeling in your heart that no matter how much you fill it it never feels full. Nothing ever fills that void. I still have that feeling today, Midoriya. I have Eri, yes, but you have no idea how much suffering we went through to make me feel like I'm never good enough to protect her! That slime villain was going after her, Midoriya! After Eri! Before you jumped in, it wanted her, and I wouldn't have been able to do a damn thing about it! I understand you almost died doing it, but I would have had to live knowing my baby sister was a walking corpse! I would have felt like the most useless person on the planet!"

Kayama rested her forehead against Midoriya's, "You keep saying you're worthless but you're not. You're Eri's hero. You're my hero. And if that doesn't say you're worth something then hopefully me being your friend will. You're my friend, Midoriya. I will always have your back."

The two friends embraced in a warm, tight hug that was therapeutic for both. For Midoriya; however, it meant more to him. For the first time, he found someone who could relate to him. Someone who can relate to his feelings of despair and retort with understanding. And that someone is now a dear friend of his.

His real best friend.

For what felt like hours with plenty of whispers from Kayama explaining that Midoriya was okay, that everything he does is valid, and how grateful she is for him, Midoriya eventually calmed down. The two remained in the hug neither wanting to break it yet.

Midoriya slightly smiled and let out a quiet laugh, "For a tough person, you're pretty good at comforting."

"I've had experience," Kayama replied, "I had to comfort Eri almost daily before Kayama became our last name. It makes it easier to help you when I know how you feel." Kayama lowered her head slightly to avoid eye contact, "I'm sorry, Midoriya. I pushed you too far. I got fed up with you trying to find a way to not feel proud of yourself. I just want you to feel good about yourself."

Midoriya's eyes softened. Kayama is a cold, hard person but deep down she can be a softie. Maybe Eri is the reason for Kayama's soft nature, and Kayama is opening up slowly to Midoriya. Goes to show how much Kayama views Midoriya as an ally. A friend.

Midoriya gently patted Kayama's back, "You're right though. I should take it in as a victory of sorts. I mean…I didn't hurt Pitch anyways. If self-defense is done right, there isn't real harm done." Midoriya signed, "I need to stop second-guessing myself and take the wins I earn with earnestness and pride."

"Just…" Kayama thought for a moment before continuing, "Just don't try to find reasons to not feel good when you should. Despite what you may be told and what you may tell yourself, you're a good person. Like I said, you're Eri's hero. My hero, and my friend. You have people who want to see you succeed now, and I'll be there with you every step of the way."

Midoriya's smile widened with joy as he tightened the hug a little more, "Thanks, Kayama. I'm really glad to have you as my friend. I'll be there for you too; I'll help you and Eri in any way I can. Just say the word and I'll be there."

"Hmph," Kayama smiled lightly, "Well to start, Eri wants to see you again. Think you can make time at the beach again?"

"Sure thing, just let me know when," Midoriya said with excitement to see Eri again.


The school had gone by without much of a fuss surprisingly. Midoriya had seen Kacchan in class, and although Midoriya wondered where he was in the first half of school, Midoriya was in no hurry to ask either. Not to mention Midoriya most likely won't get an answer anyway.

As for his classmates, they left Midoriya alone. Pitch wasn't part of Midoriya's regular class so what happened to him was up in the air for Midoriya. Midoriya hoped Pitch was alright. As much as Midoriya wanted to seek him out and apologize, Midoriya reasoned with himself that he had nothing to apologize for. Pitch started it and Midoriya ended it. Just like Kayama: Kacchan and his friends started a fight with Kayama, she ended it, and she didn't apologize for it.

At sunset, Midoriya reached home with a new vibe to his steps. Although today started badly it ended well with the talk with Kayama. Kayama gave Midoriya a new perspective. Midoriya should take in the victories he will soon achieve and not find ways to downplay them. Considering Midoriya preached to Eri and Kayama how hard he worked to get to where he is in life, Midoriya should feel pride in his victories. As long as Midoriya doesn't break his beliefs, every fight he wins will now be accepted for what it is instead of picked apart.

All Might, Kayama, and Eri believe in Midoriya and Midoriya will no longer fight for himself! No longer will Midoriya fight only for his dreams of being the next Symbol of Peace, but Midoriya will now fight for Kayama and Eri!

Midoriya entered his house with renewed vigor that was immediately stifled when his mom was sitting on the couch with a serious expression.

"Izuku, honey, can you call your friend? I need to speak with her mother."

Not my best chapter, but I do believe this is the best I can do with the amount of time I have to spare every day.


School, home life, a year-long relationship break-up, and more got me in the moods.

Anyway, I am hoping to get through this arc soon. It's going to take as long as it needs, but I am excited to get towards the U.A. stuff!

Thanks for reading! Catch you later!