To make a trade.
To trade one life for another.
Izuku grew tired of these impossible ultimatums.
"No," he said.
Inazumi's jaw clenched, his grip tightened on the gun. The cool silver of the metal pressed that much more into the side of Hatsume's head, and everyone tensed at the threat.
Hatsume didn't react to the threat to her life. She kept a loose grip on the arm Inazumi had against her throat, her face washed of emotions.
"Come now Midoriya, I don't think you understand the magnitude of problems that girl will bring to your group. Aren't you their leader? They rely on you to keep them safe, and if you continue to keep Miyahara in your charge, you will bring nothing but danger to them. "
Inazumi smirked at Izuku as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Even if you did manage to get away today, And you did find another safe zone. What do you think will happen when others find out about her quirk? In this new life of survival, she is too valuable. "Inazumi said.
He smirked and seemed almost manic to Izuku. His peppered hair fell from his usual slick back style to lay across one side of Inazumi's face as he looked across at them. Izuku knew there was no way to convince this man to leave them alone. He would continue to hunt them down.
"You don't even know the full extent of what she can do." Inazumi said.
Izuku was tense as he glanced back at Chieko, who was shifting in her unconscious state. He was thankful to Shinso as the boy leaned over Chieko, prepared to put himself between her and Inazumi should the need arise.
"I know though... what she can really do. Our sessions together were very productive in bringing out her true potential. She would be more resourceful to the people and the heroes if she stayed with me, where I could put her to good use. "Inazumi said.
Kacchan's teeth ground together, a low growl coming up from his chest. His palms crackled with tiny explosions of frustration.
"You really believe the bullshit you're spouting out of that pathetic mouth of yours dontcha." Kacchan said.
Inazumi's eyes tightened at the insult but didn't respond as he stared at them. His eyes shifted between each one as if searching for something. When Inazumi's leering gaze lingered too long on Miyahara, all three boys moved closer to keep her shielded behind them, while Shinso shifted her closer to him.
Inazumi noticed their reaction, so he focused on Izuku as he changed tactics, his voice almost pleading for them to understand his side of things.
"You know it's true, one way or another, someone will find a way to take her away from you, but this may be your only chance to get your mother back, so why not give her to me? I can protect Ms. Miyahara here. "Inazumi said.
"Have you fallen so far since the villains won or did you always see people this way?" Izuku asked.
Inazumi's brows furrowed; he didn't seem to understand Izuku's question. Izuku took a step forward, and Inazumi looked at him in suspicion as he hurried back, dragging Hatsume with him.
Izuku stopped, but he didn't break contact with Inazumi as he said his piece to the man. Izuku knew he couldn't give Chieko to him, and even as his heart broke inside his chest at the thought of never seeing his mother again, Izuku knew he was making the right choice. He just wished it didn't hurt so much.
"Miyahara isn't just her quirk, she isn't an object for others to use for their benefits. She is a person. A human being who bleeds like the rest of us. She feels joy and she feels pain. She has dreams and her life is her own. So why does she have to be forced to forfeit her freedom for the good of everyone else's!?" Izuku asked.
Inazumi's eyes darkened to two black voids as his arm tightened around Hatsumi's throat. Their friend's face turned red when he squeezed too hard before he let up. When Inazumi spoke, spit shot out in his anger, some of it landing on Hatsume's cheek. Even as she coughed, taking in gulps of breath, Hatsume didn't react to his mistreatment, but she stared at Izuku with her eyes, saying what she couldn't voice.
"You just can't see the bigger picture! One life versus the lives of many! In these cases, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Ms. Miyahara's quirk is what is needed. She must be the sacrifice for the betterment of all! "Inazumi said.
"Only she gets to decide if she wants to be that sacrifice!" Kacchan said.
Izuku moved an inch closer to Kacchan in case he thought to pounce on the older man. He didn't know why, but Hatsume seemed to be asking something of Izuku. He didn't know what she wanted him to do. So he did the only thing he could do: keep Inazumi talking and trust that their friend had some plan.
Izuku let the weight of everything wash over him as he allowed his shoulders to fall low as he looked at Inazumi with the heartbreak he truly felt inside.
"Why must it be this way?" Izuku asked.
Inazumi almost looked at him with pity, and his grip on Hatsume loosened a fraction as his anger eased.
"I forget sometimes you're children. You don't understand yet that the real world doesn't work that way. I hate to tell you, but it never did. But know this, there is no joy for me in taking her choices from her. It is the burden of the path I chose. My role is and has always been to carry the darkness of these hard choices so that they may never taint the image of our heroes. A necessity to keep the image of peace in the public. As a leader, you will learn this too one day. "Inazumi said.
Inazumi relaxed during his speech, and Izuku kept his expression cool even while anger boiled beneath the surface at his words. Izuku glanced at Hatsume, hoping to see some kind of signal that he was doing the right thing.
Hatsume had a smirk on her face, her eyes bright with mischief. She gave Izuku a wink, unafraid as she grabbed the wrist holding the gun, pushing it up towards the sky as it went off in the next second. It missed her by inches, and Izuku tensed in alarm as Inasa cried out behind him. His friend barreled past them to get close enough to use a gust of wind to yank the gun out of Inazumi's grip, and it slid off to the side.
Hatsume used the distraction to elbow Inazumi in the groin. The older man keeled over with a gasp as he let Hatsume go. All four boys winced at the blow but continued to watch as Hatsume flipped her attacker over her shoulder and onto the rough concrete. A low groan came out of him. Hatsume straightened with a huff, putting her hands on her hips as she stood over Inazumi's prone form.
"Hatsume..." Inasa whispered.
The pink-haired, tanned girl grinned at them and lifted two fingers in a V for victory before she carelessly stepped on Inazumi's back on her way to Inasa's side.
"Serves him right for underestimating me!" Hatsume said.
Inasa looked down at her, worried, and she stuck her tongue out at him teasingly.
"Please don't scare me like that again." Inasa said.
Hatsume laughed manically before giving him a mock salute.
"No promises Chief!" She said.
Kacchan threw Hatsume a proud smirk, which she returned as he went to check on Chieko. Izuku sighed in relief that everyone was okay for once, even while his heart lay heavy in his chest. He knew what his choice had cost him but now was not the moment to fall apart. He would wait until they were safe again.
Inasa moved to restrain the older man, who was still recovering from the low blow. His legs looked shaky as he was lifted to his feet by his arm.
"You're making... a mistake." Inazumi groaned.
Izuku knew Inasa was usually careful with those around him, as he could hurt someone with his strength if he weren't careful. Still, Inasa didn't show any of his usual consideration with Inazumi; instead, Inasa twisted the other man's arms behind his back, making Inazumi groan again in obvious pain.
"Enough," Inasa said.
The older boy's frame loomed over Inazumi, keeping the older man's arms cuffed against his back with one large hand. He wasn't escaping any time soon.
"Midoriya."
Kacchan groaned, fed up as another newcomer appeared. He swiped some of Chieko's hair away from her quiet face. Her quirk was still working, at least as her face looked clear of injuries compared to earlier. Shinso watched him quietly, and Izuku could guess what was going through the boy's head. Kacchan's prickly personality made it hard to picture him as gentle.
Izuku turned, already aware of who had called for him. Tsukauchi stepped forward from where he had stood at the entrance of the alleyway. His customary hat was held tight in front of him as he looked at Izuku with remorse. Izuku didn't know if he had been there the whole time or if he had only just arrived, but he waited to see what he would say before considering him a threat.
"I'm not here to stop you all. I just... "Tsukauchi said.
He paused as if unsure how to word his apology, and Kacchan's impatience won out.
"Spit it out!" Kacchan cried out.
The blonde lifted Chieko from Shinso's lap as the purple-haired boy stood up and helped lay her head against Kacchan's chest so it rested more comfortably.
"I... I don't want to be someone All Might would be ashamed to call friend." Tsukauchi said.
He twisted the hat between his hands, and his eyes closed tight as if prepare for one of them to attack him.
Izuku watched him with sympathy. He knew the detective was not an evil man at heart. Unlike Inazumi, who believed in his choices, Izuku had seen the struggle it had been for Tsukauchi to side with the heroes and support what they were doing.
But Izuku didn't know what to feel at this moment. In some ways, he understood the detective, but another part of him couldn't ignore what the detective had done to them, how he used his mother against him.
Tsukachi let his hands drop to his side as he bent forward in a low bow to Izuku's group.
"I apologize for my part in all this. I don't expect any of you to forgive me, but I will take responsibility for Inazumi and start over with those in the hospital. One day, I hope I can repent and be the hero All Might once believed me to be. "Tsukauchi said.
Inasa smiled down at the detective. And as Tsukauchi stood back up, Inasa patted his shoulder with pride. The detective's brows raised but then nodded as Inasa handed over Inazumi to him. Tsukauchi cuffed Inazumi and kept a firm grip on the cuffs to ensure he didn't try to escape.
"You're making a big mistake detective. The heroes will never follow your orders. "Inazumi said.
Inasa stood straighter as he seemed to come to some kind of decision, and he smiled at Inazumi.
"Yes, they will, because I'll be there to help him rebuild again." Inasa said.
Izuku looked up at Inasa, not expecting what he said. He wanted to protest the idea. He wanted Inasa to stay with them, so the idea of him returning to that mess worried him.
"Inasa?" Izuku asked.
His large friend turned and looked at Izuku.
"Don't worry my friend. If I stay here with the detective, I can make sure that he and his people don't come after Miyahara. "Inasa said.
Hatsume came forward, clearly upset at his decision.
"I'll stay here with you then." Hatsume said.
Kacchan didn't say anything, but Izuku grew nervous. Their group was growing smaller by the second, which meant less protection should anything happen.
Inasa placed his hands on her shoulders with a firm pat. They looked at each other for a moment, and Inasa shook his head.
"No, go with Midoriya. They need you more and I know how excited you were about going to our destination. Your skills will be able to flourish as they should. It would be a shame to see your potential waste away here. "Inasa said.
Hatsume's gloved hands clenched into a fist as she looked up at Inasa. Her face was firm, and Inasa looked back at her.
"When you're sure it's safe, come find us." Hatsume said.
She wasn't asking that much, Izuku could hear in her tone. She had known Inasa the longest, and she had been the closest to him out of everyone, so Izuku could understand her to need to be reassured that they'd see each other again. Hatsume had faced the threat of Inazumi's gun with nothing but a confident smile, never once shedding a tear. But now, at the knowledge that she would have to separate from Inasa, her eyes watered unashamedly to show how upset she was. Still, she stood sure in her statement. Izuku didn't think he could have the same strength to separate from Kacchan.
"I promise, once I'm sure it is safe, I'll come find you." Inasa said.
"Good." Hatsume said.
She sniffed once before turning away to pick up the bag she had left propped against the alley wall. Izuku noticed she also picked up the gun that had been lying forgotten nearby and tucked it behind her. Izuku didn't like to think they would need it, but it was wiser to take it with them just in case.
"Okay, you be safe, Inasa. I guess we'll head out first. "Izuku said.
"Wait, Midoriya," Tsukauchi said.
"What is it now?" Kacchan asked.
He was getting fed up, so Izuku patted the blonde's shoulder to calm him down. Kacchan didn't acknowledge his touch but did settle down after a moment.
Shinso was the one to question Tsukauchi. It was the first time he had spoken since Inazumi had appeared. He had been ready to defend Chieko, that much Izuku knew. But his lavender eyes had followed everyone's movements. Watchful, but with a blank stare, as if Shinso wasn't all that interested in what had happened. Izuku wasn't sure what to make of the boy, and although his quirk could come in handy if they ran into trouble, Izuku would be lying if he didn't find Shinso a bit disconcerting at times.
"What is it Detective?" Shinso asked.
Tsukauchi turned to move back to the entrance, and everyone watched curiously.
"I'm sorry I didn't say anything sooner, but I wanted to say my peace first." Tsukauchi explained.
He had his hand stretched out, motioning for someone to come forward.
Izuku's heartfelt frantic in his chest, but he refused to hope for anything until he knew what was happening.
Someone came from around the corner, and Izuku's heart dropped, disappointed at the shocking blonde hair that appeared. It was more yellow than Kacchan's, with a black bolt marked across the side of his head. Izuku couldn't tell if it was dyed or natural, though.
Izuku was going to question Tsukauchi when another person came out.
Worrying lines marred her soft round face, her cheeks stained with tears and framed by the same green hair that matched Izuku's head. Even seeing her, Izuku almost didn't want to hope that she was here. His voice came out watery, and he rubbed at his eyes when his vision began to blur.
"Mom?" Izuku asked.
"Izuku!" Mom said.
Izuku didn't remember moving, or maybe it had been his mom who moved toward him, but soon he was in her arms. The familiar hugs that only she could give him broke the restraint he had kept on his emotions for the past few months. Everything came rushing forward to the surface as Izuku buried his face in her shoulder, trying to absorb every ounce of warmth from the tight hold she had on him.
"My Izuku." Mom cried.
"Mom. Mom. You're here. You're really here. "Izuku said.
"Of course, I missed you so much." Mom said.
No one said anything, or if they did, Izuku didn't hear them. He was too distracted to notice anything but his mom, here, in front of him.
His mom pulled away from him, and Izuku stepped back, reluctant to let her go, but she was looking past him, and when he glanced around, he noticed Kacchan watching them.
Kacchan's face was unreadable.
Izuku's mom walked past him towards Kacchan, who didn't say anything as he looked at anything else but her. Izuku noticed Kacchan's grip on Chieko tightened just a bit as she stopped in front of him.
"Katsuki." Mom said.
"Auntie... Glad you're safe. "Kacchan mumbled.
Izuku's small, round mother smiled sadly up at Kacchan. She didn't acknowledge Chieko in his arms or those standing around watching. For now, she had her attention solely on Kacchan as she raised her hand to press it softly against his cheek.
"You poor boy. I'm so sorry about your parents, Katsuki. "Mom said.
Kacchan didn't say anything to her comment, but his eyes widened, and as she pulled him forward, he allowed it until his head lay against her shoulder. His stance was awkward with Chieko between them, but she hugged him anyway, her hold gentle compared to what Izuku had received.
Kacchan couldn't return her hug, or maybe he would have pushed her away if he could, but his eyes made contact with Izuku, and as they stared at each other, small tears began to trail down Kacchan's face, his eyes a bright ruby red. Izuku felt his throat tighten as his friend finally let go since that first night when they fell apart in silence after All Might's death.
Izuku moved forward without thinking as he wrapped his arms around them. At that moment, Izuku was holding the most important people in his life, and they were all safe and together finally.
Izuku made a promise then and there to protect them no matter what. He would become the strongest person alive if he had to if only to keep them safe. Maybe Kacchan understood what he was doing because they never broke contact as Izuku's forehead rested against Kacchan's the way he had done before when Izuku had been lost in his panic.
His mom's arms didn't reach the back of Kacchan, so she rubbed at his arms, doing her best to soothe the two boys in the way only a mother could.
It will be okay, Katsuki. Your mom was my best friend, and we promised each other that should anything happen, I would take you in as my own, just like she would have done for Izuku. So you're not alone, okay? You're family. Then, now and forever. "Mom said.
Kacchan closed his eyes tight as more tears fell down his face, and the first choked sob escaped him. Izuku closed his own eyes when he couldn't hold back his tears, and the three held each other with Chieko between them all.
After a while, Shinso interrupted their reunion, his voice apologetic but nervous.
"I'm sorry, but I think we need to start heading out before it gets any later." He said.
"He's right. Will you all be okay out there?" Tsukauchi asks.
Izuku pulled away, and his mom did the same as she used the end of her cardigan sleeve to wipe the tears from Kacchan's face. Kacchan looked too drained to protest and didn't even attempt to pull back, letting her do as she wanted.
Hatsume chimed in for Izuku, reassuring the detective.
"We'll be fine. I have secured us a safe point for the night! "Hatsume said.
Tsukauchi motioned to the twitching blonde, who was looking nervously over at them. His hands were holding onto the straps of his backpack, unsure as he tried to smile at Izuku, although it came out more like an awkward grimace.
"This is Kaminari Denki. I know I have no right to ask anything of you, but could you take him with you? He helped me get your mother away from the heroes and he asked if he could leave with you in exchange. "Tsukauchi asked.
Izuku looked at the boys. They all had their reasons for leaving, but he wondered what Kaminari's were.
"Why are you trying to leave?" Izuku asked.
The boy looked down at the ground as he shifted in place. Izuku could guess how uncomfortable Kaminari must have felt at this moment as Izuku questioned him, but Izuku needed to know if he could trust the other boy.
"Ah, well, I guess because I was the hero's errand boy. I doubt they will be happy with me when they find out that I helped the enemy... "Kaminari said.
H realized the way his words must have sounded, and he backpedaled, trying to explain further but going more into a rambling fit.
"Not that you guys are bad or anything! I mean, they weren't all that bad towards me. They just made me use my electrification quirk a lot and stuff like that. But that's how I met Mrs. Midoriya, and she was really nice to me. We hung out a lot when the heroes ignored me. Anyway, when I found out what they were doing, You know, to your friend.. I just thought it'd be safer with you all than with them. "Denki rambled.
Izuku blinked, trying to process the jumbled explanation the boy had given. Some parts of him wondered if this was how others reacted when he went into one of his mumbling fits. But he decided it was different as Kaminari seemed more like a hyperactive kid who had consumed too much candy. It was Kacchan who had agreed for Izuku, who was still trying to process everything.
"Let him come," Kacchan said.
Kaminari looked at him excited and hopeful.
"Denki is a good boy." Mom agreed.
The boy looked at his mom, kindly touched by her sweet words. He smiled toward her, giving her a thumbs up.
"Aww, thanks Mama M!" Kaminari said.
Izuku decided to ignore the odd familiarity between his mother and the boy. He decided it was safe for Kaminari to come with them.
"Okay, you can come as thanks for helping my mom escape." Izuku said.
"Yes! Of course, thank you! "Kaminari said.
They all said their final goodbyes then. Inasa hugged each of them, even Shinso, who awkwardly returned the hug with a pat on his back.
"Everyone, stay safe until we meet again." Inasa said.
"You too, don't let Inazumi regain control okay." Izuku said.
Both Inasa and Tsukauchi nodded in agreement.
They went their separate ways after that. Inasa waved at them next to Tsukauchi, who held onto Inazumi. The peppered-haired man stood next to Tsukauchi, oddly quiet as he watched them leave.
Izuku turned away with a slight wave.
He felt lighter. Things weren't perfect, and they had to leave someone behind, but they had accomplished their goals. His mother was walking close to his side, moving from Kacchan to fret over Chieko, who was here and safe in Kacchan's arms. He was even glad for Hatsume, Shinso, and Kaminari, who were here with him as they introduced themselves, speaking quietly behind Izuku.
He wasn't sure what was coming, but for tonight he allowed himself to feel true joy.
Because they had won.
They had won this small victory.