Holy crap. I'm shocked at the number of people following and favorite-ing this humble small story of mine. Thank you for all that did, the follow and favorite is deeply appreciated. I hope you continue to follow and read this in the foreseeable future. Sorry for the long update but I hope this update will make it up to you guys.
When Izuku got home, the first thing that met him was his mother's hug. She cried while pulling him inside to the dining room where sweet sweet delicious and still hot Katsudon laid untouched on the table. He couldn't help but compare it to USJ. She reacted similarly during that incident, but instead of the unquenchable fear that gripped her heart at that time, it was happiness and pride with a pinch of worry.
"Oh, Izu-kun," his mom who sat across him wiped the tears from her eyes and said. "I knew you could do it. I never doubted it. I'm so proud of my baby! Your father would be proud."
His breath stopped when she said that. "Really?" He found himself unable to resist smiling a little. "You know I just placed third."
"Yes really. That's enough for me." She looked to the side where a photo of his mom was still pregnant with him and dad on their old home with a wistful smile. "No doubt about it, your father would be too proud of you."
"Why don't you tell me all about the Sports Festival."
Izuku was glad to regale his mother, omitting a few things like Todoroki's secret, of telling his life-changing experience on his entering of the Sports Festival. It was different than watching the UA students on tv. Much harder than at first glance.
"You had my heart racing during the last second and I was already jumping when you fought Todoroki!"
"You had me worried when you fought that Todoroki child. I never knew that these Festivals of UA was that much dangerous until I saw your fight." Her mother's tear tugged at his heart making him feel guilty of putting himself in danger. "And when Recovery Girl told me what happened, my heart stopped. Breaking your arm and leg!" She cried getting another tissue to wipe her eyes and blow her nose. "I know you want to be a hero. Just like All Might, and your dad," she whispered the last words, her tone gentle and understanding.
"You made me proud by reaching third and showed the world what you can do. But please." His mother's free hand took his and gently, she squeezed it. "Take better care of yourself. Can you promise me that?"
Her glistening eyes had him. The words, "I promise," stuck in his mouth because he can't make a promise that he'll break. He just can't guarantee that. "I…." He'd have to settle for something else. "I'll do my best," as he said this, he looked at his cast arm and leg knowing that this won't be the last of his injuries on his road to heroism.
Her mother looked ready to argue, and he didn't know if he had the will to say anything back when his body was still sore. He was glad when after a minute she didn't say anything else about it. "I never knew you that much strength hidden in you, Izu-kun. Must be from your father's side." She shook her head in amusement. "Your dad did say that your vigilante great-grandpa had the strength to even carry cars!"
He was glad for that because it was a convenient excuse so that he didn't have to lie to his mother about where his strength came from.
Izuku was glad for the topic switch. "It's not easy though. That was tiring to constantly do," he told his mom. "Between using my strength and warping, I had to make a choice because I had to save my energy because Todoroki challenged me."
His mom's eyes widened. "Your ice quirk classmate in the finals? No wonder you two were so intense! This isn't because of an argument, is it?"
Intense was an understatement but it summarized their fight well enough. He wanted to say that this was something personal between them but held himself from saying it.
"No." He smiled and shook his head. It was much more than that but to clarify it would be begging for questions he didn't want to answer like; why him out of all people and not Kacchan or Tokoyami. "He just wanted to test himself against me. I don't know why," he said shrugging. "There's Kacchan, but he chose me of all our classmates."
Continuing their topic, they talked for a long while, and moved to the living room in the middle of their conversation, about the event until there was nothing left to say. He yawned while they mindlessly watch an old film—about six heroes fighting against an alien army attacking New York—that her mother loved.
He wanted to watch the movie until the end but his body disagreed with him. "G'night mom."
"Do you need help?" she asked worriedly with her glancing at his cast but he refused. He already worried his mother with his recklessness, no need to add more burden to her by making her help even with the littlest things so he shook his head. "Good night Izu-kun."
For the rest of the next day, Izuku just ate and slept all day long under the supervision of his mom who was really worried about him. Not that he was planning on going anywhere since his body was still recovering from overusing warp and was under strict orders from Recovery Girl to not impede its healing by exerting effort.
While he wasted the day resting, his friends texted and ask about him but he responded saying he was fine now. Kacchan wanted to come over but he declined reasoning that he needed time alone.
The news about Ingenium's attack played all day long along with the search for Hero Killer Stain. Not only that, some people from Hosu had been missing with no clues. Authorities there were on high alert and investigated whether if this was connected to Stain in any way. Others speculated it maybe another villain or killer on the loose.
He shivered, Hosu was a mess right now.
He was glad that someone found Iida's brother before his injury turned fatal. Though what his exact condition was, was not revealed in respect to the hero family's privacy though sources said he was severely crippled.
Izuku hoped that was not the case, he thought as he sent a polite smiley and short message saying, "I'm here if you want to talk about it," and left it at that knowing his friend needed privacy and time to heal from the pain.
Aside from that, he was left to his own and pretty much nothing happened. Well, aside from worrying for Iida and what must he must be going through and Kacchan complaining about not getting satisfied about his fight—considering he wanted to fight Todoroki and him, he understood his frustration—and the matches of the second year was on a whole another level than them and he could see it from the application of their quirks and their skills.
The next day, he woke up and gasp when an annoyed Kacchan was already there sitting by his study table. "Kacchan! What're you doing here?!"
"What for?" he huffed and replied sarcastically. "You need to go Recovery Girl for the check-up, Deku."
He glanced at the clock, he was up an hour early before his appointment. "Oh right," he turned red at the late realization. "I'll be ready in a minute."
After a quick breakfast, and a worried checking from his mother, they took the train to UA. He covered his face with his hands and ignored the chatter and obvious glance sent his way.
"Hey," a man in a suit called. "Aren't you the one that fought that Todo… Toro... Endeavor's kid the other day? That was a tough match. I wanted you to win, but third place?" He whistled. "And tied with his son no less? That ought to show that Endeavor a thing or two. And you're the one that won right?" He turned to Kacchan and garnering the attention of many people who muttered nonstop now.
He didn't know what to feel when he mentioned the Number two hero. It was rare, but his perception of some of the heroes had been drastically changed and he knew it wouldn't change for a long time even with their strengths powerful quirks or achievement in stopping crimes. Captain Celebrity was a prime example. He was clear to all that he was a vain hero only in it for attention. Even when he saved the people from the suicide bombing attack at the Sky Egg, his opinion didn't change. He was still a showy hero that only craved attention.
It was the same with Endeavor now. His track record didn't matter now, because all that he saw Every time he appeared was him hurting Todoroki. Someone that didn't allow someone to be a child in the name of his desire to become the Number One. Something no hero should do.
Kacchan growled at the people around him but was ignored by the clearly impressed masses. Oof, he winced. No need to remind Kacchan of what he called was a "Hollow victory." He glared at Kacchan when he said this yesterday saying it was disrespectful to Kendo who was the sole 1-B student who reached the finals but he didn't care about that. He wanted to face Izuku and Todoroki, not her.
The people muttered about his fight as if it was that easy. It was far from it! He nearly lost! Did they know how much it took out of him to freaking reflect back the fire?! A lot, that's how.
"Yeah! You were awesome with your quirk!" An elementary kid punched and kicked the air making explosion sounds while smiling at Izuku. The adults smiled at his antics. "One second the ice was going to you and then boom! It was everywhere."
Another kid, probably his friend, then added. "Uh-huh," he nodded in full agreement. "He was like shooting fire at you nii-san then, blam! The fire returned to your classmate."
He couldn't help but feel flattered to be the center of attention. Was this what Kacchan felt in their whole childhood with the praises? No wonder he liked the being on top then. He guessed he impressed the people that much.
Great, he groused. If people noticed him, no doubt villains took note of him too.
"That's nothing!" an older kid said more excitedly. "Bakugou-niichan was cooler! He blew away the others!" he looked at Kacchan in clear astonishment as he made exploding sounds. "I wanna be like him when I grow up!"
"Yeah," a woman piped in. "You could really see he was meant to be a hero with that powerful quirk."
A teen huffed haughtily. "He could tone down the savagery though." Kacchan growled at that statement but Izuku gave him a strong look to hold himself which he was glad when his friend accepted and instead grumbled incoherently. He could see the annoyance on Kacchan growing but he gave him a sharp look and shook his head discreetly. He knew what Kacchan felt every time people talked like that to him. He was tired of the people "licking his boots," his word not Izuku's, so to speak. He got that when they were young and he came to realize what he was becoming was far from a hero like All Might. All of this Katsuki confessed one time when they were kids.
"Pft," an older man in a suit huffed. "That's nothing compared to the warp kid. Did you see his fight with Endeavor's son? That's hero material there!"
The blond clicked his tongue instead of lashing out at the ignorant masses of what his friend felt.
All throughout the trip, he smiled, nodded, and talked to the people that recognized him. He couldn't help but think that was one of the things being a Pro Hero was, to be a public figure. He can't deny that it felt good to be recognized, but he got tired of it and just remained polite to others. Can't say he'll get used to it because it felt weird to be the center of attention since he was used to be part of the background even when he was a child.
By the time they arrived, the school entrance was full of people but since they were students, they had a little leeway and got in before the rest who was thoroughly checked by the security detail.
As they walked on the school, every word they said echoed on the large hall. Not one teacher or student was seen, and instead on the path to the stadium was filled with people which made them looked like ants from afar.
That large number of spectators was expected because it was the third year's Sports Festival which the media was excited to cover as much as theirs a day earlier.
He entered Recovery Girl's office alone and the woman sat writing something before glancing at him already expecting his presence.
"Good Morning, Recovery Girl," he greeted.
"Hmph, you're early. That's good. More time to heal and examine your injury." She started the test by making him move his injured limbs. The test involved looking at his X-Rays, which he thought was over the top but who was he to question U.A.'s premier doctor.
The test took several minutes. Several minutes of long and detailed examinations before he was declared fine now. Recovery Girl hummed after the session.
He moved his injured arm and leg, only phantom pains remained from it. "Thanks, Recovery Girl."
"No need to thank me. Remember what I said, Midoriya-chan" she scolded and brandishing her cane threateningly giving him a stern look. "No more injuries because I'm not healing any injuries you might have from using One for All."
He chuckled and gave her a sheepish smile. "Okay." No promises though. He didn't say his thoughts, no need for her to scold him more. Still, she was right. He can't rely on her all the time to heal his injury from using One for All. He had to learn controlling it soon.
After getting the all-clear from her, he exited the clinic and Kacchan was waiting. His expression scrunch in annoyance and he gave him a sheepish look. "Took you long enough, Deku."
"Sorry, she was extensive in her check-up." He shrugged. "Where'd you want to go?"
"Anything but here." He huffed, hands in his pocket glaring in front of him. "You decide this time."
He glanced at his friend and smirked. "Wanna go to the mall? Maybe you'll cool off by then. We could invite the others too."
Or… Grabbing his phone, he texted his friend something before asking the others if they wanted to hangout. He would wait for his response no matter how long. In the meantime, he and the others deliberated where to meet and agreed. In the end, to meet at MackDonnels at Musutafu Mall.
Many people still trickled in despite the cloudless sky and hot weather when they made their way back to the gate. People bare the bright morning star shining above them. He was just thankful their exit was less hassle than their entrance. All the Press and audience had been calmed down and now slowly entered the school ground in an organized fashion while Heroes patrolled the school grounds. He recognized Hound Dog on the entrance scaring some of the known unruly reporters in line.
Not one of the many reporters glanced at them unlike when the USJ happened. They acted as if they hadn't been involved in it. Not that he minded though, since if it meant that they can leave him, and the rest of their section, in peace then he'd take that chance.
"Hey Kacchan," Here goes, he thought glancing at him from his peripherals. "I'm sorry." This bothered Izuku for two days. They both wanted to face each other but it seemed it was not meant to be this time around.
His friend looked at him oddly with sharp eyes boring into his. "The hell you're talking about?"
Averting his gaze from Kacchan's stronger glance, not able to stand it, he found the ground more fascinating now. It was one of the things the many promises they both did. "About the fight. I know we want it badly to know which one of us stands on top, but I lost to Todoroki."
Katsuki's expression soured, his scowl deepening when he mentioned Endeavor's son. "Forget 'bout it. Besides." He smirked. "You kicked that elitist bastard's ass. Shows that ass' for underestimating you just because he had a powerful quirk and trained by a pro."
"Powerful my ass." He huffed mockingly with a shake of his head. "If he can't beat you, it means he can't handle me too."
He wanted to say that Todoroki didn't underestimate him, but he felt that it would open unwanted questions regarding their classmate. So, he smiled a little and internally wincing at the many lies and omission he had given to his mom and best friend. "You're right. I did kick his ass. I doubt you can do that though."
His friend twitched and small explosions set off of his arm. "What the fuck you said, Deku! I could defeat him one tied behind my back unlike you who keeps breaking your body. Fuck's sake, you lost consciousness. I thought you're better than that."
Izuku shrugged nonchalantly. "Who's to say I didn't give him the chance to win?" An obvious lie, they both knew it.
His friend snorted derisively in response before giving him the middle finger.
On the middle of the way on their meeting point, his heart skipped when the one he contacted first replied with a simple text of where he was now and that he's fine. Izuku didn't need the details for he was just glad that his friend responded to him at all. Though, it lightened his heart to see his brother awake now.
Thinking about the matter, it would be better if he told the others at the same time at their meeting place.
Izuku replied a simple, "thank god he's okay. Be there soon," to him.
Musutafu Mall, the biggest shopping center on the city. Wide as the UA Stadium where the festival was held and half as tall of it. It was easy to get lost in it if one didn't know where they were going. He was taken aback at the few customers in it, no doubt thanks to the third-year event. That meant less people in line for food, which was a plus for him.
He wanted to watch it but he didn't want to be cooped up—their house or another—watching the event and waste the day. They were gonna be busy with the internship after tomorrow, so he better make the best of his day.
Whatever the case, he was thankful that the mall, and hopefully the transit, was not crowded. It'd make going about their purpose in the mall faster.
"Yo! Midoriya, Bakugou!" Waved Kirishima before the fast food's entrance before sitting on a table outside of the fast food restaurant. "Morning."
"Hi, Kirishima. You're here early," Izuku greeted, while Kacchan simply fist bump the redhead, as he and Kacchan took their seat too.
"Nah," his friend shrugged. "The gym I go to was nearby and I was just about to train when I got your message."
Izuku flushed at the statement. "Oh…," he stuttered and figured what to say for disrupting the redhead's plan for the day. "Sorry 'bout that. I didn't know about it."
"It's fine. Don't sweat it, Midoriya. I could take a day or two day off."
Despite the reassuring pat on the back and a grin he gave, Izuku still felt embarrassed that maybe it was his fault but thought it aside. No need fretting for something that was done but still, "still, I'm sorry for ruining your schedule."
"No, no, none of that. It was my choice to come here. Anyways, what's the plan, my dudes?"
Izuku gave them a sly smile. "I'll tell you and Kacchan when the others get here. We just need to wait for Hitoshi and Uraraka. They said they're already near."
"Whatever it is, Deku, this plan of yours better not be shitty," Katsuki demanded huffing with his arms crossed.
"I'm sure whatever Midoriya planned will be awesome."
"Deku-kun! Kacchan! Kirishima!" A waving Uraraka called followed by a nonchalant Shinso. He found himself blushing at the clothes that complemented Uraraka's person but mentally slapped himself. Now was not the time for gazing at her! They had more important things to do.
"G'morning," Shinso said dryly lazily waving at them.
Once they were all seated, he and Kirishima ordered for their group—with them treating Katsuki, the smug shit that he was—and got it a few minutes later.
"Thanks for coming guys." He gave each of them an appreciative smile before biting his burger. "I won't beat around the bush; the reason I called you guys here was I asked Iida if I could visit him to see if he's fine. He said he was at the hospital, but I ask that if it was okay to visit. He was okay with me visiting his brother and I figured that maybe we could lighten his day with a surprise visit, no matter how short. Is that fine with you guys?"
"Fine? That's super okay, Midoriya!" He spluttered at Kirishima's pat. "Count me in."
"I'm okay with it too. Iida needs our support now more than ever." Uraraka said before grabbing her phone. "Lemme just text my parents. I'll let them know we're visiting a friend."
"Oh," he flushed at another friend's day he ruined. "If you guys have other things to do, it's fine. I don't want to impose on your time."
"They already said yes, you damn nerd. No need to feel pissy about it," Katsuki growled and glared at him but the effect diminished with the sundae on his one hand and fries on the other. "Stop overthinking things."
Shinso may look neutral but he thought he was good at discerning his emotion. Judging by the slight crease in his brows that maybe he was confused about it. "Is it okay for me to come? I don't know him that well. Or you guys for that matter." He eyed his three friends plainly. "No offense, of course."
"S'fine, zombie." Kacchan rolled his eyes. "What time do we go."
"I figured, after lunch." He suggested. "I was thinking of buying a get well soon gift for Ingenium?"
"What do we give him?"
Shinso's question was what troubled Izuku because he had no idea what gifts were acceptable by Ingenium. Something that will be acceptable for Ingenium or Tenya.
"Ooh, how about his favorite food?" The only girl in their group suggested. That got a lot of agreement from the other and even him.
"Let's just walk around and see if there's something good we can see," Kacchan who slurped his drink intensely, with no care at the looks the other people gave him, responded.
The redhead hummed in agreement. "I'm down with that."
"So am I," his new friend, and hopefully new addition to their group, agreed.
After their brunch, they walked around the mall going in and out of numerous shops. They talk of how people talk to them when they were noticed as if all eyes were turned their way. Even Shinso had people praising him on the way to the mall.
Somehow along the way, there was a silent agreement between all of them that it was all agreed or nothing. Though that took a long time, with them debating whether it was good enough for someone like Ingenium. He enjoyed the banter and walking for all it was worth because it was the rare times that he hung out with others aside from just Kacchan ever since he went to UA.
They've been through numerous shops and still, none was fully agreeing about the something they had to give. Flowers was the first one to go off the list.
Kacchan was giving them all dirty looks for the outright refusal of his chosen gifts of a set of dumbbells and a T-Shirt that says coincidentally said, "Die!" and with explosions printed all over it. It was nearly twelve noon and they still haven't chosen. Uraraka had suggested mugs and Shinso chose a philosophy book that was all turned down.
"What about this one?" Uraraka pointed at a small shop named "Life companions" that had a large dark paw print after the shop name.
"You know," the purple-haired teen nodded then said, "they say pets are good for the soul. Considering what happened to Ingenium, maybe he needs it?" He quirked his eyebrow in thought at them.
"That's not a bad idea," Izuku replied and looked at his friends. "What do you guys think?"
"It's better than the one shitty hair suggested." Kacchan huffed bitterly. He stifled a laugh at the Kirishima's suggestion of a plain white shirt that had an All Might carrying a first aid kit print and giving a thumb up and a word bubble on it that says, "Get All Might soon!"
"Hey!" said friend of theirs reacted. "I thought that it'll at least make Ingenium laugh. After all, laughter is the best medicine."
"So, thoughts about the idea?" he asked the others while he glancing at the puppy looking at them curiously.
It took nearly an hour to get to Hosu. They were the center of attention since they had an eye-catching energetic little being with them that garnered many eyes at them. And also because the people recognized them as the UA Students.
The Hospital was within walking distance from the station. Despite the sun shining above, the day was cool with the blowing wind. Heroes patrolled the streets and watched the Third Year Festival with the people all around on the large monitors showing the live event. Some sat on benches and watched the live stream on HeroTube.
The tall form of Iida—still looking prim and proper with his white polo shirt and khaki short pants—was there waiting for them on the hospital entrance.
"Iida-kun!" Izuku called waving at him who stood frozen looking at each and every one of them.
"You guys…," He heard the intake of breath teen and a muttering something. "Why are you all here?" He glanced at each of them questioningly but stopped at him longer than what he gave the others. He silently apologized and gave him a small smile in hopes he'd understand his reasons.
"We're here for you, bro!" Kirishima put a hand around Iida's shoulder. "We just want you to know we're here for you and Ingenium."
"Yeah!" Uraraka jumped fist-pumping the air. "We even got your brother a present."
As if on cue, a cute barked came from the cage they brought. "Shush, you." Bakugou mock scolded the puppy behind him followed by a giggling Uraraka. The pup merely whined and barked more.
"Is that for….," Iida stopped and looked away as he closed his eyes. Izuku spotted few droplets come out of his eyes but was gone the next second on his hardened gaze when he opened them once more. "You do know that animals are not allowed in the hospital, right."
"We figured," Shinso shrugged. "But can't you pull a few strings?"
"That is—"
"You hate using your family name, we get it four eyes," Katsuki interrupted him. "Just for once, be selfish. It's our get well gift for your brother."
Ingenium's younger brother's expressions shifted from as his eyes narrowed and brows met. Izuku could see the logical and emotional part of Iida battling each other. Rules versus for his brother's sake. Sighing, he fixed his glasses and said, "perhaps. I'll allow this just this once. No more. The rules are there for a reason, after all."
"Yay!" Uraraka cheered. "For once Iida agreed to bend a rule!"
"Jeez, he's stiffer than wood," Shinso muttered.
Iida led them and the guard stopped them. Despite age, he was still intimidating with the stern gaze alone. "No animals in the hospital."
"Good morning sir," Iida bowed at the large round man. "I know that it's against Hospital Policy but could you allow my friends with the pet just this once? I… they're for my brother and by giving it to him, my friends hoped he gets well."
Izuku was not shocked that he did not invoke the Iida family name in his plea nor did he demand something from the guard. He heaved already knowing the result was. Sweated dropped from his face from the tension and the blank gaze the guard gave them. Seconds turned to a minute, and minutes passed that he could feel himself resisting the urge to wipe the sweat on his forehead lest he missed the man's response.
"Ah, a get well gift. Okay." The guard's serious look shifted to one of happiness as he shrugged and smiled. As if someone snapped, the tension melted and he sighed deeply. "I'll let you lot in with that and tell the others not to stop you on the condition that you don't make a ruckus." The man's eyes were at Katsuki and he can't help but snigger lowly at that. "Also, tell Ingenium that Yamamoto Ken says thanks and he gets well."
Looking at each other, they all bowed in thanks to the man who said something inaudible in his radio communicator.
"You won't regret it, sir!" Uraraka said lastly before they entered.
The nurse smiled at the station when they walked passed by him. The pleasant and concerned looks were given to Iida especially and he had no question why. Ingenium, by extension Team Idaten, was a hero through and through for no job was too small for him and his team. From doing community service like; cleaning alleys, roads, and etc, helping civilians no matter how trivial—especially the elderly and disabled—like crossing the road and asking directions was among those lists.
He even had a program that rehabilitates former villains in hopes they can use their ability for the community. They even employ quirkless people—field employees and more—if they have the ability to do so. In short words, Ingenium was beloved by those who lived in Hosu and no doubt people were affected that their hero was injured by a villain. He could easily see why they were concerned.
He was a rare symbol of what a hero should be and easily understood why Iida idolized his brother.
"Why would you go this far for him," Iida muttered when they rode the elevator.
"We're worried 'bout you bro." The redhead stated, not an ounce of enthusiasm and all seriousness. "We couldn't let you handle this alone. You can talk to us about it if you want to just to let it all out."
"Also, because we know how much you love your brother. If we can make him happy and lessen his pain, then we know you're happy too." Izuku sighed then smiled.
No more words were said throughout the elevator ride. They stopped on the fifth floor which was oddly devoid of people and very quiet making their every step echo three times louder in the silent hall.
I feel like we're in a horror movie. First, the lights flickers and whatever horror slowly reveals itself, he thought as he looked at the rooms. Empty because the private room nameplates were blank.
"Where are the people?" With a wavering voice, Uraraka asked.
"They have this floor on lockdown."
"Bakugou-kun's right." Iida nodded. "The Police had cordoned off the whole floor in case Stain comes back to finish the job. There's two officers guarding Tensei-niisan's door and two on the inside if no one is visiting, and the few nurses at the nurse station in case of emergency." Iida replied tersely walking ahead of them. Glancing down, he could see his friend's tight fist shaking.
"I heard Stain's still on the loose. Can I ask you something." Shinso hesitated.
Nearly inaudible, Iida sighed while his fist relaxed. "Ask away, Hitoshi-san."
"Stain is notorious for killing many heroes. Only few survived." Izuku grimaced at Shinso's bluntness. He may have a point, but that was cold of Shinso to ask Iida that while they were seeing his injured brother. "The few that did live, didn't come back to being a hero. Is your bro—Ingenium," Shinso cleared his throat, "alright now?"
"Thanks for the concern, Hitoshi-san. The doctors already declared Tensei fine, but…," Iida stopped walking and his shoulders shook. "It looks like Ingenium will retire early because of…." Iida left the last word unsaid and sniffed as his arm constantly wiped away the now unbidden tears falling off his face.
Stain, Izuku thought darkly. Why he did what he did was beyond him.
Glaring at Shinso, his friend looked at him aghast. Kirishima reacted and said, "dude!" in disappointment.
"I'm sorry!" He bowed. "I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me! I asked because I hoped that he'll be back in no time."
"No." He stopped sniffing and looked at them with red-rimmed eyes. "Don't apologize! It was a perfectly understandable question. I've seen Stain's kill count and my brother's just one of them. We're lucky that Stain was stopped before he could kill my brother."
Shinso looked down in disappointment and mouthed at them, "sorry." Iida led them again purposely not saying a word at the snuffling state of Iida for his sake.
As was said, four Police Officers guarded the door, meaning someone was with Iida's brother. The officers didn't look at them and only took a glance before opening the door for them.
Upon entering, he saw Ingenium and immediately he could the resemblance between the two. The jaw, the wide eyes, lithe body, and most obvious of all, the blue hair that made him wonder if it was an Iida family trait. Ingenium sat—with the blanket covering his lower body—talked with a tall yet muscularly lithe brunet man. The only problem as that the man was deathly pale, but Izuku was glad he had still lively on him base on his genial expressions that light up the environment's bleak and depressing ambiance.
Various hospital machines lay unused around Ingenium's bed and on the bedside table were stacks of things, some written with, "Get well soon!" on it, and others with inspirational quotes such as, "Hang it there. :)" and whatnot.
Judging by the way he talked to the man as he laid on the bed, Izuku was glad that Iida's brother was out of danger already and already talking to another.
Better injured and crippled than dead, he winced at his line of thought. He hoped that he'll make a comeback someday. Maybe a technology that helps him recover his ability to walk.
"We're glad to see you're okay. Pop and Boss was worried about you, y'know?" The man, who had an easy-going and light voice, said lightly while he patted the older Iida's shoulder. "I'm sad to see you retire, but it's good to see you still alive. I'll tell them you're still kicking, even if only behind the scenes now."
He sighed then said calmly, "you don't need to feel sad, Koichi. I have no regrets about it. It's my job as a hero after all." Ingenium tilted his body to the side to look at them. "Oh, Tenya!" he called waving at them.
"Are these the friends you met at UA?" The older man beckoned them closer with a friendly smile that eased Izuku's nervousness. He couldn't help but compare the smile to All Might for their smile had certain charm in it that made both of them friendly and amiable for the people they met. "Tenya talked about you. He wouldn't stop talking about you guys. Oh, where are my manners, I'm Iida Tensei, also known as Ingenium." He shook all of their hands before gesturing to his friend now standing on the other side of the bed. "This, is Haimawari Koichi, a friend of mine."
"What're you doing here, Koichi-san?" Iida asked.
"Oh, you know." The brunet man, Haimawari-san, coolly shrugged. "Just a social visit to your brother. Everyone at the agency was worried about him, so I checked up on him."
He wondered how close Iida and his brother were to the man before them. Though judging by their interaction, he's guessing something like a close friend.
Part of Izuku wanted to explode in excitement at meeting Ingenium but stopped himself. He shouldn't nerd out now of all times for the sake of Iida. He was taught better than that. He had to stop himself from like a fan, and more like an acquaintance. He turned to Haimawari-san who gave a different easing smile than the one Iida-san gave. The man was nearly as tall as Ingenium but had less physical build as the two brothers yet still muscular enough to have a runner's physique that was visible in the somewhat fitting clothes. The man had set his friendly gaze and smile them.
His eyes threatened to pop out of its sockets when he saw what the man was wearing. He only saw few of those even as they were sold cheaply then, now it was expensive for its rarity; a limited Edition Captain Celebrity—featuring All Might!—take two farewell party hoody. The hoody itself was simply a dark blue colored clothing with the symbol of All Might—a white line and outline with red on both edge—on the right going to the center while on the left came Captain Celebrity's yellow-hued two line symbol going down to meet All Might's symbol and meshing together with the Captain Celebrity line curving to a letter C beside the small white diamond of All Might instead of the usual star.
It was an official merchandise that was sold when All Might shocked the audience on his appearance as a form of appreciation at the second farewell—and villain-less attack—party of Captain Celebrity at the airport five or so years ago. They fetched for quite the price online now.
"That's….." He stuttered, struggling for any words to come out of his mouth only to turn to Kacchan at the end who looked at him questioningly. "Do you know…," he said as if his friend became crazy—which he was considering he didn't notice a rare All Might Merch in front of them—but realized his too late long after his cheeks heated up. "I'm sorry for being rude, Ingenium-san."
The man laughed and shook his head. "Don't worry, Midoriya-kun. It's perfectly fine. Koichi likes to collect All Might hoodies that you wouldn't believe how many he has." Looking at Haimawari-san, Izuku was sure he saw him somewhere before. He just couldn't place it.
"I know an All Might fan when I see one," Haimawari-san said clearly amused made clear by the upward quirk of his lips and twinkle of his eyes. "I didn't expect UA's first-year representative to be an avid fan." His cheeks heat up at the comment.
"He has every All Might merch you can name of." He glared at Bakugou to stop his gloating to no effect and just ignored him. "Action figures, posters, magnets, notebooks, mugs, you name it. But he doesn't have much hoodies or clothes though."
"Kacchan!" he elbowed his best friend.
"These are my friends," said Iida gesturing at each of them.
"Midoriya Izuku." Izuku greeted, managing to control himself in front of a known hero now.
"Bakugou Katsuki."
"I'm Uraraka Ochaco!" she beamed at them.
"Nice to meet you, name's Kirishima Eijiro."
Shinso rubbed the back of his neck, his awkwardness apparent, and looked away. "Hitoshi Shinso. A General Education student and an acquaintance to Iida-san. I met your brother at the festival."
"Nonsense!" Kirishima put an arm around Shinso as he beamed. "Any friend of Izuku is a friend of ours. Right, guys?"
The girl was quick to nod at the redhead's statement. "We're friends now, Hitoshi-kun. No takebacks."
"Oh." Haimawari-san snapped his fingers. "I recognized you! That kid with the voice quirk. That was awesome. Defeating the others with only your voice and martial arts skills alone. You definite got skills to become a hero."
Iida cleared his throat and glanced at the forgotten present who looked at them curiously.
"We got you something, Ingenium-san," Kirishima said excitedly at the same time as Bakugou held the cage to the man which he gratefully accepted.
Ingenium tilted his head slightly and smiled. "Just all me Tensei." Iida's brother peeked and laughed when the puppy barked happily. He opened the cage and the Kishu puppy jumped out of it and cheerfully licked at the man's hand.
"We hope you like him," Uraraka said. He tensed. This was the moment of truth. "We wanted you to have a companion. Someone to talk to, if needed or keep you laughing if you wanted it."
After what happened, Izuku thought that Ingenium needed it. Or did they assume too much? Oh God, what if he doesn't like it?! What if—he groaned and glared at Katsuki who elbowed him.
"Point taken, Kacchan." He wheezed.
Izuku experienced firsthand what heroism was about during the USJ Incident and saw the danger the job of being a hero that fights against dangerous people that threatened the innocent people. Now, he had personally seen the dangers of what could happen to a hero in their line of duty. They could die or lose a part of themselves for the rest of their life. That was what being hero 's all about, the thought of having someone to play or talk to was a good one after what happened.
Was it any wonder then why UA was so uptight and strict regarding who goes into heroics class? This was not a job for just anyone.
"Thank you," the man said solemnly. Tears rimmed the edge of Tensei-san, but it was gone the next second that made him thought he just imagined it for the man smiled widely. "You didn't have to but you did." He petted the dog's head which made it wag its tail more.
"You know, one of the jobs of being a hero to help relieve the pain of those who are hurting in both body and spirit. It relieves me that all of you are the next going to be the next generation of heroes. Right, Koichi?"
Said man nodded in agreement. "Yeah. The world has seen what you guys' are capable of during the festival. The villains know how heroic you were at USJ. You have nothing to worry now, Tensei. They got this."
Iida's got this, he thought. Now that Ingenium was retired it would later fall to Iida to take up the mantle or make another name to make the Iida family proud.
"Even Bakugou?" He choked, while Uraraka giggled, at Shinso's statement. Shinso smirked when he said this. "I doubt the people wants to be rescued by someone scary as him. I'd rather face a villain alone than be rescued by him."
"Says the shithead looking like a wannabe zombie." Kacchan replied loudly with a huff and stuffing his hands in his pockets. "No one wants to be rescued by your ugly mug."
"He's got you there, Shinso," Izuku smirked. "You do look a little scary."
"We're in a hospital. We must observe proper decorum."
"Oh?" Koichi snickered. "Tenya's following the rules now. What about the dog." The dog barked in agreement.
"That's…," he spluttered before sighing. "I let my emotions control me. I thought it would make Tensei-niisan happy if he got his present."
A small smile found its way to Tensei's face. "I never thought I'd see the day when Tenya breaks a rule," he said, smiling in unabashed mirth. "Looks like your friends are good influence on you."
"No!" he denied vehemently. "It's not what it looks like. I will not let this happen again."
"That's fine." The older Iida brother said. "While the law is there for a good reason, sometimes you have to bend the rules." He noticed the discrete, yet amused, glance he gave to Haimawari-san. "The law is not absolute, after all. You just have to know when to do it." He winked at them.
"I better take my leave or Pops will have my butt." Haimawari-san stretched. "I'm glad you're fine, Tensei. That's one less worry for Pop and the boss. See you later junior heroes," when he passed by them, he winked and waved at them before leaving the room.
The conversation became more morose after Haimawari Koichi left, but nonetheless Iida's brother did his best to lighten the mood. Not one of them mentioned his state in fear of offending the man. If the man noticed it, which was likely, he didn't say anything about it and ask them about UA and their progress. He laughed when they mentioned that Eraserhead was their homeroom teacher which he then said, "that reminds me, he didn't want to teach before!" It was apparent that Iida Tensei knew Aizawa-sensei somehow with how he talked about their teacher.
The talk shifted to Ingenium's work. Izuku winced at that one since he was afraid that Iida's brother would be angry or sad when they mention work as a hero. His fears were proven wrong when he happily told about how he started and his experiences. He asked them to keep it confidential for his privacy and only told them because they were Iida's friends.
No offense to Iida, but his brother seemed laid back with regards to the rules. Though actively enforcing it, he was not uptight as Iida was. Tensei was using it in his advantage like the time he asked for the help of a vigilante nearby who had a pyrokinesis quirk against an ice villain since his team was still far away. Since the man only wanted to help and endangered no one, he kept quiet about him and asked favors from him from time to time though convincing him to become a registered hero at the end with his backing and reassurance to the government.
When Tensei said the hero name, he recognized the man, and didn't know him as the first vigilante and now turned legal hero under Ingenium's watch. He talked about how long and meticulous the process was, but he achieved his dream in the end.
That was what Ingenium was also famous for, something that shamed Izuku since he didn't know much about it as a hero fan. He told them about his perspective on it and why those few vigilantes he knew became a legitimate hero.
That was a few of the many exploits that marked Tensei-san as a hero in Izuku's eyes now. He told them of his many deeds, both the dire and the weird ones, making Izuku impressed by the man. It was becoming easier to see the reasons for Iida to strive to become a hero like his brother. He had this charm that made people want to follow his every word without question.
Eventually, the day ended and Izuku learned and understood what a great loss to the hero society was with Ingenium retiring at a prime age of thirty. Not only that, they learned many things such as hero techniques, the road to being a licensed hero and how hard it was, and etc.
"Goodnight and get well soon, Tensei-san," Izuku said bowing farewell to the now former hero with the others
"Thank you for the lessons!" A cheerful Kirishima said. "We'll visit you sometime."
"Anything for my brother's friends," the man said happily in return. "Thank you for the companion too. Now I won't get lonely when Tenya isn't around. Isn't that right, Yakushi?" The pup, now named Yakushi which amused Izuku, barked when Tensei-san massaged his head.
All of them left the room and before they could get on the elevator, Iida came running towards them. "Thank you for visiting my brother and I everyone!" Iida suddenly thanking them had his voice echoing on the silent hall. "I… I never knew I needed it."
"Don't sweat it, four eyes." Bakugou put an arm around and pulling Iida closer while he smirked. "I can't leave my sidekicks hanging in their time of need. You can call on us anytime you want."
Kirishima took Iida's other side slinging an arm around his shoulders. "Bakugou's right. That's what friends are for. You can't shoulder the pain all alone, that's just asking for trouble."
"If you need someone to talk to, we're here for you." Uraraka despite being worried for their friend, still took his hands gently and smiled at him. "We can be a shoulder to cry on."
"Everyone," he looked at them with moistened eyes. "I… thank you! I don't know what to say."
"Don't thank us, dude," Kirishima added. "Just focus on getting better because the class is a mess without your rule enforcement and I don't think Izuku is interested in being as uptight as you. I think I saw Tokoyami put his feet on the desk the other day."
Iida smiled and wiped his eyes.
It was about six o'clock when they left the hospital. The streets were all lit along with the full moon brightly watching them from above creating another vibrant and lively ambience similar yet different from the morning. Many people still hustled and bustled going where they were needed to be. They walked to the station talking about many things, most of which was about the experiences of Ingenium as a hero and what it meant to team Idaten and the Iida Family now that Ingenium's retired.
Izuku found himself back at USJ. But a broken and dark USJ wherein the faux lake had dried, the mountain collapsed, and all of the domes collapsed. Everything decayed from either age or something else. The shadow everywhere felt suffocating as if slowly looming closer and closer.
The wind howled and but his heart skipped a beat and his breath hitched from the growling sound. Something in the darkness laughed that seemed to echo and causing him to shiver from the way it made the sound. It was slick as oil but repulsive than anything he'd ever known. Why did he know that fact, he did not know.
He continually shivered and rubbed his arms as if that would help stave off the cold from the shadow from getting him as it gradually came closer.
If possible, the laughing man's voice doubled followed by thundering steps.
"er…. him…" A weak voice commented causing him to turn and seek it out. "Rea…dy.." The weak man said, but very much groaning it, commented.
He screamed but no sound came out when he was blown aside and his vision was blinded by something impacting right next to where he stood. The first thing he did was crossed his arms as more explosions happened left and right that had him on his knees. The laughing man and thundering steps along with the ground bursting deafened him with its cacophonous harmony. He didn't know when it stopped but one moment it was explosions everywhere then it stopped.
Something groaned, and slowly, he opened his eyes to see its source on his left. He stopped and stared dead in the eyes of a mangled yet alive form of Eraserhead crawling towards him. He averted his gaze away from the hero and he froze completely when he realized what the things around him were.
All around him were his classmates laying still on the ground. Uraraka, Kacchan, Iida, and Kirishima all laid in various positions with their own grievous wounds.
Thud.
Thud.
His chest tightened as his fear spiked from the ever closing darkness. From the shadows in front of him came two hulking beaked monsters with the exposed head that deeply into his with cold lifeless eyes. A man draped in shadows stood between the two. His hand came for him but he turned and run.
He ran and ran but every time he looked back his distance did not increase and the hand loomed over him ever so slowly.
"No!" he crossed his arm and black rope-like things exploded all over pulling the hand down.
"Fear me," a throaty yet powerful old voice said with obvious malice. He may not see the man but he could see the invisible grin sported on his face. "For I am here."
He gasped awake aware of his sweating body and accelerating heart.
"Wake up, because I am here." The All Might alarm clock kept repeating that line over and over until he shut it.
How many times does it make now? He thought as he wiped the sweat slipping down his face. honestly, he lost count and had given up keeping count since last month. He thought when he slept peacefully for a week before the Sports Festival, that he had already sorted out the truths and fears he gained from USJ. It looked like it wasn't meant to last long, he sighed in desperation. Hound-sensei did say if he still had recurring nightmares, it was recommended for him to return for counseling.
Out of all the dreams, if he's honest with himself it was mostly nightmares than dreams, this was one the worst dream he'd been that shuddered at the sheer realness of it. From the laughing man, the weird broken voice, and the darkness that holding down the hand.
It was already five-thirty in the morning, and he doubted he can get back to sleep now. He sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose feeling a headache coming. Since he woke up before his mom, he opted to cook their breakfast to bury one of the many odd nightmares he had.
As he cooked, he only had one thing on his mind.
What the hell was that?
Not much went on this chapter aside from little tiny itty bit of interaction which I hope you like it and had fun reading as much as I had fun writing the chapter. From the start, I planned to have the Vigilantes cast have a cameo or even mention, I figured that this was one of those moments seeing as it is possible with how positive the interaction between Koichi and Ingenium was in the Vigilantes manga. I can see Koichi as a hero, and not just remain a vigilante, who is content in saving people even if he goes unnoticed by the media and people.