The Burden of a Hero
Chapter 1: Judgement
AN: This story is based off my Golden Agency AU idea. There will be minor spoilers from the manga, so I apologize in advance. I don't do a whole lot of beginning notes, but this is the first chapter of a brand new parallel of my AU. I hope you all enjoy this story.
"I told you to drop it Deku!" Bakugo yelled at Midoriya as he tried to leave the elevator lobby.
Midoriya stopped him, "I can't Kacchan! Do you realize how serious this is?! How much it could affect you?! You need to make a statement!"
"I don't give a flying fuck about what extras have to say! Now back off!"
Midoriya gritted his teeth, "Fine, have it your way."
"Deku!" Uraraka's voice rang out in the hallway.
Bakugo only caught a quick sight of her in her hero costume before turning to leave. He had work to do.
Springtime was right around the corner. The breeze was chilly and it was raining. Bakugo glared at the rain clouds outside the agency window. He hated the rain and the cold. Being on patrol this time of year was the worst for him.
He turned his head to look at Midoriya and Uraraka talking in the foyer. He hated how he would feel anger at seeing them. There was no reason for it. Midoriya was happy with Todoroki. Yet, the anger would not leave.
Bakugo stepped out into the rain and shivered at the feeling. He warmed his hands to help regulate his temperature.
On days like today, there weren't too many people who dared to cause havoc. But it was still a hero's duty to keep an eye out just in case.
Five years since graduation. Five years of being in Tokyo. Five years of being with the Golden Agency.
If anyone had asked Bakugo seven years ago, if he would ever agree to a group agency with his fellow classmates, he would have blown them up. So many things had changed.
Bakugo felt lost at times. Especially with the news of leaked information. Someone had talked about what happened seven years ago. This bothered Bakugo more than he let on.
Bakugo was lost in his thoughts until he ran into something pink. He was coming out of an alleyway he was patrolling. He looked down and saw Uraraka rubbing her forehead with an umbrella over her head.
"Watch it Cheeks."
Uraraka smiled at him apologetically, "Sorry, Bakugo. It's hard to see in the rain."
"Would probably help if you didn't have that thing." Bakugo pointed at the bright pink umbrella like it was a disease.
Uraraka puffed her cheeks out, "Well excuse me for not wanting to get a cold."
"You should worry about public safety more than a measly cold."
"Our health is just as important Dynamite!"
Before Bakugo could dig at Uraraka more a little voice sounded next to them.
"Um, excuse me."
A little girl stood in the rain near them. She wore a long black dress with a frilly white collar. Her white hair was cut short just above her big brown eyes. She looked to be no more than seven years old.
"Well, hello sweetheart. Are you ok?" Uraraka floated her umbrella over the girl to help keep her dry. The girl was soaked and yet she still smiled at them.
"Yeah, I'm great! Hey, you're Dynamite! Can I shake your hand?" The girl asked with a big smile.
"Sure, kid. You want an autograph too?" Bakugo asked as he reached for one of his side pouches.
"No that's ok. My friend says that a handshake lasts longer."
"Your friend sounds weird." Bakugo grinned down at the girl as he extended his hand out to her.
"Yeah, but they're nice to me." The girl timidly touched his gloved hand with her fingers. "Wow, your hands are so big."
"Gotta have big hands to catch villains," Bakugo said with a smirk.
"Hey! My hands aren't big and I catch bad guys all the time!" Uraraka pouted at Bakugo with her arms crossed.
The girl looked at Bakugo's hand with a sad smile, "I'm so sorry Dynamite. My friend says you need to be Judged."
Suddenly her eyes flashed red and Bakugo's vision turned black.
He opened his eyes to a courtroom. The stands were full of strange creatures, almost human-looking. He stood in front of a Judge's podium. The area he was in was caged. He tried to use his quirk on the bars but nothing came out.
"Your quirk has been disabled for your own safety." A black floating sheet with two white eye holes spoke to him in an airy male voice.
"What the hell is going on?! What are you?! Where am I?!" Bakugo barked at the sheet.
"So many questions and such a temper. We don't have time for all of that I'm afraid. The Judge will be here shortly."
"All rise!" A voice called out silencing the talk amongst the figures in the stands.
Another sheet floated in. This one wore a grey bread under its white eyes.
"You may be seated." The Judge's voice was deeper than the airy ghost.
"Standing on trial before the court, Bakugo Katsuki, charges are as follows: the destruction of public property, trespassing on public property, threats of violence, harassment, assault, and first-degree murder of six civilians." The Judge read out the charges clearly. The audience gasped and whispered in response.
Bakugo felt sick. He grimaced at the Judge.
"What the hell is going on?!"
"Don't speak out of turn human!" The ghost near him touched the cage he was in. Bakugo felt immense pain course through his body. He screamed out as his skin began to sizzle.
"That's enough Gholt." The Judge spoke up and the pain stopped. "I understand you are confused, but we must proceed quickly. I suggest that you speak only when asked a question or are spoken to. You are on trial after all. If you talk out of turn again, I will have to give you a guilty verdict."
Bakugo looked at his skin in horror to see that it was intact. He panted as he gripped his hair in aggravation.
"Bakugo Katsuki, how do plead?" The Judge asked.
Bakugo slumped against the cage as he caught his breath, "May I ask about these charges? When did they occur?"
The Judge sighed, "Gholt give him a quick refresher."
Bakugo backed up as much as he could in his confined space. He didn't trust Gholt.
"I'm not going to hurt you again. Though it might be a bit uncomfortable." Gholt touched the cage again.
This time instead of pain there were flashes of memories. All the bad things Bakugo ever did in his life. All the decisions he ever made. The explosion.
Bakugo collapsed onto the ground.
"Fuck," He rubbed his head as he tried to comprehend how they were able to get into his head. How they were able to see all of those things.
"Now I will ask again. Bakugo Katsuki, how do you plead?"
Bakugo slowly got up and glared at the Judge, "There's no possible way for me to plead not guilty if you have all of my memories. Why bring me here if you were going to find me guilty in the end anyway?"
The Judge hummed, "That is a good question. I will have to bring this issue up to the other spirits later. We should honestly expedite the process. You plead guilty then?"
Bakugo gritted his teeth, "I don't really have any other choice. I can't deny the things I've done."
"Excellent! I knew this would be a fast sentence. Bakugo Katsuki verdict," The Judge bangs his gavel, "Guilty! He will have to face the horrors of his past. It is only right that justice be done. The form shall take the one closest to your heart. I think that will be a sufficient punishment. The court is adjourned." The Judge stood up and so did the audience.
"Alright human, time to send you back." Gholt touched the cage once again.
Bakugo's vision turned black once again. He woke up under an overhang with his head on something soft. He tilted his head and saw Uraraka looking at him with a worried expression.
"Hey, are you ok? You collapsed all of a sudden. I hope you don't mind. I took you to a rooftop to be out of the way. The girl collapsed too." Uraraka looked over and Bakugo turned his head to see the girl.
She stared at him with a weak smile, "My friend says that your sentence will be passed in a minute. I'm so sorry."
Bakugo slowly moved off of Uraraka's lap, "What was that world?"
The girl sat up, "My friend says that you shouldn't worry about it."
Bakugo gripped his hands tightly, "You keep talking about a friend. Are they invisible or something? What the hell did you do?"
Suka stayed silent.
"Bakugo, what happened?" Uraraka's hand touched his. He felt calmer when she did that. He always did.
"I'm not sure. But it was weird. Hey, Lolli you're coming with us. I don't know what the hell you did, but I can't let you out of my sight."
The girl, now dumbed Lolli by Bakugo frowned, "My name's not Lolli. It's Suka, Masayoshi Suka."
Bakugo smirked, "I don't really care, but at least I know you have your own thoughts."
He heard something fall on the roof they were taking shelter under. He looked down and saw Uraraka on the ground next to him.
"Lolli, did you fucking touch her?" Bakugo sneered as he knelt down next to Uraraka.
"I just woke up you big meanie! Someone should wash your mouth out with soap!" Suka stuck her tongue out at Bakugo as she stamped her foot. Her face shifted to sorrow quickly. "My friend says that the sentence is being passed."
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!" Bakugo yelled at her as Uraraka's skin began to shift. "What the hell did you do to her?"
Suka covered her eyes.
Uraraka's body was turning black. Her skin was becoming shiny. Her bones cracked. Her hair disappeared. Two long antennae sprouted. Her face disappeared, becoming a black rounded, shiny, surface. Wings, like a fly's, emerged from her back. Her hands were replaced with long, sharp, claws four on each hand. Her bracelets broke under the pressure of her arms expanding. Her hero costume was tearing. The worst thing was that she wasn't making a sound.
Soon, after a long moment, her body stopped shifting. She no longer looked like Uraraka Ochako. She looked like an alien. A big bug. Knees were inverted. The feet looked like two claws with one back claw. Her costume was in ruins on the ground around her.
Bakugo shook as he removed one of his gloves. He touched the surface where her face would be. It was smooth to the touch. Cold and hard.
Her cheeks, gone.
Her chocolate brown eyes, gone.
Her smile, gone.
Bakugo felt something cold run down his face. Anger boiled hot in his core.
"This is sick... disgusting... why her?! I was the one who did those things! Not her! I should be the one! Fucking fix it! If you're going to fucking punish someone punish me!" Bakugo had not been this hysterical in a long time. He had hoped that the first and last time would have been in front of Midoriya. Yet, there he was. Crying his eyes out. Holding what was supposed to be Uraraka Ochako and yelling at a little girl.
Suka cried with him, "I'm so sorry. I tried to warn you. I really did. My friend said you were told your sentence. I didn't know."
"I don't fucking care. Just take away your quirk. Put it on me if you have to." Bakugo pleaded with her as he held onto Uraraka's deformed body.
"I can't just stop my quirk after it's Judged someone. My sister says that my quirk is still new. She might be able to help." Suka wiped her face as she tried to stop crying.
"Like I trust anyone related to you," Bakugo growled out.
"It's true! Who else can help you Dynamite?" Suka sniffled with a hiccup.
Bakugo took a deep breath and collected himself. Years of anger management had helped him control his emotions better.
"I have one other person. You're coming with me Lolli. Help me put her on my back." Bakugo pulled a bundle of rope out of one of his side pouches.
Suka helped Bakugo tie Uraraka's hands and legs so she would be secure on his back.
"Now grab onto me. I suggest you hold on tight." Bakugo suggested as he put his gloves back on.
Suka frowned but she situated herself on top of one of Uraraka's disfigured legs and under her arms. She wrapped her arms around Bakugo's neck.
Bakugo let out a few small explosions and then they were flying. Bakugo heard Suka giggle in his ear. He had to resist the urge to not do a flip to toss her off. He needed her to get Uraraka back to normal.
He landed on the roof of the agency and Suka slipped off of him.
"That was really cool Dynamite. I bet you get to do that all the time." Suka grinned up at him innocently.
Bakugo ignored her as he opened another one of his side pouches. He took out his phone and sped dialed Midoriya.
"Izuku, get to the agency as soon as you can. Uraraka got hit by a quirk. We need Aizawa sensei with Eri as soon as possible." Bakugo didn't allow Midoriya a word as soon as he heard the line connect.
"Is she ok?! What happened Kacchan?!" Bakugo could hear frantic dressing over the line.
"Honestly, I don't know."
Midoriya's voice cracked, "I'll be there in no time at all."
Bakugo sighed as he looked at the door on the roof. He took out his ID card and swiped it through.
"Come on Lolli. You first."
Suka walked forward and they made their way down the four flights of stairs.
Bakugo cut Uraraka's ropes as they reached the top floor. The top floor was mainly used for meetings. There were small meeting rooms and one big meeting room for everyone to gather in. Bakugo carried Ochako in his arms to the bigger meeting room. A big couch sat on the left-hand side and a huge round table took up the majority of the room.
Bakugo walked over to the couch and gently laid her on it.
It seemed like only yesterday that he was doing this for her. In her own body. She had fallen asleep in her office like usual. She always had been a heavy sleeper. He always got onto her for it. Teased her for it. He gently touched her head.
There was a loud rumble above. Bakugo rolled his eyes as he got up.
A blur of green stopped just in front of Bakugo. It was Midoriya and he was carrying Todoroki on his back.
"Where is she?" Midoriya asked as Todoroki got off his back.
Bakugo pointed his thumb over to the couch without looking. Midoriya gasped along with Todoroki.
"Why is she like this? What happened?" Midoriya tried to collect himself as tears threatened to spill over.
Bakugo went into what happened. Meeting Suka, the dream, and then the transformation. The heroes sat as they stared at Uraraka's form.
"Wait, if this is because of a quirk then shouldn't it just fade like normal?" Todoroki reasoned with a puzzled expression.
"I don't want to take any chances. We're getting Eri." Bakugo said without any hesitation.
"I agree with Kacchan. This quirk sounds strange. I'll call him up right now and explain the situation." Midoriya fished out his phone and walked out of the room.
"We should probably get the police here too." Todoroki took out his phone only for Bakugo to growl.
"The girl is staying here. Until Uraraka is back to normal, she isn't going anywhere."
"Bakugo, we can't just keep her here. You know that's against the law."
Bakugo slammed the table, "Do what you want. Damn IcyHot."
Bakugo walked over to the window overlooking the city. The rain scattered against it making the city look melted.
He knew that he was being irrational. He knew it was wrong to hold Suka without notifying the police. He was too high-strung on his emotions. He took a moment to calm himself.
He heard Todoroki call the police. Bakugo was glad that he called Tsukauchi directly at least. Tsukauchi was one of the few people that Bakugo trusted.
"Lolli," Bakugo barked out without looking at the little girl.
"What?" Suka squeaked out timidly.
"How long until she wakes up?"
Suka hugged her knees close to her chest as she sat in one of the chairs at the table.
"I'm not sure. Sometimes it's a day or more according to my friend. I don't usually see the sentences. My friend says that they're all different."
Bakugo felt his anger increase. If he wasn't careful, he would explode something soon.
"You mean to tell me that you leave the people you judge behind? And you have no idea what happens to them?" Bakugo growled out in a menacing voice.
"My friend tells me that I shouldn't have to stay. Justice is served and that's all the matters." Suka's voice wavered.
Bakugo unleashed an explosion on the window. He was well aware that the glass was reinforced to withstand any attack. The glass sizzled and wobbled at the impact zone.
"You dare to judge people. You're no better than a villain. I dare you to judge yourself." Bakugo gave her a look that would make any person crumble.
Suka busted into tears, "I didn't know that they were like this! You have to believe me! I just want to be a hero!"
Bakugo walked up close to her, "Then this is the last time you do this. Until you go to a hero school you cannot do this again. If you do then you'll never be a hero. Ever. There are rules and regulations for this exact reason. If you break those rules then you become a villain."
Suka nodded as her tears continued to fall, "I understand. I'm so sorry. I won't do it again Dynamite. I promise. My friend apologizes too."
Bakugo grunted with a nod, "Good, you better keep that promise."
Bakugo walked away and sat back down near Todoroki.
"That was kind of you Bakugo," Todoroki said with a small smile.
Bakugo scoffed.
"She'll understand when she's older what you did for her."
"One less villain to put in jail is better for everyone. I didn't do it for her."
Todoroki chuckled, "Sure you didn't."
Midoriya returned, "Aizawa sensei says he's on his way with Eri. I was thinking about messaging everyone."
"More people won't be useful. They'll just be in the way." Bakugo stated as he leaned his head back.
"Why did you call me then?" Midoriya asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You're her friend nerd. She'd want you to be here."
"Thank you Kacchan," Midoriya said quietly.
Bakugo hummed as he closed his eyes.
It took thirty minutes for Tsukauchi to arrive at the agency. Bakugo rested as Midoriya and Todoroki talked to him. Suka explained what happened as best she could as well.
"Well, we will need to contact your family. I understand that you're sorry, but you broke the law. You're just a kid so you won't be prosecuted fully." Tsukauchi explained to Suka as nicely as he could.
"I understand. I only have my sister. She takes care of me."
"I can call her for you. She can meet us at the station. Is that alright?"
Suka nodded her head.
"Alright, then. Come along now." Tsukauchi motioned for her to come with him. "We will follow up if anything else comes up. Thank you for calling us in Deku."
Midoriya smiled sadly, "Of course, we'll keep you updated as well. Thank you for being so quick and understanding as always."
"Anytime." Tsukauchi tipped his hat and left with Suka.
"Tsukauchi," Aizawa's deep voice sounded as the door began to close.
"Ah, Eraser Head. Good to see you. Sorry, I was just leaving. I wish we had time to catch up." Tsukauchi said politely.
"I'm sure we'll get the chance someday." Aizawa started plainly.
"Yeah, well nice seeing you at least and you too Eri."
"Nice seeing you too gumshoe." Eri's light voice flitted as the door opened once again.
Eri had grown quiet a lot. She was now a beautiful young lady. Her hair was cut into a pixy cut. Her horn was long and curled from her forehead. She was thin and wore black jeans with a flowing blue shirt. She was in her last year of middle school and was planning on going to UA for hero training.
"Eri and Aizawa sensei, thank you for coming." Midoriya hugged Eri with a smile.
"Of course, what you described over the phone was quite troubling. You're lucky I'm retired you know." Aizawa lazily looked at Midoriya but seemed to be glad to see him again.
Aizawa had two eyes thanks to Eri. He had refused to fix his leg though for some reason. No one could tell that he only had one leg though thanks to his baggy clothes.
Aizawa looked over to the couch and his eyes widened at the sight of Uraraka.
"You really weren't kidding."
Eri gasped as she saw the creature as well at her adoptive father's statement.
"That's Auntie Ochako?" Eri shakily asked through her fingers.
"Yeah, it's her," Bakugo spoke up as he got up from the chair he was resting in.
Eri walked over to Uraraka slowly. Everyone watched as she cried and touched one of the deformed hands.
"I'm going to fix you now Auntie," Erik said with a small smile.
Eri's hands glowed as they touched Uraraka's hand. Erik closed her eyes. Sweat formed on her brow as she frowned.
"What is this? Something is blocking me. It's pushing me out." Erik panted and then recoiled her hands with a yelp.
"Eri! Are you ok?!" Aizawa was by Eri's side holding her hands and inspecting them before anyone else could move.
"I'm ok Daddy. I'm going to try again." Erik wiped her head as she gave her father a reassuring smile.
"Don't push yourself too much." Aizawa put a hand on her head affectionately.
"I won't I promise."
Eri took a deep breath and put her hands on Uraraka's face. She closed her eyes once again and her hands glowed even brighter. Her face scrunched up as sweat accumulated on her brow.
"This has never happened. What is this?" Eri yelped as she pulled back her hands once more. She cried. "I don't know why or how… I can't find her original state. I can't fix her. Why can't I fix her?! What's wrong with me?!"
Aizawa took Eri into his arms and held her tightly as she cried.
"Shit," Bakugo cussed as he gripped at his hair.
Midoriya frowned as he put a hand on his chin in contemplation. "It probably isn't you Eri. This quirk, whatever it is seems to have locked Uraraka in this form somehow. Kacchan mentioned a court of law when he was touched by Suka. They claimed to be spirits. Spirits of what? Spirits of justice? Of death? Or revenge maybe? Maybe the form is locked because of the sentence given. That world had a weird justice system. If anything, I think it was based on Suka's knowledge of the law as a kid. Does she then control how the spirits act without realizing it? Her quirk doesn't always sentence people like this. She said so herself."
"Oi, you're doing it again," Bakugo barked at Midoriya.
Midoriya blushed and scratched his head, "Sorry."
"You brought up good questions Izuku. We need to find out more about how her quirk works." Todoroki said as he grabbed Midoriya's hand to reassure him.
Bakugo groaned, "Lolli mentioned that her sister understood her quirk. She said she might be able to help."
"We should head to the police station then. Tsukauchi said he was going to call Suka's sister." Todoroki stated plainly.
"God damn it!" Bakugo kicked a chair in frustration.
"Bakugo, try to refrain from your usual crass language in front of my daughter." Aizawa gave Bakugo a stern look as a warning.
"But he was just here!"
Midoriya put a hand on Bakugo's shoulder, "We're all upset Kacchan, but there isn't much else that we can do at this point."
Bakugo moved his shoulder away from Midoriya, "I know that." He took a deep breath, "I'll stay here just in case she wakes up. You better come back with useful information."
"I will Kacchan."
There was a distorted sound. Almost like a moan of pain. Shifting sounded from the couch.
"What happened?" It didn't sound like Uraraka's voice. It sounded too distorted. Too deep.
"How… what?" Midoriya gaped at Uraraka.
"How is she talking?" Todoroki whispered with wide eyes.
"Maybe her antennas let her communicate somehow." Midoriya tried to reason.
Bakugo knelt next to her without a moment's hesitation.
"Are you ok? Are you hurt?"
Uraraka shook her head, "I feel sore. What happened Bakugo?"
"What's the last thing you remember?"
Uraraka hummed, "We were talking on the roof with Suka."
One of her hands came up to scratch her head. She froze.
"Bakugo, why can't I feel my hair?! Oh my God!" She looked at her hands and her changed body. Her distorted cries rang out. "What am I?!"
She tried touching her face as her breathing increased.
"Uraraka, look at me."
Uraraka's tearless sobs continued as she turned her head to him.
"I'm going to fix this. You have my word on that. Whatever this quirk is, we're going to figure it out."
Uraraka nodded her head weakly. She tried to breathe deeply.
"I can't even cry…"
Bakugo wrapped his arms around her, "I'm so sorry." He whispered at the side of her head.
She wailed in his arms as she held him tightly. He cried for her.
AN: So? What you think? I took some ideas from a game I've been playing. I wanted to do something based on the Nomu at first but I couldn't quite make it work. I'm sorry for the minor spoilers in the story so far. I really tried to keep them to a minimum. Please let me know what you think of this story and the idea so far. I would love some cover art ideas. If you are an artist and you wish to submit a cover of this fanfic please feel free! I would love to hear from you on Twitter or Tumblr. Or even here! So please don't forget to leave a comment! Favorite the story and follow if you're enjoying it too! It really helps me to know how I'm doing! Until next time! ^^