Eiyuu no Shouko chapter 2: Loss of control
A/N: I have been building a resevoir of these chapters, but any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Tata~
: Eiyuu no Shouko:
Izuku liked his music, which was completely opposite to his life.
He preferred the loud type of music, opposing his quiet way of living.
He preferred the vibrant type of music, opposing his rather dull life.
And so, he'd often visited many instrument shops.
Fortunately or unfortunately (he wasn't sure of his perspective on the matter), it seems Setsuna also liked music.
And her tastes were…
"OOOOOOOOHHHHHH HELLL YEAH! LET'S GET IT! LET'S GET IT! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Unique…to say the least.
How he ended up in karaoke he had no clue, much like every other venture he's had with Tokage anyways.
"DID SOMEBODY SAY PARTY? I BANG WITH THAT SORTA SHIT, I BE GETTING STURDY TO THAT SHIT, I FUCKED UP WITH Y'ALL UP IN MY CASE, BUT Y'ALL DIDN'T KNOW THAT I BE DIRTY, I BE SLAY! "
'Why did I agree to come out here again?'
"IZU! Sing along, why don't ya?!" Setsuna called out, the somewhat affectionate name still feeling a bit foreign to Izuku.
"No, I'm alright," Izuku waved off, preferring to sip on his cola.
"Psh Killjoy."
It wasn't as though it was his first time in karaoke, even if he wasn't sure his last time counted since he came by himself.
He had wondered what the rave was even about, and at the time, it didn't feel like anything special.
You just came into a room and sang to your heart's content and that's about it.
But…this time?
It felt slightly different.
He felt…somewhat happy, whether it was because of the zippy smile on Setsuna's face, or simply because her singing was…amusing.
He didn't feel too bad about this trip.
"I'LL KIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLL YOOOOUUUUUU!"
…
…
Maybe he'd try to prevent going to karaoke with her again.
…
"Woo, that felt great." Setsuna stretched, having finished the vigorous exercise of her vocal chords.
"You really went at it huh," Izuku commented.
"Well duh, it's karaoke, you're meant to go ham!"
"Hmph, if you keep at it, you can defeat villains with just your singing instead of your quirk," He teased, a smirk spreading across his face.
"OI! What do you mean by that?"
"I was just complimenting your…exquisite singing capabilities."
"Well, it sure didn't sound like it." Setsuna crossed her arms, but soon let out a huff before smiling. "Where should we head to now?"
"Home. Where I belong."
Setsuna rolled her eyes, "Ah sure, sure, I forgot I was hanging out with a NEET."
"I'm not a NEET." Izuku defended, "I just like to stay at home."
"Izu," Setsuna put a hand on his shoulder, "That's what every NEET tells themselves to feel good about it."
"Oi."
Setsuna bellowed a laughter in her own teasing, before smirking at her friend.
"Fine, let's see… how about we get some food?" Izuku pondered, scanning the plethora of destinations in front of him before stopping at a single place, "How about there?"
Setsuna turned and said, "'Itsuki's Diner' huh?"
"Never been there."
Setsuna grinned, before hugging Izuku's arm, "Aye aye Cap'n, let's go!" Her chest pushing into his arms was somewhat tantalising as he reeled himself in.
Surprisingly, Setsuna had quite the fleshy mounds, which he had not realised earlier.
Relax Izuku, you aren't a horny monkey, calm down!
"Come on then." She held his arm even tighter, tugging his arm into her cleavage.
RELAAAAAAAAXXX!
"R-Right…"
And so they made their way to the restaurant.
Ah, I ended up extending our outing…I need to…stop.
:Eiyuu no Shouko:
2 weeks later, 13:00
*Vrr…Vrrr…Vrrr*
Izuku silently stared at the caller ID…before turning around in bed and facing the wall. A deep sigh had lodged itself in his throat but he refused to let it out. Finally, as he kept up his blank stare at the wall, the vibration died. The screen lit up again.
Tokage Setsuna…6 missed calls.
It just…had to be this way. It was sudden of him, but it was for the best.
If she were to learn…
He tried…a lot.
He kept telling her of how busy he was.
He kept ignoring her messages.
He kept changing routes to come back home from school.
But…
"Nope, you met me and I met you, we're stuck together now."
Or…
"If I didn't drag you out then you'd probably just sit home and read a book or something. That's lame."
And her usual spiel would follow along those lines. Understandably he felt mildly offended at her assumptions…not that they were wrong.
He…tried.
But she kept denying him it.
She didn't allow him to just be alone.
He couldn't understand her; what was her obsession anyway? With her cheerful, glowing personality she'd no doubt have many more friends. As she should.
So why did it matter if she hung out with him-Why did she even hang out with him? For 2 whole weeks, the girl had never once failed to call him. Try to reach out to him. To make contact with him…and he spat on her kindness.
It made him feel horrible, but…it had to be like this.
She was…nice…much nicer than he was.
You could so easily tell that she was a caring person, however playful she was.
She was always a ball of sunshine; she'd just light your day up by being there with you.
She did so, for almost two whole months that they knew each other.
But enough was enough…he had to draw the line.
She was different…much more different than him.
He was a stain on society.
She was a top-class student.
He was a villainous killer.
She was a recommended student for the U.A.
He was a dark, boring, filthy person with no redeemable qualities. Izuku was ashamed of himself, but he knew that it was due to his…quirk that he lost all chance at a normal life. He lacked empathy, a side effect of the curse that haunted him at night. Maniacal thoughts often invaded his mindscape and ran rampant leaving behind a trail of self-berating hatred.
His future…had no substance to it. If he was lucky…he'd be able to work at a low-range job, and coast along life until his death. At worst, he'd end up dying quicker; and truly he wouldn't mind. It'd only be fair after he took a life himself. He looked calm and collected; but he simply valued no interaction, since he knew that they'd never stick around anyway.
But her?
She was different. Her hands weren't tainted. She was a bright, talented, beautiful person. She had a glowing outlook on life, and she could understand your emotions just with a single glance…even with him…him who had practised masking his sadness and pain, she saw right through him.
Her future was stellar, with endless potential, though her quirk was simplistic, she could no doubt become a great hero. He truly believed that, and he knew for a fact that she was going to be a saviour, with that heart of gold.
Their worlds…were just too far apart. And honestly? He was okay with that. He wasn't jealous.
He had lived so long without any friends, he didn't need them. He didn't wish to bother Setsuna with that.
Or so he told himself.
Who am I kidding…I'm just scared of getting attached.
The fear he had wasn't of her treating the same as others…it was but a hopeless dream.
For he simply awaited the fact that one day she'd find out, and would end their friendship. Leaving him all alone in the most painful way…leaving him to curse his own fate once more.
And so, he'd much rather end things earlier, to prevent himself from getting hurt.
Before she…felt betrayed.
He didn't wish to hurt her, not the one person who had bothered to stick with him, however short the time was, and had so many experiences.
He couldn't be greedy.
He had enough, this was already more than enough…
*Vrrr…Vrrr…Vrrr…*
This…was more than enough.
: Eiyuu no Shouko:
Inko…was worried.
Her son had changed drastically, too much over too short of a period…again.
She had seen the boy be so down in the dumps all the time, lethargic or at least unbothered with…everything.
She had thought he was clinically depressed perhaps.
Yet he had refused to get it tested or anything.
When he was young, he'd have nightmares every night. A brutal war that her young, child of the tender age of barely 7 would have to wage.
On some nights, he'd win in said battles and sleep peacefully after a while.
While on the other nights…
Every night was spent in anguish for her, as she could hear the quiet sobs of her child. The steaming hot tears that'd flow down the eyes of her sweet baby.
It made her feel helpless.
Almost at fault even.
If only she had done something herself…if only she had done something against…Hisashi.
Oh by the lords, did the name enrage her.
At one point in time, that name brought her immense joy and affection. A lovely man. A greater hero.
To her, Hisashi was oh so much more than just her husband.
He had been the man she chose to spend an eternity with. A man who was righteous, caring and so handsome that she could see no other man besides him in her world.
Yet he was not the man he showed himself to be.
She had been tricked; by a vicious snake, whose blood ran colder than the icy tops of a mountain.
He was no righteous man…no…he was a sick, twisted, criminal worse than any villain that even All Might had fought.
She loved her son, and forever will. But the burden that man had become…was immense.
She had to watch, as he would abuse their child, their little angel. Bruising and battering the boy until his cries went quiet.
And if she chose to rise, he'd put her back down…diabolically beating her until she could no longer stand up.
But her Izuku…her baby…had unknowingly saved her from him.
He was her light in the dark until…
The dark disappeared.
A darkness her child had removed, completely saving her from the hellish life with the imposter of a man that she had previously loved.
Yet he had not failed to leave behind his mark. A decaying scar that haunted her child. He, Izuku's father had left him the ultimate signature of his being, his treacherous deeds and worst of all…
Himself.
The boy simply saw nothing but a killer within, and especially for a young child who wanted to simply sling back a cape and defeat evil, it had proven to be…nearly fatal.
She tried.
Inko really did try to help her baby, yet the man had haunted his life so badly, that no mother's love could override it.
She had been at fault.
She had brought the boy nothing but pain. She hadn't been enough to heal the wound in his heart, she…she wasn't enough.
And so…she too felt pain. Guilt was strong enough for her to bring the edge of a knife to her wrist. Yet as always…her true hero…her son, would come and save her.
Despite his own suffering that no child at his age should experience, he'd be able to find her just before she went ahead and did it and would bring her back from it.
His endearing smile. The adorable freckles on his face. His lush green locks that grew with no end to them.
Every memory of him would save her. Each smile, each hug, each loving kiss would make her stop right at death's doorstep. She had hoped that she could do the same for him…
Yet she could see it in his eyes! Oh God, his eyes had lost their lustre.
Even though her captor was gone. Even though the lying, conniving, bastard was gone but…
And suddenly, Izuku changed.
She had seen his improvement as he grew older, perhaps forgetting the memories. It brought her joy. She felt immense happiness at seeing her child recovering.
Her son was more present. He had stopped cursing himself.
Her son had picked up hobbies, and even learned how to make money from the internet! It did concern her but she'd trust his promises of it being safe
Sure he'd never once used his quirk, but that was okay! Even if her son had decided to live the rest of his life as a quirkless person, she'd be just fine with that!
She had allowed him the privacy that any growing boy deserves and only thanked God for making such a miracle possible.
She too felt finally at peace.
Until…
It wasn't so long ago.
She had urgently needed to enter his room in the night.
Some work business that she had left in his room during the day.
She had entered quietly so as to not wake him up. Gliding with the grace of a youthful lady, she made her way to the table…that's when she heard it…
*...hic*
It was faint.
But she definitely heard it.
A reticent whimper.
And as if everything was a shattered dream, all her past worries came back in vengeance, as she slowly turned around…
With a throbbing heart that made blood rush to her head…
And she saw it.
With the dim light coming from the hallway, a clear streak of tears ran down her child's face.
The same way as it had done years prior.
'No…not again!'
It was impossible! It had stopped! He…he was better now!
…Was he really?
He curled in on himself, into a foetal position as he had done previously. The same pattern of sobs. The same tears that she couldn't wipe away.
Was he really healed? How? With who's help?
Her head felt like it was splitting as she tried to solve the mystery in front of her. A conundrum that literally held the peace they lived in by the throat.
One does not simply forget and remember trauma…it just didn't work like that.
'Unless…'
The realisation ceased all other thoughts. Her veins ran colder than ever.
'No…had he…has he really been pretending? All this time?'
It didn't make sense, no one could have such immense control over their emotions. He couldn't have reeled himself in the entire time.
Not that it made sense any other way.
Izuku…hid his pain this entire time. Ever since he began to get better, he simply…held it all in.
His composed behaviour, the slight smile he'd wear.
'Was everything…fake?'
Had he been lying the entire time for her sake? So that she could stop worrying about him.
He certainly was at the stage to begin realising this.
'...Izuku…'
Everything seemed to merge, as she remembered the look in his eyes. Albeit brief, she had seen it…
The same old hopeless eyes.
…
Inko took her file and left the room in silence.
Too busy dealing with the tumultuous emotions to even shed a single tear.
"I have failed him."
…
That was months prior.
Yet when all hope was lost, her boy had truly changed. This time for certain. She knew it, she saw the gleam of his stare.
It was gentle. It was alive.
He was-
And now he was back to normal.
Perhaps even worse than before.
She truly couldn't understand the child. All he does now is simply stare off, into the distance.
Whenever she asked; she'd get the same response as she has for years now…
"I'm fine Mom. Thank you."
…
'Thank you?'
For what?
She was exhausted…too tired to cry.
They are too overtaxed to even grab the knife anymore.
But she couldn't…she couldn't just give in.
It hurt so much but she could do nothing but grit her teeth and push through.
Izuku had swallowed his own trauma for so long, just so that she could get better…she couldn't leave him in this state.
If she knew something about Izuku, however reserved he was, she knew that he loved music. The lone hobby she had seen her child get into.
And so, using the rather well-timed opportunity she entered his room and…
"Izuku dear?"
"...Yes Mom…"
"I have a present for you."
And she handed him the tickets.
:Eiyuu no Shouko:
…
Izuku sat on the edge seat of the train. Holding a backpack close to his chest, with his headphones on.
The quiet thrums from his device went ignored as he wondered why his mother had suddenly given him tickets to the music festival quite a distance away.
Normally, she wouldn't allow him to even go that far, yet this time she had been all but happy to allow him.
Either way, he too recognised that he needed a distraction, from the monotonous days he's been spending.
He had skipped school for the last four days, yet no one called but he didn't care much about that.
What did hit him hard however…was that there was no call from Setsuna today.
For the first time in the last couple weeks of he ignoring her.
She had stopped trying to reach out to him.
No calls.
No texts.
No voice messages.
A wry smile sprung on his face…finally…he had rid Setsuna of the curse that would've otherwise meddled with her future.
Too deep in his thoughts he was, to notice the single tear escape the confines of his body. Running slowly down his cheek…the final wisp of hope that he had gained.
…
…and crushed himself.
If there was one thing Izuku hated about festivals.
It was their price.
Not for merch, not for meet and greets no…for a freaking bottle of water!
And any other basic consumable, that'd cost triple of what a convenience store charges. Seriously who the hell asks for 1000 yen for a bottle of water?!
That's a rip-off!
But well, the feeling of thirst isn't something he could get rid of so easily anyways…so he had no choice but to suck it up and buy the bottle.
I wonder what they ask for a box of to-go sushi…probably an arm and a leg.
On the slightly brighter side, the music festival had proved to be a very nice event for him. Though he had crowds such as these, he was appreciative of his quirk which was effectively impossible for any normal person to knock him over.
It was one of the only times he'd appreciate his quirk's other effects of giving him [strengthened body].
The festival had proved to be different enough to take his mind off of Setsuna. Though that wasn't until he heard it…
"Let…me go…"
In the middle of a rave, to hear such a thing was truly mind-boggling. Even with his [Heightened senses] hearing her voice so clearly would be something that any normal person would scoff at.
In this environment? With the music blasting away? Anyone would've shrugged it off as a weird attachment.
There was a band that'd just be her type here.
Perhaps, he was getting too attached. Even if she was the only person to break his monotonous life for the first time.
Perhaps, he truly was hearing things. The deep misery of having to throw away his first friendship allows his brain to play tricks on him.
And so, he'd forget about it and focus on the festival.
"Someone…"
But…he couldn't.
Taking the chance, he turned around to peer through the crowd of mixing faces that he didn't care for…
He spotted her seaweed green hair.
Slight bobbing of her head, before it fell and he clearly saw three people carry her off.
Setsuna!
Immediately he gave chase, fearing the worst.
"Excuse me."
"Passing through."
"Sorry."
He threw away similar words, working himself past the rough crowd.
Curses for this event to be so popular.
Izuku moved through the people before finally making it to where he'd last seen her.
"Shit!"
But she wasn't there.
Turning frantically he searched for her, but amongst the sea of people, his eyesight would not spot her.
Immediately, he switched to relying on his nose.
Though Izuku could not control his [strengthened body], he at least could choose to activate each of the 6 senses to apply [Heightened Senses].
As he spread the ability to his nose, a barrage of new smells all attacked his nostrils.
With an audible grunt, Izuku had to keep himself up. The sudden increase in the ability meant that his poor nose would also pick up any scent of cologne, perfumes or any food.
Come on…you can find it…where is she?!
Regardless of how it seemed in the movies, being able to single out the scent of one person out of a literal thousand was way harder than expected.
Yet through sheer will, Izuku filtered through each individual smell. Blood dripped down his nostrils but he ignored it.
No…I'm not letting her be hurt!
He would not allow her to be harmed.
He searched…and searched…and searched, before finally…
Found it!
:Eiyuu no Shouko:
His hunt began as soon as he found her scent.
The same smell of the fruity shampoo that he'd come to find peace in.
He resolutely jumped high, his legs flexing as he did so, he passed straight to the top of a tent.
The middle bolstered roof that he used as a platform, bent slightly at the pressure he exerted before he cleared the rave.
He would not allow anyone to harm his friend!
Without thinking much, Izuku dashed straight through the trail of her smell.
While he should've at least alerted the security, he doubted they could do much. At most, they'd call the police, but that's only going to slow things down.
Considering that alongside her fruity smell, there was also the sweet odour of…chloroform.
So he took things into his own hands, using [strengthened body] without hesitation to give chase.
And soon, his efforts paid off.
Peaking past the foliage, he easily spotted a black minivan. With a group of people by it.
"Hehehe…quite the products you found this time." One of the cronies grinned.
"Oi, don't you damage the goods. We picked em' easy from the carnival but they were still chosen."
Izuku held back a snarl as he raced towards them. His steps have gotten slower due to the need to be quieter.
"Ah well, a taste won't hurt will it now?"
And Izuku watched the hand reach towards Setsuna…and rip her shirt open.
You fucking bastards!
Izuku, no longer being able to hold it in, let out a thunderous roar in a rage-filled voice. His call sent any nearby wildlife into a frenzy to run away.
"You lowlives!" Izuku shouted, as he pushed off his toes and immediately drove his fist into one of the kidnapper's faces.
The man crumpled against the car, knocked out by the sledgehammer-like force of Izuku's fist.
"What the-"
"Quick, attack him!"
Izuku just barely managed to dodge, as a bullet of air grazed past his chin.
With a machine gun-like speed, bullets of air kept firing as he just barely dodged a few. Their surprising force not drawing blood, but definitely leaving small bruises on his body.
"Oh, this kid's pretty tough!" The man shooting the bullets began, pelleting him with the projectiles.
With another feral roar, Izuku ignored the pain and jumped straight towards the man.
Being able to fire air bullets, the closed distance left the goon effectively unable to do anything as Izuku swept his leg. The sudden force crashed against the man, making his knees buckle and sending him to the trees.
Having cleared the goons, he immediately went to Setsuna's side.
"Set! Wake up! Set!" He shook the girl frantically, trying to see some sort of response.
Putting his finger under her nose he at least confirmed that she was breathing. Relief washed over, like a cleansing bath.
…
And that was his mistake.
"-Die you bastard."
And Izuku's world fell to black.
…
…
[I feel ashamed to call you my master.]
…
…
[Right, you can't reply yet…No matter.]
…
…
[Our mate is in trouble…will you continue your petty grudge?]
…
…
[Call upon me!]
It happened instantly.
One second he was by her side.
The next he was on the grassy patch by himself.
The last memory of his was a metallic fist coming straight to his face.
And given the dripping blood from his nose…it certainly packed a punch.
Setsuna!
Izuku growled as he got up, slight pangs of pain that coursed through his nose. Probably broken, but he could not find it in himself to care.
Izuku dashed after the scent, hearing the shrill screeching of the van, he knew if he wanted to catch up he had to move faster.
Getting closer and closer but just not reaching the van fast enough.
His legs were too slow, he needed to go faster. He had to reach her at all costs.
And he never realised how he was no longer running.
His hand grasped but did not make it through the metallic doors. He had to make it past the door to reach her.
And he never realised how his claws grew.
His chase was marked with air bullets, he barely dodged but was still hit. He had to take the brunt of the damage.
And he never realised the scales that protected him.
Izuku's speed increased with a flap of wings that he could not even realise. Driving his sharp claws right into the backdoor, Izuku ripped the door open.
Anger coursing its way through his body, Izuku entered the back. His glowing red eyes peered straight at the one guard they left.
The sweating man got up and immediately tried to slash him with a knife, his tough scales blocking the strike completely.
Izuku grabbed the man by the throat, trying to suppress the voice in his mind that screamed for carnage.
The voice that kept trying to tempt him into simply crushing the man's throat.
"Ugh…"
The internal conflict left him distracted to notice the man swinging a knife at his face.
Just barely scratching by and drawing blood.
"Piece of…"
Izuku didn't hesitate to throw the man out of the driving vehicle; not bothering to watch the man fall against the rough asphalt.
"Setsuna…"
"Izu…"She stirred.
Our mate!
He went back to her side. Thankfully realising how the kidnappers had stopped their moves on her in a rush to get away from their previous location.
He agitatedly checked her for any injuries, but this time…
"You fucki-"
He did not make the same error.
His claws had found themselves embedded right into his shoulder, pinning the man against the van.
The seething rage within him showed no signs of being quelled despite the blood dripping down his arm.
His snarl revealed nothing but the vermillion glow of his eyes behind his unkempt green locks. Effectively asserting his dominance, Izuku's blood thirst poured out in droves, crashing against the man's mind and scaring him to the point of leaking himself.
"You…d-demon!"
…
And just like that Izuku came to realise what he had done, his previously rage-filled eyes now watched in horror as he saw the crimson liquid that coated his hands.
"No…"
Izuku threw the man down, backing away.
"No…no...no, no, no!"
He had done it again.
Another person…perhaps not dead but…
He had used his powers, maybe not in the full form but…he still drew on it!
NO! God please no! I…I need to get out of here!
Izuku turned back, but then he realised the few girls that were there…he couldn't just leave them.
With the grit of his teeth, he came out of the van and pushed it off its tires. The momentum carried them sideways as the metal of the minivan fought against the ground.
There had been a big enough commotion in the middle of the road that someone would most likely call the police.
And with just Setsuna in his arms…he left.
Thankfully he managed to return to normal, though the holes ripped by his wings were still there. He had taken to getting some distance, and with Setsuna with him, he returned to the nearby grassy gnoll by the festival.
And thankfully, alongside his claws that retracted so did the anger he'd kept chained down.
…If only I hadn't slipped up.
Perhaps, it was because he realised that Setsuna was safe now, but the sight of the man's eyes began to flash by him.
Again and again…the same horrified look in his eyes.
The hurtful words that seemed truthful at this stage did nothing but add fuel to the fire of self-hatred he had, forever preventing using that quirk again.
Shame.
Anguish.
Guilt.
Nothing was spared to his mind, a cacophony of emotions that drowned out the vibrant tunes still coming from the festival. Gripped in panic, his breaths became shallow and quick; his quiet huffs resounded faster than the pounding heart that rang in his ears.
His shaky hands gripping tightly to his shirt, he kneeled. Overcome by the old scars that threatened to suffocate him to his death.
…I…I hurt someone again!
It was there clear as day, the blood on his hands. He desperately wiped it to the grass beneath…but the sickening red did not leave his hand.
The blood that had drenched his hands still stayed there, he…he could smell the iron. The smell of rusted iron is the one thing that always followed him.
Now the sight had simply been replaced by that of the fresh blood he got.
N…nothing had changed.
"Mmh…"
It should've honestly been a bit surprising.
How did no other noise manage to snap him out of his internal strife; yet hearing Setsuna for a second brought him right back to reality.
"Set!"
"Mmh…Izu?"
"Yes, it's me." Izuku almost extended his hand to her, but the flashing image of the blood made him pause.
…I…can't.
And so he didn't reach any further…
But she did…
As if to realise everything that had happened thus far, Setsuna shot up, the effects of the chloroform still not fully out of her system, she stumbled before collapsing right into Izuku's arms.
"Izu…I've…been trying to reach you for so long." Setsuna's voice was weak…but still filled with concern. Her trembling fingers clutched at his shirt as she pulled herself up, "Where…the hell have you been?"
Feeling his breath hitch, Izuku perished the idea of even bothering to run away from Setsuna now. He had confirmed she was safe and awake, but…it was just too risky to leave her. Besides, she perhaps wouldn't be in such a situation, had he been there with her.
"I…" Izuku looked down in shame. A culmination of conflicting emotions once more left him paralysed; unable to speak, or voice his concerns. "I…I'm sorry."
In the end that's all he could do.
That's all he ever could do.
Apologise.
For everything he's done. For ignoring her. For being b-
"I don't want an apology, Izu." Setsuna stopped him.
A cold breeze passed by the two, making them both realise just how scantily dressed they were.
With Setsuna's shirt ripped open and Izuku's damaged from his fight, in all honesty, she should've freaked out by now.
But she didn't.
Almost as if she didn't even realise it. Her eyes had remained glued to his.
Terribly concerned; as if she wasn't even aware she almost got kidnapped.
"Tell me Izuku." Setsuna began, still a bit out of it, her warm hand sitting on either side of his face, "Why? Why did you try to push me away? Have I been that annoying? Have I made you upset?"
"No, it's just…"
Tokage felt slight annoyance at his persistent silence, something that he'd repeated anytime she questioned why he tried to send her off.
"Do you just not like me or something?" Tokage gained a bit of her energy back, "Is it that hanging with me is too boring? I can't read your mind Izuku, you have to tell me if I'm doing something wrong!"
"You…aren't doing anything wrong," Izuku replied, seemingly unable to continue as he only stared at his hands.
"Then what is it?!" She snapped, unable to hold back her anger anymore.
She too had felt frustrated at him suddenly ghosting her. They had both lived in the vicinity of central Musutafu, but it wasn't as though she was aware of his exact address that she'd go and make sure he was safe.
And yet, even now. Even after coming back, he absolutely refused to utter a single word.
"It's not you…it's me…Set I-"
"Don't give me that sloppy Fucking excuse Izu!" She shouted once more, "You refuse to acknowledge that there is something about me that you don't like, and you refuse to tell me if there's something I can do."
"..."
"Look at me when I speak to you!"
She hated it, she felt like a parent trying to educate her child, but he had been leaving her no choice.
And finally, after what felt like an eternity he shifted his gaze up back at her…
And every ounce of anger she had melted away…
He…he looked so…
Broken.
As if someone had taken away his mother from him or something, she saw the glimmering tears in his eyes and felt her heart clench.
"Set…"
This…this was not what she was used to.
No, Setsuna Tokage was not used to this version of Izuku. The part of him that he kept hidden. The one that had always been overshadowed by the quiet, and silenced Izuku. The Izuku Midoriya that was a killjoy but would accompany her whims.
A bit of a pushover when it came to some things, but they were always part of his charm. Izuku would always help out even if he wanted to stay home. He was always unfazed.
"Izu…" Her voice settled back down, into a quiet soothing tone as she pulled him in to embrace him.
And he held her, almost shocking with the amount of strength he used. It was only a few minutes later that he told her…
"Set…I used my quirk."
:Eiyuu no Shouko:
In truth, it should've taken way longer than it did for Izuku to calm down.
He hadn't mentioned much, as always he had made light of his own issues, vaguely describing just how afraid he was of getting in her way because of some past deed of his.
And though they were friends for just over a month, the emotional release wasn't something Setsuna at all minded.
He had always been the same. Just there, and never really expressed himself.
She doubted that she even dipped into a single part of his being, but she felt some mild curiosity always drawing her back to him.
A strange attraction.
She knew she had much to learn about the character of Midoriya Izuku. And she knew that he had a lot that bothered him but, as any friend would…she would show her support.
After all, he had become her hero.
And so she let him talk some things out. Some parts made sense, but others clearly needed more context.
But she wouldn't push into them.
Izuku soon returned to normalcy. Or at least as normal a teen can look with slightly puffy eyes and shaking hands.
Setsuna, not wanting to make him feel anxious the entire way back, decided to grab his hand.
"Aren't you a lucky one? You get to hold hands with this super cute Nee-san," Tokage grinned, trying to lighten the mood.
Much to the appreciation of Izuku, who gave a slow chuckle.
The entire journey back to Musutafu was spent in relative silence, one that Izuku and Setsuna comfortably basked in.
Though it made him realise one thing…quirks were almost definitely a load of crap.
Because it made no sense…how Setsuna had a lizard quirk,
Yet he had never touched warmer than hers.
…
…
"Izu."
"Hm?"
"I think…you should apply to the hero course." Tokage looked at her friend, with a fierce resoluteness in her eyes.
"I…what?"
"Izuku, your quirk, it's not a curse." She began, sensing that he was about to say something, she quickly put a finger to his lips to silence him, "Just…let me finish…okay?"
"..."
"I don't know exactly what has happened in your past to make you hate it. I won't pry into it. I can wait until you are comfortable telling me yourself," She smiled at him, "But just like any quirk. You can't simply keep it down like this. Think about it, you had no way to know what happened today right? So who's to say an incident won't repeat in the future?"
"I can understand that you feel as if it's some sort of curse, but Izuku, even if it were to be, it's your duty to handle it, to reel it in. It's led you to be violent now, but imagine just how cool it'd be if you could control it!"
"Set, what if…what if I…?" Izuku asked apprehensively.
"Heh, you think I'd allow you to do that?" Setsuna smirked, "Now that you've told me, we are stuck together! I don't care what others have to say about it!"
"..."
"Besides, think of the number of people you could save! You are darn strong with that quirk of yours so why not actually train it? I get you don't know how to properly harness it right now, but I want you to use your quirk."
…
"If you agree to it, then why not come to Dagobah beach tomorrow morning? I'll be there at 8 am if you show up, then I'll take it as you agree. If you don't come, then it's fine, we'll just go back to normal." Setsuna leaned back, the hushed whirring of the train once more overtook their conversation.
Though the return trip left Izuku with much to think about, it also gave him time to think.
He'd have to think a lot.
: Eiyuu no Shouko:
7:00 AM
The night had been a peaceful one.
His mother had been ready to flood the apartment with her tears but thankful Izuku managed to reassure her that he was safe.
Inko, being the wonderful mother she is, realised that her son seemed to have something on his mind, and allowed him the space needed.
And though Izuku would typically sleep rather late into the night, tonight he felt the night enshroud him the minute he hit the hay.
Perhaps he was tired, but he fell asleep way quicker than usual.
And thus the morning came with its own thoughts.
What was he to do?
Setsuna's opinion was one he took into great consideration. He knew very well that she could never handle him if he were to go rampant.
It wasn't arrogance by any means, just that Tokage's quirk didn't really give her any ability to restrain anyone, especially him if he were to lose control.
But…
He'd be lying if he was to say he wasn't tempted.
Sure he remembered exactly what All Might had said.
He remembers everything he has done.
He remembers every tear his mother had shed.
Yet, he just had this desire…defy them. To surpass everything.
To grow and become a hero and prove to the world's number 1 that he indeed was wrong.
To become better than the past, and use the same powers he had to save people instead.
To make sure, his mother never again cried for him, though he considered it rather impossible.
But could he do it?
And so, unsure of what to do, Izuku put on a loose shirt, a pair of red shorts and his shoes and made his way to Dagobah Beach.
No more will I allow you to control me.
And his journey began there.
Dagobah beach.
The closest beach to Musutafu, was a simple fifteen minutes walk from his house.
In actuality it felt almost criminal to call it a beach; the word only created fake ideals of pearly white sand, beautiful waves of the ocean.
When in reality, it had just become a garbage dump.
Not just litter or anything.
Small litter.
Clothes.
Microwaves.
Fridges.
Freaking cars!
Like how do they even make it there?! Does someone get into the car and just ram it through the railing?
While the landfill showed much promise, it'd certainly have to be cleaned up for its sight to be notable of anything, and as it stood, the beach would remain in this state.
A true shame indeed.
…
"You are going to clean this beach up."
I am ashamed to have felt any sadness towards you.
"You just cursed at me didn't you?"
"Must be your imagination." Izuku flippantly replied, "Why…in the world do I have to clean this mess up?"
Tokage shot him a teasing grin, one he had become used to seeing but never liking it in the slightest, "Well I'm glad you asked monsieur~"
"Ugh…"
"Ahem, number 1. The things here are in various weights, so we should be able to gauge your strength. And you can go ham, no one will get hurt."
"Any other reason?"
"Number 2, imagine how good this beach would look once it's cleaned up completely."
"What allows you to make the assumption that I give a damn about this place?"
"Because I always see you looking at this beach whenever we go past it," Setsuna repeated in a heartbeat.
"Hm…fine," Izuku shrugged, "What about combat practice?"
"Ah for that," Setsuna raised a finger, "I…don't know."
"..."
"..."
"...I'm going back to the support course." Izuku spun around to leave.
"W-Wait! Geez," Setsuna grabbed onto his shirt, "Relax my friend, when there's a will, there'a way."
…sigh, I'm gonna have to figure something out, won't I?
"Anyways, you never actually showed me your quirk," Setsuna mentioned; remembering the last time he used it…she was knocked out.
As if to remember the entire month of her repeatedly asking to see his quirk, her eyes began glowing and she looked at him like a child waiting to see All Might, "Show me!"
"Ehh…but…"
"Izu, you can't keep hiding it forever."
…*sigh* "Fine." He took off his shirt, revealing the naturally blessed physique he possessed.
"Wha-" Tokage was cut off with him putting up his hand.
Izuku closed his eyes as he reached deep within and tugged on the dark centre of his soul. A ball of absolute black that he felt disgusted to even reach towards, but he did so nonetheless.
The encroaching power, pulsed through his veins, as his body changed to accommodate the surge.
He had tried to transform the night before, just to see if he had any semblance of control. And thankfully…
"...Holy…"
Scales sprung up from his skin, reaching throughout his body and getting to his lower cheek.
Matte black, he felt his emerald thatches growing and reaching just below his neck. The vibrant green hue now turned darker.
A pair of high horns, menacingly adorned his forehead as they crowned his royal essence. The metamorphosis released a pressure unlike any other Setsuna had ever felt before.
Long wings unfurled from his back, growing past twice his body width and flapping in pride, as his tail sprung out just above his pants.
The otherworldly power surged in his verdant eyes, alongside the glow of a slight reddish tinge.
The thrum of power evidently flowed in his dominant veins, the air crackling with energy as he beckoned the name of his transcendental form.
["Abyssal Sovereign!"]
:Eiyuu no Shouko:
A/N: And that's a wrap.
A bit more emotional hitting of a chapter, but ah well. Hope you enjoyed it. You can also tell just how much rap music I've heard to lmaoo.
If you want to support me, do check out my with just KirisakiYuu.
Bless.