Ember Sunblaze: Happy August everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and, for those starting school, I hope you have a great school year ahead. This chapter is a BIG ONE so I hope you all are ready for it ^_^ Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 38: The Meeting

"GAH!"

Kaminari gasped, inhaling mouthfuls of precious air as he and Jiro broke through the surface. "Urgh…I can't believe we made it out of there alive…" He clung tightly to the fin of Baby Shark. It was only due to the young tiger sharks' assistance that Kaminari had been able to make it up to the surface in time with Jiro, who was still completely unconscious. The panic that had clung to Kaminari since diving into the ocean to save Jiro intensified as he strengthened his hold on her.

"Okay, don't panic! Don't panic!" Kaminari told himself, shaking his wet bangs as he tried to take note of their location. "You've got this! Just need to get her to land and then…and then…AND THEN WHAT?!" Kaminari internally screamed, growing hysterical.

"Woah!" He lurched back, feeling Baby Shark swimming swiftly towards a rocky outcrop.

"Hey Dude! The beach is that way though!" Kaminari protested, looking over his shoulder at the sandy beaches farther down the shore. But the tiger shark ignored him, keeping a steady path to the more secluded landing. Kaminari gave an annoyed sigh, knowing he didn't really have a choice but to trust the shark.

"It's not like I could have made it here with Jiro on my own anyway." Kaminari grumbled, frustrated at his own inability to save her with his own strength. "If Ripper and Baby Shark hadn't joined, both Jiro and I would have totally been… " He shook his head, forcing himself to focus ahead. "After all…" He thought, feeling his feet touch the ground. He let go of Baby Shark, grunting as he heaved Jiro into his arms, struggling slightly as the waves pushed against him. "Jiro still needs me!"

He glanced back over his shoulder, spying Baby Shark swimming back towards the open ocean. "Hey! Thanks!" Kaminari called out, truly grateful to the playful shark. He then quickly trudged towards shore, trying not to slip upon the pebbly rocks that poked at his bare feet beneath the waters. Once there he collapsed to his knees, exhausted and anxious to help Jiro.

As gently as possible he laid her down against the wet ground, his mind racing as he struggled to decide the best course of action. "Okay! Okay! Kaminari, relax! We've learned about this plenty of times in class! It's just like any rescue mission…"

"Except that it's Jiro…" That thought alone set a wave of cold sweat upon Kaminari.

"No, focus! First things first! Check for breathing…" Kaminari carefully eyed her chest, noting with dread the lack of movement. Lowering his head, he brought his ear to her mouth, unable to feel the warmth of air escaping.

"No! No! No!" Kaminari grinded his teeth bringing his hands down upon her chest. He pushed down, counting as he did chest compressions upon her. "Come on, Jiro!" Kaminari growled, sweat dripping down as he worked. "You're tougher than this!"

He lifted her chin, unable to push down the blush that burned his skin as he stared down at her lips. He hesitated, feeling annoyed at his own cowardice. "I'm sorry Jiro…" He apologized, digging down deep and lowering his face to her's. "But this is too important!" His mouth came over her's, quickly breathing in precious, lifesaving air.

Kaminari continued the motions of CPR, giving her mouth to mouth and then moving to chest compressions. The heat of the midday sun blazed down on him, beads of sweat forming as he worked frantically to save her. His desperation grew as she continued to be unresponsive. After the third set, he paused, exhausted. His own breath coming in strangled gasps as he struggled to fight down panic.

"Why….WHY ISN'T THIS WORKING!?" Kaminari yelled, his fist banging against the ground in frustration. "Please…." He begged, feeling himself choking on the words. "Just wake up already!"

Jiro didn't respond, laying as motionless as ever. A lone sea breeze swept past them, ruffling the dark hair that clung to her wet, paling skin. Kaminari stared down at her, a slow despairing numbness swelling in his chest. Thoughts that he had tried to push down, tried to diminish from existence, slowly began to crawl their way back up. Eating at him, whispering words that he had fought so hard not to let overwhelm him. The maybe…just maybe…he had been too late.

"No!" Kaminari firmly denied, once again banging his fists against the hard ground. He shut his eyes, fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall. "It can't end this way…it just can't…" His shoulders shook, his now bloodied knuckles stinging.

"I don't understand…What was the point of becoming a hero?" He asked, his voice shaking in frustration. " The point of having this stupid quirk? IF I CAN'T EVEN SAVE ONE LIFE?!" He yelled out, a strangled sob escaping him.

With tears that could no longer be held back, Kaminari thought upon everything he and Jiro had been through together. From their first year of being just classmates to one another, to slowly becoming something different. Something much closer than just peers. Memories of their trip to the beach, both the good and the bad times streamed though his mind, sadness overwhelming him with each fleeting memory.

"There…has to be a way…" Kaminari thought, ransacking his brain for anything that could save Jiro.

"Think part of being a hero," Ripper's voice unexpectedly echoed though his mind. "is finding more than one way to use your quirk to help people."

Kaminari's eyes widened, the memory striking a cord with him. He looked down at his hands, the tips of his fingers pulsing with electrical currents. "More than one way to use my quirk?" He bit his lips, indecision weighing on him.

"What am I thinking? I don't have any medical experience, or background knowledge or ANY KNOW HOW to know if this is a good idea or not!" Kaminari fretted, grimacing in frustration. He stared down at Jiro's still form, the sight draining away any reluctance he had. He gulped, his shaking hand hovering over her chest.

"Just a small spark…that's all I need." He whispered, shutting his eyes and wincing as he quickly pressed down, sending a small current of electricity coursing through Jiro's unconscious body.

The reaction was instant. Jiro let out a gasp, her small frame jolting up. She immediately rolled to her side, spewing out seawater. She coughed repeatedly, taking in great lungfuls of air.

"Ji-Ji-Jiro! " Kaminari stuttered, tumbling onto his butt in shocked disbelief. "You're okay!?" Mentally, he added. "I can't believe that actually worked…"

"Kaminari…" Jiro's raspy voice replied. She sat up weakly, turning to him. "What happened? Where are we—ouch!" She winced, bringing her hand up to her aching chest. "And why does my chest feel like it's been hit by a sledgehammer?"

"Uh…." Kaminari blinked, not sure of how to begin.

"Wait a second…" Jiro said, her memories returning to her. "I remember…I was dragged underwater and there was Kai…" Her eyes widened and she swiveled to face Kaminari. "What's happened with Kai?! Do we need to go after—!" She paused, giving him a confused stare. "Kaminari have you been…crying?"

"Uh?" Kaminari blinked, his fingers coming up to touch his damp cheeks. He quickly swiped a hand across his reddened eyes, his face burning with embarrassment. "No, no! That's just…uh….saltwater!" He lied, turning away from her. "Haha That's right! I just got saltwater in my eyes during the swim here! That's all!"

"The swim here?" Jiro repeated, her voice dazed. "Kaminari, don't tell me you actually took on Kai on your own?"

"What?! No way!" Kaminari answered, his hands waving in front of him. "I really didn't do anything! Kai's probably getting his butt chewed by Ripper by now."

"Ripper?" Jiro questioned, brow quirked.

"Yeah, the dude totally saved our butts down there." Kaminari explained, rubbing the back of his neck. "When I found you, Kai totally had you wrapped in those crazy tentacles of his. Even with all my strength, I wasn't able to budge them away." He paused, his tone taking on a nonchalant air. "I was pretty much useless down there until Ripper showed up. If it wasn't for him, I'm sure we'd both be fish food right now." He chuckled, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Kaminari…." Jiro felt like he was holding back, not giving a full picture of what all had transpired. It was written all over him. "This is all my fault. What kind of hero gets caught by the same villain not once but twice!" She thought, frustration eating at her.

She glanced down at her bruised and aching body, red welts covering her skin from where the tentacle's suckers had clung to her. "All I can remember is being pulled into the water. And how the water was pitch black." She closed her eyes, thinking back. "The last thing I remember seeing was…" . An image of Kaminari's panicked face filled her vision. "That's right, Kaminari had been there. Right before I blacked out…"

Jiro's eyes widened. "Hold up! If I blacked out down there then that would I mean I took in water…" She rationalized, hands clutching at her wet shirt as her heart pounded against her sore chest. "If that's the case… then wouldn't Kaminari have to have done…." Jiro slowly brought her fingers up to touch the lips. She immediately flushed bright red, realization striking her like a bolt of lightning. "No! Don't tell me….THAT happened?!"

"I have to go!" Jiro suddenly announced, forcing herself to her feet. "We don't know for sure if Kai has been taken down for good by Ripper yet! I need to—" She tried to take a step but almost stumbled.

"Woah! Woah! Chill!" Kaminari caught her shoulders, steadying her. "After all the hell we went through to get out of the water, there's absolutely no way I'm letting you go back in!" He leaned forward, his tone softening in concern as he noted. "Anyway, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be moving around too much. You're looking pretty red…" He brought his hand up to feel her forehead. "We should probably move you out of the sun…"

Her mortification reaching maximum level, Jiro brought her hands to his chest, using all her strength to push him away. "I'm FINE! And you're one to talk! What were you even doing down there?!"

"Huh?" Kaminari blinked, taken aback by her sudden outburst.

"What are you doing Jiro!? Just shut up!" Jiro mentally berated herself, but found the words all spilling out as her frustration grew. That she had not once, but twice been taken hostage by Kai. How weak and vulnerable she had felt each time it had happened. And how…

Flashbacks of Kaminari appeared before her. Of how, back in the ocean caverns he had clung to the tentacle wrapped around her, trying to get her free despite her protests. How when she had been overcome with fear over a mere octopus, he had been there. Reaching a hand out to make sure she was okay. And back in the pitch, black waters she had been forcibly dragged into by Kai, it had been Kaminari who had come after her.

"You should have just stayed on the boat!" Jiro snapped, the memory of his obnoxious self floundering in the water next to her consuming her mind. "It's like you said! You were useless down there!"

She felt the sting of her own insult, a loud voice in her head yelling at her to stop. She kept her gaze lowered, not wanting to even look at him. Not when she could feel the prickly sensation of hot angry tears piercing her. "You're an idiot for coming after me! How do you think I'd feel…if something had happened…" She faltered, feeling herself choking on the words. "...If something had happened to you…because of me—"

Jiro gave a small surprised gasp as Kaminari unexpectedly pulled her body against his. She stiffened, her sharp hearing immediately picking up on Kaminari's heartbeat as she stood pressed against his chest. "It's surprisingly… calming." Jiro realized, feeling the tension slowly easing away. She closed her eyes, listening to the sound. "Maybe…because it's physical proof that Kaminari's alive….that we both are." So focused on this thought, she almost didn't hear Kaminari speaking to her.

"It's because it's you, Jiro…" Kaminari answered, pulling her even tighter against him. "I mean…what do you expect me to do?"

"To not be an idiot." Jiro retorted, her voice muffled as she leaned her head against his chest. Too self-conscious to look up at him.

"Sorry…" Kaminari apologized, giving a light chuckle. "But I mean, you already knew I'm not the brightest guy in class."

Jiro felt his laugh reverberate through his chest, the sound breaking something inside her. "You…Dummy." She murmured, squeezing her eyes shut as a few tears managed to leak out. She sniffled into his chest, allowing herself to rest against him for just a bit longer.

Kaminari held her like that for a while, feeling grateful she was even alive. "I know it was stupid of me to go after you like that…" He closed his eyes, inhaling the light scent of her hair as the sea breeze blew past. "...But if it meant you would be here, alive and well. Then I would do it a thousand times over."

He felt Jiro backed away from his embrace. She turned her back to him, furiously rubbing her reddened eyes with the back of her hand. Kaminari watched, trying to hamper down his disappointment of no longer feeling her body against his.

"What?!" She snapped, noticing his stare and shooting him a "Don't you dare say anything!" glare.

Kaminari held up both hands, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. "Nothing! Nothing! Just making sure you're okay…."

"It's just salt water!" Jiro fibbed, blushing as she turned away from him. She gave her hanging ear cord a shy tug. "I'm fine…really."

For a moment, the two teens stood in awkward silence, both feeling overly conscious of each other's presence. Kaminari was the first to make a move, speaking louder than usual as he suggested, "We… should probably try to contact the rest of the class? To let them know we're all right."

"Do you have your phone with you?" Jiro asked.

"Sure do!" Kaminari exclaimed, pulling it out of his swim trunks. "See….AHHHH DUDE! I FORGOT I HAD MY PHONE!" He cried, tears springing to his eyes as he stared at the dark, blank screen in horrified despair. "And it's not waterproof…."

Jiro rolled her eyes, letting out a sigh. "Yeeeeah, this is why you should really think things through."

Kaminari hung head, mournfully stuffing his dead phone away. "Guess we should just see if the class made it to shore yet." He suggested, pointing past an uphill outcrop of rocky boulders lining the shoreline. "I'm pretty sure I saw a beach area up that way. Think we should head there?"

"Not like we have any other plan." Jiro said, shrugging as she turned to watch the waves crash against the rocky shore. "You know, I've been wondering about this. But how did you even get us here?" She asked, turning to Kaminari curiously. "The water here seems pretty rough. And you're not the greatest swimmer…"

"Whaaaa?! I'm a great swimmer!" Kaminari protested.

"So you swam us here?" Jiro asked, raising a skeptical brow.

"Not…exactly." Kaminari admitted, leading the way as both of them maneuvered through the slippery boulders. "I sorta hitched a ride on Baby Shark."

"Baby Shark?!" Jiro repeated, following close behind. "You mean that tiger shark who kept giving you trouble earlier?"

"The very same!" Kaminari answered, looking over his shoulder and shooting her thumbs up. "No worries! We're totally best buds now!"

Jiro rolled her eyes, hiding a grin as she remarked. "Figures you would become friends with something that you share the same brain lengths with."

"Hey! Sharks are actually pretty smart! Ripper told me so!"

Jiro paused behind him. "Do you think he's okay?" She asked, her tone reflecting her worry.

Sensing her unease, Kaminari tried to sound upbeat as he answered. "Of course! Come on, this is Ripper we're talking about!" He grabbed her hand, helping to pull her up the last crest of the rocky hill. "I'm sure by now he's chewed Kai up and spit him right out—Wow!" Kaminari gawked out at the ocean, eyes bulging at the watery battle going on in the distance.

Jiro came up from behind, her reaction similar to his as she stared out at the drama unfolding before them. "Don't tell me that's Kai?! When did he get so big?!"

"And who's all out there fighting him?" Kaminari wondered, squinting as he tried to make out the far off figures of his classmates. "Pretty sure all those explosions are Bakugo. And the ice on the water has to be Todoroki. Those weird black whip thingies are definitely Midoriya. Wonder when they all showed up?"

"Do you think we should give them a hand?" Jiro questioned, sounding unsure as she watched the zigzag motions of their friends dodging tentacles.

There was a pause, with Kaminari stealing a concerned sidelong glance her way. He considered the question, unable to forget Jiro's near death encounter with that same monster. "Nah, I think they got this." He answered, giving her a reassuring grin. "It's like you said before. We'd just really be floundering around out there. Besides…" He added, placing a hand on top of her head. "You still seem a bit shaky. Best not to overdo it."

Jiro reddened, knocking his hand away. "I told you I'm fine!"

He returned the gesture by tightly grabbing her wrist, his tone unusually firm as he answered back. "Well, I'm not!"

Jiro stared, not expecting such a serious reaction from Kaminari of all people. Sensing her surprise, he quickly let go, forcing an uneasy grin as he tried to play it off.

"Sorry…I just…"

"No it's okay." Jiro cut him off, her fingers coming up to tug the end of her earjack. "I get it." She looked past Kaminari, her earjack pointing up the shore. "Look, there's that beach you were talking about."

Kaminari turned, brightening up. "Yeah! And I see our boat! The class must be down there! Come on!" He said, leading the way downwards.

Jiro hesitated, watching his retreating back as she mulled over Kaminari's reaction moments ago. "I've never seen him so frazzled." Jiro thought, thinking back to when she had first woken up and the air of defeat Kaminari seemed to have lingering over him. She frowned, giving her earjack a distracted tug as she started to realize the true extent of the ordeal Kaminari had gone through trying to save her. "Knowing him, he probably was scared out of his wits. But even still he…."

She felt heat rising to her face, her heart pounding wildly against her already aching chest. "Come on Jiro! Get a grip on yourself! This is Kaminari we're talking about! Kaminari! Big, dumb, stupid Kaminari…" She grinded her teeth, infuriated at her own uncertainty. "...but even so I have to tell him. I can't let these feelings fester and fade out. I owe him that much!" She growled, ruffling her hair in frustration. "But how in the hell am I supposed to even do that?!"

It was at that moment, Uraraka's calming voice drifted through her mind.

"I kissed Midoriya because I thought if my words couldn't reach him, by doing that maybe my feelings could."

"My feelings…." Jiro whispered, her fists clenching tightly at her side. In a louder voice, she yelled out. "Kaminari! WAIT!"

The blonde halted, turning in surprise at her outburst. "Hmm? What's up—" His golden eyes widened as Jiro's lips suddenly found his, pressing together in an unexpected kiss.

They stayed like that for only a moment, with a reddened Jiro quickly breaking away. "Th-That's for saving me back there." The heroine explained, the words spilling out rapidly before her courage gave out. "And for being there for me back when I got spooked by that stupid octopus. And then before with Kai…" She shook her head, feeling herself rambling. "What I'm trying to say is…I really appreciate everything you've done for me, Kaminari. So...thanks."

Jiro finished, keeping her gaze low as she anxiously waited for Kaminari's reaction.

But to her dismay, the young boy simply stared. His young mind unable to quite process the extraordinary event that just occurred. After several moments of awkward silence, an embarrassed Jiro just couldn't take it anymore. "Well just don't stand there! Say something!"

"Jiro…" Kaminari finally spoke, grabbing her hands in deep concern. "Did you drink sea water?!"

It was now Jiro's turn to give Kaminari a cold, dead stare. Slowly, like a cobra rising to attack, her earjacks lifted themselves into positions to strike at him.

Danger senses tingling, Kaminari quickly snapped out of his dazed, confused state. He raised his hands up to protect himself as he desperately tried to explain. "Wait! Wait! I was just asking because I….really didn't expect that." He confessed, blushing furiously. "Like in a million years…sorta thing!"

Jiro turned sharply away, still annoyed. "Dont' get used to it! It was just a thank you! So don't make a big deal out it—"

Her statement was cut off as Kaminari leaned forward, crushing his lips against hers. His kiss lingered for far longer than hers, both his hands cupping against Jiro's soft cheeks, pulling her in closer. Slowly, they separated, each looking flustered and red faced. Despite this, Kaminari looked squarely in the eyes, his golden gaze unflinching as he declared. "Just so you know, THAT wasn't a thank you!"

"Then….what was it?" Jiro asked quietly, not sure if she was mentally ready to know.

Kaminari hesitated, blushing even more brightly than before. "Ummm….me thinking that you're really, really cool and awesome…and that I…sorta…kinda…like you…like…A LOT! So…yeah…" He finished, beads of sweat dripping down from his face. "Man…this was a lot easier in my head!"

"Kaminari…." Jiro whispered, touched by his confession.

"Oh, and it's also me apologizing for touching your chest earlier!" Kaminari quickly said, his fingers pushing together in a guilty manner. In a quieter tone he added, "...and your lips."

"IT'S CPR!" Jiro raged, giving him an aggressive shock with her earjack for ruining the moment. "Don't make it sound like something weird!"

"I'm a guy!" Kaminari wailed, his body spasming under her attack. "I can't help it!"

"Dumbass." Jiro grumbled, retracting her earjack. "Come on, let's get going." She ordered, walking past a grounded Kaminari, whose muscles were giving off painful twitches. He jumped up, recovering almost instantly as he jogged up beside her.

"Wait, that's it?!" Kaminari asked, giving her an expectant grin.

Jiro swiftly avoided looking at him, the unusual sensation of his lips on hers still burning heavily on her mind. "What's it?"

"Sooo are we like a thing now?" Kaminari inquired, pointing from her to himself curiously.

"HOW THE HELL CAN HE ASK THAT SO CASUALLY?!" Jiro couldn't help thinking, not sure she should be impressed or mortified by his mental fortitude. She gave an annoyed sigh, struggling to keep her cool as she answered. "I…I don't know! I already told you. That…kis–thing from before was just a thank you."

"But mine wasn't!" Kaminari pressed, almost bouncing as he walked in his excitement. "Soooo are we? Come on! You know you want to!"

Jiro felt like she had a happy, golden lab trotting along beside her, with all the exuberant energy Kaminari was circulating. With her near-death experience, the taste of her first ever kiss still lingering on her lips and the emotional rollercoaster of Kaminari's confession, Jiro truly felt like she was at the tipping point of her mental capacity. Trying to hide her crimson face, she snapped awkwardly. "YOU–YOU FIGURE IT OUT!"

With that said, she picked up her pace, striding ahead of Kaminari. The love struck hero paused, cocking his head as he mulled over her answer. "Figure it out? Aww man! But you know I'm not good with trick questions!" He bemoaned, pitifully pulling at his blonde bangs.

Fortunately, his youthful enthusiasm could not be deterred that easily. Perking himself up, he loudly called out to her, "HEY! Maybe if we kiss again, it'll help me figure it out!"

"Not happening!" A blushing Jiro immediately yelled back.

"Awwww! Kaminari moaned, catching up to her as the two continued their trek towards the main beach. There they hoped they would be able to rejoin the rest of their class and, hopefully, assist with finding a way to take down Kai. Assuming Jiro didn't decide to damage an overly zealous Kaminari on their journey there.

"Not even a little one?" Kaminari whined.

"Kaminari…" Jiro growled.

A short silence followed, only to be broken by another hopeful request.

"...Maybe later?"

"ARRRGH!"

"MIDORIYA!"

"MIDORIYA!"

Midoriya could hear his name being called out, like a faint echo from far away. "Is that…Uraraka?" He wondered, straining to make out the voice. Darkness reigned around him, his body sinking downwards into an unknown void. "Is she in trouble? My friends…they're still there. Fighting against Kai! I need to get back to them…"

But even as this thought raced through his mind, he found his muscles unable to respond. A tremendous force keeping his limbs bound together and immobilizing him. He opened his mouth to yell out, but found even his mouth was covered. "I…can't move. I must still be wrapped by Kai's tentacles!"

"Izuku!"

The female voice, so strong and clear, came from above, compelling him to force his eyes open.

He gasped, startled to find himself not entangled by Kai's tentacles, but instead wrapped in a familiar greenish-black mist. "This sensation…." Midoriya realized, taking in the hazy, dark void that surrounded him. "It's happened before…back when I first awakened Black Whip! Then does that mean…?"

"It's about time we finally met."

Midoriya craned his neck upwards, his heartbeat quickening as he beheld a figure he had only heard tales about. "I can't believe it…."It's All Might's mentor!" The young hero gaped at the caped heroine, sensing the serene power radiating from her presence. "This person…is the reason All Might is the hero he is today." This realization struck Midoriya like a lightning bolt, making her presence awe inspiring. "This heroine…she's…"

"Nana Shimura, the seventh user of "One for All". Nana laughed, floating down till she stood in front of him. "But I'm sure you're already aware of that. What you might not be aware of is why my little quirk has been giving you so much trouble." She smiled, holding a hand out towards him.

Midoriya watched, growing puzzled as a soft pink glow emanated from her open palm. Slowly a small pink spirit-like creature emerged, as if rising from the grave. It floated next to Nana's head, two squinty lines appearing on its face in the shape of eyes. Along with a curved, cat-like mouth.

"Mew? Mew?" The pink creature's voice was soft and reminded Midoriya of a kitten giving off its first meow. It curiously looked between Nana and Midoriya, purring sounds radiating from its body.

"Midoriya, I'd like to introduce you to my quirk, Float." Nana said, introducing the two.

"Mew!" Float answered, doing a happy midair loop-de-loop.

"That little creature…is the Float quirk?" Midoriya wondered, surprised. He had often seen quirks that were able to separate from the user's bodies, such as with his classmates Tokoyami's Dark Shadow quirk and his friend from Otheon, Rody Soul. In Rody's case, his quirk was a little bird named, Pino, that outwardly expressed Rody's inner feelings. But somehow, Midoriya had never imagined Nana's quirk being of a similar nature.

"I can sense your surprise." Nana said with a laugh, cupping Float into her hand. It purred, pleased to be close to its old master. "Only a small number of people have actually seen Float in this form. Not even Yagi was aware of her existence." She released Float, letting the quirk twirl around her. "When I was young, this was the form my quirk took. Whenever I needed my quirk to be activated, all we had to do was come together like this."

"Mew! Mew!" Float flew into Nana's chest, immediately getting absorbed. Nana's body illuminated in a soft pink glow before she began to float upwards.

"Float and I were always together. A companion I could always count on." The heroine's expression grew nostalgic, seeming to relish in those distant, happy memories. "It wasn't until I hit puberty that Float became content with being a permanent part of myself. No longer a separate entity." At this point, Float exited Nana's body, allowing her body to drift down once again. "Though I could definitely still feel her presence inside of me." Nana explained, giving Float an affection prod with her finger.

"Mew! Mew!" Float giggled.

"Which…" Nana said, returning her attention back to a watching Midoriya. "...brings us back to your case, Izuku."

She knelt down in front of him so they were at eye-level, her soft gaze giving off a reassuring aura. "As you've already experienced, my quirk does have a bit of a mischievous streak in her. Part of that is just who she is, but another part is that YOU'RE still new to her. You and all your emotions, that is."

"My emotions?" Midoriya questioned, just as he felt Float drift to settle on top of his head. Though he couldn't see her, he could feel its warm presence. A presence he realized he had felt before, while floating, though he hadn't known it at the time.

"You see, just like Blackwhip, Float is also a quirk that is affected by the emotions you bear. Float feeds off positive energy. Happiness and joy really invigorate her. On the other hand," She added, "Emotions such as anger or fear can really overwhelm her."

It was at that moment, a tendril of Black Whip appeared from Midoriya, raising itself up over Float. The pink quirk came a furious hiss, launching itself off of Midoriya's head and back to the safety of Nana, who was chuckling at the display. "Which is probably why it's not the biggest fan of Black Whip."

"So that's why Black Whip wouldn't work while I was floating." Midoriya realized, thinking back on before. "The two quirks don't get along… But wait!? I didn't even think that was possible! What does this mean?! Are ALL my quirks going to dislike each other? What if I can't get any of them to work together?! And then there's the emotional aspect to deal with. How can I focus on feeling happy when I'm trying to save someone? or if someone's in danger? Will…Will I ever be able to bring out the true potential of any of these quirks when they're so different from each other?!" Anxious sweat dripped from Midoriya's forehead, his mind racing into a panicked frenzy over these possible scenarios.

"Izuku."

Midoriya blinked, snapping out of his thoughts and glancing up at Nana. The wise heroine held up two fingers, pushing them against her lips so that they curved into a reassuring smile. "Smile, Izuku. That's the best advice I can give you."

"To Smile?" Midoriya repeated, noticing her grin looked starkly similar to one All Might always wore into battle.

"Simple as it is. It will become your biggest weapon." Nana explained. "Your job as a hero is not just to protect the lives of people, but also their hearts. To show that no matter how dire the situation, a hero will be there to help them through it. This thought, of how my presence could ease the hearts of the people I protected, was what brought me happiness even under the grimmest of circumstances."

"Mew! Mew!" Float purred, rubbing against Nana's cheek.

"At least Float would agree!"

The smile fell from Nana as she lifted her palm, where small tendrils of pink drifted upwards. "I'm afraid I don't have much time left with you, Izuku."

Midoriya noticed Float's expression sadden, the small quirk letting off soft whimpers. Nana sighed, cupping the pink quirk into her palm once more before facing Midoriya. "I'm sorry our time together has to be so short. I know there are things you're probably still wondering about. All I can tell you is that to use this time wisely, to master all the quirks bestowed upon you. Because there will be more."

In a softer tone she continued, "I know my quirk is free-spirited. More so than others. And it may seem more of a hassle to you than an asset at first. But be patient and I know she'll become a precious part of you." The heroine smiled, even as she blinked back tears. "As she was for me."

She held open her palm, releasing Float into the air.

"Mew…mew…" The quirk whimpered sadly, realizing this was their final farewell. Ever so softly, it nuzzled against Nana's cheek, catching a stray tear that fell. They separated, with Float hovering between Nana and Midoriya before slowly drifting down to float next to the younger hero.

"The bond between a user and their quirk….it's much stronger than I realized." Midoriya mused, feeling a deep compassion for the two. "Originally, I had always thought quirks were a manifestation of a person's power. But it's more complex than that. Almost like…two souls destined to be together."

"And if that's the case." Midoriya worried, glancing at the saddened Float. "Can I ever really replace the bond that these quirks had with their previous users?"

"Izuku." Nana said, regaining his attention. "Before I go, there is another issue I wish to discuss." She turned to him, her expression unusually solemn. "I understand you've been worried about why we vessels were not there to stop you while you were under the control of the villainess, Siren. You fear we had abandoned you. Had lost faith in your ability to bear One for All." Her head tilted, her gaze kind but questioningly. "Am I wrong?"

Midoriya's eyes widened, taken aback she had brought up his concerns. "It's true…I was really worried. But also frustrated. If they had only stepped in, then Uraraka wouldn't have gone through everything she did just to free me." He looked down, knowing that even if you couldn't speak, Nana would be able to see his disappointment…the betrayal he felt that they weren't there to stop him. Stop him from almost doing the unthinkable.

"Mew, Meeew!"

Float's soft body nuzzled against Midoriya's cheek, trying to ease the young hero's fears. Midoriya blinked, surprised by the quirk's warm gesture. "Float…" He then felt Nana's hand rest upon his head, her voice, full of motherly affectionate ringing in his ears.

"You need not fear Izuku. None of us have abandoned you." Nana kindly reassured him. "It's just difficult to help someone who refuses to listen to you."

"Refuses to listen?" Midoriya repeated, realization slowly sinking in. "Does that mean she was there? Trying to talk me out following Siren just like Uraraka? Only none of their voices could reach me. Not through the haze Siren's song had created." Relief flooded through him. Relief that he hadn't been alone after all. "They had tried, just like Uraraka had. It was ME that had rebuked their efforts.

He looked up at Nana, hoping she would understand how grateful he was. Her image was already beginning to disintegrate as long, pinkish wisps of smoke drifted away from her body. She smiled back, bending down, surprising Izuku with an endearing hug.

"Please tell Yagi that he did a good job." Nana whispered, pulling away and giving Midoriya one last head pat. "He chose well."

A bashful Midoriya gave a small nod, feeling self-conscious of her compliment. She turned to leave, but paused, abruptly turning back to the young hero. "Oh! I almost forgot. There was one last thing…."

Midoriya felt his face heat up, his whole body turning a blazing crimson color as Nana unexpectedly placed a small kiss on the side of Midoriya's cheek.

"Mewewewew!" Float giggled in amusement, flitting through the steam rising from atop of the young boy's head.

Nana pulled away, giving off her signature grin as she remarked brightly. "See? Not as hard as you think, is it?" She winked at him, adding encouragingly. "You've got this kid!"

Then with the flip of her cape she turned, waving a hand in farewell as the last wisps of her image began to drift off. "You have good friends out there, Izuku." Midoriya watched as her image completely evaporated, only her voice ringing clear as it gave one last bit of advice to him.

"Keep them close to you."

"Mewmew! Mew!"

"Ugh….." Midoriya mumbled, a throbbing pain pounding against the back of his skull. "...my head…"

"MEWMEWMEW!MEEEEEEEW!"

"Wha? That sound….could it be…." Midoriya's eyes popped up, a world of soft pink enveloping his vision. He blinked rapidly, wondering if he was still dreaming. "Uhmm…Float?"

"Mew!" The sound came again, seeming right into his ear.

"What exactly is happening…." Midoriya wondered aloud, making out a school of fish swimming past him. "I'm underwater…" He realized, seeing more aquatic animals swimming past. "And I'm able to breathe. How is this possible…WAIT!" He frantically brought his hands up, feeling the warm surface of Float's expanded body covering his entire head, enabling him to breathe and speak. "FLOAT! ARE YOU COVERING MY HEAD?!"

"Mew!" Float meowed proudly.

"That's incredible!" Midoriya exclaimed, amazed at the little quirk's unusual autonomy. He then realized his arms were also free, unbound by Kai's tentacles. "But I could have sworn that I was pulled down by Kai. How did I manage to escape…?"

In answer, several Black Whips protruded from his body, their long tendrils weaving like snake heads towards Midoriya.

"MEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWW!" Float gave a high pitched fearful screech that caused Midoriya to physically flinch in pain.

"It's okay! It's okay!" Midoriya soothed, patting the quivering quirk. "Black Whips a friend." Midoriya studied their motion, realizing they were trying to communicate with him. "Black Whip…you dislodged the tentacle didn't you? While I was unconscious?"

The black tendrils made a noticeable nodding motion. Float gave a defensive hiss, but Midoriya felt too touched to chastise the quirk. "These quirks…even though I'm not their original users…they've still done so much to help me."

Determination swelled inside Midoriya, motivating him to do all he can to learn about these quirks. To become a hero worthy of their power. He clenched his fist, pumping them up preparation for battle. Noises from the surface could be heard, sounding like the rumbling of dangerous thunder in the far off distance. He placed a hand on Float, nodding to the rising black tendrils waiting beside him. "I'm counting on you both."

Black Whip answered by faithfully returning into Midoriya's body. Midoriya smiled, giving Float a pat. "What about you, Float? I know I'm not Nana. And I may never quite live up to become the hero she was. But I still want to fight alongside you." He spread his mouth into a smile similar to hers. "Who knows? With your help, I just might be one day!"

"Mew?" The pink quirk released its hold on Midoriya's head, allowing water to submerge him. He held in air, watching as Float drifted next to him, a small stubby arm appearing from her small body. She held it out to him, giving off a determined, "Mew!"

Midoriya nodded in understanding, holding out his own fist and gently touching it to the pink quirk.

"MEEEEEEEEW!" With a jubilant squeal, the pink quirk's body spiraled around Midoriya's arm and shot into chest. A soft pink glow illuminated Midoriya as the quirk activated and he once again felt the sensation of hot air feeling his chest, like a hot air balloon preparing for liftoff.

"Get ready Kai!" Midoriya declared, shooting upwards towards the bright sun-dappled surface. "We're coming for you!'

Author's Note:

For anyone who is totally confused about Midoriya's new "Float" Quirk, let me explain. I wrote this story out back when season 5 of the anime ended. That season ended with Midoriya, All Might, and Bakugo discussing which quirks were likely to appear next and the episoded hinted that it would be Nana's quirk, Float. Taking that information, I wrote out this story on a fun way Midoriya's float quirk could appear. (P.S. I never read the manga, only watched the show) So some people might not like the direction I went with Midoriya's quirk and that's fine. I just wanted to try something new out ^_^

Also if you're wondering what Float's form looks like, I pretty much took her design off the souls on the anime "Soul Eater". So just google image them and you'll get an idea of what she looks like!