The Pain of Love (Let's Go Home)
Thunder booms overhead with bolts of lightning cutting through the sky as rain fell around Midoriya, Yaoyorozu, Endeavor, Best Jeanist and The Lurkers team comprised of Edge Shot, Kamui Woods and Mt. Lady. This small band of heroes stood within the trees of Haibori Woods just outside of the mansion Lady Nagant had told them about not an hour ago. It once belonged to a hate group that calls themselves the Creature Rejection Clan, known for their cult like hatred towards heteromorphs. The questions of how All For One found this place or why didn't matter to Midoriya, who glares at the building with a growing frustration. He makes the first move, striding forward as Jeanist finishes notifying Hawks. "Wait, Deku! Don't be rash!" He calls out as Yaoyorozu follows behind, believing the same thing.
"Izuku…". The reach the door, throwing it ope to find the interior completely empty. With no sighs of anyone being here for months.
"This place is deserted." Mt. Lady comments entering after Yaoyorozu with the rest of her team following suit.
"I wish I could say I'm surprised." Yaoyorozu comments as they all explore the large room they were in.
"Then why make this the meeting place?" Kamui Woods asks. "If Nagant was suppose to Bering Midoriya here, then why hasn't he readies this place for it? I know it was suppose to me two months away, but still…?"
"…because…". Endeavor said, spotting a disc free of dust sitting on the fireplace shelf. "This place isn't meant for that!" He concludes with a growl just as the disc powers on, projecting a screen of One For All smiling at them while applauding.
"Izuku Midoriya! I do hope you enjoyed your heart to heart with the lovely Lady Nagant. If you're seeing this it means she relayed my instructions, and I remain one step ahead of you." He stops clapping as everyone glares at the protected screen. He goes on to talk about Lady Nagant being labeled a villain, society praising individualism and many blatant contradictions within every political standing, making everyone there glare at the monologging villain. Yaoyorozu, however walks up to Midoriya and grabs his hand. Momentarily easing his anger. "The path you've chosen is a thorny one. Every fight will wear at you until there's nothing left." The two of them look back at the screen with stern glares as One For All leans closer to the screen. "While I was in prison, I spent countless hours thinking about you. I'm afraid I'm not interested in All Might anymore. I've grown bored of that pitiful oaf." The two student heroes glare at the screen clutching their hands, ready to scream at the it as his grin manages to grow even bigger. "And as for you, my dear Momo Yaoyorozu…". Their eyes widen as the other Pros along with the listening vestiges. "…I am well aware of your lovely Quirk. And the scope of its reach." The girl takes an involuntary step back, causing Midoriya to turn his back on the screen and hold her, his own body shaking with dread. "Rest assured that from now on, the hunters I've sent will also be eager to bring you to me as well. I must congratulate you both for falling into the same trap that ensnared Nana Shimura and All Might all those years ago." He points at the screen. "Which means now, it's your turn."
Both his Danger Sense and her visor flare up, giving them all enough time to escape the building before the projector exploded, reducing the mansion to rubble.
—
Yaoyorozu stood beside All Might as they watch with worry as Midoriya instantly takes down another hired gun who had attempted to catch her and use as leverage against him. While she was prepared to repel him Midoriya zips in, the force of it making her stubble backwards and carries him into an abandoned building, restraining him instantly. All Might gave her a sympathetic look as Midoriya questions the villain. "Young lady…".
"He had no useful information." They turn to see Midoriya approach them, with Yaoyorozu reaching out to him. Only for the boy to sidestep her and continue forward. "It's possible he might explode as well. Be careful." He leaps away.
"W-wait a second!" She yells, getting him to stop. "We should slow down and take a break." She all but pleads while making her way to him. "Please, Izuku. We need to conserve our strength."
"She right, kid." All Might adds reaching her side, holding two boxed meals. "Let's sit in my car and have something—."
"Listen!" Midoriya growls, stunning the two people behind him. "The two of you…can't be near me anymore." Yaoyorozu gasps as he clutches his fists. "I'll handle All For One alone."
"Absolutely not!" She yells back, running towards him. "That's the last thing we should—!"
"I'm fine!" His sudden shout stops her in her tracks, knowing where his frustration was coming from, but still feeling hurt all the same. "Really. I've got this." He finishes in a calmer manner.
"Now hold on just a minute." All Might finally says, having to force himself to speak up.
"At this point, I'm fighting at a level comparable to you at one hundred percent, All Might! Without any backlash! Don't you two see?"
'You're trying to protect us.' Both Yaoyorozu and All Might thought at the same time.
'To keep me from getting caught up in your fated mission as my successor.' All Might couldn't keep the moment at the Sports Festival, where he asked Midoriya to announce to the world 'I Am Here!'.
'To keep me from getting captured by One For All and having my Quirk stolen.' Yaoyorozu grips her cape, thinking back to Nabu Island where their entire class, spearheaded by Midoriya and Bakugo fought with everything they had to keep Nine from stealing Katsuma's Cell Activation Quirk. Going so far as to, according to Nana Shimura and Yoichi Shigaraki, transfer One For All to Bakugo in order to do it.
"That's why…". Midoriya continues to say, looking back at them with soft eyes shining through his ragged mask. "…you two don't have to worry." He turns and starts to walk away.
'I swore I would raise him. That I'd keep him safe. But…'. All Might thought as he clutched his teeth, desperate to say more.
"That's not the point and you know it!" He looks to Yaoyorozu, having yelled out with tears threatening to fall, her voice managing to stop Midoriya again. "You can't keep pushing yourself like this and expect to—!" Midoriya leaps into the air, using Float to fly away. "Damn it, Izuku!" She curses. She runs after removing her glove and aiming her hand down, creating a pole to get her in the air high enough to activate her boots. Only for nothing to happen. She and All Might gasp as she lands on the ground with a thud, the older man making his way to her side.
"Are you alright? What happened?" The two of them look at her boots to see tendrils of Black Whip wrapped around them, keeping the compartments closed.
"W-when did he…?" The two of them thought back to when Midoriya had rushed past her, making her stumble. 'He must've done it then…'. The damn finally broke, causing her tears to stream down her face as she throws her head around towards Midoriya. "IZUKU!" All Might brings her into a hug, letting her cry against his shoulder as his own sobs escape his throat.
Unbeknownst to the two of them, a familiar Jailbreaker, Stain stood close by, hidden behind a slab of concrete, wearing a simple mask with his tongue hanging out.
—
"Endeavor will be by shortly. This is…for your safety."
Yaoyorozu stood under an awning of a cafe as the rain refused to let up. It's been a few hours since Midoriya took off on his own, encountering numerous Jailbreakers and hired guns since then. Leaving them restrained for All Might and whatever authorities to round up. All the while remaining just out of reach from All Might and Yaoyorozu. Then, All Might receives a call from Endeavor informing the two of them that Midoriya has stopped taking his calls after telling him to regroup until the foreign heroes arrive. He also tells them that Principle Nezu has requested his presence and believes Yaoyorozu should return as well, given All For One's plain intentions towards her. All Might agreed though she was silent throughout. Even when he dropped her off at the cafe, she didn't raise a single protest against it. The retired hero gives her a sad look. "I…should've done more. To stop him from going off on his own." She remains silent, blankly staring at the ground, the tendrils still wrapped tightly around her boots. "I'm so sorry, Yaoyorozu. Truly. For everything." With that, he rolls up the window and drives away.
Yaoyorozu was in a state of grief she had never been in before. All the stories her mother told her regarding the time she spent with her father painted a much more pleasant picture of love and being with someone. It's only now she began to consider that they were hiding their rough patches from her in order to keep their daughter hopeful and happy regarding romance and relationships. But thinking back to the time she spent with Midoriya…all she feels now is a crushing guilt that her love for him and his love for her was making him desperate to put an end to the threat of One For All, ensuring he wouldn't go after her. Pushing him forward towards that goal while simultaneously pushing her away in order to protect her. The irony of it brought a small smile to her face, which began a trip through her memories of them flying over the city together, stoping villains and helping citizens. The times they sat together, letting one of them rest while the other kept watch. Having interesting conversations about whatever topic came to mind. Their date by the fountain. The kiss on the cheek she gave him. Finally professing their love for each other…her smile vanishes as she brings her hands to her face, letting out sobs from behind them. "Izuku…".Having removed her visor earlier to wipe her eyes of tears, the hero course student stood unaware of someone hidden to the side, watching her intently. Creeping into the dim light, Himiko Toga silently moves closer, pressing her clutched hand to her chest the closer she got.
"Creati…". She slips back into the shadows as Endeavor descends beside the sadden student. The flame hero stood silently as the rain sizzles against his active flames, looking at her and the miserable look on her face. Images of his wife returning to his mind. Ones of their youth, of the torment he put her through and finally, of how strong she had become that day in his hospital room. Reigniting both the shame he felt for all the wrongs he had committed as well as the affection he still held for her. "Yaoyorozu. I..am in no position to say this but…your dedication towards Midoriya…is truly admirable." Slowly, Yaoyorozu looks up from her hands and stares at him with surprise. "Despite the dangers before you, all you can think about is him. A trait…the two of you share." He looks up at the clouds clutching his fist. "Had I'd shown…even a fraction of what you two have…perhaps…things wouldn't be what they are now. Toya…Shoto…my family…all of Japan." Despite the rain, it was clear he was on the verge of breaking down, a sight that shook Yaoyorozu to her core. Even Toga, still watching from the shadows couldn't help but think of Dabi and his desire to kill his father, wondering how much of that is actually love and desire to show Endeavor what he can do. A light touch on his arm brings Endeavor's attention to it, seeing Yaoyorozu had placed her gloveless hand on his arm and smiling up at him. No words were spoken. Just an understanding of one another and the love they have for those most precious to them. With a stern nod, Endeavor picks up the young hero and takes off towards the direction UA High School stood.
As they leave Toga steps out of the shadows and watches them go. "Yaomomo…". Ever since her encounter with Ochaco, the villain was desperate to see the other student again. Believing her to be the only person in the world that understands her and the love she has for Midoriya. So, when Shigaraki used Search to locate One For All and Midoriya, he also found Yaoyorozu via her Quirk. All For One, immediately afterward became elated but hadn't said way, only that they spread the word to the Jailbreakers to also bring in her friend as well. She asked where Yaoyorozu was and Tomura told her, albeit reluctantly as she represented the complete opposite of him; her creation and his destruction. Even when Endeavor was out of her sight, she kept staring at the sky, gripping the vial that held Yaoyorozu's blood to her chest. "I…want to talk to you…one more time. Before…". Himiko's eyes get moist as she recalls the look of absolute loathing that swam within Tomura's eyes as he vowed to kill Yaoyorozu and her Quirk.
—
The door swings open as Bakugo, Todoroki, and Ochaco lead the rest of Class A into Principle Nezu's office. While seeing Endeavor there was expected, none of them could contain their surprise to find Yaoyorozu standing beside them. None, except for Bakugo. "Everyone…". Yaoyorozu breaths out as the other students come into view.
"Principe…you set me up." Endeavor concludes, unsure if this was a good time way for them to find Yaoyorozu.
"I heard a request from my students and decided a group discussion would be worth while." He looks at Yaoyorozu. "Though, I do wish you had informed me you would be bringing Yaoyorozu back with you."
Todoroki, who had been meeting Yaoyorozu's stunned eyes became upset, turning to his father. "I don't understand why you've been ignoring me." He asks, getting Endeavor's attention. "Didn't we just talk about how we were going to stop Toya together?"
"Shoto, the fact that you're willing to stand at my side is why I still fight."
"What good is that doing us?" He glances towards Yaoyorozu, who meets it without flinching. "You brought Yaoyorozu back, sure." He faces Endeavor again. "But why haven't you brought Midoriya as well?"
"Todoroki, I…". Yaoyorozu starts to say but he continues.
"Let me guess. You have him and All Might looking out for each other, right?" Both Endeavor and Yaoyorozu go silent.
"No…it's worst then that, isn't it?" Bakugo says, looking at Yaoyorozu. "He's gone rogue, hasn't he." After meeting his hard glare for a moment, she nods. "That's what I was afraid of from the very start, Yaoyorozu!" He barks out making her flinch. "So spill! Why aren't you with him now? What happened?" The room was quiet for a long moment, with the rain outside the only sound.
"…I knew he would go. I knew he wouldn't return to UA and I knew I couldn't stop him. So, I went with him…to make sure he didn't push himself and to help him if The League attacked." She allows a weak smile. "It was going well. So well that…we admitted our feelings for each other." Despite the somber atmosphere Ashido and Hagakure both held each other and squeaked with excitement.
"So that's why he ditched you…to keep you from getting killed because of him." Bakugo concludes.
She nods. "One of the Jailbreakers was sent by All For One to capture Izuku. During the fight, she…nearly shot me." Her classmates gasp.
"Are you alright?" Ochaco asks with worry, stepping towards her friend.
She smiles at her. "I'm okay. Thanks to Izuku. He…became my hero and saved me." She frowns again. "The Jailbreaker told us about a mansion she was suppose to bring Izuku to. It was a trap set for him to taunt and drag him down."
"A trap he succeeded with, it would appear." Ida said.
"…in more ways then one." She turns to look Bakugo directly in his eyes. "At the end of his recorded monologue…he mentioned me now being on his capture list." Bakugo narrows his eyes at her.
"Why you specifically?" Asui asks. "If he wanted to capture someone to use as bait, why not his mother, or any of us?"
"Because he doesn't need to." Bakugo answers. "Deku has always put other people before himself. All For One could dangle a puppy in front of the nerd, and he'd rush in without thinking." The people in the room all agree with that point. "No. The only reason he'd want you…is for your Quirk." She nods in confirmation.
"But…why?" Kaminari asks. "You can only create non-living things right? What would All For One want with something like that?"
"Not to mention Shigaraki's whole thing is destroying everything." Sero adds. "Seem's counterintuitive to steel your Quirk, wouldn't it?"
"…unless…". Bakugo said meeting the serious eyes of Yaoyorozu.
"Unless…my Quirk evolved. And has the ability to create more than just non living objects." A sense of dread spreads throughout the students. Even Endeavor and Nezu were fearful of the potential her Quirk now possesses. "Katsuki…I created a way…into One For All."
"WHAT!?" The entire class shouts with Bakugo stunned speechless.
"W-wait! When did this happen?" Mineta stutters out.
"…at the hospital. When you were passed out beside Midoriya, right?" Hagakure answers, sparking the memories of Ida, Asui, and Ochaco as well. The other students blurt out questions, prompting Yaoyorozu and even Nezu to explain the fundamentals of consciousness and Quirk factors as well as how One For All itself.
"Yaomomo…". Ochaco says, holding her friend as she slightly leans against her.
"So, that explains why Midoriya is on his own." Ida states. "If All For One manages to get a hold of Yaoyorozu's Quirk, not only would it give him another avenue to steel One For All, but also allow him to create…almost anything."
"And with Shigaraki's regeneration, he wouldn't have the same limits as Yaoyorozu." Todoroki adds, the room falling silent as the ramifications hi them all. Finally, Todoroki turns on Endeavor. "That still leaves the main issue at hand. Midoriya is out there, alone and vulnerable. With the stakes even graver now, we can't afford to let either Midoriya or Yaoyorozu face that monster alone." Yaoyorozu gives him a grateful smile.
"He's right." Ida says, stepping forward. "Class 1A sticks together. We'll track him down and we'll stand by his side. We know that One For All has burdened Midoriya with a terrible responsibility. Yaoyorozu had the right idea this entire time. He's our friend too. And knowing that someone we care about is walking a treacherous path, means we can't look to the future with a smile." He looks at Yaoyorozu. "Will you be joining us?" She meets his eyes, the support of her classmates fuelling her drive and pushing away the feeling of hopelessness that had begun to set in.
She gives him a firm nod. "I promised his mother I wouldn't let him carry this responsibility alone." He clutches her fist. "And I won't break it!"
—
Midoriya slowly made his way forward. He doesn't care where he was going, following the pull of Danger Sense wherever it lead him. For days now he's been moving from one incident to another, making quick work of the Jailbreakers and receiving no new information regarding All For One or Shigaraki. Sadly, his current appearance made the citizens he was saving think he was a villain himself, even going so far as to believe he was working for All For One. The only thing that kept his mind alert and active was All For One's threats and his interest in Yaoyorozu. After hours of thinking about it, he came to a single conclusion. 'Search. The Quirk he stole from Ragdoll. He must've discovered her Quirk's evolution with that.' His Danger Sense flares up, sending him rushing for the source. 'Momo…I was terrified when you first appeared in One For All. It guaranteed you'd draw his attention. But…at the same time, I was thrilled. Because it meant I wouldn't have to face this threat alone.' He reaches the spot and easily captures the Jailbreaker, getting nothing out of him. 'Now I see…how selfish I was to think that. I shouldn't have brought you with me! Shigaraki wouldn't have noticed you and never have learned about your Quirk!'
"It's not selfish to want to be happy, Midoriya." Nana Shimura said, her ghostly appearance floating behind him. "Besides, it was her decision to—."
"A decision made because of me! Just like last time, my desires influenced her to come with me!" He thinks back to the two of them in the hospital before the Kamino Incident. The hindsight of that moment fuelling his anger. "And because of that, she's now on All For One's radar! I have to stop him before he lays a hand on her!" Before she could say more he leaps away.
"…the thought of her that once fuelled his drive to save people, now drives him to self destruction." She said sadly, returning to her seat within One For All.
"It was a mistake to allow the girl to get involved." Bruce said coldly, meeting the sad eyes of Shimura.
"Lay off that already. It's not entirely her fault here." Banjo speaks up. "This kid; he can't help but blame himself, since it was his desire to help people that got him One For All in the first place."
"And that same desire…has put the person he loves most in danger." En finishes.
"Exactly. Her Quirk being what it is, just adds fuel to that."
"He's in pain. And he's using that pain to save lives. An honourable use for it." Kudo chimes in, leaning against his seat.
"You approve?" Bruce asks, looking at him.
"He can't sit idle by and wait for All For One to strike first. Certainly, not under these circumstances. And the pain of love can be a powerful tool…if used correctly. Her ability to circumvent the transfer rule is ultimately irrelevant, given his current strategy with Tomura's hatred and he has always been a foreboding threat with the amounts of Quirks at his disposal." He looks over his shoulder at them all. "However…I think, there is one thing Izuku Midoriya needs more the anything else right now."
Meanwhile, Midoriya is soaring though the air before landing a the ground zero in Kamino Ward where All Might fought All For One. "…ironic…". He mutters, thinking back to his spat with Shimura. The memory of Yaoyorozu in her disguise pops into his head, "…I swear, Momo…I'll keep All For One away from you!"
"Ah! But who will keep you away from All For One?" His Danger Sense flares up, making him turn towards the statue of All Might. A mob of people gather at the foot of it with a Jailbreaker standing squarely in the middle of them. "So full of pain and anger, worry and anxiety. You wish to fight alone, so you're exhausted! Just like he predicted you'd be!"
"Dictator." Midoriya growls out, recalling that the villains Quirk was Despot, a Quirk that lets him manipulate the people around him like a puppet. "Where is he?! Where is All For One!?"
"Oh! Still got some fight in you eh? How fun!" He waves his hands around, forcing citizens to stand in between him and Midoriya. "But you have to get past these ignorant fools first, 'hero'!" The people under his control all panic, begging for help and unable to move themselves. Midoriya braces himself but is so worn down he can barely keep his eyes open. "Such a shame that girl he wants isn't with you." Midoriya's eyes widen, fully awake. "I wanted to bring the both of you to All For One and—!" Suddenly, Midoriya leaps into the air, the force behind it cracking the ground beneath him.
He lunges over the crowd prepares Black Whip. "I WON'T LET HIM GET TO HER!" In a panic, Dictator flings a girl in Midoriya's path, seeing her causes him to freeze as thoughts of Yaoyorozu about to get shot flashes in his mind. It was enough for other people to catch him and drag him to the ground, ripping his mask off in the process. The controlled people pile on him, holding him down long enough for his exhaustion to take hold, causing his eyes to start closing.
"Damn it!" A voice reaches his ears, along with the crackles of tiny explosions. "Armor Piercing Shot!" Bakugo shouts, aiming his attack down at Dictator, knocking him out and freeing the citizens from his control. The citizens holding him down, now release him, backing off before running away. As this happened, Midoriya was staring up at Bakugo, in complete surprise. Bakugo looks at his childhood friend while speaking into his phone. "Over here. I've found him." A giant wave of ice blasts towards the statue, trapping Dictator and forcing the civilians to run away. Midoriya watches as one by one, his classmates arrive soon after Bakugo lands in front of the villain.
Before he could process what had happened Midoriya was staring at the majority of his classmates, making a parameter around the trapped villain. All of Class A. Except…. 'She's not with them. Thank goodness. She must still be with All Might.' "I don't understand. Why are you all here?"
Uraraka steps forward, her face stern, but calm. "Because we're worried about you."
"That's nice, but I promise." He grabs his mask and puts it on. "I'm fine. Really. No need for concern. So leave."
Bakugo starts to clap his hands. "Oh Yeah! Great speech! Just what we wanted from the famous One For All successor! Real talk, are you able to smile right now? Come on, go ahead and show us!"
"…In order to smile…for everyone to live in peace…I have to go." He replies, almost as a growl as an image of Yaoyorozu sitting beside Eri as she writes a letter with Nejire and Mirio close by. He stands up, activating One For All and really growls out. "Everyone, get out of my way!"
"You're gonna have to make us! You busted ass, All Might wannabe!" Bakugo shouts back, smiling at Midoriya but an image of Yaoyorozu crying into his chest at the hospital, asking him to let her go to Midoriya's side, flashes in his head.
"Midoriya." Ida says, the memory of Midoriya and Yaoyorozu smiling together as they made their way to the teacher's dorms to ease Eri's worries, the two of them smiling before it changes to Yaoyorozu crying with worry over him back at Nezu's office. "We had a feeling that's what you were going to say. Let's do this class!"
"Right!" Ochaco replies, recalling the emotional cleansing she and Yaoyorozu had on the hospital roof, the regret she felt for getting in the way of their growing love. 'Deku. Yaomomo. I won't stand between you anymore. From now on…I'll fight to save you both!'
Off in the distance hovers two people, watching the student heroes confront their friend. Endeavor couldn't help but have mixed feeling about this as Midoriya was his responsibility. But, they wouldn't take no for an answer. He glances at the person beside him. "Your prediction was correct. Deku didn't take off right away. As hard as it must be, it's best that you stay back. At least, for now."
"Even so…I hate that I have to watch." Yaoyorozu replies standing on her new hoverboard, her cape flapping in the wind. After Principle Nezu explained the advanced machinations regarding the UA Security System, they began constructing a plan regarding Midoriya and his inevitable attempt to flee. Ashido and Hagakure suggested she confront him, only to shot it down, explaining that she was the last person Midoriya wants near him. She would have to wait until the rest of the class wore him down and prove to him they could handle themselves. Once the plan was made, Yaoyorozu was giving Shoji a large roll of electrical tape for his appendages when Bakugo and Uraraka approached her. Bakugo yelled at her for not at least bringing him along and Uraraka offered congratulations regarding Midoriya, sharing a hug afterward.
Suddenly, the area around the statue was covered in purple smoke, followed by Midoriya blasting away and a large flock of birds sent by Koda. "He's moving." Endeavor says then looks to her. "We need to restrain the villain." With that he rockets towards he statue as she watches Sero and Jiro attempt to convince Midoriya. Following once Tokoyami carries him into the building where he, Kaminari and Shoji were waiting.
—
"Hear us out! If you don't, then the next time Eri wants candy apples, you don't get to use my food colouring!"
Midoriya sat against the building's column with Dark Shadow keeping a tight grip around him. He had just told Ojiro that All Fo One would kill anyone at UA to get One For All and now Sato had just finished his attempt. "That's fine! Anyone can make them for her. She doesn't…need me!" As he said that, memories of that day out with Eri and Yaoyorozu came flooding in. Finding out that the girl he loves was helping Eri fills him with a strength that was loosening Dark Shadow's hold. The sound of running reaches him as Kaminari appears, wrapping an arm around Midoriya, allowing Dark Shadow to keep his hold while bringing Tokoyami inside.
"Listen my dude! I know One For All is super important and everything, but right now there's something crucial you gotta except. You and me maybe totally different in some ways, but you're my friend! So I'm doing you a solid, even if you don't want it!"
"I told you—!" Midoriya starts to struggle when Shoji appears and uses his duplication to wrap him, Kaminari and Dark Shadow to the column. Midoriya eyes the substance around his duplications. 'What's…this on his arms? What sort of…support items are these?'
"I'm wrapped in electrical tape!" Shoji said, narrowing his eyes, he thinks back to during the planning stages of this mission. He, along with a few others from the class looked at Yaoyorozu with surprise after she told him to drop her name. 'I don't understand it, Yaoyorozu…but I trust you.' "Courtesy of Yaoyorozu." Midoriya stiffens while sucking in a breath of air, making Kaminari nervous. "Do you recall what you said at camp? That with a group like this, we could probably even go up against All Might. Your words."
"This gloom will do nicely." Tokoyami said walking besides Shoji. "Dark Shadow, Ragnarok: Womb!" The creature of darkness grows until it covers the entire column, trapping Midoriya and Kaminari within. "Notice I used Dark Shadow's offensive ability to protect. That move…was your idea." Midoriya was silent. "Stand down!"
"We're not a bunch of fragile victims you have to keep out of harms way!" Shoji presses.
"Come on, Midoriya! Wouldn't you rather relax instead? You could really use a bath!" Kaminari says with a pleading look.
"Where…?" The three boys go silent. "Where is she?" Midoriya asks with a deep voice, forcing Shoji and Tokoyami to tighten their hold. "WHERE'S MOMO!?"
"She's worried about you, dude!" Kaminari tightens his grip while bringing out some bolts. "Stop being so dense and let's go back!"
"Let us take you to her. I give you my word, she's safe." Tokoyami adds.
"She wants to fight by your side just as much as we do. Even more so!" Shoji tells him. "Let us join you!"
"I can't be near you! I CAN'T BE NEAR HER!"
"Midoriya! NO!" Kaminari releases his electricity but he was too late. Midoriya raises his power to forty-five percent and launches himself out of the building easily powering through Shoji's arms and Dark Shadow.
"He managed to break out of Ragnarok!"
"Insane." Shoji, returns his arms as Kaminari stumbles beside them. "I hope this is what she wanted to happen."
Midoriya soars through the air sniffling. 'Damn it! Why are you all here? Can't you understand how much danger you all are?' His mask flys off his head. 'And Momo's here too? No…no…I can't! I can't lose—!' His eyes widen as a disturbing thought accursed to him.
"Heaven Piercing Ice Wall!" A giant column of ice appears in his way, crashing though it and getting stuck. "I can see it on your face." Midoriya looks up and glares at Todoroki. "You wanna cry, but your burden won't allow you too." He looks at his ragged friend, thinking back to his conversation on the back at their dorms. "We're friends, remember? I'll help whenever you need me, whether you ask for it or not." They meet each others eyes, that disturbing thought lingering.
"Midoriya!" He looks to the nearby building where Asui was clinging to a wall. "I won't let you go! I was watching as Ochaco and Yaomomo fought over you!" Midoriya flinches again, sending a crack up the ice. "I knew you were headed towards something special, regardless of One For All. So, I'm going to make sure that you have the time to enjoy spending with her!"
—
Yaoyorozu hovers close to the ground before recalling her hoverboard as Kirishima, Hagakure and Aoyama finish getting Dictator out of the wall of ice as Endeavor makes his way to them. "Endeavor. Yaomomo!"
"Bakugo and Todoroki captured this villain." Kirishima explains as Yaoyorozu gets jumps by Hagakure. "All I managed to do was chip him out of the ice."
"Dictator." Endeavor said, looking to Yaoyorozu. "Restrain him, please."
"Right." She proceeds to create large restraints before placing them on with Hagakure's help.
"The two of you can round up any hero hating citizens and bring them to a shelter." The Pro instructs. He turns when Hawks contacts him regarding Midoriya as Yaoyorozu and the other students look at the column of ice their friend was stuck in.
"Uh, damn it! How am I suppose to help Deku when he's flying around so fast?" Kirishima grunts out while removing his head gear. "I hate this. There's a ton of important stuff I want to tell him!" He turns to Yaoyorozu. "Well?" She nods in agreement leading them towards their classmate as Endeavor informs Hawks to let the students handle Midoriya.
—
"In order to be our best selves, we'll save you, the refugees at UA, and everyone else. Anybody out there in need of a hero!" Midoriya staggers on wobbly legs, his eyes wide and mouth agape. His friends from Class A put everything they had into catching him, even when he used Fuax-One Hundred Percent. And now, his childhood friend had just finished apologizing to him. Even using his actual name. 'Don't you get it. You…all of you, have already far surpassed me.' He legs give in, causing him to fall forwards.
"Izuku!" The sudden, familiar voice revitalizes Midoriya enough that he steadies himself. Bakugo stands up and tilts his head to the side. Slowly, Midoriya looks over and sees Yaoyorozu standing in an alley, tears streaming down her face.
"Mo…mo…". He said weakly watching her run towards him. The closer she got the clearer that disturbing thought from earlier grew clearer; it was of Chisaki raving about Nagant promising to take him to see the old Head of the Shie Hassaikai. What he was going on about earlier regarding keeping Yaoyorozu away…brought forth a terrifying possibility. 'I…made a…mistake…Momo.'. She reaches his side, wrapping her arms around him just as his legs gave out. She eases him down and lets Midoriya lay his head on her chest. "Momo…please…forgive…me."
"I already have, Izuku." She presses her head against his, the last thing he sees before passing out is her bright smile. The same one she gave him during their first date. "Let's go home." As she cradles his unconscious body Bakugo, Todoroki, Uraraka and Shoji stand around them. She looks up at Bakugo offering her his hand up. She takes it and, with Todoroki and Uraraka's helps, they get Midoriya settled in Shoji's extra appendages.
She watches with Uraraka as they carry him back to their transports. "We did it, Yaomomo. We're bringing him home." Uraraka looks at her friend was a concern look. "Which means…things will only get tougher from here." Yaoyorozu looks at her friend and nods, her smile still present with an eyes full of hope.
—
Midoriya awoke upon Shoji's back, wrapped up in his appendages with Yaoyorozu right beside them. "13, he's awake." Shoji announces.
The Pro Hero turns from greeting Yaoyorozu. "Good." She opens her suits helmet, smiling at the ragged hero. "Hi there. Midoriya, can you hear me?" She asks.
"13?" He replies. She explains the situation regarding the antihero citizens and Jailbreakers, telling him his and Yaoyorozu's efforts were a great help and that things were stable enough for others to pick up the slack for them. He looks up at the giant wall before them that had UA Emergency Security System written on it. "This is…UA?"
"The UA barrier to be exact!" Sero points out. "And that's just the tip of the security iceberg." Hagakure adds how he'll geek out about it and that it could merge with Shiketsu High.
Deku looks at the wall. "…I just can't…take this risk." The sound of the crowd from behind the wall could be heard, chanting out 'Keep the boy away'. A hand brushes against his cheek, making him turn to see Yaoyorozu looking up at him with a reassuring smile. He looks into her steady gaze then leans into the touch, pressing his lips against it with a light kiss without meaning to. They enter through the front gate to a crowd of refugees protesting against him staying there, even as the teachers try and calm them down. Midoriya, having gotten off of Shoji's back now stands beside Yaoyorozu, surrounded by their friends. But that wasn't enough to block out the chanting, as he takes a step back towards the front gate. She grabs hold of his arm and stares into his eyes, the two of them having a wordless argument between them.
"It's gonna be okay, Deku." They look away from one another to see Ochaco standing on his other side, grabbing his hand. Yaoyorozu gives her a thankful smile as Ochaco nods back at her before facing the crowd, determined. 'I won't let either of you suffer anymore! When a hero suffers, who's suppose to protect them?' As they slowly make their way towards the crowd, the three of them could see Mrs. Midoriya within the crowd, reaching out to them as tears pour down her face as Mrs. Bakugo holds her back. Yaoyorozu manages to meet the older woman's eyes with a pained look of her own.
"The principle wasn't able to convince them?" Sero asks aloud close by.
"There were some who seemed to understand the situation. But…". 13 replies as they watch Present Mic and Best Jeanist try to calm the people down. Only for their attempts to backfire, stoking their anger and fear even more.
Their words hit Midoriya harder than most of what Shigaraki or All For One have thrown at him. He stares at the crowd, horrified and breathing heavily. Yaoyorozu throws herself in front of him blocking the sight and replacing it with her tearful face. She grabs hold of his face and eases him to meet her gaze. But it wasn't enough to drown out their chanting. "This was a mistake, Momo! I can't stay and put their lives at risk!"
"Yes, we can, Izuku." She replies. He sucks in a breath, realizing she was in the same situation as him. Even though the crowd doesn't understand that, she's hearing their fears and anger the same way as him. But here she is, sure in the belief of their decision to return, and in their friends. As they were arguing, Ochaco dashes towards Present Mic, grabs his megaphone and leaps her way up to the top of the school.
The student couple turn and watch as their friend lifts the megaphone to her mouth and speaks. "Dek—Izuku Midoriya, has a very special power!" Her announcement draws everyone's attention, going back and forth with the man in the crowd, explaining that they were the ones that brought him here.
"What is she doing?" Midoriya asks.
Yaoyorozu smiles up at her friend and former rival for his heart. "You can do it, Ochaco!" She cheers on while intertwine her fingers with Midoriya's.
"His ability is special, created to defeat All For One! That's why the villains are after him! Why he's been fighting this whole time! And he's been doing it along side his partner until recently, when they started threatening her! They left to protect every one of us! But I want you to look at them now!" Some of the people from the crowd closest to the gathered students turn and look at the two heroes standing together with their hands intertwined, watching Ochaco continue. "They want to change our situation more than anybody! And they've put themselves in harms way to do it! Do you see what that's done to them?" Further within the crowd Mrs. Midoriya and Mrs. Bakugo look on at their children, terrified for them. Suddenly, a gentle hand rests on her shoulder opposite of Mrs. Bakugo. This draws their attention to a married couple with the same worrying looks on their faces they had. The man had the same silver eyes that his daughter has while the woman bares the striking resemblance to her. Mr. and Mrs. Yaoyorozu meet the other two ladies eyes for a moment before they all look back towards their kids. "Just because someone has a special power doesn't mean they're a special person!" Ochaco shouts out, her own parents within the crowd crying with pride for their daughter.
The group of people go silent as the ordinary woman the two heroes saved before, Josei Ippan looks over the crowd, recognizing them. "Those two…they're the ones who rescued me."
"Even with the fancy system up and running, these idiots are still terrified." Bakugo comments while standing beside Yaoyorozu. More of the crowd turn to look at them, commenting on his ragged appearance and the desperation she was projecting.
"They must've kept fighting." Josei said, drawing the attention of those around her. "Those two went out of their way to save me! Then took off to save others." The man from the crowd addresses Uraraka and continues to argue, saying that they'll end up covered in mud.
"The heroes are the ones getting dirty!" Ochaco shouts back making him flinch back a step. "They're the ones that have to wash away the stain!"
Asui steps up beside Ashido, watching her friend giving it everything she's got for the sack of their friends. "Ochaco…"
"You get it, right? She's up there, fighting. For all of us." Ida says walking up to Midoryia's other side. "She wants to see everyone smiling again. Especially you two."
The rundown hero watches on, briefly looking at Yaoyorozu who also had her eyes glued to Uraraka. He thinks back to the night she told him of their girl thing. How it was about him as well as how they were able to patch things up. 'Even though I chose to be with Momo…Uraraka is still…'. He looks back at Ochaco on the verge of tears upon see her work so hard for them. For him. "Uraraka."
"I wish I could reassure everybody here, but I can't! I'm sorry about that! Really, I am! The truth is we're all scared! We're just like you! We care about our friends and neighbours too!" She takes a breath after thinking about how heroes and the people they protect also protect them. "So please! Lend him your support! Help him fight for us!" A memory of Himiko Toga with tears in her eyes along with her breakdown with Yaoyorozu flash through her head, making her eye twitch. She grips the megaphone. "Search your hearts! Will you allow them to rest at your side? Will you give them time to prepare and protect you?" Mrs. Midoriya and the Yaoyorozu's look at her with moist eyes. "Izuku Midoriya is carrying the burden of his power and trying to keep us safe!" Both Midoriya and Yaoyorozu watch with tears streaming down their faces. Yaoyorozu leans in toward him, placing her free hand against his chest as he wraps his free arm around her. "But he's still got a lot to learn! He's just a kid! I'm begging you!" She shouts, making Midoriya feel so overwhelmed his legs give out from under him. Yaoyorozu catches him and eases the two of them down. "LET UA…CONTINUE TO BE HIS HERO ACADEMY!" The memory of Uraraka saving him from falling on his face the first time they met flashes in his mind. As they bail their eyes out, Josei runs towards them from the crowd, dropping the umbrella she was using. But as she got closer to the couple, a small boy darts past her, wearing a red hat with horns and red shoes that are the exact match to the ones Midoriya often wore. Kota reaches out to Midoriya with tears in his eyes, reaching him just as Josei reaches Yaoyorozu ready to help the worn out hero course students.
—
As soon as the doors opened up, most of the guys grab Midoriya and drag him away to the baths, not giving him a chance to say anything to Yaoyorozu or Ochaco. The two of them smile as they go with Ochaco letting out a huge yawn. "I'm heading to bed now. I'm so eh—?" Yaoyorozu turns on her and grabs her into a tight hug.
"Words can't describe how grateful I am, Ochaco. Thank you." They two friends hold each other as their remaining friends go and prepare dinner for everyone while others just head off to bed. Only Ashido, Hagakure and the other girls stuck around Yaoyorozu and Ochaco, the pink and invisible friends gushing over the happy conclusion to the love triangle drama.
"I'm just glad you two are back." Ochaco says, tightening her hold. "I'm happy you two are finally together, Yaomomo. Really."
The two friends separate allowing Yaoyorozu to smile at her friend. "I'm glad to have you blessing, Ochaco." With another yawn, Ochaco heads off to bed. After a quick change of clothes in the girls baths, and able to hear the boys putting Midoriya through a wash parade by the sounds of it, she returns to the kitchen to assist with preparing dinner until Midoriya joins them. As he asks about Uraraka, Ashido and Jiro encourage Yaoyorozu to join him at the couch. She gives in, sitting beside the now clean boy on the couch opposite the kitchen.
Mineta gives them a cheeky look. "So, Midoriya…you two share a real kiss yet?" His eyes widen in surprise as Yaoyorozu lets a blush form on her face.
"Dude, seriously? Let them catch their breath first before asking something like that." Sero said, giving Mineta a disappointed look.
"Ah, come on! We're all friends here." Ashido chimes in, leaning against the back of the couch, thrusting her head between the two embarrassed teens. "So spill! Did ya kiss yet?"
"Uh…well…". Yaoyorozu looks away as both her and Midoriya's faces grew red.
"You did?!" Hagakure joins in beside Midoriya, her invisible face mere hairs from his without him seeing it, but still sensing it. "Was it on the lips?! Tell us! Tell us!"
"Ease up on them already." Todoroki said, entering the room while drying off his hair. "Their relationship is none of our business. And besides, wasn't the reason we brought Midoriya back so he can rest?" He makes his way to his two friends, who were giving him grateful smiles. "Hounding them with personal questions won't help with that." Ashido blows him an annoyed raspberry as Hagakure gives an invisible pout. Mineta comments on Todoroki's coolness as he takes a seat beside Midoriya. "You two okay?" He asks, genuinely happy to see them together, wondering if his talk from earlier played a part in it.
"Yeah. For the most part." Midoriya admits, getting a concern look from Todoroki. "I still need to apologize to All Might for abandoning him as well. But I can't seem to get a hold of him." Todoroki slowly points at the window across from him where All Might was pressed against it, watching them. "What's he doing out there!?" He asks comically. He gets up from the couch along with Yaoyorozu and heads for the front door with Ashido and a few others following suit.
The door sewing's open as All Might barges in, standing before the two of them and bows. "I am here! To apologize for not being of any use! Young Midoriya! Young Yaoyorozu!"
"What?!" They both cry out. "What are you talking about? You help us a ton out there!" Midoriya quickly says.
"If you're going to apologize for doing something shady then you'd better as us for forgiveness too!" Ashido inserts herself, still annoyed over not getting a straight answer from Yaoyorozu about kissing Midoriya. "You can't just take our friends away and ghost us!"
All might stands straight up, his expression more serious. "The day of the final battle…will soon be here." His words causes the gathered students to tense up. "I'm sorry that I caused everyone to worry." He tells them about the new intel Stain had given him and that more info will be given in the coming days, encouraging everyone to prepare and letting them know he will do his best to help, as weak as he is.
"All Might." Midoriya said once All Might was finished. "The food you gave us was amazing and kept our strength up!" He looks between him and Yaoyorozu. "I lost my way because I distances myself from the two of you. So from now on…". He intertwines his fingers with Yaoyorozu and looks at him. The action making both Ashido and Hagakure squeak with excitement. "We fight. Side by side!"
"Yes. We'll protect the world together." She adds, squeezing his hand while placing her free hand to her chest, thinking back to when he dropped her off for Endeavor to retrieve, how terrible he looked when he apologized.
All Might looks at the two of them and gives them a thankful smile. "Thank you, all." As he leaves Yaoyorozu could feel Midoriya start to relax and his exhaustion taking over. She guides him back to the couch as Ashido, Sato and Tokoyami see All Might off. As soon as she sits him down Midoriya collapses against the the back of the couch, asleep.
—
"Which means now, it's your turn."
"AH!" Midoriya is startled awake, his hand shot out in front of him with tendrils of Black Whip extending from it. Breathing heavily he looks around, noticing he was in the dorms common area that was dark and still. "That's right…we're back…home." He looks to his side expecting to find Yaoyorozu, only to find an empty couch and the pitch black of the night beyond the windows. Without another thought he recalls Black Whip, throws the blanket to the side and quietly makes his way to Yaoyorozu's room. It wasn't until he stood in front of it, ready to blatantly open the door did his tired mind finally put together what he was about to do. After spending a month together, taking turns resting while the other kept watch, he had grown use to sleeping with her present. That was one of the reasons he didn't stop and rest once he went off on his own. But now that they were back at the dorms…the door suddenly opens, startling both Midoriya and Yaoyorozu.
"Izuku."
"Oh! Hey, Momo! I couldn't sleep and…well…".
She smiles at him then steps to the side, inviting him into her room. "I was thinking the same thing." He enters her room, standing beside her as she closes the door behind him. She takes his hand and leads them to her bed; gone was the large bed he had seen during the 'room competition' they had when they first moved into the dorms, replaced with a normal size yet still immensely comfortable one. She lays down first with Midoriya after a moment of hesitation, this being a bed and not just leaning against a wall, lays down beside her, pulling the covers over them.
She presses herself against his side as he leans his head against hers. "Did you want to rest first?" He asks, making her blink in confusion.
She giggles. "Izuku…we're safe in the dorms." She leans her head up and kisses his cheek. "We can finally rest together."
"Oh…right." He laughs nervously, then takes a steady breath before closing his eyes. "I've missed you. Momo."
"I've missed you too. Izuku."