I looked at the mirror in front of me, finishing adjusting the white t-shirt I had been given. A neutral look responded to the action, reflective, but not scared.
Minutes ago, the hospital discharge was accredited, allowing me to leave the place where I had lost so many hours. Only some changes of clothes were given, probably forgotten a long time ago and kept in "Lost and Found." It's not like I was interested in who they belonged to, same case for the owner if they ended up here.
I decided to turn on the water tap, enjoying the calming cold that ran over every feature of my face. The previous conversation was still valid as a priority, clinging to any thought that would cross my mind in the near future.
They... just... God...
I returned my gaze to the mirror and again, I got the same result.
"You have the rope tied around your neck, you are not in a position to be less," I expressed the words, looking for some kind of confidence to overcome the situation. "You are going to win, it is your obligation to win."
One last look and I headed towards the exit of the room. I wanted to go back and breathe the common air of the city. If I continued in front of the sterile and disgusting general smell here, then I would lose any remaining sanity.
It was then that I noticed the carefully clean backpack, placed between each pillow and with a sealed note. It was impossible not to see it, that bright yellow color would stand out even in the darkest areas.
"Well... I thought you would be history considering the destruction of Kamino." I held it, checking each area to confirm if there were any noticeable damages, which in fact there weren't. "You're as good as new."
I smiled, happy to still have the object. It may be silly, but its restored condition brought relief. So much chaos had made me forget such a thing.
"And I have a good idea of the culprit." I broke the seal without care, with little interest in reading its content. I instantly unfolded the sheet, giving quick and bored glances. "We found this on the..." "Each object confirmed belonging to..."... In short, everything is mine. I admit it, I am guilty of the crime.
I tore the paper, throwing the fragments into the nearby wastebasket. The detailed report was unnecessary, as if having a whole private and extensive file on each person wasn't enough.
"They made their social and powerful position clear, this seems like a mockery." I opened the backpack, happy with the content inside. Fortunately, no one had confiscated that. "Anyway... it deserves a 'thank you'."
The clothing used during the incident was still inside, wrinkled due to the quick storage I did. At that moment, it couldn't matter less if they were well folded or not, considering the psychopathic block-destroying villain nearby.
I took the dark sweatshirt, it would be a perfect lifesaver to go out on the street without having half the world judging my existence. I hadn't called anyone yet, only mom was aware of the medical discharge as she was notified via phone.
I had planned to ask Gran Torino to come and pick me up, and as a second option, All Might, but with this it wouldn't be necessary.
"Walking will do my muscles good, they've been resting for days." I adjusted the hood over my head, every strand of hair had to be undetectable to the public eye. "Perfect, now..."
I adjusted the backpack, pressing on the straps until I felt them hit the respective shoulder. Once with that, I shot several Blackwhips, practically turning the beloved yellow dark.
And last but not least, I repeated the action to form an improvised muzzle. From the outside, I was anything but the public figure of the moment.
"Now I'm grateful I didn't sign any important papers, I can leave without problems." I walked towards the window, pushing the curtains aside to be able to use one of its edges as a support. "Back in the game."
One For All activated, energetic and powerful, running through every fiber of my body. No matter how many times I did it, I would always love that feeling, granting an unattainable confidence and security otherwise.
It was like ascending the food chain, reaching the peak that only a few can even dream of. For an instant you feel that you have reached divinity and the next...
All senses return, allowing logic to govern over primary instinct. It's something fantastic, simple moments but whose background is brutal.
I appreciated the sharpness of the surroundings, deciding what the next point of action would be. And upon getting a clear answer, I took a great leap.
The wind hit, facing the intruder for trying to go against it, the friction did the job well, however... The power was greater.
I landed on the roof of the building parallel to the room where I had resided, smiling ecstatically at the triumphant return. First step done, now for the next.
(Today I may not be able to do everything, but tomorrow I will definitely clean up every pending matter.) I nodded, in agreement with the easy short-term plan. I had a lot of shit on me and resting was not allowed.
I looked at the medical center one last time. Maybe they would be scared by a sudden disappearance like the one I was creating, but with total honesty, I cared little to nothing.
The commission could advocate on my behalf, right? If they can give licenses and return lost things, then this does not escape their control.
Idiots, they may have the leash, but I control how tight it is.
I walked to the edge of the roof, inspecting how abandoned the alley below really was. It seemed to have no homeless people sleeping or doing drugs, a positive point in itself.
"Point in favor." I descended with a leap, levitating at the last instance so as not to splash in the nearby puddle.
I had started to play with the remaining Quirks in the arsenal. I understood that now none were limited to... nothing, their use was free as far as they could be exploited.
Once on solid ground, I headed towards the adjacent street, shooting one or two Whips for extra security. Everything seemed normal at first glance, people everywhere, typical city noise, and the occasional patrolling hero.
It was strange. I supposed I expected to find subtle but noticeable differences. It seems that paranoia influenced a lot in that. The issue of being a public figure made me imagine hundreds of hypothetical scenarios, many hours of sleep were consumed there.
(Better for me anyway.) I walked through the crowd, grateful to notice that I had obtained a pseudo-anonymity.
I still wasn't very clear what position I would take with respect to that issue. I preferred to ignore it and lead a life without complications, but that would only work in the short term. Yes, living at U.A. would be very useful. I would be away from any media interest most of the time.
However, I had to do internships and show my face in general. There is a status that cannot be neglected or it would attract the attention of many. It is in human nature to want the impossible, and the more isolated I become, the worse it will be.
(Just what is necessary, I'll give only that.) I hoped not to have an erroneous view of the idea. Honestly, I was new to the topic.
I crossed a nearby park. The sound of children running, shouting, and playing in general covered most of the ambient noise. I found it curious. A few days ago, there was a horrible incident from any point of view, and yet, parents carefree allow their children to go out.
I didn't consider that a bad thing. That people feel safe is nothing but excellent, it just... says a lot about the rapid progress that life has. One rarely pays attention to it, but when you do... it's surprising.
Seeing it that way, I am sacrificing so much time, so many possibilities of normality and enjoyment, just for short periods of darkness that will become simple words in a history book.
Although there is the reason, they are short periods because there are people willing to do such a thing, otherwise they would be long and painful. The anecdotes would become life advice for those who are blessed with living.
It's incredible. You sacrifice a lot in exchange for temporary moments, or you give way to the darkness that so calmly awaits its triumphant return.
Well... isn't that the hero's sacrifice?
(Bah... you have to do the right thing and that's it. I have the power, wasting it on leading a common life would be shameful.) I abandoned the reflection, preferring to enjoy the journey and not discuss already established situations.
The journey led me to buy some food to make the trip more bearable. It was midday, and I doubted I would get a decent lunch. Sad, considering the hybrid meals I had received until a few hours ago.
I never felt so much happiness for tasting simple second-hand french fries. Even that had more flavor than the chicken lunch I was receiving.
It was uncomfortable to move the Whips that made up the simulated muzzle. It took a higher level of concentration than maintaining the others as if nothing was happening. I could leave the task in the hands of One For All, but that wouldn't be right. I needed to improve my control over them, and there's nothing better than mundane tasks to achieve that.
It was with that thought that I stopped any walking, cautious at the sudden appearance of the black sedan in front of me. It had parked quickly and gracefully, the still-running engine indicated that it was waiting for someone to get in, and to make matters worse, it had tinted windows.
Well... it seems this would be the first of many kidnappings.
(It came faster than I expected.) I raised my eyebrows, intrigued by the new development present. I wasn't afraid. Whoever was inside that vehicle would receive an incredible beating.
Dude, I faced a psychopath like All For One. This was... fun. I needed to hit someone.
The locks were removed and the rear window began to lower, forming a slow anticipation for the revelation of the unknown.
I touched my left pocket, where the newly obtained license was. I didn't think I'd use it so soon, but I wouldn't complain. Now the government sounded a little less annoying.
And when it was completely lowered...
"Get in, brat. You look like you're in a bad action movie."
"...Gran Torino?..."
Ah... I didn't want the kidnapping either. I mean, it wasn't a perfect opportunity to hit someone and not have consequences... of course not...
"Get in." His look was less than amused, serving as the first warning. The second...
I wanted to hit kidnappers or organ sellers, not receive beatings from an old man.
"At your command, boss." Before attracting even more attention, I got inside the vehicle, allowing the Whips to disappear without another word. (Now that I think about it, to the outside eye, this was bizarre.)
I looked ahead, wanting to know the driver but it was impossible. A large tinted window defended his anonymity. Ignoring the fact, I studied the rest. Nothing was eye-catching. Simple dark upholstery resided in every place I looked.
I gave a look to the veteran hero who picked me up. He didn't return it. Even through that domino mask, I could tell something was wrong.
And it wasn't necessary to be a genius to know the answer, or at least to intuit that.
"Nice car," I commented, wanting to break the established silence, but the words were hollow, with no recipient willing to respond.
Where was the scolding? The wise advice that I should apply during my life so as not to fall into the same trap twice? I preferred that a thousand times over the current silence.
I could tolerate anger, sadness, even despair. However, the unanswered void, the question it always brings... there the subject changes.
Because if I have learned anything, it is that after cold ignorance... comes disappointment.
"You accepted... you... accepted." The words were short but assertive. Nothing in them revealed any emotion. They were flat from beginning to end.
That worsened the experience.
"Yes, but it was in the interest of..." I tried to give explanations, but I knew they would have little value. Nothing would change his perspective.
"I was very clear about that, wasn't I?"
"You were..."
"Very well, that's all I was interested in hearing."
The conversation died there, a fact that would not change during the remaining journey.
I hesitated for an instant, sudden fear sprouting a few centimeters from hitting the rustic door. I directed my gaze behind me, where moments before was the one who had brought me here.
Now I could understand why they classified the place as a "safe house." Every corner had small and subtle cameras installed, which I only knew about from All Might's words. The exterior was mundane, avoiding standing out in front of any nearby building. It was perfect for the type of people who would inhabit it from this moment.
I was also not oblivious to the police patrol whose route was conveniently repeated around the place. When I saw the retired Symbol, I would thank him properly. He understood our needs perfectly.
"...And you just have to knock, Midoriya..." I murmured with my spirits low, after the sepulchral disappointment I received at the hands of Gran Torino. I didn't have much hope.
I had had conversations during the hospital recovery, I was even the one who calmed mom's worries. However, it's different now. Maybe he will react badly to the reckless actions I took, and I didn't want to receive such a response, not from her specifically.
"Come on, coward." I acted before I could regret it, knocking several times to make it clear I had visitors.
I adjusted the backpack, noticing late that there were no Blackwhips to make it inconspicuous. Cursing my own stupidity, I let it fall to the ground, placing it in front to cover as much as possible. Only wearing a hood prevented greater recognition.
Thinking about it carefully... didn't Shigaraki dress the same way as a civilian?... I could be mistaken for a murderer at this moment.
"Why am I thinking about such stupid things right now?" I sighed. I really needed to return to the reliable meditative world. My non-existent peace of mind required that. (That will be very useful, especially considering the new range of powers I've obtained.)
The thought couldn't get very far, cut off by the voice of the one I was so nervous about.
"I don't need any of your help. I appreciate your concern, officer, but..." Ignorant of the fact, mom ended up opening the door. Like the rest of the world, she looked exactly the same, another detail that in its simplicity made my life quite happy.
She looked up, silencing any unsaid ending. Her eyes met mine, frozen because of the surprising guest she was receiving. No other change betrayed more emotions. She was... in every sense of the word... frozen.
I waited for a response, expectant of any foreseeable annoyance. She had every right to such a reaction. As far as she knew, her son would only visit the hospital, not... well... the madness that had occurred.
"...Izu-Izuku..." She took several steps back, allowing me to enter the house. At no time did she lower her gaze, total surprise reigning after the initial shock.
I swallowed, crossing the threshold calmly and carefully. The interior was nice, I must say. A small hallway greeted the average guest, with small pictures depicting different environments and places. I noticed that in the corner there were only women's shoes, so I wouldn't have any unwanted guests.
"Hello, Mom," I greeted without much enthusiasm, closing the door to avoid unwanted glances. A strange weight was lifted upon entering. Calm and security reigned in the face of two simple facts.
I was with the most reliable person I could wish for, and... at home.
"I'm sorry." The words were born from the soul, complemented by a giant value. No one deserved to hear them like she did. I could express them hundreds of times, yet they wouldn't carry that unique care and respect.
And it seems that that was noticeable, because instead of a disappointed or angry look, along with painful and hurtful words... I received a hug.
I had expected so many things. I had imagined such negative scenarios that prevented me from sleeping well... Instead, to get this, not a justified rejection, nor cruel criticism... just... complete and honest affection.
It was a pat of relief, a reminder of why fighting made sense. Times didn't matter if those who brought us so much happiness were unwell.
"Don't apologize."
Her voice, so anguished and broken through her tears, was able to express pride. Small, almost overshadowed by relief and happiness, but there it was.
"I have to. I... I lied to you... I prioritized so many things, and in the end... I forgot the most important one." I tightened the hug, happy from beginning to end. "I've learned that there's no point in being a hero if you're not there to see it."
I could have the world against me...
"That's your dream, my son, so I forbid you to feel bad for fulfilling it. I will always watch over you, one way or another."
But never her.
I finished arranging my things, looking at the room I would now call my own. I found it amusing how some shelves still held All Might figures. I thought Mom had sold everything, but even she felt nostalgic seeing them.
It was spacious, even came with its own private bathroom, and I never thought I'd boast about a room with such a thing. Too bad Nezu was going to implement the dorms. Little would be the time I would rest here.
I smiled to the side. When I had the chance, I would thank the retired Symbol. I was in his debt, whether I liked it or not.
"He's not a bad man, just very idiotic." I looked at the time on my phone. It was still early, quite so in fact. "I have enough time, and there's no better time than the present."
After the big surprise of returning, Mom and I had an early dinner. She wanted to hear a summary of the events from her son, and I couldn't deny that request. Eventually, she decided that resting would be for the best, to calmly process things.
I agreed, but I still couldn't have that luxury. Many problems rested on my back, and if I wanted a clear path in the future, without stumbles or strange developments, then I couldn't stop.
Maybe later I would let my guard down, when the waters weren't murky at their base and the world in general wasn't on the verge of catastrophe.
However, until that day comes, only one thing was clear.
My action was totally required. A power vacuum had been installed, and I had the knowledge of who would be after it.
But even before that, another minor issue could be solved.
"Ready?" One For All began to flow, illuminating like a torch under the light of the natural satellite that orbits above us. "Good answer."
I smiled completely. The game board would begin to change. Enough of being subjected to the inevitable control it possessed.
Now... it was my game, and the whole world would see it.
So, like a greenish lightning bolt in the night, I set off for the fixed destination...
The Bakugō's house.
Author's Note:
Hey.
What did you think of this chapter?
Well, the hospital is finally forgotten. I was already bored of always writing there. It limited the interactions and so on very much.
When I wrote the reactions of both Inko and Gran Torino, I wanted to make them short. This is so that the differences between each character and their influence on the protagonist can be much better appreciated.
They are the only ones with whom he maintains a total level of respect, no matter how much confidence and power he has over himself. Basically, like grounding wires, reminding him who he is and why he does what he does.
Likewise, they allow me to exploit the human side of the character, something super important as it gives him nuances and vital touches. For now, they are short moments, but they can be developed more over time (something I will probably do).
And finally, yes, the MC is going to deal with Bakugo before anything else. I've wanted to write the "God of Murderous Explosions Dynamight" for a while now, and this moment comes in handy.
They have been weekly updates so far, but I'm going to stop. The reason is simple: I have to update other fics. So with that said...
Take care. See you.